NEWSLETTER Volume 27 No. 1

APRIL, 2011

Serving your community since 1984 • Visit us @ www.pichachohills.org

David Zeemont President, Picacho Hills Property Owners Association March 30 The Spring Newsletter is traditionally the time that I get to welcome the new members to the Board, following the Annual Meeting. We have had some interim appointments, including our new Secretary, Sharon Glazier, and our Landscaper-in-Chief, Ray Morton, whose contributions you can see every time you drive by the Triangle Area. Another person who has made a long standing contribution to our community as an individual, by maintaining our entrance sign area, Jodie Bixby, was also elected at the meeting. Congratulations to them, and thank you to those of you who attended the annual meeting, as well as our thanks to those individuals and businesses who donated our door prizes. I know that this year’s meeting was not nearly as entertaining as last year’s. If you recall, we had a guest speaker last year, Tony Schaefer, who addressed us a representative of the Picacho Hills Utility Co. (I’m not really sure, but I think he was the President of the Utility at that time, though he no longer has any affiliation with it). Fortunately, much of what Mr. Schaefer predicted has not come to pass. If anything, it is the Utility that is more embattled with the State regulating agencies and the courts, as you can read about in the Utility and Court Report elsewhere in this newsletter. I read a remark by one of this year’s attendees to the effect that “If Dave didn’t have the Utility to talk about, the meeting could have been over in half an hour.” I think that statement is very true - much about life here in Picacho Hills and with our Association is very positive. Our membership is doing very well this year as it approaches 350 as you read this. (That’s a lot of directories to print up and distribute with this newsletter). This increase is in large part due to our local discount membership card program, and also due to the recognition by our members, old and new, of the job the Association is doing in bettering our community, especially in our relations with government. This extends not only to the county, but to the State and the BLM as well. Continued on Page 7 . . .

 

2011 PHPOA DIRECTORY NOW AVAILABLE

Every 2011 PHPOA member will receive with this newsletter an updated Picacho Hills Directory insert. (If you’re a member and didn’t get yours, call Larry Goforth at 527-1707).

Not a member yet? Why not join us! The directory is a benefit of membership. And here’s yet another: you will receive a PHPOA ID Card that entitles you to discounts from local merchants. To join, go to www.picachohills.org and click on Join. 

Community Improvements John Kutney, Community Improvements Chairperson

Our annual Spring Cleanup will take place on Saturday morning, April 23rd. Please save the enclosed flyer as a reminder. As in past years, this event will be held in conjunction with the nation’s largest community improvement program, “Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup”. Southwest Disposal will again be supporting our program with a large receptacle at the corner of Via Norte and Vista Hermosa. We shall meet at the McKay residence, 1380 Via Norte, starting at 8:00 AM. Refreshments will be served. Gloves and trash bags will be available.

!!! Merchant Discounts are Going Unclaimed Larry Goforth, Treasurer

Many residents are card-carrying members of PHPOA and are enjoying the discount pricing offered by our growing list of participating merchants. Sadly, about 15% of our members are foregoing these savings because they haven’t picked up their ID card. If you are uncertain whether your PHPOA membership is current, call me at 527-1707. Better yet, visit our website, pichachohills.org, click on Members and then on the Current Year. If your membership name is listed and you don’t have your card, call me to schedule the pickup of your card at 1606 Via Diamante. There is still time to recoup this year’s membership dues. Participating merchants are on our website (click on Merchant Discounts). Also, you’ll find a current listing on the back of the enclosed Spring Cleanup flyer.

Members at PHPOA’s Annual Meeting Were Gifted Your New PHPOA Board of Directors

Kudos to Board Member Judith Miller, who helped boost attendance and spirits at the

Enchanted Gardens - Hanging Plant

Daniel Natividad, Picacho Hills Country Club - $50 PHCC Gift Certificate for Dinner Bob & Sharon Glazier - $50 Gift Certificate to Las Cosas

John Schwebke, Farm Bureau Financial Services - $30 Caliche’s Gift Certificate

Annual PHPOA Dinner Meeting on March 22nd. As you can see, she did a fine job of recruiting donors. Please thank these generous folks the next time you see them.

Mesilla Valley Pet Resort - Basket Barb’s Florist - Floral Bouquet Judith Miller - Floral Bouquet

Judith Miller - Hanging Plant

Wild Birds Unlimited - Basket Art & Frame Shop - Matted Photo of the Organ Mountains

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Kudos to Fairway Village Ray Morton, Vice President and Community Improvement Volunteer

Over the last three years as a new resident of the Picacho Hills community I have witnessed numerous associations making efforts to improve their neighborhoods. As such, each of us can appreciate the added value the efforts of those associations have brought to every home within Picacho Hills, often at substantial cost to their residents. If you have been a resident of Picacho Hills longer than I you no doubt witnessed the devastation of the 2006 ‘100 year storm’. Imagine the growing of frustration when the resident owners of Fairway Village, through their association leaders, contacted the County only to learn that their properties, as a gated community, were on a private road and as such were not eligible to receive assistance with the run off damage to their neighborhood, and that their developer was only willing to help to a limited extent. What has happened since then is remarkable. They have redesigned the way the run off flows from the west side of Fairway Village to the east side. There is now a storm sewer system that should accommodate any severe storm and the original curbs have been lowered to prevent street flooding. Today as you walk through or around the perimeter of Fairway Village you will be struck by the landscaping, including bushes at the entry, the cleanliness of the retention pond, and the smartness of the rockeries separating the three Divisions. Much of the labor and many of the plants were donated. In order to keep the residents involved and informed the association has gathered in fellowship on various holidays in the park like setting at the entrance of Fairway Village. Without a doubt, it is amazing what ordinary people will do when faced with a disaster. They have assessed themselves for ongoing current improvements and separately for future reserves for their lift station and gates, as well as landscaping. The improvements are a credit to the Fairway Village Board, Board President Kathy Rodger and the landscape committee of Wil Lamarre & Rosemarie Levasseur. Wil also came up with the idea of installing the reflectors along Fairway Village Drive, creating a safer roadway. Fairway Village is a reminder that there is nothing ordinary about ordinary people determined to overcome adversity. Best wishes on your future improvements.

Keep the calendar open for the fourth annual Picacho Hills Art in the Garden tour!

Sunday, September 18th ● 11 – 4 The Tour begins at the Picacho Hills Country Club

All Are Welcome

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Picacho Hills Triangle Project Ray Morton, Vice President and Community Improvement Volunteer

I’m sure it was late November, 2010, when I first contacted Dave Zeemont about redoing the design and landscaping on what has come to be known as the Triangle Project at the divide between Picacho Hills Drive and Barcelona Ridge Road. It was not an easy start as the PHPOA Board wanted a plan and a budget, and I had no idea as to what funds would become available or what inputs would come from residents.

At this point I personally want to thank the Board for the stipend they authorized and the many volunteers that came forward with ideas, materials and sweat labor.

As a community, we all need to thank Steve Warren, co-owner of Warren Construction, for 10 yards of dirt he had delivered to the site. We also wish to thank Jim Willis for his ideas and the labor he and his son, Michael, volunteered. Appreciation goes to Jack Roevens of Arrowhead Construction for the larger rocks. Other laborers included Gregg and Kelly Martin from Farmer’s Insurance, Myrle Schwalm from Schwalm, Martos, & Co., Don Kotowski (resident renter), Steve Kavanagh of Desert Scapes Plus, Bill Stein, and Nikki Morton for her bucket and shovel. Special thanks also to Joe Bullock of First American Bank for the much needed beverage.

Going forward, as you well know, landscaping is a never-ending project. As such we will be working on the west side of Picacho Hills Drive up through and adjacent to Las Casitas. Our objective will be to maintain the landscaping done by the residents of Las Casitas back in 2008. Comments are being solicited and have been forthcoming.

We have expectations that this area will continue to contribute to the aesthetics of our community. Once under control we will be looking ahead for additional projects.

About the Uranium Contamination in Water From the NM Environment Dept’s Drinking Water Bureau Web Site

ranium is a heavy metal that can naturally occur in groundwater areas where Uranium-bearing

he primary target organ from chronic (long term) ingestion of Uranium is the kidney, but liver

ll community water systems are required to test their source water periodically for Uranium and

rations.

he best removal technology, particularly for the private well owner, is Reverse Osmosis. Under sink or countertop models are readily available. Note that the spent exchange media or the RO waste stream may require special handling if the Uranium concentration is high.

Ustrata are found. There are many areas in New Mexico with elevated uranium in groundwater. Tand thyroid damage could also result. Radiological impacts from ingestion of Uranium are not clear. Bathing in water with elevated levels of Uranium is not considered to be a health risk. Aother radionuclides. If tests show Uranium concentrations that exceed The Maximum Contaminant Levelof 30 ug/l ppb, they are required to respond to reduce these concentIf you have a private well and are concerned, have the well water tested at a certified lab. T

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Secretary’s Corner Timely Items of Interest by Sharon Glazier sglazier1391@comcast.net

he Tax Assessor’s Door-to-Door Initiative

(but more likely one of his appraisers) at

hese countywide appraisals will begin showing up on the 2012 and 2013 tax records,

id you remember to get that building permit when you reroofed or when you added a

T

ou may get a glimpse of Andy Segovia himself Yyour door soon. Newly elected County Assessor Segovia has started an 18-month project whereby the office’s appraisers will visit all homes to verify that information in the county records and his office’s valuations are correct. It’s Segovia’s intent to get as fair and as equitable valuations as are possible. It’s also State mandated. The last time this was done was 2002. Taccording to Mr. Segovia. After the 2011 Notices of Value are mailed out, if you disagree with the value of your property, you can file a protest with the Assessor’ Office. Remember, though, that the burden of proof is on you. You must bring your evidence before the Protest Board. So, go to your hearing prepared, and take written evidence to substantiate your claim. Dstructure on your property? If you didn’t, your value may change. There are several community venues where the County Assessor is putting on programs to explain how this reassessment works. Watch the Sun-News for locations. SNAP Program

what SNAP is? It is the Spay and Neuter Action Program for animals. Low-

l

ere’s how it works: Clients come to the SNAP office at 2405 W. Picacho Avenue and

d a small

rotective Covenants

ver the past few years some Home Owners Associations have amended ittee I am

ons

o you know Dincome, qualified households can get assistance with the cost of spaying or neutering their dogs and cats. Involved are about a dozen participating veterinarians, many loyadonors and over a hundred volunteers (including several who reside in Picacho Hills: Sherry Gara, President of SNAP, Pat Jonker and Deanise Marta, grant writers, SharonGlazier, office administration), While the board and grant writers work on funding, the office volunteers interview, qualify clients, answer questions about the program and issue vouchers for low-cost spay and neuter procedures. Hpresent evidence of low-income status (as defined by federal guidelines). Upon presentation of that proof, a photo ID to assure Doña Ana County residency, anco-payment ($35 for dogs, $25 for cats), a voucher is issued. The client then makes an appointment with a SNAP-assigned veterinarian. P Otheir subdivision’s Protective Covenants. As chair of the Covenants Commasking for an officer of each HOA to contact me to make sure I have copies that are current. I have been told that at least Coronado Ridge and Fairway Village subdivisihave made changes to theirs, so my collection of original Covenants is out of date. Please contact me if yours have been amended.

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Chip your Pet Dave Zeemont, President

My name is Maggie Zeemont, I live in Picacho Hills with my two-legged parents, Lynn and Dave Zeemont. I am a female black Labrador Retriever, and am going to be three in September. In February, the three of us went on a vacation by car to Northern California. On the way back we stopped in Long Beach, for a family function. Needless to say, there were a lot of family and friends, as well as other kids, when we arrived. Not only did they have a cat, which I didn’t care for much, but there were turtles and a chicken living there. I made a lot of friends, especially a 13 year old boy from Kansas City who we shall call Billy. My mom asked Billy if he would like to take me out for a walk, so they put my leash on, and a group of us kids went out. They told me that there was a big park at the end of the street, where a lot of dogs go, so we headed for there. The weather wasn’t all that great but I was having a terrific time with all my new friends. Little did I know that this would be the start of my traumatic experience. As Billy and I were walking towards the park, behind us another person was walking two larger dogs, one of whom turned out to be particularly aggressive. So much so, that he pulled his leash out of his handler’s hand, and started heading for me in a most unfriendly manner. Needless to say, I freaked out, and in order to protect myself, backed out of my collar, which was clipped to the leash with all my id tags, and started heading at a dead run for parts unknown. So there we were, the dog walker chasing the other dog, who was chasing me, and the kids chasing me as well. In my fear, I outran all of them, and scooted down the street and turned the corner onto a major thoroughfare. When I finally stopped to assess the situation, I found that I was not only scared but lost. I was so frightened that when one of the motorists stopped and opened his door, I hopped right in and sat there cowering in his back seat. As it turned out, it was the best thing I could have done, as the driver, Mr. Henderson, had two dogs of his own, and could see that I was lost and scared. Unfortunately, he was on the way home to Fullerton, which was about thirty-five miles away, and did not have time to look for my family and friends. So off we went. On the way to his house, Mr. Henderson decided to stop at the Orange County Animal Shelter to see if they had any reports of missing dogs. I’m not sure if he knew then that I had a microchip ID or not, but it didn’t matter, because, much to his astonishment, for some reason the Animal Shelter refused to help us! So we continued on to Fullerton, and Mr. Henderson and his wife couldn’t have been nicer. They fed me and put on a new collar. They even took me for a walk and I met the two other dogs that lived there. It certainly looked like I might be starting a new life in California. Then they hit upon the idea of taking me to see their own veterinarian, who was still in his office. The vet could tell that I had a microchip, and had a scanner which revealed my ID number and whom to contact. When he got through to the monitoring company, they knew all about me! My mom had contacted them right away, and they even had made up a missing poster and emailed it back to her to print and put up locally. They had also notified local shelters and vets in the Long Beach area, as well as to my vet here in Las Cruces. They gave the Fullerton vet my mom’s cell phone number, and in minutes she was on her way to Fullerton to pick me up. At the time of the call, she was at the Long Beach Animal Shelter with the woman whose dog had originally caused all the problems. My dad was still scouring the neighborhood with his cousins looking for me. Thanks to the microchip, the whole experience had taken less than four hours. Without it, it might have taken days for the Hendersons to go back to Long Beach, and find the missing posters that my family had put up, if they hadn’t been washed away by the rain. So I guess the moral of this story is, get your pet a microchip ID. It is inexpensive and it really works!

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From the President (Continued from Page 1)

This month we welcome two new merchants to our discount program: Doggie Dude Ranch and Cat Farm, 1428 Burke Road, 647-4471 Co-owner Frank Bryce, whose free snake removal service was discussed in last October’s newsletter, is offering 10% off pet boarding rates to PHPOA members showing their current ID card. Frank is also the President of the Southern New Mexico Humane Society, and a passionate advocate for animal safety.

Mesilla Valley RV Storage, 5350 West Picacho Avenue, 520-8761 Owner Al Coelho, who just recently acquired this business, is offering 15% off RV and box storage rates for three months to PHPOA members showing their current ID card. Only new customers are eligible for member discounts since rates for existing customers will remain lower than new customer rates, even with the discount.

I encourage all of our members to patronize our participating merchants, and, of course, we will be striving to add more local businesses to our program.. Also, don’t forget our Go-Green program for electronic delivery of future newsletters. Just drop an email to: phpoanews@aol.com, and give us your name, street address and the email address where you want the newsletter sent. Thank you for your support. Dave A Real Road Hazard Dave Zeemont, President On Saturday, March 26, one of our Picacho Hills residents was driving down Barcelona Ridge Rd., when she spotted a skateboard lying along the side of the road. Naturally, she slowed up, and as she crested the small hill down by the Triangle, about 50 feet from the board, she saw the skater, a nineteen year old boy, lying in the street, his body shaking with convulsions. As she reached him, several of the neighbors, having heard the noise of the impact, came out to investigate as well. She asked one of them to call 911 while she attended to the skater. Fortunately, the convulsions stopped, and he regained consciousness while they were waiting for the ambulance. Though understandably incoherent, the young man was able to enter the ambulance under his own power. It appears that he was skateboarding with a friend, got going too fast on the steep hill, and lost control of his board. Foolishly, he was not wearing a helmet. There was no vehicle involved. However, it is to be noted that skateboarding on a public road in Doña Ana County is not permitted, so in addition to being inherently dangerous, it is technically illegal as well. If you observe anybody skateboarding on our roads, it is requested that you call the Sheriff’s Department immediately. Again, do not try to confront them yourself.

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PHPOA 2011 Calendar January 4 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

February 14-21 Winter Newsletter Delivery Questions to Hospitality Committee Chair

February 1 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

February 5 PHPOA Newcomers Social 3pm at PHCC – for new owner/residents 02/10–02/11

February 6 For the Love of Art 12-4pm at Picacho Mountain Vis. Ctr, all welcome

March 1 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

March 22 PHPOA Annual Dinner Meeting 6pm Heavy hors d’oeuvres & open bar; 7:30 Meeting

April 5 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

April 8-15 Spring Newsletter/Directory Delivery Questions to Hospitality Committee Chair

April 23 Spring Cleanup 8am start at McKay residence w/coffee & donuts

May 3 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

June 7 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

July 5 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

August 2 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

September 6 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

September 18 Art in the Garden 11-4 starting at PHCC, all are welcome

October 1-8 Fall Newsletter Delivery Questions to Hospitality Committee Chair

October 4 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attendingNovember 1 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

December 6 PHPOA Board Meeting 3:30pm at PHCC - confirm before attending

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2011-2012

President Dave Zeemont to 2012 523-0913 mudjob@earthlink.net

Vice President Ray Morton to 2013 527-0611 jschwebke@prodigy.net

Secretary Sharon Glazier to 2013 527-2531 sglazier1391@comcast.net

Treasurer Larry Goforth to 2013 527-1707 lydlar@earthlink.net

Directors Henry Broekhoff to 2012 524-1022 hbndesign@aol.comJohn Kutney to 2012 525-8470 john.kutney@comcast.net

Judith Miller to 2012 524-5969 halcyonknl@aol.com

John Schwebke to 2012 527-0238 jschwebke@prodigy.net

Jodie Bixby to 2013 523-0823 nedjodie@gmail.com

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIR MEMBERS

Budgets/Planning Larry Goforth Dave Zeemont Improvements/Roads/ETZ John Kutney Ray Morton, Dave Zeemont Covenants/Safety/Security Sharon Glazier David Wright Directory David Zeemont Nancy Fuller, Bob Oheim Fund Raising John Schwebke Henry Broekhoff Hospitality Judith Miller Hospitality Representatives

Anna Leuenberger Membership Henry Broekhoff All Board members Functions Jodie Bixby Sharon Glazier Newsletter John Schwebke All Board Members Nominating Dave Zeemont All Board Members Utilities Dave Zeemont Paul Gradwohl Website Larry Goforth All Board Members

Utilities and Court Report – April 2011 Dave Zeemont, President In my last report I told you that one of the two civil cases being brought against the Association and several of its Board members, that of Picacho Hills Utility Company and its principal, had been dismissed by the Judge for lack of prosecution. I’m happy to announce that the second civil case, that of the former NMPRC engineer versus PHPOA and myself, among others, for our role in filing a complaint against him with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office, after several hearings, has been summarily dismissed by the Judge. This means that for the first time since November of 2009, (it seems much longer) nobody is suing us for our role as interveners in the utility rate case. I’d like to thank our Attorney, Jim Sorenson, for his guidance and expertise in the handling of these cases. As you may recall, Jim agreed to represent us at a time when our previous attorney was forced to withdraw. In retrospect, we were lucky this occurred, because nobody else could have handled things better than he did, including keeping a nervous defendant calm. Our membership also owes a debt of gratitude to those Board members who were my co-defendants in the first case, and who would not be intimidated by the actions of the Plaintiff. Believe me, it is no fun to have a process server knock on your door and hand you a Summons and Complaint with your name on it. I would also like to express my thanks to those Board members who were subjected to Depositions in the second case. Opposing attorney seemed to select those people who were the least involved in the utilities issue, perhaps as a way to foment dissent on the Board. In any event, she was remarkably unsuccessful in that regard. As to Picacho Hills Utility Company itself, the hearing on both the NMPRC’s petition to have a receiver appointed and the Bank of the Rio Grande’s foreclosure and receiver suit have been re-scheduled for May 16, 2011, approximately six months since the last scheduled hearing in December, 2010. I’m told that this long delay is due to scheduling conflicts among the parties involved. In the meantime, on January 24, 2011, PHUC did file its “Brief in Chief” with the New Mexico Supreme Court, in its appeal of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioners’ decision. A response from the NMPRC attorneys is due by April 28, 2011. In my discussion with the NMPRC General Counsel’s Office, I was told that the reason for the delay was that their office, PHUC, and the Bank had been engaged in active settlement discussions in Santa Fe, and Continued on the Next Page

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(Continued from Page 9) that he thought that they had almost reached an agreement, including a possible sale of the Utility. Remarkably, nothing came of these discussions. For some reason, The Who’s song, “We Won’t Get Fooled Again” seems to be running through my mind. Turning to the Utility’s status with the New Mexico Environment Department, in speaking with an engineer in the Ground Water Quality Bureau, he advised me that negotiations were still going on regarding their second compliance order concerning the Sewage Treatment Plant, much as I had reported in the last newsletter. A lower amount of fine is being considered, but given the Department’s and the PRC’s inability to collect such things, what of it? We also discussed the fact that PHUC’s Discharge Permit is up for renewal in January 2012, (it has to be renewed every five years) and that the application for renewal has to be filed with the NMED no later than 120 days before expiration. Of course, there are two compliance orders outstanding against the current permit (let’s not forget the effluent line), so things may get interesting. Again, what can they do? He also was not aware of the letter PHUC customers received recently about the excess Uranium in their well water. The excerpt from the NMED website, shown elsewhere in this newsletter, was sent to me from another department. I have not been advised as yet of any follow-up by the NMED in that regard. As I have written before, stay tuned. BLM Meeting About the Cattle Problem Dave Zeemont, President On March 16, 2011, the Bureau of Land Management sponsored a meeting at its offices in Las Cruces to address specific problems pertaining to the Picacho Hills area – that of the cattle roaming freely on the Picacho Hills Golf course and throughout the neighborhoods of Picacho Hills, and the use of ATV’s on the streets of Picacho Hills, that in many cases are cutting across private property to go through holes in the fence onto BLM land. In attendance, in addition to BLM and Sheriff’s Department personnel, were, John Kutney, Community Improvement Chairperson of the PHPOA, and representatives from Picacho Hills Country Club, Picacho Land Management, the Coronado Ridge Neighborhood Association, the Burke Family (owners of the land), and the local rancher who is the owner of the cattle that have been getting loose. This marked a decided change in attitude on the part of the rancher, whose cattle, when they have gotten through the fence, have done extensive damage to the golf course and local residences, not to mention the hazard of their walking around on our streets. Heretofore, the rancher has generally been unresponsive to the damage being done by the cattle; to the point where PHCC has strongly considered legal action for recover their damages. It is to be remembered, that when the BLM constructed the balance of the fencing to the north of Picacho Mountain Development, it was agreed that the rancher would maintain it. Continued on the Next Page

(Continued from Page 10) It had been thought that much of the problem arises when the ATV operators have cut the fence, in order to gain access to the trails on the other side. This theory was contradicted by the representatives of the BLM, who felt that the fence was being cut primarily by the hikers, and not by the ATV operators, from observations of BLM enforcement officers who have been monitoring the fence line. However, it was pointed out that use of ATV’s is prohibited on any trails on BLM land, except on those trails that are designated for their use. It was further stated that none of the trails in the Picacho Hills area are designated for ATV use. These trails are all near the Las Cruces Airport area. The officers indicated that violations should be reported in lieu of personally getting involved, since there have been reports of retribution in the past by ATV'ers such as destroying plants, fences, signs, and graffiti. Signs will be posted stating that use of ATV’s in this area is prohibited, as well as pointing out where the trail heads and gates in the fence are located. I have it on good authority that some of these signs have been posted, since there are reports that the signs prohibiting ATV use have already been run over, and put up again.

The BLM enforcement and Sheriff’s Department people have indicated that their patrols will be increased, especially on weekends, and construction of a new trailhead is under consideration. The Coronado Ridge Neighborhood Association has also put up a number of “NO Trespassing” signs along their western border to aid the Sheriff’s Department in their enforcement and although their deterrence value is questionable, it does give the Sheriff’s Deputies the ability to act.

In regards to the cattle, the rancher agreed to be more diligent in his maintenance of the fence to the north of Picacho Mountain and Butterfield Ridge, and to be more responsive in reclaiming his cattle if they are able to penetrate the fence onto Picacho Hills and Picacho Hills Golf Club territory. However, since this area is considered “Open Range”, under New Mexico law it is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner to keep the cattle off his property, not the rancher.

Important Phone Numbers

Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces Office – 525-4499 Renewable Resources – 525-4366

Law Enforcement Officer – 649-9110 (cell)

Doña Ana County Fire Marshall – 647-7921 Fairacres Fire Substation – 525-2979

Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department (Non-emergency) - 526-0795

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These Merchants Offer Discounts to PHPOA Members Who Present Their ID Card

Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning 924 W. Picacho Ave., 524-8653

$25 off a tune-up of your heating and cooling system

Doggie Dude Ranch & Cat Farm 1428 Burke Road, 647-4471 10% discount on pet boarding rates

Enchanted Gardens 270 Avenida de Mesilla, 524-1886

10% discount on purchases (except consignment items)

Guacamole’s* 3995 W. Picacho Avenue, 525-9115

10% discount on all food and beverages

Johnston’s True Value Hardware 1002 W. Picacho Avenue, 524-3586

10% discount on most purchases

Kiva Patio Café* 600 E, Amador Ave., 527-8206

10% discount on all food and non-alcoholic beverages

La Iguana* 139 N. Main Street, 520-6260

10% discount on all food and beverages

MDC Computers 2001 E. Lohman Ave., #115, 522-7600

12% discount on all labor rates (excl. hardware sales)

Mesilla Valley RV Storage 5350 W. Picacho Avenue, 520-8761

15% off RV & box storage rates for 3 months (new clients only)

Ump 88 Irish Grill* 1338 Picacho Hills Drive, 647-1455

10% discount off all food and beverage

* Please remember to figure your tip on the original bill

Picacho Hills Property Owners Association

SPRING CLEANUP

In Conjunction with the City Of Las Cruces & the Great American Cleanup   

Come join your neighbors at Picacho Hills’ Annual Spring Cleanup

Saturday, April 23rd ● 8:00 to 11:00 AM

Wake up with coffee and donuts at the McKay’s - 1380 Via Norte. We provide trash bags, work gloves, and, if at all possible, your preferred

route. A good cause worthy of setting the alarm!

Questions? Contact John Kutney at 525-8470 or john.kutney@comcast.net

A dumpster will again be located on Via Norte at Vista Hermosa. Please: no toxic materials or batteries!

** Good Neighbors Create Good Neighborhoods **