New Mexico History/Albuquerque Reminiscing

09/17/2025

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09/17/2025

Lol..

09/17/2025

09/17/2025

Robert Redford's ties to New Mexico were deep and spanned decades, encompassing his filmmaking, philanthropic work, and personal life. Though most famously associated with Utah's Sundance, Redford was a longtime resident of Santa Fe and used his influence to champion New Mexico's culture, landscape, and film industry.

New Mexico film advocacy
Redford was a major supporter of New Mexico's film industry, helping to transform the state into a prominent filmmaking destination.

Tax credits: He became a "powerhouse advocate" for the state's film tax credit program, helping to spread the word about New Mexico's assets to filmmakers across the industry.
"Sundance in New Mexico": In 2009, he and then-Governor Bill Richardson announced a collaboration to create a program similar to the Sundance Institute at Los Luceros in Española. Its goal was to expand training for Hispanic and Native American filmmakers.
Sundance Native Lab: The Sundance Institute's Indigenous Program, which Redford founded, holds its signature Native Lab in Santa Fe.

Filming projects: He brought several film projects to the state as an actor, director, and producer. This includes directing The Milagro Beanfield War (1988), which was filmed in Truchas, and serving as an executive producer on the AMC series Dark Winds, which is filmed in the Santa Fe area.

Personal connection and residency
Redford's love for New Mexico began in his childhood and continued throughout his life.
Santa Fe resident: He was a part-time Santa Fe resident for decades and moved into a new home in Tesuque around 2010. In late 2024, Redford sold his last California property to spend more time in New Mexico and Utah.

Love for the Land of Enchantment: He spoke often of his deep affection for the state, stating in 2010, "I have a great love for this state. It has a soul that I connect to".

Conservationist: As an environmental champion, Redford's conservation efforts aligned with the state's mission to preserve its "majestic high desert landscapes".

Tribute from the governor
Following Redford's death in September 2025, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement highlighting his impact.

The governor noted that Redford "left an indelible mark on [New Mexico's] cultural and environmental landscape" and was a "powerhouse advocate" for the state's film industry.
She added that Redford will be remembered as an artist, activist, and friend to the state.

New Mexico History and Reminiscing

09/17/2025

Turquoise Tuesday vintage jewelry selections and a tote bag too! Happy Tuesday. 🩵💙💚

09/17/2025

09/16/2025

09/16/2025

Urgent please for help!

Families plead for help as massive search continues for missing elk hunters Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko. If you’ve been near the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead in the San Juan Wilderness Area since Sept. 13, authorities want to hear from you.

09/16/2025

El Pinto's history began in 1962 when Jack and Connie Thomas opened the restaurant in Albuquerque, serving traditional New Mexican recipes from Connie's grandmother, Josephina Chavez-Griggs. What started as a small, one-room establishment grew into the largest restaurant in the Southwest under the leadership of twin brothers John and Jim Thomas, who took over the business in 1989. The restaurant is famous for its New Mexican cuisine, expansive patios, and as a place for both locals and national figures.

1962: Jack and Connie Thomas founded El Pinto, a small restaurant featuring recipes from Josephina Chavez-Griggs, Connie's mother.

1989: Twin brothers John and Jim Thomas took ownership, expanding the restaurant into a major destination.

Growth: El Pinto evolved from a small venue into a massive restaurant with a 5,000-square-foot kitchen and multiple patios, seating over 1,200 guests.

Recipes: The restaurant's culinary foundation is built on generations of family recipes.
Family involvement: The Thomas's six children grew up working at the restaurant, and the family tradition continues today.

Salsa and Sauces: The family successfully launched their recipes into a line of El Pinto salsas and sauces, sold nationwide.

Authentic Cuisine: El Pinto specializes in authentic New Mexican cuisine, using ingredients like Hatch Valley green chile.

Ambiance: The restaurant is known for its beautiful patios and indoor dining areas, including a garden room with a waterfall.

Animal Welfare: El Pinto is recognized for its Animal Welfare Approved laying hen program, which produces pasture-raised eggs for the restaurant.

Community Staple: It serves as a gathering spot for families and friends, and is frequently recommended by locals to impress out-of-town guests.

New Mexico History and Reminiscing