Kidz Zone: everything but video games

Bob Quick | The New Mexican

10/6/2008 - 10/7/08

Former Santa Fe restaurateur Joe Hoback — he previously owned the Pink Adobe — has opened a new business, Santa Fe Kidz Zone, in a 7,000-square-foot space in Plaza Entrada at St. Francis Drive and Zia Road, down from Albertsons.

"We built this thing from scratch," Hoback said. "I really wanted to work with kids. I was tired of working with adults. I've got kids of my own, and I saw the need in Santa Fe for a place like this."

Kidz Zone is what Hoback calls a children's entertainment and educational center that features a two-story indoor playground, the tallest tree house in the area, a Lightspace dance floor, a water-activity table and more.

"All of these activities are ones that adults can participate with their kids," Hoback said.

Many of the activities, he added, are new to New Mexico.

In addition, there's a full restaurant run by chef Danny Smith, who prepares a variety of food. Kidz Zone also does birthday parties.

Santa Fe Kidz Zone is open seven days a week, operating from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day but Sunday, when it closes at 5 p.m.

The cost is $12 a day, but most people opt for the $30 monthly charge, which allows them to come and go as they want for 30 days.

One thing Santa Fe Kidz Zone doesn't have is video games. "I don't believe in them," Hoback said. "I prefer to see kids running and playing and interacting."

For more information, call 988-5439.


Starting Nov. 1, Hutton Broadcasting will operate Santa Fe's KTRC AM through an agreement reached with the station's current owner, American General Media.

Hutton plans to acquire KTRC later in 2008 or in 2009, according to a statement from Hutton.

The current KTRC on-air lineup will remain in place, with Stephanie Miller in the morning, middays with Thom Hartmann, afternoons with Ron Kuby, and evenings with Rachel Maddow of Air America and MSNBC.

"We will be expanding the format at some point to include local talk radio shows discussing diverse subjects and issues that directly affect Santa Feans and our community," said Scott Hutton, managing partner/ general manager of Hutton Broadcasting.


Club International has closed its doors due to higher rent, the difficult economy and the need for building repairs that proved too expensive to cover, according to a letter from owners Pamela and Daivd Herzenberg.

"What is most disappointing is the simple fact that have called Club I our second home for many years," said a letter from the Herzenbergs passed out to members before the closing.

The couple set up what they said is a "seamless transfer of membership" to Anytime Fitness, 720 St. Michael's Drive, in the Plaza del Sol shopping center.

Membership balances will be honored at the new location after clients sign a contract to activate the offer.

Bob Quick covers the business beat for The New Mexican. Call 986-3011 or e-mail bobquick@sfnewmexican.com.