The Denver North Star October 15 2021 Online Edition by DenverNorthStar

Your Guide to Community, Politics, Ar ts and Culture in Nor th Denver DenverNorthStar.com

Volume 3, Issue 1

October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

School Board, Group Housing, Bonds, and More on Ballot

ALWAYS FREE!

Understanding Pros and Cons of Historic Designations By Bill Menezes

ELECTION 2021 National Western Bond Question PAGE 4

COMMUNITY Hair on Earth PAGE 10

CANDIDATE PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CAMPAIGNS. STOCK SHOW PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW. DENVER VOTES LOGO COURTESY OF DENVER ELECTIONS DIVISION

The DPS Board of Education at-large race and National Western Arena Bond are just two of questions on this year's crowded ballot.

COMMUNITY Halloween Events! PAGE 12

COMMUNITY Holiday Theater to Become Space for Artists PAGE 14

KIDS & EDUCATION Sandoval School Turns 20 PAGE 15

CORRECTION PAGE 20

By David Sabados

ith five candidates vying for an open at-large school board seat, three statewide ballot measures, and a whopping 13 Denver-specific ballot measures, Denver ballots are larger than normal, especially for an off-year election. You must return ballots by November 2nd. Drop boxes will stay open from October 8th until 7pm on election day. If you are mailing your ballot, give it a week to arrive by election day. Ballots in this area will include five candidates to replace at-large member Barbara O’Brien who is term limited. Rev. Brad Laurvick, District Five representative, will be up again in 2023. DPS races in the past few election cycles have often been seen as ideological duopolies with neighborhood school advocates along with the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) on one side versus reform groups like Stand for Children and Democrats for Education Reform on the other. Some current candidates see those lines fading while other candidates see the divides deepening. A few say they are avoiding the major advocacy organizations all-together. School choice, student performance, community input, and teacher retention dominate election conversations along with the Board’s recent 6-1 vote to censure Director At-Large Tay Anderson, who worked at Manual and then North High Schools before joining the Board. An independent investigation revealed that Anderson made “flirtatious” advances towards at least two female high school students. The firm also found Anderson and his supporters engaged in intimidation tactics towards

witnesses. Nineteen witnesses said they “expect, or fear, retaliation from Director Anderson for their participation in the investigation.” The firm said they were unable to interview potential witnesses and corroborate some allegations and they listed the most serious sexual assault allegations as “not substantiated.” Anderson was the sole vote against censure. We talked with all five at-large candidates, asking them about their background, policies that impact our community, their thoughts on Director Anderson, and more. For this month’s issue, we also talked with proponents and opponents of several of the most interesting (and at times confusing) ballot measures as well, including group living, city bonds, the dueling Park Hill Golf Course measures, and others. Interviews with school board candidates begin on page 6. Our writeups of the ballot measures begin on page 2. We’re also excited to invite you to an educational election event we’re hosting with Regis University and North Denver neighborhood organizations. We’ve invited all of the at-large school board candidates and representatives from campaigns in favor of and opposing the ballot measures. All campaigns are being offered tabling space so you can talk with them directly and we’ll have speakers for some of the more prominent measures addressing the entire crowd. In order to help keep everyone safe, the event will be outside. We hope you can join us on October 23 from 1-3pm. For more information, check out page 14.

long with fireworks, dog excrement, and parking, the topic of Historic designations for Northside neighborhoods and buildings can be one of the most divisive among local residents. Typically at issue is the value of preserving the character of storied Denver neighborhoods in the face of development-driven property speculation, versus the flexibility property owners generally want in developing their land or improving residences and other buildings. It’s an evergreen topic and not just for the Northside, which is home currently to six historic districts (Packard’s Hill; Wolff Place; Allen M. Ghost; Witter-Coffield; Potter Highlands and Tilden School for Teaching Health). The city of Denver’s 54-year-old Preservation Ordinance has led to the creation so far of 52 local historic districts and more than 300 individually landmarked properties. (See the interactive map at https://www.denvergov.org/maps/ map/historiclandmarks). What is Historic designation and why is it often contentious? The process for creating Historic neighborhoods and sites and for reviewing changes to buildings covered by a designation is handled by the Landmark Preservation Commission of Denver Community Planning and Development. City Council then has final say on creation of any districts or historic landmarking of i ndividual buildings.

“Historic designation is one method of ensuring that changes to a neighborhood occur thoughtfully, preserving the fabric of a neighborhood that people love — homes with history, vital dwellings that preserve the past, while acknowledging modern lifestyles.” It’s an evolving process, too: on Sept. 29, the Commission’s staff kicked off an update to the historic design guidelines enacted in 2014 and last updated in 2016. The update will include community meetings and input and public review of draft updates, with a concluding public hearing and vote by the Commission. Historic designation is intended to preserve a neighborhood’s essential character, while enabling improvements or additions that can contribute to that character rather than modifying it beyond recognition. According to the non-profit Historic Denver Inc.: “Historic designation is one method of ensuring that changes to a neighborhood

See DESIGNATIONS, Page 23

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ello fellow North Denverites! This issue marks the start of our 3rd year. Thank you for reading. Last year was rough on us, like it was DAVID SABADOS on most small businesses, but we got through it in large part because of the support from so many community members. Thank you. As we embark on our 3rd year, we’ve continued to grow our team of writers and expand into new coverage. We also hope to continue growing in size to bring you even more news each month. This issue is also an election issue. With so many ballot measures and candidates we thought it was important to dedicate much of the space to bring you unbiased information about what’s on your ballot. We don’t want to tell you how to vote, but we want to help you understand the questions on your ballot, so our articles attempt to show multiple perspectives to each issue. If you’re looking for more information, you should have received informational booklets from

the state and the city on the ballot measures. Chalkbeat, an online news organization focused on education issues, also profiled all the school board candidates. Westword, Denver’s print and online alternative weekly newspaper, has some great coverage on dark money and the ballot measures. We tried to jam in as much as we could into our limited pages, but we encourage you to check out other publications' coverage too. Election issues also mean election ads. We reached out to every registered committee for candidates or measures and offered them all space. We’re of course appreciative of those who used us as part of their voter engagement efforts and spend money in their community instead of throwing more money at ads on online sites that spread disinformation like Facebook, but it’s also important to know that a campaign’s decision to buy an ad (or not) in no way influenced our coverage. As campaigns usually buy ads late, we didn’t know who was buying ads until after the articles were written. This month, we’re also excited to an-

nounce the launch of our new sister publication: The G.E.S. Gazette. For the past two years, we’ve had residents east of I-25 encouraging us to include them. For a variety of reasons we didn’t feel it made sense to expand The Denver North Star, so instead we’ve launched a 2nd hyperlocal paper focused on the Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea neighborhoods and the RiNo Art District. The G.E.S. Gazette is a fully bilingual English/Spanish newspaper that also comes out mid-month. You’ll see a few stories important to all our communities in both, but the majority of the content is specific to each area. If you’re interested, you can check it out online at www.GESGazette.com or find a paper copy in the community. Thank you again for reading -- our team wants to write what you want to read, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas, compliments, criticisms, and questions. Increasingly our stories are coming from questions community members want us to look into. You can always reach me directly at David@DenverNorthStar.com.

301 and 302: Why The Entire City is Voting on Two Measures About The Park Hill Golf Course By David Sabados

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f you're looking at your depending on the outcome of the election. City officials disagree with ballot and wondering why 301’s interpretation of the easement. 1) there are two very similar Depending on the outcome of this sounding measures and 2) election, that dispute may end up in why residents far from the the courts. Park Hill Golf Course are That means today Westside (or voting to decide its future, another owner) can’t really build you’re not alone. anything. They were in the process Depending on who you of planning and discussions with ask, the fight is either about the city when 301 changed the sitensuring continued citywide uation, causing them to pivot to input on a large, undevelrun a ballot measure they hadn’t oped plot of land that should planned on. be preserved, or an unpreceWHO IS BEHIND 301, WHAT dented overreach into what should be a locally discussed PHOTO COURTESY GREATER PARK HILL NEWS/PRINTED WITH PERMISSION DO THEY WANT, AND WHAT’S THEIR ARGUMENT? project and negotiations 301 and 302 will determine the future of the Park Hill Yes for Parks and Open Space is between a private property golf course supporting 301 and opposing 302. owner and the city. It may also be both or neither. The measure can’t dictate a certain use be- Penfield Tate, a Park Hill resident, former A BRIEF HISTORY cause it’s private land, but, if 301 passes, any state legislator, and two time mayoral candiFrom 1899 to 1982 the city was trustee of development would likely be barred until the date, has been one of the public faces of the organization. He and other advocates say the trust from Denver resident and philan- public weighs in on the easement again. thropist George W. Clayton, who owned the In response, Empower NE Denver, started they agree that all of the land shouldn’t be a land. From 1982 through 1997 the city didn’t by Westside, created 302, which changes the golf course, but they would like to see it kept have direct interest in the golf course, but in definition of an easement, effectively exempt- as other open space. In a recent interview 1997, the city paid $2 million to acquire use ing the golf course. Essentially it means if 302 with this paper, Tate said, “We’re not trying restrictions on the property — namely that passes, the current situation (see below) will to compel a particular use,” saying it could it would be a golf course and open to rec- continue, even if 301 also passes (more on be part natural habitat, part community garden, used for urban farming, community fesreation. Those restrictions are governed by that interaction at the end). tivals, or any number of other options — if what’s called a conservation easement. The WHAT CAN WESTSIDE (OR ANYONE) the community has the chance to weigh in. property continued to be privately owned but BUILD RIGHT NOW? They argue a citywide vote is approprithat $2 million of taxpayer money is importCurrently, the land is zoned as open space ant for today’s fight. and has a conservation easement restricting ate because, even though it’s private land, Fast forward to 2017 — the city looked at use, so no commercial or residential struc- the city has been involved with managebuying the property but wanted a clear title tures can be built (except as related to the ment of the land for decades and city funds were used to create the conservation easeand the company operating a golf course was golf course). renewing for another five years. Rezonings go through city council, af- ment. They also note that large open space In 2019, the trust sold the land to West- ter which some combination of commercial is of regional benefit and doesn’t just imside Investment Partners, a Glendale based or residential could be built depending on pact the nearby community. Tate also said developer, for $24 million. Westside sep- the new zoning, but changing the easement that Westside “Bought land they knew they arately negotiated with Arcis, the compa- would have to go through a judge. Without couldn’t develop,” accusing them of now ny that operated the golf course, to acquire that, the city says the land can only be used trying to cut a “sweetheart deal” with the their interests. as a golf course, and other recreation that city administration. 301 has gained support from prominent DUELING BALLOT MEASURES doesn’t interfere with a golf course, even if residents including former mayor WellingA group of Denver residents created initia- it’s rezoned. tive 301, which would require a citywide vote 301 proponents argue that the easement ton Webb. While Yes For Parks and Open on changing any conservation easement. would allow other open space conservation Space doesn’t have the funds of 302, they If 301 passes, you will see another ballot uses besides a golf course and a spokesper- aren’t without resources themselves. They’ve measure before anything happens at the site son for the campaign said the city is ignoring raised $112,025 as of October 5, the most (with the possible exception of it becoming those options because “the city and West- recent filing. Their largest contribution was a golf course again, though that is extremely side believe they can sit in a smoke filled $15,000 from Jim Kelley, a Denver resident unlikely as no parties have said they want a room and make decisions.” It’s likely that golf course). disagreement could end up in the courts, See 301 AND 302, Page 22

Page 2 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

The Denver North Star

E L EC T I O N 2 0 2 1

2F ‘A Battle for the Soul of the City’: ue, Group Living Issue to be Refought at the Polls

Get Outta town!

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on rse

hether or not the city’s new rules for group living remain in place will be decided by Denver voters this November. Question 2F seeks to repeal a recent amendment to the city’s zoning code. The measure is a way to right a wrong committed by city leaders that didn’t heed their constituents, according to Safe and Sound Denver. “The Mayor and City Council didn’t listen; now it’s our turn,” said Florence Sebern in a statement from the political committee. The ordinance in question impacts residential care facilities, correctional facilities, and private residences as well as the neighborhoods and people that accommodate them. It was passed by the City Council on Feb. 9. Richard Saiz, a life-long Denver resident, wants the ordinance repealed because he thinks city planners should address its components separately and more thoroughly. Saiz is a member of Safe and Sound Denver and one of five people on the petition committee that led to the ballot measure. Currently, the new zoning code allows five unrelated adults to live together in one household instead of two. It regulates residential care facilities, such as those for elderly or homeless people, based on size instead of function. It also increases the acres available for correction facilities in Denver’s commercial and mixed-use zones by 490%. If 2F passes, that change goes away, and no more than two unrelated people will be able to live together. Saiz contends that the increase in the number of adults that can live together is “the spoonful of sugar” in a package of amendments influenced by private pris-

on operators instead of the best interests of Denver residents. “I don't feel like this group living amendment is primarily about unrelated adults,” Saiz said. “I think it is primarily driven by community corrections.” Opponents of the ballot measure want the group living ordinance to stay in place. It’s repeal would make it harder for people to afford living in Denver and take away support for those who need care such as older adults and people with disabilities, according to the Vote No on 2F: Keep Denver Housed campaign. At-large Councilwoman Robin Kneich, who voted in support of the change last February, said that she is making an effort to educate voters on the group living ordinance. “The ordinance has all of the protections that the community has asked for,” Kneich said. “It has a prohibition on community corrections for prisoners in residential areas.” Jason Hornyak, a board member for his neighborhood organization in Chaffee Park, approves of the current ordinance because it helps people find and retain affordable housing. Chaffee Park Neighborhood Association is one of five dozen organizations and individuals that have endorsed No on 2F, according to a release from the committee. “You've got a whole slew of progressive organizations that are pro-housing, pro-people,” Hornyak said. “I mean, it's a battle for the soul of the city here. Between (us and) people who are afraid of change, who would rather protect their property values than see anybody else in this city succeed.” Keep Denver Housed is funding that battle with $96,403 in contributions as of October

5, when the most recent filing became available. They have over 200 contributions. The largest is $20,000 from “Issues Mobilization Committee,” a political committee tied to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors. Over $90,000 came in during September. While originally outgunned, that appears to put them in parity with Safe and Sound, which has raised $90,580. Nearly $60,000 of that was on signature gathering, according to campaign finance reports. All but $580 of that came from one March 19 donation by Defend Colorado. Contributions to campaigns don’t tell the entire story though, as Defend Colorado also appears to be spending independently of the organization according to finance records, though details were not available. According to its website, Defend Colorado is a nonprofit that opposes anti-business measures in the state. As a nonprofit organization, they don’t disclose their donors. Organizations of this sort that function as a passthrough for contributions are sometimes called “dark money” organizations because of the way they obfuscate where funds came from. They are also spending independently in support of 2F and initiated ordinance 303 (see page 16 for more information on 303). Safe and Sound Denver (yes on 2F) does not list organizational or prominent endorsements, but cites the over 13,000 verified people who signed their petition as an indication of support. Keep Denver Housed (No on 2F) lists over 60 endorsers including North Denver Councilwomen CdeBaca and Sandoval, Denver-based legislators, and community organizations such as Together Colorado.

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Page 4 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW

A crowd waits to enter the stadium arena, built in 1909. This year, voters will decide whether or not to invest in a new arena.

ometime, maybe a little two-step down the road, cowpokes coming to Denver will be doing what cowpokes do — bull riding, barrel racing, bronco busting — but in a new and gussied-up playground. First, Denver voters need to approve a new arena on the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) campus on election day: question 2E on this year’s ballot. A ‘no’ vote would mean any cowpoking to be done will be done at a perhaps not-so-gracefully aging Denver Coliseum. While the November 2nd vote will determine the fate of the proposed arena, an August Denver City Council meeting made it evident that a new facility is not the highest priority for some long-time residents living near the NWSS campus, especially older Latino residents. Nor was it evident in the votes of four council members. Candi CdeBaca, Paul Kashmann, Robin Kniech, and Amanda Sandoval each voted no on the proposed $190 million complex being added to the ballot. Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, who represents Council District 9 where the NWSS has called home for generations, not only voted no, but “hell no!” on adding the arena to the November ballot. She noted that not one member of her district testified for the proposed facility. “This is the most marginalized community and the most impacted for these projects.” The four were outvoted by a council majority on the issue, who wanted to see the issue put to voters. “I very much like it (the arena),” said Denver City Councilwoman Debbie Ortega who not only voted in the affirmative but who also believes it will ultimately benefit not just Denver but the entire Front Range. “The arena will have year-round activities…and will be an economic driver.” Ortega, one of two at-large council members, also expressed confidence that the NWSS’s 1909 building’s transformation into a public market will be a welcome and overdue addition to the three neighboring communities. Likening it to Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Ortega said it will provide easy access to “healthy food,” a current challenge for locals who must travel miles to full-range grocery stores. Upgrading the facility, Ortega said, is “an investment in Denver.” Community members are also taking sides. “Why should my community,” wrote Alfonso Espino, a long time resident of Elyria in a Denver Post editorial, “entrust our futures into this administration’s decisions when all the promises from the past few years have been broken or ignored?” Espino represents the Coalition Organizing for Health and Housing Justice, a coalition of

residents in Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea. The coalition believes that the city and the Mayor have placed their trust in corporations, big business, and institutionalists, well ahead of those living in the area eyed for development. The arena is just one spoke in the wheel of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s $450 million bond measure. Also rolled into the Mayor’s plan is $38.6 million for upgrading or constructing shelters for a growing homeless population; $54 million for various parks projects, including new playgrounds, pools, and athletic fields; $63 million for significant upgrades to city sidewalks, bike lanes, refurbishing of the Morrison Road corridor, creation of an urban downtown trail, and constructing a cultural and arts district. Should voters approve the arena, it would be one more jewel-in-the-crown of the National Western complex which began a major transformation in 2018. The planned undertaking was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2015 when ballot measure 2C passed, which also calls for a number of community improvements in Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea. These communities directly abut the 250-acre NWSS campus. It authorizes more than $475 million in city borrowing, the money to be repaid by a 1.75 percent tax on lodging and car rentals. The NWSS Master Plan also calls for a multi-pronged partnership with Visit Denver, the Western Stock Show Association, Colorado State University, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and History Colorado. It also envisions the expansion as a bold step toward creating a year-round education and tourism destination. NWSS officials and the city have opted for a new arena over renovation of the Coliseum, a 70-year-old facility, for a single reason: costs. “Given the level of funding that would be needed to turn the Coliseum into a year round venue would be a problem,” said Camilo Vilaseca, Campaign Manager for Rise Denver, the organization pushing for passage of the ballot item. Complete renovation would include major retrofitting of new heating and cooling systems, dealing with deferred maintenance, installing a whole new sewer and plumbing system and more. A new arena, he added, does not mean demolition of the historic arena which has served as home to the long ago Denver Rockets professional basketball team, hosted Colorado High School athletic events, and housed various industrial shows and conventions over the years. Any decision on the facility’s future rests with the city. To date, Denver has made no announcement on the

See ARENA, Page 22 The Denver North Star

E L EC T I O N 2 0 2 1

na Bonds, Election Day Changes, e and Everything Else on the Ballot

Parks, Trails, Open Space, Recreation, Green Infrastructure, Schools, Healthy Communities, Historic Restoration & Urban Agriculture

By David Sabados

f you’re looking for information on 2E, 2F, or 301/302, we gave them each their own writeup in this issue. Those may be the measures getting the most attention, but we wanted to help summarize and explain the other ballot measures you may be wondering about as well. REFERRED BY CITY COUNCIL: 2A - 2D 2A - 2D are four bond initiatives covering projects ranging from Globeville library branch construction to renovating the Sloan’s Lake Boat House — $450,030,000 for the entire package. The bond was referred to the ballot by the city council. Council split the 2E stock show bond off separately, and each measure can be voted on independently. Proponents argue it will create 7,000 jobs and have a $1 billion economic impact for the city. While there is no organized opposition, some opponents have criticized that not enough spending is going to address the city’s housing

nd Swane city and in corpotionalists, area eyed

crisis or other priorities. To help you make your decision, we’re printing the full list of projects with this story. 2G Referred to the ballot by a unanimous vote of council, there is no organized campaign in favor or in opposition to 2G. This measure would give the city’s volunteer Citizen Oversight Board the ability to appoint the head of the Office of the Independent Monitor. That office oversees the police, fire, and sheriff’s departments. Currently the Mayor appoints the position. Arguably, a yes vote is a vote in favor of a slight decentralization of power, while a no vote keeps more power with the mayor’s office. 2H Also referred to the ballot by city council, 2H changes the election day for municipal elections. Currently, the city is out of compliance with federal election laws, mostly because military and other overseas ballots may not arrive in time during Denver’s

quick runoffs. Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul Lopez and his office sent city council two recommendations: either change the election day or implement rank choice voting (also known as instant runoff voting). Either would bring the city into compliance. Council opted to send one question to voters: moving the general election day from May to April, which adds a month to the runoff, giving ballots more time to arrive. There are no organized campaigns in support or opposition. Supporters argue this is the simplest fix to Denver’s election problems, preserving the system voters already know. Rank Choice Voting and other alternative voting system advocates argue council should have debated both options and possibly forwarded both for voters to choose between, as an alternative voting system could save the city around $1 million every election and eliminate lengthy, often negative, runoff elections.

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CITIZEN INITIATED: 300 The Pandemic Research Fund would raise sales tax on marijuana purchases from 5.5% to 7%. Funds would be directed for pandemic research conducted by the University of Colorado Denver’s CityCenter. They argue the funds are needed to better prepare against future pandemics like COVID, specifically to reduce the impact on businesses, schools, and the general population. There is no organized opposition, but several reports have criticized that the measure is funded by an out of state organization that does not have to report its donors. These so-called “dark money” groups collect funds from unknown sources and then make large contributions to campaigns so only the organization name appears. The campaign in favor is funded by a Delaware-based group called “Guarding Against Pandemics,” which has given over $500,000 directly and through inkind contributions.

e wheel of $450 milo the Mayrading or homeless ous parks ds, pools, or signifiike lanes, d corridor, trail, and strict. , it would of the Naan a major ed undered by votC passed, ommunilyria, and ectly abut authorizes orrowing, ercent tax

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JeanSunn@NostalgicHomes.com October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021 | Page 5

ELECTION 2021

Meet The Candidates for School Board By David Sabados MARLA BENAVIDES

Marla Benavides says her background as a former DPS staff member who now homeschools her son, as a reading advocate, and as the author of a book teaching students to read sets her apart from other candidates for the board. “I’m a homeschool mom and a taxpayer,” she said in an interview with this paper. Benavides grew up in Miami in a Cuban-American family and moved to Colorado in 1994. After working at Kepner Middle School, testing students to determine their language proficiency levels, she became concerned about the percentage of students who were not reading at grade level. She said her background helps her relate to DPS families. She was an English language learner herself. She’s been in the schools, and she left them. Like other parents who have either opted out of the district or have stayed with DPS but are frustrated, she’s explored the options for her family. “Charters are too far, private schools too expensive,” she explained when asked about her decision to homeschool her son. She believes she can “Bring homeschooling perspectives” such as reaching reading skills and creating curriculum. She’s also attended DU law and worked as a paralegal with an immigration law firm. She explained she’s continually learning new education theories and loves discussing education with other parents and educators. She would also like to see DPS more decentralized, including having Denverites elect the superintendent directly, instead of being hired by the board. She hopes it would help the superintendent become more independent. In that sort of arrangement, she sees the superintendent like the executive branch and the board like the legislative branch, comparing it to the governor and legislature. All candidates were asked about the consent decree regarding English Language Learners, a federal court ruling that said DPS needs to provide additional education time to tens of thousands of struggling students.

DPS has repeatedly failed to meet the requirements. Benavides said she draws on her time in the schools to understand the problem: she doesn’t believe enough students are placed at the right level for English instruction, which hampers them long term. She’d like to see more focus there. All candidates were also asked whether they would have voted to censure Director Anderson. “It should be censor — not censure,” she responded. She would have liked to see the board censor his Twitter account and ban him from meeting with students privately for the remainder of his term. Benavides said she’s not focused on raising the sums of money her opponents are. She’s been campaigning at community events like farmers markets and trying to do interviews in papers like this one. She doesn’t want to chase the larger organizations for support because she believes they try to buy support from board members. She is especially critical of the teachers union, which she describes as a “powerful force in why education is failing.” As of October 5th, the most recent filing, she doesn’t show any significant fundraising. You can read more about her at Marla4schoolboard.org SCOTT ESSERMAN

Scott Esserman hopes his background as an educator and involved father of two DPS students, along with high profile endorsements from The Denver Classroom Teachers Association (teachers’ union), and elected officials like Colorado Attorney Phil Weiser will persuade voters to elect him. Esserman chaired DPS’ District Accountability Committee and served on collaborative school committees at his children’s schools. He works part-time on the Anti-Defamation League’s “Words to Actions” program designed to curb anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias through school programs. He taught for 12 years in Cherry Creek schools and one year at Northfield in DPS, and at

Page 6 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

St. Mary’s private Catholic school, which, “as a good Jewish boy, was an interesting experience,” he said. A proponent of masks in schools, Esserman thinks the district is doing a “reasonably good job.” Concerned with the staff shortages ranging from teachers to bus drivers, he would like to see “some sort of analysis of the workforce to see if the qualified people are even out there to fill the positions.” He notes that the district has offered bonuses to new hires, at times irking existing employees who are also asking for more money. More concrete solutions from the board would help both the staffing shortages and public trust, he believes. “Parents are hungry for a message that they want to hear what candidates are for...people are tired of the bickering.” All candidates were asked about the consent decree regarding English Language Learners, a ruling that said DPS needs to provide additional education time to tens of thousands of struggling students. DPS has repeatedly failed to meet the requirements. “It’s pretty clear that just given the fact that a modified consent decree exists, that the district hasn’t fulfilled their obligation.” Noting several programs he believes have not been well implemented, he says the District needs to do a better job of understanding the wants of families with ELL students. Some, he said, have pushed for full immersion while others have wanted transitional language instruction. He wants to do a “deep dive” into the needs of the community before setting policy. All candidates were also asked whether they would have voted to censure Director Anderson. “I don’t know,” Esserman replied. “The board is privy to information I don't have.” He said the conversation has “lost focus on the students.” If he was on the board he would have asked himself: “How is my vote going to impact students?”. He added that if the District wants to talk about restorative justice, they need to model that practice. Anderson has been publicly supporting Esserman and attacking other candidates on social media, though Esserman stops short of calling it an official endorsement, noting that Anderson is not listed on his website with other elected officials and said Anderson does not have an official role in his campaign. As of October 5th, the most recent filing, Esserman leads the pack, having raised $53,932 with his largest donations coming from the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, who have given him $22,000. His endorsements also include Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, State Board of Education Director Lisa Escárcega, The Colorado Working Families Party, and several state legislators. You can read more about him at www.esserman4denverkids.com

VERNON JONES

Vernon Jones touts his background as a DPS parent with longtime roots in the city, educator, and administrator, and the need for more diversity on the board as his reasons for running. The Denver native explained that his grandparents moved to Denver in the early 1960s when they couldn’t buy a home in many neighborhoods as a Black family. Until recently, Jones served as the executive director of the Northeast Denver Innovation Zone, an organization that oversees six innovation schools in NE Denver with a total student population of around 5,000. A Christian pastor, Jones previously worked with several faith and education organizations and in leadership at the Omar D. Blair Charter School. He also taught music. Jones said his experience has let him see “Where good policy has run into bad practice” and vice versa. For Jones, some of the divisions in education politics are as deep as ever. “The lines are still very much adults vs kids,” Jones said in his interview. “Parents and kids aren’t getting a say...I think the lines are very drawn in the sand.” All candidates were asked about the consent decree regarding English Language Learners, a ruling that said DPS needs to provide additional education time to tens of thousands of struggling students. DPS has repeatedly failed to meet the requirements. Jones believes the District needs to ensure that policies fit the different needs of students from various backgrounds. A first step for Jones is to “develop strong relationships with the family”, noting that parents and their children who attend DPS may have different proficiency levels and he believes community groups, churches, nonprofit organizations, could all collaborate on helping students and families become more proficient. “We have to set real goals around proficiency...we can’t

Continued on the next page

The Denver North Star

ELECTION 2021

continue to be out of compliance.” All candidates were also asked whether they would have voted to censure Director Anderson. Jones said that he would have been a “hard yes” and “wouldn’t have apologized for it,” adding “Apologizing for bad behaviour doesn’t exempt you of consequences.” Jones said he knows how hard of a decision it was for some board members and saw them get attacked publicly afterward, but that he believes it was the right move and applauds the board for their action. He also noted Anderson had a history of what was seen as retaliatory behavior, including during his time at Manual High School. Finally, he applauded the students who walked out of school to protest Director Anderson. “We want them to think critically and challenge courageously,” saying adults shouldn’t criticize them for their actions after they are encouraged to think for themselves. Just as DPS employees are barred from the board, the board recently decided those in positions such as overseeing an innovation ound as a zone could also not serve due to a perceived n the city, conflict of interest. Jones had previously said e need forif elected he would step down, but then left easons forthe position in early October. He said his resained that ignation was unrelated to his campaign. er in the Jones’ campaign has received endorsea home inments from high profile education reform organizations like Stand for Children, NE mily. he execu-Denver Senator James Coleman, and former ver Inno-board members. His major contributions int oversees clude $5,000 contributions from a number of ver with acommunity members. As of October 5th, the d 5,000. Amost recent filing, he has raised $26,393. His y workedlargest donation of $5,000 came from Steven organiza-and Susan Halstedt of Englewood. ar D. Blair There’s also an independent expenditure committee sending mail and otherwise camsic. t him seepaigning in support of his campaign. bad prac- You can read more about him at www. jonesfordps.net in educae lines areJANE SHIRLEY nes said in aren’t getdrawn in

t the conLanguage needs to to tens of DPS has uirements. to ensure f students t step for ships with and their e different ommunity nizations, dents and “We have Jane Shirley toutes her 35 years in educa...we can’t tion, including 9 years as principal of William Smith High School in Aurora, as her biggest strength as a candidate. “I know what’s pos-

sible,” the East Denver resident gave as her reason for running. “What I see is missing is people with deep, deep experience.” That lack of deep experience for both staff and the board has led Shirley to see DPS treating symptoms too often and the root cause of problems too rarely. “We don't have a strategic plan for Denver,” she said, noting that the last one was The Denver Plan 2020. Shirley, now an executive coach, believes she can use her skillset to guide the new superintendent and fellow board members who may have less background in education. She doesn’t see herself squarely on either side of the education reform debate and sees DPS as a patchwork of policies that lack cohesion. “I’m looking at a really incoherent system...wasteful of time, wasteful of money, and wasteful of talent. There’s no plan to make it better.” As an example, she noted how different schools operate with different levels of oversight and management: some she sees as virtually micromanaged by the district, while others seem to operate with little to no oversight. Regarding student performance and academic achievement, she’s frustrated that the current system has “little to do with learning and growth” and she sees many of the metrics as inherently biased. All candidates were asked about the consent decree regarding English Language Learners, a ruling that said DPS needs to provide additional education time to tens of thousands of struggling students. DPS has repeatedly failed to meet the requirements. Shirley noted that she believes it’s the 3rd violation the district has actually had and reiterated her view that the district doesn’t have concrete plans, but instead the District frequently jumps on bandwagons of ideas presented by nonprofit organizations and others for the solution of the year. For Shirley, the frequent latching onto new trends also means there’s “no measurement or accountability for the things that didn’t work,” adding that real results “take time and take focus.” All candidates were also asked whether they would have voted to censure Director Anderson. Shirley said she “can’t speak to how I would have voted,” adding that there’s information board members have that the general population does not. She said had she been on the board she hoped it wouldn’t have reached that point, noting that the board is only now writing a code of conduct, another indication for her that the district lacks the overall leadership needed. Shirley said campaign fundraising has not been a priority for her, nor has chasing endorsements. Instead, she’s spending time educating herself on DPS policy and talking to voters at events and small groups. As of October 5th, the most recent filing, she has raised $1,275, her largest contribution of $500 came from a retired teacher now living in Oklahoma. She is supported by several current and former school leaders. You can read more about her at www.janeshirley.com

NICKY YOLLICK

Nicky Yollick hopes his background in education activism and a broad community coalition will entice voters to choose him as the next at-large school board member. Yollick is the founder of several community organizations focused on equity in schools, has been a persistent voice in the Democratic party for more support of neighborhood schools, and explains he’s spending much of his campaign going directly door to door to ask voters what they think of DPS. He said he’s hearing frustration from a number of sides. “Some people say the board hasn’t f lipped enough... there’s a lack of coordination and long term plans...and the adult drama — it’s never about kids.” Yollick said despite his political affiliations, he’s campaigning to every voter regardless of party affiliation and has also had interesting conversations with Republican and other conservative voters about issues such as critical race theory in the schools, even though they disagree. Yollick, a longtime supporter of neighborhood schools, said it is easy to generalize too much between binary opposites in education. “Thousands of families love their charters,” he explained. Yollick stressed his focus is on community input and transparency. His concern is not school choice, but how some charters are used to create hyper competitive relationships between schools rather than spending time and resources

on students’ education. His focus on community collaboration has led him to advocate for creation of regional plans in the city, frustrated that DPS has, in his view, been “one size fits all districts for decades.” He believes that local plans, focused on several neighborhoods at once, further goals of creating more equity, draw in more parents, and create what he refers to as “community-based plans — not corporate-based plans.” All candidates were asked about the consent decree regarding English Language Learners, a ruling that said DPS needs to provide additional education time to tens of thousands of struggling students. DPS has repeatedly failed to meet the requirements. Yollick said, “DPS needs to be better at allocating our resources” to meet federal mandates regarding English Language Learners. He believes that the district can meet the requirement to help students by simplifying some administrative processes, reducing the amount of money spent on school marketing, and otherwise reallocating more funds to classroom instruction. All candidates were also asked whether they would have voted to censure Director Anderson. Yollick said that like the Board, he was relieved to read in the report that the most severe allegations against Director Anderson were unsubstantiated, but that the “DPS board had no choice but to take some action” based on the other findings of impropriety. He would have voted to censure Anderson for what he referred to as “conduct unbecoming of a board member.” In his interview, Yollick highlighted recent endorsements from the Sierra Club, the Denver chapter of Progressive Democrats of America, and a number of endorsements from teachers as well as education activists. While not backed by the union or ed reform groups who are usually the largest donors, Yollick said his support from approximately 200 local donors has kept him competitive. His largest contributions, totalling over $12,000, have come from family members. As of October 5th, the most recent filing, he has raised $45,344 You can read more about him at www. nickyfordenverkids.com

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wo years have gone by since liquor and cabaret licenses were originally granted to the Yates Theater on W 44th Avenue and Yates. It has also been two years since anyone’s heard anything about it – until now. While a liquor license is required to be renewed yearly, applicants who can prove a “good cause” for failure to complete the application process can be granted an extension. Good causes for an extension include things like construction or permitting delays – things outside of an applicant’s control. In late July 2021, Yates developers applied for an extension to their license application and were granted one. Eric Escudero, Director of Communications at the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, says, “they have until February 6, 2022 to begin oper-

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C O M M UN I T Y

A RTS & CULTU R E

Longtime Businesswoman Virginia Checking Out: Gonzales Celebrates Retirement, What You Can Heads to Senior World Games See From Here CHECKING OUT

n the small German village of Westerwald, ten-year-old Luisa’s father frequently tells his family that they must “let more of the world in.” When LuiHANNAH EVANS sa’s grandmother, Selma, dreams of an okapi, a rarely seen African animal with “its zebra shanks, its tapir haunches, its giraffe-like rust-red torso, its doe eyes and mouse ears,” just that happens - the world is let in along with all of its heartache and, later, all of its joy. Mariana Leky’s novel, “What You Can See From Here” (2017, translated by Tess Lewis into English in 2021; Farrar, Straus and Giroux), shares a heartfelt and beautiful view of this small town situated in the great world around it, along with a hint of matter-of-fact magical realism. Selma’s okapi dreams are known throughout Westerwald as an omen of death. When word gets out, everyone in town proceeds to write letters, tell burdensome secrets, and prepare themselves for what may be coming, mostly while denying that they believe anything will happen. Death does pay a visit, however, slightly later than expected and in a surprising way. Though the town is grief stricken, over time, much more of the world is let in as well - unrequited love, a visitor from far away, and a possibly immortal dog, among other strange and wonderful events and circumstances. Leky’s Luisa is a straightforward and seemingly direct narrator who serves as an interesting main character - her storytelling veers into the omniscient at times, and though the novel has her at the center, she struggles throughout with overcoming her “blurriness,” or her place as someone who lets things happen around her rather than a person who makes active decisions about her own outcomes. Luisa is surrounded by sweet and charming individuals, the majority of whom are significantly older than her, but who all trod right alongside her, navigating life, love, loss, and belonging amongst a touch of superstition and fairytale-like backdrops. Check out “What You Can See From Here” at your closest Denver Public Library location or as an ebook through denverlibrary.com. Hannah Evans is the senior librarian at the Smiley Branch of the Denver Public Library.

By Kathryn White

air on Earth salon bustled with activity the afternoon of September 12. But it was far from a typical day at this Sunnyside business. Sharply dressed volunteers of all ages zipped in and out of the building with trays of food and coolers of drinks as sounds from the Broncos game broadcast in the background. Large shade tents bordered the parking lot and banquet tables sat ready. That day, colleagues, friends, family, and longtime clients of Hair on Earth’s former owner Virginia Gonzales came together to throw her the retirement party that had been delayed by COVID-19. The salon’s new owner Crystal Marquez, who took over the business in 2019, sees Gonzales as a great asset to the community and wanted to plan something big for her. Gonzales’ friend Gerry Pergola arrived early to help set up food tables. She reflected back over the years she and Gonzales spent together, “Virginia’s friendly and helpful, very attentive to her customers. She always had a snack or a drink for us. She wanted us to really enjoy the experience. We became friends.” Gabriela Ramirez, who worked alongside Gonzales for over 25 years, described her as “beautiful, inside and out. Kind, generous and loving.” Gonzales arrived to smiles and hugs, and the celebration began. Mariachi Luna arrived a short time later and the air buzzed with new waves of excitement. Party-goers hit the blacktop dance floor, with Gonzales herself demonstrating some of the best moves. When Gonzales took over the salon and dubbed it Hair on Earth in 1974, women-owned businesses were uncommon. The local small business administration and banks she approached had little confidence a PHOTOS BY KATHRYN WHITE woman could succeed. But the salon’s owner The Hair on Earth team, past and present. Back row, left to right: Don Grant, Lisa at the time was eager to find someone to take Ayon, Kathy Vasquez, Gabriela Ramirez. Front row, left to right: Lisa Cruz, Crystal over, and the young Gonzales had business Marquez, Virginia Gonzales, Marcus Lopez. savvy, undeniable skills and a base of clientele amassed from a decade working in the ing champion. “The Dorothy Hamill moved ships. When a chair opened up, according to profession. He offered her a rental agreement the industry. And it gave hairdressers a Bueno, his mom “looked for people she could with an option to buy the business after the good name. It was easy to cut, and it looked help grow in the profession.” Gonzales didn’t skip a beat with a retirefirst year. really good.” The seeds of Gonzales’ career as a hairAnd before that, the beehive. “It was fun ment that began in tandem with a pandemdresser were planted at Denver North High to do. With the backcomb, you sculpted the ic. She’s been involved in the community School when she and her cousin Jenny Gon- hair. And if the hair was longer, you could do for years. She remembers back to her earlizales attended a career day presentation giv- a French roll with the beehive on top.” As a est support of Latino candidates running en by Emily Griffith Opportunity School. businesswoman, she recalled, styles like the for office. Her building adjacent to the salon Cosmetology was described as something beehive that took a little longer also generat- was vacant at just the right time for Laura DeHerrera to headquarter her campaign for women could do while also raising a family. ed a bit more revenue. Colorado House of RepresenGonzales saw it as a way to pay tatives there (she served from her own way through college, 1977-1982) and then Frederico where she went on to study Peña not long after. business management and Gonzales won’t leave those communications. involvements behind. And In her first decade as a she’s picked up an entirely hairdresser, Gonzales worked new one: softball. In 2019 she for—and eventually manbegan playing with the Coloaged—in-house salons for rado Peaches, a senior womMay-D&F and the Regency en’s softball organization. Hotel. And then her father, The Peaches are competing in a successful business owner the Huntsman World Senior himself, encouraged her to Games this month, and Gonstart thinking about writing zales is optimistic her team—a her own paycheck. combination of the 70+ and “Women who stepped out 75+ age groups—will medal. of the box, we sacrificed time Now that she has passed the with family. Sometimes we baton to Crystal Marquez back were judged for this.” But at Hair on Earth, Gonzales is Gonzales’ son Eric Bueno re- Two members of Mariachi Luna, led by Goyo D. Luna. having a blast learning a new members it from another angle, “I knew my mom was always there for As hairstyles changed over the decades, sport and enjoying the camaraderie of the me.” He could easily walk to the salon from so too did business trends in the industry. Peaches. Bueno points to qualities that have school or home. He has warm memories of a When Gonzales started, hairdressers worked served his mom well over the years, “She’s place that was always active with conversa- as employees of a salon and then commis- motivated, hard-working, smart, and comtion and familiar faces from school or family sions. And now it’s common to rent a booth petitive. And she’s unselfish, giving, and lovor neighboring businesses. as an independent contractor. Was there a ing.” These qualities, and more, will continue When asked about her favorite hair styles particular business challenge in all those to serve Virginia Gonzales well as she’s snapover the years, Gonzales pointed to the icon- early years? Gonzales worked diligently to ping up ground balls to right field, running ic Dorothy Hamill wedge-style cut inspired find the right people to work for her. She the bases toward home, and cheering her by the 1976 Olympic women’s figure skat- sought out and developed trusting relation- teammates on.

Page 10 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

The Denver North Star

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October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021 | Page 11

C O M M UN I T Y

Get Your BOO-Ya on this Halloween By Basha Cohen

he Halloween season is set to take off on its broom with ghoulishly good times this October. Festivities run the gamut from family-friendly, sweet trick or treat events where candy and costumes collide, pooches go on parade, flicks fright, and pumpkin carving is taken to a new art form, to adult bar crawls & masquerade balls filled with zombified, howlingly spooky creature features.

Event organizers are being cautious and promoting COVID protocols including social distancing, masks, and gloves for volunteers, sanitizing stations, and cleaning games between uses. The Highland HUNIWeen Parade suggests, “Masks are encouraged (not required), participants will clean their hands before they start, and stay within their family/friend “cluster” while parading. Spectators can safely take photos from the sidewalk.” Other events like Trunk or Treats require that families stay in their vehicles and wear masks at all times. Luckily, this is one holiday where masks make up a big part of the fun, so make it a mask-erade party and have a boo-tiful time!

30. This fun tradition is changing the way kids go hunting for candy at Halloween. And in the week leading up to Trunk-or-Treat, the bindery will play host to storytelling for the kids (or kids at heart). To reserve a trunk space on October 30 email dbbc@denverbook.com MCGREGOR SCARE: FAMILY FUN & DANCE ‘TIL YOU’RE DEAD, OCTOBER 22–24 AND 29–31, 5-11 PM (HOURS VARY) McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St., Denver, CO 80202 Prepare for the ultimate Halloween at McGregor Scare with two weekends full of Halloween happenings including DJs, Silent Disco, photo booths, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and spooky movies on the lawn each night at 7 PM. The littles will especially love Trick-or-Treat Street on Saturday, October 30 at 5 PM. HIGHLAND HOUSE HAUNT DECORATING CONTEST, OCTOBER 27, 5 PM All Highland Neighborhood homes welcome to compete. Amy Berglund of RE/MAX Professionals, City Properties, is partnering with HUNI to bring back the Highland House Haunt, a “spirited” Halloween house decorating competition open to any home within the boundaries of the Highland Neighborhood. Registration is required. Entries must be re-

PHOTOS BY BASHA COHEN

HIGHLAND MERCHANT ASSOCIATION PUMPKIN CARVING HALLOWEEKEND, OCTOBER 29, 4-6PM The Garage, 32nd & Osceola Drop off your pre-carved pumpkins at “The Garage” (across the street from Highland United Methodist Church) on Friday, October 29 between 4-6PM. Pumpkins will be on display through October 31. Prizes will be awarded in multiple age-based categories, including a crowd favorite. Vote any time before midnight on Halloween. Check out Highland Merchant Association FB page for more details. DENVER PARKS AND RECREATION TRUNK OR TREAT, OCTOBER 29, 5-7 PM Scheitler Recreation Center, 5031 W 46th Ave. Ages 2+. $5/person Register online at DenverGov.org/Recreation. Activity Number #70170

Classic annual events like Elitch Gardens Fright Fest, The Aquarium’s Fall Fest, Denver Zoo’s “Boo-at-the Zoo,” and the Botanical Gardens “Glow at the Gardens” and “Corn Maze” are aplenty, but here are Denver North Star’s top picks from Berkeley to the Highlands, LoHi and LoDo. LITTLE MAN ICE CREAM FRIGHT NIGHT FLICKS IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH, OCTOBER 22-23, 6-11 PM 2620 16th Street, Denver CO 80211 Bring your blankie for outdoor films and come get spooked! G-rated: 6-8PM; PG+ 8-11PM DENVER BOOKBINDING CO. TRUNKOR-TREAT & STORYTELLING, OCTOBER 23-31, 5:30-7 PM 1401 W 47th Ave, Denver CO 80211 • 3-D Storytelling Nightly, October 23-31, 5:30-7 PM • Trunk-or-Treat, October 30, 5:30-7 PM; Denver Bookbinding Company is hosting their delightful Trunk-or-Treat on October

ceived and the house completely decorated by Wednesday, October 27th @ 5:00 p.m. Winners will be announced at the Recess Beer Garden location during HUNIween Parade October 31. Register at bit.ly/HighlandHouseHaunt2021.

NAVAJO TRICK OR TREAT STREET, OCTOBER 29, 6-8 PM Navajo Street businesses are proud to present Trick or Treat on Navajo Street, for the third annual event. At this event, Embark Education will be presenting their long-

term projects to the community, along with complimentary treats from the contributing businesses. Come join us on October 29th to learn about the history of North Denver, to see some amazing DIY candy machines, for free hot chocolate, and lots of candy! • Students from Embark Education will be showcasing their most recent projects throughout the evening. • Free hot chocolate for the kids, and coffee for the adults at Pinwheel Coffee • Businesses will be handing out candy throughout the evening. • Costumes are encouraged for EVERYONE! This event is hosted by the businesses on Navajo Street, including: Second Nature Salon, Pinwheel Coffee, Framework Cycles, Embark Education, Acova, Denver Pilates Movement, Lifetime Hotel LITTLE MAN FACTORY MONSTER MASH FAMILY COSTUME BOO-GIE, OCTOBER 29, 6-9 PM 4411 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80204 Come boogie down with our DJ Buddy Bravo for a monster mash dance bash. Free candy for the kids and ice cream prizes await the best costumes in West Denver.

Continued on the next page

BOONION STATION TRICK-OR-TREAT PARADE, OCTOBER 28, 5-8 PM Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO 80202 All of Denver’s costumed characters, both little and adult-sized, are invited to take part in the 7th annual BOOnion Station Trick-orTreat Parade. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature trick-or-treating, minitrain rides, balloon artists, face painting, and more. The parade begins at 5 p.m., with prizes awarded for first, second, and third place overall best costumes.

Page 12 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

PHOTO BY HARRY WARTERS

The Denver North Star

TENNYSON FALL FEST & PET PARADE, OCTOBER 30, 1-5 PM Tennyson Street (just north of 41st Street), Berkeley, 80211 The 6th Annual Tennyson Street Fall Fest celebrates community in the NW Denver Berkeley neighborhood. Festivities are outside at Cesar Chavez Park and along Tennyson Street between 41st and 43rd Streets for a variety of activities including local vendors and artisans, the 4th Annual Pet Parade Costume Contest, street-wide trick or treat, and socially-distant mingling for friends and family. General Admission ticket ($10 adults, kids under 10 years old FREE) includes two (2) complimentary beverages (ages 21+ only) from local breweries. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annualtennyson-fall-fest-tickets-170427914480? aff=erellivmlt ELKS LODGE HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY & 6 MILLION DOLLAR BAND-21+, OCTOBER 30, 6 PM-1 AM 2 4 7 5 We s t 2 6 t h Av e n u e , D e n v e r, C O 8 0 211 The Denver Elks Lodge #17 continues to reinvent itself as the hipster haven in North Denver. Join the 21+ costume dance party live in the Lodge Room featuring the 6 Million Dollar Band - The Ultimate '80s Experience https://www. 6milliondollarband.com/ Get your tickets now for this sure-to-sell-out event. $35 in advance; $45 day of the event. Tickets include a taco bar. https://www.denverelks. org /events-1/ha l loween-costu me-pa rty-concert-dj HIGHLAND HUNIWEEN PARADE, OCTOBER 31, 9:30 AM The Gardens at St. Elizabeth (32nd Avenue) to Erie Street (near Tejon/ Hirschorn Park)

QUALITY FISH MARKET SINCE 1974

own. Award categories for pumpkins, people, & pets include Cutest, Spookiest, Most Original, and Best Family or Group. SPOOKY HAPPENINGS FOR GROWN-UP GOBLINS LOCAL 46 IS STAYING ALIVE...70S HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY 21+, OCTOBER 30, 7 PM-2 AM 4586 Tennyson Street, Berkeley, CO 80211 One of the most spooktacular things this Halloween is that Local 46 has extended their lease and is staying alive! Come in costume and join the boo-tiful celebration with a 70s dance party, The Reals perform live in the Biergarten from 7-10pm with a DJ dance party to follow. Get your tickets and support our favorite local watering hole. at local46bar.com

Thank you No needy family should go hungry.

For more than 40 years, Bienvenidos Food Bank has provided Northwest Denver individuals and families with emergency food in a safe, welcoming place.

Each year, Bienvenidos:

to our generous Denver supporters Serves Saves 180,000 pounds of 10,000 Denver who have helped Bienvenidos Food wholesome food from grocery residents a year. stores – that would havebeen been Bank during COVID-19. We have thrown away. one of 62 out of 106 food agencies in Gives away more than Denver that has been able to stay open 375,000 pounds Provides enough food of food valued nearly during theatpandemic. We see new to make more than $600,000 300,000 meals. families weekly, who have suffered economically and physically this year.

For every $1 you give, we are able to provide $9 of food. bienvenidosfoodbank.org

Please consider a donation to support this important work in 2021. For every $1 you give, we are able to provide $9 of food.

www.bienvenidosfoodbank.org

Tuesday - Saturday 11-6 Sunday Closed Monday Closed 3457 W. 32nd Ave. 303.571.1995

ZOMBIE PROM OCTOBER 30, 8PM12AM Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO 80202 Held in Union Station's Great Hall, Terminal Bar, and Cooper Lounge , this ticketed event will feature spooky cocktails and bites, a costume contest, killer beats, and more! Open to ages 21 and older.

Y R R O W E H T F O E M O S A “TAKE OUT OF LIFE” POLICY.

HUNI, the Lower Highland neighborhood organization, invites the community to gather safely, wear your favorite costume, and join the parade along 32nd Avenue to Erie Street. The parade begins at The Gardens at St. Elizabeth (32nd / Eliot) at 9:30 AM. Our costumed collective will turn south onto Erie Street, receive Halloween bags to fill with their safely received treats from local merchants. Kids will enjoy face painting, pumpkin painting, and more! Adults can imbibe & cheer on the Broncos at the Recess Beer Garden.

LITTLE MAN ICE CREAM PUMPKIN CARVING & COSTUME COMPETITION, OCTOBER 31, 11 AM-2 PM 2620 16th Street, LoHi Directly following HUNIween Parade Trick-or-Treating, the party continues at Little Man with its 13th annual Pumpkin Carving & Costume Competition. Carving utensils are available, but if you have a favorY WARTERSite knife, you are encouraged to bring your

The Denver North Star

THE 13TH FLOOR HAUNTED HOUSE OCTOBER 12–31; NOV. 1, 5–6 AND 12–13, 2021 3400 E. 52nd Ave. Hailed by Fangoria Magazine as "the #1 scariest haunted attraction in the U.S.," the 13th Floor Haunted House takes guests through not one but THREE frightening tours of horror. This year's attractions include Frost-Bite (a stateof-the-art cryogenics lab that has had a breakthrough in reanimating the dead), The Dollmaker (a creepy house at the end of the street filled with a collection of Victorian dolls inhabited by the spirit of their evil maker), and Bad Blood (a bloody battle between vampires and werewolves). The scares promise thrills with intricate sets, highly selective casting and incredible special effects makeup that is sure to make reality and fiction blur into terror. Tickets will sell out, so buy yours online in advance! https:// www.13thf loorhauntedhouse.com/

Whatever it is you worry about, I can help with the policies and advice to keep you fearless. With rewards for safe behavior that protects what matters most, rather than penalties for what doesn’t go quite right. And with the support you need, every step of the way. For your car. Your home. For your unique life.

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October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021 | Page 13

CO MMU NI TY

Holiday Theater Will Become Enclave for Arts, Artists in North Denver By David Sabados

Meet the candidates and representatives for the ballot measures! Please join Regis University, The Denver North Star, and community partners for an outdoor voter information event on

OCTOBER 23 from 1-3PM

Regis University, East side of the Student Center (Enter near Lowell and 50th)

All at-large school board candidates and ballot measure campaigns have been invited to attend. PA R T N E R I N G O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

PHOTO BY DAVID SABADOS

The Holiday Theater will soon become a place for artists to live, work, and engage with the North Denver community.

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Page 14 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

he Holiday Theater on 32nd Ave is about of the entire structure, which also has other to be transformed. The theater, first built commercial spaces right now. “Forces of urban development are pushin 1914, will soon be the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver’s home on the Northside. ing creatives out,” Burnett Abrams said. She In August, the building was purchased by explained it wouldn’t be possible except that Continuum Partners, a Denver-based com- the trust is renting them the space below market value, and the mercial real estate residential units will developer on behalf The trust was created by be rented out below of a new nonprofmarket as well. MCA it: Denver Cultural Continuum’s CEO Mark will have a 7 year Property Trust. The Falcone “with the mission lease with options trust was created by to renew. Continuum’s CEO to preserve important While MCA has Mark Falcone “with commercial spaces and their main museum the mission to preat 15th and Delgany, serve important residences on a long-term, Burnett Abrams becommercial spaces affordable basis for artists lieves in a decentraland residences on a ized concept where long-term, affordand creative practitioners in they can better enable basis for artists the community,” gage different comand creative practimunities, highlighttioners in the community,” according to the release announcing the unique work of artists across the city ing the new endeavour. The purchase was and ensuring that North Denver artists have the first for the trust, which is formalizing a place to call home. She hopes it will proits nonprofit status and will be governed by vide a place for the community to not just see art, but engage with the artist commua board of directors. MCA Director Nora Burnett Abrams talk- nity and participate themselves. “We want ed with The Denver North Star to share some it to be a beloved community resource,” details on what the community can expect she explained. Don’t expect the theater to just duplicate when they open their doors next spring. The theater itself will be a space for ex- their main museum either. “What's happenhibits, shows, and workshops with both pro- ing on Delgany St will materialize differfessional and student artists. The engage- ently over there,” she explained. One visual ment with the schools is important and the artist they are currently showcasing at the theater’s proximity to North High School museum is also a DJ, who could perform or have workshops at the Holiday Theatre locameans students can walk over. The theater is only part of the complex tion for example. MCA’s lease begins in December, and though. Burnett Abrams noted that the “humble structure” is actually much larger they plan to open in the spring. While there than people realize. In addition to the the- will be minor renovations, such as removater, there’s 15 residential units and space ing a non structural wall the last tenants below. She stressed that the units that are installed for their church, Burnett Abrams rented will continue to be, and no one is get- said the building's beauty will remain unting kicked out. As people move out on their changed. “There’s so much history.” The Holiday Theater was originally built own over time, they are looking at turning in 1914 and was named the Egyptian Theater those spaces into housing for artists. At the same time, they are exploring how in 1926, then renamed the Holiday in 1953. best to use the space below. She hopes some It was one of the first theaters in the state of it can become workspace for the artist to show Spanish language films during the community and possibly workshops they 1960s and continued through the 80s. Most can bring others into as well. If all of that recently, it was a church. The MCA invited comes together, the site will become a true The Denver North Star to tour the space early enclave for artists in the neighborhood. next year, and we’ll be bringing you more upMCA will be overseeing approximately a ⅓ dates as they get closer to opening.

The Denver North Star

K I D S & E D UCAT I O N

Denver North High School Homecoming Parade By Kathryn White

enver North High School celebrated its annual Homecoming week September 27 – October 2. Festivities

Sandoval: Helping Students

Become Bilingual For 20 Years

By Nora Ridgeway included spirit days, sporting events, a pep rally, a parade along West 32nd Avenue and the homecoming dance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTINE SANDOVAL PHOTOS BY KATHRYN WHITE

Denver North’s JROTC Color Guard opens the annual homecoming parade.

Ana Marie Sandoval’s son, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren all gathered together along with the school principal to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the school opening.

A has other

are pushs said. She xcept that ace below e, and the units will out below well. MCA a 7 year Denver North wrestling team joined students, alumni and local businesses in options

October 1 homecoming parade along West 32nd Avenue, from Perry Street to the MCA hasschool at West 32nd Avenue and Eliot Street. Denver North’s museum Classes of 1966 Delgany, brams beand 1971 road in decentralthis classic Cadillac, pt where which famously better enappeared in the ent comClint Eastwood and highlightJeff Bridges film ss the city Thunderbolt and rtists have Lightfoot. will proBack seat, left to o not just right: Joe Cipro (’66) t commuand Phyllis “We want Dardano-Cipri (’71) resource,” Front seat, left to right: Gene Cisneros duplicate (’66) and s happenLarry Dardano (‘66). ze differ-

One visual ing at the erform or eatre loca-

mber, and hile there as removst tenants t Abrams main un.” nally built an Theater y in 1953. the state during the 80s. Most CA invited pace early u more up-

Bill Bernard, Class of 1944, waves to the crowd from a classic Jeepster.

The Denver North Star

cademia Ana Marie Sandoval is celebrating its twentieth anniversary! The dual-language Montessori school was the first of its kind when doors opened in August of 2001. Padres y Jóvenes Unidos, a community organization led by people of color, worked in tandem with parents and other community members to develop this unique educational model for children from three years of age through sixth grade. Current principal Sandra Berumen emphasized the school is a Montessori school, not a “Montessori-like school,” meaning teachers must undergo intensive training to learn the Montessori method, a method “based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative interaction created by Dr. Maria Montessori,” according to the school’s website. The dual-language component of the school model means students are taught literacy and content in both English and Spanish, with the goal of creating a bilingual and biliterate student body. Founding principal JoAnn Trujillo Hays recalls early skepticism from parents as they asked her “how can you guarantee that my child will be bilingual by the time they leave?” Trujillo Hays simply replied, “Because I’ve seen it.” At the time, Trujillo Hays was principal of Escuela Bilingue Washington in Boulder and she had witnessed fifth graders engaging in complex debate topics in English and Spanish. The fifth graders never broke code, meaning they were able to actively participate in the debate without switching back to using their native language. Though Trujillo Hays was not looking to leave her position in Boulder, the idea of joining the grassroots efforts to create Academia Ana Marie Sandoval intrigued her, and she accepted the principalship in February of 2001, mere months before the school was set to open. From the very beginning, Trujillo Hays believed the school would be successful, stating, “A proven model like Montessori, and another like dual language, how can it not work?” Combining dual-language education with Montessori education presented many early challenges, some that persist to this day. One such difficulty is recruiting qualified teachers. Berumen highlighted how the Montessori method requires a teacher’s assistant in each classroom, which necessitates finding and hiring bilingual paraprofessionals, in addition to the already daunting task of finding and hiring classroom teachers. Another ongoing challenge is maintaining a balance between native English-speaking students and native Spanish-speaking students. Trujillo Hays noted in an ideal world, the ratio would be 50/50, but from the beginning the school operated closer to a 60/40

model, with native Spanish-speakers comprising 40% of the student population. To maintain this delicate balance, the school always accepts native Spanish-speakers and has created a waitlist for native English-speakers. The same practices are in place to this day, and Berumen asserts around 40% of students are what they call ‘Multilingual Language Learners,’ formerly known as English Language Learners. According to Berumen, a more recent challenge has been explaining the Montessori model to parents, as she emphasizes the parents “came to the school because they were enticed by the model, but not necessarily because they understood it truly and what it means for their child.” For this reason, the school has initiated a series of parent education nights designed to explain the model and how parents can best support their students at home. At the twentieth anniversary celebration last month, the school honored its namesake: late civil rights activist Ana Marie Sandoval. Sandoval was born in Denver in 1939 and spent her lifetime advocating for various causes, including becoming heavily involved in the Chicano rights movement. Despite battling cancer for more than a decade before passing, Sandoval remained an active community member, including organizing rallies and answering near constant phone calls from community organizers asking her advice. Ana Marie Sandoval’s granddaughter, Justine Sandoval, remembers her as someone who was instrumental in helping to desegregate Denver Public Schools, which she notes is interesting because “now if you look at the statistics, DPS is more segregated than it was pre-segregation because of the demographic changes in the city and school choice.” One major indicator of the demographic changes North Denver has experienced is the continuous decline of Academia Ana Marie Sandoval students receiving free or reduced lunch. Presently, only 32.4% of students are receiving free or reduced lunch, a number quite low considering the district wide statistic of 61.73% of students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Berumen is quick to acknowledge the gentrification that has occurred in North Denver, and she remains committed to ensuring the school is honoring its Latino heritage while providing a quality education for all students. “I honestly do believe that every child deserves an education like the one they get to have here,” says Berumen. Nora Ridgeway is a 2008 graduate of Academia Ana Marie Sandoval and currently resides in Sunnyside.

October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021 | Page 15

Ballot

Continued from Page 5 303 “Let’s Do Better” requires stricter enforcement of Denver’s camping ban while allowing Denver to establish up to four authorized camping locations. If 303 passes, the city would be required to remove camps within 3 days. If they fail to, citizens can sue the city. The four sanctioned camps would have to include running water, restrooms, and lighting. The city is under federal court orders to provide at least 7 days notice before removing large encampments, which means the issue could end up in the courts if passed. The campaign is headed up by Garrett Flicker, chair of the Denver Republican Party. 303 is funded by “Defend Colorado.” Defend Colorado, like the organization explained in the 300 write up above, does not disclose its donors and the initiative has been criticized as only having one untraceable source. Defend CO is also funding the campaign in support of 2F (see page 3 for more information on 2F) and 304, which is explained below. A campaign in opposition called “Let’s Do Our Best” was created shortly before ballots were mailed, formed by individuals involved with several nonprofits focused on advocacy. City officials have almost unanimously come out in opposition including council passing a resolution in opposition. 304 Sponsored by the “Enough Taxes Already” campaign, 304 would reduce Denver’s aggregate sales tax from 4.81% to 4.5%, meaning some taxes may have to be reduced if others are increased, keeping the total rate at 4.5%. If 304 passes, the expected reduction in the city’s 2022 budget would be between $50 million

and $80 million. The initiative was also created by Garrett Flicker, chair of the Denver Republican Party. Like 303 and 2F, it’s also funded by Defend Colorado, a nonprofit organization that does not release information on it’s donors. Mr. Flicker did not respond to an inquiry for more information and no website or other public information could be found. City officials also strongly came out in opposition, noting the conf licts of different sales tax measures and problems in funding city services. Council also passed a resolution in opposition.

According to Mayor Hancock, “If passed, 304 would immediately result in the need to cut up to $80 million from the budget – $80 million – including potential cuts to the city’s dedicated sales tax initiatives. It will mean fewer police officers and firefighters keeping neighborhoods safe, less maintenance on our roads and in our parks, less affordable housing and services for unhoused residents, and less support for businesses and workers trying to get back on their feet after this pandemic. It would gravely put our recovery at risk.”

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K I DS & ED U CATI O N LETTERS FROM MISS JILL

What Can We Control?

here continues to be much ages 5 to 12. I asked my neighbor, Kristi Knuout of our personal control ti Rodrigues MD, MPH, an ER pediatrician these days and, as parents, with for Denver Health, for her input. Rodrigues a public health issue defining has 4 and 8 year olds in DPS and offers that our daily lives in such random wearing masks does not impede oxygen levJILL CARSTENS ways, this can be infuriating. els and getting to spend time with their peers outweighs the isolation of online learning. What can we do? What should we do? I have talked to many parents and teach- She added that her 8 year old will be the first ers in Denver, receiving a variety of respons- in line to get the vaccine. Rodrigues has done es to the mask mandate for instance. Many the research and trusts the science. She is emparents of young children and children with pathetic to parents’ concerns and encourages special needs are opposed to mask mandates them to advocate for their children by asking and are hesitant about the vaccine. I can un- their doctor questions. I can identify with wanting to “make evderstand, but my perspective as a parent and teacher starts with health and safety for all. erything ok” for our kids, but as they grow, At the time of this writing, 5 schools in the learning coping skills is vital. The wearing metro area have had breakouts. In one week- of a mask also helps to teach empathy and end I heard of three acquaintances who were awareness of protecting others in addition to ourselves, which is a all vaccinated, but wonderful lesson for got infected with Perhaps it is time to stop young people to learn. COVID from their wishing things were different. Additionally, becomschool-age children. ing more aware of soDirector of The We can do hard things cial cues and learning Highlands Micro and doing them develops ways to communicate School, Anne Wintemute offered that character and resilience that with gestures and body language is a getting on the same can be tapped into again good thing to learn in page as a school general as we don our was very importand again in life. masks. We often comant to the collective municate non-verbalwell-being. Her school puts the wearing of masks in the same ly. By learning how we come across this way category as wearing a coat when it is cold, we can become better overall communicators. Perhaps it is time to stop wishing things it is just something you should do in that circumstance. “If parents stress out about were different. We can do hard things and mask-wearing in front of their children, the doing them develops character and resilience children pick up on that and often mim- that can be tapped into again and again in ic their parents’ stress. When wearing our life. To use another Glennon Doyle quote, masks becomes just part of our daily routine, “Being human is not hard because you are doing it wrong, it’s hard because you are kids comply with no issues.” That being said, wearing a mask indoors doing it right.” When things feel out of control, perhaps for anyone when there is no air conditioning at the beginning of the warmer days of focus on what you are able to take charge of the school year made it hard for everyone. in your daily life to make things easier. Do Ideally, finding ways to hold class outside as much to prepare on weekends and the whenever possible during those days should night before school like pre-cooking dinners, be an option. Kari Guiness, a school nurse making lunches, and picking out clothes to in DPS, found that most children have not wear. Create routines and rituals for before had problems with mask-wearing, but when and after school that are not only efficient but frustration surrounding the pandemic comes contain elements of joy, such as making a fun up for kids, she offers to help them find breakfast or planning a family activity. Get ways to cope, often pointing to a Glennon outside. Stay informed with reliable sources Doyle-inspired poster that says “We Can Do so that there are as few surprises as possible. Take care of you: schedule massages, down Hard Things.” Young children are often oblivious to the time, and talks with friends. seriousness of things going on in the world Jill Carstens taught for 30 years and now unless we tell them or forget to be discreet when discussing matters with other adults. enjoys writing this column, connecting with It is important to take control of this piece North Denver merchants for ad sales for The of the pandemic and intentionally measure Denver North Star, and organizing neighborhow we inform children. They can be aware hood events supporting the local arts, commuwithout carrying the weight of the world. If nity, and sustainable ideas. You can see some of what she is oryou are unsure how school staff are handling pandemic-related issues, gather your ques- ganizing at CurateLocally.com or email her with comments or story ideas at tions and approach them in a polite manner. Vaccines will soon be available for children jill@denvernorthstar.com

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Page 16 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

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The Denver North Star

H E ALT H & W E LL N E S S COMMUNITY WELLNESS INSTIGATOR

Pumpkin Workouts Aren’t Scary...But Are Effective! T

risti Knuhings that are scary: diatrician Clowns, zombies, Rodrigues climate change...Things offers that that are not scary: Fun xygen levmovements that celeheir peers brate the season and our learning. beautiful bodies! These e the firstERIKA TAYLOR s has donemoves are just to give you ideas. Please conShe is em-sult your doctor before beginning this or ncouragesany other fitness routine. If you are at all by askingunsure, consult an exercise professional. You can find my contact information at the “make ev-end of this piece. Never hesitate to use it! hey grow, e wearingTERRIFYING TOE TAPS pathy and Stand up tall. Gently tap the ball of one ddition tofoot on top of the pumpkin. Switch feet. which is aChallenge: Speed it up or add a bounce to esson forswitch feet mid air. e to learn. y, becom-SPOOKY SQUAT PRESS ware of so- Stand with feet wider than shoulder width. d learningPush hips back, bend knees, and lower your mmunicatebody holding the pumpkin in front of you. ures and uage is a to learn in e don our often comon-verbals this way unicators. ng things hings and resilience d again in yle quote, e you are e you are

Spooky Squat Press Keep your weight in your heels, breathe out from your low belly, and slowly push yourself up to the starting position while lifting the pumpkin above your head. MUMMY LUNGE Hold the pumpkin with both hands. Breathe out to stabilize your core, step right foot back. Keep the back heel raised directly over your toes. Lower your back knee toward the ground as the front knee bends. As you

PHOTOS BY ERIKA TAYLOR

lower into the lunge, breathe out and slowly twist your torso with your arms extended mummy style left over the front leg. Return to center. Exhale to bring your feet back together, and then repeat with your left leg. PUMPKIN SPICED TWISTS - SEE PG 22 Holding your pumpkin in both hands, sit on the ground with your knees bent. Lean slightly back without rounding your back. Pull your navel to your spine, and twist

slowly to the left, bringing the pumpkin to your left side. Inhale through the center, and breathe out deeply, rotate to the right. ONE LEGGED ZOMBIE LIFTS - SEE PG 22 Hold your pumpkin in both hands. Tip forward in your hips reaching chest forward, shifting your weight onto one leg while your other leg engages and extends behind you. Lift your extended leg and reach your upper body forward until your body forms a “T” shape, arms reaching down. Keep a slight bend in your standing leg to keep it active. Breathe out and use your core to slowly lift your torso and return to starting position.

See WORKOUTS, Page 22

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ast week I planned to spend time taking a tai chi class and going out to lunch with a friend who’s living with early-onset Alzheimer’s. We’ve done KATHRYN WHITE this before and, until last week, it had been a fun and upbeat experience for both of us. But that morning her spouse texted to prepare me: my friend was having a really hard day. And indeed, she was teary and sullen on-and-off for hours as we adjusted plans to see what might cheer her up. Whatever your age, you likely know someone whose world has gotten a lot smaller in recent months or years. Whether that someone is rehabbing from an injury, had to give up driving, or has moved into a group living community for a little support, most of us have opportunities to plan a few minutes of enjoyment for someone who’s not moving about in the world as they once did. So, I’ve been thinking about what makes a visit in these circumstances a good one. In my friend’s case, it turned out to require a flexible mindset and Plans B and C. The heads-up from her spouse made this possible. Another friend joined our Plan B (surely a cat café will do the trick!) to help lighten the mood. Dezie Johnson, manager of Cottage Hill Senior Apartments on Tennyson Street, suggestions that a visit of any kind makes a difference. It’s true, an enjoyable visit is not typically as difficult to pull off as it was that day with my friend. And according to Johnson, “Consistency is good, but I know a regular schedule doesn’t work for everyone. Really, just visit.” Johnson points out that most of her residents are no longer working—and some don’t drive—so they have many more unstructured

VOTE YES on 2A-2E

hours in their day and less to look forward to. It brightens their spirits to be taken out for a meal or to have a friend or family member stop by with a little something special, perhaps a flowering plant or sweet treat. “And kids!” she says, smiling. Dr. Andrew Allen of Restore Osteo PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE suggests that a good Florence Trujillo and her grandson Mario Gonzales. visit doesn’t even need to be in person, or lengthy. Longer vis- pop in and have a seat, enjoying the pre-dinits can be exhausting. Allen checks in with his ner concert. Gonzales has gotten to know sevmother by phone for a few minutes every day, eral by name, including one who doesn’t seem to receive visitors. “It goes a lot further than I listening for a sense of how she’s doing. The pandemic, Allen points out, has meant ever would’ve thought.” And what makes a good visit? Gonzales dramatically less mobility for many. The extended time isolated indoors takes a toll on pauses a moment, and then, “I’m sure they physical fitness, mental health, and our eating appreciate any time that you can spend with habits. A good visit could include working them, but I also know that if you’re in a huralongside your loved one in the yard or taking ry, they notice that too. I think it’s important a walk together. If their health has suffered, to make the visits count and just know that it offer to go with them on a visit to their doctor. goes a lot further than you’d think.” Mario Gonzales has a beautiful formula for Kathryn has lived in North Denver since visits with his grandmother, Florence Trujillo. And, it turns out, their visits bring joy to around the time the Mount Carmel High School others as well. Trujillo moved into the assisted building was razed and its lot at 3600 Zuni beliving wing at The Gardens at St. Elizabeth a came Anna Marie Sandoval Elementary. She’s few months ago. Her new place is on Gonzales’ raised two children in the neighborhood, worked way home from work, so just about every day at several nonprofits, and facilitates a Caregiver he stops in to take her for a stroll around the Support Group for the Alzheimer’s Association block. And then he rolls his grandmother, in Colorado Chapter. Do you have story ideas for The Gray Zone? her wheelchair, into The Gardens’ auditorium and plays the piano for her. Other residents Email Kathryn@DenverNorthStar.com.

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Page 18 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

Atzlan, Scheitler, and Highlands Rec Center improvements Transform Historic 1909 Building into a public market Pedestrian and road safety improvements National Western Center Arena construction Paid for by RISE Denver

The Denver North Star

C OM M UN I T Y

Residents Gather to Discuss Sidewalk Problems By Allen Cowgill

n a warm September Saturday, a group of community members gathered at Scheitler Rec Center for North Denver’s first ever Sidewalk Palooza. One woman came because she had temporarily been using a walker after an injury and found trying to walk around the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood to be abysmal with all the broken and missing sections of sidewalk. Many came because their neighborhood, Inspiration Point, lacks even basic sidewalk connections to the rest of Denver. Everyone was there for one common reason, wanting better pedestrian connections in Denver. Organized by the Denver Streets Partnership (DSP), the walking tour event was intended to raise awareness and discuss solutions for Denver’s sidewalk network. According to DSP, 10% of Denver streets have missing sidewalks, and 30% have sidewalks that are too narrow to accommodate a person in a wheelchair or a parent walking with a stroller. The issue hits hardest for the 10% of Denverites that do not have cars in their household, and several parts of North Denver have 16-20% of residents without a car in their household according to Census data. PHOTO BY JILL LOCANTORE District 1 Councilwoman Amanda P. San- An already narrow sidewalk on Sheridan near Lakeside is made impassable for strollers or wheelchairs by overgrown bushes. doval, who represents North Denver, took part in the event and spoke about the chal- as a runner and a biker who delivers books to challenges with getting a sidewalk installed walks in Denver. The group asserts that while lenges of our sidewalk system, especially that get exercise in the neighborhood, that getting and DOTI’s plans. “On the west side, you have the Mayor’s proposed $4.8 million budget it relies on the individual property owner to Inspiration Point from Denver is one of his a large cement retaining wall. On the east side, to fill in missing sidewalks in 2022 will help being responsible for maintaining their side- least favorite intersections. “I try to avoid Sher- you have a historic golf course and line of ma- jumpstart the sidewalk build out, a larger and walk. She noted that during a recent budget idan Blvd. whenever I can, this entire stretch ture trees. So, we are starting to look at design dedicated funding source is needed to help hearing, she asked the Interim Executive from Colfax all the way past Willis Case, options that consider and address the existing fund more timely sidewalk construction as Director of the Denver Department of Trans- the entire thing is hard to navigate. There is conditions and begin to develop a cost esti- well as repair. portation and Infrano good way as a pe- mate for the project, and we would likely go to structure (DOTI), Allen Cowgill was one of the organizers of destrian or a cyclist the community to discuss further before any “The program that Denver Adam Phipps, how the North Denver Sidewalk Palooza Event to get through there. decisions are made on next steps.” we can complete There are overhangThe Denver Streets Partnership has said and serves as the Council District 1 Appointee has is not perfect, it’s not and repair our sideing trees and bushes, the city estimates it will cost $1.4 billion to on the Denver Department of Transportation sustainable, and it would take there are sidewalks completely build out and fix all of the side- and Infrastructure Advisory Board. walk network. Sandoval said to the that are less than two us forever to build out group that “The profeet wide, and they are these sidewalks.” gram that Denver right up against traffic has is not perfect, so you’re constantly it’s not sustainable, and it would take us for- looking over your shoulder trying to make ever to build out these sidewalks.” Sandoval sure you’re not going to get clipped by a car explained that Phipps admitted that progress driving by. It is a hazard. It is definitely somehas been too slow on the sidewalk network thing that can be and should be addressed.” repairs and build out, and that DOTI will be Jerry Guida, President of the Inspiration announcing a new strategy by November. Point Neighborhood Association also spoke. The walking tour route was chosen for the He mentioned that the Intersection of I-70 group that highlighted many of the typical and Sheridan has designs from CDOT, but Denver sidewalk problems, including disre- is not funded. He highlighted that “there paired sidewalks, landscaping that blocked are no sidewalks from 49th Ave to 52nd Ave. the sidewalks, missing sidewalks, as well as There are no sidewalks for 4 blocks. We’ve narrow sidewalks. The group walked along been dealing with this for, I don’t know how Sheridan Boulevard where bushes blocked many years. The last we heard we were going the sidewalk and forced people to walk in the to get sidewalks on the east side. This need “ I have seen the transformation of NE road. They also featured neighborhood speak- is great throughout the city. We have a street Park Hill from a thriving community to a ers including Ryan Sullivan, owner of the down here, 52nd Ave, that has no curb, sidecommunity struggling from neglect and lack Book Bar on Tennyson St. Sullivan noted that walk, or gutter. We have enough visibility, of investment. I'm voting yes on 302, because enough people are upset that the city is golocal communities know best what they need, ing to have to act.” Dave, an Inspiration Point parent with and the future of the Park Hill Golf Course two kids attending Centennial Elementary should be a local community decision. Let's said “that there are absolutely no safe ways invest in people not property.” for us to walk to school, for them to ride their bikes to school. Frankly, just leaving Dr. Caroll Watkins Ali, the neighborhood is frightening. We literNE Park Hill Community Leader ally have no way to safely go walking about with our children outside the neighborhood because there are no sidewalks connecting us. There is nothing safe about leaving our neighborhood other than in a car.” DOTI Director and Spokesperson Nancy Kuhn noted that the city has made improvements elsewhere on Sheridan Boulevard recently, adding missing sidewalks in nearby Sloan’s Lake Park on the western side of Sheridan from 17th Avenue to Byron Place. They are also looking at improving the stretch of sidewalk on Sheridan between West Colfax and 17th Avenue in conjunction with a developer that has indicated they are going to fix part of that stretch while to learn more visit www.EmpowerNEdenver.com PHOTO BY ALLEN COWGILL building new homes there, and DOTI will Even where sidewalks are wider, Paid for by Empower NE Denver work on filling the remaining gaps. pedestrians are directly adjacent to Regarding building the section of missing vehicles, including many semis and sidewalks on Sheridan between 49th Avenue work trucks who utilize Sheridan. and 52nd Ave, Kuhn explained some of the

The Denver North Star

October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021 | Page 19

NE W S S HO RTS

O PI NI O N

Colorado Peaches Set Sights on Medal, But Have Already Won at Empowerment and Camaraderie By Kathryn White

Green vs Concrete T

om Noel, Dr. Colorado, Denver's premier historian, reminds us in his axial book, Denver, the City Beautiful that Denver in DENNIS GALLAGHER the early days was filled

to retain Park Hill Golf Course as open space. He will vote NO on #302, the developer's grab on city open space. Remember, #301 covers the whole city of Denver, not just Park Hill. Speer would be opposing 302, a developer's scheme to develop Park Hill Golf Course. The city voters must turn in a resounding

PHOTOS BY JAN PELTON

Colorado Peaches 60’s, 65’s, 70’s and 75’s at last practice before joining their 50’s counterparts at the Huntsman Senior World Games in St. George, Utah.

orget fall colors, Colorado Peaches are set to peak this month! As The Denver North Star goes to press, 4 teams (50’s, 60’s, 65’s and 70’s) from the Colorado Peaches Senior Women’s Softball organization are competing in the Huntsman Senior World Games in St. George, Utah. The Peaches were founded in 1991 and welcome players ages 50 and up. Currently, their “ripest peach” is 90 years young. The Denver North Star recently caught

the 60’s, 65’s, and 70/75’s at their last practice before heading to the tournament. They had just received word that their 50’s team, already in St. George, had won its morning game. General Manager Sandy Crane wrapped up practice with words of encouragement, “Now you must know, the 70’s and 75’s, you’re the backbone. You’ve been here the longest. We have higher expectations for you. But, we love you no matter what happens!”

Colorado Peaches who are staying behind offer a rousing send-off to those headed to St. George, Utah.

Construction Begins on New Protected Bike Lane By Allen Cowgill

Park Hill Golf Course with "sooty coal smoke, stockyard stench, and smelter fumes fouled the air. Housewives complained that their wash became dirty again while hanging out to dry. Street corners were perfumed by more than 300 saloons, which gave 1890 Denver more bars per capita than Boston or New Orleans, although less than half the ratio of America's wettest city San Francisco." P. 9, The City Beautiful. With the election of Mayor Robert Speer, Denver began to turn the corner on being the "City Ugly." Speer fought for parks and open space, protected by a city charter, which said if you want to develop any dedicated park land in Denver, you have to go to a vote of the people and get permission for such development. That's why we must vote NO on ballot measure 302, a developer's attempt to develop city open space. Let's stop playing Russian Roulette with our city's open space. If they can do this to Park Hill, your neighborhood cannot be far behind in this regressive attempt to develop park and open space in Denver. We have to vote YES on 301 and NO on 302 not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren's park futures. They spent over $250,000 to get this scheme on the November ballot. These two proposed measures would have caught Mayor Speer's watchful eye. In my view, the city beautiful builder would be supporting the Park Hill Neighborhood in their measure 301 to retain Park Hill Golf Course as open space. You may be tired of hearing me talk about it, but we all have to support the Park Hill neighborhood in their attempt to preserve the last large open space in Denver. Mayor Wellington Webb has stepped up following in the footsteps of Mayor Robert Speer and supports #301 on the Denver ballot

PHOTO FROM DENVER.GOV

"NO" vote on this developer's attempt to grab city open space land for personal profitable development. The developers argue that the land at the golf course is on the northerly edge of the city and near an industrial area. This is all the more reason to preserve open space on the northern edge of our city. Speer is calling out to us in this election from his humble grave at Fairmount Cemetery: "Vote NO on 302," shouts Old Mayor Bob. Tom Noel, who lives in Montclair, next to Park Hill, has a sign in his front yard, saying "Green VS Concrete, Yes on 301 and NO on 302." If you want to join him and me, in Berkeley Regis and Mayor Webb in East City Park, you too can put the same sign in your front yard as well. Contact Woody Garnsey at wgarnsey@ecentral.com. He will get you a sign. In 1914, Denver was trying to figure out how to best design Genesee Park, a Denver Mountain park in Jefferson County. It’s still there and has not been sold off to developers in Jefferson County. But then some newfangled automobile lovers wanted to level off the top of Genesee Mountain. Let's take out all the trees, like the developer did at Loretto Heights. So that way lots of cars could park up there on that wonderful mountain top. Thank goodness, Denver ran out of money and Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr., Speer's parks planner prevailed and only one of Denver's buffalo herds now scratch their furry backsides on the tree barks up there. Get your ballots in by November 2nd, 2021. Tell your friends and neighbors. The Honorable Dennis Gallagher is a former city auditor, city councilman, state senator and state representative.

Our First Correction By David Sabados

I C

onstruction has begun on upgrading the West 23rd Avenue/Water Street bike lane to a protected bike lane. Sketches for bike lane markings started to show up on the pavement the first week of October. The new bike lanes will be striped next, and vertical posts will be installed later this month according to the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) on Twitter. DOTI is installing this bike lane to increase safety and comfort for people that bike from the west to downtown, furthering the city's goals towards eliminating

PHOTO BY ALLEN COWGILL

traffic deaths by 2030 and mitigating climate change. This will be North Denver’s first ever protected bike lane and will go all the way from Federal Boulevard down to the South Platte Trail near the REI Flagship Store. The new protected bike lane design is intended to enable the 59% of Denverites that would like to bike more but want safer bike lanes before doing so. According to data from Strava, 23rd Avenue is the most popular east/west bike route in this part of the city. It serves as the only bike lane that crosses I-25 in North Denver.

Page 20 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

t was bound to happen eventually: we ran something that was wrong and we wanted to let you know. Last month, we talked about Skinner’s 100 year anniversary, the school’s celebrations, and how you can get involved. One problem: during the course of researching the school, the celebration organizers and school officials realized that it’s actually their 99th year in operation. While Skinner was finished in 1921, the school didn’t open until 1922. The school still held their fall festival and are using the year to gather stories about the school’s (99 year) history. The delay just means the celebration will be even larger next year. They are also highlighting the importance of research. Hopefully, it’s a good les-

son to students to do their own research and not take everything adults (or newspapers) say as absolute truth. As the Russian proverb (Americanized by President Reagan) goes, “trust, but verify.” Our apologies for the error and we look forward to more stories about our schools in the future. When we have a minor error in a story (such as listing a wrong committee an elected official serves on for example), we update the online version. For any larger errors in the future (which we hope not to have), we’ll run a correction like this in the next issue. Congratulations to the Skinner community on your 99 year anniversary. David Sabados - Publisher and Editor The Denver North Star

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The Denver North Star

October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021 | Page 21

301 and 302

Workout

who said in an interview that he didn’t have any financial interest in the outcome, but wanted to support preserving open space.

DEAD ROWS Hold the pumpkin and hinge at your hips with your back flat and knees soft. Extend arms to reach the pumpkin toward the ground. Breathe out from your center and pull the pumpkin in toward your navel with elbows bent up toward sky and pulled firmly against ribs. Lower weight slowly.

Continued from Page 2

WHAT DOES WESTSIDE (302 PROPONENTS) WANT TO BUILD? WHAT’S THEIR ARGUMENT? Empower NE Denver is the official campaign opposing 301 and supporting 302, which was started by Westside. The 302 campaign isn’t arguing what should or shouldn’t be built, but rather that the decision should be made through a more focused, local process with the Park Hill community, not the entire city. Westside is looking at a mixed use development, but wouldn’t share specifics on the amount of land that would be left open, how many units they are hoping to build, or similar details. “It would be disrespectful to the local community to say exactly what would be there,” said Kenneth Ho in a recent interview with this paper. Ho is a Principal of Westside Investment Partners. He did say they have heard from the community that a full service grocery store and other amenities would be beneficial and they hope to include those. Without rezoning, they don’t have specifics on what would be allowed but didn’t answer several direct questions this reporter asked about what they were hoping to build when they purchased the land. Ho is making the case to voters that a citywide vote on the future of private property is unprecedented in the city and that it’s most appropriate to have a regional plan with communities in the area who have the biggest stake in the future. He stressed that his company is working with local residents and said the 301 campaign is ignoring the community engagement they are doing when calling for a city-wide vote. He also noted they can’t just build whatever they want even without 301 pasing. Besides changing/lifting the easement, the entire parcel will have to be rezoned before development could occur. Ho explained that details such as the number of units, percentage below market rate (or otherwise considered affordable), and similar details would be articulated in a development agreement with the city, along with a community benefits agreement. Such an agreement would likely be created during the rezoning process which they hope can continue. Empower Northeast Denver has raised $340,725 as of October 5, the most recent filing. $268,305 of that was an in-kind contribution from Westside for signature gathering. Corporate contributions account for all but a few hundred dollars of their overall fundraising. WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY PASS AND/OR FAIL? • If 301 passes and 302 fails, any changes to this easement, or future development on other private land with an easement, would have to go to a vote of the people. 301 can’t compel a certain use of the land, but it can likely hold up development by forcing more public votes on the easement. Essentially any other result means the future of the private land is left to the owners, city, and potentially courts to determine: • If both pass, any other conservation easements would have to go to a vote, but not the golf course, as it would be exempted by 302. • If both fail, it’s the current status quo, which means the city and developer can take the easement modifications to the courts, rezone, etc and development can happen without additional votes of the public. • If 302 passes and 301 fails, it’s mostly the same as both failing, except 302 advocates would likely have more political capital. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? No other ballot measure this year has the sheer amount of information to read as 301/302. If you visit www.denvergov.org/ parkhillgolfcourse and select “resources,” you can read the entire easement, an FAQ about the easement, and more.

Continued from Page 17

PLANK TAPS Start in a plank position, with your pumpkin about a foot in front of your head. Stabilize your core by breathing out and wrapping your spine. Keeping your hips level, lift one hand, reach out, and gently touch your pumpkin. Slowly replace your hand, breathe, and switch sides. For most folks, you can estimate the correct amount of repetitions by counting how many you can do before your form suffers. And the best thing about us-

Erika Taylor is a community wellness instigator at Taylored Fitness, the original online wellness mentoring system. Taylored Fitness believes that everyone can discover small changes in order to make themselves and their communities more vibrant, and that it is only possible to do our best work in the world if we make a daily commitment to our health. Visit facebook.com/erika.taylor.303 or email erika@tayloredfitness.com.

landing spot for exhibitions, concerts, and various trade shows. Improvements, started in 2018, have slowly begun giving it to a 21st Century patina. Long before the idea of a new arena even hit a storyboard, a number of essential improvements began. A number of buildings and amenities that no longer served a purpose were demolished. An equestrian barn, a long abandoned paper manufacturing building and an animal rendering plant that butted up on the South Platte River were razed. Some rail lines have also been redirected to accommodate the renovation and better serve neighboring businesses. Sewer lines connecting the city to a wastewater treatment plant have been buried underground. Going thoroughly 21st century, the plan is for the sewer system to provide heating to various parts of the stock show operation. Paul Andrews, CEO and President of the NWSS, and one time Executive Vice President of Kroenke Sports, knows better than to take an affirmative vote for granted. Still, he’s confident that voters will see the possibility of jobs, community improvements, and even “careers in arena positions.” But he also knows how other cities, including Chicago, a town that once had one of the biggest stock shows in the world, have fallen short. Failing to gain the support of voters or the city, Chicago’s once mega-stock show locked its doors and vanished. “I don’t see that happening here,” said Andrews. The NWSS executive said his team has engaged in long-standing meetings with community members. “We

formed a citizens advisory committee,” in order to find out what would best work for them, he said. Now and long after what he hopes will be an affirmative vote, “we’re confident that we’ll continue talking with them.” Listening to your audience, said Matt Brockman, Communications Manager of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is what has kept the Texas event vibrant and riding a consistently upward trajectory. Creating public/private relationships have also worked synergistically with local and national brands and companies. “The public/ private collaborative efforts have been what’s kept them (facility amenities) upgraded and provided for expansion,” he said. The Fort Worth show has formed partnerships with a number of brands including The Will Rogers Memorial Center and Dickies, a name often associated with farming and ranching and the namesake on its arena. To date, there have been no announcements on naming rights on anything at the NWSS. But in almost every city and venue where there is money to be made in corporate branding, it would not be unthinkable to imagine a corporate name affixed on anything above or below the name or initials NWSS. As of October 5, the most recent financial filing, “Friends of National Western Stock Show” has raised $510,000 and “Rise Denver'' $194,600, both in support of the bonds (though Rise’s total includes a $75,000 contribution from Friends of National Western). “Vote no on the Arena Bond” had raised $725.

ing your gourd for your workout? When you’re done - you can eat it!

Mummy Lunge

Pumpkin Spiced Twists

One Legged Zombie Lifts

Dead Rows

Arena

Continued from Page 4 Coliseum’s fate. One concern voiced by residents of the Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea (GES) communities is that expansion of the NWSS campus and construction of a new arena could mean the beginning of the end of their lives in these northeast Denver enclaves. Gentrification, they worry, might slowly or even quickly move into the place they’ve called home for years. Vilaseca said there has been no talk about uprooting anyone from their homes, many of which are generational. But, he said, there has been an honest sharing of information on the benefits of how a new arena will pay off for the communities. “We’ve told them about the 3,500 jobs around the construction and renovation of the arena,” he said. There will also be approximately 200 full-time positions at the still to be voted upon arena as well as an undetermined number of part-time jobs. Vilaseca also reiterated the addition of a food market, parks, and a library that will be part of the overall construction package. “We will be giving a lot back to the community and Denver.” The NWSS, a January staple in Denver and Colorado since 1906, has managed to carry on despite showing its age. Each year the event brings in an estimated 600,000700,000 vendors, visitors, and competitors for its 16-day run. It’s hoped that its metamorphosis will also make it a year-round

Page 22 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

The Denver North Star

DROP OFF YOUR LEAVES FOR FREE We’ll compost pumpkins too!

PHOTO COURTESY LOUIS CHARLES/DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY/MCC-3852

A view of 32nd Avenue in Denver sometime between 1910 and 1930 near the intersection of Mead Street.

Designations Continued from Page 1

occur thoughtfully, preserving the fabric of a neighborhood that people love — homes with history, vital dwellings that preserve the past, while acknowledging modern lifestyles.” This balancing act typically plays out in design review by the Commission’s staff and members, based on overall guidelines as well as additional requirements that may be specific to an individual Historic District. For any building changes that require zoning, building, demolition, or other city permits, a separate design review and approval are required. Property owners of landmark buildings or buildings considered “contributing structures” in a Historic District, must do this if they want to make exterior changes — which may include windows, doors, siding, garages, additions or other elements. According to the Commission, “Design review ensures that these projects preserve the properties’ key historic character-defining features and qualities.” That’s where building or renovating properties in a Historic District can get contentious. Although some changes considered “minor” can be reviewed and approved by Commission staff without a full Commission review — such as replacement gutters, re-roofing, and re-pointing — the process can add time and expense to other more significant projects. The experience of Kristin Broms, who is in the process of digging out and finishing the basement of her family’s 1890s-era Queen Anne home in the Packard’s Hill Historic District, is common. She and husband Colin bought the home in 2016, as the process for getting the district approved was in its final stages. They were not thinking about renovation at the time given the significant interior work and an exterior addition already done by previous owners; two children later, they decided to expand their living space via the basement. An initial challenge was finding out exactly how design review would impact the project, a common gripe among affected property owners. Realtors may not provide sufficient information during the home-buying process and some contractors may be better versed than others. “You know you live in a historic district but nobody sends you the rules of what that means,” Broms said. Design review added about a month to their project’s expected time frame, even though there was limited exterior renovation involved. However, one element — a proposed new, nonegress window in a side wall visible near the front of the house — would have required a Commission hearing, possibly adding several months to the project’s inception. Broms decided to forego the window rather than have the delays. Other factors that can add cost in such a project include guidelines that visible exterior windows and doors be wood or wood-clad, rather than less expensive fiberglass or metal. “It’s great that some of these old homes with character aren’t being knocked down,” she said, “but it still feels as if the process is opaque and subjective.” Besides additional bureaucracy and potential costs to make desired or needed renovations, there has been opposition to historic designations in the past from homeowners or developers who argued retroactive restrictions infringed on their property rights. Some also argue their property values would suffer from the requirements or restrictions that designation entails. One group of four homeowners in the Pack-

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ard’s Hill Historic District has two pending lawsuits challenging the city of Denver’s approval of the district, the first dating to the 2017 approval and the latest filed in late September according to an October 6, 2021, article in the online news publication BusinessDen.com. One alternative opponents often propose is a so-called zoning overlay that typically provides specific exceptions to district guidelines to make them less restrictive. However, district supporters argue that overlays may not go far enough in preserving a neighborhood’s unique character by protecting buildings that are considered “contributing” structures from extensive, sometimes un-aesthetic renovations, design alterations or even demolition. At the same time, proponents say district design guidelines are flexible enough to enable modernization of buildings and lots with the proper review and, if needed, appropriate rezoning to accommodate structures such as new ADUs. Marie Benedix, a member of the community group that successfully applied for the Packard’s Hill Historic District designation in 2017, noted that she installed solar panels on the main roof of her 1908 Classic Cottage with little difficulty in meeting the Planning Commission’s guidelines. “So historic districts - just as much as any other single-family home area - can be part of that ‘gentle upzoning’ that City Council has said it would like to see in existing neighborhoods,” said Benedix, who has lived in the home since 2007. “What we don't get is the wanton loss of history and character and the unsustainable sending off to landfill of homes that are 100 years old and could easily get to 200.” Historic Denver has cited research indicating that some 99% of design reviews result in project approvals. The non-profit also cites a private economic study conducted in 2011 — well before the current home price surge — that found property values in Denver historic districts either increased or stayed the same as in nearby, undesignated neighborhoods. Proponents also argue that the process for getting a Historic District designation approved is difficult and may take years in some cases, a deterrent to all but serious efforts. It begins with an application of proof to substantiate that the identified area meets at least three of 10 historic and architectural criteria for consideration. The process then proceeds to application review by the Planning Department staff and the Landmark Preservation Commission. If it passes muster, there follow public hearings before the commission on the application’s merits; review by the Denver Planning Board; and review by the City Council’s Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that determines whether the full Council will consider it. The Council then presents the application publicly with first, second, and third readings along with a public hearing before voting on final approval. In addition to fact-finding research to support their applications, which may be aided by public grants but typically also require funding by proponents themselves to pay the cost of historic research, applicants also typically conduct communications outreach to gather public support for designation. Paul Cloyd, chairman of the Design and Preservation Committee of the West Highlands Neighborhood Association, noted that getting designation for the Tilden School district adjacent to Highland Park was a substantial effort even with the support of all building owners in the designated area. “It still took close to 2 1/2 years just to get through the process,” he said. “It’s a tough process.”

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October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021 | Page 23

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5 Bed 2 Bath 3,318 SF

Jill Samuels

Jasen Koebler 608.438.7776 Star studded 2 story Craftsman Bungalow awaits you! Renovated with style & class.

303.912.0606

PENDING

3 Bed 2 Bath 2,182 SF

Liz Luna 303.475.1170

ACTIVE

4276 Green Court

2811 Vrain Street

3550 West 62nd Place

4 Bed 2 Bath 1,910 SF

3 Bed 3 Bath

$1,350,000

$915,000

$750,000

4 Bed 2 Bath 3,038 SF

Jenny Apel 303.570.9690

PENDING

5680 S Moore Street

3 Bed 2 Bath 1,350 SF

$489,900

Bart Rhein 720.837.5959

Jill Samuels

Luis Serrano 303.455.2466

PENDING

2995 Osceola Street 4 Bed 3 Bath 2,680 SF

$985,000

1,992 SF

303.912.0606

International Style Simple - Elegant & Luxurious right in the Heart of Highlands!

ACTIVE

4421 W 35th Avenue

4 Bed 4 Bath 3,615 SF

$1,750,000

Jenny Apel 303.570.9690

PENDING

2138 Glenarm Place

4637 Bryant Street

7505 W Yale Ave #1704

3860 Osceola Street

$519,000

$675,000

$435,000

$1,000,000

2 Bed 2 Bath 813 SF

Betty Luce 303.478.8618

3 Bed 2 Bath 1,576 SF

Jenny Apel 303.570.9690 Unique Mid-Mod on corner lot is a private sanctuary situated on nearly half an acre.

SOLD

PENDING

3 Bed 3 Bath 2,002 SF

Arturo Bugarin 720.364.8214

4 Bed 4 Bath 2,377 SF

Jenny Apel

303.570.9690

PENDING

95 S Zephyr Street

63 South Logan Street 5 Bed 3 Bath 3,148 SF

1730 Lowell Blvd #102

4 Bed 2 Bath 3,342 SF

$800,000

$950,000

$870,000

PENDING

Elizabeth Clayton 303.506.3448

Jenny Apel 303.570.9690

3 Bed 4 Bath 2,218 SF

Jenny Apel 303.570.9690

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.

Page 24 | October 15, 2021-November 14, 2021

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