St. Augustine visited by Great American Road Trip
0Quicktime Podcast
Jann Scott and The Great American road Trip visits St Augustine .Great American Road Trip Begins with its first episode in St. Augustine Florida The oldest city in America on Highway A1A. Historic St. Augustine has the Casa Monica Hotel a unique hotel that is the most romantic hotel in Florida. From the hotel you can take a tour of the town where you catch a glimpse of how life was in early America. Then if you want an all modern blast you can head out to Daytona International Speedway where racing cars is their way of life, even on the beaches. Continuing down Route A1A is Kennedy Space Center where literly tons of rockets are lunched. Then why not stop in at the most wonderful place on earth, Disney World and the town of Celebration all created by Mr. Walt Disney.
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Oldest Wooden School House
01 day ago
Located near the City Gates, The Old School House is a 
surviving expression of another time. Built over 200 years ago, while Florida was under the rule of Imperial Spain, it was constructed of red cedar and cypress and put together with wooden pegs and handmade nails.
surviving expression of another time. Built over 200 years ago, while Florida was under the rule of Imperial Spain, it was constructed of red cedar and cypress and put together with wooden pegs and handmade nails.
The schoolmaster and his wife lived upstairs, above the small classroom. Their kitchen was separated from the main building, because of the threat of fire and to spare the house of any excess heat during the long summers. Several of the cooking utensils used in those days are displayed here for the visitor. In the schoolhouse, related artifacts and copies of the books the pupils studied from are exhibited.
For more information call 888-653-7245
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Event Will Celebrate Tourism on Florida’s Historic Coast by St. Augustine Channel 1
01 day ago
Tourism on Florida’s Historic Coast will be reviewed in grand style at the third annual State of the Tourism Industry event to be presented at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 24 at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. This special event will feature a review of last year’s tourism performance presented by the Visitors and Convention Bureau and the MMGY Global advertising agency, a presentation by one of the world’s leading tourism experts, and the announcement of 2012′s tourism employees of the year.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast features historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches – the same beaches that greeted Ponce de Leon in 1513 when he discovered and named La Florida.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast features historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches – the same beaches that greeted Ponce de Leon in 1513 when he discovered and named La Florida.
“Tourism is truly the lifeblood of Florida’s Historic Coast,” said Richard Goldman, executive director of the Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Not only does the industry provide more than 11,000 jobs in St. Johns County, the 3.4 million overnight visitors who came here last year spent more than $660 million during their stay on Florida’s Historic Coast. Best of all, this essential economic activity is provided at no cost to local taxpayers. All of our tourism marketing activities are funded through the tourist development tax paid by visitors for overnight lodging. Last year, visitors paid $6.6 million in these ‘bed taxes’ – funds that were used to encourage millions of potential visitors to come here this year, help fund special events and to make improvements to beach and recreation facilities we all enjoy.”
This year’s review of local tourism will have lots of good news for the industry. Nearly every indicator shows impressive increases in the number of visitors and their spending while here. Clearly, the tourism industry has returned to the levels enjoyed prior to the economic downturn that began in 2008. In fact, recent data indicate tourism activity is nearing or exceeding monthly records.
As part of the event, the Visitors and Convention Bureau will review some of their major successes in placing Florida’s Historic Coast on the list of “must-sees” for millions of Americans. Much of this success has resulted from the Bureau’s contract and close working relationship with the Ypartnership advertising agency of Orlando which recently merged with MMG to form MMGY Global and stake their claim as the world’s unquestioned leaders in tourism marketing.
Once again, the centerpiece of the event will be a presentation by tourism visionary Peter Yesawich whose insights into tourism trends are followed closely by travel professionals worldwide. Formerly the chairman of Ypartnership and now the vice chairman of MMGY Global, Peter’s perspective on travel trends and changing consumer behavior, coupled with his intimate knowledge of Florida’s Historic Coast as a tourist destination will provide compelling information that can be successfully applied throughout the local tourism industry.
The State of the Tourism Industry event will also include the presentation of the coveted Tourism Employee of the Year Awards. The finalists represent the very best tourism employees on Florida’s Historic Coast and were selected on the basis of their exemplary service.
The event will take place at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, I-95 exit 323 in St. Augustine. Doors will open at 9 a.m. for coffee and pastries and the program will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and end by 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend. Admission is $10. To secure a reservation for what is expected be an extremely well-attended event, call Carey Cramer at 829.1711 or email ccramer@floridashistoriccoast.com
Source: Jay Humphreys, Communications Director, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau
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Boulder Startup Week 2012: Speed Bootstrapping 101 at the Chamber
02 days ago
Jann Scott’s Journal
May 18 2012
May 18 2012
Jann Scott, CEO Channel 1 Networks, journalist, TV starr and more
As I previewed the schedule on line in Plancast, Speed Bootstrapping at the Boulder Chamber seemed like the best option for me for several reasons. I am a busy executive and my time is limited. The event was being hosted by a law firm who specializes in Startups, security laws and presumably they had been to the show. Joyce Colson from Colson Quinn m’ced the event and she kept everybody on a timer. Thank God! ( seriously, it works best) The event was being held at the Chamber which is neutral ground so I wouldn’t be hassled by BSW organizers for being “press” which happened last year. Also, I am a Chamber member and I knew I could count on Angelique for access. There was also no alcohol being served so this was was going to be a sober nuts and bolts workshop where I could learn something It was not going to be the constant college party scene which consumes much of the Boulder Startup scene.
I was not disappointed. Speed Bootstrapping 101 was a series of check-ins by 7 business organization experts. Matt Fargo from Kurtz Fargo a cpa firm which specializes in tech corps gave a blistering litany of dos and don’ts for business financials. The most memorable being use quick books and outsource your book keeping to a specialist so that it gets done right. This way investors will understand what the hell you have when the time comes. Thank God we did both at Channel 1 networks.
Then the lawyers spoke. Rob Quinn almost had a pained look when he spoke of some basic mistakes startups make which hurt them badly down the road. This was another way for me to check to see if we did our preliminary work correctly. Protection of intellectual property ? check. Signed sub-contactor agreements? check. Signed no compete non disclosure statements? check. Set up LLC cause it is simplest? check Pay people cash and not in stock so company is not diffused? check. Paying in stock are big mistakes made by early startups.
Of course I have been in business for over 20 years, grew up in a business family so I can thank my father and family for some of my business ac cumin In 2006 I had the guidance of Bob Greenley and atty Amelia Tantilla early on in Channel 1 Networks, so I avoided big mistakes. Ray Skibitsky told me not to take venture capital since we were already making money.
Then a commercial real estate broker talked about complicated leases and who to trust and who not to. Very valuable. We will need a broker when we move, that’s for sure. Liz Ryan talked about how to hire good employees. Ideas I had never heard before. The Chamber talked about all of the SBA loans available. Did you know that there are loans available that will pay for 90% of commercial real estate? Why lease when you can own for the same money??
Also, there was a banker another accountant and another lawyer who spoke. They covered all of the bases.
So How did I do? I hate to be smugg. But I scored 100%. Not one pitfall in the area of big stupid business mistakes. I feel more ready than ever to move on and sell our company to Google. One thing is for sure, I need to hire this team assembled at Bootstrapping 101 to help sell my company. For this I have to hand it to Boulder Startup Week, there was a gem among the beer cups. lol 
( an a good time was had by all)
The event was well attended by serious minded business people and I feel fortunate to have been there. If this event was repeated monthly at the chamber it could only help all Boulder business’s succeed.
From the Starup Capitol of America
Jann Scott
Boulder Colorado
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This Weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches
05 days ago
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: May 18-20Romanza
Celebrate St. Augustine, the oldest continuously-occupied city in the continental United States, with a full weekend of colorful entertainment. Weekend highlights include Saturday’s Fire of Flamenco, featuring Tampa Bay Flamenco, in the courtyard of the Columbia Restaurant on Hypolita Street (free admission). Also free on Saturday is Romanza’s Spain Bicentennial Parade and Celebration featuring hundreds of costumed participants, live Latin music, Spanish dancers and dignitaries. The parade and celebration take place on St. George Street and in the Plaza de la Constitucion. Romanza ends on Sunday with Latin Beauty and Music at the Fountain of Youth Park. This event features Latin bands, Hispanic folk dancers, and the Latin Beauty Queens. Admission is $8. For more details and a complete listing of events, go to www.Romanzastaugustine.org
Friday and Saturday: May 18 & 19
Riding into History Motorcycle Concourse
For the 12th straight year,Riding Into History, one of America’s premier motorcycle events, returns to World Golf Village in St. Augustine. On Friday, at 10 a.m. there will be a Grand Marshall Historic Ride lead by National Champion Racer and Motorcycle Hall of Famer, Kevin Scwantz. Then on Saturday the gates to the Concours d’Elegance open at 10 a.m. The event will feature hundreds of classic American motorcycles along the Village’s Walk of Champions. Vendors, exhibitors and entertainment will be included. All proceeds will benefit Wounded Warrior Project. World Golf Village is located at I-95 Exit 323 in St. Augustine. For more information, please visit www.ridingintohistory.org
2012 Music and Art Breastaval
Enjoy art, health and music at the Fountain of Youth. Friday evening’s event begins with a Vaudeville performance followed by a Swing Band Dance; on Saturday afternoon the Breastaval features a Health Awareness and Art Show. Lots of art, music and kids activities. Then, on Saturday evening, enjoy entertainment by a mini-British invasion featuring Terry Sylvester performing favorite hits from the Hollies and Jimmy Laine performing hits from the Moody Blues and Wings. These fun music and art event benefits ArtBreakers, St. Augustine local charity assisting cancer patients. It all takes place at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, 11 Magnolia Street, St. Augustine. For more information, visit .
www.artbreakers.org
Friday and Sunday: May 18 & May 20
Piercing the Darkness at Limelight Theatre
As part of Romanza Week, noted actor and playwright Lee Weaver will present Piercing the Darkness: St. Augustine Light House Keepers. This innovative production puts the beloved lighthouse at the center of the story of St. Augustine’s long history. Three lighthouse keepers from three different eras tell the story in dramatic and compelling fashion. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are $20 each. For reservations, call the box office at 904.825.1164 or purchase tickets online at www.Limelight-Theatre.org
Saturday: May 19
Tolomato Cemetery Tours
Come explore the historic markers at the oldest extant cemetery in Florida. The self-guided and docent led tours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. TheTolomato Cemetery, an historic cemetery is located on Cordova Street, the site of an earlier Franciscan Indian mission (Our Lady of Guadalupe of the Tolomato) in St Augustine. Burials officially ceased in 1884. Visits are free of charge, but visitors are encouraged to offer a donation. All money goes to the preservation and restoration of the cemetery. For more information, visit www.tolomatocemetery.com
Low Tide Bike Ride at Anastasia State Park
Ranger-led bike ride and bird watch on Conch Island. Ride is 3 ½ miles and departs at 2:30 p.m. Anastasia State Park is located on A1A on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Participation is free with paid Park admission. For more information, call 904.461.2033 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Kayak with St. Augustine Eco Tours
The most convenient kayaking location in town allows provide an opportunity to get a unique view of the Castillo de San Marcos, an up-close investigation of productive salt marsh habitats, and a little exercise! 10 a.m. to noon. $35 per paddler. Call St. Augustine Eco Tours at 904-377-7245
Romanza! Lincolnville Street Fair
Visit the Lincolnville Street Fair for music, art and more. Sponsored by Cyprian’s Center for the Expressive Arts, this promises an artistic immersion into the cultural and history and arts that are a very important part of St. Augustine’s Lincolnville neighborhood.www.FirstCoastOpera.com 904-829-8828
Sunday: May 20
Taste of the Beach
Take a nibble from the signature dishes of the finest restaurants in St. Augustine Beach at this annual ‘taste-fest”. The crowd and judges get to pick the coveted “Best of the Beach” restaurant at the end of the evening. Admission is free and taste tickets sell for $1 each. Sample the signature dishes of more than 15 of the island’s favorite restaurants. The Taste of St. Augustine Beach takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd. For more information, call 904-347-8007 or visit www.thecivicassociation.org
Sea Turtle Festival
Grab the family and head to the downtown St. Augustine City Marina for a fun filled afternoon! Children can earn a prize for completing a series of education activities where they’ll learn about sea turtles, birds, dolphins and more! Shoppers will love the unique selection of arts, crafts, and goods provided by local artisans where you can shop at individual vendor booths or try your luck in the silent auction. The Sea Turtle Festival takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the St. Augustine Marina, located at 111 Avenida Menendez (at the base of the bridge of Lions). For more information, visit www.keepersofthecoast.org.
Alligator Farm’s 119th Anniversary
Head over to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park to celebrate their 119th anniversary. The farm opened in 1893 and over the years has become a world class zoological park. In addition to their exciting exhibits, hundreds of nesting coastal birds are now on the property – perfect for photos! Plus, just mention Alligator Farm Day to the staff at the TouCantina snack bar and receive a free bag of popcorn! For more information, call 904.824-3337 or go towww.alligatorfarm.com
St. Augustine Chorus Performs Four Rebels with a Cause
Enjoy this enlightening performance which features works from composers that changed the way we think about music. Featured compositions include “In Ecclesiis” by Giovanni Gabrielli; “Chorus and Finale” (from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg) by Richard Wagner; “Symphony of Psalms” by Igor Stravinsky and “Chichester Psalms” by Leonard Bernstein. The performance will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Ancient City Baptist Church located on Sevilla Street in St. Augustine. For more information and ticket prices, visit www.StAugustineCommunityChorus.org
Source: Jay Humphreys, Communications Director, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau
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Major transportation study budgeted for city
05 days ago
Through the diligent work of a St. Augustine City Commissioner the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (NFTPO) budgeted $125,000 to conduct a much needed traffic circulation study in the city. The Special Planning Funding awarded by the North Florida Transportation
Planning Organization (NFTPO) came as a result of City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline identifying the opportunity to budget the funds and encouraging staff to actively pursue the grant.
Planning Organization (NFTPO) came as a result of City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline identifying the opportunity to budget the funds and encouraging staff to actively pursue the grant.
In budgeting funds, the NFTPO described the study’s purpose as a way to “develop an overall transportation plan, incorporating developments over the past 20 years as well as future potential developments such as pedestrian, bicycling, transit and rail improvement needs to be developed for all modes of transportation in and around the city.” The study is scheduled to be completed in June 2013.
“The city is very fortunate to have received this support and especially at this time,” said Sikes-Kline, who represents the City of St. Augustine on the NFTPO. “This will fund an independent consultant with a fresh set of eyes to look at transportation to and through our city, and then evaluate what we have and speculate on what we might have. It’s a great opportunity, and one we could not afford without the TPO’s assistance.”
The NFTPO pointed out that the millions of visitors who access downtown each year do so via three “constrained roadways,” being King St., San Marco Ave., and the Bridge of Lions adding “Getting visitors into and out of the downtown historic district is challenging.” The NFTPO further identifies the city’s anticipated increase in visitors because of the current multi-year 450th Commemoration, a point emphasized by Commissioner Sikes-Kline.
“The TPO recognized that the 450th Commemoration will impact all types of traffic that moves through our historic districts including motorized, non-motorized and pedestrian traffic. This study will identify what might be done to meet those unique needs,” said Sikes-Kline. “Success with this funding has two parts: because the city has a representative on the TPO, we were aware of the opportunity, and the request was filed because of the work of the city’s Planning and Building Department under Mark Knight’s direction.”
“This is a big deal,” said City Manager John Regan. “Securing funds for a study like this is the necessary first step towards any broad based, long-term changes that will improve traffic in St. Augustine. We should thank Commissioner Sikes-Kline and Planning and Building Director Mark Knight for their diligent pursuit of this support. The payoff for the entire community will be big.”
For more information on the work of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization, visit www.northfloridatpo.com. For more information on this grant, call the Planning and Building Department at 904.825.1065.
Source: Paul Williamson, City of St. Augustine Department of Public Affairs
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Current Weather Conditions in St. Augustine
06 days ago
St. Augustine Weather
Current Conditions:
Last Updated on May 21 2012, 10:00 pm EST
Temp: 75°F
Wind: South at 8mph
Humidity: %
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Another beat-down of Denver’s homeless
06 days ago
To the surprise of no one, the “Criminalize Homelessness” ordinance put forth by the Denver City Council passed by a vote of 9-4. To call this a “camping ban” is disingenuous at best — camping is something people with houses do.
Council member Montero accused us tonight of being Hit and Run activists. What is really hit and run is the ordinance itself.
If we take the city at its word, and not at the verbiage of this fascist piece of legislation, we are expected to believe that there will be few arrests, and then only after unavailable services have been offered.
Chief White says that the police will have a “light touch.” We would like to remind the city that Denver County Jail is no day spa, in fact we’re quite sure there’s not a hot tub in the building.
The Denver Police claim that this bill will be selectively enforced. What that means, literally, is that if they don’t like where you are, who you are, or what you stand for, then you might be arrested. We remember when the Patriot Act was passed, we were told that it would only apply to terrorists, now petty NSA surveillance, TSA strip-searches, and the death of habeas corpus are an accepted reality to all Americans.
Homelessness is the ultimate symptom of a dying economy. To arrest people for sleeping on the streets because you don’t like the way it looks, is like throwing pumpkin seeds at an oncoming bear.
Lopez was right, “this is class war.”
Unfortunately, the front line is now the most vulnerable members of our community.
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Sea Turtle Festival on May 20th
01 week ago
Keepers of the Coast will host the 6th Annual Sea Turtle 
Festival from noon to 5 p.m. May 20, in downtown St. Augustine at the City of St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez.
Festival from noon to 5 p.m. May 20, in downtown St. Augustine at the City of St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez.
The family-oriented festival will feature live music, conservation and wildlife education tables, arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, food and beverages, and “Keeper’s Cove,” an interactive children’s program. Local talent, Sam Pacetti, will headline the musical performances and other featured artists include, Saltwater Cowgirls, Aslyn and the Naysayers, and Honeysweet. Mojos Tacos will provide food vending and Sweetwater beer will be available for purchase.
Keepers of the Coast is a local non-profit organization, which focuses on wildlife education and conservation of sea turtles and other species that we share our beach and ocean environment with. The organization’s operation is completely reliant upon volunteer support, collaborative sponsorship for all events, and monetary donations.
To learn more go to www. Keepersofthecoast.org.
Parking for the event will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is available free of cost at downtown public parking areas.
Source: StAugustine.com
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Flagler College names AARP Bulletin editor Jim Toedtman as new Flagler Forum director
01 week ago
Jim Toedtman, editor of AARP’s Bulletin, 
has been named director of the Flagler College Forums on Government and Public Policy lecture series.
has been named director of the Flagler College Forums on Government and Public Policy lecture series.
Toedtman, a speaker at the program for the last 13 years, succeeds Victor Ostrowidzki, who passed away this past spring after battling cancer. Ostrowidzki, 80, was a veteran journalist and former White House reporter who covered every presidential election from 1964 to 1988. He joined the faculty at Flagler in 1997, founded the Forum series and taught classes on elections and the media.
The Forum brings nationally-recognized journalists and authorities to St. Augustine to discuss issues of local, federal and global importance. Past speakers have included Robert Novak, Mark Shields, David Broder, Joe Klein, Anne Coulter, Pat Buchanan and Chris Matthews.
“I am delighted with the opportunity of continuing and enhancing the Flagler Forums in ways that enrich the academic lives of Flagler students and benefit the St. Augustine community,” Toedtman said. “I look forward to the challenge of building on the solid foundation set by my friend Vic Ostrowidzki.”
Toedtman has had a distinguished career as reporter and editor for the New York daily newspaper, Newsday, and as an editor for Hearst Corp. newspapers in Boston and Baltimore. At Newsday, he was part of a team of reporters investigating Long Island land scandals that won the 1970 Pulitzer Prize for public service. From 1986 to 1995, he served as managing editor of New York Newsday and helped develop and direct the staff, which won numerous awards including the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for local reporting. He was named Newsday’s Washington Bureau Chief in 1995.
He was named editor of the AARP Bulletin in 2005. Since his appointment, the Bulletin has been consistently recognized for excellence in covering a range of public policy and consumer issues. It is published 10 times a year and has a circulation of 22 million. He also helped develop AARP’s online news and information website.
Toedtman graduated from the College of Wooster and earned a M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University. He also studied at the University of Queensland, Australia, as a Rotary Foundation Fellow.
Flagler College President William Abare said, “I am delighted that Jim Toedtman has agreed to accept our offer to serve as the director of the Forums. Over the past 13 years, Jim has become a good friend of the College and a close personal friend.”
Abare added, “We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Jim’s experience to lead this important program. He is a well-respected journalist who has a great network of friends and colleagues from which to draw Forum speakers. He is very familiar with our campus and our community and will be a great addition to our staff.”
Source: Brian Thompson, Director, News and Information, Flagler College
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Occupy Denver upcoming events
01 week ago
Occupy Denver Video On Camping Ban: http://vimeo.com/41951808
The Downtown Denver People’s Partnership including organizations like the Denver Catholic Worker and Occupy Denver will conduct a series of protests leading up to the Monday night city council vote on an ordinance that will criminalize the survival act of sleeping by our homeless friends. The protests seek to highlight the business influence pushing this ordinance through city council.
Saturday, May 12th Actions:
6:00 to 8:00 pm: Protest at the Palm Restaurant, 1672 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80202 (map) and other members of the Downtown Denver Partnership supporting this ordinance. Meet at 5:30 pm in Lincoln Park if you’d like to march to the Palm Restaurant via City Hall.
8:00 pm overnight: Mass overnight sleep-in protest in front of the Downtown Denver Partnership, 511 16th Street, Denver, CO 80202 (Between Glenarm Place and Welton Street) (map). Bring your sleeping bags and/or blankets for an all night sleep-in.
Monday, May 14th Actions:
Noon to 5:30 pm: Bring your sleeping bags and/or blankets for a day-long rally on the City Council steps (City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St, Denver, Colorado 80202). From noon until 5:30 there will be a series of actions and speeches highlighting the injustice of this ordinance. The City and County Building will be open to the public, let your voice be heard.
4:30 pm: Rally to OPPOSE the “Urban Camping” Ban at the City and County Building (1437 Bannock St, Denver, Colorado 80202)
Corporate and business interests in downtown Denver coalesce in the Downtown Denver Partnership, an organization that believes the homeless “will drive future conventions, tourists, residents and businesses from downtown.” Partnership members control billions of dollars of assets. The opportunities to obtain funds for campaigns and city services from the corporations represented by the partnership are clearly tempting city council members away from their duty to listen to the people who elected them and to find compassionate ways to eradicate homelessness.
The Downtown Denver People’s Partnership has information from a reliable source that the partnership has been discussing this ordinance for two years. After the ordinance emerged from “embargo” at Councilman Brooks’ office, it has consistently appeared like a “done deal.” City council insiders Shepherd and Lopez have consistently pointed this out. Before the ordinance passed first reading, Councilwoman Shepherd said, “I know the way this vote is going to go. I know it. And I think you all know how this vote is going to go too. And unfortunately, the sad thing about it, is that it has been like that from day one.”
While this ordinance was embargoed, Mayor Hancock and Councilman Brooks bypassed consulting the Denver Homeless Commission, the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation and the homeless themselves. Little effort was made to pair adequate resources with the ordinance.
While the Bill Request specifically states that ordinances like this “are justified on the basis protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the public,” the ordinance was assigned to the Land Use committee instead of the Health and Safety committee. As Councilman Lopez pointed out, this was done so that it would advance. All amendments to make the ordinance safer have been rejected.
Mayor Hancock is already training the police on implementing this ordinance before it has even passed.
Protests
The Downtown People’s Partnership plans to protest Palm Restaurant, the Colorado Restaurant Association and other members of the Downtown Denver Partnership that are supporting this ordinance. Colorado Restaurant Association members voted unanimously to support criminalizing homelessness. We will then conduct an all night sleep-in protest in front of the partnership itself.
Tamara Door, CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, spoke strongly in favor of the ordinance criminalizing homelessness at the city council public hearing. Door believes that, “Unauthorized camping poses a threat to the health and safety of the city’s residents, employees, visitors and to the unauthorized campers themselves.” As the Downtown Denver People‘s Partnership conducted their first sleep-in protest last week in front of The Pavillions on 16th Street Mall, we did not notice any overwhelming health and safety issues for “unauthorized campers”. On the contrary, we appreciated the well lit, safe environment provided by the 16th Street Mall.
