Commerce City Sentinel Express March 7, 2024

Zygielbaum works to foster fair, audited and accessible elections for all

DA seeks to help domestic violence victims

DA Brian Mason and local leaders spearheading the e ort

BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

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.

Ciudad, Adams County Clerk and Recorder Josh Zygielbaum shed light on the signi cance of the upcoming primary elections and the inclusive measures taken to engage and educate all communities, with a special focus on the Latino community.

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Zygielbaum discussed the outreach programs, language inclusivity and transparent processes that distinguish Adams County’s approach to elections.

He also spoke about e orts to combat misinformation, ensure election security and enhance accessibility. As Zygielbaum emphasized the importance of voter participation, he highlighted the transformative impact it can have on communities. He had particular praise for Colorado’s strides in re-

know what steps Adams County will take to educate its residents on the elections.

Josh Zygielbaum: It’s a great question. Adams County does a lot to educate. We spend a lot of time in schools trying to teach kids what it means to participate and why it’s important. We spend time at various events and activities around the county trying to do the same. We have a very robust outreach program and we do it in multiple languages to try to reach as many people as possible.

La Ciudad: What do you see as the main barrier for communities of color when they wish to exercise their right to vote?

Zygielbaum: Communities of color are often targeted with mis- and

you necessarily see on social media or what your crazy uncle says.

It may not be real, or it may be third, or fourth information, and you may not be getting the whole truth from it. So come to the source, go to our website, adamsvotes. com, and reach out to me directly on social media.

I’m more than happy to bring folks in for a tour. We do have them scheduled on a daily basis if someone wants to come in here and see how operations actually run. Our goal is to be completely transparent. Part of our transparency is designed to help combat the mis- and disinformation that gets put out there, especially to communities of color.

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 effort 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.

Adams County Clerk and Recorder Josh Zygielbaum was elected to the role in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. ROSSANA LONG BETTER

SEE ZYGIELBAUM, P5

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 offered.

Alliance Business Assistance Center grants available

of Oasis Park, one of two new parks. Based on these recommendations, city sta will compile the list of names, and the Parks, Recreation, and Golf Advisory Board will recommend them to the City Council.

e Oasis Park site is located within the natural setting of Second Creek Open space, just west of the Bu alo Highlands neighborhood on the south side of E. 96th Avenue.

e park has open space for informal recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings; a children’s playground with shade structures, public restrooms, an embankment slide, and an overlook plaza.

To learn more and submit your recommendation visit c3gov.com/ SCFOasis.

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/ local-business/small-business-support-programs/business- nancialassistance.

Submit names for new park Commerce City is accepting recommendations for the o cial name

Commerce City seeking Snow Guardians

Commerce City Code Enforcement is introducing the new Snow Guardians program to help residents be good neighbors by o ering free snow removal services to residents who qualify.

Snow Guardians assist residents who are not able to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice to comply with the municipal code due to age, disability, or some other condition. Commerce City municipal code requires property owners are responsible for clearing public sidewalks adjacent to their property of snow and ice within 24 hours of the last snowfall.

at c3gov.com/CodeEnforcement.

‘Taking No Chances’

e 17th Judicial District Attorney’s O ce and e Link, a community resource and assessment center in ornton, o er free, 10week programs to families of Adams County teenagers to help develop personal and interpersonal drugresistance skills. Sessions are from 5:30 to 6;30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 720-292-2811.

CCPD Introduces Online Crime Reporting Form

Contact Code Enforcement to apply to keep you in compliance with the code and help keep our sidewalks safe!

To qualify, you must be a resident with limited nancial resources and be unable to shovel due to age, disability, or other conditions. Learn more about the program and apply

e Commerce City Police Department has a new online reporting tool allowing the public to report some non-emergency crimes and receive a police report immediately without speaking to a police o cer.

Community members can now conveniently report incidents that do not require immediate o cer intervention, such as fraud, identity theft, lost property, theft/shoplifting (less than $2,000), and vandalism.

e new form is online now in English and Spanish at c3gov.com/ ReportACrime. Residents should always call 911 for emergencies.

‘Taking No Chances’

Center. ose interested should work with their Business Center case manager or call 720.523.6898 to get established with a case manager.

Walk with a doc

Platte Valley Medical Center’s cardiac rehab team and Walk With A Doc will host monthly walks with Dr. Christopher Cannon, an interventional cardiologist at Brighton Heart and Vascular Institute. is is a walking program for everyone interested in a healthier lifestyle. After a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from the doctor, spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and a fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the bene ts of walking.

‘Taking No Chances’

e 17th Judicial District Attorney’s O ce and e Link, a community resource and assessment center in ornton, o er free, 10-week programs to families of Adams County teenagers to help develop personal and interpersonal drug-resistance skills.

e 17th Judicial District Attorney’s O ce and e Link, a community resource and assessment center in ornton, o er free, 10week programs to families of Adams County teenagers to help develop personal and interpersonal drugresistance skills. Sessions are from 5:30 to 6;30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 720-292-2811.

Adams County internships available

Are you interested in learning more about working for local government? Adams County currently has paid internships available.

Opportunities include a cook ($16.48/hour) and classroom aide ($15.62/hour) for Head Start, an IT intern ($17/hour) for the Sheri ’s O ce, and a Healthy Farmers Market intern ($17/hour).

ese opportunities are available through the Workforce & Business

Sessions are from 5:30 to 6;30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 720-292-2811.

Boards/commissions’ openings

Commerce City has openings for several boards and commissions, including the city’s cultural council, the housing authority, and the Derby Review Board.

Visit https://www.c3gov.com/ Home/Components/Form/Form /70316b05422c448492c51da0f0e0 fd86/ to sign up.

Legal self-help clinic

e Access to Justice Committee hosts a free, legal self-help clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the rst Tuesday of every month.

e program is for those without legal representation and needing help navigating through legal issues.  Volunteer attorneys are available to discuss family law, civil litigation, property, and probate law. Call 303405-3298 and ask for the Legal SelfHelp Clinic at least 24 hours before.

Polis launches greenhouse gas pollution reduction roadmap 2.0

BY LONDON LYLE

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

At a Westminster light rail station on an unseasonably warm February day, Gov. Jared Polis spoke about the future of Colorado’s air quality and unveiled a new version of his administration’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap, dubbed “Roadmap 2.0.”

e plan, a renewal of a strategy he rst set into motion in 2021, aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 with an ultimate goal of netzero greenhouse gas pollution by

2050.

Roughly 95% of the near-term actions from the original roadmap have been completed, he said, primarily by reducing emissions in industrial facilities, electric power generation, agriculture, transportation and in buildings. State o cials added that Colorado is about 80% of the way to its goal of a 50% emissions reduction.

“In a very short time, we’ve made remarkable progress toward meeting our climate goals, but there is still work to do,” Colorado Energy O ce Executive Director Will Toor said.

“Roadmap 2.0 pushes Governor Polis’ bold vision on this vital issue to new heights. We believe these new near-term actions will enable even greater nation-leading progress in addressing greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado.”

Despite Roadmap 2.0 being mostly met with optimism, some climate experts and activists aren’t convinced the Polis administration is doing enough to combat climate change.

According to the Rocky Mountain Institute and the Colorado Energy Ofce report, Colorado is not on schedule to meet the 50% goal.

“Colorado is in a position to miss its climate goals after implementation of the rst roadmap, which relied heavily on incentives and voluntary actions — an approach that is not delivering on the hoped-for results,” a joint statement from the Environmental Defense Fund, Western Resource Advocates and Sierra Club read. “Banking on a similar uncertain approach — without directly limiting pollution across major emitting sectors — is likely to continue leaving the state short of its emissions reduction estimates, and short of the results that are needed.”

State Legislation Promoting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Passes

Its First Hurdle

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

Today Is ‘Slam the Scam’ Day

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.

Applewood Patio Home Listed by Chuck Brown

$1,095,000

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

Follow-up on Propane Article

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!

2-BR Arvada Condo Just Listed by Kathy Jonke

$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.

303-908-4835

GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922

AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071

KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428

“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous

Evans hopes to collect endorsements from James

BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Gabe 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 Commis-

WILKE

sioner – 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 county commissioners and several other public o cials, including ornton Mayor Jan Kulmann, during his primary run.

Sidney Charles “Sid” (Hasting) Wilke

May 19, 1942 - February 25, 2024

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

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.”

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, Carl Dean Hasting (Julie), Agoura Hills, CA

His step-daughter, Linda Kay Hasting, Fort Lupton, CO

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.

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.”

BURRELL Lois Grace Burrell

June 14, 1930 - December 31, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

Because of that, our materials are in both English and Spanish. Our website can be translated into just about any language on Earth. Our goal is really to make our o ce and our services available to everyone who lives in our community.

La Ciudad: Even as people are still questioning the 2020 election, what are you or what is the clerk and recorder’s ofce doing to give con dence to our voters that elections are safe and trusted?

Zygielbaum: We get this question all the time. Regardless of what’s been taking place since the 2020 election, the various lawsuits and all the third-party investigations that have gone into it, (it’s been) proven that there was no fraud. We still get this question all the time. People are still skeptical and I get it.

What we are doing is to be that trusted source of information. All of our information that we put out is vetted. It’s accurate, and we ensure accuracy. at’s our job. We’re required to do it, and we love doing that, and our sta is very attentive to detail, and they take great pride in being accurate with information.

Even with doing that, we still get that question, whether it’s through email or through a phone call, we’re happy to address it.

All of our elections equipment is tested. We test it before we use it. We test it while we’re using it. We test it after we’re using it to ensure accuracy. None of it’s connected to the internet, and all ballots are cast with paper. So you can’t hack paper. We have a backup for everything, and at the end of the election, even though we are using equipment to scan and total up the votes counted.

We’ll probably get 250,000 ballots back in this next presidential election, that’s a lot to do by hand. It would take probably months to get those results out if we’re counting by hand. So we do use the equipment, but we audit afterwards. We randomly select a large sample and we go through and make sure that what the system says what was counted is what was actually on that piece of paper, and it’s done under bipartisan supervision.

Our o ce is run in a bipartisan and nonpartisan manner to make sure that politics stays outside. We have posters on the wall of every single room and on the entry to most of the doorways that say, you know, politics stays out, you don’t play it here. Because our job is to run a free, fair open, and honest election and that’s what we get paid to do and that’s why we do it.

We have in our world we know it as the election bug and we enjoy doing what we do.

La Ciudad: What are you doing to ensure accessibility for voting?

Zygielbaum: Accessibility for voting is very important. Without access, you can’t vote. So one of the things that, that I’ve done in the last, almost six years, was, expanding access to voting, not just physically, but, you know, from drop boxes, but also our vote centers.

And so now for the primary election, we’ll have eight locations that are available, for the presidential election in November, we’ll have 23. It’s just larger, you know, more people participate, so we have to have more. But year-round, we have 28 drop boxes in Adams County that are available 24 hours a day.

ey’re under 24-hour surveillance.

ey’re very, very secure. If you saw the news, in the last election, one was actually hit by a dump truck and ripped

out of the ground, but the box was nice and secure. e ballots were ne.

e truck wasn’t. You know, everything as far as election-related was good, we replaced that box and we’re moving forward with it.

But accessibility of voting is important, so we’ve been focused on putting them in areas where all members of communities live, and to make sure that it’s easy access, whether you’re walking, taking a bus, driving, or riding a bike, skateboard or a scooter, whatever your mode of transportation is, I want to make sure it’s close enough for you to get there.

We also produce all of our materials in Spanish and in English, as far as the election materials are concerned, to make it much more accessible to Spanishspeaking voters. And um, our website is, can be translated into just about any language that exists on Earth. at’s great.

La Ciudad: What have you, as clerk and recorder, observed with Latino voter participation in the past?

Zygielbaum: Latino voter participation is steadily increasing. We do have a very large Latino population here in Adams County. We actually fall under what’s called Section 203 of the Federal Voting Rights Act.

You end up being categorized there when 5% or more of a population speaks one particular language. And so, at least 5% of Adams County speaks Spanish as their primary language. We know that it is a signi cant portion of folks that we need to reach out to, and we have seen as we’ve done more work over the course of the last ve years, since I’ve been in ofce, that the voting turnout for this particular community has increased.

at’s partially because we’re translating materials into Spanish. We have people on sta who now speak Spanish. We’re reaching out speci cally and intentionally to the Latino community to help let them know that we’re here to support. We’re here to help and o er whatever services, and answer whatever questions we can.

La Ciudad: Is there anything else you would like voters here in Adams County to know about these elections that are coming up?

Zygielbaum: Absolutely. is isn’t just for this particular election but for all elections; it’s your constitutional right to vote, as long as you’re a U.S. citizen. I encourage, wholeheartedly, everyone to participate. I got into this business because I believe that if people participate, our communities will be better. We’ll thrive.

I spend a lot of time, and my sta spends a lot of time, encouraging members of our community to get out and to participate. Even if you happen to be here and you’re ineligible to vote, for whatever that reason might be, you can still participate in your community. You can still get out there and advocate for a candidate or for a particular issue that you’re passionate about.

Maybe other family members or friends can actually cast their vote. You can still work to help encourage other people to vote. Just because you don’t have the ability to vote presently doesn’t mean you can’t participate. What I’ve seen over the last few years is more and more people starting to participate regardless of their ability to be able to vote or not.

Colorado has done a lot of great work in this particular area. Even for folks who were previously incarcerated for felonies, now their voting rights are restored. As long as their incarceration period is concluded, they can re-register to vote.

We’re happy to help them do that.

ey just need to contact us and go to our website, AdamsVotes.com, go to the Secretary of State’s website at GoVoteColorado. We’ll get them registered to vote. We’ll get them a ballot. We’ll answer questions on the process if, they need help with all of that. But really, the key, and I think the key to us coming together as a community, is the more of us that participate, the better, the better o we’ll all be.

This question and answer session has been edited to fit the space.

To read the full discussion between Rossana Longo Better and Adams County Clerk Josh Ziegelbaum, visit our website at https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/02/14/ rep-manny-rutinel-looks-torepresent-commerce-citysdrive-for-economic-environmental-justice/

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Anythink updates Nature Library plans

Work to begin this summer on building meant to sit lightly on the land

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Work 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.

Partnership

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 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 tra c 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 o er.

“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-squarefoot 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 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.

“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.”

VICTIMS

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 eater 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 murder-suicide 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.”

Evolving relationships

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.

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 ofcials, 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.

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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

303-566-4123

Legals

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

WINDLER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY

Connector Roads #1 – Utilities

Sealed Bids will be received by Windler Public Improvement Authority, hereinafter referred to as OWNER, at the office of the Authority Engineer, Merrick & Company, 5970 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, until 11:00 AM local time on April 5, 2024 for:

Connector Roads #1 – Utilities

This Contract provides for the construction of the following: Approximately 2.5 miles of utility (water, sanitary, and storm) improvements. The utility improvements are located in future collector roads located south of E. 56th Avenue and north of E. 52nd Avenue between E-470 and Harvest Road.

Copies of the Bidding Documents may be requested from the Windler Public Improvement Authority, at the email of the Authority Engineer, barney.fix@merrick.com, beginning March 7, 2024. NO PAYMENT REQUIRED.

Bidders must be licensed Contractors in the State of Colorado.

Bids will be received providing unit price for items; however, the price given will be on a maximum not-to-exceed amount, as described in the Bidding Documents.

The Work is expected to be commenced within thirty (30) days after the Date of Contract.

Bid Security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total Bid Price must accompany each Bid in the form specified in the Instructions to Bidders.

The Successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond, Labor and Material Payment Bond guaranteeing faithful performance and warranty bond for two-years after Substantial Completion, and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance of the Contract.

The OWNER reserves the right to award the contract by sections, to reject any or all Bids, and to waive any informalities and irregularities therein.

For further information, please contact Barney Fix at Merrick & Company at 303-751-0741.

Legal Notice No. CCX1301

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Non-Consecutive Publications

Public Notice

WINDLER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY

WINDLER - DISCOVERY PARK-SITE

Sealed Bids will be received by Windler Public Improvement Authority, hereinafter referred to as OWNER, at the office of the Authority Engineer, Merrick & Company, 5970 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, until 10:00 AM local time on March 22, 2024, for:

WINDLER - Discovery Park – Site

This Contract provides for the construction of the following: Discovery Park includes grading, utilities, parking lots, playgrounds including a basketball, pickle ball and volleyball court, community garden, trails, Dog parks, site furnishings, landscaping, irrigation, and electrical along Denali Street from South Drive to 53rd Avenue.

Copies of the Bidding Documents may be requested from the Windler Public Improvement Authority, at the email of the Authority Engineer, barney. fix@merrick.com, beginning February 8, 2024. NO PAYMENT REQUIRED. REPRODUCTIONS ARE PROHIBITED.

Bidders must be licensed Contractors in the State of Colorado.

Bids will be received providing unit price for items; however, the price given will be on a maximum not-to-exceed amount, as described in the Bidding Documents.

The Work is expected to be commenced within thirty (30) days after the Date of Contract.

Bid Security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total Bid Price must accompany each Bid in the form specified in the Instructions to Bidders.

The Successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond, Labor and Material Payment Bond guaranteeing faithful performance and warranty bond for two-years after Substantial Completion, and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance

of the Contract.

The OWNER reserves the right to award the contract by sections, to reject any or all Bids, and to waive any informalities and irregularities therein.

For further information, please contact Barney Fix at Merrick & Company at 303-751-0741.

Legal Notice No. CCX1285

First Publication: February 8, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Non-Consecutive Publications

Public Notice

WINDLER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY

E. 45th Place

Sealed Bids will be received by Windler Public Improvement Authority, hereinafter referred to as OWNER, at the office of the Authority Engineer, Merrick & Company, 5970 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, until 10:00 AM local time on April 5, 2024 for:

E. 45th Place

This Contract provides for the construction of the following: Approximately ½ mile of roadway infrastructure including, approximately 1,600 FT of 6”, 8” & 12” PVC waterline, 1,900 FT of 8” PVC sanitary sewer, 1,700 FT of 18”-42” RCP storm sewer, and a WQ pond. The project spans along E. 45th Place from Wenatchee Street to Tibet Road. Bidders may bid on utility or roadway items or bidder’s may bid on both utility and roadway items.

Copies of the Bidding Documents may be requested from the Windler Public Improvement Authority, at the email of the Authority Engineer, barney.fix@ merrick.com, beginning March 7, 2024. NO PAYMENT REQUIRED.

Bidders must be licensed Contractors in the State of Colorado.

Bids will be received providing unit price for items; however, the price given will be on a maximum not-to-exceed amount, as described in the Bidding Documents.

The Work is expected to be commenced within thirty (30) days after the Date of Contract.

Bid Security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total Bid Price must accompany each Bid in the form specified in the Instructions to Bidders.

The Successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond, Labor and Material Payment Bond guaranteeing faithful performance and warranty bond for two-years after Substantial Completion, and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance of the Contract.

The OWNER reserves the right to award the contract by sections, to reject any or all Bids, and to waive any informalities and irregularities therein.

For further information, please contact Barney Fix at Merrick & Company at 303-751-0741.

Legal Notice No. CCX1300

First Publication: March 7, 2024

Last Publication: March 21, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Non-Consecutive Publications

Name Changes

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 TITO FREDDY ONTIVEROS be changed to

Tito-Freddy Ontiveros

Case No.: 24 C 142

By: Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. CCX1292

First Publication: February 22, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express ###

Report: ‘Greedflation’ driving consumer prices

BY ERIC GALATAS PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE

As corporate pro ts remain at alltime highs, a new report shows that more than half of rising consumer prices in 2023 were caused by corporate greed, or “greed ation.”

Elizabeth Pancotti - strategic advisor with the DC-based think tank Groundwork Collaborativesaid before the pandemic, corporate pro ts drove just 11% of price growth.

But even after supply chain snarls were resolved, companies chose not to pass savings along to customers.

“Keeping sticker prices much higher than they probably need to be,” said Pancotti. “And as a result, they have really padded their bottom lines on the backs of American consumers, to the tune of about 53% of in ation being driven by corporate pro ts for the most recent quarters.”

e report echoes analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City which identi ed price gouging as the driving factor for in ation during the height of the pandemic. Some economists have argued these price hikes were due to companies bracing for future produc-

tion costs, while others note corporate CEOs have a legal obligation to maximize pro ts for shareholders.

Pancotti said while production costs did rise by 1% in 2023, consumer prices still rose by 3.4%.

She added that for the past three years, CEOs have bragged on shareholder earnings calls about high pro ts linked to raising prices.

“Even though their wage costs or their input prices have gone up, they are able to completely oset those by charging consumers more,” said Pancotti. “So you don’t have to listen to us, they’ve said it themselves.”

An economist at a leading global investment bank has warned that greed ation could lead to widespread social unrest.

Pancotti noted that the Trump administration’s 2017 tax cuts gave corporations a tax break for proteering, and those incentives are set to expire in 2025.

Economists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have also called for temporary price controls to prevent spiraling in ation in future crises.

is story runs via e Associated Press’ Storyshare, of which Colorado Community Media is a member.