Monthly Archives: May 2011

In his Open Forum letter (Saturday May 28) under the title
“Xcel—Negotiates for Cleaner Energy” a writer suggests that what
Boulder needs to do to achieve “more green energy” is simply to
negotiate with Xcel to provide it. It just so happens that the city has
spent the past several years attempting to do that as part of its 20-year
franchise renewal negotiations. Discussions ended in frustration last summer as the City
finally opted to let the Xcel franchise expire – with the overwhelming
support of its voters.

But the problem has deeper roots than either recalcitrant parties or
technological hurdles. Rather the biggest difficulty derives from the
history and economic model of the regulated utility industry. At a
recent smart grid utility conference, it was said that the best way to
understand the economics of regulated investor-owned utilities is to
look to the Soviet Union. It is a model not based on markets or
competition, but rather on a byzantine structure of tariffs,
regulations, and mandates that are set by politically incestuous
technocrats. The result is a system of rates and policies that
subsidize or burden various classes of customers differently, guarantee
monopoly revenues and returns, protect executives and favored investors,
block competition, and inhibit innovation. It is based on sale of
Kilowatt-hours and guaranteed 10% return on invested capital. Renewable
and environmental mandates simply end up as icing covering over a rancid
and crumbling cake.

The carbon fuel industry is entwined with the utility industry and its
regulators through deals, investments, and personal and political
relationships. The only way communities can ever get control of their
energy policy is to escape these archaic monopoly utilities under PUC
regulation and liberate competition and free markets.

Lynn Segal
Boulder Continue reading →

Let’s hope the proposal to create “St. Vrain County” from parts of Boulder and Weld Counties will get no traction. Its proponents will tell you the idea is non-partisan and will bring balance to county policy affecting the St. Vrain Valley. The opposite is the case. Balance is what we have now. They will tell you that a new county will lead to job creation, as though Longmont’s job creation has somehow been thwarted by Boulder County. The opposite is the case — a beautiful county attracts companies to locate here, and Longmont is thriving.

It is true that there are some angry people in the St. Vrain Valley who resent the county Comprehensive Plan, parks, trails and good planning in general. I know some of these people personally. They are rabidly opposed to the creation of public spaces.

If you want to understand what drives these people, and the politicians who will attempt to lead them, follow the money. Subdivisions and shopping malls make money for those who own the land and those who develop it. It’s the same old story, and we are not stupid.

Rusty Davis
Longmont Continue reading →

Couldn’t the current Federal Grand Jury witch-hunt against Lance Armstrong involving Federal facilities, Federal Attorneys, Federal assistants and an empanelled group of 12 (possibly 18) jurors spending countless Federal dollars (your tax monies at work!!!) be better spent providing Head Start funding for children in Los Angeles–site of the Federal Grand Jury boondoggle.

RC Lloyd
Longmont Continue reading →

I’d like to advocate for keeping the prairie dogs where they are at Foothills Community Park. Personally, I love the delightful and intelligent creatures and seek out running and hiking trails where I can enjoy them in action. To me, open space is not only for humans to enjoy, but also as sanctuaries for our native plants and wildlife. These areas are rapidly diminishing, and I feel these native species have every bit as much right, maybe even more, to be there as we humans. With our endless hunger to build homes close to open space and preserve parks and areas “for human enjoyment”, I wonder where prairie dogs are supposed to go. And if moving them truly is the only option, I’m curious why no one ever seems to consider the option of moving prairie dogs to mountain parks, like Heil Ranch. There used to be a thriving prairie dog community there…these colonies are now vacant, and would easily accommodate a larger number of “city prairie dogs”. Unfortunately, many prairie dogs don’t survive being moved…I think it’s important to consider the option of leaving them where they are and letting them live in peace.

Carolyn Meyer
Boulder Continue reading →

Boulder is considering whether it should ban, or put a fine on, the use of a product which is petroleum–based and does not biodegrade. Sea turtles have mistaken this product for jellyfish and have ingested it with fatal results. It has also been estimated that, worldwide, 100 million barrels of oil are used every year to generate this product. In 2007, San Francisco banned the use of this product in large markets and pharmacies.

What is it? The answer, Mr. McQuire, is two words. That’s right: “plastic bags”.

We live in a community, in a culture, that relies on plastic. We use it directly or indirectly every day. But what happens, for example, to that bottle cap that is carelessly tossed into the sea? One little bottle cap won’t make that much difference. Right?

Wrong. Some Albatross chicks on the Midway Atoll die of starvation and dehydration even though their bellies are full. Full of plastic.
Albatrosses scavenge the sea for food to feed their chicks, sometimes traveling a thousand miles. Small bits of plastic, such as a bottle cap, will float and can be mistaken for crustacean or fish eggs. It is estimated that two-fifths of the Laysan Albatross chicks born this year will die from eating plastic.

There is no giant sieve that can be used to remove the plastic from the ocean. There is no giant roller that can be used to pick up plastic from the land like it is lint. We do have the choice of limiting how much more plastic is tossed onto our environment. We need to reduce our usage of all plastic but let’s begin with plastic bags. Let’s follow San Francisco’s lead and then go even further.

Kristen Marshall
Boulder Continue reading →

Dear Editor;
Don’t say “can’t” to a scientist! Your Sunday 5/29 article that said “Science can’t eliminate tornadoes’ threat” is wrong!

Rather, science is prevented from controlling tornados by a four decades old UN Treaty. The ENMOD Treaty prohibits the modification of the weather. Government bureaucrats have interpreted that to mean that scientists can not research how to prevent death and destruction from tornados.

For example in the last four decades powerful lasers have been invented that might just blow a hole in the vacuum column of a tornado thereby destroying its destructive power. The need for this experiment is heard in the dying breaths of the hundreds dead at Joplin just last week.

There are other proposals to control or just steer tornados such as cloud seeding which is a proven meteorological technique on small scales.

The point is that science should not be constrained from saving lives from tornado destruction. Research is called for. Don’t say “can’t” when lives are at stake. Tornado research is a field neglected due to an obsolete UN treaty. With research, disasters such as Joplin need not happen.

Sincerely,

F Michael Maish, Ret
NOAA, Office of Weather Research and Modification
Boulder Continue reading →

You would think that the overwhelming success of this year’s Boulder Creek Festival would be enough to convince the city’s so-called “elected leaders” to leave well enough alone. But this current council is the most meddlesome and troublesome of all that I have witnessed in my 16 years here. I don’t know about you, but I saw 10,000 smiles at the festival which was being managed very efficiently. That the city would try to muscle in on it isn’t too surprising given their record of taking something perfectly fine and making it worse.

As for the city’s claim their federal trademark trumps the previously registered state one, my trademark attorney informed me it’s largely about establishing first use in commerce – so the city may be on the wrong side of the law and definitely ethics on this one. (But as we’ve seen, this is a somewhat ethically-challenged council, thanks to Osborne and Cowles.) The taxpayers provide this control-crazed council with a blank check for legal mischief right or wrong, and I fear for the organizers and owners of the Boulder Creek Festival which has been running smoothly for years.

Sincerely,

Don Wrege
Boulder Continue reading →

Several days ago the Camera ran a wonderful story about Boulder and its “dog friendly hangouts”. I would like to add one more venue to the list, at least for dog lovers.

Currently the Boulder History Museum opened its stunning exhibit, The Nature of Dogs.
With an unusual “dog” insight, photographer, Mary Ludington, has captured the nature of the different breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Called a warm photographic typology, Ludington’s photographs are full of insights into canine behavior . She has sought not only to document each breed, but to also to portray what’s inside “what appears on the surface of each animal.”

And as a dog venue, the Museum’s opening reception welcomed guests and their leashed dogs. A pet photo booth and pet gifts were a part of the evening. Don’t miss this unusual exhibit, here until August 14th. Images there of famous and not so famous Boulder dogs are a bonus.

Jancy Campbell
Boulder Continue reading →

As an athlete, former Race Director, and huge “fan” of Boulder, “Bolder Boulder Weekend” is the greatest weekend of the year – period. Cliff Bosley and his team organize and execute this enormous event with such perfection, it is simply amazing. From the orderliness of the wave starts, the fantastic aid stations and music along the course, to the massages, lunches, and other treats at the end, the 50,000+ runners had a perfect race experience. And, for the racers, families, and friends (well over 30,000) who stayed in the stadium for the Pro race and the very moving Memorial Day tributes, what was “just” a fun 10K quickly turned into an exciting and meaningful event. The Bolder Boulder is truly one-of-a-kind … somewhat, unfortunately.

In today’s (Monday’s) Business Plus section, Sean Maher refers to the efforts by other cities to become the “next Boulder.” I am extremely familiar with this on a firsthand basis, and would hate for Boulder to lose its moniker as the endurance sports capital of America. As such, and as a City, we should do all we can to bring in the next big event to Boulder; hopefully, the U.S. Pro Cycling Challenge in 2012 … and, maybe, one other.

The Bolder Boulder has a $10 million to our economy, and furthers the “Boulder Brand” enormously. Huge congrats and thanks to the Bosley’s for their efforts and success … now, let’s work together for “the next.”

Barry Siff
Boulder Continue reading →

Dear Editor,

Question: What do Boulder’s prairie dogs and seniors have in common?

Answer: Both groups want to stay in their current homes.

Instead of spending $36,000 to relocate “varmints,”, why not spend those dollars on creating ways to help seniors who want to “age in place” at home? And, at the same time, help struggling families who are trying to keep a roof over their heads?

Years ago, Europe had a tradition of helping partner young people/young families with its seniors. Seniors, who often had larger houses but lacked the agility and mobility needed to maintain them, “hosted” young people, who now had a place to live and could aid the senior/s as needed. The exchange of services for housing did not involve money. Both parties benefited.

How about using that $36,000 as seed money to set up a clearing center for a similar program in Boulder? Then both prairie dogs and seniors could stay at home.

Regards,

Suzanne Ginger
Boulder Continue reading →

Dear Editor:

The Carriage House is a valuable part of our community. It provides warm food, showers, health services, help with job placement, and help to people getting on their feet as new homeowners.

We disagree with the opposition that some businesses and residents have expressed toward the relocation of the Carriage House downtown, as well as their wishes that homeless people would simply vanish, cease to exist, or simply go somewhere where they are out of sight and out of mind.

One argument against the relocation is that having more homeless people in the downtown area will make it more dangerous. This is a serious accusation, and we have heard nothing to substantiate it other than: homeless people eat too many free samples at Alfalfa’s. Furthermore, if there are incidents involving crimes perpetrated by homeless individuals (other than “crimes” that really just serve to punish people for being or appearing to be homeless), then the individuals should be held accountable. It is unreasonable and unethical to hold an entire group of people collectively responsible for the actions of a few individuals. This is not simply a matter of political correctness, but a matter of fairness and accuracy.

Another argument is that a homeless population will decrease the appeal of the downtown area. This claim is even more absurd than the first, and is reminiscent of the ugly laws that banned disabled persons from the 1860’s through the 1970’s. It has been our experience that the homeless community has increased the appeal of downtown – every homeless individual we have met so far has been courteous, respectful, gracious, down-to-earth, and non-judgmental, and far more likely than the average Boulderite to offer a smile or hello.

Sincerely,

Timsy & Evan Apel
Boulder Continue reading →

Dear Editor,

There is nothing to be gained for homeless people, and much to be lost in terms of business and the general public’s quality of life, by keeping Carriage House in the downtown area. Not only do I oppose the proposed new and larger location at 1724 Broadway, I believe it ought to be moved away from the downtown area altogether.

Truly progressive cities like Santa Barbara, CA and Austin, TX are using a 24/7/365 homeless shelter/services model with everything under one roof. Boulder, CO — with its scattershot approach to serving homeless clients seeking help — is behind the times.

But, it doesn’t have to be this way! We have an excellent facility in Boulder Shelter for the Homeless at 4869 N. Broadway (right on the SKIP bus line) which could be kept open during the day, if only Carriage House and BSH would start working together for the greater good of Boulder County’s homeless people. Yes, this would mean that transients from Denver and elsewhere would be sent to the end of the line for available shelter/services; but, other cities have their own resources and it’s not Boulder’s duty to address all of America’s homeless who choose to come here.

Perhaps it’s a tall order to expect those in positions of authority to set aside their egos and personal agendas, but no progress can be made in re homelessness in Boulder, CO otherwise.

Max R. Weller
Boulder Continue reading →

Editor:

The Tuesday headline article about “Traffic Delays Projected to Triple
on Highways” raised some salient points relevant to the debate over the
future of our regional transportation. While the article discussed the
DRCOG Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan’s goals of reducing the
number of single-occupancy trips, vehicle miles traveled per person, and
transportation greenhouse-gas emissions, it then went on to explain the
plans to widen U.S. 36 from 96th Street to Interstate 25, add
interchange ramps at 120th Avenue, add hill-climbing lanes between Table
Mesa Drive and McCaslin Boulevard, rebuild aging bridges, and add
bus-rapid-transit lanes or toll lanes.

With the exception of the last item, all of these planned projects lie
in stark contrast to the stated goals of DRCOG’s Regional Transportation
Plan.

Later in the article, it’s noted that DRCOG’s traffic report projects a
“dramatic” increase in the number of people commuting via bicycle or
walking. Why, then, isn’t DRCOG focusing its budget on projects to help
facilitate this modeshift?

Sincerely,

Fred Ecks
Boulder Continue reading →

Dear Editor,

I would like to express my views on City Council possibly reducing the use of single use plastic bags. We see this issue as being a huge concern affecting the world and would like to bring this to light.

Single-use plastic bags are one of the most harmful waste products that has caused havoc on our environment for the last 40 years. These bags are consumed at a rate of 1 million per minute and, after being used to carry groceries and retail clothing items, become a hazard to natural wild life and pollute our cities. To make things even more concerning, as these single use paper bags do degrade after 1,000 years, they leave toxic chemicals in our soil and water.

Paper bags play as crucial a role as plastic bags in hurting the environment as they’re not always made of fully recyclable materials.

However, there is a solution to this or at least a way of making the affects of using single use paper and plastic bags known to the public, and that requires placing a fee on disposable bags and rewarding the use of reusable bags. Such cities as Washington D.C. and Telluride have already adopted this affective strategy and this idea has also been adopted internationally.

The benefits of reducing single use bags are as follows: saves consumers money, saves businesses money and helps keep our environment clean.

Thank you for your time,

Demi R. DeLoach
Boulder Continue reading →

THE RAPTURE was to have happened on May 21st according to the con artist Harold Camping an 89 year preacher from Oakland. There were many people who quit their jobs, sold their homes and left relationships. Mr. Camping destroyed thousands of lives. Well, May 21st has passed and the believers and the non-believers are still here on mother earth as is Mr. Camping. A billboard in Oakland stated The Rapture accurately.” You know its nonsense. 2000 years of any day now.” So why do people believe in such fairy tales? The answer is that we as a species are hard wired to believe. For survival as a species beginning over a million years ago and living in a hostile and dangerous environment children had to trust their fathers or leaders advice for survival. Those groups that banded together and had a strong leader survived to pass their genes on. So we are the recipients of believers. But times have changed and it is now more advantageous for people to think critically using reason as their guide and not believing necessarily what some person in authority tells them. This change is true in most of the world except for a glaring exception– the US. Peoples in Europe and Asia and elsewhere did not waste a minute of their time on doomsday prophecies.

Most of humanity has grown up and put aside childish ideas. They question ideas that make no sense. They use science as their basis for reality. After all it is science that has gotten us from small tribes of people scattered across the globe 50,000 years ago to societies with longer life spans, education and advanced technology. The US is headed in a dangerous direction where there are those who cherish the idea of the end of our planet. The Trojan Horse (dogma) is at our gates. Do we let it in?

Marc Tanenbaum
Longmont Continue reading →

We may be heading into dangerous territory by endorsing a Palestinian state set up with borders based on lines in place in 1967 just before several Muslim nations launched their surprise attack on Israel. For one thing, it shows Hamas, the Arab nations, and terrorists around the world that they can get what they want through intimidation. But if God exists and the bible represents His will regarding the Jews and the land of Israel, then we may have put ourselves in danger by going against God’s expressed will in this matter.

In Genesis 12:3 God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” Most bible scholars agree that this promise was passed on to Abraham’s descendents and through them to the Jews and to Israel itself. God was saying that if you harm or dishonor Israel in any way you will be judged . If however you honor, respect and protect Israel you will be rewarded. Joel 3:2 gives this additional warning , “I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.”

There is no doubt that there are two sides when it comes to Israel and the Palestinians and the desire of both to resolve the issues between them. Let’s just make sure that we come down on the side of God on this matter and that we don’t ignore the His warnings about what can happen if we disregard His will.

Dick Lentz
Niwot Continue reading →

The Daily Camera Advisory Board has spoken up about the B-Cycle
program, and I would like to address some of their economic concerns.
I don’t understand why every time any type of transportation costs
outside of automobile and air travel somehow need to turn a profit.
Jimmy Calano anticipates “not a stellar return on investment” and
predicts it may not break even or turn a profit for 5 years!
I would like to ask him how long it has taken for, say, the Foothills
Parkway to turn a profit. Or I-70. Or the Federal Aviation
Administration.
For some reason, any transportation that does not involve automobiles
or airplanes is expected to not only cost no taxpayer money, but
actually make a profit!
Automobile travel, as far as costs are concerned, is pretty expensive
from a taxpayer point of view, when you factor in the various
government road budgets, and not even counting the external costs to
society from car crashes, pollution, climate change, or our continued
involvement in the Middle East.
And no, the gas tax (not raised since the last century) and auto
registration do not come close to covering the cost.
When I look at government outlays, funded by the taxpayers, I do not
address each item as an investment that needs to have specific
incoming dollars quantified for it’s justification.
From those pretty tulips on the mall to our open space (and all the
rest), the intangible assets of living in the Boulder area need to be
looked at as a benefit that makes our lives better, and perhaps also
draws tourists and their dollars to the area.
THAT is the return on investment.

Art Paolini
Niwot Continue reading →

It amazes me that no matter how many things a person can
do, it’s impossible to find work in Boulder county. if one is a senior citizen.
I am a senior with an MA from a credible University.
I have emailed and emailed Craigslist but noone ever returns my emails, not even
a phonecall.

I can do customer service; take care of every kind of animal including horses,
do research, teach dance, act and sales and more.

How frustrating it is to not ever get a response no matter how many times I
email or put up flyers.

With social security at a standstill for increase, what is a person to do?

Respectfully

Miriam Paisner
Boulder Continue reading →

I would like to voice my opinion of the proposed building on what is termed a “Conservation Easement” on Davidson Mesa and South Cherryvale Rd. I respectfully ask, how is a 15,168 sq. ft. indoor riding arena considered conservationism? Doesn’t that mean to preserve the land as it is in order to KEEP anyone from ruining the open space by building on it?

I am very concerned about this, having been a Boulder area resident for 56 years. To see this happening on the Mesa is just devastating to one who has lived here all these years and delighted in the open space that, up to this point, had been protected by the County.

I have respectfully asked the County Commissioners to reconsider their position on this building and deny this location.

Thank you,

Sheila Albertson
Lafayette Continue reading →

The beautiful pristine open-space mesa south of Boulder is about to get a black eye! It seems that a conservation easement is about to become a massive building and private playground for the well-to-do and ruin the pristine environment near Davidson Mesa. Perhaps the 15,000 sq. ft. 30 foot high covered horse arena can host Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, or perhaps it will only be used by the elitest landowners to keep their hair from getting wet while riding their horses around in circles while entertaining their very special ‘guests’! The open space and views of that area will certainly change significantly! Why would the county commissioners allow the intent of the conservation easement to be subjugated in such a matter? How much of the view can money buy? LACK of conservation is extremely hard to ever undo! I now regress to the past with an emphatic statement of years gone by: “PLEASE don’t Californicate the front range of Colorado”… or is it too late? Let us hope not, and let the our voices be heard loud and clear!

Earl Sheppard
Clearville, Pa. Continue reading →