Plan OK’d for the first Whole Foods in the city
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
See how they glow
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Josh is a fth-grader at Sierra Elementary School who loves to draw Sonic the Hedgehog. On the walls.
His teacher, Apryl Abel, is delighted.
anks to the work of the Arvada Police Foundation and an observant school resource ocer, Josh can draw to his heart’s desire on the school’s Glowscape kit, a new whiteboard alternative that allows kids with ne motor skill de ciencies to practice reading and writing.
e students in Abel’s rst- to fth-grade SSN class (signicantly intellectually impaired) got the device when Richard Brown, a school resource o cer who works with the class, found out about the kit through the police foundation and thought it would be a good t for Abel’s class.
“We were doing a toy drive, and (Charlie Lenore, president of the Arvada Police Foundation) said his son created this toy, and I thought it was a perfect thing for this class,” Brown said. “He was like, ‘Let me see if we can get a couple donated.’ And it was the next day, he delivered them to me, and I brought them over here.”
Lenore’s son, Matt, founded Bolderglow, the company that makes Glowscape kits, with his wife, Jan. Lenore said the tool helps kids who may have trouble with ne motor skills develop
writing and drawing abilities.
“It allows kids who would otherwise not really like to do writing or have trouble with dexterity have an option that feels a lot more like playing,” Lenore said.
“It helps with getting used to holding a pen and being able to do simple writing and drawing tasks… It fades away naturally in about ve minutes, and then they can draw again.
“It’s kind of a way to get to write on the walls without getting in trouble for it,” he continued.
Now, after a few months in the classroom, the Glowscape kit — which works with a lightpowered “marker” that draws on the board in the dark with a highlighter-like glow that fades after a couple minutes — was a hit. Now, kiddos like Josh say they prefer the Glowscape kit to traditional writing methods.
Whole Foods lovers in Arvada will soon be able to shop locally at their favorite grocery store as the Amazon-owned chain has received approval for a site plan that would bring the city’s rst location to the Northridge Shopping Center at 80th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. ere is no concrete timeline for when the grocery store will be open to the public, according to Iza Petrykowska, the executive director of the Arvada Economic Development Association. AEDA has been working with Kimco Realty, which owns the Northridge Shopping Center, to bring Whole Foods to town for a little more than two years according to Petrykowska.
“ ey are currently under construction, and they’ve had a few minor (demolition) permits approved, so they’re just going through the site plan now and getting things rolling there,” Petrykowska said. “ ey did get their site plan amendment approved as well this year, and we’ll be kind of in construction mode for the foreseeable future.”
e location of the forthcoming grocery store is on the southwest corner of the shopping center, near the Chick- l-A and the old Black and Read bookstore before their ongoing move down the street. e space was formerly a Hobby Lobby.
Petrykowska said that most of the renovation work will be aimed at making the site usable for a grocer.
“Just as with any grocery store, they’re having to install freezer and refrigerating areas for their produce and their food, and that’s probably going to be a big component of it,” Petrykowska said, “(along with) everything else that goes into the construction of a grocery store.”
Members of Sierra Elementary’s SSN class, along with the school’s SRO, Richard Brown.
PHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN
Improvements include new playground, walking path, spruced-up vegetation and irrigation systems
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Marge Roberts Park in Arvada will be getting a thorough, $1.6 million facelift that’s slated to be completed by this spring, brought on in part because the park was out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What was originally slated to be a playground replacement has grown into a larger project, according to Sean Star, Arvada’s Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods Department communication manager.
Star said that upon looking at the playground, the need for other improvements for the park, located at Miller Street and 58th Avenue, became apparent.
“It became clear that the park needed more than just a new playground to meet the community’s needs,” Star said. “An existing pavilion at the back of the park had unintended consequences of loitering and partying.
“ e park also had upheaved sidewalks that didn’t comply with ADA accessibility codes, along with deteriorating retaining walls, overgrown vegetation that contributed to safety issues related to sightlines, Included in the renovation project will Some aspects of the park that will re- project can be found at Arvadaco.gov.
Business owners detail issues with unhoused community to city council
Issue reached boiling point after sale of proposed navigation center building
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As calls from community groups for Arvada’s City Council to take action on the issue of homelessness in the city intensify, another group of stakeholders has weighed in: Arvada’s small business owners.
A number of small business owners — particularly those who operate shops in Olde Town — attended the Feb. 3 city council meeting to give public comment on the issue, which they say a ects their businesses by making employees feel unsafe, driving away customers, and, in some cases, causing break-ins.
Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District Executive Director Joe Hengstler was among those in attendance and gave a synopsis of what he’s heard from businesses and customers in the historic district.
“(Small business owners) are individuals who have put their lives on the line to invest in themselves and their dreams, and by extension, our community,” Hengstler said. “ ey are such a big part of what makes Olde Town such a special place… is may
be why I take it personally when I hear stories of break-ins, of sta feeling unsafe and generally how their businesses have been a ected by issues of homelessness.
“Moreover,” Hengstler continued, “it breaks my heart to hear someone say, ‘You know, Joe, we used to love going to Olde Town, but it’s getting harder and harder with all the homeless issues.’”
Hengstler also said that he supports the city’s long-term strategies in addressing the issue — including the possibility for a navigation center — but asked council to do more to x the immediate issues impacting Olde Town.
Kristen Chair, the owner of Silver Vines winery in Olde Town, echoed Hengstler’s concerns and shared some of her and her employee’s experiences with the local unhoused population.
“One employee said, ‘I’ve had numerous occurrences with not only myself feeling unsafe, but my friends and customers at the winery feeling unsafe,’” Chair said. “We’re afraid to come to Olde Town at night. At night people hang out in the back of the winery, in the alley and sleep in the trash dumpsters. And in front there are people smoking weed and doing drugs, giving me no choice for a safe exit.”
Chair also said that sta have been quitting within a week or two of getting trained because they don’t feel
safe going to their cars. On top of that, she said, unhoused people have been coming into the Silver Vines bathroom and doing drugs, showering and falling asleep, taking the bathroom out of commission for long periods of time.
“It’d be easy to say this is a homelessness issue, but it’s not; it’s a community safety issue,” Chair said. “We’ve built out whole lives here, and we don’t want to be forced out because no one is o ering actions. I’m asking you to give us some solutions and guidance — real solutions that will make immediate impacts, not something 10 years down the road.”
Small business owners are not the only community members to voice their concerns about the unhoused population in recent weeks. A group of residents from the Arlington Meadows neighborhood lobbied city council to sell the former Early College of Arvada building that is located near their homes, a move thecity council agreed to pursue at a meeting last month.
Additionally, the 2024 Arvada Community Survey was discussed at the Feb. 3 meeting, the results of which stated that 64% of respondents (of which there were 1,480) listed homelessness as the most pressing need for residents.
A study session on Dec.7 saw council split regarding how to address the issue, and the goal to reach a “North Star” vision on how to address the issue was not reached.
The Whole Foods is moving into the Northridge Shopping Center at 80th and Wadsworth.
WHOLE FOODS
Once opened, the Whole Foods will be the only location in Arvada, though there are nearby locations in Westminster, Lakewood and Golden.
e grocery chain faces steep competition in the local area, as the Northridge Shopping Center is already home to a Target and the adjacent shopping center at 77th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard has both a Sprouts and a Natural Grocers.
Nevertheless, the social media response to the announcement of a Whole Foods has drawn considerable interest — though some have lamented the lack of Trader Joe’s in town in the wake of news that neighboring Westminster will be getting one in the near future.
Construction is underway at Marge Roberts Park, which will be getting a new playground as part of the renovation.
Colorado Environmental Film Festival Returns to Golden on February 21-23
There’s excitement building about the possibility of the Sundance Film Festival coming to Boulder, but we already have a nationally renowned environmental film festival that takes place every February right here in Golden.
The Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF) is a juried film festival that lives up to its name, bringing all kinds of film — long-form, shorts, children’s films, and animated films — for a weekend run that includes awards, filmmaker Q&As, and more.
I recommend the All Access pass for $99, because it not only includes entry to all screenings but also includes streaming access for most of the films for seven days after the festival. Buy it at https://ceff.net/tickets. There are three screening rooms at the Green Center on the Colorado School of Mines campus, so that’s the only way to see your favorite films which might be scheduled simultaneously. Go to https://ceff2025.eventive.org/films for a complete list of the films.
Denver which manufactured the plutonium triggers for thousands of nuclear weapons.
As an aside, one of our broker associates, Kathy Jonke, was an environmental geophysicist for the contractor working onsite at Rocky Flats during the cleanup. She recommended this film before I saw it was on CEFF’s schedule. Ask her sometime about her work.
are family-friendly and free. Bring the kids!
Opening night is Friday the 21st at 7:00 in the Green Center’s auditorium, featuring an 86-minute feature film, “Bring Them Home” about a small group of Blackfoot people who established the first wild buffalo herd on their ancestral lands. It is followed by a discussion with Executive Producer Melissa Grumhaus.
My choice of screenings at 10 a.m. on Saturday is the one which includes “Our Movement Starts Here,” a documentary about the fight against a toxic landfill in North Carolina.
At Sunday's 12:15 p.m. Lunch & Learn session, hear from members of the Denver Electric Vehicle Council and get the inside scoop on a variety of electric vehicles. Talk to the owners about their real life experiences driving an EV in Colorado and check out several models in the Electric Vehicle Roundup outside the Green Center from 9:15 to 3:30.
For the 1 p.m. screenings on Sunday, I have chosen the set which has five films focusing on sustainable home construction. This includes the “Heart of a Building” PBS program about John Avenson’s net-zero home in Westminster which was aired in January on Channels 6 and 12.
The closing set of screenings starting at 3:30 on Sunday includes the “Half-Life of Memory” mentioned above, plus two other films: one about lead poisoning of birds and
Attendees will have plenty to choose from at this year’s CEFF, including 9 films with ties to Colorado, 60+ feature-length and short films from 17 countries, and ten world premiere screenings. The weekend also promises thoughtful discussions with filmmakers, panels, and a vibrant Eco-Expo in which to connect with environmentally conscious brands and organizations.
Golden Real Estate has been a sponsor of CEFF for most of its 16 years, so you’ll see our ad in the program inviting you to visit our nearby office in downtown Golden. We’ll also have a booth at the Eco-Expo in the lobby of the Green Center where we’ll have an up-to-the-minute display of all the active solar powered homes in the Denver MLS. We’d be happy to take you to see any of them!
It makes sense that we’re the only real estate brokerage sponsoring CEFF, because we are experts in all aspects of “green” building, and half of us drive electric cars. We have also become experts in “hardening” homes to resist wildfires, so please ask us questions or read some of my previous columns on those topics at www.JimSmithColumns.com
CEFF groups films by several categories, including Activism & Environmental Justice; Adventure; Consumption & Waste; Energy & Climate Chaos & Fossil Fuels; Health & Food; Land Use & Conservation; Wildlife; and Water, Rivers & Oceans
Among the films at this year’s festival, I’m personally looking forward to a few particular films. First on that list is “Half-Life of Memory: America’s Forgotten Atomic Bomb Factory,” a 55minute documentary about the sloppy operation and incomplete cleanup of Rocky Flats, the government’s plant between Boulder and
My choice of screenings at 1 p.m. is the one with three films about forests in Canada, Tasmania and on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. screening of four different films includes “Way the Wind Blows,” a short documentary about one family’s journey of recovery from the 2022 Marshall Fire in Boulder County, which destroyed 1,000 homes. That set also includes two interesting films about glaciers.
Between the 3:30 screenings and the 7:15 screenings on Saturday will be an “Evening Soiree,” a party with drinks and plant-based foods. Tickets for either of those screenings (or the All Access pass) includes an invitation to this party. This is when the awards for the best films will be presented in the Green Auditorium, along with the world premiere screening of “The Snake and the Whale,” a 90-minute investigative documentary that uncovers antiquated dams on the Lower Snake River that are driving the extinction of fish and killer whales.
I’m going to attend the 7:15 set of three films, one of which is “Responsible,” about the interplay of capitalism and environmentalism. The subtitle of the film is “There Is No Business to Be Done on a Broken Planet.”
On Sunday morning, I have chosen the screenings which include an animated short about invasive fauna and flora in Hawaii, a bird oasis on an abandoned golf course, overgrazing versus regenerative grazing in Nevada, a Tibetan nomad with a camera, and a threatened wetland between the banks of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Both of the Sunday morning film screenings
animals who feed on the carcasses of animals killed with bullets containing lead; plus one about the large amount of water consumed in the manufacture of computer ships.
A big part of CEFF’s mission is to educate, with a yearly focus on young filmmakers and films aimed at school age children from grade 4 through high school. These programs are always free, too. So, starting at 10 a.m. on Friday the 21st, prior to the festival’s opening, there is a “CEFF 4 Classrooms Field Trip” in the Bunker auditorium at the Green Center. It is for schools, youth organizations, home schools and more, designed to share a variety of youth-friendly environmental films. In addition to showing nine short films, two of them by young filmmakers, it includes a Q&A session with filmmakers and other field experts related to the film topics. Register at info@ceff.net,
ADU Law Enables Homeowners to Invest on Their Own
Beginning in July, homeowners in Colorado will be able to create an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) within their home (preferably a walk-out basement), over their detached garage, or by building a tiny home or casita in their backyard.
The enabling law was HB24-1152. Until this law was passed, local zoning regulations made it difficult to get approval to build an ADU; but now local governments can not block ADU development using zoning regulations, although other local laws, such as building codes, still apply.
Many homes, such as single-story homes with no basement on a small lot with no detached garage, will not be able to take advantage of this law, but many others can, and that’s the purpose of the law — namely, to increase the housing supply through increased density. Before this new law, there wasn’t much that Colorado homeowners could do to increase the housing supply. Now they can, and increase their wealth in the process.
In September Colorado Biz had an article that described how the law works: “ADUs add housing units with minimal impacts to infrastructure and with increased compact infill development. They provide intergenerational living options and enable child or eldercare and aging in place. Because they’re small, ADU rents are typically low.”
The financial information for a specific ADU varies greatly, dependent on the particular ADU and site costs. That makes the numbers used in the article only rough estimates. The cost of an ADU is dependent on choices made by the homeowner who is installing the unit. It can be very expensive, but there are ways to keep it reasonable. Regardless, the article is a helpful summary.
One of the many reasons cited for expanding the use of ADUs is to increase the availability of affordable housing, although this rationale has been questioned. There are many things that can make ADUs costeffective, thus increasing affordability (both for purchase and rent).
Two of the factors that contribute to affordability are the size of the units and the cost of the land. ADUs are small but not uncomfortably small, and day-to-day life is unchanged. They tap into a trend of smaller living spaces.
Lot
For a homeowner considering putting in an ADU, it’s one real estate investment that includes no cost for land. ADUs use space that is, at best, underutilized, and already owned. This is a big plus where the value of land is high.
As part of the new law, the legislature appropriated money and tasked the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to develop programs to enable homeowners with moderate means to afford construction of an ADU. The idea is to jump-start ADU finance in the private sector.
Finally, units assembled off-site (referred to as manufactured, modular, or prefab) can reduce cost significantly, and have other advantages such as shorter lead times, far less on-site construction, environmental benefits, etc. A Colorado company that specializes in manufactured detached ADUs is Verdant Living (www.verdantliving.us). The owner of that company, John Phillips, is happy to discuss ADU options with you. Because of the huge variety of situations where ADUs are possible, he tries to recommend options that might work, often not involving his company. He can be reached at 303-717-1962 (voice or text).
His is a Denver business. Another player in the field of manufactured housing on the national level is Boxabl (www.boxabl.com), which specializes in factory-made homes that literally unfold after being delivered on a standard width flatbed trailer. Its “Casita” is a 361-square-foot modular home, offering a stylish, efficient living space with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. It’s delivered with all-electric appliances (including laundry) and 100-amp electric service. It is currently priced at $60,000. It must be installed on a foundation prepared with electrical and plumbing hookups. It is built to meet building codes.
Recently, the company introduced the “Baby Box,” a 120-square-foot living space built to RV standards. Easy setup, no special equipment or foundation needed. The MSRP of Baby Box is $30,000 with introductory pricing of $19,999. It comes, like a mobile home, on a frame with permanent wheels. It too has a bathroom and kitchen, but with water tank and waste tank like any RV. It is intended for delivery to mobile home parks.
A sweet, triumphant return for A Chocolate A air
A year after a snowstorm put a damper on things, event raises $5,000 for Ralston House
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e clouds parted, sunlight shone through and a blistering cold front that battered the Denver metro area was broken by a rare spate of warm weather — just in time for A Chocolate A air, Olde Town Arvada’s sweetest Valentine’s Daythemed celebration, which was nearly snowed out last year.
is year’s festivities ended up falling a bit early. e event is usually slated for the rst Saturday of February, which this year ended up being the rst of the month. e timing ended up working out in the event’s favor, bringing an unexpected warm spell for folks looking for sweet treats.
“ is is a very outdoor event,” said Jennifer Kemps, development o cer at Ralston House, the nonpro t for which A Chocolate A air is a fundraiser. “Even though the locations are all inside, it does require you to walk a lot of Olde Town. at hurt last year, the bad weather. And today’s weather is perfect.”
e event is a showcase for local chocolatiers. Local businesses that have long participated in the festivities include Rheinlander’s Bakery, Enstrom’s Candies (which typically operates out of La Dolce Vita for the day) and Bread Winners, and it allows folks to sample from a host of o erings.
Some highlights this year included king cake (from Rheinlander’s), chocolate pancakes (courtesy of the Arvada Historical Society, which served ’em up fresh outside the our mill) and strawberry tru es paired with dark chocolate almond to ee (Enstrom’s).
In addition to the chocolate, the Arvada Historical Society hosted a bake-o for both cookies and brownies down at the our mill, and lamp post hearts with personalized messages are hung throughout Olde Town.
Karen Miller, an organizer of the event, said that both tickets and lamp post hearts sales were up this year from last.
“ is year, we sold nearly 50 hearts compared to 30 last year,” Miller said. “We had about 1,000 presale tickets.”
Kemps con rmed that the event sold 1,000 tickets in advance and said that total was around 100 last year. Last year’s event saw just 150 people total brave the cold to attend.
e event raised $5,000 for the Ralston House, a local nonpro t that supports children and teenagers who are victims of abuse.
Ally Larsen owns the recently opened Mermaid Walking boutique, which participated in A Chocolate A air in its rst year of business because of a desire to support Ralston House.
“I think the Ralston house is just an awesome cause, and it’s just a great event,” Larsen said. “My neighbors told me about it and said it’s just a fabulous thing to be a part of.”Kemps said that anyone who missed out on the festivities but still wants to donate can do so at ralstonhouse.org/ donate.
SEE YOURSELF
ON STAGE
Photo
Enstrom’s Candies set up shop inside La Dolce Vita.
PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN
Outside the Box’s second location, Outside the Box Too, took part in the festivities this year.
Rheinlander’s king cakes were a big hit!
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
BEST OF THE BEST VOTING STARTS
Schools outline plans amid ICE enforcement
Districts seek to balance compliance, student needs
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As federal immigration policies evolve and schools are no longer o limits for immigration enforcement operations, districts across the Denver metro area are facing di cult questions about how to respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrive on campus.
As a result, Colorado Community Media reporters reached out to the school districts in our coverage area to ask how they’re addressing these concerns with their sta and the communities they serve.
While the approaches vary, a common theme emerged: school leaders are seeking to balance legal compliance with their responsibility to protect students and maintain trust with the communities they serve.
Je erson County Public Schools
Je co Public Schools updated its website on Jan. 28 to include a statement acknowledging heightened fear and anxiety in the community, with some parents and educators worried about what will happen if federal immigration agents visit schools.
lawful powers to protect our students and families, regardless of immigration status,” the resolution states.
Among the key provisions, according to the district:
– e district will not voluntarily provide information about students or families to federal immigration authorities.
– Any immigration o cial’s request to enter a school or district property must rst be forwarded to the District’s Legal Department.
– e same applies if an immigration ofcer seeks to communicate with a student while under the district’s supervision.
e board also emphasized that it would continue to support families in updating emergency contact information and in creating emergency plans in case of sudden family disruptions.
Littleton Public Schools
Littleton Public School’s Chief Communications O cer Diane Leiker said she appreciated the opportunity to participate in a story on this issue but respectfully declined.
Adams 14 School District
Adams 14 Superintendent Karla Loría took to Facebook on Jan. 23 to con rm the district’s commitment to safeguarding students and protecting their educational rights.
including ICE, must be submitted to the district’s O ce of Legal Services.
– Handling ICE Requests on School Grounds: If ICE agents approach a Cherry Creek school seeking access to a student, they will be directed to the district’s legal o ce before any action is taken.
– Mental health and safety resources: e district’s mental health sta is available to provide support for students and sta who may be experiencing anxiety or fear.
– Community partnerships: Cherry Creek Schools is working with local and state agencies, law enforcement, and community groups to prepare for scenarios that may impact students and families. Smith also emphasized that keeping sta informed about legal and policy changes remains a district priority. However, the district didn’t provide speci c guidance on what steps schools should take if federal agents arrive on campus without notice.
“I don’t have all the answers for you today, but my commitment to you is clear,” Smith said. “We are a community that values all people.”
Englewood Schools
Englewood Schools Superintendent Joanna Polzin said the district is committed to student safety and is ensuring families have timely access to resources on the district’s website.
MARCH
“Over the past week, America’s federal immigration policies and practices have been changing rapidly,” the statement reads. “Sensitive places, including schools, are now no longer insulated from immigration enforcement.”
In response, Je co has compiled several resources for families, including:
– “Know Your Rights” sessions o ered by local community organizations.
– An FAQ page addressing common immigration-related concerns.–
“No one is allowed on our properties, inside our schools, or is allowed to have access to information without lawful justi cation and approval of the district,” she said. “Law enforcement is required to have a warrant signed by a federal or state judge in order to enter our properties, our schools or to gain access to data.”
“I have communicated with my leaders on this topic,” Polzin said. “Our sta is dedicated to the well-being of our students. As we navigate these changes, student safety will remain our top priority.”
She emphasized that all school sta have been directed to follow district procedures, which include:
– Only releasing students to individuals listed in the district’s student information system and requiring proper identi cation before any release.
1!
– Family ambassadors to help immigrant families navigate district and community resources.
– A Family Emergency Preparedness Plan to help parents outline steps in case of an unexpected Je co also guided principals, emphasizing the importance of minimal disruption and calm, professional interactions if an enforcement situation arises. e district’s legal team will require federal agents to provide proof of identity, agency a liation and a legally valid warrant before granting access to district property.
“If agents visit a school, a Je co district administrator will support the school and meet the agency on behalf of the district, with guidance from our legal team,” the district said.
School board member Erin Kenworthy said the board is drafting a resolution regarding its commitment to protecting all students for an upcoming board meeting.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Referring to a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision determining that all children, documented or not, have an equal right to an education under the United States Constitution, Loria said, “Adams 14 stands behind these absolute truths. We are here to safeguard the constitutional rights of our students and those who bless our schools. Our district will remain a safe place for learning, particularly as that is our constitutionally endowed mission.”
Loria encouraged families to know their rights and directed them to resources on the district’s website.
Cherry Creek Schools
Cherry Creek’s Superintendent Christopher Smith sent a message to sta and families on Jan. 24 rea rming the district’s commitment to supporting all students and ensuring schools remain safe spaces amid growing concerns over federal immigration policies.
“We remain consistently and steadfastly committed to serving all students and ensuring our schools are safe places where all students feel loved, valued, invested in, and seen,” Smith wrote. “Every student is welcome; every sta member is welcome in Cherry Creek. at doesn’t change, no matter what the future holds.”
– Contacting the Superintendent and Director of Safety and Security immediately if an immigration o cer arrives at a school.
– Verifying the agent’s credentials and documentation before taking action and seeking guidance from legal counsel.
“Englewood Schools will continue to provide safe learning spaces for our students and sta ,” Polzin said.
Douglas County School District
Douglas County o cials have been vocally supportive of Trump’s deportation plans and are suing the state over its laws that limit law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agencies.
Superintendent Erin Kane emailed sta earlier this month to say the district would continue to allow law enforcement to detain students only if they are accused of a dangerous crime or are considered a potential danger to other students.
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e Adams 12 school board unanimously adopted a resolution at its meeting on Jan. 15 a rming its commitment to protecting students and families regardless of immigration status.
e resolution states that the district will continue its practice of not inquiring about the immigration status of students or families and will follow all legal guidelines for protecting con dential information.
Cherry Creek Schools outlined speci c protocols already in place to protect students’ rights and privacy, including:
It also establishes speci c procedures if immigration o cials attempt to access school campuses or student records.
“ e Five Star District shall utilize its
– Right to free public education: e district emphasized that all children residing in the U.S. have a right to public education, regardless of their immigration status. Smith referenced the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which rea rmed this right.
– Student information protections: Cherry Creek follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which safeguards student records. All requests for student information from agencies,
Kane said that if law enforcement needs to detain a student, they communicate ahead of time with the district, and the Safety and Security Department is contacted for guidance.
If o cers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are at a school, sta is directed to contact the Safety and Security Department and the Legal Department. e Legal Department will verify and review removal orders “to ensure the student may be legally released to the agency.”
In a Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce statement, Sheri Darren Weekly said the sheri ’s o ce collaborates with federal law enforcement agencies but does not “actively engage in immigration enforcement at this time.”
Drum removed near Rocky Flats site in 2024
DOE: No signs of possible chemical contamination
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A 55-gallon drum found near the former site of the Rocky Flats Plant was found to be mostly empty and has been removed following a series of tests, according to emails sent from sta ers within the Department of Energy to members of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and other government workers.
According to an email sent from Andrew Keim, the Rocky Flats site manager for the DOE, the drum was found sometime last year before Nov. 21 and removed on Dec. 11, 2024.
ere were no indications of any environmental impacts associated with the drum,” Keim said.
However, a label for “Trichloroethane,” a man-made chemical that’s used as a solvent and degreaser, was found during the excavation process. Keim characterized the chemical as “a highly volatile compound.”
e drum was found in the Walnut Creek drainage, which is located near the Central Operable Unit; the former manufacturing site for plutonium triggers between 1952 and 1989, when the site was raided by the FBI and ultimately shut down in 1992.
e COU is an area of about 1,300 acres and is controlled by the DOE. It is not open to the public.
Jon Lipsky, the former FBI agent who led the raid on the Rocky Flats Plant in 1989, said that during the plant’s operating days, drums would contain raw materials used for manufacturing. He said that sometimes
after a drum was emptied, it would be used to contain waste — though the exact contents of some of these drums was not always logged properly, he said.
“A product drum could come in — let’s just say it is trichloroethane — they would have emptied that and then they would have probably reused it for something else, like waste,” Lipsky said. “And there should have been markings on it and accounting of what was put in that drum. But we know that that wasn’t always the case.”
Lipsky added that drums like the one found in the Walnut Creek drainage are not used anymore, meaning that it was likely from the 20th century.
Before the drum was removed, DEO workers removed a tarp covering the drum and inspected the drum itself and the area around it. No free-standing liquid was found in the drum, though a mouse nest and “moisture” were reported. e soil around the drum had “no discoloration or staining.”
Further readings of the drum and the surrounding area showed normal levels of oxygen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and combustible gas that was “less than the lower explosive limit.” A radiological survey of the drum and the surrounding areas came back with “all readings at background levels or less.”
Following the collection of measurements, the drum was removed and stored by the DOE, where it will remain until it can be “disposed of o site,” Keim’s email, which was dated Dec. 17, said.
Soil samples were not taken due to “the highly volatile nature of trichloroethane.”
A statement from the DOE said the drum was found in the north part of the Walnut Creek drainage, and con rmed other details about the investigation into the drum and the drum’s removal from Keim’s email.
A publication of
“During routine management of the Rocky Flats Site, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) O ce of Legacy Management (LM) found an empty 55-gallon drum near the north Walnut Creek drainage area,” the statement reads. “DOE noti ed the site’s regulators, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and they approved DOE’s screening methods and removal plan.
“DOE has removed the drum and no radiological contamination was detected during the screening completed by DOE,” the statement continues. “DOE continues to work with CDPHE to determine any necessary next steps. DOE will dispose of the drum in accordance with all applicable regulations.”
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KITS
FROM PAGE 1
“I mean, they, they absolutely love it,” Abel said of her class. “ is (is) one of the favorite things — that and the ball pit. ey love it, and they can color on it. And the nice thing is, it goes away, so they can just do it again and again.”
Lenore said Bolderglow has sold about 5,000 to 6,000 Glowscape kits so far, and has heard from both physical therapists and educators that the tool helps kids develop critical skills without feeling like work.
“ ey think of it as … playing,” Lenore said. “So, a lot of kids who are reluctant to practice writing for whatever reason, or have trouble with dexterity, really kind of
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Lottie (304880) is a 6-year-old female Great Pyrenees. She is a gentle girl with a sweet smile who loves quiet moments and lounging around. Lottie can be uncomfortable with new people, so an upbeat adopter who offers her reassurance is ideal. She is recommended for homes without kids.
take to it and will practice on Glowscape when they won’t practice on pad and paper or a whiteboard or something else like that.
“It’s just really kind of low impact, because it’s going to fade away anyway,” Lenore continued. “So, they can feel free to draw whatever they want, and it’s not stuck there forever. If they make a mistake or something, it’s easy to draw over, and actually makes even a cool e ect. When you draw over what you’ve already done, it’s kind of a 3D e ect. I think it just adds fun to the writing process.”
Brown echoed Lenore’s sentiment.
“ e teachers and providers appreciate that,” Brown said. “But I think especially these kids, it helps them be creative without your traditional-like pen and paper or markers and crayons.”
Columnists & Guest Commentaries
Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Press. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone. Email letters to lkfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com
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The 55-gallon drum found in the Walnut Creek drainage. COURTESY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Sierra Elementary School 5th grader Josh shows o his drawing skills on the school’s Glowscape kit.
PHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN
Watch the di erence 100 days can make
Alittle more than 16 years ago, I faced an interesting situation at work. e most outgoing and social member of our leadership group was taking a di erent job and leaving. is meant there was no one on the team who was comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers and building relationships with those unknown members of the school population. It was obvious to me that the team needed someone who could be that outgoing extrovert.
I am not sure why, but I decided I should become that outgoing person the team needed. So, this reserved, quiet with strangers, most comfortable with family, pseudo introvert decided that he was going to become an expert at interacting with strangers.
I decided that I would call my experiment “100 days of Smiles” in a nod to my youth when AM radio stations like KIMN would mark summer with “100 days” promotions. I determined that over those weeks, I would go out of my
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
One of my earliest childhood memories is walking down Federal Boulevard in Denver with my parents, older brother and a group of people as they all chanted “ se puede!” (“Yes we can!”)
It was a hot summer day, and I remember my feet hurting and feeling fatigued from the scorching sun. As a little girl, I didn’t understand why my parents had brought me and my brother to this marcha that led all the way to Civic Center Park. I kept telling my parents to just get in the car and drive alongside the people, but I was clearly missing the point.
I would ask my parents “Why are we marching?” “What is this for?” and they would explain, but in my mind I couldn’t grasp the concept. I couldn’t understand that people from a di erent country were considered “bad people” or “criminals” because they immigrated to the U.S. for a better life. I didn’t see the problem. To me it was as simple as moving from state to state here in the U.S.; to me they were my parents, my brother and my friends. However, as I tried to grasp the idea, to this day I remember hearing my mother’s voice as clear as day telling me, “Just say it with us: Sí se puede.” ose words have stayed with me since then. As my dad hoisted me up to his shoulders, I remember waving a little Mexican ag and chanting with everyone, and after that, the road seemed better. e burning sun didn’t feel so bad anymore.
way each day to talk for even a few minutes with someone I did not know. It would mean taking chances that were uncomfortable. I simply was not the kind of person who would out of the blue say something to a total stranger. But I stepped into it and started intentionally nding new people to talk with each day.
e rst two weeks were painful. I often felt awkward and ill-equipped for such an undertaking. But I plodded on. It got easier as the weeks progressed, and then one day, near the end of my experiment, my wife, Beth, and I were on a walk around our neighborhood. Because it was close to Halloween, there was a family out decorating their front yard. I stopped walking and struck up a conversation with the parents as they worked
on the decorations. I told them how much I appreciated seeing their tombstones each year and talked about the decorations that I liked most. We stood there talking for three or four minutes, said goodbye, and continued walking down the street.
We had gone maybe 10 steps when Beth, still looking straightforward, said quietly but loud enough for me to hear, “Who the hell are you and what have you done with my husband?”
I had done it! In 100 days, I had moved from a person who struggled to strike up conversations with strangers to someone who quite enjoyed acknowledging other people and engaging in conversation.
Since that day, when I struggle with something related to my MS, I think about those “100 days of Smiles” and remember that we have within us the ability to shape ourselves, to remake our perspectives, to change our path. Struggles are not fun, but when we understand our transformative personal ability, we unlock so much.
is week I hope you will take some time to consider your own initiative, your “100 days of whatever it is you need to reshape.” You can do it; I did. Take the step and commit to the 100 days. Make a difference for yourself and those around you. You’ve got this, I would love to hear about your “100 days” goal. I truly appreciate hearing about the ideas you nd valuable in these columns and how you use them to uplift those around you. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far. you can reach me at jim.roome@ gmail.com.
Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences.
On the pursuit of beautiful plain roads
GUEST COLUMN
tions were and are very limited. Even if you are trying to do the “right thing.”
And by the “right thing,” I mean living the American Dream of working until you have nothing left to offer, providing a good life to your children and yourself, and simply just working to the success and family values that this country preaches.
I saw it when my brother was in high school, as he was approaching graduation. He had a job o er that he was more than quali ed for. He went to the interview, and they thought he was the perfect t, but then the di cult question came: “Are you a U.S. citizen?” e answer was no.
Despite the challenges, that didn’t stop my brother or my parents from moving down the road. During a time like today, where I hear attacks on my immigrant brothers and sisters, friends and family members, I nd myself more worried than they are. ese days, I am often comforted by my immigrant parents who say, “Don’t worry. We can’t let fear rule our lives. We have to keep moving forward.”
Velasco mentioned that she is co-chair of the Democratic Latino Caucus, vice chair of the Energy and Environment Committee and has been a re ghter.
ering anyone? A life where I can work, study and live in peace without being afraid?”
Over the years, I began to understand the concept more and more as I saw how it a ected the lives of my parents and my brother.
I saw it when my parents had to work every night, come home to get me and my brother ready for school and then go back to work with no hours of sleep. I would wonder why they couldn’t get different jobs with better work hours. en, when my dad was working in a toxic environment, I wondered why he couldn’t get a job that didn’t mistreat him.
As an undocumented person, the op-
It’s a bit ironic to say that I, a U.S.born citizen, am more scared of what’s to come than they are, but I think that’s a true testimony of how resilient they have become. It shows that no matter what, their spirit will never be crushed. I’m not thanking this system for making them resilient; I think they have always been resilient, and these are just the kind of people they are. Who wouldn’t want a kind, resilient and brave person on their team?
But I guess that doesn’t matter.
“It just feels like it’s never enough,” said State Rep. Elizabeth Velasco during an immigrant voices press conference at the state Capitol on Jan. 22.
“And I have still been told to go back to my country,” she said at the event. “ is is the reality for many of us, that we are told again and again that we don’t belong when we are making our nation better, when we are working in Colorado to make everyone’s lives better.”
We are not just a workforce; we are people who are trying to do the “right thing.” Perhaps people can say, “You are trying to do the right thing through the wrong way,” but that’s not true. Even if you try to do everything the right way, it’s not possible for everyone, because the system presented to us is not for us, sometimes.
I recently attended a community information session where people came seeking answers for their immigration cases and status adjustment cases. At the end of the day, as someone who has been there and done that, I saw people simply asking, “How can I have a better life, without hurting anyone, without both-
While it may feel like the future is bleak and that this feeling of dread will never leave until we get an answer to those questions, I have hope, thanks to the protests that have happened and are still going.
“May they not fall on the descent nor on the ascent of the path, may they nd no obstacles behind or ahead of them. Nor anything that strikes them. Grant them good roads, beautiful plain roads.”
I saw this quote from the Mayan text Popol Vuh at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. It’s a poetic but powerful way to describe the hope that perhaps things can change. Perhaps we can nd some answers, but until then, I hope that one day we can eventually come across beautiful plain roads, and that we don’t lose hope amid the uncertain roads ahead.
Jackie Ramirez is editor of the bilingual newsletter La Ciudad.
Jim Roome
Jackie Ramirez (furthest right) and her family pose for a photo on top of the Pyramid of the Sun in San Juan Teotihuacán, Mexico, in 2004. COURTESY OF JACKIE RAMIREZ
Take a Sonic Trip to New Orleans with the CJRO
It seems like as long as New Orleans has been around, it’s been a cultural hub. And one of its most impactful exports is jazz — legends like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and the Marsalis family all hail from the city.
To celebrate the immortal music that comes from the Crescent City, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) Sextet presents “A Night in New Orleans” with Tatiana LadyMay May eld in two special performances. e rst is at 3 p.m. at Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, and the second is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Parsons eatre, 1 E. Memorial Parkway in Northglenn.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
CSO Scores The Infinity Saga at Boettcher Marvel Studios’ execution of e In nity Saga is one of the crowning cinematic achievements of this century, and the music for each lm and character add to the unifying experience of seeing everyone join together at the story’s end. e Colorado Symphony is hosting a celebration of the music and lms with its In nity Saga Concert Experience
“New Orleans is the place where jazz took root,” said May eld, a vocalist who has been making a name for herself all over the country. “For this show, we’re embracing the city as a melting pot of music. It’s going to have di erent vibes throughout — funk, classics and original works written to t in with the theme.”
e CJRO Sextet features bandleader Jared Cathey (saxophone/reeds), Shane Endsley (trumpet/horns), Adam Bartczak (trombone), Tom Amend (piano), Eric Hitt (bass) and Dru Heller (drums). It’s led by artistic director Drew Zaremba.
“We’re not only doing music written in New Orleans, but also music written about New Orleans or associated with the city,” he said. “ ere will be a lot of music folks know and recognize and some they’ll learn about. We want to remind people that jazz is more than historical — it’s a current, living art form.”
Zaremba and May eld went to the same college and she was featured on the CJRO’s fourth album, “Golden Lady.” In addition to her vocal work, she’s a musician, composer and educator who is currently the Assistant Professor of Contemporary Popular Music at Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. May eld said she’s built up a sincere rapport with her fellow musicians and thoroughly enjoys performing with them.
“Everybody on stage is bringing 100 percent to the music and every time I’m on stage, it’s like I’m playing with friends and family,” May eld said. “ e CJRO is one of my favorite bands to play with.”
For Zaremba, all the CJRO’s performances are a chance to connect with audience members and remind them of the power of jazz as a dynamic music genre. And he hopes listeners will connect with the musical vibrancy of New Orleans.
“I hope audiences listen and dig in in a way they maybe haven’t before,” he said. “It’s a chance to really get into the tradition of this beautiful music and I hope people leave with big smiles from the great time they had.”
Information and tickets are available at www.coloradojazz.org/concerts.
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Conducted by Christopher Dragon and held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. in Denver, the concert covers 23 lms in one massive experience, with scenes from the lms shown on screens. It’s an opportunity to catch up with some of your favorite super heroes and recreate that same rush you had in the theater. Assemble your tickets at www.coloradosymphony.org.
Parker Welcomes the Year of the Snake e Town of Parker is joining with numerous organizations, including the Dragon Boat Festival, Denver Chinese School and Douglas County School District, to celebrate the Year of the Snake with its 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration. Held at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, the event will feature culturally-rich performances and activities, all designed to provide enjoyment and understanding. Attendees can sample mini classes, live entertainment and much more. Information and reservations are available at https://parkerarts.org/ event/lunar-new-year/.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — David Gray at the Buell Theatre
e music made by British singer/ songwriter David Gray is perfect for this mid-to-late winter time we nd ourselves mired in. His blend of acoustic songwriting and electronica touches create just the right kind of tunes to wrap yourself in. His latest album, “Dear Life,” continues his streak of enchanting and experimental releases. In support of the album, Gray will be performing at the Buell eatre, 1350 Curtis St. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18. It’s the perfect meeting of artist and venue, as I’m certain his lovely music will sound great in the theater. Get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
the following week’s newspaper.
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Clarke Reader
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Sarah Cooprider was born with an intellectual disability, autism, a severe speech/language disability, and a naturally happy disposition. Her mother noticed during elementary school that Sarah was most happy when she was busy and social.
Annette Cooprider, who lives in Golden with her husband and Sarah, tried several metro area programs for people with special needs. None gave Sarah the level of activity she needed to thrive. en Annette found INSPIRE, a program run through the Evergreen Park & Recreation District.
“My daughter can have behaviors, but she’s an angel when she’s in INSPIRE,” Annette said. “It prevents her from being isolated, which can be common with kids like mine. She gets to go horseback riding, learn archery, play basketball, go bowling and all these things that are available to typical young people. She’s busy and moving. It gives her a much more well-rounded lifestyle.”
Sarah is now 20 years old and a student at Je co Transition Services, a post-secondary program for young adults with special needs, during the school year. While she has limited time to participate in INSPIRE now, her summers are all about the program.
“I get nervous about getting her signed up because it’s so important for both of us — for her to have the experience and for me to have some time,” said Annette, who works full time. “I cherish the time in the summer when she is busy and I know she’s safe.”
INSPIRE stands for incorporating opportunities for social, physical and inclusive recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities. e 31-year-old program was developed and is led by its supervisor, Maren Schreiber, a beloved and well-known member of the Evergreen community.
e program’s weekly events include swimming, bowling and climbing. INSPIRE also partners with other programs for regular skiing and therapeutic horseback riding, and hosts golf, track events, theater outings, Rockies games and a wide range of other physical and social outings.
e program today has 137 participants, who have varying disabilities, from ages 5 to 53. Some of them have been with Schreiber for the entirety of the program.
“You would be surprised how much people with disabilities know and can do,” Schreiber said. “People just don’t really give them a chance. ey are amazing.
“ ey’re de nitely better skiers than me. I would never want to race them.”
Filling a need
In 1995, Schreiber was working as an Evergreen Park
and Recreation Department (EPRD) swim coach and personal trainer when the mother of a young boy with Down syndrome approached her.
“She said there’s nothing for people with disabilities up here,” Schreiber said. “My boss at the time was you can try (creating a program), but she wasn’t sure if we had enough people. en people came from Stapleton, Morrison, Bailey, Pine, all over.”
Today’s participants come from throughout the metro area, including Aurora, Arvada, Lakewood, Littleton and Golden. One former participant who now lives in Illinois returns regularly to go on INSPIRE outings.
“ ey make the trip because of how special it is and the connections they make,” EPRD Executive Director Cory Vander Veen said. “It changes their world.”
INSPIRE is funded partly through EPRD and supplemented by the New Year’s Day Evergreen Lake Plunge, the Evergreen Ice Melt contest and other fundraisers and individual donations.
e bene ts for Schreiber, her sta and volunteers, the participants and their families are priceless.
For Evergreen physician Todd Wisser and his physician wife, Kate, INSPIRE has been a gift for the family. Fifteen-year-old Cambria has cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy, and had previously been in special needs programs in Michigan. When the family moved to Evergreen in 2017, they were astounded to discover INSPIRE.
“We didn’t know the high level of service we’d be getting here,” Todd said. “INSPIRE’s service to the special needs population is unsurpassed. ey have been immensely wonderful and supportive and thorough, just o ering tons of opportunity.
“Cambria’s done whitewater rafting, ziplining, skiing, gold mine tours, the Georgetown Loop railroad. It’s a profound, wonderful connection she has with that group.”
INSPIRE and Schreiber also provide needed respite for the family, which includes two other children.
“Cambria can be a challenge at times with those diagnoses,” Wisser said. “She can be emotional. And she’s a teenager. So that brings with it a lot of e ort and
energy that needs to go into her. Having the opportunities for respite that Maren and her team provide has been amazing. Not only is it valuable for Cambria, it’s hugely valuable for our other two children, and my wife and I.”
Further extending the bene ts, Wisser’s other two children have volunteered with INSPIRE.
Lakewood resident Lisa Arnold’s now 24-year-old daughter, Grace, who has Down syndrome, discovered the program 16 years ago. It’s been part of their lives since.
“Services vary between states, and we had moved from Ohio,” Lisa said. “It was really terri c to move to a small community and nd this absolutely amazing program that has such a variety. We’ve moved down the hill since, and we drive back for INSPIRE.”
Grace recently graduated from college with a science certi cate and is applying for a job with the Denver Zoo, but INSPIRE remains part of their lives.
“All these kids grew up together,” Lisa said. “And I’ve made some really great connections with other families. e disability world is kind of its own thing with Medicaid and all the processes and procedures. It’s nice to talk with other people that have some tips, and we’ve been able to share in our kids’ frustrations and successes.”
Rebecca Sobolevsky, a single parent who lives in Aurora, was desperate to nd a program for her now 20-year-old son, Ethan, when they moved from Chicago to Colorado in 2017.
“He’s tried a few other programs; Evergreen is always his favorite,” she said. “Some programs, it feels like it’s just a job for the sta . But the INSPIRE sta are super respectful, positive and fun. And I know they enjoy him, too. We drive some distance to get there, but it’s worth it.”
INSPIRE
Communitywide benefits INSPIRE and similar programs have improved the quality of life for participants.
And positive e ects of programs like INSPIRE radiate far beyond those who are directly impacted. Spending time or just being around people with disabilities helps others, giving them a fresh perspective on life and a sense of compassion and appreciation for others, according to information compiled by ALSO, an Oregon nonpro t that advocates for people with disabilities.
“I very rarely see kids like mine in the community,” An-
nette Cooprider said. “I think that can be isolating for families.
“For those people who are not part of this community, I think INSPIRE helps them to see these people are capable. ey are able to ride horses, zipline, climb a climbing wall, and all of those things.”
Community inclusion of people with disabilities evenimproves the economy. Research published by Nature. com shows employees with disabilities have high employer loyalty and motivation to work, and they remain at their jobs much longer than the general population with higher levels of job satisfaction.
INSPIRE’s participants are proof of what people with disabilities can accomplish.
“I have one young man who has autism who’s since graduated from Rutgers and is a lawyer,” Schreiber said.
“I have four girls who’ve gone on to college, one with Down syndrome. We have people who work at King Soopers. We have the whole gamut.”
Keeping the program nancially a oat is an ongoing challenge, Schreiber said. e average cost for each disabled person to participate is $20,000 a year, and the adaptive equipment required for some activities is expensive. It’s the only EPRD program that hosts fundraisers to o set its costs.
Finding funding is a necessary part of the job, but it’s not Schreiber’s overriding concern. What she cares about most are the individuals INSPIRE serves and the experiences it provides them.
“ ey get to have a quality of life doing all these different activities,” she said. “I always like to nd the next craziest thing to do. I’m all about pushing the envelope.”
INSPIRE volunteer Gerry Dewil hangs out in the Buchanan Recreation Center pool with Will McCarthy during one of INSPIRE’s weekly outings.
INSPIRE supervisor Maren Schreiber assists Travis Ewen during a January 2025 bowling session at The Wild Game.
Bowler and INSPIRE participant Alex Teleaga focuses as he gets ready to bowl during an INSPIRE outing at Evergreen’s The Wild Game. PHOTOS
Child care enrollment freeze leaves families in the cold
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
For thousands of working parents in Colorado, child care is more than a service — it’s the key to economic stability. But as counties across the state freeze new enrollments in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program due to funding shortages, families who rely on this crucial support are left in limbo.
“We need an additional $70 million just to maintain where we are at with CCCAP,” said Heather Tritten, president and CEO of Colorado Children’s Campaign. “And right now, CCCAP only serves 10% of the families that qualify.”
Across the state, counties including Denver, Arapahoe, Douglas, Je erson, Larimer and Weld have paused new CCCAP enrollments, citing a budget shortfall fueled by rising program costs and the end of federal pandemic relief funds.
“We knew this cli was coming,” Tritten said. “ e pandemic relief funding allowed many child care providers to stay open and helped families a ord care, but without sustainable investment, we’re now seeing the consequences.”
Why is CCCAP enrollment frozen?
CCCAP subsidizes child care costs for low-income families, allowing parents to work or attend school while their children receive licensed care. However, a combination of expired federal funding, increased provider wages mandated by the federal government and growing program costs has left counties unable to support new families.
In 2023-24, nearly 25,000 children ben-
e ted from CCCAP, according to data provided by the Colorado Children’s Campaign. But with funding stretched thin, many counties have shut the door on new applicants.
“To put it simply, the cost of providing care for each child is going up, but our funding has not increased to go along with that,” said Tara Noble, Je erson County Human Services program manager. e freeze is devastating for families already struggling with the high cost of care, explained Paula Smith, chief im-
pact o cer with Clayton Early Learning in Denver.
In 2023, the average cost of child care in Colorado was $12,750 per year for infants and toddlers, according to Child Care Aware of America.
e U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that families spend no more than 7% of their income on child care. Yet in Colorado, a family earning the median household income of $133,443 would need to spend 30.2% of their earnings to care for two children. e nancial strain on single-parent
households is even greater.
Families trapped in the cycle of poverty
“Making child care a ordable to families directly impacts their ability to work and earn a living, Smith said. “Without a support system like CCCAP, we risk eroding the economic foundation for the entire state, weakening the workforce and stalling future growth.
“When families don’t have a ordable child care, they can’t work,” she continued. “And when they can’t work, they become more reliant on government assistance just to survive.” is disruption has a generational impact as well. Research from University of Chicago economics professor James Heckman shows that children in highquality early learning programs are likelier to succeed in school and have higher lifetime earnings.
“Child care isn’t just about parents. It’s also about giving kids the early learning foundation they need,” Smith said. “When kids lose access to care, we’re widening the achievement gap before they even reach kindergarten.”
According to data from the Colorado Information Marketplace, the state already faces a shortage of licensed child care slots, with only enough capacity to serve 65% of children under ve whose parents are working. With CCCAP enrollment paused, even fewer families will have access to a ordable care.
“If you’re an employer and your workers don’t have child care, they can’t come to work,” Smith said. “ is isn’t just a family issue. It’s an economic issue.”
SEE ENROLLMENT, P14
Counties across Colorado are freezing enrollment in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program due to a shortage of funding.
SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE
Thu 2/20
Elias Hix
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Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Sta‐tion, 1338 1st St, Denver
Forty Feet Tall @ 7pm
Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Michigan Rattlers
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Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver
Chris Daniels w special guests Mark Oblinger and Linda Lawson
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Gilpin Street House Concert, Denver
Zoe Stroupe @ 8pm
Wild Beautiful Orchestra: It's My Head! @ 7pm The Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St, Den‐ver
Live @ The Rose - 6 Million Dollar Band @ 7pm / $25
Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Av‐enue, Golden. information@buf falorose.net
Bathe: Cymande US Tour @ 7pm
Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver
Sat 2/22
Athena @ 8pm
Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Spitting Image
@ 8pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver
Ew @ 9pm
The Black Box, 314 E 13th Ave, Denver
Fri 2/21
Orenda @ 8pm
Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver
Roman Flügel
@ 10pm Club Vinyl, 1082 N Broadway, Denver
Vintage Valentine Tea @ 9:20am / $45 Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania, Denver. asalutz@historic denver.org
Playback Denver @ 7pm
Mis�ts Sports Bar And Grill, 11475 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood
Braeburn Records Showcase - Suicide Cages / Iran Nox / Chew Thru / TalkingxPoint @ 8pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver
NASAYA @ 7pm
Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Sta‐tion, 1338 1st St, Denver
Paramount Theatre Club Seating - Aziz Ansari @ 9:30pm / $75 Paramount Theatre, Denver
Sun 2/23
Escape the Fate @ 6pm
Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver
MARO @ 7pm
Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Escape the Fate @ 7pm
Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave, Denver
Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Missio - I Am Cinco Tour @ 7pm / $25 Marquis, Denver
Mon 2/24
Camping in Alaska @ 7pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver
Tue 2/25
Escuela Grind @ 7pm
Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver
Opera Colorado - La Boheme @ 7:30pm Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street, Denver
Pink Sweat$ @ 8pm
Paramount Theatre Denver, 1621 Glen‐arm, Denver
Aqyila @ 8pm
Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, Den‐ver
Wed 2/26
Saliva @ 7:30pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood
Dan Spencer @ 8pm Skylark Lounge, Denver
RTD adds detective bureau for safety
Transit agency will now investigate all crime occurring on its property
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Regional Transportation District will now investigate all crime that happens on the agency’s property, through a newly created and fully functioning detective bureau.
e in-house detective bureau will enable RTD to directly perform investigations on thefts and any other criminal activity that may occur on its property – “anything that a ects the ability of our customers to ride the system safely,” said Brian Cousineau, the agency’s RTD-PD Commander, who will lead the detective bureau. “We want people to utilize our services and feel safe doing so.”
Cousineau said in a news release that the new bureau will help RTD pursue prosecuting personal crimes, involving any threat or use of force, and includes felony-level narcotics violations across the agency’s system or property.
As the bureau works out protocols for working with the eight counties in the agency’s district, the department will be able to le its own cases and carry out investigations on related cases that occur in di erent municipalities. As an example, Cousineau pointed to last year’s copper wire thefts from RTD tracks.
“If a copper wire theft happens in Aurora on our property and the wire was valued at $900, that’s a misdemeanor crime;
we would hand it over to the Aurora Police Department,” Cousineau said. “Let’s say the same $900 copper wire theft happened a week later in ornton, and then a week later at Lakewood. e bene t of having our own detective bureau is that we can assign our detectives to all those cases. is changes the crime from being a misdemeanor to a felony-level crime.”
e RTD-PD had aimed to establish a fully functioning detective bureau to le criminal cases in jurisdictions throughout its service area prior to the copper wire thefts in 2024. e thefts “were denitely a catalyst for us to get the bureau established more quickly,” Cousineau said.
Cousineau anticipates the RTD-PD detective bureau will be fully operational by the end of the second quarter in 2025, according to the news release.
“One of the biggest lifts that we have is to get with all eight counties to le cases to each of their expectations. is will also include establishing secure systems for e- ling and setting up protocols for writing probable cause a davits.”
On Jan. 6, the RTD-PD internally promoted Transit Police o cers Fabian Rodriguez to detective lieutenant and Brian Beary to detective on its force, according to the news release.
Rodriguez has served as an o cer for 27 years, with most of his career at the Adams County Sherri ’s O ce where he supervised general investigations and the North Metro Drug Task Force. Rodriguez’s career includes working with federal organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Beary has served in
law enforcement for 18 years. Prior to joining RTD-PD, he was a criminal investigator for the Colorado Department of Revenue for six years, the news release states.
A third detective, Craig Tangeman, joined the force on Jan. 21. Tangeman has worked in law enforcement for over 26 years, with 19 years dedicated to investigative operations for Arapahoe County Sheri ’s O ce. He has conducted federal and state investigations and managed over 200 police o cers, federal agents, and volunteers as part of proactive investigative operations, the news release states. Tangeman is experienced in conducting major case investigations having been assigned to the Metro Gang Task Force, the Safe Streets Fugitive Unit, and the Child Exploitation and Human Tra cking Task Force. Cousineau who has worked for RTDPD for almost two years, according to RTD. In Cousineau’s 28 years working in law enforcement, 14 have been dedicated to supervisory and investigative functions, including working on narcotics task forces, supervising detectives, and
ENROLLMENT
Is there a solution?
“We need a long-term funding solution,” Smith emphasized. “ e state has recognized the importance of early childhood education, but we can’t make progress if families can’t even access care.”
Tritten echoed that urgency.
“ e state legislature needs to invest more in CCCAP to address the funding shortfall and expand access to the program, as the current ‘status quo’ isn’t good enough,” she said while acknowledging the state’s nancial situation makes it challenging to nd an immediate x.
“We have TABOR (the Taxpayer Bill of Rights), which makes it even more dicult, so the state legislature can’t appropriate funds the way other states might be able to, so as we’re looking at it, it’s a bit of a puzzle right now in terms of how we address the need.”
overseeing investigations ranging from high-level misdemeanors to homicide crimes and internal a airs. e agency is budgeted to add two more detectives to the department later in 2025, RTD says. e RTD-PD is also in the process of developing an evidence room to follow the proper chain of custody to hold evidence needed to prosecute cases. Once established, this will mitigate reliance on other police agencies to retain evidence needed to prosecute criminal activity that occurred on RTD property. e agency states in the news release that RTD-PD have taken deliberate strides to grow the force to better support community and employee safety as part of the agency’s “Welcoming Transit Environment” strategic initiative. e RTD-PD force stands at approximately 90 o cers today and began the year with recruits in the police academy. e agency is budgeted for 150 sworn ofcers in 2025 – a signi cant growth from when the department had 19 o cers on the force in August 2019, the news release states.
In the meantime, families a ected by the freeze are left with few alternatives.
“ is is an issue that impacts all of us, whether we have children or not,” Smith said. “Without access to a ordable child care, we risk weakening the workforce and stalling future economic growth. It’s time for policymakers to step up.”
“If we can support families with highquality child care that’s a ordable, then we start solving some other problems for that family,” Tritten added. “We want families to be stable and thriving, and we want children to be in a place where they are being prepared for school.”
Tritten stressed the importance of prioritizing child care assistance in state discussions.
“We need to encourage our legislators to think about this and to invest in child care assistance and recognize that this is a program that helps solve bigger problems for families and helps create stability,” she said. “If we can help create stability through child care, then we are helping promote work and school and all of these other things as well.”
RTD expanding its police force to include detectives that will investigate crime across the systems’ routes and stations.
Douglas, Je erson among the top counties for speeders
El Paso county tops list for the speeding citations
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Colorado State Patrol has, once again, pinpointed the state’s ve counties that attracted the most speeding citations in 2024 and two are right here in the Denver-metro area.
Troopers say drivers in El Paso County got the most speeding tickers last year with 2,161. Douglas and Je erson counties are ranked number two and three respectively, with Douglas collecting 862 citations followed by Je erson with 831. Rounding out the top ve is Fremont County with 727 and Mesa County with 684, according to a CSP news release.
El Paso, Douglas and Je erson counties have remained the top ve counties for speeding citations for the past four years, the CSP states. is is the third consecutive time in four years that Fre-
mont County has entered the top ve and this is the rst time in four years for Mesa County.
e top ve roadways in 2024 for speeding charges by highest speeding intervals issued by the CSP were: I-70, I-25 followed by state highways 50, 24 and 285. e top four roadways have held their respective top positions for six consecutive years, the CSP states. Highway 285 broke into the top ve in 2022 and has held that spot for the last two years.
Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the CSP, said drivers in 2025 need to lighten up on the accelerator and be more aware of their speeding habits in the new year. “ e temptation to speed may be all around you, but you won’t get out of a ticket if you violate the law and get pulled over, “ Packard said in a press release. “Our goal isn’t to go out and ticket everyone; we want drivers to do the right thing and drive like a trooper is a passenger in their vehicle. Citations are meant to correct poor driving choices, and you are literally in the driver’s seat to determine the likelihood of a tra c stop.”
A year of regaining footing for RTD
Expanded security, new police chief top CEO’s agenda for 2025
BY MONTE WHALEY
MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Regional Transportation District CEO Debra Johson sees 2025 as a year when the agency stabilizes itself, regains some commuter routes and expands security for passengers who rely on trains and buses to get them to their home or jobs.
As far back as 2021, RTD began looking at expanding the number of the agency’s police o cers who could patrol bus and train stops, she said.
“It was a time of civil unrest…and there was some angst on how RTD t into that safety question,” Johnson said last week. “It really was an issue on how we can make our passengers lives better.”
Beginning May 5, RTD’s Transit Police Department will be sta ng bus and train stops 24/7 to enhance the safety of RTD’s frontline employees and customers. Last year, RTD launched a Transit Police – or RTD-PD – cadet program for full-time college students in the Denver metro area pursuing a criminal justice or related degree to boost the ranks of transit o cers. is e ort was enhanced by the addition of K-9 units across the agency’s 2,342-square-mile district, including transportation hubs such as Denver Union Station, the A Line to the airport and other commuter and rail lines and buses, the agency said.
Passengers can also access a transit watch app on their telephones that can alert o cers to problems on board a bus or train, Johnson said. “ ese are some of the elements can reap bene ts for passengers and employees,” Johnson said.
RTD is also working to select a new police chief to oversee security e orts, Johnson said. e agency has hired a national search rm to get a new chief soon, she said.
RTD’s previous police chief, Joel
Fitzgerald, was let go even though the transit agency has refused to tell the public why, according to media reports. Colorado’s Peace O cer Standards and Training Database, a function of the Colorado Attorney General’s Ofce, says Fitzgerald was “terminated for cause,” according to Channel 9 news.
Fitzgerald had been on leave since early July, but RTD has refused to answer questions about Fitzgerald’s departure and declined to say if he quit or was red, Channel 9 states.
Laser focused
At least a dozen top o cials have left RTD since 2021, according to Colorado Public Radio. Gov. Jared Polis has alluded to the agency’s management woes, calling for more budget transparency, accountability and better governance from RTD, according to Denver’s CBS News.
Johnson said the agency is “laser focused” on attracting good employees and retaining others. She said the agency is hiring more operators for its buses and commuter trains, adding recruiting fairs held last year has added reliable employees to RTD’s ranks.
RTD management is also at the bargaining table negotiating with the rankand- le for good competitive wages, she said.
“At RTD we value our employees, and we want us to be market competitive. We weren’t market competitive before and now we want to keep making that competitiveness the case,” Johnson said.
RTD is also returning its services to preCOVID levels, adding more frequency to 15 bus routes across its service area. e agency also reinstated the 82-bus route to Denver and DIA and added a new connector route to Denver’s Art District, Johnson said.
However, there are no plans yet to complete RTD’s North Line, Johnson
said. e rst 13 miles of the proposed 18.5-mile line provides service from Union Station through Denver, Commerce City, Northglenn, ornton, and eventually North Adams County. e remaining 5.5 miles will provide service to SH 7/162nd Avenue Station.
“We don’t have a funding source (to complete the North Line) at this current time,” Johnson said. She added RTD cannot fund, on its own, a passenger rail system for the Front Range. “We will likely have to partner with others…to provide Front Range passenger rail,” she said.
Tra c travels between Frisco and Breckenridge on Colorado Highway 9. FILE PHOTO
Pomona girls wrestling scores first-ever league title
BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
History was made on the wrestling mats last month.
e rst girls wrestling Je co League Championship Tournament to determine the league champion was held at Columbine High School. Nine Je co teams — Arvada West, Chat eld, Columbine, Conifer, Evergreen, Je erson, Littleton, Pomona and Standley Lake — competed with a total of 74 wrestlers lling the 14 di erent weight classes.
“It is super fun. It shows that the sport is growing a lot,” Chat eld junior Ryen Hickey said of the historic night. “Last year we just didn’t have enough teams. Now we have some full brackets. It is super cool.”
Hickey was one of three Chargers that won individual titles. Sophomores Lola Gonzales (105 pounds) and Kayla Landers (120 pounds) joined Hickey (145 pounds) as all 14 individual champions were recognized at the conclusion of the tournament.
Chat eld captured the rst three girls wrestling state team titles after the Colorado High Schools Activities Association added the sport in 2020-2021. Rival Pomona prevented the four-peat for the Chargers last season.
“I think we are deep and our team is de nitely getting better,” Hickey said after the Chargers took second to Pomona at the league championships. “We have a lot of young girls, but they are newer but they are getting good super fast really fast. It will be interesting how state works out.”
Having Hickey back on the mats is key for the Chargers’ team success. She won the 140-pound state title as a freshman, but elbow surgery prevented her from defending her state title in 2024.
e junior is back and one of the favorites to capture the Class 5A 145-pound title in a few weeks down at Ball Arena. Hickey won all three of her matches ursday by rst-round pins. She holds a 30-0 record this season.
“I want to get another state title. at would be awesome,” Hickey said. “I’m also working on making the World Team. at is my goal for April. I’ll just keep pushing.”
Pomona pinned its way to the Je co League title ursday racking up 166.5 points. Chat eld was second with 149.5 points and Littleton nished a distant third with 92.5 points.
“It is awesome,” Pomona junior Timberly Martinez said. “Going back to my freshman year we only had ve girls (on the team). We were a powerhouse then, but now we have 14 girls on the team. We are growing so much. It’s amazing.”
e Panthers won ve individual titles at league. Freshman Justice Gutierrez (100 pounds), junior Alora Martinez (125 pounds), along with seniors Ava Cabral (135 pounds) and Elizabeth DeVries (190 pounds) joined Timberly Martinez (140 pounds) on top of the podium.
Timberly Martinez was the most decorated wrestler to take the mats at Columbine High School. She was the lone twotime state champion winning the 135 and 130 championship titles the past two seasons. e chance of making a shortlist of four-time state champions in Colo-
rado is within reach.
“I think about it all the time,” Martinez said of being halfway to a four-time indi-
vidual state champion. “It is something that is always in the back of my mind, especially when I go to those early morn-
ing practices and running. I’m just telling myself to get through this. is is what makes you a champion.”
Martinez saw rsthand what it takes to become a four-time state champion. Her practice partner in Pomona’s wrestling room last year was Persaeus Gomez, who became the rst girl wrestler in Colorado to become a four-time state champion last year.
“I go out there thinking that no girl is better than another,” Martinez said after nishing the nal championship match of the night with a rst-period pin of Evergreen senior Avery Cox. “I treat each wrestler the same. Everyone is here to compete.”
Pomona is attempting to qualify as many wrestlers for the state tournament on Feb. 13-15 at Ball Arena. e Panthers’ girls will try to repeat as state team champions, while the Pomona boys are going for their seventh consecutive 5A start team title.
“It was great to be the rst school ever to win your boys and girls wrestling teams win state at the same time,” Martinez said of last year’s state team championships. “I hope to continue it. We want to be back-to-back state champions while the boys grab their seventh in a row.”
Dennis Pleuss is the Sports Information Director for Je co Public Schools. For more Je co coverage, go to ColoradoPreps.com and CHSAANow.com
Pomona junior Timberly Martinez (in black) grabs the leg of Conifer senior Sierra Nordwald during a semifinal match at 140 pounds on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Columbine High School. Pomona captured the first girls wrestling Je co League title winning the Je co League Tournament.
Pomona girls wrestlers captured the Je co League title on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Columbine High School. The Panthers will try to win back-to-back state team titles in a few weeks at Ball Arena.
PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS / JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
King Soopers takes steps to handle strike
Grocer hires temp workers to keep stores open
BY TAMARA CHUANG THE COLORADO SUN
As day one of a planned two-week walkout began, about a dozen King Soopers employees were up before dawn on ursday, pacing in front of their store in Centennial. Some walked the perimeter on the sidewalks as cars passed by. All carried white signs with red lettering asking customers to not patronize their employer.
eir union representative with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 forbade them to speak to a reporter, even as one employee questioned why not? Why aren’t they allowed to tell the people why they are outside the store instead of inside?
At a Safeway parking lot across from a King Soopers on ursday, union ocials held a news conference and said the workers at the two Pueblo stores would join the strike starting Friday. Local 7 President Kim Cordova said she spoke for the workers, who feared repercussions by the employer. Intimidation is part of the union’s multiple unfair labor practice claims against the Kroger-owned chain.
“King Soopers has some big problems. I mean when you have 96 to 100% of the workers vote to strike, there’s real issues,” Cordova said. “And here we are for the second time in back-to-back bargaining cycles. Here we are with another unfair labor practice dispute against King Soopers.”
More than 10,000 King Soopers employees in the Front Range are involved, which is a few thousand more than three years ago when King Soopers walked out in January 2022. More contracts have expired. ey’re protesting unfair labor practices, which allege surveilling and disrupting discussions between workers and union reps. A “last best and nal o er” from the company was rejected in mid-January.
Not all union members walked out on day one. Workers in Colorado Springs voted last Friday to authorize a strike. But some of their contracts have not yet expired so they could join in the coming days, union o cials said.
Find an updated list of a ected locations at public. ourish.studio/visualisation/21490216.
Grocer preps for strike
ere are 77 Denver-area stores involved in ursday’s work stoppage. Because of that, King Soopers hired temporary workers to keep the stores open, spokesperson Jessica Trowbridge said Wednesday.
“We have an obligation to the community to make sure they have access to fresh and a ordable food and pharmacy services, so we’ve gone ahead and hired temporary sta to come and help us serve the community at this time,” Trowbridge said.
All stores will remain open, though locations impacted by the strike will operate on limited hours. Stores will open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m, with pharmacies open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week. On Saturdays, pharmacy hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch. Pharmacies will be closed on Sundays.
All other stores in the state, including City Markets, will stick with their normal hours.
Other King Soopers stores remain open
Not all King Soopers in metro Denver are unionized. ere are nonunion stores in Brighton, Castle Rock, Erie and Firestone. ere are also two ornton locations — at 13700 Colorado Blvd. and 13525 Quebec St. — that aren’t part of the strike. Other nonunion stores farther out include Bennett, Conifer and Windsor.
Union stores outside of Denver remain open, though they could join the strike at a later date. Besides Colorado Springs workers who are ready to join the strike, others could take a strike vote soon. Labor contracts in Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont and Loveland expire Feb. 15.
Also, many locations only have some of the sta in a union, such as the meat departments in Boulder and Parker. But those stores are still impacted by the strike and limited hours.
Local 7 also represents workers at four Western Slope City Markets, including two in Grand Junction, one in Fruita and one in Clifton. No strike vote has been announced yet.
Unproductive negotiations, heated accusations
Negotiations began in October on the new contract, which expired Jan. 5, and stopped inde nitely on Jan. 16. No further meetings were scheduled.
In unfair labor practice claims led with the National Labor Relations Board, the union said King Soopers was “illegally threatening members with discipline” for wearing union clothing or union buttons, surveilling workers in discussions with union sta and “gutting $8 million in retiree health bene ts for wage increases for active workers.”
To get the union back to the bargaining table, Cordova said, “We need the company to engage in good and fair bargaining, and they need to resolve the unfair labor practices. ey have to provide information that we need around sales.”
King Soopers pushed back on all the allegations. In a statement, the company said it responded to all the union’s requests, and even “dedicated six hours to answering every question raised,” during a one negotiation session. e company has “acted in full compliance with both the law and collective bargaining agreement obligations.”
It led its own unfair labor practice claims against the union for causing disruptions, such as mentioning a strike on Dec. 17, and rejecting company o ers without providing their own proposal for the workers. ( e union said it has made proposals.)
e company had hoped to avoid a strike, like the one three years ago. Earlier this week, King Soopers President Joe Kelley asked Local 7 to “reconsider their approach and prioritize the best interests of our associates, their members and the communities they serve.”
King Soopers has publicly shared its o er to workers and urged employees to look and vote on the proposed contract, instead of voting on unfair labor practices.
King Soopers o ered raises to boost store clerks’ hourly wage by $4.50 over four years, with top clerks earning above $27 an hour by 2028. Adding in health care and pension bene ts, that would be $29.48 an hour. e current wage is $22.68, the company said.
The union’s sticking points
While making sure grocery workers can make a livable wage is a big concern, Cordova said the top concern is inadequate sta ng, and that impacts consumers.
“Our ght over understa ng is real. Every customer sees that they’re waiting in long lines. ey’re seeing empty shelves. And there’s not a supply chain issue here. All the product is in the back room. ere’s just nobody there (to restock),” Cordova said. “ ey don’t have enough sta in the stores to properly change the price tags or prices in the system. So many customers’ experience (is) the price they’re paying is higher than what’s advertised. And that’s a big issue when people around the country are already upset about the high cost of groceries.”
Reyna Carpenter, the seafood manager at a King Soopers in Pueblo, said she joined the company a decade ago when there were four people working a shift in her department at a time. Now, there’s two. And sometimes she gets pulled over to the meat department to help.
If one of the shift workers is tagging items or restocking, that means there’s only one
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employee helping customers. And that’s what’s happening storewide, she said. When check out lines get longer, cashiers abandon the other chores. at means store shelves aren’t getting restocked or properly tagged with the new pricing for the week. Or there’s no shopping carts, so another sta er has to run out and gather them up in the parking lot.
“On ad days, it’s ridiculous,” said Carpenter, who is also on the union’s bargaining committee. “You have to rearrange everything. … at takes time. We used to have people that came in and worked with us. We had more sta ng in the morning and throughout the afternoon.”
Kroger owns 118 King Soopers and 32 City Market stores in Colorado. Not all are unionized.
is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
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Employees on strike hold signs outside of a King Soopers store in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood on Feb. 6. PHOTO BY NINA JOSS
CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ
1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the highest mountain in Canada?
2. TELEVISION: Who is the host of the long-running reality series “Survivor”?
3. LITERATURE: Which animals represent the Communist Party in “Animal Farm”?
4. U.S. STATES: Which state is the birthplace of the singer Elvis?
5. ASTRONOMY: How long does it take the moon to orbit the Earth?
6. MOVIES: What is the score Elle receives on her law school admission test in “Legally Blonde”?
7. AD SLOGANS: Which product’s slogan is “Is It In You?”?
8. LANGUAGE: What is an eraser called in the United Kingdom?
9. SCIENCE: What are the four primary precious metals?
TrIVIa
10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Valentine’s Day arose from which Roman ritual?
Answers
1. Mount Logan.
2. Je Probst.
3. Pigs.
4. Mississippi.
5. 27.3 days.
6. 179.
7. Gatorade.
8. A rubber.
9. Gold, silver, platinum and palladium.
10. Lupercalia.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Eliminate
AdventHealth Parker fights human tra cking
Facility trains nurses in ways to spot victims
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As the FBI continues to monitor the rise of human tra cking in Colorado, particularly cases involving youth, various agencies and organizations across the state are working to combat the crime.
But one sector is on the frontlines.
“I think healthcare workers come across human tra cking victims more than any of us,” said Janelle Goodrich, founder and executive director of From Silenced to Saved, a nonpro t organization that supports victims of sexual exploitation.
Research, including studies published in the National Institute of Health, shows that more than 60% of those being trafcked had visited an emergency room while being exploited.
at reality was brought to Mary Marnell’s attention during the COVID-19 pandemic while working in the emergency department at the Medical Center of Aurora.
While working outside alongside a coworker, two young girls approached them. After they walked away, Marnell’s coworker told her that those two girls were likely being tra cked — sparking Marnell to want to learn more about human tra cking in the area.
When Marnell began working as an emergency room nurse at AdventHealth Parker shortly after, she wanted to bring more awareness to human tra cking, but noticed there weren’t a lot of resources that were easily accessible.
“ e sheer number of people that are seen by healthcare sta members — and that’s including registration, EMTs, not just nursing — aren’t o ered resources,” Marnell said.
rough training with Goodrich with From Silenced to Saved in Castle Rock, Marnell learned that the amount of knowledge that her sta didn’t know about human tra cking was huge.
Whether it’s the dentist, an OBGYN or an emergency room nurse, the average victim is seen in a healthcare setting about nine times before they are discovered or disclosed, said Goodrich, adding that sometimes the emergency room or an urgent care serves as their primary care.
To further train emergency room nurses on how to identify and support potential victims, AdventHealth Parker has teamed up with From Silenced to Saved.
From Silenced to Saved
For about a decade, Goodrich, a certi ed family trauma professional, has focused on victims and survivors of human trafcking, sexual exploitation and other related violent sex crimes. Six years ago, she founded From Silenced to Saved.
e nonpro t is a third-party case management organization that provides assistance to government agencies in domestic sex-tra cking investigations. Additionally, it’s the only non-governmental agency currently approved to respond on scene alongside local, state and federal law enforcement in Colorado.
“We are referred and brought in by law enforcement only,” said Goodrich. “(We) start from recovery all the way through the case with the named victim, and help them kind of weave through the court process and make sure that they’re getting all their needs met.”
Goodrich, who also serves on the Colorado Human Tra cking Council, works with community partners to help bridge the gap with law enforcement to provide needed services to victims.
“A majority of victims are not disclosed, they are discovered,” said Goodrich. “You show up to what’s happening to them.”
Disclosed means to make information known while discovered means to nd something previously unknown.
Having helped nearly 300 victims and survivors since its inception, From Silenced to Saved provides trauma informed mentorship, and helps fund housing, food and transportation for victims. Goodrich also attends court appearances and trial preparation sessions.
e organization also partners with FBI Denver’s Child Exploitation and Human Tra cking Task Force, which includes sheri ’s o ces across the metro area. Since the task force formed in 2012, it has recovered nearly 700 minors.
Recognizing human tra cking
Human tra cking is not blurred by gender or any type of sexual identi cation, and is a crime that hides in plain sight, Goodrich said.
“Any type of vulnerability that’s compounding, such as poverty, homelessness … just adds to that vulnerability for them to be tra cked,” Goodrich said.
She said if nurses could learn only one thing from the training, it would be that the movies aren’t reality — that human tra cking victims might look like every other person who walks into the hospital.
And, if it’s a minor, it’s a mandatory child abuse report.
Nurses learn about what needs to be reported, as well as how and when. e nurses are given tools to help identify youth who are at high risk for commercial sexual exploitation and what necessities emergency departments should have.
Another important topic is what to say versus what not to say to potential victims, Goodrich said. One example of what not to say is “why don’t you just leave?,” she added.
ere are many situations, often complicated, for which those being tra cked stay. It could be because of a concern for their safety, manipulation and more, Goodrich said.
Understanding that not every victim is ready to make a report during a visit to a healthcare professional, Goodrich emphasized the importance for nurses to take detailed notes, photographs, encourage the preservation of evidence and provide them with useful resources. During the training with AdventHealth Parker, one nurse brought up the fact that there is a blurred line between what nurses can and cannot do, and felt that they were not properly trained on human tra cking before meeting Goodrich.
“In nursing school and hospital onboarding education, they give you just the tip of the iceberg with ‘this is what mandatory reporting is, this is not necessarily mandatory reporting,’” Marnell said. To learn more about From Silenced to Saved, visit fsts.org.
WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
The FBI defines human tra cking as the illegal exploitation of people. There are three main kinds of human tra cking listed on the FBI’s website:
• Sex tra cking: A person is compelled by force, fraud or coercion to engage in commercial sex acts.
• Labor tra cking: A person is compelled by force, threats or fraud to perform labor or service.
• Domestic servitude: A person appears to be a nanny, housekeeper or other type of domestic worker but is being controlled and exploited.
The Common Sense Institute Colorado reported that Colorado had the 10th highest overall number of incidents nationwide in 2023.
While some might think that human tra cking results from being kidnapped or the use of physical force, many situations result from psychological means and threats. For example, tra ckers may convince their victims that they are in love with them, or make them dependent on their tra cker for basic needs.
Human tra cking di ers from human smuggling as tra cking does not require any movement and victims can be tra cked within their town.
The average entry age into human trafficking is 12-14 years old, according to the National Human Tra cking Hotline’s 2021 polaris review. This entry age is why local law enforcement encourages parents to monitor their children’s phones and social media, as sextortion and child exploitation can lead to human tra cking.
You can report tips to the Colorado Human Tra cking Hotline to 1-866-455-5075.
Approximately Located at 15812 West 64th Avenue, in the City of Arvada, County of Jefferson, State of Colorado, Finding said Petition Substantially Compliant with C.R.S. 31-12-107(1), and Setting a Public Hearing for March 18, 2025, 6:15 P.M. for City Council to Determine Whether the Area Meets the Requirements of C.R.S. 31-12-104 and 105, and is Considered Eligible for Annexation Legal Notice No. Jeff 1340 First Publication: February 13, 2025 Last Publication: March 6, 2025 Publisher: Jeffco Transcript Public Notice
the Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada CO, City Council will hold a public hearing on the following proposed ordinances and thereafter will consider them for final passage and adoption. For the full text version in electronic form go to www.arvada.org/ legal-notices, and click on Current and recent Legal Notices to access legal notices. The full text version is also available in printed form in the City Clerk’s office. Contact 720.898.7550 if you have questions. The full text version is also available in printed form in the City Clerk’s office. Contact 720.898.7550 if you have questions.
CB25-005, An Ordinance Amending Several Sections of Chapter 90, Solid Waste, of the Arvada City Code
Legal Notice No. Jeff 1341 First Publication: February 13, 2025 Last Publication: February 13, 2025 Publisher: Jeffco Transcript Metropolitan Districts
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the West Point Metropolitan District (“District”) of Jefferson County, Colorado.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, two (2) directors will be elected to serve a four-year term and two (2) directors will be elected to serve a two-year term.
Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms are available from Sarah H. Luetjen, the Designated Election Official for the District, via email: sluetjen@cegrlaw.com. Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms must be filed with the Designated Election Official for the District by 5:00 p.m. at the above email address not less than 67 days prior to the election (Friday, February 28, 2025).
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be filed with the Designated Election Official of the District at the above email address during normal business hours, until 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday immediately preceding the election (Tuesday, April 29, 2025). All absentee ballots must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 7:00 p.m. on election day. WEST POINT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ Sarah H. Luetjen Designated Election Official Legal Notice No. Jeff 1268 First Publication: February 13,
and the Arvada Press
Public Notice CALL FOR NOMINATIONS APEX PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT
§1-13.5-501, 1-13.5-1102(3), 32-1-905(2), C.R.S.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and,
