Absent Is As Absent Does
by John Weckerle
We turn our attention today to a couple of articles from different sources regarding the upcoming Congressional elections here in New Mexico. One of these is a Sandia Tea Party article titled “Progressives Spreading Bull Butter Again — Why Not, It’s What They Do Well” by Edgewood Town Councilor and Sandia Tea Party official internet spokesman Chuck Ring, excoriating Eric Griego, (seeking election in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 1), for not affording the “organization” the “courtesy” of responding to an invitation to a “candidates forum” to be held by this august organization. The second is an article titled “Dems Skip Tea Party Candidate Forum” in the East Mountain Telegraph. Both articles note that Democratic candidates did not attend events hosted by the Sandia Tea Party.
Surprised, anyone?
PSA: Public Meeting on Proposed Bernalillo County Fire Code Changes
From: Tia Bland, Public Information Director
Please be advised that the Bernalillo County fire marshal will be hosting a public meeting on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:0 p.m. to discuss changes and amendments being proposed to the Bernalillo County Fire Code.
The meeting will be held at the Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 1/2 Old Hwy 66, Tijeras, NM 87059.
PSA: Community Meeting Planned to Discuss North 14 Sector Development Plan Amendment
by Catherine Lopez, Bernalillo County Public Information Department
Bernalillo County – County Commissioner Wayne A. Johnson will host a community meeting to discuss his proposed amendment to the North 14 Sector Development Plan. The amendment would add language to the plan that would provide for an exemption to the cosmetic design standards of the plan.
For a property owner to seek the exemption, the property owner would be required to obtain the permission of 50 percent of the surrounding land owners within 100 feet, excluding the right-of-way.
The exemption could be denied if the proposed design didn’t meet the spirit and intent of the design guidelines of the sector plan. Exemptions would be appealable to the County Planning Commission and the Bernalillo County Commission.
The community meeting will take place on Monday, April 9, at 6 p.m. at the Deputy James McGrane, Jr. Public Safety Complex located at 48 Public School Road. in Tijeras.
“The North 14 Sector Plan is an important policy, the intent of which is to encourage quality development along North 14. But as with all public policy, it’s important to remember and respect the property rights of all parties involved,” says Commissioner Wayne Johnson.
All along the East Mountain Corridor, the North 14 Sector Development Plan will institute special zones and design regulations through the adoption of ordinances. The sector plan will also strive to provide more options for commercial activity in the area.
The North 14 Sector Development Plan was approved at the March 7 County Planning Commission meeting. It is scheduled to be heard by the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners at its April 24 meeting. The meeting begins at 3 p.m. at One Civic Plaza NW, in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers.
Wildland Fire Outlook
by John Weckerle
Arlene Perea of the Mountainair Ranger District has sent us the National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook from the National Interagency Fire Predictive Services. For April, normal significant fire potential is expected across the Southwest, although the report acknowledges that “confidence” is not high, especially in the second half of the month. The report states: “Above normal significant fire potential is expected to gradually expand northwestward to encompass the western half of the Area. The most likely condition during this period is continued moisture intrusions across the eastern third of the region with periodic surges westward across New Mexico and into Arizona, increasing the possibly of lightning ignitions. There is a reasonable amount of confidence that the weather pattern will not be as conducive to large-scale, wind-driven fire events as the fine fuels available in the eastern half to two thirds of the Area are not as widespread or as continuous as a year ago.” The report further indicates that much of the uncertainty revolves around the “small possibility of a weak El Niño developing by early summer,” which would certainly be welcome to those of us itching to garden. We’ll note that the report was issued before yesterday’s drenching, so we’ll be interested to see how things play out.
For more information, see the report.
USFA Releases “Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities”
New guide addresses actions to improve individual and community wildland fire safety
Received from Arlene Perea, USDA Forest Service Mountainair District
Emmitsburg, MD. – The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, announces the release of Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities (PDF, 772 Kb). This new guide promotes a holistic approach to wildland fire risk reduction in the wildland urban interface and addresses actions to improve individual and community safety.
For communities to become more resistant to wildland fire threats, a strong collaboration must exist between federal, state, and local agencies and the public. Aligning with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) “whole community” principles, this guide encourages a community environment where individuals have access to critical information and the knowledge necessary to reduce the loss of life and property. Visit the FEMA website for information on the “whole community” approach to emergency management.
“It is important that fire departments partner with other local emergency response departments, state fire and forestry agencies, and any regional federal organizations before a fire begins,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell.
The concept behind fire-adapted communities is that with proper community-wide preparation, populations and infrastructure can withstand the devastating effects of wildland fire, thereby reducing the loss of life and property. In addition to understanding wildland fire defensible space and preparedness, the guide further explains how a community can coexist with the threat of wildland fire and ultimately reduce the need for costly fire suppression responses. As the science of fire-adapted communities continues to evolve, agencies and the public can take steps now to understand better the role they play and actions they can take to coexist safely with wildland fire threats.
Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities can be downloaded under the Publications section of the USFA website at: www.usfa.fema.gov
Relay For Life Sponsorship Opportunities Available
by John Weckerle
We’ve received the sponsorship packet from the Estancia Valley Relay for Life Event Chair, Brenda Smythe, who is in her second and final year as chair. Brenda has informed us that her co-Chair for this year, Cassandra Garcia, will assume the Event Chair responsibilities for next year.
Last year, the event raised over $13,000, which was down from previous years. This year, the Relay for Life hopes to double that total.
For more information, see the sponsorship flier, or contact Brenda at (505) 705-5445 or Cassandra at 505-974-9627.
Drill, Baby… Why?
by John Weckerle
With all the talk of pipelines and politics in the news, we found it interesting to read about a recent Associated Press (AP) article that examined 36 years of domestic oil production and gas prices. The AP article reports the conclusions of a statistical analysis that found no correlation between production and prices. According to the article, domestic oil prices are controlled by the global market and, given that U.S. exports account for a small amount of the global total, increasing our production would have little effect on pricing at the pump:
Unlike natural gas or electricity, the United States alone does not have the power to change the supply-and-demand equation in the world oil market, said Christopher Knittel, a professor of energy economics at MIT. American oil production is about 11 percent of the world’s output, so even if the U.S. were to increase its oil production by 50 percent — that is more than drilling in the Arctic, increased public-lands and offshore drilling, and the Canadian pipeline would provide — it would at most cut gas prices by 10 percent.
“There are not many markets where the United States can’t impose its will on market outcomes,” Knittel said. “This is one we can’t, and it’s hard for the average American to understand that and it’s easy for politicians to feed off that.”
Links to articles on the study:
For those who like data – the data behind the study:
Bernalillo County Asks Residents ‘What Projects are Needed?’ – New Feature Available for Online Project Requests
by Catherine Lopez, Bernalillo County Public Information Department
Bernalillo County – Bernalillo County is seeking input from the community about future capital improvement projects through a series of public meetings and a new online feature.
“Beginning Monday, March 26, the county will offer its newest feature in this important information gathering process,” says County Manager Tom Zdunek. “Residents will be able to follow-up on their project request. Every project request submitted will receive a confirmation number. If a resident provides an email address, a confirmation number and email will be sent back to them.”
The confirmation number allows residents to access information about how their project was evaluated, as well as where it ranks among projects of its same type.
Residents have until May 17 to submit a project request.
The online request form is available at www.bernco.gov/request. Residents who do not wish to submit requests electronically can still fill out hardcopy forms. The county will have forms available at its Capital Improvement Plan public meetings, starting Monday night, March 26.
The public meetings will allow the county to gather project ideas from citizens and neighborhood groups. The county’s Capital Improvement Plan provides a link between the needs and visions of the public and the county’s capital expenditure budgets.
“Every two years, residents have the chance to make a direct impact on the county’s future,” says Commission Chair Art De La Cruz. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity by attending a public meeting and sharing the vision they have for the community with us.”
After hearing from the community, the county will evaluate and prioritize potential projects. During the general election in November, the public will vote on whether to approve the general obligation bonds that fund the projects.
A “capital improvement” is defined as a substantial, physical asset with a useful life of 10 years or greater. Capital improvement projects from past bond cycles include the Deputy James McGrane Public Safety Complex in the East Mountains, the Bachechi Open Space in the North Valley and the Eubank Boulevard road construction project in the northeast heights.
The community is invited to attend any of the scheduled meetings:
Monday, March 26 | District 1
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Don Newton Community Center
490 Kachina Street NW
Thursday, March 29 | District 5
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Los Vecinos Community Center
478 1/2 Old Hwy 66, Tijeras NM
Monday, April 2 | District 1
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center
9800 4th Street NW
Tuesday, April 17 | District 3
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Hiland Theater, Studio A or B
4800 Central Avenue SE
A tour of the historic Hiland Theater will be conducted at 5:15 p.m. for interested parties
Thursday, April 19 | District 4
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Lt. William Sibrava Memorial Substation
10401 Holly Ave NE
Monday, April 23 | District 2
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Westside Community Center
1250 Isleta Blvd SW
For more information about the capital improvement process, please visit www.bernco.gov/CIP.
Relay for Life Kickoff and Planning Meeting
by John Weckerle
Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find that the Relay for Life of Estancia Valley will be holding a Kick-Off Celebration at the Estancia Community Center on March 31, 2012 from 10 a.m to noon. For more information see the Mountainair Announcements article or call Brenda (704-5445), Cassandra (974-9627) or Erica (705-5123).
Bernalillo County Encourages Youth Groups to Apply for Spring Cleanup Grants
by Andy Lenderman, Bernalillo County Public Information Department
Bernalillo County – School clubs, sports teams and other youth groups can earn $200 while helping to clean up their neighborhoods and other littered areas around Bernalillo County.
Nonprofit youth groups are encouraged to apply for $200 grants as part of Bernalillo County’s participation in the New Mexico Clean and Beautiful program.
The deadline to apply is March 30.
“Spring is here and this is a good opportunity for youth groups to participate in hands-on community service while earning money for their team or school club,” Commissioner Wayne Johnson says.
Supplies such as trash bags and T-shirts will be provided by the county.
Visit www.bernco.gov/fun or click here to access the application. Applicants can also contact the county’s Parks and Recreation Department at 505.314.0416 or parks@bernco.gov for more information.
Edgewood Gets New Mayor, Councilor; Little Change Elsewhere (As Far As We Know)
by John Weckerle
We have obtained yesterday’s election results for the Town of Edgewood. Former Town Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Brad Hill claimed victory in the race for Mayor, with a vote count exceeding the combined count for his two rivals, Susan Simons and currrent Mayor Bob Stearley. Town Councilor John Abrams has been re-elected, and Sherry Abraham joins the Council as a new member. Judge William “Bill” White has been reelected as Municipal Judge. Detailed results obtained from Town Administrator Karen Mahalick are as follows:
Mayoral Race
- Susan Simons – 54
- Bob Stearley – 172
- Brad Hill – 333
Town Council (2 seats in contest)
- Johnny Walker – 131
- John Abrams – 356
- Phil Anaya – 104
- Sherry Abraham – 346
- William White – 456
In Moriarty, all the incumbents will be returning to their seats, and according to the Torrance County Clerk’s office, the races in Estancia were uncontested. Everybody who ran in Mountainair won. Unfortunately, nobody was in the Village office in Tijeras when we called. Congratulations to the elected officials, new and returning.
Weather, Weather, Everywhere…
by John Weckerle
Winter remains with us, and so does the cold. The denizens of New Mexico Central sallied forth yesterday and picked up another dozen bags of pellets. It’s a good thing we did, as the ice on the fountain suggests.
If You Build It…
by John Weckerle
We noted this week that the Edgewood Town Council meeting agenda for Wednesday included presentation of a preliminary design for the new Town Center and recommended sites for the center as well as an Animal Shelter. We were not able to attend, but Edgewood Mayor Bob Stearley was kind enough to send us a copy of the proposed Town Center plan, the layout for Section 16, and his transmittal e-mail to the Council. While the plan appears relatively uncontroversial at first glance, upon further examination it does raise a few eyebrows, theoretical and otherwise:
- New Public Works Site – Where, exactly, is the OLD Public Works Site – and what’s on it? When is the “New” (and for what it’s worth, nothing’s “new” until it exists) Public Works Site coming on line? Let’s face it, folks; it seems as if every time the Town of Edgewood drops a budget item, the image of Town employees working on equipment in the mud is invoked (correct us if we’re wrong, but wasn’t this bandied about when the Wildlife West Music Festival was de-funded and a children’s summer program eliminated, the latter when the Town had a couple of million in “reserve?”). Enough, already – let’s get these guys a garage, some office space, and the associated amenities, and find our excuses elsewhere.
- New County Fire Station Site – By all accounts, the County emergency response folks need a new building. Your editor owes these folks more than most, and would like to see them get it. In this regard, we’d like to suggest that the Santa Fe County government remember that Santa Fe County continues beyond a 15-minute commute to the City Different, and we pay our share of taxes down here in the hinterland. So give our local life-savers a new building. Now. Don’t make us come up there.
- Community Garden – In terms of acreage, the Town’s proposal falls far short, here. Given the Town’s population, the need for consolidated infrastructure, and the educational parts, 5.7 acres seems a bit short – but the 0.0 acres proposed by the Town falls shorter than that. One of the best ways to support locally grown food is to give people a place to learn to grow, and to grow their own if their circumstances don’t provide them the best opportunity at home. Let’s not forget the community spirit aspect – everybody’s friendly where gardening’s concerned, regardless of their other differences.
- Possible Animal Shelter Site – What, exactly, is a Possible Animal? Is this some sort of creature in an indeterminate state? And what would we construct for them – some sort of Schrödinger’s Shelter? All kidding aside, the animals needing shelter and the need for an animal shelter are very real. The first annual Woofstock event was outstanding, but it would take a lot of Woofstocks to get the facility built. We’d like to see the Town exhibit a little leadership and pay to build it.
- Municipal Way? – We’re sorry, but this is about as boring as it gets. We recommend Wilson Avenue as a more attractive alternative.
All things considered, the plan doesn’t look half bad. We’re a little skeptical about the “if and when” part of it, though; it’s going to cost money, and Edgewood seems intent on having at least eight digits in the bank before spending any of it. Let’s hope they prove us wrong!
Where Art And Math Collide…
by John Weckerle
Some time back we asked what our readers would like to see more of. We were a little surprised that the responses pretty much ran the gamut of what we were already offering, which felt good but didn’t really help with any decision-making (except, in the end, not to make any new decisions). Today we turn our attention to the responses that expressed enthusiasm for seeing a little digital art.
Last December your editor created and/or resurrected a series of fractal images in part to create some Christmas gifts. These were uploaded to Unclejohnsplace.com, your editor’s site for selling items bearing his art and photography. Presented here are images designed for placement on Kindle sleeves, one of which your editor grabbed for himself. More behind the cut!
Truly Theirs?
by John Weckerle
Hardly a day seems to go by on which one simply can’t turn on the radio or television news – or browse the internet – without one of the Republican presidential primary candidates accusing one of the others of making false statements. Frankly, with available time for radio listening at a premium, we’re getting a little tired of hearing the same thing over again. However, we have had our interest piqued by a particular question: just how often are these accusations of falsehood justified? How much can we trust these people?
To get a feel for the veracity of the primary candidates, we visited the Pulitzer Prize winning Politifact.com, a project of the Tampa Bay Times. The site sorts through statements by various personalities and rates them as True, Mostly True, Half True, Mostly False, False, and Pants on Fire. We looked into the files for each candidate and compiled it into a single table. What we noted immediately was that the raw data were less useful than we’d like, because the number of evaluated statements by each candidate varied substantially. To rectify that, we calculated the percentage of the total number of statements represented by the ranking in question for each candidate.