A community food drive Monday collected more than 700 pounds of food for the East Mountain Food Pantry, organizers said. The drive-through event at Flamez Fusion, 12118 N. Highway 14, ran from noon to 4 p.m. and drew donations from residents throughout the East Mountains region. 15 volunteers helped run the event. Flamez Fusion partnered […]
East Mountains
Posted inEast Mountains, Events
Friends of Sandia Mountains to host 22nd annual Snowshoe Classic
The Friends of the Sandia Mountains announced it will host the 22nd annual Sandia Snowshoe Classic on Jan. 24, 2026, at Sandia Crest, offering winter outdoor enthusiasts a challenging 5K course through the Cibola National Forest. The event, which begins at 11 a.m. at the lower-level parking lot at Sandia Crest, is limited to 175 […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Food
Local businesses partner for food drive benefiting East Mountain Food Pantry
Several Cedar Crest businesses will host a food drive Monday to support the East Mountain Food Pantry, which has seen a 60% surge in demand this fall. The drive-through event will run from noon to 4 p.m. at Flamez Fusion, 12118 N. Highway 14, next to Cedar Crest Tire. Organizers are accepting non-perishable food donations. […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov.
Bernalillo County commissioner touts major infrastructure investments in East Mountains
East Mountains residents will see the first major renovation of Los Vecinos Community Center in 50 years, along with new recurring funding for road maintenance, Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas announced in a district update. Olivas said he secured millions of dollars for the community center overhaul and obtained ongoing funding dedicated to improving and […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, East Mountains
AI eyes on the East Mountains: BCFR ups fire prep with new tech
Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue is preparing for the 2026 fire season as fire risks increase with rising temperatures in the East Mountains. Updates, including new cameras and updated maps, are helping the BCFR prepare for the season. New cameras posted throughout the East Mountains help mitigate fires. The best way to fight fires is […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, East Mountains
Sheriff’s Office seeks help finding 77-year-old man missing for months
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a 77-year-old man who has been missing for several months. Walter James Rau was last seen in the area of Coyote Springs and New Mexico Highway 333 near Carnuel, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities have classified Rau as an endangered missing […]
Posted inEast Mountains
‘Keeps me up at night:’ State Forester alarmed by 2026 fire season risks
The national forests in New Mexico include Carson, Gila, Lincoln, Santa Fe and Cibola, the latter of which encompasses areas surrounding Albuquerque, including the East Mountains. State Forester Laura McCarthy said staffing cuts, budget restrictions and other federal hurdles are making it harder for the national forests to protect their communities. “It takes experience to […]
Posted inEast Mountains, General Interest
East Mountain history: La Pluma Conoco station briefly served travelers on U.S. 66
By Rick Holben East Mountain Historical Society Chances are slim to none that anyone alive today has memories of La Pluma Service Station, Cafe and Trading Post, as it existed for just a brief time along two-lane U.S. Highway 66 east of Tijeras. A recently discovered photograph taken by an unknown family traveling the highway […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Food
Food drive to benefit East Mountain families set for Nov. 28 in Sandia Park
A local advocacy group will host a food drive Nov. 28 to support the East Mountain Food Pantry as demand for food assistance continues to grow in the area. The East Mountains Protection Action Coalition will collect donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 at Lantern Ridge Farm, 2540 N. Highway 14 in […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Local Gov.
Bernalillo County approves master plan for East Mountains open space
Bernalillo County commissioners approved a master plan Tuesday that will open a long-closed open space property in the East Mountains to public access while prioritizing fire mitigation efforts. The County Commission voted to adopt the Sedillo Ridge Open Space Master Plan and passed a companion resolution focused on fire risk reduction at the site during […]