VANISHING ACT

A lot of reporters were looking forward to asking Gov. Bill Richardson at a press conference this afternoon about the CDR/GRIP grand jury. One TV station reportedly was even running promos about that.

However, right after announcing a new solar facility in Belen and taking a few questions about that project, Richardson announced the conference was over and bolted out of the room, ignoring questions about the grand jury.

Ironically, the new solar project will be part of the Rancho Cielo project, right off a planned new interchange off I-25. That interchange prompted news stories a couple of years ago because the developers, RS Investments, now known as Coast Range Investments contributed $75,000 to Richardson's 2006 re-election campaign.

Richardson might think questions about this will go away if he just ignores the questions. But I don't think so.

Here's the official news release on the new solar production facility:

Governor Bill Richardson Announces Signet Solar to Build Production Facility in Belen Creating 600 Jobs

SANTA FE-Governor Bill Richardson today announced Signet Solar will build the company’s first North American solar panel production facility in Belen. The first phase of the plant will bring 200 high-wage jobs to the state and is scheduled to begin operations in 2010. Signet’s long-term plans call for expansion and the creation of a total of 600 jobs.

“As Governor, I’ve been dedicated to making New Mexico a national leader of renewable energy and the creation of green jobs,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “At a time of economic uncertainty, this project will create hundreds of jobs and reaffirm New Mexico as a clean energy state and major player in our nation’s effort build a new clean energy economy.”

The Signet facility will produce large area thin-film silicon photovoltaic modules for commercial rooftop and ground mounted solar power systems. The first phase of the plant will have an annual production capacity of 65MW — enough to power approximately 20,000 homes. Long-term plans call to increase production capacity to 300MW per year with a 600,000 square foot production facility.

“New Mexico was an obvious starting point for Signet Solar’s expansion into the growing US renewable energy market,” said Rajeeva Lahri, Signet Solar’s Co-Founder and CEO. “Under Governor Richardson’s leadership, New Mexico has demonstrated commitment to renewable energy through public-private partnerships, leveraging its skilled workforce and world class research institutions.”

The 75-acre facility is situated 30 minutes south of Albuquerque on Rancho Cielo, a Coast Range Investments property in Belen. Signet will be the first company to set up manufacturing in the 6,000 acre Rancho Cielo master planned industrial and residential community. Rancho Cielo plans to use Signet panels on a 700 acre solar farm designed to meet the majority of power requirements of the Rancho Cielo community.

“Partnering with Signet Solar, we are excited about bringing such high quality jobs to Belen and the possibility of creating a sustainable green city in New Mexico,” said Jim Foster, Managing Partner of Coast Range Investment.

Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Signet is the first mover in large area silicon thin film silicon PV technology. Signet began shipping product to customers from its first plant near Dresden, Germany in October of this year. The company has already installed several commercial rooftop and ground mounted systems in the region. Signet’s large-area thin-film silicon PV technology will bring down the cost of solar power and can be used for solar farms, large commercial installations, building integrated photovoltaics and remote habitation.

THE GRIP GRAND JURY

The federal investigation into the Beverly Hills financial firm that won a $1.5 million contract with the state after contributing to political action committees associated with Gov. Bill Richardson is starting to get some national attention.

Here's the Bloomberg story, which on Monday broke the news that a federal grands jury is hearing evidence. The Washington Post followed suit. Here's my own story, which admittedly doesn't break any new ground.

The conservative National Review blog comes out and asks the question, "Could President-elect Obama soon have to look for a new commerce secretary?"

My feeling, at this time is that Richardson will be confirmed, but the Republicans will make him sweat at the hearings. Between this and the Wen Ho Lee issue, Richardson might pine during the hearings for the good old days when his biggest worry was spatting with the state Senate.

DOMENICI'S PRESS OFFICE GOES DARK

Chris Gallegos, U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici's longtime (20 years-plus!) press guy just sent what's probably his last press release announcing his office is "going dark."

He attached a spoof press release that was sent to the Domenici staff four years ago.

From: Letourneau, Matthew (DOMENICI)
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 3:28 PM
Subject: NEWS: Domenici Press Office Goes Dark

NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST CONTACT: MATT LETOURNEAU

APRIL 23, 2004 (202) 224-7098

DOMENICI PRESS OFFICE GOES DARK

Press Staff Issues No Press Releases

WASHINGTON – For the first time in memory, the Press Office of U.S. Senator Pete Domenici did not issue a single press release today.

The successful experiment was considered by many to be impossible.

Chief of Staff Steve Bell had ordered the press office to cease and desist sending out releases in order to see what the impact on the Earth’s equilibrium would be.

Thus far, aside for emotional and physical problems affecting Press Secretary Chris Gallegos, no major changes in the Earth’s atmosphere have been reported.

However, Gallegos, a fifteen year veteran of Domenici’s staff, is showing signs of trauma. Today alone, he lost a substantial amount of blood, and was seen staring at pictures of Domenici as a child, as well as exhibiting signs of belligerent behavior, such as yelling “It ain’t a desert, its paradise!” at the television when a CNN report featuring FLETC-Artesia referred to the area as a desert.

“We’re worried about Chris,” said Deputy Press Secretary Matt Letourneau. “This is new for him. Instead of eating, Chris writes press releases. We’re just not sure where he will be getting his nourishment today.”

It is not known whether the Press Office will resume its policy of blanketing New Mexico with press releases Monday.
--30--

A GOOD WAY TO START OFF THE WEEK

If the little devil on my left shoulder made me play that Charles Manson song on Sound World last night, the little angel on my right should is making me post this.

(Actually, thanks to my old friend J.D. Haring, who used to play music around here under the name of Malix, for turning me on to this.)

TERRELL'S SOUND WORLD PLAYLIST

Sunday, December 14, 2008
KSFR, Santa Fe, N.M.
Webcasting!
10 p.m. to midnight Sundays Mountain Time
Host: Steve Terrell
101.1 FM
email me during the show! terrell@ksfr.org

OPENING THEME: Let it Out (Let it All Hang Out) by The Hombres
Big Shoe Head by Buick MacKane
Madhouse by Barrence Whitfield & The Savages
We Are Rising by Mudhoney
Sylvia Plath by The Rockin' Guys
Black Gang Coffee by Mike Watt
Dirty Hands by The Black Lips
U.S. Blues by The Harshed Mellows

Drunk Guy on the Train by Deadbolt
Night Train by James Brown
Phantom Train by Charlie Pickett
Angel Baby by Roky Erikson
Sherlock Holmes by The Dirtbombs
Shiney Hiney/You're All I Want For Christmas by The Fleshtones
Sneaky Jesus by Chuck E. Weiss
There's a New Sound by Tony Burrello

Teenage Prostitute by Frank Zappa
The Warlord by Mike Edison & The Rocket Train Delta Science Arkestra
Coffee Train by David Thomas & The Wooden Birds
Mussolini vs. Stalin by Gogol Bordello
99th Floor by The Fuzztones
Wrestling Rock 'n' Roll Girl by Lightning Beat-Man
Jailbait by Andre Williams & Green Hornet
The Holy Spirit by Rev. Lonnie Farris
Jingle Bells by The Electric Prunes

Rake at the Gates of Hell by Shane MacGowan & The Popes
La Llorna by Beirut
Crying by TV on the Radio
Better Off Alone by The Black Angels
People Say I'm No Good by Charles Manson
My Beloved Movie Star by Stan Ridgway
Can't You See I'm Soulful by Eleni Mandell
CLOSING THEME: Over the Rainbow by Jerry Lee Lewis