The Durango Telegraph, March 23, 223

Dude, you’re sick

Identifying the telltale signs of Spring Break Syndrome

Snow way out

Epic winter only scratches surface of water woes

Taking a seat

Five City Council hopefuls sound off on issues

4

Dude, you’re sick

How to diagnose, and more importantly treat, Spring Break Syndrome

by Addyson Santese

5

Buying time

Wet winter gives Colorado River Basin big boost, but challenges persist

by Teal Lehto

8 Taking a seat

City Council hopefuls weigh in ahead of April 4 election

RegularOccurrences

4 La Vida Local

4 Thumbin’ It

5 Wastern Water Girl

6-7 Soap Box

8 Top Story

10 State News

11 Flash in the Pan

12-13 Stuff to Do

13 Ask Rachel

14 Free Will Astrology

15 Classifieds

15 Haiku Movie Review

Ear to the ground:

“Mine are 175s.”

“Are you guys talking about skis?”

“No, readers.”

– You know you’re getting old when the conversation turns from ski length to reading glasses strength

Ready to ride

It’s happening. It’s really happening. The City of Durango is planning to break ground on a new mountain bike park this April.

In 2015, local philanthropist Marc Katz bought land southeast of town off Highway 3 known as Ewing Mesa. The 1,850-acre parcel, which sits about 300 feet above town, is now known as Durango Mesa Park. Katz donated most of the land to the City with big dreams: a new fairground, an outdoor venue and yes, a new mountain bike park.

The anti-resort

Steamboat’s Howelsen Hill caters to families, locals with Ski Free Sundays by Stina Sieg / Colorado Public Radio

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On the cover

The sun rises over rock formations in Utah’s Arches National Park. Is it desert season yet?/ Photo by Alex Krebs

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While most of the projects are still in the planning stages, the mountain bike park is ready for construction, the City announced last week. The City of Durango, along with the Durango Mesa Park Foundation, Durango Trails, and AJ Construction and other local builders will construct five new trails and make improvements to the Horse Gulch trailhead starting in just a few short weeks. The project also will include a 2.15-mile connector from Durango Mesa Park to the Telegraph Trail (Hey! Our namesake!)

“There are a lot of moving pieces, and it’s a very complex project,” Ture Nycum, the city’s director of parks and recreation, said. “But we are very excited to break ground on this trail project.”

All told, the city said the new mountain bike trails and improvements are expected to be completed later this year.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the city on this exciting project,” Moira Compton, spokeswoman for the Durango Mesa Park Foundation, said in a statement. “Mountain biking, running and hiking are a big part of the outdoor recreation scene in Durango, and we’re excited to provide more opportunities for people to get out and enjoy the trails.”

The new trail system will be the first authorized public use of the prized piece of land. But in the meantime, eager bikers are asked to sit tight until the official opening.

For more information, go to durango mesapark.org

Spring Break Syndrome

It’s finally spring, which, if you live in Southwest Colorado, means a few things. The clocks have sprung forward, and we get to wake up in total darkness again, which is probably a contributing factor to why I feel like crying every morning. That and the fact that I haven’t seen the sun in a week due to the endless bomb-cyclone-atmospheric-river-mega-storm-cycles that have brought much-needed moisture to the area since January, and much dismay to my husband, who’s about to blow out his back from shoveling snow. Additionally, the roads have become more pothole than road, and I’m willing to bet your daily commute has transformed into something akin to the Baja 500, minus the trophy truck.

But the most notable shift that heralds the new season isn’t the chirping of birds or budding trees or blooming flowers we’ve all been desperately waiting for. It’s the arrival of a plague. Or, as they’re more commonly known, spring breakers.

It’s a fact that without tourism, small towns would die in much the same way that Emily from ASU might “literally die if she doesn’t get a fishbowl margarita STAT.” We need spring breakers to prop up our local economy after a long winter. But the complication isn’t that these tourists buy deeply problematic “Colorado Native” T-shirts, consume their body weight in all the recreational drugs that aren’t legal back home, and drink enough alcohol to sedate a horse. It’s that they’re riddled with SBS.

SBS, or Spring Break Syndrome, can be defined as a common disorder that affects the cognitive and behavioral function of adolescents through adults for one-week intervals during the months of March and April. Scientists theorize that SBS is caused by an alteration in our brain chemistry that occurs as soon as we believe we will be leaving our “real lives” behind for a place where everyday responsibilities cease to exist, replaced with “good vibes only.”

Now, you might be thinking that SBS only affects the tourists who visit your town, however, the condition is highly contagious and anyone can contract it. Even you. In some studies, it’s been observed that the moment an individual books a car, hotel or flight for spring break, the symptoms of SBS have already begun to set in. Their transformation into someone who will froth at the mouth over the prospect of wearing shorts for the first time in six months and acting like a complete jerk to service workers because they’re “on vacay” is inevitable.

Sadly, a common sign of SBS is an acute lack of self-awareness, meaning

Thumbin’It

Local First receiving $150,000 from an anonymous foundation to help businesses secure more workforce housing.

The International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin related to the invasion of Ukraine. We’re sure he’ll turn himself in any minute now…

Former President Donald Trump claiming his arrest is imminent. Well hey, why not put Trump and Putin in the same cell and save time and money? We hear they’re pretty good friends anyway.

many people who have the syndrome don’t even know it. While the symptoms of SBS can vary, there are a few key indicators to look for that might prove you or someone you know might be affected.

Have you suddenly forgotten how to drive? Has the function of a turn signal become a mystery to you? Do you find yourself running locals off the road in your absolute fervor to get to your Airbnb/Vrbo/condo that could have been affordable housing but was turned into a cash cow vacation rental instead? You might have SBS.

In areas like Durango, SBS often presents in the form of five-hour wait times at Steamworks thanks to that one party of 27, an influx of Yukon SUVs filling up every parking space from Main to 3rd avenues, and chairlifts at Purgatory that are overrun with frat bro gapers who are all coincidentally named Bryce. Other non-regionally specific signs include a desire to stand on tabletops or bars to sing a hackneyed rendition of any (yes, any) Taylor Swift song in an effort to prove that you’re so totally over your ex and definitely having way more fun without them. Individuals should also be checked for SBS if they exhibit a heightened interest in the music of Pitbull, LMFAO or “Island in the Sun” by Weezer.

If you suspect you have SBS, take the following steps:

• Step 1: Drink some water. This is just good life advice in general, but it’s also especially important when it comes to ensuring you’re regularly flushing the gallons of alcohol from your system so your brain can function enough to recognize when you might be experiencing SBS.

• Step 2: Review your social media activity. If you recently posted a photo with any caption resembling any iteration of “stress-free zone,” “vacation mode on” or “catch flights, not feelings,” you are in need of immediate assistance.

• Step 3: Should you exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, take a moment to pause, look around, and then repeat this mantra. [Insert Location] is a real town. [Insert Location] does not only exist the one time per year that I decide to visit. I should respect [Insert Location] and the people who live here.

Tragically, the only known cure for SBS is the crushing weight of reality, administered by going back to wherever it is you came from. But with heightened public awareness programs and PSAs such as this, we can all strive to be a little less terrible the next time we go on vacation. So go out, have fun and cross your fingers that the town you return to isn’t another popular spring break location!

– Addyson Santese

SignoftheDownfall:

A rash of skiing related deaths across Colorado, both at ski resorts and in the backcountry.

The World Health Organization investigating whether “raccoon dogs” may have actually been the source of COVID-19. You know what? There’s too much to unpack here for a quick thumbs down. Moving on…

We’re not going to claim we know WTF is going on with the banking system, but it sounds bad. I guess it pays not to have any money to lose for once?

We Be Bored

Twenty-eight teenage girls in Columbia were hospitalized two weeks ago after suffering extreme anxiety attacks that purportedly stemmed from in-school Ouija Board use. Apparently, the girls were being dramatic in class, so the authorities blamed a board game and then sent them all off to the ER. Firstly, Ouija Boards are made by Hasbro – the same company that sells Monopoly and Hungry Hungry Hippo – so these things don’t actually pierce the veil to the underworld. And secondly, even if they could summon spirits, any demon would be mild compared to a teenage girl. GOOD BYE.

Signs of SBS include delusional thoughts, such as thinking it’s warm enough to ski without a shirt when, in fact, you are freezing your college dude ass off.

Snow way out

Wet winter buys Colorado River Basin time, but challenges persist

by Teal Lehto

Rafters, skiers and water managers rejoice! Our deep snowpack from this winter’s parade of storms has abated doomsday here in the Colorado River Basin (for now), and it’s also provided us with near certainty of high flows on many of the most beloved rivers in the region.

I, for one, am absolutely stoked that Mother Nature provided for us in our moment of need. But I am also wary that the public could become distracted from the long-term issue at hand: a century-long history of unsustainable consumption of water resources in the Colorado River Basin. If left unaddressed, this all but guarantees an eventual catastrophe in the system.

We have to acknowledge the reality that we need above-average flows just to fulfill the existing 16.5 million acre feet (MAF) of obligations in the Colorado River Compact. In the past 23 years, the river has had an average flow of only 12.4 MAF, so just to meet the demand in the system we would need 133% of average streamflows in the river. This structural deficit in allocation vs. average streamflow is exactly why the river system was pushed to the brink of collapse last year. Even though the incredibly deep snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin this year may seem bottomless (it’s at 133% of median for this time of year), the resulting runoff is likely to only surpass the extremely low bar of fulfilling the existing water rights within the system.

For comparison, longtime residents may remember the historic flood year of 1983, when Lake Powell became so full that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation installed plywood at the top of Glen Canyon Dam to prevent water from lapping over it. This overabundance cause emergency reservoir releases to protect the dam, but also created a monumental deluge in the Grand Canyon that river runners will recall from the harrowing narrative in Kevin Fedarko’s “The Emerald Mile.” The total streamflow in the Colorado that year was estimated to be a whopping 26 MAF, which is astonishing, but we would need two years of

that epic runoff just to fulfill all of the allocations in the system and refill Lake Mead to capacity.

Even with all of that said, I know it is important to appreciate these short-term wins. I am happy to know that more people will get the opportunity to experience what the rivers of the Southwest have to offer. I am relieved that water managers and policymakers will have another year to come to legitimate compromise to stabilize the system long term. Everyone who lives here in the basin can breathe a little easier knowing that the much-feared nightmare of Lake Powell reaching minimum power pool is not likely to occur for at least another year.

However, we must not be lulled into complacency by an amazing boating season and modest reservoir gains. The time for action on this issue was years ago. The legally sanctioned overconsumption of water within the basin means that even if we did receive a leg-

endary snowpack twice that of 1983, and Lake Mead was suddenly restored to capacity, it would only be a matter of time before we found ourselves in the same predicament.

This reality only becomes more unsettling when one considers how badly the water deficit will be exacerbated as a result of climate change. Climate science clearly indicates that while we may continue to experience the occasional extremely high precipitation year, the region is trending toward becoming drier and warmer overall. Warmer temps can mean that plants and soils consume more of our precious precipitation before it can be harnessed for human use. Take last year for example: we had 91% of average snowpack, but an unusually warm and dry spring resulted in only 58% of average streamflows in the river. Some studies indicate that this could be our new reality, and streamflows within the basin could diminish by up to 50% by the end of the century.

As a young person trying to plan a future in this region, I can only hope the urgent push to address the inherent deficit within the compact does not lose steam because of La Niña’s endless bounty this winter.

But most of all, I want people in this area to cherish this rare instance of water abundance in our arid home.

Hopefully, we can find a long-term appreciation for this vital resource that sustains all of our communities here in the Southwest.

Then, the BuRec and policymakers will know that our eyes are still on them, and public attention will remain focused until the states reach a viable compromise for reasonable reductions throughout the basin.

Teal Lehto is an FLC graduate and longtime Durango resident who is best known for her TikTok platform (@WesternWaterGirl) dedicated to raising awareness for water resource issues in the Southwest. ■

The San Juan River confluence in Utah. While a great snowpack this winter has helped boost reservoirs in the droughtstricken Southwest, long-term problems still linger and must be solved./ Photo by Stephen Eginoire

Who’s driving?

Sixteen former mayors of Durango are concerned about the proposed reorganization and restructuring of the city’s boards and commissions. How each board or commission is continued, changed or eliminated on behalf of residents is neither a simple matter nor a city staff decision.

Durango has a long and rich tradition of boards and commissions that contribute to self-governance, citizen engagement, policy creation and advisory input.

While local government efficiency, budget impacts and utilization of city staff time are important, these considerations should be secondary to city residents’ engagement, contributions of volunteer expertise and leverage of local talent and ideas, all of which align with the goals of “Engaged & Collaborative Governance” stated in the 2022 City of Durango Strategic Plan.

The City of Durango has been a home-rule city since 1912, and the city charter has stood the test of time. Accordingly, the City of Durango boards and commissions reflect our city’s com-

mitment to citizen engagement, self–governance and problem-solving by residents and interested citizens. Boards and commissions are a critical part of our self-governance.

Who is driving the train in the reorganization and restructuring of boards and commissions? Did the City Council receive a petition from citizens or a recommendation from existing boards and commissions?

Perhaps the council should take a step back and rethink its position. If the council is to consolidate, eliminate or create new boards and commissions, what are the primary objectives beyond saving money, reducing staff time or reducing citizen participation?

What is the rush? Why are we in a hurry to make such major changes in how we are self-governed as a home-rule city? Are too many boards or commissions a problem or rather a virtue and example of active citizen engagement?

As former elected City of Durango officials who have served on boards and commissions, we urge City Council to take the necessary input from citizens of Durango and allow time for discussion and coordination with city staff

to implement what is best for our city.

Our boards and commissions are an important part of successful city government. The City Council should seek more input from businesses, nonprofits, interested citizens and community members. Simply put, decisions of this magnitude require citizen input and time for discussions after the new City Council is seated in April 2023.

Making sweeping changes of reorganization and restructuring should not occur without citizen input and feedback from the boards and commissions.

Changes that are driven primarily by administrative considerations, rather than local home rule governance policy and active citizen engagement are unacceptable.

This opinion is endorsed by: Dean Brookie, Joe Colgan, Amos Cordova, John Gamble, Dale Garland, Lee Goddard, Fred Klatt, Sweetie Marbury, Leigh Meigs, Christina Rinderle, Michael Rendon, Jim Sheppard, Leonel Silva, Jasper Welch, Dick White and Sidny Zink.

– Jasper Welch, Dick White, Leigh Meigs, Sweetie Marbury

Save the cemetery

I am a resident of 2611 N. College Dr. Our back yard is on the border of the his-

toric Animas City Cemetery. It is located on the bench top area on the steep hillside that goes down toward Florida Road. It currently has an informal trail system that weaves through the sage, around the cemetery and connects with the Chapman trail system. It’s an area used by hikers, and there is a small mountain bike jumps area.

If you are not aware, the property behind our house that is adjacent to the cemetery is now under contract for sale to a Texas-based developer.  On March 15, the prospective developer held a public meeting to unveil plans for the land surrounding the cemetery.

The plans show a desire to construct a paved road that comes up the hill from Florida Road and winds around the top of the bench next to the cemetery, with a 5-foot distance from pavement to historic gravestones. The plan indicates there is no buffer zone between the road and the cemetery. It also shows no pedestrian access/public trail to get to the cemetery from the Chapman Hill area or from Florida Road area, effectively isolating the cemetery from public access.

I am writing in hopes that we can work together in opposing this ill-conceived development plan. And also to create awareness of this local landmark treasure. If you are interested in talking

more about this, please contact me at mattindurango@gmail.com or you can call any time, 970-764-7307.

If you haven’t already, please take a minute to check out the well-researched and surprisingly engaging website animascitycemetery.org.  The website was curated by the local group “Friends of the Animas City Cemetery,” which also has a Facebook page.

I also have a screen shot of the proposed development drawing. Let me know if you're interested.

– Matthew Hladik, Durango

Vote Gilda/Harrison

Durango is going through a “gentrification event” – question is, who will survive? Which of our friends and family will be here in three years? “Stay in touch!” The renters we know probably won’t be. “It’s been good knowing you.” For the lucky among us – homeowners – the pressure to sell is great when prices increase ten-fold. “Happy trails friend.” Gentrification destroys relationships.

Realtors and businesses will be here, because the average new resident will have more spending money than we do. And business is well represented on

the City Council already. What we need are two councilors who will focus on us – the workers, renters, singlehome owners and families struggling to just stay here. We understand that we merge with the growing homeless population: elders on Social Security who have nowhere else to go when their rent mushrooms; mobile home dwellers who can’t afford to move their home; students couch-surfing and hoping for a shared space.

This time, vote for the regular folks for City Council – Harrison Wendt and Gilda Yazzie. We have enough business types on there already. Let’s keep this funky little sweet town intact for those of us who like to hike and ski.

– Kirby MacLaurin, Durango Drink

up!

Mike Green’s letter to the editor from March 16, titled “Prohibition Redux,” ended with six words: “Make Durango dry! Mike Green, Cortez.” Mike, stay in your lane. If you want to make a city or town dry, start with your own town, or better yet, move 60 miles west. I heard Monticello is drier than a popcorn fart. Cheers!

– Steve Stahl, Durango

Meet the candidates

Council hopefuls sound off on biggest issues facing Durango

by Telegraph staff

It’s that time again – the election for Durango City Council is April 4. By now, you should have received your ballot, which can be submitted anytime between now and 7 p.m. Election Day.

For a complete rundown of where and how to vote, visit the La Plata County Clerk & Recorder’s website at https://bit.ly/42rbtgu.

This time around, five candidates are vying for two open seats on the council. Sitting council members Kim Baxter and Barbara Noseworthy are not seeking reelection after serving one term.

This week, we asked the candidates – Carter Rogers, Douglas Snow, Harrison Wendt, David Woodruff and Gilda Yazzie – a range of questions about issues facing Durango in the years to come. Here are their answers.

■ Carter Rogers

Current Occu-

pation: Network administrator for the Town of Ralston, Okla.; student senator for FLC Student Government; currently president of the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College.

Favorite/least favorite thing about Durango: My favorite thing about Durango are the people and the community you can find here. My least favorite thing about Durango is the inability to find or access quality health care. But, that’s not our health-care workers’ fault! It’s the fault of the rising

cost of living and housing affordability, which continue to push our essential workers out of our community.

What tangible steps do you think the City of Durango can take to help ease the housing crisis? First, we need to repair our relationship with La Plata County after failing to follow through on the promises we made during the Purple Cliffs situation. That means partnering to find a more permanent solution for a managed camp. Second, reassess the fees developers are able to pay in order to not include affordable housing.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight? The Next Step Project (the city’s plan to redevelop downtown) and how the City Council has neglected input from key stakeholders on Main Avenue. We need to take our business owners into consideration before messing with a central part of our economy.

Why are you running for Durango City Council? I’m running for Durango City Council because I’m a concerned resident. Concerned in the sense that the residents of our community have been put on the back burner for too long in lieu of special interests such as big-name realtors and real estate agents who have been elected to council in the past and only stood to benefit themselves and their friends rather than the residents of Durango. We need a candidate who isn’t beholden to any one group.

■ Harrison Wendt

Previous/Current Occupation: Youth programming coordinator at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango.

Favorite/least favorite thing about Durango: My favorite thing about Durango is the people. When I moved here, I came for the outdoor recreation; the beautiful trails, skiing and camping. I ultimately found my chosen family and my home. One of my least favorite things about Durango is af-

fordability. We all want to share this city that we love, but the unfortunate truth is that our city has become unaffordable and our people, young and old, are being priced out. What tangible steps do you think the City of Durango can take to help ease the housing crisis? Examine the Fair-Share Program adopted in 2009. We must work to create a policy that is reflective of our current crisis. We must also find a steady and reliable funding stream to help tackle housing initiatives. We have a $4.2 million a year shortfall in housing for our city budget, and we can cover it for the next two years, but the city needs to develop a plan to find a reliable stream to continue there-after.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight? Financial priorities for our most pressing issues. Transportation will experience a large budgeting shortfall if changes aren’t made. Public transportation is integral to our economy, environment, neighbors and the continued expansion of housing.

Why are you running for Durango City Council? Because I believe we need leadership that approaches the job with compassion, collaboration and a willingness to listen and learn. I have lived with my own housing insecurities. And I have struggled to put food on the table. This is a reality for many in our community, and my lived experience is a reflection of that reality. Durango deserves to have leadership that represents them and their lived experience.

Wendt

Gilda Yazzie

Previous/Current Occupation: Previously, a contractor and sub- contractor in the construction industry. Now, devoting my time to running for Durango City Council.

Favorite/least favorite thing about

Durango: My favorite thing about Durango is strolling downtown at night, during the Christmas season, enjoying the historic character and cultural aspects. My least favorite thing is the fact that the current proposal for Next Steps has left out the opinion of many business owners.

What tangible steps do you think the City of Durango can take to help ease the housing crisis? I want to help the city make significant advances in addressing the problem by identifying potential city, county, state or federal lands for affordable housing, which would help drive down the cost of housing. I also want to research other communities around the U.S. and the West that are facing this same issue and see what strategies are working that we can apply to our community.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight? Making the community feel included in the decisions facing Durango. The current divisiveness on the City Council, recent proposals to eliminate city boards and commissions, and business community members feeling like their input is not welcome in the Next Steps plan are of great concern to me. Residents, business owners and community organizations must be meaningfully involved in the decisions that affect our community. When that does not occur, it fosters a climate of distrust and hinders progress toward a shared vision of how our community should address issues and how it should look in the future.

Why are you running for Durango City Council? I’m running for Durango City Council to help keep our community moving forward. Durango is facing many difficult and complex issues, and I believe

my professional background and experience will positively contribute to city leadership discussions and decision-making.

■

Doug Snow

Previous occupation: Electrician

My favorite thing about Durango: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

What tangible steps do you think the City of Durango can take to help ease the housing crisis? That is a rough topic, which just might need more than one solution. Often, people just talk about low income housing and overlook any other income levels. Would it be crazy if Durango commissioned the construction of its own rental apartments to help fill some of the needed housing? Real estate is real estate – it could always be sold at some point and generate rental income until then. Doing something directly may be one of those options that could still be debated on and brought to a vote if there is enough interest.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight? We need flashing lights for several of the cross walks on north Main Ave. We have installed several of those crosswalks on Camino del Rio, and north Main Ave. has the same amount of traffic. Some areas of town are in need of sidewalks. We all know governments can find many ways of complicating things, even with the best of intentions. I intend to make sure the city is transparent to all, and to make sure there is no funny stuff going on. If there is, it will be brought to light. I’ll ask questions. I’ll look for answers or questions, and spotlight those things.

Why are you running for Durango City Council? It’s a way that I can give back to Durango and make a difference. I was born and raised here, and I want to see Durango continue being such an amazing place. I’ve been feeling like our government doesn’t

listen, no one cares and nothing gets done. It seems like the people don’t have a voice any more.

■ Dave Woodruff

Previous/Current Occupation: General manager of El Moro from 2013-22. Currently the bar manager at 11th Street Station.

Favorite/least favorite thing about Durango: Favorite: Our community. Least favorite: Being far from big city amenities and resources. What tangible steps do you think the City of Durango can take to help ease the housing crisis? Find ways to help work with developers and builders on some of the pre-development costs associated with new developments, like infrastructure planning and renderings/drawings. Additionally, finding ways to infill lots and land in our existing city inventory with housing. Lastly, make ADUs easier for homeowners to create, and creating a variance process to bypass antiquated code restrictions.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight? That we can work together as a City Council to create local impact for the people living here. Also, that we can work alongside La Plata County to problem-solve the array of issues that affect our community.

Why are you running for Durango City Council? Service to the community through the lens of hospitality. By bringing my hospitality business background, I am hoping to bring the right temperament to council and have a good grasp of what our workforce challenges are. Focusing on affordable and workforce housing is incredibly important to me, and I hope we, as a council, can move the needle on rental and purchase inventory locally. I also have a vested interest in the future of Durango with raising my family here and want the best for my family and also for everyone in our community. ■

Snow

Yazzie

Woodruff

Ski for free?

In Steamboat, town park offers just that to locals and visitors alike

by Stina Sieg/Colorado Public Radio

Downtown Steamboat Springs is home to a city park you may have never heard of – unless, of course, Steamboat is your home, too. On a recent Sunday morning, its frozen parking lot was starting to fill up, both with cars and a steady stream of bundled-up families, many with tiny kids in puffy jackets being led by their gloved hands toward ski slopes caked with fluffy snow.

Around here, locals call this the “townhall meeting” or “Sunday meeting,” joked Emily Hines, a spokesperson with the city. Officially, however, it’s called Ski Free Sunday, and it’s offered every week of the season at Howelsen Hill Ski Area.

While Steamboat is synonymous with its world-class resort of the same name, little Howelsen Hill has its own cachet: It’s known as North America’s oldest continuously operating ski area, open since 1915.

But for many people, its biggest draw is the free lift tickets. They were offered for select Sundays in the past, but now it’s an all-season-long thing. Hines explained they hope to get more people familiar with Howelsen Hill.

“We also wanted to make skiing and snowboarding accessible,” she said. “We are in an area, in a time now, when it’s incredibly expensive to ski, so to be able to allow people to come down here, ski for free, learn the sport, that’s really important for us.”

Two-year-old Colby Jane will one day definitely take the city up on its offer, but on that Sunday looked completely content to ride the slopes from the comfort of her mom’s hiking backpack.

Her toddler “loves it,” her mother said.

“You know, Howelsen Hill is pretty special for the community,” she continued. “We get to bring our kids here and teach them how to ski. There’s hot cocoa inside. We’re really close to the car when the meltdowns happen.”

Recent Steamboat transplant Rakhat Ashymov described the free days as “amazing.”

He was waiting with his 8-year-old son in the short line for one of the ski area’s few lifts. He couldn’t think of anywhere else that offers something like this.

“I think it’s just kind of a Steamboat way of welcoming,” he said. “It doesn’t

matter where you come from, what socioeconomic status.”

It also doesn’t matter if you live here or are just visiting, like Bostonian Erica Kahn. She and her friend had hit the big resort the day before, but they were enjoying the laid-back vibe – and short lift lines – at Howelsen. And what really pushed them to get on the mountain was that they got to try it out for free.

“Usually, you pay an arm and a leg to go skiing, but this is really cool,” Kahn said, getting ready to try a black run that she was surprised the hill had. “So, thank you, the town of Steamboat.”

While everyone can come to Ski Free Sundays, it seemed most of the people there were local residents, like 3½-yearold Cruz Walcher.

“I went up that one!” he said, pointing at the ski area’s main lift. “I went up the biggest one!”

His grandfather, Dennis Walcher, understands Cruz’s excitement to get back on the lift. He learned to ski when he was 4 in Aspen.

“That’s what it’s all about living in Colorado,” he said, adding that these free days are so important. “You need the locals to have a ski area, you know.”

And Howelsen Hill is the kind of place that converts local residents into local

skiers and snowboarders. Carlos Reyes was learning how to snowboard from his coworker. His first time on a board was “hard and good,” he said, smiling.

“I fell a lot of times today,” he said, nearly in a laugh. “Like, 10 or more.”

But when asked if he was going to come back, he did not hesitate. “Yeah, next weekend. Every weekend.”

That’s the kind of thing Howelsen’s founder would love to hear, said Hines, the ski area’s spokesperson. She explained how when Norwegian ski jumper Karl Hovelsen came to Steamboat more than a century ago, he got the notion to build giant ski jumps there. It was a totally different time, back when skiing was scrappy, before lift tickets or advanced gear.

“He would strap a couple of wooden skis on his feet and go,” Hines said.

Hovelsen probably had no idea this would become an Olympic training spot – or such a beloved community resource.

“Nowadays, it’s definitely different,” Hines said. “But I think that’s one of the unique things here at Howelsen Hill. It sort of captures that nostalgia and that unique history of a bygone era.”

It’s a history that comes most alive on winter Sundays – through March 26.

For more from Colorado Public Radio, visit www.cpr.org ■

Ski Free Sundays at Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs, where the emphasis is on fun, family and community./ Photo by Hart Van Denburg/CPR News

California dreamin’

The Canadian invention that set off a sushi revolution

By Ari LeVaux

My son Remy was supposed to bring cheese and crackers for the ski team potluck, so of course he wanted to bring California rolls. It was a lot more work but a good idea. Everyone loves California rolls. And I am well-trained in making them.

The California roll is actually from Canada. Japanese-born Chef Hidekazu Tojo first served it in the 1970s at Jinya, a restaurant in Vancouver. Tojo wanted a sushi roll that would appeal to a North American audience that was often skeptical of eating seaweed and raw fish. He concealed the seaweed by rolling it inside the rice, and he used fake crab and avocado to mimic the experience of eating raw tuna. Originally called the “Inside Out Roll,” the staff at Jinya noticed that guests from California were especially enthusiastic about it, so they changed the name.

I was Remy’s age when the California roll was new and still exotic, but today it’s normal. My local supermarket stocks them pre-made, as well as every ingredient, including the imitation crab, a.k.a “krab.” This pink and white processed food is made from pollock, a fish that’s abundant in cold, northern waters. The pollock fishery is so healthy that fake crab is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to eat ocean protein. Seaweed is light on the earth as well. It’s farmed in the ocean and needs neither soil, water nor fertilizer. Both deliver wild, umami-rich complexities.

I made my first California roll in a sushi class when I was 15. We met one night a week for eight weeks. My teacher was disciplined and precise, like a martial arts master, and drilled us in the techniques, such as fanning the rice while you stir it just so. The California roll was only a few years old at the time and was popular and revolutionary enough that we spent a class learning how to make this trendy roll. We used plastic wrap to keep the rice from sticking to the bamboo mats as we rolled them inside out.

The rice gets mixed with a surprising amount of sugar to balance the salt and vinegar that’s also there. Altogether, the sweet, salty and sour flavors in the rice alone account for three out of the five basic tastes.Bitterness is present in the California roll from the seaweed and wasabi. The fifth and final basic taste, umami, is in the seaweed, avocado, fake crab and soy sauce.

These universal flavors appeal to everyone, old and new, including those who don’t purport to love sushi. At the potluck at the base of the chairlift, Remy’s rolls were the toast of the party. Kids were running around in their ski boots with their fists full of sushi rolls, and the platter was quickly wiped clean.

To make the rice, you will need a pot with a lid, a large mixing bowl, and a wide, thin, wooden or plastic spoon. And you will need a some type of flat, lightweight object to fan the rice – like a Tupperware lid.

Sushi Rice

Makes 8 rolls

Two cups sushi rice (short grain, Japanese)

½ cup rice vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons sugar

Rinse the rice in the pot by covering it with water and sloshing it around with your fingers.

When the water gets milky with starch, dump and replace it. Do this as many times as necessary until the water runs clear.

Drain the rice of all rinse water and place it in a pot with 1¾ cups of water. Let soak for 30 minutes. Put it on the stovetop and turn the heat to high for five minutes. Then turn down to medium low for 10 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, stir the salt and sugar in the vinegar in a bowl with a whisk or fork.

Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl, ideally a wooden bowl.Then, with one hand fanning the rice, use the flat spoon with your other hand to slice into the rice and fluff it. Always slide the spoon into the rice edge first, and be careful not to mush the rice. You will see the steam flying from the fan.

Keep fanning until there is no more visible steam. Pour the sweet and salty vinegar over the rice, and gently slice it in with the flat spoon until mixed.

Let it cool to room temperature.

California Rolls

To roll you will need a bamboo sushi mat and a sharp knife.

If you want to roll inside out, you will also need plastic wrap.

2 cups prepared rice, as above, cooled to room temp

1 package of nori seaweed

1 12-oz. package fake crab, preferably in stick form 1 cucumber, peeled and cut into long, thin pieces 2 avocados, cut into long, thin pieces

Optional: mayo

Soy sauce and wasabi for serving

In a little bowl, combine ¼ cup each of rice vinegar and water. Use this to keep your hands wet so rice won’t stick to them, to wet the end of the sushi roll to seal it and to wet the knife to keep the rice from sticking to it when you cut the rolls.

Lay a sheet of nori on a rolling mat. Spread a third cup of cooked rice over two thirds of a sheet, leaving the final 3 inches blank.

If you want to make inside out California Rolls, flip the riced nori onto a piece of plastic wrap, atop the sushi mat.

Pull a stick of fake crab in half, the long way along the grain. Lay the two pieces end to end across the middle of the rice, flanked by cucumber, avocado and mayo. Carefully curl the mat around the sushi so the rice goes all around the contents, squeezing the mat as you roll it a little bit at a time, keeping everything as tight as you can.

Wet the knife with vinegar water and slice each roll into 6-8 pieces. (If you rolled it inside out, peel off the plastic before slicing.) ■

Photo via Flickr, by Christina, with permission

Thursday23

Bingo Night, 5 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Author Talk & Book Signing: Shelley Read, 6 p.m., Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1330 Camino del Rio.

Ecstatic Dance, 6:30-8:30 p.m., American Legion, 878 E. 2nd Ave.

Friday24

Southern Series Ski Championships, 9 a.m., Purgatory Resort.

Gary Walker plays, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Jean-Pierre Bakery & Restaurant, 601 Main Ave.

Creativity Festival: Grand Opening & Artist Reception, 4 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Durango Celtic Festival, shows at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., FLC’s Community Concert Hall.

Dirty Chords play, 5 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Studio & 13-year Anniversary Party, 5-9 p.m., Studio & Gallery, 1027 Main Ave.

Larry Carver & Jack Ellis play, 5:30 p.m., Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Ben Gibson Duo plays, 6 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Ru Paul’s Drag Race Watch Party, 6 p.m., Father’s Daughters Pizza, 640 Main Ave.

Reefer Madness, The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Daniel Rodriguez with Jack Cloonan play, 8 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Drag Show, 8:30 p.m., Father’s Daughters Pizza, 640 Main Ave.

Saturday25

Southern Series Ski Championships, 9 a.m., Purgatory Resort.

Cardboard Derby, 10 a.m., Purgatory Resort.

Durango Celtic Festival, shows at 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., FLC’s Community Concert Hall.

Kirk James plays, 5 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Mineral Hill plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Rob Webster plays, 6 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Black Velvet Duo plays, 6 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Community Yoga, 6-7 p.m., Yoga Durango, 1485 Florida Rd. Donations accepted.

Planet Petty: Slumber Party (drag show), 6:30 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Reefer Madness, The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Silent Disco w/Spark Madden, 9-11:30 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Sunday26

Southern Series Ski Championships, 9 a.m., Purgatory Resort.

Feed the People! free mutual aid meal & winter gear drive for homeless community members, every Sunday, 2 p.m., Buckley Park.

Open Mic, 4 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Reefer Madness, The Musical, 5 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Sunday Funday, 6 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Monday27

Happy Hour Yoga, 5:30 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St.

Meditation and Dharma Talk, 5:30 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave, Suite 109.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Open Mic, 6 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

The North Face presents “Reel Rock 17,” 7 p.m., FLC’s Community Concert Hall.

Comedy Showcase, 7:30 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Tuesday28

Great Decisions: Global Famine, 11:45 a.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 E. 3rd Ave.

Community Yoga, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Yoga Durango, 1485 Florida Rd. Donations accepted.

Bluegrass Jam, 5:30 p.m., Union Social House, 3062 Main Ave.

Health of Our Rivers Conversation, 6-9 p.m., Hillcrest Golf Club, 2300 Rim Dr. Hosted by Trout Unlimited.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Open Mic Night, 7 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

Wednesday29

Mexican Logger Release Party, 5 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard St.

Let’s Talk Little…Olga Little presentation, 5:30 p.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 E. 3rd Ave. Little was one of the region’s early miners. Part of Women’s History Month.

Extraordinary Women Awards Dinner, 5:30 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio.

Live music, 6-9 p.m., The Office & Diamond Belle, 699 Main Ave.

Henhouse Prowlers with Allie Kral play, 8 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

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

Karaoke Roulette, 8 p.m., Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave.

AskRachel

International days of drinking and sock it to me

Interesting fact: If you think about the Easter bunny being a goddess of fertility and rebirth, and eggs being symbols of fertility, and spring itself being all about fertility… man, Easter could be a very different kind of holiday.

Dear Rachel,

St. Patrick’s Day got me thinking. Once I’d sobered up, anyway. Why don’t we have more international holidays about drinking? There are something like 200 countries in the world. Enough to have a party every other day. If any place is up to the challenge, it’s Durango. What do you think? Can we make it stick?

– World Traveler

Dear Frequent Flier, Huh. I suppose it would be a bit like backpacking the world in your own backyard. It would also be a bit like normal life in Durango, only with more international stereotyping. Still, anything that gets us thinking about other peoples and other cultures can’t be inherently bad, can it? And every nation is bound to have its own style of alcohol, even if it’s just Americans putting food coloring in generic beer. Let’s give it a whirl.

– Party on, Rachel

and hands them out to people. How about the Easter Bunny helps out? As a Hollywood angel (socks galore) you have a lot of power. I hope you spread the word. Bless you and be safe.

– Sockit Tommey

Dear Stocking Thomas,

My favorite part of this idea (except socking the homeless… wait, no, giving socks to people living on the street) is that, to you, having power equates to having socks aplenty. This is probably the greatest descriptor of wealth and influence I’ve ever heard. I wear the same socks for years until they lack functioning bottoms. Luxury, to me, would be buying 365 pairs of new socks every year, and never once having to pair them in the sock drawer. I’ll gladly give my used ones to the Easter Bunny if you think they’d come in handy.

– Footloose and fancy free, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

With Easter coming up, how about the Easter Bunny giving out socks instead of eggs and candy? Maybe they could go to people in need. John C has them in his car

Ongoing

Rosie the Riveter Day, pop-up exhibit, Animas Museum, 3065 W. 2nd Ave.

!Jubalee! spring art show, Nadya/Tron digital/watercolors, Durango Rec Center, through March.

62nd annual Student Juried Exhibition, The Art Gallery at Fort Lewis College. Exhibit runs until April 8.

“Tyrannosaurus – Meet the Family,” Farmington Museum, 3041 E. Main St. Exhibit runs thru April 26.

The Hive Indoor Skate Park, open skate and skate lessons. www.thehivedgo.org

Upcoming

Return to Clay, webinar hosted by Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, March 30, 4 p.m. crowcanyon.org

Southwestern Water Conservation District Water Seminar, March 31, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sky Ute Casino.

“Mission: Joy” film featuring the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, screening, March 31, 6 p.m.,

Dear Rachel,

I think this is adulthood: I’ve started measuring my mental wellbeing on the number of emails in my inbox. It used to be that anything more than 30 was out of control. Now I’m in four digit land. I think I’ve pretty much given up on ever being in control of my life ever again, and my heirs can deal with the mess I’ve left behind. Unless you see a way out of the morass?

– Bogged Down

Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave.

Reefer Madness, The Musical, March 31 and April 1 at 7:30 p.m., April 2 at 5 p.m. Durango Arts Center.

Art Silent Auction and Creativity Seminar, a fund-raiser for the Silverton Powerhouse, April 1, 6-9 p.m., at the Silverton Powerhouse, 1250 CR2. www.silvertonpowerhouse.com

Metal Night, featuring live music by Morbid Justice and Anarchy Hammer, April 1, 7:30 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

Bitcoin Meet-Up, April 1, 10 a.m., 81301 Coffee Roasters, 3101 Main Ave. More information at bitcoinstudygroup@protonmail.com

“As Seeds, We Grow” closing celebration, April 5, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Center of Southwest Studies Lyceum, Fort Lewis College.

Birds of Play play, April 5, 7 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

First Thursdays Songwriter Series, April 6, 7-9 p.m., iNDIGO Room, 1315 Main Ave.

Dear Stick in the Bog,

Here’s a wild and radical idea for you: What if you chose a particular international holiday – I’d recommend Lupercalia, the Satanist holiday of bodily autonomy and sexual liberation – to get crazy, click that “select all” box at the top of your inbox, and delete all? Then, go into your trash and delete them all permanently. As long as you still have socks, you will be free, my friend. Free.

– Without a trace, Rachel

The ArtRoom Collective First Friday Art Crawl, April 7, 4-7 p.m., Smiley Building, 1309 E. 3rd Ave.

Alex Graf and Tony Holmquist & Brendan Shafer play, April 7, shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., iNDIGO Room, 1315 Main Ave.

Tenth Mountain Division and Dana Ariel & the Coming Up Roses play, April 7, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Second Weekend Series, April 8, shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., iNDIGO Room, 1315 Main Ave.

Graham Good & the Paints with Haro in the Dark play, April 15, 7 p.m., Animas City Theatre.

Deadline to submit items for

FreeWillAstrology

by Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): If we were to choose one person to illustrate the symbolic power of astrology, it might be Aries financier and investment banker J. P. Morgan (1837-1913). His astrological chart strongly suggested he would be one of the richest people of his era. The financial omens for you right now aren’t as favorable as they always were for J. P. Morgan – but they are pretty auspicious. Venus, Uranus and the north node of the moon are in your house of finances to be joined for a bit by the moon itself in the coming days. My advice: Trust your intuition about money. Seek inspiration about your finances.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The only thing new in the world,” said former U.S. President Harry Truman, “is the history you don’t know.” Luckily for all of us, researchers have been growing increasingly skilled in unearthing buried stories. Two examples: 1. Before the U.S. Civil War, six Black Americans escaped slavery and became millionaires. 2. More than 10,000 women secretly worked as code-breakers in World War II, shortening the war and saving many lives. Dear Taurus, I invite you to enjoy this kind of work in the coming weeks. It’s an excellent time to dig up the history you don’t know – about yourself, your family and the important figures in your life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Since you’re at the height of the Party Hearty Season, I’ll offer two bits of advice about how to collect the greatest benefits. First, ex-basketball star Dennis Rodman says that mental preparation is the key to effective partying. He suggests we visualize the pleasurable events we want to experience. We should meditate on how much alcohol and drugs we will imbibe, how uninhibited we’ll allow ourselves to be, and how close we can get to vomiting from intoxication without actually vomiting.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you have been holding yourself back or keeping your expectations low, STOP! You have a mandate to unleash your full glory and your highest competence. I invite you to choose as your motto whichever of the following inspires you most: raise the bar, up your game, boost your standards, pump up the volume, vault to a higher octave, climb to the next rung on the ladder, make the quantum leap, and put your ass and assets on the line.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to an ad I saw for a luxury automobile, you should enjoy the following adventures in the course of your lifetime: Ride the rapids on the Snake River in Idaho, stand on the Great Wall of China, see an opera at La Scala in Milan, watch the sun rise over the ruins of Machu Picchu and visit the pink flamingos, black bulls and white horses in France’s Camargue Nature Reserve. The coming weeks would be a favorable time for you to seek experiences like those, Leo. If that’s not possible, do the next best things. Like what? Get your mind blown and your heart thrilled closer to home by a holy sanctuary, natural wonder, marvelous work of art – or all the above.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s an excellent time to shed the dull, draining parts of your life story. I urge you to bid a crisp goodbye to your burdensome memories. If there are pesky ghosts hanging around from the ancient past, buy them a one-way ticket to a place far away from you. It’s OK to feel poignant. OK to entertain any sadness and regret that well up within you. Allowing yourself to fully experience these feelings will help you be as bold and decisive as you need to be to graduate from the old days and old ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your higher self has authorized you to become impatient with the evolution of togetherness. You have God’s permission to feel a modicum of dissatisfaction with your collaborative ventures – and wish they might be richer and more captivating than they are now. Here’s the cosmic plan: This creative irritation will motivate you to implement enhancements. You will take imaginative action to boost the energy and synergy of your alliances. Hungry for more engaging intimacy, you will do what’s required to foster greater closeness and mutual empathy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio poet Richard Jackson writes, “The world is a nest of absences. Every once in a while, someone comes along to fill the gaps.” I will add a crucial caveat to his statement: No one person can fill all the gaps. At best, a beloved ally may fill one or two. It’s just not possible for anyone to be a shining savior who fixes every single absence. If we delusionally believe there is such a hero, we will distort or miss the partial grace they can actually provide. So here’s my advice, Scorpio: Celebrate and reward a redeemer who has the power to fill one or two of your gaps.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Poet

E. E. Cummings wrote, “May my mind stroll about hungry and fearless and thirsty and supple.” That’s what I hope and predict for you during the next three weeks. The astrological omens suggest you will be at the height of your powers of playful exploration. Several long-term rhythms are converging to make you extra flexible and resilient and creative as you seek the resources and influences that your soul delights in.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let’s hypothesize that there are two ways to further your relaxation: either in healthy or not-so-healthy ways – by seeking experiences that promote your long-term well-being or by indulging in temporary fixes that sap your vitality. I will ask you to meditate on this question. Then I will encourage you to spend the next three weeks avoiding and shedding any relaxation strategies that diminish you as you focus on and celebrate the relaxation methods that uplift, inspire and motivate you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Please don’t expect people to guess what you need. Don’t assume they have telepathic powers that enable them to tune in to your thoughts and feelings. Instead, be specific and straightforward as you precisely name your desires. For example, say or write to an intense ally, “I want to explore ticklish areas with you between 7 and 9 on Friday night.” Or approach a person with whom you need to forge a compromise and spell out the circumstances under which you will feel most open-minded and open-hearted. PS: Don’t you dare hide your truth or lie about what you consider meaningful.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean writer Jack Kerouac feared he had meager power to capture the wonderful things that came his way. He compared his frustration with “finding a river of gold when I haven’t even got a cup to save a cupful. All I’ve got is a thimble.” Most of us have felt that way. That’s the bad news. The good news, Pisces, is that in the coming weeks, you will have extra skill at gathering in the goodness and blessings flowing in your vicinity. I suspect you will have the equivalent of three buckets to collect the liquid gold.

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-Wed: 9ish - 5ish

Thurs: On delivery

Fri: Gone fishing; call first

Annoucements

KDUR is Celebrating 50 years of broadcasting in 2025. With that anniversary fast approaching, staff is on the hunt for past DJs. Maybe you did a show for one year, maybe you did a show for 10. However long that was, hopefully you have a fond memory, a story or maybe even some recorded material! If you do, please email station manager Bryant Liggett, Liggett_b@fortlewis.edu or call 970.247.7261

HelpWanted

Now Hiring Downtown Ambassador

Do you love Durango? The Durango Business Improvement District is looking for friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable people who love our community to be Downtown Ambassadors. We are looking for candidates that have great interpersonal skills and are familiar with our community. Must have strong communication skills, enjoy talking to people and be self-motivated. This is a seasonal, part-time position. $15-$17per hour. To apply visit: www.downtowndurango.org/jobs. Application deadline is April 10.

FT County Coordinator Wanted

Wildfire Adapted Partnership (nonprofit) seeks full-time County Coordinator to manage wildfire education and mitigation programs in eastern La Plata County. Visit wildfireadapted.org/jointeam to view full job announcement.

Front Desk Receptionist

We are looking for someone that has a positive attitude, is an effective prob-

lem solver, has a strong desire to achieve goals, and is knowledgeable of the Durango area. Handling check-ins and check-outs Office duties, answering phone calls, responding to emails, creating reservations Inform guests of rates, available rooms, motel amenities and information Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness of lobby and property Resolving guest issues and conflicts in a professional and timely manner Start Date: March 2023 Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Salary: $15.75/hr. Motel Durango, Jbutts@ moteldurango.com

Durango Outdoor Exchange is looking for a full-time or part-time Gear Specialist. Do you have -retail sales experience -gear knowledge -Saturday availability - self motivation - stoke for the outdoors? Come join the crew! Applications on our website or swing by to meet with Jen, 3677 Main Ave.

ForSale

Crusher Fat Bike - Now $425

2015 Sun Bicycle, 7 speed, in excellent cond. Barely ridden. MSRP $530, now $425. 970-903-0005.

ForRent

Furnished Studio in Town $900/mo. specula1@gmail.com

Wanted

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

Services

HaikuMovieReview

‘Everything Everywhere

All At Once’

An aptly named blur of choreographed chaos, joy, regret and love

– Lainie Maxson

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

Registered Australian Shepherd Puppies

Black tricolors ... $800. **Reserve your puppy for early summer ... call Laura @ 505-258-7894 ** References available.

TaoTronics 4k Action Camera

New and in the box. Comes with user guide and all accessories that came with it: waterproof housing, handlebar/pole mount, mounts, battery, tethers, protective back cover, USB cable and lens cleaning cloth. $50. J.marie.pace@gmail.com

Stop Smoking/Break Bad Habits

Effortless! Relaxing! Get the results you want! Professional hypnosis with Susan Urban, (CHT, HA, TH).  Use your own brain to make the positive changes you want in your life. Free phone consultation. 970-247-9617.

Harmony Cleaning and Organizing

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

30% Off Body Work, Tuesdays

Therapeutic deep tissue, cupping, and TENS treatment options. Located at the Community Wellness Center, 160 E. 12th St., Suite 1, Durango. Call to schedule w/ Dennis 970.403.5451

In-Home Fitness Training

Get fit in 2023! I come to you! All ages. Diane Brady NSCA-CPT. 970-9032421

Massage by Meg Bush

LMT, 30, 60 & 90 min., 970-7590199.

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.