I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Actor Val Kilmer will use rental proceeds from his Pecos River guest ranch to raise money for the Santa Fe Film Festival, he announced Monday.
That might buy Kilmer some good will in Santa Fe, but it is unclear whether or not it will help him at next Wednesday’s San Miguel County commission meeting, where he will have to allay commissioners’ concerns about his “racist” comments to entertainment magazines before they will approve his permit application to run a guest ranch.
In March, San Miguel County’s planning and zoning commission approved Kilmer’s application to run a guest ranch, despite neighbors’ complaints that he prevents them from fishing on his property and accusations that he had made “racist” comments regarding alcoholism and crime in northern New Mexico.
But San Miguel County commissioners refused to approve that decision. They made national headlines when they tabled approval of Kilmer’s application until next Wednesday’s meeting.
Commissioners said they want Kilmer to appear at a public meeting before the commission to explain comments he made, published in 2003 articles in Esquire and Rolling Stone magazines, saying he lives in the “homicide capital of the southwest,” keeps a gun in his vehicle, and that “80 percent of the people in my county are drunk.”
Kilmer, who in the past has suggested he might run for governor of New Mexico, claims he was misquoted.
Friction between native New Mexicans and affluent Anglo newcomers is not uncommon in beautiful—but impoverished—northern New Mexico. But Kilmer’s fame has amplified what might have been quieter complaints.
Complicating the situation is an unfortunate nugget of truth related to Kilmer’s inflammatory remarks: San Miguel County does have one of the state’s highest rates of alcohol-related deaths. According to UNM Health Sciences Center’s 2010 County Health Report Cards, San Miguel’s alcohol death rate is 70 per 100,000 residents, compared to 48 per 100,000 for New Mexico as a whole. Neighboring Santa Fe County has an alcohol-related death rate of 45 per 100,000.
But statistics likely won’t help Kilmer in his appearance before the commission.
Kilmer unsuccessfully attempted to sell his $33 million, 6,000-acre Pecos River Ranch last year. The ranch website was not functioning Monday.
If members of the public want to fish on Kilmer’s property, they can do so for a mere $500 a day. For that much money, Kilmer’s guests can “be a range boss for the day” and fish the Pecos, according to a press release.
For half that kingly sum, one can be a “ranch hand,” and for $125 a day, you get to be a “wrangler” for half a day. Proceeds go the film festival.
