Towards Justice Executive Director David Seligman, an attorney who is running for state attorney general this year, confirmed that the formal, nonbinding letter could be the first step in a lawsuit against the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Author Archives: Eleanor Bennett
Eleanor Bennett is an award-winning journalist reporting on regional social justice issues in collaboration with Aspen Public Radio and Aspen Journalism. A life-long Roaring Fork Valley local, she previously was a reporter, podcast producer and Morning Edition host at Aspen Public Radio. Her stories have ranged from the impact of federal immigration policies on local DACA recipients to creative efforts to solve the valley’s affordable housing challenge.
Posted inSocial justice
Garfield County Libraries has resisted censoring books, but leadership changes could turn the tide
Several measures were considered by library trustees over the past year. But so far, the board has declined to implement any new policies due to reasons ranging from Colorado laws to a skepticism over whether there is a genuine problem to be solved.
Posted inSocial justice
Garfield County Libraries director announces retirement, encourages community to protect the ‘freedom to read’
Despite the challenges and opposition that LaRue has faced from some in the community because of his advocacy against restricting books, he said that he has also received a lot of support and that leading Garfield County Libraries has been a rewarding experience overall.
Posted inSocial justice
An old motel in Parachute is being turned into workforce apartments as cost of housing rises
Although housing costs are still lower in Parachute and neighboring Battlement Mesa than much of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, the average price of a single-family home has more than doubled over the past decade.
Posted inSocial justice
Politicized issues, out-of-state funds and partisan support divide RFSD board race
Despite being a nonpartisan race where candidates’ party labels are not displayed on the ballot, the candidates have expressed opposing views on politicized issues such as a rise in school shootings, declining enrollment, and the merits of DEI and anti-racism policies and gender-inclusive sex education.
Posted inSocial justice
New data confirms rising immigration arrests, and a changing profile of who gets detained
As the Trump administration carries out its promise to ramp up Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, recently released data confirms that a growing number of people have been arrested in Pitkin, Eagle and Garfield counties.
Posted inNoticias en Español
Nuevos datos confirman el aumento de las detenciones de inmigrantes y un cambio en el perfil de las personas detenidas
Los nuevos datos confirman el aumento de las detenciones por parte del ICE, y las leyes más estrictas hacen que permanecer en el país sea una “batalla cuesta arriba”
Posted inSocial justice
Community shows up for ‘Latino Conservation Week’ despite concerns over immigration crackdowns and DEI rollbacks
Defiende Nuestra Tierra’s program director said reconnecting Latino families with their ancestral roots to the land is at the heart of the organization’s mission to get more people involved in protecting public lands.
Posted inNoticias en Español
La comunidad se moviliza para la “Semana de la Conservación Latina” a pesar de las preocupaciones por las medidas contra la inmigració
A pesar del retroceso de los programas federales de diversidad, equidad e inclusión y las preocupaciones por el aumento de las medidas contra la inmigración, familias, estudiantes y otros voluntarios se reunieron para celebrar el patrimonio cultural latino, las tierras públicas y la gestión del medio ambiente durante la Semana de la Conservación Latina, del 13 al 21 de septiembre.
Posted inSocial justice
Former J-1 visa student receives about $17,000 in wage complaint against Aspen Meadows
Velichkovikj was one of about two dozen J-1 employees at the Meadows who sent a letter at the end of last summer detailing a range of concerns involving tipping and wage practices, workplace treatment and housing conditions.