WHERE THERE’S SNOKE THERE’S IRE
Growing group of Aurora teens intent on persuading city lawmakers to find a legislative way to prevent juvenile vaping
Trump strikes out again and makes me a shoo-in for the White House hate list
The bad news is that the Trump administration’s jet-fueled incompetence and corruption picked up speed toward causing the death of more Americans, more immigrants, more rights and just more of everything.
Not even a year into a disastrous presidency that everyone was thoroughly warned about well in advance, alongside a complicit Republican-locked Congress and Supreme Court, there is no good news. Sorry.
Here are three things from this week to help you understand how dangerous things have become under a man who keeps getting convicted of crimes but stays out of prison.
First up, the former heroin-addicted and brainworm-riddled lawyer who runs the most important science and medicine agency on the planet, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has promised to dangerously upend the nation’s vaccine program based on nothing but quackery baked up by other creepy-as-hell quacks like himself.
Kennedy’s latest assault on the nation’s vaccine program isn’t just reckless, it’s an act of public-health terrorism.
By stacking the federal vaccine advisory committee with assorted long-time vaccine skeptics, outright quacks and anti-science activists, Kennedy has engineered exactly the outcome he’s always wanted.
The newly remade Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, once a gold standard for evidence-driven medical guidance, is preparing to vote on scrapping the universal hepatitis B birth dose, a recommendation that has helped drive infections in children and teens down 99% since 1991, the Washington Post reported this week.
It’s one of the most successful public-health interventions in modern American history. Kennedy and his accomplices want to pull it apart based on the profoundly un-serious argument that “most babies aren’t at risk.”
Secretary Kennedy, that is precisely the point of universal vaccination. The goal is to prevent transmission “before” it happens, you effusive ghastly gastric emulsion.
The goal is to protect infants from a virus that, when acquired early, carries a lifelong risk of liver failure and cancer. It can, and does, kill people.
But the Kennedy Kookie Klan isn’t stopping there. Its members are opening the door to revisiting the entire childhood immunization schedule, floating the idea that vaccines, not decades of well-documented environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic factors, might be the hidden cause of asthma, eczema, and autoimmune disorders. These claims have been rejected again, and again, and again by every major medical association and by mountains of rigorous research.
President Trump, the call is coming from inside the house.
This isn’t a search for truth. It’s the institutionalization of conspiracy thinking at the highest levels of federal health policy. And if allowed to proceed, it risks unraveling decades of progress, endangering millions of children, and replacing real science with the dangerous delusion that every question is still up for debate, even the ones we’ve answered definitively.
But wait, there’s more.
I was among those who sat slack-jawed and glued to the TV when former President Richard Nixon famously told interviewer David Frost that he could not be held to blame for butchering people in North Vietnam during bombings as part of the Vietnam War because, “If the president does it, it’s not illegal.”
The current president now has White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt to provide cover for his administration illegally murdering alleged drug transporters as part of a wild scheme to end drug abuse in the United States and draw attention from
endless demands for the release of the Epstein Files
If the president says it, it isn’t a lie, is pretty much the standard response from Levitt every time Trump and his coterie are accused of some new crime, gaffe or psychotic episode.
The Trump administration’s attempt to defend boat strikes in the Caribbean isn’t just unconvincing, it’s an insult to the public’s intelligence. Faced with credible reporting that survivors of an initial missile strike were killed in a follow-on attack, the White House is scrambling to construct a narrative in which everyone acted “within the law,” everything was justified, and any suggestion of wrongdoing is simply “fabricated,” according to reporting by the Associated Press.
It is the kind of reflexive denial you get when accountability is replaced with fearful political loyalty.
But this time, the stakes are far higher than bruised egos. More than 80 people have been killed in these maritime operations, which the administration insists are anti-drug missions but increasingly resemble a shadow war carried out far from public view.
Lawmakers in both parties were stunned by reports that a second strike targeted survivors, and even more stunned to learn that Hegseth reportedly issued a verbal order authorizing it. Now he claims an admiral made the call.
This is all so Trump. Take credit for anything they think the public likes. Blame someone else when everything goes to hell.
The White House’s shifting explanations only deepen the suspicion that the administration is trying to contain, not clarify, what happened on that boat. If these strikes were truly as lawful and clean as officials insist, why not release the video? The reports? The emails?
Congress is right to demand answers. Extrajudicial killings cannot be brushed aside as a bureaucratic misunderstanding or operational fog.
Not only are Trump and his lickspittles trying to throw cover over these dubious operations, but when honored military vets in Congress warned military members to avoid illegal acts, Trump began trying to make them criminals for telling fellow military members not to get caught in Trump’s trap.
Finally, Trump, this week, moved way past his profound hatred for legitimate media always ratting him out for his crimes, incompetence, lies, distortions and psychiatric problems. No more just calling
reporters “piggy” or “horrible” persons or kicking them out of the White House. Now, Trump and his stooges are taking direct aim at real journalism and the First Amendment.
The Trump marketing department has created a new website at www.whitehouse.gov/mediabias.
There, marketing specialists dutifully take to task stories about Trump and his administration that the president doesn’t like.
Clearly, this is going to take a lot of time and space.
Not only has the president begun cataloging unfavorable stories, he’s also offering “Media Offender of the Week.” This week, the Boston Globe, CBS News and the Independent get flagged and flogged for publishing stories pointing out clearly illegal acts, lies and unscrupulous behavior by Trump and his staff.
The marketing department’s defense for doing this? Just because the president said what he said and did what he did, that doesn’t mean he meant to do things like call for the execution of military veterans who are now members of Congress or repeat proven lies, distortions and misstatements about vaccines, Tylenol, pasta, nooses, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, ICE or Steve Witkoff.
(See above: If the president says it, it isn’t a lie.)
Sorry, folks. I know that, as of today, it’s been only 317 days since he took that oath, and while he’s golfed on 79 of those days, the dude has whiffed nearly every day he made it to the Oval Office.
Also sorry, folks, but it’s 336 days to the mid-term elections and some hope that Republicans will either get washed away from the House and Senate by the growing anti-Trump tsunami, or be fearful enough of having voters kick their cowardly asses out of the Capitol that they’ll tell Trump how things are really going to be for the rest of his term.
My money is on a blue wave even in places like Texas and Florida next year and articles of impeachment filed on Jan. 3, 2027, when the next Congress starts up.
In the meantime, I’m just going to hold on and wait for my turn to make the Trump White House naughty list.
Follow @EditorDavePerry on BlueSky, Threads,Mastodon,TwitterandFacebookorreach himat303-750-7555ordperry@SentinelColorado. com
DAVE PERRY Editor
Cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Sentinel SCREEN GRAB
Aurora car wash owner ghts to save business from QuikTrip competition
“GLEAM CAR WASH IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WITH AUTISM LIKE ME GET A CHANCE TO WORK AND BE A PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL.”
BY CASSANDRA BALLARD, Sentinel Staff Writer
Adispute over a proposed car wash in northeast Aurora took an emotional turn last week after a soft-spoken young man delivered a heartfelt speech that brought everyone in the city council chambers to their feet.
Public pushback at city hall over an approved QuikTrip “Bubble Bath” car wash on East Colfax and Airport Boulevard has ignited a land use battle, pitting a national chain against a locally owned car wash whose owner claims will go out of business if the new car wash opens nearby.
QuikTrip built one of its signature gas stations and convenience stores on the corner lot a few years ago. Earlier this year, QuikTrip owner Evergreen Devco Inc. applied to the city for a permit to build a large car wash on the same lot. The Aurora Planning Commission granted the building and use permit last month.
Owners of the nearby Gleam Car Wash, which opened their car wash in 2023, began pushing back against the Quick Trip application as soon as they heard about it and have been pushing for a denial ever since.
City council was likely to call up the case because of the Gleam owner intervention. But Aidan Riggs’ testimony at the Nov. 17 City Council meeting stole the room, and transformed a technical, building-code-driven landuse dispute into a story about jobs, dignity and the people behind small local businesses.
“Gleam believes in me, and that makes me
believe in myself,” Riggs told the city council and audience. It was the first time the city council had met in public since June, ending a stand-off with regular protesters linked to the 2024 police shooting death of Kilyn Lewis. The room was nearly filled.
Riggs, a neurodiverse employee with autism at Gleam Car Wash, approached the lectern at the city council meeting nervously, restarting his speech several times as his father filmed from the front row.
The room of people sat quietly as he tried again and again to begin.
When he finally pushed through his anxiety and began reading, the room leaned in to listen.
The location of the proposed QuickTrip car wash at East Colfax Avenue near Airport Boulevard.
“Gleam Car Wash is a place where people with autism like me get a chance to work and be a part of something special,” he said. “I hope more jobs can be like Gleam, full of opportunities for everyone.”
Riggs thanked Gleam for giving him and his friends a workspace where he feels safe, valued and included. Gleam has two locations, one in Denver and one just east of Interstate 225 on East Colfax Avenue in Aurora. The locally owned car wash employs nearly 50 people, including 15% who are neurodivergent.
When Riggs finished his speech, the audience erupted. Councilmembers and attendees all rose to their feet for an incredibly rare city
council meeting standing ovation.
While the speech drew an exclamation point to the push-back against the city’s planning commission for approving the QuikTrip project, the controversy isn’t over.
Gleam employees, officials and supporters have compiled a list of complaints they say are grounds for the city council to reverse the planning commission approval and prevent QuikTrip from opening the competing car wash.
Planning commission documents and records show that while the commission raised the question of a competing business, the project met city requirements and criteria, and the conditional use approval was perfunctory with a 7-0 vote Oct. 22.
There are currently three car washes already within 500 yards of the QuikTrip on the corner of Colfax and Airport Boulevard, and ten within two miles, Gleam officials say.
Emilie Baratta, the owner of Gleam, who also spoke during public comment, said that the market cannot support another tunnel wash in that area, and that Gleam’s Aurora site has struggled to break even. She said that QuikTrip’s size and rewards program would allow it to “buy market share” long enough to drive out all of the smaller operators nearby.
Another person who spoke during the meeting, Elijah Williams, a car wash designer and installer, said that industry standards call for at least two miles between conveyor washes. QuikTrip’s gas station, which plans to build an add-
on carwash, is about 1,900 feet from Gleam. Aurora already has 30 conveyor car washes, many built just in the last three years, Williams said during the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Oct. 22, where he also testified.
Doug McMurran, who has developed millions of square feet of commercial property and is a co-owner in the nearby former Super Kmart plaza, said he normally supports commercial development, but not this time. He said during the planning and zoning meeting in October that adding another car wash so close by could push Gleam and other operators under, eroding the city’s tax base. He said that too many car washes in such proximity would produce precisely the kind of blight city leaders say they want to avoid, especially on the East Colfax Corridor.
Some city council members addressing similar issues have made clear the city can’t and shouldn’t impose government in a free-market society, and that such interference is anathema to a fair and open business community.
McMurran, Baratta and others, however, argue that the proposal did not meet all of the city’s conditional use requirements. Specifically, it failed to address or mitigate adverse impacts on the local community.
Residents who also spoke during the council meeting said that a required neighborhood meeting never occurred, that planning notices
Gleam Carwash employee
Aidan Riggs, center, reads a statement to the Aurora City Council Nov. 17, 2025 in support of his employer.
AROUND AURORA
Aurora City Council flips to progressive majority, makes immediate changes
Newly elected and progressive city council members were sworn in on Dec. 1, and fellow Democrat Councilmember Alison Coombs already pushed through a few immediate changes.
The four new Democratic members of city council, Rob Andrews and Alli Jackson, at-large, Gianina Horton, Ward I, and Amy Wiles, Ward II, along with Democratic incumbent Ruben Medina, Ward III, were all sworn in for their first night.
The election has flipped control of the city council from Republicans and conservatives to progressive Democrats.
With a newly progressive majority after the election, Coombs proposed changes to meetings to “undo harm caused by the previous council,” a conservative council majority that reduced public speaking time at listening sessions and created rules that Coombs said were directed at her.
“The reason that I did this today and not through the Rules Committee is that this is specific damage that was done by the previous council without a procedure, and it is undoing that damage,” she said. “Damage where the rules were used to bully and attack.”
She said the same is true for what the city refers to as “Public Invited to be Heard,” a public listening opportunity for the public to speak about topics not on the agenda. Coombs said that the rule changes to the public listening session were being “used to bully and attack, and that needs to be undone immediately.”
The proposed changes included seating arrangements, which she clarified were due to the council majority restricting her from bringing her child onto the dais after she brought them to her second swearing-in.
City Manager Jason Batchelor and City Attorney Pete Schulte cautioned that removing the restriction could create ambiguity, and Councilmember Françoise Bergan said she had concerns that the amendment would allow anyone to come up on the dais.
After discussion on how to best word the language, Schulte suggested language that said city councilmembers’ family members would be allowed on the dais, if necessary.
Coombs also proposed minor changes, such as putting the land acknowledgement invocation at the beginning of the meeting, “before formal business,” and adding more time to public listening sessions.
“I expect that we will have a rules committee where we will dig deeper and make additional changes to the rules, but those felt urgent to me to do immediately,” Coomb said.
Coombs is also the only city council member who submitted an intent to run for Mayor Pro Tem, which was approved unanimously by city council Monday.
The mayor pro tem designation is significant because the city lawmaker chooses which city council members serve on city council policy committees.
The changes to Public Invited to be Heard include reinstating the session as part of the city council meeting. It was changed during the summer by the majority of city council members, as part of one of many attempts to control disruptions during meetings
wrought by protestors. The protests have, for more than a year, been created by family, friends and activists linked to the 2024 police shooting of Kilyn Lewis during his arrest in Aurora.
Monday night’s city council meeting audience was filled with Aurora residents vocally excited about the change in the majority power of the lawmakers.
Making the Public Invited to be Heard part of the meeting requires treating it like any other agenda item, which also requires city council members to be present and on the dais to listen to the public.
Under the resolution Coombs proposed, the Public Invited to be Heard listening session was extended to an hour or more before the meeting, with an additional hour or more after the meeting. It will also allow speakers to talk for three minutes instead of two.
Members of the public who want to speak are now allowed to sign up online before 1 p.m. on the day of the city council meeting, or in person with the city clerk after 5 p.m. and no later than 5:45 p.m.
“Those who sign up after 5:45 p.m. will be heard in the order they sign up, regardless of proof of residency,” the proposed changes said. “For the first Public Invited to be Heard portion of the agenda, sign-ups will be accepted until the time the last speaker finishes speaking. For the last Public Invited to be Heard portion of the agenda, signups will be accepted until the item immediately preceding Public Invited to be Heard is finished.”
The resolution also proposed eliminating the 30-minute limit for public comment for agenda items.
Another clause in the resolution said that if the “Public Invited to be Heard, or any other part of the regular city council meeting becomes disrupted to the extent that it jeopardizes the ability to conduct city business and council decides to move the council meeting to a virtual format, the city manager is directed to order the Aurora Municipal Center closed to the public.”
The resolution proposed changing the mayor’s appointment power over city lawmakers to regional boards, commissions, and organizations, requiring ratification by a majority of city council during study sessions. Coombs agreed to remove that language because the city council already does so during study sessions. She said it was mainly added as administrative cleanup.
With a few friendly amendments, city council approved the resolution unanimously.
— Cassandra Ballard, Sentinel Staff Writer
Pedro, heroic military dog, remembered at Buckley Space Force Base
Buckley Space Force Base is mourning the loss of a cherished team member, Pedro.
Military Working Dog Pedro died last week, base officials announced in a statement.
Pedro was a patrol and explosive-detection canine whose service with the 460th Security Forces Squadron at Buckley included protecting the installation and supporting high-level federal missions.
“Pedro played a critical role in the security of our installation, safeguarding personnel, resources, and critical facilities, but his service extended far beyond the base,” Staff Sgt. Leilony Rodriguez, 460th Pedro’s handler, trainer and partner said in a statement.
“Whether it was his surprising encounter with an elevator during a Secret Service mission, where he initially hid behind Rodriguez before bravely adapting to the new challenge, or his comfortable demeanor with the veterinarians, Pedro was a dog of character,” officials said.
Pedro was born Nov. 24, 2021 and arrived at Buckley in January 2024. He quickly became a key part of the security forces team. He partnered with Rodriguez, forming what officials described as a highly effective patrol and detection team.
Trained at the 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland in Texas, Pedro excelled in explosive odor recognition and remained focused under pressure, Rodri›› See METRO, 6
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ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Ambassador64
Notes from Arapahoe County
Rocky Mountain Public Media, the home of Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop 104.7 has developed a partnership with Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange to launch this monthly essay series, as part of our vision to co-create a Colorado where everyone feels seen and heard. These stories are sourced from community members across the state—told in their own words and selected from our 64-county community ambassador program. They are not editorial products of our journalism team, but are first-person reflections on life in Colorado - building bridges through empathy. To learn more about all of our brands and content, check us out at https://www.rmpbs.org/about.
Traveling To Leadership
I have been fortunate this fall to travel around Colorado for a leadership program I was nominated to participate in through work. I’ve visited Vail and Fort Collins, and in doing so, I passed through parts of the state I had rarely seen. It reminded me how diverse our experiences are as Coloradans, shaped by where we live. Each place is distinct from the next—and even more so from where I grew up.
I am a multigenerational Coloradan, born and raised a Pueblo prairie girl. I grew up on the north side of Pueblo, where my backyard was cactus, rattlesnakes, coyotes yipping at night, and endless freedom to explore. I look back and remember so much joy growing up in Pueblo—except it was (and still is) so very hot in the summers! When I would share that I’m from Pueblo, I used to brace myself, waiting for the ridicule—a sigh or a dreaded, heavy “Oh.” Then came the awkward silence while they judged me based only on what they’d heard about Pueblo. I never fully understood why it seemed like such a terrible thing to be from there. Sure, Pueblo doesn’t have big attractions like the larger cities, and it’s not nestled at the base of a mountain with hiking trails. In my twenties, I even had the urge to leave my small town for something more and set my sights on Denver.
I now live in Colorado Springs, just north of downtown. I made the short move up I-25 nine years ago, and in almost every way, it feels like a different world—the landscape, the buildings, the history, the people, and even the summer temperatures. Through my work at Colorado College, I meet with community members across the Pikes Peak Region and learn about the challenges and opportunities that exist here. I’m part of a team that educates students on seeing and starting from the strengths and assets of a place—of a community. So when I hear the scoffs and see the judgment in others’ eyes when proudly state I grew up in Pueblo, I know they don’t see the neighborhood block parties and BBQs, drive-in nights with friends and primos, art classes at the Children’s Museum, walks along the Riverwalk, football games that bring out the whole community, the smell of roasting chiles in the fall, and festivals rooted in the love and history that is my home. They’ve only heard about Pueblo—they’ve never truly seen, experienced, or lived Pueblo.
I brace less now when I share where I’m from, and I hear fewer and fewer judgments—especially from those committed to community building. For those who know and understand community, they share their own love for Pueblo gems: the Chile & Frijoles Festival, breweries, coffee shops, bike trails, a water park along the river, the farms, and the people whose families go back generations and keep traditions alive.
I love my new home, and it has also made me love my first home even more. Pueblo is where my story begins, and no matter where I live, it continues to shape the future I’m growing toward.
We Want to Hear from You
We’re inviting community members across the state to share their own stories of living in Colorado — of identity, discovery, and what it means to belong.
Tell us about a moment or a place in Colorado that changed how you see yourself or your community. Share your reflections at ambassador64@rmpbs.org
This is part of Ambassador64, our statewide listening initiative to ensure public media reflects the voices of all 64 counties in Colorado—starting with yours.
guez said.
“Technology makes our lives infinitely easier; however, technology still lacks a biological instinct, that gut feeling,” said Maj. Ian Latham, 460th SFS commander. “That is what K-9 teams bring to the fight. The MWDs have incredible senses, and paired with the right handler, they will save lives.”
During his career, Pedro supported operations with the Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service, helping safeguard high-priority personnel, including the president of the United States. His performance earned him the Air and Space Commendation Medal.
Rodriguez said Pedro’s steady presence often helped new handlers gain confidence. She remembered his professionalism in the field and his playful personality off duty as a dog who “loved his chew toy, stole beef jerky when he could and enjoyed baths after making a mess in his kennel.
“What I’ll miss most is his quirky personality and the trust we shared,” she said.
Latham said the base’s MWD section maintains extensive partnerships with local and federal agencies to ensure teams remain prepared for any challenge, a standard Pedro embodied throughout his service.
Base officials described his death as a reminder of the sacrifices military working dogs make in service to the nation.
Pedro “exemplified the highest standards of service,” base officials said, and he leaves a lasting impact on the Air Force’s canine community.
—Sentinel Staff
COPS AND COURTS
Aurora courts to forgive nonviolent warrants during Fresh Start Week
Aurora city courts are offering an amnesty program to forgive people who have outstanding nonviolent warrants for their arrest.
Aurora Municipal Court, in partnership with the Aurora Public Defender’s Office, will offer individuals with active warrants for non-violent crimes the opportunity to clear those warrants without arrest, according to a city statement.
“The initiative is designed to help residents resolve outstanding issues while allowing law enforcement to focus resources on more serious offenders who perpetrate violent crimes that directly victimize others,” the statement said.
Violent crimes such as domestic violence, assault, disorderly conduct and menacing are not included in the forgiveness program.
The so-called “Fresh Start Week” is slated for Dec. 8 through Dec. 12, allowing community members with active warrants in Aurora Municipal Court to have those warrants cancelled and their cases reset, simply by showing up, according to the statement.
“The effort will not only benefit individuals seeking to move forward with their lives but also reduce taxpayer costs and promote a more efficient community,” officials said in a statement.
Warrants that can be cleared include Aurora Municipal Court warrants in traffic, animal control, zoning and other select criminal cases. Misdemeanor crimes involving violence or
weapons are not included.
People seeking to clear a warrant must show up on the specified days and times during walk-in court on the afternoons of Dec. 8, 9, 11 and 12 between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Court will not be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Individuals must check in with Court Services or the Aurora Public Defender by 1 p.m. each day to ensure their case is on that day’s docket. Those who arrive after 1 p.m. will only have their cases added to that day’s docket if time permits.
Those who show up will be able to speak with a defense attorney from the Aurora Public Defender’s Office, appear before a judge and have their warrant cancelled. They may then set a new court date in their case or resolve it.
Walk-in court is held in Division 6 of the Aurora Municipal Court, 14999 E. Alameda Parkway.
There is an option for people unable to attend to appear remotely with the help of the Aurora Public Defender, according to the statement. For that service, defendants must meet with a defense attorney at the Aurora Mental Health and Recovery homeless services drop-in center at 1544 Elmira St. on Dec. 8, Dec. 9 or Dec. 11. The remote appearance option is not available on Dec. 12.
There will be interpreters available at both locations.
To register or ask about eligibility, email pubdefwarrants@auroragov.org, with a first and last name, date of birth and contact information.
People can also call 303-739-6555 or visit the Aurora Public Defender in person. The office is located on the second floor of the Aurora Municipal Court and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pre-registration for Fresh Start Week is not required but strongly encouraged, according to the statement.
— Cassandra Ballard, Sentinel Staff Writer
Domestic violence charges lead to firing of Aurora patrol officer
Aurora police fired a patrol officer Monday after he was arrested last week in connection to domestic violence charges filed by Westminster police.
Aurora Officer Philip Sullivan was arrested at his Westminster home Wednesday night and accused of misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault, harassment, obstruction, resisting arrest, failure to leave a premise and prohibited use of a weapon, Aurora police spokesperson Gabby Easterwood said in a statement.
Sullivan, who joined APD patrol in January, was fired Monday.
Details of the accusations against him were not released. The criminal case is being handled by Westminster police.
“We are also conducting a parallel internal administrative investigation,” Easterwood said.
Police did not say whether the internal investigation will include review of cases Sullivan was linked to as an Aurora officer.
“The charges and behavior alleged in this case are extremely troubling and run counter to the values of the Aurora Police Department,” Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said in a statement. “We have zero tolerance for conduct that undermines public trust and victimizes others.”
— Sentinel Staff
Two killed in Aurora crash Wednesday after stolen car chase
Two unidentified people were killed Nov. 28 in Aurora after crashing a stolen vehicle while evading Aurora officers, police officials said.
Police said the chase began at about 11:30 a.m. after the city’s “Real Time” information center, using Flock cameras and license plate readers, alerted officers to a potentially stolen car in west-central Aurora, according to Aurora Police Commander Justin Shipley.
Within minutes, police at the Real Time center were able to determine the car had been stolen from Fort Collins two days ago, he said.
The contacted patrol officers, who spotted the car and attempted to pull the driver over near East Mississippi Avenue and South Peoria Street, but the driver sped away in an attempt to evade police.
The driver sped north on Peoria Street, and police chased the car for “less than a minute,” Shipley said.
The driver lost control of the car while trying to turn left from Peoria to East Alameda Avenue, crashing into a light pole.
Both the driver and a passenger were killed in the crash, Shipley said,
“The suspect failed to yield our officers’ traffic stop and made the decision to flee and drive erratically,” Shipley said, adding that officers struggled to keep up safely because of the vehicle’s speed and driving behavior.
Aurora just this year changed department policy, allowing police to employ car pursuits of people suspected of crimes, including potentially stolen cars.
The decision counters numerous police experts and several police organizations insisting that police pursuits in cars endanger the public, officers and suspects and should not be used except in extreme circumstances.
The Denver Post last month reported that police chases in Aurora spiked since the policy changed this year. The pursuits have been linked to an increase in injuries, according to police reports.
Aurora police say they have entered a new phase in technology-driven policing, combining years of cameras, license-plate readers and data tools with a full real-time operations center that now includes drones deployed directly to 911 calls.
The department, which quietly piloted the Real Time system over the past year, said the integration of all its surveillance tools with human analysts working live has already transformed investigations, sped up arrests and contributed to drops in crime.
The department already had many of the tools implemented in the Real Time Center. They include nearly 100 flock cameras, a drone, and multiple license plate readers. That, combined with 911 calls, alerts, crime reports, and incident data have created a space where analysts can view and work on crime as it unfolds.
A drone was not used in this incident, Shipley said.
The department’s traffic unit is investigating the crash. An internal review will also be conducted, Shipley said.
East Alameda Avenue and South Peoria Street remained closed in all directions following the crash.
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Cherry Creek North In Deep Cocoa For Rebrand
Claus takes the District to court over ‘North Pole’ name.
BY IKE L. MUSKE Cherry Creek North | Denver, CO
Another local shopping area is under scrutiny for a rebranding misstep. This time, Cherry Creek North (no, not the mall, the district) is the one getting grilled for its new name, or, more accurately roasted like a chestnut.
The shopping district unveiled a new name and slogan, “Cherry Creek North Pole—The Best Place on Earth for The Holidays,” as part of its seasonal marketing campaign. Which, for a place with the area’s best dining, shopping, and festive events, seems appropriate to this editorial board. But not everyone is celebrating.
Alistair Peppermintwist, Esq. of the Fa La La Law Group and Senior Elfin Counsel to Santa Claus, has issued cease-and-desist letters to the district, claiming the rebrand infringes on intellectual property tied to Santa and the North Pole’s brand.
“The name and use of the North Pole have been trademarked by Mr. Saint Nicholas Claus for centuries,” Peppermintwist said in a phone interview. “Cherry Creek North’s claim that it is the best place on earth for the holidays is verging on libel. That designation is lawfully reserved for Mr. Claus. Second best? Well, their holiday lights were impressive. But BEST?! C’mon, nothing touches Santa’s holiday magic.”
When pushed further, Peppermintwist jingled a bell into the phone and hung up.
Without infringing on our journalistic duties, we would have to agree with the elf lawyer—Cherry Creek North’s holiday lights are impressive, along with their premier hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and spas.
Certainly, it’s the best place in Denver for the holidays. Though, in an effort to avoid the Naughty List, we will concede that it’s difficult to compete with real holiday magic.
Peppermintwist filed an injunction earlier this week and held a press conference outside the courthouse demanding a formal response from the district. As of press time, Cherry Creek North has not issued a statement.
The elfin attorney also took to social media to apply public pressure, while the district has continued with its schedule of festive holiday events including Saturday Night Lights, a dance party meets holiday magic (December 6th, 13th, & 20th), and its Holiday Market featuring local makers.
While the legal dispute continues, visitors to Cherry Creek North (Pole™) can expect the annual display of good cheer, one million lights, and seasonal programming to go on as planned.
were not visible, and that appeals were impossible because QuikTrip owns all the adjoining parcels.
Planning commission records show that notice of the project and a planning commission hearing was published in the Sentinel legal notices Oct. 9, 2025, and that five adjacent property owners and 14 registered neighborhood organizations were notified of the car wash application. Commission documents show the notification prompted comments from nearby businesses and residents. Many of the comments indicated concerns about “an oversaturation of competing uses in the area, with approximately three other Motor Vehicle Wash uses within a half mile,” as noted in planning commission records.
The car wash controversy came just weeks after the commission previously advised city council to reject a QuikTrip gas station project on the corner of Parker Road and South Havana Street because of an oversaturation of gas stations on Havana. City council rejected Planning and Zoning‘s recommendation because oversaturation was not a criterion for conditional use in the city code.
“This is not the first application we’ve seen this year that deals with density, and it’s time to take this to the legislative body,” Garrett Walls, the chairperson of the Planning and Zoning Commission, said during October. “Our scope is too narrow to even contemplate those types of issues at this point. So unfortunately, I find that this particular application does meet our prescribed sections of code.”
Since there is no criteria in city code for industry saturation or competition, city council could make criteria or even create a moratori-
um on car washes, but both of those changes would take time and would not change QuikTrips’ ability to be approved.
Lakewood adopted a new zoning rule in January requiring car washes to be spaced a half mile apart due to water use and environmental concerns, according to the Denver Post. Firestone also implemented a 2023 moratorium on carwashes to conserve water. It ended in 2024.
Aurora’s planning and zoning department’s narrow scope, the narrow legal box around conditional-use review and many email complaints sent to city council members and staff made the likelihood of a city council call-up almost inevitable.
Riggs’ and the many other people who spoke to the issue, including Baratta, changed who would be paying attention when the case arrives there at a future city council meeting.
Councilmember Alison Coombs moved to call up the case, triggering a quasi-judicial appeal. The motion passed 7–1, with Councilmember Curtis Gardner opposed. Gardner’s opposition was not surprising, as he regularly argues for a free market with limited government oversight.
City Attorney Pete Schulte said that, since the matter is an appeal, it becomes a courtroom-style proceeding, meaning that city council can no longer read emails or messages from either side, and that all evidence must be presented only at the hearing, and that any improper contact could taint the process.
“Everything has to come through the evidence here in the council chambers,” Schulte said.
The hearing is scheduled for no earlier than Dec.15.
›› CAR WASH,
ILLUSTRATION VIA CITY OF AURORA
earned his second career top-10 finish at the Class 5A boys golf state tournament and claimed a spot on the 2025 Aurora Sentinel All-Aurora Boys Golf Team. White made the area’s top group in each of his four varsity seasons.
Middle: Cherokee Trail senior Brayden Forte, right, came up clutch to help his team win the Class 5A state championship and earn himself a fourth career spot on the All-Aurora team.
Below: Regis Jesuit senior Brady Davis made birdies on his final two holes of his first 5A state tournament trip to earn his way onto the
While football holds on in a few places around the state, the 2025 fall prep sports season has concluded in the Aurora area.
And what a season it was, complete with multiple Class 5A team state championship trophies and epic individual performances.
The AuroraSentinelwill recognize the best of the best in fall prep sports in this and upcoming issues, with expanded coverage at sentinelcolorado.com/preps.
captured the Centennial League championship, making them a favorite for the 5A state tournament at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction.
An abnormally slow opening round put the Cougars in the midst of a large bunch of teams in title contention going into the final day, but they closed in style with a final round of 10-under. That wasn’t enough to keep Cherokee Trail out of a playoff, but it prevailed over Denver East in a team playoff to claim the championship.
Fall Stars, Pt. 1
FINALLY WITH CLASS 5A STATE TITLE IN HAND, CHEROKEE TRAIL MAKES UP HALF OF ALL-AURORA BOYS GOLF TEAM
BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor
The boys golf season was filled with simply elite play in the Aurora area and it was capped with a Class 5A state championship from Cherokee Trail, which finally got over the hump after runner-up finishes in each of the previous two seasons.
The 2025 Aurora Sentinel All-Aurora Boys Golf Team — which has six members for the second straight season based on performance at the 5A state tournament — includes three members of the title-winning Cougars in seniors Brayden Forte and Dalton Sisneros and freshman Jeffrey Chen along with senior Brady Davis and Will Farber of Regis Jesuit and senior Gregory White of Eaglecrest.
Regis Jesuit is tied for the all-time Colorado state lead with nine state championships — the last coming in 2017 — but no other Aurora area program had ever won a team state championship until coach Ryan Stevens’ Cherokee Trail did it this season. In the regular season, the Cougars had a tournament in which they shot 20-under-par as a team, won every tournament they played and
It took every shot for the Cougars to win, but none were bigger than the one turned in by Forte on the final hole of regulation. Down by a stroke in the team standings, Forte (the state’s top golfer during the regular season in stroke average) dropped his second shot on the par-5 Hole No. 18 to within about two feet from the hole and sank the putt for an eagle.
Forte shot a 7-under 64 in the final round and finished third on the individual 5A leaderboard behind Fairview’s dynamic duo of Miles Kuhl and Ash Edwards. It was his second top-three career finish after he tied with Kuhl for second at the 2023 state tournament.
Forte — a four-time state qualifier, four-time member of the All-Aurora first team and the 2025 Centennial League individual medalist — signed with San Diego State.
Also Division I-bound is Sisneros, who signed with Radford University as the capper to his outstanding final varsity season. He shot no worse than 73 in any of the five Centennial League tournaments — including three rounds in the 60s — and finished as the league runner-up.
At his third career state tournament, Sisneros rebounded from a 3-over 74 in the opening round with a blistering 66 in the final round that was crucial in the Cougars’ push into title contention. That put him eighth for a second straight top-10 finish after he tied for third in 2024.
FALL SPORTS ALL-AURORA
Right: Eaglecrest senior Gregory White
All-Aurora Boys Golf Team.
PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL
›› ALL-AURORA, from 9
Sisneros got to put the capper on the state championship victory with a putt in the team playoff that swirled around the cup and fell. He and Forte were both members of three straight placing teams with Cherokee Trail, as it tied for second in 2023 and then finished as the clear runner-up to Cherry Creek in 2024.
Joining Forte and Sisneros with clutch putts in the team playoff was Chen, the younger brother of Anthony Chen, who contributed to the runner-up finishes in the past two seasons. With supreme depth, Cherokee Trail’s battle for the third and fourth spots throughout the season (with state qualification determined by season results as regionals were done away with) was fierce and ultimately went to Jeffrey Chen and senior Braydon O’Neill.
Jeffrey Chen joined his older brother, Forte and Sisneros as All-Centennial League first team performers during the regular season and he was steady at the state tournament with rounds of 74 and 73 to provide the third score needed to bring home the state title. Chen made a birdie on Hole No. 17 at the end of the second round that was key for his team and he drained a lengthy putt on the playoff hole that gave his team significant momentum.
Individually, White had another fantastic season as a senior with Eaglecrest and earned a spot on the All-Aurora team for the fourth time in as many seasons.
White won the Centennial League opening tournament at Meadow Hills and finished in the 60s in three of the five league tournaments on his way to all-league first team accolades. White’s state tournament debut as a freshman in 2022 — when he was part of a qualifying Eaglecrest team that also included his older brother, Andrew — saw him place eighth and he bookended his career with another top-10 finish as he tied for ninth.
White made bogey on his final two holes or he could have been in the top five, but rounds of 71 and 70 put him in a five-way tie for ninth. Coincidentally, he finished one stroke behind Sisneros, his future teammate at Radford after Sisneros connected him with the Highlanders’ coach.
Regis Jesuit finished 11th in the team standings with the help of the performances of Farber and Davis, who finished tied for 16th and 24th, respectively.
Farber played previously at Arapahoe, but had a big impact in his first season with coach Craig Rogers’ Raiders. He was very competitive during the Continental League season, during which he tied for second at the tournament at Broken Tee G.C. and was third at King’s Deer G.C. At the state tournament, Farber made four birdies in the opening round of the state tournament on his way to a one-under par 70 that put him in a tie for sixth place. While a large number of players improved in
the second round, Farber again made four birdies (but also had six bogeys) during a round of 73 that gave him a two-day total of 143.
Davis had been a longtime contributor to the Regis Jesuit program, but made it to state for the first time as a senior. He opened with a 77 and approached the final round with a positive attitude and looked to finish strong. Davis did just that with a six-birdie performance that resulted in a 1-under 70 and put him in a tie for 24th in the final leaderboard. After a triple bogey on the par-3 Hole No. 5, he bounced back with consecutive pars and birdied Nos. 8 and 9.
REGIS JESUIT SWEEPS SPOTS ON ALL-AURORA BOYS TENNIS TEAM IN NEAR-PERFECT YEAR
Perfection is almost impossible to attain, but the Regis Jesuit boys tennis team nearly did it in 2025.
The Raiders came one set win from their No. 4 doubles team away from accomplishing the feat, but coach Laura Jones’ team instead settled for a Class 5A team state championship and individual state titles for six of its seven lines.
Regis Jesuit’s triumphant campaign yielded it a sweep of the spots on the 2025 AuroraSentinelAll-Aurora Boys Tennis Team, which is determined primarily by state results.
A lot of flux took place in the offseason for a team that finished as the 5A team state runner-up to rival Cherry Creek last season, especially in the singles lineup. Twins Blake and Spencer Wright finished as 5A individual runners-up at Nos. 2 and 3 singles, respectively, but chose not to play the high school season in 2025. That left open spots behind junior Alec Rodriguez-Fields — the 2024 5A No. 1 singles state champion — and those were filled by seniors Clay Dickey (No. 2) and Adam Rydel (No. 3), who both had successful seasons in the doubles ranks in 2024.
It turned out to be the best singles group in the state in all metrics. All three players won state championships and they earned three of the four needed victories for Regis Jesuit in its 4-2 5A state champonship dual win over Cherry Creek.
The last 5A boys tennis player to repeat as No. 1 singles state champion hailed from Regis Jesu-
BY
it in Morgan Schilling (2019 and 2020) and that was matched by Rodriguez-Fields, who defeated Valor Christian’s Jace Nakamura (who had beaten him in the No. 2 singles final in 2023) to complete a 31-0 season.
The only set Rodriguez-Fields lost in the entire season came to Nakamura at the Cherry Creek Invitational, which he rallied to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. He capped his season with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Cherry Creek’s Aidan Washer in the team championship dual.
Though a varsity player for his entire prep career (starting with two seasons at No. 1 singles and the last one at No. 1 doubles), Dickey had never won a state championship until this season. His only loss of the regular season came to Grandview sophomore Kaahan Wani, who turned out to be his opponent in the 5A individual No. 2 singles final. Dickey’s resolve to win helped him ultimately prevail with a gritty 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) victory. A few days later, Dickey (28-1) got to deliver his team the coveted state championship when he outlasted Cherry Creek’s Jack Loehr 6-0, 5-7, 6-2 for the clinching victory.
Rydel had been a doubles staple
for three seasons and had second, third and fourth-place finishes on his resume going into this season. It turned out that only Grandview sophomore Krish Wani was able to beat him during a 28-1 season and Rydel avenged that loss (which happened in three sets at the Cherry Creek Invitational) with a decisive 6-2, 6-0 victory over Wani in the 5A individual No. 3 final. He turned around with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Cherry Creek’s Devan Shah — who took him to three sets in the individual semifinals — in the team final.
Seven of the eight players in the doubles positions were new to varsity (with a lone holdover at No. 2 doubles in junior Edward Samuelson), yet the only Regis Jesuit doubles team didn’t win a state championship was the No. 4 team of junior Connor and freshman Daniel Hickey, who ironically were the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament.
A pivotal win in the 5A team state championship match came from the No. 1 team of junior Koops Lord and
sophomore Will Larkin, whose 6-3,
Left: Junior Alec Rodriguez-Fields, left, senior Adam Rydel, center, and senior Clay Dickey pulled off a singles sweep for Regis Jesuit at the Class 5A boys tennis individual state tournament and earned them spots on the 2025 Aurora Sentinel All-Aurora Boys Tennis Team.
Below left: Junior Koops Lord, left, and sophomore WIll Larkin won the Class 5A individual state championship at No. 1 singles in their first season on varsity and claimed that spot on the All-Aurora Boys Tennis Team.
Below right: Sophomore Reis Cherveny, left, and junior Edward Samuelson claimed gold at the Class 5A individual state tournament and fill the No. 2 doubles position on the All-Aurora Boys Tennis Team.
PHOTOS
COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL
WEEK PAST
The week past in Aurora prep sports
MONDAY, DEC. 1: The Cherokee Trail boys basketball team had four players score in double figures on its way to a 61-56 season-opening road win at Frederick. Cameron Hopkins paced the Cougars with 13 points, while Anthony Ayon added 12 and Caleb Jensen and Justyn Renfroe tallied 10 apiece. ...The Aurora Central and Aurora West College Prep Academy boys basketball teams lost to Regis Groff (75-55) and DSST: College View (67-40), respectively, to open the season. ...The Aurora Central girls basketball team held visiting Regis Groff in single digits in scoring all four quarters on its way to a 49-22 season-opening victory. Bella Lumba’s 14 points led the Trojans, who also got 10 from Ana Lua, nine from Jamaea Johnson-Gonzalez and eight from Andena Torres SATURDAY, NOV. 29: In a Foundation Game meeting that doesn’t count in the season standings, the Rangeview boys basketball team downed visiting Regis Jesuit 66-43. ...The Cherry Creek co-op ice hockey team doubled up Chaparral 4-2 at Family Sports Center to improve to 2-0. Sean Badasyan scored two goals and had an assist, while Liam Corcoran and Ari Gelfand also lit the lamp for the Bruins. Matthew Lopez and Davis Ritter assisted on two goals apiece and Mason Banks turned aside 19 shots in the net for Cherry Creek.
ABOVE: Aurora Central junior Andena Torres (11) brings the ball upcourt after a steal during the first half of the Trojans’ 49-22 non-league girls basketball home win Dec. 1. ABOVE RIGHT: Rangeview senior Anthony Andrew puts up a shot in the paint that is contested by Regis Jesuit sophomore Braeden Baker (15) during a Foundation Game on Nov. 28 at Rangeview High School. Rangeview won 66-43, but the game does not count in the standings. RIGHT: Senior Ari Gelfand (6) of the Cherry Creek co-op ice hockey team controls the puck near the blue line during the Bruins’ 4-2 win over Chaparral Nov. 29 at Family Sports Center. (Photos by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)
FRIDAY, NOV. 28: The Cherry Creek co-op ice hockey team posted a 5-1 victory over Heritage to begin the season as four different players scored goals and nine players had an assist. Liam Corcoran had two goals, while Ari Gelfand, Matthew Lopez and Davis Ritter added the other scores. Gelfand also had two assists, while Mason Banks allowed just one goal on 11 shots for the Bruins.
6-4 defeat of Cherry Creek’s Sam Migliaccio and Tyson Hardy capped a 24-4 season for the first-year duo. Lord and Larkin lost two times to the Bruins’ duo during the regular season (at the Cherry Creek and Full Send invitationals), but beat them twice in the final week of the season.
A 6-3, 6-2 victory landed the 5A individual No. 1 doubles crown for the Raiders’ duo before the gritty win in the team championship dual.
Samuelson lost in a state championship match last season, but combined with sophomore Reis Cherveny on a No. 2 team that produced a sparkling 28-2 record. The only two losses of the season came against Cherry Creek’s tandem of Adam Eikelberner and Kapil Bhandaram, while Samuelson and Cherveny captured the one meeting with the highest stakes. A rousing 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory landed the 5A No. 2 doubles state championship for the Raiders, who lost to the Bruins 6-2, 6-4 in the team dual that Regis Jesuit still won.
The No. 3 team of junior Beckett Martorella and sophomore Finn Carolan racked up a 26-2 record for the season, with the only in-state loss coming to Cherry Creek’s Liam Raleigh and Spencer Hutchins in the finals of the
Cherry Creek Invitational. The Raiders were ready for the rematch, however, as they dealt the Bruins’ duo a 6-2, 6-2 defeat to take the 5A No. 3 doubles individual state title. The rubber match between the two teams came in the team state championship dual and they split sets and were tied 1-1 in third when the match came to an end.
Connor and Daniel Hickey were unable to be beaten by anybody else in Colorado (they lost to a team from Las Vegas at the Western Slop Invitational) save for the Cherry Creek tandem of Sunand Bhandaram and Ryan Raleigh, who proved to be the Raiders’ kryptonite. After a close 7-5, 7-5 loss at the Cherry Creek Invita-
tional, the Hickeys won the first set in the rematch that came in the 5A No. 4 doubles final. But the Bruins surged in a major way and denied the Regis Jesuit duo the individual title with a 6-2, 0-6, 3-6 victory that they followed with a 7-5, 6-3 win in the team championship dual.
ABBY MESS LEADS OVERLAND IN ALL-AURORA GYMNASTICS
The Overland gymnastics team couldn’t keep its run of trophy finishes going at this season’s Class 5A state meet, but the vibes were still high at the end of the season.
Coach Lisa Sparrow’s Trailblazers — who experienced significant turnover from last season, but had only two seniors compete at state — accrued their season-high score on its way to a fourth-place finish.
As the only Aurora-area program, members of that team make up the 2025 Aurora Sentinel All-Aurora Gymnastics Team.
Last season’s all-around standout for Overland (Ainsley Renner) departed the program and it was junior Abby Mess who filled that spot for the Trailblazers. She won the Region 1 all-around title the week before the state meet, then got onto the medal podium at state with a sixth-place
score of 36.150 points. Mess also secured the All-Aurora position on three of the four individuals events — the vault, balance beam and floor exercise — in which she earned her way into the individual event finals. Mess was most consistent on the vault, as she scored 9.200 in the team competition and followed that with a 9.150 in the individual event finals to place 11th. She led Overland’s strong balance beam showing in the team competition with a 9.350 that was the third-highest of all competitors, then followed that with a 9.025 in the individual finals for ninth. Mess and sophomore Stephanie Fernandes finished with identical scores of 9.225 on the floor exercise in the team competion, but Mess outscored Fernandes 8.850 to 8.700 in the individual event finals. The uneven bars were the only event in which no Overland gymnast made it through to the individual event finals, but senior Haylie Lawrence led the way. The Smoky Hill student earned a score of 8.725 in the team competition that was tops on the team and 19th overall, which left her less than a handful of places shy of making the individual event finals, though she did so on the balance beam.
›› ALL-AURORA, from 10
All-around star’: Junior Abby Mess finished in sixth place in the all-around competition at the Class 5A state gymnastics meet to help Overland to a fourth-place team finish. She claims multiple spots on the 2025 Aurora Sentinel All-Aurora Gymnastics Team as well.
Photo by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel
KID STUFF
Growing group of teens ask city lawmakers to step in and snuff student vape use
BY CASSANDRA BALLARD, Sentinel Staff Writer
Agrowing chorus of Aurora teenagers has become a regular presence at city council meetings, all carrying the same message that youth vaping is quietly harming their generation, and the city needs to take action.
“Let all reunite for a better future,” 15-year-old Sarah Padilla Zepeda told the Sentinel, while pointing out that it closely follows the name of their youth coalition.
They call themselves United for Better Futures, a branch of the long-standing Aurora Partners for Thriving Youth coalition. The students say they’ve watched vaping move from a curiosity to a crisis, spreading through middle school hallways, bathrooms, lunch tables, parks and increasingly younger grades.
The message counters national stories showing that while vaping among juveniles is still a problem, it has become less prevalent.
“Vaping is hitting third graders,” Padilla Zepeda said. “They’re around nine, and even my little brother is asking me what’s going on. He just doesn’t know, and I want to lead him to the right path. I also want to lead people who aren’t just family. I want to change their lives instead of letting them go down the wrong path.”
For months, the group has been speaking during Public Invited to be Heard at city council meetings to urge city council to adopt a tobacco retail ordinance that would tighten licensing and compliance inspections, especially for stores selling to minors or offering unregulated psychoactive products, according to Haley Foster, Aurora Partners for Thriving Youth coalition director.
“We can do way better for our community,” 14-year-old Novella Miller said.
In Aurora, tobacco retailers outnumber grocery stores twoto-one, according to Adams and Arapahoe Retail Food License Data. Stores located within 1,500 feet of a school are twice as likely to sell to minors, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Tobacco Compliance Check.
One in four Aurora Public School students gets tobacco products directly from a retailer, according to the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, and 85% of Aurora Public Schools students who tried to buy nicotine products were not refused.
“This has steadily gone up since 2019,” Foster said. “The coalition came together, did a lot of research, and decided that we needed to have some higher restrictions on kids getting access to substances and nicotine.”
Neighborhoods with clusters of tobacco shops and similar outlets experience increased crime and higher youth access, according to a 2018 study called ‘The geography of crime and violence surrounding tobacco shops, medical marijuana dispensaries, and off-sale alcohol outlets in a large, urban low-income community of color.’
“It is definitely a lot of peer pressure for people,” Padilla Zepeda said. “It could cost you a friendship if you don’t follow along with them. So it could be a lot of consequences if you don’t, and if you do, and it’s a lot of pressure, I feel like, for somebody who could only be 12 years old.”
Foster said the legal solution the youth coalition is pushing would raise compliance checks for tobacco retailers and “make sure someone is actually checking all the psychoactive prod-
ucts being sold in vape shops.”
“We’ve had more than one death linked to vape-access in Aurora,” she said. “Kids trying to buy this stuff, or sell it. It’s dangerous.”
This death refers to Jor’dell Richardson, a 14-year-old, who was shot and killed by Aurora Police after an armed robbery, June 2023, where police said he was attempting to steal vapes from a convenience store.
Many of the teens asking the city to intervene joined substance-prevention classes at North and East Middle Schools and eventually joined the coalition. They now run tabling events at community gatherings, where they use games and conversation to educate their peers.
“During our tabling events, sometimes we’ll have a spinning wheel, and when people come up to the table, we make them spin the wheel,” 14-year-old Geovani Arellano-Morales said. When people land on a number, they are asked questions about smoking or vaping risks, and if they answer well, they receive a prize and are told about the coalition, Arellano-Morales said.
But the students say their work is about more than warnings, it’s about offering alternatives.
“We show ways to relieve stress other than smoking,” Arellano-Morales said.
He listed deep breathing, listening to music and exercise.
“A lot of times, people start smoking because of stress or anger or other problems,” 14-year-old Vladimir Sandoval Guriano said. “So we try to fix that, and find other things they can do without them smoking like fidget toys.”
Joy, who did not give her last name, left, and Geovani Arellano-Morales address the Aurora City Council Nov. 17, 2025, asking for legislation to prevent teen vaping. SENTINEL SCREEN GRAB
ABOVE: Varieties of disposable flavored electronic cigarette devices manufactured by EB Design, formerly known as Elf Bar, are displayed at a store in
Arellano-Morales said he had a family member who changed a lot from smoking, and that it encouraged him to join the coalition.
“I saw him get addicted to it at an early age,” Arellano-Morales said. “I saw him go from a really kind person to somebody who was just angry and yelling all the time, and when I found out about this coalition, and I saw that I could help other people going through the same thing, it just made me really want to put myself out there and be able to prevent this from happening to other people.”
He said he also knew a girl who was full of life and liked to try new things. She wanted to try it once, and since it was so easy to get, she did, and it took her life down a completely different path than what she had planned from a young age. “It gets to kids younger and younger,” he said.
“I just don’t want to see that happen to any more kids, because that was a sixth grader, and it’s just getting to the kids younger and younger as time goes by,” Arellano-Morales said. Miller said pressure within families can fracture relationships. She said she’s dealt with the pain of losing loved ones to peer pressure herself. Padilla Zepeda said she’s watched younger kids mimic vaping with Smarties candy, and it starts as a joke, but then it normalizes the habit. She said she read about a two-year-old who was taken to the hospital for vape poisoning.
“I don’t want Aurora to ever reach that level,” Padilla Zepeda said.
The teens said the stakes feel urgent. They believe stricter rules could have changed the paths of people they loved. They want Aurora to take the steps needed to change the paths of those who come after them.
— Cassandra Ballard
Once seen as a ‘healthy’ alternative to smoking, vaping carries dangers, experts say
Sixty years ago, the U.S. surgeon general released a report that settled a longstanding public debate about the dangers of cigarettes and led to huge changes in smoking in America. Today, some public health experts say a similar report could help clear the air about vaping.
Many U.S. adults believe nicotine vaping is as harmful as — or more dangerous than — cigarette smoking. That’s wrong. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and most scientists agree that, based on available evidence, electronic cigarettes are far less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. But that doesn’t mean e-cigarettes are harmless either. And public health experts disagree about exactly how harmful, or helpful, the devices are. Clarifying information is urgently needed, said Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University.
“There have been so many confusing messages about vaping,” Gostin said. “A surgeon general’s report could clear that all up.”
One major obstacle: E-cigarettes haven’t been around long enough for scientists to see if vapers develop problems like lung cancer and heart disease.
“There’s a remarkable lack of evidence,” said Dr. Kelly Henning, who leads the public health program at Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Cigarette smoking has long been described as the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the annual toll at 480,000 lives. That count should start to fall around 2030, according to a study published last year by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, thanks in part to a decline in smoking rates that began in the 1960s.
Back then, ashtrays were everywhere and more than 42% of U.S. adults smoked.
On Jan. 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry released an authoritative report that said smoking causes illness and death — and the government should do something about it. The report is considered a watershed moment: In the decades that followed, warning labels were put on cigarette packs, cigarette commercials were banned, governments raised tobacco taxes and new restrictions were placed on where people could light up.
By 2022, the adult smoking rate was 11%.
Some experts believe e-cigarettes deserve some of the credit. The devices were billed as a way to help smokers quit, and the FDA has authorized a handful of e-cigarettes as less-harmful alternatives for adult smokers.
Vaping’s popularity exploded in the 2010s, among both adults but and teens. In 2014, e-cigarettes surpassed combustible cigarettes as the tobacco product that youth used the most. By 2019, 28% of high schoolers were vaping.
U.S. health officials sounded alarms, fearing that kids hooked on nicotine would rediscover cigarettes. That hasn’t happened. Last year, the high school smoking rate was less than 2% — far lower than the 35% rate seen about 25 years ago.
“That’s a great public health triumph. It’s an almost unbelievable one,” said Kenneth Warner, who studies tobacco-control policies at the University of Michigan.
“If it weren’t for e-cigarettes, I think we would be hearing the public health community shouting at the top of their lungs about the success of getting kids not to smoke,” he said.
Cigarettes have been called the deadliest consumer product ever invented. Their smoke contains thousands of chemicals, at least 69 of which can cause cancer.
The vapor from e-cigarettes has been estimated to contain far fewer chemicals, and fewer carcinogens. Some toxic substances are present in both, but show up in much lower con-
centrations in e-cigarette vapor than in cigarette smoke.
Studies have shown that smokers who completely switch to vaping have better lung function and see other health improvements.
“I would much rather see someone vaping than smoking a Marlboro. There is no question in my mind that vaping is safer,” said Donald Shopland, who was a clerk for the committee that generated the 1964 report and is co-author of a forthcoming book on it.
But what about the dangers to people who have never smoked?
There have been 100 to 200 studies looking at vaping, and they are a mixed bag, said Dr. Neal Benowitz, of the University of California, San Francisco, a leading academic voice on nicotine and tobacco addiction. The studies used varying techniques, and many were limited in their ability to separate the effects of vaping from former cigarettes smoking, he said.
“If you look at the research, it’s all over the map,” Warner said.
Studies have detected bronchitis symptoms and aggravation of asthma in young people who vape. Research also indicates vaping also can affect the cells that line the blood vessels and heart, leading to looks for a link to heart disease. Perhaps the most cited concern is nicotine, the stimulant that makes cigarettes and vapes addictive.
Animal studies suggest nicotine exposure in adolescents can affect development of the area of the brain responsible for attention, learning and impulse control. Some research in people suggests a link between vaping and ADHD symptoms, depression and feelings of stress. But experts say that the research is very limited and more work needs to be done.
Meanwhile, there’s not even a clear scientific consensus that vaping is an effective way to quit smoking, with different studies coming up with different conclusions.
In 2016, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said efforts were needed to prevent and reduce e-cigarette use by children and young adults, saying nicotine in any form is unsafe for kids.
About four months before the report’s release, the FDA began taking steps to regulate e-cigarettes, believing they would benefit smokers.
The agency has authorized several e-cigarettes, but it has refused more than 1 million product marketing applications. Critics say the FDA has been unfair and inconsistent in regulation of products.
Meanwhile, the number of different e-cigarette devices sold in the U.S. has boomed, due largely to disposables imported from China that come in fruit and candy flavors. But vaping by youths has recently been falling: Last year, 10% of high school students surveyed said they had used e-cigarettes in the previous month, down from 14% the year before.
— The Associated Press
Pinecrest, Fla., Monday, June 26, 2023.
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
DREAM HOUSE
GAYLORD ROCKIES SHOWS OFF LIFE-SIZED GINGERBREAD COTTAGE
Agingerbread house at Gaylord Rockies takes the holiday tradition to life-sized levels.
Brielle Fratellone started to decorate a life-sized gingerbread house from scratch on Nov. 21st, 2025, in Aurora. The shingles and rocks on the chimney are all made out of gingerbread.
Step inside the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, and there’s a strong, sweet smell of molasses and cinnamon right in the lobby. It’s coming from a giant house decorated to the brim with real gingerbread.
“It’s about 450 pounds of gingerbread total, maybe closer to 500 pounds of gingerbread, so a lot of gingerbread to handle,” Executive Pastry Chef Brielle Fratellone said. “It’s over 110-120 pounds of molasses, probably about 70-80 pounds of sugar.”
The skis were Brielle Fratellone’s personal touch for her love of the sport. She said next year she might add a snowboard to the design.
Pastry Chef Jackson Nguyen (right) places gingerbread shingles on the house as Executive Pastry Chef Brielle Fratellone (left) advises him. In total, more than 2,000 pounds of ingredients — a literal
ton — were used to adorn the gingerbread mountain cabin.
In total, more than 2,000 pounds of ingredients were used to adorn the gingerbread mountain cabin. They do have to use some wood and hot glue to keep things in place, but most of the house is furnished with gingerbread. There’s a gingerbread reindeer family, a six-foot gingerbread tree, and her favorite addition: a pair of gingerbread skis.
“I am a big skier. I love it. I made my own personal set, even wrote my name,” she said. “It says ‘Chef’ on the bottom of each ski.”
Fratellone said it’s fun to be creative. She used shaved coconut flakes to make snow, isomalt sugar to make glass for the porch lanterns, and activated charcoal to make gingerbread stones for the chimney.
Pastry Chef Ali Syed is sanding the gingerbread shingles for the roof with a microplane so that they fit just right. While this gingerbread is real, it was made several weeks ago and frozen, so it’s not exactly edible.
Planning for this gingerbread house started in July with a team of engineers sketching out rough designs. Now, for the last two months, more than 25 pastry chefs have been
hard at work, using 80-quart mixing bowls to combine all those ingredients.
The skis were Brielle Fratellone’s personal touch for her love of the sport. She said next year she might add a snowboard to the design.
“(It) took us almost three days to bake off all of the gingerbread just for the house,” Fratellone said.
This is the first time Gaylord Rockies has built this giant gingerbread house, but their pastry team has some experience. For the past three years, each chef has made their own smaller-scale gingerbread house for the resort’s Mistletoe Village. This year’s theme is Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
There’s a lot of gingerbread baking, but Fratellone enjoys the opportunity to be creative.
“We wanted to take up a notch, do something a little bit bigger, take on a new challenge,” Fratellone said. “I think that’s really special.”
Fratellone joked with the engineering team that maybe they’ll make a life-sized village of gingerbread someday. But she still plans to rebuild this house next year with new decor and a new theme.
The giant gingerbread house will be on display through New Year’s Day.
ABOVE: Executive Pastry Chef Brielle Fratellon cuts the ribbon on her creation at the Gaylord Rockies.
BELOW: Pastry Chef Jackson Nguyen (right) places gingerbread shingles on the house as E Fratellone (left) advises him. In total, more than 2,000 pounds of ingredients — a literal ton — were used to adorn the gingerbread mountain cabin.
BOTTOM: Those skis.
Photos by Emma VandenEinde/KUNC
BY EMMA VANDENEINDE, KUNC News
Winter
scene & herd
Feast: DAVA’s annual holiday show and sale
Kick off the giving season at “Winter Feast,” the annual holiday show and sale at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts. The event opens with a festive reception Dec. 5, from 4p.m.–9 p.m., featuring a book signing with Sabe S. Kemer for her children’s book “Oh to Touch the Sky.” illustrated by DAVA student Lelli Tenane.
The exhibition highlights original artwork by DAVA youth across all programs, including winter-themed paintings, functional ceramic dishes, cast porcelain sculptures, marbled-clay bowls, origami-inspired cards, and recycled-paper creations. High school students’ illustrated recipe book, “The Taste of DAVA,” will also be available.
Guest artists contribute an array of handmade goods, from ceramic and woodblock prints to eco-dyed fiber works, wooden cutting boards, beaded and wooden jewelry, citrus-inspired accessories, miniature displays, mushroom candles and stained-glass ornaments. Additional items support women artists from the Toro Kingdom in Uganda, in-
cluding baskets, aprons, toys and ornaments.
IF YOU GO: The show runs weekdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., through Dec. 19 at the DAVA studio, 1405 Florence St. A New Year Art Sale and Closing Reception is slated for Jan. 2, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Admission is free.
Santa’s Big Red Sack –The Final Season
The long-running Rattlebrain Productions holiday comedy that skewers Christmas traditions with sketch comedy, music, and sharp satire is back for the holidays. This is the final season of the show, bringing back original cast members for a wild, irreverent ride through festive absurdity.
IF YOU GO: Performances Dec. 4 through Dec. 24 at The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. Tickets: $38.58 for general admission.
Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society –“A Christmas Carol”
A comedic, irreverent take on Dickens’ classic, this production features audience participation, original songs, and the over-the-top charm of Farndale’s guild of eccentric ladies. “The Fox will welcome some of the true “grandes dames” of the Colorado theatre community to the stage for this hilarious, nonstop journey into a holiday show gone utterly and madly wrong.”
IF YOU GO: Evening and matinee performances through Dec. 21 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center. 9900 E Colfax Ave Tickets: $17–$42. Details and reservations at aurorafoxartscenter.org
Mile High Holidays Drone Show
A nightly spectacle of 600 drones
choreographed to form holiday-themed animations above the Denver skyline. The show’s scale and creativity make it a magical, communal event.
IF YOU GO: Through Dec. 31, nightly at 7 p.m., best viewed from Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, Sculpture Park, or other downtown vantage points. Free. Details at visitdenver.com/milehighholidays/drone-shows/
Meow Wolf Denver –Immersive Art Experience
Explore “Convergence Station,” a multi-level, immersive art installation where rooms, portals, and interactive environments collide. Live performance, visual storytelling, and audio surprises await.
IF YOU GO: Nightly at Meow Wolf, 1338 First St. Tickets $48–$58 at meowwolf.com.
The Pond Ice Rink opening celebration
Bundle up and glide into the winter season as The Pond Ice Rink opens for another year of outdoor skating in Aurora. Families and friends can enjoy public sessions under the lights, complete with music, hot chocolate and cozy fire pits. The seasonal rink has become a favorite local hangout, offering lessons, hockey sessions and themed skate nights throughout the season. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s the perfect place to celebrate winter fun.
IF YOU GO: 6155 S. Main St. $15 admission includes skates and rink time. Details at thepondicerink.com
Festival of Wreaths at Aurora History Museum
The holiday season begins early with the Festival of Wreaths, a long-running fundraiser and art showcase at the Aurora History Museum. Local businesses, artists and organizations design and do-
nate creative wreaths that are displayed throughout the museum. Visitors can vote for their favorites and bid in an online auction, with proceeds funding the museum’s internship program. The display offers a festive blend of art, tradition and community goodwill.
IF YOU GO: Through Dec. 5, during museum hours. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway. Admission is free. Details at auroragov.org/ wreaths
Aurora Fox Arts Center: A Christmas Carol, maybe not what you think
The Aurora Fox begins its holiday season production with the opening weekend of The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’. This comedy features an amateur group’s hilariously disastrous attempt to stage the Dickens classic.
IF YOU GO: through Dec. 21. Showtimes vary with night and matinee curtains. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Ticket prices $14-$42. Details and tickets at aurorafoxartscenter.org
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
The annual holiday tradition begins, transforming the Denver Botanic Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors can wander a mile-long path through ever-changing, immersive displays of light and color that highlight the garden’s collections.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 21 through Jan. 11. 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Tickets $10-$20. Details at botanicgardens.org
Denver Christkindlmarket
The annual German-inspired Christmas market opens for the holiday season
on Nov. 21. Guests can enjoy authentic Glühwein, European coffee and hot chocolate while browsing vendors selling handcrafted ornaments, gifts and traditional European fare.
IF YOU GO: Through Dec. 23. Hours vary. Location Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer Square. Admission is free. Details at christkindlmarketdenver.com
Dan Rodriguez Christmas Concert
Soulful, warm, and heartfelt — local favorite Dan Rodriguez returns to Aurora Center for the Arts for a night of holiday music, original songs, and festive charm. IF YOU GO: Dec. 6, 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Aurora Center for the Arts. 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: $20. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org
2025 Holiday Celebration – Music from The Nutcracker with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra
The Aurora Symphony Orchestra presents a family-friendly holiday concert featuring favorite movements from The Nutcracker, such as “Dance of the Flowers” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.” In addition, the program calls for Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and Valerie Coleman’s Umoja: Anthem of Unity, which brings in themes of heritage and community. The event also includes a silent auction of donated items from local businesses benefiting the Aurora Symphony Orchestra.
IF YOU GO: Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Gateway High School Auditorium, 1300 S. Sable Blvd, Aurora. Tickets: $22.13 (adult), $11.63 for seniors, first responders and others, free for students & children under 18. Details at aurorasymphony.org
the
Coordinator,
and Contract Ser-
15151 East Alameda Parkway Suite 5700, Aurora, Colorado 80012, on or before the above date.
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO BY: Cyndi Winner Senior Procurement Agent
First Publication: November 27, 2025 Final Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO DATE: December 11, 2025
PURCHASE ORDER NO. 25P0100K
PROJECT NO: 6029A
PROJECT TITLE: MLK CPF Grant Remodel Project
CONTRACTOR: We O’Neil Construction Company
5800 S. Nevada St. Littleton, CO 80120
Notice is hereby given that the City of Aurora intends to start processing the Final Payment to the above-named Contractor on December 22, 2025, provided no claims are received.
Any person or firm having debts against the Contractor must file a proper written notice with the Contract Coordinator, City of Aurora, Purchasing and Contract Services Division, 15151 East Alameda Parkway Suite 5700, Aurora, Colorado 80012, on or before the above date.
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO BY: Angie Young Senior Procurement Agent
First Publication: December 4, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025 Sentinel
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO DATE: December 11, 2025
PURCHASE ORDER NO. 20P0951K
PROJECT NO: 522501
PROJECT TITLE: Design/Build for Sand Creek Water Reuse Facility PLC Conversion / UPS Improvements
CONTRACTOR: Carollo Engineers 390 Interlocken Crescent, Ste. 800 Broomfield, CO 80021
Notice is hereby given that the City of Aurora intends to start processing the Final Payment to the above-named Contractor on December 15, 2025, provided no claims are received.
Any person or firm having debts against the Contractor must file a proper written notice with the Contract Coordinator, City of Aurora, Purchasing and Contract Services Division, 15151 East Alameda Parkway Suite 5700, Aurora, Colorado 80012, on or before the above date.
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO BY: Nathan Jones Procurement Supervisor
First Publication: December 4, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025 Sentinel
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO DATE: December 4, 2025
PURCHASE ORDER NO. 25P0100K
PROJECT NO: 6029A
PROJECT TITLE: MLK CPF Grant Remodel Project
CONTRACTOR:
We O’Neil Construction Company
5800 S. Nevada St. Littleton, CO 80120
Notice is hereby given that the City of Aurora intends to start processing the Final Payment to the above-named Contractor on December 22, 2025, provided no claims are received.
Any person or firm having debts against the Contractor must file a proper written notice with the Contract Coordinator, City of Aurora, Purchasing and Contract Services Division, 15151 East Alameda Parkway Suite 5700, Aurora, Colorado 80012, on or before the above date.
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO BY: Angie Young Senior Procurement Agent
First Publication: December 4, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025 Sentinel
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO DATE: December 4, 2025
PURCHASE ORDER NO. 20P0951K PROJECT NO: 522501
PROJECT TITLE: Design/Build for Sand Creek Water Reuse Facility PLC Conversion / UPS Improvements
CONTRACTOR: Carollo Engineers 390 Interlocken Crescent, Ste. 800 Broomfield, CO 80021
Notice is hereby given that the City of Aurora intends to start processing the Final Payment to the above-named Contractor on December 15, 2025, provided no claims are received.
NOTICE OF NEW LIQUOR LICENSE
APPLICATION
As required by the Colorado Liquor Code, as amended, notice is hereby given that an application for a Hotel & Restaurant Liquor License has been received by the Local Licensing Authority for the granting of a license to sell fermented malt, vinous and spirituous liquors by the drink for consumption on the premises. Cascade EUC LLC dba Cascade EUC for a location at 15264 East Hampden Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014 filed the application on November 19th, 2025. The member resides in Colorado.
Written protests with reasons must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on January 2nd, 2026 to Lisa Keith, Senior Licensing Officer, at 15151 East Alameda Parkway, 5th Floor, Aurora, CO 80012.
Provided either the applicant or protestant(s) desire to use petitions to prove the needs of the neighborhood, and the desires of the inhabitants, the petitions may not be circulated before December 4th, 2025 and must be returned by 12:00 noon on December 24th, 2025, for review and verification by the City of Aurora Liquor Licensing staff.
Information as to the application, procedures, or remonstrances, may be handled with the Liquor Licensing staff up to and including January 2nd, 2026.
Lisa Keith Senior Licensing Officer 303-739-7568
lkeith@auroragov.org
Publication: December 4, 2025
Sentinel
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
December 4, 2025
City of Aurora Housing and Community Development Division 15151 East Alameda Parkway Aurora, CO 80012
303.739.7900
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Village Exchange Center, Inc.
On or about December 22, 2025 the city of Aurora will authorize Village Exchange Center, Inc. to submit a request to the HUD Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) for the release of Economic Development Initiative (EDI) Community Project Funding (CPF) funds under Title 1, Section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended 42 U.S.C. § 5305(a), and under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, as amended, to undertake a project known as Village Exchange Renovation Project for the purpose of renovation.
The religious facility, constructed in 1956, consists of two single-story community center buildings constructed between 1963 and 1970. The facility is used for church activities, event space, a food pantry, and associated administrative activities. The proposed renovations include updating building life and safety systems with sprinkler and fire alarm design and installations and modifications to existing underground water pipes; converting the basement church kitchen into a fully functioning commissary kitchen with expanded capacity and installation of a service elevator to the pantry and kitchen areas; expanding restroom capacities; and relocating the front entrance to provide increased accessibility. Additional on-site improvements include asphalt-paved parking areas and associated landscaping. The estimated funding for the project is $2,1000,000 with $1,700,000 in CPF funds. The project is located at 1609 Havana Street, Aurora, CO 80010.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The city of Aurora has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at city of Aurora, Aurora Municipal Center, Housing and Community Development Division, located at 15151 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012 and may be examined or copied on weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any person or firm having debts against the Contractor must file a proper written notice with the Contract Coordinator, City of Aurora, Purchasing and Contract Services Division, 15151 East Alameda Parkway Suite 5700, Aurora, Colorado 80012, on or before the above date.
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO BY: Nathan Jones Procurement Supervisor
First Publication: December 4, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025 Sentinel
cuted by the Certifying Officer of the city of Aurora; (b) the city of Aurora has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Noemi Ghirghi, CPD Region VIII Director at CPDRROFDEN@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Sarah Pulliam, Manager of Community Development Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
ARAPAHOE COUNTY COMBINED COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-10-401, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR537
In the Interest of: Amanda Renee King
To: Matthew King
Last Known Address, if any: Homeless
A hearing on December 17, 2025 for Guardianship of Amanda King will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:
Date: December 17, 2025
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Courtroom or Division: 12
Address: Webex
The hearing will take approximately 30 minutes.
Terran Panzarella
2370 W. Wesley Ave. Englewood, CO 80110
First Publication: November 27, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025 Sentinel BEFORE THE ENERGY AND CARBON MANAGEMENT COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO CAUSE NO. 535 DOCKET NO. 250900200 TYPE: POOLING SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
IN THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THE NIOBRARA FORMATION, DJ HORIZONTAL NIOBRARA FIELD, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
TO THE following interested parties: Beaver Trust Company, Estate of Arthur R. Hoglund, Heirs and/or Devisees of the Estate of Lawrence R. Rydiger, Heirs and/or Devisees of the Estate of Mabel Self, deceased, Heirs and/or Devisees of the Estate of Minnie M. Averill, deceased, Heirs and/or Devisees of the Estate of Oliver McIntosh, deceased, Heirs and/or Devisees of the Estate of Severn Kittridge, deceased, Heirs and/or Devisees of the Estate of V.O. Lee, deceased, Heirs and/or Devisees of the Estate of Walter James Grund and John L. Chambers
P.M.
Section 1: S1/2
Section 2: S1/2
Section 3: SE1/4
Section 10: E1/2
Section 11: All Section 12: All
Approximately 5,749.64-acres, Adams County.
Nearby Public Crossroads: C.R. 64 & Jackson Gap St.
The Commission scheduled this matter for hearing on: Date: February 18, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, Colorado 80203
To oppose the Application, you must file a written petition with the Commission pursuant to Commission Rule 507. You must file your protest on or before December 19, 2025. Please see Commission Rule 507 at https://ecmc.colorado.gov/, under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 510.l, the deadline for petitions may only be continued for good cause, even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Pursuant to Commission Rule 507, if you do not file a proper petition, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you. Parties wishing to file a petition must register online at https://oitco.hylandcloud.com/ DNRCOGExternalAccess/Account/Login. aspx and select “Request Access to Site.” Please refer to our “eFiling Users Guidebook” at https://ecmc.state.co.us/documents/reg/Hearings/External_EfilingSystemGuidebook_2023_FINAL.pdf for more information. Under Commission Rule 508, if no petition is filed, the Application may be approved administratively without a formal hearing.
If you file a petition, you must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of December 22, 2025, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a petition.
If you fail to file a timely petition, the Commission may enter an order affecting your interests in the Application Lands without further notice. This matter may be continued to a future Commission hearing date, but that does not change your petition deadline. A copy of the Application may be obtained from the Commission’s eFiling system or Applicant’s attorney.
ENERGY AND CARBON MANAGEMENT COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO By /s/ Elias Thomas, Commission Secretary
Dated: November 10, 2025
Energy & Carbon Management Commission 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, Colorado 80203 Website: https://ecmc.colorado.gov/ Phone: (303) 894-2100 Fax: (303) 894-2109
Attorney for Applicant: Jamie L. Jost Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 3511 Ringsby Court, Unit 103 Denver, CO 80216 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com
First Publication: November 20, 2025 Final Publication: December 18, 2025 Sentinel
DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO DIVORCE NOTICE Case No. 2025DR31380
In re the Marriage of: Merly M. Utsler, Petitioner, and Jason Lowery Utsler, Respondent.
and 2026 budgets will be considered at a regular meeting to be held on December 12, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. via video/teleconference. The meeting will be open to the public.
You can attend the meeting in any of the following ways:
1. To attend via video conference, the links to the video conference may be obtained from the Agenda posted on the website: https://skyranch.colorado.gov.
2. To attend via telephone conference, the call-in information to the meeting may be obtained from the Agenda posted on the website: https://skyranch.colorado.gov.
You may also email McKenna.Lewis@claconnect.com to obtain the link and call-in information.
Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2025 and 2026 budgets, inspect the 2025 and 2026 budgets and file or register any objections thereto.
SKY RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 6 /s/ Lisa Johnson Manager to the District
Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2026 BUDGETS AND AMENDMENT OF 2025 BUDGETS FOUNDRY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that proposed budgets have been submitted to the Boards of Directors of the Foundry Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 (the “Districts”) for the ensuing year of 2026. The necessity may also arise for the amendments of the 2025 budgets of the Districts. Copies of the proposed 2026 budgets and 2025 amended budgets (if appropriate) are on file in the office of the Districts’ Accountant, Simmons & Wheeler, PC, 304 Inverness Way South, Ste. 490, Englewood, Colorado 80112, where same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2026 budgets and 2025 amended budgets will be considered at a special meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom video/teleconference. Any interested elector within the Districts may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2026 budgets or the 2025 amended budgets, inspect the 2026 budgets and the 2025 amended budgets and file or register any objections thereto. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/88466691469?pwd=xfKPdMqlybyU15vv9sRP9aNadlqDpd.1 Meeting ID: 884 6669 1469 Passcode: 739048 Dial In: 1-719-359-4580 FOUNDRY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8
Publication: December 4, 2025
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Sarah Pulliam, Manager of Community Development, city of Aurora, Housing and Community Development Division, 15151 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012, and by email to sacarrol@auroragov.org. All comments received by December 19, 2025, will be considered by the city of Aurora prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The city of Aurora certifies to HUD that Sarah Pulliam in her capacity as Manager of Community Development consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Village Exchange Center, Inc. to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the city of Aurora certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not exe-
You are hereby summoned and may appear and respond to the Application filed with the Commission in this docket. Pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 34-60-101 – 144, Bison IV Operating, LLC (Operator No. 10670) (“Applicant”), filed an filed an Application for an order to pool all interests within an approximate 5,749.64-acre drilling and spacing unit established by Order No. 5351559 for the drilling of the following wells (the “Wells”) for the development and operation of the Niobrara Formation on the following described lands:”
Well Name APD Document No.
In the matter of the marriage of Merly Utsler and Jason Utsler, case number 2025DR031380, filed in Arapahoe County District Court.
To Jason Utsler,
You are hereby notified that a divorce action has been filed against you. If you do not respond by December 11, 2025, the court may proceed in your absence and grant a divorce.
/s/ Elissa Bercovitz, Esq. Bercovitz Law Firm. P.C. Attorney for Merly Utsler 2373 Central Park Boulevard, Suite 100 Denver, Colorado 80238 Telephone: (303) 803-1678 elissa@bercovitzlaw.com
Attorney Registration No. 30868
First Publication: November 13, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025 Sentinel
NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2025 and 2026 BUDGETS SKY RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 6 ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that proposed budgets have been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Sky Ranch Metropolitan District No. 6 (the “District”) for the year of 2025 and the ensuing year of 2026. Copies of the proposed 2025 and 2026 budgets are on file in the office of the District Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 2001 16th Street, Ste. 1700 Denver, CO 80202, where same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2025
NOTICE
By:
The Connextion
Estate of Carolanne Petry, Deceased.
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before April 4, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.
Winfred Kenneth Hooker, Jr.
Personal Representative 6320 E. Costilla Pl. Centennial, CO 80112
First Publication: December 4, 2025
To access the meeting, use the following information: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/84528882080?pwd=2dL3fjczy0Nz0ayl10TYS76wTDgDQa.1 Meeting ID: 845 2888 2080 Passcode: 466269 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: EAST BEND METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ ERB LAW, LLC Attorneys for the District
Final Publication: December 18, 2025
Sentinel
Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PUBLIC NOTICE
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR31161
Estate of Leonard Leroy Albrecht aka Leonard L. Albrecht aka Leonard Albrecht, Deceased.
Aurora Water is updating its Storm Drainage Design and Technical Criteria (SDDTC) for 2026 and is welcoming public comment. Visit EngageAurora.org/StormCriteria to view and download the draft 2026 manual and leave comments. You may also call 303.739.7856 to leave a message. The public comment period will remain open until Dec. 11, 2025.
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before March 27, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Anna L. Burr, Esq. 2851 S. Parker Road, Ste. 230 Aurora, CO 80014
Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
PUBLIC NOTICE
First Publication: November 27, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025
Sentinel
Basic curriculum materials being considered for adoption by Aurora Public Schools, Board of Education are listed below.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR607
Estate of Rachel Taylor, Deceased.
These curriculum materials that are being considered for adoption may also be viewed at this link: aurorak12.org/proposed-curriculum
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR31135
Estate of Carolanne Petry, Deceased.
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before April 4, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.
Winfred Kenneth Hooker, Jr.
Personal Representative 6320 E. Costilla Pl. Centennial, CO 80112
First Publication: December 4, 2025
Final Publication: December 18, 2025
Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S.
Case No. 2025PR31161
Estate of Leonard Leroy Albrecht aka Leonard L. Albrecht aka Leonard Albrecht, Deceased.
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before March 27, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.
Anna L. Burr, Esq. 2851 S. Parker Road, Ste. 230 Aurora, CO 80014
First Publication: November 27, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025
Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S.
Case No. 2025PR607
Estate of Rachel Taylor, Deceased.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH
Publisher Websitewww.illustrativemathematics.com
Textbook Titles & CoursesIllustrative v.360 Grade 6 Math Grade 7 Math Grade 8 Math
Group, LLC,
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before April 6, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Patty Rae Brooks Personal Representative 1051 Elmira St. Aurora, CO 80010
K-12 PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Marrocco,
First Publication: December 4, 2025
Final Publication: December 18, 2025
Sentinel
Publisher Websitewww.open.varsityuniversity.org
www.dynamicpeasap.com
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
Textbook Titles & CoursesOPEN Dynamic PE ASAP K-12 PE classes
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR30788
HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE
Estate of John Gary Mikes aka John G. Mikes aka John Mikes, Deceased.
filed with the Board of Directors of the Sky Ranch Metropolitan District No. 6 (“District”), located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, a petition requesting the Board adopt a resolution approving the inclusion of certain property into the boundaries of such District (“Petition”).
Publisher Websitehttps://openscied.org
Textbook Titles & CoursesHigh School Biology
High School Chemistry High School Physics
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado, on or before March 20, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.
First Publication: November 27, 2025
Final Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
John D. Konz, Esq. Jorgensen Brownell & Pepin
8001 Arista Place, Ste. 415 Broomfield, CO 80021
1. The name and address of the Petitioner and a general description of the property that is the subject of such Petition is as follows:
Petitioner: PCY Holdings, LLC
Phone: 303-678-0560
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR30321
First Publication: November 20, 2025
Final Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
Address of Petitioner: 34501 E. Quincy Ave., Building 1 Watkins, CO 80137
Estate of Pamela Wojahn aka Pamela Arlene Wojahn, Deceased.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Public notice is given on that a petition has been filed with the Adams County District Court in Case No.2025C2195 requesting a change of name for the following person:
Description: Approximately 26 acres of land generally located: West of N. Carrie St, South and East of N. Del Ray St., and North of E. 8th Ave. Place in Arapahoe County, Colorado
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado, on or before March 4, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Ariel Okonsky
Current Name: Jayden Ronaldo Valdez
Personal Representative 507 Canyon Blvd. Ste. 203 Boulder, CO 80302
Proposed New Name: Jayden Ronaldo Valdez- Treto
2. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 32-1401(1)(b), C.R.S., notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the District shall hold a public meeting to hear the Petition on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., via Zoom videoconference. All interested persons shall appear at such meeting and show cause in writing why such Petition should not be granted. All protests and objections shall be deemed to be waived unless submitted in writing to the District at or prior to the hearing or any continuance or postponement thereof in order to be considered.
First Publication: December 4, 2025
Final Publication: December 18, 2025 Sentinel
Any person objecting to the requested name change must file a written objection with the Court within fourteen (14) days after the publication of the last notice.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR31007
First Publication: November 20, 2025
Final Publication: December 4, 2025
Sentinel
Estate of David Alan Lorenz, Deceased.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before April 15, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.
Public notice is given on that a petition has been filed with the Adams County District Court in Case No. 2025C2196 requesting a change of name for the following person:
3. To attend the videoconference, use the following link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YWQ0OTJjMTgtNTcwOS00ZTdjLThlZjItZWY4ZTdmY2Y1NWNj%40thread. v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224aaa468e-
Attorney for Personal Representative
William E. Smith
Current Name: Valerie Solet Valdez
Proposed New Name: Valerie Solet Valdez-Treto
Atty Reg #: 40100 SMITH BALICKI FINN LARAWAY, LLC 116 Inverness Drive East, Ste. 207 Englewood, CO 80112
First Publication: November 27, 2025
Final Publication: December 11, 2025 Sentinel
Any person objecting to the requested name change must file a written objection with the Court within fourteen (14) days after the publication of the last notice.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
4. To attend via telephone: Call: 720-5475281; Conference ID: 619 669 19# SKY RANCH METROPOLITAN
First Publication: November 20, 2025
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR31131
Estate of BENJAMIN BUCK LOWE, SR., aka BENJAMIN B. LOWE, SR., aka BENNY B. LOWE, Deceased.
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Arapahoe County District Court on or before March 20, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.
Marco D. Chayet
Jennifer R. Oviatt
Personal Representative 18th Judicial District Public Administrator’s Office P.O. Box 460749, Denver, CO 80246
(303) 355-8520
First Publication: November 20, 2025
Final Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before April 6, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.
Patty Rae Brooks
Personal Representative 1051 Elmira St. Aurora, CO 80010
First Publication: December 4, 2025
Final Publication: December 18, 2025
Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR30788
Estate of John Gary Mikes aka John G. Mikes aka John Mikes, Deceased.
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado, on or before March 20, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.
John D. Konz, Esq.
Jorgensen Brownell & Pepin 8001 Arista Place, Ste. 415 Broomfield, CO 80021
Phone: 303-678-0560
First Publication: November 20, 2025
Final Publication: December 4, 2025
Sentinel
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Public notice is given on that a petition has been filed with the Adams County District Court in Case No.2025C2195 requesting a change of name for the following person:
Current Name: Jayden Ronaldo Valdez
Proposed New Name: Jayden Ronaldo Valdez- Treto
Any person objecting to the requested name change must file a written objection with the Court within fourteen (14) days after the publication of the last notice.
First Publication: November 20, 2025
Final Publication: December 4, 2025
Sentinel
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Public notice is given on that a petition has been filed with the Adams County District Court in Case No. 2025C2196 requesting a change of name for the following person:
Current Name: Valerie Solet Valdez
Proposed New Name: Valerie Solet Valdez-Treto
Any person objecting to the requested name change must file a written objection with the Court within fourteen (14) days after the publication of the last notice.
First Publication: November 20, 2025
Final Publication: December 4, 2025
Sentinel
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Public notice is given on that a petition has been filed with the Adams County District Court in Case No. 2025C 2194 requesting a change of name for the following person:
Current Name: Camila Sophia Valdez
Proposed New Name: Camila Sophia Valdez- Treto
Any person objecting to the requested name change must file a written objection with the Court within fourteen (14) days after the publication of the last notice.
First Publication: November 20, 2025
Final Publication: December 4, 2025 Sentinel
Editorials Sentinel
Colorado Legislature may have found way around scary science friction
If there ought to be a law, it should mandate that real government officials use real science to guide their decisions.
Clearly, Colorado state lawmakers see the wisdom in that, and maybe even the hard science, behind such a philosophy.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science will embed four scientific specialists within the Colorado General Assembly’s nonpartisan staff during the next legislative session to help guide lawmakers toward collecting the best data possible to base decisions on.
The move, reported this week by Colorado Public Radio reporter Bente Birkland, should be applauded, loudly, and replicated, widely.
These fellows are not lobbyists. They are not activists. They are trained researchers who understand how the Scientific Method works. It’s a process still mystifying, and sometimes openly dismissed, by lawmakers who hold sweeping power over public health, natural resources, energy, technology and human well-being.
In an era when conspiracy theories masquerade as policy foundations and elected officials increasingly default to ideology over evidence, Colorado’s new science fellows program is more than a welcome reform. It’s a lifeline.
That’s not hyperbole. Across Colorado, local governments have struggled when elected officials override or ignore vetted research. Aurora’s City Council, for example, has repeatedly sidestepped the expertise of its own public safety staff to push controversial narratives on crime and immigration. Instead of grounding decisions in data, some officials have relied on talk-show sloganeering or online rumor pipelines. That’s not leadership. That’s malpractice.
While the state legislature has so far pushed away from pseudoscience traps, such as so-called gay conversion therapy, such dangerous mythologies will certainly continue to return in the form of state House or Senate bills.
Next year, Colorado’s Legislature will wisely choose a different path.
The four new fellows are experts in energy, climate, transportation, artificial intelligence, natural resources, and public and mental health. They will be tasked with doing something revolutionary in today’s political climate: helping lawmakers understand reality.
Max O’Connor, an advanced materials chemist with a Ph.D. from a joint NREL–CU Boulder program, will work on energy and climate policy. O’Connor puts it plainly for CPR: “Everything’s chemistry.”
She’s right. From how buildings retain heat to whether batteries safely store power, these questions aren’t ideological. They’re scientific.
The same is true of the other fellows, whose specialties reflect some of the most pressing issues facing communities across the state. Human services. Population health. Water and natural resources. Emerging technologies that evolve faster than legislation ever could. These are areas where guesswork and political allegiance should have no seat at the table. Yet for years, that’s all many lawmakers have had to rely on.
The Institute for Science and Policy deserves credit for recognizing this gap and for spending years building a program that mirrors successful models in places as different as California and Idaho.
It also deserves credit for refusing to treat science as a partisan instrument. Executive Director Kristan Uhlenbrock notes that the goal is simple: Provide expertise that’s tied to issues, not ideology.
Some skeptics argue that science itself has been politicized and that true objectivity is hard to find, even among researchers. Republican Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, a mining engineer, acknowledges that hesitation among some colleagues. But to his credit, Simpson has supported the program from the start and is working to bring reluctant lawmakers on board. His message is one every elected official should heed. Judge this program by its work, not by unfounded fears.
There is good reason to be optimistic. The fellowship drew 120 applicants for just four posts. It’s a sign that Colorado’s scientific community is eager not only to contribute but also to demystify the policymaking process.
Fellow Samantha Lattof says she wants lawmakers to know exactly where to turn for vetted information and wants scientists to see policymaking not as a “black box,” but as a system they can enter and improve.
That is exactly the kind of bridge-building state and local governments desperately need.
Too often, policymakers hear from industry lobbyists long before they ever hear from researchers or staffers who diligently, and aptly, look for vetted answers.
On the council dais and House and Senate well, however, the loudest voices often drown out the most knowledgeable ones. And too often, communities pay the price when laws are based on political whims rather than hard evidence.
Colorado’s new science fellows program does not eliminate those pressures, but it injects something the government has needed, structure and rigor.
If this program succeeds, local governments from Aurora to Grand Junction should take note. School boards debating curriculum standards, county commissions weighing water policy, and city councils making decisions about policing or zoning all stand to benefit from neutral, scientific guidance, accepting it and acting on it.
Democracy is messy. It always has been. But messy does not need to mean uninformed. The scientific method, which means to observe, to test, to analyze, and to revise, is not just for labs and graduate students. It is a model for thoughtful governance.
Colorado lawmakers have taken an important step by recognizing this. The rest of the state should follow.
MAYOR MIKE COFFMAN,
Aurora center will provide aid and incentives to the area’s homeless
The City of Aurora has been funding a shelter to help the area’s homeless since the city repurposed a shuttered U.S. Army gym in 2015, a gym that was built in the 1940s at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center which is now the Anschutz Medical Campus.
It became the Aurora Day Resources Center to help those experiencing homelessness.
The day center provided limited services. It was just a place to stay, shower, do laundry, get a meal and have a temporary space to get out of the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. It was only a day shelter but that became a 24-hour shelter during severe weather and during the COVID pandemic.
Given the age of the day center, and the fact that it was never meant to be used for so long, it was difficult to maintain, and it was inadequate to serve the needs of the area’s homeless from the start. The day center had a capacity for serving no more than 200 individuals during a weather emergency, and that was with individuals sleeping on mats on the floor.
The new Aurora Regional Navigation Center, however, has a capacity of serving 600 individuals with a capacity to go beyond that under emergency conditions, such as during severe weather.
In 2022, the City of Aurora begin looking at different options to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness and, after visiting programs in Houston, San Antonio, Denver, and Colorado Springs, the city settled on an incentive-based system closer to the Haven for Hope program in San Antonio, Texas and the Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs.
The next question was whether to build from the ground up or to buy an existing building. Two important issues came together that helped us make the decision. The first was access to federal funding made possible under the Biden era “American Rescue Plan Act” that provided state and local governments with one-time COVID pandemic federal relief funds.
The 255-room Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, at Chambers Road and Interstate 70, was up for sale and staff recommended that it would be cheaper and quicker to buy the facility than to build from the ground up. The total cost to purchase and renovate the hotel and conference center came to $40 million.
The $40 million necessary to purchase and renovate the facility came from ARPA dollars from Adams County, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, the city of Aurora and the State of Colorado, who authorized their ARPA funding for five new regional navigation centers in the nine-county Denver Metro area to serve the needs of the homeless.
The next step was to select a nonprofit contractor to operate the ARNC and the city chose Advance Pathways who not only agreed to the program’s design but committed to raise the money necessary to cover the majority of the ongoing operating budget, estimated to be up to $10 million. The City of Aurora’s share will be approximately $2 million, which is what we had spent annually on the day center.
This fundraising requirement puts enormous pressure on Advance Pathways to deliver on the promise of helping individuals experiencing homelessness under the incentive-based approach. The Daniels Fund, the Anschutz Family Foundation, and the Dakota Foundation have already committed to financially supporting the program.
The incentive-based program at the ARNC is divided into three Tiers. Tier I is a congregate shelter with military-style cots and living conditions that are austere by design in order to encourage individuals to move to Tier II.
In Tier II they will have semi-private living accommodations, a bed instead of a cot, more space to store their personal items, and better food options, such as hot meals instead of sandwiches, in exchange for participating in case-managed addiction recovery, mental health, and job training programs.
Tier III is the 255 individual rooms of the former hotel that will be used for transitional housing for individuals working full-time but who are still in need of services. They will be required to pay a third of their income to help offset the cost of the program.
I’m looking forward to seeing the results of this incentive-based approach and how it can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
MikeCoffmanisservinghissecondtermas Auroramayor.HeisaformermemberoftheU.S. House,statetreasurer,Coloradosecretaryofstate and served in both the state House and Senate.
GUEST COLUMNIST
