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ABQ judge rules in favor of Backstreet Grill, dealing blow to Gov. MLG’s Enviro Dept.

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday afternoon, Backstreet Grill, a restaurant in Old Town Albuquerque that had remained open despite bullying from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) for alleged non-compliance with mask mandates, had a surprise legal win. 

Second Judicial District Court Judge Lisa Chavez Ortega ruled against NMED after the lawyer representing the Department, Andrew Knight, claimed, “The change in the mask mandate only applies to vaccinated, fully vaccinated individuals.” He said, “This restaurant has become the center of for the no mask, no vax crowd” and “We just know they’re unvaccinated in that restaurant.”

Despite the claim that the restaurant had supposedly become a “center” for anti-vaxxers, the judge was not impressed, asking Knight, “The enforcement of the fully vaccinated issue that you just mentioned, how can that be enforced?”

After the decision, attorney Jonathan Diener who is representing Backstreet Grill, said, “We had a big legal win today in Albuquerque. We got a judge who was not a maskhole. She refused to extend the ex-parte temporary restraining order against our restaurant client which had ordered them to close for ignoring the mask ‘mandate’ (all their employees did not mask). Or to hold them in contempt for ignoring the order after she made it and they remained open. She did this based on the fact that the governor has lifted the mask mandate in N.M for the vaccinated.” 

He did add, however, “The case is not over. They (NMED) have a chance to file a new motion arguing that the injunction should issue because the restaurant, its employees and patrons, the attorney said, were a hotbed of antivaxers and enemies of covid fascism and would certainly not all be jabbed.” 

The temporary win for Backstreet Grill is a blow to the Governor and the Environment Department, who wished to make an example of the restaurant and instead ended up with a legal loss.

“We will continue to move forward through the court to ensure this establishment is held accountable,” said Maddy Hayden, director of communications for Gov. Lujan Grisham’s New Mexico Environmental Department. 

The restaurant is also reportedly facing Mayor Tim Keller’s City of Albuquerque suspending its food permit. According to KOB 4, “The city is still trying to figure out what, if any, course of action it will take.” 

ABQ judge rules in favor of Backstreet Grill, dealing blow to Gov. MLG’s Enviro Dept. Read More »

NM Ethics Commission investigating Gov. Lujan Grisham for misusing campaign funds

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, the Piñon Post’s editor, John Block, filed a New Mexico Ethics Commission complaint against New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for misuse of campaign funds by paying her daughter Erin Grisham, a cosmetologist, $1,040 for “media preparation.”

Lujan Grisham’s daughter revealed on her LinkedIn profile that she acted as a “[s]tylist and cosmetology consultant for Michelle Lujan Grisham for Governor Media,” which according to state statute 1.10.13.25(B)(2) NMCA and the Secretary of State’s own guidance, violates state law.

An excerpt from the complaint:

According to an April 13, 2021 filing by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s gubernatorial campaign to the New Mexico Secretary of State (SOS), the governor paid her daughter, Erin, through an entity listed as “Beauty By Erin Grisham” $1,040 for “media preparation” on October 13, 2020 (Exhibit A).

Lujan Grisham’s campaign did not report that Erin Grisham’s services include hair and makeup, neither of which falls in the scope of what is permissible as a campaign expense.
…

Per state statute, “Personal use of campaign funds is any use of funds in a campaign account to fulfill a commitment, obligation or expense of any candidate or legislator that would exist regardless of the candidate’s campaign or responsibilities as a legislator.” 1.10.13.25(B)(2) NMCA

SOS Maggie Toulouse Oliver’s 2020 Campaign Finance Reporting Guide further affirms that “Hair, nail, or make-up expenses” are not permissible campaign expenses (Exhibit C).
…

Gov. Lujan Grisham’s daughter Erin has no apparent specialties in any field relating to media preparation, such as public relations or any other area that could be attributed to “media preparation,” such as speechwriting or digital media. On her LinkedIn profile, Erin Grisham explicitly states her relation to the Lujan Grisham campaign as the “[s]tylist and cosmetology consultant for Michelle Lujan Grisham for Governor Media.” This admission by Erin Grisham on her professional profile proves that the $1,040 for “media preparation” cannot in any reasonable terms be explained away as media preparation other than styling and cosmetology, which are explicitly barred as an expense, per state law (Exhibit B).

Block said, “Gov. Lujan Grisham’s flagrant abuse of state law is a slap in the face to the countless hard-working New Mexicans who play by the rules. While we are expected to follow her edicts, at every corner, she has broken state laws by misusing discretionary funds for wagyu steaks and booze, paying off her alleged sexual abuse victims with campaign cash, and now openly defying the Secretary of State by funneling her donors’ funds to her own daughter for salon visits.”

“New Mexicans are sick and tired of being played for fools while our politicians do whatever they want with no consequences. No public servant—no matter if they serve on a local school board or as the chief executive—should be above the law, which is why this ethics complaint is so important,” Block added.

On Thursday, the Ethics Commission confirmed its acceptance of the complaint, writing in an email that it “meets the requirements for administrative complaints set forth in 1.8.3.9(A)(2) NMAC and will be forwarded to the respondent(s).” The Ethics Commission noted that Lujan Grisham’s campaign has been notified of the complaint and that her use of funds is being investigated.

The Piñon Post has found additional payments adding up to $6,083.88 since 2017. A full report on the additional payments will come in due course.

NM Ethics Commission investigating Gov. Lujan Grisham for misusing campaign funds Read More »

‘Russian collusion’ conspiracist Adam Schiff backs Melanie Stansbury’s CD1 bid

2 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Sunday, “Russia collusion” conspiracy theorist Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) sent out an email supporting far-left New Mexico state Rep. Melanie Stansbury in her quest for the open First District House seat in Congress vacated by Interior secretary Deb Haaland. 

Schiff has long been spreading “fake news” regarding non-existent collusion between President Donald J. Trump and Russians, which was proven unequivocally false by the Robert Mueller report. He stands by his false claims meant to weaken the 45th President to this very day and was rewarded for his efforts spreading conspiracy theories by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats who appointed him chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. 

In the email, Schiff wrote that Stansbury was facing “Republican attacks” while claiming she is “a Democratic leader who will fight for both our democracy and progressive change.” 

He claimed that the First District election is “the first big test for House Democrats in 2021” and that electing Stansbury is critical for keeping the Democrats’ majority. 

Schiff then spewed a massive lie, writing, “She was born and raised in New Mexico, spending her whole life in the community she seeks to represent.” Actually, Stansbury has spent the better part of the last 20 years in Washington, D.C., working for Democrat politicians, not in any New Mexico “community” whatsoever.

He added, “As a New Mexico state representative, Melanie has fought to address the issues that have directly impacted her community: affordable food, clean water, shelter, economic security and justice, and climate change.” 

Schiff is not wrong here about her support for “climate change” legislation. She voted for Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Green New Deal and sponsored costly anti-energy proposals to cripple the New Mexico energy industry by heavily investing in so-called “renewables” while also pushing for more regulations on oil and gas manufacturers, which make up around 40% of New Mexico’s state budget from taxes. 

‘Russian collusion’ conspiracist Adam Schiff backs Melanie Stansbury’s CD1 bid Read More »

Antisemites rally in ABQ against Israel, appear to support Hamas terrorists

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, Antisemites gathered at Tiguex Park in Albuquerque to rally against Israel. The rally, dubbed “Nakba (catastrophe): Emergency March and Rally” comes after Hamas terrorists in Palestine shot thousands of rockets at Israel over the past few days. Most of them have been intercepted by Israel’s missile defense system dubbed the “Iron Dome.”

The Islamic Center of New Mexico appears to have played a role in the Antisemitic protest. Just last week, Democrat politicians gathered to support the organization 

At the Saturday protest, people held signs reading things like “Occupation Must End,” “It’s not anti-Semitic to admit Israel is an APARTHEID,” “Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine,” “Israelis Are Professional Baby Killers,” “Nationalism is a sickness,” among other things. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/7343361875/permalink/10157667201746876/

From videos posted of the event by attendees, speakers can be heard shouting, “Palestine will be free!” and “No more bloodshed!” However, Hamas, which controls Giza, the portion of land where thousands of rockets have been shot at Israel, has killed many Israelis in recent days. But many, such as Antisemitic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) claim “Unlike Israel, missile defense programs, such as Iron Dome, don’t exist to protect Palestinian civilians.” 

But Hamas has actually used schools as rocket-launch sites with young children being used as human shields. 

The harsh truth of Palestine’s inhumane treatment of not only Israelis but also its own people was ignored by the protest, which was put on by “ANSWER Coalition,” a large proponent of the Hamas terrorist group. 

Many attendees were seen wearing keffiyeh scarves, which are a staple of Hamas and Antisemitic terrorists occupying the West Bank and Gaza strip. 

Previously, Antisemitic pro-Palestinian supporters have rallied in Albuquerque, notably in July 2020 with an event co-sponsored by the anti-Hispanic hate group “The Red Nation” and “Al-Awda,” whose founder compares Jews with Nazis and is a supporter of the Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah. At the 2020 rally, a handful of people in the caravan of cars held anti-Israel signs, with some shouting out of their cars things such as, “Look at the Nazis! F**k you!”

Antisemites rally in ABQ against Israel, appear to support Hamas terrorists Read More »

Stansbury tells displaced Diné energy workers just to sell ‘your art or your wool’

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In February, state Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-Bernalillo) raised eyebrows with what many are calling a “racist statement,” telling displaced former energy workers who lost their jobs due to Democrats’ eco-green policies just to sell “your art or your wool” if they came from a Diné Navajo community. 

Rep. Rod Montoya (R-San Juan), who comes from a minority community, previously blasted Stansbury for the “ obscene” remark. He said, “Why were these comments not plastered all over social media or in local news? I can only surmise that her comments were ignored because she is a ‘well-meaning,’ white, progressive Democrat who is running for Congress.”

Stansbury won the Democrats’ nomination for Congress in the special First District election to replace current Interior secretary Deb Haaland who vacated the seat. 

She faces Republican state Sen. Mark Moores, Independent Aubrey Dunn, Jr., a perennial candidate, and Libertarian Chris Manning, who does not live in the district.

Stansbury, who claims to have roots in the state, has spent the last 20 years in the District of Columbia working for politicians, moving back in 2018 to run for a state legislative seat she was alleged to be hand-picked by Sen. Martin Heinrich to run for. 

The special election to replace Haaland will occur on June 1, 2021. Early voting begins on March 15 and goes until May 29. It is unclear if Stansbury’s racist statement toward Diné workers will be a topic of discussion on the campaign. However, her opponents have bashed her for support for the “BREATHE Act,” which aims to defund the police. 

Stansbury tells displaced Diné energy workers just to sell ‘your art or your wool’ Read More »

Heinrich anti-energy bill will keep New Mexico ‘dependent on Washington’

2 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, it was reported that Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich is planning to introduce “a revenue replacement bill” next week which “would provide a predictable transition for states, counties, and tribes and give those governments time to transition their budgets to more sustainable and reliable sources of revenue,” according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

“The bill sets a baseline mineral revenue amount for each fiscal year based on a historical average of federal mineral revenue, declining by 5 percent each year,” a news release states. “If the regular mineral revenue payment to a state, county, or tribe would fall below the baseline amount for that year, an ‘energy transition payment’ would be provided to make up the difference between the actual mineral payment and the calculated baseline.”

Embattled Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who was accused and later settled with $62,500 in campaign funds for sexual assault, applauded the proposal, writing, “This legislation would establish the kind of support we need to ensure our state revenues are protected as we continue to implement the important work of diversifying and expanding New Mexico’s economy,” 

She added, “I look forward to working with the senator and all of New Mexico’s delegation to get this proposal across the federal finish line.”

Far-left Democrat Rep. Javier Martínez also applauded the radical anti-energy proposal, writing, “I think what the senator is going to be proposing really provides us with a thoughtful revenue bridge, if you will, as that transition happens.” He added, “What happens to state revenues? What happens to funding for schools, funding for infrastructure? And I think that the senator’s plan really provides us with that alternative.”

“The global energy landscape is undergoing a massive transformation, and states like New Mexico need to be ready,” Heinrich told The New Mexican.

“The Schools and State Budgets Certainty Act will provide a predictable glide path for state, county, and Tribal governments to move away from their current dependence on federal fossil fuel revenues and allow a managed transition to more reliable sources of funding,” he added. “If we make the right choices now and invest in new growth opportunities, we can put New Mexico and our energy veterans who have long worked to power our country in the best possible position to thrive.”

The bill aims to move New Mexico from being “dependent” on oil and gas to be dependent on the federal government, which some critics of the radical proposal have taken issue with.

“This proposal is an admission from Senator Heinrich that the wind and solar power being forced upon New Mexicans won’t be enough to financially sustain our state. Instead of allowing the workers in our energy industry to keep their jobs, this proposal proves Senator Heinrich wants to make New Mexico even more dependent on Washington.  It is pure arrogance for Senator Heinrich and Governor Lujan Grisham to artificially prop up unreliable energy sources while destroying real jobs in New Mexico and then have the audacity to call it a ‘just transition’,” said Larry Behrens of the pro-energy group Power The Future. 

Lujan Grisham and Heinrich have proposed and supported proposals for a complete government takeover of health care, education, and many other sectors, while spending billions on far-out “climate change” proposals such as the Green New Deal that would bankrupt the state and the country. 

Heinrich anti-energy bill will keep New Mexico ‘dependent on Washington’ Read More »

Three NM cities participate in worldwide freedom rallies Saturday

Leave a Comment / Action Alert, New Mexico, News / By

On Saturday, three New Mexico cities will participate in worldwide freedom rallies against stringent lockdowns due to the pandemic. The rallies will be held in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Silver City. Freedom rallies are taking place globally, including Canada, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark, Australia, Lithuania, Ireland, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Norway, according to the organizers.

The rallies are being organized by three groups, including “Free People of the Southwest,” the “New Mexico Freedoms Alliance,” and “New Mexico Stands Up!”  

Sarah Smith of Free People of the Southwest, who is organizing the Las Cruces rally, said, “New Mexico is still under some of the harshest lockdown measures in the country. We have the 5th highest unemployment rate, and our businesses are still failing under unnecessarily strict mandates. The lockdown isn’t working, as evidenced by the fact that New Mexico has a worse COVID death rate than 36 states, including states that are wide open such as Florida and Texas. It is time for New Mexico to end the 14-month lockdown.”

A lawsuit to end the lockdown filed against embattled Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham by New Mexico Stands Up! is currently in process in federal court. Ana Garner, the lead lawyer on the case, said, “The lockdown and other mandates in New Mexico are causing vast harm, are ineffective, and are medically unnecessary. We have overwhelming evidence and testimony to prove it. It also violates the U.S. Constitution, the New Mexico Constitution and all precedent of human rights and civil liberties. We call upon our elected representatives and justices to end this crime against New Mexico now.”

Organizer of the Albuquerque rally, Karen Larré said, “There is no good reason for New Mexico to continue to be as locked down as it is. States around us are all more open than we are, and the numbers just don’t justify it. It’s time to fully reopen New Mexico!”

The rallies will take place at 10:00 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring “General freedom signs, vax, lockdowns, etc.,” according to the New Mexico Freedoms Alliance. In Albuquerque, participants will meet at San Mateo and Central, in Las Cruces, participants will meet at Main and Picacho, and in Silver City, participants will meet at Swan and 180.

For more information, please reach out to the following: Albuquerque naturallyhealthykaren@fastmail.com, Las Cruces concernedfornm@gmail.com, and Silver City johnfoldan@gmail.com.

Three NM cities participate in worldwide freedom rallies Saturday Read More »

CDC says no masks indoors if vaxxed but not in New Mexico… yet

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) updated guidelines on Thursday said it is permissible to “resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart” if one is “fully vaccinated except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”

That might be well and good for states that trust their citizens with freedoms to make choices about their health (such as wearing masks) by themselves, but not in the Land of Enchantment. Despite what the CDC says, according to the state’s latest emergency health orders, per Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Health Secretary Dr.  Tracie Collins, New Mexicans are warned to not leave their homes and to continue wearing masks. 

From the April 28, 2021 health order:

It remains the core purpose of this Order to emphasize that all New Mexicans should be staying in their homes for all but the most essential activities and services. When New Mexicans are not in their homes, they must strictly adhere to social distancing protocols and wear face coverings to minimize risks. These sacrifices are the best contribution that each of us can individually make to protect the health and wellbeing of our fellow citizens and the State as a whole. In accordance with these purposes, this Order and its exceptions should be narrowly construed to encourage New Mexicans to stay in their homes for all but the most essential activities. 

So despite what the CDC says, New Mexicans are still locked down and encouraged by overlords in Santa Fe to wear masks indoors for now. However, the Governor has adopted the CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated New Mexicans not to wear masks outdoors. 

A spokesperson for the Governor’s office previously told KOB 4, “The New Mexico mask mandate remains in place for the protection of the health and safety of all New Mexicans – any new data or recommendations will be reviewed and evaluated by the state, and we’ll keep you informed of any updates.” The Governor’s State Police are still harassing New Mexican businesses in alleged non-compliance with the mask mandates.

CDC says no masks indoors if vaxxed but not in New Mexico… yet Read More »

Perennial candidate Brian Colón running for NM attorney general

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, the Associated Press first reported that Brian Colón, a perennial candidate for just about every office in New Mexico, announced he would be running for New Mexico attorney general after serving one term in elected office as the state auditor.

According to the AP, “Colón sees the campaign as an opportunity to ‘take the next step,’ saying his motivation is rooted in his experience growing up in New Mexico and his desire to serve his community. He recalled the struggle of being poor and having to take on the role of caring for his mother and siblings when his father died at a young age.” 

Colón would be following in the career path of the current attorney general and his former law firm colleague, Hector Balderas, who mysteriously passed up the opportunity to run for the U.S. Senate in 2022, which he was expected to do. Balderas was the state auditor before becoming attorney general. 

After a stint as Democrat Party of New Mexico chair, Colón ran a failed campaign for lieutenant governor in 2010, then ran a failed campaign for Albuquerque mayor, being beat by then-state auditor Tim Keller. 

In the state’s history, the auditor’s office has been used as less of a regulatory agency for accountability than for boosting politicians’ political careers. In recent history, the auditor’s office has been known for corruption, notably with then-auditor Robert E. Vigil (D) and the state treasurer being indicted on 28 counts of extortion, money laundering, and racketeering by a federal jury. 

Other than generalities about promoting “prosperous” and “safe” communities, it is unknown what platform Colón plans on running on. Another candidate, Albuquerque-area district attorney Raúl Torrez is also a possible contender for the position.

According to the New Mexico Secretary of State, Colón has $366,738.19 cash on hand, which gives him a leg up in fundraising over other candidates. Republicans have held the attorney general’s office three times in the state’s history. Still, if the GOP fields a viable candidate in 2022, the race could very well swing to the Republican column due to it being a midterm with a Democrat sitting in the White House.

Perennial candidate Brian Colón running for NM attorney general Read More »

‘Illegal terrorist settlers’: Antisemites rallying in ABQ against Israel

1 Comment / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, May 15, Antisemitic pro-Palestinian groups are holding rallies against Israel across the country, including in Albuquerque where a “Nakba (catastrophe): Emergency March and Rally” is being held. The rally comes after Hamas terrorists in Palestine shot thousands of rockets at Israel over the past few days. Most of them have been intercepted by Israel’s missile defense system dubbed the “Iron Dome.”

The group apparently organizing the Antisemitic event is the “ANSWERS Coalition,” which has defended Hamas, the Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist terrorist group in the past. 

The march and rally are supposed to take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday with a car caravan starting at Walgreens on Central and San Mateo to the main event, which is being held at Tiguex Park, according to the Facebook event organized by “Southwest Coalition for Palestine.”

In one advertisement for the event by one organizer who proudly has “#AbolishThePolice” in his Twitter biography, the individual is asking people to bring Palestinian flags and wear “keffiyeh” scarves, which according to the Jerusalem Post, a pro-Israel publication, “stirs the same emotions in today’s Jews that the swastika must have done to those in Hitler’s Europe.

In the Facebook event, the organizers dub Jewish people as “illegal terrorist settlers” and allege that the Israel Defense Forces have targeted “Palestinian homes.” The group aims to force Congress to pass Rep. Bett McCollum’s (D-NM) bill to cripple aid to Israel based on supposed abuses against the Palestinian regime. 

Previously, Antisemitic pro-Palestinian supporters have rallied in Albuquerque, notably in July 2020 with an event co-sponsored by the anti-Hispanic hate group “The Red Nation” and “Al-Awda,” whose founder compares Jews with Nazis and is a supporter of the Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah. 

At the 2020 rally, a handful of people in the caravan of cars held anti-Israel signs, with some shouting out of their cars things such as, “Look at the Nazis! F**k you!” 

The event happening on Saturday in Albuquerque is using phraseology such as “imperialism” and “Zionist extremism” to characterize Israel, which is a longtime close ally of the United States important to America’s Judeo-Christian foundations. 

The news of the event comes just days after a University of New Mexico student was allegedly attacked for speaking Hebrew and left with a black eye and apparent other abrasions on his face.

‘Illegal terrorist settlers’: Antisemites rallying in ABQ against Israel Read More »

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