‘Urban heat islands’ can raise temperatures in cities as much as 9 degrees
BY JACKIE RAMIREZ
COMMUNITY MEDIA
For three days this past week Adams County baked in a summer heat wave with a HeatRisk Forecast rated “Major,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. at’s more than just frying an egg on a sidewalk. It means having to prioritize health and safety to avoid heat exhaustion, heat strokes or visits to the emergency department.
In July 2023, Adams County had
20 heat-related emergency department visits and in 2022, Colorado had 10 deaths due to heat-related illnesses. e heat is no joke.
For Fernando Pineda-Reyes, director of the grassroots organization CREA Results, a heat wave like this calls for checking up on loved ones because of how dangerous heat is for many. It may seem like nagging, but it’s because people care.
“My mom is in a retirement home, and what do I need to do? I need to call her and make sure that I know that she’s OK,” PinedaReyes said. “Sometimes we think people are OK because they’re indoors, but you gotta remember that the temperature is not like a blast of heat that everybody feels.”
Cities throughout Colorado were likely to experience temper-
atures in the lower 90s, but areas close to Commerce City and north Denver will reach 96 degrees, according to data from the National Weather Service.
Roadmap is is not by accident. It’s a result of how cities like Commerce City were planned and built, creating what’s called an urban heat island.
In December of 2023, Colorado released the rst Climate Preparedness Roadmap that focused on ways to better understand, prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change. And as the area gets hotter and hotter, the urban heat islands will become even worse.
Researchers are hunting down Weld County’s toxic ozone producers
BY
Colorado’s battle with toxic ozone and damaging greenhouse gases will send new waves of scouts on the ground, in the air and up in space, drawing on top U.S. scientists to pinpoint the biggest pollution sources and plan the next attacks.
NOAA, NASA and Colorado health department researchers are fanning out on and above northeastern Colorado’s rich oil and gas basin, productive farm and ranchlands, and busy urban corridors to measure greenhouse gases, ozone precursors like nitrogen oxides, methane leaks and more.
Such a comprehensive targeting of Colorado’s most troubling pollution sources hasn’t been done for 10 years, according to NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory scientist Sunil Baidar. Colorado’s northern Front Range counties are in “severe” violation of EPA ozone standards, and state regulators must enforce new pollution control policies to stop the violations in coming years.
After the thorough probe of Colorado, NOAA and NASA will move on to Salt Lake City, which is also violating EPA ozone limits meant to protect human health. e summer ights and ground maneuvers will measure emissions at their worst, when hot sunlight bakes pollution from cars, trucks, industrial sources and drilling operations into cap-busting peaks of ozone.
Far overhead, remote satellites can sense methane leaks and plumes on the ground. A King Air plane looks downward with optical methane imaging. A Twin Otter aircraft ies through layers of pollution directly measuring methane. Mobile labs on vans and trucks measure ground-level pollutants at oil and gas sites and throughout metro areas.
The sun rises over Commerce City.
FILE PHOTO
MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN
BRIEFS
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 vannessrealty@comcast.net or Tracey Snyder (303) 921-2114 tjsnyder07.ts@gmail.com
Legal self-help clinic
e Access to Justice Committee hosts a free, legal self-help clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the rst Tuesday of every month.
e program is for those without legal representation and needing help navigating through legal issues.
Volunteer attorneys are available to discuss family law, civil litigation, property, and probate law. Call 303-405-3298 and ask for the Legal Self-Help Clinic at least 24 hours before.
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-businesssupport-programs/business- nancial-assistance.
Mosquito Prevention
Adams County kicks o Summer pool testing season s the temperatures ramp up, so do the e orts of the Adams County Health Department Environmental Health Team to keep Adams County residents safe all summer long.
With so many people expected to hit the water this season, the team is again conducting pool inspections at recreational facilities. Public pools and other water recreation have long been recognized as hotbeds for spreading diseases. Our crews will be out conducting inspections to make sure pools and other facilities are safe for community members to use.
Interested in scheduling a tagalong to see an inspection, how it works, and what people can do to stay safe? Reach out to Josh Behringer, JBehringer@adcogov.org or 720.717.5361.
partment has a new online reporting tool allowing the public to report some non-emergency crimes and receive a police report immediately without speaking to a police o cer. Community members can now conveniently report incidents that do not require immediate o cer intervention, such as fraud, identity theft, lost property, theft/shoplifting (less than $2,000), and vandalism. e new form is online now in English and Spanish at c3gov.com/ ReportACrime. Residents should always call 911 for emergencies.
‘Taking No Chances’
e Adams County Health Department wants people to be proactive in protecting themselves from mosquitoes and illness during these warm summer months.
While the county Environmental Health Team monitors for mosquito-borne illnesses, there are steps you can take right now to keep you and your loved ones safe. ose include ensuring pet dishes are removed from patios that can hold water, making sure roof gutters are cleaned and inspected yearly, removing debris piles from outdoor areas— including buckets, barrels, children’s toys, and tire swings— and removing or changing water in birdbaths frequently.
New homes from $400s
e 17th Judicial District Attorney’s O ce and e Link, a community resource and assessment center in ornton, o er free, 10week programs to families of Adams County teenagers to help develop personal and interpersonal drug-resistance skills. Sessions are from 5:30 to 6;30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 720-292-2811.
Walk with a doc
Homeowners should also maintain swimming pools and spas with proper ltration and chlorination levels, limit watering lawn and plants to avoid water pooling and limit your time outdoors during dusk and dawn to avoid mosquitoes. If you stay outdoors during this time, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and use mosquito repellents that contain a high percentage of DEET.
CCPD Introduces Online Crime Reporting Form e Commerce City Police De-
Help Clinic at least 24 hours before. Boards/commissions’ openings Commerce City has openings for several boards and commissions, including the city’s cultural council, the housing authority, and the Derby Review Board. Visit https://www.c3gov.com/ Home/Components/Form/Form /70316b05422c448492c51da0f0e0 fd86/ to sign up.
Help for vets
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
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 Self-
Quali ed Listeners, a veteran and family resource hub serving northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, has many power chairs, scooters, and electric wheelchairs available.
To nd the closest facility to you, visit www.va.gov/ nd-locations.
Quali ed Listeners also need volunteers to drive veterans to and from appointments, run errands for veterans who cannot get out, provide handyperson services, help administer veteran and family resource guide inventory in local libraries, and veterans to be trained to become quali ed listeners. Call 720-600-0860.
Mental health
Community Reach Center o ers in-person intake assessments from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays at the Brighton Learning and Resource Campus, 1850 E. Egbert St. in Brighton. Call the Community Reach Center at 303-853-3500.
For walk-in intake, bring an ID and insurance information. For those who would prefer to complete the intake forms and schedule an appointment, the intake forms are available online at www.communityreachcenter.org. ere will be a short screening for u-like symptoms before entering the center to ensure safety and wellness for everyone.
Anyone feeling unsafe or suicidal should call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255, text 38255, or visit the Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) Center at 2551 W. 84th Ave., Westminster.
Introducing Farmlore, a new community taking root in the heart of Brighton.
Farmlore’s warm, rural character will blend beautiful new homes with the area’s rich agricultural roots creating a friendly, small-town vibe all its own.
ADVERTISEMENT
Renovation Trends Reflect Post-Pandemic Drive for Comfort, Warmth and Healthy Living
A May 30th article on Houzz.com caught my attention with the headline “7 Home Design Trends Emerging Now.” I’ll post a link to that article at RealEstateToday.substack.com
The trends which the article identified showed a rising interest in “organic” modern style and “dark and moody” interiors. They didn’t mention the pandemic, but it was on my mind as I pondered this dramatic shift in the public’s attitude toward home life. The after-effects of the pandemic and especially the lock-down period are still being felt in various ways, especially in the home design and real estate choices we each make. I’ve written in the past about how the workfrom-home mandates wreaked havoc on the commercial real estate market, especially post-pandemic, as many workers insisted on (with some employer agreement) continuing to work from home instead of returning to the office.
The biggest surge was observed in the use of search terms such as “organic modern,” whether it was for bedrooms, dining rooms or other rooms. I never thought of using the term “organic” for home design, but it seems to be close to what I’ve always called earth tones. This also tied in with the next most common search term, “dark” and “moody.”
bathroom I saw had a shower that was not separated from a standalone tub sitting on a tiled floor with a floor drain. The homeowner could have been Japanese or perhaps an American who lived there and adopted Japanese ways.
To quote from the article by Parker, “These spaces mix deep, dramatic colors and materials to create an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere with a touch of drama.” Pictures of rooms demonstrating results of those search terms are in the online article which you will want to check out.
It’s been a couple decades since the move away from white walls in new homes. Rounded wall corners are now commonplace, adding softness to walls which are now often a shade of gray.
(I enjoyed a visit to Tokyo decades ago, where I stayed in a student house with no bathing facilities. I, like others in the house, went to a neighborhood bathhouse where I squatted alongside others on a stool in front of a low faucet and washed and rinsed my body before joining others in a huge hot tub.)
Another trend cited by Parker is wellness, which is expressed in bathrooms as well as in saunas, steam showers, cold plunges, and yoga rooms. “Home spa” was a search term which jumped 34% from last year to this year.
We’ve long seen pool tables and ping pong tables in homes, but now the big thing is “game rooms.” (This reminds me that in some 1950s one-story homes with basements, I have seen more than one which had a shuffle board court laid out using colored vinyl tiles, usually covered by wall-to-wall carpeting, greatly amusing the homeowner when it came time to replace the carpeting!)
The seventh and last trend identified in the Houzz article was an interest in “kid zones.” Yes, people are still having children, and having a place for them to engage in non-smartphone games is important to many parents, as it would be for Rita and me if we were of that age. (I suppose grandparents would want a kids zone, too, but even our grandchildren are in college now!)
A second real estate impact from the lock-down period was the decision by many homeowners to relocate to homes that were further from their place of employment and/or move to a home more suited to working from home, such as with a separate home office space.
As for home design trends, how does one gauge such trends? For Mitchell Parker, the writer for Houzz, it was done by analyzing the year-over-year changes in search terms used on their website.
Are you following the 2024 presidential race? You may be interested in my political blog, which you can find at http://TalkingTurkey.substack.com
Another trend noted by Parker is reading rooms and walls of bookshelves, which may seem odd in an era noted for its switch to digital and audio books. (I myself am now hooked on audio books, following a previous addiction to ebooks, which are free from the Jeffco and other library systems.)
Japanese influences are coming into vogue, from the living room to bedroom to the garden, with green, including indoor plants like lemon grass dominating room décor. I recently toured a home which had a Japanese style bathroom. Japanese are fond of washing themselves outside the bathtub, and only going into the tub afterwards to soak. The
Development Opportunity in Westminster
The property at 9251 N. Wadsworth Boulevard offers a fantastic redevelopment opportunity in Jefferson County and City of Westminster! Formerly known as the Cheshire Cat Hospital, this 3-acre property operated as a veterinary clinic for the past 20 years and is currently zoned agricultural but is an area of focus for rezoning with both Jefferson County and the City of Westminster. The parcel is close to the Denver-Boulder Turnpike, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Rock Creek Medical Campus, retail, municipal government, higher education and open space. If the purchaser wishes to maintain the agricultural zoning, the property could be used for an equine boarding facility with four horses per acre. In addition to domestic animals, the agricultural zoning offers several permitted uses including telecommunications towers, farming with residence, and stables -- a full list. It is co-listed at $2,490,000 by broker associates Chuck Brown and Austin Pottorff, whose cell numbers are at right. An aerial video tour of this listing created by Austin can be seen at www.GRElistings.com
Leisure spaces generally are also important to home buyers and home renovators. One search term which jumped by 107% year-over-year was “listening room.” Another was for a piano room or piano living room.
Searches for “race car bed,” “teen lounge” and “tween bedroom” were all up year-over-year. I found the article, which was filled with photo examples from vendors, very interesting and fun. You will too!
Big Reduction on Home Near Majestic Park
The sellers designed this 5-bedroom, 4,603sq.-ft. home at 6714 Field St. in Arvada for entertaining and were the general contractor for it in 1985. Listed last month at $845,000, the price was just lowered to $798,000, which computes to only $173 per square foot! Spaces for entertaining abound both indoors and on the large wraparound deck. There's an indoor hot tub in its own room that is well ventilated to avoid moisture-related issues. Floors are a mix of carpet, oak hardwood and ceramic tile. A guest bedroom on the main floor was used by the seller as a home office and a reading room and sewing room are upstairs. This home is an early example of passive solar design. In addition to the solar thermal panels on the roof which provide hot water for the home, there are solar thermal panels built into the south wall of the great room to capture solar gain in the winter for warming the house after dark. The backyard includes a large garden area and a shed with electricity with two compartments — a storage area with a concrete floor and a south-facing area with gravel floor and windows to capture solar gain for starting plants early. There is no HOA and there’s a gate on the north side of the house for parking an RV next to the garage. Majestic View Park and its Nature Center are a short walk or bike ride to the north. Find more pictures, floor plans and a narrated video walk-through at www.ArvadaHome.info, then come to our open house on Saturday, July 20th, 11am to 1pm. Or call Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to schedule a private showing.
$798,000
Jim Smith
Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 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
Note: All “Real Estate Today” columns are archived at www.JimSmithColumns.com.
No HOA!
GET THE WHOLE STORY ONLINE
This story has been edited to fit the space.
To read the full discussion from Aspen Public Radio’s Lawn Bash, go to https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/07/11/ getting-above-the-noise-adiscussion-on-the-politicaldivide-and-misinformationwith-an-educator-a-journalist-and-a-mayor/.
Call first: 143 S. 2nd Pl., Brighton, CO 80601
Mailing Address:
Getting ‘Above the Noise’
750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110
Phone: 303-566-4100
Web: CommerceCitySentinel.com
To subscribe call 303-566-4100 A publication of
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
Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Standard Blade.
We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone. Email letters to staylor@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.
Commerce City Sentinel Express (USPS 3886)
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Commerce City, Colorado, Commerce City Sentinel Express is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 143 S. 2nd Pl., Brighton CO 80601.
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT Commerce City and additional mailing o ces.
POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Commerce City Sentinel Express, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110
A discussion with an educator, a journalist and a mayor
BY ROSSANA LONGO BETTER ROSSANA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Experts from various elds gathered to explore the urgent need to strengthen democracy during this critical election year.
Aspen Public Radio’s Lawn Bash featured a live broadcast panel moderated by Jenn White, host of the NPR program, “1A”. e panel included Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College; Jeremy Moore, journalism director at Rocky Mountain Public Media; and Aspen Mayor Torre.
e panelists addressed the urgency of engaging in these conversations to prevent a permanent divide in the country. Moore echoed the sentiment, pointing out the overwhelming presence of misinformation and the need for accurate information to help people discern truth from falsehood.
“ e urgency comes from the overwhelming presence of misinformation,” Moore said. “Providing accurate in-
formation and helping people think critically is vital.” is discussion has been edited for length and clarity.
Jenn White: It is interesting because each one of you comes to this conversation from a di erent perspective and has a crucial role to play in maintaining democracy, so I want to hear from each one of you about the role you think your sector will play in upholding and strengthening our democracy.
Carrie Besnette Hauser: I think (higher education) plays a signi cant role because our mission is to bring people around di erent ideas and dialogue at Colorado Mountain College. For those of you who know us, we have 11 campuses sprinkled around these beautiful mountain communities, and we welcome everyone. We have campuses in District 3, which currently is represented by Lauren Boebert. We have campuses in Congressional District 2, which is represented by Joe Neguse, and everything in between. So we are this interesting microcosm of our country now, and for our students to come together and have dialogue around any issue, (to) agree to disagree, and do that agree-
ably … that is really the role of higher education. We are really proud of the role we play in that regard.
White: Jeremy, what about for media?
Jeremy Moore: I think the role of media is listening and highlighting commonalities and encountering the polarizing narratives we keep hearing and, like higher education, educating about the motives of misinformation and disinformation to help everyday people to think critically like journalists.
Aspen Mayor Torre: Number one, I want to learn about (Aspen residents’ views), but also learn about my views and then nd out what is the commonality. Where does that lie? Often times you’ll nd that there isn’t commonality. You’ll nd that people are on opposite sides of an issue because of their values, perhaps personal experience. And that’s OK, because then you start to learn about how we get along in a world where we may be di erent. How do we get along and how do we thrive together?
Hauser: I might pivot o Torre’s comments a little bit and say, I actually think we’re closer together than we often think. And if you actually just take the time to
talk to someone, you probably will nd that you’re closer or you may simply have a di erent approach to something. You may want the same things. We want fresh air and food on the table and a good economy and all those things. So if you start there and recognize that we probably have more common agreement than you might think, it’s just a matter of getting there. I also say it’s hard to hate somebody that you know.
And if you actually take the time to get to know someone, which again — back to higher education — I just think is such a beautiful experiment in bringing students from all over the place who didn’t know to get to know each other. ey lived together. In our case, they’re in the backcountry, learning wilderness rst aid or whatever. ey have to get along if they ever actually had to help somebody, they’re going to have to collaborate. ey’re going to have to know how to know each other.
White: Jeremy, I saw you nodded a little when Carrie said it’s di cult to hate someone, did that resonate with you?
Aspen Public Radio’s Lawn Bash was a live broadcast panel discussion on strengthening our democracy during this critical election year. It was moderated by 1A host Jenn White, with Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College, Rocky Mountain Public Media Journalism Director Jeremy Moore and Aspen Mayor Torre.
ROSSANA LONGO BETTER
Moore: It did. I think it is dicult to hate somebody up close. I think the trick is to not assume motives for the way people think. ey probably have a great reason for the way they think.
It just takes a lot of listening. Not transmitting, but receiving. And then putting in the time to gure out why they think the way they do.
White: is weekend in Aspen, there’s been a lot of conversations about democracy and repairing trust and understanding fellow Americans. ere’s a sense of urgency around a potential divide in the country that will become a permanent divide. What kind of urgency do you each feel around this need to engage in these conversations?
Is there a need to reconnect with our neighbors, even if we disagree on fundamental things, Torre?
Torre: I like to think that I’m on maybe a positive side or a good side of a lot of human-based decision-making and policy. So from there, I welcome that engagement. (But) there’s a little bit of dread. e work is never-ending so just because we’re at this time right now. I don’t think it means that it’s a win-or-lose proposition right now. I think it’s important for people that
Our Family Helping Your
are good at heart. at we are inclusive and equitably minded and that we continue to work hard. Because I know the people on the other side of those issues are working hard. And it seems to be easier in this world to be mean-spirited than it is to share good. And for me, it’s just an ongoing battle.
White: Jeremy, what about you as someone who’s working in the news media that can be just a rehose of information every day? If you’re working in a newsroom, what sense of urgency do you have around how we engage in these conversations, but also the necessity of them happening now?
Jeremy: I think the urgency for me comes from a survey of the media landscape, and the lack of psychological safety for journalists. Not just nancial, but will I have a job a month from now?
I read this week that we’ve ocially crossed the threshold where there are more “pink slime” — fake local news websites — than there are newspapers in America. at’s where I feel the urgency coming from there, just a sea of misinformation. And when there’s a void of good information, that thrives in an election year. It’s super urgent.
White: Carrie, as someone who’s working with young people, the inheritors of this democracy, where does that urgency sit with you?
on each other in a really signi cant way. And I would say a couple of things. One, I don’t think we have time to waste. Our students, in my view, are the place where I nd a lot of hope. Our students run the entire gamut.
We have local high school students enrolled with us. We have seniors enrolled with us. We have every walk of life that comes through our doors as an open-access institution. So what really gives me hope is that I think these are still forums and places where you can nd some common ground. And that’s it for anybody who’s been through college or has had this kind of experience. It is one of those places where you have permission to experiment and think through things.
I remember when I rst started college my views evolved. And that’s the role of higher education. You learn from other people, and that, I think, is really important.
White: Jeremy, do you think there’s a role for media to play? In rede ning this conversation about what it means to be in community with one another.
Moore: We all hear about the voting blocs. It’s this group and this group, and there’s not a lot of
regardless of the city, town, or state we live in.
Hauser: At Colorado Mountain College, we pick a book every single year for all of our communities to read. Our faculty assigns it in their courses and we dialogue. It may just be a book you otherwise wouldn’t pick up on the shelf, and you have a conversation. And this year, because of that doozy of an election we have coming up, we thought, could we really lean into what we’re talking about today? And so thanks to a partnership with Aspen Public Radio and all of our communities, this year, we picked up “ e Bill of Obligations,” by Dr. Richard Haas.
White: Are there other themes that have emerged, you mentioned the importance of voting, but what other things have emerged in these conversations, Carrie?
Hauser: Certainly, all the things that we talk about in our country right now are topics (we have discussed). Immigration and climate change and all the things that can potentially divide us. Talked a little bit earlier about the role of understanding where your information comes from. I hadn’t heard of pink slime before. at’s a new one for
Hauser: I feel pretty anxious about what could happen if we turn
the media perspective too, to help us all think about the fact that we’re in community with one another,
303-654-0112
Even if you (already) do that, try to back it up with a couple of other sources and see if what you’re reading and learning is really accurate or not.
Brighton: 75 S. 13th Avenue Obituaries, Arrangements and Resources Online at taborfuneralhome.com
OZONE
Taken together, the layers of instruments should help federal and state o cials sort through the biggest sources of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, how that compares to 10 years ago, and where are the most promising places to better control other pollutants such as nitrogen or carbon monoxide.
Sharing “state of the art” technologies between government and academic researchers “may have immediate bene ts for strategies to improve air quality and mitigate climate change,” said Steven Brown, NOAA’s Tropospheric Chemistry program leader.
A new set of measurements “will help the division make data-driven policy decisions and advance real-time forecasting” warning Coloradans of pollution levels, said Michael Ogletree, director of the state health department’s Air Pollution Control Division.
Colorado was declared in “severe” nonattainment of ozone limits in nine northern Front Range counties by the EPA, and must le improvement plans and pass rules to back up policy changes before a 2027 deadline.
e Denver metro area has already recorded a number of ozone violations at various sensors so far in the 2024 ozone season, with a steady beat of ozone action alert days warning the vulnerable to be careful about outdoor travel and recreation. 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.
Adams County students awarded scholarships
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@CIOLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Fifty-seven Adams County high school students’ futures are set up after they were awarded more than $1 million in Colorado Opportunity Scholarships, according to a June 27 new release.
“ ese students have all earned this honor through sheer hard work, dedication, and overcoming challenges,” said Emma Pinter, Board of County Commissioners Chair. “Now their mission is clear: Go to college, study hard, and then pay it forward by giving back to their community and ensuring this scholarship continues to be available for future students.”
e voter-approved three percent sales tax on marijuana in Adams County funded the scholarships. According to o cials, the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship initiative is matching Adams County’s schol-
arship funding.
First-generation and low-income high school seniors were eligible to apply for scholarships. According to o cials, the Board of Commissioners selected the Adams County Education Consortium (ACEC) as the organization responsible for granting the funds on behalf of the county.
According to o cials, ACEC works directly with county school districts or school district foundations such as Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Adams 14 Education Foundation, School District 27J Education Foundation, Mapleton District 1 Education Foundation, Westminster District 50 Education Foundation, Strasburg School District 31J, and Bennett School District 29J.
For 2024, 57 students in six districts received scholarships. e school districts and students receiving scholarships are listed below.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
22 scholarships of $22,422.13 each: Bibi Naeima Ahmadi, Samim Akbari, Farid Amami, Brayan Arias, Jaren Barco, Peniel Ditu, Kaya Duran, Olivia Gallagher, Meline Guizar Jimenez, Chasity Hagerman, Samiullah Hamidi, Angel Hendricks, Khudija Khamosh, Mateo Martinez, Mya Mascarenas, Melissa Mijares Sanchez, Alyssa Moulin, Asma Noor Zai, Ashley Rodriguez Castillo, Paulina Ruiz Palma, Isaac Sotelo, Abdul Wajid.
Eight scholarships of $18,935 each: Abraham Ambriz, Linda Briggite Chacon Montes, Katherine Egarton, Eden Kartchner, Michael Lee Medina, Ricky Enrique Pinedo, Julio Prieto, Arina Sadeq
The Board of Adams County Commissioners sitting in front with students who received scholarships. COURTESY
HEAT
An Urban Heat Island Severity map by Trust for Public Land from 2019 that stated that 78,000 people in Denver will experience temps up to 9 degrees hotter than surrounding areas. e map showed Commerce City as one of the hottest places in the metro area to live.
Comparing the 2019 data to more recent gures, Climate Central explained how much additional heat communities face because of the
characteristics of the built environment.
“Heat environments are ultimately pretty straightforward. It’s the buildings and pavement, and all the kinds of infrastructure around you and, also, the people around you,” said Jen Brady, senior data analyst of Climate Central. “ ese types of things either hold in the heat from the sun, the heat that’s coming in or from the population. When you put all of this in a tight space … the temperature is going to be a lot higher than if you were standing in an open park in the middle of the state without people, buildings or pavement around you.”
Full-time. This position is required to work at the Fort Morgan campus, with the option of hybrid/ ex scheduling as appropriate for position & institutional needs. Work must be completed within Colorado. The position is responsible for the recording, analyzing, reconciliation, and maintenance of all nancial records of the institution in an automated environment. This includes preparation of nancial statements, performing nancial analysis, maintaining appropriate internal control measures, security of records, grants, and contracts accounting, monitoring approved budgets, and preparation of nancial reports to external agencies and college personnel.
Salary $80,700-$92,805 annually. For additional quali cations, full announcement, bene ts & Employment Application, https://morgancc.applicantpro.com/jobs/3368712 or call 970-542-3130. EOE
Nursing Faculty & Clinical Coordinator RN to BSN Program
Full-Time, 187 work days beginning July, 2024. Located in Fort Morgan, CO. Hybrid position (both on-campus and remote work). The faculty member is responsible for instruction to students in the RN to BSN completion program as well as RN to BSN program coordination. Salary $74,400-$89,500 annually. For additional quali cations, full announcement, bene ts & Employment Application, https://morgancc.applicantpro.com/ jobs/3360685 or call 970-542-3130. EOE
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045
Miscellaneous
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 8/25/24. Call 1-844-501-3208
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888489-3936
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
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
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-9486176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. 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
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
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/ mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 833-308-1971
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 zip code!
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-844-591-7951
Legals
City and County
Public Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Commerce City in a hybrid format, on August 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter. Persons wishing to testify in person will need to appear at the Council Chambers, Commerce City Civic Center, 7887 E 60th Avenue. Advance registration for in-person testimony is not required. Persons wishing to testify virtually must register in advance. Registration information can be found at https://www.c3gov.com/government/ city-council/virtual-meetings or by phone or email requests submitted to the City Clerk at 303-227-8791 or dgibson@ c3gov.com. The hearings will also be broadcast on Channel 8 in Commerce City and livestreamed at https://www. c3gov.com/video
The purpose of the public hearing will be to determine whether that property legally described on attached Exhibit “A” meets the applicable requirements of the statutes of the State of Colorado and is eligible for annexation to the City of Commerce City.
Any interested person may appear at the public hearing and be heard regarding the matter under consideration and/or may submit in writing prior to the public hearing any matter relative to the public hearing.
Notice is further given that, prior to final approval of this annexation proceeding, minor amendments may be made to the legal description for the property which is the subject of this annexation proceeding, based upon the evidence presented at the public hearing.
A copy of the petition initiating the annexation proceeding is on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Commerce City, 7887 East 60th Avenue Commerce City, Colorado, 80022.
Dated this July 4, 2024.
CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO /s/ Dylan Gibson, City Clerk
A RESOLUTION FINDING SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE OF THE ANNEXATION PETITION IN CASE AN-263-24 KNOWN AS THE TOWER LANDFILL
ANNEXATION AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR SUCH ANNEXATION
NO. 2024-060
WHEREAS, there was presented to and filed with the City Council of the City of Commerce City, Colorado (“City”), a written petition dated May 3, 2024 by DIBC HQTS, LLC in case No. AN-263-24 (“Petition”) seeking annexation to and by the City of contiguous unincorporated territory consisting of approximately 110.57 acres situated, lying and being in the County of Adams, State of Colorado, as described in the Petition and generally located at the southwest corner of East 88th Avenue and E-470, commonly known as the Tower Landfill annexation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Petition in Case No. AN-263-24 is found to be in substantial compliance with the applicable laws of the State of Colorado, pursuant to C.R.S § 31-12-107.
SECTION 2. Notice of Hearing. The City Council will hold a public hearing for the purpose of determining if the proposed annexation complies with section 30 of article II of the state constitution, C.R.S. § 31-12-104, as amended, and C.R.S. § 3112-105, as amended, or such provisions thereof as may be required to establish eligibility for annexation to the City under the terms of Part 1 of the Municipal Annexation Act of 1965, as amended, at the following time, date and place: 6:00 p.m.
Monday, August 5, 2024
City Council Chambers 7887 East 60th Avenue Commerce City, Colorado 80022
*This hearing may be held partially or entirely electronically; more information is available at https://www.c3gov.com/ government/city-council/virtual-meetings.
Any person may appear at such hearing and present evidence related to the proposed annexation, subject to any applicable registration requirements. Upon completion of the hearing, the City Council of the City of Commerce City shall set forth, by resolution, its findings of fact and its conclusion based thereon for the annexation with reference to the matters required by C.R.S. § 31-12-110. If the City Council concludes, by resolution, that all statutory requirements have been met and that the proposed annexation is eligible and legal under the laws of the State of Colorado, the City Council shall consider an ordinance making the proposed annexation effective.
RESOLVED AND PASSED THIS 17TH DAY OF JUNE 2024.
CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO
Steve J. Douglas, Mayor ATTEST
Dylan A. Gibson, City Clerk
TOWER LANDFILL ANNEXATION LEGAL DESCRIPTION
A parcel of land being a portion of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of Section Twenty-three (23) and a portion of the West Half (W1/2) of Section Twenty-six (26), Township Two South (T.2S.), Range Sixty-six West (R.66W.) of the Sixth Principal Meridian (6th/ P.M.), County of Adams, State of Colorado being more particularly described as follows;
BEGINNING at the Northwest Corner of said Section 26 and assuming the North line of the West Half of Section 26 as bearing North 89° 03’ 17” East a distance of 2637.11 feet with all other bearings contained herein relative thereto:
THENCE North 00° 18’ 18” West along an Easterly line of Annexation Map AN153-98 recorded February 19, 1999 as Reception No. 1999030506050 of the Records of Adams County a distance of 30.00 feet to the Northerly Right of Way Line of E. 88th Avenue and to the Southerly line of Annexation Map AN-102-89 recorded October 13, 1989 as Reception No. 1989020908599 of the Records of Adams County;
THENCE North 89° 03’ 17” East along said Southerly line of Annexation Map AN-102-89 a distance of 605.53 feet;
THENCE South 00° 56’ 43” East departing said Southerly line of AN-102-89 a distance of 100.00 feet; The following Seven (7) courses are along the Southwesterly and Westerly lines and arcs of that parcel of land No. TK-128 of the E-470 Public Highway Authority described in Bargain and Sale Deed recorded October 12, 1995 as Reception No. 1995030114614 of the Records of Adams County.
THENCE South 84° 57’ 33” East a distance of 429.25 feet;
THENCE South 56° 43’ 42” East a distance of 99.32 feet;
THENCE South 18° 17’ 28” East a distance of 1157.84 feet to a Point of Curvature;
THENCE along the arc of a curve concave to the Southwest a distance of 454.67 feet, said curve has a Radius of 1424.13 feet, a Delta of 18° 17’ 32” and is sub-
tended by a Chord bearing South 09° 08’ 42” East a distance of 452.74 feet to a Point of Tangency;
THENCE South 00° 00’ 05” West a distance of 1250.00 feet;
THENCE South 08° 12’ 59” East a distance of 224.07 feet;
THENCE South 00° 00’ 05” West a distance of 131.46 feet to the South line of the North Half of the North Half of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 26 and to the Northerly line of the City and County of Denver as described in Rule and Order recorded August 10, 1990 as Reception No. 1990020958682 of the Records of Adams County;
THENCE South 89° 28’ 39” West along said Northerly line of the City and County of Denver a distance of 1604.57 feet to the West line of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 26 and to an Easterly line of Annexation Map AN-153-98;
The following Three (3) courses are along the Easterly lines of said Annexation Map AN-153-98.
THENCE North 00° 29’ 06” West along said West line of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 26 a distance of 664.98 feet to the West Quarter Corner of Section 26;
THENCE North 00° 32’ 43” East along the West line of the Northwest Quarter of said Section 26 a distance of 2621.54 feet to the Southerly Right of Way line of E. 88th Avenue;
THENCE North 00° 32’ 43” East continuing along said West line a distance of 30.01 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
TOTAL ANNEXED AREA for the AN-26321 Annexation is 4,816,240 square feet or 110.57 acres, more or less
Legal Notice No. CCX1368
First Publication: July 4, 2024
Second Publication:July 11, 2024
Third Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: July 25, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Public Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Commerce City on August 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m in a hybrid format, or as soon thereafter. Persons wishing to testify in person will need to appear at the Council
Public Notices
Chambers, Commerce City Civic Center, 7887 E 60th Avenue. Persons wishing to testify virtually must register in advance. Registration information can be found at https://www.c3gov.com/government/ city-council/virtual-meetings or by phone or email requests submitted to the City Clerk at 303-227-8791 or dgibson@ c3gov.com. The hearing will also be broadcast on Channel 8 in Commerce City and livestreamed at https://www. c3gov.com/video.
Annexation Ordinance AN-263-24 – AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF EAST 88ST AVENUE AND E-470 TO THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO, IN CASE AN-263-23, KNOWN AS THE TOWER LANDFILL ANNEXATION
LUP-058-24 – Allied Waste Systems of Colorado LLC is requesting approval of a Land Use Plan Amendment to amend the future land use plan designation from DIA Technology to Utility for the property located at the southwest corner of East 88th Avenue and E-470. The subject property consists of approximately 110.57 acres and is zoned ADCO A-3 (Adams County Agricultural-3).
Resolution 2024-064 – A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE ELIGIBILITY FOR ANNEXATION TO THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO, OF THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF EAST 88TH AVENUE AND E-470 IN CASE AN-263-24 KNOWN AS THE TOWER LANDFILL ANNEXATION
V-93-24 – Allied Waste Systems of Colorado LLC is requesting to vacate a portion of Himalaya Street, approximately 3,286 feet in length, extending south from East 88th Avenue. Approval of the vacation is dependent on approval of the related annexation request (AN-263-24) for the subject property.
Z-705-99-00-09-24 – Allied Waste Systems of Colorado LLC is requesting approval of an annexation zone change from ADCO A-3 (Adams County Agricultural-3) to Commerce City Planned Unit Development (PUD). The subject property is approximately 110.57 acres and is generally located at southwest corner of East 88th Avenue and E-470.
BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY COLORADO
ATTEST:
Brittany Rodriguez, Assistant City Clerk
Legal Notice No. CCX1369
First Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: July 18, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Public Notice
CITY OF COMMERCE CITY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held on July 19, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. to consider a New Hotel Restaurant, filed by No Que No Mi Patrona LLC, located at 7215 E 72nd Ave. suite A , Commerce City, CO 80022, filed on December 18, 2024. The managing member is Juan Villa Hernandez 6223 E 123rd Ave. Brighton, CO. The public hearing will be held at the Commerce City Civic Center, 7887 E. 60th Ave., Commerce City, CO 80022. Protests may be filed with the City Clerk’s Office, 7887 E. 60th Ave. Commerce City, CO 80022.
Legal Notice No. CCX1366
First Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: July 18, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Metro Districts Budget Hearings
Notice
NOTICE OF HEARINGS ON 2023 BUDGET AMENDMENTS
SECOND CREEK FARM
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1 AND 3 ADAMS
COUNTY, COLORADO
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the necessity may arise for amendment of the 2023 budgets of the Second Creek Farm Metropolitan District No. 1 and No. 3 (“Districts”). Copies of the proposed 2023 amended budgets (if appropriate) are on file in the office of the Districts’ Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 8390 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, where same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2023 amended budgets will be considered at a meeting to be held July 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., via conference call. Any interested elector within the Districts may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2023 amended budgets, inspect the 2023 amended budgets and file or register any objections thereto.
To join via telephone conference: Dial In: 1-720-931-2463; Passcode: 2463#
SECOND CREEK FARM
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1 AND 3
/s/ Paula Williams
Attorney for the Districts
Legal Notice No. CCX1375
First Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: July 18, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Bids and Settlements
Public Notice
NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT
NOTICE is hereby given that Sweetgrass Metropolitan District No. 1 of Weld County, Colorado, will make final payment at 2500 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 220,
Boulder, Colorado, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the hour of 12:00 p.m. to the following Contractor:
Hirschfeld Backhoe & Pipeline Inc. of Frederick, Colorado for all work done by said contractor in construction or work on the Sweetgrass Filing 2 Sewer Extension Project located in the County of Weld, State of Colorado.
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 such 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 including 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 Sweetgrass Metropolitan District No. 1 at the above address on or before the date and time hereinabove shown for final payment. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release Sweetgrass Metropolitan District No. 1, its directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SWEETGRASS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1
By: Jon R. Lee President of the Board
Legal Notice No. CCX1377
First Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: July 25, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Public Notice
NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT
NOTICE is hereby given that Sweetgrass Metropolitan District No. 1 of Weld County, Colorado, will make final payment at 2500 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 220, Boulder, Colorado, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the hour of 12:00 p.m. to the following Contractor:
Lawson Construction Company of Longmont, Colorado for all work done by said contractor in construction or work on the Sweetgrass Filing 4-5 Onsite Project located in the County of Weld, State of Colorado.
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 such 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 including 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 Sweetgrass Metropolitan District No. 1 at the above address on or before the date and time hereinabove shown for final payment. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release Sweetgrass Metropolitan District No. 1, its directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SWEETGRASS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1
By: Jon R. Lee President of
the Board
Legal Notice No. CCX1376
First Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: July 25, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS SETTLEMENT
Notice is hereby given that on or around August 30, 2024, Sand Creek Metropolitan District, City of Aurora, Adams and Denver Counties, Colorado will make final settlement with Colorado Asphalt Services, Inc. (“Contractor” herein) for all construction services rendered for materials, labor, supplies and construction services rendered by Contractor for the installation of the following Projects: Removal and reconstruction of accessible ramps, curb and gutter, and left turn lane for the fourth leg of the traffic signal at E. 40th Avenue and Salida Street according to the E. 40th Avenue and Salida Traffic Signal plans approved by the City of Aurora, Colorado with plan number 223047 located in Gateway Park, Aurora, Colorado (“Projects” herein). Prior to August 15, 2024, any persons having properly filed claims for labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies, rental machinery, tools, or equipment furnished to the Contractor specifically for this Project should present the same to Sand Creek Metropolitan District, 100 Saint Paul Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80206 attention Ryan Stachelski. Failure to timely and properly file said claim shall relieve Sand Creek Metropolitan District from any duty to withhold funds for such claim.
Sand Creek Metropolitan District Ryan Stachelski, District Manager (303) 371 9000
Legal Notice No. CCX1372
First Publication: July 11, 2024 Last Publication: July 18, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
###
This summer, take simple steps for be er air
It’s another hot, sunny, bluesky day in Denver. The air is still and looks clear! Despite the beautiful day, you may feel irritation in your throat or a tightness in your chest while out walking the dog, at the park, riding your bike, or on an afternoon run. Your asthma may also be acting up.
This is likely the impact of ground-level ozone: the Front Range’s most pressing air quality problem each summer. We can’t see or smell it, but this pollutant accumulates the most on hot and sunny blue-sky days, reaching its highest levels in the afternoons and evenings.
While ozone serves an important purpose high up in the atmosphere — protecting us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation — at ground level, high concentrations of ozone are unhealthy. Ozone makes it difficult to breathe, increases our susceptibility to respiratory infections, and exacerbates respiratory ailments such as asthma.
High ozone levels affect all of us. Even if you are healthy, ozone can impact the cells in your lungs during and after exposure, like
sunburn, and repeated exposure over time can lead to reduced lung function. The people at higher risk of exposure or more sensitive to this air pollution include the elderly, those with respiratory conditions, outdoor workers, outdoor athletes, and especially children, whose lungs are still developing.
Where does this air pollution come from? Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted from any source. It forms in the air when two chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), react in the sunshine and heat of summer days. These chemicals are called ozone precursors, and they are released into the air from emissions made by our gaspowered vehicles, gas-powered lawn equipment, and oil and gas production across the Front Range.
Both colorless and odorless, ozone is different than wildfire smoke, tiny particulate matter called PM2.5 or PM10, and the visible Denver “brown cloud” of years past. However, ozone can combine with other air quality issues, and is sometimes referred to as “smog.”
While air quality in the region has greatly improved in the past half century, ozone remains a pressing issue to our health and environment. But as our gas-powered vehicles and gas-powered lawn equipment contribute to its formation, we all have the power to reduce ground-level ozone in the Front Range each summer!
First, sign up for ozone alerts. Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org to sign up for emails or text “BetterAirCO” to 21000 to receive air quality alerts on your phone. When the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) forecasts a high ozone day, the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) will send you a timely text or email to let you know.
On high ozone days, protect your health by avoiding outdoor exercise or heavy exertion between noon and 8 p.m. Still want to get outside? Plan ahead and spend time outside in the morning, or later in the evening, when ozone levels will be lower.
Second, reduce your emissions! Take some Simple Steps for Better Air: Skip two car trips per week by carpooling, combining
errands, or taking the bus or the light rail to get where you need to go. Don’t forget: youth ride for free on RTD! For shorter distances, leave the car at home and walk, ride a scooter, or your bike or e-bike.
Fuel up your car after 5 p.m. to avoid releasing emissions during the heat of the day. Skip idling your car: instead, roll down the windows and turn off the engine while waiting in parking lots or lines. Consider a low- or zeroemissions vehicle, like an electric vehicle (EV), when it’s time to purchase a new vehicle.
Mow the lawn after 5 p.m. if you still use gas-powered equipment. Even better, upgrade your old gas lawn mower, trimmer, or leaf blower to a new electric one with a 30% state discount at participating retailers this year!
And if your job can be done remotely, work from home at least one day a week and eliminate your commute altogether.
Taking these timely, simple steps in the summer improves our Front Range air quality, our health, and our ability to enjoy the outdoors! Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org for more information about how to reduce your ozone impact this summer and help your community breathe easier.
