A beautiful area without a known name

Editor:

The reason I am writing is because I am seeking information regarding a particular area in the east llano, just east of the UNM Valencia Campus.

My teenage son and I were riding our bikes in this area last summer when we came across a desert oasis, an area with large cottonwood shade trees and both flowing and sitting water. Upon riding up to this area, we first recognized a familiar smell — the scent of our Rio Grande. But, we were in the desert, miles from the Rio Grande.

Finally, we came upon what we now affectionately refer to as “our swamp.” This area seems to have two large boulders at each end of the trail, which bear the markings of what appear to have been plaques, likely indicating the name and, hopefully, history of the area. We have looked throughout the area but have been unable to locate the plaques.

We have also done local research as well as internet searches in our attempts to learn about this areas history. We haven’t been able to find much other than the name of the area and the nearby road, La Canada de la Loma de Arena and South Rio del Oro Loop, respectively. The translation of these names made the area even more interesting to us.

We’ve made attempts to identify local experts and request their assistance. Unfortunately, the only response we got in return was the result of a Google search, “La Canada de la Loma de Arena is a river in New Mexico.”

With all that being said, we are hoping that your geology expert, Paul Parmentier, may share our excitement and share a piece in the feature “The llanos in Valencia County.”

 

Katie Sizemore

Los Lunas

 

Kudos to Noblin

Editor:

I would like to thank (Belen) Mayor Robert Noblin for his transparency in the selection process of Belen’s new city councilor.

It was so encouraging, as a citizen, to be able to watch the entire process and to hear the candidates answer the questions the current city councilors asked them. This level of transparency is refreshing, encouraging and invigorating and makes me excited to see other ways citizens can be more involved in our city government.

It was impressive to see the level of abilities and experience the candidates brought to the process and to know there are so many talented people ready and willing to serve the citizens of Belen.

Kudos to Mayor Noblin and congratulations to Belen City Councilor (Tracy) Armijo. May God bless your efforts on behalf of Belen.

 

Maggy Fitzgerald

Belen

 

Not a good process

Editor:

I watched (online) the debacle of what was supposed to be the transparent choosing of a new city councilor in Belen.

I have to say that I do not live in Belen, and I can’t vote for anyone on the city council or the mayor. But what they do affects me, my family, my community and the surrounding areas.

Mayor Robert Noblin said even before he asked people to submit letters of interest for the position that he wanted a diverse council; he wanted a woman.

Diversity is great and we should all embrace it, but gender shouldn’t be the main reason to appoint someone to such an important seat. I do not know Tracy Armijo, and from what I heard from her at the meeting, she will probably do fine, but so would most of the other candidates that spoke.

Public service is something only a few could or should do. It’s not for everyone. The people who did submit their names for consideration should be acknowledged and thanked for their interest in such an important role.

However, the mayor had a duty to nominate the person who he thinks would best serve the city. It seems to me his nominee was chosen way before this meeting and before they all had to stand up in public and before the council to beg for the job. This didn’t have to happen.

Mayor Noblin should have done this interview process himself and then present his nominee to the council. He was wrong that none of the candidates would get a unanimous vote, so he was probably wrong about the new process.

 

 

Charles Garcia

Los Chavez

 

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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.