February 19, 2016 VO LUM E 1 5 | IS S U E 1 3 | FREE
BETWEEN THE LINES Coloring books aren’t just for children anymore. Find out more on PAGE 10.
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Commissioner candidates square off District 1 hopefuls talk about range of issues at West Arapahoe Republican Forum By Jennifer Smith jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com A state representative, a city council member and a man with more national than local political experience tried to win over local Republicans in a forum on Feb. 13, each making the case why they would be the best county commissioner. Littleton City Council member Phil Cernanec, Rep. Kathleen Conti and Paulo Sibaja, chairman of the Latino National
Republican Coalition Colorado, are all Republicans and so far the only candidates for District 1, which encompasses Bow Mar, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine Valley, Englewood, Littleton, Sheridan, Centennial west of Colorado Boulevard and unincorporated northern Arapahoe County. Cernanec first emerged on the local political scene in 2006, when he was elected to the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District board of directors. He was first elected to council in 2009, and was the mayor in 2014 and 2015. “I’m a strong cheerleader for our community,” Cernanec said. “… We need to Forum continues on Page 5
Mary Wenke, center, of the West Arapahoe Republican Forum moderates a panel of candidates for Arapahoe County commissioner District 1. From left are candidates Kathleen Conti, Paulo Sibaja and Phil Cernanec. Photo by Jennifer Smith
LITTLETON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Program for English learners advances Improvements lead to state recognition, $30,000 grant By Jennifer Smith jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Gov. John Hickenlooper talks about the importance of collaboration between innovators in building a strong ecosystem of entrepreneurs in Colorado. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Tech innovators take center stage Awards ceremony honors Colorado entrepreneurs
By Chris Michlewicz cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com Colorado’s best and brightest innovators were recognized recently for developing groundbreaking technologies. Entrepreneurs from around
the state were honored at Innovation Pavilion’s inaugural Innovation Awards & Anniversary Party on Feb. 10 at the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center. Keynote speaker Gov. John Hickenlooper, Tech continues on Page 23
The program for English learners in Littleton Public Schools has made great strides over the last decade, while at the same time experiencing a big jump in the number of languages native to its students. Mandy Leensvaart, who heads the program for LPS, told the board of education on Feb. 10 that among the 724 English learners throughout the district, about 5 percent of its population, English continues on Page 5
WHAT IS INNOVATION PAVILION? Innovation Pavilion is an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, where productive collisions between professionals lead to creative solutions. Located in the heart of Centennial, Innovation Pavilion provides an innovation hub that allows entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes — from established companies to emerging startups — to develop creative solutions in a collaborative environment. For more information, visit www.innovationpavilion.com
IN IT TO WIN IT Local athletes earn medals at state swim/dive meet. PAGE 18
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