Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas, a Democrat, will face Republican Thomas Wayne Riley in November’s election to determine if Olivas will earn a second term. Olivas defeated radio station owner Byron Powdrell in the Democratic primary ending Tuesday 55% – 44% according to unofficial results from the county clerk’s office. In the Republican primary, Riley, […]
East Mountains
Posted inEast Mountains
East Mountain school breaks ground on new middle school expansion
SANDIA PARK, N.M. — East Mountain school broke ground today on a major campus expansion to add a middle school program that will initially serve 90 new sixth graders next year. The construction project, which will ultimately create a full grades 6-12 campus, is designed to provide a more predictable and seamless educational pathway for […]
Posted inEast Mountains
BernCo OK’s $1.2 million to repair Tijeras pedestrian bridge wiped out in monsoon storm
Bernalillo County commissioners approved a nearly $1.2 million contract to restore the pedestrian bridge over Tijeras Creek that was washed away during the massive July 2025 canyon storm. at an administrative meeting to replace the flood-damaged Tijeras Creek pedestrian bridge. Kimo Constructors, Inc. will rebuild the structure, which connects the Los Vecinos Community Center to […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
State offers free water testing for Tijeras residents
Tijeras residents who rely on private wells for drinking water can get their water tested for free this Saturday, May 9, at a one-day public health event. The New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Health are hosting the water testing event from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.at the Tijeras Senior Center at 10 Tijeras Ave, Tijeras, NM 87059. Testing is free to the first 100 participants. Well water tests typically cost about $150. Testing comes just weeks after NMED announced that water systems serving over […]
Posted inElections & Politics
East Mountain voters have lots of contested races on primary ballots
Pat Davis, The Paper. — This election season, the multi-million dollar campaigns for statewide offices take over social media feeds and TV ad blocks, but in the East Mountains voters have almost a dozen other competitive races on primary ballots including several where well-known incumbents are facing challenges from inside their own parties. County Commissioner, […]
Posted inEast Mountains
East Mountain gallery reopens with spring show featuring new artists, fresh mediums
A Cedar Crest art gallery is reopening its doors this spring with a new exhibition that adds fresh voices and mediums to its roster of New Mexico artists. Enchanted Soul Art | Creatives’ Gallery & Shop resumed regular hours April 17, launching its Spring Re-Enchantment 2026 exhibition, on view through May 24. Featured artists include […]
Posted inEast Mountains
This time, it’s a ‘no’
Village councilors in Tijeras Monday officially rejected a zoning change they had previously chosen to set aside in the face of overwhelming public pushback. Mayor Jake Bruton told the Route 66 Independent the council erred by letting a public hearing on rezoning 58 acre property near I-40 and State Route 14 conclude without taking a […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Government
Controversial Tijeras zoning fight stalls as village sets sight on ordinance changes
By Rodd Cayton for the Route 66 Independent — A controversial proposal to rezone commercial property for bigger uses divided village residents but found consensus among village councilors on one point: Tijeras needs to make some changes to its zoning ordinance. At Monday evening’s meeting, a proposed zoning change stalled when councilors declined to vote […]
Posted inEast Mountains
NMDOT seeks public input on changes to NM 333 and NM 217 intersection
A public meeting will be hosted by the New Mexico Department of Transportation to present proposed safety and traffic flow improvements, including more signals or a roundabout, at the intersection of NM 333 and NM 217 between Sedillo Hill and Edgewood. The meeting will be held on April 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Government
Tijeras Mayor plans town hall before hearing on North 14 zoning change
Tijeras Mayor Jake Bruton says he’s been spending much of his time on the phone with residents concerned about a potential new development near I-40 and State Route 14, and he’s still listening. He’s inviting community members to share their thoughts at a special town hall Sunday. The Village Council will consider a zoning change […]