BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A crowd of residents gathered in Englewood High School March 14 for U.S. Rep. Jason Crow’s rst-ever town hall in Englewood, discussing issues such as education funding, the Centennial Airport, water concerns and veterans’ mental health.
Shirley Bennett was going through the jury duty selection process at the Arapahoe County Courthouse when o cials called a recess. She and other potential jurors walked into the hallway.
“I remember walking outside (of the courtroom) and sitting on a bench,” Bennett said. “And I remember waking up four days later.” Between the moments she re-
members, Bennett, who is 69, went into cardiac arrest. anks to the rapid response of dozens of court deputies and other bystanders on scene that day, she is alive to tell the story.
On March 9, Bennett returned to the courthouse to express her gratitude to the rst responders who saved her life in February by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
“I don’t know you all one by one or name by name, but I love you and appreciate you,” she said.
“You’re in my prayers and you’re in my thoughts. I know we hear the prayers and thoughts thing so much with all the tragedy and things that happen. But I mean that from my heart — no pun intended
At the event, South Metro Fire Rescue recognized 19 Arapahoe County law enforcement o cers for their e orts in helping save Bennett’s life.
Sgt. Robert Chase, one of the rst people to arrive on the scene of the emergency, was among those recognized.
“It was clear that Shirley was having a pretty signi cant medical event,” he said. “(We) could tell right away — we assessed real quickly — that we needed to start CPR. So that’s what we did, and more people started showing up as well.”
“I’m so excited that Congressman Crow’s team and Congressman Crow asked if they could host a town hall here,” said Englewood Schools Superintendent Wendy Rubin, who introduced Crow.
“He takes his responsibilities and obligations to our country, and to the people that he represents very, very seriously,” Rubin said. “I just could not be more thrilled that he decided to host this town hall here to really welcome Englewood and surrounding communities into CD (Congressional District) 6, and to show how accessible he is and to really show his heart of service.”
Every 10 years, the U.S. population is counted through the national census and districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, also referred to as the congressional districts, are redrawn, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Due to Colorado’s population growth from 2010 to 2020, the state
When Libby Bortz left her home for college, her parents told her it was important to have an educated heart, not just an educated mind.
“When you can feel with people and you know what it feels like to be in their shoes — that, for me, is kind of what an educated heart is about,” Bortz said. “It means that you think beyond yourself and you take into account other people’s needs, not just your own.”
For Bortz, an educated heart was the motivator behind much of her work in Littleton, where she made a di erence in the community through counseling, housing, education civil rights and criminal justice.
Bortz was one of 17 trailblazing women inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame at the annual induction gala on March 15.
“Our lives and those to come have been made better because of what these women reached and what they’ve accomplished,” said Anne Trujillo, a Denver7 news anchor who emceed the gala at the Sheraton Downtown Denver hotel. “ e best part is that some of them are not nished yet.”
Since its founding in 1985, the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame has
inducted 172 women in recognition of their contributions to society.
e hall highlights those who have advanced the roles of women in society, including teachers, scientists, social activists, philanthropists, writers, humanitarians and more.
Bortz, who is 88, grew up in a small town in New York and later attended the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
When she moved to Littleton after college, she spoke with an admissions o cer at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to see what it would take to have a decent application.
“She told me, “Don’t bother, you’re too old,’” Bortz said. She was 27 at the time.
A few years later, Bortz took steps toward legal action against the medical school for gender discrimination, causing the institution to eliminate their gender quota and start enrolling more women. Decades after that, Bortz became part of the medical school’s admissions committee and continued working to bring more gender equity to the institution.
Bortz got her master’s degree in social work from the University in Denver and began practicing as a clinical therapist. In this role, she saw many female clients and started to connect the dots between mental health, education and housing.
“Two-thirds of all people who
came into the mental health center at that time were women,” Bortz said. “And they were women who had, due to divorce, desertion, separation, whatever, debt, they were on their own… So we started the programs for women at the college, so that they could gain some skill to support themselves and their kids.”
Bortz developed courses and programs for women at Arapahoe Community College and helped ACC open a women’s resource center. She also provided leadership to other colleges throughout Colorado to start similar programs.
In addition, Bortz started to see how housing played a role in people’s wellbeing. She helped her city begin the Littleton Housing Authority, now known as South Metro Housing Options, one of the rst housing authorities in Colorado.
She provided leadership for the housing authority for 47 years and served as rst chairperson of the Colorado Association of State Housing Authorities.
“ e opportunity to have decent housing, to live in a community where you feel you can be productive and safe, to have an education that allows you to certainly earn a decent living as well as giving you some satisfaction and pride — I think that’s what having an educated heart means,” she said.
e Libby Bortz Assisted Living Center, the rst assisted living center in the U.S. to be built by a public housing authority, is named after her.
In her work in criminal justice, Bortz sat on a local committee that focused on the needs of victims, speci cally working to help women who were victims of domestic violence and other crimes.
She also sat on the Littleton Council for Human Relations, a group that worked towards integration in Littleton and brought Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Littleton in 1963.
rough her work in mental health, education, housing, criminal justice and civil rights, Bortz saw connections.
“I see the whole, everything I’ve done, as a montage that belongs together,” she said.
Even when she was rejected for her own credit card, she saw how it connected to other areas of justice and equality.
“ e answer always was, ‘Your
husband has a credit card in his name. What do you need one for?’” she said.
She wrote a letter asking the president of the company if he didn’t trust his wife with expenditures. e next thing she knew, she was approved for the card.
“If you don’t have credit, as a woman or anyone doesn’t have credit, you know that it’s hard to buy some things,” she said. “It all comes together, and that’s good mental health.”
Breaking the mold
Bortz received plenty of criticism for her work throughout her life. When she ran for a county commissioner position in Arapahoe County and during her work to further civil rights, she received threatening phone calls, one telling her she’d be “terribly sorry” for what she was doing. rough the challenges she faced, Bortz found strength to forge forward because she knew she was doing the right thing.
“Women were supposed to know their place, and I broke that mold,” she said. “I just felt that what I was doing was humane. It was right. at we deserved whatever opportunities might be out there to try for.”
Bortz said her mother was an inspiration to her as she worked towards justice and equality.
“My mother was a good role model for persistence about doing the right thing,” she said. “And it was right to try to have people have choice about where they live. It was right to have schools re ect the whole world.”
With humility, Bortz noted that she worked through her life with many other people ghting for justice.
“I found a group of like-minded people — you need that if you’re going to be a pioneer,” she said. “Certainly, there were many of us who paved the way.”
Bortz said she was honored to be chosen for the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, as it acknowledges so many women who have made e orts to provide opportunities for everyone.
“When you value doing the things that you know make this a better world, then go for it, ght for it,” she said. “And if other people don’t always agree, that’s okay for you to keep at it... Do what you believe is the right thing to do.”
Arguably one of the hardest working women in comedy today, Tammy Pescatelli brings her brassy sexiness and bold voice of witty sarcasm to the PACE Center stage!LIbby Bortz appreciates her award, which represents her induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. PHOTO BY NINA JOSS
A report from the Anti-Defamation League released on March 8 found that 2022 had over 6,750 instances of white supremacist propaganda reported, the highest number of instances the organization has recorded.
When Terry Carhart found an antiSemitic and anti-LGBTQ yer in his Highlands Ranch yard on March 4, he was disgusted.
e yer was in a small plastic baggie weighed down with dry beans and, by Carhart’s observation, had been scattered in several yards in his neighborhood near Fox Creek Elementary School.
“I have an issue with someone who thinks that way driving around, passing out literature in my area,” Carhart, 64, said. “It’s nonsensical.”
Carhart felt compelled to report the yers to the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce and the Anti-Defamation League because he has Jewish neighbors and worried about the messaging leading to harm.
e yers Carhart found were just some of the anti-Semitic propaganda found in Front Range areas so far this month, with more yers found in the Terrain neighborhood in Castle Rock on March 7.
Castle Rock Mayor Jason Gray, whose grandfather died in a concentration camp during the Holocaust, spoke out against the messaging at the March 7 town council meeting, calling it “disheartening” and encouraging the council and town residents to speak out against it and report it.
“It’s not what Castle Rock is about,” Gray said. “ is kind of rhetoric makes my blood boil.”
A report from the Anti-Defamation League released on March 8 found that 2022 had over 6,750 instances of white supremacist propaganda reported, the highest number of instances the organization has recorded.
Scott Levin, the director for the Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region, said Colorado had 163 instances of white supremacist propaganda last year compared to 159 in 2021.
Levin said a concern with the increasing propaganda is that it will lead to the normalization of hate, which can lead to violence.
“ e problem is that they do normalize this kind of hate and anger in a way that it might become criminal activity,” he said. “It only takes one person to react to this, think some of it may be true, and act on it.”
e propaganda also serves to recruit people to white supremacist groups and helps those groups make money by connecting people to their websites and media, Levin said.
e yers Carhart found in Highlands Ranch linked to a website featuring Holocaust denial and streaming an anti-Semitic lm, which the Anti-Defamation League report found is often associated with the white supremacist group White Lives Matter.
Levin said the best response to nding propaganda is to loudly rebuke it so that the messaging doesn’t become normalized. He added that reporting instances of propaganda to law enforcement and the AntiDefamation League helps track the issue.
“Neighbors need to speak out and say ‘ is stu isn’t acceptable’ and they need to give support to those groups that are targeted,” he said.
On March 28, the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to approve or deny a moratorium for up to six months on accepting any applications for a Use by Special Review for an oil and gas facility.
Visit arapahoegov.com/oilandgas for details.
We’re looking for a Weatherization division manager to help lead our e orts in connecting qualifying residents with free energy saving services.
Weatherization provides a professional audit of a resident’s home to determine what energy-conserving updates or installations will keep them cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter while lowering utility bills.
Arapahoe County o ers excellent salary and benefits. Learn more and apply at: arapahoegov.com/jobs
redistricting
meeting dates, times, locations and to submit comments.
‘It’s not what Castle Rock is about. This kind of rhetoric makes my blood boil.’
Jason Gray, Castle Rock mayor
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Looking towards July, nutrition directors in schools across the country are urging federal lawmakers to strengthen their support of school nutrition programs.
Jessica Gould, the nutrition director at Littleton Public Schools, was one of 800 school nutrition professionals who went to Washington D.C. in March to call for changes at the School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) annual legislative action conference. ey urged Congress to nancially support school meal programs, slow regulatory changes and take steps towards o ering free school meals for all students.
“If (kids) don’t have nutrition in them, are they going to be able to learn all the things that we’re doing and teaching them in school?” Gould said. “Giving every child the opportunity to have a nutritious breakfast and lunch keeps them fueled for their day so that they can learn and that they can reach their highest potential.”
Federal funding
Congress dropped billions in COVID relief from its spending bill in 2022, including money that allowed schools to o er free meals to all students during the pandemic. At that time, Gould and her colleagues
across the country worried how they would continue to provide food for the clearly massive need in their communities.
Right in the nick of time, the federal government made a move to continue support to schools’ nutrition programs for the next year.
“At the very last minute - I mean, very last minute - the Keep Kids Fed Act funding… came through for us, which was very instrumental and, in all honesty, like critical for us to keep maintaining our budget,” Gould said.
e Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022 increased the federal funding reimbursement for school lunches and breakfasts.
is July, the funding will end unless it is extended.
In D.C., Gould and her colleagues urged lawmakers to make permanent the funding increases from the Keep Kids Fed Act.
In ation, supply shortages and higher salaries to combat labor shortages have dramatically increased costs for school food programs, according to the SNA. A recent survey by the group showed that 99.8% of school nutrition director respondents are challenged by increasing costs.
“ e way that the regulations are written, we are pretty tied to that reimbursement, that it is a very speci c equation” Gould said. “And it just is not enough right now for us to maintain our program and the integrity of our programs…. What gets cut, you know? Do you cut on professional development for the team? Do you
cut on food quality?”
Gould said two bills in Congress propose extending the Keep Kids Fed Act or permanently funding school nutrition programs.
Healthy school meals for all
In November, almost 57% of Colorado voters supported a proposition to provide a universal free school meal program at districts in the state. is program, called Healthy School Meals for All, will start in Littleton in August.
During their legislative action conference, Gould and her colleagues advocated for the federal government to implement a program like this in all states.
“A student that’s hungry in Colorado is no di erent than a student that’s hungry in Nebraska,” Gould said. “I think as a global perspective, just wanting that same bene t for all kids is important.”
Since meal waivers from the pandemic expired, California and Maine have continued free meals in their states, according to the SNA. But most school meal programs in the country require families to complete free and reduced-price applications.
“If you make $51,400 as a family of four, you don’t qualify (for free and reduced meals in Littleton),” Gould said.
For this reason, families in Littleton and across the country build up negative balances within school meal systems. SNA reported that many schools must cut into other funds to cover the debt.
anks to support from the Littleton Public Schools Foundation, negative balances will be wiped clean in the district before the Healthy School
Meals for All program begins next school year, Gould said.
“As we move into next year, no family will then have to worry about the balance that they previously had or any of that and then all kids will be able to eat for free,” she said.
It’s unlikely the national government will start a program for free meals for all states this year, Gould said, but it’s worth taking steps towards the goal.
Gould said the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently rolled out proposed nutrition standards that would call for further reductions in sodium and sugar, starting in the 2024-2025 school year.
In D.C., she and other advocates called on lawmakers to ensure the USDA maintains current school nutrition standards, rather than implementing “additional, unachievable rules,” according to the SNA.
Schools plan menus a year or more ahead of time, Gould said. Expecting schools to meet new nutrition standards by the 2024-2025 school year doesn’t provide enough time for them to conduct taste testing to ensure the meals are desirable in student’s eyes.
“It’s very proven that no matter how hungry some kids are, if (food) tastes horrible, they will not eat it,” Gould said. “We want to make sure it’s nutritious and that it is actually palatable.”
In addition, many manufacturers don’t o er products that would meet the new reductions in sodium and sugar.
“We are asking for more of a conversation about what the rollout looks like, so that we don’t need to
start those rollouts (in the 2024-2025 school year),” Gould said. “And/or if we do, that it’s less of an aggressive rollout.”
Gould understands the intention of the proposed nutrition standards, but said schools have been working towards healthy meals with lower sodium and more fruits and vegetables for many years. She said educating families and students on nutrition and how to implement it in a healthy lifestyle is the next crucial step.
“To me, that’s a little bit more of what we need to be doing right now,” she said. “So that… as we do continue to increase the nutritional quality of the items that we’re providing, it sticks because they understand why they’re doing it too — we’re not just doing it behind the scenes and they have no idea what’s happening”
Advocates also asked Congress to reduce regulatory and administrative burdens so nutrition providers can better put time and resources towards serving students.
As Littleton Public School looks forward to beginning the Healthy School Meals for All program, Gould said her team needs to hire about 25 more sta members to meet the higher participation.
“Every initiative that we want to do will fall short if we don’t have the people to help do it,” she said. “it really is like the most amazing job because you’re working your student’s schedule. ere’s a lot of bene ts — I think people kind of forget that they’re out there.”
Interested applicants can nd more information and apply on the district’s website at https://littletonpublicschools.net/apply-now-openpositions.
BY RACHEL LORENZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Weekend brunch is the latest change to come to El Mesón Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Highlands Ranch since it came under new management last winter.
“I think it’s gonna be a good surprise for people who come for breakfast,” Inti Salgado told Colorado Community Media. “So they can taste these avors.”
Established nearly two decades ago near Redstone Park, El Mesón is now co-owned by Teresa Hernandez of Highlands Ranch and Bertha Montiel of Denver. Salgado is Hernandez’s husband and part of the restaurant’s leadership team.
e previous owner, Amelia Lopez, is Salgado’s relative by marriage. Lopez’s retirement gave Hernandez the opportunity to move to the area from Mexico and acquire El Mesón in February 2022, Salgado said.
Montiel, who’s worked on and o in the restaurant industry for 18 years, was an acquaintance of Hernandez’s before joining the business in June. “We have a great team. I know about restaurants. He knows technology. She knows accounting,” Montiel said of Salgado and Hernandez.
e new owners refreshed the eatery by removing the carpet and clearing away some furniture from the vestibule and decor from the walls. Previously painted a variety of bold colors, El Mesón’s interior is now a more serene gray. A cleaner, simpler aesthetic was what they were after, Montiel, Hernandez and Salgado all agreed.
In February of this year, El Mesón debuted its breakfast menu featuring Mexican favorites like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles as well as brunch staples like three-egg omelets and French toast. Because it’s o ered until 3 p.m., even late sleep-
El Mesón Authentic Mexican Cuisine is at 3506 W. Town Center Drive in Highlands Ranch. It’s open Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Enchiladas montadas, or enchiladas with eggs on top, is part of El Mesón’s new breakfast menu.
ers can enjoy it, Montiel said. Montiel has fond memories of Sunday breakfast out with family and likes the idea of providing that in the community. “I’ve always wanted to do bottomless mimosas and bloody marys,” she said, so El Mesón o ers a handful of boozy brunch beverages in addition to coffee, tea and juice.
Taco Tuesday, a new-to-El Mesón tradition, is another weekly event that Hernandez and Montiel added
Chase said the emergency happened during the courts’ lunch break, making it possible for many deputies, who otherwise would have been in trials, to respond to the scene.
Several o cers performed CPR on Bennett while others gathered witness statements and cleared pathways in preparation for South Metro Fire Rescue’s arrival. ey performed CPR for about 10 minutes before paramedics and emergency medical technicians arrived.
Bennett had two more heart attacks that day, one in the ambulance and one at the hospital.
Early intervention
Jens Pietrzyk, division chief of emergency medical services at South Metro Fire Rescue, told the group at the March 9 event that his department sees about 500 cases of cardiac arrest per year. Of that, only about 10% end in full recovery like Bennett’s case did.
One of the most important factors in being able to successfully resuscitate someone when they have cardiac arrest is early intervention.
“When somebody gets to the hospital after cardiac arrest, if they’ve had early CPR, if they’ve had early interventions, then we have something that we can work with,”
Jonathan Apfelbaum, medical director for South Metro Fire Rescue, said to the group. “But the time between when something happens and the time that they get there — if it’s not for people like yourselves, there’s nothing we can do.”
Deputy Mike Gentry, who was one of the rst on scene, said he’s performed CPR numerous times during his 13 years on patrol.
“She’s the rst one that we actually brought back,” he said.
Mitchell Kohl, a practicing attorney and a medical doctor, was walking out of a nearby courtroom when he saw the commotion.
“I got over there, took o my tie, got my sleeves rolled up and just started helping,” he said. “I will tell you, I wasn’t con dent in the outcome.”
Bennett was unresponsive, not breathing and had no pulse. Depu-
move.
“Jury duty saved my life”
In Kohl’s eyes, Bennett’s attitude is one of the reasons she survived.
“ ere’s been evidence that shows having a good attitude in your recovery helps patients recover quicker and better,” he said. “And she’s a perfect example — her attitude’s infectious. And if there were more people with her attitude, the world would be a better place.”
Bennett said she hopes her experience inspires more people to get trained in CPR, as it truly can save lives. Before it saved hers, she started the CPR training program at RTD, where she worked for almost 40 years.
“I just wish it’s the kind of thing that everyone could learn to do,” she said. “I’m very much a proponent of CPR, rst aid, and all of those types of things. And I never knew it would go full circle and come back — that one day I would need it, and I had a whole band of angels there who came to my rescue.”
While most people dread receiving a jury summons, Bennett will never look at that civic role the same way.
“People have said ‘I’ll do anything to get out of jury duty,’” she said.
“Jury duty saved my life — because if I had not been at jury duty at that time, I would have been at home alone. And the outcome could have been totally di erent.”
gained an eighth congressional district. Following a redistricting process, in November 2021, the Colorado Supreme Court approved the new, redrawn congressional maps, as reported by e Colorado Sun.
Crow, a Democrat who was reelected in 2022, represents Colorado’s sixth congressional district, which now includes Englewood.
“I’m really excited that this is a part of the new district,” Crow said. “ is is actually one of the most exciting parts of my job, just being here — being out, giving you an update on what I’m doing, taking your questions, taking your feedback. It helps me be a better representative and to do my job better.”
During the question-and-answer portion of the event, residents spoke to a variety of issues the community faces to learn more about Crow’s opinions and plans for action.
Education funding
Caty Husbands, a member of the Englewood Schools Board of Education, raised a question about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also called IDEA, which is a federal law that ensures a free public education to eligible students with disabilities.
According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Congress promised to cover 40% of the extra cost of special education when IDEA was passed.
“Unfortunately, Congress has never come close to ful lling that promise,”
the national center said on its website. “ e federal government is only covering 14.6% of the additional cost.”
For Englewood Schools, Husbands said each year they dedicate roughly $2 million out of the general fund to pay the federal mandate.
“Where do you stand on the bill in the house as far as the full funding of IDEA?” Husbands asked.
e IDEA Full Funding Act was introduced in November 2021 in both the house and the senate.
“Under the 1975 IDEA legislation, the federal government committed to pay 40% of the average per pupil expenditure for special education,” according to a news release from the o ce of U.S. Rep Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. “ e IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular increases in IDEA spending to nally meet our commitment to America’s children and schools.”
Crow is among the more than 130 co-sponsors listed on the proposed house bill.
“My position is the same, it hasn’t changed. I support full funding,” Crow said. “I’ll continue to push in the appropriations process for that. I think that’s in the best interest of our children, I think that’s in the best interest of the school district and the taxpayer.”
Husbands asked Crow if he had any thoughts on why U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have signed on to the senate bill. Crow said he will communicate to them why he supports it and ask them to do the same.
Centennial Airport
Audra Dubler, a leader of Quiet Skies Over Arapahoe County, focused
her question on concerns about the Centennial Airport. e Quiet Skies organization is a group of residents advocating for changes to be made to address safety and noise concerns at Centennial Airport. For months, they have been attending meetings to raise concerns about increased air tra c, noise and lead pollution impacting residents, speci cally those living north of Arapahoe Road.
Dubler thanked Crow for issuing a letter in December, along with Bennet and Hickenlooper, that encouraged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to attend the airport’s monthly community meetings in person.
Although the FAA had representation both in person and virtually at the February meeting, it did not have any representation at the March meeting.
“Our community is su ering,” Dubler said. “ e noise is so debilitating. ere’s about 600 training ights a day, 500 feet over our homes.”
“ e question being: How are you going to help? What is that timeline?” she asked Crow. “We’re just su ering and we need you more than ever.”
Crow noted there were a number of people in attendance from the Quiet Skies chapter, saying they have been wonderful partners. He also noted he is not happy.
He said he has a “long history of not being happy with the FAA,” explaining that there was a lack of engagement with the community when the FAA implemented NextGen around 2018 over the Denver International Airport.
“If you are a civil servant, a public servant, you show up and you listen to people. And they’re not doing it and I’m pretty pissed, frankly,” Crow said. “ e FAA reauthorization is up this year, so we do have leverage, right? e budget’s coming up and they need our money.”
Crow said he will work with Bennet and Hickenlooper to see how they can make the FAA engage in a productive way. He is not sure what the timeline will be, however.
“I’m going to do everything possible to try to hold their feet to the re,” he said.
One resident described Englewood’s water quality as “not stellar” and said an issue the city faces is the levels of man-made chemicals in its water treatment plant.
In February, the city announced that the levels of chemicals called PFAS (per- and poly- uoroalkyl substances) are above the Environmental Protection Agency’s newest interim health advisory levels.
Speci cally, the levels of per uorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and per uorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which are PFAS compounds, tested above the new interim advisory levels.
e city, which supplies drinking water to approximately 57,000 people, said on its website there is not an immediate public health risk and people do not need to stop drinking their water.
However, exposure to low concentrations of these chemicals over time can cause health e ects, said Pieter Van Ry, director of the Englewood Utilities Department and the South Platte Renew, during a Jan. 23 city council special meeting.
“ ese are forever chemicals,” Van Ry said, explaining the chemicals
date back to the 1940s and were used in materials such as re ghting foam, non-stick cookware and carpets.
Although these chemicals were widely used for many years, in the 2000s, concern about the potential health risk of these chemicals grew when PFOA and PFOS were detected in human blood, according to the EPA.
“Since that time, hundreds of di erent PFAS have been found in water, soil, and air,” the EPA’s website states.
“Many PFAS are made up of long chains of carbon- uorine bonds, such as PFOA and PFOS, are environmentally persistent, bioaccumulative, and remain in human bodies for a long time.”
Most uses of PFOA and PFOS were voluntarily phased out by United States manufacturers in the mid2000s, according to the EPA, but the chemicals remain in the environment due to their lack of degradation. e resident asked Crow what resources the federal government is able to provide in addressing this issue.
On a national level, Crow said that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will help repair water lines and address some of the issues with PFOA and PFOS.
“Our water infrastructure, much like our electrical grid and our telecommunications grid, is aging, is not keeping up with the needs. And it’s causing a real health concern,” Crow said.
Crow said he has supported legislative e orts to ban the use of these forever chemicals and to make sure those chemicals are out of the water supply and ecosystem.
One way these chemicals get into the ecosystem is through re ghting foam at places like airports.
“And we’re trying to ban that through the National Defense Authorization Act, the DOD (Department of Defense) budget,” Crow said.
A 2022 study conducted by Westwater Hydrology LLC reported that PFAS pollution in Sand Creek and the South Platte River is connected, in part, to the Suncor re nery.
Crow said he is working with U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, who he said has jurisdiction over that facility, to “make sure we’re holding them accountable,” as well as the state and the governor to address any regulatory issues and “force them to clean up their act, essentially.”
“With regard to Englewood, I’ll work with the city leadership. We have a meeting coming up with them soon, actually, with the mayor and the council to talk about speci c needs.
“One of the things that I’m able to do, there’s a program called the Community Project Funding, CPF funds, and I can actually put in speci c requests for large funding to address speci c infrastructure needs of communities,” he said. “In fact, I was able to get almost $4 million for the City of Aurora last year to help them replace an aging … waterline.”
If there is a similar need in Englewood, he said he can work with the city to submit a request.
Veterans’ mental health
Crow is a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said he is proud to now be serving as the Democratic co-chair of the bipartisan veterans’ caucus called the For
Country Caucus.
When one resident, named David, took the microphone to ask a question, he thanked Crow for his service. en, he became emotional as he spoke of his son.
“He served in Afghanistan as well, came home and separated and did not get the support he needed, and ended his life by suicide,” he said. “What more can we do to help our veterans and reduce this epidemic of suicide that’s going on today?”
“David, I’m — I’m very, very sorry you had to go through that,” Crow responded. “I also have lost friends to suicide. We’re losing about 19 veterans a day, actually, due to suicide.”
According to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, in 2020, there were 6,146 veteran suicide deaths — an average of 16.8 per day. e suicide rate for veterans in 2020 was roughly 57.3% greater than for non-veteran U.S. adults, per the report.
“ ere’s a crisis also, in particular, with our most recent veterans, and we saw a spike in suicide and mental health crisis with the collapse of Afghanistan,” Crow said. “A lot of vets, me included, struggled with what that meant, what our service meant and what we did over the last 20 years.”
In 2021, the U.S. withdrew the last of its troops from Afghanistan, resulting in the Taliban regaining control of the country and a refugee crisis as many Afghans ed, according to the Pew Research Center.
To his fellow veterans, Crow said that if they struggle with the meaning of their service and how things ended, remember there is a big di erence between the individual service of veterans and the politics and policy decisions surrounding those con icts.
“For the vets who raised their right hand and have served honorably and done their job, you should be proud of that service because you did your job,” Crow said.
“When somebody raises their right hand and takes that up, they are pledging to give up to their life, if necessary, for this country. Some of them do it in service,” Crow said before then taking a pause.
“And some of them do it after their service,” he continued, his voice starting to break. “ ey carry that pain with them. And those are numbers that aren’t included in the casualty count — but your son’s service matters and is noticed. And because of that, I believe we just need to be all in on our veterans’ bene ts, on our support services, in our funding.”
Crow said that is why he supported the PACT Act, a bill that expands health care and bene ts for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.
He also supported increasing funding for the U.S. Department of Veterans A airs, also called the VA, while also supporting increased oversight and accountability of the VA, Crow said.
“And that’s why I also developed and came up with a bill called the Veterans’ Sentinel Act, and what this bill of mine does is would actually force the VA to start collecting data on veteran suicide on VA campuses.
“Because what we know is a lot of veterans — and this is a hard thing to say, it’s a hard thing to talk about — a lot of veterans actually take their lives at VA centers because they know that (if) they do that, that they’ll be taken care of. Let that sink in for a minute,” Crow said.
e VA, however, does not keep data on this and does not track why it happens, how the VA responds and how they’re trying to prevent it.
“I am pushing to force the VA to do some simple things and to give us data as policymakers to be better about it,” Crow said.
ere are also things people in the community can do to help veterans, namely being better about the way that people discuss the veterans’ experience, he said.
“We’re really good at thanking people for their service, tying yellow ribbons around trees, doing yovers at NFL games. But … we are terrible, we are awful as a society at sitting down and engaging with our veterans and sharing their burden,” Crow said.
He encouraged people to ask veterans what they did in their service, what burdens they carry and how they can share that burden.
“When we ask our men and women to go and ght on our behalf or do something on our behalf, that shouldn’t be their burden to bear alone,” he said.
ere is a 24/7, con dential crisis support line for veterans that can be contacted by dialing 988 and then pressing 1. People can also text 838255 or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net. e crisis line serves veterans, service members, national guard and reserve members and people who support them.
Crow, who is entering his fth year in Congress, said it has been a “crazy, tumultuous four years.”
“It’s been a wild time, there’s been nothing normal about any of it. But it’s truly been the pleasure, the honor of my life to do this work, and to represent all of you and to represent Colorado during one of our most challenging times,” he said. e challenges facing the country are more complicated than they’ve ever been, Crow said, adding that he does not have all the answers.
“I believe in this notion of servant leadership, which means that, you know, no one man or woman has all the answers. But if you can work together as a community, with a collaborative approach, we can all learn, and we can all advocate together,” he said.
“We’re not always going to agree,” he added. “But you’re always gonna know where I stand and why I stand that way. And I will always keep an open mind. And if you convince me otherwise, I’ll change my position … because I’m learning too.”
The promise of the U.S. and of the community, he said, is that people treat one another with civility and respect, keep an open mind, show up for respectful conversations and try to find answers together.
“ at is the only path forward,” he said. “ at is the way that I’m gonna conduct myself in this job so long as I’m in this position and I have the honor to represent you all.”
Residents interested in contacting Crow’s o ce to ask a question or get assistance with a federal agency can visit crow.house.gov/contact.
Arapahoe County Libraries
Locations: Multiple locations in Arapahoe County
Website: arapahoelibraries.org
Details: Each year, Arapahoe libraries hosts a variety of reading events and gatherings to help fill the summer hours.
Douglas County Libraries
Locations: See website
Website: www.dcl.org/camp-dcl
Details: Choose from weeklong half-day camps at six DCL locations or full-day camps at select locations from June 5 through Aug. 4. Camps are facilitated by subject matter experts and supported by trained staff and volunteers. Camp themes include science, robotics, creative arts, LEGOs, cooking and baking, with each camp geared to a specific age range.
Summer Camp
Locations: See website
Website: www.bit.ly/3YRWCcC
Details: The program is a fully licensed day care by the State of Colorado, Department of Human Services for children 5 years old (and completed kindergarten) through 14 years old. There is a registration fee of $10 per child.
Highlands Ranch Community Association
Locations: Recreation centers throughout the community
Website: www.hrcaonline.org/ classes-camps-activities/camps
Details: Every year, the Highlands Ranch Community Association works to provide something for everyone in its summer camp program. For children into sports, there are plenty of athletic camps available. For those looking to improve in art, arts and education programs are plentiful.
Parker Arts
Locations: 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Website: www.parkerarts.org/education/ classes-camps
Details: Parker Arts is a great place for kids this summer, with a variety of programs serving a variety of ages all summer. With theater camps, a variety of art camps, technology camps and more - there is plenty to keep the mind and imagination a live.
Locations: Vary based on camp
Website: www.crgov.com/3270/ Summer-Camps
Details: From sports camps to jedi training and science and arts — the Town of Castle Rock prevents a full slate of summer camp programs in 2023. Visit the town’s website to learn more about ages, prices and
details.
Town of Parker/Parker Fieldhouse
Location: 18700 Plaza Drive, Parker
Website: www.parkerrec.com/2029/Summer-Day-Camp
Details: Ages 5 to 13 can join this camp for themed games, activities, crafts and a ton of fun at the Parker Fieldhouse. Campers will be separated into age groups 5 to 6 years, 7 to 9 years, and 10 to 13 years. Expect swimming days and field trips too.
The Giggling Life Care Farm
Location: 14583 Cherry St., Thornton
Website: www.thegigglinglife.com/ summer-farm-fun
Details: If your kids love animals you need to check out The Giggling Life Care Farm in Thornton for summer activities. The Giggling Life Care Farm is special for a lot of reasons, but the most important one is Kristi — the owner. She has a BS in psychology and a master’s in education, has studied life coaching for the last eight years, and is certified in Equine Assisted Coaching and Pet Therapy.
Highlands Ranch — Camp Backcountry
Location: 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton
Website: www.hrcaonline.org/ classes-camps-activities/camps/ camp-backcountry
Details: Nestled into 8,200 acres of wildlife conservation property just south of C-470 on Santa Fe Drive, Camp Backcountry is the spot for a build-a-fort, hike-just-to-explore, and don’t-forget-your-binoculars kind of summer for your kids. The Backcountry believes that children learn, grow, and thrive best when outdoors and immersed in nature. Our week-long, full-day outdoor camps support the needs of children by using a whole-child, experiential learning approach. From mini-camps to leaders-intraining programs, the camps are for ages 5-17.
Great Outdoors Summer Camp
Location: Miller Activity Complex
1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
Website: www.crgov.com/3270/ Summer-Camps
Details: This regional park includes the Miller Activity Complex (MAC), Millhouse, Amphitheater, Challenge Hill, ziplines, Adventure Tower, Sky Trek, and adventure playground area as well as over ten miles of hiking and biking trails. For ages 10-15.
Chatfield Stables Horse Camps
Location: 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton
Website: www.chatfieldstables.com/horsecamps.html
Details: Chatfield Stables is the longest-
running horse camp in the area. Every child has their own horse for the entire week. Kids get to lead, feed, water and work with their horses every day. Campers learn horse care, including grooming and bridling. They water and feed their horses, learn to groom them, and take care of them at the end of the day. We ride daily, whether in the arena or on the trail.
Community Sailing of Colorado
Locations: 4800 S. Dayton St., Greenwood Village
Website: www.communitysailing.org
Details: Community Sailing of Colorado provides premier sailing programs (summer camps, adult classes, adaptive sailing, and community partnership events) at Cherry Creek and Boulder reservoirs. The weeklong summer camps range from beginner through advanced sailing for youth ages 5-17. It’s a perfect fit for any adventurous spirit who loves the outdoors.
Kookalooz Space Playground: STEM
Summer Camp
Locations:
6805 W. 88th Ave., Westminster
Website: www.kookalooz.com/ westminster-co/summer-camps
Details: 5 different camps from the basics of space to engineering. Each camp is one week long. For ages 5-10.
Colorado Adventure Point
Location: 10455 W. 6th Ave., Suite 150, Lakewood
Website: www.coloradoadventurepoint.org
Details: CAP’s STEM Camp isn’t your typical science camp. Our campers get to experiment with chemistry, physics and engineering through a variety of materials, experiments and challenges to meet their curiosities and skill level in our challenge by choice model. In addition to building engineering models and friendships, the campers get to enjoy our climbing wall, archery range and more — and learn the
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science behind these fun activities. Camps are available for ages 6-12.
Butterfly Pavilion
Location: 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster
Website: www.butterflies.org
Details: Starting June 5 and running through Aug. 11, the Butterfly Pavilion hosts all the creepy crawlies and your children at camp. There are five themes, which repeat once and include spider week, junior zookeeper and survival stories, where kids can learn about how insects adapt to survive.
Mad Science
Locations: Multiple locations in the Denver metro area, including the Littleton area, Denver and Broomfield
Website: www.colorado.madscience.org
Details: These camps are designed for ages 6 to 12, though sessions such as Red-Hot Robots and Advanced Robotics camps are more appropriate for ages 8 to 12. Instructors are mostly college students pursuing degrees in education or science and teachers off for the summer. Themes include chemistry, space science, forensics, engineering and more. Each camp is weeklong, though times can vary.
Air & Space Camp
Location: Wings Over the Rockies
7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
Website: www.wingsmuseum.org/ education/camp
Details: Ready for an aerospace adventure? At Wings Over the Rockies that’s exactly what kids ages 8 to 14 can expect in these week-long camps. The fun starts June 5 and goes on until Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Center for the Arts: Summer in Color
Location: 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen
Website: www.evergreenarts.org/ summercamp
Details: Camps explore various media, from clay sculpting and wheel throwing, to pop art and mural painting, to the art of different cultures and the art of the masters. Several of our camps also incorporate outdoor components, including hikes, yoga, and opportunities for photography and eco-art projects. Let kids explore their creative side with imaginative and inspiring camps at CAE this summer. For ages 5-17.
Denver Art Museum
Location: 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver
Website: www.denverartmuseum.org/en/ summer-camps
Details: The camps at the Denver Art Museum get broken into three age groups: 5 to 6, 7 to 8, and 9 to 11. Overall, the themes remain the same — there are camps about art in nature, how to draw, learning about color and sculpture. Each camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes plenty of time in the museum to garner inspiration.
Craftsman & Apprentice
Location: 1335 E 22nd Ave., Denver
Website: www.craftsmanandapprentice. com/pages/summer-2023
Details: Ages 5 to 11 can spend the summer creating worlds out of cardboard, paint, hot glue, ribbons, corks, buttons and more at this Denver kids’ crafting studio. Themes include toys, crafty critters, fiber arts and more.
The Apollo Center Summer Camps
Location: 2655 Industrial Lane, Broomfield
Website: www.theapollocenter.com/ summercamps
Details: The Apollo Center offers a variety of skill-based camps for kids and adults alike. Aerial Performance Camps for kids ages 5-17 years focus on learning aerial technique and choreography throughout the week which will culminate with a camp performance based on the camp theme.
Front Range Theatre Company Triple Threat Summer Camp
Locations: 15035
Performing Arts School, Parker
Website: www.frontrangetheatre.org/ triple-threat-summer-camp.html
Details: Working with professional instructors with years of experience, your child will learn the three major elements of any stage performer: Voice, Dance and Acting. The camps are designed to challenge performers in the entire range of life in the theatre, including a live performance in a mainstage venue!
Audience of One Youth Theatre Camp
Location: Highlands Ranch
Website: www.AO1Theater.org
Details: Whether a student is looking to try out theater for the first time, polish skills or have fun with friends, the AO1 has one-to-two-week camps can work in the summer schedule. AO1’s summer programming includes kids’ productions for ages 5-12, workshops for ages 8-18, and a two-week intensive program for teenagers.
The Arvada Center
Location: 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada
Website: www.arvadacenter.org
Details: If your kid is 5 to 12 and loves a bit of drama and/or art, the Arvada Center has a slew of full- and half-day camps available. The best and most economic way to sign up for camp is to do it in three- or four-week blocks, and the venue offers combinations of visual art, musical theater, drama and music.
Kent Denver Performing Arts Camps
Location: 4000 E. Quincy Ave., Englewood
Website: www.KentDenver.org
Details: Summer at Kent Denver School offers all children ages 4–18 the opportunity to experience innovative, creative, hands-on learning in the arts, athletics, our Tiny Farm Day Camp, academics, innovation and technology.
St. Lukes Performing Arts Camps
Location: 8817 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch
Website: www.StLukesPAA.org
Details: From preschool age to high school
students there are a large variety of summer camp shows planned in Highlands Ranch and Castle Rock areas. Registration is now open.
Castle Rock Dance Academy
Locations: 140 S. Wilcox St. Suite A, Castle Rock
Website: www.castlerockdanceacademy. com
Details: At Castle Rock Dance Academy (CRDA), best friends are made, etiquette and self-discipline are taught, and students learn skills they can carry with them through life. The program offers weekly dance classes in five-week sessions for ages 3–18.
ing the circus, or just wants to bend, twist and soar through the air, this is the camp for them. Dates run from May 29 through August 14, and include morning and afternoon camps (9:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m.) for ages 6 to 16.
Maestro Music Institute
Location: 6478 Ward Road, Arvada
Website: www.maestromusicinstitute. com/2023-instrumental-summer-camp
Bowlero
Locations: Multiple locations in Cherry Creek, Littleton and Lone Tree
Website: www.bowlero.com
Details: Fun for all skill levels, Bowlero’s modern spin on bowling is the perfect way to spend quality time with the kids. Celebrate every strike, spare and yes, even gutter balls, with the most famous lanes in the game and a delicious menu of classic American eats.
Camp Urbie at Urban Air Adventure Park
Location: 15400 E. Briarwood Circle, Aurora
Website: www.bit.ly/3IuCQOO
Details: Let ‘em Fly for a whole week of play, in-park activities, snacks and more. Camp Urbie’s Adventure Camp is the best way to beat the summer heat and play in the best indoor playground in town. The weeklong camp is open to kids 7 years and up.
Gold Medal Athletic Camp
Location: Castle Rock Recreation Center
Website: www.crgov.com/2628/Camps
Details: Athletes will participate in small- and large-group instruction, drills and games or scrimmages. We welcome beginner athletes to learn how to use proper mechanics and fundamentals of the sport and intermediate or advanced athletes who want to continue to grow their motor skills and skill in the sport. For ages 7-12.
Tigar Gymnastics Camps
Location: 4860 Van Gordon St. Unit B, Wheat Ridge
Website: www.tigargymnastics.com
Details: A variety of programs at a variety of ages is available at the gymnastics center, including ninja classes and programs for older ages.
RMF Soccer Camp
Location: Aurora Sports Park 19300 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Website: www.rmfsoccercampsusa. com/soccer-camp-denver
Details: From July 17 to July 21, this pro-run soccer camp will come to Colorado. It’s run by experienced Spanish UEFA coaches, and goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Kids from 6 to 16 can sign up.
Aerial Cirque Over Denver
Location: 4605 Quebec St., Denver.
Website: www.aerialcirqueoverdenver.com
Details: If your child is thinking of join-
Details: Instrumental Summer Camp is back this year covering a myriad of ensemble opportunities. We will be offering Rock Band, Orchestra, Choir/ Theater, Piano ensemble and composition. Summer campers will have the opportunity to learn new instruments in addition to honing their skills on their primary instrument. Students will work in large and small ensemble groups and perform a variety of music at the end of the week.
Kidzrock Rock Band Camp
Location: 2842 S. Broadway, Englewood
Website: www.musicallifedenver.com/ summercamp
Cost: $319
Details: Rock Band Summer Camp teaches children ages 4 to 7 how to play in a rock band. Campers learn to play drums, electric guitar, keyboard and sing. On the final day, campers perform a short (adorable) concert for parents and family. In addition to rock band time, students get to make music-related arts and crafts, create a fantasy band identity, and play outdoor games at the park next to the school. No prior musical experience is required. No investment in gear is required.
Avid 4 Adventure
Locations: Various spots
Website: www.avid4.com/ summer-camps
Details: For two weeks kids get to bask in nature, away from their parent, at either Camp Windy Peak near Bailey, or Camp Blue Sky near Evergreen. The kids sleep in cabins and build their skill sets in nature and with outdoor sport activities.
Cheley Colorado Camps
Location: Cheley Colorado Camps 3960 Fish Creek Road, Estes Park.
Website: www.cheley.com
Details: If your kid is 9 to 17, send them off to a 27-day overnight camp in Estes Park. Full term is June 13 to August 6, or chose a half term from June 13 to July 9, or July 11 to Aug. 6. Activities include horseback riding, water sports, art and plenty of outdoor adventure.
Camp Granite Lake
Locations: 11902 Camp Eden Road, Golden Website: www.campgranitelake.com
Details: Located in the mountains about an hour from Denver, the camp covers 135 acres including a private lake. It’s a co-ed camp for grades second to ninth. Choose from two sessions, either June 19 through July 8, or July 10 through July 29. There are also mini-camp options for grades 1st through 4th, covering the week of July 31 or Aug. 7.
Over the last few years, the idea of defunding the police was tied to the idea that we would have better outcomes with depleted law enforcement resources. While I am continually in support of more training, continued discussions when an incident happens and departments evolving for the better with education — I was never on the defund any local law enforcement messaging.
In all the calls for defunding police, an area that likely got caught up unfairly in the discussions was school resource o cers. In 2020, local news reports called for removing SROs in light of a national anger at law enforcement in some Denver metro schools.
Here we are years later and regular crime at a Denver metro high school has gotten so bad that even students at East High School staged a protest to ask for better.
As discussions continued, several have now admitted that the idea of SROs doing more harm than good was a bit misguided.
Before becoming a parent, I worked with SROs in Arizona on a regular basis. I loved working with these o cers. I loved seeing them work with students. ey truly cared about a student having a bad day. ey understand the need to communicate and spend extra time with students who are obviously going through a rough time.
For other students who may have taken rst in a track meet or won the spelling bee — these SROs are some of the biggest cheerleaders in the school.
I loved how receptive these students are to the SROs. ey serve as security, counselor, mentor and friend. ey can spot a student who may be posing a threat to the school based on changed behavior and habits.
Now, I am a parent. As a parent, knowing what I know from my days as a journalist doing a “ride-along” with police, I would never push to take SROs out of schools.
ese men and women are some of the best members of our communities. ey likely have more knowledge of what is happening with students in our schools because they are trained to do so. I do not think I have ever met an SRO who does not like their job. ey are good at their jobs because they love their jobs.
When I see an SRO at a local school, I never think of unneeded authority. I automatically think my kids are likely getting great mentorship from an adult who is trained to protect them and advocate for them.
I believe all of our local school districts should look to bring in more SROs, and frankly, given the state of mental health with our children, especially here in Colorado, another set of eyes, an extra advocate for our children can only be a positive thing.
I hate that negative publicity has hurt these people who are great additions to our education system and I hope, given some recent discussions, they get back on track and in full force in schools.
Just to give a shout out to other community aspects of our local law enforcement — In Douglas County I have taken a class in how to survive in case of a mass shooting. Brian McKnight, prevention specialist/community resources, taught me to sit a certain way in a building. I look around for exits, I look for weapons — I look at how I will survive. ese programs are unfortunately welcome and needed.
I did a ride-along with the Community Response Team in Douglas County. In watching Deputy Zach Zepeski in one day – I was amazed at the di erence he and his team makes in the daily lives of our citizens.
Law enforcement is not just about writing tickets and drawing a gun. From citizen academies, training sessions and community support — I say don’t be so quick to put them down, and instead experience and be a part of the good they o er.
elma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.
LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com
THELMA GRIMES South Metro Editor tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com
TAYLER SHAW Community Editor tshaw@coloradocommunitymedia.com
The team building event was held at Top Golf. e vice president of sales was reluctant to have the meeting there as he had never played golf and didn’t want to embarrass himself. His team convinced him that he could just join them and not have to worry about playing or swinging a club.
As the night went on, the team did everything they could to get their boss to step up and give it a try. ere were others on the team that were in the same spot, having played very little or never. Men and women taking their turns embarrassing themselves with awkward attempts to hit that little white ball. In the end, the vice president of sales chose to keep his dignity intact and did not take his turn amongst the team.
Having spoken with some of the salespeople and the VP of sales privately, I heard mixed opinions about the deci-
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sion not to join the group. Some thought it showed poor leadership in not being vulnerable enough to laugh at yourself and have a little fun with your team as there were more hacks trying to hit the ball than there were any good golfers.
When I asked the VP of sales why he chose not to try, he was completely transparent with me, sharing that he just didn’t want to embarrass himself. He felt he was being open and vulnerable to his team as well sharing with them the very reason he chose to stay in the background. It was a bit of a shame because sometimes it’s OK to show humility among our teams and peers.
Two of the words that we hear often when it comes to expectations of leadership and really people in any role are vulnerability and transparency. We no longer must have all the answers or pretend that we do. We no longer have to be perfect or pretend that we are. Maybe the world we live in places that kind of pressure on some of us, and the stress of that pressure can drive us further away
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Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com
WINNING him join to swinging a team could get to try. the
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Ag eism is all around us: in the workplace, in commercials, movies and TV shows we watch, in the cards we buy, the products marketed to us and yes, even in the language we speak.
Has anyone ever said to you, or perhaps you to another person, “You look great for your age”? Although probably well-intentioned, there is an inherent bias against growing older contained within this “compliment,” an underlying expectation that you wouldn’t or shouldn’t look great as an older adult. Do we o er the same compliment to a 19-year-old
or a 29-year-old? Somewhere along the way, looking great is not associated with advanced years.
What about the phrase “senior moment”? We tend to attach a brief lapse in memory to only the older adult. However, elementary students routinely forget where they’ve left their backpacks or to feed the dog. Many teenagers have misplaced earbuds or sports jerseys. What about the mom or dad who searches for the car keys or goes out to the garage and upon their arrival, forgets the item they went there to retrieve? e fact of the matter is that we all experience momentary forgetfulness throughout our lives. Yet it is emphasized when it happens as an older adult. And no, it’s not necessarily a sign of dementia, but rather a manifestation of our busy lives.
move past those mistakes, learning from each one.
Ageism is discrimination or the devaluing of an individual or group of individuals based solely on their age. And it can be directed toward the young as well as older adults. It creeps into our psyche at a very young age and is continually reinforced throughout our lifetime. As a result, many of us are convinced that young people are not able to lead a work group, o er valuable ideas and solutions to societal issues or are not compassionate towards others. On the other hand, society in general believes that as we age, we have nothing more to o er, obstruct the success of younger people on the way up the corporate ladder or are a drain on the economy. None of this is true.
Subtle and not-so-subtle messages about the aging process surround us each day. Do we rec-
ognize them and realize the negative e ect they have on us? Can we e ect a change in how we all think, speak and act about aging?
Gretchen Lopez, chair of the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County, will deliver a thought-provoking and entertaining presentation on ursday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at the Parker Library. And we won’t be asking for birth certi cates at the door, so leave those at home! Meetings are free and open to the public.
Seniors’ Council of Douglas County is for older adults who want to be heard, keep learning, and make a di erence. Please check our website for details and possible program changes at douglas.co.us/community-services/services/senior-services/ seniors-council.
from nding the ability to be vulnerable and transparent.
Last week I wrote about courage and discretion, and when we should exercise both. What I am sharing here is a di erent kind of courage, the courage to be open to failure, being brave enough to take a swing at a golf ball with our team when we have never played the game before, and being daring enough to admit we don’t have the answers right now but will work hard to nd them.
Some of the most courageous people I have met have also been the most transparent and vulnerable. Being grounded in honesty and integrity provides them the strength they need to be vulnerable and transparent. Looking at failure and saying “So what” positions them to achieve greater things in life as they
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One of the synonyms for courage is audacity. Sometimes when we hear the word audacity we think of a negative connotation. inking things like, “ e audacity of that person.” I like to think of audacity in the positive sense, having the audacity to be courageous in the face of possible embarrassment, to have audacious bravery to own our decisions and our mistakes. To be audacious in the way that we can laugh with others while we laugh at ourselves.
is week you may be asked to do something uncomfortable, something completely outside of your swing zone or comfort zone. And if you are, I hope you will make the decision to audaciously pursue the opportunity. We all learn in di erent ways, and one way that I know we learn the best is by getting knocked o balance. So take the chance, say “So what,” and watch how your vulnerability and trans-
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parency endear others to you. As always, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can show courage in ourselves during moments of vulnerability, 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.
Type in “restaurant” on Google Maps and set the lter to “open 24 hours.” You’ll be hard-pressed to nd any local restaurants serving up food to the night owls, late workers and early risers.
Unless you’re seeking around-the-clock Mexican food.
“We’re open 24 hours, and it’s something fresh, you know?” said Govanny Alvarado, a member of the family who runs Alvarado’s Mexican Fast Food. Compared to other restaurants, “you can taste the di erence,” Alvarado said.
e new Englewood spot that opened in August adds to a small but mighty list of Mexican joints that o er all-day, all-night service in the Denver metro area — a type of restaurant that’s becoming more di cult to nd since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
“Most people like us, you know, we’re always looking for a late-night snack,” said Alvarado, 21, adding that his family “understands the struggle” to nd restaurants that are open late.
His family members, longtime workers in the Mexican fast-food industry, gained experience at his uncle’s restaurant in Arizona. ey later started working for Taco Star and Tacos Rapidos, two chains with 24-hour locations in the metro area, Alvarado said.
“And Taco Star, the one in ornton here, that’s where my dad worked, and that’s where I started as well when I was young,” Alvarado said of the location near 84th Avenue and Washington Street.
When his family members had the chance to start their own restaurant about six years ago, they opened Tacos Los Compas — another 24-hour eatery, near downtown Denver and the Auraria Campus.
“Most of the people that I’ve known or talked to customer-wise, they’re all from Arizona or California, and they all say they miss that taste of authentic Mexican food,” Alvarado said.
Carrying on authentic recipes is part of the job as well for Tamale Kitchen, a longstanding family business with locations around the metro area.
What makes the restaurant unique is “the green chile, the New Mexico-style red chile, the tamale avors, just the avors in general of just old grandma recipe — the beans, the rice, everything’s grandma’s recipes,” said Jose Bishop, owner of the Westminster and Northglenn locations.
e restaurant grew out of an e ort to sell tamales door to door in 1980, and the rst Tamale Kitchen opened in Lakewood in 1981, according to its website.
Its Northglenn location at 104th Avenue and Huron Street stays open around the clock on the weekends, running from 5 a.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Sunday.
e business has expanded to eight locations, stretching from Adams County all the way to Highlands Ranch, and some are franchises run by people outside the family, Bishop said.
Familiar places see challenges
Alvarado noted that after the COVID-19 pandemic shook up the
economy, it’s di cult to nd 24hour restaurants.
Staples of late-night food in Denver permanently closed amid the pandemic, including the Denver Diner o Speer Boulevard and Colfax Avenue and, to the south, the Breakfast King at Santa Fe Drive and Mississippi Avenue. Both had been open 24/7.
Tom’s Diner, also on Colfax Avenue near downtown, shut down in March 2020 during the pandemic’s early days. It reopened in 2022 as a bar and lounge called Tom’s Starlight, no longer open 24/7.
Pete’s Kitchen, located on Colfax in central Denver, remains open 24 hours Friday and Satur-
Looking for a late-night meal? Here are some local restaurants that o er 24-hour service on at least some days each week.
• Alvarado’s Mexican Fast Food
4901 S. Broadway in Englewood, a couple blocks north of Belleview Avenue
Open 24/7 720-664-9260
• Tamale Kitchen
1030 W. 104th Ave. in Northglenn, a short drive west of Interstate 25, at Huron Street
Open 5 a.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Sunday; 5 a.m.-10 p.m. on other days; other locations in the metro area, including in Highlands Ranch, have di erent hours 720-379-7825
• Taco Star
503 E. 84th Ave. in Thornton, a short drive east of I-25
day night, according to the diner’s webpage.
Other than that, though, 24hour options in the metro area tend to be con ned to chains that aren’t local, such as IHOP, Denny’s, McDonald’s or Wa e House.
e trend of restaurant headwinds during the pandemic applies to the entire industry, not just 24-hour restaurants, said Denise Mickelsen, a spokesperson for the Colorado Restaurant Association.
“Operations are proving increasingly di cult in the face of the ongoing labor shortage and soaring costs, causing restaurant owners and operators to make changes that include decreasing operating hours,” Mickelsen said.
‘All walks of life’
Bishop, the owner of the north-
ern Tamale Kitchen locations, has felt the challenges himself. His Westminster location used to o er some 24-hour service like the Northglenn spot, but sta ng issues led to shortened hours starting around spring 2020, he said.
ough they can be tough to operate, Bishop, 38, said 24hour restaurants serve di erent parts of a community.
“ ere’s still 11 p.m. (movie) showings, so people going home at 1 or 2. We get a lot of nightshift workers, people who are going to work at 4 in the morning, a lot of construction workers bringing burritos to their coworkers,” Bishop said.
“It’s a little mixed — people of all walks of life going out for entertainment, getting o of work late. Just a variety of di erent people out and about.”
1050 W. 104th Ave. # 8 in Northglenn, near Huron Street
1760 S. Havana St. in Aurora, a short drive north of Parker Road
Open 24/7
303-288-9228 for Thornton location
• Tacos Los Compas
1385 N. Santa Fe Drive in Denver, about a block south of Colfax Avenue
Open 24/7
720-328-0299
• Tacos Rapidos
2800 W. Evans Ave. in Denver, o Federal Boulevard
Open 24/7
Other locations nearby; hours di er 303-935-0453 for Evans location
• Pete’s Kitchen
1962 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, about 1 mile east of Broadway
Open “24 hours Friday and Saturday night,” according to the restaurant’s website 303-321-3139
Great Outdoors” is the title for the new exhibit at the Depot Art Center, 2069 W. Powers Ave., downtown Littleton, lasting until April 30.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Free admission. Juror for this exhibit was Tim Kathka. A public reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 24.
Correction
Correction: e
Littleton Symphony concert was incorrectly listed in last week’s paper as March 22, but the correct date is March 31 at Littleton United Methodist Church.
No Hudson Gardens concerts
Hudson Gardens, the outdoor venue along Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, has announced that it will not have a summer concert program this year.
Highlands Ranch art show
“Littleton Men of the West” will be an art exhibit featuring Bob Eilert and friends at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203
S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch. The exhibit runs March 25 to May 2 and gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A reception is planned from 10 a.m. to noon on March 26, for the public to meet the artists.
‘Carousel’ Highlands Ranch-based Performance Now eater Company performs the musical “Carousel” at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood through April 2 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays. See lakewood. showare.com.
BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After a three-year postponement, the Encore Players at Littleton United Methodist Church will sponsor a Native American Short Play Festival, produced by a new organization, Celebration of Native Arts (CoNA). Mark your calendar for April 21 (7 p.m.) or April 23 (2 p.m.).
e purpose of CoNA is to promote Native American theater, music and dance.
e ve plays — each 10 minutes or less in length — will be presented as staged readings and they explore universal themes such as rites of passage, grief, empowerment and family, according to directors Annawyn Shamas, and Ellen ShamasBrandt, founder of CoNA and Denver actor/director Pamela Clifton.
e Shamas mother/daughter duo are longtime Littleton residents — and are Chickasaw tribe members, as is Laura Shamas.
Annawyn’s great-grandfather was Chickasaw, she says, and they and sister/playwright Laura have registered as members.
is has been a major project for them and the theater-oriented family has been focused on Native American writing for some time: attending performances and making contacts.
ese plays, which will have staged readings, were originally performed in Los Angeles at Native Voices at the Autry eater’s Annual Short Play Festival. ey are: “ e Origin of Law” by Diane Glancy (Cherokee), “Four Women in Red” by Laura Shamas (Chickasaw), “ e Tamale Man” and “Slow Your Roll,” by P.C. Verrone (Osage, Kiowa) and “Flight” by DeLanna Studi (Cherokee).
Native Voices at the Autry was founded in 1994 and is devoted to developing and producing new
Fri 3/31
Jeffrey Dallet @ 2pm Village at Belmar, 7825 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood
Wendy Clark Band at Sunroom Brewing @ 5pm Sunroom Brewing, 3242 S Acoma St, Englewood
Trouble Bound: High & Lone‐some Classic Country Night @ 6:30pm Western Sky Bar & Taproom, 4361 S Broadway, Englewood
Zikr Dance Ensemble presents "Mysteries, Rites & Revelations"
@ 5pm / $25
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075
Commons Street, Lone Tree. david taylor.zikr@hotmail.com, 303-8841910
Bertin y su Condesa @ 8pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora
Bertin y Su Condesa - Dinastya Angelito y Su Sabor Costeño @ 8pm / $70 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora
Mon 4/03
Modern Swing Mondays @ 5pm / $10 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora
Microwave @ 6pm
Dan Bublitz Jr: Comedy Showcase @ 7pm Centennial Comedy Club, 9200 East Mineral Avenue, Centennial
Joe Dombrowski @ 6:15pm
Comedy Works South, 5345 Land‐mark Pl, Greenwood Village
Joan Osborne @ 6:30pm
Pace Center, Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
Los Cardenales de Nuevo Leon @ 7pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora
Grupo Pesado @ 7pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora
DUELO DE ACORDEONES
EDICIÓN ESPECIAL
@ 7pm / $100 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora
Sat 4/01
Jenny Shawhan @ 1pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia
6 Million Dollar Band @ 6pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia
Spring Fling Dance @ 11:30pm
Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora
Dear Marsha,: April Fools with Dear Marsha and her Freaky Band @ 8pm
Mirage Sports Bar, 8340 W Coal Mine Ave, Littleton
Sun 4/02
2023 Platte River Half Marathon & Relay @ 6am Littleton, CO, 2920 Brewery Lane, Little‐ton. logan@platteriverhalf.com
Gothic Theatre, 3263 South Broadway, En‐glewood
Delta Sleep @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Dan Bublitz Jr: Clean-Ish Comedy Show @ 6pm
Pizzability, 3445 S Broadway, En‐glewood
Thu 4/06
Colony House @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
CW & Twenty Hands High @ 6:30pm
Tue 4/04 Wed 4/05
Tony Medina Music: The Open Mic at the Alley @ 5:30pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton
Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
YouthTuber - Powderhorn @ 2:20pm / $132
Apr 5th - May 10th
Powderhorn Elementary, 12109 W Coal Mine Ave, Littleton. 720-9960894
Ladies Night @ 5pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora
DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo at 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 7pm
Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan
Diego Figueiredo @ 11pm
Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood
WHL U.S. Development Combine: Denver - Skater @ 11pm / $399
Apr 6th - Apr 9th
South Suburban Family Sports Center, 6901 South Peoria St, Centennial. 888844-6611 ext. 3354
Diego Figueiredo
Also coming to Lakewood Cultural Center: international guitar virtuoso Diego Figueiredo on April 7, performing a fusion of Brazilian music and jazz from around the world. 303-987-7845. Lakewood. org/LCCPresents.
Spring Craft Fair
Vendors and shoppers are invited to the Arapahoe Community College Spring Craft Fair on May 20. Deadline: May 10 $50 for table, chair, booth space. Money for scholarships and the Student Emergency Fund. Also at ACC: “Art, Wine and Design” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on May 18. Registration required for artists. Tickets: $100. ACC is at 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.
Library reopens
Englewood Library hours, now that it has reopened: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to ursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday; closed Sunday, April 9.
Theater in Aurora
“tick, tick … BOOM,” a musical by Jonathan Larson, creator of “Rent,” plays through April 23 at Vintage Theatre, cabaret stage, 1468 Dayton St. in Aurora, followed by George Zamarripa in a music and humor production, “Naked from the Neck Up” on March 29 at 7:30 p.m. On the Main Stage: a regional premier: “The Inheiritance, parts 1 and 2”
by Matthew Lopez, winner of the 2020 Tony for best play, directed by Bernie Cardell. Two tickets required: Part I will primarily play on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons; Part II will primarily play on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Mature audiences only. VintageTheatre.org.
City Park Jazz City Park Jazz sends a lineup for a 37th summer series at Denver’s City Park: June 4 to August 8. CityParkJazz.org.
Pastel workshop
“Abstracting from Nature in Pastel” is artist Jane Shoenfeld’s
FROM PAGE 16
works for the stage by Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and First Nations playwrights.
ey are “moving, thought-provoking and humorous,” according to Shamas-Brandt, who sent out casting calls to the theater community.
Actors/readers will have four rehearsals and will be paid, she said, happy that she had lled the roles when we spoke last week. Ap-
two-day workshop, presented by Heritage Fine Arts Guild on April 14 and 15 at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton, 1609 W. Littleton Blvd. Open to students of all levels of experience. Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Cost: $80, members; $110 for non-members. Space for 20 students. See heritage-guild.com.
plicants sent a head shot, resume, short video and monologue. Rehearsal time will be brief, but the actors will read from the scripts, rather than performing in the round. It’s a pleasant prospect to have the opportunity to participate in new works and we hope this community will become involved. Admission is free, and a free will o ering will be taken to bene t the United Methodist Native American Ministries. e festival coincides with Native American Sunday on April 23 at 5824 S. Datura St., Littleton. e church has lots of free parking.
To be or not to be… bored by the ramblings of a certain prince of Denmark is a question one need not face when going to see the hilarious new entry in Miners Alley Playhouse’s season, “I Hate Hamlet.”
e real question is whether you can relate to an someone struggling with feeling like a failure and searching for the brief moments when things just seem to gel. Which really could be anybody.
“What drew me to this production is how honest it is. It’s hilarious and big, but it also has so much heart,” wrote John Hauser, who plays the show’s lead, in an email interview. “So many artists deal with the same things that Andrew goes through, feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, but also those feelings of being in the moment and owning a role, even if only for a brief moment.”
“I Hate Hamlet” runs at Miners Alley, 1224 Washington Ave., from Friday, March 31 through Sunday, April 23. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., ursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
e show tells the story of Andrew Rally (Hauser), a daytime television actor whose show has
recently been canceled. He is cast in a production of Shakespeare in the Park as Hamlet but isn’t sure he can pull the character o , but when he is visited by the ghost of former Hamlet performer John Barrymore, things get a little more complicated.
“It is really a quirky, witty script that moves along nicely,” said director Rory Pierce. “In addition to how funny and smart it is, there’s a swashbuckling sword ght and just enough Shakespeare to whet your appetite, but not enough to put you asleep.”
While the show does have some inside jokes and references that fans of e Bard will no doubt enjoy, Pierce said knowledge of the playwright’s canon isn’t a prerequisite to having a good time at the show.
“If audiences go away in a better mood than they arrived in and had an evening of fun and laughter, that’s what we’re aiming for,” Pierce said. “We also hope that they’ll have a slightly better appreciation of the work that goes into performing and a greater appreciation of the theater.”
While there are laughs aplenty, as is always the case with a Miners Alley production, everyone has their sights rmly set on the humanity of the story being told.
“ is show is unique in the way that it can be so wild and over the top, but also so genuine and honest at the same time,” Hauser wrote. “I
hope audiences leave with a smile on their face.”
For information and tickets, visit https://minersalley.com/i-hatehamlet/.
Immerse yourself in the power of art and jazz
e Lumonics Gallery , 800 E. 73 Ave., Unit 11, in Denver, is blending its signature approach to artistic light shows with jazz at two Immersive Jazz-Art performances , both held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. e rst is Friday, March 24 and the second is Friday, March 31.
e two events will feature a blend of art, lm and live, improvisational jazz accompanied by the Lumonics light sculptures/video. According to provided information, Janine Santana, a jazz musician and radio personality, will be hosting the series and selecting an accompanying jazz lm.
For more information, visit www. lumonics.net/jazz.
Learn about cumbia with Ciudad Reina and RedLine
Ciudad Reina and RedLine Contemporary Art Center have teamed up to present Una Historia de la Cumbia , an evening that celebrates all things cumbian - history, dance, music and more.
e event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 24, at the RedLine Contemporary Art Center , 2350 Arapahoe St. in Denver.
Cumbia is a kind of genre and
music that was started in Colombia and has spread all over the Americas.
According to provided information, attendees will get to hear from KUVO’s Super Sonido host La Molly and El Jaguar, who will provide some historical context for cumbia, followed by a dance class led by Magally Rizo Luna. e evening wraps up with a cumbia party. Get more information at www. redlineart.org/upcoming-events/ una-historia-de-la-cumbia.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Wonder Years at Summit Music Hall Hearing the name e Wonder Years probably makes most people think of the golden years of their youth (or a late 1980s sitcom about the golden years of youth). Pennsylvania’s band of the same name can certainly pull at the heartstrings, but the indie rock favorites accomplish this by blending aching and searching lyricism with emoindebted rocky stylings.
In support of 2022’s “ e Hum Goes on Forever,” they’ll be stopping by Summit Music Hall , 1902 Blake St. in Denver, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28. Joining them are the wonderful alt-rock group Hot Mulligan. Get a ticket at www. livenation.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
BY OLIVIA PRENTZEL THE COLORADO SUN
How easy is it to nd illegal drugs on social media apps? Nearly as convenient as calling an Uber or ordering a pizza, the Colorado Attorney General’s O ce said in a report released March 8.
Access to illegal drugs is “staggering” on social media apps, the report found, and has contributed to the surging number fentanyl overdoses, which has become the leading cause of preventable death for adults under 45, outpacing suicide, gun violence and car accidents.
e 182-page report outlined the ways in which drug dealers use aggressive marketing tactics to sell illegal drugs online, often targeting younger customers, and urged social media platforms and state legislators to enforce new policies to crack down on the sales.
e report, which the attorney general’s o ce is calling rst of its kind, was written under a state law passed in 2022 that requires the Colorado Department of Law to study how the internet and social media platforms are used for the sale and distribution of fentanyl and other counterfeit prescription drugs.
With the rise of social media apps, their convenience and lack of regulation, platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and WhatsApp, have become a major vehicle for drug sales, the report said.
“Where once a teen might have had to seek out a street dealer, hassle friends, or learn to navigate the dark web to access illicit drugs, young people can now locate drug dealers using their smartphones — with the relative ease of ordering food delivery or calling a ride-share service,” Weiser wrote in the report. O cials spoke with former drug users and sellers and families of overdose victims for the report.
In 2021, at least 1,881 Coloradans died of a drug overdose and roughly half of those people died of fentanyl, according to state data. Many of those people are taking fentanyl
without realizing it, as the cheap synthetic opioid is cut into other drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.
As many as six in 10 counterfeit prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, the report said.
It didn’t quantify exactly how large the online illicit drug market has become, citing limited access to the social media platforms’ data. But research suggests that drug dealers and buyers turn to the internet and social media platforms “as a primary vehicle for drug transactions.”
A search for “Denver” and “Boulder” on the Kik messaging app returned dozens of results for groups dedicated to selling and buying drugs that were open to the public, the report showed.
“Connecting with a local dealer took mere minutes,” the report said. Dealers advertise drugs using slang, emojis, QR codes and disappearing messages that help reach customers while evading content moderation tools on the social media platforms, the report said. Often drug sellers are active on multiple social media platforms — advertising their products on Instagram, but listing their WhatApps or Snapchat handles for inquiries — which makes it harder for law enforcement to crack down on the sales.
Sellers can create new pro les as soon as one is suspended or removed, creating a frustrating “whack-a-mole” e ect for local law enforcement, the report said.
A lot of social media companies, including Meta, TikTok and Snapchat, have policies that ban advertising, buying or selling drugs and some have made e orts to work with law enforcement to address the issue.
But the report said the companies’ responses to drug activity on their platforms have been “uneven in their application and limited in effectiveness.”
Weiser urged social media companies to adopt strong, uniform practices to prevent and respond to illegal drug sales. He also called for a federal agency to oversee social media platforms and legislation that
would give the federal government more access to their data.
Hank Dempsey, the head of state public policy for Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc., called Weiser’s report a “must-read report” for anyone working to combat the fentanyl crisis. He said he appreciated working with the attorney general’s o ce “to contribute by sharing our insights and e orts to aggressively combat drug activity on our platform, including our policies that take a zero tolerance approach to this abuse.”
In an email, Meta spokeswoman Jeanne Moran said “content that attempts to buy, sell or trade drugs is not allowed on Facebook or Instagram, regardless of state or country law.” e company is “working hard” to keep drug sales o the platforms and users that post content that violates its policies could have their account removed.
Kayla Whaling, spokeswoman for the Tinder and Hinge parent company Match Group, said the report focused on a critical issue and that the company is “supportive of any conversation that aims to help make internet platforms safer.”
“However, we strongly disagree with how our brand is categorized here and we have been in contact with Attorney General Weiser’s o ce to refute the inaccurate claims in this report,” Whaling said. She said their platforms are “very ine cient” for drug sales since they are designed for one-on-one interactions and that the company has made proactive e orts to ban
accounts that mention drugs.
TikTok did not return requests for comment.
e report made several recommendations for Colorado lawmakers to pass new protections to help prevent such sales, including:
• Requiring platforms to create and publicly post their policy on illegal drug sales and how law enforcement can request account records;
• Enforcing platforms to submit annual reports to the Department of Law showing the amount of content on the apps that promoted the purchase or sale of illegal drugs and how many times the posts were shared and viewed. It also suggests listing the number of times the platform proactively provided law enforcement with information about posts selling or advertising illegal drugs; Provide more resources to support local law enforcement e orts to investigate online narcotics cases.
e Department of Law worked with representatives from Meta, Snapchat and TikTok to compile the report, as well as law enforcement, public health experts and harm reduction advocates.
is story is from e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun. com. e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.
A suspect has died after being shot by Englewood o cers March 18, the Englewood Police Department said in a news release. No o cers were injured during the incident, and there is no additional threat to the public.
According to the release, Englewood police were called to the Lucky U Motel, located at 4575 S. Broadway, at approximately 12:40 p.m. March 18.
e caller reportedly said a male threatened to rob and shoot the caller
and allegedly pointed a handgun at the caller, the police department said. e male, whose age was not revealed in the news release, then allegedly left the area on foot.
“ e male was described in detail and the caller said he was still carrying the handgun when he left,” the police department said in the release.
O cers reportedly arrived in the area and “were directed” toward South Broadway and Princeton Avenue where they allegedly located the suspect, the police department said.
e suspect allegedly ran northbound through the east Broadway alley toward East Oxford Avenue, per the release. e o cers report-
edly pursued the suspect on foot and located him just east of the intersection of Oxford Avenue and South Broadway.
e o cers then allegedly confronted the suspect and an “o cer involved shooting occurred,” the police department said. is means that at least one o cer discharged their rearm, hitting the suspect.
According to the release, o cers reportedly rendered aid to the suspect, though it is not clari ed in the release how soon the aid was given after the suspect was shot by police.
e suspect was transported to a nearby hospital where he died, per the release. e Arapahoe County Coroner’s O ce responded to the
hospital and will release information about the male “at a later time,” the police department said.
An independent investigation of the incident will be conducted by the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, according to the release. It is not speci ed how many o cers are involved, but the police department said that the involved o cers were placed on paid administrative leave.
If anyone has information regarding this incident, the police department asked that they call 303-7617410. e police department said no further information will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Since Jackass Hill Brewery closed in the fall, Littleton residents have been wondering what will take its prime spot at the corner of Main Street and South Prince Street.
On March 13, neighbors gathered in the empty building to learn the space could become a fth location of Denver Beer Company.
e brewery, founded by Patrick Crawford and Charlie Berger 12 years ago, pours pints on Platte Street, Lowry Boulevard, South Downing Street and in Olde Town Arvada. Crawford and Berger are excited about the prospect of joining the downtown Littleton community.
“Breweries are not new to Littleton — we note that you guys have some,” Berger said to the group. “But Patrick and I, as co-founders and owners of this small business, we’re here tonight because we’re excited to be, ourselves, part of the community.”
Because the new location will require some site modi cations, Denver Beer Company’s proposal must go through several rounds of city approval before it’s o cial.
As part of the process, the site plan will go before the historic preservation board to ensure it maintains the historic integrity of the building,
hearing as part of this process, she said.
e city will also review notes from the March 13 neighborhood meeting and a future second neighborhood meeting as part of the site plan approval process, Turnbach said.
“We like to give our residents in Littleton ample time and opportunities to kind of interact with those developers who are kind of transforming those neighborhoods so that they can provide that feedback,” she said.
Meeting attendees expressed desire for the process to go as fast as possible, some even saying they would like to see the beer garden open by the summer.
“Just to expedite it in a sense of (Denver Beer Company’s) business and being respectful to them as well to the landlord, however the business chamber can help in assisting you with that, we’re certainly willing to,” Littleton Business Chamber co-president Pat Dunahay said to Turnbach at the meeting.
Nick Seglie from Gensler, the architectural rm on the project, presented draft designs to community members at the meeting.
e highlight of the space is the patio area, which would be partially covered by a roof to give visitors a variation of options for shade and
outdoor patrons.
e space will have a capacity of 150 patrons outside and 70 patrons inside, Seglie said.
Seating areas will o er a replace, some trees, communal tables and a turf area for kids to play.
“We want it to be inclusive to all,” Seglie said. “All ages, dogs, kids — everyone should feel comfortable.”
Berger said the Denver Beer Company team does not plan to brew on-site due to space constraints, but will have specialty beers served only at the Littleton location. In addition, they plan to o er a robust lunch and dinner program including pub fare, with brisket, pork and wings smoked
on-site.
Meeting attendees asked questions and gave feedback during the presentation.
“It looks like a great concept,” one called out. “I like way you’ve kinda used the exterior and the interior... And I like the energy you guys bring.”
Berger said he was happy with the positive feedback from community members.
“ e neighbors and the business community seem supportive,” he said.
If the approval process goes as expected, the Denver Beer Company team hopes to open the location at the beginning of September.
Cherry Creek and Valor Christian won state championships for south metro teams during winter sports season and Ponderosa once again was a runner-up.
The Bruins girls swimming team won its third straight Class 5A state title and the boys of Valor’s hockey team were the state champs for the third time in the past four seasons.
However, for Ponderosa the frustration remained, as the Mustangs were the Class 5A runners-up for the third straight season.
Colorado Community Media has also made its Player of the Year selections for all the winter sports. Athletes from all Douglas County and Littleton Public schools were eligible plus players from Valor Christian, Cherry Creek, Lutheran and SkyView Academy high schools.
The Player of the Year selections were:
Girls swimming
Larson Ficken of Cherry Creek will be attending and swimming at Auburn next season but the senior nished her high school career by winning individual titles in the 50 and 100 freestyles at the state meet. She actually won four titles as she swam a leg on the 200 freestyle relay team, which set a state record of 1:30.81, and was also on the state championship 400 freestyle relay team.
Boys wrestling Ponderosa junior Jacob Myers won his second straight title, this season at 132 pounds, with a pin in 35 seconds in the title match. He nished the season with a 37-5 record.
Hockey
Valor Christian 165-pound senior defenseman Aiden Owen was one of the state’s top blueliners. He had 10 goals and 21 assists for the state champion Eagles and led the team with 31 points and was the sixth leading scorer among all 5A players.
Owen was the quarterback on Valor’s power play and was a member of the penalty kill unit.
Girls basketball
Macey Huard of Valor Christian, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 22.1 points, two assists, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals a game this season. e senior who will play for Montana next season had 32 points and 14 rebounds in her nal high school game, which was a semi nal state tournament loss.
Boys basketball
Caden Stevens and Radek Homer led Mountain Vista into the state tournament semi nals and Gavin Hershberger was the spark plug for Rock Canyon’s team, but Stevens gets the nod as Player of the Year. Stevens, a 6-9 senior who has a scholarship o er from Metro State, averaged 17.2 points a game this season, shot 64% from the eld, grabbed 7.7 rebounds and had 4.4 blocked shots a game.
Littleton’s literary talent shines through in two recently published books by local authors. Released this winter, these books show imagination, tenacity and skill, giving a reason to look local for your next page-turner.
Elea Plotkin’s childhood near a ski area in Washington state partially inspired her novel, e Procedure , which follows a world class extreme free skier as she trains for the world championships.
“I want it to be an adventure book that just sweeps people up into its story and brings them into this world of the alpine splendor and thrills,” Plotkin said. “ at’s always been my salvation -- the alpine, the high alpine. at’s where I get my strength and my fortitude, is through the mountains.”
e book takes readers from Crested Butte to Chile, Alaska and the Alps as the main character, Whitney Olson, trains on some of the most dangerous peaks in the world. In addition to being a professional skier, Olson is the single mother of a child with a seizure disorder.
“She’s dealing with deathdefying skiing every single time she goes out there,” Plotkin said. “However, the one real con ict she has in her psyche is that she has a daughter who is six years old and she’s a single parent and her daughter has a medical disability. And so she is always having to leave her daughter behind in Crested Butte with her grandparents.”
Plotkin said she hopes Olson’s story helps readers to see the unique challenges that female athletes, especially those who are or want to be parents, face in their careers.
“Even though the protagonist is a female… I’m really hoping that men read the book and enjoy the story and also take away and have a better understanding of what women may in fact be experiencing in their inner world as working par-
ents, too, not just skiing,” she said, “ e skiing is obviously the focus of this book, but I think that the ideas and the general idea also spills over into a lot of the real world.”
e book takes a psychological twist when Olson’s coach sends her to get a secret operation to remove the part of her brain that senses fear. is aspect of the plot forces readers ponder the ethics and implications of altering athletes’ emotional states.
In addition to the drama, adventure and thrill of the novel, Plotkin hopes it helps people understand the power of nature.
“I see this come up a lot in writing and stories about climbers and extreme skiers, and sometimes people say, ‘Well, why do they go out and risk their lives to do something like that?’” Plotkin said. “And I hope that when people read this story, what they begin to understand is that being up in the mountains and in that kind of amazing and beautiful terrain is so life-a rming for people.... It’s like going to church, you know, it’s the cathedral.”
Screenwriters Molly Orr Rosenberg and Sara Page recently purchased rights to adapt e Procedure . into a feature-length screenplay.
e self-published book is available online at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Barnes and Noble.
Plotkin will have a book signing 1-4 p.m. on April 1 at the Dakota Lodge at 14422 W Ken Caryl Ave. in Littleton. She will accept cash or personal check for book purchases.
Society, Suspicious
e pseudonymous author Freeman Smith explores the Jan. 6 insurrection in his new satirical book, Society, Suspicous
“ e plot is a little bit di erent,” Smith said. “It’s a lot of short stories and poetry that may seem unconnected to the overall plot, but everything deals with the people that were, in my opinion, very much responsible for trying to destroy our democracy on January 6 and before that.”
Smith, who has written a couple of books and blogs in the past, said he was never an “overly political” person, but has always paid attention to politics. When demonstra-
tors protesting the results of the 2020 presidential election stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, he developed a stronger political opinion.
“It was just time, in my opinion, to choose a side,” he said. “You’re either for democracy or you’re not.”
Smith felt writing a novel was a creative way to take a stance.
“At that point, I needed to not complain, not sit in front of the TV and wring my hands and make comments about people and about what was going on -- it was just time to do something,” he said. “I wasn’t going to go to Washington and march. I wasn’t going to start phoning congressmen and yelling at them. I just thought this was a di erent way, in a di erent method.”
e book, which is ctional, uses short stories and poems to follow QAnon leader Jim Morrison (yes, the singer). QAnon is a far-right political movement rooted in a conspiracy theory that former President Donald Trump is working to save the world from Satanworshipping pedophiles in government, business and the media.
roughout the book, Smith examines narcissism, social media
and the psychology of cults and conspiracies.
Smith said he hopes the book helps readers to understand the signi cance of Jan. 6 and what it meant for American democracy.
“I want (readers) to understand that something really bad happened,” he said. “Something really bad could have happened had things gone just a little bit di erently that day.”
In addition, he hopes the book is genuinely enjoyable for readers.
“It’s also done in a way that’s humorous and I think a little bit clever and different and unique,” he said. “Even if you don’t look at it even politically, a lot of the stories are just stories… I just want people to be amused. I want them to understand what happened in a different way instead of reading a journalist’s account or a factual account, to look at this in a different way.”
He said he thinks some readers might be o ended by the content, but he is ready for that.
Society, Suspicious was published by Atmosphere Press. e book can be purchased online at freemansmith.com, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Castle Rock Interfaith Community Prayers. A Space for Spiritual Reflections and Conversations
March Topic: Compassion
Sunday, March 26th | 10:30am - Noon
Philip S. Miller LibraryJames H. LaRue Meeting Room castlerockbahais@gmail.com castlerock.local.bahai.us/
to their restaurant. e weekday promotion o ers street-style tacos topped with marinated pork, beef barbacoa or grilled chicken for $2.50 a piece. It began in October and has made Tuesdays one of the restaurant’s busiest nights of the week, according to Montiel.
Of course, no taqueria would be complete without a happy hour. El Mesón’s runs Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. and all day on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It includes $5 nachos,
chicharrones and margaritas plus special pricing on mojitos, beer and house tequila.
At El Mesón, colorful cocktails come from a small bar near the kitchen. Enlarging the bar is on Montiel’s list of upgrades she’d like to make. So is adding more tables and chairs. And moving a wall. And — well, the list is long.
e budget isn’t as big as their plans, Montiel said. Not yet, anyway. But it’s only been a year, and they’re just getting started. oughts of how to make the restaurant better and the business a success follow Montiel home. “My brain, our brains, never stop,” she said.
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COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION
CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0007-2023
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On January 6, 2023, the undersigned Public Trustee 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)
Bradford I Dillman
Original Beneficiary(ies)
MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR PRIMELENDING, A PLAINSCAPITAL COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY
Date of Deed of Trust
September 14, 2020
County of Recording Arapahoe
Recording Date of Deed of Trust
September 21, 2020
Recording Information (Reception No. and/or
Book/Page No.)
E0125255
Original Principal Amount
$316,167.00
Outstanding Principal Balance
$304,484.01
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 thereof.
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
LOT 1, BLOCK 5, CHERRY CREEK FARM SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 5, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.
Also known by street and number as: 10205 E Peakview Ave, Englewood, CO 80111-6107.
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, 05/10/2023, 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: 3/16/2023
Last Publication: 4/13/2023
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: 01/06/2023
Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado
By: Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee
The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
Alison L Berry #34531
N. April Winecki #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 # 22-029004
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. 0007-2023
COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0618-2022
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
On December 20, 2022, the undersigned Public Trustee 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) Ronald J Southworth Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC Date of Deed of Trust November 17, 2017 County of Recording Arapahoe
Date of Deed of Trust November 28, 2017
of Trust August 29, 2016
Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.)
D6096088
Original Principal Amount
$394,250.00
Outstanding Principal Balance
$234,576.60
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.
Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee for New Residential
Loan Trust 2018-5 Date of Deed of Trust January 27, 2005
mand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.
Original Grantor(s) Gina Lynn Rennick
Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR THRIVE MORTGAGE, LLC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY
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.
LOTS 7 AND 8, BLOCK 43, SOUTH BROADWAY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.
Also known by street and number as:
4430 S Sherman Street, Englewood, CO 80113.
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, 04/19/2023, 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: 2/23/2023
Last Publication: 3/23/2023
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: 12/20/2022
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) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
Alison L Berry #34531
N. April Winecki #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 # 22-028970
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
LOT 1, BLOCK 8, AMENDED PLAT OF CHERRY CREEK VISTA, FILING NO. 6, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.
Also known by street and number as: 11107 EAST BERRY AVENUE, ENGLEWOOD, 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, 05/03/2023, 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: 3/9/2023
Last Publication: 4/6/2023
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: 12/30/2022 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) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
Anna Johnston #51978
Ryan Bourgeois #51088
Joseph D. DeGiorgio #45557
Randall M. Chin #31149 Barrett, Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350-3711 Attorney File # 00000009667577
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
Notice NO. 0622-2022
SALE NO. 0614-2022
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On December 16, 2022, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.
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.
ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"
Also known by street and number as: 4585 South Elati Street, 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, 04/19/2023, 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: 2/23/2023
Last Publication: 3/23/2023
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: 12/16/2022
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) representing 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 # CO21123
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
EXHIBIT A 0614-2022
That part of Lot 5, Block 1, Jernberg Subdivision, described as follows: Beginning at a point 135.3 feet North of the Southwest corner of Lot 5; Thence North along the West line of said Lot 5, 60 feet; Thence East 82.48 feet, more or less, to the East line of said Lot 5; Thence South along the East line of said Lot 5, 60 feet; Thence West 82.48 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning; and that part of Block 2, Wollenweber`s Broadway Gardens, adjoining the above described property, described as follows: Beginning at a point 135.3 feet North of the Southeast corner of Lot 5, Block 1, Jernberg Subdivision, which point of beginning is 369.3 feet, more or less, West and 135.3 feet North of the Southeast corner of Block
2, Wollenweber`s Broadway Gardens, the true point of beginning; Thence North 60 feet along the East line of Lot 5, Block 1, Jernberg Subdivision; Thence East 44.43 feet; Thence South 60 feet; Thence West 44.43 feet to the point of beginning, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado.
Principal Balance $232,107.43
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: 5720 S Lowell Blvd, Littleton, CO 80123.
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, 05/10/2023, 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: 3/16/2023
Last Publication: 4/13/2023
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: 01/10/2023
Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado
By: Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee
The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
Alison L Berry #34531
N. April Winecki #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 # 20-024184
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 0017-2023 LEGAL DESCRIPTION CONDOMINIUM UNIT 3, BUILDING A, THE LEFT BANK CONDOMINIUMS, ACCORDING TO THE CONDOMINIUM MAP OF THE LEFT BANK CONDOMINIUMS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO RECORDED JANUARY 24, 1972, UNDER RECEPTION NO.1269988 AND THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION FOR THE LEFT BANK CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED JUNE 19, 2017 UNDER RECEPTION NO. D7068337, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. APN #: 032072326
Legal Notice No. 0017-2023
First Publication: 3/16/2023
following described Deed of Trust: On January 10, 2023, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and De-
Last Publication: 4/13/2023 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
On December 16, 2022, the undersigned Public Trustee 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)
Sunil Stephen AND KRISHNAPRIYA DARSHINI SUNIL
Original Beneficiary(ies)
PUBLIC SERVICE CREDIT UNION
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt
CANVAS CREDIT UNION
Date of Deed of Trust
May 22, 2014
County of Recording Arapahoe
Recording Date of Deed of Trust
September 15, 2014
Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.)
D4085492
Original Principal Amount
$30,000.00
Outstanding Principal Balance
$15,794.23
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 10, BLOCK 1, WILLOW CREEK FILING NO. 5, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.
Also known by street and number as: 7855 South Trenton Street, Centennial, CO 80112.
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
If applicable, a description of any changes to the deed of trust described in the notice of election and demand pursuant to affidavit as allowed by statutes: C.R.S.§ 38-35-109(5)
LEGAL CO-GRANTOR'S NAME HAS BEEN CORRECTED BY SCRIVENER'S AFFIDAVIT RECORDED 03/09/2022 AT RECEPTION NO. E2027163 IN THE RECORDS OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY.
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, 04/19/2023, 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: 2/23/2023
Last Publication: 3/23/2023
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: 12/16/2022
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) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
Alison L Berry #34531
N. April Winecki #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 # 21-025829
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. 0612-2022
First Publication: 2/23/2023
Last Publication: 3/23/2023 Name
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2023 Annual Budget pursuant to State Statute; and
WHEREAS, the Board may authorize a department or elected office to use an unspent portion of the prior year’s appropriation during the subsequent year for the originally intended purpose, and the most common circumstances include funds that were encumbered but not yet spent, the remaining funds for ongoing projects, and the year-end fund balances of certain funds; and
WHEREAS, the requests to use unspent funds from the prior fiscal year during the current fiscal year have been reviewed by the Finance Department; and
WHEREAS, since appropriation authority expires at the end of each fiscal year, the Board-approved funds must be appropriated again for the subsequent fiscal year so they may be expended; and
WHEREAS, it is the request of the Finance Department, in conjunction with the individual operating departments and elected offices, to reappropriate the funds in accordance with the Arapahoe County Financial Policy 3.4, which also specifies that this reappropriation process be completed each year; and
WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-106, C.R.S., as required by law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to authorize the following supplemental appropriations from unappropriated fund balances for the 2023 budget:
Fund - $3,697,252 as follows:
$24,420,665
2.Road and Bridge Fund W orking Capital Reserve
$3,123,617
3.Social Services Fund W orking Capital Reserve
$2,691,550
4.Arapahoe Law Enforcement Authority Fund W orking Capital Reserve
$1,681,546
RESOLUTION C: SUPPLEMENTALS
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2022 and 2023 Annual Budgets pursuant to Statute; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners will consider the following budget amendments to both the 2022 and 2023 Annual Budgets; and WHEREAS, this matter has been published pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S., as required by law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to amend the adopted 2022 Annual Budget as follows:
a.Transfer $1,200,000 from the unappropriated balance of the Self-Insurance Liability Fund, County Attorney’s Office to cover the insurance claims that have been incurred but not yet reported (IBNR).
b.Transfer $1,000,000 from the unappropriated balance of the Worker’s Compensation Fund and appropriate in the County Attorney’s Office to cover the insurance claims that have been incurred but not yet reported (IBNR).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to amend the adopted 2023 Annual Budget as follows:
c. Recognize $21,566,423 and appropriate $16,804,226 in the Infrastructure Fund, Public Works & Development, for funds expected to be received as reimbursement for project expenses.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies.
Legal Notice No. Arap 1172
First Publication: March 23, 2023
Last Publication: March 23, 2023
Publisher: Englewood Herald Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen Public Notice
CITY OF CENTENNIAL
NOTICE OF TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE 1st AMENDMENT TO THE VERMILION CREEK PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD-21-00005) AND A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE VERMILION CREEK PHASE 1 SITE PLAN (SITE-22-00019)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL WILL CONSIDER ORDINANCE NO. 2023-O-05, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL, COLORADO APPROVING THE 1st AMENDMENT TO THE VERMILION CREEK PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD-2100005) AND RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R-11, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL, COLORADO APPROVING THE VERMILION CREEK PHASE 1 SITE PLAN (SITE-22-00019)
The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the Ordinance and Resolution at public hearings on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:00 pm. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard.
The City Council will consider the Ordinance and Resolution at public hearings on Monday, April 17, 2023 at a Special Meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Officer shall file a certified copy of this Resolution with the Division of Local Government and with the affected spending agencies.
RESOLUTION B: POLICY RESERVES
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2023 Annual Budget pursuant to Statute; and
WHEREAS, Arapahoe County Financial Policy
2.1, approved on October 25, 2016, specifies that the Board of County Commissioners will annually designate from the specific fund’s unappropriated fund balance a working capital reserve equal to one-sixth of the current year’s initial adopted operating budget for the Road and Bridge Fund and the Arapahoe Law Enforcement Authority Fund, and an amount equal to one-sixth of the County’s contribution to the Social Services Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has determined that the General Fund working capital reserve shall be eleven percent (11.0 percent) of the operating expenses within the current year’s initial adopted budget; and
WHEREAS, these fund balance reserves will be adequate to fund necessary expenditures, including accrued vacation and sick leave; and
WHEREAS, these reserves will be adequate to comply with, and shall include, the fund balance reserve amounts required by Article X, Section 20, of the State Constitution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Arapahoe County to designate the following fund balance reserve amounts for 2023: 1.General Fund
Reserve
The hearings will be held in City Council Chambers, Centennial Civic Center, 13133 E. Arapahoe Road Centennial, CO 80112 at the above noted dates and times. Interested parties may file written comments with the City Clerk, at: councilcomments@centennialco.gov or by mailing them to City Clerk, 13133 E. Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80112 any time prior to April 12, 2023 and/or April 17, 2023 public hearing dates. Any written comments received will be provided to the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or the City Council prior to the Public Hearing and made part of the record.
Further information concerning the proposed Ordinance and Resolution may be obtained by emailing centennialplanning@centennialco.gov or calling the City of Centennial Community and Economic Development Department at 303-754-3308.
house / commercial / retail building.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 11, 2023, the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing at 9:30 A.M., or as soon as possible thereafter at 5334 S Prince St, East Hearing Room, Littleton CO 80120; at which, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning the above-described SDPZ22-001, Alamia Outdoor Power Equipment / Specific Development Plan with Zoning (SDPZ). 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 1171
First Publication: March 23, 2023
Last Publication: March 23, 2023
Publisher: Englewood Herald Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen Metropolitan Districts
Public Notice
PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTRAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT IN THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO, AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE ORGANIZING THE WESTRAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTION OF THE DIRECTORS THEREOF, AND APPROVING THE INITIAL OPERATING PLAN AND PRELIMINARY 2023 BUDGET THEREFOR.
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there was filed in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Centennial, Colorado a Petition for the Organization of the Westray Business Improvement District (“Proposed District”) in accordance with the provisions of the Business Improvement District Act, Part 12 of Article 25 of Title 31, C.R.S. Said Petition is pending the hearing on the sufficiency of said Petition and action on an ordinance to organize the Proposed District by the City Council as the governing body of the City of Centennial, Colorado (the “City”).
Said Petition states, among other things:
(a)A description of the boundaries and service area of the Proposed District, as follows and incorporated herein by reference: the property generally located southwest of the intersection of Greenwood Plaza Boulevard and E. Caley Avenue in the City of Centennial, Colorado. The legal description is available from the office of Spencer Fane LLP, 1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 2000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
(b) The Proposed District shall be empowered to provide all or part of the services and improve ments allowed under Colorado law for business improvement districts, including “Improvements” as that term is defined in Section 31-25-1203(5), C.R.S., services as described in Section 31-251212(1)(f), C.R.S., and other powers granted to such districts under Section 31-25-1212, C.R.S., to the extent set forth in its Operating Plan.
(c)That a five (5) member Board of Directors of the Proposed District will be elected at an election to be held on May 2, 2023 pursuant to Section 31-25-1209(1)(d), C.R.S.
(d)That the area be designated, after public notice and hearing, as a location for new business or commercial development.
The petition is on file at the office of the City Clerk of the City of Centennial, Colorado, and is avail able for public inspection.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that by order of the Clerk to the City Council, a public hearing on said Petition shall be held at the hour of 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 13133 E. Arapahoe Road, Centennial, Colorado, at which time and place any interested party may appear and be heard on the sufficiency of the Petition.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Centennial, at the conclusion of said hearing, if it determines that the Petition satisfies the requirements of the Business Im provement District Act, will consider the adoption of a proposed ordinance creating and establish ing the Westray Business Improvement District, providing for the election of Board members of the District, and approving the Initial Operating Plan and preliminary 2023 budget therefor.
By:City Clerk Centennial, Colorado
Legal Notice No. 531270-60270 First
lage, and Unincorporated Areas of Arapahoe County, Colorado, Case No. 21-08-0505P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and,
