. >> ok, so i wanted to welcome mark lewis, member of the disaster council. if you'd like to introduce yourself. >> good afternoon. i'm the deputy chief of r.p.d. >> we're thrilled to have you. thank you for coming. thank you. other comments from disaster council mexico? any announcements? -- council members? any announcements? ok, how about public comments? supervisor farrell has joined us. actually quite a while ago. we were not able to introduce him at the beginning of the meeting. anything you would like to say, supervisor? supervisor farrell: i'm fine, thanks. have a good weekend. >> if there's no public comment and no further comment, this meeting is adjourned. thank you all so much for coming. >> good evening, and welcome to the meeting of the board of appeals. chris wong will be absent this evening. to my left is the deputy city attorney. she will provide needed legal advice this evening. i am the executive director. we are joined our representatives of the planning department. we are joined by joseph dufty, the senior building inspector. at this time

. >> ok, so i wanted to welcome mark lewis, member of the disaster council. if you'd like to introduce yourself. >> good afternoon. i'm the deputy chief of r.p.d. >> we're thrilled to have you. thank you for coming. thank you. other comments from disaster council mexico? any announcements? -- council members? any announcements? ok, how about public comments? supervisor farrell has joined us. actually quite a while ago. we were not able to introduce him at the beginning of the meeting. anything you would like to say, supervisor? supervisor farrell: i'm fine, thanks. have a good weekend. >> if there's no public comment and no further comment, this meeting is adjourned. thank you all so much for coming. >> we have much to discuss. i am looking forward to getting started. we are honored that the mayor of san francisco has stopped by. i am very pleased to introduce him and give him a few minutes. he said he only needed 45 or 50 minutes. [laughter] i am kidding. here is the mayor of san francisco. please join me in welcoming him. [applause] >> good morning, everyon

. >> ok, so i wanted to welcome mark lewis, member of the disaster council. if you'd like to introduce yourself. >> good afternoon. i'm the deputy chief of r.p.d. >> we're thrilled to have you. thank you for coming. thank you. other comments from disaster council mexico? any announcements? -- council members? any announcements? ok, how about public comments? supervisor farrell has joined us. actually quite a while ago. we were not able to introduce him at the beginning of the meeting. anything you would like to say, supervisor? supervisor farrell: i'm fine, thanks. have a good weekend. >> if there's no public comment and no further comment, this meeting is adjourned. thank you all so much for coming. the meeting of the municipal transportation authority. please call the roll. secretary: [reading roll] mr. chairman, you have a quorum. item three, devices during the meeting. please be advised that sound producing electronic devices are prohibited at the meeting. anyone responsible for one going off may be asked to leave the room. and cell phones that are set on

as this inquiry gets joined, we are joined in london this morning by mark lewis who is the attorney for >> what are you hoping to get out of this? >> well, i think, one, it was looking at what had happened -- what had happened in the past. the dowler's needed a full explanation of what had gone on, but also there was wanting to find out how the press is going to be regulated in the future. what the press has been talking about is to have avoid state regulation, which everybody agrees should be avoided, but what they are saying is present regulation under called the complaint commission is fine but in reality no regulation at all. the chairman has had a -- lord hunt said it wasn't a regulator so going for a free for all. >> you're looking for some sort of regulation. mark, is the hacking going on, as far as you know, still? >> there is no suggestion it's going on, but the behavior of the press is still something that can be seen. even last week when it was lord justice leverson started the inquiry and was hearing from representatives, people who soon will be giving about press conduct, w

when unfortunately tragically millie was murdered. >> mark lewis, joining us from london. >>> thank you very much. >>> charles brown is over at the news desk. six minutes after the hour with a check of other headlines we're following on this monday. >> a home-grown terrorist is being held without bail this morning, charged with plotting to bomb targets here in new york city. jose pimentel was arraigned last night. prosecutors say he planned to bomb police and post offices and target u.s. troops returning from iraq and afghanistan. police demonstrated the power of the bombs pimentel was allegedly building. new developments into the investigation into the penn state sex abuse scandal. this morning the university's board of trustees announced that former fbi director, louis freeh will lead an independent investigation into the allegations of the former assistant coach, jerry sandusky. >> this examination will include among other things, any failures or gaps in the university's control environment. compliance programs and culture which may have enabled the alleged misconduct t

in formula one mark lawrence lewis hamilton was left to celebrate his third win of the season in abu dhabi on sunday that was after already crying champion sebastian vettel was forced to retire on the first larp the red bull driver picking up a puncture at the second corner of his medals first retirement since the korean g.p. last year a german was attempting to become the only driver this season to finish every race but his chances of equalling michael schumacher as record of thirteen victories in one season are over ferrari's fernando alonso would take the lead at the final pitstop but still end up a full nine seconds behind how martin jenson button for mcclaren was third while russian batali patrol finished in thirty. three i think it was one of my best races. said that to myself down just to hold one of the best drivers in the world on and off throughout the throughout the race is very tough to do and you know just looking at it i was just managing the yeah. the team did a fantastic job with his props but. i think you know i really really very happy to be back here and this is ve

in formula one to mark lawrence lewis hamilton was left to celebrate his third win of the season in abu dhabi on sunday after already crawling champion sebastian vettel was forced to retire on the opening line up the red gold driver picking up a puncture the second corner it's metals first retirement since the korean grand prix last year the german was attempting to become the only driver this season to finish every race and equal michael schumacher record of thirteen wins in a single year but now those dreams are over on the day for our race for number a lot and so would take the lead at the final pit stop but still end up nine seconds behind hamilton jenson button was third in his mcclaren while russian vitale patrol finished thirty. three i think it was one of my best races. after that to myself as i slowed down just you know the old one of the best drivers in the won't throughout the throughout the race is very very tough to do and you know just looking at his size just managing the gap. between different i think you're going to start spent on me so i think you know i really really

um, then i found mark lewis on the internet.[laughter] and left a message on his phone, and he phoned straight back and said, please, come and see me. >> and what was your aim, what was your objective in going to see mr. lewis? >> [inaudible] >> yeah. >> i think very much just to be in a position to respond to what would possibly become quite a public situation. how would we deal with that. because we'd been given that information but no advice as to what to do with it, but recognizing, of course, that that, i suppose to use his words, quite dynamite information to suddenly be aware of and realizing as has come to pass that when made public suddenly, it got very, very, very excited and very, yes, motivated about the whole situation. so -- >> can i ask you just a question about your legal representation? did you have the money to pay for legal advice? >> no, we didn't. >> and so how were you able to pursue a complaint against news international? >> when we went to see mark which, um, i have to say it was a really difficult thing

penalty and sell a bad other starmen in rugby muhlach squad include martin starbuck and captain lewis mark those go both players knew exactly what it takes to compete at the top level or worse for yes we have a lot of young players like experience although it does not mean we are weak team we lost a lot of points that we could have secured but i believe we still have what it takes to meet the players to take simon we have to build our club we have to get maybe a few walkable new players you know at the level that they played before you know the cage challenge so they can you know add a little more experience so. club and help the young kids to to this level and. like i said if we're going to be patient i think we're going to see some good things come out of the corporate life maybe still one from the comic about there is no denying. hundreds use the match winning by the. river or the blueprint in the market. or let's talk football where the last remaining places for euro twenty twelve will be filled within the next week they too late playoffs get going on friday and of the four match ups c

. >> we know that in time he instructed martin -- mark lewis, the solicitor. can you just explain how you came to instruct mr. lewis? >> well was during the trial, just before the trial we found out about milly's phone being hacked. when we were given that information it was terribly difficult to process it because what you do with that information when it's in your mind and we were worried about the sort of forthcoming trial but also aware what happened and thought we have to get some rest and -- representation but i was right for doing that because we didn't have any money for that. so i didn't quite know how we were going to do that. i left a message on his phone and he played it back and said please come and see me. >> and what was your objective in going to see mr. lewis? >> i think very much just to be in a position to respond to what would possibly become quite public and how would we deal with that? we had big been given information with no advice as to what to do but recognizing of course that it was quite dawning light information to be aware of and

a notable absence from ravens practice today. >> mark has the latest on linebacker ray lewis, next in,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, >>> well, it just won't be the same if ray doesn't play. >> it's a possibility. and it's rare. you'd like to see him out there. we'll see. ray lewis hasn't missed a game in four years. but his streak could come to an end on sunday because of a foot injury. the linebacker, presently listed as questionable for that divisional showdown with the cincinnati bengals. louis met with a foot specialist this week. and today missed his third straight practice. the team is not speaking of the specifics of the injury. he played in seattle sunday. and watch louis here. -- lewis here. joule see his foot with an awkward right twist to it. don't if that did it. coach john harbaugh said today, he doesn't consider the lewis injury a serious one and has not ruled out the linebacker just yet. but the backup will be ready. >> i think it's something he could play with possibly. but we are very confident in our linebackers. and confident in our defense. >> young guys are going going to ha

mark lewis, the lawyer for the victims, has told us that he is representing victims who were hacked byt matter today? >> i know that it is a matter of activity for the management and standards committee. it is looking into that and co- operating with the police here and the ongoing investigations, as well as with any matters in any other jurisdiction with respect to activities of the uk newspapers. i have no knowledge of the veracity or substantiveness of those allegations. >> so you have no knowledge of those international claims. do you still have no knowledge -- you stand by your earlier testimony -- that 9/11 victims or their families were hacked by agents of news corporation? >> that is correct. a lot of investigation and a lot of work has been done on that subject, and, so far, there is nothing to confirm it, as i understand it. >> so far, you are coming up empty. it would seem that, at best, mr. tom crone misled this committee in his most recent evidence. in answering questions from my colleague tom watson, the exchange went as follows: "mr. watson: did you arrange for the lawye

lewis. sports director mark viviano has more on his toe. >> he missed practice for the third straight day today. and that's something to look look at as we match up in cincinnati. >>> without the team's top tackler, an emotional leader, ray lewis. coach john harbaugh was quick to point out that louis may still play. he's evercome injuries throughout his career. >> that's a louis. and the consider is not any kind of serious, serious thing, where it's career threatening. i think i saw a report that it was career threatening this morning. >> they have more injury issues than the ravens. and our panel of experts likes the chances. >> weekend sports anchor stan saunders. wondering if the ravens will win this game, 20-17, like i think they will. >>> it's ed norris. bengals coming to town. give us a little more of an edge since we're hometown. but keep in mind, i picked bci last weekend, too. >>> and here's a novel idea. joe flacco, meet ray rice. hand him the football. more than five times. you do that. ravens win it, 17-13. >>> this is scott garceau, 105.7, the fan. bengals were a pretty good footba

ray lewis a big part of the ravens family and a big question mark this week for sure. was limited in participation at practice today was ray lewis as he continues to recover from that right foot injury that kept him on the side line last sunday. now, veteran linebacker usually meets with the media during the week. today, he issued a written statement saying he's doing all he can to get back on the field and he stated it could be this thursday or next week. indoor practice at owings milt mills two days before the -- mills two days before they take on the visiting 49ers. expected to be a hard-hitting game. without ray lewis, they gave up quite a few yards against the bengalsment they gained -- bengals. they gained yards in their running game. ravens did hold them off in the final quarter and held on for a victory. lots of players are hurt this time of year, but there's a team togetherness that keeps them going. >> you know, just lay everything on the line for your teammate no matter what. guys out there with hurt shoulders and broken fingers and messed up limbs and you'r

mark this. restart was formula one where by terence lewis hamilton returned to fall to claim his third win of the season with victory at the abu dhabi grand prix after sebastian vettel retired on the first lap red bulls a world champion picked up the coach at the second corner it was bettles first retirement since korea last year ended his run as the only drive at this season to finish every race as well as blowing his chances to beat a michael schumacher record thirty this morning seasoned pro meanwhile ferrari's alonzo tries to take the lead to the final pitstop finished nine seconds behind hummels and returns jenson button took third for record as mark webber four hours sleep a lot so this fits. and is now and well done before roger federer has won his first ever paris masters final with a straight set win over frenchman joe wilfried tsonga federer survived two great points in the opening game of the two thousand and eight champion before racing through the first set six one in just half an hour the third seed then took a four lovely lead in the second set tie break wrapping up his eighteenth

mark this. restart was formula one where my parents lewis hamilton returned to fall to claim his third win of the season with victory at the abu dhabi ground free after sebastian vettel retired on the first lap red bull's world champion picked up punch at the second corner respect his first retirement since korea last year ended his role as the only drive at this season to finish every race as well as blowing this transcends the michael schumacher record thirty this morning season oh meanwhile ferrari's alonzo tries to take the lead the final pitstop in nine seconds before you come out and climbs jenson button six records mark webber hours sleep a low so this fits. and it's now and while before roger federer has won his first ever paris masters final with a straight sets win over frenchman joe wilfried tsonga federer survived two break points in the opening game of the two thousand and eight champion before racing through the first set six one in just half an hour to thirteen then to eight for love leave in the second set tie break wrapping up his eighteenth monsters title in an hour and twenty f

mark? >> good morning. the ravens came in without ray lewis playing for the first time in four years, but the bengals came in more injuries and a rookie quarterback and it looked like the advantage was going to baltimore, but andy played well for a rookie, he through for 327-yards and he also threw three interceptions and the ravens turned two of those into a touchdown. there is a pass from black to the 45th, missing with 165 receiving yards, but the bengals had the ball and the chance to tie in the final minutes, but the ravens held on in a nail biter. >> they made plays, the guys made plays, but we bounced back and got the win. >> you got your team the lead and had to watch as they were driving in? -- i felt like a fan. it did not feel good. you understand how nervous people get, especially at the five. then you wonder. maybe it will go to overtime. the defense did a great job to step up and put on the pressure in the end. >> in the end, we wanted to make it less exciting, if possible. but give credit to the bengals, they are a good team. >> with the victory, they went to seven and three, the first place i

played up and halfway through the race was forced to let teammate mark webber pass also having problems with his gearbox is mclaren's lewis hamilton. and he was forced out of the race at that forty eight ending his battle for fifth spot with felipe massa although how many is teammate jenson button had a better rate overtaking fernando alonso here to eventually take a behind world champion vettel he still managed to come in second or mark webber ended his season on a high taking the checkered flag below the season as a whole belong to vettel took eleven wins and a record fifteen pole positions from ninety three. let's switch to action now from the n.f.l. where the new england patriots have got their third win in a row after beating the philadelphia eagles thirty eight points to twenty tom brady with three touchdown passes in this one a day belonging to the two time super bowl m.v.p. although initially he was upstaged by his opposite number eagles quarterback young with standing in the binge of michael vick's compound riley cooper to put the ball inside the patriots' five yard line two days later sean mccoy went over to put

mark webber . but he wasn't the only one having gay box problems lewis hamilton also had a couple of problems himself he was forced out of the race at forty eight ending his battle for fifth with felipe massa although hamilton's team mate jenson button had a better race overtaking fernando alonso eventually take. behind world champion vettel he still managed to get second. season on a high taking the check it although the season as a whole did belong to vettel he took eleven wins and a record fifteen pole position from ninety gras parades. now an american. and gary woodland hit six birdies in the final round of sixty seven to win the world cup by two shots at mission hills in china in a dramatic final round there was disappointment. and graeme mcdowell could only card an even par seventy to two. finished tied for. germany for targeting a first win since nine hundred ninety six sick and martin karma produced a sixty nine to share second place with england and that you and justin rose name poulter enjoyed the best round of the days to purge sixty three with a hand in the usa birdie the first two holes

mark is here with the wjz the fan sports report. >> ray lewis told me today, they're all on one page, especially with the coaching staff. but still some great questions going on. we heard the ravens say earlier in our show that everyone is moving forward with the focus on the cincinnati bengals. but questions do remain about how they're moving forward and what the game plan should be, after a clear disagreement over how the offense was used in the loss at seattle. now, running back ray rice is at the center of the debate. he carried the ball a season low five times this past sunday. and he admitted today that he was so upset after the loss that he thought it best not even to meet with the media. he was cooled off. and he spoke today. and got the backing of veteran linebacker ray lewis on the topic of how much rice should be getting the ball. you'll be hearing from them and also quarterback joe flacco, who has a different opinion on the matter. >> i always speak to -- expect to come out of the game with 20 to 25 touches. just running and passes. when you find yourself in that situation

mark is here with the reports. >> some questions about the man in the middle talking about the middle linebacker, ray lewis, he's battled the cincinnati for 29 times in his career. he talked about the hard hitting game on sunday. ray has a foot injury that's kept him out of practice for two straight days. there's no indication at this time. it's serious will he's in jeopardy. the ravens had an indoor work out. defense preparing without their middle linebacker on if field. they'll be facing a team known for its strong defense and offense by a rookie quarterback. first round draft pick. he has helped lead the bengals to surprising 6-3 record. young qb playing well. it's becoming common in the nfl. >> he's making smart decisions with the football. and it kind of surprises you as a rookie, it really don't, because with great coaching, you know, and understanding of football, you will make those type plays. i mean, he's doing the right thing with the ball. >> they have a stand out rookie receiver. aj greene suffered a knee injury. he missed two straight games of practice. could be game time decision on sunday. game t

mark webber. he was the only one having problems also having problems with his gearbox with mclaren's lewis hamilton and he was forced out of the race at forty eight ending his battle for fifth place with felipe massa although hamilton's team mate jenson button had a better time overtaking fernando alonso here to eventually take third spot behind world champion vettel he still manage second mark webber and his season on a high taking the checkered flag low this season as a whole belonging to vettel he took eleven wins in a record fifteen pole positions from ninety grand prix it's. finally over to the ice as we continue our series of reports featuring clubs this time but the danielle takes a closer look at bat each the style lepage from kazakstan who have a stanley cup winner on their roster. getting stronger getting tough or. getting faster. just the way snow leopards should be burris have no inconsiderate a kid joe powerhouse might have never been afraid of anybody and this isn't because it's downside have already beat to time get boring cup winners at bars and reigning champion so i want you on so

mark webber qualifying. nigel mansell previous record of fourteen poles in one year terence jenson button and lewis hamilton are second second for i obviously they took the master in discipline nigel mansell a couple races less but yeah still very very historical and. very special to me. and finally the who's who of the international olympic movement descended on moscow this weekend for a prestigious ball he celebrates the russian olympic committee seventeen we run cars for every ports. the london summer olympics are just around the corner and most athletes are in their final preparation stages perhaps that was one of the reasons why the olympic balls guests were largely the heads on functionaries of various sports organizations from around the world but the stars of the past were on hand to enjoy the well deserved praise from the big wigs and today's athletic talent. was that it i think a true russian is one who takes pride in russia's difficult and sometimes controversial legacy and in the russian language i mean both the history and the language the names of our heroes the heroes of russia are carved in

mark viviano. >> reporter: good morning, food, family and football, that is the thanksgiving tradition, for baltimore football fans it was a chance to dig in during primetime. for the second straight game ray lewis had to sit out so the ravens would try to win a second straight without him. history for the harbaugh brothers. they gathered with their mom and dad and it was all defense early. the ravens had the ball at the one yard line but he loses three yards and they would settle for a field goal. when san francisco took a shot at the end zone his pass picked off so it is all field goals with the ravens leading 6-3 at halftime. tied 6 all when the ravens put together an impressive drive interest the 4th quarter. joe flacco, there is a touchdown and the ravens take a 13-6 lead. the story of the game was the ravens defense or was it san francisco shaky offense? terrell suggs makes the hit on smith. they sacked him 9 times. the ravens remain unbeaten at home keeping themselves on track for their hope for a home playoff game. on this night of family football history john harbaugh beats brother jim and his 49ers 14-6. >> to me it is america. it is a great country, to have a chance to be part of some

just ahead a red bull to make a mark webber in qualifying to see the german nigel mansell previous record of fourteen poles in one year mclaren's jenson button and lewis hamilton started in third and fourth respectively. and finally the who is pharaoh of the international olympic movement descended on moscow this weekend for us to just call to celebrate the russian olympic committee. wrong cos we have reports. from the london summer olympics are just around the corner and most athletes are in their final preparations stages perhaps that was one of the reasons why the olympic balls gassed were largely the heads on functionaries of various sports organizations from around the world but the stars of the past were on hand to enjoy the well deserved raise from the big wigs and today's athletic talent that's just about the most was that i think a true russian is one who takes pride in russia's difficult and sometimes controversial legacy and in the russian language i mean both the history and the language the names of our heroes heroes of russia are carved in them they are part of them and this is important that's all our people feel related to their achiev

ahead of the red bull team mate mark webber in qualifying the single german beat nigel mansell previous record of fourteen poles in one year occurrence jenson button and lewishamilton will start this converted. obviously they took their master in this a plane nigel mansell a couple races less but yeah still very very historical and. very special to me and finally the here's where the international olympic movement descended on last go this weekend for a prestigious ball to celebrate the russian olympic committee seventeen away from on course or after ports. the london summer olympics are just around the corner and most athletes are in their final preparation stages perhaps that was one of the reasons why the olympic bowls guests were largely the heads on functionaries of various sports organizations from around the world but the stars of the past were on hand to enjoy the well deserved praise from the big wigs and today's athletic talent they're just about the most was that it i think a true russian is one who takes pride in russia's difficult and sometimes controversial legacy in the russian language i mean both the history and the language the names of ou

mark on the internet. i left a message, and he called straight back and said please come and see me. >> what was your objective in going to see mr. lewis. i think very much just to be in a position to respond to what would possibly become quite a public situation. how would we deal with that? because we've been given that information, but no advice as to what to do with it, but recognizing of course that it was quite dynamite information and realize as it has come to pass, the moment they were made public, suddenly, they got very, very excited and very, yes, motivated about the whole situation. >> can i ask you a question about your legal representation. did you have the money to take legal advice? >> no, we didn't. >> how were you able to pursue this complaint against these internationals? >> when we went to see mark. i have to say it was a really difficult thing to do because it was during the trial. and it was like we've got to do this, bob, because we need someone to represent her. and we literally dragged ourselves along for that meeting. he said, you don't need to worry about the money, sally. i will represent you, come what may.

mark is here. >> familiar foes. but to me and to most, it never gets old. >> not at all. >> because it is so important. steelers and ravens. ray lewisve been through their epic battles. both sides are also wary of the talent that is new to this rivalry am. today, the ravens spoke highly of pittsburgh receiver brown. and there's rookie smith. he told me today that grow being up in maryland made him well aware of the rivalry. and pittsburgh has made him well aware of him. >> it is kind of new for us in terms of dealing with tory smith and what he's capable of. he's a young rookie he's a legitimate deep ball threat. and of course, any time you put a man like that on the field, he's someone to be reckoned with. >> i don't know what to say about that. i'll be on the field regardless. my role is still the same. make the play. and hopefully, you know, if they come out of this game. >> rookie jimmy smith also new to the rivalry. coming back from an ankle injury he suffered eight weeks ago. good news, ben grubbs practiced today for the first time in a long time. haloti ngata, though, did not practice. he has a thigh injury. >>> baseball's fr

mark has the latest from the team coming up in sports. ,,,,,, >>> here with the wjz the fan sports report. >> dealing with some injuries. don't know how serious this is. linebacker ray lewist practice for a second straight day. dealing with an unspecified foot injury. could be a concern but may also be a simple precaution and a veteran getting some rest. we found out today that david reed won't be doing that job sunday against the bengals. reed will be replaced after he twice fumbled returns at the loss at seattle four days ago. he's fumbled three times in the last few days. the bengals come to down with -- town with a baby-faced rookie quarterback. but the ravens aren't fooled by his youthful appearance. he's taking hold of that job carson palmer has had for several years. in recent years now, we've seen rookies, joe flacco, matt ryan, mark sanchez. now dalton, having immediate success. and i asked some ravens veterans for their take on this run of rookie success. >> you know, their learning curve is so much higher coming from colleges now. these colleges are really challenging these players to be at a certain level. you take up joe, matt ryan. all of these guys. their l

lewis and normally people sail that ray needs to be there. >> we dominated without two sacks on the whole season. we came out tonight. got nine sacs on the night. >> that was mark reporting. >>> the ravens will be back on the road and on eyewitness news a week from sunday. facing the browns on the 4th, at 4:00 here on wjz.com. >>> it is one of one of the hottest movies out in theaters, but twiilate is causing seizures when a child is being born. doctors are saying that the strobe lights are causing the seizures. most people have recovered from them. >> what? >> so, flashing lights in the middle of the dark movie theater. >> but the vampire baby being born. >> just during that time. >> okay. only when the vampire baby is being born. >> so, note to self. >>> we were talking about, it has been a purple week. ravens played on sunday. >> two times. >> two times. >> you were out on black friday and a perm and the -- purple and a black friday. >> all of the store deals started at 10:00 on friday night. yes. i'm sorry. thursday night. so, folks left the game and went shopping. then they stays there for hours on end. it turned friday, they were still in their ravens gea

lewis led yard weld. weld was appointed by president lincoln as colorado's first territorial secretary. on november 1, 1861, the colorado territories general assembly officially organized weld county. this november marks 9150th year anniversary. as with most western settlements, weld county had a sparse population. mr. gardner: today it's got over 250,000 people. from a humble start as an area based on coal mining, it's flourished with a thriving business sector and agricultural economy. it's the th leading agricultural county in the entire united states and only county outside of california ranked in the top 10. from small businesses, great land more farming, weld county is also home to the university of northern colorado and the uponee national grass lands. it's home to over 19 different towns, each one with a unique identity that makes this area distinctiony. . it's home to thriving interest and some of the nation's leading pioneers. one of my favorite events every year is the fourth of july greeley stampede and parade. it reminds me what it means to call colorado home. it embodies everything that is great about heading west. and i am proud to recognize their 150th anniversary. i yield back. the sp