Brief by Marcia Darnell
San Luis Valley – August 2004 – Colorado Central Magazine
Fire!
In a summer marked by few wildfires, a block of downtown Monte Vista was damaged by flames, smoke and water in June. A fire began in Dave’s Electronics on First Avenue, which spread and destroyed the building. Neighboring apartments and buildings were evacuated, but an auto parts store and a real estate office were damaged by smoke and water. A hair salon and accounting office received minor wounds as well. Kudos to the Monte Vista Fire Department for quick containment.
Gateway to Open
The Gateway Center, the long-talked-about Alamosa combo of visitors center, museum, and convention center, may become a reality with the infusion of some Vitamin $$$. Alamosa County kicked in $50,000 for the project without specifying a location for the center, which has been a hot point of contention throughout the city. The former Kmart is the leading contender for the center, with an unspecified downtown location a close second. The city of Alamosa denied a request to put up $150,000 for the project, though, leaving the Tourism board to seek other funding.
Kids Lead
The SLV chapter of Boys & Girls Clubs will be the first to join the Intel Computer Clubhouse. Sponsored by Intel, the clubhouse will provide software to kids to compose music, make movies, and communicate with kids in other countries.
Land Ho!
Heirs to the land grant known as La Sierra, or the Taylor Ranch, have access to the land for grazing livestock and gathering firewood, but not for hunting or fishing. Lou Pai, current owner of the disputed land, had asked the courts to limit the heirs’ access. District Judge Gaspar Perricone denied the motion, opening the land to the nine plaintiffs.
Fire Fun!
It was serious fun at the state firefighter championship in Alamosa. Firefighters from around Colorado competed in timed races to connect hoses, target-shooting with water, and other fun, but important skills.
Busy Signal
Alamosa County placed a four-month moratorium on new cell towers. The delay will give the land use board time to develop procedures and policies for the structures. Alamosa County currently has no cell tower ordinance.
Money, Money
The San Luis Valley is getting $1.5 million in PILT funds. The Payment in Lieu of Taxes program compensates counties for lost tax revenue on federal land. The bucks will be split among the six counties of the Valley according to the amount of federal land they hold.
Brief Briefs
* The town of Blanca has a website. Check out www.fone.net/~blancaco.
* The Alamosa Rotary Club will mark the organization’s 100th birthday by planting an educational xeriscape garden in a “pocket park” in town.
* Ground was broken for the new Conejos County jail. The 67-bed facility should open in January.
* The National Park Service is seeking comment on its plan to rehab roads, parking areas and pull-outs at the Great Sand Dunes.
* Mineral County judge Robert Wardell will retire in January.
