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  1. Solar energy & the future of the San Luis Valley - January, 2009

    by Nicholas Chambers
    On Saturday January 17, the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) and Water Protection Coalition (SLVWPC) co-sponsored a standing-room only presentation and panel discussion in Alamosa regarding the coming boom of solar energy in the Valley. Concerns about mega-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) and what impacts that may have on agricultural water seemed to be the impetus for the well-attended meeting. The national push for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions were also considered as a driver for large solar development. While it was apparent the multinational solar industry is coming to the Valley, it was presented as a mixed blessing and something to keep an eye on.
    As stated by Ceal Smith, Acting Director of the SLVWPC, “Water is the lifeblood of the Valley.” President Obama’s campaign for climate change really brings in what Colorado Governor Bill Ritter coined as the New Energy Economy. As a nationally mainstream initiative, this means the southwestern sunspots of the nation are prime candidates for big solar. Colorado is 5th in the nation for its solar resource, and the San Luis Valley is none other than number one in the state. This means the Valley’s sun, land, and perhaps water, are under the eye of a budding industry to be the electrical generator for the Front Range and northern New Mexico.
    Bill Brown of Sage West Consultants: Energy Science, Law, Architecture, also a member of Al Gore’s Climate project, delivered a comprehensive tour of the current state of affairs in the solar industry, the fossil-fuel powered electric grid, and the changing “megapolitan west.” The sunny Southwest is poised with the challenge to either “lead the transition or be overwhelmed” by the new policies, new technologies, and new economics that are evolving out of an era of cheap coal and unbridled expansion.

    Solar
    Parabolic trough Concentrated Solar Power system.
    Source: Department of Energy
    While this region is experiencing tremendous growth, the population and government alike are suggesting limiting the growth of coal-fired power plants. This is at the same time when traditional fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) are becoming more difficult and expensive to find, develop, and bring to market. When you compare this to the 100 mile x 100 mile “black box” of land area (yes, the math has been checked) needed in photovoltaics to power the entire nation against the map of ubiquitous natural gas and oil wells around the west, it was clear that solar power is a viable approach to multifaceted energy security. The convergence point in the trajectories of the declining cost of solar energy technologies and the rising cost of fossil fuels will be sometime around 2020, however depending upon technological growth and economic policy decisions, the crossover point could be much earlier, explained Brown.
    Distributed generation
    A key point Brown made was the difference between distributed generation (DG) and that of utility-scale CSP power plants. The vision of distributed generation is that there can be a multiple of photovoltaic installations interspersed within communities. These can be built into parking structures, in brown fields, or on medians of highway corridors: i.e. local power. Examples of this are the 1-megawatt facility at the Denver Federal Center off of 6th Avenue, the 2-megawatt installation at Denver International Airport, as well as the numerous grid-tied household systems throughout the nation.
    These smaller installations provide a decentralized power source close to the place where it is used and do not require expensive, high-voltage power transmission lines, and their associated efficiency losses, to carry the power great distances from the place of generation to the place of use. The era of electric cars being able to feed the grid at night is also becoming a reality.
    obsolescent energy technology map

    Note the black box 100 miles on a side needed in
    photovoltaics to power the entire nation.
    Source: Sage West Consultants

    Replacing coal with concentrated solar
    While the arguments in favor of distributed generation are strong, there needs to be utility-scale solar if the nation wants to replace coal-fired electricity, stated Brown. In contrast to the distributed generation of photovoltaics that require no water and have no moving parts, utility-scale solar is usually based on the CSP type where the sun’s rays are concentrated on a pipe using parabolic mirrors, or similar, to super heat a working fluid like mineral oil or molten salt. The super-heated fluid then travels to a heat exchanger where it creates steam from water to spin turbines and electrical generators, much like a coal-fired power plant.
    The storage capability currently associated with CSPs is usually more for being able to warm the turbines first thing in the morning so they can have earlier start up, rather than being able to produce electricity through the night, noted panelist and Tri-State Representative Lee Boughey.
    Concentrated Solar Power plants require hundreds of acres of land, as opposed to tens of thousands of acres required for the mining of coal. Like big coal-fired plants, though, they rely on high-voltage transmission lines to transfer the electrical energy from the plant. They take significant capital to build, but also have the benefit in the economy of scale, for example, so that their costs can be recouped in electricity sales within 3 years. There are even projects combing traditional coal-fired plants with CSP because they both produce high temperature steam that can be used on the same turbines for electricity.
    Water consumption
    The AWDI veterans’ concern that these plants would be using enormous amounts of water seemed to be quenched by statements by Tri-State’s Boughey. Tri-State’s recent Request for Proposals (RFPs) solicited only those projects that have a closed loop cooling circuit and thus do not consume water. Panelist and Valley native Ralph Curtis also indicated that even if a solar company could buy any water, it would be agricultural, and they would have to go through water court to change the use. This is but a legal issue steeped in complicated Colorado water law. So, at the present only closed loop CSP technologies that do not consume water are being considered for the Valley. These CSPs operate “much like a car’s cooling system,” said Boughey, using air instead of evaporating steam as the way to dump excess heat. Closed cooling systems, or dry cooling, are about 10 percent more expensive than wet cooling.
    There are also other concentrated solar approaches that do not need water, such as the solar stirling engine. In this approach, sun -light is focused on a heat differential engine to cause reciprocation of pistons that turn a generator. This system can operate at high temperatures and needs no cooling.
    The final point that Brown offered was that although the Southwest has great solar power potential, it doesn’t mean that the rest of the nation is devoid of any solar opportunity. By extension, there could be distributed generation solar development closer to the load centers of the Midwest and eastern regions of the nation.
    soalr panel
    This is another type of tracking solar concentrator that is photovoltaic
    and not thermal. They perform very well in the valley because of our
    “cool” sunshine and do not need active cooling. This picture was taken
    at the 8.2 megawatt facility near Mosca. Photo by author.
    New transmission line
    The electric grid, especially in the Valley, is relatively outdated and running at sometimes over-capacity. The Valley begins to have problems with the grid when Xcel and San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (SLVREC) are providing about 65 megawatts each. When the farmers are irrigating in the summer with frequent 24/7 duty cycles, there is a threshold of reliability at about 125 total megawatts. This is all coming down from Poncha Pass on the single main transmission line that comes into the Valley.
    Panelists Boughey and SLVREC representative James Clare both spoke of the importance of needing to provide reliability for their customers. The planned transmission line coming over from Walsenberg to Mosca is not only important for present operations and new customers, but also to get the solar electricity that is generated here to the markets that need it.
    While some attendees spoke of just generating enough electricity to serve the Valley’s needs, and that perhaps the new transmission line was not necessary, many in the room shook their heads in disagreement. Farmers with a multi-hundred thousand-dollar crop in the ground cannot afford to have their irrigation shut off because of voltage collapse, and many are seeing the opportunity to farm the sun as a great way to utilize their land. The principle of redundant feeds into the Valley was noted as being important.
    Colorado’s electric provider
    Just about two years after the Valley saw its first commercial 8.2 megawatt photovoltaic solar power plant near Mosca go into operation, the floodgates are open to further solar development, transmission line pending. The report of Colorado Senate Bill 07-091 states that there are roughly 2.75 gigawatts, or a quarter of the state’s peak demand, in total solar electricity potential within the San Luis Valley. This would cover a land area of 27,500 acres and could provide power for about 400,000 homes.
    Panelist Mike Wisdom was in meetings at the state capitol last August when he heard the business interests of five multi-national corporations. They were all in the solar industry, they are all choosing America to develop their business, they are all coming to Colorado, and they are all looking at coming to the Valley. Even though a gold-rush phenomena might be happening, “that sunshine has a zip code on it,” says Wisdom.
    His SLV Development Resources Group has been working on a Valley Power Authority to help organize the dialogue between Valley communities and the now multinational interest the Valley’s power production potential. He believes that Valley communities should be able to derive some benefit from having its resources tapped for a national and state service.
    aerial shot of san luis valley
    This 20 megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar park in Beneixama, Spain is elegantly
    incorporated into the rural countryside of sprawling orchards. It is currently the largest PV
    plant in the world. Source: www.city-solar-ag.com
    Contacts:
    Valley Power Authority, contact the SLVDRG at 589-6099.
    SLV Water Protection Coalition: www.slvwater.org or contact@slvwater.org.
    SLV Ecosystem Council www.slvec.org, info@slvec.org
    Bill Brown: http://www.billbrownclimatesolutions.blogspot.com
    Tri-State Generation and Transmission: www.tristategt.org

  2. Ritter introduces new C0 Sen. Michael Bennet—promises SLV won’t be forgotten - January, 2009

    by Lisa Cyriacks

    When introduced January 13 in Alamosa, Senate designee Michael Bennet told the standing-room-only crowd that he intended to carry forward Ken Salazar’s values and agenda. Bennet also informed those present that he intended to retain Senate aide Charlotte Bobicki and keep the San Luis Valley office open, a statement that was met with applause.
    Bennet accompanied Governor Ritter on a multi-city tour that ended in Alamosa. In addition to introducing Bennet statewide to constituents, the tour gave Ritter the opportunity to present a brief rendition of his recent “State of the State” speech. Despite the necessity of prudently managing the budget (i.e. budget cuts) the governor’s goal is to craft a focused economic-development strategy that will help us protect what we’ve got and continue to pave the way for future growth.
    In his introduction, Ritter referenced Bennet’s wide experience—he served in Clinton’s Justice Department and directed an investment company owned by noted conservative Philip Anschutz before giving it up to work for Mayor John Hickenlooper and then to serve as Superintendent of Schools and improve Denver’s urban schools—as a decisive factor in his selection of Bennet to fill Salazar’s seat.
    “I think we’re in this very unique time in history,” Ritter said, suggesting it’s one that requires transformational leaders like Barack Obama. “In meeting with people and talking to applicants to replace Ken Salazar, I came away believing that Michael Bennet is such a person as well.”
    “Serving as governor has only reinforced my belief that holding public office is indeed a sacred trust,” Ritter asserted, “a trust relationship not only with those who voted for us, but for all people. Elections determine who has the privilege to serve, and with this privilege comes the responsibility to honor this trust relationship, which dictates that we serve for all.”
    Ritter’s selection was not without some controversy. There was criticism from Hispanics for not choosing another Hispanic (like former Denver Mayor Federico Peña) to replace San Luis Valley native-born Ken Salazar. Some Colorado Democrats expected the choice to be largely governed by who could best win what is now expected will be one of the most hard-fought Senate races in the country in 2010. Bennet has never been elected to public office and is relatively unknown in the Democratic Party.
    Both Ritter and Bennet frequently referred to Democrat Ken Salazar’s legacy in the U.S. Senate and promised to follow through with Salazar’s policies on the environment, energy, war in Iraq and immigration reform. Bennet said he would be honored to finish Salazar’s term and plans to seek re-election when that term is ended.
    Following Salazar’s nonpartisan style, Bennet remarked that the solutions to many problems are neither Democratic nor Republican, but instead require “pragmatic problem-solving.”
    Questioned about his stand on the environment, Bennet said his views would be similar to Ken Salazar’s. He said his wife, Susan Daggett, has spent 15 years as an environmental lawyer working to protect land, water and air, so that also speaks to his stand on that issue. “I don’t expect to see much change between Ken and myself on this issue,” Bennet said.
    In response to an audience question, Bennet also talked about bridging the gap between rich and poor and stated that education and adequate health care were the two main avenues to accomplish that objective.
    Praising the contributions of the Salazar family to the state’s politics, Bennet stated that he would follow Ken Salazar’s stance on immigration, including supporting a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and educational assistance for their children.
    Bennet recently spent three days with Senator Salazar in Washington D.C. He came away from that experience with the impression that Salazar was much admired among his colleagues. Many of Salazar’s colleagues talked about what a decent person he was, how much they liked working with him and what a difference he made in just four years in the U.S. Senate. Bennet added that President-Elect Barack Obama selecting Salazar to fill one of only 15 cabinet posts serves as evidence of that high regard.
    Bennet assured the audience that when Ken Salazar supported his appointment it was done so with the implication that the San Luis Valley will not be forgotten. “Although we (Bennet and Salazar) come from different places and backgrounds, I believe we share the same set of values,” Bennet stated.

  3. Senate approves Baca National Wildlife Refuge Management Act - January, 2009

    On January 15, the United States Senate passed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (S.22) by a vote of 73-21. The public lands package includes legislation championed by United States Senator Ken Salazar that will amend the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000 to assist in the administration of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge in the San Luis Valley. Specifically, the Baca National Wildlife Refuge Management Act defines the purpose of the Refuge as one, “to restore, enhance, and maintain wetland, upland, riparian, and other habitats for native wildlife, plant, and fish species in the San Luis Valley.”
    “The lands in the Baca National Wildlife Refuge are a special part of the San Luis Valley,” said Senator Salazar. “The bill we passed today will help preserve and enhance the natural beauty of these lands by providing a working framework for managing the refuge. Having fought for this important legislation for years, I am pleased that we are one step closer to getting it across the finish line and signed into law.”
    Senator Salazar was an original co-sponsor of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge Management Act in the last Congress. Though the bill received unanimous support from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last year and had strong support from local communities, it ultimately did not receive consideration on the Senate floor. S. 22 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

  4. Letters - January, 2009

    Freebox Fairies
    Dear Editor,
    I wanted to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Freebox Fairies who have been keeping up with the cleaning and maintenance of the freebox this winter. It’s a thankless job in the best of weather, and even more of a chore in winter.
    To all the FF’s out there, I say thank you for your selfless service. May the freebox fill you with wonderful findings!
    Sincerely,
    Lisa Micklin

    Accolades
    Dear Editor,
    This past Sunday was the 36th anniversary of my mother’s passing from this plane.
    I would like to publicly thank some of the nameable angels who showed up for me.
    I commend and celebrate the Crestone Healing Arts Guild for offering a fabulous convergence of healing artistry monthly. The by-donation services reflect the true Spirit of generosity & healing. Wonder Bob’s adventure in regression delighted me, like watching a super movie with myself as star. Thank you, Bob, for accompanying me on my return trip to health & wholeness, and for your enlivening Dances of Universal Peace, and all involved.
    I’d like to honor “the eaglettes”, every one of you, for your compassionate support—as well as my house mate Jandi, who’s become a mother to me, so literally, so poetically. You’re a beautiful community & I’m grateful to participate in this return to unity with you all.
    Most Truly,
    Stacia Burton

    Open house thanks
    Dear Community,
    Thank you for your wonderful support of our 20th year celebration and open house. Thanks to all of you who came by, brought food and, even if you couldn’t make the event, wished us well. We would like to thank those businesses who generously gave donations for our open house door prizes (what fun!): The Bead Store, Black Bear Video, The Harvest Restaurant, The Desert Sage, Sweet Thunder, and Joyful Journey.
    with love & appreciation
    Kizzen Laki, Janet Woodman
    and all of us at The Crestone
    Eagle

    She’s electrified
    Dear Editor,
    I can’t wait to read my Crestone Eagle online and am happy to be saving trees and fuel as well. Thanks again.
    —Betty Davis, Exton, PA
    All the latest
    Dear Editor,
    Thank you so much for your excellent newspaper! Our son, Steve Anderson—and his family—live in Crestone. Steve owns the Harvest Restaurant. We enjoy reading all the latest news about your amazing community! Best wishes for a Happy New Year in 2009!
    Sincerely,
    Jim & Linda Kuhn, Kentucky

    Politically bent
    Dear Editor,
    I believe that community media should be neutrally educational news, not politically-bent, and should give the opportunity and respect to the public of making their own opinions. I do not believe that one could rightfully argue for the Crestone Eagle being neutral, or “even-handed” as they advertise to be.
    It appears to me, based off of reading archived articles, that the Crestone Eagle is not a neutrally-minded newspaper; instead, it appears to be politically bent towards the “left.” I am curious about the Crestone Eagle’s staff opinion regarding this observation, and why they feel it necessary to put into the newspaper obvious politically-bent opinions. Is this not a community newspaper? Does the staff not feel that they should be more politically neutral in their journalism? Has the Crestone-area community argued against and/or for this politically biased media?
    Thank you,
    Brandon Williams

    Eagle response
    Dear Brandon,
    Thanks for your note. You are correct, The Crestone Eagle does lean a little to the left—like the majority of the community it serves.
    Newspapers have historically had opinions. They endorse candidates and policies. They applaud or give them hell. They take stands on issues. It is traditional to do so. Part of the “freedom of the press” is rendering “politically-bent opinions”. And give a voice to their communities.
    We have letters to the editor, columns and guest editorials expressing all sorts of opinions—not necessarily our own.
    When it comes to reporting the news, we work hard to be accurate and balanced and present the facts. If people feel that isn’t quite so, we encourage them to tell their side of the story.
    In your email you were bothered by our happily announcing Obama’s win ahead of time. Well—sometimes—newspapers just have fun.
    Best,
    Kizzen

    Future of newspapers
    Dear Eagle,
    Congratulations on your anniversary. If newspapers have any future at all, it is in the type of community journalism practiced by excellent small-town newspapers … who will aspire to quality because you have set the bar so high.
    Jan Glidewell
    Dade City, FL
    Please make contact
    Dear John Ross,
    After reading your Letter to the Editor in last month’s Eagle, I tried to contact you to learn more about your concerns. However, I was unable to find you in our local telephone books and the POA shows no record of you as a property owner in the Baca. I invite you to attend our POA meetings and would appreciate it if you would call me at 256-4871 to discuss your issues and answer any questions you may have.
    Thank you,
    Diane Dunlap

    They killed the fishes,
    Against our wishes
    Endangered creatures great tho small with myriad facets—they killed them all. We had no warning, nor did they, not from this POA—this Board, this EAC, this Department of Land Abuse, and the Management, too. All together far astray they got it very wrong in every way. With one exception—Kathryn, our hope for restoration of legitimacy, good ethics & competency.
    Judge by actions, not mere chatter, wrongful deeds are there to see, time for this group to go away because right and wrong DO matter. They face a recall, any day, they got it wrong in every way.
    POA—meet the EPA!
    Here to give some guidance. Plans may change for those indicted. Time for justice to finally be requited. Behind false indemnification they cower, time for them to pay for gross abuse of power. Time for them to pay for their illegal roads—construction and environmental destruction. After all, they chose this mess. Permits? They could care less. Right before Christmas, bulldozer and backhoe dredged the creek a whole lot more. There are new culverts, now four. Collect another EPA clean water 404. Not acceptable, they were told, not OK, no way, not now, not then, not ever. They hear only their own voice, good advice was never taken. Now it’s come to pass, they clearly were mistaken. Now we’ve got broken laws, covenants and codes, all for profit or so they thought. Here, there, and in Moffat.
    The Baca—Park and Refuge—are connected check it out, it’s all on record. We expect our environment to be preserved and always be protected. Membership take note, time to stand up, demand your vote be counted.
    Terrel Tucker
    Save Cottonwood Creek

  5. Thanks to you - January, 2009

    They just kept coming in the door. They ate up all the food, drank up all the beer and wine, talked and laughed, hugged and told stories and had a great old time. Me too.
    The Crestone Eagle 20th Year Open House & Celebration held in January drew around 150+ people. Many more said that they wanted to come, but for various reasons couldn’t, and wished us well. (Kinda glad they didn’t show up—we already went to Curt’s twice!)
    We put together a 15 minute repeating slide show of old photographs. We had photos of people who used to live here and moved away, and people who had died. Judging by the response of the viewers, we all still remember them and hold them dear in our hearts. We had photos of current residents when they were much younger. Lots of exclamations on those. “How young! cute! skinny! with hair!
    People shared their history here with newcomers who appreciated the old stories as they learned what we all did, and continue to do, to make this such a special place.
    One person at the open house pointed out the diversity of the people attending. They said they ran into people here they usually don’t see within their particular social circle. That the Eagle was the common ground—for both local residents and those part-timers living afar.
    Maybe that’s because of the variety of people who contribute to the paper. Who write from their own interest, expertise and talent and enjoying sharing this with all of us. It is those people who really should be thanked for making the Eagle what it is.
    Plus the advertisers who make it all possible. And the awesome staff, who puts it together month after month.
    Thank you all, with love,
    —Kizzen

  6. BLM attorney linked to suppression of science in SLV oil & gas initiatives - January, 2009

    by Ceal Smith

    An Attorney for the Department of Interior with heavy involvement in assessing Lexam Exploration’s drilling proposal in the Baca National Wildlife Refuge has been linked to an ongoing scandal involving the suppression of scientific information.

    A report released on Dec. 15th by the Department of Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General revealed that DOI Attorney Thomas Graf “aided and abetted” Julie MacDonald, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks who resigned in 2006 following public disclosure that she improperly affected over a dozen Endangered Species Act (ESA) decisions. In the new report, Thomas Graf, self-described as MacDonald’s “eyes and ears,” interfered on numerous occasions with high-level scientific decision-making for the Greater Sage Grouse. He was described in the study as having a “remarkable lack of recollection [that] leaves one to speculate whether he
    was doing MacDonald’s bidding or was a rogue actor simply emulating her policy style.”

    Documents obtained by the San Luis Valley Water Protection Coalition (WPC) and reported previously in regional and national news outlets, reveal that Graf exercised the same heavy handed “policy style” described in the Inspector General’s Report in the drilling assessment of the Canadian company, Lexam Explorations, Inc., proposal to drill for natural gas and oil in the Baca National Wildlife Refuge.

    The attorney, Thomas Graf, provided oil and gas industry lawyers with internal drafts of the USFWS analysis of the impacts of drilling on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge and is opposing the Town of Crestones’ appeal of recent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas leasing decisions.

    Graf’s involvement in gas and oil initiatives in the San Luis Valley now extends beyond the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. In April, the BLM leased 1,876 acres on 3 parcels near the town of Crestone despite enormous public outcry and urging from United States Senator Ken Salazar and Congressman John Salazar to defer leasing the parcels until more thorough studies on its affects could be conducted. When the Town appealed BLM’s lease sale, it received an objection to their appeal from Thomas Graf, Staff Attorney for the DOI Solicitors Office in Lakewood.

    In his characteristic tone, Graf referred to the Town of Crestones’ appeal claims as NIMBY (Not In My Backyard). According to an attorney familiar with Graf, “this term is widely used as pejorative and reflects the same type of contempt for local concerns as the Inspector General Report demonstrated that these DOI officials held for scientific concerns.”

    The DOI Inspector General’s Report entitled: Endangered Species Act and the Conflict between Science and Policy can be downloaded at: http://www.doioig.gov/. Key FOIA documents received from USFWS in August can be downloaded from WPC’s website at: http://www.slvwater.org/pressrelease/index.html.

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  7. January 2009 › Astrologically Speaking - January, 2009

    Astrologically Speaking . . . with Ananur – January 2009

    Mercury will be turning retrograde this month, starting on January 11 at 9:45am until February first at 12:11am.

    January 1 Mercury enters Aquarius. What a way to begin the New Year. I say that because our President, Mr. Barak Obama was born with Aquarius rising. Already I hear of him acting in what I consider an Aquarian manner. I was told tonight that he has invited us to join in small groups to discuss what we want to see for a health care program, and then our discussion will be conveyed back to him. I mean how democratic is this, the absolute opposite of what we’ve been living with for the last 8 years. I’d love to hear what “my brothers and sisters” are thinking, plus, of course, express my own opinion. Mercury will stay in Aquarius until January 21. Today Mercury is favorably aspecting Pluto offering you deeper insights than what you’re used to? Venus is in a positive aspect with Jupiter, which is uplifting for the economy.

    January 2 Venus and Jupiter are still in a positive aspect until later on this evening. This is a fun time for a social gathering. The mood is upbeat. Venus is also aspecting Pluto, ushering in the power of love as a healing balm. Your idealistic perspective on life and love is being restored.

    January 3 Venus will enter into Pisces, where she is said to be “exalted.” Venus will remain in this compassionate water sign until February 3. Allow yourself to feel the depth of the love within you; that’s what Venus in Pisces requests of us all.

    January 4 Mercury is awkwardly aspecting Uranus. Your words are too blunt and cut like a knife. Try to refrain from speaking every little thought that comes to mind.

    January 5 Mars will be aspecting Neptune, causing you to feel weak and tired. Why fight it? Relax and get the rest that your body needs.

    January 5 Jupiter enters Aquarius at 8:42am, remaining here for a year, that is, until January 18, 2010. This is good news for all Aquarian-born individuals (born between January 21 and February 18). They will find themselves “luckier” than the rest of us during this time period. Also their intuition will be even stronger. Jupiter in Aquarius will be a time of consciousness raising. President Obama leads the way as a positive influence. He has original (Aquarian) ideas of how he will be helping to shift the economy. Think positive thoughts; that would be a good start.

    January 6-15 Jupiter is aspecting Pluto. Positive action is taking place which will boost the economy. President Obama is making an impact; we listen attentively.

    January 7-9 the Sun is now aspecting Uranus, the ruling planet of Aquarius. Expect your intuition to amaze you. Surprise it, and act on it in the moment.

    January 9-11 the Sun is aspecting Saturn, nicely, helping you to focus your thoughts and energy so that you can accomplish your goals. You’re feeling more determined and emotionally stable.

    January 10 the Full Moon will take place at precisely 8:27pm with the Moon at 21 degrees of Cancer and the Sun at 21 degrees of Capricorn. The focus is on family relations and bringing a family feeling into the workplace—being open and willing to show others who you are by dropping the “professional” facade. There’s teamwork going on which is enabling you to feel the joy of cooperative efficiency.

    January 10-12 the Sun is nicely aspecting Neptune. You’re feeling more sensitive and vulnerable, in a good way …. You’re receptive to the needs of others.

    January 11 is when Mercury will be turning retrograde at 9:45am until February 1 at 2:11am. Remember, while Mercury is retrograde, the best thing to do is to enjoy your inner life and spend more time in silence. Go for a lot of walks in the woods or cross country skiing where it’s white and quiet. This is not the time to buy a car, even if it’s a hybrid. Be patient and do some more research. Writing and journaling is favored.

    January 14 Mercury is harshly aspecting Saturn, which will tempt you to worry. Be aware of the gravitational pull, so that you can make a conscious choice.

    January 16 Mercury will be awkwardly aspecting Uranus causing your mind to race and your nervous system to feel sped up. Try to refrain from speaking too abruptly.

    January 16-18 is when Mercury will be close to (conjunct) Jupiter, in Aquarius. Your thinking is innovatively inspired. Are you spending your time thinking of all of the constructive uses for our recycled garbage? Any ideas for replacing plastic diapers, trash bags, wrap, or bottles? I understand that in Oregon they’re using biodegradable trash bags made from corn.

    January 17-21 the Sun and Mercury in Aquarius are in a positive aspect with Pluto in Capricorn. Transformation is taking place for those who are intending that it be so. “With a little help from my friends” all is possible.

    January 19 the Sun will leave Capricorn and enter into Aquarius at 3:41pm. The Sun will remain in this visionary air sign until February 18 at 7:46am. While the Sun is in Aquarius we are concerned with humanitarian issues. How perfect with Obama about to launch his new presidency. He has Aquarius rising in his natal chart. He is “a rainbow” person who identifies himself as a world citizen and shows concern for all of humanity.

    Our horizons will widen. He invites us to share our thoughts and email them to him, how very unique and how very Aquarian. moveon.org is now 5 million strong and bold about expressing the views of the people. The time has come for “the people” to be represented. It is now.

    January 20-22 Mars is nicely aspecting Uranus, insuring that you have all the physical energy you could possibly want. Seek adventure, be active; this is not the time for watching movies, even if it’s cold outside. Venus is conjunct Uranus, ushering in new romantic tanglements which could unfold nicely. With Uranus, it’s hard to know.

    January 21 Mercury is still retrograding and now has backed up into Capricorn. This is not the time to start a new business or expand an existing business. Venus is aspecting Jupiter which is good for finances. Perhaps the stock market will leap forward.

    January 22-24 the Sun is conjunct Jupiter—also good for finances, as yesterday was. Mars is nicely aspecting Saturn and Venus, favoring self discipline and a steady focus on a work project. Saturn is awkwardly aspecting Venus, known for testing trust in relationships. The Moon will be conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius this evening. Get ready for a beautiful sight.

    January 24-28 Jupiter is awkwardly aspecting Uranus catapulting you forward to take risks that you ought not to be taking. Your impulses are quickened and your intuition is out of sorts. This is a good time for brainstorming, but not for action.

    January 24-31 Jupiter is aspecting Saturn, causing some challenges for you to deal with in your work. You may be feeling some tension and concern financially.

    January 24-26 Mercury and Mars are aspecting Neptune, inspiring you to give and help support others who are less fortunate than you.

    January 25 the Sun aspecting Saturn has triggered you into negative thinking. Try to apply your power of observation and delete those negative thoughts.

    January 26 Venus is nicely aspecting Neptune, finding you inspired and uplifted by music. You may want to do some writing or create artistically with music playing in the background. Mars is favorably aspecting Neptune, inspiring you to give more to others who need your support. This will lift your mood. This is also the day of the New Moon which takes place at 2:56am with the Sun and Moon at 6 degrees of Aquarius, which fits in with Obama’s chart. His natal Jupiter is right there, at that degree. He will be presenting a new plan of action which we will find to be inspiring. Now is the time for envisioning.

    January 27 Mercury and Mars are close together in Capricorn; however, Mercury is still retrograde. Don‘t make any impulsive decisions that you would regret later on this week. Your mind is very active. Jupiter is aspecting Uranus, which suggests that you are eager for changes to take place. You feel like you’re running out of patience.

    January 28-31 Jupiter is aspecting Saturn (as mentioned January 24-31) nudging you to do some research to learn more about implementing your ideas in the future to make more money. If your idea is “green,” you’re moving in the right direction.

    Ananur Forma lived in Crestone from 1996-2003. Ananur is presently living on the rocky coast of Maine, and can easily be reached at 207-594-2565 ananur@verizon.net for a personal chart reading. Sliding scale is available if needed. Ananur was born with the Sun in Libra, Capricorn Rising & Jupiter/Moon in Capricorn, and is committed to fairness.

  8. January 2009 › Letters - January, 2009

    Thank You

    Dear Editor,

    My, my, my! I’ve just read Mary Lowers’ review
    of The Collection and am humbled by her kind words.
    I thank you for your interest in the book. Publishing and
    editing The High Valley Independent allowed many
    early events to be recorded. Retuning to HVI to compile
    The Collection brought boundless joy for me. I hope
    the reader senses it.

    In the Spirit of Appreciation,
    Whitney Strong

     

    NHN says thanks

    Dear Editor,

    Neighbors Helping Neighbors wants to make a short and sweet
    announcement: “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU”
    to all you wonderful contributors to NHN this last month.
    You know who you are. And if December didn’t work, but
    your budget looks better this month, NHN is always grateful
    for your help, any time of the year. We can always be found
    at NHN, PO Box 822, Crestone CO 81131.

    Bless you all for your welcome and timely contributions.

    —With gratitude from the Neighbors Helping Neighbors
    Board

     

    Thanks, and be safe!

    Dear Editor,

    I’d like to say a public thank you to the guys who
    keep our roads plowed and make movement possible in these
    snowy months. Shawn Hollmer, Bob Prather, Rob Morley and Dan
    Gray—I really appreciate the work that you do and recognize
    that some days it means long hours, tough conditions, and
    an interruption to your personal schedules as you follow the
    whims of mother nature. Thanks for keeping the roads open
    in the Baca!

    And speaking of roads, I’d like to encourage everyone
    to slow down, especially when approaching the main Baca road
    from uphill. Running a stop sign over an icy patch can be
    dangerous. Panorama can resemble a slip ‘n slide even
    for the best Subaru. Let’s remember all of the vehicle
    accidents we had in the Baca last year and avoid them this
    time around!

    —Alison Frost

     

    We feel appreciated

    Dear Crestone Spiritual Alliance, Mangala Shri Bhuti and
    all the Crestonions who attended (and tried to attend) the
    William Prunkl benefit concert for the Water Protection Coalition
    on Dec. 14:

    We want to thank you again for the gift of music, appreciation
    and community. Our Board Vice-President, Matthew Crowley put
    it best: “Nowhere else but in Crestone could an American
    cellist from Japan give a benefit concert organized by a Tibetan
    Buddhist Sangha for a Water Protection Coalition at a Catholic
    Hermitage!”

    We felt genuinely appreciated and blessed (and $1,500 wealthier!).

    Love,
    Ceal Smith, Director
    Chris Canaly, Chair
    San Luis Valley Water Protection Coalition (WPC)

     

    Thanks to participants

    Dear Editor,

    Thanks to everyone who participated in the benefit cello
    concert on December 14.

    It was a true Crestone event, with a Western cellist from
    Japan offering sublime music to an appreciative audience in
    a Catholic chapel sponsored by a Buddhist sangha to protect
    our land and inhabitants! Happily, we were able to make a
    substantial donation to the Water Protection Coalition.

    In gratitude,

    Naomi Mattis
    For Mangala Shri Bhuti

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    Deja vu

    Dear Editor,

    Once again the current POA Board proves their reputation
    as the worst board ever. By choosing to raise the dues only
    a few dollars, the reserves are still not fully funded. The
    Land Use position was eliminated in November. How many jobs
    can Shauna do? You ruined the golf course. Perhaps the current
    recall move against Dianne Dunlap and Chuck Grant will help.
    Where is Chuck anyway? He has been missing for five or six
    months now. It is time for the property owners to demand the
    transparency they were promised.

    Show up!
    John Ross

     

    Dog problems in Crestone

    Mayor Ralph and Council,

    Dogs run wild in Crestone, while City Officials turn a blind
    eye. Nothing is being done by Mayor and Council to enforce
    the leash law.

    Many dog owners are obviously not responsible enough to prevent
    their dogs from running wild in packs. I therefore find the
    City of Crestone legally responsible for the lack of enforcement
    of unleashed dogs.

    The cost of personal damage to persons resulting from loose
    dogs is the legal responsibility and financial responsibility
    of the City of Crestone. If this must be taken to court to
    prove, no one will win.

    A dog fight, mauling, bloody, vicious, occurred at the free
    box Saturday, December 6. Instigated by a red dog, a pack
    of dogs mauled a German Shepard. I witnessed the violent attack.
    Threats and using violent force, men made efforts to disengage
    the dogs with no success. The violent, bloody fight escalated
    and lasted an extended duration.

    With mud and blood, the fleeing German Shepard raced into
    my vehicle for refuge, smashing onto my computer screen. This
    computer screen cost me over $600 dollars to replace earlier
    this year!!

    Dog lovers can be cruel in defending the predatory nature
    of their own pets. Local dogs chase down deer. Deer, in jumping
    fences to escape, have deeply gashed their back legs. Painful,
    these wounds must heal without medical aid.

    Local dogs dig and roust out rabbits and kit foxes. As I
    have witnessed.

    Dog owners seem to be unwilling to prevent their dogs from
    gathering at store entrances, begging scraps. The dogs in
    front Shambala Restaurant come routinely in the morning for
    scraps. They are hungry and unfed. I find this disturbing.

    The owners of dogs are sometimes themselves homeless, leaving
    dogs uncared for. I’m aware of a dog that has been abandoned
    here for weeks at a time, as its owner makes trips to other
    locations. I’ve seen this same dog threaten to maul
    the face of a 9 year old child. This strikes a resonant concern,
    because I, too, was threatened by dogs as a child.

    Dogs commonly block traffic in Crestone. They lurch out,
    chasing new arrivals, and trailing strays through the center
    of the roadway. I’ve witnessed visitors forced to risk
    avoiding the scattered strays. I’ve seen dogs settle
    their conflicts right in front of waiting visitors’
    traffic.

    I advocate control of a situation that is now out of hand.

    Do something to uphold existing dog control law in the City
    of Crestone.
    —Sarah Naiditch

    (Editor’s note: The Town of Crestone does enforce
    its ordinances, but usually tries to work with owners before
    issuing citations. I’m sure your letter will encourage
    more citations, as the town council is also fed up with repeat
    violaters. And, hopefully after reading your letter, dog owners
    will be more aware and responsible. —kz)

     

    Congratulations!

    Dear Editor,

    Congratulations on the Eagle’s 20th year.
    I remember the first Eagle I read September 1998
    when we moved to Crestone. There were words there I never
    knew so I got a world education every month. The Eagle
    is fresh and never stale. I remember when the paper doubled
    in size because there was so much happening in our little
    town of Crestone, a microcosm of the world. Sitting in the
    coffee shop reading our paper on the first of the month discussing
    editorials is a lot of fun.

    I especially loved the April Fools stories and always seemed
    to be taken in or by suprise as I bought it hook line and
    sinker. Through the years I laughed and cried as I read the
    news. I can’t imagine Crestone without the Eagle.
    I love you guys. Happy Anniversary.

    —Danna Blount

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