GRIT Newsletter: December 2025

PDF Link: Click Here to View PDF Issue

The December GRIT began with the customary SHHA board president’s message which featured an update on the PNM routing of high-voltage transmission lines along Tramway Boulevard noting that there had been several productive meetings with PNM representatives, there would be  a December 3 meeting with the BernCo planning commission.   He also noted that the ACC (Architectural Control Committee) always invites adjacent homeowners to review and comment on any new home construction.  He asked that residents take advantage of this process and that the ACC members are volunteer residents who are committed to ensuring that the best interests of the residents are served.  He also urged everyone to maintain courtesy with the office staff.  

The GRIT editor wrote again a call for an editor of the GRIT, noting that there has been no success as of the writing of the article.  The editor noted that after this issue, The GRIT will be published online only, but all avenues will be explored.  The job of the editor was outlined and it was noted that since 1979 The GRIT has depended on resident volunteer editors 

Stan Davis, Chair of the Covenant Support Committee,  wrote an article on the types of setbacks starting out by noting that there are two main types of setbacks in Sandia Heights: a zoning setback defining how close to inside the property boundary a structure can be built; and the right-of-way ( ROW) which is the area between the edge of the public county road and the private property line.   The setback together with the road form the ROW, which is Bernalillo County property.   Maintenance of landscaping and trash removal in the ROW is the adjacent property owners responsibility as well as maintaining unobstructed vision for traffic safety.  Dumping trash or green waste into the ROW is illegal.   Several diagrammatic photographs of examples were included to illustrate examples of the types of setbacks in Sandia Heights.  He concluded with the caveat that when in doubt call the county. 

Elizabeth Edgren, Communications and Publications Committee member, wrote about the “Little Green Bucket” as a follow-up to the extensive composting article in the last issue.  She cited her personal experience with the convenience of the system which is provided by Albuquerque’s only residential curbside pickup service. 

Burt O’Neill authored an article, “The Evolution of the Sandia Peak Ski Area: An Historical and Personal Perspective, (1975 to present)” which featured his family’s use and experiences on the Sandia Ski area.   He noted that it was established by Robert Nordhaus in 1936 as the La Madera Ski Area and was purchased in 1958 by Ben Abruzzo.  The lift tickets at the time were $3.50 per day with season passes priced at $25.   The name was changed in 1975 to the Sandia Peak Ski Area.   He recounted his ski adventure with Ben Abruzzo and Robert Nordhaus in 1973.   He reviewed the expansion of the club through the ensuing years and his children’s use of the facilities along with the children of Ben during their years on the University of New Mexico Ski team as successful winning members.  The article included vintage photos of Burt O’Neill and his family; and Ann List and her family on the slopes in 1975 

The Architectural Control Committee (ACC)submitted an article “Please Protect our Dark Skies” cautioning those who want to install string-lights or “bistro lights”.   These lights can run counter to the intent of the Sandia Heights covenants whose goal is to protect the dark skies.   It was noted that all Sandia Heights covenants have language concerning exterior lighting and the impact on neighbors.  The article concluded that if in doubt to reach out the the ACC. 

An article by the Sandia Heights Artists (SHA) president-elect, Claudia Mitchell, announced that a new exhibit of art is now at the Sandia Heights office.  The collection featured the work of SHA artists: Lynda Burch, Evelyn Carter, Denise D’Angelantonio, Stan Davis, Charlotte Driver, and Rebecca Whitecotton.  All pieces are for sale via contact with the artist.  

Gerard Del Monte, resident, wrote an article “No-no to BB’s” using the holiday film, A Christmas Story, to illustrate the dangers of shooting a BB gun in Sandia Heights as occurred recently with a resident’s bedroom window.  The police investigation determined that the window was shattered by a BB or pellet.  The article cited Bernalillo County’s ordinances that prohibit the discharge of any firearm within county limits unless within prescribed controlled lawful circumstances.  Other regulations cited to be considered include not using a BB or pellet gun in a way that dangers others such as near public areas like parks and schools.  In short, general firearm safety rules should always be followed.  

The Environmental and Safety Committee noted a good turnout of twenty volunteers including members of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque for another regular trash pick-up along Tramway October 25.  Twenty-two bags of trash were collected.  

Another article on speeding on our roads was written by The GRIT editor with input from the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association Board, “Meditations on Sharing our Scenic Roads—Avoiding a Tragedy.” It was noted that the very first issue of The GRIT available in our online archive dated May 6, 1979, had an admonition to drive more slowly and look out for kids to “avoid a tragedy”. It was noted that several recent incidents had been reported to the editor by the SHHA Board of Directors including speeding on electric bicycles, motorized skateboards, taking curves while looking at their cellphone, pedestrians engrossed on cellphones and a child running a stop sign in a golf cart.  Board member, Larry Layne, contributed his concerns and admonishments about speeding and the possible consequences.   The article concluded with the observation by another board member about encountering many folks who are following the rules.  

The issue concluded with an article by Claudia Mitchell, The GRIT Editor, “Winter Beauty Along our Roads”.  The article pointed out the unique beauty of our native grasses in winter featuring natural history information about blue grama, the state grass of New Mexico.  

The final page of this issue featured two photos of the rare aurora borealis appearance November 11, 2025 by Susan McCasland and Gerard Del Monte.