Don't blame it on Bruce

Opinion by Gerald Trumbule

Mayor Hancock with staff and cabinet

Denver's Mayor Handcock is planning to ask City Council to place a referendum on the up-coming November ballot asking us to raise the property tax on the properties we own in Denver. It's got some carrots along with a big stick - you can read the details here. I just want to make one point: QUIT CALLING IT DE-BRUCING.

Yes, we know that nobody likes Doug Bruce, that he went to jail and that he acts like a jerk, but we voted for TABOR, regardless of who created it, and we are glad we did. If it wasn't for TABOR, you wouldn't even have to ask us to vote to raise our taxes, you could just do it, and the increase would probably be much bigger.

So quit trying to use Bruce's name to taint TABOR. This has nothing to do with Bruce and everything to do with our Taxpayers Bill of Rights, the one we voted for, the one that controls how you tax us.

Mayor Hancock, please have the balls to ask for your tax increase straight up, if you must. It's hard to be honest especially when you started your tenure by hiring too many "assistants" and giving out a whole bunch of salary increases to your bureaucrats. It makes it look like you get the presents and we get the pain.

And by the way folks, be sure to let your City Council person know what you think of this tax increase we can't afford (which could allow the city to keep an additional $44 million in 2013). They'll be voting to put it on the ballot on Aug. 13. Tell them you'll be watching. That's our Rights they are messing with.

Squandering opportunity in North Denver

By Tom Anthony
I-70 severed Globeville, Elyria and Swansea from the fabric of urban Denver in 1960 and they have struggled ever since. While CDOT has recently introduced a new option for a sub-grade I-70 after 9 years of studying the current viaduct, these three neighborhoods have additional challenges in being re-woven into Denver. From a planning perspective, a zoning map of our neighborhoods will immediately show the problem: we are historic islands of residential zoning in a sea of industrial.

While avant garde ecospeak has identified us as a "food desert" the real problem isn't lack of water or food. It's lack of people. Retail business 101 counts "rooftops" as identifiers of fallow opportunities, and the north neighborhoods don't have enough rooftops for a grocery store; not to mention a restaurant. Since FasTracks is placing a new commuter rail station at 48th and Brighton Blvd., our neighborhoods have the chance to overcome the "lack of rooftops" obstacle to convenient living: nearby grocery stores, restaurants and other retail. However, broad brush-strokes aren't going to suffice in a constricted urban zone.

With I-70's footprint expanding, I-25 always looming, the Stock Show looking to expand, densities looking to increase with Transit Oriented Development (TOD) around commuter rail stops, and a finite Platte River Greenway growing more significant with each day of drought, the north neighborhoods present a pretty planning puzzle. Yet, what is the official position of the City and County of Denver in regards to this? The City has begun a piecemeal plan for Globeville, virtually excluding residents of Swansea and Elyria from the process. In addition, the City has committed to helping bury 80 acres of toxic waste at the Globeville ASARCO site, deed-restricting the property to exclude any new residential uses adjacent the 200-unit Globeville Townhomes and the 600-enrollee Laradon Hall. Downgradient, the old ASARCO slag heap over 100 acres in size has been covered with dirt and called a "Natural Area:" permanently off-limits to virtually any human use, adjacent to the Platte River Greenway.

Nobody has asked the question of where a new school will be built to accommodate all the children of the new residents from River North and the other nearby TOD developments at 41st and Fox, 38th and Blake, and 48th and Brighton, not to mention 41st and Colorado Blvd. Garden Place and Swansea Elementary already deal with highway issues. Wouldn't it be nice to locate a learning facility adjacent the Platte River Bike Path, where children could access it safely via bicycle, and the daily classroom experience is augmented by river, lake and park far from arterial streets and interstate highways? Yet this land is in the process of being permanently compromised by the City and County of Denver.

Where will the 600 children attending Swansea Elementary School attend classes during the 4-year construction period for the new I-70? Will they be expected to sit quietly and learn while bulldozers and jackhammers construct the new infrastructure in their playground, 70 feet from their school?

Will the Stock Show and Purina continue to dominate the planning conversations for our neighborhoods? How much of the currently existing and mostly vacant industrial property will grow into residences and mixed uses? With the I-70 East Corridor DEIS and the RTD North Metro station project already underway, isn't it past time to provide some comprehensive answers?

All Things MMJ with Jessica LeRoux - July 29, 2012

Hey now,
some changes coming down the chute this week, including new chocolate tiering, a new Flavor of the Month, and an accurate pricing sheet! All that will be below the MMJ stories and political round up, and after the Sales section... so at the very least this week make sure you scroll down past the homework and read your new price sheet! thank you! 

Lil bit of Good news... due to the increase in demand for appointments to go give blood from people of all walks of life after the Dark Knight shooting last week we have extended the MCCBD for two more weeks Through August 15th, to give all interested in participating time to make an appointment and save lives. Thank you all for your continued interest in making a difference. Go to ANY Bonfils location, and Remember to use code 7165 to be registered as a member of the Medical Cannabis Community Blood Drive. http://www.rottenecards.com/view-card/?key=n7bqvjs2qf95m9sygtqqz6h69fggxcmt3tqq9mf7

Learn more and Invite folks you know to join us...  http://www.facebook.com/events/283082865132503/

http://www.npr.org/2012/07/27/157457847/l-a-council-bans-pot-shops-after-regulation-struggle 

This type of closure has already occurred in Douglas Country, Dacano, Longmont, etc, etc....http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/07/marijuana_los_angeles_dispensary_closure_denver.php

the latest stats from CDPHE on patient numbers, another minor uptick, but hell, we'll take the new patients, welcome Friends!http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/Medicalmarijuana/statistics.html

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/07/medical_marijuana_registry_statistics_up_colorado.php

As you likely already know I am personally supporting I-70 because I think it is better for Colorado than A64, but 64 has the cash, that much is obvious... y'all do what you think best!  http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/07/marijuana_george_soros_amendment_64_colorado.php 

With similarities in our legal definitions, this has unpleasant implications for our industry, I will be following this story in coming weeks.  http://helenair.com/news/local/state-and-regional/high-court-hash-not-medical-marijuana/article_4f872350-d386-11e1-aba3-001a4bcf887a.html

Mickey Martin's Coverage of the Harborside kurfuffle shows that we arent the only state where pooping in the pool where you swim is common in this industry http://cannabiswarrior.com/2012/07/24/save-harborside-and-no-one-else/

http://www.npr.org/2012/07/23/157248903/large-calif-pot-dispensary-threatened-with-closure

no wonder babies are always sleeping, inarticulate, and shitting themselves, Blame Mom! http://www.naturalnews.com/036526_cannabinoids_breast_milk_THC.html

Is your Grandma featured in this week's feel good story?... http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-07-23/news/fl-toking-oldsters-20120723_1_reefer-pain-seniors

I missed this last month, but here it is now... http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/06/22/155445980/when-patients-with-fibromyalgia-try-marijuana

Read more »

Trees add value

Tree Applications available NOW

The Park People’s

4^th Annual Denver Digs Trees

Fall Shade Tree Distribution

Apply Online: www.TheParkPeople.org

or contact The Park People at 303-722-6262

Deadline for applications: September 1

Tree pick-up: October 6

These trees are strictly for your yard (on private property),

NOT along the street in the public right-of-way.

(For street-side trees, consider our spring street tree program.)

Trees are only $25 each

and Free to residents in our target neighborhoods

(Trees this size usually sell for $100+)

Read more »

SUPPORT MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL AGAINST FORCED CHARTER SCHOOL CO-LOCATION

Press release:

Here we go again!

Denver Public Schools senior administrators and OSRI (Office of School Reform and Innovation) offered Manual High School to GALS

without informing staff, students or parents

GALS is a 6-8 girls only charter school seeking a building to expand through 12^th grade

Starting in the 2013-2014 school year, Manual and GALS will co-locate which means:

Ø  GALS would occupy the entire 3rd floor (no access to Manual staff or students)

Ø  GALS would have exclusive use of the small gym (no access to Manual staff or students)

Ø  GALS would have shared use of the cafeteria, but not “co-mingle” with Manual students

Ø  GALS would have shared use of dance, weight, cardio rooms and pool, but not “co-mingle” with Manual students

COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL!

July 26, 2012 from 6:00-8:00PM (Manual Cafeteria)

Mark your calendars:

August 2, 2012 from 6:00-8:00PM (Manual Cafeteria)

Joint community meeting with GALS – August 7, 2012 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM (Manual Cafeteria)

Public Comment to the DPS Board of Education – Monday, August 13, 2012 at 4:30PM

DPS Board meeting FINAL VOTE – Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 4:30PM

Coming up at 5:00pm today 7/25/2012

Editor's note: I'm looking forward to this one. I hope Sen. Michael Bennet is listening. Thanks to David Sirota for continuing to keep this topic alive.


5pm: Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi on how the LIBOR scandal is going to hit Denver schools and CO taxpayers on 630 KHOW.

All Things MMJ - with Jessica LeRoux - July 22, 2012

• Reeling and recovering....

  Hey Now,

Writing tonight with a heavy heart about the shooting rampage in Aurora. That mall is just miles from where we had our Blood Drive breakfast last Tuesday. I am not going to spend much time lamenting since there is no "why" that will make sense of that young man's deadly actions, instead I am going to focus on what we as a group can do to improve things. America really needs to wake up to the fact that Human Beings are a dangerous plaything and stop our violent & greedy culture if we still can. 

FOR THOSE FOLKS WONDERING WHAT TO DO TO HELP VICTIMS OF THE AUROA CO DARK KNIGHT SHOOTING. 

‎7/20/12 Bonfils has put out a call for donations - Types O- A- and platlette donors specifically, but also all types to replentish the 300+ units distributed to hospitals already for this violence. Call 303 363-2300 to make an appt. And remember to use code 7165 to be counted in the MCCBD which unknowingly was thankfully already underway when local need was greatest. 

Please share this info and help spread the word to all you know who may be eligible to donate blood.

http://www.facebook.com/events/283082865132503/

MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE. 

putting things in perspective: Blood from drive donors who gave at Tuesday morning's breakfast is already pumping through victim's veins. 

See Blood drive pix from Tuesday's breakfast kickoff. You will note that Bonfils gave the Donors a stylish blue shirt, if you see a patient shopping with you while wearing one hook em up with some donor appreciation! If you have one wear it to work to help spread the word! 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4440097446270.2185958.1404311582&type=1

and in other news

Tuesday is the day for delivery to the Springs, and all points south so get your orders in right away. 

wednesday delivery to Boulder, louisville, longmont, garden city, berthoud, etc... so lemme know if that is your route! 

Thursday is always the City of Denver metro area ~!

and this Friday I will be doing a live in store at Durango Healing Center in their new post Walsh-letter location from 3-7pm so my regular Friday delivery will be arriving early or on Saturday as routing for my event appearance permits! If you are in or near the four corners this Friday come meet some awesome folks with sweet new meds in Durango @  555 Camino del Rio! 

Read more »

Denver Area Labor Federation Names Sheila Lieder as New Leader

via Dave Felice:

News Release:

Date: July 20, 2012

Contact: Sheila Lieder (720) 314-2935

 

Delegates of the Denver Area Labor Federation (DALF) elected Sheila Lieder as their new President on July 16, 2012.  Lieder takes over leadership of the 55,000-member AFL-CIO body after John Fleck, who led the group for over 4 years, stepped down to become the Sheet Metal Workers Local 9 Apprenticeship Coordinator.  Sheila assumes leadership of the body immediately.

 

Sheila Lieder, a 30 year union member of Communications Workers of America Local 7777, has held many positions in her union throughout the years, including her most recent role as the Legislative and Political Director, along with acting as State Coordinator for Legislative and Political Action for CWA. She has also served on DALF’s Executive Board for many years and has been a tireless activist for workers’ rights at all levels of government. DALF's newly elected President is also a leader in the broader community. Sheila serves as the Vice President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, a group that promotes inclusion and leadership development of women in the labor movement.

 

As the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council for the Denver Metro Area, DALF represents more than 55,000 union members through its political and organizing programs. Founded in 1882, the Federation works with local and national labor and community organizations around policies and initiatives in support of worker rights. This includes support for union organizing, as well as education and endorsement of candidates seeking elected office. DALF also serves as a forum for the labor movement to partner with community organizations on issues that impact all workers, and those that affect union members where they live.

How to help by Jessica LeRoux

Update 12:41pm, 7/23/12 Medical Cannabis Community Blood Drive

Bonfils has 7 locations open till 7pm today and ready to take your blood for the MCCBD. call 303 363 2300 and make an appt or just go on in to your closest branch... make sure to use code 7165 to be counted with the Drive. Give a gift you made with your heart and save a life... Bonfils is calling for increased donations in response to the violence in Aurora CO which tapped Colorado's blood supply. Lets get out and help restock our hospitals while the need is still greatest.
https://www.bonfils.org/index.cfm/contact-us/donor-center-directory/

Update 11am, 7/20/12: Bonfils Blood Center ‏@bonfilsdotorg
Due to the overwhelming response by our community to the#theatershooting all appointments for today are booked and we can't accept walk-ins


As you know by now there are 50 Coloradans in area hospitals after last night's shooting at the Aurora CO premier of the Dark Knight movie. Many of us want to do something to help but are uncertain as to what we might do. A gunshot wound is extremely serious and many of the victims will need multiple surgeries in coming weeks, and that means multiple blood transfusions. Nobody could have known last month when talks to create the 1st Medical Cannabis Community Blood Drive began how timely this would be. Regardless of any politics or prior commitments in the MMJ industry please please please get out and Give that Blood in the next few days, it is critically needed right now. Traditionally in the case of a serious local accident or shooting rampage, Blood banks will call on law enforcement and Fire departments to step up their donations, but we already know that our firefighters have been physically taxed recently, so lets help shoulder the burden and do our part, it is easy to give something you made with your heart! 

Go to ANY Bonfils blood center and donate whole blood using code 7165 for MCCBD. the drive goes through the 31st, but these victims are in need of blood right now. No matter what your financial situation blood is something you can give easily. 

Here are links to the Bonfils locations that you can donate at. as well as links to the FB events page so you can invite friends. People who want to join our blood drive can be from any walk of life, not just MMJ people, so bring a non-cardholder with you and donate together. 

Call Bonfils at 303 363 2300 to make an appointment in advance or click this link to see the 7 locations you can choose from, as well as mobil blood mobile locations that will be participating! & if you care please share! https://www.bonfils.org/index.cfm/contact-us/donor-center-directory/

 http://www.facebook.com/events/283082865132503/

If I could give more blood today after donating on Tuesday morning I would, but I cant... so I really need you all to get out and donate if you are eligible. And not just you, but please forward this email, not just to your MMJ friends but to anybody who might be in search of a way to show solidarity and compassion for the Dark Knight movie shooting victims. 

Thanks for reading and sharing. 

Jessica LeRoux

Twirling Hippy confections 

303 922 3661 

Walkabout - July 15, 2012

This morning presented an opportunity to get out of my cave and walkabout the neighborhood on my way to the farmer's market at Colfax and the Esplanade (in front of East High).

I've never been fond of the 10ft "prison" fence they put up when they rebuilt the ($3 million) athletic field, complete with artificial turf.

 "Denver Public Schools Private Property"? Hmm...

 Despite the heat, the crowds were beginning to form at the farmer's market

 Lining up for Crepes.

Gimme some of that Fresh!

 This guy is not happy about the state of disrepair at the Esplanade. I thought they had the money to refurbish this classic statuary a few years back.

 But the "Site of the Future Central Recreation Center" gardens are doing well.

 Shining example.

 Interesting art at the back of the filling station at Colfax and Josephine.

 That Pesky Purple Pipe Water (with Plutonium) is showing up everywhere (16th at Josephine). I wonder if they use it on the near-by gardens.

 East High Block House gets a 2012 redo - not very artistic.

 Keith Norris, guarding the East High parking lot, was kind enough to explain that the cars there were from Denver Zoo employees and staff, who then take the Red Bus shuttle to the Zoo. 

Good idea.