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UNA NUEVA PUBLICACIÓN SEMANAL CON NOTICIAS Volume 13, Number 9 | April 8-14, 2021 LOCALES EN ESPAÑOL.

Larry Yazzie, director of Native Pride Dancers, was joined on Saturday, April 3, by Meskwaki, Lakota, Nuche, Maori, and Anishinaabe presenters at the expo hosted by Aspen Indigenous Foundation in Wagner Park, Aspen. Photo by Klaus Kocher.

OPINION

Mature Content by Ron Kokish

It was 1970. We had professional degrees, a house, beginning careers and a three-year-old son, The Great Society, weed and Beatles music. A bright future seemed certain for us and our country. The only thing missing was a daughter. As weekend hippies, we easily fixed that by adopting a child who needed a home. The agency told us that black children were the most difficult to place. Cool! A rainbow family in a rainbow world. We adopted 11-month-old Karla in July. In September, we sold our house and moved to California, settling into a semi-communal life among coastal redwoods and mostly white people for the next 38 years. Karla was a smart and easy toddler with a mind of her own. At three, she climbed out her window to follow her brother's school bus a mile into town. At four, she taught herself to read. Her artwork was

LETTERS

Michael and Karla

always remarkable. She rarely liked to cuddle. In kindergarten, Karla often chose to wear peculiar clothing. We considered her creative. She was strong and athletic. Boys didn't dare pick on her. She physically defended scapegoats and occasionally stole from neighbors and her parents. As a soccer fullback, she was known for physicality and fouls. We accepted and loved her as she was. During the ninth grade, she was a good student and a volleyball star. In tenth grade, she decided not to play again. When we said her team was counting on her, she replied, "That's not MY problem." Her grades began dropping. In her junior year, she stopped attending most classes, took an equivalency test, passed easily and started college at barely 17. She got good grades, quit at 19 and joined the Navy. She had two (wonderful) children at 20 and 21, while married to a man she hasn't heard from since she was 22. She was kind of lost by then and moved back to the California north woods. We helped raise her children. By the mid-1980’s, our rainbow world was clearly filled with puddles from storms we hadn't noticed, though we had obviously been stepping in them all along. Karla started noticing in kindergarten. She wore those strange clothes, trying to exercise control over felt differences she was helpless to change. When children asked about her color, she

Re: Positive intent

Thanks to Trustee Bohmfalk for his insightful opinion published on March 25. Good advice in these times of growth. When I was appointed as second alternate to the P&Z so long ago, I attended “New Commissioner Training” conducted by the Division of Local Affairs (DOLA). Most of the training was legal and regulatory issues that are boring but important. On the fun side, we heard from a long-time planner from Crested Butte with lessons learned: growth is inevitable – if you’re not growing, you’re dying; there are only two ways to deal with growth – density or sprawl; and citizens hate two things – density and sprawl. When the town adopted the current Comprehensive Plan in 2013, the town consciously and deliberately decided for density. Some critics look at the new building on the roundabout, or the proposed building that will replace the Sopris Shopping Center, and suggest that these buildings are not consistent with the Town’s values. The fact is, these buildings are precisely what the Comp Plan and Development Code prescribe. The Comp Plan is the guiding document that is created based on community input, and the community input for the current Comp Plan was extensive over several months with steering committees and citizen focus groups. The Unified Development Code (UDC or Zoning Code) is developed to codify the Comp Plan and carries the weight of law, the same as speed

said she was an African princess. If so, she was an unhappy princess, exiled to our naive white world. She loved us and didn't want to confront us. And really, how could she? She hadn't quite figured it out herself. She was nearing middle age before she told us much about her exile. Aside from just feeling like an outsider, she was genuinely persecuted. When she shopped with us, our white privilege covered her. When she shopped by herself, employees and security guards followed her. During her disastrous sophomore year, she left her college library with a book she forgot to check out. She returned when the alarm sounded, apologized and gave the desk her student ID. Librarians called the police, and she was cited for petty theft. Karla is over 50 now and still living with the same disadvantages. She says she's disrespected by doctors and often shunted aside. She almost died from a misdiagnosed ruptured appendix when her early complaints were ignored. She's angry and somewhat confused about her life. We didn't know how to prepare her for it, so we didn't. Michael Francisco said he was unprepared too, having grown up in Haiti, where people who looked like him were in charge. When he came to the USA, he said he suddenly faced all the things Karla started sensing in kindergarten. Like Karla, it took him a while to figure out how people with his skin color are treated

limits and stop signs. Some see the UDC as restrictive, indicating uses that are prohibited. This is true, but it’s more appropriate to view the UDC as prescriptive, indicating uses that are allowed. The value of a property is determined by the allowable uses. Planners call this “Use-by-Right.” If the use is allowed and the building conforms with zoning and building codes and design guidelines, the town has no grounds to deny the application. Most land use applications are decided by town staff. Only the complicated applications are considered by the P&Z, and only the really complicated applications are referred to the Trustees. This entire escalation process is well defined by the UDC, and transparent to all applicants. Bottom line, if you want a say in how a specific property is developed, you need to buy it. Ben’s admonition is prescient. Feel free to criticize decisions, but please respect those who made the decision. I would take the admonition one step further: Get involved. Admittedly, it’s hard work. You have to go to meetings twice a month and you actually have to prepare for the meeting. Some would find P&Z unfulfilling, as we are not an advocacy commission; our fealty is to the code. But Carbondale has several advocacy boards. Apply next time there is an opening. Or better yet, get elected. But, please, feel free to disagree with the decision. But keep in mind that those making the decision are doing their best and following the law. Michael Durant Carbondale

in this country. Though we've never met Michael, we're certain he didn't like what he learned about that. We don't know exactly what happened to and around Michael Francisco at City Market last Christmas eve. But as Karla’s parents, we know how easy it is to screw things up, and we're reasonably certain things would have turned out differently at City Market if Michael's skin looked more like ours and less like hers. Carbondale's liberals are outraged. We wonder if they know their outrage is an expression of their white privilege. We white folks rarely experience racism in personal ways, so when we see others victimized, we can afford outrage. But for people of color, racism is in the fabric of their daily lives. Being outraged over it would entail being outraged 24/7; not a good way to live. White people can afford outrage over racism because for us, it's occasional. Through Karla, we eventually internalized some darker skin, and for us too, being constantly outraged is too taxing. We are aging now, hippies in memory only. We know our rainbow world is still waiting to be made, and we know that the dream, locally damaged last Christmas eve, should never be abandoned. We still strive for justice as best we can, but more from sadness over our own failures than from outrage over what others do.

No to Ascendigo Ranch

As a resident of Missouri Heights, I would like to share key points why many of us are opposed to Ascendigo's development. Not a single person here is against autism services, or special camps for children. The problem is this is the WRONG LOCATION. Period. Our water supply is severely limited already. Ascendigo plans for a recreational lake and needs water for up to 150 people daily. This is unsustainable. Traffic will increase by up to 450 cars/service vehicles a day on El Jebel Road, Fender Lane and Catherine's Store Road. Negative impact to wildlife, increased fire danger by impact use, and construction noise. Should there be a wildfire, the evacuation would be a nightmare from their one-way-in dirt road. There is NO second exit road access. Ascendigo would not be contributing to the county taxes that support roads/ambulance/fire services. This project would create a permanent change in the character of this quiet, rural neighborhood. There would be little oversight to expansions and their application lacks enforceable, transparent guidelines for future development. Ascendigo's development does NOT fit the established zoning rules and Garfield County Comprehensive Plan. In summary, everyone agrees that Ascendigo's mission is worthwhile and their clients deserve a special facility. This is simply the wrong location Continued on page 19

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 • April 8 - April 14, 2021

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Burning out the old, bringing in the new By Geneviève Villamizar Sopris Sun Correspondent

Burning the land is a spring rite practiced for centuries around the world by the indigenous and attuned peoples of Earth. It perpetuates resilient succession within forests and renewal processes across grasslands. Fire has always been a natural part of evolution, and ancient humans picked up on that. Carbondale is an attuned community. As such, the Nature Park was burned again last week to harness the miraculous loop of science that unfolds through lowintensity fire. So, what happens in the spring when the Nature Park goes black? Contemplate, first, the veritable shower of detritus that accumulates on the ground every year beyond autumn leaves or dead grass. The woven or assembled husks of egg clusters and cocoons, chitinous bug shells, feathers, shed snake skins, maple samsaras, leaf bud scales, pine cones, uncountable tree blossoms, fallen branches and trees, uneaten fruit, decomposing animal bodies, disintegrating bones, fecal droppings by the bazillions. If permitted, fire can consume a lot of this, and that blanket of fallen grasses, sedges, and rushes, which can choke out sunlight for newlygerminating, desirable plants. And while research shows that initially

the burning process diminishes soil nutrients, ultimately it also frees up nutrients in the multitude of processes that occur during fire. For example, nutrients bound up in all that dead stuff go back into the earth, rapidly increasing the fertility of the soil — nutritiousness for the grasses. And the residual black char left on the park? It’s absorbing more warmth than tawny grasses, warming the soil and jump-starting germination and regrowth. Low-intensity burns don’t kill perennial pasture grasses. Crawl around the next time you’re there. Brush the residual ash and duff aside and you’ll see or feel a gnarly dense knot. That’s a clumping grass’s “crown” which has evolved with fire through millennia, from which the living roots descend. Creeping grasses are protected too, even if it appears as though there’s nothing left. New blades will rise from buds all along their rhizomatous roots, far below the surface. It’s all good! Fire can tackle “weeds,” too. Weeds come in three seasonal waves: early spring, late spring, and late summer. Burning in the spring will hit some of those cool-season weeds. The heat ruptures cellular walls, killing early annual weeds. As with perennial grass, fire won’t kill perennial weeds, but it can set early emergers back a bit, giving grasses a head start on the festivities.

Last week, the Carbondale Parks Department conducted a controlled burn at the Nature Park. Photo by Olivia Emmer. To some, the park may look ravaged, but know that in the next few weeks, bennies will abound. There are still neat things to notice now, though. Look for the tunnels made by rodents scurrying under the snow all winter. Some are formed burrowing close to the surface (beneficial aeration, by the way). Some are formed as they ate dried, fallen plants at the surface. And check out the tunnels between their holes and the vetch. Last summer, the vetch had pink or white blooms. Pollinated, the flower ovaries swelled with seeds, developing into golden, multi-pod rattles (that kids dig). Now black with decomposition, if you examine a rattle where tunneling ends, you’ll see where voles ate those seeds! Resourceful little buggers. After a fire, wildflowers can

go off, too. The heat of it, or even just sunlight on newly exposed earth, nudges seeds that have been “sleeping” for years or even decades. Opportunistic seeds might drift in too, sinking roots in those openings. New species can usher in other new species. Biodiversity in our Nature Park means enriched habitat, better cover and forage, more nesting material, more pollen, nectar, seeds. It becomes a veritable food chain that feasts upon itself, endlessly. And it makes for laps that are filled with all sorts of cool phenomena to make your day. Our park has been changing in quiet and subtle ways for fifteen years now, in part due to fire. What was once a potato field, an industrial wash-out station, and a relatively static pasture all gone

to brome, is pretty rife with life today. Considering the scale and extent of the watershed here, it says something about our Nature Park that all these various species choose to call the park home. With the smoke clear and green tips thrusting through the soil, pretty soon the turtles will wake from their subterranean mud slumber. Word is out that people dragged a tree snag all the way from the archery range and dropped it in the pond for the turtles to sun (there are six or seven of them now). The meadow lark’s song is soon to fill the air … the ravens rebuilt after someone tore their nest out of the water filtration plant’s roof eave. Partake in the rites of spring at Carbondale’s most beloved park, burning out the old to bring in the new.

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LEARN MORE AT VVH.ORG/URGENTCARE THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT The ARTery

Mother’s Day It’s time again for mothers with babies born or adopted within the past year to schedule portraits for our special Mother’s Day edition. Call or text Mark Burrows at 970-379-4581 to reserve a photo session on April 10, 11, 24, or 25. COVID precautions will be observed.

Artist Grant Program Carbondale Arts is accepting applications for the 3rd Annual Artist Fellowship Program, consisting of two $1,000 grant opportunities from the Alleghany Meadows Fellowship. Any artist residing within the 816 ZIP code may apply by May 14. More at bit.ly/ AFPapplication

YouthZone hire Jami Hayes, recent vice principal of Riverview School, was chosen to lead YouthZone as the next executive director. Her experience with restorative justice and education will guide YouthZone’s continued dedication to supporting our communities by serving families from Aspen to Parachute. Current director Lori Mueller remains on board to help with the transition.

Glenwood Canyon Colorado State Patrol warns of heightened landslide potential in Glenwood Canyon following last summer’s Grizzly Creek Fire, the largest fire in White River National Forest history and cause for the longest closure on record of I-70 in Glenwood Canyon. They recommend that motorists be prepared, watching for signs of a landslide, weather forecasts, and carrying tools and emergency supplies.

Local nonprofit VOICES introduces their new mobile art and theatre space called “The ARTery.” Pop-up events will occur during Basalt’s Wednesday summer music series, Mountain Fair, Glenwood Springs’ downtown market, and Carbondale’s farmers’ market and First Fridays. Guest artists will include Natalie Spears, Eric Baumheier, Gabriela Álvarez Espinoza, Claudia Pawl, Rodrigo Arreguín, MinTze Wu, Alexandra Jerkunica, and more! To propose an act(ivity) for the ARTery, contact gabriela@voicesrfv.org

Kid C.L.U.BS. Rocky Mountain Kid C.L.U.B.S. (Community + Learning + Understanding + Behavior Skills) summer programs, including biking, swimming, arts and crafts, and social emotional wellness, are now open for registration with Monday-through-Friday offerings. More info at rockymtnkidclubs.org

Golden Anniversary Carbondale Arts is seeking entries for the poster and t-shirt design for the 50th Annual Mountain Fair. Interested artists should submit a well-developed concept for the design along with at least three work samples. The winner will receive $500 and 10 t-shirts. Handmade or digital, entries are due by April 30. Questions? Email brian@carbondalearts.com.

Aspen Community Foundation Four new staff members join the Aspen Community Foundation team, restoring its staff size to pre-pandemic numbers. Matt Rowe will act as the next director of the Cradle to Career program, Daniel Benavent will serve as

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Local entrepreneur Clay Hawkins has retrofitted his funky Japanese truck into a mobile coﬀee bar. Currently sourcing beans from Craft Coﬀee House in Basalt, Hawkins serves pour-overs and tea and plans to set up at outdoor events throughout the summer. His intention is to establish a safe, outdoor setting for casual social encounters like he experienced while traveling in Portugal and Vietnam. For now, you can catch him outside of The Launchpad taking donations in lieu of fixed pricing. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh.

operations manager, Eli Carpenter was hired as program manager, and Joseline Rivas is the Navigator program coordinator.

Unemployment Scam Over the past few months, local police have seen an increase in unemployment fraud calls. Officers are working with victims to address the fraudulent claims. If you or your employer receive one of these calls, it's important to contact your local police department immediately. If you are sent a 1099-G tax form but did not request benefits in 2020, or a 1099 with incorrect information, do not throw it away. Visit cdle. colorado.gov/fraud-prevention for more information.

Joe Donovan A GoFundMe page has been established to help longtime local Joe Donovan afford cancer treatment. More info is at bit.ly/helpingJoe

Fore! The Ranch at Roaring Fork Golf Course is now open for the season. Current hours of operation for this 9-hole, par 3 course are 10:30 a.m. to last tee-off at 6:30 p.m. Green fees and punch passes are discounted through May 2. Tee times can be reserved online at ranchatroaringforkgolfcourse. com or by calling 970-963-4410.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Trish Anderson, Jeff Finesilver and Cait Kennett (April 8); Ciara Morrison, Diane Orlov and Steve Tullar (April 9); Suzanne Lavin, Herschel Ross and Marty Treadway (April 10); Krys Greenwood (April 11); Brandon McDuffey and Susan Shirley (April 12); Rusty Burtard, Diane Kenney, Nicole Levesque, Brad Moore, Jane Munsell, Vicki Peterson and Bill Shepherd (April 13); James Armstrong, Ed Brown, Dino Baldizan, Mark Giesecke and Roberta McGowan (April 14).

We can recommend a personalized account or the best hiking trails. As members of the communities we serve, it’s our responsibility to know them inside and out. If you have a question, reach out. We’re here. We’re working. And we’re a neighbor you can always count on.

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Eighth Street plan moves to Trustees

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Fourteen months after the town of Carbondale contracted Alta Planning and Design (Alta) to redesign Eighth Street between Village Road and Main Street, Trustees will have the opportunity to approve a plan at their next regular meeting on April 13. According to Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman, the Eighth Street corridor was identified as a priority for improvement in 2016 by the town’s Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission (BPTC). Alta was directed to gather ample public input throughout their process, which began with a table to interface with the community at First Friday in March 2020. Once COVID hit, they adapted by circulating an online survey. Later, the public was given an opportunity to comment on three options mapped online and demonstrated on the street throughout the fall. Through that process, Alta developed two options that were presented to the BPTC on March 1 along with a window for public comment. Both options have bicyclists sharing the road with motorized vehicles. The major difference is that Option A (with an estimated construction cost of $500,000) retains parking on both sides of the road with six foot sidewalks and eight foot parking lanes. Option B (costing roughly $685,000) sacrifices parking on the east side of the street (approximately 50 spaces) for nine foot sidewalks on both sides. Each design incorporates green buffer space and, according to Schorzman, makes full use of the town’s right-of-way. Residents along 8th Street expressed concerns over losing parking, landscaping, and mature trees to the town’s right-ofway. Neighbor Holly Buell shared with The Sopris Sun that the estimated cost to relocate her sprinkler system and garden beds, if either option is chosen by Trustees, approaches $8,000. Moreover, Buell — who holds a master’s degree in architecture and studied urban planning — is concerned that neither option addresses her fundamental concern as a mother of a young child living on that street: excessive, speedy traffic. Continued on page 19

Option A (top) and Option B (bottom) as presented by Alta Planning and Design. Courtesy graphic.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 5

Introducing: regular BOCC coverage

By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meets regularly on the first three Mondays of each month. During these meetings, the commissioners consider requests brought by the public and various institutions throughout the county. The requests often come down to funding which the commissioners have the authority to approve or deny. The commission also has the authority to make decisions regarding water, public health, fire safety and more. On April 5, the commissioners heard from folks regarding several proposals and informational pitches. Some of the highlights are: Prior to jumping into the day’s agenda, the panel invited anyone not on the agenda to make comments. One such comment prompted a discussion regarding cleaning up the land east of Walmart in Glenwood Springs as well as an area of Hubbard Mesa on the Roan Plateau. As part of the agenda, the town of Parachute requested a 50% decrease in landfill costs for the town’s annual community clean-up, claiming that the same was done for the town of Rifle before. Heather Grant with Rifle Animal Shelter requested and was approved for $170,000 which

she said will increase the shelter’s capacity by 25%. Colorado Animal Rescue was also approved for a $250,000 discretionary grant. Ordinance 2021-1, prohibiting the use of fireworks within unincorporated Garfield County, was adopted. Glenwood Springs Fire Chief Gary Tillotson appeared and expressed his support of the ordinance stating, “Conditions are dry and probably going to get a lot worse.” Garfield County Facilities Director Frank Coberly requested $60,000 to replace the elevator generator at the county courthouse. The request was approved for funds to be transferred from the county’s capital budget. Garfield County Sheriff 's Office (GCSO) was granted a $20,000 supplemental budget on top of what they had budgeted for the year. The additional funds will go toward improved body armor for deputies. “We typically budget each year to replace a fair amount of body armor,” said GCSO spokesperson Cathy Redman. “For whatever reason, we were caught off guard this year and needed to replace about 55 sets of body armor.” The additional funds will come from the county’s general fund reserves. Commissioner Tom Jankovsky pointed out to Redman, “You really missed it here – you missed it by about 40%, budget-wise.” Subsequently, the board

approved a contract with Curtis Blue Line, not to exceed $50,000, for the aforementioned body armor. A request from the Lower Valley Fire District in Fruita for Garfield County to donate one of its decommissioned sheriff patrol vehicles was tabled to be revisited next week. Commissioner Jankovsky stated, “Garfield County is no longer in a position where we can just donate vehicles. We’re not a wealthy county anymore; the governor and state legislature have done a good job of taking that away from us.”

Presentations John Fox-Rubin and Barbara Freeman, on behalf of the Bell Policy Center, presented to the commissioners regarding state Senate Bill 21-148, “Creation Of Financial Empowerment Office.” The duo agreed that there is a need for financial education and protection in the local community. “I’m somewhat dismayed with the state legislature because they have done everything they can to hurt rural Colorado,” said Jankovsky. The commissioner added, “We’re going to have 1.2 million undocumented immigrants coming across our border and one or two thousand if not more are going to end up in these two valleys and it just puts more stress on our local government.” This assertion

The three Garfield County Commissioners tackle yet another agenda on April 5. Photo by James Steindler.

combined with what he considers pressure from the state government led him to conclude, “I don’t want to see another state office, I guess – that’s just the Republican in me and the Libertarian in me as well.” Commissioner Mike Samson then brought up topics ranging from the recent reintroduction of wolves to oil and gas legislation coming from the state level. Regarding national politics, he stated, “Our nation cannot continue to exist the way we are headed with the present administration.” Chairman John Martin said that he would like to wait for the long bill to “drop” and follow up with a discussion then, “To see if we can even participate, based on our funding.” Executive Director Paula Stepp with Middle Colorado Watershed Council presented on water quality monitoring. As a result of the fires last season, this “would look at the impacts of water coming off those burn scars.” Stepp added, “We’re

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looking at the health and safety of our citizens, we’re looking at infrastructure in case of debris flow, the public water systems and the agricultural community, and trying to understand their risks.” Veterans Services Officer Dave Pruett gave an update regarding VA services and needs.

Applications approved The commissioners approved a limited impact application for Pivot Energy Solar Co. out of Denver to erect a large solar farm about three miles west of Parachute. Lastly, a limited land use permit to replace a 60 foot telecommunication tower with a 80 foot tower near Sunlight Mountain Resort (SMR) was approved. Jankovsky, a SMR shareholder, recused himself because the applicant pays a lease to SMR.

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Putting the brakes on Marble’s ATV frenzy

By Kathleen Shannon Sopris Sun Correspondent

Sitting on the porch of a small cottage just beyond Marble town limits, I enjoyed a warm spring day, feeling that I was truly in the wilderness. Local residents are trying to soak up that feeling before the tourist season arrives, and, along with it: ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, which bring noise, dust, erosion, and safety concerns. Marble resident Alex Menard and I hiked up to meet Teri Havens at her cottage. She’s owned the lot since 1995 and has seen a lot of changes since then. “I bought property on a Jeep trail, I don't expect it to be closed. I expect some traffic. It seems like every year there’s an exponential increase in the volume of vehicles and the noise.” When a single ATV began climbing the steep portion of road – known as Daniel’s Hill – Havens paused, and a flicker of tension moved across her face. “It isn’t just because I have a house here. I really care about the backcountry and the wilderness,” Havens said. “That’s why we live here, right? It’s not just here, it’s what’s back there,” she said, gesturing behind her toward the White River National Forest. This part of the forest can be accessed from Crested Butte via a rough and sparsely-used route. The more popular entry is through Marble. Visitors wanting to drive ATVs in the forest must first navigate the narrow streets of Marble to find parking, often with a truck and trailer. Once they unload, ATV-users drive from their parking spots, past Beaver Lake – managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife – on to the Lead King Loop: a 13-mile road that is partially managed by both Gunnison County and the National Forest Service. That loop leads users along a

Alex Menard and his dogs stand by one of the few signs regarding use of the Lead King Loop. Photo by Kathleen Shannon.

narrow road and passes the now-famous Crystal Mill. Ultimately, Marble acts as a bottleneck for recreation traffic. With so many agencies overseeing parts of the area, there are many potential avenues for change as well as disagreement. In fact, the Lead King Loop working group was established specifically to bring all these agencies together: a feat that Marble Town Manager Ron Leach calls a “minor miracle.” At the April 1 town meeting, it was clear that everyone sees increased ATV-use as a problem, but there’s disagreement on the best solution. One camp, including Menard, wants to ban ATVs altogether. At the meeting, he lobbied for hikers’ rights. “If the first thing you have to do is grab your kids and your dogs and run to the side,” he said, “it’s not conducive to pedestrianism.” An ATV ban issued by either Marble or Gunnison

County could effectively stymie ATV use: the first would eliminate the ability for ATVs to get from town to the Lead King Loop and the second would eliminate road access to the National Forest. But not everyone wants a flat-out ban. A permit system is an option that the Forest Service has implemented in other local over-use situations, like the Conundrum Hot Springs. However, that’s not typically the first approach, said Shelly Grail, recreation manager for the forest. She said that hearing all voices is vital. “I can’t stress enough how important it is that we’re working together to make sure we’re on the same page and expectations are clear.” She foresees 2021 will be a year of increased education and enforcement. Marble Mayor Ryan Vinciguerra hit those points hard at the town meeting. Enforcement in

town has always been a challenge, as Marble sits in a remote corner of Gunnison County, with more than 110 winter road miles separating the town from the more populous part of the county. The Sheriff is planning to station a new deputy in “the area,” as the portion of the county including Marble and Somerset is known. But, that person has yet to graduate from Law Enforcement Training and won’t be stationed until August. The National Forest Service could also provide additional enforcement, but its budget for more officers is low. Marble Trustees voted to pitch in $3,000 towards the County’s $10,000 effort to help finance a Forest Service Officer assigned to the Marble area at least part-time. Forest Service Officers don’t have the authority to make arrests, but they can ticket for noise, parking, and other violations. Education is another piece that Marble hopes to gain headway on this year. Mayor Vinciguerra talked about volunteers manning a kiosk in town to answer questions from tourists. Increased signage is low-hanging fruit, as well. After that meeting, Havens said she feels “hopeless” that Marble will take significant action this year. The discussion at the meeting pushed her from supporting a permit system to wanting a ban. Menard was also disappointed and noted that the town may have a conflict of interest: Mayor Vinciguerra also owns Slow Groovin’ BBQ and profits off of more visitors. On our hike back down Daniel’s Hill, Menard fielded questions from a couple hiking and a man driving a van with California plates. They all wanted to get to the Crystal Mill, but the trail is still covered in snow. It’s no wonder there’s been a sense of urgency among the Marble community to take action before the tourist season begins. “This is the time,” Havens said. Then, after a pause, “maybe it’s too late already.”

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 7

Where My Peeps at? WINNERS

1st The Hoppers won First Place by completing the scavenger hunt in just one hour! Congratulations to Chris, Mahala, and Nora Bilby; Sam and Noah Chittenden; and Katie Dehler!

3rd The Peep Wranglers managed Third Place with a time of 1:10. Kuddos to Jason Hodges, Alfred LaFave, Steve Mills, James Steindler, and Tristan Mead!

2nd The Quarantini Queens earned Second Place with a time of 1:07. Way to go Nancy Zeigel, Margot Fishman, Alli Powell, Stephanie Gianneschi, Carla Westerman, and Melissa Taucher!

TOWN OF CARBONDALE TOWN CLEAN-UP — WASTE DIVERSION EVENT

& PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK

APRIL 24th, 8AM to 2PM

General Household Waste Fees Pick-up truck load Carbondale residents $10 Non-residents $25 Pick-up load with trailer Carbondale residents $20 Non-residents $35

Mountain Waste • • • • •

General household (furniture, old wood, fencing, etc.) Yard waste, tree branches and other organic materials Textiles (must be in bags) Mattresses ($10 each) Metals

Items for Recycling & Fees

CORRecycling correcycling.com Electronic waste: up to 3 TVs, CRT monitors and copiers plus unlimited smaller items. FREE for town residents after 19,000 pounds and non-residents 35¢ per pound. Items accepted: TVs, monitors, printers, microwaves, laptops, copiers, hard drives for destruction.

Brite Ideas Bulb Recycling coloradobulbrecycling.com Batteries: car, phone, and all batteries Light bulbs: Fluorescents, CFL, HID, UV lamps, neon signs PCB ballasts Mercury thermostats Freon refrigerators

JLM Tires The first 100 tires up to 18” without rims FREE for town residents. 8 tires per customer. $8 per tire after the limit.

Located in the parking lot behind Town Hall

Located in the parking lot at 4th & Colorado

Crews will alternate lunches between 12 and 1 so unloading may take additional time during this time frame. Please plan accordingly. Prescription Drug Drop-off Carbondale Police Department. Located in Town Hall lobby.

Hazardous waste, i.e., oil, paint, cleaning fluids/canisters, car liquids, propane bottles, etc. will not be accepted at this event. 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 8 - April 14, 2021

Many other peeps were seen out hopping around town. Photos by Jamie Wall (top center and top right) and Raleigh Burleigh.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR SOPRIS THEATRE

THURSDAY APRIL 8 WHITE FRAGILITY

Author Robin DiAngelo speaks about race for a virtual book discussion with Garfield County Libraries at 2 p.m. Registration is at gcpld.org LEGAL CLINIC

Volunteer attorneys assist with legal matters via one-on-one phone calls beginning at 2 p.m. To sign up, call 970-927-4311 or email info@ basaltlibrary.org WALDORF EDUCATION

Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork offers a virtual overview of Early Childhood programs at 5 p.m. Registration at waldorfschoolrf.com

FRIDAY APRIL 9 AUTHOR TALK

Garfield County Libraries host author Judy Marshall for a live stream presentation of her new book, “Still Crazy,” about a woman’s journey through pain, betrayal and forgiveness. The event begins at 3 p.m., more at gcpld.org/ NLW FIND YOUR VOICE!

River Bridge Regional Center hosts special, online programming all month. “Yoga: Finding Your Voice Within” begins at 5:30 p.m. More at riverbridgerc.org

Sopris Theatre Company presents "Nina Variations" by Steven Dietz. The production will be streamed the weekends of April 9, 16, and 23 with showings at 7 p.m. on Friday/Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are available at ShowTix4U. com, or by calling 970-9478177 or emailing svticketsales. coloradomtn.edu

SATURDAY APRIL 10 ROSE PRUNING

New Castle Gardens teaches pruning perennials and roses at 10 a.m. To sign up, visit at newcastlegardens.com THUNDER RIVER THEATRE

Thunder River Theatre Company’s production of “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” is streamed online on April 10, 11, 17 and 18. More info at thunderrivertheatre.com

SUNDAY APRIL 11 THEATRE ASPEN

Tamyra Gray, Beth Malone, and Elizabeth Stanley star in “Three Part Harmony: The Playlist of Our Lives” at Harris Hall in Aspen at 5 p.m. Capacity is limited for this one-night-only show. Tickets are available at theatreaspen.org/playlist or by calling 970-300-4474.

Got Drugs?

Visit soprissun.com to submit events.

MONDAY APRIL 12 TEEN ZINES

Basalt Regional Library hosts a publishing workshop for middle school students beginning today at 4 p.m. After choosing a theme, the group will meet again on Wednesday, April 14, to put together a small magazine for photocopying and distribution. FIND YOUR VOICE!

Ciara Morrison and James Steindler rehearse the "Nina Variations" by Steven Dietz. Sopris Theatre Company's production will be streamed the weekends of April 9, 16 and 23. Photo by Brad Moore.

River Bridge Regional Center hosts special, online programming all month. “Cheer Team” begins at 5:30 p.m. More at riverbridgerc.org

THURSDAY APRIL 15

All six branches of the Garfield County Libraries are closed for a staff training day. Normal library hours will resume on Thursday.

Sopris Quartet performs a virtual concert courtesy of Basalt Regional Library broadcast on GrassRoots TV at 5:30 p.m.

LIBRARIES CLOSURE

TUESDAY APRIL 13 TERRACOTTA

Basalt Regional Library invites the public to stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for a terracotta pot to paint along with soil and seeds. FIND YOUR VOICE!

River Bridge Regional Center hosts special, online programming all month. “Shake It Off !” begins at 5:30 p.m. More at riverbridgerc.org PARENTING

WEDNESDAY APRIL 14

FocusedKids leads a three-week conversation on parenting strategies via Zoom. The first begins today at 7 p.m. For registration, visit basaltlibrary.org

SALUTE!

A new mixed-media show opens at the Aspen Chapel Gallery with artists in attendance from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The show will run through May 26, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with 10% of all sales benefiting Huts for Vets. FIND YOUR VOICE!

River Bridge Regional Center hosts special, online programming all month. “Flash Mob Jazz Dance” begins at 5:30 p.m. More at riverbridgerc.org

SOPRIS STRINGS

ONGOING

EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN

Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for Everything Under The Sun, airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4 p.m. CRYSTAL STREAMING

Virtual cinema offerings include “The Mali-Cuba Connection,” “Women Composers,” “Kuessipan,” “Heartworn Highways,” and “M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity.” Fifty percent of ticket sales support the Crystal Theatre. More at crystaltheatrecarbondale.com

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 10

Valle

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades

OPINIÓN

ESQUINA LEGAL Por Tony Mendez Mientras pensaba en escribir esta columna, seguía escuchando varias historias sobre las historias que contamos, y las que nos contamos. Las historias que escuche esta semana incluyen historias de parte de: Ryan Kalamaya, el presidente de la junta directiva de Alpine Legal

Volumen 1, Número 6 | 8 al 14 de abril de 2021

Agradecemos su apoyo para este nuevo proyecto.

Las historias que contamos

Services, contando historias de divorcio en Colorado por medio del podcast “Divorce at Altitude;” Shankar Vedantam, de Radio Público Nacional (“NPR”), en su Podcast “Hidden Brain” hablando sobre las historias de nuestras vidas, las narrativas personales que nos contamos, nuestras interpretaciones de estas narrativas, y cómo reescribir estas narrativas puede ayudar a sanar traumas del pasado; y el libro del psicólogo Adam Grant, “Think Again,” donde habla sobre la importancia de desarrollar la habilidad cognitiva de repensar y desaprender. Tantas historias me hacen pensar en el sermón del Pastor Mark, de la iglesia Nueva Creación en el canyon de Glenwood Springs, donde toca el tema “¿Quien te lo dijo?.” Entonces, siendo una columna legal, ¿cuál es la relación entre la ley y las historias que contamos?

Pensándolo bien, nuestras vidas son una colección de historias. Cada día estamos creando nuestra historia y, como seres inteligentes, interpretamos estas historias para después comunicarlas a los demás. En el sistema legal, lo primero que uno hace es contar su historia, a un abogado, o directamente al juez. Un abogado astuto, y un juez también, hará preguntas sobre su situación, y le pedirá pruebas sobre las alegaciones que hace. Estas evidencias no solamente tienen que ser físicas, sino pueden ser por medio de testimonio personal, opiniones de testigos, escrituras, registros públicos, etc. Aunque no toda evidencia es admisible, quizás por su relevancia, es bueno pensar en cómo uno va a contar su historia. Aunque el sistema legal es una amalgamación de historias a las cuales les hemos asignado

consecuencias, también es importante entender que las historias pueden cambiar. Lo que es un hecho ahora no significa que será un hecho en el futuro. Una vez, Pluto fue considerado un planeta. Ahora, no lo es. Hoy, la ley dice que algo es malo. Mañana, quizás no. Igual, las historias de la vida cambian. Tomen las historias en los casos de familia, por ejemplo. Aunque el modus operandi, los hábitos formados, de una familia pueden ser lo que son el día de hoy, no significa que esos hábitos no pueden cambiar en el futuro. A pesar de que cambiar nuestros hábitos a veces es difícil, por medio del recontamiento de historias, y re-pensamiento de cómo contamos nuestras historias, podemos cambiar la narrativa de nuestras vidas, sanar heridas del pasado, y seguir adelante contando nuevas historias.

Si usted tiene una historia que contar, una que necesita ser contada para defender la justicia, y no puede pagar un abogado, visite la pagina alpineservicioslegales.org para ver los temas de las noches de Pregunta a Un Abogado, o llamenos al numero abajo. Con frecuencia, contando su historia puede guiarnos a sostener la ley y defender la justicia. Esas historias valen la pena contar, y son las historias que deben de ser contadas. Milton Antonio Mendez (“Tony”) es un abogado licenciado frente a la barra de Colorado quien practica con Alpine Legal Services. Para ver si califica para servicios de parte de Alpine Legal Services, por favor contacte el número (970) 945-8858.

CHISME DEL PUEBLO Día de las Madres

Ya es el momento para que las madres con bebés recién nacides o adoptades programen un retrato gratis con nosotres para nuestra edición especial del Día de las Madres. Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a Raleigh Burleigh al 970-456-6929 para reservar una sesión de fotos el 10, 11, 24 o 25 de abril. Precauciones de COVID serán observadas. Aniversario de oro

Carbondale Arts está buscando diseños para el póster y camisa del 50th Annual Mountain Fair. Artistas interesades deben entregar un concepto bien desarrollado junto con otras tres muestras. El ganador recibirá $500 y 10 camisas. Hechas a mano o digital, las participaciones deben ser entregadas antes del 30 de abril. ¿Preguntas? Envié un correo electrónico a brian@carbondalearts.com Subvenciones de FAB

Inscripciones para la subvención del 2021 de la Junta de Asesoría Financiera de la Ciudad de Glenwood Springs (FAB) serán recibidas hasta el 10 de mayo. Subvenciones de FAB están disponibles a organizaciones benéficas, de gobierno y entidades respaldadas por impuestos para servicios humanos, eventos especiales, promoción de turismo y otros servicios públicos. Para más información, visite cogs.us/FABgrant Cañón de Glenwood

La patrulla estatal de Colorado advierte de un potencial elevado por deslizamiento de tierra en el Cañón de Glenwood tras el incendio de Grizzly Creek del verano pasado. Fue el incendio más grande en White River National Forest de la historia y causó el cierre más largo en récord de I-70 en el Cañón de Glenwood. Se recomienda que

los motoristas viajan preparados, observando señales de deslizamientos, pronósticos del clima y llevando herramientas y suministros de emergencia. Vacunas

Todes les residentes de Colorado de 16 años o más ya son elegibles para recibir una vacuna. Residentes del condado de Garfield pueden hacer una cita llamando a Valley View Hospital al 970-384-7632. Residentes del condado de Eagle pueden llamar al 970328-9750. Residentes del condado de Pitkin pueden llamar al 970-429-3363. Pruebas para el COVID están disponibles gratis a través del Valle de Roaring Fork haciendo citas al rfvcovidtest.com Estafadores

Durante los últimos meses, la policía local ha visto un incremento en llamadas de estafadores acerca del desempleo. Los oficiales trabajarán con las víctimas para poder discutir reclamos fraudulentos bajo sus nombres. Se recomienda contactar a la policía si usted o su empleador recibe una llamada sospechosa. También es recomendado guardar documentos de impuestos que llegan por correo, aun si no fueron solicitados.

Los fondos priorizan solicitantes en áreas rurales, negocios que no calificaron para el Programa de Protección de Pago, y negocios poseídos por mujeres, minorías y veteranos, además de restaurantes pequeños. Para más información visite energizecolorado.com

¡Encuentra tu voz!

Terracotta

River Bridge regional Center anfitriona una programación especial todo el mes. “Quitárselo de encima” comenzará a las 5:30 p.m. el martes 13 de abril. Para más información, visite riverbridgerc.org. Energize Colorado Gap Fund

Apoyo adicional está disponible a negocios pequeños en la forma de subvenciones de una única vez. Para calificar para el programa, los negocios deben tener menos de 25 empleados.

La Biblioteca Regional de Basalt invita al público a visitar entre las 11 a.m. y 6 p.m. el martes 13 de abril para llevar una maceta de terracotta junto con tierra y semillas.

Cartoon by Larry Day. Subvención para lugares de eventos cerrados

El 8 de abril, la Administración de Negocios Pequeños aceptará aplicaciones para el programa de Subvención para Operadores de Lugares de Eventos Cerrados. Este programa incluye $15 billones disponibles para lugares de eventos cerrados que no recibieron un préstamo del Programa de Protección de Pagos. Detalles de la aplicación aquí: bit.ly/ ShutteredVenues Consultas médicas gratis

Cierre de bibliotecas

Todas las seis sucursales de bibliotecas del condado de Garfield estarán cerradas el miércoles 14 de abril para un día de entrenamiento de personal.

La Clínica del Pueblo ofrece consultas médicas gratis en Third Street Center el tercer sábado de cada mes, incluyendo este sábado 17 de abril. Las consultas son proveídas de 9 a.m. a 3 p.m. Para citas, consultas y preguntas, contacte a Judith Alvares al 970-989-3513.

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 8 al 14 de april de 2021 • 11

Mayor uso equivale a mayor cuido para senderos locales

By Raleigh Burleigh Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) abrió el registro de la temporada de proyectos para sus miembros el jueves 1 de abril. A partir del 16 de abril, el público en general es bienvenido a inscribirse para ayudar también, a lo que el gerente de comunicaciones y participación Jacob Baker llama "probablemente nuestra temporada de proyectos más ocupada que nunca." A pesar de la pandemia, en 2020 se registraron más horas de voluntariado que en 2019 y se espera que esa tendencia continúe. "En una época de desafíos abrumadores,” explicó Baker, "el voluntariado con RFOV te permite la oportunidad de tener un impacto inmediato y tangible en tu comunidad." Aumentar el número de voluntarios en 2021 implica diversificar las oportunidades. Esta temporada de proyectos se extiende desde Rifle a Marble y hasta el Independence Pass, con proyectos como la restauración de la ribera, restauración de áreas

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 Traductora: Jacquelinne Castro 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

El personal de Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, Melissa Daniels y Jacob Baker, instalaron recientemente la señalización "Trail Notes" en el Lorax Trail, cerca de Carbondale. Foto por Will Sardinsky.

quemadas, la jardinería familiar a lo largo del Río Grande ARTway y la construcción de caminos en el Rancho Sutey. El nuevo proyecto piloto, "Trail Notes" bilingüe, instala señalización con códigos QR en los puntos de inicio de los caminos más populares del

valle. Al escanear el código con un teléfono inteligente, los usuarios de los caminos pueden registrar las condiciones, lo que permite realizar el mantenimiento necesario y obtener datos cualitativos sobre el éxito y los desafíos de la red de caminos del valle.

VACUNA PARA COVID-19 Todas las dosis son gratuitas. No es necesario ser ciudadano de los Estados Unidos y tampoco se necesita demostrar su presencia legal para recibir una vacuna de COVID-19 en Colorado. Además, la salud pública nunca compartirá su información con fines de inmigración o para aplicar la ley.

GRATIS | SEGURO | ACCESIBLE PARA TODOS Número de teléfono: 970-340-8504 Localidades: Sitios en los condados Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin ¿Se requiere cita? Sí Cómo hacer cita: Llamar o hacer cita en línea

VOCESUNIDAS.ORG/VACUNA 12 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 8 al 14 de april de 2021

Además, la RFOV invita a las empresas locales a ayudar a administrar los caminos locales. Por ejemplo, Independence Run and Hike, con sede en Carbondale, ha "adoptado" el Lorax Trail y contribuirá con más de 60 horas de voluntariado para ayudar a mantenerlo esta temporada.

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.

La Fogata brinda calidez Por Jacquelinne Castro Sopris Sun Corresponsal

Marta y Estela Serrano son dos hermanas, originarias de Belin Usulután, El Salvador, quienes llegaron a Carbondale en el año 2000. Con su padre residiendo en el área, Marta y Estela lograron encontrar un lugar donde poder plantar un pedazo de El Salvador, con un gran deseo de alcanzar a hacer un impacto en la cultura Salvadoreña y ser capaz de ofrecer a Carbondale un poco de su país. En el 2007, invitadas por Amy Kimberly de Carbondale Arts, Marta y Estela comenzaron a participar en Mountain Fair. El sueño de ofrecer la comida típica de El Salvador fue lo que las motivó a participar en el evento anual de Mountain Fair. Primeramente, para poder presentar su comida en el festival, tuvieron que pasar por una prueba y ser examinadas por un comité. La comida típica Salvadoreña fue un gran éxito y lograron entrar. Ya con turistas que visitan de otras partes para saborear los platillos del festival, las ricas pupusas se hicieron una tradición. Fueron presentadas anualmente para satisfacer a les visitantes de Mountain Fair. Al ver el éxito que la comida típica salvadoreña dejaba en Carbondale, se comenzó el proyecto en el 2014 de abrir un restaurante. Con tres años de construcción y esfuerzo y una larga espera, lograron abrir La Fogata en el 2016. La familia comenzó el restaurante desde cero, con la instalación nueva del equipo de cocina y remodelaciones para crear un ambiente cálido. El nombre “La Fogata” se vio inspirado por un restaurante que a menudo solían visitar en Houston, Texas. Marta contó que no fue fácil, con muchas dificultades en el camino, pero gracias al esfuerzo

laboral de la familia, esposos carpinteros, y “ángeles en el camino," alcanzaron la meta y finalmente pudieron abrir sus puertas. Al comienzo, les dificultó agregar más que pupusas al menú. Marta contó cómo después de una semana de la apertura, no sabían qué otros platillos agregar. Eventualmente, como familia, decidieron hacer un menú con recetas familiares. El menú consiste en platillos y recetas de familia, con una gran variedad. Desde pupusas, hasta burritos y enchiladas. Pero también expanden sus servicios de comida a platillos solicitados así como hamburguesas, mariscos y hasta desayunos. La Fogata también ofrece antojitos salvadoreños como yuca frita con chicharrón y plátanos. Marta nos contó que su platillo favorito es la mojarra asada. El alcance del restaurante es poder servir con consistencia y calidad, ofrecerle al cliente un platillo que diga valga la pena la espera. Marta se enfoca en servir su comida lo más saludable posible, con platillos con poco aceite y pocas cantidades de condimentos, además también de una gran variedad de platillos con vegetales, incluyendo también servir comida fresca, hecha en el momento. Marta también destaca que el logo del restaurante es “servir como si fuera nuestra familia," empeñándose en ofrecer consistencia para alcanzar a satisfacer al cliente, es la meta del restaurante poder destacarse entre la comunidad y en servir comida de calidad. Durante la pandemia, La Fogata también se vio muy afectada, con ventas disminuyendo. Sin embargo, Marta también explicó que “Gracias a Dios, hemos salido a flote." Una gran ayuda para el restaurante fueron las órdenes para llevar, lo cual el restaurante ve mucho muy a menudo por servir grandes cantidades de pupusas, con clientes

Hermanas Estela y Marta Serrano son las dueñas de La Fogata, un restaurante ubicado en Carbondale que se especializa en servir la comida típica de El Salvador. Foto por Raleigh Burleigh.

ordenando pedidos grandes para llevar a la familia. Algo que también les ayudó fue el préstamo que el gobierno ofreció a través del “Payment Protection Program.” Marta explicó que, aunque fue muy duro, lograron sobrevivir y “ya pasó lo más difícil, y hay que seguir." La Fogata tiene planes de expandir en el futuro, con permisos ya en proceso de agregar

una barra y extender la selección de alcohol. También esperan engrandecer el área de servicio, expandiendo el área de comer, y agregar también un menú electrónico. Actualmente La Fogata está abierta todos los días de 10 a.m. a 9 p.m. ofreciendo comida tradicional de El Salvador. Se puede contactar llamando al 970-510-5151.

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Personal tomarán almuerzos alternados entre las 12 y la 1 debido a esto, las descargas podrían tomar tiempo adicional durante este periodo de tiempo. Por favor planee respectivamente. Entrega de medicamentos recetados Departamento de Policía de Carbondale Localizado en el vestíbulo del ayuntamiento

Residuos peligrosos, es decir, aceite, pintura, fluidos/botes de limpieza, líquidos de carros, botellas de propano, etc. no serán aceptados en este evento. el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 8 al 14 de april de 2021 • 13

Creando una plataforma para creatividad

Por Jessica Peterson Post Independent

Gabriela Alvarez Espinoza se mudó a Carbondale en 2016 y desde entonces ha trabajado con diferentes organizaciones de arte en el Valle Roaring Fork. Ella es la nueva desarrolladora de programas para VOICES, una organización local de arte sin fines de lucro, y busca reclutar a más artistas latines en el valle para que utilicen la organización como plataforma de trabajo. Este verano, VOICES tendrá un escenario móvil, el ARTery, que viajará por el valle llevando presentaciones a diferentes pueblos. En el otoño, Alvarez Espinoza también planea montar una presentación teatral completamente en español. La periodista del Post Independent, Jessica Peterson, conversó con Alvarez Espinoza sobre el trabajo que ella está haciendo para amplificar a voces locales. ¿Cuál ha sido tu estrategia para conectar con artistas hispanos de nuestro valle? El proyecto juvenil era bilingüe — cada vez tratamos de hacerlo bilingüe. En está ocasión queríamos trabajar más con creativos profesionales de la comunidad de latinos. Porque también es importante amplificar sus voces. Este pequeño escenario móvil llega a las personas que no van al teatro o a presentaciones. Este escenario te está buscando como audiencia pero también busca llegar a los creativos. ¿Cómo describes la comunidad latina en el valle? Hay mucha tradición, como sabes, puedo decir que tenemos algo de folklórico, de mariachis o algo de Mezcla Social que es más un

movimiento latino. Es rico pero está un poco oculto. A veces la gente no puede sentirlo, porque si no perteneces a esta cultura sientes que no es para ti, pero en realidad sí lo es. Por eso creo que esto es importante, para informar a la gente que la comunidad artística de latinos desea hacerse notar. Dices que la comunidad está un poco escondida. ¿Piensas que se debe a una barrera lingüística? Siento que puede ser la barrera lingüística, absolutamente. Pero también otras cosas que ocurren en la comunidad latina es … tenemos una gran necesidad de trabajo pagado. A veces en el mundo artístico tienes que trabajar mucho sin recibir salario, porque tienes ensayos o requieres tiempo para esto o aquello. Y a veces siento que los latinos no pueden hacerlo porque necesitan trabajar. Mi experiencia con los artistas … eso es lo que he visto. Si trabajas de 8 a.m. a 6 p.m., estás cansada, no estás pensando en crear algo. No es que esté oculto, es que no son las circunstancias apropiadas. ¿Crees que la comunidad creativa del valle puede integrarse un poco más con los creativos latinos y superar esas cosas? Pienso que sí. También creo que es cierto, por ejemplo, que la barrera lingüística es real porque si no hablas el idioma o te sientes incómodo porque no lo hablas bien, es seguro que no tendrás confianza. … Por eso pienso que la idea del teatro en español es muy buena. A veces, yo misma tengo palabras que no puedo entender, y pierdo el interés por ver o escuchar las cosas que no logro comprender. Por otra parte, hay residentes en el valle que son de origen diferente o no hablan español,

¿Tienes medicamentos?

La bailarina y artista Gabriela Alvarez Espinoza improvisa un baile en el escenario de Sopris Park en Carbondale. Foto por Chelsea Self / Post Independent.

pero saben que estos distintos medios se están solidificando con tu trabajo. ¿Cómo crees que pueden interactuar con este tipo de arte de la cultura latina? ¿Crees que aún hay oportunidades para venir a verlo y apreciarlo? Sí lo creo. Para mí, las artes escénicas o el arte en general son más como una cultura. No es sólo lo que estás viendo sino también lo que estás viviendo, lo que estás viviendo en ese momento con la gente. Es como ver cuando algo ocurre. Para mí, se trata de la experiencia. ¿Por qué no venir? Es una oportunidad para pasar un rato con otras personas. El comunicado de prensa publicado por VOICES decía que los puestos serían pagados. ¿Sabes cuántos artistas piensan contratar? No, estamos contemplando posibilidades. Porque si no es para ARTery, por ejemplo, podría ser para otros proyectos. Como ofrecer talleres

creativos, hacer este teatro y el proyecto en español … o incluso ayudar a otros a publicitar su trabajo. Queremos que sea realmente una plataforma para creativos. ¿Hay algo más que las creativas latinas deban saber sobre el trabajo que estás haciendo? Para mí, realmente es una gran oportunidad. Creo que a veces nos asusta hacer cosas nuevas o intentar algo diferente. Pero siento que esta es una oportunidad enorme y que si tienes una visión o algo de lo que realmente quieras hablar, para hablarlo, cantarlo, pintarlo—lo que quieras hacer, lo que quieras crear. Pienso que esta es la mejor manera de hacerlo, a través de las artes, con un equipo que te apoye. Esta entrevista se publicó por primera vez en el Glenwood Springs Post Independent, ya imprimiendo noticias en español todos los lunes.

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14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 8 al 14 de april de 2021

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Rams football is back!

Seniors playing on the Ram's first football team since 2017 are Diggy Barajas, Geo Ambrosio, and Israel Medina (left to right). Photo by Sue Rollyson.

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

On a 67-degree Saturday afternoon, without a cloud in the sky, you could feel the electricity in the air — Roaring Fork High School Rams varsity football was back in Carbondale. The Rams may have suffered a stinging defeat in their 47–6 conference loss to the Manitou Springs Mustangs on April 3, but the enthusiasm displayed by players, coaching staff, and spectators could not be matched by the opposing team. The day's excitement focused on the return of the Rams varsity football program, which has been on hiatus since the fall of 2017. It made for a memorable home debut, to a season already refashioned due to COVID protocols brought forth by the Colorado High School Activities Association, the state's governing body for high school athletics. Before the game, Rams junior David Good sang an impassioned rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The importance of Rams football's return was not lost on the students, family, and fans in the stands, who showed their unwavering support. The 25-man roster consists of 17 players who are either freshmen or sophomores, which bodes well for players returning next year to continue and build upon the program. That lineup includes Rams freshman Max Bollock as starting quarterback and as a strong safety on defense. While the result may not have been what the team and the Rams faithful had hoped for, it was a brilliant day to have football back in Carbondale.

¡Se aproxima el Día Mother’s Day is de la Madre! not that far away! Invitamos a todas las madres con bebes nacides dentro del último año que tomen un retrato profesional con nosotres para la edición especial del Sopris Sun/Sol del Valle.

Now’s the time for moms with babies born within the last year to schedule portraits for our special spread in the May 6 Sopris Sun.

Llama a 970-510-3003 para hacer una cita para el 10, 11, 24, o 25 de abril. Fechas adicionales serán agregadas según la necesidad.

Call or text Mark Burrows 970-379-4581 for reservations on April 10-11 or 24-25.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 15

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 8 - April 14, 2021

Castle Creek Valley station completes local water-research network

By Natalie Keltner-McNeil Aspen Journalism

Observation Network (iRON), gather data on soil-moisture levels, which are key but understudied variables in streamflow forecasting. In the 2020 Western Water Assessment report for the Colorado River upper and lower basins, scientists emphasized that surface soil-moisture data — critical for streamflow forecasting and for monitoring the impacts of climate change on the hydrologic cycle — was sparse. Gathering data at all elevations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley provides scientists with a localized, clearer picture of how climate change is impacting the hydrologic cycle at the Colorado basin’s headwaters. The study of headwater areas is important because 15% of the upper and lower basins’ surface area — primarily the high mountains of the Western Slope, but also spanning mountainous areas in Utah and Wyoming — provides 85% of total annual runoff into the Colorado River.

Last summer, the Aspen Global Change Institute’s first subalpine soil-moisture and snowpack-monitoring station began transmitting live data to researchers, stakeholders and the Aspen water department. The station, which sits at 11,500 feet on Cooper Basin Road near the edge of the Castle Creek watershed, tracks soil moisture at multiple depths; soil temperature; snow depth; wind speed and direction; air temperature; humidity; and radiative balance. That data is made available online in real time. “The new station fills a gap in that there wasn’t information being measured at that elevation,” AGCI research director Julie Vano said recently. AGCI now has 10 stations covering the major elevation zones and ecosystems present in the Roaring Fork Valley. The stations, known as the Interactive Roaring Fork

A storehouse of data

The AGCI network gives scientists the opportunity to study how elevation and varying ecosystems shape soil-moisture retention. “People who live in the mountains know that everything varies a lot in a pretty small geographic distance,” said AGCI community science manager Elise Osenga. “You’ll have changes in soil type, changes in plants, even changes in rainfall from one mile to the next mile over.” As the network continues to accumulate data, it will create a local picture of climate change’s impacts on the water cycle. Throughout the upper basin, scientists have shown that snowmelt and runoff are occurring earlier than they did between 1950 and 2000. Every degree Fahrenheit of warming is expected to reduce upper-basin runoff by between 2-6%. Having a data record for a specific basin will give these impacts a local focus, Vano said. Since 2015, AGCI staffers

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The Castle Creek iRON station collects data such as snow depth, wind speed and direction, and radiative balance. Photo courtesy of Elise Osenga / AGCI.

have been submitting their data to international hydrologic and soilmoisture databases. “Since we started sharing, over 1,800 requests for our data have been made,” Osenga said. The AGCI is working to create partnerships with other soil-

moisture monitoring basins and research institutions across the West to share data, allowing for future hydrologic studies involving intrabasin comparisons. “Nothing is fully underway just yet,” Osenga said. Continued on page 19

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 17

The Why and The What of Historic Preservation

By Eric Doud Carbondale’s Historic Preservation Commission

been done under these state grants. The town’s historic commission can assist an owner in applying for qualified financial assistance in restoration and renovation work.

The Why Carbondale’s age and location provides an opportunity to develop as a destination for heritage tourism, one of the strongest areas of growth in Colorado’s economy. Studies have shown that the strength of local historic preservation can be directly linked with the number of tourist visits in Colorado mountain towns. Carbondale’s older buildings, while modest, represent a unique period in the area’s development: the coming of the railroads, early agriculture and regional mining history. There remains enough of the town’s historic fabric that a visitor to Carbondale can easily grasp those early days. Being situated at the northern entry to the West Elk Loop of Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byway, Carbondale is a natural starting point for many visitors exploring the area. By incentivizing exploration of the town itself, the visitor’s length of stay can be extended with a direct economic benefit for the local community. Not only is there an economic incentive for historic preservation, it also promotes a stronger sense of community and identity for businesses and homeowners. Preservation efforts contribute to the town’s cultural vitality and reinforce community pride by distinguishing a place. A strong community and a strong economy are inextricably linked; historic preservation supports both. By encouraging compatible development,

The What

Look familiar? Carbondale's downtown consisted of just a few solidly-built brick structures back in the 1890s and many of these buildings are still standing. Courtesy photo. an area’s character and cultural integrity is enhanced and protected. In fact, studies show that property values within a historic district typically increase at a similar or higher rate than areas outside a district. Moreover, there is no evidence that a local historic district designation decreases property values. Design guidelines and project reviews often result in more thoughtful development, helping a homeowner or a developer carefully consider a project in relation to its context. This process stabilizes the neighborhood’s fabric and can result in a more successful end product that has greater desirability and community acceptance.

In recognition of historic preservation’s value, economic incentives in the form of tax credits and grants are available on state and federal levels. Commercial properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places are eligible to receive up to 20% in credit for a rehabilitation project’s costs. State tax credits are also available for both commercial and residential properties, including owner-occupied homes, for up to 25% of the approved rehabilitation costs. Colorado also has a State Historical Fund that is funded through state gaming revenues. This provides grants to public and nonprofit entities for a wide range of preservation activities. Here in Carbondale, four completed architectural surveys have

The Town of Carbondale passed a historical preservation ordinance in 2007. Currently, it requires Carbondale's Historic Preservation Commission to review all building permit applications within the Downtown Historical Area (DHA) consisting of the Historic Commercial Core (HCC) zoning district. This area consists primarily of the original downtown commercial buildings along both sides of Main Street. Within the Historic Commercial Core, building permit applications are reviewed under Carbondale’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. The guidelines assist property owners to determine appropriate development within the historic district. The commission’s responsibility is to review proposed changes for the redevelopment of existing buildings and the design of new infill structures. The commission has the ability to provide suggestions to the proposed work to ensure that Carbondale’s historic heritage is considered. These suggestions are advisory and non-binding, but with the understanding that a project has the design responsibility to meet the community’s needs as well as the owner’s. In the larger view, a project that represents both sets of values can become Continued on page 19

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tours & info nights. Applications available at www.carbondalerec.com under CRCC Employment. Return to mdonnelly@carbondaleco.net 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 8 - April 14, 2021

Eighth Street from page 5

In a letter to Trustees, shared with The Sopris Sun, Buell cites the National Association of City Transportation’s determination that the larger a driver’s “visual cone” is, the faster they will feel comfortable driving. Rather than 10.5 foot vehicle lanes suggested by Alta in both options, Buell suggests hugging closer to the minimal standard for emergency vehicles of 10 foot driving lanes and 7 foot parking lanes with parking on both sides of the street to narrow that “visual cone,” thus prompting drivers to slow down. Dismayed by the outcome of the BPTC meeting, with

Option B recommended unanimously to Trustees after Option A failed by one vote, Buell has circulated a petition among neighbors that retains parking and reduces the number of trees to be cut down by using less of the town’s right-of-way. As of Monday afternoon, the petition had gathered 110 signatures, an achievement that Buell attributes to the collective effort made by her neighborhood. “We fully understand that there are problems with Eighth Street,” says Buell. “We fully acknowledge that something needs to be done. We want something done that fits our community's needs ... I don't really feel that's what Alta offered.” Eighth Street is unique within town as the only street that connects with Highway 133 on both ends. Its function

Castle Creek from page 17 Determining climate-change trends via iRON data will take time to develop. The first iRON station was created in 2012. Of the 10, six have been installed since 2015. As the length of the record grows, it will become increasingly easier to detect climate change trends, Vano said. Adding to the uncertainty, the Colorado River basin has been in an extended dry period marked by frequent droughts since 2000, marking “the driest 21-year period in the Colorado River basin in more than 100 years of record keeping and one of the driest in the past 1,200,” according to a 2021 U.S. Bureau of Reclamation report on watersupply security. “We have really short data records, and those data records exist within an already really dry period,” Osenga said of iRON. So, in order to gain an understanding of soil moisture in the Roaring Fork Valley, data from future potentially droughtless years is needed, Osenga said. While drought is predicted to become more frequent and intense in the future,

it is less clear how precipitation trends — which are the greatest drivers of soil moisture — will take shape. Some models indicate that precipitation could increase in the upper basin in the coming decade, which would reshape iRON’s soil-moisture data, Osenga said.

Don’t be so predictable While long-term trends from the Roaring Fork data remain ambiguous, yearly data provides useful insights for the Aspen water department in predicting spring- and summer-streamflow conditions. “When I’m not in meetings and other obligations, I’m constantly looking at data,” said Steve Hunter, utilities resource manager for the city of Aspen. To better predict spring streamflow, Hunter checks weather and snowpack data from national organizations such as the U.S. Geological Service and the National Resource Conservation Service. Hunter frequently checks data from the NRCS

Historic from page 18

economically more successful for the owner by becoming a desired and cherished building, as recognized by the community. Carbondale has many historic properties, both commercial and residential. While commercial building projects are reviewed by Carbondale’s Historic Preservation Commission (CHPC), there currently is not a review process or associated design guidelines for the residential component within town. The CHPC is proposing that the Old Town Residential (OTR) zoning district be included within a

review process similar to that of the historic commercial core. The current design guidelines will need to be updated to include residential development of historic structures as well as addressing appropriate infill. Over the years, the town has conducted four separate residential surveys that have provided in-depth research on many of its historic homes and commercial buildings. While some structures are within the Old Town Residential district, many homes fall outside its boundaries. Through this effort,

LETTERS for it. We believe that finding a location on the valley floor with better access to water and all services, one protected from wind, and with better egress is more appropriate as well as safer for everyone involved. Thank you, Michael P. Ballard Missouri Heights Sign guy speaks again

I and – hopefully soon – We hold these truths to be self-evident that all nature is created equal, that all of nature has rights. Among these rights are: clean water, clean air, and clean soil. The lobby system, along with campaign financing, has money-making federal policies. That is not Democracy. A place to make a stand is in your

as a bypass was exemplified last year when a large sinkhole suddenly spurred closures for northbound traffic on the highway near Main Street. The nature of Eighth Street is also notably different on either side of the Rio Grande Trail, with many large trucks turning onto Merrill Avenue north of that intersection. Shorzman encourages anyone who is interested in the topic to participate or at least tune in for Tuesday’s meeting. “The whole goal from my perspective has been to make sure the public is aware of this project and is engaged at this point in time. This is the time we can have debates and decide on tradeoffs. I didn’t want to have these discussions when bulldozers sit ready.”

Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) sites in the Roaring Fork watershed. The SNOTEL site at Independence Pass is closest to Castle Creek, which provides the majority of Aspen’s water, Hunter said. On Wednesday, the snow-water equivalent measured at Independence Pass was at 13.8 inches, which is 91% of average, calculated from data from 1981 to 2010. Snow depth, which is different from SWE, at Independence Pass was at 52 inches. At the Castle Creek iRON station, snow depth was at 53 inches. Hunter also tracks the information coming from iRON. Soil-moisture data ends in the fall, when frozen water begins accumulating on the soil as snow. In the fall of 2020, seven of nine stations had the lowest levels of soil moisture on iRON station record, said Osenga. (The Castle Creek iRON station was not included in analysis.) Of the two with higher water levels than prior years, one station is in an irrigated area, providing an artificial boost to moisture levels, Osenga said. Dry fall soil conditions mean that as snow begins to melt this spring, more water will soak in — and be absorbed by plants and the atmosphere — before running into local

a list of “structures of merit” has been developed and adapted which can be found on the town’s Historical Preservation web page. A “structure of merit” is defined as a building that has historical importance contributing to the historic fabric of the larger community. When designated as such, there are no regulations or restrictions attached to the structure. The designation is simply to distinguish the building’s historic integrity so that its value as contributing to Carbondale’s historic heritage is not lost. Owners of structures of merit are encouraged to consult with the CHPC when thinking about alterations to their buildings.

creeks and rivers, Osenga said. Hunter is holding out hope that more stormy weather could give the snowpack the boost it needs for adequate streamflow this spring and summer. “We’re just hoping we get a lot of snow and then liquid precipitation in the spring,” said Hunter. Deciding what’s important While the AGCI plans on expanding its reach through collaborations, the organization does not plan to add more iRON sites in the near future. Each site has been funded by a combination of partners, including private organizations, government entities and educational interests. “It’s supported by the community, which is really amazing,” Vano said of iRON. “You don’t see that often in the world of science. So, the community is really deciding that understanding these changes is really important.” Aspen Journalism is an independent nonprofit news organization. See www.aspenjournalism. org for more.

In addition, structures of merit are eligible to become “Local Landmark” buildings. When landmarked, a structure is recognized as significantly important to the character and the quality of the community over time. An owner also becomes a steward of Carbondale’s local history and supports heritage tourism. It’s worth noting that the Mount Sopris Historical Society, in conjunction with the CHPC, is developing a series of walking tours to highlight the town’s landmarked buildings and structures of merit. Starting downtown, four different walking tours are being proposed. These are to be coordinated with plaques providing background

information on the history of the buildings as well as audio tours available through a visitor’s phone. Historic preservation strives to maintain Carbondale’s originality and authentic fabric while strengthening that character. This can be achieved through thoughtful development regarding additions and alterations to historic buildings, as well as ensuring those buildings are not adversely impacted by new infill projects. Unlike many things, with each passing generation, the older a building becomes, the more valuable it is. As the fabric of the past becomes more and more rare, maintaining that fabric becomes more important.

Continued from page 2 Carbondale community. Sitting in various streets of Carbondale, I see people throwing their garbage on the ground, cars over-idling, full dump Bad reputation trucks with their loads uncovered and the wind dumping dirt out A murder of crows of the trucks. I see the same thing with the dumpster trucks, loads Conspiracy of ravens uncovered, wind blowing garbage onto the streets. I see outdoor Dark words for dark birds heating which should be a crime. What good are unenforced town ordinances? The Town Trustees’ material mindset is not what is JM Jesse needed in these times. How is it that a white man can legally spit Glenwood Springs at another person, but a Black man is knocked down and arrested for pointing at someone? I ask that the Town Trustees resign, and that spiritual-minded folk please come forward and allow us to elect Haiku #3 Why name everything? you. We, the people, need to collectively move out of these polluted Let all things be As They Are times and get onto a mindful path the children deserve. Life is a gift. “Just this” names all things. How we live our life is our gift in return. Jampa Thank you for your time, Social aka Stephen Horn Carbondale THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 19

By Mary Harris Roaring Fork Audubon

The world’s largest migration

The world’s largest animal migration is coming to North America! A portion of this migration will pass right through the Roaring Fork Valley; and, lucky for us, many will remain to breed, most of them returning to the very same habitat patch where they were born! Bird migration is one of the great wonders of the natural world. Roughly one in five bird species migrates. Our tiny broad-tailed hummingbird from southern Mexico and the large Swainson’s hawk returning from its winter home in Argentina’s pampas are among many coming to create new generations in our valley. These epic journeys are nothing less than astonishing; it’s an almost unbelievable feat of endurance, strength and stamina. Consider the improbability of a tiny, third-of-an-ounce warbler safely finding its nesting site after flying thousands of miles and braving storms and predators only to make the return trip a few months later. The journey is undertaken for the crucial task of reproduction. They must migrate to feast on the explosion of riches our northern summers provide. These warblers eat insects from dawn until dusk, gathering food to raise a family and, hopefully, enough energy for the return trip. Imagine our forests without these hardworking birds voraciously consuming insects that can threaten native plants. They tend our native plants by controlling insects and pollinating and propagating to keep everything in balance. They’re our natural gardeners! Migrating birds follow set routes that include habitats to stop, rest and refuel along the way. Many different birds share similar routes, creating worldwide bird “superhighways.”

Western Tanager. Photo by Shep Harris.

One of the greatest mysteries of migration is how birds find their way. Scientific studies on a number of bird species reveal several different techniques of bird navigation. The American Bird Conservancy shows a few of these methods: • Magnetic Sensing. Many birds have special chemicals or compounds in their brains, eyes or bills that help them sense the Earth's magnetic field. This helps the birds orient themselves in the right direction for long journeys, just like an internal compass. • Geographic Mapping. Because birds follow the same migration routes from year to year, their keen eyesight allows them to map their journey. Different landforms and geographic features such as rivers, coastlines, canyons and mountain ranges can help keep birds heading in the right direction.

•

Star Orientation. Night migrators use star positions and the orientation of constellations can provide necessary navigation directions. In daytime, birds also use the sun to navigate. • Learned Routes. Some bird species, like sandhill cranes and snow geese, learn migration routes from their parents and other adult birds in the flock. Once learned, younger birds can travel the route successfully themselves. Large migrators like hawks and eagles can use day-time thermal currents to assist them, but most songbirds must travel at night to avoid predators and to keep cooler as they fly. Although these skills make migration easier, the journey is perilous. It’s estimated that more than 60% of some bird species never complete a full round-trip migration. Our birds also face so

many human-caused threats along the way, it’s amazing they can make it at all. It’s a tough time to be a bird. In the last 60 years, we have lost a third of our birds. Among the many human-caused perils are the loss of critical refueling stops due to habitat destruction, night lights, windows, windmills, pesticides and predators upon landing. Windows are usually invisible to birds, and fatal collisions occur with frightening regularity. These collisions account for up to one billion bird deaths in the United States each year. Upon landing, migratory birds need to be wary of natural predators and domestic and feral cats. Free-roaming cats threaten birds worldwide. They were introduced into the United States several hundred years ago and are now the biggest human-caused threat to birds, killing approximately 2.4 billion wild birds each year. The first two weeks of May are peak arrival time for birds. They each busily settle into their preferred habitat of pinyon and juniper, aspen, spruce/fir, riparian, wetland, meadow, shrubland, even above tree line. Our native birds need strong voices for conservation and restoration of habitats, and those with available water are especially important as we face climate change. Talk to family, friends and officials about encouraging building codes to prevent window collisions and pet- control legislation. “If you take care of the birds, you take care of most of the big problems in the world,” says Dr. Thomas Lovejoy; and I agree. Get outside and enjoy the magic of the birds in our mountains with a new-found appreciation for the epic journey they made to get here! Since most of our migrating birds arrive from Latin America: ¡Disfrute de la primavera con tus pájaros! (Enjoy the spring with your birds!)

Everything Under The Sun 23RD ANNUAL

FRYINGPAN & BEYOND RIVER CLEANUP APRIL 19-23, 2021

Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests every Thursday on KDNK at 4 p.m. We will talk about the latest paper and feature a combination of live and recorded interviews.

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We deliver 4,000 newspapers every Thursday to 125 locations from Rifle to Glenwood Springs to Aspen to Redstone. For more info contact Todd Chamberlin: adsales@soprissun.com or 970-510-0246

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WWW.ROARINGFORK.ORG/EVENTS THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 20

Aspenite selected to participate in the 7th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition Longtime Aspenite Jeanette Darnauer was selected to participate in the 7th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition in Cumberland, Maryland. Her piece is among 68 photographs, selected from 800 works submitted. Darnauer’s submission, “Lily Pond Reflections,” was photographed at Chapman Lake in the upper Fryingpan River Valley.

L E N OW AS ING

A live stream virtual awards presentation takes place on April 10 at 4 p.m MDT. via the Allegany Arts Council Facebook page. Raised on a farm and ranch in Kansas, Darnauer's passion for photography started at age eight when she won "champion" ribbons at the county fair. Darnauer moved to Aspen in 1976 where she worked as a journalist before founding her strategic PR and Marketing firm, Darnauer Group Communications, in 1991.

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22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • April 8 - April 14, 2021

PARTING SHOT

LEGALS

Our Executive Director, Todd Chamberlin, was sporting an all American look during a recent haircut at Main Street Barber Shoppe. Mask by Roadside Gallery. Courtesy photo.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a Major Site Plan Review to allow the construction of a seven-unit residential townhome project. The property is located at 156 and 160 N. 12th Street, Carbondale, Colorado (aka Lots 1 and 2, Coco Palms Estates). The property is approximately 16,237 sq. ft. (.373 acres) and is zoned Commercial/ Transitional. The Applicant /Owner is Almdin Holdings, LLC. You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube at 7:00 p.m. on April 29, 2021. Search for Town of Carbondale Planning Commission April 29, 2021 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 1530 second delay while viewing the meeting. If you would like to submit comments regarding this application, email your comments or letter to msikes@carbondaleco. net by 4:00 pm on April 29, 2021. This email or letter will be entered into the record. If you would like to comment during the meeting, email msikes@ carbondaleco.net with your full name and address by 4:00 pm on April 29, 2021. You will receive instructions on joining the meeting online prior to 7:00 p.m. Also, you may contact msikes@carbondaleco. net to get a phone number to listen to the meeting, however, you will be unable to make comments. Wi-Fi will be available in the lobby of Town Hall and a phone will also be available in the lobby for the public to listen to the meeting. Please email Janet Buck at jbuck@carbondaleco.net or call 970/510-1208 by 4:00 p.m. the date of the public hearing if special accommodations are necessary to participate in the meeting. Copies of the proposed application are available on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org. Please contact msikes@ carbondaleco.net if you are unable to view the application on the Town’s website and would like to request an alternate method of review. Janet Buck, Planner

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a Special Review for Site Plan as allowed by the Kay PUD. The applicant is proposing 9 residential units with 8 on the 2nd floor and one on the ground floor of an existing commercial building located at 1629 Dolores Way. The PUD requires a Special Review for the increase in residential density and for the ground floor ADA compliant unit. The property is located at 1629 Dolores Way. The property is also described as Lot 5, Kay PUD, Phase I. The applicant is Cooper Duplex, LLC. The property owner is Cooper Duplex LLC. You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube at 7:00 p.m. on April 29, 2021. Search for Town of Carbondale Planning Commission April 29, 2021 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 15-30 second delay while viewing the meeting. If you would like to submit comments regarding this application, email your comments or letter to msikes@carbondaleco.net by 4:00 pm on April 29, 2021. This email or letter will be entered into the record. If you would like to comment during the meeting, email msikes@carbondaleco.net with your full name and address by 4:00 pm on April 29, 2021. You will receive instructions on joining the meeting online prior to 7:00 p.m. Also, you may contact msikes@carbondaleco.net to get a phone number to listen to the meeting, however, you will be unable to make comments. Wi-Fi will be available in the lobby of Town Hall and a phone will also be available in the lobby for the public to listen to the meeting. Please email Janet Buck at jleybourne@carbondaleco. net or call 970/510-1212 by 4:00 p.m. the date of the public hearing if special accommodations are necessary to participate in the meeting. Copies of the proposed application are available on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org. Please contact msikes@ carbondaleco.net if you are unable to view the application on the Town’s website and would like to request an alternate method of review. John Leybourne Planner

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • April 8 - April 14, 2021 • 23