Why the "split" between "old" and "new" Coloradans . . . (Denver: theater, school)

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by CTC

Don't forget, what you see from I-70 is a micro slice of CO-88% of land in Eagle County is still publicly owned and cannot be developed.

If that were really true--and I don't consider that it is, though it is heading that way--that is a sad commentary on the economy, sociology, and the environment that could lie ahead for the rest of Colorado. Many of we natives don't call the I-70 Corridor the "I-70 Sacrifice Zone" for nothing. We just hope that the cancer that is spreading there doesn't metastasize to the rest of the state, though that increasingly seems to be what is happening. The whole corridor from the bottom of Vail Pass to Glenwood Springs was a whole lot nicer when it was ranches and sheep pastures--I wish to hell it could be that again. Paradise lost.

[Sockeye]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

If that were really true--and I don't consider that it is, though it is heading that way--that is a sad commentary on the economy, sociology, and the environment that could lie ahead for the rest of Colorado. Many of we natives don't call the I-70 Corridor the "I-70 Sacrifice Zone" for nothing. We just hope that the cancer that is spreading there doesn't metastasize to the rest of the state, though that increasingly seems to be what is happening. The whole corridor from the bottom of Vail Pass to Glenwood Springs was a whole lot nicer when it was ranches and sheep pastures--I wish to hell it could be that again. Paradise lost.

I completely agree. The public has lost over 1/2 of their fishing access over the last 20 years in the Eagle Valley. Arrowhead, for example, is now private gold medal water for wealthy 2nd homeowners, most of whom don't fish. Its a shame that many more legitimate conservation easements weren't formed, like the Bair Ranch at the end of the valley.

[boredinTX]

Every place must go through this. In Austin and the Hill Country in TX some of the exact same issues are becoming apparent. Affordability, sprawl, loss of old things and cool hidden places. I can't imagine what it must be like in Colorado.

Just curious but when you guys say "newcomer" that is aimed more towards the snooty millionaire mountain retreat buyer and not so much the average joe headed to Metro Denver, right?

I guess after I finish college the denver area is where I'd like to be headed, partly because of the stuff the state as a whole offers. Never had a chance to ski for instance due to the cost of travelling but if I ever moved up the area it would open up new things I could try. So in a way I sympathize with the old timers because what would be the point of coming if all the old cool stuff is dissappearing?

[Ticky909]

A brawl as a legitimate and final way to settle an arguement, with handshakes and brew being exchanged afterwards.

[RedrockRanger]

I have found that alot of ppl from california are moving here. I must say that they are the rudest ppl i have ever met! Self absorbed Inconsiderate thoughtless. IMHO. Smile though we still are residing in the most beautiful state. We are so blessed. Oh yeah Watch the Obama Deception on google vids. Worry about that not something that we have no controll over.



Peace in Love!

[zenkonami]

What qualifies as "people from California?" People born in California? People who have lived in California for one year? People who miss all that California has to offer or people who consider California's lifestyle, laws and culture to be highly overrated?

On almost any forum about the west, the blame is always put on "people from California", and though I'm sure there is some truth to it, it seems quite the generalization absolving natives and long-time residents of responsibility for fixing their own problems. When I lived in Phoenix it was always Californian's fault for making the Valley so devoid of character...in fact, it was just that people weren't trying hard enough or voicing their opinions loudly enough or just didn't care. You can vote. You can hold public events. You can get the attention of the press. You can choose to spend your money in certain places on certain things. All sorts of ways of preserving what makes any given place a great place to live and work. Granted, it doesn't always work, but those are the available tools, and maybe with some compassion and outreach, that percentage of "Californian's" that keeps invading can either be repelled or more usefully brought in to the local mindset instead of trying to import their old one.

In my view, if you want to live in place, it's because of what it has to offer. If where you already live has more to offer, then why leave for somewhere completely different just to have expend time and energy trying to change it?

Humans can be so irrational ^_^

[CosmicWizard]

If locals in any community in any state do not like what is happening to their community, they have only themselves to blame for electing officials who betrayed their will. Blaming outsiders is an absolute cop-out. It's a completely irrational outlet for expressing frustration at their own betrayal.

[Homesick in AK.]

I remember playing in the 'caves' up in Red Rocks. Looking out over the seats. Driving to downtown Denver with my sister in the '56 Chevy when she was 14 & I was 12. We took turns going around the Capitol. Dad found out later..... GROUNDED! Surprised we weren't spanked. Dad taught all of us to drive by age 12 in the Brentwood shopping strip back parking lot. Horseback riding in Morrison. 25 cent movies, Gothic theater. Stockcar races & Lakeside amusement park where they would drop us off for hours with no fear of something bad happening to us. Bear Valley was the 'edge' of town. Dirt roads after that. One piece Gymsuits at school & gym class EVERY day. 3-4 cereal choices on the grocery shelf. Really walking to school for 10 blocks & not complaining. Picnics in the park where Cinderella City stands now. Crusin Colfax, (under aged). It Was a good time to be there.

[Sockeye]

Those are great memories, HIA. Those were also better times to be a kid. No computers, Wiis, or cellphones, i.e., self absorption. Playgrounds with monkey bars, slides, and teeter totters-things you might actually get hurt on, but challenged kids more, nonetheless. NEIGHBORHOOD schools we walked to... with windows! Not these new concrete vaults that resemble minimum security prisons, especially when their marquees say "Early release today"
How about those "Keggers" we used to have in high school? We'd get permission from farmers and have a bonfire, too. There'd always be a generator running for the stereo. Then, at @ 12:00 a.m., the county sherriff deputies would roll in and basically say time's up. They'd often follow us home afterward, to make sure we got home safely. Would that happen in today's world? HA!

[hivoltage]

I don't Know all of which you are talking about ,but I do know what you mean. I am only 39 grew up in CO so did my parents and grand parents. I was told that my great gandfather actually killed the last gray/grey ? wolf in the state/western states? for the US biological survey (predator control) I presume for the ranchers. W.H. Caywood look it up if you want. Colorado is not what I remember we had some Hippies and freaks like the ones who ride in rubber rafts in the CO river but Moderator cut: LANGUAGE.I tell my children they have western heritage and I explain what I remember as a kid. I grew up Idolizing the Cowboy culture from that place CO. I guess it is gone Forever.