When your local public radio station states its no longer covering local news in an effort to save money...well, that means finances are bad. New Mexico has fared better than much of the country; the state's unemployment was 7.9 percent as of October.  So it struck me as odd that Santa Fe, the state's wealthiest area, cannot afford local news.  Is that when you know - deep down - that this recession is truly the worst in 50 years?

To add to Santa Fe's recent economic woes, the city's 400th anniversary celebration has scaled back once more.  Way back.  The plan was to originally spend about $11 million over the 16 month fiesta.  In late October, the board was forced to lay off its executive director and cut off funds to both PR and fundraising groups.  It seems that the 2010 commemorating will be very low key.