Gregory Hollister

‘Shame on you’: Livid gov trashes ‘never serious,’ ‘failed’ Dems for resisting her

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday morning, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham visited a problematic area in downtown Albuquerque to highlight the need for the upcoming special legislative session aimed at addressing public safety and mental health issues.

Governor Lujan Grisham criticized some legislators for canceling critical meetings, lunches, and hearings ahead of the special session, stating, “Which tells me they were never serious about supporting any of these issues in the first place. My message for them on behalf of the business owners and the people living here is, ‘Shame on you.’”

Amid pushback from Democrat leaders, the governor declared, “Enough is enough.” She emphasized that legislative and city leaders, including Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, are committed to tackling these pressing issues. “I’ve got legislative policy markers, lawmakers who have a sense that the mayor and I, and others, aren’t really considering this issue from an affordability and a place of compassion,” Lujan Grisham said, aiming to prove her critics wrong.

During her visit to 1st Street and Prospect Avenue, an area plagued by homeless encampments, Mayor Keller noted, “We had 3,000 calls for service for encampments, and as I mentioned, we clean about 200 encampments a month.” Both the governor and mayor believe the proposed bills could bring much-needed relief. “You can’t walk on the sidewalk. You can’t enter these businesses. These business owners can barely keep their doors open. They spend more time on their own public safety and the environment around their business,” Lujan Grisham added.

One proposed bill would change how courts handle offenders found incompetent to stand trial. “If these individuals will not seek care and break the law and come right back to the streets, there is nothing we can do to interrupt this chaos,” the governor stated.

Local business owners, like William Johnson of ABQ’s Best Equipment Service, are frustrated with the situation. “We’re scared to be out there sometimes because they are throwing needles over the fence while we are back there working. Same thing, they are out there smoking whatever,” Johnson said.

Governor Lujan Grisham urged New Mexicans to support the special session, stating, “The climate is so harsh that you are not safe anywhere. I would say to those legislators, ‘I don’t believe New Mexicans think you can wait, and I don’t frankly understand why you think you can.’” She called on citizens to contact their lawmakers and hold them accountable for either addressing the issues or allowing the chaos to continue.

The special session, set to begin on Thursday, has sparked significant debate among lawmakers. Democrat leaders held a news conference on Monday, arguing that the session is a waste of time and taxpayer money. They claim there has been insufficient time to reach a consensus on the proposed bills.

“We appreciate the important issues that the governor has raised, calling this special session, particularly around the nexus of behavioral health care and public safety,” said House Speaker Javier Martinez. However, he emphasized the need for thorough legislative consideration, stating, “As state lawmakers, we also have a constitutional duty as a separate and coequal branch of government to fully consider the legislation that comes before us and the potential impact it may have on New Mexicans.”

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth criticized the timing of the special session, stating, “Special sessions only work when the bills are cooked. We thought we had an agreement with the governor that she wouldn’t proceed unless there was consensus. The governor went ahead and called this session before we had even started working on these bills; that’s certainly her prerogative.” He added, “We have worked hard to try and find bipartisan consensus on the bills that were proposed. As the speaker said, we’re just not there.”

Senator Mimi Stewart expressed concern about rushing the process, stating, “We do not believe these concerns can be effectively remedied in a very condensed special legislative session. It’s simply too important to rush into this and risk harming that will take up more of our time down the road to unwind and repair.”

Republicans, meanwhile, are eager to address public safety issues. House Republican Leader Rod Montoya said, “Once again, progressive Democrats have failed to take the New Mexico crime problem seriously. House Republicans are prepared with a tough-on-crime package and are ready to work. New Mexicans are relying on their elected officials to ensure their safety. However, this chaos in the Roundhouse is disheartening and leaves New Mexicans feeling less secure than ever.”

Senate Republican Leader Greg Baca echoed this sentiment, stating, “Despite all of the voices of detractors on the prospect of improving our state, anything we can do to make our families safer is worth our time. We have many bills we are ready to introduce during this special session that we believe would make a measurable impact in the lives of the people of our state and we are ready to work with anyone to meaningfully address public safety.”

Governor Lujan Grisham’s spokesman released a statement criticizing Democrat legislative leaders for not engaging meaningfully with the governor’s proposals. “The governor’s proposals to improve public safety in New Mexico in a special session should have come as no surprise to any lawmaker who was paying attention. Legislators had competency legislation on their plate beginning in January, and they rejected it. Gov. Lujan Grisham then began signaling her intent to call a special session before the end of the regular session in February.”

The statement continued, “Democratic legislative leaders have failed to meaningfully engage with the governor and her team on the substance of her proposals to help keep New Mexicans safe. Over the past several months, they’ve resisted productive discussions of what would be possible to accomplish in a special session and refused to offer any viable legislative alternatives. If lawmakers adjourn without taking up the governor’s proposals to make our state safer this week, the decision will come at the expense of New Mexicans who are demanding public safety reforms. Just today, the governor met with two business owners in Albuquerque who have been assaulted and burglarized at their place of business. Crime is a serious problem in New Mexico. This can’t wait.”

Parents in seven NM school districts left in the dark about kids being ‘transitioned’

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Seven major New Mexico school districts, responsible for the education of thousands of children, have implemented policies that allow students to change their “gender identity” in school without notifying their parents, as revealed by the DailyMail.com.

The conservative group Parents Defending Education (PDE) uncovered these policies through public records requests. The documents show that teachers are instructed to help transgender students change their names, pronouns, clothing, and gender identity without parental knowledge.

Transgender advocates argue that these guidelines are essential for protecting students from unsupportive parents. However, many parents believe these policies are dangerous and deny them the opportunity to support their children through difficult times.

PDE’s outreach director, Erika Sanzi, criticized the schools for their “indefensible and likely illegal” policies, stating, “Any time a school participates in or facilitates a student’s transition, they are engaging in a psychosocial intervention that requires parental notification and consent. Federal law guarantees parents the right to view every record maintained by the district, and that includes gender support plans.”

The schools in question—Los Alamos Public Schools, Rio Rancho Public Schools, Las Cruces Public Schools, Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Moriarty-Edgewood School District, Santa Fe Public Schools, and Gadsden Independent School District—did not respond to inquiries from DailyMail.com. PDE plans to add these schools to its national database of institutions with secret transgender policies.

New Mexico is known for its progressive stance on transgender youth, offering protections from discrimination and bullying. Last year, Democratic Governor Michelle Grisham signed a law safeguarding sex-change procedures in the state.

Santa Fe Public Schools, comprising 28 institutions, has one of the most stringent confidentiality policies, instructing teachers to “MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY — THIS IS CRITICAL.” The internal guide states, “Do NOT share the student’s transgender status with anyone else. This is HIGHLY confidential information.” Parents are only informed if a student wishes to change their name or gender marker in the school’s database.

In the Moriarty-Edgewood School District, teachers are instructed to determine if students “feel safe” and whether their “parents know” about their gender transition. When parents are unaware, only a counselor is involved.

The documents also include educational materials like the “Gender Unicorn,” which promotes the concept of gender as a fluid spectrum, and the ‘Genderbread Person,’ which educates about intersex and ‘genderqueer’ identities. These materials aim to challenge traditional notions of biological sex.

Parents’ concerns extend beyond New Mexico. In Wisconsin, a group of parents recently protested a gender support policy in the Eau Claire Area School District, appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the matter. The group, Parents Protecting Our Children, argues that the district’s policy violates their constitutional rights by excluding them from their children’s gender transitions.

Nicholas Barry, a lawyer from America First Legal, asserted that the Supreme Court “should step in and protect parental rights,” emphasizing that parental exclusion from a child’s social transition is “simply disconnected from reality.”

Schools face pressure to support transgender students amidst a politically charged environment where gender identity has become a contentious issue. This debate includes whether “trans” teens should use restrooms and participate in sports that align with their gender identity. These matters often result in legal battles, with varying outcomes depending on the state.

Parents of transgender-identifying children express concerns about external influences, such as classmates, social media, and school staff. Some parents believe their children may not truly be transgender and advocate for delaying irreversible steps like puberty blockers or surgery, citing underlying mental health issues as a more significant factor.

The number of transgender children aged 13 to 17 has doubled, and insurance claims for puberty blockers and hormones have similarly increased. Supporters of “gender-affirming care” attribute this rise to greater awareness and acceptance, while concerned parents warn of a potential “social contagion.”

Vasquez posts bond, pleads no contest after TX authorities execute warrant

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In March, police in El Paso, Texas, executed an arrest warrant against New Mexico Democratic congressman Gabe Vasquez, according to court documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.

The documents reveal that Vasquez failed to appear in court over two decades ago, in 2002, following charges of driving without a license, driving without insurance, and disregarding an “official traffic control device.” Subsequently, he was cited for failure to appear in court in September 2007, leading to an arrest warrant being issued in April 2008.

An El Paso constable executed the warrant on March 19. Vasquez paid a cash bond of nearly $900, pleaded no contest, and waived his right to a jury trial. According to court filings, Vasquez faces a pre-trial hearing in September and risks a conviction and forfeiture of his bond if he does not appear. A spokesperson for Vasquez described the September hearing as an “administrative mistake” and promised to provide the necessary documentation.

Vasquez’s plea document identifies his employment as “United States Congress.”

Despite the legal issues, Vasquez continued his public duties. On March 19, as his representative paid the bond, Vasquez hosted a “tele-town hall.” The following day, he issued a statement criticizing a “dangerous Supreme Court ruling” that allowed Texas to enforce a law permitting local police to arrest migrants temporarily.

“These traffic fines from over two decades ago when the congressman was 18 years old were paid off and no further action has been requested,” stated Vasquez’s campaign manager, Dylan McArthur.

Born in El Paso, Vasquez now resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Before his congressional run in 2022, he spent years criticizing law enforcement. During the summer of 2020, he called for the deconstruction and rebuilding of systems he described as oppressive, including law enforcement and the economy. He stated, “As long as white folks dominate this nation’s wealth and preside over our nation’s governing bodies and judicial systems, the racism, killing, and injustice will continue.”

While serving on the Las Cruces City Council, Vasquez often advocated for cutting police budgets and reforming law enforcement practices. In emails to constituents in 2020, he highlighted his involvement in a “small police-council group” focused on de-escalation guidelines and expressed strong support for police reform and the Black Lives Matter movement. “I wholeheartedly and absolutely support police reform and the #blacklivesmatter movement, and will not be stopping short of transformational reform that brings justice to our city and to people of color in our community,” he wrote.

During his 2022 congressional campaign, Vasquez shifted his public stance, removing social media posts that rationalized rioting after George Floyd’s death. He positioned himself as a law enforcement supporter, telling CNN he did not believe defunding the police was a path to fair criminal justice. In one campaign ad, he featured a retired sheriff affirming Vasquez’s support for law enforcement.

Vasquez narrowly won his congressional seat in 2022, defeating Republican incumbent Yvette Herrell by less than one point. He has launched his reelection campaign and will face Herrell again in a rematch this November.

Far-left Dem legislator calls MLG’s July special session a sham

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a candidate survey submitted to the Las Cruces Bulletin, far-left Democrat state Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) blasted far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s plans for a July 18th special session supposedly focused on crime, with additions such as panhandling legislation, and possibly anti-gun measures.

“I have and will always stand by restorative justice as we head to a special session in July (to consider) legislation related to incarcerating those deemed incompetent and individual(s) who are panhandling and increasing penalties for felons with guns. I will not support it,” she said.

She then focused on Lujan Grisham, writing, “This special session is purely for political optics and will not do anything to address any of the issues communities around the state (and nation) are facing.”

The shift in perspective on the governor is interesting, as Lujan Grisham is lining up many Democrat primary challenges to more moderate legislators, but now even her farthest-left allies are breaking from her on the July special session, which is being panned as a political stunt. 

Recently, more moderate state Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque) ripped into Lujan Grisham and other far-leftists targeting her seat, calling them “Woke” progressive bullies. Matthews has often put forward legislation that is an alternative to the farthest-left bills, but the fringes of the Democrat Party refuse to pass them.

In contrast, Rubio, who never debates any bills and whose sole focus in the Legislature is to secure herself a salary and kill more babies through abortion, has mostly been a backer of Lujan Grisham’s agenda, including her help in killing many crime bills in committee that could have saved lives. Read Rubio’s full questionnaire here.

In scathing op-ed, Dem NM legislator rips ‘Woke’ progressive bullies in party

Judge sides with Egolfs on how to handle high-stakes fraud battle

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A legal battle involving Democrat former New Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf, his wife, Kelly Egolf, and a group of prominent investors will be settled through arbitration rather than in court. District Judge Francis Mathew made this decision on Thursday, siding with the Egolfs, who had argued that an agreement between Kelly Egolf and her former business partners at New Mexico Fresh Foods required dispute resolution through arbitration.

“We have been clear from the beginning this case never should have been filed in court, and we are glad Judge Mathew confirmed that today,” stated Brian Egolf’s attorney, Mark Baker, after the ruling, per the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Meanwhile, Clifford Atkinson, representing the plaintiffs, said they are considering options for an appeal but did not provide further comments. The plaintiffs include Bob and Ellen Vladem (the namesake of the Vladem Contemporary Museum), real estate mogul Ed Berman, attorney Dan Perry, philanthropist Gail “Peaches” Gilbert, restaurateur Charles Dale, Jessie Groothuis, and Steven Lustig.

The group claims that the Egolfs devised a scheme to cut them out of New Mexico Fresh Foods by orchestrating a bank sale of its assets to Invictus, a company they allege was set up to defraud them of their $3 million investment.

However, the Egolfs’ legal team argued that the investors deliberately blocked Kelly Egolf’s attempt to secure additional funding when New Mexico Fresh Foods encountered financial trouble. In response, Brian Egolf created Invictus to prevent total financial collapse.

Aside from the investors’ contributions, New Mexico Fresh Foods secured about $700,000 in public funding and benefited from government tax breaks for equipment purchases. Additionally, the company received a $375,000 loan from the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

The Egolfs’ motions to enforce arbitration, filed by attorney Jennifer Noya on behalf of Kelly Egolf and by Baker representing both Brian Egolf and Invictus, also sought to either dismiss the lawsuit or pause the case while arbitration proceeds.

“This isn’t a dispute involving an arbitration agreement that’s buried in some sort of consumer contract or nursing home admission documents,” Noya explained. “Rather, this is a case filed by multiple sophisticated investor groups.”

Lujan Grisham regime hands nearly half a million dollars to UPS

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an era where politicians are quick to allocate public funds towards their own agendas, often without regard to efficacy, an interesting development has emerged in the realm of electric vehicle (EV) adoption by major delivery companies like FedEx and UPS. According to a recent Reuters report, as noted by Errors of Enchantment, these companies face significant hurdles in transitioning to green vehicles, primarily due to battery shortages and high EV prices, compounded by the financial struggles of startup electric van manufacturers.

Luke Wake, the vice president of fleet maintenance and engineering at UPS, expressed skepticism about the future landscape of these businesses, asking, “The question is how many of those (companies) will be here in five years, 10 years?”

Amid these uncertainties, an April 30 report from KRQE 13 highlights an initiative by far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s New Mexico Environment Department, which has allocated over $473,000 in grant money to UPS. This funding is intended for the replacement of 16 aging delivery vehicles with newer, presumably more “environmentally friendly” models.

“At UPS, we believe in contributing positively to the communities in which we live and work. With over 18,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles in our fleet, we are proud to collaborate with the New Mexico Environment Department to increase our number of renewable natural gas vehicles and make a difference on the road,” Ryan Bankerd, UPS Corporate Affairs director of sustainability, wrote in a press release. 

While delivery vehicles are arguably more suitable for EV technology compared to personal cars due to their routine city routes and regular return to a home charging station, the current challenges of battery shortages and an unstable supply chain raise concerns. These issues highlight the risks associated with relying on EVs for consistent delivery services.

Moreover, the decision to grant a substantial sum to UPS, a highly profitable corporation, sparks further debate. Per UPS, in 2023, it had an “[o]perating profit of $9.1 billion; adjusted operating profit of $9.9 billion.”

This situation begs the question of whether such financial support from taxpayer money should be cause for concern, particularly among those on the political left who typically advocate for responsible and equitable government spending.

Furthermore, this raises an additional query about whether FedEx will also receive similar support from New Mexico for its “green” vehicle initiatives, or if this assistance will remain exclusive to UPS. Such decisions are pivotal, especially in light of the potential implications they carry for the sustainability and efficiency of large-scale corporate transitions to environmentally friendly technologies.
Read more about it at Errors of Enchantment.

Lujan Grisham’s PED proposes burdensome school lunch changes

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is seeking public feedback on a newly proposed regulation overhauling the state’s school lunch program. This initiative comes amid concerns about the quality and consumption of the meals provided under the existing program, which has been promoted as providing free lunches to students, though funded by taxpayers.

The proposed changes, open for comment until May 29, 2024, include ambitious requirements for school districts categorized under “level 1” and “level 2”. For “level 1” districts, the proposal mandates that half of all meals must be freshly prepared in an onsite kitchen. Additionally, schools are expected to offer at least three items weekly from local farms, ranches, or food businesses. 

A significant shift toward local sourcing includes directives for no less than fifty percent of schools within a school food authority to either grow food on campus or provide educational resources promoting locally sourced nutrition.

The proposal also highlights a focus on sustainability, requiring at least fifty percent of schools in a school food authority to implement composting programs. This aspect of the proposal aims to address waste management but raises concerns about practical challenges, such as space constraints in urban settings and the inherent risks of composting in arid regions like New Mexico.

Critics of the proposal argue that while some components are beneficial, the overall regulation could impose undue burdens on school districts, potentially leading to massive costs and logistical challenges. Questions are being raised about the feasibility of schools growing their own food, the adequacy of safety measures for food preparation, and the management of composting programs.

Feedback on the proposed changes can be sent to the New Mexico PED via email at Rule.Feedback@ped.nm.gov or through mail to the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division at the specified address in Santa Fe.

This proposal comes at a time when New Mexico schools face broader educational challenges, being ranked 52nd nationally on the NAEP assessments. The debate over these proposed changes highlights the balance policymakers must achieve between innovative nutrition education and the practicalities of implementation in diverse school settings. Find out more about the proposed rule here.

APS ousts principal after drag queen stripper fiasco

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Fury erupted from concerned citizens and parents after a video was posted showing a drag queen stripper “entertaining” minors at Atrisco Heritage Academy’s prom in Albuquerque. The shockwaves immediately began, with many contacting the school’s principal, Irene Cisneros, with rage.

In response to the uproar following the video, Albuquerque Public Schools issued a statement on Wednesday, informing parents that an investigation into the incident is underway to determine how it was allowed to happen and the impact on students. The statement clarified that this issue is considered a personnel matter, and no further details were available at the time.

Now, according to a social media-shared email, Cisneros is no longer the principal. Albuquerque’s Chief of Schools, Channell Segura, wrote, “I want to inform you that Anthony Lovato has been appointed as the acting principal of Atrisco Heritage Academy.”

The email further read, “Please join us in welcoming Mr. Lovato to the Atrisco Heritage Academy Community.”

One X commenter wrote, “That was surprisingly fast. Good!”

“Nice! I’m shocked it happened, much less so quickly,” added another.

Other videos shared on social media reveal that the male stripper in drag not only danced but told the kids, “We’re grown,” while touching the kids, shaking his fake breasts, then pulling out the breast pads to wipe his face. 

More videos reportedly are circulating, as the Piñon Post has learned. It is still unclear who the people responsible for the drag show performance are, however, with the school’s principal no longer in that role, the school’s chief could be implicated. 

ABQ school hosts ‘drag queen stripper’ performance at prom

ABQ homeowner proves why the Second Amendment shall not be infringed

15 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

In Albuquerque, a recent incident has underscored the Second Amendment’s critical importance and citizens’ right to protect their homes and families. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) apprehended 32-year-old Joseph Rivera following a dramatic sequence of events that ended with Rivera being shot by a homeowner during an attempted burglary.

The situation began when APD officers located Rivera driving a stolen vehicle in the Valley Area Command. In an attempt to stop him, officers deployed stop sticks, deflating the vehicle’s tires. However, Rivera persisted, driving on the rims until the vehicle ultimately crashed near the intersection of Candelaria Rd. and Rio Grande Blvd.

After the crash, Rivera abandoned the disabled vehicle and fled on foot. In a desperate bid to evade capture, he broke into a nearby residence. The homeowner, confronted by the intruder, was thrust into a nightmarish scenario. Rivera, undeterred by the sanctity of the home he had violated, demanded the homeowner’s car keys.

In a moment of quick thinking, the homeowner managed to lock Rivera out after he momentarily left the premises. However, Rivera, undaunted, forced his way back into the home, further demanding keys. Faced with an increasingly perilous situation, the homeowner retreated to her bedroom and armed herself with a firearm.

When Rivera refused to heed the homeowner’s warnings to leave, she was left with no choice but to defend herself. She shot Rivera and then, displaying remarkable composure, administered first aid until law enforcement arrived.

This incident not only highlights the homeowner’s bravery and quick thinking but also serves as a potent reminder of the fundamental principles behind the Second Amendment. The right to bear arms is not just a constitutional provision but a critical element of personal security and self-defense, particularly in situations where the immediate protection of life and property is paramount.

This case is proof positive that the Democrats’ attempted gun grabs are attempts at keeping citizens like this woman from protecting themselves — especially in the dangerous city of Albuquerque. If citizens are disarmed and left vulnerable amid this violent crime wave, criminals would be even more emboldened.

Rivera is currently recovering in a local hospital and will face charges, including burglary and attempting to commit a felony, upon his release. 

Star-studded blockbuster to film in New Mexico

8 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

New Mexico is set to become the backdrop for “Eddington,” an upcoming A24 film featuring a stellar cast including Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix, Golden Globe Award Winner Pedro Pascal, and two-time Academy Award winner Emma Stone. The New Mexico Film Office disclosed that the movie will be shot in various locations, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe County, and Truth or Consequences. This venture is expected to provide employment for more than 300 locals.

Directed by College of Santa Fe alumnus Ari Aster, known for the A24 films Hereditary and Midsommar and produced under his Square Peg banner in collaboration with A24, “Eddington” boasts an impressive ensemble cast that also counts Yellowstone’s Luke Grimes, Elvis’ Golden Globe winner Austin Butler, and BAFTA Award winner Michael Ward among its ranks. Two-time Academy Award nominee Darius Khondji, renowned for his cinematography, is on board to lend his visual storytelling expertise to the film.

The storyline of “Eddington” centers around a New Mexican sheriff with lofty ambitions, though specific plot details remain under wraps. This project marks Aster’s inaugural feature film endeavor in New Mexico, although some cast members have previously worked within the state. Emma Stone, for example, was involved in a project in Española and Santa Fe in mid-2022.

Amber Dodson, the director of the New Mexico Film Office, highlighted the state’s allure for major film projects like “Eddington,” attributing the interest to the picturesque landscapes, skilled crews, and appealing film incentives. 

The movie’s production in locales such as Truth or Consequences is not just about utilizing the state’s scenery but also about weaving the essence of New Mexico into the narrative fabric of the film.

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