Thursday, May 31, 2012

Back to my gardening roots

Reflection by Gerald Trumbule

I've finally returned to gardening, which was an oppressive burden in the days of my childhood. My Dad always insisted that my older brother and I help with the gardening in the community plots of Greenbelt, Md., about a mile from our house. It seemed an endless, hot, sweaty, boring task, especially because it meant we had to give up swimming that day.

Amazingly, when I visited with my nephew Robert Trumbule who now lives in Greenbelt, I discovered that by chance, he had the same plot as my Dad, some 50+ years later, and was unaware of the coincidence (or maybe he was putting me on).

Now that I have nothing but free time, I must admit I find gardening enjoyable, in a Zen kind of way, and am growing lettuce (too much), radishes, beets, beans, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and spinach. Fits in with future sustainability concept as well. And there's nothing like a really fresh salad with balsamic vinegar to eat while contemplating the ability of each seed to contain the blueprint for the delicious vegetable that is sustaining you.

Check you own (Colorado) voter status online and make changes

Confused by recent mailings and news articles about your status? The good news is that you can visit the Colorado Secretary of State's office and review and/or change your voter status. Once you're finished you can save it and it's done. Go HERE and get started.
1. Under View, click on "View my registration status".
2. On the right choose "Verify/update status".
3. Fill in your info and click on "Search".
4. You'll need to put in your driver's license number.
5. Make changes as needed.
6. Be sure to click on "Submit".

Go back later and see if it's been updated. Done. Be sure to actually vote!

Affordable Family Fun at the People's Fair! This weekend

This weekend marks the 41st anniversary of the CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair, and as always, much planning has been done to ensure that families have ample opportunity to enjoy the festival at an affordable price!

Within the Kids and Family area located in TWO locations (in the interior of Civic Center Park and a Colfax and Broadway), there will be opportunities for free and low-cost family fun! Along with the traditional bubble tower, there will be free crafts projects courtesy of KOSI 101, Home Depot Home Services, the US Mint, Wings over the Rockies Museum and the Girl Scouts on the interior of the park near the Seal Pond. The People’s Fair non-profit showcase is nearby featuring exhibits from roughly 80 area nonprofit organizations, including several animal welfare groups. The Denver Dumb Friends League returns to the People’s Fair this year with their Mobile Adoption Vehicle (located on 14th Avenue near Bannock Street).

Our People’s Fair carnival returns with inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides and other attractions as well as the highly popular quad bungee trampolines and a rock climbing wall. Carnival attractions are located in both Kids and Family area locations. People’s Fair tickets are available at the four main intersections of the park, as well as mid-Bannock, Mid-Broadway, and in the middle of the park. The tickets are good for food at the food courts, beverages at booths throughout the fairgrounds, and the carnival attractions, pony rides, zoo, and hamster balls.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Report from the Street

Some years back I met a homeless man who was living across the street from the block I live on. I've gotten to know him over the years, and he is a reliable source of what is going on "on the street". He now lives in an apartment with the help of Denver's Road Home program. He knows all the players in my neighborhood.

When I spoke to him yesterday, he said that the homeless have moved into the halls and stairwells of his building to get off of the street. They are well aware of the new Unauthorized Camping law. This of course makes it unpleasant for the formerly homeless now living lawfully in these buildings, but they don't complain because they don't want to make waves.

Congratulations Mr. Mayor, problem solved.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Long live Gary Reilly!

Thanks to Mike Keefe and Mark Stevens, Gary Reilly's prodigious writing will not disappear into the dustbin, despite his death in March of 2011. Instead, his series of "Murph" novels will be published starting with "The Asphalt Warrior". The launch will take place June 5 at the Tattered Cover in lower downtown, 1628 16th St at 7:30 p.m. Read the whole story here.

Gary and I worked on a number of projects back in the 1980s, including "The Heart of Darkness Club" and "Eddie Starr". We became fast friends and, unfortunately, great drinking buddies, thinking we were operating in the style of Charles Bukowski. This ultimately lead to our parting of the ways, and we had had no contact since then.

Strange it was, then, that I woke up on Christmas morning of 2010 with one thought - call Gary Reilly. There was no dream preceding it that I could remember, just the thought - call Gary Reilly. So I googled Gary that morning but could not find his phone number, although his address was the same. Would that I had driven to his house instead of putting the note I had written aside. When next I picked up the note and googled again, Gary had already passed.

I had saved all of our efforts from those days, including many photos and videotapes we shot, and all of our collaboration and communications with Rob Kirk, our partner and Hollywood contact. Rob had done his best to pitch our project, an "entertainment concept" in Hollywood, and although there was interest, it was deemed to be too "scary" and "ahead of its time". "Too far out", they said.

I "take a meeting" with potential producer Sheila Fortune and Gary Reilly. Note picture of Bob Dobbs on the table.

I hope to be able to publish some of this work in the near future. Hat's off to Gary Reilly and his publishers Keefe and Stevens. I can't wait to buy the first book in the series, "The Asphalt Warrior". See you at the Tattered Cover on June 5th.

Friday, May 25, 2012

On-line YouTube series

I've been hoping that this genre (episodic web shows) would improve, and these guys are actually getting there with The Grawlix. Good production values and filmed in Denver.

Stay hip - metaphorically speaking

It's Friday before a 3-day holiday. Get loose. Get past it.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Colorado MMJ Patients: Please Share

Press release from: Twirling Hippy Confections

CSP's "100 days of Heat" campaign kicks off the holiday weekend tomorrow in Colorado with increased emphasis on "impaired drivers".

Colorado public radio reports that CO had 185 alcohol related traffic fatalities last year, (still NO stats on Cannabis, CDOT reports numbers too low to track).

MOST IMPORTANTLY Be Alert and Drive Safely... Check your lights, buckle your belt, and pack your stash in a scent-proof container, get out of the car to medicate when traveling, reveal nothing concerning your patient status until the possession of MMJ becomes unavoidably obvious to the enforcement agent.

Please be responsible. DO NOT give these nanogram limiting douchebags anything to build false statistics about patient road safety upon.

this public service notice sent by www.twirlinghippy.com 303 922 3661

INC Community News May 23, 2012

www.denverinc.org

EVENTS

May 26 KILOMETERS FOR C.O.P.S

During this Memorial Day weekend, the Denver Police Department will host the second annual KILOMETERS FOR C.O.P.S. event on Saturday May 26, 2012. Kilometers for C.O.P.S. is a 5K Run / Jog / Walk to benefit the nonprofit organization Concerns Of Police Survivors.

This exciting 5K race will take place at 9:00am on the Colorado State Patrol’s driving track on South Table Mountain in Golden, CO. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female in each age group. Whether you wish to register to run or walk the race; show up to encourage runners; or donate funds to this effort, you can find details online at http://www.bearevents.org/k4c#!__k4c.; you will also find a schedule of events, directions to the driving track, and race rules at this site.

June 1 SUMMER OF READING KICK-OFF EVENT ON JUNE 1, 2012Denver Public Library is once again teaming up with Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park to launch the annual Summer of Reading program with a book drive, live entertainment, and special discounted park admission. Families will be able to sign-up for the Summer of Reading program on-site at Elitch Gardens on Friday, June 1 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Guests who bring a donation of a new children’s book to the Reading Rocket Bookmobile at the entrance to Elitch Gardens will receive $10 off Main Gate full price adult admission to enjoy a full day of rides and entertainment.

What: Summer of Reading Kick-Off at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Date: Friday, June 1, 2012
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Park is open until 9 p.m.)Location: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, CO 80204
Appropriate: All ages

June 1 COUNTY FAIR AT CITY PARK AND DISTRICT 8 ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Friday June 1, 2012,

6:00-9:00PM
Pavilion at City Park

Fun for the whole family, this event includes: The Denver Municipal Band, face painting, hat making, free ice cream and a chance to enjoy time with your neighbors in the most beautiful park in Denver! Sponsorships are still available. Please let us know if you're interested by emailing us.
Volunteers needed: we are looking for 15 to 20 volunteers to support our efforts at County Fair this year. We need help in setting up, cleaning up after the event, outreach to attendees, and a few other miscellaneous tasks. If you or someone you know would be willing to assist, please email us with your contact information, the time you would be available, and if you have any preference in your assignment.

June 2 ANNUAL PEOPLE’S FAIR

41st Annual CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair, produced by Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, a registered Denver neighborhood organization.

The People’s Fair will be held on Saturday, June 2 from 10:00am-8:00pm, and Sunday, June 3 from 10:00am-7:00pm at Civic Center Park in Downtown Denver.

Today the People’s Fair is one of the largest two-day festivals in the country with over 250,000 fairgoers, and is one of Colorado’s longest-running outdoor urban festivals featuring handmade arts & crafts, food from local restaurants, kids activities, and live local entertainment. Special features of the People’s Fair include a wine pavilion adjacent to the jazz stage, the Mural Project (groups of Denver youth design and create murals that share a central theme during the Fair), a Passport Scavenger Hunt, and an ever-evolving Kids and Family Area with kids craft projects, a carnival, and much more. For more information, please visit: www.chundenver.org.

June 2 COMMUNITY FORUM- CONGRESSWOMAN DIANA DEGETTE

Congresswoman, Diana DeGette invites interested persons to attend a Community Forum for the Northeast Denver portion of the 1^st Congressional District on

Saturday, June 2

1:00PM-2:00PM

Denver Public School Evie Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride St. (Green Valley Ranch).

Purpose is to discuss current issues such as jobs, economy, Social Security, healthcare and voting rights. If interested, please RSVP to Tricia Stevens at degette.RSVP@mail.house.gove or 303.844.4988 by May 29. Please advise 1) name of the forum (North East) and 2) the top issue you are interested in discussing as well.

June 7 DPL USED BOOK SALE

The Denver Public Library’s Annual Used Book Sale will take place outdoors on the north lawn of Denver Central Library, 14^th Ave. & Broadway, and features over 70,000 items -- including children's books, non-fiction and fiction books, along with CDs, DVDs and audio books -- all at bargain prices starting at under a $1. On Saturday, June 9, during the book sale, the Library will be hosting a special Family Fun Day presented by Mountain States Toyota with free activities and giveaways.

For more information about the Gigantic Used Book Sale, visit http://dplfriends.org/

Public Sale hours are as follows:

· Thursday, June 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

· Friday, June 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

· Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., from noon - 4 p.m., the Library will also be hosting a Family Fun Day activities presented by Mountain States Toyota.

· Sunday, June 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

June 7 CHERRY CREEK AREA PLANS TO BE ‘HEARD’ JUNE 6

The Planning Board draft of the Cherry Creek Area Plan is available for public review. Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the plan draft on June 6^th at 3:00 PM in the Webb Municipal Building, 4^th floor. You may view the draft at: www.denvergov.org/cherrycreek. Thank you.

June 12 NAVIGATING THE 21^ST CENTURY WITH FUTURIST GARRY GOLDEN

Tuesday, June 12, Navigating the 21^st Century with Futurist Garry Golden, 6 p.m., at the Denver Central Library.

Join civic and business leaders from across Denver to see how demographic shifts, technological changes and other factors will dramatically change the ways we interact with each other, find information and learn throughout our lives.

· How do we learn to better anticipate and lead change based on where the world is headed?

· How do we think about and plan for a future shaped by transformational change?

The presentation is free, but RSVPs are required. Email hmiles@denverlibrary.org or call 720-865-2045 for more information or to reserve your spot.

June 20 OVERLAND PARK SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION & COOKOUT

The Overland Park Neighborhood Association Is having it's 3rd annual Summer Solstice Celebration and Cookout. June 20th, a Wednesday, 5 pm till dark. It's the longest day of the year and we'll be celebrating at The Overland Pond Park. Bring the kids. Fishing instruction and all gear will be provided..

From S. Santa Fe, go west on Florida ( Circle K and Aqua Golf ), to Overland Pond Park, on the right . Plenty of parking is available. Come see our little jewel of a park. The neighborhood volunteers have been working for several years, to bring it back to life and it's a beauty! All neighborhoods are welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICES

STAGE 1 DROUGHT

Denver Water Board of Commissioners has declared a Stage 1 drought in recognition of current watershed conditions, including very low stream flow and predictions of more dry weather. A Stage 1 drought involves voluntary measures to reduce water use. Water should always be used prudently, but heightened awareness will be needed this year. The goal of this drought declaration is to preserve reservoir storage going into 2013, in case next year’s snowpack is also below normal. In response to the Stage 1 drought declaration, Denver Water is asking its customers to reduce outdoor watering. Customers can do that by:

· Watering only two days a week, and using a day of rain to skip watering.

· Only watering the areas of your yard that are dry. For example, if shady areas look fine, only water the dry areas that get the most sun exposure.

· Watering early in the morning or in the evening to avoid evaporation.

· Adjusting sprinkler systems throughout the summer, starting with the use of less water this spring. Don’t just set your sprinkler system once and forget about it.

· Watering two minutes less.

LEASH LAWS STEPPED UP

Denver’s Animal Care & Control, Parks and Recreation, and Denver Police are teaming up to help ensure the safety of people and pets in city parks this summer. As part of this effort, the city will increase park patrols and enforcement of dog off-leash violations beginning June 1.

As part of the stepped up enforcement, residents are encouraged to report specific problem areas to animalcomments@denvergov.org, or by calling 311. Denver city ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash and under control of their owner at all times. The city’s leash laws are intended to protect the health and safety of both the people and pets that enjoy visiting Denver's many parks and open areas.

Monday, May 21, 2012

City Park Jazz 2012 Schedule

Free Jazz Concerts in the Park

By Nina Snyder, About.com Guide

Denver's City Park hosts free jazz concerts from June 3 - August 5, 2012. Every Sunday at 6 p.m., the park comes alive with picnickers and jazz aficionados alike gathered around the bandstand near Ferril Lake. Concertgoers should bring low-backed lawn chairs or blankets to sit on because seating is not provided. If you do not have time to pack a picnic, a number of food and drink vendors set up shop near the concerts. Parking is free in City Park, but arrive early to find a space near the concert venues. Bike parking is also available at the free bike corral in the City Park Pavilion from 5 - 8:30 p.m.

The Adam Bodine Trio
Date: Sunday, June 3, 2012
Time: 6 p.m.

Los Bohemios
Date: Sunday, June 10, 2012
Time: 6 p.m.

Salsa Con Jazz
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012
Time: 6 p.m.

Tribute to Charlie Burrell
Date: Sunday, June 24, 2012
Time: 6 p.m.

Lionel Young

Sunday, May 20, 2012

NATO protest livestream now.

Livestreaming from NATO protest in Chicago:

Timcast - 5000+ viewers

7:04pm Denver time - NATO protest taking over streets

Friday, May 18, 2012

DENVER PARKS & RECREATION AND BIKEDENVER LAUNCH 2nd ANNUAL VOLUNTEER COURTESY PATROL

MEDIA ADVISORY

Bicycle patrol to expand the reach of the Park Ranger program

DENVER, CO — Friday, May 18, 2011 – TOMORROW/Saturday at 9 A.M. at Confluence Park, Deputy Manager of Parks & Recreation Scott Gilmore, Executive Director of BikeDenver Piep van Heuven, and a group of Bicycle Courtesy Patrol Volunteers will launch the start of the program aimed at expanding the reach of the Park Ranger program and to help educate park users about basic park and trail safety rules and courtesies.

WHO: Scott Gilmore, Deputy Manager of Parks & Recreation

Piep van Heuven, Executive Director of BikeDenver

Bicycle Courtesy Patrol Volunteers

Denver Park Rangers

WHEN: TOMORROW – SATURDAY, May 19 @ 9 A.M.

WHERE: Confluence Park

VISUALS: Scott Gilmore and Piep van Heuven will lead the large group of Bicycle Courtesy Patrol Volunteers and Park Rangers on a program kick-off ride on the South Platter River Trail. The group will be in their patrol uniforms.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Denver Steps Up Enforcement of Leash Law Violations in City Parks

Press release:

May 15, 2012 – Denver’s Animal Care & Control, Parks and Recreation, and Denver Police are teaming up to help ensure the safety of people and pets in city parks this summer. As part of this effort, the city will increase park patrols and enforcement of dog off-leash violations beginning June 1.

“There have been several attacks lately by off-leash dogs, and this has been an ongoing issue in many of our parks for years,” says Doug Linkhart, Manager of Environmental Health, Animal Care & Control. “The city has put a lot of effort into increasing dog parks, and we’d like to encourage people to use them.”

“At this time of year when we see more and more people taking advantage of Denver’s great park spaces, our responsibility to keep the parks safe for all citizens by enforcing these leash laws is something we take very seriously,” said Lauri Dannemiller, Manager of Denver Parks.

As part of the stepped up enforcement, residents are encouraged to report specific problem areas toanimalcomments@denvergov.org, or by calling 311.

Denver city ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash and under control of their owner at all times. The city’s leash laws are intended to protect the health and safety of both the people and pets that enjoy visiting Denver's many parks and open areas.

In 2009, the Parks and Recreation undertook a comprehensive effort to gather input about the need for off-leash dog areas. As a result, Parks & Recreation implemented a Dog Park Master Plan. The city now has ten dog parks for dog owners to safely and legally enjoy, including:

Berkeley Dog Park - Sheridan and West 46th
Barnum Dog Park - Hooker and West 5th
Kennedy Dog Park - Hampden and South Dayton
Josephine Dog Park - Josephine and 16th Avenue
Fuller Dog Park - Franklin and East 29th
Green Valley Ranch East Dog Park - Jebel and East 45th
Stapleton - East 24th Avenue and Syracuse Street
Railyard Dog Park - 19th Avenue and Little Raven Street
Lowry Dog Park - East 4th Place and South Yosemite Way
Parkfield Dog Park – 53^rd Ave and Chambers Road

The fine for having an off-leash dog is $80 for the first offense, $150 for the second and $300 for the third.

For more information about Denver’s leash law, visit www.denveranimalshelter.org. To view locations of Denver’s dog parks, visit Denver Parks and Recreation.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Open Meeting Requirements of the Colorado Sunshine Law

Click to enlarge

McNulty still spinning

Apparently Rep Frank McNulty, (formerly?) House Majority leader, has 3 Republicans and 1 Democrat excused from this morning's Special Session. Is he still the Majority leader? And why is he still spinning (from Twitter at 10:30am)

Frank McNulty ‏ @RepMcNulty

House is in for Hickenlooper's Special Session-will @hickforco push same sex marriage or join @COHouseGOP priority of creating jobs?

If "zero citations and zero arrests", why do we need a new ordinance?

from the newsletter "Great 8" of Councilman Albus Brooks:

One of the issues that need to be looked at with a fresh perspective is unauthorized camping in Denver’s urban core. No matter where you stand on the proposed unauthorized camping ordinance, I hope that you share my compassion for the “least of these” in society and that you are willing to help me look for solutions. We can no longer live in a City where it is acceptable to let people live and die on the streets. We can no longer live a life where it is normal to drop a few coins in a cup and ignore the pain and brokenness of humanity. What City Council is proposing, with the support from the Mayor, is not a silver bullet to ending homelessness, but it is a step in the right direction. While “homes not handcuffs” is catchy on a button, the reality of this ordinance is that it is focused on connecting services to those who need them, not locking more people up. There is absolutely no data that supports the claim that we will place people who want services in jail. The data we have shows no citations or arrests stemming from the Sit and Lie ordinance that was adopted in 2005. In studying other municipalities, like that of Colorado Springs, they instituted the same unauthorized camping bill in 2009 and have had zero citations and zero arrests.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Services, not just shelter, say homeless advocates

by Dave Felice

Discussing Denver's ban on “urban camping,” the police chief says nobody will be arrested just for being homeless; the city's homeless prevention program director says there's always some kind of shelter available; and an expert on homelessness says sustainable services cost less than temporary shelter.

Chief Robert White, Road Home Director Bennie Milliner, and Colorado Coalition for the Homeless education specialist B. J. Iacino joined six other panelists, including three from downtown neighborhoods, at a forum presented by Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation Saturday (5/12). Speaking from the audience, Councilwomen Susan Shepherd (District 1) and Robin Kniech (At-Large) made impassioned comments opposing the ordinance.

Councilman Albus Brooks (District 8) says Denver's ordinance is different from other cities because it contains an “assessment of needs provision.” Brooks, who sponsors the ordinance in Council, says there are “hundreds” of similar laws across the country. “We are hoping to help the most vulnerable (homeless) people get the services they need,” says Brooks.

Judy Schneider of Ball Park Neighborhood says the ordinance allows police to contact more homeless people on the streets and make more service referrals. She calls for a “thoughtful” approach to the problem, and says people will only get arrested for violating other laws.

Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association representative Josh Davies, also a downtown business owner, says the ordinance “forces everyone into more collaboration” and homelessness “is not someone else's problem.” According to Davies, “if there were a simple solution, it would already be done.”

John Maslanik of Downtown Denver Residents Organization says he hopes the ordinance will be enforced “humanely” and improve conditions for everyone downtown. “We remain vigilant of how the ordinance is enforced,” he says. Maslanik adds that the ordinance is defective because it has no permanent funding provision.

Antony Hepplethwaite of Occupy Denver expresses continued opposition to “any attempt to criminalize homelessness.” He says more people are homeless because of the country's economic recession, and calls for “compassionate approaches” to the problem. Hepplethwaite contends Councilman Brooks and Mayor Michael B. Hancock “did not consult the homeless community” before preparing the ordinance.

“My fear is that the law will be interpreted differently on the streets (and) compromise is difficult when one person has more power over another,” says Benjamin Donlon, a panelist who is homeless. “Actions are sometimes different from words.” In response, Chief White reminded Donlon that he has the chief's private phone number.

B. J. Iacino, Director of Education and Advocacy for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, says there are more people homeless today than during the Great Depression of the 1930s. She says housing solutions can actually save money and that a “punitive first step” such as the ordinance, is not warranted. “The ultimate service we need is affordable housing,” says Iacino, noting that police are moving from a protective role to one of enforcement under the ordinance.

“Outreach and sheltering are only short term remedies,” says Denver's Road Home Director Bennie Milliner. “We need to put people into housing.” Milliner also emphasizes that there is always some kind of shelter available. “If we need to find a place for someone who needs shelter, we will find a place,” declares Milliner.

Hepplethwaite says the lack of public toilet facilities is “dehumanizing.” Donlon suggests the city install self-cleaning public restrooms with a limited time occupancy as some European cities have done.

Several times during the forum, Police Chief White reiterated that an individual would not be arrested just for violating the camping ordinance. White says police would only arrest someone if there were an outstanding warrant for the individual or the person violated some other law. This led some in the audience to question the need for the ordinance.

Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation represents about half of Denver's Registered Neighborhood Organizations. About 60 people attended the INC forum.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF AN “URBAN CAMPING BAN” IN DENVER

Ed. note: This thoughtful piece demonstrates why it would be fiscally irresponsible to pass such an ordinance. City Council had better think twice about passing this ordinance tomorrow.

by B.J. Iacino
Director, Education and Advocacy
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

While we believe that no person should have to live on the streets to survive, and we share the goals of the city and business community to reduce homelessness on our streets, we have repeatedly urged city leaders to avoid policies that would criminalize homelessness.

Given the lack of adequate emergency shelter to meet the needs of our citizens in Denver, the lack of health, mental health, and substance treatment services for those experiencing homelessness, and the lack of adequate permanent supportive housing and affordable housing for those in need, creating an urban camping ban would criminalize survival activities for persons experiencing homelessness. This would essentially criminalize the status of being homeless even though there are no adequate or appropriate alternatives for them.

Such an effort would not only be unfair and shortsighted, it would also be counter-productive. It would force those without shelter into our neighborhoods and further out of sight. This would make outreach and engagement even more difficult. It would also negatively impact the quality of life in our neighborhoods as people without shelter would be hiding in alleys, dumpsters and cars throughout the city.

This ordinance would also increase costs to the city through increased citations, court costs, and jail days, essentially negating the efforts of the Crime Prevention and Control Commission to reduce jail days and system costs. It would also create additional barriers to housing and employment for those arrested for violating the ban, placing these real solutions further out of reach for these individuals.
Equally important, this proposed ordinance would divert our efforts from fighting to end homelessness to fighting efforts to criminalize homelessness.

What is the Meaning of the Camping Ban Ordinance to the Homeless and Denver's Neighborhoods?

News Release Contact: Larry Ambrose
May 11, 2012 (720) 490-1991
Saturday Forum on Camping Ban Ordinance
Sponsored by City-wide Denver Neighborhood Organization, INC

Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) will hold a public forum on Denver's proposed Camping Ban Ordinance as part of its monthly delegate meeting on Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. at the South Broadway Cop Shop, 407 S. Broadway (next to K-Mart, in the shopping center on the SW corner of Alameda and Broadway).

In a formal Resolution in April, INC had called on Denver City Council to postpone its May 7 vote on the controversial Camping Ban in order to give INC's member organizations time to study the complex issues surrounding the ordinance. The Council is now scheduled to vote on the issue on Monday, May 14. The forum program and participants are listed below:
INC Forum on Denver's Camping Ban Ordinance

Saturday, May 12, 2012

10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m

Broadway Cop Shop

407 S. Broadway (next to K-Mart)

Moderator Larry Ambrose, INC President
Panel: City Councilman, Albus Brooks
Commission on the Homeless/Denver's Road Home
Denver Police Department
Downtown Residents Organization
LoDo Neighborhood Assn. and Downtown Denver Partnership
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
Occupy Denver
A Homeless Individual
Ballpark Neighborhood Assn.

Colfax Marathon 2012 Saturday 5/12

Thursday, May 10, 2012

from House Minority Leader Ferrandino

Dear Supporter,

We had a tremendous response to the GOP's decision to kill over 30 bills in order to keep civil unions from coming to an up or down vote. Thank you.

Governor Hickenlooper has determined that the House GOP's failure of leadership is bad for Colorado. Therefore, he just called a Special Session of the legislature to find solutions for critical issues that were left unresolved. The legislature will once again consider establishing civil unions in Colorado, so that we have one more opportunity in 2012 to give families equality before the law.

The House Democrats are committed to getting all of this important work done on a bipartisan basis. We will continue fighting to get a civil unions bill the up or down vote it deserves.

Sincerely,

Mark Ferrandino

Imagine you live a block or two from a park where an event takes place.

by Dave Felice

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD

May 10, 2012

Imagine you live a block or two from a park where an event takes place.

Event operators know they aren’t allowed to use sound amplification before 8:00. But at 7:00, they start testing. Even with your windows closed, you hear the constant sound of “check 1-2-3, check, check” before you hear the actual event sounds. The police almost laugh if you complain of excessive noise. The single inspector for the noise ordinance normally doesn’t work on weekends. The 3-1-1 call center is closed on weekends.

Next, you notice you can’t park on your street because event-goers have taken all the space, even though there might be room for parking inside the park. You also notice it’s difficult to drive because cars are parked halfway into the intersections. Public Works will say it can’t issue “residence only” permits until a problem is demonstrated, and police won’t enforce parking rules. Even though the parking problem is well-documented as it is for City Park Jazz, nobody takes responsibility. You have no idea what to do when someone’s car alarm goes off.

You see people unloading all manner of seating and food and beverage containers. You may even see people toting their own a supply of illicit alcoholic beverages. At the park, you see people smoking tobacco and other substances.

You hear the sound of the event for several hours. Then, people start to stagger out of the park, talking loudly and slamming car doors. You notice some people relieving themselves and vomiting as they return to their vehicles. This may continue into the night, even after you want to go to sleep. Next day, you pick up the trash in your yard.

You reassure yourself that the suffering and disruption “activates” the park and prevents undesirable behavior . The majority of people who attended the event will go back to Highlands Ranch and never visit your neighborhood park until the next big event.

I assure you, this is not imaginary; this is reality. As stewards of the parks, you know proliferating sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages is wrong. You know admission events are wrong. Have the courage to do the right thing and keep parks for people, not profit.

If you do not deny the alcoholic beverage request for Ruby Hill, at the very least, require an independent audit from those who say they cannot afford to stage events without alcohol sales.

Back to something completely different

Regular readers may remember my posting of Ginger Baker footage (here) and the story of Jay Bulgers's documentary film "Beware of Mr. Baker". Here's additional footage of Mr. Baker being a thoroughly nice guy while introducing us to his polo crew way back in 1996. I still haven't had an opportunity to see the documentary, but I'll be sure to mention it when I do. It won the Best Documentary Award at the SXSW Film Festival and I'm told that it contains about one minute of the footage that Clark Burch and I shot (out of the 7 hours that I sent them), and that we get a screen credit. Whoopee!