Consider Carefully…Are You Ready For The East Mountain Fire Season?
by Karen Takei, Fire Information and Public Affairs, Sandia Ranger District
For the group that have taken our East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association classes “fire indices” (measurement of fire potential) are starting to bump up due to drying winds and the Southwest is starting to see some fire activity. Hopefully you have worked on getting rid of winter slash that is around your property.
- Cut and remove grasses around your homes.
- Remove pine needles from gutters.
- Campfires Dead Out.
- Cigarettes Extinguished.
- Fireplace ash drenched with water and let stand for weeks.
- Remove wood from around your home.
- Careful welding.. consider having a fire extinguisher with you.
- Do not park on tall weeds.
- Limb your trees getting rid of ladder fuels.
Call for information to reduce fire hazards or go to firewise.org.
If we are in red flag warning we recommend the following: No open flame (welding, campfires, smoking etc. ) outside till the red flag order is rescinded.
Consider carefully…….. are you ready for East Mountain Fire Season? If not get ready…
Edgewood Considers Budget, But Where’s The Music?
by John Weckerle
Tomorrow night, the Edgewood Town Council will review the proposed budget for FY 2010 to 2011. In some ways, it is hard to understand just exactly what they will be considering. The budget provided on the Town web site is convoluted and relatively uninformative and contains some obvious errors, which leads one to believe that there are probably less obvious errors, as well. The budget, as presented, contains numerous references to budget items that are not defined or explained. Throughout the spreadsheet provided the next fiscal year is identified as “-2012 011.” The document is provided in PDF format only; the original Excel spreadsheet is not provided, which makes it difficult to check the math or troubleshoot the equations used to calculate the figures presented.
We have been hearing word “on the street” of a projected 2% revenue decline. The budget as presented does not support such a decline; according to the “Budgeted Revenues” on the third page, municipal taxes and “general” are each slated to increase 4%, and municipal gas taxes are projected to rise by 2%. Declines in revenue from “SFC Fire Protection” and “Public Safety” are projected at 4% and 8%, respectively. The document incorrectly calculates the drop in “Parks and Recreation” revenues from $42,782 to $13,567 as a 215% decrease; the correct figure is 68%. The pie graph provided above the chart is “Consolidated Revenues” – for which fiscal year, it is anybody’s guess. Expenditure categories do not line up particularly well with revenue categories, making it difficult to reconcile what is going in with what is going out, and the spreadsheet is little help in that regard. »» Edgewood Considers Budget, But Where’s The Music?
USDA Announces Energy Grants For Agriculture, Rural Small Businesses
by John Weckerle
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a grant announcement for that may be of interest to some of our readers: Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements, targeted at agricultural producers (including farmers and ranchers who gain 50 percent or more of their gross income from agricultural operations) and rural small businesses. Rural electric cooperatives may also be eligible to apply. Grants are awarded competitively and may provide up to 25% of total project costs, with a $500,000 limit on renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy improvments (the “floor” is $2,500 for renewable energy systems and $1,500 for energy efficiency improvements). The total estimated program funding is $51.5 million, and at least 20% of the grants will be for less than $20,000. The closing date for applications is June 30, 2010. For more information, see the Grants.gov announcement.
Mud Season, Fire Season, Mud Season, Silly Season…
by John Weckerle
With the weekend’s odd weather now behind us, the mud is starting to dry up a little here at New Mexico Central. However, the warm spring sun shining on our environs probably won’t do much to help us avoid mud of an entirely different nature. That’s right: with the Republican primary looming, TV campaign advertisement season has begun, if a little anemically.
We here at New Mexico Central don’t have an unlimited amount of time to sit in front of the television waiting for campaign advertisements, and perhaps that’s why we’ve seen relatively few so far. Thus far, we’ve noted two of Republican gubernatorial candidate Allen Weh’s commercials – one focusing on his military service, and another focusing on Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish’s supposed use of stimulus funds to fly the State jet to a parade. However, NMPolitics.net reports that this allegation is not true; the flight was paid for by the state’s general fund. In the same ad, Mr. Weh touts his use of a truck to get around. This article claims to show a picture of Mr. Weh’s truck parked in a red zone, purportedly parked there by Mr. Weh just before he got out and walked into a fundraiser with former Bush advisor Karl Rove. We have to wonder, however, whether Mr. Weh would really use his truck to get around if elected, given that his campaign is currently making its way around the state in the “Weh Forward Bus.” We have no information regarding whether the bus has been parking where it’s supposed to. »» Mud Season, Fire Season, Mud Season, Silly Season…
If April Showers Bring May Flowers, What Do May Snow Flurries Bring?
by John Weckerle
Snow was heavy today at times, with flakes occasionally nearly an inch across.
Cabin fever.
Well, it’s winter again here at New Mexico Central headquarters – at least for today. It has been a day of on-and-off snow flurries, with the high so far having been about 41 degrees Fahrenheit. There has actually been enough precipitation to create mud, and at the rate things are going, it looks as if even the trees will be getting a drink from this bit of unusual weather. Unfortunately, gardening activities planned for today will be postponed until further notice. »» If April Showers Bring May Flowers, What Do May Snow Flurries Bring?
No Soup For You! Well, Okay, Soup For You…And Definitely For Me
by John Weckerle
Your editor has been (and remains) a longtime fan and customer of the May Café in Albuquerque. However, there is one thing that may not be the May’s strong suit, and that is vegetarian soups. They’re actually pretty honest about this, if one asks; the vegetarian soups are not as flavorful as their meat-based varieties.
Enter Café Trang, which is located just south of Louisiana Blvd. and Central Avenue in the former location of the Arirang Asian market (just south of the market’s current location, and diagonally across from the May). When I’m in the mood for a bowl of spicy vegetarian lemongrass soup, this is where I go to satisfy the craving. The soup is hearty and flavorful, with an excellent balance of vegetables, tofu, and noodles – and the vegetables are cooked just to my taste, with just the right degree of crispiness. I usually pair it with an order of vegetarian spring rolls, which comes with a serving of Thai peanut sauce for dipping. Service has typically been excellent and friendly, and prices are reasonable.
One warning about the soup: I always specify a small bowl, which is not that small; ordering anything bigger threatens to trigger the “never eat anything bigger than your head” rule, especially when combined with the spring rolls. Of course, ordering a medium or large bowl means you get to have it again the next day.
Spring Has Sprung, Or Is/Will Be…And There’s Plenty To Do!
by John Weckerle
The first weekend of May always brings plenty of outdoor fun to the NM-Central.com area, and this year is no exception. We’ve received notice of a number of events planned for this Saturday and Sunday, including:
- This Saturday and Sunday, May 1 & 2, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood will hold its annual Green Energy Fair and Wind Festival. This is a great opportunity to learn a little about renewable energy, see (and even buy) some great kites, and – of course – visit Wildlife West’s enhanced zoo.
- High Desert Riders, a regional equestrian group, will hold their fifth annual livestock sale and flea market this Saturday, May 1, in Edgewood. There will be opportunities to buy or sell livestock and equestrian-related items, and mini-clinics will discuss subjects associated with rabbits, goats, sheep, chickens, and horses. For more info, see the event flier.
- This weekend will also mark the opening of the season at the Tijeras Open Air Market on Old Route 66, featuring “exciting artists” and “exciting new crafts.” Festivities will include music by Gene Corbin and Susan Clark (separately) on Saturday, and the Southwest String Band on Sunday.
- Local artists and craftspeople will also be on hand in front of the Triangle Grocery in Cedar Crest.
- According to our friends at Mountainair Announcements, a community garden meeting and workday is scheduled for this Saturday at 10 a.m. at Mojave Rose in Mountainair. For more information, see the Mountainair Announcements article.
It certainly seems as if there will be plenty to do out in the fresh air this weekend. Cool, but not cold, temperatures should put a spring in our steps. Have fun out there!
Public Service Announcement: American Cancer Society Relay For Life – Estancia Valley Kickoff Meeting
The kickoff meeting for the Estancia Valley’s ACS Relay for Life will be held this coming Sunday, April 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the East Torrance Water Conservation District Educational Building. A light dinner will be served. For more information, see the event flier.
The Wall, All In All…
by John Weckerle
One of our earlier articles, What’s A Chamber For? has unexpectedly mutated into a debate over the constitutional basis of the “wall between church and state.” Because so much time has passed between the publication of the article and the resumption of comments, and because it’s an interesting subject, we’re providing a brief mention here to make sure that all the original participants are aware that the discussion has continued.
Grow Your Own: The Fantastic Four – Rise Of The Silver Sprout
by John Weckerle
Salad On The Hoof: Got Romaine? All you need is a pot, soil, water, some seeds, and a sunny window.
This past winter was a time for some, well, interesting discourse on global climate change. “Skeptics” local and nationwide heaped criticism on the concept, often using the winter weather as a springboard to dive into the muddy waters. Well, winter’s over, and it’s time to start growing – although we’ll have a brief mention of the previous season’s severity before we’re through.
Sprouts – though not those referenced in the title; again, that’s for later – are up! Tomatoes, kale, and chard were up three weeks ago. We started with tomatoes and green bell peppers to get a head start on our short season, and spinach, kale and chard because of their wonderful cold tolerance. In fact, we started spinach very early. Unfortunately, a mouse got in during some remodeling, and decided to dine on our spinach sprouts. Spinach seeds planted later have just poked up above the soil surface. »» Grow Your Own: The Fantastic Four – Rise Of The Silver Sprout
Concert Tonight In Mountainair
by John Weckerle
Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find that the Double D Wranglers, a cowboy music and entertainment group from Nebraska, will be playing tonight starting at 7 p.m. at the Brazil Auditorium in Mountainair. For more information, see the Mountainair Announcements article and the group’s web site.
A Little “Exposure”
by John Weckerle
Your editor has been informed that two of his photographs will be published in the July edition of New Mexico Magazine, which will be “on the stands” June 20. The photos – one of a peregrine falcon in flight, and one of peregrine expert Tom Smylie working with a falcon during a demonstration at Wildlife West Nature Park – were provided free of charge in support of the Park. Wildlife West holds free flight falcon shows during its Harvest Festival and as part of its weekly Chuckwagon Suppers, held each Saturday during the summer.
Public Service Announcement: Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee Canceled
The meeting of the Estancia Basin Water Planning Committee scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 2010 has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2010 and will be held in Moriarty at the Magnum Steel Buildings conference room.
Public Service Announcement: East Mountain Fire Prevention Meeting
Editor’s note: We just received the following press release from Larry Gallegos at the Bernalillo County Public Information Office.
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL BRASHER INVITES ALL EAST MOUNTAIN RESIDENTS TO THE FIRST
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FIRE PREVENTION MEETING OF 2010
Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Brasher is calling on all East Mountain residents to attend the first Emergency Management Fire Prevention Meeting of the 2010 fire season. Representatives from the Bernalillo County Fire Department & Fire Marshall’s Office, the Office of Emergency Management, U.S Forest Service and others will be on hand. Topics will include: preparing for a fire, evacuation plans for humans and animals, weather patterns and fire behavior expected this year and how residents can get ready for the upcoming fire season. There will be a question and answer period after the presentations with all the panelists.
“I hope that East Mountain residents take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about preparing themselves for fire dangers and to see what Bernalillo County is proactively doing to help them in case of a fire,” said Commissioner Brasher.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 21st, from 6:30pm-8:00pm at Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 1/2 Old Hwy. 66, in Tijeras.
Public Service Announcement – Mountainair School Health Advisory Committee Meeting
Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find that the local School Health Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. For more information, see the Mountainair Announcements article.