The Durango Telegraph, Feb. 17, 2022

Hot doggin’ since 2002

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Feb. 17, 2022 Vol. XXI, No. 7 durangotelegraph.com

inside

T H E

O R I G I N A L

I N D I E

W E E K L Y

L I N E

O N

D U R A N G O

&

B E Y O N D

Moving mountain

Out of the black hole

Aztec underground

Coal fire caused spectacle in Durango, hot dogs included p8

County announces location for long-awaited radar system p9

How to become a rock star in a small northern N.M. town p11

2 n Feb. 17, 2022

telegraph

lineup

4

4 La Vida Local

Turning the tide Building communities, social defense will help combat cultural repression

4 Thumbin’ It

by Kirbie Bennett

5 Word on the Street 6-7 Soapbox

8

8 Land Desk

Moving mountain Coal seam fire caused quite the moment in Durango history

9 Top Story

by Jonathan Thompson/Land Desk

11 Rock ‘n’ Roll Sweetheart

9

12-13 Stuff to Do

Long time coming

13 Ask Rachel

County announces location for new radar station in Four Corners

by Jonathan Romeo

Ear to the ground “I didn’t create me! You created me!”

– Not a bad line of defense when your parents criticize your Bohemian lifestyle choices.

Backtracking

thepole

RegularOccurrences

In the Feb. 3 issue of The Telegraph, we reported about the uproar over the Bureau of Land Management driving a backhoe over dinosaur tracks outside Moab.

According to a group of paleontologists, at least one-third of the 30-acre Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite had been damaged, with tire tracks visible over dinosaur footprints that had previously stood the test of time. At the time, the BLM was rather tight-lipped about the situation, offering little comment. It was well documented, however, that the agency was in the midst of a construction project to replace a boardwalk.

Well, last week, the BLM came clean. “A BLM regional paleontologist conducted a site assessment and … has preliminarily determined that some damage occurred to dinosaur footprints at the project site, and this is unacceptable,” the BLM said. The BLM went on to say construction has been put on hold until the paleontologist’s report is complete, which is expected in about three weeks. Then, the BLM will follow any recommendations, conduct a deeper National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study and include public comment before work is resumed.

“The dinosaur tracks on this site tell a story from millions of years ago,” the BLM said. “The BLM has a responsibility to ensure this story is still told thousands of years from now.”

14 Free Will Astrology 15 Classifieds

11

15 Haiku Movie Review

Finding the scene For alternative music to thrive locally, it’s going to take all of us

On the cover: An ombre sky highlights a lone windmill on the horizon near Teec Nos Pos, Ariz./ Photo by Stephen Eginoire

by Alex Vick

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EDITORIALISTA: Missy Votel missy@durangotelegraph.com ADVERTISING SALES: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com STAFF REPORTER: Jonathan Romeo jonathan@durangotelegraph.com

T

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We’re only human. If, by chance, we defame someone’s good name or that of their family, neighbor, best

friend or dog, we will accept full responsibility in a public flogging in the following week’s issue.

Although “free but not easy,” we can be plied with schwag, booze and flattery.

telegraph

In related news, you can see “real” dinosaurs in action after it was revealed during the Super Bowl there’s going to be another “Jurassic Park” movie, starring OGs Sam Neill, Laura Dern and dashing heartthrob scientist Jeff Goldblum.

Wait, what?

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Concentration is the secret of strength in politics, in war, in trade, in short in all management of human affairs.”

Well, if that’s the case, Americans are weak AF. According to a new study, office workers were only able to focus an average of three minutes.

It’s even worse for the youngins: a sample of college students found they could only focus on a task for 65 seconds.

Obviously, technology – namely cell phones and social media – is at the heart of what’s stealing our attention, and some scientists are warning we are on the brink of a collective crisis.

Yes, there are changes we can make to gain some of that laser focus back. But by far the greater threat are tech companies that strategically manipulate our minds to vie for our eyeballs. And some suggest regulations to combat this brain control.

And we’re all susceptible to it: even I’ve refreshed The New York Times homepage 57 times in the course of writing this column to see if Russia has invaded Ukraine yet.

Oh, thank god, still nothing. At least for another 65 seconds.

Feb. 17, 2022 n

3

opinion

LaVidaLocal Tinderbox of terror As the violent dust settled in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the majority of Americans were once again feeling the thrill of stomping on the Middle East – pulverizing Iraq into a “pre-industrial age nation,” to quote a United Nations report – all in order to maintain control of oil reserves. Along with that imperialist euphoria came the rapture of Pax-Americana dreams of splendor.

The California restaurant chain Sizzler heard the call and rebranded itself as the zenith of the American dream. A 1991 Sizzler promotional video consists of montages of white Americans going about their day running the world while a nauseating pop ballad of ultra-nationalism plays in the background. The video’s overtly political lyrics offer gems such as: “Sizzler brings the choices that you’ve been looking for. Giving you the right to choose, we’re offering much more.” While patriarchal courts were discussing and diminishing how much autonomy a woman has over her body (which continues today), Sizzler redirected the conversation to focus on the right to choose food from their buffet troughs.

This was also the same year Rodney King was brutally beaten by the LAPD. The horrifying event was caught on tape and sent the state into a fiery rage. Yet, for those keeping their eyes stubbornly glued to whitewashed nationalism like Sizzler’s marketing, the reality of state-sanctioned violence was nonexistent.

Which brings us to the present. February is Black History Month, yet many states and school districts began the month by threatening to ban books that confront racism, sexism and the fluidity of sexuality, among other matters that help shape a worldview of dignity and empathy.

Which is to say there are many people out there who prefer Sizzler’s ad as an account of American life. Texas and Tennessee could be the first to impose such whitewashed brainwashing, but if things continue on this trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before it happens here.

As absurd as this prediction may seem, I don’t want to downplay the serious and deadly nature of repressing Black and Brown voices.

When it comes to such actions, the FBI has historically been the model of suppression.

After spending much energy dismantling labor unions and socialist organizations throughout the 1950s, the FBI began directing its attention to the various Black and Brown liberation struggles erupting in the tumultuous 1960s. This campaign of political repression, mainly targeting the working class and communities of color, unfolded under the FBI’s counter-intelligence program – COINTELPRO for short. By 1967, with the popularity of Black Power organizations such as the Black Panther Party, a directive was sent out to FBI field offices, instructing them to “disrupt, discredit or otherwise neutralize the activities of (civil rights and black liberation organizations), their leadership, spokesmen and supporters.”

The Black Panther Party rose to prominence in the 1960s, and much of that was due to successful efforts to provide “survival programs” to Blacks in urban localities. These services included free schools, free clinics and, most notably, the Panther’s Free Breakfast for Children program, which began in 1968 and served 50,000 grade schoolers in 45 inner cities around the country. Naturally, like a Texas school board meeting para-

noid over “anti-white propaganda” being fed to children who meet their daily nutritional requirements, the FBI was determined to destroy these empowering services. Efforts included the jailing of Panther Party members and intimidating local businesses that were collaborating with the breakfast program.

Of the many grotesque attempts to destroy the Black Panthers, one of the most heinous is the assassination of Illinois Panther leader Fred Hampton. In his early teens, Hampton showed promise as a community organizer. By the age of 21, that energy and charisma led him to become a notable Panther leader, causing the FBI to put an immediate bullseye on him. In the early hours of Dec. 4, 1969, police raided Hampton’s apartment under the pretext that “illegal weapons” were stored there. Through an informant, they were provided a floorplan of the apartment, which pointed out Hampton’s bedroom. Armed with submachine guns and M-1 carbines, the police fired 42 rounds into the wall connected to Hampton’s room as he slept. Miraculously, Hampton was only hit once during the initial assault, though he was severely wounded. Another officer then approached the wounded Hampton and fired two more rounds at close range into his head. “Well, he’s good and dead now,” remarked one of the officers.

Black radical intellectual Frantz Fanon once referred to colonialism’s daily pervasive racism as “atmospheric violence ... rippling under the skin.”

Here we can call it the American weather.

In reflecting on the violent mobs intent on upholding whiteness, James Baldwin wisely noted these ideas start at the top. “The idea of black persons as property does not come from the mob. It does not come from the people, who knew better, who thought nothing of intermarriage until they were penalized for it: this idea comes from the architects of the American State,” he said. “These architects decided that the concept of Property was more important – more real – than the possibilities of the human being.”

The cultural repression now targeting communities of color and queer voices is only the extension of this. Ever since marginalized voices first rose up demanding dignity and justice, the settler state has sought “to disrupt, discredit and destroy” such vibrant liberation movements. And it is unsurprising how those clinging to whiteness and American exceptionalism will use any means to uphold the prevailing order.

If and when the tide will turn against this ongoing cultural repression is hard to determine. In his Hood Communist article titled “How to Withstand the Neo-Fascists’ Conquest of Power,” writer and organizer Kali Akuno maps out a grim trajectory for the country over the next few years. This ongoing cultural repression has potential to metastasize into something darker. To resist that, Akuno points to the necessity to build up strong mutual aid communities and self-defense networks. And since those tactics are rooted in the Black/Afro-Indigenous/Queer radical traditions, it is only fitting to vocalize these strategies during Black History Month.

With COVID, climate change and creeping fascism building a tinderbox of terror, we must act with our emergency hearts and urgently embrace radical mutual aid if we seek to actualize a world of harmony and dignity for all.

Thumbin’It

4 n Feb. 17, 2022

– Kirbie Bennett

Sign of the Downfall:

A Colorado appeals court revisiting the debate over whether standing in a riverbed is considered trespassing, which could be a landmark decision for river access and right-to-wade regulations.

Further research showing it is possible to die of a “broken heart.” You hear that Samantha? Breaking up with me right before the prom not only left me without a dance partner, it could have killed me!

News that Dolly Parton’s Dollywood will cover tuition, fees and books for any employees who want to further their schooling. Oh great, what’s next? The U.S. offering free college? Oh wait, a lot of countries do that already …

Trump illegally taking White House documents that should have been entered into the National Archives, including “love letters” between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. But who knows? Without them, he could have died from a broken heart.

A judge overturning the BLM’s approval of an oil and gas project in Southwest Colorado because of the harm it poses to sage grouse habitat. Guess they’re not such a “mediocre bird” after all.

An Ohio mayor was forced to resign after saying ice fishing shanties on a city lake could lead to prostitution. Nothing sets the mood like freezing temperatures and staring at a hole carved into the ice.

telegraph

Altitude Richness Fun fact: there’s only one house for sale in Durango listed below $500K. In other news, ACT is selling “oxygen-controlled altitude simulation systems” for about $40K per room that make it so rich people don’t have to experience the thin air of Colorado. Hypoxia, or “altitude sickness,” is the one thing that’s been keeping the sealevel elite from moving to places like Durango, but now, they can pay an extra $200K per second home to breathe easier. However, there’s a much, much more affordable way to avoid the thin air of Colorado … stay where you are.

WordontheStreet It’s Presidents Day weekend, so the Telegraph asked, “If elected president, what would be your first act in Mia the oval office?” “Cover student

Q

loan debt.”

Ben

“I’d give everyone $500 for free. I mean, everyone loves cash.”

Chelsea

“Put more money into homeless and women’s shelters.”

Jonathan

“Find a way to teach everyone there’s no right or wrong way. We can’t be divided.

We have to work together.”

Nathan

“Find a way to blackmail Putin.

I’m sure he’s got some dirt on him.”

telegraph

Feb. 17, 2022 n 5

SoapBox

D-Tooned/by Rob Pudim

Knowledge is money News coverage of the proposed library district for the City of Durango and the Durango Public Library fails to reveal some key issues. Apparently a consulting firm is to be hired. Are these funds to come from the city’s general fund, and if so, how much will the consultant cost? Why not use this money instead to expand library hours to include Sundays?

Apparently approval of the library district would “free up” money within the city’s general fund. Creating a new library district means imposing a new property tax on Durango homeowners. How much will this new mill levy cost individual homeowners? And who sits on this five-member panel who is making the decision on whether to hire a consulting firm or not?

Who chose the members of this panel?

A city library is a valuable public resource that is rightfully funded by general fund tax dollars. Shifting the cost of library operations to a new taxing district, and in the process raising property taxes on homeowners, erodes trust in our local elected officials.

– Chris Paulson, Durango

Stop World War 3 With NATO leaders conducting discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which made a truce during The Olympics, our government workers in Ukraine are warned to get out while there is still a window of time to leave alive.

Seems like this standoff will turn ugly unless Putin gets an agreement where Ukraine does not join NATO. I believe if Ukraine gets to be recognized as a sovereign country, in writing of course, without more years of Soviet killings, no cyber-attacks and can legitimately live without other horrors, they can do without joining NATO.

If Putin – the literally richest man on Earth – breaks the rules, then he can have all of his treasures taken away through sanctions. Oligarchs that are Putin’s buddies could also have all of their treasures taken away.

Leave the rest of the little people in Russia alone that

## ) %"

want to live in peace like everyone else on Earth and not have one trigger-happy shot fired ever again, which could easily end up becoming a Nuclear World War 3 with no last man standing.

– Sally Florence, Durango

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!

)(" $&) ")&' ))$ !

6 n Feb. 17, 2022

telegraph

Going, going, gone...

Cincinnati Bengals win Super Bowl LVI!!! ...uhh…not quite.

After 58 minutes of letting the teams slug it out, officials threw back-to-back-to-back questionable flags, giving the Los Angeles Rams two fresh sets of downs, the last of which on Cincinnati’s 1-yard line. Rams QB Matthew Stafford found receiver Cooper Kupp, this year’s MVP, for the goahead touchdown and the win, 23-20.

But wait. On the first play of the second half the officials missed a facemask penalty on Cincinnati’s wide receiver Tee Higgins, allowing him an easy score to give Cincinnati the lead. Were the officials trying to make up for one bad call with a series of others? Questionable calls marred an otherwise exciting edge-of-your seat game.

In a season plagued with officiating snafus, the Super Bowl ends up the same. The noticeable lack of penalties for most of the game was refreshing to watch, allowing an unimpeded ebb and flow of momentum. To have the last two minutes so marred it changed the outcome of the contest is deplorable. The goal of all officiating is don’t be the story; don’t let a bad call be what they talk about. Officiating any sport is tough; on the biggest sports stage in the world, it is a huge challenge. Nonetheless NFL officiating needs an overhaul.

The Rams’ plan worked. Trade for talent – including the Denver Broncos sole defensive standout, Von Miller – and build a one-season team to win the Super Bowl. But they paid a heavy price. The Rams traded away their drafts for the next several years and it is notoriously hard to keep a Super Bowl team together.

The NFL’s lack of minorities in head coaching jobs has been an ongoing controversy. On Super Bowl Sunday, President Joe Biden called out the disparity and told the NFL they must do better.

The Super Bowl half time show, a tribute to Dr. Dre, is being hailed as one of the best ever. Dre’s protégés, including Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar, hon-

ored the master. Eminem took a knee in solidarity with NFL players supporting Black Lives Matter. Hip-hop and rap are a comfortable fit in the NFL. This was likely announcer Al Michaels’ final broadcast for NBC. Michaels’ smooth, urbane style has made him one of the NFL’s best – and most loved – announcers. Michaels, 77, is being wooed by Amazon, which will have a Thursday night game next year. It was also Michele Tafoya’s last game. NBC parted ways with their stellar sideline reporter.

The Rams become the second team in Super Bowl history to win the big one in their home stadium. Tampa Bay did it last year.

Billie Jean King, the tennis superstar, tossed the coin to start the game. Going into Super Bowl LVI, the team winning the coin toss had lost the previous seven times. Make that eight. Cincinnati won the toss.

– john van becay, Aurora

Respectful exchange A Google search for “Why are Democrats losing voters?” reveals voters are feeling so disenfranchised by the Democratic National Committee they are turning off in droves.

This, during a year that should have every democracyloving American energized and looking for how they can best participate in the coming election. It’s frightening.

After all, more than anything, this election will be about the future of open and fair elections in the U.S. Beyond that, it’s going to be a national referendum between the importance of honesty and truth in America’s public dialogue versus a descent into anger-driven anarchy. No exaggeration; simply pay attention to how the Republican Party has been engaging in every imaginable dirty trick to stymie future election participation and voting legitimacy.

Successful politicians require strong, informed and proactive support if they are to lead, yet the DNC seems to be doing little to nurture that sort of buy-in from their grassroots. Why? The DNC’s disregard towards rank and file concerns is reflected in the constant bombardment of boilerplate dona-

tion pitches, as though money was all We The People are good for. I understand the need to fundraise, but what about making us feel like active participants through straight talk, informing us of challenges, calling for feedback, being responsive and nurturing engagement.

The DNC should earn its money by informing and engaging constituents in a way that makes sense to us and connects with our lives – creating relevance, encouraging enthusiasm and producing participation.

Why not use the internet? Why not create a quality internet platform for having constructive political dialogue,

by Democrats for Democrats? You could call it “The Democratic Party Online Discussion Forum” where America’s untapped concerned citizens could share their stories, ideas, concerns, questions and challenges.

The forum would be public, though only registered Democrats could sign on to comment and start threads. It would require a set of clearly spelled-out guidelines. Participants would need to sign up and agree to abide by the forum’s rules and standards. Moderators would be of critical importance to the forum’s success: fair, consistent, with a flair for humor, touch of empathy, and an instinct for constructive resolution and steering dialogue back on point.

I’ve been participating at forum.CenterForInquiry.org for many years, and they provide an excellent example of how such a forum could be organized and operated. While Center for Inquiry’s forum is small, a Democratic Party Online Discussion Forum could serve as a nucleus for some serious community building.

Politically interested citizens have few opportunities for connecting with others. By providing us with a trustworthy adult discussion platform for constructive dialogue among concerned Democrats, I can’t think of a better way to rapidly increase awareness and reinvigorate a disillusioned Democratic grassroots.

For all its faults, the Democratic Party is all we have. We need to focus on fixing it, rather than abandoning what little remaining political muscle we the people have.

– Peter Miesler, Hesperus

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telegraph

Feb. 17, 2022 n 7

LandDesk

Geologic temper tantrum Coal seam blaze caused spectacle in Durango, hot dogs included

by Jonathan Thompson

I

nvestigators have yet to settle on a cause of the devastating Marshall Fire that tore through grasslands, strip malls and housing developments outside of Boulder late last year. They have ruled out lightning and downed power lines, but continue to look into the possibility that it was ignited by a coal seam fire.

That got me thinking about coal fires and a moving mountain.

At any given time, thousands of fires smolder in abandoned, active mines and un-mined coal seams nationwide. Sometimes these subterranean blazes are sparked by lightning or wildfires. Other times, air and water get into the seam catalyzing an exothermic reaction that causes coal spontaneously to ignite. The fires can burn for hundreds of years or even longer.

Most go largely unnoticed. That is, until they do something that demands attention – like start a wildfire.

The Marshall Fire began near the abandoned Lewis coal mines near Marshall, an unincorporated area northwest of Superior. Colorado geologists first observed an active coal fire here in the 1980s, but it is not uncommon for subterranean infernos to migrate to the upper world. In 2002, a coal seam fire started a 12,000-acre blaze near Glenwood Springs and at least one of last summer’s Montana fires has been traced back to a burning coal seam.

Sometimes the underground fires manifest in even more dramatic ways.

In December 1932, a triangular ridge south of Durango called Carbon Mountain, in what is now the Bodo Wildlife Area, moved. Actually, it kind of erupted, albeit not in a volcanic sense. “The whole hill is quaking, grunting, groaning,” a Durango News reporter wrote on the day of the calamity. “Boulders large and small and hundreds of tons of earth continue toppling from the crest of (Carbon) Mountain.

Every few minutes, a great cluster of boulders would break loose. Clouds of dust marked their pathway as they shot out into space, landing in the valley to the north.”

The next morning, hundreds of folks headed out to the once-unremarkable hill, located where the Animas River slices through the Hogback Monocline, to witness the geologic temper tantrum. Others flocked in from out of town, out of state and even abroad. Popular Mechanics magazine sent someone to report back on “this huge mass of rock and earth, apparently loosened by some mysterious, subterranean disturbance … unlike any other such earth movement known to scientists.” Someone captured the movement on film. A young man set up a hot dog stand near the mountain’s base to capitalize on all the gawking. Even Will Rogers, during a visit to the town, piped in, suggesting that a bit of dynamite under the

8 n Feb. 17, 2022

Durango’s unassuming Carbon Mountain created a stir locally and nationally when it seemingly spontaneously erupted in 1932. It’s believed one of the coal seams that lie deep within caught fire. Hundreds of coal fires smolder across the West, with one near Lewis being fingered as a possible cause of the Marshall Fire./ File photo feature would keep it moving – and keep President Franklin D. Roosevelt said he sions along the Hogback Monocline inthe tourist dollars flowing. was sending 200 members of the forest creased, most likely because drilling liberNewspapers would call Carbon Mounconservation corps to the Little Thunder ated the methane. People also began tain the “playboy peak,” “galloping steed” Basin near Gillette, Wyo., to fight coal noticing more coal seam fires along the and “bucking bronc” of the Rockies. Some fires. “Colorado’s flaming Carbon MounHogback around this time. called the cantankerous hill “Democrat tain is only one of over 100 uncontrolled In 1998 alone, three underground coal Mountain” and the debris flow on its fires that have been eating away at one of fires were discovered along the Hogback on north face “Hoover Slide.” But the name our national resources for years,” the Asso- Southern Ute land, along with evidence of that stuck for decades and that my grandciated Press reported at the time. “In 28 prior fires, indicating they were a natural mother used to refer to the hill when I was coal fires (across the West’s public lands) and fairly common occurrence (lending fura kid was “Moving Mountain.” carefully studied in 1928 and 1929, the ther credence to the Moving Mountain theOnce the harebrained theories of the coal endangered was shown to have a ory). Coal seam fires are notoriously causes – vulcanism, West Coast tremors value in excess of $62 million.” difficult to extinguish. In 2000, the Southand exploding bootlegger stills – were cast The coal fire-methane theory also fits ern Ute Tribe spent $865,000 trying to put aside, the serious work of figuring out with the unusual geology of the Hogback out one of the aforementioned fires, injectwhat was going on began. John W. VanMonocline. The layers of rock are tilted uping 4,400 cubic meters of foamy cement derwilt, with the U.S. Geological Survey, wards here, like the rim of a big, shallow into the seam. It didn’t work. declared that all the hype was nonsense bowl, exposing the Fruitland coal formaResearchers theorized that methane and attributed the mountain’s shimmies tion. That opens a pathway for oxygen to within the coal seam may have been fuelto a run-of-the-mill landslide caused by fuel coal fires and allows methane within ing the fire; cut off the fuel and you could surface water seeping into clay shale and the coal seams to ooze into the air, leading possibly stifle the blaze. So they dug a making the sandstone layer on top slip. to seemingly supernatural events. There are “picket fence” of wells upstream of the Others had a counter-theory: A burning tales of campfire embers igniting the Pine coal fire to intercept the gas, which is put coal seam met up with pockets of associRiver near where it cuts through the Hoginto a gathering system, processed and ated methane gas. The gas exploded and back and folks lighting methane seeps as a piped to market. Today, the project capthe ground subsided, leading to slope insort of natural holiday light display. And tures some 250,000 cubic feet of methane stability and “jazz movements,” as one then there was this one: “A married man per day, robbing the fire of critical fuel headline described the phenomenon. This who enjoyed his liquor would return home and keeping a substantial amount of powould better explain the explosions, sulafter a night out on the town only to find tent greenhouse gas out of the air. It also furous odor emanating from the mounthat his wife had locked him out. … He earns the tribe – a major energy developer tain, quickly melting snow on the would light methane flowing from a vent in its own right – carbon credits. north-facing ridge and small wildfire that pipe attached to the main casing of a water The Land Desk is a newsletter from Jonathan broke out atop the ridge. well to produce heat to keep warm.”

P. Thompson, longtime journalist and author of At the time, coal seam fires were burnAfter oil and gas companies started River of Lost Souls, Behind the Slickrock Curtain, ing all over the West. In May 1933, a week drilling for this coalbed methane in and the newly released Sagebrush Empire. To after another Moving Mountain episode, earnest in the 1980s, the methane emissubscribe, go to: www.landdesk.org.■

telegraph

TopStory

A storm unleashes over the Animas Valley. A new radar system spearheaded by La Plata County will now help better predict weather events in the Four Corners, long a black hole for accurate forecasting./ File photo

Out of the black hole County ready to move ahead with long-awaited radar system

by Jonathan Romeo

T

hree years in the making, La Plata County is ready to move forward with a new radar station for the Four Corners, a blind spot when it comes to weather and radar modeling.

Referred to as a “black hole” in the weather world, the Four Corners has never had accurate forecasting methods, as hubs in Albuquerque, Flagstaff and Grand Junction take in data at too high of an elevation. The gap in information not only means an inability to forecast storms, it also makes it more difficult to predict water availability in an increasingly water-strapped West.

Over the years, efforts to bring a new radar station to the Four Corners have come up short. In summer 2018, however, destructive flooding in the 416 Fire burn scar highlighted the need to predict incoming storms that could pose a threat to homes north of Durango.

The following year, the major hurdle – funding – was solved when the State of Colorado awarded La Plata County $1.7 million to lead the radar project. But perhaps the most important question still loomed: Where to put the new station.

A number of sites have been evaluated in the ensuing years, and not just for the best coverage. County officials also have to consider other factors, such as road access and existing infrastructure like power, which can have a huge impact on the total cost of the project.

After some setbacks in the past few years, La Plata

County told The Durango Telegraph this week the location has finally been selected: the Durango-La Plata County Airport.

“We think we have the right site,” County Manager Chuck Stevens said. “And there’s an overwhelming amount of support to bring this project to fruition.”

Need for a heads up The push for a radar system for the Four Corners is not a new issue. For years, local officials have raised the alarm that the region’s existing weather stations cannot track storm systems in this corner of the state.

“It’s one of the most significant (blind spots) in the country,” Kenneth Howard, program manager and research meteorologist for the National Severe Storms Laboratory Center, said.

In Grand Junction, for instance, the radar system on Grand Mesa is unable to pick up storms at elevations below 28,000 feet. In the San Juan Mountains, however, it’s not uncommon for storms to develop at around 14,000 feet.

“It puts us in a vulnerable position, because we can’t effectively forecast and know if storm cells are coming our way,” Stevens said.

After the Missionary Ridge Fire in 2002 created flashflood risks off the burn scar to homes below, local officials made a concerted effort to bring proper equipment to Southwest Colorado. But the attempt never materialized.

In fact, it wasn’t until after destructive landslides damaged a number of homes in the wake of the 416 Fire that local officials had the leverage they needed. How could

telegraph

emergency officials warn residents of debris flows when there was no way to see where storms were headed?

“We’ve needed (a radar system) for years, but the 416 Fire really highlighted this gap,” Stevens said.

And the winner is...

Since receiving the grant money from the state’s Department of Local Affairs, Stevens said siting the radar system has been challenging. The goal: to find the best location to serve as many people as possible.

In September 2020, La Plata County and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe partnered to secure a site on tribal lands about 10 miles south of Durango, off U.S. Highway 550.

The location, however, met pushback from some involved in the project who said not only were they caught off guard by the decision, but the site would only cover a small portion of the Four Corners. As a result, the county put the brakes on the project to research other potential sites.

“People challenged us to take a harder look and see if we could find a better site,” Stevens said. “And I think we did.”

About a dozen potential sites (some outside La Plata County) where whittled down to six. They were evaluated on a number of factors, including coverage area, road access, infrastructure and who owned the land. While some sites offered the best coverage, they lacked infrastructure, while others offered amenities but had blind spots that defeated the purpose of the project.

Ultimately, the county believes the Durango-La Plata County Airport strikes the best balance.

Feb. 17, 2022 n

9

TopStory

A storm unleashes over the Animas Valley. A new radar system spearheaded by La Plata County will now help better predict weather events in the Four Corners, long a black hole for accurate forecasting./ File photo

Out of the black hole County ready to move ahead with long-awaited radar system

by Jonathan Romeo

T

hree years in the making, La Plata County is ready to move forward with a new radar station for the Four Corners, a blind spot when it comes to weather and radar modeling.

Referred to as a “black hole” in the weather world, the Four Corners has never had accurate forecasting methods, as hubs in Albuquerque, Flagstaff and Grand Junction take in data at too high of an elevation. The gap in information not only means an inability to forecast storms, it also makes it more difficult to predict water availability in an increasingly water-strapped West.

Over the years, efforts to bring a new radar station to the Four Corners have come up short. In summer 2018, however, destructive flooding in the 416 Fire burn scar highlighted the need to predict incoming storms that could pose a threat to homes north of Durango.

The following year, the major hurdle – funding – was solved when the State of Colorado awarded La Plata County $1.7 million to lead the radar project. But perhaps the most important question still loomed: Where to put the new station.

A number of sites have been evaluated in the ensuing years, and not just for the best coverage. County officials also have to consider other factors, such as road access and existing infrastructure like power, which can have a huge impact on the total cost of the project.

After some setbacks in the past few years, La Plata

County told The Durango Telegraph this week the location has finally been selected: the Durango-La Plata County Airport.

“We think we have the right site,” County Manager Chuck Stevens said. “And there’s an overwhelming amount of support to bring this project to fruition.”

Need for a heads up The push for a radar system for the Four Corners is not a new issue. For years, local officials have raised the alarm that the region’s existing weather stations cannot track storm systems in this corner of the state.

“It’s one of the most significant (blind spots) in the country,” Kenneth Howard, program manager and research meteorologist for the National Severe Storms Laboratory Center, said.

In Grand Junction, for instance, the radar system on Grand Mesa is unable to pick up storms at elevations below 28,000 feet. In the San Juan Mountains, however, it’s not uncommon for storms to develop at around 14,000 feet.

“It puts us in a vulnerable position, because we can’t effectively forecast and know if storm cells are coming our way,” Stevens said.

After the Missionary Ridge Fire in 2002 created flashflood risks off the burn scar to homes below, local officials made a concerted effort to bring proper equipment to Southwest Colorado. But the attempt never materialized.

In fact, it wasn’t until after destructive landslides damaged a number of homes in the wake of the 416 Fire that local officials had the leverage they needed. How could

telegraph

emergency officials warn residents of debris flows when there was no way to see where storms were headed?

“We’ve needed (a radar system) for years, but the 416 Fire really highlighted this gap,” Stevens said.

And the winner is...

Since receiving the grant money from the state’s Department of Local Affairs, Stevens said siting the radar system has been challenging. The goal: to find the best location to serve as many people as possible.

In September 2020, La Plata County and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe partnered to secure a site on tribal lands about 10 miles south of Durango, off U.S. Highway 550.

The location, however, met pushback from some involved in the project who said not only were they caught off guard by the decision, but the site would only cover a small portion of the Four Corners. As a result, the county put the brakes on the project to research other potential sites.

“People challenged us to take a harder look and see if we could find a better site,” Stevens said. “And I think we did.”

About a dozen potential sites (some outside La Plata County) where whittled down to six. They were evaluated on a number of factors, including coverage area, road access, infrastructure and who owned the land. While some sites offered the best coverage, they lacked infrastructure, while others offered amenities but had blind spots that defeated the purpose of the project.

Ultimately, the county believes the Durango-La Plata County Airport strikes the best balance.

Feb. 17, 2022 n

9

RadarStation from p. 9 Ready for takeoff With the help of the National Severe Storms Laboratory Center, test models show radar placed at the Durango-La Plata County Airport offers adequate coverage, especially to the southwest and north, where storms usually enter the region (though there is some interference to the south).

The airport, obviously, already has easy access to roads and power, fiber-optic, telecommunications and other infrastructure. Unlike other proposed locations, construction at the airport won’t require an extensive environmental review, and the land is already owned by La Plata County.

“Way back when, we did look at the airport, but I think in our efforts we lost sight of it,” Stevens said. “As we were dusting off everything … we said, let’s revisit the airport and do a deeper analysis.”

Radar is at its best when it scans as close to the ground as possible. The West, with its complex terrain, always poses a challenge for finding the right spot. “Radar can’t see through mountains,” Howard said.

The Durango-La Plata County Airport is at 6,685 feet (Durango, about 15 miles north, is at 6,512 feet), and it’s likely the radar system will need to be installed on a tower about 100-feet. And, county officials still need to find an exact spot for the radar on site and time construction so as not to impact airport operations.

The ‘Gold Standard’ Throughout the search, many people have called for the radar station to go atop a peak known as Bridge Timber Mountain, south of Durango (think the ridge between La Posta Road and Breen). From the top, at about 8,300 feet in elevation, one can see 125 miles in every direction.

But, despite near-perfect coverage, Stevens said there are just too many complications to make Bridge Timber Mountain viable.

For one, there’s no infrastructure atop the mountain

(LPEA estimated up to $1.25 million for a power line). And, the road up the east side of the ridge would require improvements and Southern Ute approval. To get up from the west, a new road would have to be built (the private landowners, for what it’s worth, were in favor of letting the county use their property).

“We worked really hard to make this work, because that site is the gold standard in terms of coverage,” Stevens said.

“But it’s not as easy as saying, ‘There’s a mountaintop, let’s put a radar on top.’ We spent a year trying to figure it out and did everything in our power.”

Bob Wolff, former president of the board for Southwestern Water Conservation District, was one of those who favored Bridge Timber Mountain. Despite the complications, he believed the site would benefit the largest area, and therefore could draw in a host of other stakeholders who could help with the project.

“It was doable, it was just hard,” he said. “But any radar is better than no radar, and we’re perilously close to losing the grant money (which expires in 2024).”

Pretty, pretty good Fortunately, Howard said there’s not a significant dropoff in coverage between Bridge Timber Mountain and the Durango-La Plata County Airport. Take into account the cost-savings building at the airport (money that can be used for a higher-quality radar system), and it’s clear why the airport received nearly unanimous support.

“The airport is going to be the best location when you take into account all the factors,” Howard said. “This is going to be a benefit to everyone.”

Ken Curtis, manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District, said the district had considered dropping out of the project when the Southern Ute location was selected, because it would not have covered the Dolores River watershed. But now, the district is back on board. Among other benefits, an improved radar system will help the district better forecast water for spring run off.

“I appreciate they went back and realized this is a regional issue,” Curtis said. “I know they worked real hard

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The Alter native Resource 10 n Feb. 17, 2022

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looking at the pros and cons, and I think they selected the best choice.”

Steve Wolff (no relation), general manager of Southwestern Water Conservation District, also said the new radar will be critical in improving the timing of cloud seeding.

“It will enable professionals a clearer vision of what’s coming in to prepare,” he said. “We’ll have a whole range of new data sets we haven’t had in this part of the state.”

Indeed, as the West continues to dry out, and more demand is placed on what water is available, Howard said filling one of the biggest remaining radar gaps will improve forecasting. “This is one more puzzle piece we’re filling in to improve models across the West,” he said.

Still some blind spots If all goes according to plan, La Plata County hopes to put the project out to bid in the next few weeks and start construction by the end of the year. The goal, Stevens said, is to have the site operational by the end of 2023.

But in today’s chaotic world, not much goes according to plan. The pandemic has wreaked havoc with the supply chain, skilled labor and construction costs, which have soared in recent months. La Plata County has set aside about $400,000 for unexpected costs, putting the budget at $2.1 million. In addition, other interested parties, such as LPEA and CDOT, could help if the project runs over. “We have commitments from other stakeholders if we find ourselves in a shortfall,” Stevens said. “It’s a real concern.”

Once up and running, La Plata County will set up a model similar to a newly installed radar in the San Luis Valley, where involved parties put in every year for ongoing costs. For La Plata County, that’s expected to run about $40,000 a year.

All challenges aside, it feels the Four Corners is closer than ever to escaping the black hole.

“This is an important project, and people understand that,” Stevens said. “If I’m stopped at the grocery store these days, it’s always to talk about radar. And I feel we’re at a good point now with consensus from our stakeholder group, which is huge.”

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Rock’N’RollSweetheart

The Aztec underground What it takes to become a rock star in a small N.M. town

by Alex Vick

I

nspiration can come in many forms and may take years to culminate into artistic expression. As we highlight artists within the alternative music scene, this week, we turn the spotlight on northern New Mexico. Jackson Doom, guitarist for Under/Ground Level, talked with me about the impulse to play music, the boundaries one must overcome and where a musician finds support and encouragement.

Doom, 24, a creative who lives in Aztec, said that his latest spark of motivation came after he joined the Dumpster Beautification Project, a summer art program run by The Hive. The project brings together local artists, at-risk youth and community members of all ages to design and paint… you guessed it, dumpsters.

“My participation felt like I was building toward something more,” Doom said.

Seeing the success from committing himself to art and a greater good motivated him to use this same discipline with his passion for music.

Doom describes Under/Ground Level as a garage rock trio that plays a mix of instrumentals and covers from bands ranging from Ween to Rage Against the Machine. But it took years and a community to get Doom to that point.

He started out playing AC/DC covers (“Dirty Deeds”) at first-grade show-andtells, and from the beginning, he always had support in his musical pursuits. “I can see all the people who stood behind me when I was exploring music,” he said. “I received birthday cards that always said, ‘You are a rock star!’”

These tokens of support may have been small and perhaps, at the time, overlooked. But Doom knew he always had a safety net of positive affirmations when negativity or doubts crept into his mind about the caliber or substance he was trying to achieve.

Despite this support system, there were few options locally where he could participate. Doom said there were some shows at Crash Music (a venue in Aztec now closed) every now and then, but he was underage and couldn’t attend or play shows. A common issue among young musicians, it begs the question: how do you cultivate new and young musicians?

“There were only a couple bar bands that would split their time between the two bars in Aztec,” Doom said. (Doom explained, with a lip-curling smile, “A bar band is like Lynyrd Skynyrd and that song ‘Ride Sally Ride’ for the whole night.”)

The lack of venues and musical options felt isolating. “For a long time, I was only sharing my music with friends; there wasn’t anywhere to showcase it,” he said. So, Doom formed a band in 2020 with drummer Mark Frazier, from Aztec, under the

Members of Under/Ground Level, from left, Mark Frazier, Jackson Doom and Laurel Pachall. The three play The Hive Sat., Feb. 26, along with fellow N.M. bands The Mercury Retrograde and Blind Child./ Courtesy photo name Foul Tom, spending two years writing and experimenting with their sound. But even during this time, the element of playing live was missing. After getting involved with The Hive in Durango, helping to facilitate visual art, Doom engaged with the music side of The Hive as well, playing shows with Foul Tom. After two years of playing with Foul Tom, the band decided to add another member, Laurel Pachall, on vocals. The name of the new project became Under/Ground Level, inspired by practicing in Doom’s mom’s basement. “You pull up to mom’s house, which is on the ground level, and then you go underground to the basement,” he said. “That’s where it all happens.”

Under/Ground Level will be making its first public appearance at 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26, at The Hive, 1150 Main Ave. Also on the bill for the night will be other New Mexico groups, The Mercury Retrograde and Blind Child.

The Mercury Retrograde pulls in musicians from both Aztec and Farmington.

The band brings a beautifully fused combo of punk, metal and psyche, executed with kicking drums, lightning guitar riffs and glorious crescendos. Together, this band creates storm-the-gates-type an-

thems that will leave everyone yelling in chorus.

Blind Child, from Farmington, produces a flavorful flannel-and-denim wrapped grunge tone. This power duo, with Caleb Draper on vocals and guitar, and Trenton Trujillo on drums, offer stressed vocals that emanate passion linked with spooky guitar licks and haunted, distorted tones, which make for a transcendent graveyard journey.

Now that Doom has found a more established scene here in Durango, he has also taken it upon himself to help new bands get started. Writing music and playing shows, he said, is a collaborative effort. “We have to learn how to get on that level together.”

A show is a larger entity than two to three hours of live entertainment. A show can take months of planning, organizing, promoting and sound engineering. It’s a great deal of work, and as viewers, we only see the tip of the iceberg.

Doom left me with a quote, which hangs above his practice and creative space: “Give it your all, but don’t give it all away.” Let’s take this energy and support local artists and musicians. We can only elevate our community if we put something into it.

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Feb. 17, 2022 n 11

StufftoDo

Thursday17 Gary Walker plays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Jean-Pierre Bakery & Restaurant, 601 Main Ave. Heartwarming Soup Sale, 5 p.m., proceeds go to local families for financial assistance thru winter. Lola’s Place, 725 E. 2nd Ave. Third Thursday Speaker Series featuring Scottish writer Margaret Kirk, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Tim Sullivan plays, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Songwriter’s session, 6-8 p.m., Mountain Monk Coffee, 558 Main Ave. Leah Orlikowski plays, 6 p.m., Fur Trapper’s Steakhouse, 701 E. 2nd Ave.

Deadline for “Stuff to Do” submissions is Monday at noon. To submit an item,

Powerhouse Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio. Manny Hernandez Stand-up Comedy Show, 8 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Geeks who Drink Trivia, 8 p.m., The Roost, 128 E. College Dr.

Friday18 Live music, 4:30-6:30 p.m., James Ranch, 33846 U.S. Highway 550.

Ska Brewing and Durango Independent Film Festival beer release party, 5 p.m., Ska Brewing HQ, 225 Girard St.

Saturday19

Silverton Skijoring, events all day.

FLC Alumni Ski Day, all day, Purgatory Resort.

Telefestivus Telemark Festival, free demos, Purgatory Resort.

Terry Rickard plays, 6 p.m., Fur Trapper’s Steakhouse, 701 E. 2nd Ave. Middle Ground plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

“Radium Girls,” play written by D.W. Gregory, presented by Durango High School Troupe 1096, 7 p.m.

Tickets at troupe1096.weebly.com

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Alumni Ski Day & Base Party, 9 a.m., Purgatory Resort.

Guided snowshoe/ski tour of Red Mountain Mining District, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. More info and registration at www.uncompahgrewatershed.org/events.

La Plata County Humane Society puppy adoption event, 12 noon, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave. Six Dollar String Band plays, 2 p.m., Purgatory Resort.

Monday21 Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. “Bet the Farm” presentation, featuring a discussion on the book about sustainable farming, 6:307:30 p.m. Meeting will be held via Zoom. More info at facebook.com/animasvalleygrange.

Magi & Friends (reggae) plays, 4-6 p.m., Mountain Monk Coffee, 558 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

Tuesday22

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Great Decisions 2022 talk, 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

For more info and to register visit lwvlaplata.org. Topic is drug policy in Latin America. Event is free and open to the public.

Reeder & Spencer plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th Street Station.

Acoustic Music Jam, 5-7 p.m., all instruments and styles welcome, vaccinated players only, 11th St. Station.

Joel Racheff plays, 6 p.m., Fur Trapper’s Steakhouse, 701 E. 2nd Ave.

Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

“Radium Girls,” play presented by Durango High School Troupe 1096, 7 p.m. Tickets at troupe1096.weebly.com

Ben Gibson plays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Amber Lily plays, 7 p.m., American Legion Post #28, 878 E. Second Ave.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver play, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave. Live music, 5:30 p.m., The Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Bluegrass Jam, Feb. 20, 4-6 p.m., Mountain Monk Coffee, 558 Main Ave.

Sunday20 Veterans Breakfast, 9-11 a.m., VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Ave. Silverton Skijoring, events all day.

Intentional Consciousness talk, 2 p.m., Mountain Monk Coffee, 558 Main Ave. San Juan Symphony – Perpetual Motion, 3 p.m., Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Durango Elks Lodge Pub Trivia, 6:30 p.m., Durango Elks Lodge, 901 E. 2nd Ave. Non-members welcome.

Open mic night, weekly 7:30-9:30 p.m., Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave. International Guitar Night, 7:30 p.m., Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. Featuring acoustic rock guitarist Luca Stricagnoli (Italy), progressive classical guitarist Thu Le (Vietnam), Slack Key master Jim Kimo West (Hawaii) and Latin Swing pioneer Lulo Reinhardt (Germany).

Wednesday23 Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave.

Proudly serving Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters – by the cup or the bag.

1099 Main Ave., under the big clock Mon.- Thurs., 7:30am-3pm and Fri., 7:30am-1pm

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12 n Feb. 17, 2022

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AskRachel

In a pickle, swinger-curious & big jugs Interesting fact: Pickleball’s name refers to the pickle boat; Pickles the pickleball founder’s family dog came years later and was named after the game. It remains entirely possible that the pickle boat was named for a predecessor Pickles dog lost to pickle history.

Dear Rachel, With Valentine’s Day coming up I want to buy my wife a new paddle or a T-shirt that says “sweet pickle.” What to do? P.S. Was pickleball named after a dog or a boat? I relish your answers.

– For all who love pickles, Dill Pickle Dear Fermented Cuke, You wanna know what I wanna know? I wanna know if Vlasic rhymes with “basic” or “plastic.” But we can’t all get what we want. This question came in too late for the V-Day edition of “Ask Rachel,” so I hope you bought your wife a matching pickle-paddle and pickle-T set. And it only now occurs to me that you meant a pickleball paddle and not a special romantic spanky-time accessory.

– Nibble this pickle, Rachel Dear Rachel, What’s the deal with the “Swingers” in Durango? How do they bring the subject up with their “good friends?” I’ve heard one attends a party and puts their car keys in a bowl and then people, one by one, pull the key out and that’s who you’re going to have sex with. But what if Live music, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave. Psychedelic Club of Durango meets, 6-8 p.m., Mountain Monk Coffee, 558 Main Ave.

you’re a female and you pull another female’s keys out – are you stuck with her even though you don’t go “that” way? Can you put the keys back in until you pick the one you’re wanting?

If you’re single and you pick a couple’s keys, are you obligated to do a threesome, even if you find the woman unattractive? I drive a Tesla Model 3 (NO KEY!!!!) what do I do?? Help!

– Keyless, Clueless and Sick of My One-and-Only Dear Popped Bubble, You drive a Tesla, so trust me, no one would brave a horse that high just to bonk you. You’re safe from all the swingers, who by definition have plenty of other internal-combustion options. Also, I think maybe you don’t understand what “swinging” is. Literally the only thing I know about it is that the key-swap does not result in going home with an intact couple. My guess is, all your fears of unattractive and unwanted women are for naught, because you’re clearly not one of the “good friends” having this come up in conversation.

– Swing low, sweet chariot, Rachel Dear Rachel, Why on earth do my in-town friends spend money on big blue jugs of water (and lug them back and forth to the store) when we have perfectly good water out of our taps? I always figured those water-fill stations were for folks in the boonies whose wells gone done went dry.

– Bottled Curiosity “Radium Girls,” play presented by Durango High School Troupe 1096, Feb. 24 & 25 at 7 p.m., Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Durango High School. Tickets at troupe1096.weebly.com

Ongoing

Living with Wolves presentation, Fri., Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m., The Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio. Featuring Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Erik Molvar.

Chapman Ski Hill is open. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 3:30-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info go to: www.durangogov.org/chapmanhill.

Dragondeer plays, Fri., Feb. 25, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre, 129 E. College Dr.

The Hive Indoor Skate Park is open, offering open skate and skate lessons. Waivers required. For schedule and online waiver, go to www.thehivedgo.org

3rd Ave. Arts presents organist C. Scott Hagler, Fri. Feb. 25, 7-8 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave.

Julie Ann Ward: Transformative Light art show, Fort Lewis College Art Gallery. Exhibit runs until March 1.

Thom Chacon plays, Feb. 25 & 26, 7 p.m., Smiley Building, 1309 E. 3rd Ave. Part of The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College’s POP-UP Performance series.

Lisa Parker’s Animal Rescue fundraiser, Feb. 12-22.

Register for auction at bit.ly/3IRSXDr.

Upcoming Dustin Burley plays, Thurs., Feb. 24, 6 p.m., Fur Trappers Steakhouse, 701 E. 2nd Ave.

Guided snowshoe/ski tour of winter wildlife, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wildlife biologist Steve Boyle will lead tour on Red Mountain Pass. Meet at Ouray Visitor Center, 1230 Main St. Register at uncompahgrewatershed.org.events.

Après Ski Science & Social, Sat., Feb. 26, 2 p.m., Andrews Lake parking area, just south of Molas Pass.

telegraph

Email Rachel at telegraph@durangotelegraph.com Dear Jugalicious, FINALLY a sexless question. Or at least one I don’t make inadvertently kinky. But come on… pickles put me in that state of mind. Not because of the bumpy shape, but because I really do love pickles. Actual pickles. Pickles that likely benefit from being jarred in charcoal-filtered reverse-osmosis anti-bad-juju water that is, at its source, the same stuff we drink from the sink.

– Thirty cents a gallon, Rachel Snowshoeing 2-4 p.m., followed by beverages and bonfire.

Hosted by San Juan Mountain Association. Registration required: sjma.org/events Durango Independent Film Festival, March 2-6, more info at www.durangofilm.org.

Chocolate & Wine Tasting, Thurs., March 3, 5:30-7 p.m., Animas Chocolate Co., 920 Main Ave. Benefit for the Women’s Resource Center.

Seed Exchange, March 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., bring what you can, take what you need. Master gardeners will be in attendance. Animas Valley Grange, 7271 CR 203.

Après Ski Science & Social, Sat., March 26, 2 p.m., Andrews Lake parking area, just south of Molas Pass.

Deadline to submit stuff for “Stuff to Do” is Monday at noon.

Email your stuff to: calendar@durango telegraph.com

Feb. 17, 2022 n 13

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): You’re slipping into a phase when stuff that has been invisible will become visible, at least to you. You will have extra power to peer beneath the surfaces, discern the hidden agendas and study the deeper workings. Your interest in trivia and distractions will dissipate, and you’ll feel intensified yearnings to home in on core truths. Here’s your guiding principle during this time: Favor the interests of the soul over those of the ego. And for inspiration, have fun with this quote by religious scholar Huston Smith: “The Transcendent was my morning meal, we had the Eternal at lunch and I ate a slice of the Infinite at dinner.”

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14 n Feb. 17, 2022

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “You cannot have fun with anything that you don’t love or admire or respect,” declared comedian Mel Brooks. I agree!

The joyous release that comes through playful amusement is most likely to unfold when you’re in the presence of influences you are fond of. The good news is that in the coming weeks, you will have a special inclination and knack for hanging around people and influences. Therefore, you will have an enhanced capacity for mirth and delight and pleasure. Take full advantage, please! As much as possible, gravitate toward what you love, admire and respect.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “The thing about inspiration is that it takes your mind off everything else,” said Gemini author Vikram Seth. I bring this truth to your attention because I believe you will soon be the beneficiary of steady, strong waves of inspiration. I also predict that these waves will transport you away from minor irritations that are best left alone for now. Be alert and ever-ready to spring into action, so that as the inspirational surges flow, you will harvest the maximum rewards from their gifts.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The advice that Reb Nachman of Breslov offered two centuries ago is just right for you now: “Never ask directions from someone who knows the way, or you will never be able to get lost.” In the coming weeks, you will attract tricky but palpable blessings from meandering around without knowing exactly where you are.

It’s time for you to find out what you don’t even realize you need to know; to stumble upon quiet little wonders and marvels that will ultimately prove to be guideposts for your holy quests in the future. Yes, I understand that being in unknown territory without a reliable map isn’t usually a pleasure, but I believe it will be for you. P.S.: Our fellow Cancerian, author Rebecca Solnit, wrote a book entitled “A Field Guide to Getting Lost.” It might be helpful during your wanderings.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “You face your greatest opposition when you’re closest to your biggest miracle,” wrote author and filmmaker T. D. Jakes. According to my analysis of upcoming astrological omens, that’s good advice for you. I suspect that the problems you encounter will be among your best and most useful ever. With the right attitude, you will harness the challenges to generate magnificent breakthroughs. And what’s the right attitude? Proceed with the hypothesis that life is now conspiring to bring your soul exactly what your soul needs to express its ripest beauty.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Always remember this,” said actor Hattie McDaniel (1893– 1952). “There are only 18 inches between a pat on the back and a kick in the rump.” Metaphorically speaking, I believe her advice will be useful for you in the coming days. Lately, you’ve had to deal with too many experiences and influences akin to kicks in the rump. But now that will change. Soon there’ll be a surge of experiences and influences that resemble pats on the back. In my estimation, you have finished paying your dues and making course corrections. Now it’s time for you to receive meaningful appreciation and constructive approval.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Author Gayle Forman offers a set of truths that I suspect will be useful for you in the coming weeks. They may even be inspirational and motivational.

Forman writes, “Sometimes fate or life or whatever you want to call it, leaves a door a little open, and you walk through it. But sometimes it locks the door and you have to find the key, or pick the lock, or knock the damn thing down.

And sometimes, it doesn’t even show you the door, and you have to build it yourself.” Are you ready for the challenge, Libra? I think you are. Do whatever you must do to go through the doorways you want and need to go through.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash described her process. “I dream of songs,” she began. “I dream they fall down through the centuries, from my distant ancestors, and come to me. I dream of lullabies and sea shanties and keening cries and rhythms and stories and backbeats.” Scorpio, I would love for you to explore comparable approaches to getting the creative ideas you need to live your best life possible. I would love for you to draw freely from sources beyond your conscious ego – including your ancestors, the people you were in previous incarnations, gods and spirits, heroes and allies, the intelligence of animals, and the wisdom of nature. The coming months will be a favorable time to expand your access. Start boosting the signals now!

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Author Madeleine Thien has lived in Vancouver, Montreal and Iowa City, and has taught at schools in Hong Kong and Brooklyn. Her father was born and raised in Malaysia and her mother in Hong Kong. She has a rich array of different roots. Not surprisingly, then, she has said, “I like to think of home as a verb, something we keep recreating.” That’s an excellent meditation for you right now, Sagittarius. And it will continue to be worthy of your ruminations for another four months. What’s the next step you could take to feel comfortable and secure and at peace?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The fastest animal on earth is the peregrine falcon, which can reach speeds of 200 mph when it dives from a great height. The seventh-fastest creature is the humble pigeon. Having been clocked at 92.5 mph, the bird outpaces the cheetah, which is the fastest land animal. I propose we make the pigeon your spirit creature for the coming weeks. On the one hand, you may seem mild and modest to casual observers. On the other hand, you will in fact be sleek, quick and agile. Like the pigeon, you will also be highly adaptable, able to thrive in a variety of situations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion,” wrote Aquarian author W. Somerset Maugham. Yes, I agree! And that’s the perfect message for you to hear right now. If you choose to take advantage of the potentials that life is offering you, you will explore and experiment with the mysteries of self-discipline and self-command. You’ll be a trailblazer of discernment and poise. You will indulge in and enjoy the pleasures of self-regulation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 1961, Piscean cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was the first human to orbit the Earth in a spacecraft. As his feat neared its end, Gagarin left the capsule at 20,000 feet above the ground and parachuted the rest of the way. He arrived in a turnip field where a girl and her grandmother were working. They provided him with a horse and cart so he could travel to the nearest telephone and make a call to get picked up and brought back to headquarters. I foresee a metaphorically comparable series of events transpiring in your life, Pisces. Be flexible and adaptable as you adjust to changing conditions with changing strategies. Your exceptional and illustrious activities may require the assistance of humble influences.

classifieds

Deadline for Telegraph classified ads is Tuesday at noon. Ads are a bargain at 10 cents a character with a $5 minimum. Even better, ads can now be placed online: durangotelegraph.com. Prepayment is required via cash, credit card or check.

(Sorry, no refunds or substitutions.)

Ads can be submitted via: n www.durangotelegraph.com n classifieds@durango telegraph.com n 970-259-0133 n 679 E. 2nd Ave., #E2 Approximate office hours: Mon: 9ish - 5ish Tues: 9ish - 5ish Wed: 9ish - 3ish Thurs: On delivery Fri: Gone fishing; call first

Announcements Plant Based Durango New social group forming now! Learn more: https://mealprepmaven.net/plantbased-durango/

HelpWanted Part-time Dream Job The Telegraph is hiring an advertising sales guru. Part-time, fairly flexible schedule (Monday & Tuesday availability a must), approx. 15-20 hours/week. General knowledge of the paper and sales highly recommended. Base pay + commission + free lifetime subscription. tele graph@durangotelegraph.com.

Receiving Mgr. Maria’s Bookshop Now hiring avid reader for full time position as Shipping & Receiving Manager. Applications available in-store and at mariasbookshop.com. App deadline: 2/25.

Classes/Workshops Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Alliance Certified 200 hr at Yogadurango, 2/2- 7/10, 8.5 weekends.

Whether you’re ready to deepen your understanding of yoga, or an aspiring yoga teacher, this comprehensive program will lay a strong foundation for an empowered lifelong practice. yogadurango.com

ForSale

Massage by Meg Bush LMT, 30, 60 & 90 min., 970-759-0199.

Reruns Home Furnishings New inventory including dressers, side tables, rustic console, Urban Market industrial-style barstools, and rugs … Come in today! 572 E. 6th Ave. Open Mon.-Sat. 385-7336.

Wanted Cash for Vehicles, Copper, Alum, Etc. at RJ Metal Recycle. Also free appliance and other metal drop off. 970-259-3494.

Services Boxing Lessons Get in shape w/ the “Sweet Science.”

Heavybag/punching mitt/ring generalship. Single & couple rates text/call 9704420091.

KBR Chimney Sweeps Licensed and insured. Keep your chimney fire safe and kreosote free! Call today for a clean! 970-844-9165.

massageintervention.life Voted best massage in Durango 18/19/20. Couples, cupping, local CBD. Reviews on FB + Yelp. 970-903-2984

‘Being the Ricardos’ It turns out Lucy wasn’t the only one with some ‘splainin’ to do – Lainie Maxson

CommunityService Durango Farmers Market 2022 Applications now being accepted from local agriculturalists, ranchers, artisans, ready-made and value-added food vendors, musicians, and nonprofits and groups that promote sustainable, healthy living. Vendors must produce their goods within five-county radius.

Application can be found at: www.durangofarmersmarket.com.

Deadline March 12. Late applications will be as-

sessed a late fee. The Durango Farmers Market takes place from May 14 – Oct. 29 in the TBK Bank parking lot.

SJBPH Vaccine Clinics Free vaccine mobile clinic provided by San Juan Basin Public Health in partnership with Jogan Health. Pfizer (12+), Moderna (18+), and J&J (18+) are available. Contact 970-247-5702 or visit https://sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/ for more information.

NewspaperOrigami

A horse

Adulting Got You Down?

Therapy can help. Anne Hosey is a licensed professional counselor and therapist with a passion for supporting adults as they navigate adulting and its many challenges. Schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation at junipertreementalhealth.com.

Harmony Cleaning and Organizing Residential, offices, commercial and vacation rentals, 970-403-6192.

Lowest Prices on Storage!

Inside/outside storage near Durango and Bayfield. 10-x-20, $130. Outside spots: $65, with discounts available. RJ Mini Storage. 970-259-3494.

BodyWork

West Coast Swing Dance 6-week class starts March 2. Learn the basics of West Coast Swing. Registration is required at www.westslopewesties.com.

Sol Sparkle Hair Tinsel Be the Free Spirit in you with beautiful sparkles in your hair! Animas Trading Company 2/12 & 2/26, 1-5pm. txt 970769-7681 for app.

ForRent

Lotus Path Healing Arts Now accepting new clients. Offering a unique, intuitive fusion of Esalen massage, deep tissue & Acutonics, 24 years of experience. To schedule call Kathryn, 970-201-3373.

Studio Apt. In-Town Cozy studio apt. Full bath, privacy in a lovely setting. Utilities incl. Email: spec ula1@gmail.com.

HaikuMovieReview

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