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

Volume 1, Issue 12

September 15 - October 14, 2020

Thousands of Fish Wash Up at Sloan’s Lake

ALWAYS FREE!

STUDENT VOICES

Living and Learning in a Virtual World

By Shaina Walsh

Editor's Note: We are proud to present a new column, Student Voices. If you would like to share your school’s news or celebrations submit your ideas to Shaina Walsh at shainawalsh@gmail.com

DINING Local 46 Closing PAGE 5

PHOTO BY DAVID SABADOS

HEALTH & WELLNESS COVID Enforcement PAGE 7

Denver Parks and Recreation Department staff works to clean up the fish kill in Sloan's Lake.

City Undertakes Massive Cleaning, Looks to Future of Lake

By David Sabados hen fish started washing up on the shore of Sloan’s Lake, nearby residents had a lot of questions. It was hard to ignore: neighbors blocks away said they had to keep their windows shut to keep out the smell. “We were going to go kayaking and saw thousands of dead fish,” said nearby resident Jeannine Spicer. “Later that day the smell hit us.” Spicer’s parents first bought their home across from the lake in 1964 and she’s seen many changes to the park over the years. “We’ve never seen a kill of this level.” Scott Gilmore, Deputy Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for the city, said that while fish die off every season, this was the largest amount on record. Despite that, he said the lake is now healthier than before and city staff handled the problem quickly. “It was a perfect storm,” said Gilmore. He cited numerous reasons for the unprecedented deaths, including that this August was the hottest on record, there was little rain or moisture, the lake was overpopulated, and Sloan’s Lake’s shallowness means the water heated up quickly. The combination meant that the oxygen level dropped, killing the fish. “Nature essentially brought the population down.” Sloan’s Lake is considerably more shallow than nearby

W ARTS & CULTURE

A Cruise Down Fedz PAGE 8

COMMUNITY Helen Bonfils PAGE 12

OPINION • City/Press Interactions • Afro Liberation Front • Protect Environment PAGE 14

Rocky Mountain and Berkeley lakes. Neither of those has had any notable fish die offs. The majority of fish killed were black crappie, which Parks said they haven’t been stocking recently. The population has been expanding naturally, causing the city to stock more tiger muskies, a large predatory fish, to keep the population down. Even so, the crappie population bloomed. Gilmore said that a combination of the lower fish population and lower temperatures at the end of August have helped restore oxygen levels in the lake and the health of the lake improved almost immediately. Catfish that the city stocked will also eat the dead fish that sank to the bottom, according to Gilmore. Nearby residents have noted that the lake has had more algae on the surface than other years, but Gilmore said some algae is normal and that the treatments to reduce the toxic algae did not negatively impact the fish population. After Parks learned of the fish kill, they reallocated staff from across the city to begin cleanup. 40 - 50 staff filled garbage trucks and service vehicles with trash bags full of dead fish. While fewer residents appeared to use the park during cleanup, probably due to the stench, runners, kayakers, and See LAKE, Page 4

hen the snow settled on March 13, students and families alike thought we would be returning to our everyday lives just three weeks later. Now, looking back from the start of September with six long months of quarantine underneath our belts, we've had the opportunity to reflect and grow with the situations that have been inflicted upon us. My name is Shaina Walsh, and I am a Senior at North High School. I have the privilege of leading the Denver North Star’s new Student Voices column and look forward to sharing students’ and teachers’ news from around North Denver. First of all, I'd like to express my condolences for all those families who lost loved ones or suffered serious illness during this time. There is nothing worse than the loss of those we love. Adding to the turbulent times of COVID-19, the political, racial injustice and economic chaos that surrounds us makes it feel like the world is in shambles. Furthermore, we've all seen that this quarantine is a learning curve for all generations. A formidable struggle has been switching all of our daily routines to an online world filled with technology issues, Zoom calls, and the yearning for social interaction. From the parents now forced to work from home to the children and budding young adults wandering through the web - quarantine has been an extreme adjustment. After the spring semester of scrambled together learning and mostly self-paced work, this fall semester has been a relief and a disappointment. My whole school career, I, like most seniors, have been looking forward to the perks that come with this title; things like senior sunrise, homecoming, prom, ditch day, and graduation. Yet, this seems a million miles away when days are mostly spent

PHOTO BY BASHA COHEN

See STUDENT, Page 6

C OM M UN I T Y

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Handmade with Love...Stitch by Stitch By Basha Cohen

ome people talk about Operation Warp Speed; others actually do it. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis three formidable women came together to make a difference. They brought an impressive coalition of individuals and partners along for the journey. Bringing masks to the community was their mission during this uncharted pandemic destination. Since its launch in March, the North Denver based Colorado Sewing Coalition has produced over 30,000 masks and paid over $150,000 in wages to some of our most vulnerable community members. Councilwoman At-Large Debbie Ortega, a veteran civic leader and community-minded good neighbor, evokes the true meaning of building community. Her spirit of Northside Pride brings people together and she applies that deft skill-set to our rapidly growing city and the challenges it brings for communities of color. She simply gets things done. North Denver resident Slavica Park is originally from Bosnia; she is a dynamic advocate for human rights and social justice. Her prolific resume of education, workforce development, and social enterprise awarded her Denver Business Journal’s “40 under 40” for her work providing meaningful economic and social opportunities for Denver’s marginalized populations, especially immigrants and refugees. Rounding out the dynamic-trio is Jamie Giellis, the formidable mayoral foe that went toe-to-toe with Michael Hancock in 2019. She dedicates her work as president and founder of Centro

PHOTOS BY BASHA COHEN

Colorado Sewing Coalition has been hiring local residents to make masks for the community.

Inc. to create community connections by bringing residents, businesses and developers together to define a shared vision of urban space and who it serves. She served as Executive Director of the RiNo Arts district, the largest BID (Business Improvement District) in Colorado. But, her sphere is wider than millennial hipsters. She advocates for underserved communities in Globeville, Swansea and Elyria, as well as targeting solutions for homelessness in Denver and hyper-local concerns like cleaning up Sloan’s Lake. According to Ortega, “When Covid hit and people were suddenly out of jobs, a dream that Slavica and I had spoken about for two years became a reality. Our original intent was to create a sewing operation to provide opportunities for skilled sewers. Enter Covid-19, where everyone was scrambling for masks that were nowhere to be found leaving our front-line workers

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(left to right) Marysola Menedez, Slavika Park, and Councilwoman Debbie Ortega

exposed to contracting the virus at a rapid rate. We knew instantly that we had to take action to meet the demand of those in need. We spoke on a Friday and by Monday we were in business.” Park rustled up a sewing workforce. Ortega identified community partners. Giellis helped mobilize volunteers, logistics and developed an online ordering system. Park put her energy into the newly unemployed world coalescing a top notch team of women led by professional sewer, Marysola Menedez. ”We knew that some of our most vulnerable community members were losing their jobs due to COVID-19. To help solve the problem for many, we decided to launch Colorado Sewing Coalition and provided employment to over 26 individuals making a living wage at $15 an hour, as well as providing high-qualit y a f fordable mask s to Denver Metro communities." From there it was a community affair. Reverend Brad Laurvick provided the space for the sewers at Highland United Methodist Church and acted as the fiscal agent to help process payroll and online sales. Mile High Behavioral Health and the Denver Public Library donated sewing machines and Arc Thrift Store contributed fabrics. Davis Tents cut the first patterns and provided the filter material for the 3 layered masks. Grants were funded by the City and County of Denver, as well as the state to help offset wages. Slammed with thousands of initial orders from businesses that required PPE for their essential workers, ranging from RTD to Kroeger, to Councilman See LOVE, Page 6

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

NEWSPAPERS HAVE YOUR BACK.

Especially in critical times, newspapers have your back.

COVID-19 a national story that is impacting you at home important time. The list is islong, but we want toand at work. COVID-19 is a national story that is impacting you at home and at work. your neighborhood and is bringing communities together in these thank our first responders and front-line workers. Your local newspaper is keeping you informed with current events in

Especially in critical times, newspapers have Your yourlocal back. newspaper is keeping you informed with current events in challenging times. your neighborhood and is bringing communities together in these challenging times. From the actions your local government is taking, to lists of local stores that are delivering and tips on what to do while you’re at home, your From the actions your local government is taking, to listslocal local stores newspaper isyou committed to bringing the news you need, COVID-19 is a national story that isofhome, impacting at home andyou at work. that are delivering and tips on what to do while you’re at when youyour need it. Your local newspaper is keeping informed with current events in local newspaper is committed to bringing you the newsyou you need, when you need it.

Especially in critical times, newspapers have your back.

your neighborhood and is bringing communities together in these challenging times.

WE ARE IN THIS From theARE actions yourIN local government is taking, to lists of local stores WE THIS that are delivering and tips on what to do while you’re at home, your

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CHECKING OUT

Conjure Women

he cooler weather and changing season brings with it the desire to settle into an engrossHANNAH EVANS ing read, and this month’s pick is a historical fiction tale that serves mystery and a hint of magic. Afia Atakora’s debut novel, “Conjure Women” (2020, Random House) spans generations and explores larger themes of faith, secrets, and loyalty on an almost allegorical level, while successfully bringing to life well-developed characters who are complicated, flawed, and captivating. Following two different timelines, “Conjure Women” takes place on a Southern plantation both during the Civil War as well as after the war has ended. Rue, a young girl during the earlier timeline, grows up in slavery with her mother May Belle, a well-respected and powerful healer and midwife. Learning much about herbs, spells, curses, and childbirth from May Belle, perhaps one of the most important things Rue’s mother teaches her is that “faith in magic was far more potent than magic itself.” During the novel’s later timeline, May Belle has passed away and Rue is now the community’s conjure woman, yet she lives with doubt and disbelief regarding her practice. When Bean, a

baby with piercing black eyes and an unusual pattern on his skin, is born, the town becomes uneasy while Rue feels a connection to the child. A sudden illness spreads through all of the town’s children except for Bean, resulting in heightened suspicions that turn into threats and distrust toward Rue from the townspeople who believe she and Bean have ties to dark magic. Desperate to regain her place in the community, to protect Bean from harm, and to maintain her longstanding secret within the woods she visits regularly at night, Rue’s resourcefulness and determination prove time and again that she will stop at nothing to hold onto what she cares about. At a moment of so much change and uncertainty after the fall of the plantation and the end of the war, Rue takes risks and faces danger while holding onto ties that remain from a previous era. “Conjure Women” is a novel with numerous strengths. Rue, May Belle, and the plantation’s master’s daughter, Varina, are each intriguing characters with complexities far beyond being “good” or “bad.” The setting, while firmly grounded in the real world and a very unique time in American history, maintains a strong aura of magic and mystery that leads to many questions throughout as to what is real,

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what is a lie, and what is simply unexplainable. While the writing is beautifully descriptive, the story itself is also captivating – as it jumps back and forth between timelines with each chapter, those with a strong presence in the past still haunt the later story as ghosts more palpable than the spirits who are alluded to. Check out “Conjure Women” at your closest Denver Public Library location or as an ebook or eaudiobook through denverlibrary.org. Hannah Evans is the senior librarian at the Smiley Branch of the Denver Public Library.

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September 15-October 14, 2020 | Page 3

Lake

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Page 4 | September 15-October 14, 2020

WHISKY IS FOR DRINKING, WATER IS FOR FIGHTING One of the recurring conversations around Sloan’s Lake is the change from potable fresh water to raw water about a decade ago. The lake, like several other Denver parks, now uses nonpotable water and the lake serves as an irrigation source for the surrounding park. Gilmore says the change is important for environmental reasons. “In a city that’s growing the way we’re growing, and we’re in a semi arid desert, we have to look at other ways to get our other water sources into lakes,” said Gilmore. “Potable water is what people drink.” Gilmore said his department spends $3 million - $4 million annually on water. Nonpotable water is 1/10 the cost of potable water so the decision is also a financial one. Several years ago, community members protested the switch to non potable water in Washington Park when trees began dying, which Gilmore said at the time was due partially to the recycled water but cited other factors as well. Recycled water has a higher salt content than fresh. Several neighbors were concerned that dying trees in the park around Sloan’s Lake are due to the raw water, but city officials said that’s not the case. City forester Mike Swanson cites “two freeze events we had last October and this April” as one potential reason, along with an elm leaf beetle. Swanson, who lived near Sloan’s Lake for many years, said the park is an anomaly in many ways: a patchwork of hard and soft soils, dry and wet areas, and otherwise unique, which can be challenging. Several trees are likely to be replaced. NEXT STEPS FOR SLOAN’S LAKE While oxygen in the water is a concern, the size of Sloan’s Lake makes aeration more challenging than some other Denver lakes according to the Parks Department, but they are looking at systems that pull water from the bottom of the lake to the top in order to increase oxygen flow. Parks is also starting other analysis to determine next steps to keep the artificial ecosystem healthy. One of those concerned about the park is Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval, who represents the area. "I want to see a concerted effort. I want to see a plan; I feel like I've been asking these same questions for the last 5 years. Is there a plan for getting that lake in better water quality?" Sandoval also expressed frustrations with a broken fountain and other deteriorating areas of the park and said she will be meeting with Parks officials soon. While councilmembers work with departments, departments report to the administration and not council, meaning they don’t have direct authority to

force changes. Sandoval hopes to bring Parks officials, her office, and community members together to discuss improvements to the lake and park in the near future. Several neighbors and Sloan’s Lake enthusiasts interviewed pointed to the ban on motorized boats this year as a potential reason for a lack of oxygen and water flow, but Gilmore said that while boats move water around, he’s not aware of any studies that show what impact they have on oxygen levels and he was not convinced boats have any meaningful effect besides some reduction in algae. Another idea raised is dredging Sloan’s Lake, which would likely increase its depth and remove debris, but this raises more questions of feasibility. Gilmore said the last study he’s aware of was several decades ago and costs were estimated around 30 million dollars. According to Gilmore, dredging today could range from $50 million - $100 million, which would exhaust the park budget. For now, the city budget cuts during the pandemic make the idea incredibly unlikely. In addition to environmental discussions, the next big conversation for Sloan’s Lake is likely the future of motorized boating. Boating is banned this year due to COVID concerns, and Gilmore said the city is considering whether to allow boats back next year, which will certainly be a heated debate in the neighborhood. In the meantime, the Parks Department is asking for patience on other cosmetic issues at the park. The Parks Department is down 38 full time employees and only hired 45% of normal seasonal staff. “Please understand that we are doing the best we can,” said Gilmore. “We are parks employees -- we take pride and joy is how the parks look and the staff is frustrated too. We have one of the most amazing parks departments and parks systems not in the country but in the world.”

Councilwoman Sandoval, along with participating Registered Neighborhood Organizations and other community groups are hosting a parks cleanup on

Saturday, September 26th. Volunteers can sign up through Councilwoman Sandoval’s office and will be working in several locations.

The Denver North Star

DI N I N G

North Denver Says Goodbye to a Friend:

Local 46 to Close at End of October

Heated patios, delicious food and friendly service! OPEN FOR DINNER Tuesday-Sunday 5PM 5560 West 29th Ave. (at Depew St.), Wheat Ridge

west29th.com | (303) 233-3377 PHOTOS BY BASHA COHEN

Local 46 has hosted many community fundraisers and has been a North Denver favorite

By David Sabados revenue is down 60% in the pandemo people outside the community, ic. Over the summer, they’ve managed another bar closing is just a sad to keep going because of the beautiful COVID-19 statistic and another dem- and popular Biergarten with outdoor olition permit is just a regular week seating and an outdoor stage for pein Denver’s rapidly changing land- riodic concerts, but she knows that scape. To almost anyone who walked without indoor seating those days are through the doors of Local 46, this numbered. "We’re all dreading winter,” explained Gingerich. closing is different. Andy Carlson of the Highland RamFor Gingerich, leaving Local 46 is blers walked through those doors fre- about more than leaving a business; quently. "Having music there it’s about "the music and the dancing. It was such a special brought people together,” place seeing everyone said Carlson. For the moving and grooving. Ramblers, regulars in It was about the culDenver’s live music ture and the team scene, Local 46 has to make it special." a special place. "A Gi nger ic h a l s o couple years ago wanted the commuwe released a new nity who supported CD. We’d never them to know that as done a CD release tenants who don’t own party before. We the property she isn’t selling knew people would show up. We knew people would Niya Gingerich and cashing in. "It's hard to know after 10 years of a really be there. It was a blast to play there, but it also meant a lot to successful concept that we didn't have a the community." business to sell. I would never choose to One of the things Local 46 is best have it go away." Gingerich is planning known for is owner Niya Gingerich’s on spending more time with her two dedication to community and eager- year old daughter and will take some ness to use the bar to help whenev- time off but is interested in another er she could. Elizabeth Rodriguez is a community focused business down cancer survivor who was looking for a the road. good location for a fundraiser for First With just over a year left on their Descents, an organization that raises 10 year lease, both Gingerich and the money to give other young survivors property owners said they came to outdoor adventures like rock climbing the only agreement they could finanor surfing. While some venues just see cially. Jeff Laws of Berkeley Park Partevents as a revenue stream, Rodriguez ners LLC who owns the property sent knew Gingerich was different. "She was an update to interested parties early so great to work with,” said Rodriguez. September. “This is a tragic situation, “She was really amazing. She tried to but they had planned limited winter maximize the amount of money for hours after the patio season finished. the organization." Considering the potential liability for On a post announcing the closure, a virus hazardous tenancy not able to hundreds of Local 46 lovers chimed in pay rent, we agreed to opt for closure.” with stories about school fundraisers, The owners were granted a demolition their favorite bands, and memorable permit back in May and will be bringnights at their local water hole. At least ing it to market soon. Local 46 won’t be closing until the one neighbor said they chose their home in part because of proximity end of October, however, and Ginto the venue and nightlife. The post’s gerich hopes to enjoy the time with views are in the tens of thousands. the community. She still has several With a diverse, enthusiastic fanbase, special events outdoor permits for the it might seem likely that a bar like Lo- year and plans on using all of them. cal 46 could survive but, to borrow a "We're going to go out with as much phrase, winter is coming. live music as we can." Niya Gingerich, who has run LoTo see their live music lineup, check cal 46 for almost 9 years, said their out Local46.com.

The Denver North Star

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September 15-October 14, 2020 | Page 5

Student

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Page 6 | September 15-October 14, 2020

Continued from Page 1 watching a screen, daydreaming of what could have been. The thoughts of going back and sharing events like homecoming parades, sports, plays, and even the not-so-fun things like taking the SAT, pop into our heads in the small intervals between seconds. We all got thrown for a loop when the pandemic started. None of us were prepared when special school events got canceled. It felt like months of work floated down the drain. But, with all of that said, life shouldn't be about worrying about what could have been. Instead it is more about appreciating the little things that people have done to show kindness and compassion. Before COVID who would have thought of drive-by birthday parties, a drivethrough Senior Graduation at the Pepsi Center, student led Black Lives Matter protest marches or drive-up meals for families? In some ways, this crisis has made us better people. In terms of online school, virtual classes have paved the way for new avenues of teaching, as well as challenges on both sides of the screen. Teachers work to keep energy and hope up amongst the blank screens and eerie silences. Simultaneously, students have been learning to juggle multiple class loads and find new ways to learn through a more depersonalized system. In spite of these challenges, North has been doing a great job creating targeted lessons that still make students feel like they are a part of a community. We are working on virtual events that bring us the small joys that we were once so excited to experience. Meg Gilman, our Drama teacher, has kicked off an online collaboration project called “COVID-19: Through the Distorted Looking Glass.” Gilman said, “Our goal is to create pieces of visual and performing arts that respond to and document the

Love

Continued from Page 2

Flynn’s office on behalf of his district's police and firefighters, the operation was in full gear. From its earliest days of basic masks, the innovative sewers have come up with a wide variety of shapes, patterns and sizes for kids and adults. It’s like a candy store of masks that have evolved from “necessary evils” to fashion statements this fall. They are $5.00-10.00 ensuring that they are affordable, plus thousands are being donated to those in need. They can be purchased at “The Garage” in the parking lot across the street from Highland United Methodist Church on 32nd Avenue and Osceola Street every Sunday through September from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Little Man Ice Cream Company has also provided a venue at each of their five Denver locations throughout September. (See Facebook for times and venues). Purchases and donations can be made in cash or online at coloradosewingcoalition.com For Ortega, she is dreaming big, “What does this look like going forward? How do we create entrepreneurial opportunities in a larger sewing operation that provides training and

PHOTO BY BASHA COHEN

DPS students adapting to remote learning

turbulent life of 2020.” As a student, I know we hope to return to normal as soon as possible. After speaking with faculty at North and tireless parents, I can safely say that this wish is universal. I asked Principal Wolf what his hopes are. He said, “Ideally I would like this school year to not just be something that we survive, but we truly thrive and use this year to provide a great foundation for future school years. We want to strike the right balance of structured synchronous learning and self-paced asynchronous learning. Ultimately, we will continue to row together as Vikings where we are strongest when we work as a community.” While our generation has become accustomed to social interactionBy David online, we miss the days of seeing In an e friends in the halls and the warmsocial di smiles of our teachers and peers. I hopeprecautio that one day I will walk across a stagecitations and look back at all our communityfor violat has accomplished and say, "we did it,"Over 250 because we wouldn't have achievedsued from this much without all the members ofof which our Northside family. 13,000 w Denver D and Env has also dozen bu employment to many more in the com- While munity and expand our production toceived co more than just face masks?” infractio Jamie Giellis sums up the spirit ofployee w this pandemic project, “As the pan-gious ch demic swept over us and everyoneor patro was left struggling to figure out howofficials to help, this idea emerged from Deb-large eve bie and Slavica. Everything about it feltown gu right - an opportunity to put people toStar cou work who needed it most, and an op-action ta portunity to provide a service to theand was community that was much needed at a time when masks couldn’t be found anywhere. I was there on day 1, sorting through bags of donated sheets and tee shirts and was honored to help it evolve into a full scale production. We were awed by the ability of our workers to keep improving the masks, and of the community’s support. This is a shining example of community collaboration - so many people stepped up with expertise and connections to pull things together in short order. I believe it is symbolic of what our community is capable of and I hope we continue to see more grass roots partnerships emerge to meet the needs of new and challenging times.” The Denver North Star

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

COMMUNITY WELLNESS INSTIGATOR

Sleep: How to Stop Trying So Hard To Get It So You Can Rest

ow are you sleeping these days? If you laughed when you read that, or cried a little - you ERIKA TAYLOR are not alone. Difficulty sleeping is a normal reaction to stress. Even if your own sleep has managed to go unaffected by 2020, you likely know someone who is struggling with it. Let’s consider our cave dwelling ancestors. Early humans likely only roused from exhausted sleep for a few things; The rising sun shining into the cave, an infant crying, their stomachs rumbling or the startlingly rousing realization that a lion found its way into the cave. Stress and wakefulness are closely linked. The same hormones that keep us awake and alert during the day are many of the same that flood our body when we are startled or worried. When fighting off a lion or pushing ourselves to meet a work deadline, these chemicals are our

friends. The lion eventually slinks back into the forest, we turn the project in and our bodies discontinue the production of the hormones. Our systems return to normal. But in 2020, the lion is hanging out in our cave. The truth is that there are a thousand things that can affect our sleep: hormones, allergies, diet, parenthood… Usually when the stressor is gone, sleep returns. When the stress is prolonged, we try to do all the things we hear we are supposed to do to get a better night’s sleep. The more trouble we have with sleep, the more it starts to take over our thoughts. We may even dread going to sleep because we know that we’re going to toss and turn for hours. Worrying about getting to sleep floods us with adrenaline and has the opposite of the desired effect. Dr. Donn Posner, Behavioral Sciences at Stanford and one of the foremost authorities on sleep, says so accurately, “If you get into bed and you

start to try to make yourself sleep; you are done for.” He suggests two simple things we can do to stop trying to sleep and start actually sleeping: LEARN TO ASSOCIATE YOUR BED WITH SLEEPING INSTEAD OF SLEEPLESSNESS Use the bedroom only for sleeping and sex. Don’t work or watch TV in there and move clocks out of view. Anxiously watching the minutes tick by won’t help. And when you can’t sleep for more than 15 minutes, get up. Tossing and turning only amps up the anxiety. Go do something enjoyable, like reading, drinking tea, or taking a bath. When you’re sleepy, go back to bed. WORK BACKWARD AND SET YOUR WAKE TIME FIRST Get up at the same time every day. When we change the time we get up we are basically subjecting ourselves to mini bouts of jet lag. We can’t ‘bank’ those extra hours and they

only end up making it harder to get up the next day. It doesn’t need to be the crack of dawn! Find the time that works on the days you have commitments and set it daily. We have all heard that the early bird gets the worm but if no one needs you early and you hate being that bird, set your regular time so that it is sustainable. There are plenty of worms to go around. While for many of us challenges with sleep are a completely normal reaction to an extraordinarily abnormal set of circumstances, if you find that lack of sleep is affecting your daily life or becoming chronic, seek help. The good news is that while it looks like the lion is going to be hanging around for awhile, there are things we can do to keep him out of our bedrooms. Erika Taylor is a community wellness instigator at Taylored Fitness. Visit facebook.com/erika.taylor.303 or email erika@tayloredfitness.com

Double Standards? City Fines Businesses and Individuals for COVID Rules Violations That They Don’t Follow Themselves By David Sabados In an effort to encourage mask use, social distancing, and other COVID precautions, Denver has been issuing citations to individuals and businesses for violations of state and city orders. Over 250 such citations have been issued from two departments, over 100 of which are court summons, and over 13,000 warnings were issued by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE). DDPHE has also temporarily closed over a dozen businesses. While over 100 businesses have received court summons to respond to infractions ranging from “One employee without mask” to more egregious charges of the majority of staff or patrons not wearing masks, city officials and departments have held large events that seem to violate their own guidelines. The Denver North Star couldn’t find a single instance of action taken against a city department and was able to review lists of all tick-

The Denver North Star

ets and business closures issued by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. While the full list of warnings from DDPHE and Parks was not available, The Denver North Star reviewed all data provided by city agencies. One of those events that appears to violate city ordinances was organized by Councilwoman Jamie Torres’ office, in conjunction with other city offices and community groups. The Event called “La Raza Barnum Park Day: A Cruise Down Fedz” took place on Sunday, August 23 at Barnum Park and the park at 38th Ave and Navajo St (still officially called Columbus PHOTOS BY DAVID SABADOS Park by the City, but possibly soon to Few attendees wore masks or distanced at an event hosted by city be renamed La Raza Park). While the officials. No citations were given. promotional materials for the event said “All Covid-19 precautions should by The Denver North Star team wore to have been followed. The event did be taken by participants including, masks and the event had little to no have hand sanitizer bottles on tables but not limited to wearing masks and social distancing. While the Denver and organizers hung signs asking atpracticing physical distancing,” the Parks Department issues a list of rec- tendees to wear masks. Councilwomevent didn’t live up to those criteria. ommendations to be in compliance, an Sandoval also asked attendees to Fewer than half the people observed almost none were followed. Possibly distance and wear masks during her most seriously, state and city orders speech, though there didn’t appear require that no permitted event can to be any meaningful response from have more than 175 people, a number the densely packed, maskless crowd. they easily surpassed with an estimat- Masks were available for sale and one person walked through the crowd ed attendance of closer to 300. Another journalist who spoke with offering disposable masks, but at no The Denver North Star left the event time did organizers remove people early out of safety concerns from the who refused to comply. Benjamin Chavez, an aide to Counlack of masks and distancing. The list provided by Parks to create cilwoman Torres whose name appears distancing and be in compliance in- on the official documents for the cluded a “one in one out” policy with event, rejected the idea that they didn’t a monitored parameter, distancing be- follow protocols. “We did our due diltween performers and guests, creating igence making people aware of expeca ticket system to better monitor who tations,” said Chavez. He declined to is attending, a contract tracing list in discuss individual guidelines from the event guests later test positive for Parks. Despite the council office filing COVID, etc. None of these appear See FINES, Page 15 September 15-October 14, 2020 | Page 7

ARTS & C ULT URE

Street Seen: By Basha Cohen

rowing up in the 1970s, Northside meant cruising down Federal on a Saturday Night. In spite of the changing neighborhood, there is comfort in the fact that Chicano culture is alive and well in Northwest Denver. “La Raza Barnum Park Day: A Cruise Down Fedz” celebrated lowriders and cruising in the second annual event. In 2019, Denver City Council unanimously passed a “Cruise Down Fedz” proclamation in support of the history of cruising culture. Council Members Amanda Sandoval and Jamie Torres continue to bridge and create solidarity between Denver neighborhoods to ensure this rich legacy. The spirit of the annual cruise is about peace, love, unity and celebrating the Chicano/Chicana culture. It is also shedding light on a bigger purpose. The profound recognition of the forefathers and mothers of the movement that have been working tirelessly since the

A Cruise Down Fedz 1960s to rename Columbus Park, on 38th and Osage Street, to La Raza Park. The effort will honor Chicano heritage and its immense contribution to North Denver. Jolt, a renowned North Denver artist and organizer noted, “The Cruise was on the surface, but the purpose was to rename the park. We want to ensure that this is a commitment to representing our culture and not letting it be whitewashed, buried or forgotten.” He continued, “It's important to hold a sacred space. Our neighborhood has been gentrified. Those that grew up in the hood feel they can’t be a part of it anymore. We want to hold these public places and make people from the community feel welcome.” The day was, indeed, peaceful, loving, family-oriented and above all, colorful. It kicked off at Barnum Park with opening prayers by the gloriously decorated Danza Azteca. The riders then revved their engines cruising down “Fedz” for a party at La

Masked breakdance competition

Ben Chavez

Page 8 | September 15-October 14, 2020

Raza Park. A colorful explosion surrounded the curbsides and its centerpiece, Kiosko Plaza de la Raza. Classic car beauties shone in cherry bomb red, electric orange, peacock blue and rich painterly patterns. Brilliantly colored Aztec headdresses, plumes and feathers celebrated North Denver’s indigenous heritage. An exuberant mask-clad breakdance competition created an electric vibe of solidarity. Bringing together brothers and sisters of all colors, B-Boys & B-Girls celebrated the Chicano spirit on stage. Free food fed hundreds of attendees, in part donated by City Council, and a large number of contributors. Sandoval even offered to buy masks for the crowd when giveaways ran out. It was a celebration created within the community for the community. The event was a pre-celebration of sorts. While it hasn’t officially been renamed yet, Sandoval’s park petition efforts have gotten over 2,000 signatures

to move forward. The City has already removed the Columbus Park signs to avoid vandalism. Behind the scenes, other progressive moves for the future of the culture include raising money to put up a sculpture in the park. Next generation organizers like Jolt, Juan Fuentes and Ben Chavez carry on the torch guided by elders like Emanuel Martinez who attended the event. A longtime activist and artist, he helped rename Lincoln Park to Las Alamas Park, created the Chalk Art Gallery and is featured in the Smithsonian Institute. Martinez’ passion for persisting and creating change for the last 50 years is embraced and carried on by today’s young leaders. Jolt reflects, “It is important to have a space set for future generations where they can break bread together. We want to make sure that by setting the table, friends and families can come to this park, celebrate our culture and always know they have a place at the table.” Viva La Raza!

PHOTOS BY BASHA COHEN

Jolt, organizer

The Denver North Star

s already signs to e scenes, he future money to

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

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

The dental clinic where everybody is welcome.

Closed Doors Create Unlikely Cheer at The Gardens at St. Elizabeth

magine finding yourself outside on a warm windy evening in your folding chair, masked and like Jolt, carry on KATHRYN WHITE seated 6 feet from Emanu-a stranger who has just asked you to event. Acatalog what your community lost on he helpedMarch 17, 2020: Alamas• Dining room – closed Gallery• Picking up mail from the mailroom onian In-– suspended r persist-• Activities – canceled he last 50• Visitors – none ed on by• Chairs in the common areas – gone ects, “It is• Laundry room – by appointment or future• Music groups, exercise class, Chapeak breadlain’s book group – on hold re that by I sat with Irene Guthrie not long familiesafter residents at The Gardens at St. brate ourElizabeth were allowed to have visitors y have aagain—but outdoors, with precautions. Irene grew up in North Denver and za! four years ago moved with her husband into The Gardens. They’re now about halfway between the home where they raised their family and the grade school where they met. The Gardens, a retirement community connected to Catholic Health Initiatives, sits along 32nd Avenue across the street from Denver North High School. On March 17th, amid increasing concerns about the risks of COVID-19 for older adults, all 150 residents at The Gardens were told they would have to stay in their rooms. Melissa Santistevan, marketing director, had a list much like Irene’s, punctuated at the end with “We worry about the isolation. We worry a lot about this.” Management adjusted nearly every aspect of the community’s daily rhythm. They brainstormed with similar communities to devise new COVID-19 safe activities. From this sprang Take-Out Tuesdays, Doorway BINGO, and a host of pastimes leveraging—you guessed it—Zoom, iPads and Disney+. The morning after I met Irene, a message came through on my phone. “Kathryn, I’ve thought of a few more things we lost all at one time. There’s a

chapel here on the property and many people move here because there’s Mass every day. That was canceled. And then the beauty shop. We can’t get haircuts anymore.” But Irene hadn’t agreed to meet with me because of all The Gardens lost. As we sat in the warm wind that evening, Irene pulled little slips of paper and pieces of take-out containers out of her canvas tote bag. She smiled, her voice lightening, as she explained each one. Irene wanted to tell me about a young woman named Liberty. Nana and Liberty Petropoulos, mother and daughter, work at The Gardens. Their jobs changed dramatically on March 17th, although I could see in their faces via Zoom that they handled it with grace and flexibility. Nana administers medication for assisted living residents. She loves the sense of purpose she feels supporting and bringing joy to people as they age. When residents could no longer leave their rooms, Nana and the entire care team tuned more deeply into their social and spiritual needs. While Nana has worked at The Gardens for over 20 years, her daughter Liberty is a newcomer. She started during her sophomore year at Denver North HS, where she’s now a senior. Liberty’s job in the dining room became a meal delivery service. She was used to greeting residents and chatting with them while serving meals. Now she hangs meal bags on a little hook attached to a closed door. She misses the residents. The dining services job, Liberty described, has turned out to be much more than the typical “restaurant job.” Residents at The Gardens are happy to talk and listen and share about their lives. And they’ve lived some amazing adventurous lives, lives of great depth. “Residents here,” Liberty reflected, “they make you nicer, softer. They make your heart warmer.” Nana nodded in agreement. And so, when the dining services crew noticed little traced drawings coming from Irene on her daily menu

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PHOTOS BY KATHRYN WHITE

Visiting with Irene Guthrie

slips, Liberty joined co-workers Sierra Choruzy, Mario Chairez and Alexia Guadian in sending cheerful messages and drawings back to Irene, and now others, on the lids of take-out containers. What started as giraffes drawn with ballpoint pens turned into elaborate creations when Andy Padilla, activities coordinator, pitched in with a set of special markers. A tender and extended exchange of drawings, notes, and moral support unfolded between Liberty and Irene. Irene has even displayed some on her door. Memories of this exchange will, perhaps, stand out in colorful relief against the backdrop of loss. During our visit, Irene took out a small notepad where she had collected some thoughts. It appeared she had a second list, this one had to do with the drawings and notes from Liberty; it included words like “upbeat” and “cheerful” and “original”. Irene has spent a lot of her life building community in North Denver. Nana has too. And now, so too is Liberty. Kathryn has lived in North Denver since around the time the Mount Carmel High School building was razed. She teaches a SilverSneakers fitness class at Highland Senior Recreation Center and facilitates a Caregiver Support Group for the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter. Do you have story ideas for The Gray Zone? Email thegrayzone. denvernorthstar@gmail.com.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

YOU!

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

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September 15-October 14, 2020 | Page 9

K I DS & ED U CATI O N

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Math and... Happiness?

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Page 10 | September 15-October 14, 2020

was a good student all through my school years, but as it got more complicated, I struggled with math. As JILL CARSTENS I embarked on my first year of college, applying for a degree in the business school, I found that these high level math requirements became the gatekeeper of whether I would achieve that goal. Years later however, I found myself defying the prediction that my failure to excel in those high level math classes would prevent me from achieving my goals. Clearly, the math I did learn and do well at provided me with enough of the tools I needed for my life choices. The ways in which math is progressively introduced, in my opinion, will have an affect on student success in the future. When my son was in fifth grade I found myself overcome with that familiar inadequate feeling when he brought home a math assignment and needed my help. I ended up having to look things up for him online in order to help him. That was frustrating. No doubt many of you have experienced something similar. I want to lend some perspective on the subject of math, highlighting one of my favorite educational philosophers, Nel Noddings from her book, Happiness and Education. Noddings has analyzed the past few decades’ call for more math and science for all students. She acknowledges that not all students have an aptitude for advanced math and science classes and that by insisting that these subjects be a gatekeeper for school success or college entry ignores all of the other ways that students can succeed. Noddings has been a professor of Education at Stanford University, who also taught mathematics to elementary and high school students for 17 years. She calls for providing all students with the necessary math skills for succeeding in daily life, but avoiding pushing excessive, higher-skill math classes to the masses, preserving that task for those that have a true knack for those subjects or wish to enter a field requiring them. I am saying all of this because I know that many of you are worrying about your child falling behind in some way because of the transitions occurring in schools. I want to help you relax about things like math by giving this perspective and below I am offering ways you can encourage math concepts and thinking in meaningful and relevant ways. Math should not be a miserable task. Home learning provides a perfect environment for integrating skills. We can alleviate a possible aversion to a long page of math problems when students are offered the purpose of such exercises. When we pose math in real life circumstances, kids can put their learning into action. They will also see that many

math endeavors require the use of social and language skills as well. Here are some activities: • Give your 10+-year-old child a budget for the week’s groceries; give them the grocery list to find the products online. Have your child add them up and provide an estimate for the total cost and whether it fits the budget. Encourage your child to look for less expensive brands to make the budget work and check the home inventory to make sure that you are not doubling up on things you already have. • Older and younger children can work together to do some baking. Measuring ingredients correctly is critical for baking. Learning tricks like packing the brown sugar or using water displacement to measure the butter are helpful for getting accurate amounts. If you are missing an item, like yeast or baking soda, have them look up a substitute, thereby learning what purpose those ingredients serve in making the recipe work. • Prepare items for a garage sale. Younger children can sort like items together and gauge how much to price them for. Older children can prepare to give change, putting into action their understanding of base 10. Encourage them to practice counting change back to the customer. It is important that for children under the age of 8 to have the opportunity to experience math in concrete and tactile ways. I highly recommend the Cuisenaire Rods system of math, which provides ways to build on the concepts of addition, multiplication and fractions in a manner that illustrates the connections between these concepts. Paper and pencil and online activities are good, but young children also need to manipulate materials with their hands in order to properly build the brain for more complex function. You can learn more about Cuisenaire Rods at https:// www.rainbowresource.com/category/2204/Miquon-Math-Labs.html where they also provide workbooks to use with the rods. I learned about DreamBox, dreambox.com, online math program from a recent NPR, Guy Raz, How I Built This podcast. It sounds like a great online tool to use at home. A substantial analysis of how we are teaching our children was long overdue. Like it or not, this pandemic is forcing this exploration. I am certain a lot of good will come out of it. In the meantime, I wish you luck with this school year. Do not hesitate to email me with questions. Jill Carstens is a proud Denver native, a passionate mom and a teacher her entire adult life! She has run Milestones Preschool here since 2011. If you have ideas for an article or further questions for Miss Jill, you can email her at jillatreadytolearn@gmail.com The Denver North Star

C OM M UN I T Y

e use of s well. By Staff

The Denver North Star is hand-delivered to over

North Denver Family Wins Community Engagement Award

33,000

HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES. We are confident that the most effective way to stay in business is to remain visible. Consumers are continually looking for places to patronize.

ilbert Vasquez and his family child a have donated their time and ies; give find theenergy to the Delores Project for ur childover 15 years. The Delores Project Advertise your business Ads@DenverNorthStar.com an esti-provides services to women experiwhetherencing homelessness and advocates ge yourfor housing solutions. xpensive The first Thursday of each month, et workthe family prepares dinner for more ntory tothan 60 people. Lily Redford, Voldoublingunteer Coordinator for The Delores D D Project, said “The Vasquez family is ve. D ren cancritical to the mission of The Delores baking.Project. They have lasted longer than rectly ismost staff members and have reng tricksferred countless volunteers that con(left to right) Gilbert Vasquez, Brenda Vasquez, Luis Vasquez and ar or us-tinue to support the mission.” Stephanie Miller, CEO of The Delores Project measure “It’s humbling to get the award, tting ac-especially given the history,” said ing extraordinary volunteers for the ing. More than 475 non-profits have missingBrenda Vasquez. “My husband loves past 43 years. The award was con- recognized exceptional volunteers.  ng soda,to cook and has a big heart. It’s some- ceived by the Commission on ComIf you know of someone makFor In-Studio bstitute,thing my family could do together.” munity Relations in 1975 to recog- ing a difference and would like Personal Training ose those The family has chosen to donate the nize and promote volunteerism by to nominate them, to read more ing the$2,000 award to The Delores Project. honoring an individual each month about the award’s history, or if you The Minoru Yasui Community whose volunteer contributions are would like to donate, please visit: e. Young-Volunteer Award has been honor- constructive, unique, and outstand- www.minyasui.org. together ce them re to give 30-DAY PERSONAL ir underTRAINING TRIAL age them $ back to only DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION YOU WANT TO SHARE? We welcome your letter. Please send your letter Visit www.vmfit.com of 250 words or fewer, along with your name and the neighborhood you live in, to David@DenverNorthStar. children to learn more. com. Letters must be received by the 3rd of the month to run in that month’s issue. Letters to the Editor do not the opnecessarily reflect the opinions of The Denver North Star or its staff. CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! math in I highly dangerous dog law instead of banre RodsVOTE YES ON 2J provides Vote Yes on 2J on your Novem- ning an entire type of dog based on ts of ad-ber ballot to end Denver’s ban on their appearance. ractionspit bulls and implement responsible 2J will end the ban on dogs who the con-permitting where the dog is judged, look like pit bulls and replace it with Online classes and training oncepts.not the breed. a special breed-restricted license. are still available ne activ- 30 years ago Denver implemented In order for dogs who look like pit Livestream Personal Training, Indoor Cycling, TRX Suspension Training and more. childrena ban on all dogs that looked like pit bulls to qualify for this license, dogs materialsbull type dogs, and this ban has cost will need to be microchipped, neu44th Ave & Wadsworth, Wheat Ridge to prop-the City of Denver nearly $6 million tered or spayed, limited to only two (303) 455-0437 re com-to enforce and it hasn’t made Den- per household and owners will be www.vmfit.com rn morever any safer. Breed specific bans required to notify animal control Serving North Denver since 2010 https://don’t work, they don’t make Denver if their dog escapes or bites anyone. /catego-safer nor do they encourage respon- If after three years the dog hasn’t bs.htmlsible dog ownership. The majority had any issues, they will be able PHOTO FROM WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM rkbooksof dog bites occurring in Denver are to be registered like any other dog owners to enjoy their best friends in not from pit bull type dogs. Denver in Denver. 2J is a way to keep Denverites safe our city limits. eamBox,needs to turn its focus to regulatath pro-ing animals based on their existing while still allowing responsible dog Danielle Glover - Highland Resident Guy Raz, t sounds These last few months have been hard on newspapers across the country. As a new to use

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PAGE 8

Traffic Circles Raise Tensions Tra

ffic Circles Rai se Tensions Traffic Circle s Raise Ten sions

NOW OPEN

Letter to the Editor

189

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September 15-October 14, 2020 | Page 11

C OM M UN I T Y

SHAPING OUR FUTURE BY REMEMBERING OUR PAST

Helen Bonfils and the Denver Post

an you believe I once actually worked for The Denver Post? Helen Bonfils, the DENNIS GALLAGHER owner of our own Denver Post, funded what she called The Denver Post Opera. Miss Helen paid for the construction of a stage at the Cheesman Memorial in Cheesman Park. She paid for all the actors and all the members of the local orchestra. She paid the union rate and I was always grateful for the opportunity she afforded me. I was in high school and thought myself a lucky fellow to have a permit with the Stagehand's Union, the International Association of Theatrical and Stage Employees, fondly nicknamed IATSE Local 7, by those lucky enough to be carpenters, electricians, property folks for the summer shows. Having a permit card with the union meant that you paid a portion of your wages back to the union for the privilege of working with the union at the Denver Post Opera. Denver residents loved being able to pack up a picnic supper, find a place on the expansive grass around the beautiful marble memorial and enjoy a great free show with a full orchestra. Max Di Julio, director of Loretto Heights College Music Department, held the baton for the Denver Post Opera musicals and became a household name

in music circles around our city. Now let me tell you about the time I first met Miss Helen. One morning, Miss Helen pulled up to the Cheesman Park, site of the operas, in her roadster, top down, with stately, plump Fr. John Anderson, her chaplain and my Holy Family High teacher. In the back seat was her large white poodle enjoying the windy ride of the roadster with Colorado license plate number 1. Miss Helen, a daddy's girl, inherited the paper from her father, Fred Bonfils. In those days everyone loved the Denver Post, because everyone knew Helen and the paper had their best interests in mind. Fr. Anderson saw me and brought Miss Helen over to meet me. The poodle stayed in the car. "Helen, this is Dennis Gallagher, one of my favorite students from Holy Family High and you're going to hear lots about him. I predict he's going into politics" Fr. Anderson said of me. I shook hands with Miss Helen, not sure quite what to say to this legendary owner and operator of The Denver Post and a fine actress in her own professional life, and responded, "Miss Bonfils, our family was always grateful that you built Holy Ghost Church downtown. I think it's more beautiful than the Cathedral." "Dennis, let me let you in on a secret,I built Holy Ghost to get my

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father into purgatory," she answered smiling. We all laughed and I turned to Fr. Anderson and asked, "Well, Father, do you think Mr. Bonfils is out of Purgatory yet?" He had passed away years before. Purgatory is the place where your sinful soul gets shined up a bit before it gets to enter heaven. "Oh, no, Dennis, with his editorial policy I think he will be in Purgatory until the end of time," he responded jovially. "Not enough to keep him out of heaven, but enough for lots of time in Purgatory." Eyes flashing like Athena, Miss Helen chimed in. "Dennis, call me sometime. You and I are going to go for coffee, and we are going to leave Fr. Anderson alone at home in his rectory." Fr. Anderson's gold cufflinks, embossed with big dollar signs, glinted in the morning sun. The cuff links reminded everyone in town that Fr. Anderson was unofficial chaplain to the rich. I met Miss Helen several other times thereafter. A fine character actor, she starred in several plays at the old Elitch Theater. Working as a stagehand at that old historic theater, I would always watch her scenes. Afterward I reminded Miss Helen of our meeting with Fr. Anderson. We would have a good laugh. Financial angel of the Denver Post Operas for so many years, a grateful

PHOTO FROM WWW.COLORADOVIRTUALLIBRARY.ORG

Helen Bonfils

city says, 'Thank you, Miss Helen." A hometown owner of a newspaper whose readers knew she cared about our city and its cultural future. She was a builder of churches, even though they came with strings. She built the wonderful Bonfils Theater on East Colfax, now Tattered Cover. Look for her ghost in the drama book section. One of the biggest regrets of all my years is that I never called and had coffee with Miss Bonfils. But I was young and foolish, and now I'm full of tears. I should have called Fr. Anderson to arrange it. The Honorable Dennis Gallagher is a former city auditor, city councilman, state senator and state representative sharing thoughts and stories from North Denverâ€™s past and future

What Does a Community Resource Officer Do? G

reetings to The Denver North Star readers from Denver Police Department District 1 A reader question OFFICER BOB ANDERSON came up recently wondering what a Community Response Officer (CRO) does for the Denver Police Department in terms of working with members of the community. Great question and I will share some of the ways a Community Resource Officer can be a benefit to you.

Community Resource Officers provide assistance on issues such as neighborhood disputes, public nuisances, zoning issues, crime prevention and other neighborhood concerns that may not necessarily rise to the level of a criminal event.

agencies that may need to become involved in issues that donâ€™t fall under police authority. Of course, we still do regular police work as well and we partner with all the different units throughout the police department in order to effectively serve the community needs. Community Resource Officers regularly attend community meetings to share information with the community on current crime trends and any other items of concern that may come up. A program I would like to highlight this month is an assessment report that DPD offers that is referred to as a CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). This is simply a report, with the goal of preventing crime, that involves a specially trained police officer coming to your business or residence and offering advice and tips so that your location can be more secure. If you think you can benefit from speaking with or working with a CRO, please call your nearest Denver Police Station and ask to speak with a member of the CRO team. Thank you and stay safe. ~ Officer Bob

Bob Anderson # 04109 | Community Resource Officer - Denver Police District 1, 1311 W. 46th Ave. Denver, CO 80211| City and County of Denver District 1 Community Resource Officer Bob Anderson is a Denver Native and had served the Citizens of Denver since 2004. The Denver North Star

C OM M UN I T Y

Theo Eson: Icon of North Denver Women Writers A

mong the many accomplished women in North Denver’s long history, Theo Eson stands out from LARRY ESON the crowd. Born Theodosia Belle Keith in Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1908, my grandmother was an acclaimed and versatile writer, small-business owner, mother of three, and longtime church administrator. Along with the many challenges faced by talented women in the first part of the twentieth century, Theo overcame the additional obstacle of being a disabled person: she was born without a left forearm. In 1924, Theo married my grandfather, Eric Eson, who had served in World War I on a Navy submarine. The marriage took place in a house in North Denver on Foster Ct., which belonged to Eric’s parents. The couple later had three children, including my father Edward, and eventually bought a house on Moncrieff Pl. and Wolff St., across from Pferdesteller Park, where they lived for many years and which was the site of my parents’ marriage in 1952. Theo was always very active in her church. In middle age, she served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons for Boulevard Congregational, on 26th and Federal. She was also a savvy businesswoman. In the 1930s, she and Eric established

a successful family business: Eson’s Dry Cleaners, on 29th and Yates. Here, through long hours of work, they were able to sustain the family through the difficult years of the Depression. Later, in the 1940s, the teenage boys, Ed and Bob, served as ushers at the Elitch Theatre, which continued Theo’s long love affair with Elitch Gardens. Later, in the 1970s, Theo and her daughter, Lorraine, were both featured in interviews for a Channel 6 documentary on the history of Elitch’s. In the early 50s, Theo and Eric bought creek-side property upstream from the town of Nederland, which fueled my grandmother’s long-standing interest in Colorado history and led to one of her first publications, “A Tale of Two Towns,” which related the early history of Nederland and Caribou. In the late 1950s, the couple moved into the El Jebel Temple, north of Willis Case Golf Course, where Eric, a lifelong Shriner, worked as caretaker until his death in 1963. It was during this time that Theo came into her own as a writer, working in the 1960s as a weekly columnist for the Denver Post on issues of local interest. Later, in the 1970s, she wrote for the nationally syndicated Quilter’s Newsletter, a weekly column called “Grandma’s Corner” that achieved great popularity over the years.

Theo and Eric Eson

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ESON FAMILY

Among Theo’s many other writing projects was a young adult novel she co-authored in 1982 with two of her female writer friends, entitled The Mystery of the Cougar’s Yellow Eye. The book’s authorship was ascribed to one Lance Fremont, a pseudonym the women had adopted as a cipher for “freelancer.” Theo continued to write off and on over the years until her passing at the age of 92 in 2000. During her long career as a writer,

she served in many leadership roles, including President of the Denver Branch of the National League of Pen Women and State President of Colorado Press Women. Over the years, she also garnered 21 state and national writing awards. Larry Eson, Ph.D., is a retired college English professor and expert in Medieval Celtic Literature. He lives in Lakewood, Colorado.

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The Denver North Star

September 15-October 14, 2020 | Page 13

Hard Work, Grace, Adversarialism in City/Press Interactions

By David Sabados he relationship between the press and the government is often seen either as antagonistic or sycophantic, depending on whether a reader sees an article as overly critical or flattering towards government officials. In reality, it’s far more complex, but with most people acting in good faith and professionally. At The Denver North Star we try to bring you articles that make you smile, articles that update you on community events, and articles that hold government and government officials accountable to you -- their constituents and taxpayers. Many articles from the last category come from tips or requests from readers. That is the role of the fourth estate and one we take seriously. Several articles in this issue, with one in particular, push for answers to tough questions from several departments and elected officials. Most of The Denver North Star is written almost two weeks before it starts arriving on doors. For this issue, that means a large amount of work just before and during Labor Day weekend. Due to budget constraints, the City created a number of furlough days for staff, including the Friday before Labor Day weekend, causing a long weekend with staff not available to press. It was also the first real time off many city staff had had in months. That also meant city staff had a choice when they get press inquiries on a short week -- push them off until after a long weekend or try and answer everything beforehand. In the case of public records requests, staff easily could ignore them until after print deadlines, but in almost every instance we found staff working to

O P I N I ON

fulfill requests and help journalists do their jobs. One open records request that could have taken five days by law took less than five hours. I would like to thank the dedicated staff of Denver Parks and Recreation, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver Police, and several other departments who all helped answer inquiries and gather information for pieces in this issue. Those staff know that at times answering press inquiries results in articles that aren’t always f lattering to their offices or departments, but the Thursday before the long weekend we received responses into the evening long past business hours. While we didn’t ask them to, other staff responded on a day off. That’s dedication to their role as city workers. As a resident, I’d also like to thank the Parks staff who had the incredibly bad smelling job of cleaning up Sloan’s lake even as community members and this paper pushed their department leadership for answers about the unprecedented fish kill. As noted in our front page story, many departments have also had serious reductions in staff. That’s not to say anyone should ignore problems when there are issues of public concern, but to give grace in understanding that everyone’s jobs are harder in this pandemic and many people are doing more than ever before. We hope you continue sending in article requests and continue reading. We’ll keep writing. Thank you, David Sabados Editor The Denver North Star

Afro Liberation Front Responds to Comments, Actions by City Council

By Azria Arroyo e are Afro Liberation Front. Our leadership is comprised of a non-binary queer Black person and an Afro-Latinx woman. We serve to amplify BIPOC voices and events worldwide. We primarily organize events and support other events getting off the ground. Our goal is to empower all marginalized communities through mutual aid, event support, community forums, and more. In a time where police brutality, bigotry, and hatred are widespread, we believe it is imperative to have elected officials, both locally and nationally who are doing everything they can to advocate for the communities they serve. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of corrupt politics is flourishing across the nation and in our own backyards. This past month, Denver city council members rejected a bill, proposed by Councilwoman CeDebaca, that would uplift and provide protection for our communities against unjust policing and police brutality. One of those council members, Amanda Sandoval, decided to use the racist fallacy of “Black on Black” and “Brown on Brown” crime as reasoning to reject this bill. From that moment forward, Councilwoman Sandoval has not only doubled down on her comments, but has taken a series of actions to intimidate local activists and perpetuate prejudiced stereotypes of Black and Brown people. In addition, Councilwoman Sandoval has refused to take any amount of accountability for her hurtful, dangerous, and unprofessional behavior and statements. We at Afro Liberation Front, advocate for all vulnerable communities and will always take action to hold those in positions of power accountable. We refuse to sit idly by while the individuals we employ to represent and protect our communities weaponize

our funding against us. Every action taken by any elected official, no matter how minuscule it may seem, should be in the best interest of the people. The actions taken by Councilwoman Sandoval are harmful to BIPOC communities and are only self-serving. This is not the first, nor will it be the last time, that elected officials take advantage of their positions. It is extremely disappointing to live in a city that presents itself as extremely progressive, knowing how deep the local corruption runs. Having a black mayor who remains silent to maintain power, at the expense of communities they are supposed to serve, is a perfect example of that corruption. When there is no accountability taken for these kinds of behaviors, it only hinders progress in movements that advocate for our communities. It has been incredibly painful and frustrating to see a councilwoman who claims to be a proud Latina encouraging and orchestrating division between BIPOC communities. Progress in any movement is dependent upon unity. Having all marginalized communities come together to advocate for and uplift one another is the only way we can continue to make and inspire change. Despite the use of intimidation tactics by law enforcement, elected officials, and bigoted individuals and groups that we and other activists experienced first hand, we will continue to advocate for all, and confront corruption within government agencies. Now is the time to organize, mobilize, and demand change. You can find the Afro Liberation Front Online: Twitter: @afrofrontco Website: Afroliberationfront.com Facebook: @AfroFrontCo Azria Arroyo is the Co-Director of the Afro Liberation Front.

Fires, Temperature Spikes Evidence Denver Needs to Do More to Protect Environment By Ean Thomas Tafoya ur forests are on fire across North America, including the section of the Rocky Mountains we are all stewards of. The Pine Gulch fire raged over 139,000 acres, larger than the size of Denver. Supercharged by climate crisis - drought, record high temps, and beetle kill have brought the perfect firestorm. These fires threaten homes, watersheds, and are pumping so many particles into the air that this combined with our toxic pollution has registered Denver in the top five worst air quality in the world. High temperatures combined with nutrient pollution are leading to massive toxic algae blooms. From the alpine lakes in the Gunnison Valley to the urban Sloan's Lake in Denver we are experiencing an alarming pattern of toxic algae and wildlife decline as

a result. According to the CDC, algal outbreaks can severely sicken people. Health effects vary depending on the kind of bacteria in the algae, but symptoms are pretty nasty and include skin irritation, rashes, blisters around the mouth and nose and other problems. Pets, in particular, can be sickened or die if exposed to algal outbreaks. Climate Action and nutrient pollution must be addressed to ensure clean water for all, including our children, pets, and wildlife. According to NASA, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase along current trajectories throughout the 21st century, there is an 80 percent likelihood of a decades-long megadrought in the Southwest and Central Plains between the years 2050 and 2099. Our current heat wave is record breaking, but I need to imagine 110

Page 14 | September 15-October 14, 2020

degree heat waves for two weeks. We often discuss the increase in Celsius, but I believe we should be talking in the terms we as Americans use. The worst case scenario is regions across the globe may see 12 degree Fahrenheit increases in high temperatures.

We must transform ourselves and our systems to protect the next seven generations. Who lives and who dies? Who works outside? What crops survive? Who can afford the energy costs to cool their homes? How hot will the schools be for our children? I know this is scary, but we cannot

be paralyzed by fear. We must take immediate action as Denverites to do our part, and likely a little more for those that can’t or won’t do their part to meet this short timeline for greenhouse gas emission reductions. We must transform ourselves and our systems to protect the next seven generations. The Denver Climate Action Task Force released recommendations to transform several sectors of our economy this summer. It calls for a green stimulus that empowers the community to work towards Climate Justice. This report estimates that taking action and investing $3 billion over the next decades into climate action will save us $20 billion in future disaster recovery costs and other savings. See ENVIRONMENT, Page 15 The Denver North Star

Fines

THINKING ABOUT

Continued from Page 7

s, l

the permits for the event, he also said they weren’t responsible. “It's a collaborative effort. It’s not a city event.” Chavez declined to provide contact information for other groups he said ry actionwere involved who may have liability. no matter Less than an hour after completing hould bethe interview with Mr. Chavez, The Denver North Star received a call from le. ncilwom-State Senator Julie Gonzales asking for BIPOCinformation about the pending story. self-serv-After explaining that the story was will it belooking into possible COVID violacials taketions from city officials, Gonzales exIt is ex-pressed her displeasure: “I'm really anin a citygry right now listening to you,” adding mely pro-that “COVID is but one consideration the localof safety.” Gonzales, who said she ck mayorsupports the city and state mask and n power,distancing regulations and their ens they areforcement, refused to say whether exampleshe thought elected officials and government offices should be held to the bility tak-same standards as private individuals s, it onlyand businesses when asked. Gonzaents thatles was then asked about her support es. It hasof the Governor’s executive orders to frustrat-enforce mask wearing and social disho claimstancing. She said she wasn’t calling as ging anda state official and wouldn’t address n BIPOCenforcement questions but was instead y move-calling “because Ben is my husband.” y. HavingSenator Gonzales is married to Torres’ es comeCouncil Aide Benjamin Chavez. uplift one Councilwoman Torres also disn contin-cussed the Aug. 23 event with The e. Denver North Star. While Torres said tion tac-she didn’t believe the violations were ected of-as serious as she thought the line of uals andquestioning made it out to be, she ivists ex-believed the buck does, in fact, stop continuewith her office and other organizers: ront cor-“If there were failures it falls on me. It agencies.falls on the committee. We’ll do betmobilize,ter.” When discussing specific provisions, such as a one way path around iberationthe car show portion of the event which would greatly reduce crowding and physical contact, Torres agreed om they could have done so and would use the guidelines more for future events. -Director“Nobody is missing the fact that Latino communities in Denver are being hit hard by COVID” she added. UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS? OTHER EVENTS FOLLOW GUIDELINES During their interviews, both Chavez and Gonzales asked whether The Denver North Star looked into other events in the area and whether regulations were realistic to follow. In contrast to the city event, other events in the community appear to have followed nearly all city guidelines. Specifically, The Denver North Star team had attended another event a week later in the same park: “Chicano National Day of Action: Stop Police Crimes!” organized by local community groups. The Aug. 29 event also featured dancers, speakers, and booths, not unlike the Aug. 23 cityrun event. The Aug. 29 event had over 100 people but was below the 175 person legal limit. Also, the non city event had volunteers stationed at the perimeter of the event and all attendees appeared to wear masks. Dancers, who are considered performers by city regulations, were on stage and distanced The Denver North Star

from the crowd, unlike the city event where maskless dancers were on the ground level with attendees. WHO WATCHES THE WATCHMEN? While several city agencies have ticketing authority and the over ten thousand people and businesses visited by enforcement agents might assume the departments work together and patrol large gatherings, that does not appear to be the case, raising questions about unequal enforcement. Denver Police responded to an inquiry about their enforcement guidelines: “The Denver Police Department supports the legal requirement to wear face coverings and does have authority to enforce the mandate, however our successful approach has been to gain voluntary compliance, often supplying community members who don’t have one with a mask.” Denver police officers present at the event on August 23rd said they don’t enforce the mask and distancing policies at events and referred questions to DDPHE. DDPHE quickly provided the majority of data requested, including a list of citations and discussed their criteria, but said that enforcement in city parks is the purview of the Parks Department. Cynthia Karvaski, a spokesperson for Denver Parks and Recreation, said they don’t have staff monitor events in parks after the city issues permits. “We’re complaint based,” said Karvaski. She also said that as the permit was pulled by a city council office their policy is not to charge for use and they expect city council offices to follow the guidelines they provide. UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS According to The COVID Tracking Project, a project of The Atlantic media outlet, Colorado reached 59,920 COVID-19 cases as of September 10. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation released data in early September estimating that the death toll in the U.S could reach between 410,000 and 620,000 by the end of the year, but that number would be cut in half by near universal mask use. "We expect the daily death rate in the United States, because of seasonality and declining vigilance of the public, to reach nearly 3,000 a day in December," according to the IHME. Editor's Notes: There are times where two or more stories can come from a single event. In this case, the La Raza Park cruise event could be covered as a cultural phenomenon or a question about public safety and government accountability. Seeing the importance of both stories, we choose to write both. To read more about the event itself, please read the related article on page 8. In the course of writing this story, our team identified several other instances where city officials appear to have hosted or sponsored events that violated ordinances, but without more certifiable evidence we did not include those in this story.

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Environment Continued from Page 14

This figure doesn’t account for the increased quality of life for all as public and environmental health is improved. The United States House - Climate Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has released a report on how federal programs and dollars can bolster state and local efforts to change our ways and prepare for the worst. This fall we expect Colorado to release its Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution, which was mandated by HB19-1261. The next steps will be figuring out how these plans can work together and swiftly to reduce pollution.

Plans are great, especially ambitious ones, but without funding and political will these roadmaps to a more equitable future will not be implemented. This election and every election for the foreseeable future I implore you to vote for climate action, support sign on letters, make phone calls, and pound the pavement because Climate Justice is Racial Justice as we need everyone to join the global movement. Ean Thomas Tafoya is a humanitarian and environmental organizer who was born in North Denver on Earth Day. @BelieveEan

September 15-October 14, 2020 | Page 15

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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 16 | September 15-October 14, 2020

The Denver North Star