Thank you Veterans!

Wednesday is Veteran's Day, and to kick off the celebration this week, our local Garden Club created a gorgeous memorial in their rose garden at Santa Rita Park. Today, among a crowd of 100s, Durango became the first City in Colorado to host a Blue Star Highway, a tribute to the armed forces that have defended our country.

The idea dates back to 1944 when the New Jersey State Council of Garden Clubs planted 8,000 dogwood trees along U.S. 22 as a living memorial to the Armed Forces from their state. The Blue Star, taken from the blue star in the service flag, was chosen to symbolize the memorial because it was used in WW II on flags and homes of families who had a son or daughter in the service.

Whether or not we agree on the current state of affairs, it is important that we recognize the courage of our men and women throughout the world who have fought to bring us the freedoms we all enjoy. Today we had the honor of thanking these brave souls, among them two Navajo Code Talkers from WWII, in a beautiful ceremony on a gorgeous fall day.

Welcome, Lance!

In August, Durango locals Matt Shriver and Travis Brown competed in the famed Race Across the Sky, the Leadville 100 mile mountain bike race where the entire event is at elevations above 9,200 feet, with the highest point at the famed Columbine Mine aid station at 12,600 feet. This year, Matt set the pace for six-time Leadville Trail 100 winner Dave Wiens and seven-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong for Lance's stunning record race time win of time of 6:28:50. Matt finished 3rd after Wiens at an impressive 7:09:49.

The world premier of “Race Across the Sky” was held in Durango this week with Armstrong in the audience as a way for Armstrong to repay Shriver, the FLC cycling coach, for setting the pace. This all great for Durango! Not only did all the proceeds from Tuesday's event go to Trails 2000 and our college cycling team, but Shriver is already getting inquiries from riders seeking FLC, and this is all promising PR for a future stage race to be hosted here!

I had the honor of presenting Lance with a Proclaimation on behalf of the City of Durango for all of his contributions and choosing our fabulous town as the world premiere host. Thank you again, Lance, and we hope to see you in Durango again soon!

Upcoming Candidate Events!

Come meet all the candidates at these upcoming events:

League of Women Voter's Debate
When? Thursday, March 19: 6pm - 8pm
Where? Council Chambers at City Hall

San Juan Citizens Alliance, Compañeros & Latina Initiative Forum
When? Monday, March 23: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Where? The Lyceum, Center for SW Studies, Fort Lewis

Young Professionals of Durango Forum
When? Wednesday, March 25: 6 - 7:30pm
Where? The Lost Dog on Main Ave

Police are Busting!

Busting crime and also busting out of the seams. I just got a tour of the Durango police department from Detective Sean James. The building on the corner of 10th and 2nd Ave is staffed by the women and men who respond when we need it 24/7, and yet the building that it is the central hub of all these critical operations is also one of the city's oldest and in need most need of some serious renovations. Take for example the break room - a necessary component to step away from the madness and get a cup of coffee in between shifts. This is about a 10 x 10 area with a coffee pot, small table and 4 chairs, not to mention the crumbling ceiling and stained carpet. If that's not depressing, I don't know what is. It's not just amenities, it's critical evidence that is in danger of being compromised - small refrigerators packed with evidence samples in a hallway area leading up to an evidence room that is jam packed. Our new library is wonderful, but let's not forget about these guys!

I feel it's critical to keep these services downtown. I want to look at ways we can use space more efficiently...what are your thoughts?

THANK YOU!

I was happily overwhelmed by all the support at Carvers last night, both from those that came to the event and those that sent their love from afar! THANK YOU!!!

I appreciated all the familiar faces and enjoyed meeting new folks as well! I'll be posting key topics from the evening's speech here for those who missed it.

NEXT EVENT: Sorrel Sky Gallery, 870 Main Ave, Thursday, March 12, 5pm - 7pm.

Join Us Wednesday, Feb 11th!

As the 2009 City Council election approaches, I would like to invite you to a casual "meet at greet" this Wednesday, Feb 11th at Carvers Brewing Company, 1022 Main Ave, from 5pm - 7pm. Feel free to drop by and introduce yourself, and if you feel like sharing, let me know what issues are important to you. I hope to see you then!