OLD-SCHOOL HOLDOUT Need to know the time and temperature? An old standby still exists in the internet age P8
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February 14, 2019
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Lawmakers’ support sought for supervised drug-use sites Advocates say facilities save lives amid opioid crisis BY ESTEBAN L. HERNANDEZ DENVERITE.COM
redia can be found here, plucking away at his guitar along with a drummer, singer and second guitarist.
Advocates including people in recovery, medical professionals and families of loved ones who died from drug overdoses have called on state lawmakers to support a bill allowing supervised use sites in the state. While a bill to allow supervised drug use sites hasn’t been introduced yet, advocates wanted to voice their support for an idea they said could be the first step toward seeking treatment for addiction and reducing fatal drug overdose. The Denver City Council voted to allow a supervised drug use site in the city last November, a year after Denver saw a record number of fatal drug overdoses. But the law would only work if the state Legislature passes a complementary law to authorize it, which is what supporters advocated for on Feb. 4. Harm Reduction Action Center executive director Lisa Raville has been perhaps the loudest voice in advocating for a supervised use site. The center is located across the street from the Colorado Capitol and offers several services and resources primarily for users who inject drugs.
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From left, Jessica Vansteenburg, Diane Lapierre and Carol Castor dance flamenco in a studio near Washington Park. The trio were rehearsing for a Valentine’s Day show. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB
Flamenco in motion Washington Park dance company receives Mayor’s Award BY KAILYN LAMB KLAMB@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
In a small house off Emerson Street near Washington Park, a small group of dancers rehearse flamenco — a Spanish dance that celebrates a melting pot of cultures of southern Spain, accompanied by smooth guitar music and the swirl of colorful skirts and costumes. The living room space of the house has been converted into the dance studio of Flamenco Fantasy Dance
THE ART OF TEACHING René Heredia, founder of the Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre, offers dance lessons in the art form, as well as guitar lessons. Beginning dance lessons are on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. at the studio, 602 S. Emerson St. Advanced lessons are on Saturdays from 3:30-5 p.m. Drop-in classes cost $25. All les-
sons are accompanied by a guitar. Guitar lessons are scheduled on an individual basis. Lessons are $30 for a half hour, or $60 for a full hour. For more information, go to http://reneheredia.com/ gypsy-flamenco-lessons/.
Theatre. Walls on one side are lined with mirrors, so dancers can carefully watch their footwork while working on choreography. The other side is dedicated to musicians. The dance group’s founder and choreographer René He-
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Heredia teaches and choreographs gypsy flamenco. He said that in both guitar and dance, people need to learn the basics steps first before they can improvise. “Spanish flamenco is more choreographed, in gypsy flamenco there’s more room for improvisation,” he said.
February is typically the Denver metro area’s fourth-snowiest month, averaging 7.7 inches. Source: National Weather Service
VOICES: PAGE 6 | LIFE: PAGE 8 | CALENDAR: PAGE 9 VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 15