'Conservative_Hippie':
"This will be the first time I've ever watched the "Today Show". Anyone want to guess why?"
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 2, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield commissioners reject county manager finalists"
An interesting turn within our BOCC.
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners this afternoon rejected all five of the candidates that had been presented to them as finalists for the county manager position.
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 3-0 not to select any of the five, and to instead seek a new slate of candidates from search consultants Peckham & McKenney in the coming months. The time frame for resuming the search will be determined at a later date..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners this afternoon rejected all five of the candidates that had been presented to them as finalists for the county manager position.
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 3-0 not to select any of the five, and to instead seek a new slate of candidates from search consultants Peckham & McKenney in the coming months. The time frame for resuming the search will be determined at a later date..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Iowa Republican "Vilsack’s Values: Government Solves Everything"
Kevin Hall:
"She spent months traveling and repeated the same question hundreds of times, but Christie Vilsack still has not figured out which “Iowa values” are important to the people of the 4th Congressional District. Despite being told repeatedly that Iowans care about protecting life, reducing the deficit and lowering taxes, Vilsack stuck with what she knows best: spending more taxpayer dollars on federal programs.
Her education and energy proposals clearly show that Vilsack believes more government is the solution to everything. Although she hopes to represent a conservative district, the carpetbagging Vilsack’s liberal leanings remain clear. She revealed some of them while campaigning last week and touting her new education plan.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"She spent months traveling and repeated the same question hundreds of times, but Christie Vilsack still has not figured out which “Iowa values” are important to the people of the 4th Congressional District. Despite being told repeatedly that Iowans care about protecting life, reducing the deficit and lowering taxes, Vilsack stuck with what she knows best: spending more taxpayer dollars on federal programs.
Her education and energy proposals clearly show that Vilsack believes more government is the solution to everything. Although she hopes to represent a conservative district, the carpetbagging Vilsack’s liberal leanings remain clear. She revealed some of them while campaigning last week and touting her new education plan.
‘The federal government’s job is to ensure that anybody who wants an opportunity at some sort of higher education should be able to get it,” she told a crowd in Ft. Dodge last week. Vilsack did not point out where this “job” is outlined in the U.S. Constitution....."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Rep Scott Tipton "How I'm fighting for seniors in Washington"
Why are Western Colorado Independent Conservatives sending Scott Tipton back to Congress in 2012?
He listens and then with no fuss, little fanfare and zero ego goes out and gets a balanced job done for the folks he represents.
Say YES to Scott Tipton (R-Colorado).
Scott Tipton:
"..We cannot wait any longer to solve our country's economic crisis and ensure that programs like Medicare are put on a sustainable course, while protecting access to care for seniors, and taking responsible steps to get our country moving in the right direction.
Over the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to speak directly with many seniors in my district during six town hall meetings and two tele-town hall meetings. During these town halls, I listened to the uncertainty and concerns that many expressed over the future of our country. Seniors are worried about what will happen to critical programs, such as Medicare, if Washington doesn't get spending under control soon.
I share these concerns....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
He listens and then with no fuss, little fanfare and zero ego goes out and gets a balanced job done for the folks he represents.
Say YES to Scott Tipton (R-Colorado).
Scott Tipton:
"..We cannot wait any longer to solve our country's economic crisis and ensure that programs like Medicare are put on a sustainable course, while protecting access to care for seniors, and taking responsible steps to get our country moving in the right direction.
Over the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to speak directly with many seniors in my district during six town hall meetings and two tele-town hall meetings. During these town halls, I listened to the uncertainty and concerns that many expressed over the future of our country. Seniors are worried about what will happen to critical programs, such as Medicare, if Washington doesn't get spending under control soon.
I share these concerns....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield County Sheriff's Report"
Public record via GSPI:
"Editor's note: The Garfield County Sheriff's Department reports the following incidents and arrests. Summonses or arrests merely indicate an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless found guilty in court.
Introducing contraband: Deputies responded to the Garfield County Jail at 6:12 p.m. on March 22 for a drug violation. After an investigation, Ralph Lee Vasquez, 33, of Basalt, was charged with introducing contraband in the first degree and possession of schedule II substance - cocaine...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Editor's note: The Garfield County Sheriff's Department reports the following incidents and arrests. Summonses or arrests merely indicate an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless found guilty in court.
Introducing contraband: Deputies responded to the Garfield County Jail at 6:12 p.m. on March 22 for a drug violation. After an investigation, Ralph Lee Vasquez, 33, of Basalt, was charged with introducing contraband in the first degree and possession of schedule II substance - cocaine...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Latinos seem to support Officer Agon"
A very special thank you goes out to the courageous voice of Martha Lich over in Gypsum, Colorado for her letter to the PI today.
A strong voice, giving just the facts amidst a sea of hyperbole and hate content vitriol that has never been welcome in the Roaring Fork Valley. Yet is pumped out on a regular basis by a few in the seedy realms of internet micro-blogging. All the while their politically correct but more of a false face is written in to the local newspapers and shown to local officials and select social groups.
If it was not for the strong and courageous voices of folks like Marty; very good people would be unable to live in any kind of balance in their day-to-day lives.
Wherever he is, we always hope that former Carbondale Police Officer Alvaro Agon notices voices like Lich.
He was appreciated not only for his high skills and devotion to our students as an SRO; he was a respected police officer in our valley communities.
We're pretty sure he's doing well and giving same for some other lucky community and wish him the best.
Marty Lich:
"I am unaware of any ICE agents volunteering in any public schools as SROs. So I am somewhat perplexed after reading Anita Sherman's March 24 letter to the editor, ‘‘Extreme discretion' doesn't remove ICE from Re-1 schools.” It states: “The new Roaring Fork School Board has shown it has no concern for nearly 52 percent of its current student body with regards to permanently removing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the school resource officer (SRO) program.”......
.....I know that the writer was not referring to Carbondale Police Officer and SRO Agon, for this ran in the Post Independent newspaper regarding him: “Latino residents offer support for Agon,” on Oct. 26, 2011....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
A strong voice, giving just the facts amidst a sea of hyperbole and hate content vitriol that has never been welcome in the Roaring Fork Valley. Yet is pumped out on a regular basis by a few in the seedy realms of internet micro-blogging. All the while their politically correct but more of a false face is written in to the local newspapers and shown to local officials and select social groups.
If it was not for the strong and courageous voices of folks like Marty; very good people would be unable to live in any kind of balance in their day-to-day lives.
Wherever he is, we always hope that former Carbondale Police Officer Alvaro Agon notices voices like Lich.
He was appreciated not only for his high skills and devotion to our students as an SRO; he was a respected police officer in our valley communities.
We're pretty sure he's doing well and giving same for some other lucky community and wish him the best.
Marty Lich:
"I am unaware of any ICE agents volunteering in any public schools as SROs. So I am somewhat perplexed after reading Anita Sherman's March 24 letter to the editor, ‘‘Extreme discretion' doesn't remove ICE from Re-1 schools.” It states: “The new Roaring Fork School Board has shown it has no concern for nearly 52 percent of its current student body with regards to permanently removing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the school resource officer (SRO) program.”......
.....I know that the writer was not referring to Carbondale Police Officer and SRO Agon, for this ran in the Post Independent newspaper regarding him: “Latino residents offer support for Agon,” on Oct. 26, 2011....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Hundreds of Violations Stopped by CBP Officers During Past 2 Weeks"
"El Paso, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at El Paso area ports of entry identified more than 271 violations during the past two weeks. CBP officers seized drugs, arrested illegal immigrants, captured fugitives and stopped prohibited agricultural items from entering the U.S. at ports of entry in El Paso, West Texas, and New Mexico.
“CBP officers continue to quickly and efficiently process thousands of law abiding citizens daily,” said Francis Brown, assistant director of field operations in El Paso. “Nevertheless the number of violations we encounter remains high – about 20 a day the last two weeks – and as a result CBP officers must remain focused and vigilant while performing their duties.”
During the past seven days CBP officers recorded a total of 30 drug busts. They seized 9,173 pounds of marijuana in 26 seizures and smaller quantities of cocaine and heroin in four additional enforcement actions.
CBP officers uncovered 187 immigration violations during the last two weeks. Intended immigrants made up the largest group of violators. A total of 98 were identified through thorough document exams. In these cases, individuals will use a legally issued border-crossing card (laser visa) to live or work in the U.S., which is not authorized. Violators generally lose their documents and are returned to Mexico.
CBP officers also identified a total of 30 impostors during the 14-day period. Imposters with previous criminal histories are generally booked into the El Paso County jail to face federal prosecution. Imposters are also removed from the United States for a minimum five year period and face federal felony charges if they attempt to illegally reenter the country again.
The balance of the immigration violators included those making false claims to U.S. citizenship, people attempting to enter with counterfeit or altered documents, visa overstay violations and people who had entered the country without inspection.
CBP officers working at area ports identified 27 wanted fugitives during the previous week.
Area CBP officers made 24 seizures of prohibited food and agricultural items this week, resulting in $4,350 in fines being assessed. Prohibited items seized this week included pork, pork skins, bologna, apples, oranges, pears, mangos, tangerines, avocados, potatoes and kiwis.
Area CBP officers also seized unreported currency, one handgun and ammunition. While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.
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."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Crime is down in Garfield County, Vallario reports"
John Colson:
"....According to a statistical report on crime in the county, sheriff's deputies responded to more than 31,400 calls for service in 2011, compared to 28,200 in 2010 and 26,000 in 2009.
But over the same time period, actual criminal court cases resulting from those calls for service dropped from just under 2,100 in 2009, to approximately 1,800 in 2011.
Vallario reported that in 2011 there were 213 cases of assault, 210 thefts, and 90 drunk driving cases.
In 2009, the statistics show, there were 245 assault cases, 298 cases of theft and 95 drunk driving charges.
Over the same three-year period, sexual offenses fluctuated from 37 in 2009, 33 in 2010 and 35 in 2011.
Vallario's statistical analysis of the sex-offense data show that in 2009, not quite a third of all sexual offenses were classified as “unlawful sexual contact,” a less serious charge than the remainder, which were classified as “sexual assault.”
By 2011, the percentage of unlawful sexual contact had fallen to less than 6 percent, leaving the remainder as sexual assaults.
Drug offenses also have fallen off, from 114 in 2009 to only 88 in 2011.
“Cocaine has still been our dominant drug,” Vallario said, explaining that the county has not had the same level of trouble with crystal meth as other areas...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"....According to a statistical report on crime in the county, sheriff's deputies responded to more than 31,400 calls for service in 2011, compared to 28,200 in 2010 and 26,000 in 2009.
But over the same time period, actual criminal court cases resulting from those calls for service dropped from just under 2,100 in 2009, to approximately 1,800 in 2011.
Vallario reported that in 2011 there were 213 cases of assault, 210 thefts, and 90 drunk driving cases.
In 2009, the statistics show, there were 245 assault cases, 298 cases of theft and 95 drunk driving charges.
Over the same three-year period, sexual offenses fluctuated from 37 in 2009, 33 in 2010 and 35 in 2011.
Vallario's statistical analysis of the sex-offense data show that in 2009, not quite a third of all sexual offenses were classified as “unlawful sexual contact,” a less serious charge than the remainder, which were classified as “sexual assault.”
By 2011, the percentage of unlawful sexual contact had fallen to less than 6 percent, leaving the remainder as sexual assaults.
Drug offenses also have fallen off, from 114 in 2009 to only 88 in 2011.
“Cocaine has still been our dominant drug,” Vallario said, explaining that the county has not had the same level of trouble with crystal meth as other areas...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Nogales CBP Officers Seize Pot Shipment"
"Nogales, Ariz. — Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Tucson Field Office seized more than 1,800 pounds of marijuana Wednesday night. The marijuana, hidden in a shipment of cucumbers, was worth more than $900,00.
Nogales CBP officers referred a 27-year-old male Mexican national for a non-intrusive X-ray inspection of his tractor-trailer when he attempted to enter the United States through the Mariposa Commercial Port. The X-ray operator noticed an anomaly in the shipment of cucumbers, which led to a physical inspection and the discovery of 224 bundles of marijuana co-mingled with the produce. The drugs and tractor-trailer were processed for seizure. The driver was arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Nogales CBP officers referred a 27-year-old male Mexican national for a non-intrusive X-ray inspection of his tractor-trailer when he attempted to enter the United States through the Mariposa Commercial Port. The X-ray operator noticed an anomaly in the shipment of cucumbers, which led to a physical inspection and the discovery of 224 bundles of marijuana co-mingled with the produce. The drugs and tractor-trailer were processed for seizure. The driver was arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Individuals arrested may be charged by complaint, the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity, which raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.
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: Colorado Springs Independent "CannaBiz: Second wave from the Fed "
Bryce Crawford:
"Following up on his promise, last week Colorado U.S. Attorney John Walsh sent a second wave of letters to 25 medical marijuana centers located within 1,000 feet of a school, including a thus-far-unidentified few in Colorado Springs. (Please contact us if you're one of them.) Those centers then have 45 days to move or close or make themselves "subject to criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions under federal law."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Following up on his promise, last week Colorado U.S. Attorney John Walsh sent a second wave of letters to 25 medical marijuana centers located within 1,000 feet of a school, including a thus-far-unidentified few in Colorado Springs. (Please contact us if you're one of them.) Those centers then have 45 days to move or close or make themselves "subject to criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions under federal law."..." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Fruita Voters Weigh in on Pot Shop Ban"
Megan Terlecky:
"...Safe and Healthy Mesa County has campaigned against similar measures in the Grand Valley and now is rallying support for Referendum B in Fruita.
Cox says, “We are hoping people will turn out to vote yes to ban pot shops.”
Referendum B on the citywide ballot, asks voters if they support a ban of all medical marijuana dispensaries, growing operations, and the manufacture of pot-infused products within city limits...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...Safe and Healthy Mesa County has campaigned against similar measures in the Grand Valley and now is rallying support for Referendum B in Fruita.
Cox says, “We are hoping people will turn out to vote yes to ban pot shops.”
Referendum B on the citywide ballot, asks voters if they support a ban of all medical marijuana dispensaries, growing operations, and the manufacture of pot-infused products within city limits...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Mayor wants new development downtown capped at two stories"
Is Mayor Mick really 'just' a handful? Or has he actually gone round the twist?
Curtis Wackerle:
"“If there aren’t as many guns, the puppies will be safer,” Ireland said, using a favored metaphor for when developers threaten existing community uses unless projects are approved.
Current rules basically mean council is forced to approve “stilts built under penthouses” that drive real estate speculation and crowd out uses such as moderately-priced restaurants and retail, Ireland said..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Curtis Wackerle:
"“If there aren’t as many guns, the puppies will be safer,” Ireland said, using a favored metaphor for when developers threaten existing community uses unless projects are approved.
Current rules basically mean council is forced to approve “stilts built under penthouses” that drive real estate speculation and crowd out uses such as moderately-priced restaurants and retail, Ireland said..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Developers critical of the code changes"
If a building (brick and mortar) had Karma...what would that Karma do to financial institutions, architects, designers, builders, municipalities...but most importantly...owners?
Let's fantasize about that concept for a moment.
Imagine every single architect that has ever put a so-called 'final construction set' into the hands of the folks doing the actual building. Being called up by that building every single time their so-called final set fell apart or decayed. Being hounded as mercilessly as the folks who executed the work are by the irate owner or municipality.
Imagine the world of bottom feeder bankers, mortgage lenders and owners being crushed by the weight of all the brick and mortar they've 'juggled' the books and the cash on.
Imagine the roughly 80% there are out there of builders who stack trades, refuse to adapt to changing conditions but always have a change order or back charge handy, refuse to manage and supervise their sites and clients yet are always johnny-on-the-spot to tag a scapegoat somewhere else when their world falls apart. Imagine brick and mortar that had ears and eyes and remembered who the real culprit was and then told all their brick and mortar friends to never give that builder the chance to lay a hand on them.
Imagine a world where 'interior desecrators' who deserved to be mocked based on their output, woke up in night terrors over dreams of their brick and mortar projects painted the most hideous shades of color they could imagine. Imagine a world where the excellent at their trade but very difficult to work with (if one is an aforementioned type of builder) 'interior desecrators' walked the brick and mortar lined streets and saw happy, proud houses because they all look so nice.
Imagine a municipality where every few years (after especially difficult politicians had wreaked havoc with the entire town) all brick and mortar packed their bags and left to go find a new place to live.
Imagine....
Curtis Wackerle:
"...Aspen City Council will be holding a special meeting tonight at 5 p.m. to consider land-use code amendments. City planners have put forward a package of changes that would bring down the maximum building height in the commercial core zone district from 42 to 38 feet. The limit would go from 40 to 36 feet in the C-1 district that surrounds the immediate core. City development officials’ proposal also would reduce by 33 percent the amount of a building’s square footage that could go to free-market residential development, and require that any free-market condos be accompanied by an equal amount of on-site affordable housing.
The code changes also would impose a minimum “floor-to-floor” height for ground floors of 13 feet and 11 feet, in the commercial core and C-1 districts, respectively. This change, intended to emphasize the historic pattern of downtown commercial development, refers to the distance between the bottom floor and the second floor, encompassing the space in the ceiling plate used for mechanical systems.
The changes have created a certain amount of fear within the development and property-owning community, said architect Charles Cunniffe. He’s had many conversations over the last few weeks with clients who are unsure what they would be able to do or not do if the new rules are passed.
Contractor John Olson was more blunt, saying that any potential redevelopment project would likely be off the table if the proposals becomes law. A three-story building would have to reach about 38 feet if the intention is to keep inhabitants from hitting their heads on the ceilings, Olson said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Let's fantasize about that concept for a moment.
Imagine every single architect that has ever put a so-called 'final construction set' into the hands of the folks doing the actual building. Being called up by that building every single time their so-called final set fell apart or decayed. Being hounded as mercilessly as the folks who executed the work are by the irate owner or municipality.
Imagine the world of bottom feeder bankers, mortgage lenders and owners being crushed by the weight of all the brick and mortar they've 'juggled' the books and the cash on.
Imagine the roughly 80% there are out there of builders who stack trades, refuse to adapt to changing conditions but always have a change order or back charge handy, refuse to manage and supervise their sites and clients yet are always johnny-on-the-spot to tag a scapegoat somewhere else when their world falls apart. Imagine brick and mortar that had ears and eyes and remembered who the real culprit was and then told all their brick and mortar friends to never give that builder the chance to lay a hand on them.
Imagine a world where 'interior desecrators' who deserved to be mocked based on their output, woke up in night terrors over dreams of their brick and mortar projects painted the most hideous shades of color they could imagine. Imagine a world where the excellent at their trade but very difficult to work with (if one is an aforementioned type of builder) 'interior desecrators' walked the brick and mortar lined streets and saw happy, proud houses because they all look so nice.
Imagine a municipality where every few years (after especially difficult politicians had wreaked havoc with the entire town) all brick and mortar packed their bags and left to go find a new place to live.
Imagine....
Curtis Wackerle:
"...Aspen City Council will be holding a special meeting tonight at 5 p.m. to consider land-use code amendments. City planners have put forward a package of changes that would bring down the maximum building height in the commercial core zone district from 42 to 38 feet. The limit would go from 40 to 36 feet in the C-1 district that surrounds the immediate core. City development officials’ proposal also would reduce by 33 percent the amount of a building’s square footage that could go to free-market residential development, and require that any free-market condos be accompanied by an equal amount of on-site affordable housing.
The code changes also would impose a minimum “floor-to-floor” height for ground floors of 13 feet and 11 feet, in the commercial core and C-1 districts, respectively. This change, intended to emphasize the historic pattern of downtown commercial development, refers to the distance between the bottom floor and the second floor, encompassing the space in the ceiling plate used for mechanical systems.
The changes have created a certain amount of fear within the development and property-owning community, said architect Charles Cunniffe. He’s had many conversations over the last few weeks with clients who are unsure what they would be able to do or not do if the new rules are passed.
Contractor John Olson was more blunt, saying that any potential redevelopment project would likely be off the table if the proposals becomes law. A three-story building would have to reach about 38 feet if the intention is to keep inhabitants from hitting their heads on the ceilings, Olson said...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Journalism "The Aspen 50 – Forbes billionaires in Pitkin County"
What we hear many news consumers 'just sayin', is that they do not care how much money 'Aspen' or individuals living in the region have.
That they could care less for listening to the endless pontificating in Aspen, Glenwood Springs and once in awhile Vail news outlets over "...The building sites of new mega-mansions scar huge swaths of land; once-bustling neighborhoods sit empty most of the year..." (Aspen Journalism) and 'how wonderful' the "old Aspen" was or how unique the current Aspen thinks it is.
That they truly appreciate all that Aspen and Vail bring to the table as far as ability to capitalize on with their own small businesses and earned wages; but what is devastating to everyones life in the area when it gets out of control, is the adamant refusal of "Aspen" to listen.
Here's a news flash to those in Aspen that are unwilling to listen to the rest of the world even though the most vocal live within a 100 mile radius:
If you were to approach these vocal locals directly with a comment like this: "...and escalating real estate prices have driven an untold number of locals down or out of the valley...(Aspen Journalism)", they would laugh at you. 'They' have not been "driven" out of Aspen, chances are they ran as fast as they could from Aspen.
We all come up and hit the high points and once in awhile for a unique gift shopped for or a dine out in a great restaurant. Used to come up to ski but frankly...it's not just the need to hock the house and kids to afford a ski pass...there is no way that anyone who works in Aspen is going to run right up there on their day off. It takes a weekend to shake off the snobbery, the arrogance and to listen to more pontificating while standing in the lines?? Forget about it. It's the weekend and the world outside of Aspen has a much broader view of the world than a lot of Aspen residents do.
Do they have friends and business relationships upvalley? Absolutely. Nine times out of ten those relationships will meet them outside of mainstream Aspen in order to enjoy the natural perks we all love and keep as the baseline for why we all put up with each other...while all living within a 100 mile radius.
Here's the thing, "Aspen".
The reason you're seeing a decline in so many areas and your population is strongest in the older age ranges is because you still live in the past. Even the upper middle age to the 'younger' generation of mid-twenties to thirty somethings. To remain being somewhat brutally honest, when you're not up on a soapbox of some kind or hopelessly into yourself; you're looking for the thread and glue to connect your dots out here in the land of the little guys.
The day that 'we' were 'driven out of Aspen' (if 'we' ever were) is long, long gone.
Maybe it's time to look around at the incredible assets that are all around you and let a little sunshine in.
With that said, one of our first stops every week is Aspen Journalism.
Brent Gardner-Smith has done an excellent job in lending balance to area news outlets. We obviously believe that the backbone of America is independent journalism. Every single day the world wakes up, eager to hit their favorite independent, trusted sources to find out what they missed while sleeping.
'Why' would some thing or someone as allegedly controversial as SandBoxBlogs and SandBox Nanny go chasing after regional, state, national and world news every day?
Because she hears others "just sayin" and they are not getting their voices listened to. (Why is that when "Aspen" sports some world class journalists?)
Not because she either feels the exact same way those consumer voices do (or) because she's on some alleged covert mission to flush out 'evil' lurking in the local media....(whisper...whisper...for gosh sakes...do these people have nothing better to do with their time than hallucinate... maybe it's the altitude and thin air....whisper...whisper...).
just sayin.
Catherine Lutz, Aspen Business Journal and Brent Gardner-Smith, Aspen Journalism:
"...Some have chosen to get even more involved locally—for better or for worse, or sometimes both. Bill Koch, for example, number 14 on the Forbes 400 list with a net worth of $4 billion, is one of several plaintiffs suing the city of Aspen over its plan to use water from Castle and Maroon Creeks for hydropower.
Is he in this case using his power and money to highlight a really bad idea, or to obstruct a widespread community benefit? Koch also wants to install guardrails (on his dime) along winding Castle Creek Road which leads to his home—a self-serving measure that would ostensibly make the road safer for all.
Stewart and Linda Resnick, 29th on this year’s Forbes 400 list, waged a legal war against local governments in the early 2000s over an employee housing project to be built near their home. They claimed in part that the worker housing would devalue their property, now worth $15.3 million. The Stillwater housing was eventually built, but with major design modifications.
Others’ influence is felt more broadly. Stephen Ross is head of New York’s Related Cos., which developed Snowmass Base Village but then defaulted on a major loan, leading to foreclosure on the property and a partially built development that has had major business ramifications and has been the source of much local concern...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
That they could care less for listening to the endless pontificating in Aspen, Glenwood Springs and once in awhile Vail news outlets over "...The building sites of new mega-mansions scar huge swaths of land; once-bustling neighborhoods sit empty most of the year..." (Aspen Journalism) and 'how wonderful' the "old Aspen" was or how unique the current Aspen thinks it is.
That they truly appreciate all that Aspen and Vail bring to the table as far as ability to capitalize on with their own small businesses and earned wages; but what is devastating to everyones life in the area when it gets out of control, is the adamant refusal of "Aspen" to listen.
Here's a news flash to those in Aspen that are unwilling to listen to the rest of the world even though the most vocal live within a 100 mile radius:
If you were to approach these vocal locals directly with a comment like this: "...and escalating real estate prices have driven an untold number of locals down or out of the valley...(Aspen Journalism)", they would laugh at you. 'They' have not been "driven" out of Aspen, chances are they ran as fast as they could from Aspen.
We all come up and hit the high points and once in awhile for a unique gift shopped for or a dine out in a great restaurant. Used to come up to ski but frankly...it's not just the need to hock the house and kids to afford a ski pass...there is no way that anyone who works in Aspen is going to run right up there on their day off. It takes a weekend to shake off the snobbery, the arrogance and to listen to more pontificating while standing in the lines?? Forget about it. It's the weekend and the world outside of Aspen has a much broader view of the world than a lot of Aspen residents do.
Do they have friends and business relationships upvalley? Absolutely. Nine times out of ten those relationships will meet them outside of mainstream Aspen in order to enjoy the natural perks we all love and keep as the baseline for why we all put up with each other...while all living within a 100 mile radius.
Here's the thing, "Aspen".
The reason you're seeing a decline in so many areas and your population is strongest in the older age ranges is because you still live in the past. Even the upper middle age to the 'younger' generation of mid-twenties to thirty somethings. To remain being somewhat brutally honest, when you're not up on a soapbox of some kind or hopelessly into yourself; you're looking for the thread and glue to connect your dots out here in the land of the little guys.
The day that 'we' were 'driven out of Aspen' (if 'we' ever were) is long, long gone.
Maybe it's time to look around at the incredible assets that are all around you and let a little sunshine in.
With that said, one of our first stops every week is Aspen Journalism.
Brent Gardner-Smith has done an excellent job in lending balance to area news outlets. We obviously believe that the backbone of America is independent journalism. Every single day the world wakes up, eager to hit their favorite independent, trusted sources to find out what they missed while sleeping.
'Why' would some thing or someone as allegedly controversial as SandBoxBlogs and SandBox Nanny go chasing after regional, state, national and world news every day?
Because she hears others "just sayin" and they are not getting their voices listened to. (Why is that when "Aspen" sports some world class journalists?)
Not because she either feels the exact same way those consumer voices do (or) because she's on some alleged covert mission to flush out 'evil' lurking in the local media....(whisper...whisper...for gosh sakes...do these people have nothing better to do with their time than hallucinate... maybe it's the altitude and thin air....whisper...whisper...).
just sayin.
Catherine Lutz, Aspen Business Journal and Brent Gardner-Smith, Aspen Journalism:
"...Some have chosen to get even more involved locally—for better or for worse, or sometimes both. Bill Koch, for example, number 14 on the Forbes 400 list with a net worth of $4 billion, is one of several plaintiffs suing the city of Aspen over its plan to use water from Castle and Maroon Creeks for hydropower.
Is he in this case using his power and money to highlight a really bad idea, or to obstruct a widespread community benefit? Koch also wants to install guardrails (on his dime) along winding Castle Creek Road which leads to his home—a self-serving measure that would ostensibly make the road safer for all.
Stewart and Linda Resnick, 29th on this year’s Forbes 400 list, waged a legal war against local governments in the early 2000s over an employee housing project to be built near their home. They claimed in part that the worker housing would devalue their property, now worth $15.3 million. The Stillwater housing was eventually built, but with major design modifications.
Others’ influence is felt more broadly. Stephen Ross is head of New York’s Related Cos., which developed Snowmass Base Village but then defaulted on a major loan, leading to foreclosure on the property and a partially built development that has had major business ramifications and has been the source of much local concern...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Delta County Independent "West Elk Mine wins three awards"
News Release via Delta County Independent:
"Arch Coal, Inc. announced on March 22 that employees of Mountain Coal Company's West Elk Mine and Ark Land Company were honored with Colorado's top coal mine safety award and two state environmental awards at the annual National Western Mining Conference in Denver.
"We're honored to receive three statewide awards for operating responsibly in Colorado," said John W. Eaves, Arch's president and chief operating officer.
"Our employees clearly recognize the importance of supplying safe, responsible, life-enabling and world-developing energy."
The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety presented the 2011 Excellence in Safety Award to West Elk mine, the state's leader in safety among large underground coal mines. West Elk's rate of 1.70 MSHA total incidents per 200,000 employee-hours was 68 percent lower than the national underground average of 5.28 incidents. This marks the third consecutive year that West Elk has been recognized as Colorado's safest underground coal mine.
West Elk also was recognized by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) for its environmental practices associated with its new $27 million coal preparation plant. West Elk's award-winning practices include limiting construction to existing disturbed areas, reducing coal refuse generation and improving resource recovery.
In addition, the CDRMS recognized Ark Land Company with an Excellence in Reclamation award for its outstanding treatment of U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands during exploration and subsequent reclamation, including replacing native boulders and vegetation and re-grading former access roads on rugged terrain...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Arch Coal, Inc. announced on March 22 that employees of Mountain Coal Company's West Elk Mine and Ark Land Company were honored with Colorado's top coal mine safety award and two state environmental awards at the annual National Western Mining Conference in Denver.
"We're honored to receive three statewide awards for operating responsibly in Colorado," said John W. Eaves, Arch's president and chief operating officer.
"Our employees clearly recognize the importance of supplying safe, responsible, life-enabling and world-developing energy."
The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety presented the 2011 Excellence in Safety Award to West Elk mine, the state's leader in safety among large underground coal mines. West Elk's rate of 1.70 MSHA total incidents per 200,000 employee-hours was 68 percent lower than the national underground average of 5.28 incidents. This marks the third consecutive year that West Elk has been recognized as Colorado's safest underground coal mine.
West Elk also was recognized by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) for its environmental practices associated with its new $27 million coal preparation plant. West Elk's award-winning practices include limiting construction to existing disturbed areas, reducing coal refuse generation and improving resource recovery.
In addition, the CDRMS recognized Ark Land Company with an Excellence in Reclamation award for its outstanding treatment of U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands during exploration and subsequent reclamation, including replacing native boulders and vegetation and re-grading former access roads on rugged terrain...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "More colorful, appealing paper is on its way "
We know we love the online edition changes. Great news that the paper edition of the icon known as the Chieftain is also getting a whole new look. Kudos to the Chieftain staff for stepping up their game.
Steve Henson:
" If you own a Porsche, you don't keep it under 20 mph.
But in some ways, that's what we've been doing at The Chieftain. Tuesday, that will change. This coming week, we will open the throttle on our newspaper.
The Chieftain's content always has been tops in Southern Colorado. If you really want to know what's going on in our city and region — and understand why things are happening — you read The Chieftain...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Steve Henson:
" If you own a Porsche, you don't keep it under 20 mph.
But in some ways, that's what we've been doing at The Chieftain. Tuesday, that will change. This coming week, we will open the throttle on our newspaper.
The Chieftain's content always has been tops in Southern Colorado. If you really want to know what's going on in our city and region — and understand why things are happening — you read The Chieftain...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Vail Daily "Lindsey Vonn rocks on"
Our own Lindsey Vonn takes another giant step forward. Yes, we would have to say that the kids are doing OK.
John LaConte:
"VAIL, Colorado — Ski Girls Rock received a boon from a true rock star of the ski world Sunday when Lindsey Vonn visited the program and skied with some of its participants.
Hosted by Vail Resorts, the opportunity to ski with Vonn was part of a celebration titled “Welcome Home Lindsey,” where the four-time World Cup overall winner was welcomed back here to her hometown in true rock-star fashion — by hundreds of screaming fans.
But for a few young Vonn followers, the homecoming party was more of an apres ski session, with the fun part of the day coming earlier.
On Sunday morning, a selection of roughly 10 girls from around the world joined Vonn for a few turns on the Nastar course at Vail Mountain's Black Forest Race Arena. Seven-year-old Michaela Landry was first in the gates to ski alongside Vonn, Landry in the yellow course with her hero alongside her on the green.
“We came here just for this,” said Barbara Landry, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as her daughter Michaela skied the course. “It's so nice to have somebody like (Vonn) so involved and wanting to see girls succeed in the sport.”
Designed by Vonn herself, Ski Girls Rock lessons involve groups of no more than four girls ages 5 to 15 and are led by female instructors who “focus not only on improving skiing skills but empowering girls through the sport and creating opportunities to bond and build confidence along with developing teamwork and social skills,” according to Vail Resorts....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
John LaConte:
"VAIL, Colorado — Ski Girls Rock received a boon from a true rock star of the ski world Sunday when Lindsey Vonn visited the program and skied with some of its participants.
Hosted by Vail Resorts, the opportunity to ski with Vonn was part of a celebration titled “Welcome Home Lindsey,” where the four-time World Cup overall winner was welcomed back here to her hometown in true rock-star fashion — by hundreds of screaming fans.
But for a few young Vonn followers, the homecoming party was more of an apres ski session, with the fun part of the day coming earlier.
On Sunday morning, a selection of roughly 10 girls from around the world joined Vonn for a few turns on the Nastar course at Vail Mountain's Black Forest Race Arena. Seven-year-old Michaela Landry was first in the gates to ski alongside Vonn, Landry in the yellow course with her hero alongside her on the green.
“We came here just for this,” said Barbara Landry, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as her daughter Michaela skied the course. “It's so nice to have somebody like (Vonn) so involved and wanting to see girls succeed in the sport.”
Designed by Vonn herself, Ski Girls Rock lessons involve groups of no more than four girls ages 5 to 15 and are led by female instructors who “focus not only on improving skiing skills but empowering girls through the sport and creating opportunities to bond and build confidence along with developing teamwork and social skills,” according to Vail Resorts....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Then and now …"
It is difficult, at best, to find one fav from the portfolio of Bob Berwyn.
So far, here are two of our top ten:
So far, here are two of our top ten:
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