Preserving History and Democracy

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, County Clerk Dr. Amanda López Askin and Elections Supervisor Janice Giron share important final updates ahead of the 2025 Regular Local Election . They begin by covering key election dates and offering insights into early and absentee voting numbers . Then, they discuss why every vote matters —even if you don...

Welcome to another fascinating episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, hosts Cynthia and Bern sit down with historian Professor Christopher Schurtz to explore the remarkable — and often mysterious — history of Shalam Colony and the Faithist community that once called it home. Professor Schurtz begins by sharing how he first became interested in this unique chapter of American...

Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! This week, we're joined by Tina Barton, Senior Election Expert at The Elections Group, for a timely and important conversation about election security and the safety of election workers. Tina begins by sharing her personal journey and what drives her passion for protecting those on the frontlines of democracy. Together, we explore the...

In this episode, County Clerk Amanda López Askin and Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora share the latest updates on the 2025 Regular Local Election. They kick things off by explaining how elections have evolved—and how consolidating elections has improved the process for voters across Doña Ana County. You'll hear about:  Expanded early voting: including all the locations opening this weekend Votin...

Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! This week, we're thrilled to be joined by special guests Dennis Daily and Jennifer Olguin, who give us an inside look at the upcoming 9th Annual Border Archives Bazaar, hosted by the Border Regional Archives Group (BRAG). We begin with Dennis and Jennifer sharing the origins of BRAG and how a shared mission to help fellow archivists co...

Welcome to this episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! Today, we're joined by Amanda and Louis Santana, a couple whose love story took a meaningful step forward at the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office, where they received their marriage license. In this heartfelt episode, Amanda and Louis share how they met, the surprising story of how the engagement ring was bought before they even started d...

Welcome to another episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, County Clerk Amanda López Askin and Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora share important updates about the upcoming 2025 Regular Local Election. They begin by explaining what a Regular Local Election is and how recent election consolidations have made the voting process simpler and more efficient across the county. You...

Welcome to Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Blanca Araujo, who shares her personal memories of growing up on Stahmann Farms. She paints a vivid picture of life on the farm—what the community looked like, how families lived and worked, and the unique role the Bracero program played in shaping their experiences. Dr. Araujo reflects on her earliest childhood me...

Welcome to this episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In today's episode, we're joined by special guest Troy Ainsworth for an in-depth conversation about the historic 1935 floods that struck Las Cruces, New Mexico. Troy sets the stage by painting a vivid picture of what life was like in the city during the 1930s, exploring how the economic climate shaped the region—especially in the afterm...

Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, hosts Cynthia and Bernardine are joined by two special guests: Angelica Valenzuela, Recording and Filing Supervisor, and Julie, Document Technician with the Bureau of Elections. Angelica kicks things off by introducing the Historical Box Project—how it started, the purpose behind it, and what the process has looked lik...

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this special episode, Clerk Amanda López Askin and Chief Deputy Clerk Caroline Zamora take you behind the scenes of Candidate Filing Day 2025 , reporting live from the heart of the action. They kick things off by explaining what Filing Day is and why it's such a crucial part of the election process. You'll get an insider look a...

Welcome to a special episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, Dr. Amanda López Askin and Elections Supervisor Janice Giron are joined by Chairman Donald Palmer of the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of American elections. Chairman Palmer begins by sharing his background and what led him to the EAC, followed by an...

Welcome to a new episode of Preserving History ! In this episode, Cynthia and Caroline bring you the latest updates on the 2025 Regular Local Election. They kick things off by introducing the new election website and highlighting some of its key features designed to make your voting experience easier and more accessible. Then, they dive into Automatic Voter Registration , explaining what it means...

Welcome to a bonus episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this special installment, we're joined by Sam Toles, founder of CiviSocial . Sam kicks things off by sharing his background in media and how it inspired him to create CiviSocial—a platform designed to help government agencies better connect with their communities. He explains how CiviSocial empowers public offices to engage consti...

Welcome to the season finale of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this special episode, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite moments from Season 4. Join us as we reflect on what we've learned, revisit powerful highlights, and give you a sneak peek at what's coming next season! Season 4 Episodes:  Ep. 1-Romance at the Rotunda 2025 Ep. 2- Community Development Ft. Christopher Valenci...

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! We're excited to welcome back author and historian Jim Eckles for Part 2 of our Ranches to Rockets series. In this episode, Eckles continues to unravel the fascinating—and often overlooked—story of how southern New Mexico became ground zero for America's early rocket testing. He begins by explaining the skepticism and resistance t...

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! This week, we're joined by author and historian Jim Eckles for a fascinating look into the history of ranching in Doña Ana County. Eckles begins by sharing his background and what drew him to study the region's ranching heritage. He then explores how ranching was even possible in such a desert environment, detailing the creative wa...

Welcome to another episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, we shine a spotlight on an essential local business in Doña Ana County: Moy Surveying. Our guest, Anton Magallanez, joins us to share his personal journey, the story behind Moy Surveying, and the vital role land surveyors play in our communities. Anton walks us through what a typical day in the life of a surveyor loo...

Welcome to another compelling episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Teddie Moreno from the Branson Special Collections and Archives Library at New Mexico State University. Teddie begins by sharing a bit about herself and how her lifelong fascination with history naturally led to her career in archival work. Next, she delves in the the history...

Welcome to another episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, we're joined by a very special guest—Triano Jasso, secretary of the Doña Ana Village Historic Preservation Committee. Triano shares how his lifelong passion for history led him to get involved in preserving the rich heritage of Doña Ana. We begin with an introduction to Triano and his role on the committee, followed...

Welcome to another captivating episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, we're joined by historian Dr. Jerry Wallace as we explore the legacy of developer Dale Bellamah and the pivotal role his homes played in shaping the identity of Las Cruces. Dr. Wallace begins by sharing what first sparked his interest in Bellamah, including a personal connection to the developer. He then...

Welcome to the latest episode of PReserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, we're joined by Salvatore Patricolo, a local historian and member of the Doña Ana County Historical Society. Sal kicks things off by sharing his personal journey and what led him to Doña Ana County. He then introduces us to the story of Mary Waters, discussing how a 'ghost story' evolved into a fascinating researc...

Welcome to the latest installment of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, we're excited to welcome back local historian David Thomas as we explore the rich past of the village of Doña Ana. David begins by sharing the fascinating origin of the village's name and what life was like for its earliest settlers. He then takes us on a journey through the history of Doña Ana's historic chur...

Welcome to another episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, Bern and Cynthia are joined by Judge Judith Ann Baca from the Office of the Probate, along with Assistant County Manager Johnathan Macias. Judge Baca begins by sharing a bit about herself and her role within the Probate Office. She then explains the key differences between probate handled by the County Clerk's Office...

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy ! In this episode, your hosts Cynthia and Bern are joined by special guest Dr. Gregorio Gonzales, Ph. D., to explore the Indigenous history of Doña Ana County and New Mexico. Dr. Gonzales begins by highlighting New Mexico's state song, offering a glimpse into the state's rich historical tapestry. He then takes us on a journey throug...