Denver Herald Dispatch March 7, 2024

Asian representation in film matters

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival returns for 9th annual event

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Growing up in the 1990s, Colorado Dragon Boat CEO Sara Moore remembers the depiction of Asian characters in American cinema as being untrue and riddled with harmful stereotypes.

e brainy Asian nerd, the heavily exaggerated accents, and the strict Asian parents are just a few that Moore recalls. As an adult, she looked back at lms of the past, and realized how harmful and unfair those roles were for the community and the actors involved.

“Today, we have made huge strides in ensuring these harmful stereotypes are no longer being exploited,” said Moore. “ is is one of the reasons the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival was created – to ensure that we are

showcasing the good lms coming out of Asia and the USA that are depicting our stories and our experiences, not the experiences Hollywood thinks we have, or experiences they think will be funny or entertaining at our community’s expense. I hope there are many childhood memories being made with good lms that showcase the power and talent of Asian actors and lmmakers, and I hope our lm festival is a leading connection to those memories.”

Colorado Universal Preschool is an obstacle

course for many

BY ABIGAIL WIEGMANN AND JONATHAN PETER UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO NEWS CORPS

With the school year in full swing, 4-year-old preschool students and their families have had to jump through the hoops of getting their kids into a good Kindergarten. It is a world where it can be confusing for families to nd quality providers for their children. e state is now involved in helping open doors, giving access to more families, but its quality tracking system, called Colorado Shines, isn’t necessarily as helpful as it promises.

Mindy Tipton, director of Treasureland Preschool in Denver, opted into the state’s program, Colorado Universal Pre-K program, commonly called UPK, because it helps alleviate costs for some families at her school. At Treasureland, a preschool student who attends 20 hours per week is considered full-time and the UPK program subsidizes 15 of those hours, meaning families are responsible for a quarter of what they would be without the program.

“We felt like that was a real value for a signi cant number of our families; to be able to serve them nancially and partner with them,” Tipton said. “We wanted to be able to do that, we wanted to be able to help our families.”

According to 2022-2023 data from the Colorado Preschool Program, 18,902 children received state funding before attending Kindergarten. An additional 28,000 children were assisted last school year. Going forward, the state hopes to reach even greater numbers.

National Institute of Early Education Research statistics from 2021 show that only 20% of 4 year olds in Colorado were enrolled in a pre-Kindergarten program in the 2020-2021 year, ranking 26th in the country.

SEE UNIVERSAL, P2

A still from “You & Me & Me,” a feel-good coming-of-age film that is showing at this year’s Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival. COURTESY OF COLORADO DRAGON BOAT

Gov. Jared Polis signed the new program into existence for the 20232024 academic school year with the intention to provide quality, which is measured and reported through a continuous evaluation process of preschool providers.

e state’s Department of Early Childhood is tasked with tracking quality and uses a website called Colorado Shines. is website functions as a ltering system, based on home or community location, that families can use to select the best high-quality provider for their child. e website then lters all licensed preschool providers by area and ranks providers on a 1-5 scale, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 5 being highest.

But some providers say the ranking system isn’t fair and can leave parents with the wrong impressions. A more in-depth look at how Colorado Shines represents providers shows that some schools on the lower end of the scale might be quality programs as worthy of consideration as higher-ranked ones.

ere are roughly 4,680 licensed Colorado child care providers, with about 530 in Denver and another 1,500 in the metro area. is includes Aurora, Broom eld, Castle Rock, Centennial, Englewood, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Northglenn, Parker, ornton, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge.

e Colorado Shines’ rating sys-

tem is intended to indicate the quality standards that the state assesses to be adequate for early childhood learning environments. e entire Colorado Shines program guide is available here, but here is a brief description of how programs can follow the system.

Programs gain Level 1 status automatically if they are licensed. To

reach Level 2, programs apply and complete assigned learnings. Advancement to Levels 3-5 depend on a point system across categories like workplace development and child health.

Grants for program improvement are available at Levels 2-5. Evaluation shifts from state-contracted specialists for Level 1-2 to Colorado Shines administrators for Level 3-5.

e programs that attempt to raise their rating have to go through a speci c process to be considered for reevaluation. For instance, in the case of a Level 2 program, Ian McKenzie, public information ofcer for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, said programs have to complete a quality self-assessment and develop a quality improvement plan. In addition, their sta must complete a minimum requirement of 10 hours of training based on Colorado Shines distributed material. is is an area where a quality program can earn a rating which is lower than hoped due to a lack of of resources to advance through the system.

Although this rating is intended to highlight the top-tier care for preschool students, it neglects that providers can become stuck. For instance, one in Longmont looked at by the University of ColoradoBoulder’s News Corps did not apply for advancement because the timeline and e ort required to move through the rankings was not, at the moment, worth the anticipated bump in enrollment numbers.

And, while programs are told how they can advance levels, there is little detailed description about how they might lose their status when climbing the ladder. e Colorado Shines Point Structure Guide explains that if a provider drops to a lower rating they can le a plan detailing their e orts to resolve the issue in order to improve their level status again. And some programs with a Level 5 status hold it despite child neglect complaints and/or other allegations.

It is unclear how the complaints were resolved and even if the claims were found to be true, but indicates that a program can have a high ranking while contending with allegations that others with lower rankings may not. Such apparently troubled programs can keep their Level 5 status and continue to receive funding. rough the program, providers are compensated for their participation based on hourly enrollment, therefore the more students in seats, the more monthly funding the provider will receive.

In Denver, Laura Patterson is the parent of a student at Treasureland. She did not base her decision to send her child to the school on ratings. She relied on word of mouth –fellow parents’ recommendations. Patterson placed importance on location, too, and the school’s overall enrollment.

“ ere were a few important factors, one was proximity to where we live. … So I always looked at how schools performed and what their ratings are, but I have not always looked at Colorado Shines for that to be fully transparent,” said Patterson.

Patterson also mentioned that with a child previously attending Treasureland, it was an easy process to continue to send them there for preschool. However, if she had to nd a new school, she might turn to rankings as part of the decision making process.

“I would be much more extensive on researching how these inspections played out. … I would pay attention to see if there is a drop in enrollment and as to why there was a drop,” stated Patterson.

She believes drops in enrollment equate to parents’ discoveries that programs aren’t the best for children. It should be noted the Shines system does not account for a program’s enrollment as part of their level rankings.

Treasureland teacher, Sherry Lewis-Ramierez, assists a student.

PHOTO BY ABIGAIL WIEGMANN / CU NEWS CORPS

Even for Level 5 providers such as Treasureland Preschool, funding through the state’s UPK program can be a mixed situation.

“I think we lose about $16,000 in income when we participate with UPK compared to if we were simply private pay,” said Tipton, adding that the school accepts the funding to help bring a broader range of children to classes.

e program has had a less than smooth transition for families. A Treasureland student, for instance, was bumped o the enrollment through poor communication and

enrolled in a di erent program. It wasn’t anything the school did, but rather issues with the state.

Looking through the providers listed on the Colorado Shines website, numerous providers are ranked as Level 1. Even Ian McKenzie from the CDEC, said that the ranking system is not necessarily and not representative of the quality of programs.

“Level 1 programs does not mean that a program isn’t high quality, it means the state does not have data in order to determine higher rating levels. … Rating levels beyond Level 1 are optional; therefore some programs do not want to participate in ratings.”

McKenzie explained that some reasons programs do not increase their rating is because they already

have a waitlist of families trying to attend their school and they do not need to attract more. e additional learning and sta requirements can be taxing to programs that are already stretched thin. Newer programs can just start their process with Colorado Shines and are in the process of applying to increase their rating.

ere is an advantage for programs that are properly sta ed or have the available resources to progress more easily through the Colorado Shines rating process.

Treasureland’s director, Tipton, understands the challenges small programs can face based on her previous experiences as a teaching director. At her previous preschool program, Tipton spent half

of her time in the classroom while also having to complete all of the required administrative tasks. She hopes the rating system can become more equitable for less fortunate programs that provide quality learning for children.

“It’s really challenging to become a Level 4 or 5 because you simply don’t have hours to devote to that work,” Tipton expressed. “It doesn’t mean your school’s not amazing, it doesn’t mean that the quality interaction and interactions happening there aren’t fantastic.”

is story is a capstone project from journalism students Abigail Wiegmann and Jonathan Peter with the University of Colorado-Boulder’s CU News Corps. Colorado Community Media advises News Corps students.

State Legislation Promoting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Passes Its First Hurdle

An oft-mentioned priority of Gov. Polis and others has been to increase the housing supply throughout Colorado. One of the most successful programs has been the promotion of “Transit Oriented Development,” which has manifested itself in the construction of medium-rise and high-rise apartment buildings near light-rail stations.

Another strategy has been to promote and facilitate the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in areas zoned for single-family homes.

and Sen. Tony Exum (D-El Paso County).

The title of the bill is “Concerning increasing the number of accessory dwelling units.” A link to the full text of the bill is at RealEstateToday.substack.com

space in a multi-car garage. It would be hard to create an ADU in a single family home on a small lot without a walk-out basement or room for a separate structure.

The ADU movement has met some resistance in certain circles, and would be impractical in many subdivisions with small lot sizes and no alleys. Because most local jurisdictions have required ADUs to have separate access and one designated parking space, it hasn’t been a viable option for most single-family homes in newer subdivisions — if the HOA would allow it.

Now there’s a bill (HB24-1152) that just passed the House Committee on Transportation, Housing and Local Government, which would require HOAs (and developers of new subdivisions) to allow ADUs without undue restrictions. The bi-partisan vote was 9-2, and the bill is now going to the House Appropriations Committee for approval before going to the floor of the House and then the Senate.

The prime sponsors in the House are Rep. Ron Weinberg (R-Larimer County) and Judy Amabile (D-Boulder, et al.). The prime sponsors in the Senate are Sen. Kyle Mullica (D-Adams County),

The bill specifically applies to Colorado’s metro areas, specifically to areas with a minimum 1,000 population served by a “Metropolitan Planning Organization.” There are only five MPOs in Colorado. The one serving the Denver metro counties (plus Clear Clerk and Gilpin) is the Denver Regional Council of Governments, or DRCOG.

Section 1 of the bill, as introduced, requires subject jurisdictions to allow one ADU, where practical, for any home zoned single-family detached, and it prohibits a jurisdiction from enacting or enforcing laws that restrict the construction or conversion of ADUs.

My home city of Golden allows ADUs, and I have seen them permitted above detached garages (a great application of the concept), and in walk-out basements. The required parking space could be a separate driveway or one

Today Is ‘Slam the Scam’ Day

March 7th is being promoted by the Social Security Administration as a day to recognize and fight scams which can deplete the resources of senior citizens. At http://RealEstateToday.substack.com I have posted a link to their “Scam Alert” fact sheet and another link for reporting a scam to Social Security.

Applewood Patio Home Listed by Chuck Brown

$1,095,000

Every jurisdiction subject to the law, if passed, would be required to report to the Division of Local Government that it has met the law’s requirements and developed one or more strategies to “encourage and facilitate” the construction of ADUs.

The bill also establishes a grant program within the Division to help local jurisdictions create their plans and strategies, reduce permitting fees, and provide technical assistance to builders and owners.

It also empowers the Colorado Economic Development Commission to expend $8 million on a contract with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to provide affordable loans, interest rate buy-downs, and down payment assistance plus direct loans related to the construction and conversion of ADUs.

Accessory dwelling units facilitated by the proposed law won’t make a huge dent in the housing crisis, but they have

other benefits. For starters, it will help homeowners create a revenue stream that could help them keep their home.

One of the rules for allowing ADUs in Golden and elsewhere is that the owner of the property must live on the premises — either in the main house or in the ADU. In other words, an owner or investor couldn’t add an ADU and have two rentals units. HB24-1152 disallows that requirement.

My thanks to reader John Phillips, who alerted me to this bill and attended the committee hearing at which it was debated and approved. John’s business builds ADUs under the name Verdant Living. You can reach him at 303-7171962. He is happy to answer any questions you might have about ADUs. His website is www.VerdantLiving.us

Follow-up on Propane Article

Last week I had a link to an article promoting the use of propane as a backup, even for an all-electric home. Reader Phil Cox pointed out to me that it wouldn’t work in Denver (and possible other cities) because its building code prohibits the installation of a propane tank anywhere that is within 300 feet of a natural gas (methane) supply line. Thanks, Phil!

2-BR Arvada Condo Just Listed by Kathy Jonke

$345,000

This 4-bedroom home at 14997 W. 32nd Place backs to the largest of the Coors ponds, which is a birder's dream hosting many rare specious of migratory fowl! There are numerous hiking and biking trails less than a mile away on South Table Mountain, and Rolling Hills Country Club and Applewood Golf Course are each a few blocks aways. Vibrant downtown Golden is 3 miles to the west, and I70 is 2 miles to the east. The front door opens to a 1900-sq.-ft. main level overlooking the Coors pond. The primary suite has high ceilings and also overlooks the pond. A guest bedroom is at the front of the home with an ensuite bathroom. The lower-level walkout basement features 2 more bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a large rec room with built-in bar. The lower level could function as a space to house a caregiver. Enjoy the large main-level deck with it great views of the pond and mountains. It has plenty of room for a table, chairs and grill. The attached garage holds two cars with room to park more in the driveway. The owner says the HOA is well run, and the $360 monthly dues pay for front/back yard maintenance, irrigation maintenance and fences, snow removal up to the porch and garage, trash and recycling collection, street maintenance and common area maintenance. It has been four years since a home was listed for sale in this neighborhood, which tell you how much people like living here. View a narrated video walk-through plus drone video at ApplewoodHome.online, then call Chuck Brown at 303-885-7855 to request a showing. Or come to the open house Saturday, 11 to 1.

This is a rare opportunity to own a spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, garden-level condo at 7700 Depew Street #1501 in the well-maintained Wood Creek community that includes a pool and ample parking for you and your guests. Step inside to an open living room with a wood-burning fireplace and built-in shelves, dining area with patio doors and an all-white kitchen with tile floors. There is a bar-height counter between the living room and kitchen, providing an additional seating option. The living and dining rooms are carpeted and freshly painted in a soft neutral color. The two bedrooms are at opposite ends of the condo, separated by the living area. Both bedrooms have extensive closet space. The primary bedroom has two bi-fold doors accessing one closet plus a linen closet. Your private covered patio off of the dining room has a secure storage closet with plenty of room for bikes and additional items on the built in shelves. There is also a full-size laundry room in the unit with three overhead cabinets and a hanging rod. The washer and dryer are included. Wood Creek is located within minutes of the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. Little Dry Creek trail is right outside your door. Walk to parks, shops, restaurants and transit. View a narrated video tour plus magazine-quality still photos at www.ArvadaCondo.online, then call listing agent Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to request a showing. If you prefer, you can come to the open house she will be holding this Saturday, Mar. 9th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

303-908-4835

GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922

AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071

KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428

“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous

Aligning with Moore’s dream of eliminating Asian stereotypes in lm, Colorado Dragon Boat is collaborating with Denver Film to host the ninth annual Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival. e festival runs from March 14-17 at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., in Denver.

“Our year-round partnership with Colorado Dragon Boat is highlighted by this four-day, family-friendly festival celebrating the culture, contributions and accomplishments of Asian and Asian-Paci c American communities,” said Denver Film’s CEO, Kevin Smith. “We’re honored to work with Sara and her team to present a lm program that features the talent and vision of lmmakers from across the globe. rough this combination of lm, community conversations, culinary storytelling and a marketplace featuring products from many of our local Asian-American business owners, we’re proud to recognize and honor the rich cultures and experiences of AANHPI communities.”

is year’s theme is “Connecting through Cultures: Art, Food, Cinema, & Beyond.” roughout the festival, attendees can immerse themselves in lms from across Asia and the United States, partake in free community conversations, explore the Asian marketplace and taste Asian foods at the exclusive culinary event.

In addition to a diverse lm lineup, this year’s festival includes Q&As with lmmakers, two creative conversations featuring local community members, and a special presentation of the Golden

Dragon Award on March 15 to actress Ji-young Yoo.

On March 16, Colorado Dragon Boat will host “Connecting rough Cultures with Asian American Adoptees,” a community conversation exploring the ways in which Asian American adoptees add texture to the dissonance they may encounter and honor the multifaceted layers of their cultural journeys.

Colorado Dragon Boat will host “Connecting through Cultures with Food & Food Ways” on March 17. is event showcases how food becomes a powerful vehicle for connection to one’s home culture. Attendees are encouraged to participate and bring their own experi-

ences to share.

“ ere are endless reasons for Coloradans to come to the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival,” Moore said. “First and foremost, it’s really fun. Not only are we showcasing nine feature lms, we have more than 15 short lms from local lmmakers from Colorado and surrounding states. All of our lms range from comedies, indie lms, documentaries and more. ere really is a lm for everyone.”

For Moore and countless members of the AANHPI community, representation matters. Representation helps to eliminate stereotypes and spread positivity that can radiate throughout a community.

“I don’t think there is anyone who can deny the fact that representation matters. No matter who you are, it is important to see yourself on screen and in the stories that represent your experiences,” said Moore. “It has been wonderful to see more and more representation in cinema from the AANHPI community. By uplifting and showcasing our experiences and stories, we are uplifting and highlighting our community.”

To learn more about the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival or to purchase tickets, visit cdfilm.org/.

A still from the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival’s closing night film, “Moon Man.” COURTESY OF COLORADO DRAGON BOAT

BY ROBERT TANN SUMMIT DAILY NEWS

Driving to the mountains? You may want to fill the tank first

Following nationwide trends, gas prices are on the rise in Colorado — and nowhere is that more apparent than in the High Country.

According to AAA data as of Wednesday, Feb. 21, the average price per gallon in Colorado was $2.91, up 26 cents over the past month but still below the national average of $3.27.

“Nothing abnormal is going on with the rise of gas prices in Colorado or across the country,” said Colorado AAA spokesperson Skyler McKinley, adding that the price increase can be attributed to “strong demand, tightened supply — which is normal for this time of year — and the hiccup of a major re nery being down.”

Mountain areas including Summit, Eagle, Pitkin and Routt counties continue to see some of the highest gas prices in the state while Colorado’s Front Range has some of the lowest.

According to McKinley, the reasons for those price discrepancies vary, but a major factor is the added e ort it takes to transport gas to rural and mountain communities.

“It’s di cult to traverse mountain passes. It’s farther away from the terminal. All of that puts a slight surcharge on gas,” McKinley said.

Mountain areas also have fewer gas stations, meaning there’s less competition for consumer demand, which is driven by ski tourism and tends be higher than Front Range areas. Most gas stations share contracts with the same trucking companies as well, meaning their transit costs are typically xed, McKinley added.

“I would say the healthy di erence between the mountain communities and the Front Range is 35 cents,” McKinely said, though he added the di erence usually becomes larger during the summer.

Motorists may nd more expensive gas in areas alongside major transit corridors, with McKinley giving the example of a station in Silverthorne that sits near an exit for Interstate 70. ose stations essentially carry a “convenience charge” for tourists while prices could be 40 cents less further into town, McKinley said.

Nationwide, gas prices are expected to continue to rise between now and September, with some ebb and ow along the way.

“We have o cially entered the time of year when gas prices traditionally start their spring ing, but we’ve already seen the streak of consecutive increases in the national average hit four weeks,” stated Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, in a Feb. 19

Mountain communities tend to see some of the highest gas prices in the state.

report from the company.

Looking to the rest of 2024, one of “the most critical elements to how much gas prices will climb is how quickly and e ectively re ners can nish their pre-summer maintenance, start producing EPA-mandated summer gasoline, and build up supply of it before Memorial Day,” Haan stated.

By the beginning of this summer, Denver’s Suncor re nery will begin producing more expensive reformulated gasoline, which produces less ozone-related fumes. e switch is a

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

federal requirement imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency in response to Colorado’s worsening air quality along the Front Range.

McKinley expects the increased cost to produce it will be passed onto consumers.

“ is will probably be more expensive than your average summer if you’ve lived in Colorado, though probably not as expensive as last year,” he said.  is story comes via the Colorado News Collaborative, of which Colorado Community Media is a partner.

Tough choices

Pay-what-you-can cafe ends inside dining, changes service

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With windows boasting slogans including “One good turn” and “Full belly. Full heart,” a green-andwhite cafe in Englewood exudes a generous energy. But circumstances have forced big changes at Cafe 180.

Opening in 2010, it was one of the rst pay-what-you-can cafes in the south metro Denver area. In its business model, volunteers cooked for patrons who could choose whether to pay for their meal, or even pay extra to fund another person’s. is meant many of the cafe’s regular guests were of lower incomes or experiencing homelessness.

But since the start of 2024, the dining room has become quieter. Customers at the counter are expected to open their wallets and pay the listed price for food, and when it is served, they must leave and eat it elsewhere.

It’s a big change in approach for the cafe at South Broadway and Floyd Avenue that had a seat for everyone, no matter how much they could sh out of their pockets or purse. Despite the change, the cafe is nding new ways to serve its community.

Diane Lares, the cafe’s manager, said the restaurant had to make the shift because the cafe became too hard to manage as the population of people in need has risen. In its new form, the cafe o ers catering, paid grab-and-go meals and free meals at partner organizations.

“ e reason behind the no-longerin-house (dining) was, it started being a bit much,” she said. “Unfortunately, our unhoused community was just at a di erent level than we’ve ever seen it in the last 13 years.”

ere was a growing awareness that many guests needed more resources than the cafe could provide, Lares added.

In addition, a string of di cult and scary situations took place in and around the cafe, prompting calls to police for help.

e cafe was also facing pushback from neighbors who were not pleased that some people experiencing homelessness would set up camps near the cafe, Lares added.

“Our heart is to be a part of the solution, not the problem,” a letter on Cafe 180’s website says. “We realized that people need so much more than just a fresh meal.”

In the year ending June 30, 2023, more than 30,000 people in the Denver metro area accessed housing or homelessness-related services from providers that used a statewide data system, according to the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative.

And according to a survey from the Colorado Health Institute, about one in nine Coloradans ate less than they thought they should in 2023 because they couldn’t a ord food.

With homelessness and demand for services rising in the Denver metro area, Cafe 180 is not alone in facing the challenges of helping those in need. GraceFull Cafe, another pay-what-you-can cafe located in nearby Littleton, is experiencing similar challenges.

“Post-COVID, we’re seeing the challenges that were already there increase,” said Heather Greenwood, GraceFull Cafe’s founder. “Mental health, substance use, a ordable housing — all of those challenges are becoming larger, and we’re serving individuals that are walking that journey.”

Greenwood said that her team, like Cafe 180’s, has had to weigh the pros and cons of in-person dining. With mental illness and substance use often manifesting themselves in “really weird, outward” and “negative” ways, it can be di cult to maintain a safe space, she said.

But for people living on the margins, safe spaces are crucial to create, she said.

As Cafe 180 adjusts to a new model of service, Lares said the sta and volunteers remain dedicated to feeding their community. rough partnerships with community organizations, they are now providing even more free meals than before.

Location, location, location

Last year, the Englewood Police Department received 73 calls for service related to Cafe 180.

Of the calls, 11 were labeled as “unwanted homeless” in police records, while others were for welfare checks, mental health incidents, verbal disturbance and warrant pick-ups, among others.

Lares said a couple of calls to the police were related to instances where people broke into the facility. With few overnight shelters in the area, Lares said these break-ins were likely because the individuals needed a place to sleep.

She also called the police on some occasions related to mental illness or substance use situations that led to people yelling or calling names outside the building, which Lares said would scare other clientele away.

An exterior window of Cafe 180 boasts its slogan, “Full Belly. Full Heart.”

PHOTO BY NINA JOSS

CHOICES

In one instance, a person yelled at Lares and broke a plant pot inside the cafe, according to police records.

“We’d handle it as much as we could, but there were just times where we had to call instead of putting myself in danger or one of my employees in danger,” Lares said.

Two of the calls for service were related to overdoses, according to police records. In one case, a cafe worker had to employ naloxone, an opioid-overdose antidote, to revive someone who experienced an overdose in the cafe’s patio area, Lares said.

“He was sitting there, having a meal, and out of nowhere — zeroed out,” she said. “We had just had (naloxone) training.”

Lares said her team has also called the police for overdoses outside of the cafe, like at the bus stop in front of the restaurant.

During some months, Lares said, a lot of people who are experiencing homelessness tend to hang out and camp on the sidewalk in front of Cafe 180, by the bus stop. is created a challenging dynamic for the restaurant team, who felt like they could manage behavior within their space, but had less control of what was going on outside.

In the cafe, there were rules. People who did not pay for their meals were expected to volunteer their time to help keep the cafe clean. Shouting and swearing were prohibited in the dining space, and patrons had to clean up after themselves. ese guidelines were meant to create a space of community care and trust. Overall, respect was mandatory.

of meals to these locations.

Both organizations are within walking distance of Cafe 180, so community members who are accustomed to coming to the cafe can still access meals in the same area, Lares said. Neither community center has a functioning kitchen, she added, so the partnerships with Cafe 180 ll that gap in service.

Lares said partnering with these organizations helps connect community members to more services they might need, such as showers, computers, clothes, health services and laundry.

SEE CHOICES, P17

But outside, Lares and her team didn’t have the power to manage how people behaved, she said. is caused tension with neighbors in Englewood, since people would hang out outside of the restaurant, sometimes camping out all night or using drugs, she said.

“People saw us as a problem,” she said. “It was just like, ‘Well, at the cafe they’re all hanging out there because they’re letting them.’ It’s not that we were letting them, it’s just, it’s a public sidewalk — what can we do?”

Lares said the cafe employees and volunteers would go home around 3 p.m. and wouldn’t come back until 8 a.m. ey removed the picnic tables outside so people wouldn’t stay on the property overnight, but they couldn’t do much more than that to appease

their neighbors, Lares said.

Greenwood, of Littleton’s GraceFull Cafe, said her team faces similar issues to Cafe 180. Its list of calls for service in 2023 included welfare checks, trespassing and several criminal mischief incidents, among others.

But less than ve miles away from Cafe 180, the call-for-service list related to GraceFull Cafe has only half as many calls. While there were 73 calls related to Cafe 180 last year, there were only 35 related to GraceFull Cafe.

Lares said she thinks Cafe 180 has more people using its services — bringing more mental health, physical health and behavioral emergencies — because of its location.

“Broadway is such a big

street,” she said. “I think there’s more happening for them around us than there might be (in Littleton).”

She said Cafe 180 is close to stores, community centers, the bus stop and the South Platte River, where some people stay overnight.

Greenwood, who runs GraceFull Cafe, agreed that location plays a large role in the demand and challenges at Cafe 180.

“I think they’re in a really challenging location,” she said, adding that nding needles and having people camping at the bus stop near Cafe 180 could make it more challenging to create a safe space.

GraceFull Cafe is not in a busy location — it is located on Curtice Street a block north of Littleton’s Main

Street.

“We have great light rail access (near GraceFull Cafe), which is important because it helps the community we’re trying to reach access us,” Greenwood said. “But it’s a couple blocks away. We’re not on a main thoroughfare, and that makes a big di erence.”

New model increases impact

In its new model, Cafe 180 is still providing meals for people facing food insecurity, just in di erent places. Instead of o ering free meals in its restaurant location, the cafe is partnering with local community centers Movement 5280 and Giving Heart, which assist people experiencing homelessness. Each week, the restaurant provides hundreds

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Cafe 180 Manager Diane Lares serves a bowl of soup.

PHOTO BY NINA JOSS

Volunteers cook meals in the kitchen at Cafe 180, where they produce about 1,375 meals per week. About 300 of these meals per week are provided to community members for free. PHOTO BY NINA JOSS

Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament draws thousands to Georgetown Lake

At least 300 teams of six players competed on 24 individual rinks over three days

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e annual Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament was held on the ice of Georgetown Lake for the rst time, but it wasn’t supposed to be there.

It was scheduled to take place on Dillon Reservoir.

However, two weeks before the tournament started, Feb. 16 organizers say heavy equipment started falling through the thin ice and into the reservoir.

“Dillon’s ice is way too thin; they unfortunately lost two skid steers in the water,” event coordinator and Georgetown public information ofcer Jess Jones said.

Georgetown residents and town employees worked together feverishly to set up the two dozen individual hockey rinks and found parking and vendors to welcome the more than 1,800 players, their families and spectators, according to Jones.

Jones said it took “a lot of group e ort.”

“It’s a community event,” Jones said. “Everybody wants to help out one way or another.”

ey pulled it o and teams took

to the ice over three days to compete for the championship on Sunday, Feb. 18. e players came from across the country, and for some of them, the annual tournament is a family tradition.

Ben Anderson and his 22-year-old son traveled to Georgetown from Austin, Texas to compete together with the Anonymous Hockey Club.

“It’s a parent’s dream to be able to participate in any kind of event or project with your kiddos and

see them enjoy it,” Anderson said. “ at’s worth everything right

e 30-minute games included a 10-minute break at halftime and every rink was lled with players competing.

ere were a few ghts and minor brawls, according to tournament volunteer Jen Lofton, but overall she said it was a friendly and family atmosphere.

Ben Anderson and his 22-year-old son traveled to Georgetown from Austin, Texas to compete together with the Anonymous Hockey Club.

Five-year-old Jake Murphy from Colorado Springs gets some ice time during the Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament at Georgetown Lake Feb. 17. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOEBERL

SEE POND HOCKEY, P9

POND HOCKEY

During breaks between games, even the kids got some time on the ice, preparing to one day compete in the tournament themselves. at included veyear-old Jake Murphy from Colorado Springs. His dad Jez was competing as his mom Alexa watched while caring for the family’s three year old, Summer.

“Well, we were making him skate on the path and he was mad because it wasn’t the real skating rink, he was also looking for sh under there,” Alexa Murphy said, smiling.

e last minute change gave Georgetown time to shine in the sunny weekend of hockey, Jones said. It also lled hotel rooms and home rentals

across the region.

For competitors and their families, a trip to the mountains was a welcome change.

“It’s beautiful,” Anderson said. “We don’t get a lot of snow in Texas, so this is phenomenal.”

Georgetown, Anderson added, was a surprise, but it’s a town he’ll bring his family to again.

“It’s an incredible experience and it’s a beautiful, beautiful city here in Georgetown and you couldn’t ask for better conditions,” he said.

Organizers said it was a challenge putting it all together in two weeks, but it was a great chance to showcase the town and welcome guests.

“You’re a part of it. You don’t have to put yourself out there or try too hard — everyone just welcomes you as you are,” Jones said.

The “Pucking Critters” from Breckenridge, Colorado and Salt Lake, Utah were one of several all-woman teams at the annual Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament Feb. 12 in Georgetown.

PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL

The cost of delay

Is it just me, or does it seem like people and organizations alike are putting o making both minor and major decisions?

Even when all of the information has been gathered, they still hesitate, kick it down the road for a while, doing nothing. Or they just move slower than a herd of turtles swimming through a sea of peanut butter in making their decisions.

In the fast-paced world we inhabit, decisions are omnipresent.

From the mundane choices of what to eat for breakfast to the signi cant determinations in business and personal life, decisions shape our daily existence. However, there’s a tendency, often subconscious, to procrastinate decision-making.

chances for ful llment and success.

Whether it’s due to fear of failure, uncertainty about outcomes, or simply an aversion to commitment, delaying decisions can lead to a myriad of problems, both immediate and long-term.

One of the most apparent consequences of postponing decisions is stagnation. When decisions are put o repeatedly, progress halts, and opportunities slip away. In the business world, delaying decisions on strategic moves or investments can result in missed opportunities for growth or competitive advantage. Similarly, in personal life, delaying decisions about career changes, relationships, or personal development goals can lead to missed

Problems rarely disappear on their own; instead, they tend to escalate when left unaddressed. is phenomenon applies to decision-making as well. Postponing decisions often allows small issues to snowball into larger, more complex problems. For instance, delaying the resolution of a con ict within a team can lead to resentment and decreased productivity. Similarly, neglecting to address minor maintenance issues in a home can result in signi cant repair costs down the line.

only going to get bigger and uglier as the day progresses. It’s the same with decision making, the longer we hold out, the bigger and uglier that decision becomes.

to

In professional contexts, consistently delaying decisions can erode trust and credibility. Stakeholders, whether they are employees, clients, or investors, expect timely and decisive action from leaders. When decisions are repeatedly postponed, it can convey indecisiveness or a lack of competence, damaging trust and tarnishing reputation. Similarly, in personal relationships, consistently deferring decisions can strain trust and lead to frustration or resentment from those a ected by the delay.

opportunities and escalating problems to increased stress and diminished trust, the consequences of postponing decisions can be farreaching and profound. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to cultivate a proactive approach to decisionmaking, embracing uncertainty and taking calculated risks when necessary. By confronting decisions head-on and taking timely action, individuals and organizations can navigate challenges more e ectively and seize opportunities for growth and success. Remember, in the journey of life, indecision is often the heaviest burden to bear.

As David Sandler said, “A decision not to make a decision, is still a decision.”

e weight of pending decisions can contribute signi cantly to stress and anxiety levels. As decisions linger unresolved, they occupy mental space, causing worry and indecision. is prolonged state of uncertainty can take a toll on mental wellbeing, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even decision paralysis. e longer a decision is delayed, the greater the mental burden becomes, impacting overall productivity and quality of life. We have all probably read or heard the thoughts about having to swallow a frog and doing it rst thing in the morning. If we don’t, that frog is

Delaying decisions can also strip individuals of their sense of control and autonomy. Rather than actively shaping outcomes, they become passive observers, subject to the whims of circumstance or the decisions of others. is loss of agency can be disempowering and detrimental to both personal and professional growth. Without taking decisive action, individuals may nd themselves trapped in undesirable situations or unable to pursue their goals and aspirations.

While it’s natural to hesitate or seek additional information before making important decisions, the costs of prolonged delay can outweigh the bene ts. From missed

What are you seeing in your circle of family, friends, coworkers, and customers? Are they wrestling with all decisions both big and small? I would love to hear your decisionmaking story at gotonorton@gmail. com and when we can have the courage to make decisions when we know in our heart and mind that it’s the right thing to do, it really will be a better than good life.

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

For the love of music, consider donating an instrument to Colorado students

When I was in elementary school (fourth and/or fth grade, I can’t exactly recall), I played the clarinet. I’m not sure why I didn’t stick with it. Perhaps my passion for the written word took over, but I loved my instrument so much that I even gave it a name: Clara the Clarinet.

Each year, there is an instrument drive that allows you to share your love of an instrument with a music student. It’s called Bringing Music to Life and, this year, it takes place March 4-16.

e drive takes gently-used musical instruments and gives them to underfunded school music programs across Colorado.

What is so cool about this drive is that although the instruments are given to the schools, they are

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the fol-

FROM THE EDITOR

Christy Steadman

assigned to a student for the entire time the student is in the school’s music program. at means the student gets to treat it as their own — and take responsibility for it – because they take the instrument home with them for practice and, whenever they want to, elsewhere, like to jam with friends, learning from peers. ose who do not have an instrument to donate can give funds to the drive’s instrument repair fund.

I’ve interviewed the founder of Bringing Music to Life, Steve Blatt (you may recognize his name from

his time with Colorado Public Radio many years back), a couple of times. Something he said stuck with me: the repair fund is as important as the instrument part of the drive.

Every used instrument is going to need some sort of repair, he said, and beginning music students don’t know the di erence between an instrument in “excellent playable condition” and one that’s not functioning properly. For example, if an instrument is not sounding right because it is in less-thangood condition, the student may get frustrated with it, thinking they lack talent and that might cause them to give up. So, it’s important that every student not only gets an instrument, but that it is in “excellent playable condition.”

Bringing Music to Life is a non-

pro t, and it partners with a number of local businesses — Denver Percussion, Luther Strings, Monkton Guitars and Rocky Mountain Music Repair – that provide repair services on the instruments for a discounted rate.

Bringing Music to Life accepts nearly any type of musical instrument – particularly those used in band and orchestra. ere are dropo locations across the metro area, with the two in Denver being Twist & Shout, 2508 E. Colfax Ave. in the Congress Park neighborhood; and Luther Strings, 2018 S. Pontiac Way near the Virginia Village/Indian Creek area. Donations for the repair fund can be made online.

To learn more about the Bringing Music to Life program, visit bringingmusictolife.org.

• Email your letter to csteadman@ coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

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Memorial in works for student who tried to stop STEM shooting

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

John Castillo doesn’t want to forget.

Sometimes the pain he feels today is greater than the anguish he felt the day that a shooter at STEM School Highlands Ranch took his son’s life.

Kendrick was “an innocent young man who had everything to live for,” John Castillo said.

He wants people to remember his son and to never forget the tragedy that befell students nearly ve years ago.

And local leaders, too, want the community to know about 18-yearold Kendrick Castillo, who died after he lunged at one of the shooters on May 7, 2019, helping save others’ lives around him.

Now, Douglas County and Highlands Ranch o cials say they will build a monument to the hero at Civic Green Park, less than a mile away from the school.

And, o cials plan to change the name of Lucent Boulevard to Kendrick Castillo Way.

“ ere’s a bit of a double entendre there: Kendrick Castillo Way is a way of life,” said county Commissioner Abe Laydon, noting that Kendrick Castillo went toward the con ict, not away from it.

e memorial in the park — not far from the soon-to-be-renamed street — will sit near a veterans monument and a Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce building.Kendrick Castillo was a “big fan” of the military and law enforce-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Keep Suncor operating

I read with great interest the recent article “Colorado hits Suncor with $10.5M settlement” (Lone Tree Voice, Week of February 15, 2024). e article led me to do some research on the web regarding Suncor’s Commerce City Re nery. e re nery:

• Employs 500 people with highpaying jobs

• Pays $40 million in average annual taxes to municipal, county and state governments

• Generates an estimated $2.5 billion of economic value to Colorado annually

ment, his father said.

And, Kendrick Castillo knew the park. His local robotics team would do outreach and show a robot at the park, hoping to get kids to join a team, his father said.

e father also had this message for the public: “Love your parents. Parents, love your kids.”

He hopes the memorial will give parents an opportunity to teach their kids about Kendrick and what it means to be kind.

After the shooting, some said it was a reason to support laws to change gun policy. But John Castillo pushed back against that viewpoint.

“We need to protect our kids like we protect our sporting events and our -

• Provides about one third of the jet

fuel used at DIA

• Is an important local supplier of automotive fuel

• Is a primary producer of paving asphalt for Colorado roads

• Is the only facility of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region

I contrast the information above with the quote from the director of Colorado Public Health who called the settlement with Suncor a “historic enforcement package.” Later in the article it was posited whether the cash part of the settlement ($2.5 million) is enough to change Suncor’s behavior. Lastly, it was noted in the article that the Suncor Re nery “has

nancial institutions,” he said.

He said he wants to see legislation that would require more transparency about incidents in schools that lead to discipline, such as assaults or threats, so that parents can make educated decisions as to whether to keep their child in a given school. He also wants law enforcement o cers to be apprised of those situations.

“We feel that if that had been done, Kendrick would still be with us today,” John Castillo said.

e plans for the memorial from John Castillo and o cials isn’t a done deal. Donations are needed.

“Many families are indebted to Kendrick for what he did that day,” said Douglas County Sheri Darren Week-

long been a target for environmental and community groups, as well as state regulators for both local pollution violations and greenhouse gas emissions.”

From my perspective, I certainly want the re nery to continue to operate in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, so I can a ord fuel for my truck and can use air transport

ly, adding: “I am hopeful that people will give generously.”

e money raised will help support the Kendrick Castillo memorial, the renaming of Lucent Boulevard in Highlands Ranch and a scholarship fund in Kendrick Castillo’s name, according to the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Fund webpage at dccf.org/ kendrick-castillo-fund.html.

Contributions beyond the rst $30,000 will be used to pursue the renaming of Lucent Boulevard and the scholarship fund, a county news release says.

e memorial could be complete in several months, according to county sta .

Full approval on the county renaming Lucent Boulevard — from County Line Road curving southeast to Broadway — could occur in two to three months, according to county sta .

O cials will send notices to adjacent landowners and people whose addresses would be a ected by the name change. ree o ce buildings and their tenants on Plaza Drive near Lucent Boulevard would be a ected, according to the county.

e Kendrick Castillo Memorial Fund and Oversight Committee formed in May 2022 to explore ways to memorialize Kendrick. e committee includes family and friends of Kendrick, along with o cials from Douglas County and the local school district, sheri ’s o ce, and library board, Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District, and Seven Stones Cemetery.

from DIA without breaking my budget. I hope the state regulators continue to do their job in a reasonable manner without gleefully shutting down the re nery we Coloradans rely on for a ordable automotive and jet fuel. By the way, I am not an employee of Suncor nor have I worked for them in the past.

Je rey Ehrenzeller, Lone Tree

Kendrick Castillo’s parents, John and Maria, unveil a sign on Feb. 26 that marks the future spot of a memorial to honor their son in Civic Green Park. Kendrick Castillo is remembered as a hero for confronting a shooter at STEM School Highlands Ranch in May 2019.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Conifer nonprofit helps veterans, service people and civilians

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Former Lakewood police ocer Erick Perez’s life changed forever in December 2021 when a mass shooter killed ve people, injured his partner and shot at him. But with the help of Conifer nonpro t Faithfully K9 and his dog Chispa, the change marked an unexpected evolution in his life of service — not the end of it.

Chispa, originally adopted as a family pet, is now a service dog. And Perez is a trainer with Faithfully K9 who’s also pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

“It’s been amazing,” Perez said. “Because I went through that therapeutic healing myself, I fell in love with it.

“We’ve been conditioned to be hard and suck it up,” he continued. “But much like we go see a doctor when something hurts in our body, I think it’s also important to look at our mental health. And a service dog, with its unconditional love and the bond you have, makes a di erence. It’s amazing what a dog can do in your life.”

Conifer resident Cathy Kowalski founded Faithfully K9 in 2018 to help those with disabilities or su ering the e ects of trauma. Unlike service dog organizations that match people with a puppy — requiring years of training — Faithfully K9 works with an individual to train their own dog or puppy as a service dog. Training typically takes 7 to 12 months.

“I saw a void,” said Kowalski, formerly a trainer with Englewoodbased Freedom Service Dogs. “Many times, people had a great dog at home they already had a relationship with, but had to add an already trained dog to their household.

“We also feel these dogs save lives because their owners don’t have to wait 3 to 5 years to get a dog,” she continued. “We work with a lot of veterans who have PTSD. If you have PTSD, you don’t have years to wait.”

Regardless of breed, she said, the canine’s character traits make it uniquely quali ed to be a service animal.

“Dogs don’t judge you,” Kowalski said. “ ey love you no matter what.

ey just want to please you and be there for you — and they bring a smile to your face.”

In 2023, with the help of three trainers, Faithfully K9 graduated 30 dogs from its program. At least 50% of the dogs it trains were adopted as rescues, and training is provided at no cost to veterans or active duty military. Civilians pay a signi cantly discounted rate.

Not every dog makes it through the program, or quali es to participate. Kowalski and her fellow trainers pull on ears, pick up paws and do a variety of other physical tests on each candidate dog. While many service dog programs use speci c breeds, Kowalski said any dog has the capacity to serve.

“A dog must be comfortable with a stranger handling it, not afraid of loud noises, or a tug on the tail,” she said. “If a dog’s growling at me, we’re done. e few dogs that don’t make it usually fail because of problems with people.”

Faithfully K9 trainers work for about a year with each owner/dog pair, typically training in the client’s home and community. eir clients’ range extends from Broomeld south to Castle Rock, and Aurora west to Conifer. Clients from outside those areas also travel to train with the team.

Saved by a dog

Fort Lupton resident Gabriel Griego is among those clients who felt he had run out of time. e former Marine was medically discharged from the service after suffering an injury. He said he was diagnosed with PTSD stemming in part from childhood and sexual trauma, and struggled with substance abuse. Griego tried multiple medications, but could not shake his dark thoughts and feelings.

“I always joked I took every pill imaginable,” he said. “Half of them

made me more suicidal. A lot of it just didn’t work for me and continued to make me feel worse. After my last suicide attempt in 2022, my wife said, ‘We need to gure something out.’”

Griego learned about Faithfully K9 through WarriorNOW, a nonpro t aimed at helping veterans with mental health and other challenges. Kowalski helped him nd Nala, a lab/masti mix who is now a year-and-a-half old. e two began training together when Nala was a puppy.

e change in Griego’s quality of life has been dramatic. With Nala at his side, his previous struggles with loud noise, crowds and people approaching him from behind have eased. Depression still haunts him, but when it descends, Nala is a warm and soothing presence.

“A year and a month into the training, there are days where it’s still di cult,” he said. “Nala is the one who pulls me out of those days.

And the di erent training we do connects me back to myself and to Nala, and calms me down.

“She also helps my wife because Nala realizes when I’m going through a funk,” he said. “She’ll lay on me and just stare at my wife, like she’s saying ‘It’s OK, I got him.’ I’ve put my wife through so much with all the mental health stu ; I’m so grateful that now she can take that breather.”

SERVICE DOGS

Griego has also been substance free for two years, which he credits in large part to the help Faithfully K9 has provided.

“I was shocked by everything they do for veterans and rst responders — something so truly life saving at absolutely no cost to us,” he said. “Every veteran I know, we don’t stop ghting. e reason so many of us succumb to suicide is we just want the pain to end.

“ ere are so many people like me that have gone down these dark paths who I hope can stop trying to end their pain in a di erent way,” he continued. “Instead, hang out with a four-legged best friend all day. ings will be a little bit more ok.”

Griego is now working with Suicide Prevention Coaliton of Colorado, where he is focused on helping veterans. And in imitation of her owner, Nala is also extending her reach to help others.

“I take Nala into some of my meetings,” he said. “She’s awesome at picking up on the needs of other people. You see her tail wagging because she’s so excited to help anyone she can.”

Training for success

Kowalski and her team train dogs in the owner’s homes, and in public.

e dogs must learn to ignore distractions — like food, crowds, other dogs and enthusiastic children — and keep the focus on their owner.

at makes shopping centers like the Castle Rock Factory Outlets ideal.

Kowalski recently met there with Colorado Springs client Levi Francis, and his six-month goldendoodle Finn. Francis su ered both mental and physical trauma while serving in the military and in childhood. Due to an injury, he also has screws in his feet that make it tough for him to balance.

Francis had been searching for a support dog since 2021 with no success. Other agencies turned down his request for a variety of reasons. Because Francis and his wife foster a variety of animals with disabilities, one said the environment would be too chaotic for training a service dog.

Faithfully K9 saw it di erently. Kowalski said “yes” to Francis’ request, and a nonpro t for which Francis volunteers led him to Finn.

At six months, Finn is tall and broad, and uncharacteristically calm for his age. His copper curls and teddy-bear features draw the attention of children and adults alike, but Finn is nearly unwavering in his focus — which is Francis.

“He’s a giant, dopey, lovable dude,” Francis said. “Our ferrets sleep next to him. He ts in perfectly with our family. We’re training really fast. Overall, he’s pretty amazing. O leash, he acts like a puppy. In training, he’s always listening.”

Like Nala, Finn has learned to sit or stand between Francis’ legs on command, a posture that allows

Francis to physically connect with the dog, diverting his focus from any fears or anxiety-inducing distractions. Because of his size, Finn also helps his owner with balance issues resulting from the screws in his feet.   He’s an ideal helpmate for Francis, whose hypervigilance and triggers are slowly easing.

“I’ve been able to go out a lot more,” he said. “I’m being less watchful just because he distracts me. My wife was surprised the other

day because I o ered to go to the movies. He’s a fantastic partner to work with.”

Faithfully K9 has a thick book of similar success stories. It also has far more demand for services than resources to meet it.

“We have over 60 clients we’re working with, and I have more people calling me every day,” Kowalski said. “We have dogs working with therapists and psychiatrists in schools. We do skilled companions

for rst responders. We work with a lot of re ghters and police o cers. We are always struggling to nd donations.”

Despite those ongoing struggles, Kowalski is tireless in her mission. For her, it is a calling.

“I do this to help people,” she said. “I believe that’s why we’re here on this planet. Just making a di erence in one person’s life is worth it.”

For more information or to donate, visit faithfullyk9.com.

Colorado Springs resident and veteran Levi Francis trains with his dog, Finn, at the Castle Rock Factory Stores.

PHOTO BY JANE REUTER

Aims doubles down on CDL program

After six months, virtual driver training program due for expansion, new investment

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A professional driver training program unveiled by Aims Community College last fall has been so successful the college is investing another $100,000 into the training simulator.

“I have seen excellent results in the rst six months of using the simulator. It has reduced training time, and the students get the concepts a lot faster,” said Martin Rubalcaba, program director for the college’s commercial driver license program. “I usually cut about two training days, and they get more behind-the-wheel time.”

Last fall, Aims purchased the L3 Harris technology that trains students with hands-on visual driving before they climb behind the wheel of a semi-truck.

“One of the key concepts that a new CDL driver must master is shifting the truck since it is very di erent from driving a car with a stick shift,” Rubalcaba said.

Rubalcaba said the simulator screen can display a graph that shows a student driver the appropriate time to shift into the next gear.

“ e big thing about shifting is getting those mechanics down to get the truck moving,” he said.

e simulator screen allows the student to visualize driving a semitrailer in a city or rural area and enhanced features can help train the student to cope with extreme weather or hazardous situations risk-free, without damaging equipment or crashing into people.

“I don’t want to be in a physical truck with a new CDL driver when it’s snowy or icy,” Rubalcaba said. “I can give them a simulated scenario to give them some experience driving a truck on ice or snow.”

Comfortable way to learn

Rubalcaba said once students get

comfortable in the simulator, they can practice driving in Aims-owned semi-trucks on private roads on two acres of the Fort Lupton Campus, a safe, controlled environment without the tra c pressures.

“Trainers report positive results when students are more comfortable behind the wheel,” he said. “It’s much less stressful on the student.

Mistakes such as missing gears and taking turns too short are reduced after learners get their start on the simulator.

“ is technology integrated into the program has helped students prepare for their CDL exams, encouraged safe driving practices, and kicked o careers in commercial driving.”

e Aims CDL simulator is a custom-built mobile trailer that can travel to career fairs and events promoting commercial driving careers.

“ is hands-on experience has received an excellent response from the community. Observing the younger generation, I love it. It’s a big video game, and they enjoy it,” Rubalcaba said. “I’ve seen that this enthusiasm extends to all ages, and the older crowd is also fascinated by it and having a great time driving the simulator.”

Rubalcaba said the simulator also gives those not interested in a trucking career an understanding and respect for sharing the road with big rigs and the industry overall.

“We like to have people jump in there and show them what it’s like to drive a large truck,” he said.

Non-traditional students

According to o cials, Aims CDL program is designed to be a ordable for students without going into debt. Depending on the student’s progress, the course takes about three to four weeks to complete. If a new student starts at the beginning of the month, it could be completed by the end of the month.

“ e CDL program keeps expanding its reach to attract people not traditionally well-represented in the trucking industry,” Rubalcaba said.

“Approximately 90 percent of the students in the program are male, but there are opportunities for females that are growing. Women get jobs in

the industry because they tend to be safer and more cognizant drivers.”

Aims is also interested in attracting underemployed people in underserved communities. Its enrollment is growing in Hispanic and African American communities.

Aims is adding a new program for summer 2024 that o ers CDL classes for non-native English speakers, effectively a combination of English learning classes with CDL training. Also, Aims is working on obtaining grant funding to o er a refugee training program.

According to o cials, a quarter of students in the Aims CDL program

have their tuition paid by their employers, such as local governments, large corporations and construction companies. e remaining 75 percent of students pay the tuition out of pocket because it a short-term program that is not eligible for student aid.

Some assistance is available through Workforce Development programs in each county. Aims’ CDL program also o ers opportunities to obtain a commercial learner permit, Class A and B licenses, and Hazardous Materials Endorsement.

More information and an interest form are available at aims.co/cdl.

Aims Community College owns a semi-tractor trailer to to train students in the CDL program.

PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

powered by

Thu 3/14

Galactic Phantoms ft. SpaceGhost @ 6pm / $10-$30 Kulture Music Hall, Denver

CHADZILLA MUSIC: Bright Star the Musical @ 7pm Denver School Of The Arts, 7111 Montview Blvd, Denver

Ímar @ 7:30pm

Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood

Heilig Art: Heilig at SHIFT FT. K.L.O. W/ JON1ST, BASE2, NUEQ –FUNKTION-ONE SOUND @ 8pm

Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Welton St, Denver

Andy Frasco's World Saving Podcast LIVE TAPING @ 8pm

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Denver

Fri 3/15

Lord Nelson @ 8pm

The Woodcellar Bar & Grill, 1552 Bergen Pkwy #101, Evergreen

Sat 3/16

Denver Shamrock Stroll Bar Crawl @ 1pm / $9.99

The Passport, 1437 Market Street, Den‐ver. info@pubcrawls.com

Roma Ransom at Talnua Distillery @ 4:30pm

Talnua Distillery, 5405 W 56th Ave Unit C, Arvada

Sun 3/17

Juice O'The Barley: Juice o' the Barley's "Traditional" Irish Pub Sessions @ 11am Wynkoop Brewing Company, 1634 18th St, Denver

Mon 3/18

Hulder @ 7:30pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver

San Cisco @ 8pm Bluebird Theatre, 3317 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver

Tue 3/19

Color Green @ 7pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Den‐ver

Wed 3/20

Jordan Yewey @ 6pm Miners Saloon, 1109 Miner's Alley, Golden

Kim Dracula @ 6:30pm / $29.50 Summit, 1902 Blake St, Denver

Jobi Riccio @ 7pm Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Cam Kahin @ 7pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

JLINE MUSIC: Dirty Pop Party: Denver @ 7:30pm Your Mom's House, 608 E 13th Ave., Den‐ver

Linda From Work w/ special guests @ 7pm Bar 404, 404 Broadway, Denver

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Coloradans could spend $2 billion-plus replacing grass

BY SHANNON MULLANE THE COLORADO SUN

One of Colorado’s leading urban water conservation strategies — turf replacement — could require up to $2.5 billion to save 20,000 acre-feet of water, according to a recent report commissioned by the state’s top water policy agency.

Colorado communities are facing a drier future with water shortages and searching for ways to cut down water use. e idea of replacing thirsty, unused grassy areas with more droughtresistant landscaping has gained momentum in recent years, even prompting proposed legislation this session. Despite a potentially high cost and relatively low savings, water experts, landscape professionals and some legislators are backing the idea.

“We’re really seeking to shift the expectation around what Colorado’s urban spaces look like — both the existing spaces and the future ones — so that people can embrace this Colorado aesthetic,” said Frank Kinder, water e ciency and sustainability manager at Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. “While we’re not going to be able to save maybe as much water in comparison to other industries, we know that we want to do our part.”

e agriculture industry is Colorado’s largest water user, but cities and towns in Colorado use about 380,000 acre-feet of water per year, or about 7% of the state’s overall water use, according to the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Outdoor urban water use makes up about 2.8% of that amount.

Turf replacement e orts in urban areas often focus on lawns and nonfunctional turf — places where thirsty, nonnative grasses are rarely used, but are still watered and maintained mostly for aesthetic purposes. ( ink: Green patches between sidewalks and roads, in medians, along frontage areas and parking lots.)

e idea is to remove the gluttonous grasses and replace them with native grasses, trees and other plants that are more drought-resistant.  is turf-focused strategy has gained new momentum since 2020 and 2021, when the water crisis in the

Colorado River Basin became shockingly apparent (to more than just water experts) as two enormous reservoirs, lakes Mead and Powell, fell to historic lows.

“ is almost seems spontaneous to me,” said Greg Fisher, manager of demand planning at Denver Water.

“Literally two years ago, we weren’t talking much about it (turf replacement).”

is year, the Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force — convened by Gov. Jared Polis in 2023 — listed adopting turf policy among its top recommendations for legislators to consider.

One turf bill has already passed the state Senate with a 28-5 vote. On Monday, it successfully passed out of the House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources committee with a 10-2 vote.

e bill aims to prohibit the installation of nonfunctional turf, arti cial turf or invasive species on any new development of government, commercial, institutional or industrial property starting in 2025.

Even with this momentum, water experts around the state are still try-

ing to answer basic questions about turf removal: How much turf is there in Colorado, and how much of that is nonfunctional? How much water could be saved, and how much would that cost?

e recent water savings analysis by BBC Research and Consulting estimated that the total amount of turf statewide was about 167,800 acres but listed no estimate for the total amount of nonfunctional turf.

It’s hard to estimate in large part because there are di erent local de nitions of what is considered “nonfunctional,” said Jenna Battson, outdoor water conservation coordinator for the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

e estimated water savings are about 12 gallons per square foot, or about 1.6 acre-feet per acre. Up to about 20,000 acre-feet of water statewide could be conserved through turf replacement by homeowners, and commercial, industrial and institutional property owners, Battson said.

One acre-foot equals enough water to supply about two households for a year.

ese savings are small compared

to looming future water shortages. By 2050, cities, towns and industries could be short 230,000 acre-feet to — and in the worst case scenario — 740,000 acre-feet, according to the 2023 Colorado Water Plan.

It would also cost between $152 million and $2.5 billion to make those savings happen, according to the report. Past reports have also listed a cost in the billions, she said.

“We know that it’s not a cheap thing to do, but that’s not necessarily a reason not to do it. It’s just, what else can we do to complement that?” Battson said. “I don’t know if it’s a surprising number. Maybe if you’re not in the weeds all day reading about this, maybe it’s very surprising.”

Although many water providers, land use experts and state agencies have supported turf replacement, one sticking point has been whether it should be managed at the state or local level, Fisher said. Some state legislators Monday cited concerns about economic impacts to sod farmers during the House committee hearing.

Purple asters and other fall blooming flowers line crusher fine paths through a low-water garden planted where turf used to be near Lafayette Fire Station 1 on North 111th Street. Lafayette is removing nonfunctional turf from many public spaces and replacing it with low-water landscaping.

PHOTO BY CHLOE ANDERSON / SPECIAL TO THE COLORADO SUN

SEE GRASS, P17

Supporters say cities and towns need to do their part. Water e ciency is the right thing to do in face of an increasingly challenging climate, said Kinder, who was on the task force.

“Colorado is going to transition.

CHOICES

“We’ve gained such a love for our community members,” she said. “We wanted to partner where we’re still doing those meals, but how can we give them more? … And these facilities do that, so partnering up with them just felt (like) the right decision and the smart way for us to serve more people.”

Lares said prior to the change in its service model, Cafe 180 was serving an average of 375 meals per week, with about half of them being served for free. Now, the restaurant cooks about 1,375 meals per week, with about 300 of them being free. is increase is because the team of volunteers is now focused on cooking larger quantities of food, which they can do faster than single-serve meals, Lares said.

“None of the volunteer work, none of the procedures have changed — but now we’re able to reach (more) people,” she said.

We will still have turf, but it will be in places where it makes sense — where people need something that’s durable, and they’re actively gathering and recreating on it,” said Laura Belanger, task force member and senior policy advisor with Western Resource Advocates. “It will no longer be the go-to landscaping in Colorado.”

Turf replacement is one way to help communities adapt to a hot-

Cafe 180 also provides frozen and reheatable meals to Gelli’s Community Fridge, an organization that manages a community fridge on South Pearl Street in Denver where people can pick up free meals. Cafe 180 also has a program that provides meal kits to low-income families to cook at home.

Lares said the meal partnership schedule, combined with other free food providers in the area, o ers free meal opportunities on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and ursdays. But, there are no places in Englewood to grab a free meal on Mondays, Fridays or Saturdays.

She said Cafe 180 and Gelli’s Community Fridge are working towards getting a fridge location approved in Englewood to ll the need for food on these days.

‘A team e ort’

While the decision to change its service model was a challenging one to make, Lares said the Cafe 180 team is excited about this new stage of its journey.

“It is sad because it has been our

ter and drier future at the local level, said Fisher, who also served on the task force. It’s also one conservation strategy that can be used alongside other options, like leak detection and water bill rate structures that discourage high water use, said Battson, who was a sta resource for the task force.

Andrea Lopez, who represented Ute Water Conservancy District on the 2023 landscape task force, said

model for the last 13 years, so obviously, after so many years to have to change something, it’s tough,” she said.

But she believes that together, the community can get more done. Partnering with Movement 5280, Giving Heart, Gelli’s Community Fridge — and maybe future partners — is exciting to Lares.

“Now, it’s a team e ort,” she said. “I feel like anything as a team is just unstoppable … so I can only be excited for what’s to come, due to knowing that we want to spread our wings even more.”

While some people judge those who are experiencing homelessness — especially if they are also experiencing mental illness or substance use challenges — Lares said it is important to recognize the humanity in all people.

“Treat others as you’d like to be treated,” she said. “When you really take the two (or) three minutes to get to know somebody’s name and ask how their day is going, it can make such a di erence.”

“I understand the housed community, how they might feel with a camp-

it was hard to tell now whether turf removal will be worth it. ere’s still a lot of data to gather, she said. “We have to start somewhere, but I think only time will tell how much it actually costs and how much water it’s saving,” Lopez said. is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

site going up or loitering because they have nowhere else to go,” she continued. “But put yourself in their shoes for two minutes, and think about how you’d like to be treated.”

Greenwood said she deeply respects Cafe 180’s work, and that they have served as a role model for her in developing her business. She said their decision to partner with community centers to better meet the needs of their changing community was healthy and encouraging.

“I know for a fact how passionate they are about food insecurity,” she said. “And that’s really, at the end of the day, what I think both of our entities are hanging our hat on.”

Cafe 180 is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for graband-go meals. It also o ers custom catering services, the proceeds of which go back to support the cafe and its work.

“We still believe in ‘Full belly. Full heart,’” Lares said. “We have not changed that concept about us.”

People interested in volunteering can sign up at https://www.cafe180. org/volunteer.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

303-566-4123

LLC

Legals

Summons and Sheriff Sale

Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, DENVER COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO

Denver County District Court 1437 Bannock St Denver, CO 80202

Plaintiff: TOWNE SQUARE LOFTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, a Colorado nonprofit corporation v.

Defendants: JOHN BANAHOSKI; STATE OF COLORADO - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

Attorneys for Plaintiff:

Orten Cavanagh Holmes & Hunt, LLC

Hal R. Kyles, #23891

1445 Market Street, Suite 350 Denver, CO 80202

Phone Number: (720) 221-9780

Matter ID #2299.0012

Case No.: 2023CV033230 Division: 424

SUMMONS [BY PUBLICATION]

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:

You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this Summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

This is an action of foreclosure pursuant to Rule 105, C.R.C.P. to the real property situate in Denver, Colorado more particularly described as Condominium Unit 213, TOWNE SQUARE LOFTS, City and County of Denver, State of Colorado.

Dated: February 6, 2024.

ORTEN CAVANAGH HOLMES & HUNT,

By:/s/ Hal R. Kyles

Hal R. Kyles, #23891

This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.

Legal Notice No. DHD 272

First Publication: February 15, 2024

Last Publication: March 14, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Misc. Private Legals

Public Notice

TO: ASHLEY GONZALES:

You are notified that you have 10 days after publication for this notice of levy to file your claim of exemption with the District Court of DENVER, 1437 Bannock, Room 256 Denver, CO 80202, in Case 2022CV032514 entitled: URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD MILE HIGH, LLC, d/b/a VESTY PARK, d/b/a LARAMAR, f/d/a THE OVERLOOK @ MILE HIGH vs. ASHLEY GONZALES, a/k/a ASHLEY JUSNITA GONZALES, a/k/a ASHLEY J. GONZALES, a/k/a ASHLEY L. GONZALES $589.12 garnished at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 9000 E. Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010.

Legal Notice No. DHD113

First Publication: February 15, 2024

Last Publication: March 14, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

SYNOPSIS OF ANNUAL STATEMENT FOR PUBLICATION

Required pursuant to §10-3-109(1), C.R.S FOR YEAR 2023

FAILURE TO FILE THIS FORM BY MARCH 1 WILL RESULT IN PENALTIES PURSUANT TO §10-3-109(3), C.R.S.:

If any annual report or statement from any entity regulated by the Division of Insurance is not filed by the date specified by law or by rules and regulations of the commissioner, the commissioner may assess a penalty of up to one hundred dollars per day for each day after the date an annual statement or report is due from any such entity.

Corporate Name: Securian Casualty Company

NAIC Number: 10054

Address: 400 Robert Street North St. Paul, MN 55101-2098

Assets: $644,417,933

Liabilities: $430,588,905

Capital and Surplus/Policyholder Surplus: $213,829,028

DIVISION OF INSURANCE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the Securian Casualty Company , organized under the laws of Minnesota, subject to its Articles of Incorporation or other fundamental organizational documents and in consideration of its compliance with the laws of Colorado, is hereby licensed to transact business as a Property & Casualty insurance company, as provided by the Insurance Laws of Colorado, as amended, so long as the insurer continues to conform to the authority granted by its Certificate and its corporate articles, or its Certificate is otherwise revoked, canceled or suspended.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of my office to be affixed at the City and County of Denver this first day of February 2024.

Michael

Conway

Commissioner of Insurance

Legal Notice No. DHD284

First Publication: February 29, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

IN THE MATTER OF: JD STANDARD TRUST U/A/D FEBRUARY 22, 2024

NOTICE OF QUALIFIED TRANSFER TO QUALIFIED SPENDTHRIFT TRUST PURSUANT TO W.S. § 34-14210

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN SAID TRUST:

You are hereby notified that Joshua David Sampson (the “Settlor”), of 1616 17th Street, Suite 362, Denver, Colorado 80202, has transferred assets to Two Ocean Trust LLC (the “Trustee”), of P.O. Box 1114, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, as Trustee of the JD Standard Trust U/A/D February 22, 2024 (the “Trust”), which Trust is a qualified spendthrift trust. Pursuant to W.S. § 34-14-210, a creditor of the Settlor or the Trust is required to initiate an action against the Settlor and the Trustee within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date on which this notice is first published or the creditor’s claim is forever barred.

DATED this day of , 2024.

Anne Kent Droppert

Geittmann Larson Swift LLP

155 E. Pearl Ave., Suite 100 P.O. Box 1226

Jackson, WY 83001

akd@glsllp.com

(307) 733-5890 – voice

(307) 734-0544 – facsimile

Legal Notice No. DHD2041

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Storage Liens/Vehicle Titles

Public Notice

Notice to obtain title - The following vehicle was towed and abandoned:

1) VIN JF1GJAC61CH008850, 2012 Subaru Impreza, 2) VIN JT3GN86R4V0038492, 1997 Toyota 4Runner, 3) VIN 1GCBS14EXK2268771, 1989 Chevrolet S-10,

M1 Towing lot address 2810 W 62nd Ave, Denver, CO 80221, 720-364-1160 is applying for title.

Legal Notice No. DHD2037

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

Broncos Towing, 303-722-3555 ( Office ) will be applying for title to the following vehicles, Abandoned.

1) 1984 boat & trailer blue & white 218059

2) 1975 pop up camper white 921628

Legal Notice No. DHD401

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 14, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Notice to Creditors

Public Notice

PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO§ 15-12-801, C.R.S. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Betty Jane Monaghan, a/k/a Betty J. Monaghan, a/k/a Betty Pappenheim Monaghan, a/k/a Betty P. Monaghan, a/k/a Betty Monaghan, Deceased.

Case Number: 2024PR30162

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to pres-

Public Notices

ent them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado, on or before Monday, July 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Katz, Look & Onorato, P.C., Personal Representative

1120 Lincoln St., Ste. 1100 Denver, CO 80203

Legal Notice No. DHD 2042

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Benita Marie Guzman, a.k.a. Benita M. Guzman Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30047

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 8th, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Douglas Guzman, Personal Representative 3238 Arapahoe Street Denver, CO 80205

Legal Notice No. DHD2036

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of JANET K. TAYLOR, a.k.a. JANET KILGORE TAYLOR, a.k.a. JANET TAYLOR, Deceased

Case Number: 24PR30108

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 7, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Brian Ward, Personal Representative c/o Werth Law LLC, P.O. Box 808 Brighton, CO 80602

Legal Notice No. DHD286

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Virginia R. Abblett, Deceased

Case Number: 2023 PR 31487

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 1, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Don E. Watson, Attorney for Kathleen Beatty, Personal Representative

5753 S. Prince St., #637 Littleton, CO 80120

Legal Notice No. DHD3010

First Publication: February 29, 2024

Last Publication: March 14, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of MARION J. TONGISH, aka MARION JOHN TONGISH, Deceased

Case Number: 2024 PR 30063

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Baysore & Christian Fiduciary Services, LLC

Personal Representative

7000 E Belleview Ave, Suite 150 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Legal Notice No. DHD282

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Teresa Rushton, Deceased Case Number: 23PR666

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 25th, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Michelle McDaniel, Personal Representative 1833 Williams St Apt 107 Denver, Colorado 80218

Legal Notice No. DHD2010

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Ann F. Andersen, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 031040

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 10, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Todd Mackintosh PO Box 200782 Denver, Colorado 80220

Legal Notice No. DHD285

First Publication: February 29, 2024

Last Publication: March 14, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Stanley J. Weddle, also known as Stanley Weddle, also known as Stan Weddle, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30130

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, July 8, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.

Jane Langenberg, Personal Representative 7074 Lexington Cir. Brooksville, FL 34602

Legal Notice No. DHD 2038

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Maureen Walsh, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30200

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, July 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Eldon E. Silverman, Personal Representative

334 South High Street Denver, Colorado 80209

Legal Notice No. DHD2039

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

VIVIAN L. MONTAGUE, aka VIVIAN LAVONNE MONTAGUE, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30087

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

David E. Montague, Personal Representative

2808 S. Lowell Blvd. Denver, CO 80236

Legal Notice No. DHD280

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Sesaria Patsy Flores, aka Sesaria P. Flores, aka Cesaria P. Flores, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30192

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday July 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Tamra A. Palmer

Attorney to the Personal Representative c/o 6060 Greenwood Plaza Blvd #200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Legal Notice No. DHD3020

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of HELEN BONSON HOPKINS, a/k/a HELEN B. HOPKINS, a/k/a HELEN HOPKINS, Deceased

Case Number: 2023PR31485

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 24, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Renee Murray, Personal Representative 1243 South Williams Street Denver, CO 80210

Legal Notice No. DHD278

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Timothy P. Watson, a/k/a Timothy Patton Watson, a/k/a Timothy Watson, a/k/a Tim P. Watson, a/k/a Tim Patton Watson, a/k/a Tim Watson, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 31583

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Elizabeth W. Duggan Personal Representative

217 W. Hill Street Decatur, GA 30030

Legal Notice No. DHD281

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Antonio Felipe Salazar, a/k/a Tony Phillip Salazar, a/k/a Tony P. Salazar, a/k/a Tony Salazar, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 30040

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 7, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

John G. Salazar

Personal Representative

1526 S. Sherman St. Denver, CO 80210

Legal Notice No. DHD247

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Anthony Joseph Gagliardi, Deceased Case Number 2023PR483

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Frederick “Rick” Gagliardi, Personal Representative of the estate of Anthony Joseph Gagliardi

c/o Atty Megan Jury Robinson & Henry PC 7555 E Hampden Ave #600 Denver, CO 80231

Legal Notice No. DHD2070

First Publication: February 29, 2024

Last Publication: March 14, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Eugene Vignerot, Deceased Case Number 2024PR30102

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 24, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Tamra A. Palmer

Attorney to the Personal Representative

c/o 6060 Greenwood Plaza Blvd #200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Legal Notice No. DHD 277

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Kalim Shawn Yaqub, a/k/a Kalim S. Yaqub, a/k/a Kalim Yaqub, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30094

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 24, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.

Parveen Payara, Personal Representative

c/o Arlene S. Barringer, Esq. Glatstein & O’Brien, LLP 2696 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 350 Denver, Colorado 80222

Legal Notice No. DHD279

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Justin Hughes Rush, Deceased

Case Number: 2024PR30005

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 1, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Charles William Carroll

Personal Representative

c/o Weikel Law Firm LLC 1901 West Littleton Boulevard, Suite 208 Littleton CO 80120

Legal Notice No. DHD 2090

First Publication: February 29, 2024

Last Publication: March 14, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Barry K. Wallace, Deceased

Case Number 2023 PR 616

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before July 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Donna G. Wallace, Personal Representative 8015 E. Byers Ave. Denver, CO 80230

Legal Notice No. DHD3011

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Children Services

(Adoption/Guardian/Other)

Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, MONTROSE COUNTY, CO

Court Address: 1200 NORTH GRAND AVENUE, MONTROSE, CO 81401

Assistant County Attorney for the People: Molly B. Neuman, #55714 1140 Grand Avenue, Suite 125, Montrose, CO 81401 Phone: (970) 252-4535 Fax: (970) 249-7761

Email: mneuman@montrosecounty.net

Case No.: 24JV30001

Div.: 4 Ctrm: 2B

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO,

In the Interest of:

A.R., G.R. III, A.L., C.L., S.R. and R.R., Children

And Concerning:

LINDSEY RODRIGUEZ, GARRY RILEY, JR., CAMERON LARUE, RANDY RO DRIGUEZ and DIANA PIERCE, Respondents.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

TO: RANDY RODRIGUEZ

You are hereby notified that a verified Petition has been filed in the abovenamed Court in which it is represented to the Court that the child above-named is neglected and dependent for the reasons set forth more fully in said Petition, which may be obtained from the Court Clerk and said Petition is incorporated herein by reference.

Termination of the parent-child relationship is a possible remedy available if this Petition alleging that the child is dependent and neglected is sustained. A separate hearing must be held before such termination is ordered. Termina tion of the parent-child legal relationship means that the child who is the subject of this Petition would be eligible for adoption.

You are further notified that the Court has set said petition for a hearing on March 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., before The Honor able D. Cory Jackson.

You are hereby notified to be and appear before this Court at said time.

WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 26th day of February, 2024.

Jodi Hanson, Clerk of the District Court

Signed by: Gina Cloward, Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. DHD2038

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch