Commerce City Sentinel Express March 28, 2024

Latino voice rise at Advocacy Day

Calls for environmental justice, tenant protections, healthcare at statehouse

BY ROSSANA LONGO BETTER ROSSANA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With chants of “ e people united will never be defeated!” hundreds marched toward the Colorado Capitol to commemorate Latino/a Advocacy Day, demand-

ing legislation that addresses environmental justice, tenant protections, access to healthcare and better education for their children.

For Alex Sánchez, one of the organizers and president of Voices of the Mountains and Voices United Action Fund, it was an opportunity to ght for the rights of Latinos.

“It’s important that we advocate for our rights and tell our legislators what we need to succeed in this country and this state,” he said. e annual event has been taking place since 2007 and over the years has involved over 5,000 participants. Armed with the Latino

Policy Agenda, the group meets for two days to identify concerns and political priorities and, on the third day, brings them to state representatives, said Aura Bolanos Perea, strategic director of the Organization for Opportunity and Reproductive Justice for Latinas of Colorado.

“ is Latino Advocacy Day has been happening for 18 years. It’s crucial to be here, in the heart of Colorado, in Denver, at the Capitol, to advocate for the interests of our community and give it a voice,”

Commerce

City approves controversial rezoning Outdoor storage planned for former pig farm

BY LONDON LYLE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Two weeks after a resident spoke with passion against a proposal to rezone the site of a former pig farm to an industrial district, the Commerce City Council on March 18 allowed the rezoning to move forward.

e council voted 5-3, with councilmember Oscar Madera absent. Voting in favor were Mayor Pro Tem Susan Noble and councilmembers Rocky Teter, Sean Ford, Craig Kim and Charles Dukes. Voting against the measure were Mayor Steve Douglas and councilmembers Kristi Douglas and Renèe Chacon.

At the initial March 4 meeting, representatives from Greenwood Village-based civil engineering rm Galloway & Company Inc., which owns the land, gave a video presentation and worked to answer numerous questions from council about the proposal about outdoor storage and potential tenants on the site.

One Commerce City resident, Jacqueline Valdez, spoke in opposition, citing fears of increased truck tra c and other e ects for residents living nearby.

During the March 18 review, councilmembers were each given an updated packet to look through.

“At the prior hearing you heard our presentation, you saw our video, you took some testimony, and you asked several questions;

GRASSROOTS TO THE PODIUM

City Councilor Susan Noble recounts her journey P5

House Majority Leader Monica Duran raises her hand as participants chant “Si se puede (Yes we can)” on the steps of the Capitol on Monday following the march that culminated the Latino/a Advocacy Day.

ROSSANA LONGO BETTER

BRIEFS

Co ee with the Community in April

e Adams County Health Department celebrates National Public Health Week, April 1-7, by hosting two “Co ee with the Community” events April 1 and 3.

e rst event runs from 8:3010:30 a.m. April 1 at the Cup Co ee House in Reunion, 10601 Reunion Pkwy. e second is from 8:30-10:30 a.m. April 3 at Greyhound Grounds

Co ee House, 6230 Glencoe St. in Commerce City. Join them to enjoy a free beverage (one medium drink per person) and talk about health topics relative to your community and ACHD’s available programs.

County seeks Healthy Farmers Markets input

Adams County is looking for feed-

back 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.

Adams City ‘84 alums seeking missing classmates

Adam City’s class of 1984 is scheduled to host its 40th class reunion at 5 p.m. Aug. 30 at the 30/70 Sports Bar and Grill, 18856 W. 120th Ave. in Westminster.

Organizers are trying to contact a few remaining missing graduates. If you attended ACHS with the class of 1984 or have a family member who did, please get in touch with Susan Zale Vanness (303) 513-1333 or van-

nessrealty@comcast.net or Tracey Snyder (303) 921-2114 tjsnyder07. ts@gmail.com

‘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. Sessions are from 5:30 to 6;30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 720-2922811.

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

Student was barred from wearing cultural sash at graduation in 2023

BY JACKIE RAMIEREZ

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Naomi Peña attended her rst Latino Advocacy Day on its 18th anniversary to remind Latinos and others that they should never conform to silence.

e former high school student from Parachute whose First Amendment rights were violated

Finding a future in activism

at her high school graduation last year became what Alex Sánchez, president and CEO of Voces Unidas de las Montañas, called an inspiration for HB 24-1323, which was introduced last month.

“I sued my school in May 2023 because I was not allowed to wear my sash with a Mexican and American ag,” Peña told Advocacy Day participants during a rally on March 18 at the Colorado Capitol.

To avoid being banned from her graduation ceremony by school ofcials for wearing representational regalia and after a federal judge ruled that the school could have a say on what students can and can-

not wear at graduation ceremonies, Peña hid her sash with another from her Key Club International.

“Always ght for what you believe in,” Peña said. “Latinos and minorities should never be silenced.”

HB 24-1323 would allow a “preschool, public school, or public college or university student to wear objects of cultural or religious signi cance as an adornment at a graduation ceremony.” e bill also prohibits any school from restricting what students may wear under their required graduation attire.

e bill looks to disrupt the typical graduation cap-and-gown attire as little as possible, but wants any ed-

ucational institution to be open to cultural self expression.

Peña’s story is not the rst where a student was forced to hide their cultural identity. Colorado students of Native American descent are now able to wear and display traditional regalia at graduation ceremonies with the approval of SB23-202 last year.

Mateo Lozano, regional organizing manager of Voces Unidas de las Montañas, said he was inspired seeing people join in with their families and friends to advocate for issues that matter to them.

SEE ACTIVISM, P15

Here Are My Thoughts About the Media Coverage of the Recent NAR Settlement

It has been interesting to observe how the mainstream media has covered the recent $418-million settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In addition to the monetary settlement (which can be paid out over a four-year period), NAR agreed to end its rule requiring the inclusion in the MLS of compensation for brokers representing buyers.

It should be obvious by now that there is little understanding of why that rule existed and how it benefitted sellers to incentivize brokers outside the listing agent’s office to show and sell their homes.

ing or showing agents on clients who never sell or never buy.

It’s not a unique concept. Cruise lines and resorts, among others, offer a commission to travel agents to get them to promote their cruises and resorts, etc. Car dealers pay auto brokers who produce a buyer who otherwise wouldn’t visit their showrooms. (That’s how I bought my 2012 Chevy Volt back when I needed help finding that brand new model. I couldn't have found the one dealer who had one in transit to Aurora without my broker’s help.)

Similarly, offering a commission to other members of the MLS is how listing agents maximize the exposure of their sellers’ homes to the buying public. That exposure is compounded by the fact that every brokerage and consumer-facing website gets its listings from the MLS.

The public and the media have long quoted 6% as the “standard” real estate commission — as have some brokerages offering 1% listing commissions, with small print saying “plus co-op commission to buyer’s agent.”

That error continues and is compounded now with the media stating that 3% is the “standard” co-op commission paid by sellers to the agents representing buyers.

Worse, some media have been reporting that NAR mandates the infamous 6% commission, which is not at all true. Neither was a 3% co-op commission ever mandated, merely that some offer (as low as zero) had to be included in every MLS listing.

A reader sent me an analysis ordered by one of the Federal Reserve branches, which really got me laughing. A page from that analysis is reproduced at right. The purpose of the study was to calculate the reduction in agent earnings and the gain in social benefit if the “standard” 6%/3% system were modified. Not factored in at all was the time spent by list-

Archive of Past Columns Is Online

Over the past two decades this column has appeared in the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate, You can search that archive, listed by headline and downloadable with a single click at www.JimSmithColumns.com

My July 20, 2023, “Real Estate Today” column carried the headline, “Unlike Most Professionals, Real Estate Agents Work for Free Most of the Time.” In it I made the following observation: “As it is, the average member of the National Association of Realtors earns less than $50,000 in gross commission income per year — before accounting for car, phone, MLS fees, Realtor dues, computer hardware & software, E&O insurance, and more.”

Business doesn’t come to most agents sitting in their office. They have to make themselves known, publish community newsletters in their “geographic farm,” hold open houses that may generate no sale or new clients. Myself, instead of prospecting, I spend an equivalent percentage of my time writing this column, which I then pay to have published in 23 weekly newspapers and the Denver Post. As my favorite quote at the bottom of each ad says, I “concentrate on giving and let the getting take care of itself.”

Successful real estate agents find other ways to give to their communities and thereby earn their patronage.

Yes, on occasion I will get an easy payday — a buyer who comes to me with a specific home to buy, we make an offer and close the transaction. Bingo! But that only compensates for the great amount of work done serving other buyers and other sellers plus those members of the public who ask for advice or a home valuation and never give me the opportunity to earn a pay check. I don’t resent that at all — it’s part of my giving, knowing I will be compensated in other ways. It actually makes me happy. (Call me anytime!)

Too many people enter our profession under the same misconception that I have described above, that real estate is an easy career to earn lots of money. They watch TV shows about million-dollar

listings or they see me driving my Tesla and other agents driving their BMWs and Mercedes. But we are the exception.

The public’s general impression is that real estate is a high-paying career. Keep in mind that NAR membership is optional, so agents who are willing to pay roughly $500 every year to be a NAR member are most likely the ones who take the business seriously, although many members work part-time in real estate because they can’t make ends meet solely from their commission income.

The most recent survey of NAR members included the following facts regarding median gross compensation and expenses (emphasis in original:

Realtors with 16 years or more experience had a median gross income of $80,700 — down from $85,000 in 2021 — compared to Realtors with 2 years or less experience that had a median gross income of $9,600 — an increase from $8,800 in 2021.

The largest expense category for most Realtors was vehicle expenses, which [averaged] $1,710.

I have estimated that the 80/20 rule applies as much to real estate agents as it does to other professions, although I think it’s closer to 90/10. Namely, 10% of us earn 90% of the money.

(Golden Real Estate’s broker associates and I are in the 10% because we work hard and smart.)

Too often, new agents spend a year

spinning their wheels, making cold calls and spending $10,000 or more on tools of the trade only to end the year with one or no transaction, so they give up, having lost that investment and wasted a year of their professional life. It’s really sad to watch.

It takes time to get established in the real estate profession. My broker associates and I have passed that tipping point and will renew our licenses when they expire, unlike the majority of new agents.

Some real estate agents are quite upset about the part of the settlement which removes buyer agent compensation from MLS listings beginning in mid-July, assuming the court approves the settlement.

A Wall Street Journal article posted on March 20th describes how buyers are getting off the fence before the new rules take effect in July requiring them to pay their own agent. That makes sense to me; it also means that now is a good time for potential sellers to get off the fence and list their homes for sale.

How Will ThisAffect Buyers & Sellers?

Not having co-op commissions on the MLS will require agents to talk to each other before submitting offers, to clarify whether the seller is offering compensation to the buyer’s agent. I discuss that and the other effects of the NRA settlement in the posting of this article at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com, where you can also ask me questions.

Boulder Home Backing to Pond Is Back on Market

This fantastic 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2,350sq.-ft. home at 820 Racquet Lane is at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in east Boulder’s Meadow Glen neighborhood, backing to a community pond and Boulder’s outstanding biking trail network. Foothills Parkway, Baseline Road and Hwy 36 are nearby. Inside are hardwood floors throughout, a beautiful staircase with custom wrought iron railing, and lots of sunlight thanks to the open floor plan. There are two bedrooms with walk-in closets on the main level while the primary bedroom is located on the 2nd floor with a huge walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The kitchen features custom cherry cabinets, granite counters and a topnotch Viking refrigerator and range. There are two living rooms (main floor and upper floor) and a dedicated home office. Outside is a large and private fenced patio. The 2car garage also has a spacious attic for extra storage. Get more details and take a narrated video tour at www.GRElistings.com, then call listing agent Chuck Brown at 303885-7855 to request a private showing.

1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401

Broker Associates:

JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727

CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855

DAVID DLUGASCH, 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

REZONING

some of which, perhaps, you didn’t get su cient information, which I think is what led to the continuance to tonight,” said Carolynne White, a land use attorney for Galloway. “We want to start o by trying to answer the questions that we saw from the last hearing that perhaps you didn’t get enough information about.”

As the site currently exists, the shape and the con guration is not conducive to most agricultural uses, White said. She also said that the company has made e orts to minimize “potential impact on the vicinity and the neighborhood, including the residential properties that are located across the street on Colorado Boulevard.”

Outdoor storage, which had been present on the property in the past, would be fully screened from view of the residences as well as those who drive past.

As for the concerns about potential tenants, White answered that at the time, it’s simply not known who the end user would be, but that was not a requirement for a rezoning.

“In fact, it’s very di cult to market this property to a potential end user unless and until it is rezoned for an appropriate use,” she said.

Addressing environmental concerns, White said that an analysis conducted at the site found that the property has not been signi cantly impacted by o site land ll activities.

“ ere’s a clean bill of health on the environmental question; I want to make sure that’s very clear on the record,” she said.

Our Family

Helping Your Family

is no plan to build anything at the

Valdez spoke again on March 18.

As for tra c, tra c engineer Brian Horan from Galloway told the council that their 2022 tra c study accounted for potential residential growth and also considered tra c around Alsup Elementary on 68th Avenue. In addition, there are two multi-unit residential apartment complexes slated for construction on Colorado Blvd and 72nd Avenue.

“I’m very concerned about these two apartment complexes, but the reality is they’re going in,” councilmember Kristi Douglas said.

Councilmember Renèe Chacon asked about how rezoning might a ect air quality or add pollutants associated with tra c congestion. White replied that the total number

LANG John “Morrow” Lang

August 20, 1961 - January 30, 2024

John passed away at the age of 61. He was born August 20, 1961 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to John Lang Sr and Joesphine (Pregano) Lang.

John met Johanna in the year 2006 while rest driving cars. After the project was over, they began dating and have been together ever since. He is survived by his loving wife, Johanna, mother Joesphine Lang, sister Josie and husband Chris Tuillo, and sister Joanie Murphy.

NELSON

Funeral services were held February 11th, 2024 with a public viewing.

Ronald D “Ronnie” Nelson

January 26, 1961 - March 7, 2024

Ronald Nelson, 63, passed away at Banner North Medical Center in Greeley, CO on March 7, 2024.

“Ronnie” was born on January 26, 1961 in Brighton, CO to Harvey and Amelia Nelson, the last born of nine children.

He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many and will be deeply missed. He is survived by sisters Mary Ann Devers-Clayton, NC; Linda (Joe) Shirey-Broom eld, CO; Nancy (Ron)

Chambers- Corning, CA; and brother James (Jeanette) Nelson-Keenesburg, CO; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janice Brekke; brothers John Nelson, Harvey Nelson, and David Nelson; and nephew Christopher Nelson. A celebration of life memorial will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of owers, memorial donations can be made in Ron’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

of trucks passing through the space is expected to be very small, so no study was needed.

“I’m just concerned because it’s already a disproportionately a ected community and there is a school at the end of 68th. Is the owner interested in expanding public safety? Walkways, things of that nature too?” Chacon asked. “Because it’s not just the physical congestion; it’s the air pollution. And given that there’s already cumulative impacts it will be contributing to, will the owner be interested in working with the community in that way?”

“I’ve heard quite a bit tonight and it kind of disturbs me that I’ve counted on my city, and my city has deceived me. And they’ve deceived council,” she said.

She suggested that after the March 4 meeting, Galloway should have taken the feedback and revised their application.

68th Avenue has become more of an industrial road than a residential school zone, she said, and she raised her concerns for the small community living on the south side of Commerce City.

“Over 500 vehicles a day come down 68th, and over 60% of that is industrial. Large semi-trucks. e mayor, some of the council and city have seen this, and yet they let it continue,” she said.

“We are going to be overrun by this stu ,” Valdez said. “ ey want it rezoned so that they can build this building, but nobody knows who’s coming in. And we’re already being toxi ed by Suncor and all the businesses that are there.

“If we don’t put a stop to this, we are the ones su ering. We are the ones that live there. … So if you don’t put a stop to this and start thinking about the people that are living there, we’re not gonna have anybody because we’re all going to be dead! I’m just asking for council to rethink this.”

White said the owner would be willing to consider walkways or sidewalks in the future, but there

In providing a rebuttal, White said that while she understood Valdez’s concerns, they were concerning existing conditions on 68th. She said property managers would go above and beyond to be responsible and not contribute to problems, but they could not be held responsible for pre-existing problems.

Commerce City council o cials reviewed a zoning change request from Galloway and Company Inc. to build a 32,000-square-foot warehouse and o ce space development for the land.

LONDON LYLE

BY LONDON LYLE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

In order to know more about your Ciudad, it’s important to know who’s making the decisions. So join us as we delve into the motivations, challenges, and memorable moments of this in uential community leader.

Colorado Community Media: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to call Commerce City home?

Susan Noble: My background is in news, communications, public a airs and economic development. I have worked as a reporter and a Realtor. We moved to Commerce City when my husband took a job in Adams County. He had driven through the area on his lunch hour and thought it was beautiful. At the time, we were both commuting from Wellington – he to Adams County and me to both Metro State and CU Anschutz, where I was development director. So we wound up here, and it’s a beautiful area and very lovely community.

What made you want to run for city council?

Noble: At the time, I had formed a group called North Range Concerned Citizens, which was made up of neighbors throughout the area who were opposed to industrial activity in residential areas. And that included oil and gas. Commerce City had around 10 open applications for oil and gas sites in north Commerce City. I asked other members of North Range Concerned Citizens if they would be interested in running for city council to ensure that our voices were heard during the election process, and when I couldn’t nd anyone else to run, I said, ‘OK, I’ll do it.’

And I wound up winning. I always felt that municipal governance was the most hands-on; the most real. It’s where you see your constituents on a regular basis. You see them in the market; you see them on the streets; you see them in the neighborhood; you see them at your local co ee shop. It’s a really wonderful, grassroots kind of government.

What are your primary responsibilities as Mayor Pro Tem, and how do they di er from those of other city council members?

Noble: e duties don’t really di er, except for the fact that if the mayor is unavailable for either an event or a meeting, then I step in

on his behalf to represent the city. In some communities, the Mayor Pro Tem is elected by the city council, but in Commerce City, it’s an appointment position. I was appointed by the mayor.

What major projects or initiatives are you focusing on right now?

Noble: Major projects for me include growing economic development and retail development in north Commerce City. I’m very interested in Commerce City becoming a leader in environmental initiatives and reversing our image as a home to toxic industries. Government transparency is very key to me. So I’m always encouraging the city to get out as much information as possible in any way it can. at’s also probably due to my background in news.

Another major issue to me is ensuring the city takes advantage of all of the federal opportunities for grants given our designation as a disadvantaged community. I encouraged the city council to move a million dollars of our ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to create a grants o ce to build our capacity and obtain federal dollars that will help our residents. I’m deeply concerned about the health, safety and welfare of all of Commerce City. Also holding Suncor accountable and any other industry that might cause our residents to not have the quality of life that they deserve.

Outside of your duties on the council, what are your hobbies and how do you spend your free days?

Noble: I have often said that I’m not much of a ‘do-it-yourself-er.’ I don’t do crafting or anything like that. Really, working within the community and talking and meeting with residents is my hobby. And that’s what I love. Otherwise, I ll my time with reading, keeping up with current events, spending time in the mountains as much as possible and traveling.

What does community mean to you?

Noble: Community means looking out for your neighbor and following the golden rule. It’s as simple as that.

Outside of city council meetings, how do you engage with the community?

Noble: I’m regularly on

social media, keeping people apprised of what’s happening in Commerce City and asking for their feedback, responding to questions and concerns in any way I can, connecting them with sta , attending events, just trying to stay as engaged as possible with the variety of interests in our diverse area.

Can you share a memorable moment from your time in public service that’s really stuck with you?

Noble: ere are so many. I think what excites me most is when I see a constituent step up to the podium. When they tell us what concerns them, what ideas they have for the community, and what matters most to them. at happens on an every-other-week basis because of the nature of our meetings. I really, really, really want a community that feels empowered. So when I see someone

step up to the podium, I don’t care how old they are – whether they’re in high school or they’re my age. An empowered community and empowered electorate is extremely gratifying to me. e more outspoken my constituents become, the more I believe that I’ve been successful.

How do you balance your constituent’s views while also considering the city’s overall needs? Are there ever conflicts?

Noble: Sometimes there are con icts; there’s no question about it. You just have to do what’s right for the greater good. I try to ensure that Commerce City is living its motto of “quality community for a lifetime.” at has to be the cornerstone of every decision. Do you have any significant mentors in your life or people that have really influenced you? How have they shaped

your perspective?

Noble: Absolutely. I’ve had so many. When you reach my age, you’ve had the wonderful opportunity to know so many people and work in so many different areas. ey’ve all inuenced me in some way. Whether I was working in public service or the private sector, it doesn’t really matter. I can’t narrow it down to just one person, but let’s just say I’ve been blessed. Incredibly blessed.

LINDA

MICHAEL

SCOTT

Taxpayer refunds could squeeze state budget

Forecasts leave legislators short of what they expected

BY BRIAN EASON THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado budget writers may be headed back to the drawing board. Slower population growth and rising fee revenue could trigger upwards of $300 million more state taxpayer refunds than expected in the current budget year, under economic fore-

casts presented to the Joint Budget Committee in mid-March.

e latest forecasts leave top lawmakers well short of what they expected to be able to spend in next year’s budget, with less than a week left to nalize the 2024-25 spending plan before it has to be submitted to the General Assembly for consideration.

Under Colorado Legislative Council Sta estimates, the budget committee could need to cut as much as $267 million in spending requests to balance the budget for next scal year. Even under a scenario presented by the governor’s O ce of State Planning and Budgeting, lawmakers could face

$150 million gap without major budget-balancing maneuvers.

State economists present revenue forecasts to the legislature every three months. But the March update takes on special importance, because the estimates determine how much the legislature has to work with when it adopts the annual budget, known as the long bill.

A return to normal could be even more challenging than expected — but not because of any economic turbulence.

Instead, the budget will be squeezed primarily by two seemingly minor factors.

One, U.S. Census estimates now say the state’s population grew by less than the state’s demographer had anticipated. at means the state revenue cap under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which tracks in ation and population growth, can only increase by 5.8% this budget year rather than the 6.1% legislative forecasters were expecting.

Two, the state is now expected to collect $185 million more in road usage fees and retail delivery charges this year than last, under the legislative sta estimates.

Bolanos said. “We found that Latinos want safer communities, free from gun violence, access to jobs for all, and the ability to make decisions about their bodies. ese are the issues that matter to us and why we’re here at the Capitol.”

For Mateo Lozano, the lack of representation is a signi cant problem.

“Forty percent of the population is Latino; we should have 40% in the legislature,” he said.

For Lozano, the issue of immigration is crucial to the movement.

“We need to be strategic in how we address legislation that bene ts us. President Biden has been granting work permits to new generations of immigrants arriving here, which is positive. But they have forgotten or ignored the generation that has been here for almost 30 years without a work permit. We need at least a work permit to be able to work and navigate systems with dignity,” he said. is year, the group is advocating for seven bills based on the survey and feedback from community members, said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, who represents Eagle, Gareld and Pitkin counties in District 57.

e movement still has much to do, but Bolanos will continue to advocate for Latinos’ needs, – and to take their message even higher.

“We’ll have this Latino advocacy

LEGISLATION OF INTEREST

The seven bills Voices of the Mountains and Voices United Action Fund are advocating for in 2024

HB 24-1338, related to environmental justice.

HB 24-1323, allowing students to use objects of cultural or religious significance in graduation ceremonies.

HB 24-1298, regarding protections for

conference, and then we will go to Washington, D.C. in September to advocate to our federal representatives on the issues that matter,” she said.

mobile home residents.

SB 24-94, creating additional protections for residential tenants.

HB 24-1098, concerning what constitutes a just cause eviction.

SB 24-34, on access to school healthcare.

HB 24-1134, making adjustments to existing fiscal expenditure

Colorado may cut back on free student meals

BY YESENIA ROBLES CHALKBEAT COLORADO

In the rst year that Colorado is paying districts to give students free meals at school, more kids are eating than expected.

at has left the program $56.1 million short this year. And lawmakers are working on how to close the funding gap.

Colorado voters in 2022 supported creating limits on tax deductions for the state’s highest earners to fund free school meals for all students. Advocates said that there were families in Colorado who were struggling nancially even though they didn’t qualify

for subsidized meals under federal poverty guidelines.

In calculating the cost of the program, analysts expected that about 25% more children would eat a school meal. Instead, schools this year have seen a more than 35% increase in breakfast participation, and a more than 31% increase for lunch compared with last year.

e higher-than-expected participation — and program cost — is due largely to students who previously had to pay for a school meal. In most cases, the federal government doesn’t reimburse the districts for any part of those children’s meals, leaving the state to cover those costs alone.

e state legislature’s Joint Budget Committee this week agreed to ll the $56.1 million gap this year. About $31.5 million can be covered with additional revenue that has come in from the new tax provision, but the rest will likely need to come from the state’s general fund.

Without any changes to the meal program, state analysts predict Colorado will come up short by $27.8 million next year.

In addition to the universal free school meals, voters approved three grant programs that were supposed to be rolled out in the coming school years. e grants were meant to help districts with things like buying Colorado-grown food for meals, providing

stipends for kitchen employees, and paying for training or equipment.

For now, those grant programs will be on hold.

Lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee debated this week over whether they had a responsibility to keep the voter-approved program going, regardless of the additional cost to the state.

Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Brighton Republican, said that cost calculations have changed and the state has to deal with that.

“All of these warnings were given to us before, and we ignored them,” she said.

Chalkbeat is a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.

Taken together, the two forecast changes mean state lawmakers could have to issue larger than expected TABOR refunds to Coloradans next year, leaving the state with fewer General Fund tax dollars to spend on public services.Under the legislative sta forecast, Colorado would have a $1.8 billion TA-

BOR surplus this budget year, while the governor’s o ce expects $2 billion in excess revenue. at would translate to a nearly $400 refund for the average single- ler in 2025 under the current refund formula, which is tiered based on income. is year, all single- lers received $800. 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.

Dwelling Unit (ADU) near the west highlights. The property is 95% completed to allow for customization. The

has an amazing open space kitchen with a large master bed room, large walk in closet and wow en-suite bathroom.

The

is superb for entertaining with a large deck and breakfast nook.

larger master bedroom has skylights so you can see the stars at night. The kitchen is a must see with the best thing about the property being the open space kitchen and amazing floor plan.

The property is 1,560 square feet with a completely separate 560 sq. foot ADU with 2 car garage and space for RV parking--the unit has solar.

The property is an outstanding family home, all on one level, if financing is required the payment can be offset by renting out the Main Unit or ADU -and live in the other -- to offset the monthly payment. The short term rental (STR) market is always thriving in the central Colorado area with so many individuals and families that want to come to Colorado for an adventure and see the myriad of attractions Red Rocks Parks, Garden of the Gods, Buffalo overlook, The Air Force Academy, Estes Park or of course to check out our great skiing, food and and beer. If you decide to take advantage of the STR market 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.

We offer partial owner financing with a 720 FICO score, or higher, and at least $25K in savings IE Retirement Plan. The home has solar so there will limited power bills and for the young buyer we are offering a 2-1 buydown.

Any buyer who does not take the 2-1 buydown and does give a full price offer, can instead get a custom package for $20,000.00. The upgrades could include and of these: Private garden, class 4 roof, 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

303-566-4123

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Legals

Districts

Public Notice NOTICE OF EXCLUSION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there has been filed with the Board of Directors of the Sand Creek Metropolitan District, in the City and County of Denver and Adams County, State of Colorado, a petition praying for the exclusion of certain lands from such District.

1. The name and address of the petitioner and a legal description of the property mentioned in such petition are as follows:

Petitioner: Housing Authority of the City of Aurora, Colorado

Address: 2280 South Xanadu Way, Aurora, CO 80014

Legal Description: A portion of Lot 4, Block 1, Gateway Park IV East Subdivision Filing No. 9, recorded December 9, 2005 at Reception No. 20051209001353390, County of Adams, State of Colorado; Consisting of approximately 2.6871 acres. A full legal description can be provided upon request.

2.The prayer of the petition is that the above property be excluded from the Sand Creek Metropolitan District.

3.The area sought to be excluded from the District is located entirely within Adams County, and does not include property within any other county or within any other incorporated city, town, or city and county, and the District currently encompasses property in Adams County, and therefore no notice of the proposed exclusion under Section 32-1-207(2), C.R.S., as amended, is required.

Accordingly, notice is hereby given to all interested persons to appear at the public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District at 3:00 p.m. or soon thereafter, on April 29, 2024 via Telephone Conference Call Number: 646-813-3054 / Participant Code: 12693975570#, and show cause in writing, if any they have, why such petition should not be granted. The failure of any person in the existing District to file a written objection shall be taken as an assent on his part to the exclusion of the area described in this notice.

SAND CREEK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By: /s/ Ron Fano, Counsel for the District

Legal Notice No. CCX1306

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

HM METRO DISTRICT

Harvest Road Streetscape and Medians and 56th Ave Streetscapes, Medians and Perimeter Park

Sealed Bids will be received by HM Metro District, hereinafter referred to as OWNER, at the office of the District Engineer, Merrick & Company, 5970 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, until 10:00 AM local time on April 12, 2024, for:

Harvest Road Streetscape and Medians and 56th Ave Streetscapes, Medians and Perimeter Park

This Contract provides for the construction of the following: Furnish all materials, equipment, appurtenances, tools, and labor for performing all operations to construct landscape improvements within Harvest Road Streetscapes and Medians, as well as 56th Ave Streetscapes, Medians and Perimeter Park. Approximately 1.5 miles of Landscape improvements along Harvest Road and 56th Ave, involve crusher fines path, site furnishing, plantings, and irrigation.

Copies of the Bidding Documents may be requested from the HM Metro District, at the email of the District Engineer, barney.fix@merrick.com, beginning March 14, 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. CCX1305

First Publication: March 14, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Non-Consecutive Publications

Misc. Private Legals

Public Notice

Legal Notice of Annual Meeting of Members

The Annual Meeting of Members of UNITED POWER, INC. will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Waymire Dome at the Riverdale Regional Park, located at 9755 Henderson Road in Brighton, Colorado. Members can attend in-person or via livestream. Instructions for participating in the meeting virtually can be found on the cooperative’s website at www.unitedpower.com.

The meeting will be for the purposes of electing directors, deciding on a bylaw amendment brought forward by the board of directors, considering and approving reports for the prior fiscal year, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

This year there are elections in the following districts: North, Central, South, and Mountain for three-year terms. The candidates nominated by petition are Brian A. McCormick (incumbent) in the North District; Tim Erickson (incumbent) and Paige Wagner-Maul in the Central District; Brad Case (incumbent) in the South District; and Stephen Whiteside (incumbent) in the Mountain District. All Members are entitled to cast a vote for the director positions of every district, regardless of the district where the Member is domiciled.

Members will also be voting on a change to the bylaws as follows:

Shall there be an amendment to Article 4, Section 4 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc. to lengthen the term a Director holds office from three (3) years to four (4) years?

4.04 Term: Each Director, except as provided in Section 4.07, shall be elected to hold office for a term of four (4) years,

or until his or her successor has been elected and qualified. The terms of the directors shall be staggered so that the tenure of not more than one (1) Director from each district expires each year. The tenure of office of all Directors shall be subject to the provisions of these Bylaws.

Additional information including dates and times of forums to meet the candidates, how to cast a ballot, and deadlines for voting can be found at https://www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.

UNITED POWER, INC.

By: /s/Tamra Waltemath, Secretary

Legal Notice No. CCX1309

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Children Services

(Adoption/Guardian/Other)

Public Notice

Douglas County District Court Court Address: 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 (720) 437-6200

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF:

Lydiana Ray Bashon, Petitioner FOR THE RELINQUISHMENT OF A CHILD, (DOB: _____________)

Joshua Charles Chi Tan Thorpe, Justin (Last Name Unknown), John Doe, and Any and All Unknown Fathers, Respondents

And Concerning

Hope’s Promise, Co-Petitioner.

Attorney for Hope’s Promise:

Andrew T. Fitzgerald, #33996 Grob & Eirich, LLC

12596 W. Bayaud Ave., Suite 390 Lakewood, CO 80228

Phone: 303-679-8266

andrew@grobeirich.com

FAX: 303-679-8960

NOTICE OF ANTICIPATED EXPEDITED RELINQUISHMENT OF THE PARENT-CHILD LEGAL RELATIONSHIP

TO: JUSTIN (LAST NAME UNKNOWN), JOHN DOE, AND ANY AND ALL UN-

ACTIVISM

“ e important thing, I think, is to maintain this idea that we are the next generation of Latinos, of leaders who in 50, 60 or 70 years are going to be the next Corky Gonzalez,” Lozano said.

Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez, a political organizer and activist, was an inspiration to many at Latino/a Advocacy Day for his longtime ght for cultural, political and economic rights of Mexican-American people in Denver.

To see young people such as Peña taking a stance and going to the Capitol to voice her concerns, not only on Latino Advocacy Day, but

La Ciudad ¡Hola!

when she met in May 2023 with State Rep. Elizabeth Velasco and Voces Unidas de las Montañas, has

Naomi Peña, center, speaks at Latino/a Advocacy Day on the steps of the Colorado statehouse on March 18, 2024. Peña was prohibited from wearing a sash with Mexican and United States flags during her graduation ceremony in 2023 and sued her school. Her activism led to the introduction of a bill to allow cultural adornments.

ROSSANA LONGO BETTER

served as great inspiration to many. HB24-1323 is currently moving toward its next hearing on April 8.

Sign up for Colorado Community Media’s bilingual newsletter, La Ciudad

Language should not be a barrier to trustworthy news about your community. Our La Ciudad staff offers news in both English and Spanish.

El idioma no debería ser un obstáculo para acceder a noticias confiables que te interesan. Nuestro equipo de La Ciudad ofrece noticias tanto en inglés como en español.

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Public Notices

KNOWN FATHERS

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, PURSUANT TO C.R.S. § 19-5-103.7, AS FOLLOWS:

You have been identified by the birth mother, Lydiana Ray Bashon, as a possible biological father of her child, who has an anticipated birth date of April 18, 2024 in Colorado. Ms. Bashon plans to relinquish her parental rights to the child on an expedited basis in the Douglas County District Court, State of Colorado, where the adoption agency has their office, pursuant to C.R.S. § 19-5-103.5 in order to make the child available for adoption. Hope’s Promise’s address in Douglas County is 1585 Perry Street, Suite E, Castle Rock, CO 80104. In connection with this matter, you are advised as follows:

1. Placing a child for adoption requires termination of the birth mother and alleged birth father(s) parent-child legal relationships. Termination of parental rights means that pursuant to a court order, all rights powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations existing between a parent and a child are permanently severed, except for inheritance rights, which will be severed at the time of the

final decree of adoption. Upon termination of parental rights, a parent shall: (a) no longer have the right to custody of, or parenting time with the child; (b) no longer have the right to any information concerning the whereabouts, activities, health, or well-being of the child; and (c) have no say in any further decisions concerning said child.

2. As an alleged birth father, you have the right to contest the termination of any parental rights you may have to the child.

3.Failure to declare an intent to contest the termination of parental rights may likely result in a termination of parental rights to the child. In order to contest the termination of the parent-child legal relationship, you must:

a.Request and Return a “Reply Form to Notice of Anticipated Expedited Relinquishment” to Hope’s Promise at either their main offices at 1585 Perry Street, Suite E, Castle Rock, CO 80104 or to Grob & Eirich ,LLC, 12596 W. Bayaud Ave., Suite 390, Lakewood, CO 80228 by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, no later than twenty-one (21) days after the date of this notice or before the birth mother’s relinquishment petition is filed with the court, whichever occurs later.

The date of notice shall be considered either: a) the date on which this notice was delivered to you personally by an employee or representative of Hope’s Promise or; b) the date on the return receipt should you have received this notice by Certified Mail, whichever is applicable. Alternatively, you may return the enclosed reply form in person to Hope’s Promise, at the Castle Rock address indicated above, no later than twenty-one (21) days after the date of this notice or before the birth mother’s relinquishment petition is filed with the court, whichever occurs later. The date of notice shall be considered either: a) the date on which this notice was delivered to you personally by an employee or representative of Hope’s Promise or; b) the date on the return receipt should you have received this notice by Certified Mail, whichever is applicable. You should bring photo identification with you for in-person submission.

b.In the case of an alleged father, you shall also file claim of paternity pursuant to Article 4 of Title 19, Colorado Revised Statutes in the Douglas County District Court at the address shown above and notify Hope’s Promise pursuant to C.R.S. § 19-5-105.5. This claim of paternity must be filed no later than twenty-one (21) days after the date of this notice or

before the birth mother’s relinquishment petition is filed with the court, whichever occurs later. The date of notice shall be considered either: a) the date on which this notice was delivered to you personally by an employee or representative of Hope’s Promise or; b) the date on the return receipt should you have received this notice by Certified Mail, whichever is applicable.

4. You may also waive your right to contest the termination of parental rights or deny paternity and doing so will likely result in a termination of any parental rights you may have to the child.

5. Further notices shall not be provided to you in connection with this matter and your parental rights, if any, will likely be terminated by the District Court, unless you have properly contested the matter in accordance with the above law.

Andrew Fitzgerald

Grob & Eirich, LLC

Attorneys for Hope’s Promise

Legal Notice No. CCX1311

First Publication: March 28, 2024

Last Publication: March 28, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Bylaws.

Colorado leads on medical debt protections

State stands out even as health care costs soar

BY SARA WILSON COLORADO NEWSLINE

Lindsey Vance carried medical debt for nearly half her life.

e 41-year-old Denver resident is now both insured and in a better situation nancially. She was able to get her very rst credit card a few months ago.

“But my credit has been absolutely terrible my entire adult life because of the medical debt,” she said.

A recently-enacted law aims to help the estimated 700,000 Coloradans like Vance with medical debt by removing it from consumer credit reports. e law is one of several policies Colorado lawmakers have advanced in recent years to lessen the burden of medical debt. Another recent law caps the allowable interest on the debt and aims to ensure transparency with consum-

ers. In conjunction with the state’s Hospital Discounted Care program, created in 2021 for uninsured and low-income patients, and other debtrelated laws, experts say that Colorado is a leader among states when it comes to medical debt protection policies.

“Colorado is de nitely at the forefront, especially with the recently enacted legislation,” said Maanasa Kona, an assistant research professor at Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms and author of a Commonwealth Fund report

comparing states’ medical debt policies.

“It is some of the more ambitious actions we’ve seen states take,” she said.

Nationwide, about 100 million people have some form of health care debt, according to research by KFF Health News. e crisis is forcing millions of Americans to ration medical care, take on extra work and cut back on food, clothing and other essentials. Around Denver, medical debt is also exacerbating the city’s problem with housing a ordability.