SHHA statement regarding Sandia Land transfer
Dear Fellow Sandia Heights Residents,
Wednesday night, the SHHA Board took a step toward addressing the 2026 land transfer proposed by the Pueblo of Sandia. If you have not read about this proposal: in a nutshell, the Pueblo is requesting the transfer of almost 10,000 acres of the US Forest and Wilderness land in the northeast Sandias into trust "for the benefit of the Tribe." This could have serious consequences for Sandia Heights, as well as for the public. Much more information about the proposed transfer can be found on the SHHA website.
Since 71.1% of our membership voted to oppose this proposal (with 16.2% needing more information), the Board has decided to represent our community by distributing a statement, which was approved overwhelmingly, with one abstention. The Board also appointed a Special Committee to represent the SHHA in this matter – it will be meeting with legislators and legislative staff, as well as sending statements and letters to various publications. Taking a position on the land transfer is of some urgency since Melanie Stansbury has not yet introduced this measure in Congress. The sooner the growing opposition coalesces, the less likely she is to do so. We will post updates and the Special Committee members' names on the Sandia land transfer page of the SHHA website as soon as the Board has formally appointed them.
Meanwhile, if you have ideas about the land transfer that you'd like to discuss, please contact Cathy Yandell, CSMCChair@sandiahomeowners.org.
The SHHA Board of Directors
Latest Update on PNM Appeal with NM Second Judicial Court
Latest Update on PNM Appeal with NM Second Judicial Court
We were notified today that PNM has requested a 45-day extension to file their Statement of Appellate Issues due to their law firm having a virus problem. We anticipate the judge will approve.We anticipate the PNM Statement of Appellate to be filed sometime toward the end of September.
Website for Information
At the following link you will find updates and information regarding the PNM efforts to install a 66 MVA substation on Paseo del Norte between Lowell and Browning, and the associated 115 kV lines to feed that substation down Tramway Blvd https://www.sandiahomeowners.org/stop-pnm-towers
Continuing to Conserve
We continue to encourage Sandia Heights residents to conserve power during peak hours (4 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) through the current heat wave by raising your thermostat a few degrees, delaying heavy appliance use until after 9 p.m. and turning off unnecessary lights.
SHHA PNM Special Task Group
Bear Activity Reminder - Help Keep Bears Wild
Bear Activity Reminder - Help Keep Bears Wild
Black bears have been regularly visiting Sandia Heights since mid-May, with most activity occurring overnight as they search for food. Unfortunately, unsecured garbage continues to be the primary attraction, as evidenced by the number of trash containers being overturned daily.
A mother bear with two cubs has been seen repeatedly in the neighborhood. Mother bears are naturally protective of their young, and a recent encounter resulted in a dog being injured after approaching the bears. Please use extra caution before letting children or pets outside, especially early in the morning or after dark, and always give bears plenty of space.
The best way to reduce bear activity is to eliminate all food sources. Keep garbage securely stored until the morning of collection whenever possible. If you must put your container out the night before, secure it using straps as shown in the attached videos. Please also remove bird feeders and avoid leaving pet food or other attractants outdoors.
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife advises that bears generally cannot be removed simply because they are present in a neighborhood. Intervention typically occurs only if bears become threatening, damage property, or repeatedly harass people or animals. By then, the outcome for the bear may be euthanasia.
The good news is that this is something we can prevent. Bears that repeatedly find food around homes become increasingly bold and are more likely to return. Removing food sources is the most effective way to discourage bears from staying in our neighborhood, reduce the risk of dangerous encounters, and help ensure they remain wild rather than becoming bears that wildlife officials must remove to protect public safety.
Thank you for helping protect both our community and New Mexico's wildlife.
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Several communities use a ratchet strap as a temporary "bear strap" to keep the lid closed until collection. Sandia Heights Services has told us they are willing to remove the strap during pickup.
These videos demonstrate two examples:
- City of Prince George Canada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0S-oAz3TOA
Alaska Fish and Game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnnwkL7T5Y (Utilize bin lip)
October GRIT Ready for Viewing
October GRIT – Explore the Latest Issue
What You’ll Find Inside:
The October GRIT is here!
This month, read about the issues shaping Sandia Heights, including the proposed Sandia Pueblo land transfer, an essay by archaeologist and anthropologist Michelle Hegmon examining the proposal and its history, and the latest on the PNM appeal.
Coming up in October:
SHHA Board Happy Hour
Thursday, October 15 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Homestead Café
Help Clean Up Tramway Boulevard!
Saturday, October 17 | 8:30 AM
Tramway Boulevard
In this issue, we also look back at the Ice Cream Social and Neighborhood Afternoon Out, meet the people behind our new neighbors at La Luz Veterinary Care, introduce a new Neighbor-to-Neighbor Assistance Network, and put out the call for volunteer science fair judges at our local schools.
Interested in Helping Shape the Future of Sandia Heights?
Interested in Helping Shape the Future of Sandia Heights?
SHHA is hosting an informal Happy Hour with the current Directors for residents who might be interested in serving on the Board—or who simply want to learn more about what being a Director involves.
Thursday, October 15 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Homestead Café
Light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine
First drink is on us!
This is an especially important time for Sandia Heights. Our community is facing several significant issues that could affect us for years to come, including the proposed Sandia Pueblo land transfer, the PNM transmission line and tower project, and wildfire preparedness.
We have a dedicated Board, but the team is small and the issues are big. We need residents willing to bring their experience, ideas, and energy to the table.
Come have a drink, meet some Directors, hear what the Board actually does, and ask questions. No commitment and no pressure—just an opportunity to find out whether serving as a Director might be something you'd consider.
Interested? Please let us know if you plan to join us. Reserve your spot here.
Help us build the team Sandia Heights needs for the challenges ahead.
Reminder: SHHA Ice Cream Social – September 27
🍦 REMINDER: SHHA Ice Cream Social!
Please join us for the 4th Annual Neighborhood Afternoon Out Ice Cream Social!
Sunday, September 27 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
W.L. Jackson Park
Tramway Blvd & Cedar Hill Rd
Come meet your neighbors and build your own ice cream sundae!
🍦 Ice cream served by SHHA Board members
🎨 Face painting and games for the kids
🚒 Meet our guests from Sandia Heights Services Security, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fire Department
📋 Explore information tables from several local groups
Bring the family and join us for a fun afternoon in the neighborhood!
Sponsored by the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association and Greg Lobberegt, Realtor.
Heavy Rain Expected - Use Caution Through Friday
Heavy Rain Expected — Use Caution Through Friday
Bernalillo County is advising residents to use caution as significant monsoon rainfall is expected through Friday, September 25, with the heaviest rain anticipated today, Wednesday, September 23.
While Sandia Heights was not specifically identified as a flood-prone area in the County advisory, heavy thunderstorms can produce localized flooding and rapidly changing road conditions. Residents traveling throughout Albuquerque and Bernalillo County should be especially cautious around low-lying areas, arroyos, and roads where water is flowing or accumulating.
The County reports expected storm totals of approximately 1.5–2 inches in the Metro area and 2.5–3 inches in the East Mountains, with locally higher amounts possible during thunderstorms.
Please do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways or flowing water.
Please use caution over the next several days and stay safe.
SHHA Ice Cream Social on Sunday, September 27
SHHA Ice Cream Social 🍦
Please join us for the 4th Annual Neighborhood Afternoon Out Ice Cream Social
Sunday, September 27,1:00-3:00 pm, W.L. Jackson Park (Tramway Blvd & Cedar Hill Rd)
Meet your neighbors – Build your own ice cream sundae!
Our Sandia Heights board members will serve up the ice cream ('til it’s all gone)
Face painting and games for the kids!
Sandia Heights Services Security, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Dept, and the Fire Department will be our guests, and you're welcome to explore information tables sponsored by several local groups.
* Sponsored by the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association and Greg Lobberegt, Realtor *