Piñon Post

ABQ City Council triumphs after Dems flip votes, override Keller’s vetoes

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a surprising turn of events, Albuquerque City Council suspended the ongoing environmental justice rule hearing just one day into what was anticipated to be a weeklong discussion. 

The halt coincided with the council’s move to override Mayor Tim Keller’s recent vetoes concerning legislation aimed at reshaping the Air Quality Control Board, the very entity considering the environmental justice rule. 

A bill aimed to postpone the Air Quality Control Board’s consideration of an environmental justice regulation until February. Despite passing with a 5-4 vote on Nov. 8, falling short of a veto-proof majority, councilors later voted 7-2 to reinstate the moratorium.

Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn and Isaac Benton dissented. However, a pivotal moment occurred when Democrat Councilors Klarissa Peña and Pat Davis changed their votes, resulting in a 6-3 decision to override the veto. This decision allowed for the removal of board members, with Fiebelkorn, Benton, and Davis opposing the move and Peña once again altering her vote.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Councilor Dan Lewis, aimed to replace current board members and postpone hearings on environmental justice regulations until February.

The board, comprised of seven members, was in the midst of a $49,000 contract for the hearing at the Albuquerque Convention Center. 

The contentious rule faced opposition from defense contractors, developers, and major employers like Kirtland Air Force Base, the University of New Mexico, and Sandia National Laboratories. 

Critics argued that the regulation was overly burdensome, potentially quadrupling permitting times, threatening economic development, and even impacting national security.

While some supported the need for “environmental justice” regulations, opponents criticized the proposed rule’s drafting process, claiming inadequate stakeholder involvement. The sudden suspension of the hearing raised concerns about its impact on ongoing discussions and decision-making processes.

New Mexico sheriff found dead in Santa Fe hotel room

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

​​Curry County Sheriff Mike Reeves was discovered deceased in a Santa Fe hotel room on Monday, where he had traveled for law enforcement training. At 59, Reeves, survived by his two sons, Collin and Hayden Reeves, and a daughter, Avery Reeves, left a void in the community. The cause of death has not been immediately disclosed, but Undersheriff Michael Brockett assured that no foul play is suspected. An autopsy is scheduled with the Office of the Medical Examiner in Albuquerque.

The news of Reeves’ passing led to an outpouring of grief from officials and colleagues. Curry County Manager Lance Pyle expressed the community’s heartbreak, acknowledging Reeves’ significant contributions to the county. Brockett will temporarily assume the sheriff’s duties until the Curry County Commission appoints a successor.

Reeves, who ran unopposed for the sheriff’s position in 2022, had a distinguished career spanning over 35 years in law enforcement. He commenced his journey with the Clovis Police Department in 1983 and later retired from the Curry County Sheriff’s Department in August 2018. Following Sheriff Wesley Waller’s retirement, Reeves decided to run for sheriff and succeeded him.

Sheriff Reeves’ career was marked by both accomplishments and challenging moments. Notably, he was among the initial responders to the mass shooting at the Clovis-Carver Library in August 2017, where he demonstrated valor and received a citation for his courageous actions. Reeves also ventured into the medical field, becoming a registered nurse in 2008, inspired by his own experiences during a hospital stay as a child.

In a 2018 interview, Reeves shared two poignant memories from his law enforcement career. One involved receiving a life-saving medal in 2008 for aiding a choking baby girl, and the other was the harrowing experience of responding to the library shooting. Reflecting on these incidents, Reeves emphasized the significant impact law enforcement and medical professionals can have on people’s lives when motivated by a positive intent.

Sheriff Mike Reeves leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication, with his passing eliciting reflections on his meaningful contributions to the community.

New Mexico unemployment claims just spiked

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In the most recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor, it was revealed that initial filings for unemployment benefits in New Mexico experienced an increase during the week ending November 25 compared to the previous week. The data, considered a key indicator of job market dynamics, showed that new jobless claims in the state rose to 743, marking a notable uptick from the 586 claims recorded in the preceding week.

On a national scale, U.S. unemployment claims also registered an increase, reaching 218,000 in the same week. This marked a rise of 7,000 claims from the previous week, which had reported 211,000 claims. The figures are seasonally adjusted to account for variations in employment patterns that occur regularly throughout the year.

Notably, the state of Kansas stood out with the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, experiencing a significant surge of 91.0%. In contrast, Oregon saw a noteworthy decline in new claims, with a substantial 48.3% drop. These contrasting trends in different states highlight the dynamic and varied nature of the economic impact of the ongoing circumstances.

The reasons behind the increase in unemployment claims in New Mexico and other states are likely influenced by a range of factors, including shifts in local economic conditions, potential fluctuations in job availability, and broader macroeconomic trends. The data underscores the continued challenges and uncertainties facing the labor market as it navigates the complex landscape shaped by both the ongoing recovery efforts and the lingering effects of the recent global disruptions.

As policymakers and analysts assess these trends, the focus remains on supporting economic recovery measures and addressing the specific needs of communities facing heightened unemployment challenges. The evolving situation will be closely monitored for its implications on both regional and national economic recovery trajectories.

Lujan Grisham extends radical anti-gun edict

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has decided to extend an executive order declaring “gun violence” a public health emergency. The renewal, effective until December 29, 2023, underscores the governor’s attacks on lawful New Mexico gun owners’ rights.

Governor Lujan Grisham’s executive orders mandate collaboration among the Department of Health, Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, and Health Care Authority. While the renewal doesn’t introduce any alterations to the existing orders, it does maintain the current public health directives banning guns in parks, among other measures.

A notable absence during the signing was the governor herself, with Lt. Gov. Howie Morales taking on the responsibility in her absence. The decision to renew these executive orders comes at a time when gun control measures are a subject of intense debate across the nation.

New Mexicans who follow the Constitution note that executive actions infringe upon individual rights and bypass legislative processes designed to ensure democratic decision-making, along with total ignorance of inalienable constitutional rights. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of labeling “gun violence” as a public health emergency and whether it is the most appropriate approach to tackling the complex social issues associated with it.

The governor promised to provide updates on the progress of initiatives addressing gun violence later this month. The orders, however, have produced no tangible changes to protect New Mexicans.

As Lujan Grisham continues her attacks on gun rights, the ongoing debate surrounding the governor’s executive orders is likely to persist in the next legislative session, with discussions centering on impeaching the governor for violating her oath and far-left Democrats seeking to take away New Mexicans’ rights.

Heinrich sponsors extremist anti-gun legislation banning most rifles

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent move that has stirred controversy, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, along with Democrat Senators Angus King of Maine, Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Michael Bennet of Colorado, introduced the extremist Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act to outlaw most firearms in the United States.

Heinrich claimed there is an urgent need for Congress to take away Americans’ right to bear arms by banning some of the most popular weapons in the country.

The proposed legislation will negatively impact law-abiding gun owners while neglecting the root causes of violence. 

The GOSAFE Act seeks to regulate gas-operated semi-automatic weapons by establishing a list of prohibited firearms, preventing unauthorized modifications, and mandating pre-approval for future designs. The bill has a few exceptions but still bans rifles with 10 rounds or more — a majority of AR-15s and other rifles. One in 20 Americans own an AR-15 rifle. Some of Heinrich’s exemptions in the radical legislation are listed below:

  • .22 caliber rimfire or less firearms  
  • Bolt action rifles  
  • Semi-automatic shotguns  
  • Recoil-operated handguns  
  • Any rifle with a permanently fixed magazine of 10 rounds or less  
  • Any shotgun with a permanently fixed magazine of 10 rounds or less  
  • Any handgun with a permanently fixed magazine of 15 rounds or less  

Controversially, the proposed legislation limits the capacity of large ammunition-feeding devices to 10 rounds or fewer and outlaws conversion devices, such as bump stocks and Glock switches. Additionally, it introduces a voluntary buy-back program to prevent stockpiling of firearms. Buyback programs are known to be ineffective. 

While Heinrich received support from various extremist anti-gun organizations, such as New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Giffords, people who follow what the Second Amendment says argue that the bill overlooks the root causes of gun violence and certainly infringes on the rights of responsible gun owners.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) senior vice president, Lawrence G. Keane, wrote, “The legislation introduced by Senators King and Heinrich is openly defiant of the rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. There is no path forward for legislation of this nature that would deprive law-abiding citizens the ability to lawfully possess the firearm of their choosing and the full spectrum of their Second Amendment rights,” adding, “This legislation is a knee-jerk reaction to a travesty (Lewiston, Maine incident), for which the American public is still demanding answers as to why the Lewiston murderer, who clearly showed signs of mental instability and professed to violent threats, was allowed by state and federal agencies to continue to possess firearms. Depriving law-abiding citizens of their Constitutional rights for the criminal acts of a depraved individual doesn’t make our communities safer.”

“This proposed legislation is clearly unconstitutional, as the U.S. Supreme Court held in Heller that entire classes of firearms cannot be banned from legal sale and possession by law-abiding citizens,” concluded the NSSF. 

 The GOSAFE Act faces a challenging path ahead, stirring intense debate on its potential impact on firearm regulation and individual liberties. It is unclear if it will go far with Democrats leading the Senate and Republicans controlling the House of Representatives. 

Lujan Grisham flying to Dubai for ‘climate change’ conference

37 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is set to attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, in Dubai on December 2 and 3. 

New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Caroline Buerkle are Accompanying Governor Grisham on this international trip. The panels they will engage in, titled “Subnational Leaders Supercharging Climate Action Across America Panel” and “All Hands on Deck: How the U.S. Climate Alliance is Securing America’s Net-Zero Future with State-Led, High-Impact Action,” involve discussions on ambitious climate innovation and the role of the U.S. Climate Alliance in achieving a net-zero future.

The choice of Dubai as the conference location is noteworthy, given the country’s reputation as a significant oil exporter and her traveling via airplane, which creates a significant amount of pollution, according to “climate” scientists. This is particularly relevant as COP28 emphasizes a “global stocktake” to assess progress toward the 2015 Paris Agreement goals. The paradox of hosting a climate conference in a nation heavily reliant on oil exports adds complexity to the discussions.

Governor Grisham’s consistent international engagements, including leading trade missions to Taiwan and Australia in recent months, raise questions about the effectiveness of such trips in addressing climate concerns. While the Governor actively participates in “climate”-related initiatives, critics argue that tangible actions at the state level should take precedence over international appearances.

The panels, which will include representatives from various U.S. states and cities, offer a platform to showcase state-led efforts. However, skeptics question the impact of these discussions on addressing immediate climate challenges within New Mexico, particularly considering the energy sector’s importance in the state’s economy.

As Governor Grisham joins global leaders in Dubai, the spotlight remains on the practical implications of her climate policies back home. Whether these international endeavors translate into effective climate actions within New Mexico is a subject of ongoing debate, highlighting the tension between global aspirations and local priorities in addressing climate change.

Dem anti-gun law not targeting the main way youth are getting guns

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In recent times, the issue of guns has garnered widespread attention across the state, driven by growing concerns about the potential for increased violence, particularly through shootings. Recently, in Albuquerque, a 15-year-old fired off a gun at Coronado Mall.

Democrats rammed through an extreme anti-gun bill last legislative session, making parents and guardians felons if a minor got access to their firearms and caused great bodily harm or death with them. But underaged offenders aren’t necessarily getting guns from parents who forget to lock their gun safes.

Kyle Hartsock, a commander with the Albuquerque Police Department, sheds light on a significant source of firearms for teenagers: theft, especially from vehicles, according to a report from KOAT 7 News. “Some are kept for self-defense, some are kept because they are just kept, and they have always been there. So that’s the primary place kids get guns. From mom and dad,” says Hartsock.

The prevalent method for teenagers acquiring guns is through the theft of firearms, particularly from vehicles. Hartsock emphasizes that the thieves often target vehicles displaying hunting stickers or stickers supporting law enforcement. The assumption is that individuals who support the police are likely to possess guns, making these vehicles attractive targets for theft. “They look for hunting stickers, stickers that support police because they see that guy that supports police carries guns, and they just look around for those cars to just break windows and roll the dice that they are going to find a gun inside,” explains Hartsock.

The consequences of these thefts are far-reaching, as the stolen guns frequently enter the black market and find buyers through various social media platforms. Hartsock points out that transactions involving these stolen firearms often take place on platforms like Facebook Messenger and Snapchat or through connections with individuals capable of selling guns. The ease of access to firearms through such channels contributes to a significant number of homicides stemming from black market gun sales.

Hartsock provides insights into recognizing potential warning signs related to teenagers and firearms. He suggests observing changes in behavior, even though teenagers can be enigmatic. Paying attention to whether they become more protective of certain objects, such as backpacks or their rooms, can offer clues. Additionally, he highlights the importance of scrutinizing specific language and emojis used in online communications. For instance, seemingly innocent references to water guns may indicate something more sinister. “We see the use of the water gun to show actual guns, and we see it in homicide investigations, and so it might be cartoonish and funny. It doesn’t mean let’s go have fun on a hot day; it means actual firearms,” warns Hartsock.

According to the Albuquerque Police Department, the statistics are alarming, with approximately 70-80 guns stolen in the city every month and a mere four or five of them being recovered. The prevalence of stolen firearms and their potential journey into illegal markets remains a pressing concern for law enforcement and public safety.

Punk shoots up ABQ mall — a ‘gun-free zone’

All-Dem NM Supreme Court upholds Dems’ gerrymandered ‘Frankenmap’

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an unsurprising turn of events, the all-Democrat New Mexico Supreme Court upheld New Mexico’s extremely gerrymandered congressional map, dubbed by many as the “Frankenmap.”

The Court dismissed claims by the GOP that it favored Democrats excessively. The lawsuit, filed by New Mexico Republicans, argued that the state legislature’s redrawing of the map amounted to a Democratic gerrymander, violating the state’s constitution. This redistricting occurred before the 2022 midterms, and the alterations aimed to shift the 2nd Congressional District, previously leaning Republican, toward a more Democratic profile.

The contested district is currently held by Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who secured victory in 2022 against Republican Congresswoman Yvette Herrell by a margin of 0.7 percentage points. In 2020, Joe Biden carried the district by approximately 6 points. In the prior map, 45th President Donald Trump had won the district by nearly 12 points.

Despite the GOP’s legal efforts, the New Mexico Supreme Court rejected the lawsuit, marking another redistricting loss for Republicans. The party had sought a “partisan-neutral” redraw, but the court did not uphold this request. A trial court had previously determined that while the map favored Democrats, it didn’t meet the threshold for an “egregious” gerrymander.

Herrell is running again to reclaim the seat despite the extremely gerrymandered district that chopped conservative areas in as many as thirds to help Democrats swing the state for all-Democrat control. The former congresswoman has the support of all the GOP leadership in the House and chairmen of key committees.

As redistricting efforts unfold across the United States before the 2024 elections, both major political parties experience mixed outcomes. In North Carolina, Republicans secured a significant win, favoring the GOP in a new map split 7-7, with 10 districts leaning Republican, three toward Democrats, and one competitive seat. Democrats gained ground in Alabama due to a court ruling against a GOP-drawn map deemed a racial gerrymander. Georgia also faces a court-ordered redraw after a judge overturned a map accused of racial gerrymandering.

Louisiana Republicans have been instructed to redraw their map following a court ruling that deemed the current map a racial gerrymander. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is deliberating on a map criticized for favoring Republicans despite Trump losing the state.

In New York, Democrats are considering redrawing the state’s map, with the timing of this process remaining uncertain before the 2024 elections.

Scandal-plagued eco-left group’s ex-employee pleads guilty to fraud scheme

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a shocking turn of events, James “Jim” Matison, a former employee of the Santa Fe-based enviro-Marxist group WildEarth Guardians, which files frivolous lawsuits to protect supposed “endangered species” at the expense of property owners, recently pleaded guilty to federal money laundering and wire fraud charges. Matison, 46, hailing from Pueblo, Colorado, allegedly engaged in a scheme where he wrote fraudulent checks to himself from the organization, amounting to a total of $242,210. The plea agreement he entered could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of $250,000 for the charges against him.

The illicit activities spanned from February 2015 to February 2019, coinciding with Matison’s tenure as the organization’s restoration program director. The news release mentioned that Matison faced personal “financial difficulties” during this period, providing a backdrop to his actions. He first joined the organization in 2002.

WildEarth Guardians, headquartered in Santa Fe, is known for its extremist environmental advocacy work in New Mexico and Colorado. Often a critic of the oil and gas industry, the group relies on funding from the State of New Mexico and federal agencies. Additionally, it actively engages in environmental restoration initiatives.

Court records revealed that Matison played a pivotal role in approving restoration project invoices submitted by contractors for payment from WildEarth Guardians. One such contractor, Timberline Environmental, owned by Matison’s co-defendant Jeffery Ham, became part of the fraudulent scheme. Ham allowed Matison to submit bogus invoices from Timberline, leading to a series of fraudulent transactions.

Matison’s modus operandi involved approving invoices for payment to Timberline, collecting the checks, depositing them into Timberline’s bank account, and then receiving pre-signed Timberline bank checks from Ham. Subsequently, Matison used these checks to transfer the funds to another company under his control, Phoenix-based Euro-American Development.

Ham, the co-defendant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his role in the scheme.

The case was thoroughly investigated by the offices of inspectors general at both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuting the case.

WildEarth Guardians discovered the scheme in April 2019 through the lawyers of an anonymous informant. Matison and Ham were terminated from the organization in the same month. In May 2019, WildEarth Guardians submitted a forensic auditor report to the U.S. Attorney’s Office detailing the scheme and identifying Matison and Ham as the perpetrators.

John Horning, the Executive Director of WildEarth Guardians, emphasized the organization’s commitment to accountability and upholding the law. The group, known for its stance against the oil and gas industry, has been actively involved in environmental causes and policy advocacy, often participating in public rulemaking and opposing certain government initiatives related to energy production.

The revelations about Matison and Ham highlight the challenges environmental organizations face in maintaining internal integrity and financial transparency. The case underscores the importance of accountability within advocacy groups, even as they work towards addressing critical environmental issues.

Chris Edwards, felon and self-dubbed ‘progressive,’ attacks Otero conservatives

Punk shoots up ABQ mall — a ‘gun-free zone’

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 24, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) swiftly responded to reports of gunfire at Coronado Center — a “gun-free zone” — in northeast Albuquerque. The incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m., prompting a significant police presence.

Around 100 officers who were initially monitoring a rally at the Uptown Shopping Area were quickly redirected to Coronado Center upon receiving alerts of shots fired.

Gilbert Gallegos from the Albuquerque Police Department provided updates following the incident, stating, “The suspect is not in custody. To my understanding, they did a foot pursuit, chased him out of the mall, and he was able to escape at this point. We do have a good description. We believe we may have photos later tonight. We’re getting those analyzed and checking with different witnesses who were involved, but at this point, everybody is safe at the mall, everyone is safe in the surrounding area. We don’t believe there’s any kind of threat to the public.”

Another photograph of the suspect:

Witnesses inside the mall described a chaotic scene, with people rushing to safety. Maryah Lovato shared, “We didn’t hear gunshots. We just… everybody piling up, like falling over each other. We thought maybe something, a fight was happening, so we just ran out. We were stressed out, just trying to get to somewhere safe.”

By 4:54 p.m., APD confirmed that there was no active shooter. An off-duty Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputy or lieutenant pursued the offender. While APD had a description of the suspect, they anticipated releasing photos later that evening.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and officers discovered at least one bullet casing at the scene. The firearm used in the shooting was not immediately identified.

Crucially, APD clarified that there was no connection between the rally held earlier and the shooting at Coronado Center. The mall, however, remained closed for the remainder of the evening following the incident.

The suspect was later identified as 14-year-old Isaiah Montoya.

Reports indicate that immediately after the shooting, around 3:51 p.m., officers detained a juvenile involved in a confrontation with Montoya. The juvenile revealed a prior friendship with Montoya but mentioned an ongoing dispute over social media. Following a physical altercation at the mall, Montoya allegedly brandished a silver handgun and pursued the juvenile and another individual. The situation escalated as Montoya fired a round outside the mall, causing panic among shoppers and workers.

Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, including those of an off-duty Bernalillo County Sheriff’s lieutenant, provided a detailed sequence of events. Montoya, carrying the firearm, initially walked away from the mall entrance but then turned back, firing a shot that struck the building. Additional footage captured Montoya manipulating the handgun outside the mall before fleeing the scene toward Menaul Blvd.

A gun matching Montoya’s firearm was discovered near the mall on November 25th, 2023, and subsequently turned over to the police. A warrant from the Children’s Court approved charges against Montoya, and efforts are underway to apprehend him.

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential culpability of Montoya’s guardians under Bennie’s Law, an anti-gun law recently passed regarding minors getting access to firearms from their parents or legal guardians. The law stipulates that if a child gains access to a negligently stored gun, resulting in harm or death, it constitutes a fourth-degree felony with a possible sentence of up to a year and a half in prison.

The application of the law hinges on whether the child causes harm, turning it into a misdemeanor if no injuries occur. The involvement of Montoya’s guardians in legal proceedings remains unclear at this point. However, despite the law, it appears it has not been a deterrent whatsoever, as crimes involving minors and firearms have gone up since its passage.

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