So many things going on in Salida these days.  Just wanted to let you in on the doings:  1)  Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center is scheduled for completion February-March.  It is an attractive gateway to the city on Highway 291.  See www.hrrmc.com for more info. 2) Vandaveer Development team has held the first of many public hearings.  The next is set for Jan. 3 at 7 PM at the Scout Hut.  City Council has entered into a binding letter of agreement.  The concept describes mixed use with an estimated 800 residences over a decade or so, an 18-hole public golf course is part of the plan, plus bike trails and open space at Confluence Park.  More details at www.cityofsalida.com. 3) Historic downtown action plan from the November re-retreat has been finalized and soon will be posted at www.cityofsalida.com. 4)  Friend Ranch golf course and development opened their lot reservations for the second time.  Public sales begin in spring/summer 2008. 5) Salida Mountain Trails and Bureau of Land Management introduce a plan for extensive expansion of the walking/biking trail systems.  See www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/travel_mgmt/arkansas_river_travel0.html. 6) Salida reviews the cost/benefits of changing our governance to Home Rule.  See Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Study on the Costs and Benefits of Home Rule Status.  7)  Elections brought in a new mayor and city council people.  See www.themountainmail.com.  Other than this it is pretty quiet.  Lots of snow and great skiing and snowshoeing.  May 2008 be great!  Leslie Walker, GRI, CRS, MBA, broker/owner.