GRIT Newsletter: March 1998

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Residents of Sandia Heights are being informed about the detrimental effects of light pollution and the importance of using efficient outdoor lighting fixtures to minimize glare and reduce unnecessary light usage. Bernalillo County is implementing a Light Pollution Ordinance to address these concerns, advising residents to make adjustments to their outdoor fixtures to comply with new parameters. The Spring newsletter also covers updates on various community issues such as changes in lighting at local establishments, architectural control approvals for new developments, and the upcoming SHHA Annual Meeting and elections. Committee efforts towards compliance with covenants, development guidelines, noise reduction, and contractor evaluations are highlighted, emphasizing community engagement and improvement initiatives. Keywords: Light Pollution Ordinance, Outdoor Lighting, Architectural Control, Annual Meeting, Covenants Compliance, Contractor Evaluation.

The 1998 Spring newsletter from Sandia Heights reports on legislative updates from the recent New Mexico session, focusing on various issues like welfare reform, tax relief, highway improvements, and gaming oversight. The "Windows '98" session drew attention to debates around drive-up liquor windows and highlighted the state's highest drunk-driving fatality rate. Welfare reform laws were enacted to require work or education in exchange for benefits, aligning with federal mandates. The session also brought tax relief measures, highway improvement funding, and the establishment of a Gaming Control Board for regulatory supervision. However, concerns were raised about the state budget overspending and the need for a special legislative session to address unresolved issues and ensure fiscal responsibility. Keywords: Legislative Session, Welfare Reform, Tax Relief, Highway Improvements, Gaming Oversight, State Budget.

The newsletter covers various topics including updates from Sandia Presbyterian Church, a pest control service, legislative initiatives in Bernalillo County, park developments, and a discussion on light pollution at a local gas station. Additionally, it announces upcoming events such as a Spring Celebration, a Wine Tasting event, and an Open House. Other sections mention architectural control, traffic and safety reports, government liaison efforts, and a comparison of security call statistics for 1996-1997, detailing various types of calls and their frequency.

The Sandia Heights Homeowners Association (SHHA) newsletter covers various topics related to maintaining the community standards. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining approval from the Architectural Control Committee before undertaking any construction, renovation, or alteration on properties within Sandia Heights. The newsletter also addresses issues such as restrictions on planting specific trees, the prohibition of wire fences in the area, and complaints regarding recreational vehicles parked in the neighborhood. It mentions ongoing efforts to define what constitutes an RV and maintain the natural look of the community as intended by developers. Furthermore, updates on the Sandia Pueblo's land claim and its implications for utility installations and residential rights are discussed, highlighting a push for legislation guaranteeing homeowners' rights and access within the area.

A former ballet dancer and current instructor, Patricia Dickinson, found love and settled in New Mexico with her husband Larry Wells. Together, they enjoy a cozy home in Sandia Heights with their energetic son Nicholas, a Siberian Husky named Sitka, and musical instruments like a prized bass fiddle and a grand piano. Patricia continues to share her passion for dance through teaching and directing, with plans to raise her son while contributing to upcoming performances at the Dance Theatre of the Southwest and the New Mexico Ballet Company. The Sandia Heights gardening section provides informative tips on planting and caring for Pinyon Pine trees, emphasizing their native beauty, slow growth, and resistance to pests, along with offering guidance on maintenance and addressing common tree insects.

Bob Phillips, a Sandia Heights resident, offers free reprogramming to monitoring centers, competitive prices for repairs and upgrades of existing systems, and direct deals with the owner for alarm service at 858-0548. On a different note, Bernalillo County ordinance 88-16 covers topics like animal disturbances, animal nuisances in public places, and physical abuse of animals. The ordinance protects both animals and people, outlining regulations on noise, public nuisances, physical abuse, and proper care and maintenance of pets. If needed, individuals can contact the Bernalillo County Animal Care & Regulation Department at 873-6706 for more information. Keywords: alarm service, Bernalillo County ordinance, animal care, animal regulation, pet maintenance.

Sandia Heights residents are urged to be cautious of encounters with bobcats and coyotes, as these animals have been seen more frequently in the community. Misinformation about cougar captures is clarified, with residents advised to report any sightings to the NM Department of Game & Fish for appropriate action. Additionally, Sandia Heights faces challenges with pet safety due to wildlife threats, such as a coyote attack on a family dog and deliberate poisoning incidents affecting pets. The Sandia Heights Sanitation Crew welcomes a new member, Marc Johnson, and expresses gratitude for community support during the holiday season. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure neighborhood safety. Keywords: bobcat encounters, wildlife threats, pet safety, coyote attacks, poisoning incidents, Sanitation Crew, neighborhood safety.

The newsletter highlights the beginning of the ski season, with excellent snowfall at Sandia Heights, raising concerns for Fire Managers in the East Mountain area regarding a potential active fire season due to El Nino's unpredictable effects come spring. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of proactive fire safety measures despite the current favorable conditions, with a focus on vegetation growth, potential hazards, and the need for continuous vigilance. Additionally, updates on winter recreation site closures, construction delays at Sandia Crest, and the expansion of Fee Demonstration Project sites are provided, with specific details on new sites and the proposed implementation timeline for spring 1998.

Snowfall excitement is followed by winter wonderland experiences at Sandia Heights, detailed site closures, and construction delays at Sandia Crest. The newsletter also covers the planned expansion of Fee Demonstration Project sites, addressing public concerns on inclusion criteria and commercial contacts for assistance. Furthermore, there are insights on winter recreation rules, including prohibited activities and designated parking areas, and a comprehensive guide on living safely in predator territory, emphasizing precautions for residents to mitigate risks associated with large predators like cougars, coyotes, and bobcats. The document touches on community involvement opportunities and ends with classified ads for member services. Keywords: skiing season, fire safety, El Nino, winter recreation, Fee Demonstration Project, predator safety, Sandia Crest construction, site expansion, living precautions, community involvement.

An article in the newsletter discusses the health benefits of incorporating beans into one's diet. Beans are highlighted as a source of essential nutrition that is low in cholesterol, high in fiber and protein, and abundant in nutrients like iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. The article also addresses common concerns about beans causing gas and provides tips on proper soaking and cooking methods to make beans more digestible and reduce gas production.

The newsletter also includes a warning from the Bernalillo County Sheriff about a rise in mail theft in the area, particularly in the North Valley and Far Northeast Heights. Residents are advised to promptly remove mail from mailboxes, deposit mail in secure locations, and be vigilant about monitoring their mail for any suspicious activities. The Sheriff's Department emphasizes the importance of reporting any unfamiliar or suspicious individuals in the neighborhood to prevent further instances of mail theft. Keywords: beans, nutrition, cholesterol, fiber, protein, mail theft, Bernalillo County Sheriff, gas, digestibility, health benefits, security precautions

Keywords: pests, directing, RV parking, legal proceedings, Maya Plyetskeya, Wildflower Club meeting, property maintenance., Patricia Dickinson, instructing, ballet, gardening, pest control service, Pinyon Pine tree, Open House, gardening tips, tree care, Sandia Pueblo's land claim, Sandia Heights, family life, park developments, Dance Theatre of the Southwest, wire fences, Architectural Control Committee, Larry Wells, home in Sandia Heights., New Mexico Ballet Company, Pinyon Pine, Spring Celebration, Nicholas, community standards, Gelsey Kirkland, Wine Tasting, utility installations, Sandia Presbyterian Church, government liaison, Sandia Mountain Coalition, legislative initiatives, light pollution, settling down, Dancing, music, home life, covenants, musical instruments, traffic and safety reports, Sitka, performing, teaching, architectural control, security call comparison.