April 2025 Meeting Minutes

6:30pm | Preservation Station | Bonnie Anderson presiding | Prepared by Secretary Howard Dobin

Fundraising

Bruce and Fiona recommended not holding a fundraising auction this year but encouraged discussion on alternative fundraising options. Bruce noted the auction may be revived in two years. One alternative idea would be to have a tour of gardens in Huning Highlands with tickets sold at $20 each. It would be an outside tour and not a tour of houses. Bruce said this might be a way of exploring the hidden gardens of Huning Highlands. Fiona noted there still might be a Christmas party at the Press Club without the auction. Bonnie acknowledged how much work the auction has been. Krista suggested the possibility of combining cookie tins with the garden tour.

Officer Report

Brittany Martinez (APD Liaison for Valley Area Command) introduced Lt. Tera Juarez as the new Swing Shift Officer for the Valley Area Command. Lt. Juarez introduced herself and noted that email (tjuarez@cabq.gov) is the best way to reach her. Lt. Juarez noted that the reputation of Huning Highlands is very good - people take care of their homes and not many complaints. Officer Martinez read the crime stats for March, noted that none of the calls related to the same address, and emphasized that there were double the amount of arrest warrants executed this month. Ms. Martinez provided an update on the mentally ill person on Arno who was discussed last month—no calls about him in March and he is assigned to a detective and getting the help he needs. Kathy and Julie raised a concern about a car parked on Iron between Edith and Walter that has three people living in it. APD Officers stated they will look into the issue. Harris raised concerns about lack of police presence on the Central Underpass and there was an extended discussion and numerous ongoing concerns expressed about the safety and condition of the Central Underpass. Markela Clinton (Field Representative for Mayor Keller) stated that she would encourage the Solid Waste Department to add additional patrols and have the Central Underpass cleaned every day.

Special Collections Library

The Branch Manager, Teri Reynoso, said that she started on January 11. The City does nightly patrols at the Library, and Ms. Reynoso is doing everything she can to keep it safe and clean. Ms. Reynoso brought objects for “show and tell.” She said there is a vertical file on every house, and Ann Carson says she also has a file on each house and anyone doing research can contact her. Ms. Reynoso said the Special Collections Library has many historical City documents, and she showed a deed book for Huning Highlands. Ms. Reynoso offered that patrons can also place holds and pick up books, print documents, and use the quiet space. The Special Collections Library celebrated its 100th birthday a couple weeks ago. Ms. Reynoso can be reached by email (specialcollections@cabq.gov). Krista said that she would like to connect to collaborate on the Jane’s Walk, and Ms. Reynoso gave her personal email address (treynoso@cabq.gov).

Picnic in the Park

Bonnie said that poor weather is forecasted, but we are not cancelling. Krista will contact Scott at the Press Club about a backup plan for the weather. The picnic will be Saturday, April 5, from 12:00 - 2:00, and there has been advertisement on social media.

Jane’s Walk

Krista said there will be two walks on May 3 at 8:30 and 10:30, and she encouraged people to sign up early because it will fill up quickly. The Jane’s Walk starts and ends at Press Club. Advertising will be on Instagram (@huning_highlands). Krista invited people to help engage businesses in the area to offer discounted goods/services to Walkers.

Rethink I-25

Carlos reported that the freeway walking event had 16 people. There have been over 400 signatures so far in only 2 months. There will be a booth at Earth Day at Balloon Fiesta Park in two weekends. Bonnie described the general concerns about possible expansion of freeway. Carlos noted that highways drain downtown and allow people to live further away. The freeway expansion project is listed officially on the NMDOT plan at $500M. More information can be found on the website at rethinki25.org. Krista gave “kudos” to Carlos for all his work.