GRIT Newsletter: September 1996

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The Albuquerque Public Schools Boundary Committee has submitted its recommendations for changes to existing school boundaries, awaiting review by the APS Superintendent before a Public Hearing on October 30th. Sandia Heights has been actively involved in supporting the recommendations, particularly concerning La Cueva High School boundaries. Meanwhile, the newsletter emphasizes the importance of residents understanding and complying with their specific unit's covenants, with active enforcement of violations by volunteer committee members, addressing concerns like unscreened air-conditioners and unapproved construction.

Contractor Evaluation Program seeks more input from Sandia Heights residents to assist members in selecting quality contractors for various services like handywork and electrical work. Additionally, the Neighborfest Banquet recognized outstanding volunteers, including former Board Members and current volunteers like Janey Brink, who played pivotal roles in park development and communication efforts. Sandia Heights received an award for The Grit newsletter's contribution to neighborhood communication, while individual volunteers were acknowledged for their dedication and community impact. Public School Boundary, Covenant Compliance, Contractor Evaluation Program, Neighborfest Banquet, Volunteer Recognition, Sandia Heights Awards.

The document discusses State Senate District 21 and the Mayor of Albuquerque before delving into a section about various Bond Issues on the November 5, 1996 General Election ballot in Bernalillo County, focusing on funding for important community infrastructure projects. Additionally, it covers a Wildlife Rescue group in New Mexico, detailing the process of rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, along with a spotlight on Baby Birds in need of rescue. Another section outlines the expansion and remodeling plans for the Outpost Ice Arena, addressing concerns about traffic impact, parking, and neighborhood perspectives on the project.

Residents of Sandia Heights enjoyed the Annual Wine Tasting event in March, organized by the National Distributing spokesperson, Pat Vogel, offering a wide variety of wines. Plans were discussed to possibly change the event timing to late afternoon for participants' convenience, with suggestions sought for a suitable location. An update on the planned reintroduction of Rocky Mountain Longhorn Sheep in the Sandias reported a delay in the project, pending a statewide plan by the Department of Game and Fish, despite ongoing habitat improvements in the area by the United States Forest Service.

A call for special interest group participation was extended to Sandia Heights residents, with various activities like book reading, quilting, and gourmet cooking groups being suggested. Additionally, the Sandia Heights Wildflower Club hosted a talk by botanist Robert DeWitt Key on native grasses, along with a seed exchange opportunity for attendees. The newsletter also highlighted upcoming events like the Native American Arts and Crafts Market and the Recycling program updates.

Residents of Sandia Heights in Fall 1996 were encouraged to recycle household hazardous waste at a permanent facility located at RINCHEM Inc. The Sandia Heights Security Patrol reported various types of calls responded to from January to September 1996, including alarms, suspicious vehicle/person reports, theft, vandalism, and animal control assists. Additionally, the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association meetings were scheduled for the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the Paseo del Norte Firestation. A thought-provoking article discussed the coexistence of humans with wildlife, drawing parallels with global examples like the Sunderbans and providing safety tips for encountering animals like coyotes, mountain lions, and bears in the area.

Residents are reminded to take precautions when encountering wildlife, such as coyotes, mountain lions, or bears. Strategies like making noise, throwing objects, or playing dead can be employed based on the situation. For persistent issues, contacting the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is advised to prevent conflicts. In other news, San Pedro Creek Estates is an attractive property option for many, offering unique features like a 520-acre Nature Area, restrictive covenants, underground utilities, and investment potential, attracting buyers from various nearby areas. Additionally, the Sheep to Shawl exhibit at the New Mexico State Fair showcases the process of wool crafting, managed by local organizations, and offers handmade products for sale, along with kits for those interested in learning the craft. Keywords: wildlife safety, San Pedro Creek Estates, Sheep to Shawl exhibit, wool crafting, New Mexico State Fair.

Albuquerque residents are discussing a proposed tax increase to acquire more open spaces throughout the city, including in the Northeast Heights area. The plan involves developing city-owned parklands like Trles Pistoles, Balloon Fiesta Park, and parts of South Pino & La Cueva Arroyos, as well as acquiring land such as 50 acres of Bingley Beach. Council members are advocating for the tax, emphasizing the importance of open spaces for the city's livability. Meanwhile, the Sandia Mountain Coalition is awaiting a ruling in a lawsuit involving Sandia Pueblo's claim to add part of the Sandia Mountains to its holdings, with a recent order halting further input into the case until a ruling on the United States' motion to dismiss.

The Fall 1996 newsletter from Sandia Heights Homeowners Association discusses the ongoing legal battle over a land claim that has not seen action in over 12 years. Attorneys representing the coalition have been dealing with jurisdiction issues in the US District Court, awaiting a decision. Meanwhile, Sandia Pueblo attorneys have filed for a summary judgment without presenting new evidence, leaving the outcome uncertain. In other community news, residents report sightings of a wolf near San Rafael, raising concerns about safety and wildlife interaction in the area. A local resident shares a story about discovering a Vinegaroon or American Whip Scorpion in their home, shedding light on the creature's presence in Sandia Heights.

The fall 1996 issue of the SHHA's newsletter, The GRIT, discusses the upcoming General Election and its impact on Sandia Heights, highlighting key state constitutional amendments and county bond issues. The newsletter provides information on precinct locations in Sandia Heights for voting and outlines the complexity of the ballot, which includes various elected positions and statewide bond issues. Additionally, details about the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) bond issue are shared, emphasizing the importance of voter awareness and participation in local decision-making processes.

Topics covered in the newsletter include candidate forums, state bond issues ranging from A to D, and information on specific bond uses like senior citizen facility construction, educational institution improvements, and state fairgrounds upgrades. The newsletter encourages residents to access resources like The League of Women Voters' Voter's Guide for Bernalillo County to understand the various bond issues and candidates' positions thoroughly. Keywords: General Election, precinct locations, ballot complexity, county bond issues, state bond issues, candidate forums, senior citizen facility, educational institutions upgrades, state fairgrounds, voter awareness.

Keywords: Northeast Heights, Traffic Analysis, Crafts Bazaar, Sandia Heights Security Patrol, community safety, American Whip Scorpion, Recycling, Outpost Ice Arena, Black bears, Native American Crafts Market, Wildlife Rescue, Vinegaroon, Household hazardous waste, Longhorn Sheep Delayed, Alarms, summary judgment, wolf sighting, Radon Information, Wildlife Rehabilitation, Tax increase, Sandia Mountains, Vandalism, wildlife interaction, land claim, Coyotes, Wine Tasting, Mayor of Albuquerque, Botanist Talk, Open spaces, US District Court, Bond Issues, City parks, Bingley Beach, legal battle., Hazardous Waste Recycling., Bernalillo County, Spring Baseball Game, Mountain lions, Sandia Mountain Coalition., Wildlife coexistence, Community Events., jurisdiction, Recycling Program, Animal control, Sandia Pueblo, Neighborhood Concerns, Craft Fair, Lawsuit, Homeowners Association meetings, Baby Birds, Safety tips, State Senate District 21, Special Interest Groups