Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce's Statement On Gov. Lujan Grisham's Public Health Order Changes

Source: Press Release

Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce's Statement On Gov. Lujan Grisham's Public Health Order Changes 

Albuquerque, April 30--The following is a statement from Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce regarding Gov. Lujan Grisham’s press conference today on changes to her public health order: 

“Today's comments by Gov. Lujan Grisham continue to demonstrate that she favors out of state corporate giants over the little guy--the locally owned mom-and-pop stores that drive New Mexico. While we appreciate that the governor is trying to move forward and ease some restrictions, her new changes fall far short of what’s needed. There is no equity of treatment for our businesses. Until small businesses have the same rules as the national chains, there’s favoritism and discrimination. This is something that not only cannot be tolerated, but will continue to destroy livelihoods and lives in New Mexico. The governor must understand that small businesses can operate safely with the same health precautions as the big box stores. She cannot discriminate."

New Public Health Order For New Mexico

Above, Rep. Rebecca Dow of New Mexico. From Rep. Dow's Facebook page.

The following was posted by NM Representative Rebecca Dow:

Congratulations New Mexico! You did this! I hope folks are realizing the power of their voice. Thanks to the calls, emails, rally’s, letters, and support of elected leaders and many others, the governor has amended her extended closure from April 15th to the following; 

“You can’t save the village by burning it down.”

It doesn't go as far as I'd like to see, but it is at least a good start into the right direction.

My thanks to Representative Dow for posting!

Dog Rescue and Six Mile Canyon

Above, the repaired section of Six Mile Canyon Road at the culvert. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning I headed out for today's drive in Six Mile Canyon. First, I went to the Flying J to check my mailbox. Along the way, near the cattle guard at the entrance to Six Mile Canyon Road, I spotted a small dark Yorkie with a service dog harness in the road approaching and dodging cars. He or she seemed lost and disoriented. I went on to the Flying J, but stopped to put a bulletin about the dog at the Jamestown Community Facebook page.

I went to the Flying J and on my return the dog was still there. After a bit of coaxing, I finally got the dog into the Jeep and proceeded a block away to the fire station. They were prepared as they have a kennel for lost animals. They did some checking and found out who the owner is. The people they contacted would contact the owner.

Above, in the valley area of Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sure enough, I received a voice mail message from Mindy Schultz of the fire station an hour later (it came in while I was in Six Mile Canyon where there's no cell coverage) stating that the owner picked up the dog. It was a female Yorkie named "Dr. Stephanie". Well, I did my "good deed" for the day.

Above, yours truly in Six Mile Canyon today. 

I went on to Six Mile Canyon Road and found that the repaired section near the culvert would be passable for "The Beast". Maybe I'll do some dry camping in Six Mile Canyon next week.

Above, the Jeep in the Six Mile Canyon valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I drove into Six Mile Canyon and saw one other vehicle, a late-model red Jeep. There was a toybox camping trailer camped at the corral just inside the gate, but I saw nobody around it.

It was about 81° outside during my drive, so it was nice and warm out. I headed to the valley area of Six Mile Canyon and hung out there for a while before heading back. 

New Mexico Republican Deal Breakers

Claire Chase has been violating Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment (against Yvette Herrell) with attack ads: "Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican." That would be a deal-breaker for me if I lived in the district. Makes me wonder if she's a troll for Torres-Small.

A video surfaces of Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Ronchetti badmouthing Donald Trump last year.

From the Albuquerque Journal:

Mark Ronchetti’s rivals for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race are criticizing the former television meteorologist for saying at a climate change event last year that he was a Republican “until the orange one.”

Gavin Clarkson labeled Ronchetti a “Never Trumper” in a YouTube ad showing a clip of the comments made at a University of New Mexico event, which appear to be a reference to President Donald Trump. And Elisa Martinez called for him to withdraw from the race.

I am supporting Elisa Martinez for U.S. Senate, but in this matter, I agree with Gavin Clarkson (I would vote for him should he get the nomination).

We don't need any "Jeff Flake RINOs" representing New Mexico.

Six Mile Canyon/Cibola National Forest Now Accessible To Motorhomes

Above, the obstacle to motorhomes and low profile vehicles in February. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest is a beautiful area for off-roading or camping.

But camping was difficult as the road to it had been partially washed out at a culvert of Interstate 40. It made a deep rut that only Jeeps, off-road vehicles and high profile trucks and trailers could pass. Unless a motorhome was a high profile one, it was "No way, Jose!"

The above photo was taken back in February. It actually was deeper than it looks and much of it was mud.

Two days ago, a work crew filled in the washed-out rut and it now looks passable by motorhomes and other vehicles that aren't high profile. I plan on taking a good look at it today.

There are many dry-camping areas in Six Mile Canyon. With most RV parks, national parks and state parks closed, it looks pretty inviting for those of us who want to get away from the house for a bit.

Will RVing Be The Hottest Trend This Year?

Above, a KOA Kampground in West Yellowstone, Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow will be May 1, that means the summer vacation season is not too far away.

But will people travel to foreign destinations for a vacation, stay at home or RV instead?

Travel experts are thinking that camping and RVing will be the hottest trend for travel this year.

This is discussed in an article in Passport Magazine.

They begin it with:

As the coronavirus outbreak winds down, everyone is thinking about their next adventure. However, many are wary of crowded spaces. A lot of travelers will be replacing journeys to big cities with trips to smaller towns closer to home. But what if there was a way to see the USA without ever stepping foot inside an airport or hotel? Welcome to the world of camping and RVing! 

Campers and RVs have been around for a long time. Covered wagons pulled by horses were technically the first campers ever. While the history of the RV is somewhat up for debate, the Smithsonian states that the first RV was unveiled in 1910 at Madison Square Garden in New York. It was called the Touring Landau. It was quite luxurious for the time and even included a sink with running water. It was for sale at $8,250 dollars. 

From there, the industry was off and running. As America developed its roadways and as National Parks were instated, the drive for adventure had people hitting the road in record numbers. From Dutchmen to Airstream and Winnebago, RVs and campers were suddenly everywhere, and in recent years, they’ve started to make a massive comeback. 

Camp company KOA states that millennials are bringing back the RV life. Whether it’s buying their own or renting RVs and campers through sites like Cruise America or RVshare, the old notion that RVing is only for snowbird retirees has gone out the window.

To read the full article, go here. 

Yard Work Day

Above, the ol' homestead today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only Jeep driving I did today was just going down to the Flying J to get my mail and back.

I spent the late morning/early afternoon doing some yard work with the RYOBI string trimmer and fired up the mower and did some mowing around the GOCO Beast Barn and along the side of the road. The growth at the Barking Spider Acre isn't enough to warrant a cutting. It'll likely last a few weeks or a month.

I was amazed that the RYOBI trimmer's battery still had a good charge to it after months of being idle and in cold temperatures. It only took a few minutes to "top it off".

After that, I relaxed on the deck with a cold one (Blue Moon Belgium White Ale) and listened to the radio.

Later, after having dinner, I managed to conk out on the couch for around 3 hours. Must've been the heat (around 80°) or old age.

Tomorrow will be much more leisurely with a likely drive in Six Mile Canyon.

Grants Mayor Fires City Manager

Above, Grants, New Mexico Mayor Martin Hicks on Monday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Things are still "in flux" (to put it mildly) in the small town of Grants, New Mexico.

On Monday, Mayor Martin Hicks declared that the city's businesses may reopen despite Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham's lockdown orders.

On Tuesday, Mayor Hicks fired the city manager, allegedly for not opening the municipal golf course (it seems there's more to the firing than that).

According to KOAT Channel 7 News:

GRANTS, N.M. — One word that is seen on red T-shirts all over town describes what is going on in Grants – defiant. 

In yellow letters over a yellow Zia, those shirts are being worn by the mayor and businesses who decided to open up this week despite the governor’s public health order telling them not to.

"I want to survive. I want to see all of my fellow business people survive,” said Carolyn Newton, owner of Re Runs thrift store. “So, If I have to wear a shirt to make a stand. I am wearing a shirt.” 

One person probably not wearing one of those shirts, is the now former City Manager Linda Jaramillo. She says she was fired Tuesday morning by Mayor Martin Hicks because she refused to reopen the city’s golf course after Grants received a notice of violation from the state police the day earlier. 

Hicks had ordered all of the employees to keep the golf course open. 

“I still stand by my actions in defending the city’s golf course staff and their desire not to violate the governor’s health order,” she said in a telephone interview. “Our staff was not comfortable in breaking the law and opening the golf course.”

Could someone tell me exactly what "law" is being broken? The lockdown orders by the governor are by Executive Orders, which only affect state agencies, not ordinary citizens. We have constitutional protections against dictatorial actions by politicians.

It looks like things are turning nasty. Get out your popcorn, folks!

To read more, go here.

Some Facilities At Grand Teton National Park To Remain Closed

Above, the lobby of Jenny Lake Lodge at Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The coronavirus is playing havoc with out national parks. The pandemic is forcing partial openings of facilities as many of them.

One is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

From Jackson Hole News & Guide:

Historic lodges in view of the Tetons and lakes nestled beneath the jagged range are among Grand Teton National Park offerings that will not open for the 2020 summer season. 

Grand Teton Lodge Company announced Tuesday that Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge are not expected to open this year. Some of the concessionaires’ services in the park will start to boot up the second half of May, but many facilities’ opening dates have been pushed back or put off altogether. 

“Unfortunately this summer will look very different than in years past, and we share the disappointment of our guests and employees, but prioritizing their health and safety remains our top priority,” Grand Teton Lodge Company Vice President Alex Klein wrote the News&Guide in an email. “For those who are not able to join us this year we hope to welcome you to the Tetons next summer.” 

Teton park itself remains off-limits for now, joining most national parks that have closed entry gates temporarily to discourage travel and tourism amid the global pandemic. So far, park officials aren’t giving any hints about when the Moran, Moose and Granite Canyon gates might open.

Readers of this blog will recall that I visited Grand Teton National Park last summer and that the dining room at Jenny Lake Lodge serves breakfast that costs $34.00 per person. We ended up having breakfast at Signal Mountain Lodge. The prices were much more reasonable there and we had a great view of the lake.

To read more, go here.

This Sure Beats Driving On The I-405 San Diego Freeway

Above, in Six Mile Canyon today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The warm, but comfortable, weather will continue for the rest of the week and into the weekend.

I did some driving in Six Mile Canyon today and noticed that the grass is getting greener in the meadows and fields. It is nice having "the playground" right next to our community.

Above, the valley inside Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I saw several people driving in the canyon today. It sure does help with coping with the stay-at-home orders and business lockdown.

Above, on a side road in the valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I found that my stimulus payment will be arriving on May 1. There will be at least two companies that will benefit from it (isn't that the intent?). The first will be the company that will supply a new gasoline tank for the Jeep (the one I have leaks a little, so I am getting a new one so I won't have to deal with that problem again) and the other will be the installer. I already checked with my mechanic and they can do the job.

Above, this sure beats driving on the congested I-405 San Diego Freeway in L.A. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I noticed that the washed out spot on Six Mile Canyon Road at the culvert had been filled in today. I saw the work crew a ways from it as I was driving to Six Mile Canyon. When I came back out an hour or so, the work crew was heading into Six Mile Canyon and the spot was filled. It looks like The Beast would be able to drive on it now. Maybe I'll take The Beast into Six Mile Canyon for some dry camping for a night or two.

The forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 45. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 79.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 75.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 76.

Yellowstone's Largest Concessionaire Starting Operations June 15

Above, Old Faithful Inn does not have an opening date at present. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the pandemic is starting to taper off (well, somewhat), decisions for openings by national park concessionaires are beginning to be made.

The latest is at Yellowstone National Park.

From the Gillette News Record:

CODY (WNE) —Yellowstone National Park’s largest concessionaire has announced it will not begin operations until June 15, and some of its most iconic structures may not open at all this summer. 

The Park itself is also closed, with likely delays to opening the east gate. 

Xanterra Travel Collection, operator of more than 830 buildings, nine hotels and more than 30 food service facilities and tour operations, said when operations do begin lodging and service operations will be limited. Its operations at other parks are also delayed. 

Rick Hoeninghausen, a media representative for Xanterra, said initially, lodging operations will be limited to cabins with private bathrooms – meaning only Frontier Cabins, Western Cabins, and Cottages at Old Faithful, Canyon, Mammoth and Lake areas will open. 

The Old Faithful Inn however, does not have an opening date, along with Grant Village, and Roosevelt Lodge. Those with reservations at any of these lodging facilities during the closure will have their reservations canceled and refunded their money.

To read more, go here. 

Oh, Sh*t!

Above, the Jamestown Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is something I didn't want to read this morning:

Good morning Jamestown ppl, I just got word that one of the Flying J employees tested positive 9 days ago for the COVID 19 and kept on working with out telling management there. They shut down to disinfect the place last night. Everyone stay safe out there...

The Flying J is where we get our mail along with some grocery items. We don't know what department(s) the employee worked at or if the other employees received tests after the revelation.

This is something I didn't want to read.  

Grand Teton Summer Plans Still To Be Determined

Above, the Grand Tetons last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the current state of affairs, it is very difficult to makes plans for the next two weeks or even the next two months. This especially goes for individuals, businesses and even our national parks.

Summer vacation season plans for Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming still have not been determined. But, they do have a tentative idea on how they think they'll proceed.

The Yellowstone Insider reported:

As with Yellowstone, the Grand Teton summer 2020 season is still a work in progress, as concessionaire Grand Teton Lodging Company has announced opening days for its facilities, but there’s no firm park opening date. 

Grand Teton National Park announced an indefinite shutdown the same time Yellowstone National Park announced an indefinite shutdown of park facilities. Like Yellowstone, state highways and roads through the park are open. And, like Yellowstone, there’s no firm date on opening for the Grand Teton summer 2020 season.

The article then outlines the target dates for concession openings.

To read more, go here. 

The Storm of Grants Is Getting Worse

Above, the New Mexico State Police's image that is growing in peoples' eyes.

Chasing people away from churches, beaches, hiking trails, and parks, and arresting those who do not meekly comply, is not enforcing the “law,” it is enforcing the whimsical edicts of people unqualified to craft and issue them. When all of this is over, can the damage be undone? - Jack Dunphy, PJ Media, 4/24/20.


The "small western New Mexico town" of Grants is really garnering attention from the media from the determined defiant mayor versus the out-of-control governor.

The skirmish between the two is dragging the New Mexico State Police into the thick of things, severely tarnishing their image in the eyes of New Mexico citizens.

They aren't total innocents in this, they could've told the governor that they will enforce the law, but not act on the unconstitutional whims (executive orders) of a crazed politician. They have been acting as the "governor's personal Gestapo" in people's eyes.

Before today's reopening of businesses in Grants, an agreement was made between the Sheriff of Cibola County Tony Mace and the State Police. It was agreed that the State Police will stay out of the battle over the opening of businesses in Grants. That agreement didn't last long.

Unfortunately, it appears that the New Mexico State Police reneged on that agreement as they showed up at the municipal golf course and issued a violation notice. It was probably done under orders from Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham. (Reminds me of the Nuremberg defense, "Vee were only following orders!") This is blatant intimidation. Small wonder more and more people are referring the New Mexico State Police as a "Gestapo".

The events in Grants caught the attention of CNSNews, who wrote:

The mayor of Grants, New Mexico reopened the small western New Mexico town Monday, despite fellow Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s statewide lockdown order amid the coronavirus pandemic that has been devastating the town’s businesses. 

Local police will intervene if “Lujan Grisham and her Gestapo” try to shut down businesses that have reopened, Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks has warned, The Associated Press reported on Thursday: 

“’I’ve told businesses to call 911 if State Police show up to their place. We are going to stop Lujan Grisham and her Gestapo,’ Hicks said, referring to the secret police of Nazi Germany.  

“Hicks said he is working with Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace — a Lujan Grisham critic — and will use city resources to fight the state against enforcement of any closure order."

Somebody needs to back off and take a deep breath before things escalate and cause irreparable damage. Attorney General William Barr and the Justice Department will likely have to step in.

To read more, go here.

AP Article On Grants, New Mexico Stores Opening

Above, Grants Mayor Martin Hicks this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Associated Press (AP) has posted an article on the stores in Grants, New Mexico reopening, which is what most of the world will see.

It begins with:

GRANTS, N.M. (AP) — The mayor of a small New Mexico city and several dozen supporters rallied Monday as he encouraged business owners to defy a lockdown order by the governor that shuttered nonessential shops to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

Grants Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks vowed last week to allow all small businesses to reopen. The move came as some other rural communities across the country pressured their state and local officials to let them reopen amid rising unemployment and other economic turmoil. 

In Grants, a western New Mexico town of around 9,000 residents, the mayor told protesters the time had come to end the shutdown despite warnings from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham that it could put people at risk.

Hicks said only a fraction of New Mexico residents have been infected by the virus and it doesn’t make sense to keep small businesses closed. 

“The governor is killing the state over a little bug,” Hicks said at the rally.

To read the full article, go here.

UPDATE:

Later in the day, it was reported by KOAT Channel 7, the governor's Gestapo (New Mexico State Police) reneged on their agreement with Sheriff Tony Mace to stay out of Grants. They came in and served a notice of violation to the city for "violating" the governor's lockdown order. Apparently, the governor leaned on the chief of the New Mexico State Police.

From KOAT:

Shortly after the Mayor declared the city was open, the state police showed up at the town’s golf course and gave them a “notice of violation.” It indicated if they continued to remain open they could be formally cited $5,000. 

That did not stop Mayor Hicks. He rushed to the golf course, told all of the golfers who were coming off to get back on and finish their games. 

“What's wrong? Social distancing guys get a shot of that,” Hicks told reporters while holding his arms up and walking towards a wide open golf course. “How is that for social distancing.” 

“I am going to come back and golf today for sure and haven’t golfed in years.” 

About 20 people were on the course at the time including City Councilor Rick Lucero, who just finished 18 holes.

Mayor Hicks says that if the city is formally cited, he's going to sue the state in court.

Business Freedom & Liberation Day In Grants, New Mexico

Above, Grants Mayor Martin Hicks at City Hall today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I got on the road and headed east 45 miles to Grants, New Mexico for the gathering that was planned at the Walmart parking lot.

About a dozen people were there that included Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace and Cibola County Commissioner Robert Windhorst.

Above, Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace and Maria Martinez. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was the day that Grants Mayor Martin Hicks declared that all businesses are permitted to reopen for business. I prefer to call today "Business Freedom & Liberation Day In Grants".

It was reported earlier that the New Mexico State Police would be in the city to cite and/or arrest any businesses that opened in defiance of Gov. Lujan Grisham's orders.

Above, some of those gathered at the Grants Walmart. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That didn't materialize.

I read this morning that Sheriff Mace told the State Police to stay out of Grants. This was unverified up to my arrival in Grants.

Above, State Senate candidate Kelly Noble Zunie with Sheriff Tony Mace. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While we were all chatting in the Walmart parking lot, I asked Sheriff Mace about that and he confirmed that he did. Since the Cibola County Sheriff and the New Mexico State Police cooperate with each other on law enforcement matters, they all agreed that it was best not to get involved with the business openings and not put each other at odds. Also, during out chat, he mentioned that he knows Jonni Brown of Warrior Women Gun Supply in Jamestown.

Above, Cibola County Commissioner Robert Windhorse and yours truly.

After waiting for the time Mayor Hicks would be at City Hall, we caravanned over to City Hall to meet with and thank the Mayor for his actions in allowing business openings.

From my discussions with the Mayor, I found that he is a hardcore constitutionalist. It made me wonder, Why in heaven is he a Democrat? He'd be more at home in the Republican Party.

Above, in front of Grants City Hall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Also in attendance at the City Hall gathering was Louis Sanchez, owner of Calibers gun ranges in Albuquerque. He said that he tried to defy the governor's closure orders and remain open. Police officers were using a Calibers range and had just left when the New Mexico State Police came in and forced them to close down.

Above, Calibers owner Louie Sanchez and yours truly at Grants City Hall.

According to KOB Channel 4:

A spokesperson for the governor said Calibers' gun range is only allowed to stay open for law enforcement-- and by appointment only. 

The governor's office released the following statement in response to Calibers: 

The state has taken and will continue to take an extremely broad view of what is considered non-essential to public health amid this pandemic. Gun stores are hardly the only entity having to adapt as we work to stem illnesses and prevent deaths. No one is happy about closing in-person business in our state – no one, including the governor. But it is inarguable that the only way we get through this pandemic with the fewest number of deaths that we can manage is to limit travel outside of the home to the greatest extent possible – and while we as an administration unequivocally support the constitutional right to purchase a firearm, we recognize that right does not correspond to a right to congregate in a store and infect neighbors and workers and public safety officers amid an unprecedented global pandemic.?“ Nora Meyers Sackett, spokesperson for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

It was an interesting and enjoyable gathering. I was able to meet several people, including State Senate candidate Kelly Noble Zunie. She would be a great asset to New Mexico if she gets the GOP nomination (she's in a contested primary) and goes on to win a seat in the State Senate. I was impressed with her. I also had a chat with a professional photographer and he gave me some good digital camera tips!

Above, one attendee brought his 1956 Ford Victoria. Nice ride! Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On the way home, I thought to myself that I haven't had this much fun with political activism since my days in California with the Young Republicans and the Republican Central Committee.

UPDATE:

Later in the day, it was reported by KOAT Channel 7, the governor's Gestapo (New Mexico State Police) reneged on their agreement with Sheriff Tony Mace to stay out of Grants. They came in and served a notice of violation to the city for "violating" the governor's lockdown order. Apparently, the governor leaned on the chief of the New Mexico State Police.

From KOAT:

Shortly after the Mayor declared the city was open, the state police showed up at the town’s golf course and gave them a “notice of violation.” It indicated if they continued to remain open they could be formally cited $5,000. 

That did not stop Mayor Hicks. He rushed to the golf course, told all of the golfers who were coming off to get back on and finish their games. 

“What's wrong? Social distancing guys get a shot of that,” Hicks told reporters while holding his arms up and walking towards a wide open golf course. “How is that for social distancing.” 

“I am going to come back and golf today for sure and haven’t golfed in years.” 

About 20 people were on the course at the time including City Councilor Rick Lucero, who just finished 18 holes.

Mayor Hicks says that if the city is formally cited, he's going to sue the state in court.

Grants Businesses Reopening Today

Today's the day that the mayor of Grants, New Mexico is allowing all businesses to open.

Whether or not they do so is completely up to them. Whether or not people go shop there is completely up to them.

Supporters of the mayor will be assembling at Walmart in Grants between 7:30 and 8:00 this morning.

It would do well for the governor and the New Mexico State Police read the following from the Department of Justice:

UPDATE: 

A Facebook post reported:

A source very near to the situation has revealed that the sheriff has asked NMSP to stay out of Grants and the NMSP has agreed.

Hopefully this true! We'll see.

Sunday Drive

Above, the Jeep on the campground access road in Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, we enjoyed the warmest day of 2020 so far. It got to around 77° outside, perfect weather for the great outdoors.

Above, Christmas enjoying a carrot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I headed out in the Jeep to do some driving in Six Mile Canyon, known as our "playground". On the way, I stopped at Christmas's pen and gave her some carrots. No matter where she is in her pen, once she sees me approach, she comes right over in a good fast walk.

Above, a view of the rocks across Six Mile Canyon Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After feeding Christmas some carrots, I headed over to Six Mile Canyon. As I was driving in, a red late model Jeep was heading out. I found it interesting that the driver, a man in his 60s, was wearing camouflage clothing.

After the red Jeep, I saw nobody else in the canyon (later, as I was leaving, Nandoh was heading in), so I had it pretty much to myself.

Above, relaxing in Six Mile Canyon.

I was wondering if anyone was taking advantage of the great weather and set up camp. I headed over to one of the camping areas, but nobody was camping there.

This warm weather is expected to continue for the next few days.

New Mexico State Police Chief Needs To Read The Constitution

An article that appears in the Albuquerque Journal caught my attention.

It is the New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Johnson's response to comments made by Mayor Martin Hicks of Grants. Hicks is a Democrat, by the way.

In the article:

Hicks, whose town has 10 COVID-19 positive cases according to state data, made the comments in an interview published by the Associated Press last week.

“We are going to stop Lujan Grisham and her Gestapo,” referring to the secret police of Nazi Germany, the AP reported.

There's one notable section that raised my ire:

Johnson said citizens shouldn’t be directed by elected officials to violate laws or jeopardize the public’s health, referring to the Hicks’ statements that nonessential businesses would be opened Monday in violation of the governor’s public health order. 

“This puts both the citizens and my officers in a very difficult and unnecessary position. A position that has the potential to create terrible relationships not only right now during this pandemic, but on the back end of this.” 

Johnson also bristled at the mayor’s announcement that businesses and citizens of Grants should call 911 if State Police show up at their places of business to enforce the public health order. 

“Reading between the lines, this is an attempt to now pit the local police departments against the State Police. This plan will undoubtedly tie up critical emergency resources, and more importantly has the potential to create frictions between boots on the ground officers whom the public expects to work as collaboratively as possible to protect them.”

The Mayor is allowing businesses in the city to open tomorrow and there are indications that the governor is going to send the State Police there to close them down.

There is no argument that the State Police as well as other law enforcement agencies are there to protect and serve the people and enforce the law. But the executive lockdown orders by the governor are not laws. What laws would be violated, Chief?  Executive Orders by the governor are intended to affect state agencies, not the people themselves. To govern by fiat or whim, is not what the U.S. Constitution allows or intends. Otherwise, we just may has well have a dictator. That is called tyranny.

Hicks isn't "directing" people to "violate laws", it is up to the business owner to reopen or not to. It is also up to individual citizens to go shop at any given place or not to. You know what that's called, Chief? It's called FREEDOM.

If the State Police shows up to close a so-called "non-essential" business and threatens them with fines or arrest for exercising their freedoms, small wonder they would be referred to as a Gestapo.

To read more, go here.

Prepping National Parks For Reopening

Above, Signal Mountain Lodge at Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Things are shifting toward the time that life will begin to return to some semblance of normalcy.

That include reopening the national parks.

From the National Park Traveler:

While more than 52,000 Americans have died from coronavirus, and the global death toll has passed 200,000, political and economic pressures are mounting for a return to pre-coronavirus economic activity. While the National Park Service is beginning the planning to reopen parks that have been closed by the pandemic, there's no firm timeline yet for when those openings will occur. 

For park managers, they'll have to weigh the risk of spreading the virus against economic pressures from their gateway towns. 

"Whereas four weeks ago there was near unanimity on the temporary park closure, that is starting to shift substantially, and I expect it will continue to shift even more in the upcoming weeks," Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly told the Traveler on Friday in an email. "Over $1 billion spent by visitors in local economies within 60 miles of Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Many of our partners in gateways are stressed; they want to be safe and cautious, but also are feeling major economic strains. This will get worse as time progresses." 

Businesses in those gateway towns typically are starting to ramp up operations for the summer, but right now "you’ve got people without paychecks, furloughed, their livelihoods are dependent on these parks being open," said Sholly. "That doesn’t mean we open unsafely, but people are having very real challenges and those need to be considered."  

In an email Saturday to regional directors and park superintendents, acting National Park Service Director David Vela said he and his deputies were working with Interior Department officials "on the framework for a gradual resumption of operations."

To read more, go here. 

Tonight's Moon and Venus

About a half hour ago, I went outside to put my Jeep into the garage for the night. While doing so I spotted the moon and Venus in the western sky. Naturally, I had to take some photos of them.

So I aimed my phone's camera at them and shot the following two photos. Sometimes, strangely enough, I can get better photos of stars and planets than with my two Canon cameras.

"9th Circus" Issues Stay, Reinstating California Ammo Restrictions

Well, apparently either Trump's appointees joined the liberals on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals or are just aren't enough of them, but the "Ninth Circus" reinstated the ammunition restrictions in Commiefornia.

From the NRA-ILA:

Late Friday night (9:46pm), the following order came out from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, granting a temporary stay on the injunction issued on Thursday, April 24, in the NRA funded case of Rhode v. Becerra. This means that the same restrictions that have been previously in effect regarding ammunition in California are back for the time being, pending further order from the court.  

Timeline: 

April 23 – 9th Circuit District Court grants preliminary injunction, suspending ammunition restrictions. 

April 24 – Friday morning, California Attorney General (state) seeks stay on the injunction order, requesting a decision by 3pm Friday. 

April 24 – Friday afternoon, 9th Circuit District Court denies the state’s motion for stay on the preliminary injunction. 

April 24 – Friday afternoon, state files notice of interlocutory appeal 

April 24 – Friday evening, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals grants the state’s emergency motion for a stay, pending further court order. 

Without a doubt, unless the U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear the case, it will eventually end up there.

This ain't over until the fat lady sings.

To read more, go here. 

Spring Cleaning and a Drive

Above, after bringing the cleaning supplies over to The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The day started for me when I took a walk over to Barking Spider Acre.

I noticed that the grasses are beginning to get taller, so it won't be long before I get to use the Bad Boy MZ Magnum 54 in. Zero-Turn Mower. I am looking forward to that since riding while mowing is a lot of fun. 

Above, Barking Spider Road during my walk. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After my walk, I decided to start my "spring cleaning" of the inside of The Beast. The floor inside needed the most attention, so I got the cleaning stuff together and drove them over to the GOCO Beast Barn in the Jeep. I swept the entire floor and then mopped it with the last bit of Once & Done that was in the jug. I'll have to go to Home Depot and get some more. At least I had enough for The Beast's floor.

Above, the new mobile home at Mesa Ridge Ranch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While the floor was drying, I did some more cleaning in the cab area. I also ran the generator for a bit.

Once the floor was dry, I put The Beast back into the GOCO Beast Barn and took the cleaning supplies back to the house.

Above, on the side road in Six Mile Canyon I explored today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, I headed over to Mesa Ridge Ranch for a drive. Since Six Mile Canyon opened at the end of March, I haven't been over to Mesa Ridge Ranch. I noticed that a new mobile home has been placed in Lot 2 of the new subdivision. This is the first actual home there. There is one other home under construction near the end of the road at Lot 12. I noticed that the foundation work was getting started there.

Above, a view from the side road in Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After Mesa Ridge Ranch, I headed over to Six Mile Canyon for a drive. I explored a side road that went up a hill for little way. I got out of the Jeep to enjoy the view. Then I headed back home.

Above, one the way out of Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Maybe I'll go back out later.

We'll Be Seeing 80°+ Next Week

Above, the windmill in Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that "Mother Nature" is aiding the battle against the coronavirus this coming week.

I read that temperatures above 80° kills the virus. We will be hitting the 80s later this coming week, according to the National Weather Service.

The forecast for the next several days:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. West wind 15 to 20 mph becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 76.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 81.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 44.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 81.