In Brief - News - Nov. 23, 2012

From The Associated Press

Officials mull Zozobra date
SANTA FE — The Santa Fe group that organizes the annual Zozobra ritual is considering moving the event from Thursday to Friday nights.
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe’s Zozobra director says the group is considering the day move. Ray Sandoval tells the Santa Fe New Mexican its awaiting a change of officers at the Santa Fe Fiesta Council before making a final decision.
Zozobra kicks off Santa Fe’s annual fiesta each September and is a major Kiwanis fundraiser.
Zozobra was held on Friday nights from 1962 until 1997, when a post-event shooting left one dead and prompted the Santa Fe Council to ask that the event be rescheduled.

Rosaries banned at high school
ALBUQUERQUE — An Albuquerque high school is requiring students who wear rosaries to conceal them in an effort to curb gang activity.
The revised school dress code at Atrisco Heritage Academy high school prompted rumors among students who thought the school was banning rosaries outright.
Albuquerque Public Schools spokeswoman Monica Armenta says students wearing visible rosaries are being asked to conceal them under their clothes. She says the policy is intended to limit students from identifying themselves from specific groups.

Accidental shooting at shop
SILVER CITY — Authorities say an employee at a New Mexico gun shop was unloading a handgun when he accidentally shot a customer in the back, wounding him.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the 65-year-old customer was airlifted from Silver City to an El Paso, Texas hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
Silver City Police Chief Ed Reynolds says an employee at Copper County Sporting Arms was unloading a .45 caliber handgun Tuesday when the weapon went off, shooting the man in the back.
Emergency responders closed off the street in front of the shop so a medical helicopter could land.