Community Forum Recap posted! 
https://taosunited.org/2020/01/22/recap-january-21st-2020/

Here are important dates to save: 

Kayce Leopold from Plastic Free Taos (PFT) invited everyone to attend their next meeting on Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the KCEC Board Room. Architect Douglas Eichelberger will be present to show how to re-purpose plastics. He hopes to construct a demo wall at Taos Landfill.

She  also urged attendance at a public hearing on Feb. 11, 4:00 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers. The Town Council had been considering a ban on plastic bags, similar to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. But going beyond those two cities, Taos may also include single-use straws, Styrofoam containers, coffee stirrers and perhaps other items. The Council may vote as early as Feb. 25. Both those dates are regular Town Council meetings.

PFT’s two major goals for 2020 are to eliminate plastics in Taos (mostly single use) and to look at viability of recycle center. They will do this through education in the community with residents, businesses and government entities and through advocating for relevant legislation. Kayce noted that the Town of Taos’s draft ordnance is thorough and thoughtful. PFT will also conduct interviews with businesses in town to help them think ahead on dealing with the ordnance. A PFT “Seal of Approval” for businesses that sign on to the ordnance will be provided.  

She noted an education effort from April 17-19, which will include distribution of reusable bags. A Go Fund Me PFT has been set up to purchase cloth bags. Get involved in their Earth Day events and contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/funding-for-pft-community-initiatives

Suzie Schwartz talked about what’s going on in our backyard at Los Alamos National Lab. LANLis planning a massive expansion of plutonium pit production from 30 to 80. This, despite no local or statewide Environmental Impact Studies, and despite tremendous cost overruns, mismanagement, safety issues and other performance issues. Both our Senators – otherwise so good on environmental issues – continue to support LANL despite the dangers and that no comprehensive plans have been complemented.  A planning workshop will be held on Feb. 5 for 2 hours. If you want to be involved, please contact Suzie at eototos@gmail.com for the exact time and location.

Tracy Brewer spoke about a renewed effort by Family Dollar to build a store Highway 64 between Millicent Rogers Road and the storage units. With other “dollar” stores in town and to preserve the open space around Taos, there is no need for another one. If you wish to join other residents in opposing Family Dollar, please attend a Planning and Zoning meeting on February 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the County Commission Chambers (in the Courthouse complex across Albright from SuperSave).

Miles Bonny from UNM and the early childhood education network in Taos, Paso a Paso, announced that the documentary “No Small Matter” is being shown at the TCA on Feb. 27, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. It discusses availability and access to quality child care, as well as on salaries for child care givers. The Paso a Paso network is planning a  year of discussion around ECE. Will will have Spanish subtititles, thanks to Nikki from Twirl. After film, a panel of ECE professionals will be present for discussion. Newly appointed NM Secretary for Early Childhood Education Elizabeth Grogingski will be present.

Heidi Kaeck from Community against Violence urged everyone to participate in this year’s One Billion Rising event. This is a global day for ending violence against woman and girls. It will be held on February 14 from 3:00- 5:00 p.m. at Taos Plaza. Take a look at http://www.taoscav.org/cms-view-page.php?page=events  Dance and raise the vibration to end the violence!