SANDOVAL PLACITAS PRSRT-STD U.S. Postage Paid BERNALILLO Placitas, NM Permit #3 CORRALES SANDOVAL Postal Customer or Current Resident COUNTY ECRWSS NEW MEXICO SignA N INDEPENDENT PLOCALO NEWSPAPERSt S INCE 1988 • VOL. 32 / NO .4 • APRIL 2021 • FREE IVEN
Signpost among winners in D ILL
communications contest —B ~SIGNPOST STAFF You hold in your hand (or screen) an award-winning publication. The New Mexico Press Women, during its annual conference on March 13, honored Signpost Editor/Cre- ative Director Barb Belknap with a first-place award in the category of Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant. The category is open to newspapers, magazine, newslet- ters (nonprofit, government or educational), and newslet- ters (corporate or for profit). The judge described the Signpost as employing smart design, style, and consistent use of color. That gives the paper a strong and polished brand lending to its credibility, he or she said. “Great content and lively writing,” the judge wrote. “I enjoy the clever mix of fun features with hard news, business news, and watchdog government coverage along with practical community ‘news you can use.’” The state award advances Belknap to the National Federation of Press Women annual competition. When she won the same state award in 2000, the Signpost Visitors at Coronado State Historic Site line up to enter the reconstructed kiva of Kuaua Pueblo placed second in the national contest. during a 2015 event marking the site’s 75th anniversary. To commemorate the event, Placitas graphic designer and Signpost contributor Gary Priester created a special emblem as part of his series of elements in the Signpost flag on page one. (Flag is newspaper talk for the banner Shared histories make Bernalillo with a newspaper’s name). Placitas author Norma Libman was a finalist for the Zia Book award won by Jennifer Hull for her Shook: An a bumpy crossroads of culture Earthquake, a Legendary Mountain Guide, and Everest’s ~BILL DIVEN Deadliest Day. Hull, a Los Ranchos resident, recounts the experience of legendary Taos mountaineer Dave From a mall in El Paso to a gated community in grandfather, Manuel Peña, a cacique—religious Hahn and the climbing team was leading high on Mount Santa Fe to a salvage yard in Albuquerque, the name leader—in the 1920s at Tamaya, also known as Santa Everest when the earthquake struck. of the Spanish conquistador today known simply as Ana Pueblo, and Peña’s son Leo. Libman was recognized for her nonfiction book The Coronado isn’t hard to find. “My grandfather was basically storytelling oral his- Story of the Story: What I Wrote. The references to Francisco Vázquez de Coronado tory, passed down and shared with family, passed “It’s a memoir about my writing experiences,” said are so abundant and historically remote they blend down the generations,” Rainbird told the Signpost. Libman, a freelance journalist, and author of two true- almost invisible to motorists in motion. Yet such is not “That’s the way we kept the story alive. story-based adult and young adult novels who has been the case in Sandoval County, where the arrival of “He always told me in the Keres language that leading memoir-writing workshops for much of her Coronado and his soldiers in 1540 was local news. Coronado had brought with him weapons of war, career. “Someone always asks, “Are you writing a mem- That conquistador translates as conqueror suggests committed atrocities.” oir?’ and I’d say, ‘I’m working on it.’… After twenty why Coronado is a source of cultural pride or pain What the pueblo families didn’t do, he added, was years of saying that, I just thought, ‘I should be able to depending on your family story. Even with the pan- talk about colonization with “the neighbors,” the His- do this if I’m teaching it.’” demic in play, protests last year over memorials to panic families they knew from school and life around Bill Diven, the Signpost’s news editor, also was Spanish colonization and Indian wars led to violence Bernalillo. Keeping it close avoided giving offense involved in the NMPW competitions as a member of the in Albuquerque and destruction of a monument on the within the larger community. Doris Gregory Memorial Scholarship selection commit- Santa Fe Plaza. Still, Rainbird had previously written publicly about tee, which made awards to two New Mexico State Uni- In Sandoval County, two indigenous residents see- changing the name of Coronado State Historic Site to versity students. Journalism major Xavier Dominguez of ing the reminders of Spanish colonialism last year and honor the people of its key features, the remains of Las Cruces won one thousand dollars, while Sarah Rod- more recently decided it was time to express their Kuaua Pueblo. His most recent publication was a erick, majoring in agricultural communications, was feelings. Manu Rainbird, 70, of Santa Ana Pueblo, guest column in the Albuquerque Journal on February awarded five hundred dollars. was prompted by regularly passing the Coronado 22. Additionally, Diven’s brother, Bob Diven, an artist and State Historic Site with its pueblo ruins on U.S. High- “After four centuries of resistance, our ceremonies editorial cartoonist in Las Cruces, won a first place in way 550 in Bernalillo. are still strong and vibrant,” he wrote. “The Keres lan- the communications contest for Living in Las Cruces, a In his travels, Roger Fragua, 60, of Jemez Pueblo guage is still spoken. The sacred kivas are intact… We collection of his editorial cartoons. His win in the cate- would pass a water tank with the Bernalillo town logo are fulfilling our ancestors’ wishes, with their core gory of Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers, Humor styled with Spanish military gear and the town slogan: values building us spiritually as it did them in 1540.” boosts his work into the national competition. The City of Coronado. The logo featured a conquista- Military artifacts from a 2017 metal-detecting sur- Membership in NMPW is open to men and women dor helmet and the business end of a halberd, a pole vey found evidence the residents of Kuaua (pro- and has chapters in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las with an ax head and spear tip. nounced coo-AH-wah) did not flee at Coronado’s Cruces. The organization of professional journalists and Rainbird and Fragua each considers himself a approach as supposed but instead resisted. Coronado communicators formed in 1950 and promotes ethical farmer, not an activist, and they chose different paths wintered in the area, then home to about a dozen standards, professional development, networking, and to speak up—Rainbird in the state’s largest newspa- pueblos, confiscating homes and food supplies for his protection of the First Amendment rights. per, Fragua in what he thought was a polite and pri- 350 soldiers and perhaps two thousand indigenous It is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press vate conversation. Mexican allies. Women. For Rainbird, indigenous history flows through his —continued on page 5
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PUBLISHER: Belknap Publishing Inc.
EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Barb Belknap
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NEWS EDITOR: Bill Diven
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NIGHT SKY FEATURE WRITER: Charlie Christmann
MASTHEAD & DESIGN SUPPORT: Gary Priester
WEBMASTER: Bunny Bowen CARTOONIST: Rudi Klimpert (in memorium) This issue of the Sandoval Signpost has been mailed to every home in Placitas— AD SALES & DISTRIBUTION: Signpost office staff 2,700 direct-mail—plus approximately 1,800 direct-mail to Bernalillo. An additional 1,000 are delivered for free pickup at over thirty locations in the Placitas-Bernalillo-Corrales-and Sandoval Signpost is published monthly by Belknap Publishing, Inc, P. O. Box 889, Placitas, NM southeastern Sandoval County area, totalling 5,500 copies. 87043. Bulk postage is paid at Placitas, NM. As a local newspaper of general interest to residents Copyright © 2021, by Belknap Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of Placitas, Bernalillo, Corrales, Rio Rancho, and other areas of southeastern Sandoval County, without permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in articles appearing in the we invite readers to submit stories, letters, poetry, and photographs of artwork for publishing Sandoval Signpost are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect consideration. We welcome advertising of interest to our readership area. those of the publishers. Ad and submission deadline is the twentieth of the month prior to the publication month. The Sandoval Signpost is printed with soy ink on recycled newsprint.
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Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 3 Celebrating 25 Years as a Finanncial Advisor
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Town and county From page 1—Coronado UP FRONT open although He then continued his search for work and programs, and the exciting and given food at Isleta, Abeita said. legendary cities of gold, reaching discovery of painted murals during And what did he do when he went restrictions remain Kansas before returning to Mexico. excavation of the Kuaua kiva came up the valley? In his wake he left abandoned pueb- at the right time to pull the pieces “We had better say no more about IGNPOST TAFF ~S S los, broken social structures, and together. it, for his record isn’t good and you With the loosening of pandemic restrictions, more untold deaths of native people by The dedication ceremony for the know it,” Abeita is quoted as saying so in some counties than others, Bernalillo Town violence and other causes, according monument and its museum and During the 2019 legislative ses- Hall is back in business on weekday mornings. to historians and anthropologists. reconstructed kiva (minus the murals sion, Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia As of March 8, Town Hall is open from 8:00 to Colonists arrived in 1598 and removed to the University of New Pueblo, was invited by two col- noon, Monday through Friday. The town-operated returned in 1692 after the Pueblo Mexico) in May, 1940, was a big leagues to join them in a bill to state Motor Vehicle Division is open only by Revolt 12 years earlier evicted event drawing Spain’s U.S. ambassa- change the name from Coronado to appointment (1-888-683-4636), and the Martha Spaniards from the area. The return, dor as the keynote speaker. Kuaua Historic Site. The bill suf- Liebert Public Library is open Monday through known as the entrada, was drama- “(The) transformation of the place fered the fate of “action postponed Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. tized during the annual Fiesta de where (the murals) were found into a indefinitely” without even the forum Town parks and playgrounds are also open, Santa until 2017 protests over glori- public museum that had nothing to of a committee hearing. although no barbecues, gatherings, or group activi- fying colonialism led organizers to do with those murals and everything Lente remembers 2019 as a busy ties are yet allowed. Masks are required on all town end the pageant. to do with European colonization of session with educational reform tak- premises. “I’m hoping the (column) clearly the Southwest, proved to be an ing a lot of attention. While Kuaua The hours of the drive-through COVID testing open the minds of a lot of people out unbeatable fund-raising combina- has ancestral ties to Sandia, Lente site at the Bernalillo Recreation have changed to there to 1540, when Coronado tion,” archaeologist J.J. Brody wrote said it likely would take a push from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays. entered the Southwest,” Rainbird in a 2009 paper. “And until Pablo the larger community for the bill to Appointments for testing can only be made online said. “I’m basically just a guy that’s Abeita raised the issue, questions come up again. at Curative.com. trying to fulfill the history that my about the propriety of placing a Fragua had seen the Bernalillo Sandoval County offices in southwest Bernalillo uncle and my grandfather had left, monument to Coronado upon the town logo and notably the battle ax are generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the oral history, one that has taken us remains of a Tiguex community on a water tank for years. From his although some close from noon-1:00 or are work- to this moment here telling my side seem never to have been asked.” conversations with other people, ing with limited staff. of the story.” Abeita, a venerated elder from some noticed it, some didn’t, some Departments have individual requirements for The history of the former Coron- Isleta pueblo, was the only pueblo were bothered, and some weren’t. submitting documents or arranging meetings and ado State Monument is itself compli- member invited to speak during the So, Fragua, last summer, shortly may require or recommend appointments. cated. Suffice to say the monument 1940 monument dedication. When after a shooting during a protest over More information is available on the homepage was created in 1940, the 400th his turn came, Abeita gently contra- a statue depicting the entrada in of the county website (SandovalCountyNM.gov) anniversary of Coronado’s arrival. dicted the earlier speakers, according Albuquerque’s Old Town, picked up or by calling individual departments on the switch- At that time, a prominent anglo to oral history of the event recorded the phone and called Bernalillo board at 867-7500. archeologist hungered for grants of years later. Mayor Jack Torres. After their meet- New Deal money to expand his Coronado was welcomed royally ing, he followed up with a letter.
—continued next page
PAGE 4 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 UP FRONT—CONTINUED IVEN D From page 1—Coronado ILL —B
“I have no standing in terms of critiquing somebody else’s design, logo, and water tank, but I thought, ‘Just take a shot,’” Fragua said in an interview. “My call reached really good ears in Jack Torres, the mayor.” Fragua described Torres as a gentleman and a diplomat. Torres returned the compliment calling the conversation very respectful and saying he appreciated Fragua reaching out to him. “I think that’s where we need to be,” Torres said. “Peo- ple’s beliefs and feelings have to be put on the table.” Once the portion of Fragua’s letter circulated, referring to the logo as concerning and to some offensive, virtual out- rage took over. Lost along the way was his proposal for fur- ther discussion and description of how the town and the pueblos have much in common, including the same feast days, patron saints, and ceremonies like Matachines dances. “One of the things that saddens me was when this went out on social media and the reactions from both sides,” Torres continued. “It was the vitriol that came out… People can type with great bravery and just put it out there.” Torres said he and Fragua shared their disappointment over what happened. The logo used by Bernalillo, The City of Coronado, harkens to the “When it got into social media, I was getting death Spanish conquest with elements of conquistadores’ military gear. threats,” Fragua said. Torres said another interesting dynamic is that, for the most part, people think U.S. history began with Plymouth the town limits. Rock and that nothing was happening in the Southwest “until Manifest Destiny saved “That’s how we grew up,” Torres said. “Not just kids from Bernalillo, but from us from ourselves.” For the most part, Anglo society ignored the established Hispanic Sandia, Santa Ana, Placitas, kids from all around.” and Native America cultures. For now, Fragua is on to the next conversation about whatever that may be. “Early on, Roger said he wasn’t asking for a conclusion; he just wanted to be heard,” “I’m just really appreciative to be here at this time and place to be able to have really Torres said. “I think that’s where we start.” good conversations with honorable people like Mayor Jack Torres,” Fragua said. “I He also said he didn’t know if any action would be taken on the logo. think through our conversation he recognized something he didn’t recognize before, Once pandemic restrictions fade, Torres said he hopes the Bernalillo Community and that’s good enough for me.” Museum, that has yet to open, can provide a forum for discussions extending beyond
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PAGE 6 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 UP FRONT— CONTINUED
Work of 2021 Legislature lingers ~BILL DIVEN
It seems a legislator’s work is never done, especially when sixty days aren’t enough to decide on legalizing recreational marijuana. As the April Signpost went to press, the Legislature was gearing up for a special session at the call of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. On the agenda are cannabis, two competing bills that couldn’t be reconciled by adjournment on March 19, and expand- ing the Local Economic Development Act. In calling the special session on March 30, Lujan Grisham called both bills eco- nomic and job-creation items. Meanwhile, the bills surviving the session reached the governor’s desk where she has until April 9 to sign or veto them. One of the more contentious bills await- ing action is House Bill 4, the New Mexico Civil Rights Act. Sponsors endorsed it as a way to reduce abuses by law enforcement by doing away with qualified immunity, a legal concept that critics charge shields bad officers from accountability. The bill opens a new path for aggrieved citizens to sue state and local governments for alleged abuses by not just police but nearly all public employees. And there’s the rub that spurred broad opposition from local elected leaders. “The thing that bothered me is it’s entirely a reactive bill that doesn’t do any- AMONG OTHER thing in terms of trying make civil rights violations happen less,” Bernalillo HIGH-PROFILE BILLS: SERVICES FOR ALL Mayor Jack Torres said. “It’s just an avenue to allow people to go to court.” The state associations that represent counties and municipalities opposed the • SB 32—”Roxie’s YOUR WATER AND bill and succeeded in setting a $2 million cap for damages. Amendments also Law”—Bans wildlife removed acequia associations, land grants, and water and sanitation districts trapping on public lands. CONSTRUCTION NEEDS and associations from the provisions. Passed the House and “The amendments helped some, but a bad bill in the end is still a bad bill,” Senate and sent to the Torres said. governor. A press for a more comprehensive response related to the training of officers • SB 35—Secondary appeared in Senate Bill 375, the Officer Training and Certification Act. That School Students Mini- bill, also sitting on the governor’s mum Wage—Eliminates desk, adds crisis intervention and the $8.50 an hour wage de-escalation to basic training at locked in by the Legisla- the New Mexico Law Enforce- ture in 2019 for high ment Academy and mandates sim- school students, bringing ilar training for emergency medial them under the mini- DEMOLITION • LOADER • GRADING services personnel. mum-wage law, currently PAD PREPARATION • BACKHOE / BOBCAT SERVICE Sandoval County Sheriff Jesse $10.50 an hour with James Casaus said he agreed with scheduled increases. Torres that law enforcement needs Signed by the governor. more training. But he aligned • SB 52—Extended unemployment benefits—Accommodates changes in federal require- himself with complaints that some ments from pandemic-related programs to allow extended state benefits. Signed by the gov- legislators pushing the civil rights ernor. bill were attorneys who handle • SB 57—Pet Food Fee—Collects a fee from pet food brands to support spay and neuter pro- those kinds of cases. grams. Signed by the governor. “Let’s be real,” he told the • SB 99—Diplomas for Vietnam Veterans—Allows school boards to award diplomas to hon- Signpost. “These lawmakers: they orably discharged Vietnam veterans whose entry into the service prevented their graduation. don’t care about people’s safety. Sandoval County Sheriff Signed by the governor. They’re looking to better them- Jesse James Casaus • SB 385—Wild Horse Management Act—This attempt to adjust several laws regarding selves.” stray, wild, and free-roaming horses stalled in the Senate committee process. Casaus earlier spoke out against • HB 57—Prescribed burning—Expands the use of prescribed fires on private land for safety Senate Bill 227, involving investiga- and ecological purposes and sets liability, training, and certification standards. Signed by the tions of alleged police misconduct, as making it harder to keep dangerous governor. criminals off the street. The bill attempted to narrow when deadly force, less- • HB 47—”Aid in dying”—Provides terminally ill but mentally competent adults the option than-lethal weapons and K-9s could be deployed, and it woould have banned of medical assistance in bringing about their own deaths. Awaiting action by the governor. chokeholds and no-knock warrants. • HB 79—Primary Election Participation—The attempt to create “open primaries” allowing The state Department of Public Safety called the bill as written unrealistic. participation by voters not registered with political parties survived two House committees SB 227 and several related bills died without final action when the Legislature but went no further. adjourned. • HB 255—Alcohol deliveries—Allows alcohol to be delivered with food, bans the sale of miniatures for off-site consumption, and creates a new restaurant license to sell distilled spir- its in addition to beer and wine. Signed by the governor.
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UP FRONT— Some Sandoval County roads face possible drop from county care CONTINUED ~BILL DIVEN Cruising around, it can be tough to tell an unpaved county-maintained road from a dirt or graveled private one. Turns out the Sandoval County administration has something of a similar problem in Placitas and possibly elsewhere. IVEN D At the last moment, during the March 18 County Commission meeting, the adminis- ILL tration borrowed a term from the Legislature and offered a floor substitute for the updated county road inventory. —B “We were able to get some additional information and make some corrections,” County Manager Wayne Johnson said. “A couple of items where the public was noti- fied of the removal. Those removals will not take place.” Earlier residents of two roads in Placitas received letters telling them the county would stop maintaining Calle del Norte off Homestead Road and Llano del Norte off Camino de Las Huertas. But it wasn’t the county that came up with the additional information. “The documentation actually came from the community,” Commissioner Katherine Bruch of Placitas said. Placitas real estate broker Dave Harper provided the Signpost with a copy of a surveyor’s plat for Llano del Norte road dedication. It shows property owners dedi- cated a right-of-way to the county on April 4, 1970, with the then three-member County Commission approving it two days later. On March 18, Commissioners did remove three disputed roads from the inventory: Camino Olivas in La Jara north of Cuba, and Circle Drive and a piece of Forest Road 333 in Evergreen Hills near the La Luz trailhead in the Sandia Mountains. Evergreen Llano del Norte was one of two roads in Placitas about to be dropped Hills, which includes lots owned by Sandia Pueblo, is only accessible from Bernalillo from county maintenance before residents provided documentation County. showing it had been dedicated to public use. Commissioner Ken Eichwald of Cuba said residents on Camino Olivas had peti- tioned to keep their road on the list and were working on a formal road dedication. Eichwald added that since commissioners approve the addition of new roads to the Bruch said Evergreen Hills residents were gathering documentation to keep their roads inventory, they should have some say earlier in the process of removing them. on the list. “Not just here’s a road, we’re going to remove it, and that’s what we have to live Credit at least some of the confusion to modern methods colliding with historic prac- with,” he said. “In reality, we’re the ones that get our constituents up in arms about tices. these roads being removed.” “It’s not a real long road,” Eichwald said of Camino Olivas, “but some of the fami- Commissioners approved the reduce inventory by 5-0, lopping off six miles of roads. lies that are on that road donated materials, gravel, not only for that road but also for The inventory now stands at nearly 1,102 miles, of which 695 miles, 63 percent, are in other county roads… Years ago it was a handshake, and that’s the way they did things.” 12 units of Rio Rancho Estates, the largely undeveloped part of Rio Rancho west of the County Public Works Director Mark Hatzenbuhler said he’d recently hired a right-of- city limits. way specialist who is documenting road dedications and building digital files so prob- A year ago, commissioners dropped more than four-hundred miles from county care, lems don’t require a manual search of records maintained by the county clerk. mostly on tribal lands in the remote west of the county. At the same time, the county Johnson noted that under the state constitution, public funds can’t be spent on private and the Navajo Nation agreed to create a working partnership for construction and property, which includes roads not dedicated to the county. An exception is allowed for maintaining roads there. school bus routes that of necessity use private roads, he said. They currently are working on the formal agreement to make that happen.
PAGE 8 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 UP FRONT— Just Sold CONTINUED
Haaland moves to bigger national stage again making history ~SIGNPOST STAFF Part of Sandoval County is losing its con- gresswoman while the country gains its first Native American cabinet secretary. Who succeeds Deb Haaland to represent 7 Cable Drive metro Albuquerque and part of Sandoval County in Congress will be decided on 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Car Garage 3468 Square Feet 4.17Acres June 1. MLS# 984503 Listing Price $675,000 Haaland, a Democrat just beginning her second term, took her oath of office as secre- tary of the interior on March 18. The member Call Sandi Today for a Free Market Analysis of Your Home of Laguna Pueblo, and former tribal adminis- trator at San Felipe Pueblo, now leads one of Sandi is a Proud Placitas Resident for 30 Years the largest federal agencies with 400,000 employees and oversight of about five-hun- dred-million acres of public lands and coastal waters. Sandi Pressley “History is being made yet again,” Vice 8th in the Nation for Coldwell Banker President Kamala Harris said after administer- #1 Top Producing Realtor in ing the oath of office. Two years ago, Haaland New Mexico for 35 Consecutive Years and Sharice Davids, D-Kan., a member of the Proudly Serving Her Clients For 42 Years Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin, became the Cell Phone 505.980.2999 first Native American women elected to [email protected] Congress. Coldwell Banker Legacy “It’s going to take all of us to build back www.sandipressley.com 293-3700 better and leave a livable planet for future generations,” Haaland said in a video released on her first full day as secretary. “We have a lot of work ahead.” She then described the overlapping crises the country faces: creating new jobs in a clean-energy economy, addressing racial inequity, honoring government-to-government relationships with tribal nations, combating a global pandemic, and taking the NTERIOR I climate crisis seriously. THE “What is so profound about her confirmation can be summed OF up in one word, and that’s ‘visibility,’ the visibility of a dis- missed people,” said Jenni Monet, an independent investigative reporter and Laguna tribal citizen currently based in New York. “It’s no longer excusable to cast aside, to put on the back burner, EPARTMENT
to allow us to be second thought, and that has always been the /D case.” Monet, who worked as an Albuquerque TV reporter early in her career, added that the teaching of history also can no longer ignore treaties still in full force and land cessions fundamental to EILEMANN H the founding and development of the country, “Through her helming at the interior, I firmly believe it’s AMI going to kick start the kind of curriculum that we all should have — T been taught in school but weren’t,” she said. Haaland’s appointment removes the communication block of having to educate federal representatives on why indigenous people see their role as a sacred trust to care for the world for their children and future generations, Phoebe Suina of Cochiti Pueblo said. “She knows, just as pueblo people know, it’s a balance, and one you can achieve not by checking a box but by waking up the next day and the next and keeping the balance,” the environmen- tal engineer and owner of a consulting company said. “This pro- Former New Mexico Rep Deb Haaland is sworn in as secretary of the interior by vides a huge opportunity for industry, business, and the general Vice President Kamala Harris on March 18. Her daughter Somáh Haaland is holding the Bible. population to understand why New Mexico is so special with its special gifts. land’s term in a special election on June 1. The leadership committees of the state Democratic, Republican, “We are all New Mexicans together, so how do we go for- and Libertarian parties will each chose a nominee and there is a petition process for independent candidates. ward, respectful of the land and resources and water for genera- On March 27, the state Republican Central Committee chose state Sen. Mark Moores of Albuquerque as tions to come?” their nominee. Their Democratic Party counterparts were scheduled to meet on March 30. Haaland’s oversight includes the Bureau of Land Manage- The election will be similar to the 2020 general election where a special session of the Legislature ment, whose acreage in the West is rich in oil, gas, recreation adopted rules to address voting during a pandemic. New emergency legislation directs the secretary of state and controversies. That includes the future of nearly 4,300 acres to send an absentee ballot application and voter-education information to every registered voter and to of BLM land ripe for gravel mining in Placitas. notify the voter if there is a problem with a submitted application. Her nomination by President Joe Biden cleared the Senate by Polling locations will all be voting convenience centers where voters within their county can cast ballots a 51-40 vote with support from four Republicans. Opposition even if outside of their home precincts. An exception is in tribal communities if public-health restrictions came largely over her past comments critical of oil and gas are still in effect. development and the role she is expected to play in addressing And sheriff’s deputies will protect uncounted ballots overnight if vote counting is not completed by 11:00 climate change, one of Biden’s top priorities. p.m. on election night. Early, in-person voting begins on May 4 expanding to more sites on May 15. Voters will decide on who will fill out the remainder of Haa-
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—New Mexico’s —B largest reservoir BEAT ~LYNN DANIEL MONTGOMERY, CORONADO SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT The dams on the New Mexico stretch of the Rio Grande and its tributar- ies are marvels of engineering and foresight. They afford us large control of the Rio to the benefit of the people living in its basin, which allows our present civilization to thrive. Otherwise, the inhabited floodplain of the Rio would not be possible. Agriculture is freer of intermittent supply and down time to repair infrastructure. Recharge windows are open year- round, enabling municipalities to better justify their pumping. The San Juan/Chama Project, which imports water from the Colorado River Basin, was a massive endeavor, in conception, engineering, and politics. It provides a perceived cushion against times of shortage. One dam was constructed to accommodate the Project and one was over- hauled. Since the Project, large, similar projects are not possible, due to restraints that have developed, such as finding proper sites and water, and Looking upstream from the Colorado Highway 142 bridge east of Manassa, the Rio Grande is an increasing awareness of the pitfalls of altering rivers. We are left with a placid stream in the summertime. Twelve miles downstream the river enters New Mexico. a reducing, finite source. Eventually, shortages will have large, negative effects. The study on the Rio Grande Reservoirs (It’s Possible to Save much cleaner, stop silt from clogging waterways and reservoirs, vastly improve soil fertility and our Dam Water) released by the National Academy of Sciences water holding capacity, help our farmers and ranchers in restoring the water resource and becom- (www.rethinkingtherio.org/) lays out the entire dam system in New Mex- ing more productive in the process, store flood water effectively, and most importantly, provide ico and makes proposals on how to better manage it. This is commend- stability and resiliency by restoring the hydrological cycles of infiltration and recharge. able, and we should explore such problems, opportunities, and solutions Nearly all our water originates from the land. The Rio is only a collector drain, fed by water- to help us be more resilient. But this will not deal with the water resource ways and groundwater recharge. We must look at it as part of a natural system, understood by not entirely. There is another reservoir that is not included in the study. I call only engineering, but hydrogeology, biology, and climate changes, on the land. The Rio actually it “El Lago de la Tierra.” consists of all the land out there, plus the channel. If we are to well manage the Rio, we must well El Lago de la Tierra, or Soil Lake, is our largest reservoir, and, being manage the land. nearly empty most of the time, shows the most potential. Filling up this Last year New Mexico enacted The Healthy Soil Act (www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/19%20 reservoir will help stop the worse erosion in the nation, make our waters Regular/final/HB0204.pdf). —continued next page
PAGE 10 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Department recruits Conservation Officers Celebrating over 30 Years ~TRISTANNA BICKFORD Providing Tax & Accounting Services to New Mexicans The Department of Game and Fish is seeking qualified men and women to become to crops and property, conservation officers and protect and conserve New Mexico’s wildlife. assisting in wildlife The Department is currently accepting applications for conservation officer trainees relocations and helping TERRY PISEL, CPA, LLC with a starting pay of $18.33 an hour. Upon completing training, officers will be pro- develop new hunting, CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT moted to District Wildlife Officer and receive a pay raise to $20.70 an hour. Applica- fishing, and trapping tions for this position will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on April 18, 2021. Physical regulations. The train- Tax Planning & Preparation assessments and interviews will take place May 1 and 2 in Santa Fe. Candidates who ing is rigorous and the advance past the interviews may be required to stay in Santa Fe until May 5, 2021, for work is often difficult, for Individuals & Businesses further testing. Please see the Department’s conservation officers career advancement requiring sound judge- QuickBooks Consulting webpage details on the hiring timeline, study guides, and the physical requirements. ment, a good work Prior law enforcement experience is not required. Successful applicants must possess ethic and common a qualifying bachelor’s degree and provide documentation of the degree by May 1, sense. In Placitas • 798-1003 2021. A list of qualifying degrees can be found on the Department’s conservation offi- “The Department cers career advancement webpage. Aside from a written exam, oral interview, and fit- is seeking highly ness test, successful candidates must also pass a psychological exam, medical exam, motivated personnel who are up to the challenge this career represents,” says recruiting background investigation, and drug test. officer Captain Ty Jackson. “Conservation officers primarily work alone in the most Upon hiring, recruits will receive basic training at the law enforcement academy, remote regions of the state and are often stationed in small towns.” Department’s recruit school, and 14 weeks of on-the-job field training before working Interested applicants can get more information about conservation officer duties, edu- alone in the field. Conservation officers are charged with enforcing New Mexico’s cational, and physical requirements, training and employee benefits by visiting game and fish laws, educating the public about wildlife and wildlife management, con- www.wildlife.state.nm.us/enforcement/career-advancement/ or contacting Captain Ty ducting wildlife surveys, capturing “problem animals,” investigating wildlife damage Jackson at [email protected].
From page 10—Tierra The state recognizes the value of healthy soil and provides funding for regenerative and education projects. We now have a powerful tool in our kit to start the restora- tion and fulfillment of our largest reservoir. Last year, Coronado sponsored five applica- tions for projects, one of which won an award. This year, the Legislature appropri- ated $127,000 for projects, plus the NM Dept. of Agriculture has $100,000 to add, plus the Natural Resources Conservation Service/USDA is matching that for a total of $454,000 available. This is much more than last year, so we hope to have more projects approved this year. In addition, $200,000 was allocated to build capacity within our state’s forty-seven Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which will add about $4,000 to Coronado’s annual allotment of $14,000. Although we don’t completely know how to regenerate our lands, the principles in the Act can be implemented, and we can be confident of good results. Best practices will follow. Soil regeneration has become very popu- lar. Last year, applications far outnumbered funds provided and there was much activity. Awareness is blossoming. People like work- ing together with nature. Soil regeneration employs life to do its deeds. Dams stop, block, and prevent the natural flows. The natural, non-anthropocentric state of the resource has suffered a lot from this. Even breaching the dams will not restore this state, but regenerating our soils can. Regenerating our soils is daunting. New Mexico is harsh and demanding. Living on the land has always been hard. But soil regeneration is cumulative. We don’t have deadlines. We just need to go out there and start chipping away at it.
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 11 NIGHT SKY Canis Minor Betelgeuse April 2021 Procyon Night Sky Orion Monoceros ~CHARLIE CHRISTMANN Betelgeuse You may recall the buzz about Betelgeuse in late 2019 and Rigel early 2020. The shoulder of Beta Orion was dimming rapidly. Saiph Being a monstrous supergiant Betelgeuse star, it was possible that it might be going super nova. Monstrous stars, like Betel- Sirius geuse, normally explode at the Betelgeuse end of their short lifetimes Canis Major creating a black hole where the star once stood. While this would have created a spectac- ular sight in our sky, possibly visible even in daylight, it would leave Orion permanently disfigured. This supergiant star is so large that, if placed in our solar system, it would engulf all the planets from Mercury to Mars and the aster- oid belt. It might even take out Jupiter. Some feared the super nova would harm Earth, but at 640 light-years away, we would be safe enough. Supergiants, like Betelgeuse, burn through their hydrogen fuel in just a few million years and start fusing helium into ever heavier elements. When the star starts creating iron, the end is near. Fusing elements lighter than iron releases energy and heat, and that coun- teracts the force of gravity. This keeps the star from collapsing. Once iron forms, any additional attempt to form heavier elements from iron takes energy and causes the star to cool, thus, the star col- lapses and explodes. The explosion expels the outer shell of gas into the universe while it crushes the core into a black hole. At just under ten million years old, Betelgeuse is an old man. By compari- son, our sun is only one sixteenth the mass of Betelgeuse and around 4.5 billion years old. Our sun is just middle-aged. It took the Hubble telescope to determine why Betelgeuse was dimming. Old, supergiant stars belch periodically, sending gas and dust into space around them, creating a nebula. In 2019, Betelgeuse belched, and the resulting dust blocked much of the light for several months, making the star look dimmer. Now, telescopes are turning to another truly monstrous star that has been slowly dimming, but its brightness just took a nosedive. VY Canis Magoris (VY CMa) is acting strange. Until recently, it was a naked-eye star (though only under dark skies). This star makes Betelgeuse look small. VY CMa is called a hypergiant for a good reason. In our solar system, VY CMa would not only take out Jupiter, but Saturn would be on the edge of this star. In astronomical terms, the star’s radius is about 9 AU (1 AU is the distance from the sun to Earth). Being so big, and in its late stage of life at a few million years old, this star could explode sometime in the next 100,000 years. We know from astronomical records that VY CMa dims periodi- cally. Telescopes have seen rements of outbursts, like Betelgeuse on steroids, going back hundreds of years. Its nebula of gas and dust is 4500 AU in diameter. Knots of dust in the nebula allow us to date the expulsion episodes and compare them to known dimming events. This lends us more credence in explaining Betelgeuse’s dim- ming. Just how big is VY CMa? It is 1400 times larger than the sun, twice the size of Betelgeuse. It is possibly the largest known star in our galaxy. It shines 300,000 times brighter than our sun, but, sur- prisingly, its surface temperature is cooler than the sun at 3600 degrees Kelvin (the sun is about 5700 degrees Kelvin). There is some speculation as to the fate of this star when it ends is life. It may not actually explode! But even if it does, it is so far away, 3900 light-years, we are very safe. Nearer star systems may not be, though. If VY CMa does go super nova, gamma radiation, much more dangerous than X-rays, will bathe the nearby solar sys- tems with deadly radiation. I hope there are no habitable planets there. From Earth, it will be an interesting sight as this star would light up like a beacon on the sky. Yet, VY CMa is shedding so much of itself in these outbursts, los- gaseous nebula. ing about a third of is original mass, this star could collapse directly If you are interested in finding VY CMa (it is dim, so you will need a small telescope), look into a black hole and not technically explode as a nova. It would southwest from Sirius to find Wezen, the third brightest star in Canis Majoris. Then look west just disappear from our universe leaving behind its remnants in a three degrees for a red nebula. Inside the nebula is VY CMa.
PAGE 12 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Randy Miller My husband, Randy Miller, passed away on February 23, 2021. He was a longtime Placitas resident. Randy first came to New Mexico in the summer of 1972. He was hitchhiking with a friend of his, and they discovered the warm springs above Battleship Rock. Randy camped out there for awhile, and then he met some people from Placitas. After that, Randy spent a lot of time in Placitas. I met Randy in 1982. I was living in Placitas with my young son, Jeremy. Randy immediately moved in with us, and the three of us got along very well. Eventually, Randy and I got married. We lived together for almost 39 years, and were married SAME OUTSTANDINGN for almost 29 years. The one really bad thing that happened during our time together was that Jeremy died when he was 28 years old. That was very hard for Randy and I. ACADEMMIC OUT OCOMESOMES. Throughout our years together, Randy had wide-ranging interests. He was fascinated with Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. He liked to visit Tibetan Buddhist stupas in Crestone, Colorado, and El Rito, New Mexico. INTENTIIONALLY He also liked to visit the Hanuman Temple in Taos. Sometimes Randy would see Ram Dass at the Hanuman Temple. Ram Dass was the author of the book Be Here Now. DIFFEREENT Randy meditated every morning for most of his life. For several years, Randy liked to go to weekly lunches at the Albuquerque Peace and Justice Center. He and his friends would have animated discussions about politics and EDUCATIONAL MOODEL. other subjects. Randy always loved the natural world. He liked to hike, and he had friends who he Learn whyy wee were voted Albuqquerque’s would go on long hikes with. He liked to photograph natural scenes, and he liked to Best Private Scchool. identify the species of birds that he saw. 2020 He liked to throw birdseed on the ground and watch the birds gather outside our window. Three blue jays would gather on the fence and make loud calls until Randy R ’SEREAD CHOICE would go out and put peanuts on the fence for them. Even now, the birds gather on the WINNER fence, and demand that I bring peanuts for them. Randy considered the Jemez Mountains to be his church, and during the warmer months we would usually drive up there at least once a week. We would walk around together in the forest, just listening to the birds, and looking at the trees and the flowers. Randy liked to look at Google Maps, and he would go on virtual tours of places all CA CEPTING APPLICAATTIONS FOR GRRADES 6-12 over the world. He would do that for hours. bosqueschool.oorg/apply (505) 898-6388 898 6388 Rest in peace, Randy. You will be missed.
Secretary Deb Haaland receives Upstander Award REAL ~VICKI GOTTLIEB, VOLUNTEER, NEW MEXICO HOLOCAUST MUSEUM Congresswoman Deb Haaland received the New Mexico celebration’s rich array of entertainment, inspiring Holocaust Museum and Gellert Center for Education’s accomplishments, and inspiration, e.g., two-time Grammy PEOPLE (NMHM) Upstander 2021 Award while still poised to award winning Taos Pueblo flute player Robert Mirabal, take up the mantle of her historic appointment and confir- Living Legacy Jazz saxophone player Odean Pope, and mation as Secretary of the Interior. NMHM’s mission is Albuquerque inaugural Poet Laureate Hakim Bellamy. to shine a light on historic and current acts of hate and Like NMHM’s inaugural Upstander Award recipient, intolerance through education, exhibits, and collaborative State Auditor Brian Colón, Haaland is known as someone Sandoval County senior outreach to build communities of upstanders dedicated to who ‘shows up’ for New Mexicans—and beyond, like social justice and human dignity. Haaland has been tire- when she joined demonstrators at Standing Rock in Sep- centers continue to less in her efforts to stand up and speak out for the rights tember 2016. Haaland cooked green chile and tortillas. of those who have not had a seat at the table in many are- Bringing food was her traditional way of contributing to nas. the fight against the $3.8 billion pipeline. She stayed in serve meals to public Secretary Haaland’s remarks and acceptance of the the camps for four days; but the environmental causes she While activities at all Sandoval County Upstander Award will be featured at the NMHM’s virtual came to support have resounded not only within her, but Senior centers are cancelled due to the fundraiser, 7:00 p.m. MDT, April 18. Purchase tickets at around the world. COVID-19 pandemic, meals are still avail- nmholocaustmuseum.org/tolife2021/ to attend the virtual able for pick up only and potentially home delivery. The menu will be the same for all of the Sandoval County senior centers on any given day. To learn more about the weekly menus or to receive a reopening update from your local Create your legacy senior center, give them a call: Placitas: 867-1396 ~DEBRA YOSHIMURA Bernalillo: 867-9448 Feeling passionate about something or someone? Want to or other written means. Corrales: 897-3818 create a legacy for yourself? Most of us have causes for One sentence in your will can make a lifetime of differ- Rio Rancho: 891-5818 which we are passionate. We give what we can when we ence. To leave a gift in your will, simply share this sen- Jemez: 575-834-7630 can to organizations supporting those causes. Did you tence with your attorney or financial planner: “I hereby Cuba: 575-289-3510 know there is also a way you can help ensure your bequeath to (your favorite charity and its address) the Cochiti 505-465-3162 favorite organizations remain sustainable over time with- sum of $_____ (or _____% of my estate).” Your gift can out affecting your current income and cash flow? It is even be in honor of or in memory of someone special to If you are a senior or a disabled adult who called Planned Giving, or Legacy Giving, and you don’t you. cannot access groceries due to COVID-19 have to be wealthy to do it. Making a planned gift to a charitable organization will (Coronavirus), call the Aging and Long Term Simply put, Planned Giving is the transfer of assets to a create a legacy for yourself or your family, may offer tax Services Department at 1-800-432-2080 for designated nonprofit organization as part of a will or benefits, and can allow you to determine how your gift assistance. estate plan. This forward-thinking approach to giving is will be spent. You will be investing in the causes that are “planned” because often these assets are not liquid, have close to your heart and creating a permanent testament to tax consequences, and are generally transferred via a will the values that are important to you.
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 13 PAGE 14 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Jennise Your Trusted Expert…Here to Help My Placitas Neighbors! Representing Vineyard Homes, Placitas Finest Builder Phillips Direct: 505-867-7481 [email protected] ASSOCIATE BROKER Mobile: 505-331-2288 Now Is The Time!
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Placitas Saturday Anne Hillerman and Gardening with AROUND flea markets return Stargazer on Zoom the Masters online TOWN ~NANCY HOLLEY ~ANNE GREY FROST ~JANET BLAIR
Calling all vendors and buyers! Opening day of the What a long strange year this has been! Do you think your sandy soil is only good for growing tumbleweeds? Placitas Second and Fourth Saturday Market (for- Along with many of you, Placitas Sandoval Extension Master Gardener will tell you that’s not so. Join merly the Placitas Community Flea Market) is sched- Community Library Adult Programs is our online webinars to learn how to grow a wide variety of plants, uled for May 8, 2021. The Market is the only coming out of hibernation. PCL is from flowers to food, in the soils of Sandoval County New Mexico. open-air market in Placitas where you will find for delighted to be supporting Anne Hiller- Pre-registration is required for each class. Registration links may be sale antiques, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, garage man and her new mystery, Stargazer, found on the Calendar of the Sandoval County Master Gardeners at sale treasures, plants, steel art, Talavera pottery, and at Bookworks in Albuquerque, on April sandovalmastergardener.org. After registering, you will receive a con- so much more. The Market continues its give-back 14, at 7:00 p.m. Copies of Stargazer firmation email. Online webinars will be recorded and posted on the policy by featuring a nonprofit or organization at are available through the library web- Sandoval County Master Gardeners website. each market that provides a service to our amazing site, www. placitaslibrary.com. These community. All vendor fees are donated to that spe- books, signed by Anne, will be avail- April 6: 2:00 p.m. Management of Common Garden Pests with Valen- cific nonprofit or organization as well as donated able for pick-up on April 13, from 5:00 cia County Extension Interim Director Lynda Garvin. Apids on your vendor space to promote their organizations. to 7:00 p.m., the official release date. roses? Concerned about those giant huge worms that devour your Vendor spaces are $10 for each ten-by-ten space As many of you know, Anne has a spe- tomato plants? Join us to learn what you can do to keep your garden and are on a first-come first-served basis. Due to cial fondness for our little library and plants healthy this season. COVID-19, there will be an open space between each we are grateful for this opportunity to vendor space, and social distancing and masks will be so early on her schedule for this April 13: 2:00 p.m. Growing Tomatoes in the Desert Southwest with be required based on NM DOH current regulations. book and to sell her books as a benefit SandovalExtnsion Master Gardener Sam Thompson. The challenges All vendors must provide their own tents, tables, and to the Library. Anne has a most gener- facing the tomato grower in the desert southwest include heat, intense chairs. All tents must be secured with weights in case ous heart. wind, high UVs, low fertity and a variety of pests and disease. Dis- of wind. Vendor set up time starts at 5:30 a.m. Come In Stargazer, Anne Hillerman brings couraged? You don’t need to be because there are helpful strategies early for the best spot. us a gripping new installment in the that can allow you to grow tasty tomatoes in your backyard. The Market will be held every second and fourth Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito series. Saturday from May 8 through October 23, except for Murder, deception, and the stars collide April 20: 2:00 p.m. Raised-Bed Gardening with Sandoval Extension August 28. Market hours are 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in this complex and thrilling mystery. Master Gardener Kevin Konetzni. A major advantage of raised-bed weather permitting. To attend the Stargazer book talk gardening is the ability to extend your growing season. If you have The Market is held on the west side open space at zoom, please register in advance at poor soil conditions raised beds allow for better control. And, of the Homestead Village. No food, beverages, or us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZY course, raised beds can save a lot of wear and tear on the back. firearms can be sold. Leashed dogs are welcomed. sc-ugqz0oEtCf0eg99EoLHRvHIhVW- Market Calendar and featured organizations: cxlB. There is no cost for this event but April 30: 10:00 a.m. Tree and Shrub Protective Maintenance in Prepa- May 8: Casa Rosa Food Pantry you must pre-register at the above link, ration of the Drought with Sandoval Extension Master Gardener San- May 22: Straight to The Horse’s Mouth with Bookworks. You can go to dra Liakus. Drought is stressful for your trees and shrubs and can make June 12: Placitas Community Library www.placitaslibrary.com to register them suspectible to a variety of insect predation and disease. Learn Please visit the “Placitas 2nd and 4th Saturday and purchase your signed copy of strategies to protect both trees and shrubs in this presentation. Market” Facebook page for additional information. Stargazer. Hope to ‘see’ you there. For questions, call Nancy Holley at 515-4323. Happy reading.
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 15 Beautiful 5+ acre view property in quiet Placitas subdivision Bernalillo busy as pace of COVID vaccinations increases ~SIGNPOST STAFF
Paul Russell knows something about developing vaccines to address a national Nice flat building site with 60-mile sunset view Rolling arroyo to walking paths in backyard health crisis, though his experience came from 1961. Build your home on a tranquil 5+-acre parcel in Placitas that allows freedom to garden, have a guesthouse, As a military brat, Russell said he was and live the good New Mexico country life. Already subdivided into two 2.5+ acre lots. a guinea pig in testing the Sabin oral vaccine that contributed to ending the Enjoy gorgeous 60-mile mountain and mesa views. The recreational 560-acre Placitas Open Space is nearby. scourge of polio. The crippling disease A beautiful moss rock arroyo provides your own private park. Electricity and shared well. around for centuries would strike with Wired for Cable TV & Internet. Priced at $75,000. Have a look! random and frightening suddenness. Young children were the main victims ALL AVE ARPER LACITAS EALTY OR of polio, although adults could contract C D H , P R 263-2266 867-8000 the disease. While cases could be mild, [email protected] • OFFICE: 03 Homesteads Rd, Placitas severe case resulted in short- and long- term paralysis and death. The Sabin vac- cine followed introduction of the Salk vaccine in the mid-1950s. From a peak of 21,000 paralytic cases Muliple murder and assault cases in 1952, when the U.S. population was PUBLIC half what it is today, the U.S. recorded its last case in 1979, according to the move closer to trial Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion. ~BILL DIVEN SAFETY “I have no problem with vaccines,” The murder case in the death of a Placitas man has returned to Russell said. court after a judge ruled the alleged killer competent to stand On March 12, Russell was one of one- trial. thousand area residents registered to The prosecution of Dean Cummings had been on hold for receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine nearly a year after District Judge George Eichwald ordered outside the town of Bernalillo Recreation him sent to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (BHI) alleged to be over Nieto confronting Gurulé about his danger- Center. Two additional clinics there in Las Vegas for a mental health evaluation and treatment. He ous driving in the Placitas village. administered hundreds of doses during is charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evi- He has pleaded not guilty and has been jailed since his the month, and another clinic, mostly for dence in the February 29, 2020, shooting death of Guillermo arrest. second doses of Moderna, is scheduled David Arriola at Arriola’s ranch near San Luis in western San- The trial of Martin Gurulé, Isaiah’s brother, is currently set for April 9. doval County. to begin on July 6 on a charge of assaulting Nieto’s brother “The shot went fine,” the Corrales res- Arriola, 47, is a member of a well-known family in Placitas with a deadly weapon during the same incident. He has ident told the Signpost while sitting in village. At the time, Cummings, 55, listed addresses in Los pleaded not guilty and has been released on bond. his Jeep during the post-shot 15-minute Alamos and Rio Rancho but apparently was living on, or near, Multiple charges against Omar Griego of Rio Rancho and wait to see if he had any undo reaction. the ranch in a fifth-wheel travel trailer registered in Alaska, Sarah Garduño of Bernalillo remain pending. Both are “No problem… There is something of a according to court records. accused in an armed carjacking in Rio Rancho on July 13 sense of relief.” Cummings had been an internationally known extreme skier during which Garduño is alleged to have stolen a BMW at People with chronic conditions gener- and operator of a heli-skiing company in Alaska. In a report gunpoint and fled while Griego, driving a reportedly stolen ally wait thirty minutes before leaving posted online a week after the shooting, Outside Magazine vehicle, was captured after a pursuit. the clinic site. called him “one of the all-time greats” while noting he largely They have pleaded not guilty and are both in the Sandoval While there was some traffic conges- dropped out of sight after 2012. County Detention Center, according to a recent check of tion when the clinic opened at 10:00 He left behind a personal website with a series of videos inmate records. a.m., it was moving smoothly not long containing conspiracy theories and accounts of his life in Investigators also contend Gardunõ was Griego’s passenger after with appointments scheduled in Alaska, Outside reported. in a stolen Hummer on June 25, 2020, when he is accused of thirty-minute increments, achieving one- According to court records, Cummings claimed Arriola driving at Sandoval County officers trying to arrest them on hundred shots per half hour. reneged on a deal to sell him the ranch for $1 million and, in charges related to using stolen credit cards. The chase eventu- Behind this operation was Albertsons the ensuing argument, Arriola sprayed him with a burning ally ended in Placitas where the Hummer was set afire and Companies Inc. whose pharmacies, with chemical agent. Investigators reported there were no signs of a officers from multiple agencies locked down the area for more on-site clinics in many of its grocery fight and that the can of pepper spray found at the scene had than five hours in an unsuccessful hunt for their suspect. stores, routinely administer flu shots. not been used. Only Griego was charged in the Placitas episode alleging That made the company, standalone An AR-15-type assault weapon, but no other firearms, was arson and aggravated assault on peace officers. He pleaded not pharmacies, and other stores ripe for found at the scene. guilty and remains jailed awaiting trial. joining the effort to vaccinate the U.S. “Defendant is suffering from a mental disorder that inter- The trial of Byron Rosetta of Kewa Pueblo in U.S. District population. feres with his ability to assist Counsel in his defense, “ Public Court has been rescheduled for June 28. He is accused of “Now, here, we are so needed for Defender Craig Acorn wrote in his April 7, 2020, motion shooting at an oncoming vehicle on State Road 22 on the mass-vaccination clinics,” said Uri requesting the mental health evaluation. “Multiple people who former Santo Domingo Pueblo on April 5, 2020. Bassan, a registered pharmacist with have known Mr. Cummings for years have contacted defense Rosetta’s federal public defender requested the trial delay to Albertson’s, during the Bernalillo clinic. counsel to express their concerns that his mental health has give her time to study new evidence presented by prosecutors “The training, the skill set, suddenly, was deteriorated in recent years.” and to continue negotiations over a possible plea deal. Prose- what was needed to save lives.” The District Attorney’s Office did not oppose the motion to cutors did not oppose the motion. Bassan has been leading such pop-up delay the trial. On March 9, after the defense and prosecution Rosetta, in October, was released to a residential treatment clinics around New Mexico under an agreed Cummings is now competent to stand trial, Eichwald program at the Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Albertsons program to reach rural and brought the case back into the court system. Center in Albuquerque. underserved communities. After a clinic Eichwald also ordered Cummings to remain at BHI until he Rosetta’s case involves one of about twenty random shoot- in Logan, in northeast New Mexico, the is transferred to the Sandoval County Detention Center. No ings on or near I-25 between Bernalillo and Kewa reported vaccination rate among Quay County’s trial date has been set. over three months early in 2020. A Lincoln County man 8,300 people rose to 17.7 percent from pleaded no contest to one of the shooting on I-25 described as five percent, he said. IN OTHER PENDING CRIMINAL CASES: a road-rage incident and was sentenced to two-and-one-half Albertsons is not alone in this effort to The first-degree murder trial of Isaiah Gurulé of Placitas is years in prison. work with local partners and the New scheduled to begin on June 22. Gurulé is charged with stab- Mexico Department of Aging and Long bing neighbor Manuel Nieto on June 6, 2019, during a fight —continued next page
PAGE 16 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 PREPARE FOR APRIL SHOWERS SpringSTUCCO REPLACE YOUR ROOFING DAMAGED ROOF SALES EVENT NOW!
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PUBLIC SAFETY IVEN D
—CONTINUED ILL —B From page 16—COVID
Term Services. About 45 volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), 15 professionally qualified to administer shots, supported the Bernalillo clinic, as did Sandoval County Fire and Rescue, where chief officers, firefighter-paramedics, and six fire cadets brought the volunteer count up to 75. The Bernalillo Fire Department stationed crews nearby in case emergency treatment and transport was needed. “I haven’t worked in four years but still have my license,” said retired register nurse Cindy Gillespie of Albuquerque. Watching the pandemic unfold on television fired her up to join the MRC, she added. “I wanted to do something, and I can still give shots,” Gille- spie said. “Give me something to do.” While some MRC volunteers assisted the medical team, inside the senior center others filled out vaccination record cards with the vaccine name, date, location, and return date for the second shot. Names and birth dates were added as the shots were given. SCFR Chief Eric Masterson said that while supporting clinics help fight the pandemic, he’d like to see his firefighter-medics and Members of the Medical Volunteer Corps work behind the scenes, preparing EMS crews, who already administer shots in some circumstances, Vaccination Record Cards during the shot clinic the Bernalillo Recreation Center. take a more active role in the campaign. As more vaccine becomes Left to right are Kristin Kailey, Helen Kerschner, and Christie Goddard. available, current resources will be stretched, he said. “I want to go to Placitas, Peña Blanca, Jemez Springs, and other Bassan being told how many doses will be available, while leaving the state registration system to send out communities,” Masterson continued. “We can educate our own event information to eligible residents. The first Bernalillo clinic, however, was different. team, and they’ll need minimal assistance.” Invitations to sign up for appointments went first to a six-hundred-client list assembled by the Bernalillo His crews, working with the state Department of Health and Senior Center. “Today, instead of the computer making the decisions, we reached out to a population that Albuquerque’s Vida Pharmacy, already have gone to some rural needed help,” Bassan said. and remote homes to administer the one-shot Johnson & Johnson Mayor Jack Torres said, after tracking numerous clinics in Rio Rancho, that he approached the vaccine, he added. Sandoval County Emergency Management Office, the hub of the county’s COVID response, about “We’re really trying to go from any angle we can,” Masterson holding one on the Bernalillo side of the Rio Grande. The town and its staff already were conducting said. “We can be part of the solution. drive-through COVID testing outside the senior center, and, after a site inspection by the county, the Planning clinics like the Bernalillo event generally involves local clinics were on. —continued next page
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 17 • Women’s Health • Same Day Appointments • Prenatal Services • Family Planning • Comprehensive Family • Behavioral Health Medicine
Steven L. Hartman, MD, Medical Director Rachel Rankin, MD • Rachel Marzec, FNP-PMHNP Felina Ortiz, CNM • Rebecca Casalino, CFNP Brie Anaya, CFNP • Marissa Cortes Mendez, CFNP, CNM Tamara Righettini, CFNP • Stephen V. Roper, CFNP Jennifer Webb, LPCC • Madeleine Stevens, LPCC Sandra Fortier, LCSW
Monday 8 am—5 pm • Tuesday 8 am—5 pm Wednesday 8 am—8 pm • Thursday 8 am—5 pm Friday 8 am—5 pm 121 Calle Del Presidente Bernalillo, New Mexico 87004 —B ILL
D PUBLIC SAFETY IVEN —CONTINUED
BLM New Mexico issues fire prevention order ~ALLISON SANDOVAL, NM BLM
The Bureau of Land Manage- lands in New Mexico, due to ment New Mexico State Office their propensity to start wild- has issued a fire prevention fires. Use of exploding targets order prohibiting the use of has been found to have caused exploding targets on BLM- multiple wildfires across the managed lands throughout the West in recent years. This Medical professionals and other volunteers were kept busy on March 12; they state. The order takes effect on includes the Sawmill Fire, vaccinated one-thousand people in five hours for protection from COVID-19. March 10, 2021, and expires on which burned more than Dec. 31, 2021. 46,000 acres southeast of Tuc- Exploding targets are com- son, AZ, in 2017. From page 17—COVID mercially available binary A violation of this order is “We were thrilled they responded and came out,” Torres said. “I’ve heard a lot of feedback from local explosives commonly consist- subject to punishment by a fine folks who are appreciative that they’re here.” ing of ammonium nitrate and of not more than $1,000 or Shortly after the first Bernalillo clinic, the state expanded vaccine eligibility beyond the initial groups aluminum powder. Although imprisonment of not more than of health care workers, residents 75 and over, educators and school staff, and New Mexicans with both compounds are inert, once 12 months or both. Anyone chronic health conditions. Newly eligible are frontline and other essential workers, New Mexicans sixty mixed, they can be ignited by violating this order will be and older, and residents of congregate care facility, according to a March 19 announcement from the high-velocity bullets used in liable to the United States for state health department. target shooting. Once com- damages through either an Members of the general public not falling into those categories are expected to become eligible in bined they are considered a administrative process or in mid-April, the announcement said. high explosive by the Bureau United States Federal Court. Registration through the state system generally is required to be notified of clinics and with sign-up of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, For more information about for scheduled appointments handle on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration can be done online and Explosives, and cannot be this order, please contact Fire at CVVacine.NMHealth.org by filling out the forms, keeping a copy of your registration number, and transported per U.S. Dept. of Mitigation and Education Spe- responding after receiving an event code. Transportation regulations. cialist Teresa Rigby at 954- A call center also takes questions and can handle registrations for those without internet access. The use of exploding targets 2256. For more information That number is 1-855-600-3453. When prompted, press 0 for vaccine questions and then option 4 is restricted on most Federal about fire restrictions, please for tech-support for registration help. lands in the Western U.S., visit on.doi.gov/35vxWdu. The center is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. including all other Federal
PAGE 18 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 —S TORY
HEALTH PHOTOS Rachael Tingen, DMD
New farmers BY B ILL and foods D IVEN bring life to old fields ~BILL DIVEN It’s the first day of spring, and For the best general dentistry hope blossoms at Tierra Sagrada Farm as year-old asparagus crowns, one hunderd in all, go into the ground by hand. They won’t produce this year Sage Hagan, Andrea Romero, and their 6-month-old daughter Pilár and maybe only a little next are the family behind the consumer-supported year, but their promise is ten Tierra Sagrada Farm in Bernalillo. and perhaps twenty years of perennial production, said Sage Hagan, an 3 Homesteads Rd., Ste. B artist, electrician, and chef turned farmer. And now they’ve Placitas, NM 87043 Next up is working on the well—to assure restored part of a water until the irrigation gates open on semi-rural subdivi- Bernalillo’s acequia madre, the mother sion outside the town ditch. limits and near the Spinach, arugula, and radishes are Rio Grande back to among the shoots already rising in green- agriculture. houses as chickens, ducks, Nigerian “This was all miniature goats, and a few Mangalitsas, orchard land,” Hagan the Hungarian hog known as the wooly said. “They used to pig, dot the landscape. hunt pheasants here.” While eggs from Rhode Island reds and The farm is struc- Khaki Campbell ducks have been avail- tured as a 501(c)3 able during the Corrales Winter Market, nonprofit corpora- the first organic produce is targeted to tion, allowing it to reach the Corrales Growers Market on receive tax- April 18. A week later, farm members, as deductible donations many as thirty subscribing in advance, but also imposing can pick up or arrange delivery of weekly responsibilities. It or biweekly bags of five to nine items of has fulfilled those what ever is freshest and readily available with an educational into early September. side for children Welcome to CSA, consumer supported since the farm is on agriculture, the home version of the farm- a scale they find to-table movement, where restaurants approachable. source locally for diverse and fresh foods. Tierra Sagrada, Here the priority is no- and low-till farm- sacred land in Span- ing using local compost rather than added ish, also donates pro- chemistry, which protects natural duce to organizations microbes and keeps the soil alive year aiding people in round. needed. They call it small-scale regenerative Sage Hagan of Tierra Sagrada Farm inspects spinach and other vegetable sprouts in one of the Hagan and farming. farm’s greenhouses, after planting one hundred asparagus crowns in their outdoor garden. Romero began their “Everyone wants to be connected back project in 2018, to the earth,” said Andrea Romero, who making their first handles the business and marketing side appearances at farmers’ markets in 2019. of the farm when she’s not helping with In March last year they were adding CSA harvests or elsewhere as needed. “COVID members and ramping up production as showed us how important it is to get out the pandemic hit, consumers began find- and how important our food is. ing some produce shelves empty and “You plant seeds, watch them grow, Romero quickly produced a promotional harvest with respect, and then it goes in flier. your body.” “From Day 1, we were an essential Hagan, 35, and Romero, 34, grew up in business,” Hagan said. “There was no Corrales, attended nearby Cibola High hesitation, and the community School in Albuquerque, and worked at the responded.” Red Robin Restaurant in Cottonwood “He called it panic planting,” Romero Mall. They would go their separate ways added. as Hagan became an electrician like his The produce may seem exotic—for father, changed course through culinary example Hakurei, a Japanese turnip school, landing in France and working in known for its crunch and slightly fruity three-star restaurants and along the way flavor—and it’s pricier than the produce pursuing a passion for painting. of industrial-scale farming. Expect to pay Then he found himself in California $6.50 a pound for pasture-raised whole needing to straighten up. As he arrived at chicken and $7 and $10 a dozen for a group meeting, he turned around and chicken and duck eggs respectively. there was Andrea dropping off a friend. Full-share memberships are $560 Rhode Island reds are the year-round source of chicken eggs That was in 2008, and they are now the up front or at $28 a week for the twenty- at Tierra Sagrada Farm in Bernalillo. parents of six-month-old Pilár. week the season without delivery; half “She’s been a farmer all her life,” shares also available. More information is Romero said. available at TierraSagradaFarm.com.
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 19 Placitas Studio Tour returns Placitas Artists Series ~NANCY HOLLEY Traditionally held over Mother’s Day Weekend, the 2021 Placitas Studio Tour has been rescheduled to the week- concert to feature lute and end of August 28–29, 2021. The decision to move the studio tour to a later date in 2021 was related to the COVID-19 vaccination response out of an abundance of caution. Studios will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 viola da gamba p.m. both days. All artwork is for sale at all studios. ~ALLEN BOURNE Celebrating its twenty-fourth year this year, fifty-eight artists will open their studio tour doors and share their fascinating artwork, which is as diverse and captivating as the artists themselves. The Placitas Artists Series (PAS) announces Ronn This free, self-guided, self-driven tour has become one of the most highly anticipated studio tours in New Mex- McFarlane and Carolyn Surrick as its featured per- ico. Creations in pottery, fiber, glass, mixed-media, painting, photography, ceramics, steel, wood, bronze, jewelry, formers for their livestreamed concert scheduled April and sculpture offer a behind-the-scenes peek at our growing artistic community. 16 at 3:00 p.m. Please visit the studio tour’s website www.placitasstudiotour.com/ to preview the artists and plan your tour With McFarlane on lute and Surrick on viola da through beautiful Placitas. See you in August! gamba, the program will present Renaissance, baroque, and contemporary music ranging from Bach, Telemann and Duane Allman to traditional Swedish, English and Irish works. The pair, who live about twenty miles from each other, released their first album together—Fermi’s Paradox— in 2020, having “Color Caste, and Class: the Other Social Distancing conceived the idea amid pandemic lockdowns. Since taking up the lute in 1978, Ronn McFarlane ~ANNE GREY FROST has made his mark as a soloist, the founder of Ayre- heart, and a founding member of the Baltimore Con- For 2021, the Placitas Community Library Adult Programs is offering a ‘community read’—like a book club for sort, touring 49 of the 50 United States, Canada, the entire community. PCL will provide a series of events and conversations around the issues in the book Caste: England, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany, and Aus- The Origins of Our Discontents from May through October. The Theme for the “Placitas Reads” is “Color, Class tria. He has also performed as a guest artist with and Caste: The Other Social Distancing.” We are all too familiar with the term “social distancing” these days, but Apollo’s Fire, The Bach Sinfonia, The Catacoustic in this context it’s an appropriate description of the causes and results of many of the issues our country is facing. Consort, The Folger Consort, Houston Grand Opera, It’s not a new phenomenon and understanding it takes some research into the history and culture, not only of the The Oregon Symphony, The Portland Baroque Unites States but also other countries which have impacted our development. Orchestra, and The Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra. Caste is a riveting history of three major caste systems; India, Nazi Germany, and Slavery/Jim-Crow in the Surrick has a B.A. in music from the University of United States. Some of the stories are hard to read but the author lays out in a direct and thoughtful way how California Santa Cruz and an M.A. in musicology America, through history and today, has been shaped by a sometimes-hidden caste system. from George Washington University. She founded It is in this spirit that the Placitas Community Library is excited to offer these opportunities for conversation Ensemble Galilei in 1990 and the group started tour- and connection. Most related events will occur on the third Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m. The first pro- ing the U.S. in 1995. With Ensemble Galilei, she gram, held May 16, at 2:00 p.m., will be on Zoom. recorded fifteen CDs and produced four special proj- The library has a number of copies of Caste, in print, ebook, and audio. While Caste will be the primary title of ects including a partnership with The National Geo- “Placitas Reads,’ a number of other suggested titles, films, documentaries, and interviews will be on our website, graphic Society for the creation of First Person: for those interested in digging deeper. Links can be found on our website: placitaslibrary.com. Stories from the Edge of the World as well as a col- laboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art to produce First Person: Seeing America. April’s performance is generously sponsored by the Firestone Family Foundation and Dianna and 2021 Congressional Art Competition John Shomaker. For information on tickets, the ~DEB HAALAND concert program, musician bios, and more, visit PlacitasArtistsSeries.org. Also see our ad on page 2 I am excited to share with you that the 2021 Congres- distancing precautions implemented by the state of of this Signpost. Following the livestream, tickethold- sional Art Competition is officially underway! Each New Mexico, we host this year’s competition digitally. ers will be able to view the concert online through spring, Members of Congress have the opportunity to Students can create their artworks in their preferred April 23. showcase the outstanding talents of students in their medium, and email a well-lit photo of their work to my The visual arts exhibition for April represents a col- district through the annual art competition. Our district office. laboration between PAS and the Placitas Studio Tour. is rich with creative and unique talent, and I can’t wait All entries must be emailed by April 23, at 5:00 p.m. The virtual exhibition will feature work from some of to see what our students submit. MT to [email protected] . the 57 Placitas artists whose studios will be part of This year, the deadline to submit pictures of your art- Art entered in the contest must be two-dimensional. this year’s tour and be accompanied by original music work is April 23rd, 2021. The art competition is open Each framed piece of artwork should be no larger than created by PAS’s resident composer, John Bullock. A to all high school students who reside in New Mexico’s 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and four inches deep list of participating artists and information on the stu- First Congressional District. The overall winner of our (including the frame). dio tour, scheduled for August 28-29, can be found on district’s competition will be displayed for a full year The artwork may be paintings, drawing, collages, PlacitasStudioTour.org or by calling 505-515-4323. in a U.S. Capitol exhibit that includes artwork from prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, or photo- Concertgoers and others may view the virtual art other contest winners nationwide. Accepted students graphs. All entries must be an original concept, design, show at PlacitasArtistsSeries.org from April 1 through may be eligible for additional scholarships based on and execution. the end of the month. All artwork shown is available their academic credentials, documented awards and If you have questions regarding the art competition, for purchase. recognition, extracurricular activities, volunteer or pro- please give my district office a call at 346-6781. My Placitas Artists Series projects are made possible in fessional experience, and talents. office looks forward to seeing all the incredible art- part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Depart- In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social work our district’s students submit! ment of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endow- ment for the Arts.
PAGE 20 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 ARTS Library unveils Gracie Lee Community Room ~REBECCA COHEN Placitas artists have been facing a dilemma. While this past year has been a grand time for making art, it provided few opportunities for artists to share their efforts with the general public. The 2020 Placitas Studio Tour was Watch for our Summer Soiree cancelled because of Covid-19 New Mexico ~•~ Artwork, Treats, Fun! ~•~ Department of Health restrictions, leaving stu- dios full to overflowing with art. The annual Studio Tour, traditionally scheduled for Mother’s Day in May has been postponed to August 28-29, 2021. In addition, these past few months have also seen a delay in comple- tion of the library’s new exhibition space, the Gracie Lee Community Room, which, at this writing, is not yet open to the public. But the Placitas Community Library’s art committee has jumped to the rescue! April 9 will see the virtual unveiling of the Gracie Lee Room’s Inaugural Exhibition, a collaboration between the Placitas Studio Tour artists of 2020 and the PCL’s ongoing commitment to promoting the visual arts. More than thirty of Dr. David Johnson presents Coun- the artists who had signed up for the 2020 Tour, are represented in this blockbuster dis- terpoint at Wild Hearts Gallery play of works including fiber art, painting, col- lage, jewelry, ceramics, mixed media, and so ~ROSEMARY BREEHL much more. The online gallery offers a first- In music, counterpoint is the relationship between musical rate opportunity to preview the works that will lines (or voices) which are harmonically interdependent yet be displayed on those new walls as soon as independent. Similarly, in works of art, interest is created construction is completed. with those details that seem independent from the harmony of Visitors to www.PCLART.com and, before the whole. David Johnson is skilled at creating those “coun- long, to the library itself, can thank Nancy terpoints” in his beautiful yet functional woodworking art, Holley, PST coordinator, for her dual role in combining common woods with exotic, dark, and dramatic planning the 2021 Studio Tour while at the Midnight Rambler, by Mike Kimball woods with light and calming, live edge with hard edge. same time organizing 2020 artists’ submissions But it’s been a long road for him. After fifteen years as an for the library exhibition. Her art committee ER doctor, he suffered a stroke. partners welcomed her enthusiasm and endless “Since then, speech has been a very difficult way for me to patience as the original exhibition dates slipped communicate. But my hands work fine, and I’ve learned to from February to April. Thanks as well to Mara Levy who has once again assembled a virtual gallery that express myself through my woodworking. I started with cut- offers an opportunity to see and purchase objects in the exhibition with 25 percent of all sales benefiting ting boards and small trays, and now enjoy making small the library. No need to wait until the doors to the Gracie Lee Room formally open; visit the gallery from tables and other small pieces of furniture. I enjoy studying a the comfort of your home and reserve your art purchases today. piece of wood to see what it tells me about what it is going to Look for announcements from the library and this publication for further information regarding the offi- be.” cial opening of the Inaugural Exhibition in the actual (as opposed to virtual) gallery and community room. Johnson is now an accomplished woodworker with a large following for his craft. “I have developed a feel for grain, color, and texture of the wood I am working with. My favorite part of making the pieces is the finishing, bringing out the grain and color of the 2021 New Mexico Senior Olympics cancelled wood and highlighting special features of each piece with turquoise and other finishes. I enjoy working with exotic ~CECILIA ACOSTA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NEW MEXICO SENIOR OLYMPICS woods, combining them in patterns of color and grain.” The New Mexico Senior Olympics, Inc. (NMSO) board of directors met in February to determine whether Counterpoint features new table designs in exotic woods, to hold or cancel the 2021 State Games—Summer Games and Team Tournaments—due to the pandemic. along with David’s recognizable colorful cutting boards, trays The board carefully considered survey responses from over five hundred participants, as well as other fac- and candleholders. For this show he has added handcrafted tors related to the health and safety of those involved in the games. Major concerns of the board, included bottle stoppers and steel and wood handle pizza cutters. Each the event being a super spreader, lack of training opportunities for senior athletes, lack of senior vaccina- piece is unique and meant to be both functional and beautiful. tions statewide, and the safety of our most vulnerable senior participants and volunteers. The artists’ reception will be celebrated with fellowship The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) has announced that states will not be conducting and Covid-safe refreshments on April 10, from 1:00 to 4:00 games in 2021. Senior athletes who qualified for the 2017 and 2019 National Games will be eligible to p.m. The number of people in the gallery at one time will be register for the 2022 National Senior Games scheduled for May, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Forida. For any limited to Covid restrictions in effect. questions on qualifying for ’22 Nationals, contact NMSO office at [email protected] or by Wild Hearts Gallery is an artists’ collective, supported by calling 1-888-623-6676. 15 longtime local artists. Wild Hearts Gallery is open Tues- day through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can also view a visual tour of the gallery and purchase items online by visiting wildheartsgallery.com. Rebuilding Together Sandoval County announces grant ~MICHAEL SCHULZ, REBUILDING TOGETHER SANDOVAL COUNTY Rebuilding Together Sandoval County, a local non-profit organization that provides of critical home repairs or home modifications to accommodate disabilities are encour- critical home repairs to individuals in need at no cost, announces receipt of funding aged to apply by calling (505) 896-3041. This program is an Equal Housing Opportu- through a U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Housing Preser- nity. Rebuilding Together Sandoval County is an equal opportunity provider. vation Grant. The repairs are provided at no cost to homeowners in need who are often faced with The USDA Housing Preservation Program will increase housing stability and diminishing resources. Rebuilding Together Sandoval County is the local affiliate of improve living conditions for low-income homeowners in Bernalillo, New Mexico. As Rebuilding Together USA, the leading national nonprofit organization with a mission a grant recipient, Rebuilding Together Sandoval County will administer the program on to repair the homes of people in need and revitalize our communities. Learn more and behalf of the USDA Rural Development agency. get involved at rebuildingtogethersandoval.org. Low-income owner-occupant homeowners who reside in Bernalillo and are in need
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 21 Broadband Internet goes live at Pueblo of Jemez ~RENEE NARVAIZ
The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) cabi- that brought the initial funds to connect Fiber for high- “The Lujan Grisham administration is committed to net Secretary Lynn Trujillo toured Jemez Pueblo’s data speed internet to the Jemez Library, San Diego River- ensuring broadband access for every community,” said center this month. The data center will be delivering side, and Walatowa High Charter Schools. Indian Affairs Secretary Lynn Trujillo. “The Pueblo of high-speed broadband internet to over five hundred With the pandemic, what was a five-year goal of Jemez should be commended for this tremendous accom- households in the pueblo begining the week of March bringing fiber internet to Jemez became an immediate plishment. The people of Jemez Pueblo will now be able 10, 2021. need. Through the leadership of several administrations, to access the internet for school, work, healthcare, and to Over the course of the last five years, the Pueblo of internet access is now a reality for the pueblo residents. stay connected to the world.” Jemez initiated a plan to connect every home to fast, reli- The State of New Mexico provided $1.3 Million in “The Pueblo of Jemez has worked diligently to able internet. This access also connects all tribal govern- Capital Outlay and an additional $1.4 Million from the develop the Jemez Pueblo Tribal Network to provide ment offices, departments, and programs to broadband state’s allocation of CARES Act funds for this project. Broadband high-speed connectivity through fiber-optic internet. CARES Act allocations coordinated with tribes, the New connections and wireless networks to ensure our people The plan was launched by successfully applying for, Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, and have the tools necessary to address pandemic issues and and securing, an E-Rate (Educational Rate) application IAD. The Pueblo of Jemez leveraged state, federal, and pursue future educational and career opportunities,” said from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) private donations to fully fund this initiative. Pueblo of Jemez Governor Michael Toledo, Jr.
SIGNPOST COMMUNITY CALENDAR
MANY OF THESE ONGOING LISTINGS ARE TEMPORARILY CANCELLED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. PLEASE CHECK VIA THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION TO SEE WHEN AND IF THEY WILL RESUME.
[“First Monday” means the first Monday of each month.] will help you get your FCC license. Visitors welcome. Held at the Placitas Fire to VA benefits and state Veteran benefits. Come learn about your potential Station No. 41, Hwy 165, near the Library. Info: sandiavista.net.. benefits. Bring your DD-214. 383-2414. Daily: The Mayor Hull Show. Go to rrnm.gov/mayorhullshow. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull talks about issues facing Rio Rancho. First Thursdays: Art and Music at the Loma Colorado Main Library Audi- Fourth Tuesdays: Pathways: Wildlife Corridors of NM monthly meeting. torium, Rio Rancho. Info: riorancholibraries.org, 505-891-5013. Daily: Recreating at Valles Caldera National Preserve. The park landscape 6:30 p.m. Held at Placitas Community Center. Open to the public. path- remains open to vehicles along NM-4 and pedestrian/bicycle access along wayswc.wordpress.com. trails, as designated. For a complete list of activities at the National Preserve, First and third Thursdays: Sandoval County Commission meeting. 6 p.m. go to https://www.nps.gov/vall/index.htm. Fourth Tuesdays: Eastern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Author- Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Sandoval Administra- ity (ESCAFCA) meeting. 6 p.m. Held in the Town of Bernalillo Council tion Building, 1500 Idalia Road Building D, Bernalillo. Info or meeting agenda: Monthly: Various community events at Rio Rancho Libraries. Rio Rancho Chambers. Persons wishing to be on the agenda or persons with disabilities www.sandovalcounty.com, 867-7500. libraries—Esther Bone and Loma Colorado—will be hosting a variety of who need accommodations should call 771-7110 by the first Tuesday. Board events all month long ranging from book signings, to poetry readings, lec- meeting agenda is posted on the ESCAFCA website (escafca.com) and at the Second Thursday: The New Mexico Parkinson’s Coalition (NMPC) meets. tures, concerts, arts and crafts, meet and greets, etc. For more information front desk of the Town Hall by Friday preceding the meeting. 1:30-3 p.m. Held at Grace Outreach at 2900 Southern Boulevard SE in Rio about the library or each month’s activities, visit www.riorancholibraries.org. Rancho. The NMPC works to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Fourth Tuesdays: Placitas Democrats and Friends. 6-7:30 p.m. Held at Plac- Parkinson’s through education, awareness and support for those with the dis- Mondays: Bernalillo/Placitas open Al-Anon meeting for families and itas Community Library. Meetings are open to the public and feature candi- ease. For more information, call 219-5065 or visit the website: friends of alcoholics/problem drinkers. 7:30-8:30. Held at the Bernalillo United dates for local, state, national offices. www.sandovaldemocrats.org, 259-5860. nmparkinson.org. Methodist Church, 136 Calle Don Andres (behind Abuelitas), Bernalillo. Maxi- mum: 12 people; masks required. Info: 262-2177. Tuesdays: Haven House Domestic Violence Support Group for women Second Thursdays: Visionary Arts & Crafts Guild (VACG). 6-8 p.m. VACG is whose lives have been touched by domestic violence. 6:30-8:00 p.m. Topics a group of juried artists whose mission is to develop a fellowship among Second and fourth Mondays: Bernalillo Town Council meeting. 6:30 p.m. include: Dynamics of Domestic Violence, Safety Plans, Developing Healthy craftspeople and facilitate a market for crafts. The VACG supports the “Art of Held at Bernalillo Town Hall. Info: call 867-3311, townofbernalillo.org. Relationships, and information about available services. All sessions are confi- Craft” through exhibitions, education and public awareness to promote the dential and free of charge. Held at Rio Rancho First Baptist Church, corner of development and appreciation of craftspeople and theira work. Baptist Church Mondays through Fridays: Placitas Mothers’ Day Out childcare. A caring, Route 528 and 19th Avenue. 896-4869 or 1-800-526-7157. of Rio Rancho Adult Education Center, 1909 Grande Avenue, Rio Rancho. cooperative, community childcare program since 1989. Hours: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. [email protected], 948-3132. daily. Cancelled until further notice because of COVID. Info: Ms. Debbie Steu- Wednesdays: Cub Scout meetings. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Held at the LDS Church ber, 867-3371. Center in Bernalillo, west of I-25’s Exit 240. New members are always welcome. Third Thursdays: Placitas Community Library Board of Directors meet- 867-4689, 867-2047. ings. At the Placitas Community Library, 453 Hwy 165. 6:30 p.m. Open to the Mondays through Saturdays: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in public. Meeting agendas are posted at the library and Placitas Post Office. Bernalillo. For a complete list of schedules, visit the website at www.albu- Wednesdays: Rotary Club of Rio Rancho Sunrise. 7 a.m. For breakfast, fel- querqueaa.org or call Central Office at 266-1900, open 24/7. lowship, a great speaker, and a chance to get involved in local and worldwide Fourth Thursdays: Sandoval County Development Planning & Zoning service projects. At Club Rio Rancho (used to be Chamisa Hills CC), 500 Coun- Commission. 6 p.m. Held at the Sandoval County Administration Building, Tuesdays and Thursdays: Pickleball at the Bernalillo Community Center. 1- try Club Drive, Rio Rancho. Info: Mac McKinney, 892-4313. 1500 Idalia Road., Bldg. D, Bernalillo. 4 p.m. Pickleball is a game played on a court with paddles and a whiffle ball. The court is smaller than a tennis court and allows people to play who no Wednesdays: Urban Horticulture Class Continuing Series. 1-3 p.m. Spon- Last Thursdays: Sandoval County veteran’s outreach and business coun- longer want to run and jump as they did in their younger years. Anyone can sored by the SandovalMasterGardeners.org. Free and open to the public. Reg- seling. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Held at 433 Meadowlark SE in Rio Rancho. All honor- play, even if they have never played tennis. 934-2649. Cancelled until further istration preferred. SandovalMasterGardeners.org. Sandoval County Ext. ably-discharged veterans may be entitled to VA benefits and state Veteran notice because of COVID. Office, Bernalillo. 929-0414. benefits. Come learn about your potential benefits. Bring your DD-214. 383- 2414. First Tuesdays: Albuquerque Newcomers’ Club Welcome Coffee. 10 a.m. First Wednesdays: Free civil legal clinic offered. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Held in the Held at Sandia Presbyterian Church (not affiliated with church)—10704 Paseo third-floor conference room of the Second District Courthouse, at the south- Fridays: Sandoval County Stroke Support Group. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Pro- del Norte. Membership is open to residents who have lived in the Albuquerque west corner of Lomas and Fourth, NW. Free legal advice on a number of civil vides weekly support to survivors of stroke, their caregivers, adult family area (including Sandoval County) for five years or less, or who are having legal issues. No family law services will be offered. Attendance is limited to the members, and health care providers. Water and light snacks provided. No major changes in their lives. Make new friends and increase your social life. first 25 persons who qualify for low-income assistance. Interpreters and bilin- charge for meetings. Social outings arranged six times a year. Geri: 620-8802. Sign up for monthly luncheons and speakers, dining out, visits to area attrac- gual attorneys will be on hand. Attendees should bring all of their paperwork. tions, book and movie groups, bridge, bunco, mah jongg, walking, wine tast- Expect about a thirty-minute, free legal consultation. 797-6077. First Fridays: Monthly luncheon of the Democratic Party of Sandoval ings, etc. Singles’ and men’s groups. [email protected]. County. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Range Cafe in Bernalillo, 925 Camino del Pueblo. 321-6970. Second Wednesdays: Rio Rancho Art Association (RRAA) monthly mem- Sandoval Democrats gather once a month (most months) to welcome speak- bership meeting. 6:30-8:30 p.m. RRAA is a non-juried/all mediums regional ers, candidates, and government representatives. You pay for your lunch from First Tuesdays: Coronado Kennel Club meeting. 7:30 p.m. All-breed kennel art association. You need not be a resident of Rio Rancho to join. Held in Don the menu, or come for just the meeting. www.sandovaldemocrats.org. club. Schedule changes in August and December. Call 867-4510 for meeting Chalmer’s Ford Community Room, 2500 Rio Rancho Boulevard, Rio Rancho. location. www.rraausa.org, www.rioranchoartassociation.blogspot.com or 301-2009. Second Friday: Luncheon of the San-Bern Federated Republican Women. Starts at 11:30 a.m. Held at Rio Rancho Inn and Conference Center—1465 Rio First Tuesday: Monthly ice cream social hosted by the Kiwanis Club. 6 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays: Sandoval County Civitans. 6:00 p.m. Held at Rancho Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho, 87124. The meet-and-greet luncheons are to dis- Held at the Paleta Bar in Bernalillo—510 NM Highway 528. Fair Winds, 920 Riverview Drive SE, Rio Rancho. 898-6884. cuss business and politics for both Sandoval and Bernalillo County Republican interests. Our aim is to promote an informed public through political educa- Third Tuesday: Open meeting of the Sandia Vista Amateur Radio Club. 7 Third Wednesdays: Las Placitas Association Board meeting. 6:30 p.m. Cur- tion and activity. All Republican men and women invited to attend. Contact p.m. Held at Fire Station 41 on highway 165, just east of the Placitas Commu- rently held via Zoom. Attendance by invitation. Visitors welcome. Email: the- Julie Wright at 720- 4883 or go to www.sanbernfrw.org. nity Library. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings, whether or not they [email protected] for an invitation. have an FCC License. Saturdays: Casa Rosa Food Bank. Open 9-11 a.m. Held in the pink house east Thursdays: Sandoval County Historical Society archives and library are of Las Placitas Presbyterian Church at 640 Highway 165, six miles east of I-25. Third Tuesdays: Monthly meeting of the Republican Party of Sandoval open to members and the public for family research, 9 a.m.-Noon. Bernalillo. Community outreach program provides nonperishable food items as well as County (RPSC). 7 p.m. Held at the Gospel Light Baptist Church, 1500 South- Info: 867-2755. dairy, frozen meats, and fresh produce as available for Placitas residents in ern Boulevard in Rio Rancho. www.SandovalGOP.com. need. Donations, volunteers welcome. First Thursdays: Sandoval County veteran’s outreach and business coun- Third Tuesdays: Sandia Vista Amateur Radio Club. 7 p.m. Help provide seling. 1-4 p.m. Held at the Sandoval County Administrative Building, 1500 Third Saturdays: Rio Rancho Northwest Mesa NAACP meets “Virtual.” Pub- emergency communications in Placitas. Become a “HAM” radio operator. We Idalia Road in Bernalillo. All honorably- discharged veterans may be entitled lic is invited. https://rrnaacp.wixsite.com/website
PAGE 22 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 —S TORY ACRE LOT WITH WATER $39,000
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~KARL F. MOFFATT Underground The Perea Nature Trail, off U.S. Highway 550 at San Isidro, OFF might be one of those roadside attractions you’ve driven by Utilities! too many times and never stopped to see. I know that’s been my case, so I finally pulled over and checked it out one warm winter day, and I’m sure glad I did. It’s a delightful one-mile loop trail that winds its way along the riparian area adjacent to the Rio Salado riverbed. It features several conveniently installed benches for guests Call DAVE HARPER 505-263-2266 to sit and admire the views. [email protected] The surrounding mountain ranges include the bright, white gypsum cliffs of Blanco Mesa, which might be best seen in the morning. And visitors looking north can see the Placitas Realty 505-867-8000 Jemez Mountain range marking the bottom end of the Rocky Mountains that run all the way to Alaska. 3 Homesteads Rd, Placitas With Spring, this streamside oasis will be a great place to watch birds and other wildlife taking advantage of the habitat it provides. Being a wetland area, there are many different species of plants and flowers to be found along the trail. Interpretive signs dot the way and provide more infor- mation about what’s found here. As the trail begins to loop back to the parking lot, visitors should look for a path off to the side that leads to a bench beneath the overhanging branches of an ancient cottonwood tree. This spot screams out for a picnic. For more information and a brochure about the Perea Nature Trail, visit the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website BLM.gov/Perea- nature-trail. When in the area, visitors can stop by the CWW Feed in San Isidro, an old-school mercantile brimming with select Western wear, jewelry, toys, gifts, household goods, and hardware. The store is at the turnoff to Jemez Springs on State Road 4. In the back of the store visitors will find one of the best displays of mounts in the state including grizzly and black bear, mountain lions, coyotes, and plenty of African species, too. Read the story behind the CWW Feed Store on the author’s blog at: OutdoorsNewMexico.com/2011/uncategorized/wildlife-and-more-at-cww- feed-store and check them out as well on social media at Facebook.com/cww.feed. The store itself is worth a visit to San Isidro, while taking a hike at the Perea Nature Trail just makes it an even greater escape. Visitors will find the Perea Nature Trail parking area just before the Rio Salado bridge south of San Ysidro and barely outside the town limits on the west side of U.S. 550 and the north bank of the Rio Salado. Karl Moffatt is a longtime New Mexico journalist and avid outdoorsman whose many stories and photos can be seen on his blog at The CWW Feed Store and More in San Ysidro is a source of many things Western . www.OutdoorsNM.com.
NMFO announces Cry Macho, a Clint Eastwood film, wraps production in New Mexico ~JENNIFER ESQUIVEL The New Mexico Film Office recently announced the Tim Moore (The Mule, Jersey Boys, Trouble with the during which the world-weary horseman may find his feature film Cry Macho filmed in New Mexico Novem- Curve, Invictus, Gran Torino). own sense of redemption through teaching the boy what ber through December 2020. The film is produced by Based on the book, Cry Macho stars Clint Eastwood as it means to be a good man. But mostly, Cry Macho is Warner Bros. Pictures and Classic Films, and was filmed a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder who, written as a morality tale about two characters who help in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia in 1978, takes a job from an ex-boss to bring the man’s each other through tough transitions. counties. young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. The production employed approximately 250 New Cry Macho is directed by Clint Eastwood (The Mule, Crossing rural Mexico on their back way to Texas, the Mexico crew members, ten supporting New Mexico cast Jersey Boys, Invictus, Gran Torino) and produced by unlikely pair faces an unexpectedly challenging journey, members, and six hundred New Mexican extras.
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 23 Las Placitas Association (LPA) report ~JOAN FENICLE The Spring Equinox is a marker for our trip around the sun, a point of balance as we move from darkness to light. LPA is try- ing to balance optimism and pent-up demand with caution, so any plans made are subject to revision. Here is what we have on our agenda for April: • Our first sponsored hike in over a year on April 11. Meet at the Merc parking lot at 8:45 a.m. for a 3.6-mile hike of the Stripmine/Chalkdust Trails Loop nearby (rated as moderate). We supply water and plan to have you back in time for lunch. Coordinated by board members David Haigh and Patrick Van- derwygen and led David Haigh, this outing will be the first of at-least four such hikes this season. • An Arbor Day planting at the site of KUPR radio’s new stu- dio to address potential erosion issues. We will work with local experts to select the appropriate vegetation and will film the process to post on our website. If you haven’t viewed the native wildflower and tree planting guides on our website, we think you will find them interesting and educational. They are the basis of this project. GAUNTLET Deb Haaland was confirmed as America’s 54th Secretary of the Interior. The swearing-in ceremony was emotional with LETTERS • OPINIONS • LOCAL ISSUES Deb dressed in Native American attire, including a ribbon skirt designed for the occasion. We are proud. Now the hard work of balancing the demands on public lands begins. This is a huge The Signpost welcomes letters of opinion. Letters are subject to challenge. Only the Departments of Energy and Defense have editing for length, clarity, libel, and other considerations. Mail to: even marginally comparable influence in New Mexico and the West. Signpost, P. O. Box 889, Placitas, NM, 87043 or send to: [email protected] SB32, outlawing trapping and poisoning on public lands, has passed and is now on the Governor’s desk. This is of particular interest to Placitans who have witnessed the cruelty of trapping wildlife and domestic pets. There were several environmental victories this session including: Community Solar Act (SB84), New Mexico African American Committee stands making the benefits of solar available to all New Mexicans; two bills that will strengthen the state’s ability to regulate air in solidarity with the Asian American community pollutants and deny permits (HB76 & SB8); Environmental Database Act (HB51); Prescribed Burning Act (HB57); Healthy ~DORIS FIELDS Soil Tax Refund Contribution Option (HB89); Drinking Water First and foremost, our community is dismayed by the proliferation of gun violence. The New Mex- Testing Fund (HB92); and Sustainable Economy Task Force ico African American Resilience Committee (NMAARC) stands in solidarity with the Asian Ameri- (SB112). can community. We stand together not just against hatred and violence; we stand firmly as one Legislation must be acted upon by the Governor within together for peace and justice. We are one. We believe attacks on innocent people, on our Asian twenty days of session adjournment or bills will be pocket American sisters and brothers are attacks on all of us. Our hearts lay heavy for the family and friends vetoed. You can track these bills on the legislative website: whose loved ones were murdered in the shooting in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 16, 2021. We grieve nmlegis.gov. in solidarity. Sadly, we have a long and sordid caste system in our country, having established legal though false dichotomies. We have relegated people to lower status based on superficial physical characteristics, although there are no genetic differences. In our society, Asian Americans are regarded as less impor- tant and less deserving than those who do not look like them (a contrived social construct itself). Subsequently, those in the higher caste perpetrate violence against those in the lower caste. Crimes against Asian Americans have been increasing, particularly within the past year. According to Stop AAPI Hate, there have been 3,800 racially motivated attacks on the Asian American and Pacific Eastern Sandoval Citizens Islander (AAPI) community in the United States in the last twelve months. This number may be higher considering that many incidents never get reported. Yet, discrimination against Asians is not new; it has been perpetrated socially and legally since as early as 1854 when the Supreme Court Association (ESCA) report ruled that Chinese people, like African Americans and Native Americans were not allowed to testify in court, making it impossible for any of them to seek justice against mounting violence. —JEAN ROBERTS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ESCA Just as there were Jim Crow laws against African Americans, our nation legally cast Asian Ameri- cans as inferior and denied them constitutional rights. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act suspended ESCA has been urging action at the State and Federal level on Chinese immigration for ten years and declared Chinese immigrants ineligible for naturalization. issues that affect our community, but meanwhile, immediate Also, U.S. laws limited when and how many Chinese could enter the country and limited the type of action is needed right here in Placitas. The Casa Rosa Food work they were allowed do; subsequently, the same was true against Koreans, Filipinos, and the list Pantry has long served those in our community who need help goes on. Many are familiar with the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII but few may be with basic needs, and now Casa Rosa needs a little help from aware that there were four internment camps in New Mexico: in Santa Fe, Fort Stanton, Lordsburg the community to pay for a new roof and to fix possible wood and the Old Raton Ranch in Lincoln County. rot. NMAARC will not stand by silently while others are mistreated. One who is not Asian could argue Casa Rosa has been a mainstay of the Placitas community this does not affect you but we must all stand up against injustice. Pastor Niemöller’s words urge us during the pandemic, when other area food pantries closed. to speak up, to not stand silently or allow injustice to prevail. Here, I paraphrase his sentiments: First Thanks to a team of volunteers, along with generous donations they came for Jews and you and I did not speak out because we were not Jews; then they came for from the community, the Bezos Foundation, the Albuquerque gay and transgender people and you and I did not speak out because we were not gay; then they Rotary Club, and the Albuquerque Rotary Charity Foundation, came for Asian Americans and you and I did not speak out because we were not Asian Americans; Casa Rosa not only remained open but kept pace with demand and when they come for us, there will be no one left to speak for you or me. Rest not, for surely, during a particularly difficult year. In 2020, the food pantry aggressors will come for us. They will come. Our silence will not protect us. It never has. It never served 226 regular clients, plus another seventy families who will. We must stand up for equity, fairness, and justice. required one-time assistance. On March 20, 2021, the African American Resilience Committee along with Placitas Holocaust ESCA is urging members of the community to make even a Remembrance and Genocide Awareness Group organized a vigil in Placitas. Although the gathering small donation of $25—or more if you are able—to Casa Rosa was small in number (there were about 18 people), the event was moving and inspirational. Good to help cover the expense of the new roof. We can make a big sharing, including a member of the New Mexico Anti-Hate Crimes Alliance who spoke about offen- difference when we all come together. To donate, go to sive experiences as a Chinese American woman born and raised in California and being confronted casarosafoodpantry.org or mail your donation to PO Box 768, with people who insist she tell them she was born someplace else, “Where are you really from?” It Placitas, NM. 87043. was moving to hear participants say aloud the names and share something about those who were killed in Atlanta. We urge all of us to stand up. Speak out. Please remember that our silence will not protect us. It never has and it never will.
PAGE 24 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Bernalillo joins in YOUTH school reopenings ~SIGNPOST STAFF As the severity of the pandemic slacks off and federal guidance changes, New Mexico schools have been given the green light to fully reopen. In the Bernalillo Public Schools District, this means that students who choose to return to in-person learning are scheduled to resume regular classes on April 12 under what are generally called COVID-safe practices. In making the reopening announce- ment, on March 8, state Secretary of Public Education Ryan Stewart said tribal schools and students would continue to follow any local restrictions on resuming classroom learning. He also said educators were being prioritized for vaccinations and that districts have taken extraordinary steps to make schools safe. That includes the toughest indoor air standards in the country, he added. “Our COVID-safe practices have worked,” he said in a video announcement. “They have kept the COVID virus from spreading in our schools and allowed us to maintain safe indoor learning environments.” Schools were eligible to return to all team sports, and band and choir practices could reconvene—although outside. Meanwhile, BPS continues to look for a new superintendent from among forty applicants. At the March 25 school board meeting, members approved a letter to the We adhere to ©JATW2021 applicants with a one-week deadline for returning a two-page response to a rubric of strict COVID guidelines. job requirements prepared by the search committee. Offering curbside pick-up, too!
JEWELERS & Community GEMOLOGISTS says farewell 892-3841 to longtime 909 36th Pl. SE Rio Rancho Mother’s Day (Across from Out caregiver Turtle Mountain Pub) OPEN: Monday–Friday 10am-5:30pm Debbie Stueber Saturday 10am-4pm • harrisjewelersnm.com —SALLY BLANTON A festive string of more than 35 the most is playing in the decorated, honking vehicles lined acequia with the kids. It’s up outside Las Placitas Presbyte- a very kid-friendly atmos- rian Church (LPPC) on March 13 phere here.” for a car parade to say “good- Before moving to Albu- bye, thank you, and we love “Miss Debbie” enjoys the well-wishers in querque in 1997, Stueber you” to Debbie Stueber, the her special long-line car parade lived in Placitas for twenty iconic Director and Lead years. Her two sons, Teacher of the Mother’s Day Christopher and Kevin, Out (MDO) program in Placitas. “Miss Debbie,” as she is fondly called by children and later Chris’ son Kaje, and parents alike, has been providing nurturing, safe, and community-oriented child- were an integral part of care through the LPPC-housed MDO program since 1992. MDO programs are typi- her job, as they would cally nonprofit, cooperative playschool environments designed to give quality care to often substitute for a par- infants and toddlers while their parents, grandparents, or regular caregivers get a break ent who couldn’t take their for the day. Less structured than a regular preschool, they offer music, play, story time, scheduled turn as Debbie’s art, snack, as well as fine and gross motor activities. parent assistant. Not only While the Placitas MDO served all these functions, there was something more— did Stueber’s boys spend something special—about what blossomed under Stueber’s kind and caring oversight. time at MDO when they “We had more of a family environment, life-long friendships among parents and kids,” were in elementary school said Stueber, of the more than 375 families that she tallied as participants over the and beyond, but other Stueber displays some of the hundreds of photos years. “There was a second generation of kiddos coming into the program,” whose par- older children got off the given to her from MDO families and children ents had gone through the same positive experience with Stueber as their teacher. The bus at LPPC and were over the years. only difference was the decidedly sunnier and more accommodating suite of rooms on allowed to “hang out” by the main floor that the program moved into when the church remodeled. “The play- special arrangement with Miss Debbie until their parents picked up them and their room was in the basement for 14 years,” she said. “We had to walk up and down the MDO siblings. stairs all the time. My legs were in really good shape back then!” Stueber is retiring from MDO to head to Greer, South Carolina, where her sons and In addition to the benefit of camaraderie that developed among the families, the chil- their families live. She’ll be back and forth between there and New Mexico, but her dren who went from Stueber’s program right into kindergarten at Placitas Elementary tenure at MDO has ended. “It’s not the way I would necessarily like it all to end,” she School (PES) across the street had a smoother transition in most cases. They had said, meaning so soon. “But I guess it’s better to go out on a high note like this!” already made friends in the local MDO program, so they felt more confident when they One of the primary organizers of the farewell car parade was Jenny Trujillo, MDO entered the often-intimidating environment of public school. Stueber recalls, “I got parent, who had this to say about Stueber: “As a family who doesn’t have relatives reports from PES staff that the MDO kids were better adjusted, had better socialization nearby, we feel especially lucky to know and have grown with the local treasure that is skills, and were ahead of the game in academics. They knew their numbers, letters, and Miss Debbie, whose patience, kindness, and love was always abundant in ways usually could spell their own name.” The continuity of having one primary caregiver for reserved for family. We were grateful for the many years of experience she had to draw almost thirty years has played a big role in the academic and social success of the from, but while others might lean on that to generalize approaches and attitudes, she “graduates,” and the program itself. never failed to see each child’s needs individually and uniquely.” Over the years, Stueber (with the help of lots of dedicated parents) introduced the Although a much-loved teacher and director is leaving the program, there is an MDO children to many field trips, activities, and just plain fun times that they may not have Board of Directors which, in conjunction with Stueber, is spearheading an effort to experienced otherwise. Trips to the zoo and aquarium, karate and wildlife raptor shows, keep it going. The configuration of the caregiver(s) is yet to be decided, but there are a the Galloping Goat pumpkin patch in Rio Rancho, and even a special outing years ago few parents who have expressed interest in doing the job. to watch the circus parade downtown were part of the learning and socialization. Many Whether it is “hasta luego,” or a more permanent good-bye, the families which have kids looked forward to celebrating their birthday at “Miss Debbie’s” with games, cup- been fortunate enough to know Miss Debbie Stueber want to wish her well and thank cakes, and even piñatas. Stueber credits the beautiful church atmosphere and quiet, vil- her for her many years of love, caring, dedication and friendship that she has given to lage setting of the program as some of her best memories. “I think the thing I’ll miss Placitas and surrounding communities in the area.
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 25 YOUTH—CONTINUED
Scouts have adventures ~DAVID GARDNER The cub scouts have been finishing up various adventures, including Build It, Engineer, and Duty to God. For Build It they have built bird houses, tool boxes, and Pinewood Derby cars. For Duty to God they will present puppet shows from the scriptures using stick puppets. The older cubs will be graduating this summer and moving into the boy scout troop. The boy scouts are finally ready to resume outdoor activities. They are doing a clean-up service project at a yard in Placitas, to be followed, a week later, by a fishing trip. In April they will have a camping trip into the Pecos area. They will have a week of sum- mer camp in June with many fun activities as they work on rank advancements. While safety is always a top priority in scouting, hard work and joy in the process find their way into all we do. We invite all who want an adventure to join us. Call Amanda at 507-1305 or David at 867-4689.
Scouts present plays
Wild population of Mexican Wolves grows ANIMAL for fifth consecutive year ~TRISTANNA BICKFORD, NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH NEWS The wild population of Mexican wolves in the United States saw its fifth consecutive 2020: 29 in N.M. and 17 in Ariz., plus five single wolves in Arizona. A wolf pack is year of growth in 2020. According to the recent count, the U.S. population of Mexican defined as two or more wolves that maintain an established territory. By comparison, wolves has increased by 14 percent since last year, raising the total number of wolves there were a minimum of 42 packs at the end of 2019. in the wild to a minimum of 186 animals. • A minimum of 124 pups were born in 2020, with at least 64 surviving until the end From November, 2020, through January, 2021, the Interagency Field Team (IFT) of the year (a 52 percent survival rate). The average survival of Mexican wolf pups is conducted ground counts in Arizona and N.M. that concluded with aerial counts of around fifty percent. Mexican wolves in January and February. According to the IFT, the 186 wolves are • The IFT recorded a minimum of twenty breeding pairs (12 in N.M., eight in Ari- distributed, with 114 in N.M. and 72 in Arizona. In 2019, the team documented a mini- zona) with pups in 2020. mum of 163 wolves, which was a 24 percent increase from 2018. This population has • There were 96 collared wolves in the wild at the end of the year, which is slightly nearly doubled in size over the last five years. more than fifty percent of the wild population. These radio collars use satellite technol- “With careful planning and using best practices, we were able to conduct the annual ogy to accurately record wolf locations on a frequent basis. Biologists on the IFT use survey with the utmost emphasis on the health and safety of our staff,” said Brady this information to gain timely information about wolf behavior in the wild and assist McGee, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator. “Thanks with management of the wild population. to our staff’s efforts, we were able to document a minimum of 64 pups surviving in the • The IFT documented 29 mortalities in the wild population of Mexican wolves in wild last year. Pup production and recruitment in the wild population is extremely 2020, which is similar to the mortality rate in 2019 given the growing population. important to the recovery of this species. We are thrilled to see this number continuing • This year’s survey represents not only an all-time record number of wolves in the to rise.” wild but also the most ever breeding pairs, wild packs, pups born in the wild, and pups Among the 2020 findings: surviving to the end of the year. • There were a minimum of 46 packs (including new pairs) documented at the end of “Many people eagerly await the results of the annual Mexican wolf count. As has —continued next page
IN THE
GALLERY
by RUDI KLIMPERT
PAGE 26 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 ANIMAL NEWS from page 26 —CONTINUED —Wolves been the case for a decade, this year’s result signals success in recovery of this ele- ment of the Southwest’s biodiversity and offers hope of eventually meeting recovery goals,” said Clay Crowder, Assistant Director, Wildlife Management Division, Ari- Excellent care for your family pet zona Game and Fish Department. “With continued year-over-year increases in the United States, it is important to recognize that Mexico is key to full recovery, and Coronado Pet Hospital is a state-of-the-art, clean, and comfortable more attention is needed in support of efforts there.” veterinary clinic with a wide variety of veterinary services for total pet care.
In 2020, the IFT placed twenty captive-born pups into seven wild dens (a process Coronado's compassionate and experienced staff is fully equipped to called “cross fostering”) to boost the genetic diversity in the wild population. The treat dogs, cats, and many exotic species with general and emergency IFT has since captured and collared seven of these pups and will continue efforts in veterinary services, surgery, dental care, and prescription pet foods. 2021 to document others that may have survived. With these newly collared pups, the known number of fostered wolves alive is 12. Stop by to meet our staff or call for an appointment today. The Mexican wolf is the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America. It is listed separately from the gray wolf as an endangered subspecies under the federal Endangered Species Act. In 1977, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), and many partners, initiated efforts to conserve the subspecies by developing a bi- national captive breeding program with the seven remaining Mexican wolves in exis- tence. Approximately 350 Mexican wolves are currently maintained in more than 55 facilities throughout the United States and Mexico. Partners in Mexican wolf recovery in the United States include the Service, Ari- zona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, USDA Forest Service, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.
Conveniently located at 4192 Hwy 528 (just South of 550) Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Call 505-771-3311
Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Saturdays 8am-4pm Closed Sundays and major holidays
Mexican wolf THE ANIMAL HOTLINE Growth of wild Mexican wolf popula- To help reunite lost/found pets with their people. tion is welcome, but obstacles remain If you lose or find an animal in Sandoval County, ~CHRIS SMITH, WILDEARTH GUARDIANS email the information to:
This month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that at least 186 Mexican [email protected] wolves are known to be living in the wilds of southwestern New Mexico and south- We will place it in the upcoming issue at no charge. eastern Arizona. The annual count shows an increase of 23 wolves since last year’s If the animal you reported no longer needs count, but conservationists urge caution in equating increasing numbers of wolves with adequate progress towards recovery. Wildlife advocates warn that full recovery attention, please email the Signpost by the is still impeded by serious barriers that need to be overcome if lobos are ever to 20th of the month to have the listing removed. inhabit their historical range in a meaningful way. The number going up is good news and something to celebrate. But in some ways, it’s not the be-all and end-all in terms of recovery prospects. The wild population of wolves still faces a genetic crisis that can only be remedied by a real recovery effort The Animal Hotline is a free animal-friendly service of the Signpost. by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They need to release adult wolves and they need to create policies that are based on science, not the anti-wildlife stance of the Trump administration.” The best available science indicates that recovery of Mexican wolves would mean at least 750 total wolves in three distinct but connected sub-populations: one in the southern Rockies, one near the Grand Canyon, and one in the Greater Gila Bioregion where lobos now roam. The current, small population in Mexico may be helpful to recovery but cannot be the basis of recovery in the U.S. Furthermore, Trump’s border wall has dramatically decreased connectivity between lobos in Mexico and those in tourism has been developed and promoted, wolves have been a major economic boon the U.S. for rural communities. “One of the greatest challenges lobos face as they reestablish themselves across Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is finalizing a court-ordered remand of their historic range is a checkerboard of land uses, particularly on public lands,” said their Mexican wolf management plan. WildEarth Guardians and other organizations Madeleine Carey, greater Gila guardian for WildEarth Guardians. “Right now, we successfully sued the Service for the prior iteration of the plan. The latest draft plan, have too many acres of public land where wolves can be, and are being, shot or produced under the Trump administration, is concerning for wildlife advocates who trapped, largely for social or political reasons. If we want to recover the lobo, we claim that it is woefully inadequate to recover wolves and susceptible to further litiga- have to get to a place where we have large core habitat areas where it is always safe tion. to be a wolf, and we have to connect those areas with protected corridors.” Other impediments to Mexican wolf recovery include private trapping on public If Mexican wolves are actually recovered in the southwest, the ecological and eco- lands in New Mexico where wolves live, a high number of human-caused mortalities, nomic benefits could be profound. Apex carnivores can balance ecosystems, prompt and a lack of proactive coexistence among some public lands ranchers in wolf country. wildlife and plant diversity, and benefit water resources. In areas where wolf-based
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 27 LALO’S ANIMAL PRINTS Email your animal photos to “Lalo” at: [email protected]
I noticed a female Flicker in my Flicker House yesterday. I’ve had one in there twice before but they only stayed for a few days, I’m hoping she stays around longer. A Great Blue Heron at the Bosque Del Apache —TODD RENNECKAR walks along behind the reeds. —TODD RENNECKAR
The Pinon Titmouse is def my favorite of all the tiny birds —love their little crests. —TODD RENNECKAR
Woody Woodpecker hammers on a budding tree in the Village of Placitas. Canada Geese float by, at Rio Grande Nature Center. —BARB BELKNAP —TODD RENNECKAR
PAGE 28 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 SANDOVAL CLASSIFIEDS To place a classified ad, email your ad or questions to: [email protected] (Includes a free posting on the Signpost website.) For further information, visit: www.sandovalsignpost.com SignA N INDEPENDENT PLOCALO NEWSPAPERSt or call the Signpost office at 505-867-3810.
ANIMALS CLASSES AUCTIONS
AIKIDO OF CENTRAL NEW MEXICO 2 GREAT ONLINE AUCTIONS Paws N’ Claws Pet Care 243 Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo DOJO • Tue, Thu, Sun SO. VALLEY RANCHETTE & PLACITAS ESTATES In-Home Pet Care serving: WE ARE REOPENING!!! TRAIN FREE for 1 MONTH Placitas, Corrales & Rio Rancho COVID safe practice • IN PERSON & VIA ZOOM 2 Day RANCHETTE ESTATE opens Apr. 3; Overnight Pet Care provided in Placitas Call/Text 505-920-4180 for details • Charles Sensei starts closing Sat. & Sun. Apr. 10, 11 at 6PM— Complete Household, Collectibles, Tool Shop, Pet Sitting • Pet Waste Removal 2019 Hundai, 3 1950 Ford Pickups, Tractors, Trailers, Motorhome, Goldwing MC, & much more {505} 440-0875 Chris Livingston, Master Music Instructor Insured/Bonded Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Theory • All ages/styles PLACITAS ESTATE opens Apr. 14; More info on my website: chrisfusion.com starts closing Wed. Apr. 21 at 6PM— Deb Stichmann Fine SW Furniture, Oriental Rugs, Pottery, Antiques [email protected] LESSONS via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, or in Studio & Collectibles, Artworks, Household, & more. B.A. in Music • 20 yrs. Instructor & Performer
Certified in Early Childhood Teaching See www.spectrumauctionllc.com FIRST CLASS FREE with 1 month sign-up. for pics, details & link to ONLINE BIDDING NON-LETHAL SNAKE REMOVAL 505-980-4322 • [email protected] ~ ~ ~ Any kind of snake ~ ~ ~ SPECTRUM AUCTION LLC 505-228-9600 Donations accepted for payment. Your Friendly Placitas Auction Company Call Moises—321-3600
WILDLIFE RESCUE—Call 505-344-2500. FOR SALE: An all-volunteer wildlife rescue program to assist injured or orphaned wildlife. A service of the Rio Grande Nature HOMES / LAND Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
2 ACRES! CONVENIENT/QUIET!—2 building sites for house and horses/casita. Water, utilities, terrific Sandia view! ANNOUNCEMENTS Placitas Realty 867-8000, Janice 250-6946.
ARE YOU READY TO BUILD!—1 acre lot with water, SAN ANTONIO DE LAS HUERTAS LAND GRANT nearby utilities. Septic system included! Nice views! Placitas IS HOLDING OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR NEW HEIR Realty 867-8000, Janice 250-6946. MEMBERSHIP—starting April 1, 2021, to May 1, 2021. CLEANIING Potential heirs can request an application by sending an email to the membership committee at: [email protected] or send your request to: P. O. Box 625, Placitas, NM 87043. We will be hosting a Q&A Zoom meeting on April 10, 2021, at 4pm. Please email the membership committee for more information. ROSA’S HOUSECLEANING SERVICE, LLC ~ Family Business in Bernalillo ~ Licensed • Free Estimates TIERRA SAGRADA FARM—Bernalillo CSA References Provided ~ Community Supported Agriculture ~ Sign up for a box and enjoy vibrant, 505-379-8652 • 505-990-2053 delicious produce directly from our farm. Full share 20 weeks—$560 Half share 10 weeks—$280 Xtras: Pasture-raised chicken & duck eggs, poultry DESERT FLOWER CARPET & STEAM CLEANING Contact: tierrasagradafarm.com CARPET AND FURNITURE SPECIALISTS We steam clean wool and silk area rugs, too, JUST LISTED—This re-conditioned Southwestern-style has plus your tile, grout and stone many upgrades including TPO roof, stucco, solar, flooring, and 867-4493 • www.desertflowercleancarpets.com upgraded kitchen. Great room design with a versatile floor plan that offers dining room and music/hobby room. Fabulous west- PLACITAS WINERY ern and mountain views. 3000 SF on flat 1.25 acre for (At the old Anasazi Fields Winery in the Village of Placitas ) $625,000. Call Porter 263-3662. La Puerta Real Estate Serv- IS LOOKING FOR LOCAL FRUIT ices, LLC, 867-3388. FOR FRUIT WINE- & CIDER-MAKING Apricots, cherries, plums, apples, crabapples, berries, grapes. We can do the harvesting or reward you to do it. PLACITAS HOUSEKEEPING TWO SEPARATE LISTINGS FROM SAME OWNER— Please give a call/text to: 505-363-5606 One has 7 acres with a well and power for $99,000 and the or send an email to: [email protected]. other has 8 platted lots with wells and power for $199,000. WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Owner financing offered. Call Porter 263-3662. La Puerta Real Estate Services, LLC, 867-3388. Local resident • 25 years experience References provided • Placitas area —“FOR SALE-HOMES / LAND,” continued next page Find the Signpost online at Lesia Graham — 448-1152 / 659-5500 www.sandovalsignpost.com
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 29 FOR SALE: FOR SALE— CLASSIFIEDS HOMES / LAND VEHICLES ~CONTINUED~ ~CONTINUED~ FOR SALE—LIKE NEW 2007 BLACK VOLVO WITH GOLD LEATHER—S60 2.5 T. These engines should last 200,000 miles if maintained. Beautiful car with 48,000 original miles. One owner, all receipts. Perfect for that grandchild GROUND WORK ~ LOTS FOR SALE IN PLACITAS ~ headed to college. $37,000 new, asking $9,500. Call Rick 505-544-2202. • 2.48 ACRE LOT—99K @ 102 Montezuma Ct in Diamond Tail LANDSCAPING across the road from the Star Park w/Beautiful Views of the Ortiz Mtn. & Crest of Montezuma. ~CONTINUED~ • 2.31 ACRE LOT—$59,500 @ 205 Camino Barranca in La Mesa. Underground utilities includingSOLD water w/Gorgeous Mesa Views. • 1.18 ACRE LOT—$113,500 @ 4 Sunset Mesa Ct. in Sundance GROUND WORK Mesa. SOLD Underground utilities including water w/Magnificient Sandia & LANDSCAPING Mesa Views. • 2.24 ACRE LOT—$64,000 on Evergreen Dr. in The Overlook. Hillside Lot w/underground utilities including water w/lovely Sandia and Mesa Views. • 6.76 ACRES—already divided into 4 Lots at HWY 165 and Camino de la Buena Vista. Excellent investment property on which BLOOMING 2 smallSANDY homes POLING,can be built ABR, per lot E-PRO, w/HUGE Bringing Sandia View. You Home NATIVE GARDENS Call/Text 505.250.0879, [email protected] www.PlacitasProperty.com PROFESSIONAL La Puerta Real Estate Services 505.867.3388 XERISCAPE DESIGN, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE
RARE 6+ ACRE LOT ADJACENT NOW SCHEDULING EARLY SPRING CLEAN UP!! TO NATIONAL FOREST! $223,000 Extensive plant knowledge • Over 30+ yrs experience Breathtaking Views of surrounding Mountain ranges. • 10% off labor for new Placitas customers An Astronomer's delight of star-filled night skies. Call today to schedule a visit Endless possibilities for your unique Home/Compound. 505-440-0875 Contact Mindy Prokos 505-400-6488 [email protected] DALE’S TREE SERVICE—Pruning, removals, stumps, La Puerta Real Estate Services, LLC hauling and mowing. 28 years experience. Dale Roberts, Recommended by Angie’s List • Placitas resident • Lic/Ins 505-867-3388. Lic. #37897 505-473-4129 or 505-977-1981.
FOREVERBLOOM—A HORTICULTURE AND PLACITAS—CONVENIENT LOT! $130,000—1.5 acres in ARBORICULTURE BUSINESS. Services include: HEALTH / SPIRIT Placitas overlooking the National Forest with panoramic views! Consulting, landscape design, plant care, pre-purchase Lot for sale on paved road with underground utilities, commu- inspection and selection. Disease and pest infestation nity water and natural gas! Huge views of the Sandias, Mt. Tay - control. Tree appraisals and landscape restoration. lor, city lights and amazing sunsets! Ridge lot with custom homes all around. Just 5 miles from I-25. Placitas Realty 505- 30 yrs. exp. Please give me a call—Virginia Escamilla at RIVER STONE CATE CLARK MASSAGE THERAPY 867-8000, Dave Harper 505-263-2266 [email protected]. 505-379-8890. MT#4607 is NM Safe Certified and Certified Member ABMP. Covid-compliant and committted to all our health. Open Mon.-Fri. by appt., 8am-5pm, in new Village of Placitas studio. riverstonecate.com • Call to schedule—505-401-4015
PLACITAS—3.5 ACRE LOT $78,000—Panoramic view lot a HIGH & DRY LANDSCAPES a backing up to hundreds of acres of Public Land! Serene setting Country cottage gardens using native plants & permaculture in Placitas with little traffic; the land includes water, electricity, CALL/TXT: SALLY HALL—505-695-0243 phone & cable! Reasonable restrictions; horses, goats and sheep SERVICES are allowed! Dave Harper 505-263-2266 Placitas Realty 505- 867-8000 [email protected]. WHELCHEL Placitas PLACITAS—2 ACRES $64,000—Convenient, developed lot just off paved road with water included! Just a 5-minute Landscaping and Construction Co. Pool & Spa Service drive from I-25. Placitas Realty 505-867-8000 Dave Harper 505-263-2266 [email protected]. NOW is a great time to SAVE MONEY on Complete Landscaping, Concrete Work, Paver Patios, Service • Repair • Maintenance Patio Covers, Gravel Work & more! We’re Specialists in 797-9680 PLACITAS—NEXT TO PUBLIC LAND $50,000—Rare property in Placitas with no restrictions, next to thousands of LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR LIVING ✃ Pool & Spa Techs acres of Public Land! 3/4 acre lot with Bank financing avail- Clip This Ad and Place on Refrigerator for Future Reference able! Placitas Realty 505-867-8000 Dave Harper 505-263-2266 Sprinkler & Drip Systems [email protected]. Concrete, Flagstone & Brick Work Block Walls & Stucco Work Additions & Remodels Kiva Fireplaces • Banco Seating PLACITAS—5 ACRES $30,000—Secluded lot in Placitas with panoramic views and few neighbors! Perfect place to build Outdoor Kitchens • Portals • Decks your off-the-grid home! Dave Harper, Placitas Realty 867-8000 Patio Covers • Retaining Walls or 263-2266 [email protected]. Terracing • Sod • Gravel & Planting If you can imagine it, we can create it.
Call 221-8052 for free estimate PLACITAS—3.8 ACRES $29,000—Huge Sandia views! Bank References/Pictures on Request • www.nmlandscaping.com financing available! Placitas Realty 505-867-8000 Dave Harper Licensed/Bonded/Insured/Lic. #380846 505-263-2266 [email protected]. A-Rating - Angie’s List • AAA - Better Business Bureau
—“GROUND WORK / LANDSCAPING,” continued next column —“SERVICES,” continued next page
PAGE 30 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 SERVICES Adobe Handyman Services ~CONTINUED~ I do it all! N
AN A Tile Framing Drywall
MA M Stucco Plaster Painting YM Y Windows Doors Roofs DY D Stonework Adobe Landscaping N AN A No job too small
HA H N llamsootbojo ! FREE EEERF ESTIMATES!STST MI ATAT SE !S Call ScottocSllaC tttt 600-2394625-043 96
~ Call for Pool Closings & Equipment Upgrades
~ Service Maintenance
Painting by 505-933-1767 United Services Residential • Commercial
All Paints & Refinishes • Int./Ext. General Maintenance Handyman • Stucco Repairs 505.250.6646 ABR Septic Pumping Licensed, Insured & Bonded • • • DESERT SERVICE SPRING • • • & Back-Up Service Garage Door Service
Broken Spring & Operator Repair “We Live & Own in Placitas!” 505-252-9722 • WEEKENDS—No Extra Charge Call Jim: 505-315-5000 DAVE’S WeWe wearwear masksmasks && glovesgloves forfor youryour protprotection.ection. BOBCAT SERVICE Regular septic service & emergencies Dirt Removal Trash Haul • Grading NEW MEXICO RUBBISH REMOVAL Tree/Brush Removal Licensed WEEKLY TRASH SERVICE Gravel • Driveways & Insured • Serving the Placitas Area Snow Removal • Backhoe • Bi-weekly recycling available • Offering assistance THANK YOU Call to elderly & disabled 505-264-1062 • Placitas owned & operated for your support “Serving Sandoval Call Jon Dominguez • 239-3971 of Signpost advertisers. County since 1996”
”JUNGLE” A stereogram by GARY PRIESTER
TO VIEW THE STEREOGRAM: Hold the image close to your wide open eyes and look “through” the image, not focusing on it, then slowly move the image away maintaining the blurred focus. Let your brain work to see the hidden image in 3D. Visit: facebook.com/Eyetricks3DStereograms to see images that change each week or visit: eyetricks-3d-stereograms.com.
Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2021 • Page 31 PAGE 32 • APRIL 2021 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988