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, […]
East Mountains
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 […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
Forest Service closes large sections of Sandias for two-year wildfire prevention projects
Outdoor enthusiasts planning summer hikes across the Sandias will have to break out the maps to find some new favorite trails. The Cibola National Forest will begin work on two major projects restricting visitor use and public access to the over 140 acres along the Sandia Crest area through fall of 2027. Sandia Crest “Switchback” […]
Posted inArt & Artists, East Mountains, East Mountains News, Route 66 Independent
Tinkertown becomes a nonprofit to preserve beloved East Mountain folk art destination
Ross J. Ward spent more than 40 years carving, collecting and lovingly transforming his Sandia Mountains property into a national folk art destination. Following his death in 2002, his wife, Carla, and a few dedicated family members and volunteers have continued to maintain Tinkertown for the more than 25,000 visitors who make the winding trek […]
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
Water systems serving 700 across East Mountains test positive for PFAS “forever chemicals,” state testing finds
By Rodd Cayton and Pat Davis — Some local water systems across the East Mountains have been found to be contaminated with “forever chemicals,” prompting state officials to invite local water managers to cooperate with developing programs for mitigation and monitoring. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – were developed in the 1950s […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, East Mountains, Route 66 Independent
Crash report details final moments before BCSO sergeant’s fatal I-40 collision
A newly released crash report from the Rio Rancho Police Department provides new details about the sequence of events that led to the death of Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Schlattman on Feb. 23 on Interstate 40 Westbound near the East Mountains. Schlattman, 52, was killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic […]