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.
Category: Social justice
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 inLand Use
Boom in private clubs highlights tensions between belonging and exclusion
Club spaces can get “demonized,” because of their very nature: The same thing that gives one person a sense of belonging points out to another that they don’t belong.
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 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.
Posted inSocial justice
New affordable senior housing opens as region confronts aging demographics, rising costs
“Seniors are just such an important part of our community. Many of them are still working … and as we have costs rising so significantly, incomes don’t always keep up and it’s usually those on fixed incomes or limited income mobility that gets squeezed out first.”
Posted inSocial justice
Mobile home parks under contract for resident ownership
“It’s amazing that the local community, Basalt, Carbondale and Aspen [and more], came together like this and contributed this staggering amount of money,” he said. “But they can’t keep doing it.”
Posted inSocial justice
Indigenous youths finish historic journey down Klamath River with help of Aspen-based nonprofit after dams removed
Now that the dams are out, Thompson hopes reconnecting with the river, including through salmon fishing and recreation opportunities, can help address a rise in health concerns such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as mental health challenges faced by tribes in the region, including addiction and suicide.
Posted inSocial justice
Residents and advocates push for stronger mobile home protections as investors buy up properties
“Right now, the residents, even if they have a bid that meets the price, the owner today could choose not to give it to the residents,” Sanchez said. “We believe that’s wrong and we believe that residents should have the opportunity to buy their own park first.”