Preserving History and Democracy

Season 6 has been packed with unforgettable stories, local legends, and fascinating history. Join Cynthia Diaz and Jacob Slaughter as they look back on 19 episodes featuring community leaders, historians, authors, election experts, and preservationists who helped bring Doña Ana County's rich past and vibrant present to life. From the history of Nopalito's Restaurant and the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site to the Trinity Site, the New Mexico State Archives, election innovations, and the people preserving our community's stories, this special season recap highlights the moments that made Season 6 one of the podcast's most memorable yet. Watch here. Hosted by: Cynthia Diaz, Jacob Slaughter Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this final pre-primary election update, Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora and Communications Coordinator Cynthia Diaz break down everything voters need to know before Election Day 2026. From early voting deadlines and absentee ballot drop-offs to same day registration, write-in candidates, electioneering rules, and what to expect on election night, this episode is your quick guide to voting with confidence in Doña Ana County. Plus, hear the latest voter turnout numbers and important reminders before polls close. Watch here. Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Cynthia Diaz Produced by: Doña Ana County Clerk's Office Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this episode, Chief Deputy County Clerk Caroline Zamora and Communications Coordinator Cynthia Diaz break down everything voters need to know about the upcoming 2026 Primary Election in Doña Ana County. They dive into New Mexico's new semi-open primary system, explaining what it means for Democrats, Republicans, qualified minor party voters and how decline to state voters can participate without changing their registration. They also walk listeners through key voting options like early voting, absentee voting, and Election Day convenience centers, plus important deadlines leading up to June 2. To help ease first-time voter nerves, they give a step-by-step look at what to expect inside a voting location. The conversation wraps with fun community highlights, including the popular "Tiny Ballot Bash" kids voting program and the county's employee-designed election sticker contest. Tune in for a practical, informative, and engaging guide to making your voice heard this election season. Watch here. Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Cynthia Diaz Produced by: Doña Ana County Clerk's Office Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, Cynthia Diaz and Janice Giron sit down with Doña Ana County Commissioners Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez and Manuel Sanchez for an engaging conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of Doña Ana County. From their personal journeys into public service to the real, behind-the-scenes work of county government, the commissioners break down what they actually do — from serving on multiple boards and advocating in Santa Fe to approving election results and supporting voter access initiatives like a future mobile voting unit. They also share their vision for the next 5–10 years, including historic GO Bond investments, expanding quality-of-life projects across the county, strengthening infrastructure, creating local job opportunities, and launching the county's first-ever Youth Commission to empower the next generation. It's a candid, thoughtful discussion about accessibility, civic engagement, economic growth, and why local government matters more than you might think. Watch here. Hosted by: Cynthia Diaz, Janice Giron Special Guests: Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez, Manuel Sanchez Produced by: Cynthia Diaz, Janice Giron, Jacob Slaughter Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

In this special episode of Preserving History and Democracy, hosts Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale are joined by Lenora Hawkins from the Clerk's Office to talk all things Romance at the Rotunda—the most love-filled day of the year at the Government Center! From how to get your marriage license to what to bring on the big day, the team breaks down everything couples need to know to tie the knot with ease. Learn why this one-stop wedding experience is so popular, how ceremonies are scheduled, who the officiants are, and what makes this event extra special—from beautiful decorations and professional photos to local vendors and sweet treats. Whether you're planning a simple ceremony, dreaming of a future celebration, or just love hearing how government meets romance, this episode has it all! Friday the 13th has never sounded so lucky. Tune in and find out how love, history, and democracy come together under one rotunda. Listen now and fall in love with Romance at the Rotunda! Watch here. Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza Special Guest: Lenora Hawkins Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Slaughter Edited by: Jacob Salughter

Welcome to the season finale of Preserving History and Democracy! In this special episode, Cynthia and Bernardine look back at one of the podcast's most dynamic seasons yet—packed with history, community voices, and critical conversations about democracy. The season opens with Episode 1, Countdown to the Vote, where Cynthia and Caroline break down key election dates and updates, emphasizing transparency and communication—a theme that echoes throughout the series. Episode 2 brings in County Clerk Amanda López Askin, Election Supervisor Janice Giron, and special guest Donald Palmer of the Election Assistance Commission. Together they explore the impact of the Help America Vote Act and the evolution of voter systems across the country. With Episode 3, filing day comes alive as excited local candidates take their first steps toward public service. Personal stories—including Cynthia spotting her former High School French teacher filing for office—capture the heart of civic engagement. History takes center stage in Episode 4, Holding History in Our Hands, when newly opened archival boxes reveal gems like Pat Garrett's coroner's report. Angelica Valenzuela and Julie from the Bureau of Elections share the incredible discoveries and the thrill of preservation. In Episode 5, historian Troy Ainsworth returns to discuss the devastating Las Cruces floods—an event brought to life with rare photos and deep contextual knowledge. Agricultural heritage becomes personal in Episode 6, featuring Dr. Blanca Araujo and her heartfelt memories of growing up on Stahmann Farms. Community, generosity, and a unique way of life shine through her stories. Episode 7 offers another election update, guiding the public through essential information in a packed election season. Listeners fall in love in Episode 8, A Love Story Spotlight, as the Santanas recount their charming engagement tale and walk listeners through the marriage license process. Archives take the spotlight again in Episode 9, which covers the Border Regional Archives Group's annual Archives Bazaar. Emotional moments—like a visitor finding her parents' marriage license—show how deeply records connect us to our past. Episode 10 continues election guidance with a focus on expanded early voting, preparing the community for a smooth election cycle. In Episode 11, Tina Barton joins Janice and Caroline to discuss de-escalating conflict at the polls. Drawing from her own experiences, Tina offers powerful tools for keeping voters and workers safe during tense political times. Episode 12 delves into one of the season's most fascinating topics—Shalem Colony—with guest Christopher Schurtz. Visions, utopian dreams, mysterious histories, and a devoted following make this a standout episode. Another election update arrives with Episode 13, rounding up the latest developments and community reminders. The season takes a profound historical turn in Episode 14, The Converso Legacy. Researcher Sean Schifano unpacks the hidden histories of Jews forced to convert during the Spanish and Portuguese inquisitions—revealing legacies that still impact families today. In Episode 15, guests Corrina Miramontes and Martha Rodriguez bring the Mesquite Historic District to life through their work with Las Esperanzas. Their passion for revitalizing the oldest townsite in Las Cruces is nothing short of inspiring. Borderlands history deepens in Episode 16, as Joel González discusses repatriate colonies, shifting borders, and how rapid political change impacted families on both sides of the Rio Grande. Finally, Episode 17 closes the season with a complete recap of the November 4th regular local election, highlighting turnout, post-election processes, and the importance of transparency. Season 5 was filled with incredible guests, powerful stories, and deep dives into the history and democracy of Doña Ana County. Cynthia and Bernardine close with heartfelt thanks to listeners, the Clerk's Office team, and the community—already looking forward to an even bigger Season 6. Watch here: https://youtu.be/4irxq9V9NYQ Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale and Cynthia Mendoza Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Slaughter Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we take listeners on a captivating journey into one of the borderland's most overlooked historical chapters. Our guest, Joel Gonzalez Parra—historian, researcher, and recent NMSU graduate joining us from Washington, D.C.—shares the compelling story of the repatriate colonies that emerged in the aftermath of the Mexican–American War. Joel unpacks how, when the border shifted in 1848, many New Mexicans found themselves suddenly living under a new flag and facing decisions that would reshape entire communities. Some chose to remain in the now-American territory, while others uprooted their lives and crossed south into Mexico to establish new settlements. What followed is a rich and complex narrative of identity, politics, culture, and survival. The episode explores the formation of towns such as Mesilla, Doña Ana, Guadalupe, and San Ignacio; the surprising cartographic mistake that misplaced El Paso by forty miles and altered the border forever; and the delicate balance of fear, opportunity, and loyalty that influenced families on both sides. Joel guides us through the everyday struggles of settlers navigating unfamiliar governments, land-grant disputes that lasted generations, and the powerful role of priests and community leaders who shaped these cross-border movements. As the conversation unfolds, we learn how families maintained ties and influence across the dividing line, how political violence sparked new migrations, and how these early decisions still echo in modern land records, deeds, and local histories found right here in Doña Ana County. It's a story full of movement and resilience, revealing how the borderlands became the culturally rich, interconnected region they are today. Join us we rediscover the history beneath our feet, guided by a Gonzalez Parra, who brings clarity, passion, and fresh perspective to a truly remarkable era. Watch here: https://youtu.be/MC8an7pKeEs Hosted by: Angelica Valenzuela, Bernardine Caporale Special Guest: Joel Gonzalez Parra Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Slaughter Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

Welcome to the latest episode of PRreserving History and Democracy! In this episode, we delve into the hidden history of the Conversos—the descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions—and trace their remarkable journey across centuries and continents. Our guest, Sean Schifano , historian and founding archivist of the the Crypto-Jewish Historical Archives at New Mexico State University, joins us to illuminate this little-known but profoundly important story of cultural survival, religious transformation, and rediscovered identity. From the secret crypto-Jewish practices that endured under colonial rule to the rediscovery of Jewish ancestry through modern DNA testing, Schifano paints a vivid picture of how converso descendants in Mexico, Portugal, and the American Southwest have navigated questions of faith, belonging, and heritage. Listeners will hear about extraordinary historical figures—like 19th-century intellectual Francisco Rivas Puig, who sought to reclaim Mexico's Jewish past—as well as the growth of communities such as the Venta Prieta congregation near Mexico City. Schifano also traces how shifting global forces, from Vatican II to the civil rights movements of the 1960s and 70s, created new space for people to explore and affirm their converso roots. The episode also brings the story to the present day, exploring the creation of the Converso Legacy Archives (CLA)—the first systematic effort to collect and preserve records from those who claim converso descent. Schifano explains how the CLA is safeguarding oral histories, family documents, and community archives that tell the story of how individuals and families across generations have understood their layered identities—as Catholic, Jewish, Hispano, and everything in between. Whether you're passionate about genealogy, Jewish history, or the ongoing dialogue between past and present, this episode offers a compelling look at how one community's buried legacy continues to shape identity, memory, and scholarship across the globe. Watch the episode here. Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza Special Guest: Sean Schifano Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Slaughter Edited by: Jacob Slaughter