SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Search for new Re-1 superintendent begins"

This is so wonderful.  What a great job the new RE-1 board is doing!


Quietly, but firm and powerful, they are showing the RE-1 district a much better way to administer our school district. 

Keeping their word while handling a very difficult situation is commendable.

Thank you to the RE-1 school board.

"..The board, including three new members elected last fall who had openly questioned district leadership, decided to part ways with Haptonstall after gathering extensive input from district staff and the general public.

A similar approach will be used by HYA in developing a superintendent profile for the school district. It will involve meetings with groups of Re-1 teachers, principals, district administrators, support staff, parents and students.

There will also be an online survey for citizens to take part in. And the school board intends to solicit input from local elected officials, service clubs, representatives from charter and private schools, Colorado Mountain College officials and former Re-1 school board members..."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Let’s ask the right question"

(See related story here)

Kudos to Paul Menter on this piece off the Aspen Daily today.

"I’ve disappointed Jack Johnson. I’m so distraught. In his Jan. 27 Aspen Daily News column Jack seeks understanding for why as city finance director I did not warn the council prior to my departure in December 2007 about decisions they made between 2008 and today.

The right question to ask is 20 years from today, when valley residents are living with a desiccated Castle Creek, its ecology slowly deprived of the water it needs by a poorly planned and overpriced hydroelectric plant, will anyone care what Jack and I wrote about each other?

My guess is no.

Jack’s implication that as finance director I misrepresented facts about the Castle Creek Energy Center (CCEC), and now choose to use that information against the city is, to use Jack’s own word, sophistry; or to use mine, deceitful nonsense. Remember, Jack was the elected council member who tried to deprive his constituents of property and voting rights through the “Ordinance 30” and “Instant Runoff Voting” debacles, memorialized by his now infamous declaration to IRV detractors: “First we vote, and then we shut up.” The pot is clearly calling the kettle black.

So let us return to the important issue — the environmental impact of the CCEC, and the city’s attempt to bypass comprehensive environmental review, putting at risk local ecology in order to take credit for a symbolic statement against global warming...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "December’s retail sales bring strong end to 2011"

Aspen's folks voted an increase to the tourism lodging tax at mid-terms because they have a vetted trust in their tourism  marketing vendor and the oversight of the City of Aspen.

According to these figures released up on the Aspen Daily today?

The result is a 217% increase to tourism marketing funds available.  One year, that much of an increase.  Congratulations!!

On a side note, SandBox has listened to the grumbles of the small business community in Glenwood Springs for nearly two years now.  Wondering why it is so hard for the Glenwood Springs Post Independent and the City of Glenwood Springs management to put out detailed sales tax reporting.

So, (sigh..rolls eyes..) let's toss up (again) how easy that is to do.

Aspen Daily News:

"With a strong December, the newly expanded tourist promotion lodging tax ended the year up 217 percent compared to 2010. The transportation lodging tax finished 2011 with a 6 percent increase from the prior year.

Aspen’s portion of Pitkin County’s sales tax for November 2011 was up 8 percent from 2010 and 7 percent year-to-date. The housing real estate transfer tax collections for January 2012 were the highest since 2009, up 44 percent from 2011. The Wheeler real estate transfer tax collections for January 2012 were up 29 percent compared to 2011.

December year-to-date retail sales:
(Category, YTD retail sales, % change prior year)

Accommodations
$128,386,219
3%
Restaurants and bars
$92,430,999
7%
Sports equipment/clothing
$41,702,789
11%

Clothing
$40,183,162
11%

Food and drug
$47,340,075
2%

Liquor
$8,252,984
5%

General retail
$17,584,794
5%

Construction
$34,280,058
38%

Luxury goods
$24,357,635
14%

Utilities
$38,076,438
(1%)

Automobile
$13,290,185
(2%)

Miscellaneous
$16,892,407
19%

Total
$502,777,747
7%

December monthly retail sales
Category
Retail sales
% change prior year

Accommodations
$22,792,500
15%

Restaurants and bars
$10,888,138
11%

Sports equipment/clothing
$8,843,412
11%

Clothing
$6,491,555
17%

Food and drug
$7,243,596
19%

Liquor
$1,269,333
11%

General retail
$3,011,878
2%
Construction
$4,863,102
51%

Luxury goods
$4,331,841
15%

Utilities
$4,626,883
12%

Automobile
$833,956
(56%)

Miscellaneous
$2,539,697
5%

Total
$77,735,891
13%

(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning Photo: Summit seasons"

Bob Berwyn:

"SUMMIT COUNTY — To welcome a new sponsor who helps support Summit Voice photography, we’re posting a few of our favorite Summit County scenes. Share this post with your friends and visit our sponsors online to thank them for supporting independent journalism in Summit County...."

SandBox Comments: The Atlantic/Linda Killian "4 Types of Independent Voters Who Could Swing the 2012 Elections"

Reporting from right here in Glenwood Springs, The Atlantic's Linda Killian puts up a left-leaning but very detailed piece on Colorado's Independent/Unaffiliated voters.

Very well done and an interesting read.

You local followers may recognize a name or two.

There are four key states that hold the power for their independents to swing the 2012 election.  Colorado, New Hampshire, Ohio and Virginia.

(Read the article?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Commentary Magazine "Press Man: Why They Wept for Hitchens "

Press Man/Andrew Ferguson:

"One night, nearly 25 years ago, I was talking with Christopher Hitchens at a cocktail party—that this statement could be construed as name-dropping is actually the subject of this column, so please read on—when we were interrupted by the actor Richard Dreyfuss. Hitchens, then serving the Nation magazine as its Washington columnist, stood expressionless as Dreyfuss uncorked the most lavish praise for something he had recently written, and then for his entire body of work, and, indeed, for his very existence, considering the example he set for every person of conscience on the planet…When the effusion died down, Hitchens thanked Dreyfuss for it, and the movie star turned and walked away as lightly as a school girl after a backstage brush with Justin Bieber. Before I could express my amazement at this impressive display, Hitchens cut me off with a wave of his Rothman.

“Happens all the time,” he said.

He didn’t mean it to be funny, but it was. At the time Hitchens truly was semi-anonymous, which is much lower on the fame ladder than semi-famous. What renown he possessed in the United States in those days rested on a few C-SPAN appearances and a vague (and mistaken) reputation as the model for the character Peter Fallow in Tom Wolfe’s Bonfire of the Vanities...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Town Hall "Democrats Love Taxes -- They Just Don't Want to Pay Them"

Larry Elder:

"Forgive Republican candidate Mitt Romney for his alleged failure to adequately explain why he paid "only" 14 percent of his income in taxes.

The honest answer -- "Well, because my accountants couldn't figure out how to get them any lower" -- does not work in this or very many other election years. Romney seemed flat-footed because, like most business people, he seeks to minimize costs and expenses.

This includes taxes.

A normal wealthy-and-proud-of-it guy would have said: "Let me get this straight, pal. I'm not supposed to take every legal advantage provided me by the tax laws to reduce my taxes?" For what it's worth, about 15 percent of Romney's last two years of income went to charity -- substantially higher than the percentage given by the Obamas or Joe Biden's $380 (not a typo) of his quarter-million dollar income in 2006.

"Tax savings" allows people more money to save, spend, invest, bequeath and donate. On some level, even Democrats understand this...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: KKCO 11 News "Drug ring dismantled, 14 people are in custody"

Brian Schlonsky:

"A major bust puts an end to an operation that was delivering several pounds of illegal drugs to Grand Junction.

Wednesday, 11 News learned new details on how that drug operation worked, and how it was stopped.

There's 14 people in custody right now, 13 of them from right here in Mesa County.

The last arrest was made Wednesday in Denver, a final piece to an investigation that's been in the works for over six months.

"This is a ring we've been aware of for quite some time, they've been dealing fairly large amounts," Dan Rubinstein, the chief deputy district attorney for the drug division, said.

And by fairly large, we're talking around 1 kilo, or 2.2 pounds of cocaine into Mesa County every ten days. That's what Federico Lerma and his family are accused of bringing into Grand Junction.

On Sunday, Lerma was arrested after police say they found a kilo of cocaine in the air filter of his car, and another fourth of a pound back at his house.

"He was using his family members to distribute with him, doing things like bringing his 7 month old granddaughter along so as to appear like a family so they wouldn't get stopped," Rubinstein said...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Glenwood charter change to elect mayor to be discussed"

SandBox has a couple of comments to make on this piece by John Stroud off the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.

With regard to the proposals to change our charter to allow for public election of our Mayor...just say, YES!!

With regard to spending the money and resources to get councilman term limits upped...just say 'Absolutely NOT!'

The argument that we may fall into the same tar pitMayor Mick has put the City of Aspen into has both a pro and a con.

The pro on elected seats only is that it is always the public right to have a voice and the final say by the casting of their vote.  Besides, do you really think anyone during the remainder of this century is ever going to allow another Mick Ireland to happen??  If  a voting sector does set up such a scenario, there isn't any way to predict or control that free will which makes Mayor Matt's concerns without merit. 

The con on upping the term limits, is that the public has a right to have a voice and when you allow the pushing of the envelope on the law itself when it comes to term limits (or) give an individual free license to become a near career local representative/authority (three terms is over a decade) you're no longer giving a true option of choice.  You're giving a weighted selection in an arena that has serious effect on the folks day to day lives.  Bottom line, is that any request to fudge a gray area of term limits should be put to a public vote and detailed public input process.

One of the questions SandBox raises today is what happened to the unconstitutionality problem of our city charter vs. state charter when it comes to local elections.  Remember Dirk Myers ?  Click here and here to refressh yourself.   Let's get it all done at once.

With regard to the talks continuing on The Ghettos affordable housing, we're wondering if Mary Noone is pacing herself and watching from home tonight.  Just say NO to the city taking over the infrastructure obligations for this developer.  After all, we have sinking, cracking and not too distant future major problems in The  Meadows development itself (and) a bus barn that is near being condemned when it's roughly only a decade old.  These 'affordable' housing apartments are being built as cheap as cheap can get (we've reviewed the plans) on the same soils and will be in the same state within a decade or so.

With all that on our plate, why in the world should we take the infrastructure costs of the driveway/road oout of the developer's hands?  Just say NO.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Fewer local tourism jobs than in 2000"

Or, maybe Lee Mulcahy doesn't have to build his own public stocks and place himself into them after all.

Maybe PitCo commissioners will lend a hand by retaining an intensive study into  'why' Aspen and Pitkin County are sliding so noticeably over the past decade from one of the most affluent and thriving on multiple levels counties in the nation to:

 Andrew Travers:

"The travel and tourism piece is something that you do very well,” Ben Alexander, an economist from the Montana-based Headwaters Institute told the county commissioners by phone Wednesday. “But it’s something you haven’t grown in in some time — and that’s surprising to me.”

Commissioners noted that growth in jobs and the overall economy was fast paced here through the first two-thirds of the last decade, but quickly fell off with the recession.

The institute’s report, based largely on 2010 census data, found that travel and tourism jobs make up 53 percent of employment in the county, or roughly 8,700 jobs. But that number has declined by 560 jobs since 2000, Alexander found.

“To me the big story is that travel and tourism have not been a job creator for you over the last decade,” he said. “Travel and tourism has been a source of job loss.”

Over the same period, retail jobs shrank by 10 percent, from 912 to 819. Hotel and food services likewise shrank from 5,421 to 4,556 jobs — a 16 percent decrease.

However, jobs categorized in arts, entertainment and recreation grew from 2,728 to 3,148 here — a 15 percent increase, owing largely to ski- and sports-related business. That sector, Alexander reported, was the only part of the local economy that continued creating jobs through the onset of the recession in 2008 and 2009, when employment went up by 85 jobs.

Less surprising to county officials was that economic growth in the county was more gradual here over the go-go 2000s than in other ski resorts, owing largely to strict local land-use codes..." 
(Read more?  Click title)

Here's to the little guy.

Let freedom ring.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "One year later, Mulcahy still banned"

Let's see.

Very publicly exposed in a negative light on inner handling of employee operations.  Loss of business, guests and most importantly, community and peer respect.

Deterioration of worker environment to the point that caustic email and dissolving of group relationships are thrust into the public eye, including gossip fodder of the day.  Pretty much every day and anywhere.  

And those are just the effects the Aspen Ski Corp. and Crown family go through and are responsible for as a result of this 'ban' 'on the infamous Lee Mulcahy'.

And then there's the small issue of literally being mocked in the public eye by their 'landlord':

Scott Condon:

"...Stark said he felt the dispute probably had a simple solution. He didn't see how Skico could prevent Mulcahy from having a friend purchase a day ticket, dress so he couldn't be easily identified then hit the slopes. Skico officials said if Mulcahy did that, they would eventually catch him, according to Stark.

The Forest Service also concluded that Mulcahy couldn't access public lands of the ski areas without crossing Skico's private property at the base areas and private lands mixed in on the slopes.

“I think it's within their rights” to ban Mulcahy, Stark said...."  (Read more?  Click title)

All this for the sake of bruised egos and continued power over one man who simply desires to ski in his local area.

One has to wonder how much more needs to be given up by Mulcahy.  Maybe erecting a set of public stocks somewhere in downtown Aspen (that isn't Crown owned) and placing himself into them.

Maybe that will be enough.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen resort officials join debate over travel visas"

Easing back the restrictions on international visitors is not the same issue as the controversy over H2B worker visas and J-1 exchange and worker visas.

Do not be led by Warren Klug, the Skico, ACRA or anyone else into allowing the lines to become blurred again.  Easy to fall into that quagmire due to having little to no details given to readers by local press.

BTW, how's that probe into ski resorts use and alleged misuse of worker visas and ICE coming along?

Janet Urquhart:

"...It's a big issue in our industry,” said Warren Klug, chairman of the chamber board and general manager of the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel, on Wednesday. “The international business is a big part of the marketplace, certainly for this hotel but also for Aspen in general....”  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Status update: Facebook to go public, raise $5B"

via the Chieftain:

"...The IPO marks another major milestone for a Harvard-born startup that began as an online college hangout eight years ago. Since then, it has become a cultural touchstone that has transformed the way everyone from doting grandmas to sassy teenagers share information about their lives...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Editor’s choice"

Oh, and what choices they are...

(All credit:  Bob Berwyn)

SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel/Dennis Webb "Neslin leaving state oil, gas post for law firm"

A special thank you goes out to David Neslin for his service as our COGCC liaison.  You will be very hard to replace.

Dennis Webb:

"David Neslin, who shepherded through numerous rule changes as director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, is leaving his job to become a partner at a law firm and represent energy industry clients.

Neslin on March 1 will join Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP in Denver, where he will deal with oil and gas and public lands matters...."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Tough Mudder "Colorado"

The time is drawing near.  Tough Mudder alert!  Last chance for a discount to register a team for Tough Mudder Colorado!

Are you tough enough?

Support a Wounded Warrior and find out.

Click title.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "National GOP pledges to help Tipton hold seat"

Pete Roper:

"In a move to match the opposition, the National Republican Congressional Committee is coming to help U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton in his re-election campaign against his Democratic challenger, state Rep. Sal Pace, of Pueblo.

In an announcement Tuesday, the NRCC announced that Tipton, the freshman congressman who represents Pueblo and the 3rd Congressional District, has been selected for the national committee's Patriot Program — which essentially means the NRCC will help Tipton with campaign funds, advertising and other essentials.

"Scott Tipton has demonstrated the leadership and ability to wage an aggressive campaign based on rigorous goals and proven strategies for victory," U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said in a statement from the committee...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: SkyHi Daily News "Grand County Search and Rescue saves man from freezing in Winter Park"

Thank you to all the agencies, officers and responders who participated in this rescue.

"WINTER PARK — Early Tuesday morning, Jan 31, Officer Sean Curran of the Fraser-Winter Park Police Department began a search for a missing 20-year-old male in the Winter Park area, according to a statement released by police.

Jace Balbach, 20, of Parker was last seen by his friends around midnight Jan. 30 when they were walking from their condominium in Sawmill Station to the Winter Park 7-11. The report states that Balbach's friends looked for him for more than two hours before calling police. Balbach was wearing light clothing and had consumed numerous shots of alcohol prior to walking to the 7-11 store, friends told police.

Officer Curran searched for Balbach for three hours before calling for assistance from the Grand County Sheriff's Office. Grand County Search and Rescue was notified and responded with approximately 14 personnel. A search dog was also requested, and responded from Denver...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: KKCO News 11 "Indictment: 14 connected with child prostitution ring"

This major story just keeps getting worse and worse for Glenwood Springs.  The commentary all over the state and just hit FOX national a few hours ago is detailed and damning to all the smaller communities this has been going on in.  Not so much on the Front Range communities.

Google alerts coming through on our hotels and tourism, including new directors, promotions and brands have side-by-side links to this bust allegedly having activity in Glenwood's hotels. 

And now this:

"A spokesperson for the attorney general's office said they are still investigating other johns who may be involved. No one from Grand Junction has been indicted yet...."  (Read more?  Click title)


What's really troubling is that our local newspaper is not printing follow-up or reaction from our leaders.  Nor these photos to see if anyone from our area lodging industry recognizes having served them.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Family Of Four Arrested In Cocaine Bust"

Shannon Ballard:

"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo -- A family road trip to Denver and back is nothing out of the ordinary, except when the family is using that time to smuggle illegal drugs across the state.

About every ten days the drug ring shuffled more than two pounds of cocaine from Denver into Grand Junction, and it was a family business.

Federico Lerma allegedly used his 16-year-old son to distribute the drugs but his wife Dolores Flores and 19-year-old Blanca Lerma, their daughter, were also involved.

Federico and Blanca were arrested Sunday on their way back from one of their routine trips.

Authorities found more than two pounds of cocaine hidden inside the car's air filter. Blanca’s 7-month-old child was in the car at the time.

Officers later searched the family's home and found even more drugs...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Highway at death's door"

One really has to wonder why RFTA never, ever puts truly important issues like this that have been around for the entire history of Roaring Fork Transit ahead of cash flow bailouts, luxuries like wi-fi and busses with all the bells and whistles.

Maybe reporting the problem to the Feds who are currently holding up the millions in transit funds would cause that money to be held back until real issues are addressed.

Dawn Lamping:

"I pulled over in the turn lane, and he came to the car when it was clear the highway had no traffic. I was just holding my breath hoping the bus didn't roll around the corner at 50 mph, because I really didn't want to witness that! I told him he was walking in a bus lane, not a shoulder, and that I could give him a lift to the corner. He was completely unaware he was in a bus lane, and as I pointed it out to him, he then saw the “bus lane” printed on the pavement — which would not have been visible at all with snow on the road. He was going back to the X Games venue to wait a bit longer for his flight after checking in too early...." 
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Former Basalt library director won't get severance"

Scott Condon:

"BASALT — The Basalt Regional Library District will not give the library's former director a severance payment, the board of trustees announced Tuesday at a special meeting.

Kristen Becker claimed she was owed $26,232.40 in severance pay when she parted ways with the library Dec. 15. Becker and the board of trustees traded counterproposals after the initial demand, but no deal was struck. The district's earlier offers have been removed.

“We have no negotiations with Ms. Becker's attorney,” said David Smith, attorney for the library district. “We're not offering anything.”

“We are very firm in this position,” said Judy Royer, president of the board of trustees. “All severance offers are off the table right now....”  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Post Independent opinion: Silt's plans to use urban renewal authority raise serious questions"

Congratulations to the Town of Silt!!!

With the now infamous "Kiss of Death" opposing viewpoint of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent Editorial Board.....you are surely guaranteed to eventually get all the money you need from GarCo to build that grocery store!!

Every single time the PI editorial board (whatever rotation of reporter is in place) endorses a viewpoint the exact opposite happens!!

Remember your last trustee elections?  Rest our case.

Remember Dalessandri vs. Vallario?  Rest our case.

Tresi Houpt vs. Jankovsky?  Rest our case.

The only time they even came close to getting it right is stating that Sonya Hemmen should be reinstated.  Granted, they missed the whole  Judy Haptonstall deal.

So, congrats!!!  Spend that first million well and quickly so that we can get you dialed in for the next 3 million.

Post Independent:

"...But a comparison with commercial development in Carbondale is interesting. Some Carbondalians are absolutely incensed at the notion of being “taxed” a 1 percent public improvement fee on all sales at the Village at Crystal River development in order to pay for a roundabout on state Highway 133.

If Silt residents had to subsidize this development by themselves, would the idea ever get off the ground?..."
(Read more?  Click title)

(whisper...whisper...whisper...eh, really?....VCR went down solely on PIF alone??!!...really?...."incensed"??....or was that just the reporting prior to the tide shifting in favor of the smarter growth locals....whisper...whisper...)


"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Pitkin County to decide whether to accept billionaire’s cash for road improvements"

Pity poor Bill Koch.

Goes to great lengths, including starting a 501(c)3 to collect the Castle Creek Community's funds for the proposed safety rails and still can't get the local newspaper to either simply leave him out of the headline (or) call him by his given name; Bill Koch.

Goes to all that trouble and concern for the community and all he gets is the lousy word 'billionaire' as a reference.

Again, SandBox states that the very least local media could do is get that moniker correct.

'multi-billionaire'.

Mr. Koch, thank you again for all you do for the community of Castle Creek and the surrounding area.  You are appreciated.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Best of January"

All credit:  Bob Berwyn

SandBox Comments: The Hill "The rise of the Hispanic super-PAC"

Josh Lederman and Rachel Leven:

"There’s a new phenomenon in Washington: the Hispanic super-PAC, which aims to give political voice to the nation’s fastest-growing demographic.

Two have cropped up since the beginning of the year. Another that formed as a regular PAC in 2010 has relaunched as a super-PAC, expanding its efforts from a single House district to 15. And at least one other Hispanic PAC is considering making the leap to super-PAC status...."  (Read more?  Click title)


"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "L.A. man latest to plead guilty in Aspen cocaine case"

Aspen Daily News:

"..A Los Angeles resident who gave $38,000 to an Aspen man for a kilo of cocaine in 2010 pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court in Denver.

Arrested in May in connection with a Los Angeles-to-Aspen trafficking ring, Anthony Buchanan, 67, is one of seven people, including five Aspen-area residents, who have reached a plea agreement in the case.

Federal prosecutor Michele Korver will recommend that Buchanan, who pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing more than 500 grams of cocaine, be sentenced to 18 months of home detention and three years of probation. A conspiracy charge was dropped in the plea deal, according to court documents.

On Sept. 24, 2010, Buchanan met Wayne Reid, of Aspen, in a hotel room in Pasadena, Calif., the plea agreement says. There, he gave Reid, described by federal drug agents as the leader of the operation that brought to the Roaring Fork Valley multiple kilos of the drug, approximately $38,000, Korver wrote.

Reid then bought two kilos from California resident Alfonso Elvao-Allocati, 71, in the hotel’s parking garage, returned to the room and gave one to Buchanan, according to the plea agreement..."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Child prostitution ring used Glenwood Springs hotel rooms"

SandBox will not be blocking public commentary on this horrific story that apparently happened right here in Glenwood Springs in some of our hotels.

Why Glenwood Springs?  What's the tie?

"DENVER, Colorado — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers released a grand jury indictment Monday charging four metro Denver residents with running a human-trafficking and child prostitution ring, and another 10 for assisting or patronizing the operation.

The suspects allegedly used hotel rooms in Glenwood Springs, as well as in Grand Junction, Denver, Boulder and Lakewood for “meet-ups” between clients and the child victims.

According to the 70-count indictment, Patrick Lloyd McGowan, 22, Chad Armand Gow, 20, Roy Manuel Ibarra-Gonzales, 20, and Bryan Steven Burns, 20, oversaw a human trafficking ring that involved prostitution of children and sale of methamphetamine and cocaine.

The four men are suspected of arranging “out calls” for their child victims through the Internet and coercing their victims through the use of drugs and threats of violence..."  (Read more?  Click title.)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Carbondale, Dotsero men busted for cocaine"

(See related Aspen Daily News coverage here)

via Post Independent:

"The Eagle County Drug Task Force arrested two men suspected of selling cocaine to undercover agents in separate incidents last week.

Cesar Galaviz-Orozco, 33, of Dotsero, was arrested Jan. 23 after allegedly selling to an undercover agent in Gypsum.

Jesus Castaneda-Cuevas, 20, of Carbondale, was arrested Jan. 26 after allegedly selling to an undercover agent in El Jebel....." (Read more?  Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News " Judge approves RFTA eminent domain action in Basalt"

It must be the law or Judge Nichols would not have approved this. 

That does not make the actions of RFTA seizing private land, in order to pursue an agenda that has never once been shown as truly viable to succeeding; any less appalling. 

This is the worst yet in their track record of public business dealings and that is saying a great deal given the millions of dollars in bailouts and handouts that taxpayers have given RFTA over the years.

Chad Abraham:

"A judge has approved the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s request to seize a private parcel of land in Basalt that the agency wants for its $46 million overhaul of transit in the valley.

The Jan. 18 order by Judge Gail Nichols of Pitkin County District Court says that RFTA and the town of Basalt, which is a co-petitioner in the eminent domain proceeding, have the legal authority to take the land. Nichols also ruled that the property along Basalt Avenue serves a public purpose.

RFTA will pay a $600,000 deposit to the court registry to gain immediate title of the approximately half-acre parcel, and pay $12,398.44 to the Pitkin County Treasuer’s Office to cover outstanding property taxes, the judge’s order says. (The transit agency is paying for the land acquisition, and the town signed on as co-petitioner in a show of support, officials have said.)

The Cathers family of Basalt, owners of the Cathers Home Furniture Store across the street from the land in question, has waived all challenges to RFTA’s eminent domain authority.

But the family “has specifically reserved the right to seek additional compensation for the taking, which shall be the sole issue remaining for trial,” the order says.

Paul Cathers, CEO of his family’s business, said in December that he and his relatives believed the bus agency was low-balling during negotiations. RFTA’s original offer for the land was in the neighborhood of $585,000, Cathers said, a sum that is less than what the family paid for it six or seven years ago.

The family’s appraisal valued the land at $1 million, Cathers said.

As part of RFTA’s $46 million bus-rapid transit plan, the land will be used to expand by 100 spaces the existing park-and-ride lot near Highway 82...."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "Sen. Steve King Pushing Marijuana DUI Bill Again"

Don Colman:

"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Years after Colorado voters approved medical marijuana, State Senator Steve King is hoping to keep the state's roads safe.


For the second time in as many years, King is pushing a marijuana DUI bill that caps how much THC someone can have in their system when behind the wheel. There would be zero tolerance for people without medical marijuana cards.


But, the jury is out on if it will pass. Last year, it drew stiff opposition on Capitol Hill as critics questioned the science of testing how high someone is.


"I hear this story about well the science isn't there," King said. "The science is there and it's written in the blood of innocent people killed by DUI-D drivers...."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "Jewel thief pulls off 'most daring and sensational robbery' "

Peter Strescino:

"The "most daring and sensational robbery ever committed in Pueblo" occurred at the home of John A. Thatcher, 419 W. 14th St., on Saturday, Feb. 3.

The Thatchers, hosting a glittering party for their relatives and friends, suffered the loss of "$10,000 worth of diamonds and jewels," taken by a "porch climber on the Greenwood side of the house" who brazenly entered what is now the Rosemount Museum and took several pieces of Mrs. Thatcher's jewels (a pair of diamond earrings, a solitaire diamond ring and a $10 bill, among many other pieces).

Crime news filled that week's (Jan. 29-Feb. 4) papers.

August Fink, an apparently lively 10-year-old, escaped the County Poor Farm and was on the loose. The Bessemer boy needed "discipline and correction," the paper said...."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: KJCT News 8 "New Helicopter For Mesa County Search & Rescue"

Congratulations to the Mesa County Search and Rescue Team and a huge thank you to Century Link!

Shannon Ballard:

"WHITEWATER, Colo -- Only 10% of Search and Rescue operations on the Western Slope require helicopter support, but they're the most serious and expensive missions.


Lt. Jim Fogg with Mesa County Sheriffs Office says, "They’re not cheap to operate and they're not cheap to maintain."


But now the program has found a way to cut the costs.


"CenturyLink approached us about three months ago and said they'd like to assist us is search and rescue missions," Fogg said.


Randy Krause, Market Development Manager with CenturyLink says, "We have a resource we felt we could help utilize in the efforts for the Search and Rescue Control Team..."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Stars and Stripes "U-2 spy plane to linger overhead a bit longer"

They should be left to linger for decades to come.  So much of our military needs, our border control and security needs, our homeland security needs could be done with the technology of drones.

In our view the value of human life is far greater than the loss of privacy we may be subjected to.  To not send an American life into battle or security enforcement and instead rely on technology is well worth considering.

This, is great news on the U-2.

W.J. Hennigan:

"Wars have come and gone. But for more than half a century, the CIA and U.S. military have relied on a skinny sinister-looking black jet to go deep behind enemy lines for vital intelligence-gathering missions.

The high-flying U-2 spy plane was first designed during the Eisenhower administration to breach the iron curtain and, as engineers said, snap "picture postcards for Ike" of hidden military strongholds in the Soviet Union.

And although the plane is perhaps best known for being shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960 and the subsequent capture of pilot Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 continues to play a critical role in national security today, hunting Al Qaeda forces in the Middle East. The aging cold warrior once slated for retirement in 2015 may fight on into the next decade.

The fleet of 33 spycraft was supposed to be replaced in the next few years with RQ-4 Global Hawks, the high-tech drones that have been part of the Air Force since 2001. But this week the Pentagon proposed delaying the U-2's retirement as part of Defense Department cutbacks.

At an estimated cost of $176 million each, the Global Hawk drone had "priced itself out of the niche, in terms of taking pictures in the air," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter at a Thursday news conference. "That's a disappointment for us, but that's the fate of things that become too expensive in a resource-constrained environment."

The Pentagon has determined that operating the U-2 would be cheaper for the foreseeable future; it won't disclose how much operating the U-2s will cost for security reasons. The government has relied on the U-2 since 1955, when the aircraft was first built and designed under tight security by Lockheed Corp. at its famed Skunk Works facilities in Burbank headed by legendary chief engineer Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson....."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Bruno Kirchenwitz "Tax dollars at work"

And then there are those out in the public commentary that have spent the last few years pushing away the denial of local governments and power brokers  to the point that when they speak up, the entire valley listens.

Who needs the Steve Skinners and SandBoxBlogs of the world when we have Bruno Kirchenwitz?

 Bruno Kirchenwitz:

"...If we want to retain the “good” teachers, why were all the teachers rewarded with those ill-conceived bonuses? Because the union says there is no objective way to economically discern between the good and the not so good.

I do hope all those generous taxpayers learn this union lesson well and remember when it comes hat in hand the next time, begging “for the children.”

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent/Your Letters "Why is Silt's URA so appalling to BOCC?"

Posting up a letter to the editor by Carl McWilliams of Silt is like walking through a minefield for 'SandBox Nanny'.

She and a very large majority of the local population disagree with many of McWilliams views and how he goes about his anti-gas industry activism.

But today, McWilliams is dead on with his critcism of 'how' Garfield BOCC put Silt through its paces over their Urban Renewal request.

SandBox doesn't think there's some 'grand conspiracy' such as McWilliams insinuates in this letter. 

We do think there is a glimpse into a growing sense of empowerment that does make one feel a little uneasy.  With that said, we do not believe the friction is because we have an all Republican board of commissioners.

Our impression here on SandBoxBlogs is that the newly elected Jankovsky needs some balancing out and the way to do that is to change our county charter and laws to increase the board size from (3) commissioners to at least (6). 

For a county the size of Garfield it is necessary.

As far as Silt and their assistance from GarCo, we know they will spend the money very wisely and the benefits from that renewal will be seen far and wide as a very, very good move on GarCo's part.


"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Hecht has agreed to make concessions in Annie’s negotiations"

SandBox sends out a thank you to Nikos Hecht for his tolerance and his patience in dealing with the City of Aspen over Little Annie's.

Sure, it probably was strategic on Hecht's part to sit back after Mayor Mick showed his inner self and let that reality come fully out into the open. 

After all, Hecht will be doing business in Aspen for a long, long time and the heavy weight of unnecessary obstruction that the City of Aspen often puts up, with Mick at the wheel, has reached the point of needing to be eliminated from due process.

Eventually term limits, voters and likely elections transparency will give Hecht a hand.

In the meantime, with relative ease and expediency Hecht, Frisch and Torre sat down and worked out the details.

The result is very much a win-win.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Flying Tomato a cash cannonball"

How many actual reads per day do you think SandBox gets on all local and regional tourism, government and law enforcement news?

Where do you think those reads come from?

How many times per day, after someone in a significant position of power within those three news arenas reads SandBox for the day; do others pound away at that post and take a look for themselves as word spreads?

Dozens.  We may be read by others in clandestine ways, a 'guilty obsession' if you will; but we are read.  Especially the public comments. 

Our local newspapers used to enjoy that notoriety until they began to censor and ban content.

Why is that statement above important on a post up of Steve Skinner's column today?

Because of the way he wrote what he has to say. 

Brilliantly done, Skinner pounds a square peg into a round hole by using words.  Forcing, simply by the honesty of his words, local governments and power brokers to pay attention with focus aimed at our valley wide tourism marketing and how we spend public funds.

In reality, not disinformation or preconceived perception; what/who is 'SandBox Nanny'?  

Why, she's nothing more, in reality, than a pen name and third-party persona that posts and comments on a news aggregate blog.  That is all 'she' is.   'SandBox Nanny' is spinning a story in a certain number of words or less.  Is it her life story?  In reality and the genre of spin and stories told, she is a pen name and third-party persona.  

Who is Steve Skinner, in reality?  Why, he is nothing more than a guy who happens to write an opinion column for the Aspen Daily News.  Will his opinion change as life goes on?  Maybe.  If so, his column will change.  Steve Skinner is spinning a story in a certain number of words or less. Outside of that,  he is the same average, everyday person as you are.

Reality, is that both have something to say to the consumer of local news and both provide an outlet for the folks to join in the dialog.   When they say what they have to say, most often their words are aimed at public figures and entities in positions of trust.  In the case of 'SandBox Nanny' she's simply rounding up content and putting it into the kind of perspective that keeps the door open for individual thought.

From the very well done work of Skinner today, up on the Aspen Daily, it appears that those consumers are listening.  Are they listening to both entities?

Probably so.

What do you think? 

Would it 'less painful' for those tourism, government and law enforcement entities to hear same, similar or highly likely far more brutal honesty from the folks writing in to their own publications?  Probably not.  At least entities like SandBox, the Aspen Daily and so many other independent media probably hope not.  After all, their very existence and success is based on Independence and voices raised in the power of free speech.  

But if folks could go directly to the source of their angst, at least our local media would be dealing with reality instead of continuing to try to pass the buck of responsibility for all their ills off on to individuals like 'SandBox Nanny' and opinion columnists like Steve Skinner.

Support your only locally owned and operated print news.  That steady focus known as the Aspen Daily News.

Steve Skinner:

"...This reminds me of how wonderful a tourist economy can be. People come in from all over. They are in a great mood, on vacation and ready to have as much fun as possible. They fill the hotels and restaurants, rent gear, hire taxis, fill the liquor stores and boutiques and then — perhaps best of all — they leave.

Over the past few decades, Aspen got off track by inviting people to buy property here, not just showing them a world class time. Instead of sending them home with memories, we sent them home with timeshares, deeds for land and a piece of the dream. “OWN ASPEN,” one real estate ad crowed.

Despite compromising over the years, Aspen still has some great tourist juice and other communities in the valley could learn a thing or two about what attracts people to come and spend money.

Tourists really like to have something to do. Maybe a concert, a festival, a fair, a bike race, a car show, a drinking competition, weed expo, whatever. Just being in proximity to these kinds of activities has created our “bedroom communities” and now many of them (us) are looking for ways to create jobs and stimulate the bedrooms. None of this will be necessary if SkiCo keeps bringing acts into town like the Flying Tomato.

A family of four from out of state was visiting for the X Games. They were staying in Rifle and spent time at Ski Sunlight, the Glenwood Hot Springs pool, Fatbelly Burgers in Carbondale and, of course, Buttermilk Mountain. They left the area on Monday with plenty of swag, a family vacation in the bag and a strong desire to return for more frolic, maybe in the summer...."

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: The Blaze " The Marco Rubio Speech on Immigration That Everyone’s Talking About"

Christopher Santorelli:

"Rising GOP star Sen. Marco Rubio (FL) gave an impressive speech on immigration Friday to the Hispanic Leadership Network conference, an event led by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

The Miami Herald reports that Sen. Rubio’s “sweeping” immigration speech took swipes at both Republicans and Democrats for playing politics with an issue so crucial to hispanics, calling for a compassionate approach for dealing with the issue of illegal immigration.

The presumptive top pick for running mate to any of the remaining Republican presidential candidates conquered an early challenge during his remarks, addressing a group of protesters at the event who stood and interrupted Sen. Rubio’s speech...."  (Learn more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: New York Times "A Florida Bush Stays Silent, and to Many, That Says a Lot"

Jeff Zeleny: 

"MIAMI — A steady stream of endorsements has been flowing to Mitt Romney, with his campaign promoting Republicans who are giving their blessing to his presidential candidacy. Yet on the eve of the Florida primary, he has been unable to land the biggest catch of all: Jeb Bush.

An unspoken question hovering over the Republican presidential race here is why Mr. Bush, the state’s popular former governor and heir to the nation’s aging political dynasty, has not added his voice to the party establishment’s support for Mr. Romney in his increasingly bitter duel with Newt Gingrich...."  (Click title to read more)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: The Lone Republic "State of the Union: 1000 Days Without a Budget"

Solomon Horn:

"President Obama will be delivering his third State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress tomorrow in which he will unveil his big government economic strategy to pull us out of the current recession.

You might hear a few “Republican policies that got us into this mess in the first place” rabble-rousers and maybe a “do-nothing congress” line or two. He’ll want you to disregard the fact that the Democrats have controlled Congress since 2006 and that his economic policies have failed miserably thus far. He’ll also want you to ignore the fact that it’s been 1000 days since the Democrat-controlled Senate passed a budget, mandated by the Budget and Accounting Act.

Senator Mike Lee highlights the failure of the Democratic leadership in Congress and the White House.

“The inability of the President and Democratic leadership in the Senate to produce and pass a budget for the American people in nearly three years is a stunning failure,” Sen. Lee said. “We have gone 1000 days without a blueprint for America’s priorities, and it has led to more irresponsible spending and record-setting annual deficits. Future generations will pay through higher taxes, greater inflation, and diminished prosperity.”
(Read more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Iowa Republican "Dem Operative Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Schultz’ Identity"

(See related stories and commentary here)

Kevin Hall:

"The former Barack Obama campaign staffer who was arrested for trying to steal the identity of Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz pleaded not guilty to the crime. Zach Edwards of Des Moines entered the written plea on Friday and avoided a preliminary hearing that was scheduled for Monday.

Edwards was arrested on January 20 on the charge of identity theft, an aggravated misdemeanor. 

According to a press release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, “Edwards fraudulently used, or attempted to use, the identity of Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz and/or Secretary Schultz’s brother, Thomas Schultz, with the intent to obtain a benefit, in an alleged scheme to falsely implicate Secretary Schultz in perceived illegal or unethical behavior while in office.”

At the time of the alleged crime and subsequent arrest, Edwards was an employee of Democrat consulting firm Link Strategies. The group has ties to Senator Tom Harkin, Attorney General Tom Miller, former governor Chet Culver, President Obama, and several prominent Democrat officials around the country. Link Strategies fired Edwards shortly after he was arrested...."  (Read more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Drug defendant, jailed for nearly 10 months, waits for Supreme Court ruling"

Chad Abraham:

"The longest-serving inmate in the Pitkin County Jail inquires daily about the status of his case at the Colorado Supreme Court, his attorney said Thursday.

Andrian Arapu, 26, originally of the Eastern European nation of Moldova, is “doing OK,” said the defendant’s lawyer, John Van Ness of Woody Creek, on Friday. “He’s getting antsy, though.”

Arapu, who has been in jail since his April 6 arrest, remains charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and a lesser count of possession, despite a judge’s suppression in November of pivotal evidence.

Arnold Mordkin, chief deputy district attorney, said at a Nov. 7 hearing that he cannot prosecute Arapu without the evidence, and a ruling like the one a local judge made would usually free a defendant.

But Mordkin in December appealed the ruling by Judge Gail Nichols of the 9th Judicial District to the Colorado Supreme Court. That move automatically stayed all proceedings — such as Nichols potentially approving a motion to dismiss — and the case could remain stalled for months before the high court takes it up. The justices could also decline to hear the appeal, which would automatically uphold Nichols’ ruling..."  (Read more?  Click title.)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Craig Daily Press "ACET commander presents 2011 report"

Thank you to the Moffat and Routt County All Crimes Enforcement Team for an outstanding record in 2011.

Joe Moylan:

"“We’ve had a lot of convictions on the other cases and there are investigations from 2011 that are either ongoing or are still in the judicial process,” Cameron said. “However, we have a 100-percent conviction rate for investigations conducted during my first two years with ACET.”

In total, ACET officers seized 372.12 grams of cocaine; 2.8 grams of methamphetamine; and three grams of marijuana with a total estimated street value of $42,807.68.

Although the amount of drugs seized and the estimated street value fluctuates each year depending on where an investigation leads, Cameron said the results from 2011 were on par with 2010.

Additionally, Cameron said the amount of seized drugs can be skewed because officers don’t necessarily need a seizure in order for an investigation to end with a conviction.

“Officers build investigations based on buys, but search warrants aren’t always executed,” Cameron said. “For example, Steckel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth during the course of the investigation, so no drugs were actually seized during that particular investigation.”

Of the 29 narcotics investigations, four were for the distribution or possession of cocaine; 13 for the possession or distribution of methamphetamine; three for the distribution of marijuana; two psilocybin investigations — one mushroom grow operation and one for possession; six prescription frauds; and one criminal impersonation investigation.

ACET includes an officer each from the Craig Police Department, Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Steamboat Springs Police Department and Routt County Sheriff’s Office...." (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "U.S. exports petroleum products, but it still imports petroleum"

Glenn Vawter:

"Do you think the United States is exporting more petroleum than it imports? Nothing could be further from the truth.

Based upon recent press and TV reports, you would be led to believe it is true. Actually, the United States is importing 60 percent of the petroleum it consumes (about 11-million barrels every day), and has not been energy independent since the early 1970s.

What should have been reported is, “The U.S. recently began exporting more petroleum products than it imports.” The word “products” was left out of many of the reports.

What is the difference?..."  (Read more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Understand Public School Funding in Colorado – Part II"

'By fans of Paul Harvey' :

"The ECT’s earlier story about Public School Funding in Colorado (Click Here) was 100% accurate – HOWEVER, incomplete.

For the fans of Paul Harvey – here is the rest of the story…."

Remember, as you watch the 501(c)3 Education Foundation of Eagle County, the new school board over at RE-1, the upcoming tussles in the RE-2 school district that blend with all the political turmoil in our Colorado schools, and the major federal changes that are sure to be coming up over the next few years; you need to have strong leaders in place. 

Individuals who will not be swayed by pressure from special interests or either side of the political aisle. 

Leaders who will stay focused on the job you elected them to do or those you elected previously hired them to do.  Whether it takes a very long memory span of details and awareness of subversive agendas, or at times brutal honesty to break through equal strength opposing power; remember that it's your vote and voice that has control over all of it.

How about those fans of Paul Harvey today?  Over on the Eagle County Times.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Education Foundation of Eagle County"

'by – what we learned' :

"Some ECT folks attended a recent meeting of one of Eagle County’s newest 501(c)3 non-profits – www.efec.org. (Photo – Amber Prince & Charles Overy)..."  (Read more?  Click title)

How long has it been now?

Couple of years?

How long has it been that the commmons have been finally starting to speak up in very public ways against the status quo in local politics and government issues through  harnessing tools like the power of the blogosphere and social networking?

How long has their rising success been showing in powerful enough ways to make powerful non-profits, major corporate powers, powerful politicians, local governments and law enforcement pay attention to what lies beneath the surface of such entities and those held in positions of trust?

A year or so?

How long has it been since you, the individual voter/follower, realized that a light bulb, an epiphany of sorts, has come on in your way of thinking?

Today?  Yesterday?  A week ago?  A few months ago?

All that matters is that your awareness has been pierced by first whispers, then outspoken voices cutting trails of communication avenues ahead of you.  What you do with your awareness is your business and falls into what you're willing to experience when you make your own choices.

Thank you once again goes to the guys and gals over on the Eagle County Times.

Why?

For paying attention to the patterns within the news others make and cutting trail ahead of you.

We wish good luck to the 'Education Foundation of Eagle County'.

May you never forget that as a non-profit you and all who work within your organization are no longer just average citizens but rather persons in a position of trust.  That you are held to a higher standard.

As far as the goal you have set for your organization, may you always remember that there are endless possibilities on both sides of the political spectrum that would accomplish true public education reform. 

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "Brent Boyer: What's in a name?"

Brent Boyer:

"Anonymity.

What comes immediately to mind?

Do you think about the ability to post online comments without fear of retribution for expressing honest opinions?

Or do you think about the cowardice of those who aren’t willing to put their real names behind their words?

Granted, those are two very strong reactions to Web anonymity, but they’re also beliefs held by many Steamboat Pilot & Today readers. Few newspaper-related issues elicit as much passion from community members as our online comments, and it’s one we find ourselves revisiting often. And we’re doing it again...."

After all this time (SandBox launched in mid-summer of 2010) followers should be familiar with how we feel about anonymity in posting online commentary.  And how we feel about being accountable for content.  Things are not always as they appear on the surface to be.

Which is the sole reason we chose the genre of spin. 

We're not a news creation or reporting media, we only comment and aggregate what is already out there either in print, voice or buzz.  We had a need to do some online tracking of certain news stories that were being given a free pass by corporate media.  Stop the quashing of voices speaking up against powerful people in positions of trust who should not have been given a safe haven.

There are many reasons one might choose anonymity when speaking up.

Our point is that any reason for choosing anonymity is worthy of being honored and respected.  Protected, if you will.

Where the problem  lies in threads of conversation that take a harmful turn is in the lack of human moderation.

Leave privacy alone and do not track personal information.  Should a real problem arise, forensic technology and a court order can always find the source of internet information.

Instead, moderate your site and content.  It's as simple as pushing the 'turn off' icon on the comments section.  (Read more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Five-peat and a perfect score for Shaun White in superpipe"

Congratulations to Shaun White!  Hard to believe how far he has come as SandBox reflects back to his first Winter X Games in Aspen.  Seems like only yesterday.

Andrew Travers:

"Shaun White won his fifth consecutive gold medal in the X Games snowboard superpipe competition Sunday night, scoring a perfect 100 on his final run.

White had already sealed his gold medal going into the third run, ahead of the competition with a score of 94. The 25-year-old then turned what could have been a lackadaisical victory lap into a record-breaking run, with the judges awarding him 100 points out 100 possible.

The snowboard icon had six hits on the record effort, including a double-mctwist 1260 and closing with back-to-back double corks — one front-side and one switch-side.

“It just felt perfect,” White said at a post-competition press conference...."

SandBox Comments: Vail Daily "Del Bosco reclaims gold at Winter X"

Michael Applegate:

"ASPEN, Colorado — Last year, American John Teller sped past defending gold medalist Chris Del Bosco, upsetting the former Eagle-Vail resident and preventing the first back-to-back gold in the 14-year history of Winter X men's skiercross.

The first back-to-back never had a chance Sunday afternoon.

Teller failed to qualify for the finals after crashing in his semifinal heat. His absence paved the way for Del Bosco to reclaim his title. In the final, Del Bosco utilized an excellent start to gain the lead and fought hard until the end to win his second career Winter X gold.

“This is my favorite event,” said Del Bosco, who competes for Canada. “Last year, I was close, and I was coming back here thinking that this is a big one on my list. I kind of have been having an up and down season, so to come here and get the gold is pretty special...”

(Read more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)

SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Winter"

All credit:  Bob Berwyn

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Sex, lies and newspapers"

Dave Danforth:

"But a couple of complications intervened. Last year’s Yale Daily editor, Vivian Yee, worked with the New York Times, as many Yale journalists do, and knew of the story. And last year’s opinion editor, Alex Stein, wrote a blistering note printed late last week by the widely respected journalist blogger Jim Romenesko criticizing the Yale paper’s decision.

“We have all been let down,” said Stein, a major in ethics, politics and economics. “In choosing to ignore this story, the News …  perpetuated the deceptive, now-shredded narrative of Pat’s ‘heroic choice,’” he continued, noting “the paper and its editor are also complicit in Yale’s culture of secrecy surrounding sexual assault.”

Bloggers responding to the explanation of the student editor respecting privacy in the face of unknown allegations commended him. Some suggested he was the only adult in a roomful of kids. Yet another said the episode “smelled of a coverup” by Yale and its paper.
Expectation of privacy is not usually raised in such cases. It arises from the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, and its protection against unreasonable searches. Privacy is not an explicitly listed right, but court decisions have widely cited it. However, those cases involved police actions. An outgrowth of libel law appears to confer a right to privacy that can be violated even where an allegation is true...."(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "All the news that's unfit to print"

Kathleen Parker:

"WASHINGTON — A Friday New York Times story that essentially indicted and convicted a 22-year-old star football player on an alleged sexual assault charge by an anonymous accuser should have begun as follows:

“We know absolutely nothing about this rumor except what six people told us anonymously about this guy who they say sexually assaulted this girl. We don't know who she is or what she said, or really anything, but here's HIS name and what ‘they' say about him.”

Instead, with throat-clearing authority, the story begins with the young man's name — Patrick J. Witt, Yale University's former quarterback — and his announcement last fall that he was withdrawing his Rhodes scholarship application so that he could play against Harvard. The game was scheduled the same day as the scholarship interview.

Next we are told that he actually had withdrawn his application for the scholarship after the Rhodes Trust had learned “through unofficial channels that a fellow student had accused Witt of sexual assault.” And there goes the gavel. Case closed.

But in fact, no one seems to know much of anything, and no one in an official capacity is talking. The only people advancing this devastating and sordid tale are “a half-dozen [anonymous] people with knowledge of all or part of the story.” All or part? Which part? As in, “Heard any good gossip lately?...” (Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Charlie Leonard "Inalienable Rights"

My goodness.

Between Charlie Leonard and Maurice Emmer, Mayor Mick is having a tough week.


"..So, when Hecht suggested he might pay fewer development and affordable fees and housing fees and reduce his parking requirements in exchange for dramatically reducing his development rights by preserving Little Annie's and the Benton building, the mayor dishonored himself and his office by falsely accusing Mr. Hecht of being a “blackmailer.”

Even if you don't like Mr. Hecht, his original plan to tear down his buildings, or his proposal to reduce his city-imposed development fees and requirements, it is not an act of blackmail for a property owner to offer to pay fewer fees in exchange for giving something of real value to the city.

After seeing the mayor's letters last week, however, I developed a different theory. My theory is Hecht may have learned through secret sources that the mayor had read and believed the silly nonsense contained in Robert Frank's book and threatened to out him.

But then again, like the mayor's plan to control our economic activity through zoning laws, it's just a theory...."

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SandBox Comments: Steamboat Today "National Firefighters Hose Race"

Scroll down to 'Latest Videos' and then to the firefighter's hose race.  'Sandbox Nanny' could not figure out how to get the page to come up with only that video link.

Thank you to all the firefighters who particpated in this.  We really appreciate you no matter what you classify as 'training'.

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SandBox Comments: Vail Daily "Firearms expert says Walker shot from 5 to 6 feet away"

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via Vail Daily:

"BOULDER, Colorado — The muzzle of the gun that killed Todd Walker was between 5 and 6 feet away from him when it was fired, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation firearms expert testified Friday at the murder trial of Kevin McGregor.

The information is significant because McGregor disputes the story told by Elizabeth Roach, Walker's friend, that he tried to rob her at gunpoint and shot Walker when he intervened...."

SandBox Comments: Summit Daily News "Breckenridge man, 12 others, arrested after pot raids"

The "...and Iraqi currency..." is the part of this piece from Caddie Nath, over and up on the Summit Daily News that is bothering SandBox the most.

Caddie Nath:

"..Breckenridge resident Eric Gleason was arrested Wednesday morning after his house was raided in a statewide marijuana pot bust.

Authorities raided 25 grow houses across the Front Range and the central mountains, arresting 13 people and seizing dozens of guns, more than 100 pounds of marijuana and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and Iraqi currency, according to a statement released Friday by the Seventeenth Judicial District Attorney's Office and the North Metro Task Force.

Gleason was charged with conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, money laundering, possession with intent to distribute and two counts of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, said Krista Flannigan, spokeswoman for the task force.

He has been released from jail in Adams County after posting a $100,000 bond.

His first court appearance is set for Feb. 21.

Authorities with the North Metro Drug Task Force, with help from the U.S. Postal Service, conducted the sting after a six-month investigation of an illegal marijuana grow and distribution ring operating primarily out of Adams County and Broomfield.

During searches of 24 houses illegally growing marijuana, authorities found 40 guns, 2,749 marijuana plants and 148 pounds of dry marijuana.

They also found more than $278,500 in U.S. currency and another 15 million in Iraqi Dinar, which, based on current exchange rates, is more than $12,000..."

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SandBox Comments: Citizen Telegram "Amonette trial delayed until mid-July"

John Gardner:

"The trial of accused cop shooter Phillip Michael Amonette has been postponed until July after defense counsel claimed that evidence was not made available for their analysis in time for the Jan. 30 trial.

According to a motion entered by Public Defender Matt Morriss, representing Amonette, “Mr. Amonette moves this court to impose sanctions against the District Attorney's office for the denial of access to physical evidence in this case...”  (Learn more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Minors sold booze at 10 businesses, Basalt police say"

Chad Abraham:

"...Basalt police cited servers from 10 businesses for selling alcohol to underage people without asking for identification Wednesday.

The police department, with help from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, canvassed every liquor store and restaurant that sells alcohol within the town limits, said Sgt. Stewart Curry.

The operation was conducted after a similar effort by state and Eagle County authorities in August resulted in six citations for servers in Basalt businesses, Curry said. The six tickets represented two-thirds of all of the tickets that authorities issued for the entire county during the August crackdown.

That statistic, combined with the influx of young people in the valley for the X Games, led to Wednesday’s operation, Curry said.

“This was specifically designed for X Games,” he said. “We have a nexus of underage kids right now, and the goal was to see what kind of jobs businesses are doing in carding.

“It was disappointing that many businesses didn’t do a good job.”

Those cited were working at: 7-Eleven, Asiana Fushion, Cuvee World Bistro, El Korita, Zheng Asian Bistro, Riverside Grill, Jimbo’s Liquor, Basalt Wine Shop, Tempranillo and Stubbies..."

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SandBox Comments: KREX News 5 "Colorado District Attorneys Council Responds to Montrose DA"

"....After disbarred DA Myrl Serra was sentenced for harassing female employees and other misconduct earlier this month, the head of the Colorado District Attorneys Council is now speaking out.

Last year, Serra plead guilty to felony extortion and misdemeanor unlawful sexual contact. He was also found guilty of violating his bond.

In an open letter printed by the Denver Post, Colorado's District Attorney Council, expressed sympathy for Serra's victims and disgust for his actions, stating that as the state's prosecutors, "We are held to a higher standard--as we should be...." (Learn more?  Click title. Comment to discuss)
(KREX)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letters to the Editor "The Mick Laws"

lol.

Thank you, Maurice....

Maurice Emmer:

"...In short, our view is that city law applies, and it does not require even the requested registration at this time; that state law does not apply because Aspen is a home rule municipality. The city has a somewhat different view. Both views are based on reading the law. We voluntarily met with city legal officials to discuss our respective views, as we understand this is a complex area of law on which people can disagree in good faith. The correspondence between the city and us is public record; anyone who wants to know the facts about our discussions can get the letters and read them.

Instead of allowing the matter to be resolved in an orderly and professional manner by competent city officials, our mayor preempted and interfered with the activities of professionals in City Hall by writing letters to the papers “demanding names.” When asked for the legal authority for his demand, he produced none and said that isn't his job. He has told us what is “customary” and that we know the law as well as he does.

We can't confirm the mayor's legal knowledge, but we certainly do know the law; we read it and are following it to the best of our ability. The mayor, meanwhile, tosses around baseless demands and makes up imaginary legal requirements. Maybe that's OK for a partially informed reporter, but unseemly if not downright improper for a mayor.

We are resolving any differences with the professionals in City Hall, who also have read the law. If the mayor wants to be city attorney and city clerk as well as mayor, he can eliminate three jobs in City Hall and save the city some money. One way in which the mayor could accomplish this is to imagine some other non-existent law he can accuse City Hall professionals of violating and fire them. Or maybe, he ought to let professionals do their jobs and let citizens work with City Hall professionals to resolve routine matters courteously."

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SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Pro-VCR forces out raise, spend opponents"

The best stories to come out of this entire political saga of the Village at Crystal River ballot issue are the two expose' pieces from John Colson on how much money the proponents for the project have raised, where that money came from and how they've spent the funds during the campaign.

Very enlightening to see what developer Rich Schierburg considers 'above board' in pushing his agenda.

Another interesting news piece in today's Post Independent is a letter to the editor written in by Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky in support of the development.  Quite an enigma when it comes to business philosophy is Commissioner Jankovsky.  Setting aside all the controversy over Sunlight Ski Resort over the years with various land deals and business enterprises.  Set aside all the controversy over tourism promotion and the old tourism board that Jankovsky co-founded.  Set aside all of his fairly constant stumping to keep money local.  Set aside the obviously selective reasoning he's shown since taking his seat on BOCC with budget line items and now the Silt grocery store and Urban Renewal efforts.  Set all those things aside and take a look at an endorsement for a major money developer out of Denver to come in locally and put up a vanilla flavor, cinder block mall right on the Highway 82 all in the name of the 'loose' numbers VCR projects for sales tax revenues.  Those thoughts are a little uncomfortable given the path GarCo is currently on politically and another very tight year or two ahead of us on the economic front. SandBox bets that the folks are going to be likely to put very little, if any, stock in Jankovsky's endorsement on VCR.  His endorsement simply rings false.

This letter to the editor from highly respected businessman Scott Ely "VCR lacks the quirky Carbondale funk factor", also in today's Post Independent, is a powerful statement opposing the VCR development.  Our bet?  All the 'Cherry Garcia' folks who spent a fraction of what Rich Schierburg's group did will landslide defeat VCR at the ballot box.

Scott Ely:

"As a long-time local business owner with clients and friends on both sides of the Village at Crystal River debate, I have held my tongue to this point. I do, however, have a couple of questions for the developer and electorate.

I believe (most) everyone can agree that any further large-scale development in Carbondale will likely take place on the VCR property. This makes good sense. As the de facto entrance to Carbondale, there should be something attractive that greets visitors, tourists and yes, shoppers, to town. I believe we can also (mostly) agree that the existing entrance to Carbondale could use some love.

More important, however, I believe that (most) people were drawn to Carbondale for the small town feel and the quirky nature of the community, among other things. Therefore, my question to the developer is, “Where's the funk?” Perhaps the PIF should stand for “Put In (the) Funk.”

What is funk, you ask? How about a contest to dress the center of the roundabout(s)? Why not park benches, picnic tables, murals or really creative landscaping? A cool bicycle parking area? Electric vehicle charging station(s)? Solar sign lighting? How about brick facades, barn wood siding, metal or corrugated roofing?

The bottom line for me is demanding more of the developer and steering away from the generic, Anywhere, USA shopping center. This thing appears to be quite vanilla, when what we really need is some Cherry Garcia!

Demanding funk, mandating the use of local talent for design and construction and fully vetting the repercussions over the life of the project would likely get more folks to agree. The result could be a fantastic project that accomplishes many of our common goals..."

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Sandbox Comments: Aspen Daily News/Lorenzo Semple "X Games: Still crazy after all these years"

Lorenzo Semple:

"...My idea of extreme athleticism at the time was putting on a pair of tights and Oakley blades, strapping snowshoes on my feet and running up, then back down Buttermilk as fast as I could on my lunch hour. I religiously skied moguls all day on Aspen Mountain with Atomic race skis, wearing Ancona stretch pants and a Spyder jacket. I thought big air was hitting a catwalk and doing a twister/spread combo, or a mule kick. If you were lucky enough to see a guy up on Ajax doing a heli it was like seeing a bald eagle in the wilderness; a rare treat. My, how things have changed.

We had just lost the men’s World Cup downhill to Vail, and in their infancy the Winter X Games seemed a risky, unknown replacement. There was a lot of hand-wringing going on about Aspen’s precious image at the time. Snowboarding was forbidden on Ajax. When it was announced the X Games would be held here, there was a lot of talk about how it had nothing to do with skiing, and how no one would buy a lift ticket. It might be bad for our town’s image, some said. And it proved to be, but in a good way.

Who would have thought that a decade later a snowboarder would be one of the highest-paid athletes, and you could walk into a store and buy pot. The former DMV office in Holland Hills is now a weed shop. Can you imagine if the legendary old driving test officer was still here to see that happen? He’d probably go on a three-state killing spree...."

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SandBox Comments: Durango Telegraph "Southern exposure"

This is a fascinating look at what life is like.  Living in Antartica.  From Shawna Bethell.  Way over and all the way up on the Durango Telegraph.

"...Though he attends the weekly science lectures offered at the station, Jackson says he doesn’t always understand the complexities of projects, but the sense of exploring remains with him.

“Humans have always been ‘wonderers,’” he said. “One of our distant ancestors looked up into the night sky and wondered what the stars were, and he probably walked up the nearest ridge to get a closer look. He may not have found the answer then, but what he saw over the ridge may have lead to another discovery.

“It’s the fact that we are looking, maybe finding that next thing to help human kind,” Jackson said. “That’s what science is about.”

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SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning photo: Snnnoooowwwww!"

All credit:  Bob Berwyn:

SandBox Comments: Working Class Conservative "American Energy"

Great info-filled post by Mike Madden.  Somewhere out there on the 'Working Class Conservative'.

"Today the President traveled to Buckley Air Force base to talk about American Energy.  He spoke about using less petroleum products and more new American energy.  You all know by now that would be solar and wind for starters

SunPower is one big panel maker and on August 5th they announced a new factory to supply the North American Demand,  Here is an excerpt from the press release..."

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SandBox Comments: SkyHi Daily " Oh baby, baby: twins arrive on their own time table in Grand County"

All too often, the first responders that get the ink in dramatic rescues, arrests, natural and man-made disasters are the cops, agents, fire rescue, EMT's and searchers.

All worthy of our support and praise.

But behind the scenes there are first responders in every emergency and trauma center all across the nation that are rarely in the news.

Meet Middle Park Medical Center staff Mikee Tennant, RN, Dr. Foutch, Irmgard Mannix, RN, Cheryl Torrent, RN, and Bret Martin, a critical care tech.

Who found themselves welcoming Liam and Conner Dawson into the world.  Early.

Thank you so much for your service.  You are appreciated.

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