Local Projects and a Little Elbow Grease

GRANTS, N.M. — Mayor Erik Garcia has been known around the community for being involved in a number of local projects to try to improve places that he says have potential. A saying Garcia likes to use regarding these projects is that they only need “a little elbow grease.”

After learning the insand-outs of government work for about a year, Garcia involved himself in a Riverwalk project, where he and others cleaned up the area, waterbed, and water that runs below the bridge on the south end of the park. A little bit of landscaping was also done, and afterward, Garcia even spent a fun day with his family rafting and floating on the portion that was cleaned. The then-city-councilor walked the Cibola Citizen through the entire Riverwalk at one point and expressed his vision for the park, including cleaning up the rest of the riverbed and landscape that runs all the way to the north water amphitheater, possibly integrating a splash pad somewhere, reconstructing the main gazebo, and partnering with agriculture experts such as NMSU-Grants to get some ideas flowing. Garcia and other city workers made progress in 2021 with this project, which will likely be ongoing over the course of Garcia’s current term as mayor.

Another project Garcia recently was a part of was teaming up with Grants High School’s Class of 2022 to repaint the “G” at the top of one of Grants’ northeastern mesas. Classes years before the Class of 2022 used to paint the “G” and the Class of 2022 wanted to bring life to the tradition once again. On May 1 of this year, Garcia and the students tread up the hill to paint as much of the “G” white as they could.

One of Garcia’s recent projects has also been the Grants Cemetery and making improvements, from landscaping, to cleaning up, to watering, re-seeding, etc. On June 1, Garcia announced via social media that the cemetery had finally started receiving water on its south end again. According to Garcia, a water line in that area was damaged a long time ago due to sinking graves. After searching for the damaged line for quite some time, which Garcia compared to searching for a needle in a haystack, the City of Grants cemetery crew workers, parks crew, and an individual named Isidoro Apodaca repaired the line. Garcia noted that loved ones were taken care of in the process of the repair, and he thanked all of the crews involved. Garcia said that his next step would be looking into the quality of water for both the cemetery and local parks.

Another project that Garcia has been involved with often is the Cibola Senior Citizens Center. Garcia spends a lot of time at the center, and often refers to it as a huge “asset” to the Cibola County area. Garcia has expressed a beautification vision and possible plans to improve the center — plans that will likely also pan out over the course of a few years. Until then, Garcia visits the center as much as possible.

Recently, Garcia shared via social media that a lady named Dorela Chavez had been recognized at the center for her dedicated service to the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs. The Foster Grandparent Program is one in which an interested individual age 55 or over works with one or two children in schools to help them and support them. The Senior Companion Program allows individuals age 55 or over to assist frail and elderly seniors within their homes, and simply be a companion and someone to talk to. Chavez is the Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Coordinator, and the center wanted to recognize her for the impact she has had in the program. Chavez was celebrated by the center, and by members of the Grants Fire and Rescue and Grants Police Department. Together, herself and others enjoyed food catered by Gabby’s.

Finally, the latest project that Garcia has expressed interest in is preserving history along Route 66. One structure in particular that Garcia mentioned was the old Charlie’s Radiator Service. According to Garcia, Charlie’s son, Joe Diez, owned the building before passing away some time last year. Garcia said he spoke with Diez before he passed and that he, too, was “passionate” about fixing up and restoring the structure in order to “pay respect to his father and the history of Route 66,” Garcia wrote via social media. Garcia said there was an interesting history behind why there was a radiator shop every 50 miles or so along Route 66 in the past, and that it was that kind of history he wanted to remember and preserve. Garcia noted that he had resources available from the Cibola County Historical Society and Grants MainStreet Project, Inc., but that he was also open to any ideas, resources, or connections that community members might have to offer so that they could “get the ball rolling” on this fun project.

“Preserving our history on Route 66 is priceless,” concluded Garcia. With over 50 comments from community members, the majority of the response was positive, offering ideas and excitement at the idea of this structure being restored. While on the topic, community members also expressed an interest in having the community’s old neon street signs be restored as well, which Garcia said was also on his radar and that he was looking into funding possibilities.

Garcia is active on social media and often uses the Facebook platform to update the community on various projects being worked on or that there is interest in, as well as receive feedback from the community. Garcia often says he welcomes the community’s input and ideas; Garcia can be reached via social media or at mayor@grantsnm.gov. Community members can also bring their ideas to the city council meetings and voice them during the public comment section. Meeting dates and agendas are updated regularly on https://www.cityofgrants.net/council-meeting-minutes.