Centennial Citizen 110322

Commissioners eye spending $500 million in 2023

To rely on one-time federal funds

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Buoyed by a rise in property and sales tax revenue along with a once-in-a-generation infusion of

federal funds, Arapahoe County commissioners plan to spend almost half a billion dollars next year. But county leaders differed on whether that money will be enough to meet the needs of its roughly 650,000 residents.

The $498 million 2023 budget unveiled Oct. 25 is a roughly 10% increase in spending from last year, according to county spokesperson

Chris Henning, and continues the trend of an ever-growing budget that surpassed $400 million in 2019. The bulk of the funding, as in past years, is slated for retaining the thousands of county staff who provide more than 240 programs and services.

“Residents know us because of

ACC to pour millions into center for healthcare training

building set to house an expansion of the college’s healthcare programs.

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) is forging ahead on a multimillion-dollar renovation for a

“I really truly believe that what we’re going to accomplish, in partnership with the healthcare industry, will allow more students to be able to actualize their dream and make good livable sustainable incomes,” said ACC President Stephanie Fujii. “The fact that we

get to be the facilitators of that, that’s the best thing in the world.”

Beginning work in May 2023, the college is slated to pour millions into modernizing and retrofitting the southeast building on its main campus in Littleton — known as the Annex Building — to accommodate an increased pool of students

Brown talks fentanyl, car thefts and mental health

As part of online event

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown addressed concerns about fentanyl, auto thefts and the mental health of young people during his virtual “Talk with Tyler” questionand-answer event held Oct. 27.

“I think that it’s imperative that we allow ourselves to be open to these conversations, not shy away from the tough questions and really make a connection,” Brown said.

“We will continue these and I’m excited to do so.”

Fentanyl

When asked what is something the community should be cognizant of, Brown said it’s substance use disorder issues — specifically, fentanyl.

Arapahoe County Coroner Kelly Lear previously told Colorado Community Media there was a 50% increase in the number of fentanylrelated deaths between 2020 and 2021 in Arapahoe County.

“One of the things that we’ve done, and we continue to do, is to deploy our special investigations unit to go out and really hit these criminal enterprises at their level and take poison off of the street that is really harming our communities,” Brown said.

Brown said the special investigations unit has “taken over 75,000 tabs of illegal fentanyl off the street” as well as “dozens of guns.”

He encouraged parents to monitor their children, especially their online activity.

The annual process to discuss and approve budgets is o cially underway.

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

Video footage released from March shooting

Suspect in stolen car

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Body cam footage of three deputies involved in the shooting of a man found sleeping in a reportedly stolen car at an apartment complex was released on Oct. 20 by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.

The morning of March 3, 2022, video shows Deputy Daniel Willmont responding to a citizen who said there was a suspicious vehicle at the Ivy Crossing apartment complex in unincorporated Arapahoe County.

In the video, the female resident tells the officer the vehicle was parked overnight in the parking lot, and someone is inside it.

The released video footage shows Willmont approach the passenger side of the car, a brown Kia Sportage SUV. As shown in the video, the SUV is parked with the engine running.

After knocking on the car window multiple times without a response, Willmont took a photo of the vehicle before returning to his patrol vehicle.

Nine minutes into the video, Willmont spoke into his radio, reporting that it was an occupied stolen vehicle and requesting assistance.

“Yes, so we come in, just position for like a felony stop, and we’ll —

Energy Outreach Colorado

Willmont grab a rifle, which the sheriff’s office said is his agencyissued rifle. The two deputies positioned their patrol cars behind the suspect’s SUV along with a third deputy who arrived at the scene, Joshua Bandstra.

With guns drawn, the deputies ordered the sleeping passenger to “put your hands out the window.” With no response, the deputies played an alarm sound, but again, there was no response.

The window of the driver’s side of the SUV was open, with a windshield sun shade covering the window.

In the video, Foley is seen ap-

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the sun shade and exposing the open window. He then said, “Sheriff’s office, put your hands out the window.”

The suspect, identified as 30-yearold Jamarian McGhee, sat up in the driver’s seat, appearing startled.

McGhee can be seen raising his hands in the vehicle, saying multiple times, “I don’t wanna fight.”

“Please,” McGhee said.

Deputies yelled at McGhee to raise his right hand out the window as well.

“Please, I don’t wanna fight,”

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in the video. The video shows Deputy Ken-

The Arapahoe County Administration Building on South Prince Street in Littleton.

FILE PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Substitute teacher arrested on suspicion of sexual exploitation of children

Centennial resident charged

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A Centennial resident and local substitute teacher was arrested Oct. 28 on suspicion of sexual exploitation of children, a class 5 felony, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Jose Tamayo, 25, worked as a substitute teacher for Littleton Public Schools in 2021 and 2022, the sheriff’s office said in the release.

He reportedly also worked for Englewood Public Schools as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional during the 2020-2021 school year.

Investigators worked with the school districts and concluded they “have no reason to believe any victims were students of either district,” the sheriff’s office said in the release.

According to the release, inves-

SHOOTING

McGhee said, his left hand raised upwards out the window, but not his right. “I don’t.”

More than 15 minutes into the video, deputies continue to order McGhee to put both hands out of the car. At one point, McGhee appears to place the car in reverse as it starts rolling backwards.

As deputies order McGhee to take it out of drive, Foley deploys his Taser through the open window, appearing to hit McGhee.

The SUV hits a patrol vehicle Willmont was positioned behind, pushing the vehicle door towards Willmont.

Willmont can be seen firing his rifle, shooting through the rear window of the SUV.

As three shots are fired, one deputy can be heard saying, “Don’t shoot.”

McGhee can be heard screaming in the video, before putting the car

tigators received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, revealing someone had uploaded suspected child pornography through Snapchat, a social media app, using the screen name, “freakygurls420.”

Through an investigation done by Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children, investigators determined the suspected person lived in the City of Centennial and worked as a substitute teacher for Littleton Public Schools, the sheriff’s office said in the release.

The sheriff’s office asked that if anyone has any information on this case to call its investigations tip line at 720-874-8477.

Colorado Community Media has reached out to Littleton Public Schools and Englewood Public Schools for comment and to confirm any emplyment of Tamayo in the school districts.

in drive and moving forward, over a curb and into grass.

The SUV does not move far before it stops, the video shows. Foley opens the door and pulls McGhee out of the car.

According to a news release, McGhee suffered a single gunshot wound to the back.

In the video, deputies reported the suspect was struck at least once and called for assistance. Deputies performed CPR, noting the suspect was not breathing.

McGhee was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said in the release.

According to the release, a weapon was recovered from the suspect.

The sheriff’s office said the incident remains under investigation, led by the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team.

No additional information will be released until the investigation is complete.

The released video footage can be viewed at youtube.com/ watch?v=QW3GH24OLPM.

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pursuing programs such as nursing and EMT certifications, which can be gained in one to two semesters.

“Even prior to the pandemic, ACC realized the need for high-quality healthcare workers was dire,” Fujii said of the renovation plans, which have been in the works since 2017 and were approved for state funding in 2021.

To date, the college has secured $8.4 million from a Colorado legisla ture-approved fund and $3.5 million in federal stimulus money from Arapahoe County. But as costs of supplies and labor have skyrocketed this past year, Fujii said ACC will likely need another $14 million to $15 million in funding to fully real ize the plans.

“What we thought was possible, what the costs were in 2017, was very different to 2021,” Fujii said.

SHERIFF

“If you see something, you know, it never hurts to call us to have us come and address some of those concerns that you have or answer any questions that you might have,” he said.

On the legislative side, Brown said he was one of the sheriffs who asked the state legislature to make posses sion of any amount of fentanyl a felony.

But with a phased-in approach set to begin next year, students will begin to be able to take advantage of the new space and Fujii said she is confident the college will close the funding gap in the years to come through fundraising and grants.

“I’m confident we will get there,” she said. “We’ll take advantage of every opportunity we can.”

Fujii said the college intends to triple its EMT certifications and double its nursing program from 150 students to 300. The new space, Fujii said, will house more equipment for simulations, something that only currently accounts for about 10% of students’ training time but which Fujii said could be increased to 50%.

Those simulations will “help students have realistic experiences in their learning experiences,” said ACC Provost Cheryl Calhoun. Those experiences will include models of downtown main streets, roads, hos pitals and two-story townhomes.

Students will find themselves in teracting in simulations where they

“We tried diligently. We were able to negotiate with the speaker to drop that down to one gram. Anything over one gram possession is a felony now in the state of Colorado,” he said.

If elected again this November, Brown plans to continue legislative efforts.

“We are already in the works for the 2023 legislative session, and bills that we are looking at proposing, and different ways that we think that we’re going to be able to combat some of these rises in crime and get some power and a little bit more au

may have to work in a busy intersec tion or respond to a car accident, Calhoun said. And manikins will show symptoms such as irregular heartbeats or varying blood pres sure, all to create a lifelike experi ence of being a healthcare worker in the field.

“What we’re doing that’s really innovative,” Calhoun said, adding that the simulations — coupled with expanded classroom space — will allow students in different fields to learn alongside one another. “It’s re ally helping students not only learn the career they’ve chosen but how it intersects with other careers.”

The renovation comes as Colo rado and the nation faces a staffing crisis for the healthcare industry. Currently, there are estimated to be just seven to eight nurses for 1,000 people in the state, according to the American Nurses Association, with Colorado projected to have a short age of 64,000 nurses in Colorado by 2026, according to the Colorado Hospital Association.

thority back into law enforcement’s hands,” Brown said.

Something he hopes to bring forward is “theft by receiving,” al lowing police to charge individuals with receiving stolen property. He said the statue was repealed several years ago, but he wants to bring it back.

“I think that that is imperative when it comes to us being able to enforce the law and get to the bot tom of drug trade,” he said. “What we’ve seen is a lot of stolen property is involved in other criminal activ ity, like illicit drug use, and we need

“As this nursing crisis continues, we need to have other revenues to bring in a healthy, resilient work force,” said Kari Hyland, ACC’s interim director of nursing. “With stress and burnout we’re seeing in healthcare right now, we need a healthy environment, a positive en vironment for our students to learn and grow in.”

Hyland said she is encouraged by recent efforts to improve access to healthcare jobs such as through the recently unveiled Care Forward Colorado program. Announced at ACC’s Littleton campus in late August by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Care Forward provides free com munity college tuition for aspiring healthcare workers statewide.

By removing the financial barrier of education, Hyland said she hopes more prospective healthcare work ers can pursue training and certi fication through colleges like ACC. “It’s at a prime time for really help ing with the labor market, especially in Colorado,” she said.

to be able to combat that on a higher level.”

Auto thefts

Last year in the areas that Arapa hoe County Sheriff’s Office patrols, there were 789 motor vehicle thefts, Brown said.

To date, Brown said there has been a 7% increase in motor ve hicle thefts, noting there has also been a 29% increase in the number of vehicles the sheriff’s office has recovered.

“So yes, it is an increase,” Brown said. “But talking with our law enforcement partners, specifically the district attorney, if you look at per capita and you break it down by 100,000 citizens, we’ve seen some of the smallest increases in crime in general here in Arapahoe County.”

To help reduce auto thefts, Brown recommended residents make sure they don’t leave any valuables in their car, as well as lock their cars even when the car is parked on their own driveway.

Someone asked Brown to explain the sheriff’s office pursuit policy — a topic of discussion for some residents given Douglas County has a wider-reaching pursuit policy compared to Littleton police.

“Pursuing motor vehicles is a dangerous business,” Brown said. “We are restrictive in our policies because of the danger element that it poses to the innocent bystanders.”

Brown said the sheriff’s office has strict guidelines of specific crimes deputies can pursue for.

According to Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office policy manual, vehicle pursuits are allowed when: a felony crime against a person, including aggravated robbery, has been committed and the deputy believes the person they are pursuing is the suspect; deputies believe a risk of death or serious bodily injury to a victim occurred prior to the pursuit; or the suspect is a known dangerous offender.

The manual states pursuits are not allowed for misdemeanor violations, when vehicles elude for unknown reasons, for felony property crimes with the exception of an aggravated robbery, and for traffic violations with the exception of suspected severe driving under the influence.

Recently, deputies pursued an individual who attempted to ram a patrol vehicle, and they were able to get the person into custody after he crashed through a fence, Brown said.

“But when we’re looking at smaller, lower level offenses that

have been deemed lower-level by state statute, we don’t want to put the community at risk of serious bodily injury,” he said. “That’s something that I take very seriously.”

Youth mental health

One resident asked what the sheriff’s office is doing to address ongoing mental health issues for youth and teenagers, saying there are cases where children are being arrested instead of being provided a clinical provider.

“We’re doing the deep dive on the data when it comes to arresting students,” Brown said. “As of a couple months ago when I looked at the data specifically for arrests, we had only put two students in handcuffs.”

Both of those incidents were domestic violence situations in which the sheriff’s office was mandated to make those arrests, Brown said.

The sheriff’s office has a co-responder program that pairs mental health clinicians with deputies on calls for service that involve a person with a mental illness,

behavioral health crisis and/or emotionally charged situation. If they are needed, these clinicians can provide services in school settings as well, Brown said.

A program Brown hopes to expand is the sheriff’s office therapy dog program.

“We’re hoping to expand this program to all the school districts that we provide school resource officers for,” Brown said, explaining the program has been implemented so far in Littleton Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District.

“Having therapy dogs in the schools has broken down barriers and has broken down that stigma between the law enforcement officer and the student,” he said.

Brown said the dogs help students become engaged and comfort students who are distressed.

“We’re excited about what it looks like to kind of reimagine what an SRO (school resource officer) is in a school,” he said. “Being a professional law enforcement officer inside of a school building, but then also providing those therapy resources that we know that students are in need of.”

Arapahoe County treasurer candidates

Westerberg interested in starting public bank as treasurer

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In her run for Arapahoe County treasurer, Marsha Berzins aims to be a friend to the taxpayer who looks out for people’s money and makes sure it’s safe.

Berzins, an Aurora resident since 1979 who served on Aurora City Council for 12 years, is the Republican candidate for the 2022 election of Arapahoe County treasurer. She is running against Democratic candidate Michael Roger Westerberg.

Berzins said once she found out the current treasurer, Sue Sandstrom, was term limited, she looked at herself and what her qualifications and experience level were.

“I’ve been in the business world actually ever since I got out of college, and then I’ve also just finished up 12 years service on Aurora City Council,” she said. “I said, I’m qualified for this job. I can do this job. I am available for this job. So that was the deciding factors.”

The county treasurer is responsible for collecting, investing and disbursing county funds, according to the county’s website.

The treasurer also collects property taxes and distributes the revenue to the county and other local governments and public entities, such as school districts, the website states.

“There’s not a lot of wiggle room that you have in the treasurer’s office, other than pass the money through and, you know, do what state statute says,” Berzins said.

When asked her age, Berzins said, “I don’t answer that question.”

“I don’t think age has anything to do with it. I think experience has more to do with holding a job and in public service,” she said.

Berzins went to the University of Alabama, where she majored in economics and business administration, she said.

Her business, Birch Electric and Lighting, is an electrical contracting company that started in 1982, Berzins said.

It’s a small, family-owned business based in Aurora, she said, where she serves a variety of roles including electrical contractor, owner, secretary and treasurer. Her husband is the president of the business.

“We are winding down our business, though,” she said. “We intend to close our doors at the end of the year.”

Her experience with the business has “played a huge role” in preparing her for being treasurer, she said. It taught her skills in budgeting, doing payroll and understanding how her decisions as the business owner affects her employees.

“It’s a huge responsibility,” she said.

From 2009 to 2021, Berzins served on the Aurora City Council, where she helped oversee a billion-dollar

budget every year. She was a ward council member, representing Ward 3, she said.

“I learned so much on how to manage budgets, you know — what needed to be done to run a city,” she said.

It also gave her experience problem solving, she said.

“A council member gets contacted numerous times a day on solving problems,” she said. “To me, that is a huge part of being a public servant, as the treasurer’s office. It’s how much experience have you had actually dealing with people, getting out of an office.”

Council members deal with a wide variety of issues, and if she didn’t know the answers to a resident’s question, she would find them, she said.

“I’ve made those contacts over the years,” she said. “To me, that’s a big part of a treasurer’s job, too, is, you know, how do you solve this problem? Who do you go to?”

Two of the property tax programs Berzins supports are the “Property Tax Deferral Program for Seniors and Active Military Personnel” and the “Property Tax Exemption Program for Seniors and Disabled Veterans.”

“Obviously, I support them because they’re entitled to those programs,” she said. “I think it’s important to get that information out to the taxpayers of Arapahoe County, that these programs do exist.”

She said the state legislature put the programs into place in 2002 and they have not been changed in 20 years.

One of the first things Berzins plans to do, if elected, is to make an appointment with state legislators to try to persuade them to at least double the exemption amount in the property tax exemption program.

Currently, the exemption is available to disabled veterans, senior citizens, which is defined as adults who are 65 or older, as well as surviving spouses of senior citizens, according to the Colorado Department of the Treasury website.

For those who qualify, 50% of the first $200,000 in the actual value of their primary residence is exempted from property taxation, the website states.

“Right now, it’s 200,000. It needs to be 400,000,” Berzins said.

Since some seniors are on a fixed income and the price of housing has greatly increased over the past 20 years, Berzins said, the current exemption doesn’t have as much impact as it did in 2002.

Berzins said she’d also like to update one of the requirements for eligibility of the exemption program.

Currently, a requirement is that

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDI.ACOM

As a tax attorney, Michael Roger Westerberg has been studying finances for a long time.

He has always been involved in politics, he said, trying to find good candidates for office.

When considering this year’s treasurer’s race in Arapahoe County, Westerberg, an Aurora resident, thought the best person to run was himself.

Westerberg, the Democratic candidate, is running against Republican Marsha Berzins.

The county treasurer is responsible for collecting, investing and disbursing county funds, according to the county’s website.

The treasurer also collects property taxes and distributes the revenue to the county and other local governments and public entities, such as school districts, the website states.

Westerberg, 33, said he got his undergraduate degrees in sociology and criminal justice in 2011 at the University of Sioux Falls. Afterwards, he attended law school in Arizona before then moving to Colorado in 2014 to get his LLM, which is a master’s of laws degree in taxation, at the University of Denver, he said.

He officially got his tax attorney law license in 2015.

“Tax is incredibly complicated,” he said. “That’s one of the big things I think Arapahoe County needs, is one more budget warrior to help them out.”

Being a budget warrior involves helping find ways the county can fund programs, he explained.

To help people navigate the tax process, he wants to implement education efforts, such as sharing how taxpayer money is spent, he said.

“A lot of it’s education with, what we can do with that money, where that money is actually going, where are your tax dollars actually being spent, and are you happy with that,” Westerberg said.

One of the ways he plans to conduct this education is by being present in the community. He said he’s interested in holding a quarterly community meeting with county officials.

“If you’re setting those community meetings up, that is something that is just phenomenal because people actually have access to you,” he said. “That’s the whole point. We represent the people. We work for them.”

If elected, Westerberg said he aims to share an online pamphlet summarizing what he’s been working on at least once a quarter with residents. He also hopes to help create a centralized, comprehensive list of county programs to add to the county’s website.

Arapahoe County needs to increase its rate of return on invest-

ments, Westerberg said, and he has a unique idea to accomplish this — establishing a public bank.

tions, Westerberg said

Based on regulations, Westerberg said there are few banks in Colorado that can hold public dollars. Wells Fargo is one of them, which is what the City of

From what Westerberg has seen, he said the county tends to follow the state a lot in regards to invest-

“We follow the state a little bit too much, because the county has an opportunity to have longer term investments. And I think we definitely need to push it that direction, because longer term investments tend to do better,” he said, adding they tend to garner a better return on investment.

The investment plan Westerberg would like to model Arapahoe County after is the Bank of North Dakota’s plan, he said.

The Bank of North Dakota is a public bank that was established by the state legislature in 1919, according to the bank’s website.

According to the Bank of North Dakota’s 2021 annual report, the state-owned bank reported a profit of $144.2 million in 2021 and the bank’s total assets at the end of the year were $10 billion.

“I would actually like to start a public bank in Arapahoe County,” he said.

Rather than place county funds in a Wells Fargo account, the funds would be placed in the public bank, he said.

“Because what’s Wells Fargo doing with our money? They’re putting it offshores, they’re putting it in their international investments, they’re making interest off it while we don’t need it,” he said. “There’s no reason we can’t do that. And that’s what a public bank would exactly do, is take that money, invest it, and instead of that going to Wells Fargo’s bottom line, it goes to ours.”

For TABOR considerations, the bank should probably be a separate public enterprise, Westerberg said, and not be operated through the Arapahoe County government.

However, he said it may be beneficial for elected officials in Arapahoe County to recommend or appoint people to operate the enterprise.

“Public enterprise can be a lot of things,” he said, explaining a public enterprise has a stated purpose and essentially spends its profits toward the intended purpose.

A benefit of public banks is they can boost credit unions, he said, referring to how the Bank of North Dakota operates.

“In order to get money out of the

Berzins wants to ‘be a friend to the taxpayer’ as treasurer

said, and he has a plish this — establish-

Arapahoe County coroner candidates

Lear seeks reelection as Arapahoe County coroner

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With 18 years of experience working in the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office, Kelly Lear hopes to continue her work as both a forensic pathologist and as the Arapahoe County coroner.

Lear, 50, is the incumbent Democratic candidate for the 2022 election of Arapahoe County coroner. She is running against Republican candidate Ron Bouchard and Libertarian candidate Kat Martin.

“I’m the only candidate with experience in the industry. I’m the only candidate that is a medical doctor,” Lear said. “I know what it means to serve the community.”

A resident in the Littleton area, Lear has worked as a forensic pathologist at the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office since 2004.

A forensic pathologist is the medical doctor who performs autopsies to determine the cause and manner of a death, she said. This role is also referred to as a “medical examiner,” according to Purdue University.

According to the Colorado Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all forensic autopsies have to be performed by a board-certified forensic pathologist or physician who is a pathologist in training.

A coroner, however, is not required to be a physician or forensic pathologist in Colorado. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only four states require coroners to be physicians: Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota and Ohio.

“The job of the coroner is to determine which people, when they die, which people get an autopsy, and then to use the autopsy results to sign the death certificate,” she said, explaining statutes outline what types of cases need to be taken for jurisdiction by the coroner.

Because she serves a dual role as both a coroner and forensic pathologist, Lear said electing her will eliminate bureaucracy and save funds for Arapahoe County.

“Having a coroner who’s not a medical doctor in a busy office, such as this, is just an extra layer of administration,” she said. “It actually costs the county more money to have another position that doesn’t really do anything other than use my work to sign the death certificate.”

In terms of salary, Lear said she will save funds by not getting a full salary as an Arapahoe County coroner on top of her salary as a forensic pathologist.

“If you look at my salary, I get paid about 18,000 more than the other forensic pathologist,” she said. “I have 14 years more experience than she does, so I’m making $18,000 more for more experience and for my role as a coroner.”

One of her goals, if elected, is to maintain the accreditation of the

Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office and keep high standards. She said Arapahoe County is one of only four offices in the state nationally accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners.

Part of the accreditation is workload per pathologist, she said, which rensic pathologists the office should

Currently, the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office has two forensic pathologists, including Lear. There is funding for a third, but the position has not been hired yet.

However, there is a national shortage of forensic pathologists, she said, presenting a hiring challenge.

“There are probably about 700 forensic pathologists who are part of the national organization, and it’s estimated that there are over 1,000 jobs that need to be filled,” she said.

“We really are in competition with everybody else.”

At the same time, the workload for forensic pathologists is increasing, she said.

“Which is why we have funding for a third, because we’re just busy enough, in order to keep our accreditation, we need a third pathologist,” she said.

For roughly five years, leading up to 2020, there were about 600 deaths per year in Arapahoe County that met criteria for the coroner’s office, she said.

“In 2020, we went from 600 to 750. And then in 2021, we went to 891,” she said. “Those numbers were increased out of proportion to the population.”

There are different factors contributing to the higher rate of deaths in the county, she said, including fentanyl, suicides and natural deaths.

“There was a 20% increase in suicides between 2020 and 2021 in Arapahoe County, and a 50% increase in the number of fentanyl-related deaths,” she said. “So part of my passion is prevention.”

She said she works with a lot of local and statewide committees on prevention efforts, providing information and data with others. It’s work she wants to continue if re-elected.

The road to becoming a forensic pathologist is long, Lear said, but it’s something she became interested in at a young age.

“I discovered forensic pathology when I was in eighth grade and fell in love with it,” Lear said, explaining it was an extra-credit assignment that led her to discovering the field.

She attended Cornell College and had three majors: biology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Afterwards, she went to medical school at the University of Colorado School of

Bouchard aims to employ molecular autopsies if elected

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The importance of the coroner’s office, hospice and funeral homes really sank home for Ron Bouchard when both of his parents passed away last year in Texas.

The funeral director gave Bouchard a tour of the funeral home, he said, and the director said he’d never had anyone ask as many questions as Bouchard did.

“And I said, ‘Well, why I’m asking you questions is because I feel that for some reason, the Lord has me asking these questions because there’s something here,’” Bouchard said.

“When we went to caucus, they announced that, you know, no one’s running for coroner in Arapahoe County. And the Lord put upon my heart and said, ‘Guess what? You’re running for coroner, Ron,’” Bouchard said. “I immediately understood that my science background was a fit.”

Bouchard, 59, is the Republican candidate for the 2022 election of Arapahoe County coroner. He is running against incumbent Democratic candidate Kelly Lear and Libertarian candidate Kat Martin.

The coroner is elected to investigate deaths and issue death certificates, and it is the decision of the coroner’s office as to whether an autopsy will be conducted, according to Arapahoe County’s website.

“I’m not a politician. I’m a research biologist,” said Bouchard, explaining his background is specifically microscopy, the use of microscopes.

Bouchard, an Aurora resident of 22 years, does not have an official degree in the science field. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s of fine arts in ceramics and sculpture, with a minor in photography, he said.

His background in photography brought him into microscopy, he said, because microscopy is a form of photography since it involves using instruments to document things with photography.

“The majority of my career has been around — which, so, it’s sort of weird because I deviated way away from my degree — has been a study of cellular disease,” he said. “I’ve worked in the science field for over 30 years. I’m on over 41 peerreviewed scientific journals and publications primarily surrounding cellular disease.”

His work in the science field began while he was a student at Louisiana State University, explaining his first and only student job was working in the zoology and physiology department and later the biological sciences department.

After graduation, he stayed and worked in the Department of Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University until about 2000, when he

got a job at the Denver VA Medical Center and moved to Colorado.

Bouchard said he worked at the center for 16 years as a research biologist microscopist, and he ran the microscopy and imaging core facility. He oversaw more than $20 million worth of equipment and contracts, as well as trained students on equipment usage, he said.

He said he’s been involved in research surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and other diseases involving cellular toxicity, cell dysfunction and environmental toxicity causing disease.

“So that’s where I feel my acumen comes into this position as coroner,” Bouchard said about his microscopy knowledge and experience. “I’m actually going to bring science to the office. I intend to deploy very sophisticated tests.”

Something Bouchard wants to introduce to the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office is molecular autopsies, he said, to help determine the cause of death in cases where the forensic pathologists were unable to.

A forensic pathologist, also referred to as a medical examiner, is a physician who performs an autopsy to determine the cause of death, according to Purdue University.

According to the Colorado Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all forensic autopsies have to be performed by a board-certified forensic pathologist or physician who is a pathologist in training.

A molecular autopsy involves collecting brain tissue, cerebral spinal fluid, bone marrow and other tissue samples, Bouchard said, to be tested to help reveal what caused a person’s death.

Bouchard said there are a lot of morticians and coroners around the U.S. who are reporting “very strange findings of individuals who have deceased.”

He said there are a lot of undetermined deaths happening nationwide and cases of “Sudden Adult Death Syndrome,” as well as concerns about the COVID-19 virus and vaccines crossing the “blood-brain barrier” and causing health issues.

According to a USA Today article, there have been social media posts suggesting COVID-19 vaccines are linked to “Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.” However, this claim is false, USA Today reported, and the acronym SADS refers to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, not adult.

An article by Business Insider fact-checked vaccine claims made by Robert Malone, a scientist who claims he helped invent mRNA vaccines, and found Malone’s claim that the COVID-19 “spike protein”

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WESTERBERG

Bank of North Dakota, you have to go through a local credit union. And the way it works is the credit union puts up half the money, the Bank of North Dakota puts up half the money,” he said.

Doing this helps keep more money locally, Westerberg said.

“The one thing you hear in Arapa hoe County is there’s not enough money to go around,” he said. “There are needs, that we really want to pro vide services to the community and to do it better.”

If the public bank is run correctly, it could generate additional funds to help support county services and programs, Westerberg said.

For example, if the stated purpose of the public enterprise was to generate funds for repairing roads, the Arapa hoe County’s general budget wouldn’t have to dedicate as much money towards road repairs, since it’ll be partially covered by the bank.

This helps free up some money in the general fund to be spent elsewhere, Westerberg said.

It also could eliminate the need for bonds, he said. For example, a city could borrow from the public bank rather than doing a public bond.

Following the North Dakota model, the bank would be a place where local credit unions and city governments could borrow from, Westerberg said, but it wouldn’t be a place where resi dents could walk in and deposit money like they do in their local bank.

For example, if a person who is do ing business with a local credit union

BERZINS

applicants must have owned and oc cupied the property as their primary residence for ten or more years, the website states.

“Maybe a senior or a disabled vet eran has downsized and they haven’t been in that same house,” she said. “That’s one of the first things I want to do, is to make sure that I get that out to the taxpayers and work with the state legislature because, I mean, they just have to change it.”

Berzins said she wants to priori tize communication with residents, explaining she wants to explore a variety of communication methods including sending postcards, text messages, emails and social media, depending on what the budget allows.

Something she wants to spread awareness about is the ability for residents to pay taxes using the drop boxes people use when voting.

“You can go to the DMV that have drop boxes and put your tax payments in that,” she said. “I certainly want to increase locations where people can pay their taxes — make it as easy as possible. There’s no point making it difficult.”

If Berzins is elected, she said she wants to invest funds in ways she thinks are safe.

“It’s not my money, so I want to keep your money as safe as possible. Do not put it in anything risky. It is not the treasurer’s job to focus to make money,” she said. “It’s the treasurer’s job to pass it through to the places it needs to go and keep it safe.”

takes out a small business loan, essen tially half of the money would be put up by the credit union and the other half would be put up by the bank.

“It’s good for the credit union, good for the public bank, because you’re get ting that interest. You’re getting that safe investment that people are paying back that is collateralized by property, right, or something of that nature,” he said. “And there’s some guarantee that it will be paid back. That’s why it’s a good investment.”

Westerberg said this public bank model would generate more revenue in two main ways.

The first is that a public bank allows for Arapahoe County to generate inter est on its funds.

“Anything we’re not literally using right now to pay people is just sitting in a bank account,” he said. “If we are the owners of that bank account, we’re the public bank, we could take that money and invest it. So that way, the interest we get turns around and we can use in Arapahoe County, right, instead of it going to a big bank.”

The second, and bigger way, to gener ate money is through the loans, be cause the bank would get some of the interest being paid by the borrower. Overall, Westerberg said he views what past Arapahoe County treasurers have done as the bare minimum, and he sees opportunities to do more.

“I believe I have the most financial knowledge. I also believe that just the want and the drive to do these extra things, to go the extra mile, is really telling,” he said. “To say, ‘Hey, we can do more with this,’ really, I think, sets me apart.”

Those interested in learning more about Westerberg’s campaign can visit westerbergfortreasurer.com.

State statutes list what the treasurer can invest money in, she said. For example, an investment she would consider is municipal bonds, she said.

“What I understand is that mu nicipal bonds are bundled, so that, you know, if one section of it doesn’t do well, then the other ones will take care of it,” she said. “It is a safe investment.”

Berzins said her opponent, Wester berg, has expressed interest in Arapa hoe County having a public bank.

“To me, that’s pretty risky,” she said. “I’m not interested in making the most money in risky investments. That’s not my job. Safety is my job.”

With a goal of making sure tax payer dollars are transparently spent, Berzins said she will post informa tion on the treasurer’s website. For instance, if she decided to invest some county funds into municipal bonds, she would share that on the website.

“You learn as a city council mem ber, or I did at least, to be transpar ent,” she said, explaining she is open to people’s suggestions.

“If you thought municipal bonds weren’t good, tell me why, you know — convince me why,” she said. “I’ll listen. I don’t know it all. No one knows it all.”

Berzins said she wants people to know she can hit the ground running starting day one, if elected.

“I will be their public servant,” she said, saying she’s raised her five chil dren to be public servants as well. “I would love to do this job and work for the taxpayers and keep their money safe.”

Those interested in learning more about Berzins’ campaign can visit marshaberzins.com.

Medicine, she said.

Lear, then, completed four years of anatomic and clinical pathol ogy residency, a one-year surgical pathology fellowship and a oneyear forensic pathology fellow ship, she said.

As soon as she finished her fellowship, about 18 years ago, she said she started working full time as a forensic pathologist at the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.

Throughout her career, Lear has done more than 5,200 autopsies, she said.

A Facebook post shared on her opponent Bouchard’s page stated, in part: “My opponent brags about doing over 5000 autopsies over her career. Voters would like to know how many of those were done by her private company, 5280 Forensic Pathology LLC, using tax payer facilities and tax payer money?”

Lear does have a consultant business called 5280 Forensic Pa thology, and she said her work as a private consultant is not some thing she is hiding.

Part of this work includes doing autopsies for other counties, she said, as there are 64 counties in Colorado and approximately 20 forensic pathologists who are eli gible to do forensic autopsies for those offices.

“This is done with full transpar ency through Arapahoe County,” she said. “I have a written memo

randum of understanding that was actually written and signed by the county attorney and the Board of County Commissioners.”

She said the memorandum states the county will be paid if the autopsy is done at the Arapa hoe County Coroner’s Office or in volves Arapahoe County services.

“Nothing is being done without reimbursement to the county,” she said. “It’s actually one of the few ways my office can generate funds for the county.”

In reference to her opponent’s Facebook post, she said, “He’s very much playing a political game where he’s picking at things that sound like talking points, but they’re really not.”

Lear doesn’t think the position of the coroner should be politi cal, she said. A 2011 article from NPR said the National Academy of Sciences published a report that recommended phasing out coroners and replacing them with medical examiners.

“It’s not a political office. I don’t believe it should be elected,” Lear said. “I don’t do Republican autop sies or Democrat autopsies. I do medical autopsies.”

It’s important to guarantee an unbiased death investigation, she said, which includes having an unbiased approach regarding other agencies and politics.

“I’m not under the influence of any other office,” she said, explaining she doesn’t work for law enforcement or the district attorney’s office.

She said there has been a lot

BOUCHARD

interacts with the blood-brain bar rier, with a risk of brain inflam mation, was partially true.

The article also states Malone is “not wrong in acknowledging the spike protein is detectable in the blood of some vaccinated people,” but the levels are “incredibly small” and “too tiny to be toxic.”

“I’m not an anti-vaxxer. I’m not a pro-vaxxer,” Bouchard said. “What I am is someone who’s understanding that the virus, the vaccines, the combination of the virus and the vaccines, potentially can cause health problems. And we’re seeing that now. It’s finally starting to come out.”

Bouchard said he has talked to hundreds of people who have reported health consequences resulting from the vaccine, as well as hundreds of people who have not.

“I’m not saying if you get the shot, you’re dying,” he said. “I’m saying we need to elucidate what’s happening, get to the bottom of this and help people.”

A molecular autopsy will not be done for every case, he said, and he wants COVID-19 relief funds to pay for the tests, he said.

“If and when those funds do run out, I will then work with the bud getary committee,” he said. “That will be addressed and we’ll have to figure that out.”

Bouchard said his opponent, Kelly Lear, who is the current Arapahoe County coroner, “likes

to point out that she’s a forensic pathologist.”

“She tries to highlight that as though it’s a disqualifier that I’m not a forensic pathologist. It’s not. It’s not even a requirement,” he said.

In Colorado, a coroner does not have to be a physician or forensic pathologist. According to the Cen ters for Disease Control and Pre vention, only four states require coroners to be physicians: Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota and Ohio.

“No one knows our coroner ‘cause she’s in, she’s doing autop sies the whole time,” Bouchard said. “I will spend my entire time working with my forensic patholo gist team, engaging the public, engaging the families, and deter mine what we’re going to do to move forward to help people.”

Bouchard aims to have an em ployee in the office dedicated to outreach programming, including connecting with the loved ones of patients to ask how they’re doing.

“There will be an individual whose primary duties will be fol lowing up, business outreach,” he said, explaining he’s not sure at this point if this would be a newly hired position.

Bouchard wants to hire two more forensic pathologists. There is a nationwide shortage of foren sic pathologists, he said, so he will have to offer a competitive salary.

He also plans to get certified as a death investigator, he said, and to be on the scene, working with law enforcement and gathering evidence and information.

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November 7 - 11, 2022 veTerANS WeeK 2022

Dry Creek Elementary Wed., Nov. 9, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Dry Creek Elementary is proud to host a veteran appreciation showcase where our students will be sharing special presentations, gifts, music, and skits to honor our community’s heroes. There will also be a reception and time for honored guests to connect with others and our staff. No RSVP required.

Homestead Elementary Thurs., Nov. 10, 7:30 a.m. breakfast; 8:15 a.m. assembly

Homestead Elementary is proud to host veterans, military members and their families for a Veterans Day breakfast followed by a patriotic assembly and a reception in their honor. Please RSVP: 720-886-3700

Indian Ridge Elementary Thurs., Nov. 10, 1:45-3:30 p.m.

Indian Ridge will hold an all-school assembly honoring veterans, military members and their families. The assembly will be followed by a patriotic parade through the hallways. Our celebration will conclude with a reception in the library.

Please RSVP: 720-886-8400

Liberty Middle School

Wed., Nov. 9, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Veterans, military members, and their families will be treated to a pancake breakfast from Flippin’ Flapjacks, followed by a patriotic performance by Liberty choir, band, and orchestra students. Please RSVP: 720-886-2410

Eaglecrest High School Fri., Nov. 11, 9 a.m.

Eaglecrest is proud to welcome America’s heroes to The Nest for a Veterans Day breakfast, hosted by the EHS Positive Impact class. The EHS choir will perform, patriotic student artwork will be on display in the Performing Arts hallway and Picadilly Street will be lined with American flags.

Please RSVP: 720-886-1240

Find more events at CherryCreekSchools.org/VeteransWeek

Sign up for the Cherry Creek Schools eNewsletter and get breaking news and regular updates via email.

BUDGET

our amazing team,” said Commis sioner Carrie Warren-Gully. “They are the lifeblood of the county, providing critical and essential services. And in this competitive market, we need to ensure we can keep and develop them because our residents count on them every day.”

Henning, in a statement, said the “dramatic increase in inflation across a wide variety of commodi ties and sectors” has increased the need to ensure competitive salaries and benefits for employees.

The Executive Budget Commit tee, which drafted the recommend ed county budget, proposed an increase of 202 full-time employees in 2023 for a countywide staff of 2,551. The largest staff expansion will be for the new county health department, set to be operational Jan. 1, which will see 183 employ ees.

The health department will have a budget of $21.3 million, according to officials, nearly 70% of which is funded by grants, contracts and fees for service. The county itself will spend $6 million on the health department in 2023, an increase of $778,000 from what it spent in 2022 when it was part nered with the Tri-County Health Department, according to officials. Tri-County Health is set to disband Dec. 31 after more than 50 years of delivering health services for Arapahoe, Adams and Doug las counties. The three counties

ended their triaged relationship following disagreements between Tri-County Health officials and Douglas County commissioners over COVID-19 masking policies last year.

County officials have maintained confidence that the new health de partment, which will be helmed by many current Tri-County Health staff, will be able to deliver the many services that were provided by Tri-County. Those include res taurant, childcare and wastewater inspections; immunizations; food and nutrition programs; sexual health and HIV testing; and re sponses to disease outbreaks.

“This really is a feat—to pull off the creation of a public health department in one year,” said Com missioner Nancy Sharpe. “And to do it with a minimal impact to the budget is astounding.”

But other spending areas have fallen short or what some officials said they would have wanted. Ac cording to Henning, of the $26.4 million in new spending requested to be part of the county’s general fund, only $6 million has been made available.

Some of that money will go into new funding for services including a senior dental program; supplies for the coroner’s office; new child and adult protection staff within the human services department; replacing Tasers for the sheriff’s department; and hiring a county diversity, equity and inclusion manager.

The county also intends to spend $13.7 million on physical infra structure improvements, mostly in the form of roadways. Com missioner Jeff Baker, who sits on the county’s Executive Budget Committee, said, “it’s important to note that the capital improvement project funding in a $500 million budget is $13 million.”

Baker said the county is “woe fully underfunded for capital im provements, and we need to change that.”

Much of the county’s spend ing priorities were made possible because of the $127 million the county received in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, a $1.9 trillion federal stimu lus package passed last March to aid local governments’ recovery from the pandemic and boost the economy.

“But for the unprecedented onetime federal pandemic funds, the county would have had to make even tougher budget decisions than the ones faced by the commit tee this year,” said Commissioner Nancy Jackson.

For example, $2.9 million is anticipated to go towards onetime transition costs for the new health department, such as new equipment. About $44 million will be used to renovate part of the county’s detention center such as

relocating deteriorating laundry and kitchen utilities.

Other ARPA spending already earmarked by commissioners includes $20 million for housing and homelessness, $12.8 million for business support, $11 million for education and $8.5 million for mental health.

But with the funds set to expire if not spent by 2026, some com missioners have said the county will need longer-term solutions to issues like deferred maintenance and new infrastructure.

“We were able to supplement it with ARPA dollars this year, but we can see the road ahead and it’s ex pensive and we need to act soon,” said Commissioner Bill Holen.

Henning said the county’s popu lation growth and budget restric tions could hamper its ability to invest what it needs in certain projects.

“With millennials flocking to Colorado in record numbers, the county’s budget has increased in size but always under the TABOR cap, which limits the revenue the county can keep,” Henning said. “That leaves little room for big things like deferred maintenance and transportation projects.”

TABOR, or the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights Amendment, was ap proved by Colorado voters in 1992 and places a cap on the amount of revenue local governments — and the state — can retain and spend.

With some commissioners voic ing concerns over the spending restrictions, others hailed the budget as fiscally conservative yet effective.

“Arapahoe County has a long track record of fiscal responsibil ity, which has benefited residents for years,” Sharpe said. “We are known for doing more with less, which is why we’ve been able to meet service demands for years without raising taxes. We are proud of that, and we’re focused on how to continue that into the future.”

‘With millennials flocking to Colorado in record numbers, the county’s budget has increased in size but always under the TABOR cap, which limits the revenue the county can keep.’

Chris Henning, county spokesperson

VOICES

Thankful for news

EDITOR’S COLUMN

In September, I attended the Colorado Press Association annual awards ceremony, where we watched some of our own reporters and staff members be honored for excellent work along with others throughout the state who work day and night to bring the public the news. Bringing the public the news has not been an easy task — especially in the last four or five years.

One of my favorite parts of the annual newspapers awards is the advertising design category. While not in my area of expertise, I absolutely respect what newspaper designers can do for companies and programs. These ads are always creative, beautiful and informative.

This year, in the “House Ad” category, I noticed a common theme. A house ad is one that a newspaper creates to promote our work and abilities. These ads might talk about circulation, staff, programs, etc.

However, a theme this year is what would likely happen without them, creating these amazing designs with the term “News Desert.” A news desert is essentially a community where residents have significantly diminished access to important local news and information that feeds a local democracy.

I understand that major news stations are not going anywhere. We need our information on Congress and current administration. We need to know about major news events on a national level.

I get that publications and digital outlets such as People magazine give the endless updates on what is happening with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry today. I understand those clicks are going to continue and, while I do not care, those headlines will continue fill my news feeds.

However, what I worry about is losing my local news coverage, and not because I collect a paycheck from them.

No other media outlets cover the nuts and bolts of your community. It is the local newspaper telling you what is happening with the local school districts. It is reporters like those working with Colorado Community Media who will tell you that your local town council has now adopted an increased fee schedule for water rates.

It is organizations like Colorado Community Media who will ask the questions on why one county, such as Douglas County, will continue chasing a suspect in a stolen car while the City of Littleton or Arapahoe County likely won’t.

We are the ones who can truly answer whether or not teachers in Douglas County are underpaid to help you make a decisions on the current election ballot.

We are the ones who will take the time to talk to the candidates running in the less flashy races like treasurer and coroner to help in making an Election Day decision.

I am thankful for the work my reporters did on local candidates because I was definitely able to fill out my ballot with knowledge because of it.

I am happy to read about a new business opening that no one else outside of my area will care about.

I am thankful to have that local news that, as I got older, I realized truly provides the information that affects my everyday life. Taxes, schools, retailers, restaurants. I would not know a thing about them if it was not for local news outlets.

However, as newsrooms and fundings continue to decrease – the local, community newspapers pay a price. Pay a price that, I fear, will not be absolutely missed until it is gone.

Engagement makes all the di erence

After checking in, the couple decided to head to the hotel bar for a nightcap. Luckily two seats opened up just as they walked in. They sat down and the bartender stood with his back turned watching the television as a Thursday Night Football game was being televised. The couple waited and when they saw a second bartender come in their direction, they thought they might finally be able to order a drink. They were disappointed as the second bartender also turned their back to watch the game.

Finally getting their attention, they received their drinks. No engagement with the patrons, just back to watching the game. Having visited more than a bar or two in my day, and having been a bartender earlier in my life, I have a great appreciation for those great bartenders who know that sometimes people come looking for an ear that will listen, a friend to talk to, a therapist to hear their problems, or someone to celebrate with. The couple finished their drinks and left.

Here’s another story that was shared with me by a sales leader. She was on a virtual sales call with one of her salespeople. They were using Zoom so they could all turn on their webcam and see each other, almost as if they were face-to-face and in person. The sales leader was invited to the meeting to share specific and new information with the

ERIN ADDENBROOKE

AUDREY

ERIN

LINDSAY

prospect. The salesperson thought it would be better received coming from a senior leader.

As the meeting went on and the sales leader started discussing important data while also gathering great information through relevant questioning, she noticed that her salesperson wasn’t really paying attention. They looked distracted and were probably multi-tasking. Although she noticed it, her hopes were that the prospect wouldn’t really notice. Well into the discussion the salesperson finally started paying attention, but as it turned out, it was a little too little and a little too late. The final straw was when the salesperson brought up an irrelevant topic and asked an unrelated question. Unfortunately, they did not win the business.

How many times have we tuned out those around us only to tune into a game, an app, or something else? If we are being honest, it’s probably happening more often than we care to admit.

Imagine the teacher not being truly engaged with their student, the spouse not tuned in to their better half, the parent not engaging with their child, or a best friend losing interest in something that is important to their friend in that moment. In any one of those situations, I believe the relationship will suffer when we fail to truly engage.

Engagement is so vitally important in any relationship. Combine engagement with intentionality and we have a true

PERIODICALS POSTAGE

Thelma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

Thelma Grimes

Littleton council could punt future land use appeals to courts

Majority fears ‘politicization’

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A month after hearing its first land use appeal where the Littleton council voted to uphold a commission’s decision to approve new housing at an aging shopping center, some council members said they don’t want to be the final decision makers.

During an Oct. 25 council meeting, a majority of members voiced support for drafting an ordinance that could punt those decisions to a district court, something council members said would help avoid any “politicization” of a process they felt should be as objective as possible.

“I think the issue of constituency and fairness is kind of forefront in my mind,” said District 3 Councilmember Steve Barr. “I think we as a group did a good job of being objective in this instance, but that being said, that

NORTON

FROM PAGE 14

winning recipe for a winning relationship to thrive. An example of intentional engagement is when we are watching television and our spouse or child asks us a question or wants to talk and we simply turn off the TV and intentionally engage. A common mistake that sends the wrong message is when we say, “OK, how about at the next commercial or at halftime, or when the show is over?” When we do that, we are saying that the game or show is more important than our child or spouse.

And if it’s not TV, can we close our computer, put down our phone, or stop what we are doing to actively listen and engage with those around us? Engagement, intentional en-

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may not always be the case.”

Barr’s comment referenced the city council’s 6-1 decision Sept. 27 to side with the planning commission’s approval of a master development plan (MDP) from the owners of Aspen Grove — a shopping center in southwest Littleton — that calls for nearly 500 housing units to be built at the site.

The plan’s approval was challenged by an appeal signed by more than 100 residents who alleged the planning commission violated the city’s land use code when it approved the MDP. While the code gives planning commission final approval of such plans it allows aggrieved parties to protest the decisions, forcing a pseudo-trial before city council during which elected leaders must either side with the protesting party or planning commission.

During the Sept. 27 hearing, Littleton residents Lynn Christensen and Linda Knufinke represented the aggrieved party while lawyers represented the planning commission and Aspen Grove’s owner, Gerrity Group.

gagement, really does make all the difference.

How about you? Are you finding yourself distracted and multi-tasking and maybe even disengaged? Have you ever noticed when someone else doesn’t appear to be actively or intentionally engaged with you? How did that feel? And have you ever responded to someone looking for your undivided attention by saying, “After the next commercial or at halftime?” I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can engage with intentionality, it really will be a better than good life?

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Councilmembers ultimately decided the planning commission made no code violations in its approval of Gerrity’s MDP.

Though the process was followed according to city code, City Attorney Reid Betzing said he had concerns it could create a future sticky legal area for protesting parties by possibly hindering their ability to take the issue to an actual court.

The code mandates aggrieved parties file their complaint to city council no more than 30 days after a land use decision is made. But state law, known as Rule 106, also gives protestors 30 days to take their complaint to a court.

“I’m worried, from at least a state law perspective, that they’re losing their ability to file a 106 altogether,” Betzing said, citing the overlap of Littleton’s code and state law. A district court, Betzing said, could be more suited to take on such decisions. Other council members agreed.

“I don’t want to be a judge,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gretchen Rydin. “I’m a policy maker ... and I would like to see something that’s

a little bit more impartial in our justice system.”

District 4 Councilmember Kelly Milliman said a court would be “a more efficient way to handle those appeals versus us acting as judges.”

Patt Driscoll, councilmember for District 1, and Jerry Valdes, councilmember for District 2, disagreed that there needed to be a change to the process.

“I think our courts got enough to worry about making a decision on that, I think that’s kind of our job, to be an oversight for boards and commissions,” Drisoll said.

Valdes said the “process was fine” but felt the allotted time for each party to make testimony should be increased from the current 10 minutes allowed, something Christensen and Knufinke criticized during the Sept. 27 hearing.

A majority of council ultimately gave direction to the city attorney’s office to draft potential policy changes that could see the process move to a court decision. Council is likely to review that policy next year.

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BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

On Sept. 4, Chileans across the world anxiously checked their social media feeds and Whatsapp group chats, wondering about the future of their country. Would Chile adopt a new constitution?

The answer fl ashed across their phone screens that evening. In an overwhelming referendum result, about 62% of the population of Chile voted to reject what would have been one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.

In Santiago, supporters of the new constitution comforted each other in sadness while those who opposed it waved celebratory fl ags in the streets.

Meanwhile, Chileans in Colorado mourned and celebrated from over 5,000 miles away.

Pame Bradford, who works in Fort Collins Public Schools, was happy voters rejected the draft. An Aurora-based artist named Adolfo Romero, on the other hand, said the result felt like a deep blow to his heart.

Considering their opposing views on one of the most pivotal referendums in Chile’s democratic history, it may come as a surprise that Romero and Bradford are siblings.

Although they grew up under the same roof, the two Colorado-based Chileans have different opinions on what will cure their country’s ailments going forward.

From Chile to Colorado

When Romero was in high school and Bradford had recently fi nished, their family moved from Arica, a city in northern Chile, to the capital of Santiago.

Attending high school in Santiago among politically active peers was

a formative experience for Romero.

Although he does not identify with a particular party, he said his political beliefs are left-leaning.

beliefs are left-leaning.

Bradford, on the other hand, was she focused on “things with disci-

less interested in politics. She said she focused on “things with discipline” growing up, such as sports and martial arts.

When she was 25 years old, Bradford moved to the U.S.

“It might be kind of cheesy, but I moved because I felt that I was going to fi nd love here,” she said. “I actually did fi nd it.”

After traveling for a few years, she met her husband and settled down in his home state of Colorado. In 2008, her parents moved to the U.S. Romero followed suit in 2014 to be

her parents moved to the U.S. Romero followed suit in 2014 to be near his family.

The social explosion

On Oct. 18, 2019, an increase in the metro fare sparked massive demonstrations in Santiago.

On Oct. 18, 2019, an increase massive demonstra-

Both Bradford and Romero watched from afar.

This was the beginning of a nationwide sociopolitical movement referred to as the “ estallido social ” or the “social explosion.”

For months, protesters demanded changes in economic and social policies that had been in place since the country’s military dictatorship, which ended in 1990.

The estallido was a frightening time for some Chileans. Bradford said she was concerned as protesters burned metro stations and destroyed private property.

“I was really distraught… I mean, we are really connected to the country and when you see bad things happening, it affects you here,” she said.

“I know we could have come up with better ways to do it… the reasons might be good, but not the way it was

Protesters climb a statue in Santiago’s central plaza under the watchful eye of a military helicopter.

PHOTO BY NINA JOSS

CUT OUT: Adolfo Romero with his sisters

Pame Bradford, right, and Leslie Romero, left.

presented.”

Romero, unlike his sister, said he was hopeful when the demonstrations began. After being involved in community movements for most of his life, it felt like his country was fi nally awakening to its problems.

“One of the conversations that I used to have with my friends was, ‘Damn, when are the people gonna be awake? When are the people gonna react to these conditions in this country?’” he said. “Finally, it happened in 2019.”

Although he wishes political change were achievable through “just talking,” Romero said it’s sometimes necessary for people to take to the streets.

But Chileans who went to the streets were met with excessive force from police, according to the Human Rights Watch. From Oct. 18 to Nov. 20, in 2019 almost 9,000 protesters and bystanders were injured and 26 people died, according to the organization.

For Romero, the police response to the protests was the most tragic part of the situation.

“It was very sad… to see how many people got injured… by the police,” he said. “I felt very powerless.”

The road to referendum

The demonstrations during the social movement of 2019-2020 covered a wide range of issues, including wages, social security, water rights, education, healthcare, environmental concerns, gender inequality, indigenous rights and more.

As the movement continued, protesters started turning their attention toward a document that could address all of these problems at once: the constitution.

“That was the core of everything. That is the core that supports the model, that holds the entire system,” Romero said. “So when (the protestors) chose that point, it to me was fi nally the right pathway to get a change.”

Chile’s current constitution was written in 1980 under military dictator Augusto Pinochet, who held power from 1973 until 1990. After ousting socialist President Salvador Allende in a U.S.-supported coup d’etat, Pinochet implemented vast neoliberal economic reforms.

Under Pinochet, the availability and affordability of health care, social security, education and even water were largely driven by the free market. The 1980 constitution, despite modern amendments, maintains a role for private sectors for these services.

These neoliberal decisions bolstered Chile’s economy but did so at the expense of extensive human rights abuses during the dictatorship. More than 3,000 people were killed or “disappeared” under Pinochet’s regime and over 27,000 more were victims of torture, according to Chilean commission reports.

Still, some applaud the dictator for the economic growth during his reign. Others condemn his human rights abuses and point to his economic policies as the root of Chile’s devastating inequality.

About a month after the protests began, then-President Sebastián Piñera agreed to hold a nationwide referendum to vote on the possibility of rewriting the dictatorship-era constitution. On Oct. 25, 2020, 78% of voting Chileans approved the decision to rewrite a new charter.

A woman protests with a sign reading “No more abuse.”

On Oct. 18, 2019, an increase in the metro fare sparked a nationwide socio-political movement in Chile. Here, protesters in Santiago hit pots and pans in a common form of protest called “cacerolazo.”

PHOTOS BY NINA JOSS

Protestors in Santiago filled the central plaza to call for change. Formerly known as Plaza Italia, the space was renamed “Plaza de la dignidad” or “Dignity Plaza” during the social movement of 2019.

A protester on a lamp post waves the Chilean flag (top) and the Mapuche flag (bottom). The Mapuche are a group of Indigenous people in present-day Chile and Argentina.

Voters also determined that a convention of elected citizens would draft the new document. In a global first, the constitutional body was required to have gender parity. In addition, 17 seats were reserved for indigenous popula tions, according to the National Library of Congress of Chile.

In May 2021, voters elected a con stitutional convention made up of 67% independent candidates, many of them part of left-leaning movements, according to Univer sidad de Chile professor Claudia Heiss.

The nontraditional makeup of the body gave some Chileans hope when the process began, but polls showed a decrease in voter confi dence in the convention as time went on.

After one year of the conven tion’s work, the draft faced its fate in a referendum in which all Chil eans were required to vote. The earlier votes in the constitutional process had been voluntary.

According to the Chilean Elec toral Service, Chileans abroad voted to approve the draft but the overall population overwhelm ingly rejected it.

Both Bradford and Romero would have had to travel to an other state to vote, so neither was able to cast a ballot due to logis tics.

The draft

“Chile is a social and democratic

state of law,” started the new constitutional draft. “It is ‘pluri nacional,’ intercultural, regional and ecological.”

The 388-article charter included universal health care and rights to education, housing, pensions and water. Along with vast environ mental protections, it implement ed gender parity rules for govern ing bodies. It also restructured the country’s legislative model and established parallel justice sys tems for indigenous groups.

Supporters of the document praised its progressive character while opponents stressed the farreaching and unachievable nature of the constitution’s goals. Some opponents wanted to keep the 1980 version. Others said they desired a new constitution, just not this one.

In Bradford’s opinion, the mem bers of the convention tried to take on too many topics.

“I do agree with some changes for the environment and things like that. But I think this proposal was covering way too many things and it became unreliable — people realized that,” she said.

But Bradford’s biggest concern about the new constitution was that it did not address what she sees as Chile’s main issues. Specif ically, Bradford said she was con cerned about danger and crime in Chile, which she attributed to a lack of control over immigration.

“I still have all my extended fam ily members (in Chile) and I hear every day what they’re suffering. And those real issues are not get ting addressed,” she said.

She also opposed the idea of

making the state “plurinacional,” which means recognizing the coexistence of multiple national groups within a country.

“We are a united country there. I don’t believe that we should start calling each other something dif ferent,” she said.

For Romero, identifying the country as such was one of the biggest strengths of the draft. He said it was important to recognize indigenous nations.

“When we talk about ‘plurinacio nalidad,’ we are talking about the recognition of their territory and their cultural autonomy, and that they are asking for the right to organize themselves in some way,” he said. “For me, that’s good. It’s the minimum that can be offered after years of colonization — the minimum.”

Romero also applauded the draft’s inclusion of rights to healthcare and education.

“The right to health care exists in various countries, and it works well,” Romero said. “It’s the same with the right to education… The people ignore it because they sim ply haven’t lived (that) reality.”

Romero added that he thinks many people who voted against the new draft were influenced by misinformation campaigns about its contents. Bradford said she knew people who read the draft itself and still rejected it.

Delightful di erences

For Bradford, the new constitu tion was not the right move for Chile. But in Romero’s eyes, there is still hope for a new constitution in the future.

“The process isn’t over in Chile,” he said. “It’s a battle that was lost, but the people are going to continue fighting.”

Despite their differences, Rome ro and Bradford say they are close. Adding their parents, younger sister and extended family into the mix, they are surrounded by a wide range of political opinions.

“We tease each other, we laugh, but we know we’re not gonna change our views — and we don’t want to change our views,” Brad ford said. “We accept each other how we are and we love each other regardless.”

She compared their political dif ferences to other differences she and her siblings have, such as the ways they like to relax and their tastes in music.

“You put priorities in life and family’s the first priority. Love — love for your family,” she said.

According to Romero, his fam ily’s differences represent the diversity that should exist in a healthy society.

“If I expect that all my friends think exactly the same as me, it will be me (who is) the problem,” he said.

Even when an entire new con stitution is on the line, he says differences are valuable.

“This is the base of a society, what society should be,” he said. “It’s a plus when you have a differ ence.”

Editor’s note: Some sections of this story have been translated from Spanish. Parts that remain in Spanish are designated with italics.

Thu 11/10

Teague Starbuck @ 6pm Sunroom Brewing, 3242 S Acoma St, En‐glewood

Vamonos Pest/Mobro: Mobro at Brewability Lab @ 6pm

Brewability Lab, 3445 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Mon 11/14

Winter Valor Wrestling Club @ 6pm / $375 Nov 14th - Feb 1st

Valor Athletic Building, 3775 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch. 303-471-3000

Mark Schultz: Hilton Denver Inverness

@ 5pm

Hilton Denver Inverness, 200 In‐verness Dr W, Englewood

Dirty Side Down Band: Dirty Side Down @ Q's Pub @ 8pm

Q's Pub and Grill, 10133 W Chat‐�eld Ave, Littleton

Dial Drive at Moe's Englewood @ 8pm Moe's Original BBQ, 3295 S Broadway, En‐glewood

Justin Farren @ 8pm

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Sat 11/12

Kids' Zone Events: Princess Ball (2-11 yrs) FALL22 @ 1:15am

Nov 12th - Nov 11th

Twenty Hands High @ 7:30pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker The Record Company @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Fri 11/11

Kids’ Zone: Princess Tea Party (3-6 yrs) FALL22 @ 5pm Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Featured

Cory Pearman Music @ 6pm

The Pint Room, 2620 W Belleview Ave, Littleton

Red Rocks Worship: Dare2Share LIVE @ 10am

Mission Hills Church Littleton Campus, 620 Southpark Dr, Little‐ton

Ninja Robotics and Coding @ 5:30pm / $40

Z Ultimate Studio - Parker, 12999 S Parker Rd, Parker. 515-708-0433

Pert' Near Sandstone @ 7pm

Five Strings Barn Concerts, Castle Rock

Cary Morin @ 7pm

Swallow Hill, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Featured Featured

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra @ 8pm

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree The Peacemakers @ 9pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Roger Clyne @ 9pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 South Broadway, En‐glewood

Sun 11/13

Reuter Hess Trail Race @ 8:30am / $35 11865 Heirloom Pkwy, Parker

Andrew Finn Magill: Murray & Magill @ 7pm Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

El Gran Combo 60 Years Anniversary World Tour 2022 @ 9pm / $60 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Modern Swing Mondays @ 6:30pm / $10 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Tue 11/15

Culinary: Thanksgiving Side Dishes (16+yrs) @ 1am Nov 15th - Nov 14th PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Wed 11/16

Ladies Night @ 6pm / $5 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Featured Featured

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo at 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 8pm

Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan Rosie @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Thu 11/17

LUNAY EN CONCIERTO @ 9:30pm / $60 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

powered by

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Chamber music fills Englewood hall

Schubert octet was program for October performance

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Franz Schubert’s Octet in F Major, Op.166 (1824) was the program for Oct. 22 and I’m still thinking about how fortunate we are to have Englewood Arts’ fine series of chamber music concerts in Hampden Hall, at the Englewood City Center — as well as symphony orchestras in Littleton, Lone Tree and Parker, and theaters that present musicals, jazz, vocalists, dance and productions for children ... Tickets are reasonably priced — in this case: $30/$25/$10.

The Schubert Octet was commissioned by famous Austrian clarinetist Ferdinand Troyu and first performed at the home of the musician’s employer, Archduke Rudolf, in 1827. It was not published for other orchestras to use until 1853, some time after Schubert’s death at 31 in 1828. In his brief life, he was astonishingly productive.

Concert notes say that Schubert was in ill health and in pain when he was writing this and there are some stormy notes, but I certainly left the hall feeling optimistic and happy ...

Jason Shafer, principal clarinet with the Colorado Symphony since 2013, served as spokesman for the

eight expert performers, commenting on how it was originally commissioned by a clarinetist.

Also included: Tristan Rennie, bassoon; Young Kim, horn; Yi Zhao, violin; Dmitri Pogorelov, violin; Sofia Basile, viola; Seoyin Min, cello; and Owen Levine, double bass. In addition to performing with the Colorado Symphony, several are faculty members at UNC and all seem to travel nationally and internationally.

The program biographies lead one to think of a richly varied life, language skills, flexibility — and a packable wardrobe!

Two more programs are announced for 2022 and we will watch for an announcement on 2023 programs and report — Nov. 12: Brahms Piano Quartet in G Minor; and Dec. 17: Schubert Quintet in C Major.

Cellist Silver Ainomae, former CSO cellist, now with the Minnesota Orchestra, will return here to perform with pianist Joshua Sawicki and others from the Colorado Symphony, tba, on Dec. 17 in Schubert’s Quintet in C major.

Director Eric Bertoluzzi announced after the concert that more than 100 children want to learn to play a violin in the Englewood Arts’ popular school programming and donations towards that project are badly needed. (A charming wee violin was exhibited at the entrance.) Also, 30 preschoolers at Englewood’s Maddox Preschool are learning to dance!

Stories on Stage presents Buntport

Buntport Theater actors collaborate with Stories on Stage at 2 p.m. on Nov. 6 for “Modern Times” at Su Teatro, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Tickets $24. 303494-0523. Also: a Virtual Premiere Event at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10, which could also be watched later if you have a ticket. (Note: venue requires proof of vaccination and a mask.) Next: “Making Merry” at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at Nomad Theater, Boulder; 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at Su Teatro; and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 Virtual. (Beloved actor Jamie Horton returns to Denver for this one.) See storiesonstage.org and buntport. com.

Littleton exhibit

requires proof of

Vintage Theatre

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora, presents “Monty Python’s Spamalot: A Musical” from Nov. 4-Dec. 11 and a regional premiere of “Dot” from Dec. 11 to Dec. 18. (There are two theaters.) 303-856-7830, vintagetheatre.org. Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Newman Center

Newman Center at the University of Denver presents “Winnie-thePooh” Nov. 11-13 various times. 303871-7720, newmancenterpresents. com.

History Colorado

History Colorado, 1200 N. Broadway, Denver, presents a new exhibit: “The Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal That Changed Cheyenne and Arapaho People Forever.” Based on tribal accounts of the massacre. Will look at today’s culture in Montana, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

The 57th annual Own An Original exhibit opens Nov. 4 at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., running through Dec. 31. The theme set by the Littleton Fine Arts Board is “Labyrinth.”

Camp Christmas

Camp Christmas will run from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6 (closed Dec. 25) at Heritage Belmar Park, 801 S. Yarrow St., Lakewood. Tickets: denvercenter.org/tickets-events/campchristmas/#/.

Firehouse Theater

Firehouse Theater Company

will present “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly” by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, directed by Linda Suttle of Littleton, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 18. 303562-3232, fi rehousetheatercompany.com. John Hand Theater, 7653 E. First Place, Denver. (Colorado Free University.)

Colorado Symphony Orchestra assistant concertmaster Yi Zhao will perform on violin at the Nov. 12 Englewood Arts concert.

COURTESY PHOTO

SONYA’S SAMPLER

Holiday Art Market

The Holiday Art Market will run from Nov. 22 through Dec. 31 at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave., downtown Littleton. See depotartgallery.org.

Cherry Creek Chorale

Cherry Creek Chorale performs “Ring in the Season” on Dec. 9 and 10 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village. Director is Brian Leatherman. They will be joined by the Rocky Mountain Ringers handbell ensemble. Tickets: $25/$20/$15. 303789-5920, cherrycreekchorale.org.

Pop-up

A pop-up art show at the Depot Art Gallery Nov. 8-19 will include works by Pam Roth O’Mara. See depotartgallery.org.

Arts workshop

Cliff Austin will teach a Nov. 5 workshop for the Heritage Fine Arts Guild from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There may still be places available Check heritage-guild.com/ workshops if interested. Class will be pastel painting from photographs. $35 members/$50 non-members.

Paint Box Guild

The Paint Box Guild will exhibit works by members at El Meson Mexican Restaurant, 3506 W. Town Center, Highlands Ranch. See paintboxguildlittleton.org.

McClellan

Paid

by McClellan for Colorado, Registerd Agent Rebecca McClellan

Buntport Theater’s crew will perform the next Stories on Stage production, set for Nov. 6 at Su Teatro in Denver. COURTESY PHOTOO

Candidate Q&A Colorado Senate District 27

Name: Tom Kim Website: www.tomkimforcolorado.com

Biography: Mr. Kim is a business adviser who works with underperforming businesses. Throughout his career, Mr. Kim has worked with mid-market businesses that are facing important transitions, both financial and operational. Mr. Kim and his colleagues develop and implement strategies for effecting change in urgent situations. These situations range from mild to severe and include services such as performance improvement, restructuring

Name: Matt Snider

Website: https://coloradocenterparty.org/matt-snider-for-statesenate/

Biography: Matt Snider is a retired, successful small business owner who has spent over 40 years in the IT industry. He is a first-term civil service commissioner for the City of Aurora and served on the South Aurora Regional Improvement Authority while he was a director and the corporate secretary/treasurer of the Beacon Point Metropolitan District where he helped refinance its previous debt

Name: Tom Sullivan

Website: http://sullivanforcolorado.com/

Biography: Tom Sullivan is an Air Force veteran, retired postal worker of almost 30 years, and a union man since he was 15. Tom was getting ready to retire when his son Alex was murdered at the Aurora theatre massacre in 2012. Tom spent the next few years advocating for victims’ rights and sensible gun safety legislation but felt he wasn’t getting anywhere with the politicians down at the capital. That’s when Tom decided to run for office

and turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, and bankruptcy. Mr. Kim brings his background in operations, finance and accounting, mergers and acquisitions, out-of-court workouts, and bankruptcy to his consulting practice. Education: JD/MBA (1988, Santa Clara University) and BS, Economics (1984, University of Utah).

When it comes to funding school districts and paying teachers in Colorado

saving over $7 million for district residents. Matt is currently in his eighth year serving on the Cherry Creek School District Long Range Committee and has served as a volunteer for many nonprofit organizations, including serving as the board chair of the Greater Castle Rock Art Guild. Matt is an ordained United Methodist pastor and earned a B.S. in interdisciplinary communication studies from SUNY Brockport and a Master of Divinity

and has represented the 37th house district since 2018. As a legislator, Tom has been a fierce advocate for working Coloradans and hopes to continue that fight by representing District 27 in the Colorado Senate.

When it comes to funding school districts and paying teachers in Colorado – How do you think we stack up on a national level? What do you think should be done at the state level to address

VOTE FOR MARK GOTTO

— How do you think we stack up on a national level? What do you think should be done at the state level to address the problems teachers and schools are facing?

I think the basic issue is that teacher pay is not the focus, and the state must send a clear message that this is unacceptable. Colorado’s and Cherry Creek’s performance results are unacceptable. Proficiency scores in math, reading, and writing are at less than 50%. That is a failing grade. Since 2000, Colorado’s student population has increased by 25% and teachers by 36%. But

from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University.

(Editor’s NOte: to read some of Matt Snider’s full ansewers, visit the website at

When it comes to funding school districts and paying teachers in Colorado — How do you think we stack up on a national level? What do you think should be done at the state level to address the problems teachers and schools are facing?

When ranking per student spending per state, Colorado isn’t even in the top 10. In 2022, Colorado spends

the problems teachers and schools are facing?

On a national level, Colorado is woefully underfunded. I’ve been proud to support record investments in public education at the legislative session, but we need to continue to pay down the negative factor and make our funding mechanisms more equitable across the state.

Mental health continues to be a problem in Colorado and nationwide – What should be done at the state level to address the youth mental health crisis and to continue increasing help for

the number of principals has grown by 73% and administrative staff by 132%. The system is out of balance. We have two children in public school and understand the issues firsthand.

Mental health continues to be a problem in Colorado and nationwide — What should be done at the state level to address the youth mental health crisis and to continue increasing help for adults?

There is a mental health crisis

approximately $10,202 per student, which is up from prior years but well below the average of $12,520 per student per state and just barely above states like Arkansas, Alabama and South Dakota, which are far smaller in both overall and student populations. And Colorado is 49th out of 50 states when it comes to competitive pay for professional teachers, above only Mississippi, and 48th when it comes to starting pay. Yet we are fast replacing STEM business leadership among all states,

adults?

Fighting for mental healthcare access and awareness has been one of my most important issues in my time at the state Capitol. These past few years, we have made record investments to increase the number of mental health providers and provide mental healthcare to frontline workers, and children. As well, we passed the extreme risk protection order bill to ensure families have a way to remove guns from a loved one that is at risk to themselves or others.

Kim

that is not being addressed. The rate of youth suicide spiked during the pandemic. The homeless popula tion continues to increase, many of which have unaddressed mental issues. Violent crime and homicides are the highest they have been in de cades. We need to provide resources to those who are struggling with

SNIDER

FROM PAGE 22

becoming the Silicon and Aerospace Prairie. We can’t have a top-notch economy and a first class education system with third-world spending on our kids and for the professionals responsible for their educations.

Mental health continues to be a prob lem in Colorado and nationwide — What should be done at the state level to

SULLIVAN

There is more work to be done, but i am glad Colorado is consistently fighting for and investing in mental healthcare.

Inflation, gas prices and the economy continue to be an issue in 2022 — Fami lies are paying extra for everything. What can and should be done in Colo rado to help families?

mental health early on. We can no longer wait until it is too late.

Inflation, gas prices and the economy continue to be an issue in 2022 — Families are paying extra for everything. What can and should be done in Colorado to help families?

Reduce the size and scope of the state government. When the state in creases spending, it must raise rev enue by increasing taxes and fees. This forces businesses to raise the cost of goods and services. Coupled

address the youth mental health crisis and to continue increasing help for adults?

This is not just a problem that the state has to solve, as if the state (or Federal government) should or could solve every problem. Youth mental health begins at home, not in the state capitol. Parents need to be fully present and attendant to their children’s needs. They cannot leave them to supervise themselves and they cannot abandon and neglect their responsibilities to provide all

When it comes to global issues like inflation, we in Colorado must continue to do what we can to sup port local businesses, and ensure affordable housing and goods for families. This is why we have passed incentives to make it easier to start a business, lower taxes on essential goods, and give every taxpayer a $750 refund to help them cover their costs.

If elected, can you work on a bipartisan level to pass bills and address the

with the pandemic shutdown and the supply chain debacle, inflation is raging virtually unchecked. Mean while, wages have been stagnant, forcing our fellow citizens to make do with less. The best thing the government could have done was cut taxes, cut spending, and remove burdensome regulations on busi nesses to give them an opportunity to grow, hire more employees, and raise wages.

If elected, can you work on a biparti-

the love and attention kids need to grow up in a stable and safe home, and with a properly pointed moral and ethical compass. That said, community mental health has been a dismal failure since the Reagan administration dismantled and defunded it on a national scale. Colorado needs to invest heavily in multiple inpatient treatment facili ties scattered throughout the state and smaller, day treatment facili ties in each county. And additional facilities should be opened and

needs of the Colorado population as a whole and not just live along party lines? Give examples of where you could compromise.

A good idea is a good idea. Unfor tunately, some issues will remain partisan at the state Capitol, but a majority of the bills we pass are bipartisan, common sense ideas.

Housing a ordability and homelessness have become a state and nationwide issue. What can be done at the state level to address the growing

Dear Davis Schilken,

san level to pass bills and address the needs of the Colorado population as a whole and not just live along party lines? Give examples of where you could compromise.

I think we can find agreement on public safety. I know that the vast majority of my constituents are very worried about increasing criminal activity. I think that it is beyond debate that Colorado leads the nation in auto thefts. I believe

jointly funded in larger counties as a partnership between counties and public school systems.

Inflation, gas prices and the economy continue to be an issue in 2022 — Families are paying extra for everything. What can and should be done in Colorado to help families?

I’ve lived through nearly 66 years of market ups-and-downs and the hyperinflation of the late 1970s

SEE SNIDER, P

problem?

I’m proud that we made major investments tocreate regional cam puses to provide support systems and resources to our homeless popu lation. I sponsored a bill to reopen the Ridgeview Campus in Aurora, to have more resources in Arapahoe County. As well, we invested record amounts into affordable housing, in cluding workforce housing. Moving forward, we need to continue to

SEE

My husband and I have been fortunate enough to have the ability to give parts of our estate away. We have been able to help our children and grandchildren with college tuition and books. Our family is now constantly growing with new in laws and even more grandbabies! What are some other ways that we can help our family?

Sincerely, Gifting Gretchen

Dear Gifting Gretchen,

We are elated to hear that you and your family are so generous with one another! There are few things as assuring as a family that is always supportive and helpful, regardless of the scenario. In your case, there are a few ways to help family members with things like buying a new home, helping with higher education, or even “gap year” experiences.

First, what is a gift? A gift is any transfer to an individual, either directly or indirectly, where full consideration (measured in money or money’s worth) is not received in return. Its important we define what a “gift” is in the Estate and Tax planning world.

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to achieve this goal is by Lifetime Gifting. This might include gifts to spouses, children, political or religious institutions, and tuition. One of the most common ways to do this without triggering a tax implication is by utilizing the Annual Gift Exclusion. This exclusion is a defined dollar value that increases every year with inflation.

For 2022, the Annual Gift Exclusion amount is $16,000. This will increase to $17,000 for 2023. A gift of that amount, or below it, can be made by a single individual to an individual once a year, but to as many individuals as you would like.

What that means is that Gretchen can give a single gift of up to $17,000 without triggering a tax implication to her grandson Jimmy. She can only do this once a year for Jimmy. However, she can do that once a year for any number of individuals. If you have any questions regarding gifting or any of your other estate planning needs, please contact the Davis Schilken, PC team (303)670-9855. We make estate planning simple!

Visit our comprehensive website for more tools www.dslawcolorado.com

Davis Schilken,

our deep experience meet your

that all members of the state Legislature can be persuaded to address the current state of lawlessness for the well-being of all citizens of our state.

Housing affordability and homelessness have become a state and nationwide issue. What can be done at the state level to address the grow-

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FROM PAGE

and early 1980s. If you believe in a regulated market economy, as I do, then the solution to inflation rests in curtailing consumption, both at the personal and governmental level, not in subsidies or further government spending. Both fiscal and monetary policy changes affect inflation. The state of Colorado does not set or

SULLIVAN

find a sustainable, long-term stream of funding for increasing affordable housing inventory. Continuing to fight the gun violence epidemic is a top priority of mine to combat violent crime.

Crime is quickly becoming a major concern in Colorado. With Colorado ranking

ing problem?

The cause of high housing costs in Colorado is complex. The factors include local and state regulations, permitting, utility requirements for infrastructure and the legal liability environment. I would try to continue the litigation reform effort, actively addressed most recently in 2017. We all have an interest in making Colorado more attractive for developers to provide more housing units that can compete for buyers. When the supply is increased

control monetary policy, so there is little it can do to control the supply of money. But on the fiscal side, the state government can contribute to controlling and reducing inflation by delaying the issuing of contracts for the goods and services it consumes, in essence, controlling and curtailing spending. But the most powerful influence on inflation is personal spending. Decreasing consumption will slow inflation. Colorado did the right thing by stopping the supplemental unemployment payments

first in the nation for car thefts, and major crimes on the rise, what do state lawmakers need to do to help fix the problems?

When it comes to addressing crime, we need to continue to address both short term and long term causes of crime. This past legislative session, we increased support for law enforcement, and toughened penalties for theft and burglaries. But we also worked to address the root issues of crime, by working to increase economic opportunity, low-

housing prices will decrease. As for homelessness, that will take a more robust solution that starts with addressing mental health and addiction.

Crime is quickly becoming a major concern in Colorado. With Colorado ranking first in the nation for car thefts, and major crimes on the rise, what do state lawmakers need to do to help fix the problems?

My family and I volunteer with the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol.

when it realized that both the system was being abused and it was artificially reducing employment.

If elected, can you work on a bipartisan level to pass bills and address the needs of the Colorado population as a whole and not just live along party lines? Give examples of where you could compromise.

Let me get right to the point. There is literally no bill that I am not willing to talk to all sides about. My goal is to design legislation that is good

ering the cost of living, and ensuring all children can receive a quality, public education.

Public trust in government, elections and public health are at an all-time low — What should state and federal lawmakers be doing di erently to change public perception?

I believe transparency about the process is critical. I consistently host town halls with other legislators, both virtually and in person, to ensure constituents have a space

We see the issues more closely than many. Politicizing law enforcement has made it more difficult for police officers to do their job and has led to an increase in crime. Violent crime and homicides are the highest they have been in decades. We need to give law enforcement the resources they need do their job. Criminals need to be held accountable and victims need justice. Communities need to be more involved to keep law

for the 80% of us who live in the middle. I will not be a party to legislation run by extremists from either side of the aisle. I hope to be a check and balance against the excesses of both the right and the left. And with the exception for public safety, I will not be a party to legislation which infringes upon civil or constitutional rights, including the right to privacy.

Housing a ordability and homelessness

to ask questions about policy and the process, as well as sending out weekly newsletters with updates from the Capitol.

Water rights and water availability are becoming an issue for counties and local municipalities – what can the state do to create a strategic plan that works for all?

We should be as fair as possible when respecting preexisting water rights, while also creating a plan that will ensure clean water availability for all Coloradans.

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enforcement accountable.

Public trust in government, elections and public health are at an all-time low — What should state and federal lawmakers be doing di erently to change

SNIDER

have become a state and nationwide issue. What can be done at the state level to address the growing problem?

There is absolutely no doubt that housing costs are skyrocketing and homelessness is increasing. But while the two co-exist, their causes are not the same and the solutions to address these are different. Governments should not be in the business of providing cost-effective housing except for veterans disabled while on active duty and people who, through no fault of their own, are disabled and therefore unable to care for themselves. The government, at any level, is not empowered by any Constitution that I am aware of to be in the business of home-building. I believe in personal responsibility. Part of personal responsibility includes preparing for and showing up as an adult for the business of life. Since the 1960s, I have watched as a decreasing number of people adequately prepare for and meet their responsibilities as productive members of society. To the extent that people do

public perception?

Faith in our system of government is how we function as a society and what has kept us free. We are a bottom-up government with a system of checks and balances. It is imperative we reestablish that trust. Our system is not perfect, but it is much better than the rest of the world. One thing we have done well is learn from past mistakes and

not calibrate their lives for a positive future, they will be uncomfortable. But that doesn’t mean the government, and by implication, the rest of all taxpaying citizens of whatever locality, owe anyone a home.

Crime is quickly becoming a major concern in Colorado. With Colorado ranking first in the nation for car thefts, and major crimes on the rise, what do state lawmakers need to do to help fix the problems?

The place to prevent crime begins in the home because that’s where the best social engineering starts. Raise good kids and they usually become good adults. However, crime is out of control and while I do believe in the concept of restorative justice, I am out of patience with Colorado’s response to all of it. I am perfectly willing to sponsor legislation reopening and funding our five closed state prisons (as state-run prisons — I don’t believe in for-profit penal institutions) and to elevate car and certain other property theft to a state-jail felonies. I do not believe in no-cash bail because the experiments with this in California and New York have proven this to be a horrible idea. I also know there are abuses of the cash-bail system in which accused parties who are

make improvements. Right now, I think we are trying to do too much. We need to increase transparency and keep government simple.

Water rights and water availability are becoming an issue for counties and local municipalities — What can the state do to create a strategic plan that works for all?

I think engaging all the stake-

actually innocent end up spending weeks, months and years locked up (and some have been injured or killed in custody) because they cannot raise bail. Thus, I’m open to reviewing bail laws and judicial discretion over bail. But with crime so out of control, I will elect to err on the side of public safety and remove convicted crimi-

holders in meaningful discussion of the issues and opportunities is the best way to find solutions. Water might be our scarcest natural resource and we must be able and effective stewards of our natural resources. The state Legislature should make water a priority and take a leadership role in the discussion of the issues and potential solutions.

nals from the population for a while. I understand that having a felony on someone’s record permanently forecloses on certain opportunities for them but I’m more interested in protecting law-abiding citizens from criminals.

Call 1-844-823-0293

Blankslate looks ahead with ‘Summer on a Salt Flat’ COMING ATTRACTIONS

For many people, college leads to all kinds of new starts. For Tess Condron, Rylee Dunn and Emma Troughton, their time at the University of Denver led to the formation of the indie rock trio Blankslate, which just released its debut album, “Summer on a Salt Flat.”

The group, which features Condron on drums and keys, Dunn on guitar and bass and Troughton on vocals, fine-tuned the songs at gigs around Colorado and beyond, according to provided information.

In anticipation of the album’s release, Blansklate answered some questions about their backstory, making a record and more.

Interview edited for brevity and clarity.

-Tell me a little about the genesis of Blankslate?

ET: Tess moved her electric drum kit into Rylee’s room in this chaotic frat house setting that had been turned into a live space for transfer students. Rylee obliged and suddenly they were met with the realization that they needed a vocalist. They texted our transfer living community group chat and

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FROM PAGE 25

Public trust in government, elections and public health are at an all-time low — What should state and federal lawmak-

I presented them with my vocals. Then we found a storage closet in the basement and did covers, and over time started honing in on a certain sound, and with much repetition; the genesis.

-What was it like writing your debut album?

RD: I found that in order to write these songs, I had to ignore the album concept a bit. I wrote them all completely differently, and for the most part completely irrespective of each other. There are some exceptions; “Little Love” and “a fragile thing” are intended to be twins of sorts, “Creative-Nonfiction,” “if this is Monterey…,” and “2301 S. High Street,” are essentially three parts of the same story, and “Seacliff,” is a sister song to “Westcliff,” which we released in 2019. But they all had really unique writing processes, and the ones that are “related” grew closer as they developed.

ers be doing di erently to change public perception?

Mistrust in government, and all the responsibilities it has, did not develop overnight and it will not be fixed quickly either. The only way it will be fixed is by good people of good will who act with integrity, speak the

-Where was the album recorded and what was the process like?

TC: The writing process is so stripped-down that it’s hard to expect what the studio will do to a song, so it ends up kind of doing something different to every song.

The album was recorded with Tyler Imbrogno of Eldren at Daymoon Studios over the course of 14 months. I can’t imagine a project that has ever been more exhausting and rewarding at the same time.

RD: Performing in a studio brings a certain level of perfectionism and it can be hard to stay loose and play with feel in there, which I think was an area where we all grew a lot throughout the process. I’ve loved honing our live sound as we wrote these songs; all the iterations feel like they bring a lot of different dimensions to each song.

-Does the album have a particular theme or idea that you wanted explore over its tracks?

ET: It very much feels like the expanse of the album runs parallel to a lifespan.

TC: This album is designed to be relatable and an aspect of some-

truth and act honorably running for and occupying office and demonstrating that their oversight is intelligent, believable and credible. We need rational and reasonable people. There is no sweeping, dramatic gesture that any official or government can make that suddenly compels everyone to say: “Gee, wow! Everything is perfectly fine now and we can now completely trust the government.” There are plenty of demagogues who want to occupy public office for their own benefit. We must resist these kinds of personalities because they use whatever office they might occupy to erode the fabric of our communities.

Water rights and water availability are becoming an issue for counties and local municipalities — What can the state do to create a strategic plan that works for all?

When I ran for House District 56 in 2016, I advocated for the state to build many more reservoirs throughout the state. As I recall, I advocated for

thing being relatable is about its ability to go into detail. This album feels like it is about a specific time in someone’s life, but the details are different for every listener.

RD: I think there’s an idea of changing the ground you’re on and feeling mostly the same. All of the songs are set in really specific places, but the sentiment contained in them has common threads.

-All three members of Blankslate identify as queer - does releasing this album have any special meaning at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under constant attack?

ET: A lot of the representation for queer people in most scenes, including music, is very one-brand, linear, archetypal, so it always feels really exciting to plant new seeds of iterations of queerness and how that can exist.

TC: The fact that queer bands these days don’t need to exist only at queer spaces. We show up at a lot of heteronormative shows and don’t really feel out of place. It’s more of a broad reach compared

18 at that time. Now, I think that 12-16 is probably a better estimate. It’s obvious what happens without an adequate water supply. But no locality can afford to build a huge reservoir by itself so this must be addressed at a state level. Access to clean, potable water is not a privilege. It is a necessity for all life. The next legislature will have to review existing water rights and water law to ensure that there is a stable, sufficient, and readily accessible water supply for human and animal life and for all our agricultural and manufacturing needs at reasonable cost. Along with building additional reservoirs, we need to heavily rely on water protection, conservation, and recycling. And because horizontal drilling for oil and gas uses so much water, we need to address water issues simultaneously with energy production and a transition to a renewable energy economy, which will also help address water loss due to climate change.

Clarke Reader

Behind every victim is an advocate

Behind every patient is a doctor, behind every student is a teacher, and behind every victim is an advocate. Despite the chaotic and devastating circumstances of COVID-19, advocates of the Victim Services around Colorado have adapted to social guidelines, solved unfamiliar problems and flourished in efficiency to provide for victims across the state.

GUEST COLUMN

Interestingly enough, the Victim Services unit in Greeley, Thornton, Northglenn, Longmont and Littleton limited their on-site service to major crime-related cases (homicide, domestic violence, sexual assult, felony), sending a limited

READER

to how it maybe used to be, and that feels like a really cool way to provide representation.

-What do you hope album listeners come away with?

TC: I hope the album offers a comfort for people. The best thing ever that could come out of this album is if people create their

number of trained staff to report in-person. On the other hand, units in Lakewood and Fort Collins responded strictly through phone calls for most of the pandemic, making the interaction between staff and volunteer advocates scarce.

Flipping the system upsidedown had both its pros and cons. It opened up the idea that services can be provided virtually, and made victims reaching out to advocates more approachable. According to the Victim Services of Thornton/Northglenn and Lakewood, victims who felt overwhelmed with crowds of people (including advocates) present during the scene were able to find time on their own, after processing the situation, and reach out personally. Surprisingly, as time passed, more victims began to prefer a phone call over an on-site reply.

However, as reported by victim

own stories out of it that they can come back to and feel themselves in.

Listen to the album, find upcoming performances and more at https://www.blankslateband. com/.

Author’s note: Dunn is a journalist at Colorado Community Media newspapers.

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

advocates in Longmont and Greeley, this abrupt change in organization led to a drastic advocate shortage. Masks and physical distance (as well as the subsequent removal of facial expressions and body language) made it difficult for advocates to discern the immediate needs of the victim. The Arvada Victim Services added that grants— initially given to the Victim Services — were shifted to fund other, COVID-related issues, the lack of monetary assistance forcing a change in various departments and volunteer programs. Most fatal of all, the boundaries between “work” and “home” began to blur. Phone calls about traumatic experiences would leak past working hours, and follow-ups about excruciating cases would flood into the private lives of advocates.

But while caring for a single individual is, indeed, demanding, the

Victims Services in Broomfield, Thornton, Northglenn, Arvada (Jefferson County), Longmont, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Littleton and Greeley serve an astounding average of 287 victims monthly. That is hundreds of devastating stories and cries for help that are heard monthly by these people. Sacrifices of time, energy, and mentality are made to save the ones of those who need to hold onto it.

What this service needs the most is education. Education on who they are, what they do and how they do it. People should know what they can offer and why they’re here in the first place. Education on what they need, and what you — the public — can do for it.

Gina Jung is a senior at Stargate High School in Thornton who hopes to pursue studies in sociology and psychology.

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE

The Colorado Sun is a journalistowned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself.

In this way, The Sun contributes to a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and non-partisan journalism. It covers

everything from politics and culture to the outdoor industry and education.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

South metro sports roundup

Football

First-round games in the Class 5A state football tournament have been set.

Top-seed and three-time defending state champion Cherry Creek, No. 2 Valor Christian, sixth-seeded Arapahoe and No. 7 Regis Jesuit drew first-round byes.

In first-round contests scheduled for Nov. 5, ninth-seeded ThunderRidge will face No. 24 Doherty, No. 11 Rock Canyon goes against No. 20 Cherokee Trail, No. 13 Mountain Vista plays No. 20 Rocky Mountain and No. 15 Legend meets No. 18 Poudre.

In the Class 4A state football bracket, both Heritage and Ponderosa drew first round byes.

Boys soccer

Valor Christian, Castle View, Cherry Creek and Heritage won first-round games in the Class 5A boys soccer playoffs and faced second-round matches on Nov. 1.

Top-seeded Valor Christian blanked Brighton 8-0 in a firstround game on Oct. 27. Castle View advanced with a shootout win over Fort Collins. Cherry Creek edged Regis Jesuit 1-0 and Heritage defeated Horizon, 4-0.

In other first-round matches, Broomfield got past Legend 1-0 while Rocky Mountain eliminated Arapahoe with a 1-0 victory. Fossil Ridge edged Rock Caynon 3-2.

Field hockey

Arapahoe defeated Cherry Creek 2-1 in a second-round game and the Warriors will challenge top-seeded Colorado Academy in one semifinal game which was played Nov. 1. Defending state champion Regis Jesuit and Kent Denver meet in the second semifinal match.

Girls volleyball

Regional state qualifying tournaments will be held Nov. 5.

Defending state champion Cherry Creek captured the Centennial League regular-season title. Mountain Vista and Rock Canyon tied for the Continental Leauge crown.

Valor runners take 5A state championship

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Valor Christian’s cross country teams spent a good portion of the day on Oct. 29 celebrating at the Class 5A state cross country championships.

It was a pleasant, sunny day at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs and Valor runners performed like champions.

The Eagles boys team, paced by Drew Costello, Dane Eike and Kaeden Dendorfer — who all finished in the top 10 — won the Class 5A team title.

And Valor senior Brooke Wilson set a new course record in winning the 5A girls individual state title.

Valor’s boys finished with 155 points to outdistance second-place Centaurus with 170 points. Defending champion Mountain Vista was fourth (187), Rock Canyon fifth (189), Castle View seventh (208) and Chaparral 10th (251).

In the individual boys race, Christian Groendyke was first with Costello coming in second with a 15:28.3 time.

Mountain Vista’s Tyler Downs was third at 15:24.5 with Eike coming in as the fourth-place finisher at 15:40.10.

Rounding out the top 10 were ThunderRidge’s Evan Charkot in fifth, Cherry Creek’s Daniel

Hruska sixth, defending champion Tanner Brown of Chaparral eighth, Dendorfer ninth and Owen Casselman of ThunderRidge tenth.

“It feels amazing to win the state title,” said Valor coach Jeffrey Cook. “We knew something special had to happen. It took everybody. It took a whole team effort.”

Wilson’s time of 16:59.20 in the 5A girls race broke the previous course record of 17:07.83. Her teammate Keeghan Edwards was third in 17:32.50, followed by Arapahoe’s Ava Mitchell in fourth place.

Peyton Adams of Mountain Vista was seventh. Emily Lamontagne of Arapahoe was ninth and Emily Cohen of Cherry Creek was 10th.

Air Academy won the 5A girls team title with 63 points while Mountain Vista was second with 126. Cherry Creek and Valor tied for third with 133 points and defending state champ Arapahoe

came in fifth with 138 points.

Costello, who was fourth last season, stopped trying to figure out the Norris Penrose course.

“I took it out the same as I did last year,” said Costello. “I started kind of behind because I wanted to save it for the last mile. What I found there is really no way to race this race smart. This course is so tough there is really no smart move. The team did really well today. We’ve been focusing on this all season. We set that goal early.”

Wilson set her sights on winning the state championship now that three-time defending champion Riley Stewart of Cherry Creek had graduated.

“This is my year,” said Wilson who will be heading to Wake Forest next season. “Riley is gone. I just needed to go. It is such an incredible feeling knowing I was finally able to do it. I did everything I needed to do.”

Rock Canyon QB Luke Wennogle (15) can’t avoid the grasp of Valor Christian defender Owen Downing (53). Wennogle’s Jaguars came up short with the final score 28-13, on Oct. 15 at EchoPark Stadium in Parker.

PHOTO BY PAUL DISALVO

Valor Christian’s boys cross country team won the Class 5A state title on Oct. 29 at the Norris Penrose Event Center.

PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON

Valor Christian’s Drew Costello, left, and Mountain Vista’s Tyler Downs approach the finish line of the boys 5A cross country race. Costello finished second and Downs third.

Eagles senior Brooke Wilson sets new course record

Heritage advances in 5A playo s

BY HESTON MOSHER

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

LITTLETON -- Heritage beat Horizon 4-0 in the first round of the state 5A soccer playoffs on the Eagles’ field. Three goals in the first half set the tone for the rest of the game.

Cooper Littrell and Jeren Enriquez were among those scoring for Heritage. Goalkeeper Owen McCague made eight saves in 72 minutes of play. Back-up netminder Soren Hanson logged two saves in eight minutes.

No stats were available for the Hawks.

Horizon ended its season with a mark of 8-6-1.

Horizon’s Enzo Muncy, right, jostles with Heritage’s Logan Hause during a chase for the loose ball during the teams’ first-round

A trio of Heritage Eagles — Jeren Enrqiez (22), Edson Jimenez (10) and Liam Gilbert (19) — have their eyes squarely on the loose ball during the Eagles’ first-round playo game against Horizon Oct. 26.

PHOTOS BY HESTON MOSHER

Horizon goalkeeper Joey Stott (1) is closest to the ball during a scramble in front of the net Oct. 26 at Heritage High School. Heritage beat Horizon 4-0 in the game played in Littleton.

Horizon’s Ryan Olivas reacts after clearing the ball to safety from in front of his team’s goal during a first-round playo match against heritage Oct. 26. Heritage’s Jace Winkler (2) is in the picture, as is HHS goalkeeper Joey Stott (in blue).

of politicizing of COVID-19 as a cause of death and vaccines as a mandate.

“I’m a doctor. I don’t answer to one party or the other,” she said.

The National Association of Medical Examiners has a page on its website dedicated to investiga tion of vaccine-related deaths, she said, detailing the procedures she follows.

Lear said she’s heard Bouchard speak about wanting to conduct types of investigations that are not an industry standard, such as testing cerebral spinal fluid and bone marrow for different

BOUCHARD

“My investigative skill sets are also going to delve into this fen tanyl crisis poisoning our kids,” he said, explaining he wants to have community outreach pro grams, such as with schools.

Something he would want to use tax dollars for is purchasing a “proper microscope” for the coroner’s office, he said.

“I don’t know what equipment they have now, but there are certain tests that I want to also run that require fluorescence microscopy,” he said. “It’s not gonna be a large amount of money.”

proteins. She said a question for him is how this testing would be funded and where it will be performed.

Overall, through her experi ence, she said she’s learned that serving the community includes her medical training and experi ence communicating with others, such as her patients’ families, partner agencies, law enforce ment, public health and other community partners.

“The role of our office is to pro vide answers,” she said. “I speak for my patient— the deceased person is my patient. And it’s my job to tell that person’s story and explain why they died.”

Those interested in learning more about Lear’s campaign can visit kellylearmdforcoroner.com.

When asked why he feels he is the most qualified candidate, he said, “Because I have a level of compassion, empathy and care for my fellow person that I feel is not being represented right now in the coroner’s office.”

He said he will bring compas sion and empathy to the office, as well as his investigative skill sets and understanding of cellu lar diseases that cause death and comorbidities.

“What I want to do is help,” he said. “That’s my goal is to, as best as absolutely possible, respect everyone’s individual rights as a deceased person.”

Those interested in learning more about Bouchard’s campaign can visit ron4colorado.com.

PAGE 10

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PUBLIC NOTICES

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR NEW DAY FINANCIAL, LLC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Public Trustees

COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION

CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0458-2022

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

On August 23, 2022, the undersigned Public Trust ee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) Jennifer Hamilton

Original Beneficiary(ies)

Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as beneficiary, as nominee for Megastar Financial Corp

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Date of Deed of Trust October 16, 2017 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust October 18, 2017

Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) D7118247 Book: NA Page:

Original Principal Amount $269,527.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $250,234.79

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 194, BLOCK 1, HIGHLAND VIEW II, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Also known by street and number as: 8166 S Fillmore Circle, Centennial, CO 80122.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 12/14/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES EN TITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 08/23/2022

Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado

By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) rep resenting the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Alexis R. Abercrombie #56722

David W Drake #43315

Scott D. Toebben #19011

Randall S. Miller & Associates PC 216 16th Street, Suite 1210, Denver, CO 80202 (720) 259-6710

Attorney File # 22CO00234-1

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015

Legal Notice No. 0458-2022

First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0450-2022

On August 19, 2022, the undersigned Public Trust ee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) CHRISTOPHER M BOSS AND SHAWN A KELLER

Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR ACADEMY MORTGAGE CORPORATION

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC Date of Deed of Trust June 17, 2016 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust June 17, 2016

Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) D6064231

Original Principal Amount $292,000.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $282,341.01

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 2, MESHKO SUBDIVISION, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Also known by street and number as: 4910 S. KALAMATH DRIVE, ENGLEWOOD, CO 80110.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 12/14/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES EN TITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 08/19/2022

Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado

By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) rep resenting the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Anna Johnston #51978

Ryan Bourgeois #51088

Joseph D. DeGiorgio #45557

Randall Chin #31149

Barrett, Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350-3711

Attorney File # 00000009575341

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Re vised 1/2015

Legal Notice NO. 0450-2022

First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0397-2022

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

On July 29, 2022, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relat ing to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) John M. Strader AND Natsue Strader

Original Beneficiary(ies)

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION Date of Deed of Trust March 17, 2018 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust March 23, 2018 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) D8028055

Original Principal Amount $169,000.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $154,295.17

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 91 SOUTHBRIDGE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 7, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. BEING THE SAME PROPERTY AS CONVEYED TO JOHN M. STRADER AND NATSUE STRADER FROM MARY V. STRADER BY THAT DEED DATED 07/06/2006 AND RE CORDED 07/11/2006 IN INSTRUMENT NUM BER: B6100565 IN THE ARAPAHOE COUNTY RECORDS. PARCEL ID(S): 2077-34-2-09-004 Also known by street and number as: 730 WEST JAMISON CIRCLE, LITTLETON, CO 80120-4261.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 11/30/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES EN TITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 07/29/2022

Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) rep resenting the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Alison L Berry #34531 N. April Norton #34861

David R. Doughty #40042

Nicholas H. Santarelli #46592

Lynn M. Janeway #15592

Janeway Law Firm, P.C. 9800 S. Meridian Blvd., Suite 400, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 706-9990

Attorney File # 22-028057

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Re vised 1/2015

Legal Notice NO. 0397-2022

First Publication: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0410-2022

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

On August 2, 2022, the undersigned Public Trust ee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) Scott A. Teuber and Susan A. Teuber

Original Beneficiary(ies)

JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt NewRez LLC f/k/a New Penn Financial, LLC d/b/a

Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing

Date of Deed of Trust August 18, 2010 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust August 26, 2010

Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) D0083023

Original Principal Amount $213,184.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $162,059.28

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations thereof

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 3, BLOCK 3, BEL-VUE HEIGHTS AND BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN DEED RECEPTION #A8067097, DATED 04/30/1998, RECORDED 05/06/1998 IN THE COUNTY RE CORDER OF COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Also known by street and number as: 706 W Easter Ave, Littleton, CO 80120.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 11/30/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES EN TITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED; DATE: 08/02/2022

Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado

By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) rep resenting the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Erin Croke #46557

Steven Bellanti #48306 Holly Shilliday #24423 Ilene Dell'Acqua #31755 McCarthy & Holthus LLP 7700 E Arapahoe Road, Suite 230, Centennial, CO 80112 (877) 369-6122

Attorney File # CO-22-940753-LL

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Re vised 1/2015

Legal Notice No. 0410-2022

First Publication: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0456-2022

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On August 23, 2022, the undersigned Public Trust ee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) MAGDA VARKONY

Original Beneficiary(ies) WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt Bear Stearns ARM Trust 2005-9, MortgageBacked Notes, Series 2005-9, U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee Date of Deed of Trust June 15, 2005 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust June 17, 2005 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) B5089631

July 07, 2005

Re-Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) B5099801

Re-Recording Date of Deed of Trust Original Principal Amount $531,300.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $349,892.97

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 5, BLOCK 3, ORCHARD HILLS FILING NO. FIVE, AMENDED, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Also known by street and number as: 5560 SOUTH CHESTER COURT, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 12/14/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES EN TITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 08/23/2022

Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado

By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) rep resenting the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Anna Johnston #51978

Ryan Bourgeois #51088

Joseph D. DeGiorgio #45557 Randall Chin #31149 Barrett, Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350-3711

Attorney File # 00000009455296

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Re vised 1/2015

Legal Notice NO. 0456-2022

First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - RESTART - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-109(2)(b)(II) FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0352-2019

Republished to restart foreclosure stayed by bankruptcy and reset sale date.

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On August 26, 2022, the undersigned Public Trust ee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) Demargo Lynette Krupa and Spenser Nicholas Wallace Ladd and John Patrick Dolan

Original Beneficiary(ies) Mortgage Elecnonic Registration Systems, Inc. acting solely as nominee for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation Current Holder of Evidence of Debt Roundpoint Mortgage Servicing Corporation Date of Deed of Trust

December 21, 2018

County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust December 26, 2018

Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) D8125357

Principal

$412,087.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $412,087.00

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 16, BLOCK 1, RIDGEVIEW HILLS NORTH, SECOND FILING, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Also known by street and number as: 4344 E Peakview Cir., Centennial, CO 80121.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 12/14/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 08/26/2022 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado

By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) rep resenting the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Amanda Ferguson #44893 Heather Deere #28597

Toni M. Owan #30580

Halliday, Watkins & Mann, PC 355 Union Blvd., Ste. 250, Lakewood, CO 80228 (303) 274-0155

Attorney File # CO10673

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015

Legal Notice NO. 0352-2019 First Publication: 10/20/2022

Last Publication: 11/17/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0414-2022

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

On August 2, 2022, the undersigned Public Trust ee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) Margaret J Gutierrez

Original Beneficiary(ies)

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR CASTLE & COOKE MORTGAGE, LLC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY Date of Deed of Trust May 21, 2018 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust May 22, 2018

Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.)

D8049799

Original Principal Amount $179,450.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $188,777.13

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

SEE ATTACHED LEGAL DESCRIPTION

Also known by street and number as: 5250 S. Huron Way #11-208, Littleton, CO 80120.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 11/30/2022, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication: 10/6/2022 Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 08/02/2022 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado

By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) rep resenting the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Alison L Berry #34531

N. April Norton #34861

David R. Doughty #40042 Nicholas H. Santarelli #46592 Lynn M. Janeway #15592

Janeway Law Firm, P.C. 9800 S. Meridian Blvd., Suite 400, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 706-9990

Attorney File # 22-028119

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Re vised 1/2015

EXHIBIT “A” LEGAL DESCRIPTION 0414-2022

CONDOMINIUM UNIT 208, IN CONDOMINIUM BUILDING 11, HICKORY PLACE CONDOMINIUM, ACCORDING TO THE CON DOMINIUM MAP THEREOF RECORDED MARCH 5, 1984 AT RECEPTION NO. 2383162, AND THE FIRST SUPPLEMENT RECORDED MARCH 5, 1984 AT RECEPTION NO. 2383163, IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF THE COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, COLORADO, AND AS DE FINED AND DESCRIBED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION RECORDED MAY 10, 2002 AT RECEPTION NO. B2087742 AND RECORDED AUGUST 13, 2012 AT RE CEPTION NO. D2089293 AND AMENDMENT RECORDED AUGUST 31, 2015 AT RECEPTION NO. D5098524, IN SAID RECORDS, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO,

Legal Notice NO. 0414-2022

First Publication: 10/6/2022

Last Publication: 11/3/2022

Name of Publication: Littleton Independent City and County

Public Notice

ARAPAHOE COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO LR22-003, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR FOUR SQUARE MILE SUB-AREA PLAN

PROPOSAL: MGL Partners have submitted an application to amend the Four Square Mile SubArea Plan to change the land use designation of two parcels from Single-Family, detached 1-3 dwellings per acre to Single-Family, attached and detached 1 to 12 dwellings per acre. The parcels are owned by GBC Acquisition, LLC and addressed as 1170 S. Quebec Way, Denver, Colorado. The parcels are identified as 1973-212-03-005 and 1973-21-2-03-015 and are located within unincorporated Arapahoe County. This change to the Sub-Area Plan would not affect the current zoning on these properties.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sec tions 30-28-106 and 108 C.R.S., that on November 15, 2022, the Arapahoe County Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at 6:30 P.M., or as soon as possible thereafter at 6954 S Lima St., Arapahoe Room, Centennial, CO; at which all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning the abovedescribed Arapahoe County Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The agenda will typically be posted by the Friday afternoon preceding the hearing and can be viewed on our website at https://arapahoe. legistar.com/Calendar. You can also listen to, or speak at, the meeting by calling 1-855-436-3656. To join the speaking queue, press *3 on the telephone keypad.

More information about this proposal is available at the offices of the Arapahoe County Public Works and Development Department, Planning Division, 6924 S. Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112 (appoint ments recommended) or by calling 720-874-6650 or by emailing planning@arapahoegov.com during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board

Legal Notice No. Arap 1121 First Publication: November 3, 2022 Last Publication: November 3, 2022 Publisher: Englewood Herald Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen Public Notice

CITY OF CENTENNIAL

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR FRANCHISE BY PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO

NOTICE is hereby given that at the regular meet ing of the City Council of the City of Centennial, State of Colorado, to be held on November 7, 2022, at the hour of 7:00 P.M. at City Council Chambers, Centennial Civic Center, 13133 E. Arapahoe Road Centennial, CO 80112, Public Service Company of Colorado will request that the City Council consider, on first reading, an ordinance granting a gas and electric franchise to Public Service Company of Colorado, entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 2022-O-27

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL, COLORADO, GRANTING A GAS AND ELECTRIC FRAN CHISE TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO, ITS AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, THE RIGHT TO USE THE STREETS WITHIN THE CITY TO FURNISH, SELL, TRANSMIT AND DISTRIBUTE GAS AND ELECTRICITY TO THE CITY AND TO ALL RESIDENTS OF THE CITY, GRANTING THE RIGHT TO ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, LOCATE, MAINTAIN, OPERATE AND EXTEND INTO, WITHIN AND THROUGH THE CITY ALL FACILITIES REASONABLY NECESSARY TO FURNISH, SELL, TRANSMIT AND DISTRIB UTE GAS AND ELECTRICITY WITHIN AND THROUGH THE CITY AND FIXING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS THEREOF.

The franchise to be applied for will be for a term of twenty (20) years. Public Service Company of Colorado shall collect a fee from a surcharge upon City residents who are customers of the Company.

The City of Centennial Council will consider the ordinance granting a gas and electric franchise to Public Service Company of Colorado on first read ing at its regular meeting on November 7, 2022.

The City Council will further consider the ordi nance at a public hearing on November 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard. The hearing will be held in City Council Chambers, Centennial Civic Center, 13133 E. Arapahoe Road Centennial, CO 80112 at the above noted dates and times.

/s/Barbara Setterlind, MMC, City Clerk

Legal Notice No. 530693-60693

First Publication: October 20, 2022

Last Publication: November 3, 2022 Publisher: Littleton Independent

and the Centennial Citizen Public Notice

ARAPAHOE COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. PM21-001, BRYAN SUBDIVISION / MINOR SUBDIVISION (MS)

PROPOSAL: The applicant and property owner are requesting approval of a minor subdivision application. If approved, the resulting lots will be known as Bryan Subdivision, Block 1, Lot 1 and 2. The subject property is approximately 40 acres and is located at 39801 E County Road 6. The applicant is proposing two lots just over 19 acres each. The existing single-family home will remain on Lot 1 and the proposed use for Lot 2 is single-family residential with agricultural al lowed uses, such as pasture, and other allowed livestock raising.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 22, 2022 at 9:30 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the calendar of the Arapahoe County Board of County Commission permits, a public hearing will be held; at which, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning the above-described PM21-001, Bryan Subdivision / Minor Subdivision. The public hearing will be held at 5334 S Prince St., East Hearing Room, Littleton CO 80120, with the option to participate remotely. The agenda will typically be posted by the Friday afternoon preceding the hearing and can be viewed on our website at https://arapahoe.legistar.com/Calendar. You can also listen to, or speak at, the meeting by calling 1-855-436-3656. To join the speaking queue, press *3 on the telephone keypad.

More information about this proposal is available at the offices of the Arapahoe County Public Works and Development Department, Planning Division, 6924 S Lima St., Centennial CO 80112 (please call ahead to schedule an appointment if you plan to walk-in), by calling 720-874-6650, or by emailing planning@arapahoegov.com during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board

Legal Notice No. Arap 1123

First Publication: November 3, 2022 Last Publication: November 3, 2022 Publisher: Englewood Herald Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen Public Notice

ARAPAHOE COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. LDC22-003, AFFORDABLE HOUSING / LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE (LDC) AMENDMENT

PROPOSAL: Arapahoe County is proposing an amendment to the Land Development Code to enable Arapahoe County to better qualify for Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) affordable housing grant funding. DOLA offers state assistance, including grants, to local gov ernments with the goal of promoting affordable housing. The intent of the proposed amendment is to both clarify support for affordable housing and implement more of the DOLA Affordable Housing Qualifying Strategies to qualify for available grant opportunities. More information on the proposed amendment and the draft document can be found here: https://www.arapahoegov.com/1464/ Proposed-Code-Amendments

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on November 22, 2022 at 9:30 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the calendar of the Arapahoe County Board of County Commission permits, a public hearing will be held; at which, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning the above-described LDC22-003, Affordable Housing / Land Development Code Amendment. The pub lic hearing will be held at 5334 S Prince St., East Hearing Room, Littleton CO 80120, with the option to participate remotely. The agenda will typically be posted by the Friday afternoon preceding the hearing and can be viewed on our website at https://arapahoe.legistar.com/Calendar. You can also listen to, or speak at, the meeting by calling 1-855-436-3656. To join the speaking queue, press *3 on the telephone keypad.

More information about this proposal is available at the offices of the Arapahoe County Public Works and Development Department, Planning Division, 6924 S Lima St., Centennial CO 80112 (please call ahead to schedule an appointment if you plan to walk-in), by calling 720-874-6650, or by emailing planning@arapahoegov.com during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board

Metro Districts Budget Hearings

Public Notice

NOTICE OF BUDGET MEETING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 WILLOWS WATER DISTRICT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to C.R.S. 29-1-106, that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Willows Water District for the ensuing year 2023.

Be advised, to-wit:

a) The Board of Directors of Willows Water District will conduct a hearing on November 22, 2022, at the hour of 7:30 o’clock ante meridiem at which the adoption of the proposed budget will be considered, and said hearing will be conducted at 6930 South Holly Circle, Centennial, Colorado 80112-1018; and

b) The proposed budget is available for inspec tion by the public at, to-wit: 6930 South Holly Circle Centennial, Colorado 80112-1018 Tel: 303-770-8625

c) Any interested elector within the Willows Water District may file any objections to the proposed budget at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget by the Board of Directors of said utility district.

Dated this 27th day of October 2022.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFTHE WILLOWS WATER DISTRICT

Legal Notice No. 301648-60648

First Publication: November 2, 2022 Last Publication: November 2, 2022 Publisher: Englewood Herald Centennial Citizen

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Quincy Avenue / Gun Club Road Intersection Improvement Project Project No. C15-022

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County, Colorado shall make final settlement with SEMA Construction, Inc. for its work completed for Arapahoe County. The work performed under this contract, dated July 31st, 2019, for the reconstruc tion of the Intersection at Quincy Avenue and Gun Club Road from a two through lane intersection to a 4 through lane Partial Continuous Flow Intersection, including a drainageway crossing, traffic signals, storm drainage, curb gutter, and paving operations.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has fur nished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed or any of its subcontractors or that has supplied rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used by SEMA Construction Inc. or any of its subcontractors in or about the performance of the work done within unincorporated Arapahoe County, whose claim has not been paid by SEMA Construction Inc. or any of its subcontractors may file a claim with the Board of County Com missioners of Arapahoe County, 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120, at any time up to and including November 14, 2022.

This Notice is published in accordance with §3826-107, C.R.S., and all claims, if any, shall be filed in accordance with this statutory section. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement and/or claim prior to the aforementioned date for filing claims shall release Arapahoe County, its officers, agents and employees from any or all liability, claims, and suits for payment to Elite Surface Infrastructure, Inc.

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board

Legal Notice No. Arap 1128

October 27, 2022

November 3, 2022

Englewood Herald Littleton

Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen