GRIT Newsletter: January 1997

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A ruling by US District Court Judge Harold Green on the Pueblo of Sandia's land claim has broken legal inertia, allowing the Pueblo to proceed with its case seeking 9,500 acres in various areas. The ruling permits the Pueblo to challenge the Department of Interior's actions and to request that the land be held "in trust," impacting property owners within the claim area and potentially affecting local tax revenue.

The Sandia Heights Homeowners Association (SHHA) is preparing for its 3rd Annual event, featuring a wine tasting and potluck, encouraging residents to share recipes. The SHHA is focused on enhancing communication with residents, utilizing newsletters, utility bill notices, a web page, and staff availability for inquiries. Additionally, the League of Women Voters in New Mexico is involved in a live PBS broadcast addressing drinking water protection, with events scheduled for March 19th at various sites across the state.

A quarterly publication from Sandia Heights discusses the Architectural Review Committee's role in reviewing, approving, and monitoring construction and modifications in the community. The committee ensures compliance with property covenants, reviews plans for various aspects like structure height and colors, and grants variances after careful consideration. The document emphasizes the importance of ARC approval for any exterior changes, details the application process, and mentions the need for resident compliance to maintain the community's aesthetic standards. Additionally, it touches on the challenges posed by increased property values and construction in difficult terrains while balancing community needs with property owner rights.

Another section of the document shifts focus to the expansion of transit services in the region, highlighting the completion of a feasibility study supporting the need for an independent transit authority with dedicated funding. It discusses the efforts to develop a comprehensive regional transit plan catering to various commute patterns and emphasizing public involvement in the planning process. The envisioned expanded transit system includes neighborhood services, improved accessibility for specific demographics, park and ride services, and a long-term plan for high-capacity modes like light rail. The document encourages community involvement in shaping the transit plan and provides details on how residents can engage in the process. Keywords: Architectural Review Committee, property covenants, exterior modifications, transit services, regional transit plan, public involvement, commuter patterns, ARC approval, community aesthetics, transit authority.

Trail projects and renovations at Elena Gallegos Park are ongoing due to high visitation rates, with new trails like the Simms Park Road trail and a wheelchair-accessible nature trail being constructed. The Youth Conservation Corps program is engaging young people in outdoor conservation work, continuing a tradition of trail maintenance and development. The document also highlights the importance of trail etiquette to minimize environmental impact and mentions the clean air initiatives in Albuquerque, such as the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective fuel option. Keywords: trail projects, Elena Gallegos Park, Youth Conservation Corps, trail maintenance, clean air, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

An invitation is extended for landscape classes at the ABQ Garden Center covering topics like native plants and succulents. Additionally, there is information on a wine tasting event and the welcoming of new residents to Sandia Heights. The document also discusses recycling initiatives, the formation of special interest groups, and a before/after-school recreation program by the Bernalillo County Parks and Recreation Department. Lastly, Bear Canyon Estates Retirement Residence is highlighted as a new option for gracious and affordable retirement living in Albuquerque. Keywords: landscape classes, wine tasting, recycling, special interest groups, retirement living, before/after-school program.

The newsletter discusses the introduction of 40 new NeoPlan CNG buses in the city, with a focus on upgrading the maintenance facility to accommodate the new buses. Mechanics like Jerry Montoya are being trained to work with the CNG technology, which is highlighted for its safety benefits over gasoline, including fewer chances of damage in collisions and reduced injury rates based on a nationwide study of CNG fleets. The document also mentions Joe Montoya's experiences during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, where he supervised maintenance for the transit system, showcasing the efforts to transition the city's public transit fleet to CNG-powered vehicles by the end of 1997.

Interested Sandia Heights residents can join the Sandia Heights Wildflower Club for informative meetings on wildflower identification, native plants, water-wise gardening, and natural landscaping, along with engaging discussions and seasonal activities. The club offers a June garden tour, a summer field trip, and a fall potluck, providing a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the environment. Additionally, an article discusses the love for cruising experienced by a couple residing in Sandia Heights, highlighting their adventures on cruise ships and their passion for the sea, leading to insights into their backgrounds and lifestyles. Unique keywords: Sandia Heights Wildflower Club, wildflower identification, water-wise gardening, natural landscaping, cruising, cruise ships.

A detailed examination of bobcats reveals their habits, habitat, and the challenges they face, including urban expansion, coyote predation, and trapping threats in the past. The informative piece discusses the history of bobcat management, the impact of fashion fur decline on hunting practices, and the importance of understanding and conserving bobcats for future survival. Moreover, a section on xeriscaping emphasizes the principles of water-conserving landscaping, such as efficient irrigation, appropriate plant selection, and the use of mulches to promote healthy root growth and reduce water usage. Unique keywords: bobcats, habitat loss, coyote predation, xeriscaping, water conservation, mulches.

The winter newsletter covers a range of topics, including Xeriscaping principles emphasizing appropriate maintenance to enhance landscaping quality and sustainability. It discusses the importance of proper irrigation systems and how to address drought tolerance in plants. Furthermore, a unique opportunity for homeowners in Sandia Heights is mentioned, offering significant discounts on professional landscaping services for landscape themes to be featured in a forthcoming xeriscape design book. Additionally, the newsletter details a new training center proposal by the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute targeting specific workforce skill requirements based on business needs and timelines, with funding plans and potential benefits for the community and local businesses.

A photography contest is announced at the Rio Grande Zoo, inviting participants to capture zoo animals for a chance to win prizes. Contest rules require entries to feature zoo animals and be submitted by a deadline in March. The winning photos will be displayed at the zoo and become its property. Another section highlights Renew-A Surface, a bathroom revitalization expert in Albuquerque, emphasizing their restoration services that clean and restore various surfaces in bathrooms like porcelain, tile, and fiberglass. The owner, Jeff Miller, is praised for his expertise in dealing with hard water issues and bringing dramatic improvements to bathrooms.

Carob powder is highlighted in the newsletter for its versatility and nutritional value, selling at an affordable price of around $1.20 per pound in Albuquerque. The powder can be used as a chocolate substitute in baking, offering a sweet flavor and extended shelf life due to its low fat content. Recipe suggestions include using carob powder in brownies and various baked goods as an alternative to chocolate, with specific measurements and instructions provided for optimal results. Tips on storage and handling are also shared to maintain the quality of carob powder over time.

An educational program for women on personal financial management is detailed in the newsletter, covering topics such as setting financial goals, creating budgets, managing expenses, understanding insurance needs, and exploring investment opportunities. The program consists of seven lecture/workshops running from February to April at the Del Norte Baptist Church, aimed at empowering women in handling their finances effectively. Interested participants can register for all sessions at a nominal fee and gain knowledge on financial planning, budgeting, insurance, investments, and legal aspects related to financial management.

Members can now request a speaker for their organization by contacting Elsie Davis. TTY users can reach out to the New Mexico Relay for assistance. Keywords: speaker request, organization, TTY users, New Mexico Relay.

Keywords: storage, PBS Broadcast., compressed natural gas., drought tolerance, Rio Grande Zoo, Judge Harold Green, NeoPlan CNG buses, CNG technology, Land Claim, landscape maintenance, photography contest, community benefits, Sandia Heights, Homeowners Association, carob powder, zoo animals, Renew-A Surface, Potluck, irrigation systems, porcelain, financial management, League of Women Voters, training center proposal, Rio Grande Zoo sponsorship., safety benefits, budgeting, investments, Xeriscaping, photo contest, restoration services, recipe, women, Wine Tasting, hard water, US District Court, workforce training, SHHA, Department of Interior, Drinking Water Protection, baking, tile, professional landscaping, mechanics training, Pueblo of Sandia, Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute, chocolate substitute, bathroom revitalization, education, public transit fleet transition, maintenance facility upgrade, fiberglass., transit system maintenance, Jeff Miller, Del Norte Baptist Church., CNG-powered vehicles, personal finance, prizes, 1996 Olympics, workshop, Joe Montoya, insurance