Archive for July, 2008
“When The Water Is Gone, It will Be Too Late”
by CHUCK RING
That’s just one of the statements from the bench that Judge J. C. Robinson, a Silver City District Judge made during his ruling that could change the rights of citizens to drill domestic wells within the State of New Mexico.
If the ruling is upheld during appeal or appeals, it will likely have costly and devastating results for those who seek water for residential use where there are no private or public water supplies. In some cases, those who currently have domestic wells where there are public or private water supplies available, might be forced to “plug” the domestic wells.
Those interested, AND I suspect many will be, can access a rather short, but complete article at this link:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Judge-upends-state-well-permit-law
or, if you subscribe to the Albuquerque Journal, you can access their online version or if you aren’t a subscriber you can utilize a trial scheme. In any case, here’s the link for the subscription scheme provided by the Albuquerque Journal:
Grow Your Own – Raiders Of The Lost Squash
by John Weckerle
Note: For links to all our garden articles, click “Gardening” under “Categories” (sidebar).Â
The two largest yellow summer squash in the garden have gone missing – gone missing because I harvested them! As it turns out, I probably could have let them go another day; things always seem to look bigger on the plant than in the hand. However, from a taste and texture standpoint, a little small is better than a little big where squash are concerned. Both broccoli plants are now bearing small heads, and the peas and eggplant have begun to flower. The cucumber section has been thinned down to one plant. Salads continue to be standard fare thanks to the lettuce, and I’m looking forward to the bonanza of vegetables we could see in the next few weeks. »» Grow Your Own – Raiders Of The Lost Squash
The Three Periods
by John Weckerle
When I read the letter I sent to the Mountain View Telegraph this week, I saw multiple instances of the ellipsis (three periods) that indicate removal of text. Because NM-Central does not experience the space limitations of the print media, the full text of the letter as submitted is provided:
“SOME PEOPLE STILL DON’T GET IT!” is the seemingly ever-present (and, in my opinion, rather inappropriate) tag line that opens a letter from Kathryn Cleaver (Telegraph, June 26) regarding the legality of contributions by the Town of Edgewood to such events as the summer music festival and Run, Rally and Rock. Ms. Cleaver asserts that the Town attorney, Marcus Rael, has informed the mayor that such funding violates the law. In fact, Mr. Rael has not made such an assertion at any time of which I am aware. Rather, he expressed concerns about the way the Town was going about such funding in the context of the anti-donation clause, but stated that there could be ways in which the Town could fund the events. This was reaffirmed at the Edgewood Town Council meeting last Wednesday, at which Mr. Rael stated categorically that such contributions could be made, and discussed concerns that would have to be addressed in order to do so legally. It is perhaps as yet unclear as to what the specific problem with the previous process was, but the fact that the funding can be done within the confines of the law was, once again, established without any doubt. »» The Three Periods
A POX ON A TAXING SITUATION … I MEAN TO SAY, “MORE THAN ONE”
by Chuck Ring
As things roll along, or not, in the transportation sector, it has just been announced that Santa Fe County and its partner in taxing (the City of Santa Fe) will pull out or have already pulled out of the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD). So, while the NCRTD has at least one flat tire an official press release from Santa Fe County explains how Santa Fe County and the City of Santa Fe will jack-up transportation while possibly hijacking Edgewood and the southern part of the county:
“Santa Fe County Withdraws from Transit District
Santa Fe – July 7, 2008 – The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners has voted to withdraw from the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD). “We believe there are better ways to provide for Santa Fe County’s transportation needs” said Commission Chair, Paul Campos. »» A POX ON A TAXING SITUATION … I MEAN TO SAY, “MORE THAN ONE”
Edgewood Attorney: Town Can Fund Events, Festivals Without Violating Anti-Donation Clause
by John Weckerle
At the July 2, 2008 Edgewood Town Council Meeting, Town attorney Marcus Rael provided insight into whether the Town can legally contribute to such events as the Wildlife West Music Festival; Run, Rally, and Rock; and other smaller events held throughout the year.
According to Mr. Rael, the Town may fund, or partner with, other entities, nonprofit or otherwise, to produce such events for economic benefit or other purposes. He indicated that a detailed scope of work and accounting of the expenditures of the Town’s contribution are critical to avoiding anti-donation clause violations. Mr. Rael emphasized the importance of documenting the potential benefits (for example, increased gross receipts tax revenues from people purchasing gas, groceries, etc. on the day of the event) of contributing to such events. He also indicated that it would be appropriate for the Town to issue an RFP for managing events. Mr. Rael did not offer any specific recommendations on how to fund the events, which some understood to be the intended purpose of his discussion. »» Edgewood Attorney: Town Can Fund Events, Festivals Without Violating Anti-Donation Clause
Flea Market To Benefit Wildlife West
by John Weckerle
A flea market featuring items donated to support Wildlife West Nature Park and ease the distress created by the Town of Edgewood’s decision to eliminate funding for the annual music festival will be held in the Liberty Development (old Radio Shack building) parking lot on Saturday, July 19, from 7 a.m. to noon. The Park is also holding a raffle of several special items including a “nearly new” (used twice) electric motor and an electric wheelbarrow, both donated by Howard Calkins; a recliner valued at $500 donated by the Furniture Connection; and a calf donated by Rita Loy Simmons. For more information and to purchase raffle tickets, contact the Park at 505-281-7655, toll free at 877-981-9453, or by e-mail at info@wildlifewest.org.
Mountainair Community Garden Project
by John Weckerle
Vanessa from Mountainair Arts has given us a “heads up” on a community garden project that is in the planning stage in Mountainair. The project is an effort of iCreate, Inc., a volunteer organization that relocated from the Rio Grande Valley to Mountainair in early 2008.
Community gardens vary widely in scope and focus. Many are dedicated to producing food, but there are some that are focused on flowers or intended to provide forage for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. According to some articles, community gardens may also promote a greater and more active sense of community. Educational gardens may provide valuable training for children or adults who wish to gain the necessary skills before starting their own home gardens. The concepts of “food security” and maintaining control over quality and health effects can also be addressed, at least in part, by community gardening. More information can be found at:
- Wikipedia
- The American Community Gardening Association
- How to Start A Community Garden on a Vacant Lot
- iVillage Garden Web Forum
- University of California Cooperative Extension – contains a good start-up guide.
More links can be found at Mountainair Arts.
Grow Your Own – The Adventure Continues
by John Weckerle
Our regular garden feature is a bit late this week due to the holiday and the report on the signs at the Edgewood Town Council meeting. Today, we return to the garden and find some exciting new developments – and a couple of challenges.
Plant growth continues apace. In Bed 1, there appear to be at least one yellow squash and one zucchini that are within a day or two of attaining “picking size.” Nestled deep in the miniature jungle, we see a nascent head of broccoli reaching toward the steamer or the wok skyward. However, Bed 1 is presenting us with two challenges. First, it is becoming clear that the Conestoga-type enclosure is not allowing enough room for these plants to spread. Since the bed is not squirrel-proof anyway, we may need to rethink the enclosure. The north side of the bed is bounded by a 5-foot trellis, and it would be a relatively simple task to do the same at the south side and run some rabbit fencing around the other three sides. We also see that some of the squash are exhibiting what looks to be some kind of end-rot. This is not affecting all of them, and it appears that the ones that formed earliest are impacted the most. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be appreciated. Finally, despite some flowering, we have not yet observed any tomatoes. Granted, it’s still a bit early given the planting dates, but we can hardly be blamed for being a little impatient. »» Grow Your Own – The Adventure Continues
Do This, Don’t Do That, Can’t You Read The Signs?
by John Weckerle
Well, possibly not, if you’re trying to read them in Edgewood. In what appeared to be a heavy-handed, divisive, and adversarial display of authority, the Town of Edgewood confiscated a substantial number of signs and chose to display them outside the Community Center as an apparent prelude to the Town staff’s presentation on signs at the July 2, 2008 Town Council meeting.
One resident, who indicated that one of the signs confiscated was a sign posted by his church for vacation Bible study, stated that he approached Town official Karen Mahalick and told her that this action was divisive and unproductive. According to that individual, Ms. Mahalick conceded that “this should have been handled differently” – but we question just how these signs could have come to be displayed thus without the involvement of Ms. Mahalick and Mayor Bob Stearley. According to the same individual, local resident Janelle Turner raised her fist and proclaimed “Ignorance of the law is no excuse!” In this case, however, it turns out that ignorance of the law may be the only option. »» Do This, Don’t Do That, Can’t You Read The Signs?
Public Service Announcement – Mountainair Firecracker Jubilee, July 5
The Mountainair Firecracker Jubilee will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2008. Festivities include a pancake breakfast, horseshoe tourney, children’s games, vendors, live music, a barbecue lunch, fireworks, and a dance. For more information, see the post at the Mountainair Announcements blog or the event web page.
Edgewood Town Attorney To Report On Anti-Donation Issue
by John Weckerle
According to the final agenda for tonight’s Edgewood Town Council meeting, the Town attorney is scheduled to report on ways in which the Town can fund events without violating the anti-donation clause of the New Mexico Constitution. The Town Council meeting begins at 6:30 at the Edgewood Community Center.
Wildlife West Chuckwagon Supper Season Opener An Unprecedented Success
by John Weckerle
Last Saturday marked the first Chuckwagon Supper of the season at Wildlife West Nature Park, and quite and night it was! Saturday’s dinner and entertainment event was attended by a record number of enthusiasts. “Typically, we have 50 or 60 people at the opening night,” said Park founder Roger Alink, “but this year we had 224 reservations.” As far as this writer could tell, a good time was had by all. »» Wildlife West Chuckwagon Supper Season Opener An Unprecedented Success