The Durango Telegraph, May 18, 2023

5

The new nuclear

Sure, nuclear energy could help solve the climate crisis, but at what cost?

by Allen Best

4

Dog envy

Biting off a little bit more than you can chew in dog training

by Zach Hively

RegularOccurrences

4 La Vida Local

4 Thumbin’ It

5 Big Pivots

6-7 Soap Box

8-9 Top Story

10-11 Going Green

8 Bright ideas

LPEA Board members and hopefuls weigh in ahead of election

12-13 Stuff to Do

13 Ask Rachel

14 Free Will Astrology

15 Classifieds

15 Haiku Movie Review

The new green

Regenerative landscaping and the trend toward a kinder, gentler lawn

by Kathleen O’Connor

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The Durango Telegraph publishes every Thursday, come hell, high water, tacky singletrack or mon-

Ear to the ground:

“I wanted to name my kid so his initials were PBR.”

– Sometimes even the best intentions are shot down by a level-headed spouse

The upside down

Uhhh … so … is it monsoon season or something?

We know things have been bizarre in the world lately – Republicans turning on Bud Lite, Americans rooting for Russia, the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile being retired.

But seriously, what’s with the storms rolling in every afternoon like it’s already July?

We turned to the National Weather Service for answers. Turns out, no, it’s not officially monsoon season. Instead, it’s something called “back-door monsoonal circulation.” Now, we know what you’re thinking, and get your mind out of the gutter!

No, no –  the back-door monsoonal circulation is a term coined by the NWS’ Flagstaff office. Our calls to the Flagstaff office weren’t returned, but we did find the original weather report that described it as such.

“Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this potential synoptic pattern is the introduction of a pseudo-monsoon to the Southwest. Much of this moisture would originate from the Gulf of Mexico, riding on easterlies to find its way to the Southwest. A set up like this, with moist mid-levels and a broad region of ascent, would be conducive for daily afternoon convective showers.”

Scott Sterns, a meteorologist at the NWS’ Grand Junction office, simplified it, saying a ridge of high pressure, with moisture trapped under it that’s recycled on a daily basis, is causing thunderstorms to pop up. However, he said it’s not unusual to have a wet spring; it’s just that maybe our selective memories can only recall the past couple springs, which were dry and dusty.

Whatever the case, be happy the world isn’t burning down and enjoy the Weinermobile while you can.

On second thought

STAR-STUDDED CAST: Zach Hively, Allen Best, Rob Pudim, Kathleen O’Connor, Rob Brezsny, Lainie Maxson, Jesse Anderson & Clint Reid

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You may remember a story in our April 27 issue about the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office posting the mugshots of people arrested – but not convicted – of crimes. And you may remember the criticism it drew.

Well, according to the Sheriff’s Office, after much consideration and meeting with citizens, it will be “utilizing a different route” to relay information on weekly arrests. From now on, instead of using Facebook, they will be posted on the ACSO’s website.

“We appreciate the input from the citizens of Archuleta County and we look forward to keeping the citizens updated with important information,” the ACSO posted ... on Facebook.

Getting schooled

Injustice plagues us. So very, very many injustices. A man can feel overwhelmed by the great variety and scope of injustice out there. Partly this is because, being a man, he is unfamiliar with experiencing any injustice more severe than a bad umpiring call. Mostly it is because he can do very little to fix all the injustice, and he would much rather fix the injustice than think about it. Unfixed injustice makes him uncomfortable.

If you sympathize with this man, he’d rather not talk about it. Feelings make him uncomfortable too. But I – I would recommend identifying one single injustice you CAN fix. Preferably a personal injustice. Taking direct action against it will do wonders for your self-esteem, much more than wanting to fix the whole world but ending up falling asleep on the couch.

My chosen injustice is this family I see in town with an impeccably trained border collie, the kind who locks eyes on its human and reads their minds and can go into public places without stealing someone’s french fries or attempting to play tugof-war with their forearms.

I love my dogs very much, and I almost never forget to walk them or feed them. They are Very Good Dogs. But when I watch this border collie, I suddenly and deeply appreciate those old “My kid can beat up your honor student” bumper stickers.

You adolescent Einsteins would be safe with my older fella, Hawkeye, who has never beaten up anything tougher than a tree branch. If your kids are smart enough to throw a tennis ball, Hawkeye will be their friend. He has border collie-like focus on anything thrown. He also has no desire to interact with strangers outside of this throwing-things arrangement, which means he and I understand each other.

My younger dog, Ryzhik, on the other hand – he really COULD beat up your honor student. He would not do so out of academic inferiority. He would, however, do so out of sheer and boisterous friendliness, and a strong misconception about his own body mass.

I am fairly helpless to prevent this ballistic playfulness; Ryzhik knows all his basic commands, but he knows them best in two languages that I don’t speak: Russian; and English with a Russian accent. You see, his foster dad was from Russia.

“I have been teaching him in English, too, so that he is learning how to listen to you,” his foster dad explained to me. “Also, we have not been calling him by his name. We have been calling him Ryzhik. It is a cute nickname. You

Thumbin’It

An initial agreement between the City and Durango Fire Protection District that would leave the City with the old 9-R building and the DFPD with its current location at River City Hall.

The federal government paying Colorado $5M in connection with the Gold King Mine spill to help with ongoing mine cleanup around Silverton.

The Biden administration announcing nearly $11 billion for renewable energy projects in rural communities.

pronounce it well. But you are not needing to follow his name with saying ‘and squirrel.’”

I have now spent the better part of two years perfecting my terrible Russian accent, the better to communicate with my dog. This does not help when Ryzhik is joyously beating up a schoolchild, though, or a grandma out for a walk – honor roll or not.

So: to mend the sense of injustice I experience when I see the border collie intensely NOT gumming the skin off some elderly pedestrian, I took Ryzhik to a professional dog trainer.

I anticipated learning some insightful hacks to create more effective two-way communication with my dog, which I could then use to tell him to sit down and get over here and drop that old lady RIGHT NOW YOUNG MAN and other useful things. Ryzhik is indeed very smart; I just needed him to learn to listen to me through my thick American accent, thus becoming not only a Very Good Boy but an immaculately well-behaved one too. Let him become someone else’s injustice – let them envy me and my dogs!

Little did I know I would be the one getting trained.

First up, I learned that I most definitely was not using enough treats in my daily routine. I thought that a command well executed was its own reward, plus massive amounts of praise and physical affection. Nope! Turns out that I, like my dogs, need more than that. What my dogs want most are pellets of salmon and peanut butter the size of your typical pencil eraser. These are how I let my dogs know they are safe and loved. And after a successful training session, I give myself pieces of chocolate. This is how I know I am safe and loved.

Second up, I learned that there was far more to my early childhood education than I ever suspected. One of my earliest school memories is showing up one day and being expected to conduct long division. But did you know I had multiple years of schooling leading up to that triumph? It must be true, because dog education is founded on the same principles.

Whatever early schooling Ryzhik had, we’re starting fresh. Which is fine by Hawkeye – he gets treats simply for hanging out with us. He really likes training. As for fixing injustice? The biggest injustice is how little I’ve worked with Ryzhik up til now. But that’s all changing, and I will keep you posted on our progress. Just as soon as I get my arm back.

– Zach Hively

SignoftheDownfall:

The horrible and tragic shooting in Farmington, and the fact that this country will seemingly do nothing to stop gun violence.

Oh Clarence Thomas, where do we start? The Harlan Crow trips and tuition payoffs? The veiled attempts to overturn the 2020 election? The “errors and omissions” on financial disclosures? Crap we’re out of space.

A lawsuit between Taco John’s and Taco Bell over the rights to the term “taco Tuesday.” Is nothing sacred anymore?

Baby Bump in the Road

Anthony Miller and Cemeka Mitchem were pulled over last month in South Carolina for driving erratically. Cemeka looked pregnant per deputies on the scene, but they became suspicious when she and Anthony disagreed on the due date. When pressed further, Cemeka took off running, and that’s when 1.5 kilos of cocaine fell out of what turned out to be a fake rubber stomach. The sheriff’s department waited until Mother’s Day to announce the arrest. The street value of the cocaine was $140K, if you think about it, she got off easy because real babies are much, much more expensive.

The billion(s) dollar question

Nuclear offers solution to climate change but cost often overlooked

by Allen Best

Oliver Stone has a new movie, “Nuclear Now,” that made its Colorado debut in Boulder on May 1. In it, Stone argues that the grave risks posed by climate change require we embrace nuclear energy.

A few hours before, at a hearing in Denver, state legislators heard an even more urgent equation. “Anybody who opposes nuclear I believe is a climate denier,” an individual testified before the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee.

And in Pueblo that evening, City Council members heard about a committee formed by Xcel Energy to study options to replace tax base, jobs and electrical generation once the last coal plant there closes. The group will hear about nuclear.

In the background is the federal government, offering gambling money on all sorts of decarbonization solutions, including nuclear.

People on the left and right find common ground in support of nuclear energy, but their motivations differ. Some, like Stone, are driven by the existential danger posed by climate change. Even the pleasant days of spring are spoiled by news that the carbon dioxide detector atop Mauna Loa in Hawaii recently rolled past 425 parts per million, up from 315 ppm in the 1950s. We’re dancing ever farther on the snow cornice, fiddling with our phones in busy traffic. We’re flirting with real danger here.

Some in Colorado see nuclear energy replacing coal plants. The last coal unit at Pueblo will close no later than 2031. Xcel has guaranteed property tax revenues through 2040, but not to 2070, the original retirement date. Craig also faces giant uncertainties. Increased tourism? “We don’t want to become sheet-changers,” one Moffat County landowner told me.

Western Montrose County, where a uranium boom occurred during the 1950s – and which lost a small coal plant in 2019 – is also interested in nuclear.

HB23-1247, titled “Assess Advanced Energy Solutions in Colorado,” now awaiting the governor’s signature, will di-

rect study of nuclear energy, but also other options. All have upsides but question marks. Green hydrogen, made from renewables and water, can store energy for use when renewables are unavailable. However, the technology remains costly. Also, some scientists question whether accidental release of hydrogen into the atmosphere will create as many problems as it solves.

Nuclear can also back up intermittent renewables. Nuclear does provide 20% of U.S. electricity. We have a fleet of nuclearpowered submarines. They seem to operate without problems. But some questions remain about nuclear safety. Would you want a large-scale reactor in your town or city? One also has to wonder about nuclear technology falling into the wrong hands.

Many have been closely following the progress in Wyoming of a nuclear plant planned next to a coal plant at Kemmerer, in the southwestern part of the state. TerraPower, the company founded by Bill Gates in 2008, says the $4 billion project will require less water and produce less nuclear waste and use state-of-

the-art “Natrium technology.” Using a “sodium fast” reactor and a molten salt energy storage system, the company touts the technology can provide “clean, flexible energy and stability, and integrate seamlessly into power grids with high penetrations of renewables.”

WyoFile reported that while in Kemmerer during early May, Gates called it a “pioneering move,” key to the global energy future. This project is expected to be done by 2030. PacifiCorp, a major regional power provider, has said it could add five more such Natrium reactors at existing coal-fired plants in Wyoming and Utah.

Another potential model is assemblyline-style production of small modular reactors, lowering costs. That sounds appealing, but it does not yet exist.

In Colorado, however, people with degrees in nuclear engineering express doubts about nuclear. State Sen. Chris Hansen, at the recent legislative hearing, objected to how a witness had characterized his skepticism. “It has nothing to do with science or technology,” said Hansen, who has a degree in nuclear engineering.

“It’s the cost profile.” He cited a recent Georgia reactor that came in at $33 billion, three times the projected cost. It’s not the only example.

Chuck Kutscher got his master’s degree in nuclear engineering and worked in the nuclear sector in California before turning his attention to solar in 1978 and moving to Colorado.

“New nuclear power plants, including new U.S. reactor technologies currently under development, will likely be too expensive and take too long to build to make a significant contribution to climate change mitigation,” he said.

In Boulder, Stone’s movie talked little of costs. But in Pueblo, a representative of Idaho National Laboratory, speaking to a municipal energy study group, openly conceded that cost remains the milliondollar question.

She missed a few zeroes, though, it would seem. It’s the billion-dollar question. Many billions.

Allen Best publishes Big Pivots, which chronicles the energy and water transitions in Colorado and beyond. Subscriptions are free at bigpivots.com; donations are welcomed.

A still from Oliver Stone’s new movie, “Nuclear Now.”/ Courtesy photo

SoapBox

Just the facts

First a disclaimer: I am an LPEA Board member representing District 3, which includes the City of Durango. This is my personal opinion; it does not reflect the opinion of other LPEA Board members or of LPEA (See LPEA Policy 105(II)).

John Purser, a board candidate for LPEA’s District 4, has the right to state his opinions regarding the LPEA Board of Directors based on facts. He does not have the right to tell lies.

Purser, in his candidate statement, states no facts.

1. He writes that LPEA has entered into “contracts worth hundreds of millions without member review.” False: The only agreement LPEA holds worth millions of dollars is the 50-year contract the co-op signed years ago with TriState, LPEA’s power supplier. The contract has a long and controversial history. Currently, LPEA is working with Tri-State and on several other fronts to exit or change the terms of that contract in order to provide clean, reliable power to co-op members. Those efforts have been well publicized.

2. Purser takes a back-handed swipe at LPEA Board Chairman John Witchel and hints at corruption. He writes “… what’s good for (Witchel) may not be good for LPEA members.” Witchel’s company, a solar energy firm, does not work in Colorado and has never done work for LPEA. He has always been completely transparent about where the business operates. Witchel is extremely knowledgeable about electric power, exactly the type of expertise needed for a rural co-op engaged in a rapidly changing industry. His company employs about a dozen people in Durango and rents 2,500 square feet of office space downtown, thus contributing to the local economy. Witchel also contributes the stipend he receives as a Board member to LPEA’s charitable Round-up Foundation.

3. Purser writes that “LPEA board meetings are literally run from the offices” of Witchel’s company. False: When board meetings are on Zoom, they are run from LPEA’s offices. Board members sign on from convenient locations – just as hundreds of millions of people have done on Zoom since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

by Rob Pudim

4. Another falsity: “Our board has been rife with special interests and conflicts of interest for several years.” A conflict of interest implies that I or others are making money illegally or gaining some type of undue influence directly for serving on the Board. Nothing could be further from the truth. Other than by innuendo, Purser offers no proof – and he can’t, because there is none. He also claims “poor governance,” but offers no explanation what that means.

5. More untruthful statements: “The purchasing processes of LPEA would not be allowed for city, county, state or federal agencies.” LPEA is not a government agency. It is a not-for-profit entity that operates in a competitive environment. LPEA’s purchasing follows the strict rules detailed in our policies, bylaws and management directives. Members should be happy that the coop spends money in the most efficient manner to assure that the lights stay on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Purser goes on to say that the current Board doesn’t care about its members. Absolutely false: The Board works diligently on budgets and policies, and constantly encourages LPEA’s stellar employees to provide creative solutions to ensure the co-op provides the best

possible service to our members. In fact, electric co-ops from around the state and the country continually contact LPEA to learn about the innovations being implemented by co-op employees.

I urge members in District 4 not to fall for Purser’s preposterous and offensive claims.

– Joe Lewandowski, Durango

Crime and punishment

“Where have all the criminals gone?” is the fourth chapter of Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt’s 2005 book, “Freakonomics.” The two economists correlate the banning of reproductive health care with incidents of future violence. The first case is of the Romanian dictator who banned sex ed, contraception and abortions in 1966. Twenty-three years of misery led the populace to violent rebellion with the dictator and his wife put before a firing squad in 1989. In reverse, the U.S. saw a drop in violent crime in the 1990s, more than 17 years past the Roe v. Wade decision. Violent crime dropped 40%.

Moving ahead to 2001, a politician instituted the gag order, and others created ban after ban on women’s access to reproductive health care and selfgoverning free citizenship. Unplanned

children forced into the world have been denied care by the dead-beat politicians and groomed for failure to become prison fodder, cheap labor fodder and cannon fodder for lucrative for-profit industry. America has stumbled into violence. The online statistical service, “Statistica Research Department,” revealed in its March 2023 study of mass shootings that in 2018, mass shootings spiked and continued doing so. This was 17 years after politicians began their bans.

Do we really want to end violence?

The First Amendment (freedom of everyone’s religion) and the 14th Amendment (equal protection) must be honored. Our first step is to ban the politicians controlling access to reproductive health care and punishing women and children with an unfunded mandate for misery, suicide, homelessness, broken foster care systems and violence.

– Stephanie Johnson, Hesperus

Hard work and vigor

I endorse John Purser for LPEA Board of Directors, District 4, which covers northeast La Plata County. Our energy supply options are changing rapidly. Distributed power produced by a variety

of generation companies is in the future. We want our local LPEA Board to choose affordable, reliable and renewable power supplies that make sense for our current needs and energy options for our abilities to thrive down the road.

Purser made a career in the tech industry and is well acquainted with critical analysis. The first time I heard Purser give a presentation about possible climate solutions, I was impressed not only with his speaking, commitment and enthusiasm, but I also learned that his college degree was in environmental economics. He takes all sides into account as he keeps in mind that strategic goal of LPEA to strive to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% from 2018 levels by 2030 while keeping members’ cost of electricity lower than 70% of our Colorado peers.

Purser has lived in Durango for 19 years. He has demonstrated commitment, discipline, hard work and vigor. Purser values fiscal and environmental responsibility. He values equitable solutions that are fair and impartial. Purser will insist that the metrics and cost are transparent to members before major decisions are made. Send in your LPEA ballot and vote for John Purser.

– Jackie King, Durango

Keeping the lights on

Q&A with LPEA Board candidates on most pressing energy issues for region

by Telegraph staff

Sex & drugs! Just kidding – it’s time for La Plata Electric Association’s Board of Directors election coverage. This year, there’s only one contested election for District 4 (north and east La Plata County) between newcomers David Luschen and John Purser. Only members in District 4 will be able to vote on the candidates.

For the three other districts, only one person in each threw their hat in the ring. As a result, incumbents Rachel Landis (District 3 – City of Durango) and John Lee, Jr. (District 2 – south and west La Plata County), as well as newcomer Nicole Pitcher (District 1 – Archuleta County), will serve on the Board.

Also, you’ll find on your ballot a proposed bylaw amendment. According to LPEA, the proposed amendment would update the bylaws to “align with state law, better reflect current member preferences around communication and allow the LPEA Board of Directors to add electronic ballots as another voting option in future LPEA elections in conformity with state law.” All members can vote on the proposed amendment.

By now, you should have received your ballot, which must be returned by 4 p.m. June 7. Results will be announced at 5 p.m. June 8.

Below you’ll find our Q&A with the candidates. District 2’s Lee did not respond to the questionnaire.

■ Rachel Landis – District 3

Previous/Current Occupation: Good Food Collective, Executive Director.

One thing people may not know about me: I am an eighth-generation preacher’s kid hailing from Amish Mennonites out yonder in Pennsylvania.

Favorite/least favorite thing about Durango: I love that this is a community of people who actively advocate and take action to advance the things that we believe will help to shape this little corner of the world into our desired reality.

Least favorite thing – and I don’t think I am unique in this – it breaks my heart that this community has become unaffordable and inaccessible to many of the people who have worked so hard to build it.

Why are you running to serve on the LPEA Board? I am eager to continue our work to identify and secure cleaner energy that can be delivered to our

membership at an affordable cost. I also want to continue to push the cooperative to connect with the diverse voices of our membership.

Do you believe LPEA should continue to pursue exiting its contract with Tri-State? In the last six years, we have explored a myriad of pathways toward cleaner energy that also don’t impact members’ wallets. Given all of the moving parts at both a local and grid level, the Board and staff have been working diligently to sort out which of our pathways to clean, affordable power is the best one. I know that is a nonanswer and it makes me cringe as it sounds kind of politician-y, but that is the honest truth: this is an exceptionally complex issue, and there is no fast and easy solution.

How do you believe LPEA can continue to keep energy costs low while turning to more reliable and renewable energy sources? There are many things we are doing today that help the coop keep our costs down and ultimately our members’ bills lower. One of those areas is LPEA’s commitment to keeping its internal operating costs down. Also, both the coop and each of us as members can work to manage when we use our power so as to mitigate demand-based costs, such as having to build more infrastructure or using power at a time when it is most expensive to us. This can make a big difference at the individual user level.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight? The electric utility context has shifted dramatically since LPEA set our 50-30-70 goals (reduce our emissions by 50% of 2018 levels by 2030 while keeping costs within 70% of our Colorado peers). I am excited to revise this framework so as to keep pushing for clean energy and cost effectiveness, while also bringing in elements that leverage the cooperative’s ability to be part of our area’s economic development and efforts to advance equity and representation.

■ Dave Luschen – District 4

Previous/Current Occupation: I have 26 years of electric utility experience. I started as a front-line utility engineer and worked my way up to executive management, focusing on distribution, substation and transmission electric delivery.

One thing people may not know about me: I

am a huge U.S. Women’s Soccer fan! I was my daughters’ soccer coach when they were young. We would go to the U.S. Women’s Soccer games, and I am blessed to be going to the Women’s World Cup this summer.

Favorite/least favorite thing about Durango: Favorite – the outdoor lifestyle. I love hiking, camping and landscape photography. Also, the people of Durango; everyone has been so nice and friendly, making me feel right at home.

Least favorite – that my grown children are not closer to Durango. My oldest son is in Seattle working for Amazon, my middle daughter is in Austin employed by an environmental firm, and my youngest daughter is a director of an NGO in Indonesia fighting human trafficking.

Why are you running to serve on the LPEA board? To grow deeper roots in my community. I have family in Durango, and this is such a great place to live. The LPEA Board is a good fit for my skills and knowledge, and I want to provide a brighter future for our kids and their kids. This can be obtained through sustainable power at a reasonable cost.

Do you believe LPEA should continue to pursue exiting its contract with Tri-State? The LPEA Board has stated three options for Tri-State: (1) staying with Tri-State and working to increase contract flexibility; (2) fully exiting the contract; (3) finding a middle option. I support all three options.

How do you believe LPEA can continue to keep energy costs low while turning to more reliable and renewable energy sources? Once the FERC action is complete with the Tri-State contract buyout cost, LPEA should do an in-depth cost analysis to fully exit the contract if we can maintain our affordable rates. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Section 48, allows LPEA to build sustainable and abundant solar, and electric cooperatives can now receive direct payments for their investment in renewable energy.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight? Staff retention. As everyone knows, the labor market in Durango is tight. This goes for our cooperative employees at LPEA, too. The electric utility industry has highly specialized employees who can find employment at a national level. With the years of training, technical experience and electric utility knowledge our employees have, as a co-op member, I know our LPEA employees are our most valuable asset.

■ Nicole Pitcher – District 1

Previous/Current Occupation: Mother and homemaker, property manager, KWUF radio personality

One thing people may not know about me:

Landis

I’m an amateur beekeeper.

Favorite/least favorite thing about Southwest Colorado: After living here for 14 years, I still haven’t decided which season I like best. I cherish the change of season; from one thing I love to another. I initially fell for the natural beauty of the area, but it’s the community that made me put down roots. I love that my neighbor always gives me the trucker honk, that my daughter adores our grocery clerk and that our postman is endlessly kind and cheerful.

The gusty winds are my least favorite thing about Archuleta County.

Why are you running for the LPEA Board? Electricity touches every part of our life, so joining LPEA felt like the best way to reduce my carbon footprint by advocating for more renewable energy production.The whole world is undergoing an energy transition, and through our local rural electric cooperative, we have the authority to determine our place in it.

Do you believe LPEA should continue to pursue exiting its contract with Tri-State? LPEA should continue to advocate for good, local energy projects, and we need to understand if TriState is part of that future. Tri-State continues to raise its rates even as energy costs are trending downward and is burdened by massive long-term debt. I don’t like being contractually tied to Tri-State for the next 27 years but also realize I need to look behind the curtain for a more informed position on a potential exit.

How do you believe LPEA can continue to keep energy costs low while turning to more reliable and renewable energy sources? TriState is in the process of renegotiating its rates and, unfortunately, I believe costs are going up even if we

don’t transition to more renewable energy. At this point, renewable energy is often competitive with traditional energy sources, so it’s navigating the rise in rates with cooperative core values.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight? Local energy control will make us more resilient as a community. The costs of energy production are trending downward, and yet we can’t actualize these savings, because we are tied to fixed energy prices from a goliath energy cooperative that doubled down on coal.

We have the opportunity to become more nimble and innovative – let’s seriously consider all the potential value in harnessing our energy future.

■ John Purser – District 4

Previous/Current Occupation: I worked in the information technology field for 35 years. My last role was as di-

by looking at the three-pronged approach. I believe LPEA has quality staff members who have the knowledge to evaluate the options. The Board must share that information with members without bias. The Board has failed at that. Some Board members have not accurately represented our contract with TriState.

Tri-State is a nonprofit cooperative of which we are a member with approximately 40 other distribution cooperatives. All the distribution cooperatives entered into 50-year contracts as a common commitment to Tri-State. In terms of non-carbon-based energy, Tri-State is bound by the same legislative mandate as LPEA.

Tri-State is aggressively moving toward renewables. They are expected to be at 50% renewables by 2024; this is well ahead of the LPEA timeline. So, leaving is not an environmental issue.

We are told local generation will be more reliable. Really? When has Tri-State failed to deliver power to LPEA? Never! So, the issue is financial. But let’s see the numbers before we make a decision.

casions, I’ve paid my own way to Washington and lobbied senior policy staff in congressional and senate offices. I’m a policy wonk!

Favorite/least favorite thing about Durango: My favorite thing is stepping out the door each day and being moved by the beauty.

My least favorite is the politics; it’s far more fashion than substance.

Why are you running for the LPEA Board?I see a need for greater transparency so that members can see that the Board is acting in the best interest of all members.

Do you believe LPEA should continue to pursue exiting its contract with Tri-State? I think the Board is pursuing an appropriate strategy

How do you believe LPEA can continue to keep energy costs low while turning to more reliable and renewable energy sources? We should be buying power from utility-scale renewable facilities. It is much more cost-effective than small, dispersed facilities. It is the most socially and economically equitable solution.

We should not be incentivizing rooftop solar, as it does not serve average and low-income residents. Academic research shows rooftop solar benefits households with twice the average median income. I refer to rooftop solar as a wealthy solution, and this is backed up by substantial research.

If elected, what issue would you bring to the spotlight?

Transparency, transparency, transparency. I have specific policy areas, initially in the area of vendor qualification and contracts, that I would like to see addressed. Transparency for the members leads to a better Board discussion about the future of our cooperative.

Our cooperative will be changing and evolving with the new energy market. The greater the transparency, the better that evolution will serve our members.

Purser

Pitcher

Rewilding the American lawn

Embracing the growing trend toward more sustainable yards (hint: weeds are OK)

by Kathleen O’Connor

“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.”

– Aldo Leopold, from “A Sand County Almanac”

In her fascinating and informative book “The Lawn: A History of an American Obsession,” author Virginia Jenkins relays a quote from a 1969 magazine in which the writer states, “Today’s approach to lawn-keeping is that man is the master, and while natural elements can make it difficult at times, having a perfectly manicured, evenly green lawn is a highly satisfying experience.”

For centuries, this concept of how a good and highly satisfying residential lawn should look – verdant, closely cropped and controlled – has prevailed. But is this ubiquitous, homogenous, nonnative turf grass as “good” as this cultural tradition implies?

Today, in response to the ecological concerns associated with traditional lawns, a new movement is gaining momentum. Known as “regenerative landscaping,” it emphasizes rewilding our lawns and cultivating a more diverse and resilient landscape; one that requires less water and maintenance and is more hospitable to pollinators and other beneficial species.

“Regenerative landscaping takes a more holistic approach while still creating beautiful landscapes that support healthy soils, healthy plants and pollinators,” Brooke Safford, owner of Durango-based Blooming Landscape & Design, said. According to Safford, Southwest landscapes can be beautiful and vibrant, as well as resilient and environmentally friendly.

And to help spread the word, Safford, a landscape architect who obtained her permaculture design certification in 2019, has launched a speaker series focusing on regenerative landscaping.

“Collectively, we can do so much by making even small changes to our gardening and landscaping habits,” Safford said.

Thomas Jefferson: The Original “Get Off My Lawn” Guy

Granted, these are well-entrenched habits. The American lawn dates to the 18th century, when landscape designers in aristocratic circles in England and France began experimenting with closely shorn, grassy garden areas meant to invoke the image of a lush, emerald green, outdoor carpet. The palace at Versailles soon boasted a charming lawn installation amid its gardens, and wealthy English landowners soon followed suit at their estates. Thomas Jefferson, greatly impressed by this new aesthetic, emulated the design at Monticello, his home in Charlottesville, Va.

Soon after, the neatly kept front lawn became the epitome of wealth and good taste. Only the wealthy had the time and money to cultivate such a well-manicured lawn. Maintenance alone kept these lawns within reach of only the very

rich who, before lawnmowers, utilized fleets of scythe-wielding servants and herds of goats or sheep to keep the grass weed-free and closely shorn.

Then, in 1830, with the development of the first lawnmower by Edwin Budding in Gloucestershire, England, and the subsequent mass production of mowers and lawns, all that changed. This privileged landscape aesthetic was no longer exclusive to the upper echelons of society.

By the middle of the 20th century, seas of immaculate, monoculture lawns had become status symbols among the suburban middle class and a permanent fixture in the ethos of the American Dream. However, this massive and expansive sprawl of perfectly manicured lawns comes at a cost.

The Thorny Side of Traditional Lawns

In 2005, a NASA satellite found that American residential and commercial turf

grass (for example, homes, parks and golf courses) encompass 63,000 square miles, roughly equivalent to the entire state of Georgia. And with these monoculture lawns across the country comes a high degree of required maintenance, such as mowing, raking, fertilizing, watering and the application of herbicides, all of which equates to substantial amounts of time and money.

However, as we now know, these lawn care activities contribute to environmental costs as well. Gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, leaf blowers and other lawn care equipment leave behind a substantial carbon footprint. Though plants serve an important ecological role absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this benefit is often offset by the heavy carbon cost associated with turf maintenance.

According to a 2011 study by the Environmental Protection Agency, lawn

care equipment was responsible for 162 million tons of greenhouse gases that year alone. The study also reported an estimated 17 million gallons of gasoline spills annually while refueling lawn care equipment.

Additionally, the necessity of applying ever-increasing amounts of synthetic fertilizers and indiscriminate herbicides to lawns has taken a toll on plant and animal biodiversity, pollinators and the microorganisms found in soils. These are not only vital for nutrient recycling and a well-functioning ecosystem, but honeybees and other pollinators are crucial to food security in the U.S., maintaining fruits, nuts and vegetables. In fact, some crops, such as almonds, are almost exclusively pollinated by honeybees.

Unfortunately, many traditionally landscaped lawns lack the plant diversity needed to provide important food sources for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators whose populations are steadily declining.

And then there’s the water issue. Perhaps nowhere else in the U.S. is the absurdity of the traditional American lawn more evident than here in the arid Southwest.

According to the Denver-based nonprofit Colorado Waterwise, more than half of all potable water in the state is

used on landscapes, with much of it going toward irrigating turf grass. Tragically, a lot of outdoor water used for lawns is wasted due to faulty sprinklers, over-watering or evaporation, particularly when watering during the hottest parts of the day.

Regenerative Landscaping: A New Paradigm

In regenerative landscaping, design favors an array of drought-resistant, wildlife-friendly flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees that enhance biodiversity while also implementing an aesthetic design, Safford said. As the trend toward more sustainable yards gains traction, even small changes to landscaping practices can make a difference.

For those just beginning to rethink their lawn, she has a few suggestions:

• If mowing your grass, keep it 3 inches or higher;

• Make sure to keep the clippings on the grass;

• Apply organic fertilizer such as compost or compost tea, and allow nitrogenfixing plants, such as clover, to grow for increased soil and plant health.

To learn more, attend the Durango Botanic Gardens Great Garden Series talk on regenerative landscaping on May 24 at 4:30 p.m. at the Durango Public Library, which will in-

clude a talk from a representative from Blooming Landscape & Design.

Also, check out  projectdungbeetle.org for

information on the Regenerative Landscaping Speaker Series, running May through September. ■

*Read by 4,000 discerning sets of eyeballs every week.

(*Although a few probably just look at the pictures.)

For info. on how to get your business or event seen, email: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

A 1950s-era ad for Pinco power mowers illustrates the American obsession with a well-manicured, lush, green lawn.

“I saw it in the Telegraph.”

Thursday18

La La Bones play, 5 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard Ave.

Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Ed Kabotie plays, 5:30 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Thursday Night Sitting Group, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave, Suite 109.

“Nuclear Now” screening and presentation, 6-8 p.m., Durango Public Library.

Lizard Head Quartet plays, 6-9 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Jeff Solon Jazz Duo play, 6-8 p.m., Lola’s Place, 725 E. 2nd Ave.

Lavalanche plays, 6-9 p.m., Durango Hot Springs.

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

Speaker Series: Joshua Mandrala, 6:30 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

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

Merely Players present “Bright Star,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center.

Friday19

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

Open Meditation, 12 noon-1 p.m., Durango Dharma Center, 1800 E. 3rd Ave, Suite 109.

Marcia Ewell plays, 4 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Kirk James Blues Band plays, 5 p.m., Gazpacho, 431 E. 2nd Ave.

Pete Giuliani plays, 6 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

Lion Heights play, 6-9 p.m., 11th St. Station.

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

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

Merely Players present “Bright Star,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center.

Arsenic Kitchen, Another Day’s Demons & Anarchy Hammer, 8 p.m., The Hive, 1150 Main Ave.

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

Saturday20

Durango Farmers Market, 8 a.m., TBK Bank parking lot, 259 W. 9th St. Music by Good Times Band.

Garden Club of Durango Plant Sale, 9-10:30 a.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.

“Working With Wool,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Animas Valley Grange, 7271 CR 203.

The Metropolitan Opera – Live in HD –Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” 10:55 a.m., FLC’s Student Union, Vallecito Room.

San Juan Symphony –Movie Music Family Concert, 4 p.m., FLC’s Community Concert Hall.

Art Mart Soiree, 4:30 p.m., Hermosa Café, 736 Main Ave.

One Heart Orchestra plays, 5 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

Black Velvet Duo plays, 6-9 p.m., Derailed Pour House, 725 Main Ave.

Agave plays, 6 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

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.

Secret Circus Society’s “Mr. B’s Vaudeville Show,” 7 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Bailey Barnes Duo play, 7-10 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Merely Players present “Bright Star,” 7 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center.

Planet Petty Goes Broadway (drag show), 7:30 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard Ave.

Hauntings & History Ghost Tour, 7:30 p.m., Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot.

J-Calvin w/The Funk Express play, 8 p.m., iNDIGO Room, 1315 Main Ave.

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

Sunday21

Durango Flea Market, 8 a.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.

Veteran’s Benefit Breakfast, 9 a.m., VFW Post 4031, 1550 Camino del Rio.

Quick & Dirty Downtown Walking Tour, 10 a.m., Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot.

Durango Dance presents “The Enchanted Forest,” performances at 11 a.m. & 4 p.m., FLC’s Community Concert Hall.

The Jackson Martin Project play, 12 noon, Lola’s Place, 725 E. 2nd Ave.

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

Merely Players present “Bright Star,” 2 p.m., Merely Underground, 789 Tech Center.

“Silent Sunday With Swanson,” silent films paired with music by pianist Adam Swanson, 2 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.

Arsenic Kitchen plays, 4:30 p.m., Mancos Brewing.

San Juan Mountain Boys play, 5 p.m., Weminuche Woodfire Grill, Vallecito.

“Live, Laugh, Love!” A Choral Society Cabaret, 5 p.m., FLC’s Student Union Ballroom. The Slackers play, 6 p.m., Ska Brewing, 225 Girard Ave.

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

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

Monday22

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

Off the couch, pickle ear and flat-landers AskRachel

Interesting fact: OK, I did not realize that severe altitude sickness can cause brain swelling and fluid to fill your lungs. Please disregard all my medical opinions and advice, especially if you’re inclined to trust me on these things.

Dear Rachel,

Oh crap, it’s nearly Iron Horse Bicycle Classic time. I’ve been saying for years I’m going to do this. But I never catch the registration and it sells out. I still got a weekplus to train, though, and I could steal someone’s number. No one but you would know I didn’t pay. What do you think? Go for broke before Memorial Day and check off the big bucket list item?

– Steel Stallion

Dear Tin Mule, Heck yes. The Iron Horse needs more woefully underprepared people to keep it interesting. My friends and I used to go sit on the side of the road with cowbells and Bloody Marys in Nalgene bottles, and not once did we see some dude completely bonk in the Animas Valley before even reaching the incline to Purg. That’s what we came to see: some normal person really demonstrating how hard it actually is to ride over mountains. So yes, please set that bar for all of us.

– Giddyup, Rachel

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

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

Tuesday23

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

JREAM plays, 5 p.m., Fenceline Cider, Mancos.

Trivia Night, 5:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, 901 E. 2nd Ave. Fundraiser for Mission: Support Kids!

Slow Bluegrass Jam, 5:30-7:30 p.m., General Palmer, 567 Main Ave.

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

Andrew and the Middle Men play, 6-9 p.m., Durango Hot Springs.

Black Velvet Duo plays, 6-9 p.m., Lola’s Place, 725 E. 2nd Ave.

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

Dear Rachel, Wack, wack, wack. The sound of pickleball. Do you think insurance companies will deny coverage for hearing loss for pickleball players? I think that a warning will be given when buying the gear to play. Do our rates go up to cover the bangers? Or will someone make a special ear plug for the sport… hey what an idea. Hello, Nike?

– Line Judge

Dear Wack Job, Insurance companies will deny coverage, period. But it’s not ears they’re worried about. It’s knees. I know more people with serious knee injuries from playing pickleball than from skiing and falling down while rock climbing COMBINED. Makes me think what they really ought to start covering is people taking pickleballs to the head. Unless this craze is itself a pre-existing condition. It would explain a lot…

– Pickle this, Rachel

telegraph@durangotelegraph.com

but my husband defends their adjustment period. Is this whole thing overblown, or am I blowing it?

– Attitude Sickness

Dear Rachel,

I really don’t understand altitude sickness. Like, I climb a mountain and gain 6,000 feet, and I don’t get headaches and need to lie down. But my in-laws come to town from Arizona and they spend the whole weekend wheezing and griping. They can’t even walk down Main with us. I think it’s just an excuse,

Wednesday24

Restorative Yoga for Cancer, 9:30-10:45 a.m., no cost for cancer patients, post-treatment survivors and caregivers, Smiley Building, 1309 E. 3rd Ave. Register at cancersupportswco.org/calendar.

Lunch & Learn Workshop, 12 noon-1 p.m., TBK Bank259 W. 9th St.

Great Garden Series: Regenerative Landscaping, 4:30 p.m., Durango Public Library.

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

Open Mic, 6:30 p.m., EsoTerra, 558 Main Ave.

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

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

Ongoing

“Stories We Wear: Recognizing and Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives,” opening reception, Ignacio Public Library, 470 Goddard Ave. Exhibit runs until May 31.

Dear High Horse,

Yes, altitude sickness is real… and so is general fitness… and so is youth. Unless you got a real PornHub kind of family going on, your in-laws have probably 20 or 40 years on you, and they probably don’t regularly hike 14ers for fun. You, my friend, are acclimated and resilient. Leave them be. Or else sign them up for the Iron Horse, and kill them. Either way, you can stop accusing them of faking it.

– Speaking of faking it, Rachel

The Hive Indoor Skate Park, open skate and skate lessons. For schedule and waiver, go to www.thehivedgo.org

Upcoming

Downtown Clean Day, May 26, 8:30 a.m., meet at Keller Williams Realty, 700 Main Ave.

Manna Garden Plant Sale, May 26 from 3-6 p.m. and May 27 from 9 a.m.-12 noon, Manna Soup Kitchen, 1100 Avenida del Sol.

“Pterosaurs: Ancient Rulers of the Sky,” exhibit runs May 27-Sept. 17, Powerhouse Science Center, 1330 Camino del Rio. Kickoff party May 28, 5-8 p.m.

“Smashed Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet,” May 30, 7 p.m., 11th St. Station.

Firefall plays, May 30, 7 p.m., Bar D Chuckwagon, 8080 CR 250.

“Come Fly With Me: Brian De Lorenzo Celebrates Sinatra,” May 30, 7:30 p.m., Summit Church, 2917 Aspen Dr.

“Furniture as Art,” fundraiser for KDUR, June 1, 6 p.m., FLC’s Student Union.

by Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries

dramatist Samuel Beckett, winner of the prestigious Nobel Prize for Literature, wrote 22 plays. The shortest was “Breath.” It has no dialogue or actors and lasts less than a minute. It begins and ends with a recording of the cry of a newborn baby. In between there are the sounds of someone breathing and variations in the lighting. I recommend you draw inspiration from “Breath” in the coming weeks, Aries. Be succinct and pithy. Call on the powers of graceful efficiency and no-nonsense effectiveness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the coming weeks, you Bulls must brook no bullies or bullying. Likewise, you should tolerate no bull**** from people trying to manipulate or fool you. Be a bulwark of integrity as you refuse to lower your standards. Bulk up the self-protective part of your psyche so you will be invincibly immune to careless and insensitive spoilers.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): How much do you believe in your power to become the person you want to be? 90%? 55%? 20%? Whatever it is, you can increase it in the coming weeks. Life will conspire with you to raise your confidence as you seek new ways to fulfill your soul’s purpose. Surges of grace will come your way as you strive with intense focus to live your most meaningful destiny. To take maximum advantage of this opportunity, I suggest you enjoy extra amounts of quiet, meditative time.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Early in the 19th century, cultural researchers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm gathered an array of old folk stories and published a collection of what we now call fairy tales. Because the two brothers wanted to earn money, they edited out some graphic elements of the original narratives. For example, in the Grimms’ revised version, we don’t get the juicy details of the princess fornicating with the frog prince once he has reverted to his handsome human form. In the earlier, but not published stories of “Rumpelstiltskin,” the imp gets so frustrated when he’s tricked by the queen that he rips himself apart. I hope you will do the opposite of the Brothers Grimm in the coming weeks, Cancerian. It’s crucial that you reveal and expose and celebrate raw, unvarnished truths.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Is there a job you would love to have as your primary passion, but it’s different from the job you’re doing? Is there a calling you would delight in embracing, but you’re too consumed by the daily routine? Do you have a hobby you’d like to turn into a professional pursuit? If you said even a partial yes to my questions, Leo, here’s good news: In the coming months, you will have an enhanced ability to make these things happen. And now is an excellent time to get underway.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo-born Samuel Johnson (1709–84) was a versatile virtuoso. He excelled as an essayist, biographer, playwright, editor, poet and lexicographer. How did he get so much done? Here’s one clue. He took his own advice, summed up in the following quote: “It is common to overlook what is near by keeping the eye fixed on something remote. Present opportunities are neglected and attainable good is slighted by minds busied in extensive ranges and intent upon future advantages.” Johnson’s counsel is perfect for you right now, Virgo.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I would love you to go searching for treasure, and I hope you launch your quest soon. As you gather clues, I will be cheering you on. Before you embark, though, I want to make sure you are clear about the nature of the treasure you will be looking for. Please envision it in glorious detail. Write down a description of it and keep it with you for the next seven weeks. I also suggest you carry out a fun ritual to formally mark your entry into the treasure-hunting chapter of your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the coming weeks, you’ll be guided by your deep intelligence as you explore and converse with the darkness. You will derive key revelations and helpful signs as you wander around inside the mysteries. Be poised and lucid, dear Scorpio. Trust your ability to sense what’s important and what’s not. Be confident that you can thrive amidst uncertainty as you remain loyal to your core truths. No matter how murky this challenge may seem, it will ultimately be a blessing. You will emerge both smarter and wiser.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you take the Bible’s teachings seriously, you give generously to the poor and you welcome immigrants. You regard the suffering of others as being worthy of your compas-

sionate attention, and you express love not just for people who agree with you and share your cultural traditions, but for everyone. Numerous Biblical verses, including many attributed to Jesus Christ, make it clear that living according to these principles is essential to being a good human. Even if you are not Jewish or Christian, Sagittarius, I recommend this approach to you. Now is an excellent time to hone your generosity of spirit and expand your urge to care for others.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1982, Capricorn actor Ben Kingsley won an Oscar for his role in the film “Gandhi.” Then his career declined. In an animated movie in 1992, he voiced the role of an immortal frog named F.R.O.7. who worked as a James Bond-like secret agent. It was a critical and financial disaster. But Kingsley’s fortunes rebounded, and he was nominated for Academy Awards in 2002 and 2003. Then his trajectory dipped again. He was nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor for four separate films between 2005-08. Now, at age 79, he’s rich and famous and mostly remembered for the great things he has done. I suggest we make him your role model for the coming months. May he inspire you to emphasize your hits and downplay your misses.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I’m devoted to cultivating the art of relaxation. But I live in a world dominated by stress addicts and frenzied overachievers. Here’s another problem: I aspire to be curious, innocent and open-minded, but the civilization I’m embedded in highly values know-it-all experts who are very sure they are in command of life’s secrets. One further snag: I’m an ultra-sensitive creator who is nourished by original thinking and original feeling. And yet I constantly encounter formulaic literalists who thrive on clichés. Now here’s the good news: I am a successful person! I do what I love and enjoy an interesting life. Here’s even more good news, Aquarius: In the next 12 months, you will have a knack for creating rhythms that bring you closer than ever to doing what you love and enjoying an interesting life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Most of us suffer from at least one absurd, irrational fear. But those worries help motivate me to work hard to earn a living and take superb care of my health. What about you, Pisces? Do you know which of your fears are preposterous and which make at least some sense? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to get a good handle on this question.

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

Announcements

Welcome to All Holistic Healers, Vendors, psychic readers, mediums, massage, family friendly activities wanting to share your gifts, talents and products at the Mind Body Spirit Fair, July 22nd at Santa Rita Park!  Go to page fair application on  www.inspire changecj.com for all details, CJ Marten.

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@fort lewis.edu or call 970.247.7261

Extraordinary Quantum and Alchemy Healings along with house blessings provided. Contact Diana at 970 560-7858 or lightdimensions@gmail .com, mountainspirithealing.org

Lost/Found

Found: Gold Necklace

Many years ago on E. 3rd Ave. May have sentimental value: 970-749-0153.

HelpWanted

Amaya is Hiring

Amaya is hiring massage therapist and receptionist. Please contact triciagourley13@gmail.com or drop off resume.

Wanted: iAM Music Exec Director!

Seeking FT dynamic leader to manage planning, organizing, and directing operations while supervising staff. Experience in financial management, fundraising, communications, staff relations, program development & administration preferred. $55-65K to start. Email cover letter and resume to: lizpulismora@gmail.com

black. Includes foot rest. Great condition. Made in good old Minnesota. Retails for $160. Selling for $69 OBO. For more dets, see on FB marketplace or text 970-749-2595.

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

Reruns Home Furnishings

HaikuMovieReview 'Air'

Sit back, take a deep breath and fill your lungs with the sweet scent of bromance

– Lainie

Massage by Meg Bush LMT, 30, 60 & 90 min., 970-7590199.

Services

Work at Lake Nighthorse

This summer. Southwest Foils is hiring PT eFoil instructors for the summer. Great college or high school summer gig. No experience necessary, will train. $15/hr + bonuses. Contact us through www.southwestfoils.com

Wanted

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

ForSale

12’ and 10’ Lake Kayaks

$150/ea or $250/both. 970-903-0876

Fluorescent Gro Light System

One tier. Never used. Cost $169 new. Asking $100. Call Jim, 970-247-4767.

The Original Hanging Sky Chair

Hand-crafted, award-winning hanging chair. Made of “Duravas” canvas, treated with natural paraffin wax for durability and water repellency. Heavyduty polypropylene reinforcements. In

Brighten up your outdoor space –lost of yard art, planters and bistro sets. Décor for the inside too with dressers, nightstands, and beautiful lamps. Looking to consign smaller furniture pieces … 572 E. 6th Ave. Open Mon.-Sat. 3857336.

BodyWork

Medicinal Massage

Deep tissue body work, joint rehab, muscular tension release. Get your body tune-up. 25% off Tuesdays. Located downtown. Call/Text Dennis @ 970.403.5451

Reiki Practitioner, Postpartum

Doula and reflexologist. In-office energy work sessions and reflexology by appointment, and in-home postpartum doula services and support. Energy medicine sessions held in office. Jenn DeNunzio Hall, the Sun Building, 755 E. 2nd Ave., Durango. 970-946-9352

In-Home Fitness Training

Convenient. Private. All ages. Diane Brady NSCA-CPT. 970-903-2421

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.

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.

CommunityService

Greater Colorado Pitch Series is back! Applications open now through June 9. New this year, four finalists will attend invite-only Greater Colorado Venture Fund event in Salida on Aug. 3. Finalists will be asked to present a single business problem “House of Genius” style, opening finalists up to a new form of problem-solving and networking.  Winner announced at West Slope Startup Week, Aug. 21-24 in Durango. Apply at: tiny url.com/yybj8mfy

Music in the Mountains

Volunteer training for festival 37th annual festival July 6 – 30. Join our dedicated team of volunteers by attending a training session in-person session or virtually. In-person volunteer training (no RSVP or registration required) Thurs., June 1, 5:30 p.m. at the FLC Community Concert Hall (light refreshments provided)

Maxson