Have you ever thought of this possibility?
That wind farm technology could be harmful and life-threatening to bats, birds and airborne wildlife?
This is one of the reasons Bob Berwyn, up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice is the most trusted 'enviro-pen' journalist in the region.
Very interesting piece.
"...This suggests that there may be ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of mitigation measures. PSW ecologist Ted Weller and statistician Jim Baldwin developed an interactive tool that allows users to visualize how changes in date and weather conditions affect the probability of bat presence. The tool can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/wildlife/bat/batprob.shtml.
“Increasing the wind speed at which turbines begin to spin and produce energy to the grid has proven to be an effective way to reduce bat fatalities. However, bat activity levels depend on more than just wind speed,” says Weller, who led the research. “Our work demonstrates the use of a decision-making tool that could protect bats when fatality risk is highest while maximizing energy production on nights with a low chance of fatalities....”
(Bob Berwyn)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 12, 2012
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Paonia residents riled up at possible land exchange "
Thank goodness.
Within a matter of a few weeks, Bill Koch gets his deal with the locals and can go live in peace. We end this ludicrous grandstanding by environmentalists.
"A second mountain bike trail would also be built in the exchange, and opposition says this is destructive to the forest.
Within a matter of a few weeks, Bill Koch gets his deal with the locals and can go live in peace. We end this ludicrous grandstanding by environmentalists.
"A second mountain bike trail would also be built in the exchange, and opposition says this is destructive to the forest.
But those for the exchange say it would actually help the public, and improve the land they already have access to.
"We've tried to enhance that opportunity by moving up north to an area we can provide OHV access, ATV, equestrian and all users," Bear Ranch manager Rob Gill said.
Koch also just wants to have his property all in one piece.
"There's very few people I think that if they owned this ranch, they wouldn't want to consolidate it," Gill said.
The meeting gives the town council to take sides on the matter, but nothing was decided Wednesday because there weren't enough council members in attendance to make it a regular meeting.
It should all be settled at the next meeting in a few weeks.
11 News will keep you posted on what happens next....."
(KKCO)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Hill Aevium Blog "Proud to launch the Ski 7 campaign for the Glenwood Springs Tourism Board"
The latest press release from Hill Aevium titles itself well, with accuracy and with grace.
Thank you for acknowledging the new Glenwood Springs Tourism Board is the entity doing the hiring of your expert firm.
SandBox will leave comment ability open on this post as a result and again, send out our best wishes on the success of this phenomenal idea and marketing campaign. Our guess is that the local folks will meet the release with positive enthusiasm.
(Read more about Hill Aevium? Click title and link within post. Comment (moderated) to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Thank you for acknowledging the new Glenwood Springs Tourism Board is the entity doing the hiring of your expert firm.
SandBox will leave comment ability open on this post as a result and again, send out our best wishes on the success of this phenomenal idea and marketing campaign. Our guess is that the local folks will meet the release with positive enthusiasm.
(Read more about Hill Aevium? Click title and link within post. Comment (moderated) to discuss)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen hosts its 61st Wintersköl"
Whew!
We made it to Winterskol without blood loss.
Here's the schedule and as usual, we'll be watching the amazing creations in the annual snow sculpture competition.
(Read more? Find out info on all events? Click title. Comment to discuss)
We made it to Winterskol without blood loss.
Here's the schedule and as usual, we'll be watching the amazing creations in the annual snow sculpture competition.
(Read more? Find out info on all events? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 11, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "GOP local precinct caucus set"
"Editor:
The 2012 Pitkin County Republican Precinct Caucuses will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Aspen High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. for check-in and refreshments. The caucuses will begin at 7 p.m. Check-in will close at that time.
For those who are not familiar with the process in Colorado, the precinct caucuses feature a presidential preference poll and the election of precinct committee persons from each of Pitkin County’s 10 precincts. Although the preference poll is non-binding, the statewide results of the preference poll will attract national attention.
The caucuses are also the first step in selecting delegates to the Republican National Convention. At the caucuses, delegates will be elected to the Pitkin County Republican Assembly, which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in the conference room at the Pitkin County Library. The county assembly will elect delegates and alternates to the State Republican Assembly, which will take place on April 14 in Denver. At the state assembly, delegates and alternates to the national convention will be elected.
We urge all eligible registered Republicans in Pitkin County to attend the Feb. 7 precinct caucuses. To be eligible, a voter must be registered in the voter’s Pitkin County precinct by Jan. 9 and must have been registered as a Republican in any jurisdiction as of Dec. 7, 2011. To avoid lines at caucus check-in, we encourage pre-registration by going to www.caucus.cologop.org.
For more information, please contact me at frieda@pitkinpolitics.org.
Frieda Wallison
Pitkin County Republican chair
Old Snowmass
The 2012 Pitkin County Republican Precinct Caucuses will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Aspen High School. Doors open at 6 p.m. for check-in and refreshments. The caucuses will begin at 7 p.m. Check-in will close at that time.
For those who are not familiar with the process in Colorado, the precinct caucuses feature a presidential preference poll and the election of precinct committee persons from each of Pitkin County’s 10 precincts. Although the preference poll is non-binding, the statewide results of the preference poll will attract national attention.
The caucuses are also the first step in selecting delegates to the Republican National Convention. At the caucuses, delegates will be elected to the Pitkin County Republican Assembly, which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in the conference room at the Pitkin County Library. The county assembly will elect delegates and alternates to the State Republican Assembly, which will take place on April 14 in Denver. At the state assembly, delegates and alternates to the national convention will be elected.
We urge all eligible registered Republicans in Pitkin County to attend the Feb. 7 precinct caucuses. To be eligible, a voter must be registered in the voter’s Pitkin County precinct by Jan. 9 and must have been registered as a Republican in any jurisdiction as of Dec. 7, 2011. To avoid lines at caucus check-in, we encourage pre-registration by going to www.caucus.cologop.org.
For more information, please contact me at frieda@pitkinpolitics.org.
Frieda Wallison
Pitkin County Republican chair
Old Snowmass
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Snowmobilers, veterinarian and Forest Service rescue horse in North Routt"
Thank you to everyone who participated in this rescue.
Hopefully, it was an accident of some kind, rather than intentional, that this terrific 'little guy' was separated from his rider.
Please, if you cannot care for your livestock for some reason. Take them to shelter or anonymously call your local animal control. Please don't leave them to try to survive the elements here in the mountains of Colorado.
"When the riders first saw the horse, he was visibly malnourished and shied away from human touch. His saddle had slid down around his belly and was full of snow. He could barely walk with the weight of it.
The girth’s cinch had dug into his back, leaving a large and infected wound, and the riders could see where blood had dripped down his sides. Based on the horse’s tracks, Sorenson said they determined he had been circling a 30-yard area scrounging for food.
“It was so sad,” she said. “He tried to get away from us, but he just didn’t have much strength.”
The first thing they did was cut the saddle off of him before riding all the way back to Columbine to call the U.S. Forest Service.
The Forest Service enlisted the help of Gotchey, who brought a trailer and his fiancee, Traci Clark.
They drove a trailer to the intersection of Forest Service Roads 500 and 550, where logging operations this winter fortuitously had packed the snow down for driving.
The group made its way to the horse on snowmobiles and met face to face with the now-calmer horse, who several members of the rescue party affectionately called “little man” and “little guy.”
U.S. Forest Service Ranger Mike Seawall and Reserve Law Enforcement Officer Steve McCone had brought hay and a blanket to the site.
“He didn’t look that bad, considering everything he had gone through,” Seawall said. “He looked pretty relieved. He had enough left in him to understand, ‘I’m getting out of here.’”
“You could tell, when (Gotchey) grabbed on to that lead rope, that we were there; we were getting that horse out,” he said. “I’m sure the little man’s relieved.”
The first 1 1/2 miles was post-holing through deep snow, but the snowmobiles stayed with the group and rode back and forth in front of the horse to create a track for him to walk on. The final stretch of more than six miles was along Forest Service Road 550, and Gotchey said the horse let out a sigh once he made it to the stable at about 10:30 p.m.
He said if the snowpack had been at last year’s levels, the horse’s survival and rescue would have been nearly impossible.
Seawall said the rescue was one made possible by more than the cooperating weather.
“At the end of the day, if (the snowmobilers) hadn’t have been out there and been willing to ride all the way in and make the call. That and Mike, for him to come out and take this horse and care for it, it’s wonderful.
“And the horse, he just put his head down and went to work,” he said. “Tough little horse.”
Seawall said the Forest Service is conducting an investigation into where the horse came from and the circumstances surrounding his separation from his owner...."
(Nicole Inglis)
(Read this wonderful story? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Hopefully, it was an accident of some kind, rather than intentional, that this terrific 'little guy' was separated from his rider.
Please, if you cannot care for your livestock for some reason. Take them to shelter or anonymously call your local animal control. Please don't leave them to try to survive the elements here in the mountains of Colorado.
"When the riders first saw the horse, he was visibly malnourished and shied away from human touch. His saddle had slid down around his belly and was full of snow. He could barely walk with the weight of it.
The girth’s cinch had dug into his back, leaving a large and infected wound, and the riders could see where blood had dripped down his sides. Based on the horse’s tracks, Sorenson said they determined he had been circling a 30-yard area scrounging for food.
“It was so sad,” she said. “He tried to get away from us, but he just didn’t have much strength.”
The first thing they did was cut the saddle off of him before riding all the way back to Columbine to call the U.S. Forest Service.
The Forest Service enlisted the help of Gotchey, who brought a trailer and his fiancee, Traci Clark.
They drove a trailer to the intersection of Forest Service Roads 500 and 550, where logging operations this winter fortuitously had packed the snow down for driving.
The group made its way to the horse on snowmobiles and met face to face with the now-calmer horse, who several members of the rescue party affectionately called “little man” and “little guy.”
U.S. Forest Service Ranger Mike Seawall and Reserve Law Enforcement Officer Steve McCone had brought hay and a blanket to the site.
“He didn’t look that bad, considering everything he had gone through,” Seawall said. “He looked pretty relieved. He had enough left in him to understand, ‘I’m getting out of here.’”
“You could tell, when (Gotchey) grabbed on to that lead rope, that we were there; we were getting that horse out,” he said. “I’m sure the little man’s relieved.”
The first 1 1/2 miles was post-holing through deep snow, but the snowmobiles stayed with the group and rode back and forth in front of the horse to create a track for him to walk on. The final stretch of more than six miles was along Forest Service Road 550, and Gotchey said the horse let out a sigh once he made it to the stable at about 10:30 p.m.
He said if the snowpack had been at last year’s levels, the horse’s survival and rescue would have been nearly impossible.
Seawall said the rescue was one made possible by more than the cooperating weather.
“At the end of the day, if (the snowmobilers) hadn’t have been out there and been willing to ride all the way in and make the call. That and Mike, for him to come out and take this horse and care for it, it’s wonderful.
“And the horse, he just put his head down and went to work,” he said. “Tough little horse.”
Seawall said the Forest Service is conducting an investigation into where the horse came from and the circumstances surrounding his separation from his owner...."
(Nicole Inglis)
(Read this wonderful story? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Rep. Tipton hears gripes about GJ airport fence"
Why are Western Colorado Independent Conservatives sending Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) back to Congress in 2012?
Because the seemingly small issues like this fence controversy in Grand Junction are normal, everyday problems that he handles.
Tipton's not only is doing a phenomenal job in Washington, he listens and stays in touch with his district.
He knows his citizens, works and walks among them as a common man and truly cares about their lives.
"...Rep. Tipton listened and took notes. He eventually took the floor and said he would be watching the developments. He said he was concerned about the fence's impact on the local economy, and said if needed, he would bring in the federal government. Kenyon said, "This is one of the most important, if not the most important airport in Western Colorado, something we've got to make sure is prospering to the best of our ability."
Rep. Tipton also hinted at the possibility that the Board's interpretation of regulations may be hindering local business. He said, "It is an example of where government regulations when they are interpreted certain ways are having definite impacts on people. We''ll be listening to the airport authority to be responsible to get this airport moving again."
According to board member John Stevens, no one from the board knew about the meeting, and only found out about it by watching 11 News."
(KKCO)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Because the seemingly small issues like this fence controversy in Grand Junction are normal, everyday problems that he handles.
Tipton's not only is doing a phenomenal job in Washington, he listens and stays in touch with his district.
He knows his citizens, works and walks among them as a common man and truly cares about their lives.
"...Rep. Tipton listened and took notes. He eventually took the floor and said he would be watching the developments. He said he was concerned about the fence's impact on the local economy, and said if needed, he would bring in the federal government. Kenyon said, "This is one of the most important, if not the most important airport in Western Colorado, something we've got to make sure is prospering to the best of our ability."
Rep. Tipton also hinted at the possibility that the Board's interpretation of regulations may be hindering local business. He said, "It is an example of where government regulations when they are interpreted certain ways are having definite impacts on people. We''ll be listening to the airport authority to be responsible to get this airport moving again."
According to board member John Stevens, no one from the board knew about the meeting, and only found out about it by watching 11 News."
(KKCO)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Many US communities are blocking medical marijuana"
"More and more states are saying yes to medical marijuana. But local governments are increasingly using their laws to just say no, not in our backyard.
In California, with the nation's most permissive medical marijuana laws, 185 cities and counties have banned pot dispensaries entirely. In New Jersey, perhaps the most restrictive of the 17 states that have legalized marijuana for sick people, some groups planning to sell cannabis are struggling to find local governments willing to let them in..."
(via Post Independent)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
In California, with the nation's most permissive medical marijuana laws, 185 cities and counties have banned pot dispensaries entirely. In New Jersey, perhaps the most restrictive of the 17 states that have legalized marijuana for sick people, some groups planning to sell cannabis are struggling to find local governments willing to let them in..."
(via Post Independent)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments; Snowmass Sun/Barbara Lucks "Marketing board is not a chamber of commerce"
'FCL' (Former Chamber Lady) is bringing you this post. A special shout-out to Nanny for letting me appear as a guest blogger today.
"This is a wonderful column from Barbara Lucks. As Nanny would say, up on the Snowmass Sun.
Succinctly spoken, honest and very accurate in fact.
Just because Chambers of Commerce nationwide decided to tip their hat at tourism and resort marketing a number of years ago does not mean it was a good move.
There could not be two more different beasts than small business stewardship and promotion and tourism/resort marketing. Not to mention the world of differences there are (or should be) in the accounting processes of a 501C-6 entity vs. a publicly funded entity. There is also the obvious (or should be obvious) need for the steward for small businesses to be impartial, caring for all members. Cronyism is just too easy of a trap to fall into when one is in charge of allocating millions of dollars spanning a few years of time out to specific local companies in the name of tourism marketing.
Moffat County Tourism Assoc. and the Aspen Chamber Resort Assoc. are among the most recent to look hard at whether or not to up the individual insurance liability coverage for members on their board of directors. In light of the potential of legal issues in prominent non-profits in Aspen, Snowmass and Glenwood Springs currently; there is a foundation for concern.
The solution is to not only rein in those problems and eliminate them, but to also get back to the business of separation of the functions of a non-profit Chamber of Commerce which is best held in the hands of stewards and for-profit Tourism/Resort Marketing which is best held in the hands of advertising and public relations firms.
Take a read on Donna Wiedinmyer's letter to the Town of Snowmass titled "Thanks, Snowmass, for accountability". Also up on the Snowmass Sun today:
"I have always looked forward to reading Mel Blumenthal's column, and I certainly appreciate his diligence in reporting on what is happening in our village.
On Dec. 30, the Fox Run Homeowner's Association met. Fred Kucker, town councilman and a Fox Run resident, reported on the recent meeting concerning the marketing board mentioned in Mel's editorial. To clarify: Per Fred, the marketing board now has to be “accountable” to the Town Council (as they should be) with their budget, quarterly reports, business plans and performance standards. With a budget in excess of $4.2 million coming from Snowmass Village taxes, the marketing board must now define how, and where, that money is being spent.
They must report on lodging, meals, clothing, sales and lodging taxes, etc. In other words, a metric must be established to determine the performance of the marketing board.
As a permanent resident, I am thrilled that we will finally have accountability. As an example, if $30,000 is spent on marketing, wouldn't we want to see at least $30,000 or more returned to the town?
We certainly would only want to sponsor events that will show a positive return to the town and its lodge owners, merchants and restaurant owners. This is why the marketing board is now answering to the town manager and not, as Mel states, “the cover costs otherwise intended to be covered in other town budgets.”
Unfortunately, most of Mel's column is not stating the real reason behind the new accountability of the marketing board...."
Barbara Lucks:
"...The whole concept of a chamber of commerce is that the one-man auto body shop and the golf course have an opportunity to participate in a larger whole and to wield some influence over the process by virtue of optional membership and voting for the board of directors.
A program completely controlled by the public sector and funded by taxes does not fit that mold. The Snowmass Village Marketing Board does not purport to be anything remotely resembling a chamber.
I am not trying to sugar coat chambers of commerce. Some are drinking clubs, hotbeds of political conflict, personal power trips, ineffective or just plain too small to work.
Recent economic times are weeding out chambers that are not true to community mission or have no hope of viability. Many are consolidating with neighboring small towns, rewriting mission statements and replacing strictly social calendars with an assortment of options for communication, collaboration and education.
Members are demanding more than a coffee club these days. True chambers, not being guaranteed by public funds, must be responsive to community and member interests, or they will quickly die.
Community-centered chambers of commerce have room for the food bank, the local church and the business-incubator effort. They have a place for the long-term resident, the week-long guest and even a part-time residents' organization. Many have a seat on their board for a city-government liaison; some receive small public grants well short of full funding. They may or may not involve themselves in political advocacy, but the good ones do not allow themselves to be controlled by politics.
Snowmass Village's challenges go beyond the mere commercial and into the heart of community. A true chamber of commerce could provide an energetic gathering place for many constituencies ranging from the new window-washing company to the school district. As a safe and informal idea exchange, consider the creative problem-solving potential of a chamber of commerce. Contrast the dynamic of a lively “business after hours” event with a public hearing.
Optional membership makes it far more likely that diverse voices will be heard and considered. True community commerce tends to the soul as well as the bottom line.
Should Snowmass Village residents consider forming a chamber of commerce, I would suggest avoiding an entity created to monopolize and exploit the commercial and civic climate through levying taxes, promoting concentrated power and enhancing short-term gain.
I think you've probably had enough of those."
The citizenry of the Roaring Fork region has certainly "had enough of those", Barbara.
The question of the day is: Why haven't our elected officials had enough?
Or is that a question being asked to cronies who are not about to give as straight-up of an answer as you are?
Here's a trivia tidbit:
Do you know how many millions of dollars per year are spent on tourism marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley?
Answer: On average, between Glenwood Springs to Aspen and based on the past 10 year span: $7 million dollars."
(To read more, please click title and links within post. To discuss, comment below)
"This is a wonderful column from Barbara Lucks. As Nanny would say, up on the Snowmass Sun.
Succinctly spoken, honest and very accurate in fact.
Just because Chambers of Commerce nationwide decided to tip their hat at tourism and resort marketing a number of years ago does not mean it was a good move.
There could not be two more different beasts than small business stewardship and promotion and tourism/resort marketing. Not to mention the world of differences there are (or should be) in the accounting processes of a 501C-6 entity vs. a publicly funded entity. There is also the obvious (or should be obvious) need for the steward for small businesses to be impartial, caring for all members. Cronyism is just too easy of a trap to fall into when one is in charge of allocating millions of dollars spanning a few years of time out to specific local companies in the name of tourism marketing.
Moffat County Tourism Assoc. and the Aspen Chamber Resort Assoc. are among the most recent to look hard at whether or not to up the individual insurance liability coverage for members on their board of directors. In light of the potential of legal issues in prominent non-profits in Aspen, Snowmass and Glenwood Springs currently; there is a foundation for concern.
The solution is to not only rein in those problems and eliminate them, but to also get back to the business of separation of the functions of a non-profit Chamber of Commerce which is best held in the hands of stewards and for-profit Tourism/Resort Marketing which is best held in the hands of advertising and public relations firms.
Take a read on Donna Wiedinmyer's letter to the Town of Snowmass titled "Thanks, Snowmass, for accountability". Also up on the Snowmass Sun today:
"I have always looked forward to reading Mel Blumenthal's column, and I certainly appreciate his diligence in reporting on what is happening in our village.
On Dec. 30, the Fox Run Homeowner's Association met. Fred Kucker, town councilman and a Fox Run resident, reported on the recent meeting concerning the marketing board mentioned in Mel's editorial. To clarify: Per Fred, the marketing board now has to be “accountable” to the Town Council (as they should be) with their budget, quarterly reports, business plans and performance standards. With a budget in excess of $4.2 million coming from Snowmass Village taxes, the marketing board must now define how, and where, that money is being spent.
They must report on lodging, meals, clothing, sales and lodging taxes, etc. In other words, a metric must be established to determine the performance of the marketing board.
As a permanent resident, I am thrilled that we will finally have accountability. As an example, if $30,000 is spent on marketing, wouldn't we want to see at least $30,000 or more returned to the town?
We certainly would only want to sponsor events that will show a positive return to the town and its lodge owners, merchants and restaurant owners. This is why the marketing board is now answering to the town manager and not, as Mel states, “the cover costs otherwise intended to be covered in other town budgets.”
Unfortunately, most of Mel's column is not stating the real reason behind the new accountability of the marketing board...."
Barbara Lucks:
"...The whole concept of a chamber of commerce is that the one-man auto body shop and the golf course have an opportunity to participate in a larger whole and to wield some influence over the process by virtue of optional membership and voting for the board of directors.
A program completely controlled by the public sector and funded by taxes does not fit that mold. The Snowmass Village Marketing Board does not purport to be anything remotely resembling a chamber.
I am not trying to sugar coat chambers of commerce. Some are drinking clubs, hotbeds of political conflict, personal power trips, ineffective or just plain too small to work.
Recent economic times are weeding out chambers that are not true to community mission or have no hope of viability. Many are consolidating with neighboring small towns, rewriting mission statements and replacing strictly social calendars with an assortment of options for communication, collaboration and education.
Members are demanding more than a coffee club these days. True chambers, not being guaranteed by public funds, must be responsive to community and member interests, or they will quickly die.
Community-centered chambers of commerce have room for the food bank, the local church and the business-incubator effort. They have a place for the long-term resident, the week-long guest and even a part-time residents' organization. Many have a seat on their board for a city-government liaison; some receive small public grants well short of full funding. They may or may not involve themselves in political advocacy, but the good ones do not allow themselves to be controlled by politics.
Snowmass Village's challenges go beyond the mere commercial and into the heart of community. A true chamber of commerce could provide an energetic gathering place for many constituencies ranging from the new window-washing company to the school district. As a safe and informal idea exchange, consider the creative problem-solving potential of a chamber of commerce. Contrast the dynamic of a lively “business after hours” event with a public hearing.
Optional membership makes it far more likely that diverse voices will be heard and considered. True community commerce tends to the soul as well as the bottom line.
Should Snowmass Village residents consider forming a chamber of commerce, I would suggest avoiding an entity created to monopolize and exploit the commercial and civic climate through levying taxes, promoting concentrated power and enhancing short-term gain.
I think you've probably had enough of those."
The citizenry of the Roaring Fork region has certainly "had enough of those", Barbara.
The question of the day is: Why haven't our elected officials had enough?
Or is that a question being asked to cronies who are not about to give as straight-up of an answer as you are?
Here's a trivia tidbit:
Do you know how many millions of dollars per year are spent on tourism marketing in the Roaring Fork Valley?
Answer: On average, between Glenwood Springs to Aspen and based on the past 10 year span: $7 million dollars."
(To read more, please click title and links within post. To discuss, comment below)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "School budget meeting draws hundreds"
It is not just where the cuts will be made that's bothering the Eagle County School District parents.
It is how their money is being spent.
Here are some reminders of posts and comments from last year's election cycle that are relevant:
It is how their money is being spent.
Here are some reminders of posts and comments from last year's election cycle that are relevant:
- (Note the comments on this one): SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "New charter school proposed for Glenwood Springs"
- The lack of accountability probably has not helped the parent's current mood either.
- And then there are the performance issues between public and private schools within the district.
SandBox Comments; Aspen Times "Pitkin County lifts cap on child-care program"
There is so much wasted public spending in Aspen.
Wonder how much the eating out for city employees would help fund childcare?
Wonder how much letting go of private (public funds) funding of the now infamous "$6,000 per bike cost" bike sharing enterprise would help fund childcare?
Do you think that the "overwhelmed with applicants" concern could possibly be because there are that many low-income, struggling parents in Aspen, Colorado?
Or maybe so many families finding it really, really hard to live in Pitkin County on slightly above poverty level wages?
Ah, the 'Slums of Aspen' and "The other side of Paradise" issues that just never seem to 'go away'.
Wonder why?
"ASPEN — A cap on the number of Pitkin County families that can receive child-care assistance under a state-mandated program will be dropped, county commissioners agreed Tuesday despite lingering fears that the program could be overwhelmed with applicants as a result...."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Wonder how much the eating out for city employees would help fund childcare?
Wonder how much letting go of private (public funds) funding of the now infamous "$6,000 per bike cost" bike sharing enterprise would help fund childcare?
Do you think that the "overwhelmed with applicants" concern could possibly be because there are that many low-income, struggling parents in Aspen, Colorado?
Or maybe so many families finding it really, really hard to live in Pitkin County on slightly above poverty level wages?
Ah, the 'Slums of Aspen' and "The other side of Paradise" issues that just never seem to 'go away'.
Wonder why?
"ASPEN — A cap on the number of Pitkin County families that can receive child-care assistance under a state-mandated program will be dropped, county commissioners agreed Tuesday despite lingering fears that the program could be overwhelmed with applicants as a result...."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 10, 2012
SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News "Biff America: An online message in a bottle"
A must read. From Biff America. Up and over on the Summit Daily News.
"I'm not sure why Cathy Casey chose me to share her secrets with. Actually I do know — it was because she knew we would never meet...."
(Jeffrey Bergeron)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"I'm not sure why Cathy Casey chose me to share her secrets with. Actually I do know — it was because she knew we would never meet...."
(Jeffrey Bergeron)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Mayor: Little Annie’s proposal is ‘blackmail’"
In a stunningly non-surprising move, Mayor Mick Ireland once again just opens his mouth and steps into yet another'mud-pit' in order to wrestle with Aspen developer Nikos Hecht.
Oh, lordy. (sighs...rolls eyes...)
What's the prob this time?
Do we really need the City of Aspen to pay Nikos for the pleasure of a triple-size penthouse instead of affordable housing just so we can keep Little Annie's?
Stay tuned! Aspen. Live!
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Oh, lordy. (sighs...rolls eyes...)
What's the prob this time?
Do we really need the City of Aspen to pay Nikos for the pleasure of a triple-size penthouse instead of affordable housing just so we can keep Little Annie's?
Stay tuned! Aspen. Live!
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 9, 2012
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Quote of the Week – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)"
Topic: Senator Rubio’s letter to the White House – January 6th 2012
Subject: In the 3 years of the current White House Administration – this is the 6th request by the President to ask Congress to raise the U.S Debt Ceiling.
“When you served in the Senate in 2006, you called raising the debt limit “a sign of leadership failure.” Using your own standard, this request will mark your sixth “sign of leadership failure” on the debt ceiling issue alone. Throughout our history, Americans have revered courageous leaders and celebrated them as profiles in courage. Unfortunately, the first three years of your presidency have been a profile in leadership failure.
ECT Comment: The 6th time he’s asked for a Debt Ceiling increase? Didn’t this guy campaign on a promise of (Change?)
(Click title for more from the ECT guys. Comment to discuss)
Subject: In the 3 years of the current White House Administration – this is the 6th request by the President to ask Congress to raise the U.S Debt Ceiling.
Rubio to the President…
“When you served in the Senate in 2006, you called raising the debt limit “a sign of leadership failure.” Using your own standard, this request will mark your sixth “sign of leadership failure” on the debt ceiling issue alone. Throughout our history, Americans have revered courageous leaders and celebrated them as profiles in courage. Unfortunately, the first three years of your presidency have been a profile in leadership failure.
For a complete copy of the Senator’s short two page letter (Click Here)
ECT Comment: The 6th time he’s asked for a Debt Ceiling increase? Didn’t this guy campaign on a promise of (Change?)
(Click title for more from the ECT guys. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Local paramedic program gaining national attention"
If we remember correctly, it was a visiting Brit EMT, last year, that gave this idea to the Vail community.
It's amazing how popular the concept has become.
Wouldn't it be terrific if all of Colorado adopted this type of paramedic program?
Not only from the standpoint of how much good they would accomplish, the cost savings to the public from avoiding the emergency room visit is significant.
Good report from Derek Franz. Over on the Vail Daily News.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
It's amazing how popular the concept has become.
Wouldn't it be terrific if all of Colorado adopted this type of paramedic program?
Not only from the standpoint of how much good they would accomplish, the cost savings to the public from avoiding the emergency room visit is significant.
Good report from Derek Franz. Over on the Vail Daily News.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Pitkin County to rethink inaction on medical pot"
Hard to remember why in the world Colorado ever thought it was a wise idea to make medical marijuana legal while marijuana in all forms is illegal on federal levels, isn't it?
Our county and city and state employees can face legal penalties for handling transactions of any kind where MMJ is concerned.
Banks, landlords, lenders and merchant services cannot go anywhere near these MMJ businesses due to the legal ramifications.
We've seen crime numbers where all pot is concerned sky-rocket since the passage of the medical marijuana laws in Colorado. And have no way of knowing until a generation or two passes exactly how much harm to our youth the easy access and exposure has done.
Yet, from what Dennis Webb is bringing us off the Sentinel, we now cannot even place moratoriums on all things MMJ because that too, will bring liability to the folks.
Hard to remember why in the world Colorado ever thought it was a wise idea to make medical marijuana legal while marijuana in all forms is illegal on federal levels, isn't it?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Our county and city and state employees can face legal penalties for handling transactions of any kind where MMJ is concerned.
Banks, landlords, lenders and merchant services cannot go anywhere near these MMJ businesses due to the legal ramifications.
We've seen crime numbers where all pot is concerned sky-rocket since the passage of the medical marijuana laws in Colorado. And have no way of knowing until a generation or two passes exactly how much harm to our youth the easy access and exposure has done.
Yet, from what Dennis Webb is bringing us off the Sentinel, we now cannot even place moratoriums on all things MMJ because that too, will bring liability to the folks.
Hard to remember why in the world Colorado ever thought it was a wise idea to make medical marijuana legal while marijuana in all forms is illegal on federal levels, isn't it?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Chamber launches ‘Ski 7' marketing for Glenwood Springs"
(Because the PI reporting on this, is not quite how the help of Hill Aevium really came about, the journalism failure will do nothing but antagonize the general population. That is unfair because what Hill Aevium has given us in this second brand from their talent and expertise (Spa of the Rockies was the first) is terrific and SandBox hopes wildly successful. So, thanks to the shortcomings of the PI in blurring the facts lines again, comment ability on this post is blocked. Here's a shout-out to Hill Aevium and those who lent their ideas to their talent. 'Ski7' looks fantastic and we hope it's a huge success!)
"...Ski 7, however, is the result of last year's competitive bidding process for the city's tourism marketing contract. The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association won the bid, and has subsequently built a team of rivals with its competitor for the contract to launch a full-bore effort to attract Front Range tourists to Glenwood Springs.
Two billboards have gone up in high-traffic Denver locations, ads are running in the Denver Post and on Colorado.com — the website of the Colorado Tourism Office — and a new website, http://www.stayglenwood.com/, went live on Thursday to take lodging reservations.
The chamber asked its rival for the marketing contract, Hill Aevium of Edwards, to design the billboards and the StayGlenwood.com website. The results are stare-at-me images of an ice-encrusted skier and a powder-packed snowboarder, both with a glowing image of the Hot Springs Pool reflected in their goggles..."
(Heather McGregor)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...Ski 7, however, is the result of last year's competitive bidding process for the city's tourism marketing contract. The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association won the bid, and has subsequently built a team of rivals with its competitor for the contract to launch a full-bore effort to attract Front Range tourists to Glenwood Springs.
Two billboards have gone up in high-traffic Denver locations, ads are running in the Denver Post and on Colorado.com — the website of the Colorado Tourism Office — and a new website, http://www.stayglenwood.com/, went live on Thursday to take lodging reservations.
The chamber asked its rival for the marketing contract, Hill Aevium of Edwards, to design the billboards and the StayGlenwood.com website. The results are stare-at-me images of an ice-encrusted skier and a powder-packed snowboarder, both with a glowing image of the Hot Springs Pool reflected in their goggles..."
(Heather McGregor)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Letter to the Editor "The women of Aspen"
True grace and beauty.
Inside and out from Joann G. Grimes of Aspen and Greensboro, N.C.
This, is a time of year that quite a few women in the valley 'tolerate'. When the 'Women of Aspen' and the 'Grande Dames' tout their accolades to the masses.
This is a lovely letter from Ms. Grimes giving her nod to some of the other women who grace our local lives daily.
Beautifully done, Joann. And a lesson to us all.
"Editor:
I attended the Aspen Business Luncheon this past week and heard four extraordinary women speak of their various passions and successes. With an excellent moderator, I was inspired by their backgrounds, experiences and continued successes. The Roaring Fork Valley and the world are better places because of women like these.
I would like to thank another group of women in Aspen who contribute to our lives in meaningful ways.
My property manager of 11 years, Lee Bryant, former concierge at The Little Nell, started her own business, The Connected Concierge. She is intelligent, dependable, honest and a delight to work with.
My housekeeper of 11 years, Marisela Rico, has never missed a day, driving 80 miles round trip to clean our home, even during snow, ice and storms. Jessica Salet and all of the energetic volunteers at the Thrift Shop, plus all the waitresses at The Little Nell, Ajax Tavern, Pacifica, Starbucks and other establishments in town, try very hard to please their customers. All of the nurses and volunteers at the Aspen Valley Hospital who have helped us and countless others with their compassion and kindness must also be added to the list of Aspen women whom I admire and appreciate.
(Joann Grimes)
Inside and out from Joann G. Grimes of Aspen and Greensboro, N.C.
This, is a time of year that quite a few women in the valley 'tolerate'. When the 'Women of Aspen' and the 'Grande Dames' tout their accolades to the masses.
This is a lovely letter from Ms. Grimes giving her nod to some of the other women who grace our local lives daily.
Beautifully done, Joann. And a lesson to us all.
"Editor:
I attended the Aspen Business Luncheon this past week and heard four extraordinary women speak of their various passions and successes. With an excellent moderator, I was inspired by their backgrounds, experiences and continued successes. The Roaring Fork Valley and the world are better places because of women like these.
I would like to thank another group of women in Aspen who contribute to our lives in meaningful ways.
My property manager of 11 years, Lee Bryant, former concierge at The Little Nell, started her own business, The Connected Concierge. She is intelligent, dependable, honest and a delight to work with.
My housekeeper of 11 years, Marisela Rico, has never missed a day, driving 80 miles round trip to clean our home, even during snow, ice and storms. Jessica Salet and all of the energetic volunteers at the Thrift Shop, plus all the waitresses at The Little Nell, Ajax Tavern, Pacifica, Starbucks and other establishments in town, try very hard to please their customers. All of the nurses and volunteers at the Aspen Valley Hospital who have helped us and countless others with their compassion and kindness must also be added to the list of Aspen women whom I admire and appreciate.
(Joann Grimes)
January 7, 2012
SandBox Comments: Commentary Magazine "Obama’s Indifference to the Law"
Peter Wehner:
"...It is not a good thing, and it can even be a frightful thing, when we have as president a man who seems to reject the idea (at least when re-election is at stake) that we are a nation of laws, not of men. But that is where we are, given Obama’s casual indifference to our laws and traditions...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...It is not a good thing, and it can even be a frightful thing, when we have as president a man who seems to reject the idea (at least when re-election is at stake) that we are a nation of laws, not of men. But that is where we are, given Obama’s casual indifference to our laws and traditions...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "Seniors learn vital role of police dog "
Cedaredge K-9 Officer 'Buddy' goes visiting. It looks like catching bad guys and sniffing out drugs isn't the only thing this officer excels at.
Officer 'Buddy' also appears to have a great deal of personal charm. He certainly has Iris Marconette won over.
Thank you for your service, 'Buddy'.
(Read the article? Meet Officer Buddy and his human, Sergeant Dan Sanders? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Officer 'Buddy' also appears to have a great deal of personal charm. He certainly has Iris Marconette won over.
Thank you for your service, 'Buddy'.
(Read the article? Meet Officer Buddy and his human, Sergeant Dan Sanders? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Attempted second-degree murder charge filed Friday"
(See related story here)
"...The day after his Dec. 15 arrest, Jamie Lee Patton, 24, was advised by a judge that the prosecution had planned to charge him with attempted first-degree murder, among other offenses. But on Friday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin decided to ratchet down the charge to attempted second-degree murder. A first-degree charge would have indicated that authorities believed Patton's crime was premeditated; second-degree implies that Patton had not planned the attempted killing.
“I had the opportunity to look at it with greater analysis,” Mordkin said, when asked why he did not pursue a first-degree charge...."
(Rick Carroll)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"...The day after his Dec. 15 arrest, Jamie Lee Patton, 24, was advised by a judge that the prosecution had planned to charge him with attempted first-degree murder, among other offenses. But on Friday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin decided to ratchet down the charge to attempted second-degree murder. A first-degree charge would have indicated that authorities believed Patton's crime was premeditated; second-degree implies that Patton had not planned the attempted killing.
“I had the opportunity to look at it with greater analysis,” Mordkin said, when asked why he did not pursue a first-degree charge...."
(Rick Carroll)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Coloradoan "Pot bust leaves grower in quandary"
Wonder what would happen if Colorado voters elected state lawmakers into office that campaign promised to sit down and tackle the job of roto-rooter mucking out the quagmire of Colorado's laws?
Then watched over them to make sure they were keeping their promise once they were sworn in.
Lawmakers who would take the time to go statewide and talk with all of our cops, district attorneys, judges.
Eliminate the myriad of gray areas and clean up laws that are causing so much angst and burden on our cities and towns.
Wonder what would happen?
"Stephen Minardi says he's done nothing wrong.
He says the 50 marijuana plants in his west Fort Collins home are there to treat legal patients who can't afford to buy from store-front medical marijuana centers.
Minardi, who, along with his wife, is facing felony charges of cultivation and distribution, said the criminal case makes them "look like massive Al Pacino drug dealers."
Fort Collins police have reason to doubt the Minardis' story. The day before Thanksgiving, they served a search warrant and confiscated processed marijuana and $3,400 cash at Minardi's home, where pictures of his wife and three children line the walls of the living room.
As dispensaries close, police worry about the rise of larger home-grow operations. They’re allowed under state law, but lawyers and law enforcement officials continue to deal with gray areas regarding how much a person can grow, and even what constitutes a plant.
The laws leave people like Stephen Minardi in a precarious position.
“I’m proud of what I do,” he said. “I take care of people....
(Robert Allen)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Then watched over them to make sure they were keeping their promise once they were sworn in.
Lawmakers who would take the time to go statewide and talk with all of our cops, district attorneys, judges.
Eliminate the myriad of gray areas and clean up laws that are causing so much angst and burden on our cities and towns.
Wonder what would happen?
"Stephen Minardi says he's done nothing wrong.
He says the 50 marijuana plants in his west Fort Collins home are there to treat legal patients who can't afford to buy from store-front medical marijuana centers.
Minardi, who, along with his wife, is facing felony charges of cultivation and distribution, said the criminal case makes them "look like massive Al Pacino drug dealers."
Fort Collins police have reason to doubt the Minardis' story. The day before Thanksgiving, they served a search warrant and confiscated processed marijuana and $3,400 cash at Minardi's home, where pictures of his wife and three children line the walls of the living room.
As dispensaries close, police worry about the rise of larger home-grow operations. They’re allowed under state law, but lawyers and law enforcement officials continue to deal with gray areas regarding how much a person can grow, and even what constitutes a plant.
The laws leave people like Stephen Minardi in a precarious position.
“I’m proud of what I do,” he said. “I take care of people....
(Robert Allen)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "3rd suspect arrested in botched robbery"
"...Police have arrested another suspect in a botched robbery the night of Thanksgiving that resulted in the death of a co-conspirator and the shooting of the home’s resident.
Ryan Edward Mitchell, 23, 1302 Glenwood Ave., No. 203, told police during an interview Dec. 19 he unscrewed the light bulbs in the garage of the home that he and his friends later attempted to burglarize, according to an arrest affidavit.
Mitchell was arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbery, being involved in a violent crime where a weapon was used and first-degree burglary.
He was in jail Friday in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Mitchell told investigators he and Joshua Ringold, 22, were the only ones to get out of the vehicle and tamper with the lights about 20 minutes before his co-conspirators were involved in the attempted robbery and shootings at 293 1/2 28 Road.
According to an affidavit, Mitchell, Ringold, Cody English, 16, Jeremiah Carey, 20, and Johnny Herrera, 19, drove to the 28 Road home in an attempt to rob the residents of marijuana...."
(GJ Sentinel)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Ryan Edward Mitchell, 23, 1302 Glenwood Ave., No. 203, told police during an interview Dec. 19 he unscrewed the light bulbs in the garage of the home that he and his friends later attempted to burglarize, according to an arrest affidavit.
Mitchell was arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbery, being involved in a violent crime where a weapon was used and first-degree burglary.
He was in jail Friday in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Mitchell told investigators he and Joshua Ringold, 22, were the only ones to get out of the vehicle and tamper with the lights about 20 minutes before his co-conspirators were involved in the attempted robbery and shootings at 293 1/2 28 Road.
According to an affidavit, Mitchell, Ringold, Cody English, 16, Jeremiah Carey, 20, and Johnny Herrera, 19, drove to the 28 Road home in an attempt to rob the residents of marijuana...."
(GJ Sentinel)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Historic Emma town site defaced"
There has been a gang element in Basalt Middle and High School since 1999.
Parents who live in Basalt haven't let their kids travel between Basalt and Carbondale and then hang out in Carbondale after dark for years.
Why?
Because of the Latino gangs.
This is not new news and it is very disappointing to see Pitkin County officials acting as though they're surprised and shocked over this happening again.
This time, spend the money to protect the building with a high quality graffiti protectant. Tnemec's Dur A Pell GS is one of the best. The Paint Store in Carbondale can help you figure it out.
And consider pulling all elected officials heads out of the sand in the upper Roaring Fork Valley and taking a good, hard look at the gang and drug problems we have.
Voters, you have some commissioners, city council, a D.A. and in another year or so a PitCo Sheriff to look at in the voting booth. Focus on getting in those that will support law enforcement's most major challenges in our area.
"...The sheriff’s office is investigating the crime. The open space department is offering the reward for anyone with information leading to the vandal or vandals’ arrest.
Multi-colored spray-painted tags run across two sides of the building facing the highway. Armstrong said authorities believe they might be gang-related and have enlisted a graffiti expert to interpret their meaning, in the hopes of tracing them to the perpetrators.
Cleaning the graffiti is particularly challenging because chemical paint thinners or blasting would damage the brick.
“Whatever we use, we have to be careful because that brick is 125 years old,” Armstrong said. “Sand-blasting is not an option....”
(Andrew Travers)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Parents who live in Basalt haven't let their kids travel between Basalt and Carbondale and then hang out in Carbondale after dark for years.
Why?
Because of the Latino gangs.
This is not new news and it is very disappointing to see Pitkin County officials acting as though they're surprised and shocked over this happening again.
This time, spend the money to protect the building with a high quality graffiti protectant. Tnemec's Dur A Pell GS is one of the best. The Paint Store in Carbondale can help you figure it out.
And consider pulling all elected officials heads out of the sand in the upper Roaring Fork Valley and taking a good, hard look at the gang and drug problems we have.
Voters, you have some commissioners, city council, a D.A. and in another year or so a PitCo Sheriff to look at in the voting booth. Focus on getting in those that will support law enforcement's most major challenges in our area.
"...The sheriff’s office is investigating the crime. The open space department is offering the reward for anyone with information leading to the vandal or vandals’ arrest.
Multi-colored spray-painted tags run across two sides of the building facing the highway. Armstrong said authorities believe they might be gang-related and have enlisted a graffiti expert to interpret their meaning, in the hopes of tracing them to the perpetrators.
Cleaning the graffiti is particularly challenging because chemical paint thinners or blasting would damage the brick.
“Whatever we use, we have to be careful because that brick is 125 years old,” Armstrong said. “Sand-blasting is not an option....”
(Andrew Travers)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letter to the Editor "Lose the buses"
We couldn't agree more, Dieter.
RFTA is not only all you say in your letter to the Times, it is the most poorly run business in the region. Possibly the nation.
No project and nothing they ever commit to ever comes out the way it was either planned or promised.
Never is executed without bailouts and asking for more handouts.
When they cannot get their way? They force their way.
The folks would have more respect for CEO Blankenship and RFTA if he simply stood out on Hwy 82 and flew a sign.
Would certainly be cheaper.
Realistically, as long as there is the long-standing cronyism that fuels RFTA, things will not change.
So, it's up to the folks to vote into office a transfusion of new blood, new thinking and trustworthy politicians.
(Read Dieter's sensible approach to the problems known as RFTA? Click title. Comment to discuss)
RFTA is not only all you say in your letter to the Times, it is the most poorly run business in the region. Possibly the nation.
No project and nothing they ever commit to ever comes out the way it was either planned or promised.
Never is executed without bailouts and asking for more handouts.
When they cannot get their way? They force their way.
The folks would have more respect for CEO Blankenship and RFTA if he simply stood out on Hwy 82 and flew a sign.
Would certainly be cheaper.
Realistically, as long as there is the long-standing cronyism that fuels RFTA, things will not change.
So, it's up to the folks to vote into office a transfusion of new blood, new thinking and trustworthy politicians.
(Read Dieter's sensible approach to the problems known as RFTA? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Residents around Paonia fight drilling plans"
'SandBox Nanny' grew up on Kebler Pass in Colorado. Paonia on one side of the pass and Crested Butte on the other.
The most gorgeous, private and incredibly diverse area in Colorado. Spectacular country.
Anyone who intimately knows the land in question here would be protective from anything that would bring it harm.
And she is all for these leases being granted.
As long as when the deal is made the developer follows the lead of Bill Barrett Corp. and their Jack Canyon and Desolation Canyon project out in Utah.
As long as they follow the lead of EnCana and reclaim the land when done.
There needs to come a time in our history here in the United States when senseless environmentalism is brought to a halt. When frivolous and repetitive litigation by environmental groups that fail to do their full research before filing and/or refuse to look at any other view other than their own demands is stopped completely.
Compromise and the best interests of all can be found on middle ground. Desolation Canyon and companies such as Bill Barrett Corp and EnCana prove that.
Just say YES to the granting of these leases. Work out a deal that wins for all and then spend your time making sure that deal is upheld rather than spending it in court.
(Read more? Click title and links. Comment to discuss)
The most gorgeous, private and incredibly diverse area in Colorado. Spectacular country.
Anyone who intimately knows the land in question here would be protective from anything that would bring it harm.
And she is all for these leases being granted.
As long as when the deal is made the developer follows the lead of Bill Barrett Corp. and their Jack Canyon and Desolation Canyon project out in Utah.
As long as they follow the lead of EnCana and reclaim the land when done.
There needs to come a time in our history here in the United States when senseless environmentalism is brought to a halt. When frivolous and repetitive litigation by environmental groups that fail to do their full research before filing and/or refuse to look at any other view other than their own demands is stopped completely.
Compromise and the best interests of all can be found on middle ground. Desolation Canyon and companies such as Bill Barrett Corp and EnCana prove that.
Just say YES to the granting of these leases. Work out a deal that wins for all and then spend your time making sure that deal is upheld rather than spending it in court.
(Read more? Click title and links. Comment to discuss)
January 6, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail"
(sighs....rolls eyes....prays for patience....sighs again...)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
In our lifetime, will we ever see a headline on any of the Koch Brothers that's fair? Balanced? How about true?
Ya know, Ms. Urquhart. If you're going to force the guy, again, into the local headlines which will then be viral link baited around the globe within an hour or less of publication; at least get it right.
"MULTI-billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail".
Tonight, 'SandBox Nanny' sends out a thank you to all the Koch brothers, whether they are at peace with each other or not.
You are appreciated for all you do with your enterprises that bring so many jobs to Americans.
You are also appreciated for the random acts of philanthropy and generosity that you do for so many and also for the major good works you do that are never in the forefront.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Pity poor Bill Koch for having to undergo a complete forensic audit of his financial status simply to get a guardrail up on Castle Creek Road.
(Learn more? Get the juicy details? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
In our lifetime, will we ever see a headline on any of the Koch Brothers that's fair? Balanced? How about true?
Ya know, Ms. Urquhart. If you're going to force the guy, again, into the local headlines which will then be viral link baited around the globe within an hour or less of publication; at least get it right.
"MULTI-billionaire leads push for Castle Creek guardrail".
Tonight, 'SandBox Nanny' sends out a thank you to all the Koch brothers, whether they are at peace with each other or not.
You are appreciated for all you do with your enterprises that bring so many jobs to Americans.
You are also appreciated for the random acts of philanthropy and generosity that you do for so many and also for the major good works you do that are never in the forefront.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Pity poor Bill Koch for having to undergo a complete forensic audit of his financial status simply to get a guardrail up on Castle Creek Road.
(Learn more? Get the juicy details? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Local Company Strikes Big Deal With Vail Mountain"
Congratulations!!
What a major coup this is for the Western Slope of Colorado!! Thank you, Vail Resorts! Happy 50th Anniversary!
"...Vail Mountain is one of the premier resorts in the country and Leitner-Poma is thrilled its keeping its business in state.
The company’s president, Rick Spear says “They're a Colorado company and its great to work with them. This lift will involve over 20,000 man and woman hours of work right here in Colorado....”
(KJCT)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
What a major coup this is for the Western Slope of Colorado!! Thank you, Vail Resorts! Happy 50th Anniversary!
"...Vail Mountain is one of the premier resorts in the country and Leitner-Poma is thrilled its keeping its business in state.
The company’s president, Rick Spear says “They're a Colorado company and its great to work with them. This lift will involve over 20,000 man and woman hours of work right here in Colorado....”
(KJCT)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 5, 2012
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Melanie Sturm "America's New Years resolution: fiscal fitness"
"...Like a long-running soap opera whose actors change though the story line doesn't, we spend $4 billion more than we have every day — and growing. Since 2008, spending skyrocketed past our historical average of 20 percent of gross domestic product to 25 percent.
The problem isn't merely the amount of debt — though as Sen. Obama asserted before voting against the 2006 debt-ceiling increase, “Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren” — it's the size of the debt relative to our economy that reflects poor economic health. With our debt-to-GDP ratio at 100.3 percent versus 69.8 percent in 2008, we're living on “borrowed” time unless politicians stop deluding themselves that a stagnant private sector can finance a growing public sector.
The eurozone crisis offers America a timely warning that the battle of the spending and debt bulge is an existential one. Europe's saga is our “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” except America can avert doom by slashing spending levels and lifting private-sector burdens. If Sweden, Ireland and a new reform-minded Spanish government can do both — the reverse of what we've done during the Great Recession — America should, too...."
(Melanie Sturm)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The problem isn't merely the amount of debt — though as Sen. Obama asserted before voting against the 2006 debt-ceiling increase, “Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren” — it's the size of the debt relative to our economy that reflects poor economic health. With our debt-to-GDP ratio at 100.3 percent versus 69.8 percent in 2008, we're living on “borrowed” time unless politicians stop deluding themselves that a stagnant private sector can finance a growing public sector.
The eurozone crisis offers America a timely warning that the battle of the spending and debt bulge is an existential one. Europe's saga is our “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” except America can avert doom by slashing spending levels and lifting private-sector burdens. If Sweden, Ireland and a new reform-minded Spanish government can do both — the reverse of what we've done during the Great Recession — America should, too...."
(Melanie Sturm)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Crested Butte News "Council to consider support for Bear Ranch deal "
Just say YES.
Bill Koch's proposal for Bear Creek Ranch is and always has been, win-win.
"Former Crested Butte mayor Tom Glass of the Western Land Group, Inc. came before the council Tuesday, January 3 asking for a letter of support for the exchange. “We’ve been at this a long time,” he told the council. “Bear Ranch is a working ranch 20 miles west of here near Erickson Springs. The owner [energy billionaire Bill Koch] wants to obtain a strip of BLM land that split the ranch. We have proposed a land exchange.”
Under the proposal, Koch would obtain 1,846 acres of BLM land in six parcels near the property that would tie the Bear Ranch together. In exchange, he would purchase parcels of land near the Curecanti National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Marble, Paonia and Erickson Springs and give them to the public....."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Bill Koch's proposal for Bear Creek Ranch is and always has been, win-win.
"Former Crested Butte mayor Tom Glass of the Western Land Group, Inc. came before the council Tuesday, January 3 asking for a letter of support for the exchange. “We’ve been at this a long time,” he told the council. “Bear Ranch is a working ranch 20 miles west of here near Erickson Springs. The owner [energy billionaire Bill Koch] wants to obtain a strip of BLM land that split the ranch. We have proposed a land exchange.”
Under the proposal, Koch would obtain 1,846 acres of BLM land in six parcels near the property that would tie the Bear Ranch together. In exchange, he would purchase parcels of land near the Curecanti National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Marble, Paonia and Erickson Springs and give them to the public....."
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "‘Wildways for Wildlife' in Vail"
This has been in the works here in Colorado for years. The folks are pretty happy over how beautiful this concept is and that it solves the problem as well.
We can hardly wait to get through the seemingly endless preliminaries with all powers that be and actually get construction started.
Imagine...these 'wildways' throughout the entire U.S.
(Want to see? Click title. Comment to discuss)
We can hardly wait to get through the seemingly endless preliminaries with all powers that be and actually get construction started.
Imagine...these 'wildways' throughout the entire U.S.
(Want to see? Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 4, 2012
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Sky Watching: Happy Perihelion!"
Bob Berwyn isn't our fav astronomer guy. Professor Jimmy Westlake, over on Steamboat Today is our absolutely best fav 'star man'.
But...Berwyn does put out some good posts on what's happening in the galaxy. This one is quite interesting.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It may not be quite as sexy as the recent lunar eclipse, or as spectacular as this morning’s meteor shower, but Earth nonetheless experiences another celestial milestone today when it reaches it’s closest point to the sun during its 365-day orbit.
To be precise, at perihelion, our planet will close in to within about 91 million miles of the sun, more than 3 million miles closer than at the early July aphelion, when the the Earth and sun are more than 94 million miles apart. All this because, of course, the Earth’s orbit is elliptical and not circular.
It may seem counter-intuitive that the Earth is closer to the sun during the coldest time of the year, but the temperatures at the surface of the planet are influenced by the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis and the angle of the sun’s rays much more than by the distance from the sun. Because of that tilt, the northern hemisphere days are much shorter in our winter, leading to the colder temperatures.
According to NASA, there are measurable differences in solar heating that result from our planet’s slightly elliptical orbit.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
But...Berwyn does put out some good posts on what's happening in the galaxy. This one is quite interesting.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — It may not be quite as sexy as the recent lunar eclipse, or as spectacular as this morning’s meteor shower, but Earth nonetheless experiences another celestial milestone today when it reaches it’s closest point to the sun during its 365-day orbit.
To be precise, at perihelion, our planet will close in to within about 91 million miles of the sun, more than 3 million miles closer than at the early July aphelion, when the the Earth and sun are more than 94 million miles apart. All this because, of course, the Earth’s orbit is elliptical and not circular.
It may seem counter-intuitive that the Earth is closer to the sun during the coldest time of the year, but the temperatures at the surface of the planet are influenced by the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis and the angle of the sun’s rays much more than by the distance from the sun. Because of that tilt, the northern hemisphere days are much shorter in our winter, leading to the colder temperatures.
According to NASA, there are measurable differences in solar heating that result from our planet’s slightly elliptical orbit.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Summit sunset series"
Anyone who thinks bloggers and commentary moderators have it easy, think again.
We don't have regular hours, days off unless we force them to be scheduled or the luxury of just a set scope of duties.
With as many as a dozen forums at a pop up on one's computer screen and heavy activity such as the Iowa Caucuses last night, the instant gratification you all see out there comes at a price for those of us who are currently etching out a living in the blogosphere.
So, today...SandBox says "Thank you" to Texas Governor Rick Perry for staying the course. Wait for it that our predictions given in the previous post come to pass.
Until tomorrow on this forum, here are a couple of relaxing spots for you followers. All credit goes to Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
We don't have regular hours, days off unless we force them to be scheduled or the luxury of just a set scope of duties.
With as many as a dozen forums at a pop up on one's computer screen and heavy activity such as the Iowa Caucuses last night, the instant gratification you all see out there comes at a price for those of us who are currently etching out a living in the blogosphere.
So, today...SandBox says "Thank you" to Texas Governor Rick Perry for staying the course. Wait for it that our predictions given in the previous post come to pass.
Until tomorrow on this forum, here are a couple of relaxing spots for you followers. All credit goes to Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
January 3, 2012
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "DA to sift 400 cases in probe of ex-trooper"
We'll take a larger snip of this article on Trooper Moseman in today's Grand Junction Daily Sentinel because it is the portion that sums up what avatars in commentary have been voicing concerns over.
First, that when Hautzinger pointed out the discrepancies, Moseman had been suspected for years prior to. The folks are asking why it took so long for prosecutors, other cops and also the state patrol to speak up.
Second, the overall stress factor dumping this huge number of cases on our already weighted judicial system in the 21st District and how much that is going to cost the folks.
Very good report by Paul Shockley over on the Sentinel. Be sure to click title and read in its entirety.
Paul Shockley:
"Nearly 400 cases dating back to 2008 in Mesa County will be re-examined in the face of credibility concerns surrounding a former Colorado State Patrol trooper, Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said.
Hautzinger’s assessment came after the District Attorney’s Office recently was provided a list of cases involving former trooper Donald Moseman over the past three years, which covers Moseman’s most recent stint working in Mesa County.
Hautzinger said the task of assessing old Moseman cases could take months, adding he may have to hire temporary employees or law school interns to assist with the job.
“My existing staff is already swamped,” he said.
At the DA’s request, the State Patrol compiled a list of all cases in which Moseman was the primary investigating officer or a significant witness. Hautzinger said a cursory review of the list showed everything from speeding infractions to alcohol- or drug-impaired driving arrests, in addition to at least two felony cases involving vehicular eluding and motor vehicle theft. The list was not released.
It does not include the 12 pending criminal cases, mostly DUI arrests in 2011 in which Moseman was the sole witness, that already have been dismissed by Hautzinger’s office over the past three weeks.
Reports were suspect
Moseman’s work became the focus of an internal investigation by the State Patrol after the District Attorney’s Office in October pointed out inconsistencies in Moseman’s case reports.
The State Patrol investigation found Moseman displayed a bias against drivers “who may have consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving,” State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt wrote in a letter to Hautzinger dated Dec. 5.
The letter said Moseman has submitted reports that combined information from prior arrests and the new criminal allegations, “resulting in reports which contained wrong or conflicting information.”
Hautzinger and State Patrol leadership have declined to elaborate.
First, that when Hautzinger pointed out the discrepancies, Moseman had been suspected for years prior to. The folks are asking why it took so long for prosecutors, other cops and also the state patrol to speak up.
Second, the overall stress factor dumping this huge number of cases on our already weighted judicial system in the 21st District and how much that is going to cost the folks.
Very good report by Paul Shockley over on the Sentinel. Be sure to click title and read in its entirety.
Paul Shockley:
"Nearly 400 cases dating back to 2008 in Mesa County will be re-examined in the face of credibility concerns surrounding a former Colorado State Patrol trooper, Mesa County District Attorney Pete Hautzinger said.
Hautzinger’s assessment came after the District Attorney’s Office recently was provided a list of cases involving former trooper Donald Moseman over the past three years, which covers Moseman’s most recent stint working in Mesa County.
Hautzinger said the task of assessing old Moseman cases could take months, adding he may have to hire temporary employees or law school interns to assist with the job.
“My existing staff is already swamped,” he said.
At the DA’s request, the State Patrol compiled a list of all cases in which Moseman was the primary investigating officer or a significant witness. Hautzinger said a cursory review of the list showed everything from speeding infractions to alcohol- or drug-impaired driving arrests, in addition to at least two felony cases involving vehicular eluding and motor vehicle theft. The list was not released.
It does not include the 12 pending criminal cases, mostly DUI arrests in 2011 in which Moseman was the sole witness, that already have been dismissed by Hautzinger’s office over the past three weeks.
Reports were suspect
Moseman’s work became the focus of an internal investigation by the State Patrol after the District Attorney’s Office in October pointed out inconsistencies in Moseman’s case reports.
The State Patrol investigation found Moseman displayed a bias against drivers “who may have consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving,” State Patrol Maj. Barry Bratt wrote in a letter to Hautzinger dated Dec. 5.
The letter said Moseman has submitted reports that combined information from prior arrests and the new criminal allegations, “resulting in reports which contained wrong or conflicting information.”
Hautzinger and State Patrol leadership have declined to elaborate.
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Vail's growth boosts sales tax revenue'
(See related story here)
One of the major problems privately owned Aspen has, is how far behind they are in building infrastructure.
It's going to really hurt and take a powerful toll now that they've hit the wall and realize that they must change or they will continue to lag behind other major resorts in the region.
Lodging, restaurants, amenities that are aimed at real needs among vacationers. Families, international guests, large events, the arts and sciences.
Lots of work to be done up in Aspen. Of course we support the effort completely, it is simply that there is a very long way to go with the general population not even sure yet whether or not the Skico is listening.
Good article over on the Vail Daily this morning.
"...Rayla Kundolf, director at Masters Gallery in Vail Village, said everyone wants to go to the new hot spots, but once that settles down, she expects all businesses in town to get a more even piece of the overall pie.
“I think it will spread out,” Kundolf said.
She reports that the gallery is about flat with last winter so far, but flat isn't bad when you're talking about a record-breaking December 2010 in terms of overall town sales tax revenues. She thinks people came to town a little later this season and seem to be staying a little later, too.
New hot spots also help existing businesses raise the bar, Kundolf said, which is good for the town as a whole.
“Each business needs to constantly reinvent themselves to keep it fresh, keep it new,” she said.
Growth in the town seems to have peaked — although Vail Resorts is still pushing through its $1 billion Ever Vail application, which would add more commercial space, condominiums and hotel rooms to the west side of Lionshead — and looking back on the strategy, some feel it has worked.
Vail Councilman Greg Moffet, who also owns Tiga Advertising and is on the Vail Economic Advisory Council, said new square footage in town has helped lower rents and allow a more diversified tenant base. A few years ago, places such as candy shops, wine and coffee shops would have had trouble affording space in either village, he said.
“The tenant mix is broadening,” Moffet said. “I think the pie is getting bigger — not getting bigger as fast as overall growth and retail space, but I think it will catch up quickly.”
Moffet said it's hard to analyze economic data from the past 21⁄2 years because the national economy has been so bad. But having a better product mix in town means more people will shop, Moffet said.
“I see it creating opportunity,” he said. “Most of my customers aren't complaining.”
(Lauren Glendenning)
Read more on what's going on in Vail?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
One of the major problems privately owned Aspen has, is how far behind they are in building infrastructure.
It's going to really hurt and take a powerful toll now that they've hit the wall and realize that they must change or they will continue to lag behind other major resorts in the region.
Lodging, restaurants, amenities that are aimed at real needs among vacationers. Families, international guests, large events, the arts and sciences.
Lots of work to be done up in Aspen. Of course we support the effort completely, it is simply that there is a very long way to go with the general population not even sure yet whether or not the Skico is listening.
Good article over on the Vail Daily this morning.
"...Rayla Kundolf, director at Masters Gallery in Vail Village, said everyone wants to go to the new hot spots, but once that settles down, she expects all businesses in town to get a more even piece of the overall pie.
“I think it will spread out,” Kundolf said.
She reports that the gallery is about flat with last winter so far, but flat isn't bad when you're talking about a record-breaking December 2010 in terms of overall town sales tax revenues. She thinks people came to town a little later this season and seem to be staying a little later, too.
New hot spots also help existing businesses raise the bar, Kundolf said, which is good for the town as a whole.
“Each business needs to constantly reinvent themselves to keep it fresh, keep it new,” she said.
Growth in the town seems to have peaked — although Vail Resorts is still pushing through its $1 billion Ever Vail application, which would add more commercial space, condominiums and hotel rooms to the west side of Lionshead — and looking back on the strategy, some feel it has worked.
Vail Councilman Greg Moffet, who also owns Tiga Advertising and is on the Vail Economic Advisory Council, said new square footage in town has helped lower rents and allow a more diversified tenant base. A few years ago, places such as candy shops, wine and coffee shops would have had trouble affording space in either village, he said.
“The tenant mix is broadening,” Moffet said. “I think the pie is getting bigger — not getting bigger as fast as overall growth and retail space, but I think it will catch up quickly.”
Moffet said it's hard to analyze economic data from the past 21⁄2 years because the national economy has been so bad. But having a better product mix in town means more people will shop, Moffet said.
“I see it creating opportunity,” he said. “Most of my customers aren't complaining.”
(Lauren Glendenning)
Read more on what's going on in Vail?
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Power up the Power of Four"
Very well said. We couldn't agree more.
But, along with changing the way the world views Aspen and the Aspen Skico comes what lies at the core of the real problem.
The Crown Family has made Aspen into a mirror of themselves and their choices in life. We're privately owned and they do what they wish.
When the Aspen Ski Corp. finally cuts the umbilical cord and becomes a real grown-up corporation that is a business in the service oriented industries, then and only then will there be a complete turn for the better. As it stands now, the company is performing well to exactly what it is currently set up to be.
The Power of One.
’Tis the season, so let’s raise a glass to the many good things the Aspen Skiing Co. has accomplished under Jim Crown’s stewardship. Serious steady investment, great people, no layoffs in tough times, and shared values including a love of Aspen, an abiding respect for the environment and delight in sharing it with others.
Yet no matter how well intentioned, it feels like SkiCo is waxing the wrong skis.
Greg Stump captured the Aspen experience brilliantly in the Power of Four.
Unfortunately, the business execution for a number of years now more resembles the power of one — Aspen affluent — in four different locations.....
......Instead of service that supports an experience aimed at each mountain’s natural audience with their own distinct wants and needs, service has been averaged to be more or less the same at all mountains. It’s as if we are pretending to be one huge mountain — like Vail — and in the process missing an equally huge opportunity.
How about showcasing Aspen Mountain with service that creates an experience beyond anything seen in the industry or the other three mountains in the valley? To do that, Aspen must beat Deer Valley, which is unfettered by the level of service offered at neighboring Park City. Bottom line, an Aspen Mountain ski ticket should be the most expensive in America and worth every penny — complete with Ritz levels of style and service, perfectly in keeping with the Aspen name.
The season pass should remain a four-mountain pass. Different daily prices for different mountains can be charged against a prepaid amount on a visitor’s electronic pass.
The Power of Four is the power to mesmerize four distinct audiences while your competitors work at being all things to all people, and important to none.
The mountains are waiting, the people are ready — what’s needed now is a bit of audacity."
Charlie Hughes was the founding CEO of Land Rover in the U.S., supported the 24 Hours of Aspen for years, and co-authored a book on branding titled “Branding Iron.” Charlie and his family first skied on Snowmass in 1989 and have owned a place there since 1993.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
But, along with changing the way the world views Aspen and the Aspen Skico comes what lies at the core of the real problem.
The Crown Family has made Aspen into a mirror of themselves and their choices in life. We're privately owned and they do what they wish.
When the Aspen Ski Corp. finally cuts the umbilical cord and becomes a real grown-up corporation that is a business in the service oriented industries, then and only then will there be a complete turn for the better. As it stands now, the company is performing well to exactly what it is currently set up to be.
The Power of One.
’Tis the season, so let’s raise a glass to the many good things the Aspen Skiing Co. has accomplished under Jim Crown’s stewardship. Serious steady investment, great people, no layoffs in tough times, and shared values including a love of Aspen, an abiding respect for the environment and delight in sharing it with others.
Yet no matter how well intentioned, it feels like SkiCo is waxing the wrong skis.
Greg Stump captured the Aspen experience brilliantly in the Power of Four.
Unfortunately, the business execution for a number of years now more resembles the power of one — Aspen affluent — in four different locations.....
......Instead of service that supports an experience aimed at each mountain’s natural audience with their own distinct wants and needs, service has been averaged to be more or less the same at all mountains. It’s as if we are pretending to be one huge mountain — like Vail — and in the process missing an equally huge opportunity.
How about showcasing Aspen Mountain with service that creates an experience beyond anything seen in the industry or the other three mountains in the valley? To do that, Aspen must beat Deer Valley, which is unfettered by the level of service offered at neighboring Park City. Bottom line, an Aspen Mountain ski ticket should be the most expensive in America and worth every penny — complete with Ritz levels of style and service, perfectly in keeping with the Aspen name.
The season pass should remain a four-mountain pass. Different daily prices for different mountains can be charged against a prepaid amount on a visitor’s electronic pass.
The Power of Four is the power to mesmerize four distinct audiences while your competitors work at being all things to all people, and important to none.
The mountains are waiting, the people are ready — what’s needed now is a bit of audacity."
Charlie Hughes was the founding CEO of Land Rover in the U.S., supported the 24 Hours of Aspen for years, and co-authored a book on branding titled “Branding Iron.” Charlie and his family first skied on Snowmass in 1989 and have owned a place there since 1993.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: B&W"
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A short selection of images post-processed with the goal of recreating some old Kodak Plus X vibes …"
"SUMMIT COUNTY — A short selection of images post-processed with the goal of recreating some old Kodak Plus X vibes …"
SandBox Comments: Goose Radio "It Was All a Big Mistake!"
They've been flooding in.
Heartwarming stories of how the Goose touched their lives with positive change.
Cries of anguish that his voice will no longer speak to them on their daily commutes or off their streaming news podcasts as they work through the day.
Conservative leaning bloggers, commentators and podcasters reach out to America over the next few days and share their beloved Goose.
This morning, we start off with his classic 'Obama guy' at mid-term elections.
Heartwarming stories of how the Goose touched their lives with positive change.
Cries of anguish that his voice will no longer speak to them on their daily commutes or off their streaming news podcasts as they work through the day.
Conservative leaning bloggers, commentators and podcasters reach out to America over the next few days and share their beloved Goose.
This morning, we start off with his classic 'Obama guy' at mid-term elections.
January 2, 2012
SandBox Comments: Goose Radio "Farewell!"
Who's the King?
Goose Nissley.
We agree.
Long live the King.
Boy, we're sure sorry to see the Goose move on. It's been great.
Right back at ya, Mr. Nissley.
"On October 27th, 2008 GooseRadio swept onto the fruited plain of the intenets. One day later, we posted our first podcast (featuring an Italian opera based on Al Gore’s environmental musings). The site was an endeavor not only to inform and occasionally (hopefully) entertain friends who would stop by (something many other sites have done well) – but further, to provide you with a general sense of well being.
For just a touch over three years we trod a path at times insightful, humorous, and even heart warming via a stellar group of contributors. Blog entries ranged from the presidential horse race to the Minnesota Twins and to a life of faith. The GooseRadio Podcast offered spirited musings featuring friends like Obama Guy, an angry journalist and noted important personages.
There were laughs, there were moments that left you saying… what just happened. It’s truly been real!
Alas – it’s time to say our farewells. Like an aging ball player, we wanted to go out on top.
Thanks a ton for reading, listening and sticking with us through thick, thin, and any additional inconveniences we may have presented you. Here’s hoping you enjoyed yourself just a tiny bit along the way.
I’ll still be blogging a bit on culture and politics with even an occasional podcast over at http://goosenissley.tumblr.com if you’d like to stop by and relive the glory days when you get a hankering.
Until next we meet — may the Lord richly bless you… and may he multiply your descendants like the sands upon the seashore!
Thank you, friends."
Goose Nissley.
We agree.
Long live the King.
Boy, we're sure sorry to see the Goose move on. It's been great.
Right back at ya, Mr. Nissley.
"On October 27th, 2008 GooseRadio swept onto the fruited plain of the intenets. One day later, we posted our first podcast (featuring an Italian opera based on Al Gore’s environmental musings). The site was an endeavor not only to inform and occasionally (hopefully) entertain friends who would stop by (something many other sites have done well) – but further, to provide you with a general sense of well being.
For just a touch over three years we trod a path at times insightful, humorous, and even heart warming via a stellar group of contributors. Blog entries ranged from the presidential horse race to the Minnesota Twins and to a life of faith. The GooseRadio Podcast offered spirited musings featuring friends like Obama Guy, an angry journalist and noted important personages.
There were laughs, there were moments that left you saying… what just happened. It’s truly been real!
Alas – it’s time to say our farewells. Like an aging ball player, we wanted to go out on top.
Thanks a ton for reading, listening and sticking with us through thick, thin, and any additional inconveniences we may have presented you. Here’s hoping you enjoyed yourself just a tiny bit along the way.
I’ll still be blogging a bit on culture and politics with even an occasional podcast over at http://goosenissley.tumblr.com if you’d like to stop by and relive the glory days when you get a hankering.
Until next we meet — may the Lord richly bless you… and may he multiply your descendants like the sands upon the seashore!
Thank you, friends."
SandBox Comments: National Review/Steve King "Amnesty or New Idea?"
(Read article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Intellectual Conservative "Mexico’s Feds Dismantle Local Police Force"
Here's another really big upside to electing Texas Governor Rick Perry and turning him lose with Sheriff Joe Arpaio to secure the borders.
That will not only mean illegal foreign nationals can no longer sneak across into the USA, it also means that Mexico's government must finally deal with their own problems.
We have never seen a President of Mexico who has ever taken control and accountability for their own country into their hands.
To secure the border, seal it up tight and let Mexico implode so that it's forced to clean itself up is the best idea to hit the stump. Ever.
Get our military out of Mexico and bring them home.
"The problem with corruption within Mexican coupled with the political corruption within Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department — including harebrained schemes like the Fast & Furious debacle — makes it less likely that the 'war on drugs' will end successfully," said former narcotics detective Glenn Knudsen.
A major police department in Mexico has been completely dismantled by federal police and military forces as part of an anti-corruption plan to help in winning Mexico's de facto war on drugs.
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
That will not only mean illegal foreign nationals can no longer sneak across into the USA, it also means that Mexico's government must finally deal with their own problems.
We have never seen a President of Mexico who has ever taken control and accountability for their own country into their hands.
To secure the border, seal it up tight and let Mexico implode so that it's forced to clean itself up is the best idea to hit the stump. Ever.
Get our military out of Mexico and bring them home.
"The problem with corruption within Mexican coupled with the political corruption within Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department — including harebrained schemes like the Fast & Furious debacle — makes it less likely that the 'war on drugs' will end successfully," said former narcotics detective Glenn Knudsen.
A major police department in Mexico has been completely dismantled by federal police and military forces as part of an anti-corruption plan to help in winning Mexico's de facto war on drugs.
More than 900 officers in the State of Veracruz are losing their jobs, while members of the Mexican
Navy are taking over the city's law enforcement function, according to a report from a DEA source.
Police lay-offs come three months after 35 bodies were found dumped on a main road in the municipality, which includes part of Veracruz.
Navy troops backed by federal police officers took control of local police buildings and are patrolling the streets.
Veracruz State Governor Javier Duarte said the decision to disband the force was part of a national program to reform the police, according to the DEA source.
"The problem with corruption within Mexican coupled with the political corruption within Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department — including harebrained schemes like the Fast & Furious debacle — make it less likely that the 'war on drugs' will end successfully," said former narcotics detective Glenn Knudsen...."
(Jim Kouri)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "From the Street – 2012"
'by Rumors, Innuendos and Abject Speculation':
"Your Cordillera neighborhood dues are going up.
The Cordillera membership voted last week to (self-inflict) an increase of $1,000.00/yr to the ($2,000/yr) dues they already pay. The reason? The ongoing cost to defend the lawsuit filed against Cordillera by the Wilhelm Family Partnership.
Allegations received by ECT folks suggest that the membership didn’t have a real problem with the additional $1,000.00 because so few of these same folks (allegedly) are NOT going to pay their Cordillera Golf Course annual dues (due in January 2012) because of (what was promised and not delivered) by the WFP last year.
Promised what last year? (Words/emails to the effect – if you pay your annual dues on time and in full) the WFP will open all 4 Cordillera Golf Courses this (2011) Golf Season.
And not Delivered in 2011? All the Cordillera Golf Courses didn’t open last year.
How the WFP intends to cover the annual Golf Course operations cost this year (2012) if very few Golf Course members pay their dues this year is unknown at this writing.
"Your Cordillera neighborhood dues are going up.
The Cordillera membership voted last week to (self-inflict) an increase of $1,000.00/yr to the ($2,000/yr) dues they already pay. The reason? The ongoing cost to defend the lawsuit filed against Cordillera by the Wilhelm Family Partnership.
Allegations received by ECT folks suggest that the membership didn’t have a real problem with the additional $1,000.00 because so few of these same folks (allegedly) are NOT going to pay their Cordillera Golf Course annual dues (due in January 2012) because of (what was promised and not delivered) by the WFP last year.
Promised what last year? (Words/emails to the effect – if you pay your annual dues on time and in full) the WFP will open all 4 Cordillera Golf Courses this (2011) Golf Season.
And not Delivered in 2011? All the Cordillera Golf Courses didn’t open last year.
How the WFP intends to cover the annual Golf Course operations cost this year (2012) if very few Golf Course members pay their dues this year is unknown at this writing.
You’ll recall the Cordillera (counter-claim) lawsuit against the WFP (et al) was given class action status by District Court Judge – Fred Gannett last year (Click Here)...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Colorado Springs Gazette "Rookie prosecutors cut teeth on DUI, misdemeanor cases"
A very interesting look at statistics out of El Paso County from jury commissioner Dennis McKinney.
As of this morning, no DA race for the 4th Judicial District is noted on Colorado Sec. of State 'TRACER'.
As of this morning, no DA race for the 4th Judicial District is noted on Colorado Sec. of State 'TRACER'.
"..The 376 trials is a record but represents just a fraction of the tens of thousands of cases filed in the District Attorney’s Office in Teller and El Paso counties each year, according to statistics available on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
Most filings end in plea agreements.
But clearly the jump in cases going to trial is proof that May was serious about a tough stand on certain types of cases.
As part of May’s revamped training, new recruits must complete 15 county court trials, a switch from an earlier policy that saw some attorneys advance to District Court after only one or two, the district attorney said.
At the same time, May set a goal to increase the number of trials in county court from about 150 a year to about 200 a year.
Felony trials also rose on May’s watch, according to figures he supplied showing the office hit a record in 2010 with about 165 felony trials and nearly matched it this year, with about 150 trials.
“Those are the two highest totals in the history of this office,” he said.
McKinney and May keep separate tallies of court trials.
The District Attorney’s Office still is compiling figures for the year and hasn’t completed a break down of its prosecutions, May said.
Of the trials in District Court this year, 11 were for first-degree murder, tying the number of first-degree murder trials last year, McKinney said.
The figures show that 26,000 people reported for jury duty this year. Of those, about 12 percent ended up serving on a jury...."
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/prosecutors-131026-rookie-wanted.html#ixzz1iKGLU6at
Most filings end in plea agreements.
But clearly the jump in cases going to trial is proof that May was serious about a tough stand on certain types of cases.
As part of May’s revamped training, new recruits must complete 15 county court trials, a switch from an earlier policy that saw some attorneys advance to District Court after only one or two, the district attorney said.
At the same time, May set a goal to increase the number of trials in county court from about 150 a year to about 200 a year.
Felony trials also rose on May’s watch, according to figures he supplied showing the office hit a record in 2010 with about 165 felony trials and nearly matched it this year, with about 150 trials.
“Those are the two highest totals in the history of this office,” he said.
McKinney and May keep separate tallies of court trials.
The District Attorney’s Office still is compiling figures for the year and hasn’t completed a break down of its prosecutions, May said.
Of the trials in District Court this year, 11 were for first-degree murder, tying the number of first-degree murder trials last year, McKinney said.
The figures show that 26,000 people reported for jury duty this year. Of those, about 12 percent ended up serving on a jury...."
Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/prosecutors-131026-rookie-wanted.html#ixzz1iKGLU6at
SandBox Comments: Denver 9 News "Slain federal agent was getting dad's cancer meds"
"NEW YORK (AP) - An off-duty federal law enforcement agent who died while confronting a pharmacy robber was picking up his elderly father's cancer medication, a New York congressman said Sunday.
Veteran agent John Capano had chased down the suspect inside the store and was trying to subdue him on the ground when he died, said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. The robber, who was also shot to death, was identified Sunday by police as 43-year-old James McGoey of Hampton Bays.
"John was with him on the ground wrestling," said King, who has spoken with local authorities and Capano's family. "Next thing you know, shots are fired."
McGoey went into Charlie's Family Pharmacy in Seaford, a small shorefront Long Island town, at about 2 p.m. on New Year's Eve, police said. He announced a holdup and was given what he came for: painkillers and money.
Capano, a trained explosives expert who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, confronted McGoey as he tried to leave the store. Meanwhile, an off-duty NYPD officer and a retired Nassau County police officer who happened to be at a deli next door were alerted that someone was trying to rob the pharmacy, King said.
"This is a horrible confluence of events," King said. "They both hear this guy saying there's a robbery going on. They get their guns, they go next door."
It's not clear who shot either man. Capano, 51, died of a gunshot wound at a hospital. He was a 23-year veteran of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who taught U.S. military and local forces in Afghanistan and Iraq how to investigate blasts, said Rory O'Connor, assistant special agent in charge in the ATF's New York office...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Veteran agent John Capano had chased down the suspect inside the store and was trying to subdue him on the ground when he died, said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. The robber, who was also shot to death, was identified Sunday by police as 43-year-old James McGoey of Hampton Bays.
"John was with him on the ground wrestling," said King, who has spoken with local authorities and Capano's family. "Next thing you know, shots are fired."
McGoey went into Charlie's Family Pharmacy in Seaford, a small shorefront Long Island town, at about 2 p.m. on New Year's Eve, police said. He announced a holdup and was given what he came for: painkillers and money.
Capano, a trained explosives expert who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, confronted McGoey as he tried to leave the store. Meanwhile, an off-duty NYPD officer and a retired Nassau County police officer who happened to be at a deli next door were alerted that someone was trying to rob the pharmacy, King said.
"This is a horrible confluence of events," King said. "They both hear this guy saying there's a robbery going on. They get their guns, they go next door."
It's not clear who shot either man. Capano, 51, died of a gunshot wound at a hospital. He was a 23-year veteran of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who taught U.S. military and local forces in Afghanistan and Iraq how to investigate blasts, said Rory O'Connor, assistant special agent in charge in the ATF's New York office...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "County Commissioner’s – 2011 Christmas Gift to Eagle County Taxpayers!"
Coming off their annual vacay at the 'speed of thought', the Eagle County Times blogging crew is rev'd up for the New Year!
Pick up your copy of: "Open Space for Dummies" today!
(lol...Learn how? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Pick up your copy of: "Open Space for Dummies" today!
(lol...Learn how? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Red Sandstone Elementary – The solution is obvious!"
Just as sure as sooner or later, Coloradans can count on it snowing in the winter, the ECT guys take a week off at the end of the year.
They do that just because it gives them the energy boost to roar back come the New Year and take everything they see in front of them in stride.
Still waiting for Superman?
2012 and the next four years will mark apocalyptic proportion, positive changes to the way we fund our public education in America.
Stay tuned to the Eagle County Times crew of bloggers for all the local and regional updates.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
They do that just because it gives them the energy boost to roar back come the New Year and take everything they see in front of them in stride.
Still waiting for Superman?
2012 and the next four years will mark apocalyptic proportion, positive changes to the way we fund our public education in America.
Stay tuned to the Eagle County Times crew of bloggers for all the local and regional updates.
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Canon City Daily Record "'Over The River' No. 1 story of the year"
"On Nov. 7, "Over The River" reached its most significant milestone since the temporary work of art's vision was conceived on canvas in artist Christo's New York studio in 1992.
After a three-year comprehensive analysis, the Bureau of Land Management announced its Record of Decision this fall, giving federal approval to Christo and the late Jeanne-Claude's original vision to suspend 5.9 miles (3,200,000 square feet) of fabric panels along a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River.
Christo, 76, said OTR is the first ever art project to require an Environmental Impact Statement, which normally is reserved for major infrastructures such as bridges, highways, dams and airports.
"This is a historic event, that for the first time in the history of art and the history of the federal government of the United States, a work of art has an Environmental Impact Statement," Christo said during a luncheon with Friends of Over The River and civic and business leaders at the Fremont Center for the Arts earlier this month.
From 1992 to 1994, the artists and their team traveled 14,000 miles in the Rocky Mountains in search of a site for the project. After prospecting 89 rivers in seven states, six possible locations were found. The Arkansas River was selected in 1996.
The project since has been a hot topic in several community meetings and public hearings in Fremont and Chaffee counties. It required a nearly three-year, 1,686 page comprehensive analysis by the BLM, which ultimately identified all potential impacts and more than 100 measures to mitigate traffic, safety, wildlife and other concerns...."
(CARIE CANTERBURY )
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
After a three-year comprehensive analysis, the Bureau of Land Management announced its Record of Decision this fall, giving federal approval to Christo and the late Jeanne-Claude's original vision to suspend 5.9 miles (3,200,000 square feet) of fabric panels along a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River.
Christo, 76, said OTR is the first ever art project to require an Environmental Impact Statement, which normally is reserved for major infrastructures such as bridges, highways, dams and airports.
"This is a historic event, that for the first time in the history of art and the history of the federal government of the United States, a work of art has an Environmental Impact Statement," Christo said during a luncheon with Friends of Over The River and civic and business leaders at the Fremont Center for the Arts earlier this month.
From 1992 to 1994, the artists and their team traveled 14,000 miles in the Rocky Mountains in search of a site for the project. After prospecting 89 rivers in seven states, six possible locations were found. The Arkansas River was selected in 1996.
The project since has been a hot topic in several community meetings and public hearings in Fremont and Chaffee counties. It required a nearly three-year, 1,686 page comprehensive analysis by the BLM, which ultimately identified all potential impacts and more than 100 measures to mitigate traffic, safety, wildlife and other concerns...."
(CARIE CANTERBURY )
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "2011: Year in photos, October – December'
(All credit: Bob Berywn)
January 1, 2012
SandBox Comments: Town Hall/Bill O'Reilly "Good Riddance 2011 "
"Bad year, 2011, even though some bad guys and charlatans got a karma blast. Osama bin Laden got it up close and personal from a Navy SEAL, while his cohort al-Awlaki got drilled from the sky. Gadhafi went down, and al-Assad is tottering.
Schwarzenegger, Weiner, Sheen and Cain all got hammered in the court of public opinion. Blagojevich, Bonds and Mubarak were held accountable in actual courts.
Casey Anthony got away with killing her 2-year-old daughter. Amanda Knox finally beat the rap in Italy. And Kim Kardashian continued to be the poster girl for narcissism.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, by all accounts a stellar human being, survived a brutal gun attack, but more than 20,000 Japanese did not survive the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March.
But things like those listed above happen every year. The primary reason that 2011 is not a year to remember is focused around one thing: The folks continue to get a bad deal..."
(Bill O'Reilly)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Schwarzenegger, Weiner, Sheen and Cain all got hammered in the court of public opinion. Blagojevich, Bonds and Mubarak were held accountable in actual courts.
Casey Anthony got away with killing her 2-year-old daughter. Amanda Knox finally beat the rap in Italy. And Kim Kardashian continued to be the poster girl for narcissism.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, by all accounts a stellar human being, survived a brutal gun attack, but more than 20,000 Japanese did not survive the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March.
But things like those listed above happen every year. The primary reason that 2011 is not a year to remember is focused around one thing: The folks continue to get a bad deal..."
(Bill O'Reilly)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Pair held in 5-day shooting spree"
SandBox is just at a loss for words on this story out of Grand Junction.
'SandBox Nanny' keeps feeling a sense of what law enforcement has got to be feeling over this one.
You are so appreciated. Thanks so much for your service. A very special thank you here in Garfield County to Garfield County Sheriff and their TAG program.
Stay the course.
Grand Junction Sentinel:
"..According to the affidavit, other events that occurred during the shooting spree include:
Plotner admitting he fired through a home’s second-story window, while Kintz drove. No one was injured, but one of the people in the home, Jered Sawyer, told investigators the shooting may have been in retaliation for gang-related violence. Sawyer told police he had stabbed one of Kintz’s friends during a dispute a couple years ago, and Sawyer had been charged with smashing out the windows of a car of another friend of Kintz.
Sawyer said he is part of the Nortenos gang, and Kintz and his friends are part of a rival gang, the Surenos.
Sawyer also told police Kintz, whom he said is known as “Wedito” on the street, published a song on MySpace that threatened to kill Sawyer.
“Aaron described feeling anger and rage at times and wanting to kill people. He said he told Darian that if he had anyone he needed taken care of, Aaron would do it. Darian talked of past issues with Jered (Sawyer) and showed Aaron, Jered Sawyer’s home.”
On the night of Dec. 27, Plotner shot through the windshield of a parked car outside of Sawyer’s home, but the men didn’t know if it was Sawyer’s vehicle. The following day, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the men returned to the home, 458 Mesa Lake Drive.
“On this occasion Aaron sat in the back seat on the driver side so he could shoot in the direction of Jered’s home. Aaron admitted shooting at the window of the upper level of the home, but did not see anyone.
When asked if he would have felt bad for hitting an occupant, even a 4-year-old that was home, Aaron said he would not have cared and indicated he was hoping to hit someone inside....”
(Read more, click title. Comment to discuss)
'SandBox Nanny' keeps feeling a sense of what law enforcement has got to be feeling over this one.
You are so appreciated. Thanks so much for your service. A very special thank you here in Garfield County to Garfield County Sheriff and their TAG program.
Stay the course.
Grand Junction Sentinel:
"..According to the affidavit, other events that occurred during the shooting spree include:
Plotner admitting he fired through a home’s second-story window, while Kintz drove. No one was injured, but one of the people in the home, Jered Sawyer, told investigators the shooting may have been in retaliation for gang-related violence. Sawyer told police he had stabbed one of Kintz’s friends during a dispute a couple years ago, and Sawyer had been charged with smashing out the windows of a car of another friend of Kintz.
Sawyer said he is part of the Nortenos gang, and Kintz and his friends are part of a rival gang, the Surenos.
Sawyer also told police Kintz, whom he said is known as “Wedito” on the street, published a song on MySpace that threatened to kill Sawyer.
“Aaron described feeling anger and rage at times and wanting to kill people. He said he told Darian that if he had anyone he needed taken care of, Aaron would do it. Darian talked of past issues with Jered (Sawyer) and showed Aaron, Jered Sawyer’s home.”
On the night of Dec. 27, Plotner shot through the windshield of a parked car outside of Sawyer’s home, but the men didn’t know if it was Sawyer’s vehicle. The following day, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the men returned to the home, 458 Mesa Lake Drive.
“On this occasion Aaron sat in the back seat on the driver side so he could shoot in the direction of Jered’s home. Aaron admitted shooting at the window of the upper level of the home, but did not see anyone.
When asked if he would have felt bad for hitting an occupant, even a 4-year-old that was home, Aaron said he would not have cared and indicated he was hoping to hit someone inside....”
(Read more, click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Velez shaping police force"
Happy New Year to the Pueblo Police Dept. These guys have had such a rough time reshaping their PD. Yet, still managing to grow and keep up with making record-breaking drug busts.
Thank you for all your hard work and your service. You are appreciated. (Those K-9's too...)
(Pueblo Chieftain)
"Change knows no stranger, and in the last year it's been ever-present at the Pueblo Police Department.
Friday is the six-month anniversary of July 6 and the naming of Luis Velez as Pueblo police chief. He became interim chief nearly a year ago — on Feb. 16,the day after longtime police Chief Jim Billings retired...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you for all your hard work and your service. You are appreciated. (Those K-9's too...)
(Pueblo Chieftain)
"Change knows no stranger, and in the last year it's been ever-present at the Pueblo Police Department.
Friday is the six-month anniversary of July 6 and the naming of Luis Velez as Pueblo police chief. He became interim chief nearly a year ago — on Feb. 16,the day after longtime police Chief Jim Billings retired...."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Coloradoan "They're called BATH SALTS and they're deceptively lethal"
Robert Allen:
"Shopping for bath salts
Aside from the Internet, smoke shops are the primary sources for bath salt substances. However, when contacted for comment, people who answered the phone at seven local shops told a Coloradoan reporter they don’t sell the product.
“The people it draws in are sketchy business,” said Morgan Lindskot, manager of One Love in Loveland. “They just gave me a very weird vibe.”
Lindskot said her store quit carrying the substances about eight months ago, and people had tried to trade gold and “weird things” for bath salts.
Kelsey Trybushyn, manager at Rock ‘N’ Robin’s in Fort Collins, said her store also quit selling bath salts because of “sketchy” clientele.
“I’m not a big fan of them,” she said. “It’s definitely not a good thing to have on the market.”
WHAT ARE BATH SALTS?
"The presumption is that most bath salts are MDPV, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone, although newer pyrovalerone derivatives are being made by illegal street chemists. Nobody really knows, because there is no way to test for these substances."
Why are they called bath salts?
"It's confusing. Is this what we put in our bathtubs, like Epsom salts? No. But by marketing them as bath salts and labeling them 'not for human consumption,' they have been able to avoid them being specifically enumerated as illegal."
What do you experience when you take bath salts?
"Agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, suicidality.
It’s a very scary stimulant that is out there. We get high blood pressure and increased pulse, but there’s something more, something different that’s causing these other extreme effects.
But right now, there’s no test to pick up this drug. The only way we know if someone has taken them is if they tell you they have.”
Source: www.webmd.com Q&A with Zane Horowitz, emergency room physician with Oregon Poison Center
(Read the article? Find out more about this deadly drug? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Shopping for bath salts
Aside from the Internet, smoke shops are the primary sources for bath salt substances. However, when contacted for comment, people who answered the phone at seven local shops told a Coloradoan reporter they don’t sell the product.
“The people it draws in are sketchy business,” said Morgan Lindskot, manager of One Love in Loveland. “They just gave me a very weird vibe.”
Lindskot said her store quit carrying the substances about eight months ago, and people had tried to trade gold and “weird things” for bath salts.
Kelsey Trybushyn, manager at Rock ‘N’ Robin’s in Fort Collins, said her store also quit selling bath salts because of “sketchy” clientele.
“I’m not a big fan of them,” she said. “It’s definitely not a good thing to have on the market.”
WHAT ARE BATH SALTS?
"The presumption is that most bath salts are MDPV, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone, although newer pyrovalerone derivatives are being made by illegal street chemists. Nobody really knows, because there is no way to test for these substances."
Why are they called bath salts?
"It's confusing. Is this what we put in our bathtubs, like Epsom salts? No. But by marketing them as bath salts and labeling them 'not for human consumption,' they have been able to avoid them being specifically enumerated as illegal."
What do you experience when you take bath salts?
"Agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, suicidality.
It’s a very scary stimulant that is out there. We get high blood pressure and increased pulse, but there’s something more, something different that’s causing these other extreme effects.
But right now, there’s no test to pick up this drug. The only way we know if someone has taken them is if they tell you they have.”
Source: www.webmd.com Q&A with Zane Horowitz, emergency room physician with Oregon Poison Center
(Read the article? Find out more about this deadly drug? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Jimmy Westlake's 2012 Cosmic Calendar of Celestial Events"
It's here!
Every year, we wait for Jimmy Westlake's cosmic calendar of Celestial Events to be posted on the Boat.
Still haven't picked up one of Westlake's annual calendars, complete with incredible photography?
Better change that...
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Every year, we wait for Jimmy Westlake's cosmic calendar of Celestial Events to be posted on the Boat.
Still haven't picked up one of Westlake's annual calendars, complete with incredible photography?
Better change that...
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
December 31, 2011
SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Our View: Reasons for optimism"
"It’s been another difficult year for many who call Routt County home. But as our community readies to close the books on 2011, there are reasons for optimism that 2012 will be a better year for us all...."
(Editorial Board, Steamboat Today)
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(Editorial Board, Steamboat Today)
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December 30, 2011
SandBox Comments: U.S. Dept of Defense "Family Matters Blog: Top 10 Military Family Moments of 2011"
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2011 – It’s that time of year when top 10 lists seem to proliferate across nearly every web and news page in the nation, proclaiming everything from the best movies and TV shows to the most memorable photos and celebrities of the year.
Since I find it tough to encapsulate a year’s worth of information into a tidy list, I typically steer away from the concept. However, this was such a momentous year for military families that I decided it was time to hop on the list-making bandwagon.
So, here’s my top 10 most memorable military family moments of 2011. It’s certainly not all-inclusive, but I’m hoping it at least hits the highlights.
10. JR Martinez – Warrior Inspiration. This Army veteran and wounded warrior danced his way to the top spot on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” -- and inspired a nation with his strength and resilience along the way. In 2003, Martinez was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, suffering severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. He went on to share his story with audiences nationwide. In 2008, he landed a role as an Iraq war veteran on the ABC soap opera, “All My Children,” which led to his “Dancing with the Stars” appearances this year.
“I have been able to be a role model and a voice for a lot of [troops] who don’t feel that they have a voice for themselves,” Martinez said during a Pentagon Channel interview. “I’ve been able to be a source of inspiration to the families as well, to say good things do happen and you’ve just got to be patient and have a great attitude.”
Martinez recently scored another big win: he and his girlfriend, Diana Gonzalez-Jones, are expecting their first child, a girl, in the spring.
9. The Office of Servicemember Affairs opened for business...."
(Elaine Sanchez)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Since I find it tough to encapsulate a year’s worth of information into a tidy list, I typically steer away from the concept. However, this was such a momentous year for military families that I decided it was time to hop on the list-making bandwagon.
So, here’s my top 10 most memorable military family moments of 2011. It’s certainly not all-inclusive, but I’m hoping it at least hits the highlights.
10. JR Martinez – Warrior Inspiration. This Army veteran and wounded warrior danced his way to the top spot on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” -- and inspired a nation with his strength and resilience along the way. In 2003, Martinez was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, suffering severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body. He went on to share his story with audiences nationwide. In 2008, he landed a role as an Iraq war veteran on the ABC soap opera, “All My Children,” which led to his “Dancing with the Stars” appearances this year.
“I have been able to be a role model and a voice for a lot of [troops] who don’t feel that they have a voice for themselves,” Martinez said during a Pentagon Channel interview. “I’ve been able to be a source of inspiration to the families as well, to say good things do happen and you’ve just got to be patient and have a great attitude.”
Martinez recently scored another big win: he and his girlfriend, Diana Gonzalez-Jones, are expecting their first child, a girl, in the spring.
9. The Office of Servicemember Affairs opened for business...."
(Elaine Sanchez)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: U.S. Dept. of Defense "Defense.gov Names Top Stories of 2011"
SandBoxBlogs sends out a special thank you to the DOD for not giving bin Laden's death a higher ranking than last place.
Thank you to all our military men and women of service. You are so valued and appreciated.
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 2011 – American Forces Press Service published nearly 2,500 articles in 2011, covering topics ranging from the end of the Iraq mission to defense budget pressures and troop concerns over retirement benefits.
The top 10 stories most viewed on Defense.gov this year are:
10. “U.S. Kills bin Laden in Intelligence-driven Operation,” posted May 2, focuses on President Barack Obama’s remarks to the nation the day after an American counterintelligence and counterterrorism team killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan...."
(Karen Parrish)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Thank you to all our military men and women of service. You are so valued and appreciated.
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 2011 – American Forces Press Service published nearly 2,500 articles in 2011, covering topics ranging from the end of the Iraq mission to defense budget pressures and troop concerns over retirement benefits.
The top 10 stories most viewed on Defense.gov this year are:
10. “U.S. Kills bin Laden in Intelligence-driven Operation,” posted May 2, focuses on President Barack Obama’s remarks to the nation the day after an American counterintelligence and counterterrorism team killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan...."
(Karen Parrish)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Pitkin County to review thinking on medicinal pot"
Just imagine.
If the medical marijuana industry in the State of Colorado has as much to fear as they do from the undeniably strongest Democrat we have ever had in President Barack Obama.
Just imagine.
What's going to happen, how fast and hard when that crackdown from the Feds is being handled by a conservative administration?
“The statute's pretty clear: The local authority wherever a medical marijuana business is operating must provide us with some approval — that they're OK with medical marijuana being cultivated, used in infused products or sold within their jurisdiction,” she said.
Without an approval for each specific business, the state will deny an application for a state license, she said.
That potential ramification — ending a business's ability to operate — prompts the commissioners' call for a full briefing on the issues, according to Commissioner Rachel Richards, who chairs the board.
“I don't think it was the county's intent — that that occur by default,” she said.
Though the Jan. 17 meeting is not a formal public hearing, Richards said she'd like to accommodate feedback from affected business operators during the discussion.
The topic has been dormant since spring, when the county drafted detailed regulations for the medical marijuana industry. Commissioners ultimately shelved them in June, however, after Ely pointed out that dealing in medical marijuana remains a violation of federal law even though it's permitted in Colorado. Asking county employees to issue licenses to marijuana businesses and enforce zoning laws related to medical marijuana puts them in a position of potential criminal liability, he said at the time..."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
If the medical marijuana industry in the State of Colorado has as much to fear as they do from the undeniably strongest Democrat we have ever had in President Barack Obama.
Just imagine.
What's going to happen, how fast and hard when that crackdown from the Feds is being handled by a conservative administration?
“The statute's pretty clear: The local authority wherever a medical marijuana business is operating must provide us with some approval — that they're OK with medical marijuana being cultivated, used in infused products or sold within their jurisdiction,” she said.
Without an approval for each specific business, the state will deny an application for a state license, she said.
That potential ramification — ending a business's ability to operate — prompts the commissioners' call for a full briefing on the issues, according to Commissioner Rachel Richards, who chairs the board.
“I don't think it was the county's intent — that that occur by default,” she said.
Though the Jan. 17 meeting is not a formal public hearing, Richards said she'd like to accommodate feedback from affected business operators during the discussion.
The topic has been dormant since spring, when the county drafted detailed regulations for the medical marijuana industry. Commissioners ultimately shelved them in June, however, after Ely pointed out that dealing in medical marijuana remains a violation of federal law even though it's permitted in Colorado. Asking county employees to issue licenses to marijuana businesses and enforce zoning laws related to medical marijuana puts them in a position of potential criminal liability, he said at the time..."
(Janet Urquhart)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "Snow base at Powderhorn beats most other major Colo. ski resorts"
Congratulations to former Vail Resorts CEO Andy Daly and his partners at Powderhorn Mountain Resort on their new venture!
They have more snow base than some of the big guys do this year.
Here's to the little guy.
Amy Hamilton:
"While many of the state’s central mountain resorts are making snow and scraping by with less snowfall than they’d like, Grand Junction’s backyard ski resort, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, is experiencing a relatively good start to the skiing season.
“We have noticed people who are from this area who would normally go to Crested Butte or Aspen; we have them skiing here,” Powderhorn spokeswoman Tricia Tittle said.
Powderhorn reported a 32-inch base Thursday, which is tied with Eldora Mountain Resort for the fifth-thickest base at a ski resort in Colorado. Purgatory Ski Area reported a 34-inch base, Echo Mountain had a 40-inch base, Silverton Mountain boasted a 47-inch base, and Wolf Creek Ski Area remains the snowiest resort with a 53-inch base, according to Colorado Ski Country USA.
Many skiers and snow lovers may be reminiscing about the early, heavy snowfall of 2010 that opened resorts with a swoosh.
Even this year, Aspen-Snowmass opened five days early thanks to a good dumping of snow, but the base at Aspen Mountain since has withered to 19 inches as of Thursday. Aspen Highlands reported a 22-inch base....."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
They have more snow base than some of the big guys do this year.
Here's to the little guy.
Amy Hamilton:
"While many of the state’s central mountain resorts are making snow and scraping by with less snowfall than they’d like, Grand Junction’s backyard ski resort, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, is experiencing a relatively good start to the skiing season.
“We have noticed people who are from this area who would normally go to Crested Butte or Aspen; we have them skiing here,” Powderhorn spokeswoman Tricia Tittle said.
Powderhorn reported a 32-inch base Thursday, which is tied with Eldora Mountain Resort for the fifth-thickest base at a ski resort in Colorado. Purgatory Ski Area reported a 34-inch base, Echo Mountain had a 40-inch base, Silverton Mountain boasted a 47-inch base, and Wolf Creek Ski Area remains the snowiest resort with a 53-inch base, according to Colorado Ski Country USA.
Many skiers and snow lovers may be reminiscing about the early, heavy snowfall of 2010 that opened resorts with a swoosh.
Even this year, Aspen-Snowmass opened five days early thanks to a good dumping of snow, but the base at Aspen Mountain since has withered to 19 inches as of Thursday. Aspen Highlands reported a 22-inch base....."
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Vail Daily News "Vail's single-day, walk-up lift ticket hits $116"
And this news just might be the final blow 'slam dunk' that Vail Resorts aka RockResorts deals to rivals Aspen Ski Corp.
Be bolder.
That's the marketing creed of Vail, Colorado.
Historically, the privately owned resort of Aspen, Colorado has held to the presentation of more luxurious amenities, unique experience, uncrowded by design. With the highest price point in the nation as a statement of worth.
Vail decided to focus on luxurious amenities and a lot of them, unique experiences including year-round and international and crowded by popularity. A few years back increasing the focus to building a lot more infrastructure and focusing on bringing in permanent draws rather than events and gimmicks. They then moved forward once all that was in place and did 'the unthinkable'.
They snubbed Aspen with their 'Be Bolder' marketing plan. Had the audacity to raise their price points higher.
It was a bold move that worked. Vail is now attractive to family venues, variety of offerings within lifestyle and varied age groups. And the infrastructure cannot be beat. $30 million + profit last year with 2011-2012 season headed higher than that. This year alone, Vail will put out over $90 million in infrastructure upgrades, according to this article in the Vail Daily.
Aspen is our home and how we earn our living, most of us. The most beautiful resort in the world and some of the finest service and amenities. Locals love Aspen.
We simply wish the privately held Aspen were better business people. We do have to make a living wage or even just make some kind of living so that we can stay here.
Congratulations to Vail Resorts for having crowded ski slopes because they excel at man-made snow. Smart regional locals will refuse to pay this way too high price tag by purchasing seasonal and early.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Be bolder.
That's the marketing creed of Vail, Colorado.
Historically, the privately owned resort of Aspen, Colorado has held to the presentation of more luxurious amenities, unique experience, uncrowded by design. With the highest price point in the nation as a statement of worth.
Vail decided to focus on luxurious amenities and a lot of them, unique experiences including year-round and international and crowded by popularity. A few years back increasing the focus to building a lot more infrastructure and focusing on bringing in permanent draws rather than events and gimmicks. They then moved forward once all that was in place and did 'the unthinkable'.
They snubbed Aspen with their 'Be Bolder' marketing plan. Had the audacity to raise their price points higher.
It was a bold move that worked. Vail is now attractive to family venues, variety of offerings within lifestyle and varied age groups. And the infrastructure cannot be beat. $30 million + profit last year with 2011-2012 season headed higher than that. This year alone, Vail will put out over $90 million in infrastructure upgrades, according to this article in the Vail Daily.
Aspen is our home and how we earn our living, most of us. The most beautiful resort in the world and some of the finest service and amenities. Locals love Aspen.
We simply wish the privately held Aspen were better business people. We do have to make a living wage or even just make some kind of living so that we can stay here.
Congratulations to Vail Resorts for having crowded ski slopes because they excel at man-made snow. Smart regional locals will refuse to pay this way too high price tag by purchasing seasonal and early.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: SkyHi Daily "Slideshow: The Year in Pictures"
Two of the best that there is.
The trouble with one of them is that we only get to see his compilation of yearly fav's....once a year.
How about on a quarterly basis, Mr. Hetzler? And...is the SkyHi Daily or yourself selling this incredible work of yours? If not, you should be.
Colorado media has two of the best there is when it comes to professional photographers in small media outlets and independent media outlets.
Bob Berwyn up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice and Byron Hetzler, way up, over and across on the SkyHi Daily.
Click title to see 2011 through the eyes of Byron Hetzler.
The trouble with one of them is that we only get to see his compilation of yearly fav's....once a year.
How about on a quarterly basis, Mr. Hetzler? And...is the SkyHi Daily or yourself selling this incredible work of yours? If not, you should be.
Colorado media has two of the best there is when it comes to professional photographers in small media outlets and independent media outlets.
Bob Berwyn up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice and Byron Hetzler, way up, over and across on the SkyHi Daily.
Click title to see 2011 through the eyes of Byron Hetzler.
December 29, 2011
SandBox Comments: Dept of Defense/Face of Defense "Face of Defense: Deployed Sailor Leads Team in Afghanistan"
FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan, Dec. 29, 2011 – When Kimberly Ryan stepped into the Navy recruiter’s office at age 18, she had no idea what she wanted to do. All she knew was she wanted to get out of Connecticut and broaden her horizon.
“The recruiter said, ‘Do you want to be a corpsman like me?’, and I said, ‘Sure!’” recalled now-Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan, a Norwich, Conn., native. “I ended up loving it.”
Seven years later, after serving overseas in Sasebo, Japan, Ryan now serves as the team leader for Female Engagement Team 8 in the Sangin district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
When she stepped up and accepted the team-leader challenge, Ryan thought she would be the equivalent of a female infantryman during her first deployment, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
“[The team] is actually completely different,” she noted. “The female engagement team is all about counterinsurgency, and I actually like what it ended up not being.”
Ryan’s day-to-day activities vary depending on the mission and support requirements. The team works in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8 in 2nd Marine Division (Forward).
Each week, however, Ryan and her fellow team member, Marine Corps Cpl. Brandy Bates, work together with Afghan National Security Forces to plan and host a children’s meeting for local children in the Sangin district in southwestern Afghanistan...."
(Marine Corps Cpl. Meredith Brown)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
“The recruiter said, ‘Do you want to be a corpsman like me?’, and I said, ‘Sure!’” recalled now-Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan, a Norwich, Conn., native. “I ended up loving it.”
Seven years later, after serving overseas in Sasebo, Japan, Ryan now serves as the team leader for Female Engagement Team 8 in the Sangin district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
When she stepped up and accepted the team-leader challenge, Ryan thought she would be the equivalent of a female infantryman during her first deployment, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
“[The team] is actually completely different,” she noted. “The female engagement team is all about counterinsurgency, and I actually like what it ended up not being.”
Ryan’s day-to-day activities vary depending on the mission and support requirements. The team works in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8 in 2nd Marine Division (Forward).
Each week, however, Ryan and her fellow team member, Marine Corps Cpl. Brandy Bates, work together with Afghan National Security Forces to plan and host a children’s meeting for local children in the Sangin district in southwestern Afghanistan...."
(Marine Corps Cpl. Meredith Brown)
(Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Dept. of Homeland Security "DHS Announces "If You See Something, Say Something™" Campaign Partnership with the National Hockey League"
"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new partnership between DHS' "If You See Something, Say Something™" public awareness campaign and the National Hockey League (NHL) - highlighting the Department's continued partnership with the sports industry to ensure the safety and security of employees, players and fans.
"Every citizen plays a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "By expanding the 'If You See Something, Say Something™' campaign to the NHL, we are working together to ensure the safety and security of employees, players, and fans..."
(DHS Press Release)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Every citizen plays a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats," said Secretary Napolitano. "By expanding the 'If You See Something, Say Something™' campaign to the NHL, we are working together to ensure the safety and security of employees, players, and fans..."
(DHS Press Release)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: KREX News 5 "Marijuana-Impaired Driving Rises in Colorado"
"Mesa County - A recent study conducted by the Institute for Behavior and Health says over the past five years, the number of drivers who tested positive for drugs, including marijuana, has increased.
"We're seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people that we are contacting and arresting for driving under the influence of marijuana," says Deputy Ben Carnes of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.
Research shows that those who get behind the wheel within three hours of using marijuana are more than twice as likely to get in an accident.
"It severely impairs somebody's ability to multitask, it has a time distortion effect, it dilates your pupils and impairs your vision," says Carnes..."
(Cori Coffin)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"We're seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people that we are contacting and arresting for driving under the influence of marijuana," says Deputy Ben Carnes of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.
Research shows that those who get behind the wheel within three hours of using marijuana are more than twice as likely to get in an accident.
"It severely impairs somebody's ability to multitask, it has a time distortion effect, it dilates your pupils and impairs your vision," says Carnes..."
(Cori Coffin)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Marijuana plantations threaten national forest resources"
This is very scary. Fairly widely known that Colorado has these operations in our forests. Not so widely known that many of them are tied to the recently exposed infiltration of Mexican drug cartels.
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Outlaw marijuana growers on national forest lands are polluting streams, killing native vegetation and leaving behind trash and dangerous debris that’s difficult and expensive to clean up, the agency’s top law enforcement official said in early December at a U.S. Senate hearing.
“The illegal cultivation of marijuana on our National Forest System is a clear and present danger to the public and the environment,” said U.S. Forest Service law enforcement director David Ferrell, testifying before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
Ferrell detailed the impacts from sites in in 20 states on 67 national forests across the country, including California, where the Forest Service completed cleanup and restoration on 335 sites, removing more than 130 tons of trash, 300 pounds of pesticides, five tons of fertilizer and nearly 260 miles of irrigation piping.
“Many marijuana sites found on national forests are under cultivation by drug trafficking organizations that are sophisticated and include armed guards, counter-surveillance methods, logistics support and state-of-the-art growing practices,” he said. “It is incumbent on the agency to do what is necessary to ensure that the resources we manage are protected and visitors as well as employees are safe....”
(Bob Berwyn)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Outlaw marijuana growers on national forest lands are polluting streams, killing native vegetation and leaving behind trash and dangerous debris that’s difficult and expensive to clean up, the agency’s top law enforcement official said in early December at a U.S. Senate hearing.
“The illegal cultivation of marijuana on our National Forest System is a clear and present danger to the public and the environment,” said U.S. Forest Service law enforcement director David Ferrell, testifying before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
Ferrell detailed the impacts from sites in in 20 states on 67 national forests across the country, including California, where the Forest Service completed cleanup and restoration on 335 sites, removing more than 130 tons of trash, 300 pounds of pesticides, five tons of fertilizer and nearly 260 miles of irrigation piping.
“Many marijuana sites found on national forests are under cultivation by drug trafficking organizations that are sophisticated and include armed guards, counter-surveillance methods, logistics support and state-of-the-art growing practices,” he said. “It is incumbent on the agency to do what is necessary to ensure that the resources we manage are protected and visitors as well as employees are safe....”
(Bob Berwyn)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
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