Lone Tree Voice 042723

Plan for Douglas County zoning rule change sees backlash

Residents fear apartments

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Some voices in a heated group of residents described a proposed change to property development

policy in Douglas County as threatening to the very fabric of the county and its culture.

But county sta portrayed the potential change as minor edits that would clarify confusing language. Taking place against the backdrop

and Democratic state lawmakers aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis by increasing residential density, the discussion on the local Douglas County language change saw one resident mention the governor during comments that framed

Lone Tree highlights value of trees during Arbor Day celebration

Advice, free trees provided

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Excitement radiated from Sarah Shiley and her 2-year-old son, Alexander, as he helped carry an unplanted tree taller than him up the steps of the Lone Tree Civic Center.

e young tree was a gift from the City of Lone Tree for participating in the city’s celebration of Arbor Day, a time to learn about the importance of trees and encourage planting them.

“Arbor Day is really, it’s just … a celebration of trees. It’s a celebration of people coming together, learning why we need trees in our lives and what they provide,” said

Sam Waggener, the city’s code enforcement coordinator and city forester who helped lead the event.

Coming from Highlands Ranch, Shiley brought Alexander to the celebration after learning about it on Facebook.

“It’s nice. I learned some planting tips, too,” she said about the event.

have intentionally targeted county government in a way of pushing an agenda,” said Mark Green, who is from the Parker area.

“ e founding blocks of socialism is the removal of property rights,” Green added.

Douglas County bus driver faces 30 counts of child abuse

Aimed to teach lesson

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A former school bus driver for the Douglas County School District is facing 30 counts of child abuse after purposefully slamming on the brakes, causing injuries to students.

Brian Fitzgerald, 61, was driving students home from Castle Rock Elementary School on March 1 when he brake checked the bus, telling the students they needed to sit properly in their seats, according to video obtained by KRDO. Multiple students hit their heads on the seat in front of them or the bus windows and one student allegedly had a cut on the cheek.

Fitzgerald would later say he was trying to “get them in their seats” and that the students were “bouncing all over the place.” In the bus video, students can be heard denying that they were rowdy and asking why Fitzgerald suddenly braked.

In a statement, the Douglas County School District said Fitzgerald’s behavior was “completely unacceptable.”

John Murgel, the horticulture and natural resources specialist for CSU Extension, speaking to attendees at the April 15 Arbor Day celebration.

PHOTO BY TAYLER SHAW

Children’s Hospital highlights south campus services

Tours return after COVID

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e lighted stairwell and 35-foottall blue balloon boy shares a beacon of hope for those who pass by on C-470 and for families around the community who come to the Children’s Hospital Colorado south campus in Highlands Ranch.

As the south campus location celebrates 10 years in the community, hospital sta recently provided media tours for the rst time since before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down.

From the moment families walk through the front doors, there are pediatric touches everywhere you look, starting with the multi-color light up balloons hanging from the ceiling, guiding families to the check-in desk. On every oor of the hospital, there are brightly painted walls and unique artwork.

Being the only pediatric urgent care in Highlands Ranch, the south campus also provides children from infancy to 18 years old with care varying from outpatient surgery to behavioral health.

In 2022, the South Campus saw about 35,000 patients according to Sondra Valdez, director of patient care services.

is location has two resuscitation bays and 23 rooms that are utilized for patient care, either for urgent

EVENT PAINT

FREE

physicians are seeing about 10 to 20 kids during the week for 15 medical and surgical services such as urology, gastroenterology, neurology and the cancer center, which offers infusion and outpatient clinic care.

e 15 inpatient rooms are used mostly for respiratory cases. Parents who are staying either one night or multiple nights have the opportunity to use the new serenity room. Equipped with a refrigerator full of grab and go items, parents can have a seat on a more comfortable chair, use the shower and grab a eece blanket donated by the association of volunteers.

Kids can take part in their check-in process with the interactive kiosks on the third oor, which is considered the most robust oor as it holds many ambulatory clinics and the sports gym.

care or emergency. e urgent care is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the emergency room is open 24/7, however, the south campus location is not a trauma designation.

When trauma patients come in, the sta will administer stabilizing treatment and based on the patient’s assessment and severity of illness, the patient will be transferred to the Anshutz campus, said Valdez.

e radiology department provides x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds and MRI’s. Patients have the opportunity to choose what visualization they want while in the MRI machine.

e campus sees behavioral health emergencies as well. As part of tackling the behavioral health crisis, the south campus provides telehealth services for patients.

e sports gym includes physical therapy tables, lifting equipment, yoga balls, stretch bands and a treadmill among many items to help athletes get back to their activities.  “ ey usually have their surgeon here as well, and that’s the beauty of sports therapy and surgery, where that orthopedic surgeon can talk with the therapist and they have the care rendered right here,’ said Stephanie Beling, director of operations for south metro Children’s Hospital.

RECYCLING EVENT ELECTRONICS

“Some patients can then discharge home without having a secondary transfer and then we can admit to outside facilities versus everybody going to Anschutz,” said Valdez.

FREE

UCHealth Hospital of HR Satellite”)

With the help of board certied sports physical therapist like Melissa Randall, patients work to regain strength. On April 19, Randall worked with 10-year-old Georgia Jennings who fractured her elbow in gymnastics.

& PAINT

RECYCLING EVENT ELECTRONICS & PAINT

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch and UCHealth Hospital

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch and UCHealth Hospital

Donation$ to Rotary Accepted (Cash, Credit Cards, Checks payable to RC of HR Satellite”)

$25 fee (credit computers/laptops, monitors, TV’s, projection re/systems, hard drives, ptical drives, printers, adding machines, NOT ACCEPTING:

Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9 am - 2 pm

UCHealth Hospital NE parking lot, 1500 Park Central Dr.,Highlands Ranch, CO Enter at Plaza Dr. off Lucent Blvd.

Saturday, May 8, 2021, 9 am - 2 pm

UCHealth Hospital NE parking lot, 1500 Park Central Dr.,Highlands Ranch, CO

Enter at Plaza Dr. off Lucent Blvd.

A unique concept that only the south campus has are the eight dual induction rooms on the surgical oor. In groups of two, each induction room connects with an operating room. While the child receives anesthesia and is getting prepped for surgery, the family gets to stay with their child instead of watching them go down a hallway, into an operating room.

Operations that take place at this location are ear, nose and throat and minor ACL and knee repairs. ese operations take less time than the more intensive operations at Anschutz, allowing the south campus to do more procedures each day.

On the fourth floor, Anschutz

Georgia’s mom, Erica Jennings said she loves the convenience of having the south campus t which is a much shorter drive than having to go to Aurora to Children’s main hospital campus.

On April 22, the south campus will be hosting a community event. With family friendly activities in the parking lot, local sheri s and re rescue will be attending as well as the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. Located at 1811 Plaza Dr, the event is to ensure families know what services are provided in their community before an emergency.

elma Grimes contributed to this story.

Donations to Rotary accepted: cash, credit cards or checks payable to HRR Foundation

*All ELECTRONIC recycling is FREE with the EXCEPTION of a $30 fee (credit cards, cash accepted) per TV regardless of size.

*All ELECTRONIC recycling is FREE with the EXCEPTION of a $25 fee (credit cards, cash accepted) per TV regardless of size. ACCEPTING: computers/laptops, cameras, CD players, cell/desktop phones and systems, copiers, monitors, TV’s, projection TV’s, DVD’s, VCR’s, DVR’s, fax machines, gaming consoles/software/systems, hard drives, hubs, keyboards, mice, modems, MP3 players, network switches, optical drives, printers, remote control routers, servers, software, surge protectors/UPS, toner, adding machines, typewriters, small appliances, stereos/speakers, two-way radios NOT ACCEPTING: thermostats, smoke/CO detectors, light bulbs.

stains, shellacs, sample sizes too. containers. NOT adhesives, roof donation to the many www.HighlandsRanchRotary.org

ACCEPTING: computers/laptops, cameras, CD players, cell/desktop phones and systems, copiers, monitors, TV’s, projection TV’s, DVD’s, VCR’s, DVR’s, fax machines, gaming consoles/software/systems, hard drives, hubs, keyboards, mice, modems, MP3 players, network switches, optical drives, printers, remote control routers, servers, software, surge protectors/UPS, toner, adding machines, typewriters, small appliances, stereos/ speakers, two-way radios.

BUS DRIVER

FROM PAGE 1

“ e video is incredibly di cult to watch,” the statement said. “Riding a bus to and from school should be a happy, enjoyable experience for students.”

dents were in a “hazardous location” and he told the students four times to sit before hitting the brakes. He apologized for his decision.

NOT ACCEPTING: thermostats, smoke/CO detectors, light bulbs.

All PAINT recycling is FREE Accepting oil-based, acrylic, latex, stains, shellacs, lacquers, sealers, varnishes, urethanes. Five-gallon cans or smaller, sample sizes too. Unlimited amounts and must be in original, non-leaking, labeled containers. NOT ACCEPTING: Spray paint, paint thinner, solvents, cleaning agents, adhesives, roof patch, dry-wall mud, etc.

e district also thanked those who reported the incident.

The Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch will distribute EVERY penny of your donation to the many worthy causes we support. www.HighlandsRanchRotary.org

All PAINT recycling is FREE ACCEPTING: oil-based, acrylic, latex, stains, shellacs, lacquers, sealers, varnishes, urethanes. Five-gallon cans or smaller, sample sizes too. Unlimited amounts and must be in original, non-leaking, labeled containers. NOT ACCEPTING: spray paint, paint thinner, solvents, cleaning agents, adhesives, roof patch, dry-wall mud, etc.

Your generous donations will help support worthy causes and projects the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch assists throughout the year. www.rotaryclubhr.org

“We are so grateful to the parents and the principal who reported this incident, allowing us to take swift action and ensure this driver was never again allowed behind the wheel of a DCSD bus,” the district statement said.

Fitzgerald has not responded to an interview request from Colorado Community Media.

In a letter Fitzgerald wrote to the district after the incident, he said stu-

“I am sincerely sorry for my choice of actions today in my e orts of training students,” he said. “I am still 100% responsible for my actions in trying to both educate and control students on the bus. Being a new driver, I did not make the best decision and if I were able to redo what I did I would rethink my decisions.”

Fitzgerald was hired by the school district in October 2022. e day of the brake check incident was his rst driving a general education route instead of a special education route, according to reporting from KRDO. Fitzgerald was a substitute bus driver on the Castle Rock Elementary School route.  He is scheduled to be in court on May 12.

Stephanie Beling, director of operations at the Children’s Hospital south campus, talks about the decorations and sta .

PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES

ARBOR DAY

“And it’s perfect ’cause our last tree was an ash and it died, and we kinda need to replace the tree.”

ey were among several families and neighbors who gathered April 15 in the parking lot of Cook Creek Pool to participate in the celebration.

One of the partners of the event was Douglas County Master Gardeners, which is part of the Colorado State University (CSU) Extension O ce in Douglas County.

John Murgel, the horticulture and natural resources specialist for CSU Extension, said that handing out trees to attendees at the end of the event was his favorite part.

“Trees in general make people so happy, so it’s just great to see people happy and going home to plant a tree,” he said.

Waggener said it’s always a joy for people to plant, and he hopes those who attended the celebration found a love for nature.

“I think my favorite part of today was … seeing people connect the dots and asking questions, getting engaged,” he said. “If one person can learn something, then I think I’ve done my job.”

Honoring Emma Lou Wilson is year’s Arbor Day celebration featured a tribute to Emma Lou Wilson, Lone Tree’s rst city clerk.

“Elected in 1996, her dedication to civic service and her unwavering commitment to the community she lived in continues to serve as an

inspiration to all of us,” said Mayor Pro Tem Wynne Shaw.

Wilson, who passed away in October 2022, planted the city’s o cial “Lone Tree” for Arbor Day in 1997, located at the intersection of Lone Tree Parkway and Yosemite Street, according to the city’s website.

“ ere really is no better time or opportunity to honor her than today,” Shaw said. “Emma Lou

Wilson’s legacy serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to make a positive impact on the world around us.”

“I hope you’ll join me in celebrating her memory and her lifetime of service to the City of Lone Tree, and that you will think of this remarkable civil servant as you are planting the trees that you receive today in your own yard,” she added.

In honor of Wilson, the city recently planted a tree at the civic center that will be later coupled with a plaque, Waggener said.

SEE ARBOR DAY, P5

was ebrated dation, all date last Arbor today, Trees here beds,” little gave, he heat materials, a health.  that Waggener in bene lower enhanced and pavement to Agency. tions quality ber Tree seen emerald fungal bark FROM PAGE 1

Colorado. year,

Attendees at the City of Lone Tree’s Arbor Day celebration at Cook Creek Pool April 15.

COURTESY OF NATE JONES

ARBOR DAY

e rst proclaimed Arbor Day was in 1874 and by 1920, it was celebrated in 45 states, he said.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the day is now celebrated in all 50 states, and the most common date for the state observance is the last Friday in April, which is National Arbor Day.

“Currently, where we are standing today, was previously a grassland. Trees are not naturally occurring here unless in creeks or in stream beds,” Waggener said. “But with a little love, like … (the) rst pioneers gave, trees can thrive here.”

e bene ts of trees are endless, he said, such as providing fuel to heat a home, supplying building materials, o ering shade and having a positive impact on people’s mental health.

“ ey are the only infrastructure that increases in value with time,” Waggener said.

e use of trees and vegetation in the urban environment o ers bene ts such as reduced energy use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced stormwater management and water quality, and reduced pavement maintenance, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

“ e more we can build connections with nature, the better our quality of life is,” said Councilmember Mike Anderson.

Tree diversity and planting tips

e need for tree diversity can be seen with Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer, Waggener said.

Dutch elm disease is an aggressive fungal disease spread by the elm bark beetle, according to PlantTalk Colorado. Within a few months to a year, the a ected tree dies.

“Emerald ash borer is an insect that a ects only ash trees and has not made it to the south metro area, but in due time, it will,” Waggener said, explaining the insect came to Boulder in 2013.

“ ere are ways to combat this insect, but one is tree diversity,” he said.

Murgel of CSU Extension gave attendees a tour of the di erent types

of trees surrounding the parking lot of Cook Creek Pool, including bur oak trees, the Colorado blue spruce, honey locusts, hawthorns and ornamental plum trees.

“You can grow trees in Colorado, but planting them correctly and maintaining (them) when they’re young are the secrets to your success and long-lived trees,” Murgel said.

He shared some planting and tree maintenance tips such as:

Don’t plant a tree too deeply, as it will predispose the tree to some issues. “ e primary problem that it predisposes that tree to is that a root is going to girdle the tree. e analogy for a human would be me … choking myself out,” he said. “You want to be able to see the root are.”  Manage the water sprouts on a tree.

“ ere’s a rule of thirds for trees with water sprouts — is to remove a third, shorten a third and leave a third every year,” he said. When it comes to pruning trees, residents can contact the CSU Extension O ce to get advice on the best way to prune.

“If anyone ever has plant questions, they can always call the Extension o ce. We are a service of the county. We provide free plant advice — give us a jingle,” Murgel said.

To learn more about CSU Extension and the resources it o ers, visit: douglas.extension.colostate.edu.

Need help with rising heat costs?

Rising heating costs may be hard to budget for this year, but help is available to Douglas County residents who are struggling. If you or someone you know needs assistance, apply now through April 30, 2023, for energy assistance through the State of Colorado’s LowIncome Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

Spring cleaning is at your curbside

Do you have hazardous waste from a painting project, old oil from your car’s maintenance, or other waste from your recent DIY project? This curbside service is available to Douglas County residents for $30. For details call 1-800-4497587 or visit douglas.co.us and search Household Waste Management

Do you own property in Douglas County?

Per Colorado law, Notices of Valuation are mailed to all property owners on May 1. Watch your mailbox for a postcard. Questions? Visit douglas.co.us/assessor

Need flood zone information?

If you live in unincorporated Douglas County, Flood Insurance Rate Maps and zone information are available by request. Visit douglas.co.us and search for Flood Plain Information. A form may also be requested by calling 303-660-7490 or visiting Public Works, 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

Sarah Shiley and her 2-year-old son, Alexander, holding their new tree on the steps of the Lone Tree Civic Center April 15.

PHOTO BY TAYLER SHAW

John Murgel, the horticulture and natural resources specialist for CSU Extension, gave a tour of trees at Cook Creek Pool April 15. COURTESY OF NATE JONES

Program outlines growing dangers of fentanyl use

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Fentanyl continues to be a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. and Douglas County. Recently, the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse and Prevention outlined the reality of fentanyl use among use to county o cials.

Leading the presentation, Lindsey Simbeye, the external relations strategist for the consortium, provided insight on how to talk to and educate youth about the growing crisis.

“ is epidemic and this crisis is not going anywhere,” said Simbeye. “ e best thing that we can do is learn as much as we can and share that knowledge with everyone that we can.”

e nation is in its third wave since the opioid crisis began in the 1990s.

ere was a rise in heroin overdose deaths in 2010, and 2013 marked the shift from illicit opioids to more synthetic opioids. According to Simbeye, a primary reason for the shift to fentanyl is it is easy to make.

Fentanyl is odorless, colorless and tasteless, making it easy to mix in other drugs such as methamphetamines, cocaine, LSD and other counterfeit pills.

An estimated 42% of all pills tested by the DEA contained at least two milligrams of fentanyl, which is considered to be a lethal dose. However, a lethal dose depends on the person’s body size, previous use and

tolerance to the opioid.

Simbeye said these pills have a “chocolate chip cookie e ect”. Anyone who has made chocolate chip cookies would like to have a great morsel of chocolate in each bite, but most likely it is not the case. It is the same with pills, a singular pill might not have fentanyl in the entire pill.

When working with people in active use, Simbeye often has the drugs tested. Multiple areas of the pill are tested to know whether there is fentanyl in it.

“It also means that there could be enough fentanyl to kill 10 people in half of it and nothing in the other half of it,” said Simbeye.

Sara Jo Light

For Centennial Water & Sanitation District Board

PASSION – RESULTS - LEADERSHIP

“Protect

CO’s Great Outdoors – Save Our Water”

Our rivers are drying up, our forests are burning, & our wildlife is disappearing. Action on our water crisis is needed now. I want to be part of the solution for Highlands Ranch!

Passion:

• Protecting CO’s great outdoors has been my passion for many decades

• Colorado’s water crisis is only getting worse & our great outdoors are suffering

• I feel strongly that our children & grandchildren deserve access to clean water & the great outdoors as our legacy

Results - I get things done throughout Colorado:

• Reduced Highlands Ranch Wind Crest Community water usage (saved 15 million gallons & $57,000 in water fees annually); this is the annual water usage of 150 Highlands Ranch homes

• Championed the passage of numerous bills in the CO legislature to protect our water & preserve our state parks

Leadership:

• 30 years as a senior business executive in four industries, world-wide

• Elected as Board Chair of two large nonprofit organizations

• Created & led a 300 member legislative team to protect our great outdoors

Vote for Sara Jo Light for the Centennial Water & Sanitation Board

SaraJo4Water.com

To vote in this special nonpartisan election, apply now for a mail-In ballot at Bit.ly/GetBallot4Water

Paid for by SaraJo4Water

In terms of cost, it depends on which market and how saturated that market is. Now, having access to the drug market is as simple as having a smartphone, going to social media, paying with an online app and determining a meeting place.

“It’s not what we see in the movies,” said Simbeye. “It’s not hiding under the scary bridge or in the dark corner. It is a pizza delivery guy. at’s how easy it is.”

Tracking distributors through social media is challenging, especially with apps in which conversations disappear. Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly said to ght the problems, deputies often have to go undercover to get information that leads to arrests..

In addition, to go through someone’s social network and see who they have been communicating with, the police must have a search warrant.

When talking with your youth, Simbeye stressed two important points. Make sure they know the legal consequences of using drugs and the life long consequences of addiction. ere are peer specialists who talk about their experiences with drugs and how they came out of their addiction.

Judgment and condemnation is not going to further the conversation, instead, Simbeye recommends speaking with an open mind. First, understand one of the reasons why youth might be using drugs. It could be for sensation, from peer pressure,

a lacking trusted adult in their life, pop culture or social media.

Also knowing where youth are sourcing these substances is an important factor.

“Our youth are typically not out there seeking fentanyl, but they might be seeking a Xanax,” said Simbeye. “If they are bought o the black market, it is highly likely that they have some other kind of contamination and then possibly fentanyl.”

Knowing what you want to get out of the conversation and having done homework on the topic is critical to the conversation. It is okay to not know all the facts and gures according to Simbeye, because looking information up together is another strong way to communicate the importance of this issue.

Information can be found at One Pill Can Kill and DEA Drug Facts Sheet for Fentanyl.

Determining what age to start speaking with your child about the dangers of drugs depends on when one feels like their child can internalize information.

“Is it appropriate to say to a 6-year-old, ‘be careful of fentanyl’, no, they’re probably not going to internalize that,” said Simbeye. However, she suggested talking to children about being careful of what they pick up o the ground because what it looks like might not be what it actually is. She encouraged having regular transparent conversations with kids as they grow up.

Experts discuss fentanyl facts Crisis worsens

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As part of Douglas County’s Youth Initiative Facts about Fentanyl discussion, Lindsey Simbeye, an external relations strategist for Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention explained how opioids such as fentanyl work in the body and how to reverse an overdose.

Both illicitly manufactured fentanyl and pharmaceutical fentanyl are considered synthetic opioids. It is often used in labor and delivery, for acute pain situations and for end of life measures for pain suppression.

Fentanyl goes into the system quickly and lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. It is also up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

e body has opioid receptors all throughout and when a person takes an opioid, it binds to those receptors and transfers information to di erent systems throughout the body, such as the limbic and central nervous system.

When the opioid a ects the limbic system, it is a ecting the brain reward system, which causes the euphoric feeling. Opioids chemically connect to the central nervous

system which a ect the automated body responses within the brainstem and can suppress the respiratory system, causing the overdose.

Tolerance builds quickly to the euphoria and to the pain, said Simbeye. e respiratory depression tolerance does not build as quickly, which is what makes opioids so fatal or so potentially fatal when they’re being misused or used in excess.

“ e latest I’ve heard is that an average dose for someone who is in active use for fentanyl, they can be using anywhere from 20 to 50 pills a day, that is purely so they can survive throughout the day and stave o withdrawal symptoms,” said Simbeye.

e long-term e ects of using can include irritability, hallucinations, hypoxia, anxiety, depression and hyperalgesia, which is an increased response to pain.

ere are also additional factors that increase the risk of an opioid overdose such as poor health, purchasing from the black market, history of substance use disorder and using di erent sources of drugs, according to Simbeye.

However, recent discharge from incarceration or any kind of institutionalization for previous users increases their chance for an overdose if they choose to use again as their tolerance for the drug decreases.

“ ey may not recognize that their

It’s not what we see in the movies. It’s not hiding under the scary bridge or in the dark corner.’ Lindsey Simbeye, external relations strategist

tolerance has decreased and they are likely to use at the same amount that they used before going into that institutional setting,” said Simbeye. “ ey are highly susceptible to overdosing because now their respiratory system doesn’t have the same high tolerance and it’s going to be overwhelmed and suppressed to the point of not breathing.”

e other high risk factor is taking opioids in combination with any other drug, speci cally benzodiazepines, Valium and Xanax for example. Any kind of anti-anxiety drug combined with opioids is 10 times more likely to have an overdose because of how the drugs interact with one another, said Simbeye.

ree indicative signs of an overdose are shallow or slow breathing, also known as the “death rattle”, lips

and nails turning blue and loss of consciousness.

In the event that an individual is overdosing, it is important to understand how to administer Naloxone if it is with you. According to Simbeye, Naloxone is the umbrella category for all di erent name brand medicines such as Narcan and Kloxxado.

When administering a nasal pump, provide support to the back of the neck and insert the pump in the nostril up to the ngertips and plunge. If the patient is still unre-

sponsive after two to three minutes, their breastbone while applying pressure.

It is important to call 911 and stay with the individual until help arrives.

If the individual is still not responsive and a second nasal pump is available, administer the second spray in the opposite nostril, Simbeye said.

When Naloxone goes into the body, it knocks the opioid o the re-

ceptor and due to its strong bond, it continues to block the receptors and cuts o communication with the central nervous system and allows the body to go back to the automated responses.

“

e Naloxone only lasts 30 to 90 minutes, so if you have a longer acting opioid that you’ve consumed, you could overdose again once the Naloxone wears o without using anymore opioids,” said Simbeye.

Once the individual is breathing, place them in the recovery position.

According to the Good Samaritan Law, a person is immune from arrest and prosecution if the person reports in good faith to a law enforcement o cer if there is an emergency concerning an overdose, the person remains on the scene and cooperates. e immunity also extends to the individual who su ered the emergency.

Additional resources include Bring Naloxone Home, keepthepartysafe. org, and Take Meds Seriously.

Narcan nasal pump used to reverse drug overdoses. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

He spoke at a meeting of the group of Douglas County residents who advise the county’s elected leaders on development as the group considered whether to edit the criteria that developers need to meet to make changes to “planned developments,” properties in a special type of zoning that only applies to certain areas. (Zoning is a local government’s rules for what can be built where.)

After hearing more than a dozen speak against the proposal at the meeting, along with dozens of other comments the county received from residents in April, the Douglas County Planning Commission voted 5-1 against the language changes.

e planning commissioners serve as an advisory group, and the county’s board of three elected commissioners — George Teal, Lora omas and Abe Laydon — generally make the nal call on development decisions in areas outside of municipalities.

ough it attracted backlash, the proposal is misunderstood, according to county sta .

e county heard concerns that the change “would make the process for someone to amend a planned development much easier or to get a development of a di erent type approved much easier — that it would be a signi cant thing,” said Steven Koster, assistant director of planning services for Douglas County. “And I’m not sure exactly how that understanding came to be.”

‘Meant to be flexible’

An area with “planned development” zoning can feature a mix of property types — including residential, commercial, recreational and others — in a way that standard zoning districts can’t, Koster said.

Planned developments are also intended “to encourage innovative and creative design,” Douglas County’s zoning policy says.

Planned developments can be small or spread over a large area: Highlands Ranch is a planned development, for example.

Over time, planned developments can change, or be “amended,” if the county gives the OK. At issue during the April 17 county Planning Commission meeting was a proposal to edit the criteria that would allow for those changes.

Among several approval criteria,

the sta held up two for edits. ey included:

• A change from the wording

“Whether the amendment is consistent with the development standards, commitments, and overall intent of the planned development” to “Whether the amendment is consistent with the overall intent of the planned development”; and

• A change from the wording

“Whether the amendment is consistent with the intent, e cient development and preservation of the entire planned development” to “Whether the amendment is consistent with the e cient development of the entire planned development.” at may sound like dry, inconsequential language. But the proposed removal of some words — particularly “preservation” — raised some residents’ eyebrows.

“For some county developments numerous residents have been in place for decades,” Tim Knaus, of the Roxborough Park area, wrote to the county. “Lifelong decisions regarding how they would live depended on the planned development. Preservation must be addressed.”

In a report to the county Planning Commission, county sta wrote that “planned developments are intended to be documents that may be amended from time to time.”

“ e word ‘preservation’ could be confusing and could be construed as keeping the planned development in (its current) state,” Matt Jakubowski, a chief planner on county sta , said during the meeting.

But “by the very fact” that a developer ever proposes to amend a planned development, that inher-

ently implies change, he said.

“ ey’re meant to be exible — they’re not meant to be a fossil,” Jakubowski said.

‘The soul of Douglas County’ County residents expressed fears of “high-density” multifamily buildings — a term that often means apartments. (“Density” is a term for how many people or housing units occupy an area.)

Area resident Evelyn Zur framed the backlash at the meeting as “ ghting for the soul of Douglas County” and “ ghting for the soul of the taxpayer.”

“What we’re talking about here with the zoning change is allowing more apartments, more renters. When you have a majority of (home) ownership in a county, you have a quality county. When you have a majority of renters, that quality gets diluted,” Zur said at the meeting.

“ ere’s a reason people move here,” said resident Holly Green, who warned of “an erosion of our property rights.”

Another commenter saw the changes in a larger context, saying “our freedoms, our liberties, our rights” are at risk.

Asked whether the proposed language edits would lead to more new, high-density multifamily buildings in longtime single-family neighborhoods, Koster told Colorado Community Media: “I don’t think it changes the probabilities around that happening, no.”

“ ere are more than just those two approval criteria,” Koster said.

e concept of “preservation” is mentioned elsewhere in Douglas County’s zoning rules regarding planned developments, such as in saying: “Development within this district should be designed to … ensure that environmentally and visually sensitive areas are preserved.”

‘Overall intent’

Also mentioned in the proposed language change are “commitments” — agreements a developer makes to donate land for a school, allow for parks to be built or have roads constructed, for example.

e county’s existing zoning regulations already mention the possibility of changes to commitments in cases where a developer asks to change a planned development.

“An amendment request shall be considered a major amendment if it meets one or more of the following criteria (including) … Substantial changes to … commitments,” the

zoning rules say in a part of the regulations that aren’t proposed to be edited.

Jakubowski, the county sta member, said the parts that are proposed to be edited would no longer mention commitments “not because those things aren’t important.”

But, for example, if there were a type of boundary that a developer asked to change, that would not concern a commitment, Jakubowski said.

“ e idea is to go back to the overall intent of the planned development,” Jakubowski said.

Extreme changes to a planned development wouldn’t depend on the language that county sta are proposing editing.

“ ere does come a point where the changes somebody wants to make are too fundamental,” and then “we would say that the proper (process) is a full rezoning” rather than mere tweaks based on the planned development rules, Koster told CCM.

at’s been done when the type of property was changed from a nonresidential use to an all-residential use or an almost-all-residential use, he said.

One example sits in the Highlands Ranch area, where the community known as Wind Crest used to be in the Highlands Ranch planned development.

“It was an industrial planning area. e landowners wanted to change it to this retirement residential community,” which was a change so substantial that it went to a full rezoning, Koster said.

Polis proposal not a factor, sta says Douglas County’s zoning language change proposal, while unrelated to Polis and the Democrats’ broader proposed changes in housing density across the state, has met backlash from local residents who fear the county is moving in a direction of higher density.

“Polis, for instance, he wants renters — he (doesn’t want) homeownership,” Zur said at the meeting.

Koster noted that county o cials started the process of the proposed edits last fall, before any state legislature bill on land use arose.

“We weren’t factoring any of that into that process,” Koster said. County sta didn’t have a particular reason for the timing of the proposed zoning language edits, Koster said.

“As sta , we’re tasked to always be reviewing, looking at our regulations, making sure they’re e cient, making sure that they’re clear,” said Koster, noting that these rules sections were also amended about eight years ago.

“As you apply regulations, work with regulations over time, you learn things about them … and then you see ways to say, ‘ is could be worded better,’” he said. e board of county commissioners ultimately decides whether to approve the proposed edits.

Asked whether there are any recent proposed changes to planned developments in Douglas County whose approval or denial hinged on the wording that would be modified by the proposed language edits, Koster said: “I can’t think of any developments where these (provisions) has been the linchpin in any decisions on the development.”

The Douglas County building where o cials hold public meetings at 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Commissioners o cially oppose state land use bill

SB23-213 being discussed

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County’s elected leaders have come out against the proposal from Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic state lawmakers aimed at addressing the state’s housing a ordability crisis by increasing residential density.

e bill in the state legislature emerged as one of the most talkedabout issues in local politics this year. It would particularly a ect highly populated areas, including many cities and towns in the Denver metro area. In Douglas County, the a ected municipalities would include Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Parker.

Initially, the bill would have prohibited large cities and towns from restricting the building of duplexes, triplexes and multiplexes up to six units.

But in mid-April, Democrats at the state Capitol rolled back some parts of the proposal.

Under the amended bill, cities and towns would have to allow duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes to be built in a half-mile radius around transit rail stations and a quarter-mile around corridors with bus rapid transit or where a bus stops every 15 minutes, e Colorado Sun reported.

(If a municipality doesn’t want to

allow building of two, three or four units next to certain transit stops, it could opt to zone for that kind of housing in a di erent part of the city or town proportional to the area around a transit stop that would have been a ected.)

Douglas County commissioners had voted unanimously to support amending the proposal, called state Senate Bill 23-213, according to Commissioner Lora omas’ newsletter. e commissioners don’t have direct input on what laws get passed at the Capitol, but they take positions on proposed state laws to give

direction to the county’s lobbyists, who work to support the commissioners’ stance.

e commissioners also take positions on bills to provide input to Colorado Counties Inc., a nonpro t that works to present a “united voice” of local governments to the state legislature to help shape policy, according to its website.

omas took issue with Commissioner George Teal over his vote to oppose SB 213 at Colorado Counties Inc. even though the commissioners had voted unanimously to take an “amend” position initially.

It’s historically been the practice of the Douglas County commissioners to be allowed to “read the room” at CCI and vote accordingly. But it is rare for the commissioners to take an o cial position in one direction and then have a di erent position representing Douglas County at CCI. Ultimately, commissioners later took another o cial stance, voting unanimously April 18 to oppose the bill.

e commissioners did not issue a statement of why they support or oppose a bill when a formal position is issued, according to county sta .

Douglas County commissioners have voted to o cially oppose the land use bill making its way through the state legislature.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

South Suburban candidates speak at forum

Multiple issues discussed

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At a forum on April 12, candidates for the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District board of directors tried to win votes from dozens of community members by explaining why they care about the district and how they plan to lead if elected.

South Suburban is a regional provider of parks and recreation services. Its May 2 election will ll two seats on the ve-seat board of directors.

Candidates Michael Edwards, Elizabeth Watson, John Priddy and Alexis Barrere attended the forum, which was hosted by the Littleton Business Chamber and the South Metro Community Foundation.

Pam Eller, who could not attend the event due to a pre-planned vacation, submitted statements to be read at the forum by former mayor John Ostermiller.

No reason was publicly announced to explain the absence of Ken Lucas.

Property care and the unhoused population

David Long, a Littleton Business Chamber board member, moderated the event by asking questions provided by the chamber.

For the rst prepared question, Long asked candidates what they will do to improve and care for South Suburban’s outdoor properties, listing examples such as overgrown trees and weeds to vandalism and destruction.

“In formulating your answer, please factor in that the growing homeless population continues to utilize South Suburban open space to sleep, and on occasion, members of that population may engage in illegal activities,” Long read.

Edwards said he would like to nd a way for people to alert authorities or maintenance teams of overgrowth and other property issues so they can be dealt with properly from a habitat and ood control standpoint.

In regards to unhoused individuals sleeping in open spaces, Edwards said there are other resources available for them.

“It’s a lot of people who do not want to take advantage of those and comply with the conditions,” he said.

Watson said she would make sure South Suburban dedicates an appropriate percentage of its budget to maintenance and upkeep of the outdoor facilities in its 2023 master plan, as taxpayers had said was a priority for them.

“Also, the homeless issue is something that is statewide,” she said. “ at is something we can really reach out to some community members and existing organizations and make sure that we are interacting with them to make sure homeless people are aware of existing resources.”

Priddy agreed that maintenance of parks should be a top priority in terms of where the district puts its money.

“ e second thing is, we need to give the community an opportunity to get back to us with these concerns,” he said. “Are we taking that feedback? Are we putting that back into our processes for maintaining the overgrown trees? at’s the way I would approach it.”

Barrere said she would use her relationships with local organizations to address concerns about the unhoused population and would establish a plan of action that would

consider all parties involved.

“Our parks and open spaces are key to our quality of life here in the district and in Littleton, but they also have to be a place where we feel safe,” she said. “And I’m increasingly hearing from community members, friends and families that they’re not feeling safe in our parks.”

Littleton Golf and Tennis Club design

For the next question, Long told candidates that the Little Business Chamber had received negative feedback about the exterior design of the Littleton Golf and Tennis Club at West Bowles Avenue and South Federal Boulevard.

“What is your opinion of this project?” he asked the panel. “Do you feel it can be improved, and if so, how?”

e candidates all said they thought the board should have taken more community input or aesthetic considerations into account when choosing how to design the building.

“I know there were quite a few citizens who put input into the construction and the ideas behind it and it doesn’t seem like those opinions

A look at property taxes supporting South Suburban

Increases, costs examined

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

On May 2, South Suburban Parks and Recreation district residents will elect two board members to the district’s ve-member board of directors.

As part of its responsibilities in governing the district, the board sets the annual budget, which includes setting mill levies.

South Suburban, which formed in 1959, is a regional provider of parks and recreation services.

irty-nine percent of the district’s funding comes from property taxes, communications manager Becky Grubb wrote in an email to Colorado Community Media.

Property taxes are used to fund capital projects, administration costs, operations and maintenance for parks, trails and open spaces and to subsidize non-fee-based programming, Grubb wrote.

How much do you pay South Suburban?

South Suburban residents currently pay about $8.43 in tax to the district per $1,000 of assessed property value, according to the district’s 2023 budget. is number has increased by a few cents over

recent years, with taxpayers paying about $8.37 in 2020, $8.39 in 2021 and $8.40 in 2022.

In November 2019, voters approved Ballot Issue 7A, which authorized the district to adjust its mill levy rate up or down beginning in 2021 and annually thereafter without voter approval.

ese adjustments can be made to help o set revenue losses resulting from state-mandated property tax assessment rate reductions, as previously reported by CCM.

Colorado’s residential property tax assessment rate fell to 6.95% from 7.15% in 2021 for property other than muti-family residential property, according to the Colorado General Assembly’s website. e Gallagher Amendment adjusts residential property tax rates downward over time.

Grubb wrote that the higher mill levies do not mean the district is increasing its revenue – instead, the adjusted rates are to prevent a reduction in revenue from previous years. She said recent mill levy increases have been due to the increase in abatements from the counties.

e district’s mill levies are set through a process that begins in July each year and includes three to six public study sessions, as well as three public hearings at the district’s

board meetings, Grubb wrote.

Financial transparency and responsibility

At an April 12 forum, candidate Elizabeth Watson said nancial transparency would be one of her main goals if elected.

“I am asking for your vote so that I can be transparent with our information, which includes putting nancial information on the back page of the catalogs,” she said.

“ ere is absolutely no reason that South Suburban in-district people should be guessing at how much they paid in taxes. ey should absolutely know.”

Recent annual tax rate information can be found at https:// go.boarddocs.com/co/ssprd/Board. nsf/vpublic?open and some older

tax rate information is available at https://www.ssprd.org/ReportsAudits-Budgets.

Candidate John Priddy also mentioned nancial transparency in his Q&A for CCM.

“Without a doubt, there are improvements we can make to engage a broader electorate about the elections, taxes and the business of the SSPRD district,” Priddy wrote.

In their Q&As, other candidates, including Michael Edwards, Alexis Barrere and Pam Eller mentioned reponsible tax dollar investment and being good stewards of taxpayers’ money.

All ballots for the board of directors election must be cast by 7 p.m. on May 2, either through mail, a drop-o box or in-person.

Residents pay about $8.43 in tax to the district per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2023. SHUTTERSTOCK

were heard or heard loud enough to have an impact,” Barrere said. “If I am elected to the board, I will make sure that decisions like this are made in consideration of public opinion and with consideration of the aesthetics and the feel that it brings.”

“I do think they completely missed an opportunity to build something that Littleton could be proud of, and it could be a community space,” Watson said. “Littleton deserves to be respected and listened to and have their community supported in an equal way to all in-district members.”

Several candidates pitched some ideas for improving the building.

“I guess what I see is hopefully a blank canvas, and some creative artists can hopefully bring something to that particular design,” Edwards said. “I was wondering about something historic, or if you can incorporate something that does bring in that Littleton, and as you look out at it, you’re not seeing just a steel building out there.”

“In terms of where do we go from here? Do we plant big trees? What do we do?” Priddy said. “ at’s the question but there’s a lesson in this for us, right? Which is making sure that when these opportunities come up, grab the table, making sure that the opinion of the community and the character of the town is taken into account.”

Hudson Gardens

To set up the third question, Long

said South Suburban recently announced that concerts and other events would not take place at Hudson Gardens in 2023. Long said South Suburban is analyzing business operations and creating a strategic plan to identify opportunities for the venue and patrons.

“In your own words, what would you expect the strategic plan to address and what events do you see will continue, be pursued and/or be discontinued?”

Watson said the strategic plan for Hudson Gardens is a great opportunity for community involvement. She said it isn’t about what she thinks is important, but what the community values there.

“( e nancial aspect) should be a consideration,” she said. “But an also equally important consideration should be what the community wants, what events are important, what events encourage our kids to get out and engage with nature… Involve the community in the creation of this plan. It is vital.”

Priddy agreed that both nances and community opinion should be considered in the formulation of the plan.

“Having had the experience of creating a number of strategic plans in my career, I think without a doubt, how the events and activities that were held in that facility… perform is a critical component of it,” he said. “It is my expectation that this plan will be inclusive of consideration of the value, not just scal value but other community value that’s brought as it relates to all of the activities and events.”

Barrere said she would love to see the venue collaborate more with

businesses in downtown Littleton.

“I’m looking at ways to partner for programs, you know, picnic baskets that you can pick up at one of the restaurants in downtown Littleton to bring to a concert or things like that, opportunities to drive the economy,” she said.

She said she would also like South Suburban to have a plan for stewardship of the historical components of Hudson Gardens.

Edwards said he thought early community input was the most important part of a new strategic plan for the gardens.

“Looking at the bene ts, or the nancial aspects of these di erent events, how popular were they?” he said. “How important are they to the community, but also from a nancial standpoint, how well are they supported? Can they be improved?”

Closing statements

In his closing statement, Edwards said his interpersonal abilities, especially his ability to receive criticism, would make him a great board member.

“I think one of the most important things that I can bring to this to this seat is the ability to talk to people and listen,” he said.

Priddy noted the diversity of the district and thanked South Suburban’s sta for the work they do.

“My intent is to bring my vast nonpro t leadership and business experience to aid the current board and the leadership of the institution as it sets, so we can make progress and move forward into the future,” he said.

Barrere said her experience as a nurse practitioner and a Littleton

resident gives her a unique perspective.

“I will bring a diverse voice,” she said. “I have a background in healthcare and working with youth and families… I would bring the voice of Littleton to the board which I think is important as the district kind of shifts its focus from this northwest corner of the district more towards the southeast corner.”

Eller, whose statement was read by Ostermiller, focused on her experience as a South Suburban board member from 2010 to 2018.

“I possess invaluable current and historical knowledge, leadership and relationship with South Suburbans many municipal and other partners,” Ostermiller read. “ ose endorsing me consistently mention my work ethic, integrity, availability to residents and my ability to listen, study and seek opinions.”

Watson, who ran for the board last year, is running again because she feels strongly that there could be improvement in communication with the South Suburban community.

“I’m running for the board of directors because I believe in transparency and in district representation,” she said. “One person that has this vision of being inclusive and providing important information to our district can make a di erence.”

More information on the candidates running for board can be found on Colorado Community Media’s website in their candidate pro les.

Absentee ballot applications are due by April 25 and votes must be cast, either absentee or in person, by 7 p.m. on May 2.

Politics above all

The Douglas County School District recently settled a yearlong battle with former superintendent Corey Wise. e district agreed to pay more than $800,000 to settle the legal dispute Wise led shortly after being red without cause in early 2022.

I am not going to rehash how and why he was red. I think those discussions have been extensive. However, I will talk about a statement Wise made in concluding the battle. Wise told reporters he hoped the settlement would push more school districts and boards to stop putting politics ahead of students.

I doubt if the message he is pushing can even be considered in today’s political world. I would bet I’m not alone in thinking that political views have invaded every aspect of our lives — the toxic problem is not just about our students.

I will start with students and schools. No one can say politics are not in our schools. One could argue that school boards are more about politics than ever.

Look at the Elizabeth School District. Board members resigned even though all of them had conservative political views. However, fear and rumors brought the makeup of the elected board down.

In Douglas County, several of the current board members received voter support because they promised to be against mask mandates during the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Gone are the days where school boards are looking at test scores and seeing what measures need to be taken to improve reading and math scores. Instead, it’s the trigger words that lead to battles over critical race theory, social-emotional learning and masks.

As a parent, I want an emphasis placed on reading, writing, math and good student-to-teacher ratios. All the shouting, bickering and politics has me agreeing with the parents who pull their kids out of public schools for home schooling or other options.

Wise’s point goes far beyond schools. Political bickering from our two major parties has gone to extremes that most Americans are sick of.

Political ghting prevents this country’s lawmakers from compromising to produce sensible legislation in key areas. Homelessness, a ordable housing, in ation, crime — all of these need focus and attention.

However, one side will introduce legislation only to have the other vehemently hate it. Compromise may happen in some areas — but it’s rare.

Our lawmakers are threatened by party leaders from voting for bills introduced by the other side. Sensible gun control should be discussed and debated. What is good for this country? What might stop some of these mass shootings?

However, it won’t happen because every time a tragedy takes place the left screams gun control while the right barks about the Second Amendment. What if they came together, talked and discussed true solutions?

In the end, “politics” is like slime, spreading all over, leaving residue, stains and permanent marks that will never be resolved without true e ort.

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

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

THELMA GRIMES South Metro Editor tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com

TAYLER SHAW Community Editor tshaw@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Bring your own ...

We all know what BYOB means right? It’s a restaurant that doesn’t serve alcohol, so the BYOB means bring your own booze. We love those establishments that have a full bar, great wines, and specialty cocktails. And when the food is as good or better than the booze, all the better. But we also love those restaurants that require us to bring our own booze. Maybe it’s because they couldn’t get a liquor license, or maybe they prefer to focus on their passion for the food they cook, and either way, they are still a BYOB.

What if we thought about this in other areas of life? Even if we aren’t a restauranteur, or even if we are, we face other situations and opportunities in life that require us to bring something else to the game in order to achieve success. What if we thought about changing BYOB to BYOK, bring your own kindness? Or BYOS, bring your own strength. Perhaps it’s BYOP, bring your own peace. As you read this you could probably ll in the blank with, bring your own compassion, grace, awesomeness, courage, hope, or any other positive, encouraging, and a rming word.

So, let’s tackle a few, shall we?

BYOK, bring your own kindness. As I did some research for this column, asking people what they wished the world would bring if they had to bring their own anything, kindness was the number one word. ose I spoke with and others who responded to a survey shared that the ugliness and negativity of the world had them wishing that the world could be a little kinder, well actually, a lot kinder. One respondent was

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

so convicted of this that she felt that, “If we could all just show up with kindness every day, we could actually have a greater impact on the world than climate change e orts, economic shifts, and voting in the right candidate for president.”

BYOS, bring your own strength. Sometimes life deals us a bad or di cult hand. Sometimes we nd ourselves in a season of life where we succumb to our weaknesses, or we see the situation as too much for us to handle; Illness, divorce, addiction, or death in our circle of family and friends, and so many other horrible life events that can cause us to cave. BYOS means that we nd our inner strength, and if we don’t have that strength or can’t nd that strength, we need to BYOS, bring the strength of others who come alongside us, just when we need them the most. BYOP, bring your own peace. Wow, could this be the most proli c of all BYO’s? In the agitated world that nds us reading news about road rage, random violence, wars, school or community shootings, or any other topic that drives a wedge between humanity, peace is the most desired of human emotions right now. We live in a world of violence on TV, in the movies, in video games, and it’s all tolerated or worse, accepted as the norm of the world in which we live. BYOP, bring your own peace, this means we can own how we react or respond to each and every news feed or situation we nd ourselves in with peace. You get the point, right? BYO isn’t restricted to restauranteurs, BYO means we can bring our own anything to each and every situation we face. We all face seasons of life that bring us heartache and anguish, seasons of joy and celebration, and well, just seasons of life. No

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

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

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper. To opt in or out of delivery please email us at circulation@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

Thelma Grimes

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cartoon was over line

As news spreads across the country exposing Republican racist roots, we have our local GOP crawling out from under those same rocks. GOP posted an insensitive, tone-deaf cartoon on the DougCo GOP Facebook page. e cartoon depicts the former president in a courtroom next to an angry, loud caricature of New York DA Alvin Bragg. Mr. Bragg, who is Black, holds open his briefcase containing a banana as his “evidence.”

Not only is the cartoon blatantly racist, its publication calls into question the maturity and historical understanding by some Republicans. America is supposed to be better than this. e GOP are no patriots and lack insight into the ideals of our Constitution.

Katie Barrett, Castle Rock

Short on common sense

A few days ago we received our 2023 Water Wise Guide Guide from Centennial Water. is guide was an excellent instruction guide for the novice homeowner to conserve water. It targeted an audience that is high on technical ability and low on common sense. It also advised the homeowner to spend a lot of money up front to conserve water for the future.

I am a veteran homeowner and my faithful companion, Anna, is a few years my junior Our house is an average Highlands Ranch property

NORTON

FROM PAGE 12

matter what we face, we, and only we, can determine what we bring to the game or situation. Will it be kindness, strength, peace, hope, grace, love, awesomeness, courage, or hope?

e choice is yours; the choice is ours. It doesn’t matter what other BYO might be, we get to select our own BYO. What’s yours? If your BYO is kindness, please live it. If it’s strength, please own it. And if it’s

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

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

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.

on an average size lot. We used less than 50,000 gallons of water the last 12 months with a water budget less than 120,000 gallons. Elderly people use about half the water for “personal” use than younger people who have jobs and a family. We have been there and done that.

According to the world of Google, the average household wastes 11,000 gallons of water annually to bring hot water to the faucets and shower heads each day. Highlands Ranch has approximately 31,000 households. I will let more educated people do this math. I have owned my house since 1997 and did the landscape planning and much of it myself. It is a water-friendly lot with a water-friendly gradient is a vital key in outdoor water conservation. e street appearance, and appearance from the open space, is “better than most and good as any,” a quote from Reader’s Digest about 50 years ago.

If the Herald prints this letter, we will gladly accept a winter of free snow shoveling in appreciation for these tips on how to conserve water.

Roy Legg and Anna Funk Highlands Ranch Survey

says ...

Two years ago (May 2021), Douglas County Commissioners released their bi-annual “Citizen Survey” results. It showed a continued decline in things being in the

peace, please keep it. And if it is any other quality or trait that can have a positive impact on our world, please share it. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com and when we can decide which BYO to live, 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.

• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available.

• We will edit letters for clarity, grammar, punctuation and length and write headlines (titles) for letters at our discretion.

• Please don’t send us more than one letter per month. First priority for publication will be given to writers who have not submitted letters to us recently.

• Submit your letter in a Word document or in the body of an email. No PDFs or Google Docs, please.

• Include your full name, address and phone number. We will publish only your name and city or town of residence, but all of the information requested is needed for us to verify you are who you say you are.

• Letters will be considered only from people living in Colorado Community Media’s circulation area in Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Je erson and Weld counties.

• Do not use all caps, italics or bold text.

• Keep it polite: No name calling or “mudslinging.”[

“right direction” (the survey and gures stated here are at https:// www.douglas.co.us/documents/ douglas-county-voter-opinion-polls1995-through-2023.pdf/). is trend was dismissed at that time as “due to the increase in Democrats in the county.”

Now another survey has been released, and it revealed the same kind of results: 49% were concerned that we are on the wrong track. e commissioners once again stated that “partisanship was ... a driving force behind opinions.”

What the commissioners are ignoring in this “partisan” reasoning is that Republican participation was almost double Democratic (37% vs. 20%), and una liated was even higher (43%). Almost half of the county concerned about our direction can’t be blamed solely on party a liation, and the survey results proves this.

Results showed “Right Direction” dropped 14% since 2019. at is far more than the 6% reduction of Republicans in the same period. at means that some Republicans must also agree that we’re heading down the wrong path.

It is more probable that this concern is driven by actions that commissioners have taken, which have

been highly ideological, stubborn, and sometimes personal: opting out of a public health order; accusing each other of leaking “classi ed” material; approving reworks during a drought that started wild res; trying to take over Daniels Park because Denver didn’t want handguns in the park; trying to take water from another county; bullying Tri-County Health Department members into resigning and eventually killing TCHD altogether; passing a resolution proclaiming Douglas County a “safe constitutional county” so they could tell the sheri to not enforce the Colorado red ag law; commissioners stripping another commissioner of board memberships; declaring the pandemic over two years ago; a commissioner’s wife criticizing another commissioner on Twitter; and constant bickering and name calling.

If we want to get back on the proverbial right track, it is time for our commissioners to put the community before their own petty grievances and power plays, and start respecting their constituents’ opinions. ey can say that they value other opinions, but actions still speak louder than words.

Len Whitten Highlands Ranch

Charles (Charlie) Atwell of Highlands Ranch, CO, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 19th, 2022. He was at home and with his family. Charlie was born August,1963 in Roland, Iowa to Judy and Dick Atwell (Nevada, IA). He leaves behind his wife, Sarah alken-Atwell; his two daughters, Emma and Grace Atwell; his father Dick Atwell; his four siblings John, Will, Sarah, and Bob Atwell; and many adored nieces and nephews. Charlie graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with the class of ’86. His life revolved around his family

and many friends. When he wasn’t coaching a number of sports teams for his daughters, Charlie could be found making music or hiking. He was an avid runner and had a deep love of the outdoors, especially when it came to the Rocky Mountains. He volunteered for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Colorado, Habitat for Humanity and within the Douglas County schools. Charlie will remain an example to all who knew him of what it means to be a good human being. He will be dearly missed by those that love him.

ATWELL

Charles Rawlins “Charlie” Atwell August 25, 1963 - September 19, 2022

Local foragers teach students to cook with wild foods

ere some see weeds, Erica Davis sees ingredients for delicious soups and salads.

“In urban areas, there are a lot of plants that we call weeds that spring up everywhere, that are widely available to people, that are edible and good,” she said.

Foraging is the act of gathering wild plants from nature, generally to be used for food, and sometimes to make other products. For Davis and other foragers, spring means plants are starting to grow –which means kitchens will soon be full of wild foods ready to be prepared in creative

Across the Front Range and in the mountains, several foragers share their knowledge through cooking classes based on

Why cook with wild food?

Davis, who runs a blog called Wild Food Girl, has upcoming classes in Ramah and Fairplay. Her Arvada class this spring has

“I think one of the biggest challenges with edible wild plants is that people don’t always know how to prepare them,” she said. “We all know how to cook spinach, we all know how to make broccoli — but we don’t all know how to cook tumble mustard so that it tastes good. So in my classes, I like to give students that experience of preparing an edible wild plant — or three — in a way that I think they are going to Davis’ classes begin with an hourlong plant walk where students learn the names of plants and safety and sustainability guidelines for foraging. Afterward, she teaches them how to prepare several of the plants they have for-

In the spring, dandelions and wild mustard greens are common staples in her

“People sometimes picture foraging as going out into the forest and picking plants

— and that’s part of it — but I would really encourage people to learn the weeds and make use of them,” she said. “A lot of them are non-native species, so there really aren’t as many ecological considerations with picking them.”

Davis teaches her students to make dandelion green soup from a recipe passed down by an Italian relative. Musk mustard is great in salads, and tumble mustard and field pennycress are fun to ferment, she said.

Beyond the creative and flavorful uses of foraged foods, research from 2019 suggests that wild edible greens harvested in urban areas can be abundant and highly nutritious. The study dubbed wild edible plants “open-source food.”

“This idea that open-source food is out there for anybody to eat and make use of — and then furthermore, it’s organic, it’s free, it’s fresh — I just think that’s a great concept,” Davis said.

Safety precautions

Despite their affordability and freshness, wild plants are not all safe to eat. Crystal Baldwin, who teaches wild plant-based classes at her Golden business, Earth Sweet Boutique, said it’s always important to triple-check plants before you eat them.

“I don’t like to frighten people away from… foraged foods because there’s a lot of very safe ones,” Baldwin said. “But I like them to be aware that there are dangerous, poisonous ones that will kill you, and so it’s important to kind of have an idea of what those might be and what to look out for.”

Baldwin encourages those interested in foraging to start by taking classes, working with local experts and reading about which plants are safe to eat.

She also said it’s important to check if plants are near old buildings that could be contributing lead to soil or if plants have been sprayed with pesticides.

WEEDS

‘Part of human history’

In addition to cooking, Baldwin said wild foods can be used to make skincare products, tinctures, infused honey, medicines and more.

“There’s many different things you can do with foraged foods, and the great thing about it is that we have tons of free, wonderful, wild foods here in Colorado,” she said.

Some of Baldwin’s favorite plants to forage are pine and conifer needles, which are high in vitamin C. She uses the needles to make a simple syrup that she drinks with seltzer water and fresh lemon.

“It’s extremely refreshing and has a lot of minerals, so it’s very hydrating in the summertime when it’s hot,” she said. When foraging, it’s important to do so in a way that does not damage plants or plant populations, Baldwin said. When gathering pine needles, for example, she takes about an inch or two from each branch and moves around to different branches so as to not damage the plant.

Davis agreed that sustainability is an important part of foraging process, and it’s something foragers need to be mindful of in order to do correctly.

“Sometimes people think ‘Foraging must be bad for the environment because you’re picking the plants!’ But I think the actual truth is much more nuanced than that,” she said. “Foraging is part of human history, I mean, we have been foraging since time immemorial, and we can do it in ways that don’t harm the plant populations if we’re mindful.”

Beyond freshness and accessibility, Davis said foraging offers health benefits and a range of flavors that are not available in grocery stores.

And perhaps best of all, wild food offers a way to get close to nature.

“For me, also, they o er a connection to nature,” Davis said. “ ey invite time spent outdoors, getting to know plants, working with my hands.”

Davis has available spots in her classes in Ramah and Fairplay this spring and summer. Her classes can be found at https://wildfoodgirl.com/ wfg-events/.

On her webpage, people who want to learn more about foraging can also sign up for the Colorado foragers email list.

In May, Baldwin is hosting a wild food cooking class at her shop, taught by veteran forager Wendy Petty. Students can sign up at https:// earthsweetboutique. com/products/wild-foragedfood-cooking-class and see future classes at https:// earthsweetboutique.com/ pages/classes-events.

Dandelion greens can be used to make a delicious Italian soup.

Erica Davis foraging pu ball mushrooms in the fall.

Erica Davis hunting feral parsnips in the Midwest. These root vegetables can also be found in Colorado. PHOTOS BY GREGG DAVIS

Artists run with theme of ‘Performances’

Festive show is now on display at Stanton Gallery

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

“Performances,” the recently opened exhibit at Town Hall Arts Center’s Stanton Gallery in Littleton, o ers a cool picture of the artists’ imagination when given a theme ... Lyrics, a memory, bursts of color that look like musical tones to me, photos of animals that appear to be performing, costumed dancers, abstract bursts of form and color … is collection, juried by Dan Oakleaf, almost creates a swirl of sound in one’s head, just from looking for a while! And, this looks to me like a great exhibit to take a child to: Make up a few stories about what’s happening inside the frames! Maybe do a little dance in the gallery! is seems to be a particularly festive exhibit, which will run until the Western Welcome Week exhibit is installed in early August.

It’s a ne location to nd a gift if you have an upcoming wedding, birthday person or graduate in the family! ese works are all small to medium-sized, in assorted mediums and techniques, glowing with color or more subtle, if that’s what appeals.

e First Place winner, “Splintered Forms” by Judith Bennett, is described as “a hand-painted collage, in acrylics and ink.” It really dances in front of a viewer, suggesting constant motion! And the precise shapes speak of an artist’s skill and control over her medium.

Juror Oakleaf said this was a really di cult show to judge — excellent work is the norm here.

He is a Colorado native, whose website works show a close tie to

nature.

As does photographer William Knoll, with his warbling meadowlark, “Singing With Heart,” and pair of crested ducks who appear to be warbling a duet.

Another photo with a real sense of humor is Carl Paulson’s da y dancing crane: “Doing the Hokey Pokey.” It’s a “don’t miss,” on the left wall as you enter. Some works are inspired by lyrics, while others picture performers, such as Peggy Dietz’s “Traditional Tlingit Dancer,” who is very much in motion as we stand in front of her colorful, carefully composed photograph. Another Native American portrait is Pat Hartman’s subtle “Tribal Pride,” showing an elder in ceremonial dress.

Sally Van Der Kamp’s glass panel, “In the Limelight,” catches lights in the room and glows, while Merrie Wicks’ “Calypso” dances in its frame. Sue Williams takes us traveling with her sunny “Montmarte Art Market,” where I thought I heard music in the background ...

e Depot Art Gallery, also lled with Littleton Fine Art Guild member’s artwork, has a show that runs through April 30: “ e Great Outdoors.” Two short member pop-up shows will follow, then on May 16, the 61st Anniversary Show will open at the Depot.

e Depot, which is owned by the City of Littleton, courtesy of the late Varian Ashbaugh, became the Guild’s home in 1976, with aid from a grant honoring a U.S. birthday. Members, and their families, scrubbed and painted the old Santa Fe Depot, which had sat unused in Bega Park for a period, until it was moved to the present Powers Avenue site by Ashbaugh, a businessman who sculpted in his spare time. Exhibits change often and prospective members are encouraged to inquire about joining this active

Exhibit features early photos by Ansel Adams

Ma rk the calendar for June 11 to Oct. 1 for an exhibit of early works by famed photographer Ansel Ad-

ams at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Watch for news of related programs and tours at botanicgardens.org.

855-908-2383

Newman Center

National Geographic on May 15 and Cyrile Aimee on May 19 wind up the busy “Newman Center Presents” season at the University of Denver: “Life on the Vertical,” with Mark Synott is scheduled for May 15 and Cyril Aimee will appear on May 19. Both at 7:30 p.m. See newmancenterpresents.com for information and ticket prices.

Aurora Fox

“Treasure Island: A New Musical for a New Generation” will be presented April 28 to May 21 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave, Aurora, directed by Nick Sugar. Book by Carla Vitale and Brett Smock, with music and lyrics by Corinne Aquilina. Actor Eric Sandvold will be Long John Silver. A special announcement will come from the Fox on May 1, we are told. 303-739-1970 or aurorafox.org for information. We hope for more next week.

Vintage Theatre

Vintage eatre Productions presents “ e Inheritance: Parts I and II” by Matthew Lopez. is is a regional

SONYA’S SAMPLER

premiere, directed by Bernie Cardell through May 14. is play won a Tony and all sorts of other awards. May be the most important play of the century. It consists of two three-hour parts, with intermissions. Part 1: April 7-May 14, Friday, 7:30/Saturday, 2:30; Part 2: April 8-May 14, Saturday 7:30/Sunday 2:30/ Monday April 24, 7/Sunday May 14 7:30. ree-hour parts with intermissions. Tickets: $20-$38. 303856-7830. See vintagetheatre.org, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora.

Church art show e Ken Caryl Art Guild will exhibit artworks by members from May 5 to June 14 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Opening reception May 7 from 10

e Stanton Gallery at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main Street in downtown Littleton, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

e Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave. in downtown Littleton, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Judith Bennett’s “Splintered Forms” is in the “Performance” exhibit at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center, where the hand-painted collage took first place.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE LAMB

Thu 5/04

Sat 5/06

Smithtonian Handbells @ 12am

May 6th - May 5th

Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora

Fame on Fire: 107.9 KBPI

BIRTHDAY BASH

@ 3:30pm

Fiddlers Green Amphitheater, 6501 S Fiddlers Green Cir, Green‐wood Village

Rockies @ 6:10pm

Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With Ginuwine - Frankie J & Baby Bash @ 8pm / $55-$2500

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Fri 5/05

ARTS: Mini Picasso @ Southwest @ 3pm

May 5th - May 26th

Southwest Recreation Center, 9200 W. Saratoga Pl., Denver. 720-913-0654

Holy Hammers Hustle for Habitat @ 8am / $25

8830 Apache Plume Drive, Parker

Improv FUNdamentals: 6 Week Class @ 9am / $195

PACE Center Drive, Parker. parkerplayer simprov@gmail.com, 970-222-2762

The Spirit of the Dragon: An Aerial Production Inspired by Raya and the Last Dragon @ 1:30pm / Free-$25

May 6th - May 7th

Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 South Alli‐son Parkway, Lakewood. iluminaraerial@ theapollocenter.com, 720-479-8438

Scott Fowler Music: Scott Fowler @ 2 Penguins Tap & Grill @ 5pm 2 Penguins Tap and Grill, 13065 E Briarwood Ave, Centennial

Sun 5/07

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 7pm Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan

Thu 5/11

Teague Starbuck @ 5pm Modern Brew - Kitchen, Coffee, Bar, 8221 S Holly St, Centennial

The King Stan Band in Paradise

@ 6pm Paradise Tavern, 9239 Park Mead‐ows Dr, Lone Tree

Korey Foss: Rock Candy @ Fraco's @ 5pm

The Toad Tavern, 5302 S Federal Circle, Littleton

Sugar Britches at Grist Brewing! @ 5pm

Grist Brewing Company, 8155 Piney River Ave, Littleton

6 Million Dollar Band @ 6pm Pindustry, 7939 E Arapahoe Rd, Centen‐

nial

Taylor Rave @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Contragolpe @ 8pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora

The Highlands Ranch Concert Band presents: Natural Wonders Across America @ 2pm Littleton High School, 199 East Lit‐tleton Boulevard, Littleton. media @hrconcertband.org, 303-8703662

Damn Yankees @ 5pm

Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora

Cobra Man @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Mon 5/08

Crestone Peak Ages 13-14 - 2023

League Session #2 @ 3:30pm / $300

May 8th - Jun 24th

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Modern Swing Mondays @ 5pm / $10

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Wed 5/10

Ladies Night @ 5pm / $10

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

bloodywood @ 6:30pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Etana @ 6pm Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver

Steve Azar: Mockingbird Hitmakers Series @ 6pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

Old Man Crunchy LIVE @ The Alley (Littleton) @ 6pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton

powered by

SeriesFest returns for a blockbuster Season 9

After a bit of a pandemic slowdown, SeriesFest, which celebrates emerging and underserved voices in episodic storytelling, is back bigger and better than ever, over owing with top-notch television viewing for all audiences.

“We’re excited to engage with everybody in the community about all the great stories being told,” said Randi Kleiner, co-founder and CEO of the Denver-based non-pro t. “We’re looking forward to people getting together to be part of great conversations about all the exciting things happening in the industry.”

Running from May 5 through May 10, SeriesFest Season 9 features a wide range of in-competition pilot screenings, panels, workshops and premieres from big studios, including Net ix, Amazon Freevee and Universal Television.

In addition to an array of episode showings, the lineup includes fascinating panels like, “Actors with Disabilities Making eir Mark in Hollywood: What More Needs to be Done,” “ e Art of Adaptation: Beyond the Book” and “Turning Podcasts into Television’s Next Big Hit with Orbit Media.”

As usual, the event wraps up at Red Rocks with a night of special performances — this year the evening features headliner Chelsea Handler and guests Jay Pharoah and Adam Ray. ere will also be a screening of Fox’s “Animal Control,” with star Joel McHale on hand to discuss the show and perform a stand-up set.

Whether audiences attend one of the special events or just catch a screening, they’re in for a television viewing

COMING ATTRACTIONS

experience that most don’t have — one that features the episodes shown on the big screen and the chance to connect with others.

“So much is happening in the industry right now and that’s what is so exciting,” Kleiner said. “You really have the opportunity to see the shows you love, meet the creators and learn something you didn’t know.”

With so many great options, here are two SeriesFest events audiences shouldn’t miss.

‘Grown’ screening — May 7

Many viewers know Jocko Sims from his roles on shows like “ e Last Ship” and “New Amsterdam.” But for “Grown,” Sims explored the power of storytelling in a di erent way — as executive producer, writer and director.

“I’ve been a creator for pretty much all of my life… and this was something I’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have the time,” he said. “But I took the time and made it a priority and it has been such a ride ever since.”

“Grown” will be screened as part of the Independent Pilot Competition: Comedy Block 1 at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, at 6:15 p.m. May 17, and will also be shown to local high school students as part of High School Day.

tanic Gardens, 909 York St. on May 12 and 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info soon. See botanicgardens.org.

City Park Jazz

a.m. to noon.

Arapahoe Community College

Wine, Art and Design event at Arapahoe Community College on May 18 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the ACC Art and Design Center, 2400 W. Alamo Ave., Littleton. Information at: arapahoe.edu/foundationevents. Funds will go to ACC’s Art and Design programs and to ACC Foundation general scholarships.

Plant sale

Plant sale will be at Denver Bo-

City Park Jazz announces the lineup for summer: starting with Sarah Mount and the Rushmores on June 4. Only 3.2 beer allowed in the park (no glass containers). See cityparkjazz.org for schedule.

Central City Opera

Tickets are on sale for the Central City Opera Festival: “Romeo and Juliet,” “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Othello.” 303-292-6700, centralcityopera. org.

Aspen Grove art

Arapahoe Community College

e pilot, which won SXSW’s TV pilot competition, is about 14-year-old Rogelio (Josiah Gabriel), who recently lost his father and is struggling with what it means to be an adult. He and his friends Larry (Tristan-Lee Edwards) and Chaz (Giovanni Cristo ) decide to sneak into a strip club, leading to a reckoning about who Rogelio thinks he is and who he wants to be.

“Grown’s” participation in the festival is a sort of homecoming for Sims — “New Amsterdam” made its premiere at SeriesFest back in 2018. He’s eager to be back to share a story that means a great deal to him and hopes it connects with viewers, particularly students.

“I’d love for the youth to be inspired in whatever way they can,” Sims said. “When they see these kids making decisions, both good and bad, perhaps they can learn from that and apply it to their lives.”

‘Primo’ world premiere screening — May 8

For Shea Serrano, a New York Times best-selling author and culture critic, working as creator, executive producer and a writer on “Primo” was a daily reminder of how much creative potential is unlocked when people work together.

“All of these incredibly talented people spent a lot of time working on it and I’m thankful and proud every time I sit down to watch it,” he said. “I watch the show and I see everybody’s ngerprints all over it.”

Amazon will unveil the rst season of “Primo” on May 19, but its worldpremiere screening will be at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, May 8, at the Sie

Art and Design students will exhibit work at Aspen Grove through May 7, including some mural designs throughout the center. The storefront between See’s Candy and Tattered Cover will hold work, as will space next to the Apple store. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ThursdaySaturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Arts workshop

Heritage Fine Arts Guild announces a workshop on May 19 and 20 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with Paul Jackson: “Dramatic Light and Luminosity in Watercolor.” Information: Krista Falkenstine, krista. falken@gmail.com, 720-440-3336 or Jennifer Bird, heritageartworkshops@gmail.com, 303-520-7131.

FilmCenter. Serrano and actors Ignacio Diaz-Silverio and Christina Vidal will all be on hand for a discussion afterwards hosted by Diaspora’s Dino Ray-Ramos. e show, which is executive produced by Michael Schur (“Parks and Recreation”and “ e Good Place”), is based on some of Serrano’s own experiences growing up in San Antonio. It follows 16-year-old Rafa Gonzales (Diaz-Silverio) as he comes of age with the help of his mother, Drea (Vidal), and ve uncles.

Since “Primo” has its roots in such personal experiences, Serrano was able to ll the show with speci c references and jokes his family and friends will recognize — everything from costume choices to a shout out to a favorite A Tribe Called Quest song.

Some shows become like a warm blanket — something viewers can turn on when they need to feel better about being alive, and that was the goal for “Primo.”

“ at’s my ultimate dream for the show — that ‘Primo’ becomes a part of somebody’s lineup in that situation,” Serrano said. “You are unwinding at the end of the day and you watch an episode or two and see what the Gonzales family is getting up to in San Antonio.”

For the full SeriesFest lineup and to secure tickets, visit https://seriesfest. com/.

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

Costs aren’t listed in the information we received. Held at First Presbyterian Church, 1609 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton.

Littleton Symphony

Littleton Symphony: 7:30 p.m. May 19 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5893 S. Datura St., Littleton. 303-933-6824, littletonsymphony.org, or at door. Soloist: David Byrd Morrow. Strauss: Horn Concerto.

Colorado Gallery of the Arts

Colorado Gallery of the Arts at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, hosts “Artist Invitational” through May 5. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday, Thursday until 7 p.m.

“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”

To learn more about the Baha’i Faith or find a gathering, please contact us.

castlerockbahais@gmail.com

castlerock.local.bahai.us/

Clarke Reader

Colorado Community Media sta wins 8 awards

SPJ competition featured news from four states

Colorado Community Media sta netted eight awards during the annual Top of the Rockies contest hosted by the Society for Professional Journalists, or SPJ, in downtown Denver on April 22.

With 24 newspapers across the Front Range, CCM reporters competed in the “Large Newsroom” category, which included larger publications and outlets from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming.

CCM had two rst-place honors. Evergreen reporter Deb Hurley Brobst took the top honors in the category of Obit Reporting for her article on Mandi Evans, who “gave more to the community than great food.”

South Metro Editor elma Grimes took rst place in the Mental Health writing category for a series she and two high school interns wrote in 2022. e “Need to Succeed” series broke down how the combination of college costs, social media and parent and societal expectations is costing kids their childhoods.

Several CCM sta members won second-place honors.

Luke Zarzecki took second place in the Feature: Long Form category for his story titled, “Uprooting the

American dream: Opinions changing about lush lawns.”

For general reporting in a series or package, several south metro sta members combined for a second-place award. Former reporters

Jessica Gibbs and Elliott Wenzler along with Grimes and current CCM reporter McKenna Harford took an extensive look throughout 2022 at the Douglas County School

District’s termination of former superintendent Corey Wise.

In Enterprise Reporting, former Littleton reporter Robert Tann won for his in-depth look at police chases that span over Douglas and Arapahoe counties.

Arvada Reporter Rylee Dunn won third place for her in-depth look at parents in the Je erson County School District. Dunn’s article, “In-

side Je co Kids First, and Ganahl’s furor over students,” won in the Education: News category. For extended coverage, CCM’s Digital Editor Deborah Grigsby won third-place honors for her coverage of mobile home legislation in 2022. In design, CCM’s Tom Fildey won third place for Single Page Design where he featured a photo page of a wild re impacting bighorn sheep.

Current and former members of the Colorado Community Media sta celebrate eight awards at the annual Top of the Rockies event hosted by the Society of Professional Journalists. The competition includes submissions from professionals in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. COURTESY PHOTO

Huskies’ baseball season hits headwinds

so far has not been as good as expected.

e Huskies lost their fourth straight game on April 17 with a 3-1 Continental League loss to Regis Jesuit at Regis.

an average of 3.7 per game which is below the national average.

BY JIM BENTON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

It has been a stressful season for the Douglas County High School baseball team.

Armed with eight players who have committed to play college baseball, the Huskies were predicted to be one of Colorado’s top Class 5A teams this season.

However, Douglas County

“It’s been frustrating this year for sure,” said Douglas County coach Craig Gienger. “We’re going to keep grinding and keep after it and see where we come out.”

In the rst 11 games, the Huskies were hitting .277 as a team and left 80 runners on base for an average of 7.3 per game. Douglas County had 41 runs batted in or

“When you get the opportunities you have to convert them,” said Gienger. “ at’s been the story of our season. We can’t get the key hit when we need it.”

Douglas County had a couple good chances to score runs besides the one run it managed in the sixth inning in the the Regis game.

e Huskies loaded the bases in the rst with one out but didn’t score. In the seventh, the Huskies had a walk and two singles but

had a runner thrown out at the plate and failed to score.

“ e Regis game was frustrating,” added Gienger. “I felt like we had a chance at the end but couldn’t execute.”

Finley Bates, who will play next season at San Diego State, went 3-for-4 against Regis and also pitched a scoreless sixth inning.

Douglas County starter Max Stanley, a BYU commit, pitched ve innings, scattered six hits and allowed two earned runs.

“Max Stanley did a fantastic job,” said Gienger. “He keeps us in the games. He

did a great job and made pitches when he had to. He threw one slider that got out of here. And Finley Bates coming in too. He did a fantastic job.

“We can still make some noise. We’ll see what we can do.”

Regis’ Andrew Bell, who has an o er to play baseball at Xavier, had two hits including a fourth inning solo home run.

Senior center elder Hayden Osburn had one hit in the game against Regis and stated that there is still

SkyView girls kick soccer up a notch

Hawks top state poll

BY JIM BENTON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

SkyView Academy’s girls soccer team has been talking a lot this season, not to other teams but to themselves.

e Hawks are 9-0 and ranked second in the April 17 CHSAANow.com state poll behind top-ranked Denver Christian, a team that SkyView beat 3-2 on April 13.

“We’ve just talked about it as a team from the start

of the season, making sure we take care of each other, continue to battle each and every moment and making plays for each other,” said coach Hannah Sunberg. “If we are doing that, then we can add in the other tactical and technical pieces that we need as we go. We need those things to have success.”

One of the hardest thing for us was being a team,” she continued. “We’re not perfect at it but we’re striving for that and de nitely trying to do that.We have some seniors and upperclassmen on the team who believe in this and younger players who are

willing to buy into it.” rough 11 matches, freshman Maggie Barrett has 16 goals and four assists for 36 points

“As a whole we have an amazing team but Maggie is certainly a phenomenal athlete and soccer player,” said Sunberg. “One thing that really stands out is her play on both sides of the ball. She certainly makes players around her better and works really hard to make plays for her team.

“Her ability to win 50-50 balls stands out. She makes the team around her better. But it’s not one player, it takes all of them.”

Sophomore Ellie Reynolds leads the team with 40 points with 15 goals and 10 assists. Junior Hailey Gunderson has ve goals and two assists while junior Keira Hayat has ve goals and an assist.

Sunberg also praised the team’s fullbacks and senior goalkeeper Ekko Hopkins.

“You have to have hot offense and defense,” added Sunberg. “Ekko has had some key saves for us.”

Skyview Academy is now in the Class AA Mile High East League after playing in the 3A Metro League for past eight seasons.

“ ere’s competition on

every level,” said Sunberg. “In soccer or any sport on any given day, anything can happen. We talk that each game the other team has a shot. We have to play our game.

“We’ve talked about being humble and continuing to work towards that and to build ourselves into being the best team we can be. We just have to continue to commit to taking care of our teammates and making plays for each other and not getting caught up of being nervous or putting pressure on ourselves, playing for each moment and then seeing what happens.”

Hayden Osburn of Douglas County ducks away from a high pitch during the April 17 game against Regis Jesuit. Regis won, 3-1.

Team with much promise has struggled to win

Zach Blatter of Douglas County throws to first base after fielding a ground ball in the April 17 Continental League game against Regis Jesuit. PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON

Twin Dragon to close after 47 years

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLOADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Within 15 minutes of opening on the morning of Friday, March 21, the Twin Dragon was bustling with activity. Owner Shiou Je erson prepared takeout orders and seated regulars for lunch as the phone rang o the hook.

Any other week, the voices on the other end of the phone calls would have been ordering sesame chicken and crab rangoon for pickup, or giving sta a heads-up that they were coming in with a group later that night.

But this week, the voices on the other end of the phone were calling the Englewood restaurant for a different reason.

“Somebody calls me every day, crying,” Shiou said. She gestured to the front of the restaurant, where her son, Englewood Municipal Judge and former mayor Joe Je erson, was taking a call. “ is one’s crying. I can see Joe’s even having tears. ey love us.”

On April 30, after 47 years of owning and running one of Englewood’s most-beloved Chinese restaurants, Shiou will be retiring. With her retirement, the Twin Dragon will close its doors in a community that has steadfastly supported and enjoyed the restaurant and the relationships built there over the years.

Path to the Twin Dragon

Shiou’s father, a peasant farmer in China, ed to what is now North Korea during World War II. Shortly after that, Shiou’s family was forced to ee again to what is now South Korea, where Shiou grew up.

She attended college in Taiwan, where she studied education and history, and later earned a master’s degree in business from a university in Japan.

“Her whole dream was to go west into the land of opportunity, a beacon of freedom and opportunity and enrichment in the United States,” Joe said.

She was granted a student visa to study at the University of Denver and, once in Colorado, started working at the Twin Dragon as a server. When the owner had to move back to Hong Kong, he saw potential in Shiou.

“ e owner sees … that my mom is hardworking and honest and looking for opportunity and gave her the opportunity to sell her the business,” Joe said.

For a highly-educated woman,

BASEBALL

FROM PAGE 22

time to recover.

“It’s been frustrating but we can do better,“ said Osburn. “We can still turn it around. We’ve got the guys.” e turnaround began when Douglas County started getting elusive timely hits in an April 19 game

Shiou said moving into the restaurant business was a bit frustrating, as it felt like it brought her down a level. Working in the restaurant business, no matter how many other skills a person may have, is a common experience for many Asian Americans, Joe said.

“My mother had a master’s degree from Japan before even immigrating here,” he said. “But, you know, the opportunity really is in entrepreneurship, due to barriers of entry back then — and my mother’s female and Chinese … she’s not gonna get some big corporate gig or something like that.”

“When we talk to other people about their experience, it’s amazing, like you go back one generation — even super successful families — and they worked at a restaurant their rst six months coming to the United States,” Joe continued. “Because there was some sense of community, there was some sense of support and some familiarity.”

Over time, Shiou began to fall in love with the restaurant business. Instead of being just a job, the Twin Dragon became her community after spending so much of her life feeling like an outsider in the places she lived.

“I enjoy it,” she said. “I talk to the people, I really do enjoy it … I feel all those years (before coming to the U.S.), I had no roots.”

But over the past 47 years, her roots have grown deep.

“Sometimes she describes it as, she felt like (an) outsider in every community,” Joe said. “And now she feels like she belongs.”

A community hub

During its tenure on South Broadway in Englewood, the Twin Dragon has served as a meeting place for many local groups and even visitors from out of state and country.

“I love the people,” Shiou said. “We do help the community a lot, you know, we do a lot of things in this restaurant.”

Regulars from the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club frequented the restaurant, Shiou said. In addition, VIPs from Taiwan have enjoyed Shiou’s o -menu “real Chinese food” (as opposed to the mainly Americanized menu) at the back corner table.

“I cooked for two days for them, just for them,” Shiou said.

She has fed ambassadors, members of the U.S. Department of Transportation and Denver Broncos players meeting their families after games.

Shiou also puts extra e ort into supporting the Asian American community in Englewood. During the pandemic, she and her sta

against Ponderosa with a 17-5 victory that raised the Huskies’ season record to 4-7-1.

Bates had three hits and six RBI in the game while Eli Athanas went 3-for-3 with four RBI.

e Huskies downed Castle Rock rival Castle View, 16-4, on April 21 when the team had 17 hits in the ve-inning contest.

Bates had four hits and eight RBI in the game.

organized community outreach events, like delivering meals to the hospital, to bring the community together to combat Asian hate. ey also host Chinese New Year and other parties for the community.

“I think people come for the food, rst and foremost, but I think keep coming back maybe for relationship and community,” Joe said. Onto what’s next Shiou, who has spent most of her life working 10 hours a day, seven days a week, said she is looking forward to traveling during her retirement. She hopes to return to South Korea, Taiwan and Japan to visit the places she grew up and went to school.

“ en, maybe (I’ll) try to write a book,” she said, adding that it would be about her life.

As she looks forward to a break, many loyal customers are heartbroken to see the restaurant close.

“I’m very sad about it, I really am,” said Colleen Binder, turning to Shiou. “I’ve lived here for 50 years and this is where we go for Chinese food. But I think it’s necessary, and you’ve worked hard, and you’ve made this what it is.”

Brian Hart, whose father and stepmother were engaged at the Twin Dragon in 1982, said he was also sad to see the restaurant close.

As a neighboring small business owner of Frame de Art, just down the street, Hart said he hopes whoever moves into the restaurant’s space will be good neighbors.

“I’ve had a lot of meetings here over the years and you guys have been a big supporter of the chamber

and so many community events,” he said to Joe. “As a small business owner just on the same block … I hope it’s something that’s good, that can be great neighbors.”

Although he is not sure exactly what the new business will be, Joe said another Chinese family will take over the space and will likely operate something similar to the Twin Dragon.

After many years of bringing the Englewood community together, Joe said he and his mother are excited to be a part of the community in new ways.

“We’ll go to other people’s parties,” he said. “We never have time to go to other people’s parties … at’ll be a weird feeling, you know, because even during parties, we feel like we’re working.”

Shiou, who continued to answer the phone and bring out food as she answered questions, had to pause a few moments to let her emotions pass.

“My mom genuinely feels like she lived her American dream here because of (the Englewood community),” Joe said. “And their acceptance and support and relationship and love.”

But after almost 50 years of service, Joe and the Twin Dragon’s loyal customers all agree: Shiou deserves some time to relax and enjoy her life.

e Twin Dragon’s last day in business will be April 30. To celebrate, the family will host a goodbye party from 1 until 4 p.m. on April 29 in the restaurant at 3021 S. Broadway, where customers and neighbors can drop in and share their appreciation for the establishment.

Shiou Je erson and her son, Joe Je erson, put in orders and console guests who are sad about the restaurant’s closure.

PHOTO BY NINA JOSS

Restaurant has played big role in Englewood life

Answers

How failed banks impact investors

It can be very unsettling to hear of a bank failure such as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) last month. Investors may wonder how they should react or if they should adjust their portfolios.

First, a little history lesson to put this into perspective.

When depositors rush to get their money out of a bank that is nancially in trouble, it is called a “run” on the bank. ese are not new and have occurred at di erent levels of severity in the past, the worst in the 1930s during the Great Depression. At that time, there was contagion across many banks, not our current situation. While bank insolvency can often come on the heels of the Federal Reserve Board raising interest rates, that is not solely the cause, according to Mariner Wealth Advisors Chief Economist William Greiner.

Each bank must manage the risk of lending, investing, cash deposits and withdrawals. If any or all of those are out of balance, problems start to percolate. When you have high-risk loans, such as technology start-ups, and you are short on liquidity (more withdrawals than deposits), and the investments backing the deposits decline in value, you have a recipe for failure.

Many banks issue loans on real estate or other business collateral. ey may also use Treasuries to back up deposits. When the Fed raises interest rates, and the value of those Treasury bonds declines, bankers may need to sell at a loss to cover withdrawals. Once this spiral starts, or collateral is devalued due to bad loans, depositors may demand their money causing a run on the bank.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell remained concerned about in ation when he testi ed before Congress in March. is drove interest rate expectations higher after several interest rate hikes over the last three quarters. is downward pressure on bond values and concerns the bank would need to raise capital, caused some technology-focused venture capital companies to remove funds from SVB.

It was very fortunate that a conta-

FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

gion was avoided, as the U.S. government response was swift and e ective. Once the facts were released and average depositors realized they were not involved in a bank that does high-risk lending, some of the pressures eased.

Investors will likely review their portfolio to make sure they are not invested in small banks in the venture capital space or have heavy exposure to commercial real estate. ey may also avoid banks that have not had proper risk management or oversight. ese things created a perfect storm scenario for SVB. It may be wise to stay with large institutions commonly known as “too big to fail” due to their backing by the Fed. Large banks may actually bene t from depositors moving money to them from small banks in amounts not covered by the $250,000 limit for FDIC insurance.

Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” was able to instill trust in his customers to survive a run on his bank during the Great Depression. In real life during that time, the Emergency Banking Act of 1933 formed the Federal Deposit Insurance known as FDIC. ese days you don’t really run to your bank and can click to manage transactions on your phone. It is not recommended to keep large deposits in any one institution, just as you would not put all of your investments in one individual stock. Work with your wealth advisor to determine the right amount to leave in the bank, which is usually designed for transactions or emergency reserves, not large sums that could be working harder for you elsewhere.

Patricia Kummer has been a Certied Financial Planner professional and a duciary for over 35 years and is managing director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

THANKS

COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Visa Technology & Operations LLC,

A Visa Inc. company, currently has an opening for Staff SW Test Engineer (multiple openings) (REF59124Z) in Highlands Ranch, CO. Job duties include: Design and develop test plans and functional test cases from business requirements and conceptual documents with a focus on coverage, performance and automation. Collaborate with the Development, Product and System Architecture teams to analyze, debug and resolve design and code issues. The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is $116,563.00 USD to $161,100.00

USD.; Sr. Staff Database Engineer (multiple openings) (REF59314E) in Highlands Ranch, CO Job duties include: Support Database Platform Engineering in the architecture, development and deployment of DB2 LUW and DB2 partitioned databases/DPF in high SLA environments. Manage, support and maintain database technology and infrastructure, adhering to the architectural guidelines and policies. The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is $121,000.00 USD to $193,500.00

USD. All positions report to the Visa Highlands Ranch, CO office and may allow for partial telecommuting. Salary may vary depending on jobrelated factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for an annual bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position is eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Program, FSH/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time off and Wellness Programs.

Qualified applicants should apply by emailing resume to careersus@visa. com. Must reference job code.

LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME

No Sales, no Investment,

No Risk, Free training, Free website. Contact Susan at 303-646-4171 or fill out form at www.wisechoice4u.com

Help Wanted

Visa U.S.A. Inc.,

A Visa Inc. company, has an opening for Staff SW Development Engineer (Multiple openings) (REF59311V) in Highlands Ranch, CO. Job duties include: Responsible for the architecture, design, development, and implementation of software applications. Evaluate and introduce technology tools and processes that enable Visa to develop products and solutions, to embrace business opportunities and/or improve operational efficiency. The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is $139,984.00 USD to $177,800.00 USD.; Software Test Engineer - Sr. Consultant level (multiple openings) (REF59246D) in Highlands Ranch, CO to: Provision and configure new domains, projects and project administrator accounts. Install, configure and support new infrastructure as required, and install, configure and test next generation versions for proposed upgrades.

Domestic travel required 5-10% of the time. The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is $116,563.00 USD to $177,900.00

USD.; Sr. SW Test Engineer (multiple openings) (REF59287F) in Highlands Ranch, CO. Job duties include: responsible for designing, creating, and executing test plans and test cases for the Emerging Services application. Responsible for reviewing requirements, assessing the appropriate course for testing, executing to those plans and ensuring all anomalies and issues are addressed appropriately. The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is $85,300.00

USD to $132,300.00 USD.; Software Engineer – Sr. Consultant level (multiple openings) (REF59238H) in Highlands Ranch, CO. Job duties include: design, enhance, and build open system transactional platforms. Lead cutting-edge web technologies to build interactive web technologies to build interactive web applications. The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position is $139,984.00 USD to $193,500.00

USD. All positions report to the Visa Highlands Ranch, CO office and may allow for partial telecommuting. Salary may vary depending on jobrelated factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for an annual bonus and equity. Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position is eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Program, FSH/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time off and Wellness Programs.

Qualified applicants should apply by emailing resume to careersus@visa. com. Must reference job code.

Help Wanted

Comcast Cable Comm, LLC, Englewood, CO:

Eng 3, SW Dev & Eng (mult openings): Gather, org, & explain custmr view data from stream vid ops; dev viewing apps; Reqs: Bach in CS, Eng or rel; 2 yrs exp dev apps use Scala, Java, & Shell Script; transfer data from reltnl DB sys onto Hadoop use Sqoop; use Spark & Databricks to proc & trans lg qntities of data; use SQL & Hive to prfrm data analytics use batch proc techniques; use AWS-S3, Kafka, & Kinesis; & perfm CI/CD use Concourse & Jenkins; 1 yr exp incl use Presto, Glue, Athena, & Looker. Salary: $90,709.00 - $130,000.00 per year. Benefits: https://jobs.comcast.com/ life-at-comcast/benefits. Apply to: Renu_Puril@comcast.com Ref Job

ID# 6698

Eng, Prdct Dev Eng: Prvide tech leadrshp to team rspnsibl for innovate & deliver public cloud soltns to prdct teams; Reqs: Bach in CS, Eng or rltd; 1 yr exp work w/ various AWS & rltd: EC2, IAM, S3, CloudFront, CloudFormation, DynamoDB; build, configur, deploy Kafka cmpnnts, Kafka ops incld scaling Services, manag partitions & optimiz cluster rebalanc times; utiliz Kafka mangr, Kafka mirror maker & zookeeper; work w/ both public & privt clouds & automat scripts use Python, Java, & Shell scripting; utiliz Agile methdlgy; automat cloud infrstrctr use Python & Terraform; & use Docker. Salary: $83,720 - $155,000. Benefits: https:// jobs.comcast.com/life-at-comcast/ benefits. Apply to: Aisha_Shamsh@ comcast.com Ref Job ID# 9070

COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

CLASSIFIEDS

Market Place

Bids

Invitation to Bid

Issued By: Hamilton Builders

Contracting, LLC

Project: Highland Trails

Apartments

5815 S. Zang Street Littleton, CO 80127

Project Summary: You are invited to submit a proposal for our upcoming project, Highland Trails Apartments, in Littleton, Colorado.

This project is a new 4 story, 88-unit, senior housing development.

Projected start date is anticipated to be June 2023.

This project will be tax exempt, so please omit from bids. Davis Bacon wages do apply.

This project has been awarded to Hamilton Builders Contracting, LLC.

Invitation Details:

The bid deadline is May 4, 2023. Please submit bids via email to bmyers@hamilton-builders.com

The project documents may be accessed at: https://www.hamilton-builders.com/ projects/ Password: hamiltonbuilders2018!

Due to the volume of phone calls, please email any questions to Brooke Myers at bmyers@hamiltonbuilders.com

We encourage MBE/WBE/Section 3 businesses to bid.

WIDOWED

MARKETPLACE

Health

Generic Viagra & Cialis 100 tablets only $89.

CLASSIFIED AD SALES 303-566-4100 classifieds@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS

Contact Erin, 303-566-4074 eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Garage Sales 100+ HOMES

CHERRY KNOLLS, THE KNOLLS & TIFFANY NEIGHBORHOODS

Fri & Sat, May 5 & 6 S. Colorado Blvd & E. Dry Creek Rd 80122 SAVE THE DATE!!!

Merchandise

Antiques & Collectibles

3 Asthalin inhalers $69. Other meds available shipping included 100% Guaranteed 888-203-0881 www. usaservicesonline.com

DENTAL INSURANCEPhysicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurancenot a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258.

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

Medical

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

Old Crows Antiques featuring The Root Beer Bar An Antique destination in Littleton Colorado Join us on Memory Lane. Something for everyone. Visit us for store info Instagram: @oldcrowsantiques www.facebook.com/ oldcrowsantiques www.oldcrows antiques.com 303-973-8648

Firewood

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

4 by 6 foot digital sign from Daktronics.

Digital Sign Perfect for Church, Restaurant or any business that needs to change messages frequently.

Comes with 3 year labor warranty. Asking $7,500. Installation will be about $2500 and permits is $450 Sign is 3 years old and original price was $44,500.

Call Alan 303-378-7537

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888489-3936

DEADLINES

CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: MONDAY, 5 P.M.

SERVICE DIRECTORY: THURSDAY, 5 P.M.

LEGALS: THURSDAY, 3 P.M.

Colorado Statewide Network

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net

PORTABLE OXYGEN DIRECTV

DIRECTV, New 2-Year Price Guarantee.

The Most live MLB Games this season, 200 +channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions

1-888-725-0897

AMERIGLIDE

Miscellaneous

Electric wheelchair $5000/best offer (retail cost is $21,600) Also have free shelves. 720-465-9022

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

HughesNet – Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!!

GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service.

Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-4171306

Miscellaneous

Scrap Metal, Batteries, Appliances, Wiring, Scrap Plumbing/Heating, Cars/Parts, Clean out Garages/Yards, Rake, Yard work done w/chainsaw, Certified Auto Mechanical / Body Work & paint available Also can do inside or outside cleaning 303-647-2475 / 720-323-2173

Vehicles Wanted Cash for all Vehicles! Cars,

(303)741-0762

Cell: (303)918-2185 for texting Bestcashforcarsco.com

Loan Modification Agreement recorded 07/05/2022 at Reception No. 2022046902 in the records of the Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, Colorado.

Said Deed of Trust was rerecorded on 4/23/2019, under Reception No. 2019021213.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property:

LOT 672, STERLING RANCH FILING NO. 1, 7TH AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 9887 Geneva Creek Lane, Littleton, CO 80125

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 4/27/2023

Last Publication: 5/25/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 2/28/2023

DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

AMANDA FERGUSON Colorado Registration #: 44893

355 UNION BLVD SUITE 250, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228

Phone #: (303) 274-0155

Fax #:

File #: CO21458

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Notice No. 2023-0047

COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 10629 Wynspire Way, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 4/13/2023

Last Publication: 5/11/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 2/15/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

ILENE DELL'ACQUA Colorado Registration #: 31755 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 407, HIGHLANDS RANCH, FILING NO. 121-B, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO

Which has the address of: 9762 Westbury Cir, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 4/6/2023

Last Publication: 5/4/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 2/9/2023

DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

ILENE DELL'ACQUA

Colorado Registration #: 31755 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (877) 369-6122

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 3/30/2023

Last Publication: 4/27/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 2/3/2023

DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

MARCELLO G. ROJAS

Colorado Registration #: 46396 3600 SOUTH BEELER STREET SUITE 330, DENVER, COLORADO 80237

Phone #: (303) 353-2965

Fax #: Attorney File #: CO220011

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0030

First Publication: 3/30/2023

Last Publication: 4/27/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press City and

A public hearing will be held on May 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. before the Douglas County Planning Commission, in the Commissioners Hearing Room, 100 Third Street Castle Rock, CO. The hearing is for the proposed adoption of Building Codes: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Building Code Appendix C, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Residential Code Appendix AM, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code Appendix E, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, and the 2023 National Electrical Code, as amended.

A public hearing will be held on June 13, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. before the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners, in the Commissioners Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, CO. The hearings are for the proposed adoption of Building Codes: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Building Code Appendix C, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Residential Code Appendix AM, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code Appendix E, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, and the 2023 National Electrical Code, as amended.

For more specific information, call Korby Lintz, Chief Building Official, Douglas County Building Division at 303-660-7497.

Legal Notice No.: 945401

First Publication: April 27, 2023

Last Publication: May 11, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so. Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items/services with the successful bidder. Please direct any questions concerning this IFB to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor, 303-6607434, criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 945400

First Publication: April 27, 2023

Last Publication: April 27, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice

INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)

#014-23

WOODMOOR MOUNTAIN ROAD PROJECTS

The Woodmoor Mountain Homeowners Association (WMHOA), through Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests bids from responsible and highly-qualified contractors for the work needed on the Woodmoor Mountain road system. The Woodmoor Mountain Subdivision is located approximately four-miles north of Palmer Lake on Highway 105.

The IFB documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com. While the IFB documents are available electronically, Douglas County cannot accept electronic bid responses.

Two (2) copies of your IFB response shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “IFB No. 014-23, Woodmoor Mountain Road Projects”. Electronic and/or faxed bid responses will not be accepted. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 18, 2023 by the Douglas County Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Bids will not be considered which are received after the time stated, and any bids so received will be returned unopened.

Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said bid and furthermore, to award a contract for items herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so. Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items/services with the successful bidder. Please direct any questions concerning this IFB to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor, 303-6607434, criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 945399

First Publication: April 27, 2023

Last Publication: April 27, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Children Services

(Adoption/Guardian/Other)

PUBLIC NOTICE

Reception No. of DOT: 2005070385

DOT Recorded in Douglas County. Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:

$489,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $486,461.94

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: failed to make the monthly mortgage payments as required by the terms of the Note and Deed of Trust.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: Lot 13, Highlands Ranch filing No. 108-D, County of Douglas, State of Colorado.

Which has the address of: 3730 White Bay Dr., Highlans Ranch, CO 80126-5020

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)

#015-23 WOODMOOR MOUNTAIN DRAINAGE CULVERT CLEANING/REPLACEMENT

The Woodmoor Mountain Homeowners Association (WMHOA), through Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests bids from responsible and highly-qualified contractors for the work needed on the Woodmoor Mountain road system. The Woodmoor Mountain Subdivision is located approximately four-miles north of Palmer Lake on Highway 105.

The IFB documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com. While the IFB documents are available electronically, Douglas County cannot accept electronic bid responses.

Two (2) copies of your IFB response shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “IFB No. 015-23, Woodmoor Mountain Drainage Culvert Cleaning/Replacement”. Electronic and/ or faxed bid responses will not be accepted. Bids will be received until 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 18, 2023 by the Douglas County Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Bids will not be considered which are received after the time stated, and any bids so received will be returned unopened.

Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said bid and furthermore, to award a contract for items

DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

In the Interest of:

ZAMIRACLE A/K/A ZAMIRA ROSE ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 9/9/2020; Child, And concerning: LUCIA CAMILLE ARMIJO

AKA CAMILLE ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 11/26/1991; Mother; TIMOTHY JAMES MACULEWICZ, D.O.B.: 12/7/1977;

Planning commission split on housing plan at county border

Calls for 225 homes

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Faced with a plan to turn a piece of longtime agricultural land near Parker into a residential neighborhood has split a group of Douglas County residents who advise the county’s elected leaders on development.

“We ask you to leave the highdensity housing in the city where it belongs,” said Audra Labak, a resident who lives in the area, calling the potential neighborhood “an eyesore.”

Her comments met applause from the audience at the Douglas County Planning Commission’s April 17 meeting, where more than a dozen other speakers criticized the proposal in front of a crowd that applauded several other commenters. After hearing the feedback, the planning commission locked in a 3-3 tie vote, unable to send a recommendation to the county’s board of three commissioners, who ultimately make the nal call on development decisions in areas outside of municipalities.

Known as the Fields development, the land sits along Hilltop Road, southeast of the Town of Parker and close to the Elbert County border. Flintwood Road runs along the proposed development’s eastern boundary, in an area where rural life is not far from suburban neighborhoods.

e plan could place 255 singlefamily homes, public park space and open space on the land, much of which would be dominated by

several home properties that are 35-or-more acres large, in keeping with the rural area.

It’s a proposal that Sharon Wallden, a member of the family that has long owned the land, supports.

“Our parents bought this land from our grandfather over 75 years ago. ey worked hard to pay for it and build a farming operation,” Wallden told the audience at the meeting.

But “farming is no longer an option,” Wallden said, adding that “water has always been a concern” in an area that has seen many residential developments spring up over the years.

‘Does not blend in’ County o cials rezoned the property from agricultural to “estate residential” status in March 2022. (Zoning is a local government’s rules for what can be built where.)

ough the land is vast, most of the homes would be grouped close together in a neighborhood that would appear to have homes somewhat similar in property size to homes in e Pinery area — and similar to properties in some, but not all, other parts of the area.

Many properties in the immediate area, especially to the east, are larger than the closer-grouped lots would be.

e size of the smaller home lots was a major sticking point for the commenters at the meeting, one of whom told the planning commission: “All of a sudden, we’re bringing in high-density housing, which is what it is.” (“Density” is a term for how many people or housing units occupy an area.)

Public Notices

D.O.B.: 12/7/1977

TO THE RESPONDENT NAMED ABOVE:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named child is dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which may be obtained at the office of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.

A Termination of Parental Rights Hearing for Respondent Parents has been set for May 8, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in Division 8, Douglas County District Court, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109.

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this motion. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT A TERMINATION HEARING AND MAY TERMINATE THE PARENT-CHILD LEGAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHILD.

You have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship.

You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate. You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by sec. 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S. 2022, and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

This summons is being initiated by the Douglas County Department of Human Services through its counsel.

Dated: April 14, 2023

/s/ Angela Borkowski Angela Borkowski, #50088

Assistant Douglas County Attorney

Legal Notice No. 945388

On one hand, other housing developments have popped up near the property over recent decades, a Wallden family member told the commission. Legend High School sits a few miles away o Hilltop Road.

On the other hand, residents in the rural area lamented what they said would be an encroachment on country living.

“I’m going to see street lights. I’m not going to see stars anymore,” one said.

“We just want to have it quiet,” said Lindsey Glass, another nearby resident.

“It’s going to add more tra c that we don’t need to deal with right now,” Glass said. She added: “Sometimes I’m sitting on Hilltop, by Legend, for 20 minutes.” Hilltop is a two-lane road in that area.

Said resident Adam Paschal: “I understand there will be development, but (this group of) homes just does not blend in with the surrounding community.”

Focus on character

Planning Commissioner Edward Rhodes noted that the proposal meets the county’s approval standards by “the numbers” — appearing to refer to the density of the homes — but he questioned whether the development would be in keeping with the rural “character” of the area.

He cited the county’s comprehensive master plan, a document that lays out a broad vision for how and where property development should occur.

(Comprehensive plans and landuse standards can sometimes be di cult to pin down: e county

TO THE RESPONDENT NAMED ABOVE:

comprehensive plan’s introductory section, the section on urban areas, the section on nonurban areas and the glossary all do not appear to include a de nition of the term “character.” e county zoning rules section that lists de nitions also does not de ne “character.”)

“I just cannot get there that it conforms with the rules and objectives of the master plan,” Rhodes said. “It doesn’t maintain the character of the area.”

C. J. Garbo, another planning commissioner, felt di erently, saying he wasn’t sure the commission could deny the proposal based on the county’s criteria.

Planning Commissioner Jim Browning saw the con ict as a weighing of “property rights with — I’ll say it — minor rights of neighbors.”

“ e property rights are fairly weighty,” Browning said. He added: “We have to be careful about allowing the neighbors’ desires to outweigh the property owners’ rights.”

Ultimately, Browning, Priscilla Rahn and Rhodes voted to deny the plan, with Garbo, Stephen Allen and Matt Collitt voting against denying it. (Not all planning commissioners were present at the meeting.)

e planning commissioners did not take another vote, letting the tie stand, sending no recommendation to the board of county commissioners regarding the plan.

If the plan were to move forward, construction could start in late 2024, the rst home occupancy could occur in 2025, and “full buildout” would be estimated for 2030, according to the meeting discussion.

First Publication: April 27, 2023

Last Publication: April 27, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice

DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

In the Interest of:

ZAMIRACLE A/K/A ZAMIRA ROSE ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 9/9/2020;Child,

And concerning:

LUCIA CAMILLE ARMIJO

AKA CAMILLE ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 11/26/1991; Mother; TIMOTHY JAMES MACULEWICZ, D.O.B.: 12/7/1977; Possible Father, JOHN DOE; Possible Father Respondents,

And ARIANA ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 7/18/1998, Maternal Aunt, MONICA ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 8/19/1974, Maternal Grandmother, Special Respondents.

Attorney for Department: R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Angela Borkowski, #50088 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 814-5326 Fax: (303) 479-9259 lreigrut@douglas.co.us aborkowski@douglas.co.us

CASE NUMBER: 20JV174

DIVISION 8

DEPENDENCY SUMMONS

This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. 2022.

TO: LUCIA CAMILLE ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 11/26/1991 a/k/a CAMILLE ARMIJO

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named child is dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which may be obtained at the office of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.

A Termination of Parental Rights Hearing for Respondent Parents has been set for May 8, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in Division 8, Douglas County District Court, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109.

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this motion. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT A TERMINATION HEARING AND MAY TERMINATE THE PARENT-CHILD LEGAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHILD.

You have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship.

You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate. You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by sec. 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S. 2022, and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

This summons is being initiated by the Douglas County Department of Human Services through its counsel.

Dated: April 14, 2023

/s/ Angela Borkowski Angela Borkowski, #50088 Assistant Douglas County Attorney

Legal Notice No. 945389

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice

DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

In the Interest of:

ZAMIRACLE A/K/A ZAMIRA ROSE ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 9/9/2020; Child,

And concerning:

LUCIA CAMILLE ARMIJO

AKA CAMILLE ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 11/26/1991; Mother; TIMOTHY JAMES MACULEWICZ, D.O.B.: 12/7/1977; Possible Father, JOHN DOE; Possible Father Respondents, And ARIANA ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 7/18/1998, Maternal Aunt, MONICA ARMIJO, D.O.B.: 8/19/1974, Maternal Grandmother, Special Respondents.

Attorney for Department:

R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Angela Borkowski, #50088 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 814-5326

Fax: (303) 479-9259 lreigrut@douglas.co.us aborkowski@douglas.co.us

CASE NUMBER: 20JV174

DIVISION 8 DEPENDENCY SUMMONS

This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. 2022.

TO: JOHN DOE, D.O.B.: UNKNOWN

TO THE RESPONDENT NAMED ABOVE:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named child is

dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which may be obtained at the office of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.

A Termination of Parental Rights Hearing for Respondent Parents has been set for May 8, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in Division 8, Douglas County District Court, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109.

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this motion.

IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT A TERMINATION HEARING AND MAY TERMINATE THE PARENT-CHILD LEGAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHILD.

You have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship. You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate. You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by sec. 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S. 2022, and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

This summons is being initiated by the Douglas County Department of Human Services through its counsel.

Dated: April 14, 2023

/s/ Angela Borkowski Angela Borkowski, #50088

Assistant Douglas County Attorney

Legal Notice No. 945390

First Publication: April 27, 2023

Last Publication: April 27, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press ***

PARKER’S FAVORITE WEEKEND!

FUN THINGS TO DO:

• Enjoy your Favorite Festival Food

• Shopping Marketplace

• Music on Four Stages

• Culinary Demonstrations

• Street Performers

• Carnival Rides for the Whole Family

• Free Kids Crafts

• Artisan Demonstrations: Pottery, Painting, Weaving, Decorative Furniture, and Lacemaking

• Silent Disco – Dance, Dance, Dance!

• Get Dizzy in a Water Bubble

• Bungy Jumping

• Jump and Slide on the In atables

• Nurf Terf Battles (Nurf version of Paintball)

• All Aboard! Ride the Sunshine Express Train on Mainstreet

Groove Mazda MAIN STAGE – Live Music ALL Day HEADLINERS:

Friday, June 9 presented by 8:15 pm: Still They Ride (Journey Tribute Band)

Saturday, June 10 presented by 8:30 pm: Chris Daniels and The Kings

Sunday, June 11 presented by 5:15 pm: That Eighties Band

THANK

CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES:

presented by

BUY DISCOUNTED UNLIMITED CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS ONLINE

Thursday Friends & Family Special

4 wristbands for $99

Only available for use on Thursday, June 8

Sold online through 12 noon Wed. May 31

Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides

$35 each

Good any one day during the festival

Sold online through 12 noon Wed. June 7

4-Day MEGA Unlimited Carnival Rides

$89 each

Good all 4 days of the festival

PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL

Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides

$40 each

TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES

Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.