285 Hustler March 13, 2025 by Colorado Community Media

While the White House Reverses ‘Green’ Policies, Will Colorado Be Able to Hold Its Course?

For many years, Colorado, like California, has pursued its own “green new deal,” with its Democratic Governor and General Assembly passing one law after another that promotes everything that is now anathema to the current national administration.

Colorado sends a lot of tax dollars to the federal government and gets lots of tax dollars in return, especially for road projects such as the rebuilding of Interstate 70 through Denver. The current administration is using the leverage of withholding funds to pressure localities to fall in line with its immigration policies. It could just as easily withhold funds unless the state reverses its own green initiatives, such as incentivizing the purchase of new or used electric vehicles with bigger tax credits than any other state.

structed under laws passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor.

The CEO’s website describes several laws it is implementing that address the issue of building efficiency, both residential and commercial. Primarily, it is requiring all jurisdictions in the state of Colorado that create or amend building codes to adopt the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which was adopted by the International Code Council, Inc., a non-governmental organization. It also requires all jurisdictions to adopt the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code upon updating any other building code.

“Cities and counties with building codes must adopt the 2021 IECC along with the model electric ready and solar ready code when adopting or updating any building code between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026.”

This isn’t a political column. Coloradans need to know whether its movement toward a “green” economy will be halted or reversed by the new administration. My intent in this column is merely to describe the programs and policies that may be in jeopardy.

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is the arm of state government which develops and implements “green policies,” including in the real estate domain, as authorized and in-

According to the CEO, jurisdictions are encouraged to amend their building codes every three years and to incrementally move in the direction of the model codes, and they are prohibited from making amendments to their code which “decrease the effectiveness or efficiency” of the code.

The more liberal jurisdictions, such as Aspen, Denver and Jefferson County, have moved quickly to adopt those model codes, which include requiring new construction to include conduits and pre-wiring to facilitate future installation of EV charging stations and solar panels. According to the CEO website,

Also being developed, according to the website, is The Model Low Energy and Carbon Code, consisting of the 2024 IECC, as amended by Colorado’s Energy Code Board. To the White House and DOGE, the names alone suggest they’ll be targeted by the new administration. Let’s just say they’re “woke.”

A Model Green Code, currently in draft form at the CEO, “will address building attributes such as energy and water use efficiency, electrification, low carbon building materials, and other strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings. Local governments may voluntarily adopt this code in addition to the required energy code,” according to the website.

The state of Colorado has no statewide building code, but it does require any jurisdiction (i.e., counties or home-rule cities) which

Some Eager Sellers Cut Out Potential Buyers by Accepting a Quick Good Offer

Yes, the seller’s market of the Covid years is over, but there are still listings which sell right away, and too many sellers accept a fullprice or better offer on the first or second day, when they might get a better price if they just waited a few days.

This January, the average days on the MLS for listings within 25 miles of downtown Denver peaked at 60, compared to 22 days in January 2022. The median days on the MLS peaked at 44 this January compared to only 5 days in January 2022.

However, of the 2,396 listings in that area which closed this January, 63 went under contract the first day they were on the MLS and another 44 listings sold without even being entered on the MLS so that other buyers could know about them. 47 more went under contract the second day they were on the market, and 57 went under contract on the third day. I tell my sellers that if someone makes an

offer that quickly, and there are lots of showings, there are probably other buyers who might have paid more. It is my job as a listing agent to help my sellers get the highest price for their home, and I’m not doing that if I don’t convince them not to go under contract in less than four days.

This topic was inspired by a broker associate who said that twice in the past couple of months his buyer had lost out on a new listing that he showed the first or second day it was on the market because the seller had accepted a quick offer that our buyer would have beaten, given the chance.

In conclusion, just because the market has

Interested in a Different Take on Politics?

I have my own political blog called “Talking Turkey.” You can find it online at http://TalkingTurkey.substack.com

Just Listed: 4-BR Home Backing to Arvada Park

slowed down, sellers who price their home wisely and get a quick full-price offer should at least look at how many showings have been set, inform those other agents about the offer, and give them a chance to submit.

has a building code to follow state laws regarding building codes, and it’s common to adopt one of the codes created every few years by the International Code Council, amended as appropriate to their local needs.

The above map from the CEO website, shows the extent to which each county has adopted the IECC codes by year. The lightest colors are counties which have adopted (likely with amendments) the 2021 IECC, and the darkest counties have no building codes. The other colors have building codes based on IECC years 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2018. It’s a interactive map, and can be changed to display home-rule cities and their codes, or you can search a county or city and it will display the details of its code requirements and IECC year.

As usual, I have the links for all this at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com

$669,000

If you’re looking for an updated, move-in ready home in a quiet neighborhood, backing to a park, with no HOA and an RV parking space, this home at 7761 Everett Way may be what you have been looking for. Built in 1973, you'd swear this home is at least 20 years newer. The floors are hickory hardwood throughout, except for in the basement and the beautifully tiled bathrooms. Mature evergreens in the backyard provide afternoon shade for the large open deck, but there’s also an 8'x16' covered and screened deck. Tennis anyone? See the court in the picture above. Do you like to garden? There are two raised beds plus a larger ground level garden that is sprinklered. Do you have lots of stuff? There are two sheds! Do you like a wood-burning fireplace? This home comes with lots of cut firewood and kindling for the fireplace in the family room. Visit www.GRElistings.com to view a video walk-through narrated by the listing agent, then come to the open house this Saturday, Mar. 13th, 11am to 1pm, or call your agent (or me at 303525-1851) to arrange a showing. You may find that this home checks all your boxes!

LIFESTYLES

‘Come

Home’ Again… Discover Innovative Home Products and Services at the 18TH ANNUAL

FOOTHILLS HOME, GARDEN AND LIFESTYLE SHOW

By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles

e 18th Annual Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show (FHGLS) is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 from 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday, April 13 from 10:00am-3:00pm at Evergreen High School (29300 Bu alo Park Road). ere is no admission fee required to attend this event and parking is also FREE.

Whether you are looking to renovate your existing home, build a new home or simply want to spend an exciting weekend with family and/or friends viewing all the new home products currently on the market, e Foothills Home, Garden and

FEATURE OF THE MONTH

Lifestyle Show is a beloved community event that has something to o er just about everyone.

“ e Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show is organized by the Evergreen and Conifer Rotary Clubs. e location of this annual event alternates each year between Evergreen and Conifer High Schools,” said Erica Sprenkel Evergreen Rotary Club Member.

Erica Sprenkel, 2025 Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show Chair, along with her co-chair Dave Laughlin, are spear-

heading this year’s event at Evergreen High School. e show draws local residents as well as visitors and tourists from Denver metro and all points beyond. e community happening will showcase 80-plus reserved booths featuring area construction trades, remodeling companies, and gardening/landscaping businesses. You will also nd a plethora of other service vendors and nonpro ts represented at the show (leisure, health, cooking, Colorado artistic/creative businesses—and more). While some will o er demonstrations of their products, all participants will exhibit and o er their

products/services for sale, interact with the public, and answer questions from attendees.

“We are happy to announce that Evergreen Animal Protection League (EAPL) will also be a participating exhibitor this year and they will feature puppies for adoption,” stated Erica Sprenkel.

is year’s returning Presenting Sponsor is Lifetime Home Remodeling (formerly Lifetime Windows & Siding). Gold Sponsors are 5280 Exteriors and Old Growth Tree Service; the event’s Bronze Sponsor is 1st Bank. Check out the FHGLS website foothillshomeshow.com for a list of sponsors and participating businesses/ organization including this year’s food truck vendor who will be selling food and beverages on the grounds outside the event.

Since 2005, e Foothills home show has been “welcoming home” more than 1,000 at-

tendees each year (depending on the weather) and helping “business to happen” in our foothills. Residents of our community understand that shopping locally keeps monies in our own community. Supporting the success of our mountain businesses, retailers, and nonpro t organizations, as well as the show’s vendor participants from down the hill, ultimately fuels our local economy and real estate market enabling our community to thrive while perpetuating our beloved mountain lifestyle.

e Evergreen Rotary Foundation (ERF) and the Conifer Rotary Foundation (CRF) are the entities that distribute grant money to the local community and internationally on behalf of the Evergreen and Conifer Rotary Clubs. Last year, Evergreen Rotary’s fundraising e orts enabled them to purchase a delivery truck for the Evergreen Christian Outreach nonpro t. In addition, Evergreen Rotary donates approximately 120-pounds of food to

the EChO Pantry each month.

Over the years many local organizations have bene ted from Rotary grants, including: Seniors’ Resource Center, Mountain Resource Center, Evergreen Christian Outreach, Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity, Evergreen Chamber Orchestra, Evergreen Fire and Rescue, Evergreen and Conifer High Schools, Mountain Area Land Trust, Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice, Stage Door eater, Staunton State Park Track-Chair Program, and more.

Since its inception, the Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show has raised well over $325,000, all of which has been, and will again be, apportioned back to the bene t of our community. Although the home show admission is FREE to the public, non-perishable food donations will be collected at the door for the EChO Food Pantry and the Mountain Backpack Project, a Rotary led project that sends food home with kids at the end of each week. One in ve children in Colorado belong to families that cannot a ord food, or do not have regular access to food. Consequently, the Conifer Rotary-led project partners with the Conifer and Bailey communities to ensure these children have enough food at home to

sustain them through the weekend.

“It takes a coordinated e ort to organize any major community event,” said 2025 FHGLS Show Director Erica Sprenkel. “We know we simply could not have produced the Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show for the past 18 years (except for a shutdown in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID virus) without the continuing support of our dedicated Evergreen and Conifer Rotary Club members,

our loyal sponsors, our 70-plus volunteers, and the many attendees who, over the years, have enabled the Foothills Home, Garden, and Lifestyle Show to become such a popular and successful community event.

Foothills residents like to do business with people they know, like, and trust. So, show your support to keep our local community’s economy ourishing. Set your sights on traveling “homeward” to Evergreen High School on

April 12 and April 13. Plan to attend the 18th Annual Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show with family and/or friends. Allow yourself the opportunity to interact with other community members and residents, meet area vendors face-to-face, learn more about their products/services, and discover the latest home/garden trends and current products just right for you, your own home, and your lifestyle.

By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles

Considering re nancing your current home loan? Let mortgage broker Grant Brewster of Edge Home Finance guide you through the process. For over thirty years, the foothills native has consistently helped his customers meet their real estate requirements by providing mortgage services that exceed their expectations.

To help you make an educated re nancing decision simply send Grant a copy of your recent mortgage statement (via email or text). Upon your property review, he will promptly contact you to discuss your goals and provide you with your best re nancing options.

“Whether you want to lower your interest rate and/or monthly payments, shorten/change your loan term/type, or cash out a portion of your home’s equity for repairs/renovations, re nancing might be a good choice.” said Grant Brewster who as a mortgage broker is not employed or a liated with any lending institution and can o er you unlimited products.

Should you decide to re nance, Grant will protect/lock-in the agreed interest rate/terms, process the loan with your supporting paperwork, and place that loan with the lender. Loan closing generally completes between two-four weeks therea er.

Grant Brewster (720-668-4183/grant. brewster@edgehome nance.com/www. grantbrewster.com) is located at Flow eory Coworks, 3540 Evergreen Parkway. Contact him for more re nancing information, and for all your nancing needs.

The Fireplace of Your Dreams

Spring is (almost) here and with it, a surge in home renovation projects like adding a new replace.

Here’s how we take your replace dream from an idea to reality.

Step 1: Idea

Our NFI-certi ed showroom sta will conduct a thorough assessment of your needs and desires. We’ll help you choose the right product based on fuel, heating needs, size, aesthetics, and budget. e fun part is choosing design elements including nishes, fronts, media, and optional accessories. en there’s the less fun part: planning and logistics. We handle everything for you! Installing a replace may seem straightforward but ask any of our installation technicians… ey’ll tell you it’s never as easy as it looks. It’s a complex process! We have the experience to navigate the most unique of replace installations with an eye on safety and function.

Some replace companies give you a “rough estimate” for installation. We don’t.

We detail every cost to prevent expensive surprises. Once you accept the proposal, we order your appliance, accessories, and parts so that all necessary items are ready on installation day.

Some replace companies do inspections, measurements, etc. during the “installation phase.” We don’t. ese essential logistical steps take time. And what if the installers need to order specialty parts for a safe installation? ey have to put the project on pause! We say that’s too many days of inconvenience for you. at’s not acceptable and that’s not how we work!

We do the logistical prep work well before installation day to streamline the process and minimize the intrusion into your life. We take measurements to determine which models and styles t your space. We address clearances, venting requirements, utility hookups, special considerations, and identify the components needed to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes. We order everything ahead of time. Seems

simple, right? We think so. We’re committed to making things as easy and convenient for you as possible.

Some replace retailers just sell products and leave you to handle or outsource the logistics and installation. We don’t. A DIY approach o en leads to costly mistakes and wasted time. And, many replace brands won’t honor warranties unless the appliance is professionally installed. We leave nothing to guesswork or chance.

e entire process never leaves the building.

e buck stops here.

Step 2: Fire

Yay, it’s installation day!

Our in-house uniformed NFI-Certi ed technicians arrive in a branded truck: no sub-contractors, just our friendly crew of licensed, bonded, insured, and courteous professional employees. We treat you and your home with the utmost respect. We follow all safety protocols and protect your investment with our 10-year Workmanship Guarantee!

We will also set you up for success with

instructions for using your new replace, insert, or stove. You’ll become an expert on adjusting heat and ambience for maximum value, e ciency, and enjoyment.

A er the installation, we follow up to make sure you’re 100% happy and troubleshoot any issues.

en, we’ll conduct an optional Customer Appreciation Visit where we present you with a gi to express our sincere appreciation for your business and take a few pictures for our portfolio.

We also o er professional replace maintenance service and repairs. We’re always here when you need us!

Get started on your dream replace project today so you’re ready by the time the rst snow ies in September! (So soon???)

Give us a call at 303-679-1601, browse our website at www.mthnp.com, or stop by our showroom at 7001 Hwy 73 in Marshdale to see wood, gas, and electric replaces, inserts, and stoves in action!

Choosing Healthy Beverages for Kids and Teens

(StatePoint) Choosing healthy beverages for children and adolescents is just as important as choosing healthy foods, as it impacts everything from oral health to chronic disease risk. at’s why leading health and nutrition organizations developed new healthy beverage recommendations for families with children ages 5-18.

ese evidence-based recommendations were created as part of a collaboration by experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Heart Association, who were brought together by Healthy Eating Research (HER) with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

To make choosing healthy beverages easier for families, the organizations created these three categories:

Beverages to Drink

ese beverages are recommended as part of a healthy diet because they provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and don’t contain added sugars.

• Plain drinking water is still the best option to keep kids healthy and hydrated. It’s also o en the most accessible and a ordable.

• Plain, pasteurized milk is another healthy option because it provides important nutrients that growing kids and teens need.

Beverages to Limit

• 100 percent fruit and vegetable juice can

be part of a healthy diet, but daily consumption should be limited. Whole fruits and vegetables are generally better choices because they provide dietary ber, contributing to a feeling of fullness.

• Plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk and almond milk should be limited because they are not nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk, which provides essential nutrients that kids need to grow up healthy. Many also contain added sugars and non-sugar sweeteners, which are harmful to kids’ health. If your child is allergic to dairy milk or has a dietary restriction, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about nding the plant-based milk

alternative that is best for your child.

• Flavored milks, like chocolate milk and strawberry milk, should be limited because they contain high amounts of added sugars and non-sugar sweeteners. If your child does not like drinking plain milk, it’s best to consider other foods from the dairy group (like unsweetened yogurt) before o ering avored milk.

Beverages to Avoid ese beverages are not recommended as part of a healthy diet because they o er no nutritional value and have ingredients that can be harmful to kids and teens.

• Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sports

drinks, sodas, fruit drinks, fruitades, aguas frescas and sweetened waters are high in added sugars, which can put children at risk for dental cavities, and diet-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity.

• Drinks with non-sugar sweeteners, such as aspartame, stevia and monk fruit, should also be avoided. Just because a drink is advertised as sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s healthier. In fact, new research shows non-sugar sweeteners may not help control body weight and may increase the risk of diet-related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

• Drinks with ca eine or other stimulants like taurine should be avoided. ese include energy drinks, energy shots, co ee, and tea. Evidence suggests that there is no safe amount of ca eine consumption for children under 18 and that even small amounts can lead to poor sleep quality, increased blood pressure, and depressive moods and anxiety.

You can learn more about healthy drinks at healthyeatingresearch.org.

“We all want our kids to grow up healthy, and research shows that what kids and teens drink is an important part of a balanced diet, not just what they eat. But there are so many drink products on the market, it can be hard to gure out what’s healthy and what’s not,” said Megan Elsener Lott, MPH, RDN, deputy director of HER. “ ese recommendations provide a gold standard based on the latest research and can be goals that families work toward together.”

HAPPY SAINT PADDY’S DAY

A womanizing US president. Gin-drinking, poker-playing, skirt-chasing Cabinet members. And a plot from the inside to usurp control of the Navy’s oil reserves. Wild and juicy stuff this. And all of it a true chapter of America’s history.

With a deft researcher’s hand and the heart and attention of a creative writer, Constance Bierkan has written a rstof-its-kind ctionalized recounting of what led up to this nearly forgotten nugget from the past, the Teapot Dome Scandal. Like No Place on Earth is a spirited coming-of-age story set in Wyoming at the start of the madcap Roaring Twenties and the birth of the oil industry. As much a love story as it is a historical deep-dive, Like No Place on Earth will be irresistible to book clubs and history buffs alike.

1. TELEVISION: Which 1960s sitcom was about a TV comedy writer, his job and his family?

2. AD SLOGANS: Which candy slogan urges consumers to “Taste the rainbow”?

3. COMICS: Which superhero gets his power from a ring?

4. GEOGRAPHY: Which country has the most islands?

5. MEASUREMENTS: How many cups are in a pint?

6. MOVIES: Which scary 1980 movie contained the phrase “red rum” and what does it mean?

7. ANATOMY: What is the outermost layer of human skin called?

8. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the rst president to ride in a car to his inauguration?

9. HISTORY: When did India gain its independence from Great Britain?

TrIVIa

10. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Who lives at 32 Windsor Gardens?

Answers

1. “ e Dick Van Dyke Show.”

2. Skittles.

3. e Green Lantern.

4. Sweden.

5. Two.

6. “ e Shining.” It’s the word “murder” spelled backward.

7. Epidermis.

8. Warren Harding (1921).

9. 1947.

10. Paddington Bear and the Brown family.

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