Archive for July, 2009

Chile crop appears strong before harvest
By Diana M. Alba Sun-News reporter

A Las Cruces Sun-News story published on 07/22/2009

LAS CRUCES – It’s around this time of year that New Mexicans begin anxiously eyeing the contents of their deep freezes, wondering whether they’ve got enough green chile to make it until the start of the summer harvest.

Often rationing ensues.

But not to worry. It’s not much longer until the first pods will come off plants.
The green chile harvest should begin in earnest in the next two to three weeks, said Stephanie Walker, extension vegetable specialist at New Mexico State University.

Chile lovers will be happy to learn that the crop appears strong so far. Walker said chile hasn’t been hit by the disease seen in recent years.

She said weather conditions, especially dryness this month and early on in the season, have helped prevent bacterial and fungal diseases that cut into crop yields in past years. In addition, Walker said, there weren’t as many weeds last winter, which cut down on the number of insects that transmit the chile-killing virus called curly top.

“We’ve had some real rough years recently, and this year is going to be our best year in many years,” she said. “We did have a little problem with birds and rabbits in some areas, but not as bad as in previous years. As long as the weather keeps cooperating, we’re going to have an excellent, excellent crop.”

Walker said any rains or flooded fields in upcoming weeks could promote the fungal disease called chile wilt, which would hurt production.

At least one grower, Joe Lujan, who operates a you-pick-it field north of Las Cruces, is already allowing customers to gather chile in his 30-acre plot. He said the crop is “doing really good right now.”
“Last year about the time we started harvesting, the rains started, and most of us lost half of our crop to rain. I don’t want any rain until December,” he said with a laugh.

The farm is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, except Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Meanwhile, in Hatch, which promotes itself as the “Chile Capital of the World,” the crop is also faring well, said Mayor Judd Nordyke. He said the village is already fielding questions from interested chile buyers.

“We’re getting a lot of queries: ‘Is it ready yet? Are people roasting it yet?’” he said. “It’s a little bit early.”

Still, Nordyke said, “we’re just looking forward to what we hope is going to be a bumper year.”

Last year, the state produced 60,140 tons of chile, about a 23 percent increase over the previous year, according to statistics from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Meanwhile, in Do-a Ana County last year, about 20,600 tons of chile were produced, according to NASS. That was roughly a 61 percent increase over 2007.

Increases statewide were attributed mostly to farmers growing high-yielding green chile varieties, according to the report. Plus, Walker said disease pressure was greater in past years.

Though production was up compared to 2007, it was still much less than previous years. Industry experts have said chile production has been on a trend of decline because of the increased costs of farming and labor, as well as competition from Mexico.

The crop’s statewide value in 2008 jumped to $42.3 million, about a 48 percent increase over 2007. NASS attributed the gain to farmers getting much higher contract prices for the crop.

Lujan said his family has been farming chile at the site, about seven miles north of Mayfield High School off N.M. Hwy. 185, for about 50 years. He once planted as much as 100 acres – 50 for the you-pick-it operation and 50 for contracted sales to California buyers – but contracted prices declined, prompting him to cut back. Also, he said farming expenses shot up dramatically.

“There’s a lot of farmers that quit growing chile,” he said.

Diana M. Alba can be reached at dalba@lcsun-news.com; (575) 541-5443

Harvest stats
Year

Statewide chile production*

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Harvested acres 16,800 14,700 15,400 16,200 13,800 11,000 11,100

Production in tons 96,400 85,360 106,850 88,760 73,400 49,000 60,140

Crop value $53.4 million $41.1 million $50.3 million $47.8 million $39.6 million $28.7 million $42.3 million
Doña Ana County production*

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Harvested acres 4,400 3,400 3,900 3,500 3,000 3,200 3,200

Production in tons 21,170 24,410 34,830 16,720 22,100 12,800 20,600

Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service

*includes red and green

Field worker Jose Franco, 71, of Las Cruces clears dirt Tuesday at a chile field off Picacho Hills Drive to allow irrigation water to run between the rows. Growers say they are impressed with this year's crop. Harvesting is anticipated to begin in two to three weeks. (Sun-News photo by Norm Dettlaff)

A Trek Through the Desert
By: Paul Dahlgren
Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau

As the sun peaks over the Organ Mountains, the scurrying rodents and the beautiful array of blossoming cacti aren’t the only signs of life, as a small trail of dust snakes up the mountainous terrain, trailing a group mountain bikers enjoying one of Las Cruces’ many mountain biking trails. 

With a variety of different mountain ranges, that have wide range of trails and trail variations, at skill levels ranging from beginning to advanced, Las Cruces provides a wealth of year-round outdoor excursions, which give you that outdoor adventure you’ve been looking for, without the expensive travel costs.

“This is one of the best kept resources in Las Cruces…our trails are definitely top rated,” said International Mountain Bicycling Association Member Ron Herring, who explained that people from all over the nation come to experience the trails in Las Cruces.

Being out in the desert and mountainous landscape can be a wonderful learning experience, as, “there are a lot of fascinating animals, ecology, geography and history,” said Herring while explaining that people don’t often realize, “just how much life is out here,” and when, “you stop to take a break, and look at the plant life, you just say,…‘wow.’”

The great weather year-round allows for mountain bikers to ride almost anytime during the year, whereas, other mountain biking hotspots are often seasonal, because of inclement weather.

“We have the best weather for biking,” Herring said, and went on to say that, not only can you ride year-round, but, that the views of the surrounding landscapes when you’re riding, “are amazing… it’s so vast, and you can see out so far.”

“One really nice thing about this area is cell phone contact,” said IMBA Member Mike Lorimer, who explained that cell phone service, is available in many of the trails, which is helpful if you run into any problems.

“There are not a lot of dangerous things out here,” said Herring, as he went on to caution that, although the trails are relatively safe, mountain bikers should always wear a helmet, bring plenty of water and consistently keep safety in mind.

As mountain biking has become more popular in recent years, more and more mountain bikers are getting their families involved. “We have a lot of families coming out,” and, “the trails are set up to where, the further you go out, the more difficult it gets,” said Herring, just as I happened to catch a glance of a father and his two younger sons riding by on the trail.

Age doesn’t seem to be a debilitating factor for many mountain bikers as, “the age range is just amazing,” said Herring. “I’ve got a couple in their 70’s who go out and camp,” said Lorimer, while he explained the wide variety of people who come out to the trails.

“They’re [the trails] not that far, it’s not going to cost you a tank of gas,” said Outdoor Adventures Manager Pablo Lopez while mentioning that many of the biking trails are in very close proximity to Las Cruces.

Visitors who don’t have their own mountain bike can still and rent one, at stores such as, Outdoor Adventures, which rents mountain bikes for $20 a day.

There are a number of ongoing bike rides throughout Las Cruces, which anyone is free to join in on, and ride alongside other avid mountain bikers from the area.

For more information and maps on trails, in and around Las Cruces, visit the recreation section of: www.lascrucescvb.org

Who: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
What: Events in August
When: August 2009
Where: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Contact: (575) 522-4100

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage August 2009 Events Calendar

History Detectives Class
Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us at the Zuhl Library electronic classroom at NMSU for a day of historical training. This class will prepare students to use college level resources in order to find answers to their historical questions. Additionally, it will prepare students for the 2010 National History Day contest for those who are interested. Students should bring a lunch or money to purchase lunch at the Crossroads Cafe. Pre-registration is required but the class is free.

Harvest Cooking Class
Aug. 4, 2-4 p.m.
This month’s cooking class features recipes that include tomatoes, watermelon, tomatillos and/or bell peppers. Carol Koenig is the chef and pre-registration is required. $35.

Outdoor Charcoal Drawing
Aug. 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This fun workshop is for children going into grades sixth through eighth. They will have the opportunity to sketch images of the Museum’s various plants and animals. Students need to bring a lunch, a hat, tennis shoes and sun screen. Pre-registration is required and the cost is $20.

Exhibit Opening: “The Art of Cultivation”
Aug. 13, 6-8 p.m.
This fine art exhibit will feature the works of The Border Artists and will be located in the Museum’s Arts Corridor through Dec. 6, 2009. There will be a reception with refreshments. Admission to the opening reception is free. Regular Museum admission of $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and $2 for children 5 to 17, applies thereafter.

Lecture Lecture/Film Series: “Betty LaDuke: Art Reflecting Life”
Aug. 13, 7 p.m.
The current traveling exhibit “Dreaming Cows” will be featured, with a documentary film profile of exhibition artist Betty LaDuke. The documentary, “Betty LaDuke: Art Reflecting Life,” will give a deeper profile of the artist and the inspiration behind her colorful works. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.

Exhibit Opening: “Bracero Memories”
Aug. 28
This exhibit focuses on the Bracero Program, a temporary contract labor program between the United States and Mexico initiated in 1942. The agricultural portion of the program continued until 1964. The exhibit will be in the Legacy Gallery. Admission to see the exhibit is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and $2 for children 5 to 17.

For more information, or to pre-register for a workshop, please call (575) 522-4100

www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

Who: The Rio Grande Theatre
What: Events in August at Rio Grande Theater
When: August 2009
Where: The Rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Rio Grande Theatre August Calendar of Events

Friday, August 18
Peachcake & The Crush
Two fun-loving bands for the price of one, from the cultural wasteland of Phoenix, Arizona. Peachcake is Stefan Pruett and Johnny OKeefe, a couple of pretty good looking shape-shifting vigilantes who use their mutant-based powers to protect the World from audio-terrorism. The Crush is Eric Straub and Danny Love, an R&B/Indie/Pop act who create hot live shows with catchy hooks and intelligent melodies to strike a chord in all listeners. Both want to make your booty shake with techno-pop beats and upbeat lyrics. Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are $10. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Friday, August 21
Namoli Brennet
Singer/songwriter Namoli Brennet describes herself as an over-achieving multi-instrumentalist with a composition degree. Her technique draws on a wide range of influences, including Shawn Colvin, Jonathan Brooke, Patty Griffin and Joni Mitchell. She is equally at home on the guitar, the piano or the mandolin and even plays a mean harmonica. Brennet’s innate understanding of the language of music allows for a skillful ability to communicate insights that are both poetic and powerful. Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are $10. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Saturday, August 22
Chris Mitchell
Magician Chris Mitchell has entertained and delighted audiences from around the world, captivating audiences from the very young to the young-at-heart. He has served as Magic Consultant for the USA Network’s “The Big Easy” and has toured North America as an assistant on the World Premiere Tour of Circus Royale. Join Chris on a journey through the magical world of controlled lunacy in two bit shows. Showtimes are 2pm and 7:30pm. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.

Friday, August 28
SWEC presents “Lords Of Nature”
The Southwest Environmental Center (SWEC) joins the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, New Mexico State University’s Department of Wildlife and Conservation Ecology and the Southwest Consolidated Sportsmen in celebrating both Aldo Leopold, the visionary New Mexico conservationist, and the role of predators such as the Mexican Wolf (Lobo) in nature, with a screening of the film “Lords Of Nature.” The film will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Kevin Bixby, Executive Director of SWEC. Doors open at 6:30pm, showtime is 7pm. Admission is free. For more information call (575) 522-5552.

Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
August 11 – Dr. J. Albert Carlile: Master of Mirth, Music, Magic & Medicine
August 25 – Sue & Paul Smith: Musical Duo
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30pm and are free to the public. 

On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries
Monday Studio Group
The works of a dozen plus ladies, ranging in age from the late fifties to the early nineties will be on display throughout the month of August 2009, beginning with a reception for the artists to coincide with the First Friday Downtown Arts Ramble, on August 7, at 5pm. Working in watercolor, colored pencils, oils and pastels, the artists of the Monday Studio Group explore many styles of expression and have found that they need all of their energy and enthusiasm as they tackle the difficulties involved in portrait and figure painting. The exhibit will run through August 31, 2009.

For clarification, photos or additional information, please contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.

Who: Indie Alt-Rocker Namoli Brennet
What: Concert at the Rio Grande Theatre
When: August 21, 2009 – 7:30pm
Where: The Rio Grande Theatre
Contact: (575) 523-6403

Indie Alt-Rocker Namoli Brennet to Play Rio Grande Theatre

One of the most original and exciting voices to emerge on the music scene in recent years is singer/songwriter Namoli Brennet. Currently receiving rave reviews for her seventh independent release, Until From This Dream I Wake—called “gorgeous and introspective” by Zocalo Magazine and “remarkable” by the Windy City Times–Brennet will bring her raw, gritty and achingly poignant stylings to the Rio Grande Theatre, August 21, 2009 at 7:30pm.

Singer/songwriter Namoli Brennet has been relentlessly touring the country in her battered Volvo wagon since the release of her 2002 CD, Boy in a Dress. Based in Tucson, AZ, the enigmatic and colorful Brennet has covered over 30,000 miles and 43 states over the past 7 years, playing cities from San Francisco to New York. In between producing, engineering and releasing 7 CDs on her own label, Flaming Dame Records, she’s shared stages with Melissa Ferrick, Jill Sobule, Michelle Shocked and many others.

Brennet’s seventh self-released disc, Until From This Dream I Wake, has her mining some deeper and more personal emotional territory than we’ve heard in any of her previous releases. A deft storyteller, Brennet now turns her lens inward; the result is a CD filled with a beautiful, aching melancholy that documents the transition from despair to hope. As a songwriter who’s known as a talented lyricist and storyteller, Brennet has a gift for creating vivid characters and situations; on this disc, she’s used those talents to create an intimate self-portrait, with stunning and heartbreaking results.

Doors open at 7pm and the performance begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased via the website at www.RioGrandeTheatre.com. For more information, visit Namoli’s website at www.NamoliBrennet.com. For media questions, images or to set up an interview with Namoli Brennet, contact Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at (575) 523-6403.

Who: White Sands National Monument
What: Free Admission three weekends this summer
When: July 18-19 & August 15-16 2009
Where: White Sands National Monument (located roughly 45 miles east of Las Cruces on U.S. Highway 70 between White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base.)
Contact: (575) 479-6124

White Sands National Monument to Waive Entrance Fees On Three Weekends this Summer

Alamogordo, NM –White Sands National Monument will join 390 other national parks across American and offer three fee-free weekends during this summer.

“We want to encourage everyone to visit White Sands National Monument this summer,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “During these tough economic times, this is a great opportunity for families to explore the spectacular geology, plants and animals, and the incredible night sky of the White Sands for free.”

The entrance fees will be waived on the following weekends:
June 20-21 (Father’s Day Weekend), 2009
July 18-19, 2009
August 15-16, 2009

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the National Park Service would host the fee-free weekends during a June 2 visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. The intent is to encourage Americans to visit their national parks and to promote local and regional tourism.

During these weekends, White Sands National Monument will waive the $3 entrance fee per adult (anyone age 16 or older). The entrance stations will be open and staff will be available to provide maps, answer questions, and sell annual passes. The fee waiver does not include other fees such as for camping or special use permits.

White Sands National Monument hosts a free ranger guided nature walk called the Sunset Stroll every evening at 7:00 PM. Visitors meet the ranger at the Sunset Stroll Trailhead located 5 miles from the Entrance Station on the Dunes Drive. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 8:30 PM, there is also a free evening program at the amphitheatre in the Heart of the Dunes. A variety of topics are offered, including: Plant Adaptations; Geology of the White Sands; Ranching, Railroads, Mining, Monument, and Murder: the Tularosa Basin at the Turn of the 20th Century; White Sands WILD Wildlife. Both the Sunset Stroll and the evening program are free programs.

The bookstore at White Sands National Monument will also offer 20% off all merchandise during these three weekends. The Western National Parks Association (managers of the bookstore) is pleased to offer the discount in support of the National Park Service and this unique opportunity for the public.

The Great Outdoors
By: Paul Dahlgren
Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau

With the abundance of hiking and biking trails in and around Las Cruces, summer is the perfect time to dust off those hiking boots, grab a few bottles of water and go out and experience the natural beauty of the Las Cruces area.

Hotspots such as Dripping Springs, Aguirre Springs, the Dona Ana Mountains, and Picacho Peak, are just some of the many hiking, biking and equestrian trails in the Las Cruces area, that are tailored to people of all skill levels.

“The sights, the sounds, the smells, are just totally different from here in the valley,” said Eric Ernst, park ranger for the bureau of land management.

Ernst also explained that, although spring and fall are the most popular seasons for tourists, during the summer, “There are less people, so it’s quieter if you’re looking for solitude.”

With over 10 different recreation areas, and a vast number of trails in and around Las Cruces, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and experience the natural beauty of Las Cruces with a relaxing trip that has breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Along with destinations such as Dripping Springs and Aguirre Springs, there are a number of trails that make a for perfect day trip from Las Cruces such as the Gila Lower Box Canyon, and the Three Rivers Petroglyph site.

“Las Cruces is a good base for all those areas,” said Ernst, while explaining how many of the recreation areas around Las Cruces are, “great for a day trip,” and with little or no cost, it won’t break your budget.

Aside from the numerous hiking opportunities, Las Cruces also has a number of mountain biking, equestrian and off-road trails, for a more adventurous day out in the desert.

For those looking to do some off-road adventures with their ATVs or off-road vehicles, there’s Aden Hills, which offers a large well maintained area for ATV use, as well as, The Robledo Mountains, which offers a variety of four-wheel drive trails and several trails for rock crawling.

The number and quality of the trails is increasing, as trails are continually expanded, revamped and maintained, with additions such as new parking areas for several of the trails.

With 350 days of sunshine each year, your chances of catching inclement weather on your hike are slim-to-none, and virtually guarantee clear and stunning views of the beautiful desert landscapes, stunning plant life and intriguing wildlife.

Ernst also recommended hikers take lots of water, especially if you have a pet with you, a hat and plenty of sunscreen.

For more information and maps on trails, in and around Las Cruces, visit the recreation section of: www.lascrucescvb.org

The Changing Tastes of Las Cruces
By:  Paul Dahlgren
Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau

As you wander through the streets of Las Cruces, you may just catch a whiff of some bold Thai spices, or the wholesome smell of Sheppard’s pie, and maybe, even the aromatic scent of roasting Hawaiian pork, as more and more exotic food restaurants have begun to spring up in Las Cruces and started serving tasty treats from around the globe.

With the opening of a traditional Irish pub, a Teppanyaki grill, a traditional Italian pizzeria, a Hawaiian restaurant, an Indian food restaurant and a Thai restaurant, in the past four years alone, Las Cruces’ Mexican food may have to share the “culinary spotlight”, in a city that is rapidly becoming a “culinary adventure” for locals and tourists alike.

“It’s a very distinct taste…I get most of my ingredients from Hawaii,” said Rachel Faulkner, chef and owner of the Hawaiian restaurant Ono Grindz, who said she cooks for, “the local people from Hawaii,” because, “they really miss the food.”

Las Cruces currently has the only Hawaiian food restaurant in the state, which has been open for approximately two years now, and Faulkner explained she gets many customers from the east coast, as well as many neighboring communities, looking for some bold exotic flavors, instead of just that “south of the border” flavor Las Cruces is renowned for.

“I think it’s a sign of culture, and that, the people of Las Cruces are willing to try new things and support new enterprises,” said Rebecca Correa-Elliott, a longtime resident of Las Cruces, while explaining that the restaurant scene in Las Cruces has changed over the years and the community has continued to embrace those changes.

Although the overwhelming majority of restaurants in Las Cruces still serve Mexican food, there are still over 20 restaurants that serve exotic cuisine in Las Cruces.

The diversity of restaurants has continued to attract many customers from neighboring communities such as El Paso, often bringing soldiers from Ft. Bliss that have developed a taste for food from other countries they have traveled too.

As the number of restaurants serving exotic foods continues to grow, Las Cruces is becoming more than just culinary hotspot for Mexican and New Mexican food, but a roller coaster ride of flavors, that takes your taste buds on a journey around the globe.

A list of restaurants and information about restaurants in Las Cruces can be found in the dining/nightlife section of lascrucescvb.org.

Nostalgia on Picacho Ave.
By: Paul Dahlgren
Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau

Antiques…they remind us of the good old days, and with every miniscule scratch or piece of dust lurks a story from generations past, which evokes that familiar sense of nostalgia, wonderfully captured by the Antique district in Las Cruces.

With some antiques and collectibles dating back years before the 1900′s, the antique district on Picacho Avenue, which is composed of 11 different antique stores, is full of antiques and collectibles from various generations throughout history.

Whether it is a vintage end table for the living room, or a vintage painting for the hallway, the antique district on Picacho has antiques and collectibles for every style and taste.

“Ever since I was a little kid I collected things…you learn a lot of history with this stuff,” said Bob Gaines, owner of S.O.B.’s [Sweet Old Bob’s] Antiques, as he explained that many of the items in his store all have an extensive history, and that, there are a large variety of types and styles of antiques and collectibles in the stores.

“I once had a record of the Harmonicats…and a man came in and said, he just had to have it… his father was on the cover…he had never even known,” Gaines said, as he went on to tell several stories about customers coming in and finding items that they never imagined they would find, yet each item held immense significance to the customers who bought them.

In one case, an ornate pillowcase, which was not for sale,  from a now, non existent military base, meant so much to a man, who is now a high ranking officer in the military, that Gaines has willed the pillowcase to him on a small note card.

The sense of history you feel in the shops is astounding, as entire generations are documented in old pictures, music, pottery, toys and even advertisements.

The wide variety of antiques and collectibles, seem to document the history and culture of Las Cruces as you walk from the “Roaring 20’s” in one room, and then witness an era pass you by and waltz into the “1950’s” in the next room.

Many of the antiques feature unique and exquisite craftsmanship, which has slowly faded away in lieu of mass production.

“The old stuff is made to last…if you buy things [consumer goods] nowadays, you’ll be lucky if it lasts a year,” said Gaines as he mentioned that many of the goods he has in his store still work well, even after upwards of 50 years.

Despite a large number of antiques and collectibles, Gaines said he is continuously searching for new items and that, “the search is what I like best…finding something you never expected to find…that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

With antiques and collectibles from all over the world, the antiques and collectibles throughout the antique district give a broader sense of the history and story engrained in many of the items.

So, for those wanting to spruce up that living room with some antique southwest charm or simply looking to take a stroll down memory lane, the antique district on Picacho is a great destination for serious investors and window shoppers alike.

Along with the large number of antique shops in and around Las Cruces, there are also a variety of ongoing antique shows throughout the year that may be hiding that little slice of history you’ve been looking for.

For more information on the Picacho antique district, visit www.lascrucescvb.com