— before getting ready to call it a wrap after 12 years in that office.
Meanwhile, the 17 candidates who are vying to replace Hancock have hit the debate circuit in earnest, unveiling various plans to fix what is ailing us. Some advocate a tough-love approach, while others are more pragmatic. All of them agree that Denver’s government is in serious need of an overhaul.
Denver votes
An ongoing crisis of homelessness. Spiking crime. A city that is increasingly unaffordable for families and the middle class to live and thrive.
On the campaign trail, these have been the buzzwords describing a nagging malaise that seems to have settled over
Mayoral And Council Candidates Hit The Campaign Trail. Voters, Get Ready For The April 4 Election
the Mile High City. Add to that the perception that developers and lobbyists and other special interests are running amok at city hall, while neighborhoods and the regular people who live in them have been left to languish.
In February Michael B. Hancock and a cadre of his top appointees took what might be the mayor’s final junket — a trip to Egypt and Ethiopia partially funded by taxpayers
Amy Jurgens Maes’s self-written biography on the Park Hill Elementary website is pure Amy: Breezy, smile-inducing, and to the point:
“This is my 29th year in education. Came to Park Hill in 1999 (hahahahaha whoa!).
Favorite subject to teach is writing. Park Hill Elementary is my home away from home, like a family to me. Favorite thing about Kindergarten is watching them bloom into lifelong learners.
I love to spend time with my family, sail, play tennis, and travel.”
On Feb. 4, Maes died suddenly, following a brief and unexpected illness. She was 56. She leaves behind her two young adult children, CJ Mills and Gillian Mills, her dad, Danny Jurgens, scores of friends, her exes and admirers and a legacy that comes with teaching upwards of 1,000 young people over nearly three decades.
The loss of the beloved kindergarten teacher — Ms. Amy to her students — had an immediate and profound impact at the tight-knit elementary school. Principal Ken Burdette and the school’s staff and fellow teachers — several of whom were Amy’s closest friends — found themselves responding to the unthinkable: losing a teacher in the middle of the school year, conveying to their young students what that means, while working through their own grief.
On Feb. 8, hundreds gathered on the blacktop behind the school at 19th and Elm Street for a bubble ceremony and send-off for Ms. Amy. (See Principal Burdette’s remarks and photos from that day on pages 16-17.) Three days later a memorial service was held at the Denver Botanic Gardens, emceed by Amy’s longtime friend Wendy Barr. Many spoke — highlighting Amy’s always-sunny disposition, her ability to forge deep friendships, her unwavering love and commitment to teaching. And yes, her infectious giggle.
“My mom was the brightest light in my life,” said CJ Mills.
“I know she was the brightest of lights for many of us — there to tell us no matter how dark things might get, bigger and better things lie ahead.”
“We wanted to thank you all for the love and support that fills this entire room, said Gillian Mills. “CJ and I got extremely lucky with the mama we chose and who loved us to the end of the earth.
Between our squirrel language, Spanish and English, mama led leaders into this world, and made a mark too much to dream of.
“We have lost a legend, but we gained a beautiful guardian angel. I promise to make you proud each and every day. Meet you in the tulip garden, mama.”
On that emotional day, Amy’s
This election season, Denver’s 13-member city council is also in the spotlight. Many current members are term-limited — including the two at-large representatives and the councilman who currently represents Park Hill.
And on the April 4 ballot — again — is the future of the Park Hill Golf Course. Only a little more than a year ago Denver voters resoundingly supported a measure to protect green space in general, and specifically the conservation easement on the property. Despite that vote, Westside Investment Partners, assisted by the Hancock administration, has continued its push for a high-density development project there.
This year Westside is sponsoring a campaign — 2 O on the ballot — to convince voters to remove the easement and clear the path for development. (A majority of the current city council approved a rezoning of the property in January. That decision is now being challenged in court.)
• Lawsuit Alleges City Acted Illegally In Park Hill Golf Course Vote — Page 2
• Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Votes To Oppose Developer-Sponsored 2 O — Page 2
• Mayoral Hopefuls: What Park Hill Has That Should Be Copied Citywide — Pages 16-18
• At-Large Council Candidates Make Their Cases To The Voters — Pages 12-13
• District 8 And 9 Contenders Weigh In On Park Hill’s Mojo — Pages 14-15
• When To Vote, How To Vote, Why To Vote — Page 5
dad, Danny Jurgens — himself a retired elementary school teacher — shared a couple of stories about his close bonds with his only child. (Her mom, Sherry, died when she was a young woman.) Jurgens described his daughter as his biggest champion, as well as his barber. He spoke with pride about the educator she had become.
“It was,” Jurgens said, “a joy to share Amy.”
continued on page 16
Letters To The Editor: Readers Call It Like They See It In
Blockworker Of The Month: Everly Hildebrandt Is A Friend to All
Mountain Goats Aren’t Native To Colorado, But We Love ‘Em Anyway
Lisa! Lisa Lisa!
This Athletic Trainer Keeps The Angels Flying
Community meetings are conducted on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., except for July and December.
The next meeting is March 2 at 6:30 p.m. in person at 2823 Fairfax St. and via Zoom. The April meeting is April 6. Link to attend at greaterparkhill.org/ join-us/community-meetings/
park hill'S bOard-certified
Three weeks before ballots were scheduled to begin dropping into Denver voters’ mailboxes, a group of high-profile plaintiffs — including former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb — filed suit against Westside Investment Partners and the City of Denver. At issue is the city council’s green-lighting of a controversial plan to rezone and develop the 155acre Park Hill Golf Course property, which is protected by a conservation easement
In a series of actions, the city council in January approved Westside’s proposal to rezone the protected land at 35th and Colorado Boulevard, and sent the package off to Denver voters. On April 4, voters will weigh in — via ballot question 2 O — whether they support terminating the conservation easement to allow Westside to fire up the bulldozers for a high-density commercial and residential project and park.
The lawsuit was filed by Save Open Space Denver. In addition to Webb — who brokered the original conservation easement in 1997 when he was mayor — plaintiffs include former Colorado Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald and former state Sen. Penfield Tate, who is currently running for the city council. Other former state legislators and members of the city council and board of education are also listed, as well as community leaders Brother Jeff Fard, Shanta Harrison and Rachel Coates.
2206 Kearney St., 720-735-9800
www.nestmanortho.com
April 29, 2009 – January 29, 2023
Retired Therapy Dog Hathaway left this world on January 29th. She had worked for over 7 years (50 dog years) with the Prescription Pets Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado, primarily in the rehabilitation therapy gym. At the hospital she came to be much loved by both patients and staff. Hathaway’s ability to bring out the best in people was summarized by a Children’s Hospital therapist who said, “When Hathaway’s here, miracles happen.”
Hathaway was a true and loyal companion throughout her life. She, like many of her kind, made those who met her in a professional capacity or encountered her during numerous and lengthy walks around Park Hill, a better human being. She will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege to know her well. She is survived by her human guardians, Susan and Guy Wroble of Grape Street.
“The plaintiffs allege that [Denver City Council’s] actions constitute illegal extinguishment of the conservation easement,” said SOS Denver spokeswoman Colette Carey. Colorado law, she noted, specifies that conservation easements cannot be extinguished without a court order.
During all this time figuring out ways to develop the golf course land, the city and Westside have opted not to do this — take it to a judge. This is baffling to opponents.
“Conservation easements are supposed to be perpetual — that’s kind of the point,” said attorney Ed Ramey, who is representing the plaintiffs. There are different types of easements, and they can specify certain agricultural, wildlife habitat, recreational or golf courses/open space uses. “Once granted they are supposed to be preserved in perpetuity.”
That said, Ramey continued, there is a mechanism by which easements can be terminated. Colorado statute specifies that the owner of the property (in this case Westside) and the owner of the conservation easement (in this case the City of Denver) can go to district court and show a judge
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that it’s impossible to fulfill the open space and recreational purposes of that easement.
“What’s weird about this situation is the city and the developer are trying to creatively avoid the process, and that is what we’re challenging,” Ramey said.
A previous lawsuit challenging the city’s use of time and resources crafting a plan for protected property was dismissed. “Now we’re at a different point, since they’ve decided to proceed, which they did improperly,” said Ramey. Several additional claims are alleged in the new suit, including:
• The a greement b etween t he c ity a nd Westside violates the Colorado constitutional ban against governments making donations to private parties.
• The city a nd city council i llegally rejected protest petitions” signed by neighboring landowners before proceeding with a vote.
GPHC Board Opposes Westside’s 2 O
On Feb. 2 the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. adopted a resolution opposing Westside Investment Partners’ April 4 ballot measure, 2 O.
“Denver has a critical need to protect and enhance its parks and open space for the health and well-being of its residents,” according to the resolution, noting that in recent years the city has “failed” to do so. The complete resolution can be read at tinyurl.com/GPHCWestside.
Since 2018 GPHC has supported preserving the conservation easement. The registered neighborhood organization has based its steadfast position on a statistically valid neighborhood-wide survey conducted by the National Research Center in October, 2019. At the time, GPHC board members highlighted their goal was to clearly gauge the positions of neighbors on the golf course property and several other issues — and provide similarly-aligned representation.
An overwhelming majority — fully 77 percent — of survey respondents (all ages, all races, all socioeconomic backgrounds, living in all parts of Park Hill) said they wanted the land to remain entirely some kind of green space/park or golf course. The link to the complete survey is: greaterparkhill.org/resources/neighborhood-survey/.
Note: The Greater Park Hill News has extensively covered the complexities of the issues surrounding the Park Hill Golf Course property. Here is a link to past coverage: greaterparkhill.org/news-and-opinion/ going-for-green/.
The Greater Park Hill News is published by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. (GPHC) on the 1st of each month. Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of GPHC. GPHC does not necessarily endorse the companies, products or services advertised in The Greater Park Hill News unless specifically stated. GPHC reserves the right to run any advertisement.
Circulation is 13,000 and is distributed in the Park Hill Area by neighborhood volunteers.
The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteerbased registered neighborhood organization that: promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill; provides resources, information and advocacy; and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.
This newspaper is made possible through the support of our advertisers and members. If you are not already a member, please consider joining the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
trent nestman, d.d.S., M.S.
American White Pelicans stand about 4 feet tall and have whopping 9-foot wingspans. Watching these big birds plunge into the water and suck up pouchfuls of fish is a sight to behold. In the springtime — breeding season — a peculiar thing happens to the adults. Beginning in late March, both males and females grow yellow-to-orangish “horns” on their upper bills. At some point in May, the fibrous structures fall off, only to grow back the following year. These American White Pelicans were photographed in Green Valley Ranch, northeast of Park Hill, by Mark Silverstein.
Although we haven’t seen the ground much lately, spring truly is coming. In just a few weeks dandelions and tulips will start popping up and the trees will begin to bud.
That also means that the 23rd annual Park Hill Garden Walk is fast approaching. After a record-breaking year for attendance last year, the Park Hill Garden Walk committee is thrilled to announce that the 2023 Garden Walk will take place on June 11. This year’s event will feature eight stunning gardens, including three in the Mayfair neighborhood.
As always, area artists will display and sell their work at each garden. The art forms range from oil paintings, watercolor, en plein air, mixed media, acrylic, ceramic sculpture, metal sculpture, jewelry and more.
Tickets will go on sale May 1 at parkhillgardenwalk.org. Advanced tickets are $15, seniors (age 65+) are $12 and children under 12 are free. Tickets will also be available at several retail locations throughout Park Hill. We will announce these locations in the coming weeks.
The Park Hill Garden Walk committee is a group of volunteers working to raise funds to support Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., a registered neighborhood organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill through its resources, information and advocacy. Learn more and get involved at greaterparkhill. org.
— Jean Ercolani
The Colorado Water Garden Society is holding its “Get Wet” Educational kick-off meeting at the Denver Botanic Gardens on April 20. The free event will feature a panel discussion on hot topics including how aquascapes and water features can complement xeric landscapes and sustain wildlife habitats.
The meeting is open to the public, and designed to highlight ideas about how people can transform their yards and conserve water. A panel of experts will weigh in on the following:
• Recent water policies
• Integrated land use and planning
• Protecting w ildlife a nd pollinator habitats
• Incorporating smart water features vs. lawn and turf
• The advantages a nd benefits of water features in urban landscapes.
The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, at 9th and York Street. Head to Gates Hall via the Piñon Gate at the Gardens.
Immerse yourself in a beautiful blue and white exhibition of cyanotypes by teens and guest artists Lizeth Guadalupe, Chris tine Nguyen, Leah Diament and Christo pher R. Perez.
is hosting an opening reception on Friday, March 10 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Blue Wonder exhibition that runs through April 28.
learned about the history of photographic processes before exploring a myriad of cya
It may not come as a surprise to some, but it’s a fact that we need to return to again and again — until everyone gets it. Mitigating climate change also offers a massive public health opportunity.
Last month a team of researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California published in the journal Science and the Total Environment their findings of the impact of electric vehicles (EV) on air pollution and health.
for community engagement, and how environmental justice efforts should be coordinated across the state.
Study after study indicates that, when considering environmental racism and pollution, ZIP codes matter. People of color and poor people more often live and work in neighborhoods that are far more polluted than wealthy, white people — yes, including in Denver.
notype possibilities, including film photography, digital photography, drawing, and digital collage as the base of their works. The guest artists included in Blue Wonder use the historical process of cyanotype to explore a variety of subjects and techniques that represent their unique story and experimental approaches.
DAVA is at 1405 Florence St., one block south of Colfax Avenue in the Aurora Cultural Arts District. The exhibition is free and open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information email gallery@davarts.org, call DAVA at 303-367-5886. or visit davarts.org.
Join Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser as he discusses departmental priorities for this year and the agenda for his second term as attorney general. Weiser was elected to his second term in November.
The forum is on Sunday, March 12 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Park Hill United Methodist Church, at 5209 Montview Blvd. It is free and everyone is welcome.
Weiser includes as his priorities defending the rule of law, including through promoting respectful dialogue, holding irresponsible businesses accountable and protecting consumers, protecting Colorado’s land, air, and water, public safety, fighting the opioid crisis and improving the criminal justice system.
A summary notes that California has been quickly transitioning to electric vehicles and light-duty zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs), making the state ideal to study their impacts on communities. The researchers compared the number of registrations of zero emissions vehicles with air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits across the state from 2013 to 2019.
It is already well known that underserved communities are crippled with higher rates of air pollution.
Another well-noted travesty is that what is missing for these communities is access to green space. This was another topic that Mr. Tafoya addressed during the January city council meeting when a majority of members approved rezoning the Park Hill Golf Course land and giving a developer carte-blanche to fire up the bulldozers — if Denver voters go along with the scheme on April 4.
In short, their findings concluded that as ZEV adoption increased within ZIP codes, air pollution and emergency room visits dropped.
California accounts for 39 percent of electric vehicles, ranking first in the nation. In August, the California Air Resources Board approved the Advanced Clean Cars II rule that sets the Golden State “on a path to rapidly growing the zero-emission car, pickup truck and SUV market and deliver cleaner air and massive reductions in climate-warming pollution.” The rule establishes a year-by-year roadmap so that by 2035 fully 100 percent of new cars and light trucks sold in California will be zeroemission vehicles.
Conversely, the Keck School of Medicine researchers highlighted the fact that people living in lower-resourced ZIP codes, who are often poor, simply can’t adopt ZEVs at the same rate as higher-income areas. They continue to suffer the most from the impacts of air pollution.
The data from the California research notes that at the ZIP code level, “for every additional 20 ZEVs per 1,000 people, there was a 3.2 percent drop in the rate of asthma-related emergency visits and a small suggestive reduction in NO2 levels.”
From previous research it is already well known that underserved communities are crippled with higher rates of air pollution, which continues to put people living in them at risk for respiratory problems.
Time and time again, environmental injustice is at the center of climate change and must drive our choices to deliver equitable solutions.
Closer to home, in July, 2021, Gov. Jared Polis signed into law the Colorado Environmental Justice Act. Coinciding with the law, last November a task force headed by current Denver mayoral candidate Ean Tafoya released recommendations on how the state must address health disparities. Those recommendations include the need
Tafoya has been engaged in the fight for environmental justice and combatting environmental racism for decades. At that January meeting, he spoke out against the plan, noting — as many others have also done — that if developed this green space would be lost forever.
So what do electric vehicles and parks have in common? For starters, the ability to lower toxic air pollution in communities who have been forced to choke on smog created by wealthier residents. Along with Tafoya, Denver Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca has been fighting hard to preserve the Park Hill Golf Course property as open space. She has long been advocating equity for our neighbors in Globeville, Swansea and Elyria.
Before the January council vote, CdeBaca said, “[The people of Denver] paid for the conservation easement to keep this open green space. And it’s more important now than it ever has been because half of this green space is in the most polluted ZIP code in America.”
In order to right the many wrongs of environmental red-lining we must invest our tax dollars in communities that have suffered the most from this injustice, while adding protections from gentrification. We must invest in charging stations and electric car shares for disadvantaged communities first. We must work directly with these communities for their guidance to create open space and access to parks, and ensure that residents aren’t instead displaced.
On April 4, we must vote for Denver candidates who are working for their communities, and not for the profit of the few.
Tracey MacDermott is an at-large member of the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., and immediate past chair. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017, and is currently the Statewide Co-Chair of the Climate Reality Project for the 100% Committed Campaign.
Two companies provide pick-up services in Denver for hard to recycle materials, including light bulbs, batteries, electronics, paint, DVD’s, video games and much more. Denver-based Happy Beetle (thehappybeetle.com) launched its pick-up service in April 2021. Soon after that, Seattle-based Ridwell (ridwell.com) expanded into the Denver Metro area.
Happy Beetle and Ridwell charge a monthly fee of around $14 and provide bags or boxes for you to fill with a wide range of recyclable or reusable items. It’s
a convenient way to avoid sending recyclable or reusable items to the trash heap. Check them out to see whether their pickup service suits your household or business.
Mark Kuhl is an environmental advocate who lives in Park Hill with his family. His handy tips and news about recycling household items appear every month in these pages. A directory of his past columns for recycling everything from paint to Styrofoam to shoes is at greaterparkhill. org/sustainability/recycling-directory/.
In February Bob Moses captured this image of an impressive 21 robins crowding into his backyard Park Hill birdbath. He estimated another 50 thirsty aviators were perched high above in a nearby ash tree, waiting for their turn at the fountain. Each winter, when the ground freezes over, Moses’s water pond bubbles up, inviting a large flock of robins who decline the journey south. They opt instead to tough it out in Denver during the frozen months, awaiting signs of spring. Photo by Bob Moses
It’s been called the most critical municipal election in recent memory. A poll conducted on Feb. 9-10 by Chism Strategies and Cygnal indicates that Denver is off on the wrong track. Fully 88 percent of the respondents had an “unfavorable” or “very unfavorable” opinion of term-limited Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock.
will begin receiving their ballots shortly after March 13, the day they are mailed. Ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day. To check your status or to register to vote, go to GoVoteColorado.gov. You can also call the Denver Elections Division at 720-913-8683.
Still, the polls found, of 17 candidates running to replace Hancock on April 4, the race is still wide open.
The poll did not gauge public opinion about the vast array of other candidates who are also on the ballot, including two at-large council and district council offices.
Auditor Tim O’Brien is up for reelection (obrienforauditor.org), and is being challenged by Erik Clarke (clarkefordenver. com). Clerk and Recorder Paul Lopez is up for reelection as well, and is uncontested.
Also on the ballot: Westside Investment Partners’ controversial effort to terminate the conservation easement protecting the Park Hill Golf Course property. The developer’s ballot measure is Referred Measure 2 O.
Voters will decide two other measures — 2 M, concerning the Board of Adjustment, and 2 N, concerning the City Zoning Authority.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 4. Voters
March Debates And Forums
The People’s Forum by Denverite
Tuesday, March 7, from 5-7 p.m. | Carla Madison Recreation Center, at Colfax and Josephine Street
The news site Denverite is hosting a mayoral candidates forum, focused on issues affecting communities of color. The forum will feature the top seven candidates getting Fair Elections Fund money.
Tickets: tinyurl.com/DenverPeoplesForum
Denver Indivisibles Mayoral Forum
Wednesday, March 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, at 1980 Dahlia St. Denver Indivisibles has invited candidates to talk about their visions for Denver. Everyone is welcome.
There are several sites in and around the neighborhood to drop off your completed and signed ballot: Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center at 33rd and Holly Street, the Museum of Nature and Science in City Park, at the Montclair Recreation Center in the Lowry neighborhood, and at East High School.
After you’ve turned in your ballot, check denver.ballottrax.net/voter/, where you can track it like a package — from printing to acceptance for counting.
Important dates to keep in mind:
■ March 13: Ballots are mailed for the April 4 Election. Return completed bal lots by mail by March 27 or at any 24hour ballot drop-off box.
■ April 4: Election Day. You can register to vote and vote in person up to 7 p.m. All ballots must be received by Denver Elec tions Division by 7 p.m. If you’re voting in person, you must be in line by 7 p.m.
■ June 6: Runoff Election — In mayoral and council races in which none of the candidates gets a majority 50 percent vote on April 4, the top two vote-getting candidates will square off.
Districts 8 & 9 Candidates Forum
Thursday, March 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) | Dahlia Campus for Health and Well-Being at 3401 Eudora St.
Hosted by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. and the Northeast Park Hill Coalition. Candidates from city council districts 8 and 9 will introduce themselves, address a broad range of topics and answer questions pertaining to the priorities and concerns that matter most to Park Hill. Not sure which district you’re in? Check out this map: https://rb.gy/lu26om.
The event is free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required at this link: tinyurl.com/5c2c5dka
Other Links And Resources
At-Large Candidates Debate
The only forum that included all nine candidates running for city council atlarge took place at Regis University on Feb. 6. The complete 90-minute debate is online: youtube.com/watch?v=krIuNrIHfgs
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver should have too?
Last month 10 of the 17 candidates running for mayor of Denver answered questions ranging from the best thing about Denver to their biggest frustration with city hall — and why they should be the one voters pick to be in charge.
Denver
This month we asked them to describe what inspires them about Park Hill. Our neighborhood has a rich history of a generally feisty citizenry that has over the years successfully fought for equality and integration, as well as
Kelly Brough KellyBrough.com
school desegregation and forcing the closure of Stapleton International Airport in the 1990s. Several candidates submitted their own favorite historical facts about Park Hill, and their favorite anecdotes about campaigning in the neighborhood. (Note: All candidates were invited to participate; the following submitted responses by the newspaper deadline.)
Our February mayoral candidate Q&As can be read at this link: greaterparkhill.org/news-and-opinion/denver-ata-crossroads/.
ment so far in Park Hill (be specific about where you were and why it was meaningful).
Several mayoral debates were scheduled this election season — including two last month. The first debate was Feb. 7 at Regis University. The 2-hour forum can be viewed in its entirety at this link: youtube.com/watch?v=1W0nUkY_utY.
9News sponsored a second debate at MSU Denver on Feb. 16. The forum was moderated by Kyle Clark, Anusha Roy and Marshall Zellinger. The full 2-hour debate can be seen at youtube. com/watch?v=msOrjIxqDow.
A third 9News debate is scheduled for March 14. Check 9news.com for details.
If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote on April 4, the top two candidates will compete in a run-off on June 6.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why? (This can be a tangible or intangible asset.)
There are several “destination assets” – parks, schools, faith institutions, cultural facilities, restaurants, and small businesses – in Park Hill that attract people from all parts of Denver. My connection to Park Hill started when my daughter enrolled at Denver School of the Arts (DSA). We spent six years of her life there as a family, attending performances, poetry readings and art shows. Park Hill is fortunate to have many such places that attract people from across the city, adding vitality, vibrancy and driving economic activity.
Describe your best campaign mo-
Debbie Ortega
DebbieOrtega.com
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
Park Hill is a wonderful place to live with a rich cultural history. One aspect of the neighborhood that should be replicated across Denver is its large-scale events, such as the Park Hill Parade for Fourth of July and the Park Hill Arts Festival. These events bring community members together while activating the neighborhood, leading to safer streets and a true sense of pride in its residents. Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
At the start of the campaign, I attended a Rosh Hashanah dinner at my staff member’s home in North Park Hill. It was a special opportunity to take part in the traditions and celebration of the joyous Jewish New Year while making meaningful connections and memories with several neighbors and friends.
In the early days of the campaign, we met with a group of Park Hill neighbors at Cake Crumbs. As a first-time candidate, I was learning to introduce myself and how to both listen and learn from community, while also sharing my vision for Denver. Park Hill neighbors were warm and welcoming, direct and honest and willing to engage in meaningful conversation in a respectful and constructive way.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
In 1964 Dr. Martin Luther King preached at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church. At the time, Park Hill was considered a national model community for racial integration. I respect that the neighborhood has continued to struggle and strive for integration, equity and racial justice.
Chris Hansen ChrisForDenverMayor.comWhat does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
I love riding bikes with my family down the beautiful tree-lined streets of Park Hill to drop my son off at McAuliffe International School. I think the rest of the city would benefit from planting more trees and managing traffic better to ensure there are safe streets for cyclists of all ages, like we enjoy in Park Hill.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
On Jan. 4, we had a great campaign event hosted by Eileen and Bill McCarron in Park Hill. I’ve worked with Eileen for years on reducing gun violence and I was so proud to earn her support in this campaign for mayor.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
Several Colorado leaders were raised in Park Hill, including former Secretary of State of Colorado Victoria Buckley and Mary Mullarkey, the first female Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice.
My favorite historical fact about Park Hill is that 17th Avenue Parkway was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, Jr., whose father is regarded as the founder of American landscape architecture and is best known for designing the grounds of New York City’s Central Park, the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
MikeJohnstonForMayor.com
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
I had the opportunity to spend 10 years representing Park Hill in the state senate, had an office in Park Hill on Holly, and know just how vibrant and unique this neighborhood is. I think one of Park Hill’s greatest strengths is its rich diversity and culture.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
My best campaign moment in Park Hill so far was walking through the 28th and Fairfax neighborhood with Marcus Pope, the owner of House of Hair, and talking with small business owners in the neighborhood. It was a great opportunity to learn about how we blend the historic
Park Hill with new development while creating walkable, community-based retail where all Park Hill residents can gather.
What is your favorite historical fact about Park Hill?
Park Hill was one of the first integrated neighborhoods in Denver, and continues to fight to preserve that balance. Rachel Noel was one of my early mentors when I first began my career as a school principal. The desegregation of Denver Public Schools started with Park Hill, when Rachel Noel was elected to the school board and introduced the “Noel Resolution” which called for public schools to provide equal educational opportunity for all children, and eventually led all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court with the Keyes case that pushed for courtenforced desegregation even in western states like Colorado.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
Park Hill has a very high rate of owneroccupied housing units in a diverse housing stock, affording it conditions to be a stable community for families and generational wealth building. The diversity of the residents makes greater Park Hill a feeder for schools, churches and we know that homeownership can support the fabric of community: neighbors who know each other; support for local small business; and culture and traditions (4th of July parade, Halloween, etc). The highlyengaged community is a boon to Denver, and is a model the city can learn from for how the city supports neighborhoods.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
On Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day, I met an incredibly special person at the Park Hill Golf Course Clubhouse for the Colorado Black Roundtable meeting. She is a Black physician, unsung hero and true servant of people who are medically underserved. She practiced at Denver Health for a long career. She told me about being a difficult colleague, challenging her leaders about different and better ways. Her recounting honored both her Denver Health managers who fostered her leadership and resolved practices with better information by someone who truly sees her patients. Even though she now lives in Aurora, she represents the people of Denver who have inspired me to run for mayor and build my vision for this city.
Leslie Herod
LeslieForMayor.com
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating?
Why?
Park Hill has been my home for many years and I love it here! It’s like a small town in a big city. My favorite time of the day is walking my dog Clinton and saying hi to neighbors at Honey Hill Cafe. But hands down the best part of Park Hill is its neighbors. Whether it’s helping to shovel a neighbor’s sidewalks or making a multi-family grocery run to Spinellis, our Park Hill neighbors are one of a kind. I know many neighborhoods around Denver have this same “hometown” feel. We have to preserve that and make it stronger again.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
Ean
Thomas TafoyaEanTafoya.com
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
Park Hill is a fantastic neighborhood. What stands out to me and friends who live there is the sense of strong community, especially between working people who have successfully resisted gentrification and cared for one another. Park Hill is famous for its old growth trees and friendly design, including walkable small businesses, bike lanes and bus lines. I used to ride the No. 20 to my first job at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
I loved participating in the Park Hill Parade on the 4th of July last year! It was such a joy to march and ride our bikes through the neighborhood and connect with people.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
The annual Park Hill July 4th Parade has always been a memorable time with neighbors and friends. In my first run for the statehouse, we walked the parade route after winning the Democratic primary election. I really felt then that I could lead and represent this community that I love so much because of the support of everyone around me.
What is your favorite historical fact about Park Hill?
In the 1960s, Park Hill residents Helen Wolcott & Anna Jo Haynes brought the community together to talk through race relations and work in tandem to create solutions. Together, they picketed segregated institutions, and fought for fair housing and desegregation in DPS. Today, Haynes’ grandson, Max, is a member of my campaign.
Park Hill is a diverse community of working families that exemplified resilience and the determination to thrive. The neighborhood’s history of community events is incredible. Another fun fact is that it was once called a streetcar suburb, thanks to the streetcar that used to run through it and today lies underneath our roads. It was called a place to escape the busy-ness of city life, and if you walk there now you feel the same way.
What is the best thing about Denver in five words or less?
Climate, eclectic, active, majestic, oasis.
List any previous public service positions that you’ve held (feel free to include elected and appointed positions).
I was appointed to the maintenance district for a portion of Larimer Street where I owned commercial property.
Identify the top three issues you want to tackle — in order of priority — if you are elected mayor.
Encampments, encampments, encampments. Encampments are our root problem and require our tough love. Encampments are destroying Denver physically, mentally, and financially. If you have seen, smelled, or heard an encampment, I am sure you can quickly join me in acknowledging this as a humanitarian crisis. Shelter is the answer, provided by your city on its land and within its surplus buildings. To not shelter Denver’s neediest is inhumane and inexcusable.
What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?
Over three years and counting, into the humanitarian crisis that is encamp-
ments, and it has not been confronted and controlled. Due to absentee incompetent leadership, this crisis is now compounding and eroding our urban commercial property values and the rule of law.
What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?
I am pro parks, pro green space, pro transit-oriented development, and pro affordable housing woven into the fabric of all appropriate neighborhoods, and this project seems to offer all of the above. But clearly the devil is always in the details of execution and enforcement, and citizens are rightfully concerned with their city’s ability to uphold this responsibility. If the development delivers and maintains a 100-acre public park in perpetuity, at no cost to the city, that seems like an attractive deal versus the city bearing the expense of repurchasing the land, getting the easement changed, building the park, and maintaining it. I look forward to being your mayor and carrying out the voters’ decision either way.
On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the city-owned conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property? Yes.
This is the first year that voter-approved Fair Election Funding has kicked into gear in Denver. The FEF provides a 9-1 match in public financing for candidates who agree to fundraising limitations and to participate in public debates.
The following is how much each candidate has raised as of Jan. 31 — a star next to their name indicates those who are participating in the FEF this year. For updated numbers, check out the Clerk & Recorder’s new handy search engine at denver.maplight.com/public/. The site allows you to easily research the names of people who have contributed to individual candidates and committees.
Aurelio Martinez amfdm.com
What is the best thing about Denver in five words or less?
The weather, all four seasons.
List any previous public service positions that you’ve held (feel free to include elected and appointed positions).
None.
Aurelio Martinez
Identify the top three issues you want to tackle — in order of priority — if you are elected mayor: Housing, gentrification, crime, resi-
dents in control of their neighborhood.
What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?
Lack of listening to residents needs.
What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property? Against.
On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the city-owned conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property? No.
With so many candidates on stage, debate moderators have incorporated the simple “Yes” or “No” to help break things up. The idea is to be able to easily gauge where the contenders stand (or sit) on several hot topics in Denver. Here are a few responses from the Feb. 7 mayoral debate at Regis University.
?
Do you support lifting the conservation the current easement on the Park Hill golf course?
YeS:
Chris Hansen
Mike Johnston
Debbie Ortega
Andy Rougeot
Thomas Wolf
YeS:
Kelly Brough
Do you support the urban camping ban?
No:
Lisa Calderón
Leslie Herod
Aurelio Martinez
Terrance Roberts
Trinidad Rodriguez
Ean Thomas Tafoya
Robert Treta
James Walsh
Renate Behrens
No:
Renate Behrens
RefUSeD to SAY:
Kelly Brough
Kwame Spearman
Should police department funding be increased?
Chris Hansen
Mike Johnston
Debbie Ortega
Andy Rougeot
Kwame Spearman
Robert Treta
Thomas Wolf
Aurelio Martinez
Trini Rodriguez
YeS:
Debbie Ortega
Andy Rougeot
Trinidad Rodriguez
Aurelio Martinez
Robert Treta
YeS:
Debbie Ortega
If state law allows would you support any rent control measures?
Lisa Calderón
Aurelio Martinez
Terrance Roberts
Ean Thomas Tafoya
James Walsh
Renate Behrens
Lisa Calderón
Leslie Herod
Terrance Roberts
Ean Thomas Tafoya
James Walsh
No:
Chris Hansen
Mike Johnston
Lisa Calderón
Leslie Herod
Terrance Roberts
Ean Thomas Tafoya
James Walsh
Kelly Brough
Kwame Spearman
Renate Behrens
No:
Mike Johnston
Chris Hansen
Andy Rougeot
Thomas Wolf
Trinidad Rodriguez
Robert Treta
Kelly Brough
Kwame Spearman
RefUSeD to SAY:
Thomas Wolf
RefUSeD to SAY:
I would like to see the Park Hill Golf Course become a park. It’s time for the people of Denver to do the city a favor. Our generation can be remembered as one which added to the city’s history and beauty. I am confident that Park Hill agrees with me about the park and that Westside’s proposed development with a swamp should never exist. I expect the development will fail as you vote the same way you did before. Should Denver’s new mayor follow tradition and try to keep on keeping on, it would be nice if the park had some support on the new council. In addition to a new mayor, a new council will also be elected on April 4. You can add other voices for the park by your selections for council.
Part of Park Hill has a doozy of a race in District 9. Incumbent Candi CdeBaca will face hale-fellow/well-met Darrell Watson. Watson is a genial fellow and I like him a lot. Unfortunately, I disagree with his goals in regard to the golf course. This is the LAST time Denver will be able to create another regional park. We will be building affordable housing for the foreseeable future. There are numerous unexploited sites for mid-rise affordable housing in every corner of the city, thanks to the 2010 zoning ordinance created by the Hickencock administrations which brought us the fugly six-story pre-tenements.
I don’t like Candi CdeBaca. She unfriended me on Facebook for disagreeing with one of her postings. That is really lousy politics. I wouldn’t ordinarily vote for her. But I agree with her on most issues. Her outspoken support for many of my issues is the best thing about her. She is not a go-along politician. I believe our City Council needs outspoken members who don’t ever go along because everyone else is going along. Outspoken Denver council members are as rare as available sites for a new regional park. Just sayin’.
Tom Morris, Cheesman ParkOf the 9,700 people who currently live in northeast Park Hill, I wonder how many have thought about the downside of the proposed development on the Park Hill Golf Course. The 3,000 units would bring about 9,000 people — yes it would double the population — in townhouses and apartments. The 550 affordable units, with
about 1,600 people, would be concentrated in something that approaches a ghetto.
The completion time of 15-20 years means a long time living with trucks, bulldozers, cranes, dust, mud, and noise. I wonder if all of the dirt from the excavation will end up piled high on the proposed park, delaying its development by 15 -20 years. And once it is developed the view of the mountains will be gone behind the 12-, 8and 4-story buildings.
Get two lawyers in a room and you will get at least three different interpretations. Right now, there is a different interpretation than the one on the ballot issue that limits the land to a golf course. We need to hear about these other interpretations.
Beginning this April, there are 264 affordable homes being built nearby, at 38th and Holly. Another 237 will soon be coming online at Johnson and Wales/Mosaic Campus. I personally would like to see Westside’s 550 proposed affordable housing units integrated in smaller developments into our neighborhood — not stuffed at the west end of the golf course. We know the best way to build community is to live next to each other — not apart in a bubble.
This is a monumental decision for the neighborhood. Let’s not rush it. We are about evenly split on the future of the golf course. Once this land is paved over we cannot undo it. Let’s take more time to talk amongst ourselves, without city planning and the developer present. Let’s talk in our barber shops and beauty parlors, in our churches and community meetings, in our sororities and book clubs over the next year and put this back on the ballot next year.
Many of the mayoral candidates have some creative ideas for affordable housing. Let’s give that new mayor a chance to explore possibilities. Some of them have noted that RTD and Denver Public Schools are the largest landowners in the city. Maybe they have land for small in-fill affordable housing.
Let’s give ourselves time to come together as a community. On April 4 vote NO on 2 O to keep the easement in place.
Elaine Granata, Park Hill
We love your letters, and give preference to those that address an issue that has been covered in the newspaper, or a topic that is Park Hill or Denver-specific. Send letters to editor@greaterparkhill.org, and include your full name, and the neighborhood in which you live. Deadlines are the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue.
• Build Around—not on the invaluable Park Hill Golf Course land. Affordable housing should be built on land across the street and next to the 40th and Colorado Train Station where extensive dense mixed use development will take place. There is also an additional 7 acres of vacant land next to the PHGC land.
• In November of 2021 Denver voters citywide - and especially in the precincts around the Park Hill Golf Course land - supported preserving the Park Hill Golf Course land conservation easement and protecting its open space by defeating the Hancock-backed Measure 302 - BY A 2 TO 1 MARGIN!
Once green space is gone, it’s gone forever. Don’t Forget We Voted to Build AROUND PHGC, not ON it!
Neither snow, nor rain, nor iced-over roads can stop Everly Hildebrandt from delivering the Greater Park Hill News to her neighbors every month. It’s been a brutal winter for blockworkers, including Hildebrandt, who have braved the elements to faithfully deliver the news. Hildebrandt got some help from her trusty steed, Thunder.
Everly Hildebrandt is a girl on the move.
At Hallett, where Hildebrandt goes to school, she likes doing art and recess, learning how to read books and making friends with everyone. In fact, she says, she has really liked making friends with everyone she meets ever since she was a baby.
When it’s nice out Hildebrandt rides her bike and goes swimming at the pool. She loves the thrill of the roller coaster, and doing stuff with her mom and her dad and her older sister Aubrea. On top of all that she likes going to birthday parties, which is a good thing because she’s got one coming right up. On March 8 she’ll be 5 years old.
“I like my world,” she says.
For as long as she can remember, Hildebrandt has been a blockworker in Park Hill, helping to deliver the newspaper every month to her neighbors. Aubrea did it first, but got pretty busy being in middle school. So Everly mostly does it now, with help from her dad Ryan. Sometimes their dogs Ruby and Roamin go along too.
For Christmas last year Hildebrandt’s
grandparents Gigi and Pop Pop gave her an off-road vehicle. She named it Thunder. With all of the nasty weather and ice buildup, Thunder has come in handy this winter helping Hildebrandt safely get the newspapers delivered every month. “I have a trunk, and I put [the newspapers] in there,” she explains, “and then I drive to each house and my dad walks with me and delivers them to the houses.”
In addition to her delivery skills, Hildebrandt has also proven to be a talented researcher for Mark Silverstein’s Bugland photo feature, which appears in the newspaper each month. Last summer she captured a Western Lynx spider from underneath a spruce tree and was pretty excited when a close-up picture of her spider ended up in the July issue. “It made me so happy,” she says. “It was so cool my name was in the newspaper because I catched that spider.”
Everly Hildebrandt is one more than 300 volunteer blockworkers who deliver the Greater Park Hill News every month to homes all over the neighborhood. Blockworker of the month suggestions are welcome. Send nominations to editor@ greaterparkhill.org.
I envision and strive for a Denver we can all call home, no matter our income level or background. My top priorities are affordable, safe, inclusive neighborhoods, cleaner air and water for our families and greener spaces we can all enjoy.
Vote for a candidate with EXPERIENCE working on city issues!
Leslie served for 10 years on the Denver Parks Advisory Board, six years as its Chair, and helped pass the Legacy Fund approved by voters in 2018.
For nine years, Leslie has supported small businesses as Director of the Federal Boulevard business district - and was successful in securing bond funds to build one of Denver’s only shared streets.
Leslie ushered in the Department of Transportation Advisory Board with a charter change that was approved by Denver voters in 2020.
Two of the 13 Denver City Council members are at-large — meaning they represent the entire city, and not just one district. The current at-large members, Robin Kniech and Debbie Ortega, are term-limited this year and cannot run for council again (though Ortega is now running for mayor).
Nine candidates are running to replace them, and on April 4 the two top vote-getters will win.
In our February issue, seven of nine at-large candidates weighed in on several topics, from their biggest frustration at city hall to their three top priorities if elected. (Dominic Diaz and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez did not respond.) All were asked their positions on whether they support lifting the conservation easement on the Park Hill
Marty Zimmerman martyfordenver.comWhat does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
Park Hill has been called the “longest existing, stable, multi-racial community” in Denver. In 1960, the Park Hill Action Committee coordinated block parties so people of diverse backgrounds could get to know each other. Park Hill is the neighborhood where everyone is truly welcome. The community is and has been intentionally inclusive. Denver is doing a better job of inclusion but there is more to be done. Other areas of the city continue to displace long-time residents instead of finding a place for everyone to live as neighbors similar to the Park Hill model.
Golf Course property, as it is one of the driving issues in this year’s election. (See the reference box at the bottom of this page on where each candidate stands on the conservation easement, and read the February Q&As online at greaterparkhill.org/news-and-opinion/ roaming-the-range/).
This month, we followed up to learn more about the candidates. We also asked them to submit a favorite photo of themselves in Park Hill — either campaigning or just in the neighborhood. Four candidates did not submit answers by the press deadline this month — including Diaz, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Will Chan and Tim Hoffman.
Here’s what the five who did respond had to say.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
My very first campaign fundraising event was held in Park Hill. I tested a format whereby attendees, wrote down questions about the issues most important to them. Nearly everyone asked about the Park Hill Golf Course. I had just attended the meeting when the Westside developers presented their plans and I had a working knowledge of both sides of the issue. What I hope I proved to the attendees was that I was willing to listen and represent the community in the best way I can.
Bonus question: What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
Park Hill helped pass the Colorado Fair Housing Act in 1965 — three years before the federal law was enacted.
Where do the candidates stand on the Park Hill Golf Course land? ?
Does NOT support lifting the conservation easement for development:
Sarah Parady Penfield Tate
Supports lifting the conservation easement for development:
Will Chan Tim Hoffman
Travis Leiker
Jeff Walker
Marty Zimmerman
Won’t Say: Dominic Diaz
Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
Sarah Parady sarah4denver.comWhat does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
The trees in South Park Hill, which North Park Hill deserves too. That canopy is so valuable to mental health and fighting the heat.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
I brought my kids with me to speak at a meeting of the HD8 Democrats at Park Hill United Methodist. I felt a lot of anxiety that they might interrupt the meeting, but another mom just picked up my son and held him. Pre-campaign, I have another favorite PHUM memory: a rally against family separation at the border.
Bonus question: What is your favorite historical fact about Greater Park Hill?
Travis Leiker travisleiker.comWhat does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating?
Denver’s quality of life is rooted in our neighborhoods, reflecting the diversity of our citizenry, events of historic significance, and the unique characteristics within each community. Park Hill boasts many important things: tree-lined boulevards like Montview, gathering spots like Station 26, eateries including Spicy Thai II, Cake Crumbs, and Spinellis, and access to amenities like City of Axum Park. Many inequities remain, however. Diversity has declined and infrastructure remains paramount. The next city council will need to evaluate these shifts and ensure support for the entire neighborhood. This is true in Park Hill and elsewhere in Denver.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill (be specific about where you were and why it was meaningful).
Since launching my campaign in
That students rallied on behalf of the Noel Resolution when parents protested against it. Teenagers often have moral clarity and courage, and Denver history has so many examples of that.
March 2022, I have built one of the most diverse coalitions of support across Denver. The magnitude of any campaign sets in when you start knocking doors and place your campaign sign in someone’s yard. The first yard sign of my campaign was proudly placed at the Park Hill home of Frank and Sylvia Sullivan. I am grateful for their friendship and support.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
As reported by the Denver Public Library, “Colorado’s first commercial airport, Curtis Humphrey Field at 26th Avenue and Oneida Street, began offering regional passenger air service in 1919.” Denver’s aviation history continues to fascinate me.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
Park Hill has the wonderful parkways of 17th Avenue and Monaco Boulevard. Those green medians bring a sense of calm and quiet and are a nice contrast to Colfax Avenue and Quebec Street, which are some of the busiest roads in the city.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
My best campaign moment was getting a two-hour, one-on-one bicycle tour
of Park Hill and nearby neighborhoods in November. It was up close and outdoors. It was extremely helpful to experience the environment from a resident’s perspective. My guide pointed out all the things that work well and was very specific about what is still needed to provide a safe walking, rolling and cycling environment for everyone, especially for children going to and from school.
Bonus question: What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
Park Hill was originally planned as a suburb of Denver. Now it’s one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city.
Penfield Tatetateforcitycouncilatlarge.com
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
Park Hill has a unique history of political and social activism not seen in many other communities. It was Park Hill residents and their Action Committee who attacked redlining practices and worked together to undermine those efforts, so they could have an integrated, diverse, and inclusive neighborhood for families. Park Hill residents also sparked the fight against racial segregation in the Denver Public Schools with the filing of the
The following is how much each AtLarge candidate has raised as of Jan. 31. For updated numbers on these and all candidates running for office this year, check out the Clerk & Recorder’s new handy search engine at denver.maplight.com/. The site allows you to easily research who’s contributed dough to individual candidates and committees.
Keyes case that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court so that kids throughout Denver could attend integrated, quality schools. Each of these Park Hill efforts was intentional and designed to promote the causes of racial and social equality and equal justice under the law.
Describe your best campaign moment so far in Park Hill.
I spent a lot of time walking in Park Hill collecting signatures to help get me on the ballot. On one weekend, I was walking up and down Montview. It was cold, snowing, and people were asking me what in the world I was doing. The most rewarding moments came when many of my neighbors recognized me and asked “Penfield why are you out here in the snow?” I explained to them that I needed to get their signatures to help get me on the ballot. They were all too willing to help, and some told me where others were gathered so that I might collect more signatures.
Bonus question: What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
Park Hill was the site of Denver’s first commercial airport, Curtis Humphrey Field.
• Will Chan: $127,768 in 431 contributions
• Dominic Diaz: $5,303 in 165 contributions
• Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez: $118,014 in 475 contributions
• Tim Hoffman: $209,199 in 645 contributions
• Travis Leiker: $453,180 in 1,395 contributions
• Sarah Parady: $287,688 in 1,086 contributions
• Penfield Tate: $425,081 in 1,139 contributions
• Jeff Walker: $8,817 in 83 contributions
• Marty Zimmerman: $104,716 in 377 contributions
Greater Park Hill has been represented at city hall for eight years by Councilman Chris Herndon, who is termlimited from office this year. Because of redistricting, the neighborhood has been split.
That means part of Park Hill is in District 8 — which includes most of Northeast Park Hill, plus a portion of South Park Hill east of Monaco. The district also includes East Colfax, Central Park and Montbello neighborhoods.
by Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, who is up for reelection. She is being challenged by Kwan Atlas and Darrell Watson.
The rest of Park Hill is now in District 9 — including a substantial portion of South and North Park Hill. The district also includes the Cole, Whittier, Five Points, Globeville, Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods.
Five candidates are vying to replace Herndon in District 8 — including Tyler Drum, Shontel Lewis, Brad Revare, Christian Steward and Leslie Twarogowski.
District 9 is currently represented
In January, the candidates weighed in on several topics, from their biggest frustration at city hall to the three top priorities if elected. They were asked their positions on whether they support lifting the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property, as it is one of the driving issues in this year’s election. (See the reference box at right on where each candidate stands; and check out the January Q&As online at greaterparkhill.org/news-and-opinion/offand-running/).
This month, we followed up to learn more about the candidates. We also asked them to submit a favorite photo of themselves in Park Hill — either campaigning or just in the neighborhood. Here’s what they had to say.
What is the best thing about District 8, in eight words or less. The people, our diversity, and it’s our home!
What is the biggest challenge District 8 faces over the next four years?
The biggest challenge facing Park Hill in the next four years is the future of the Park Hill Golf Course.
Why are you the best candidate in this race to tackle this challenge?
Most of my challengers (except Leslie Twarogowski) are in favor of allowing development on the perpetual conservation easement. We need someone who will advocate for the land to be acquired by the city to turn it into a city park. I will support any measure that ensures this area remains open space because once it’s gone, it will be lost forever! I believe that if we can defeat the referred measure 2 O in April, the city will be in a position to acquire the land if we can also elect a pro-open space majority on city council. Every effort should be made by the city council to acquire the land so that we are not having to replay this debate again. City councils and mayors come and go but a perpetual conservation easement should be perpetual. Contrary to what the developers will have people believe, we do not need to keep the area as a golf course. We can honor the conservation easement while still allowing for more general use — open space. Planting more trees, walking
trails, and recreational areas, all of these are respectful of the easement. A vibrant 155-acre city park is what the community wants and what I will fight for.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
The Greater Park Hill Community was founded as Park Hill Action Committee to fight for the integration of Park Hill.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
A close sense of community. Every neighborhood should care for each other like they do in Park Hill.
The following is how much each candidate has raised as of Jan. 31. For updated numbers, check out the Clerk & Recorder’s new handy search engine at denver.maplight. com/public/transaction-search. The site allows you to easily research who’s contributed dough to individual candidates and committees. Total contributions (as of Jan. 31)
District 8
• Tyler Drum: $33,750 in 185 contributions
• Shontel Lewis: $16,777 in 248 contributions
• Brad Revare: $154,130 in 428 contributions
• Christian Steward: $1,200 in 6 contributions
• Leslie Twarogowski: $61,511 in 222 contributions
District 9
• Kwon Atlas: $53,235 in 238 contributions
• Candi CdeBaca: $331,616 in 2,618 contributions
• Darrell Watson: $223,964 in 858 contributions
Does NOT support lifting the conservation easement for development:
Tyler Drum
Leslie Twarogowski
District 8: District 9:
Does NOT support lifting the conservation easement for development:
Candi CdeBaca
Shontel Lewis shontelforcouncil.comWhat is the best thing about District 8, in eight words or less:
Our people, our community.
What is the biggest challenge District 8 faces over the next four years?
Economic insecurity and the social determinants of health. I believe the health of our city is the wealth of our city and I’m running to tackle the challenge of providing a healthier, more affordable future for residents of D8.
Why are you the best candidate in this race to tackle this challenge?
I’m the best candidate to tackle our multifaceted challenges because I’ve got a record of co-governance with the community and tackling complex problems. I’ve served as RTD Director for District B (which includes Park Hill neighborhoods), where I fought for transportation justice and equity and better conditions for RTD employees. I was a vice president of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, working to address many of the community’s housing needs. I’ve been a director of strategy and engagement at Denver Public Schools, serving alongside our educators and students and parents in order to bridge divides and build connections. My record shows a holistic approach to community service and engagement, and a commitment to the people in my neighborhoods that I will fight for their needs and their prosperity.
Brad Revare bradfordenver.comWhat is the best thing about District 8, in eight words or less.
It’s a great place for families.
What is the biggest challenge District 8 faces over the next four years?
Affordability and the cost of living. You should not need to be a millionaire to live comfortably in Denver and there is a question of fairness about Denver quickly becoming that.
Why are you the best candidate in this race to tackle this challenge?
My background and ability to take ideas from neighbors and put them into action. I worked for then-State Sen. Mike Johnston running his citizen policy committee at his office in Park Hill. I’ve worked for Attorney General Phil Weiser to implement innovative ideas inside the City and County of Denver around city services. I’ve helped promote affordable housing through advising the Fax Partnership around community land trusts in East Colfax, represented District 8 on the Mayor’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee to promote safer walking and biking infrastructure, and have spent my career building out Denver and Colorado’s youth apprenticeship system as part of the founding team of the nonprofit CareerWise Colorado to help youth earn while they learn. Finally, I’ve helped write legislation with State Sen. James Coleman to incentivize business to hire Denver youth for internships and apprenticeships.
Supports lifting the conservation easement for development:
Shontel Lewis
Brad Revare
Christian Steward
Supports lifting the conservation easement for development:
Kwon Atlas
Darrell Watson
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
Park Hill has many interesting historical details, particularly its original racial restrictions and covenants to keep Park Hill exclusively white, until neighbors gathered at a church as a coalition to push back resulting in Black families moving beyond the redlined Five Points into Park Hill.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
Park Hill has the best vibes. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we show up for one another and always have the best time, such as with the Fourth of July Parade. Take notes, Denver.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
I am a diehard CU Buffs basketball fan and grew up watching the King of Park Hill, Chauncey Billups, play both at CU and in the NBA. I love that he and so many other notable public figures are from Park Hill. It is a special neighborhood.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
I think we could all benefit from having more locally-owned businesses inside our neighborhoods that we can support by making it easy to walk and bike to them. District 8’s (and 9’s) portion of Park Hill has several great examples of this concept that my family enjoys.
What is the best thing about District 8, in eight words or less.
Our diverse residents and our central Denver location.
What is the biggest challenge District 8 faces over the next four years? Living here seems to get more expensive by the day.
Why are you the best candidate in this race to tackle this challenge?
My years working with directly with city agencies, including a successful charter change request and acquisition of bond and taxpayer financing, gives me the experience to forge a pathway to fund attainable and “missing middle” housing projects and to make citywide policy changes.
What is your favor-
Christian Steward district8steward.comWhat is the best thing about District 8, in eight words or less?
We have one of the most diverse neighborhoods.
What is the biggest challenge District 8 faces over the next four years?
Developing creative city laws that address housing, rent prices, and our unhoused populations. I would advocate for modernizing city processes by streamlining the recruiting and hiring of city employees, bolstering efficiency of city permit applications, decreasing the time for accounts payable, simplifying contracts for local businesses to request for proposals, increasing wrap around services to support building and/or remodeling residential and commercial properties.
Why are you the best candidate in this race to tackle this challenge?
I am currently working with the City and County of Denver as a community connector for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI). I am the only candidate that works for the
ite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
I’m deeply grateful for the Park Hill Action Committee (now the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.), a group that did a lot of difficult work during the 1960’s to overcome the racial divides in our neighborhood. The fight to keep our community diverse is definitely not over.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
I love our tree canopy in the south portion of Park Hill, but it is noticeably absent in the northern and eastern portions of our neighborhood. I’d like to work with the City Forester to replicate that lush tree canopy in the District 8 areas that need it.
What is the best thing about District 9, in nine words or less? Diverse, historic and engaged neighborhoods that value stability/ community.
What is the biggest challenge District 9 faces over the next four years?
We’re the most centrally located neighborhoods and oldest neighborhoods in the city, thus highly desirable due to our location and also a target for density so that more people can access said location. Striking a fair balance in development while preserving what character, affordability and diversity remain, are the greatest challenges District 9 will face in the next four years.
Why are you the best candidate in this race to tackle this challenge?
city of Denver. The intersectionality of serving residents as a Community Connector in the neighborhoods of District 8 gives me a unique opportunity to be impactful immediately as a city councilmember. I have working relationships with city employees and have worked with many of them to deliver projects, services, and programs that meaningfully impact our neighborhood and city.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
As a kid, I remember the airport being a nuisance and more importantly the excitement that came when it was decommissioned.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
I think the Dahlia Campus is a great example of how people can and do recover from mental illness. The range of treatments they offer impact many residents in Park Hill and across the city. The community garden at the campus is a great gathering place of people, organizations, and nature. More communities could benefit from places like Dahlia Campus.
lutions for Denverites.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
What is the best thing about District 9, in nine words or less?
Its cultural diversity and access to resources.
What is the biggest challenge District 9 faces over the next four years?
Reducing crime and cost of living.
Why are you the best candidate in this race to tackle this challenge?
I’ve studied this issue in other cities and have delivered real so-
The 80207 ZIP code is only predominantly African American ZIP code in Denver.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
I would actually say that Park Hill has one of the strongest registered neighborhood organizations in Denver, with its community newspaper. As a newspaper owner I believe all neighborhoods should have this.
As a 5th generation District 9 native as well as being Indigenous to this land, I know nothing we are building in this city matters more than building up our people, especially the most vulnerable. I’m a social worker, policy expert and community organizer who has spent two decades working in/with/around government at all three levels to ensure equity and justice. I have been at the forefront of several fights for justice in the District 9 community — forcing our government to listen to us on health, safety, property and equity issues. I’ve generated services and
Darrell Watson watsonfordenver.com
What is the best thing about District 9, in nine words or less?
Nine neighborhoods built upon shared love of community.
What is the biggest challenge District 9 faces over the next four years?
The biggest challenge is housing affordability. In Park Hill, I spoke with a family that raised their children in the neighborhood. They are both retired now, and their child lives in Aurora. Their child would love to move back to Park Hill and start a family in Park Hill, but can’t afford it on a teacher’s salary. This story is playing out in every neighborhood in D9. We need a councilperson who can collaborate with communities and with their fellow council members to provide for workforce housing in every neighborhood.
Why are you the best candidate in this race to tackle this challenge?
I have the expertise from over 20 years of collaborating with community members and elected officials to pass and implement commonsense housing policies. As a member of the [city’s] first Land Use and Transportation Advisory committee, we co-created the original Blueprint Denver. I co-facilitated the
supports as well as built entities for community wealth-building in this district.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
Smiley (now McAuliffe) was the first desegregated junior high school in Denver as a result of the Keyes v. School District No. 1 case.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
There was always a group of Park Hill residents willing to stand for racial harmony through activism. That activism is really a very special part of Park Hill and I would love to see the activism and level of community organization throughout the city.
Whittier Neighborhood plan process in the late 90s and contributed to one of the first TOD and affordable housing developments along the 30th & Welton corridor. As chair of the Housing Stability Strategic Advisors Board, we passed the first affordable housing mandate in the state. I’ve demonstrated consistent leadership in providing practical solutions to housing affordability in Denver.
What is your favorite historical fact about Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood?
Rachel Noel and the Noel Resolution and Dr. Wilfred Keyes in Keyes vs. School District 1 are intertwined milestones rooted in Park Hill history that dismantled de facto segregation in DPS. The Supreme Court ruling made Denver the only municipality outside of the deep South to have court-ordered busing to force integration of public schools.
What does Park Hill have that the rest of the city of Denver could benefit by having and/or replicating? Why?
Park Hill has an engaged and informed electorate. Because of that engagement, Park Hill often votes at higher rates than most other neighborhoods in Denver. The Greater Park Hill News provides timely stories and information to inform a progressive and involved citizenry.
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, Park Hill Elementary School Principal Ken Burdette welcomed hundreds of students, former students, parents, colleagues, family and friends of Amy Maes to a bubble ceremony behind the school honoring and celebrating the beloved kindergarten teacher. These were his opening remarks.
In the words of Ms. Amy: Catch a Bubble.
When a teacher wants to get the attention of the class, or remind students to walk silently in the hallways, a teacher sometimes says, “Catch a Bubble.” (If you have a bubble in your mouth, you can’t talk.)
This was one of Amy’s favorite ways to get the attention of the class and remind them of expectations. So please, in the words of Ms. Amy, let’s Catch a Bubble.
It is with love and community that I welcome you here.
Wow, this is tough. Never thought I’d be here talking with you today.
We are here to remember and honor the life of Ms. Amy Maes. Amy was a pillar in our Park Hill lives. She touched each and every one of us in our own unique and individual ways. She would so often go way out of her way to meet the needs of all of her students. Whether it was a hug, a kind word, or a simple smile — Amy was truly a ray of sunshine and love in all of our lives.
Amy spent the last 24 years teaching kindergarten and first grade at Park Hill Elementary. As a colleague shared the other day, 99 percent of Amy’s life was Park Hill. She loved this school and loved this community, she loved the people. This was her home. She was the first teacher to so many of you — always creating a safe and welcome environment for her kiddos.
Over the past few days, every resounding message has been one of LOVE. Students felt the LOVE, parents felt the LOVE, colleagues felt the LOVE. This showed in the class, in the school, and in the Park Hill community.
We were in the staff lounge yesterday sharing some memories. One of her colleagues said, through a few tears: Amy taught us that education is not just about books and reading. Not just mathematical equations. Education is about warmth and love; it’s about kindness and belonging. And that’s what Amy brought each and every day.
Every student was valued, appreciated, and loved for who they were.
Every student knew a hug was coming their way. On Monday, one of the students in her class — a 5-year old student — said, quote, “I’m going to give out Ms. Amy hugs for the rest of my life.”
Were there times where I wished for more academic rigor, maybe a little more structure in the daily schedule? Sure. That is my role as the principal. But I don’t regret for a second the joy, the love, the passion that Amy brought to her classroom daily. Amy was wonderful. She was a light for her students. And she was absolutely loved … by all of us.
Parents, you knew that a kind word or two was coming about your kid every time you talked with Ms. Amy, even if it was a tough conversation. You knew it would be surrounded front end, back end, by kind words and loving words about your kid.
Those of you who had Ms. Amy, whether it was last year, two years ago, five years ago, 20 years ago. You’re in the audience right now. As an alum of her classroom, you knew you were always welcome back at any time for a hug or a hello.
She taught us to enjoy each moment.
She taught us to laugh. To smile. Even, taught us to sing karaoke. Not well, sometimes.
She taught us to cheer as a good friend.
In the end, Amy will be remembered for her smile, her laughter, and her positive attitude. She will be remembered for the Love she gave and the Love she received. She will be missed by all, but will never be forgotten. Her spirit will always be alive in our hearts and in our community.
defy limits, define yourself.Park Hill Elementary Principal Ken Burdette, at the Feb. 8 bubble ceremony. Students during the bubble ceremony. Amy’s dad, Danny Jurgens, with the image of Amy and his grandchildren CJ Mills and Gillian Mills on the screen behind him. In the photo at right, CJ and Gillian are in the crowd, blowing bubbles.
Are you a former or current student, a colleague or close friend who would like to share a memory about Ms. Amy Maes? Perhaps it’s a highlight of the impact she had on your life or on what you learned from her, or a story about something you shared or will always remember about her. We’re collecting anecdotes to share in an upcoming issue. Please keep submissions to 150 words or less, and email them to editor@ graterparkhill.org. The deadline is March 15.
Wait! Did you hear that, the lure of that signal … telling you that someone in your life is sending you a message, a message that might heed a reply, a lure too tempting to ignore…
This is a too-familiar scene for me. I have woven responding to a text into my life as though it’s as important as making lunch for my children. Another temptation that our ready-made entertainment tech presents is that easy quick-fix when we put a tablet or iPhone into our toddler’s hands in order to entertain them so that we can complete a task at hand.
When I’m not an at-home mom in the summer, I’m a full-time elementary school teacher and have been teaching, passionately, for the past 19 years right here in Park Hill. I have been thinking a lot lately about the lure of all of our tech gadgets and how the *magic* of these might have affected our children’s learning styles. Attention spans of my students seem to have shrunk considerably since the explosion of tech conveniences.
Studies have proven that too much screen time for young children can wire their brains in such a way that actually works against the process of learning to read.
According to Jim Taylor a Ph. D and specialist in the psychology of parenting, too much screen time and not enough time reading, playing games (not the online kind) and good old-fashioned imaginary play may result in your children having their brains wired in such a way that can work against them while focus and attention in school is their ticket to learning.
While our schools are striving to bring the best teaching technology into your children’s learning experiences, the importance of engaging in learning and the focus on fundamentals of reading is not all done on a screen. Students must have the capacity to focus on the teachers’ instruction and be able to connect to the written page without the distraction of on-line pop-ups.
The next time you take your little one for a walk around the block or over to Turtle Park, consider leaving those techy tools at home and just go for some old fashioned give-and-take. Thanks for listening!
This column originally ran in the July, 2014 issue of the newspaper. Amy Maes was an occasional contributor writing about education topics, including the 2019 DPS strike and the surreality of teaching 5-year-olds online during the pandemic.
GENERATIONAL ROOTS IN DENVER
EXPERIENCE TACKLING OUR CITY'S TOUGHEST CHALLENGES
Learn more:
Garden Walk will take place on June 11, from 9:00 – 3:00.
Tickets will go on sale May 1 at www.parkhillgardenwalk.org.
Advanced tickets are $15, seniors (age 65+) are $12 and children under 12 are free. Tickets will also be available at these Park Hill businesses the first week of May: City
| Spinelli’s Market | Cake Crumbs | Park Hill Library
I recently attended a City Council hearing regarding Westside and the future of the Park Hill Golf Course. I discovered most of our council members have become the embodiment of “captured government,” pushing Westside’s agenda with almost religious fervor while also receiving donations from them.
With the exception of a few stalwarts, this is the new norm. Maybe electing council members who refuse to accept money from developers should be our agenda.
To sell Westside’s plans, false choices were crafted by Denver’s department of community planning and development, and pushed to local residents via “visioning” and “outreach.” The first claimed that a “golf course or mixeduse development” were the only options. This ignored that the conservation easement protecting the land as open space/golf course could be amended to allow park use as well. But this was never presented as an option because the city and Westside wouldn’t allow it.
Shamefully, the city council is pushing this same false choice to voters on the upcoming April ballot (golf course or mixed-use development) and even implying if it isn’t developed, it must stay a defunct golf course. They’re essentially holding the land hostage if the easement isn’t lifted.
Meanwhile, Westside has let the space deteriorate, violating its responsibilities, to encourage development that will “eliminate the eyesore.”
Where have we heard this before?
and affordable housing have similar roots. It leads back to how land is developed (to maximize profit), where it is developed (where it’s cheapest and easiest), who benefits the most (the developer), and what incentives are presented to continue this going forward. Westside is now promoted as the savior of our needs, enabled by our myopia that servicing large developers for years (like Westside) helped create the open space and affordability crisis we’re in now. Let’s consider Westside’s ridiculous plan. Developers always promise the world. Remember the (ongoing) development at 28th and Fairfax? It wasn’t supposed to lead to gentrification, but it sure smells like that whenever I’m there. What makes you think the Park Hill Golf Course will be any different? Affordable housing?
What amount actually goes to Northeast Park Hill? All the city will be competing for these affordable units (a current claim of 25 percent — or 625-750 total units). It’s overall a small area and quantity to address the real needs of Northeast Denver. Further, the Metro Districts the city council just approved for Westside to fund the infrastructure needed to build out the golf course land will double the property taxes for the remaining 75 percent of units — likely increasing gentrification since only the more moneyed will be able to afford these.
Cheapest and easiest — for Westside
The office coordinator reports to the executive director and works closely and collaboratively with the ED and volunteers. This is a parT-Time, in-office posiTion with an expected time commitment of 15-17 hours per week.
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VisiT greaTerparkhill.org/join-us/jobs/ for a complete job description. To apply, please email a detailed letter introducing yourself, along with your resume, to director@greaterparkhill.org and write “Office Coordinator Position” in the subject line.
Another false choice is that you must sacrifice open space to have affordable housing, or conversely, having open space means you must sacrifice affordable housing. Both narratives have been pushed relentlessly as part of Westside’s messaging. Open space has even become the impediment of affordable housing, and proponents painted as out-oftouch elitists who care more about trees than people.
Developers always promise the world.
The developer’s tactics have expertly pitted supporters of open space and affordable housing against each other. The distraction also diverts attention away from the fact our city council and the city’s planning department have become personal concierges for large developers, shepherding them through all the hoops, and around any community resistance.
The truth is the lack of both open space
Imagine if the city had conducted outreach to the older commercial district just north of residential Park Hill. Spanning from Dahlia to Quebec streets, and 38th Avenue to I-70, this area comprises many times the size of Westside’s proposal, and consists of simple low story buildings and older warehouses. The land is relatively cheap compared to many other parts of Denver. It’s also largely uncontaminated due to the lack of current or historical heavy industry. Developing affordable housing for middle class people in those areas would not require Metro Districts and the taxes that they bring, since infrastructure already exists, and new streets, electric, gas, and sewer lines could be tied in.
With a high potential for affordable housing and community businesses, why has this area been ignored? Because Westside bought the Park Hill Golf Course in 2019 and that’s where all the focus went by the city, city council and the city’s planning department. It was sold as the only place to finally have some affordable housing and a grocery store in Northeast Park Hill. In truth, the golf course land is actually where Westside could maximize its profits since open space is always the cheapest and easiest to develop — especially when all the infrastructure costs go to the residents.
We desperately need both affordable housing and open space to have a just, healthy, and functioning city. Both are obtainable by removing sell-out politicians, corporate propaganda, and the barriers that have prevented us from coming together as residents, and neighbors.
On April 4, vote no on City Council’s deceptive ballot measure 2 O. Send a message to the City and Westside — again — that we won’t be misled by false choices, spin, and divide-and-conquer tactics concerning open space and affordable housing. This sham must end.
Erik Stark is a Park Hill native who believes that growth and housing have for too long been primarily driven by large developer interests, and that an informed public will always make the best choices.
The 2023
LEADERSHIP YOU CAN TRUST
Candi is a 5th generation Denverite who knows our history, shares our values & has fought tirelessly for our community. She's a social worker, celebrated community leader and policy expert. She leads daily on housing, environmental & economic justice.
Park Hill is new to D9, but not new to Candi. She has always served Park Hill.
As the first elected official from Swansea and the first queer Latina on Denver City Council, Candi has transformed local government by making its inner workings accessible to the public, building community power, re-centering the margins, dismantling oppressive systems, fighting against corruption, and challenging our city agencies to innovate. Some notable highlights include:
Passed Bill 21-0529: Eviction Defense
Right to Counsel
Passed Bill 22-1614: Wage Theft
Penalties
Divested from private prisons & abusive contractors
Bringing 1st community-owned grocery store in 50+ years to food desert
Expanded STAR mental health first responders
Passed air-quality protections at state level with environmental justice coalition
Denver is at a critical juncture. We need leaders we can trust who will put people & the planet at the center of city policy. We need leaders with a vision who will plan for our future with an appreciation for our history & an eye on opportunity & real stability.
Candi understands that all neighborhoods want the same things clean air/water/land, high quality food/shelter/work/resources, a sense of belonging, and decision-making power over the future of their neighborhoods.
HOUSING & NEW ECONOMY HOUSING & NEW ECONOMY
-Housing for all & responsible growth
-Stability in the cost of living
-Worker & tenant protections
-Employee & consumer-owned business
SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
-Public health approach to safety
-Holding polluters accountable
-Protect & expand green spaces
-Safe streets for people, not just cars
GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE GOVERNMENT THE PEOPLE
-Community voices first
-Trust people's lived expertise
-Transparency & civic education
- Expand public participation
For the GPHN
Think of making the arduous trek above timberline on one of Colorado’s fourteeners, only to be greeted by a nanny mountain goat, an indescribably cute snow-white baby kid at her side. It is a common sight at the top of Mount Evans and on other Colorado peaks.
Indeed, Coloradans frequently picture the mountain goat, with its needle-sharp horns and thick white coat, as a symbol of the state’s high mountain terrain.
But mountain goats are not native to Colorado. A small number were first introduced to the Mount Evans area by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife in 1947 for hunting purposes. Today, thousands of mountain goats inhabit Colorado’s high mountain peaks, damaging the native flora and sometimes out-competing Colorado’s state animal, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, for the limited resources available above timberline.
double wool coats protect them from freezing alpine temperatures and high winds. In the spring and early summer the outer wool layer sheds, and the animals take on a ragged appearance.
Kids are born in May or June after a gestation period of about six months and twins occur in about a quarter of all births.
They have cloven hoofs that spread apart with soft inner pads that provide traction on steep and rocky terrain.
According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, some 55-60 original animals were transplanted into Colorado from Montana, Idaho and British Columbia between 1947 and 1972. Those original animals grew to a statewide population estimated at almost 2,000 by 2005. Although it is hard to conceive of the mountain goat as a damaging invasive species like the zebra mussel, which is wreaking havoc on the Great Lakes region, or the Burmese python, which has established itself in the Florida Everglades to the detriment of native wetland species, the thriving Colorado mountain goat population is a concern for National Park Service biologists in Rocky Mountain National Park.
are a significant threat to the survival of native bighorn sheep, the park has taken active measures to remove mountain goats that enter the park. Park policy is to euthanize goats when feasible and safe to do so.”
The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) is not a true goat, but belongs to the to the goat antelope tribe, Rupicaprini. Male mountain goats (called “billies”) can weigh up to 300 pounds, and the females (“nannies”) are about half that size. The animals are usually 3 feet tall and 4-5 feet long, with short tails. Both males and females have sharp horns that can grow up to 10 inches long.
Unlike true goats, mountain goats do not butt heads, but instead are known to stab each other with their horns. They have cloven hoofs that spread apart with soft inner pads that provide traction on steep and rocky terrain. In the wild, mountain goats usually live 12 to 15 years. They mostly stay in their high mountain range year around, seldom going below tree line. Their thick
As explained on the National Park’s website, individual mountain goats that make their way north from Mount Evans sometimes carry diseases that can infect native bighorn sheep and compete with the native bighorns for food and habitat. According to the Park Service, “Because mountain goats
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is not the only one with this problem. Although native to the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest, mountain goats were introduced to Washington’s Olympic National Park on the Pacific coast, where they were not originally found. Because Olympic National Park lacks the natural saltlicks of other mountain ranges, the Olympic mountain goats began to pester hikers for the salty minerals in their sweat and urine. One Olympic Park hiker was even gored and killed by an aggressive billy goat in 2010. Olympic Park officials finally decided to eliminate their mountain goat population, transporting hundreds of animals and killing those that could not be safely moved to new areas.
Still, the mountain goats are generally real crowd-pleasers. In Colorado, the easi-
est way to see a mountain goat is at the summit of Mount Evans. There, a resident herd of mountain goats is habituated to the regular car and bicycle traffic traveling on the highest paved road in North America. There, observers can watch the goats’ characteristic salt-seeking behavior, as the animals lick minerals from the road and from tourists’ cars. Signs warn against feeding the Mount Evans goats or approaching too closely.
The Mount Evans scenic byway to the summit usually opens to automobile traffic for the season in early June. Check colorado.com/byways/mount-evans for more.
For the GPHN
We are so fortunate in Park Hill to have so many wonderful neighborhood schools to choose from. But in our current system, they are all in constant competition with each other for students, funding, and resources. Given the declining enrollment in the district overall and the subsequent threat of closures, the situation feels dire for the schools that face systemic disadvantages. This includes the amazing Hallett Academy, at 29th and Jasmine.
In recent years this newspaper and the Park Hill Neighbors for Equity in Education have covered the story of Hallett’s miracle worker of a principal, Dominique Jefferson, in the face of systemic inequity. (Links to two past stories are at the end of this column.) My family’s experience at Hallett Academy is typical, and I’m glad to
have the opportunity to share a little of it so that neighbors can see what a critical part of the neighborhood the school is, and so that folks might join us and help us fight for it.
The most extraordinary thing about Hallett for my family has been the incredibly short learning curve it took them to figure out my kid. My son is a brilliant, sensitive, beautiful learner. He is also on the autism spectrum and can be a challenging student.
When we first got Artie’s diagnosis in kindergarten, we thought we needed to find him a more specialized school to meet his unique needs. We choiced into a small charter which the district closed last year due to low enrollment, so we found ourselves looking for a new school for our child in the middle of his elementary school years. I emailed Mrs. Jefferson, and got an immediate response, and on a snow day last January she made time to get to know us
and to describe her vision.
At Hallett Academy, every child is seen for the individual that they are, and every child gets loved into learning. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to meet Mrs. Jefferson, you know that this isn’t just something she says. It is what she lives. And it works.
Artie was excited to go to Hallett because it meant that he could walk to school on his own just like his big brother. So on his first day at his new school, off he went. On that first day, I couldn’t help myself from following him at a distance. I watched as, on a crowded playground surrounded by adoring kids trying to tell her all about their summer, Mrs. Jefferson spotted Artie, warmly engaged him, showed him where to go, and then watched to make sure he got there. For a nervous parent of kid who has an extra tough time with change, this meant the world to me.
Mrs. Jefferson treats my son like she treats every kid at Hallett: genuinely, like they are her own. She still doesn’t know this, but the profoundest thing about that exchange was that in that moment when Mrs. Jefferson greeted him, I saw Artie look up and meet her eyes. Artie doesn’t do eye contact most of the time. But he did it right away with her.
From day one, Artie’s teachers have gone above and beyond to figure out how to make school work for him. His language arts teacher started working with Artie’s outside occupational therapist to make sure everybody was on the same page with writing, which is Artie’s kryptonite. The music teacher found out that Artie plays the bass guitar and set up times before school to jam with him.
Even though Artie doesn’t qualify for a one-to-one para on his IEP, it was clear that he needed extra support in the transition, and they matched him up with a para who has been the most incredible mentor to him and whose patience and kindness appears limitless. Right before winter break, Artie’s math teacher showed me a test Artie completed that demonstrated a level of growth that I could never have imagined. My son is having the experience of being a successful student for the first time in his life, and it is
transforming him.
In some ways our experience is specific to the unique learner that our son is. But the culture at Hallett of valuing every kid as the individual that they are means that every kid’s needs get met and celebrated, regardless of their level of skills. Teachers and staff at Hallett Academy are well equipped to figure out every kid, just like they figured out mine.
Hallett Academy is the quintessential neighborhood school. It is just waiting on more neighbors to become part of its community.
Andy Sense loves living in beautiful Park Hill and is the proud parent of two DPS students.
Editor’s note: Past coverage of Hallett’s history and leadership can be read at the following links:
• greaterparkhill.org/news-and-opinion/ hallett-academy-soaring-to-newheights/
• phnee.org/imagine-being-a-schoolwithout-boundaries/
SPRING ART SHOW & SALE
Artist Reception: Friday 4:30-8 Saturday 10-5 | Sunday 10-4
At Park Hill United Methodist Church
MARCH 31 - APRIL 2 parkhillartclub.org
“Denver’s best days are ahead
us. I have served
acted for the common good.”
As another election season is upon us, politics flows naturally into conversations between my peers.
Mainly, politics are treated by many of us as a platform to pretend to be more intellectual than they really are.
I don’t think this is a phenomenon restricted to young people, though. The topic is one not taken as seriously as people at dinner parties (I assume these people go to dinner parties) pretend to take it. Politics is an excuse to throw out the name of a candidate into conversation to put yourself onto one very high horse.
outside of their jurisdiction.
Another issue that has a large impact on young people and therefore becomes relevant to our political conversations is the general treatment of workers and teachers. Students see firsthand how understaffed our schools became over the pandemic. We see teachers sacrificing their lesson-planning time to substitute teaching.
We want our teachers, our mentors, to be heard.
Regardless, there are a select number of people who really take care to understand the issues they are passionate about. Often, the high horse phenomenon occurs not because of lack of care for this nation or state, but because of an abundance of care misdirected to the perception of one’s peers.
So what do the people who direct their care focus on? The most prevalent local issue I’ve discussed with my friends is homelessness. I have many strong opinions about how Denver should treat our homeless population, because I “have a passion for that sort of thing,” as a teacher of mine described it last year. My peers and I are frustrated with both how homeless people are treated, as well as the systems in place that allow such a high rate of homelessness to occur in the first place. We want politicians who care about every individual within and
Last year, we watched the requirements to be a substitute in the Denver Public Schools district get more and more lenient. We watched as teachers left halfway through the year. And we don’t blame them. Students don’t know how to be students. Many of us are emotionally stunted due to the pandemic. If you weren’t getting paid enough, getting disrespected daily, and went to work in a cesspool of potential sickness everyday at 7:40 a.m., I doubt you would stay at your job. Neither would we. We want our teachers, our mentors, to be heard by politicians and district officials. It is true that we entertain politics to feel like we have more intellect than our peers. The rise of social media often makes it seem like the most trivial things are the most important. So when do we truly care? When we witness real solutions that impact real people.
Anya Nitczynski is a sophomore at Denver School of the Arts. Her column appears monthly in these pages.
“All of our kids deserve to grow up in a place where they’re treated fairly, no matter where they came from or what they look like.
“That’s why I quit my corporate job to fight for fairness in our community. And that’s why I’m running to fight for you on the Denver City Council.”
-BRAD REVARE
For the GPHN
For decades, East High School’s athletic program has had significant successes — most recently including state championships in both ice hockey and boys soccer, along with a deep playoff run for boys basketball and individual state championships in boys and girls wrestling.
As is normal at most high schools, fans applaud the players, and congratulate the coaches. At East, the crowd also is known to give it up in a big way for Athletic Trainer Lisa Smith, who for 19 years has patrolled the sidelines of the athletic fields and gyms, ready to sprint to the side of any fallen Angel.
“I will never forget the first time I watched Lisa get summoned on the field by the referee because of an injured Angel player,” recounted East boys soccer coach Kirk Bast. “She went flying across to him, ending in a perfect slide right next to him to the roaring chants of ‘Lisa! Lisa! Lisa!’ from the crowd.”
in an award from the American Heart Association — and a very grateful Mr. Ashley.
What kind of specialized education and training does one need to become a certified athletic trainer?
When I was getting certified, I had to have 1,500 hours working under the direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer, complete required coursework during the four years in school, and pass a national exam. Now, it is a master’s degree program and one can only get the credential by attending a school that has received accreditation in athletic training.
Smith came to East High 22 years ago as a teacher and became athletic trainer when a position opened up. Her specific responsibilities are to help prevent, treat and rehabilitate injured athletes. “I am not an MD, so I cannot diagnose injuries, only evaluate them,” she says.
Bast, and others are effusive in their praise. “Lisa Smith is an icon of East through her love of the kids there, her enthusiasm for doing things the right way and her unwavering commitment to the athletes,” he says.
Principal Terita Walker, who previously served as the school’s athletic director, echoes that sentiment. “East High School Athletics is so fortunate to have an athletic trainer like Lisa Smith. She is definitely a staple in our athletic community and her expertise and care for our student athletes is appreciated and valued more than she knows.”
A Colorado native who grew up in Lakewood, Smith received her BA from Western State College, her Masters from the University of Denver and a Doctorate from Walden University (online) in Minnesota. Now 59 and with more than 30 years of teaching and athletic training under her belt, Smith is still sprinting onto the field to assist injured players.
She recently spoke to the Greater Park Hill News about her work at East as a teacher and athletic trainer. And, about the time she saved the life of the vice principal. That’s right. In 2014, then-Assistant Principal Wes Ashley collapsed in the weight room. As a trained CPR instructor, Smith knew what to do, and how to get him breathing again. Her quick actions resulted
What are your responsibilities as head athletic trainer?
During the day, I am teaching. The training room opens at 3 p.m. That is when athletes can come in to get evaluations of injuries, treatments, or work on their rehabilitation program.
What classes have you taught at East?
The majority of my teaching has been biology, anatomy and physiology, and honors health and medical science with an occasional class sprinkled in when I first started here. Currently, I am teaching biology and honors health and medical science.
How many East athletic competitions would you estimate you have attended over the years?
Too many to even think about counting. We have around 22 sports, with levels ranging from one to five teams per sport, per year. All home Colorado High School Activities Association [CSHAA] sports from C level to varsity are covered.
In your experience, which sports carry the highest risk of injury to the student athletes?
Football, boy’s lacrosse, wrestling and rugby, which is a club sport.
What recommendations do you have for athletes to reduce the risk of injury?
Nutrition and hydration are a key component to reducing injuries. The other recommendation is to practice proper technique.
What developments have you seen in the science of athletic training?
The biggest is how we deal with concussions. There was a law, [the Jake Snakenberg Youth Sports Concussion Act], that was initiated and implemented after a football player from Grandview sustained a concussion, did not report it, received a second concussion and died. Now, all athletes have to be cleared by a doctor to return to play. I have several athletes self-report they were hit in the head.
What happens if you suspect a player has suffered a concussion?
If I suspect a concussion, the athlete is removed from play and a concussion test is administered. If there are key positive signs/symptoms to a concussion, they are not allowed to continue playing.
Have you ever gotten into conflict with a coach or parent about having to remove a player from a game or for several days?
There are times that coaches or parents think the student athlete does not have a concussion. There is a lot of education for coaches, parents, and athletes about concussions, what occurs with the brain, what can happen if they play with a concussion.
There is no set timeline when an athlete can start the return to play protocol; it is all dependent on symptoms. If a parent really feels their child does not have a concussion, they can take their child to a doctor and provide documentation from the doctor.
What is the most challenging part of being an athletic trainer?
Having athletes, coaches, parents try to tell me there is nothing wrong and challenge my decision with the athlete. It is frustrating to have coaches direct the athletes to say “there is nothing wrong with me,” and not to tell the athletic trainers anything happened.
Overseeing all of the athletic training for all the sports teams at East seems like a huge task. How many games do you personally attend?
Daniela Gonzalez, the other certified athletic trainer, and I rotate coverage. If I covered boys basketball one game, she will cover the next home game and so on. Personally covering games will vary on the number of home games. Sometimes we can have two or more home sports playing the entire week, including Saturday. Other times, we may only have a few sports for the week.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career at East?
The numerous connections that I have made with coaches, athletes, and parents. Educating athletes about their injury and how we will work together to get them back on the playing surface as quickly as possible. Also, saving the life of the assistant principal with CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator [AED]. Is there anything else you would like people to know?
I have been an athletic trainer and teacher for 33 years. I learn about the athletes [by] listening to what they are saying. Learning is a lifelong process.
Think of the mental image you might hold of a human being high on marijuana – it may seem very common and relaxed. Now imagine your dog or cat high. It just isn’t a relaxed or comfortable effect for them.
Marijuana toxicity has been on a significant rise, initially as a result of medical marijuana and accidental ingestion. With the increase in legalization of recreational marijuana in many states, the incidence of pet intoxication on marijuana has dramatically increased.
A Feb. 13 New York Times article by Christine Chung highlighted this issue by beginning with Dazzle, a young mini goldendoodle who had more than 10 incidents of intoxication after ingesting the butt of joints on favorite, frequently walked areas in Brooklyn and Staten Island. New York City legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, and the first legal dispensary just opened in December. The article noted that New York City area veterinarians have already been reporting a steady increase in cases of pets accidentally ingesting items with THC — the substance in marijuana that produces the high — from sidewalks.
tion of marijuana and from second-hand smoke, researchers found that many pet (as well as child) intoxications are from edible products containing THC. Edibles can be particularly risky because they often have very high concentrations of THC and may be combined with other potential toxins like xylitol or chocolate.
The Pet Poison Helpline has seen a 448 percent increase in marijuana cases since 2018.
The candies and other edibles that make it simple and easy for adults to eat are also very attractive to children and pets. An April 2022 report in the scientific journal PLOS ONE surveyed veterinarians across the US and Canada. It found that cannabis poisoning was most frequently seen in dogs, but intoxication had also been reported in cats, iguanas, ferrets, horses and, surprisingly, cockatoos. The symptoms of marijuana toxicity are typical benign and rarely fatal. Clinical signs can begin about 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. They include:
• Urinary incontinence
• Disorientation
• Hyper-salivation
• Inactivity
• Incoordination
• Dilated pupils
• Increased sensitivity to motion
• Hyperexcitability a nd a gitation appear i n about 25 percent of cases
Here in Colorado, veterinarians have seen a steady rise in marijuana toxicity since medical marijuana was legalized in 2000. There was another big jump after the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2012. (This also is true for increasing numbers of marijuana toxicity cases in children under the ages of 10, according to a 2021 report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.)
The Pet Poison Helpline has seen a 448 percent increase in marijuana cases since 2018. While there is an unknown percentage of pet intoxications from the inges -
Pet Poison Hotlines – both charge a fee to open a case that tells you what to do and allows your veterinarian to access further consultation if needed:
• ASPCA 888-426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline 800-213-6680
Pet Poison Website – not for emergency use beyond the Emergency Checklist, but good for checking on household and other toxins: • vetmeds.org/pet-poison-control
Need
Veterinary examinations reveal abnormally slow heart rate and signs of depression of the central nervous system for animals who have THC in their systems. Treatment is supportive and based on the degree of intoxication; very severe intoxications may need hospitalization.
The genie is already out of the bottle and healthy adults using THC whether via smoking or edibles is fine, but care must be taken to keep those items away from pets and young children.
What can an owner do?
• Keep a ll marijuana a nd cannabis plants, buds, and edibles safely put away out of reach.
• Keep a n eye on dogs on walks a nd t rain a leave or drop command to be able to deal with things that they pick up and could possibly swallow.
• If marijuana i ntoxication is suspected, contact your veterinarian or contact one of the pet poison hotlines immediately. Be honest – it helps to provide the best care for your pet.
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit parkhillvet.com
www.bikestogether.org
The challenges facing today’s retirees are unique. Higher inflation, skyrocketing healthcare costs, longer life expectancies, and complex Social Security rules all make much of the conventional retirement wisdom of the past obsolete. In this new era, it’s crucial that you take a fresh look at the challenges ahead and create a comprehensive plan to address them.
For 30 years, we’ve been working with people like you to address the challenges of the transition from accumulating their nest egg to using it to support their retirement lifestyle. Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
DARRELL
MAKING CITY GOVERNMENT
"Park Hill neighbors know that we are facing a housing crisis: housing is too expensive compared to income, it is not located where people want to live, and there isn’t enough of it. As a founding board member and chair of the Housing Stability Strategic Advisors Board, we collaborated with community members, the Department of Housing Stability and elected officials to pass the first affordable housing mandate in the state. I will collaborate with other municipal leaders regionally to pass similar common-sense affordable housing policies. We need a councilperson who will collaborate with – not alienate – government agencies, the business and nonprofit sector, and the community to expedite the building and retention of affordable/attainable housing, and to do it through the lens of equity."
WATSON'S
Affordability for working families.
Tackling climate change locally, with micro-projects in underserved neighborhoods. Bringing transit into the 21st century.
Reading is an activity people tend to have strong opinions about. The right books, the right amount of reading, the right format are all arguments that come up.
As a librarian, I’m often designated the unofficial arbiter of literary authority. But I want to let you in on a secret: all reading is good reading. Audiobooks count as reading. So do graphic novels and picture books and YA. Love romance? Me too! Truly. You get to decide what and when to read and that’s enough to make you a reader.
I rarely read what I refer to as “book club books,” which are titles often promoted on best book lists, literary reviews, and yes, read for book clubs. These books usually have obvious merit. They’re complex and layered, with interesting characters revolving around Very Important Events. But to me at least, they’re also often depressing as heck. They are dramatic and sad with haunting prose and melancholic atmospheres. But if you love to settle down with one and explore the intimacy of devastation, that’s awesome! I’m happy the library can provide those for you.
Enjoyment by its very nature is subjective. So are the outcomes people look for from their reading. I love listening to nonfiction audiobooks, particularly about science and history. It feels more like a college lecture and I find myself taking in more information than I do when reading the plain print text. I have a harder time listening to fiction audiobooks, particularly those with a single narrator. However, this doesn’t make me a bad reader.
We all have to agree to grab a book on the way out of the burning building.
And friend, it helps communities grow when we admit where we find our joy. Lots of kids think they hate reading because they’re told there are good books and bad books. And while I certainly would assign some titles as “bad” and others as “good,” I recognize that as my own opinion.
I think of it as, what books would I save first or last in a fire? I don’t actively want any books to burn, but if given the choice between saving a book I personally loved and one I didn’t, the decision is pretty clear. Which is why it’s so vital that it’s not just me in charge of saving books. It’s your job too. We all have to agree to grab a book on the way out of the burning building. Because all of us love something different and all those loves are valid.
Libraries are not here to push opinions. This doesn’t seem like a radical take to me, but national news stories are proving otherwise. The purpose of libraries is to provide resources so you can reach your own con-
clusion. And your neighbor deserves the same opportunity to use the same amount of resources, regardless of anything else you may have in common. You two may even arrive at diametrically opposed decisions based on how you interpret those same materials.
People may use the same material for vastly different purposes. Perhaps one user needs a cookbook to find something new to eat while the other wants to better understand a culture different than their own. One user is not utilizing the resource wrongly. They are both finding the information they need and using it to help themselves.
Let people like what they like. Not everything needs to be for everyone. Don’t judge other people’s tastes and habits in contrast to your own. Celebrate what you enjoy, invite others to do the same, and be ok with other people having other interests. We win when we all get to be ourselves.
March Library Programs
Park Hill Branch
Baby Storytimes | Thursdays 10:30-11 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Toddler Storytimes | Fridays 10:15-10:45 a.m., repeated at 11-11:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. Please only attend one session a day to allow others a chance to participate.
TAB | March 7 & /21, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Anyone 6th-12th grade are welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens.
Magic the Gathering Club | Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 p.m.
A teen-run Magic the Gathering Club for other teens.
Kids Chess Club | Saturdays 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Chess club hosted by Charlie Keglovitz. Open to people 18 and under.
Writing Circle | Thursdays, 1:30-3 p.m.
Who are you writing for? Join our circle to hone your writing skills and share your work.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, March 4 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.
Lost Creek String Band | Saturday, March 11 2-3 p.m.
Tap your toes while local musicians combine the melodic tones of the mandolin, bass, guitar, and violin in celebration of popular songs from folk, country, and acoustic rock.
Some might think the Partridge Bug looks a little snooty, what with his nose in a permanently upwardly-curled sneer. But it’s not necessarily his attitude. The nose is actually an extension of his face, called the frons. Partridge Bugs are members of the genus Scolops. They are a slow-moving bunch of plant-eaters, and are not considered pests. At about 1/4-inch long they are fairly easy to spot and can be found in prairies, meadows and along forest edges. This Partridge Bug was discovered last summer at Bluff Lake Nature Center, just a couple miles east of Park Hill, by Mark Silverstein.
Suffragette Tea Party | March 15 11 a.m.
-12:30 p.m.
Celebrate Women’s History Month and pour your own soy candle in a thrifted teacup. While the wax cools, we will enjoy selected short documentaries about famous suffragettes.
Kids Book Celebration | March 16 4-5 p.m.
We are changing the format of our monthly book club to a monthly book celebration for kids in kindergarten* though 5th grade. The celebration happens the third Thursday of every month from 4-5 p.m. We explore a book or series every month and do activities and crafts related to what we read. Book to be announced.
Uncovering Denver’s History of Segregation Part 2: Neighborhood Organizations and Segregation in Denver | Saturday, March 18, 11 a.m.-noon
Second of a three-part series highlighting the Redress Movement’s efforts to combine archival materials in DPL’s collections with other existing sources to produce a detailed local history of segregation in Denver.
A Dream of Justice: The Story of Keyes v. Denver Public Schools with Author Pat Pascoe | Saturday, March 18, 1:30-3 p.m.
Join author Pat Pascoe to focus on the Supreme Court case involving Park Hill with time afterwards for discussion with Park Hill Neighbors for Equity in Education.
Talking with Spirits with Author Sterling Moon| Saturday, March 25 2-3 p.m.
Curious about creating your own spirit communication practice? Connect with spirits, enrich your life, find peace, and make the world more fun and interesting through mediumship. Books available for sale and signing.
March Library Programs
Pauline Robinson Branch
After School is Cool | Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays | 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Join us at After School is Cool on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for crafts, games, STEM and more. Program is for ages 7-12.
All Ages Storytime | Wednesdays March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 10:30-11 a.m.
Stories, songs, and fingerplays for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Drop-In Tech Help | Wednesdays March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Need help navigating the internet, email, or social networks like Facebook? Have questions about your phone or tablet? Want to know how to access eBooks on any device? Drop by and get your questions answered and learn how to use tech more effectively!
Cut Out a Sticker Using the Cricut Machine | Tuesday, March 30 |2-5 p.m.
Teens and adults: Try out the Cricut Joy smart cutting machine by cutting out a vinyl design incorporating your initials. Then, stick it on your cell phone, skateboard, laptop or anywhere you choose. Drop in any time between 2 and 5 p.m. This program is ideal for ages 12 and up.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave., and the Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and additional upcoming programs for both neighborhood libraries, visit denverlibrary.org/events/ upcoming, and select the facility you are planning to visit.
The real estate industry has evolved, and you need a partner that understands and provides all available solutions.The discoveries are limitless. Pexels stock photo
The month of March signifies growth, and in the five months since joining Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. as executive director, it’s been a gratifying path of progress. We’ve recruited and trained a slate of new emergency food pantry volunteers, established several collaborative relationships with neighboring businesses, significantly improved and evolved our food programs, solidified our plan to energize our building with the power of sunlight and welcomed many new members and donors. And there’s much more on the horizon. As we eagerly stalk spring and prepare for dueling weather emblems — blooms, blizzards and beautifying our gardens — we’re gearing up for an exciting year of fundraisers and community events. The first is our Garden-in-a-Box Giveaway, an annual
Our Greatest Emergency Food Pantry Needs Right Now
• Pasta sauce
• Ramen
• Tea
• C anned a nd f resh f ruit (oranges a nd apples)
• Bags of fresh potatoes
• Bags of fresh onions
• Frozen packages of chicken t highs a nd d rumsticks
• Frozen packages of ground beef
• White and wheat bread
• Bagels
seed-and-plant bonanza that takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 at our office at 2823 Fairfax St.
The Garden-in-a-Box Giveaway is a wonderful — and free — program benefitting novice gardeners and low-income individuals and families who need a little assistance jumpstarting their own plots. And it’s a program that reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from author and journalist Michael Pollan: “Ripe vegetables were magic to me. Unharvested, the garden bristled with possibility. I would quicken at the sight of a ripe tomato, sounding its redness from deep amidst the undifferentiated green. To lift a plant’s hood of heart-shaped leaves and discover a clutch of long slender pods hanging underneath could make me catch my breath.”
Pollan isn’t alone in his enthusiasm for gardens of eating. We’re already swooping on the slightest signs of the green of
• Cream cheese
• Bags, slices a nd blocks of cheese (all k inds)
• Butter sticks
• Corn and flour tortillas
• Canned cat food
• Toiletries for both men and women
We accept food and toiletry donations between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and between noon and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. We also accept donations by appointment. If you’d like to schedule a donation outside of our office hours, please send an email to director@ greaterparkhill.org, or call 303-388-0918. Out of respect for our clients, we kindly ask that you only donate items that have not expired. Thank you for your understanding.
spring, and our Garden-in-a-Box program inspires our neighbors to sow the seeds of love in their own oases. Each kit contains seedlings and multiple vegetable, herb, fruit and flower seeds to grow a 4x4 plot, plus planting tools, plant markers and an information packet that includes a detailed gardening plan, planting instructions and tips from local garden experts.
If you or someone you know would like to register for a free Garden-in-a-Box kit, visit greaterparkhill.org/food-programs/ garden-in-a-box/. Boxes are limited, so we encourage you get your requests in soon.
Like all our community initiatives, our Garden-in-a-Box Giveaway is a no-cost program. To keep it that way, we rely on in-kind donations. If you own or operate a vegetable farm, garden center, plant nursery, market or hardware store, or you’re an avid gardener who happens to hoard seeds,
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Cake Crumbs Bakery and Cafe
Cure D’Ars Catholic Church
Mayfair Liquors
Park Hill Branch Library
Park Hill Congregational UCC
Park Hill United Methodist Church
Messiah Community Church
VMware Foundation
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Starbucks E. 29th Ave. Town Center
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
Annie and David Pratt
Penny Ashley-Lawrence
Katherine Atkins
Cathy Bauchwitz
Carolyn Benoit
Barbara Berryman
Simon Blamires
Heather Blanchard and William White
Corlissa and Nathan Bolden
Jennifer Calderone
Sigrid Chase
Christine and Daniel Allen
Jenna Cruff
Dank-Colorado
trowels and other gardening supplies, we would greatly appreciate it if you’d consider donating these items:
• Vegetable and herb seed packets
• Flower a nd w ildflower seed packets t hat at tract bees
• Vegetable seedlings
• Hand trowels
• Seedling starter pots and trays
• Small bags of outdoor potting soil
• Vegetable garden fertilizer
• Gardening gloves
Donations can be dropped off at 2823 Fairfax St. between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and between noon and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Help our Greater Park Hill community reap what they sow and eat what they grow.
This
Abigail Dice
Erin Donovan
Kelly Dryer
Duane and Jean Gall
Elisabeth and Raymond
Fedde
Elizabeth and Kyle O’Rear
Ellen Reath and Craig
Maginness
Estelle and Charles
Bennett
Janet Fairs
Anne & Joe Frank
Bobbi Gillis
Ron and Janina Gotlin
Erica Gutierrez
Lisa Haddox
Simon and Elizabeth
Hambidge
Amy Harris
Pam and Duke Hartman
Adrienne Hill
Heidi Hine
Jane Hoback
Ellen and John Hokanson
Katherine Jeter
Jody and Bob Smith
Brian Johnson
Elizabeth Johnson
Patricia and James Jordan
Craig Joyce
Bill Juraschek
Joycee Kennedy
Sue and Roger Kilgore
Thomas Korson
Phillip and Constance
Lanphier
Mark Longman
Mary Jo Lorenz
Leslie Madsen
Matthew and Elizabeth Spohn
Richard McCanna
Kathleen McDonald
Megan and Bill McQuinn
David and Beverly Miller
Ryan Minatta
Harriet Mullaney
Nancy Connick and Diane Jankowski
Chris and Erin Nielsen
Paul Hastings, LLC
Joe Peetz
Susan and Paul Riederer
Matthew Safran
Mary Salsich
Barbara Sharp
Shelly and Stuart Scales
Jacqui Shumway and Joe Brady
Skip and Carol Spensley
Mary Jo Starmer
Christopher Stewart
Darwin and Susan Toll
Wendi Torres
Renee Williams
Guy & Susan Wroble
Al and Ann Yates
Volunteers
Noni Horwitz
Carole Robertson
Linda Lovell
Emily Clark
David Addor
Deb Rosenbaum
The
The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteer-based registered neighborhood organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill, provides resources, information and advocacy, and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.
The GPHC board is comprised of volunteer at-large representatives, as well as 10 district representatives. If you are interested in volunteering or serving on a committee, contact current GPHC Board Chair Shane Sutherland at chair@greaterparkhill.org for details.
The following are current board members, and their best contacts. Many representatives prefer to be contacted through the main office, at 303-388-0918 or info@ greaterparkhill.org. The GPHC world headquarters is at 2823 Fairfax St.
If you have an issue you’d like to discuss about the neighborhood, contact your board representative.
For those board members who don’t have a phone or email contact listed, leave a message at the main GPHC number and it will be forwarded to your elected representative.
• Board Chair Shane Sutherland: chair@greaterparkhill.org
• Secretary and Zoning/Property Use Chair Bernadette Kelly
• Treasurer Heather Shockey
• District 1 Amy Harris
• District 2 Brenda Morrison
• District 3 Heather Shockey
• District 4 Kevin Wiegand
• District 5 Sophie Milam
• District 6 Phebe Lassiter
• District 7 Jon Bowman
• District 8 Nam Henderson
• District 9 Doug Schuler
• District 10 Colette Carey
• At Large Maria Flora
• At Large Shanta Harrison
• At Large Tracey MacDermott
• At Large Laurel Mohr
• At Large Louis Plachowski: lplachowski@gmail.com
• At-Large Leslie Twarogowski
• Youth Services Chair Rick Medrick
• Blessed Sacrament Rep. James Groves
• Park Hill United Methodist Rep. Jacqui Shumway
map shows the 10 district boundaries of GPHC, Inc. Six at-large representatives also serve on the board of the Registered Neighborhood Organization.
Reinforce police accountability to our community and Reinforce police accountability to our community and Structure public safety to address the cycle of Structure public safety to address the cycle of poverty on our streets. poverty on our streets.
Free morning beginner Tai Chi classes on Zoom every Friday at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m. Register at taichidenver.com/ beginner-tai-chi-zoom-class/. Longtime Park Hillians Jacqui and Joe, who teach the class, will send you the link to join. Walk2Connect
www.walk2connect.com
Park Hill Sunrise Walking Trips happen every Tuesday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Meet in front of Honey Hill Cafe at 23rd & Dexter Street for a casual, conversationalpaced community walk. Everyone is welcome to join. Submit
Concrete work and repair. Driveway, patios, and sidewalks. Small jobs welcome. 25 years experience. Free estimates. 303-429-0380
Curiosity Never Retires! OLLI at DU returns In Person to Park Hill UMC: March 28th. 8-week, 6-week and 4-week courses on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and afternoons. Asian Philosophy and Martial Arts, Current Events, Challenging the Big Bang, Liberalism and Its Discontents, A Dream of Justice: The Story of Keyes vs Denver Public Schools, WWI: Mideast Theatre, Stories of Turning Points, Integrative Medicine and Austerlitz, A Novel. Hurry and call Jacqui Shumway, Park Hill OLLI Coordinator 303-725-7482 to enroll. Ask about our Park Hill Buddy system. On-line options available.
Aeration – Sod fertilizer – Power rake – Lawn mowing, Rototilling – Hauling – Stump removal – Weed control – Lawn mower repair – Shrubbery care – Small trees removed 720327-9911
Masonry Services- Brick, Stone, Concrete, restoration, tuckpointing, chimneys, retaining walls, city sidewalks. Licensed, bonded, and insured. www.thebrickandstoneguy.com References. Call Shawn 303-907-9223
PREMIER PAINT WORKS since 1993. Denver’s Residential Paint Specialists. Int/Ext Neat, conscientious craftsmanship by polite, respectful, honest & fully insured crew, impeccable references. Call or text John at 720-849-3921.
Interior and exterior painting. Prep, power washing, professional. Owned and operated by Park Hill resident with over 20 years of experience. Free estimate. JR Painting 720485-7207 or jpabz04@gmail.com
THE WALL REBUILDERS Interior plaster (and drywall) repair. We repair cracks, holes, crumbling walls, etc. Specializing in older homes, though we fix houses of every age. Dan and Laura Pino 303-698-1057
Residential reroofing and repairs, 17 years experience, licensed, bonded, and insured. Gutter replacement and cleaning. Call Shawn 303-907-9223
Affordable ski and snowboard waxing and tuning. Providing pickup and delivery to your residence. TEXT BRETT 303-550-6166 www. centralparkskiboardtuning.com
Tree trimming and trash removal. General yard work and clean up. Gutter cleaning. Please call 303-429-0380
Tuckpointing. Over 25 years experience. Fully insured. Mortar color and brick matching, broken brick replacement, cement chimney crown replacement. 12 years Chicago union experience. Mr Chimney and Home Masonry Repair. Call Chuck Bahnsen 303-948-7999
Double hung window RESTORATION includes replacing sash cords (ropes) and removal of excess paint on wood and metal plus lubrication for smooth opening and closing. 40-year resident of PH. Contact David - 720550-2786
to ADVeRtISe IN the CLASSIfIeDS CoNtACt BReNDA MoRRISoN newspaper@greaterparkhill.org 720-287-0442 (voicemail) the deadline for submitting a classified ad is the 15th of every month
Design and Renovation Specialists
