Archive for East Mountains
I-40-III: The Search For Completion
by John Weckerle
According to an October 1 article in the Mountain View Telegraph, New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) public information officer Phil Gallegos announced that lane and ramp closures associated with the Tijeras to Zuzax road work would be a thing of the past by October 10. Perhaps predictably, during a round-trip to Albuquerque yesterday (October 11), we were fortunate to be able to exit at Zuzax and avoid the traffic that was backed up to that exit, apparently due to continued lane closures in the westbound direction. The return trip revealed that the eastbound lanes are open, although there is obviously line painting to be done on the bridges.
A slightly confusing announcement from NMDOT Friday stated the following:
Monday 10/12 from 8am to 4pm weekdays – I40 westbound from Zuzax to Tijeras will be reduced to one lane. Monday 10/12 from 9am to 5pm weekdays ? The I40 westbound Zuzax onramp will be CLOSED!! Tuesday 10/13 through Friday 10/16 from 7am to 3pm Tuesday and from 9am to 2pm Wednesday through Friday – I40 eastbound from Tijeras to Zuzax will be reduced to one lane. Expect delays! Ongoing and until further notice ? The Zuzax (exit 178) onramp to I40 westbound will be closed. Use NM14 or Carnuel onramp.
Rosy earlier predictions from NMDOT notwithstanding, we will all have to hold our sighs of relief just a little longer; to steal a phrase, it ain’t over ’till it’s over. We recommend that, in future, the NMDOT adopt the project planning methodology of Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott of the Starship Enterprise: multiply your estimates by four, and look like a miracle worker at the end – instead of looking otherwise.
Look, It’s A Bird! No, It’s A Nebula!
by John Weckerle
The crisp, clear skies of October (when they’re crisp and clear, at least) give us a wonderful opportunity to take a look at our celestial neighborhood. Here to help us out will be the Lake County Astronomical Society of Illinois and the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, who will be co-hosting a Star Party at Gran Quivira. The event theme is “Native American Skies,” and on the menu will be views of celestial features through powerful telescopes and “Native American stories about the night skies. ” Stories and Native American Flute music will be provided by Ernie Dogwolf Lovato. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 16, with an alternate date in case of uncooperative weather. For more information, see the event flyer.
Music Festival A Success
by John Weckerle
Headliner John McCutcheon performs at this year's Wildlife West Music Festival
This year’s Wildlife West Music Festival was an unprecedented success, according to Wildlife West Nature Park founder and director Roger Alink.
According to Mr. Alink, the festival broke even for the first time since the Town of Edgewood suddenly terminated financial support last year, leaving the Park bound by contracts with entertainers and plagued by a 50% hole in the budget. The community rallied to the Park’s support, donating money and flea market items and purchasing raffle tickets on a custom mandolin, among other prizes. The Town’s decision – which, in the opinions of many (including this publication), was a policy or political decision wrapped in the anti-donation clause’s clothing – was hotly contested. Since that time, some Town officials seem to have come to appreciate the Park to a greater degree – Mayor Bob Stearley donated two pies for the pie auction, and Town Council member John Abrams was spotted enjoying John McCutcheon’s afternoon performance. Photos of some of the performances can be seen on Wildlife West’s music festival page.
The success of this year’s festival is significant because it shows that the Park can attract nationally – and, in the case of Mr. McCutcheon, internationally – recognized performers without the need for extensive governmental funding. We at NM-Central would like to express our appreciation to those who have supported the Park to date and helped to keep the music festivals alive.
Time To Take A Deep Breath
by John Weckerle
It is a rare thing here at New Mexico Central that we discuss issues currently on the national radar, but there is an issue that has come home to roost, at least for your editor, and probably for a lot of people. This is the issue of health insurance reform.
We have all seen the coverage of the angry exchanges over this issue, with substantial volatility being displayed by those opposed to one or the other supposed provisions of the draft legislation. A certain degree of emotion is, of course, to be expected in these situations, but we find it a little disappointing to see so many people proceeding directly to angry words, shouting, and other displays of less-than-civil behavior. While it may be personally satisfying, it seems quite possible that this will produce the opposite of their desired results; rarely does angry shouting change minds or garner support for a position – except perhaps among those who already support it. In the end, it’s really just preaching to the choir. »» Time To Take A Deep Breath
Possible Mobile Meth Lab Discovered In East Mountains
by John Weckerle
Hikers in the Manzano Mountains were surprised to discover two unattended backpacks at about 1:30 yesterday afternoon, near mile marker 26 on NM 337. One of the backpacks was smoking, and the hikers flagged down a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputy, who called in the APD bomb team and hazmat (hazardous materials) personnel. Examination of the backpacks revealed the presence of “chemicals and other items consistent with a meth lab,” according to Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department representative Erin Kinnard Thompson. Ms. Thompson indicated that the investigation is ongoing.
Return To Gordon’s
by John Weckerle
On May 29, we reviewed the newly opened Gordon’s Italian Restaurant on North 14, at the former location of Kokopelli’s Restaurant. We returned to Gordon’s last night, and are pleased to report that things now seem to be running smoothly, and the service issues we discussed in our first review appear to have been resolved. »» Return To Gordon’s
Look – It’s Bird! It’s A Plane! No, It’s A Nebula!
by John Weckerle
A reminder: The last of this year’s series of Oak Flats Star Party and Astrophotography Boot Camp events, presented by the Albuquerque Astronomical Society is scheduled for this Saturday, July 25 th – weather permitting, of course. For more information, see our May 27, 2009 article.
Nine Individuals Detained At Sedillo Hill Exit
by John Weckerle
Undocumented immigrants at I-40 Sedillo Hill exit
This photo, taken a little after 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 11 at the I-40 Sedillo Hill exit, depicts eight men and one woman (not clearly visible in this photo) in the custody of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department. Other than the two law enforcement vehicles, no other vehicles were present.
According to Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department representative Erin Kinnard Thompson, the people shown here were detained during a traffic stop for a routine violation. Ms. Thompson indicated that “they were apparently undocumented immigrants and were turned over to immigration officials.”
A Firehose In The Sky
Update: New Mexico Central received a total of 1.6 inches from yesterday’s storm, according to our rain gauge.
by John Weckerle
As I rode through Tijeras Canyon this afternoon, having finally escaped the 15 mph, storm-related slowdown on approach to Tijeras, I found myself listening to the dulcet tones of the emergency broadcast system klaxon. The system informed me that Albuquerque and eastern Bernalillo County were subject to flash flood warnings, and further clarified that some areas had received 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes. I arrived home just as the storm did, just a bit after 6 p.m., and was greeted by the sound of hail hitting the garage roof; it had started literally a second after I pulled in. A true gully-washer ensued, dropping about an inch in the first 20 minutes. It has been raining steadily since, and as of 8:40 this evening, we’ve measured 1.4 inches.
With the supply in the rain harvesting tanks nearly exhausted, this is all more than welcome. We do hope the hail – which was only pea-sized – didn’t do too much damage. We’d be interested in hearing how our readers fared, and how much rain you got!
New Mexico Central Eyewitness Weather…
by John Weckerle
…in which, I go outside and witness the weather. Nobody guessed the reference last time; maybe somebody will get lucky this time around.
Saturday night sent a swarm of thunderstorms through the vicinity of New Mexico Central headquarters, bringing us 0.1 to 0.2 inches of rain and a spectacular lightning display. As is often the case, your editor shot some photos of lightning over the valley – but this time, in addition, decided to sieze the opportunity for a little more up close and personal look at one of nature’s most impressive light shows. Fortunately, the lightning was close enough to be breathtaking, but far enough away to be safe.
Smoke In The Air
from Karen Takai, Sandia Ranger District, via Arlene Perea, Mountainair Ranger District
Hi all, As you wake up this morning you will notice a slight smell of smoke in the air. This smoke is coming from the Gila National Forest where the National Forest is monitoring fire for resource benefits.
In this case this fire is being used as a tool to bring fire back to the landscape while increasing protection for resources such as the Gila Trout, by reducing the potential for high- intensity fires that may burn if the fuel build-up remains untreated.
For more information follow the like to http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1667/.
We have received some rain but remember with the right conditions fires can start anytime so do not become complacent.
Just a thought this morning………… If this smoke was from something local would you have been ready to evacuate? What about your animals….What if you were in town…the Sheriffs Office would be closing the roads back to the East Mountains….who would get your family and animals out……..Would your property be able to stand against a wildfire….
It is a beautiful Saturday… take a few hours to do just one preparedness project to get you that much safer and defendable in case of a major incident.
Call if you have any questions or need information to get you prepared…KT
Note: Ms. Takai can be reached at (505) 281-3304, extension 120.
What Dreams May Come…
by John Weckerle
…To Sandia Park?
That question was answered recently with the announcement that the 2010 HGTV Dream Home will be built in one of the seven communities included in the 30,000 acre Campbell Ranch master planned community. That’s right; the custom-designed Pueblo-style home – a 3,900 square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath estate with “a home office, gourmet kitchen, home theater, and a guest casita” – will be built right hear in the East West Mountains. The 14th annual HGTV Dream Home, the network’s first in the southwest, will be located in San Pedro Overlook, which, according to the network’s press release, is specifically designed for those who choose to work from home. According to the San Pedro Overlook web site, it is a gated community with three- to six-acre home sites and includes 625 acres of protected nature preserve, spectacular surroundings, and a number of amenities.
As quoted in the press release, HGTV’s Dream Home Planner, Jack Thomasson stated: “It’s a spectacular place and the house we’re building is going to be a responsible example of Southwestern living at its best.” »» What Dreams May Come…
New Italian Restaurant Opens
by John Weckerle
On Tuesday of this week, a new restaurant – Gordon’s Italian Restaurant – opened at the former location of Kokopelli’s on State Road 14 just north of Frost Road. We went to dinner at the new establishment last evening.
We arrived early, and were greeted by a friendly, courteous, and humorous gentleman at the front desk. We were seated immediately – there were few other patrons in the restaurant when we arrived, and the parking lot was far less than half full. Each of us ordered a glass of Farnese Chardonnay, which was reasonably good and reasonably priced at $6.50 per glass. We looked over the menu, which had pasta dishes (these do not include a salad) priced from $9 to $12 and other, more expensive dishes up to $25. I ordered the linguine con gamberi (shrimp), and Lucy ordered the conchigle salsica (forgive the spelling if it’s wrong), which was shells and sausage. Our server, Tracy, brought the wine and some bread and butter, and then some water, and we began waiting for our dinner. »» New Italian Restaurant Opens
A Truly Celestial Celebration This Saturday
by John Weckerle
The Albuquerque Astronomical Society will hold the first of this summer’s three big East West Mountain events – combining a Star Party and Astrophotography Boot Camp – at Oak Flat this Saturday, May 30 (subsequent events are June 27 and July 25). Astrophotographer Becky Ramotowski (some of Ms. Ramotowski’s outstanding photos can be seen here), whose photos were reportedly featured in the BBC series, The Sky At Night, will provide instruction on taking great celestial images to novices and advanced shooters alike, with any type of camera: digital SLR, point-and-shoot, and even film cameras. As Ms. Ramotowski notes in the May 2009 edition of the Sidereal Times, “The ultimate goal is to get attendees whipped into shape so they will have an extraordinary photo to enter in the TAAS Astrophoto Show in November.” That’s a great opportunity for photographers of any stripe. »» A Truly Celestial Celebration This Saturday
Public Service Announcement: Wildlife Safe Passage Meeting Tomorrow
by John Weckerle
We have received word from Linda Hill that the New Mexico Department of Transportation will be holding a meeting on Wildlife Safe Passage from Tijeras to Edgewood tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. at Wildlife West Nature Park’s Bean Barn. Wildlife Safe Passage uses a combination of tactics – fencing, underpasses, etc. to help prevent wildlife from crossing highways such as Interstate 40 and being struck by vehicles. Wildlife Passage also helps reduce the impacts of highways on animal migration, reproduction, foraging, access to water, and other ecologically essential activities. A similar effort was undertaken in Tijeras Canyon, where the DOT worked with the City of Albuquerque and local groups such as the Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Coalition and others.
For a map and directions to Wildlife West, see the Park’s map & directions page.