Denver Direct: October 2013
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Thursday, October 31, 2013
MAYOR MICHAEL B. HANCOCK IS COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!
Please join Mayor Michael B. Hancock, his Cabinet and department heads as they come together for their quarterly neighborhood Cabinet meeting. Hear a first-hand account of what is happening in your community and around the city. Following the meeting, all attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in a one-on-one dialogue with the Mayor and his leadership team.
WHAT: Mayor Hancock’s Cabinet in the Community
Give Denver SuperShuttle Drivers a Fair Deal
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
MAP OF DENVER'S SECURITY CAMERAS
Communications Manager www.videosurveillance.com
Portland, OR 97224
The Withdrawal of a Fracking Champion - Naysayer - November, 2013
Opinion by Phil Goodstein
Those who love fracking are disappointed that Ron Binz is not going to serve as head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Once a seeming public advocate against the monopolistic power of Colorado utilities, in recent years Binz has been the personification of thoroughly shallow environmentalists.
In particular, rather than pushing for public control of utilities or asking why pollution is as terrible a threat as ever despite all of the environmentalists’ seeming political victories, Binz used his power
on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to favor natural gas over coal.
There has been no reflection about what this actually means. In particular, it has come at the time when petrochemical corporations have engaged in new and highly destructive ways of procuring
natural gas, particularly fracking. But linking causes and effects has always been missing from the self-righteous wing of the conservationist movement. Nor is it surprising that Binz has been closely
allied with Bill Ritter, a corporate Democrat who, upon leaving office, gained a sinecure at Colorado State University as the head of the phantom Center for the New Energy Economy, a program to which Binz has had links.
Given the way Barack Obama has readily supported the Wall Street agenda and is leaning to okay a pipeline which will encourage the plunder of tars in Canada, Binz seemed ideal for Washington. Naturally, the environmentalists backed the appointment. Coal interests, however, squawked so loudly that Binz was unwilling to face a Senate committee, withdrawing his nomination to head the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Such is the legacy of an advocate who has come to challenge nothing of substance, merely advocating the replacement of one filthy source of power with another. It also shows how compromisers invariably fail, particularly when muscle, imagination, and a real vision of a new economy are vital to clean up the mess sponsored by the likes of Ritter and Binz.
Will the school tax ($950M) be voted down?
Are the backers running scared?
I'm not sure what they will do with this much more money at this late date. If they run those same TV ads (with the kids in the gym) any more our TV sets will start to melt down. When they call in the big pockets at the last minute (election in one week) it must be desperation.
PART 1 - MORE THAN METAPHORS - SLAM POETRY BENEFIT - October 25, 2013
I was privileged to have the opportunity to video the "More Than Metaphors" benefit hosted at the Damascus Grill last Friday. Amal Kassir and Kyle Sutherland put together an amazing roster of slam poets who rocked the house. These poets present a depth of emotion rarely found in today's world of hypertext. I was repeatedly brought to tears by the power of their raw energy in this new slam poetry medium.
Where does it come from? How do they do it? It is no small feat to slam through 10 minutes of rapid-fire recitation with such feeling. I am in awe.
The benefit raised $1324 in donations and a large amount in hope and love for the Syrian people who have suffered so much. I'll be trying to do my part by posting video of the poets as they are rendered from my computer.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
DAY TRIP TO ESTES PARK - October 23, 2013
We usually go to Estes Park around this time of year to see the elk perform their annual mating ritual, aka rut. This year, after the floods, we weren't quite sure what we would find. Our route would be different, that we knew, as 34 and 36 are still closed. The "Peak to Peak" Highway, what we call the back way, is currently the only way in to Estes and the Rocky Mountain National Park, and it's about a 2.5 hr drive from Denver.
The highway itself is in pretty good shape with some areas already repaved and much road work underway. In areas where the road had no shoulder, you could see the effects of water erosion that had nibbled away at the asphalt, but it was not enough to cause concern. However, occasionally seeing a five-foot ditch at the very edge of the road does cause you to slow down.
The area around the St. Malo church was impressive, as the flood had obviously poured across the road and left a large debris field around the church. Thanks to Ian Stearns for posting:
The traffic was sparse, but it was a weekday. Estes Park's main drag was nearly empty. The shops that were open had an official "inspected" sign in their windows, but many shops were closed.
Master of his domain |
Large calf nursing |
That's the calf on the right |
See ya! |
Friday, October 25, 2013
SCHOOL REFORM AND REACTION by Phil Goodstein - The Naysayer - November, 2013
Historian Phil Goodstein |
In 2010, Democratic Park Hill state senator Michael Johnston led a successful attack on teacher tenure in the General Assembly. Unions, he hinted, were the major obstacle to school “reform” and the failure of academies to serve as successful factories pouring knowledge into the heads of students. Such is the ideology of those who have crusaded to transform public schools into an annex of corporate America, complete with intense money-making opportunities. The more they have advanced, the more they have claimed further “reform” is necessary while they have endlessly demonized teacher unions.
This year, Johnston has been in the forefront of a campaign to hike taxes to pay for what he promises will be a uniform, well-financed Colorado educational system. Far from seeing that Johnston’s support is thoroughly ominous, the state’s major teachers’ union, the Colorado Education Association (CEA), signed onto the effort, leading the petition drive to place Johnston’s scheme on the ballot as Amendment 66. In campaigning for the proposal, the labor group has said nothing about Johnston’s past record or the way that more money has not benefited the schools. On the contrary, increased financing has usually landed up in corporate pockets while teachers are treated ever more like wageworkers. If the CEA had the slightest integrity, it would openly say this is what school “reform” is all about, clearly separating itself from the likes of Johnston and his past attacks on teachers.
By collaborating with a man who has viciously attacked it in the past and making Amendment 66 its passion, the CEA obscures why schools are in such crisis. Money by itself will not improve education. It will simply strengthen corporate domination of the schools. Those behind that push, such as Johnston, have a thorough contempt for unions and anything that interferes with their domination of society. Understanding this is the first step the CEA must take if it actually wants to represent its members, improve their lot, and make schools more than drudge-inducing institutions that more resemble prisons than temples of learning.
Rally Saturday Oct 26, at Noon, at the State Capital in Denver, to Demand That the NSA STOP DOMESTIC SPYING
Denver,CO
720-384-7084
A lifelong Democratic voter.
Email protestinthestreet@yahoo.com
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
UPDATE: THC NEWSLETTER by Jessica LeRoux
We've already found a glitch in the MITS system: System to track and regulate cannabis isnt even on line yet and we already have a major security breach in the website to set up owners to take the classes to learn to use the incomplete system. Holy FUCK! Not only is the website not secured, in and of that anybody can use it even if they are not in the CO cannabis industry in any way shape or form... BUT once you enter a license number (it could be found on any packaging, maybe in the trash, or on many industry websites), if you enter any badge number into the system that turns out to be a valid badge, that badge holders name automatically is filled in... giving persons with no business or right to know access to the name of virtually every person who has ever been badged in the state of Colorado... LEOs can be playing with the system right now, so can identity thieves… Oh and since the manifest system for transport of cannabis has never been secure now black marketers have access to the names and badge numbers they can plug into a manifest and carry their weight from border to border w/o a LEO getting a clue… great!
EZ VOTING - JUST SAY NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!
Monday, October 21, 2013
THC NEWSLETTER by Jessica LeRoux - October 21, 2013
Hey Now,
October 21, 2013 from 1PM to 5PM at the Department of Revenue, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214; Entrance B, Conference Room 110
October 25, 2013 from 1PM to 5PM at the Department of Revenue, 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214; Entrance B, Conference Room 110 (if necessary)
Sunday, October 20, 2013
NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME ALERT
Hey everyone. Just a heads-up that there was an attempted break in on the 2500 block of Franklin Street this morning at 5:45am. One window was smashed with two bricks and another window was attempted to be open by someone kicking it. Fortunately whoever tried was not able to get in the home. Just keep your eyes and ears open for anything suspicious!
Friday, October 18, 2013
I LOVE SNOW
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Shutdown Rally
Members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) gather at the Housing and Urban Development offices in downtown Denver to protest the closure of the federal government. The workers rallied at the same time a so-called historic agreement was being made public in Washington DC. AFGE represents several thousand employees at federal agencies in the Denver area, including HUD, Social Security, and the Environmental Protection Agencies. Representatives of the Denver Area Labor Federation and other unions, including Mail Handlers and Communications Workers, along with Jobs with Justice and the Colorado Progressive Coalition, joined the rally.
Monday, October 14, 2013
A Hootenanny Good Time
Saturday, October 12, 2013
NEWS NUGGETS from Dave Felice
You are invited to join Diane Ravitch for a tele-town hall discussion of the most challenging issues facing public education today. Diane’s recent book, Reign of Error, lights the way for communities to undo corporate reform and deliver equity and justice in education.“[Diane] is America’s foremost historian in the areas of education policy, she’s a champion of public education, she’s a courageous speaker and she’s a truth-teller.” –Actor, Matt Damon
(7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific)
I want a Nasal Ranger
Nasal Ranger® Field Olfactometer |
If we agree to any tax that allows for increases in the future without voter approval, we are giving away our TABOR rights to vote on all tax increases. Although an additional sales tax on marijuana of 3.5% may seem reasonable for the City of Denver, when added to excise, State and regular sales tax you'll stack up close to 40% tax on this humble weed. That doesn't seem reasonable.
One argument used by the proponents is that they will need lots more money for "regulation and public safety". I don't think liquor sales are taxed for these purposes, and that particular poison kills tens of thousands yearly. Additionally, regular sales tax on medical marijuana reportedly brought in $3,900,000 last year, and estimating that the recreational market is 10 times bigger we can guess that without any new tax, recreational marijuana could bring in $39,000,000 in new revenue. Can we get some perspective here?
Friday, October 11, 2013
NEWS NUGGETS from Dave Felice
We will be presenting the revised POFA Policy, Procedures and Fees at the October 22 City Council Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at 10:30 a.m. in Room 391 at the City and County Building. I have included the link to all of the revised information for POFA that is also posted on the DPR website. There will be a Public Hearing at this committee meeting and any of you are welcome to attend and sign up to speak if you wish.
BAD TIMING, MR. MAYOR
Opinion by Gerald Trumbule
As reported in the Denver Post: "Your activities should not pervade others' peace and ability to enjoy," said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. "Marijuana is one of those elements that can be quite pervasive and invasive. I shouldn't have to smell your activities from your backyard."
A mere 3 weeks before we get to vote on an (excessive) tax on our recently regulated marijuana, Hancock has outdone himself in his apparent hatred of marijuana. Here's a clip from back when Hancock was on City Council (8/07):
He was reportedly "outraged" by the 420 celebration in Civic Center Park and the recent pot give-away in which some smoked openly in public while the cops stood down.
"The organizers are going to have to think long and hard about the kind of risk they and their patrons will be taking by deciding to puff up at the park," Hancock said. "We are not going to tolerate it anymore. It's done. ... We want to make very clear, now and forever, and that is zero tolerance."
Wow, throw down the gauntlet Mr. Mayor. Trying to arrest 20,000 tokers next 4/20 should prove to be quite a spectacle.
Here's a link to the proposed ordinance.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
DPS Candidate Forum - Tonight
Candidates for At-Large (Michael Kiley, Barbara O'Brien, Joan Poston) and candidates for District 4 (Roger Kilgore, Landri Taylor) will be participating.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT - CRIME ALERT
DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Crime Alert |
On October 1, 2013 at about 9pm a woman was walking on E. 7th Avenue near Gilpin Street. At the mouth of the Franklin/Gilpin alley she was grabbed by two unknown parties who were masked and wearing dark clothing and tried to pull her into the alley. She fought her assailants and they fled the area. They apparently got into a waiting vehicle and when they tried to flee the alley they struck a dumpster, damaging the vehicle before they fled. The vehicle lost the driver side mirror and parts of the tail light and a reflector. The parts were collected and in checking with an auto dealer it appears the vehicle is likely a late 1990s gold colored Nissan Pathfinder.
Any one having information on a vehicle fitting this description that has new damage to the left side and the driver mirror missing is asked to forward the information to Crime Stoppers 720-913-7867. |
Demand better air quality rules to protect kids’ health
- Detect and repair drilling leaks
- Stop natural gas venting
- Use capture technologies on storage tanks
- Disclose chemical emissions
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
Boulder Creek Walkabout - October 2, 2013
Walking West on the North bank of Boulder Creek |
"Private Property" on the South bank |
Flotsam in branches gives an estimate of flood height at about 7 feet above current level... |
...including this tie |
Lots of debris in the creek |
Old bridge works |
Dead trees stacked on live tree |
Man-made gizmo |
Boulderites walk wherever they want |
Be careful where you park. This UNMARKED space two blocks from the mall resulted in a $15 ticket. You gotta be hip to the system, which we weren't. |
And by the way, don't even think about having lunch at the T|aco, unless you are seeking the world's smallest, two-bite taco for $4, although I must admit that the waitress did warn us that "the tacos are small".
Sunday, October 6, 2013
OUR SHIP TOOK A HIT and WE SHUDDERED ! BUT WE'VE CLEANED THE BARRELS AND OUR CANNONS ARE RETURNING FIRE!!
|
NEWS NUGGETS by Dave Felice
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Where in the world is Councilman Albus Brooks?
Let's see, last year it was 10 days in Kenya, last month it was a visit to China (picture above), and now a 24-day trip around Europe. Who knew representing District 8 required so much international travel?
(From Facebook) 10 months ago I was accepted into the Marshall Memorial Fellowship program, which allows emerging leaders to engage in geopolitical conversation; and improve transatlantic relations with our European neighbors.
Well.... today I embark on the 24 day journey over the Atlantic. My itinerary is as follows: DC,->Brussels, Belgium->Stockholm, Sweden-> Lisbon, Portugal-> Zagreb, Croatia-> Berlin, Germany. I am humbled to be a part of this group and honored to represent Denver (Especially Great 8) in these Countries.
Special thanks to my two favorite ladies Debi Gorton Brooks letting me go (kinda), and Joyce Brooks (mama) for flying to Denver and taking care of Debi and my kids.
And this from his current Facebook page:
Former? Is there something we don't know?
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Editor's note.
BLOG ARCHIVE
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2013 (346)-
▼
October (38)- MAYOR MICHAEL B. HANCOCK IS COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBO...
- Give Denver SuperShuttle Drivers a Fair Deal
- Denver Police Department Halloween Party
- PART 2 - MORE THAN METAPHORS - SLAM POETRY BENEFIT...
- MORE FUN - opinion by Larry Ambrose, INC President...
- MAP OF DENVER'S SECURITY CAMERAS
- The Withdrawal of a Fracking Champion - Naysayer -...
- Will the school tax ($950M) be voted down?
- PART 1 - MORE THAN METAPHORS - SLAM POETRY BENEFIT...
- DAY TRIP TO ESTES PARK - October 23, 2013
- SCHOOL REFORM AND REACTION by Phil Goodstein - The...
- Rally Saturday Oct 26, at Noon, at the State Capit...
- UPDATE: THC NEWSLETTER by Jessica LeRoux
- EZ VOTING - JUST SAY NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!
- THC NEWSLETTER by Jessica LeRoux - October 21, 201...
- MORE THAN METAPHORS
- NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME ALERT
- I LOVE SNOW
- Denver Rock n' Roll Marathon this Sunday
- Shutdown Rally
- Shutdown Rally this morning
- A Hootenanny Good Time
- NEWS NUGGETS from Dave Felice
- I want a Nasal Ranger
- SIGN THE PETITION
- NOW WHAT?
- NEWS NUGGETS from Dave Felice
- BAD TIMING, MR. MAYOR
- DPS Candidate Forum - Tonight
- DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT - CRIME ALERT
- Demand better air quality rules to protect kids’ h...
- CITY ISSUES ON BALLOT - Not in the Blue Book - Tha...
- Boulder Creek Walkabout - October 2, 2013
- OUR SHIP TOOK A HIT and WE SHUDDERED ! BUT WE'VE C...
- NEWS NUGGETS by Dave Felice
- Flying High
- Where in the world is Councilman Albus Brooks?
- No on AA
-
CONTACT US
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