The population growth El Paso County has encountered over recent years is an indicator that the county is perceived as a desirable place to live. The same could be said for Falcon, Colo., growth. Many factors determine the desirability of a location – home prices, taxes, job growth and quality of education are a few. With buzzwords such as “economic depression,” “recession,” “inflation” and “budget cuts” in the headlines, many wonder how eastern El Paso County is faring.In this issue of The New Falcon Herald, Kathleen Wallace reports on quality of life indicators and trends within El Paso County. What are the county’s strengths, and what needs work?Our quality of life can affect another segment of the population – pets. Kathleen reports about the effects of the ongoing economic downturn on our furry friends.As the biggest season of giving draws near, local food pantries and charitable organizations need help to provide for the less fortunate. Natalie Gowen reports about local efforts (and how to get involved) to lessen the burden of those in need.This season, fun fall festivities dot the calendar. Read about a few of the events Falcon and surrounding areas have hosted. As the leaves fall and a winter wonderland arrives, the NFH would like to kick off the holiday season and publish children’s letters to Santa Claus. E-mail your child’s letter to stefaniw@newfalconherald.com, and it could be published in the December issue.Also, the NFH would like to welcome sports writer Tiffany Brewer to the team. In this issue, Tiffany highlights the Falcon High School football team as it charges into the state playoffs.Read this issue of the NFH from cover to cover to keep up with the latest news and events in Falcon and eastern El Paso county. And have a happy Thanksgiving.– Stefani, Michelle and the NFH team
