Salida residents woke up to a slightly different “S” on Tenderfoot Mountain on Thursday morning. Overnight the “S” had been transformed into a dollar sign ($) with the addition of two lines down the center of the S.
The responsible individual or individuals did not leave their message, making their message subject to much interpretation. Reportedly a note was left behind explaining the transformation.
“In a time of ever-increasing price gouging, greed, and wealth, we’ve corrected the S to better reflect what Salida has become,” states the note. “Behold. Money Mountain. Dedicated to those of us struggling to make a living in this overpriced town”
The bold act clearly resonated with residents.
Heart of the Rockies Radio News shared an image of the changed mountain on social media along with a brief report about the contents of the note. Before 11:00 a.m. the next day, over 6,000 people had reacted to the news story with 988 comments.
Responses could be considered a microcosm of American division.
Folks on either side of the political aisle showed support for the activists’ message. This agreement didn’t stop the conversation from devolving into politically-charged arguments. Blame is directed at the rich, the poor, those who choose to stay, those who move into town, those who move away, and everyone in between.
Tempers flared on line, with arguments devolve into calling those with opposing viewpoints dumb, racist or more.
Typical of social media these days, while all residents appear to agree there is housing and affordability problem, very few of those commenting on social media mention actionable steps or tangible movements in the community to address the problem.
Instead of asking who is to blame, perhaps residents might begin asking, “What can be done? What is being done, and how can I help?”
Steps you can take
We’re all in this together. Disruption at the federal level will impact everyone in Chaffee – some immediately/more directly than others. In the end, we are all damaged.
Listen in to the Chaffee County Leaders Round Table this Monday, Feb. 24 at 4:00 p.m. Elected officials and staff will report on short-term county priorities and how to help our nonprofits and social service agencies survive a cash crunch. The meeting is a chance to educate yourself and hear the positive steps being taken to help us all.
Pay attention to fact-based, real news. Try to dial down the use of social media which is programmed only to amplify division and anxiety, not find solutions. If we choose to, we can keep our heads while others are losing theirs.
Document specific examples in your comments. If retail price gouging is happening in the county, where exactly and on what items? Are any landlords breaking leases without cause or otherwise violating your rights as tenants?
Social media reflects visceral gut reactions more than rational thoughts
Given the daily uncertainty and chaos unleashed since the Jan. 20 inauguration, it’s little wonder that people needed to vent.
Screenshot of Facebook comments about the alteration of the sign on S Mountain .
Many of the comments were supportive of the message, with multiple people responding that they “love it” or otherwise stating they agree. Others made jokes or told stories about their personal experiences struggling in Salida or Chaffee County in general.
While many of the comments suggest the activist(s) is “on to something,” others lament the “good old days.”
“I miss the old Salida when it was a ranching community…I miss the sale barn. The friendly faces every time you went into a store…RIP Salida, gone but never forgotten,” wrote Ann Eve.
“Public art” and free speech
Both freedom of speech and public art are values that are vital to our democracy and apparently to this community. At the same time, many may agree that when speech or art cause physical injury or damage to property that common sense and consideration for others also are valuable traits.
Some compared the recent installation of an artwork to street artist and political activist “Banksy” and referred to the local activist as “Mountain Banksy.” It’s true that “artistic expression” often leads to valuable social change, but S Mountain belongs to all of the people. The city’s sales taxes plus the Salida Parks and Recreation Department along with hardworking volunteers keep the mountain in good shape, projecting a symbol of local pride.
And as is wont to happen on social media, comments quickly devolved into blame and argument. Some pointed the finger at second homeowners. Others said it is due to realtors. Still others pointed the finger at the city itself saying it would rather spend funds on art than affordable housing.
“It’s the economy…”
Comment on the Salida economy. Screenshot from Facebook.
A few commenters suggested (sagely) that the economy is a nationwide issue, not just local.
“My comments of Feb. 20 (as reported in the Mountain Mail) were measured,” said Salida Mayor Dan Shore after a day of reflection. He added that people have been worried about the high cost of living here for some time now.
A feeling that “the natives are restless” has been expressed by multiple people lately and Shore did not disagree with that.
Salida collects no property tax; only sales tax. And since it is not a “home-rule” city, it has no ability to levy taxes on property transfers or find other creative ways to greatly accelerate funds to subsidize housing.
The city also has no way to limit the free market for housing where demand exceeds supply and employers set local wages.
Smaller numbers spoke out against the (temporary) act of altering city property, which required city staff to undo.
“I was born in Salida at the railroad hospital,” wrote Doug Delmonico. “I know there are all new people there now but I don’t think Salida has anything to do with the economy. Just a town with a rich tradition. Don’t deface it because your mad at the world you live in.”
Others on social media said the act was “sad” but expressed agreement for the sentiment behind it
Regardless of one’s political views about the current state of American Democracy and looming impacts on the local economy, it’s clear that a nerve has been touched.
How each of us chooses to deal with it personally and amongst our neighbors and the community as a whole are matters worth serious reflection and redirection of energy. And perhaps a primal scream in the woods…
Editor note: Ark Valley Voice reporter Carly Winchell and Salida resident/Copy Editor Merrell Bergin contributed to this story.