By Gena Akers
Rio Grande Basin Adds to State Water Plan
Gov. Hickenlooper expects to see a statewide water plan by December 2015 that encompasses all nine river basins. Under the jurisdiction of the Rio Grande Roundtable, the Rio Grande Basin water plan draft outlines 14 goals, including: protecting and restoring sustainability, watershed health and water quality; abiding by existing water rules such as the doctrine of prior appropriation, state water regulations and the interstate compacts; creating infrastructure such as storage for long-term water needs; sustaining the basin’s agricultural economy; developing projects with multiple benefits; preserving wildlife habitats and wetlands; providing water-related recreational activities; and continuing to educate the public about water.
Have Lemons? Make $5,000
Eight-year-old Alamosa resident Peyton Sanchez,made thirty gallons of lemonade, generating $5,400 for Children’s Hospital programs and an Alamosa anti-bullying program. Peyton set his stand up at his church and at Summerfest on the Rio. At six months, Peyton was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, which he explains created “tiny, tiny, tiny little tumors in the back of my brain.” Since then, he has made regular trips to Children’s Hospital. With the money he’s raised, Peyton hopes to buy items like stuffed animals, coloring books, paints, cars and movies for other children who were patients there. Next summer, Peyton plans to raise money to support food banks in the Valley.
IRS Scam Strikes Monte Vista
On Aug. 29, a Monte Vista resident reported to the Monte Vista Police that they had been contacted by a person claiming to be a member of the United States Internal Revenue Service. The caller demanded personal information, such as the resident’s social security number and checking account information. According to a public statement from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) on Aug. 13, 90,000 complaints have been received through their telephone hotline, and approximately 1,100 victims have lost an estimated $5 million from these scams.
Transgender Protection Added to University Anti-Discrimination Policy
An unnamed university grantor requested a language change in the policy, and the Adams State University board of directors responded. The anti-discrimination policy now states that the university “prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination or retaliation that violates federal and state law or the university’s discrimination policies. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, sex (including sexual harassment), veteran status or disability.” The expanded Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits places of public accommodation from denying any person participation, entry or services based upon the person’s sexual orientation, including transgender status. Colorado defines transgender status as “a gender identity or gender expression that differs from societal expectations based on gender assigned at birth.” Colorado is one of only 18 states including a transgender definition and specific protections in its anti-discrimination act.
Center Town Board Split on Drug Dog
The town of Center lost its chance, in a 3-2 vote, to purchase a drug-sniffing dog to combat the town’s worsening drug problem that threatens the health and safety of the community. Audrey Chavez, Public Housing Director, proposed that the town focus on other priorities, such as replacing their water tower.
Sandusky’s Son to Speak at ASU on Abuse
Sexual abuse survivor Matthew Sandusky, adopted son of convicted sex offender Jerry Sandusky, formerly of Pennsylvania State University, will speak about his traumatic experiences on November 7 at Adams State University. All proceeds from the event will benefit Tu Casa’s Children’s Advocacy Center, a collaborative initiative of more than 24 agencies in the Valley. Since beginning the program in March 2013, over 190 children and their non-offending caregivers have been provided with services such as videoed forensic interviewing, child and family advocacy, multi-disciplinary case review, training and prevention initiatives, counseling and play therapy.
Local Gardens Feed Young Minds and Bodies
The Valley Educational Gardens Initiative, VEGI, knows that hunger is not a calorie problem. It’s a nutrition problem. That is why they are proud to have harvested over 2,100 pounds of fresh produce this season from two community gardens in Alamosa. Nearly all of the harvested produce has been given to the Alamosa Food Bank and La Puente Home Shelter.
