Submitted by Judith Gordon, Democratic Party of Sandoval County Secretary Democratic Sheriff Jesse James Casaus’s endorsement of the Republican candidate for Sandoval County sheriff (Rio Rancho News, July 29) is not a surprising political pivot. It is the inevitable action of a man who openly mocks the values of the party to which he claims […]
Sandoval County
‘Jurisdictional nightmare’ ends as Rio Rancho backs Sandoval County annexation
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.Rio Rancho’s governing body unanimously cleared the way last week for Sandoval County to annex 7.8 acres into the Town of Bernalillo, a boundary shift that lets the county move forward with a bigger 13th Judicial District Court Complex and a relocated Bureau of Elections. City staff reviewed the request and […]
Sandoval County sheriff breaks ranks to endorse Republican successor
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Sandoval County Sheriff Jesse James Casaus, a Democrat barred by term limits from seeking reelection, is backing Republican Victor Rodriguez to succeed him — passing over Democratic nominee John Paul Trujillo in a rare cross-party break from a sitting sheriff. In a letter of endorsement, Casaus credited his eight years […]
Sandoval County appoints new assessor following controversial Gallegos resignation
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Sandoval County has a new Assessor. Commissioners appointed Edward Olona to the post at their July 22 meeting, filling the vacancy left by Linda Gallegos’ resignation amid a controversy over her collecting two taxpayer-funded salaries at once. Olona was sworn in on the spot. Commissioner Michael Meek brought the resolution […]
Sandia Pueblo pushes to take control of Sandia Mountain forests, raising alarm from outdoor adventurer seekers
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Hikers, climbers and neighbors who use trails on Sandia Mountain’s west face could see their access change under a land transfer proposal the Sandoval County Commission endorsed last month. Now, a newly formed coalition of residents is urging lawmakers to reject the transfer, saying it could end decades of […]
Mariachi, charity bingo, a Fox News comedian and a Route 66 history lesson cap a packed weekend
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. The City of Vision keeps the summer rolling this weekend with a lineup that runs from charity bingo to Latin Grammy winners — and the options only get better if you’re willing to make the drive across the river. Friday night: Southern rock, mariachi and a comedian who cleans up […]
Op-Ed: Making NM government more accessible for persons with disabilities
Submitted by Rep. Kathleen Cates, District 44 We live in a time where nearly everything requires an app or an account on a website. But what would you do if you simply couldn’t access the resource you needed? Imagine you log in to a state-run website to update your health care information, but the website […]
Opinion: It’s time for Sandoval County to adopt an independent redistricting commission
Submitted by Frank James Smith Jr. Every ten years, following the U.S. Census, election district maps are redrawn to reflect population changes. Those boundaries determine who represents us on the Sandoval County Commission for the next decade, making the process one of local government’s most important responsibilities. In 2021, Sandoval County adopted new commission districts […]
Tickets On Sale for Tamaya’s Horseshoes & Heels Gala Benefiting Rescued Horses
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Horse lovers can now grab tickets to the 2026 Horseshoes & Heels Gala, the annual fundraiser keeping rescued and rehabilitated horses fed, trained and cared for at the Stables at Tamaya. The Nov. 28 gala at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa kicks off with a 5 p.m. cocktail reception, […]
Hopi carver turns cottonwood root into art at Coronado Historic Site Aug. 2
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Cottonwood root becomes detailed Hopi figurines Aug. 2 as carver Randy Brokeshoulder demonstrates his craft at Coronado Historic Site. Brokeshoulder, who carries Hopi, Navajo and Absentee Shawnee heritage, works from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 2, finishing each figure with natural pigments, yarn, feathers and horsehair. He’s the great-grandson […]



