Arvada Press 0311

FREE

March 11, 2021

JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 14 | LIFE: PAGE 16 | CALENDAR: PAGE 19 | SPORTS: PAGE 25

VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 41

Fatal stabbing leads to arrest in Arvada

BY RYAN DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Lowell Georgia on assignment for the National Geographic Society atop the Great Wall of China. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TERRY GEORGIA AND ANNE HANSON

Award-winning Arvada photographer Lowell Georgia remembered Lauded photographer and longtime Arvada local Lowell Georgia passes away at 87

BY RYAN DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Photo of John F. Kennedy in the White House taken by Lowell Georgia. Cour-

Lowell Georgia, an award-winning photographer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the Denver Post, and the National Geographic Society passed away on Feb. 24. Georgia, a longtime Arvada resident, was 87.

Georgia began working for the Press-Gazette when he was just 14, hauling newspapers around and helping out in the press room.

When he was 16, he was asked to work in the dark room with the paper’s photographers, lugging their cameras and learning the trade in turn.

At the Press-Gazette, Georgia photographed the Green Bay Packers and coach Vince Lombardi’s arrival to Wisconsin in 1959. During his stint at the Press-Gazette, Georgia won an armful of awards, including National Press Photographer of the Year, Inland Newspaper SEE GEORGIA, P6

In the early evening of last Saturday, March 6, the Arvada Police Department received a call about a stabbing at a residence in the 8400 block of Chase St. Michael Kuhlow age 33 is suspected in the assault.

The victims were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The male victim died at the hospital. A Kuhlow female victim is in critical condition. The third male victim was treated for non-lifethreatening injuries.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office had not publicly released the name of the deceased victim as of press time. According to the Arvada Police Department however, the stabbing victims were related to the suspect Kuhlow.

Arvada police searched the area of the crime on March 6, using K-9 teams and “APD drone operations” according to the department. However Kuhlow escaped capture until March 8, when he was taken into custody in the 8400 block of Chase St. Kuhlow has a lengthy arrest record that includes multiple drugrelated offenses and, more recently, charges for harassment and domestic violence.

RTD addresses B and G line quiet zone concerns amid community backlash

BY RYAN DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Regional Transportation District held a virtual meeting on Thursday, March 4, to discuss the use of train horns within the designated Quiet Zones on the B and G lines.

A Quiet Zone is a section of the railroad where the conductor does not have to routinely blow the train horn, the goal of which is

to decrease the impact of trainrelated noise in residential neighborhoods.

Almost the entirety of the G line’ rail alignment — which runs from Union Station to Wheat Ridge and passes through Arvada — is located within a Quiet Zone, except for a crossing that passes through a BNSF yard. The B line - which connects Westminster to Union Station - does not feature any Quiet Zones, but was included

in the meeting because of the shared trackway between the two lines.

Despite the Quiet Zones, meeting attendees who live along the B and G line corridors reported frequent noise pollution from train horns. RTD Assistant General Manager of Rail Operations Dave Jensen said that even in Quiet Zones, safety concerns sometimes call for train operators to sound their horns.

“The reasons the operators are sounding their horns are for safety,” said Jensen. “I want to assure the public that the reason we are sounding our horns is so we don’t hit anybody. We don’t want to take the chance that someone could get hit because we didn’t take every possible effort to be safe.

“It is our commitment and desire to be good neighbors and not SEE QUIET ZONE, P9

2 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

MY NAME IS

SUZANNE YOUNG

ers probably could think of. And you run with whatever’s left, be it a twist or surprise.

An Arvada mystery novelist About Me I graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1968 and bounced between Colorado, California and New England in my ’67 Volkswagen Kharmann Ghia for a few years before settling in Denver in 1975.

After spending about 10 months looking for a writing job with no luck, I took a job as an administrative assistant with a cable news network. I spent about a year there before I got my first job in the computer industry, where I worked in their customer service department for about the first six months. By that time, I had started to learn the program, and for the next 32 years I worked as a programmer and data analyst.

There’s a lot of waiting in the computer industry. Times where you need management to make a decision on the programs they’re going to do, and the software they’re going to use in the programs. So, I had a lot of free time on my hands, and I would go and ask my boss, “I’m not busy, what do I do?” And the one answer that helped was “Just look busy.”

So, I did. I was reading the Smithsonian Magazine one day, and I saw an ad for writing short stories.

And I thought ‘Well, that’s how I can look busy.’ I took a couple of

Suzanne Young at a Denver Women’s Press Club reading for her novel “Murder by ChristCOURTESY OF SUZANNE YOUNG mas.”

correspondence courses on writing short stories — I knew how to write, but what I found out when I started writing fiction instead of non-fiction or technical stuff was that I needed to learn how to tell a story that was pretty interesting. I had to lean about dialogue, characters, and the hook that you have to have to bring someone into your story.

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Mysterious ways I fell in love with mystery novels in my 30s. I read all kinds of things until I read an Agatha Christie novel and I just fell in love with the cozy genre. It’s nonviolent, there’s no bad language, no hurting animals or children — you can put them in danger, but you don’t ever hurt them — and no graphic sex or violence.

Mysteries are kind of like computer programming; one thing happens — a murder, usually — and then other things need to happen. It’s a chain of events. You come up with twenty things that could happen and then you discard the first six or so, because those are the one that came easy — those are the ones the read-

Scene of the crime For my second book — “Murder by Proxy,” the one I placed in Colorado — the premise came to me when I was working at home. I had an answering machine and my checks were deposited in the bank, so I had automated bill paying. So, I was sitting at my desk one day doing my programming and I started to wonder, ‘How long could I be dead before someone would realize?’

At the time, I was living in unincorporated Adams County near Arvada. I wanted to place my second book in Colorado because I felt that I had fans here, so I’d entertain them by setting things in Colorado instead of Rhode Island, where the first book was set.

But after that book I realized my protagonist, Enda Davies, needed to be in New England. I’m more familiar with the history there — plus she and her husband were essentially modeled after my parents. One of my goals was to show people that life after retirement doesn’t have to be dull. I’d visit my parents and look at their calendar on the wall.

They’d have maybe one or two blank squares for the whole month!

I have been very pleased with the reception my novels have received.

I uploaded the first couple of novels to Kindle and they just took off !

Anything I make I give to charity.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is the top of my charity list, then the Community Table in Arvada. I have been very lucky. I just really enjoy the fact the people are liking my stories, so that keeps me going.

If you know someone we should cover in My Name Is …, or if you would like to be featured in the segment, contact Ryan Dunn at rdunn@ coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Arvada City Council honors judge, faces backlash from residents on trash hauling contract

BY RYAN DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Arvada City Council met for a business meeting on Monday, March 1. The meeting featured a ceremony recognizing Judge Michael Matassa for his efforts in keeping the courts running smoothly throughout the Coronavirus pandemic and saw a number of Arvadans speak out against the city’s controversial trash hauling contract.

Judge Matassa The first order of business on the meeting’s docket was to honor Judge Michael Matassa, the interim presiding judge of the Arvada Municipal Court. Matassa has served on the Arvada Court bench for 35 years and was named interim

presiding judge in January of. 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

During the pandemic, Matassa implemented virtual arraignments and trials in order to maintain the effectiveness of the court. He also helped establish the Judge Mentorship Program, an alternative sentencing option that allows for juvenile defendants to meet with a judge for positive adult mentorship.

A longtime Arvada resident, Matassa said he never expected to receive recognition from City Council.

“I came to Arvada when I was 15 years old, lived in Arvada every year except maybe a year and a half when I was in Wheat Ridge, when I was first married,” said Matassa.

SEE COUNCIL, P3

Arvada Press 3

1March 11, 2021

COUNCIL FROM PAGE 2

“I love Arvada and as a 15-yearold, and I never would have expected that I would be here in my age getting a proclamation as a judge.

“I remember playing in my yard, I remember running for football on the streets,” Matassa continued. “But I never thought that I would be here tonight, and I really do appreciate it. It’s something that doesn’t happen to everybody.

I’m honored to do that.”

Trash hauling The Arvada City Council voted to approve a contract between the city and trash hauling company Republic Services on June 16, 2020.

The contract has drawn scrutiny from the community because of Republic Services’ minimum

monthly fee, which charges those who choose to opt-out of the service, and because the Council did not put the issue on a public ballot.

While cities like Golden contract with one waste hauler, Arvada previously allowed residents to contract with specific haulers.

While that is still an option, the opt-out fee included in the Republic Services contract is nonnegotiable.

At Monday’s meeting, four Arvada residents spoke out against the contract and expressed their frustration with City Council for not putting the issue to a public vote.

“Why was this issue not put on a ballot?” asked Tom D’Agostino.

“Why would you ignore such a hot button issue when you knew it mattered to people? Some of the city council members are emboldened, and during COVID-19 you

passed this, and what’s next? What are you going to pass next time?

This smells of corruption at the highest level and I won’t be silent at all.”

“What right do you have to take the citizens vote away?” asked Vicki Walbridge. “What arrogant scheming you four demonstrated when you refused to let this go to a vote of the people. You purposely devised this corrupt game plan during a pandemic because you had a majority of one and wanted to push this through to satisfy your special interest group while stifling the will of the people.”

The Arvada City Council will hold a workshop meeting on Monday, March 8. The next business meeting will be held on Monday, March 15. Arvada City Council meetings are open to limited in-person attendance and can be watched online on the city website, Arvada.org.

CORRECTION In last week’s edition, the story concerning Jeffco Schools’ Capital Improvement Program (CIP), contained an error regarding work to be started and the funding for those projects.

According to Tim Reed, Executive Director Facilities & Construction Management, the 131 projects in the program that are currently classified as ‘not started’ are funded from the bond.

“The total cost of work from ‘not started’ to ‘complete’ totals (an estimated) $726,755,662,” Reed said.

This means the district, after approving funding for an additional four athletic fields at a recent BOE meeting, has just under $94 million in unallocated funds remaining in the CIP at this time.

The paper regrets the error. To report any corrections or clarifications please call 303-566-4129 or email gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

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All-Electric Homes (and Buildings) Are Central to Mitigating Climate Change

As much as we Americans love our gas fireplaces, gas ranges and gas grills, we need to recognize that the move to an all-electric home, with the electricity being generated using minimal fossil fuels, is central to the goal of mitigating the effects of climate change.

And it can be a good future, especially if you’re able to generate all the electricity that your home and cars use.

That’s the future Rita and I have created for ourselves. We have 10 kW of solar panels on our Golden home, enough to heat and cool our home and charge our two electric cars. Our forced air furnace only burns gas when the outside temp dips below freezing. Otherwise, a heat pump provides all the heat we need. And recently we replaced our gas water heater with a hybrid water heater that heats all the water we need using its built-in heat pump. It has a standard electric heater coil in case we need faster recovery.

(We never have needed faster recovery.)

Yes, we still have a gas cooktop and gas fireplace, and our BBQ grill is plumbed with gas. I can picture us moving to an induction electric cooktop, electric fireplace and electric grill, but for now we comfort ourselves with the knowledge that we have drastically reduced our carbon footprint and our

monthly energy bills with the use of heat pumps for heating, cooling and water heating, as well as by driving EVs. A December article on axios. com reported that some progressive jurisdictions are now banning gas hookups in new residential and commercial construction.

According the article, 40 California municipalities, starting with Berkeley in 2019, have banned the installation of natural gas service in new construction.

The most common argument against this anti-natural gas trend relates to the cost of electric heating vs. gas heating, but the people who make that argument are probably thinking of conventional resistance heating, such as baseboard electric heating.

Resistance heating is similar to your kitchen toaster, sending electricity to a coil causing it to generate heat. There is a more efficient way to heat, however, which is to use a heat pump. A heat pump moves heat instead of generating heat, and the cost is as little at one quarter that of resistance heating for the same BTU (heat) output.

Moreover, a heat pump can provide both heating and cooling, merely by reversing the direction in which it moves heat, replacing both the gas furnace and electric air conditioning unit which most of us have in our homes.

I’ve been driving electric cars, buying little or no gasoline, since 2012, happy to be a freeloader when it comes to the cost of building and maintaining our state and federal roads and bridges.

But the adoption of electric cars is accelerating, as expected, to the point where we can’t continue to depend on gas and diesel taxes to pay for our transportation infrastructure.

Yes, I have paid a $50 registration fee each year for my EVs, but that doesn’t come close to paying my fair share of the costs, and it contributes nothing to

the federal highway trust fund.

In Colorado, there is a 23-cent-pergallon gas tax, plus an 18.4-cent federal gas tax. Rita and I drove our three EVs a total of 16,380 miles in 2020. If they had been fueled by gas and got 25 miles per gallon, we would have purchased 655 gallons, paying $271 in state and federal gas taxes.

Raising the gas tax makes no sense as fewer and fewer vehicles will be consuming gas in coming years.

As much as I’d like to keep being a freeloader in this regard, I am willing to pay 1.5 cents per mile traveled on my combined state and federal tax returns instead of paying $50 in annual registration fees per vehicle. This is referred to as a VMT (vehicle miles traveled) tax.

Critics of a VMT tax say people will lie about miles traveled, but our tax system is based on voluntary reporting, and mileage is easily audited now that cars, like Tesla, are connected to the internet.

We Must Confront the Coming Crisis of Road Funding

Electric Cars Wanted for Roundup

If you own an electric vehicle and are willing to show it off to potential EV buyers, please consider bringing it to Golden Real Estate’s parking lot on Saturday, April 3, from 2 to 5 pm for our annual Drive Electric Earth Day roundup. Register by emailing me at Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com.

Another argument against increased www.GoldenREblog.com for links to electrification is that electricity is itself websites with info on electrifying your created by the burning of coal and natu- home and how it can save you money. ral gas. The current fuel mix of Xcel Energy in Colorado is 36% natural gas, Avoiding Fair Housing Violations 32.5% coal, and the rest renewable enerReal estate pros are well schooled gy (mostly wind). The company’s goal is by now on Fair Housing issues. For 55% renewable by 2026 and 100% example, we’ve learned not to use “carbon-free” by 2050, so it makes sense phrases such as “great family home” to start now replacing gas appliances or “great for kids,” and “near St. with high efficiency electric ones such as Anne’s Church.” It’s not about politiheat pumps. cal correctness, such as using Keep in mind, too, that we can gener- “primary” instead of “master” bedate our own electricity at home and on room. It’s about not steering buyers in our office buildings, taking advantage of violation of laws against discrimina“net metering,” paying only to be con- tion on the basis of sex, religion, famnected to the electric grid. With net me- ily status, etc. tering, Xcel’s grid functions like a batNow we’re being warned about lesstery, taking excess electricity from our er gender-based terminology such as solar installations during the day and “His & Her Closets” or “Jack & Jill delivering it back to us when the sun Bathroom” or “Man Cave” and “She goes away — or when our solar panels Shed.” It’s easy to call this excessive, are covered with snow! but I see their point.

Read the posting of this article at

‘Selling Agent’ vs. ‘Seller’s Agent’ Confuses People

Among the real estate terminology that confuses home buyers and sellers is the term “selling agent.”

The selling agent is, in fact, the agent representing the buyer in the purchase of a home, not to be confused (hopefully) with the seller’s agent, also referred to as the listing agent.

The reasoning behind calling a buyer’s agent the selling agent is that the buyer’s agent is the one who actually sells the home. The listing agent could, of course, sell his listing himself, but 90% of the time (actually closer to 95% of the time), the home is sold by another agent who shows the home to a buyer and then writes the contract to purchase it. In return for finding the buyer, the listing agent then shares his or her listing commission with the selling agent.

It’s called the “co-op” commission, because the selling agent is cooperating with the listing agent to sell the listing.

I like to compare our industry to the

See All Our Listings, Active & Under Contract, at www.GREListings.com

automobile industry. Picture, for a moment, a sales person working for a Chevrolet dealership being able to bring a buyer to a Subaru dealership, get the keys to any of the cars on the lot, give multiple test drives and then get paid 40 to 50% of a Subaru sales person’s commission for selling one of that dealer’s cars. That’s how real estate works.

The Multi-List System, or MLS, was created to facilitate such “cooperation and compensation” in the real estate industry. It benefits both buyer and seller as well as both real estate agents.

Green Homes Sought for 2021 Tour

The Metro Denver Green Homes Tour is looking for homes to feature on its next tour, October 2nd, 2021.

If your home has features that would make it a good addition to this year’s green home tour — insulation, solar, HVAC, etc. — email Sheila Townsend at sheilactownsend@gmail.com.

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 17695 S. Golden Rd., Golden 80401 Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727 CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855 DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835 TY SCRABLE, 720-281-6783 ANDREA COX, 720-446-8674

4 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

Arvada Chamber of Commerce launches ‘Badass Women of Arvada’ Campaign

BY RYAN DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce has debuted a campaign to honor Arvada’s women leaders. Throughout March, the `Badass Women of Arvada’ program will honor one impactful Arvada woman per day on the Chamber’s website and social media pages.

The campaign’s goal is to highlight the role that women play in the community, specifically recognizing women in leadership positions in businesses and nonprofits.

Nominations can be made through a form on the campaign’s website and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the end of the month.

Chamber of Commerce President Kami Welch said that the campaign aims to celebrate the role that women play in the community — especially during the Coronavirus pandemic. A study conducted by the Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan research group that studies Colorado’s economy — found that women accounted for 54.4 percent of all jobs lost in 2020 despite making up 47% of the workforce.

“We recognize that over the past year, women have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Welch. “With that in mind, we wanted to do something that really celebrates the role that women play in our community.”

Jessica Fitzgerald instructing student Kenzie Jeantette at Flatirons Dance Company in Arvada.

“Obviously, this also aligns with Women’s History Month,” Welch continued. “And we have a growing group in the Chamber called

Inspiring Women, so we’re starting to see women really active in these leadership roles and wanting to give back to the community, so

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE JEANTETTE

we saw this as an opportunity to recognize their efforts.”

SEE WOMEN, P5

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Come discover the stories of Colorado History during this free Online Presentation. You will learn about the competing claims to Colorado dating back to the Native Americans who originally lived here. We will cover the 15 year struggle to become the 38th state as well as the role of mining and oil in the evolution of the state. Bring your favorite Colorado stories to share.

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Arvada Press 5

1March 11, 2021

Easter basket funding needed

WOMEN FROM PAGE 4

to put smiles on hundreds of kids’ faces and that’s what I love to do. It’s a win-win.”

This year the goal is to distribute as many Easter Baskets as possible.

All children already being served by A Precious Child will receive these baskets the week before Easter.

The suggested donation is $30 per basket and 100% of the donations collected are used to create baskets.

Baskets are filled with candy, a chocolate bunny, Easter eggs, toys, books, games, and toothbrush/toothpaste.

Donations will be accepted through March 25. To donate, visit the website at https://apreciouschild.org/donate/, or call (303)4664272 ext. 114.

STAFF REPORT

First of the badass women Jessica Fitzgerald, director of the Flatirons Dance Company, was the first women recognized by the campaign. Fitzgerald, an Arvada native, opened Flatirons Dance Company in 2016 after studying at Colorado Mesa University.

The studio offers programs for children and adults in a number of disciplines including jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop.

Flatiron’s youth programs have over 500 participants across all disciplines and features a competition team for children aged seven to 18.

While Fitzgerald faced challenges early in the pandemic as she worked to move her classes online, she settled into using Zoom as a tool to help her dancers stay in shape. When Jefferson County allowed the studio to re-open for in-person classes, Fitzgerald ensured that the studio was following Public Health guidelines and operating in a safe manner.

Fitzgerald said that she is honored to be a part of the `Badass Women of Arvada’ campaign and is glad the Chamber is recognizing women in leadership positions.

“I think that women business owners and working mothers have come so far over the years,” said Fitzgerald. “Celebrating those women that work so hard to give so much to their family but also

In an effort to provide Easter baskets to children across the Denver metro area, Discovery Toys and A Precious Child have teamed up for the fifth year to collect donations and put together baskets.

Centennial resident Julie Olivett, a Discovery Toys team leader, said she continues to participate because A Precious Child is a great organization that continues to provide vital services to families in need in Colorado.

“I believe that a simple act of kindness can make a huge difference in a child’s day,” Olivett said. “The Easter Basket Drive is a perfect opportunity

BADASS WEBSITE Meet all the women leaders being highlighted by the Arvada Chamber this month at www.arvadachamber.org/ badasswomen/ work just as hard to bring their community parts of their business and just to make their business successful is really amazing.”

Fitzgerald also added that she is thankful for the ongoing support of the Chamber and said that for her, Arvada is the ideal place to grow a business.

“Being in Arvada and having a business is probably just the best place to grow a business and have a business and have a family,” said Fitzgerald. “Everyone is so supportive, and it really gives you that small town feel. Everyone knows each other, and the Chamber of Commerce has just been the biggest blessing to our business because they help us so much.”

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March 11, 2021M

GEORGIA FROM PAGE 1

Association Trophy and Wisconsin Press Photographer of the year.

In 1960, Georgia moved to Denver to work for the Post. With a wife and three kids in tow, Georgia, unfamiliar with the area, devised a plan to help decide where his budding family should settle.

He unfurled a large map of the Denver Metro area and kept an ear on the Post’s police scanner, placing a pin in the map where the crime had occurred each time the police were called. After a few weeks, Georgia found that Arvada had fewer pins than any other locale in the area and decided to settle his family there.

After seven years at the Denver Post, Georgia began freelancing for the National Geographic Society. He was often given assignments in cold climates such as Canada and the Arctic Circle because, in the words of Lowell’s daughter Terry Georgia, “He was the only one who had long underwear.”

As a freelancer Georgia was granted more freedom than in prior positions, and began taking his wife, Mary Kay, or one of their six children along on assignments.

“He would take one of us along for a couple of weeks so we could experience what it was like and see him work and experience travel,” said Terry Georgia. “So, it was really important for him to spend time with us as much as he could despite his schedule, and mom went with him a

“A photographer sometimes finds inspiration close to home. Lowell often used subjects and locations in Arvada. In this case, 5 of his 6 children got to try out licorice ice cream when the new flavor premiered at Dipper Dan’s Ice Cream Shop in Arvada Plaza Shopping Center. The picture was published in the Denver Post and picked up in other papers PHOTOS COURTESY OF TERRY GEORGIA AND ANNE HANSON across the country,” said Terry Georgia.

couple of times too — she got to go to the fun places like Hong Kong and Australia.”

Even when Lowell was alone on assignment, he stayed in touch with his family, sending postcards frequently and calling almost every night. When he was home, Lowell was hesitant to talk about his work, preferring to hear about his family’s pursuits.

“It was very hard to get him to show off or even put pictures on the wall,” said Terry. “And the quote that I always remember is he said, `If I was a dentist, would I put teeth

on the wall?’”

“He was very humble,” said Lowell’s daughter Anne Hanson. “And his sense of humor was phenomenal.”

Lowell’s sense of humor endeared him to a large contingent of friends, including Larry Svoboda, who Lowell called his “Brother from another mother.” Svoboda and Georgia met at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Arvada, where Lowell and Mary Kay attended mass nearly every day that he wasn’t on assignment.

Svoboda said that his warmth and humor enriched the days of every-

Portrait of Lowell holding a camera.

one Lowell came into contact with.

“He had this uncanny ability to make puns off of words that were really not obvious to anyone else,” said Svoboda. “His jokes were never self-denigrating or other-denigrating; it was always building a person up. Like, `It’s a super day for a super person - like you.’ Being around him would always build you up.”

When asked what the Georgia household was like with Lowell around, Mary Kay summarized it with just one word; “Laughter.”

The Georgia family held a private funeral service for Lowell on Thursday March 4. They hope to hold a larger celebration of Lowell’s life this summer.

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1March 11, 2021

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March 11, 2021M

For more than 30 years, spanning two generations, Namiko’s has endured Arvada sushi restaurant doubles as social landmark

IF YOU GO Namiko’s Sushi Address: 7310 W. 52nd Avenue, Unit R, Arvada Number: 303-420-3600 Website: Namikos.com

BY RYAN DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Editor’s Note: This is part one of a story about a landmark Arvada eatery and how it has dealt with the challenges of the pandemic. Part II will be published in next week’s edition.

In Arvada, there are few people who inspire the kind of jovial reception you’re likely to get by mentioning Yuri Chandonnet’s name.

Born in Sapporo, Japan in 1946, Chandonnet was abandoned by her father and sold to a restauranter by her mother at the age of 8. At an early age, she became well-versed in the ins and outs of running a restaurant; she cleaned pots and pans and made soup throughout her formative years until transitioning to serving and waiting tables in her teens.

She made her way to San Angelo, Texas, in 1969 at the age of 23 before settling in Colorado in 1980, working at Lafayette Florist and as a travel agent for a few years. But Chandonnet’s true passion remained in making delicious food and surrounding herself with people. In 1988, she opened Namiko’s Sushi Bar and Japanese Restaurant, named after her then-13-year-old daughter.

“She started at an early age,” said Chandonnet’s daughter Namiko Eshima, who now owns and operates her eponymous restaurant. “Knowing all these things about the restaurants and how to work hard and how to work for what you want.”

Chandonnet passed away in 2017 at the age of 71, but her importance to the Arvada area resonates to this day. Namiko’s became a cultural hub for the local Japanese community, with Chandonnet stocking the restaurant’s waiting area with Japanese-language books and dutifully giving advice to recent immigrants — many of whom were Regis University students — on paying parking tickets and making rent. She frequently donated to the

Yuri Chandonnet works the flower stand formerly located inside Namiko’s Sushi in the PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAMIKO ESHIMI 1990s.

Simpson United Methodist Church in Arvada and contributing to the Denver Buddhist Temple’s picnics and festivals.

“She knew every single name of every single person that came in,” said Eshima. “Being in Arvada, because it was a close-knit community, we got to know kids.

“Kids would come in and over the years. They would get older and graduate high school and get married and then they’d have kids,” Eshima continued. “And they’d bring their kids here and it was like, `Oh, we’ve got to bring our new baby to meet Yuri because she’s going to be in her life forever.’ Everybody knew my mom.”

Eshima grew up in the restaurant that bears her name, doing dishes and cleaning tables as a teen before taking over the front of the house and administrative duties in her 20s.

Just as her mom watched customers grow up over the years, the restaurant’s patrons saw Eshima start her own family and eventually take the reins from Chandonnet.

The familial element of Namiko’s is undeniable. A hallway just off the restaurant’s original dining section doubles as a memorial gallery to

Final Expenses

Chandonnet, adorned with photos of her early years in Japan and shots from the restaurant’s history.

In the latter set, Eshima often appears alongside her mother.

“Being lucky enough to work with my mom pretty much my entire adult life was a way for us not only to bond, but to be in our lives every day,” said Eshima. “We were very close — I learned everything I know from her.”

Eshima has carried on the tradition with her son Kunio, 14, who helps out at the restaurant much like she did at the same age.

“And then being able to teach my son from a very young age to be social and communicate with people,” said Eshima. “He was running around the restaurant, giving everybody high-fives and saying `Hello.’

It’s just nice to have the ability to have family with you during the day, where a lot of people didn’t have that when they were growing up.”

Everybody knows you The resulting atmosphere at Namiko’s is one of comforting familiarity. There is a feeling that everyone — patrons and staff alike — knows each other well and has for years in some cases.

Longtime patron Emma Curtis

has been going to Namiko’s since the restaurant opened in 1988, often with her friend, the late Norma Gooden. Curtis and Gooden began going to Namiko’s during its first month of operation after Gooden saw the restaurant’s first banner go up.

In the early days, business was lean. So, Curtis and Gooden sat with Chandonnet and watched her prepare appetizers, giving the fledgling restaurateur encouragement as she made the dishes. At the time, Chandonnet — always a perfectionist — was beginning to have doubts about the venture, as the restaurant struggled to gain a foothold.

Both Remax Relators, Curtis and Gooden began referring clients to Namiko’s, helping the restaurant build its customer base. Since Japanese restaurants are a rarity in Colorado, there was a fair measure of confusion regarding what kind of food Namiko’s served early on, with customers often asking for Chinese food.

A true entrepreneur, Chandonnet embraced the uniqueness of her position and added Chinese dishes to the menu for a time. She became known for going the extra mile with her customers, showing them how to use chopsticks and even installing a small floral boutique in the entryway of the restaurant when she found that there weren’t many florists in the area.

That ability to connect with customers has kept people like Curtis coming back to Namiko’s on a weekly basis for more than 30 years.

“We watched (Eshima) grow up and mature from a teenager into an excellent restaurateur,” said Curtis. “She has carried on in a manner that Yuri would be so pleased with. They are so conscientious, the kitchen is so clean, and the restaurant? It is so beautiful. The staff is so friendly and welcoming to everybody, and that fits because it’s become a social landmark.”

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Yuri Chandonnet poses for a photo with her dogs at the Chandonnet family home.

Arvada Press 9

1March 11, 2021

QUIET ZONE FROM PAGE 1

be disruptive to the community,” Jensen continued. “But the loss of life is disruptive to the community.”

Jensen added that the software commuter trains use to avoid collisions — called Positive Train Control — goes through updates that don’t always initialize properly. In those cases when the PTC drops out, the train defers to the automatic train control, which directs the train to sound its horn when it goes through a crossing.

PTC outages are unpredictable and therefore impossible to notify residents of before they occur. RTD Board Member Shelly Cook said that the transportation district has been working with the PTC software manufacturers to reduce the number of outages.

Denver Transit Partners Communications Manager Nadia Garas said that the reason residents don’t find out about train horns necessitated by PTC outages beforehand - and even after the fact, in some cases - is to minimize confusion for those that live near RTD tracks.

“These are issues that we find out about in real-time,” said Garas. “We are working to communicate proactively when we have as much information as we can. We don’t want to give the wrong information because it will cause more confusion.”

Map of the RTD G line.

Neighbors of the Quiet Zone corridors that called into the meeting said they understood the need to blow train horns in possible collision scenarios, but did not feel that the RTD was doing enough to communicate about these disturbances and did not believe that trains should continue running if the PTC goes out.

“I remember thinking when the Quiet Zones were announced that

COURTESY OF TINA JAQUEZ

the horns will always be on, and they have been,” a meeting attendee named Anthony wrote in the chat. “Why run the trains if the software doesn’t work?”

“Respectfully, I don’t think anyone here is downplaying the need for horns for pedestrian safety,” another meeting attendee named Kelly wrote in the chat. “And it’s disparaging to us to be lectured on that.”

Pauletta Tonilas, RTD’s assistant general manager, said that text alerts for train noise would be included in the next phase of the district’s Rider Alerts service.

“Text opt-in is going to happen with the next rollout of the Rider Alert enhancement,” said Tonilas.

“That’s coming this summer. The Rider Alerts can be filtered by corridor or project. Our folks also do a great job with Twitter.”

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10 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

‘This is on behalf of all the survivors’ Region’s largest family justice center now serving abuse victims in Jeffco

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Cynthia Kornegay knows firsthand the many challenges faced by victims of domestic abuse.

“When you are pregnant and you are pushed down the stairs, you don’t know how to keep that secret in your home but also get help,” she said. “When your toddlers are being abused in your home, you are just afraid of that system that may come into your home. You don’t know that there are services there to assist you and protect you and empower you.”

Now, she’s among the many Jeffco leaders who are hopeful that the opening of Jeffco’s new Porchlight Family Justice Center will mean more woman and families than ever will be able to get the help they need as they attempt to escape abusive situations.

“This is where we come, this is where the services are, this is where the support is, this is our place of hope and healing and help,” said Kornegay, a former proescutor who is now part of a committee of abuse survivors who will offer input on Porchlight’s services.

SEE CENTER, P11

Former Jeffco DA Pete Weir cuts the ribbon to officially open the Porchlight Family Justice Center in Lakewood.

COURTESY OF PAM RUSSELL

HOW TO HELP To contact Porchlight, go to www. porchlightfjc.org or call 303-271-6100.

Information about volunteeringand offering financial assistance to Porchlight can be found at www.porchlightfjc.org/ supportus

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Arvada Press 11

1March 11, 2021

CENTER FROM PAGE 10

The new center, which is located just north of Sixth Avenue at 11100 W. 8th Ave, will allow victims of domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking to access services provided by over 70 partner agencies under one roof with 19 of those agencies having a permanent staff presence inside the center. It is the largest facility of its kind in the Denver metro area and will serve both Jefferson and Gilpin counties.

Candace Cooledge, the executive director of Porchlight, said she became interested in bringing a family justice center to Jeffco after touring a similar facility in California. She said the concept struck a chord with her given her experiences as a longtime prosecutor in the First Judicial District Attorney’s Offices’ Special Victims Unit.

“I would want to help the victims in my cases and I would be sending a victim to all these different places and just hoping that they would able to connect with this or that particular agency but not really knowing,” Cooledge. “So having us all together to really be able to wrap the victim in services is huge.”

At Porchlight, victims will be able to access everything from therapists and victims advocates to assist finding someone to care for their pet while they are in the process of leaving an abusive situation. The Sheriff ’s Office, Lakewood Police and other local law enforcement agencies will also have a permanent presence there, which they say will allow them to serve victims more effectively.

Among the many other offerings are a child care facility to care for children while their mother is getting help and a video court room where victims may seek a temporary restraining order against the abuser.

There is even a hair salon where victims can get their hair and makeup done before the hearing, which Cooledge said has been shown to make a major difference for victims as it allows them to feel more comfortable and confident

of the Candace Cooledge gives a tour of the PHOTO BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO Porchlight center.

when talking to the judge.

It’s estimated that the 16,543-square-foot facility could serve around 1,500 people a year to start — although multiple law enforcement officers who spoke at Porchlight’s grand opening on Feb. 24 indicated initial demand could be higher than usual as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lakewood Police Chief Daniel McCaskey said family justice centers nationwide are seeing over twice as many clients as they were before the pandemic.

“I don’t think that’s going to go away unfortunately,” he said.

“Porchlight is needed now more than ever, our timing is perfect.”

Refferals to Porchlight can be made by both law enforcement and community agencies, but people in crisis can also seek out services from it themselves.

Cooledge said the facility has received funding from several sources, including the county and its municipalities as well as private donors and local foundations. However, it will also rely on donations and volunteers going forward.

But while there is work to be done to sustain the center into the future, the opening of the center itself is a significant triumph for Jeffco in its effort to better serve victims and survivors, said former First Juidcial District DA Pete Weir, who greenlit its creation four years ago.

“This is on behalf of all the survivors and all of the great professionals who work on their behalf,” Weir said, before cutting the ribbon to officially open the center.

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12 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

Vaccination efforts missing minority groups in Jeffco

BY FROSTY WOOLDRIDGE COLUMNIST

Over the last 13 weeks, more than 175,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Jefferson County.

But in that time, a rather troubling picture has begun to emerge about those who are receiving the doses of the still-limited vaccine and those who are not.

Numbers “a concern” On Feb. 23, Jefferson County Public Health Executive Director Dawn Comstock told the county’s board of commissioners that it had become clear early in the vaccination effort that persons living in Jeffco communities with relatively lower risk of COVID-19 disease were “having better success at getting vaccinated.”

At the same time, those communities with a history of higher COVID-19 hospitalization rates had lower vaccination rates at that point.

“That’s concerning to us and something that we are definitely working to address,” said Comstock.

Among the most significant concerns, Comstock said, were the disparities between the number of white residents over 70 who had been vaccinated and those of other races.

Comstock said that as of Feb. 23, 70% of county residents over the age of 70 had received at least one vaccination. In contrast, only 50% of the Black, non-Hispanic 70-plus population in Jeffco had received one.

VACCINE HELP Jeffco residents who are currently eligible for vaccination but having trouble scheduling an appointment can call 303-239-7000 and press option 1.

Resources to find an appointment can also be found at www.jeffco.us/4247/ JCPH-COVID-19-Vaccination-Clinics Even worse, Comstock said, was that among the county’s Hispanic population in that age group only 20% of residents had received a shot.

“We recognize that is a very concerning disparity and we now have numbers to be able to start looking at that and the maps to be able to identify which specific geographic areas have been most hard hit and we are starting to address that,” Comstock said.

Those numbers have improved somewhat since that meeting with 62% of Black and African residents 70-and-over having received a vaccination as of March 3. However, they remained stubbornly low for Hispanics with just 23.1% of that 70-plus population having received a vaccine.

In contrast, the percentage of White residents who had received a vaccine was at 74.5% while those falling into the “other groups” category have the highest rate of vaccination at 85%.

Comstock also cautions that there is one limitation to the data that is important to keep in mind when

A graph showing the differing vaccination rates for Jeffco residents over 70 according COURTESY OF JCPH to race as of March 3.

considering those numbers: people are able to choose whether or not to disclose their race.

As of Feb. 23, the number of vaccine recipients in the county declining to do so was 11%.

“That does make it difficult for us to really accurately gauge these race and ethnicity distribution patterns of vaccine,” said Comstock.

“We know traditionally there are some racial and ethnic groups that are a little more hesitant to disclose their race on these documents and if that 11% disproportionately includes them we might be doing slightly better than these numbers show,” she added.

Still, even if that 11% consisted solely of minorities, there would still be a significant discrepancy between vaccination rates for white residents and Hispanic or Black residents.

Lack of trust presents challenge That continued discrepancy on vaccination rates is likely the product of public health systems that have consistently failed to connect with minority populations, said Paulina Erices, the manager of JCPH’s Whole Community Inclusion program, which was created last year to ensure that COVID-19 efforts were effectively responding to the needs of minority populations in Jeffco.

“It’s not just that we don’t do a good job getting to them,” said Erices. “It’s that we don’t have relationships — authentic trusting relationships- that will support trust

between these communities and the formal systems of care.”

The need to build those relationships is what led JCPH to create the Whole Community Inclusion program, which is staffed by five full-time employees as well as volunteers who work as navigators to connect minority residents with resources.

The program is currently undertaking several efforts to encourage and help more Jeffco minorities to get vaccines, including offering Spanish language navigation services for eligible residents trying to set up a vaccine appoitnment.

However, Erices said the county has also been involved in lobbying the state to coonsider how vaccine eligibility is determined so to ensure and increase equity. For example, Erices said the program has been advocating to expand eligibility for vaccines to unlicensed childcare providers, which she says provide more than 50% of childcare in Jeffco but were not made eligible when licensed providers were. Many of those providers are minorities, she said.

As part of its efforts to reach more minorities, JCPH will also be transitioning away from its central vaccine distribution center in Arvada to focus more on targeted vaccination efforts, including those that would target underserved populations.

The central site in Arvada has worked well for serving anyone who SEE MINORITY, P13

M

F

Arvada Press 13

1March 11, 2021

MINORITY FROM PAGE 12

has the ability to get there but is not the best option for those Comstock called “transportation challenged.”

“We will be working with our community partners to go into community sites with admittedly smaller but more targeted efforts intentionally trying to address the equity we are seeing, that’s where we will be evolving our efforts,” Comstock said.

Other efforts include working with community-based organizations to better reach priority populations and encouraging residents to sign up for vaccination efforts organized by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment specifically aimed at improving equity of access. Comstock said multiple such events have already taken place in Jeffco and more are planned.

However, Comstock said JCPH knows even those efforts won’t reach every member of an underserved group.

“We are trying to approach it from several fronts but if there is somebody at home who is frustrated we encourage them to call our call center and we will try to get them connected to assistance,” she said.

Inclusion program manager optimistic Erices, meanwhile, said she is optimistic that the vaccination rates for Jeffco’s minority populations will increase as the process continues.

That’s in part, she says, because she finds that while minority residents often tend to have a lot of questions about the vaccine and misinformation they may have been exposed to, she finds that they express interest in getting the vaccine after talking to her staff.

“They just need to receive information in a way that they trust and can understand,” she said. “But once they get that information in a way that works for them, they are very, very likely to want to get vaccinated and I am not seeing huge hesitancy in our work.”

Meanwhile what hesitancy does seem to exist is often a result of “people from other cultures and orther communities sharing information “in a way that is not culturally relevant or not timely or just that they do not trust,” she said.

However, a bigger issue is that minority communities often are not

connected to traditional providers like Kaiser Permanente or one of the local hospitals, which presents additional barriers as people do not have experience communicating with those providers.

“The systems are not friendly at all,” she said. “The website is complicated to navigate, on the phone you have to make so many selections before you can talk to someone and of course people hang up the first time.”

But even as Erices said she believes Jeffco’s minority vaccination rates will increase as community knowledge and confidence grows, she feels a focus only on numbers obscures the true significance of the work that her program and JCPH are doing — as well as the magnitude of what still needs to be done.

That’s because building community trust, repairing past damage and building successful relationships with the community it serves means the Community Inclusion program is, and must be, involved not only in efforts to encourage vaccination but also to provide much broader support to minority communities as they whether the pandemic.

For example, early in the pandemic, the program held sessions to help teach residents how to use Zoom.

“Comparing the data that’s only related to vaccine to work that is involving vaccine, life, heart, education, access to health care and years of disappointment is just not fair,” she said. “I really wish in the data we present we could include everything that is related to this work.”

Another significant challenge, Erices said, is that JCPH only manages a small quantity of the vaccines allocated to the county, with hospitals, pharmacies and other providers responsible for the bulk of it.

Given that reality, JCPH’s role is to try to influence those other providers to take into account the special needs of underserved populations by working with community organizations that already strong ties to minority communities, to ensure residents are getting vaccines when they are eligible.

It’s a difficult task, but inroads are being made, Erices said.

“It’s hard to establish but we are getting there,” she said. “Now that there is more vaccine available we can get that moving but before that everyone was so tied up with who could and couldn’t get the limited vaccine that there wasn’t much being done to reach out to those populations yet.”

CORNER

Vaccination is Underway in Jeffco If you are a healthcare worker, first responder, adult age 65+ or staff member at a Pre-K-12 school or licensed childcare program, you are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It is important to know there is limited supply of the vaccine, and that even if you are eligible, you may have to wait to get an appointment.

Residents who are eligible can get vaccinated at many local healthcare provider locations, as well as several King Soopers and Safeway pharmacies. For a current listing of providers, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s website at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.

You will need to register using an online system with the vaccine location of your choice. If you are not familiar with using an online registration system, ask for help from family members or friends.

For the latest information about eligibility, how to sign up for an appointment with vaccine providers and more, visit www.jeffco.us/covid-vaccine.

You can also sign up for text or email alerts in English or Spanish at www.jeffco.us/list.aspx, or call Jefferson County Public Health’s COVID-19 vaccine line at 303-239-7000 and press option 1 to listen to a recorded message with up-to-date vaccine information.

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14 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

LOCAL

VOICES An hour this Sunday will be no time at all

QUIET DESPERATION

Craig Marshall Smith

S

oon it will be time to change our clocks again. Why? It’s a semi-annual nuisance that is debated and argued about semiannually too.

Between times, it’s forgotten.

Daylight Saving Time was advanced by Benjamin Franklin in a 1784 essay titled “An Economical Project.”

The justifications for Daylight Saving Time are numerous and make tedious reading.

(Please do so on your own.)

Arizona and Hawaii do not change clocks. Seven other states have approved legislation to follow them and are awaiting federal approval. The feds are taking their time about it.

Some of the American citizenry experiences mood shifts when clocks are

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dixiecrat confusion The letter about Democrats filibustering the Civil Rights Act reminded me of 1959 when my dad moved us to Georgia, a bigger culture shock than the move to Japan. Someone thinking that Republicans opposed the Civil Rights Act is no surprise to me.

The southern Democrats were Dixiecrats, a whole different animal. Besides the example of Strom Thurmond becoming a Republican, Robert Byrd was a Klan recruiter.

Many young people wouldn’t know about the party switch after civil rights or about the Southern Manifesto opposing racial integration. It was signed by 99 Democrats and 2 Republicans.

Pam Buck, Golden

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changed, particularly in the fall.

Changing clocks is somewhat less of a nuisance than it once was when all clocks had to be manually changed.

Teens: Ask your moms and dads.

Wait: Teenagers don’t read me.

Now many timepieces change on their own.

I have a $19.99 clock radio that knows when it’s time, as it were.

Fall back and spring ahead.

We spring on Sunday, March 14.

I haven’t changed my car’s clock since last November. Why? Because changing the time on my car’s clock takes either tiny fingers or a toothpick.

I knew someone who always had a toothpick in his mouth and wondered why.

Dental care is important, of course, but it can be taken too far.

He’d have it in his mouth when we played touch football and touch basketball.

It was, I thought, a big risk to have a toothpick in his mouth, but I guess the coolness of it made it worthwhile.

I lost track of him. Maybe he swallowed one and maybe he didn’t.

You can still see men — never women — with a toothpicks in their mouths if you watch old movies, especially ones with gangsters.

Gangsters, private investigators, and policemen always had toothpicks nearby.

“Crime Wave,” starring Sterling Hayden, is recommended. The language is pure, stilted pulp. Hayden’s character says, “I love to smoke cigarettes. But the doctors say I can’t have them.”

SEE SMITH, P15

New freedoms and new responsibility

S

o this is what normal feels like.

Sort of.

When you’re reading this column, it will likely be on the anniversary of the day the HITTING world shut down. I was watching the Nuggets HOME game last year on Wednesday, the 11thof March, and it was a weird game.

Shortly after that game started, the news broke that other N.B.A. games were suspended that night due to COVID; before the game was over, the news broke that the NBA was Michael Alcorn suspending the season.

The next day, I went to school and was informed that that would be the last week in person for some time, as school districts across the state shut down to prevent further spread of the — at that time —poorly understood novel coronavirus and its resultant disease.

This past week, my teaching partner and I were, for the first time all year, allowed to travel to two schools in a single day. I know — that doesn’t really sound like all that big a deal. But for the beginning of this school year, to foster contact tracing and to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus from one building to another, we have been limited in our physical travels. That means, for us, we have only been able to see our students live, in person, once every two weeks.

Have you ever tried to learn a brand new skill, which has both intellectual and physical components, but only got to practice once every two weeks? Imagine learning to play baseball, but only throwing the ball and taking batting practice every 14 days. It’s … not ideal.

But, now, we get to see our students every week. And still, that probably doesn’t sound like a lot, and it isn’t. But it’s SO much better than once a fortnight.

There was a day, last week, that we actually taught five sections of classes live! It was wonderful! You cannot duplicate the experience of students learning to make music with their peers over a Zoom meeting. We’ve been trying — it’s … not ideal.

And then, twice last week, I watched college basketball games on television and there were actual fans in the arena, cheering on their teams.

And then, on Saturday, to celebrate a trio of birthdays in the family, we … (looks around furtively) … (whispers) … went to a movie! It was awesome! We had family over to the house to eat dinner and catch up, and then we hauled up to an actual movie theater, bought actual movie house popcorn and sodas, and watched a movie in digital Dolby whatever.

And, just to add to the normalcy, the Colorado Rockies lost a Spring Training game 12-3 on Friday. Better get used to *that*, I guess.

There IS a way forward, people! Rejoice!

Celebrate! No, not like that, CU students.

And, honestly, we’ve probably known this for months. Don’t go out in public if you’re remotely symptomatic; limit close contact; wear masks in public spaces; and if you’re scared because you or someone you love is in the high-risk group, then make appropriate choices for you and your family. And when you get a chance, make an informed, logical decision regarding the vaccine. If you do your homework, and come to an honest decision to forego the vaccine until we have more data, then I respect that. BUT… make appropriate

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SEE ALCORN, P15

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1March 11, 2021

Zenzinger focused on funding for students A Q&A with state Sen. Rachel Zenzinger about her priorities for education this legislative session

BY LIAM ADAMS LADAMS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Even before the Colorado General Assembly legislative session began, state Sen. Rachel Zenzinger was advocating for students and their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zenzinger, a Democrat who represents Arvada and Westminster and whose background is in education, was vocal about suspending standardized testing at the beginning of the second semester. Now, months into the new semester and weeks into the legislative session, Zenzinger has kept her focus on standardized testing and other changes she sees as necessary to support Colorado’s schools.

Already, the Senate has passed one of Zenzinger’s bills, a victory she celebrates. It also means she has more time to work on the other items that still require passage.

Zenzinger spoke with Colorado Community Media about all her homework as chair of the Senate education committee.

This story has been edited for length and clarity.

Colorado Community Media:

SMITH FROM PAGE 14

e Then adds, “So what do I do? I chew toothpicks. Tons of them.”

Half the time, he wears a fedora sideways that looks like it’s kept under his pillow at night.

No one messes with him because he’s the size of a power forward.

Stick around for the final scene when he relapses and smokes a cigarette that has a dog leg to the left.

I thought it was a flub, but it’s likely the director wanted Hayden to be inelegant to the end.

It’s not a comedy but the “patter” rmight make you laugh a little if you’re not used to noir talk.

When Hayden made the film (1953) you didn’t need tiny fingers

ALCORN FROM PAGE 14

choices.

It’s time. One year, almost to the day, and we have a path forward to getting our worlds back to normal. That path includes the pharmaceuticals working their magic; that path includes the government being a smart partner about delivery (I’m looking at you, California); and that path still includes each and every one of us continuing to make smart choices

So, already you have had a bill pass the Senate. What is it for?

State Sen. Rachel Zenzinger: The upcoming mid-year adjustment. Every year, when we put together the School Finance Act, it’s Zenzinger kind of based on our best guess. It’s based on projections of what we think will happen. Then, in the middle of the year, we take a look and say, `How are we doing? Were we over or were we under?’ Then we make those adjustments. I was hearing back in November from school districts that they were really concerned we were going to claw back funding from the districts. So, this bill said, `Hey, we’re going to hold districts harmless this year because of COVID. So, whatever the original appropriation is, we’re just going to stick with that and we’re not going to claw back funding.’”

CCM: Historically, a lot of your work in the legislature has been around education. What’s different about this session?

Zenzinger: It’s definitely shifted to be able to address the pandemic because its impact was severe. We were having a lot of conversations in the education community prepandemic. And when the pandemic struck, some of those conversations were exaggerated and forced to the front.

CCM: Such as? or a toothpick to change the car clock.

I don’t know where to get tiny fingers. A friend said she and her daughters rescued a baby squirrel and domesticated it.

“It even put itself to bed every night at 8:30 on the button.”

I didn’t ask if the little fellow made the necessary adjustments semi-annually, or if half the year he went to bed at 7:30.

With Daylight Saving Time right around the corner, I don’t have enough time to find and train a baby squirrel to change my car clock.

Nuts.

Maybe by November?

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

about our lives.

You want your freedom of movement back? So do I. Let’s re-learn the old adage that “there can be no freedom without responsibility.”

See you out in the world!

Michael Alcorn is a teacher and writer who lives in Arvada with his wife and three children. His new novel, “Charon’s Blade,” is available at Amazon.com, on Kindle, or through MichaelJAlcorn.com.” His opinions are not necessarily those of Colorado Community Media.

Zenzinger: Standardized testing.

We were already having that conversation about its importance, about accountability and about teacher evaluation. But because of the pandemic, it’s just come forward in a new way that makes us really question whether or not now is the most appropriate time to move forward with standardized testing, given the way our schools are having to operate right now.

CCM: What’s the latest on that situation?

Zenzinger: We did receive some federal guidance recently and they emphasized they are not going to be issuing blanket waivers this year like they did last year. So, if we want to receive a federal waiver to not do CMAS this year, we’re going to have to ask for it. And if we do that, we should make sure that we are putting forward the best possible waiver application ... We are working on an amendment that will hopefully create a pathway forward, given this federal guidance.

CCM: What are your goals for the School Finance Act and school funding for the 2021-22 school year?

Zenzinger: Next year’s budget really needs to focus on how we restore the cuts that we made to education because they were dramatic. We increased the budget stabilization factor to over a billion dollars. But that’s not enough. We can’t just restore the cuts and expect everything to return to normal because, overall, our education system was already underfunded. So, we also need to be thinking about longer-term, systemic funding solutions.

CCM: How would you describe your approach to education-related work in the legislature?

Zenzinger: In general, I really prioritize finding solutions and sponsoring legislation with my Republican colleagues. So, I’m trying to bring that same sort of approach to the education world. To say, `you know what, we don’t have to have right and wrong. Why can’t we just try to embrace the conflict and see where we can find common ground and work to find a solution?’ Instead of, `My bill passes, and we win. Or my bill was rejected, and I lost.’

When it comes to our kids, I think that’s a bad approach.

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16 Arvada Press

LOCAL

March 11, 2021M

LIFE

Craft bean roasters find their niche as they appeal to refined tastes

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

J

ava, joe, coffee — no matter what we call it, coffee is an integral part of many people’s lives, and metro Denver is known for its craft coffee.

For craft coffee roasters, it’s all about the coffee bean — where it’s from, how it’s grown and how it’s roasted. They have created their roasting companies in the last 10 years, and they are passionate about providing the area with the perfect cup of coffee.

AJ Payne, general manager of Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters in Olde Town Arvada, likened the craft coffee industry to the craft beer industry, something the Front Range is known for.

“Breweries have popped up,” Payne said, “and I see the same thing happening with coffee. I think that you will see more and more smaller batch roasters in cafés (who are) roasting at least for their own cafés.”

Andy Sprenger, owner of Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters in Lakewood and Arvada, agreed.

“I’m super grateful to the craft beer industry for creating that space for independents to serve a higher-quality product,” he said. “I feel like they paved the way for craft coffee.”

He believes the metro area’s younger demographic is looking for something unique in its coffee.

“I think this is one of the ways Colorado is special. This part of the world attracts a bit of a younger crowd,” Sprenger explained. “Colorado really likes to focus on small, craft, higher quality products, and (people are) willing to pay for them.”

Scott Wilton, operations manager for Bivouac Coffee Roastery and Tasting Room in Evergreen, suggested that Colorado residents enjoy experiences.

“The reason people like craft beer

Landon Harmon of Bearded Man Coffee.

COURTESY PHOTO

IF YOU GO Some of the craft coffee-bean roasting establishments in the suburbs: Bearded Man Coffee 8955 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 800 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 (Moving soon to 2860 S. Tejon St. Englewood, CO 80110) 1-833-BMCOFFEE beardedmancoffee.com

Bivouac Coffee Roastery & Tasting Room 1552 Bergen Parkway, Unit 303 Evergreen, CO 80439 720-588-8761 bivouac.coffee

and coffee is the experience with the product you get to enjoy,” he said.

Sprenger added that coffee has a way of allowing people to connect, especially when they linger with friends over a cup, which has paved the way for coffee-drinkers to become particular about the beverage.

“People have gotten picky about

Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters 5600 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.

Arvada, CO 80002 303-990-9650 hunterbay.com

Pangea Coffee Roasters 1205 CheyenneSt. Golden, CO 80401 720-515-1154 www.pangeacoffeeroasters.com

their coffee,” said René Steenvoorden, Bivouac’s owner. “There’s a lot of creativity in coffee. Every time you go to a coffee place, the way it is sourced, roasted and made — even the milk you use makes (the coffee) different. I think that makes it interesting and creates a market.”

Landon Harmon, owner of Bearded Man Coffee in Highlands Ranch,

Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters 1619 N. Reed St. Lakewood, CO 80214 Or 7745 Wadsworth Blvd., Suite C Arvada, CO 80003 303-261-5954 sweetbloomcoffee.com

likened craft coffee-bean roasting to winemaking. The kind of grape, the elevation it is grown at and when it is harvested can change the taste of the wine just like the type of coffee bean, the elevation it’s grown at and when it is harvested.

“The exact same (coffee) plant SEE COFFEE, P17

A round-up of events that reflect the changes of a year in COVID-19 COMING ATTRACTIONS

Clarke Reader

I

t’s difficult to believe the COVID-19 pandemic has been the dominant feature of our lives for right around a full year.

Few industries were stopped dead in their tracks the way the performing arts industry was halted, but at a time when these arts were needed most, artists and entertainers found all kinds of ways to perform and stay connected with audiences.

In recognition of a year of innovation (and with an eye to a brighter future on the horizon), this week’s column is a collection of activities from all over the metro area (and beyond), which spotlight the way performing has changed.

DMNS celebrate Girls & Science with annual event The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is partnering with CBS4 to host the seventh annual Girls & Science Event, held through March 20. This year’s event will be entirely virtual and will feature Virtual Clubhouses, Clubhouse Chats, Stories with Scientists and more.

The event is open to all ages, but activities are oriented to children ages 8 to 18, according to provided information.

A particular highlight is the Stories with Scientists events, which are TED-talk style presentations from mentors followed by live chat via IGTV. There will also be more handson events including specimen sorting that

can be done with goods at home.

For more information, visit dmns.org/ girlsandscience.

A new take on classic folktales Folktales have been around for nearly as long as society itself, and they’re always going through new forms and iterations.

Anythink Brighton, 327 E. Bridge St., is tapping into a new storytelling method at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 with its event called Anythink Drive-In: A Wildly Wonderful, Curiously Celestial Adventure in Storytelling.

SEE READER, P22

Arvada Press 17

1March 11, 2021

COFFEE FROM PAGE 16

grown at one elevation can be so vastly different than another (elevation) because of Mother Nature,” he said.

In addition, just as with craft beer brewing and winemaking, it’s important to have a variety of options for a variety of tastes, said Matt Kurgan, owner of Pangea Coffee Roasters in Golden.

“If somebody doesn’t like one coffee,” Kurgan said, “then variety is the key.

Giving customers what they want is a tough thing because there are so many different people out there.”

Tracking the trends Coffee, like beer, is constantly evolving, and these

craft roasters are always looking for something new to keep coffee drinkers happy.

Sweet Bloom, for example, never envisioned online sales, which were necessitated by the pandemic if the roastery wanted to stay in business, Sprenger said.

“I do think that’s going to be something that will stick around,” Sprenger said.

“People have learned to brew coffee at home, which means more whole-bean sales.”

Harmon added that the pandemic has made singlebrew cups become even more important.

“Now with the singleserve pod, people can control exactly what they want to taste versus a bag of coffee,” Harmon said. “Once I sell you a bag of coffee, I lose control of the end

result. With a single-serve pod, there’s more control.”

In addition, Kurgan explained that technology has improved, so roasters can keep data on the roasting process and the coffeebean mixtures that make up the blends — ensuring consistency in the roasting process.

Payne believes coffee aficionados are moving away from the super-dark roast coffees toward lighter roasts because they are looking for more natural and robust coffee flavors.

“When you roast something very dark, you don’t get as much flavor,” Payne said.

He compared it to cooking a steak well done rather than medium-rare. People usually add sauces to make a well-done steak taste better.

Seth Davies, Sweet Bloom’s head roaster, roasts coffee beans.

COURTESY PHOTO

“I order a medium-rare to medium steak because I like to taste the steak,” he said.

He also mentioned that cold-brew coffees are becoming more popular.

The roastery owners say drinking coffee is a regular part of their lives — between two and six cups a day plus tasting the roasts.

In fact, Sprenger says his biggest fear about COVID-19 is the possibility of losing

his sense of taste, which is vital in the profession.

“I want to make sure the coffee is where we want it to be, especially when choosing new coffee,” Sprenger said. “Having taste buds firing on all cylinders is important.”

Harmon added: “If I enjoy (the coffee), I feel like I’m a good balance toward being overly snobby about my coffee and knowing what tastes really good.”

Meet some of the craft coffee-bean roasters in the suburbs

ST. JOAN OF ARC C AT H O L I C C H U R C H

Proclaiming Christ from the Mountains to the Plains www.StJoanArvada.org 12735 W 58th Ave · 80002 · 303-420-1232 Daily Masses: 8:30am, Mon-Sat Confessions: 8am Tue-Fri; 7:30am & 4:00pm Sat Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30am, 5:30pm

To advertise your place of worship in this section, call Erin at 303-566-4074 or email eaddenbrooke@ ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

LEARN, GROW AND PLAY AT THE YMCA! Have an appointment or need to run errands?

The Y offers licensed child care for ages 12 months to 12 years.

Age-appropriate classrooms give each kid the chance to grow and shine!

SUSAN M. DUNCAN FAMILY YMCA 6350 Eldridge St., Arvada | 303 422 4977 | www.DenverYMCA.org/Arvada

18 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

Cold comfort for a very cool club Immersion group finds strength, catharsis during chilly dips in Clear Creek

COLD WATER IMMERSION TIPS Although Lorena Oblitas recommends that those looking to try cold water immersion attend her free Saturday classes, she also provided the following tips for those interested in getting started: – Go with a buddy – Go when the sun is up – Know your exit plan and beware of surroundings (including rocks and ice) and water current and depth – If the creek seems intimidating, start with cold showers (Oblitas recommends playing a song and trying to stay in the water until the song ends and says dancing and singing can help)

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It’s 32 degrees Fahrenheit in Golden and four people have just submerged themselves in the water of Clear Creek.

They take a moment to adjust to the icy wetness before huddling together in a circle and starting to scream.

“Hooohaaaahoooohaaaa,” chat some of them. “Wooooo” yells another.

This unusual scene is a practice called cold water immersion and while it might look (and sound) like pure lunacy, those hitting the water on this chilly Saturday say that for them it’s just a great way to start the weekend.

“It’s funny, it’s such a stressful event but the whole day after doing it you are just feeling so relaxed and like almost nothing can stress you out,” said John Schlafly, moments after exiting the water.

Mindfulness and yoga teacher Lorena Oblitas began organizing cold water immersion gatherings in Golden last year after first experimenting with immersing herself in the creek four years ago.

“I needed to find a way to do something about the sadness, stress, anxiety and fatigue my body was experiencing when moving to Colorado” said Oblitas of what first led her to take the plunge.

Oblitas and other adherents of cold water immersion point to research extolling its many benefits, which they say range from improved immune health and decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease to increasing the body’s production of a chemical that fights aging.

Although there is limited evidence to support some of the claims, an article on the health website Healthline said there is a more extensive body of research showing that cold

Lorena Oblitas leads a breathing exercise before jumping into Clear Creek.

PHOTOS BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO

water immersion has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression, decreased muscle soreness and, possibly, boosted immunity.

But while Oblitas’ crew said they were intrigued by the possible health benefits, they also said they simply like how cold-water immersion makes them feel.

“It’s not going to make you live forever,” said participant Eric Christensen. “But it can make you feel good.”

Oblitas now organizes two gatherings a week: one on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. that includes instruction from her and a second on Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. that does not include instruction.

On Saturdays, the group begins with breathing exercises led by Oblitas that are intended to conjure a focus on breathing that decreases tension, nervousness and fear. There is practicing of tensing and relaxing techniques that can also be used in the water and provide preparation for holding increased oxygen and heat in the body.

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The group will then get in the water, which is when the screaming comes in.

“The first thing you feel as you connect to the water is that it is like needles and it hurts,” Lorena Oblitas, the group’s leader, instructs the others. “So the more you are able to release tension from the body the more you are able to relax and it doesn’t feel as cold.”

Still, cold water immersion comes with some risk - which is one reason Oblitas said she wanted to create the Saturday sessions so that beginners could try immersion under her tutelage.

“The first encounter with water can be shocking because it activates the fight or flight response in the body,” she said. “This is where remembering to concentrate on breathing is key.”

But the group sessions also have another benefit: they provide a connection to the tribal human nature that often goes ignored.

“It’s a beautiful feeling to do this in a group setting,” she said. “There

Lorena Oblitas, Eric Christensen, John Schafly and Josh Berendes huddle together in Clear Creek.

is a feeling of community.”

Although the group also has several loyal members, Oblitas said she hopes that it will grow and allow cold water immersion practice to spread to more people who can benefit from it.

“I love being a Latina woman that empowers and encourages people to take their health in their hands and ask for help when needed,” she said.

“I would like to invite more females and people of color and teach them that they can be powerful, calm and strong too and that they can keep accessing the benefits Mother Nature provides every single day.”

Arvada Press 19

1March 11, 2021

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Entrepreneurship Crash Course Thornton

@ 11:30am / $25 Sipping N' Painting Highland, 4995 Lowell Blvd, Denver

@ 8pm / Free Online, Online Webinar, Thornton

Bar38 - Brass Attack

Tue 3/23

Buyer and Cellar

@ 7pm / Free The Bar at PLAZA 38, 3550 West 38th Av‐ enue, #98, Denver

You Sleuth Augmented Reality Detective Experience

@ 9am / $25 Arvada. info@arvadacenter.org, 720-898-7200

"Aspen Sunset" - Saturday March 20th, 7:00PM, $30 @ 7pm / $30 Sipping N' Painting Highland, 4995 Lowell Blvd, Denver

Editor's Pick

Mines Museum Entry Reservation @ 9am / Free Mines Museum of Earth Science (GRL Bldg.), Reserve a time at www.mines.edu/ museumofearthscience/

You Sleuth Augmented Reality Detective Experience @ 10am / $25 Thornton, Your Neighborhood

Learn the proper way to do a Fix and Flip Denver @ 1:30pm / Free Online Event, Denver

Laughlocked at Landlocked Ales - Presented by Rotating Tap Comedy @ 7pm / $25-$35 LandLocked Ales, 3225 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood

Sat 3/20 Featured

Featured

Living Savior Littleton In-Person Worship Services @ 10am / Free Living Savior Lutheran Church, 8050 West Coal Mine Avenue, Littleton

Red Cross FA/CPR/AED Class (Blended Format) - Enterprise Grange Arvada, CO

Mines Museum Entry Reservation

@ 5:30pm / Free Edgewater Public Market, 5505 W. 20th Ave, Edgewater Music Bingo at FlyteCo Brewing

@ 9am / Free Guns For Everyone (Thornton), 8520 Washington, Unit K, Thornton

Featured

@ 9am / $108 Enterprise Grange Arvada, 7203 Simms St, Registration required at nationsbestcpr.enrollware.com/ enroll?id=4601902

Sloans Lake Run Club - March Run

March 21st, 2021 - Free Concealed Carry Class

@ 11:30am / Free Park Church, 3025 West 37th Avenue, Denver

@ 2pm Wulf Recreation Center, Physical: 5300 South Olive Road, Mailing: 1521 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. 720-880-1000

@ 9am / Free Mines Museum of Earth Science (GRL Bldg.), www.mines.edu/museumofearth‐ science/, Golden

Featured

From Damsel in Distress to Daring Diva @ 5pm / $50 MOVE�, 1980 Young�eld Street, Lakewood Golden Virtual Game Night: Trivia, Charades, and Drawing over Video @ 7pm / Free 1110 Washington Ave, 1110 Washington Avenue, Golden

@ 10am / $25 Thornton, yousleuth.com/

Mines Museum Entry Reservation @ 9am / Free Mines Museum of Earth Science (GRL Bldg.), www.mines.edu/museumofearth‐ science/, Golden

Learn the proper way to do a Fix and Flip Denver

Yoga On Tap

SOY Open House @ 4pm / Free Save Our Youth, 3443 West 23rd Avenue, Denver

DeMystifying The Tarot (NEW Tuesday PM Group) @ 6:30pm / $60 The Beloved Heart Source, 8120 Sheridan Blvd, Suite C-332, Westminster

Zoom Fitness Classes - Week of March 22

Wed 3/24 Creations. Paintings and Sculptures by Wanda Marshall @ 10:30am / Free Thornton Arts & Culture Center, 9209 Dorothy Boulevard, Thornton

Heal Your Lifelong Binge Eating and Lifelong Dieting [FREE ONLINE EVENT] @ 5pm / Free Thornton

Featured

@ 1:30pm / Free Online Event, Denver

@ 11am / $18 New Terrain Brewing Company, 16401 Table Mountain Parkway, Golden

@ 3pm Mar 22nd - Mar 27th Buchanan Park Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. 720-880-1000

Sisters of Rock, Ladies of The 80's Rocks Cheers @ 7pm / $5-$30 @ Cheers, 11964 Washington Street, Northglenn

@ 10:30am / Free Thornton Arts & Culture Center, 9209 Dorothy Boulevard, Thornton

@ 7pm / Free Greg's Kitchen & Taphouse, 4433 W 29th Ave, #102, Denver

You Sleuth Augmented Reality Detective Experience

Fri 3/19

Creations. Paintings and Sculptures by Wanda Marshall

Schitt$ Creek Trivia at Greg’s Kitchen and Taphouse

Mon 3/22

@ 7pm / Free FlyteCo Brewing, 4499 West 38th Avenue, #101, Denver

Featured

Sun 3/21

Sunday Service

Experience CO Trip to Devil's Thumb X-Country Ski

@ 10am / $25 Thornton, yousleuth.com

Editor's Pick Seed and Plant Swap @ 10am / Free Half Moon Farm, 1660 Hoyt Street, Lakewood

Music Bingo at Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom (Lakewood, CO) @ 7pm / Free Old Chicago, 3550 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood

Olde Town Homestead Feb/March Date Nights

Living Savior Littleton In-Person Worship Services

@ 7pm / $12-$300 7255 W 61st Ave, 7255 West 61st Avenue, Arvada

@ 7pm / Free Living Savior Lutheran Church, 8050 West Coal Mine Avenue, Littleton

The best place to promote your events online and in print. Visit us @ https://jeffcotranscript.com/calendar

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20 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M Presents

While the year of COVID brought a lot of uncertainty last summer, local towns and organizations are cautiously preparing for the 2021 season. Learn more about what is happening across the Denver Metro Region below.

SUMMER CAMP PAGES

Summer camps, programs coming in 2021 Castle Rock Town of Castle Rock - The town hosts both half-day and all-day camps every year.

The 2021 program is currently accepting registrations. To learn more, visit the website at - www.crgov.com/3270/Summer-Camps.

KidzArt camps offer curriculum geared to stretch minds, exercise imaginations, and introduce new idea-generating techniques, all while having fun and building confidence.

Learn more about the summer art camps at www.kidzart.com/franchise/castle-rock/.

Code Ninja camps are slated to spark a child’s inner ninja and transform their love of technology and video games into new skills with the 2021 summer camps. The camp is for children between ages 5 and 15. For more information, visit the website at www. codeninjas.com/co-castle-rock/camps.

Golden Town Camps - The City of Golden has a variety of 2021 programs coming up this summer. To see the various programs and register, visit the website at https://rec.cityofgolden.net/.

Talk to the Camera Video & Movie making will be held in Golden. The program will include video and moviemaking camps, theater and acting camps that through STEAM-Based, hands-on curriculum. The summer program is for children between 6 and 16. For information, visit the website at talktothecamera.com.

Littleton GameBreaker Lacrosse will be running Colorado day camps for boys and girls in Littleton this summer. Lacrosse campers will work on their individual stick skills and positional training, learn team concepts, and situational gameplay daily. Half-day and full-day camper options are offered. For more information, visit the website at https:// laxcamps.com.

Chatfield Stables is hosting their annual horse camp between May 25 and Aug 10 for

children 7 and up. This is a hands-on only Horse Camp. Each child is assigned a horse to take care of for the entire week. They learn safety, horse care from the ground up including grooming, saddling, and bridling. Riding lessons and many hours of trail riding is included. Call 303-933 -3636 to pre-register and check for availability.

Code Ninja camps are slated to spark a child’s inner ninja and transform their love of technology and video games into new skills with the 2021 summer camps. The camp is for children between ages 5 and 12. For more information, visit the website at https:// www.codeninjas.com/co-highlands-ranchwildcat-reserve/camps.

Englewood

Lone Tree

KidsConnections - The annual Englewood KidsConnection summer camp program is on schedule. To learn more about the 2021 programs, visit the website at www.englewoodco.gov/parks-recreation-library/2021kidconnections-summer-camp.

TGA Premier Youth Tennis and Golf Camps offers experience for youths between kindergarten and eighth grade this summer. Camps will combine expert instruction, daily matches, course playing, and other activities. For more information, visit the website at http:// playtga.com/douglas/programs/#camps.

Kent Denver School offers all children ages 3–18 the opportunity to experience innovative, creative, hands-on learning in the arts, athletics, academics, and technology and design. Learn more by visiting the website at www.kentdenver.org/.

Highlands Ranch HRCA Camps - Each year, the Highlands Ranch Community Association hosts a variety of summer camps for children between 5 and 12. Enjoy a summer of fun with field trips and projects based on a new theme each week. Swimming, batting cages, rock climbing, cooking, pottery, art, and more are part of daily activities based on location.

Learn more by visiting the website at https:// hrcaonline.org.

Flour Power Kids Cooking - The Highlands Ranch location offers full-day cooking camps. Campers can prepare their own snacks, lunch, conduct kitchen science experiments, and create themed arts and crafts. All supplies are included. To register, visit the website at www.flourpowerstudios. com/register/highlandsranch/Camps.

KidzArt camps offer curriculum geared to stretch minds, exercise imaginations, and introduce new idea-generating techniques, all while having fun and building confidence.

Learn more about the summer art camps at www.kidzart.com/franchise/highlands-ranch.

Code Ninja camps are slated to spark a child’s inner ninja and transform their love of technology and video games into new skills with the 2021 summer camps. The camp is for children between ages 7 and 14. For more information, visit the website at www. codeninjas.com/co-lone-tree/camps.

Parker Town of Parker - Each year the town offers a variety of summer programs for children.

While the schedule for 2021 has not been released, as summer gets closer, visit the website at parkerrec.com/1921/SummerCamps-for-Kids.

Kid Create Studio is offering a variety of summer art camps for children between 3 and 12. The camps are designed to inspire and educate in an environment full of fun.

Learn more by visiting the website at kidcreate.com/parker/classes/camps.

KidzArt camps offer curriculum geared to stretch minds, exercise imaginations, and introduce new idea-generating techniques, all while having fun and building confidence.

Learn more about the summer art camps at www.kidzart.com/franchise/parker.

Parker Arts is offering summer camps for youth between 4 and 18 in 2021. Programs include half-day and full-day options from June 1 through July 30. Register for a morn-

ing program and an afternoon program in the same week and attend a supervised lunch to create a full day of enrichment. For more information, visit the website at https://parkerarts.org/.

Code Ninja camps are slated to spark a child’s inner ninja and transform their love of technology and video games into new skills with the 2021 summer camps. The camp is for children between ages 7 and 14. For more information, visit the website at www. codeninjas.com/co-parker/camps.

Westminster The Town of Westminster - Learn more about the 2021 summer activities programs hosted in Westminster by visiting the website at www.cityofwestminster.us/SummerCamp.

Thornton The Town of Thornton will be providing summer camps, learn more about camps, classes and registration at www.thorntonco. gov/recreation/Pages/

Lakewood The City of Lakewood will be offering a variety of summer camps and programs in the areas of arts, dance, history, gymnastics, climbing, sports and more. View the catalogue by visiting the website at www. lakewood.org.

Arvada The Arvada Arts Center is offering a variety of in-person and virtual camps this summer.

In-person camps include both full-day options, as well as half-day week-long camps, and multi-week drama sessions. Register by visiting the website at arvadacenter.org/ education/summer-camps

Evergreen The Evergreen Parks and Recreation District has a variety of summer programs and camps available in 2021. To learn more, visit www.evergreenrecreation.com/201/Camps.

SUMMER Virtual Camps starting July 2021, Register now at AthenaProjectArts.org

FUNancial Summer Camps Learn more and register: YACENTER.ORG

STAND-UP July 12-16, 2021

DESIGN FASHION July 12-16, 2021 and/or July 19-23, 2021

WRITE July 26-30, 2021

Arvada Press 21

1March 11, 2021

Chatfield Stables

inc.

Voted:

rites 2019 & • Family Favo o Parent 2020 Colorad Best • Best of the unity m Colorado Com ers ap Media Newsp ittleton f L t o es B 20 • 20 Awards

HORse camps Weekly Sessions May 24 - Aug 9 Mon-Fri 9am-3:30pm For ages 7 & up

Each child is assigned a horse to take care of for the week.

They learn horse care, including grooming and saddling.

We ride daily, whether it is in the arena, or out on trial!!

Want more riding? Add Pony Pals onto a Monday and Friday week! Ask for discount!

For more information visit our website at:

11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd., Littleton, CO 80125 303-933-3636

Sessions Available

Trail & Pony Rides • Lessons & Hayrides • Boarding Trail Rides for the Whole Family.

Mention this ad & register by April 20th and Save $30

22 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

READER Created in partnership with Alt Ethos, a Denver-based experiential design studio, the event will feature a variety of folktales - from Rumpelstiltskin to Anansi the Spider - told using light and sound, according to provided information.

Attendees can use their car radios to hear a broadcast of the stories, which will be augmented by the visual elements. At the events, attendees will receive special materials and instructions to participate from their vehicles, and costumes are encouraged.

Both events are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required at www.anythinklibraries. org/events. Participants should register once per vehicle.

about things that you all believe passionately about. The latest exhibit at the Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St. in Denver, taps into that same energy with Enter the Conversation: Art of Women’s Rights by Melody Epperson.

The exhibit — which runs through March 14 — celebrates the history of women gathering in clubs and tea parties to strategize in their fight to win the right to vote. Epperson has brought to life an imaginary tea party that features 16 suffragists like Alice Paul, Sojourner Truth, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and features appearances from modern leaders like Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

The exhibit is available to all guests as part of their entry ticket to the museum. Advance ticket purchase is required, as are masks. Call 303-8324092 ext. 16 or visit www.mollybrown. org for information.

sub-genre encapsulated by a single album. But “FlySiifu’s,” the late-2020 album from Alabama’s Pink Siifu and Virginia’s Fly Anakin, does provide a window into a thriving underground scene that builds audiences slowly on services like Bandcamp and Soundcloud. Those who do sample it will find one of the year’s best rap releases — at times playful and searching. Music that sounds great outdoors but lyrics that can live in your head.

The pair are releasing a new EP of material on Friday, March 19, and at 7 p.m. that same day they’ll host a livestream performance from Corpus Studios in New York City. The duo will be joined by other underground favorites like Mavi, Anklejohn and Remy Banks.

For some fantastic music and a look at great up-and-coming talent, head to https://ronee.bandcamp.com/ community.

Doctor Who back to television screens in 2005. But he’s responsible for some of the best British television of this young century and “It’s A Sin,” his most recent effort, might be his best work to date.

The five-episode show is set in the Britain of the 1980s and follows a group of gay friends who all move to London and face the loss and fear of the AIDS pandemic. Based on Davies’ own memories, it’s an emotional whopper of a show without hitting audiences over the head with the losses the community experienced. Davies and his top-shelf cast (including Olly Alexander and Lydia West) make sure to capture the fun and freedom that so many finally achieved, and then had taken from them.

We’re only a few months into 2021, but this is one of the best things you’ll see all year. Watch it on HBO Max.

A revolutionary tea party at the Molly Brown House Few things are quite as enjoyable as a discussion with close friends

Clarke’s Concert of the Week - Pink Siifu and Fly Anakin from New York City Rap is too sprawling and regionally diverse a genre to have a particular

Streaming style - ‘It’s A Sin’ Most Americans will most likely be familiar with Russel T Davies because of his leadership in bringing

Clarke Reader’s column on culture apears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

FROM PAGE 16

Fake news topic of Sunshine Week discussion STAFF REPORT

For Sunshine Week 2021, you can join the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition March 18 for a lively and timely online discussion, “Truth Be Told: The Proliferation of Online Misinformation and Disinformation — And What We Can Do About It.” A panel will discuss: Why do people believe what they read online, even when it’s outra-

geous? What can we do to combat the effects of online misinformation and disinformation in our own lives? How do we talk to friends and family about it? What’s the role of social media platforms, political bias and polarization?

The panel discussion will begin at 7 p.m. after a 6:30 p.m. presentation of CFOIC Friend of Freedom Awards.

Speakers include Alex Roetter, former senior

vice president of engineering at Twitter; Nora Benavidez, director of U.S. Free Expression Programs for PEN America; and Damaso Reyes, journalist and media literacy expert.

The moderator will be Nancy Watzman, director of Lynx LLC and former director of the Colorado Media Project.

You can sign up for a free invitation at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truth-be-toldtickets-143849839743

Arvada Press 23

1March 11, 2021

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Subj. to change. HBO Max auto-renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $14.99/mo.), and Cinemax,® SHOWTIME,® STARZ,® and EPIX® are included for 3 months and auto-renew thereafter at then prevailing rate (currently $38.96/mo.), unless you call to change or cancel. Req’s you to select offers.

Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com. HBO Max also includes HBO channels and HBO On Demand on DIRECTV. Online account registration required. Data rates may apply for app download/usage. See back for details.

*$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20/MO. FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. CHOICE™ Pkg., monthly service and equip. fees for 1 HD DVR & is after $5/mo. autopay & paperless bill and $10/mo. bundle discounts for up to 12 mos. each. Pay $74.99/mo. + taxes until discount starts w/in 3 bills. New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). Restr’s apply. See back for details.

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24 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

Fox Hollow fire aftermath

Charred land from Fox Hollow fire in February.

Agencies from far and wide rallied to gain control

BY BOB WOOLEY BWOOLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Fox Hollow grass fire that broke out on the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 7 was no small affair.

According to Kit Newland, Lakewood’s Community Resource Director, the fire scorched 535 acres.

“This was truly an all-hands-ondeck situation,” she said. “Staff from many agencies responded with urgency to get the fire under control and to keep people and structures as safe as possible.”

No people were injured, and no structures were destroyed. Damages have yet to be determined by insurance providers and risk staff.

Scorched earth around Fox Hollow Golf Course in Lakewood.

Scott Rogers, Deputy Chief, West Metro Fire, said the fire was definitely caused by humans, although they don’t know if it was accidental, or intentionally started.

Rogers said in total, 13 fire depart-

PHOTOS BY BOB WOOLEY

ments pitched in, using 59 pieces of apparatus to fight the fast-moving blaze.

West Metro also received help from the US Forest Service, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and

Control, Jeffcom Communications, Jeffco Emergency Management, State Patrol, Jeffco Sheriff, Morrison PD, CDOT, US Forest Service and Lakewood PD in combatting the fire.

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Arvada Press 25

LOCAL

1March 11, 2021

SPORTS

No. 5 Ralston Valley girls hoops wins 9th straight on Senior Night

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ralston Valley senior Sydney Bevington (33) drives past Lakewood senior Mariah Ramos (22) on March 2 at Ralston Valley High School. Bevington scored a game-high 20 points during the Mustangs’ Senior Night in a 57-36 win.

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ARVADA — Ralston Valley senior Bailey Wall ended Senior Night appropriately for the Mustangs on March 2.

Wall came off the bench in the final minutes and sunk a 3-pointer just before the buzzer for the No. 5-ranked Mustangs to give Ralston Valley a 57-36 victory over Lakewood.

“She (Wall) has been with us for four years,” Bevington said of her fellow senior. “For her to hit that was big for her. We will all share that moment. I’m glad it happened. It was awesome.”

What Ralston Valley (12-2 record) has done over the past month might not be defined as “awesome”, but the Mustangs have been pretty darn good riding a 10-game winning streak since losing to No. 2 Valor Christian back on Feb. 3.

The Mustangs cruised through the rest of Class 5A Jeffco League play with double-digit victories to finish runner-up to Valor in the conference. However, Ralston Valley had to hang on late against Mountain Vista a week ago before getting wins over Lewis-Palmer, Lakewood and Denver East.

“We haven’t played great the last couple of games. We’ve played some really good quarters,” Ralston Valley coach Jeff Gomer said after the win against Lakewood. “We just haven’t put four together. Sometimes we just lose focus. We get a lead and then we

take it out of gear.”

Ralston Valley got out of the gates quick with a 16-3 lead after the first quarter Tuesday. The Mustangs held a 31-12 lead at halftime, but Lakewood (6-7) battled back outscoring Ralston Valley 18-13 in the third quarter.

Lakewood juniors Logan Watson (12 points) and Briana Robles (9 points), along with senior Mariah Ramos (9 points) led the charge for the Tigers.

“We just watched them go to the basket the whole third quarter,” Gomer said of the Tigers’ 18-point quarter that allowed Lakewood to cut into Ralston Valley’s lead.

Ralston Valley was a bit frustrated not being able to put Lakewood away in the third quarter.

“We slipped up really bad in the third quarter. We wanted to come out after halftime and stomp on them, but we didn’t do that,” Bevington said. “We definitely need to work on that. We need to treat these games like we are playing a top team in the state.”

The Mustangs did get things going in the fourth quarter. Seymour, who finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, poured in the first six points of the final quarter to extend Ralston Valley’s lead.

“We just got a little lazy with our defense and rebounding in the third,” Seymour said. “The fourth quarter we needed to get going.

We sped it up a little bit and made our shots. We did what we needed to do.”

SEE RALSTON, P26

Nathan Johnson hired to take over Pomona football program

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ARVADA — Nathan Johnson has been tabbed as the next football coach at Pomona High School in Arvada.

“It’s a storied program, very prideful school, community and culture up there. Especially with football,” Johnson said of Pomona. “I’ve been working toward that next step of becoming a head coach and wanted to throw my name in the hat. I was lucky enough to get an interview and know we are here.”

Johnson is an Arapahoe High School graduate and played college football at Adams State University before starting his coaching career. He spent four years as the JV head coach and varsity linebackers coach at Arapahoe, along with being an assistant wrestling coach at the school.

The last three years Johnson has been the assistant head varsity football coach at Englewood High School. The 29-year-old is making the jump to a program that former coach Jay Madden turned into a Class 5A powerhouse during his nearly two-decade run.

“I think the first thing is you have to build the trust in the players,” Johnson said of taking over for Madden. “Obviously I would never want to compare myself to Jay. What he built there was quite impressive.”

The Panthers advanced to the state semifinals six times and played in the 5A state title game four times during Madden’s tenure. Pomona won the 5A state championship in 2017.

“I need to make sure the players buy into what we are going to do as a coaching staff,” Johnson said.

“But, the expectations are still going to be the same. We are going to be hardworking. We are going to be grinders. We are going to be tough.”

Pomona went 7-1 this past season and won the 5A Jeffco League title. The Panthers lost to eventual state champion Cherry Creek in the state semifinals.

“Looking at the schedule, it’s going to be a great challenge,” said Johnson, who was at Jeffco’s football stadium scheduling meeting on Friday, Feb. 26. “I’m excited for that challenge and I know our SEE JOHNSON, P26

Nathan Johnson has been hired to take over Pomona’s football program. Johnson is an Arapahoe High School graduate and spent the past three years as the assistant head varsity football coach at Englewood High School. He has also been an assistant COURTESY OF DOUGLAS MORRILL wrestling coach at Arapahoe over the past several years.

26 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021M

C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E

Lakewood senior Mariah Ramos (22) takes it up between a trio of Ralston Valley players — Brooklyn Seymour (12), Hannah Somorin (23) and McKenna Nichols (12) — during the Tigers’ 18-point third quarter. It wasn’t enough as Ralston Valley pulled away PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the fourth quarter for a 57-36 victory on March 2.

RALSTON FROM PAGE 25

Bevington had a game-high 20 points and junior Saya Sabus had 10 points. Wall, along with freshmen Sophia Sabus and Hannah Somorin each contributed a 3-pointer for the Mustangs. Senior McKenna Nichols went 3-for-4 from the free-throw line on Senior Night.

It was the final regular-season game for the Tigers. Lakewood finished 25th in RPI rankings, so

JOHNSON FROM PAGE 25

players are not afraid to play anyone. As a coaching staff we are going to prepare and plan to win every week.”

Pomona will return four firstteam all-conference selections —

Lakewood just made the 32-team 5A state tournament field.

Ralston Valley has one final nonleague game against Denver East on March 4. The Mustangs took a 61-43 victory. Bevington finished with a season-high 17 points in the win.

“We need to put all our little things together,” Seymour said heading into the playoffs. “We’ve had sporadicly good little spurts. We need to put it all together.”

Dennis Pleuss is the Sports Information Director for Jeffco Public Schools. For more Jeffco coverage go to CHSAANow.com/Jeffco.

Aaron Karas, Dom Nichols, Deion Maes and Chase Muller — to have give Johnson a solid foundation to build from looking ahead to the 2021 Fall football season.

Dennis Pleuss is the Sports Information Director for Jeffco Public Schools. For more Jeffco coverage go to CHSAANow.com/ Jeffco.

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

Arvada Press 27

1March 11, 2021

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March 11, 2021M

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1March 11, 2021

West Woods Golf Club begins planning of ‘Forward Tees’ project USGA-recommended initiative aims to make golf more accessible

BY RYAN DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

West Woods Golf Club has begun the planning of their upcoming `Forward Tees’ project, an initiative that will create closer tee boxes on the Sleeping Indian and Cottonwood courses. The goal of the project is to make the courses more readily playable for beginners and other players with slower club speeds.

The project came to fruition after a 2019 United States Golf Association study found that a female golfer with average club speed teeing off from the gold tee box could only expect to reach the green on the course’s par three holes. The study also concluded that the majority of holes on the Sleeping Indian and Cottonwood courses are 40-50 yards too long for the beginner golfer.

As such, the USGA recommended that West Woods construct an additional tee box five to 50 yards in front of the current forwardmost tee.

Construction — slated to be a “soft build” that will minimize the amount of construction and construction equipment on the courses — is scheduled to begin as soon as the weather clears up, with the goal being to complete nine holes this spring.

Course personnel have begun laying out the positions of the tee boxes, but no ground has been moved yet. West Woods Course Manager Steve Lynes said he believes the project will entice new and inexperienced players to try the sport.

“Typically, a beginner that can hit a ball consistently — they’re ready to play, but then you put them on a regulation par four and it just looks like it’s a mile away to get to the green,” said Lynes.

“What happens is those types of players, they never can hit a shot into the green with a short iron in regulation. They’re always kind of struggling to make a par; it’s really difficult.

“When we’re trying to integrate new players into the game, we take them out on the course, we kind of get them to a point where they can hit the ball consistently,” Lynes continued. “For those players, for sure, their first time out on the course is going to be a lot more

Proposed distance for the new “Forward Tees” as suggested by the 2019 USGA study, including a higher variance of club types suitCOURTESY OF STEVE LYNES able for reaching the green.

View of a hole on the Cottonwood golf course at West Woods Golf Club.

fun. It will be easier to make consistent players out of them; they’ll want to come back.”

Once ground is broken, initial construction will take about a month, with another month allot-

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088

PHOTO BY RYAN DUNN

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ted for sod to take hold in the soil and grow in. Completion is anticipated for some time in May.

Legals City and County PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNEXATION PETITION ACCEPTANCE The following resolution can be viewed in its entirety in electronic form by going to www.arvada. org/legalnotices and clicking on Current Legal Notices. The full text version is also available in printed form in the City Clerk’s office. Contact 720.898.7550 if you have questions.

Resolution 21-037 A Resolution Accepting an Annexation Petition Concerning Lazy Susan, Generally Located at 16790 and 16770 W. 63rd Place, Finding Said Petition Substantially Compliant with C.R.S. 31-12-107(1), and Setting a Public Hearing for April 5, 2021, 6:15 P.M. for City Council to Determine Whether the Area Meets the Requirements of C.R.S. 31-12-104 and 105, and Is Considered Eligible for Annexation.

Legal Notice No. 410170 First Publication: March 4, 2021 Second Publication: March 11, 2021 Third Publication: March 18, 2021 Last Publication: March 25, 2021 Publisher: Jeffco Transcript and the Arvada Press

Arvada Legals 3.11.21 * 1

32 Arvada Press

March 11, 2021

SAVE MAPLE VALLEY PARK AND THE RALSTON CREEK TRAIL FROM THIS…

What we currently know about Project Indiana* and what the impact on our community will be from an Amazon “Last Mile” Distribution Center...

• The 36.18 acre site, which comprises 11 properties (currently in Jeffco and zoned agricultural and residential) proposes to be rezoned to light industry and be annexed into Arvada.

• Building is +/- 112,000sf, 44’ in height (1.5 times the size of a football field and taller than a 4-story building).

• Outdoor canopy for daytime and overnight van loading is +/- 57,000sf.

• 15 truck docks / 42 daily trips of semi-trucks (many delivering and unloading overnight).

• 1,200+/- parking spaces (possibly the largest parking lot in Arvada).

• Delivery vans in and out daily will be 900+/- (multiplied x 2 shifts = 1,800+/- daily van trips).

• Estimated associates commuting to and working in the building will be +/- 300.

• Future plans appear to include automation and drone delivery.

• 24/7 operation (constant noise, light and air pollution 24 hours a day).

• Over 450 trees will be removed from the property (many old growth/nesting habitat).

• Directly adjacent to Maple Valley Park and the Ralston Creek Trail, which is a riparian habitat and birding hotspot with 97 species recorded (ebird.org).

• Negative impact to property values of nearby homes to the north and east.

• Substantial truck traffic on Indiana and surrounding streets. *We hope to get additional details at the Developer March 11th Neighborhood Meeting.

Plan to attend the Zoom on Mar 11th and mark your calendar for the April 20th Planning Commission hearing!

Check PMVP website for all News/Events Info.

The Amazon 24/7 use is incompatible with the community! We have an alternate vision of a smaller “Village Concept” that IS COMPATIBLE!

LEARN MORE: www.protectmaplevalleypark.com ENGAGE: Sign petition • Volunteer • Donate BE HEARD: Contact Arvada City Council Members NOW as this vote will happen in the very near future and if approved will change Arvada forever!

Petition Drive happening NOW! Every Sat and Sun from 10am-2pm Ace Hardware at Westwoods, 64th and McIntyre