SANDOVAL PLACITAS PRSRT-STD U.S. Postage Paid BERNALILLO Placitas, NM CORRALES Permit #3 SANDOVAL Postal Customer or COUNTY Current Resident SignPOSt ECRWSS NEW MEXICO A N I NDEPENDENT L OCAL N EWSPAPER

S INCE 1988 • VOL. 31 / NO . 3 • MARCH 2019 • FREE IVEN State debate on D ILL gun laws descends —B on County Commission

~BILL DIVEN After a raucous hearing over gun ownership and the Bill of Rights, Sandoval County joined more than a dozen other counties in declaring itself a Second Amendment Sanctuary. The resolution, passed 4-1 on February 21, supports Sheriff Jesse James Casaus should he decide to selectively ignore any state gun laws he deems unconstitutional. The action stems from several bills pending in the Legislature that have yet to pass both houses in current or amended form. The sixty-day legislative session ends on March 16. Bookending the debate were concerns that the sheriffs not enforcing duly enacted laws amounted to anarchy and fears enforcing them starts down the road to tyranny and general gun confiscations. Whether the commission's resolution is merely symbolic or carries legal weight also was part of the County Commission Chair David Heil, County Manager Dianne Maes, and County nearly two-hour discussion. Treasurer Laura Montoya were among those ceremonially throwing a power switch "This resolution does not mean the criminal element or non- noting completion of a $6.5 million energy-efficiency project. The roof over their heads law-abiding citizens will be free to do whatever," Casaus told holds solar panels that help power the county administration building. commissioners. "I, as the sheriff, will still enforce the existing laws and prosecute them to the fullest… These proposed laws will only affect law-abiding citizens and do nothing to take County goes solar guns out of the hands of criminals." ~SIGNPOST STAFF Opponents of the resolution said the commission was over- stepping its bounds and wasting taxpayer money. With the flip of a symbolic switch, project. It's a true energy program that "I support the Second Amendment but am not sure why you Sandoval County in early February encompasses many forms of efficiency and think sanctuary is necessary as nobody is attacking New Mexi- celebrated completion of an energy- how the county consumes energy and oper- cans right to keep and bear their arms for protection, hunting, efficiency project featuring solar panels ates their facilities today and into the and any other lawful purpose," said Alexis Jimenez of Rio Ran- supplying power to 22 county facilities. future," Gibson said. cho. "The bills in the Legislature right now are aimed at keep- Beyond the solar panels, energy-effi- The county describes the project as, by ing guns out of the hands of dangerous and irresponsible ciency upgrades at 45 of 52 county loca- far, the most aggressive and inclusive such people as much as possible." tions include LED lighting, building project by a government entity in New Among the bills at issue are House Bill (HB) 130 and Senate controls, heating and cooling (HVAC) Mexico. The solar installations will provide Bill 201, background checks for private and gun-show firearm equipment, and water-conservation meas- 25 percent of the power needed to operate sales; HB 48, adding access to guns to the crime of child neg- ures. By the numbers, the $6.5 million county facilities in a market where energy lect; and HB 130, permitting emergency seizures of guns from project is forecast to reduce energy con- costs have grown by an average five to persons at risk for harming themselves or others. sumption by forty percent annually and eight percent annually over the last ten "Keeping in mind this is only the first session of the new costs by 35 percent. years, according to a county fact sheet. regime, and these issues are just beginning," said Matt Wasson "We did numerous large and small HVAC Among the buildings receiving upgrades of Rio Rancho, vice president of the New Mexico chapter of the from all corners of the county from next to is the Sandoval County Detention Center. Sons of Liberty Riders. "It's time to tell Albuquerque and Santa the Judicial Complex, where we installed Two inmate escapes in 2017 highlighted Fe New Mexico is a diverse state; they don't own it to run as two new boilers, to replacing furnaces at decades of neglect at SCDC leading county they see fit… The time to take a stand is now." remote sites like the La Cueva fire station commissioners to impose a tax to fund HB 83, the Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order Act, spon- on the top of the Jemez Mountains," said ongoing operations and maintenance and sored by Rep. Daymon Ely, D-Corrales, drew particular atten- Patrick Gibson of contractor ENGIE Serv- $5 million in renovations. tion from the New Mexico Sheriff's Association (NMSA). The ices U.S. Built-in analytics alert the Public The Placitas Community Library was one bill would allow a court to order the confiscation of someone's Works Department if the systems encounter of the sites as well, receiving solar panels guns if a family member or a third party convinces a judge the problems, he added. on a new structure shading some parking person is an immediate threat. "It's not just a solar electric-production spaces. Critics of the bill say it lacks due process by not letting the accused challenge the court order until after the weapons are seized and creates undue risk for law officers surprising some- one with an order to take away their guns. also cited the Fourth Amendment—search come out against some of the legislation, and "It really puts us at a high liability, it puts the county at a and seizure—as civil rights imperiled by the about ten of them attended the commission high liability for lawsuits," NMSA vice president and Cibola pending legislation. meeting. County Sheriff Tony Mace said. "It puts law enforcement offi- Mace said the Sheriff's Association is track- Complaints of citizens being ignored cers in dangerous situations." ing 12 bills and is working to resolve issues focused on small hearing rooms at the state In addition to gun rights—the Second Amendment—Mace with six of them. Twenty-nine sheriffs have capitol leaving members of the public shut —continued on page 4

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PAGE 2 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 CONTENTS

Up Front—1 Business—7 Sandoval Arts—22 Around Town-9 Calendar—24 Real People-10 Senior Center—25 Night Sky—12 Youth-26 Gauntlet—16 Animal News—26 Health—19 Classified Ads—28 Public Safety—20 Stereogram—31 Buy one pair & get the 2nd pair at MAIL: 40% off with a Signpost, P. O. Box 889 $100 rapid rebate.* Experience the Placitas, NM 87043 Ask for details. best life has to offer with: PHONE: (505) 867-3810 *Frame & lens purchase WEBSITE: www.sandovalsignpost.com • Personalized eye care required for both pairs. EMAIL: [email protected] • Latest eye wear Expires 3/31/19 CALENDAR: [email protected] • Advanced vision care ADVERTISING: [email protected] technology DEADLINE: The 20th of each month, prior to month of interest 4484 Corrales Road, Corrales DROP BOX: NOW OPEN! Dr. Deidra Casaus, Optometric Physician On the wall inside The Merc, at Homestead Village, Tues.-Sat. 9:00am-6:00pm • Sun. 9am-3pm 160 S. Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo 221 Highway 165, Placitas, Two miles east off I-25 Discounts for seniors & vets Call for an appointment today! 505-771-3937 Exit 242. FREE CBD lollipop with purchase SIGNPOST STAFF: www.thevisionstorenewmexico.com

PUBLISHERS: Barb and Ty Belknap

EDITOR / BUSINESS MANAGER: Ty Belknap EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Barb Belknap MARCH 2019 NEWS EDITOR: Bill Diven COPY EDITOR/PROOFREADER: Evan Belknap LIZARD RODEO LOUNGE ART FEATURE WRITER: Oli Robbins STARTING AROUND 7 NIGHT SKY FEATURE WRITER: Charlie Christmann KYLE MARTIN, KELLSEY MANNING, MELISSA RIOS MASTHEAD & DESIGN SUPPORT: Gary Priester 1

CARTOONIST: Rudi Klimpert (in memorium) 2 STTAAN KEE with STTEP IN BLUES.blues AD SALES: Office Staff 7 OPEN JAM.hosteed by DeRangers WEBMASTER: Bunny Bowen 8 WAWATATERMELON MTNM JUGBAND.folk DISTRIBUTION: Office Staff 9 JAZZ TO GO.jazzz 14 OPEN JAM.hosteed by DeRangers Sandoval Signpost is published monthly by 15 DUKECITY SWWAAMMPCOOLERS.bluegrass Belknap Publishing, Inc, P. O. Box 889, Placitas, NM 16 ROCK ZONE.rockk 87043. Bulk postage is paid at Placitas, New Mexico. 21 OPEN JAM.hosteed by DeRangers As a local newspaper of general circulation for 22 STRAAYY DAAWWGS.bluegrass Placitas, Bernalillo, and southeastern Sandoval 23 BACK EDDYY.. County, we invite readers to submit stories, ideas, folk//acoustic/rock OPEN JAM. articles, letters, poetry, and photographs of artwork 28 hosteed by DeRangers for publishing consideration. We welcome advertising 29 MYSTIC LIZARD.bluegrass 30 COWBOY WAWAYAY.Y. of interest to our readership area. Ad and submission 925 S. CAMINO DEL PUEBLO · BERNALILLO, NM ccountry western deadline is the twentieth of the month prior to 505.867.1700 · RANGECAFE.COM TUESDAAYYS IVAVANN RANE.fifingerstyle guitar the publication month. This issue of the Sandoval Signpost has been mailed to every home in Placitas (2,600 direct-mail), and delivered for free pickup at over forty locations in the Placitas-Bernalillo-Corrales and southeastern Sandoval County area, totalling about 5,600 copies. Copyright © 2019, by Belknap Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in articles appearing in the Sandoval Signpost are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. The Sandoval Signpost is printed with soy ink on recycled newsprint.

SUBSCRIPTIONS—--$35/YEAR, 12 ISSUES: dine in or carry ouut Mail address and check to: Signpost, P. O. Box 889, Placitas, NM 87043. Or call the office———505-867-3810 ———to pay over the phone with a credit/debit card or FR8HOUSE.COM for further information. 505.588.2143 200 S. CAMINO DEL PUEBLO · BERNALILLO,, NM

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • MARCH 2019 • Page 3 FILL YOUR CART WITH: Boar’s Head Deli Meats UP FRONT Artisanal Cheeses Choose from over 800+ Fine Wines Cold and Growlers and Spirits from page 1 Fresh Produce and Fresh Meat Sage Bakery Bread -–––Guns Bakery Desserts and other Groceries out and unable to speak. and consultation with tribal govern- Commission Chair David Heil, ments. Located in Homestead Village, just 2 miles east of I-25 at 221 Highway 165 who sponsored the resolution, • Universal Waste Systems Open 9AM to 8PM • Sundays 9AM to 6PM • (505) 867-8661 found himself repeatedly quieting reported during its first year with the audience as applause inter- the help of partners it has cleaned rupted some comments, and boos up 12 illegal dumps collecting and name-calling interrupted 120,000 pounds of trash. The com- others. pany, the county's solid-waste con- SHOP THE MERC After the meeting, Heil told the tractor for rural areas other than Signpost that the resolution mostly Placitas, also added free recycling at sends a message to legislators. the convenience centers in Peña "What it has to a certain extent is Blanca, Cañon, and Cuba and held political theater," he said. "It shows collection events there for electronic people are not being heard." and household hazardous waste. Commissioners Katherine Bruch • New Mexico Gas Company of Placitas and Kenneth Eichwald (NMGC) detailed plans to build a of Cuba spoke against the resolu- twenty-inch pipeline starting later tion, but Eichwald said he voted this year or early in 2020 from east for it based on requests from his of Interstate 25 near Bernalillo to constituents. near Santa Fe to serve northern In other commission action in New Mexico and Los Alamos February: National Laboratory. The line paral- • By a 3-2 party-line vote, com- lels an existing 12-inch line that will missioners opposed House Bill 206, be retired. Tim Korte of NMGC said the Environmental Review Act, call- the company is working with resi- ing it a deterrent to economic devel- dents of Budaghers to address con- opment. The bill would require cerns about construction through certain projects under government their area. purview to include reviews of health and environment impacts

To Be Rescheduled

PAGE 4 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 New sheriff pins on badge and big plans Nearly New ~SIGNPOST STAFF A Repeat Boutique Operated by Bound for Success, Inc.

When Sandoval County

Sheriff Jesse James Casaus IVEN WARMER DAYS came into office on D

January 1, he arrived ILL & LONGER NIGHTS with a to-do list and —B (remember “Wasted Days & Wasted Nights”?) few illusions. "They're all going to DAYLIGHT SAvINGS ends! take some time," he told (Hopefully for good!) the Signpost in a recent interview. To pick one item, SPRING Arrives. start with setting up a Shed your winter skin! multiagency task force to join the county, Bernalillo, Corrales, Rio Rancho, and SPRING ATTIRE possibly tribal police in attacking drug trafficking. now 25% OFF! Such a unit would go after street-level dealing, while Undersheriff Joe Gonzales and Sheriff Jesse James Casaus 836 Camino Del Pueblo, BERNALILLO, NM gathering intelligence and are the top officials in the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office 87004 • 771-8228 bound4success.org engaging in interdiction after Casaus's election last year. OPEN: Wed-Sat. 10am-4pm • Tues by appt. only and undercover operations. Included within professional development "It would make a difference in everything would be tactical skills and creating a tactical every day," Casaus said. "Drugs are the root of, by ten percent a year during his four-year term. anti-crime (TAC) unit to respond to situations I'd say, 99.9 percent of the crime." Keeping wages competitive is another issue, espe- ranging from an active shooter to serving high- Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) does cially given the Albuquerque Police Department has risk arrest and search warrants. not have a narcotics unit, so those crimes are been aggressively recruiting to add two hundred offi- A working group is the beginning of an effort assigned to investigators already working other cers to give it a force of 1,100. Where SCSO starts an to maximize grants to help fund SCSO operations types of cases. A sergeant with narcotics experi- experienced officer with current certification at $22.25 and equipment. The initial target is the Depart- ence has been meeting with other agencies as a an hour, APD offers $28 an hour, escalating to $30 and ment of Justice Community Oriented Policing preliminary step to creating such task force, beyond, depending on years of experience. Services program, known as a COPS grant, to Casaus added. Casaus said he's already discussed plans with county hire additional officers. The new administration is also identifying commissioners. The department is funded for 56 sworn officers, officers certified in specific training skills to "Without manpower, you can't send deputies to train- and, as of mid-February, had one vacancy with establish a continuous training calendar. With ing, you can't have a narcotics unit, you can't have a multiple applicants for the position. Casaus said multiple trainers the goal is to expand training TAC team," he added. "I believe the County Commis- that by working with the County Commission for deputies. sion is on the same page… I genuinely believe they he'll try to increase the number of sworn officers —continued on page 7

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • MARCH 2019 • Page 5 IVEN D ILL —B

Rep. Gregg Schmedes, R-Tijeras, listens to testimony on legislation pending before the UP FRONT House Health and Human Services Committee. Schmedes, a member of the committee, is in his ~CONTINUED first session of the Legislature. Rep. Joanne Ferrary, D-Las Cruces, in the background is vice-chair of the committee. Rep. Schmedes dives into first legislative session

~BILL DIVEN

Six months after being appointed to cists, institutions, and third-party pay- the state House, and three months ers who withhold services based on after winning election to the seat, Rep. deeply held personal beliefs. Gregg Schmedes is experiencing the Schmedes, a surgeon, is one of two protocols, conflicts, and search for physicians in the Legislature. The alliances in the Legislature. other is Rep. William Pratt, D-Albu- "It's been an incredible learning querque, who sits on the same com- experience," Schmedes told the mittee and across the table from Signpost as the sixty-day session Schmedes. passed the halfway mark. "We have "This is a challenging issue because some have wonderful groups of usually there are two sides adamantly legislators." opposed to each other, and I think As a newcomer and Republican, increasingly opposed to each other in Schmedes finds himself navigating a these sorts of conscience-protection body where Democrats hold a 46-24 issues," he testified. "It's concerning to advantage. His District 22, which me because I think our state and our includes Placitas, Algodones, La society at large is headed in the wrong Madera, Albuquerque's East Moun- direction. We are diverging from each tains, and a few precincts in Santa Fe other instead of trying to look for County, has been in Republican hands common ground." since taking its present shape after the Schmedes said he wasn't being 2010 Census. dogmatic about such issues but trying "Some of the most rewarding parts to engage the discussion. Common have been in trying to develop rela- ground proved sparse, however, with tionships across the aisle because that only one speaker saying people should requires finding common ground," have the right to say no. Schmedes said. "We, in general, view Others—doctors, a pastor, civil- and the world differently, we view politics reproductive-rights activists, and a differently, but when you can find that woman with a story of nearly bleeding common thread it just makes it real to death during a problem pregnancy fun to spark a friendship or relation- after a doctor refused to treat her— ship." uniformly opposed the bill. Those diplomatic skills were on dis- "This bill threatens to completely play during a February 22 hearing by upend the careful balance we've the House Health and Human Services already struck of religious freedom Committee. Schmedes, a member of and other important human rights and the committee, also was there to testify instead grants providers a license to for his own bill that wades into the put their personal views before the charged atmosphere between personal health care needs of a patient," said conscience and delivery of health care. Adrian Carver, executive director of His House Bill (HB) 525, co-spon- Equality New Mexico. "Patients' health sored with the House Minority Whip and well being should always come Rep. Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, is first." called the Health Care Freedom of Ultimately the committee, acting as a Conscience Act. If approved, it would subcommittee due to a shortage of protect physicians, nurses, pharma- members present, favored a do-not- —continued on page 8

PAGE 6 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 BUSINESS from page 5- –––Sheriff want to see us succeed." Contract negotiations between the county and the Sandoval County Sheriff's Deputies Association, which cover more than salaries, are sched- uled to begin in March. A related issue involving training, equipment, and best practices is lim- iting the county's exposure to liabil- ity. Already some risk areas have been identified, including use of bal- listic vests, stun guns, and county vehicles. On a smaller scale, the county has one animal-control officer with a sec- ond position vacant. Beyond beefing up that side of his operation, Casaus said he's also pursuing the idea of the county opening its own animal shelter instead of relying solely on nonprofits with limited resources. The arrival of the new sheriff coincided with other changes at the top of the SCSO administration. Casaus appointed Joe Gonzales as his undersheriff, a veteran of 37 years in law enforcement including 25 with the Santa Fe Police Depart- ment, seven with SCSO, and three with Sandia Pueblo. Gonzales replaced former Captain Mike Traxler who was appointed undersheriff after the retirement of Karl Wiese. Former Lt. Keith Elder, Casaus's Republican opponent in the November election, now heads the Advanced Training Bureau at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy. Meanwhile, in January, Lt. Victor Rodriguez was appointed chief of police in Belen. Among his SCSO duties, Rodriguez served as interim warden of the Sandoval County Detention Center after the County Commission fired the jail adminis- trators after two escapes in 2017. Within his to-do list, Casaus cited more community involvement on two fronts. One includes programs to educate people on public safety and provide cost-effective ways to increase awareness through home- owners associations, social media, sustained Neighborhood Watch-like efforts and email alerts. "There's no doubt about it that people calling in has helped us catch some of these burglars," Captain Allen Mills said. Second includes a strategic plan- ning board comprised of SCSO and county and civilian representatives to act as liaison between citizens and law enforcement to support when he took office in a county of 3,700 square miles and he said. "Just personnel issues, equipment issues, issues solutions to community problems. about 145,000 people. While much of his to-do list came that have nothing to do with chasing bad guys… People After nearly 18 years in law up when talking with voters during his election campaign, are calling with all kinds of issues. It's not going to happen enforcement, Casaus, a Placitas resi- some day-to-day details weren't part of that discussion. overnight." dent, said he did feel a difference "Different issues are present that maybe I didn't foresee,"

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from page 6-–––Legislative BUSINESS ~CONTINUED pass recommendation for HB do-pass recommendation, but a 525. A formal vote was to be second committee had yet to act taken at a future meeting. on it. In a later interview, Schmedes HB 483 would require local Developer wins rezoning said conscientious objection was governments to create a zoning not a topic among his plans from method to allow detached hous- the session. Then he and others ing for family members with for Bernalillo project realized a growing coalition was disabilities in single-family resi- ~SIGNPOST STAFF at work to end all religious dential zones. The amended bill objections, he said. won a do-pass recommendation Neighborhood protests have failed to being good overall for a town that The bill is written to prohibit from one House committee and stop a zoning change needed to expand needs economic development and more discrimination based on a per- was awaiting a hearing before a mixed-use development already housing. The developer is working son's status or identity and to another. straddling U.S. Highway 550 in with residents to address concerns, they require sincere and practiced HB 576, which mirrors a bill in Bernalillo. added. beliefs by providers claiming the Senate, is an attempt to end By a 4-0 vote, on February 25, town The rezoning, however, is just a first conscientious objection, speculation in groundwater councilors approved rezoning 24.4 step granting Rusco Properties LLC a Schmedes added. resources, which Schmedes said acres of U.S. 550 between the year to engineer and design the project Some among the 13 bills and continues despite already being west bank of the Rio Grande and and complies with 14 conditions one memorial Schmedes is spon- illegal. The bill would require a Sheriff's Posse Road. The land is cur- attached to the zoning approval. Those soring are faring better. purchaser to identify both the rently zoned rural-residential (R-R) for include drainage, traffic, and lighting HB 48 adds to the code of intended beneficial use for the single-family homes. plans; a traffic study; and platting the ethics for speech pathologists, water and all end-users. The zoning on the northern 13.3 acres individual lots so a buffer of single- audiologists, and hearing-aid By Signpost deadline, other abutting the @Rio development now family homes separate existing homes dispensers a requirement to tell bills were languishing. Those becomes C-1 for commercial uses. The from multi-family residences. potential purchasers about include recognizing military southern 11.1 acres remains residential, The developer then returns to the devices that can connect hearing medical training as credit toward although the new R-2 zoning permits Planning and Zoning Commission and aids with assisted-hearing sys- nursing degrees, which may both single- and multi-family housing. Town Council for final plat approval tems in many public places such already be addressed elsewhere, About two dozen people spoke at the before construction can begin. as theaters and concert halls. The and amending the state Constitu- Town Council meeting—the majority The @Rio project, announced in bill passed the House and awaits tion to add parental rights to opposed cited traffic and density October, covers 14 acres split by U.S. action in the Senate. guide the upbringing, care, and increases, lack of detail on the develop- 550 to be connected by a river walk HB 96, the Blind Parents' education of their children. The ers' plans, and disruption of the small- under the highway bridge. Bosque Rights Act, would prohibit using amendment was tabled by the town character and density listed as a Brewing Company is the anchor tenant blindness as a basis for denying first of two committees to which priority in the town plan governing for what also is to be a mixed-use or restricting a parental right. it was assigned. growth. commercial-residential development. One House committee gave a Other residents saw the project as

PAGE 8 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 AROUND TOWN

Programs aimed at free-roaming horses advance on multiple fronts

~BILL DIVEN

The first formal attempt to tally the population of horses roaming free in Placitas has found sixty so far and is still counting. Separately, San Felipe Pueblo has granted a one-month extension to find new homes for seventy horses rounded up in Placitas more than two years ago and placed in the pueblo's horse sanctuary. The census being conducted by Mount Taylor Mustangs is also identifying herds, family bands, and individual horses. Sandoval County hired the company on January 1 under a two-year contract that includes a fertility-control program using the dart-administered contraceptive PZP. In mid-February the county’s Community Services Department, which is man- aging the contract, reported the company had treated 35 mares with their first annual dose of PZP. Of those, five have received the second booster shot. Community Services is also overseeing the Free-Roaming Horse Advisory Coun- cil, created by the County Commission last year to work on conflicts among horses, humans, and traffic in Placitas. The council consists of five representatives of county and federal agencies and four appointed citizens. The council is next scheduled to meet on April 10 to hear a presentation from veterinarian Dr. Anne . The council also is monitoring several horse-related bills currently pending in the Legislation. Information on council activities can be found through the homepage Ani- mal Welfare Programs & Services on the county website SandovalCountyNM.gov. All this activity stems from recommendations by a task force released in 2014 and mostly gathering dust until then-Commissioner James Rhodes of Placitas began agitating for action last year. An early sign of progress was lowered speed limits on Camino de las Huertas and Camino del Tecolote and traffic signs on State Road 165 warning of horses on the loose. Four horses are known to have died after collisions with vehicles on State Road 165 and Camino de las Huertas during 2018. The Sandoval County Sheriff's Office joined in the public safety campaign by increasing traffic enforcement in Placitas. Over a few weeks in January and February, the SCSO traffic unit stopped 74 drivers for speeding with many of the motorists 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Patrol deputies made additional stops as part of their regular duties, accord- ing to information released by SCSO. The highest speeds reported were 72 mph in a 50 mph zone, 62 mph in a 45 mph zone, and 50 mph in a 25 mph zone. SCSO also is asking residents to report sightings of horses frequenting roadways. Emails listing the number of horses, place, date, and time of the sightings can be sent to: SCSOCrime- [email protected]. [no hyphens]. San Felipe Pueblo initially requested that the Placitas horses at its sanctuary be removed by February 19 so the pueblo could close that section of rangeland to let it heal. Sandy Johnson of Placitas WILD said her organization feels it can comply with that deadline. "We're not going to let any of these horses go to places we don't trust," Johnson told the Signpost. "We've pledged to folks donating to us that no horse will be put in any unsafe condi- tions." Placitas WILD is working to place the horses with certified horse rescue facilities, which require payment to support feed, training, and veterinarian care, she added. Fundraising is being handled through the website PlacitasHorses.com.

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • MARCH 2019 • Page 9 REAL PEOPLE In loving memory of John Howard

—B Good ILL D

IVEN Attracts Good This principle was illustrated by the life of John Howard, a resident Placitas artist, who passed away on Sunday, November 4th, 2018. He left behind a collection of pastel studies and masterpieces of the John’s last pastel of the Sandias, from memory. Sandias, as well as many other subjects. He was a dedicated artist who persevered against all odds. Las Placitas Presbyterian Church pastor Rev. Drew (right) joins in the He respected a poet named Kahlil Gibran who said, standing ovation for the performance by Lone Piñon, two musicians specializing “Kindness is like snow, it covers everything.” in traditional northern New Mexico music. The concert was among the events celebrating the 125th anniversary of the church’s founding. “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” John was an inspiration to many who knew him. Church celebrates roots in three centuries Thank you, John, for all you taught us. — SALLY G. HALL ~BILL DIVEN At 125 years of age, Las Placitas Presbyterian Church is looking fit enough for at least another century. To those who feel called, you are welcome to join us to honor and remem- On the last Sunday in February the congregation and friends celebrated the ber John Howard on Monday, March 25. Please meet at the Placitas Café anniversary of the 1894 founding with a full house for the morning service, at 2:00 p.m. From there, we will caravan to a nearby outdoor location. followed by an open social event and concert of traditional northern New Mex- Please bring any of John’s artwork, memories or stories you’d like to share. ico music by the duo Lone Piñon. During the service, pastor Reverend Drew Henry read the list of the 39 families who formed the church under the guid- ance of Reverend José Ynéz Perea of Bernalillo. "Their families are still part of the church," Henry said later. "It's beautiful to have a community so rooted in the history of the place." Even the adobes in the oldest part of the current church tell a story, having RTEGA

come from the Presbyterian mission school on the site that served as the church O into the early 1930s.

"Literally the same mud bricks have been with the church all these years," THAN Henry said. —E Presbyterian missionaries were active in New Mexico in the 1800s with First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe, founded in 1850, being the first Protestant church in New Mexico Territory, which, at the time, included modern Arizona. Reverend Perea, a member of Bernalillo's leading family, is considered the nation's first Hispanic Presbyterian minister after his conversion from Catholi- cism. In Placitas, the ties between the Presbyterian church and the Catholic San Antonio Mission remain strong as members of numerous families attend one or the other or both. Spanish remains a part of the Presbyterian service after English was added in the 1960s in what was a controversial change at the time. Las Placitas Presbyterian's influence in the community extends beyond Sundays to establishing the now-independent Mothers Day Out pre-school, 2014 Sandoval County youths Christina Hower and Zack Lance Casa Rosa food bank, and the Placitas Artists Series while serving as a venue at Coronado Historic Site. for community events. The congregation currently numbers about 170. During his sermon, Henry chose a passage from Deuteronomy that reads in Calling all youths part, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." ~MATTHEW J. BARBOUR, MANAGER, CORONADO AND JEMEZ HISTORIC SITES But how does a church survive 125 years? The Sandoval County Summer Youth Employment Program offers teenagers "From a faith perspective, this is beyond us," Henry said. "It requires an the to work part-time jobs with state and local agencies, as well openness, and it takes the long view… This is not the church it was in 1894." as nonprofits located within Sandoval County. These jobs allow young men and women to gain much needed workforce experience and provides a reliable income during the summer months of June and July. In 2019, Coronado and Jemez Historic Site are once again partnering with Rattlesnake avoidance clinic for dogs this exciting program, administered by Sandoval County, to offer jobs at On March 10, at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m., the Central New New Mexico Historic Sites. Young adults can assist with historic preserva- Mexico Brittany Club and Terry and Janet Chandler will again conduct tion projects and share New Mexico history with site visitors. This is an rattlesnake avoidance clinics for dogs on the West Mesa. The clinic can be excellent opportunity for those interested in careers in archaeology, architec- done for up to 25 dogs at a time. The goal is to keep your dog away from ture, tourism, history, and traditional construction practices. rattlesnakes. With your registration fee, you are entitled to a one-time free Sandoval County Summer Youth Employment Program applications are follow-up in a future clinic. The fee is $65 per dog. available between March 25 and April 5 at the Human Resources Office in For more information or to register call 466-6511, 660-6020, send email to the Sandoval County Administration Building, Jemez Valley Community [email protected], or go to centralnewmexicobrittanyclub.com/CNMBC Center, Cuba Senior Center, Peña Blanca Community Center, and Cochiti _Hosted_Rattlesnake_Avoidance_Clinics.html. Pueblo Tribal Office. Youths can also apply online at Sandovalcountynm.gov. So, get out there, apply, and come work for New Mexico Historic Sites.

PAGE 10 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Spain’s King Carlos III

“Pesos and Patriots” tells the story of New Mexico’s role in the American Spain’s King Carlos III donated by the Placitas Community Dibrell Chapter to bring this community exhibit to the Library. The original painting was by Anton Raphael Mengs, Museum. “The multi-cultural nature of the formation of the War of Independence and became Carlos’s official image. colonial United States needs to be an important part of the The historic exhibit is a project initiated by Placitas resident history we teach.” ~NANCY BENNETT Nancy Adams Bennett, Regent of the Charles Dibrell Chapter About DAR: Men and women who can prove lineal New Mexico Presidio soldiers supported the (CDC), Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). It is descent from a patriot during the American Revolution may American cause in the fight for independ- one of her projects placing emphasis on the DAR Mission: join Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR; ence, a part of history that has only recently promoting historical preservation, education and patriotism. www.dar.org) or Sons of the American Revolution (SAR; begun to come to light. Their story is “The project was completed with the help of member www.sar.org). This includes Spanish soldiers from the revealed in the exhibit “Pesos and Patriots,” Henrietta Christmas’s expertise in New Mexico history, and Presidios who donated money for the colonies in their fight which runs through May 19 at the Albu- the members of CDC Museum Committee. All chapter mem- against the British. Some activities for membership recog- querque Museum. bers donated their dues and DARling money to pay for the nized by the DAR and SAR include service in the Spanish The “Pesos and Patriots” exhibit is made exhibit,” she states. Colonial Army, service in the militia, service as Indian auxil- possible through the Museum’s Community “Various cultures formed this country,” adds Christmas, iaries, making voluntary contributions to defray expenses of History and Contemporary Issues Series. It “Pesos and Patriots” project manager, who worked closely the war, and Spanish cowboys who drove cattle to feed the includes a reproduction of the portrait of with Albuquerque Museum staff and members of the Charles troops.

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Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • MARCH 2019 • Page 11 WWW.SODECOWATER.COM MARCH 2019 NIGHT SKY CALENDAR

Key: r = rise, s = set, a = am, p = pm, Qtr = quarter, Mag = magnitude (negative values are brighter than positive values), deg = degrees, N = north, E = east, S = south,W = west, Ill = Illumination. *next day, **previous day. Three middle fingers together at arm’s length span 5 degrees; the width of your little finger at arm’s length is about 1 degree.

Opportunity looks north as it departs , its southern end shown here (April 2017) 3411 Girard NE NM Lic. #80039

Panorama above Perseverance Valley (June 19, 2017)

REDUCE NIGHTTIME GLARE. March Night Sky Night Sky TURN OFF OR SHIELD YOUR OUTSIDE LIGHTS DOWNWARD. ~CHARLIE C HRISTMANN LET’S ALL ENJOY THE STARRY NIGHT SKY.

R.I.P. OPPORTUNITY: The little rover that surprised even its designers has finally been declared dead. Missing since June 2018, well, not missing in reality, NASA knows exactly where the rover is on the planet; the rover just stopped communicating with called Kirkwood, the rover returned a very puzzling image. The rock Earth or the orbiting-Mars satellites. was filled with small spherical objects, but not the “blueberries” seen Sent to land on Mars with its twin, , Opportunity landed on the red previously. "They seem to be crunchy on the outside, and softer in the planet on January 24, 2004, on the opposite side of the planet from Spirit. Origi- middle," Dr. Squyres reported. "They are different in concentration. nally designed to last only ninety days roaming near its landing site in Meridiani They are different in structure. They are different in composition. They Planum, over its 14-year life, the rover traveled more than 28 miles on the sur- are different in distribution. So, we have a wonderful geological puzzle face, a record for any off-world rover. in front of us." [Image: bit.ly/2SShOkM] This hard-working rover made many significant discoveries, along with its sib- In January, 2015, it climbed to the top of Cape Tribulation, the highest ling, Spirit, which fell silent in 2011. In February, 2004, only weeks after landing, point in its mission [Image: bit.ly/2txyP52], before going on to explore mission principal investigator, Dr. Steve Sqyuers, with Cornell University, wrote Marathon Valley [Image: bit.ly/2VeSgLJ]. In the valley, Opportunity in his journal, “We saw some very strange things… we see these strange round found strange stone stripes on the sides of the valley. Though the objects we’re calling ‘spherules’ embedded in the outcrop, like blueberries in a stripes are still a mystery, scientists guess that they may have been muffin.” [Image: bit.ly/2GWLqqm] formed by snow on the crater rim melting, dampening the soil. Then, What he saw was hematite, a mineral that, on Earth, requires water to form. over many freeze-thaw cycles, the rocks were reorganized into stripes. Similar geologic “concretions” have been studied in Utah. Alas, Mars finally bested the aging rover as a global dust storm On its decent to the planet’s surface, Opportunity located an impact crater, began in May 2018, preventing the solar cells from charging the batter- much larger than the one where it had landed. It took 21 months for Opportunity ies. The storm would rage for six months. Last fall, with the skies clear- to drive to Crater, arriving on the crater rim in September of 2006. For ing, NASA began attempting to wake the rover by using the deep almost a year, the little rover traversed the rim, studying the edges and looking space network’s radio dishes to send out commands. With the rover for a safe path to enter the crater. Dr. Squires said this about Victoria Crater: "This not responding, after countless attempts, NASA declared, on February is a geologist's dream come true." Inside the crater, the rover found consistent 12, 2018, that the rover was dead and the mission was ending. proof that Mars had once been covered with water. As for the rover, over the years, it will most likely be covered by the In 2011, Opportunity found gypsum veins on the sides of the crater. The gyp- Martian dust. It will become just another artifact in the rock record of sum, or calcium sulfate, likely formed from water dissolving calcium out of vol- Mars. It will be something like dinosaur fossils we find on Earth today. canic rocks and interacting with sulphur from volcanos. "It could have formed in Yet, we are not finished with Mars. The Curiosity rover, powered by a different type of water environment, one more hospitable for a larger variety of a nuclear power generator, and unaffected by dust storms, is still living organisms," commented Dr. Benton of the Space Science Institute in active. In July 2020, NASA plans to send a clone of the Curiosity rover Boulder, Colorado. to Mars, landing in February 2021. Perhaps soon after that, humans In 2012, Opportunity explored a place called Matijevic Hill, named after a will be arriving to explore in person. They might even dig out NASA colleague who had recently passed. There, at an outcropping of rock Opportunity for display as part of a Mars museum.

PAGE 12 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Celebrate nature and AROUND VERITAS ATHENA, LLC the Equinox Protecting your future TOWN Protect yourself and your family from the ~DORIS A. FIELDS consequences of not preparing for the future. Join Placitas artists and poets in celebrating ~CONTINUED Do you have a power of attorney the Vernal Equinox on March 22, from 5:00 to in place? What does a power of 6:00 p.m. Twice each year, we see daylight and darkness for the same length of attorney provide? When does a power time—Equinox, when the sun reaches its highest and then its lowest points in of attorney terminate? the sky. Other times, day and night dance with one another, each gently yield- Do you have a health care directive? ing to the other, knowing when to yield and when to move forward, occupy- Why is it important? ing rightful space. Day. Night. Long. Short. Do you have a will? Is a will necessary? Here, in the Northern Hemisphere, Spring Equinox is just about upon us. What are the alternatives to probate? Winter will wane and spring will wax, emerging to bring forth increasingly Is there a family member who is incapacitated and needs help with longer days and shorter nights. We might ask ourselves whether we are feel- daily care and their finances? How can that family member be helped? ing the tilt as the rotations continue turning us around. Time keeps us moving. We change our activities based on the degree of daylight we have. In New Have you done any estate planning of your assets? Mexico, as other places, we change our clocks to try and adapt our work How do you ensure financial protection of your assets? schedules. We transition to “Daylight Savings Time.” Can we truly save time? Is your family disagreeing about how to care for an older relative? Have you ever pondered the notion of cutting off the bottom of one’s blanket, Veritas Athena, LLC, is in the business of assisting you sewing it onto the top and acting as though you have a longer blanket? Well, to plan for life management and decisions. is that akin to changing the clock’s register of the sunrise and sunset and act- We do in-home free consultations and visits to discuss all aspects of ing as though the sun’s settings will be different because we changed the life management. We assist you in considering all the alternatives clocks? For sure, we will have daylight for increasingly longer during each available and prepare the 24-hour period. Knowledge of this fact is important for many reasons. documents needed to protect New Mexico has a rich heritage of awareness and documentation from your future and your family’s. people who were here long before us. Without access to electricity or any of the modern conveniences we now have, ancient peoples were aware of The Veritas Athena, LLC team patterns of passages of time, as they documented pivotal moments around has combined experience of over 50 years in finance, legal, natural phenomena. Here in our own backyard, the structures in Chaco administration and court work. Canyon are standing records that document the ancient people’s awareness of these transitions and their importance. Contact us today for a free consultation. On March 22, Placitas artist Judith Roderick will share her fabric art, Quilts of Chaco, and discuss the importance of Chaco Canyon and its astronomical GREG IRELAND CRYSTAL ANSON features and, more importantly, her connection with the spiritual air we have 505-385-1502 505-337-9151 inherited. Join in the celebration at Wild Hearts Gallery at Homestead Village in Placitas. Light refreshments will be served and, perhaps, a bit of poetry, too. Contact Doris Fields, 867-5340, for more information. www.veritas-athena.com

“Space Pioneers: New Mexico’s Role in Just Sold Sending Men to the Moon”

~DEBBIE MOST

On March 17, at 2:00 p.m., Friends of Coronado Historic Site are stepping away from archaeology and anthro- pology to out-of-this world scientific research and accomplishments. Space junkies will enjoy this presentation by author Loretta Hall. Nearly half a cen- tury ago, the world watched in awe as seven Apollo missions over a four- year period took 21 men to the Moon and back. July 2019, marks the fiftieth anniversary of Apollo 11, the first human visit to the surface of the Moon. New Mexico made crucial con- 76 Tierra Madre tributions to the effort from the earli- est days of pursuing space travel to 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2447 Square Feet 1.89 Acres the actual Moon missions and human exploration of the lunar surface. This MLS# 932516 Listing Price $535,000 presentation reveals important exam- ples of work done in this state to over- Call Sandi Today for a Free Market Analysis of Your Home come challenges and accomplish triumphs in the Apollo program and Sandi is a Proud Placitas Resident for 28 Years its predecessor space programs. Loretta Hall is the author of four award-winning space books. Her Sandi Pressley books will be available for purchase at 8th in the Nation for Coldwell Banker the lecture. Admission: $5; Friends of #1 Top Producing Realtor in CHS are Free. The lecture will take New Mexico for 33 Consecutive Years place at the Sandoval County Histori- Proudly Serving Her Clients For 40 Years cal Society Museum (DeLavy House) Cell Phone 505.980.2999 on Edmond Road and Highway 550, [email protected] Coldwell Banker Legacy in Bernalillo. For details, visit 293-3700 kuaua.org or call Barb at 815-98-5327. www.sandipressley.com

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • MARCH 2019 • Page 13 PAGE 14 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Mindy Prokkos Mark Parkkeer Associate Brrooker ABR® Associate Brrooker 22 YeYear Placitas Resident 111Y Yeear Placitas Resident 505-400-6488 505-554-5966 [email protected] [email protected] .rwww elocate2NM.com .markwww kparkerhomes.com

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Bernalillo schools AROUND take financial hit TOWN in election loss ~CONTINUED

~SIGNPOST STAFF

Bernalillo Public Schools (BPS) is considering its options after district voters shot down a tax levy usually considered a safe bet for passage. In February, voters, using only mail-in ballots for the first time, defeated continuation of a 2-mill property tax by a vote of 2,462-2,051. The levy last approved six years ago generates about $1 million annually for maintenance and small projects when combined with state matching funds. Meanwhile, voters in the Cuba and the Jemez Valley school districts easily passed the 2-mill levy. The mill levy rate of $2 per $1,000 costs property owners $66 a year for a home with an assessed value of $100,000 resulting in a taxable value one-third that amount. Cuba voters by an even wider margin also approved issuing up to $5.6 million "It would be in our best interest to move forward on that, but the decision in bonds to fund school construction, remodeling, and furnishing, as well as is up to the board," Cowan said. computer hardware and software. For now, the district is sorting through projects and existing funding BPS Superintendent Keith Cowan told the Signpost that the new mail-in ballot while prioritizing safety and student needs. The expected revenue had been itself might be a significant player in the election loss by reducing voter partici- targeted for roof repairs, vehicles for student travel, maintenance, some pation. Add to that voters getting caught up in Albuquerque's high-profile con- technology, and other projects, Cowan said. troversy over tax increases that scuttled two school issues plus the Meanwhile, BPS has been awarded a $3.2 million grant from the U.S. ongoing mill levy. Department of Education Native American Youth Community Project. The Voters here may not have realized the mill levy would have continued an seven pueblos in the district collaborated on the grant, as did College Hori- existing tax at its same rate rather than imposing a new tax, he added. zons Inc., a nonprofit based in Peña Blanca, and the Santa Fe Indian School Cowan said he'd also heard from people who wondered why BPS needed the Leadership Institute. money when state government is awash in revenue from the oil and gas indus- The four-year grant is aimed at creating culturally responsive curricula in tries. While schools likely will receive more money, some bills working through grades 7-12 to help prepare students for success in college and beyond. the Legislature target specific initiatives. "This is pretty big for our district," Cowan said. "It will help with gradua- The Bernalillo school board may now consider adding the mill levy to the next tion rates, student proficiency, and post-secondary education." board election, which under a recent change in state law has been moved from The BPS board also recently renewed Cowan's contract as superintendent February to November, he added. That would limit the financial damage to one for another year. year's lost revenue.

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • MARCH 2019 • Page 15 ©JATW2019

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OPEN: Monday–Friday 10am-5:30pm Saturday 10am-4pm • harrisjewelersnm.com re: from Sandoval County Sheriff Jesse James Casaus GAUNTLET on proposed bills seeking to regulate firearm sales LETTERS • OPINIONS • LOCAL ISSUES As the Sheriff of Sandoval County, I feel it’s my responsibility and duty to not only pre- serve and protect life, but also to preserve and protect the rights of our residents. I believe strongly in the Second Amendment and also in my responsibility and oath to protect the The Signpost welcomes letters of opinion. innocent. As a geographic area consisting of rural towns, tribal entities, and metropolitan Letters are subject to editing for length, clarity, libel, and other considerations. communities, I have found that Sandoval County relies on the constitutional right to keep Send to: Signpost, P. O. Box 889, Placitas, NM, 87043 or [email protected] and bear arms more often than in some other dominantly metropolitan areas. This resolu- tion does not mean the criminal element will be free to do as they please. As the Sheriff of Sandoval County, I will still enforce the existing laws and prosecute them to the fullest. re: Mean unleashed dog confrontation This resolution assists in protecting law-abiding citizens in our county, and their Second Amendment rights. It sends a strong message to our State Legislature that says that Dear Ms. Ali Vaisvil, Sandoval County does not support the current gun control legislation they are considering. I sincerely apologize for the incident that you have These proposed laws, as currently written, only impact law-abiding citizens and will do experienced with the dogs at the Merc store in Placitas. nothing to take guns out of the hands of criminals. Respectfully, REDERICK RIESBACHER —JESSE JAMES CASAUS, SHERIFF, SANDOVAL COUNTY —F G , Placitas

New Mexico Health Insurance Cooperative: What If? health insurance know all too well key decisions around the utilization the struggles of navigating a frag- of health care resources, with need ~DONNA MURRAY mented, convoluted, and opaque sys- rather than profit driving those deci- tem, whose benefits are more and sions? Nationwide, health care was the num- opportunity. What approach should more becoming too costly for even Can’t get an appointment with a ber one concern of voters in the fall we take? the insured to actually use. specialist or even your primary care elections. With constant threats to the What if New Mexico were to set up What if the competitive schemes provider for two or three months? Affordable Care Act (ACA), there are its own health insurance cooperative? and market manipulations to cover Not an uncommon scenario under lots of reasons to be worried—espe- What if we set up one large pool of only the healthy were suddenly no the current system of health care. But cially in New Mexico, which had the almost all New Mexico residents to longer incentivized by the existence what if there were no networks? second-highest rate of uninsured resi- share the risks and reduce the costs? of hundreds of competing plans that Without networks, additional dents in the nation before the ACA What if our premiums—along with offer the same benefits with enor- providers are freed up and available was passed. Along with dismantling funds already going toward health mous premiums, bankrupting to see you. Oh, the freedom to choose important patient protections in the care for some New Mexicans, such as deductibles, unaffordable copays and our doctors and keep the doctors we ACA, the message from Washington Medicare and Medicaid—could go coinsurance, and costs of care that choose! DC has been to punt health care cover- into that pool, instead of paying into continue to rise? What if businesses could compete age responsibility to the states. Tack- large insurance company coffers with What if New Mexico residents, con- with each other on a level playing ling health care reform on the state high administrative costs? sumers, local businesses, medical field? If health care coverage is a level is now a necessity—and an Even those of us who can afford providers, and communities made —continued next page

PAGE 16 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 Eastern Sandoval Citizens Camino Real Antiques Association (ESCA) report & Collectibles

~GEORGE FRANZEN, ES-CA Monthly greetings to Sandoval County residents pledge required of all HOA GOOD LUCK awaits you. from the East Sandoval Citizens Association volunteers who may make DIG into the POT o' .' (ESCA). This month, we continue to monitor a decisions on behalf of the number of issues that are important throughout association. These new rules GRAB your LUCKY coin! the county. A Planning and Zoning Ordinance go into effect July 1, 2019, and (PZO) amendment has been proposed, which any HOA not already doing DISCOvER your discount! would remove all stated recognition of so needs to assess and imple- covenants. The reason given by county staff for ment the changes required. (10% -50% OFF on any ONE item.) the change is to avoid having to enforce HOA On January 28, ESCA-LPT Some coins are even edible! and other subdivision covenants. ESCA contends representatives met with the that the proposed language leaves HOAs wide County, Vulcan, and Mount HOURS: Daily 10am to 5pm • 867-7448 open to increased legal costs and also undermine Adams officials for the annual 1101 Camino del Pueblo / P. O. Box 1960, Bernalillo covenants of the planned developments that cur- status review of mining rently attract the talent and resources that fund progress as required by the economic growth in our county. This can be August 2017 settlement agree- avoided by rejecting the proposed amendment ment. Vulcan is preparing to drill exploratory and continuing to state that the PZO is not to holes over the next two months in the final min- “interfere” with such covenants. ing area north of the central arroyo (Area 3 on Members of the ESCA Land Protection Trust the settlement Exhibit B that can be viewed on (LPT) met with Commission Chairman Heil and the “Library” page at the www.ES-CA.org web- District 1 Commissioner Bruch on February 19 site). That drilling should not be obtrusive to and were able to get a postponement of the Com- surrounding properties. mission’s scheduled February 21 vote on the pro- They also reported that they have taken pic- posed amendment. Agreement was also reached tures from surrounding individual lots and are that the ESCA lawyer and County Attorney modifying those to provide a visual for home- would confer to see if revised language accept- owners to better understand the resultant change able to both parties could be achieved as several to their views as a result of the planned mining legal issues have been identified by both attor- activity. Meetings will be scheduled in the near neys. future, with both individual homeowners and a The ESCA Board also discussed Senate Bill 150, more general one with the adjoining community. which was approved last month and is an ESCA members requested and Vulcan agreed to amendment to the HOA Act of 2013. The revi- set up an on-site visit to get a firsthand view and sions include increased requirements for record understanding of the reclamation efforts already keeping (including daily fines to HOA for failure underway in completed areas of the mine. The to comply), additional responses in HOA disclo- overall impressions from the meeting were sures, release of all member names and addresses positive and the County has agreed to continue to any member request for records, and a formal scheduling them annually.

Celebrating over 30 Years re: Morning DJ at KUPR Providing Tax & Accounting

ULLIVAN Services to New Mexicans is moving from Placitas S

Dave Kinney, aka David Earl, morning host at LAINE TERRY PISEL, CPA, LLC

KUPR since its inception, will be moving from —E CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT Placitas in mid-March of this year. Dave also has served on the board of the Placitas Library Tax Planning & Preparation and Las Placitas Association. He organized a for Individuals & Businesses run last year to benefit Placitas charities that was very successful and is becoming an annual QuickBooks Consulting event. Dave’s radio program is upbeat and interesting and his voice will be missed as a In Placitas • 798-1003 morning wake-up. Wishing you a heart filled with joy and gratitude, —ELAINE SULLIVAN, Placitas KUPR’s Dave Kinney and his wife Carol Kinney move on with community thanks.

from page 16–––Health the weight and force of approximately 1.7 million New providing quality care in our current, inherently sick, Mexicans in one pool as leverage? What if premiums health care system. given, businesses of all sizes can gain were based on income, with an upper limit cap, and Against this backdrop stands the New Mexico Health recruitment and retention advantages. deductibles eliminated, so that health care becomes Security Act, which is up for passage in the 2019 legisla- And, workers can change jobs to advance truly affordable? tive session. The 2019 Act is a study only of the Health their careers, or take a job that is more What if doctors, other health care providers, and their Security Plan that would allow New Mexico to set up suitable or they are more passionate about, staff could spend more time with patients rather than its own co-op to cover almost everyone in the state. without the threat of losing their health time on the phone with insurers, justifying prior “This is a study bill. We need information and input care coverage. authorizations and disputing reimbursements? What if to ensure that this co-op idea can work in New Mexico. What if patients no longer had to worry such a plan attracted physicians and providers from Based on the Health Security Act’s findings, the Legisla- about what is covered and how their cov- around the country to New Mexico, where we have a ture can decide whether to move forward with creating erage works? What if medications, medical chronic shortage of medical professionals and special- a health insurance cooperative.” Debbie Armstrong, supplies, and medical equipment were ists? More and more doctors are leaving the insurance- HB295 sponsor, told the Los Alamos Daily. negotiated down to reasonable prices, with based system due to frustrations and obstacles to —continued next page

Sandoval Signpost • Serving the community since 1988 • MARCH 2019 • Page 17 • Women’s Health • Same Day Appointments • Prenatal Services • Family Planning • Comprehensive Family • Behavioral Health Medicine

Steven L. Hartman, MD, Medical Director Matthew B. Wilson, MD • Rachel Marzec, FNP-PMHNP Felina Ortiz, CNM • Rebecca Casalino, CNP Marissa Cortes Mendez, CFNP, CNM Tamara Righettini, CFNP • Stephen V. Roper, CFNP Jennifer Webb, LPCC • Madeleine Stevens, LPCC

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 GAUNTLET ~CONTINUED WAYNE A. LUCO, D.D.S. from page 17–––Health Under the Health Security Plan, all residents would have comprehensive Family & Cosmetic Dentistry benefits (including mental health), income-sensitive premiums, and no more networks. Private insurance would be shifted to a supplemental role. You’d keep your same benefits under Medicare 4405 Jager, C-1 and Medicaid, keep your retiree health benefits, and keep your sanity in navigat- Rio Rancho, NM 87144 ing one health plan that follows you as long as you are a resident of New Mex- (Near Santa Ana Casino) ico. Call Senator Sapien, and let him know you want his YES vote for the Health Security Act Study, SB 279. The bill is truly a first step toward health care for all, in its call for a fiscal analysis to deter- (505) 867-1442 mine if the proposal being considered is financially feasible. The Plan is not tax- based—no new taxes—but instead, cap- tures all current health care dollars and Open: potentiates the cost savings of a new paradigm. Let's study a well-thought-out solution Monday–Thursday that has been developed over years, with the input of New Mexicans from around the state. Prospects for passage are good 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in 2019; for more information or to get involved, visit www.nmhealthsecurity.org. We cannot afford to wait any longer to create sane and sustainable health care for ourselves, our families, and our fellow New Mexicans.

PAGE 18 • MARCH 2019 • SANDOVAL SIGNPOST • SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1988 —B ILL D IVEN

Before he could get serious about digging out his driveway on February 23, Hector J. Rivera of Placitas first blazed a trail to his shed to retrieve the wheelbarrow. National Weather Service spotters around Placitas reported snow totals of 6.1, 6.4, and 6.5 inches from the story that snarled homeward commutes that Friday afternoon. Lesser totals were reported to the weather service elsewhere in the county. One Placitas station has tallied more than 15 inches of snow since January 1.

Flash In The Pan: HEALTH A tale of two chile sauces

~ARI LEVAUX

SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA—In a plaza near the center of town, I bought some empanadas from a small stand. The couple selling them were neatly dressed and well-groomed, looking more like college kids than refugees from Venezuela, Colombia's troubled neighbor to the east. The refugees blended in seamlessly with the strolling romancers, lounging elders, and spandex-clad exercisers, and I assumed they were locals until I saw the sauce they served alongside their empanadas. That sauce, called guasacaca, is a part of the Venezuelan identity that they could not leave behind. And the Colombians surely feel the same thing about their red counterpart, aji picante. AJI PICANTE Where there are chile peppers, there are sauces made from chile. And where there is chile The proportions are highly subjective, and dependent on your sauce there is a choice between green and red. Red chile are fully ripened, and pack a dis- personal taste, but here is a framework to get you started. tinct sweetness along with their heat. Green chile are picked before they ripen, and have a Serves 6 slightly bitter, pungent and more complex flavor. ½ cup water In New Mexico, where chile lords over the local cuisine, no restaurant order is complete ½ cup white vinegar (cider vinegar works too) without a response to the official state question: "red or green?" In the northern part of 1 habanero, or other hot red chile, in quantity that gives you South America, the red vs. green divide follows the boundary between Colombia and the heat you can handle and enjoy (I need to make it hot Venezuela. Colomb