Commerce City Sentinel Express 020923

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2020

New COVID-19 restrictions will prohibit indoor dining, personal gatherings

Our in-depth look at the housing crisis

Salud names new chief medical o cer

BY STAFF REPORT

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Salud Family Health announce Jan. 26 that it would make Pradeep Dhar, MD its newest Chief Medical O cer.

Dhar succeeds Dr. Tillman Farley, who served in the position for 25 years. Farley will continue to see patients at the Salud Fort Lupton clinic.

Dhar said he is thrilled to continue his work at Salud in the new role, which will allow him to continue providing medical guidance and leadership to Salud’s communities, patients, practitioners and sta .

“It is an honor and privilege to continue working with a team of dedicated leaders and healthcare providers at Salud,:” Dhar said in a written statement. “I am motivated by the opportunity given to me by the Board of Directors and executive leadership team.”

Gov. Polis stresses more housing is key to Colorado’s economic health

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

If lawmakers don’t act to make housing more a ordable now, “we will soon face a spiraling point of no return.”

at’s what Gov. Jared Polis said in January, during his annual State of the State Address. He noted myriad problems linked to rising housing costs.

time and money spent on long commutes, more air pollution, and greater economic and workforce challenges,” Polis said. Polis added that rising housing prices are “putting the dream of homeownership out of range for more and more Coloradans.”

A long line of cars outside the city of Brighton’s rapid testing site at Riverdale Regional Park. The site has had to close early many days in recent weeks due to high demand. Adams County’s 14-day test positivity rate was 15.9 percent, as of Nov. 17, according to Tri-County Health Department. Brighton and Commerce City’s test positivity rates were both higher than 13 percent. Forty- ve people in Brighton and 29 in Commerce City have died from COVID-19 related health issues. To limit the spread of COVID-19, at least 15 counties moved to tighter restrictions that prohibits indoor and personal gatherings.

People, he said, “are being forced out of their neighborhoods with no hope of ever living close to where they work.”

“ at means more tra c, lost

e governor’s assessment squares with the ndings of Colorado Community Media in our four-week series exploring what many experts say is a housing crisis — one that a ects practically everyone in the Denver area. Lower-income workers are seeing larger chunks of their paychecks

go to landlords. Young families can’t nd starter homes they can a ord. Retirees don’t see any attractive options for moving and downsizing, meaning their homes stay o the market, helping keep prices high.

Dhar completed medical school at the University of Bombay, India and pursued a Fellowship in Interventional Radiology. After graduating from medical school, he worked for a health insurance company as Vice President of Medical Services. He then completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of North Dakota and the University of Hawaii.

By Ellis Arnold Colorado Community Media

As Denver metro counties continue to inch closer to local stay-at-home orders under Colorado’s system of coronavirusrelated restrictions, the state announced a new level of rules that prohibits indoor dining and personal gatherings — a change that applies to the majority of the Denver metro area and many counties in other regions.

“Just look west,” Polis said in his address. “In California, decades of poor planning has led to interruptions of drinking water and electricity for entire towns and cities, average home prices over $1 million in major cities and 16lane freeways” with “bumper-to-

e state’s COVID-19 dial, which has been in e ect since September, is the set of di erent levels of restrictions that each

SEE STRESSES, P7

He is Board certi ed in Family Medicine and received the Best Resident award at the completion of his program. During his residency, he worked with Native American communities through the Indian Health Service.

county is required to follow based on the severity of a county’s local virus spread. e dial grew out of the state’s safer-athome order — the policy that came a er the statewide stay-at-home order this spring and allowed numerous types of businesses to reopen.

Dhar joined Salud in 2006, initially as a Family Physician and Clinic Director for the Salud clinic in Sterling before moving to the Salud clinic in Brighton. Dhar has served on the Peer Review Committee, the Ethics Committee, and the Credentialing

e state recently switched to color identi ers — levels blue, yellow and orange rather than numbered levels — to avoid confusion. Until Nov. 17, level red meant a stay-at-home order. Now, level red — “severe risk” — is the second-

SEE NEW CHIEF, P4

Please see RESTRICTIONS, Page 2

Photo by Belen Ward

Bike riders, advocates consider options for getting around

With push for transportation options, is area ready for more e-bikes?

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Governor Jared Polis’ push to get legislators to approve $500 rebates for electric bikes is pushing bicyclists and transportation advocates to wonder if the infrastructure exists in the northern Front Range to support them.

For Carl Christensen, a 61-year-old resident of Northglenn, there is. But it hasn’t always been that way.

“I used to fear for my life to get from my house down to where I can pick up the South Platte trail at 104th and Riverdale,” Christensen said.

Back in 2009, he started to incorporate biking into his daily commute. He used to ride his bike to the bus station, rack his bike on the bus, take it down to Union Station and ride the last mile to his o ce

Since 2010, he has made the 18mile ride from his home in Northglenn to the TIAA building downtown and champions the added bike lanes and trails that make it possible to do so.

He doesn’t ride for environmental reasons or to save on gas. In fact, he owns four vehicles. He rides because the trips make him feel good.

He says it’s healthy, too. Both mentally and physically.

“It was a great way to clear my head and it keeps me healthy so I can actually eat the way I like,” Christensen said.

Rachel Hultin, sustainable transportation director for Bicycle Colorado, sees it di erently. She said the Front Range doesn’t have enough infrastructure to support biking and electric biking because development has been focused on cars.

“Our present situation is really the result of 100 years of (car-centric) transportation planning and investment in which the leading question for transportation projects has been ‘how do we make it easier for cars to travel quickly through communities and down corridors?’” she said.

How comfortable it is for drivers and easy for cars to travel through a

corridor has long been the measure for success, said Hultin, who also serves on Wheat Ridge City Council.

“And the outcome of 100 years of that thinking and those investments is a transportation system that overwhelmingly serves cars because that’s what we’ve been measuring,” she said.

Communities, Hultin said, started to realize the current transportation system doesn’t work for everyone. It needs to be more bikeable and walkable, with more transit to serve everyone. Not just car owners.

Northern inventories

Transportation o cials in the Metro North have taken some notice.

In 2018, Northglenn adopted the Connect Northglenn Bicycle and Pedestrian plan. According to Amanda Peterson, director of Parks, Recreation and Culture, the plan identi es needed trail connections and gaps in the existing network.

So far, 6.41 miles of on-street bike lanes have been installed, which adds to the 35 miles of o -street trails. e trail network also includes three bike repair stations.

Northglenn also provided 550 refurbished bikes at no cost. ey come in as donations and volunteers x them up, with funds from the city and donations.

ornton hosts a combined 396.5 miles of trails, including local and regional o -street trails, on-street

bike planes, paved shoulders designated for bike lands and 8- to 10-foot-wide sidewalks designated as trails.

Darrell Alston, a tra c engineer for ornton, said for the past decade new resurfacing projects have included painting on-street bike lanes.

However, with a segment of the population feeling uncomfortable riding in the street, the city is actively trying to provide separated and protected bike lanes. at may include a physical bu er, a vertical separation or a completely separate bicycle track.

e city is applying for grant money to complete studies to identify the roads where protected bike lanes make sense. ose studies are planned to start in the third quarter of this year, which will include public outreach.

“On a lower speed corridor, you can probably get away with some type of a simple vertical separation like pylons or maybe the periodic placement of decorative planters. When you get onto a higher speed roadway, you’re probably looking at some kind of a bigger physical separation, like curbs or a cycle track further away from the roadway,” Alston said.

Some of the corridors the city is considering include 88th Avenue from Pecos to Dahlia, 128th from I-25 to York, Pecos from Milkyway up to ornton Parkway and Huron from 84th to 88th. ose streets are based on high bicycle tra c already there.

Alston said providing bike lanes on the long arterial roadways with connection to the trail system can serve both short commutes and long range.

In Westminster, the 63.5 miles of on-street bike lanes, 17.3 miles of shared-use bike routes and 150 miles of trails help get bikers around. According to Andy Le, a spokesperson for the city, all bike lanes and shared-use bike routes have paint and symbols, with some bu ered lanes.

However, none are protected by pylons, curbs or anything other than striping, he said.

e process to decide which types of bike lanes to build follows street resurfacing projects. None were

stand-alone and included funding for constructing barriers. at may change, Le wrote in an email.

From Westminster, it is possible to commute to either Boulder or Denver. To Boulder, the US 36 Bikeway is a paved concrete trail from 88th and Sheridan north.

More money

More money for bicycle infrastructure could be coming, thanks to the Greenhouse Gas Planning Standard, a new rule adopted by the Transportation Commission of Colorado in December 2021. It requires agencies to measure greenhouse gas emissions from projects, with limits on how high those emissions go.

Jacob Riger, multimodal transportation planning manager for the Denver Regional Council of Governments, said his group has already modi ed its 2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan based on the rule.

DRCOG will now send more money to 11 bus rapid transit corridors by 2050, and budget more for bike lanes and better multimodal mobility options and less for road improvement projects, such as DRCOG’s Interstate 25 project.

It’s a way to reduce emissions, and according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, transportation is the second highest contributor in the state.

Emily Lindsey, active and emerging mobility program manager for DRCOG, said people are ready. Of the 15 million daily people take in Metro Denver, 43% are less than three miles and 19% are less than one mile.

“So, super bikeable, even more so with e-bikes,” she said.

ere just needs to be more dedicated active transportation infrastructure.

“ ere’s not perfect infrastructure throughout the region. ere’s always room for upgrades to our safety, our comfort, and our connectivity,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said area cyclists are ready to ride but are concerned about their safety. In fact, according to DRCOG’s survey Active Transportation Plan, about 59% of the region’s adult population are interested in biking,

The bike lane near 92nd and Lowell in Westminster.

PHOTO BY LUKE ZARZECKI

League of Women voters hosts CCM publisher

STAFF REPORT

Colorado Community Media publisher Linda Shapley will discuss community news’ role in a democracy with the Adams County League of Women voters at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

e meeting is free and open to the public at the Adams County Human Services Center, 11860 N. Pecos St. in Westminster. To attend via zoom, request the link via email to

omas_pond53@centurylink.net.

number

Linda Shapley

Shapley has been the publisher of Colorado Community Media since August 2021. She has worked for a number of Colorado newspapers, starting with Colorado State University’s student newspaper, the Collegian, in Fort Collins and her hometown newspaper, the Greeley Tribune. She spent

21 years as an editor at the Denver Post. Colorado Community Media is locally owned and is the parent company of 24 community newspapers, including the NorthglennSentinel and Westminster Window. She lives in ornton.

She’ll discuss the importance of local news in a market where hedge funds purchase independent newspapers and competition drives many media outlets out of business, making many local communities are

becoming “news deserts” without local journalists to hold public ofcials accountable.

e League of Women Voters of Adams County, Colorado is part of a national network that is nonpartisan, grassroots and multi-issue, a recognized force in shaping public policy. e League promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in local, state and national government.

Nonprofit seeks homes, volunteers for Paint-A-Thon

Housing nonpro t Brothers Redevelopment is now accepting applications for its 45th annual Paint-A- on season.

e free program uses volunteers to paint the exterior of homes for lowincome seniors and disabled residents. Homeowners who live in in the Denver metro area are encouraged to apply — particularly those who live in Commerce City, Lakewood, Arvada, Englewood, and other parts

BIKES

but are unlikely to ride without separate bike facilities.

Emily Kleinfelter, safety and regional Vision Zero planner for DRCOG, said paint isn’t protection. DRCOG advocates for the highest level of protection for bikers and that may be bollards, car parks or a curb, as well as creating a network that connects bikers all over the region without gaps.

“It’s making it so that they’re being able to get home safe to their loved ones,” she said.

Colorado State Senator Faith Winter said another barrier to biking is the cost of a bike. She’s for the incentives Polis is proposing to make biking more a ordable.

“Making sure people have access to what they need to bike, making sure they feel safe while biking, and making sure that it’s easy and easy to navigate.,” she said.

Safer outcomes

Another study co-authored by CU Denver researcher Wesley Marshall, found cities with more protected bike lanes lead to safer outcomes.

“Better safety outcomes are instead associated with a greater prevalence of bike facilities – particularly protected and separated bike facilities – at the block group level and, more

of Arapahoe County. e program is also available in Colorado Springs. Residents who are interested in applying for the program must be 60 years or older and/or have a disability, must own, and reside in the Denver metro area or Colorado Springs, and plan to live in their home for at least two years. To apply, call 720339-5864 or email chad@brothersredevelopment.org.

“So many community members need a few home maintenance items in order to stay in their home

strongly so, across the overall city,” the results read.

Westminster City Councilor Rich Seymour primarily rides on the weekends between March and October, throwing up dust on the Big and Little Cry Creek Trails towards ornton and Northglenn. He’s ridden on US 36, but doesn’t like the highway noise, he said.

He stays clear of primary and secondary roads, even if they have marked bike lanes.

“Being anywhere near tra c is taking your life in your hands. Distracted and aggressive drivers are wreaking havoc with law-abiding drivers and killing bicyclists and motorcyclists,” Seymour wrote in an email.  ornton’s Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Sandgren also thinks e-biking and biking are great for mobility but cited safety issues,

“I don’t think it’s safe on any street anywhere,” she said. “ e way people are driving across the country, I don’t feel comfortable.”

Data backs up his concern for bikers, motorcyclists and pedestrians. CDOT reported fatalities in 2022: 146 motorcycles, 105 pedestrians and 12 bicycles.

Fewer car lanes, more tra c?

Seymour noted Westminster has a mobility plan adopted by a prior council. His concern is the removal of vehicle lanes for bike lanes.

“I’m not in favor of decreasing auto lanes,” he said.

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Contact us: 143 S. Second Pl., Brighton, CO 80401 - 303-566-4100

Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100

Web: CommerceCitySentinel.com

To subscribe call 303-566-4100

SCOTT TAYLOR Metro North Editor staylor@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

— which statistically helps them be safer, healthier, and live longer. Painting is a maintenance item that is impossible for our clients to do physically or nancially,” said Brothers Volunteer Department Director Chad Nibbelink.

Painting the exterior of a home can cost up to $5,000 — but the Paint-Aon Program o ers income-eligible homeowners the chance to save big and devote their savings to other important costs like medication or groceries.

Still, Seymour remains all in on the idea of bike lanes. He said more people riding bikes would be great, but the addition of lanes needs to be a slow progression for road users to adjust. ose lanes need concrete, protective barriers for safety, he said.

But not at the expense of car lanes.

“I don’t see enough people using their bikes to commute and to take up road lane miles right now. I think it just adds to more congestion, which people are already frustrated about. We hear about it all the time,” Seymour said.

Seymour isn’t the only one concerned about decreasing lanes. e Weld County Commission, in a  letter responding to CDOT’s new rule, said that decreasing lanes may be counterproductive.

“Complete streets or road diets that increase congestion are a popular movement in American cities to encourage walking and cycling. Most cities with high rates of bicycle commuting, such as Boulder, are college towns with young populations. erefore, demographics rather than street design may have the greatest in uence on cycling and walking,” it reads.

It also says that complying with the new rules may present challenges for “rural areas and those with a lower population density” because of differences between urban and rural lifestyles.

Some of the aspirations are unlikely, it says.

“CDOT’s CBA claims of signi cant

roughout the Paint-A- on’s 44year history, Brothers Redevelopment has painted 7,729 homes. In 2022, the program painted 94 homes with the help of 1,945, saving homeowners $561,500.

“ e transformation that takes place on houses is incredible — but what’s priceless is what that work means to the homeowners. It makes volunteers see and feel their impact,” said Nibbelink. “ e work this program does changes lives for the better.”

cost savings are unfounded because their estimated reductions in VMT are unlikely to be realized. e CBA is driven by aspirational assumptions about transport mode shifts that are unrealistic. History convincingly demonstrates that programs to reduce VMT have failed,” the letter reads.

Seymour pointed to the context of Colorado: it’s a western state that’s still highly dependent on cars.

“If we eliminate people’s ability to travel by car, it is going to have a detrimental e ect on our economy,” he said.

e progression of adding bike lanes needs to be slow, he explained, and constructing bike lanes prior to a demand for them may be adding the cart before the horse.

“If we really had that much pent-up desire to ride bikes and commute on bikes, I think we’d already see more bike riders,” he said.

Hultin sees it di erently, that more, safer infrastructure will bring out more bikers.

She challenges local governments to rethink transportation projects and to make biking and other modes of transportation safer. Not pitting modes of travel against each other, but making roads more accessible to a more diverse group of users.

“(Local governments should) take in projects that serve, walking, biking, transit, and make sure that those are a priority for funding ahead of the car expansion projects,” she said.

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Sentinel Express. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to staylor@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

Air Duct Cleaning Winter Specials

Walk with a doc

Platte Valley Medical Center’s cardiac rehab team and Walk With A Doc will host monthly walks with Dr. Christopher Cannon, an interventional cardiologist at Brighton Heart and Vascular Institute.

This is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. After a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from the doctor, spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking.

‘Taking No Chances’

The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and The Link, a community resource and assessment center in Thornton, are offering free, 10-week programs to families of Adams county teenagers to help develop personal and interpersonal drug-resistance skills.

to become qualified listeners. Call 720-600-0860.

COVID-19 testing

Here’s where you can receive a test for COVID-19:

Brighton Advanced Urgent Care, 2801 Purcell St. Call 303-659-9700 or visit https://advurgent.com/ locations/brighton/

Brighton Salud, 1860 Egbert St. Testing is available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Visit https://www.saludclinic.org/ covid-testing

Fort Lupton Salud, 1115 Second St. Testing is available on Tuesday and Thursday. Call 303-697-2583 or visit https://www.saludclinic. org/covid-testing online.

Mental health

Our mission is to lower energy costs and provide the healthiest quality air possible. For anyone, business or residential, we will increase e ciency of your system by using the very latest techniques, the latest technologies and top of the line products. We will provide the highest quality of work possible. Our professional sta will assure a high level of professionalism that cannot be matched in our industry. We guarantee our products and services.

Sessions are from 5:30 to 6;30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 720-2922811.

Boards/commissions’ openings

Commerce City has openings for several of its boards and commissions, including the city’s cultural council, the housing authority and the Derby review board.

Visit https://www.c3gov.com/ Home/Components/Form/Form /70316b05422c448492c51da0f0e0 fd86/ to sign up.

Legal self-help clinic

The Access to Justice Committee hosts a free, legal self-help clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month.

The program is for those who don’t have legal representation and need help navigating through legal issues.

Volunteer attorneys are available to discuss such topics as family law, civil litigation, property and probate law. Call 303405-3298 and ask for the Legal Self-Help Clinic at least 24 hours in advance.

Help for vets

Qualified Listeners, a veteran and family resource hub serving northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, has a number of power chairs, power scooters and electric wheelchairs available.

To find the closest facility to you visit www.va.gov/find-locations.

Qualified Listeners also need volunteers to drive veterans to and from appointments, run errands for veterans who cannot get out, handyman services, help administer veteran and family resource guide inventory in local libraries and veterans to be trained

NEW CHIEF

Committee at the Banner Sterling Regional Hospital.

He is currently a member of the Peer Review Committees at Salud and the Platt Valley Medical Center. He served as Salud’s Vice President

Community Reach Center offers in-person intake assessments from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the Brighton Learning and Resource Campus, 1850 E. Egbert St. in Brighton. Call Community Reach Center at 303-853-3500. For walk-in intake, bring an ID and insurance information. For those who would prefer to complete the intake forms and schedule an appointment, the intake forms are available online at www.communityreachcenter.org. There will be a short screening for flu-like symptoms before the entrance to the center to ensure safety and wellness for everyone.

Anyone feeling unsafe or suicidal should call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255, text 38255, or visit the Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) Center at 2551 W. 84th Ave., Westminster.

Warm Line up and running

Community Reach Center is offering a Warm Line (303-2806602) for those who want to talk to mental-health professionals about anxiety, lack of sleep and strained relationships, among other topics. The professionals can facilitate referrals to other programs for assistance.

A press statement said the line is not for crisis intervention.

Those feeling unsafe or suicidal should call Colorado Crisis Services (1-844-493-8255) or text 38255 or visit the Behavioral Urgent Care Center, 2551 W. 84th Ave., Westminster.

Also, the center’s COVID-19 Heroes Program is set up to assist healthcare workers during the pandemic. Those who live or work in Adams County can receive up to six free counseling sessions. Use the Warm Line for support and free counseling.

Brighton’s community intake location is at 1850 E. Egbert St., on the second floor. It’s open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays.

of Medical Services from 20162022.

Salud Family Health is a Federally Quali ed Health Center (FQHC), operating 13 clinic locations, 10 school sites, and a mobile unit that provides medical, dental, pharmacy and behavioral health services to low-income, medically underserved, and seasonal farmworker populations.

The Long Way Home

State leaders, communities search for solutions

BY MICHAEL DE YOANNA MICHAEL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For a month, our reporters and editors brought you stories of your neighbors, your wouldbe neighbors and even people who struggle to survive under bridges. We are all a ected by the rising costs of housing across the Denver area.

e problem is clear: Prices for homes and rents have skyrocketed in recent years. And though the trend shows signs of leveling out, prices are nothing like they were just a few years ago. Jumps in values of hundreds of thousands of dollars were common in the past ve years. For instance, in Brighton, northeast of Denver, and in Littleton, to the south, home values rose $225,000-$300,000, respectively, between 2017 and 2022. Renters are also giving more of their paychecks to their landlords.

Experts at Denver-based Root Policy Research, which studies housing issues, say 700,000 Colorado families are “cost burdened.” e term describes households that devote 30% or more of their income to rent or mortgages. Alarmingly, even families earning as much as $75,000 can be considered burdened.

is week, we look at potential solutions, starting with some

espoused by Jared Polis, the Democratic governor who last month surprised us with his intense focus on housing during his annual State of the State Address. Colorado “will soon face a spiraling point of no return” if housing remains on the course that it is now, Polis said.

Senior Reporter Ellis Arnold rushed to the Capitol for Polis’ news conference after the speech, getting a few o -thecu answers. Billions of dollars have already been spent in recent years to make housing more a ordable, the governor says. He highlighted federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, the stimulus that came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, Colorado voters in November decided to earmark hundreds of millions of dollars a year through Proposition 123, which backs local housing affordability e orts.

Yet, for all the tax dollars involved, the governor says, “We can’t just buy our way out of this.” Local rules, like zoning, need to be addressed too, he said.

Experts have told our reporters the same. Reporter McKenna Harford looks at how changes to zoning, among other strategies, can make housing more a ordable. Meanwhile, reporter Luke Zarzecki looks at how the development of our

at idea resonates with experts like Christy Rogers, who teaches housing policy at the University of Colorado Boulder.

bumper tra c.”

e governor then pivoted to what he sees as solutions.

Since 2019, he said, billions of dollars have been invested in housing. For instance, American Rescue Plan Act funds have gone toward projects around the state, he said. And Colorado voters in November passed Proposition 123, which is expected to bring hundreds of millions more dollars to affordable housing e orts in the years ahead.

“But we can’t just buy our way out of this,” Polis added.

Public o cials, he said, need to break down rules that stand in the way of building more housing.

“Where are our starter homes?” Rogers said. “Where’s our ability to provide housing for a bunch of di erent income levels?”

Many communities need more variety. Some need more density, housing units built closer together, she said.

Housing advocates often point to “the middle,” homes that are neither large, singlefamily units nor big apartment complexes. e middle consists of smaller single-family units and condos that get people their rst foothold in homeownership, a home that they can build equity in and, as their family grows, sell and reinvest the pro ts to upgrade to a bigger one.

cities contributes to healthharming pollution and how ideas like better-planned transit can improve our air and reduce climate change. Reporters Belen Ward and Steve Smith look at tiny homes and how di cult it can be to nd a home, even with some help.

In the end, there is no one solution and, frankly, the problem looks like it will continue, and potentially worsen, in the months ahead. Yet we acknowledge e orts to reverse the trend, including collaborations between federal, state and local o cials on myriad projects in our communities. We also hope that they are successful and that Colorado does not turn into what Polis decries — his portrayal of California as a poorly-planned nightmare, where residents face shortages in drinking water, commute on clogged highways and pay $1 million for a typical home.

In the months ahead, we plan to follow up with o cials and hold them accountable for their promises to improve the situation. We will ask for speci cs and then seek out local leaders and residents for their reactions. We also plan forums where our readers and local leaders can join us to speak about the work that needs to be done. In the meantime, we welcome your letters with ideas.

e governor appears to be headed in a direction where that kind of market is more possible. He said he wants to “legalize more housing choices for every Coloradan” while “protecting the character” of the state.

Yet it is an idea marked mostly by the sweeping language of the governor’s speech — at least for now.

Colorado Community Media asked the governor for more details since his address.

Contributors to the project include:

To see more of our housing series online please visit: ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Cities where six-figure salaries can’t buy homes

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Aldjia Oudachene’s Littleton home is “a wish come true.”

e house is close to the school bus stop, near work and even has a guest room where Oudachene’s father stays when he visits.

“We have good neighbors who have children the same age, so they play together and I’m so happy here,” Oudachene said.

Originally from Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, Oudachene, her husband and two children moved to Littleton in October 2020. In Algeria, Oudachene’s family lived in a house they could a ord on her and her husband’s incomes as French teachers. When they moved to Littleton, Oudachene said it was a challenge.

“When we came here, we started our life from nothing,” she said. “Here, to teach French, I have to learn English rst.”

To make ends meet, Oudachene and her husband took full-time positions with Walmart, but, even then, the high cost of housing put homeownership outside of their budget. Instead, they rented a two-bedroom apartment.

“With the apartment, life was stressful for us,” she said. “ ere wasn’t a lot of space and no place for (the children) to play.”

Oudachene’s family needed more space and privacy. So they kept looking for a house. Oudachene said her family friend told her about Habitat for Humanity. e national nonpro t vision is a “world where everyone has a decent place to live.” And a ordability is a major part of the organization’s vision.

e application process took about a year, but Oudachene said there was no way her family would have a house without Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver’s help. In the end, the organization provided an opportunity for the family to invest in a home within their budget.

“We would have had to wait to have the budget without Habitat,” she said. “It was so fast. Now, I’m happy to pay the mortgage because it goes into our home.”

From 2017 to 2022, the average home price in Littleton has gone up $300,000, but the city is not alone. Over the same period, Brighton saw home prices increase $225,000, Arvada saw a $275,000 increase and Lone Tree homes are up more than $470,000 on average.

As nding a ordable housing becomes harder for a growing number of Colorado families, municipalities and nonpro ts are looking to expand existing solutions like inclusionary zoning, community land trusts and deed restrictions.

Communities that have implemented one or more of these approaches report increasing their a ordable housing stock, though o cials emphasized that the complexity of Colorado’s housing situation means there is no silver bullet.

However, across the board, a key element to getting support for the expansion of a ordable housing programs is changing the mindset of who

bene ts from them.  Supply, but for whom?

Another impact of rising housing costs throughout the metro area, many communities are reaching a critical point where a majority of workers can’t a ord to live where they’re employed.

Corey Reitz, the executive director for South Metro Housing Options, an a ordable housing provider that serves Littleton and Arapahoe County, said housing prices are now unaffordable even for people who take home a solid paycheck. at includes earners topping $82,000, the median household income in Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas and Je erson counties, according to data from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.

“In the past there was an a ordability issue around those lower (area median incomes), but we’re to a point right now where a ordability impacts so many people across a larger spectrum,” Reitz said.

Across the state, the share of housing a ordable to Coloradans has dropped signi cantly. In 2021, just 51% of the state’s housing stock was a ordable for median income earners. at’s down from 76% in 2015, according to research from the Colorado Futures Center, a nonpartisan research group out of Colorado State University.

Phyllis Resnick and Jennifer Newcomer, the authors of the study, said they believe the continuous rise in pricing, even as the housing supply grows, indicates a mismatch in the kind of housing needed and the kind of housing being built.

“ ere’s supply, but supply for who? At what monetary level?” Newcomer asked.

It looks like this: subdivisions of four- and ve-bedroom homes, handfuls of luxury apartments and few, if any, condos and starter homes.

“ e thing that we’re trying to gure out how to illuminate most speci cally is this nuanced distinction between total rooftops and this notion of supply with respect to availability,” Newcomer said.

Resnick said the current market doesn’t incentivize the construction of lower-cost housing. Per her 2021 analysis, housing values in Colorado would need to drop by roughly one-third to return to the 2015 levels of a ordability – something unlikely to happen, experts have told Colorado Community Media throughout our four-week housing series.

e ones feeling the crunch the most are those who earn the least money, though many of those struggling to a ord housing have above-average salaries.

“I suspect when we nish our research, we’re going to nd that housing that is a ordable to people who are closer to the economic margins is sort of not feasible in the sense of being pro table for the folks who need to be out there building that housing,” Resnick said.

A Golden gap

Without the market providing entry-level housing or starter homes, nonpro ts and local governments have stepped in to try to ll the gap by subsidizing building and buying costs.

An extreme example is the city of Golden, where 95% of its workforce lives outside city limits.

Just this month, the city applied for a grant to support a $65 million partnership with Habitat for Humanity to construct 120 for-sale condos and townhomes for residents making 80% of the area median income for households.

at’s roughly $65,000 for an individual and around $93,000 for a family of four.

Golden recently completed a housing needs assessment in October, which found that both housing prices

and rent increased exponentially in less than a decade. e cost of the average house in the city doubled between 2015 and 2022. For the rst half of 2022, the average single-family home sold for $1 million, up from $533,000 in 2015. is means even relatively highincome earners in Golden are considered by the city to be burdened by housing costs.

“ e majority of the housing that we’re projected to need in the next 10 years will need to serve households at or above 120% area median income,” Golden Housing Coordinator Janet Maccubbin said. “So you’re looking at households that would make well into six gures and yet there’s not housing that exists for them in Golden.”

Maccubbin said the newly formed A ordable Housing Committee is expected to meet in February and will begin to shape the city’s response and goals for addressing housing needs.

Land and options

Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver’s approach to providing a ordable housing is to tackle two of the most expensive elements of housing — land and labor.

CEO Heather La erty said the organization, which works in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties, relies on partnerships with developers, as well as volunteers and program recipients to provide the labor.

To create a ordable housing that stays a ordable into the future, the organization utilizes Colorado Community Land Trust and deed restrictions. Under the land trust model, land is owned by a community trust or nonpro t, so homeowners only pay for the cost of the home. e trust currently has 215 properties, including townhomes and single-family homes, which serve households at or below 80% median income.

“It used to be that if we could just create an a ordable product, it would be something that would be a ordable in the future, just naturally, and that’s not the case today,” La erty said. “What (the community land trust) does is, then in law in perpetuity, it only allows those homes to be sold to homebuyers in a similar income category. So it provides affordability initially, but it also ensures 20 years from now it is sold with an income restriction.”

In addition to the trust, Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver also uses deed restrictions to ensure homeowners meet income requirements.

La erty said the models are successful because they provide lower-cost housing, while allowing homeowners to still build equity and eventually move into market-rate housing.

Aldjia Oudachene and, her husband, Idir Ouarab pose with their children, Yacine and Anais, at their home in Littleton. Originally from Algeria, Oudachene applied to Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver for a home in Littleton, where average home prices have gone up $300,000 between 2017 and 2022. COURTESY OF ALDJIA OUDACHENE

Metro Growth: The Hidden Cost of Urban Sprawl

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Drive along the interstate into Colorado from its eastern side and the rolling plains slowly transform into vast hills of lights.

Shelley Cook, a former director with the Regional Transportation District and a former Arvada councilor, moved to the city in 1983. Back then, those lights weren’t as bright.

“(I moved) back when Olde Town was that sleepy little place and propthe region’s growth rate has outpaced the national average, according to the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, and

“People aren’t able to live right in Olde Town, property values are expensive,” Cook said.

In the last 10 years, the region grew fast, and the Regional Transporta-

Our Family Helping Your

tion District is keeping track. RTD expects the population to keep rising, from 3.36 million people in 2020 to 4.41 million by 2050.

at means more roads, more water pipes, more single-family homes and ultimately more greenhouse

gas emissions. In the past 30 years, Colorado has warmed substantially, and estimates project a rise by 2.5-5 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050.

“I’m very concerned too, have been for years,” Cook said. “But for the world, for the people who follow

24-Hour Phone Lines

us and the people who live in other places and people in developing countries who are the hardest hit in many cases, I’m very, very concerned.”

Zoom in from the mounting pressures of a world issue and see Colorado’s local municipalities — and residents — at the forefront of a solution. Climate anxiety may be alleviated with solutions that aim to reduce emissions.

Housing is part of the equation. Increasing density, building developments near transit lines and planning for other vehicles, like e-bikes, can all be solutions to the climate crisis. ough, they may come with

Sherri Rojo

November 3, 1964 - February 2, 2023

Celebrating the life of SHERRI

ANN GUTIERREZ-ROJO, daughter, sister, wife, mother, sister-inlaw and grandmother.

Sherri was born in Denver Colorado on November 3, 1964 to John and Angelina Gutierrez. She attended Ranum High school brie y, before moving to Fort Lupton Colorado to care for her elderly grandma. Sherri met her future husband

Sherri was an amazing cook, baker and craft person, her cooking and baking were legendary. Sherri was a Christian and was a member of various church and Bible groups. Sherri loved being a mother, but the birth of her granddaughter Mckinnley was truly one of the highlights of her life. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her “sweet Kin”

Tragically Sherri and Jim lost Joshua in an accident while he was a freshman at Colorado

Michael S. Fern passed away on January 18th, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

e Marchus Family will be hosting an informal open house/celebration of life on February 24th, 2023 from 3-6 p.m. at e Armory, 300 Strong St.,

Please feel free to stop by to see some family and friends as we celebrate her beautiful life. No formal service will be performed, but Derek Marchus will say a few words around 4 p.m. Feel free to

George Hammerlund

April 8, 1924 - December 4, 2022

George H. Hammerlund of Brighton Colo. He was laid to rest along with Harriet Hammerlund Dec.27th 2022 at Fort Logan National Cemetery. George and Harriet are survived by their 5 children , 9 grand children , 17 great grand children and 3 great great grand children. ey will be greatly missed.

A map of average U.S. household carbon footprint by zip code of a zoomed-in portion of Colorado. The blue zip codes have lower carbon footprints (mostly in Denver, Boulder and mountain counties) while red have higher carbon footprints. The map is a screenshot from the CoolClimate Network. https://coolclimate.org/

MARCHUS-FERN

The battle over tiny homes began with a bill

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For some Coloradans, the American dream is a spacious home. It might have four bedrooms, several bathrooms, high ceilings, a two-car garage and a yard with a vegetable garden. For others, the dream looks di erent — and the house, smaller. Much smaller.

A “tiny home” is a fraction of the dream, often a single room with a loft. And it can be had at a fraction of the price of a traditional home.

Tiny homes are a reality after Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1242 last year. e law recognizes tiny homes as a new option amid skyrocketing home values. Prices have risen so fast in recent years that many Coloradans are simply priced out of the market.

e Polis administration, in an announcement, said the law is meant to “preserve and protect housing a ordability and expand access to a ordable housing.”

While tiny home builders have applauded the bill, it wasn’t always that way. Builder Byron Fears said the legislation in its current form almost did not come together.

“ ey didn’t have the realistic side of what a tiny home is about and what it takes to build a tiny

home,” Fears said.

Fears is the owner of SimBlissity Tiny Homes in Longmont. He is also on the executive committee of the nonpro t Tiny Home Industry Association, which launched in Colorado under the leadership of former Gov. John Hickenlooper and has expanded across the country.

But Fears said the original draft of the bill had the potential to put tiny home builders out of business.

He turned to state Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Larimer County, one of the

bill’s sponsors.

“We did a Zoom call the next day and then another Zoom call the following day with more people involved,” Fears said.

Boon to the industry

Eventually, changes to the bill came and the industry got on board.

e industry looks at tiny homes as a boon to the state’s tight housing market. And they’re supported by a movement: tiny-house advocates who emphasize the environmental and personal bene ts of living in smaller spaces.

e dwellings can be as large as 400 square feet but many are much smaller. Some cost around $50,000, with prices ranging up to $200,000, depending on size and amenities — a ordable, especially when compared to median Colorado home prices that are well above $500,000.

Like regular homes, they must pass a code inspection to hook up to water, sewage and utilities. e new law also addresses manufactured homes, also known as mobile homes, simplifying contract and disclosure requirements and establishing a raft of standards from escrow to inspections meant to protect homeowners.

Fears said legislators and others worked closely with builders, too.

e new law relies on the 2018 International Residential Code model, building codes written by builders around the world and adopted by individual counties, cities and towns. e IRC’s Appendix Q speci cally addresses tiny homes and spells out the size and shape of the buildings, stairway standards, lofts and doors.

From industry to county

It all may sound dull, but those residential codes are the bread and butter of the business because they standardize tiny homes, giving builders, local communities and buyers an idea of what they can expect.

But writing the codes for national industry standards is one thing, getting counties to change zoning

laws is another. e new state law simply makes it possible for county o cials to adopt tiny home rules of their own, Fears said.

“It still going to take a lot of work to get the di erent counties to adopt the Appendix Q IRC, which is what most of the building requirements will be based around,” he said.

Fears’ group met with o cials in Adams County and said they were not interested. Adams County ofcials provided no comment when contacted by Colorado Community Media.

But Fears said other counties are amenable to the idea.

“Some counties are already starting to talk with us,” Fears said.  Weld County began allowing tiny homes even before the state law passed. Tom Parko, director of the Department of Planning Services, said the county created its own policy a couple of years ago allowing people to buy a parcel of land to park a tiny home.

“We wanted to make sure the tiny home was hooked up to either a well or a public water system for potable water and then also a septic system,” Parko said. “We still do require a permanent foundation. So, the tiny home cannot be on wheels. at would be considered more of an RV and a temporary situation.”

Requirements like that can be a sticking point for some buyers. Some tiny homeowners want to have semi-permanent foundations that keep the homes secure but allow them to be moved. e state is working on clari cation about the foundations, Fears said.

perfection, and spectacle of The Peking Acrobats with The Shanghai Circus.

The living room of the Valhalla tiny home with stairs leading up to the bedroom with storage space within the staircase. COURTESY OF SIMBLISSITY

The tiny home owned by Sandy Brooks with her dog Zoey. PHOTO BY SANDY BROOKS

©

1. ART: Where is the Prado Museum located?

2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the only country that the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn pass through?

3. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin phrase “tempus fugit” mean?

4. MATH: What is another name for the division sign?

5. MUSIC: How long did it take singer Bob Dylan to write the big hit “Blowin’ in the Wind”?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many times on average does a ruby-throated hummingbird ap its wings in one second?

7. MOVIES: Which movie features the line, “Keep the change, ya lthy animal”?

8. LITERATURE: Which novel features four children named Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy?

Solution

9. TELEVISION: What is Joey’s famous line in the sitcom “Friends”?

10. ANATOMY: What is a common name for the pinna in human anatomy?

Answers

1. Madrid, Spain.

2. Brazil.

3. Time ies.

4. Obelus.

5. 10 minutes, according to Dylan.

6. About 50 times.

7. “Home Alone.”

8. “ e Lion, e Witch and the Wardrobe.”

9. “How you doin’?”

10. Outer ear.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crossword Solution

Amazon put workers at risk at Aurora warehouse

BY JOSHUA PERRY THE COLORADO SUN

Amazon faces new nes for workplace violations at its Aurora facility and several other warehouses nationwide, according to citations issued Wednesday by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OSHA cited Amazon for “unsafe conditions and ergonomic hazards” in Aurora as part of an ongoing federal investigation that also cited warehouses in Castleton, New York and Nampa, Idaho. e proposed ne totals $46,875.

e announcement follows the conclusion of similar investigations of three Amazon warehouses in Waukegan, Illinois; Deltona, Florida; and New Windsor, New York that resulted in similar citations totaling $60,269 in proposed nes.

Although citations have been issued, the investigation of workplace safety in Colorado, New York and Idaho warehouses, which began Aug. 1, is ongoing and subject to change. OSHA investigations usually must report ndings after six months, but on Monday a judge extended the deadline to April 18.

e investigation of all six sites has been the largest enforcement of ergonomic safety compliance ever, OSHA said in a Jan. 18 news release. Ergonomic safety hazards increase the risk of musculoskeletal disor-

ders, or MSDs, by exposing employees to situations like “lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively,” according to OSHA’s de nition.

In the past, ergonomic safety violations have often been di cult for OSHA to address. No established legal standard exists for enforcing ergonomic safety, said Eric Frumin, health and safety director of the Strategic Organizing Center, a coalition of labor unions. Frumin said previous attempts to establish a legal standard for ergonomic safety have faced powerful corporate opposition. is recent e ort by OSHA is unprecedented, he said.

“ ey’ve been investigating a lot of companies, big companies, with di erent kinds of problems over the years, and they have never had an investigation of this magnitude,” Frumin said.

OSHA’s investigation discovered high rates of MSDs among Amazon workers. According to the o cial citation, employees at the Aurora warehouse work in an environment that puts them at signi cant risk for developing MSDs from “repetitive lifting and carrying, twisting, bending and long reaches and combinations thereof.”

e safety of working conditions in Amazon warehouses has

been contested by labor advocates for years. A 2020 investigation by Reveal, the Bay Area investigative journalism organization, pored through internal safety records and found that serious injuries at Amazon warehouses had increased 33% in three years, nearly double the industry standard at the time.

Amazon said that it intends to appeal the OSHA citations.

“We take the safety and health of our employees very seriously, and we don’t believe the government’s allegations re ect the reality of safety at our sites,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said. “We’ve cooperated with the government through its investigation and have demonstrated how we work to mitigate risks and keep our people safe, and our publicly available data show we reduced injury rates in the U.S. nearly 15% between 2019 and 2021.”

OSHA also cited Amazon with 14 violations for improper recordkeeping in the company’s injury reports during the rst round of investigation in December, levying $29,008 more in possible nes.

No Amazon workers are unionized in Colorado — the only unionized Amazon warehouse is in Staten Island, New York. e Amazon Labor Union tried to organize at a warehouse in Albany, New York, but employees voted no to a union in October. E orts to organize service

workers from Apple to Starbucks last year were met with mixed results. Several Starbucks stores in Colorado have voted to unionize, but contracts are still under negotiation.

Amazon employs more than 20,000 full- and part-time workers in Colorado. Many work in the warehouses and as ful llment center workers. A number are also employed at the 22 Whole Foods Market grocery stores around the state.

e company opened its rst warehouse in Colorado in 2016. e Aurora facility, known as DEN5, is where the latest OSHA citations were issued. Workers at the facility sort already sealed packages and then route them by ZIP code to local post o ces for faster delivery to Colorado customers. Its rst ful llment center opened in 2018, also in Aurora, followed by another in ornton where employees are assisted by robots. A Colorado Springs warehouse opened in 2021. e company is also constructing a new ful llment center in Loveland.

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.

State park visitation dropped o in 2022

BY PAOLO ZIALCITA COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO

Hiking was slightly less popular at Colorado’s state parks in 2022.

During the pandemic, visitors ocked to Colorado’s state parks, shattering visitation records by millions. With about 19.5 million visitors in 2020, Colorado Parks and Wildlife recorded a nearly 31 percent increase in annual visitors compared to the previous year.

Although stay-at-home orders expired in 2021, even more people visited the state’s 42 parks that year — a new record of about 19.9 million visitors.

But last year, enthusiasm for the outdoors waned ever so slightly. About 18.2 million visitors entered Colorado’s state parks in 2022, a nearly 9 percent decrease from the previous year.

Joey Livingston, a statewide public information o cer for CPW, said the decrease isn’t a cause for concern for the agency. ey believe the number of visitors is settling to a

new baseline.

“What we’re seeing in 2022 is more of a return to what normal levels would be pre-pandemic,” Livingston said. “We have our new Keep Colorado Wild Pass that just started in January, and so we’re also hoping that more people are gonna have cheaper access to be able to go to

the state parks. e hope is to keep those visitation numbers high.”

Visitation statistics are approximations made by CPW. Livingston said they track park pass sales and the number of vehicles that enter the park, which means they might underestimate the number of people inside each car. However, CPW has used the same measuring system for years, so the numbers are re ective of the overall pattern.

Lake Pueblo was Colorado’s most popular state park in 2022, repeating a consistent trend established over the years. However, the number of visitors at the lake dropped by over a million last year, from 4.6 million to 3.5 million. Other popular state parks, like Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora and Golden Gate Canyon State Park northwest of Golden, also saw decreases in visitor numbers compared to 2021.

Stagecoach State Park in Routt County saw nearly a 65,000 increase in visitors last year. The newly opened Fishers Peak State Park in Trinidad, which is still un-

der development, saw nearly 6,000 visitors after only welcoming 224 in 2021.

e massive increase in visitors since 2019 has prompted changes to how some state parks operate. Visits to Eldorado Canyon State Park have nearly doubled since 2016.

“We did implement a timed reservation system at Eldorado Canyon State Park to try to help,” Livingston said. “It’s not really about visitation. Sometimes it’s more about parking, and we only have a limited number of parking spots at a lot of our parks. So some of these parks can handle more people but they can’t always necessarily handle as many vehicles parking in the park.”

Livingston said parks could continue to introduce changes to entry systems as the agency learns more about how increased visitation is impacting state parks.

is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t news source. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.

Roxborough State Park’s distinctive geological formations are visited by thousands of people every year, as one of the closest state parks to the Denver metro area.

PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN

Brighton tops Adams City in girls wrestling

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Brighton turned back Adams City 51-23 in a dual meet Feb. 1 in the Eagles’ gym. Contested-match winners for BHS were Isabella Smouse (105 pounds), Abri Renteria (125) and Piper Simard (130). e on-mat

CHSAA approves slight change to Sunday contact rules

talented coaches in front of kids. Our student-athletes deserve the

School Activities Association changed the rules for Sunday contact between coaches and studentathletes Jan. 24.

e association’s legislative council, the decision-making arm for CHSAA, voted to keep the Sunday no-contact rule in place during a team’s season, de ned as the start of o cial practice through the state tournament.

e original rule was in place during a given school year. e switch allows high-school coaches to be in touch with their athletes during

are in attendance and potential scholarships are in the discussion.

Brendan Carlucci, the athletic director for Poudre Schools in Fort Collins, said the state needs more quality coaches.

“We’ll be on the verge of hiring someone, but then they say they aren’t willing to give up coaching six Sunday tournaments,” he told the council. “We are putting less

“We need to get the most qualied coaches in front of our kids,” added Lakewood’s athletic director,

Mike Hughes.

ere were no dissenting comments, nor were there any dissenting thoughts in CHSAA’s sta notes.

Brighton’s Abri Renteria moves for a takedown attempt against Adams City’s Sarah Davis.

PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH

Brighton’s Isabella Smouse puts Adams City’s Phoebe Gutierrez in a bit of a bind during their 105-pound match in Commerce City Feb. 1. Smouse won by pinfall.

Brighton’s Piper Simard is about to wrap up a pinfall win over Adams City’s Angelica QuintanaAficial during a 130-pound match in Commerce City Feb. 1. Simard won by pinfall in 51 seconds.

SEE CHSAA, P12

“ is doesn’t lead to Sunday games,” Carlucci told the council. “We need to put the very best coaches in front of our kids. is is hampering us.”

e new rule takes e ect July 1. ere is no expected nancial impact.

Soccer overtime e council also turned down a request to eliminate overtime periods in regularseason soccer matches. It needed a two-thirds vote to pass, and 81 percent of those casting ballots voted no.

Arrupe Jesuit High School’s assistant principal for student services, Mike Lovinguth, the chairman of the state’s soccer committee, outlined some reasons

the NCAA, and the state’s high-school soccer o cials association agreed.

“ e committee felt that by eliminating overtime in the regular season, o cials would have the ability to accept back-to-back games at di erent locations, knowing that there will not be a situation where overtime would delay the time they could leave one venue and arrive

at another,” the report said. “With a 10 percent decrease in the overall number of o cials in 2022, this was an attractive solution to making o cials available for multiple games on the same day. Additionally, lowerlevel games that follow a varsity game where lights are not available often have their game time cut short when overtime is played.” Broom eld High School athletic director Steve Shel-

ton thought the proposal would hurt the Northern League because it’s a competitive league.

“Kids need to prepare for performances at state,” he told the council. “In a league like ours, games are going to end up in multiple ties, which creates challenges for the RPI (the Ratings Performance Index, one of the factors in considering which teams advance to the state playo s).”

Prairie View’s Dorien Amoako reacts as Loveland’s Braden Turner prepares to inbound the ball during a Feb. 3 game in Brighton.

Prairie View’s Rashawn Salinas collides with Loveland’s Garrett Harstad in the key during a Feb. 3 game in Brighton. PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH

Prairie View’s Eric Allee spots up for a jumper against Loveland’s Zayne Desouza.

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Director of Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Full-time faculty. The Director of the PTA Program manages the program in accordance with the mission, core values, and purposes of MCC. The individual serves in both an administrative position and faculty position. The Program Director is responsible for administrative and scal management of the PTA program, marketing, and recruitment, mentoring part-time instructors/faculty, accreditation compliance, revising program layout and delivery as appropriate to expand the program.

Master’s degree from an accredited physical therapist program. Must have an unrestricted Licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant in the State of Colorado.

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Legals

Metropolitan Districts

Public Notice

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

TOWER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly, to the eligible electors of Tower Metropolitan District (“District”) of Adams County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the District will conduct a regular election on the 2nd day of May, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, (3) three directors will be elected for a 4-year term and (0) zero directors will be elected for a 2-year term.

In order to be a candidate for one of the director positions, a qualified individual must submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form. Eligible electors of the District interested in serving on the Board of Directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District’s Designated Election Official (DEO):

Robin A. Navant, DEO rnavant@spencerfane.com

Spencer Fane LLP

1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203

Phone: 303-839-3714

The Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form must be returned to the Designated Election Official by close of business (5:00 p.m. MST) on Friday, February 24, 2023. The form should be emailed to rnavant@ spencerfane.com . If the designated election official determines that a selfnomination and acceptance form is not sufficient, the eligible elector who submitted the form may amend the form at any time prior to the close of business on the day of the deadline.

Affidavit of Intent To Be A Write-In-Candidate forms must be submitted to the office of the Designated Election Official by the close of business on Monday, February 27, 2023.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an application for an absentee ballot may be filed with the Designated Election Official, at the contact information referenced above, no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

TOWER METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

Robin A. Navant, Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CCX892

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

HIMALAYA WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly, to the eligible electors of Himalaya Water & Sanitation District (“District”) of Adams County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the District will conduct a regular election on the 2nd day of May, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, (2) two directors will be elected for a 4-year term and (1) one director will be elected for a 2-year term.

In order to be a candidate for one of the director positions, a qualified individual must submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form. Eligible electors of the District interested in serving on the Board of Directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District’s Designated Election Official (DEO):

Robin Navant, DEO rnavant@spencerfane.com

Spencer Fane LLP 1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203 Phone: 303-839-7314

The Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form must be returned to the Designated Election Official by close of business (5:00 p.m. MST) on Friday, February 24, 2023. The form should be emailed to rnavant@ spencerfane.com . If the designated election official determines that a selfnomination and acceptance form is not sufficient, the eligible elector who submitted the form may amend the form at any time prior to the close of business on the day of the deadline.

Affidavit of Intent To Be A Write-In-Candidate forms must be submitted to the office of the Designated Election Official by the close of business on Monday, February 27, 2023.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an application for an absentee ballot may be filed with the Designated Election Official, at the contact information referenced above, no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

HIMALAYA WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

Robin Navant, Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CCX882

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR REUNION NATURAL RESOURCE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of Reunion Natural Resource Metropolitan District of Adams County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, two (2) directors will be elected to serve a four-year term and one (1) director will be elected to serve a two-year term.

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms are available from Sarah L. Luetjen, the Designated Election Official for the District, at email: mmills@cegrlaw.com. Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms must be filed with the Designated Election Official for the District at the above email address not less than 67 days prior to the election (Friday, February 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be filed with the Designated Election Official of the District at the above address during normal business hours, until the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding the election (Tuesday, April 25, 2023). All absentee ballots must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

REUNION NATURAL RESOURCE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By:/s/ Sarah L. Luetjen

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CCX884

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

CONVOCATORIA DE CANDIDATURAS

DISTRITO METROPOLITANO RIVER OAKS

A QUIEN PUEDA INTERESAR, y, en particular, a los electores del distrito metropolitano River Oaks del condado de Adams, Colorado.

POR MEDIO DE LA PRESENTE, SE ANUNCIA que se realizará una votación el día 2 de mayo de 2023, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 7:00 p.m. En esta fecha, se elegirán dos (2) directores con mandatos de cuatro años. Los electores elegibles del distrito metropolitano River Oaks que estén interesados en formar parte de la junta directiva pueden solicitar un formulario de candidatura y aceptación a la funcionaria electoral designada del distrito:

Michele Barrasso

c/o Seter & Vander Wall, P.C. 7400 E. Orchard Road, Suite 3300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 mbarrasso@svwpc.com 303-770-2700

La oficina de la funcionaria electoral designada está abierta de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.

La fecha límite para presentar el formulario de candidatura y aceptación es el viernes 24 de febrero de 2023 a la hora de cierre (no menos de 67 días antes de la votación).

Los formularios de Declaración jurada de intención de ser candidato no registrado se deben entregar en la oficina de la funcionaria electoral designada a más tardar el lunes 27 de febrero de 2023 a la hora de cierre (sesenta y cuatro días antes de la votación).

ADEMÁS, SE AVISA que deberá presentarse una solicitud de boleta de voto en ausencia ante la funcionaria electoral designada a más tardar el martes anterior a la votación, el 25 de abril de 2023, a la hora de cierre.

/s/Michele Barrasso

Funcionaria electoral designada

Legal Notice No. CCX888

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

RIVER OAKS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the River Oaks Metropolitan District of Adams County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on the 2nd day of May, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and

Public Notices

7:00 p.m. At that time, two (2) directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms. Eligible electors of the River Oaks Metropolitan District interested in serving on the board of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District Designated Election Official:

Michele Barrasso

c/o Seter & Vander Wall, P.C. 7400 E. Orchard Road, Suite 3300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 mbarrasso@svwpc.com 303-770-2700

The Office of the Designated Election Official is open on the following days: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form is close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Friday, February 24, 2023 (not less than 67 days before the election).

The Affidavit of Intent To Be A Write-InCandidate forms must be submitted to the office of the Designated Election Official by the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Monday, February 27, 2023 (the sixtyfourth day before the election).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, an application for an Absentee Ballot shall be filed with the Designated Election Official no later than the close of business on the Tuesday preceding the election, April 25, 2023.

/s/Michele Barrasso

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. CCX887

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

9993.0009; 986160 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS § 1-13.5-501, 1-13.5-1102(3), 32-1-905(2), C.R.S.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the eligible electors of the Belle Creek Metropolitan District No. 1, Commerce City, Adams County, Colorado (the “District”).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held on May 2, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, one director will be elected to serve until the next regular special district election (May 2025), and three directors will be elected to serve until the second regular special district election (May 2027). Eligible electors of the District interested in serving on the board of directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form from the Designated Election Official (“DEO”):

LAURIE TATLOCK

188 INVERNESS DRIVE WEST, SUITE 140 ENGLEWOOD, CO 80112 720-274-8377 laurie@mulhernmre.com

The Office of the DEO is open on the following days: MONDAY THROUGH

FRIDAY from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The deadline to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form is the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Friday, February 24, 2023. If the DEO determines a SelfNomination and Acceptance Form is not sufficient, the form may be amended prior to 5:00 p.m. on February 24, 2023. Earlier submittal is encouraged as the deadline will not permit curing of an insufficient form after this date and time. An Affidavit of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate must be submitted to the office of the DEO by the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Monday, February 27, 2023.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that information on obtaining an absentee ballot may be obtained from the DEO, and applications for an absentee ballot must be filed with the DEO no later than the close of business on April 25, 2023.

BELLE CREEK METROPOLITAN

DISTRICT NO. 1

By: Laurie Tatlock

Designated

Election Official

Legal Notice No. CCX890

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

CONVOCATORIA PARA NOMINACIONES DISTRITO DE AGUA Y SANEAMIENTO DE HIMALAYA

A QUIEN CORRESPONDA, y en particular, a los electores elegibles del Distrito de Agua y Saneamiento de Himalaya (“Distrito”) del Condado de Adams, Colorado.

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que el Distrito llevará a cabo una elección ordinaria el 2 de mayo de 2023, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 7:00 p. m. En ese momento, (2) dos directores serán elegidos por un período de 4 años y (1) un director será elegido para un período de 2 años.

Para ser candidato a uno de los puestos de director, una persona calificada debe presentar un Formulario de Autonominación y aceptación. Los electores elegibles del Distrito interesados en formar parte de la Junta Directiva pueden obtener un formulario de Autonominación y Aceptación del Funcionario Electoral Designado (DEO) del Distrito:

Robin Navant, DEO

rnavant@spencerfane.com

Spencer Fane LLP

1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203

Teléfono: 303-839-7314

El formulario de Autonominación y aceptación debe devolverse al funcionario electoral designado antes del cierre de operaciones (5:00 p. m. MST), el viernes 24 de febrero de 2023. El formulario debe enviarse por correo electrónico a rnavant@spencerfane.com. Si el funcionario electoral designado determina que un for-

mulario de autonominación y aceptación no es suficiente, el elector elegible que presentó el formulario puede modificarlo en cualquier momento antes del cierre de operaciones el día de la fecha límite.

Los formularios de Declaración jurada de intención de ser un candidato por escrito deben enviarse a la oficina del Funcionario Electoral Designado antes del cierre de operaciones del lunes 27 de febrero de 2023.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se puede presentar una solicitud de boleta de voto en ausencia ante el Funcionario Electoral Designado, en la información de contacto mencionada anteriormente, a más tardar al cierre de operaciones del martes 25 de abril de 2023.

DISTRITO DE AGUA Y SANEAMIENTO DE HIMALAYA

Robin Navant, Funcionaria Electoral Designada

Legal Notice No. CCX891

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

CONVOCATORIA PARA NOMINACIONES

DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE SAND CREEK

A QUIEN CORRESPONDA, y en particular, a los electores elegibles del Distrito Metropolitano de Sand Creek (“Distrito”) de la Ciudad y Condado de Denver, Colorado.

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que el Distrito llevará a cabo una elección ordinaria el 2 de mayo de 2023, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 7:00 p. m. En ese momento, (2) dos directores serán elegidos por un período de 4 años y (0) cero directores serán elegidos para un período de 2 años.

Para ser candidato a uno de los puestos de director, una persona calificada debe presentar un Formulario de Autonominación y aceptación. Los electores elegibles del Distrito interesados en formar parte de la Junta Directiva pueden obtener un formulario de Autonominación y Aceptación del Funcionario Electoral Designado (DEO) del Distrito:

Courtney Linney, DEO clinney@spencerfane.com

Spencer Fane LLP

1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203

Teléfono: 303-839-3778

El formulario de Autonominación y aceptación debe devolverse al funcionario electoral designado antes del cierre de operaciones (5:00 p. m. MST), el viernes 24 de febrero de 2023. El formulario debe enviarse por correo electrónico a clinney@spencerfane.com. Si el funcionario electoral designado determina que un formulario de autonominación y aceptación no es suficiente, el elector elegible que presentó el formulario puede modificarlo

en cualquier momento antes del cierre de operaciones el día de la fecha límite. Los formularios de Declaración jurada de intención de ser un candidato por escrito deben enviarse a la oficina del Funcionario Electoral Designado antes del cierre de operaciones del lunes 27 de febrero de 2023.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se puede presentar una solicitud de boleta de voto en ausencia ante el Funcionario Electoral Designado, en la información de contacto mencionada anteriormente, a más tardar al cierre de operaciones del martes 25 de abril de 2023.

DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE SAND CREEK

Courtney Linney, Funcionaria Electoral Designada

Legal Notice No. CCX886

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel

Express

Public Notice

CONVOCATORIA PARA NOMINACIONES DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE BUFFALO RIDGE

A QUIEN CORRESPONDA, y en particular, a los electores elegibles del Distrito Metropolitano de Buffalo Ridge (“Distrito”) del Condado de Adams, Colorado.

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que el Distrito llevará a cabo una elección ordinaria el 2 de mayo de 2023, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 7:00 p. m. En ese momento, (3) tres directores serán elegidos por un período de 4 años y (0) cero directores serán elegidos para un período de 2 años.

Para ser candidato a uno de los puestos de director, una persona calificada debe presentar un Formulario de Autonominación y aceptación. Los electores elegibles del Distrito interesados en formar parte de la Junta Directiva pueden obtener un formulario de Autonominación y Aceptación del Funcionario Electoral Designado (DEO) del Distrito:

Robin Navant, DEO rnavant@spencerfane.com

Spencer Fane LLP

1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203

Teléfono: 303-839-3714

El formulario de Autonominación y aceptación debe devolverse al funcionario electoral designado antes del cierre de operaciones (5:00 p. m. MST), el viernes 24 de febrero de 2023. El formulario debe enviarse por correo electrónico a rnavant@spencerfane.com. Si el funcionario electoral designado determina que un formulario de autonominación y aceptación no es suficiente, el elector elegible que presentó el formulario puede modificarlo en cualquier momento antes del cierre de operaciones el día de la fecha límite.

Los formularios de Declaración jurada

Public Notices

de intención de ser un candidato por escrito deben enviarse a la oficina del Funcionario Electoral Designado antes del cierre de operaciones del lunes 27 de febrero de 2023.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se puede presentar una solicitud de boleta de voto en ausencia ante el Funcionario Electoral Designado, en la información de contacto mencionada anteriormente, a más tardar al cierre de operaciones del martes 25 de abril de 2023.

DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE BUFFALO RIDGE

Robin Navant, Funcionaria Electoral Designada

Legal Notice No. CCX899

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

CONVOCATORIA PARA NOMINACIONES

DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE TOWER

A QUIEN CORRESPONDA, y en particular, a los electores elegibles del Distrito Metropolitano de Tower (“Distrito”) del Condado de Adams, Colorado.

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que el Distrito llevará a cabo una elección ordinaria el 2 de mayo de 2023, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 7:00 p. m. En ese momento, (3) tres directores serán elegidos por un período de 4 años y (0) cero directores serán elegidos para un período de 2 años.

Para ser candidato a uno de los puestos de director, una persona calificada debe presentar un Formulario de Autonominación y aceptación. Los electores elegibles del Distrito interesados en formar parte de la Junta Directiva pueden obtener un formulario de Autonominación y Aceptación del Funcionario Electoral Designado (DEO) del Distrito:

Robin A. Navant, DEO rnavant@spencerfane.com

Spencer Fane LLP

1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203

Teléfono: 303-839-3714

El formulario de Autonominación y aceptación debe devolverse al funcionario electoral designado antes del cierre de operaciones (5:00 p. m. MST), el viernes 24 de febrero de 2023. El formulario debe enviarse por correo electrónico a rnavant@spencerfane.com. Si el funcionario electoral designado determina que un formulario de autonominación y aceptación no es suficiente, el elector elegible que presentó el formulario puede modificarlo en cualquier momento antes del cierre de operaciones el día de la fecha límite.

Los formularios de Declaración jurada de intención de ser un candidato por escrito deben enviarse a la oficina del Funcionario Electoral Designado antes del cierre de operaciones del lunes 27 de

febrero de 2023.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se puede presentar una solicitud de boleta de voto en ausencia ante el Funcionario Electoral Designado, en la información de contacto mencionada anteriormente, a más tardar al cierre de operaciones del martes 25 de abril de 2023.

DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE TOWER

Robin A. Navant, Funcionaria Electoral Designada

Legal Notice No. CCX893

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

CONVOCATORIA DE NOMINACIONES DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE AURORA SINGLE TREE

A QUIEN CORRESPONDA, y en particular, a los electores elegibles del DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE AURORA SINGLE TREE (“Distrito”) del Condado de Adams, Colorado.

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que el Distrito llevará a cabo una elección ordinaria el 2 de mayo de 2023, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 7:00 p. m. En ese momento, (2) tres directores serán elegidos por un período de 4 años y (1) director será elegido para un período de 2 años.

Para ser candidato a uno de los puestos de director, una persona calificada debe presentar un Formulario de Autonominación y aceptación. Los electores elegibles del Distrito interesados en formar parte de la Junta Directiva pueden obtener un formulario de Autonominación y Aceptación del Funcionario Electoral Designado (DEO) del Distrito:

Melissa Oakes, DEO MOakes@spencerfane.com

Spencer Fane LLP

1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203 Teléfono: 303-839-3771

El formulario de Autonominación y aceptación debe devolverse al funcionario electoral designado antes de las 5:00 p.m. del viernes, 24 de febrero, 2023. El formulario se puede enviar por correo electrónico a MOakes@spencerfane. com. Si el funcionario electoral designado determina que un formulario de autonominación y aceptación no es suficiente, el elector elegible que presentó el formulario puede modificarlo en cualquier momento antes del cierre de operaciones el día de la fecha límite.

Los formularios de Declaración jurada de intención de ser un candidato por escrito deben enviarse a la oficina del Funcionario Electoral Designado antes del cierre de operaciones del lunes 27 de febrero de 2023.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se puede presentar una solicitud de boleta de voto

en ausencia ante el Funcionario Electoral Designado, en la información de contacto mencionada anteriormente, a más tardar al cierre de operaciones del martes 25 de abril de 2023.

DISTRITO METROPOLITANO DE AURORA SINGLE TREE

Melissa Oakes, Funcionaria Electoral Designada

Legal Notice No. CCX889

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

SAND CREEK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly, to the eligible electors of Sand Creek Metropolitan District (“District”) of Adams County and the City and County of Denver, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the District will conduct a regular election on the 2nd day of May, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, (2) two directors will be elected for a 4-year term and (0) zero directors will be elected for a 2-year term.

In order to be a candidate for one of the director positions, a qualified individual must submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form. Eligible electors of the District interested in serving on the Board of Directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District’s Designated Election Official (DEO):

Courtney Linney, DEO clinney@spencerfane.com

Spencer Fane LLP 1700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 2000 Denver, CO 80203 Phone: 303-839-3778

The Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form must be returned to the Designated Election Official by close of business (5:00 p.m. MST) on Friday, February 24, 2023. The form should be emailed to clinney@ spencerfane.com . If the designated election official determines that a selfnomination and acceptance form is not sufficient, the eligible elector who submitted the form may amend the form at any time prior to the close of business on the day of the deadline.

Affidavit of Intent To Be A Write-In-Candidate forms must be submitted to the office of the Designated Election Official by the close of business on Monday, February 27, 2023.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an application for an absentee ballot may be filed with the Designated Election Official, at the contact information referenced above, no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

SAND CREEK METROPOLITAN DIS -

TRICT Courtney Linney, Designated Election

Official

Legal Notice No. CCX885

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Metro Districts Budget Hearings

Public Notice

NOTICE AS TO AMENDMENT TO 2022 BUDGET

REUNION CENTER

METROPOLITAN DISTRCT NO. 1

ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that a proposed amendment to the 2022 budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Reunion Center Metropolitan District No. 1 (the “District”). A copy of the proposed 2022 amended budget is on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy., Suite 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, where same is available for public inspection. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2022 amended budget, inspect the 2022 amended budget and file or register any objections thereto.

The proposed 2022 amended budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the District be held on February 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via video/telephonic means. Those wishing to join the meeting(s) via video-enabled web conference, you may access the link directly using the information below:

To Access via Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_YmY0NzExY2YtYj cxOS00M2ZiLWJhODItZTI2YzBhZDdjZ DRj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22 Tid%22%3a%224aaa468e-93ba-4ee3ab9f-6a247aa3ade0%22%2c%22Oid% 22%3a%2278e91a46-bdcc-4fe5-980c8ff3dcc70755%22%7d

Or call in (audio only) +1 720-547-5281,,593501966# United States, Denver Phone Conference ID: 593 501 966#

REUNION CENTER

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1 /s/ Matt Urkoski

District Manager

Legal Notice No. CCX895

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

NOTICE AS TO AMENDMENT TO 2022 BUDGET

REUNION RIDGE

Public Notices

METROPOLITAN DISTRCT NO. 1 ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that a proposed amendment to the 2022 budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Reunion Ridge Metropolitan District No. 1 (the “District”). A copy of the proposed 2022 amended budget is on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy., Suite 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, where same is available for public inspection. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2022 amended budget, inspect the 2022 amended budget and file or register any objections thereto.

The proposed 2022 amended budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the District be held on February 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via video/telephonic means. Those wishing to join the meeting(s) via video-enabled web conference, you may access the link directly using the information below:

To Access via Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_YmY0NzExY2YtYj cxOS00M2ZiLWJhODItZTI2YzBhZDdjZ DRj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22 Tid%22%3a%224aaa468e-93ba-4ee3ab9f-6a247aa3ade0%22%2c%22Oid% 22%3a%2278e91a46-bdcc-4fe5-980c8ff3dcc70755%22%7d

Or call in (audio only) +1 720-547-5281,,593501966# United States, Denver Phone Conference ID: 593 501 966#

REUNION RIDGE

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1

/s/ Matt Urkoski

District Manager

Legal Notice No. CCX894

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel

Express

Public Notice

NOTICE AS TO AMENDMENT TO 2022 BUDGET

NORTH RANGE METROPOLITAN DISTRCT NO. 3

ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that a proposed amendment to the 2022 budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the North Range Metropolitan District No. 3 (the “District”). A copy of the proposed 2022 amended budget is on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy., Suite 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, where same is available for public inspection. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2022 amended budget, inspect the 2022 amended budget

and file or register any objections thereto.

The proposed 2022 amended budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the District be held on February 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via video/telephonic means. Those wishing to join the meeting(s) via video-enabled web conference, you may access the link directly using the information below:

To Access via Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_MDBhZGZhZmMtM zRjOC00ZGM1LTkxYTYtNThjMmZiZTY yNDhj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%2 2Tid%22%3a%224aaa468e-93ba-4ee3ab9f-6a247aa3ade0%22%2c%22Oid% 22%3a%2278e91a46-bdcc-4fe5-980c8ff3dcc70755%22%7d

Or call in (audio only) +1 720-547-5281,,578093631#

United States, Denver

Phone Conference ID: 578 093 631#

NORTH RANGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 3

/s/ Matt Urkoski

District Manager

Legal Notice No. CCX896

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

NOTICE AS TO AMENDMENT TO 2022 BUDGET

REUNION CENTER

METROPOLITAN DISTRCT NO. 1 ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that a proposed amendment to the 2022 budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Reunion Center Metropolitan District No. 1 (the “District”). A copy of the proposed 2022 amended budget is on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy., Suite 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, where same is available for public inspection. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2022 amended budget, inspect the 2022 amended budget and file or register any objections thereto.

The proposed 2022 amended budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the District be held on February 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via video/telephonic means. Those wishing to join the meeting(s) via video-enabled web conference, you may access the link directly using the information below:

To Access via Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_YmY0NzExY2YtYj cxOS00M2ZiLWJhODItZTI2YzBhZDdjZ DRj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22

Tid%22%3a%224aaa468e-93ba-4ee3ab9f-6a247aa3ade0%22%2c%22Oid% 22%3a%2278e91a46-bdcc-4fe5-980c8ff3dcc70755%22%7d

Or call in (audio only) +1 720-547-5281,,593501966# United States, Denver Phone Conference ID: 593 501 966#

REUNION CENTER

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1

/s/ Matt Urkoski District Manager

Legal Notice No. CCX898

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District (“District”) of Adams County, Colorado, will make final payment at its offices at 6595 E. 70th Avenue, Commerce City, Colorado 80022, on February 21, 2023, at the hour of 3:00 p.m. to Insituform Technologies, LLC, of Littleton, Colorado, for all work done by said Contractor(s) in construction work performed for the District.

Project Contractor: Insituform Technologies, LLC

Project Name: 2022 SACWSD Wastewater Collection System Rehabilitation

Project Location: This project is generally located between E 62nd Avenue and E 69th Avenue, and between Kearney Street and Olive Street in Commerce City, Colorado.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by any contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractors or their subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim, to the District at the above address, Attn: Dawn Fredette, District Clerk, on or before the date and time hereinabove shown. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release the District, its Board of Directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.

All of the above is pursuant to §38-26107, C.R.S.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIREC-

TORS

SOUTH ADAMS COUNTY WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT acting through its SOUTH ADAMS COUNTY WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT ACTIVITY ENTERPRISE

By: /s/ Vicki Ennis Secretary

Legal Notice No. CCX878

First Publication: February 2, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

INVITATION TO BID

Date: February 9, 2023

Sealed Bids will be received by the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District acting by and through its South Adams County Water and Sanitation District Activity Enterprise (Owner), Attn: Dawn Fredette, at 6595 East 70th Avenue, Commerce City, Colorado 80022 until 10:00 a.m., local time, March 1, 2023, for the project entitled “2023 System Fire Hydrant Painting.” At said place and time, and promptly thereafter, all Bids that have been duly received will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The project generally consists of providing fire hydrant painting on District owned water system fire hydrants. All Bid Proposals should be based on providing a cost per fire hydrant to be painted and shall be inclusive of fire hydrant painting and preparation, labor, materials, permits, insurance, equipment and documentation of work activities.

All Bids must be in accordance with the Contract Documents on file with the Owner, South Adams County Water and Sanitation District, 6595 East 70th Avenue, Commerce City, Colorado 80022.

Copies of the Contract Documents for use in preparing Bids may be obtained from Randy Evans, Maintenance Supervisor, 10200 East 102nd Avenue, Henderson Colorado 80640. Bid Documents will be available on February 9, 2023, at no charge. Contact Randy Evans at revans@ sacwsd.org.

Bids will be received on a unit price basis. Bid Security in the amount of 5% of the total Bid must accompany each Bid.

It is anticipated that the Contract Agreement will be signed and the Notice to Proceed will be issued early late March 2023.

The Bid and Bid Security will remain subject to acceptance for 61 calendar days after the Bid Opening, or for such longer period of time that Bidder may agree to in writing upon request of Owner.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, including without limitation, nonconforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced, or conditional Bids. The District

How to defer payment on rising property tax bill

BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN

Many Coloradans’ property tax bills are spiking because of rising home values across the state, but there is a way to put o a big hit to your wallet happening all at once.

e legislature passed a measure in 2021 aiming to ease the nancial burden by letting people defer payment on some of what they owe on their primary residence, starting in the 2023 tax year. e state-run program may not be appropriate for everyone, however, and there are some key details about the deferral you should know about before deciding whether to apply.

Here’s how the initiative, housed in the Colorado Treasurer’s O ce, works, how to sign up and why you may want to think twice before taking advantage of the option:

How does it work?

e deferral was made possible by the passage of Senate Bill 293 in 2021, a bipartisan measure brought in response to rapidly increasing property tax bills.

e bill lets residential property owners defer any increase in their annual property tax bill that’s 4% above the average they paid over the previous two years as long as the increase is above $100. Property owners can defer up to $10,000 total over multiple years.

You aren’t o the hook forever. e deferral becomes a lien against the property that’s subject to interest and must be paid o when the home is sold. e idea is to let homeowners use their unrealized property value gains to eventually cover their increased tax burden.

Property taxes are complicated, but the Colorado Treasurer’s O ce has a quick and easy (seriously, it’s very easy) way to gure out if your property tax bill has increased above

4% and how much money you are eligible to defer in a given tax year.

Here’s a link to the site to check if your property is eligible: http://colorado.propertytaxdeferral.com/

Unless you are a senior citizen or active military member (more on that below), scroll to the “TAX GROWTH CAP” section and hit “check eligibility.” You’ll need to enter in some basic information, but the property tax information for your home should populate automatically.

You’ll have to a rm that your home is owner occupied, not income producing, has no delinquent property taxes and that you have a “lawful presence in the United States.”

You have until April 1 to apply for the deferral.

When does the relief run out?

ere is no end-date for the deferral program, which means you can apply year after year if you’re eligible. However, there is a chance the legislature could decide at some point to limit how many people can apply each year.

Property tax revenue is collected by counties and distributed to local government entities, like school and re districts, which rely on the money to operate. Under the deferral program, the General Assembly shoulders the deferred property tax payments by sending counties the di erence between what they’re owed and what a property owner is deferring.

at means the legislature needs enough money to back ll counties and unlike Congress, the General Assembly can’t simply print money. If there are too many applicants, the legislature could decide to impose a cap.

Colorado Treasurer Dave Young, a Democrat, said right now his o ce and the legislature are expecting

Public Notices

reserves the right to act in its best interest and may terminate, modify or suspend the process, modify the terms and conditions of this bidding and selection process, and/ or waive informalities of any submission.

By: Vicki Ennis

Secretary

South Adams County Water and Sanitation District acting by and through its South Adams County Water and Sanitation District Activity Enterprise

Legal Notice No. CCX897

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

To inquire about this item please call Bret Swenson at 801-624-5864.

Transportation Alliance Bank 4185 Harrison Blvd Ogden, UT 84403

Legal Notice No. CCX883

First Publication: February 9, 2023

Last Publication: February 16, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express Notice to Creditors

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Donna Jean Raitz, Deceased

Case Number: 2022 PR 389

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before May 26, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

about 35,000 deferrals each year. Young, a former state representative who helped write Colorado’s budget, said if there are more than 35,000 deferrals the legislature may have to take a hard look at reshaping the program.

“I think we’re going to see how the economy is going and how people feel they need to utilize the program,” he said. “We may need to make adjustments. No one really knows (how much interest there is going to be) because we’ve never done this before.”

Does the deferral accrue interest?

Yes.

e annual interest rate you are responsible for paying on your deferral is based on the 10-year Treasury yield and it’s locked in at the time of your application.

For reference, the rate Wednesday morning was 3.55%. You are not responsible for paying the accrued interest until the lien is paid o .

“It’s simple interest,” Young said, “not compound.” at means that you pay the interest rate on the original deferral amount, not the deferral amount plus the interest you pay each year on top of that. In other words, if you defer $800 in property tax payments for a given year, you owe $28 in interest each year under the 3.55% treasury rate. You wouldn’t pay interest on $828 in the second year, and so on and so forth.

If you apply for deferrals in multiple years, the interest rate will change from year to year based on when you apply. e 10-year Treasury rate is high right now because of federal monetary policy aimed at tamping down in ation. It’s likely to be lower in future years.

Can I pay my lien o early to avoid more interest?

Yes, Colorado homeowners don’t have to wait until they sell their

property to pay o the lien. And it may make nancial sense to pay back the lien as soon as possible. If you pay back the lien early, you can avoid accruing more interest.

“It’s really up to the person to decide what their nances can handle,” Young said.

How are property taxes calculated?

Property taxes are determined by how much your county assessor values your property, what the state’s property assessment rate is and what your local mill-levy rate is.

A mill is a $1 payment on every $1,000 of assessed value. at’s something every homeowner must decide for themselves. ere could be real estate consequences for having a lien on your home, and if you have a mortgage, you may want to talk to your lender before applying for a deferral.

“ is is a safety valve,” Young said. “I don’t think it’s the right thing for everybody. I think people should go in and take a good hard look at it and say ‘does this make sense for us?’” Young said the deferral program is really meant for people making hard choices in their budget.

“We don’t want somebody to lose their home because they can’t make a mortgage payment,” he said. You should also know that the state will ask you for some personal nancial information, mainly about your debt situation, before approving a deferral.

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.

15858 Quarry Hill Dr. Parker, CO 80134

Legal Notice No. CCX837

First Publication: January 26, 2023

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Mary E. Peterson, Deceased

Case Number: 2022 PR 31037

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before May 26, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred.

Sue A. Kokinos, Esq. 6590 S. Vine St, Suite 109 Centennial, CO 80121

Legal Notice No. CCX835

First Publication: January 26, 2023

Express Name Changes

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on January 12, 2023, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Adams County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Sharon Noel Dafondanouto be changed to Sharon Noel Diop Case No.: 22 C 1861

By: Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. CCX849

First Publication: February 2, 2023

Last Publication: February 16, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Lori

J.

Knapp Personal Representative

Last Publication: February 9, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel

Lawmakers attempt to tackle auto theft

BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down on the scourge of vehicle theft in the state by decoupling the cost of a stolen car from the criminal penalty a thief faces and by increasing penalties for repeat auto theft o enders.

Senate Bill 97 would make stealing any vehicle a Class 5 felony, which is generally punishable by one to three years in prison or a ne between $1,000 to $100,000, or both.

Right now, the penalty level for an auto thief depends on the value of the vehicle they steal. e lowest level o ense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, for stealing a car worth up to $2,000 if it’s a rst or second auto theft. e highest level o ense is a Class 3 felony, punishable by up to 12 years in prison, for stealing a car valued at $100,000 or more.

Under the new measure, a person who steals a car could be charged with Class 4 felony based on aggravating circumstances, such as should a thief keep the vehicle for more than a day, use the vehicle during the commission of another crime or take steps to alter or disguise the vehicle. Class 4 felonies are punishable by up to six years in prison.

e legislation, brought at politicians face pressure to deal with an increasing number of car thefts across the state, would also make a third or subsequent auto theft conviction a Class 3 felony, which are generally punishable

of $3,000 to $750,000 or both.

Tim Lane, with the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council, said the legislation creates a tiered auto theft penalty system that aims to send a message that no matter the value of a vehicle, stealing an automobile is a serious o ense. Lane said the legislation likely wouldn’t change the maximum penalty for a juvenile auto thief.

“ is is one thing to help with auto theft,” he said, “but it’s by no means the entire solution.”

Lane spoke at a news conference with Democratic and Republican state lawmakers. Also attending the event were Denver-area mayors and police chiefs, as well as local prosecutors and key members of Gov. Jared Polis’ administration.

“Imagine waking up one morning to nd your only way of getting to work, of getting your kids to school or day care is gone,” said Sen. Rachel Zenz-

sponsor of the bill, at Monday’s news conference. “Picture heading to the parking lot after a long day of work to nd your way home has been taken. Imagine the terror of being held up at gunpoint and forced to leave your vehicle in a carjacking. Too many of our neighbors don’t need to imagine what this feels like because they have lived it rsthand.”

e other lead sponsors of the bill are Republican Sen. Bob Gardner of Colorado Springs and Reps. Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Shannon Bird, DWestminster.

Polis, in a written statement, endorsed the measure.

“To achieve our shared goal of making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the next ve years, it is critical we address rising auto theft crimes in our state,” he said. “Coloradans are counting on us. A vehicle’s monetary value does not represent the value to

vehicle has on a person or family’s daily life. Criminals should be held accountable for the crimes they commit and charged in a consistent, just, and rational way.”

e new legislation also includes a “joy-ride” provision that would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to use a vehicle without the owner’s permission as long as the car is returned within 24 hours without damage and only minor tra c o enses were committed. A second and subsequent conviction for the joy-ride o ense would be a Class 5 felony, however.

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.

Cars parked along Littleton’s Main Street.

PHOTO BY NINA JOSS