Data-privacy concerns raised about Glenwood Springs’ Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras are widespread across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, an Aspen Journalism analysis found. Local jurisdictions are now revisiting their policies to ensure they align with local values and state laws that limit how and when local law enforcement can assist with federal immigration arrests.
Category: Social justice
Posted inSocial justice
California firm buys up seven Western Slope mobile home parks
A 39-unit manufactured home community in Rifle that a California real estate investment firm purchased in December is part of a portfolio of seven Western Slope parks consisting of more than 700 homesites and recently acquired by the company.
Posted inSocial justice
City could revoke permit after data shows ICE detainees held for more than 12 hours at Glenwood facility
ICE holding facilities are typically used to process and detain people before they are transferred to a larger detention center or released. They often consist of small concrete rooms with no beds and are not designed for overnight use.
Posted inThe second coming of Albert Schweitzer
French book highlights Aspen’s efforts to elevate Albert Schweitzer legacy
Local efforts to recenter the philosophies of French-German humanist Albert Schweitzer as morally and culturally imperative in modern Aspen have been recognized in a French book written by authors from his home region.
Posted inSocial justice
Law firm sends cease-and-desist letter to Garfield County sheriff over alleged unlawful immigration enforcement
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.
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.