Official Traditional Chile Cook-off Rules

1st Annual NM Traditional Chile Summit


Categories
Traditional Red Chile
Traditional Green Chile
Most Unusual Chile Dish


1. ONLY Traditional Chile may be used in any submission to the cook-off.

2. Submission must be made by 11:30 a.m. on January 7th, 2012, at the Oñate Center - submit to Registration Table to receive further direction.

3. A person may enter any and all categories - each will be judged separately.

4. A company may enter any and all categories- each will be judged separately.

5. A company may not sponsor the summit and enter the cook-off simultaneously.

6. Each submitted dish must have at least 60 "taste" servings. "Taste" servings will be provided to each Summit participant. "Taste" servings may be up to 1 Tbsps. each; totaling 60 Tbsps.; 3-3/4 cup; 1/4 gallon; 30 fluid ounces*. Serving "cups" will be provided.

7. Traditional Chile Judging will take place at 12 Noon.

8. Prizes will be awarded before lunch begins.

*We encourage entrants to submit more than the required total in order to feed participants at lunch time! Thanks!

Española Pubic Schools - A Call to Action!

written by Jeremy Maestas

On Wednesday December 14, 2011, a meeting was held at the Commission Chambers inside the Rio Arriba County Annex building, in Española. During the meeting parents, staff, students, and community members from all over the area joined in conversation about issues that are occuring within the Española Public Schools and ways in which they can be resolved. During this meeting several people brought up their concerns about the lack of communication between the district and the outside members, as well as student safety, how money from the district is being spent, and also on academics and what our schools have done, and should be doing to prepare our students for college life.

This meeting was only the beginning to a new start for EPS. As mentioned in the meeting, we feel the time has come for us to gather together as a District to help our students. The issues are not to blame on just one certain individual but on everyone. It was decided that everyone should try and be a part in the process in order for things to get better. Members who joined in the meeting decided that it would be a good idea for our group to join forces with that of the District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). Originally, District PAC President Regina Martinez, stated that the meeting scheduled for this month had been cancelled due to bad weather. But, all the members in the meeting asked that there be an emergency meeting called so that some of these items could be discussed further and so that new members could officially join the PAC. It would also serve as a good time to prepare major items we feel need to be done, so that a request for a work session or presentation in front of EPS school board can be done.

We encourage all interested Parents, or Community Members to take part in the PAC meeting which will be held on Monday December 19, 2011, at the EPS Central Administration building, located at 714 Calle Don Diego, in Española. The meeting will be held inside the board room, starting at 5:30 p.m. Please come out and support this event. If you should have further questions you can contact us via email at j.maestas_evhs@yahoo.com and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have concerning this event.

A little bit about Jeremy:

My name is Jeremy Maestas and I am a resident of the beautiful Española Valley. I attended the Public Schools in Española for 12 years not including my year in preschool. I have always had an interest in public education and serving students in our community. I served as a Substitute Teacher with the Española Public Schools for two and a half years before leaving. During my term as a Substitute I became close with some of the students I worked with at Carlos Vigil Middle School, who now are currently freshman, and sophomores at the high school. I was always available for students to come and talk with me about issues they were having or just to see how they were. I began being a part of this process to help the schools because being a former student I know that these are the most crucial years of your life and you don’t get them back, I feel as the students who confided in me need my help and to me they felt like they were my adopted kids. I will do everything I can to support these kids all the way because they are the future to not only our town and communities but to our world, and I wish for nothing more than to see them succeed in everything they set their minds and hearts to do!

For more information, go to this Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/183655448396588/

Speaker Biographies - Traditional Chile Summit 2012

1st Annual New Mexico Traditional Chile Summit

For more info: www.ElTiempoNM.org

Speaker Biographies

Emcee

David F. García, MA, is from the community of El Guache, New Mexico. He is currently completing a PhD. Program in Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin. As a researcher investigating local knowledge systems in northern New Mexico and practices, his interests include: acequias, foodways, religion, spirituality, folkloristics, and cultural space, as they relate to sustainability and cultural survival of Indo-Hispano communities. He is specifically interested in how shifts in economic bases relate to transformations in the relationships that people have to the environment and local resources. He is currently the Community Education Coordinator for the New Mexico Acequia Association. In addition to the above duties he is also a multi-talented musician and performer of local Spanish music as a solo artist and also a member of the statewide recognized Blue Ventures.

Keynote Speaker

Miguel Santistevan: With a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Science degree in Ecology from the University of California, Davis, Miguel Santistevan is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Biology at the University of New Mexico. His research interests are in the traditional acequia-irrigated and dryland agricultural systems of the Upper Rio Grande and Sangre de Cristo mountains. Miguel is certified in Permaculture and ZERI Design and has been a High School science teacher in Pecos, Peñasco, and Taos school districts. He has directed youth-in-agriculture programs such as ePlaza of Hands Across Cultures and the Regional Development Corporation and the Sembrando Semillas youth-in-agriculture project of the New Mexico Acequia Association (NMAA). He has produced video and public radio programming (¡Que Vivan las Acequias!) with the NMAA and Cultural Energy, of which he is a Board Member. He maintains a conservation farm with his wife and daughter in Taos called Sol Feliz where many visitors have participated in educational presentations, tours, and hands-on workshops (www.solfelizfarm.org). Miguel coordinates a ‘Living Seed Library’ program through the Agriculture Implementation, Research, and Education non-profit corporation he is co-founding (www.growfarmers.org). Miguel has recently been elected Chairman of the Acequia Sur de Río de Don Fernando de Taos for the 2010-2011 growing season of which he is a parciante (irrigator) and past Mayordomo (ditch boss). He also serves as a Board Member for the Taos Valley Acequia Association. More information on Miguel can be found at www.unm.edu/~msanti.

Panel Speakers

Ralph Vigil II, is a 8th generation farmer from Pecos, NM, focusing on seed propagation and seed saving of heritage crops. Ralph owns Molino de La Isla Farm where he works with youth from his community, mentoring them on acequia culture, s eed saving, food processing, food justice issues and seed sovereignty. Ralph is also Chairman of the NM Acequia Commission.

Beata Tsosie-Peña, is from Santa Clara Pueblo and El Rito. She is a poet, certified in infant massage, education

and permaculture design. The realities of living next to a nuclear weapons complex has called her into environ-

mental health and justice work with the local non-profit organization, Tewa Women United. She believes in the

practice and preservation of land-based knowledge, spirituality, language, seeds, our Earth, and family. Her

intentions are for healing, wellness and sustainability for future generations.

Bianca Encinias, is the owner of El Chante: Casa de Cultura focusing on community controlled economic

development. El Chante is an art gallery and boutique promoting local and regional art, crafts, and culture.

She is also a member of the Los Jardines Institute, an intergenerational organization that promotes

learning and implementing environmental justice through agriculture and education.

Lorraine Kahneratokwas Gray, has a diverse background, beginning with a Masters in Project Management.

She has been working in the area of traditional agricultural revival for the last 12 years. She was honored to be a

member of the Native Delegation to Terra Madre 2006 and 2010, in Turin, Italy. Honored for her work in the

Mohawk community of Akwesasne, New York, Gray co-founded Kanenhi:io Ionkwaienthonhakie (We Are

Planting Good Seeds), which built a substantial community greenhouse, established a community farmers’

market on the reservation, and supports community gardens, and individual family farms. Gray is now living in

the South West, and is the Conference Coordinator for the Traditional Agriculture & Sustainable Living

Conference

Film Maker

Chris Dudley, is an award winning New Mexico documentary filmmaker who has worked under grants from PBS, P.O.V, Frontline World and KNME among others. His film Genetic Chile is currently screening around the world. His next film, Building John Henry, explores the rationality of the war machine and the rise of the burgeoning American police state. http://buildingjohnhenry.com/

http://buildingjohnhenry.com/

1st Annual NM Traditional Chile Summit

1st Annual New Mexico Traditional Chile Summit

Saturday, January 7th, 2012 - 9am to 2pm - Oñate Monument & Visitor Center Alcalde, NM (click on Center for map)

This event will include internationally known speakers, local panel members, and a chile cook-off (see agenda below). To sign-up, go to: http://eepurl.com/hv2HQ

Cost: Contribute as You Wish! Thank you!

Draft Agenda

9:00-9:45 Registration (pre-registration is appreciated!)
9:45-10:00 Welcome!
10:00-10:45 Keynote Speaker, Miguel Santistevan, Director AIRE
11:00-11:45 Speaker, TBA
12:00-12:45 Panel on Traditional Chile, including:
Estevan Arellano, Ralph Vigil II, Beata Tsosie-Peña,
and more TBA
1pm Chile Cook-Off* & Lunch
1:15 Watch "GEnetic Chile, The Movie" w/your lunch,
then visit with Documentary film maker,
Chris Dudley


*to enter the cook-off, go to: http://eepurl.com/hP4E6



Summit Sponsors**

AIRE (Agriculture Implementation Research & Implementation)

buildingjohnhenry.com - Chris Dudley, Documentary Film Maker (GEenetic Chile, The Movie)

Cuatro Puertas

Save New Mexico Seeds



** If your organization would like to sponsor the event, please contact us: info@ElTiempoNM.org Thanks!

Española Gift Giving Guide - Local Businesses

Española Local Gift Giving Guide

I created this guide to help people who shop in Española have alternatives to the corporate and chain stores in our area. Please shop local as much as possible! Remember, this is the season of LIGHT, not the season of consumerism. So, how can you multiple you light in our community? Here are some suggestions:

Hours of Operation apply ONLY for the Thanksgiving Weekend (unless it was available online, etc.) for regular hours, contact the business. Thanks!

Gift Certificates

The Receiver's Favorite:

Salon (Hair, Nails, Waxing, Paraffin Treatments, Facials, etc.)

Restaurant: El Paragua, Angelina's, Steve's La Cocina, Dandy Burger, El Parasol, China Kitchen, Shanghai, JoJi's, Rancho de Chimayo, JoAnn's etc.

Café: La Tiendita (at NNMC/JCI bldg. - uses NNMC farm products), Red Door (Sat. 8-1), Galeria Santa Cruz

Grocery Stores: Center Market, Valley Superette, etc.

Bed & Breakfast/Hotel: Inn at the Delta, Rancho de Chimayo, Casa Escondida, etc.

Dreamcatcher Theater – Offering two free movie passes for every $40 you purchase in gift certificates

Massage Therapy & Acupuncture – choose your favorite therapist, or visit a local health center

Ojo Caliente Springs, website: ojocalientesprings.com, 505-583-2253

Dry Cleaners: Valley Cleaners, etc.

To Meet the Receiver's Needs:

Hacienda Home Center ( Paint, Ladders, Tools, etc.), Fri & Sat 8-5, Sun 10-3

Cook's Home Center

Johnny's Standard Auto Parts, Friday 8-6, Saturday 8-4

Local Mechanic (one year my dad had new airbags for the suspension on my car installed)

Accu Copy (business cards, brochures, artwork, etc.), Saturday 9-1, closed Friday & Sun

Veterinary Services

Flowers/Plants

Gil's Rentals

Computer Repairs

Car Window Tinting

Memberships

Atlas Fitness Center (a good start to a healthy loved one), Open Friday & Saturday 753-5748

Española Community Market (local co-op), online shopping: www.espanolacommunitymarket.com

Donations

Donation to the Receiver's Favorite Charity/Non-Profit Organization

Donations can be made in the gift recipient's name. A thank you card usually accompanies a donation.

There are many locally owned non-profit agencies in town, as well as the national organizations with local chapters.

General Gifts

Alexandria Shannon Romero, Stylist at Black Mesa Salon, specialized in men's, women's and children's haircuts; hair color; perms; and, full body waxing, 927-6560

Alicia Fine Jeweler's, 753-9999, Friday 10-5:30, Saturday 10-3, Closed Sunday

Boomerang, 747-7194, Mon - Sat:10:00 am-5:00 pm

Box, Pack, Mail, 753-4025, Friday 9-3, Saturday 10-1, Closed Sunday

Campana De Esperanza Fotography, By Appointment, email: jolo132000@yahoo.com

or go online to view prices & samples: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Campana-De-Esperanza-Fotography/234135966623336?sk=info

Carl's 420 Novelties, Friday 10-7, Sat. 12-7, Closed Sunday

Casa Cristal Pottery, (Velarde), Friday and Saturday 9-6, Closed Sunday

Chicano Sanford's, (Velarde), Closing sale – everything 80% off, open Friday & Sat. 9am-?

Country Farm Supply, Friday 8-5:45, Saturday 8-4

Española Valley Fiber Arts Center, 747-3577

Española Community Market, website: espanolacommunitymarket.com

Lovin' Oven Bakery, 753-5461

La Lanzadera Weaving Shop, (Medanales) By Appointment 685-0636

New Mexico Office Supply, not open during Thanksgiving weekend, but orders may be placed online: http://www.discountsupplies.biz $20 off $100 or more order

Northern New Mexico College Book Store (great “Eagles” merchandise, support our home team!), order online, http://site.nnmc.edu/page/espanola-campus-bookstore 505-747-2171

Pueblo Mica Pottery, Owners Lee Moquino- Santa Clara and Renee Roybal- San Ildefonso. We offer a variety of traditional and modern style of Micaceous Native American Cookwear at affordable prices. All pieces are hand coiled and completely organic. All pottery can be used for Cooking, Decorative, or Ceremonial use. www.pueblomicapottery.webs.com Or pueblomicapottery@gmail.com 505.459.6153 to make an appointment.

Party Creations & Supplies (great holiday decorations & gift wrap), 753-1932

Plaza de Española Gift Shop, reg. hours 12-4

Richard's Studio of Photography, By Appointment, 753-7993

Romero's Fruit & Veggie Stand, 753-4189

St. Francis de Paws, 753-9178

Saints & Sinners (alcohol sales), 753-2757, Thurs 10-2, Fri. & Sat 1-11, Sun 5-10

Sunrise Ceramics, 753-2968

The Water Store y Mas, 753-1841

Tiendita de Paz, 753-9972

Valley Superette (liquor sales), 753-4749,

Holiday Events/Sales

Friends of the El Rito Library The Holiday Season is upon us. Coming soon! Our 6th Annual Live/Silent Auction, Dec. 3, 1:30-3:30pm, the Old Gym - NNMCollege/El Rito Campus. We have had a phenomenal number of great donations from local artists in El Rito and areas nearby. For one-of-a-kind holiday gifts you can’t find at Black Friday-Come on by and support us!

Mel Patch Artspace & NNMC

The Third Ever Christmas Cruise & Toy Run, December 3^rd, NNMC Automotive Bldg., Española, NM, 2:00-7:00pm, If you have any questions call Randy at (505) 470-9670 (note: not sure if there will be anything sold, but last time I went there was great music, beautiful vehicles, awesome people, and free food)

Española Community Market Open House

Saturday, December 10^th, 9:00am-1:00pm, Taste local samples, hot herbal teas, & apple cider. Come hang out and bring the kids before the Light Parade.

15th Annual Española Electric Light Parade
Where: Paseo de Oñate and Plaza de Española
When: 12/04/10 7:00 pm - 12/04/10 10:00 pm

Electric Light Parade and Christmas on the Plaza. For more information contact 505-929-3502

The City of Española and the National Guard

First Annual Operation Christmas Cheer Toy Drive, December 17^th, at the Lucero Center, call 505-747-6100 for more information.

This guide was created as a spur of the moment thought. You are welcome to add your own information and forward to your email/facebook list! If there are any mistakes or anything is incorrect, I apologize.

Española Area Resources

• List of Service Providers

  Taken from: “Finding Help in the Valley (Service Providers section).” Rio Grande Sun June 2, 2011, From http://riograndesun.com/articles/2011/06/06/community/doc4de6738e13416361297158.txt

  Service Providers

  Below is a list of service-providers that may help newcomers or longtime residents looking for a particular service who don’t know where to look. Many of the people contacted for this story were frustrated that there either was no help available or they didn’t know where to go for help.

  As this series continues through the summer, we encourage groups that provide services in Rio Arriba County for Rio Arribans to contact the Rio Grande SUN so we can further match people in the Valley who need help with those who can provide it. Contact News Editor Lou Mattei at 753-2126 or rgsun@cybermesa.com.

  The following list was provided by the Rio Arriba County Public Health Office. Health Systems Planner Elena Berliner said the County and other nonprofit programs have been compiling the list for many years. They welcome updates and corrections.

  From their website: “This is a selected listing of commonly used resources and the phone numbers are current at the time of posting. Entries are not intended as preferred providers. Except where noted, all numbers are (505) area code.”

  For more information, if you need help locating a service, or to send updates, corrections, requests for inclusion on the list, call 753-3143 or visit www.rachc.org.

  Presbyterian Salud 1-888-977-2333

  State Medicaid office 1-800-282-4477

  American Red Cross 1-800-560-2302

  Companion Animal Rescue Effort for Domestic Violence victims’ pets 265-2322, 1-800-797-3260

  Crisis Shelter 753-1656, 800-206-1656

  State Children, Youth and Families Department 753-7191, abuse line 1-800-797-3260

  Crisis Center of Northern New Mexico 753-1656

  Domestic Violence Shelter Referral Hotline 1-800-773-3645

  National Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-Hit-Home

  State Poison and Drug Info Center 1-800-222-1222

  State Suicide Intervention Project 820-1066

  Santa Fe Rape Crisis Center 1-800-721-7273

  St. Elizabeth’s Shelter 424-6973

  Youth Shelters and Family Services 983-0588

  Española Housing Authority 753-3897

  Habitat for Humanity 747-2690

  La Vista del Rio Apartments 753-2304

  Las Lomas Apartments 747-3790

  Los Alamos County Housing 662-8197

  Rio Arriba County Housing 753-7870

  Santa Clara Apartments 753-2376

  Santa Fe County Housing 992-3060

  Village of Chama Housing 575-756-2986

  Albuquerque Catholic Charities Immigration Program 424-9789

  Somos Un Pueblo Unido 424-7832

  Law Access New Mexico 1-800-340-9771

  New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc. 1-800-373-9881

  State Center on Law and Poverty 255-2840

  Blue Salud 1-866-689-1523

  Espanola Income Support Division 753-2271, fax 753-5826

  Lovelace Salud 1-800-808-7363

  Molina Salud 1-800-377-9594

  Circle of Life Behavioral Health Network 852-1377

  Easter Seals — El Mirador (Casa de Corazon) 747-1991

  Equest Counseling Center 455-0555

  Inside Out 367-3500

  Life Link (Santa Fe) 438-0010

  La Clinica del Pueblo Behavioral Health Tierra Amarilla 575-588-9506

  Las Clinicas del Norte 581-4728

  Las Cumbres 753-4123

  Las Cumbres Fatherhood Program 753-4123, ext.148

  Men’s Support Group — Ron Kaskalla 575-770-6581

  Tewa Women United 747-3259

  North Star Counseling 747-0022

  Peacekeepers Domestic Violence Counseling 753-4790, 1-800-400-8694

  Teambuilders, Inc. 747-0081

  Free transportation for veterans to Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Department health appointments 1-800-465-8262, ext. 2821 or 4927

  Lovelace Salud 1-877-735-0111

  Molina Salud 1-888-593-2052

  New Mexico Park and Ride 1-866-551-7433

  New Mexico Rail Runner 1-866-795-7245

  North Central Regional Transit District 1-866-206-0754 or 747-3631

  Deptartment of Vocational Rehabilitation 753-2908

  New Mexico Works Program 753-2271

  Workforce Solutions — state Labor Department 753-2285

  Rio Arriba County Income Support Division 753-2271

  Child Support Enforcement Division 476-9589

  Rio Arriba County Indigent Fund 753-2992, ext. 5389

  Social Security 1-800-772-1213

  HELP-NM, Inc. 753-7181

  Life Link 438-0010

  Salvation Army 988-8054

  Self Help 662-4666

  Income Support Division-Food Stamps 753-2271

  Espanola Public Health WIC program 753-4659

  Eight Northern Pueblos WIC program 1-800-734-2488

  Tierra Amarilla WIC program 575-588-7215

  Dulce WIC program 575-759-3304

  Local SHARE site (St. Stephen’s Church) 747-0306

  Eight Northern Pueblos Food Distribution program 1-800-734-2488

  Espanola Farmers Market 685-4842

  Kitchen Creations 685-4523

  Community Diabetes Initiative 367-4402

  St. Martin’s Soup Kitchen — serves lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 to noon.

  The Rock Christian Outreach — distributes food Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

  Interfaith LEAP — distributes food every third Thursday of the month 1 to 3 p.m. at the John Hyson Center in Chimayó

  Chimayo Youth Conservation Corps 351-1456

  La Vision del Valle Teen Center (La Puebla) 747-1889

  Española Public Library 747-6088

  Lucero Center Recreation 747-6055

  Moving Arts Española 927-0108

  Pojoaque Wellness Center 455-9355

  Rio Arriba Teen Pregnancy Coalition 753-3143

  YMCA Teen Technology and Recreation Center 747-6569

  Rio Arriba Community Health Council www.rachc.org

  Alcoholics Anonymous (meets daily) 695-0042

  El Centro Family Health 753-7218

  Inside Out 367-3500

  Narcotics Anonymous (meets every Sunday and Wednesday) 929-2569, 1-800-258-2971

  Rio Arriba County Health and Human Services Department 753-3143

  Rio Arriba County DWI Program 747-1418

  Rock Christian Outreach 753-2094

  Santa Fe Recovery Center 471-4475, 471-4985

  Valley Community Health Clinic-Española 747-7400

  Children Youth and Family Department childcare assistance 753-0222

  Northern New Mexico College Early Childhood Development Center 747-2123

  Adoption:

  • La Familia Inc. Albuquerque 766-9361

  • Big Brothers/Big Sisters Northern New Mexico 983-8360

  • Families FIRST 753-7957

  • La Clinica Community Outreach 588-7252

  • Las Cumbres Community Services 753-4123

  • Las Cumbres Fatherhood Program 753-4123, ext.148

  • Los Alamos First Born Program 412-1412

  • New Mexico Young Father’s Project 428-1412

  • PMS Headstart 747-3353

  • Positive Life Choice Center of America 747-9450

  • Rio Arriba County Health and Human Services Department 753-3143

  • Rio Arriba First Born Program 747-2050

  Santa Fe Children’s Project 660-7720

  Tewa Women United Community Doula Program 747-3259

  YDI Headstart 747-0502

  Eight Northern Pueblos Headstart 852-4265

  Boys and Girls Clubs:

  • Chimayo 351-1515

  • Ohkay Owingeh 747-3843

  • Santa Cruz 753-2922

  • Abiquiú 685-4586

  • Pojoaque 455-3659

  Dentists who accept Medicaid:

  • El Centro (Espanola) 753-7395

  • El Centro Chama Clinic 575-756-2143

  • La Clinica del Pueblo (Tierra Amarilla) 575-588-7252

  • Las Clinicas del Norte (El Rito) 581-4728

  • Santa Clara Dental Clinic 753-9421

  • Small Smiles (Santa Fe) 505-474-4993

  Childcare

  • Blue Sky Kidz Daycare Center 747-0830

  • Cañones Early Childhood Center 575-638-5687

  • Creative Kids Child Care Center 747-7090

  • El Centro de los Niños 575—588-0106

  • Family Learning Center 753-2739

  Early Childhood Centers:

  • Cariño de los Ninos Charter School 852-3116

  • Family Learning Center 753-2739

  • McCurdy Mission Preschool 753-7221

  • Rock Christian 753-2094

  • Trio School 747-3962

  • Victory Faith 747-0039

  Headstart

  • Ohkay-Owingeh 852-2358

  • Dulce 575-759-3343

  • Santa Clara 753-7326

  • San Ildefonso 455-2171

  • Eight Northern Pueblos 852-4265

  Headstart-YDI:

  • Abiqiui Elementary 685-4084

  • Alta Vista Mountain View Elementary 351-4142

  • Chimayó 351-2266

  • El Rito 581-4454

  • Espanola — Railroad Avenue 747-1456

  Hospitals:

  • Christus St. Vincent 983-3361

  • Espanola Hospital 753-7111

  • Los Alamos Medical Center 662-4201

  • Santa Fe Indian Hospital 946-9459

  Public Health Care Providers:

  • El Centro Family Health 753-7218

  Española Public Health Office:

  • Health Services/Disease Prevention 753-2794

  • Children’s Medical Services 753-3142

  • Women Infant Children 753-4659

  • La Clinica del Pueblo de Rio Arriba 575-588-7252

  • Los Alamos Medical Center Family Practice Clinic 753-1268

  Teen Health Clinics:

  • Española Middle School 929-1629

  • Espanola Valley High School 929-1629

  • Dulce High School 575-759-2924

Enrique Cardiel on Elections from an (Un)Occupy Point of View

What if Occupy (Un)Occupy Won Election Reform in Each Active City?

It is time to reform our electoral system. When you think about quality of life, health, and fairness in our society we can easily blame corporations – and we are justified to do so. Another thing we can blame is our electoral system. Private money, lack of choice, and lack of access are literally making us sick.

Our electoral system is very old – the first of modern European-based democracies. Thinking that it is the best is like thinking a Model-T car is the best because it was one of the first cars. Improvements have been made to vehicles and to democracy. We should use those.

Some of those improvements would help out our economic situation as well. Since those elected to power often set the regulations, or lack of regulations, on our economic system. Given the legit distrust for the electoral system and politicians we need better ways to regulate them – more democratic processes.

One of the most easily to think of given the corporate power in America is the implementation of mandatory public financing for all elections. Imagine if each of the cities standing in solidarity right now were to win this. People power would have a better chance over money power. Now, we can’t pretend that those with money would not look for ways to use that resource to undermine democracy. What would be different is that there would be a
system to minimize that. If this were to be implemented nationally it would have a huge impact. Even locally it would mean that one does not need to be well off to run for office. Currently there is almost no representation by working-class elected officials. If this happens in one city because of this movement that is still progress. If this happens in many cities in one state that will be a shift toward a democratic culture for that state. If this were to happen in ALL of the cities currently it would be an important shift toward national implementation. That would mean that elected officials would no longer have to be millionaires to run for office. I don’t know about you – I would prefer to be “represented” by a union laborer than someone who can spend a million dollars on a campaign.

There is a great deal of research that shows that countries with proportional representation distribute the resources of society better, are happier, and healthier. That is a major shift for US politics. Proportional representation is something that was not thought of at the time of the founding of the US. One thing that could start us along that road locally would be “Instant Runoff Voting.” Also known as “Rank Choice Voting,” this system makes sure that there are not “wasted” votes when there are more than two candidates. Having this seemingly minor reform would transform those who could run.

As it stands now many “progressive” political machines will discourage good candidates from running in order to be able to beat Republicans. This so-called progressive approach actually gives New Mexicans, and Americans LESS CHOICE! That is how dysfunctional our current voting system is. And instead of challenging it liberals and progressives just try to beat it by eliminating choices.

Ending photo ID for voting, easing ballot access laws, and same day voter registration would also help out in creating a more democratic electoral system.

For those of you who vote – again I ask you imagine what it would be like for each of our cities to win instant runoff voting and mandatory public financing.

Occupy Española - Releasing the Great Divide

Occupy Wall Street has come into my life giving me the opportunity to get out on the streets, once again. For that, I'm grateful! But, life in northern NM is different. Different than any place on earth. Sure, people are currently focused on "faster cars, younger women, and more money", as one country song declares. Underneath, though, we know - we are - something that most peoples on this earth have lost connection to. Life. The river of life.

Northern New Mexico flows. And, the flow never ends. We are. And, nothing and no one can negate this. That's why peoples have come to "occupy" these valles y montes, la tierra segrada. It IS sacred and upon living with it, on it, in harmony, we become sacred, too. So, why do we need to get out there and protest anything? The ancestors of the pueblo people have been here for 10s of 1000s of years. Occupation a mere 500. A blip on the radar scale of forever.

Because.

Because too many of us have gotten caught up in the illusion of media and plastic China-made garbage; caught up in a web of lies. And, it's time to extricate ourselves. By starting a revolution one step-at-a-time. First, we must look at basic needs of our northern communities. Matthew Martinez, helped "Occupy Española" to see that. Our first basic need: food.

It is good to come back to center. Food brings in all the elements of survival. In our valleys and mountains, we must look at the watershed, acequias, traditional seeds, farming, gardening, harvest, food preservation and storage, seasonal foods, farmers' markets, GMOs, local markets carrying local food, eating food with value to promote health, health concerns, healthcare, children's health & education, ranching, on and on. But, again - balance. Where do we start? Where will it end?

There is so much happening in our area around food. All we have to do is become aware. So, to that end, Occupy Española is beginning our path by forming an awareness campaign around local food. This weekend, we flyered Wal-Mart till we got kicked out. We had flyers promoting the new "La Tiendita" cafe that features local food grown on Northern NM College campus and prepared in its commercial kitchen. It's located in the Johnson Controls Building, on Railroad Avenue. And, let me just tell you that the chocolate cake is to die for!!!

The flyer promoted the newly opened Española Community Market, too! The co-op has opened a storefront in the old Chamber of Commerce modular on the West Side. They have online shopping! And, starting later in November, they will take EBT cards (foodstamps). And, the membership is affordable! My husband is a student, and we were able to join the co-op for only $10! This is all thanks to Melissa Salazar and all the great volunteers (Guido & Melody Lambelet, Atocha Maestas, Elena Martinez, and more!) and the Board of Directors. Below is a link so you can start shopping! They need more volunteers and the building needs a lot of work - help out if you can! This is OUR market!

Occupy Española has come to focus on what's really important in this area. It does address the great divide between the richest and the most poor. It addresses those issues in a manner that's culturally relative. It focuses on one of our oldest components of traditional living: food.

Our next General Assembly (meeting) will be held on:

Wednesday, November 2nd

7-9pm

Northern NM College Cafeteria

*for more information on the protest or the meeting, call: 505-231-1433

For more information on Occupy Wall Street:

http://occupywallst.org/http://www.facebook.com/groups/OccupyWallStreetGroup/


For more information on Española Community Market:

http://espanolacommunitymarket.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Espa%C3%B1ola-Community-Market/149752065094469

Occupy Española - Doubling Numbers, Changing Name (?) & Preparing for Protest (10/22)

We asked that our numbers be doubled during the first General Assembly of Occupy Española, and our request was answered.  Nearly 30 people attended the Occupy Española's second General Assembly, Wednesday night.  It was inter-generational and inter-cultural.  And, the call for more participants continues to sound.

Tomorrow's protest march on the sidewalks of North Riverside Drive, from Wells Fargo to Bank of America will amplify that call!  Residents of the Española area will see their relatives, friends, and neighbors marching in protest of Corporate Banks; we welcome everyone to join us! 


Protest March Details

We have a permit to march tomorrow, from 11am to 4pm on the sidewalks from Wells Fargo to Bank of America.  However, the official time of the march is 11am to 3pm, so that we can allow for clean-up and perhaps a final gathering.  

You may park at the old Rigoberto's/Taco Bell on the corner of La Joya St. and Riverside Drive.

Please bring a sign.  We will have markers and tag board, but we hope to use those materials for passersby who decide to join us.  

We have two cases of water.  If you'd like to donate some water, please feel free to do so.  Just bring them to the sidewalk in front of Wells Fargo.  I will be stationed there throughout the march.  

Make sure you wear sunscreen, hats, appropriate clothing and footwear.  If you are bringing children, please discuss safety beforehand.  

Thank you!  We want a safe, peaceful march of community members that symbolizes a call to stand against the madness that infects our lands!


General Assembly Issues & Next Meeting Info.


We are discussing a name change in solidarity with our Indigenous (including Chicano) brothers and sisters.  New Mexico has been occupied by Europeans for 500 years; this area has been occupied by the United States of America for over 100.  It is time to end the occupation and live with dignity on the land for which I am so grateful!

You can join the group's name-change conversation by entering a comment here (corazondelnorte.blogspot.com) or taking the poll on the Occupy Española's Facebook site:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Espa%C3%B1ola-NM/123499061086609

 Some of the proposed  names are:

1: Occupy Española, NM (keep it the same!)

2: Liberate Española, in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street

3: Decolonize Española, in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street

4: Revolutionize Española, in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street

5: (Un)Occupy Española, in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street

6: We Are the 99% of Española, in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street

Our next General Assembly (meeting) will be held on:

Wednesday, October 26th

7-9pm

Northern NM College Cafeteria

*for more information on the protest or the meeting, call:  505-231-1433

*please remember to vote for the name you think most appropriate for our group!

For more information on Occupy Wall Street:   

http://occupywallst.org/

http://www.facebook.com/groups/OccupyWallStreetGroup/

Occupy Española - Diverse Dialog

The first meeting of Occupy Española hosted a number of people.  The group was diverse.  And, I hope it will continue to grow in number and diversity!

Santiago Juarez, long-time activist, former Executive Director of NM Progressive Alliance for Community Empowerment and Re-Visioning New Mexico, J. D., and my mentor, gave us a call to action; or non-action, as it were.  He reminded us that the actions that may come out of Occupy Wall Street were not the most important.  Dialog.  True dialog was the real point of holding the space on Wall Street, and the NNMC cafeteria.  He said that our politicians, CEOs and Wall Street workers may continue business as usual, but it would never be the same, because they had nowhere to hide.  It was now evident that the emperor has no clothes.

Santiago reminded us that class warfare HAD been waged, and the rich had won.  Not only had they won, but that we the 99% had lost.  You and I - We the people - had lost.  Now is a time for dialog.

Santiago had taught me long ago that dialog was incredibly important!  But, dialog takes patience and I find it much more difficult than action.  Last night was a wake-up call!   I realized that I am an action junkie.  There have been times during this year  (heck, so many years of my adult life) that I felt powerless unless I was taking action that I never stopped to fully appreciate why I always felt so joyful to just sit around talking with all my activist friends during the planning, and after executing an event/action.

It was the sharing, the building of intimate connection, that gave me real soul.  The actions, I knew, were the foot in the door to begin dialog with others.  But, valuing the time with my fellow organizers was what was truly lacking in my realization of what mattered.

I've been blessed enough to work with many, many groups over my lifetime.  Within those groups I always found a strong connection to several of my fellow members.  Those connections have lasted even when the group or my relationship with the group didn't.  My wedding this summer was full of people with whom I had made those deep connections.  It was an honor that a good number of them were present, and that those who couldn't be there sent their best wishes!

Occupy Española promises to be one of the most fruitful groups I've ever belonged to.  Last night there was the type of brave discourse that I have hoped and planned for for thirteen years.  People were themselves.  They spoke from the heart.  And, yes, a couple of people left when they were no longer comfortable.  That's how real it got.

I admire those who entered and remained in that dialog.  It was full of the pain that we in this community have faced for centuries.  It was also full of hope!  In general, even the difficult parts were ultimately met with respect.  I couldn't have asked for more; true respect for one another, as fellow beings spoken with truth, heart, and courage without regard to action.  Dialog for dialog's sake.  And, that my friends, is worth ALL the money the 1% and Wall Street hold!

They can no longer fool us.  We can see them clearly.  The emperor has no clothes.  And, WE the People have found one another in dialog, at last!  Que Viva Occupy Española!

Join us for the next Occupy Española General Assembly (meeting)
Date:  Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
Time:  7pm
Location:  Northern NM College Cafeteria
                                     921 Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM

For more information on the meeting call:  505-231-1433

Here are some of the sites for more information:

Occupy Española's Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Espa%C3%B1ola-NM/123499061086609


Occupy Wall Street:  http://occupywallst.org/

Occupy Española - Come Join Us - Wed., 10/12

To quote a friend, "Te quiero PROGRESS, you can keep the change". The perfect sentiment for northern New Mexico. We don't want to change everything we love about our home. We don't want to change the amazing community organizing that has been happening on an ever widening scale. But, we do want progress. Occupy Wall Street is an incredible national movement to take our money, our dignity, our freedom back from the corporations and institutions that no longer serve the people. Our little bit of it is currently named Occupy Española  (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Espa%C3%B1ola-NM/123499061086609). 

We will hold our first General Assembly in two days, on Wednesday, October 12th, in the cafeteria at Northern NM College.

Changing the name should be a top priority, as a poet friend pointed out - the pueblos have occupied this place for tens of thousands of years. Those of us who are of mixed heritage - Hispanics, Chicanos, Mestizos, share that long history and another that encompasses only 400 years.

Whether you have been here 1 year or 100,000 years, you are a part of a beautiful community that is riddled with drugs, violence, poor public education, un or underemployment, and the beast - Los Alamos National Laboratory. We have been cash poor since a cash economy came to the area after World War II. Lack of cash is not the problem. Losing our way of life, and for some - losing ourselves - is.

So, what can Occupy Wall Street/Occupy Española mean for this community?  Progress!

I challenge you to take a deep breath, close your eyes, and for ninety seconds imagine what northern New Mexico would look like if it were perfect - to you. Write down what struck you most about your vision. What part of your vision are you currently working on? What part of your vision do you want to work on? Can others help? Would getting support be useful? Would you like to belong to a group that is making their visions come true?

Ok. Some of you already belong to this kind of group. If that's the case, then I ask, wouldn't you like to give others in our community the opportunity to share in making visions come true? Do you have all the volunteers you need? If you answered no and then yes to those questions, please stop reading. You and your organization don't need us. But, hey wait! Maybe we need you!

If you don't belong to a group, or would like an opportunity to continue to create your vision, please join us for Occupy Española's first General Assembly (meeting):  

Date: Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 
Time: 7-9 pm 
Place: Northern NM College's cafeteria, Administration Building, 
           921 Paseo de Onate, Espanola, NM

For more information, call Clarissa Duran: 505-231-1433, or email me at clarissa.duran505@gmail.com

Please pass it on! Thank you!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means to Me and Millions of Others

Imagine walking across a parking lot to do your weekly shopping. The sun is shining. The birds are singing. Your mind is on your shopping list. A person passes you by. The person is staring at you. A group of people stand near the store's entry. As you approach you feel your heartbeat quicken, your breathing is shallow, you're looking for an escape route (if only subconsciously). You feel threatened. Everyone is looking at you, intensely. Some continue to stare as you pass by. Someone makes a comment about your body. You feel angry or ashamed.

This is what women feel every day. It's called sexual objectification, and women are usually the target.

I know, V-Day is over. But, every day that a woman is alive she must protect herself. Many of us are not aware that even staring at a woman is a violation of her privacy and right to respect.

Objectification is just what it says - treating another being as an object. For me the word object means form - it is devoid of content, or it's content can be subjected to my own projection of feeling and emotion. I look at a piece of abstract art. A feeling in my body arises. It is connected to an emotion from previous life experiences. I have poured myself into the form that is expressed in the painting.

A person is not a form. Each has her/his own energy/feelings/emotions/thoughts/breath/life. The person is full, as he/she was created by Spirit/God/dess. To place our own feeling/emotion on her/him, we dis-respect that which is already there. When we stare, we are unconscious of that energy, etc., that exists in this being. We do not appreciate this unique creation called human. We do not respect the love and energy with which God/dess/Spirit has created this man/woman.

Furthermore, we disrespect ourselves. We do not appreciate the energy and love that exists in ourselves. If we did, why would we need to project it on another? We would want to honor it and share it in a way that honored others appropriately. We would have boundaries that guarded against those who are unconsciously projecting themselves on us.

Respect is a cycle. If you chose not to respect yourself, chances are others will disrespect you. If you have no boundaries, you won't be conscious of them in others. Treat yourself with respect. Set the boundaries that make you feel safe. Treat others with respect. Keep this as a constant in your life, and defend it when you need to.

Violence against women is committed many times every second somewhere in our world. Even to women who truly respect themselves. Rape is not about sex. It is about power. There are lower levels of violence, like reaching out to touch a woman who has not given you permission to do so. Every woman can tell a story of being groped or grabbed at. This is a step just below rape. Every woman can tell stories of men using their eyes to undress her. This is a step below being grabbed. Every woman can tell of catcalls and stares coming her way. This is a step below being visually undressed.

Would you rape your mother, sister, daughter? How about grabbing at her? How about visually undressing her? How about staring at her body? Violence has many forms from the subtle to the overt. It must Stop Now! Violence destroys the sheer joy with which each woman was created. Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect God/dess/Spirit. Always.


Some great websites supporting the respect of women/human beings:

http://www.vday.org/mission

http://www.hrw.org/en/category/topic/women

http://www.aclu.org/womens-rights

http://www.now.org/

http://www.tewawomenunited.org

http://www.nobelwomensinitiative.org/

http://www.takebackthenight.org/history.html


If you have been a victim of violence and need help:

Contact information for the Santa Fe Rape Crisis Center: http://www.nmjustice.net/nmsc/juvenile/program.php?id=6510

Contact information for the Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico: http://rapecrisiscnm.org/contact-us

Help in Lincoln and Otero, NM Counties: http://www.sexhealthnews.org/


Reports on rape & sexual violence in New Mexico:

http://www.musc.edu/ncvc/grants/50_states_reports/new_mexico.pdf

http://www.womenscommission.state.nm.u

One of my favorite feminist/activists artists, just for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv1boF2EsVU

HATE BLOCKED! - HB78 Dead!

From Somos Un Pueblo Unido:
The Conference Committee could not agree on any amendments! This means there will be no Conference Committee report to the Senate or the House which means the REPEAL BILL (SB78) IS DEAD!!!!! FELICIDADES NUEVO MEXICO!!!! AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK AND PRAYERS!!!!

Link to HB78: http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?Chamber=H&LegType=B&LegNo=78&year=11

Say NO to GMO Chile - Que Viva Nuestra Cultura, Comida, Chile!!! Part 2

Despite our efforts, the Joint Memorial 26 (allowing NNMSU to research and develop a GMO chile) made it to the Senate Floor today. It passed: 26-0, with 16 excused absences, including my own Senator Richard Martinez.

THIS IS A MANDATE!

Our leaders don't care to protect our way of life. Politics haven't cut it. We're on our own. We have got to take measures to ensure we and all our neighbors are using traditional seeds!

Please see a previous post on my blog, "Do You Love New Mexican Food" for my solutions to this SERIOUS PROBLEM! What are yours?

A link to how each Senator voted: http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/11%20Regular/memorials/senate/SJM026SVOTE.pdf

Are We Florida or New Mexico? Voting Heats Up with Threats of Dropping Voters from the Rolls II

From: http://www.newmexicoinfocus.org/inFocus/archives/1879

Former elections director says SOS allegations ‘premature’

By Gwyneth Doland

A former New Mexico elections director says it’s too soon for Secretary of State Dianna Duran to claim she’s found of foreign nationals voting in New Mexico elections.

“This is a good start…but her information is incomplete and it’s premature to be releasing information at this time,” Ivey-Soto said today.

The Motor Vehicle Department’s database includes people who got driver’s licenses without using a Social Security number but could be legally allowed to vote, Ivey-Soto said,

“There are people in New Mexico who have a firm belief that New Mexico elections are fraught with fraud, when in fact, any time anyone provides details and we are able to investigate, it turns out not to have been fraud. And this simply perpetuates these myths,” Ivey-Soto said.

Are We Florida or New Mexico? Voting Heats Up with Threats of Dropping Voters from the Rolls

Thanks to Enrique Cardiel for the head's up on this issue:

"New Mexico Secretary of State Dianna Duran said she has proof that foreign nationals and possibly illegal immigrants have cast ballots in elections in the state." - Dianna Duran, NM Secretary of State from http://www.koat.com/news/27213016/detail.html

Are we looking for any reason to drop voters from the rolls - any at all? Mistaken identities will do! This crew of Republican misfits will cook up anything to continue their shenanigans! In this case, we've got a double whammy - immigrant rights and the right to vote! If Dianna has her way, we'll be back in the suffrage movement again! Iron Jawed Angels Unite!

Email or Call Dianna Duran and let her know that you do not appreciate her prejudiced tactics that disenfranchise New Mexico voters! Tell her to stop harassing immigrants! Tell her to keep her big nariz where it belongs - at work - FOR THE PEOPLE!

Phone: 827-3600 Email: diannaj.duran@state.nm.us

NM Secretary of State website: http://www.sos.state.nm.us/index.html

Say NO to GMO Chile - Que Viva Nuestra Cultura, Comida, Chile!!!

Yes, friends, another last minute request. The fight for our traditional seeds/crops/foods continues. Thank you Estevan Arellano for providing us with this information!

Please CALL and/or EMAIL SENATORS, ask them to vote NO on HJM 26!

(HJM 26 - Disease-Resistant Chile Development: Rep. Donna Irwin – D) - what this really means is development of GMO CHILE, folks!!!

HJM 26 will be heard Tomorrow, Wednesday - March 16th,
...in Senate Rules, Room 321 – 8:00 am

WE need to PACK the room!

These are the SENATORS you need to CALL and/or EMAIL:


Senator Room Extension 505-986 x
Linda Lopez - Chair - D 320 4737
George Munoz - Vice Chair - D 416G 4387
Dede Feldman - D 300A 4482
...Stuart Ingle - R 109A 4702
Timothy Jennings - D 105 4733
Gay G. Kernan - R 415E 4274
Michael Sanchez - D 119 4727
Peter Wirth - D 416B 4276
Kent L. Cravens - Ranking Member - R 414A 4391

Email – cut and paste: linda.lopez@nmlegis.gov, munozgeo@gmail.com, dede.feldman@nmlegis.gov, stuart.ingle@nmlegis.gov, timothy.jennings@nmlegis.gov, ggkern@valornet.com, senatormssanchez@aol.com, peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov, klcravens@alphagraphics.com


This House Joint Memorial states that the Legislature request
the Board of Regents of NMSU be:

“requested to assist farmers with the development of
disease-resistant strains of chile using any promising
... technology and methods.”

This means any form of genetic engineering!

Many of us who know the value of our culture, seeds, and food tried to kill this Memorial. We still have a chance! Tomorrow is the last Senate Rules meeting for the session. We must STAND TOGETHER and DEFEAT this BILL!!!

CALL and/or EMAIL the SENATORS on the list ABOVE, NOW! Save YOUR CHILE!


For more on the bill and why we MUST SAY NO to GMO - CHILE:

http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/11%20Regular/firs/HJM026.pdf

http://www.savenmseeds.org/

To find more information on the Senators above:

http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislatorsearch.aspx