Councilors say it might be time to end leases, manage property in-house
BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COMAs the city begins a search for a new caretaker for Brighton’s historic Bromley-Koizuma/Hishunima Farm City Councilors said it might be time to do something di erent.
“I want this to be something, the kind of thing we all want it to be,” Councilor Matt Johnston said. “But leasing it out is a constant gamble and I’d see what we can do ourselves and not have to gamble away this beautiful property.”
Brighton Parks and Open Space Assistant Director Kyle Sylvester and Senior Planner Emma Lane briefed the City Council on the next steps at the farm at the Feb. 27 study session. e most recent contracted caretakers, partners Anna Frye and Melody Smith, stepped back from the farm in the fall of 2023.
“ ey had some really good opportunities for programming at the farm,” Sylvester said. “ ey brought in some animals and they started o really good. But I think, at the end of the day, they had some family to take care of and some other things going on. And they decided it was in their own best interest to leave the
Bromley Farm last fall and take care of some other matters.”
Part of Brighton history
e farm itself dates back to 1883, two years after Brighton was founded and named but four years before it was o cially accepted as a Colorado municipality. Emmet Bromley, a former state senator and namesake for Brighton’s Bromley Lane, purchased 200 acres of land for his growing herd of dairy cows.
e land changed hands a few times for the next 60 years, a constant source of sugar beets and grain crops until 1947 when the Yachi and Sen Hishunima purchased 160 acres of the farm, shared with their relatives Mitsuye and Sumi Koizuma. e families and their descendants lived on the land raising their own fruit and vegetables as well as cash crops for local canning companies until 2004.
Brighton purchased the central 9.6 acres of the farm in 2006. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 as the city began looking for ways to renovate the buildings and revitalize the grounds as a living farm, a community garden and a cultural center.
Beyond leases and contracts
Sylvester said the city has spent $2.6 million for improvements at the farm, about half of that from grants. Sylvester said the city has hired several contractors to man-
age the farm, bringing on Frye and Smith — known as Boots and Shorty — in 2021.
“So we are at the point now where we can start pursuing new (requests for proposals),” he said. “We’ve had some lessons learned from our experiences and I think we have some good opportunities coming up.”
But councilors said it might be time to try something di erent.
“ ere have been multiple residents since I’ve been on the council and they came to our meetings and they say ‘Please don’t lease this out. Please make it a heritage piece for us,’“ Councilor Johnston said. “And I just don’t trust any lease that we will get at this point because we’ve been burned three times.”
Councilor Peter Padilla said he agreed that the leases don’t seem to work when the farm is concerned.
“It’s not a good revenue source for us. It’s not really a good revenue source for anybody who would run it.”
But Padilla said he feels the farm could be a regional draw for Brighton.
“I’d love to see what it would take for us to do something with it,” Padilla said. “ e only way that I can imagine we are ever going to see what we would love to see on that property is to take on the responsibility.”
City Manager Michael Martinez said the city’s goal has always been to make the farm pro table. at might need to change.
“For a while, the council pushed for cost recovery for certain things we have, and we’ve had a lot of discussions about how we can recover costs,” Martinez said. “And I think we have learned over the past 10 years or so is that an amenity like this is not a cost recovery mechanism. We are never going to realize or recover the costs we put into it. We look at it like a rec center. We are never going to generate enough revenue to cover our costs but it is an amenity for our residents.”
Councilor Ann Taddeo suggested a community survey to nd out what Brighton residents would like to see happen at the farm.
An oft-mentioned priority of Gov. Polis and others has been to increase the housing supply throughout Colorado. One of the most successful programs has been the promotion of “Transit Oriented Development,” which has manifested itself in the construction of medium-rise and high-rise apartment buildings near light-rail stations.
Another strategy has been to promote and facilitate the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in areas zoned for single-family homes.
and Sen. Tony Exum (D-El Paso County).
The title of the bill is “Concerning increasing the number of accessory dwelling units.” A link to the full text of the bill is at RealEstateToday.substack.com
The ADU movement has met some resistance in certain circles, and would be impractical in many subdivisions with small lot sizes and no alleys. Because most local jurisdictions have required ADUs to have separate access and one designated parking space, it hasn’t been a viable option for most single-family homes in newer subdivisions — if the HOA would allow it.
Now there’s a bill (HB24-1152) that just passed the House Committee on Transportation, Housing and Local Government, which would require HOAs (and developers of new subdivisions) to allow ADUs without undue restrictions. The bi-partisan vote was 9-2, and the bill is now going to the House Appropriations Committee for approval before going to the floor of the House and then the Senate.
The prime sponsors in the House are Rep. Ron Weinberg (R-Larimer County) and Judy Amabile (D-Boulder, et al.). The prime sponsors in the Senate are Sen. Kyle Mullica (D-Adams County),
The bill specifically applies to Colorado’s metro areas, specifically to areas with a minimum 1,000 population served by a “Metropolitan Planning Organization.” There are only five MPOs in Colorado. The one serving the Denver metro counties (plus Clear Clerk and Gilpin) is the Denver Regional Council of Governments, or DRCOG.
Section 1 of the bill, as introduced, requires subject jurisdictions to allow one ADU, where practical, for any home zoned single-family detached, and it prohibits a jurisdiction from enacting or enforcing laws that restrict the construction or conversion of ADUs.
My home city of Golden allows ADUs, and I have seen them permitted above detached garages (a great application of the concept), and in walk-out basements. The required parking space could be a separate driveway or one
March 7th is being promoted by the Social Security Administration as a day to recognize and fight scams which can deplete the resources of senior citizens. At http://RealEstateToday.substack.com I have posted a link to their “Scam Alert” fact sheet and another link for reporting a scam to Social Security.
space in a multi-car garage. It would be hard to create an ADU in a single family home on a small lot without a walk-out basement or room for a separate structure.
Every jurisdiction subject to the law, if passed, would be required to report to the Division of Local Government that it has met the law’s requirements and developed one or more strategies to “encourage and facilitate” the construction of ADUs.
The bill also establishes a grant program within the Division to help local jurisdictions create their plans and strategies, reduce permitting fees, and provide technical assistance to builders and owners.
It also empowers the Colorado Economic Development Commission to expend $8 million on a contract with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to provide affordable loans, interest rate buy-downs, and down payment assistance plus direct loans related to the construction and conversion of ADUs.
Accessory dwelling units facilitated by the proposed law won’t make a huge dent in the housing crisis, but they have
other benefits. For starters, it will help homeowners create a revenue stream that could help them keep their home.
One of the rules for allowing ADUs in Golden and elsewhere is that the owner of the property must live on the premises — either in the main house or in the ADU. In other words, an owner or investor couldn’t add an ADU and have two rentals units. HB24-1152 disallows that requirement.
My thanks to reader John Phillips, who alerted me to this bill and attended the committee hearing at which it was debated and approved. John’s business builds ADUs under the name Verdant Living. You can reach him at 303-7171962. He is happy to answer any questions you might have about ADUs.
His website is www.VerdantLiving.us.
Last week I had a link to an article promoting the use of propane as a backup, even for an all-electric home. Reader Phil Cox pointed out to me that it wouldn’t work in Denver (and possible other cities) because its building code prohibits the installation of a propane tank anywhere that is within 300 feet of a natural gas (methane) supply line. Thanks, Phil!
$345,000
This 4-bedroom home at 14997 W. 32nd Place backs to the largest of the Coors ponds, which is a birder's dream hosting many rare specious of migratory fowl! There are numerous hiking and biking trails less than a mile away on South Table Mountain, and Rolling Hills Country Club and Applewood Golf Course are each a few blocks aways. Vibrant downtown Golden is 3 miles to the west, and I70 is 2 miles to the east. The front door opens to a 1900-sq.-ft. main level overlooking the Coors pond. The primary suite has high ceilings and also overlooks the pond. A guest bedroom is at the front of the home with an ensuite bathroom. The lower-level walkout basement features 2 more bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a large rec room with built-in bar. The lower level could function as a space to house a caregiver. Enjoy the large main-level deck with it great views of the pond and mountains. It has plenty of room for a table, chairs and grill. The attached garage holds two cars with room to park more in the driveway. The owner says the HOA is well run, and the $360 monthly dues pay for front/back yard maintenance, irrigation maintenance and fences, snow removal up to the porch and garage, trash and recycling collection, street maintenance and common area maintenance. It has been four years since a home was listed for sale in this neighborhood, which tell you how much people like living here. View a narrated video walk-through plus drone video at ApplewoodHome.online, then call Chuck Brown at 303-885-7855 to request a showing. Or come to the open house Saturday, 11 to 1.
This is a rare opportunity to own a spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, garden-level condo at 7700 Depew Street #1501 in the well-maintained Wood Creek community that includes a pool and ample parking for you and your guests. Step inside to an open living room with a wood-burning fireplace and built-in shelves, dining area with patio doors and an all-white kitchen with tile floors. There is a bar-height counter between the living room and kitchen, providing an additional seating option. The living and dining rooms are carpeted and freshly painted in a soft neutral color. The two bedrooms are at opposite ends of the condo, separated by the living area. Both bedrooms have extensive closet space. The primary bedroom has two bi-fold doors accessing one closet plus a linen closet. Your private covered patio off of the dining room has a secure storage closet with plenty of room for bikes and additional items on the built in shelves. There is also a full-size laundry room in the unit with three overhead cabinets and a hanging rod. The washer and dryer are included. Wood Creek is located within minutes of the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. Little Dry Creek trail is right outside your door. Walk to parks, shops, restaurants and transit. View a narrated video tour plus magazine-quality still photos at www.ArvadaCondo.online, then call listing agent Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to request a showing. If you prefer, you can come to the open house she will be holding this Saturday, Mar. 9th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Concentrate
DAVID
GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922
AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071
KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428
After six months, virtual driver training program due for expansion, new investment
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COMA professional driver training program unveiled by Aims Community College last fall has been so successful that the college hopes to purchase a second CDL simulator and get o cially approved for another $100,000 to invest more equipment.
“I have seen excellent results in the rst six months of using the simulator. It has reduced training time, and the students get the concepts a lot faster,” said Martin Rubalcaba, program director for the college’s commercial driver license program. “I usually cut about two training days, and they get more behindthe-wheel time.”
Last fall, Aims purchased the L3 Harris technology that trains students with hands-on visual driving before they climb behind the wheel of a semi-truck.
“One of the key concepts that a new CDL driver must master is shifting the truck since it is very different from driving a car with a stick shift,” Rubalcaba said.
Rubalcaba said the simulator screen can display a graph that shows a student driver the appropriate time to shift into the next gear.
“ e big thing about shifting is getting those mechanics down to
get the truck moving,” he said. e simulator screen allows the student to visualize driving a semitrailer in a city or rural area and enhanced features can help train the student to cope with extreme weather or hazardous situations risk-free, without damaging equipment or crashing into people.
“I don’t want to be in a physical truck with a new CDL driver when it’s snowy or icy,” Rubalcaba said. “I can give them a simulated scenario to give them some experience driving a truck on ice or snow.”
Comfortable way to learn
Rubalcaba said once students get comfortable in the simulator, they can practice driving in Aims-owned semi-trucks on private roads on two acres of the Fort Lupton Campus, a safe, controlled environment without the tra c pressures.
“Trainers report positive results when students are more comfortable behind the wheel,” he said. “It’s much less stressful on the student. Mistakes such as missing gears and taking turns too short are reduced after learners get their start on the simulator.
“ is technology integrated into the program has helped students prepare for their CDL exams, encouraged safe driving practices, and kicked o careers in commercial driving.”
e Aims CDL simulator is a custom-built mobile trailer that can travel to career fairs and events promoting commercial driving careers.
“ is hands-on experience has received an excellent response from the community. Observing the younger generation, I love it. It’s a
big video game, and they enjoy it,” Rubalcaba said. “I’ve seen that this enthusiasm extends to all ages, and the older crowd is also fascinated by it and having a great time driving the simulator.”
Rubalcaba said the simulator also gives those not interested in a trucking career an understanding and respect for sharing the road with big rigs and the industry overall.
“We like to have people jump in there and show them what it’s like to drive a large truck,” he said.
According to o cials, Aims CDL program is designed to be a ordable for students without going into debt. Depending on the student’s progress, the course takes about three to four weeks to complete. If a new student starts at the beginning of the month, it could be completed by the end of the month.
“ e CDL program keeps expanding its reach to attract people not traditionally well-represented in the trucking industry,” Rubalcaba said. “Approximately 90 percent of the students in the program are male, but there are opportunities for females that are growing. Women get jobs in the industry because they tend to be safer and more cognizant drivers.”
Aims is also interested in attracting underemployed people in underserved communities. Its enrollment is growing in Hispanic and African American communities.
Aims is adding a new program for summer 2024 that o ers CDL classes for non-native English speakers, e ectively a combination of English learning classes with CDL training.
Also, Aims is working on obtaining grant funding to o er a refugee training program.
According to o cials, a quarter of students in the Aims CDL program have their tuition paid by their employers, such as local governments, large corporations and construction companies. e remaining 75 percent of students pay the tuition out of pocket because it a shortterm program that is not eligible for student aid.
Some assistance is available through Workforce Development programs in each county. Aims’ CDL program also o ers opportunities to obtain a commercial learner permit, Class A and B licenses, and Hazardous Materials Endorsement.
More information and an interest form are available at aims.co/cdl.
An Adams County Commissioner.
e Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Northglenn. A local activist for Chicano arts and humanities.
All three were victims of domestic violence. Two survived their ordeal.
Emma Pinter, board chair for the Adams County Commissioners, recalls as a little girl her father shouting and shoving her mother and then refusing to pay child support.
“It was very scary,” Pinter said Wednesday during a kicko ceremony Wednesday at Northglenn’s Parsons eater of an e ort to bring a Family Justice Center to the Adams and Broom eld County community.
e center would be a place where victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can get the support they need in one central location, say advocates.
“We could have used something like the center when I was growing up,” Pinter said.
Brian Mason, district attorney for Adams/ Broom eld counties, told law enforcement personnel and those who work closely with domestic violence victims, that a Family Justice Center is a natural extension of the local Domestic Violence High Risk Team.
“Now we are ready for the next big step – the creation of a Family Justice Center,” Mason told the audience at DL Parsons eater.
ere are 150 Family Justice Centers in the United States and one in Lakewood. e centers have helped reduce fear among victims, increased coordination between service providers and provided more support to victims and their families, advocates say.
e e ort to develop a facility in Adams/Broom eld counties will be guided by the Family Justice Center Alliance, whose members walked the audience at the DL Parsons e-
ater through the process of starting a facility.
Details about cost and location can be worked out later, Mason said. “We just want a safe place for domestic violence victims,” he said.
Shannon Lukemon-Hiromasa, mayor pro-tem for Northglenn, told the audience at DL Parsons eater that her domestic survivor story was like Pinter’s. She ed her abuser when she was three months pregnant.
Nothing like the Family Justice Center existed in the early 1990’s, forcing Lukemon-Hiromasa to rely on friends and family to get away and start a fresh life, she said.
“Something like the center could help someone survive and then thrive,” Lukemon-Hiromasa said. “I should be six feet under, but I’m not.”
Lucille Ruibal Rivera did not survive her violent situation. She died on Nov. 18, a victim of a murdersuicide that involved her boyfriend, according to media reports.
Rivera championed the local arts scene and served eight years as executive director of the nonpro t Chicano Humanities and Arts Council. She also helped launch what is now known as the Tepeyac Community Health Center.
Rivera was a beautiful soul that shined over Northglenn, said Heather Geyer, Northglenn City Manager who memorialized Rivera at Wednesday’s gathering.
“Lucille was taken from us too soon through a thoughtless act of domestic violence,” Geyer said. “I hope Lucille’s story lights a re in all of us. We have a lot of work to do.”
e rst Family Justice Center was created in San Diego, California in 2002, through a partnership between the San Diego City Attorney and the San Diego Police Department. It evolved out of a collaborative relationship between community-based domestic violence agencies and criminal justice professionals, according to an Adams County DA news release.
A publication of
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Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110
Phone: 303-566-4100
Web: TheBrightonBlade.com
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Brighton Standard Blade (USPS 65180)
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Brighton, Colorado, Brighton Standard Blade is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 143 S. 2nd Pl., Brighton CO 80601. .
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to: Brighton Standard Blade, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110
Brighton invites artists to transform tra c boxes
e City of Brighton invites artists to embark on an exciting endeavor— transforming tra c signal boxes into captivating public art installations across the community. ese creatively wrapped boxes aim to enhance neighborhood identity, turn ordinary spaces into creative landmarks, and encourage engaging conversations within our community.
Six tra c signal boxes have been strategically selected for this project, ensuring a widespread and accessible showcase for the selected artworks. Artwork will be on display for at least two years.
e call is open to individual artists, artist teams or community groups with a designated lead artist. Professional and non-professional artists, including emerging artists and students, may apply. Submissions will be divided into two categories for selection: 18 and older (adult) and 17 and under (youth). At least one tra c box will be exclusive to the youth category, however, more may be selected by the judging committee.
Six pieces of art will be selected and placed on weather-resistant vinyl printing. Each artist or artist team will receive a $500 honorarium. All artists must reside or work in the Denver metro area. Interested artists are invited to submit original artwork by April 11 at www.
brightonco.gov/tra cboxmurals. Details on submission and design guidelines as well as the selection process can be found on theTra c Box Mural webpage.
County seeks Healthy Farmers Markets input
Adams County is looking for feedback and opinions regarding the series of farmers markets they helped o er in 2023. Information from an online survey, located at https://bit.ly/4879uzr, will help determine how the markets will operate in 2024.
In 2023, the Adams County Health Department and Human Services partnered to provide Healthy Farmers Markets for residents. e departments are planning to provide those again in 2024, and they’d like to hear from you.
e county helped schedule the markets on Tuesdays and ursdays at the Anythink Library Wright Farms and Huron Street branches. e survey asks about location preferences, dates and timing preferences and what kinds of o erings and other services should be o ered.
Alliance Business Assistance Center grants available
e Alliance Business Assistance Center is excited to announce that 2024 business grants are now available
to support your business endeavors. Sta at the center can assist residents by helping to identify grants that align with their business goals and industry, providing guidance through the application process, ensuring that they have the best chance of success and providing other valuable resources for local business. To get started, visit our website at https://businessinthornton.com/localbusiness/small-business-support-programs/business- nancial-assistance.
Growing Grads Summer Job Launch set
e City of Brighton’s Youth Services will be hosting its annual Growing Grads Summer Job Launch on Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Armory Performing Arts Center, located at 300 Strong St.
is event is a great opportunity for youth interested in interning or working for the City of Brighton during the summer to build their resume, get tips and tricks for obtaining summer jobs, and nd out more about what positions the city has to o er over the summer. Attendance at the Summer Job Launch is required to be eligible for a possible paid summer internship with the City.
Registration is required for the Summer Job Launch at brightonco.gov/ summerjobs and space is limited. e deadline is Feb. 22.
e model has since been identied as a best practice in the eld of domestic violence intervention and prevention by the U.S. Department of Justice and endorsed by many local and state agencies and elected o cials, the news release states.
“ ere is no doubt that Adams
County will be safer as a result of this much-needed facility,” said Pinter in the news release. “Having all our resources under one roof makes it easier for survivors to navigate multiple agencies and systems at one time, without duplicating e orts,” she said.
e center would enable police and counselors to create a coordinated response to family violence, that is inclusive of victims from all backgrounds, and prevent violence
in the future, the news release states.
“ e language access, queer-afrming counselors, and no requirements of an open criminal case are part of what makes this work important,” Pinter added in the news release.
According to a news release from Mason’s o ce, using the Family Justice Center model has reduced homicides, increased victim safety and increased autonomy
and empowerment for victims. e centers have also reduced fear and anxiety for victims and their children, increased e ciency and coordination among service providers and kept victims from recanting their testimony and minimizing their claims.
Mason’s release also said the center help increase the prosecution of o enders and dramatically increased community support services to victims and their children.
On the morning of New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2023, Lois Burrell died peacefully at the age of 93. Lois lived in her beloved chosen town of Brighton, Colorado for 49 years and remained independent at her home until the last.
to Taiwan to tell to thousands of young people in schools. She was also a member of the Traveling Rainbow Tellers, a multicultural group of four women who enlightened and entertained throughout several states, and had a whole lot of fun doing it.
And an independent woman she was! Born in 1930 in Hampton, Virginia, she graduated from high school and went o to college at 16 years old, despite, as a Black girl, having to spend hours in the library to compensate for the out-dated and scarce books at her school. When, at age 22, Lois graduated with her master’s degree from the Indiana School of Social work, she was the only Black female in her class. She spent her career as a medical social worker, helping others obtain what they needed as they navigated the health care system.
Lois, and her husband Ernest Burrell, fell in love with Colorado on a vacation, and moved to Denver in 1962 with their little 4-year-old daughter and only child, Pameela. Lois worked at Denver General hospital for the rest of her career. Lois and Ernest ful lled their dream of a rural home when they moved to Brighton in 1972 and it was there that Lois found her home and her true calling.
In the mid-1990’s, Lois, retired and widowed, with Pameela grown, discovered storytelling and fell in love with it. In 1995, she became a lifelong member of Rocky Mountain Storytelling and a professional storyteller. Lois thrived! She told folktales, biographies, myths, pioneer tales of Colorado, and, dearest to her heart, African and African-American folktales and slave stories. She told throughout the Rocky Mountain region and traveled twice
At 91, after six years retired from professional telling, she was asked to tell at the Anything Library in Brighton. She arrived with no prepared set, just a two-page list of story titles she could choose from to suit her audience. And suit her audience she did! ey laughed, cried, learned, and marveled. Because it was, and Lois was, indeed a marvel!
Lois taught aerobics at the Brighton Senior Center from her retirement until she was 85. She was truly engaged in her community, and was a good friend to her rural neighbors, old and new, throughout her 49 years in Brighton. Lois received many awards as a testament to her community engagement, including Brighton’s Outstanding Senior Award, the AARP National Community Senior Award, the Norwest Bank Red Sweater Award, and the Denver Urban Spectrum Community Person of the Month Award.
roughout her life, Lois had a deep and abiding faith in God, which gave her a comforting peace and saw her through many hardships. Lois was from a small family and the only child of an amazing mother who was a tireless activist and brilliant teacher. She herself was the mother of an only child, her beautiful and talented daughter Pameela. Both preceded Lois in death. Lois requested no services. Please say a prayer, or a wish, or a good-bye for Lois. Or better yet, tell your own story. She would love that!
Weld County Commissioner bows out of CD8 race ahead of primary
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COMGabe Evans is hoping to sway the 40 or so Colorado o cials who endorsed his former opponent Scott James to his camp in his bid to win the Republican primary for the 8th Congressional District.
James – a Weld County Commissioner – dropped out of the race to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep Yadira Caraveo of ornton in the November general election.
James, a local radio personality, collected endorsements from coun-
ty commissioners and several other public o cials, including ornton Mayor Jan Kulmann, during his primary run.
Evans, a state representative from Fort Lupton, won the endorsements of Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Americans for Prosperity Action, a conservative political nonpro t.
“Gabe is reaching out to Scott’s endorsers and has secured the support of a few already,” Alan Philip, spokesman for Evans, said via email. “We’ll be announcing several in the coming days.”
James said in his Facebook post announcing his decision to drop out that he can best serve the state from his home in Johnstown. He said he will be “continuing to serve and lift my voice for the people I love in the country and the state I love.”
Evans praised James as a friend and an ally.
“I appreciate that he made me a better candidate in the process and look forward to continuing to work with him in the years ahead as he continues to serve in Weld County,” Evans said in an email statement. “We are united in our desire to advance the conservative cause, and that begins with stopping Joe Biden’s and Yardira Caraveo’s extreme, far-left agenda.”
e winner of the Republican primary on June 25 will take on Caraveo in a race that has attracted national attention. Caraveo of ornton won the seat by just 1,600 votes in 2022.
First-time candidate Joe Andujo, an insurance executive, and former state Rep. Janak Joshi, are also vying for the Republican nomination.
Redstone Meadery Tasting Room @ 5pm
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760
Family Fun Friday- Embroidery 101 @ 1am Mar 9th - Mar 8th
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760
Mon 3/11
Cooking Cultures- Mar @ 4pm Mar 11th - Mar 25th
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760
Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics @ 8pm / $99-$6855
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
Gabriel Santiago Solo @ Dazzle @ 11pm
Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Denver
Crafty Corner (3/8) @ 5pm
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760
Featured Featured
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild
@ 7pm / $79-$1150
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
Featured
Kristen Merlin Music: Kristen LIVE in CO @ 5pm
Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors @ 7pm / $34-$2965
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
Body Blaster Nutrition Seminar @ 11pm
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760
Tue 3/12
Featured
The Stillery, 10633 Westminster Blvd #900, Westminster
Featured
Halfway There Bon Jovi
Tribute: ROCK REWIND TRIBUTE CONCERT
Whitesnake/Skid Row/Bon Jovi Tributes @ Cheers @ 7pm @ Cheers, 11964 Washington St, Northglenn
Creo En Ti El Tour con Evan Craft Junto a Invitados
Especiales Harold y ElenaCommerce City, CO @ 7pm / $15-$55
Impacto De Fe, 5155 E 64th Av‐enue, Commerce City
Wed 3/13
Retirement 101 Series Long Term Care @ 11:30pm
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760
Letterkenny Problems: Letterkenny Presents @ 8pm
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St, Boulder
Thu 3/14
State Capitol Tour @ 4:30pm
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760
Featured Featured
Anavrin's Day: Thursday night @ Hoffbrau @ 9pm
Hoffbrau, 9110 Wadsworth Pkwy, Westminster
Last week I shared thoughts on what happens when we postpone decisions. Many of you asked how to make good and better decisions. So here are some ideas I hope that you will nd useful. Decisions permeate every aspect of our lives; from the mundane choices we make at home to the high-stakes decisions we face in the workplace. e quality of these decisions directly impacts our personal satisfaction, professional success, and overall well-being. While decision-making can be challenging, mastering this skill is essential for navigating life’s complexities e ectively. In this article, we’ll explore strategies for making better decisions both at home and at work.
Before diving into speci c strategies, it’s essential to understand the underlying dynamics of decisionmaking. Decisions are in uenced by a variety of factors, including emotions, biases, cognitive limitations and environmental context. Recognizing these in uences is the rst step toward making more conscious and deliberate choices. By fostering self-awareness and understanding our decision-making tendencies, we can begin to overcome inherent bias-
Homeschool Mom for Cody LeBlanc
As a homeschooling mom deeply invested in the well-being and future of our community, I believe Cody LeBlanc’s dedication to education and commitment to fostering a thriving environment for families make him the ideal choice to represent all of us in Senate District 13.
es and make decisions that align with our values and goals.
Whether at home or in the workplace, e ective decision-making begins with clarity around goals and priorities. Take the time to articulate what you hope to achieve and identify the factors that are most important to you. By establishing clear objectives, you provide a framework for evaluating options and making decisions that are aligned with your overarching goals. is clarity also helps in distinguishing between urgent and important tasks, enabling you to prioritize your e orts accordingly.
Informed decisions are often better decisions. Take the time to gather relevant information and consider a range of options before making a choice. is may involve conducting research, seeking advice from experts or colleagues, or simply brainstorming alternative solutions. By exploring di erent perspectives and considering various possibilities, you expand your decision-making toolkit and increase the likelihood of making a well-informed choice.
Every decision involves a degree of uncertainty and risk. Before committing to a course of action, carefully evaluate the potential risks and bene ts associated with each option. Consider both short-term and long-term consequences, as well as the likelihood of success or failure. While it’s essential to be mindful of risks, don’t let fear of failure para-
Cody LeBlanc, while serving on the Weld Re-8 School Board, demonstrated a genuine passion for education, advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of students and families. As a homeschooling
lyze you. Instead, focus on mitigating risks where possible and embracing calculated risks when necessary to achieve your goals.
Intuition can be a valuable guide in decision-making, particularly in situations where time is limited, or information is incomplete. And as we all know, sometimes our gut knows before our head knows. However, it’s essential to balance intuition with rational analysis and veri cation. Trust your instincts, but also take the time to validate your assumptions and intuition with evidence and logic. is approach helps in avoiding impulsive decisions driven solely by emotions or gut feelings, ensuring greater clarity and con dence in your choices.
E ective decision-making often bene ts from input and collaboration from others. Whether at home or in the workplace, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from trusted advisers, colleagues or family members. Different perspectives can o er valuable insights and challenge assumptions, leading to more robust decisionmaking outcomes. Additionally, involving others in the decision-making process fosters buy-in and commitment, enhancing the likelihood of successful implementation.
Finally, remember that decisionmaking is a skill that improves with practice and re ection. Take the time to re ect on past decisions, both successes, and failures, and iden-
tify lessons learned. What worked well? What could have been done di erently? By embracing a growth mindset and continually seeking to improve your decision-making abilities, you position yourself for greater success and ful llment both at home and in the workplace.
Making better decisions is a skill that can be cultivated and re ned over time. By understanding decision-making dynamics, clarifying goals, gathering information, evaluating risks, trusting intuition, seeking input and re ecting on experience, you can become a more e ective decision-maker both at home and at work. Ultimately, mastering the art of decision-making empowers you to navigate life’s complexities with con dence and clarity, enabling you to achieve your goals and aspirations with greater ease and satisfaction.
Hopefully this was helpful. Since life is full of decision-making points, we must couple that with a solid decision-making process. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@ gmail.com, and when we can embrace a process that helps us make good and better decisions, it really will be a good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
parent, I appreciate his recognition of the diverse ways in which children learn and the importance of tailoring educational approaches to individual needs. Cody understands that empowering parents with choices in education is crucial, and he is committed to ensuring that every child has access to a quality education, regardless of their background.
Furthermore, Cody’s focus on community development aligns perfectly with the values of many homeschooling families like mine. Cody has shown a deep under-
standing of the issues that matter most to us - from creating safe neighborhoods to fostering economic opportunities that bene t families.
In addition to his commitment to education and community development, Cody LeBlanc has a track record of working collaboratively to nd practical solutions to the challenges our communities face. is collaborative spirit is essential for e ective governance, and it instills con dence that Cody will be an advocate for all constituents, regardless of their political a liation.
As we navigate this rapidly changing world, it is crucial to have leaders like Cody LeBlanc who understand the evolving needs of families and are dedicated to addressing them. I believe Cody’s vision, integrity, and genuine concern for the well-being of our community make him the best choice for Colorado Senate District 13. Learn more about him at CodyForColorado. com.
Let’s work together to build a brighter future for our children and our community.
MaKena Onorato, LaSalle
Work to begin this summer on building meant to sit lightly on the land
BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COMWork on Anythink Library’s ambitious Nature Library should get started this summer, Executive Director Mike Fink told neighbors Feb. 28 at an unveiling meeting.
“We feel that this project and this building that we are going to show you tonight can only exist on this land,” Finks said.
e new library, tentatively slated to open in the summer of 2026, will have books, a cafe and gear that will be available to be checked out, free of charge — much like the district’s seven other branch libraries and the eighth being built to replace south ornton’s Community Center.
But the planned library, just across 136th Avenue from the newly opened King Soopers on Quebec, will also feature an outdoor play area and miles of walking trails, expansive glass walls to let in light, solar panels and geothermal heat to power the facility and 125-acres of ornton-owned open space. at will give library patrons acres of land and trails to explore and opportunities to see and interact with wildlife.
“It’s a space that is unique,” Fink said. “From that land, you can see downtown Denver and you can see all the way out to DIA and you have amazing views of the mountains. Every place you look from when you are on that land has a di erent view and the library has very much been inspired by that land.”
e evening meeting at ornton’s Trail Winds Recreation Center drew more than 50 neighbors to see the plans and review what the library district hopes to o er in the facility.
e city partnered with Anythink Libraries in May 2022 to build the 33,000-square-foot structure on 15 acres in the middle of the 140-acre Aylor Open Lands north of 136th Avenue between Monaco and Quebec. e budget for the project is $50 million and Anythink will pay all
land back to pre-settlement conditions, to the best of our ability. at means restoring natural grasses and wild owers and providing the opportunity for wildlife to remain in place but also to proliferate.”
Neighbors said the plan is home to coyotes and eagles, owls and foxes.
Worried about hours
A handful of Springvale neighbors did say they were worried about the hours the facility would be operating. Neighbor Meara Kortum said she does not want to see the facility used to host evening concerts and presentations that will require lighting and draw crowds. Kartum said she’s attended several meetings in the planning stages for the nature library.
capital costs for the construction, including a parking lot and exterior public restrooms, according to the 2022 agreement.
ornton to contribute $300,000 for the initial design and $2.7 million for open space improvements. e city also agreed to pay 50% of the costs for East 136th Avenue trafc improvements and 70% of sewer and water.
But the Feb. 28 meeting was less about construction details and more about the look and feel of the new building and what it will have to offer.
“Our intention as Anythink is to really honor the land and to create something that is magical, creative and really inspiring for all of our residents,” Fink said. “We want to inspire them to really nd their place in nature. at is the vision of this project.”
Architect Ben Kallechey of Davis Partnership Architects said his team met several times with Anythink’s board and an advisory council to come up with the design of the building. It will be a single-story, 33,000-square-foot building — roughly the same size as Anythink’s Wright Farms branch at 120th and Colorado Boulevard. e roo ine is meant to emulate native grasses while the glass walls show o the surrounding terrain.
“Speci cally, this building and this entire project should sit lightly upon the land, but at the same time it should inspire wonder and awe for users and visitors,” Kallechey said.
“Beyond that, the project should celebrate forms and patterns that are found in nature.”
And while the building will be a typical library, o ering books and room for presentations and classes, the exterior is the biggest feature. Plans call for an Anythink-managed mile-long walking path to the west and a playground to the east, both abutting the library.
“ is really stemmed from a lot of our meetings, a need to develop spaces that allow for any sort of meeting, any sort of rituals that wants to be done here,” Landscape Architect Tyler Londono said. “It’s in the middle of the prairie and it allows for a lot of re ection, a lot of views. It’s really going to be a good place to just kind of go out in the prairie and sit down and re ect and just enjoy your time out in nature.”
In all, Anythink will occupy about 15 acres of the Aylor land and ornton will add trails on the rest of the land. ornton Parks and Planning Deputy Director Bob Kees said the city plans to connect to a path from the Springvale neighborhood with a paved path that will continue to the library itself and then build a longer six-foot-wide crushed rock trail that loops around the rest of the Aylor parcel.
“Our goal with the loop trails is to have opportunities to get in and walk through the sites and enjoy the grasses blowing in the breeze. Our goal is to really take the Ayler open space portion and really restore the
“We are a very quiet neighborhood,” Kartum said. “We love the quietness and we bought these houses with the promise that we would keep that. And we were promised a nature conservation center. is is still geared toward that, and we like that. But we are worried about the lights and the after-hours operations ruining what we bought our houses for. We want to enjoy nature, too.”
Fink said the hours for the new facility had not been set but Anythink’s other properties were generally open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and he expects the new library to have a similar schedule.
“One of the things we are really trying to do is to minimize the impact the library will have on the neighbors,” Fink said. “We are looking at lighting and things like that so we remain conscientious of how we serve as a good neighbor on the site.”
A site map on display for the project also includes two fenced areas north of Anythink’s building, labeled “Bison Enclosure A” and “Bison Enclosure B.” Fink said the idea of locating a small herd of bison on the property was proposed by some members of the advisory group but the idea has not been settled.
“We included that here for the sake of transparency,” Fink said. “No decisions have been made about bison on this land. It was something that was tossed out as a potentiality. We will let the science guide us. If science says not, it’s o the table.”
Ice fishing creates and continues bonds between friends and families in ColoradoBY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife estimates shing in Colorado generates $2.4 billion in economic output each year, and ice shing is quickly becoming a major source of that revenue, according to CPW.
If you don’t know how or are intimidated by trekking out on the ice for the rst time, CPW has everything you need.
“We provide the gear, we provide the demonstrations, and those that are our experts just love to o er up their opinions and their services to show o the fun things that you get to do outside of work and getting into Colorado,” Staunton Park Manager Zach Taylor said.
CPW constantly updates where and when shing clinics are held across the state, including one held recently at Staunton Park in Pine.
Promoting ice shing serves several roles.
“We as a community and a culture don’t talk much as a community anymore when we can get people outside, maybe outside their comfort zone, but (we want to) show them how easy it is and how fun it can be,” Taylor said.
Volunteers are a critical part of CPW’s goal and mission to get people outdoors in Colorado around the year and their contributions and considerable.
Each year 4,000-6,000 volunteers engage with CPW — some who connect for one day, and some who engage daily. Volunteers contribute over 320,000 hours per year with an annual economic impact of $9.4 million, according to CPW.
“I was brought up in a culture with my mom and dad that man is put on this earth to serve other men, and so how we make other people better is how we relate with them,”
Longtime CPW volunteer Michael Hedgpeth from Elizabeth said. “ is gives me the opportunity to relate to people every time I come out here.”
Hedgpeth said he’d been coming out to Staunton Park for so long CPW asked if he would want to volunteer and share his knowledge of ice shing with others. He quickly accepted the unpaid position.
“I feel like I’m honestly serving a greater purpose from helping to give back to mankind to help us be better people, better at what we do,” Hedgpeth said as he reeled in a nice trout from his small hole in the ice during the Staunton Park clinic.
Strong friendship bonds solidified on the ice
Al Jaramillo and Archie Garcia consider themselves brothers, not by birth, but from more than 40 years of friendship.
e pair shed through several feet of ice at Georgetown Lake in early February.
“We’re ice shing today and it’s going to be a nice day,” Jaramillo said. “You know, you can’t beat it with the sun shining down on us, the sh are biting… it beats going to work every day.”
ese guys have the modern technology and tools of the sport, including a power auger to dig through the ice and several sonar “ sh- nders.”
e sport can be as basic or as high-tech as you want to make it, the two men said. It also means you can spend as little or as much as you want to get into the sport.
“It depends how you want to out t yourself, but you can spend a lot of money,” Garcia said. “ ese are $100 boots, a $75 jacket $75, the sleds are another $50, the reels are $100, the sh nders are around $300. It’s not a cheap sport, but you could come out here with a stick with a string tied to it and might get lucky.”
eir drill-powered auger was equipped with a frisbee near the drill, “If augur falls into the hole it won’t sink oating on top of the hole,” Garcia said. So, even with their high-tech gear, simple solutions can be the best.
Pop-up tents with propane heaters are also popular to stay warm and out of the wind. According to one angler on the ice at Georgetown Lake, you’re also looking at between $400 and $1000 to buy the comfortable set-up. However, it still doesn’t guarantee more sh.
“It’s a little luck and a little skill,” Drew from Longmont said.
On the opposite end of the lake, two ice shers cut through the solid frozen lake with a hand-operated auger.
Rik Ramunno from Lakewood and his good friend Kyle, of Denver, twisted their way into the ice an inch at a time.
Ramunno, who grew up in Eagle, has been ice shing his entire life, but this was the rst outing for Kyle.
“You can’t learn how to do something new unless you do it. I think ice shing is something that people look at and say ‘that’s kind of cool’ but I have no idea how to go about it,” Ramunno said. “Doing it with Kyle, now he can do this whenever he wants.”
e pair also enjoyed the connection between ice shing and history, when the “sport” was a necessity.
“You know a man used to have to come to the ice to get food, I think it’s important to remember where we come from,” Kyle said.
Guided ice fishing tours: leave the work to the pros
Sport Fish Colorado based in Lake City is one of dozens of guide services across the state that o ers to “take care of everything,” according to coowner Aimee Withrow.
A mix of shing areas in Antero Reservoir, Tarryall Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir and Taylor Reservoir draw clients from Denver and Colorado Springs for ice shing, Withrow said.
If you’re 16 or older, all you need is a state shing license, warm clothes and a desire for the experience.
“ e guides would have all the gear they would set everything up for you.
ey know the spots they like to sh so generally they’re getting on sh right away,” Withrow said.
Sport Fish Colorado o ers three and six-hour guided experiences at any of the lakes they cover.
e cost for a three-hour excursion for two is about $400, Withrow said.
e guides will do as much or as little as the customer wants, including taking the sh o the hook or cleaning, appropriate sh, to take home for dinner, Withrow added.
May 19, 1942 -
Sidney Charles Wilke 1942 - 2024
Sidney “Sid” Charles Wilke, 81, of Fort Lupton, CO, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at his home after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s. Sid was born on May 19, 1942 in Columbus, Nebraska to Arthur and Georgia (Frese) Wilke. He grew up on the family farm outside of Columbus with large, loving family, that included 11 siblings. He attended Christ Lutheran School in rural Platte County through the eighth grade. After attending high school for two years in Leigh, he attended and graduated from Columbus High School. Sid served in the Army Reserves after graduating high school and attended Colorado State Teacher’s College (now the University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
and Betty Doughty, Greeley, CO
His brother, Martin (Carol) Wilke, Boise, ID
His sister, Gloria Wilke Miller (Rick Loock), Lincoln, NE
His brother-in-law, Van Doughty, Greeley, CO
His sister-in-law, Pauline Kerksiek, Wiggins, CO
His sister-in-law, Leona Dupont, Alpharetta, GA
His sister-in-law, Patricia Headley, Greeley, CO
In addition to 14 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, Sid is survived by:
His wife, Martha Nell Wilke, Fort Lupton, CO
His step-son, Carl Dean Hasting (Julie), Agoura Hills, CA
His step-daughter, Linda Kay Hasting, Fort Lupton, CO
During college, Sid worked at what was then Ranch Wholesale Supply in Greeley, which later became Big R of Greeley. His employer, Duane Francis, became his mentor and life-long friend. Sid later became the majority owner, President and General Manager of Big R Manufacturing and Distributing in Greeley. Under his leadership, the company grew into a leading regional manufacturer of corrugated steel pipe and a fabricator of steel bridges with over a hundred employees. He was eventually joined in the business by his brother David Wilke and his friend Tom Selders. Sid also served as a Director and President of the National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association.
In 1967, Sid met the love of his life, Martha “Martie” Nell Hasting (Doughty), in Greeley. Martha had four children from her previous marriage, Carl Hasting, Linda Hasting, Mark Hasting and Donald Hasting. Sid and Martie were married on September 28, 1968. ey adopted Kreston Wilke in 1972. ey also raised two of their grandchildren, Dillon Hasting and Sydney Hasting, as their own.
After selling his ownership in Big ‘R’ Manufacturing in 2001, Sid and Martie built Fort Lupton Hardware, an Ace Hardware franchise. ey moved from Eaton to Fort Lupton after the store opened in 2004. eir daughter, Linda Hasting, later acquired a minority ownership interest in the business.
Sid obtained his pilot’s license and developed a passion for ying. He also loved gardening, hunting, shing, and anything to do with the great outdoors, and was a voracious reader. His greatest passion was spending quality time with his large family.
Sid was preceded in death by: His step-son, Donald Lee Hasting, Greeley, CO
His parents, Arthur and Georgia Wilke, Columbus, NE
His father-in-law and mother-in-law, CR
His step-son Mark Eugene Hasting, Greeley, CO
His adopted son, Kreston Sid Wilke, Greeley, CO
His grandson, Dillon omas Hasting, Fort Lupton, CO
His granddaughter, Sydney Dawn Wilke, Sterling, CO
His brother-in-law, Kenneth (Susan) Doughty, Denver, CO
His sister, Audrey (Ernest) Sayers, Clarkson, NE
His brother, Philip (Leslie) Wilke, Moreno Valley, CA
His brother, David (Jean) Wilke, Granby, CO
His brother, Quentin (Marcille) Wilke, Garden City, KS
His brother, Clark (Kathy) Wilke, Osmond, NE
His brother, Colin (Janet) Wilke, Kearney, NE
His brother, John (Robyn) Wilke, Rotorura, New Zealand
His brother, Andrew (Donna) Wilke, Lincoln, NE
His brother, Luke (Deborah) Wilke of Rochester, MN
A memorial service honoring Sid’s life will be held on March 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Greeley.
In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to e Denver Hospice, either online at thedenverhospice.org or mailed to 8289 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230.
One of Colorado’s leading urban water conservation strategies — turf replacement — could require up to $2.5 billion to save 20,000 acre-feet of water, according to a recent report commissioned by the state’s top water policy agency.
Colorado communities are facing a drier future with water shortages and searching for ways to cut down water use. e idea of replacing thirsty, unused grassy areas with more droughtresistant landscaping has gained
momentum in recent years, even prompting proposed legislation this session. Despite a potentially high cost and relatively low savings, water experts, landscape professionals and some legislators are backing the idea.
“We’re really seeking to shift the expectation around what Colorado’s urban spaces look like — both the existing spaces and the future ones — so that people can embrace this Colorado aesthetic,” said Frank Kinder, water e ciency and sustainability manager at Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. “While we’re not going to be able to save maybe as much wa-
ter in comparison to other industries, we know that we want to do our part.”
e agriculture industry is Colorado’s largest water user, but cities and towns in Colorado use about 380,000 acre-feet of water per year, or about 7% of the state’s overall water use, according to the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Outdoor urban water use makes up about 2.8% of that amount.
Turf replacement e orts in urban areas often focus on lawns and nonfunctional turf — places where thirsty, nonnative grasses are rarely used, but are still watered and maintained mostly for aesthetic purposes. ( ink: Green patches between sidewalks and roads, in medians, along frontage areas and parking lots.)
e idea is to remove the gluttonous grasses and replace them with native grasses, trees and other plants that are more drought-resistant.
is turf-focused strategy has gained new momentum since 2020 and 2021, when the water crisis in the Colorado River Basin became shockingly apparent (to more than just water experts) as two enormous reservoirs, lakes Mead and Powell, fell to historic lows.
“ is almost seems spontaneous to me,” said Greg Fisher, manager of demand planning at Denver Water. “Literally two years ago, we weren’t talking much about it (turf replacement).”
is year, the Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force — convened
by Gov. Jared Polis in 2023 — listed adopting turf policy among its top recommendations for legislators to consider.
One turf bill has already passed the state Senate with a 28-5 vote. On Monday, it successfully passed out of the House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources committee with a 10-2 vote.
e bill aims to prohibit the installation of nonfunctional turf, arti cial turf or invasive species on any new development of government, commercial, institutional or industrial property starting in 2025.
Even with this momentum, water experts around the state are still trying to answer basic questions about turf removal: How much turf is there in Colorado, and how much of that is nonfunctional? How much water could be saved, and how much would that cost?
e recent water savings analysis by BBC Research and Consulting estimated that the total amount of turf statewide was about 167,800 acres but listed no estimate for the total amount of nonfunctional turf.
It’s hard to estimate in large part because there are di erent local de nitions of what is considered “nonfunctional,” said Jenna Battson, outdoor water conservation coordinator for the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
SEE GRASS, P17
e estimated water savings are about 12 gallons per square foot, or about 1.6 acre-feet per acre. Up to about 20,000 acre-feet of water statewide could be conserved through turf replacement by homeowners, and commercial, industrial and institutional property owners, Battson said.
One acre-foot equals enough water to supply about two households for a year.
ese savings are small compared to looming future water shortages. By 2050, cities, towns and industries could be short 230,000 acre-feet to — and in the worst case scenario —
740,000 acre-feet, according to the 2023 Colorado Water Plan.
It would also cost between $152 million and $2.5 billion to make those savings happen, according to the report. Past reports have also listed a cost in the billions, she said.
“We know that it’s not a cheap thing to do, but that’s not necessarily a reason not to do it. It’s just, what else can we do to complement that?” Battson said. “I don’t know if it’s a surprising number. Maybe if you’re not in the weeds all day reading about this, maybe it’s very surprising.”
Although many water providers, land use experts and state agencies have supported turf replacement, one sticking point has been whether it should be managed at the state or local level, Fisher said. Some state legislators Monday cited concerns
about economic impacts to sod farmers during the House committee hearing.
Supporters say cities and towns need to do their part. Water e ciency is the right thing to do in face of an increasingly challenging climate, said Kinder, who was on the task force.
“Colorado is going to transition. We will still have turf, but it will be in places where it makes sense — where people need something that’s durable, and they’re actively gathering and recreating on it,” said Laura Belanger, task force member and senior policy advisor with Western Resource Advocates. “It will no longer be the go-to landscaping in Colorado.”
Turf replacement is one way to help communities adapt to a hotter and drier future at the local level, said
Fisher, who also served on the task force. It’s also one conservation strategy that can be used alongside other options, like leak detection and water bill rate structures that discourage high water use, said Battson, who was a sta resource for the task force.
Andrea Lopez, who represented Ute Water Conservancy District on the 2023 landscape task force, said it was hard to tell now whether turf removal will be worth it. ere’s still a lot of data to gather, she said.
“We have to start somewhere, but I think only time will tell how much it actually costs and how much water it’s saving,” Lopez said. 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.
United Power Board of Directors has ve positions open for election.
e director candidates are Stephen Whiteside in the Mountain District and Brian A. McCormick is in the North District; Tim Erickson and Paige Wagner-Maul are in the Central District; and Brad Case is in the South District.
e United Power Brighton Headquarters O ce will host a meet and greet to get to know the candidates and ask questions about their interest in serving on the board.
e event is open to all United Power members, and RSVP is not required. e event is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 19, at the United Power Headquarters O ce, 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton.
For those unable to attend the candidates’ meeting, United Power will livestream the event by video, available the day after at www. unitedpower.com.
According to United Power, members can vote for a director in each district, not just their district, because the candidates elected to the United Power Board of Directors represent all members. Also, they recommend all members to vote online or return their mail ballots before the April 16 deadline.
According to the o cial, the cooperative’s newsletter, the United Newsline, which will be delivered in March, will feature each candidate’s comments on its website at www.unitedpower.com/annualmeeting. e director candidate contribution reports will also be available online.
According to o cials, the ballots are mailed to all members on March 15, and online balloting will be available through the member’s portal the same day.
Members may vote electronically through their online account or via mail ballots. A drop box will be available for members to return their ballots in person at Riverdale Regional Park between noon and 4 p.m. the day of the Annual Meeting. Members may also vote in person beginning at 4:30 p.m.
According to o cials, the director’s result will be announced at the 2024 annual meeting and United Powers’ 85th anniversary celebration on April 17 at the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds.
It will be livestreamed on United Power’s website. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m., and the on-site
balloting closes at the beginning of the o cial business meeting at 6:30 p.m. According to o cials, all members are invited to attend to network with cooperative leadership and fellow members to celebrate the cooperative’s 85th anniversary.
About United Power
United Power is a memberowned, not-for-pro t electric cooperative that delivers electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range, serving more than 100,000 meters. e 900-squaremile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg.
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The property is best as an investment property with the main unit renting out as a Short Term Rental for around $5000/month. The ADU will rent out $4000/month for a total of $9K/month. There are so many individuals and families that want to come to Colorado for an adventure and see Red Rocks Parks, Garden of the Gods, The Air Force Academy and of course check out our great skiing and beer. We will list the property on Air BNB and or VRBO for no charge and run the rental for 90 days at no charge and hand over to you turnkey.
The property has an amazing open space kitchen with a large master bed room, large walk in closet and wow en-suite.
bathroom. The property is superb for entertaining with a large deck and breakfast nook.
The 2nd buyer is a young couple that would live in one unit and rent out the other to cover their payment. We are offering a 2-1 buydown for a full price offer. The interest rate will be around 5% in year one and 6% in year 2.
The 3rd buyer is a family care situation where one will support the other but do not want to be too close.
The last buyer would be a mid to older age couple who would like to have additional space for guest and for them to have private space. The home is all on one level.
Any buyer who does not take the 2-1 buydown and does give a full price offer will get a custom package for $20,000.00. The upgrades could include and of these: Private garden, custom front porch, hottub, man cave in the garage or custom tile and paint throughout the home, RV parking or off street parking for the ADU.
Please call Alan Davis at 303-378-7537 or alandavis@levelengineering.com
Honorable
Honorable
17th Judicial District 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton CO 80601
Honorable Julie Hoskins
Chief Judge, 19th Judicial District Weld County District Courthouse PO Box 2038 Greeley, CO 80632
Randy Ray, Executive Director, Central Colorado Water Conservancy District Groundwater Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District Well Augmentation Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District 3209 W. 28th Street Greeley, CO 80634
Phone: (970) 330-4540
Legal Notice No. BSB3037
First Publication: March 7, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO
Court Address:1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601
Plaintiff: PARKSIDE SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 2 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation
vs.
Defendants: THE MARJORIE M MCCANDLESS IRREVOCABLE TRUST; FRANK BECKA INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE MARJORIE M MCCANDLESS
IRREVOCALBLE TRUST; THE ESTATE OF CHRISTINE BECKA aka CHRISTINE BEKA; ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF MARJORIE M MCCANDLESS; and ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF CHRISTINE BECKA
Case No: 2024CV030030
Division: C
Attorney for Plaintiff VIAL FOTHERINGHAM LLP
Kathryn Willard, #50236, kathryn.willard@vf-law.com
Lisa Cancanon, #42043, lisa.cancanon@vf-law.com
12600 W. Colfax, Ste. C200 Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: (720) 943-8811
File Number: COP105-019
SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION
The People of the State of Colorado
To the Defendants named above:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the Complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.
Please take notice that the Complaint requests foreclosure of a statutory and contractual lien, as well as judgment for past-due assessments and late fees, together with attorney fees and costs, in the amount of $14,428.86 as of January 4, 2024, plus all amounts coming due after the filing of the Complaint.
If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.
This is an action originally filed January 4, 2024, and published in the Brighton Standard Blade beginning March 7, 2024, and ending April 4, 2024.
Dated: February 21, 2024
VIAL FOTHERINGHAM LLP
Lisa Cancanon, #42043 Attorney for Plaintiff
This summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4, C.R.C.P., as amended.
WARNING: A VALID SUMMONS MAY BE ISSUED BY A LAWYER AND IT NEED NOT
CONTAIN A COURT CASE NUMBER, THE SIGNATURE OF A COURT OFFICER, OR A COURT SEAL. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING THE COURT TO OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION. YOU MUST RESPOND AS EXPLAINED IN THIS SUMMONS.
Legal Notice No. BSB3035
First Publication: March 7, 2024
Last Publication: April 4, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
T&R AUTO REPAIR
710 N.7TH AVE UNIT #5 BRIGHTON , CO 80601 IS SELLING
2004 dodge intrepid Vin ending in 707277
Legal Notice No. BSB3039
First Publication: March 7, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
Notice is hereby given that the personal
described below will be sold to the highest bidder on March 12, 2024 at or after
at Southwest Mobile Storage, 9595 Brighton Rd. Henderson, CO 80640 Phn: 866.503.0668
Property of: PURE ZERO CONSTRUCTION
Last known address: PO BOX 9645 PUEBLO,CO 81008
Property in Unit: 393200-8
Misc. GE boxes, 2-3 breaker
Legal Notice No. BSB3020
First
Last
Publisher:
Wade A. Rockhold
Personal Representative 2540 South Brentwood Street Lakewood, CO 80227
Legal Notice No. BSB3006
First Publication: February 22, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
To:
80601, Case No. 2024PR30122, Division T1, regarding the following described property:
An undivided one-third (1/3rd) interest in and to: Lot Six (6), Block Nine (9), Shaw Heights Subdivision, Blocks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and portions of 20, Adams County, Colorado, sometimes described as SUB: SHAW HEIGHTS BLKS 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, AND A PORT OF 20: DESC: BLK 9 LOT 6, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO,
also known by street and number as 8551 Cedar Lane, Westminster, Colorado.
And declaring Kent Swedlund the owner by inheritance of the above-referenced property. All interested persons appear and object to the Petition on or before April 19, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. All objections must be filed in writing with the Court and be served on the Petitioner, with filing fee paid on or before the hearing date and time. The hearing will be limited to objections timely filed and served. If no objections are timely filed and served the Court may enter a decree without a hearing.
Mark Earnhart, P.C., Attorney at Law Registration #12252
316 Poplar St., Sterling, Colorado 80751 (970) 522-4135
Legal Notice No. BSB3019
First Publication: February 29, 2024
Last Publication: March 14, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of DENNIS MEADOWS, Deceased
Case Number: 2023 PR 0396
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before June 30, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Stephanie Meadows
Personal Representative
c/o Tanis McGonegal Family Law, P.C. 11001 W.120 1h Ave., Suite400 Broomfield, CO 80021
Legal Notice No. BSB3007
First Publication: February 22, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of James Cordova
Aka Jim Cordova, Deceased
Case Number: 2023 PR 413
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before June 29, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Lisa Quezada
Personal Representative
4777 W.37th Ave #C207 Denver, Colorado 80212
Legal Notice No. BSB3026
First Publication: February 29, 2024
Last Publication: March 14, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Mary M Jaramillo a/k/a Mary Jaramillo, Deceased Case No. 2024PR30027
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Adams County District Court on or before June 29, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.
Timothy Jaramillo
Personal Representative
c/o CHAYET & DANZO, LLC
650 S. Cherry St., #710 Denver, CO 80246
(303) 355-8500
Legal Notice No. BSB3023
First Publication: February 29, 2024
Last Publication: March 14, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of LUCILLE D. RIVERA, aka LUCILLE DOLORES RIVERA, aka LUCILLE RIVERA, Deceased
Case Number: 2024 PR 30081
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before June 23, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
True Apodaca Personal Representative 4190 Perry Street Denver, CO 80212
Legal Notice No. BSB3004
First Publication: February 22, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of WAQI ELIJAH MOHAMMAD SHAFI a/k/a WAQI E. M. SHAFI, Deceased
Case Number: 2024 PR 30092
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before June 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Salim E.M. Shafi
Personal Representative
c/o Larry M. Snyder, Esq. 650 South Cherry Street, Suite 1000 Denver, CO 80246-1812
Legal Notice No. BSB3009
First Publication: February 22, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Martha Ann Bradfield, a/k/a Martha Bradfield,, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30107
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before July 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Justine Young
Personal Representative
30190 County Road 356 Buena Vista CO 81211
Legal Notice No. BSB3036
First Publication: March 7, 2024
Last Publication: March 21, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
We are community.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name
Public notice is given on February 7, 2024, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Adams County Court.
The petition requests that the name of Vaneza Raquel Robles be changed to Vaneza Raquel Cruz
Case No.: 24 C 0211
By: Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No. BSB3014
First Publication: February 22, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, CO 80601
Child: London Amelia Jacobs
Respondents: Melinda Jacobs, Charles Spahn
Case Number: 23JV30074
Div: S
AMENDED ORDER OF ADVISEMENT
NOTICE TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENTS,: Melinda Jacobs and Charles Spahn
YOU ARE HEREBY ADVISED that the Petitioner, has filed a Motion to Terminate the Parent-Child Legal Relationship which now exists between you and the above-named child(ren);
YOU ARE FURTHER ADVISED that the Motion has been set for hearing in Division S of the District Court in and for the County of Adams,
Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, Colorado, on the 15th day of March, 2024, at 11:30 am, at which time the Petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that: 1) That the child(ren) was adjudicated dependent or neglected; 2) That an appropriate treatment plan has not reasonably been complied with by the parent or has not been successful; 3) That the parents are unfit; 4) That the conduct or condition of the parent or parents is unlikely to change within a reasonable time; no less drastic alternative to termination exists, and 6) That it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child(ren) and the respondent(s) be terminated and severed.
OR 1) That the child(ren) has been abandoned by parent or parents in that the parent or parents have surrendered physical custody for a period of six months and during this period have not manifested to the child(ren), the court or to the person having physical custody a firm intention to assume or obtain physical custody or to make permanent legal arrangements for the care of the child(ren); and 2) That it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child(ren) and the respondent(s) be terminated and severed.
OR 1) That the child(ren) has been abandoned by parent or parents in that the identity of the parent of the child is unknown and has been unknown for three months or more and that reasonable efforts to identify and locate the parent in accordance with section 19-3-603 have failed; and 2) That it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child(ren) and the respondent(s) be terminated and severed.
If a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, or sister of the child is requesting guardianship or legal custody of the child such request must be filed within twenty days of the filing of this motion.
YOU ARE FURTHER ADVISED that you have the right to have legal counsel represent you in all matters connected with the Motion to Terminate the Parent-Child Legal Relationship. If you cannot afford to pay the fees of legal counsel, you are advised that the Court will appoint legal counsel to represent you at no cost to you upon your request and upon your showing of an inability to pay.
If you have any questions concerning the foregoing advisement, you should immediately contact either your legal counsel or the Court.
Done and signed on: February 28, 2024
BY THE COURT:
District Court Judge/Magistrate
Legal Notice No. BSB3040
First Publication: March 7, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT ADAMS COUNTY STATE OF COLORADO
Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Dr. Brighton, CO 80601
Case Number: 23JA30041
Division T1
IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF: KEVIN BECHTEL FOR THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD: JAMES TIBERIUS UTTER
NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION
To: Daryl James Utter, Respondent/parent:
You are hereby notified that the above-named Petitioner has filed in this Court, a verified Petition seeking to adopt the child named above.
The Petition alleges you have abandoned said Child for a period of one year or more and/or have Failed, without cause, to provide reasonable support For said child for one year or more.
You are further notified that said Petition is set for Hearing on April 3, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. in Division T1, Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601.
