5 Hot Topics 104th North

Illustration by Stephanie Mott

1} The Beet Goes On
Six farmers who lease land from Boulder County Parks and Open Space asked for the county’s permission to raise Roundup Ready sugar beets, which are modified to resist an herbicide called Roundup. The farmers asserted that growing the genetically modified crop would allow them to stay competitive, with bigger harvests and fewer expenses. Despite opposition and a negative recommendation from Boulder County Food and Agriculture Policy Council, Parks and Open Space staff recommended that the county allow the beets, requiring them to make efforts to limit cross pollination. But on Aug. 25, commissioners opted to delay the decision until more information is gleaned. What’s Next: County staff will go back to the books, looking at developing a general GMO policy and a comprehensive plan for Boulder County’s cropland.

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September 2009

In Colorado, the Realtor often doubles as a runner, the cook as a climber. But balancing work and play can be painful. Athletes and experts give you tips on rest, recovery and the myth of the weekend warrior.
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May 2009

In our effort to create an expansive Best Of, Yellow Scene regretfully left out a few categories. Listed here are the omitted winners:
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April 2009

1} A Friendly Reminder
The economy sucks and seems to be getting suckier. But just in case it wasn’t obvious enough, we now have more proof. State labor officials reported that in March Colorado’s unemployment rate jumped to 8.5 percent, up 0.4 percent from February. Estimates show that Colorado has more than 62,900 fewer workers than it did a year ago. In January, national joblessness reached 8.1 percent, and in some states, unemployment rates hit double digits.
What’s Next: Economic recovery? Not yet, but Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Executive Director Donald J. Mares told 9News that, “We are trending at a slower rate, we have fewer people out of work (than the rest of the country) and Gov. Ritter’s moving Colorado forward with some initiatives that we think will help stem it.”

2} Bucking the Law?
Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck isn’t above the law. In fact, he’s right in the middle of it. State District Court Judge James Hiatt has halted an identity theft investigation that could implicate more than 1,000 suspected illegal immigrants—until he decides whether Buck and other law enforcement agencies used legal tactics to glean information on suspects. Hiatt ordered Weld County officials to fork over documents they took while searching a tax preparer’s office last year. The paperwork is the foundation for charges involving fake Social Security numbers, which are often used by illegal immigrants for employment. The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado filed the lawsuit against Buck and Weld County Sheriff John Cooke, claiming that they violated privacy rights of taxpayers when they seized the documents.
What’s Next: Hiatt is expected to make a decision in April.

3} Grocers Sober Up—For Now
Kings Soopers, your dreams of aisles flanked with stacks of shiny cans of silver and blue and glistening brown bottles may be over…or are they? Last month the bill that would allow grocers to sell full-strength beer, House Bill 1192, died in committee. Those who voted against the bill suggested a desire to protect small businesses. But the Centennial State’s Safeways and 7-11s may not have to wait too long to sell suds. Advocates say that Coloradans have not seen the end of this issue.
What’s Next: Advocates will likely work to bring the issue to the voters of Colorado, possibly even on the 2010 ballot.

4} Churchill Shoots, Scores!
Ward Churchill’s fait was in the hands of a jury: Was he the victim of a right-wing crusade—or himself? After deliberating for several hours, a unanimous Denver jury announced the University of Colorado fired its famously controversial professor as vengeance for publishing an essay in which he compared some Sept. 11 victims to Nazi Adolf Eichmann. While they found he was fired for protected free speech—and not because of academic misconduct like the university claimed—the jury was not about to let Churchill reap rewards for the victory: He was offered $1 for damages. Churchill’s case took a starring role in local and regional headlines last month, when his four-week wrongful termination trial brought state elected and university officials to testify about the firing.
What’s Next: Denver Chief District Judge Larry Naves will now decide if CU will have to take Churchill back.

5} Driver Gets Charged
The Boulder woman who hit and killed Louisville resident John Breaux after she veered her PT Cruiser off U.S. Highway 287 in Lafayette on Jan. 30 was officially charged in Boulder County Court last month with one count of criminally negligent homicide. Mary Jo Anne Thomas, 62, could receive a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Prosecutors did not pursue a felony charge of vehicular homicide because toxicology reports showed Thomas was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. At the scene of the accident, Thomas failed roadside tests and took 30 seconds to respond to questions, according to police. Thomas’ attorney said she suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Breaux was a local fixture in Louisville and considered a goodwill ambassador in the community.
What’s Next: Thomas’ next court appearance is slated for May 8.

April 2009

1} Beer Battle Coming to a Head
When we last left Colorado’s craft brewers, they were hoping to tap into some stout opposition against House Bill 1192 from liquor store owners and a suds-savvy public. As opposition to the proposed legislation allowing supermarkets and convenience stores to sell full strength beer has grown, so has lobbying for it. Pointed rebuttals about the negative impact that H.B. 1192 would have on local jobs and wages, not to mention selection, have begun to hit home. What’s Next: Opponents hope this bill dies in committee and soon. If it doesn’t, look for serious cash to flow from the grocery chains well into March as they try to buy legislators’ support for the law.

2} Whither Then, Home Rule?
The town of Frederick will be holding public meetings to answer questions from its residents about adopting a home rule charter. The process works something like this: home rule municipalities adopt a charter that outlines the rules of the town including zoning regulations, building codes and development guidelines. More importantly, a home rule city can levy taxes and collect impact fees from developers. All incorporated towns operate under state statute (hence the term “statutory city”) unless its citizens opt for home rule—something that 98 Colorado municipalities have done to date. What’s Next: A series of town meetings about the home rule process. Places and times: 1–2:30pm March 7, Rinn United Methodist Church; 7:30–9pm March 17, Legacy Elementary; and 10–11:30am March 23, Frederick Town Hall.

3} Could Be a Hit
The City of Lafayette is considering building more playing fields on 24 acres of jointly owned open space on Colo. 42. Lafayette’s dream of six new, artificial turf playing fields is being rudely awakened by the estimated $8 million price tag. Lafayette officials say demand is there, and because its use as a ball field was part of the original purchase agreement, don’t expect Boulder County to object. What’s Next: Other, cheaper options for increasing access and capacity at Lafayette’s ball parks include overhauling the Lamont Does field and installing lights on two of the City Park ball diamonds—significant capacity for a fraction of the cost. Barring some unforeseen stimulus, and of course the obligatory “study” for a couple grand, don’t expect this Astroturf reverie to last much past Opening Day.

4} It’s Just an Idea
Rock Creek residents got their swarm on after finding out about a plan submitted in February by Richmond Homes to the Superior Town Board. Dozens of neighbors showed up at the initial meeting looking to throw cold water on the idea of letting Richmond give the town 15 acres of commercial land in exchange for 11 acres at Indiana Street and West Torreys Peak on which it would get to build 38 homes. Irate residents said the proposed homes would change the look and feel of their neighborhood for the worse. They also complained that more homes would force down already sagging property values in the area by flooding the weak market, produce increased crowding in the school and add to traffic in the area. One alternative from the crowd was that the parcel be made into a park; something that side of town is lacking. What’s Next: Despite taking a year to work out terms for such a land swap with the city, Richmond Homes must still submit a formal development plan and perform various studies before the idea can proceed. Regardless, don’t look for opposition to the scheme to abate.

Boulder County residents interested in installing solar panels on their homes, upgrading their hot water heaters and furnaces, and adding some insulation may begin to submit applications as soon as April and begin work in May. According to a time line approved by county commissioners, the bond-financed improvements will commence after applicants attend a series of mandatory workshops about the program. What’s Next: The big picture is a good one, but look for tweaks and changes in the program as details get ironed out.

March 2009