By Rodd Cayton Newly elected Bernalillo County Commission Chair Eric Olivas says his priorities will largely lie in what the entire county is looking at. Olivas, elected in 2022, served as vice chair last year. He represents District 5, which includes Uptown Albuquerque and the East Mountains. “The commission has been very clear with our […]
East Mountains
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized
Los Vecinos CC to Get a New Skate Park
By The Independent Staff At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Bernalillo County Commission approved construction to rebuild the Los Vecinos Community Center Skate Park. Chair Eric Olivas sponsored the initiative, which was funded through the county’s general funds. This project aims to replace the current modular metal skate park with a new poured-in-place skate park […]
Posted inCommunity Content, East Mountains, Uncategorized
The Spirit of Lucy–Its Cemetery
By Denise Tessier If you’ve traveled U.S. 60 to Willard, you’ve passed the railroad town of Lucy, N.M., and likely never saw it; a tall railroad berm parallel to the highway had long kept Lucy hidden. Twelve years ago, when members of the East Mountain Historical Society toured the town, even those on that field […]
Posted inCommunity Content, East Mountains, Uncategorized
The Spirit of Lucy–Its Cemetery
By Denise Tessier If you’ve traveled U.S. 60 to Willard, you’ve passed the railroad town of Lucy, N.M., and likely never saw it; a tall railroad berm parallel to the highway had long kept Lucy hidden. Twelve years ago, when members of the East Mountain Historical Society toured the town, even those on that field […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
Pot policy change, salary hikes approved by BernCo commissioners
Bernalillo County employees are now free to use cannabis when off duty. County commissioners voted Tuesday to approve changes in the drug-free workplace policy that essentially treat employees’ cannabis use the same way as alcohol use is regulated. Commission Vice Chair Eric Olivas sponsored the change. He said it’s a matter of personal liberty for […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized
County Commissioner Olivas responds to triple homicide
A horrific scene unfolded at a home in Tijeras over the weekend as the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office says a 24-year-old man killed his father, mother and sister on Oct. 13. BCSO Sheriff John Allen said Adlai Mestre confessed to killing his family after three people were found dead in a ravine near the home. […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized
East Mountain community celebrates outstanding citizens
Bernalillo County hosted the East Mountain community for a party at Vista Grande Community Center in Sandia Park on Sept. 22. The 2024 East Mountain Celebration centered around the themes of “Fire Safety and Awareness” and “First Responder Appreciation,” bringing the community together for a day of fun, entertainment and education. Bernalillo County Fire & […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized
Are fluoride levels in ABQ’s water safe?
According to new research, extreme levels of fluoride in drinking water could be associated with lower IQ in children, but according to local water officials, Albuquerque and Bernalillo County’s fluoride levels are still safe for residents. In its “Monograph on the State of Science Concerning Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopment and Cognition,” the National Toxicology Program, […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov., Uncategorized
Bernalillo County breaks ground on Los Vecinos Community Center
Bernalillo County broke ground Sept. 19 on the next phase of renovations at Los Vecinos Community Center in Tijeras. According to a press release from the county, the event celebrated the start of several improvements, including a new multisport court, new playing fields, a new stage and other special events amenities, a new skate park, […]
Posted inLocal Gov.
BernCo Commissioner Seeks Pot Parity
A Bernalillo County commissioner is looking to make things more fair for county employees who use cannabis outside work hours. Commissioner Eric Olivas said he plans to introduce legislation that would treat off-duty use of recreational cannabis in the same way as off-duty alcohol use. He called it a basic rights issue. Olivas said he’s been […]