The Man Who Killed the Cow and other Taos Doings
(Rio Grande Gorge Bridge) On Dec. 13, 2011, this reporter witnessed tractors and rollers tamping down the plowed up parking lot on the northeast approach to the bridge. Why? Has NMDOT decided not to plant native vegetation, the excuse portrayed in a state press release as the reason for shutting down the bridge to visitors and vendors? “Quien sabe,” amigos? Has St. Nick spoken with NMDOT?
(Taos Pueblo) Everybody at the village is talking about the brave WarChief and referring to Edwin Concha as “The Man who killed the Cow.” The story begins last summer when The Taos News reporter, J.R. Logan, posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 12:00 am the following story.
“Taos Pueblo war chief kills errant cow,” it says, “ Some ranchers are crying foul in the mountains east of Taos after the Taos Pueblo War Chief shot a cow that wandered off of private land. The cow belonged to Burton Enterprises, Inc., a ranching company based in Springer that grazes cattle on private pastures near Palo Flechado Pass. The land is near both tribal property as well as the Carson National Forest. Taos Pueblo War Chief Edwin Concha told The Taos News Tuesday (Aug. 16) that he shot a cow that had wandered onto tribal land. He called it a “problem cow” and said the cow’s owner agreed. But then it says, Concha denied there was a problem. He said, “ “There is no dispute going on. There never has been a dispute.”
Killing a cow is not a dispute? Quien sabe? It is unclear whether the “problem cow” was a Hereford, Holstein, or Angus.
(Taos County) In this morning’s Journal North, reporter Jackie Jadrnak, writes “The executive director of the Taos County Housing Authority has been placed on administrative leave while federal officials conduct on ongoing investigation into the agency, according to Taos County Manager Jacob Caldwell. Carmella Martinez was placed on paid leave Dec. 7, said Caldwell, who added that no one else in the office was put on leave. He said he could not comment on the nature of the investigation, but did say that it is being conducted by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. FBI spokesman Frank Fisher in Albuquerque said he could neither confirm nor deny an investigation.”
(Friction first reported on this story last week)
(Town of Taos) The Mayor shut down Councilor Sanchez’s critical comments yesterday, said Flavio. “The Council is getting tired of hearing Sanchez ask questions about the Command Center or listen to Jeff Northrup talk about corruption, while picketing the Mayor with his crummy little signs.” Free speech is for the special few in Taos—not the rabble–said Flavio. This is the new America and the old Taos.
(Hospitality News) The Mayor’s Casa Los Cordovas, the new place for power players in Taos, will have a grand opening on Friday, Dec. 15th. You are invited to check out the decorations and the new menu. A number of locals, including cops and journalists, have made the Mondo Italiano their new neighborhood joint–the pasta is served up upstate New York style. Over at the Taos Inn, Jamie Tedesco, marketing director, reminds Taosenos “We will not be serving breakfast (Except a continental setup for Hotel Guests) January 5th until the end of April. Lunch, Dinner and Saturday/Sunday brunch will be the same. After April breakfast will resume full strength.” Let’s get the rumors out of the news and visit The Taos Inn—our own living room. Up at TSV the St. Bernard cookbook can be purchased as an ideal Christmas gift. Visit the famous bistro on the mountain and get a signed copy for your loved ones.
(TCA) Tonight UNM in Taos instructor Andrea Heckman, Ph.D. will screen “BON:Mustang to Menri” this Wednesday, December 14th at 7 pm, at the TCA. “BON: Mustang to Menri” explores the challenges of Asonam’s (Sonam Gurung) journey as a young boy as he travels with his Lama from his village, in the ancient kingdom of Mustang, (Nepal), to Menri Monastery (Northern India). His story is interwoven with ancient Bön and life at Menri Monastery. With the blessings of His Holiness Lungtok Tenpai Nyima, the 33rd Abbot of Menri Monastery, this film communicates Bön’s unique place in Tibetan history and illuminates how and why the work that monks, lamas and Geshes do is vitally important in our current times.
Filmed on location in Mustang, Nepal and Menri Monastery, Northern India, the story illuminates the interconnectedness of education, spiritual dedication and persistence. The film has been a four-year process, which began in Taos during Asonam’s visit hosted by co-producer Rose Gordon. Rose introduced longtime friend and fellow filmmaker Andrea Heckman to him. This began their collaboration as co-producers with Asonam Gurung of Menri Monastery, India, with Tad Fettig of New York City and Taos Ski Valley (www.kontenreal.com), NY editor Rich Allen, and associate producer Ken O’Neil. The film was an Official Selection last month at the American Anthropology Association Film And Media Festival in Montreal, Canada.
Tickets are $10.00. Advance purchases call TCA 758-2052.