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. 31 / NO .4 • APRIL 2020 • FREE IVEN Candidates flock to openings D ILL for elective office —B ~SIGNPOST STAFF The coming elections promise to bring new faces to offices across the county and in Placitas where voters will help to fill open seats in the state House and Senate. Among the familiar names not appearing on the June 2 pri- mary ballots are Sandoval County Clerk Eileen Garbagni and Treasurer Laura Montoya, who are term-limited; District Attor- ney Lemuel Martinez, first elected in 2000; and state Sen. John Sapien, D-Corrales, who is retiring from Senate District 9 after three four-year terms. Montoya is a candidate in the Demo- cratic primary for New Mexico’s northern-district U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Ben Ray Luján, who is running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Tom Udall. Also missing from the local-level ballot will be state Rep. Gregg Schmedes, R-Tijeras, whose three-county District 22 includes Placitas. After one two-year term, he’s challenging fellow Republican Sen. James White of Albuquerque in Senate District 19. Casa Rosa Food Pantry volunteer Doug Chapman is ready to deliver the goods Other candidates are not unfamiliar as several former office- after the food bank shift to drive-through pickup. It being shortly after St. Patrick’s Day, holders are working to get back into the game as listed below. the balloon attached to his cap reads “Elbow Me” instead of “Kiss Me, I’m Irish.” Those include former Bernalillo Town Councilor Ronnie Sis- neros, former state representatives Ben Rodefer, James Roger Corona virus updates Madalena and Bob Perls, and former County Commission Dar- ryl Madalena. ~BILL DIVEN Additionally, Bernalillo school board member Jodilynn Ortiz, who ran against Sapien in the 2016 primary, is among the four Emergency orders evolving as COVID-19 outbreak spreads Democrats and three Republicans vying for that seat. And As this edition of the Signpost goes to press, Lujan Grisham issued an executive order, Jessica Velasquez, who narrowly lost to Schmedes after a the national and local response to COVID-19 declaring a public health emergency in the recount two years ago, is running unopposed in the Demo- (the illness) and the new or novel coron- state. Beyond inherent state powers to pro- cratic primary as is Stefani Lord on the Republican ballot. avirus that causes it, continue to evolve tect health and safety, the order cites the Early voting at multiple locations begins on May 16 and con- daily, if not hourly. state Public Health Emergency Response Act tinues through May 30, the Saturday before the primary. The information in the following stories and All Hazards Emergency Management Absentee voting begins on May 5 with ballots being submitted was current when written but may have Act as underlying the orders. by mail or in person to the county clerk before the polls close changed by the time you read this. Regard- At the time, 39 states had reported at least on June 2. less, the national health and economic crisis one thousand confirmed or presumptive As the outbreak of the COVID-19 illness disrupts traditional shows little sign of abating soon. COVID-19 cases. As of March 28, the Centers campaigning, candidates are increasingly active on their web- The pandemic has disrupted commerce for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sites and social media. across the country, not excluding New Mex- had tallied more than 103,000 cases reported Candidates who filed on March 10 for selected state and local ico and all routine operations of Sandoval from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, offices affecting Sandoval County follow along with confirmed County and its municipalities. Emergency, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin web links. Find voter information on the websites of the Secre- utility, and other essential services continue, Islands with 1,668 deaths. tary of State (sos.state.nm.us) and Sandoval County Bureau of but as noted in related stories that follow, On March 24, New Mexico announced the Elections (sandovalcountynm.gov). many county, town, and school staff people state’s one hundredth confirmed case. By

are still active using workarounds for things March 28, it was 208 cases, 92 in Bernalillo STATE SENATE DISTRICT 9 like senior meals. County. Fifteen of those were in Sandoval (PLACITAS, BERNALILLO, CORRALES, SANDIA PUEBLO, PEÑA BLANCA) First detected and reported by the Chinese County, with the rest spread around 17 of 33 Democrat: government in late 2019, the World Health counties from the Four Corners to the east- • Ben Rodefer, Corrales, benrodefer.com Organization (WHO) announced the emer- ern plains and the southern border. • Kevin David Lucero, Corrales gence of COVID-19 (abbreviated from coron- Two reported deaths involved men with • Jodilynn Ortiz, Placitas, jodilynnortiz.com avirus disease 2019) on January 30. The chronic health issues. The New Mexico • Brenda Grace McKenna, Corrales, federal Department of Health and Human Department of Health (DOH) identified brendamckennaforsenate.com Services declared a public health emergency them as a 70-year-old from Eddy County Republican: the next day, in part to engage state and and an 80-year-old from Bernalillo County. • Tania Arletha Dennis, Corrales, taniadennisfornm.com community-level preparedness and combat “For anyone in our state who had not yet • John Stahlman Clark, Placitas, johnclark4nm.com spread of the disease. acknowledged this virus as the urgent public • Bridget E. Condon, Rio Rancho, bridget4nm.com The day after the first New Mexico case health crisis that it is, who has not accepted

was revealed (March 11), Gov. Michelle the extremely compelling need to stay home, STATE SENATE DISTRICT 22 Democrat: —continued on page 3 • Benny Shendo Jr., Jemez Pueblo Republican: • Susan E. Aguayo, Rio Rancho, susan4nmsenate.com

—continued on page 8 Find the Signpost online at www.sandovalsignpost.com iinnvitesnvnvivitititetteses s yyouyoou too jjoinjojoioinin uss foforfor mumusicususisicic andanndd arartrt iin thethhe foofoooothillsotoththihilillllsls

“Sandiaas PostSt-Storm”P” Photographbh by Erica Wene delOll-Oglesbby The Placitas Arttistts Series Continues itts 33rd Seeason! Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 3:000 p.m. Kim Fredenburgh pressents “Songsg and Dances” Music for Flute

Ki m Glicklil ch, piano

nn, Schulhoff, Debussy, ven nMn Materials

rine Irish, Pastel Meg Leonard, Pastel & Oil Painting Rebecca Nolda & P.K.. Williams, Mixed Mede ia Dana Roth, Photography Evening Calm Elizabetth Potter, Jewelry Dana Roth

Tickets may be purchased: t On thePPAS website t

At the dooor one hour before the show, subject to availability t At the Merc Grocery Store, Homestead Village Shopping Plaza, Placitas t

At Underr Charlie’s CoversBookss, 160 S. CaminodelPueblo, Bernalillo Individual concerrt tickets $25; students with ID $15; any student through Grade 12 may be admitted free of charge with a paying adult. All concerts are at Las Placitas Preesbyterian Churchc on Hwy. 165 in Placitas. www.P. lacitasArtistsSeries.orgg 5055-867-8080 info@o PlacitasArtistsSeries.orgg This rp oject iss made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Deppartment of Cultural Affairs,i andn the Natit onal Endowment for the Arts

TIMEE, DDAATE, AND PROOGRAM SUBJECT TO CHHAANGE

PAGE 2 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 CONTENTS from page 1——— Up Front—1 Sandoval Arts—20 Updates Business-7 Calendar—22 Around Town-9 Night Sky-23 today lays bare the very real, very Dr. Deidra Casaus Real People-10 Gauntlet-24 life-or-death consequences of this Board Certified Public Safety-11 Senior Center—25 disease,” Lujan Grisham said in a Eco-Beat-12 Youth-25 May 25 statement. “I ask all New Optometric Physician Time Off 15 Animal News—26 Mexicans to include the sick and Health-16 Classified Ads—29 their families in their prayers–as well 505-771-EYES as the health care workers and those others on the front lines helping to

MAIL: protect us from this disease.” Contacts • Glasses • Eye Diseases Signpost, P. O. Box 889 On March 25, the state imple- 160 S. Camino del Pueblo • Bernalillo mented its emergency-alert system, Placitas, NM 87043 www.thevisionstorenewmexico.com PHONE: (505) 867-3810 sending out its first message urging WEBSITE: www.sandovalsignpost.com people to “stay home, save lives.” EMAIL: [email protected] The DOH also had detected com- Open for Business now! Call for appointment! CALENDAR: [email protected] munity spread (person-to-person ADVERTISING: [email protected] spread) and not just travelers return- DEADLINE: ing from known hotspots. The 20th of each month, prior to month of interest “The agency reports that given the DROP BOX: On the wall inside The Merc, at Homestead Village, infectious nature of the virus it is 221 Highway 165, Placitas, Two miles east off I-25 likely other residents are infected but Nearly New Exit 242. yet to be tested or confirmed posi- A Repeat Boutique Operated by Bound for Success, Inc. SIGNPOST STAFF: tive,” a statement from DOH read. PUBLISHERS: Barb and Ty Belknap The department is actively tracing Our “STUFF a BAG” promo was such a big hit, EDITOR / BUSINESS MANAGER: Ty Belknap contacts of those people and testing we are continuing with our EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Barb Belknap those showing any symptoms, the NEWS EDITOR: Bill Diven statement added. $5 PER ITEM—5-item limit Special! COPY EDITOR / PROOFREADER: Evan Belknap Additional restrictions enacted on Some single items are $25 & UP! NIGHT SKY FEATURE WRITER: Charlie Christmann March 23 closed the work sites of NOW, only $5 EACH!!! MASTHEAD & DESIGN SUPPORT: Gary Priester nonessential businesses, while allow- CARTOONIST: Rudi Klimpert (in memorium) AD SALES: Office Staff ing work by remote means. The order We are encouraging normalcy during these abnormal, WEBMASTER: Bunny Bowen limits mass gatherings, indoor or out- weird, unprecedented times. The need for clothing— DISTRIBUTION: Office Staff door, to five people. Previous orders one of most basic human needs—isn't going away.

set the limit at one hundred and then Practice self-care, too. Look & feel your best! Sandoval Signpost is published monthly by fifty people. Belknap Publishing, Inc, P. O. Box 889, Placitas, NM People still can venture out for gro- 836 Camino Del Pueblo, BERNALILLO, NM 87004 • 771-8228 87043. Bulk postage is paid at Placitas, New Mexico. cery shopping and health and safety bound4success.org • OPEN: Wed-Sat. 10am-4pm • Tues by appt. only As a local newspaper of general circulation for needs, while practicing social dis- Placitas, Bernalillo, Corrales, Rio Rancho and other tancing—that is, a separation of six areas of southeastern Sandoval County, we invite readers to submit stories, ideas, articles, letters, feet and shielding coughs and poetry, and photographs of artwork for publishing sneezes. A growing number of states exempt, as are laundromats and some delivery services. The complete list, consideration. We welcome advertising of interest to have been taking similar actions. dated March 23, can be found on Lujan Grisham’s website— our readership area. Ad and submission deadline is DOH calls the measures necessary Governor.state.nm.us—under Press Releases. the twentieth of the month prior to the publication to limit infections spread by close While the governor’s initial declaration remains in effect until rescinded, month. contact. Without that, the fear is a the order closing public schools for three weeks was written to expire on This issue of the Sandoval Signpost has been burgeoning caseload overwhelming April 6. But, on March 27, she extended the order for the rest of the mailed to every home in Placitas (2,700 direct-mail), health care services. academic year, adopting the term “continuous learning” as school districts some direct-mail to Bernalillo, and delivered for free The five-person limit does not adopt locally relevant learn-at-home programs. pickup at over forty locations in the Placitas- apply to residents of the same home Additional orders released emergency funds for the National Guard, the Bernalillo-Corrales and southeastern Sandoval Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, DOH, and County area, totalling about 5,400 copies. or places of worship. Copyright © 2020, by Belknap Publishing, Inc. The latest order listed 18 categories Public Education to support, coordinate, and support humanitarian relief All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of essential businesses and nonprofits and other services. is prohibited. The opinions expressed in articles still in operation. Those range from The State Investment Council has also joined the fray in late March by appearing in the Sandoval Signpost are those of banks, newspapers, grocery stores, creating a New Mexico Recovery Fund of up to $100 million. Guidelines the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect and funeral homes to construction were still be written, but the fund is intended to provide low-cost, short- those of the publishers. The Sandoval Signpost is sites, childcare serving essential term loans to New Mexico businesses “that can demonstrate a realistic plan printed with soy ink on recycled newsprint. workers, health care facilities, and and the financial wherewithal to weather the COVID-19 crisis,” according to

operations involving production and a SIC staff report. SUBSCRIPTIONS—--$35/YEAR, 12 ISSUES: Mail address and check to: Signpost, P. O. Box 889, distribution of food. Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court ordered a temporary halt to Placitas, NM 87043. Or call the office at 505-867-3810 Restaurants and local brewers and evictions, as residents continue to shelter in place. distillers offering only take-out are to pay over the phone with a credit/debit card or —continued on page 5 for further information.

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 3 FILL YOUR CART WITH: Boar’s Head Deli Meats Artisanal Cheeses Over 800+ Fine Wines Cold Beer, Growlers, Spirits Fresh Produce and Fresh Meat Sage Bakery Bread Bakery Desserts and other Groceries

Located in Homestead Village, just 2 miles east of I-25 at 221 Highway 165 Open 9AM to 8PM • Sundays 9AM to 6PM • (505) 867-8661 SHOP THE MERC

PAGE 4 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 —B ILL D IVEN

In March, drive-through pickup of prepacked food boxes became the new normal for the Casa Rosa Food Pantry in Placitas. Here volunteer David Lisak braces the liftgate and as Doug Sporn makes a delivery. from page 3———Updates SERVICES FOR ALL UP YOUR WATER AND Where to get information FRONT CONSTRUCTION NEEDS As rumors, bad information, and deliberate misinformation spread, public and nonprofit agencies have become clearinghouses for news and updates. The following is a list of helpful services, pertinent local offices, and verified information portals. • NewMexico.gov: the state portal containing updates on health, education, jobs, and economic issues. • CV.NMHealth.org: The state Department of Health micro-site dedicated to COVID-19 information and how to protect yourself. • DOH hotline numbers: -Health-related questions: 1-855-3453 - Senior food: 1-800-432-2080 DEMOLITION • LOADER • GRADING - Information on school closures, job issues and other questions: 1-833-551-0518 PAD PREPARATION • BACKHOE / BOBCAT SERVICE • Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC.gov • Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s website, including executive orders: Governor.state.nm.us. • Roadrunner Food Bank, Albuquerque/Las Cruces: RRFB.org (in need of cash donations and volunteers) • Assistance line (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.): 349-5340, (575) 523-4390 ® • Casa Rosa Food Pantry, Placitas, CasaRosaPantry.org, 867-5718 (answered by Phil Messuri, MS, CFP Las Placitas Presbyterian Church) Certified Financial Planner® Professional • Sandoval County: SandovalCountyNM.com. Homepage links to community, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) senior, and other services, frequently asked questions, free meal programs for children, official statements and the county’s March 20 emergency/disaster declaration. [See separate story on page 9.] INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT—RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS • Town of Bernalillo: TownOfBernalillo.org. A message from Mayor Jack Torres and a notice from the Bernalillo Fire and Rescue Department about best personal Market Volatility in 2020 practices. [See separate story on page 6.] • The Bernalillo Public Schools: Bernalillo-Schools.org. Email questions to How have you felt about recent stock market volatility? Superintendent Keith Cowan at [email protected]. [See the Town of Are you continuing to worry about how the US and the world’s economies will fare? Bernalillo story on page 6.] • FBI: FBI.gov/scams and safety/protecting-your-kids. Numerous agencies If you have a financial advisor, did he/she have warned of scams, including bogus and potentially dangerous treatments; a proactively call or email you? If so, did small number of New Mexicans have called 911 after ingesting bleach and hydro- they ask how you felt? gen peroxide. Don’t do this. Also, with schools closed, the FBI Albuquerque Field Do you have a strategy that helps you Office issued an alert to parents to talk with children about internet safety. weather major market declines?

Are you aware that there are investment approaches that may help you emotionally Anonymous callers lash out at Asian restaurants cope with market drops? In these crazy times of pandemic, illness, uncertainty, and fear—as if legitimate There are more questions I could pose along similar lines. I have over questions and concerns weren’t enough—bigotry bubbled up from the ooze. 24 years as a financial advisor. I have fielded calls and had meetings “Asian restaurants in our community are getting phone calls, bigoted, biased, associated with numerous major and modest down-market periods over nasty phone calls, blaming them for this coronavirus,” County Commission Chair the years. Some see the recent declines as a buying opportunity. Others David Heil of Rio Rancho said during the March 19 meeting. “I can’t even believe want to be out of the stock market. I know that there is no single approach solution that fits my clients. somebody would think that legal residents and citizens of the United States would be chastised just for being Asian, just for having an Asian restaurant… I I offer a complimentary call or meeting. The agenda is up to you! ask people to stop it. It is ridiculous.” Please contact my assistant, Marcia Smith, to make arrangements. While Heil didn’t mention President Donald Trump, the president, and other politicians and commentators, have been roundly criticized for labeling the pan- 798-6941 demic sweeping the country and world the “Chinese virus.” Trump has denied the labeling is racist. WWW.NMFINANCIALSOLUTIONS.COM Health professionals deliberately avoid naming diseases by locations to avoid such stigma. The influenza pandemic of 2009 originated in North America but 6100 UPTOWN BLVD. NE, SUITE 610B, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110 Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC wasn’t called the Northern American flu, Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the — Member FINRA/SIPC a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. World Health Organization Emergencies Program, noted during a March 18 news Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Phill Messuri, MS, CFP® conference. is a Registered Representative of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC. —continued next page

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from page 5———Updates UP FRONT ~CONTINUED

Another example is the infamous Spanish flu of 1918-1919, which killed per- With Town Hall, the library,

haps fifty million people—about 675,000 of them in the U.S.—when the coun- rec center, and MCD office IVEN try’s population was barely one hundred million. It is believed to have first closed to limit the spread of D taken hold among Allied World War I troops fighting in France where the news COVID-19, staff people are still ILL was suppressed. taking some calls like water- —B It only received its name after generating headlines across Spain, which was leak reports and planning and neither involved in the war nor censoring its news media. zoning projects facing critical “We’ve been very clear right since the beginning to this event that viruses deadlines. Essential services— know no borders and they don’t care your ethnicity, the color of your skin, or police, fire, water, wastewater, how much money you have in the bank,” Ryan said, according to an official water, and roadcrews—are still transcript of his comments. “So, it’s really important that we be careful in the working. Parks remain open, language we use, lest it lead to profiling of individuals associated with the and the finance department is virus… This is a time for solidarity, this is a time for facts, this is a time to still processing paychecks and move forward together to fight this virus together.” paying bills. “Basically, we’re trying to keep as much going as we can safely Attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19 Double whammy hits Bernalillo as oil prices plunge and legally,” Torres said. “We’re have canceled events across New Mexico for the foreseeable future. In this case it was the Beyond the disease-related disruptions, international events have quashed state playing it step by step.” Placitas Artists Series March 15 road money intended for the town of Bernalillo. The March 23 Town Council artist reception and concert at It wasn’t long after Mayor Jack Torres, on March 9, announced that the Legis- meeting was canceled, as nothing Las Placitas Presbyterian Church. lature had unexpectedly funded $595,000 for roadwork on Camino Don Tomas required immediate action. Two and Calle Barrionuevo that he learned the governor had vetoed the money.” days later, however, an emergency State Reps. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo, and Jane Powdrell-Culbert, who meeting was called to approve an emergency/disaster declaration. were presenting an update on their work, on behalf of the town, also didn’t Torres said he has been consulting with other mayors about handling future know that $495,000 aimed at South Hill Road had vanished as well. meetings. Two newcomers join the Town Council on April 1, as Phillip Those actions came as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, grappling with a sud- Valverde and Sharon Torres-Quintana succeeded Councilors Marian Jaramillo den bust in booming oil production, vetoed a fifty-million-dollar roads bill. In (who finished third in the four-person race on March 3) and Ronnie Sisneros her veto message, she cited the uncertainty surrounding both the crash in oil (who’s running for county treasurer in the June primary). prices and the COVID-19 pandemic. The town seems to be taking the state emergency orders in stride, Torres said, The short story on benchmark oil prices cratering, from about sixty dollars a adding that people he’s seen in Rotary Park have been self-segregating. barrel to near twenty dollars a barrel, is that there was a falling-out between Meanwhile, the Bernalillo Public Schools, with its school shuttered, contin- production pals Russia and Saudi Arabia. Where Russia wanted to constrict ued its breakfast and lunch programs with “Grab and Go” at all school sites, production to bolster prices, the Saudis opted to flood the market with cheaper and added locations, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Students must be present to oil to grab market share. receive the meals. Bernalillo is still in line for other project funding. The additional sites are Rotary Park in Bernalillo, the Peña Blanca Commu- “Instead of $2.5 million coming in, it’s just over $1.5 million, which for us is nity Church, and locations at Acoma, Santa Ana, San Felipe, Santo Domingo, just a great number,” Torres told the Signpost. and Cochiti pueblos.

PAGE 6 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 It’s not business BUSINESS as usual, but Placitas is still open ~SIGNPOST STAFF Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm

As Placitas weathers the COVID-19 Every Day. (Placitas Café, 771-1700, • Wills and Trusts storm, the restaurants, grocery, and Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., • Special Needs Trusts food bank continue to operate, and Saturday-Sunday 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., • Probate and Trust Administration one brave business owner is about to closed Monday.) • Powers of Attorney open a pharmacy. Blade’s Bistro is also welcoming • Health Care Documents Yet, it’s hardly business as usual. walk-in and phone orders for take- • Elder Law Emergency proclamations have lim- out and curbside pickup. The menu • Guardianship and Conservatorship ited the Placitas Café and Blade’s varies seasonally but sticks with the During this time, we will be offering phone and video Bistro to takeout orders, and spooked theme of Creative Casual Cuisine. conferencing. We also have emergency procedures shoppers, thinking less about others, (BladesBistro.com, 771-0695, cur- for isolated individuals to complete documents. have The Merc limiting purchases of rent hours 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday some items. through Saturday, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Sun- Mrs. Pickel has a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning and Elder Law, Early on, one man reached into a day, closed Monday.) is the former chair of the Elder Law Section of the New Mexico Bar, shelf and grabbed all the canned Casa Rosa Food Pantry, next door is the former division chair of the Estate and Trust division of Real Property, soup he could, said Orville McCallis- to Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, Estate and Trust Section of the New Mexico Bar, is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and was a prior board member ter, an operator of The Merc and continues to serve about fifty house- of the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity. owner of the Homestead Village holds a week but has made some She served as an Assistant Judge Advocate General (JAG) Shopping Center. operational changes. Instead of with the U. S. Air Force before settling in Placitas. “I don’t understand that,” McCal- allowing shopping inside its build- lister said. “It didn’t seem right to do ing, the corps of volunteers have that… That’s when I decided to put prepacked food boxes and moved JOHANNA A. PICKEL, LLC on limits.” outdoors to deliver them to people in Business office locations in McCallister said he and his wife their vehicles Judy are spending about twice as “These guys are really amazing,” both Placitas and Albuquerque much time as before keeping the Operations Manager Jim Harris said. store stocked, as some regular ship- The pantry has stopped accepting (505) 798-2515 ments come in with lists of items donations of food items—due to the 01 Ridge Court, Placitas, New Mexico 87043 temporarily unavailable. That has led need to sanitize it—and clothing. 4801 Lang Avenue, NE • Suite 110 • Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109 to reaching farther afield to out-of- Cash donations still are needed, [email protected] • www.johannapickel.com state sources and restaurant suppli- and the general rule is that each one ers. dollar buys nine-dollars worth of “We’re sourcing not only regular food, because of the pantry’s access suppliers but also locally and anyone to subsidized products, he added. we can think of to get items in,” he The pantry is also calling clients continued. Some of that is at higher who are eighty and older to see if saged as Las Placitas Presbyterian Church). Amazon Smile customers can costs which has to be passed on to they’d prefer someone in masks and get to the Charities List and designate the church, which receives 0.5 percent shoppers, he said. gloves to deliver food to them, said of purchases for pass-through to Casa Rosa.) As a landlord, McCallister said he’s Claire Harwell, chair of the Casa also helping the two restaurants in Rosa board. That is partially out of an the center as they try to keep people abundance of caution, but also County adapts services to shelter-in-place orders employed while revenue shrinks. A because the social aspect of Saturday While sheriff’s deputies, paid and volunteer firefighters, and public-works pending lease for a juice bar remains mornings at the pantry is on hold for crews remain highly visible during the COVID-19 outbreak, others working unsigned, but a pharmacy next to the now, she added. from homes and closed buildings carry on as well. If not, senior meals, Merc is awaiting final inspection with “I would like for the community to transport to medical appointments, and home visits among other aspects of hopes of opening about April 1. know we’re going to be here for as the Community Services Department would wither. “Everybody knows the Café; we’ve long as we can provide the service,” “The first thing I want to do is publicly thank every single Community been here for so long,” Placitas Café Harwell said. “We don’t anticipate a Services staff member,” said Community Services Director Anne Ryan. owner John Franklin said. “For take- break in our service and have contin- “They have been heroes among heroes in their own respective right with out, they can come in or we’ll run out gency plans if the situation gets such a situation… I have been inspired minute by minute, hour by hour, to the parking lot carrying the credit- worse.” day by day with their innovation, their ability to adapt, and their can-do card machine to the car… They have Monetary donations can be made attitude, regardless of what’s been asked of them.” to eat, and some don’t like their own on the pantry website or left at the Ryan added she not only applauds their work but encourages people who cooking.” church know them to do the same. In one expansion of the business, (CasaRosaFoodPantry.org, open 9:00- Seniors centers, although closed, remain staffed as meal programs shift to weekly Pizza Night has become Pizza 11:00 a.m. Saturdays, 867-5718 (mes- —continued next page

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 7 from page 7——— Business

drive-up and home delivery. New faces, that might not have frequented a senior center in the past, have begun to show up now, Ryan said. While no clients are excluded, special attention is paid to seniors with- out family and support networks, many of whom live alone, she added. Still there have been some losses. One involves the 250 volunteers working with Senior Programs, which has been canceled, as many fall into the high-risk category for complications from COVID-19. Outreach and prevention programs tied to schools also have shut down. Other programs linked to the Sandoval County Health Commons and the former county courthouse in Bernalillo now have staff working remotely to stay in touch with clients—even on weekends. In other cases requiring personal contact, the meetings may be held somewhere out- doors or in parking lots, Ryan said. “There are genuine personal relationships that are built,” she said. “They know who needs a couple of calls a day versus who’s okay with just one with a check-in.” Meanwhile, Sandoval County Fire Chief Eric Masterson has been adapting as well. Protocols on responses to some scenes are being edited to reduce the number of personnel who might be exposed to COVID-19, he said during the March 19 County Commission meeting. People who think they may have the disease but are not showing acute symptoms are being asked to stay home and contact their doctor. When patients are transported, ambulances are being cleaned in detail before the next run, which may extend response times, he added. Pueblos in the county have their own agencies and have been working cooperatively to support each other and learning what equipment they can share, Masterson said. Emergency Manager Seth Mueller said he has been coordinating with other local and agencies and the state Emergency Operation Center. Multiple conference calls are being held to maintain consistent communi- cation, he added. The Southwest Intertribal Emergency Management Coalition is work- ing along similar lines, Mueller said.

from page 1———Candidates UP FRONT ~CONTINUED STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 22 (SANDOVAL, SANTA FE, AND BERNALILLO COUNTIES) Democrat: • Jessica P. Velasquez, Sandia Park, 13TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDGE, DIVISION 5 COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5 velasquez4nm.com (SANDOVAL COUNTY) Democrat: Republican Democrat: • F. Kenneth Eichwald, incumbent, Cuba • Stefani Lord, Sandia Park, lord2020.com • James A. Noel, incumbent • Darryl F. Madalena, Jemez Pueblo Republican: • Taylor Pinto, Cuba STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 44 • None Republican: (CORRALES, RIO RANCHO, WESTERN BERNALILLO) • None Democrat: 13TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDGE, DIVISION 7 • Gary J. Tripp, Rio Rancho, garytripp.coom (SANDOVAL COUNTY) COUNTY CLERK Libertarian Democrat: Democrat: • Jeremy B. Myers, Rio Rancho • Chris G. Perez, incumbent • Anne S. Brady-Romero, Algodones, Republican: Republican: anne4clerk.com • Jane E. Powdrell-Culbert, incumbent, Corrales • None • Bob Perls, Corrales, bobperls.org • Ignacio Pedro “Pete” Salazar, Bernalillo STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 65 COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2 Republican: (SANDOVAL, RIO ARRIBA, SAN JUAN COUNTIES) Democrat: • Lawrence D. Griego, Rio Rancho, Democrat: • Leah Michelle Ahkee-Baczkiewicz , Rio Rancho, lgriego4clerk.com • Derrick J. Lente, incumbent, Sandia Pueblo, leah4sandoval.com derrickjlente.com Republican COUNTY TREASURER • James R. Madalena, Jemez Pueblo • Jay C. Block, incumbent, Rio Rancho, Democrat: Republican blockfornewmexico.com • Jennifer A. Taylor, Rio Rancho, • Phillip D. Salazar, Dulce, @philsalazar251 jennietaylor4treasurer.com COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4 • Ronnie A. Sisneros, Bernalillo, 13TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY Democrat: facebook.com/ronniesisnerosfortreasurer Democrat: • Alexandria C. Piland, Rio Rancho, Republican: • Barbara A. Romo, Rio Rancho, alesandria4sandoval.com • Carlos Sanchez, Rio Rancho, facebook.com/barbararomoforda2020/ Republican: Facebook.com/cjsanchez4sandovaltreasurer • Mandana Shoushtari, Rio Rancho, • David J. Heil, incumbent, Rio Rancho, • Benay P. Ward, Rio Rancho mandana4da.com daveheilforsandoval.com Republican: • Joshua Joe Jimenez, Los Lunas, Facebook: Joshua Joe Jimenez for District Attorney

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Distillers eye Placitas building for food and liqueurs AROUND ~BILL DIVEN The prospect of a long-closed bar—and later, restaurant—coming back to life “Thankfully it’s been very well-main- TOWN in Placitas moved ahead in March with county approval of wine-making and tained,” county Economic Development distilling licenses. Director Dora Dominguez said. The couple A third license permitting 505 Spirits and Bitters, LLC of Placitas to be a wine is planning a family-friendly atmosphere built on pairing food with specialty and spirits wholesaler is on the Sandoval County Commission agenda for its niche liqueurs, she added. April 2 meeting. Like the previous meeting, it likely will be held without an They also plan to locally source ingredients, she said audience, due to the public-health ban on gatherings related to the COVID-19 A lot needs to happen before the former Thunderbird is reborn. Dominguez virus. said the couple is applying for a Small Business Administration loan and is in (The county also canceled the April 7 special meeting of the Placitas Free talks with the Sandoval Economic Alliance about applying for state assistance Roaming Horse Advisory Council and the March 24 Planning & Zoning Com- under the Local Economic Development Act. mission, where the Homestead Village zoning map amendment was expected State Alcoholic Beverage Control as given preliminary approval for the to be on the agenda.) licenses pending action by the commission, which passed both resolutions 5-0. Company owners Robert Houston and Anna Jones could not attend the In other business, the commission: meeting due to that restriction but were monitoring by video stream and avail- • Passed an emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 outbreak that able by phone to answer questions, although none were asked. Meetings can allows the county to request state and federal aid. It also allows the county be seen live and via archived videos at SandovalCountyNM.gov. manager and country treasurer working together to approve contracts of up to They later told the Signpost that they will have a line of eight beverages with $250,000 without formal commission approval to speed up emergency procure- formulas more complicated than most distilled spirits, some with chocolate, ment. Normally, the county manager is limited to signing off on purchases up prickly pear, and red and green chile as ingredients. Jones, a chef, has plans for to sixty thousand dollars. puffed-pastry style foods with traditional New Mexico content. • Approved an agreement with the Navajo Nation to establish a working Liqueurs are distilled spirits but at 24 percent alcohol by volume—roughly relationship for maintaining roads in western Sandoval County. While the half that of whiskeys and vodkas. Four of 505 Spirits’ products recently won county would maintain school bus routes, a separate action transferred nearly bronze medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. three hundred miles of tribal roads from the county inventory to the Navajo The couple also produces a line of baby products under the trade name Anna Department of Transportation. The tribal council has not yet approved the & Eve. changes and is not currently meeting due to COVID-19. The county Planning & Zoning Department previously approved a home- • Approved an $89,000 contract for construction of an animal barn at the occupation business license for the production aspect of the business. That pro- Sandoval County Fairgrounds in Cuba. hibits direct sales at the site on Llano del Norte, which would then need • Set up two new budget funds to cover developing a new landfill—as the commercial zoning, but allows delivery trucks to move products to retail sites. current site will be closed sometime in the next eight-to-12 years. Closure costs “I do know these individuals,” said District 1 Commissioner Katherine Bruch are estimated at $3.5 million, of which $960,000 is currently set aside in a clo- of Placitas. “I have had the opportunity to do a tasting and am extremely sure fund. The new funds are for the anticipated $12 million for roads and excited that we have a new business and potentially a rollover business… After developing the new landfill and $4 million to open its first cell. we move through this approval process, we’ll see what comes next.” • Noted the renovation of the county detention center, which fell into crisis That potential rollover site is the former Thunderbird Bar, a source of Placitas from deferred maintenance. They will allow the facility to apply for national lore, and the later Café de Placitas. Long vacant, it is located east of the Placitas accreditation. Post Office and has been vacant for many years.

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 9 Crash claims another horse on NM 165 ~BILL DIVEN A horse described as suddenly jumping onto State Road 165 in the dark is dead after being hit by a car driven by an Albuquerque woman while carrying three passengers to their home in eastern Placitas. While the car incurred major front-end damage, no one was transported for medical treatment after being evaluated by Sandoval County EMS personnel, according to the incident report released by the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. The passenger-side airbag deployed in the crash. All passengers, including the two children in child seats in the back, were belted in. A family member came to the scene to pick up the passengers. The crash happened about 8:00 p.m., southeast of the intersection of NM 165 and Camino del Tecolote. The woman told the deputy that she tried unsuccess- fully to stop, and one of the children said the horse jumped in front of them. Evidence at the scene backed up their account, according to the report. The speed limit in the area is 45 mph. The horse survived the crash but was bleeding badly and appeared to have broken legs, the deputy added. Another deputy euthanized the horse. Murder charged in death of Placitas man REAL PEOPLE ~BILL DIVEN A well-known Placitas resident is dead and a The family also expressed gratitude renowned extreme skier is charged with murder for the outpouring of support from the after a shooting at a ranch in western Sandoval community and surrounding area AMILY F County. The suspect in the shooting, Dean Guillermo David Arriola was 47 when he died in Cummings, 54, is listed in court his ranch house, south of San Luis, near Cabezón records with addresses in Rio Rancho RRIOLA A Peak, on February 29. The shooting was reported to and Los Alamos. He is charged with the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office by a friend of second-degree murder as well as the suspect. tampering with evidence and OURTESY

On March 7, Arriola’s funeral filled Las Placitas concealing identity. —C Presbyterian Church. He was a successful business- A story posted to the website of man and farmer, and avid hunter and pathfinder, Outside Magazine described according to his published obituary. Cummings as “one of the all-time “Guillermo never hesitated to lend a helping greats” in the extreme sport of heli-skiing. hand, and was well-known and loved in his com- He learned to ski at Pajarito in Los munity and by his devoted customers,” the obitu- Alamos, skied Taos extensively, and was ary continues. “He loved his family and friends a heli-skiing pioneer in Alaska, where he more than anything and would be there for them in founded a company in 1995 to ferry an instant if they needed him.” clients by helicopter to the peaks of the His survivors include his father Guillermo Chugach Mountains east of Valdez. “Willie” Arriola, four sisters, a sister-in-law, three After a momentous first descent in brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and 2012, he “all but disappeared,” John nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Mary Clary Davies wrote for Outside. His Guillermo Arriola rode Corona, “his baby,” Arriola and two brothers. business websites also vanished leaving in the Placitas Fourth of July Parade several years ago. Arriola was the fourth generation of his family to only a series of videos containing work the ranch, beginning 15 years ago, after it sat conspiracy theories and details of his life idle for some time, a family member told the Sign- in Valdez, Davies added. post. He cleared land, installed a well, built fences, When three sheriff’s deputies arrived at Arriola’s A prosecutor’s motion to keep Cummings jailed moved a mobile home in, and added solar power. mobile home, they detained Cummings, found until trial indicated a can of Mace—a pepper It also become a home for “Corona,” the horse he Arriola’s body inside and an AR-15-style carbine on spray—was found in the trailer, but did not appear referred to as his baby. Arriola divided his time the front steps. Cummings is alleged to have said to have been used. between the ranch and his work as a landscaper. he shot Arriola during a disagreement over pur- There were no signs of a fight in the home, and His landscaping work was so respected that some chasing Arriola’s property, one deputy wrote in the no other firearms were found, the deputy wrote. Placitas clients who moved out of state hired him to probable-cause statement supporting the charges. During a detention hearing on March 20, District travel and work their new properties, the family Cummings also claimed the shooting happened Judge Christopher Perez ordered Cummings held member added. after Arriola sprayed a burning chemical in his face. without bond.

PAGE 10 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 —B ILL D IVEN

A parade of people in safety vests walk the west side of the Bernalillo Acequia on March 11 inspecting the first phase of a long-term project reworking the irrigation ditch to help with flood control in Bernalillo. The walkabout by representatives of the agencies and contractors involved in the project produced a short list tweaks needed for final completion. Project players PUBLIC inspect upgraded SAFETY Bernalillo Acequia ~SIGNPOST STAFF The first step in a multi-year effort to upgrade and armor the Bernalillo Acequia to double as a flood-control drain was completed in March, save for a short punch list of minor touchups and final paperwork. On March 11, the many players involved walked both sides of the 1,200-foot project that extends from where the acequia passes under the railroad tracks to a new box culvert that improves flow under Bobby Place. The players include the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), which owns the ditch, the Eastern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (ESCAFCA), the raised the west road by two feet, and widened the bottom by seven feet. Town of Bernalillo, whose Pubic Works Department is responsible for Bobby The west side of the ditch was also armored with shotcrete to prevent Place and engineering, and construction companies. breaches blamed on burrowing animals tunneling through the bank. In recent years, heavy storm runoff has overflowed holding ponds near the The ultimate goal is the Rio Grande, as phased projects work their way railroad, flooding the acequia, which then had breached into neighborhoods in down the acequia about a mile to Avenida Bernalillo. eastern Bernalillo. From there, it’s about another mile, by a route and method yet to be Compass Engineering & Construction handled the work under a $909,000 determined, to reach Bosque Park and its holding pond. From there, a pipe contract. Of that, ESCAFCA contributed about $250,000—the last of its project flows to the Bernalillo Interior Drain and then to a MRGCD ditch that flows money until another bond election is held—and the state Water Trust Board to the river. approved a $612,000 grant. The park, which opened a year ago, was a joint project of ESCAFCA and This first project lowered the east ditch maintenance road by two-to-three feet, the town of Bernalillo.

Suspect arrested in one of several I-25 shootings ~SIGNPOST STAFF Multiple reports of motorists saying someone shot record to speak on his behalf. Department, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. At that at them on Interstate 25 in Sandoval County has led The arrest came two days after a motorist on point, State Police Chief Tim Johnson mobilized a to the arrest of a suspect from Lincoln County. March 9 reported a road-rage shooting near task force of all four agencies to beef up patrols on Gunner Johnson, 44, of Capitan, New Mexico, Algodones to New Mexico State Police. The investi- I-25. faces two counts each of aggravated assault with a gation, with witnesses statements, provided a sus- “Although State Police has made an arrest in this deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly pect description and license plate number, which case, as an overabundance of caution, motorists can weapon plus one count of shooting at or from a led the state Investigations Bureau to Johnson, still expect to see an increased law enforcement motor vehicle, according to Sandoval County according to a State Police news release. presence on Interstate 25 between the mile marker Magistrate Court records. He was arrested on “Agents located Johnson who admitted to being 242 and La Bajada Hill by the task force,” the news March 11 and ordered to be held without bond in in the Sandoval County area numerous times over release said. “We continue to have various aircraft the Sandoval County Detention Center, pending his the last few months, including being in a road rage operations monitoring the area for suspicious activ- first court appearance scheduled for March 27. incident during the time of the March 9 shooting,” ity.” At the request of the District Attorney’s Office, the news release said. A firearm and ammunition Anyone who believes they are a victim of a shoot- Magistrate Judge Delilah Montaño-Baca sealed seized from Johnson’s home have been sent to the ing since January on I-25 between Bernalillo and La statements in the court record supporting the arrest. state crime lab, the released added. Bajada (mile markers 242-266) or who witnessed a The DA’s motion contended releasing the informa- The broader investigation began when investiga- shooting or suspicious activity can contact State tion could taint the ongoing investigation. tors discovered other similar incidents, between Police at 841-9256 Option 0 or 1-833-872-0336. Johnson has not yet entered a plea to the charges Bernalillo and the north county line, reported to the and at Signpost deadline did not have an attorney of Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, Bernalillo Police

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IN THE GALLERY —by Rudi Klimpert

Greater Chaco Coalition responds to BLM’s broken promises ~MARIO ATENCIO, DINÉ C.A.R.E.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farming- wells in the planning area, only 16-33 fewer wells at each quarterly oil and gas lease sale, calling on ton Field Office and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) than proposed in the “maximum development” sce- the agency to rein in unchecked fracking. In March, released their long-awaited Mancos-Gallup nario. 2018, Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Resource Management Plan Amendment for the Despite promises of cultural landscape protec- cancelled the sale of nearly 4,500 acres of land in Greater Chaco region on Friday, February 28, 2019, tions, BLM continues to fail in recognizing the the Greater Chaco region, acknowledging the need embittering Greater Chaco Coalition members and broader context of its leasing and drilling decisions, to address landscape-wide cultural protection, but dashing hopes for meaningful action to address the failing to account for the cumulative impacts from BLM has yet failed to conduct any ethnographic or onslaught of fracking across the Greater Chaco the 37,000 existing oil and gas wells in the region, cultural resource surveys in the region. Landscape. or other nearby oil and gas activities. While BLM Last December, Sen. Tom Udall and Rep. Ben Ray In 2014, the BLM’s Farmington Field Office admits its proposed oil and gas plan will exceed Luján led efforts to further protect the immediate admitted it needed to update its 2003 resource man- safe public health and air quality limits for all Chaco area with bipartisan passage of the Interior agement plan because it lacked adequate Tribal development scenarios, the agency proposes no Appropriations bill, which restricts funding for new consultation and failed to consider the impacts of plan to mitigate these impacts or to limit drilling. oil and gas leasing within a proposed ten-mile newly industrialized fracking in the region. In the Since 2013, the BLM has approved more than five buffer for one year and allocates $1 million for a first effort of its kind, BLM and BIA held ten public hundred new industrialized fracking wells in the Tribal-led cultural resources study of the area. meetings from October, 2016, to February, 2017, Greater Chaco region, having never analyzed the Although a step in the right direction, permanent receiving more than 15,000 comments directing the impacts of new horizontal drilling technologies. protections are needed for the Greater Chaco land- scope of the new plan. Among other things, the This drilling has utterly transformed and degraded scape, surrounding communities, air and water agency’s “scoping report” promised the new plan the landscape, fueling more air pollution, more resources, and cultural resources. would address climate change, water and soil safety concerns, more truck traffic, and more indus- The Greater Chaco Coalition is demanding a new resources, environmental justice, the “Chaco Cul- trialized development where there previously was plan that fulfills BLM’s promises and will remain tural Landscape,” public health and safety, Tribal none. In that same period, the Navajo Nation and steadfast in the collective call for BLM to impose an interest and trust responsibilities, truck traffic and All Pueblo Council of Governors, National Con- immediate moratorium on all new fracking and road conditions, wildlife, and other issues impacted gress of American Indians, 15 Navajo Chapter leasing activities, to ensure Tribal consultation at by industrialized fracking. Houses, the New Mexico Legislature, the New every stage of decision-making, and to offer a full With the release of their draft plan, it’s clear the Mexico State Land Office, and over 500,000 citizens comprehensive health and social impact assessment agencies have broken their promises. have called for restraint, and for meaningful protec- of drilling impacts on surrounding communities BLM’s proposed plan remains squarely focused tions for the people and places of the Greater Chaco and economic development alternatives to lead on facilitating more industrialized fracking and Landscape. away from extractive economies. resource degradation. Under the various alterna- Since 2016, thousands of members of the Greater BLM and BIA plan to announce public meetings, tives, BLM projects between 2,345 and 3,101 new oil Chaco Coalition—which is comprised of more than hearings, or other public participation activities and gas wells within the planning area. While two hundred tribal, environmental, and community through public notices, media releases, and or BLM’s “preferred alternative” claims that “human groups fighting for Greater Chaco protections— direct mailings. The deadline to submit public health and the environment” are among its chief have rallied in front of BLM offices in New Mexico comments on the draft plan is May 28, 2020. objectives, this plan still proposes 3,068-3,085 new

PAGE 12 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 We are all inside looking out. ECO-BEAT But we are also looking out for each other.

El Lago de la Tierra Thinking about all of the wonderful people in Placitas, Bernalillo, Algodones, the East ———New Mexico’s Mountains, and all of Sandoval County.

Thanks to all for an amazing, resilient largest reservoir community during this challenging time. ~LYNN DANIEL MONTGOMERY, CORONADO SOIL Your friends from ESCA AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT The dams on the New Mexico stretch of the Rio Grande and its tributaries 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 civiliza- tion to thrive. Otherwise, the inhabited floodplain of the Rio would not be possi- ble. Agriculture is freer of intermittent supply and down time to repair infra- structure. 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 con- Company foresees ception, engineering, and politics. It pro- the land. The Rio actually consists of all the vides a perceived cushion against times land out there, plus the channel. If we are Buffalo Tract gravel mine of shortage. One dam was constructed to to manage the Rio well, we must manage ~SIGNPOST STAFF accommodate the Project and one was the land well. overhauled. Since the Project, large, sim- Last year New Mexico enacted The A scenario for the future of gravel mining in Placitas, where ilar projects are not possible, due to Healthy Soil Act—www.nmlegis.gov/Ses- one mine closes while another opens, emerged recently when restraints that have developed, such as sions/19%20Regular/final/HB0204.pdf. staff from Vulcan Materials Inc. met with representatives of finding proper sites and water, and an The state recognizes the value of healthy two local organizations opposed to new quarries. increasing awareness of the pitfalls of soil and provides funding for regenerative What did not emerge from the meeting was any middle altering rivers. We are left with a reduc- and education projects. We now have a ground. ing, finite source. Eventually, shortages powerful tool in our kit to start the restora- “Our final remarks to these people were that, under no cir- will have large negative effects. tion and fulfillment of our largest reservoir. cumstances, after twenty years of trying to keep a mine out The study on the Rio Grande Last year, Coronado sponsored five applica- of Placitas, were we going to support a mine, no matter what Reservoirs (It’s Possible to Save our tions for projects, one of which won an they proposed,” Sandy Johnson, president of the Las Placitas Dam Water) released by the National award. This year, the Legislature appropri- Association, said during the March 5 Sandoval County Com- Academy of Sciences ated $127,000 for projects, plus the New mission. The quarry site is within half a mile of existing (www.rethinkingtherio.org/) lays out Mexico Department of Agriculture has homes and eight hundred feet of land platted for future resi- the entire dam system in New Mexico $100,000 to add, plus the Natural Resources dences, she added. and makes proposals on how to better Conservation Service/USDA is matching Vulcan, which operates four quarries on the west side of manage it. This is commendable, and we that for a total of $454,000 available. This is Placitas between State Road 165 and Algodones, is commit- should explore such problems, opportu- much more than last year, so we hope to ted under a lawsuit settlement to closing the southernmost nities, and solutions to help us be more have more projects approved this year. In mine by 2027. The plan described in the meeting would have resilient. But this will not deal with the addition, $200,000 was allocated to build a mine ready to open by then, using part of the 3,139-acre water resource entirely. There is another capacity within our state’s forty-seven Soil Buffalo Tract, public land administered by the Bureau of reservoir that is not included in the and Water Conservation Districts, which Land Management in northwest Placitas. study. I call it “El Lago de la Tierra.” will add about four thousand dollars to Vulcan Community Relations Manager Tyler Lowe, who El Lago de la Tierra, or Soil Lake, is Coronado’s annual allotment of $14,000. attended the February 15 meeting, said that at this time the our largest reservoir, and being nearly Although we don’t completely know how company has nothing further to add. empty most of the time, shows the most to regenerate our lands, the principles in The BLM acreage is one of four parcels in Placitas totaling potential. Filling up this reservoir will the Act can be implemented, and we can be about 4,300 acres that are the subject of bills pending in the help stop the worse erosion in the confident of good results. Best practices U.S. House and Senate. Both would withdraw the land from nation, make our waters much cleaner, will follow. mineral development but are still in the committee process in stop silt from clogging waterways and Soil regeneration has become very popu- both chambers after being introduced early last year. reservoirs, vastly improve soil fertility lar. Last year applications far outnumbered The other Placitas group at the meeting was the Eastern and water holding capacity, help our funds provided, and there is much activity. Sandoval Citizens Association (ES-CA). ES-CA, and two farmers and ranchers in restoring the Awareness is blossoming. People like work- members acting individually, successfully intervened in a water resource and becoming more pro- ing together with nature. Soil regeneration zoning lawsuit that Sandoval County brought against the ductive in the process, store flood water employs life to do its deeds. Dams stop, previous owner of Vulcan’s mine. effectively, and most importantly, pro- block, and prevent the natural flows. The The lawsuit was settled with Vulcan agreeing to close the vide stability and resiliency by restoring natural, non-anthropocentric state of the mine and reclaim the land by 2027. The other three mines are the hydrological cycles of infiltration resource has suffered a lot from this. Even not affected by the settlement. and recharge. breaching the dams will not restore this Johnson said the Placitas people at the February meeting Nearly all our water originates from state but regenerating our soils can. also brought up local concerns about water consumption by the land. The Rio is only a collector Regenerating our soils is daunting. New the mines and the economic and health issues related to the drain, fed by waterways and groundwa- Mexico is harsh and demanding. Living on quarrying. ter recharge. We must look at it as part the land has always been hard. But soil While Vulcan has drilled test holes on the Buffalo Tract, the of a natural system, understood by not regeneration is cumulative. We don’t have BLM previously announced it would not accept lease appli- only engineering, but how hydrogeol- deadlines. We just need to go out there and cations until an updated Resource Management Plan is com- ogy, biology, and climate changes affect start chipping away at it. pleted. The BLM has said the final draft of that plan was expected to be released early in 2020.

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 13 IVEN D ILL —B

KUPR 99.9 DJ Rick Hatfield works on reframing one of the eight exterior windows on an office trailer donated to the Placitas community radio station. Volunteer efforts

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Some of the on-air and announcing talent from KUPR 99.9 takes a break from renovating the donated trailer that is to become the low-power FM’s studios and REAL PEOPLE ~CONTINUED offices. The community station relies totaling on volunteers including (from left) Tom Traynor, Rick Hatfield, Jerry DiTata, Alan Ball, John Branum and Tommy Thompson.

KJUPR studios-to-be radiate colorful past

~BILL DIVEN An office trailer linked to New Mexico’s atomic his- out the door.” Edward “Atomic Ed” Grothus. tory, whose last owner was threatened with jail, is Another financial setback came with the state ban The former lab machinist moved the trailer to The transitioning to the new studios of KUPR 99.9—the on large gatherings due to the coronavirus pan- Black Hole, the Los Alamos outlet where he low-power FM radio station in Placitas. demic. That scuttled a March 27 fundraising concert “spread his antinuclear gospel from the ultimate On a recent Saturday morning, five disc jockeys of Northern New Mexico Music at Las Placitas techno-geek junk store, an immense pile of Geiger and an announcer, all handy with tools, ripped out Presbyterian Church that was expected to clear counters, centrifuges, detonator cables, and other eight aged windows and installed new ones in new $1,200. equipment salvaged from the nuclear-weapons frames. The interior had already benefited from “We had hoped to have at least enough money to labs,” according to his 2009 obituary in the Wall fresh flooring and redefined interior spaces in a get moved in,” Fenicle said. “Canceling the concert Street Journal. project that has advanced as time and money allow. kind of put that into question.” The pilgrimage site for tourists, artists, movie “Despite our best efforts, the station has grown,” While still short, there is enough to finish the prop masters, and hunters of Cold War electronics John Branum said with a DJ twist. “We’ve out- plumbing and install sheetrock, she continued. also drew documentary film producer Ellen Spiro. grown our little space.” About $14,000 would finish the work, although that Her 2001 film “Atomic Ed & the Black Hole” was That space would be next door in a corner office includes metal siding and air conditioning for the featured on HBO/Cinemax. of a former portable school classroom converted entire building that can wait until after the move-in. After Grothus’ death at age 85, the trailer and a into the headquarters of the San Antonio de las With the tile removed by an abatement contractor, mate ran afoul of the Los Alamos County zoning Huertas Land Grant. KUPR has squeezed console, a station supporter bought and installed plywood prohibition on using the property for storage. A electronics, music, storage, and a DJ into the rented flooring. Licensed plumbers and electricians han- code-enforcement officer cited Barbara Grothus, his space since the Las Placitas Association founded the dled those utilities while KUPR crews reframed the daughter, with the threat of a five-hundred-dollar station and began broadcasting in May, 2015. inside with space for a broadcast studio and larger fine and up to ninety days in jail. While the trailer was free, the nonprofit station production studio. When she posted on social media that the trailers covered the cost of moving it from Los Alamos and The broadcast studio is to be dedicated to station were available for free to anyone who would move undertook the renovation through fundraising and stalwart Wayne Rohar who hosted Blues from the them, KUPR and a nonprofit in Los Lunas both both volunteer and professional labor, backed by Roadhouse before his death from cancer in Febru- stepped up. donated and time and materials. ary, 2020. The weekly show continues with Alan The KUPR schedule, along with more informa- “When we started, we thought we had enough Ball as host. tion on its operations, DJs, becoming a supporting money,” said Joan Fenicle, station manager and In one of its past lives, the trailer played some member, and making one-time donations, can be LPA treasurer. “Then one of our guys said we role at Los Alamos National Labs, given a govern- found at KUPR.org. The station also live streams needed an environmental analysis, and the tile ment evacuation plan dated 1992 posted inside. its programming from the website, extending its under the carpet was asbestos… That really blew a Then it came into the hands of one of New Mex- range beyond Placitas to nearby communities and hole in our budget. So, there’s five thousand dollars ico’s great and nationally known characters, pueblos.

PAGE 14 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Quarantined edition TIME ~EVAN BELKNAP

Like everyone else, I recently came into some unexpected time off. OFF My first thought was to call all my friends and ELKNAP plan a climb- B ing trip. I VAN figured that E BY spending a few weeks in PHOTOS a secluded corner of the desert, under TORY the sun, away —S from people and cities, would be the perfect way to wait out the apocalypse. But with my friends all sort- ing out what A rainy morning in the desert near Monticello, Utah exactly comes next—being Driving into the sunset indefinitely laid deeply at themselves. But that’s what we’re being asked to do. In this, there off or how they is tremendous potential for reflection and healing, and I hope people use it could continue classes online—I was on my own. well. With some recent heartbreak, subsequent existential crises, and lack of work, I Until recently, I had no idea how much I was putting out and how little I was more than ready to get out of town. I hopped into my car and drove out was giving back to myself. Because of that, I wonder whether my efforts to Highway 550 towards Cuba. It felt good to drive. The blue sky exploded into help other people were really doing any good. I made a long list of things I orange and purple, lighting up White Mesa and all those swirly red rocks. My could do from home that would make me happy—not many of the things book on tape kept all the troubles scratching around in my brain comfortably on my list were easy: I stopped drinking and immediately started sleeping away. better. I set up a gym in my living room and have been pumping iron and Six hours later, I was in the desert near Monticello, Utah, feeling somehow doing pullups like my life depends on it. I pickled spicy peppers, made uneasy, as if I was getting away with something. I took a short walk in the mud, an enormous pot of green chile turkey soup, refreshed my neglected taking in the smell of rain and dirt and sky, trying to place the weight in my kombucha, and heart. This was at least a week before Moab closed its borders, hotels, restau- learned how to make rants, campgrounds, and started issuing fines to any out-of-towners trying to sourdough bread. I’ve capitalize on any of Moab’s exquisite recreational activities, but maybe I had a reached out to old sense of what was coming. friends and tried to After my walk, I got in my car bed, gave myself a hug, and fell asleep just as make new ones (elec- the rain began to drip on my rooftop. I hoped to wake to blue skies and dry rock tronically, but we use and new friends, but instead woke to pouring rain and a tortured mind. I four- what we’ve got). I’ve wheeled down the slippery, purple-red road, through a running wash, and back read three books, onto the highway. I put on some tunes—loud—and continued vaguely north- started seeing a thera- ward, determined to not stop moving. About four hours later, near Provo, Utah, pist, and even went for the rain turned to sleet, and then heavy snow, and even with the heater pump- a run (which I hate). ing, I felt cold. Alone. Scared. I reluctantly pulled over with my wipers working Still on my list is to hard to smear the snow across my windshield. figure out what What was I doing? Where was I going? There was nowhere to go… And the meditation is all about, further I ran, the harder it would be to get back. read more, write more, I turned around and drove home, feeling defeated but somehow relieved, learn to play the guitar, stopping for a few hours to sleep at Angel Peak near Farmington. build a desk, and work It’s irresponsible to be out driving through small towns (like Moab) that have toward nursing school. limited access to hospitals and ventilators—I heard this a lot once back home— I’m going hard on but seeing as I hardly got out of my car for three days, I didn’t feel so bad. Once this self-improvement home, the next morning, I bought groceries, called my parents, cleaned my thing. I’m treating it house, cancelled any perceived plans for fun, and then I sat on the stoop outside like a rock climbing of my cozy little apartment in Albuquerque and took some long breathes. The project, chucking battle to be continuously distracted was nearing its inevitable end. myself at it with I closed my eyes and breathed and listened to the birds and the wind in the everything I’ve got, freshly budding trees. This beautiful spring day was totally at odds with all the and it’s making me Sourdough bread chaos going on and how I felt. It was such a nice day that I was almost mad feel a little better about it. each day—even as my I accepted that I, along with everyone, was in for a long, lonely journey, all of Grand Canyon rafting which would have to happen at home. I thought about my friends and family, I trip gets cancelled and all my work contracts crumble and newscasters find thought about all the people I didn’t know who were sick or struggling, I new ways to freak us all out every day. I’m settling into the routine of my thought about how bad it may or may not get, and I told myself I was strong loneliness. I may even be starting to enjoy it a little. enough to handle it, but it was going to take some serious work, and that I had I figure if nothing else during these weird and troubled times, we have to to be better. treat our lives and selves as if they matter. We have to enjoy the beauty of After sitting with these thoughts for a few days—allowing them to catch up nature, participate in the stillness of time, and be thankful for the love we and trample the crap out of me—I’m finding myself surprisingly optimistic have and have had. about this time off. Our society seems only comfortable when it is producing, Most of all, we have to treat ourselves to acts of kindness—as if we moving, and growing; in many ways, this worldwide call to stay at home and be actually liked ourselves—and then we can truly take care of each other. still is a terrifying concept: a lot of people I know would be more comfortable Stay safe everyone! fighting off zombies with a long spoon than being alone and having to look

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 15 • 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 AUX V

Flash in the Pan———Don’t wait for migas E L

———ARI LEVAUX RI

“Migas” are a delicacy as old as tortillas. The word florets may not be a typical topping for nachos, —A is Spanish for “crumbs”—specifically the crumbs of but the egg helps it fit in. Fry ground meat tortillas of a certain age. North of the border, the ahead of time. Add leftover pulled pork at the tortilla fragments are usually served with salsa, last minute. beans, and sour cream. Ultimately, migas are about improvisation, The basic concept of cooking old chip shards has and that spirit lives on in my breakfast nachos. been independently invented countless times by I’ve even swapped the corn chips for potato folks who are weary of dipping increasingly chips, and would do it again if necessary. But one smaller chips into their bowl of salsa, and wish for thing I won’t be doing is waiting for the end of a some way to use those tasty, unwieldy crumbs at bag to make my migas. the bottom of the bag. That weary tortilla eater was pletely coated and sitting in a pool of egg wash. me when I invented migas. BREAKFAST NACHOS: Heat the pan on medium. Add the carrot and oil I found myself staring down the dregs of a bag of Breakfast Nachos are pan-fried like migas, rather (or chopped bacon), everything scattered so each La Cocina de Josefina tortilla chips, determined to than baked like nachos. You need a pan with a tight piece makes contact with the pan. Give it a stir after not allow that resource to go to waste. Taking the fitting lid, preferably a heavy pan that can hold about four minutes. After another two minutes, add obvious route, I fried the little crumbs with bacon. heat. Unless it’s a really big pan you should prepare the garlic, stir everything around, add the spinach The eggs followed the bacon, and the salsa fol- this dish one serving at a time, as you would an on top and cook another minute. Add the soggy lowed everything. After that, and ever since, the omelet. chips and quickly give them a gentle stir to mix bottom of a bag has been a time to rejoice. In today’s rendition, I’ve included carrots and them with the carrots, garlic, and spinach. Spread These days, I sometimes don’t wait for the spinach, as they are currently in season, but you the chips evenly around the pan, then add the crumbs. Instead, I make a migas variation with could prepare it with whatever vegetables you remains of the egg wash, sprinkle the cheese on whole, unbroken chips. Breakfast Nachos, as I call care to eat with breakfast. Jalapeños are good. top, and cover. them, are for when migas just aren’t big enough. Mushrooms, too. Cook for a minute with the lid on, then take a I soak the chips in beaten egg, and pan fry them Makes one large serving peak. If it looks like it’s setting up, with the egg on with vegetables. This treatment gives the formerly 2 eggs top looking close to cooked and the cheese melting, crunchy chips a moist, pliable texture that’s some- ¼ cup milk then turn it off and let it finish in place on the hot where between a tamale and a cheesy enchilada. ½ cup (loosely packed) grated cheese stove. If it’s not quite there, cook another thirty sec- While Happy Hour-style nachos are a legendary 2 tablespoons oil (or bacon or side pork, chopped) onds with the lid on and check again. Repeat until beer sponge, breakfast nachos are at least as good at 1 carrot, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds it’s almost there, then turn off the heat and let the absorbing coffee, thanks to those eggs. And when 2 cups whole corn chips (shake the cup so they pan sit covered for about ten minutes. you’ve got eggs and coffee, you’ve got breakfast. settle) Stack it all into a steaming pile, and serve with Hence the name. 1 clove garlic, minced copious amounts of salsa and coffee.

This eggy tortilla matrix can absorb whatever 1 handful of spinach or baby bok choy Ari LeVaux writes from Missoula, Montana, though a vegetables and proteins you could think to add, serve with: salsa, coffee big piece of his heart haunts the hills, washes, and ditches with each addition cooked as needed so as to be Beat the eggs and milk in an oversized bowl. Add of Placitas, where he spent three dreamy years. His column ready when the eggs are done. Bright green broccoli the chips and gently toss them so they are com- appears nationally in more than 70 newspapers.

PAGE 16 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Help is desperately needed HEALTH to make protective masks

~SIGNPOST STAFF Due to COVID-19, Placitas Del Salon is People wishing to help with mask shortages considered a “NON-ESSENTIAL” business during the current novel Corona virus pan- and is therefore TEMPORARILY CLOSED demic are encouraged to get involved with until the NM Health Department any one of several groups of mask-makers in Sandoval County. allows us to reopen. “We have deployed precut fabric for 535 3 Homesteads Rd, Suite D • Placitas, NM 87043 masks, elastic and cloth materials for ear (505) 867-6361 • [email protected] loop, and classic surgical mask designs, and https://placitas-del-salon.business.site we want to get these supplies out to sewers ASAP!” writes one participant in the proj- ect. The groups are in touch with Sandoval Regional Medical Center that is in desperate need, as are other New Mexico hospitals, group residential homes, jails, etc. All are asking for as many masks as people can make, as soon as possible. Two-hundred to 300 masks will comprise the first shipment to Sandoval Regional Medical Center on Monday, March 30. Supply needs: New 100% cotton fabric, Rachael Tingen, DMD flat elastic (1/8-3/8’’), a person possessing Homemade mask-makers desperately need volunteers rotary cutter w/accessories and skilled in to help with all capacities of the process—your choice: its use, soft craft pipe cleaners (nosepiece), cutting, sewing, washing, ironing, delivering, donating, and volunteers to wash and iron cloth, etc. To join the effort, email: [email protected] assemble sewing kits, and pick-up and deliver supplies. All project interactions are ‘’porch-to-porch’’ and volunteers are asked to This effort will continue until no more masks wear masks during all phases of the operation, to are needed. Make requests for masks at: a keep social distance of six feet, and hand-wash weneedmasks.org. Click on Locations Needing frequently. Masks> NM>. There are currently three New To donate supplies or volunteer, email: Mexico healthcare facilities in the queue, [email protected]. The effort has brought including a Regional Medical Center in Alam- For the best general dentistry together more than 30 volunteers from Placitas, ogordo. The website posts sewing instructions Corrales, Cochiti Pueblo, Bernalillo, and Albu- and videos for making two types of masks and querque. explains their differences.

Santa Ana Star Center donates 467 pounds of 3 Homesteads Rd., Ste. B perishable items amid event postponements Placitas, NM 87043

~ALEX ARCHULETA The Santa Ana Star Center was able to donate 467 pounds of perishable produce to Roadrunner Food Bank NM in late March. With the postponement of shows and events, the Star Center had a surplus of fruits, vegetables, and other items. Spectra Food Services & Hospitality General Manager Greg Archuleta along with Santa Ana Star Center General Manager Mat Bolinger said the decision was a quick and easy one to make. From Food Services & Hospitality GM Greg Archuleta, “When we first found out about the postponement of events, my mind immediately went to our perishable inventory and what we would do with it. Roadrunner Food Bank has always been a fantastic and fundamental community partner so I called them right away. Within a few hours we had a truck loaded and we were able to drop off almost five hun- dred pounds of goods. Through collab- oration, we were able to turn a 878 s camino del pueblo negative into a very big positive.” bernalillo, new mexico 87004 “The community is always here to support our events from an attendance www.atmabodhyoga.com standpoint. We have great feedback from folks about our content, and we 505.867.9222 have a lot of things planned moving forward,” said Santa Ana Star Center General Manager Mat Bolinger. YOGA CLASSES TAUGHT “Giving this little bit back during this Tibetan Cranial Sessions available by appointment. time was the easiest decision I’ve made Information aboutIN Tibetan THE IYENGARCranial work TRADITION is on the website listed above. since I started.”

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 17 PAGE 18 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Jennise $225,000 – Evening Star Court $375,000 – 9 Cienega Canyon SALE PENDING Build your dream home right across from the Charming and delightful with the most amaz- Phillips National Forest. ing views! A classic Southwest style home with vigas, kiva fireplace. Associate $107,000 – Wide Ruin Court Broker $469,000 – 96 Vista Montana SALE PENDING Located in the Anasazi Trails subdivision. The Classic custom southwest style home. Warm, premiere location in Placitas. Surrounded by charming and inviting with a view to knock upscale custom homes. your socks off. $180,000 – Morning Star Court $565,000 – 7 Palomar Road SALE PENDING Incredible building site for dream house. Custom built beauty in the country with fruit 37,000 acres of National Forest for your and vegetable gardens, amazing views, an back yard. entertainers dream home. Your $70,000 – Tierra Antigua $489,000 – 8 Petroglyph Place SALE PENDING This lot is not a part of the Casas WOW! Spectacular custom built home in Trusted Montanes subdivision and has no CC&R’s. the desirable Anasazi Meadows subdivision. Expert… Breath taking views and very private location! $575,000 – 281 Star Meadow Road Here to Help $439,000 – 5 Camino Manzano SALE PENDING Custom built authentic Santa Fe Style with My Placitas Gold LEED certification. Avg $100 utility. Finely Charming Custom Home with views to the Neighbors! appointed: Oversized front door. north toward the Jemez mountains from the comfortable front patio. $699,000 – 35 Anasazi Meadows $529,000 – 5700 Papaya Pl NE, ABQ Direct: An Enchanted Spaces Masterpiece. ‘’Where 505-867-7481 Outstanding Inman home that is ready to Scottsdale meets New Mexico’’ The latest in move into. Updated, light filled beautiful Mobile: innovation and design. design that flows seamlessly. 505-331-2288

[email protected] 107 Buffalo Ridge Court - Diamond Tail Ranch – $129,000 SALE PENDING This beautiful building sight is located in the premier subdivision of Diamond Tail Ranch. It is gated, with under- ground utilities, and community water systems of shared wells. Amazing views for 100 miles of mountains, mesas and rolling hills. There is a proposed 2500 sq ft home to be built on this site. Inventory is low – please call me to sell now! LA PUERTA REAL ESTATE SERVICES, LLC • 505-867-3388 ONE RIDGE COURT • PLACITAS, NM 87043

Tierra Sagrada Farm HEALTH —CONTINUED offers Community Supported Agriculture produce, eggs Tierra Sagrada Farm in Bernalillo is charge. Limited memberships are now offering Community Supported available. Memberships are up to 24 Agriculture (CSA) boxes. CSAs are a weeks long, from April to September. great way to support local farms and • Full share-24 weeks: $550 eat farm fresh seasonal produce. Sign • Half share-14 weeks: $350 up for a box and enjoy 24 weeks of Weekly payment options are also nutritious produce straight from their available. CSA add-ons include farm farm, available for pick up on Mon- fresh eggs—dozen $5/ half dozen $3. day’s throughout the season, or sign To learn more, email Andrea at up for delivery with an additional [email protected]

Things to do to fight loneliness, boredom while self-isolating for COVID-19 containment

~NORA SACKETT, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM Social distancing to limit spread of COVID-19 doesn’t have to mean social isola- dren, putting them on a path to become lifelong readers, too. The New Mexico tion or boredom. The state of New Mexico is advising some healthy, fun, and State Library has a books-by-mail program, and many libraries have eBook data- responsible ways for those who are isolating to stay occupied during the public bases patrons can access from home. What to read? The National Hispanic Cul- health crisis: tural Center has started a blog with reviews of books by Latinx authors. ADULTS: • PRACTICE MINDFULNESS. The science is persuasive: meditation reduces inflam- • CONNECT WITH FRIENDS—on the phone or online. Keep your relationships mation and enhances our immune functions; it also helps us focus our attention alive by talking every day to friends, neighbors, and relatives. Check in by and feel less controlled by challenging thoughts or feelings. Start small—just a phone with the elderly people in your life. Use apps like Skype, FaceTime, few minutes per day—and consider apps that help guide meditation initially. Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Marco Polo to video chat with long-distance friends. • GO SHOPPING—VIRTUALLY. This is a great time to support local businesses. If Set a goal to call one or two people each day. Relationships are essential for our they have an online presence, go shopping or purchase gift cards. You’ll be mental health. They’re also good for the immune system: one study shows con- ahead when gift-giving time comes around, and you could help keep a small nectedness has a bigger impact on mortality than quitting smoking. business afloat. • READ. BOOKS. MAGAZINES. NEWSPAPERS. Digitally or in print. This is a great • GET ORGANIZED. No more excuses: sort through your junk drawer; organize time to revisit the classics, catch up on new releases or indulge in your favorite your kitchen cabinets; alphabetize your spices; untangle and label that pile of genre fiction. Reading expands your mind and sets a great example for your chil- —continued next page

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 19 from page 19———Self-isolating IVEN electronic cords; clean the garage. Whatever you’ve put off that D ILL will make your life easier when this is over, do it now. —B • PRACTICE AN OLD SKILL. Maybe you haven’t played an instrument in years. Pick it up and see what you remember (provided it won’t bother your neighbors, who are also self-isolating). • LEARN A NEW SKILL. Calligraphy? Sketching? Knitting? Poetry? Origami? This is a great time to try your hand at something new. In addition to fun stuff, consider learning a new language or another skill you could use in your career. Online resources are almost end- less whether through a virtual class, online forum, YouTube videos and more. • COOK OR BAKE. Whip up something new or make an old favorite. Involve the kids. Fill your home with fragrant scents from spices or baking bread. Perfect grandma’s bolognese recipe. • GARDEN. Although it’s too early to transplant seedlings, March is a great time for these tasks in the garden: plant bare root roses, trees and shrubs; prune roses; cut back ornamental grasses; trans- plant mis-located plants while still dormant; and prune deciduous trees and summer-flowering bushes. • HOME SCHOOL. Even parents who are still working from home can keep their children learning. You don’t have to be an expert or have state-of-the art supplies. Your best will be enough. Identify a While the southern part of the state has tallied more rain than central New Mexico, downpours space for your home classroom. Establish routines. Focus on core haven’t totally bypassed the Bernalillo area. This one, seen from Placitas village on March 13, subjects (math, English, for example). The New Mexico Public Edu- dropped 0.50 inches of rain on Bernalillo, according to National Weather Service spotter data. cation Department has assembled some optional, free academic A spotter in Placitas logged 0.19 inches that day and 0.39 the next. enrichment opportunities to help. • FILL OUT YOUR CENSUS FORM. Aside from self-isolating, this could be the most important thing you can do to help your state and com- munity. An accurate census count ensures everyone gets their fair 23rd annual Placitas Studio Tour rescheduled share of resources and has a political voice. The Census Bureau is ~NANCY HOLLEY mailing invitations to respond between March 12-20. This invitation Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Placitas Studio Tour has been rescheduled for August includes a unique, 14-character personal identification number you 29-30. At that time, over fifty Placitas artists will open their studio doors, inviting the need to fill out the form. When you receive your invitation and PIN, public to see where the creativity begins. This is a special opportunity to discover the go to the online portal to complete the form—it’s ten questions, and artists’ creative environments—some studios are only open to the public during the stu- answering could take as little as ten minutes. dio tour. • COMPLETE YOUR TAX RETURN. Even though both state and federal The Placitas Studio Tour will include many new artists who have broadened the wide filing deadlines have been extended, this is a task you could knock array of fine art and craft regularly offered during the two-day event. Creations in fiber, out now. Most people can easily do their own taxes – either by hand ceramics, steel, glass, sculpture, mosaics, mixed media, weaving, collage, stained glass, or through the Internal Revenue Service’s online free fillable forms. wood sculpture, jewelry, painting, pottery, photography, and other mediums will await Other options include online tax software programs or mobile apps. you in the open studios throughout the scenic foothills of Placitas. If your return is more complicated, make a one-on-one appointment For more information and to download a map, visit PlacitasStudioTour.com. Preview now with your tax preparer. the artists to plan your free, self-guided tour. Printed brochures detailing the artists and • SPRING CLEANING. Revive the tradition of a really deep cleaning studios will be available at artist studios and from local studio tour sponsor sites. to usher in spring. Ramp up your routine with serious attention to details like lamp shades, switchplates, door handles and frames. A solid spring cleaning improves the air quality of your home and may improve your mood. Sandoval Economic Alliance offers business resources

The Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA) has compiled a list of resources to assist local CHILDREN: businesses being impacted by the Coronavirus. If you need assistance for your business, •READ. Read a book. Read the comics. Read a cereal box. Just be please do not hesitate to contact sea-nm.com/contact/. sure to keep reading every day. Ask your parents to read to you and offer to read out loud to them. And for more information on the Coronavirus, including Community services, updates, • E-VISIT A MUSEUM. Tour the New Mexico Museum of Art’s collec- locations of drive-through testing facilities in the county, meal programs, etc., go to tion through its Searchable Art Museum, then check out the www.sandovalcountynm.gov/. museum’s blog, which is being updated twice weekly, to learn more. • BE INSPIRED. The Museum of International Folk Art is posting playlists and videos with detailed descriptions of its programs and • LEARN ABOUT WILDLIFE. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has developed exhibitions on its YouTube platform. an online curriculum with lessons about New Mexico wildlife. Most lessons are adaptable to grades 6-12. Check it out at Wildlife Curriculum. • CONNECT WITH NEW MEXICO’S INDIGENOUS CULTURE. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture has an online curriculum to provide stu- • CAMP INDOORS. Push back the furniture and pile up the blankets and pillows. Don’t for- dents with an experience that enriches understanding of how get the popcorn and maybe some scary movies. indigenous people of New Mexico have worked to build, maintain • Interview your grandparents. Over the phone, of course. Record it if you can. Make an and sustain their way of life and their distinctive tribal communi- audio story or book based on what you learn. ties. • HAVE A GAME TOURNAMENT. Scrabble. Pictionary. Monopoly. The possibilities are endless. • CONNECT WITH NEW MEXICO’S HISPANIC CULTURE. The National Hispanic Cultural Center’s YouTube channel features interviews • MEMORIZE SOMETHING. The Periodic Table. State capitals. A long poem or speech. Memo- with artists, performances, lectures, and fun mashups of footage rizing is good for our brains and improves our ability to think and learn. from a variety of events. Or check out the center’s Google arts and • LEARN MINDFULNESS. Kids can learn meditation practices just as well as adults, and culture page that features a variety of content about the performing doing so helps reduce anxiety and increase happiness – which is especially important right arts, the visual arts, the literary arts, and history. now.

• BE TUTORED. The New Mexico State Library offers live, online tutoring and homework help in English and Spanish through the EVERYONE: BrainFuse platform on El Portal. Also available: quizzes, lessons, • EXERCISE. Yes, the gyms and health clubs are closed, but thanks to technology, there’s and standardized tests for all ages. El Portal also includes free never been an easier time to start an exercise program at home. Try out at-home aerobics or access to bilingual learning tools like Kid InfoBits, Academic One- yoga videos. Consider downloading a fitness app with curated workout playlists. Outdoor File, Gale Health and Medicine, Newsbank, Opposing Viewpoints, exercise is good, too: take a walk. Ride a bike. Go rollerblading. Just be sure to maintain a and a set of unlimited access educational eBooks. six-foot distance from others while outdoors. • LIST WHAT YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR. Start a gratitude journal or just make a one-time list. • LEARN ABOUT SPACE. The Museum of Space History’s Launch Pad Lectures about stars, planets and galaxies are available on Research shows gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness, its YouTube channel. more positive emotions, improved health and stronger relationships.

PAGE 20 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 SANDOVAL ARTS

Digital rendering of Phase Two of Placitas Community Library

It’s happening at the Placitas library ~TIM BLEVINS AND DR. DORIS FIELDS

Much has been going on at your lit- —T tle library lately. With coronavirus ONY (COVID-19) at the top of the news, we are urging everyone to be safe; H ULL therefore, Placitas Community Library (PCL) will be closed at least through April 15. With that said, several exciting and positive pieces of news are in the air at PCL: we had a lovely celebration of library volunteers at the end of February, construction of the new phase of the library will begin soon, and the library just received a small grant to encourage all Placiteños to be counted in the 2020 Census. We offer a big thank you to “Herbie,” Tony Hull, and the Board of Directors who celebrated PCL volunteers at the end of L-O-V-E “Herbie,” the major host of the month. It was fabulous! There were “We Love Our Volunteers Everyday” about 75 people. Lots of LOVE from celebration at Placitas Community Library, “Herbie,” Tony, and the board to all stands by his library brick. the other volunteers, including but not limited to delicious food pro- vided by Margaret Bruch; individual boxes of Sweetheart chocolates from Andrea Cohen; a wide range of beverages from “Herbie” Hull and his “driver,” Tony Hull; and history and acknowledgement of volunteers throughout the library’s sixteen years by Doris Fields. Also, we thank Karen Cox for the “book cake.” The large hardcover coffee table “book” was titled L-O-V-E, "We Love Our Volunteers Everyday." Lifting the hard cover, you saw the dedication page which read: "This book is dedicated to our wonderful volunteers." Lifting that page, you could read the icing on the cake, listing the first name of every vol- unteer! Many people have heard about the upcoming expansion of Placitas Commu- nity Library. First, we must extend lots of kudos to our community, all library volunteers, donors, patrons, and especially the board of directors, with Ruth Bouldes as chair. Collectively, we raised enough funds that we can begin con- struction of the new phase of the library. Those who have been visiting the library over the past ten years have seen, in the hallway, the artist’s rendering of “Phase Two” that was to be built in the future. Well, the future is now! pleting the 2020 Census Online Huitt-Zollars Architects have designed the next phase and Anissa Construc- (www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCM0XrSynFw) walks viewers through the tion, Inc., is ready to begin building. Because of health concerns around the entire process in less than ten minutes and is an excellent primer. It’s easy! coronavirus pandemic, decisions of exactly when to begin construction have The link is on our website: placitaslibrary.com/. Being counted in this year’s been thrown up in the air, but we are encouraging everyone to keep an ear census will ensure future federal funding for roads, schools, healthcare, and tuned for news of breaking ground. In addition to regular shovels for local and even libraries. We’re talking real money. If New Mexico undercounts by just statewide officials who have also helped make this new phase possible, we will one percent, the state could lose $780 million dollars. The results also deter- have a (tiny) shovel for everyone who attends the groundbreaking. Once the mine the number of New Mexico’s Congressional seats and the allocation of date is scheduled, we will get word out to the community and encourage resources for libraries. Our planned “Census Corner” in the library is on everyone to come and observe each section of major progress on the construc- hold due to concerns around the coronavirus pandemic. We have placed tion. posters around town with information on enrolling in the 2020 census and In addition to all this, PCL recently received a small grant from the American information on helpful links on our website. You may find posters at The Library Association to encourage Placiteños to enroll in the 2020 Census. We Merc, post office, outside the library, and on our website: want to make it easier for everyone to be counted. The Video Guide to Com- placitaslibrary.com/. Be sure to enroll! Be counted!

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 21 SIGNPOST COMMUNITY CALENDAR

MANY OF THESE ONGOING LISTINGS ARE TEMPORARILY CANCELLED DUE TO THE NOVEL CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC. CHECK VIA THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION FOR DETAILS AND TO SEE WHEN THEY WILL RESUME.

To submit a listing, send it to: [email protected]. Deadline for Tuesday. Board meeting agenda is posted on the ESCAFCA website Second Thursday: The New Mexico Parkinson’s Coalition (NMPC) submission is the twentieth of the month prior to publication. The calendar (escafca.com) and at the front desk of the Town Hall by Friday preceding meets. 1:30-3 p.m. Held at Grace Outreach at 2900 Southern Boulevard SE is for nonprofit organizations. “First Monday” means the first Monday of the meeting. in Rio Rancho. The NMPC works to enhance the quality of life for individu- each month. als with Parkinson’s through education, awareness and support for those Fourth Tuesdays: Placitas Democrats and Friends. 6-7:30 p.m. Held at with the disease. For more information, call 219-5065 or visit the website: Daily: The Mayor Hull Show. Go to rrnm.gov/mayorhullshow. Rio Rancho Placitas Community Library. Meetings are open to the public and feature nmparkinson.org. Mayor Gregg Hull talks about issues facing Rio Rancho. candidates for local, state, national offices. www.sandovaldemocrats.org, 259-5860. Second Thursdays: Visionary Arts & Crafts Guild (VACG). 6-8 p.m. VACG Daily: Free hikes at Valles Caldera National Preserve—from Magma to is a group of juried artists whose mission is to develop a fellowship among Magpie. For a complete list of activities at the National Preserve, go to Tuesdays: Haven House Domestic Violence Support Group for women craftspeople and facilitate a market for crafts. The VACG supports the “Art of https://www.nps.gov/vall/index.htm. whose lives have been touched by domestic violence. 6:30-8:00 p.m. Topics Craft” through exhibitions, education and public awareness to promote the include: Dynamics of Domestic Violence, Safety Plans, Developing Healthy development and appreciation of craftspeople and their work. Baptist Monthly: Various community events at Rio Rancho Libraries. Rio Ran- Relationships, and information about available services. All sessions are Church of Rio Rancho Adult Education Center, 1909 Grande Avenue, Rio cho libraries—Esther Bone and Loma Colorado—will be hosting a variety confidential and free of charge. Held at Rio Rancho First Baptist Church, Rancho. [email protected], 948-3132. of events all month long ranging from book signings, to poetry readings, corner of Route 528 and 19th Avenue. 896-4869 or 1-800-526-7157. lectures, concerts, arts and crafts, meet and greets, etc. For more informa- Third Thursdays: Placitas Community Library Board of Directors meet- tion about the library or each month’s activities, visit www.riorancholi- Wednesdays: Seniors (62+) ride free on the Rail Runner. Bring valid ings. At the Placitas Community Library, 453 Hwy 165. 6:30 p.m. Open to braries.org. photo ID (with birthdate). the public. Meeting agendas are posted at the library and Placitas Post Office. Monthly: Urban Horticulture classes. Sponsored by the SandovalMaster- Wednesdays: Thinking Straight open meeting of Alcoholics Anony- Gardeners.org. Free. Open to public. Registration preferred. Sandovalmas- mous. 6-7 p.m. Have a Desire to Stop Drinking? Celebrate Sobriety with us Fourth Thursdays: Sandoval County Development Planning & Zoning tergardeners.org/public-class-registration. and learn how to stay sober. Held at the First Assembly Church, 274 Camino Commission. 6 p.m. Held at the Sandoval County Administration Building, Don Tomas (Room 8), Just south of Highway 550 in Bernalillo. 266-1900. 1500 Idalia Road., Bldg. D, Bernalillo. Mondays: Bernalillo/Placitas open Al-Anon meeting for families and friends of alcoholics/problem drinkers. 7:30-8:30. Held at the Bernalillo Wednesdays: Cub Scout meetings. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Held at the LDS Church Last Thursdays: Sandoval County veteran’s outreach and business coun- United Methodist Church, 136 Calle Don Andres (behind Abuelitas), Center in Bernalillo, west of I-25’s Exit 240. New members are always wel- seling. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Held at 433 Meadowlark SE in Rio Rancho. All honor- Bernalillo, 262-2177. come. 867-4689, 867-2047. ably-discharged veterans may be entitled to VA benefits and state Veteran benefits. Come learn about your potential benefits. Bring your DD-214. 383- Second and fourth Mondays: Bernalillo Town Council meeting. 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays: Rotary Club of Rio Rancho Sunrise. 7 a.m. For breakfast, 2414. Held at Bernalillo Town Hall. Info: call 867-3311, townofbernalillo.org. fellowship, a great speaker, and a chance to get involved in local and world- wide service projects. At Club Rio Rancho (used to be Chamisa Hills CC), Fridays: Bernalillo Farmers Market. 4-7 pm. through October. Offering Second and fourth Fridays: Westside Neuro Choir—A chorus for adults 500 Country Club Drive, Rio Rancho. Info: Mac McKinney, 892-4313. fresh fruits, produce, herbs, and more. Under pavilion at Rotary Park. SNAP living with brain challenges & caregivers. Includes ALS, brain injury, MS, EBT dollars are doubled. Vendors welcome. 228-5801. Parkinson’s, strokes, and others. 1-2:30 p.m. Held at Grace Outreach Church, Wednesdays: Urban Horticulture Class Continuing Series. 1-3 p.m. 2900 Southern Boulevard, in Rio Rancho. Use entrance on the south side of Sponsored by the SandovalMasterGardeners.org. Free and open to the pub- Fridays: Toddler Time—music, stories, and crafts. 10 a.m. Held at the the of the building. For more info, contact Sheri Armendariz at 917 7981 or lic. Registration preferred. SandovalMasterGardeners.org. Sandoval County Town of Bernalillo-Martha Liebert Public Library from November 8- [email protected]. Ext. Office, Bernalillo. 929-0414. December 20. Closed on Thanksgiving. 867-1440.

Mondays through Fridays: Placitas Mothers’ Day Out childcare. A caring, First Wednesdays: Free civil legal clinic offered. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Held in the Fridays: Sandoval County Stroke Support Group. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Pro- cooperative, community childcare program since 1989. Hours: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. third-floor conference room of the Second District Courthouse, at the vides weekly support to survivors of stroke, their caregivers, adult family daily, $23. Info: Ms. Debbie Steuber, 867-3371. southwest corner of Lomas and Fourth, NW. Free legal advice on a number members, and health care providers. Water and light snacks provided. No of civil legal issues. No family law services will be offered. Attendance is charge for meetings. Social outings arranged six times a year. Geri: 620- Tuesdays: Teen Hang Out at the Martha Liebert Public Library. 4 p.m. limited to the first 25 persons who qualify for low-income assistance. Inter- 8802. 867-1440. preters and bilingual attorneys will be on hand. Attendees should bring all Tuesdays: Yoga with Patricia, 1-2 p.m., at the Town of Bernalillo Martha of their paperwork. Expect about a thirty-minute, free legal consultation. Fridays: Celebrate Recovery—12 steps to finding freedom from hurts, Liebert Public Library, 124 Calle Melinche, Bernalillo, NM 87004, (505) 867- 797-6077. hang-ups, and habits. 6:30 p.m. Held at the First Assembly Church, 274 1440. Camino Don Tomas, Bernalillo. 867-7226. Second Wednesdays: Rio Rancho Art Association (RRAA) monthly Tuesdays and Thursdays: Pickleball at the Bernalillo Community Center. membership meeting. 6:30-8:30 p.m. RRAA is a non-juried/all mediums First Fridays: Monthly luncheon of the Democratic Party of Sandoval 1-4 p.m. Pickleball is a game played on a court with paddles and a whiffle regional art association. You need not be a resident of Rio Rancho to join. County. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Range Cafe in Bernalillo, 925 Camino del Pueblo. ball. The court is smaller than a tennis court and allows people to play who Held in Don Chalmer’s Ford Community Room, 2500 Rio Rancho Boule- Sandoval Democrats gather once a month (most months) to welcome no longer want to run and jump as they did in their younger years. Anyone vard, Rio Rancho. www.rraausa.org, speakers, candidates, and government representatives. You pay for your can play, even if they have never played tennis. 934-2649. www.rioranchoartassociation.blogspot.com or 301-2009. lunch from the menu, or come for just the meeting. www.sandovaldemoc- rats.org. First Tuesdays: Albuquerque Newcomers’ Club Welcome Coffee. 10 a.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays: Sandoval County Civitans. 6:00 p.m. Held Held at Sandia Presbyterian Church (not affiliated with church)—10704 at Fair Winds, 920 Riverview Drive SE, Rio Rancho. 898-6884. Second Fridays: Monthly luncheon of the San-Bern Federated Republi- Paseo del Norte. Membership is open to residents who have lived in the can Women. 11:30 a.m. Held at El Pinto restaurant—10500 Fourth St NW. Albuquerque area (including Sandoval County) for five years or less, or who Third Wednesdays: Meeting of the Coronado Optimist Club. 6-7 p.m. The group offers meet-and-greet luncheons to discuss business and politics are having major changes in their lives. Make new friends and increase your Held at the Range Cafe in Bernalillo. for both Sandoval and Bernalillo County Republican interests. Aim is to social life. Sign up for monthly luncheons and speakers, dining out, visits to promote an informed public through political education and activity. All area attractions, book and movie groups, bridge, bunco, mah jongg, walk- Third Wednesdays (except December): Las Placitas Association Board Republican women and men invited to attend. Contact Julie Wright at 720- ing, wine tastings, etc. Singles’ and men’s groups. meeting. 6:30 p.m. Held at the Placitas Community Center. lasplacitas.org. 4883 or go to www.sanbernfrw.org. [email protected]. 321-6970. Thursdays: Using Microsoft Word at the Martha Liebert Public Library. Saturdays: Wildflower walks on the Sandia Ranger District. Starting at 9 First Tuesdays: Coronado Kennel Club meeting. 7:30 p.m. All-breed ken- 10 a.m. Registration a must. 867-1440. a.m. There will be an amenity fee of three dollars. Be sure to bring a hat, nel club. Schedule changes in August and December. Call 867-4510 for water, and sunscreen. Sandia Ranger District: 281-3305. meeting location. Thursdays: El Club del Libro—Our monthly Spanish Book Club. 6-7 p.m. Recurring. Held at Loma Colorado Main Library Rio Rancho History Saturdays: Casa Rosa Food Bank. Open 9-11 a.m. Held in the pink house First Tuesday: Monthly ice cream social hosted by the Kiwanis Club. 6 Room. Join us in reading a book in Spanish, improving conversation skills, east of Las Placitas Presbyterian Church at 640 Highway 165, six miles east p.m. Held at the Paleta Bar in Bernalillo—510 NM Highway 528. and meeting interesting friends who wouldn’t have the opportunity to cross of I-25. Community outreach program provides nonperishable food items paths without “El Club del Libro.” This month, in coordination with PBS’s as well as dairy, frozen meats, and fresh produce as available for Placitas Third Tuesday: Open meeting of the Sandia Vista Amateur Radio Club. 7 The Great American Read program, we will discuss Bendiceme, Ultima by residents in need. Donations, volunteers welcome. p.m. Held at Fire Station 41 on highway 165, just east of the Placitas Com- Rudolfo Anaya. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome! Please note munity Library. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings, whether or not new day and time. Saturdays: Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Growers’ Market. they have an FCC License. Free. Sep.-Nov. 8 a.m.-noon. Fresh vegetable, fruits, herbs flowers, jams, Thursdays: Sandoval County Historical Society archives and library are cheeses, arts and crafts. Live music. Voted “Best In City.” Accepts Third Tuesdays: Monthly meeting of the Republican Party of Sandoval open to members and the public for family research, 9 a.m.-Noon. WIC/Senior. At Village of Los Ranchos tennis court parking lot. losranchos- County (RPSC). 7 p.m. Held at the Gospel Light Baptist Church, 1500 Bernalillo. Info: 867-2755. growersmarket.com. Southern Boulevard in Rio Rancho. www.SandovalGOP.com. First Thursdays: Sandoval County veteran’s outreach and business Second and fourth Saturdays: Placitas Saturday Market. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Third Tuesdays: Sandia Vista Amateur Radio Club. 7 p.m. Help provide counseling. 1-4 p.m. Held at the Sandoval County Administrative Building, Held at Homestead Village on Highway 165 in beautiful Placitas. Vendor emergency communications in Placitas. Become a “HAM” radio operator. 1500 Idalia Road in Bernalillo. All honorably-discharged veterans may be spaces are $10 for each 10x15 space. Spaces are on a first come basis. We We will help you get your FCC license. Visitors welcome. Held at the Placitas entitled to VA benefits and state Veteran benefits. Come learn about your cannot sell food, beverages, or firearms. Vendor set up time is from 5:30 Fire Station No. 41, Hwy 165, near the Library. Info: sandiavista.net.. potential benefits. Bring your DD-214. 383-2414. a.m. Bring your own table, chairs and tents, which must be weighted down in case the winds pick up. All vendor fees go to a selected charitable organi- Fourth Tuesdays: Pathways: Wildlife Corridors of NM monthly meeting. First Thursdays: Art and Music at the Loma Colorado Main Library zations. For additional information, contact Nancy Holley at 515-4323. 6:30 p.m. Held at Placitas Community Center. Open to the public. path- Auditorium, Rio Rancho. Info: riorancholibraries.org, 505-891-5013. wayswc.wordpress.com. Election of Board officers will be held on January Third Saturdays: Rio Rancho Northwest Mesa NAACP meets. 11 a.m. Held 28. First and third Thursdays: Sandoval County Commission meeting. 6 p.m. at Don Newton Community Center. Public is invited. www.rrnwmnaacp.org. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Sandoval Adminis- Fourth Tuesdays: Eastern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control tration Building, 1500 Idalia Road Building D, Bernalillo. Info or meeting Sundays: Corrales Growers’ Market. 9-noon. Located at Corrales and Jones Authority (ESCAFCA) meeting. 6 p.m. Held in the Town of Bernalillo agenda: www.sandovalcounty.com, 867-7500. Road. 259-0203. Council Chambers. Persons wishing to be on the agenda or persons with disabilities who need accommodations should call 771-7110 by the first

PAGE 22 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 ENJOY THE STARRY NIGHT SKY • REDUCE NIGHTTIME GLARE APRIL 2020 NIGHT SKY CALENDAR TURN OFF OR SHIELD YOUR OUTSIDE LIGHTS DOWNWARD

April 2020 Night Sky

~CHARLIE CHRISTMANN

BETELGEUSE UPDATE: No, it is not your imagination: Betelgeuse is getting brighter. Astronomers are fairly certain that the cause of the unusually severe dimming of the super red giant was caused by a big blow-off of dust and gas. All the stuff coming off the star partly obscured it and caused it to appear much dimmer than it was. As the dust thins out, the star is looking brighter.

NAKED EYE COMET? A comet plunging toward the sun could possibly put on a good show in April and May of this year. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on December 28, 2019, it is now located in the constellation Ursa Major, near the lip of the Big Dipper’s bowl. Officially called C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS), this comet is following the orbit of another comet named Comet C/1844 Y1 Wilmot, affectionately called the “great comet of Key: r = rise, s = set, a = am, p = pm, Qtr = quarter, Mag = magnitude (negative values are 1844.” There is speculation that ATLAS is a fragment off the same parent object as brighter than positive values), deg = degrees, N = north, E = east, S = south,W = west, Ill = Illumi- nation. *next day, **previous day. Three middle fingers together at arm’s length span 5 degrees; Wilmot. Since its was first observed, this comet has brightened faster than expected the width of your little finger at arm’s length is about 1 degree. and, as of mid-March, is now near +8.0 magnitude. With good binoculars, a clear, dark sky and a steady hand, it may be possible to spot ATLAS as it passes from Ursa Major and through Camelopardalis in early April. If it holds together and Don’t get too anxious to see this new moon, you will need a big continues this trend, we could have a naked eye comet by mid-April high in the telescope to find it. Estimates put the object at around ten feet across northern sky near Perseus. At the extreme, predictions of a -1.0 magnitude are pos- making it very dim. It also circles farther away than our larger sible, rivaling the star Sirius in brightness. Others hope it might exceed Venus in moon. brightness making it daylight visible. This new moon is likely an Earth Crossing asteroid that, instead of Will it happen? Only time will tell. Astronomers have a very hard time predicting passing by or colliding with the Earth, was temporarily captured by comet brightness. At the very least, get out those binoculars in April and look Earth’s gravity. There is no danger of this small moon crashing into around Camelopardalis, Perseus, and Cassiopeia for a fuzzy green ball. Earth and causing a major problem; it is so small our atmosphere For an image of the comet, taken by Rolando Ligustri on March 18, 2020, go to would cause it to break up before reaching the surface. bit.ly/2U5gJVK. Astronomers tell us that Earth likely has captured many of these types of asteroids in the past. In fact, on average, Earth likely has at ANOTHER MOON least one of these tiny objects circling us that are never discovered. In late February, 2020, the International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center These mini-moons never stay around long. Gravitational interactions announced the discovery of another moon in Earth’s orbit. Apparently, it has been with our big moon and the sun make sure their orbits are unstable. circling Earth for about three years. It was first spotted using the Mount Lemmon In fact, 2020 CD3 is probably making its last orbit of Earth before Observatory near Tucson, Arizona, on February 15 and given the designation 2020 heading off to parts unknown in the solar system. CD3. A previously discovered mini-moon, 2006 RH120, made four loops Elon Musk quickly denied responsibility by announcing that this new mini-moon around Earth between September, 2006, and June, 2007. It is proba- was not the Telsa Roadster that he launched into space atop his Falcon rocket in bly on the other side of the sun by now and will not be back in our 2018. The starman, sitting behind the wheel of his space-mobile, will not be any- neighborhood until 2028. where near Earth again until January, 2047.

MARC CHAGALL DOES NEW

MEXICO

by RUDI KLIMPERT

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 23 Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association (ES-CA) ~GEORGE FRANZEN, PRESIDENT, ES-CA GAUNTLET A proposed development that would create trails, nature landscaping, a green belt, and a LETTERS • OPINIONS • LOCAL ISSUES 16 townhomes in the vacant area immedi- common area. Its proximity to The Merc ately west of The Merc shopping center is the would allow people access to walking, shop- The Signpost welcomes letters of opinion. Letters are subject to type of multi-family development that has ping, and dining. not been seen in Placitas for decades. The “I don’t want to appeal to families,” Short editing for length, clarity, libel, and other considerations. Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association said. “I want to appeal to singles.” However, Send to: Signpost, P. O. Box 889, Placitas, NM, 87043 requests community input about the project Short said that the development allows for or [email protected] because it goes to the heart of the question of families. Additionally, traffic and water-use what type of community Placitas wants to be. surveys would need to be accomplished The townhome development was first when the approval process begins. publicly proposed at a Sandoval County Short and Jennise Phillips, the project’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in realtor, said that they think the development February. would be ideal for seniors who already live According to the Sandoval Signpost, “After in the Placitas area, but who want to down- more than an hour of discussion and public size. The 1,850-square-foot homes would be comment, the Sandoval County Planning and priced beginning at $389,000 and be located Zoning (P&Z) Commission on February 25 on 8.75 acres. tabled a zoning amendment affecting vacant There are issues that still need to be land adjacent to the Homestead Village Shop- resolved, and numerous questions about the ping Center.” development. They include: The P&Z Commission was next scheduled • How much water would be used in an to meet on March 24, at 4:30 p.m. The county area that has only single homes on large P&Z staff, according to the Signpost, “has rec- plots of land? ommended the amendment be denied as • How would traffic be affected in an area being inconsistent with the Placitas Area Plan of Placitas that already has developed approved by the county in 2009. That plan higher traffic use than the rest of the area? included the Homestead commercial district family homes? The developers believe that and only designated land across Interstate 25 this is a one-time instance that would not from the town of Bernalillo for multifamily affect future developments because this residential development.” land is already zoned for commercial uses, The history of multifamily homes proposed and the owners are seeking a change that in Placitas is sparse. A condo development allows for homes. And they point out that was built in the Trails development area in the land could be used other purposes, the early 1980s—forty years ago. Other pro- such as retail or commercial—because it is re: Signpost event correction posals have been denied for various reasons. already zoned for commercial use. A transcription error in the March Signpost schedule of Historic reasons for concern within the com- This development proposal is currently upcoming Bernalillo events mistakenly listed the 327th munity range from additional water use, tabled, based on staff recommendations, Annual Fiestas De San Lorenzo on August 9-11, 2020, as traffic increases, and any possible ramifica- pending further review. Additionally, the Fiestas De San Antonio. We apologize for the confusion and tions of multifamily homes existing in a COVID-19 crisis means that Planning and to both saints. single-home community. Zoning meetings are indefinitely called off. The owners of the land, the McCallisters, But this is the time for community input. also own the Merc. The builder, Deborah Please contact County Commissioner Kathy Short, is known throughout the community Bruch at [email protected] as a homebuilder with her company, Vine- and give her your opinions. re: Universal health care would yard Homes. She also lives in Placitas. ES-CA Board Meetings are currently The development of 16 townhomes would cancelled until further notice for safety average about 1,800 square feet. Short said reasons because of the COVID-19 virus. mitigate novel Coronavirus epidemic that the development would include walking Despite hollow presidential assurances to the contrary, the coronavirus is likely to proliferate in the United States. The unfortunate condition of our country’s health care system will exacerbate the damage. Las Placitas Association (LPA) and Pathways The coronavirus will not spare any demographic group. This includes the uninsured food service worker for whom ~JOAN FENICLE seeing a doctor is cost prohibitive and the underinsured KUPR has postponed its March fundraiser bear/human conflict. Attract birds natu- nursing home aide who can’t afford health insurance with apologies to our performers. Tickethold- rally with native wildflowers. Do not hang deductibles and copays. It includes the working mother who ers are being reimbursed. We will reschedule bird feeders from April 15 to November 15. drops her sick child off at daycare because she can’t afford the event as soon as it is safe to do so. The • Don’t allow bears to become comfortable time off from work to care for that child. The coronavirus bills that keep the radio station on the air are around your home. Yell, throw things at will also affect the undocumented mother fearful of being not on hold though; remember KUPR if you them, let them know they aren’t welcome. deported if she seeks medical care for her sick child. can. • Secure compost piles. Bears love the scent Those with coronavirus and exposed individuals will con- Social distancing is the most important of rotting food and will eat anything. tinue to serve our food in restaurants, care for our elderly community practice we can do to keep • Keep your garage door closed and lock parents in nursing facilities, provide us with goods and serv- Placitas residents safe. LPA has cancelled all doors at night. Keep bottom floor windows ices in our shops and homes, and sit next to our children in face-to-face meetings and activities. We can closed when you’re not at home. school. remain active in the community while hud- • Do not keep food in your vehicle. Universal health care and improved sick leave policies dled at home with the power of the Internet. • Keep your pets safe and keep small live- would go a long way toward preventing or mitigating epi- But while we hibernate, the bears are waking stock and chickens in a safe enclosure. You demics in this country. These advancements would not only up from their long winter’s nap, and they are can hang rags soaked in ammonia around provide desperately needed medical care to those who lack hungry. Here are some hints on avoiding the enclosure to discourage bears. access today but would also promote public health—the conflict with bears: • If you have bee hives, consider installing health of our children, our friends, our neighbors, and our- • Keep garbage in a secure location and electric fencing. selves. What better way to promote the general welfare? It’s only put it out on the morning of pickup. Pathways Wildlife Corridors and Las time to put ideology aside and do what’s right for all of us. • Don’t store dog food or other animal Placitas Association urge our community to Sincerely, food outside—unless it is in a secure support the Crest of Montezuma Wildlife —JUDITH J. GORDON, Bernalillo container. Corridors. Send your comments to • Bird feeders are a major source of [email protected]. —”Gauntlet,” continued next page

PAGE 24 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 re: CBD deemed “non-essential” GAUNTLET during COVID-19 lockdown ~CONTINUED CBD stores have been discriminated against since we [at Corrales Hemporium] were forced to close. Growers, manufacturers, produc- ers, distributers, stores, and customers have been unfairly subjected to an arbitrary decision. CBD is a viable alternative to prescription drugs, alcohol, legal/illegal marijuana, and other substances. Our customers use it for pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, and a myriad of other health-related issues. Liquor stores haven’t closed. They are not being expected to take only online orders and ship their products! Breweries are able to sell their brews out of their own storefronts! The tobacco industry hasn’t been impacted. Other states recognize the medicinal value and viable alternative that CBD products provide for an ever-increasing number of people in our society. This is causing unnecessary angst and loss of products (CBD products have limited shelf life) and relief from often-debilitating symptoms. We all have testimonials from customers relating how CBD has made such a positive difference in their lives and/or lives of their loved ones. One of my customers purchases CBD flower, grown locally, to give to her son who is schizophrenic. She says it’s the only thing that calms him down, helps him focus, and stops the pacing. How is that not medicinal? We are asking all customers and those involved in the industry to contact the Department of Health, Governor’s Office, local Representatives, and anyone else who can override this arbitrary decision that is affecting thousands in our state. We are collectively requesting an exemption. —FAWN DOLAN, Corrales, Corrales Hemporium

COMMUNITY CENTERS SANDOVAL Sandoval County Senior Centers continue to serve public SignPOSt While activities at all Sandoval THANK YOU FOR County Senior centers are can- To learn more about the weekly celled due to the COVID-19 pan- menus or to receive a reopening READING THE SIGNPOST demic, meals are still available for update from your local senior cen- News and information of interest to pick up only and potentially home ter, give them a call: delivery. The menu will be the • Placitas: 867-1396 the residents of Sandoval County same for all of the Sandoval • Bernalillo: 867-9448 Find the entire hard paper copy online at: County senior centers on any • Corrales: 897-3818 given day. • Rio Rancho: 891-5818 www.sandovalsignpost.com If you are a senior or a disabled • Jemez: 575-834-7630 adult who cannot access groceries • Cuba: 575-289-3510 due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), STAY HOME • STAY SAFE • SAVE LIVES call the Aging and Long Term Services Department at 1-800-432- 2080 for assistance.

Scout report YOUTH ~DAVID GARDNER Dante Lambson, of Troop 708, has completed his Eagle Scout project, in which he organized boy scouts and friends to work with local fire and rescue crews to construct and locate mile marker signs along the Rio Grande. These signs are particularly useful to rescue groups when there has been an emergency situation along the river involving rafters and kayakers who can be located more quickly when they can reference the mile-marker signs. This particular project placed signs along the stretch of river from Bernalillo through Corrales. Both the Troop and Cub Scout Pack 708 are facing curtailment of their activ- ities because of the concerns over COVID-19. But there are many things the scouts are able to do for their individual advancement. Elements of the Webelos cubs’ planned campfire and cook-out and the Bear cub’s planned carnival can be prepared and practiced at home, and the Webelos are building tool boxes, which they will be able to assemble at home with family members. Our sole Wolf cub is on the brink of completing all the requirements for four of the adventures needed for advancement. Later in April, we hope Boy scouts and friends work with local fire and rescue crews to construct sconditions will improve for our annual kite flying contest at Loretto Park in and locate mile marker signs along the Rio Grande. Bernalillo. We also expect to have a full scouting program this summer. For more information, contact Amanda at 507-1305 or David at 867-4689.

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 25 As COVID-19 spreads, how do TIME OFF ANIMAL NEWS you ethically get outdoors? ~CONTINUED

~CRAIG CHILDS, HIGH COUNTRY NEWS

MARCH 24, 2020—Sheltering responsibly the potential of one year in prison, and a doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. $1,000 fine.” People have been trying to get outdoors In southwest Colorado, as in much of during this COVID-19 pandemic, and I the West, we’re fortunate to live in a nest don’t blame them. Without fresh air to of public lands with few trails or kiosks, breathe, clear sunlight or mist on our eye- mostly dirt roads with random pullouts— lids, I don’t think we can remain sane. the spaces managed by the Bureau of And we need a sane population. Espe- Land Management. When I hear “shelter cially now. in place,” I think of this place. How far All over the country, beaches and parks does that legally, ethically extend? are closed, warning tape is wrapped A couple of days ago, my gal and I met around playgrounds. People are trying to up with two friends, another couple shel- get out, but not finding any place to go to. tering at home, and drove separately to a Central Park remains open, and New York rock scarp near where we live. We kept six City has been asked by its mayor to close feet or more between us at all times, hand- certain streets to vehicles so people can get ing nothing back and forth without an out and walk. In the San Francisco Bay antibacterial wipe. The air we breathed area, where shelter-in-place orders are in was cavernous, a sandstone canyon with- effect, residents are still being told that out a trail or a sign, a place where you’d parks are open and to go enjoy them— rarely see footprints. For half a day, we with certain caveats: the restrooms aren’t scrambled over boulders and took pictures open, and neither are the trashcans, and of rock and sky. I took more caution than I don’t hike in groups. normally would, limiting the risk, because In the West, we’ve got plenty of space. you don’t want to take any resources from But are we supposed to be using it? We’re rescue workers who already have tough hearing different messages. There’s been a jobs to do. On our hike, we recounted the pushback against recreating on public weeks since we’d seen each other last, lands, mostly from gateway communities catching up on the stories under the vault receiving visitors they don’t want, even as of the sky. This, I believe, is sanity. As far people are being encouraged to enjoy as I’ve heard, what we did is neither ille- parks and open spaces where they can gal or unhealthy. Perhaps it’s not unethi- keep a safe distance from others. Most cal, either. national parks remain open, and entry fees I realize not everybody can do this; the have been waived. out-of-doors comes in degrees. Sometimes So, which is it? Stay indoors, or go out- just standing on a sidewalk and staring side? If you go out for a walk, you might into the sky makes a world of difference. hear someone shouting at you from a win- Currently, many federal land agencies, dow, “What don’t you understand about including the National Park Service, defer Trainer Ben Braden works with rescued horses just stay home?” to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- in the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program Moab was overwhelmed by tourists—a vention for social-distancing guidelines. madhouse, I’m told, which is significant But for those wondering about going out when you hear it from a Moab local. Last farther than their own backyard, here are Hyatt Regency Tamaya week, it became too much, and all tourist some guidelines: services were closed down. Mayor Emily • If you are sick, stay home. Niehaus announced, “Moab is asking peo- • Keep a social distance from others. postpones horse rehabilitation ple to please stay in their home commu- • Avoid high-risk or remote activities. nity.” The Southeast Utah Health • Announce your presence to others. week fundraiser Department halted visitor recreation, • Stay regional. restaurants were closed or limited to curb- • Avoid times and places of high use. ~DOROTHY HORNBECK side, camping, and hotels across multiple • Practice good hand hygiene. The third annual Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Week counties were closed to non-locals, and • Be kind. Say Hi. fundraiser, originally scheduled between April 1 and April visitors centers have shut down. Every- A key bullet point is “stay regional.” 4, 2020, has been postponed. The fundraiser’s goal was to body, go home. How big is a region? Where do you usu- raise awareness to the plight of unwanted horses in New Is home restricted to the indoors, or does ally travel for groceries? There’s no official Mexico and raise funds and support of the Tamaya Horse it include the spaces around you? I believe definition. One good answer came from a Rehabilitation Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the right to be outside, but at this friend in Trinidad, Colorado: “If someone located at the Stables at Tamaya on the Santa Ana Pueblo in moment it shouldn’t be exercised through gets to a spot and there are a bunch of New Mexico, and its ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabili- visitor centers and bottlenecks. Forget the people there, you should immediately go tate horses in need. parks; seek out the spaces in between, the somewhere else.” Although the four-day fundraising event has been backyards and alleys. It’s a great time to If you’re looking for justification to take postponed, the public can still support the organization explore an irrigation ditch or the woods at a trip to the backcountry, leaving your through donations to the program on its website, as well as the edge of town—to see what’s around area to go through someone else’s, this participation in the online auction that will be live through you. Be as local as you can. If you’re head- isn’t it. Stay in your home terrain. If where April 4. Proceeds from the online auction will directly ing to Red Mountain Pass to ski between you live has backcountry wrapped around support the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation program. Visit: Silverton and Ouray, Colorado, and you it, or a trail that’s open and uncrowded, or biddingforgood.com/tamayahorserehabweek to participate have out-of-county plates, the San Juan just some woods to walk through, I con- in the online auction. County Sheriff’s Office will place a yellow sider that an extension of home. It may not According to New Mexico for Equine Rights & Open Gov- slip on your windshield reading, “San be true for most of us, but many live out ernment, between 7,000 and 19,000 horses are abandoned in Juan County Colorado is enacting a here on the margins. And all of us, I hope, the state annually. Several factors can lead to unwanted, LOCALS ONLY order until further notice can reach the outdoors in some form, abandoned, or surrendered horses including a horse’s due to the COVID-19 Virus crisis.” Further because sanity is also necessary for health. decline in health or behavioral problems, and financial or down the slip, it notes, “Failure to comply Reprinted with permission from High physical hardships. with this order will result in charges with Country News (www.hcn.org). To donate to the program, and support its ongoing efforts rehabilitating horses throughout the state, visit tamayahorserehab.com.

PAGE 26 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 —C OURTESY W IKIPEDIA

Excellent care for your family pet Coronado Pet Hospital is a state-of-the-art, clean, and comfortable veterinary clinic with a wide variety of veterinary services for total pet care.

Coronado's compassionate and experienced staff is fully equipped to treat dogs, cats, and many exotic species with general and emergency veterinary services, surgery, dental care, and prescription pet foods.

Mexican Gray Wolf Stop by to meet our staff or call for an appointment today.

Mexican wolf population up by 32 in 2020 wolf count

~CHRISTOPHER SMITH, WILDEARTH GUARDIANS

Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revealed that at least 163 Mexican Gray Wolves survive in the wilds of southwestern New Mexico and southeast- ern Arizona. The annual count shows an increase of 32 individuals since last year’s total documented count of 131. The Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team Conveniently located at deployed in January and found 76 wolves in Arizona and 87 in New Mexico. This increase marks a step in the right direction, away from extinction and 4192 Hwy 528 (just South of 550) toward recovery, despite many challenges. The fact that lobos are doing as well as they are comes in spite of inadequate, and even hostile, action from the agen- Rio Rancho, NM 87144 cies tasked with their recovery, a border wall blocking gene exchange with their relatives in Mexico, and archaic trapping rules in New Mexico that risk injury Call 505-771-3311 and death to wolves every trapping season. In 2018, Western Environmental Law Center and WildEarth Guardians Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Saturdays 8am-4pm defeated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in court over the agency’s Mexican wolf management rule (called the 10(j) rule). A federal judge found that the rule Closed Sundays and major holidays “fails to further the conservation of the Mexican wolf.” That rule is now being rewritten. Additionally, groups have had to sue over the 2017 Mexican wolf recovery plan, which departs from the best available science and includes a slew of politically motivated obstacles impeding actual recovery for the iconic lobo. “While the population count is encouraging, we are far from penning a recov- ery success story for this critically imperiled species,” said Kelly Nokes, Shared Earth wildlife attorney at the Western Environmental Law Center. “The Service THE ANIMAL HOTLINE must stop consenting to the bullying tactics of state game departments antago- nistic to restoring Mexican wolves to the landscape, and instead fulfill its legal To help reunite lost/found pets with their people. duty under the Endangered Species Act to protect lobos from the dire threats they face now and in the future.” If you lose or find an animal in Sandoval County, In addition, the Mexican wolf has rebounded somewhat despite arbitrary political boundaries that impede migration desperately needed to expand the email the information to: [email protected] lobo’s gene pool. President Trump’s border wall threatens to entirely sever con- nections between the wild population in the U.S. and the wild population in We will place it in the upcoming issue at no charge. Mexico. Mexican wolves are in urgent need of genetic diversification to improve their chances for survival; the entire population is descended from just seven If the animal you reported no longer needs attention, individuals and the genetic health of the wild population is shown to be in please email the Signpost by the 20th of the month decline. to have the listing removed. “Mexican wolves are slowly coming back from the brink of extinction just as a new threat to their survival is looming,” said Kevin Bixby, executive director of the Southwest Environmental Center. “The Trump administration’s plan to seal The Animal Hotline is a free community service of the Signpost. off the entire U.S./Mexico border in Arizona and New Mexico with a thirty-foot wall this year will make it impossible for the recovering but still tenuous popu- lations of lobos in each country to interbreed and exchange genes with each other. Without that connection, the fate of this iconic species remains in doubt.” “Lobos are showing that they belong in this region—that they are resilient in spite of mismanagement and hostility,” said Christopher Smith, southern Rock- Fish and Wildlife Service has yet to implement scientifically recommended ies wildlife advocate for WildEarth Guardians. “Just think what their recovery recovery actions. might look like if we removed some of the obstacles that are put in front of Although lobos once widely roamed across the southwestern U.S. and them, like leghold traps on New Mexico public lands.” Mexico, the Mexican wolf was purposefully eradicated from the U.S on The steady, albeit slow, growth of the wild population indicates that Mexican behalf of American livestock, hunting, and trapping interests. Recognizing wolves are doing well to overcome the human-created roadblocks on the path to the Mexican gray wolf’s extreme risk of extinction, the Service listed it on recovery. Advocates point to the need for a superior management rule, urgent the federal endangered species list in 1976. genetic diversification via the release of well-bonded adult wolves with pups, In 1998, after the few remaining Mexican wolves were put into captivity in and more cooperation from states in fighting human-caused mortalities as the an attempt to save the species, the Service released 11 lobos to a small area keys to real, expedited recovery. on the border of Arizona and New Mexico now known as the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area. The program has limped along ever since, with illegal BACKGROUND: killings and sanctioned removals subverting recovery. The lobo, or Mexican wolf, is the smallest, most genetically distinct, and one of Mexican wolves are at tremendous risk due to Trump’s border wall, their the rarest subspecies of gray wolf. The species was listed under the Endangered limited gene pool, threats from trapping, Wildlife Services’ activities, illegal Species Act in 1978, but recovery efforts have largely foundered because the U.S. killings, and small population size.

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 27 LALO’S PET PRINTS Email your animal photos to “Lalo” at: [email protected]

Hi Lalo—You would have enjoyed seeing this big male bobcat walking through my backyard in Placitas today. —DAN WHITE A Road Runner decided to sit on a fence post to catch some rays to get warm. —MALINDA MARKER

Coyote with injured right-rear leg scoots along the treeline on Lalo, Here is a photo of a mature Cooper’s Hawk. Vista Montana Loop in search of an evening snack. —DAN WHITE I usually see juvenile Cooper’s. It is rare to see a mature Cooper’s Hawk in my backyard. —MALINDA MARKER

Hey, Lalo, Look at this cool Kingfisher I saw in Corrales! —TODD RENNECKAR

Squirrels having some fun together. —TODD RENNECKAR

PAGE 28 • APRIL 2020 • 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 ART / MUSIC FOR SALE: HOMES / LAND OFFERING PIANO & VOICE LESSONS IN PLACItAS Paws N’ Claws Pet Care Experience. References. In-Home Pet Care serving: Call or text: Cia Khakaura 505-629-2150 Placitas, Corrales & Rio Rancho VALLEY AND MOUNTAIN FEEL IN WILD CHERRY FARMS IN THE VILLAGE—5 lots with underground Overnight Pet Care provided in Placitas shared well, power and natural gas. Mountain/valley Pet Sitting • Pet Waste Removal Chris Livingston, Master Music Instructor views tucked in among the fruit and cottonwood trees. Want to learn Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele or Theory? $79,000 per lot. Porter 263-3662, La Puerta Real Estate {505} 440-0875 Like Jazz, Rock, Classical, Funk? What’s your Style? Services, LLC -867-3388.

Insured/Bonded Call Chris for LESSONS in his home or yours! Deb Stichmann B.A. in Music • 20 yrs. Instructor & Performer [email protected] Certified in Early Childhood Teaching DESERT MOUNTAIN VIEW LOT IN A CUL-DE-SAC Reasonable rates • Gentle approach to teaching/learning AWAY FROM THE HIGHWAY—All underground utili- 505-980-4322 • [email protected] ties to the lot and a driveway cut to the building area. Complete Sandia and sunset/city light views. Only $125,000. Call Porter 263-3662. La Puerta Real Estate Serv- GET OUT OF THE HOUSE & HAVE SOME FUN ices, LLC 867-3388. Oil Painting Classes by renowed Placitas artist Kandy Tate—1-2 students, beginners & intermediate at Placitas studio. Classes in ABQ for larger groups. Call Kandy at 505-920-2418 for more information.

CLEANINg bernalillopetcarecenter.com

RESPONSIBLE HOUSE-SITTER AVAILABLE—Respon- ROSA’S HOUSECLEANING SERVICE, LLC sible, mature woman seeks house-sitting position. Pets and barn animals lovingly cared for. Short- and long-term ~ Family Business in Bernalillo ~ situations. References. Please call Lois at 575-519-8498. Licensed • Free Estimates References Provided HOUND DAWG 505-379-8652 • 505-990-2053 PLACITAS—NEW CUSTOM 3 BDRM! $349,000—New, House & Pet Sitters pueblo-style custom home nearly completed, with big view of the Sandias and Cabezon! 1,850 sq. ft. with 3 bed- • In-Home & Overnight Pet Care rooms, 2 full baths, exposed beams, tile floors, spacious • Dog Walking Services DESERT FLOWER CARPET & STEAM CLEANING kitchen with granite counters, walk-in pantry and views!!! CARPET AND FURNITURE SPECIALISTS 2-car garage. Should be completed in April. Placitas • Experienced Horse People We steam clean wool and silk area rugs, too, • 25 Years Experience in plus your tile, grout and stone Realty 867-8000 Dave Harper 263-2266. Adopting, Rescuing and Caring 867-4493 • www.desertflowercleancarpets.com for Horses, Cats & Dogs CALL • Retired Couple 505-264-2886 PLACITAS—6 ACRES $98,000—One of the highest lots • Longtime Placitas Residents Bonded & Insured All-Point Disinfecting & Sanitizing with all Cleaning available in Placitas! Underground utilities and commu- —an Essential Service for COVID-19. nity water!! Panoramic views! Dave Harper at Placitas Lic. & Insured • References Realty 867-8000 or 263-2266. Now Open in Placitas Bridget Cobb—Proprietor Free Estimate

PLACITAS HOMESTEADS—2 ACRES $54,000—Conve- Camp Pa sitive nient developed lot with paved road access! Beautiful Where your dog can come stay and play area of custom homes! Lot includes water, electric, phone, Servicing: Placitas, Bernalillo, cable and natural gas! Placitas Realty 867-8000 Dave Offering day camp and overnights at our home. Los Ranchos, and Corrales, NM Harper 263-2266. 150 Camino de la Rosa Castilla (505) 818-4348 • ZiaMaids.com Phone: 867-4408

NEXT TO PUBLIC LAND IN PLACITAS! $50,000— Make a reservation for your pup to come play with us. Serene location next to thousands of acres of public land. No restrictions! Underground electric already there. 3/4- PLACITAS HOUSEKEEPING acre lot. Placitas Realty 867-8000 Dave 263-2266. NON-LETHAL SNAKE REMOVAL ~ ~ ~ Any kind of snake ~ ~ ~ Donations accepted for payment. PLACITAS—COMING SOON! $495,000—Huge views of Call Moises—321-3600 Cabezon and the Sandias from this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Local resident • 25 years experience home on 7 acres! 2,450 sq. ft. plus 2-car garage. Going on the market in April; call to preview. Dave Harper 263- WILDLIFE RESCUE—Call 505-344-2500. References provided • Placitas area 2266, Placitas Realty 867-8000. An all-volunteer wildlife rescue program to assist injured Lesia Graham — 448-1152 / 415-2680 or orphaned wildlife. A service of the Rio Grande Nature Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. —“FOR SALE-HOMES/LAND,” continued next page

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • APRIL 2020 • Page 29 CLASSIFIEDS GROUND WORK HEALTH / SPIRIT LANDSCAPING / BEAUTY ~CONTINUED~ ~CONTINUED~

I am retiring. Thank you to all of my Placitas Chiropractic patients for the honor of serving you through the years. Questions? Call me: 505-620-3312 a a HIGH & DRY LANDSCAPES With gratitude, Mary Lou Skelton, D.C. FOR SALE: Country cottage gardens using native plants & permaculture HOMES / LAND CALL/TXT: SALLY HALL—505-695-0243 ~CONTINUED~

OFF THE GRID—5 ACRES $30,000—Secluded land in FOREVERBLOOM—A HORTICULTURE AND Due to COVID-19, our Salon is a “non-essential” Placitas. Call Dave at Placitas Realty 867-8000 or 263-2266. ARBORICULTURE BUSINESS. Services include: business and is therefore temporarily closed Consulting, landscape design, plant care, pre-purchase until the NM Health Dept. allows us to reopen. VACANT LAND FOR SALE—372 Avenida Bernalillo. inspection and selection. Disease and pest infestation Across street from La Petite Academy. Serious inquiries control. Tree appraisals and landscape restoration. 3 Homesteads Rd., Ste. D • Placitas, NM 87043 (505) 867-6361 • https://placitas-del-salon.business.site only. $99,000. Call 505-771-3394. 30 yrs. exp. Please give me a call—Virginia Escamilla at 505-379-8890.

FIND SOLACE AND INDEPENDENCE RIVER STONE CATE CLARK MASSAGE THERAPY is temporarily ON BEAUTIFUL VIEW PROPERTY closed until science-based health and pandemic experts agree and further instructions are announced. I look forward to seeing you on Bring your dream home to a rare 5+-acre parcel the other side of our social-distancing quarantine. Be safe and well. in Placitas that allows freedom to garden, keep horses/chickens, have a guesthouse, build what you like. Has underground wiring for Cable TV/Internet. Legally subdivided into two 2.5+-acre lots. FOR RENT / LEASE Enjoy gorgeous 60-mile mountain and mesa views. A moss rock arroyo provides your own private park. The 560-acre Placitas Open Space is next door. FOR RENT—BEAUTIFUL 3 BR HOUSE—On 2 acres in lower Placitas. Lovely views, spectacular Master suite, Take a drive • Have a look! • At intersection of kiva fireplace, 3-car garage. Call 505-765-6800. Arco Iris, Sacred Path & Hohokam Road CALL DAVE HARPER, PLACITAS REALTY 263-2266 OR 867-8000 SERVICES

O'HARA PAINTING—Quality craftsmanship. Professional service. Clean and efficient. Low VOC FOR SALE: paint products. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Check DALE’S TREE SERVICE—Pruning, removals, stumps, references at: nextdoor.com. Call Kieran O'Hara for a PRODUCE / EGGS hauling and mowing. 28 years experience. Dale Roberts, free estimate. 505-699-6253 (land lines: dial 505). 505-473-4129 or 505-977-1981.

HOMEOWNERS’ HANDYMAN SERVICES—Carpentry, decks, doors, landscaping, painting, tile, windows. Free TIERRA SAGRADA FARM CSA~BERNALILLO estimates. Call 505-313-1929. Farm fresh produce and eggs. 24 weeks of nutrition, straight from our farm. Free pickup, or delivery at WHELCHEL additional charge. Full share $550, half share $350. Contact Andrea at [email protected] Landscaping and Construction Co. Placitas SAVE 10% off our already competitive prices Pool & Spa Service gROUND WORK when you MENTION this SIGNPOST AD! Complete / LANDSCAPING NOW is a great time to SAVE MONEY Service • Repair • Maintenance on Landscaping, Concrete Work, Paved Patios, Patio Covers, Gravel Work & more! 797-9680 We’re specialists in Landscaping & Outdoor Living Clip This Ad and Place on Refrigerator for Future Reference BLOOMING NATIVE GARDENS If you can imagine it, we can create it. PROFESSIONAL XERISCAPE DESIGN, Sprinkler & Drip Systems INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE Concrete, Flagstone & Brick Work BASED IN PLACITAS Block Walls & Stucco Work • Additions & Remodels NOW SCHEDULING SPRING CLEANUP!! Kiva Fireplaces, Banco Seating, Outdoor Kitchens Portals, Patio Covers, Decks, Retaining Walls • Xeriscape design, installation & maintenance Terracing , Sod, Gravel & Planting • Installation & repair of irrigation & water features • Over 30 yrs experience in native/non-native plants Call 221-8052 for free estimate • Offering maintenance schedule to fit your needs References/Pictures on Request • www.nmlandscaping.com • 10% off for new Placitas customers Licensed/Bonded/Insured/Lic. #60178 • Installation from sod & plants to flagstone patios A-Rating - Angie’s List • AAA - Better Business Bureau & block walls 505-440-0875 [email protected] Recommended by Angie’s List • References furnished • Lic/Ins Read Signpost back issues at www.sandovalsignpost.com —“GROUND WORK / LANDSCAPING,” continued next column —“SERVICES,” continued next page

PAGE 30 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 SERVICES ~CONTINUED~

Adobe Handyman Services • • • DESERT SERVICE SPRING • • • I do it all! Garage Door Service N Broken Spring & Operator Repair AN A Tile Framing Drywall

MA M Stucco Plaster Painting 505-252-9722 • WEEKENDS—No Extra Charge 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 HOUSE PAINTING—42 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Hello, I’m Steve Russo. I live in Placitas and specialize in residen- tial interior and small exterior painting. I’m neat, reliable, and will give you a free written estimate. Fully insured 908-278-8785

~ Call for Pool Closings & Equipment Upgrades

Residential ~ Service Maintenance

& Commercial 505-933-1767 GB 98 / Lic. #393473 Building Relationships One Roof At A Time Michael Alderete Consultant (505) 295-9006 Painting by DAVE’S United Services BOBCAT SERVICE Residential • Commercial

Dirt Removal All Paints & Refinishes • Int./Ext. Trash Haul • Grading General Maintenance Tree/Brush Removal Handyman • Stucco Repairs Gravel • Driveways 505.250.6646 Snow Removal • Backhoe Licensed, Insured & Bonded Call 505-264-1062 Licensed & Insured “Serving Sandoval County THANK YOU for your support since 1996” of Signpost advertisers.

“BE SAFE, BE WELL”

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 2020 • Page 31 PAGE 32 • APRIL 2020 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988