Denver Herald February 22, 2024

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Denver resident makes a mark at the Grammys

Denver cuts services amid migrant crisis

BY JENNIFER BROWN THE COLORADO SUN

and be there someday, and I said yeah, okay, Dad,” Trinidad said. “I got to go. When my parents found out, they were so proud of me.”

Trinidad said a friend of his, a piano player who they grew up in college, recommended him as a voting member for the Grammys a year ago in January.

He received an email to fill out a 12-page application about his career, asking how he contributed in a way they saw fit. He also needed another recommendation from another person.

Denver will cut hours at recreation centers, end in-person vehicle registration renewals and eliminate spring flower beds to save $5 million this year, a response to the migrant crisis that is expected to cost the city $180 million.

Mayor Mike Johnston blasted Congress for failing this week to pass a $118.3 billion bill aimed at stopping the flow of illegal entry at the southern border and making it easier for migrants who enter legally to get work permits.

About 40,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, have arrived in Denver over the past year, and more than 3,500 are living in city-funded hotel rooms. Thousands took bus rides to other American cities after arriving in Denver, and an unknown number are trying to stay in the city, find jobs and send their kids to school.

Denver has received more migrants per capita than any other city in the nation, the mayor has said.

Denver set up emergency operations to welcome the new arrivals, opened city buildings as shelters and is organizing clinics to help those who are eligible apply for work authorization.

Volunteers, meanwhile, mobilized to bring food, and in some cases, tents and propane heaters for those who are living outside.

“I want to thank every resident in the city who has showed up to cook a meal for someone who has arrived, who has welcomed somebody to their home, who has offered them a job, who said, ‘We will help you find your way,’”

SEE TRINIDAD, P2

SEE CRISIS, P8

Joshua Trinidad got to walk the red carpet at the Grammy Awards as a voting member of the Recording Academy.

Local trumpet player working to release his third album, ‘Darkness Within’

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Joshua Trinidad, a Denver trumpet player who grew up in Brighton, had a dream come true, helping to select the winners at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards earlier this month.

Trinidad said he grew up watching

the Grammys with his family.

“When I got there, I honestly felt like, do I belong here?” Trinidad said. “A lot of times in my life with music, I’ve always felt despair. But since I was supposed to be there, I was excited at that moment.”

Trinidad said he started playing trumpet at age 7, and his family always watched the Grammys. He remembers being amazed by all the musicians’ coordination, and he liked the symphony and the brass sections and people singing and dancing.

“I said this is beautiful, and my dad said you could do that someday

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February 22, 2024

TRINIDAD FROM PAGE 1

“If the council sees that you’re fit to vote, they permit you to vote,” he said. “So, after getting officially nominated to be part of the Recording Academy, it took six months to hear back.”

Community work, to boot

Trinidad got word in June 2023 that he had been selected as a member of the Recording Academy and was cleared to vote for the Grammys.

“When selected, they also recommended ways to get involved. It’s more than just a grant; there is community work, and there are ways to mentor upcoming musicians,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad said there are two voting rounds to vote for a musician. The first round is called “for your consideration,” with literally 1000s of people per category.

“You had to plan it out and give everyone a fair listen of their album.

It took me months to listen,” Trinidad said.

Next is the final round, and he’s given a say as to which of the selected musicians ends up on TV as the Best Album and Song.

“That round took less time because it’s condensed down,” he said.

“It was a lot of fun and a lot of work to listen to that much. But it was it was fun.”

Once Trinidad submitted his votes, he received an email to reserve his tickets to the show and headed to Los Angeles.

“It was a dream come true, Trinidad said.

Growing up in Brighton

Trinidad grew up in Brighton. He

Joshua Trinidad playing his Trumpet in front of Brighton High School where he graduated. To his surprise, he discovered the high BELEN WARD school’s sign was donated by Trinidad’s graduating class, the class of 2001.

attended South Elementary, Vikan Middle School, and Brighton High School. He said his teachers helped guide his career.

“The beautiful thread between those three schools is the top-notch music teachers. I didn’t go to any art school or Denver School of the Arts, but the education I got from my teachers growing up here was just as good, if not better; I was lucky,” Trinidad said.

As a little boy, Trinidad loved music. He knew from the second time he picked up an instrument at 7years old, that he’d found his niche.

The first time, he’d picked up a saxophone.

“I wanted to play the saxophone, but I couldn’t make a sound out of it.

It was so hard. I remember the folks with Flesher-Hinton music com-

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pany rented instruments in Denver; the guy was trying to help me make a sound,” Trinidad said. “I couldn’t.

I thought I’d never played an instrument. I saw the trumpet on the way out and asked what’s that? I picked it up and made it sound.”

Trinidad had an exciting journey with his trumpet and got serious about playing it early in his high school career.

“My trumpet playing was important and made it into the high school honor bands,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad said he had planned to attend school in Greeley at UNC but was rejected.

“They said they didn’t see a music career in my life. I felt like quitting everything, and at 18, my path was carved out,” Trinidad said.

He was glum when came to school the following week, and his band teacher asked him what happened.

“He pulled some strings for me, got me to go to school at Western State College in Gunnison,” Trinidad said. “I even got some scholarship money to go. It was great. I didn’t stay at Western, but it was an excellent place to rethink things, recalibrate, and went Metropolitan State University in Denver.”

It was an excellent move for Trinidad, and he said he had some of the best professors.

“It was meant to be. I graduated with a music degree,” Trinidad said.

“I was told I could never do it, (but) I did it.”

Today, Trinidad is a trumpet player, composer, and producer.

Trinidad plays in multiple styles of music, such as jazz, ambient, rock, electronic, and lo-fi, that are almost like soundtrack music.

“I would never call myself a true jazz musician by any means. It’s music you’d hear in a movie that is relaxing, spacey, echoing type trum-

pet,” he said. “I focus on a more creative approach with trumpet than what we’re used to.”

That means he’s found new ways to expand his instrument’s abilities.

“I connect my trumpet to guitar pedals, like what a guitarist would use,” he said. “I play through the microphone into the guitar pedals.

And I get different sounds, such as an Echo delay.”

Norway to ‘In November’

Trinidad got the idea for his first album, “In November” while he was touring the U.S. with a band. He and the group’s drummer spent a lot of time dreaming about their next gigs.

“I told him I would like to record in Europe,” Trinidad said. “He said, ‘Do it!’ I said, it’s not that easy and he said, ‘Do it’. So I did it and booked a studio in Norway in 2016.

While recording in Norway, Trinidad said he reached out to some of his favorite musicians, and they came, recording at this tiny rented house.

“We lived together for three, four days, recorded an album, the house was near the ocean, water would like to hit the glass and watched icebergs, it was so beautiful, it was a dream come true,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad said the recording did well.

“It moved me into a new level, taking a risk and going out there to Norway; I didn’t make money from it but learned a lot,” he said.

Trinidad’s next gig was in 2019; he was contacted by Arun Natarajan, Subcontinental Records label in Bangalore, India, who told him about an idea that he knew a famous electronic guy named Riatsu Umlaut. Natarajan said he would pay for them to work together.

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February 22, 2024

TRINIDAD FROM PAGE 2

“We put out an album right before COVID called “Lithium” and later during COVID, put together another album called “Sleeping With My Worries. We are working on our new album that will come out in the next couple of months,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad said when he was in LA for the Grammys, the album “Sleeping With My Worries” was nominated nominee for Best New Age Album of the Year at the World’s Entertainment Awards on Feb. 2.

Trinidad said they were invited to a party after the Grammys and saw one of his favorite jazz singers, Kurt Elling, performing.

“While in Los Angeles, I got the opportunity to look up one of my favorite trumpet players, Arturo Sandoval, and he invited me to his house; he’s an 11th-time Grammy Award-winning musician. The Grammys were fun my highlight of the trip was meeting him,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad has also recorded with Arun Natarajan with Sage Francis, Chicano Batman, Nathaniel Rateliff, Riatsu, Umlaut, and Bangalore, India.

Future

Trinidad said he is working on his next album, a mix of poetry and music. It’s called the “Darkness Within.”

To learn more about Joshua Trinidad and his music, visit https:// joshuatrinidad.com/

Joshua Trinidad has been playing the trumpet since he was 7 years old.

BELEN WARD

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Most Sellers Don’t Know How to Interview a Listing Agent. Here’s Some Guidance.

Do you know what to look for in a listing agent, and the questions to ask during an agent’s listing presentation?

You’ll probably want to know their level of experience, competence and success in selling similar properties, hopefully within your city or neighborhood.

Like most people, not just Realtors, I monitor the real estate activity where I live, and I’m astonished how many homes are listed by agents I’ve never heard of. As I write, there are 70 active or pending listings within five miles of our office, represented by 66 different agents from 58 different real estate offices, only four of which are local to Golden. And despite practicing real estate here for 21 years, I only recognize the names of 18 of those 66 listing agents.

Where did the sellers find all those different agents to list their homes? Many, I suspect, are friends and family — every agent’s biggest “competitor.” In other cases, the seller just went under contract or closed on their replacement home elsewhere and was convinced by that listing agent to list their current home. Don’t fall for that. It’s not the best decision if that agent is unfamiliar with your neighborhood, lives far away, and is unable to show the home on short notice, answer questions from buyers, or keep your brochure box well stocked.

Or perhaps the agent sent a letter or taped a note to the homeowner’s door claiming to have a buyer for their home.

It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book.

The tactic got him or her an interview, in which the agent said that unfortunately the buyer found another home — but now the agent’s foot is in the door and the seller decides to list with him or her.

Let’s say, however, that you want to

interview listing agents and make a rational hiring decision. Good idea?

First, select two or three agents to interview based on their location and experience in your neighborhood. Second, study their active/sold listings to see (1) their geographic distribution and (2) how well their listings are presented on the MLS. To get an accurate history and profile of an agent you may need the help of another agent such as myself who has access to your MLS. You want to see each agent’s profile and their active, pending and sold listings.

Do a web search of the agents you’re considering. Read their profile, if they created one. Look at their current and sold listings. Click on one or more listing to see how they described the home on the MLS. Did they list all the rooms, not just bedrooms and bathrooms, and did they provide dimensions and descriptions, or did they just enter the mandatory fields?

Not all MLS fields are mandatory. For example, only half of those 70 listings I mentioned above indicate what direction the house faces, and 28 of them didn’t indicate whether or not there is fencing, both of which are optional fields. Only 20 of the 70 listings indicated whether it is in an incorporated or unincorporated location.

Those and other non-mandatory fields provide information that is important to many buyers. Since they are searchable fields, your listing may not be found by a buyer who has one of those optional fields as a search criterion.

Looking at an agent’s listings will answer the most important questions which you’d ask in person, but you won’t have to take their word — the truth is there in front of you. You’ll learn, for example,

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whether they hired a professional photographer to shoot magazine quality photos or did their own point-and-shoot pictures, and whether they created a narrated video tour or just a slide show with music. Only 2 of those 70 listings (one of them mine) had the maximum number of photos uploaded to the MLS. And, although 37 of the 70 had URLs in the “virtual tour”

Keep in mind that the best indicator of how a listing agent will serve you is how they have served previous sellers. field, all but one of them were for either an interactive slideshow, a slideshow with a music track, or a gallery of pictures. The only one that was an live-action narrated video tour was my own listing! I’ve been doing narrated video tours for over 18 years and even gave a tutorial at my Realtor association to show other agents how easy it is to shoot and edit a video tour, yet I can only count on one hand the number of listing agents who are shooting videos now. It’s inexplicable to me why that is.

Having chosen who to interview, ask these questions of those you invite into your home for an interview:

What commission percentage do you charge? Keep in mind, there is no standard commission. It’s totally negotiable, and the industry average is in the mid-5’s, not 6%.

Will you reduce your commission if you don’t have to share it? Hopefully they include that in answering your first question. If you have to ask them, consider that a red flag. They hoped you wouldn’t ask. Only 17 of the 70 active or pending listings mentioned above indicate that they offer a “dual variable commission.” One of the things a fellow MLS member can research with their access to the MLS is whether that’s the established practice of the agent you’re interviewing.

Will you reduce your commission if I hire you to purchase my replacement home? (Again, did they volunteer that, or did you have to ask?)

Hopefully the candidate will have researched the market and will make a sound recommendation of listing price.

Beware of agents who inflate their suggested listing price so you will list with them.

When setting the appointment, ask the agent to bring a spreadsheet of their sold listings with dates, days on market, listing price and sold price.

This & That: Smaller Topics Not Worth Full Articles Could Concrete Be Made to Absorb CO2?

The production of Portland cement, used to create concrete, is a major producer of carbon dioxide emissions which contribute to climate change—an estimated 9% of all human emissions.

Now a startup called Carbon Limit says it has created an additive that causes concrete to pull CO2 out of the air, mineralize and store it. The additive is called CaptureCrete.

Turning Straw into Building Boards

Farmers around the world are used to burning straw and other agricultural waste, contributing an estimated 3.5% of global greenhouse emissions. Now a Swedish startup called Our Ecolution has devised a process for making boards that can replace drywall, subflooring, ceilings and doors.

Colorado Firm Awarded DOE Contract

Alpen High Performance Products of Louisville has been producing the nation’s top brand of high performance triple- and

quadruple-pane windows for over four decades. Golden Real Estate replaced the windows in our previous office on South Golden Road with triple-pane Alpen windows as part of our effort to make it a net zero energy building.

Now the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Alpen a multi-million-dollar contract to vastly expand their business.

Links to all three of these articles are at http://RealEstateToday.Substack.com.

Please Share Your Experience Renewing Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

I am planning to write a future column about the problems homeowners, especially those in the foothills, are encountering when it comes to renewing their homeowners insurance policies. We have heard reports of excessive rate increases and outright refusals to insure homes.

What has been your experience in this regard? Please share them with me by email at Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com. Thanks!

Jim Smith

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4 Denver Herald

February 22, 2024

Settlement would raise care for incarcerated trans women

BY MOE CLARK KFF HEALTH NEWS

Taliyah Murphy received a letter in early 2018 about a soon-to-be-filed class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of transgender women like her who were housed in men’s prisons in Colorado. It gave her hope.

Murphy and other trans women in Colorado had faced years of sexual harassment and often violence from staff members and fellow incarcerated people. They were denied requests for safer housing options and medical treatment, including surgery, for gender dysphoria, the psychological distress that some trans people experience because of the incongruence between their sex assigned at birth and their gender identity, according to the lawsuit.

“We were targets for victimizing, whether it was sexual assault, extortion, you name it,” said Murphy, who was released from prison in 2020.

Most of the time, she added, “The guards just looked the other way.”

A historic legal settlement called a consent decree, expected to be finalized by early March, would establish two new voluntary housing units for incarcerated trans women, making Colorado the first state to offer a separate unit, according to attorneys in the case. A federal law states such units are prohibited unless court-ordered. The plan outlined in the agreement, which received preliminary approval last fall, would mandate the Colorado Department of Corrections pay a $2.15 million settlement to affected trans women; update its protocols and staff training; improve medical and mental health care; limit cross-gender searches from correctional officers;

Taliyah Murphy poses for a portrait outside the Denver City and County Building before a hearing on Jan. 4, 2023. Murphy is part of a class-action lawsuit that seeks to improve the safety and medical treatment of trans women in Colorado prisons.

PHOTO BY MOE CLARK FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS

and require corrections staff to use correct names and pronouns for trans women inmates.

A state judge held a hearing on the consent decree on Jan. 4 and is expected to finalize it by early March, after she granted an extension to allow more incarcerated women to be notified of the settlement. Approxi-

mately 400 currently or formerly incarcerated trans women are eligible to be beneficiaries.

Housing assignments in U.S. prisons are nearly exclusively based on a person’s anatomy, despite a federal law outlining that the safety concerns of trans people should be taken into consideration when deter-

mining placement. That’s because they are significantly more likely than inmates who are not trans to be sexually or physically assaulted while incarcerated.

“It’s like putting targets on their back,” said Paula Greisen, the civil rights lawyer who filed the classaction lawsuit in 2019 alongside the California-based Transgender Law Center.

The U.S. Department of Justice found in 2014 that incarcerated trans people are much more likely to experience sexual violence behind bars from staff members and other incarcerated people, with 35% of trans inmates surveyed reporting having been assaulted in the previous 12 months. A 2007 study of trans women in California prisons found that 59% reported having been sexually assaulted during their incarceration, a rate 13 times higher than for others housed in prisons.

Colorado’s case comes amid a growing number of lawsuits across the country aimed at improving access to gender-affirming care and safety for incarcerated trans people.

In a landmark 1994 case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prison officials’ “deliberate indifference” to a prisoner’s safety concerns violates the Eighth Amendment’s “cruel and unusual punishments” clause. Since then, incarcerated trans people have won legal cases against prison administrators in Washington, Georgia, California, and Idaho.

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SETTLEMENT FROM PAGE 4

an issue the consent decree hopes to address. California became the first state to establish policies on genderaffirming medical care in prisons, providing gender-affirming surgery starting in 2017. In 2019, a threejudge panel ruled that the state of Idaho was required to perform a surgery officials had previously denied. One incarcerated person in Colorado has had gender-affirming surgery, according to a Department of Corrections spokesperson.

The Constitution requires jails and prisons to provide the same standard of care available in the community, said Matthew Murphy, an assistant professor of medicine and behavioral sciences at Brown University and a physician who oversees gender-affirming clinical care for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. (Matthew and Taliyah are not related.)

“With Medicaid and private insurance increasingly covering genderaffirming care,” he said, “there’s a growing precedent.”

There were 148 trans women housed in Colorado prisons as of December, according to a Department of Corrections spokesperson, with nine trans women residing in women’s facilities. Before 2018, trans women were housed exclusively with men. The class-action lawsuit relates only to trans women and does not include trans men, nonbinary people, or intersex people.

The lawsuit was filed after a young trans woman who had previously been housed with girls in a juvenile facility was transferred to an adult men’s prison, where she was brutally raped. Her numerous requests to

be housed with other women, citing safety concerns, had been denied.

After taking on the woman’s case, Greisen quickly stumbled upon many more trans women who had experienced similar violence. She contacted the Colorado attorney general’s office and governor’s office, but little changed, prompting her to file the class action.

“The Department of Corrections in every state — it’s like trying to turn around the Titanic. There’s so much bureaucracy,” Greisen said.

“You often have to sue to get their attention.”

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health, the leading professional organization that sets standards for the medical treatment of people with gender dysphoria, recommends an “informed consent model” that allows patients to pursue gender-affirming care, including surgery, without having to undergo extensive psychological counseling.

But Colorado’s prison system, like many across the country, doesn’t adhere to those standards. Current corrections department policies require trans women to receive multiple recommendation letters from medical and mental health providers to be considered for transitionrelated surgery. Often, prisons offer gender-affirming care “on paper” but lack qualified providers, making the care impossible to get, according to Matthew Murphy.

That was the case for Taliyah Murphy, who pursued gender-affirming surgery twice during her incarceration. Murphy went to prison in 2009, after a conviction resulting from an altercation with her abusive boyfriend, according to the lawsuit. Her sentence was reduced in 2013, she said.

In 2019, she finally received a recommendation for surgery to treat

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her gender dysphoria from a corrections department psychiatrist. But she was told that her other medical providers didn’t have the necessary training to evaluate her, according to the lawsuit, which halted the process. She received surgical treatment only after her release from prison in 2020, she said.

Gender dysphoria, left untreated, can result in depression, anxiety, thoughts of self-harm, and suicidality — all of which already affect trans people disproportionately because of the discrimination, stigma, and other social stressors they face. “Those things are generally resolved, or improved at least, by undergoing gender-affirming clinical care — whether that’s medical, procedural, or surgical,” Matthew Murphy said.

But prison systems are dragging their feet in providing treatment, he said, and a national shortage of gender-affirming care providers and surgeons makes matters worse.

“And so, people are then forced to go to the courts,” he said.

The consent decree will create two new voluntary housing options for trans women incarcerated in Colorado to better meet their specific needs and improve their safety.

A voluntary 100-bed transgender unit, whose development is already underway, will be on the grounds of the men’s Sterling Correctional Facility. For those approved to move to the women’s prison, they will spend a few months in the 44-bed integration unit outlined in the consent decree.

That adjustment time will be critical for both the cisgender women already housed in the women’s prison and the trans women who are likely leaving traumatic situations in the men’s prisons, said Shawn Meerkamper, senior staff attorney for the Transgender Law Center,

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who worked on the case.

“We have seen in other places when folks are just dropped in a really new environment, it can be a sink-or-swim situation,” Meerkamper added.

Eligibility for the units would be decided on a case-by-case basis by a committee, including medical and psychiatric experts trained in gender-affirming care as well as prison officials, according to the settlement. But regardless of placement, Colorado’s corrections department would still be legally required to provide trans women adequate mental and physical health care.

“Trans women should not be forced to go to the trans unit or to a women’s prison if that’s not what they want,” Meerkamper said. “And they cannot be punished or retaliated against for refusing to go.”

In response to the lawsuit, the Department of Corrections has hired an independent medical expert from Denver Health, as well as a gender-affirming care specialist, to help oversee requests for housing assignments and surgical consults.

Taliyah Murphy hopes the new housing units and improved access to gender-affirming care will allow incarcerated trans women to focus less on safety and survival and more on rehabilitation and planning their lives outside prison walls.

“We want them to leave better off than they came in and get the care they need,” said Murphy, who is now a small-business owner in Colorado Springs and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. “That’s what this is all about.”

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

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6 Denver Herald

February 22, 2024

Report: ‘Greedflation’ driving consumer prices

BY ERIC GALATAS PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE

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

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

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

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

The report echoes analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City which identified price gouging as the driving factor for inflation during the height of the pandemic.

Some economists have argued these price hikes were due to companies bracing for future produc-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Denver Herald 7

February 22, 2024

Denver Zoo plans preserve in Weld County son, in a press release.

“The zoo seeks other passionate donors to support its animal care, wildlife conservation, new facilities and habitats, and educational experiences.”

For more information about The Lembke Family Preserve and upcoming news and announcements, visit DenverZoo.org or follow the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. “The best part of the space is that it creates great flexibility for us to amplify the conservation work that we currently do,” Aucone said.

BY BELEN WARD BWARDE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A Weld County preserve could become a safe breeding space for endangered animals from around the world, according to a Denver Zoo plan.

The Denver Zoo is expanding, with the help of a donation from the Lembke family, to build a 570-acre preserve facility in Weld County, according to a Feb. 8 news release by the Denver Zoo. “The Lembke Family Preserve represents the start of a new era for Denver Zoo and will dramatically expand our capabilities for our animals and Colorado wildlife as we build it out in the coming years,” said Bert Vescolani, president and CEO of Denver Zoo. “We are deeply grateful to the Lembke family for their generosity and mutual understanding that saving wildlife for future generations requires a dedicated community of donors, members, partners and neighbors.”

Landowner Bob Lembke said the drive behind the gift to the Denver Zoo has been part of their family tradition since the late 1950s.

“Carol and I loved visiting the old zoo in childhood, and we took our kids there many times. It’s always a memorable family outing,” Lembke said. “With the stewardship provided to endangered species by the zoo through the preserve, we hope that the zoo can be part of our family for generations.”

Lembke is a native of Colorado who lived in Arapahoe County all his life, and his wife Carol moved to Colorado when she was 6.

Lembke said that he and Denver Zoo officials had shared some ideas about the expansion with some consultants.

“About 18 months ago, the consultants suggested we start talking about the zoo’s needs. I met with zoo leadership and staff, and my staff has met regularly with zoo staff. It has been a collaboration for some time in the making,” Lembke said.

As to the preserve’s exact location, Lembke said it’s being kept under wraps for now.

“I don’t believe the zoo wants to disclose the precise location, but it is located in a remote area,” Lembke said.

Closed to the public

Brian Aucone, conservation officer for the Denver Zoo, said the preserve will be closed to the public. It’s a space to expand the work the zoo has been doing at its Denver metro campus.

“It’s a scale that has a far

A publication of

Call first: c/o The Colorado Sun Buell Public Media Center 2101 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO 80205 Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: DenverHerald.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

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The Eastern Bongo, a forest-dwelling antelope, native to sub-Saharan Africa, is one of the species that the Denver Zoo could bring to the Kembke Family Preserve in Weld County as part of a breeding COURTESY THE DENVER ZOO program.

csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com

greater impact on wildlife than we have been able to do with our current campus,” Aucone said. “We’ve done some great stuff here, but the space has been a bit of a limiting factor for us.”

The Lembke Family Preserve would be built in two phases. The first phase is building a space for the zoo’s “Species Survival Plans,” the current breeding program for raising animal families and adding new species.

Aucone said they have yet to determine the species that will be at the preserve. Phase one is really about supporting the work that they have on campus at the Denver Zoo. “If we need additional space for breeding, such as recommending the eastern Bongo as an example, when they get pushed away from their mother as they naturally would, it might be a place that we would move them temporarily at the preserve while we find another good zoo home for them,” Aucone said.

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

Allows expansion at Denver site

With the extra space, animals at the Denver Zoo can be temporarily moved to the

‘The best part of the space is that it creates great flexibility for us to amplify the conservation work that we currently do.’

Brian Aucone, conservation officer for the Denver Zoo preserve when the 84-acre Denver Zoo works on habitat maintenance and renovations.

“If they doing construction here on the grounds trying to improve the habitat or do something new with their habitat, we could temporarily locate them in the Lembke family preserve during that period,” Aucone said In phase two, the zoo plans for the facility space to be used for conservation, such as breeding and wild reintroduction. Its great importance would be on species threatened or endangered in Colorado.

Aucone said the future is to scale up some of our conservation breeding and, potentially, release programs with those who will partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, which they determined.

“There any number of potential possibilities, and we’re working with our partners in those organizations to talk about how we could work with them and prioritize that space,” Aucone said.

Aucone said they don’t know the exact species that will be at the preserve yet.

“There are potential species like Gunnison sage grouse, or we may work with Przewalski horses that we have here on the grounds, with an expanding breeding program with them as examples,” he said.

“The Lembke family is one of many donors whose generosity is securing Denver Zoo’s future through its $75 million “Into the Great Wild Open” campaign, said Jake Kubie, the zoo’s spokesper-

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Independent.

We welcome letters to the editor.

Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.

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8 Denver Herald

February 22, 2024

DEA confiscated 2.6 million pills in Colorado

BY OLIVIA PRENTZEL THE COLORADO SUN

Roughly 3.4 million fentanyl pills were seized across Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming last year, federal officials said, marking a 79% increase across the region from 2022 and the highest number of fentanyl pills ever seized in a calendar year.

The Rocky Mountain Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration announced the record-breaking numbers as fentanyl

remains the deadliest drug threat facing the country and is now the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

As many as 7 in 10 counterfeit pills tested last year contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, or roughly the amount that fits on the tips of a pencil, national DEA laboratory testing showed. That’s an increase from 4 in 10 pills in 2021 and 6 in 10 pills in 2022, the DEA said.

In Colorado, investigators seized nearly 940 pounds of fentanyl last

year, or about 2.61 million pills, the DEA said.

The amount seized across the fourstate region in 2023 was more than a 500% increase from amounts confiscated in 2021.

The increase in fentanyl seizures across the Rocky Mountain region highlights the extent to which cartels are bringing fentanyl into the country, David Olesky, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division said in a news release.

Most of the pills entering Colorado were manufactured in Mexico with chemicals shipped there from China.

“As we begin the new year, DEA is committed to staying laser-focused on investigating the two cartels most responsible for trafficking fentanyl into the United States, as well as bringing greater public awareness to the dangers of fentanyl,” Olesky said in the release.

CRISIS

walking and keep walking and keep walking until they get to this country.”

“And they have asked for nothing but the ability to work and support themselves.”

Johnston said the city is “paying careful attention” to the minority of migrants who are living in encampments, a number he estimated at 50-60 people.

“That means 99.9% of the folks who have shown up to this city in sandals and a T-shirt with no services and no support and no infrastructure, we have successfully integrated into the fabric of this country,” he said.

But the help that Denver has provided over the past year is not sustainable, he said. “What is true now is we’re entering into a different stage, which is without any federal support, without any work authorization, without changes to policy, we’re going to have to make changes to what we can do in terms of our city budget,” he said.

Members of Colorado’s congressional delegation were also seething about the sinking of the immigration reform bill.

“Unless Congress tackles comprehensive immigration reform, we’re just kicking the can down the road,” U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat who served as Denver’s mayor from 2003 to 2011, said in an emailed statement.

“If we only seek to restrict legal pathways into this country, then the few that remain available will always be overwhelmed. We need an immigration system that isn’t so dysfunctional that families have to risk their lives with cartels and desert crossings to seek a better life.”

A bipartisan group of lawmakers had spent months working on the immigration reform bill before releasing it Sunday. A group of Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Senate blocked the bill. It needed 60 votes to pass, but failed on a 49-50 vote.

This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state.

FROM PAGE 1

Downtown Denver as seen from Highland Park in July 2021.

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the mayor said during an emotional news conference in which he got choked up more than once. “You’ve done your part. The city will do our part. The federal government did not do their part.”

The budget cuts amount to just one-fortieth of what the influx of newcomers will cost the city, Johnston said. They are also just the beginning, he said, as he plans to talk to the City Council about more cuts in the weeks to come.

Recreation centers will close one day each week. Division of Motor Vehicle satellite offices in the city will alternate closing one week at a time beginning March 4, and residents can no longer renew vehicle registrations in person. Denver Parks & Recreation will not plant flower beds this spring and will cut spring programs by 25%.

No full-time employees will lose their jobs, the mayor said, but some hourly and seasonal workers may have hours cut or positions will be left open. “I want it to be clear to Denverites who is not responsible for this crisis that we’re in: The folks who have walked 3,000 miles to get to this city,” Johnston said, describing families he met who were fleeing violence and poverty in Venezuela.

The mayor said he met one Venezuelan father who lost half of his family along the treacherous journey through the jungle. The family left their 13-year-old daughter behind in Colombia because they worried she would get raped on the journey. The rest trudged over a mountain pass, where the 8-yearold reached for his dog near the edge of a cliff.

“And the dog goes over the edge.

And the child goes over the edge.

And the mom goes over the edge chasing that child and that dog, and the dad is standing there watching his entire family be lost in a matter of seconds,” Johnston said. “Those folks get up the next day, and keep

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Denver Herald 9

February 22, 2024

Why some say funding for K-12 schools is at 1989 levels

BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Colorado is nearing the end of the Budget Stabilization Factor era.

Since 2009, Colorado lawmakers have channeled over $10 billion from schools to other priorities, a policy called the “BS Factor.” Gov. Jared Polis and lawmakers want to stop diverting money from schools to “fully fund” the state’s obligation in the proposed 2024-25 budget.

But, some Democratic lawmakers argue Colorado won’t be spending at 2024-25 levels. Instead, they point to 1989. And no, not the Taylor Swift album.

“Just because we’ve paid off the budget stabilization factor and we are finally fully funding our schools, we are actually fully funding them at 1989 levels,” said state Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, an Arvada Democrat and vice chair of the powerful Joint Budget Committee, at Chalkbeat’s Legislative Preview event last month. “So we still have some more work to do.”

Here’s why, they say: When you adjust for inflation, Colorado’s spending next year would be about the same as 34 years ago.

In 1989, Colorado spent $4,629 per student. Next year, the state projects to spend $11,319 per student.

Schools need to stretch the money further than in 1989, according to Tracie Rainey, Colorado School Finance Project executive director, a school funding advocate.

Because how much we spend on education doesn’t account for the

CHALKBEAT GRAPHIC / CHALKBEAT COLORADO

changes that the nation, the state, and their communities now hold districts accountable for, such as more testing and higher standards, Rainey said.

For nearly 30 years, Colorado has ranked below most of the country in school funding, Rainey said.

Coloradans have created tax policies that lowered their property tax

bills, and decreased what was spent for statewide services — including education, she said.

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10 Denver Herald

February 22, 2024

Black-owned businesses are making history in Colorado and across America

C

olorado small business owners are some of the strongest, most creative, and resilient people you will ever meet.

In recent years, our small business community has weathered a global pandemic, persistent supply chain issues, sometimes volatile prices, and a tight labor market.

Black-owned businesses in our state have faced disproportionate impacts from these pandemic challenges. Despite those headwinds, Black entrepreneurs across Colorado are fueling one of the largest and most diverse waves of new business creation America has ever seen—what President Biden calls America’s Small Business Boom.

As we mark America’s 48thnational celebration of Black History Month, the SBA is highlighting Black entrepreneur achievements here in Colorado and throughout the nation.

The past three years have been the three strongest years of new business formation in American history. The 16 million new business applications filed during this period show Americans starting businesses at nearly twice the rate—86 percent faster—compared to the pre-2021 average. During that time, U.S. small businesses have created more than 7.2 million net new jobs.

And Black-owned businesses are

responsible for some of the most significant gains.

This historic entrepreneurial boom didn’t come out of nowhere. President Biden’s Investing in America agenda reopened our nation’s economy, brought back Made in America manufacturing, and restored America’s global competitiveness. We’re rebuilding America’s roads, bridges, ports, and water systems while we build the clean energy economy of tomorrow. We’re also expanding high speed internet access nationwide including to many of Colorado’s rural areas.

These investments are powering the Biden Small Business Boom, and unlike many economic recoveries of the past, this one includes entrepreneurs of color. One of the reasons for that is the SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program.

This innovative hub-and-spoke partnership connected hundreds of community organizations around the country - likethe U.S. Black Chambers of Commerce and the National Urban League-with entrepreneurs, helping them make the most ofSBA resourcessotheir small businessescan grow andthrive.

Under SBA Administrator Isabel

GUEST COLUMN Aikta Marcoulier

Casillas Guzman’s leadership, the agency has also delivered recordbreaking government contracting for small businesses—including the most federal contracting dollars going to minority-owned businesses in history. And we’re addressing longstanding gaps in access to capital for Black entrepreneurs, more than doubling our small business loans to Black-owned businesses since 2020.

These investments are making a big impact. Black business ownership is growing at the fastest pace in 30 years. The share of Black households owning a business doubled between 2019 and 2022.

In 2023 alone,Census data showed Americans filed 5.5 millionnew business applications across the country,including 143,000 here in Colorado. That success is creating a rising tide. Black wealth is up a record 60% from before the pandemic, and Black unemployment has reached historic lows since 2021.

These positive impacts are not isolated—in fact we’re seeing positive gains for small businesses across demographics, regions, economic sectors, and beyond.

While Colorado’s Black-owned businesses continue to power the Small Business Boom,ourwork is far from done.Despite record federal

dollars reaching Black-owned businesses through government contracting, longstanding disparities persist. Recently, the presidentannounced his new goal to increase the share of federal contracts with Small Disadvantaged Businesses to 15 percent by fiscal year 2025.

This represents a massive increase over historical averages—and a 50 percent increase from when he first took office, and a huge step towards equity.

The SBA also understands that, even in good times, minority entrepreneurs and other historically underserved communities (including women, veterans, and rural) still face obstacles accessing capital. That’s why the SBA is committed to ensuring that anyone with a good idea can pursue that opportunity. We’re helping more Americans than ever access the funds they need to realize their dreams of small business ownership – and that means more jobs, more goods and services, and more resilient communities, no matter the zip code.

For more information on SBA’s programs and services please visit www.sba.govand remember to follow us on Twitter (X) @SBArockymtn and @SBA_colorado.

Living with an abundance mentality

W

hen bombarded by problems, our instinct is often to fixate on lacks, not enough time, energy or resources. We operate from a scarcity mindset governed by fear and self-protection. But shifting to an abundance paradigm alters life’s trajectory.

There are many of us who grew up with parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents who lived during the Depression era. For those of us who did, we were often told stories of how they lived and survived during those lean years.

Times were hard, people became hardened, and abundance was tough to come by.

Even now, there are still those who live and work with a scarcity mentality instead of an abundance mindset. Being cautious and wise with resources is important, and not chasing foolish optimism is sound advice. We need to use good judgment when determining our condition and environment when it comes to choosing abundance over scarcity.

One of my favorite scenes from a movie that clearly depicts the scarcity mindset in a lighthearted way is found in the movie, Finding Nemo.

It’s the scene where Nemo’s dad and Dory find themselves among a

flock of seagulls. The seagulls mimic their cry using the words, “Mine, mine, mine.”

How often do we look at what we have and refuse to share, saying the same thing, “Mine, mine, mine?”

Living with abundance means that Michael Norton we carry the belief that there really is enough for everyone. It’s not just making sure we get our slice of the pie; it’s about making the pie bigger so all can enjoy it. It’s knowing that we have enough to meet our needs and looking at how we can help others who might be in a time of need.

Learning to live with abundance takes away the edge and worry about what will happen next. It not only calms our fears, but it also actually increases our generosity. An abundance mindset can bolster innovation at work. Feeling strapped stifles creativity about possible solutions.

But believing options and answers exist outside of our scope of understanding liberates innovation. If resources feel scarce, we likely need to think bigger. Leaders would do well to shift from scarcity to abundance thinking to spur breakthroughs.

WINNING WORDS

Abundance empowers us to stop hoarding in fear. We spend time and talents freely, trusting the well will not run dry. Saying yes to life’s invitations leads to growth. Decluttering the unnecessary makes space for joy and purpose.

Abundance thinking reframes “not enough” into “more than enough.” It believes resources exist to accomplish our divinely inspired purpose, whether launching a company or raising a child. Lack is merely a limitation of vision, not actually supply. Abundance thinking builds confidence, not arrogance.

Our worth rests on grace, not works.

When we live and work with an abundance mentality instead of material scarcity, anxiety is lifted. We take bold risks toward the achievement of our goals and dreams. We create value instead of competing for those slices of the pie mentioned earlier. We breathe deeper and stand taller, empowered to change the world.

Those with an abundance mentality are generous because they believe resources exist to fulfill purpose.

They freely spend time mentoring others whose talents could one day launch world-changing ventures.

They know the water won’t run out if they pour out freely. Abundance breeds gratitude and giving.

An abundance mentality also builds resilience amid hardship.

During storms, scarcity fixates on all that may be lost. It knows setbacks are often setups for greater impact.

This mentality lifts eyes beyond the present turmoil to see hope.

Scarcity thinking shrinks possibility and fuels fear. Adopting an abundance mentality liberates us to thrive. Despite real limitations, embracing the truth of the blessings that we have lavishly been provided transforms everything. Abundance thinking awakens courage, creativity, and deep joy.

Where are you now when it comes to living with an abundance mentality rather than one of scarcity? Was there ever a time when you made the shift from scarcity to abundance, and if so, how did that make you feel? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can truly understand the impact of living with a mindset of abundance, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Denver Herald 11

February 22, 2024

A privileged life

F

rom climbing trees to heights

to hitchhiking, risk-taking was part of my growing years.

By the standards of my immigrant grandparents though, my derring-dos were hardly perilous.

Nevertheless, I inherited that gene from them. Like they did, I migrated from the place of my birth in search of a better life. I found it in Colorado despite there being no guarantees I would. I had a vague dream, a gut feeling and an itch that needed to be scratched.

Living with risk was a regular part of daily life for my grandparents from the day they launched themselves from nineteenth-century Eastern Europe. Believing in the promise of America, they flocked to America in search of opportunities denied them in their native lands. Instead of amber waves of grain however, the men found themselves eking out a subsistent existence as they burrowed into coal mines or baked in the steel mills of Western Pennsylvania. The women valiantly toiled 24/7 in the squalor, scrubbing, cooking, sewing and raising the children.

My family’s story is one of thousands differentiated only by the particulars, one that is being reenacted today by others coming in search of better lives for themselves and their

families. I remain in awe of their courage, forsaking all they’ve known and risking their lives so to get the blessings of liberty the Preamble speaks of for themselves and their children.

It is through that grandson-of-immiColumnist grants perspective I view much of what is unfolding today. It is through the lens of a child of a blue collar, skilled craftsman and a mother who, like her mother had, clawed out a borderline existence for her children after her husband and the family’s breadwinner — my father — died tragically while she was carrying her thirteenth child.

It is why I find substantive literary characters, real ones like Joe Rantz in “The Boys in the Boat” and fictional like Sethe in “Beloved” and Tom Joad in “The Grapes of Wrath,” heroic and dismissive of shallow, wellto-do characters, like Daisy and Tom Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby,” who don’t know what hard work is, have never sweated, baked or froze trying to make a living, have never had their hands coarsened with blis-

JERRY FABYANIC

ters and calluses, and haven’t experienced hunger, wondering if they could make rent, pay for their utilities, and buy groceries to feed their children, yet flaunt their wealth so to win the affectations of the masses in an attempt to give substance and meaning to their vacuous lives.

It is through the remembrance of brothers who fought for their country in Vietnam and carried scars from the war the rest of their lives, one of them eaten up by cancer I’m convinced was initiated by Agent Orange.

And it is from learning at an early age the physical, psychological, and emotional value of hard work and how to have fun sometimes with little more than a can to kick. It’s the reason I feel sad for youth encumbered in ways I wasn’t that prevent them from escaping and rising above their plight, for children who don’t frolic in snow, splash barefoot through mud puddles, or get dirty and bruised while playing in carefree, outdoor disorganized activities, and for the myopic ones who cope with their boredom by scrolling through phone apps, checking out social media, and obsessively playing video games.

Those and other life experiences are among the reasons I offer grati-

tude for the privileged life I’ve have had.

In “America,” Neil Diamond belts out a tribute to all those who have and continue to do what my — and possibly your — ancestors did.

The music pulses with an energy that conveys a sense for me what it might’ve felt like for my grandfather, Ignac, when at age twenty-one he first saw the shores of America from the rails of a ship and stepped ashore knowing he made it but not knowing that fourteen years later he would die by having his skull crushed in a grimy factory, leaving behind a wife and six children.

Thanks to my intrepid immigrant grandparents and my steely, imperturbable parents, I was given a head start in life. And once I struck out on my own, I didn’t — couldn’t have — done it alone. Like everyone else, I had guides, mentors, and plenty of helping hands along the way.

I haven’t lived a privileged life in the highbrow socio-economic sense. Far from it. But I have led one in a more meaningful way. It’s merely a matter of perspective.

Fannie Mae states “Mortgage rates will fall below 6% in 2024.”¹ Investors are enjoying a nice start to the year. The stock market falls into both the good and the bad category. While returns have been nice as corporate earnings have held up during rising rates, many believe valuations are artificially high and will correct at some point. That is usually the natural cycle of the market so this is not really unexpected.

It may also depend on which stocks and which sectors, given that we often see rolling corrections that don’t affect the entire S&P 500. Currently we have price to earnings (P/E) in a wide range. Twenty or below is considered decent. This is the calculation of the stock price divided by annual earnings, so the lower the better if you are looking for undervalued stocks.

Other economic indicators on the

bad list include a slowing economy, a softening labor market, and uncertainty around when the Fed will start to lower interest rates.² And we can’t talk about 2024 without mentioning that it is an election year. While political outcomes are never a successful investment strategy, it does affect the mood, if not the perception, of how the economy will be affected at least for the next four years. Therefore I would put elections in the ugly category along with war, violence, poverty, and declining health.

Maybe we just need more love, hope, faith, and charity to push everything into the good category!

Anything is possible.

1.Dow Jones Market Watch 1.26.24 2 UN News at UN.org

Jerry Fabyanic is the author of “Sisyphus Wins” and “Food for Thought: Essays on Mind and Spirit.” He lives in Georgetown.

The good, bad and ugly

M

y readers know I like to

look at all sides of a situation. The beginning of the year is a good time to map out what is great, what may be challenging and what is potentially awful with the economic landscape and how it affects investors.

I like to be positive, so I’ll start with the current good things.

First is the Fed and that they may have pulled off a soft landing. This is where they are able to raise interest rates enough to curb inflation and not cause a recession. So far, so good. Inflation has come down; the economy is still growing and employment remains strong.

Second, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is positive but slowing.

I put this measure of economic growth in the good category because it could be much worse considering the level of interest rate hikes

we have endured.

Economic growth is naturally expected to slow as inflation comes down. Much of this growth is fueled by consumer spending which last year made up 80 percent of the GDP. Higher inflation should have Patricia Kummer curbed some of that spending but there could still be pent up demand from shortages during COVID. Housing has also held up well considering high mortgage rates. Those of us buying houses in the eighties when interest rates were around 12% don’t think current rates are high. However, there is a whole new generation of home buyers that have never seen anything north of 4%.

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Patricia Kummer is managing director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

12 Denver Herald

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

I

n the back of your mind, you might recall

fond memories of your parents taking you to the park — or school programs busing you to faraway nature scenes.

And in the bustle of adulthood, getting outdoors may have become less of a priority in your daily schedule.

But the benefits of viewing and spending time in nature go deeper than the proverbial “getting some air.”

In fact, it can lower blood pressure and is linked with lowering levels of stress, depression and anxiety, according to the National Park Service.

One easy way to capture those benefits is hiking, a word that conjures images of mountains and rugged dirt trails. And in Colorado, chances are you’ve met someone with a “hiker” persona: lots of gear, often heading out on weekends, probably driving a Subaru.

But hiking doesn’t have to be so extreme. It doesn’t even have to involve big hills.

In the purest sense, it’s just a long walk for pleasure or exercise. And if you live in any of the counties around Denver, the good news is you’re never far from a hiking spot.

That includes places with breathtaking views

February 22, 2024

in Douglas County.

“Most Douglas County staffers will tell you that the open space that they like best is the last one they got to hike,” said Dan Dertz, director of Douglas County’s open space office.

From Georgetown in the mountains to the plains of Elbert County, here’s a look at hiking spots for beginners and seasoned veterans alike — and some tips if you’re new to the activity.

Douglas County

If you’re just starting out, one of the easiest hiking trails in Douglas County is Bluffs Regional Park, Dertz says.

Just a few miles from Park Meadows mall, Bluffs Regional Park offers sweeping views of the mountains and the Denver metro area. It’s a short drive south of Yosemite Street and Lincoln Avenue near Lone Tree.

If you’re seeking high elevation and more of a challenge, try Spruce Mountain Open Space Trail. That’s off Spruce Mountain Road south of Noe Road, west of Interstate 25.

There are no costs for parking or access at those hiking spots.

Jefferson County

For an easy and flat hike not far from downtown Denver, try Crown Hill Park off 26th Avenue in the Wheat Ridge area. Its trailways offer

lakeside views.

One of the higher-elevation spots in Jefferson County for a hike is Elk Meadow Park in the Evergreen area. There, you can brave a 2,100-foot elevation gain from the Stagecoach Boulevard trailhead to the 9,708-foot Bergen Peak, according to Jefferson County Open Space.

All Jeffco Open Space parks are free to access and open to the public one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, according to the county.

For information on park closures, see the county’s alerts and closures webpage.

Clear Creek County

Asked about lesser-known spots for hiking in Clear Creek County, Jon Butcher, a county staffer, said: “The Silver Creek Trail is probably the coolest but hard to get to.”

“It is a wagon road built in the mid-to-late 1800s that is flat once you get there,” said Butcher, the county’s recreation facilities manager.

For easiest access, park at Georgetown Lake and take the part of Tom Benhoff trail on the south side of the lake, then head uphill on Purdy or Dunbarton trails to get to Silver Creek Trail. Once there, head east for about 4 miles one way or 8 miles out and back.

SEE TAKE A HIKE, P13

Denver Herald 13

February 22, 2024

TAKE A HIKE FROM PAGE 12

In a mountain county, trails are better suited to experienced hikers.

“As far as ‘easy trails’ lacking too much elevation change, I would suggest Alvarado, Georgetown Lake, Meadow Loop at Floyd Hill or any of the Greenway Trails,” Butcher said.

The trails are accessible for free.

Elbert County

In the plains of Elbert County — east of Douglas County and southeast of Aurora — wideopen rural views are the norm.

But for a trail maintained for the public, look to the Elizabeth area.

One trail runs for 1.3 miles with access at Running Creek Elementary School on the south and Evans Park on the north, said Eric Larson, an Elbert County staffer.

(Flooding last summer washed out the trail at Colorado Highway 86. Repairs are slated for this summer, intended to return the path to its full length and useability.)

Once in Evans Park, the town trail connects with a small trail that loops through a wooded section of the park.

“The most significant, and perhaps only other publicly accessible, trail in the county is located in Casey Jones Park at 4189 Highway 86” in the Elizabeth area, said Michael Barney, director of Elizabeth Park and Recreation District. That park is next to Evans Park.

The trail is roughly 1.4 miles and passes through the northern wooded section of the 103-acre park. It’s best reached by parking north of the baseball fields, and trail access is at the northwest corner of the parking area.

All trails in Elbert County mentioned above are open to pedestrians, bikes and horses and closed to motorized vehicles, according to the district. Free parking is available near all trail access points.

A trail meanders through Columbine Open Space in Douglas County.

COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY

Staying safe

For beginners, here are some tips for hiking from Jefferson County Open Space, especially for challenging routes: • Pick up a physical map near a trail parking area, or use a mapping app like COTREX. (You can download offline maps to navigate trails for when you don’t have cellular service.)

• Bring a compass if you know how to use one.

• Dress in layers or have extra layers for warmth or rain protection.

• Use sunscreen, hats and long sleeves for sun protection.

• Bring extra food and plenty of water for yourself and your pets.

• Have a flashlight in case you get caught out after dark.

• Bring a first-aid kit.

• Bring matches in case of an emergency.

(Generally, Jeffco Open Space does not allow fire or open flame in its parks.)

• Have emergency shelter, such as a tent or tarp.

Be on the lookout for wildlife. Jeffco Open Space tracks human-wildlife interactions in parks and surrounding neighborhoods.

“We strive to balance the protection and preservation of wildlife and their habitat while promoting a safe and positive visitor experience,” said Chris Barker, a county spokesperson. “Visitors that provide information on wildlife interactions play a critical role as stewards and partners in managing wildlife.”

All reports are anonymous. You can report wildlife sightings, encounters or incidents at jeffco.us/3620/Human-Wildlife-Interactions.

Navigating snowy season

For hiking amid snow this winter and early spring, here are some tips from Jefferson and

Sunlight leaves the trail at North Table Mountain Park on Jan. 30 in the north Golden area. A parking lot sits next PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD to the trail off state Highway 93.

Clear Creek counties for staying safe in challenging environments: • Bring traction devices for your shoes or boots, or trekking poles, for snow-packed or icy trails.

• If heading to parks alone, let someone know where you’re going and your anticipated return time just in case.

• Check online for park or trail closures in case snowy conditions begin to thaw and create muddy trails that are closed.

• Know what layers to bring: Synthetic fabric or wool are best as they tend to provide some insulation even when wet. Avoid cotton.

Left: A group stands as the sun goes down at Bluffs Regional Park in the Lone Tree area of Douglas County.

• Bring a map. Remember: Many trails in lesspopulated regions go outside phone coverage areas. Have a full phone battery and keep it warm.

• Bring a flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.

• The snow off trails can be deep. If going off trail, bring gaiters and skis or snow shoes.

• Do not enter avalanche terrain unless you have the needed training and equipment.

“Know the limits of your fitness and clothing,” Butcher said. “Turn around if either of them are failing to keep you comfortable.”

COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY

14 Denver Herald

February 22, 2024

A place where people come together to share in the music and arts Swallow Hill Music brings on Jessy Clark as new CEO

BY BRUCE GOLDBERG SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Jessy Clark brings an impressive portfolio of experience to her new role as chief executive officer of Swallow Hill Music, a nonprofit based at Yale and Broadway in Denver.

And Clark fits right in. She’s been playing piano since she was 4 and has taken many Swallow Hill classes, including ukulele, bass guitar and acoustic guitar.

“In addition to learning a new instrument, I’ve made some very good friends, people who are still students here,” Clark said. “I had the opportunity to experience what our students know. And to learn new things when you’re an adult is so important.”

Clark has helped run Swallow Hill since July 2017 as its chief operating officer. In that role, she was responsible for the organization’s strategic vision, capital project operations and oversaw several departments.

She was promoted to CEO in January.

“Jessy (Clark) brings decades of experience in our arts and cultural community. I couldn’t be more excited for anybody to take over as the new CEO of Swallow Hill,” said Paul Lhevine, who formerly served as Swallow Hill’s CEO for about six years, and for the past two, has served as CEO for the Colorado Association of Nonprofit Organizations. “Jessy is a tremendous leader with a tremendous background, matched only by her passion for people and the music.”

A resident of Wheat Ridge, Clark’s background includes serving as senior vice president of operations at the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, and involvement with the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, more commonly known as the

SCFD. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University, and is a graduate of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s Leadership Denver.

Clark’s new role as CEO of Swallow Hill keeps her busy as there’s plenty to do as the staff works to repopulate its programs after COVID forced Swallow Hill to put much of its programming on pause. Today, the organization’s membership has grown to about 950 people, up from 800 at the end of 2023. It was at about 1,000 pre-COVID. “My fondness for Swallow Hill is the community building,” Clark said. “It’s unlike anything that I’ve done in any other job I’ve ever had.

It’s just such a fun and dedicated community.”

Swallow Hill is the nation’s second-largest acoustic school; Chicago’s Legendary Old Town School of Folk Music is the biggest. Swallow Hill turns 45 this year.

Clark’s biggest challenge is trying to balance the bottom line with community work, she said.

“Our track record shows that we build community here,” Clark said.

“Our students, in particular, take classes over and over. People just stick with us.”

Swallow Hill offers classes for all ages, and highly values introducing music to children, and has built strong ties to the community through the years. It continues to do so, presenting music programs for local schools, particularly the most underfunded ones.

It has also steadily rebuilt its concert list, now presenting about 300 concerts annually.

Swallow Hill and the Denver Botanic Gardens have partnered to produce summer concerts at the latter location. That program is five years old and will have 10 concerts this summer. These are in addition to the Evenings Al fresco, which features smaller acts around the gardens.

“It’s been a great partnership,” said

Jessy Clark on the job at Swallow Hill Music. Clark was named CEO of the organizaPHOTO COURTESY OF SWALLOW HILL MUSIC tion in January.

Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, director of marketing and social responsibility at the Denver Botanic Gardens. “She (Clark) has a super degree of organization and communication in any relationship that she oversees.”

Also in the summers, Swallow Hill holds Wednesday night concerts featuring local talent at Four Mile Historic Park, and has done so for years.

“At its core, Swallow Hill is a place where community comes together to share in music and to share in the arts,” Lhevine said. “But it’s more than that. When you see people interacting in the lobby, see the group class interaction, it goes beyond music. It’s a place where social capital is being created.”

To learn more about Swallow Hill, visit swallowhillmusic.org.

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16 Denver Herald

February 22, 2024

PILLS FROM PAGE 8

While there is far more information on the dangers of fentanyl now than when the state first started seeing a spike in overdose deaths in 2017, families who have lost loved ones to the drug say there is still a lot more work to do.

Several universities and community colleges have agreed to a list of requests by parents, including joining a real-time overdose map, that would quickly alert school leaders about fentanyl deaths in their cities and on campus, and naloxone training for students.

The push for more warnings and education comes after parents of five young adults who died from fentanyl poisoning questioned by state universities had not done more to warn students, especially when local authorities knew that a particularly deadly batch of counterfeit oxycodone or Xanax containing fentanyl was circulating.

In 2023, 948 people in Colorado died from a fentanyl overdose, up from 920 in 2022, according to preliminary state health department data. Officials expect the total fentanyl overdose deaths from last year to increase due to a roughly three-month lag in the data.

Nationally, the DEA seized more than 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder last year, officials said.

This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state.

FUNDING

As many as 7 in 10 counterfeit pills tested in 2023 contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, or roughly the amount that fits on the tips of a pencil, national DEA laboratory testing showed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN FIELD DIVISION OF THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

cation through the Budget Stabilization Factor, known at the time as the “negative factor,” to fund other crucial obligations.

That’s why, with the factor’s end, Colorado is now back to 1989.

It’s almost over now. But what’s next?

Last week, the state received recommendations from a School Finance Task Force on a new formula to fund schools. The formula hasn’t seen a major update since 1994.

The new formula will require the state to spend $474 million more dollars on schools, although the task force recommends phasing in the new formula starting this year.

Lawmakers say money will be tight if they want to eliminate the BS Factor and fund other priorities.

The school funding formula answers the question of how to divvy up state dollars. But there’s another question, too: what’s an “adequate” level of funding?

What do schools need to account for the years of shifting expectations, including providing Information Technology services, required

FROM PAGE 9

Voters adopted the Gallagher Amendment in 1982 to reduce housing assessment rates. Then in 1992, voters approved the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, otherwise known as TABOR. The constitutional amendment limits government spending and requires voter approval for certain taxes. Any excess dollars collected above the TABOR cap must be returned to taxpayers.

With less money going toward schools, voters in 2000 approved Amendment 23 to return education spending to 1989 levels. The provision required per-student spending to increase by inflation plus 1% each year until 2011. After that, perstudent spending would increase each year by at least the rate of inflation.

As Colorado neared its goal, the Great Recession hit. A year later in 2009, Colorado lawmakers began to funnel money away from K-12 edu-

testing, student mental health care and an increase in English learning students?

Additionally, teachers statewide have called for salary increases, with the state struggling to keep many educators in the classroom, and districts facing other challenges, like the rising cost of health care and benefits.

Colorado has for years used grant programs to offset some costs for school districts, Rainey said. But there are haves and have nots — many large school districts have grant writers but some small districts have superintendents filling in on bus routes, she said. And, grants also expire.

Now, the state will await two adequacy studies, due by January 2025, that will give lawmakers a better idea of what districts need financially to teach students.

It’s important work, because what’s adequate for a district changes based on the community, Rainey said. For instance, Cherry Creek has high schools with thousands of students, while 100 dis-

tricts have less than 1,000 total students.

“I would hope that when this analysis is done, lawmakers see what that base level of funding should be so that every student, no matter what district they’re in, has an amount that reflects what they need in order to meet the expectations that the state is holding them to,” Rainey said. “And I think that’s going to be a really important benchmark.”

Even then, Colorado lawmakers could still face funding challenges.

If the adequacy studies say the state must spend a lot more on education, lawmakers would then need to debate how to raise revenue, Rainey said. A referendum sent to voters would be the fastest way to increase state funding, but tax increases are unpopular with voters.

“We would need state level leadership from the governor to legislators on down to support this so voters would say, ‘Yes,’ “ she said.

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

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The 2nd buyer is a young couple that would live in one unit and rent out the other to cover their payment. We are offering a 2-1 buydown for a full price offer. The interest rate will be around 5% in year one and 6% in year 2.

The 3rd buyer is a family care situation where one will support the other but do not want to be too close.

The last buyer would be a mid to older age couple who would like to have additional space for guest and for them to have private space. The home is all on one level.

Any buyer who does not take the 2-1 buydown and does give a full price offer will get a custom package for $20,000.00. The upgrades could include and of these: Private garden, custom front porch, hottub, man cave in the garage or custom tile and paint throughout the home, RV parking or off street parking for the ADU. Please call Alan Davis at 303-378-7537 or alandavis@levelengineering.com

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20 Denver Herald

February 22, 2024

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call 303-566-4123 Legals Summons and Sheriff Sale Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, DENVER COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO Denver County District Court 1437 Bannock St Denver, CO 80202 Plaintiff: TOWNE SQUARE LOFTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, a Colorado nonprofit corporation v.

Defendants: JOHN BANAHOSKI; STATE OF COLORADO - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE Attorneys for Plaintiff: Orten Cavanagh Holmes & Hunt, LLC Hal R. Kyles, #23891 1445 Market Street, Suite 350 Denver, CO 80202 Phone Number: (720) 221-9780 Matter ID #2299.0012 Case No.: 2023CV033230 Division: 424 SUMMONS [BY PUBLICATION] THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this Summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.

LLC By: /s/ Hal R. Kyles Hal R. Kyles, #23891 This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.

Legal Notice No. DHD 272 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: March 14, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice TO: ASHLEY GONZALES: You are notified that you have 10 days after publication for this notice of levy to file your claim of exemption with the District Court of DENVER, 1437 Bannock, Room 256 Denver, CO 80202, in Case 2022CV032514 entitled: URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD MILE HIGH, LLC, d/b/a VESTY PARK, d/b/a LARAMAR, f/d/a THE OVERLOOK @ MILE HIGH vs. ASHLEY GONZALES, a/k/a ASHLEY JUSNITA GONZALES, a/k/a ASHLEY J. GONZALES, a/k/a ASHLEY L. GONZALES $589.12 garnished at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 9000 E. Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010.

Legal Notice No. DHD113 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: March 14, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Storage Liens/Vehicle Titles Public Notice Broncos Towing, 303-722-3555 ( Office ) will be applying for title to the following vehicles, Abandoned.

1) 1984 boat & trailer blue & white 218059 2) 1975 pop up camper white 921628 Legal Notice No. DHD401 First Publication: February 22, 2024 Last Publication: March 14, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Notice to Creditors

legals2@coloradocommunitymedia.com

to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 24, 2024 or the claims may be forever barred.

Parveen Payara, Personal Representative c/o Arlene S. Barringer, Esq. Glatstein & O’Brien, LLP 2696 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 350 Denver, Colorado 80222 Legal Notice No. DHD279 First Publication: February 22, 2024 Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of: MUNOZ, FILBERTO M., Deceased Case Number: 2023PR560 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado, on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Date: January 26, 2024.

Mark Munoz, Personal Representative 2534 W. 100 Avenue Federal Heights, CO 80260 Legal Notice No. DHD1030 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Shayla Abood, a/k/a Shayla Cohen Abood and Shayla C. Abood, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30029 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

This is an action of foreclosure pursuant to Rule 105, C.R.C.P. to the real property situate in Denver, Colorado more particularly described as Condominium Unit 213, TOWNE SQUARE LOFTS, City and County of Denver, State of Colorado.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Kalim Shawn Yaqub, a/k/a Kalim S. Yaqub, a/k/a Kalim Yaqub, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30094

Alonit Katzman, Personal Representative c/o Law Office of Byron K. Hammond, LLC 4500 Cherry Creek Drive South Suite 960 Denver, CO 80246

Dated: February 6, 2024.

ORTEN CAVANAGH HOLMES & HUNT,

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or

Legal Notice No. DHD271 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024

Public Notice

Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Dorothy Frances Lott, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31604 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Robyn Casias Personal Representative 4738 S Ward Way Morrison, Colorado, 80465 Legal Notice No. DHD266 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Margaret Von Feldt, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 171 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before February 25, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Sherry Hardiman Personal Representative c/o Megan Jury, Atty for estate Robinson & Henry PC 7555 E Hampden Ave, #600 Denver, CO 80231 Legal Notice No. DHD265 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Maureen Shelton McGuire, a/k/a Maureen S. McGuire, a/k/a Maureen Alyce Shelton, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30001 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 17, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Denver Herald Dispatch February 22, 2024 * 1

Denver Herald 21

February 22, 2024

Public Notices Sean T. McGuire, Personal Representative Davis Schilken, PC 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 820 Denver, CO 80111 Legal Notice No. DHD 1001 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Norman Clark Lane, A/K/A Norman C. Lane, A/K/A Norman Lane, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30067 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Charles N. Lane Personal Representative 10 S. Cody Court Lakewood, CO 80226 Legal Notice No. DHD263 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Lance Throneberry, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31547 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Julia M. Fee Personal Representative 5045 Central Park Blvd.

Denver, CO 80238 Legal Notice No. DHD256 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of LURO JEAN HALE, aka LURO J. HALE, aka LURO HALE, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR31398 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Jacobus L. Dietvorst Personal Representative

c/o Nicole Andrzejewski 5347 S. Valentia Way, Ste. 335 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Legal Notice No. DHD 1030 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Joan Chilcott McKenna, a/k/a Joan C. McKenna, a/k/a Joan McKenna, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30016 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Roo M. Duncan Personal Representative 1150 Lovall Valley Road Sonoma, CA 95476 Legal Notice No. DHD261 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Victor Maurice King, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 000196

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Beckie Lyn Trujillo Personal Representative c/o Pearman Law Firm 4195 Wadsworth Blvd Wheat Ridge CO 80033 Legal Notice No. DHD276 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of REGINALD JACK UNSELL (a.k.a. REX J. UNSELL), Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31439 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

KIMBERLY RUDDELL, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative 1801 California Street, Suite 2400 Denver, CO 80202

Legal Notice No. DHD260 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of MARION J. TONGISH, aka MARION JOHN TONGISH, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30063 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Baysore & Christian Fiduciary Services, LLC Personal Representative 7000 E Belleview Ave, Suite 150 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Legal Notice No. DHD282 First Publication: February 22, 2024 Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Ved P. Nanda, a/k/a Ved Nanda, a/k/a Ved Prakash Nanda, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30012 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 10, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Anjali Nanda Personal Representative 77 S. Ash Street, Denver, CO 80246 Legal Notice No. DHD1003 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Teresa Rushton, Deceased Case Number: 23PR666 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 25th, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Michelle McDaniel, Personal Representative 1833 Williams St Apt 107 Denver, Colorado 80218 Legal Notice No. DHD2010 First Publication: February 22, 2024 Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of RAMON P. STOCKHAM, a/k/a RAMON PAUL STOCKHAM, a/k/a RAY P. STOCKHAM, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR031521 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 10, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Linda Quade, Personal Representative 8470 County Road 24 Fort Lupton, CO 80621 Legal Notice No. DHD1002 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Timothy P. Watson, a/k/a Timothy Patton Watson, a/k/a Timothy Watson, a/k/a Tim P. Watson, a/k/a Tim Patton Watson, a/k/a Tim Watson, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 31583 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Elizabeth W. Duggan Personal Representative 217 W. Hill Street Decatur, GA 30030 Legal Notice No. DHD281 First Publication: February 22, 2024 Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Ann Josephine Russo a/k/a Ann J. Russo a/k/a Anna J. Russo a/k/a Anna Russo, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30114 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

John Joseph Russo Jr. a/k/a John J. Russo Personal Representative 45 Fairway Lane Littleton, CO 80123 Legal Notice No. DHD262 First Publication: February 8, 2024

Denver Herald Dispatch February 22, 2024 * 2

22 Denver Herald

February 22, 2024

Public Notices

Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch

Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Eugene Vignerot, Deceased Case Number 2024PR30102

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of LARRY JOHN HALSTEAD (a.k.a. LARRY J. HALSTEAD), Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31440

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 24, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Tamra A. Palmer Attorney to the Personal Representative c/o 6060 Greenwood Plaza Blvd #200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Legal Notice No. DHD 277 First Publication: February 22, 2024 Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of DALE GRANT, aka DALE ROBERT GRANT, aka DALE R. GRANT, aka D. ROBERT GRANT, aka D.R. GRANT, aka D. GRANT, Deceased Case Number: 23PR698 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 17, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kellie Adam of CS Advocare, Inc. Personal Representative 7500 E Arapahoe Rd., Suite# 101 Centennial, Colorado 80112 Legal Notice No. DHD 730 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Christopher Robert Guiver, AKA Christopher R. Guiver, AKA Christopher Guiver, AKA Chris Guiver, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30084 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 17, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Philip Todd Guiver Personal Representative 7277 Independence Street Littleton, CO 80128 Legal Notice No. DHD268 First Publication: February 15, 2024

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

KIMBERLY RUDDELL, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative 1801 California Street, Suite 2400 Denver, CO 80202 Legal Notice No. DHD254 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Benita Marie Guzman, a.k.a. Benita M. Guzman, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30047 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 21, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Douglas Guzman Personal Representative 3238 Arapahoe Street Denver, CO 80205 Legal Notice No. DHD273 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of DAVID FERDON MILNER, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 635 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Eunice Milner Personal Representative 2963 S Zenobia St. Denver, Colorado 80236 Legal Notice No. DHD264 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Eileen M. Hahn, a/ka Eileen Marie Hahn, a /k/a Eileen Hahn, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 030053 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

William F. Hahn Personal Representative c/o Douglas A. Turner, P.C. 602 Park Point Drive, Suite 240 Golden, CO 80401 Legal Notice No. DHD258 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Joann I. Litvak, a/k/a Joni Litvak, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30032 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 10, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Ronald Dale Litvak, Personal Representative 2250 Stuart Street Denver, CO 80212 Legal Notice No. DHD255 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of JAMES ELDON DICK aka JAMES E. DICK aka JAMES DICK, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30019 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 17, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

NADYA VECCHIET-LAMBERT, ESQ. On behalf of Dan J. Halvorson, Personal Representative 6855 South Havana Street, Suite #370 Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 734-7131 Legal Notice No. DHD275 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Larry L. Boroff, a/k/a Larry Boroff and Larry Boroff Jr., Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30060 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Saconna Blair Personal Representative c/o Law Office of Byron K. Hammond, LLC 4500 Cherry Creek Drive South Suite 960 Denver, CO 80246 Legal Notice No. DHD270 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of ROBERT E. DELINE a/k/a ROBERT EDWIN DELINE, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30031 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

THOMAS C. DELINE, co-Personal Representative 25 S. Ivy Street Denver, CO 80224 ROBERT H. DELINE, co-Personal Representative 5701 E. 6th Ave Pkwy Denver, CO 80220 Legal Notice No. DHD274 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of James C. Campbell, aka James Carl Campbell, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 31546 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Stephen M. Brainerd Personal Representative 1550 17th Street, Suite 500 Denver, Colorado 80202 Legal Notice No. DHD257 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024

Denver Herald Dispatch February 22, 2024 * 3

Denver Herald 23

February 22, 2024

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Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS VIVIAN L. MONTAGUE, aka VIVIAN LAVONNE MONTAGUE, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30087 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

David E. Montague, Personal Representative 2808 S. Lowell Blvd.

Denver, CO 80236 Legal Notice No. DHD280 First Publication: February 22, 2024 Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of THEDORA REGISTER JACKSON aka THEDORA R. JACKSON aka THEDORA JACKSON, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30011

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Quimby Jackson Personal Representative c/o NADYA VECCHIET-LAMBERT, ESQ. 6855 S. Havana Street, Suite 370 Centennial, CO 80112 Legal Notice No. DHD259 First Publication: February 8, 2024 Last Publication: February 22, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of CRAIG ANTHONY GLADEAU, aka CRAIG A. GLADEAU, aka CRAIG GLADEAU, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30036 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before June 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Anna Gladeau Eshbaugh and Troy Lee Williams

Co-Personal Representatives c/o 3i Law, LLC 2000 S. Colorado Blvd.

Tower 1, Suite 10000 Denver, CO 80222 Legal Notice No. DHD269 First Publication: February 15, 2024 Last Publication: February 29, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of HELEN BONSON HOPKINS, a/k/a HELEN B. HOPKINS, a/k/a HELEN HOPKINS, Deceased Case Number: 2023PR31485 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Denver Probate Court of the City and County of Denver, Colorado on or before Monday, June 24, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Renee Murray, Personal Representative 1243 South Williams Street Denver, CO 80210 Legal Notice No. DHD278 First Publication: February 22, 2024 Last Publication: March 7, 2024 Publisher: Denver Herald-Dispatch ###

PUBLIC NOTICES

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Denver Herald Dispatch February 22, 2024 * 4

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February 22, 2024

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