Albuquerque Journal from Albuquerque, New Mexico • Page 76

i Friday, September 5, 1997 3 Journal North Committee Lends Ear to Farmers Statewide weather a "When they passed this law there were five packing companies and it was designed to break them up so things would be more fair," said Amistad rancher Richard Maulsby. "Now there are four; we've gone from bad to worse." Britt is one of 10 plaintiffs in a class-action suit filed by the national Cattlemens' Legal Fund against Iowa Beef Processors, the biggest of the four corporations. He said the suit may go to trial next summer. Ranchers fear the companies will gain control of feedlots and then the small ranches. Ranchers also asked that packers be required to label the origin of meat they sell.

Consumers could trace cases of tainted beef. They also would know if the beef at their local supermarket came from U.S. ranches or foreign suppliers. Among the dozens of others offering five minute-apiece testimony at the meeting, many extolled the virtues of organic farming, saying the higher prices and more personal contact could be a beneficial way of saving the small farmer. Sarah Grant of the New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association said downtown sales at 23 places in New Mexico provide an outlet for -small organic farms, and asked the commission to pursue ways of pay: ing for promotion.

She said billboards would help in capturing customers who otherwise wouldn't know about the markets. from PAGE 1 "Say you want to sell your cattle for 65 cents a pound," says Richard Snyder, another Grenville-area rancher. "The packers can say, 'Naw, we'll get some from our own Eventually they can drive the price down, and you have no choice butto sell at their reduced price." The ranchers told the commission that the companies are breaking the Packers and Stockyards Act and asked that something be done to enforce it. JOURNAL WEATHERLINE Albuquerque i 821-1111 Santa Fe a 988-5151 Wute iMMi lac SANTA FE TODAY Rll SAT SUN 1 fPfr r.lQN TUZ3 8653 S7S8 Partly cloudy Sw. of t-storms She also had an admonishment.

"You couldn't have picked a busier time of the year (for farmers and ranchers)," she said. "If you had waited until November, you would have had a roomful of people." ft 4 t35 Che. ot storms lOw. oH-storrrs, 6455 Chc of t-storrro ,1 A chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms Friday with a high of 84. A chance of scattered thunderstorms Saturday with a high of 84.

Mine Panel Pick Angers Activists Partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms today. The high will be 84 with a variable wind at 5 to 10 mph. Skies will be partly cloudy tonight. The low will be 55. YESTERDAY PRECIPITATION Thu.

Month Year Total 0.00 0.00 5.81 Normal 0.04 0.16 6.22 Change 1 1 TODAY'S TEMPERATURES Citizens for Clean Air and Water. Bartlit's group is locked in a federal lawsuit against Molycorp Inc. over pollution of the Red River. Rep. Gary King, D-Moriarty, is a friend of Light's and one of the architects of the Mining Act.

King and other legislators intended the seat to be filled by active members of the environmental movement. "Bob, I think, will do a good job at what he's been assigned to do," King said. "But it's probably true he doesn't fit the definition I had imagined for people on the environmental side of the room when we wrote that (act). But I'm not sure he doesn't fit the letter of the law." Still, King added, "I probably don't agree with this one even though he's a friend of mine. My definition of an environmentalist is not the governor's definition of environmentalist." "We've been very concerned about the governor's role in weakening the mining act," said Lynda Taylor, a lobbyist for the Conservation Voters Alliance.

"So we're obviously wondering what they have in mind when they appoint people to an environmental slot like Bob Light." Ruth Kelly, who iiandles such appointments in the governor's office, said the mining act doesn't say what is meant by "environmental." "The definition is very, very loose. There is no definition really," Kelly said. "You just look for someone who's done environmental things." An example, she said, is Light's chairmanship of a legislative committee on radioactive and hazardous materials. Bartlit, a retired chemical engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, is president of New Mexico Environmental lobbyists fought for the seat to guarantee a voice for environmental concerns in mining regulation. Gov.

Gary Johnson chose not to reappoint geologist Art Montana and Jeanie Cragin, a mining opponent with the Friends of Santa Fe County, as the environmental representative and alternate, when their terms expired. Two weeks ago, Johnson announced his choice of John Bartlit and Light to replace them. Cragin is particularly rankled by the appointment because Light led the charge to exclude potash mining from the mining act. "Bob Light is the reason there is no potash. He was the driving force behind the exclusion," she said.

Environmentalists suspect Light's nomination is the latest move in what they see as a campaign to roll back regulation of the mining industry. Chama 7345 Tierra Amarilla 1 7646 Taos Espanola 8655 fm -A Mora Los Alamos State's High Court for Supreme Court Judge Petra jj rr ram PAGE 1 practical about it," Light said. "I'm very, open-minded. I try to look at things on a fair and equitable basis." "WIPP, for example, is Light's kind of environmental issue. He's behind the project wholeheartedly, noting, "Anyone who isn't doesn't live in Carlsbad." "It's a way to safely store waste for thousands of years.

It's strictly in the interests of the environment to put that stuff away safely," he said. Most of the commission is made up of mining experts and government officials. But the Mining Act of 1993 set aside two public seats to balance each other an "environmental" seat and a mining industry seat with an alternate for each. Alternates vote when the primary seat holder is absent, but they also discuss business and make and second motions. SF Judge By S.U.

Mahesh Journal Staff Writer District Judge Petra Jimenez Maes of Santa Fe wants to serve as a state Supreme Court justice. "My goal has always been to improve the law for the litigants and for the attorneys," Maes told a group of friends, family members and well-wishers outside the 1st Judicial District complex Thursday when announcing her bid for a post on the high court. With 16 years on the district court bench, Maes, 49, said that if elected she will focus on increased caseloads, court automation and restoring public confidence in the legal system. "There are a lot of new issues facing the judiciary as we move into the next century," she said. "I have the experience and commitment to the legal profession to serve in a leadership position." Former Gov.

Bruce King in 1981 appointed Maes, a Democrat, to the bench. She currently is assigned to the civil division. In 1984, she established the district's Family Court and served as its judge for six years. Her judicial experience also includes four years in criminal division and five years in general jurisdiction. She also served as Children's Court judge for 12 years.

Maes also has served on the Chief Judges' Council; the Code of Judicial Conduct Committee; the National Center on Women and Family Law; the Governor's Task Force on Children, Youth and Families; the I lit TEMPERATURE Yesterday Normal Record 120-100-80- Si 41995 411961 60 40 B2 20 0 -20- itca 7855 Red River 7043 i 8053 AngelFlra 7344 Fa" Las Vegas 8054 Sentenced Slaying arrest, Colin Gonzales, 14, allegedly was an accomplice in the crimes and allegedly shot Lucero before Esquibel did. Esquibel and Gonzales admitted shooting and killing Arcenio Lucero, wounding Alfonso Quintana and firing at Frances Lucero and Sopie Quintana, according to the statement. The Lucero's and the Quintanas confronted Esquibel and Gonzales the Lucero home, the statement said. Gonzales, who is charged with first-degree murder and several lesser crimes stemming from Lucero's death, is undergoing psychological evaluation to determine he is competent to stand trial and no trial date has been set for him, Ulibarri said. Esquibel and Gonzales were arrested March 14 after a nearly 17-hour manhunt.

They were captured in a rugged canyon about seven miles from the Lucero home. breaking up the potentially valuable stone. MELODRAMA STARS: Twenty-one years ago, I played a drunken legislator in the Fiesta Melodrama. stumbled around the stage and sang in the chorus (a poor follow to Journal staffer David Steinberg's villain role a few years previously). But I had fun, made friends and developed a lasting appreciation for the anonymously written satire of Santa Fe politics, culture and whatever are its trends du jour.

Not every town can relish its own absurdities. While reviewing any melodrama is a bit absurd, I would like to note the standouts in this year's production: Emily E.J. Regier's parody of Mayor Debbie JaramiUo for the fourth straight year is absolutely eerie. Even without the big hair and glasses, Emily has Debbie down. Jerome Gomez had me laughing with his caricature of the mayor's chief rival, Councilor Peso Chavez.

Gomez plays Peso with a exaggerated nervous tic, something that would be new to Peso. Christine Adams brings the right mix of sexiness and evilness to the role of the villainess, the owner of the "New, Clear" laundry. PuCiO CutaSti haS EiuuCgCd tO Up the sleaze factor in the villain with European aristocratic affectations. And, of course, credit must go to our tree-hugging hero and heroine, Marcus Vaughter and Vanessa LaFortune, who put the melo in the drama. The 1997 Melodrama has sold out through its last performance on Sunday, but it you're lucky, you might get on the waiting list by showing up in person an hour before each performance at the Santa Fe Playhouse, 142 E.

DeVaras St. Call 988-4262. Jomex Springs santa 7553, ,8455 Vegas Teen As Adult in from PAGE 1 Esquibel was very emotional at the sentencing hearing and apologized to the Lucero family for his crimes, Ulibarri said. Esquibel will begin serving his sentence early next week and may get his jail term reduced for good behavior, but he is expected to serve at least half of his jail term, Ulibarri said. Esquibel is being held at San Miguel County Detention Center, but will be transferred to the state penitentiary system soon, Ulibarri said.

"It was a fair plea after we went through the case," said Gary Mitchell, one of Esquibel's court-appointed attorneys. "He wasn't the one who fired the fatal shot." Esquibel would have faced a life sentence if he had been tried and convicted of first-degree murder, Mitchell said. According to a statement of probable cause filed prior to Esquibel's SHARPE from PAGE 1 The Los Alamos woman, who did not want her name published, says she is tired of the lab being used as a scapegoat by peaceniks. "Everybody wants peace," she said. This got me thinking about the irony that the old policy of Mutual Assured Destruction (the acronym says it all) has managed to deter all-out conflict.

What rational person wants to turn the planet into thermal mist? As another lab critic, Edward B. Grothus, put it, in the prayer he sent this week to the Journal North's "Arts and Intellect" desk, suggesting that lab employees recite it each morning: Gentle Jesus bless our lab, Flow the funds that pay our tab. Let not our nuclear mission cease, For fifty years it's kept the peace. i MARTIAN LANDING: Santa Fe sculptor Mac Vaughan thinks he's got a little piece of Mars. Vaughan, who did the sculpture of the late artist Tommy Macaione in Macaione Park, formerly Hillside Park, dropped by this week to show me a 3-pound rock he found in the Tesuque hills two years ago.

Vaughan said he immediately identified the rock as a meteorite from its black burned crust. But after reading several books about Martian rocks and watching the recent Sojourner video, Vaughan has decided this one's from the Red Planet. He says it fits into a class of meteorites previously found in Egypt, India and France. He said he'd like to take it to an expert, but says he fears a thorough analysis would pean in if I Aims for Democrat THROWING HAT IN RUNG: Judge Thursday. North Central Juvenile Services Committee; the Tri-County Gang Task Force; the Santa Fe County Jail Advisory Committee; and the Santa Fe Character Counts Leadership Council.

Maes was one of the first two Hispanic women to graduate from the day that he is disappointed in Campos' order and may appeal it. But he said he would like to challenge in the state Supreme Court the way that some 1st Judicial District judges issue civil restraining orders and injunctions routinely, often without meeting with or informing those who are restrained and enjoined. Livingston said his clients have been restrained and enjoined twice Phillips and his partner, Emil Dechebal Matasareanu, were shot and killed in a running gun battle with police in Los Angeles during a botched bank robbery attempt on Feb. 28. The shootout, which lasted more than 20 minutes, was aired live on television stations in Los Angeles.

Both men, armed with automatic weapons and wearing body armor, fired hundreds of rounds at police and bystanders as they attempted to flee a Bank of America branch in North Hollywood. Eleven police officers and six civilians were injured in the shootout. Increased publicity and media 4 Judge Rejects Claims in Plaza Feud from PAGE 1 Houtman and McNeil improperly got a state judge to restrain and enjoin them from operating on the east side of the Plaza. Campos gave various reasons for his decision, stating that the Chavezes did not state a claim for which relief can be granted. The Chavezes' attorney, Paul Livingston of Albuquerque, said Thurs MICHAEL DIBARI JR.

JOURNAL for the New Mexico Supreme Court Legal Services. Maes was born in Albuquerque and is a single parent of four children, ages 14, 17, 19 and 21. The judge's elder son, Joshua Maes, is her campaign manager. Maes will run in the June Democratic primary. spot.

No vendors were on the Plaza on Thursday afternoon as city crews set up booths for Santa Fe Fiesta. The city issues 13 artistvendor licenses for $350 a year plus three portrait artist vendor licenses for $75 a year. Indian vehdors on the portal of the Palace of the Governors pay no fee, as the Museum of New Mexico considers them a sort of "living exhibit." told the judge that the file contained important personal information in the form of affidavits. Making the file public could result in more media coverage which will harm the girl, Bennett argued. Vigil said outside the court that he granted full custody of the girl to Mata about two years ago after authorities failed to locate Federico.

In April, Mata got temporary custody of his daughter after authorities located Federico when she was interviewed by Los Angeles detectives in connection with the bank robbery. Federico, who lives in Denver, and Mata were never married. Petra J. Maes anounces her candidacy University of New Mexico School of Law in Albuquerque in 1973, according to biographical information she provided. She was admitted to the bar the same year and was in private practice until 1975, when she went to work for Northern New Mexico in the continuing Plaza feud.

This summer, state District Judge Petra Maes ordered the Chavezes to move their table from the east side of the Plaza to the west side, he said. Livingston, a Plaza vendor before he went to law school, said the Chavezes' relocated for two weeks before state District Judge Stephen Pfeffer quashed Maes' order. Livingston said the Chavezes once again are setting up at their favored reports could subject the girl to questioning and ridicule from her schoolmates, Vigil said. "It might subject the child to possible harm. I don't want to wait until the harm is done," he said.

"It's not the 'purpose of secrecy from the press. It's only to protect the child." Ann Yalman, a Santa Fe lawyer representing the girl's father, Paul Mata, opposed sealing the file. Yalman argued that Federico had been living in secrecy for the past four years since she fled with the girl without notifying Mata. "We oppose any secrecy in this case Secrecy was what got us here," she said. Sarah Bennett, Federico's lawyer, Publicity Worries Spur Sealing of Custody File By S.U.

Mahesh Journal Staff Writer A state district judge Thursday scaled the court file involving the custody battle over a 7-year-old girl between a Santa Fe man and the widow of a bank robber killed in a police shootout in Los Angeles earlier this year. Saying he wanted to protect the girl from public ridicule, Judge Michael Vigil granted a motion which claims publicity about the case could hurt the young girl who attends school in Santa Fe. The motion was filed by the girl's mother, Jeanette Federico, who was married to Larry Eugene Phillips.