WELCOME to the last Monday of the year. We’re kinda fond of 2021 since it’s the year we came to be. But we look forward to 2022, a year of midterm elections.
When we thought of launching AlamosaCitizen.com, two major reasons were to tell the story of the present-day Rio Grande and to help people in the San Luis Valley receive timely information on elections and candidates for office.
The health of both our natural environments and our public discourse are critical to knowing the San Luis Valley in 2021, 2022 and the years ahead.
We believe informed citizens create better communities.
SLV League of Women Voters
With the 2022 midterm elections on the horizon, the League of Women Voters San Luis Valley chapter is a local nonpartisan group that helps register voters, develops programs, among other activities. If you would like to be involved, please email the group at lwvslv@yahoo.com, or call Wanda Hawman at 505-506-6077, or Marianna Young at 719-480-3220
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not endorse individual candidates for office. Though its name would give one the impression it is open only to women, as of 1973 its charter was amended to include men.
The League of Women Voters San Luis Valley chapter started in 2019 in Monte Vista and Alamosa by a small core of interested women, and the group has expanded to include members in three Valley counties. The group’s activities include monthly meetings (currently virtual), periodic special programs, and registering voters in 2022. The group looks forward to hosting actual meetings once the pandemic abates
Started in 1920, shortly before women gained the right to vote via the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, the League of Women Voters (LWV) celebrated its Centennial Anniversary last year. During its 100 years of existence, the LWV has so far registered and educated hundreds of voters, has served as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the auspices of the United Nations, has been a major force behind the push for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, and has sponsored the first televised presidential debate in 1960. For that last item, the LWV received an Emmy award for Outstanding Achievement in Broadcast Journalism.
Alamosa County has openings
on two local boards
The Alamosa County Board of Commissioners is looking to appoint new members to its local marketing district board and its county planning commission. Here are the notices:
Marketing District Board Vacancy: The Alamosa County Commissioners have announced a “Notice of Vacancy” and are accepting applications for two board member positions on the Local Marketing District Board through the Alamosa Convention & Visitors Bureau.
It is the goal of the Local Marketing District to bring visitors to Alamosa County while providing them with the best attractions, events, and services possible. Expectations of a board member is to attend the meetings and actively engage in the direction and budget of the Local Marketing District. This is an unpaid board position and you must be a resident of Alamosa County to apply.
Find an application for this position at www.alamosacounty.org. Applications must be received until the post is filled. Send your information to Belina Ramirez, executive assistant, 8900-A Independence Way, Alamosa, CO 81101, or to bramirez@alamosacounty.org. If you have questions regarding the Local Marketing District Board please contact Kale Mortensen, executive director, at director@alamosa.org.
Planning Commission Vacancy: The Alamosa County Board of Commissioners is seeking interested citizens to serve on the Alamosa County Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is composed of five volunteer citizens and one alternate appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. They advise the County on planning, land development, and land policy within Alamosa County. This position is appointed to attend Planning Commission Board meetings.
Applicants must submit an application and current resume. Applications may be picked up at the County Administration office at 8900-A Independence Way or online at www.alamosacounty.org.
Applications will be accepted until the post is filled. Send your information to Belina Ramirez, executive assistant, 8900 Independence Way, Alamosa, CO 81101, or to bramirez@alamosacounty.org. If you have questions please contact the Alamosa County Land Use Department at rhubler@alamosacounty.org or (719) 589-3812.
US 160 east of Monte Vista:
Crack seal operations continue next week
RIO GRANDE COUNTY ― The Colorado Department of Transportation will continue to perform crack sealing operations on US Highway 160 just east of Monte Vista, mile points 217-222. Allow for extra travel time as intermittent closures will be enforced. Work will take place next week, Monday through Thursday (Dec. 27-31), from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Traffic Impacts: Drivers will encounter full stops. Flagging personnel will guide traffic through the work zone. Up to 15-minute delays are anticipated. A reduced speed limit of 40 MPH will be in place and drivers should slow down and use extreme caution when approaching and driving through the work zone. Motorists are urged to be aware of crews and heavy equipment.
Motorway Building demo update
Cooley & Sons is on the former “Motorway” building demolition. The local company started demolition a week ago and it looks like it’ll be a bit before the demolition is complete. In talking to Cooley & Sons, they have to cut steel beams and then knock out a section of a brick wall. So the building will come down one section at a time.
ICYMI: The conservation work on the Trinchera Ranch
“I think it’s critical to the Sangre de Cristos and the wildlife corridors that are moving around here,” said Judy Lopez, the conservation and sustainability manager for the Trinchera Ranch. There are interesting lessons from our story “Trinchera Ranch: Managing lands through a changing environment” published Sunday.
We hope you’ll take a read. If you have a thought on a story you’d like to reach or think we should pursue, send us an email at info@alamosacitizen.com.
Party with Don Richmond on New Year’s Eve
Don’t feel like venturing out into the wild and wacky world on New Year’s Eve? Here’s an invitation to join Don Richmond and the Rifters in a virtual celebration on Facebook. A link to the Facebook event is here: The Rifters virtual New Year’s Eve concert begins at 7 p.m. MST.