David Candelaria, 43, is a disabled and retired veteran, medical marijuana recipient and licensed grower. During Desert Storm, Candelaria, a tank mechanic, was hit by an exploding gas canister that fractured his skull. The injury resulted in the loss of his motor functions.
Candelaria had to re-learn how to speak, walk and read. He said he soon learned to live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and received steroid injections, which contributed to cartilage deterioration in his hips.For many years, Candelaria said he couldn’t find prescription drugs that allowed him to function daily.
He said his life was forever changed the moment he tried marijuana. “I could walk. I could ride my motorcycle. I could enjoy life again.” Candelaria said he joined the Occupy Albuquerque movement in hopes that he could raise awareness of the benefits of medical marijuana and speak out against monopolies created by insurance and pharmaceutical companies.
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PHOTO STORY: Local food trucks bring culinary variety to the community
June 17More variety is the key for food when people go to an event, or maybe they’re just looking for a quick and authentic bite to eat. Food trucks are the answer this summer as people are looking to recharge for the fall semester and for wider options for quick eats. For students and people around UNM, there are a number of options to fit your taste; for Mexican cuisine there’s Takoroto, for Indian cuisine there’s ABQ Desi Bites and for street food there’s Tikka Spice.
PHOTO STORY: Summertime brings new faces and good vibes to UNM
June 9It’s the start of the next phase for the University Of New Mexico's Central Campus in June as spring is over and the summer months give time for the trees and scenery to recharge for the upcoming edition of fall. Another main key for the summer season is that they allow the new students the opportunity to see the beauty of Central Campus, not being busy or crowded, and just enjoy the environment that is UNM. Incoming students can get their first introductions at features such as the Student Union Building and the Duck Pond. It also provides students the chance to learn where their next potential class may take place. A positive in regards to the campus being emptier is that it allows construction crews a better chance to get things done and fixed before the next semester. Even though campus is quiet during the season, there remains plenty of work to do to keep the campus clean before more students return in August. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
PHOTOSTORY: UNM’s SUB, a centerpiece for students.
May 26The University Of New Mexico’s Student Union Building is the main space for students to get involved, grab a snack and learn about events on campus. On the lower level (or Plaza) of the SUB, activities such as the arts and craft studio, Louie’s Lounge recreation area and SUB Theater can be found. Louie’s Lounge is a great spot for gamers, as the lounge features pool tables, ping-pong, foosball, video games, and board games. In the 2nd (or Mall) level of the SUB, there are a number of good eats for students. Chick-fil-A, Dion’s Pizza, Mandalay Express, Subway, Blake’s Lotaburger and Draft & Table are all available for dining, though some stay open later than others. Along with the places for dining, a Mercado convenience store location can be found in the plaza level of the SUB. Students can find out about various clubs and chartered student organizations inside the Student Activities Center on the first floor. Offices for the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico and the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the University’s undergraduate and graduate student unions, respectively, are also housed on the plaza level. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
