New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

It was one of the stand-out shows of 2021. Reservation Dogs gives a unique, sometimes comedic and sometimes poignant glimpse inside the lives of a group of Native American teenagers. Correspondent Laura Paskus explores what makes the show so unique, including the musical score. She talks to composer Mato Wayahi about his involvement and process.

And, on this Thanksgiving weekend we offer our appreciation to one of Albuquerque’s living treasures, the Bosque. This Emmy-nominated Our Land piece is a visual celebration of one of the country’s most unique and diverse public spaces.

Lastly, we look at the importance of shopping local, especially this year, as business owners look to recover from a really tough two years due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

November is a month dedicated to the contributions of Native Americans. Stereotypes, myths and misunderstanding of Tribes are still very much part of public perception, however. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with some members of the Native Community about how we can all celebrate Native people without promoting stereotypes or appropriating their culture.

Environment Correspondent Laura Paskus talks to New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney about some interesting new developments regarding PFAS chemicals. These are a family of toxic substances that have been tied to the use of firefighting foams at a handful of military installations, including Cannon and Holloman Air Force Bases. The EPA recently declared four of those chemicals as hazardous waste, at the request of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Sec. Kenney talks about how that development may have impacts far beyond New Mexico.

Correspondents:

Antonia Gonzales

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Josh Arce, Partnership With Native Americans

Dorie Panganiban, LaVida Mission

James Kenney, New Mexico Environment Department Secretary

The New Mexico Legislature is expected to begin a Special Session in just a couple of weeks to the next steps in the state's new Redistricting process. The newly formed Citizen Redistricting Commission has approved a series of new election maps for those lawmakers to consider. But will they take those suggestions as is, or make their own changes to those maps? And will the entire process prove that Redistricting can be done in an non-partisan manner? Show host Gene Grant talks with Dick Mason of the League of Women Voters and Kathleen Burke with Fair Districts New Mexico for more background and analysis. 

The Line Panel addresses a series of recent departures from Governor Lujan Grisham’s Administration, including State Engineer John D’Antonio. What his resignation could mean for state infrastructure just as New Mexico receives $3.7B in new infrastructure funding from the federal government. Is newly-appointed infrastructure advisor Marty Chavez the right man to handle the new funds?

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes

Guests:

Dick Mason, League of Women Voters

Kathleen Burke, Fair Districts New Mexico 

For More Information:

New Mexico Governor Appoints New Infrastructure Advisors – Associated Press

NM’s Top Water Official Resigns – Santa Few New Mexican

New Mexico Poised to Receive $3.7B Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill – Santa Few New Mexican

Highlights from the hours-long public forum on the proposed changes to the state’s social studies curriculum. Parents, teachers, activists and community members share their thoughts and concerns on the guiding principles used in the process, as well as the standards themselves. Host Gene Grant speaks with Jaqueline Costales of the Public Education Department about the proposed changes to the state’s social studies curriculum. Costales shares why changes are necessary in the first place, the process behind creating the new standards and addresses concerns parents and others have had about the new content.

The Line Opinion Panel dives into the debate over the state’s new proposed social studies standards. Panelists react to a breakdown of the standards from the Public Education Department, as well as public comment during a more-than 5-hour forum. Is there really as much opposition as some political forces would have you believe? Plus, the impact of the Yazzie-Martinez Lawsuit on these new standards.

The Line Panel also address the rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across New Mexico. Panelists weigh the merits of another mask-mandate extension and the growing number of children contracting the virus. Plus, how will a state Supreme Court ruling play into the use of billions of federal COVID relief dollars?

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes

Guests:

Jacqueline Costales, curriculum and instruction division director, New Mexico Department of Education

Julia Bernal (Sandia Pueblo, Yuchi-Creek Nation), executive director, Pueblo Action Alliance

More Information:

PED Social Studies Standards – PED Website

Full Public Forum on Social Studies Standards - Youtube

PED Hears Public Input on Proposed Changes - Santa Fe New Mexican

Trying to Understand the Fear of Critical Race Theory – New Mexico In Depth

Critical Race Theory Will Not Be Included in New Social Studies Standards - KRQE

Pueblo Action Alliance – Group Website

Protect Greater Chaco – Julia Bernal

New Mexico Department of Health - Health Department Website

Governor Pushes for More Vaccinations, Boosters - KRQE

New Mexico State Officials Give COVID-19 Update - Department of Health Facebook

COVID-19 Break through Cases Rising – Santa Fe Reporter

The FDA and CDC have both approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. How will the rollout look here in New Mexico? The Line panel addresses the decisions ahead for parents, what this could mean for masking mandates and the potential impact on the push to get older New Mexicans booster shots.

In 2017, the Our Land team visited the Petrie family in the East Mountains. Their well had run dry, and they weren’t the only ones experiencing that problem. At that time, we also met with Phillip Rust, a hydrogeologist with Bernalillo County, who was tracking dropping groundwater levels across that region. Today, many places in New Mexico – including the East Mountains – are seeing a housing boom. More and more people want to move here. But wells are still drying. And groundwater levels, dropping. This week on New Mexico in Focus, environment reporter Laura Paskus checks back in with Phillip Rust to learn more.

At the end of October, University of New Mexico students with UNM LEAF (Leaders for Environmental Action and Foresight) filed a complaint with New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas. They’re asking Balderas to investigate if the UNM Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization, is violating state law by continuing to invest in fossil fuels, knowing that the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate change.

The divestment movement is larger than just at UNM. Harvard University, The University of California, Cornell and Brown universities are among the high-profile colleges and universities to agree to divest their endowments from fossil fuels.

Last Friday, students also held a rally and protest, marching to the offices of UNM President Garnett Stokes, calling for divestment and serious action on climate change.

Statement from UNM President Garnett S. Stokes:

“Like many universities, we know that we must be more ambitious as climate action leaders, which includes reducing our own climate impacts. Climate action is a significant part of our UNM 2040 planning, which will be reflected in broad institutional priorities that result in meaningful and visible change. We appreciate the commitment of our student and community activists voicing their desire to see the UNM Foundation immediately divest from fossil fuels. I agree that we need a long-term comprehensive plan that would examine other strategies such as negative screening (no new investments in fossil-fuel-related industries) and positive screening (investment in renewable energy and ecologically sustainable industries). Climate action is the priority, and specific tactics and actions that support that priority need to be incorporated into long-term strategy, rather than standing alone.”

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dan Foley, former House Minority Whip

Michael Bird, former President, American Public Health Association

Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican

Guests:

Phillip Rust, hydrogeologist, Bernalillo County

Emily Phan, UNM Student

Paula Noriega, UNM Student

Sofia Jenkins-Nieto, UNM LEAF (Leaders for Environmental Action and Foresight)

Raven Alcott, Pueblo of San Ildefonso, UNM student

The Line panel digs into Tuesday’s election results in races around the state. Both Albuquerque and Santa Fe re-elected their progressive, incumbent mayors. How will Mayor Keller navigate a second term in Albuquerque with a more conservative city council? And what was the key for Alan Webber in Santa Fe as he sailed to a clear victory? The panel also digs into the decisive decision on a publicly funded soccer stadium in Albuquerque and what’s next for New Mexico United.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and First Lady Elizabeth Kistin chat with Gene Grant about the election cycle and his priorities for the city headed into his second term.

After a decision to ban guns at the New Mexico State Capitol, our Line panel discusses the implications, both from safety and political perspectives. The panel considers the issue of intimidation, and the impact this could have on the Governor if she’s politically linked to the decision.

Native culture was in the international spotlight this week when Google published a New Mexican woman’s tribute to revered Zuni potter and fiber artist. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales speaks with Zuni Pueblo Artist Mallery Quetawki about her piece and the significance of Google’s interest in Native representation.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dan Foley, former House Minority Whip

Michael Bird, former President, American Public Health Association

Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican

Guests:

Mallery Quetawki, Zuni Pueblo Artist

Tim Keller, Albuquerque Mayor

Elizabeth J. Kistin, Albuquerque First Lady

New Mexicans are facing some potentially big changes when it comes to the state’s electrical utility, thanks to a proposed merger between PNM Resources and Avangrid, the U.S. subsidiary of a Spanish power company, Iberdrola.

If the merger goes through, Avangrid would buy PNM Resources, which includes Public Service Company of New Mexico and Texas-New Mexico Power. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican: “The proposed merger is an $8.3 billion deal with a total of $4.3 billion going to shareholders and Avangrid paying off $4 billion in PNM debt.”

How the merger might play out in New Mexico—and what the consequences might be—remains to be seen. But the company has been operating in Maine for more than a decade, and not without controversy. Environment reporter Laura Paskus talks with Bangor Daily News reporter Caitlin Andrews to learn more about Avangrid and Central Maine Power.

The Line Opinion Panel reacts to a push at the Capitol to allow retired police officers back on the force, while still collecting pension benefits. Our panelists share their concerns with such a plan, like the potential impact on younger officers. Plus, what impact possible incentives could have to make this a feasible solution to help departments struggling to fill open positions.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of NM

Eric Griego, former state senator

Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group

Guests:

Caitlin Andrews, reporter, Bangor Daily News

John Waconda, Indigenous Partnerships Program Director, Nature Conservancy

Days away from the upcoming election, our Line Opinion Panel discusses the mayoral races in the state’s two largest cities. What role is fundraising playing in both races? Plus, they react to a recent poll from the Albuquerque Journal showing a majority of residents opposed to the bond proposal to build a soccer stadium. How did this become such a polarizing issue?

A group of interested individuals offer their best pitches for and against the Downtown Albuquerque Multi-Use stadium proposal, which is also on the ballot next Tuesday. 

And, one week after the deadly, accidental shooting on the set of the film “Rust,” members of our Line Opinion Panel share their thoughts on the tragedy. How did it happen, what should change to make sure it never happens again, and will this have a negative impact on the future of filmmaking in New Mexico?

Line Opinion Panelists:

Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of NM

Eric Griego, former state senator

Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group

Guests:

Cindy Nava, NM United For All Consultant

Ramona Malczynski, Stop the Stadium

Brook Bassan, Albuquerque City Councilor (District 4)

Cynthia Borrego, Albuquerque City Council President (District 5)

Sherri Burr, UNM Law School Professor Emerita

In his latest book, “The Trail to Kanjiroba: Rediscovering Earth in an Age of Loss,” New Mexico author William deBuys chronicles his travels in Nepal, where he joined extended medical expeditions. Along the way, he reflects on the landscapes and cultures of northern New Mexico, where he has lived for four decades, and considers the ways in which caring for the Earth—rather than trying to save it—will better serve a planet in crisis. “The Trail to Kanjiroba” is the third in a trilogy, following “A Great Aridness” (2011) and “The Last Unicorn” (2015), and in it, deBuys also grapples with concepts of EarthCare and what it means to have hope for the future. Here, he talks about his travels and hopes with correspondent Laura Paskus.

Bernalillo County Clerk joins host Gene Grant to discuss the upcoming municipal elections. A big thing for voters to consider... even though the state has moved to same day voter registration, that won't be available for those voting on election day, November 2nd. Clerk Stover explains why that is. 

And, the Growing Forward podcast team learns about the environmental impacts of growing cannabis, especially indoors. Scientists at Colorado State University have been studying the carbon footprint of indoor cannabis grows. They share their findings in a recent Facebook Live discussion. 

The Citizen Redistricting Committee has wrapped up its work and the focus now shifts to the state legislature. The Committee approved a series of maps for lawmakers to consider on how to redraw election districts for the next ten years. That decision will likely happen sometime in December. Much of the conversation among the Redistricting Committee focused on communities of interest and how the new maps should represent those communities. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland sits down with representatives from the Native American and Black communities to get their reactions to the work of the Committee and what happens next.

The Line opinion panel also discusses the recent work of New Mexico’s Independent Redistricting Committee. The group has endorsed new maps to send to the state legislature for final approval, but with no obligation attached, will lawmakers give full consideration to the suggestions or simply go their own way? Our panelists give their take and weigh in on the possibility of an Albuquerque neighborhood joining the state’s southern congressional district.

Residents in two downtown Albuquerque neighborhoods share their thoughts on the possibility of a new soccer stadium coming into their area. They tell us their concerns, their frustrations with the process and the possibilities the project could bring new dialogue with the city. The Line opinion panel also talks about the Bond Proposal to build a new soccer stadium in the city of Albuquerque. Panelists discuss the apprehensions of residents, the potential benefits for the city’s downtown area and the breaking news that there are inaccuracies in the actual ballot wording.

The Line opinion panel shares legal perspective on the Governor’s power to unilaterally allocate federal COVID-19 relief funds. The state Treasurer says the Governor must consult the Legislature, but the Governor’s Office says legal precedent is on its side. A related case is headed to the courts in just a matter of day, but how will it be decided, and what will the lasting impacts of that decision be?

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Dan Foley, former NM House minority whip

Serge Martinez, UNM Law School

Guests:

Keegan King, All Pueblo Council of Governors’ ad hoc redistricting committee

Mason Graham, New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative

Anna Lee Besaulniers, stop the stadium campaign organizer

Frances Armijo, President, South Broadway Neighborhood Association

Lisa Padilla, President, Barelas Neighborhood Association