Council Supports Complex

Last night, the Santa Fe City Council voted unanimously to support the work of Santa Fe Complex. It was a long night as the councilors grappled with some major issues before they got to our place on the agenda. But, when our turn came the council quickly and decisively voted to support sfX.

You Made the Difference

We prepared 80 ‘I support sfX’ name tags for the council’s meeting. They were gone by 7:30. The meeting was delayed about an hour and the council didn’t get to our topic until almost 11:00. Even so, when we stood up to show the council who was there on sfX’s behalf, almost the entire room stood up. After almost four hours of waiting, our supporters were still in the council’s meeting room.

It was a diverse group, too. Councilor Wurzburger, who moved to adopt the funding proposal, commented that any organization that lowered the average age of a council meeting audience by 35 years deserved the city’s support. But, that’s what Santa Fe Complex is: a studio for the whole of the community to create connections across art, science and technology.

Those of you who wrote or called the councilors and the mayor also made a difference. Councilor Bushee told the audience she knew sfX was well-supported because she heard so many times from our supporters over the last few days. Your letters and calls made a difference and we thank you.

Please Thank Your Councilors

Our work’s not done, however. The council responded to our messages. We need to thank them for their support. Please take just a moment to thank your representatives and let them know you appreciate their vote last night. If you didn’t get a chance to send a note before the meeting, now’s a great time to add your voice and offer your thanks, too.

And Don’t Stop There

Your support made a difference at the council. You can make a difference at Santa Fe Complex, too. As a community studio, our success depends on you. Whether it’s a commercial project you’re working on, an idea for sharing your expertise with local students, or a volunteer opportunity at the complex, you can build on this success story by becoming involved at sfX.

Because There’s Lots More to Do

We made a commitment to Santa Fe’s future last night just as the councilors made one to us. You can help fulfill that commitment beginning today.

Start by thanking your councilor. Then, put next Wednesday, December 17 on your calendar for two important events:

• Join us at 10:00 that morning for our weekly project review. Zac Prater of SolidCAM will discuss his Robotic Lego CNC project with an invitation for you to participate. With support from SolidCAM, Zac will build a CAM-driven, robotic, Lego milling machine. This educational project will showcase the world of advanced engineering manufacturing. It will also be a fun opportunity to play with Legos again. He needs some team members to get the word out to the schools for participants and handle preparations for the project. Or, bring your own project ideas and get them into the flow at sfX.
• Then, join us that night for a special evening and fundraiser for sfX. Jack Leibowitz will discuss his book, Hidden Harmony, The Connected Worlds of Physics and Art, and we’ll celebrate the rich future we have at Santa Fe Complex.

In between, join the Winter’s Read at 11:30. Delve into the world of mathematics and science with the WedTech crew as they explore selected books for the winter season, followed by lunch at El Tesoro at 12:30.

An Anniversary and a Beginning

One year ago today, we incorporated Santa Fe Complex. Six months ago Sunday, we held our grand opening. Today, we are beginning 2009 with good news. You can help build 2009 by bringing your projects to the complex, participating in its events and volunteering for its programs. Just as you made last night’s city council meeting a success, you can make sfX a success. Please join us in that effort.