Saturday, August 19, 2006

Genius Bar or Geek Squad? NewMexiKen: "NewMexiKen prefers Apple, because if you have a Mac you can visit the Genius Bar, but if you're a Windows user you have to deal with the Geek Squad." 5:47:23 PM

Highland Bridge Colorado Confidential: "...called the Highland Bridge, and is the last step of a plan to allow pedestrians to travel all the way from the Highland neighborhood in Northwest Denver to Civic Center Park (home to the state capitol) along an extended 16th Steet Mall. Two earlier pieces of the project, the Millenium Bridge over the rail lines near Union Station, and the Platte River Bridge, over you know what, have already been completed." Here's a great example of local journalism a gallery of photos taken during the Highland Bridge construction, from the DenverInfill Blog. 5:36:28 PM

Immigration Colorado Confidential: "Despite the hue and cry of U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo and anti-immigrant organizations, like Defend Colorado Now, there is no evidence that foreign-born workers affect job prospects for American workers, according to a new report by the Pew Hispanic Center." "2008 pres" 10:29:53 AM

Ritter for governor? Colorado Confidential: "...there is one group Ritter won't be reaching out to this November, and that group consists of those who want marijuana possession legalized. 'When he was a teenager he did experiment a few times,' said Evan Dreyer, a Ritter spokesman. 'This is something that was reported ten years ago when Bill was running for re-election for [Denver] District Attorney.' Dreyer confirmed that Ritter used marijuana when he was young, even though he is now against legalizing small amounts of the drug, as a ballot initiative will seek to do this November. 'He spent many many years as a prosecutor, and has seen the harm that drugs can do to people's lives,' said Dreyer. "The group campaigning to legalize the procession of up to an ounce of marijuana however, doesn't see it the same way. 'Clearly we think it's hypocritical that Bill Ritter has used marijuana on multiple occasions, yet he's come out opposed to making it legal ,' said Mason Tvert, a spokesman with Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), the group who put the measure on the ballot. 'There's no doubt that he wouldn't be where he was today if he had been arrested and prosecuted for it.' According to federals laws, marijuana convictions can inhibit eligibility for college financial aid or job prospects in government." "denver 2006" 10:11:57 AM

NSA Wiretapping ruled illegal Captains Quarters: "The more people read of the opinion by Judge Anna Diggs Taylor ruling against the government in the NSA's terrorist surveillance program, the less impressed even the program's opponents become. Adam Liptak reports in the New York Times -- whose editorial board hailed Taylor's jurisprudence -- that legal analysts have little support for Taylor's reasoning... "It brings up an interesting question, one raised by Patterico yesterday. Judicial diktats like this one have the same effect as any unconstitutional efforts by the executive or by Congress, and all that is left is partisan bickering over whether the ends justified the means. Taylor's weightless opinion reduces itself to a basic because I said so, which is exactly the same impulse for which she excoriates the Bush administration in her decision. The only saving grace is that Taylor doesn't get the last word, and in this case one can hardly say that she had the first word, either. "Taylor's lack of rigor in examining the legal arguments presented in this case will force the appellate court into a position it usually avoids -- being the finder of fact. It now must review the evidence and listen to all the legal arguments, which must be made a second time, in order to straighten out the mess that Taylor made of her responsibility to give all sides a fair hearing. Liptak's sources believe that the appeals will uphold the decision while completely rejecting the opinion Taylor issued in delivering it. I predict that the appellate court will throw the entire case out for lack of standing. We will all know soon enough, but in the meantime, the NSA continues to operate its program under a stay issued by the Sixth District appellate court." "2008 pres" 9:56:27 AM

Beauprez for governor? Bob Beauprez is hoping to use his views on illegal immigration to appeal to voters this fall. Here's an article from the Rocky Mountain News about his attempt. From the article, "U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez denounced the Bush administration's approach to what he called an 'invasion' by illegal immigrants, saying Thursday he is fed up with inaction in Washington. 'I'm frustrated with the administration and I'm extremely frustrated with Congress,' said Beauprez, who is running for governor. Beauprez's comments came during a hearing on illegal immigration at the Aurora Municipal Center. About 60 people turned out for the afternoon event, which followed a similar hearing in the morning in Lakewood. Both the Senate and Bush administration support a plan establishing a path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants. Beauprez supports a rival plan approved by the House that would force illegal immigrants to return to their home countries." Meanwhile Congressman Beauprez was caught being honest about potential military service during Viet Nam, according to the Rocky Mountain News. From the article, "In an interview with KCFR radio Monday, Beauprez discussed the terms of his deferment. He was asked, "Did you want to serve?" "No, I don't know that there were a great many people who wanted to serve then," answered Beauprez. "Claudia and I had just gotten married. I actually got the notice before our wedding and the physical was the week after we got back from our four-day honeymoon. And I very much wanted to get on with my life. So no, I wasn't crushed that I wasn't called up.' "Beauprez's comment that he 'wanted to get on with my life' was offensive to some vets. 'There were approximately three million Americans who did serve in Vietnam, and I'm sure most of them did want to get on with their lives as well,' said Jim Hudson, vice president of Colorado Veterans for America. 'I'm surprised to hear him say something like that.' Hudson served in the Army in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. His group has endorsed Democrat Bill Ritter, Beauprez's opponent in the race for governor. Ritter, 49, was too young to serve in Vietnam." "denver 2006" 9:34:13 AM

Ritter or Beauprez for governor? Here's a report about this week's gubernatorial forum between Bob Beauprez and Bill Ritter, from the Rocky Mountain News. From the article, "The forum was at a breakfast meeting sponsored by the Jefferson and Aurora Economic Development Councils, the Denver Regional Council of Governments and the West Chamber and attended by some 375 business and civic leaders. Among the topics covered were how the candidates would make Colorado more competitive, toll roads, traffic solutions along west Interstate 70, education and infrastructure funding, health care, and water... "Water is the lifeblood of Colorado. What would you do to ensure we have enough water for our needs? "Ritter: There needs to be more reuse of water, more conservation, and water can't be taken from one community at the expense of another. In wet years, aquifers should be recharged with water. There probably also is a need for a limited number of small water-storage facilities. "Beauprez: Colorado's water strategy has been, 'we hope it doesn't get dry again...That is not a very good bet to take.' Conservation is important, but not enough. The state is letting a million-acre feet of water-the equivalent of four Dillon reservoirs-leave the state when it could legally stay in Colorado. Keeping it here is 'not stealing it from anyone.'" Read the whole article for more detailed answers from candidates. Here's an article about the governors race from the Denver Post. They write, "Colorado's gubernatorial candidates attacked each other over illegal immigration on Wednesday - stoking an issue that has burned in state politics all year. The sparring between Republican Bob Beauprez and Democrat Bill Ritter, however, takes place as Colorado has adopted the most laws to restrict illegal immigrants of any state... "Still, Beauprez and Ritter battle on. Beauprez's campaign alleged that while Ritter was Denver district attorney, he was soft on illegal immigrants by plea bargaining with them. 'The question is why would you not pursue them to the fullest extent of the law and keep them in custody?' said Beauprez spokesman John Marshall. During his 12-year tenure, Ritter's office took plea bargains in 97 percent of the cases it handled. Specific details for cases involving illegal immigrants are not available. Prosecutors in the nation's largest counties took plea bargains 95 percent of the time, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The Ritter campaign fired back that Beauprez was 'doing nothing' on the issue in Congress, and he is now misusing taxpayers' money to promote two congressional town hall meetings on the topic today." "denver 2006" 9:12:38 AM

No inflatable dam for Fountain Creek Colorado Springs has abandoned the idea an inflatable dam to help control sewage spills on Fountain Creek, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. From the article, "Five months after authorizing the building of an inflatable dam on Fountain Creek to block sewage spills, Colorado Springs has abandoned the idea. This week, Colorado Springs Utilities officials said they've found a better, and cheaper, way to halt spills that have angered Pueblo leaders downstream and led the 10th Judicial District attorney to sue Colorado Springs. In March, the city estimated the dam's cost at $10.5 million. On Wednesday, Utilities employees told the Utility Board the cost had grown to $13.2 million as the project underwent further design. The idea was for the dam to inflate during spills, blocking water flowing south. Creek water would be diverted into an existing pond at the Sand Creek site, to a yet-to-be-built holding pond and then to a treatment plant. "The new option would divert spillage into a holding pond, using an existing diversion dam built in 2002. The water would be channeled to another pond from which it would be pumped to the Las Vegas Street treatment plant. The project is estimated at $9.6 million, a savings of about $3.6 million. The project would accommodate 18.5 million gallons, or about four hours of flow 300 days of the year, officials said. Although the new alternative appears to be a favored option, Utilities officials said they're still studying alternatives and will complete a recommendation next month... "Utilities CEO Jerry Forte said the new option provides a 'huge advantage' over the inflatable dam, because it won't rely on electrical pumps, which could fail in an emergency. 'Congratulations on finding a facility already in place and making it work,' Mayor Lionel Rivera said after the presentation. The inflatable dam's cost was to be funded by raising wastewater bills next year by about 35 cents a month. It's unclear whether that increase still is in the offing." "colorado water" 8:59:23 AM

Southern Delivery System Colorado Springs has been fighting with Pueblo over the Springs' proposed Southern Delivery System and it's anticipated effect on Fountain Creek. Colorado Springs' officials want the project to help with anticipated population growth. So how is the SDS progressing? Here's an update from the Colorado Springs Gazette. From the article, "Colorado Springs Utilities has spent nearly 10 percent of the estimated $593 million cost of a pipeline project's first phase, and not a spade of dirt has been turned. The Southern Delivery System would pipe water from Pueblo Reservoir to Colorado Springs for treatment and distribution. The first phase includes three pump stations, 43 miles of 66-inch pipe, a 50 million-gallon-per-day water treatment plant, 15 miles of water mains and two city pump stations. Much of the money has been spent on engineering, management and environmental permits - all necessary before construction can begin. The city has spent $54.1 million, Utilities officials said. A cost breakdown of nine categories presented to the Utility Board on Wednesday fell short of the total by $1.4 million, because of an 'honest mistake' - one category was omitted. The category was overhead, which included staff time, copier and computer use, said Utilities spokeswoman Janet Rummel... "Not included in the first phase is construction of Jimmy Camp Creek Reservoir in northeast Colorado Springs, for which Utilities recently spent $6.4 million to buy 400 acres from 14 property owners. The deals have been criticized as imprudent by the city auditor and City Council members, because the city paid more than appraised value and gave owners $2 million in 'relocation costs' but allowed them to stay put for $300-a-month rent. Negotiations are under way for 1,474 more acres, owned by the Banning Lewis Ranch Management Co., for the reservoir. Although Jimmy Camp Creek remains the preferred reservoir site, officials also are considering Williams Creek. The Williams Creek site, at South Marksheffel and Drennan roads, has long been a potential second site, as federal authorities examine seven alternatives in their environmental impact review process. Southern Delivery System manager Gary Bostrom told the board Wednesday that officials are weighing costs of both before making a decision." More Coyote Gulch coverage here. "colorado water" 8:51:17 AM

Transmountain (Fryingpan-Arkansas) water to be divvied up Sept. 12th Numerous hopefuls are trying to get a share of transmountain water from the Arkansas, according to the Pueblo Chieftain. From the article, "Dividing transmountain waters that once served dried-up agricultural lands in the Arkansas Valley is likely to be a complicated process for the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District. The Southeastern District has received 33 separate applications from 31 entities seeking water that once provided supplemental irrigation to 16,649 acres of land on farms along the Colorado Canal in Crowley County, which had been purchased by Aurora in the 1980s. Colorado Springs land in Crowley County was purchased at the same time from the Foxley Land and Cattle Co., so was not eligible for Fryingpan-Arkansas water. The Southeastern allocation committee will consider the requests Sept. 12. The deadline for requests has passed and no new requests will be accepted." "colorado water" 8:34:34 AM

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