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Week of February 24, 2022
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | SPORTS: PAGE 16
VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 36
Joshua Jered ‘Concert for Our Neighbors’ brings in over $25,000 for Marshall Fire victims Rodriguez taken into custody by authorities Rodriguez faced warrant due to multiple felony cybercrime charges BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Hazel Miller performs onstage with Dive Bar Diva at the Arvada Elks Lodge.
PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN
Over 300 attend community fundraisers at Arvada Elks Lodge BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A group of musicians from the Arvada community came together to show support for Marshall Fire Victims by hosting the “Concert for Our Neighbors” on Feb. 20 at the Arvada Elks Lodge. Over 300 attendees came to the fundraiser, which brought in over $25,000 for victims of the fire. The benefit was chiefly put together by community members Hazel Miller, Warren Rubin and Debbie Hansen over the course of just five weeks. The trio brought in Brighton-based nonprofit Let Your Light Shine to handle the dispersal of donations to families affected by the fire. Soda Blue, Dive Bar Diva, Twenty Hands High and the Hazel Miller Band all perSEE CONCERT, P6
Concert organizer Debbie Hansen, left, introduces Sophie Stern, a sophomore at the University of Northern Colorado who designed a decal to raise awareness for fire victims.
A tumultuous week for Congressional District 8 Candidate Joshua Jered Rodriguez, whose FEC paperwork indicates he’s running for the Democratic seat, has concluded with his booking in the Jefferson County Jail. Arvada Police Department Public Information Officer Dave Snelling Confirmed that Rodriguez was booked before 7 a.m. on Feb. 17. Snelling said he was still looking into the circumstances of Rodriguez’s arrest. Public records show that Rodriguez was apprehended by the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office. Rodriguez, who has previously run for mayor in Arvada, faced an arrest warrant stemming from multiple felony charges, including identity theft and forgery. On Feb. 15, it was reported that Rodriguez, 37, launched a campaign website with a donations page and signed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Feb. 4 listing an Arvada address that Jefferson County property records show was sold to a different owner in 2021. Rodriguez was charged with nine counts of identity theft, one count of forgery and one count of cybercrime (attempt) in October of 2020 and two counts of attempting to influence a public servant in December of 2020 after he attempted to set up multiple fraudulent GoFundMe pages in the name of Julia Vitanyi, the moderator of the popular Arvada Neighbors Facebook group. Rodriguez did not attend his scheduled court appearance on SEE RODRIGUEZ, P5
2 Arvada Press
February 24, 2022
Gov. Jared Polis visits Arvada on re-election campaign trail Polis stops by Arvada City Councilmember Lisa Smith’s house for meet-and-greet
From left: Gov. Jared Polis, Arvada City Councilmember Lisa Smith, Congressman Ed Perlmutter, Scott Merrifield.
Congressman Ed Perlmutter addresses the crowd flanked by Lieutenant Governor PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN Dianne Primavera and Gov. Jared Polis.
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Arvada Press 3
February 24, 2022
Teocalli Cocina opens location in Olde Town Arvada Mexican restaurant replaces Griff’s Hamburgers on the corner of Ralston and Wadsworth
Hamburgers, which closed in 2015. Teocalli owner Grant Hopfenspirger said that he was drawn to the location because of its proximity to the Olde Town Historic District. “Our previous restaurant is in Lafayette, I’ve always liked those historic areas of town, the Olde Town feel, and I feel like that always generates a good atmosphere,” Hopfenspirger said. “Obviously that location on the corner there, it’s at the entrance to Olde Town, it was pretty exciting to have that opportunity, that exposure.” Hopfenspirger added that his parents and extended family have lived in Arvada for about 25 years, during which time he’s become familiar with the area.
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Mexican food lovers in Arvada have another eatery to try out, as Teocalli Cocina opened in Olde Town Arvada on Feb. 14. The Arvada Teocalli is the restaurant’s second location; the first opened in Lafayette in 2019. Teocalli fills the void on the corner of Ralston Road and Olde Wadsworth Boulevard left by Griff’s
Salsa flight at Teocalli Cocina.
PHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN
SEE TEOCALLI, P4
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The Colorado Environment Film Festival Is Back This Week — for Home Viewing Golden Real Estate is proud to be a sponsor once again of this great festival highlighting all aspects of environmental responsibility. After all, one of the two slogans on every Golden Real Estate for-sale sign is “Promoting and Modeling Environmental Responsibility.” Since 2006, the Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF) has been a flourishing part of Colorado’s cultural landscape. It was founded by a dedicated and passionate core group of environmentally minded educators, filmmakers, and supporters who sought to create Colorado’s first and only homegrown, international environmental film festival. Based in Golden since its inception, CEFF has entertained, enlightened, and educated thousands of festival goers over the years with hundreds of original and thoughtprovoking environmental films originating from around the globe. Each year, CEFF carefully juries and presents a new and different catalog of films, encompassing a broad mosaic of topics that always reflect CEFF’s cornerstone mission to engage our participants to learn about ways to understand, preserve, and protect the environment. Last year, in response to the pandemic, CEFF successfully hosted and implemented the first fully virtual festival, increasing accessibility and opening up the event to broader audiences around the world. It screened a record high of 86
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languages with English captions. Others are in English with closed captioning. There is a separate collection for films with either open or closed captions. If you’re interested in climate change, you’ll want to view the 5-part series called Feedback Loops, which describes what could also be called “vicious circles” causing the acceleration of planet warming. An example of that is the thawing of permafrost which releases large amounts of methane, further warming the planet. Each part is 9-15 minutes. The Virtual All-Access Ticket can be purchased at www.CEFF.net for $75, allowing you to stream all 90-plus films, including 13 world premieres. A single collection ticket costs $10, or you can buy a 5-collection ticket for $40. You have from today (Feb. 24th) until March 6th to stream the films. In addition, there are some live events, including a Filmmaker Q&A on Feb. 24 and March 5th, a Photography Keynote Talk on March 3rd and two free “lunch & learns” 12-1pm on March 1st and 3rd. All are free except the keynote, which is included in the All-Access ticket or can be purchased separately for $10. Order on the same website. A paragraph describing each film is available on the website. You could spend an hour just getting to know about
each of the films and the filmmakers. CEFF may be a homegrown Golden event, but it has acquired an international reputation for screening the very best in films and videos — and also still photography — related to the environment. Remember, the films are only streamed for 11 days starting today, Feb. 24th, so get started by visiting www.CEFF.net today!
55+ Rental Communities Get More Attactive With Age Rita and I recently decided to sell our home and move into Avenida Lakewood, a two-year-old community near Colfax and Quail which boasts “Resort Inspired Living” for people 55 or older. (Actually, a spouse can be under 55.) We were also looking at Vita in Littleton, but Avenida is closer to Golden Real Estate’s office, and I’m not retiring. But that’s the point. You don’t have to retire for living in a 55+ community to make sense. The rent for our twobedroom, two-bath apartment with 4th floor mountain views is not much higher than for a comparable apartment with
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4 Arvada Press
February 24, 2022
TEOCALLI FROM PAGE 3
“I’ve been down in Olde Town probably the last 20 years just watching it grow. The last couple of summer spending time down there, we just felt the energy and the buzz, and it just feels like a good spot to be,” Hopfenspirger said. Teocalli’s original head chef from the Lafayette location, Julio Gaspar, has transitioned into the same role at the Arvada location. The continuity extends to the menu – Hopfenspirger said that besides the addition of a couple dishes, including an adobo tuna plate, the two locations share almost identical offerings. The original a-frame leftover from Griff’s was kept by Teocalli, albeit in a repainted and repurposed capacity. Ryan Stachelski, Arvada’s Director of Growth and Economic Development said that Teocalli’s owners opted to keep the a-frame as an homage to Griff’s and were not beholden to construction rules which govern the historic district of Olde Town. “They were trying to do a nod to the history of the building, trying to modernize, to keep part of the old structure and build around it,” Stachelski said. “(The building) is technically not in the historic district of Olde Town, so there were no specific requirements from the city to keep it.” Hopfenspirger said that he kept
The dining area at Teocalli’s Arvada location.
the a-frame because of its familiarity among locals. “It’s got a historical value I think, to the community and people who grew up there. Everyone who I spoke with along the way knew exactly what it was, and everybody recognized it as Griff’s. I think that a-frame has some historical value for that town, so we wanted to try and retain that and have it as a nod to the community,” Hopfenspirger said. Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement Director Joe Hengstler praised the decision to keep
The bar and part of the dining area at Teocalli.
the a-frame. “We’re always excited to welcome a new business in Olde Town Arvada but this one is especially fantastic since the old Griff’s lot had sat vacant for so many years,” Hengstler said. “It was great to see how they incorporated the old roof into the new design to still pay tribute to the old building.” Teocalli joins a crowded scene of Mexican food in Olde Town, with Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Lady Nomada and Cochino Taco offering related fare in the area. Despite the competition, Hopfenspirger said he’s not phased. “I think our food quality is really good. I don’t think it’s inferior to really any other food,” Hopfenspirger said. “I think our price point is really attractive as well. I think it’s a really fair price for what we’re offering, and I think too, with our location and our
PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN
build out with the garage doors and patio and just the light and airiness of the space are pretty unique. “So, I think we’ve got some advantages over them,” Hopfenspirger continued. Last year, Teocalli entered its fare in the Top Taco festival, an annual event featuring submissions from restaurants throughout the Denver Metro Area. Teocalli’s carne asada taco took home first place honors, while its el jefe cocktail won second place in its category.
IF YOU GO Teocalli Cocina is located at 5770 Olde Wadsworth Blvd in Arvada. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays Website: teocallicocina.com Phone: (720) 761-3876
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Arvada Press 5
February 24, 2022
RODRIGUEZ FROM PAGE 1
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May 5, 2021. A warrant for his arrest was issued on May 10, 2021. Vitanyi said she was pleased Rodriguez got arrested. “I’m thrilled to hear that there’s some sort of follow through,” Vitanyi said. “I’m shocked by (Rodriguez’s) lack of regard for rules in general and his lack of ethics. It’s always been concerning that he still seeks political spotlight. I’m kind of happy he got arrested.” Vitanyi addded that she was not high on Rodriguez’s politi-
Joshua Jered Rodriguez campaign website, joshuaforunity.com.
cal aspirations. “Throughout all of his antics, that’s been the most concerning part, is the danger he could pose ot our community members, taking advantage of others, the fraud — theres no end to what it seems he can do,” Vitanyi said. “It’s just concerning for any future politician — I don’t want to call him a politician. It’s definitely not a good field for him.”
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6 Arvada Press
February 24, 2022
CONCERT FROM PAGE 1
formed at the event. Hansen said she felt the concert was
Alternate angle of Miller with Dive Bar Diva.
a success. “I think it went amazing. The amount of support that was shown was awesome. It was a really feel good, have fun night,” Hansen said. Miller said she was happy to do something tangible for victims of the fire.
“I think for all the musicians, we felt like we actually did something rather than just lip service,” Miller said. Miller continued to say that she felt antsy to do something like the benefit again. “The whole time I was in the room
PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN
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The crowd dances along to the music at the Concert for Our Neighbors.
thinking, `when can we do this again,’” Miller said. “We need a chance to breathe,” quipped Hansen. The two compromised that they’d look at organizing another benefit in the fall.
Alice Frisch of the band Soda Blue steps into the crowd for a solo.
Arvada Press 7
February 24, 2022
Arvada City Manager Mark Deven announces retirement, effective Oct. 7 City to begin search for new manager, hopes to announce successor before Deven’s departure
Prior to becoming Arvada’s city manager, Deven was the city manager of Woodland, California from 2007 to 2011 and the assistant city manager of Concord, California from 2004 to 2007. Cumulatively, Deven spent 41 years working in local government. Arvada’s City Council, along with the city’s human resources team, will begin a search processes for a new city manager with the hopes of announcing Deven’s replacement before he departs in October.
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After 11 years in Arvada, City Manager Mark Deven announced his retirement from public service on Feb. 15. Deven’s retirement is effective Oct. 7. He will remain the city manager until that time while the city searches for a replacement. Deven’s tenure as city manager began on Oct. 1, 2011. During his 11-year tenure, Deven oversaw a period of significant change in Arvada that included western expansion, increased urbanization and the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, that city executed the Ralston Road and W. 72nd Avenue bond projects, completed the West Woods Clubhouse remodel, completed the Olde Town Transit Hub, and oversaw various improvements to the water, wastewater and stormwater systems. Arvada Mayor Marc Williams commended Deven for his service
Deven and city team members at an Arvada Chamber of Commerce Event.
and congratulated him on retirement. “Mark Deven has delivered excellent service to the Arvada community, our City Team and the City Council throughout his 11-year tenure with the City,” Williams said. “His passion for public service is evident every day. On behalf of the entire City Council, we wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.” Deven’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic saw the formation of the Arvada Resiliency Taskforce, a collaborative effort between the city team, the chamber of commerce, the Arvada Economic Development Association and other partners.
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8 Arvada Press
February 24, 2022
Jeffco updates hazard mitigation plan Document key to reducing the impact of disaster
‘No one agency owns the responsibility of allhazard mitigation’
BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY DGRIGSBY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Jefferson County has taken a couple of essential steps to reduce the impact of disasters on residents and the communities in which they live. In a statement, the county announced the completion of its updated five-year Hazard Mitigation Plan as well as the creation of the state’s first all-hazard mitigation advisory committee. Coming in at close to 300 pages, the plan details the county’s policies and planning processes to reduce community and individual vulnerability to and the economic and emotional costs of hazards before they occur. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires hazard mitigation plans to be reviewed and updated every five years for jurisdictions to remain eligible for federal mitigation assistance. Mitigation plans begin by identifying natural disasters and other vulnerabilities common to the areas. Then, county officials and neighboring jurisdictions work together to develop long-term strategies to protect people and property from similar events.
Hal Grieb, Jefferson County Emergency Management Director
Jefferson County just completed an update to its hazard mitigation plan. SHUTTERSTOCK
Plans like this help break the cycle of recurring disaster damage and the cost of reconstruction. The county, in its statement, estimates that for every $1 spent on mitigation, an average of $6 is saved in the prevention of future loss. To complement the county’s plan, its newly created hazard mitigation advisory committee will serve as a consulting body to policymakers, judiciary and
stakeholder groups who will implement the hazard mitigation strategies outlined in the plan. “No one agency owns the responsibility of all-hazard mitigation,” said Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Hal Grieb. “This plan update has provided us the springboard to create Colorado’s first All-Hazard Mitigation Advisory Committee to formally showcase and share mitigation efforts happening throughout Jefferson County
as well as keep federal grant dollars available for our known vulnerabilities surrounding hazards like wildfire, flooding, severe weather and cybersecurity.” Agencies participating in the committee include Jefferson County, City of Arvada, City of Edgewater, City of Golden, City of Lakewood, City of Wheat Ridge, Town of Morrison, Arvada Fire, Elk Creek Fire, Evergreen Fire, Fairmount Fire, Foothills Fire, Genesee Fire, Golden Gate Fire, Indian Hills Fire, InterCanyon Fire, North Fork Fire, West Metro Fire, Lookout Mountain Fire, Denver Water and Jefferson Conservation District. The committee held its first meeting virtually on Feb. 17 and will meet, at a minimum, annually to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the plan.
FEB 4 - MAY 22, 2022 Charming, handsome, and a compulsive liar, Dorante arrives in Paris looking for a good time. He falls in love with the beautiful Clarice, but his dishonest ways throw him into a tangled web of mistaken identities and false accusations. After lying his way into a world of trouble, can Dorante lie his way back out again? Fiendishly clever and a bit naughty, this updated adaptation of the classic French farce weaves wordplay and swordplay into a madcap, comic romp!
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Arvada Press 9
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February 24, 2022
Warren Tech students honor perseverance heroes BEST OF THE BEST Tryceton Smith, a graphic design student at Warren Tech, shows off his poster of Bayard Rustin, as part of the Perseverance Heroes project.
2022 BEST
Warren Tech Graphic Design student, Summer French holds her creation for the Perseverance Heroes project.
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Warren Tech student Tyson Tafoya holds up the poster he created for the Perseverance Heroes project. Posters from the Perseverance Heroes series, created by graphic design and illustration PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER CUNIS students at Warren Tech.
Posters commemorate and teach about cultural icons from marginalized groups BY BOB WOOLEY BWOOLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
ArvadaPress.com To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourage readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning, no purchase required. Please see voting website for complete contest rules and regulations.
For the past two years, Warren Tech Graphic Design & Illustration students have been creating a special series of posters called the Perseverance Heroes project. As part of the project, students chose a historical figure who has overcome barriers, discrimination and societal challenges. The posters honor heroes from the worlds of sports, science, the arts and politics. The series includes colorful tributes to well known figures like Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson, as well as lesser-known pioneers like Katherine Johnson, an African American woman who made significant contributions to America’s space program. And that’s by design. Because the goal of the project is to educate, as well as create an impactful visual. Graphic Design Instructor Scot Odendahl said an important part
of the project was giving a voice to the students — letting them research their subject and educate others through their design. He also pointed out that students who attend Warren Tech come from diverse backgrounds, which allows for their work to be created through many different lenses. Students participating in the project receive an English credit for their research and writing, as well as Graphic Design credits. Though the project explores the lives of many individuals from the African American community, it’s not specifically a Black History project, in that students were encouraged to tell visual stories of people from all marginalized populations. Posters of political organizer and activist, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez, and Nobel Peace Prize winning activist Malala Yousafzai are included in the series. Warren Tech Learning Specialist Sarah Washington also is an equity and diversity liaison for the school. She said students really bought in to the concept of the project and were excited about researching their subjects. “Some of them knew right away who they were going to pick,” she said. “And some of them had no
Warren Tech graphic design student Chelsea Walter displays her Perseverance Hero poster.
idea, so they got to learn about a lot of different people, in making their decision. We encouraged them to look for the unsung heroes, and they really came through.” Design Instructor Peter Cunis said graphic design assignments are often structured in a way that’s similar to real-world working conditions. Students research their topic or subject, create sketches and layouts and then pitch the concept to instructors. He said the program has been valuable in many different ways, including giving everyone involved a chance to learn about inspirational figures they may have never heard of before. Odendahl said the posters are displayed in the entryway galleria at Warren Tech, but he hopes they will someday be shared across the school district.
Arvada Press 11
February 24, 2022
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Thu 3/03 Charles McPherson
Featured
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@ 6:30pm Dazzle Denver, 1512 Curtis St, Denver
Andrés @ 7pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver
Claire Rosinkranz @ 7pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
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Featured Colorado Symphony Orchestra @ 7:30pm Boettcher Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
Sat 3/05 Featured
Sturtz @ 2pm The Golden Mill, 1012 Ford St, Golden
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Ryan Hutchens at Golden Moon Speakeasy
Omnium Gatherum: ORIGIN NORTH AMERICAN TOUR @ 6:30pm The Oriental Theater, 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver
Demun Jones, Long Cut, Dusty Leigh @ 7pm / $20 The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues, 1624 Market St, Denver
@ 8pm Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St, Den‐ ver
ReEnTrance Feat. JES @ 9pm Club Vinyl, 1082 N Broadway, Denver
Fri 3/04 Featured
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Teresa Storch Duo at Golden Moon Speakeasy @ 7pm Golden Moon Speak, 1111 Miner's Alley, Golden Dirty Side Down Band: Dirty Side Down @ Babe's Nightclub @ 8pm Babes Nightclub, 2265 W 84th Ave, Denver
6 Million Dollar Band @ 8pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver
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Divergent Drag & More Variety Show @ 7pm / $20 Denver's Dangerous Theatre, 2620 West 2nd Avenue, Denver. danger ousreservations@gmail.com, 720989-3283 Pears @ 9pm Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Mon 3/07 Featured
Banff Mountain Film Festival @ 7pm / $24.50 Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver
Cowboy Dave @ 8pm Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Denver, 1946 Market St, Denver
Zoe Berman Music: Zoe Berman Freezing Heat EP Release Show @ 8pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver
The Dangerous Summer @ 7pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver Leif Vollebekk @ 7:30pm Bluebird Theatre, 3317 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver
DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo at 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 8pm Bout Time Pub & Grub, 5225 W 80th Ave, Arvada
Marty NIghtengale @ 5pm The Golden Mill, 1012 Ford St, Golden
@ 8:30pm / $35-$90 Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glen‐ arm, Denver
Tue 3/08
@ 7pm Golden Moon Speak, 1111 Miner's Alley, Golden
Boris
Ballet Folklorico
Wed 3/09
Random Rab @ Meow Wolf w/ Equanimous & Skysia @ 10pm Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver
Sun 3/06 Belmont @ 6pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver
The Munsens
Immersive Frida Kahlo (Peak) @ 1pm Lighthouse Denver, 3900 Elati Street, Denver Coletta
@ 7pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver
Zach Neil @ 7pm Grizzly Rose, 5450 N Valley Hwy, Denver
Youth Fountain: Aftermath Tour
Amazon's LMAO Comedy Fest Presents: Jay Walker & Best Friends
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LOCAL
February 24, 2022
VOICES Let’s make history together
I
gazed out the window at the snowcovered peaks and patchwork fields below as my plane approached the tarmac at Denver International Airport. Wheels down at last. I had arrived at my new home–a brilliant blue sky overhead and blinding snow as far as the eye could see. It is hard to wrap my mind around how such a majestic place can also possess one of the country’s highest rates of suicide and prevalence of mental health challenges. My mission? Harness the momentum that has driven an unprecedented two-year planning effort to bring about transformational change in Colorado’s behavioral health system so that it truly and compassionately puts people first. I am humbled that Governor Jared Polis has appointed me to serve as Colorado’s first Behavioral Health Commissioner to lead the new Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), which we will launch by July. This clinically trained mental health and addiction treatment practitioner has come to Colorado at an urgent and exciting moment. We are on the verge of making history and have a real opportunity to
GUEST COLUMN
develop a system that is equitable, accountable and effective. The BHA we build will oversee a system that serves all of Colorado, provides care that is timely and helps people find success by achieving whole-person health and wellbeing. When Morgan Medlock we get this right, our state stands to become an exemplar on the national stage of what it means to provide person-centered, community-based and data-informed behavioral health care.
we will have established an Advisory Council that is diverse in its membership and co-chaired by someone with lived experience. Council meetings will be inclusive and accessible, held in different parts of the state, with attendance and input widely encouraged and sought out. In the same vein, I am proud that the BHA’s first official action has been to sponsor five individuals to participate in the College for Behavioral Health Leadership’s Equity-Grounded Leadership Fellow Program pilot this spring. The program’s goal is to empower and equip leaders to take bold action to unravel systemic racism and create equitable behavioral health systems in their communities.
When I worked as an emergency department psychiatrist in Boston, I saw first hand how the scarcity of behavioral health treatment options in the community and the stigma of seeking support can result in our family, friends, and neighbors landing in some of their darkest moments. The BHA we build will be driven by individuals with this lived experience. By July
Sadly, we are all too familiar with the tragic stories of Colorado’s behavioral health safety net failing our state’s most vulnerable citizens, including those from marginalized populations. Individuals with complex needs are turned away, insurance coverage is inadequate or nonexistent, appointments are unavailable. The BHA we build will be transparent, accountable and
effective. We will define new metrics that will help us identify and design solutions to fill the gaps and ensure Coloradans are benefitting from timely services that are culturally responsive and meet the highest standards of care. We will use data to measure our progress toward fortifying and expanding our safety net so that we catch people before they find themselves in crisis. And we will publish our findings in a transparent and accessible way through public dashboards and reporting to the General Assembly. We are making history. Join us. I am committed to working with patients, partners and other stakeholders to build an equitable and just system of behavioral health care for Colorado. The BHA we build will bring partners together to align our funding and resources under a unified vision and strategy for transforming our behavioral health system. This strategy will be bold, be based in empathy, integrity and data, and will always put people first. Dr. Morgan Medlock is Colorado’s behavioral health commissioner.
We are the people we’ve been waiting for
L
ately, I’ve been wondering how I’ve moved from “It’s a Wonderful World” through “It’s the End of the World (as We Know It)” to, simply, “Wake Me Up (When It’s All Over).” When did I actually give up? Sure, I still see blue skies, white clouds and the colors of the rainbow, but friends greeting each other with handshakes on the street... not so much. Many of my own friends are still waiting for the time when embraces – even handshakes – are less risky than bumping elbows or just staying home, period. And instead of the smiles Louis Armstrong describes, I get the sideeye glare from strangers in the grocery store. Some (like I do) give others a wide berth while checking out at the liquor store. And what about dining indoors … is that okay now, depending on which county in the wonderful world I’m in at the moment?
Then there’s the complete breakdown of civility, which, in my opinion, has already fast-fueled the end of the world as we know it. Punching, teeth-knocking bloody assaults ... at 30,000 feet? C’mon, man. Brawls in Andrea Doray parking lots over close-in spaces or knock-down drag-out brawls because of rules/mandates/fill-in-the-blank choices? On that note, R.E.M. aptly points to “earthquakes” and “hurricanes.” My firm vote is that civilization’s already been irrevocably altered by global forces of the Internet and distinctly unsocial social media. Anonymity has long provided cover for people and actions and Internet trolls
have jumped right on that. The image of hiding behind a computer screen conjures up all manner of evil-doerwannabes spending their days scrolling through other people’s lives for the sole purpose of belittling, degrading and, often, threatening them. And, honestly, I’ve never believed – until the past few years, that is – that I’m a defeatist, but, truly, I am simply worn down. Compassion and empathy are endlessly warring with trauma fatigue and sheer exhaustion, fumbling around in the darkness, Avicii decries. I’m ready – ready, I say! – to dive underneath the feathers and let the rest of you work all this out. Seriously, just wake me up when it’s all over. I also have to wonder, though ... what must R.E.M. and Avicii know that Louis Armstrong did not? Conversely, what could Satchmo see of our world that we others now can’t?
And yet, and yet ... just on my way home from Target (masks still required) to the car wash (Hallelujah!), I heard Bono, Martin Garrix and The Edge assure me that “We Are the People (We’ve Been Waiting For.)” Think of it, we are the people we’ve been waiting for. We are the people in pools of light, we are the people who don’t fear the fight. Finally, finally ... this is the message that’s (forgive me) music to my ears. “Making a difference” feels too trite to me. “Changing the world” feels too helpless, too often ... but what if, just what if we are the people, we are the people we’ve been waiting for? Then ... go ahead and, as Wham! would say, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go!”
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Arvada Press 13
February 24, 2022
A cinematic celebration of resilience
T
here are many reasons to attend a festival, but most regular attendees will explain that it’s the community of attendees that keeps them returning. This year, the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival will be able to offer that again, with the return to the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, from Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6. “Film and the arts in general are unique because they offer large platforms for people to represent their own experiences, perspectives and ideas,” wrote Ambriehl Turrentine, programming coordinator at Denver Film, in an email interview. “Those who attend the festival will leave having formed a dynamic and fruitful connection with the stories they saw on screen — a connection that fosters creativity, understanding and action.” The 7th annual festival features more than 10 screenings, two community conversations, and three special events. We spoke with Sara Moore, Colorado Dragon Boat executive director, about the event and what keeps it vital.
Interview edited for brevity and clarity. Tell me about planning this year’s event? Our festival is the only all Asian and Asian American film festival in Colorado. This is a unique festival Clarke Reader that truly thrives as an in-person event. The goal of our festival is to promote and highlight the amazing contributions and accomplishments coming out of Asia and the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in film. The best way to do that is by bringing people together to share their stories. Tell me about what you were looking for in films to showcase at this year’s festival? This year’s theme is “Celebrating our Resilience.” The meaning behind our theme has to do with the last two years of hardships and pain the AAPI community has endured and still to this day has to endure. Throughout the pandemic and the
COMING ATTRACTIONS
horrible atrocities against the AAPI, we as a community have stood together with strength, compassion and resilience. This festival highlights and celebrates that strength. Why is that theme important? I think one of the most unique aspects of our film festival is that we bring people together. Not only do we bring the AAPI community together (under that umbrella there are over 35 different cultures and ethnicities), we bring the general public together as well. We encourage everyone to come to the festival to learn from our films, our filmmakers, our audience members and more. We bring people together to share their stories and learn more about the cultures and traditions that make up Colorado. I truly believe that the best way to fight racism and AAPI hate is to come together, share your stories, and listen. And that is what our festival does. What do you hope people who attend the festival come away with? I hope they go away with new stories to tell, new friendships that have been made, a mind full of
inspiration and compassion and very full bellies from our delicious culinary partnerships we have throughout the festival. See the full schedule and purchase tickets at denverfilm.org. Gang of Youths produce dynamic examination of grief We’ve all had to become more accustomed to grief over the last two years than any of us could imagined when the pandemic first started. But grief has been a subject of art for as long as people have been able to create. On Feb. 25, Australian indie rockers Gang of Youths are releasing their third album, “angel in realtime.,” which delves into the aftermath of the death of frontman Dave Le’aupepe’s father. The result is an album that is both gutting and joyous, one that celebrates life while acknowledging the challenges presented by loss. The album — which is available on streaming services and record stores — takes listeners through an entire grief cycle, while admitting that there’s no complete end - just learning to live with memories of SEE READER, P15
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Disagree with Alcorn’s “History repeats itself again” column As a public educator for 15 years and an adjunct faculty member in MSU Denver’s teacher preparation program, I have to strongly disagree with the perspective expressed by Mr. Alcorn in “History repeats itself again.” He apparently confuses the idea educational inclusion and equity with social activism. In today’s teaching environment, the emphasis is on trying to have students reason and draw conclusions based on the information they are provided. There is also an emphasis in broadening the information to include pieces of history that have been excluded or sanitized. Twenty-five years ago, as Mr. Alcorn references, we were still being taught that the Civil War was about States’ Rights and had nothing to do with continuing slavery, taught little if any-
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thing about the existence and contribution of black cowboys, or that Aleandre Dumas was a black author, to give just a few examples. Did Mr. Alcorn, in all his years teaching music, take time to include teaching about several of the black or Hispanic composers who contributed to our musical heritage? Has he considered that trying to unsanitize history, while it may be messier and less convenient, does not mean it is social activism, but rather an attempt to provide students a better understanding of where we came from so they can make better decisions about their future? Yes, history will repeat itself again if we do not do a better job of learning our true history and not just the sanitized version that is more comfortable for some. Mike Pugliese, Arvada
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14 Arvada Press
LOCAL
February 24, 2022
LIFE the outcasts of society and those pushed to the fringes,” Felser said. “The reality is it’s somewhere in between … it encapsulates so many different lifestyles.”
Exploring the stories, realities and misconceptions of van life BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
W Van life Juanca La Ross, 33, has been living in his van, a Ram ProMaster, since July. “I have this constant journey to keep traveling,” La Ross said. COURTESY OF JUANCA LA ROSS
hen he was a teacher, Matt Felser built his first van in the parking lot of Vail Mountain School, much to the chagrin of staff. “I was a very good teacher but a very poor builder,” said Felser, who, through the help of friends and thousands of hours on YouTube, converted a used Ram ProMaster into a new home on wheels. Van life, once a niche experience for die-hard nomads, has taken root in communities across Colorado and the U.S. as people look for ways to combine more travel with environmental sustainability and affordable living. In 2019, the first year Felser began living in his van full time, the U.S. Census Bureau counted 140,000 vans, RVs or boats as housing units, up from 102,000 in 2016. As van life communities grow, it’s hard to paint them with a single brushstroke. While the rise of #VanLife on social media has given some a window into the world, for most people, the reality of van life differs from its portrayal on Instagram. “The misperceptions are put into these extremes … it’s either for the ultrawealthy … or for
‘
A business takes hold Felser, who had taught seventh- and eighth-grade Spanish and coachedhigh school lacrosse and soccer, left his job in spring 2019 after he reconnected with Dave Ramsey, an old college friend. Ramsey had been living in an RV for three years, and Felser had begun living in his ProMaster in order to afford a down payment for a house he bought in the Vail Valley, which he was renting out. The two both saw a need in the market for more affordable vans and decided to open their own business, Dave & Matt Vans, which they run out of Gypsum. With a team of 11 who all live in vans full time, the shop orders in “empty tin can” ProMasters that can be built out with livable amenities for a belowmarket rate. Costs for outfitted vans range from $65,000 to $90,000, according to Felser, who said his shop offers an alternative to vans, RVs and trailers that can cost between $100,000 and $200,000. “Van life changed our lives, and we wanted to give people that ability and option,” Felser said. Over the past three years, the shop has seen about 350 clients, Felser said. Much of their business came after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Felser said, with May 2020 seeing 10 times the amount of inquiries than the shop typically received. Felser attributes the boom to a desire for escape felt among the millions who were forced to work from home and socially isolate. For the first time in many people’s careers, they now have the opportunity to work from wherever they want. “That change and shift in paradigm have allowed people to pursue this lifestyle,” he said. Along with the pandemic, Colorado’s continued affordable housing crisis has pushed many to look for alternative means of housing that won’t break the bank. Felser said he’s worked with many clients who have turned to vans
Van life changed our lives, and we wanted to give people that ability and option
’
Matt Felser
SEE ROLLING, P15
The view from Juanca La Ross’ van during his travels through Colorado. COURTESY OF JUANCA LA ROSS
The inside of Austin Abelkis’ van, which he has lived in with his girlfriend Alice Fors since August. COURTESY OF AUSTIN ABELKIS AND ALICE FORS
The Gypsum-based shop Dave & Matt Vans has had over 300 clients since it began three years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to an increase in COURTESY OF DAVE AND MATT VANS demand.
Arvada Press 15
February 24, 2022
ROLLING FROM PAGE 14
rather than renting or buying a home, which in Colorado is averaged to cost over $500,000. While Felser now lives in his Vail townhouse, he still takes off in his van whenever he finds the free time. “I go on week- and month-long adventures whenever I can,” he said. “The van is both my car and my vacation home.” ‘My whole life in one place’ Since August, Austin Abelkis has lived in his ProMaster, which he purchased for about $60,000, with his girlfriend Alice Fors and their two dogs. There were several reasons why Abelkis, who is 26 and grew up in Boulder County, said he was ready for the change. He was paying $1,000 in rent each month for an apartment he barely stayed at. He loved taking advantage of Colorado’s outdoor offerings, from climbing to hiking. And he had a job with an outdoor footwear company that required him to travel around the country for events. “I was just ready to minimize, have my whole life in one place,” Abelkis said. “It feels like a much smaller footprint you’re putting out into the environment.” With a 20-gallon water tank that lasts the couple a week and solar panels on the van’s roof, the two feel they are making a difference in terms of conservation. “It’s just realizing that you don’t need so much and you can live with a lot less than you think,” Abelkis said. The couple has enjoyed various trips through the country including along the West Coast and in the Southwest. For Abelkis, the freedom to move your home to wherever you want it to be is one of the biggest rewards of van living. “Stop off for the night, light some candles, make some dinner, wake up and you’re at the Grand Canyon or you’re at the redwoods,” he said. But it’s not always easy. At about 80 inches wide and 236 inches long, managing life for two in such a space can have its challenges. “Our kitchen is next to our bed, so sometimes, tomato sauce gets in our sheets,” Abelkis said. And when utilities go awry, such as a light that’s out or a clogged drain, there are few opportunities to call someone when on the road, forcing Austin to be
READER FROM PAGE 13
life and joy. It couldn’t be more vital or timely. A celebration and encouragement of bold women Our country is still struggling with many issues related to gender equality and the History Colorado Center is hosting Bold Women. Change
his own electrician and plumber. And having two dogs — one a pug and the other a pointer mix — only adds to the minimal space. “It has its up and downs for sure … the small space can be very challenging for us,” Fors said. But Abelkis and Fors said they wouldn’t have it any other way. “That feeling of waking up in nature is just amazing,” Fors said. Before COVID, many people centered their lives around their work, but now, more people are realizing there are new opportunities to consider, Austin said. “(Van life) is breaking out of that cycle,” he said. “I can live my life and explore the world — life is short.” Chasing adventure and asking for understanding For Juanca La Ross, adventure is what drives him in his van life. “I have this constant journey to keep traveling,” La Ross said. Born in Lima, Peru, La Ross spent his later teen years and early 20s in Florida. But after graduating from college, he yearned for a landscape of nearby mountains reminiscent of the ones he grew up in. Colorado seemed an obvious choice. In August 2020, La Ross joined Felser’s company, working to build vans like his for others who wanted to experience the lifestyle. “As I started building them, it became clear that I could live in one of them and would be happy living in one of them,” said La Ross, who began living in a ProMaster he purchased from work in July of last year. Now he spends his free time rock climbing, hiking, snowboarding and exploring the country’s Southwest. “I can continue to do the activities I love without having to sacrifice too much time commuting or too much freedom,” he said. Josh Ness, 33, also an employee of Dave & Matt Vans, said his choice to live more nomadically gave him a “more fulfilling lifestyle.” Ness is an avid hiker and has climbed 47 of Colorado’s 58 14,000-foot-high mountains, also known as 14ers. “When it’s not freezing outside, you’ll find me on a mountain hiking,” he said. Still, for all its opportunities, van life comes with a misperception many are still trying to shake off. For Ness, he has had to deal with suspicious looks and the History. Women’s History Symposium to discuss some of the many past achievements and what still lies ahead. The symposium will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26 at the History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway in Denver. The event — which includes a catered lunch and refreshments — will include historians, researchers and museum professionals “for a day of learning, discussion, and connection,” according to provided information. Get tickets and
Austin Abelkis and Alice Fors with their two dogs. “It has its ups and downs for sure ... the small space can be very challenging for us,” Fors said. “(But) that feeling of waking up in nature is just amazing.” OURTESY OF ALICE FORS
Matt Felser, who did what he could to retrofit his van while on a teacher’s salary, said he wanted to make van life more accessible and affordable through his shop. COURTESY OF DAVE AND MATT VANS
occasional questioning by police, even when he parks legally during appropriate hours. “We’re normal people just like everybody else, enjoying our life, living our lives as best we can,” Ness said. Abelkis said van life is often glorified through social media. “The Instagram ideal of it is not even remotely what it is at
all,” he said. For Felser, van life is not a onesize-fits-all identity, but a way of living that brings together a myriad of people. “Van life means something different to everyone — that’s the beauty of it,” he said. “To me, that’s an adventure — to go to the places I want to go and do the things I want to do.”
information at historycolorado.org/ events-experiences. Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Jazmine Sullivan at Summit Music Hall Philadelphia’s Jazmine Sullivan is one of modern R&B’s most incisive and intoxicating voices and much like her peer Frank Ocean, we don’t hear from her nearly enough. Last year she released her first new music collection in six years, “Heaux Tales.” The EP was named album of the year at NPR,
Pitchfork, Entertainment Weekly and more. As part of her tour, she’ll be performing at the Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28. She’ll be joined by upand-comer Tiana Major9. Get tickets at livenation.com. Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.
16 Arvada Press
LOCAL
February 24, 2022
SPORTS
Pomona wrestling has record-setting performance to take 4-peat BYDENNISPLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DENVER — The battle to the Class 5A wrestling team title was a two-team race Feb. 19 at Ball Arena. When the dust settled, Pomona won its fourth straight team title with a record-setting 256.5 points. Ponderosa finished second with 239 points. “As a team, we always know we can battle through anything,” Pomona senior Elijah Olguin said. “I trusted my teammates and they trusted us. We just got it done.” Ponderosa entered the day holding nearly a 40-point lead thanks to sending seven wrestlers to the championship finals. “The whole time,” Pomona coach Sam Federico said if he was nervous about the team title outcome. “That’s a good team. Twelve placers Ponderosa had. That’s a good team. Our guys battled through and did what they had to do to win.” Three-time defending state champion Pomona used the consolation wrestlebacks and 3rd and 5th place matches to retake the lead by a 20.5-point margin heading into the championship bouts. “We got on a roll winning 13 matches in a row,” Federico said of the consolation matches in the morning and early afternoon. “Those were all four and five point matches and we got some pins in there. Those were huge.” The Panthers clawed back to actually set a new all-time team scoring record before the championship finals. Pomona had 242.5 points before finals to break the old team record of 232 set by Wiggins back in 1999. Pomona had 13-of-14 wrestlers made the podium. The Panthers had six wrestlers place 3rd and three 4th place finishers. “It’s hard to come back and get third, especially when your goal is to be a state champion,” Federico said. “Once that goal went away these guys went to work for their teammates. There is a lot to be said about that.” Junior Jakob Romero (126) along with seniors Olguin (132), Daniel Cardenas (152) and Roman Cruz (170) were the four Pomona wrestlers in title bouts. Romero and Olguin both became two-time state champions with victories, while Cardenas finished off his remarkable career with a pin to seal the team victory. “We did our best to keep a good attitude,” Cardenas said of Pomona trailing after the semifinal matches Friday night. “We knew that we would do what we needed to do.” Romero and Olguin got the Panthers on the right path to stretch out the team lead with back-to-back victories to keep a 20-point lead over Ponderosa. “I just had to stay focused,” Olguin said about facing Monarch junior Emilio Trujillo-Deen who had defeated Olguin twice already this season. “I told myself this was my revenge tour and get down to business.” The lone head-to-head title match between Ponderosa and Pomona was
at 170 pounds. Cruz faced Ponderosa senior Karter Johnson for the first time this season. Johnson prevented Pomona from going 4-for-4 in title bouts taking a 7-5 decision. “I’m so proud of myself and so proud of my team,” Johnson said. “I’m so blessed to have the coaching staff and teams that I have.” The Mustangs went 4-for-7 in title bouts. “We just train every single day,” Johnson said. Despite finishing runner-up to Pomona, the Mustangs are focused on the bright future and the continued rivalry with Pomona. “We’ve got some good freshmen coming up for us,” Johnson said. “We are a pretty young team. Pomona watch out. We are coming for you.” Prairie View senior Ane’e Vigil made history becoming the Thunderhawks’ first two-time individual state champion. Vigil defeated Ralston Valley sophomore Lincoln Gergersen, who was trying to become the Mustangs’ first state champion. Vigil actually went over to talk to Cardenas during the awards after all the championship bouts. “I want to be just like that,” Prairie View junior Ane’e Vigil said of Cardenas. “Run through my bracket and not even get touched. That is something I want to be like.” Dennis Pleuss is the Sports Information Director for Jeffco Public Schools. For more Jeffco coverage, go to CHSAANow.com.
Pomona senior Elijah Olguin celebrates his 6-2 victory over Monarch’s Emilio TrujilloDeen in the Class 5A 132-pound weight class Feb. 19 at Ball Arena. It was the second individual state title for Olguin.
Pomona wrestlers and coaching staff pose with the Class 5A state wrestling team title for the fourth straight season Feb. 19 at Ball Arena. The Panthers set a new state record racking up 256.5 points in heading Ponderosa for the team championship. PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CLASS 5A WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH RESULTS 103: Declan Strait (Chaparral) def. Dorian Ervin (Eaglecrest) Dec 8-5 113: Ane’e Vigil (Prairie View) def. Lincoln Gregersen (Ralston Valley) Dec 13-7 120: Jacob Myers (Ponderosa) def. Derek Glenn Jr. (Cherokee Trail) Dec 7-2 126: Jakob Romero (Pomona) def. Billy Greenwood
(Poudre) Dec 10-4 132: Elijah Olguin (Pomona) def. Emilio Trujillo-Deen (Monarch) Dec 6-2 138: Jacob Bostelman (Ponderosa) def. Dillon Roman (Monarch) Dec 5-2 145: Levi Deaguero (Adams City def. Tyler Eise (Ponderosa) Dec 3-2 152: Daniel Cardenas (Po-
mona) def. Justin Kelchen (Douglas County) Fall 3:33 160: Murphy Menke (Ponderosa) def. Matthew Buck (Cherokee Trail) MD 16-3 170: Karter Johnson (Ponderosa) def. Roman Cruz (Pomona) Dec 7-5 182: Cole Carlucci (Monarch) def. Westin Hoffschneider (Ponderosa) Dec
4-1 195: Geoffrey Freeman (Chaparral) def. Gavin Funk (Legacy) Dec 5-3 220: Dylan Bravo-Packer (Brighton) def. Haegun Hoffschneider (Ponderosa) Fall 4:48 285: Luke Sandy (Legend) def. Cade Whish (Fort Collins) Fall 5:39
Arvada Press 17
February 24, 2022
Pomona’s Daniel Cardenas joins 4-timers club BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DENVER — Senior Daniel Cardenas passed up every great wrestler that has ever put on a Pomona singlet on Feb. 19. Tom Clum, Gary Dack, Theorius Robison and Franklin Cruz — all three-time individual state champions for the Panthers — has to take a backseat to the Colorado’s 30th fourtime state champion. “It means a ton. I wouldn’t want to say I’m ahead of them because those are my role models,” Cardenas said of the likes of Clum, Dack, Robison and Cruz. “But to claim this fourth title is just awesome.” Cardenas became Pomona’s first four-time state champion for the program that captured its ninth Class 5A team state title since 2000 on the same night Cardenas made history. “It’s been a longtime goal for me,” Cardenas said of winning his fourth individual title. “Hopefully at the end of the night I’ll be an eight-time state champ with four team titles too.” The future Stanford University wrestler capped off his high school career with 5A individual state titles at 120, 138, 145 and 152. Cardenas defeated Douglas County senior Justin Kelchen with a pin 3:33 into the match to finish off a perfect undefeated record this season. Cardenas had a handful of takedowns before getting the pin midway through the second period. “He is in a class of his own,” said Pomona coach Sam Federico, who added Cardenas is the best wrestler he has ever coached. “He is one that you don’t get to coach very often. You get a guy like that and it’s pretty special.” Cardenas also won titles at national invites — Iron Man, Reno and Doc B — this winter to close out his high school career. The path to the title match Saturday was a quick one for Cardenas. He spent a total of 3 minutes, 39 seconds with three pins in his first three matches. “I’m not going to lie. It kind of got
hard,” Cardenas said about not having many close matches this season. “You see stuff happen like Therious and Tom Clum. I wasn’t going to let that happen. I just kept working hard throughout the season.” Robison got beat in the state semis in 2019 to prevent him from winning a fourth individual title. Clum lost in his final state championship bout in the historic match back in 2001. Woodland Park senior Brady Hankin was the only other wrestler going for a fourth state title on Saturday night. Hankin came up short losing his 3A match at 138 pounds. “What can you say about him that hasn’t already been said,” Federico said of Cardenas. “He is something else. First four-timer at Pomona. Deserving so. He works harder than anybody. His grades are good. He does everything right in the wrestling room, outside the wrestling room and with his teammates.” Dennis Pleuss is the Sports Information Director for Jeffco Public Schools. For more Jeffco coverage, go to CHSAANow.com.
Pomona senior Daniel Cardenas ran over to Pomona’s crowd after winning his fourth straight individual state wrestling title Feb. 19 PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS at Ball Arena. Cardenas became Colorado’s 30th four-time state champion and first from Pomona.
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Pomona senior Daniel Cardenas gets a standing ovation from the crowd Feb. 19 at Ball Arena. Cardenas became the first Pomona wrestler to win four individual state titles. Cardenas pinned Douglas County senior Justin Kelchen at the 3:33 mark in the Class 5A 152-pound championship bout.
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February 24, 2022
C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E
Lakewood City Council approves Drug Task Force IGA changes Arvada departure calls for new agreement to be implemented STAFFREPORT
In 1995, the City of Lakewood entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the cities of Wheat Ridge, Golden, Arvada, the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office and First Judicial District Attorney’s Office to create the West Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF). Now, the City of Arvada is withdrawing from the WMDTF, necessitating changes in the IGA, which were approved by Lakewood City Council on Feb. 14. In addition to reflecting the departure of Arvada, the amended IGA details changes in some of the ways the WMDTF does business. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will now be the Financial Host for the WMDTF, including management of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) grant, formerly managed by the Lakewood
Police Department. All financial matters related to the operation of the West Metro Drug Task Force will be managed by Jefferson County. By participating in the IGA, each party agrees to aid and assist the other parties by permitting law enforcement personnel and equipment to be used in conducing overt and covert investigations of criminal activity in the jurisdiction of any of the the other parties. Some of the crimes participants might be called to investigate include trafficking of illegal drugs or alcohol, money laundering, fencing stolen property, gambling, prostitution and other vice offenses. According to the IGA, parties to the agreement may also be called on in instances when covert investigation procedures are needed in the jurisdiction served by one party which are in the common interest of the law enforcement agency of each party. Lakewood’s resolution to approve the amended IGA said the WMDTF has proven beneficial in the prevention of and prosecution of large-scale drug trafficking in the Jefferson County Region.
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Arvada Press 23
February 24, 2022
Casa Bonita Art Show opens to huge crowd Creativity and kitsch reign supreme at NEXT Gallery BY BOB WOOLEY BWOOLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Opening night at NEXT Gallery’s Casa Bonita Art Show, “Mi Casa Es Su Casa,” was a rollicking, good time for those unbothered by a throng of bodies packed into a rather tight space. Art lovers and hipsters of all ages came to have a drink, share a laugh, take a selfie and check out pieces created by artists across the country. This is the fifth year for the gallery show, featuring works inspired by the iconic Mexican restaurant that has carved out a place in pop culture history. Bobby Nathan won an award for his space themed “CASA,”— think NASA, installation. His friends, Jess Bergeman and Eileen O’Brien, called the show a special event for the community, while giving a special shout-out to Andrew Novick, a well-known Casa Bonita booster who rallied to save the pink palace before its recent purchase by South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Artist and show curator Betsy $B Rudolph said she was worried that last year’s COVIDinterrupted version might have made interest in this year’s show fizzle — something that clearly did not happen. “I think people were waiting for its return,” Rudolph said. “And artists are telling me they’re already planning pieces for next year’s show.” “Mi Casa Es Su Casa” will have an extended five-week run. So, if you missed out on the opening night soireé, you can still catch it at Lakewood’s NEXT Gallery through March 20.
Inside the Casa Bonita Art Show at Lakewood’s NEXT Gallery.
PHOTOS BY BOB WOOLEY
Artist and show curator, Betsy $B Rudolph, attends the opening of “Mi Casa Es Su Casa,” the Casa Bonita Art Show at Lakewood’s Art lovers unite to see Casa Bonita inspired creations at Lakewood’s NEXT Gallery. NEXT Gallery.
www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices
PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals City and County Public Notice NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST THE RELEASE OF FUNDS February 24, 2022 City of Arvada, Colorado PO Box 8101, Arvada, Colorado 80001-8101 720-898-7494 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Arvada, Colorado. REQUEST FOR THE RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about March 14, 2022 the City of Arvada, Colorado will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of City of Arvada, Colorado for the release of seven project-based vouchers, under the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016, to undertake the following project: Project Title: Vance St. Flats Purpose: The purpose of the proposed action is to construct a building with 50 new units of affordable housing. The proposed project would involve the construction of one, three-story, multi-family building with a total of 50 affordable units situated on the southwest area of the parcel. The building would be wood framed, slab-on-grade, and have a masonry exterior. Associated parking to the north of the building, as well as infrastructure improvements and landscaping would be included in the redevelopment of the parcel.
legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com
The City of Arvada, Colorado has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. An Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), therefore, is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Housing Preservation and Resources Division of the City of Arvada, 8001 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Location: 7355 Ralston Rd., Arvada Estimated Cost: $16,000,000 + 7 PBVs
Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the projects may submit written comments to the Housing and Homelessness Programs Division of the City of Arvada, 8001 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado. All comments received by March 11, 2022 will be considered by the City of Arvada, Colorado prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City of Arvada, Colorado certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Mr. Mark G. Deven in his capacity as City Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City of Arvada, Colorado to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO THE RELEASE OF FUNDS The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Arvada’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are made on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Arvada, Colorado; (b) the City of Arvada, Colorado has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations at 24 CFR
Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before the approval of a release of funds by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; or (d) another Federal agency, acting pursuant to 40 CFR part 1504, has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures of 24 CFR Part 58 and shall be addressed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Region VIII Office, 8ADE, 1670 Broadway Street, Colorado 80202-4801. Potential objectors should contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Mr. Mark G. Deven, City Manager Legal Notice No. 413352 First Publication: February 24, 2022 Last Publication: February 24, 2022 Publisher: Jeffco Transcript
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Arvada Legals 2.24.22 * 1
24 Arvada Press
February 24, 2022
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