I don’t have many of the details. However, William Dodge, vice chairman of the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission at the City of Albuquerque, confirmed to me this morning that the panel voted 7-0 Wednesday night to again designate El Vado Motel as a City Landmark.

Dodge told me the hearing lasted five hours, and that many people testified there.

The designation provides vital protection for the historic Route 66 property from redevelopment. El Vado had been previously designated a City Landmark, but it was overturned on a technicality.

The designation moves on to the City Council for final approval. The Council has 75 days to act on the designation.

The Commission also had an application for a demolition permit for the motel. However, that item is deferred until the City Council decides on the Landmark designation.

Thanks to everyone who wrote letters and e-mails to the Commission in support of El Vado. They made a big impact last time, and they undoubtedly did so again.

TrickyNic and a male companion of the United Kingdom traveled Route 66, and put together a collage of still photos and video in three parts.

Part 1 goes from Chicago to Amarillo, Texas. It’s funny to watch him tentatively eat the calf fries, then think: “Hey! These aren’t half-bad!”

Part 2 goes from Amarillo to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It’s cool they drove the gravel road stretch from Glenrio to San Jon, N.M. And although Carrie Underwood’s vengeful “Before He Cheats” is a great song, it’s strange to hear it in the context of a fun-filled road-trip video.

Part 3 includes Oatman, Ariz., then side trips to Las Vegas and Calico, Calif., before resuming on Route 66 in Southern California, then another side trip to San Francisco.