Commissioner Yolanda Lucero has been on the PZHAC since July of 2012. A lifetime Mesillera, Lucero places a high respect and value on the culture and the people of Mesilla. As the owner of Casitas de Lucero Rentals, her real estate background contributes to the PZHAC. Lucero has 3 children, 9 grand children, and 1 great grandchild; and her family is a 7th generation Mesillero family.

E-mail:
yolandal@mesillanm.gov

Commissioner David Rockstraw moved to Mesilla in 2005 and resides in a historic Mesilla property that dates from the 1870s.  Rockstraw retired from NMSU in 2021 after serving the institution and state for 26 years.  Rockstraw was nominated by J. Paul Taylor in 2010 to serve on the Board of Directors of Mesilla Valley Preservation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the architectural legacy of NM.  Using his training as a chemical engineer, Rockstraw co-authored a series of studies at EarthUSA in Santa Fe presenting methods to analyze the extent of salt deposits in adobe walls and prevent the further deterioration of such structures. The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training of the National Park Service funded an eight-part video series to disseminate that work, which can be found on YouTube under the title “Salts of the Earth.”  This project also developed test kits that are available for loan to artisans working on historic adobes, and Rockstraw makes himself available to help teach how to use those kits for assessing the state of an adobe structure.

E-mail:
davidr@mesillanm.gov

Graduated W/Civil and Environmental Engineering Degree 1972. Served in Peace Corps in Fiji Islands as a community works advisor 1973-1975. Hired on as construction manager and designer w/ National Park Service from 1976-1985. Park Engineer at Glen Canyon NRA 1985-1989. Park Chief or Maintenance & Professional Services at Mount Rainier NP 1990-1992. Reassigned at Rainier as Park Planner working on the Park’s General Management Plan 1992-1999. Following completion of the GMP, reassigned as Park Project Manager to oversee projects identified in the GMP 1999-2013. Important to note that Rainier NP is the 5th oldest Park in the Service and consequently has 7 nationally recognized historic districts, miles of roads & trails recognized as cultural landscapes. After retiring from NPS in 2013 my wife Catharine and I purchase a depressed property in Mesilla’s HR zone consisting of 4 structures built in 1930s and have restored 3 of the 4 to date. I am honored to serve as a PZHAC Commissioner to continue to help preserve the historical significance of Mesilla.

E-mail:
ericw@mesillanm.gov

Commissioner Eric Gallegos is a 6th generation Mesillero.  He is a retired manager, having worked at State of New Mexico’s Children, Youth & Families Department for over 28 years.  He maintains his Licensed Masters degree in Social Work and volunteers with both the Basilica de San Albino and Knights of Columbus.  He serves on the commission to ensure the protection of Mesilla’s historical culture and vibrant integrity for future generations.

E-mail:
ericg@mesillanm.gov

Commissioner Davie Salas was a contractor for 28 years and provided Fire Service for 25 years.  He was a fire lieutenant and is knowledgeable in all aspects of construction and development.  He serves on the commission to help our community and seeks to accomplish moving the community forward with respect to traditions.

E-mail:
davies@mesillanm.gov