Denver North Star July 15 - August 14 2020

Your Guide to Community, Politics, Arts and Culture in North Denver DenverNor thStar.com

|

Volume 1, Issue 10

|

July 15 -August 14, 2020

|

ALWAYS FREE!

Sandoval Sponsors Effort to Rename Columbus Park “La Raza Park”

By David Sabados

W

ARTS & CULTURE Mask-O-Drama PAGE 2

PHOTOS BY DAVID SABADOS

The plaque declaring the area “La Raza Plaza” is affixed to the structure built during the Peña administration.

T COMMUNITY Compassionate Colorado PAGE 6

POLITICS Berkeley Mortuary Land Designation PAGE 13

POLITICS Police Reform Bill PAGE 13

HEALTH & WELLNESS Neighbors Support Each Other PAGE 15

City, DPS Consider Name Changes

By David Sabados he park bordered by 38th and 39th Avenues and Osage and Navajo streets isn’t North Denver’s largest, but it’s the subject of one of the largest discussions in North Denver right now. The park, officially called Columbus Park by the city, has also unofficially been known by some as La Raza park, and could be officially if an effort by Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval is successful in a new effort to change the name. The fight over the Sunnyside park name isn’t new, but it’s been given new life in the wake of the civil unrest across the city and nation as protests have targeted monuments associated with historical figures who are now viewed negatively. One of those is Christopher Columbus. Protestors pulled down a statue of Columbus from Civic Center Park downtown, along with a Civil War monument. Others have been graffitied. The city has since removed another statue of Kit Carson, the Columbus Park sign, and has looked at removing others proactively before protestors do. The potential name change has also touched on still raw nerves for both the Latino and Italian communities, who have historically had conflict in North Denver, though that conflict hasn’t been as prevalent in recent years. At the same time, the city has also formed a committee

to analyze what other parks and buildings may have names that are now considered offensive, though the Columbus Park proposal is separate from the overall city effort. EARLY HISTORY OF COLUMBUS PARK Documents show that the city acquired the land in 1906 and it was originally named North Side Playground Park. A deed provided by the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s office shows the city purchased the land from an out of state owner for $7,500. That amount is roughly the equivalent of $128,000 today. While original records are spotty, multiple people interviewed for this story said the Italian American community raised funds for the park and a 1998 Denver Post article refers to a $7,500 donation from the Italian American community in 1931, the same amount the city apparently purchased the land for. Councilwoman Sandoval also references a $7,500 donation in a letter to the city to begin the rena m i ng process but was unsure of any historical documentation. In October of 1931, former Councilmember

Eugene Veraldi proposed changing the name to Columbus Park; the renaming passed council unanimously. Whether the $7,500 donation actually occurred and if the amount is a coincidence or tied in some way to the sale or naming is still a point of contention today. Interviewing residents of North Denver from the mid20th century presents distinct stories that at some points align and at other points differ. Older Italians talk about conflict with newly arriving Latino residents at the pool that once took up much of the park, saying the new arrivals tried to displace them and their culture. Latinos talk about how the Italians were hostile and the new residents were barred from public spaces. The stories shared by interviewees shared the same locations and times, but other details were vastly different. Suzanne Goeddel Anderson, now 80, grew up in the See PARK, Page 11

hile the potential renaming of Columbus Park has so far garnered the most attention, several other efforts are also being discussed. Mayor Hancock has formed a committee to look at parks and buildings across the city who may be named after individuals who are now viewed negatively. Rowena Alegria, Chief Storyteller for the City and Council of Denver, said they are working with the State Historian’s Council to conduct research. “Community will be engaged both in the recommendation of properties up for renaming and in the renaming of those that warrant it, which will require yet another round of research before new names are granted,” said Alegria. That committee is headed up by Derek Okubo, Director of the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships who said the committee is “Diverse and representative of the community.” Okubo said there is no end date planned for the committee and that it will be an ongoing process. At the same time, Denver Public Schools is looking at a number of school names and mascots. North High School Principal Scott Wolf said his school is looking into changing mascots. “Vikings have a violent history and we are at a time in our current history where we need to step back and look critically at everything,” said Wolf. “I have begun talking with the North Alumni Association president, Isaac Solano, about our current mascot. As we return to school in the fall, it is definitely something that the North community will need to discuss and collectively See CHANGES, Page 9

ARTS & C ULT URE

The Great Face Off: Mask-O-Drama

By Basha Cohen he mask enters the new world of COVID as the fashion accessory and political statement of 2020. The myriad ways of wearing a mask showcase the face with statement patterns celebrating community from Northside Pride to West Colfax to brands like Little Man Ice Cream. A well rounded wardrobe of masks meet many moods including tropical florals, ethnic ikat patterns, simple dots, stripes, bandana paisley and boldly solid variations. At face value, it is a simple piece of fabric. Yet, it has become a heartfelt symbol of health, safety, care and concern for our fellow human beings riding the crest of the pandemic wave. Sadly, it has also become a symbol of divisiveness and polarization. While a vast majority of Denverites are complying with Governor Polis’ Executive Order that requires patrons to don masks, there are naysayers who want to rip the fabric of our community into shreds with “spit and runs,” coughing and berating service industry workers. Paul Tamburello, owner of Little Man Ice Cream was mortified when young employees at his ice cream shop were spat and coughed upon by defiant customers in spite of clear signage and rules posted everywhere. He put his thoughts on Facebook. The post generated thousands of responses, hundreds of shares, news coverage

T

from every media outlet, and an outpouring of love from North Denver and strangers across the country. While this rudeness pandemic is not exclusive to ice creameries, another ice cream shop in Ohio, the Mootown Creamery, experienced a similar fate leading its owner Angela Brooks to post a statement, “Stop yelling at these young girls. Stop slamming doors. Stop swearing at them and making a scene. STOP!!!” She ultimately set up a GoFundMe page for her team that raised $3,500 in tips for her young staff. Dan Shah, Executive Director of the West Colfax Business Improvement District and the registered neighborhood organization, WeCan, have taken a leadership role in promoting masks. They partnered with the Handsome ‘Lil Devils, a brilliant theatrical group, to present a Sci-Fi “Joy Bomb” on West Colfax. Wildly masked artists and alien creatures promoted the importance of masks in a hilariously joyful way. Masks were handed out to passerbys. If you want to own one of these collector’s items, they are available for $6 at the Little Man Ice Cream Factory, thanks to the West Colfax BID. If there is one lesson during this pandemic, our commitment and connection to one another is crucial. A mask is a simple way to show you care. In honor of those we’ve lost, let’s keep each other safe!

NO SHIRT NO SHOES

NO MASK PER EXECUTIVE ORDER D 2020 092

West Colfax Joy Bomb

PHOTOS BY BASHA COHEN

Guests and Little Man Fans, I gotta say, this is a strange time for us all and in particular a strange time to be in the hospitality business. We love seeing your faces and being able to serve up a little joy in the form of ice cream. And I’d like to publicly say “thank you” to all the gracious and kind people we encounter every day. But for all the awesomeness working with the public brings, we also witness folks at what I have to believe is not their best selves. In the last week, our staff have reported some guest experiences that literally makes my heart hurt around our requirement for people to wear masks. We have had a team member spit upon. Another guest was angry and proceeded to cough all over our counter and toward other guests. These stories are beyond upsetting. We are taking every precaution to keep our Little Man Family safe and to extend that effort to our community at large. C’mon folks, this is a minor inconvenience at best. We ask you to please wear a mask when you come see us. We are making the best choices we can to protect the young people in our care. I implore you to be courteous and observe our regulations. If you choose to not wear a mask in your day-to-day activities or if you have a medical condition that would necessitate you not wearing a mask, we respect your right to do so. We hear you but, we kindly ask that you enjoy a pint of Little Man Ice Cream from one of our wholesale partners or maybe just wait it out until these restrictions are lifted. I am asking you as my fellow brothers and sisters, please help us keep our young people safe and be a good role model for how to treat others. Respectfully, Paul Tamburello - Owner of Little Man Ice Cream

NO YUM! IN HONOR OF THOSE WE'VE LOST, LET'S KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!

Little Man I C E C R E A M • 2 6 2 0 1 6 T H S T R E E T Little Man F A C T O R Y • 4 4 1 1 W C O L F A X A V E N U E LITTLEMANICECREAM.COM Page 2 | July 15-August 14, 2020

Little Man branded mask

The Denver North Star

A RTS & C ULT URE

North Denver Metal Sculptors Have New Installation at Botanic Gardens

By David Sabados

720-248-7327 P.O. Box 11584, Denver CO 80211 DenverNorthStar.com

T

The Denver North Star is proudly published and edited by David Sabados.

he Iris and Daylily Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens has some new, metallic flowers added thanks to a North Denver couple. Amoreena Corbin and her husband Joshua run the 23rd Ave Sculpture Studio at 23rd Ave and King St. Their team has designed four new gates, called arbors, for the Botanic Gardens. Amoreena Corbin describes their work as “Custom artistic pieces that are also functional.” The arch and gates are delicately wrapped in metallic flowers, and each of the four gates has a different design, encouraging a guest to take time with each of them individually. They’re also more than decorative -- beyond the artistic appeal they serve as foldable gates to side areas from the main garden. Kevin Williams, a horticulturalist at the Botanic Gardens who tends to the iris and daylily garden area, believes the new installation as a boon for the garden. “They’re a major step in where I want the garden to go over the next few seasons,” explaining the improvements to the area. One of the gates leads to a new, currently protected area where they’ve replaced grass with more drought-friendly plants: fine fescue, covers, vermica, and others. He believes the “sinuous branchwork” complements the organic plantlife.

DISTRIBUTION:

The paper is printed and distributed on the 15th of each month with door-to-door delivery to over 32,000 homes and businesses in North Denver. NEWS INQUIRIES:

For news inquiries, email News@DenverNorthStar.com PHOTOS BY DAVID SABADOS

Arbors crafted at 23rd Ave Sculpture Studio in North Denver are now a permanent installation at the Denver Botanic Gardens

“We hope it’s a flower pathway that grabs people’s attention.” The new installation is a first for Amoreena Corbin, but not for the sculpture studio overall. Corbin’s father Dennis West has another arbor a few yards away at the entrance to the Birds and Bees garden. West, a Denver native, ran the sculpture studio for over 20 years until his passing, when he left it for his daughter. “It’s an honor to be at the Botanic Gardens permanently,” said Corbin, noting that while many artists have an opportunity to briefly showcase their art, not everyone gets a

permanent installation. The 23rd Ave Sculpture Studio is open and selling already designed and custom pieces. Corbin said that they’ve been fortunate this year -- with many Denverites spending more time on their home and yards she’s seen an increased interest in custom pieces like they design. The courtyard is open for anyone to see the sculptures, along with the turtles that live in one of their permanent displays. The four arbors can be seen in the Anne Montague Iris and Daylily garden at the recently reopened Denver Botanic Gardens.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:

For advertising inquiries, email Ads@DenverNorthStar.com. BECOME A MEMBER, RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES AND SUBMIT EVENTS

You can become a supporting member, sign up to receive email updates and submit events for our community calendar at DenverNorthStar.com.

LET’S BE SOCIAL @ Den verN orthStar

Jenny Apel MATTHEW HIBLER Your Neighborhood Mortgage Lender MHibler@CCMCLending.com | (303) 916 1666 | NMLS# 287502

| CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION The Denver North Star

July 15-August 14, 2020 | Page 3

CO MMU NI TY

THINKING ABOUT

Mr. Dana Retires

SELLING YOUR HOME? www.NorthDenverAgent.com

Meet KATHY McBANE Proud neighbor for 20 years. Helped over 500 families sell/buy.

Compass is a real esate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

We are

NOW OPEN

at our new location! Please call for a complimentary consultation.

NEW LOCATION: 4390 North Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 303.433.7500 • www.OrthoInTheHighlands.com

Dr. Lia Baros

Page 4 | July

Our New Office Is Almost Ready! We are excited to announce we will be moving down the street to our new14, location the last week of March! 15-August 2020 Dr. Lia Baros has been featured as Top Dentist in 5280 Magazine for 8 years in a row!

By Allen Cowgill

D

ana Richardson retired this spring after 25 years at the Smiley Branch Library on 46th Avenue, known as “Mr. Dana” by the thousands of kids that walked through the library doors over the years. His career has been marked by a love of people as well as music. As a kid, a passion for music started early when he withdrew the entire $20 in his savings account to buy a $19 ukulele and a $1 music book. His career started in childhood edPHOTOS BY KRISTIN COWGILL ucation, but quickly turned back to Dana Richardson music where he played in a jug band in California. When the band broke up, he moved out to Colorado to follow a fellow bandmate. He spent the first 20 years of his career in the Jefferson County libraries. When a senior librarian job opened up at a Jeffco Library, he thought he should get some practice for an interview. So he went to do a “practice” interview at Smiley Library in Denver, which turned into a job as the head librarian. Dana said that “Getting the job was the best day in my career. It was a little overwhelming. I had worked in libraries. Never been in charge. Fortunately the people that came through those doors were very kind and supportive. They loved the li- love of excitement. They don’t have braries, and if I was in the libraries expectations. That is why I did story time. I wanted to surprise them they loved me too.” and they were always surprising me. I couldn’t dampen that. That was "... These kids would my downfall as a storytime person, I just couldn’t say no. A lot of people bring such wonder and base their story time around ‘don’t.’ joy. I got infected by I don’t believe in don’t. There is always a better way to do things than that. It was the best not enjoying what people are bringexperience of my life.” ing to the environment. These kids would bring such wonder and joy. I And North Denver loved Dana. got infected by that. It was the best Long time resident JoJo Rodriguez experience of my life.” Asked how he recommends peowas one of many that felt Dana was incredibly welcoming and brought a ple look at reading and finding sense of positivity to going to the li- good books now that he is retired, brary with her two sons. “He took an he had one word. “Passion. Follow interest in everyone from children to it. Read about other people that adults, was generous with his time to have passions like yours. That’s why all patrons young and old, and was I love biographies. You read about always smiling or laughing, which people and their passion and what brightens any room and can’t help they are passionate about. People but bring a smile to your own face.” tell you about things you’ve never The Tuesday baby and toddler sto- heard of. You never know where rytimes led by Dana incorporating your next passion might be.” Dana’s sing alongs with his banjo ukule- favorites are about John Muir, “Prole became legendary in Northwest tector of the Wilderness” and Pete Denver. Andrea Ollom, a mom who Seeger, his inspiration for playing often took her son, “used to describe the 5 string banjo. In terms of plans for what is next, him as a skinny Santa Clause with a Hawaiian Shirt. The best free tick- Dana hopes to get through this panet in the neighborhood for moms, demic and be able to play music with babies, and toddlers. There were a his friends on Friday nights. “We couple times when the fire depart- haven’t been able to do music since ment came because too many people March 12th. That is truly a passion showed up, because so many kids of mine. I’m not a musician when I’m by myself. I sing harmony, I nevwanted to be there.” Dana was known to let the kids er sing lead. When you sing harmograb his banjo ukulele and often ny, you can go anywhere you want. I interrupt the flow of story time. love the freedom.” Indeed, Dana has been bringing When pressed why, he said that “Children are real. I love their harmony to the Smiley Branch Li(lack of) inhibitions. If they are brary for 25 years. You can find Dajoyful, there is something about it. na’s farewell letter to NW Denver on They bring passion for life, and a the Smiley Library Facebook page. The Denver North Star

CO M M UN I T Y

SHAPING OUR FUTURE BY REMEMBERING OUR PAST

Grace Kelly Graced North Denver W

alking into S p r o u t s Farmers Market, a young woman, obviously a recent DENNIS GALLAGHER immigrant to our North Denver neighborhood, asked me if I knew what the old green frame building on the lot with the liquor store was. Yes, I told her. That's the old Elitch Theatre and when I was in high school, I worked as a stagehand for the summer theater seasons. The Elitch theatre was like the library. I have always thought of Elitch Theatre and the library as a kind of paradise. Imagine being paid to watch all the plays at Elitch's, the oldest summer stock theater in the USA. Many of my colleagues from the International Association of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE) local 7, would sneak out for a beer at the Tracadero across from the theater after setting up the stage sets. But I would always stay and watch the play as I had a long-time dream of being a writer of plays. Still do. May the Lord preserve me. The Gurtler family who inherited the park and the theater from their grandmother Mulvihill's side of the family, sought out neighbors near the park to rent rooms for the yearly troop of actors who trod the boards of the historic theater. And the ever-abstemious Gurtlers saved money as the North Denver home room rents were much cheaper than downtown hotels. Many famous actors played at Elitch's. Douglas Fairbanks, Edward G. Robinson and Spring Byington from the neighborhood to mention a few. I attended Holy Family High School which used to be ensconced at 44th and Utica, now replaced by Arrupe Jesuit High. The Sisters of Loretto who ran Holy Family actually talked the Gurtlers into allowing the school's spring musical to be presented at the old theater. No harm since the Holy Family musicals were always before the summer stock season rehearsals. I played the butler to the student prince in "The Student Prince". Again great fun in paradise right here in North Denver.

Elitch's

The Denver North Star

I recall as though yesterday May of 1951. Friday mornings were reserved for the high school students to attend Mass at Holy Family. The nuns did their best to teach us to love Latin and a good English sentence. This one particular Friday, I sat about four pews back on the right side. Ahead of me in the end seat of the first pew knelt a radiant and beautiful young woman with her light blond hair enveloped in an apple colored kerchief. I will always remember that beautiful dappled kerchief. My fellow students told me later that instead of kneeling as customary before Mass, I stood transfixed as though I was experiencing a vision from on high. In those days the nuns had little clickers which they clicked. One click meant you kneel. Two clicks, stand up. Three clicks, sit down. I did not hear a single click. I stood in my pew transfixed beholding the radiance of the young ingénue in front of me. Finally Sister Martha Ann, our seventh grade teacher, came up behind me and grabbed me by the elbow. Sister said in a stage whisper, "Kneel down, Dennis Gallagher, perhaps you can say hello to Miss Kelly after Mass." Miss Kelly turned back to see who was making a fuss about her being in the church with the students. I knelt down amidst the aroma of beeswax candles burning. Incense hung like ghosts in the cloudy air of the church. Grace actually smiled at me from under her apple colored scarf. I was in church, but here I was in heaven. Grace Kelly actually smiled at me. "Good bye, Miss Kelly wherever you are," I thought. Years later Sr. Martha Ann kidded me about being distracted by Miss Kelly at Mass. She said she planned to introduce me to her after the service, but she left early. Miss Kelly left right after communion, swiftly she left through the old iron side door, probably back to an early rehearsal in the side garden south of the theater near the Tracadero ballroom. Grace, acting as ingénue for the stock company in the summer of 1951 helped spark her swift career

PHOTO FROM WWW.HISTORICELITCHTHEATRE.ORG

Providing book services and products to book lovers since 1929

We thank you for your continued support! Currently we are meeting with customers on-site by appointment only. Please call 303-455-5521 or e-mail info@denverbook.com for dates and times. We are taking appointments Mon-Thurs 9:30 – 2:30 and Fridays 9:30 – noon.

MGM PUBLICITY PHOTO CIRCA 1954

Grace Kelly

rise in show business. She started that season appearing in "For Love or Money." Helen Bonfils whose father Fred owned The Denver Post also had a part in that first season play. She and Grace became friends. Grace appeared in six more plays that season including "The Man Who Came to Dinner, O Mistress Mine and the Detective Story." She later went on the play opposite Gary Cooper in "High Noon," a movie that became the crowning success of her career. Grace stayed with Mrs. Rose Sudmeier in her bungalow on 40th and Raleigh Street, a few blocks from the theater. Rose said Grace had not forgotten her working class Irish labor roots. She always did her own laundry and didn't talk about herself as much as some of the other Elitch actresses who stayed with her. Rose and her family treasured the memory of Grace staying with her. Grace later became Princess Grace of Monaco, marrying Prince Ranier of Monaco. The old Elitch Theatre is still closed up now and a foundation is working to finish rehabbing the magnificent structure. Until it reopens we can enjoy the dark green exterior mirroring Shakespeare's Globe in London. We will let the ghosts of all the actors and stage hands who trod across the boards of Denver's most unique architectural entertainment treasure whisper to each other in the darkness at the old place. I spoke with several ushers at the theater. They always believed that they saw Mary Elitch in the balcony after evening plays haunting the balcony section on the second story of the theater. We'll have to wait until the pandemic is over and we don't have to keep safe distances to see if that story is fact or fiction.

www.DenverBook.com

303-455-5521

1401 W. 47th Ave Denver, CO 80211

NOW OPEN

For In-Studio Personal Training

30-DAY PERSONAL TRAINING TRIAL $ only

189

Visit www.vmfit.com to learn more. CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!

Online classes and training are still available

Livestream Personal Training, Indoor Cycling, TRX Suspension Training and more.

44th Ave & Wadsworth, Wheat Ridge

(303) 455-0437

www.vmfit.com

Serving North Denver since 2010

The Honorable Dennis Gallagher is a former city auditor, city councilman, state senator and state representative sharing thoughts and stories from North Denver’s past and future. July 15-August 14, 2020 | Page 5

C OMMU NI TY

Compassionate Colorado Spreads Love to Native American Communities G

WE’RE OPEN FOR DINE-IN! and still offering curbside take-out with added ONLINE ORDERING feature (call-in still available).

Come join us for al fresco dining in our temporary dining tent, our patio or inside at socially distanced seating!

{

We

{

you North Denver and

GRAZIE for your support

during this challenging time.

Please visit www.ParisiDenver.com

for details about our protocols, our to-go wine/beer/cocktail list and a link to order online.

4401 Tennyson, Berkeley | (303) 561-0234

etting Lucas Garcia, Raul Gonzalez and Ashlee Lewis together on a Zoom call was a challenge. They were VICKY COLLINS all on the move. In their cars, walking around, no time to stop. “It’s a busy day,” said Lewis. The trio are the founders of Compassionate Colorado and when they finally slowed down to chat, they had just returned from bringing food and supplies to the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. The next PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMPASSIONATE COLORADO day they were heading to South DakoCompassionate Colorado collects ta to help people there. The plan was to food and supplies for Native start at the Lake Traverse Reservation Americans during the Pandemic and head home through Rosebud and “We give our pets more water than Pine Ridge to see what the Ogalala they are capable of giving their chilSioux might need. The group had already started col- dren,” said Garcia. “They struggle lecting food and supplies for Denver’s every day. If they go to the hospital, older adults and disabled people who they have no ventilators. They can’t were hit hard by the coronavirus cri- save people’s lives. We don’t know if sis. They were delivering hundreds our elders can make it through this. of boxes of donated goods to people One group of people in North Denwho were afraid to come out of their ver is helping them more than our homes. “It was just so amazing to see government is.” Garcia credits Northside Denver’s North Denver come together and have my back,” said Lucas. “Being culture for allowing them to do the compassionate is everything we had work they are doing. “We’ve always been a community that took care of in common,” said Raul. A cry of help from the Navajo Na- each other.” He laughs that he has been tion set the journey in another direc- nicknamed the Northside Batman betion. Garcia’s great grandfather is Na- cause of his efforts to make a differvajo and he has friends and family in ence in the community. “If we pull New Mexico. The group got in touch together as a community, we can with a 12-year old girl named Jojo in make a huge impact. Garcia wants Tinian who was making cakes to sup- to inspire other communities in the port her community. She said they United States to show what’s possible needed cleaning supplies and hygiene when you create a grassroots moveproducts. Compassionate Colora- ment. “The virus is dark, but people do collected food, five pallets of El have lit up like fireflies. We’ve been Dorado Springs water, cleaning and able to come together and make a big medical supplies, masks, face shields change in the community.” Today they have about 35 voland gloves. The elders needed bedside commodes. They got those too. unteers working at CompassionSix cars and a 26 foot truck took the ate Colorado. If you would like to 12 hour trip to the reservation. They volunteer or donate go to http:// compassionatecolorado.org. As have taken three trips so far. What they’ve seen on the reservation Gonzalez says, “Compassionate has been eye opening. Garcia experi- Colorado is possible because of enced some difficulties over the years compassionate Coloradans.” but said “what’s going on in my life is nothing compared to what they’re go- Vicky Collins is a freelance televiing through.” Gonazalez added, “You sion producer and journalist with a don’t realize how difficult it is to be in a diverse portfolio. She has created a community that doesn’t have running Facebook Community called Bucket water. These are people in our own List Community Cafe which is a digital news site for Denver's Northside. land. It’s like a third world country.”

A truckload of supplies headed to those in need

Page 6 | July 15-August 14, 2020

The Denver North Star

CO M M UN I T Y

Child Advocate Group Loses City Funding, Keeps Working

QUALITY FISH MARKET SINCE 1974

By David Sabados

D

rive south down Federal Boulevard and you’ve likely seen the sign for the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center at 21st Avenue, but may not know what’s behind it. “As an advocacy center, we help children and their families where the children are dealing with child abuse, sexual abuse, trauma, and mental health issues” according to Michelle Davis, development director for the center. In addition to their family counseling and educational services, one of their biggest roles ollects has been to conduct interviews with e children who have been victims of emic abuse or witnessed violent crime. They conduct recorded forensic interviews that can later be reviewed by police detectives, used in court or otherwise made available in criminal cases so children only have to recount their stories once and in a safe environment.

That program costs approximately $300,000/year according to Executive Director Gizane Indart. $250,000 of that was coming from the City and County of Denver through the Denver Police Department. When the COVID-19 crisis started earlier this year, the organization learned their funding was being suspended as the city and the police department reallocated funds.

Tuesday - Saturday 11-7 Sunday 11-5 Monday Closed 3457 W. 32nd Ave. 303.571.1995

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DENVER CHILDRENS ADVOCACY CENTER

Hollie Reinhart has been working with children for over a decade, conducting forensic interviews for the past five and believes in the role their organization plays. “I think a lot of times we don't have the opportunity to publicly talk about our work,” said Reinhart. “It’s something private for families. People don't always know we’re here and have this service. In this current climate people can be hesitant to call the police. We work with law enforcement because police aren’t experts in child development. We help fill that gap.” Reinhart explained most children find their way to the organization through referrals, which are down 30% in the past few months. While that may sound positive, it’s actually a large problem according to Reinhart, explaining that “The majority of referrals are coming from parents themselves” right now. Teachers, school nurses, and others in similar roles normally account for the majority of reports. With kids not being in school, at rec centers, libraries, and other public

locations during the pandemic, abuse can become more invisible. Davis said that while private foundation dollars have come forward to help in the short term, the program’s long term prospects are a concern and they are asking the North Denver community for help. Like most nonprofits, they’ve also been forced to cancel the standard dinner or wine and cheese in-person type fundraising events. They’re starting a new online fundraising drive. Those interested in reading about their programs or making a contribution should visit www.denvercac.org to learn more.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Zealously Protecting Preserving Enchancing The Public Realm For All. 4383 TENNNYSON STREET #1A

w w w. s t u d i o c p g . c o m

THE FIRST PORTABLE INFORMATION DEVICE.

Public Safety: License Plate Thefts H

ello members of the Northwest Denver Community from Denver Police, District 1. Officer Bob is currently on ROBERT GIBBS vacation through the first week in July. So, I was graciously asked to fill in and share information and crime prevention tips that are provided by Officer Bob on a monthly basis, so here goes. Colorado license plates are a hot item with criminals, and most folks think that license plates are the last thing a thief would want, but that’s not the case. District 1 has seen a dramatic increase in license plates that were stolen, and Denver Police, District 1, are taking steps to reduce the number. Stolen license plates are often assoThe Denver North Star

ciated with other crimes such as car theft, burglary and car-registration fraud. They may be placed on stolen vehicles to make them more difficult to identify or on thieves’ personal cars and traded out for new plates after a crime has been committed. Stealing license plates may also allow thieves to bypass car registration and the included fees. Luckily, we have a few, simple tips to help you protect your plates: 1. Park in a well-lit, high traffic area. 2. Secure your plates with special security screws that require a specialized tool to remove/apply them. We have them at the District 1 station and they are free, and we will even install them for you! 3. Invest in a locking license plate frame. We ask that you take a few mo-

ments several times a week to quickly check your vehicle to assure your license plates are on your vehicle. If for some reason you unfortunately discover that you are missing a license plate, or both license plates are missing, we urge you to report this immediately. The information regarding your license plate will be entered into a national computer database for possible recovery as well as to facilitate other on-going investigations where your license plate may have been used in a crime or crimes. Reporting will also assist you in obtaining new replacement license plates from Colorado DMV. Denver Police, District 1, is committed to helping build a safer community. Officer Rob Robert Gibbs - Police Officer 1st Grade, Community Resource Officer

The Denver North Star is safely hand-delivered to

33,000

HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES that are full of people who hang out at all the hippest places where The Denver North Star is delivered.

Don't miss next month's edition. E: Ads@DenverNorthStar.com

July 15-August 14, 2020 | Page 7

ARTS & CU LTU R E

CHECKING OUT

BUCKET LIST COMMUNITY CAFÉ

YOUR VOICE. YOUR COMMUNITY. We are a digital gathering place to discuss the news, issues, people, places, culture and events that matter to the diverse neighborhoods of North Denver.

Find us on Facebook: @BucketListCommunityCafe Check out our website at: BucketListCommunityCafe.com

F O L L OW U S . SHARE US. JOIN US. S CA N U S .

“I feel anxious and run down... I can’t seem to get back in stride!”

Have you felt better in the past and can’t seem to get back to your best self?

TM

Who can help me figure this out holistically? At Colorado Osteopathic & Integrative Medicine Associates we take a comprehensive approach to your healthcare and tailor our treatments to your specific needs.

Recollections of My Nonexistence: A Memoir I

n any given description of a place, there contains both the HANNAH EVANS locale’s history, appearance, and context, as well as the author’s own memories, feelings, and experiences. Every description falls somewhere along the spectrum of these two intersecting – it may lean heavily on seemingly non-biased detail, or it may be charged with emotion in order to evoke a particular feeling, but the author’s decision on what to focus on and how to convey those images depends on both. Rebecca Solnit’s new memoir, Recollections of My Nonexistence (2020, Viking), richly details the places of her adulthood from her late teens to present – specifically, San Francisco in the early 1980s as well as Nevada and the American West years later – in ways that completely intertwine her own story into the broader space around her, allowing each to inform the other. Solnit describes how she found her voice as a writer while in the Nevada desert, stating: “I met a place so stark and vast and, to me, strange, at which so many cultures and stories converged, that I had to bring together all the fragments of what I was doing into a new whole to have something that felt adequate to what I found there.” When describing her time in San Francisco and the changing neighborhood she inhabited for decades, Solnit considers the many who had been there before her and the changes that had already happened long before, noting, “all of that lay in the neighborhood’s past when I arrived, though knowledge of it lay far ahead of me.” Solnit, well known for her work Men Explain Things to Me, had a

This is the key to truly helping you.

4901 W. 38th Ave. (at Xavier St.) Denver

www.cointegrative.com | (303) 781-7862 It’s about Health...isn’t it about Time!

Page 8 | July 15-August 14, 2020

TM

Hannah Evans is the senior librarian at the Smiley Branch of the Denver Public Library.

Denver Public Library is now offering curbside service!

Our office skillfully blends traditional medical practices with integrative approaches to improve your health. Our caring practitioners are dedicated to thoughtfully and compassionately listening to what our patients have to say.

Telemedicine appointments are also available. Many Insurance Plans Accepted

lengthy writing career before her 2008 essay went viral. A thorough researcher, detailed observer, and critical analyzer, Solnit’s writing frequently zeroes in on a small instance or event that she paints into the larger context of the world around us, using poetic and elegant prose to do so. Sometimes meandering through different places and times in a nonlinear fashion, Recollections of My Nonexistence doesn’t always follow a straightforward storytelling arc, but it doesn’t need to in order to reach its greater points. Solnit shares much of the spaces around her, her own place in them, and the challenges of being a woman “trying to disappear and to appear, trying to be safe and to be someone,” despite the fact that “those agendas were often at odds with each other.” You can check out Recollections of My Nonexistence online as an ebook or eaudiobook through denverlibrary. org, or as a physical book at your closest Denver Public Library location.

Library customers can now place holds and pick up items using our new curbside service! Visit denverli-

brary.org to order books, DVDs, and other library materials, or call 720865-1111 for assistance. Once your holds are ready to pick up, you will receive a notification and you can schedule a date and time to swing by your branch of choice. Bookdrops are also open and ready to receive returns, all of which are quarantined before safely circulating again. Please note: Smiley and Byers branches will remain closed at this time for renovation. Find up-to-date information about Denver Public Library services at ht t ps://w w w.denverl ibra r y.org / COVID-19. The Denver North Star

oir

KI DS & E D UCAT I ON

LETTERS FROM MISS JILL

Preparing for School, In and Out of a Pandemic

W

hat I love best about children ages 3 to 5 is that they are JILL CARSTENS most often uninhibited, happy and busy. They are known to embrace you in a spontaneous hug, or sometimes an unwelcome shove if they don’t know how to use their words yet. They are tactile, physical and emotional beings by definition at this stage of life. It will be difficult to teach them social distancing. I know that all entities that are preparing to hold school in the fall are making every effort to think outside of the box to keep your children safe during the pandemic. I am going to offer some basic “school readiness” tips that you can work on now to help your child, and you, better navigate the school setting in general and during these challenging times. Helping to teach your child these self-help skills will not only keep them healthier, but also foster their independence so they can concentrate on acquiring new school skills. Hand washing: I have experienced students ages 2.5 up to 5 in varying stages of knowing how to wash their hands. A lot of them will simply put their hands under the faucet waiting for me to turn the water on and wash their hands for them. I teach them. Help your child get ahead in this basic necessity by showing them how to get soap from a dispenser, rub their hands together vigorously on palms, top of hands and between fingers then turn on the water and continue washing vigorously until the soap is rinsed. The recommended minimum time for hand washing is 20 seconds or singing the ABC’s slowly also. Drying hands is part of cleaning hands so show your child how to thoroughly dry their hands with a paper towel. Teach your child how to use the bathroom: This can be challenging at 2.5 as many children have just started potty training, but the less a teacher has to help them, the less contact they will have to have. Provide your child with clothes that

are easiest for them to maneuver, especially elastic waistbands. Belts, snaps, buttons, zippers and tights are just unnecessary obstacles while they are potty training. They must wash their hands every time after using the bathroom. Following directions: The more your child is amenable to following the directions of their teachers and getting along with peers the smoother their day will go. Teach them the manners of respect, saying please and thank you and encourage them to ask questions when they need help or do not understand something. Your child should already be learning to respect you so help them to transfer these skills to the new adults that will be supporting their development. The new socializing: Help your child to begin (and I am sure everyone has already been working on this) to understand the six feet rule. Practice at home with each other, fostering the use of words and asking thorough questions, raising hands to get the adult’s attention. Help them to get comfortable wearing a mask – get some fun ones for them! And practice wearing them. Another tip is to teach your child to keep their hands held behind their back while wandering the classroom or outside to remind them not to touch their friends or their own faces. Food and Sleep: These are so important. Make sure your child has a bedtime that works for getting up in time for school. Consider if your child needs a bit of playtime at home or if they are procrastinators in getting dressed, etc. Make sure they eat a solid breakfast that includes some sort of protein. Sugary breakfasts should be saved for the weekend. If you pack a snack for your child, again, provide healthy options such as cheese, fruit, veggies or nuts and multi-grain proteins to support their flow of energy. Morning routine: Have one. Routines at home foster the routines of school. As your child grows, they will need to have healthy patterns of routines for getting homework

The dental clinic where everybody is welcome.

Dr. Janda and Dr. Garrison 4433 W. 29th Ave., Suite 206 cityrootsdental.com 720-428-8916 PHOTO FROM ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

finished and other time management skills. It often helps to have clothes picked out the night before. Have your child get dressed (or help them begin learning to dress themselves) before breakfast. It also usually helps to have snacks or lunches prepared the night before. More on clothing: Figuring out what to wear each day presents a challenge for even the most organized. For those especially fashion-minded children, I recommend that parents keep only a few choices within reach of these children during each school week. If there are too many choices of fancy, cute clothes, getting dressed becomes more like dress-up, which is super fun, but a time-sucker when you need to get out the door. Keep a calendar: A big paper one that the whole family can see and add to. Look at the calendar each week with your child to help them begin learning the days of the week and to be able to look forward to special events. This also keeps everyone on the same page with each other’s schedules. The earlier you establish these routines the easier starting school will be for your child. Jill Carstens is a proud Denver native, a passionate mom and a teacher her entire adult life! She has run Milestones Preschool here since 2011. If you have ideas for an article or further questions for Miss Jill, you can email her at jillatreadytolearn@gmail.com

Changes

PHOTO FROM WWW.DENVERGOV.ORG

Derek Okubo, Director of the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships

Continued from Page 1 work to determine if Vikings are the best representation of who we are as a school community. I look forward to hearing feedback from the community as we work together to continue to have an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone deeply knows that they belong at North.” DPS Board of Education Director At-Large Tay Anderson and District 5 Director Brad Laurvick both said they are looking to school leadership and want to have a community conversation about the name. Anderson said he has thus far been focused on schools named after Jefferson and Washington due to their history of enslaving people, the South High School Rebels mascot, and a few others. Governor Jared Polis has also formed a committee to look at names of natural landmarks, buildings, roads, etc statewide.

Just Listed

2241 West 34th Avenue | $850,000 4 BD | 2 BA | 2065 SF | 3 Car Garage Classic 1894 red brick Queen Anne Style with boundless original character including original tall double entry doors opening into formal entryway with curved wall, original open staircase, pocket doors, grand south facing 2 story turret in living room, east facing bay window in formal dining room with original fireplace mantel and tile, original woodwork everywhere, back servants staircase still intact, tall tall ceilings, 2nd floor spacious south facing balcony off a bedroom.

Elizabeth Clayton 303.506.3448 EClayton@NostalgicHomes.com

Jean Sunn 970.313.3916 JeanSunn@NostalgicHomes.com The Denver North Star

July 15-August 14, 2020 | Page 9

MORE SAFETY. LESS STRESS. PROTECTED LANES MAKE DENVER SAFER FOR ALL OF US. Today in Denver, there are more people than ever driving cars, taking buses and riding bikes, walking to parks, going jogging, and pushing strollers. So it’s important we all support the new protected lanes that are making the Mile High City safer, smarter and more connected. By designing the street better, we gain a whole lot more in safety. Plus we get more control, more separation and protection, more peace for all of us, and more connections to the people, places and spaces we love in our city.

Support safer streets at

Page 10 | July 15-August 14, 2020

The Denver North Star

Park

Continued from Page 1 neighborhood in the 1940s and 50s and said the neighborhood was predominantly Italian at the time and the park was a place of pride for the community. She’s always known the park as Columbus Park. Growing up, she didn’t think much of the name but now understands why it’s problematic and isn’t opposed to a name change but wants to see something separate from either group. “I don’t really think it should be La Raza Park, she said. “I think it should be something more all inclusive.” By the 1960s, the neighborhood’s population had shifted to be majority Latino. Local historian Phil Goodstein describes the transition and resulting culture conflicts in his book “North Side Story.” “Many Latino community leaders complained that the authorities discriminated against hispanos, especially targeting youngsters. The police were often exceedingly brutal in dealing with what those in power often dismissed as ‘Mexicans.’” George Palaze, a retired Denver police officer who was often in the park during that era, paints a different story, recounting one time when he went to the park to arrest someone with an outstanding warrant and others in the park threw broken bottles and rocks at and him and his partner. Palaze and his wife Barbara are organizing to keep the name Columbus Park which they see as honoring the Italian heritage of early North Denver residents. “My grandparents and great grandparents worked hard. They built North Denver. At times my family lived in chicken coops,” said Barbara Palaze. In 1967, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales founded The Crusade for Justice, a Chicano organization focused on civil rights issues: opposing police brutality, fighting job descrimination, and other civil rights issues. His daughter Nita Gonzales, who supports Councilwoman Sandoval’s effort to change the name to La Raza park, explained how the Latino community took over management and staff of the park. “When parks and rec would hire, they wouldn’t hire from within the community,” said Gonzales. “It wasn’t a transition. It was a revolution. We wouldn’t let the pools be open. We would block it. We would lock them down.” In his book “The Crusade for Justice,” former organization member Ernesto Vigil describes the “splashins,” where Latinos would badger the white staff until they quit, who were eventually replaced by Latino staff. He says that by 1971 the park and surrounding area was run by people in the Chicano movement. In 1981, one of the more pivotal moments in the park’s recent history occurred. Latinos from across North Denver had gathered for what had become the annual fiesta, according to Nita Gonzales, who was there with her then 11 year old son. She said the fiestas opened the pool each summer. That year, Denver police went into the park in riot gear, saying the participants didn’t have a permit. “We didn’t ask for a permit,” said Gonzlales. “The manager was hosting it. It was a community event,” explaining why they didn’t have a permit. The Denver North Star

The police marched in from their rally point at Horace Mann school several blocks north of the park. Gonzales described the chaos: “They threw tear gas. They chased people down alleys. They let loose dogs on children running.” Gonzales explained her son was pulled into a neighbor’s yard to escape the dogs. “It was a police riot,” said Gonzales. EFFORTS TO CHANGE THE PARK NAME Throughout the 1970s, signs proclaiming “La Raza Park” would appear, but never with official approval from the city. In 1988, Councilwoman Debbie Ortega, then serving as a district councilwoman, pushed the issue to a Denver City Council vote, but council voted 7-6 to reject the change after strong opposition from the Italian American community in North Denver. Ortega, now an at-

ing the name change is related to the meaning of the term La Raza. Supporters say it’s an inclusive term meaning “the people,” while opponents say it’s exclusionary and point at another direct translation meaning “the race.” “I grew up with my dad saying ‘power to the people,’” said Sandoval. “I had always been taught that came from ‘¡Que Viva La Raza!’ I was always taught it meant ‘the people.’” Sandoval’s father Paul Sandoval served on the Denver School Board and in the State Senate and was a contemporary of Corky Gonzales. Rudy Gonzales, Corky’s son, runs the Servicios de la Raza organization. Their logo translates the phrase to “Services for the People.” “‘La Raza’ has many connotations, just like many words in English, said Gonzales. “A word can mean multiple things to multiple people. To me, it’s always meant ‘the people. In other instances

The city temporarily removed the Columbus Park sign to avoid further graffiti and damage

large council member, said that while she is not leading the current effort she is supportive and believes it has a better chance at passing. “There may be some (opposition),” said Ortega. “I don’t think it will be the same magnitude. People are recognizing the political climate we’re in.” In 1989, during the tenure of Mayor Federico Peña, Denver’s first and only Latino mayor, a “Kiosko,” or pyramid structure, was erected in the park after the demolition of the pool, declaring it “La Raza Plaza,” but the park itself was still named Columbus Park. Former councilman Rafael Espinoza attempted to create a dual name for the park as was done with (now) La Alma-Lincoln Park and Mestizo-Curtis Park, but also abandoned his effort. For Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval, who just finished her first year in office, renaming the park is fulfilling a campaign promise. “I think it’s always been La Raza park so I’m just naming it what the neighborhood has called it,” said Sandoval. “It's time to honor some of the history of America and not a man like Columbus,” noting that Columbus didn’t land on what’s now the U.S. and certainly never came to Colorado, let alone North Denver. MEANING OF “LA RAZA” Part of the controversy surround-

it can mean ‘the race’ -- it’s up to the individual whether they want to be inclusive or exclusive with the term. For me it means the people. It's an inclusive term.” Nita Gonzales also pointed out that Spanish has multiple dialects, but believes most residents of Denver would translate it to mean “the people.” Judi Diaz Bonaquisti, a North Denver resident who identifies as Latinx and married into an Italian family, said she respects the role the name and park had for early Italian residents: many used Columbus as an icon to gain acceptance at a time Italians were heavily discriminated against. Despite that, today she supports the name change to La Raza. “It needs to be a bold name to embrace community and humanity, said Diaz Bonaquisti. “People are going to find controversy if they want to find controversy.” Fellow North Denver resident Lynn Hendricks is among those who feel the name isn’t appropriate. “We moved here in the '80s, Hendricks said. “We had never faced such nastiness in our lives. People yelling at us to go back to where we came from. Needless to say the Latino and Hispanic residents were not welcoming. Back then La Raza was weaponized to mean ‘us’ versus ‘them’ and we were told in no uncertain terms that we were not part of La Raza.” Hendricks said she

believes the name Columbus Park should be changed but wants a third option as “La Raza is divisive.” She said she’s reached out to Sandoval’s office to express her view. Susan Crawford, who moved to North Denver in 1992, agrees the term is divisive. “If you remove Columbus and change to La Raza, you are ignoring the Italian, Scottish, and Native Americans who were here before. Perhaps Northside or Sunnyside, or something that is simply a geographic feature. That would be more in keeping with the idea of the people’s park.” OTHER POSSIBLE NAMES: As people contacted Councilwoman Sandoval’s office, wrote into The Denver North Star, commented on NextDoor and other social media, and discussed the name change with neighbors, some pushed for a new name not tied to either Columbus or La Raza. Paul Carabetta grew up in North Denver and his grandfather was a founding member of the Potenza Lodge, an Italian community center that began in the late 1800s and is still on 38th Ave today. He said many non-Latinos see the term as excluding all non-Latinos and the change is meant to honor Latinos only. He would like to see a large community process around the potential renaming, noting the conversation happening in East Denver. “Stapleton is doing a much better job of working within the community,” said Carabetta, frustrated with the binary option for the North Denver park. “No one has been given the opportunity to suggest names.” Historian Phil Goodstein said the name change ignores a large portion of North Denver’s history, saying city leaders “need to emphasize the strong Italian influence on the neighborhood. It’s important to understand the strong prejudice against Italians in the neighborhood,” explaining that Italians weren’t considered white and weren’t welcome in many other parts of the city when they moved to North Denver. Several residents commented on a thread on NextDoor with suggestions including Sunnyside Park, Northside Park, Pleasant Park, and others. Councilwoman Sandoval said she is pushing forward with the change to La Raza Park. “The history has spoken,” said Sandoval. “For 50 years that park has been called La Raza park. I’m not into a process to find another name.” Sandoval said she is, however, open to a community process to name some of the still unnamed parks in North Denver, such as the park at 51st Ave and Zuni. THE FINAL SAY: Ultimately the decision will again come down to city council. Sandoval is going through the standard renaming process Parks and Recreation has created, which involves collecting signatures of support and then taking it to a council vote. She said she isn’t using the new city committee looking at parks and buildings because she started the effort before that committee was formed. Sandoval also said that See PARK, Page 12 July 15-August 14, 2020 | Page 11

Park Continued from Page 11 the Mayor’s office reached out understanding that the name change was a campaign promise Sandoval made. “Anything with a commission group of people has to be vetted,” said Sandoval. “(Hancock’s office) said they would respect my process.” A potential barrier to the name change is the persistent, but so far unsubstantiated, story that part of the land was donated by Italian American residents with the promise the park would be named Columbus Park, or that the money donated by the Italian American community was done with the promise that the park would remain named “Columbus Park.” George Vendegnia formed a new chapter of the organization Sons of Italy in 1995 and has been one of the biggest advocates for Columbus Day parades and keeping the name Columbus Park. He, along with several other older Italian Americans interviewed for this story, all talked about documents they believe the city has that show the donation and say the city dropped previous attempts to rename the park when documents were produced. A spokesperson for Denver Parks said they have no records of a donation but that it is possible one was received. The 1988 Denver Post article referenced earlier in this piece refers to a donation at the time but doesn’t have additional details. The Denver Clerk’s office produced a bill of sale showing land that was purchased by the city but was also unsure of any donations. Brian Trembath with the Special History Collections at the Denver Library, shared approximately a dozen documents related to the park and explained their team was still in the process of doing extensive research due to the interest in the renaming. We will update this story if any relevant documentation is found and are making all documents available on our website www. DenverNorthStar.com. Editor’s Notes: Much of this piece includes discussion of names, identities, and other descriptors. Understanding that terms can have powerful denotations and connotations, we make every effort to use appropriate terminology and will defer to a person or organization’s preference for the terminology they use. • For purposes of referencing the park, we used “Columbus Park” in several instances because that is the official name according to the city, not out of any opinion or preference. Most instances in this piece simply refer to “the park.” Several interviewees referred to the park only as “La Raza Park” and that is represented in their quotes. • In accordance with AP style, The Denver North Star routinely uses the term “Latino,” but uses other terms including “Hispanic,” “Latinx,” or “Chicano” where an interviewee uses those terms, which is why multiple terms are used in the piece. The term “Latinx” is a newer, non gendered term that is gaining popularity in some activist and progressive circles. Deference is given to any term a person or organization uses for themselves. Page 12 | July 15-August 14, 2020

O P I N I ON

Chaffee Park Says 'Yes in my Backyard’ D

enver’s Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) primarily serve to protect their residents’ investJASON HORNYAK ments by shielding them from change. The assumption is that if one has purchased a home in a neighborhood, they like that neighborhood the way it is. But as a leader of the Chaffee Park RNO, I see my responsibility as not limited by the boundaries of my neighborhood. No neighborhood exists within a vacuum, and it would be a failure of responsibility to do what is right for my neighbors without also considering the city and world beyond. The Denver metro area grew enormously in the decades since most of our neighborhoods were built; yet many have been frozen in stasis due to zoning codes and the organizations that defend them. The preservation of neighborhood status quo while a city changes around it, however, causes a friction that exacerbates our accelerating crises of affordability, displacement, traffic and climate change. For almost all of human history, urban development across the world has followed a pattern: Neighborhoods were formed as humble settlements around a central hub of commerce and culture. As the hub grew, its surrounding structures improved incrementally and in proportion to an increase in land value. Tents became shacks, then houses, duplexes, townhomes, multiplexes, and eventually skyscrapers if the value of the land permitted. This evolution was considered indicative of and necessary for a city’s economic health. The pattern was disrupted in the 20th century when our country employed an experimental development method that built neighborhoods to a finished state and then froze them in place with zoning regulations, effectively preventing them from adapting. With the advent of the automobile, this abruptly altered traditional development and pushed it outward into suburban sprawl. As cities literally spread themselves thin, they became more economically and environmentally unsustainable. Fewer people per square foot increased the cost and use of infrastructure per taxpayer. More resources were consumed, pollution was exacerbated, and more of the natural environment was sacrificed to development. Pushing people to the edge of town also increased daily commutes, traffic, and the vehicle emissions that contribute to the destruction of our climate. As our cities became less concentrated, urban land was devalued and some neighborhoods saw their value depressed even more by racist, exclusionary zoning and lending practices. The Black Lives Matter movement is giving this issue some overdue attention. But as a new generation of Americans push for a return to traditional urbanization, we find our neighborhoods held in a state of artifi-

PHOTO FROM HTTPS://WWW.CHAFFEEPARK.ORG

cial disequilibrium by restrictive zoning. Under traditional development, a growing population would mean more housing. But in Denver, where it’s currently illegal to build anything other than a single family home in 75% of the city, existing homes are becoming drastically more expensive due to artificial scarcity mandated by our zoning code. RNOs have a vested interest in maintaining policies that artificially inflate their neighborhoods’ property values. They build political walls that protect them from waves of growth, which then violently crash in neighborhoods with less political power. These less fortunate areas are largely those that saw racially motivated disinvestment in the previous century. Already disenfranchised populations are displaced. Preventing neighborhoods from gradually growing also creates development shock along commercial corridors like Tennyson Street, where high-density apartment buildings are crammed between duplexes and single family homes. If the neighborhoods on either side of the corridor had allowed for more “missing middle” (multi-unit) housing, the pressure of concentrated growth may not have overtaken the beloved shopping street. Neighborhoods with restrictive zoning are not immune. Suppressing gradual growth in areas with appreciating land value accelerates the risk of existing houses being torn down and replaced by larger, more expensive homes that don’t fit the neighborhood’s character. This is starting to happen in Chaffee Park, which is zoned exclusively for single family homes—so we’re responding with a neighborhood-wide upzone (led by residents and Councilwoman Sandoval’s office) to allow property owners the option to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). ADUs are secondary, smaller residential structures that may be occupied by a family member or renter, but cannot be sold separately from the main house (unlike a duplex). A majority of my neighbors see this legislative change as an opportunity to exercise their property rights to benefit themselves, their extended

families, those in need of affordable housing, and the entire city. With an ADU, a homeowner can capture the increasing value of their property without having to sell—and add affordable and diverse housing to a city that desperately needs it. The solution to Denver’s growing pains is for neighborhoods to gradually increase in density to absorb a share of inevitable growth. We’re doing this in Chaffee Park with ADUs. One neighborhood increasing density by a barely perceptible increment won’t do much—but if every neighborhood were to take a similar step, the overall impact on the city would be enormous. Any neighborhood with a low risk of displacement that refuses to move forward is actively harming the rest of the city with its selfishness. My small and oft overlooked neighborhood has taken a step toward making a difference. Hopefully others will muster the courage to follow. Jason Hornyak is the head of the Chaffee Park Neighborhood Association.

Have an opinion you want to share? The Denver North Star is now accepting letters to the editor! Please send your letter of 250 words or fewer, along with your name and the neighborhood you live in, to David@DenverNorthStar.com. Letters must be received by the 3rd of the month to run in that month’s issue. Preference will be given to letters focused on North Denver specific subjects. If you’re interested in discussing a longer guest column, please email ahead of time to discuss that possibility as well. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Denver North Star

P OL I T I C S

Berkeley Mortuary Designation Passes Land Use, Headed to Full Council Vote By Colin Suszynski

O

n Tuesday, June 30, a Land Use, Transportation, and Infrastructure meeting unanimously moved to designate the Berkeley Park Funeral Chapel as a historic Denver Landmark. This is the penultimate step in the designation process, leaving just the full council meeting on Monday, July 27, where council will vote on the designation. The building was slated for demolition this winter until Historic Berkeley Regis put in an application for the building to be designated as a landmark. Historic Berkeley Regis, according to HBR member Bill Killam, is “a grassroots group that works to explore the history of the Berkeley Regis neighborhood, identify and research important historic buildings, and share this knowledge with the neighborhood.”

According to Killam, Historic Berkeley Regis “entered into a negotiation with the potential new owners, [Koebel and Company]” and were told “if you can find another buyer for this property that will not demolish the property, then we will walk away from the deal.” Eventually the current owners, GM Development, bought the property and agreed not to demolish the historic building. Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval, who sponsored the application for landmark designation said in the Land Use meeting on Tuesday, “[The chapel designation] was a collaborative event, it was a group of North Denver residents who wanted to see this preserved, an owner who stepped up who is from the neighborhood, and myself.” The owner who Councilwoman Sandoval was referring to, Ben Gear-

Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez Passes Police Reform Bill

By David Sabados

T

he most sweeping police reform bill in the country was sponsored in part by North Denver Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez. In the wake of Black Lives Matter marches and increased scrutiny on police brutality, government bodies across the country have been considering various reforms, but Colorado’s has widely been considered the strongest. “People outside the (capitol) building are saying they want this, and they want it now,” said Gonzales-Gutierrez. Fellow Denver Rep. Leslie Herod was the Co-Prime sponsor in the House. Senate President Leroy Garcia and Senator Rhonda Fields carried the bill in the Senate. Ultimately it passed with strong bipartisan support, passing unanimously from the Senate (with 2 absent) and 52-13 in the House, with almost half the House Republicans siding with Democrats. The bill is multifaceted and addresses some of the issues raised by protestors after the death of George Floyd: • Ending qualified immunity for police officers. Before this bill, police could not be sued in a personal capacity for actions taken while on duty. Officers found to have acted illegally can now be held personally accountable and in some cases forced to pay up to $25,000 of fines themselves. Previously, lawsuits were paid out solely by police departments. • Increased requirement of body camera usage. Originally one of the more controversial components of the bill, this was modified to create exemptions progressive privacy advocates and conservatives both supported. Officers now must turn on cameras when responding to calls. Footage is kept and released within several weeks. Officers who intentionally fail to turn on their cameras when required can face crimThe Denver North Star

hart of GM Development, also spoke at the Land Use meeting saying, “The building means a lot to me, being a resident of the Berkeley neighborhood.” He mentioned that the building itself is currently occupied by a church, Redemption Church Denver, and that there will also be a Montessori school taking up residence soon. The large parking lot that surrounds the building is not protected by the landmark designation and in the future may be developed. However, GM Development has not yet settled on what will fill the space, and according to Gearhart, they are at least “a year and a half out” from starting any development. For now, the large parking lot that accompanies the chapel will be used as an event space. It will host concerts, like the Garth Brooks drive-in concert that sold-out

the parking lot on Saturday, June 27, as well as drive-in movies. Ben Nelson, a former Berkeley neighborhood resident who has been helping to put on this summer series, said “Watching everyone at Garth was really awesome, because, for just a minute it seemed like everything was a bit lighter.” Nelson is a production manager who has worked with companies like Red Bull, as well as neighborhoods like Berkeley, to create and host events like Red Bull Rampage and this local Garth Brooks show. With the Berkeley Park Chapel, Nelson is trying to create “a hub for people to come and have another option for safe entertainment.” The city council meeting on Monday, July 27 will be the final “nail in the coffin” preventing the demolition of the former funeral chapel. It will be open for public comment.

SUPPORT LOCAL

JOURNALISM

We hope you enjoy reading The Denver North Star. Each month, we deliver to homes and businesses across North Denver free of charge. Please consider showing your support by becoming a member! Newspaper, like other small businesses, are feeling the full impact of the coronavirus crisis and becoming a member will help ensure our community paper will continue. Please visit www.DenverNorthStar.com or mail this form along with a check to: Denver North Star P.O. Box 11584 Denver, CO 80211

Member PHOTO COURTESY OF SERENA GONZALES-GUTIERREZ

inal liability charges or other penalties. • Requirement to intervene. Officers who witness a fellow officer using excessive force are now required to attempt to stop them. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor offense and officers are protected from retaliation for intervening. • Limits on use of force. The bill bans chokeholds and similar techniques that have been controversial and led to the death of numerous people in police custody across the country. It also limits when an officer can use deadly force. • Additionally the bill addresses several other concerns such as requiring restrictions on officers who have been found guilty of excessive force in the past from returning to a police force and offering more protections for protestors. Gonzales-Gutierrez noted that the bill was carried by two Black and two Latino legislators, though the long list of cosponsors also included many others. “Maybe a year ago you wouldn’t have seen all legislators of color on this bill,” said Gonzales-Gutierrez, noting that the current political climate empowered legislators. Governor Polis signed the bill into law on June 19th.

$30/year

Membership includes guaranteed delivery each month even if you live outside our normal distribution area and is a great way to show your support for local journalism.

VIP Member $100/year

VIP Membership includes guaranteed delivery each month even if you live outside of our normal distribution area, is a great way to show your support for local journalism, and includes special VIP perks.

Would you like a copy mailed to you each month? ___ No (if you are in our standard distribution area and don't want a second copy or are outside but prefer to only read the newspaper online) ___ Yes (if you live outside North Denver or are in our standard

distribution area but would like an additional copy mailed to you)

Name: Address:

Phone: Email:

July 15-August 14, 2020 | Page 13

H E ALT H & W E LL N E S S

Looking for a Hike Nearby? A

common question of 2020 seems to be, “Where can I go hiking MINDY SINK in Colorado?” There are all kinds of caveats with this question, such as, with a dog? with young kids? within less than a 2-hour drive of the Denver metro area? with water? and many more. My new book, “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Denver and Boulder” provides the answers to these questions, along with details like driving directions, elevation gain, and so on. Some of these hikes are well known to people who have hiked around Colorado’s Front Range before and others might be less traveled. See if these hikes are familiar to you or of interest for your next outing: 1. Mount Herman Trail above Monument, Colorado packs plenty of challenges in only two miles roundtrip. Due to the location on a dirt U.S. Forest Service road, the trailhead is not accessible year round. Once you find the small parking area next to the thin trail marker #716, there is a distinct streamside path to follow but soon enough you find yourself on a steep gravel area trying to keep your footing before the trail disappears completely in an old rockslide. It took me three tries to get to the summit here! Once on top, you can see the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, Pikes Peak, and more views to the east and south. 2. Head east of Denver to avoid the mountain trail crowds and learn about Colorado history at the Plains Conservation Center. On site there are teepees, a sod homestead, an education center, a herd of pronghorn, and maybe some rattlesnakes. Despite the snake awareness, I had families with young children in mind when I did this hike as it’s not too far of a drive and you can learn about the prairie. Remember to bring a hat, water, and sunscreen for this exposed hike. I have a number of hikes that aren’t in the mountains in this book so that there is something for everyone—you can even push a stroller on some of these outings. 3. Colorado’s state parks offer so many

COMMUNITY WELLNESS INSTIGATOR

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Wellness T

trails and you can get a pass to visit as many as you like in a year so you don’t have to pay the daily fee each time. I included hikes at five different state parks in my book and the one that was new to me was Castlewood Canyon State Park, south of the metro area. The parking lot at the trailhead is enormous so it clearly was not a secret to others, but I happened to go on a weekday and practically had the place to myself. It’s all about timing. There is a lot of interesting history here about Cherry Creek and a burst dam. Whether you choose a new-to-you trail or an old favorite, I recommend going as early as you can in the day (yes, even on a weekday) to avoid heat and crowds in the summer. Check websites and social media channels for land management agencies prior to your hikes to get the latest information about wildlife encounters, possible trail closures, and more useful information to make your hike safe and enjoyable. Mindy Sink is a freelance journalist and author/co-author of six books. Her focus has been on the best of what's local to give her readers an authentic experience when going out in Denver and other cities along the Front Range of Colorado. Her most recent book, “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Denver and Boulder” can be purchased at local bookstores, including BookBar, The Tattered Cover, and online. Visit www. mindysink.com for more information.

he Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776. We ERIKA TAYLOR think of this as the birthday of our nation. But the story of our nation’s quest for freedom is a long, winding one. And, it’s not over. Yes! I know that by the time you read this, Independence Day will have long passed. And I also know that this is a wellness column and not a history one. But history can teach us some pretty powerful lessons about human nature and how we might better pilot out human bodies. Let’s look back so we can move forward. In the early morning hours of April 19th, 1775 the first shots of the American Revolution were fired, bringing to a head tensions that had been brewing for months. When the Founders gathered to adopt the Declaration, America

“There's nothing wrong in suffering, if you suffer for a purpose. Our revolution didn't abolish danger or death. It simply made danger and death worthwhile.” -H. G. Wells had been at war for over a year. After the signing and delivering of the Declaration to King George III, the war raged on for 7 more years. Peace talks finally started in April of 1782, but took another 18 months to conclude. Human history is a poignant reflection of human nature. Change happens through a combination of revolutionary moments and tiny incremental steps. Like our nation's, our wellness path doesn't start with the declaration of our intention to travel it. It doesn't end with our establishing wellness practices or any of the stumbles we take along the way. In fact, not unlike America's struggle for independence, this path doesn't end. If we build it well, it is a path we can enjoy travelling for the rest of our lives. And like the path our nation is still on, it starts with assessing and evaluating

where we stand today. In so many cases it is the prejudices we hold, habits we accept as given, and lifestyle choices we fail to even notice we are making that hold us back. And as Buckminster Fuller said, “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” Once we have a clear picture of where we are, we can build those habits and practices that make up our new models. So how do we discover where we are and stay committed to travelling the path we build? If eating better is on your list, you must know what you are eating currently - so, a food log. If developing deeper connections with your village is on your priority list, you must look at how you currently connect. One of the most effective exercises I do with my clients is to make three lists. • Words you use to describe yourself. (Without judgement or self-editing.) • Words others use to describe you. • Words you hope folks will say at your funeral. Circle the words on the first two lists that make your heart sing. These can be the stepping stones in building your path. They are your current reality. And if there are words on the last list that don’t appear on the first two, you know where you want your path to lead. Knowing this can help keep you moving along your path even when it is hard. Once the vision of the new models are discovered, voicing them out loud to our village and accountability partners mirrors the signing of the Declaration we celebrate this month. It is not the first step, it is not the last step. So today and everyday, not just July 4th, let's celebrate our nation, our neighborhoods and ourselves for being willing to look at where we truly are and embrace new behaviors and attitudes. Because if we are willing to do the work: we can get well, feel well and live well. ALL of us can. Happy, happy independence days. Erika Taylor is a community wellness instigator at Taylored Fitness. Visit facebook. com/erika.taylor.303 or email erika@tayloredfitness.com

We are grateful for those who have our back in this important We are grateful for those who have our back in this time. The list is long, but we want to thank important time. The list is long, but we wantour tofirst responders and front-line workers. thank our first responders and front-line workers.

Especially in critical times, newspapers have your back.

COVID-19 is a national story that is impacting you at home and at work.

Especially in critical times, newspapers have Your yourlocal back. newspaper is keeping you informed with current events in COVID-19 is a national story that is impacting you at home andneighborhood at work. your and is bringing communities together in these Your local newspaper is keeping you informed with current events in challenging times. your neighborhood and is bringing communities together in these challenging times. From the actions your local government is taking, to lists of local stores

We are grateful for those who have our back in this important time. The list is long, but we want to thank our first responders and front-line workers.

that are delivering and tips on what to do while you’re at home, your From the actions your local government is taking, to listslocal of local stores newspaper is committed to bringing you the news you need, that are delivering and tips on what to do while you’re at home, when youyour need it. local newspaper is committed to bringing you the news you need, when you need it.

We are grateful for those who have our back this back. Especially in critical times, newspapers haveinIN your WE ARE THIS COVID-19 is a time. national storyTHIS that is impacting you at home important The list long, but we wantand toat work. WE ARE IN Your local newspaper is keeping you informed with current events in

TOGETHERTOGETHER thank our first responders and front-line workers.

your neighborhood and is bringing communities together in these Support your local newspaper. challengingintimes. Especially critical times, newspapers have your back.

Supportisyour local newspaper. Subscribe or online. COVID-19 a national story that is impacting you at homein andprint at work. From the actions government is taking, to lists of local Your local newspaper is local keeping you informed with current events in stores Subscribe in your print or online. your neighborhood bringing communities together that are deliveringand andistips on what to do while you’reinatthese home, your challenging times. is committed to bringing you the news you need, local newspaper

www.DenverNorthStar.com

Page 14 | July 15-August 14, 2020

when you need it.

From the actions your local government is taking, to lists of local storesNorth Star The Denver that are delivering and tips on what to do while you’re at home, your local newspaper is committed to America’s bringing you the news you need, Newspapers is a national association supporting journalism and healthy newspapers in our local communities. Find out more at www.newspapers.org or follow us on Twitter @newspapersorg or on when you need it. Facebook @americasnewspapers.

America’s Newspapers is a national association supporting journalism and healthy newspapers in our local communities. Find out more at www.newspapers.org or follow us on Twitter @newspapersorg or on

HE A LT H & W E L L N E S S

THE GRAY ZONE: STORIES CONNECTED TO NORTH DENVER’S OLDER ADULTS

Neighbors Support One Another: Through Thick, Thin, and a Pandemic A

s COVID-19 stayat-home orders rolled out across the country, one mighty little nonprofit in Colorado turned on KATHRYN WHITE a dime to re-engineer its services and onboard over 500 new volunteers in the Denver metro area, all the while absorbing and implementing new safety protocols. Maybe you’ve seen their yard signs around the neighborhood. A Little Help was an essential service long before the term entered our collective vocabulary during the coronavirus pandemic. A Little Help connects neighbors with PHOTOS BY KATHRYN WHITE nearby older adults in a support sys- Rosemary and Bev, friends for over 70 years, visit at a distance tem that enables longtime residents to remain in homes they have lived in for Its members would need them now more $300 a year. years. Volunteers take neighbors out than ever. In addition to the extraordinary value for an occasional errand or help with Staff developed a streamlined door- of volunteers (individuals, families and light chores and yardwork. Staff provide step delivery system focused on essential groups of all kinds), the organization rehandoffs to trusted partners when bigger items like groceries and medications. lies on grants and gifts from individuals needs arise, perhaps for home health ser- They readied for new volunteers: ordered to fuel its efforts across the metro area, vices or major repairs. background checks, pre-screened for northern Colorado and in the Roaring It’s a model with roots in the “village COVID-19, then mapped and matched Fork Valley. Lenz named several loyal movement,” a rapidly growing network people who needed a little help with partners and grant-makers who were of neighborhood groups and organi- those who were offering it. They zoomed able to provide COVID-19 response zations where members can tap into a down to the neighborhood level, making funding. With the addition of a PPP loan host of services and vetted referrals in connections as hyper-local as possible. and dollars from the governor’s Help exchange for an annual membership fee They launched telephone “care calls” and Colorado Now campaign, A Little Help (often sliding scale). The concept began prepped volunteers for assembling Little was able to hire two part-time response in 1999 in the Beacon Hill area of Boston Kindness Kits full of things like puzzles, coordinators to cover the expanded critand now includes over 300 “villages.” All books and handwritten notes. ical services. aim to leverage members’ deep love for By early June, in addition to the influx As COVID-19 persists, Lenz and her their communities and the valuable role of new volunteers, over 150 more older team will be looking for new ways to they play in it. adults in Denver were benefitting from keep the operation supported. Want Prior to the virus, A Little Help offered the connection. Most recently, A Little to get involved? Whether you could a host of services from rides to the gro- Help has been able to resume outdoor use a little help at your house, can procery store to monthly light house clean- yardwork, in very small groups. vide it for a neighbor, or have a liting to large scale Service Saturdays and The team at A Little Help watched as tle extra to share from your bank acinformational sessions called “Tough new relationships formed and hundreds count this month, check them out at: Talks.” And because the organization is of elders across Colorado shared back the www.alittlehelp.org, 720-242-9032, founded on values such as interdepen- one thing we all seemed to need over these office@alittlehelp.org dence, social connectedness and reci- last few months: a lesson in resilience. procity, nearly all its programming inAs the village movement unfolds, Kathryn has lived in North Denver volved being in close proximity to others. membership fees have turned out to since around the time the Mount CarmIn March, as news of the virus con- provide only a portion of the resources el High School building was razed. She sumed our attention, A Little Help’s needed to keep systems like these hum- teaches a SilverSneakers fitness class at Executive Director Hilary Lenz leaned ming along smoothly. A Little Help’s Highland Senior Recreation Center and on her background in public health to revenue from memberships amounts to facilitates a Caregiver Support Group quickly envision how volunteers and just under 5% of its annual budget. Fees for the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado older neighbors would keep safe from have been temporarily suspended over Chapter. Do you have story ideas for The COVID-19 while maintaining the crit- the last few months; members have typi- Gray Zone? Email thegrayzone.denverical lifelines that had been established. cally paid anywhere from $5 a month to northstar@gmail.com.

From yardwork to doorstep grocery delivery, A Little Help makes a BIG difference

The Denver North Star

WE ARE SORRY... that you didn't make it into this issue that is hand-delivered to over

32,000

HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES

that are full of people who hang out at all the hippest places where The Denver North Star is delivered. Don't miss next month's edition. Ads@DenverNorthStar.com

Your YouGuid r Gue to Com

ide to Co muni cs, Arts and Cultu mmty, uniPoliti ty, Pol itics, Arts and re in North Denver om | Volume erNo r thSta Culture in No 1, Issue r.com | Volu me 1, 6 | Feb. 15 - March 14, 2020 rth Issue 6 | ALWAY S FREE! Denver | Feb. 15 - Marc h 14, Your Guide Hatonco 2020 | ck un Opens Bikewa ALW AYS FREE Comm y Bee ity, Politic r Makes ! s, Den verN Art s and CultuBett Be or thSt ar.co m | Volu re iner er Ma NoPot me 1, Issu kesr Denve e 6 | Local Brewerrth Feb . 15 - Mar to Bette ch

Denver Nor thStar.c Denv

Hancock Op ens Bike Hancock O pens

DINING

way

e Carbon ALW AYS

Explosion

N

Thai PAGE Explo 8 sion PAGE 8

DINING PHOTO BY DAVID

FRE E!

Beer Make s

te CannaEmis bis sions that

BeCult Will Help tteivate By Sabrina Allie r Pot orth Denver’s very Loca Canown Denver Beer Co. nabilsBrewer to has joined a state pilotBy Cap program Sabrinature Allie Carbon to capture carbon orthdioxide Denver’s very (CO2) produced duringEmi ssionown Denver the that Beer Co. shas beer brewing joined process Will and a state Help pilot use that carbon progra Cult m ivate to captur to cultivate cannabis and e carbon dioxid stimulateCannab e (CO2) produ is ced during the plant growth. beer

DIN Thai ING

Thai Explosio n PAGE 8

r Pot

14, 202 0 | Captur

l Brewer to EmissionsLoca that BikewWill Capture Carb ayHelp Cultiva on

SABADOS

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announce opening d the PHOTO of West 35th Avenue BY the DAVID SABADOS bikeway near one of the concrete Denver Mayor barriers designed to promote cycling and Michael Hanco by opening walking ck annou of the Westcalming vehicular traffic. nced the 35th

N

brewingByproces On Jan. 29, Denver Beer Sabrisnaand use that carbon Allie Co. co-founde orth Denv to cultir Charlie er’s very own vate canna Berger joined bisDenv and er stimulate Governor Jared Polisplant joineh.d a state Beer Co. has Avenue bikew one of the concre at thegrowt capitol to ay near pilot progr te barriers design announce a On to am 29, Denve cycling and pilotJan. captu program ed to promo re carbo r Beer walking by Co.energy te n dioxide focused on co-fou calming vehicu (CO2 )nder usage produCharli lar ced durin traffic. e g the Berger PHOTO BY and environm joined beer ental DAVID SABAD responbrewing Gover OS By Sabrina nor ss sibility in Jared proce and DenvAllie the cannabis Polis use and er at BIKEWAY and the Mayo that COMMUNITY capitonl to carbo David beer industries Sabados r Michael Hanc TRAFFIC annou to cultisignage and traffic open . nce vateacann pilotabis announced of the WestCALMINock G EFFORT calming progra enver’s ing S The state and m focuse the measures of neighborh stimulate saiddplant Zero 35th one ofVision the Avenue2018, The Man Who In August onColothe concr energy grow bikewthe ood rado Departme Byplan th. usage aims Sabrin City bikeways ay near ete barrie for and and enviro zero nt ofOn Allie cyclin COM and County rs designed Public are intended to nmen gaand FoundeMU of Jan. tal Denver traffic walki Health d Berkele BIKEW respon NITyY to 29, inDavidrelated prom and Environm Denv-er AY by calming Sabaddeaths in theent’s os ng stalled Co. FICote emphasize multimodal trav- Carbon sibility by 2030, but fatalities three vehicTRAF canna temporar co-fo CALM ular bis rand Beer unde Dioxide enver’s have trafficy. el, andsignag ING EFFO The beer indust Reuse discourag PAGE e and Charlie Man5Who e through creased every year Visionin-Zeroneighborhood Berge traffic calmin RTS ries. traffic circles rPilot Project since 2011 along In Augus traffic for measu g is the firststate plan aims of its kindjoined Governor motorized The res of vehicles West 35tht Avenue 2018, the with the exception Founded Berk for Jared said Polisthe at City of 2017.zero while bikewaysg local neighborhood rado at Colotraffic related eley Count the and intersecti See BEER, Page Abynew dedicated Depar are access onsy of Denver in- preservin announce of the capitol to intended bikeway deaths needs for 2030, but fataliti stalled threeof Julian, Public in a pilot to Health 7 tment empha residents. PAGE&5 size multim North Denver KIDS program es have in-Newton and Raleigh and ed focus temporary streets. is Sabri Enviro one way By odal travcreased every “To el,maneuver the Theyneighb on nmen COMMUN na Allie energt’s orhoo and discouaround Carbonand city is hoping year y usage first-ever d traffic and were the since EDUC Dioxide Reuse toDavid traf-circles rage throug reverse ATION ITYtrend the circle, with the except that2011fic along BIKE onmental you Pilotrespo circles West h Project is envir traffic WAY need Sabad to slow installed for by creating a ion TRAF os 35th motor by sibilit of the the Avenu nFIC safer 2017. ized The Man Who forA cyclists yfirst e down,” vehicles in the of its said City CALMING enver’s way new dedicated at while the andinterse kind cann County Home signaTraffic VisionCityZero Enpreser of Denver Alone abis and ctions EFFO to cross from KID ge bikewa vingand beer indus of Julian RTS gineer S Sher-y in(different local &nded traffic North Emily access See Newton and In roundabo , needs tries. Fou Denver isplan Augu to I-25. measGloeckne , Page 7 for st h2018, for zero than one aims the ures of r. neigh calmingBEERThe Raleig uts Berkeley idan “And EDU the streets PAGE reason reside city state said andtheCoun traffic way City CAT 13ION we putnts. They in . the hopingcalming Newis traffic borhood them “To related primarily bikew the Coloof ver ty to reverse thesize the maneu aysver of Denv first-e deaths were on er rado Depa by 2030, meaa neighborh are aroun thatintersecti PAG trend that trafood bikeway stalle intendded on), sures fic circles in- emph rtment of by creatin and the d they make but three ies have to Health install gthe Public is a fatalit asize Home AloneE 5 route you safer crease slow circle, edwere in- neigh need intended multi by temp d every for cyclist and Envir thetoorary friendlier down to calm City slow l travtoto moda down,vehicles borhood to year itway s tocyclists and traffic el,said cross from ” Count onme since make and a comfortab traffic Carb with y City nt’s 2011 disco heading of Sher- (differeast speed similar Denver circle on Dioxide Traffic urageEnidan less along and West convenien exception to I-25. tthe POLIT s le through gineer along for cars. ent PAGE ICS traffic Reuse Pilot to cyclists.” thanwest 35th Emily round She corridor. new dedic While ofthe2017. Aven saidfor Gloec neighbors abouts themoto ue“And thePeople city rized New Atraffic prima kner.vehicles Project is the first of KID13 traveling and at inters ated bikew bike advocates rily while S& wanted the in its kind to pilot reason the ection ayinterse North calmin s of g mea-north size of howprese inandNewt rving are we south well Pit Bull celebratin sures put them Julian the onand the Raleigh, local acces Ban the new er is that g Denv on ,a neighb traffic ction)on needs EDUC one s See BEER, Page , and Newton Raleiwere for reduce theroute, would city ismake orhoo reside the They and Julian they ATION some gh streetcircles routeway d bikew neighbors friendlier hopin nts. ay intend 7 areg raising s.to slow is speeds. vehicle to reverscome to cyclist ed towere “Tovehicl PAGE 14 themust first-e s make trend concerns mane thatto full stop atcalm POL es down ver traffic thatbytraffic the trafit e headin uver toaroun less conven fic ITICeSAlon creati Hom circle circles Thetrafacity ng comfo ient for g east the s west fic way a safer conducted circle before installed by d circleaspeed rtable and cars. and fortraffic other ,before e crossing While you simila Westalong neighb need to City and ts to cross thecyclist theAvenue. and after meaors cyclis corrid to r and calming down study Coun or. People from35th bike s.”about sures don’t ,” Pit BullPAG the advoca ty ofng idanactually Shersaid She ef-theTraffi slow traveli said to I-25. City Denv are slow BanE 13 (diffe fects celebra traffictes The north er city of rent the wante ting traffic c and ginee Encircles south d to pilot the new route, and rcircles were than HEALTH & round on Emily New partRaleig making howjust of h, the streets theNewto about somemay be one wellGloec traffic prim month the kner. s after arily in the traffic Denver n Moves “And PAG installatio ors less safeneighb and circles ng meaE 14 the n.n are calmi insteadthat Julian plans reaso raising size would WELL of more. to concersures must of The NESS inters we put them reduce 2018eon the come to make the convert ns Michael report vehicl that traffic West fullection Mayor “the a neigh ), 35th speeds stop Avenue friend route .saidborho at and circles into they the traftraffic lier to Hancock and inten circles were od bikeway fic circle other do not appear a neighborh ded ood cyclists make traffic POHealth spoke The is to Heart before at the city to bikecalmin LITICS slow vehic unveiling condu crossi calm less totraffic ofg meaitTheheadi have a large ng the way. sures West a before les down nient for 35th impact cted don’tconve new route and after mostly-re Avenu on vea comf cars. Whil to PHOTO sidential e.ng east in January ly slow after and westhicle ortab neighactual HEA traffic about e the speeds.” study le speed bors PAGE and corridor COURTESY OF along the ef-similar and bike mayofbethe 11& PitLTH The is corrid several 2.6 miles fects Bull circles makin LAUREN MIMS, THE or. Peopl ofto cyclis concrete advoc long. Ban g mediwere are celebr traffic ts.” She CLINIC streets parte trave on the Itates circles the speed wasDenve WELLNESS less north and said ling month atingthe already of “Based the ans safe just study thatinstead the city a designate thefrom stop carof Kaitlin new route south r Moves traffic d Ralei Urso (Colorado d to install and one after some data wewante on bike plans ,route, received PAGE 14 Deneighmore. Newt Mayor traveling ation. topilot and gh, conve date,how well the of Public onthe and upgraded to partment The traffic rt Micha are raisin West 2018 on elbors West circles circle Hear 35th conceeast-west Julian themust Hanco report Health haven’t g come s said Avenu t Heal ck bikeway spoke would statustogives 35th Avenue slowed thatinstalled. ARTS into e traffic vehic “the at therns priority andreduc were a traffic &th full Environm neighb unveil traffic circles e stop le ent), Amy orhood bikeing of thecircle and other traffic to non-moto do at the traf- down thespeed s fic circle not s. weappea “Vision way new rizedbefor way. Zero and bicyroute George r CULTU The mostl have aThe justcalmi (Earthly Labs), BriPAG in can’t needto them Januar ang meae cross large city E 11 RE cle traffic sures y-resid to,” y be condut cted impac Gloeckne after ing slogan,” on don’t the ential severa 35th West road. r Hancock on corrid actua an vel Cusworth Aven a of the concre hicle speeds HE ALTH said.lly“Our before or is 2.6 ue. and after acknowle slow traffic (The Clinic) dged. The West and may .” said She te medimilesand studythe mobility 35th Avenue PHOTO COURTE Inconsp ans long.city wants system about be is going and The It was that stop icuous & theCharlie circle “Base SY OF fects ng the alread to street LAUREN ef- Berger car maki WE (Denver to other d s of conduct on traffic y were neighborh less the MIMS, a the LLN provide another design safe from traffic s THE CLINIC speed ood part traveling multiple Beers Co.) check ESS insteadways the Denver bikewayated study Consumption circle bike route, ofstudy speed and for east-w onewe the valves Kaitlin Urso data just mont now and theMove est of more are available that people Mayo receiv ARTHea h after oths ded West. plans to getr around.” (Color plans ed for atupgra 35th S& denDenver Beer toinsta Michon date, bikewconve to circles er traffic Avenu llatio rt West ael City ayrg/neigh partm rt Health e were The status calming n. ent ofCo.’s Co2ado DeHancvergov.o officials 2018 35th- Aventhe spoke gives install havenrepor ock pledged borhood tank and Earthly priori Public ’t(like at the125 CULPAGE “Visio into slowed miles ed. t said tymedia to non-m ue nstraffic n Zero unvei of bikeways. TUR10 a neighborho traffic Labs’ Co2 Health a nd circle “the and Enviro otoriz can’t signage) new bike down Accordin just ling the lanes recovery equipmen thes do to the od bikebe of website, nment), Amy byin route PAGEE 2023. slogannew bicywaynotwe way. The edg and cle traffic ,” Hanco need tothem appear e t Januarya after have to,” theon roadway themost said. a large ly-resident (Earthly that will Georg road. Inconspicuous11 design, al of ck Gloec impa be used mobilsever Labs), BriSeeackno the concr“Our ial kner TRAFFIC ct onlater ity system Thecorri in The hicle , speed Westdor Page an Cuswo veis wledg ete 12 2.6 35th is medi Clinic’s ans ed. going miles Avenu s.” rth She said the cannabis that stop car - It was to other (The provide multip Consumption PHOTOClinic) city wants already a e and long. neighborhoo and Charlieplants. traffic from “Base COURTESY le ways to condu d on the desig LAUREN MIMS, d bikew Berge OF for plans bike route ct anoth peopletrave speederstudy r (DenvTHE aynated ARTS & speedand to ling er CLINIC est on West are get east-wd.” Beer Kaitli , and datanow study Co.) check we recei PAG ble the upgraded n Ursothe City vergobikewavaila at denAvenaroun thatved officia35th 10 othvalves ls pledge (Colo to date, the circle v.org/ayneigh statuborho for Denve rado DeCUELTU due s gives prior er traffic 125were partmr ent “Visio calmi milesinsta s haven Beer Co.’s n Zero ng (like of lled. RE new bike od- medi ity traffi ’t slowe non-m bikewto can’t just ays. tank otorized and c Health a ns c adown d and Earthl of PubliCo2 Accor by 2023. slogalanes be a cle nd signa n,” Hanc Envir to the bicy- need y onme the ge) Labs’nt), website, the traffic onding way we Inconspicuou ock said. “Our Co2 Amy recove roadwthe them to,” ry ge Geor mobility system road. equip ay design ment (Earth The Gloeckner , See TRAF that , ly Labs) ackno will later Consumptio s wledg an Cusw provide multi is going to other West 35th Avenue and BriFIC, be used ed. She Page orth (The 12 in n said neigh The ple city Clinic’ the ways for borhood bikew wants to condu Clinic s canna and people to Charbis plans lie plants get ct another ay Berge.r (Denv ) PAGE 10 Beer Co.) officials pledg around.” City vergo are available at den- speed study now er check the that other traffic valves for Denver new bike lanesed 125 miles of bikew v.org /neig hbor hood calming Beer Co.’s - med ia ays. According by 2023. (like tank ns a nd Co2 and Earth to the website, the signa ge) ly Labs’ Co2 roadway desig recovery equipment n, See TRAFFIC, will later that Page 12 be Clinic’s cann used in The abis plant s.

Traffic Circles Raise Tensions Traffi

D

c Circles Raise

N

Tensions

DTraffic Circles Ra ise Tensions D

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

YOU!

What stories do you love? What are we missing? What do you think about what you read? You can comment on individual stories on our website at DenverNorthStar.com and at @DenverNorthStar on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

A little help from the littlest of helpers

July 15-August 14, 2020 | Page 15

303.455.5535 | NostalgicHomes.com The Victorian “Must Have” has debuted! Grand Victorian, circa 1895 on nearly 10,000 square feet of ground

ACTIVE

5127 Lowell Boulevard 5 Bed 3 Bath $990,000

3,300 SF

The well-being of our clients is our #1 priority ACTIVE

ACTIVE

1356 N. Downing Street

4573 Stuart Street

4 Bed

3 Bed

5 Bath

2,855 SF

Jenny Apel

Alesia Kieffer

Leigh Gauger

303.570.9690

970.376.8401

720.934.9711

PENDING

SOLD

277 Broadway #310 1 Bed

1 Bath 788 SF

PENDING

ACTIVE

1635 Xavier Street

3452 Osage Street

6970 Upham Street

3 Bed

3 Bed

3 Bed

2 Bath

2,869 SF

$750,000

$324,000

4 Bath 2,966 SF

$1,025,000

Jodi Rogers 720.933.6676

Jasen Koebler

608.438.7776

ACTIVE

4 Bath 2,311 SF

$878,000

$874,000

1,404 SF

Liz Luna 303.475.1170

303.913.3743

SOLD

COMING SOON

1620 Little Raven #303

3707 Eveningglow Way

3345 Westbrook Ln

4021 Meade Street

2 Bed

4 Bed

5 Bed

3 Bed

2 Bath 1,499 SF

$1,005,000

$725,000

Jenny Apel 303.570.9690

PENDING

4 Bath 2,485 SF

$495,000

4 Bath

3,257 SF

$735,000

1,800 SF

Nancy Levy

Luis Serrano

303.868.5746

303.596.1678

303.455.2466

ACTIVE

3311 Osceola Street

5 Bed

4 Bed

3 Bath

2,882 SF

$525,000

#COLORADOSTRONG

2 Story Highlands Bungalow with Farmhouse Flair! Rich in character combined with wellthought updates.

6761 W 36th Place

Bart Rhein 720.837.5959

2 Bath

$579,900

Rebecca Thompson

PENDING

10092 W 81st Ave 3 Bed

3 Bath 4,486 SF

Visit us at www.NostalgicHomes.com

$450,000

Corey Wadley

ACTIVE

2 Bath

In lieu of holding open houses, at this time we are opting to provide Virtual Open House experiences, such as slideshows, live feeds or walkthrough videos.

3 Bath 4,486 SF

$895,000

Alicia Cavallaro

Jenny Apel

303.887.8228

303.570.9690 4

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

PENDING

1633 E 30th Avenue

5034 Utica Street

1450 N High St #10

444 17th Street #604

3 Bed

4 Bed

1 Bed

1 Bed

2 Bath

1,148 SF

4 Bath 2,906 SF

$1,089,000

$485,000

Betty Luce 303.478.8618

ACTIVE

4 Bed 3 Bath $875,000

2,420 SF

$239,000

1 Bath 632 SF

$275,000

Ann Panagos

Arturo Bugarin

Lidia Suarez

970.930.5040

720.364.8214

303.717.5499

Brand New Mid-Century Marvel! Custom modern luxury defined your way– Modern–Sleek–Tasteful. Impeccable design & function throughout.

3563 Dudley Street

1 Bath 611 SF

LIVE FORWARD. GO WEST.

PENDING

COMING SOON

2241 W 34th Avenue

16888 W. 87th Avenue

4 Bed

3 Bed

2 Bath 2,065 SF

$850,000

Jenny Apel

Elizabeth Clayton

303.570.9690

303.506.3448

3 Bath

2,184 SF

$Contact Agent

Porsha Ridl 303.720.1772

MODEL HOME 5645 West 10th Ave. Lakewood, CO

303.476.2448

westlinevillage.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.