James Kellogg:
"There are plenty of headwinds right here at home, too. The president castigates congressional Republicans for blocking his potentially game-changing proposals to give tax breaks to businesses that hire and to provide mortgage refinancing for underwater homeowners. And in the last couple weeks, Obama proclaimed, “The big challenge we have in our economy right now is state and local government hiring has been going in the wrong direction.”
Here's a tip for the president. At this point, the majority of American voters don't care who is to blame for the current crisis. They are demanding solutions. Such solutions will be founded on free markets and private enterprise, not government control.
If Obama is intent on convincing Americans that he is powerless to foster the circumstances for economic recovery, why would we give him a second term?
The November election is looming closer, and voters are already waving goodbye to the president. Who will Obama blame for that? It'll be a tough decision......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
June 19, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Former defendants in monoxide case oppose grand jury testimony request"
Chad Abraham:
"Two men who once faced felony charges in the carbon monoxide deaths of a Denver family outside Aspen are opposing an effort by relatives of the deceased to get secret grand jury information.
The investigative information was requested on May 18 by relatives of the Lofgren family for use in their civil lawsuit against 10 defendants allegedly involved in the family’s 2008 deaths. The plaintiffs are seeking physical evidence, transcripts of witness testimony and other documents that were used to indict Pitkin County building official Brian Pawl and former city of Aspen inspector Erik Peltonen in 2010.
Criminal charges against the men were dropped last year.
But the release of parts of the year-long grand jury investigation could revive “unwarranted accusations” against them, says the June 1 filing in Pitkin County District Court by Pawl’s attorney. Peltonen’s attorney filed a motion June 4 to join in opposing the release........
........“Although he was indicted by the grand jury, the indictment was deficient on its face,” wrote Pawl’s attorney, Josh Marks of Boulder in the opposition brief.
A critical purpose of grand jury secrecy is to protect “the innocent from disclosure of unwarranted accusations and the embarrassment and exposure that would result from disclosure of the investigatory records ...,” Marks’ filing says. That factor warrants denial of the request to unseal the records, he wrote...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"Two men who once faced felony charges in the carbon monoxide deaths of a Denver family outside Aspen are opposing an effort by relatives of the deceased to get secret grand jury information.
The investigative information was requested on May 18 by relatives of the Lofgren family for use in their civil lawsuit against 10 defendants allegedly involved in the family’s 2008 deaths. The plaintiffs are seeking physical evidence, transcripts of witness testimony and other documents that were used to indict Pitkin County building official Brian Pawl and former city of Aspen inspector Erik Peltonen in 2010.
Criminal charges against the men were dropped last year.
But the release of parts of the year-long grand jury investigation could revive “unwarranted accusations” against them, says the June 1 filing in Pitkin County District Court by Pawl’s attorney. Peltonen’s attorney filed a motion June 4 to join in opposing the release........
........“Although he was indicted by the grand jury, the indictment was deficient on its face,” wrote Pawl’s attorney, Josh Marks of Boulder in the opposition brief.
A critical purpose of grand jury secrecy is to protect “the innocent from disclosure of unwarranted accusations and the embarrassment and exposure that would result from disclosure of the investigatory records ...,” Marks’ filing says. That factor warrants denial of the request to unseal the records, he wrote...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Watchdog.Org "IA: Secretary of State denies release of emails related to identity theft case"
Good for Iowa Sec of State Matt Shultz. Who was exonerated from accusations of state ethics law violations.
This was the first case in the judicial history of the United States where law enforcement took charge of the outdated, vague and sorely lacking 'identity theft' laws when it comes to internet crime.
Because Shultz is a public figure and not a private citizen made the courage of law enforcement to take on now convicted Zach Edwards and the infamous 'Link Strategies' company he was associated with even more significant.
Public figures have far less ability to protest attacks on their lives from false allegations or types of viral assaults such as Zach Edwards did. Private citizens attacked in similar manner are protected more strongly by the 4th amendment. Even though the act committed against both is the same.
Kudos to Matt Schultz for keeping hands on the reins and not letting media fester what is now a historic ruling that benefits all victims of internet crime and 'high-tech lynchings' by others.
Sheena Dooley:
"DES MOINES – The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office is refusing to make public emails related to an identity-theft case involving its elected leader Republican Matt Schultz and a former Barack Obama presidential campaign staffer.
Iowa Watchdog asked the secretary of state’s office multiple times for emails related to the case. It also sought access to all documents associated with the former Obama staffer, Zachary Edwards, including written correspondence, emails, police reports, phone logs and written notes to staff......
.......Edwards, 29, committed identity theft when he sent at least one email saying Thomas Schultz received inappropriate payments from former GOP presidential nominee Rick Santorum, court documents show. He sent that email to Matt Schultz’s Secretary of State office from an email address that was almost identical to the secretary of state’s personal address.
Around the same time, Matt Schultz, 33, faced an ethics complaint for using his office to issue a statement sharply criticizing Jon Huntsman for his failure to participate in the Iowa Caucuses. Matt Schultz received at least $12,500 in campaign contributions from a political action committee Santorum ran. Thomas Schultz was behind the Draft Santorum website urging his candidacy for president.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
This was the first case in the judicial history of the United States where law enforcement took charge of the outdated, vague and sorely lacking 'identity theft' laws when it comes to internet crime.
Because Shultz is a public figure and not a private citizen made the courage of law enforcement to take on now convicted Zach Edwards and the infamous 'Link Strategies' company he was associated with even more significant.
Public figures have far less ability to protest attacks on their lives from false allegations or types of viral assaults such as Zach Edwards did. Private citizens attacked in similar manner are protected more strongly by the 4th amendment. Even though the act committed against both is the same.
Kudos to Matt Schultz for keeping hands on the reins and not letting media fester what is now a historic ruling that benefits all victims of internet crime and 'high-tech lynchings' by others.
Sheena Dooley:
"DES MOINES – The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office is refusing to make public emails related to an identity-theft case involving its elected leader Republican Matt Schultz and a former Barack Obama presidential campaign staffer.
Iowa Watchdog asked the secretary of state’s office multiple times for emails related to the case. It also sought access to all documents associated with the former Obama staffer, Zachary Edwards, including written correspondence, emails, police reports, phone logs and written notes to staff......
.......Edwards, 29, committed identity theft when he sent at least one email saying Thomas Schultz received inappropriate payments from former GOP presidential nominee Rick Santorum, court documents show. He sent that email to Matt Schultz’s Secretary of State office from an email address that was almost identical to the secretary of state’s personal address.
Edwards was also behind a libelous blog post that prompted articles in The Salt Lake Tribune and
Politico.com accusing Thomas Schultz and his brother of engaging in unethical or illegal behavior, according to Thomas Schultz’s victim impact statement.
Around the same time, Matt Schultz, 33, faced an ethics complaint for using his office to issue a statement sharply criticizing Jon Huntsman for his failure to participate in the Iowa Caucuses. Matt Schultz received at least $12,500 in campaign contributions from a political action committee Santorum ran. Thomas Schultz was behind the Draft Santorum website urging his candidacy for president.
The Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board later tossed out the complaint, saying Matt Schultz didn’t violate state ethics laws......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Albany Times Union "America's Highest-elevation Roller Coaster Opens at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado"
How does a viral link bait, tied to a newspaper article (or tied to every keyword contained in the bait actually 'work' on the internet?
The moment anyone clicks on it, it implodes into the web. Saturating that live link to the newspaper article it is tied to into the worldwide web for all time. Can never be removed and can never be cleaned up.
The only thing one can do is track the keywords. The bait will appear one time only, until clicked on and then it "implodes" and disburses its content when clicked on.
Hot stories are trackable only through setting up alerts on every search engine and doing so with the exact keywords located in that one original bait.
One must download the live bait (if you stumble on it before it is clicked and disbursed) to your hard drive (or) make a hard copy of it. Either one is able to be subpoenaed to find out source of origin.
Hey! How about those PR Web tourism marketing gals hired by GSCRA with public tax dollars and the mass glut of saturation to newspapers, blogs, twitter, facebook all over the nation on behalf of Steve Beckley's new expansion? Boy, that's a huge bonus getting that much 'free' to Beckley advertising.
Combined with the flood of alerts from Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask and other engines; those standard practice viral link baits used by GSCRA and contractors have really done an above and beyond their usual saturation job.
How about you?
How do you feel about the tourism contract dollars for 81601 footing the bill for a select few and their advertising budget?
Come to think of it. How do you feel about the new coaster and how it looks perched up there on top of Iron Mountain?
Great photo in this press release from contracted tourism promoter under GSCRA from PR Web.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The moment anyone clicks on it, it implodes into the web. Saturating that live link to the newspaper article it is tied to into the worldwide web for all time. Can never be removed and can never be cleaned up.
The only thing one can do is track the keywords. The bait will appear one time only, until clicked on and then it "implodes" and disburses its content when clicked on.
Hot stories are trackable only through setting up alerts on every search engine and doing so with the exact keywords located in that one original bait.
One must download the live bait (if you stumble on it before it is clicked and disbursed) to your hard drive (or) make a hard copy of it. Either one is able to be subpoenaed to find out source of origin.
Hey! How about those PR Web tourism marketing gals hired by GSCRA with public tax dollars and the mass glut of saturation to newspapers, blogs, twitter, facebook all over the nation on behalf of Steve Beckley's new expansion? Boy, that's a huge bonus getting that much 'free' to Beckley advertising.
Combined with the flood of alerts from Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask and other engines; those standard practice viral link baits used by GSCRA and contractors have really done an above and beyond their usual saturation job.
How about you?
How do you feel about the tourism contract dollars for 81601 footing the bill for a select few and their advertising budget?
Come to think of it. How do you feel about the new coaster and how it looks perched up there on top of Iron Mountain?
Great photo in this press release from contracted tourism promoter under GSCRA from PR Web.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood's Fourth of July fireworks may be canceled"
Hooray!!!
Maybe that $20K saved this year will go direct to the local Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Feed My Sheep!
How soon this community forgets certain scandals brought about by certain powerful individuals. How long ago was it that the grant fund was run dry by GSCRA and the city had to step in? Two years now?
The point, is that fireworks in Glenwood Springs should be privately funded and the city budget not dipped to cover the costs. This works out, at $20,000 to over $1,200 per minute.
With record unemployment, record homeless and hungry and still struggling after nearly 5 years of a local economy that is still dragging itself back up; the City of Glenwood Springs has no business wasting money on fireworks nor should crucial tourism marketing dollars be used to fund the display.
At least now, in the year 2012, $20,000 will not be wasted.
Say NO fireworks directly to your councilman and be sure to vote NO in the PI's online poll.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The city of Glenwood Springs may join Aspen in canceling its Fourth of July fireworks display next month due to the extreme high fire danger.
“As a result of discussions between myself and the fire chief, and an inquiry from the mayor about whether we should have them or not, it is on the agenda for our meeting next Thursday,” Glenwood Springs City Manager Jeff Hecksel said.
Glenwood Springs City Council will formally discuss a possible cancellation of the fireworks display at its June 21 regular meeting.
Meanwhile, Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday signed an executive order banning the use of private fireworks and open burning statewide because of the dry conditions throughout Colorado...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Maybe that $20K saved this year will go direct to the local Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Feed My Sheep!
How soon this community forgets certain scandals brought about by certain powerful individuals. How long ago was it that the grant fund was run dry by GSCRA and the city had to step in? Two years now?
The point, is that fireworks in Glenwood Springs should be privately funded and the city budget not dipped to cover the costs. This works out, at $20,000 to over $1,200 per minute.
With record unemployment, record homeless and hungry and still struggling after nearly 5 years of a local economy that is still dragging itself back up; the City of Glenwood Springs has no business wasting money on fireworks nor should crucial tourism marketing dollars be used to fund the display.
At least now, in the year 2012, $20,000 will not be wasted.
Say NO fireworks directly to your councilman and be sure to vote NO in the PI's online poll.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The city of Glenwood Springs may join Aspen in canceling its Fourth of July fireworks display next month due to the extreme high fire danger.
“As a result of discussions between myself and the fire chief, and an inquiry from the mayor about whether we should have them or not, it is on the agenda for our meeting next Thursday,” Glenwood Springs City Manager Jeff Hecksel said.
Glenwood Springs City Council will formally discuss a possible cancellation of the fireworks display at its June 21 regular meeting.
Meanwhile, Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday signed an executive order banning the use of private fireworks and open burning statewide because of the dry conditions throughout Colorado...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Records release reveals more about secret Vernal meeting"
It's rare anymore that SandBox agrees with Republican commissioner Tom Jankovsky. His heavy and ham-handed handling of Garfield County needs is just not setting well with a number of residents. And they're conservatives...
But in this case, we'll run alongside Jankovsky. This craziness over the Vernal meeting is nothing but political.
With that said, this controversy is another great reason to say NO to the re-up of Republican John Martin and YES to Democrat Sonja Linman.
We definitely need balance in Garfield County BOCC. Things like this dust-up over the Vernal meeting are preventable.
"Save a gas rig. Vote Sonja Linman (D) for Garfield County Commissioner".
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners were more than just an idle participant at a special closed-door meeting in Vernal, Utah, in late March to discuss oil shale policy, a Colorado government watchdog group says.
The meeting produced a unified political statement from counties in three states, which was later sent to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The letter was critical of the BLM's plan to reduce the amount of federal lands available in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming for oil shale research and development.
“Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky organized the Vernal meeting,” Colorado Common Cause charged Thursday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
But in this case, we'll run alongside Jankovsky. This craziness over the Vernal meeting is nothing but political.
With that said, this controversy is another great reason to say NO to the re-up of Republican John Martin and YES to Democrat Sonja Linman.
We definitely need balance in Garfield County BOCC. Things like this dust-up over the Vernal meeting are preventable.
"Save a gas rig. Vote Sonja Linman (D) for Garfield County Commissioner".
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners were more than just an idle participant at a special closed-door meeting in Vernal, Utah, in late March to discuss oil shale policy, a Colorado government watchdog group says.
The meeting produced a unified political statement from counties in three states, which was later sent to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The letter was critical of the BLM's plan to reduce the amount of federal lands available in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming for oil shale research and development.
“Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky organized the Vernal meeting,” Colorado Common Cause charged Thursday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "May local jobless rate remains unchanged"
Randy Wyrick:
"EAGLE COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's latest jobless numbers put Eagle County's unemployment rate at 12.3 percent for May, largely unchanged from May 2010.
Colorado's state unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, close to the national rate.
“Colorado is in a similar situation as we're seeing across the nation,” said Alexandra Hall, chief economist with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"EAGLE COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's latest jobless numbers put Eagle County's unemployment rate at 12.3 percent for May, largely unchanged from May 2010.
Colorado's state unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, close to the national rate.
“Colorado is in a similar situation as we're seeing across the nation,” said Alexandra Hall, chief economist with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Grob rises above the rest"
Darryl Grob will be the best Pitkin County Commissioner we have ever had.
Just imagine a world where a PitCo commissioner uses practical, common sense reasoning and thorough research before making a decision. A construction oriented thought process that uses logic and problem solving skills on behalf of the highest good of getting resolution and forward movement for all.
Gosh, we might end up leaving behind the crazy displays of politics and ego. Such as the "Great Castle Creek Guardrail Conspiracy" of Rachel Richards.
Go, Grob! Just vote Grob.
Willard Clapper:
"Dear Editor:
It is truly rare to see a group of concerned citizens running for any office with the character and integrity manifested by the four men running for Pitkin County commissioner this year! I say that with a real sense of knowing as I have watched a large number of these elections and they typically do not offer the slate of capable candidates that this election does.
I could cast my vote for any one of them but firmly believe that Darryl Grob would be the best choice for county commissioner from the lot. I first met Darryl shortly after he arrived in Aspen as he joined the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. He rapidly became a superior firefighter, a captain and ultimately the Fire Department's first and only paid fire chief.
At that time it was essential that we hired someone from within to oversee the huge task of building four new fire stations and retrofitting our entire fleet of firefighting apparatus. Darryl fit the bill perfectly and completed those tasks with amazing proficiency — come by and visit our Hopkins Avenue station to see the legacy of his work.
Darryl is the kind of commissioner that I feel fits the bill for Pitkin County, as well. He is meticulous with his attention to detail. He is a tireless worker who will never be unprepared for any meeting, any decision nor any discussion on the street or in the chambers. He is relentless in his research, leaving nothing germane to the issue unattended....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Just imagine a world where a PitCo commissioner uses practical, common sense reasoning and thorough research before making a decision. A construction oriented thought process that uses logic and problem solving skills on behalf of the highest good of getting resolution and forward movement for all.
Gosh, we might end up leaving behind the crazy displays of politics and ego. Such as the "Great Castle Creek Guardrail Conspiracy" of Rachel Richards.
Go, Grob! Just vote Grob.
Willard Clapper:
"Dear Editor:
It is truly rare to see a group of concerned citizens running for any office with the character and integrity manifested by the four men running for Pitkin County commissioner this year! I say that with a real sense of knowing as I have watched a large number of these elections and they typically do not offer the slate of capable candidates that this election does.
I could cast my vote for any one of them but firmly believe that Darryl Grob would be the best choice for county commissioner from the lot. I first met Darryl shortly after he arrived in Aspen as he joined the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. He rapidly became a superior firefighter, a captain and ultimately the Fire Department's first and only paid fire chief.
At that time it was essential that we hired someone from within to oversee the huge task of building four new fire stations and retrofitting our entire fleet of firefighting apparatus. Darryl fit the bill perfectly and completed those tasks with amazing proficiency — come by and visit our Hopkins Avenue station to see the legacy of his work.
Darryl is the kind of commissioner that I feel fits the bill for Pitkin County, as well. He is meticulous with his attention to detail. He is a tireless worker who will never be unprepared for any meeting, any decision nor any discussion on the street or in the chambers. He is relentless in his research, leaving nothing germane to the issue unattended....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC sticks with its rejection of compressor station"
Should Pat Chamber run again for CMC Trustee, just say YES.
One has to wonder what defines 'education' in the Trustee's eyes. The loss of $12,000 in revenue per year that would pay a lot of overhead on our local CMC campus.
Remember, this is a dispute over a noxious weed infested patch of land that even the donor's families refuse to maintain and our Trustees do absolutely nothing with.
What's on the agenda for this ground if no revenue is generated off it?
Another few decades of continued neglect or is there some secret campus expansion or learning mecca planned for the spot?
Inquiring minds want to know exactly what 'education' is set for this land.
John Colson:
"News of the lease was met by an uproar among students, faculty members and landowners living near the college, including ranchers who had donated land for the school's campus back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The furor prompted the trustees to reconsider Jensen's agreement.
Less than two weeks after the May 14 meeting, SourceGas filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force the school to allow the compressor station to be built on campus property. The company also asked the trustees to consider a proposal to put the compressor station at a second site, near the school's water tower.
The majority of trustees this week appeared unswayed by the threat of continued legal action against the school.
“We're here to do education,” said Trustee Kathy Goudy of Carbondale, “and this is not education.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
One has to wonder what defines 'education' in the Trustee's eyes. The loss of $12,000 in revenue per year that would pay a lot of overhead on our local CMC campus.
Remember, this is a dispute over a noxious weed infested patch of land that even the donor's families refuse to maintain and our Trustees do absolutely nothing with.
What's on the agenda for this ground if no revenue is generated off it?
Another few decades of continued neglect or is there some secret campus expansion or learning mecca planned for the spot?
Inquiring minds want to know exactly what 'education' is set for this land.
John Colson:
"News of the lease was met by an uproar among students, faculty members and landowners living near the college, including ranchers who had donated land for the school's campus back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The furor prompted the trustees to reconsider Jensen's agreement.
Less than two weeks after the May 14 meeting, SourceGas filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force the school to allow the compressor station to be built on campus property. The company also asked the trustees to consider a proposal to put the compressor station at a second site, near the school's water tower.
The majority of trustees this week appeared unswayed by the threat of continued legal action against the school.
“We're here to do education,” said Trustee Kathy Goudy of Carbondale, “and this is not education.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Environmental groups oppose new Thompson Divide drilling requests"
Ah, yes.
The spearheads for a few of the same groups that have joined Mary Noone in the push for public tax dollars to purchase private lands and 'preserve' them.
See related stories and public comments in the links below:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-garfield.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_16.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/06/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_08.html
Drill baby, drill.
John Colson:
"An sixth extension request in 2009, according to Hart's letter, prompted opposition from Wilderness Workshop and other groups, asking that the BLM deny the request “based on extraordinary values at risk and a clear failure by the operator to pursue diligent development.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The spearheads for a few of the same groups that have joined Mary Noone in the push for public tax dollars to purchase private lands and 'preserve' them.
See related stories and public comments in the links below:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-garfield.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_16.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/06/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_08.html
Drill baby, drill.
John Colson:
"An sixth extension request in 2009, according to Hart's letter, prompted opposition from Wilderness Workshop and other groups, asking that the BLM deny the request “based on extraordinary values at risk and a clear failure by the operator to pursue diligent development.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Mediation unable to resolve Encana, Thompson dispute"
Let's hope the outcome on this one is the same defeat as the Strudley family. Isn't it about time that Colorado passed the same type of frivolous lawsuit laws as Rick Perry has instilled down in Texas?
The rising costs of heating our homes, gas prices and all needs every American has when it comes to using energy sources daily deserve to not be forced even higher because of ridiculous lawsuits like this one.
Good wishes to EnCana USA that their winning streak on this one continues.
John Colson:
"RIFLE, Colorado — A court-appointed mediator has been unable to resolve a dispute between Porcupine Creek landowner Thomas Thompson and Encana Oil and Gas (USA), a drilling company operating on Thompson's land.
As a result, according to spokesmen for both sides, the matter appears headed for trial.
Thompson and Encana disagree about the cause of a 2011 flood along Porcupine Creek, which flows through Thompson's 40-acre property south of Rifle.
Thompson maintains that the flood, which he says caused $700,000 in damage to his property on both sides of the creek, happened because EnCana did a poor job installing a culvert/bridge over the creek for an access road to its drilling sites. The flood damage is uphill from the culvert.
EnCana, however, has said that its culvert had nothing to do with causing the damage, and that repair costs should be more like $75,000.
Thompson ordered the company off his property in March, and Encana won an injunction to force Thompson to let its crews resume work on the drilling rigs. But Garfield District Judge James Boyd's ruling did not grant the company legal permission to start fixing the creekside damage unless it obtains Thompson's permission....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The rising costs of heating our homes, gas prices and all needs every American has when it comes to using energy sources daily deserve to not be forced even higher because of ridiculous lawsuits like this one.
Good wishes to EnCana USA that their winning streak on this one continues.
John Colson:
"RIFLE, Colorado — A court-appointed mediator has been unable to resolve a dispute between Porcupine Creek landowner Thomas Thompson and Encana Oil and Gas (USA), a drilling company operating on Thompson's land.
As a result, according to spokesmen for both sides, the matter appears headed for trial.
Thompson and Encana disagree about the cause of a 2011 flood along Porcupine Creek, which flows through Thompson's 40-acre property south of Rifle.
Thompson maintains that the flood, which he says caused $700,000 in damage to his property on both sides of the creek, happened because EnCana did a poor job installing a culvert/bridge over the creek for an access road to its drilling sites. The flood damage is uphill from the culvert.
EnCana, however, has said that its culvert had nothing to do with causing the damage, and that repair costs should be more like $75,000.
Thompson ordered the company off his property in March, and Encana won an injunction to force Thompson to let its crews resume work on the drilling rigs. But Garfield District Judge James Boyd's ruling did not grant the company legal permission to start fixing the creekside damage unless it obtains Thompson's permission....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Just what Snowmass needs"
Johnny Boyd:
"I began writing columns in 1995 after listening to the consternation about the business climate in Snowmass Village, or the lack thereof. My first column proposed the idea of moving all the businesses in the Snowmass Mall to the then unconstructed Base Village, and my second column was about replacing the mall businesses with casinos. It was sheer arrogance and brilliance — a great way to start a writing career — and everyone hated it. Go figure.
I remain convinced that casinos are the best idea to transform the economy of Snowmass Village into a sustainable year-round resort. For some reason this bright idea is resisted by the politicians, the second homeowners and the citizenry. Something about attracting the wrong clientele.
I submit that if we can entertain the titan thieves of Wall Street, we can surely put up with a few skuzzy dudes ripping off cigarettes at the liquor store. My original column even mentioned the darker aspects of casinos by using the line, “If the Mafia gets involved, it will give a whole new meaning to ‘family resort.’” A thief is a thief, whether by briefcase or gun...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"I began writing columns in 1995 after listening to the consternation about the business climate in Snowmass Village, or the lack thereof. My first column proposed the idea of moving all the businesses in the Snowmass Mall to the then unconstructed Base Village, and my second column was about replacing the mall businesses with casinos. It was sheer arrogance and brilliance — a great way to start a writing career — and everyone hated it. Go figure.
I remain convinced that casinos are the best idea to transform the economy of Snowmass Village into a sustainable year-round resort. For some reason this bright idea is resisted by the politicians, the second homeowners and the citizenry. Something about attracting the wrong clientele.
I submit that if we can entertain the titan thieves of Wall Street, we can surely put up with a few skuzzy dudes ripping off cigarettes at the liquor store. My original column even mentioned the darker aspects of casinos by using the line, “If the Mafia gets involved, it will give a whole new meaning to ‘family resort.’” A thief is a thief, whether by briefcase or gun...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Officials comment on Hayden, Dinosaur casino projects "
See related story here: http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2012/jun/12/plans-casino-near-hayden-airport-move-forward/
Joe Moylan:
" A group of Yampa Valley business partners announced in March their interest in developing a venture new to Northwest Colorado.
After more than 50 meetings with a variety of entities the past six months, Steamboat Springs resident Steve Hofman said Monday the time to present to the public information for an Indian gaming facility in Hayden is approaching.
“We have understood from the very beginning that not only would the opportunity for public comment and input be appropriate, but essential,” Hofman said. “We fully anticipate having those discussions and having the public ask questions we believe we have answers to, and if they ask questions we don’t have answers to, then we’re going to be obligated to get them answers.
“That’s been our approach through this entire process.”......"
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Joe Moylan:
" A group of Yampa Valley business partners announced in March their interest in developing a venture new to Northwest Colorado.
After more than 50 meetings with a variety of entities the past six months, Steamboat Springs resident Steve Hofman said Monday the time to present to the public information for an Indian gaming facility in Hayden is approaching.
“We have understood from the very beginning that not only would the opportunity for public comment and input be appropriate, but essential,” Hofman said. “We fully anticipate having those discussions and having the public ask questions we believe we have answers to, and if they ask questions we don’t have answers to, then we’re going to be obligated to get them answers.
“That’s been our approach through this entire process.”......"
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Note from Nanny " Moderation trust, bones that mend and back to the future"
You've been terrific 'kids' while I have been laid low with my fractured wrist and surgery.
Yes, I know I have a mailbox full of your comments to moderate and post. I promise I will get to those very soon.
The other issue many of you know has been a factor over the past month is that I now live in a mountain area that has limited cell and internet signal. That issue has now been remedied thanks to the kindness and aid of 'chirkers' (bless his welding guy happy soul) who has put together a sturdy 'directional' antenna that attaches to my wireless. What a talented guy and so appreciated.
Because you have been so good and not bombarded me with 'Nanny...when will you get back? (and) 'Nanny', hurry up!'...I am going to take the blog off the global moderation only posting safeguard I've had it on. You can go back to direct posting and I'll get caught up with your moderated comments as quickly as I can.
Thank you to all who've sent 'old bones' jokes, you're really hilarious.
Let's get caught up on some of the action that affects Coloradans and get some new posts up.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Yes, I know I have a mailbox full of your comments to moderate and post. I promise I will get to those very soon.
The other issue many of you know has been a factor over the past month is that I now live in a mountain area that has limited cell and internet signal. That issue has now been remedied thanks to the kindness and aid of 'chirkers' (bless his welding guy happy soul) who has put together a sturdy 'directional' antenna that attaches to my wireless. What a talented guy and so appreciated.
Because you have been so good and not bombarded me with 'Nanny...when will you get back? (and) 'Nanny', hurry up!'...I am going to take the blog off the global moderation only posting safeguard I've had it on. You can go back to direct posting and I'll get caught up with your moderated comments as quickly as I can.
Thank you to all who've sent 'old bones' jokes, you're really hilarious.
Let's get caught up on some of the action that affects Coloradans and get some new posts up.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
June 12, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "A True American Independent"
Salena Zito:
"This longtime Democrat left his party after it demanded that he sign a pledge to support only its candidates.
Local and national Democrats branded him as an extremist, out of touch with constituents; the press judged him to be “dead meat” in the 1970 campaign to win back his U.S. Senate seat.
Undeterred, Harry Byrd Jr. – namesake son of the legendary boss of Virginia’s then-dominant Democrats – beat the odds and won re-election. Not once but twice.
“It was a contentious time,” Byrd now says. “Then again, everyone thinks they are living in the most contentious times ever. Well, they really aren’t, are they?”
The longest-living former senator at age 97, Byrd still resides in his hometown of Winchester, Va., within walking distance of one of his beloved newspapers, the Winchester Star.
He served eight terms in Virginia’s senate before being appointed to his ailing father’s U.S. Senate seat.
He won that seat outright a year later, but the undercurrents of change already were building among Democrats.
“Liberals began … winning local elections in the primaries over moderate and fiscally conservative Democrats,” Byrd said of that shift. “You could just see it coming in successive primary elections, and that was in the ’60s.
“Now, the party is barely recognizable.”
He scoffs at the notion that this is the country’s worst-ever time, but passionately agrees we’re heading in a dangerous direction.
He served in the Senate under four U.S. presidents; he was close friends with Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Reagan, liked Clinton, but “never much cared for Carter.”
After his switch to independent, he still caucused with Senate Democrats but “no one ever took my vote for granted.” A staunch fiscal conservative, he introduced balanced-budget legislation four years in a row requiring that “total outlays of the federal government shall not exceed its receipts,” he said.
“Congress approved it, then promptly ignored it.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"This longtime Democrat left his party after it demanded that he sign a pledge to support only its candidates.
Local and national Democrats branded him as an extremist, out of touch with constituents; the press judged him to be “dead meat” in the 1970 campaign to win back his U.S. Senate seat.
Undeterred, Harry Byrd Jr. – namesake son of the legendary boss of Virginia’s then-dominant Democrats – beat the odds and won re-election. Not once but twice.
“It was a contentious time,” Byrd now says. “Then again, everyone thinks they are living in the most contentious times ever. Well, they really aren’t, are they?”
The longest-living former senator at age 97, Byrd still resides in his hometown of Winchester, Va., within walking distance of one of his beloved newspapers, the Winchester Star.
He served eight terms in Virginia’s senate before being appointed to his ailing father’s U.S. Senate seat.
He won that seat outright a year later, but the undercurrents of change already were building among Democrats.
“Liberals began … winning local elections in the primaries over moderate and fiscally conservative Democrats,” Byrd said of that shift. “You could just see it coming in successive primary elections, and that was in the ’60s.
“Now, the party is barely recognizable.”
He scoffs at the notion that this is the country’s worst-ever time, but passionately agrees we’re heading in a dangerous direction.
He served in the Senate under four U.S. presidents; he was close friends with Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Reagan, liked Clinton, but “never much cared for Carter.”
After his switch to independent, he still caucused with Senate Democrats but “no one ever took my vote for granted.” A staunch fiscal conservative, he introduced balanced-budget legislation four years in a row requiring that “total outlays of the federal government shall not exceed its receipts,” he said.
“Congress approved it, then promptly ignored it.”...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "One-on-One with Jeb Bush"
Larry Kudlow:
"Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on Wednesday hailed the outcome of the Wisconsin recall election, praising Governor Scott Walker for emboldening conservatives in their drive to slash spending on a national level.
“He’s a courageous leader, and he was rewarded for courage,” Bush said on CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report.”
“In a world of dysfunction, it’s really good that a guy like that, who had the courage of his convictions and acted on them, is rewarded with a victory. I don’t even know why we had the recall to begin with, but if there was to be one, better to win by a bigger margin than he won in 2010, with a higher turnout. I think it’s a leading indicator of one thing, which is the intensity of the conservative side of politics is now stronger than the liberal side.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on Wednesday hailed the outcome of the Wisconsin recall election, praising Governor Scott Walker for emboldening conservatives in their drive to slash spending on a national level.
“He’s a courageous leader, and he was rewarded for courage,” Bush said on CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report.”
“In a world of dysfunction, it’s really good that a guy like that, who had the courage of his convictions and acted on them, is rewarded with a victory. I don’t even know why we had the recall to begin with, but if there was to be one, better to win by a bigger margin than he won in 2010, with a higher turnout. I think it’s a leading indicator of one thing, which is the intensity of the conservative side of politics is now stronger than the liberal side.”...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Sleeping duty: A bedtime story"
Dave Danforth:
"It’s hard enough to ask a jury to serve faithfully under duty to the American system of justice. Why double up by tempting the odds on wakefulness?
It would help if we asked juries to decide issues that really matter. Sure, it’s a technical question if ex-Sen. John Edwards and star pitcher Roger Clemens lied about the wrong things to the wrong people. But they’re both publicly dead and gone no matter the verdict. They’ll do the perp walk anyway.
Under orders to serve on a jury, sleeplessness is not entirely voluntarily...."
(Read more? Click title)
"It’s hard enough to ask a jury to serve faithfully under duty to the American system of justice. Why double up by tempting the odds on wakefulness?
It would help if we asked juries to decide issues that really matter. Sure, it’s a technical question if ex-Sen. John Edwards and star pitcher Roger Clemens lied about the wrong things to the wrong people. But they’re both publicly dead and gone no matter the verdict. They’ll do the perp walk anyway.
Under orders to serve on a jury, sleeplessness is not entirely voluntarily...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Agency probes sheriff’s office ahead of discrimination suit"
When a cop the extremely high caliber and respectable standard of Joe Bauer, who also happens to be a quiet man of few words; not only walks away from a job he loved but feels strongly enough to publicly speak up over the reasons why, 'strange things are afoot at the Circle K'.
This now makes at least three major strikes against Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo. The outside agency assists to the DEA bust in May of 2011. The ongoing and active FBI probe into public corruption and now still yet another agency probe into possible misconduct.
The citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley have more than enough t o be concerned over when it comes to our law enforcement and judicial needs. Maybe the time has come for DiSalvo to consider stepping down.
Chad Abraham:
"DiSalvo vehemently disagreed, contending “this department is the best of its size, without question, in Colorado and maybe the country.”
The turnover issue arose last week when Pitkin County Commissioner Jack Hatfield asked in a public meeting why 10 employees had left the sheriff’s office since DiSalvo took office.
DiSalvo said Hatfield was misinformed. He said the number of former employees who have left since he took over is five, comprised of the termination of Stephenson and four resignations — along with Rayton, Anderson and Bauer; longtime deputy Mario Strobyl also recently retired.
Hatfield did not return a message seeking comment Monday...."
(Read more? Click title)
This now makes at least three major strikes against Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo. The outside agency assists to the DEA bust in May of 2011. The ongoing and active FBI probe into public corruption and now still yet another agency probe into possible misconduct.
The citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley have more than enough t o be concerned over when it comes to our law enforcement and judicial needs. Maybe the time has come for DiSalvo to consider stepping down.
Chad Abraham:
"DiSalvo vehemently disagreed, contending “this department is the best of its size, without question, in Colorado and maybe the country.”
The turnover issue arose last week when Pitkin County Commissioner Jack Hatfield asked in a public meeting why 10 employees had left the sheriff’s office since DiSalvo took office.
DiSalvo said Hatfield was misinformed. He said the number of former employees who have left since he took over is five, comprised of the termination of Stephenson and four resignations — along with Rayton, Anderson and Bauer; longtime deputy Mario Strobyl also recently retired.
Hatfield did not return a message seeking comment Monday...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "State high court reverses ruling in cocaine case"
Chad Abraham:
"In a 4-to-3 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court on Monday said an Aspen police detective did not illegally remain in the residence of the defendant in a cocaine-distribution case, reversing an Aspen judge’s ruling...." (Read more? Click title)
"In a 4-to-3 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court on Monday said an Aspen police detective did not illegally remain in the residence of the defendant in a cocaine-distribution case, reversing an Aspen judge’s ruling...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Local prosecutors appeal sanctions in bomb-threat case"
Chad Abraham:
"Nichols also sanctioned Mordkin in August over pretrial evidence, ruling that certain evidence could not be used in an aggravated motor-vehicle theft case. For that ruling, Nichols cited discovery infractions in five felony cases dating back to 2009.
District Attorney Martin Beeson appealed those sanctions to the Colorado Court of Appeals, which has yet to rule. The prosecutors are asking the appellate court to consolidate the appeals they made in the motor-vehicle theft case and in Robinson’s case.
In the former, Beeson wrote that Nichols’ examples of pretrial missteps involved only a tiny fraction of the caseload that the Aspen district attorney’s office handled correctly. The appeal of the Robinson sanctions are “substantially similar,” the filing says, and the appellate court’s ruling “in either case will in all likelihood dispose of the issues in the other.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"Nichols also sanctioned Mordkin in August over pretrial evidence, ruling that certain evidence could not be used in an aggravated motor-vehicle theft case. For that ruling, Nichols cited discovery infractions in five felony cases dating back to 2009.
District Attorney Martin Beeson appealed those sanctions to the Colorado Court of Appeals, which has yet to rule. The prosecutors are asking the appellate court to consolidate the appeals they made in the motor-vehicle theft case and in Robinson’s case.
In the former, Beeson wrote that Nichols’ examples of pretrial missteps involved only a tiny fraction of the caseload that the Aspen district attorney’s office handled correctly. The appeal of the Robinson sanctions are “substantially similar,” the filing says, and the appellate court’s ruling “in either case will in all likelihood dispose of the issues in the other.”...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The abuse of power"
Another special thank you goes out to Maurice Emmer of Aspen. Prior to Emmer writing op-eds and LTE's in local papers, the bullying of others in this valley was at an all time high. Especially the bullying of women.
Emmer is not the only one who stepped up and began engaging in the same forums. Other men in the valley have as well and all are appreciated.
There has been a long needed, long sought after shift in the social structures within the Roaring Fork Valley over the past three years. A very positive change that has finally, since mid-term elections seeped over into politics, business, policies that affect us all and law enforcement.
Here's to the little guys.
Let freedom ring.
Maurice Emmer:
"Competition is a nasty thing for a city. The ski industry is in decline, and there are many attractive resorts competing for visitors and investment. If it is too inconvenient to visit Aspen or invest in Aspen, bye-bye. The visitors and the investment will go elsewhere, and presumably some are right now. We are special but not that special.
Consider Aspen and Detroit. The similarity should scare us. Detroit was the queen of the auto industry, just as Aspen has been the Silver Queen of skiing. Detroit thought it was so special because it was the Motor City. The world could not survive without Detroit cranking out wheels for a growing America. But, little by little, Detroit and its state adopted policies that were unfriendly to investment and even to daily life. So the people and the investment went elsewhere. Many other examples can be identified of the phenomenon of know-it-all public officials killing the investment climate and leaving the wreckage for later generations. Fifty years from now, will residents of Vail, Telluride, Park City and other resorts tell jokes about the brilliant policies that killed Aspen? Never think it impossible...."
(Read more? Click title)
Emmer is not the only one who stepped up and began engaging in the same forums. Other men in the valley have as well and all are appreciated.
There has been a long needed, long sought after shift in the social structures within the Roaring Fork Valley over the past three years. A very positive change that has finally, since mid-term elections seeped over into politics, business, policies that affect us all and law enforcement.
Here's to the little guys.
Let freedom ring.
Maurice Emmer:
"Competition is a nasty thing for a city. The ski industry is in decline, and there are many attractive resorts competing for visitors and investment. If it is too inconvenient to visit Aspen or invest in Aspen, bye-bye. The visitors and the investment will go elsewhere, and presumably some are right now. We are special but not that special.
Consider Aspen and Detroit. The similarity should scare us. Detroit was the queen of the auto industry, just as Aspen has been the Silver Queen of skiing. Detroit thought it was so special because it was the Motor City. The world could not survive without Detroit cranking out wheels for a growing America. But, little by little, Detroit and its state adopted policies that were unfriendly to investment and even to daily life. So the people and the investment went elsewhere. Many other examples can be identified of the phenomenon of know-it-all public officials killing the investment climate and leaving the wreckage for later generations. Fifty years from now, will residents of Vail, Telluride, Park City and other resorts tell jokes about the brilliant policies that killed Aspen? Never think it impossible...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Turnover at top of Routt County Road and Bridge Department"
Tom Ross:
"The top two employees in the Road and Bridge Department have left Routt County government just as the busy summer season of road projects gets under way. County officials say they are taking steps to ensure construction of a $1.2 million traffic roundabout near the state’s largest coal mine, installation of a pair of new bridges in California Park and routine chip-and-seal and magnesium chloride chores continue to move forward.
Assistant Road and Bridge Director Paul Draper was “released from his duties,” County Commission Chairman Doug Monger confirmed Monday. The county commissioners declined to discuss the reason for Draper’s termination...." (Read more? Click title)
"The top two employees in the Road and Bridge Department have left Routt County government just as the busy summer season of road projects gets under way. County officials say they are taking steps to ensure construction of a $1.2 million traffic roundabout near the state’s largest coal mine, installation of a pair of new bridges in California Park and routine chip-and-seal and magnesium chloride chores continue to move forward.
Assistant Road and Bridge Director Paul Draper was “released from his duties,” County Commission Chairman Doug Monger confirmed Monday. The county commissioners declined to discuss the reason for Draper’s termination...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Tough 'til the end"
Kim Fuller:
"BEAVER CREEK — It's hard to catch your breath when you're climbing a mountain, jumping into icy water, lugging logs, crawling under electric wires and swinging from dangling rings. Tough Mudder promises a challenge, but what the event delivers is an experience that can only be felt in the grips of its course.
Mark Lepczyk and his friend Chris Vail came out from New Mexico for this year's event at Beaver Creek. Lepczyk said it was harder than he anticipated.
“It was my first Tough Mudder and it was definitely a humbling experience, especially that first mile,” Lepczyk said. “You just go straight up the mountain, and you get winded really, really quickly. It doesn't go away, either, because you're going up the mountain for the next six miles or so.”
As humbling as this event truly is, it's even more uplifting. Spectators lined a large portion of the course on Saturday, offering encouraging shout-outs and generous hand-slaps.
Participants also helped each other tremendously on every obstacle, as well as on uphill battles and downhill trudges. It's the cooperative energy that seems to set Tough Mudder apart from most endurance and adventure events like it.
“You come out here and everybody's participating and everybody's helping you. Everybody just wants you to succeed,” said Bobby L'Heureux, a Vail resident who completed this year's endurance event. “You see people at obstacles waiting and helping other people up for 10 minutes. People aren't worried about time, they're worried about helping the other player in the game.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"BEAVER CREEK — It's hard to catch your breath when you're climbing a mountain, jumping into icy water, lugging logs, crawling under electric wires and swinging from dangling rings. Tough Mudder promises a challenge, but what the event delivers is an experience that can only be felt in the grips of its course.
Mark Lepczyk and his friend Chris Vail came out from New Mexico for this year's event at Beaver Creek. Lepczyk said it was harder than he anticipated.
“It was my first Tough Mudder and it was definitely a humbling experience, especially that first mile,” Lepczyk said. “You just go straight up the mountain, and you get winded really, really quickly. It doesn't go away, either, because you're going up the mountain for the next six miles or so.”
As humbling as this event truly is, it's even more uplifting. Spectators lined a large portion of the course on Saturday, offering encouraging shout-outs and generous hand-slaps.
Participants also helped each other tremendously on every obstacle, as well as on uphill battles and downhill trudges. It's the cooperative energy that seems to set Tough Mudder apart from most endurance and adventure events like it.
“You come out here and everybody's participating and everybody's helping you. Everybody just wants you to succeed,” said Bobby L'Heureux, a Vail resident who completed this year's endurance event. “You see people at obstacles waiting and helping other people up for 10 minutes. People aren't worried about time, they're worried about helping the other player in the game.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale pulls out the stops for Ride the Rockies"
John Stroud:
"Rose Quinn of Avon was relaxing in the shade at the Fourth Street Plaza enjoying a beer and “reliving her day.”
“It was such a gorgeous ride today,” Quinn said of the 68-mile second stage from Hotchkiss, over McClure Pass and into Carbondale.
Quinn came to the realization as she embarked on her second Ride the Rockies from Gunnison Sunday morning that she had forgotten her bicycle cleats.
So she duct-taped her sneakers to her pedals and made it through two days of riding before she finally found a bike shop in Carbondale to buy a new pair of bike shoes.
“I bumped into one of the town's employees and he even took me to the bike shop,” Quinn said. “This is easily the best host city so far in the two years I've been doing this. People here are just so friendly.”
Greg Norling and Paul Richards, both from Seattle, were quick to agree....." (Read more? Click title)
"Rose Quinn of Avon was relaxing in the shade at the Fourth Street Plaza enjoying a beer and “reliving her day.”
“It was such a gorgeous ride today,” Quinn said of the 68-mile second stage from Hotchkiss, over McClure Pass and into Carbondale.
Quinn came to the realization as she embarked on her second Ride the Rockies from Gunnison Sunday morning that she had forgotten her bicycle cleats.
So she duct-taped her sneakers to her pedals and made it through two days of riding before she finally found a bike shop in Carbondale to buy a new pair of bike shoes.
“I bumped into one of the town's employees and he even took me to the bike shop,” Quinn said. “This is easily the best host city so far in the two years I've been doing this. People here are just so friendly.”
Greg Norling and Paul Richards, both from Seattle, were quick to agree....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "New form of barter introduced in Summit County"
Kathryn Turner:
" A new network of currency measured in hours, not dollars, has landed in Summit County.
The idea behind Mountain Hours is that people are the money, said Wayne Walton, one of the four creators, or “revolutionaries” of Summit's new system.
“It's organic, usury-free money,” he said. “Hours are a universal unit of value.”
Here's how it works: one “mtnhour” is equal to $10 (There are four denominations: 1/10 hour, 1/2, 1 and 2). Local business owners agree to accept the currency, and are given 200 mtnhours right off the bat. The hours are then used at other businesses around Summit that accept the currency, thus encouraging local spending and keeping everything within the county. The money is debt and interest-free, Walton said.
“It's basically to show people that they are the money, and since they are the money, they don't have to rely on a private company called the Federal Reserve,” Walton said. “By virtue of controlling the monetary system, they finance the things that they value that keep us in servitude ... there's plenty of money circulating on Wall Street, but there's not enough money circulating locally.”
Once people realize they are the money, they can have abundance, Walton said.
In only five weeks of operation, Walton has 34 businesses signed up. Every one that signs on gets its initial allocation of hours — and another every three months — and a marketing video, which is displayed on the mtnhours directory online. There is no cost to join, Walton said, since the local businesses and people are the money.
“At a very fundamental level, it's completely changing the paradigm of what money really is,” he said.....
" (Read more? Click title)
" A new network of currency measured in hours, not dollars, has landed in Summit County.
The idea behind Mountain Hours is that people are the money, said Wayne Walton, one of the four creators, or “revolutionaries” of Summit's new system.
“It's organic, usury-free money,” he said. “Hours are a universal unit of value.”
Here's how it works: one “mtnhour” is equal to $10 (There are four denominations: 1/10 hour, 1/2, 1 and 2). Local business owners agree to accept the currency, and are given 200 mtnhours right off the bat. The hours are then used at other businesses around Summit that accept the currency, thus encouraging local spending and keeping everything within the county. The money is debt and interest-free, Walton said.
“It's basically to show people that they are the money, and since they are the money, they don't have to rely on a private company called the Federal Reserve,” Walton said. “By virtue of controlling the monetary system, they finance the things that they value that keep us in servitude ... there's plenty of money circulating on Wall Street, but there's not enough money circulating locally.”
Once people realize they are the money, they can have abundance, Walton said.
In only five weeks of operation, Walton has 34 businesses signed up. Every one that signs on gets its initial allocation of hours — and another every three months — and a marketing video, which is displayed on the mtnhours directory online. There is no cost to join, Walton said, since the local businesses and people are the money.
“At a very fundamental level, it's completely changing the paradigm of what money really is,” he said.....
" (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "The Summer Triangle"
Jimmy Westlake:
"There are few sights in nature more beautiful than the starry summer sky. When the sun goes down and the summer stars come out, three of the first ones you see, high in the northeastern sky, will be the trio of bright stars that forms the corners of an unmistakable asterism called the Summer Triangle. Although it’s called the Summer Triangle, it first becomes visible in the early evening during late spring and hangs on in our evening sky until early winter.
Asterisms are dot-to-dot drawings in the sky that are widely known but are not counted among the 88 official constellations. The Big Dipper is another well-known example of an asterism. In many cases, asterisms like the Summer Triangle are easier to recognize than the official star patterns.
The brightest star in the Summer Triangle and the first to rise is Vega, named for “the plunging vulture.”
At a distance of only 25 light years, Vega is among the closest stars to our solar system. Vega became a real “movie star” in 1997 when the late astronomer Carl Sagan chose it as the source of the first extraterrestrial radio signal detected by astronomers on Earth in his fictional book and movie “Contact.” In real life, Vega was one of the first stars discovered to have a ring of planetary material surrounding it, possibly a family of planets in the process of formation....
(Read more? Click title)
"There are few sights in nature more beautiful than the starry summer sky. When the sun goes down and the summer stars come out, three of the first ones you see, high in the northeastern sky, will be the trio of bright stars that forms the corners of an unmistakable asterism called the Summer Triangle. Although it’s called the Summer Triangle, it first becomes visible in the early evening during late spring and hangs on in our evening sky until early winter.
Asterisms are dot-to-dot drawings in the sky that are widely known but are not counted among the 88 official constellations. The Big Dipper is another well-known example of an asterism. In many cases, asterisms like the Summer Triangle are easier to recognize than the official star patterns.
The brightest star in the Summer Triangle and the first to rise is Vega, named for “the plunging vulture.”
At a distance of only 25 light years, Vega is among the closest stars to our solar system. Vega became a real “movie star” in 1997 when the late astronomer Carl Sagan chose it as the source of the first extraterrestrial radio signal detected by astronomers on Earth in his fictional book and movie “Contact.” In real life, Vega was one of the first stars discovered to have a ring of planetary material surrounding it, possibly a family of planets in the process of formation....
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Out and about …"
All credit Bob Berwyn (Click title):
June 10, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Right Scoop "Allen West gives 2012 campaign kickoff speech"
"Allen West laid out his principles and policy positions in a great speech yesterday to kick off his 2012 campaign for Congress. He ended the speech by having everyone repeat “I’m Spartacus!” several times which was a reference to the movie Spartacus...."
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "No plea for Brit in slaying of wife"
The media wind-up this past week, to DA Beeson's comment in this article from Dennis Webb over on the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, can be found in the following links. Keep in mind the wide deviations there are in the reporting off the Post Independent and Aspen Times that rarely, if ever, report unbiased, fairly and with fact when it comes to DA Beeson's and law enforcement news stories whereas the Sentinel covers, usually and for the most part with the higher standards and ethics good journalists follow:
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/man-sentenced-for-email-harassing-of-bebbjones-son
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120607/VALLEYNEWS/120609930/1083&ParentPr
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120608/VALLEYNEWS/120609898/1001&parentpr
Dennis Webb:
"“I think it’s clear what we were all here for, and what we were here for, our expectations weren’t met,” a clearly disappointed 9th Judicial District Attorney Martin Beeson said after the arraignment.
Now, he said, “My hope is to achieve justice in this case. I have my idea of what justice is and I’m going to pursue that and I’m going to pursue it relentlessly.”
District Judge Dan Petre set a five-week trial that begins Nov. 5. That timing resolved Beeson’s concern that it might start later and carry into next year. Beeson, a Republican, believes prosecutors would have been left at a disadvantage if he lost in this fall’s election to Democratic challenger Sherry Caloia and there was a change in administration in the midst of a trial..."
(Read more? Click title)
For relevant background on how media high-profile the 9th Judicial District Attorney's office has ratcheted up the Marcus Bebb-Jones accusation and to follow public commentary; click the links below and all links within those blog posts:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-daily-star-poker-champ.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-kidderminster-shuttle-son.html
Disclaimer:
"Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. )"
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/man-sentenced-for-email-harassing-of-bebbjones-son
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120607/VALLEYNEWS/120609930/1083&ParentPr
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120608/VALLEYNEWS/120609898/1001&parentpr
Dennis Webb:
"“I think it’s clear what we were all here for, and what we were here for, our expectations weren’t met,” a clearly disappointed 9th Judicial District Attorney Martin Beeson said after the arraignment.
Now, he said, “My hope is to achieve justice in this case. I have my idea of what justice is and I’m going to pursue that and I’m going to pursue it relentlessly.”
District Judge Dan Petre set a five-week trial that begins Nov. 5. That timing resolved Beeson’s concern that it might start later and carry into next year. Beeson, a Republican, believes prosecutors would have been left at a disadvantage if he lost in this fall’s election to Democratic challenger Sherry Caloia and there was a change in administration in the midst of a trial..."
(Read more? Click title)
For relevant background on how media high-profile the 9th Judicial District Attorney's office has ratcheted up the Marcus Bebb-Jones accusation and to follow public commentary; click the links below and all links within those blog posts:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-daily-star-poker-champ.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-kidderminster-shuttle-son.html
Disclaimer:
"Now that DA Beeson has thrown his hat in the ring for district attorney in the 9th, please take note that there will be no special treatment given to any news press surrounding his race. His articles, if they are SandBox worthy or chosen in the daily agg run-up; will be put up just like anyone else in a political race. What SandBox Commentators will continue to do, is heavily moderate his articles. We are the only news media that provides the courtesy of moderating commentary from the general public on 9th Judicial District and Mr. Beeson's articles. )"
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Spanning community polarization in Glenwood"
Actually, the complaints, demands and 'sharp opinions' have grown old and stale.
There is zero feasibility for a 'bypass' and that conclusion was reached years ago.
Unless God moves the Colorado River and Hwy 82 to some other town or far from where they both are naturally....there is only one place for the Grand Avenue Bridge and that is right where it's at.
If Glenwood Springs would simply get up, get proactive about creating infrastructure draws instead of relying on tourism gimmicks and putting the 'Lion's Share' into the pockets of less than 1/2 dozen businesses...'20,000 to 30,000' cars flowing through downtown Glenwood would be prosperous for all.
In reality, the loudest 'sharp opinions' are the ones who have pockets lined just the way Glenwood is and do not want change that brings the highest good for everyone involved.
Pick up the pace and get out of CDOT's way. The sooner they get to buildng, the sooner we have a bridge that is safe and that works for the majority.
Chad Abraham:
"Louis Meyer, a member of the Sunlight Mountain Resort board of directors and CEO of a civil engineering firm in downtown Glenwood, said he was at the meeting because he is very concerned about the city’s future.
“CDOT does a great job of moving traffic from point A to B safely and quickly, but that’s not always in the community’s best interest,” he said. “And I think the community needs to say, ‘Slow down a little bit, this is going to affect us for the next 100 years, let’s do this right.’”
He argued for the bypass alternative — building a new bridge west of the current span — to get traffic off of the main thoroughfare.
“You can imagine having a business on Grand Avenue and having 20,000 to 30,000 cars and trucks a day going right by your business,” Meyer said. “We’ve turned from a tourist- and recreation-oriented community to a community that passes 30,000 vehicles through town to the upper valley every day.”
One man in the audience agreed, demanding that CDOT consider the bypass and “give us back our town.”
But Steckler, Elsen and Gaskill said that proposal is not feasible. Steckler said that in addition to the lack of money for such a plan as opposed to the current funding that’s available, the political will also does not exist...." (Read more? Click title)
There is zero feasibility for a 'bypass' and that conclusion was reached years ago.
Unless God moves the Colorado River and Hwy 82 to some other town or far from where they both are naturally....there is only one place for the Grand Avenue Bridge and that is right where it's at.
If Glenwood Springs would simply get up, get proactive about creating infrastructure draws instead of relying on tourism gimmicks and putting the 'Lion's Share' into the pockets of less than 1/2 dozen businesses...'20,000 to 30,000' cars flowing through downtown Glenwood would be prosperous for all.
In reality, the loudest 'sharp opinions' are the ones who have pockets lined just the way Glenwood is and do not want change that brings the highest good for everyone involved.
Pick up the pace and get out of CDOT's way. The sooner they get to buildng, the sooner we have a bridge that is safe and that works for the majority.
Chad Abraham:
"Louis Meyer, a member of the Sunlight Mountain Resort board of directors and CEO of a civil engineering firm in downtown Glenwood, said he was at the meeting because he is very concerned about the city’s future.
“CDOT does a great job of moving traffic from point A to B safely and quickly, but that’s not always in the community’s best interest,” he said. “And I think the community needs to say, ‘Slow down a little bit, this is going to affect us for the next 100 years, let’s do this right.’”
He argued for the bypass alternative — building a new bridge west of the current span — to get traffic off of the main thoroughfare.
“You can imagine having a business on Grand Avenue and having 20,000 to 30,000 cars and trucks a day going right by your business,” Meyer said. “We’ve turned from a tourist- and recreation-oriented community to a community that passes 30,000 vehicles through town to the upper valley every day.”
One man in the audience agreed, demanding that CDOT consider the bypass and “give us back our town.”
But Steckler, Elsen and Gaskill said that proposal is not feasible. Steckler said that in addition to the lack of money for such a plan as opposed to the current funding that’s available, the political will also does not exist...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "TBD Colorado Opens Multi-Region Summits"
Angela Scott:
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.-TBD Colorado, a statewide conversation around some of Colorado's largest issues, opened its multi-region public summits on Saturday in Durango, Glenwood Springs and Pueblo.
TBD, also known as "To Be Determined," was the name given to a non-partisan group formed by Governor Hickenlooper to tackle tough political issues.
The five areas discussed during the group's Western Slope visit were education, health, transportation, the budget, and workforce issues.
"Even though the the TBD Colorado board came up with these five issues, the people through the regional meeting said the other issue we really want to talk about is the state constitution. So today we're also talking about the complexity of the state constitution and what needs to change or not change for us to move forward," said Paul Alexander, a member of the Lead Facilitation Team for TBD Colorado...." (Read more? Click title)
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.-TBD Colorado, a statewide conversation around some of Colorado's largest issues, opened its multi-region public summits on Saturday in Durango, Glenwood Springs and Pueblo.
TBD, also known as "To Be Determined," was the name given to a non-partisan group formed by Governor Hickenlooper to tackle tough political issues.
The five areas discussed during the group's Western Slope visit were education, health, transportation, the budget, and workforce issues.
"Even though the the TBD Colorado board came up with these five issues, the people through the regional meeting said the other issue we really want to talk about is the state constitution. So today we're also talking about the complexity of the state constitution and what needs to change or not change for us to move forward," said Paul Alexander, a member of the Lead Facilitation Team for TBD Colorado...." (Read more? Click title)
SandboxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Best of May (part 2)"
All credit: Bob Berwyn (Click title)
June 9, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "Top Colorado Democrat Currently Registered to Vote in Both D.C. and Colorado "
Aaron Gardner Diary:
"Though modern physicists are yet to figure out a way for one person to be in two places at the same time, the top spokesman for Colorado Democrats has figured out a way to vote in two places at once. Matt Inzeo, the communications director for the Colorado Democratic Party, holds active voter registrations in both Colorado and Washington, D.C., according to a voter fraud investigation by Media Trackers Colorado......" (Read more? Click title)
"Though modern physicists are yet to figure out a way for one person to be in two places at the same time, the top spokesman for Colorado Democrats has figured out a way to vote in two places at once. Matt Inzeo, the communications director for the Colorado Democratic Party, holds active voter registrations in both Colorado and Washington, D.C., according to a voter fraud investigation by Media Trackers Colorado......" (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Red State "The Overplayed Hand of an Amateur "
Erick Erickson:
"Someone pointed this out to me in email the other day. I believe it was either Neil Stevens or Dan McLaughlin. The point has been made by others as well.
Barack Obama and his campaign have overplayed their hand in one crucial aspect. They spent years getting their friends in the media to believe and sell them as the most experienced campaign team in the world. Look at the 2008 Primary. The Obama campaign would have you believe they beat Paul Begala and James Carville of Team Clinton. They may have beaten Team Hillary Clinton, but they did not beat Begala-Carville. You’d never know that from all the hype.
The reality is actually far different.
In 2000, Barack Obama tried to pick off Rep. Bobby Rush. He went down in flames in that Democratic Primary.
In 2004, Barack Obama beat Jack Ryan, but only did so after Ryan dropped out. Associates close to Obama were able to dribble out the sordid details of Ryan’s divorce and perversions. Alan Keyes stepped in to fully make a joke of the Illinois Republican Party.
2008, Barack Obama ran against John McCain, a man who suspended his campaign right at the height of election season to do something no one seemed to understand who seemed to covet the Republican nomination for vindication much more than he coveted actually winning the White House. The seat Obama had won in 2006 flipped back to Republican hands.
Between his election and now, Barack Obama had the House and Senate, did nothing to improve the economy, caved in to Republican demands, grandstanded at the Olympics meeting only to see Chicago lose out, campaigned for Democrats in Virgina, Massachusetts, New Jersey and elsewhere only to have them lose, and has routinely overplayed his hand in office.
T
hat is, in fact, Barack Obama’s true pattern behind the hype and myth. He overplays his hand and has his spin machine convince the Washingto Press Corps that it was all intentional and his campaign team are geniuses....." (Read more? Click title)
"Someone pointed this out to me in email the other day. I believe it was either Neil Stevens or Dan McLaughlin. The point has been made by others as well.
Barack Obama and his campaign have overplayed their hand in one crucial aspect. They spent years getting their friends in the media to believe and sell them as the most experienced campaign team in the world. Look at the 2008 Primary. The Obama campaign would have you believe they beat Paul Begala and James Carville of Team Clinton. They may have beaten Team Hillary Clinton, but they did not beat Begala-Carville. You’d never know that from all the hype.
The reality is actually far different.
In 2000, Barack Obama tried to pick off Rep. Bobby Rush. He went down in flames in that Democratic Primary.
In 2004, Barack Obama beat Jack Ryan, but only did so after Ryan dropped out. Associates close to Obama were able to dribble out the sordid details of Ryan’s divorce and perversions. Alan Keyes stepped in to fully make a joke of the Illinois Republican Party.
2008, Barack Obama ran against John McCain, a man who suspended his campaign right at the height of election season to do something no one seemed to understand who seemed to covet the Republican nomination for vindication much more than he coveted actually winning the White House. The seat Obama had won in 2006 flipped back to Republican hands.
Between his election and now, Barack Obama had the House and Senate, did nothing to improve the economy, caved in to Republican demands, grandstanded at the Olympics meeting only to see Chicago lose out, campaigned for Democrats in Virgina, Massachusetts, New Jersey and elsewhere only to have them lose, and has routinely overplayed his hand in office.
T
hat is, in fact, Barack Obama’s true pattern behind the hype and myth. He overplays his hand and has his spin machine convince the Washingto Press Corps that it was all intentional and his campaign team are geniuses....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Newsmax "Allen West: Obama 'Desperate' After Jobs Numbers"
Paul Scicchitano and Kathleen Walter:
"Florida Congressman Allen West believes that Friday’s dismal jobs report will back President Barack Obama into a corner and make him a “desperate person” with the election now five months away.
“When you’re a desperate person — much the same as a cat being cornered – you’re going to come out and really fight even stronger,” predicted West in an exclusive interview with Newsmax shortly after the Labor Department reported that employers had created only 69,000 jobs in May — the fewest in a year — while the unemployment rate ticked up. Together, the news fueled fears that the economy is heading in the wrong direction under Obama's stewardship.
“I think that the president’s policies are failing the American people,” explained West. “We have now hit 40 consecutive months of unemployment in the United States of America at or above 8 percent.”...."
(Read more? Watch the video? Click title)
"Florida Congressman Allen West believes that Friday’s dismal jobs report will back President Barack Obama into a corner and make him a “desperate person” with the election now five months away.
“When you’re a desperate person — much the same as a cat being cornered – you’re going to come out and really fight even stronger,” predicted West in an exclusive interview with Newsmax shortly after the Labor Department reported that employers had created only 69,000 jobs in May — the fewest in a year — while the unemployment rate ticked up. Together, the news fueled fears that the economy is heading in the wrong direction under Obama's stewardship.
“I think that the president’s policies are failing the American people,” explained West. “We have now hit 40 consecutive months of unemployment in the United States of America at or above 8 percent.”...."
(Read more? Watch the video? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "New Law Prohibits Sale and Possession of Bath Salts "
Christy Dimond:
"Yesterday, Governor Hickenlooper signed a bill making it illegal to use, sell and possess cathinones, which are the family of chemicals in bath salts.
"Yesterday, Governor Hickenlooper signed a bill making it illegal to use, sell and possess cathinones, which are the family of chemicals in bath salts.
"Yesterday was a big victory for families, for law enforcement and really the state at large," says Jim Schrant, Resident Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Bath salts have a dangerous, sometimes deadly effect on those who try it.
"Just like that, an overdose, a suicide attempt. This is really like playing with a time bomb," Schrant says.
This time bomb may be particularly hard to catch. It's sold as an assortment of things including stain remover, plant food and crystals. One thing that all forms have in common is who they're marketing to.
"This stuff is being produced in China, Mexico and India for the sole purpose of being sold to young people here in the US," he says.
"I think that that's completely wrong of local businesses to market products that aren't good for you towards kids when they're more liable to buy them," says Grand Junction Resident Christopher Little.
Schrant says the packaging is colorful with words like "excite" and "wow." Under the new law, any businesses caught selling anything with these ingredients will face a hefty penalty.
"In our view it's just like drug trafficking and will be treated legally just like drug trafficking even if it's just a convenient store or head shop," he says.
They're looking to stop the manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of bath salts. But this law doesn't solve the problem when science gets a step ahead of the law.
"They're trying new chemical compounds that aren't illegal to try to replicate the effects of bath salts," Schrant says.
That's why, he says, it needs to be a community effort.
"It needs to be a partnership with the community and law enforcement. We're going to do what we can to keep this out of the kids' hands but we really need awareness and education by the parents, teachers, kids and their friends to realize this is really a problem," Schrant says...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Gas association questions CMC's compressor position"
What and how Marianne Ackerman, associates and others launched as the 'Great CMC Compressor Station Scandal' was outrageous behavior. Below the belt, uncalled for and an embarrassment to us all.
It was disappointing and disheartening to watch our CMC Trustees cave to that kind of display and pressure. Especially to know read in recent articles that they are 'revisiting' what is nothing more than simply a new approach for the same end result. We have far greater needs at CMC to spend limited funds on than attorneys and wasted time.
In the absence of our Garfield County Commissioners doing anything, how very good it is to see an authoritative and highly respected power in WSCOGA stand up and raise their voices. Calling a spade a spade.
David Ludlam, Executive Director West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association:
"The West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association, in a recent letter to the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees, expressed its confusion and frustration over the board's decision to vacate a contractual agreement with SourceGas to add a natural gas compressor station desperately needed to continue delivering home heating fuels to residents and businesses between Rifle and Avon.
The letter, available on our organization's website (www.wscoga.org), highlighted a special ongoing partnership between the energy industry and CMC's funding. According to Garfield County Assessor records, CMC receives up to $13 million annually from the oil and gas industry based on assessment of local oil and gas production. This is in addition to millions of direct philanthropic and curriculum contributions made to CMC by oil and gas companies.
Building and expanding energy infrastructure in America is challenging, in part because public constituencies are resolute in not wanting to be inconvenienced with infrastructure required for energy delivery and a modern standards of living. With this challenge in mind, WSCOGA communicated its frustration to the CMC trustees over their decision to vacate an established contract with SourceGas, which had made a significant financial investment including the full prepayment of the 20-year lease with CMC.
Local businesses and homeowners have the most to lose with this decision. In our view, the real losers are commercial customers, such as the Aspen Skiing Co., as well as upper Roaring Fork Valley homeowners, who will be inconvenienced if natural gas supply is disrupted during the coldest months of the year.
We also find it inconsistent for a public institution such as CMC, which is a major SourceGas customer and consumer of natural gas heating fuel, to be philosophically opposed to hosting commonplace infrastructure required to delivering the very fuel necessary for living year-round in the mountains of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Finally, what is the message the CMC trustees have sent to students about the sanctity of contracts and the importance of the collaborative process by failing to honor its commitments and engage with SourceGas on this matter?...." (Read more? Click title)
To read related stories and listen to the flow of public commentary, click following links:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_9386.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_30.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-kdnk-garco-commissioners.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_20.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_5619.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_15.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/06/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_82.html
It was disappointing and disheartening to watch our CMC Trustees cave to that kind of display and pressure. Especially to know read in recent articles that they are 'revisiting' what is nothing more than simply a new approach for the same end result. We have far greater needs at CMC to spend limited funds on than attorneys and wasted time.
In the absence of our Garfield County Commissioners doing anything, how very good it is to see an authoritative and highly respected power in WSCOGA stand up and raise their voices. Calling a spade a spade.
David Ludlam, Executive Director West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association:
"The West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association, in a recent letter to the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees, expressed its confusion and frustration over the board's decision to vacate a contractual agreement with SourceGas to add a natural gas compressor station desperately needed to continue delivering home heating fuels to residents and businesses between Rifle and Avon.
The letter, available on our organization's website (www.wscoga.org), highlighted a special ongoing partnership between the energy industry and CMC's funding. According to Garfield County Assessor records, CMC receives up to $13 million annually from the oil and gas industry based on assessment of local oil and gas production. This is in addition to millions of direct philanthropic and curriculum contributions made to CMC by oil and gas companies.
Building and expanding energy infrastructure in America is challenging, in part because public constituencies are resolute in not wanting to be inconvenienced with infrastructure required for energy delivery and a modern standards of living. With this challenge in mind, WSCOGA communicated its frustration to the CMC trustees over their decision to vacate an established contract with SourceGas, which had made a significant financial investment including the full prepayment of the 20-year lease with CMC.
Local businesses and homeowners have the most to lose with this decision. In our view, the real losers are commercial customers, such as the Aspen Skiing Co., as well as upper Roaring Fork Valley homeowners, who will be inconvenienced if natural gas supply is disrupted during the coldest months of the year.
We also find it inconsistent for a public institution such as CMC, which is a major SourceGas customer and consumer of natural gas heating fuel, to be philosophically opposed to hosting commonplace infrastructure required to delivering the very fuel necessary for living year-round in the mountains of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Finally, what is the message the CMC trustees have sent to students about the sanctity of contracts and the importance of the collaborative process by failing to honor its commitments and engage with SourceGas on this matter?...." (Read more? Click title)
To read related stories and listen to the flow of public commentary, click following links:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_9386.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/03/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_30.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-kdnk-garco-commissioners.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_20.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_5619.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_15.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/06/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_82.html
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Garfield Legacy Project hosts open houses on open space proposal"
'mandy' says: "It's not a question whether or not Garfield Legacy listened to public comments. This is about base philosophy. Garfield county is a big chunk of Colorado land that believes in and has majority voters residing in it that hold no truck with land that just sits. We do not need more open space that's 'protected'. We need our lands to work and produce and meet the high standard of common sense preservation and environmentalism. This idea of Noone's had merit if it really was about using tax dollars to purchase and develop environmental tourism draws. Now, it's turned into nothing more than a money/tax grab to pull off 'protected' land grabs. They'll spend a lot of money on advertising, hold open houses and do the usual (if the looks of who is attached to this group is a barometer) back room politics through the back door. Garfield will not listen, attendance will not be what they are thinking. JUST SAY NO. And that's a shame. This is not the way to go about talking to Garco folks. Move completely away from the associations they're tying themselves to and get out in the county one on one."
Aspen Daily News:
"The group, Garfield Legacy Project (GLP), is gauging community support for a new sales tax, which would require a public vote, to support an open space program.
Beginning Monday, GLP is holding four community open houses to inform the public about the Greenprint for Conservation and Economic Opportunity and offer an additional chance for input. The Greenprint began last fall with a survey and community workshops that identified a set of land conservation goals, which were to preserve agriculture and wildlife habitat, protect water quality, enhance trails and recreational opportunities, and create open space buffers between communities.
Mary Noone, co-chair of GLP, said the Greenprint is designed to gauge community priorities for open space: “Ultimately, we hope to see the community create a funded open lands program, but it has to reflect Garfield County’s unique needs and values, so that’s the idea behind the Greenprint — to figure out what the Garfield County community thinks is most important.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
To read related stories and listen to the flow of public commentary click the following links:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-garfield.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_16.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/06/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_08.html
Aspen Daily News:
"The group, Garfield Legacy Project (GLP), is gauging community support for a new sales tax, which would require a public vote, to support an open space program.
Beginning Monday, GLP is holding four community open houses to inform the public about the Greenprint for Conservation and Economic Opportunity and offer an additional chance for input. The Greenprint began last fall with a survey and community workshops that identified a set of land conservation goals, which were to preserve agriculture and wildlife habitat, protect water quality, enhance trails and recreational opportunities, and create open space buffers between communities.
Mary Noone, co-chair of GLP, said the Greenprint is designed to gauge community priorities for open space: “Ultimately, we hope to see the community create a funded open lands program, but it has to reflect Garfield County’s unique needs and values, so that’s the idea behind the Greenprint — to figure out what the Garfield County community thinks is most important.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
To read related stories and listen to the flow of public commentary click the following links:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/04/sandboxblogs-aspen-daily-news-garfield.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/05/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_16.html
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/06/sandboxblogs-glenwood-springs-post_08.html
June 8, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Scott Walker — Wisconsin's true progressive"
Melanie Sturm:
"....Though these reforms were modest, the unions and their allies reacted ferociously, like a mama bear defending her cub. They captured national attention with protests, runaway state senators, legal challenges and state senator recall elections. Despite their efforts, they couldn't overcome the will of the people — to keep the reforms.
That's because Walker's reforms are succeeding: The budget has a $150 million surplus, property taxes are lower, the unemployment rate is 6.8 percent (the lowest since 2008 and well below the national average), the private sector created 26,000 jobs in 2011, and savings realized by school districts have preserved jobs and educational programming. Most encouraging, according to a Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce survey in May, 73 percent of employers predicted moderate to good business growth and more than half plan to expand operations within two years — the highest rate in a decade.
No wonder one-third of union members voted for Walker, according to exit polls. Seeing union policies drain government finances, endanger vital government services and undermine their own jobs and benefits, why would union members want to pay their dues? Now that they have the option not to, tens of thousands have opted out. Perhaps this is the best outcome of all, for civil society is healthier when government employees believe they're on the same side as taxpayers.
As C.S. Lewis said, “We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.”
Though it's too late for Edwards, other self-proclaimed “progressives” must Think Again — good policy makes great politics..." (Read more? Click title)
"....Though these reforms were modest, the unions and their allies reacted ferociously, like a mama bear defending her cub. They captured national attention with protests, runaway state senators, legal challenges and state senator recall elections. Despite their efforts, they couldn't overcome the will of the people — to keep the reforms.
That's because Walker's reforms are succeeding: The budget has a $150 million surplus, property taxes are lower, the unemployment rate is 6.8 percent (the lowest since 2008 and well below the national average), the private sector created 26,000 jobs in 2011, and savings realized by school districts have preserved jobs and educational programming. Most encouraging, according to a Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce survey in May, 73 percent of employers predicted moderate to good business growth and more than half plan to expand operations within two years — the highest rate in a decade.
No wonder one-third of union members voted for Walker, according to exit polls. Seeing union policies drain government finances, endanger vital government services and undermine their own jobs and benefits, why would union members want to pay their dues? Now that they have the option not to, tens of thousands have opted out. Perhaps this is the best outcome of all, for civil society is healthier when government employees believe they're on the same side as taxpayers.
As C.S. Lewis said, “We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.”
Though it's too late for Edwards, other self-proclaimed “progressives” must Think Again — good policy makes great politics..." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Right Scoop "Krauthammer: Clinton’s backtrack on Bush tax cuts is like a ‘word salad’ from a raving psychotic"
Scoop:
"Krauthammer can’t make heads nor tails of Bill Clinton’s backtrack today on repealing the Bush tax cuts:
"Krauthammer can’t make heads nor tails of Bill Clinton’s backtrack today on repealing the Bush tax cuts:
“I think a concise way to summarize that is it depends what ‘is’ is. I mean I write for a living and I’ve edited in my day and I’ve edited some lousy copy but I can’t make heads or tails of this. It’s really uneditable. In fact in psychiatry there’s a term if you get a raving psychotic who comes in the door and makes no sense, you say he’s speaking in ‘word salad’. This is ‘word salad’ with a vinaigrette on top.”...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Garfield County sets deadline for medical marijuana regs"
Nelson Harvey:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Garfield Board of County Commissioners has set itself a June 18 deadline to approve land use regulations for medical marijuana growers in the county.
The commissioners are required to approve zoning rules before July 1, when a two-year countywide moratorium on medical grow facilities expires. The commissioners enacted the moratorium in 2010, and let voters weigh in on three medical marijuana related questions in November of that year.
Voters approved allowing medical marijuana growers in unincorporated areas of the county, but rejected dispensaries and manufacturing of marijuana infused products.
Although Commissioners Tom Jankovsky and John Martin seemed ready to move forward with regulations at their Monday meeting, Commissioner Mike Samson expressed reservations.
Jankovsky said he had seen medical marijuana start to “trickle down” and become available to local young people.
“I share Mr. Jankovsky's concerns about the youth of this county very much, and I have grave concerns,” said Samson.
Commissioners considered several questions about where grow facilities should be permitted to locate, including their proximity to local schools, parks and places of worship. They also discussed whether to allow grow facilities in parts of the county zoned “rural,” and whether grow facilities in Garfield County would be permitted to sell their products through dispensaries in other counties...."
(Read more? Click title)
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS — The Garfield Board of County Commissioners has set itself a June 18 deadline to approve land use regulations for medical marijuana growers in the county.
The commissioners are required to approve zoning rules before July 1, when a two-year countywide moratorium on medical grow facilities expires. The commissioners enacted the moratorium in 2010, and let voters weigh in on three medical marijuana related questions in November of that year.
Voters approved allowing medical marijuana growers in unincorporated areas of the county, but rejected dispensaries and manufacturing of marijuana infused products.
Although Commissioners Tom Jankovsky and John Martin seemed ready to move forward with regulations at their Monday meeting, Commissioner Mike Samson expressed reservations.
Jankovsky said he had seen medical marijuana start to “trickle down” and become available to local young people.
“I share Mr. Jankovsky's concerns about the youth of this county very much, and I have grave concerns,” said Samson.
Commissioners considered several questions about where grow facilities should be permitted to locate, including their proximity to local schools, parks and places of worship. They also discussed whether to allow grow facilities in parts of the county zoned “rural,” and whether grow facilities in Garfield County would be permitted to sell their products through dispensaries in other counties...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Cayman INews: "Feds say traffickers moved meth, money to Colorado in milk cartons and wire transfers to Grand Cayman"
"Two large drug trafficking organizations authorities say were run by a brother and sister were taken down by federal agents and 22 people were indicted by a grand jury for their part in transporting methamphetamine and cash from California to Colorado.
Twenty of the 22 indicted were arrested Wednesday in metro Denver, California, Iowa and Utah without incident.
More than six pounds of methamphetamine and $715,340 in cash and property were found by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement in an operation they dubbed “Dark Angel.”
The drugs were being transported in organic milk cartons and in one case, a child travelling from California had cash strapped to his body to avoid detection by law enforcement.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Troyer alleged Armando Mendoza-Haro and his sister, Reyna Mendoza-Haro were running the two organizations using Playboyz Trucking LLC, a San Bernardino, Calif.-based company to move the drugs and cash to Colorado....." (Read more? Click title)
Twenty of the 22 indicted were arrested Wednesday in metro Denver, California, Iowa and Utah without incident.
More than six pounds of methamphetamine and $715,340 in cash and property were found by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement in an operation they dubbed “Dark Angel.”
The drugs were being transported in organic milk cartons and in one case, a child travelling from California had cash strapped to his body to avoid detection by law enforcement.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Troyer alleged Armando Mendoza-Haro and his sister, Reyna Mendoza-Haro were running the two organizations using Playboyz Trucking LLC, a San Bernardino, Calif.-based company to move the drugs and cash to Colorado....." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "Two Women Arrested for 2.6 Pounds of Meth"
Kristina Kuestner:
"MESA COUNTY, Colo.- A routine traffic stop leads Grand Junction Police to two women transporting 2.6 pounds of methamphetamine.
According to authorities, that's $60,000 in street value.
According to the arrest affidavit, at around 8 p.m. Thursday, a Western Colorado Drug Task Force officer pulled over Elizabeth Valdez on Interstate 70, because she was traveling in the passing lane and never returned to the right lane.
After pulling Valdez over, the officer noticed the high mileage in only a couple of years, and told Valdez that a ticket would not be written, but asked to search the vehicle.
It was then that the officer discovered the 2.6 pounds of meth in a white pillow in the back seat of the car.
Elizabeth Valdez and Agnes Ahn, the passenger and owner of the vehicle, both 23, are each facing one count of unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale or possession..."
(Read more? Click title)
"MESA COUNTY, Colo.- A routine traffic stop leads Grand Junction Police to two women transporting 2.6 pounds of methamphetamine.
According to authorities, that's $60,000 in street value.
According to the arrest affidavit, at around 8 p.m. Thursday, a Western Colorado Drug Task Force officer pulled over Elizabeth Valdez on Interstate 70, because she was traveling in the passing lane and never returned to the right lane.
After pulling Valdez over, the officer noticed the high mileage in only a couple of years, and told Valdez that a ticket would not be written, but asked to search the vehicle.
It was then that the officer discovered the 2.6 pounds of meth in a white pillow in the back seat of the car.
Elizabeth Valdez and Agnes Ahn, the passenger and owner of the vehicle, both 23, are each facing one count of unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale or possession..."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: ICE "20 people arrested"
"20 people arrested as part of a large methamphetamine drug trafficking organization operating in Metro Denver.
DENVER — Twenty people were arrested Wednesday following the two separate federal grand jury indictments charging 22 defendants with crimes related to trafficking methamphetamine and international money laundering. The charges were announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office of the District of Colorado, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force's (OCDETF) Strike Force.
All 20 people were arrested May 30 without incident in Metro Denver, California, Utah and Iowa. The two others not arrested are considered fugitives from justice. The first indictment involves 11 defendants and 135 counts. The second indictment involves 11 additional defendants and 22 counts. Most of those arrested appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver Wednesday where they were advised of the charges pending against them.
During the course of the investigation, including fruits from search warrants executed May 30, agents and officers seized more than six pounds of methamphetamine, $715,340 in currency, one firearm and property. Five vehicles were seized, including two 2004 Freightliner tractor trailers, and a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
The arrests are a culmination of a year-and-a-half long OCDETF investigation known as Dark Angel, which targeted the Armando Mendoza-Haro drug trafficking organization (DTO), which has ties to Mexico. The DTO utilized corrupt drivers from a trucking company, using their semi-tractor trailers to move methamphetamine from California to Colorado. The tractor trailers were also used to move money back from Colorado to California. In one instance, the money was hidden in a truck load of milk. The DTO also used other means to send money back to California, including one instance where a minor had cash strapped to his body as he was being driven to California.
]
One unique aspect of this investigation was the money laundering the defendants allegedly engaged in.
The defendants attempted to conceal and disguise the origin of the methamphetamine proceeds. They did this by depositing the methamphetamine proceeds into various bank accounts at financial institutions (called funnel accounts). In an attempt to avoid bank-reporting requirements, the defendants structured the deposits into the accounts by making deposits less than $10,000. Financial institutions are required to file a currency transaction report (CTR) for currency transactions more than $10,000. To further conceal the ownership and source of the methamphetamine proceeds in the funnel accounts, the defendants moved the funds that were deposited into the funnel accounts to other accounts via wire transfers. These wire transfers included transferring funds domestically and internationally. In some instances there were subsequent wire transfers back to the original funnel accounts with cash withdrawals made in California, avoiding the $10,000 reporting requirement.
Commissioned in July 2011, the mission of the Denver OCDETF Strike Force is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute the command and control structure of major international and interstate drug transportation and smuggling organizations operating in and through the Mountain West region of the United States through collaborative criminal and financial investigations. The Denver OCDETF Strike Force is one of only 11 across the country. The Strike Forces are mostly housed in large cities.
The Denver OCDETF Strike Force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Aurora Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Denver Police Department, Fort Collins Police Services, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and Lakewood Police Department.
Those arrested May 30 include the following:
"The indictments we are announcing today reflect the hard work of Denver OCDETF Strike Force, who targeted a Mexican drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation of significant quantities of methamphetamine from California to Colorado," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Barbra Roach. "In addition to the drug trafficking aspects of this investigation, it is important to note the success investigators had in detecting and charging the money laundering scheme."
"Methamphetamine-trafficking organizations are deeply rooted in money and greed," said Michael Holt, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Denver. "HSI routinely uses our unique law enforcement authorities in such operations to specifically target the finances that drive these crimes."
"IRS – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is committed to fighting the war on drugs in conjunction with our law enforcement partners," said Sean Sowards, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. "IRS-CI has the financial investigators and expertise to disrupt these organizations and deprive them of their illicit gains."
"Long term collaborative investigations like 'Dark Angel' are invaluable, especially when they achieve this kind of success," said Denver Police Chief Robert White. "Getting 22 drug dealers and their narcotics off the street will make Denver a much safer city."
"This multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional investigation will curtail the illegal drug market in the Western United States," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge James Yacone. "We will continue the efforts with our federal, state and local partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute these drug smuggling organizations that impact our communities."
If convicted, the defendants face penalties ranging from not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison, to not less than five years and up to 20 years, depending on the quantity of drugs they are accused of trafficking. Some face not more than 20 years in federal prison for money laundering and/or other drug trafficking charges. Others face not more than four years for using a communication facility (i.e., a phone) while committing the felony drug offense.
The indictments also include asset forfeiture allegations. If convicted, the defendants shall forfeit their right, title and interest in all property constituting and derived from any proceeds obtained directly and indirectly as a result of their crimes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Phillips and Kasandra Carleton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonya Andrews assisted with the asset forfeiture aspect of this case.
The charges contained in the indictments are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
DENVER — Twenty people were arrested Wednesday following the two separate federal grand jury indictments charging 22 defendants with crimes related to trafficking methamphetamine and international money laundering. The charges were announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office of the District of Colorado, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force's (OCDETF) Strike Force.
All 20 people were arrested May 30 without incident in Metro Denver, California, Utah and Iowa. The two others not arrested are considered fugitives from justice. The first indictment involves 11 defendants and 135 counts. The second indictment involves 11 additional defendants and 22 counts. Most of those arrested appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver Wednesday where they were advised of the charges pending against them.
During the course of the investigation, including fruits from search warrants executed May 30, agents and officers seized more than six pounds of methamphetamine, $715,340 in currency, one firearm and property. Five vehicles were seized, including two 2004 Freightliner tractor trailers, and a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
The arrests are a culmination of a year-and-a-half long OCDETF investigation known as Dark Angel, which targeted the Armando Mendoza-Haro drug trafficking organization (DTO), which has ties to Mexico. The DTO utilized corrupt drivers from a trucking company, using their semi-tractor trailers to move methamphetamine from California to Colorado. The tractor trailers were also used to move money back from Colorado to California. In one instance, the money was hidden in a truck load of milk. The DTO also used other means to send money back to California, including one instance where a minor had cash strapped to his body as he was being driven to California.
]
One unique aspect of this investigation was the money laundering the defendants allegedly engaged in.
The defendants attempted to conceal and disguise the origin of the methamphetamine proceeds. They did this by depositing the methamphetamine proceeds into various bank accounts at financial institutions (called funnel accounts). In an attempt to avoid bank-reporting requirements, the defendants structured the deposits into the accounts by making deposits less than $10,000. Financial institutions are required to file a currency transaction report (CTR) for currency transactions more than $10,000. To further conceal the ownership and source of the methamphetamine proceeds in the funnel accounts, the defendants moved the funds that were deposited into the funnel accounts to other accounts via wire transfers. These wire transfers included transferring funds domestically and internationally. In some instances there were subsequent wire transfers back to the original funnel accounts with cash withdrawals made in California, avoiding the $10,000 reporting requirement.
Commissioned in July 2011, the mission of the Denver OCDETF Strike Force is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute the command and control structure of major international and interstate drug transportation and smuggling organizations operating in and through the Mountain West region of the United States through collaborative criminal and financial investigations. The Denver OCDETF Strike Force is one of only 11 across the country. The Strike Forces are mostly housed in large cities.
The Denver OCDETF Strike Force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Aurora Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Denver Police Department, Fort Collins Police Services, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and Lakewood Police Department.
Those arrested May 30 include the following:
- Armando Mendoza-Haro (Northglenn, Colo.)
- Jesus Segovia (Denver, Colo.)
- Miguel Angel Sanchez (San Bernardino, Calif.)
- Daniela Munguia de Ortiz (Pomona, Calif.)
- Yuly Hernandez-Orozco (Edgewater, Colo.)
- Alejandro Morales-Garcia (Marshalltown, Iowa)
- Carlos Martin Segura Chang (Downey, Calif.)
- Sonia Perez (Denver, Colo.)
- Reyna Mendoza-Haro (Corcoran, Calif.)
- Jaime Moreno-Lopez (currently in BOP custody)
- Ricky Henry Cisneros (Denver, Colo.)
- Ivan Gomez-Avila (Denver, Colo.)
- Shana Louise Claybourn (Denver, Colo.)
- Cris Anthony Sandoval (Lakewood, Colo.)
- Todd Joseph Trujillo (Westminster, Colo.)
- Kennie Ray Snyder (currently in state custody)
- Christina Rose Malmgren (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
- Desiree Rose Ceballes (Glendale, Colo.)
- Ricardo Paniagua-Rodriguez (San Ysidro, Calif.)
- Sergio Mendoza-Valdovinos (Utah)
"The indictments we are announcing today reflect the hard work of Denver OCDETF Strike Force, who targeted a Mexican drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation of significant quantities of methamphetamine from California to Colorado," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Barbra Roach. "In addition to the drug trafficking aspects of this investigation, it is important to note the success investigators had in detecting and charging the money laundering scheme."
"Methamphetamine-trafficking organizations are deeply rooted in money and greed," said Michael Holt, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Denver. "HSI routinely uses our unique law enforcement authorities in such operations to specifically target the finances that drive these crimes."
"IRS – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is committed to fighting the war on drugs in conjunction with our law enforcement partners," said Sean Sowards, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. "IRS-CI has the financial investigators and expertise to disrupt these organizations and deprive them of their illicit gains."
"Long term collaborative investigations like 'Dark Angel' are invaluable, especially when they achieve this kind of success," said Denver Police Chief Robert White. "Getting 22 drug dealers and their narcotics off the street will make Denver a much safer city."
"This multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional investigation will curtail the illegal drug market in the Western United States," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge James Yacone. "We will continue the efforts with our federal, state and local partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute these drug smuggling organizations that impact our communities."
If convicted, the defendants face penalties ranging from not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison, to not less than five years and up to 20 years, depending on the quantity of drugs they are accused of trafficking. Some face not more than 20 years in federal prison for money laundering and/or other drug trafficking charges. Others face not more than four years for using a communication facility (i.e., a phone) while committing the felony drug offense.
The indictments also include asset forfeiture allegations. If convicted, the defendants shall forfeit their right, title and interest in all property constituting and derived from any proceeds obtained directly and indirectly as a result of their crimes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Phillips and Kasandra Carleton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonya Andrews assisted with the asset forfeiture aspect of this case.
The charges contained in the indictments are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Port Angeles CBP Assets Assist in Arrest of Murder Suspect"
"Port Angeles, Wash. - On June 3, 2012, CBP U.S. Border Patrol agents, CBP air assets, along with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies apprehended a suspected murderer after an extensive manhunt near Port Angeles, Washington.
“I commend the actions of all law enforcement agencies involved in the search and arrest which potentially saved additional human lives,” said Blaine Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent John C. Bates. “Border Patrol routinely provides assistance and partners with local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies as requested.”
A Clallam County Sheriff’s spokesperson stated, “Sheriff Benedict greatly appreciates the close working relationship he enjoys with the Border Patrol and the rapid support and back-up provided by the dedicated and professional Border Patrol agents in Clallam County. The apprehension of this armed and dangerous subject was the product of the teamwork and skill of all of the Olympic Peninsula law enforcement agencies, and in particular the quick response we received from the Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection for ground and air assets.”
On June 3, 2012, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Port Angeles Border Patrol Station received a request for assistance from the Clallam County Sheriff's Office for an ongoing manhunt. The Clallam County Sheriff's Office was searching for a subject who had allegedly invaded a home on Blue Mountain Road near Port Angeles and murdered one occupant. CBP Border Patrol agents from the Port Angeles Station and a CBP helicopter from the Bellingham air branch responded.
Border Patrol Agents along with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies helped establish a containment zone around the last known location of the suspect. The CBP helicopter and Border Patrol agents on the ground spotted an individual matching the murder suspect in a wooded area near Gelor Road. Border Patrol agents subdued and disarmed the subject who had a 9mm pistol and knife in his possession at the time of the arrest. The suspect and weapons were turned over to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Trust me: You believe in media control"
Edward Wilks:
"...There are many more comparative restrictions, but this letter is (justifiably) “controlled” to 350 words.
Consider this historical fact: Wherever there is more gun control and media control, crime, violence and tyranny achieve their worst levels. But where the rights of citizens are protected to have full liberty in the creation, ownership and possession of firearms and press, cruelty, horror and oppression vanish.
Like firearms, freedom of the press is a constitutionally protected right, and regardless of any misinformation or misuse, I shall always defend it. Will the press equally commit to our cause?...."
(Read more? Click title)
"...There are many more comparative restrictions, but this letter is (justifiably) “controlled” to 350 words.
Consider this historical fact: Wherever there is more gun control and media control, crime, violence and tyranny achieve their worst levels. But where the rights of citizens are protected to have full liberty in the creation, ownership and possession of firearms and press, cruelty, horror and oppression vanish.
Like firearms, freedom of the press is a constitutionally protected right, and regardless of any misinformation or misuse, I shall always defend it. Will the press equally commit to our cause?...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "Rocky Mountain Surf Festival Saturday and Sunday at Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park"
Jeff Casperson:
"Mother Nature has no master, and Paul Tefft knows it.
In organizing the Whitewater Stand-Up Paddling Championship the past two years, he's been dealt a little bit of everything in the weather department.
Last year, a wet winter and the resulting runoff made for epic conditions at the Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park wave, site of the Super Bowl of river stand-up paddling (SUP).
On the heels of one of the driest winters in recent memory, this year's conditions pale in contrast, giving Tefft and fellow organizers a whole different extreme with which to contend.
“You can't control Mother Nature,” he said. “We just have to make do with what we've been given.”
And that's precisely what Tefft is doing as he and fellow organizers prepare for this weekend's Rocky Mountain Surf Festival, of which the Whitewater SUP Championship is a part...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Mother Nature has no master, and Paul Tefft knows it.
In organizing the Whitewater Stand-Up Paddling Championship the past two years, he's been dealt a little bit of everything in the weather department.
Last year, a wet winter and the resulting runoff made for epic conditions at the Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park wave, site of the Super Bowl of river stand-up paddling (SUP).
On the heels of one of the driest winters in recent memory, this year's conditions pale in contrast, giving Tefft and fellow organizers a whole different extreme with which to contend.
“You can't control Mother Nature,” he said. “We just have to make do with what we've been given.”
And that's precisely what Tefft is doing as he and fellow organizers prepare for this weekend's Rocky Mountain Surf Festival, of which the Whitewater SUP Championship is a part...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale prepares to party with Ride the Rockies"
Nelson Harvey:
"CARBONDALE, Colorado — By any standard, Carbondale is a bike obsessed town. But its bike mania, on display last month during the annual Bonedale Bike Week, will ramp up a few notches come Monday.
That day, 2,000 riders on the Ride the Rockies bike tour will roll into town, establishing a base camp for the night at Roaring Fork High School before heading downtown for an afternoon and evening of festivities.
Carbondale will host Ride the Rockies for the first time since the Denver Post launched the event in 1986. After starting in Gunnison on Sunday, this year's 442-mile, six-day tour takes riders through Hotchkiss and Carbondale, then over Independence Pass and into Leadville. After that, they'll make stops in Granby and Estes Park before finishing at the Odell's Brewery in Fort Collins on Friday, June 15.
In Carbondale, a committee of bike-loving locals is planning a warm welcome for the riders as they pass through the Roaring Fork Valley.
On Monday, Main Street will be closed off between Third Street and Weant Boulevard, and Fourth Street will be blocked for a half block north and south from Main Street. The Fourth Street Plaza will play host to a food court featuring local vendors, as well as several musical acts on the town stage.
Street buskers, including musicians, jugglers and other local artists, will greet the riders as they filter downtown on Monday afternoon, from their headquarters at Roaring Fork High School..."
(Read more? Click title)
"CARBONDALE, Colorado — By any standard, Carbondale is a bike obsessed town. But its bike mania, on display last month during the annual Bonedale Bike Week, will ramp up a few notches come Monday.
That day, 2,000 riders on the Ride the Rockies bike tour will roll into town, establishing a base camp for the night at Roaring Fork High School before heading downtown for an afternoon and evening of festivities.
Carbondale will host Ride the Rockies for the first time since the Denver Post launched the event in 1986. After starting in Gunnison on Sunday, this year's 442-mile, six-day tour takes riders through Hotchkiss and Carbondale, then over Independence Pass and into Leadville. After that, they'll make stops in Granby and Estes Park before finishing at the Odell's Brewery in Fort Collins on Friday, June 15.
In Carbondale, a committee of bike-loving locals is planning a warm welcome for the riders as they pass through the Roaring Fork Valley.
On Monday, Main Street will be closed off between Third Street and Weant Boulevard, and Fourth Street will be blocked for a half block north and south from Main Street. The Fourth Street Plaza will play host to a food court featuring local vendors, as well as several musical acts on the town stage.
Street buskers, including musicians, jugglers and other local artists, will greet the riders as they filter downtown on Monday afternoon, from their headquarters at Roaring Fork High School..."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The lodge that got away"
Elizabeth Milias:
"Editor:
The memories of those on City Council are frighteningly short. Either that, or they weren’t paying attention to big local news stories in 2008. That was when 27 members of our community spent hundreds of hours meeting in mediated sessions to hash out a master plan for the Lift 1A area. Remember the COWOP? The neighbors, the developers, Aspen Skiing Co. representatives, then-Councilman Dwayne Romero, community development director Chris Bendon, Mayor Mick Ireland, as well as other interested Aspen residents, participated in the formal city process. Public comment was encouraged, welcomed and appreciated....
.....Landowners have recently proposed building 14 townhomes and 10 subsidized housing units on a section of the site, but council now wants them to build a lodge there. And ironically it’s Mick and Skadron leading the cry! Skadron feels that the proposed townhome/subsidized housing project “is not in the interest of the community.” (Apparently for Skadron, nothing is.) Mayor “hot bed” Ireland wants the developers to now find some “middle ground” so he can finally get some lodge rooms built. It would be funny if it were not true.
As George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I remember, and I bet you do to. Here we go again.." (Read more? Click title)
"Editor:
The memories of those on City Council are frighteningly short. Either that, or they weren’t paying attention to big local news stories in 2008. That was when 27 members of our community spent hundreds of hours meeting in mediated sessions to hash out a master plan for the Lift 1A area. Remember the COWOP? The neighbors, the developers, Aspen Skiing Co. representatives, then-Councilman Dwayne Romero, community development director Chris Bendon, Mayor Mick Ireland, as well as other interested Aspen residents, participated in the formal city process. Public comment was encouraged, welcomed and appreciated....
.....Landowners have recently proposed building 14 townhomes and 10 subsidized housing units on a section of the site, but council now wants them to build a lodge there. And ironically it’s Mick and Skadron leading the cry! Skadron feels that the proposed townhome/subsidized housing project “is not in the interest of the community.” (Apparently for Skadron, nothing is.) Mayor “hot bed” Ireland wants the developers to now find some “middle ground” so he can finally get some lodge rooms built. It would be funny if it were not true.
As George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I remember, and I bet you do to. Here we go again.." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily News "Ski season breaks Vail sales tax records"
Lauren Glendenning:
"VAIL, Colorado — The 2011-12 ski season may have been one of the worst ever in terms of snowfall, but it's shaping to be the town of Vail's best-ever in terms of sales tax collections.
Sales tax collections were up every month in 2011 over the same month in 2010, and the recent ski season has posted similar gains every month except April.
Sales tax collections January of this year were $2.85 million, up 1.94 percent from January 2011. The trend continues with February collections up 6.59 percent from February 2011 and March collections up 0.91 percent over March 2011. April is down 7.88 percent from the previous year, when Vail Mountain's ski season was a week longer than it was this year. The town expects another $55,000 in April collections, bringing the percentage to 3.3 percent down from 2011.
The 2011-12 ski season is estimated to be up 3.9 percent, or $536,785, from the 2010-11 season, the town's largest sales tax collection in a ski season ever..." (Read original press release? Click title)
"VAIL, Colorado — The 2011-12 ski season may have been one of the worst ever in terms of snowfall, but it's shaping to be the town of Vail's best-ever in terms of sales tax collections.
Sales tax collections were up every month in 2011 over the same month in 2010, and the recent ski season has posted similar gains every month except April.
Sales tax collections January of this year were $2.85 million, up 1.94 percent from January 2011. The trend continues with February collections up 6.59 percent from February 2011 and March collections up 0.91 percent over March 2011. April is down 7.88 percent from the previous year, when Vail Mountain's ski season was a week longer than it was this year. The town expects another $55,000 in April collections, bringing the percentage to 3.3 percent down from 2011.
The 2011-12 ski season is estimated to be up 3.9 percent, or $536,785, from the 2010-11 season, the town's largest sales tax collection in a ski season ever..." (Read original press release? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Rents to jump 13.5 percent at El Jebel trailer park"
Scott Condon:
"EL JEBEL — Rents at one of the largest free-market housing complexes in the Roaring Fork Valley will jump by 13.5 percent in August.
Crawford Properties LLC informed tenants at its El Jebel Mobile Home Park last week that it will raise the trailer-space base rent from $550 to $625 per month. It will affect 289 trailers and roughly 2,100 residents, according to Robert Hubbell, CEO of the Crawford family business.
The increase comes at a time when many residents of the blue-collar neighborhood are already struggling to make ends meet, according to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. Notice of the rent increases was delivered to the tenants of the mobile homes clustered along El Jebel Road and JW Drive on May 30. The tenant said the rent increase has been a hot topic among neighbors ever since.
“People are just frantic,” the tenant said. “They're saying, ‘We're barely making it.'”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"EL JEBEL — Rents at one of the largest free-market housing complexes in the Roaring Fork Valley will jump by 13.5 percent in August.
Crawford Properties LLC informed tenants at its El Jebel Mobile Home Park last week that it will raise the trailer-space base rent from $550 to $625 per month. It will affect 289 trailers and roughly 2,100 residents, according to Robert Hubbell, CEO of the Crawford family business.
The increase comes at a time when many residents of the blue-collar neighborhood are already struggling to make ends meet, according to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. Notice of the rent increases was delivered to the tenants of the mobile homes clustered along El Jebel Road and JW Drive on May 30. The tenant said the rent increase has been a hot topic among neighbors ever since.
“People are just frantic,” the tenant said. “They're saying, ‘We're barely making it.'”...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Hedge-funder Paulson is $49 million Bandar buyer"
Carolyn Sackariason:
"Sale of Hala Ranch one of the most expensive real estate transactions in area’s history
Last week’s purchase of Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan’s Hala Ranch is one of the largest single-residence real estate transactions in Aspen’s history, and combined with other sales on the sprawling property, is by far the most generated by one owner.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that hedge fund manager John A. Paulson, president and founder of Paulson & Co., Inc. was the buyer of Bandar’s Hala Ranch in the Starwood subdivision. The entire 130-acre property is located in a gated community on the slopes of Red Mountain..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Sale of Hala Ranch one of the most expensive real estate transactions in area’s history
Last week’s purchase of Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan’s Hala Ranch is one of the largest single-residence real estate transactions in Aspen’s history, and combined with other sales on the sprawling property, is by far the most generated by one owner.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that hedge fund manager John A. Paulson, president and founder of Paulson & Co., Inc. was the buyer of Bandar’s Hala Ranch in the Starwood subdivision. The entire 130-acre property is located in a gated community on the slopes of Red Mountain..."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "The word is out"
Terrific letter from Ruth Harrison. As always, unafraid to speak truth. Up on the Aspen Daily News.
Ruth Harrison:
"Editor:
It seems that John Maloy might be the only person who did not know that Art Abelman did not resign, nor was it abrupt. Also, that David Schmid had applied for the Aspen High School principal position.
Ruth Harrison:
"Editor:
It seems that John Maloy might be the only person who did not know that Art Abelman did not resign, nor was it abrupt. Also, that David Schmid had applied for the Aspen High School principal position.
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC to reconsider ‘water tower site' for gas compressor"
One has to wonder if anyone has gone to Marianne Ackerman and asked her if it all really was worth it?
Her legendary gossip and resulting back-door campaigns to 'raise a ruckus' are infamous in the valley. Have been for years.
All this money now being spent on lawyers, lawsuits and not on the education needs of our CMC students certainly does not seem 'worth it' at all. After all, that noxious weed filled patch of ground donated by her family and others has been virtually ignored for all these years by those donors children.
Yes, it certainly cannot be denied that the 'CMC Compressor Station Scandal' is all about the money.
In one way or another.
John Colson:
"While plans are made for that discussion, attorneys for CMC and SourceGas are expected to file motions in the SourceGas lawsuit against the school.
The suit is meant to force the college to honor its 2011 contract and allow construction of a natural gas compressor station along a pipeline that runs under the school's 680-acre campus property in Spring Valley.
SourceGas says the compressor is necessary to boost pressure in the line to better serve customers in Eagle County as well as in the Roaring Fork Valley.
The school's CEO, Stan Jensen, signed a lease agreement in August 2011, permitting the project on a five-acre site located over a ridge from the campus.
A subsequent outcry from students, faculty and neighbors of the campus prompted the trustees to reject that lease at a meeting on May 14.
The suit was filed in Garfield District Court on May 23..." (Read more? Click title)
Her legendary gossip and resulting back-door campaigns to 'raise a ruckus' are infamous in the valley. Have been for years.
All this money now being spent on lawyers, lawsuits and not on the education needs of our CMC students certainly does not seem 'worth it' at all. After all, that noxious weed filled patch of ground donated by her family and others has been virtually ignored for all these years by those donors children.
Yes, it certainly cannot be denied that the 'CMC Compressor Station Scandal' is all about the money.
In one way or another.
John Colson:
"While plans are made for that discussion, attorneys for CMC and SourceGas are expected to file motions in the SourceGas lawsuit against the school.
The suit is meant to force the college to honor its 2011 contract and allow construction of a natural gas compressor station along a pipeline that runs under the school's 680-acre campus property in Spring Valley.
SourceGas says the compressor is necessary to boost pressure in the line to better serve customers in Eagle County as well as in the Roaring Fork Valley.
The school's CEO, Stan Jensen, signed a lease agreement in August 2011, permitting the project on a five-acre site located over a ridge from the campus.
A subsequent outcry from students, faculty and neighbors of the campus prompted the trustees to reject that lease at a meeting on May 14.
The suit was filed in Garfield District Court on May 23..." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Commissioners don't see need for water quality testing well in Silt"
Now this...is the way GarCo Commissioner meetings should be reported. Nelson Harvey's done a terrific job of quickly lining out the meeting highlights while at the same time not putting any 'fluff' (or yellow ink..depends on how you look at it) around the hotter topics.
Nice job, PI! Keep it up...over and over and over again...please.
Nelson Harvey:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The Garfield Board of County Commissioners appears unwilling to fund construction of a water quality testing well on the property of Silt landowner Lisa Bracken, who claims that gas from a seep has contaminated her water supply.
Bracken, who detected the seep near her home on Divide Creek in 2008, asked the commissioners in a public comment period at their Monday meeting to fund a testing well. Her request comes after a consultant retained by the county to investigate the 2008 seep determined it came from natural, not human, causes.
“We have a lot of other experts who are saying that we're monitoring it, and things are OK,” Commissioner John Martin told Bracken. “I know this is dear to you, but my best advice is to visit with the Colorado..." (Read more? Click title)
Nice job, PI! Keep it up...over and over and over again...please.
Nelson Harvey:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The Garfield Board of County Commissioners appears unwilling to fund construction of a water quality testing well on the property of Silt landowner Lisa Bracken, who claims that gas from a seep has contaminated her water supply.
Bracken, who detected the seep near her home on Divide Creek in 2008, asked the commissioners in a public comment period at their Monday meeting to fund a testing well. Her request comes after a consultant retained by the county to investigate the 2008 seep determined it came from natural, not human, causes.
“We have a lot of other experts who are saying that we're monitoring it, and things are OK,” Commissioner John Martin told Bracken. “I know this is dear to you, but my best advice is to visit with the Colorado..." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "County weighs scenery, safety and ethics in Koch guardrail project"
As Mayor of Aspen and now as a Pitkin Count Commissioner, there have been times over the years that Rachel Richards has made comments on various local issues and left locals scratching their heads in bewildered confusion. Such double speak!
But this one:
Andrew Travers:
"“Do you have an unsafe road because you don’t have a billionaire in the backyard willing to pay for it?” she asked...." (Read more? Click title)
(sighs...rolls eyes....)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
A multi-billionaire (sheesh...will the newspapers ever get it right?? After all, if they're going to slam the guy at least get the facts straight..) who would much rather put his efforts and power behind saving lives on Castle Creek Road than stroking the wounded egos of our Pitkin County Commissioners.
One has to truly wonder where Commissioner Rachel Richards priorities lie.
And whether or not if Koch stepped up and offered to pay for all roads in Pitkin County to have all necessary repairs whether she would change her tune and do her famous "Richards Two-Step" dance. Probably so.
Funny how that works, though. Pitkin County could opt instead to simply change their priorities. Such as the million dollar + purchase of still yet more "recreational use" land that just hit the news over the past few days.
One would think that the lives of Pitkin residents would be a higher priority.
Pity poor Bill Koch.
But this one:
Andrew Travers:
"“Do you have an unsafe road because you don’t have a billionaire in the backyard willing to pay for it?” she asked...." (Read more? Click title)
(sighs...rolls eyes....)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
A multi-billionaire (sheesh...will the newspapers ever get it right?? After all, if they're going to slam the guy at least get the facts straight..) who would much rather put his efforts and power behind saving lives on Castle Creek Road than stroking the wounded egos of our Pitkin County Commissioners.
One has to truly wonder where Commissioner Rachel Richards priorities lie.
And whether or not if Koch stepped up and offered to pay for all roads in Pitkin County to have all necessary repairs whether she would change her tune and do her famous "Richards Two-Step" dance. Probably so.
Funny how that works, though. Pitkin County could opt instead to simply change their priorities. Such as the million dollar + purchase of still yet more "recreational use" land that just hit the news over the past few days.
One would think that the lives of Pitkin residents would be a higher priority.
Pity poor Bill Koch.
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield Greenprint plan seeks to preserve open space"
(See related stories and the flow of public comments by clicking here and here)
Unfortunately, since the Garfield Legacy group made no changes and has instead opted to clone their 'Greenprint' so close to Aspen's values system, while using Routt County's viable system of sales tax carrying the financial burden; there really is no alternative for the majority of Garfield residents but to 'Just say NO'.
We need a self-sustaining open space and lands blueprint not more land grabs.
This plan will never get past Garfield voters. That's a shame because the right open space/conservation/sustainable tourism infrastructure would be well received.
Unfortunately, since the Garfield Legacy group made no changes and has instead opted to clone their 'Greenprint' so close to Aspen's values system, while using Routt County's viable system of sales tax carrying the financial burden; there really is no alternative for the majority of Garfield residents but to 'Just say NO'.
We need a self-sustaining open space and lands blueprint not more land grabs.
This plan will never get past Garfield voters. That's a shame because the right open space/conservation/sustainable tourism infrastructure would be well received.
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