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.
-----------------------------------------------------
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)
Taco & Margarita Fiesta – Arrival Schedule
Taco & Margarita Fiesta – Arrival Schedule
Dear Fiesta-Goers,
What a great problem to have - so many of you have signed up for the SHHA-sponsored Taco & Margarita Fiesta on Saturday, August 1!
The good news is that everyone will fit at the Homestead Café. However, the owner, Jory Rosen, has asked us to stagger arrivals so the food stays fresh and the bar and waitstaff are not overwhelmed. To help make the evening run smoothly, we've divided guests into three suggested arrival groups. You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like.
Arrival schedule:
- Last names A – G: 5:00 p.m.
- Last names H – O: 5:45–6:00 p.m.
- Last names P – Z: 6:45–7:00 p.m.
If you need to arrive earlier or later than your assigned time, please feel free to join a different group. These suggested arrival times are simply to help ensure fresher food, shorter waits at the bar, and a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Community Service & Membership Committee
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association (SHHA)
Postponed Wildfire Preparedness Workshop on Vent Protection
Wildfire Preparedness Workshop on Vent Protection Postponed
Questions regarding building codes, safety considerations, and best practices have recently been brought to our attention and require additional research. While we regret the postponement, the Environment & Safety Committee is committed to providing homeowners with information that is accurate, current, and consistent with applicable codes and wildfire preparedness recommendations.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to rescheduling the workshop once this review is complete. A new date will be announced as soon as it is available.
Wildfire Event workshop July 15, 2026
SHHA Wildfire Vent Workshop Alert: Register Now for Wednesday, July 15, at 7:30-9:00 pm
SHHA Workshop: Learn How Protect Your House Vents to Deter Wildfire Embers
Wednesday, July 15 • 7:30–9:00 PM
Church of the Good Shepherd
Vent protection is one of two things we as homeowners can do to substantially reduce our risk of a wildfire destroying our home.
Wildfire embers blown through unprotected exterior vents into crawl spaces, attics and garages is the most likely way a home would be damaged or lost.
The SHHA Environment & Safety Committee invites you to join us to learn how to fabricate and install ember-resistant vent covers to help protect your home from wildfire. This workshop will feature covering passive air exchange vents including:
- overview of the theory
- displays of materials and tools needed
- demos on how you can create flat and bonnet covers for your air exchange vents
Also receive a full-color Vent Picture Guide that describes which vents to cover and which vents homeowners should never cover, plus material and supplies lists.
Free, but pre-registration is required using the link below:
Important Update: PNM Alert and SHHA Response
SHHA Update Regarding PNM Substation Project
Dear Neighbor,
You may have received or may receive the following notice:
PNM Alert: Periods of extreme heat and high electricity demand may affect the electric system serving far Northeast Albuquerque. If needed, we’ll ask customers to voluntarily reduce energy use between 4–9 p.m. to help support grid reliability. For more information, including outage preparedness resources, visit PNM.com/ProtectTheGrid
SHHA Special Task Group Continued Efforts
The SHHA opposed the PNM substation project not because a new substation is not needed, but because as a result of PNM’s poor planning and a deeply flawed site selection process, PNM proposed to build the substation in the middle of a residential neighborhood. PNM ignored the many available and suitable commercial sites in the area. The County Commission agreed that PNM’s selected site was not substantiated by the data, and PNM is appealing this decision in the Second Judicial District Court. We are not experts in power transmission. Additionally, PNM has not made available the power demand and load data, so we cannot evaluate PNM’s claim that the lack of a substation is causing a critical, immediate need. We do note that even if the substation had been approved by Bernalillo County last month, construction would have taken many months or years, and we would be in the same predicament this summer. We have and will continue to work with PNM to identify an appropriate location for a new substation to accommodate local energy distribution needs. But we do not think it is fair or appropriate for PNM to blame its failure to plan for infrastructure on residents who are trying to preserve their neighborhoods.
How You May Help
Nevertheless, we encourage residents to conserve power during the current heatwave, especially during peak hours, to avoid or minimize brownouts.
Thank you for your continued support,
The SHHA PNM Special Task Group
Updated RSVP link for: Taco and Margarita Summer Fiesta
Sandia Heights Neighborhood Taco & Margarita Summer Fiesta
Sandia Heights residents join us for a TACO AND MARGARITA SUMMER FIESTA!!! (Updated RSVP link below)
Connect with old friends and meet new ones - all are welcome. Tacos (veggie, chicken, and beef) will be provided by SHHA, and discounted drinks will be available for purchase.
Saturday, August 1st at 5 p.m.
The Homestead Cafe
40 Tramway Road (at the base of the tram)
RSVP link: https://forms.gle/baBMCq3k5E3wLbgr6
July GRIT Ready for Viewing
July GRIT 2026 Ready for Viewing
What’s Inside This Issue:
Wildfire preparedness takes center stage in this month's GRIT, with practical home hardening tips, a reminder about New Mexico's fireworks restrictions, and details about an upcoming hands-on vent cover workshop. You'll also find updates on the proposed PNM substation appeal, guidance for hosting gatherings while keeping neighborhood roads safe, and a message from the SHHA President celebrating America's 250th birthday.
Also in this month's GRIT: Board updates, understanding Dark Skies in Sandia Heights, a new summer art exhibit at the SHHA office, upcoming community events, the Caption Contest, Kids Corner, a refreshing Eastern European Fruit Drink "Kompot" recipe, ACC updates, and more.
Fourth of July 2026
With the Fourth of July approaching, we want to remind everyone that all fireworks are currently prohibited in Sandia Heights under the statewide fire restrictions issued by the New Mexico State Forester.
Due to extreme drought and wildfire conditions, the State Forester's order prohibits the use of fireworks on lands subject to the statewide restrictions until the order is lifted. In addition, Bernalillo County has enacted an open burning ban for the unincorporated county because of the high wildfire risk.
Sandia Heights is particularly vulnerable to wildfire. A single spark can ignite dry grasses, juniper, and other vegetation, threatening homes, wildlife, and our entire community.
We ask all residents and visitors to:
- Do not use any fireworks in Sandia Heights.
- Celebrate the holiday by attending a professionally managed public fireworks display instead.
- Report any wildfire or illegal fire activity immediately by calling 911.
Thank you for helping protect our neighbors, first responders, and the unique environment we all share.
Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association