Flash flooding In Gallup

Yesterday, I spent the whole day indoors at home. It started raining in the morning and continued throughout the day. 

It was not too heavy, but it was continuous here in Jamestown.

In Gallup, in the meantime, got flooded by the storm. The water flowed like a river on Historic Route 66. A friend said the storm drain system is antiquated and is badly in need of being modernized with water from the surrounding hills flowing down into the downtown area. 

Hopefully, it will either cease or taper off within the next few days as I have to go into town to pick up some meds.

Overnight, I was awakened by a heavy downpour around 2:30. Good thing I went to bed at 8:00.

Here's a video from KOAT News:

Deb Haaland Rode On Jeffrey Epstein's Jet

Document in Epstein files shows NM Governor candidate Deb Haaland rode on Jeffrey Epstein's jet video by KOAT.

Summary: 

Another New Mexico politician found in Epstein files

KOAT Action 7 News is your home for New Mexico breaking news and weather. For your latest New Mexico news and weather visit: https://koat.com/

 

Best Campgrounds Along Route 66 Revealed

Best campgrounds along Route 66 revealed video by KOAT.

Summary:

Best campgrounds along Route 66 revealed

The video features my favorite Albuquerque RV park, the Route 66 RV Resort. 

Allegations of Bodies Buried At Epstein's New Mexico Ranch

Allegations that bodies were buried at Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico prompts calls for investigation.

KOAT reported:

New Mexico officials are urging an investigation into claims of bodies buried at Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch, following the release of documents related to the convicted sex offender's crimes.

New Mexico U.S. Senate Debate Tonight

It looks like I'll have to make another batch of popcorn tonight.

The reason being is that the first televised debate between incumbent U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and Nella Domenici will take place this evening on KOAT.

According to the Albuquerque Journal:

Senate candidates Martin Heinrich and Nella Domenici will have their first televised debate Monday on KOAT TV. Airing from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Channel 7, the debate should touch on some of the most pressing issues facing New Mexicans.

Viewers can also tune in online, where the debate will be available on YouTube.

Republican Domenici and Democratic incumbent Heinrich have spoken about each other in televised attack ads already, but the debate could give voters a chance to see the two political candidates speak to each other and answer direct questions.

To read more, go here. 

Video: Second Amendment Rally In Santa Fe

 

Fall Is Better — For Travel

Above, camping at Fort Massac in Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is fall a better time to travel?

That question arises every so often. I actually prefer autumn to summer. There are a number of benefits to traveling in the fall. The primary one for me is less crowds.

Albuquerque station KOAT has posted an article with the position that fall is better.

They begin it with:

Sure, an escape to the beach or cooler mountain air or the arctic air-conditioning of a museum comes not a moment too soon when summer really starts to heat up.

But if you can wait until the season winds down, the rewards can be significant – both in terms of savings and experience. And after the summer the world has had – with record heat, uncomfortably warm ocean water, devastating wildfires, epic crowds and high prices – the relative calm of traveling in September and October will be right on time for many travelers.

Is fall a better time to travel than summer?

To read more, go here. 

Minimum Wage Increases Hurting Workers

Wikimedia Commons image.

Last week, while heading to Lake Havasu, Arizona to spend Christmas with friends, I stopped at a McDonalds restaurant in Kingman for a bite.

I ordered a filet-o-fish, medium French fries and a small Coke. The total cost was over $11.00. We can thank liberals and other radical do-gooders for this. Why do I lay the blame on them? It is due to the ridiculous $12.80/hour minimum wage they've imposed on businesses in Arizona. This is definitely adding to our current inflation problems.

In New Mexico, the minimum wage is set to rise again this coming Sunday.

Having a so-called "living wage" may sound delightful, but it comes at a big cost. That cost is high prices and it comes right out of your wallet. Besides that, it forces businesses to find ways to cut costs and that is hurting workers.

From the Piñon Post:

This Sunday, New Mexico’s minimum wage is set to increase to $12.00 per hour or 50 cents more than the current wage. The new wage will be mandated beginning the first day of the New Year. Despite leftists using increases in the minimum wage to claim it is for social justice reasons, the increase will harm businesses and workers.

Mainstream TV station KOAT 7 even admits it, writing that the increase will result in “cut hours, automate tasks and demand more.” 

To read more, go here.

Winter Storm Coming To New Mexico Monday

Above, following a snow storm in February 2020. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's getting to look a lot like winter!

A winter storm will be coming into New Mexico Monday with high winds.

According to KOAT:

A winter storm is headed toward New Mexico and could impact many areas of the state, including Albuquerque.

Here's what you need to know about the storm.

Timing and impacts

The storm is expected to arrive in New Mexico late Sunday night and impact New Mexico as early as Monday. Some impacts could be seen as late as Tuesday.

Sunday

Rain and snow will begin in western New Mexico late Sunday night into early Monday monring.

Monday

On Monday, temperatures will begin to turn colder with strong winds gusting between 45-65 mph. Areas in higher elevations and the eastern half of New Mexico will see the strongest winds.

Rain and snow will begin to spread over the western and central parts of New Mexico. Albuquerque could get into the mix during the day on Monday.

There could be areas of blowing snow and low visibility on roadways in areas where strong winds are blowing. Wind chills will begin to drop.

Monday night

Strong winds with gusts between 30-55 mph will continue. Snow will begin to end late Monday night and into early Tuesday morning.

Bitter wind chills can be expected with strong winds and cold temperatures. 

Buckle up!

To read more, go here. 

Biden Coming to New Mexico

Democrats in New Mexico are getting desperate.

With Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham behind Mark Ronchetti in the latest Trafalgar Group poll, they need His Fraudulency Joe Biden to come to the rescue.

KOAT reported:

WASHINGTON — The White House has announced that President Joe Biden will be traveling to New Mexico on Nov. 3.

The White House says the president will be meeting with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and other state and local leaders. The trip comes just a few days before Election Day.

This will be the second visit by the president this year.

Her Fraudulency Kamala Harris was in New Mexico a few days ago. 

I seriously doubt that Biden will do Lujan Grisham any good.

To read more, go here. 

Piñon Post Recap of Last Night's NM Gubernatorial Debate

Last night's debate between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Ronchetti was one fiery debate.

John Block of Piñon Post has posted a good recap of the debate.

He begins it with:

On Wednesday night, Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican nominee Mark Ronchetti met on KOAT 7 for the second gubernatorial debate, moderated by the station’s Doug Fernandez. KOAT’s Kelly Ribando, the Albuquerque Journal’s Dan Boyd, and KKOB radio’s Bob Clark as panelists.

During the fiery debate, the two candidates presented their plans for New Mexico — the current one or a new vision for the state.

While Ronchetti continued speaking about kitchen table issues, such as violent crime, with New Mexico being the second most violent state in the nation, and fixing the stagnant economy, Lujan Grisham couldn’t shake her obsession with talking about abortion.

In her opening statement, she erroneously claimed, “My opponent wants to ban abortion,” despite Ronchetti wanting a constitutional amendment to decide the issue, as he has previously stated. Lujan Grisham continued, “As governor, I promise to protect your privacy protections and to expand access to reproductive health care (abortions) for women and their families.” 

Continuing on abortion, Lujan Grisham reaffirmed that she supports abortion up to birth with absolutely no restrictions whatsoever. 

To read more, go here. 

Here's a video of the debate:

Tonight's New Mexico Gubernatorial Debate

Watching Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham during tonight's debate reminded me a lot of: 

Are you going to believe what you see or what I tell you?

There was a lot of that, along with obfuscation and gaslighting, by Lujan Grisham. She's saying that New Mexico is doing great, but people know better (or at least they should).

Mark Ronchetti hammered Lujan Grisham on several issues. Unfortunately, I think he may have overdid the governor's sexual harassment settlement issue that led to a $150,000 settlement with a former staffer. She, of course, tried to play herself off as the victim in the matter, which is laughable. Later, she tried to play Jeopardy with a question to Ronchetti on an abortion drug.

She was a broken record in trying to turn everything into abortion or Ronchetti's lack of government experience. If her 30-year experience in government is so great, why is she screwing up the state?

She bristled at one point and interrupted Ronchetti during his answer time. She also got upset over how a question on the newly closed San Juan power plant was asked. The woman struggled to keep her cool.

Lujan Grisham did not look at all like a confident incumbent. Ronchetti looked and acted more confident. Due to the time constraints by the moderator, both seemed rushed during their responses and had to talk fast. Ronchetti's television experience served him well when responding to the questions. Lujan Grisham stumbled several times. 

Anyway, it was an entertaining hour. 

Ronchetti-Lujan Grisham Debate 2 Tonight

Above, a shot from the first debate on September 30.

Tonight's the night for the second debate between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican challenger Mark Ronchetti.

As in their first debate on September 30, this one is expected to be contentious.

So tune in!

Who: Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican Mark Ronchetti.

When: 6:30 p.m.

TV: KOAT-TV 

 Chances are, the debate will be live-streamed by KOAT-TV on YouTube for interested persons from out-of-state.

Lujan Grisham and Ronchetti Debates Set

Above, Mark Ronchetti will debate Gov.Michelle Lujan Grisham in person in two debates.

New Mexico voters will be able to see the differences in public policy between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Ronchetti in two televised debates.

They will face each other on September 30 (three days away from today) and October 12.

From the Albuquerque Journal:

SANTA FE – Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican Mark Ronchetti have agreed to participate in two televised debates in the run-up to Election Day. 

Unlike some recent New Mexico political debates that were pre-recorded and conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both gubernatorial debates will take place in-person and be broadcast live.

The first debate will take place Sept. 30 and will be hosted by KOB-TV. The second hourlong debate is being hosted by KOAT-TV, along with the Journal and KKOB Radio, and is set for Oct. 12.

To read more, go here. 

Lujan Grisham Widens Lead Thanks To Out-of-State Donors

There's an old saying, "Stupid people shouldn't be allowed to vote."

It appears that New Mexico has a lot of stupid voters as Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham has increased here lead over Mark Ronchetti, if one actually believes a poll released a few days ago.

According to the NM Political Report:

A new poll conducted by SurveyUSA for KOB-TV found that incumbent Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has a double-digit lead over her Republican opponent, Mark Ronchetti in her reelection campaign.

The poll of likely voters found that Lujan Grisham has the support of 48 percent of likely voters, with 36 percent saying they would vote for Ronchetti and 5 percent for Libertarian Karen Bedonie. Another 11 percent would not say or are undecided.

The poll found Lujan Grisham had a lead of 59 percent to 26 percent among Hispanic voters, while leading by 18 percentage points among women and 6 percent among men. Men are traditionally more conservative voters.

Admittedly, Mark Ronchetti was not my first choice to be the Republican nominee, but he is far more preferable than Lujan Grisham. Who, in their right minds, would vote for someone who killed over 40% of businesses in the state with her edicts and, at the same time, lived and partied lavishly on the taxpayers' dime? She is also trying to destroy the oil and gas industry in the state, an industry that provides dollars to the state budget as well as forcing people to buy electric vehicles starting in 2026.

One can attribute her lead increase over the huge out-of-state money she has raised.  

According to KOAT:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — More than $17 million has been raised by all of the candidates running for governor – and more than 30 percent of those funds are coming from out-of-state donors.

So far, Democrat incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham has raised more than $10 million dollars for her re-election campaign. Republican challenger Mark Ronchetti has brought in more than $6 million.

To read more, go here.

Albuquerque Sunport Travel Up 23% Over Last Year

Above, the Albuquerque Sunport lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems like only yesterday that we entered 2022. But, time flies, especially so when one gets older.

Independence Day weekend looks like it will top last year's numbers, despite high gas prices and the topsy-turvy so-called airline pilot "shortage" (which I don't believe is real, but that's me).

The Albuquerque Sunport expects to see more air travelers.

According to KOAT:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque International Sunport will be seeing about 75,000 passengers between now and Tuesday.

This is a 23% increase from last year.

The development manager at the Albuquerque International Sunport, Lisa Leyva said, “Sunday is going to be our busiest day. So plan accordingly. We're going to see approximately 15,000 people in and out of this airport on Sunday.”

Several airlines are still working through staffing shortages prompting flight changes.

“Your airline is your best resource to know if your flight is delayed, where they're going to be relocating you or when you're going to be booked on your next flight,” Leyva said.

To read more, go here. 

Cibola and Other New Mexico National Forests Closed

Above, the road into Six Mile Canyon yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day that Cibola National Forest and other New Mexico national forests are to be closed as a precaution for the dangerous fire conditions we are currently in.

I went to the gate of Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest yesterday and saw no notices of today's closure. But a ranger did drive in while I was there. 

From KOAT:

The Cibola National Forest has implemented a forest closure on all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails in the Mt. Taylor, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts.

The closure order will start on May 19 and last until July 18.

Forest officials say fire activity, weather conditions and user activities play a role in when deciding closures and restrictions.

What's closed?

All roads, lands, and trails within the boundaries of the Cibola National Forest including the Mt. Taylor, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts.

To read more, go here. 

Extreme Fire Conditions and Strong Winds In New Mexico

Above, Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest is a tinderbox. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Much of New Mexico is under extreme fire conditions due to dry conditions and strong winds.

Residents in Jamestown are voicing concern over these conditions as our community is adjacent to the Cibola National Forest.

One posted on Facebook:

Jamestown is crazy if we don’t think that we are not vulnerable to a wildfire. Just one spark…

Please no trash burning. No weed burning. The news this morning even stated that wildfires can be sparked by shooting at a firing range. 

 According to KOAT:

Much of New Mexico will be dealing with strong winds and extreme fire danger, triggering a weather alert day for Friday.

Much of New Mexico could see the strongest winds of the season throughout much of the state.

New Mexico is experiencing a megadrought, one of the worst droughts in 1,200 years. Dry vegetation, above-normal temperatures, and the strong winds forecast will create extreme fire concerns on Friday.

Residents are recommended to stay inside when those winds begin.

 To read more, go here.

New Mexico's Mask Mandate Ends Immediately

Above, two years ago at the Jamestown Denny's restaurant.

Finally, at long last, the mask mandate of New Mexico is over. 

KOAT-TV reported:

SANTA FE, N.M. — The state of New Mexico is ending its mask mandate, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced.

Speaking during a Thursday afternoon press briefing, the governor removed her own face covering, saying that the state's face mask mandate for indoor public settings is lifted, effective immediately.

There are a few places where the mask mandate still stands, health orders state.

Those institutions include all public hospitals; profit or nonprofit public hospitals; general hospitals; special hospital nursing facilities; assisted living facilities; adult day cares; hospice facilities; rehabilitation facilities; state correctional facilities; juvenile justice facilities; residential treatment centers; the New Mexico State Veterans’ Home; and community homes, except for eating and drinking.

To read more, go here. 

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.