Commerce City Sentinel Express May 16, 2024

Mental health resources to break stigmas

A candid dialogue on addiction and mental health in the Latino community

BY ROSSANA LONGO BETTER

Gov. Jared Polis proclaimed May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Colorado, joining a national e ort to address mental health challenges and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

e state’s Behavioral Health Administration is supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of mental health and sharing accessible resources for diverse communities throughout the month.

Virginia García Pivik, a communications consultant working with the state on Latino issues, provides insights into available programs and how they are being used to support those facing mental health and addiction challenges in Colorado. Additionally, BHA is endorsing various programs designed to provide immediate support to individuals at di erent stages of their mental health. Colorado residents can access these resources through the Colorado Crisis Services hotline and other local initiatives.

According to data from the 2021 Colorado Health Access Survey, over 80,000 people in the state admitted to needing substance use treatment, but never receiving it. is interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Colorado Community Media: What can you tell us about the programs Colorado o ers to provide resources for those struggling with addiction?

Virginia García Pivik: One of the rst resources I’d like to mention is I Matter, also known in Spanish as Yo Importo. is resource emerged from a state legislature proposal here in

Colorado in 2021. e state legislature proposal for those who want to look it up is HB21–1258, and it was determined that children ages 18 and under can receive six free therapy sessions. is age range even extends up to 21 years old if they are receiving special education. e idea is that these young people can see a therapist and receive up to six sessions of free counseling, which is extremely important because we know that sometimes these therapies can be costly. Parents don’t always know where to take their children to receive this kind of assistance. Parents can nd more resources or enroll their children or teenagers on the Yo Importo Colorado portal to nd a therapist and schedule an appointment.

In May 2023, last year, this legislation was renewed to continue providing free therapy to young people and children until June 30, 2024.

CCM: And what will happen after July 1 of this year?

García Pivik: e expansion of the service will be studied, and if possible, it may be extended from

six to 12 free therapy sessions if the case warrants it and is more severe.

Another resource is Tough As a Mother, which, as you can tell, has a direct and complete relationship with pregnant women who are expecting or already have a child. e idea is to provide community services for treatment and support on their path to recovery.

I like this campaign because it’s very sincere. It’s very straightforward and also speaks with a lot of compassion about the pressures that expecting moms face. Many times they need additional strength to overcome challenges or myths that exist, like if I’m having an addiction, maybe the system or the court will take away my children because I’m struggling with this situation.

is is not the case, so you can visit Tough As a Mother if you’re looking for assistance in terms of receiving community resources or support if you’re a mom or a pregnant person struggling with addictions to alcohol or drugs.

Making a big impact with small

actions

Commerce City’s sustainability challenge aims to shift behavior

BY LONDON LYLE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

May owers are in bloom, graduation season is upon us, and Colorado’s signature trails are full of hikers.

e long summer days o er an opportunity for new habits, and by trying a few of them out, residents can potentially win gardening goodies from Commerce City’s Energy, Equity, and the Environment Division.

For the past two years, Commerce City has o ered residents monthly sustainability challenges to promote practices that can improve air and water quality, waste reduction and overall environmental health. In addition to helping bene t the community as a whole, participation can also improve folks’ nances. Taking shorter showers lowers water bills, turning o lights saves on electricity, and using reusable grocery bags saves that pesky 10-cent-per-bag charge. It might seem like small changes, but they add up over time, city o cials say. In 2017, a Carbon Majors Report was published that found that just 100 companies were behind 71% of global industrial greenhouse gas emissions from 1988 to 2015. Many major news outlets published the study, and in the years since, public discourse on climate change responsibility shifted from personal responsibility to placing the blame on corporations. In recent years, some articles have claimed that our personal impact on the environment is low; recycling does little to help the environment, for example.

Virginia García Pivik, spokesperson for Mental Health Awareness Month in Colorado. COURTESY

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.

Pelton joins Southlawn Elementary after seven years as principal at Turnberry Elementary, also in Commerce City. Before that, she served two years as an assistant principal at the school. She inherits the role from Southlawn principal Candice Degra nried, who will step down at the conclusion of the current school year.

Southlawn is one of the district’s newer schools, having opened in 2022, and serves a steadily growing area of 27J Schools.

Pelton begins her new role at Southlawn June 1.

Alliance Business Assistance Center grants available

To get started, visit our website at https://businessinthornton.com/ local-business/small-business-support-programs/business- nancialassistance.

CCPD Introduces Online Crime Reporting Form 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.

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

Walk with a doc

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.

Pelton named new principal of Southlawn Elementary Veteran 27J Schools elementary principal Kate Pelton will serve as the new principal of Southlawn Elementary in Commerce City.

‘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.

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.

Legal self-help clinic

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

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.

Former Sheri Rick Reigenborn sentenced for forgery

Former sheri avoids jail time over law enforcment training paperwork

Former Adams County Sheri Rick Reigenborn won’t face jail time for falsifying records regarding state mandated law enforcement training he did not complete, the Colorado Attorney General’s o ce announced May 2.

Reigenborn pleaded guilty May 2 and was sentenced by a Denver District Court judge for his role in carrying out a scheme to falsify records and claim credit for state-mandated law enforcement training that he did not complete.

Reigenborn was elected as Adams County Sheri in 2018, taking over the position from Michael McIntosh in 2019.

He served in the job until 2023, af-

ter losing the Democratic primary to challenger Gene Claps in 2022. Claps went to defeat Republican Michael McIntosh and has been sheri since 2023.

Reigenborn pleaded guilty to one count felony forgery and two misdemeanor crimes of second-degree forgery and rst-degree o cial misconduct. He received a 12-month deferred sentence on the felony forgery charge and a concurrent 12-month probation sentence on the misdemeanor charges.

As part of a plea agreement, the former sheri will relinquish his state peace o cer certi cation and will no

longer be eligible to serve as a peace o cer in Colorado.

He must also write a letter of apology to the men and women of the Adams County Sheri ’s O ce.

“We are committed to ensuring law enforcement integrity and that all law enforcement o cers engage in necessary training,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a written statement. “Former Sheri Reigenborn failed to do that, undermined his professional obligations, and broke the law. We are holding him accountable for these actions

EPA Launches ‘Energy Star NextGen’ to Identify Homes That Are More Fully Electrified

The Federal EPA’s Energy Star designation has been around since 1992. Initially, it was applied to appliances that exceeded standard levels of efficiency, but in 1995 the designation started being applied to new homes as a whole.

The Energy Star designation no doubt had the effect of governments and industry beginning to focus on energy efficiency, so a Version 2 with even higher standards was introduced in 2006, and a Version 3 was introduced in 2011.

The first paragraph on the Energy Star website reads as follows: Your home is your place to thrive. By choosing a new ENERGY STAR NextGen certified home or apartment, you can enjoy all the comfort, quality, value, and indoor air quality benefits you’ve come to expect from the ENERGY STAR label — and much more.

With energy efficiency going more and more mainstream, the EPA has now introduced Energy Star NextGen instead of Version 4. As described on www. EnergyStar.gov, the NextGen certification “recognizes homes and apartments equipped with leading-edge, efficient electric technologies and electric vehicle charging capabilities — features that not only improve your lifestyle, but also the health of the planet.”

Energy Star NextGen-certified homes come with Energy Star certified heat pumps for heating and cooling, heat pump water heaters, induction cooktops, and electric vehicle charging capabilities. With national and local building codes now requiring greater energy efficiency, a NextGen-certified home is now only 20% more efficient than homes that are “built to code.”

High-performance windows, a tighter building envelopes and enhanced insulation are also common in this top category of energy efficient housing.

Archive of Past Columns Is Online

Over the past two decades, this column has appeared in local weeklies and the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate. You can find and search that archive online at www.JimSmithColumns.com

Many or even most builders have been building “Energy Starcertified” homes since as early as 2002. An estimated 2.7 million homes have been built with that certification, but Thrive Home Buildings is the only Colorado builder I’m aware of that is committed to building and selling homes with the Energy Star NextGen certification.

Here are the advantages spelled out by the Energy Star website for buying a new home with the NextGen certification.

 Lower energy bills. Superior insulation, air sealing, and highly efficient heat pumps help lower your energy bills, while improving comfort and reducing drafts.

 Improved safety and indoor air quality. Electric cooktops and ovens reduce exposure to harmful combustion byproducts — including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and small particulates.

 Peace and quiet. Multi-speed heat pumps run on low most of the time, making them quieter while delivering more consistent temperatures for greater comfort. Ductwork that has been properly sized further reduces noise from the air handler. High levels of insulation make the home quieter by reducing noise from outdoors.

This bi-level home at 11296 W. Kentucky Dr. has been well maintained by the seller. It was painted and walkways replaced in 2006, and a new roof & siding were installed in 2017. The house is white with blue shutters and gutters, and a blue & white garage door was new in 2009. The seller put in a new, energy efficient furnace in 2014 and new acrylic shower and shower doors in 2007. The backyard is mostly flat now (due to the seller rocking the sloping landscape) and completely fenced. There are lilacs on two sides of the house, and an ornamental plum and two purple ash trees are in the backyard. Briarwood Hills is a very quiet, friendly neighborhood. Most of the surrounding homeowners care about their yards, as does this seller. You will find magazine-quality photos and a narrated video tour at www.LakewoodHome.info Call listing agent Jim Swanson at 303-929-2727 to request a showing.

 Increased resale value. High-performance homes sell for significant price premiums compared to typical homes. Energy Star certified and similarly efficient homes enjoy sales price premiums of up to 6%.

 A clean energy future. The electric and hybrid electric technologies in your Energy Star NextGen home will help to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and climate impact associated with its operation. These benefits will continue to grow as the grid gets cleaner.

Retrofitting a non-Energy Star home to be more energy efficient or even “net zero energy” (meaning all-electric and generating all the electricity needed for the home through solar panels) is something that Golden Real Estate’s broker associates and I are committed to facilitating for our buyer clients. Personally, I am offering a free home energy audit to any buyer who hires me between now and September 30th to purchase an existing home.

A home energy audit involves doing

a blower-door test to locate the various air leaks in a home so that specific steps can be taken to make the home more airtight. All appliances are evaluated and the homeowner is given a road map of different strategies that could be taken.

We also have experience recommending all categories of vendors working with homeowners to improve insulation, install higher performance windows and doors, and to replace gas appliances with high-efficiency electric heat pump appliances.

We can help you find the best company to install solar panels, whether roof top or ground-mounted, or even in a distant solar garden, where the electricity you generate is credited to the electric meter in your home, condo or apartment. You don’t need a roof to benefit from solar power!

The company which I have hired for all five of my solar power installations, starting in 2004, is Golden Solar. I don’t ask or receive a referral fee when you act on my recommendation, but the owner, Don Parker, kindly helped me out when I needed a place to park our free moving truck after I sold our office building on South Golden Road. It and our box shed are now parked on his lot on South Golden Road. Thanks, Don! You can reach Don on his cell phone, 720-234-6517. Tell him I said hello!

There’s a Full-Blown Home Insurance Crisis Brewing

I need some help researching this article. If you’re in the insurance industry or have information that can benefit fellow readers, let me hear from you. I’d also like to hear from legislators about possible new laws.

Here’s an email I got from an Estes Park homeowner, Jay Blackwood:

My bank says that in the metro area a single family home may have insurance costs double this year. In the mountains it’s much worse.

Without warning, my condo association in Estes Park was told in January that American Family would drop us on the anniversary of our policy in April. This was due to our high risk of fire and hail. In 44 years we only have had one claim, for hail.

Apparently each insurance company has a secret risk map and decides if a property can

and

be insured depending on location and tree density.

We spent three months searching for a new policy and were forced to purchase a high risk one. Last year we paid $ 20,000. This year it’s $340,000 for 3/4 of the coverage. That is 17 times as much.

My total HOA fees last year were about $4,000. This year they are $14,000. Other local condo associations are experiencing similar crises. Some businesses and even a large church are going uninsured. A builder has houses completed which cannot sell because they can’t be insured. Colorado is right behind California in loss of insurance. The State is dragging its feet on this issue. And news media don’t seem to cover it. Individual horror stories are interesting, but I’ll looking for insights into addressing this problem that I can share in a future ad.

Jim Smith Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com

Reigenborn

STIGMAS

e third and last resource that I would like to highlight is the Recovery Cards Project. ey’re little cards from local artists in Colorado who have dedicated their time and talents to designing these cards to show our support to those people who are going through a rough path to recovery. e idea is to let these people know that we are validating their e orts, those who are working to achieve their recovery, and also those who are survivors or co-survivors and who are supporting and encouraging these people every day to recover. In this case, you can visit Recovery Cards Project, and there you can choose from a variety of card designs in English or Spanish, just like those you would nd in a supermarket, and you can order as many cards as you like for free and get more information about these resources.

CCM: During May, as in several countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated. And well, Mother’s Day is coming up. Here in Colorado, we have a large Hispanic community that connects with all these important dates. How is the help for pregnant mothers who need treatment and support for their recovery?

García Pivik: First, it’s important to understand that what we want for these moms is for them to receive the

assistance and treatment they need, and that for them, identifying and realizing that they need this treatment is a sign of strength. You are stronger as a mom, identifying that you need help, than your addiction.

It’s important to understand that if a substance is being used, it doesn’t mean that you will lose custody of your child or children in court. ere are many treatment programs where your children can be with you while you receive assistance so that you don’t feel guilty.

Many moms sometimes feel guilty when they’re not with their children. Providers of this treatment for moms also let them know that they are not part of the court or child welfare systems. erefore, this should give you some peace of mind knowing that the people who are supporting you and providing these treatments will not do anything against your wishes to always be with your children.

Pregnant women and moms with young children always have priority to receive this assistance and treatment. is means that if there is a waiting list, they will always receive treatment rst. To seek this type of help, they can even search by county or ZIP code to nd the nearest provider to their residence.

It’s worth mentioning that treatment is con dential, without any prejudice, and that you can receive assistance and be in treatment, even with other pregnant women or with moms like you who have children at

MAY

Ralph Ervin May February 21, 1940 - May 2, 2024

Ralph Ervin May was born in Brighton, CO to Frances and Claude May on Feb. 21, 1940. He was an only child that moved between Colorado and Oklahoma. He married the love of his life Barbra May (Stevens) on Nov. 4, 1960. Ralph Served in the army reserve in Kansas.

Ralph Spent the majority of his life living outside of Hudson CO. He was a semi-truck driver for USA postal, EF Custer, Rainbo (Saralee) and for a tree farm. Ralph also worked for the canning factor in Brighton, CO. His love for his farm and livestock was a big part of Ralph and his wife Barb, along with his two daughters Linda and Rebecca (Becky). He retired from trucking and started his own business of selling livestock until he sold the farm in 2013.

Ralph spent the next part of his life living with his daughters in Lochbuie, CO. and spending time with his grandchildren Jessica, James, Hannah, Daniel and great grandchildren Wyatt, Ely, Bailey, LilyAnn. He also enjoyed driving around the country-side and visiting family and friends. Ralph loved to go to co ee.

home. I reiterate, treatment providers can be your advocates; they will advise you and support you during your recovery. It’s important to understand that there is a lot of strength in expressing our vulnerability as moms, and saying that I’m a mom, or I’m expecting a new baby, and I’m going through this addiction. ere is a lot of strength in this act.

CCM: What measures can we take to reduce the stigma of substance addiction in our Latino community?

García Pivik: I believe one of the most important things is to educate ourselves.

Often, we need to educate ourselves about the disorder that our loved one or friend is experiencing due to substance use, and what treatment options are available for that individual.

We must remember that substance use disorders are treatable, that recovery is always possible, and that our support and compassion can make a signi cant di erence in encouraging that person to access treatment and eventually recover.

We need to become allies to these individuals by providing them with our support and love, and ensuring that they know we are there for them. We need to convey to them that we love them, support them, adopt a non-judgmental tone, understand the treatment options available and not assume that helping someone recover is too expensive.

ere is help available through

Medicare, and often there is a sliding scale that allows individuals to a ord treatment if it is not covered by their health insurance. If someone cannot a ord it, there may be scholarships or resources available where they are located.

It’s also important to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction. Sometimes people may assume they recognize them but may not be clear. If someone is abusing substances, they will likely have a strong desire to consume drugs, an inability to control or reduce their use, and continued use despite it causing problems in their work, family or school life.

We may also notice that the person consumes increasingly larger amounts of the substance, has reserved or withdrawn behavior at times, appears to disappear from reality for hours without apparent explanation, experiences drowsiness or nodding o , has di culty speaking, memory problems, attention issues or needs to consume more and more to avoid illness or withdrawal symptoms. ey may spend a lot of time away from their family or personal interests, isolate themselves and experience withdrawal symptoms when reducing their consumption.

CCM: How can individuals access these treatments and support without having to pay prohibitively high costs?

Ralph survived by his daughter Linda May and Rebecca & David Haynes along with three grandchildren Jessica & James Arasmith, Hannah Haynes, and Daniel Haynes, and four great grandchildren Wyatt, Ely, Bailey, and LilyAnn Arasmith. He is preceded in death by his parents Claude & Frances May, and the love of his life Barbra Ilene May.

García Pivik: ere is a wide range of resources available to address substance abuse, mental health, or emotional issues.

One program I’m referring to is Quitamos la Etiqueta (Lift the Label). You can nd help for substance abuse or alcohol abuse, whether you need assistance because a court ordered it, you’re having suicidal thoughts, or you need help due to a crisis, feeling sad, stressed or experiencing persistent feelings of loneliness or concern. By visiting the portal, you can access a list of di erent resources.

You can use the search function to nd speci c and necessary help by ZIP code or type of assistance needed. We can all support someone who is struggling or recovering from a disorder and remember that recovery is possible. is is an incredibly valuable resource for individuals personally facing addiction issues.

I would also like to talk about another program called CRAFT, which is for family and friends of individuals struggling with addiction. It’s a 12-week program where individuals can access resources in English or Spanish to learn how to set healthy boundaries, communicate e ectively and get support while considering their own mental health.

Because sometimes, we also need to consider the mental health of the (caregiver). e person observing the coprotagonist of this story may also nd themselves immersed in a whirlwind of emotions and need to consider their own emotional health.

Please keep in mind that help is available on both sides of the journey of substance use or abuse.

CCM: Why are we, Latinos, afraid to talk about these issues of mental health, addiction and accessing the resources we have the right to?

Garcia Puvik: I believe one of the most important things is to understand that substance abuse or repeated substance use, such as drugs or alcohol, is an illness.

Let’s be clear about this and put the issue on the table. Often, as you treat diabetes or high cholesterol, or visit the dentist for dental issues, you need to understand that if you have a mental health problem or repeated substance use, you are dealing with an illness. If you are not a doctor and do not understand the matter, then you need to seek the necessary help.

I think that many times in our community, I have heard families or individuals say, “Well, if someone is an addict, they should sort themselves out.” Or they are causing more problems because with their substance abuse, now it is more expensive to survive, or the person resorts to stealing money or abusing our savings to continue funding their addiction.

Many times, this lack of compassion, love and sincere support for that human being makes them lose their way and not get the necessary help and support to overcome this illness.

I have seen some very moving testimonies, even on the Quitemos la Etiqueta website of two Latino cousins, Ignacio and Tomás. In this video and even in the written account, Ignacio says he started his path to addiction at the age 15, and he couldn’t get out of this situation. It was his cousin, Tomás, who invested money, resources, time and love in him, and said, “Yes, it was very di cult to support my cousin. Yes, I was very sincere in telling him all this, right? It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t easy, but if I didn’t do it, who

would do it for my cousin? I didn’t want his life to be lost.”

Ignacio always tells Tomás in the video, “I thank you. I thank you. Because if it weren’t for you putting your family, your money, pulling me forward, giving me a job and nding me a home, getting me into sports and leading a healthy life, I would have been lost.”

Latinos experience this, but sometimes it seems that we talk about the issue differently, or that we don’t talk about it. So, I am so grateful, that you allow my colleagues and me to outline through this candid interview, these issues and present people with this plethora of resources, this variety of resources so that they know that the resources are there and they are in Colorado, they are in Spanish, they are con dential, and they can access them, and they are many community resources, and they are free.

We have even mentioned the free therapy sessions for children, teenagers and young people. We have mentioned the discreet and con dential resources where therapists will even stand by the pregnant mom so that she does not have the problems she thinks she will have in court. So the resources are there; the question is to access the portal, search for them, and be able to use the ones we are mentioning.

CCM: Why is it important to see a doctor when we are not feeling well?

García Pivik: I believe that the importance of health must be threefold. Sometimes it surprises me when I hear that in our community, we speak very well about taking care of our physical health. Unfortunately, our Spanish-speaking community tends to have certain critical medical conditions like diabetes.

So, it is normal to hear people say, “I’m going to see my doctor to check that my insulin level is correct, to check that my vision health is good, to check that the health of my feet is correct.” We also see that people say, “Well, I can go to the dentist if I have an issue with my teeth or if I have sores in my mouth or if I have a bleeding problem with my gums.”

We also see that people take care of their spiritual health by going to a temple, a synagogue or a church. However, this is not the case with mental health. is is where I believe that warm and respectful interviews like this, where we

can talk sincerely about the di erent community resources that are out there, that are in Spanish, that are con dential, that are culturally acceptable, that are culturally adaptive to what we, as a Spanish-speaking community in Colorado, need, and where we not only address it from a linguistic point of view but also from a cultural point of view to understand and assist each other, is incredibly important and worthy of applause.

Because it’s not just about translating resources and saying, “Help yourself as you can.” ere is a cultural background, there is a linguistic background, and there is an emotional background that I want to assist in, that I want to help.

So please, there is help, there is assistance; use those resources. ey are for us; they are there to help us.

CCM: So, if the e ort has been made to even speak with the community to understand their needs and adapt the resource to the community; what happens when the community does not use these resources?

García Puvik: I thought about the beautiful and heartfelt campaign they did with Lift the Label, Quitamos la Etiqueta. And there I saw testimonies from medical assistants, war veterans, doctors, artists, mothers, fathers, men and women.

So, I think the title of the campaign is perfectly placed: Quitamos la Etiqueta. Let’s not assume that a person who has substance use or sustained substance abuse is an addict. It’s not someone without a career. It’s not someone who doesn’t care about anything. It could be your next-door neighbor or your cousin. It could be you, a successful person, or someone recognized in your community, facing addiction issues. So let’s remove the label. Let’s not assume that people with these problems have certain life circumstances or pro les. I have seen cases of married men and women with children where the wife, in the case of Sandra and Luis, a testimony you can see on our portal, says there came a time when I had to distance myself from my husband. I didn’t know how to help him. Luis acknowledged this and said, “For my daughters, for Sandra, for myself, I had to acknowledge the problem and recognize that I needed help, that I needed assistance.”

This question and answer session has been edited to fit the

To read the full discussions between Rossana Longo Better and Virginia García Pivik, visit our website at https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/05/08/ breaking-stigmas-a-candiddialogue-on-addiction-andmental-health-in-the-latinocommunity/

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SCOTT TAYLOR Metro North Editor staylor@coloradocommunitymedia.com

BELEN WARD Community Editor bward@coloradocommunitymedia.com

TERESA ALEXIS Marketing Consultant Classified Sales talexis@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Email letters to staylor@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.

POSTMASTER:

However, fact-checkers have emphasized that the study did not include total global emissions, but only industrial greenhouse gas emissions.

“It’s wrong to suggest that consumers don’t factor in global warming. Research shows the human activities driving climate change the most are from heating buildings, electricity use, agriculture, farming and fossil-fuel-burning facilities and vehicles,” a PolitiFact article by Ellie Borst stated.

While companies such as Suncor undoubtedly play a role in climate change, individuals can still help make the planet a little greener, city o cials say. Opportunities like the monthly sustainability challenge provide encouragement for residents to control what they can.

“It is a heartbreak for sure, but Suncor isn’t regulated by the city –it’s regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health,” said Rosemarie Russo, Commerce City’s Sustainability Manager for the E3 Division. “Industrial companies are responsible for 57% of pollution, (and) Suncor is responsible for 49% of industrial pollution in the community. e challenges are about coming together as a community

FORGERY

and sending a message that we take violations of training requirements very seriously.”

such as planting seeds or eating more plant-based meals.

and addressing issues within our control.”

Each month has a di erent environmental “theme,” from energy e ciency to water conservation. May’s theme is food.

Weiser also serves as chair of Colorado Peace O cers Standards and Training or POST.

is month, ve activities are on the sustainability challenge card: Substitute one meat-based meal a week with a vegetarian meal; Plant vegetable seeds; Buy local produce from farmer’s

Law enforcement o cers in Colorado must complete at least 24 hours of annual in-service training to maintain their status. at includies at least 12 of arrest control, driving, and rearms training.

Law enforcement agencies can lose state funds if their o cers fail to complete that annual training.

markets; Shop local and organic if possible, and bring your reusable shopping bags; and Go vegetarian for one week.

Adding it up

Each activity’s annual environmental and economic savings are listed on the challenge card, as well as its practical impact. If one were to complete all ve activities for this month, the annual economic savings would be $793!

To date, 799 community members and city sta have participated in the monthly E3 challenges. According to Russo, $57,594 has been saved, 353 tons of air pollution have been reduced, 2,893,678 gallons of water have been conserved, and 37,770 kWh of energy have been reduced.

If you’re interested in tracking your carbon footprint more regularly, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s calculator is an online tool that adds up your carbon footprint from daily activities.

Residents do not have to participate in all ve activities or all four weeks to enter the sustainability challenge. To enter, email a photo of your completed challenge card to rrusso@c3gov.org or drop o your completed challenge card to the front desk at the Eagle Point Rec Center, Bison Ridge Rec Center, or Civic Center. May’s prizes are a seedling starting kit or gardening tools, while supplies last.

Former Adams County Undersheri omas McLallen pleaded guilty and was sentenced in January for his role in the training records fraud scheme. Former Division Chief Michael Bethel faces charges in the case, including felony counts of forgery, attempt to in uence a public servant, conspiracy to commit forgery, and conspiracy to attempt to in uence a public servant. Bethel’s next appearance in court is June 13.

Commerce City o ers residents monthly sustainability challenges to promote practices that can improve air and water quality, waste reduction and overall environmental health. In May, the challenges revolve around food,

Commerce City seeks community input to make more appealing signs

BY JACKIE RAMIREZ

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

With the growth of Commerce City bringing in more visitors, the city is looking for more ways to express its identity.

In an e ort to do so, and help transform the way residents and visitors experience the cityscape, City Council members proposed a way nding project during the creation of the

Signs of Commerce City

MyC3, the city website introduced two years ago. e project aims to build community pride and maintain the city.

“Some of those initial conversations brought up this idea of waynding signage as a way of helping community members and visitors not only navigate the city but do so in a way that strengthens (or) adds to our sense of identity,” Travis Huntington, Community Relations Manager of Commerce City, said in an email to La Ciudad. “It helps people experience the community in a more meaningful way and brings out the character of the community at large.”

For the project, Commerce City teamed up with a graphic design

rm, Merje Design, which has done similar projects in Parker and Nederland. In a place like Commerce City, with confusing city boundaries, waynding signage is essential.

“We think of way nding from a holistic standpoint,” said John Bosio from Merje Design at a City Council meeting on Oct. 23 last year. “We think about it in lots of di erent layers of information.”

Forms of way nding can be as simple as brochures, sidewalk compasses, murals, or decorated crosswalks and underpasses. Public art is also considered a form of way nding due to it helping folks have an understanding of exactly where they

are in their community. e project for way nding signage in Commerce City is about creating a sense of place by providing support information that provides awareness of the valuable assets of the area that residents or visitors are in and can experience.

“ ese are all part of building a brand and identity of a place,” Bosio said.

With way nding, Bosio discussed at the October meeting, it allows for spaces for people to learn about the city’s culture and history. With waynding tools like kiosks or interpretative signs, people can have a better

SIGNS

sense of what the story of a place is. Commerce City’s community development manager, Tricia McKinnon, said at a City Council meeting on Feb.12, that according to studies and surveys the city has done, it does not o er enough help for the community or visitors in navigation.

e decision on designs and implementation were discussed in February, which led to a second survey, in English and Spanish, to gather feedback on three design options. Residents can take the survey until May 22.

e three options presented by Merje all featured brown as the dominant color.

Councilwoman Susan Noble was not a fan.

“When looking at the three options before, it was an image of Commerce City that we are trying to get away from in terms of the colorway,” Noble said. “It really screams sort of industry and air pollution to me because it was brown.”

Noble said that Commerce City has more colorful assets that should be highlighted, to which Councilwoman Kristi Douglas agreed.

“I don’t think it represents who we are as a vibrant community,” she said.

e survey now presents more colorful options with palettes revolving around brown and blue. e designs also display laser-cut imagery on top of the signs, a decision by the Council to highlight various aspects of life in Commerce City. While more may be added, for now, residents can see laser-cut images of someone playing soccer, papel-picado to represent the Latino heritage within the community, and a tree that showcases the nature and outdoors that the city o ers.

“We are using way nding to create city unity to support diversity by encouraging community connectivity and fostering civic pride,” McKinnon said.

BY MARC VARGAS •

Miscellaneous

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-479-1516

Merchandise

Lawn & Garden

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833606-6777

Health & Beauty

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

Medical

Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045

Miscellaneous

Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707 !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866433-8277

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833399-3595

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a lim-ited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 6/30/24. Call 1-844-501-3208

Aging Roof? New Homeowner?

Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091

Become a published author We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo. com/ads

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234

Miscellaneous

Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have

Legals

City and County

Public Notice

NOTICE OF SUBDIVISION PLAT APPROVAL COMMERCE

CITY, COLORADO

Notice is hereby given that the following subdivision(s) will be considered for approval by the City of Commerce City Community Development Director on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

S-806-22-24: Norris Design on behalf of Lennar Colorado LLC, is requesting approval of the Third Creek West Filing 4 final plat to create 56 lots, six tracts, and dedicate public right of way from approximately 19.08 acres. The property is generally located north of East 108th Avenue and east of Himalaya Street, zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development).

The case file(s) and a copy of the Land Development Code of the City together with the subdivision plat are on file for review by emailing the Community Development Department at cdplanner@ c3gov.com. Any owner of property located within 300 feet of the subject property may invoke the public hearing process by submitting said objections in writing to the Director of Community Development in accordance with Sec. 21-3241 by no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024.

Director of Community Development

Para más información, contacta 303227-8818

Legal Notice No. CCX1337

First Publication: May 16, 2024

Last Publication: May 16, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

Case Name:

VIP Parking Conditional Use Permit

Case Number: RCU2022-00016

Planning Commission Hearing Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM Board of County Commissioners Hearing Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 9:30 AM.

Case Manager: Lia Campbell, LCampbell@adcogov.org 720.523.6949

Request: Conditional Use Permit to allow RV and Boat Storage and a Commercial Parking Lot in the Agricultural-3 zone district.

Location: 23905 E 26th Avenue

Applicant: Rob Gonzalez, 9110 E Arbor

Circle Ste G, Englewood CO 80019

Public Hearings Location: 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Brighton, CO 80601

Legal Notice No. CCX1336

First Publication: May 16, 2024

Last Publication: May 16, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO CREATE BINDING USE RESTRICTIONS ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL

Facility: Rocky Mountain Arsenal

Address: 6550 Gateway Road, Commerce City, CO 80022

Background:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) provides notice of their intention to impose binding environmental use restrictions (EURs) on the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, which includes both the Army maintained areas and the national wildlife refuge located on and around 6550 Gateway Road, Commerce City, CO 80022.

The EURs are consistent with the existing allowed uses at the site and prohibit residential uses, construction, agricultural uses, consumption of game and fish, potable use of groundwater, certain vehicular traffic, any activities that may damage, cause erosion, or otherwise interfere with the remedy, and other uses.

Pursuant to § 25-15-318.5, C.R.S., once the EURs have been finalized, they are binding on all current and future owners of the land and any persons possessing an interest in the land.

CDPHE is accepting public comments on the draft EURs.

Public comments: All comments must be submitted by June 5, 2024 to: Jennifer Talbert, Remediation Program Manager jennifer.talbert@state.co.us | (720) 7666083.

Copies of the proposed EURs and a legal description of the affected property are available by contacting Jennifer Talbert.

Additional site information: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/hm/rockymountain-arsenal

Legal Notice No. CCX1333

First Publication: May 9, 2024

Last Publication: May 30, 2024

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Metropolitan Districts

Public Notice

NOTICE OF CONTRACTOR’S FINAL SETTLEMENT

South Adams County Water Sanitation District – Klein Water Treatment Facility

South Adams County Water Sanitation District 6595 East 70th Avenue Commerce City, Colorado 80022

NOTICE is hereby given that the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District (“District”) of Adams County, Colorado, will make final payment at its offices at 6595 E. 70th Avenue, Commerce City, Colorado, 80022, on May 28, 2024, at the hour of 3:00 p.m. to A.D. Miller Services, Inc. of Centennial, CO for all work done by said Contractor(s) in construction work performed for the District.

Project Contractor: A.D. Miller Services, Inc.

Project Name: SACWSD Klein Water Treatment Facility Improvements Project Location: . 7400 Quebec Street, Commerce City, CO 80022

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-26-107, any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by any contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractors or their subcontractors, at any time up to and in cluding the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim, to the District at the above address, Attn: Dawn Fredette, District Clerk, on or before the date and time hereinabove shown. Failure on the part of any claim ant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release the District, its Board of Directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIREC TORS

By: Vicki Ennis, Secretary

Corbin Swift