July GRIT Ready for Viewing
July GRIT 2026 Ready for Viewing
What’s Inside This Issue:
Wildfire preparedness takes center stage in this month's GRIT, with practical home hardening tips, a reminder about New Mexico's fireworks restrictions, and details about an upcoming hands-on vent cover workshop. You'll also find updates on the proposed PNM substation appeal, guidance for hosting gatherings while keeping neighborhood roads safe, and a message from the SHHA President celebrating America's 250th birthday.
Also in this month's GRIT: Board updates, understanding Dark Skies in Sandia Heights, a new summer art exhibit at the SHHA office, upcoming community events, the Caption Contest, Kids Corner, a refreshing Eastern European Fruit Drink "Kompot" recipe, ACC updates, and more.
Fourth of July 2026
With the Fourth of July approaching, we want to remind everyone that all fireworks are currently prohibited in Sandia Heights under the statewide fire restrictions issued by the New Mexico State Forester.
Due to extreme drought and wildfire conditions, the State Forester's order prohibits the use of fireworks on lands subject to the statewide restrictions until the order is lifted. In addition, Bernalillo County has enacted an open burning ban for the unincorporated county because of the high wildfire risk.
Sandia Heights is particularly vulnerable to wildfire. A single spark can ignite dry grasses, juniper, and other vegetation, threatening homes, wildlife, and our entire community.
We ask all residents and visitors to:
- Do not use any fireworks in Sandia Heights.
- Celebrate the holiday by attending a professionally managed public fireworks display instead.
- Report any wildfire or illegal fire activity immediately by calling 911.
Thank you for helping protect our neighbors, first responders, and the unique environment we all share.
Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association
PNM Task Group update
PNM Task Group update
SHHA Board Actions
On Monday June 29, 2026, the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association voted to approve two actions:
1) Hire Michael Cadigan to represent the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association for the appeal filed by PNM in the Second Judicial Court of Bernalillo County’s denial of their application for placement of a substation on Paseo del Norte between Eubank and Browning; and
2) The Board confirmed the President’s appointment of Kindred Murillo as Chairman of the Special Task Force for the PNM matter.
SHHA Board President, Robin Otten, extends her sincere thanks to Mark Humphrey, who has Chaired the Task Group since last fall and led it through successful decisions at the Bernalillo County Commissioners meeting. “We are in an excellent position thanks to Mark Humphrey, the Task Group, and the outreach efforts of the Tenacious Team. Kindred’s electric utility experience complements the technical expertise of Keith Julian and Paul Karas, who wrote the successful appeal. This is not over, and we must continue to work together strategically to ensure that the proposed substation and 115 kV lines on Tramway Blvd are placed in the true area of need.”
https://www.sandiahomeowners.org/stop-pnm-towers
Don't Feed the Bears
Don’t Feed the Bears – Help Keep Wildlife Wild
Bears are active throughout Sandia Heights, and recent sightings have been reported in several areas of the community.
One of the most common reasons bears enter neighborhoods is the availability of easy food sources. Garbage left outside overnight is particularly attractive and can quickly teach bears to associate homes with food.
Please help protect both our community and local wildlife by:
• Putting trash containers out on the morning of collection--NOT the night before.
• Storing garbage in a secure location until collection day.
• Avoiding leaving pet food, bird seed, or other attractants outdoors.
• Cleaning outdoor grills and cooking areas after use.
When bears repeatedly obtain food from human sources, they can lose their natural wariness of people and become increasingly dependent on neighborhoods for food. This creates safety concerns for residents and leads to negative outcomes for the bears themselves.
We continue to see trash containers placed at the curb the evening before collection despite repeated reminders. A single unsecured garbage container can attract bears into an area and affect an entire neighborhood.
Thank you for helping keep Sandia Heights safe for residents and wildlife.
A fed bear is a dead bear. Please help keep wildlife wild.
Correction: The SHHA office will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association office will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association office will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, June 22.
We also have a limited number of tickets still available for this week. Use the calendar below to browse available dates and visit our office to purchase the tickets! https://www.sandiahomeowners.org/tram-pass-availability#tram-calendar
Thank you for your understanding.