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Sun

Sopris the

Cultivating community

¡Aqui! ¡Adentro!

Valle

Sol del el

una nueva publicación semanal con noticias Volume 13, Number 20| June 24-30, 2021 locales en español.

connections since 2009

Prepared and on high alert CRFPD Shift Team B gathered behind two of the department's brand new vehicles for a photo the afternoon of June 21. There is good reason for being concerned about this year's extremely dry conditions and increased fire risk. Fortunatley, this crew is always ready to fight a blaze. Photo by James Steindler. By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Fires break out, one after the other, and Coloradans know from the smoke in the air before hearing the news. The ongoing drought has deepened into what’s now the tenth driest year in the past 127, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System (drought.org). Already, wildfires are appearing throughout the Western United States and stage one and two fire restrictions are in effect for our surrounding areas. “We are on high alert this year,” says Operations Chief Mike Wagner with Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD). He adds that the team is not nervous but prepared. CRFPD uses the same shift schedule as other regional fire departments to stay in sync with

one another. Firefighters are on site 24/7, waiting to battle flames. A shift lasts 48 hours and the rotation never stops during fire season. “CRFPD [covers] roughly 300 to 320 square miles: Missouri Heights to McClure Pass and over toward Marble, down to basically the CMC turn off and Blue Lake,” says Wagner. However, if needed anywhere, they’ll heed the call. “We have to rely on each other,” he says, “there’s no other way to do this.” He offered the Grizzly Creek Fire as an example, “We were there within the first hours or so giving mutual aid, and involved in the initial phases – same with the Lake Christine Fire.” Those responses were part of a local mutual aid agreement between neighboring departments, “and we also have what’s called mountain area mutual aid,” says Wagner, which spans a larger geographic region.

It doesn’t stop there, he explains, “there’s a whole system set up with the state and federal governments of a resource ordering process.” Currently, by way of this networking system, two CRFPD employees are assisting with the fires in Southwest Colorado.

Keeping small fires small Knock on wood (while it’s still there) because in recent years the CRFPD has not seen fires within its jurisdiction of the magnitude neighbors have endured. “We’ve had many fires that we’ve kept small,” says Wagner. “Right now, as we speak, we have two fire brush trucks – one on the north end [of the district] and one on the south end.” He continues, “Their main job is, if we get a start of a fire, to be the initial attack and to keep that small fire small.”

The team traces lightning strikes and reports to the respective latitude and longitude to check for smoldering trees, where flying embers could ignite a wildfire.

What you can do As Smokey says, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” While lightning is out of human control, he is right that most fires are preventable. Campfires, cigarette butts, combustion engines and fireworks are leading causes, and each is addressed under current stage one restrictions. Homeowners who are interested can contact CRFPD for a free consultation on how to prepare their home for the fire season. “It’s important to learn how to live with wildfires,” explains Wagner, because they aren’t going away anytime soon.

This newspaper costs $2 to produce. Advertising does not cover our full costs. Donations keep The Sun shining! For more info contact Todd Chamberlin adsales@soprissun.com i 970-510-0246 The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations are fully tax deductible.

SoprisSun.com/donate

Ready, Set, Go! Get Ready - Create a defensible space. Get Set - Prepare! • • •

Go! • • • •

Create a wildfire action plan for your home, family, and pets. Assemble an emergency supply kit. Make a family communication plan that includes important information.

Review your wildfire action plan. Ensure your supply kit is in your vehicle. Wear protective clothing when leaving. Locate your pets and take them with you.

Visit the CRFPD website to obtain the full READY, SET, GO program!

http://bit.ly/ReadyWildfire

Mountain Fair Guide discount ad pricing is about to expire! See inside!


OPINION

by Todd Chamberlin Executive Director Two years ago this week I joined The Sopris Sun staff as a part-time ad salesman. When I started, I was in the midst of the darkest days of my life. In the months leading up to my hiring, I was having seizures among other issues. The mental anguish I was experiencing would force me to leave my former job and, most importantly, my 21-year relationship would come to a screeching halt. My life was literally imploding. A month after starting the job, I was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor. The diagnosis, as scary as it was, at least gave me the comfort of knowing what was going on. Having had a grandmother who succumbed to a brain tumor when I was in my early 20s, I panicked and projected the worst outcome. So, I left the valley, my friends and loved ones behind to pursue my last great adventure, not knowing if the treatment I chose to pursue would work or not.

More than just a paper

Luckily for me, The Sopris Sun board allowed me to continue to work remotely. They, along with the staff, rallied to my side and, over the next year and a half, offered amazing patience, support, empathy and understanding as I faced this ominous threat. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without such amazing people in my life, especially once Covid shut everything down and I returned to the Valley. It is this kindness, compassion, empathy and sense of community that I have tried to bring to my role as Executive Director for The Sopris Sun. The COVID isolation gave me plenty of time to reflect, grow and heal. Through this process came a true desire to share my experience and help make a difference in our community and other people’s lives. My role has since been a good testing ground for my personal mission and the wisdom that arose from this trauma. When I accepted the Executive Director position, I had great aspirations but these aspirations could only be accomplished with an amazing team of people with similar visions. Unfortunately, Editor Will Grandbois was transitioning out and we had a huge hole to fill. We were graced with Raleigh Burleigh joining as editor and doing an extraordinary job. Ylice Golden, our extremely talented graphic designer, became the pillar that would help make this transition seamless for our readers.

In the past six months, these two – along with our board and an amazing cadre of freelancers, MANUS and other partners – helped launch el Sol del Valle, our Spanish-language insert. Providing the Spanish-speaking population in the valley with a new platform to build community and stay informed. The insert was also designed to build bridges between communities, giving you, our reader, an opportunity to read some of the same articles in both English and Spanish. Alongside this effort, we increased our English editorial coverage to include more news from Basalt, Glenwood Springs, Garfield County and in-depth coverage of subjects that matter, like our recent series on the affordable housing crisis and mental health. We also expanded our distribution network and upgraded our website to allow for free downloads of our weekly paper. All the while, we increased the amount of complementary ad space provided to other nonprofits and struggling and/or new small businesses. Finally, last week we hired James Steindler as a contributing editor. James’ reporting as a freelancer has been terrific and we are so excited to have him onboard as a staff member. Later this summer, we are launching an after school journalism incubation program for local high school students. The goal is to teach students the art, ethics and business of journalism. From writing to

photography, you’ll start to see some of their work in The Sopris Sun and el Sol de Valle later in the fall. You’ll get fresh insight from their work, using their own voices to show us a new perspective as we train the next generation of journalists. None of these initiatives would be possible without the help of our advertisers, donors, partners, board members and you – our readers. As I look toward the second half of the year and years to come, I truly get excited. The foundation we are building today will continue to make a positive difference in our community. As executive director of a nonprofit, I can’t tell you how much your financial support means right now. Whether it is through advertising, making a one-time donation, a recurring donation, or legacy giving, your financial support will ensure our mission – to inform, inspire, incubate the craft of journalism and build community – will continue for years and generations to come. For those who have supported us financially in the past, I extend a heartfelt thanks. The Sun would not be rising today without you and your support! To find out more about advertising or to donate, please visit our website. For more information about legacy giving, or making a donation through a mandatory distribution of your IRA, please contact me at Todd@soprissun.com

LETTERS Share the road! Did you know that Carbondale is recognized as a “Gold Standard Bike Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists? In an effort to promote peaceful and safe coexistence among bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists, the Carbondale Bike Pedestrian Trails Commission would like to remind cyclists that: “A bicyclist in Colorado has all the rights and responsibilities applicable to the driver of any other vehicle. That means bicyclists must obey the rules of the road like other drivers, and are to be treated as equal users of the road. Bicyclists, like motorized drivers, can be ticketed or penalized for not obeying the laws.” - Colorado Department of Transportation Bicycle/Pedestrian /Scenic Byways Section Here are some important tips for cyclists: • Obey traffic signs and signals. Stop signs and “street closed” signs apply to ALL vehicles. If you must travel on a closed street, dismount your bike and walk it. • Ride with traffic, never against it. • Use hand signals to indicate your intent to turn or stop. • Give an audible announcement such as a

verbal “on your left” or a bell ring before passing another road or trail user. • Yield to pedestrians. • Ride as far to the right, in the right lane, as possible except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards. Watch for parked car doors opening unexpectedly. • When sharrows (paintings on the road of a bicycle with two chevron signs above it) are present, they indicate that a cyclist has the right to take that entire traffic lane. • Do not pass on the right. • Ride single-file in most circumstances. Never ride more than two abreast, and return to single-file if riding two abreast impedes the flow of traffic. • Use a white headlight, red taillight, and reflectors when riding in the dark – be visible! • Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. (Bicycle Law set by the Model Traffic Code for Colorado §42-4-1412 and §42-4802). Do not use mobile devices while riding! • To ride safely: • Always expect the unexpected when you ride; your first responsibility is to be safe. • Ride predictably so other road users know what you’re doing.

• Always wear a helmet. • Wear bright clothing. • Always be aware of obstacles in front of you and especially of motor vehicles unexpectedly turning right. • Never wear headphones when cycling – they block other sounds you need to hear. • A rearview mirror mounted on the end of your handlebar or on your helmet is very useful. • Riding on sidewalks is dangerous and not recommended for adults. • Make eye contact with drivers, never assume motorists see you or that you have the rightof-way. • Acknowledge the courtesy of other road users yielding to you. “Every person’s transportation choice counts! We all need to be conscious of and courteous to other individuals when sharing our roadways. Remember, streets and trails are for everyone and sharing is more than good manners!” -CDOT bike manual Have a safe and happy summer sharing the road!

Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • adsales@soprissun.com

Editor

Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 • news@soprissun.com

Contributing Editor James Steindler

Graphic Designer Ylice Golden

Delivery

Crystal Tapp

Proofreader Lee Beck

Current Board Members board@soprissun.com

Kay Clarke • Lee Beck Linda Criswell • Klaus Kocher Eric Smith • Vanessa Porras Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays at the Third Street Center.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman Toni Cerise CoVenture Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Gary & Jill Knaus Carly & Frosty Merriott Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy James Noyes Ken & Donna Riley Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Megan Tackett True Nature Healing Arts Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank

Legacy Givers

for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003

Laurie Loeb Bicycle Pedestrian and Trails Commission

Corrections: Last week, we mistakenly omitted one of the target items for Carbondale’s comprehensive plan update. It’s requested that the

update take into consideration the town’s Climate Action Plan and Vulnerability, Consequences, and Adaptation Planning Scenarios report, as well as new technologies, for more current sustainability goals and other amendments that strengthen stewardship of the natural environment. Sue Gray was also misidentified as the Carbondale Historical Society’s executive director. She is, in fact, vice president of the board.

The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 24 - June 30, 2021

Executive Director

sopris-

sun. com The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations are fully tax deductible. The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District


What teachers could teach about housing solutions By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

In 2015, voters approved a major bond issue for the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD), which, in part, resulted in $5 million per community being dedicated to affordable housing units for teachers. After the bond's approval, RFSD formed the School District Housing Advisory Committee, consisting of about 12 staff members, to work out the fine details of the process. First, they created a system for teachers to apply for housing units and developed a plan to assign points based on various criteria to impartially award housing units to applicants. The first task was to conduct surveys to ask staff about what type of units they were looking for, what they'd be willing to pay, and what they felt they could afford. RFSD Chief Operating Officer Jeff Gatlin’s responsibilities include overseeing the district's housing program. There are four teacher housing locations, with a total of 66 units: 20 in Carbondale, near the Third Street Center; 23 in Willits; six in Ironbridge and 17 in Cardiff Mesa in Glenwood Springs. Gatlin spearheaded unit acquisition, facilitated the committee process of creating guidelines for the housing application process and addressed "how do we hit our targets for what

we were hoping to hit when we put this out in the bond." Rob Norville teaches science at Glenwood Springs High School (GSHS) and has lived downvalley for the past 13 years, becoming a teacher in 2010. He and his wife Victoria, a teacher at Glenwood Springs Elementary School, live in RFSD housing with their two daughters in Ironbridge. Norville said they were outgrowing their space in a town home in New Castle and, more importantly, "We also wanted to be in the community that we teach in." When the district offered threebedroom units, four and a half years ago, they applied and acquired the teacher housing. Norville emphasized that living at Ironbridge has "solidified my connection with Glenwood Springs." As a GSHS baseball coach, no longer dealing with long commutes, he added, "It's easier for me to support my students and their theater and music activities; it's just a lot easier to pop in and see those events when you live right there, as opposed to living many miles away." Kendall Reiley, recently hired as the assistant principal at Crystal River Elementary School, began her teaching career at Basalt Elementary School (BES). A family in Basalt, whose children had attended Basalt schools, had an apartment above

their garage for rent. They sent BES Principal Suzanne WheelerDel Piccolo an email. She, in turn, sent it out to staff. They offered an apartment at below-market rent, so an employed teacher could remain living in the Roaring Fork Valley. Norville and Reiley both participated on the housing committee that developed a system that includes awarding points for dependents, teaching in the community you're applying to and for a person’s number of years teaching in the district. Norville noted that special attention was given to adhering to the intent of the bond issue, saying, "We went back and visited the bond language, to make sure that we were really giving the community what they voted for." The monthly rent for units, Reiley explained, took into consideration multiple factors and settled on rents "at about 26 to 28 percent of that average salary. And the more money you make, the more your rent is." Norville said of his housing experience, "It's been fantastic. It certainly has saved us some money and we have been able to save up." Looking to buy a home, he added, "We'll see what happens with this housing market, it's a little bit frustrating. But, we do have some savings. Not sure it'll keep up with the growth in the market, but we'll see."

RFSD COO Jeff Gatlin said they were approached by Habitat for Humanity to develop homes on a tract of school district land and thought, "Boy, wouldn’t that be a great thing if we could get some teacher and staff housing out of that?" Photo by Paula Mayer. The program houses, according to Gatlin, 140 individuals including staff, spouses and dependents, 70 of whom are staff members. What is interesting about the data, Gatlin said, is that about half of the units are still occupied by the original tenant, plus some have moved from renting into purchasing a home. Another RFSD housing project, Basalt Vista behind Basalt High School, is slated to be completed next year. It is a partnership with RFSD, Pitkin County, Habitat for Humanity and the town of Basalt and units come with an opportunity for purchase by their tenants. RFSD donated the land and

Pitkin County donated money for infrastructure. Twenty-seven units are being built, with RFSD getting 14 of those and Pitkin County getting 13. Those numbers, Gatlin said, are "based on the percentage of the contribution of what our land value was and what Pitkin County contributed in their dollars to the project." Gatlin says conversations about the program's future are taking place. "Part of what I'm really hoping to focus more attention on this coming year is, what to do next with the program. Where do we take it now that we have those 66 units, and what makes sense for the next steps."

Now Open

After Hours Urgent Care Life keeps going after hours and so do we. Valley View is proud to announce the opening of After Hours Urgent Care. From nasal congestion to a sprained ankle, our walk-in clinic is here to treat you. Thanks to its convenient location inside Valley View next to the Emergency Department, you get to decide the right level of care for you at the right price.

OPEN EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS FOR SAME-DAY, WALK-IN CARE IN GLENWOOD SPRINGS.

LEARN MORE AT VVH.ORG/URGENTCARE THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • June 24 - June 30, 2021 • 3


SCUTTLEBUTT Delta variant Garfield County Public Health, together with Grand River Health and Valley View, hosted a press conference on July 22 to discuss trends that prompted the county to move back to “yellow” on the COVID dial. In summary, areas with lower vaccination rates are seeing higher rates of cases requiring hospitalization. Colorado currently has the second highest rate of the Delta variant in the country and Garfield County reported five COVID-related deaths since the beginning of May, including two “breakthrough” cases among older people who had been fully vaccinated. With the risk that COVID will continue to mutate, health officials prompt the public to get fully vaccinated. For free opportunities in Garfield County, visit garfield-county. com/public-hea lth/covid-19vaccine/

Francisco’s case The community is invited to a forum regarding Michael Francisco’s case on Tuesday, June 29, at 7 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater behind The Orchard Church. Members of the board of trustees, including Mayor Dan Richardson, plus Police Chief Kirk Wilson, Town Manager Jay Harrington and restorative justice facilitator Barbe

Chambliss will be in attendance to answer questions. This forum is not a restorative justice process, but a chance for community members to offer concerns and receive clarity on details of the case and process thus far.

Waste diversion The Recycle Colorado Association recognized Pitkin County with the “Outstanding Government Recycling/ Diversion Program” award at their annual conference on June 16. With a diversion rate of 38 percent in 2019 (the most recent year for which data is available), Pitkin County has the highest diversion rate of any Colorado county. This leading diversion rate is largely due to the county’s efforts to limit organic materials from being buried in the landfill with the second largest composting facility in the state, diverting 13,000 tons of organics from the landfill annually.

Get outdoors On June 21, Governor Jared Polis signed three bills to expand recreation access initiatives and increase conservation funds for natural resources in Colorado. The “Create Outdoor Equity Grant Program” aims to increase access and opportunity for underserved youth and their families to

experience the outdoors. A new “Keep Colorado Wild Annual Pass” option will be available for Coloradans registering a vehicle in 2023 to help Colorado Parks and Wildlife improve services. The new legislation also transfers $25 million from the state’s general fund to assist outdoor equity initiatives, park improvements, conservation efforts and backcountry search and rescue programs.

Volunteer literacy Literacy Outreach is recruiting volunteers to tutor essential literacy or English language skills to an adult learner. All you need is a desire to help, the ability to read and speak English, and three hours per week. Join an upcoming information session at the Glenwood Springs office on Monday, June 28, at 6 p.m.; at the Carbondale Library on Wednesday, June 30, at 6 p.m.; or virtually on Tuesday, June 29, at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, June 30, at noon. For more info, call 970945-5282 or 970-309-3983.

Good deal! Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andrea Stewart was named chairman of the board of directors for the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce, a

Colorado Wild Public Lands coloradowildpubliclands.org

HELP WANTED

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR If you are looking for meaningful work and application of your skills, this is the opportunity to join an exciting nonprofit organization led by an engaged board of directors working to protect public lands. Colorado Wild Public Lands (COWPL) strives to keep public lands open and accessible. A focus of our efforts is ensuring that public land exchanges are transparent and serve the public interest. With its recent growth and success, COWPL, based in Basalt, is seeking an inspired leader to build upon and elevate its mission. The successful job applicant demonstrates a high level of dedication, a particular set of skills, and a willingness to learn and grow in the position. The Community Engagement Director will work with the COWPL team and the Board of Directors to increase public participation, membership, leadership, and fundraising. This is a contract position for 20 hours per week, offering flexible time, and hourly pay in the range of $30-$40 per hour depending on experience. There is a strong opportunity for growth within the organization. Submit your application to coloradowildpubliclands@gmail.com by July 1, 2021. Include your resume; two letters of reference; and three writing samples illustrating: grant writing, technical writing, and general communication. For further information, see coloradowildpubliclands.org 4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 24 - June 30, 2021

A smoky red summer solstice sun on June 20. Photo by Tommy Sands. program serving the entire state and representing over 50,000 businesses. Congratulations!

teaching in a non-formal setting. For a full job description, visit roaringfork.org

Pickleball 101

They say it’s your birthday

Carbondale resident Joe Markham offers free pickleball lessons for adult beginners beginning July 6. For more info, call 274-4695 or 456-4400.

Now hiring Roaring Fork Conservancy is looking for a part-time, yearround watershed educator. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, science, environmental studies or similar field and at least two years of experience teaching environmental education, classroom teaching and/or

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Brian Keleher ( June 24); Mark Burrows, Olivia Pevec and Michael Quint ( June 25); Jaspen Mackin, Emilee Phelan, Zack Ritchie, Lucy Sontag and Jake Zamansky ( June 26); Roberto de Leon, Erica Pincomb and Colton Mesner ( June 27); Michael Black, Adele Craft, Erin Galbreath, Jeff Isaacson, Claire de L'Arbre and Beth Mulry ( June 28); Zuleika Pevec, Patty Phelan and Drew Sorenson ( June 29); Erin Rigney and John Stickney ( June 30).


Rams lax team has a winning attitude By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Rams’ girls lacrosse team ended their regular season play with an 8–2 conference record, affording them a berth in last Thursday's Class 4A state tournament opener in Lakewood. The Rams lost to Green Mountain by a score of 15-8. Rams co-coach Chelsea Robson said, despite the loss, "The one thing I really can say about them is that they've never once given up. Even in this game, when they were down, they never gave up. There was never an attitude of defeat and they ran on that field like they were going to win the entire time." Though the defeat was a disappointment, Robson said, the future looks bright, with many of the freshmen and sophomores making up more than half of this year's team returning next season. Robson attributes some of the Rams' success to the local high school feeder program, the Roaring Fork Lacrosse Club (RFLC), with its seasoned coaching staff and "girls who've been playing lacrosse for many years." Much of the credit, she said, goes to RFLC principal Joe Lang. As Robson explained, "all his hard work and dedication has allowed this success to happen because if it wasn't for him being so dedicated, this wouldn't exist." The Rams' postseason appearance also makes a difference. As Robson explained, "They're going to come back next year, and they've got the experience now of playing in a highly competitive game, and we can walk away from that with a list of lessons learned.”

This year's Rams lacrosse team won eight of 11 games, placing them in sceond place behind Aspen for the 4A Mountain East League. The Rams were defeated by Lakewood's Green Mountain High School during the CHSAA State Championship playoffs on June 17. The team is comprised of student-athletes from Basalt, Glenwood Springs and Roaring Fork High Schools. Photos by Melissa Gilberti.

ADC Aspen Dance Connection presents an Engage Movement Arts performance

Saturday or Sunday July 10 or 11, 2021 9-5 pm at the Launchpad. Age 18 and up. $240 Two teachers will teach 6 students how to make Converse style sneakers (high or low top) to wear home!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday July 9,10 & 11, 2021

All shows are outdoors at 7p.m. Adults $25 | Kids $10 SAW Studios 525 Buggy Circle Carbondale, CO

SHOES SHOES SHOES

Bring your lawn chairs Parking at Park-in-Ride or Alpine Bank parking lot In case of rain, performances will be at the Launchpad

Aspen Dance Connection Information | Volunteer

AspenDanceConnection.org 970-927-0641

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • June 24 - June 30, 2021 • 5


GOVERNMENT BRIEFS

Everyone gets a say on Ascendigo Ranch

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

This week’s Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting lasted three days – a bit above average. Ascendigo Autism Services persists toward its goal to build the Ascendigo Ranch on Missouri Heights northeast of Carbondale. Keep Missouri Heights Rural (KMHR), an interest group created in opposition to constructing the ranch in the proposed location, has not made the process easy on the applicant. Supporters of KMHR and Ascendigo showed up in droves to give public comments which were not reached on the agenda until Tuesday, June 22, the second day of the hearing. Once through other items on the Monday June 21 agenda, the panel turned its attention to Glenn Hartman, Senior Planner with Garfield County Planning Division. Hartman summarized his department's review of Ascendigo’s application for a Limited Impact Land Use Change Permit and ultimately the division’s approval of the proposal. The 126-acre site is located south of the intersection of County Road 102 and Harmony Lane, known as

The three commissioners were commended several times for their patience and willingness to let everyone who wished to speak to do so at length. Sketch by Larry Day. the Whitecloud Ridge Subdivision and Harmony Heights. In 2000, the Whitecloud Ridge Subdivision was approved for more than a dozen lots. Ascendigo, the applicant, is asking to designate the property as an educational facility site. “Staff is comfortable with the

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determination that it meets the educational facility definition,” said Hartman, “We understand that there’s some nuances in that definition and we received extensive public comment on it.” Vacating the current subdivision plat is the second element of the

application. “The key pieces here are that the individual asking for the vacation of the plat is the owner of the property or has authorization or consent from all of the owners,” Hartman explains. Ascendigo Property Holdings has acquired the property in this case.

Public comment took up the majority of the time. On June 22, public comment commenced first thing in the morning and took 8.5 hours before the commission convened for the day. That was only the in-person commentators. As of press time, Wednesday morning,

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the commissioners are still hearing public comment from folks appearing over Zoom.

Opposition Davis Farrar with Western Slope Consulting presented on behalf of KMHR. “I’d like to start off by saying, you’ve heard some very good testimony about Ascendigo’s mission and the work that they do,” he led, “and I don’t think there is anybody that I’ve encountered in our organization that has any question that they do good things. Our focus is on the land use issue, the limited impact review that’s before you today, and I hope that those two issues can be separated.” Farrar listed the following reasons to deny the application: 1) the proposal does not classify as an education facility, 2) nonconformance with Comprehensive Plan, 3) incompatibility with surrounding uses, 4) poor access, 5) wildfire, 6) water, 7) traffic, 8) land use precedent and 9) community concerns and public opposition. “We think there are sufficient grounds for the commissioners not to favorably act on the application,” he surmised.

Water KMHR is concerned that water supply for nearby homes will be jeopardized and that the proposed ranch will use more than its fair share. They point out that the current zoning allows for up to 15 private homes and suggest that Ascendigo’s use would outweigh that alternative. In contrast, Michael Erion with LRE Water, and consultant to the county in this case, said, “My summary is that this property does have a legal and physical

Proponents and antagonists of the proposed development waited hours for their chance to address the commissioners. After a long wait on Monday, these folks were sent home only to return Tuesday morning and continue to wait their turn. Sketch by Larry Day. water supply and I don’t believe that it impacts the ground water resource anymore than any other property up there.” He continued, “this is a property that is pumping a relatively small amount of water... it’s importing significantly more water into the area and into the regional aquifer through irrigation water that seeps down into and recharges the aquifers.”

Ascendigo remains steadfast On the evening of June 22, Ascendigo’s Chief Operating Officer Dan Richardson told The Sopris Sun, “I’d say that we are very pleased with staff ’s recommendation for approval, not to mention support by the Post Independent’s Editorial Board from several months ago, many nearby neighbors and continued support from

our partners in education.” Furthermore, he stated, “the fact that public comments didn’t reveal any new issues is also reassuring.” “The need for Ascendigo Ranch just keeps growing, and so does our will to make it happen,” said Richardson. “I am very confident that neighbors will be pleasantly surprised at what great neighbors we will be.”

DOG WASH OPEN We are allowing five (5) customers in the store at a time. Social distancing respected and practiced within the store. Avoid the afternoon rush, try shopping in off hours. Or call ahead for curbside pickup. Delivery Specials for Seniors (age 65) or Quarantined individuals.

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970-963-1700 | RJPaddywacks.com 400 E. Valley Road # I/J, Next to City Market in El Jebel

OPEN Mon - Fri 9:00-6 | Sat - Sun 10:00-5:00 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • June 24 - June 30, 2021 • 7


Colorado coalition aims to protect bears

Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

One can imagine that for a hungry bear, emerging from hibernation or preparing to sleep for the winter, the temptations of civilization are difficult to resist. With human populations burgeoning in the West, urban sprawl encroaches increasingly into bear country, resulting in more frequent interactions. A recent study by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) suggests that the rise in human-bear conflicts is not a result of growing bear populations — estimated between 17,000 and 20,000 in the state — but rather adaptation by bears to a quickly changing landscape. “Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easily accessible human food, trash or other attractants with strong odors as a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its fear of humans,” educational materials on CPW’s website explain. “When bears become too comfortable around humans, they can destroy property or even become a threat to human safety.” As the number of human-bear incidents increases, so too does the number of people looking to act responsibly on behalf of the lives of bears. Colorado Bear Coalition is a newly formed statewide network of ten bear protection groups representing disparate parts of the state. One active member group is the Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition (RFVBC). Snowmass resident Daniela Kohl founded RFVBC, a volunteer-based nonprofit, in response to negative human-bear interactions in the Aspen area and the unfortunate consequences for bears that repeatedly demonstrate problematic behavior. CPW has a policy that states “Any previously translocated bear that is currently judged to be dangerous because of its location shall be destroyed.” CPW Area Wildlife Manager Matt Yamashita, who supervises the Glenwood Springs, Aspen and Vail area, insists that, “much of the policy is aimed at preventing or mitigating conflict before it becomes severe enough to warrant euthanization.” Yamashita continues, “The goal of every wildlife officer in Colorado is to perpetuate the wildlife resource, not eliminate it.” Kohl got curious about how citizens could help and got

"Flowerpot Cub" is a source of inspiration for the Colorado Bear Coalition. The cub survived last summer's Cameron Peak Fire and was rehabilitated by CPW. Photo by Chuck Clausen. involved with local CPW agents, including Yamashita, to organize solutions. Early on, this resulted in a dynamic partnership with Aspen’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 201. Together with the troop, Kohl began reproducing an engineerfriend's design for heavy-duty straps used to bear-proof trash cans. The straps remain effective in below-zero temperatures and use “the strongest buckles ever,” according to Kohl. She is working on having the design tested by Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team protocols to prove their merit. Kohl was prompted by the restrictive cost of bear-resistant trash cans (upwards of $280) and, thanks to Troop 201, is able to offer these straps for free (for more information, call 1-305-710-2977). The project earned a boy scout his “Eagle Scout Rank Patch” and RFVBC gained a crucial ally. “The kids are fantastic, humble and hardworking,” Kohl explained. “The parents are involved and I am very lucky to have found them.” Beyond creating straps, they have also canvassed with door hangers to inform neighborhoods about the importance of securing trash.

Kohl draws inspiration from Brenda Lee, who started working on behalf of bears in 2009 and founded the Boulder Bear Coalition in 2015. According to Kohl, “Brenda paved the way.” After moving to Colorado in 2008, Lee was alarmed by a division she saw in Boulder’s community over the handling of human-bear conflicts. Lee began asking, “Why are bears here?” They're here because they're hungry. And frankly, she determined, “We've created a beautiful habitat for bears in Boulder. It used to be grasslands, now there are farmer's ditches and big trees and trash unsecured.” So the city and community stepped up, with a common goal of protecting the bears. This eventually led to a novel strategy: planting native food sources in open space surrounding Boulder to provide a “natural food buffer” of chokecherries, wild plums and currants. For two years, the coalition, in partnership with the city’s plant ecologist, planted hundreds of rootstock at two different locations with camera traps to monitor the results. Their theory is that bears will have less of a reason to seek food within cities if nourished on a proper diet. “It just makes sense,” Lee told The Sopris Sun of making open spaces healthy for wildlife. The plants have taken time to grow and there is not yet conclusive data about the strategy’s effectiveness. Lee acknowledges that, compared with eating solely berries, filling up on trash is an easier way of attaining the 20,000 daily calories necessary for a healthy hibernation. “Imagine, eight hours of eating berries, or come to town and fill up in an hour.” Any true solution will be multi-faceted. Still, the rise of coalitions to protect bears speaks to a movement grounded in respect for coexistence. The Nuche (or Ute) that inhabited these “shining mountains” previous to the valleys' settlement by prospectors, revered the bear with an annual dance – among their most ancient. This “bear dance” ceremony related the bear's growl to the spring's thunder, imitated on rasping instruments. The Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition has a strong presence on social media. To learn more about the Colorado Bear Coalition, visit coloradobearcoalition.org

Carbondale Mercado Agrícola Miércoles de 10 am - 3 pm 4th y Main Street

Wednesdays 10am - 3pm 4th and Main Street

Música en vivo cada segundo y último miércoles

Live music 2nd and last Wednesday of each month

Actividades para niñes 10 am - Enjoy Kids Activities 10am - 12pm 12 pm junio a agosto June - August Aceptamos SNAP y DUFB 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 24 - June 30, 2021

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Old ways colliding with the new

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

decided they didn’t want to go through there,” Nieslanik says, “so it was a hell of a mess for a while.” There were “cows running all over town; they were at the high school, on the soccer field,” he recalls, “those cows were everywhere.” The herd belonged to Ted Nieslanik, Marty’s cousin. Marty wasn’t there initially, but was called in as backup when things went haywire. “Me and Johnny [Marty’s son] went and got horses and came back to help them,” he explains, “it probably put another two hours on the drive.” “I think agriculture in this valley, unless you’ve got a load of money, is done – because there’s just too many people,” Marty Nieslanik sighs, “I understand why everyone wants to come here, it’s a great place to live, but it just makes it hard on us.” Folks have pitched the idea to haul the cattle by truck, but the expense is high, according to Nieslanik. Besides, the cattle drive is a tradition he’s known for his entire life. His father raised him and his siblings on the same family ranch that he works today. NTCA has supported community actions and is a stakeholder among the Thompson Divide Coalition (TDC). TDC had a hand in what culminated as the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE): a legislative push to protect the Thompson Divide and other Colorado lands from further oil development. NTCA member Bill Fales, in an

Ranching as a way of life has been part of Carbondale’s DNA since before the town’s inception, but the culture is now stymied in the wake of a development surge. While the rodeo lot fills way-over capacity on Thursday evenings, ranching families that gave rise to the tradition worry that the end of this lifestyle, as they’ve known it, may be nearing. Not long ago, the North Thompson Cattlemen Association (NTCA) included several local ranching families. Today, there are two: the Neislaniks and the Fales. “It’s hard to run a [cattle] operation anymore in this valley because there’s so many people, traffic and construction,” says Marty Nieslanik, head honcho of NTCA. “It’s changed so much in the last five years it’s just about ridiculous,” he laments. Every summer, members of NTCA move their cows to the high country – up North Thompson – to feed on pasture on public lands. In the fall, the cattle return to their respective ranches for the winter. This year, while driving about 600 head of cattle (including calves) from Prince Creek Road, the herd got spooked when they hit construction work at the traffic light near Roaring Fork High School on Highway 133. “They had orange cones, fifteen guys in fluorescent jackets and those cows just

interview with Bill Kight on KDNK in Nov. 2019, said, “Grazing permits of ours and the Nieslanik family is the heart of Thompson Divide, and all of us felt it would really have a lot of negative impacts on our Forest Service permits if there was oil and gas development.” He went on, “But the community has just been amazing. It’s one of these issues that took a village to work on and boy did the community of Carbondale step forward.” Nieslanik hopes to get support from the community again when “Colorado State Ballot Initiative 16: Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation” comes to the voters. A component of Initiative 16 requires that livestock ranchers wait until an animal has lived a quarter of its lifespan before being butchered and processed for sale. A cow's expected lifespan is 20 years. Nieslanik says, if passed, it would be detrimental to local ranchers. On top of the development and potential policy roadblocks, the drought is becoming more and more dire for the industry. This season, NTCA has already resorted to hauling water into the rough terrain. “Water is a big issue this year,” says Nieslanik, “we’ve been hauling water to all those cows up Thompson Creek since they went up there.” “Normally we have one bad summer – dry – and not a very good winter, then the next year it will be pretty good,” Nieslanik explains,

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Local ranchers met more obstacles than ever before while transporting Ted Nieslanik's cows to their summer pasture on June 8. Photo by Jane Bachrach.

Taylor van Zyl helped with the recent cattle drive. Photo by Jane Bachrach. “but we’ve had two bad summers in a row now and no snow in the winter – not enough.” Due to fire danger and outdoor recreationalists' complaints of seeing cow manure and trampled grass in the high country, the Forest Service put NTCA on notice that the cows

may have to come down early this year. “That will just devastate everybody,” Nieslanik says, by creating more of a financial burden for the cattlemen than they may be able to handle. “If this weather pattern keeps up, there ain’t going to be none of us left,” he concludes.

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WANTED: WANTED: VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER TUTORS

Come to an information session.

Come to an information session. Learn about tutoring an adult student in basic literacy or English language skills. Learn about tutoring an adult student in basic literacy or English language skills.

IN-PERSON

Rifle Branch Library

IN-PERSON:

Wednesday, June 23rd, 6 - 7 PM

207 East Avenue

Wednesday, June 23rd 6 - 7 PM

Glenwood Springs Literacy Outreach Office 1127 Outreach School Street Office Literacy Monday, Springs) June 28th, 6 - 7 PM (Glenwood 1127 School Street

Parachute Branch Library 244 Grand Valley Way Library Parachute Branch Thursday, June 24th, 6 - 7Way PM 244 Grand Valley Thursday, June 24th

Carbondale Branch Library 320 Sopris Avenue Wednesday, June 30th, 6 - 7 PM

6 - 7 PM

Carbondale Branch Library 320 Sopris Avenue

VIRTUAL

Wednesday, June 30th

Monday, June 28th 6 - 7 PM

Tuesday, June 29th, 6 - 7 PM

6 - 7 PM

Wednesday, June 30th, 12 - 1 PM

VIRTUAL:

For Zoom links or any questions please email programs@literacyoutreach.org or call 970-945-5282.

Literacy Outreach

Tuesday, June 29th

Wednesday, June 30th

6 - 7 PM

12 - 1 PM

Zoom link HERE

Zoom link HERE

(970) 945-5282 | www.LiteracyOutreach.org | 1127 School Street, Glenwood Springs Literacy Outreach (970) 945-5282 | www.LiteracyOutreach.org 1127 School Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

July 15th - 19th 3rd Street Center

Visit soprissun.com to submit events.

THURSDAY JUNE 24

GARDEN MUSIC CONCERT SERIES

Carbondale Arts presents “Sambe e Bossa Nova” with MinTze Wu, Alfredo Muro and Shannon Johnson performing at 6 p.m. Tickets at carbondalearts.com DANCE WORKSHOP Dance Initiative artist-in-residence Netta Yerushalmy offers a community dance workshop at The Launchpad at 6:15 p.m. Registration is at danceinitiative.org LIVE MUSIC Randal Utterback and Smokin’ Joe Kelly perform at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30 p.m.

LITERACY OUTREACH OUTREACH LITERACY

Rifle 207 Branch Library East Avenue

CALENDAR

520 S 3rd Street Carbondale

The monks of the famed Gaden Shartse Monastery are returning to Carbondale to construct a sacred sand mandala and other special events. This is a 4-day special event open to the public! Schedule of Events July 15th at 7 pm: Opening ceremony for the sand mandala July 16th - July 19th: Creation of the sand mandala (9 am - 5 pm) July 16th at 7 pm: Tea Ceremony July 17th at 10 am: Butter Sculpture Workshop July 17th at 7 pm: Healing Ritual July 18th at 7 pm: Buddha of Compassion Empowerment July 19th at 7 pm: Dissolution Ceremony. Learn more about the monks and the programs, visit www.wocdc.org or call the Way of Compassion Dharma Center (970) 704-5512.

FRIDAY JUNE 25

TRAIL TOUR Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers leads a fishing trip to American Lake, meeting at the trailhead at 9 a.m. Registration at rfov.org WILD WEST RODEO Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo at the Gus Darien Riding Arena. Slack is at 6 p.m. Grand entry is at 7:30 p.m. LIVE MUSIC LP Herd performs at Heather’s in Basalt, and The Low End plays at Patina in Carbondale, at 6:30 p.m. CRYSTAL THEATRE The Crystal Theatre opens its doors again with “Dream Horse” showing at 7:30 p.m. each evening through Monday. JAZZ ASPEN Dumpstaphunk, George Porter Jr. and Jon Cleary perform at the Hotel Jerome at 7 p.m. Jamison Ross plays at The Little Nell at 9 p.m. Brazilian musician Badi Assad entertains at the Here House at 9 p.m. Monty Alexander Trio entertains at the Aspen Art Museum at 9:30 p.m. And Jamison Ross plays at The Little Nell at 10:30 p.m. The JAS June Experience continues all weekend in Aspen. Tickets at jazzaspensnowmass.org

SATURDAY JUNE 26

OVERNIGHT TRAIL BUILD Roaring

Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) takes a crew up Avalanche Creek at 8:30 a.m., returning on Sunday afternoon. Registration at rfov.org RESTORATION WORK RFOV works with Pitkin County and Roaring Fork Conservancy at Lazy Glen Open Space to pull weeds and plant native species along the Roaring Fork River at 8:30 a.m. Registration at rfov.org RECYCLING EVENT Eagle County and the town of Basalt host a free community recycling event at Basalt High School, open to Basalt and El Jebel residents, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Electronic waste, household hazardous waste, metal and yard waste will all be accepted. No appointment is necessary. PARKRUN Runners are invited to a free, weekly 5k run/walk on Saturdays beginning at 9 a.m. at the Aspen Golf Club. A post-run tailgate party with donated coffee and pastries is catered by Paradise Bakery. To register, visit parkrun.us/aspen BIKE EXPO The first-ever Garfield County BikeExpo is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centennial Park in Glenwood Springs. Proprietors of fun, funk, handmade or otherwise awesome cycles are encouraged to register at bit.ly/BikeThereExpo ARTISAN MARKET Enjoy an intimate and specialized shopping experience supporting over 20 local artisans, with cocktails from Marble Distilling, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch. HARM REDUCTION High Rockies Harm Reduction hosts a fundraiser at Miners Park in Carbondale from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music, food and drinks, a silent auction and other fun activities. Sign up to volunteer at volunteersignup.org/WMDPQ LIVE MUSIC Rodrigo Arreguín performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30 p.m. DANCE PERFORMANCE

Way of Compassion Dharma Center | www.wocdc.org | (970) 704-5512 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 24 - June 30, 2021

Dance Initiative artist-in-residence Netta Yerushalmy performs outdoors at the Thompson House at 7:30 p.m.. Registration is at danceinitiative.org

CLEER board member and cycling advocate Steve Novy demonstrates his "tall bike", one of the many unique and unusual rides that will be on display at the Garfield County BikeExpo on Saturday. Courtesy photo.

SUNDAY JUNE 27

QIGONG The Red Thread Institute teaches Qigong at True Nature from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register at redthreadinstitute.org BASALT SUNDAY MARKET Local producers sell their goods next to Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. LIVE MUSIC Chris Bank performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 11 a.m. TRIBUTE TO FIRST RESPONDERS

Aspen arts organizations honor Roaring Fork Valley heroes with a free community event at the Benedict Music Tent at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at aspenmusicfestival.com

MONDAY JUNE 28

BIRDING Roaring Fork Audubon

leads a West Elk Creek trip meeting at Tractor Supply in West Glenwood at 7 a.m. To reserve a spot, email Tom at immac6@gmail.com

TUESDAY JUNE 29

TALON TALK Basalt Library hosts Nature’s Educators for an outdoor presentation about raptors and their importance to our ecosystems at 10:30 a.m. – weather permitting. Alternatively, the event will be held virtually on the library’s Facebook page. CONTAINER GARDENING Garfield County Libraries and Senior Matters teach gardening in a small area online at 5 p.m. Register for free at gcpld.org/summer-reading

WEDNESDAY JUNE 30

CARBONDALE FARMERS’ MARKET

Discover fresh produce and locallymade goods every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fourth and Main. WACKY WEDNESDAY Basalt Library offers a free activity for first to fourth graders at 2:30 p.m. Craft kits are also available until 5:30 p.m. while supplies last. No registration necessary. WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE The Arts Campus at Willits and Basalt Chamber of Commerce offer festivities throughout the Basalt area from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. LAKE CHRISTINE EDUCATION

RFOV and Basalt Library present on restoration efforts – online at 6 p.m. Registration at rfov.org LIVE MUSIC Feeding Giants performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY JULY 1

BILINGUAL STORYTIME Basalt Library invites families with toddlers to outdoor storytime, weather permitting, at 10:30 a.m. TEEN CREATIVE CLUB Basalt Library invites teens to work on crafts at the library at 3p.m. Program spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

FRIDAY JULY 2

VAUDEVILLE REVUE The Glenwood

Vaudeville Revue’s summer show kicks off at 6 p.m. Tickets at gvrshow.com


Valle

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades

OPINION

AL NO ARTISTA Por Vanessa Porras

Este viernes, día 25 de junio, se finaliza la exhibición, Identidad y Libertad en la galería R2, en The Launchpad. Para aquellos que pudieron asistir a la apertura de la exhibición, dos de los artistas, Tony Ortega y Armando Silva, estuvieron presentes y dieron una breve introducción a su trabajo y al significado detrás de ello. Lo que hubiera sido un panel abierto a la comunidad,

Volumen 1, Número 17 | 24-30 de junio, 2021

Agradecemos su apoyo para este nuevo proyecto.

Identidad y Libertad: Solo el comienzo

se llevó a cabo a través de Zoom con los artistas Fanel Reyes, Claudia Bernadi, Armando Silva y Tony Ortega. Identidad y Libertad, ha sido una exposición creada con la intención de entablar conversaciones sobre la inmigracion, la identidad multicultural y mucho más. La identidad y el sentido de libertad que conlleva, son temas que, fuera del contexto de inmigracion, son sumamente complejos. Durante este panel, los artistas expresaron sus propias identidades, algunos de ellos compartieron cómo se han asimilado a ambas culturas, americana y latina. Silva y Ortega expresan como han continuado honrando su cultura a través del uso del idioma español y retando el statu quo respecto a cómo el latino es percibido. Ortega recuerda que de niño su abuela siempre le hablaba en español y él siempre le respondía en inglés. No fue hasta los 19 años, después de estudiar en Jalapa, Veracruz, que Ortega comenzó a hablar más

el español y a aprender sobre su cultura ancestral. Dentro del tema de identidad, Silva le pidió a Reyes su opinión sobre la apropiación cultural, particularmente respecto a la celebración del día de los muertos bajo el pretexto de aprendizaje. Reyes expresa que el dia de los muertos, especialmente en Oaxaca, va más allá de ser una celebración. Es una tradición antigua, precolombina creada para recordar y respetar a nuestros ancestros. “Toca fibras muy sensibles en la gente de Oaxaca”, dice Reyes. Respecto a la apropiación, Reyes expresa la complejidad sobre el tema, por una parte es una oportunidad de proyección pero al mismo tiempo, “se puede desdibujar la intención” dice Reyes. La película, Coco, es un ejemplo que Reyes usa. La tradición del día de los muertos en la película es una mezcla de tradiciones de varios estados del país. La lucha está en poder convertir

la apropiación en una proyección de la cultura para que las personas interesadas quieran aprender más. Siempre y cuando se rinda tributo, crédito y ganancias al lugar y a la gente de donde proviene. Bernardi habla sobre la apropiación como, “un lenguaje que se expande a través de una posición muy confortable del posmodernismo.” Bernadi recuerda su tiempo viviendo en el Bay Area, y la diferencia en ese entonces entre la apropiación y “dos mundos que se encuentran” era la gente que vivía en esa comunidad. Durante los años 60 y 70 se vieron grandes movimientos chicanos y colonias enormes de artistas latinos que influenciaron la cultura en California. Estos artistas, muchos de ellos multiculturales, creaban arte con puntos de referencia hacia lo que sucedía al otro lado de la frontera al igual que en sus propias comunidades en los Estado Unidos. Bernadi, de descendencia argentina, logró escapar de la

dictadura militar en 1979. El tipo de trabajo personal y comunitario que hace y ha hecho durante todos estos años es a causa de un vínculo íntimo que siente basada en sus experiencias vividas. “Mi relación con el concepto de libertad es saber que uno no la tiene o que no la tuvo o que no se puede confiar que la va a tener”, dice Bernardi. Estos dos conceptos de la identidad y la libertad se entrelazan como una trenza, cada hebra es una forma distinta de interpretar este tema. Lo que si está seguro, es que a través del arte, estos artistas continúan la conversación de lo que significa la identidad y poder verse identificado ya sea desde un punto personal o colectivamente. El video de la entrevista completa está en español y se puede localizar visitando en el sitio web: carbondalearts.com, bajo R2 Gallery> exhibitions> learn more about “Identidad y Libertad”. Se les anima a que sean parte de esta conversación y visiten la galería en la última semana de la exhibición.

CHISME DEL PUEBLO El caso de Francisco Toda comunidad es invitada a un foro con respecto al caso de Michael Franciso el martes 29 de junio a las 7 p.m. en el anfiteatro al aire libre detrás de la iglesia The Orchard en Carbondale. Miembros de la junta directiva, incluyendo alcalde Dan Richardson, además del jefe de policía Kirk Wilson, administrador de la ciudad Jay Harrington y facilitador de la justicia restaurativa Barbe Chambliss estarán en asistencia para responder preguntas. Este foro no es un proceso de justicia restaurativa, sino que una oportunidad para los miembros de la comunidad en ofrecer sus preocupaciones y recibir detalles en claridad de este caso y el proceso hasta ahora.

Variante Delta La salud pública del condado de Garfield, junto con Grand River y Valley View, hicieron una conferencia de prensa el 22 de julio para discutir tendencias que llevaron al condado a regresar a la zona “amarilla” de COVID. En resumen, las áreas con el ritmo más bajo de vacunaciones están viendo tasas más altas de casos que requieren hospitalización. Colorado es actualmente la segunda tasa más alta de la variante Delta en el país y el condado de Garfield ha reportado cinco muertes relacionadas con COVID desde comienzos de mayo, incluyendo dos casos de personas de mayor edad

las cuales ya eran vacunadas. Con el riesgo que COVID continúe en mutar, oficiales de salud incitan al público a que se vacunen. Para oportunidades gratis en el condado de Garfield, visite garfield-county.com/public-health/ covid-19-vaccine/

Salga al aire libre El 21 de junio, el gobernador Jared Polis firmó tres leyes para extender iniciativas de acceso de recreación e incrementar fondos de conservación para recursos naturales en Colorado. El “Programa de Subsidio de Creación de Equidad al Aire Libre” aspira a incrementar el acceso y oportunidad para la juventud desatendida y sus familias a experimentar actividades al aire libre. Una nueva opción de “Pase Anual para Mantener Colorado Salvaje” estará disponible para residentes de Colorado registrando un vehículo en el 2023 para ayudar a mejorar los servicios en los Parques y Fauna Silvestre de Colorado. La nueva legislación también transfiere $25 millones de los fondos generales del estado para ayudar iniciativas de equidad al aire libre, mejorar parques, esfuerzos de conservación además de búsquedas en el campo y programas de rescate.

BikeThere Organizadores de la serie de eventos BikeThere están haciendo la llamada a dueñes de bicicletas divertidas,

originales y únicas para que muestren sus “ruedas estrechas” en el BikeExpo del condado de Garfield, el cual será dado a cabo en el parque Centennial en Glenwood Springs el sábado 26 de junio. Exhibidores recibirán una calcomanía personalizada de bambú de BikeThere por participar. Las inscripciones son requeridas en GarfieldCleanEnergy.org/BikeThere

Jardinería en macetas Las bibliotecas del condado de Garfield y Senior Matters enseñarán jardinería en áreas pequeñas en línea el martes 29 de junio a las 5 p.m. con interpretación simultánea en español. Inscribase gratis en gcpld.org/summer-reading

Lotería con la biblioteca ¡Las bibliotecas del condado Garfield lo invitan a unirse a amigos y vecinos para jugar a la lotería en el mercado comunitario de New Castle! La lotería es un juego con profundas raíces culturales que se remontan a más de 100 años en México. ¡Un juego gratuito y divertido! Juegan todos los jueves de 4:30 p.m. a 5:30 p.m. en Burning Mountain Park. Para más información, llame al 970-984-2346.

Por Larry Day

STEM El Centro de Ciencia de Aspen está inscribiendo a niñes de 3 a 13 años de edad a clases de STEM. el acrónimo STEM significa “ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas” en inglés. Para más detalles acerca de campamentos bilingües de una semana, visite aspensciencecenter.org

2246 y visite alpinelegalservices.org para el horario actual de fechas por tema legal.

Clases de danza

Dance Initiative ofrece una serie de clases de danza en español para niñes los sábados por la mañana durante el mes de junio en el césped situado en la parte trasera de la biblioteca de Carbondale. Todas las medidas de Cuentos bilingües seguridad en torno a COVID deben ser respetadas por los participantes. La biblioteca de Basalt invita a Pregúntale a un abogado Alpine Legal Services ofrece una Gratis y abierta al público, esta serie las familias con niños pequeños a un tiempo de cuentos al aire libre, si el clínica de línea directa todos los es parte del Desafío de Lectura clima lo permite, a las 10:30 a.m. el miércoles de 5 p.m. a 7 p.m. Tener cita durante el Verano en las bibliotecas no es necesaria, llame al 970-368- del condado Garfield. jueves primero de julio. EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 24 al 30 de junio de 2021 • 11


Plan de Carbondale en actualización

Por Raleigh Burleigh Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Carbondale, como el resto del mundo, está cambiando rápidamente. A medida que la ciudad crece y se adapta, al gobierno local le corresponde guiar el desarrollo de una manera que en general sea benéfica y apegada a las características y la historia del lugar. En el 2013, la ciudad adoptó un nuevo plan integral. Este documento, elaborado minuciosamente con diversas aportaciones y participación pública, ha guiado desde entonces el proceso de aprobación de nuevos desarrollos dentro de los límites de la ciudad. Desde el 2013, se han llevado a cabo importantes mejoras en el Highway 133, sobre todo en la rotonda; Carbondale ha sido designada como "Distrito Creativo" por el estado y "comunidad amigable con la edad" por la Asociación Americana de Personas Jubiladas (AARP); y se han adoptado nuevos códigos, incluyendo un código de desarrollo unificado y el Código Internacional de Construcción Verde. Habiendo visto el plan integral en acción durante ocho años, la administración de Carbondale determinó que era apropiado revisar con la comunidad y en enero se decidió proceder con una actualización del plan. "Normalmente, los planes integrales se actualizan cada diez años", dijo la directora de planificación Janet Buck. "Esta es una revisión porque ha habido muchos cambios. Hay elementos que queremos verificar más de cerca". La solicitud de propuestas (RFP) emitida por Buck en febrero se lee como una carta de amor: "Carbondale sigue siendo única en su diversidad, su compasión y generosidad, la

rareza, la creatividad artística e intelectual, las celebraciones y reuniones, y el deseo de ser buenos administradores de la tierra y el medio ambiente". La solicitud de propuestas recibió cinco aplicaciones, de las que se eligió a la empresa de arquitectura e ingeniería Cushing Terrell. Cushing Turrell se fundó en Montana en 1938 y tiene 13 oficinas, incluida una en Denver. Cuentan con un equipo multidisciplinario de profesionales y son conocidos localmente por haber colaborado en la actualización del Master Plan de Basalt en el 2019. A Cushing Terrell se le concedió un presupuesto de 75,000 dólares, excluyendo los servicios de traducción contratados de forma separada, para trabajar en la preparación y adopción de una actualización con el horizonte de planificación de 2030. Hay seis objetivos identificados para la actualización, como se indica en la solicitud de propuestas: Primero- el reconocimiento de que desde la adopción del Plan Integral de 2013 y el Código de Desarrollo Unificado de 2016, la mayoría de las nuevas construcciones se han producido a lo largo del Highway 133. La zona del downtown, mientras tanto, no ha cambiado mucho. Segundo- la parte norte del downtown, con una zona industrial, fue objeto de un debate no resuelto durante la elaboración del plan de 2013. La ciudad desea reconsiderar el cambio de zonificación a uso mixto para complementar el resto del área del downtown. Tercero- es pedido que se tome en consideración el Plan de Acción Climática del pueblo y el reportaje de Vulnerabilidades, Consecuencias y Adaptaciones, además las nuevas tecnologías, para mejorar metas de sustentabilidad y el cuido del medio ambiente en general. Cuarto- la

LITERACY OUTREACH Se habla Español Aprende inglés

Usted corre, para que ellos lean Glenwood Canyon Shuffle Race for Literacy Sábado 2 de octubre Llame a Literacy Outreach 970-945-5282 para obtener más información (970) 945-5282 | www.LiteracyOutreach.org | 1127 School Street, Glenwood Springs

VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor

Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina” No WALKINS Por favor. Llame para citas Para información y reservaciones llame a 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com El Spa esta abierto de 9 a.m. a 9 p.m. y el Salón de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m.

12 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 24 al 30 de junio de 2021

ciudad, que ahora es una "comunidad amigable con la edad" según la AARP, desea profundizar en sus objetivos amigables con la edad, como la movilidad en bicicletas. Quinto- con un capítulo entero dedicado al transporte multimodal en el plan del 2013, existe un deseo continuo de mejorar las conexiones para peatones y ciclistas y aclarar las cuestiones que surgieron del reciente proceso de planificación de la Calle Ocho. Sexto- la ciudad desea considerar la posibilidad de volver a desarrollar zonas residenciales para alta densidad. Otras actualizaciones que busca Cushing Terrell serán las proyecciones actuales de las tendencias demográficas y la previsión de empleo y vivienda; la modernización de los mapas mediante un formato GIS; y la consideración de los nuevos (y la eliminación de los obsoletos) distritos de zona creados por el Código de Desarrollo Unificado de 2016. "Es un plan para toda la comunidad", explicó Buck. "La inclusión es probablemente uno de los elementos más importantes de un plan integral. ¿Cómo llegamos a las voces más silenciosas?". Para ello, Cushing Terrell está preparando una encuesta en línea que se publicará junto con la difusión de persona a persona durante las celebraciones del First Friday del 2 de julio. La encuesta permanecerá abierta hasta el 6 de agosto y más adelante se celebrará otro acto de difusión pública. Las entrevistas con las partes interesadas también servirán de base para las recomendaciones. Después de reunirse con la comisión de planificación y zonificación de la ciudad el 10 de junio, se determinó que se añadirá otro evento de difusión – posiblemente virtual – para buscar específicamente opiniones de la población hispanohablante de Carbondale.

Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Directora Artística: Ylice Golden Traductoras: Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion: Crystal Tapp Miembros de la Mesa Directiva

Linda Criswell • Klaus Kocher Kay Clarke • Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie Eric Smith • Vanessa Porras The Sopris Sun, Inc. Es un miembro orgulloso del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c)(3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos.

¡ESCRÍBENOS!

Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a: adsales@soprissun.com También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.


Larry Day: prosperando en el caos Por Jeanne Souldern Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Larry Day es un experto en todos los oficios artísticos y un máster en muchos de ellos. Es caricaturista, pintor, ilustrador de libros infantiles, diseñador de storyboards publicitarios, ilustrador técnico y diseñador creativo de juegos de arcade. Ahora puede añadir otro título a la lista: ganador del diseño del poster/ camiseta de la Feria de la Montaña de Carbondale, nada menos que en el 50avo. aniversario de oro del evento. "Fue una elección clara". dijo la directora ejecutiva de Carbondale Arts (CA), Amy Kimberly, sobre el diseño ganador de Day, que apareció en la portada de The Sopris Sun la semana pasada. Brian Colley, director de la galería de CA, dijo que este año se presentaron 33 diseños. El proceso comienza con los bocetos de diseño presentados por los artistas. "Nos dimos cuenta de que era mucho pedir a los artistas que presentarán un diseño final y acabado y que luego no fueran elegidos", dijo. Según Day recuerda, la presentación del diseño estuvo a punto de no suceder. Aunque sabía del concurso, no se atrevía a enviar su trabajo. Cuando se enteró de que el plazo se había ampliado, él y su esposa, Miriam, retrasaron un día su viaje a Santa Fe para completar su participación.

No tenía ninguna idea de diseño hasta que pensó en su propia experiencia de asistir a la Feria de la Montaña, y recordó: "Es un caos total. Se siente como si estuvieras nadando en un mar de gente y pensé que sería divertido mostrar este mar de caos y en medio de él está esta pareja sentada en sillas relajándose". Del diseño en sí, Day dijo que no hay referencias a personas concretas, salvo una. Hubo una petición para incluir a Kimberly en el diseño, representada por un elefante azul con una tiara. También intercaló algunos de sus caricaturas de The Sopris Sun. Kimberly dijo: "Para mí, el poster de Larry es la representación por excelencia del aspecto social. Lo ha plasmado: 50 años de lo que esa socialización significa". Day y su esposa habían visitado Carbondale con frecuencia a lo largo de los años y decidieron mudarse aquí en 2019, vendiendo su casa en Oak Park, Illinois. Sigue trabajando en su carrera publicitaria de más de 30 años, dibujando guiones gráficos de anuncios de televisión para grandes empresas, como McDonald's, Hallmark y Allstate Insurance, por nombrar algunas. En su ciudad natal, Gibson City (Illinois), uno de sus primeros trabajos fue para un fabricante de maquinaria agrícola. El trabajo incluía colaborar con el departamento de investigación y desarrollo para dibujar ilustraciones

técnicas para los manuales de piezas. De su carrera en ilustración publicitaria en periódicos, Day recuerda que era un trabajo de siete días a la semana, y "era un asesinato". En la década de 1980, mientras trabajaba en una empresa de publicidad en Chicago, formó parte de un equipo de diseño que creaba ilustraciones para máquinas de pinball y videojuegos de Gottlieb, una corporación de juegos de arcade, en la época anterior a los juegos portátiles. Alrededor de 1995, Day se puso en contacto con un agente de libros infantiles para hacer ilustraciones. Actualmente tiene más de 20 libros ilustrados publicados y ha colaborado con su esposa, autora de dos de ellos. Algunos están a la venta en la tienda de regalos The Artique, en The Launchpad. Dice que su obra de caricaturas, que se encuentra con frecuencia en The Sopris Sun, tiene como una importante influencia al dibujante francés Jean-Jacques Sempé. Respecto a la obra de Sempé, "a él le encanta trabajar con el caos, y a mí también. Creo que esa es una de mis raíces filosóficas: tomar el caos y controlarlo", reflexiona. "Una de las cosas que siempre ha influido, sobre todo en mi arte – siempre ha sido una inspiración incondicional – han sido los caricaturistas", dijo. Su esposa, dijo, fue la primera en notar eso en su trabajo: una

El artista Larry Day vendió pinturas durante un evento reciente en Redstone. Foto por Raleigh Burleigh. atracción por el caos y por refinarlo. Recordó que ella le dijo: "¿Sabes?, cuando dibujas, inicias con ese caos y luego empiezas a simplificarlo. Y luego no sólo lo simplificas, sino que lo controlas". Day añadió: "Mi entorno familiar era muy caótico. Y creo que eso no es inusual. Creo que observamos las cosas de una manera diferente. Vemos las cosas que están por suceder. Tenemos esa intuición". De su proceso interno de creación, Day dijo que "todo lo que hago está conectado por una historia". Y añadió: "Muchas veces, cuando era niño, salía y me ponía a dibujar en

el vecindario. Era importante salir de casa y hacer algo por mí mismo. Realmente no te das cuenta de lo que estás haciendo; si haces algo por ti mismo, sólo te das cuenta más tarde de cómo todo se va acumulando". "En todo lo que hago, siempre me he esforzado por no ser mediocre. Hay mucho de eso. Puedes saber cuándo alguien debería ir en una dirección diferente porque en la que ha estado trabajando, está trabajando demasiado. Por eso creo que hacer cosas diferentes te ayuda a no ser mediocre; te saca del atolladero". ¿Larry Day mediocre? Nunca.

EL SOL DEL VALLE • Conector de comunidad • 24 al 30 de junio de 2021 • 13


Política de vivienda: de arriba a abajo

Por James Steindler Traducción por Dolores Duarte

La disponibilidad y acceso a la vivienda se vio afectada por la pandemia. Mientras los inquilinos se esforzaban por pagar sus alquileres, los propietarios no podían pagar sus hipotecas, creando así un vacío en el mercado de la vivienda. Compañías más ricas llenaron el vacío y, en este valle pintoresco, los precios de las viviendas se dispararon, ya que los que tenían el capital para hacerlo compraron propiedades como si fueran pastelillos, lo que elevó el valor monetario de la vivienda e hizo prácticamente inviable la compra o el alquiler para muchas familias de clase media. La política de vivienda se lleva a cabo en cada nivel jurisdiccional: desde en los municipios hasta en el Capitolio, cada uno con sus propias políticas de zonificación. Cuando se trata de luchar por los derechos de los inquilinos, "la política estatal dicta la ley que rige los desalojos, pero los jueces locales de cada condado tienen la autoridad para interpretar esas leyes, dentro de ciertos lineamientos", dijo Jennifer Wherry, abogada de Alpine Legal Services, a The Sopris Sun. "Por supuesto, en este momento, la política nacional también tiene implicaciones". La moratoria nacional sobre desalojos expira a finales de junio y a los abogados que se encuentran en la posición de Wherry les preocupa que los casos de desalojos lleguen como avalancha. Para hacer frente a esa fecha de caducidad, la Ley del Plan de Rescate Americano de 2021 (ratificada por el Senado de EE.UU. el 6 de marzo de 2021) incluye un Fondo de Asistencia a los Propietarios de Viviendas, que asigna más de 9.96 billones de dólares "para los estados, el distrito de Columbia, los territorios de EE.UU., las tribus o

entidades tribales y el Departamento de Tierras Domésticas de Hawaii, con el fin de proporcionar alivio a los propietarios más vulnerables de nuestro país". El Estado de Colorado recibió hasta 175 millones de dólares del total. El 7 de mayo, la administración Biden-Harris asignó 21.6 billones de dólares adicionales para todo el país, de los cuales Colorado es elegible para recibir hasta 247.79 millones de dólares, como parte del Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia (ERAP). "El ERAP puede ayudar a los inquilinos hasta abril de 2020", dice la página web del Departamento de Asuntos Locales de Colorado "La ayuda puede incluir los gastos de alquiler atrasados, actuales y dos meses adicionales previstos. Después de la ayuda inicial, se puede solicitar una ayuda adicional si los fondos aún están disponibles." El estatus de residencia legal no es una condición para tener derecho a la ayuda y cualquiera puede solicitarla siempre que cumpla "los requisitos de ingresos y otros requisitos económicos". Según se informa, el despliegue de estos fondos ha sido lento. "Estamos tratando de participar en las conversaciones sobre la colaboración entre los propietarios, los inquilinos y el estado para tratar de agilizar esa financiación y hacerla llegar al mayor número de personas lo antes posible", explicó Wherry. Ella anima a los propietarios e inquilinos a no demorarse y a buscar ayuda antes de que se produzca una situación de emergencia. "Cuando llegas al punto en que se presenta un desalojo en tu contra, las opciones son muy limitadas en ese momento". Según Wherry, "el mayor número de opciones está a disposición de un inquilino en

DISTRIBUCIÓN DE ALIMENTOS EN JULIO ASPEN

LIFT-UP ASPEN BANCO DE COMIDA 465 N. Mill Street, #18 Martes • 4–6 p.m.

CARBONDALE

LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Third Street Center, 520 S. 3rd St. Miércoles • 4–6 p.m. Sábado 10 de julio • 12–2 p.m.

GLENWOOD

LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Glenwood Church of Christ, 260 Soccer Field Rd. Jueves, 8 y 22 de julio • 4–6 p.m. SANA DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Glenwood Springs Middle School, 130 Soccer Field Rd. Sábados • 1:30–2:30 p.m.

NEW CASTLE

LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Jueves, 1 y 15 de julio • 4–6 p.m. Sábado 24 de julio • 12–2 p.m. LIFT-UP NEW CASTLE BANCO DE COMIDA REAPERTURA Miércoles 14 de julio • 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

RIFLE

LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Rifle Fairgrounds Viernes 2 y 16 de julio • 4–6 p.m. SANA DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL Rifle Middle School, 753 Railroad Ave. Sábados • 1:30–2:30 p.m.

PARACHUTE

LIFT-UP DISTRIBUCIÓN DE COMIDA MÓVIL LIFT-UP Warehouse, 201 East 1st Street Viernes 9 y 23 de julio • 4–6 p.m. Sábado 17 de julio • 12–2 p.m. INFORMACIÓN: • No se necesita identificación. • Fechas pueden cambiar en caso de inclemencias del tiempo o días feriados. • Esta institución es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Para más información LIFTUP.org 14 • EL SOL DEL VALLE • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 24 al 30 de junio de 2021

el momento en que se ve en apuros económicos y prevé que el alquiler del mes siguiente va a ser difícil de pagar". El aumento en la demanda de vivienda agrava el problema. "Un propietario puede obtener mucho más en el alquiler porque la demanda es tan alta que los precios suben". Wherry continuó: "Y ahora tienen gente haciendo cola para conseguir la vivienda". Los propietarios pueden decidir no renovar el contrato de un inquilino de larga duración y, en su lugar, alojar a uno nuevo con una tarifa más alta.

Nuestro pequeño estudio del caso Históricamente, el status quo en el valle de Roaring Fork implica que la clase trabajadora se desplace desde el Colorado River Valley, tan lejos como desde Grand Junction hasta Aspen. Cada vez es más irregular que estas personas vivan en la comunidad donde trabajan, o incluso cerca de ella. Heather Henry, administradora municipal de Carbondale, hace eco de la preocupación de Wherry, afirmando que "simplemente no hay suficiente inventario". Aunque Carbondale está viendo nuevas promociones de viviendas con unidades de inclusión, como Red Hill Lofts (RHL), la demanda sigue siendo muy superior a la oferta. Según su página web, "RHL es un edificio de apartamentos de nueva construcción que alberga un total de 30 estudios (desde 706 dólares), de una habitación (desde 751 dólares) y de dos habitaciones (desde 892 dólares) accesibles." Estas unidades son todas de alquiler y están disponibles para personas que ganan el 50% o menos de la renta media de la zona (AMI). La ayuda adicional

para el alquiler se aplica a 12 de las unidades para las personas que ganan el 30% o menos del AMI. El Estudio Regional de Vivienda del Roaring Fork, finalizado en 2019, indica que en 2017 las personas que ganan el 60 por ciento del AMI en la región – desde Eagle a Parachute y hasta Aspen – necesitarían 2,118 unidades de vivienda para cerrar la brecha en esa categoría de ingresos. El estudio predijo además que ese número aumentaría a 2,383 para el año 2027. Desde entonces no se han tomado más datos, por lo que no está claro hasta qué punto la pandemia puede haber alterado esa proyección. En la actualidad, la zonificación de la ciudad obliga a los promotores a hacer que el 20% de cualquier promoción de viviendas de cinco o más unidades sea de inclusión. La primera de estas unidades debe ser asequible para los compradores que ganen el 100% del AMI; la segunda, el 80%; la tercera, el 120%; y la cuarta, el 150%. Una quinta unidad reiniciaría ese patrón, con un precio del 100% de la renta media, la sexta volvería a ser del 80%, y así sucesivamente. Aunque la política es una pieza eficaz del rompecabezas, los expertos coinciden en que no es la solución definitiva. "No puedo enfatizar lo suficiente la importancia de que los propietarios y los inquilinos trabajen juntos en este momento para acceder a los recursos que pueden hacer que ambos se pongan al día", afirmó Wherry. "La inseguridad en la vivienda es tan costosa para toda nuestra comunidad en la forma en que afecta a los puestos de trabajo, la educación, la salud y la seguridad". Y continuó: "Prevenir esos costos de manera regional y colaborativa es un buen uso de nuestro tiempo y energía en este momento."

Conozcan a las 3 coordinadoras Comunitarias de SANA.

Maria Judith Alvarez

Soira Ceja

Brenda Kaiser

Si gusta más información por favor de comunicarse con ellas. www.facebook.com/2020SANA


OPINION

TO THE NON-ARTIST By Vanessa Porras

This Friday, June 25, the exhibition “Identidad y Libertad” will come to an end at the R2 gallery at The Launchpad. For those who were able to attend the opening of the exhibition, two of the artists, Tony Ortega and Armando Silva, were present and gave a brief introduction to their work and the meaning behind it. What would have been a panel open to the community, was carried out through Zoom with the artists Fanel Reyes, Claudia Bernadi, Armando Silva and Tony Ortega. “Identidad y Libertad” is an exhibition created with the intention of starting conversations about immigration, multicultural identity and much more. Identity and the sense of freedom that it entails are issues that, outside of the

Identidad y Libertad: Just the beginning

"There Is More to Life Than What I See Now" was painted by youth immigrant detainees and hangs in the R2 Gallery at The Launchpad through June 25. Courtesy photo.

immigration context, are extremely complex. During this panel, the artists expressed their own identities, some of them shared how they have assimilated into both cultures, American and Latino. Silva and Ortega express how they have continued to honor their culture through the use of the Spanish language and by challenging the status quo regarding how Latinos are perceived. Ortega remembers that as a child his grandmother always spoke to him in Spanish and he always responded in English. It wasn't until he was 19, after studying in Jalapa, Veracruz, that Ortega began to speak Spanish and learn about his ancestral roots. On the subject of identity, Silva asked Reyes for his opinion on cultural appropriation, particularly

regarding the celebration of the Day of the Dead with the pretext of learning. Reyes expresses that the Day of the Dead, especially in Oaxaca, goes beyond being a celebration. It is an ancient, pre-Columbian tradition created to remember and respect our ancestors. "It strikes very sensitive chords in the people of Oaxaca," Reyes says. Regarding appropriation, Reyes expresses the complexity of the subject, on the one hand it is an opportunity for projection but at the same time, “the intention can be blurred,” says Reyes. The movie “Coco” is an example that Reyes uses. The tradition of the Day of the Dead in the film is a mixture of traditions from various states of the country. The struggle is to convert appropriation into projection of the culture so that interested people want to learn more, as long as tribute,

credit and profits are paid to the place and people from which it comes. Bernardi speaks of appropriation as "a language that expands through a very comfortable position of postmodernism." Bernadi remembers her time living in the Bay Area, and the difference back then between appropriation and “two worlds meeting” was the people who lived in that community. The 1960s and 1970s saw great Chicano movements and huge colonies of Latino artists that influenced culture in California. These artists, many of them multicultural, created art with reference points to what was happening on the other side of the border, as well as in their own communities in the United States. Bernadi, of Argentine descent, managed to escape the military dictatorship in 1979. The type of personal and community work

that she does and has done during all these years is because of an intimate bond that she feels based on her lived experiences. "My relationship with the concept of freedom is knowing that you don't have it or you didn't have it or you can't trust that you will have it," says Bernardi. These two concepts of identity and freedom intertwine like a braid, each strand is a different way of interpreting this theme. One thing is certain: through art, these artists continue the conversation of what identity means and being able to identify oneself either from a personal point of view or collectively. The video of the full interview can be found online at carbondalearts.com. We encourage you to be a part of this conversation and visit the gallery in the final week of the show.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • June 24 - June 30, 2021 • 15


CARBONDALE TOWN OF 2019 DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2020 Public Water System ID: CO0123167 Esta es información importante. Si no la pueden leer, necesitan que alguien se la traduzca. We are pleased to present to you this year’s water quality report. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Please contact MARK O’MEARA at 970-9633140 with any questions or for public participation opportunities that may affect water quality

GENERAL INFORMATION All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or by visiting http://www.epa.gov/ground-waterand-drinking-water Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV-AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk of infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, or to receive a copy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and microbiological contaminants call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791). The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: • •

• • •

Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants: salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Pesticides and herbicides: may come from a variety of sources, such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. Radioactive contaminants: can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. Organic chemical contaminants: including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also may come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health.

LEAD IN DRINKING WATER If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems (especially for pregnant women and young children). It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Additional information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/ safewater/lead.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT AND PROTECTION (SWAP) The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment may have provided us with a Source Water Assessment Report for our water supply. For general information or to obtain a copy of the report please visit wqcdcompliance.com/ccr. The report is located under “Guidance: Source Water Assessment Reports”. Search the table using 123167, CARBONDALE TOWN OF, or by contacting MARK O’MEARA at 970-963-3140. The Source Water Assessment Report provides a screening-level evaluation of potential contamination that could occur. It does not mean that the contamination has or will occur. We can use this information to evaluate the need to improve our current water treatment capabilities and prepare for future contamination threats. This can help us ensure that quality finished water is delivered to your homes. In addition, the source water assessment results provide a starting point for developing a source water protection plan. Potential sources of contamination in our source water area are listed on the next page. Please contact us to learn more about what you can do to help protect your drinking water sources, any questions about the Drinking Water Quality Report, to learn more about our system, or to attend scheduled public meetings. We want you, our valued customers, to be informed about the services we provide and the quality water we deliver to you every day.

CARBONDALE TOWN OF, PWS ID: CO0123167, Page 1 of 4 16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 24 - June 30, 2021


OUR WATER SOURCES SOURCES (WATER TYPE - SOURCE TYPE)

POTENTIAL SOURCE(S) OF CONTAMINATION EPA Superfund Sites, EPA Abandoned Contaminated Sites, EPA

WELL RFWF NO 1 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)

Hazardous Waste Generators, EPA Chemical Inventory/Storage Sites, Permitted Wastewater Discharge Sites, Aboveground, Underground

WELL RFWF NO 2 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)

and Leaking Storage Tank Sites, Solid Waste Sites, Existing/

WELL RFWF NO 3 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)

Abandoned Mine Sites, Other Facilities, Commercial/Industrial/ Transportation, High Intensity Residential, Low Intensity Residential,

WELL CRYSTAL RIVER NO 2 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)

Urban Recreational Grasses, Row Crops, Small Grains, Pasture / Hay,

SOUTH NETTLE CREEK DIVERSION (Surface Water-Intake)

Deciduous Forest, Evergreen Forest, Mixed Forest, Septic Systems, Oil

NORTH NETTLE CREEK DIVERSION (Surface Water-Intake)

/ Gas Wells, Road Miles

TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS • • • • • •

• •

• •

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) − The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. Treatment Technique (TT) − A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Health-Based − A violation of either a MCL or TT. Non-Health-Based − A violation that is not a MCL or TT. Action Level (AL) − The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment and other regulatory requirements. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) − The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) − The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) − The level of a drinking water disinfectant, below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. Violation (No Abbreviation) − Failure to meet a Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation. Formal Enforcement Action (No Abbreviation) − Escalated action taken by the State (due to the risk to public health, or number or severity of violations) to bring a noncompliant water system back into compliance. Variance and Exemptions (V/E) − Department permission not to meet a MCL or treatment technique under certain conditions. Gross Alpha (No Abbreviation) − Gross alpha particle activity compliance value. It includes radium-226, but excludes radon 222, and uranium.

• •

• • • •

• •

Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) − Measure of the radioactivity in water. Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) − Measure of the clarity or cloudiness of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the typical person. Compliance Value (No Abbreviation) – Single or calculated value used to determine if regulatory contaminant level (e.g. MCL) is met. Examples of calculated values are the 90th Percentile, Running Annual Average (RAA) and Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA). Average (x-bar) − Typical value. Range (R) − Lowest value to the highest value. Sample Size (n) − Number or count of values (i.e. number of water samples collected). Parts per million = Milligrams per liter (ppm = mg/L) − One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000. Parts per billion = Micrograms per liter (ppb = ug/L) − One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000. Not Applicable (N/A) – Does not apply or not available. Level 1 Assessment – A study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system. Level 2 Assessment – A very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/ or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

CARBONDALE TOWN OF routinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The following table(s) show all detections found in the period of January 1 to December 31, 2020 unless otherwise noted. The State of Colorado requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. Therefore, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one year old. Violations and Formal Enforcement Actions, if any, are reported in the next section of this report. Note: : Only detected contaminants sampled within the last 5 years appear in this report. If no tables appear in this section then no contaminants were detected in the last round of monitoring.

CARBONDALE TOWN OF, PWS ID: CO0123167, Page 2 of 4 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • June 24 - June 30, 2021 • 17


DISINFECTANTS SAMPLED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

TT Requirement: At least 95% of samples per period (month or quarter) must be at least 0.2 ppm OR If sample size is less than 40 no more than 1 sample is below 0.2 ppm Typical Sources: Water additive used to control microbes

DISINFECTANT NAME

Chlorine

TIME PERIOD

RESULTS

NUMBER OF SAMPLES BELOW LEVEL

December, 2020

Lowest period percentage of samples meeting TT requirement: 100%

0

SAMPLE SIZE

TT VIOLATION

MRDL

No

4.0 ppm

8

LEAD AND COPPER SAMPLED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 90TH PERCENTILE AL EXCEEDANCE

TYPICAL SOURCES

0

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

0

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

90TH SAMPLE PERCENTILE SITES AL ABOVE AL

CONTAMINANT NAME

TIME PERIOD

90TH PERCENTILE

SAMPLE SIZE

UNIT OF MEASURE

Copper

09/15/2020 to 09/16/2020

0.56

20

ppm

1.3

Lead

09/15/2020 to 09/16/2020

1.7

20

ppb

15

DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS SAMPLED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM YEAR

AVERAGE

RANGE LOW – HIGH

SAMPLE SIZE

UNIT OF MEASURE

MCL

MCLG

MCL VIOLATION

TYPICAL SOURCES

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

2020

3.85

0 to 7.7

2

ppb

60

N/A

No

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)

2020

9.2

4.6 to 13.8

2

ppb

80

N/A

No

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

NAME

TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON (DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS PRECURSOR) REMOVAL RATIO OF RAW AND FINISHED WATER NAME

YEAR

AVERAGE

RANGE LOW – HIGH

SAMPLE SIZE

UNIT OF MEASURE

TT MINIMUM RATIO

TT VIOLATION

Total Organic Carbon Ratio

2020

1.46

1 to 2.86

4

Ratio

1.00

No

TYPICAL SOURCES Naturally present in the environment

*If minimum ratio not met and no violation identified then the system achieved compliance using alternative criteria.

SUMMARY OF TURBIDITY SAMPLED AT THE ENTRY POINT TO THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CONTAMINANT NAME

SAMPLE DATE

LEVEL FOUND

TT REQUIREMENT

TT VIOLATION

TYPICAL SOURCES

Turbidity

Date/Month: Jun

Highest single measurement: 0.497 NTU

Maximum 5 NTU for any single measurement

No

Soil Runoff

Month: Apr

Lowest monthly percentage of samples meeting TT requirement for our technology: 99 %

In any month, at least 95% of samples must be less than 0.1 NTU

No

Soil Runoff

Turbidity

CARBONDALE TOWN OF, PWS ID: CO0123167, Page 3 of 4 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 24 - June 30, 2021


RADIONUCLIDES SAMPLED AT THE ENTRY POINT TO THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CONTAMINATE NAME

YEAR

AVERAGE

RANGE LOW – HIGH

SAMPLE SIZE

UNIT OF MEASURE

MCL

MCLG

MCL VIOLATION

TYPICAL SOURCES

Gross Alpha

2019

0.67

0 to 1.39

3

pCi/L

15

0

No

Erosion of natural deposits

Combined Radium

2019

0.93

0.4 to 1.5

3

pCi/L

5

0

No

Erosion of natural deposits

No

Erosion of natural deposits

Combined Uranium

2019

3.56

0.39 to 6.7

3

pCi/L

30

0

INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS SAMPLED AT THE ENTRY POINT TO THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CONTAMINATE YEAR NAME

AVERAGE

RANGE LOW – HIGH

SAMPLE SIZE

UNIT OF MEASURE

MCL

MCLG

MCL VIOLATION

TYPICAL SOURCES

Barium

2020

0.06

0.04 to 0.08

3

ppm

2

2

No

Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Fluoride

2020

0.1

0 to 0.15

3

ppm

4

4

No

Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Mercury

2020

0.05

0 to 0.14

3

ppb

2

2

No

Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills; runoff from cropland

Nitrate

2020

0.48

0.28 to 0.73

3

10

10

No

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Selenium

2020

.32

0 to 0.96

3

50

50

No

Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines

ppm

ppb

SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS SAMPLED AT THE ENTRY POINT TO THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

CONTAMINATE NAME

Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate

YEAR

AVERAGE

RANGE LOW – HIGH

SAMPLE SIZE

UNIT OF MEASURE

MCL

MCLG

MCL VIOLATION

TYPICAL SOURCES

2020

0.15

0 to 0.6

8

ppb

400

400

No

Discharge from chemical factories

SECONDARY CONTAMINANTS**

**Secondary standards are non-enforceable guidelines for contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin, or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water. CONTAMINANT YEAR AVERAGE RANGE LOW – SAMPLE UNIT OF MEASURE SECONDARY NAME HIGH SIZE STANDARD Sodium

2020

9.93

2.9 to 20.9

3

ppm

N/A

Total Dissolved Solids

2020

493

493 to 493

1

ppm

500

VIOLATIONS, SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCIES, BACKFLOW/CROSS-CONNECTION, AND FORMAL ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS NO VIOLATIONS OR FORMAL ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS CARBONDALE TOWN OF, PWS ID: CO0123167, Page 4 of 4 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • June 24 - June 30, 2021 • 19


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20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 24 - June 30, 2021

During his 50 years in rural western Colorado, Jamie Jacobson has seen a lot of flooding. While caretaking a farm in 1974, Jacobson watched three acres of its riverfront float away. More recently, it’s been drought, and then worse drought. Jacobson farms on Lamborn Mesa, perched above Paonia, population 1,500. He keeps his orchard of peaches, nectarines and cherries alive thanks to the Minnesota Canal that serves 170 customers. The ditch is nine miles long and carries water from the snowpack that’s accumulated around 12,725-foot-high Mt. Gunnison. This mountain of many ridges used to hold water like a sponge, but snowfall has been light year after year, and the ground sucks up a lot of the melting snow. “Back in the 1970s it was different,” says Jacobson, who moved from New York where he started his career as a cameraman on film shoots. “Paonia was snowcovered in winter, and when the melt came, the river tore at its banks. One of my first jobs was using machinery to stuff boulders into junked cars and then cabling them to the riverbank. Now it’s scary because of water that isn’t there.” This summer, Jacobson’s ditch rider told him irrigation water would run out by the end of June. “That would have been unthinkable decades ago,” Jacobson says. But the canal’s two reservoirs have filled only one year out of the last four. “In the old days, daily highs in summers were in the 80s,” Jacobson says. “Last May it got really warm, and in June this year the temperature is hitting 100 degrees.” So it’s not surprising that his orchard is suffering. “My trees are stressed, and some I’ve had to let go. I’ve lost a great deal,” he says flatly.

But Jacobson, 75, remains resilient and upbeat, though he was diagnosed with arthritis at age 10 and has suffered from back pain all his life. He even underwent a kidney transplant from a friend three years ago. Now getting around in a wheelchair, he still hopes to fly in his ultralight – equipped with a parachute. During the 1970s, he enjoyed a moment of fame when he turned 20,000 gallons of spoiled apple cider into alcohol that substituted for gasoline. “Coal company execs visiting their mines around Paonia all wanted to try out my alcohol-fueled car,” he recalls. “We had some great joyrides on moonshine.” Jacobson’s ditch company was founded in 1893 by farmers and ranchers who knew they had to import water to make the semidesert land arable. “They dug those ditches with hand labor and mule scrapers and built the canals incrementally,” says Western historian George Sibley. “You either bought in with money or sweat equity, enlarging the canals as neighbors down the ditch bought in.” It’s a similar story throughout the Western states, moving water from mountains through a system of prior appropriation – first to put water to work, first to claim it. For example, Southern Idaho, in the grip of extreme drought, is braced for prior appropriation cutbacks. Junior water users in the Wood River Valley who pump water from wells have been notified that their water might be shut off early this summer. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s ancient system

utilizes a water master or mayordomo to administer cutbacks. And if one state knows drought, it’s Nevada, where Las Vegas sends most of its sewage-treated water back to where it came from – Lake Mead. The water flowing through piped canals or open ditches into Paonia and its mesas was never meant to stick around. Farmers who flood-irrigate use roughly 20 percent of the water on their land. Eventually, that water may be reused by farmers and homeowners as much as seven times before crossing into Utah as part of the Colorado River. These days, a lot less water ever gets there. The river’s two big reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, are only about 35 percent full, and river managers in the seven states that rely on the Colorado are trying to figure out how to cope. It’s a daunting prospect, squeezing out water in the midst of a drying climate. Meanwhile, Jacobson looks at his diminished orchard and hopes he’ll have enough fruit for the people who came last summer. They brought their own baskets and wandered the orchard to pick what they wanted. “People had a good time, and at $1.50 per pound we sold out the crop last year,” Jacobson says. “If we go down this year, we’ll do it in style.” Dave Marston is the publisher of Writers on the Range, writersontherange. org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He owns land with shares in Minnesota Canal.

Jamie Jacobson at age 33 with daughter Jodie in 1979. Courtesy photo.


TRAIL NOTES

THIS WEEK IS % OFF BLOOMING 25

Trail Notes, June 24

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PLANT of the week A crew of volunteer community members work at Basalt's Ponderosa Trail along the Roaring Fork River, leveling and preparing an area where an ADA-compliant picnic table now welcomes trailusers of all physical abilities. Courtesy photo. By Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Special to The Sopris Sun

Trail Know-how Temperatures continue to rise, wind is persistent and precipitation is absent: Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin and Gunnison counties have instituted stage one fire restrictions for all state, federal, private, incorporated and unincorporated lands within their respective areas. Stage one fire restrictions prohibit campfires in undeveloped sites, outdoor smoking and fireworks across all land types listed above. Restrictions are part of the collective effort to protect our community from uncontrolled wildfire damage.

Recent Trail Work Saturday, June 5- Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Middle Colorado Watershed Council, Roaring Fork Conservancy and Wilderness Workshop, hosted a community restoration project at Grizzly Creek. As the second project hosted on behalf of the Glenwood Canyon Restoration Alliance, RFOV is thrilled with the enthusiasm and dedication of residents and visitors alike to post-fire restoration! Saturday, June 12- RFOV in partnership with the town of Basalt began rebuilding the Ponderosa Trail (which extends upriver from the Musical/Seed Garden in downtown Basalt). As part of RFOV’s Ways & Trails initiative, this project will enhance the existing trail for users with physical and sensory disabilities. Thanks to all the hardworking volunteers that came out to help!

Upcoming Trail Work Saturday, June 26 to Sunday, June 27- RFOV will host our first overnight community project since 2019, conducting trail maintenance along sections of the Avalanche Creek and Hell Roaring trails. This will be an excellent opportunity to explore a beautiful segment of our surrounding public lands, give back and protect well used trails while meeting new friends! Saturday June 26- RFOV with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails and the Roaring Fork Conservancy, RFOV will host

a community restoration project along the Roaring Fork River at the Lazy Glen Open Space. Volunteers of all ages and abilities will help revitalize this riparian corridor with native plants, remove invasive species and ensure streambank stability. There are still spots available, so sign-up yourself and a friend!

Focus on… BAER Information As the 2021 fire season begins, better understanding 2020’s devastating fire season can provide context for current restrictions. To explore the impacts of the Grizzly Creek Fire and the ongoing restoration of Glenwood Canyon, take a look at the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) map available on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Incident Website. This map displays the soil burn severity throughout the entirety of the Grizzly Creek burn scar and the website provides an overview of immediate, nearterm and long-term recovery planning. This map and more information can be found at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7209

About RFOV RFOV was founded in 1995 by a group of locals who saw the need for a volunteer organization to work in partnership with the public agencies that manage, preserve and protect our public lands. Our goal was to support these land managers, as well as other conservation-minded organizations, by providing a foundation of expertise and resources to complete high-quality, tangible projects. Built on the successful model of the Appalachian Trail Club and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, RFOV uses community involvement and a hands-on method to foster a sense of stewardship for the abundant natural spaces in our area. RFOV engages with 100+ partners every year. These are institutional (federal, state, county, municipal), non-profit (local and state) and business organizations that supplement our work with their expertise. You can learn more about RFOV, register for volunteer opportunities, send a donation and stay connected by signing up for our newsletter. All of this and more can be found at rfov.org

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • June 24 - June 30, 2021 • 21


OBITUARIES

John Anthony Golman

Rita Bejarano

November 5, 1946 - July 24, 2020

August 11, 1942 September 14, 2020 John Anthony Golman was born August 11, 1942 in Lafayette, Colorado. He graduated from Centaurus High School in Lafayette in 1960 and shortly thereafter joined the military. John served in the United States Air Force for four years. In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda DiGiallonardo. John, Linda and their two children, Kerri Lynn and John Aaron, moved to the Western Slope in 1975, eventually settling down in Carbondale. John was a master carpenter who worked for Harriman Construction for over 30 years building multi-million-dollar homes in the Aspen and Snowmass areas. He also remodeled the family home, customizing cabinets, windows and decks – if it could be built, John could build it or modify it. His creativity was amazing, and

his vision for projects: impeccable. John always loved to go deer and elk hunting every year when the season opened, but was most passionate about hunting elk. He hunted both bow and rifle season and perfected his elk bugle over the years. During the 30 plus years John learned in the backcountry, he was often a “freelance outfitter” for friends and family, taking them to the “best spots” to hunt and fish. He loved to fish and was never without a pole in his truck. A Celebration of Life will be held for John on July 31, 2021 at Sonlight Foursquare Church, 355 Mitchell Creek Road, in Glenwood Springs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will follow the service. Please send inquiries to kerribinns@gmail.com

Please join us on June 26 at 4:30 p.m. at 25 Mesa Avenue in Carbondale. Share a story, bring a chair and enjoy a picnic with music and food to celebrate our sweet Rita.

Join us this Summer!Go to aspensciencecenter.org for full schedule! Early STEM Camps

Preschool Camps for kids age 3-5 Kinder Camps for kids age 5 & 6

Robotics Camps

Family STEM Nights

Intro to Robotics for kids age 7-10 years Level Up Robotics for kids age 11-13

Hands-On Fun for All Ages!

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22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 24 - June 30, 2021

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PARTING SHOTS

SERVICE

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Brian Leasure took a swing at Carbondale Arts' first-ever Golden Putter Gold Tournament on June 19 (above). The winning team was made up of players Doug Hayes, Joe Amato, Andrew Burlingame and Kyle Oberkoetter. (above). All proceeds from the fundraiser went toward arts education programs, like the colorful, mobile classroom "Rosybelle," parked at the RVR club house (left). "Golf tournaments are bit outside our expertise," admitted Executive Director, Amy Kimberly, "so we are extremely grateful to be surrounded by kind and generous folks, including the players." True to Carbondale Arts-style, the games included plenty of colorful shenanigans, like musical distractions, sing-alongs and out-of-the-box mulligans. Photos by Sarah Overbeck.

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289 MAIN STREET | (970) 963-2826 | CARBONDALEAH@GMAIL.COM THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • June 24 - June 30, 2021 • 23


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in the 50th Annual 2021 Mountain Fair Program AD RATES

FULL PAGE (6.75” x 9.34”) - $790, *$685 PREMIUM FULL PAGE (6.75” x 9.34”) - $995, *$846 (Limited to 4 advertisers) HALF PAGE (3.30” x 9.34” or 6.75” x 4.55”) - $455, *$395 1/4 PAGE (3.30” x 4.50”) - $335, *$290 1/8 PAGE (3.30” x 2.20”) - $215, *$185 BACK PAGE (6.75” x 9.634”) - Highest bid fundraiser

*15% discount until June 30th

PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION • Inserted in The Sopris Sun, on Thursday, July 22 • Given directly to Mountain Fair guests • Available online at soprissun.com CONTACT Todd Chamberlin fairguide@soprissun.com 970-510-0246

AD SPACE RESERVATION DEADLINE Friday, July 2 by noon CAMERA-READY DEADLINE Friday, July 9 by noon AD SPEC DETAILS Camera Ready Ads need to be PDF ONLY at 300 DPI, CMYK US Web Coated (SWOP) V2, exported to standard PDF/X-1a:2001] with no marks, and no bleeds. Design services available at no charge. PRODUCED BY

Sol del el

Valle


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