Community Rights - a new way of taking back our power

This is the first practical idea I've heard for reversing our current corporate rule. I think this is worth your consideration. (11:46)

The Ugly Politics of Being the Change

by Wanda L. James
I recently read the Eli Stokols hit piece on Jared Polis “The Trouble with Jared” and I thought "the trouble with Jared?" How about the trouble with the Democratic Party. The “Trouble with Jared” is, he is a Democrat and it appears the rest of the Party has forgotten what that means.
While the Denver insiders fret about the fact that they still can’t control Jared, the rest of Colorado is cheering him on. Jared is a leader. Leadership was explained to me by my military father and my time in the military, I grew up understanding that leadership is sometimes lonely. Jared is always on the right side of being a democrat. Jared’s a disruptor, he always has been. He is out there being the change the Democrats wanted to see. And it appears he is always alone on the right side of history.
He was making the establishment unconformable when he started his schools for recent immigrants at a time when the Democrats in the state were campaigning on passing the toughest immigration laws in the country.
They were mad as hell when he proposed amendment 41 to limit gifts and free dinner from lobbyist to law makers. That pissed off a bunch of the “buy me and my friends’ tickets to all of ball games, galas and expensive dinners in exchange for my vote on your issue” elected officials. (Yeah, you know who you are)
Then there was my favorite move by Jared, he supported the cannabis industry.
He honestly supported it. He did not give the behind the door cowardly response of, “Well, Wanda, of course we support not locking up minorities, but I have tough race and I am too much of coward to actually let people know what I think” crowd. Jared was upfront about his approach. And like all of his decisions, he was unwavering and on the right side of the issue and on the right side of history. He introduced a bill in Congress to legalize marijuana only to have his home state actually do it a few months later and now the NY Times is calling for Congress to take up his bill.
While Jared is making the political class “nervous” they might be wise to tune into what the people of Colorado are saying. We are in desperate need of bold leadership and a vision for the future. To be honest, can any of you give one example of vision from any of the elected officials? Supporting Oil and Gas is not visionary.
The trouble with Jared, is that he belongs to a party that is increasing out of step with Coloradans and they are spinning their wheels trying to take him down a peg. He is rich, he is gay, he is outspoken and he wears bow ties with polo shirts. They have no idea how to handle him. And I love it. And apparently, so do the voters of Colorado.
In municipal elections, nearly 100,000 Coloradans have already cast ballots to ban or place a time out on fracking. These voters are not radical environmentalist, they are our neighbors in Lafayette, Broomfield, Boulder, Longmont, Loveland and Fort Collins that are feed up with the lack of action from our legislature and a Governor that is way more concerned about multinational companies that own mineral rights than homeowners and parents. They have taken matters into their own hands because the political leadership in this state has failed them. Except for Jared, he is listening.
I have never worked with a person I don’t believe in. When Jared and I discussed his campaign in 2008 for Congress, we decided to run on the fact he would be “a different” kind of congressman. One that is not beholden to the special interests. He continues to make me proud by proving that to not to be an empty political promise that changes his tune depending on who is writing checks.
Funny that the Democrats (and their staff hit squads) that are anti-Jared, are also the ones in the most danger of losing their seats. They appear to have no issue with selling their soul, their constituents and the person that paved the way for Democratic ideals in Colorado to continue to get a government check and free trips to meetings and dinners.
If the Democrats are in bed with oil and gas, the privatized prison systems and anti-immigration reform, then maybe we shouldn’t be voting for them in the first place.
http://kdvr.com/2014/07/16/udall-comes-out-against-polis-ballot-measures-after-legislative-compromise-falls-apart/

Agenda - Chive Fest Denver Neighborhood Meeting with City Park RNO’s

Wednesday, July 30, 2014, 6pm – 7pm
VIP Room, Denver Museum of Nature and Science
(Enter through the Staff and Volunteer entrance)

• Introductions – allphases, City of Denver, C3 Presents, theCHIVE
• Past City Park Events, Footprint, Attendance
• Past Chive Fest Events & Stats
• About Chive Fest Denver
o Attendance
o Event Footprint & Location
o Park Accessibility
o Parking and Transportation
o Security & Police
o Facilities
o Noise Compliance and Monitoring
o Open Questions

*Please be advised that a dedicated Community Liaison will be available to speak with the members of the community regarding Chive Fest Denver from Wednesday, August 13th – Sunday, August 17th. The Community Liaison can be reached at 303-681-7833 with questions/concerns throughout the event.

Your Rights (Colorado Constitution)

In order to assert our rights, acknowledge our duties, and proclaim the principles upon which our government is founded, we declare:

           Section 1. Vestment of political power. All political power is vested in and derived from the people; all government, of right, originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.

           Section 2. People may alter or abolish form of government - proviso. The people of this state have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves, as a free, sovereign and independent state; and to alter and abolish their constitution and form of government whenever they may deem it necessary to their safety and happiness, provided, such change be not repugnant to the constitution of the United States.

           Section 3. Inalienable rights. All persons have certain natural, essential and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; of acquiring, possessing and protecting property; and of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.

           Section 4. Religious freedom. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever hereafter be guaranteed; and no person shall be denied any civil or political right, privilege or capacity, on account of his opinions concerning religion; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be construed to dispense with oaths or affirmations, excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the good order, peace or safety of the state. No person shall be required to attend or support any ministry or place of worship, religious sect or denomination against his consent. Nor shall any preference be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of worship.

           Section 5. Freedom of elections. All elections shall be free and open; and no power, civil or military, shall at any time interfere to prevent the free exercise of the right of suffrage.

           Section 6. Equality of justice. Courts of justice shall be open to every person, and a speedy remedy afforded for every injury to person, property or character; and right and justice should be administered without sale, denial or delay.

           Section 7. Security of person and property - searches - seizures - warrants. The people shall be secure in their persons, papers, homes and effects, from unreasonable searches and seizures; and no warrant to search any place or seize any person or things shall issue without describing the place to be searched, or the person or thing to be seized, as near as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation reduced to writing.

DENVER ZOO'S RESPONSE TO UPCOMING CHIVE FEST

Below is Denver Zoo’s official statement regarding Chive Fest. (Aug. 16)

Denver Zoo discussed the details of the Chive event scheduled for Aug. 16 in City Park with concert officials and representatives from the permitting office of the City and County of Denver. We have learned that the concert is similar to other successful events held at the park that did not pose animal welfare issues and that the event meets all the requirements outlined in the permit. We have staff in place to monitor, respond to and care for the animals, as well as contacts for the night of the event should an issue arise.

 Sean Andersen-Vie

Public Relations Manager

Denver Zoo

2300 Steele St.

Denver, CO 80205

PH: 720-337-1418

BUY AMERICAN

Special to Denver Direct by Dave Felice

In an extremely rare display of bipartisanship and unanimity, all seven members of Colorado’s house delegation have signed a congressional letter supporting “Buy American” provisions in foreign trade treaties.
The letter – signed by Democrats Diana DeGette, Jared Polis, and Ed Perlmutter, by Republicans Scott Tipton, Cory Gardner, Doug Lamborn, and Mike Coffman – urges President Barack Obama to reconsider provisions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) treaty that would severely hamper long-standing domestic purchasing policies.
According to the letter’s authors, Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) and Walter B. Jones (R-NC), the current TPP provisions would have a disastrous impact on American workers, jobs, and manufacturers, and would result in sending of billions of U.S. tax dollars overseas.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a massive trade treaty currently being secretively negotiated among the U.S. and ten Pacific Rim nations, including Japan, Australia, and Vietnam.
The treaty contains highly controversial provisions which would encourage corporations to send jobs overseas, flood U.S. markets with imported food products of questionable quality, undermine Internet freedom, and empower corporations to attack environmental and health safeguards.
Pointing to the failures of the 20-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), critics term the TPP “NAFTA on steroids.” Opponents of the TPP say corporate interests are using a “Trojan horse” strategy of branding negotiations as “trade talks” to impose many non-trade policies that would undermine basic needs and rights of Americans.
Both Republicans and Democrats – in a broad spectrum of public interests from agriculture to religion – are opposing the TPP.

Hiring of police for the 16th Street Mall is reflective of a thoroughly bankrupt city leader­ship

from the August edition of the Naysayer newsletter from historian and social critic Phil Goodstein

No sooner had the 16th Street Mall opened in 1982 than department stores began to close along it. Though no major retail emporium anchors the road, it has been extremely successful as a people place. Even so, business interests, who have claimed the road as their own, have complained about crime along the plaza.

Rather than lobbying the city to make sure that the 16th Street Mall is adequately patrolled with the rest of the city, the Downtown Denver Partnership and cohorts have announced they will pay for more police officers along the road. In other words, the police are not public employees who serve to protect the population wherever they are needed, but are essentially private employees of downtown commer­cial and real estate interests. As such, it is unclear whether they are enforcing city ordinances or serving as the musclemen of the one percent.

For years, the police department has suffered the consequences of its rent-a-cop policies. This specifically refers to the way-it has allowed uniformed officers to serve as private security personnel for bars and other money-making venues. It has never been clear if they are guardians of law and order or mercenaries in the pay of the people writing their paychecks. When officers have brutalized victims in such capacities, the city has had the responsibility. The hiring of police for the 16th Street Mall is reflective of a thoroughly bankrupt city leader­ship. For so embracing it, Mayor Michael Hancock shows himself worthy of being the Naysayer of the Month. 

Denver Zoning Code Text Amendment 15 for Residential Growing of Marijuana under Colorado Amendment 64

I think what they are trying to do is prohibit outdoor, backyard growing of your six plants (or would that be 12 plants, 6 medical plus 6 recreational). Original A64's "enclosed, locked space" (your backyard with a six-foot fence) becomes "completely enclosed, lockable space" (their garage.)

"Assistant City Attorney David Broadwell says unequivocally (at 1:00) that outdoor home grows are against the law, but when Councilwoman Kneich asks where it is so stated (4:39), Broadwell admits that Amendment 64 doesn't make it illegal to grow outside. Broadwell eventually calls for NEW legislation to make it illegal to grow outside."
This is the implementation of that amendment.    

  

Amendment to the Denver Revised Municipal Code, Chapter 59, §59-2 Revisions to Address Limited Allowance for Residential Growing of Marijuana DRMC, Sec. 59-2. Former chapter 59.

Anyone care to explain?

(i) Gardens shall be allowed as an accessory use common, customary and incidental to a
primary residential use, and shall comply with all limitations generally applicable to accessory
uses stated in Former Chapter 59, Sections 59-87 and 59-88. In addition, marijuana grown as
part of a garden accessory to a primary residential use shall comply with all applicable
limitations found in the Denver Zoning Code, including but not limited to Section 11.8 (Uses
Accessory to Primary Residential Uses – Limitations).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the proposed “Chive Fest” at City Park

From: Parks and Rec 
parksandrecreation@denvergov.org

Due to the number of questions we've received regarding the proposed “Chive Fest” at City Park on August 16^th, we've developed these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) as a response, as many of the individual emails we've received share common concerns and ask identical or similar questions about the planned festival.

 In general, it is important to know that if and when an Admission Based Event (ABE) permit for City Park is issued to Chive Fest, the organizers of the event are responsible for the organization and monitoring of the event, based upon predetermined rules, per the ABE policy and Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) rules and regulations for event management.

 Please note that a permit has not yet been issued for this event.  We are in regular communication with the event promoters to work through certain requirements they must meet (outlined in the information below) and information that must be provided before they can be issued a permit.  Assuming all of these requirements and requests for information are satisfied, a permit will be issued.  This is the same process that would be put in place for any large special event/festival permit application.

What do the organizers plan to do to address neighborhood impacts regarding parking, security, noise, trash, restrooms?

The event organizers are planning to address the event plans and answer questions at a public neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, July 30^th at 6:00 PM at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in the VIP room.

What is an Admission Based Event?

The Admission Based Event Policy (ABE) was adopted in 2010, after approval from the Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Manager of Parks and Recreation at that time.  An ABE is any kind of event for which a third party has to obtain a DPR permit; and for which an admission will be charged, a paid ticket for entry will be required, or other considerations must be provided in order to enter the permitted space within a Denver park facility.

How many ABEs have been held in the City since the adoption of the policy?

To date, four unique events have been held per the ABE policy.  Examples include a VIP area for the Pro Cycling Tour at Civic Center Park, and an event at Ruby Hill Park to support funding for the future Levitt Pavilion.

 Why is this type of event different from any other event in parks?

In other events like festivals or runs/walks, the event is open to the public with no admission fee required.  This event requires a paid ticket to enter the controlled event site.

 What is the Chive Fest event?

The event organizer, All Phases Event Group, LLC, describes the event as a music festival to be held on August 16, 2014, from 12-10 p.m., in the large meadow area of City Park.  They have estimated attendance at the permit maximum of 7,500 persons and they have also applied for and received a license to sell alcohol on site during the event.  They have applied to permit the park for set-up on August 14 & 15 (7am- 11pm) and breakdown on August 17 (7am- 11pm)

Does the event pay for exclusive use of the park?

The event does not get exclusive use of the park since they have not permitted the entire park.  They will have exclusive use of the area they’ve permitted.  They will pay for each set up day, event day, tear down day and damage deposit for any potential damage to the park.  At present, the current permit fee for this event in excess of $10,000.

What is the City’s responsibility around the event and what is the Chive Fest organizer’s responsibility?

The City is responsible for reviewing the permit application for adherence to polices and rules, issuing the actual permit, and monitoring the event for compliance with the permit as well as all park rules and regulations.  The event organizer is responsible for management of the event in regard to: security, event layout, insurance, parking, noise monitoring, restroom facilities, trash planning and removal, adherence to park rules and regulations regarding alcohol, and any other issues regarding the event.

Has the ABE permit been issued already and how can an event that does not have a permit advertise for ticket sales?

Event organizers have not yet received their event permit from Denver Parks and Recreation.  Event organizers advertise and sell tickets at their risk as there is no guarantee an event will receive a permit. In this case, after submitting the application and event plans to the City, there are outstanding issues that need to be addressed.  If the organizer’s plans around these issues are further developed and sufficient for the size and scale of the event, DPR will issue a permit for the event.

How do event organizers plan to address people coming to City Park to listen to the concert outside the event boundaries, but not purchasing a ticket? 

The City is assuming “but for” this event, there are limited impacts to the park on a summer Saturday and increased attendance at the park will be attributed to the event organizers.  The City is requiring the event organizer’s plan to address and pay for increased trash removal, portable restrooms, parking options, and security due to this anticipated demand.

Noise has been a major concern among neighbors, specifically how the noise levels at the park will be monitored and how it will impact animals at Denver Zoo?

The event organizers will be required to adhere to the Denver Revised Municipal Code (DRMC) regarding noise levels. The current plan is to have a designated DPR staff person take decibel readings at various intervals throughout the day, and post these readings on the City of Denver Parks and Recreation Facebook page to inform neighbors of adherence or violation of required levels.  If levels are exceeded at various locations, the organizers have agreed in writing, to reduce noise levels to allowable levels.  The decibel levels set per DRMC protect the Zoo animals, as well as humans.  In addition, the event organizers have been asked to discuss their plans directly with the zoo in an effort to clear up any concerns and answer questions they may have regarding the planned music festival.

How does this event differ from the music event that was planned in 2008?

Event organizers who planned to conduct a music festival in 2008 voluntarily withdrew their permit application so the event did not take place.    At the time, the ABE policy was not in place to address these types of events in parks.  There are two major differences between Chive Fest and the music festival planned back in 2008.  The first is that the 2008 event was a three day (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) music festival whereas Chive Fest is one day.  The second is that the 2008 event restricted attendance to 53,000 people while the maximum attendance for Chive Fest is 7,500.

Will smoking be allowed in the permitted area?  

Yes, tobacco smoking will be permitted during the event. DPR park rules allow for smoking in public parks.  However, public consumption, display, transfer or sale of marijuana is strictly prohibited.

Will there be public access to City Park during this event?

Yes, the remainder of City Park will be open during the event.  The meadow area and the roadway (north of the meadow area) will be closed during set-up, event date, and take-down of the event.  Minor road closures due to the event will be necessary and detailed by the event organizer at the public meeting.

Regards,

Denver Parks and Recreation

City Charter § 2.4.5 - Sale and leasing of parks.

Without the approval of a majority of those registered electors voting in an
election held by the City and County of Denver, no park or portion of any
park belonging to the City as of December 31, 1955, shall be sold or leased
at any time, and no land acquired by the City after December 31, 1955, that
is designated a park by ordinance shall be sold or leased at any time,
provided, however, that property in parks may be leased for park purposes
to concessionaires, to charitable or nonprofit organizations, or to
governmental jurisdictions. All such leases shall require the approval of
Council as provided for in Article III of this Charter. No land acquired by the
City after December 31, 1955, shall be deemed a park unless specifically
designated a park by ordinance.

IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE OUTSIDE THE MUSEUM

Hello Museum Neighbors,

IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE OUTSIDE THE MUSEUM

We wanted to share some exciting news about the landscaping and upgrades around the Museum. These improvements will enhance the experience for museum visitors, park visitors and neighbors alike.

SOUTH SIDE OF MUSEUM

The new landscaping on the south side of the Museum will be completed this month. To give the new landscaping time to establish itself, the orange fencing will remain in place until early fall. As part of the Museum’s ongoing green initiative, the new landscaping features native, low-water plants.

We will place a totem pole from our Anthropology collections in the park, just south of the Morgridge Family Exploration Center and Boettcher Plaza. At 24 feet tall, the totem pole is too tall to display inside the Museum, and importantly, since totem poles are meant to be on display outside so that the natural decay process can return it to Mother Earth, its planned location in City Park is very fitting.

WEST SIDE OF BUILDING

In response to your feedback, we are working with Denver Parks and Recreation to make improvements outside the building This summer, the Museum will begin upgrading the landscaping on the west side of the building. As part of this process, the bear statue, Grizzly’s Last Stand, will be removed from its current location and go into hibernation for several weeks. When the statue re-emerges in early fall, it will be relocated farther south on the west side of the Museum and placed in landscaping that represents its natural habitat. Grizzly’s Last Stand has enjoyed many locations over the years, and we’re confident he’ll feel right at home in his new and ‘landscape-improved’ location.

While Grizzly’s Last Stand is hibernating, we encourage you to share your photos and memories on our Facebook page or use #dmnsgrizzly on Twitter and Instagram.

We’re also excited to announce that early this fall we will install a bronze sculpture on the west side of the building commemorating our Snowmastodon Project™ – the discovery and excavation of a trove of Ice Age fossils.

Sincerely,

Maura O’Neal
Communications and Media Relations Manager

CHIVE FEST TOWN MEETING WED. JULY 30th

Via Dave Felice

From: Kelsey Brown <kelsey@allphases.com>

Subject: Chive Fest Denver - City Park - Meeting Notification

To whom it may concern: 

On behalf of Chive Fest Denver we would like to make the City Park Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNO's) aware of the upcoming town meeting being held to discuss the details of the Chive Fest event, permit pending for August 16th, 2014 in City Park's East Meadow Lawn. 

This meeting will be held in the VIP Room of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205) on Wednesday, July 30th from 6pm - 7pm. 

Representatives from the City of Denver as well as event producers of Chive Fest will be in attendance to communicate how the event will be well organized to limit impacts to City Park's surrounding neighbors.

We look forward to hearing from you on July 30th.

-- 

Thanks,
Kelsey

allphases

kelsey brown  

ACCOUNT MANAGER

 

D  720 304 9006 ext 140

F  720 221 0481

 

E  kelsey@allphases.com

CHIVE FEST PERMIT NOT YET GRANTED AS OF 5:45 PM, MON 7/21/2014

See for yourself here. Go to August 16 on the calendar.

KING SOOPERS RECALL ALERT - PEACHES, NECTARINES, PLUMS AND PLUMCOTS

Albus Brooks (Denver City Councilman) and Downtown Denver never intended to help the ‪‎homeless‬

from Occupy Denver on FB

Here's proof @DenCityCouncil, Albus Brooks: Denver City Councilman and Downtown Denver never intended to help the ‪#‎homeless‬ like they claimed when they passed this inhumane ban!

There are STILL not enough beds for all the homeless in ‪#‎Denver‬ and they have not increased services, BUT they have $1.8 MILLION for 10 more cops, arrest and detention services.

Whereas, if they truly wanted to help the homeless, they could have spent that same $1.8 MILLION and got 360 homes like this to house the‪#‎houseless‬!

This 3D-printed house costs less than US$5,000 dollars and is made out of recycled materials. The Chinese company that’s producing these homes can print 10 houses every 24 hours.

Read more: http://bit.ly/1m7ddUA

KEEP CALM AND CHIVE OFF - THE HANCOCK RULE

Opinion by Gerald Trumbule

In  a telephone conversation (7/17) with a DPR staff member I was told: "We  cannot discriminate among applicants for Permits. If they meet all of the qualifications, they will be granted a Permit." As  you will see below in the Department Policy and Procedures - Admission Based Events, no criteria are set for the applicant's purpose.

At one of the Task Force meetings mentioned in section 4.0 (pg 3) a citizen reportedly raised the question as to whether DPR would permit a KKK rally. The answer: "we would have to consider it."

So according to DPR, any discussion about the character of the Resig brothers, their websites, their alcohol distribution company, their KCCO brand, or their sexist method of promotion, is moot.

Also note Sec. 3.1 (pg2) "Under section 2.4.4 of the City Charter, the management, operation and control all parks and facilities owned by the City and County of Denver for park and recreational purposes are under the exclusive control DPR and its Manager." 

Let's call this the Hancock Rule: Chive Off (meaning, I'm the boss and you are not).

 

CHIVE FEST PERMIT NOT YET GRANTED AS OF 10:45 AM, SAT 7/19/2014

See for yourself here. Go to August 16 on the calendar.

DENVER SET TO PULL IN THE BIG BUCKS WHEN CHIVE FEST IS PERMITTED

Let's see - 7500 people = $1785 (with alcohol) x .5 (non-profit) = $892.50. Wow, that will go a long way toward - something. (Ed. Plus 15% of gross ticket sales.)

BTW, as of 7:00 am Friday, 7/18, the Chive Fest is still listed as "permit pending". When do you think DPR will actually grant the permit? Perhaps over this weekend?

City Park Friends And Neighbors (CPFAN.org) weighs in on CHIVE FEST

This letter was sent to Mayor Michael Hancock today to protest large events in City Park, in particular the upcoming Chive Fest. Dear Mayor Hancock, Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read my letter.  I am a VOTER and  the President of City Park Friends And Neighbors (CPFAN.org) a relatively new Recognized Neighborhood Organization (RNO) that was born out of the successful StopCityLoop (StopCityLoop.org) effort, by hundreds of neighborhood VOTERS.  CPFAN's Mission Statement is:  “Actively Protect the Classical Pastoral Character of City Park." We would like to convey to you, as VOTERS, our opposition to large, festivals  being held in City Park, in general, and theChivefest.com in particular. The for profit Chivefest promoters (NOT VOTERS) expect to sell 7500 tickets to the event ranging in price from $70 - $285 and young revelers will be able to buy and guzzle beer, wine and hard liquor during the entire event that is scheduled to run from Noon - 10PM on August 16, 2014.  The promised entertainment  includes two band stands performing at all times with eight different bands ( definitely NOT family fare)  with "sonic sound" blasting neighborhood VOTERS and Zoo Animals. The out of town promoters ( NOT VOTERS) have  also  promised fireworks, blimps and Chive Girls. Take a look at the Chivefest video and you can see a Chive Girl "strutting her stuff" for the camera. Doesn't this smack of offensive sexism and exploitation of women even if they are donating a tiny part of their profits to charity? Hasn't the city of Denver moved beyond this kind of cheap commercial exploitation?   Of course, the promoters will by hawking their "souvenirs" and they promise to light up the night sky with enough little  "green lights" that the event will be visible from "outer space."  I'm sure many of those little green lights will end up in the neighborhood VOTERS front yards and as litter in the park. The damage to the park sod from setting up a big event like this is devastating to see for those of us who love our historic, Olmsted Park. To any reasonable, adult VOTER, this does not sound like the kind of event that would be welcomed into a neighborhood park that caters to families and is already host to two major regional attractions. You might think of City Park as a Regional Park we think of it as our Neighborhood Park. How are parents who VOTE, and who  bring their children to the park supposed to explain the lewd dress, language and behavior of Chive entertainers and revelers  when their "music" is blasting all over the Park and surrounding neighborhoods? We do NOT want to become another lower downtown when the "bars let out." That brings me to another point: the lack of parking. No additional off site parking or transportation arrangements have been made for this event. Your  administration has demonstrated a callous disregard for the thousands of VOTERS who live in the neighborhoods around City Park. Even your plans for City Loop included NO additional parking arrangements, even though it was touted  as a new regional attraction that would draw thousands of new visitors to City Park each week. Have you noticed the signs in front of the Zoo lately, "Parking Lots Full, Try City Park." Your too small Zoo has outgrown it's home and it's parking lots, as has the Museum, and they suggest that people encroach on our , the VOTER'S neighborhood park, as "parking overflow." Lacking any creative solutions I am sure those two institutions will soon be back at Laurie Dannemillers desk requesting new bequeaths of City Park land for a parking structure. CPFAN and VOTERS will resist those attempts. Loud noise that will cause untold amounts of unhealthy stress for all VOTERS who live within a mile of the Chivefest (and the unfortunate Zoo Animals)  dirt, trash, drunken, peeing , puking revelers, no parking, all point to UNHAPPY VOTERS for the upcoming election. I don't know if you have noticed but you have offended and angered thousands of VOTERS at the precinct level all over Denver. We aren't going to be in Denver for just one event. We live and work here. WE VOTE and we will remember Chivefest and any other inappropriate "festivals" that are visited on our beloved, historic, City Park, come election time. We suggest that you take pity on the neighbors who VOTE and the 3900+ Captive Zoo Animals who can not escape  the mayhem that will be created in City Park with  Chivefest, and any other large events, and move them out and far away from our overworked, overused City Park, to an appropriate Festival venue . You must take into account the hundreds of scientific studies that document the ill effects of loud, man made noise and vibrations on captive zoo animals, and their legal rights. It's inhumane to subject innocent, wild animals to the kind of noise and vibration that will emanate from Chivefest , including the "animals" who live and work in Denver and who VOTE. We hope that the Zoo administration has the political will to speak up on behalf of its charges. What happened to the SEAP process? We are acutely interested in having a say in event planning BEFORE permits are issued by DPR. We VOTE and we will remember. We need a Mayor who cares about the VOTERS. Thank you for your consideration. Warmest regards, Louis Plachowski President, CPFAN 720.432.8099 Lplachowski@gmail.com CPFAN.org

DENVER'S FREE-WHEELING PARKS AND REC DEPARTMENT

In a phone conversation DPR's Chris Wilson said "DPR is under no obligation to notify RNOs (Registered Neighborhood Organizations) or the Denver Zoo about activities it schedules for City Park". Indeed, Sean Andersen from the Zoo's public relations department verified that he was unaware of the upcoming Chive Fest on Aug. 16. and RNOs have received no notification of this event. Although well advertised, no permit for this event has yet been granted, although it is on the DPR schedule as "pending".

INC, a organization of over 50 RNOs, is not pleased with this development: 

-"The City seems to continues to promote, expedite and provide help for those wishing to navigate the event scheduling process through Kevin Scott, whose title is Citywide Film and Event Administrator and who serves as the City’s liaison for event promoters. Mr Scott seems to have the ultimate power to make commitments to event promoters and effect permitting. Using his seemingly unquestionable authority, major events continue to be scheduled which could have significant ramifications for the City’s neighborhoods without notification or involvement whatsoever of RNOs or members of the community.
-What role and under what policies is Kevin Scott operating and what powers does he have to make commitments to groups such as the Chive Fest that they can begin the sales of tickets and advertising of liquor sales before a park permit has been issued or liquor license application has even been posted?
-What responsibility does Mr. Scott have to notify and involve RNOs in the planning of major events which will impact life in Denver's neighborhoods? A major discussion item in the stakeholders meetings.
-How can the City of Denver justify permitting the Chive Fest event at City Park in light of the fact that an identical type of event was denied the use of City Park in 2008 due to the impact of loud music on the animals at Denver Zoo?"

 See entire letter below.

Congress Park Street Repaving

From Councilwoman Jeanne Robb’s Office and Denver Department of Public Works:

The re-paving of the following streets in the Congress Park neighborhood is about to begin:

6th Avenue to Colfax

Josephine to Steele

Starting later this week the No Parking/ Tow Away signs will be placed and edge milling work will begin as preparation for the actual milling (repaving) of the streets.  Once the edge milling is completed on a given street, the No Parking signs will be temporarily removed until the crew returns to do the milling, at which time the No Parking signs will go back in.  

Please note that No Parking/Tow Away  signs go in 1 or 2 days in advance of the actual work.  Also, they don’t do streets and avenues at the same time so as to leave some parking alternatives.   The contractor, Cutler, will be distributing flyers to the all residences on each street.  Cars can be towed, usually to another place in the neighborhood, at any time that the No Parking/Tow Away signs are in place.

Join us in Denver as we rally in support of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan!

Join hundreds of us in Denver as we rally in support of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan! There is no understating the importance of the EPA’s public hearings on July 29th and 30th here in Denver: this is it.   This is the moment where we drastically reduce dangerous carbon pollution from power plants and solidify the foundation of a clean, renewable energy future.  Together, we can boldly change the course of human history to a healthier co-existence between ourselves and the planet. Many of us fight for this future every day in our lives, and now the path forward is truly within our grasp. Join hundreds of us in Denver as we rally in support of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan! The opposition is pulling out all the stops. In the last couple weeks alone, fossil fuel special interests have unloaded nearly $1 million in misleading attack propaganda in Colorado against this important EPA rule. The Koch Brothers and their front groups will do anything they can to prevent the EPA from being successful. The Koch Brothers and fossil fuel companies may have money, but we have something more powerful on our side: the community. Colorado communities overwhelmingly support a clean energy future. In order for this important future to become a reality, we must speak up for it now. Help us overflow the testimony rooms at the EPA Denver Hearing for the Clean Power Plan. The EPA’s Clean Power Plan will drastically improve our health, add clean energy jobs, reduce carbon pollution and help us address climate change in the United States. Let’s make sure we deliver the overwhelming support the EPA needs in order to deliver the strongest plan possible. It's time to stand up to fossil fuel special interests for countless future generations. Thank you for all you do, Bryce Carter Colorado Beyond Coal Campaign P.S. Please share this important opportunity to act on climate with your friends and family in Colorado:

You Don't Have to Put Panels on Your Roof - Community Solar

CHIVE FEST - BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ANIMALS?

Just talked to Sean Andersen from the Zoo public relations department, who had not heard about Chive Fest. They will research it and issue a statement soon.

If I'm not mistaken, East Meadow is separated from the Zoo by about 50 feet.

Meanwhile, here's one of the groups (Steel Panther) from YouTube.

and Hancock's worried about our image?

CHIVE FEST - BEER BRANDING EFFORT IN CITY PARK, DENVER, AUG.16

It looks to me like the Resig brothers, clever fellows that they are, have hooked up with a brewery to create a brand (KCCO - Keep Cool and Chive On), created a website with social aspirations and a dating service at theChive.com, and a roster of festivals around the country to get Chivers and Chivettes together to swill the brew. They also have a charity and a non-profit corporation. And their websites are really cool. And, BTW, quite sexist.

I am surprised they aren't trying to start a religion as well.

MORE CHIVE FEST DETAILS

(from here)

Event Detail

Chive Fest Denver - PERMITTING IN PROGRESS

Start Date/Time:	Saturday, August 16, 2014
End Date/Time:	Sunday, August 17, 2014
Recurring Event:	One time event
Importance:	Normal Priority
Category:	Festival
Location:	City Park
Description:	Name of Event,Chive Fest Denver Organization Affiliation, all phases event group, LLC Not for Profit, Yes Contact Name, Kelsey Brown Phone, 7203049006 Email, kelsey@allphases.com Event Website, TBD Dates of Event, August 16, 2014 Set Up Dates if applicable, August 13 - August 15, 2014 Tear Down Dates if applicable, August 17 - 18, 2014 Location of Event, Meadow East, City Park, Denver, Co NOTES:  Status of Event:  PERMITTING IN PROGRESS