Every day he had to wear a suit, speak a certain way and not tell people about who he was for nearly 30 years. But now he feels true freedom. Dan Klehm describes himself as rough around the edges and an old-school metalhead who is a coffee and soda connoisseur.
“What has really kept me from really realizing my potential was, I was acting without purpose,” said Klehm. Before moving to Colorado, Klehm worked in the corporate restaurant business as the vice president of Applebees and Rock Bottom Brewery as well as COO of Illegal Pete’s and Cheba Hut, but his work eventually brought him to Parker.
While traveling across the country, Klehm said he was successful and was making money, but became dissatis ed with the industry, which is why he decided to start his own company – a passion project called Convict Co ee Company.
Fourth
“(Co ee Convict) is really born out of just disappointment in the industry,” said Klehm. “Just recognizing lack of pay equity, lack of opportu-
of July weekend fireworks cause blazes across south metro area
BY NINA JOSS AND ELLIS ARNOLD
Early in the morning on July 7, three acres of the Willow Spring Open Space area in Centennial were ablaze with re. e re, which South Metro Fire Rescue re ghters stopped from spreading within 20 minutes, was one of many incidents over the holiday weekend that were likely caused by reworks, South Metro Fire Rescue spokesperson Eric Hurst said. He said it’s “very common” to see res on July 4 and the days surrounding it.
“Every year, we up-sta additional re engines in those evenings — usually the third, fourth and fth — so that we have extra personnel because we know that there’s going to be more res,” he said.
is year, on July 4 alone, between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight, crews responded to 45 res in South Metro’s district, which includes Littleton, Centennial, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Parker, Fox eld, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village and
Daniel Klehm is the founder and owner of Convict Co ee Company on Parker Road.
After years of being in the correctional system, he believes incarceration is not an effective way to change someone unless rehabilitation is included. Convict Co ee is his passion project to help provide youth a safe place for the community to hang out.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
SEE COFFEE, P8
SEE FIRES, P6
Douglas County migrant bus ordinance could expand
Sheri ’s o ce says it has not issued any citations or warnings under the ordinance passed in April
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Fearing that vehicles carrying migrant people will stop in Douglas County, elected leaders are poised to expand a law to limit the unloading of bus passengers.
ey’re looking to put the poli-
cy in e ect in at least some of the county’s cities and towns, not just areas the county government usually controls.
e rst version of the ordinance, approved in April, only applied in unincorporated areas, or those outside of municipalities, including Highlands Ranch and many other parts of Douglas.
Now, if the expanded version takes e ect, the law will also apply in cities or towns in the county that agree to allow the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce to enforce it. Generally, the sheri ’s o ce provides police services outside city and town boundaries, with some exceptions.
In a unanimous move, the county’s three elected commissioners approved the expanded law on a preliminary vote.
“ is was initiated at the request of our municipalities in order to better protect all of Douglas County,” Commissioner George Teal said at the early July meeting where the vote took place.
Among cities and towns in Douglas, only Castle Rock so far has taken action to allow the sheri to enforce the busing ordinance within its boundaries, according to the county.
County o cials have framed the policy as safeguarding the “community’s overall well-being.” e discourse in Douglas County surrounding migrant people has seen the topic of crime come up. Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly recently suggested that migrants moving south from Denver into the county are to blame for increased crime, though his remarks appear unsupported by evidence, Colorado Newsline reported.
County o cials have acknowledged that they aren’t aware of any migrants being dropped o in the county by commercial vehicles.
But before voting to approve the rst version of the busing law in April, Teal said: “ ere will come a time when we need this ordinance, and it might be sooner than later.”
Teal worried that Denver would start diverting buses carrying migrants from Texas to Colorado’s capital city to neighboring communities.
“I can’t help but think it’s only a matter of time,” Teal said.
Asked by the Douglas County News-Press about that fear, Jon Ewing, a city spokesperson, said Denver has not diverted buses of migrants to Douglas County.
“We haven’t and we won’t,” Ewing said in April.
Je Garcia, Douglas County’s attorney, said in early July that to the county’s knowledge, since December 2022, no government or organization has brought migrants out of Denver into shelters in Douglas.
Asked whether Douglas County knows of any migrant or migrants being dropped o anywhere across the county by commercial buses, vans or trucks since December 2022, Garcia said: “I’m not aware of any.”
e sheri ’s o ce says it has not seen enforcement activity under the rst version of the ordinance.
“We have not issued any citations or warnings under (this) ordinance,” said Deputy Cocha Heyden, a spokesperson for the sheri ’s ofce. “We have also had no calls for service related to this ordinance since it became e ective.”
e county’s three commissioners approved the expanded law on a preliminary vote, or rst reading, at a July 9 meeting. It could be adopted on a nal vote on July 23, according to the draft ordinance document.
If approved, the expanded law would also automatically take effect where the sheri ’s o ce already provides law enforcement in municipalities, including Larkspur and Castle Pines.
Some migrant people came to Douglas Commissioner Abe Laydon has pointed to the likelihood that some migrant people could go outside of Denver.
“From a commonsense standpoint, it would be impossible for 40,000 people to come to … Denver and not anticipate that there (would) be some bleed into neighboring counties,” Laydon said in late February. But he acknowledged he did not know for sure whether any organization or local government has brought migrants into Douglas County.
Douglas County says a small number of migrants have sought its services.
Fewer than 20 migrants sought services — primarily shelter — during the weeks of Feb. 26 and March 4, according to county sta .
A county spokesperson said some of the people told the county they were from Venezuela, but others came from other countries.
County sta did not immediately respond to a request for updated numbers when asked how many migrants have sought Douglas County services from March through early July.
No dedicated shelters for the unhoused exist in Douglas County, aside from shelter space for domestic violence survivors, a county spokesperson has said.
not under citaordiHeyden, offor ordinance commissionon readbe 23, ordinance law efalin Larkspur has some of standfor Denthere neighin acknowlsure local migrants small its sought durMarch some they others immediuphow DougMarch unCounty, docounty
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Renovation Trends Reflect Post-Pandemic Drive for Comfort, Warmth and Healthy Living
A May 30th article on Houzz.com caught my attention with the headline “7 Home Design Trends Emerging Now.” I’ll post a link to that article at RealEstateToday.substack.com
The trends which the article identified showed a rising interest in “organic” modern style and “dark and moody” interiors. They didn’t mention the pandemic, but it was on my mind as I pondered this dramatic shift in the public’s attitude toward home life. The after-effects of the pandemic and especially the lock-down period are still being felt in various ways, especially in the home design and real estate choices we each make. I’ve written in the past about how the workfrom-home mandates wreaked havoc on the commercial real estate market, especially post-pandemic, as many workers insisted on (with some employer agreement) continuing to work from home instead of returning to the office.
The biggest surge was observed in the use of search terms such as “organic modern,” whether it was for bedrooms, dining rooms or other rooms. I never thought of using the term “organic” for home design, but it seems to be close to what I’ve always called earth tones. This also tied in with the next most common search term, “dark” and “moody.”
bathroom I saw had a shower that was not separated from a standalone tub sitting on a tiled floor with a floor drain. The homeowner could have been Japanese or perhaps an American who lived there and adopted Japanese ways.
To quote from the article by Parker, “These spaces mix deep, dramatic colors and materials to create an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere with a touch of drama.” Pictures of rooms demonstrating results of those search terms are in the online article which you will want to check out.
It’s been a couple decades since the move away from white walls in new homes. Rounded wall corners are now commonplace, adding softness to walls which are now often a shade of gray.
(I enjoyed a visit to Tokyo decades ago, where I stayed in a student house with no bathing facilities. I, like others in the house, went to a neighborhood bathhouse where I squatted alongside others on a stool in front of a low faucet and washed and rinsed my body before joining others in a huge hot tub.)
Another trend cited by Parker is wellness, which is expressed in bathrooms as well as in saunas, steam showers, cold plunges, and yoga rooms. “Home spa” was a search term which jumped 34% from last year to this year.
We’ve long seen pool tables and ping pong tables in homes, but now the big thing is “game rooms.” (This reminds me that in some 1950s one-story homes with basements, I have seen more than one which had a shuffle board court laid out using colored vinyl tiles, usually covered by wall-to-wall carpeting, greatly amusing the homeowner when it came time to replace the carpeting!)
The seventh and last trend identified in the Houzz article was an interest in “kid zones.” Yes, people are still having children, and having a place for them to engage in non-smartphone games is important to many parents, as it would be for Rita and me if we were of that age. (I suppose grandparents would want a kids zone, too, but even our grandchildren are in college now!)
A second real estate impact from the lock-down period was the decision by many homeowners to relocate to homes that were further from their place of employment and/or move to a home more suited to working from home, such as with a separate home office space.
As for home design trends, how does one gauge such trends? For Mitchell Parker, the writer for Houzz, it was done by analyzing the year-over-year changes in search terms used on their website.
Are you following the 2024 presidential race? You may be interested in my political blog, which you can find at http://TalkingTurkey.substack.com
Another trend noted by Parker is reading rooms and walls of bookshelves, which may seem odd in an era noted for its switch to digital and audio books. (I myself am now hooked on audio books, following a previous addiction to ebooks, which are free from the Jeffco and other library systems.)
Japanese influences are coming into vogue, from the living room to bedroom to the garden, with green, including indoor plants like lemon grass dominating room décor. I recently toured a home which had a Japanese style bathroom. Japanese are fond of washing themselves outside the bathtub, and only going into the tub afterwards to soak. The
Development Opportunity
in Westminster
The property at 9251 N. Wadsworth Boulevard offers a fantastic redevelopment opportunity in Jefferson County and City of Westminster! Formerly known as the Cheshire Cat Hospital, this 3-acre property operated as a veterinary clinic for the past 20 years and is currently zoned agricultural but is an area of focus for rezoning with both Jefferson County and the City of Westminster. The parcel is close to the Denver-Boulder Turnpike, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Rock Creek Medical Campus, retail, municipal government, higher education and open space. If the purchaser wishes to maintain the agricultural zoning, the property could be used for an equine boarding facility with four horses per acre. In addition to domestic animals, the agricultural zoning offers several permitted uses including telecommunications towers, farming with residence, and stables -- a full list. It is co-listed at $2,490,000 by broker associates Chuck Brown and Austin Pottorff, whose cell numbers are at right. An aerial video tour of this listing created by Austin can be seen at www.GRElistings.com.
Leisure spaces generally are also important to home buyers and home renovators. One search term which jumped by 107% year-over-year was “listening room.” Another was for a piano room or piano living room.
Searches for “race car bed,” “teen lounge” and “tween bedroom” were all up year-over-year.
I found the article, which was filled with photo examples from vendors, very interesting and fun. You will too!
Big Reduction on Home
Near Majestic Park
$798,000
The sellers designed this 5-bedroom, 4,603sq.-ft. home at 6714 Field St. in Arvada for entertaining and were the general contractor for it in 1985. Listed last month at $845,000, the price was just lowered to $798,000, which computes to only $173 per square foot! Spaces for entertaining abound both indoors and on the large wraparound deck. There's an indoor hot tub in its own room that is well ventilated to avoid moisture-related issues. Floors are a mix of carpet, oak hardwood and ceramic tile. A guest bedroom on the main floor was used by the seller as a home office and a reading room and sewing room are upstairs. This home is an early example of passive solar design. In addition to the solar thermal panels on the roof which provide hot water for the home, there are solar thermal panels built into the south wall of the great room to capture solar gain in the winter for warming the house after dark. The backyard includes a large garden area and a shed with electricity with two compartments — a storage area with a concrete floor and a south-facing area with gravel floor and windows to capture solar gain for starting plants early. There is no HOA and there’s a gate on the north side of the house for parking an RV next to the garage. Majestic View Park and its Nature Center are a short walk or bike ride to the north. Find more pictures, floor plans and a narrated video walk-through at www.ArvadaHome.info, then come to our open house on Saturday, July 20th, 11am to 1pm. Or call Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to schedule a private showing.
Jim Smith Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401
Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727
CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855
DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835
GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922
AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071
: All “Real Estate Today” columns are archived at www.JimSmithColumns.com.
Elizabeth agencies work on outdoor master plan
Town, schools, park district join forces to shape future
BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Town of Elizabeth, in conjunction with the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District (EPR) and the Elizabeth School District (ESD), has recently announced the Greater Elizabeth Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan Project.
e project “aims to create a roadmap for the future of our community’s outdoor recreational spaces.” e goal of all three agencies is to create a guiding document, a exible framework, that incorporates community resources and assesses how to maximize them for the community.
Mike Barney, executive director of the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District, said that the areas included in the master planning e ort include the boundaries of all three partners. “No new special districts or additional divisions … of land are being proposed,” he said.
He clari ed: “ ere have been no discussions of eminent domain or property annexation related to this planning e ort to date.”
A summary of project goals includes assessing current parks, trails and open spaces, identifying community needs, developing strategies for potential improvements, and preserving the area’s character while enhancing recreational opportunities. Barney added that the intent is not necessarily to identify uses for open space, but rather to “identify where and how open space should be preserved.”
e project boundary map lines up with the Elizabeth School District boundary line, and ESD students will be involved in the planning process.
Zach Higgins, the community development director for the Town of Elizabeth, said that “Elizabeth Schools’ involvement has become one of the most exciting and interesting pieces of this planning e ort.”
Students at all grade levels will be involved, with a group of high school students leading the planning e ort by creating presentations, leading discussions and collecting feedback. Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger had posi-
tive things to say about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to be partnering with the Town of Elizabeth and the Elizabeth Park and Recreation Department on this exciting project to further expand and develop our public parks and trails here in our community. e opportunities this provides our students to partner with citizens in our community are exciting and we look forward to the possibilities this brings.”
Elizabeth invited EPR and the school district to collaborate on a combined master plan. e town had already been in touch with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) about potential funding opportunities. ey were told that GOCO only funds plans and projects that engage the community holistically and in unique ways, Higgins shared.
As luck would have it, the EPR Board of Directors had already set aside money in the budget for pursuing a master plan in 2024. All three agencies supported the idea and pledged to work together and commit resources. With these three
A sign for the Running Creek Park Trail system near Running Creek Elementary that winds behind the school and back through Running Creek Park.
PHOTOS BY NICKY QUINBY
Evans Park Trail begins and ends at Dragonfly Pond.
The start of the Evans Park Trail that winds past Dragonfly Pond. The trail is a loop about a third of a mile long, beginning and ending at the pond. The trail o ers views of the creek valley and plenty of picnic tables and benches. The Prickly Pines Disc Golf Course is also in this area.
OUTDOORS
entities on board, GOCO sta gave their support to complete the application for their Planning and Capacity Grant.
GOCO has approved a grant of $125,000 for the project, EPR has committed $40,000 and the Town of Elizabeth has committed $50,000 to the e ort. e school district is contributing a variety of in-kind resources including meeting space. ESD also owns and manages amenities that are a part of the community’s parks, recreation, open space and trails-related infrastructure.
“ is planning process is fully funded through existing town
PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
funds, grants, and Elizabeth Park and Recreation District resources,”
Barney said. “No new taxes or special districts are anticipated to be created as a result of this project.”
e funds will all go towards the master planning process. Higgins clari ed that this could include hiring a consultant, paying for a website, other engagement e orts, etc.
“Implementation or construction of any improvements will require additional funding either allocated from the di erent entities or acquired through grants like a future
GOCO implementation grant,” he explained.
Currently in the community survey and outreach phase, the master planning process will continue until plan adoption, anticipated in June 2025. Other phases include data
gathering and analysis, community workshops and focus groups, draft plan development, public review periods and plan re nement.
e current project team consists of Zach Higgins and Alexandra Cramer with the town, Franziska Johnson with the school district, and Mike Barney and Kurt Prinslow, an EPR board member, representing EPR.
Cramer, Elizabeth’s town planner and project manager, said the plan represents a unique collaboration between the Town of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Park and Recreation District and Elizabeth School District. “ e plan will address connectivity, explore recreational opportunities, and consider strategies for preserving our natural surroundings. By involving residents of all ages, we’re
A map of Running Creek Trail as well as the access points across town. The map and other info on the Town of Elizabeth’s Parks and Trails is available at townofelizabeth. org/publicworks/ page/parksand-trails.
working to create a master plan that truly represents our community’s needs and aspirations,” she added. e team will be gathering feedback through surveys, community meetings and other outreach efforts. A public survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/8TJV7NP.
GOCO is a statewide organization that helps support conservation, recreation and stewardship needs. For more information about the projects GOCO has helped fund, as well as past grants awarded in Elbert County, visit goco.org/programs-projects/funded-projects.
e Town of Elizabeth also has information available on its webpage at townofelizabeth.org/ projects/page/greater-elizabethparks-trails-and-open-spacemaster-plan.
IMAGE FROM TOWN OF ELIZABETH WEBSITE
FIRES
more.
That’s compared to about one or two fires that would happen on an average night in the summer, Hurst said.
“All fires on July 4 were humancaused, and we’re confident that three-fourths were caused by fireworks. The cause was undetermined in the remaining fires,” he said, speaking about South Metro’s district.
In the Willow Spring Open Space fire, a 911 caller said there were fireworks in the area before the fire started, Hurst said. In response to the call, 35 personnel arrived at the scene.
No injuries or residential property damage occurred from the fire.
Fire investigators on the scene
found a “mortar style” firework in the intersection at South Homestead Parkway and South Niagra Circle, which they said was likely the firework responsible for the fire, Hurst said. In a trash can on the trail, they also found other illegal fireworks, he said.
“Mortar style” fireworks fly up into the air where they explode, Hurst said. Fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Colorado unless permitted by a governing body for a professional display.
Extra fireworks rules vary between municipalities, with some cities prohibiting all personal use of any kind of fireworks, even sparklers.
Investigators did not identify a suspect on scene at the Willow Spring Open Space fire and there were no witnesses to provide suspect information, so no citations were issued, Hurst said.
Hurst said it is important for people to know whether fireworks
are permitted before using them, which includes checking for fire bans.
“If it’s a city that allows fireworks, but a fire ban is in place because it’s dry, then fireworks aren’t allowed anymore,” he said.
Of the fires on July 4 in South Metro’s area, Hurst said he doesn’t have the statistical breakdown of fires that occurred in various city, county or town boundaries with different fireworks rules to determine which fires were caused by legal or illegal fireworks.
Asked whether any fires were started by fireworks shows put on by municipalities, counties or other governments on July 4, Hurst said: “I’m not aware of any fires started by professional fireworks shows in SMFR’s district.”
Safety tips for using fireworks
If people are going to use fireworks, Hurst said, they need to use them in non-combustible ar-
eas like on cement, asphalt, gravel or rocks. Fireworks should not be used in or near grass, bushes or anything else that can burn.
He said it is also important to have a method on hand to put out flames in the case of a fire, such as a garden hose, a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water.
Before throwing fireworks away, Hurst said people should soak them in a bucket of water overnight.
This can prevent fires, like one that happened on July 4 in Castle Pines. After using fireworks, people threw them away in a plastic trash bin.
“When they went inside for the night, the trash bin ignited, burned to the ground, and then it lit their car on fire,” Hurst said.
“We’re lucky it was just a car, but in previous years, we’ve had that happen where it’s burned people’s homes because the trash bin is against the house or in the garage.”
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COFFEE
nity for employees, companies that don’t really value their teams and take care of them.”
Klehm purchased his location on Parker Road on March 1 and opened for business April 16. With the help of his son, they gutted, designed and built the entire venue themselves to create an inclusive and innovative experience, coining the phrase “coffee for the rest of us.”
Convict Co ee is designed for those looking for an authentic, gritty and down-to-earth place. Despite the challenges, such as people not liking the name of the company, Klehm had meaningful conversations with the police, re rescue, the mayor, mothers who have children in prison and spouses.
“ e name is designed to start a conversation,” said Klehm.
While the U.S. makes up about 5% of the global population, the country has 20-25% of the world’s prison population, according to the NAACP and the United Nations O ce on Drugs and Crime.
Having been in prison himself and worried about the business of privately owned prisons, Klehm believes incarceration is not an e ective way to change someone unless rehabilitation is included.
A program should be designed to ensure people are getting what they need to come out of the system and be e ective members of society while learning things to keep them from repeating past behaviors, said Klehm.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of those things come my way, but not everyone is, so that’s what this is about,” Klehm said.
Ending a pattern of crime
Growing up in California in what he described as a “turbulent envi-
ronment” with drugs, alcohol and abuse, Klehm left his home at the age of 13 and fell into a life of crime.
“I kind of snapped and I said no one is putting hands on me again,” Klehm said. “I was running around the Bay Area with a gun at 13.”
When his friend was put in the hospital after they were beaten up, Klehm and a few of his friends were on their way to do a drive-by shooting when they were pulled over two blocks from the scene. Klehm was arrested at 15 years old.
He spent one year at a youth program Rite of Passage in Nevada, where he said the experience didn’t help his behavior.
“It made it worse,” said Klehm. “ at fuels a lot of my mission today, is that a lot of things in the system that people think are intended to help actually make the process worse for people.”
Klehm spent most of the next decade in and out of jail for taking part in robberies, grand theft auto, dealing drugs and possession of a deadly weapon, and ultimately landed in the California state prison at Vacaville.
He felt he was in a place where he could have easily continued down that road, but it was when his rst son, Damien, was born while he was serving time that his life changed.
“Seeing my son through glass for the rst time and not being able to hold him for a year, I felt like I was repeating my dad,” said Klehm. “So much violence in the home and crime is generational, so from that point forward, my mindset was, ‘I’m not going to be that.’”
Just six years later, he was the vice president of Applebees. Years later, on Christmas morning in 2022, Klehm woke up and knew exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to create a place where youth can feel safe and where good could be done.
“Our motto is, ‘Get Out, Do Good,’” said Klehm. “Wherever you are in life, get out of your mindset and go out and do something positive. ere’s so much good that can be done if you just commit to that.”
Doing good with Convict Co ee Company
When Klehm’s son graduated from high school, he realized there were not many community centers in Parker, which is why Convict Co ee also is also designed for youth and o ers a variety of sodas and “Convict
Creations.” ere is a quiet room for guests to get their work done and a ruckus room lled with video games, board games and music. e support begins within the company. As the company grows, Klehm wants to be transparent and show the numbers to the employees. He would like to have an equal pay equity structure and give pro t share to all employees so as the business does better, the employees will as well.
But Klehm is using his company as an avenue for others.
“If you just reach out, you can nd so many people who are doing things that can really make a di erence,” Klehm said.
Convict Co ee sells bread made by men at Treasure House of Hope, which is a men’s recovery house with a commercial kitchen to make baked goods. In addition to the company’s Brazilian-Colombian espresso blend and beans from First Craft in Denver, they also purchase from Redemption Roasters Co ee, a vocational program at a Denver women’s prison.
Artwork by those incarcerated through the Prison Art Experience is also displayed in Convict Co ee. If a guest likes the piece, they can scan an associated QR code to purchase a print of the piece and about 70% of the money goes to the artist.
“So it gives them a head start when they come out of prison,” Klehm said.
Another program Convict Co ee is incorporating is “A Quarter for a Quarter,” a new cause related to keeping youth out of trouble or reducing recidivism that will be featured each quarter of the year. As part of the program, a quarter from each drink sold will go toward the cause.
Like a saying painted on Klehm’s counter, “One Struggle Stick Together,” he wants everyone in his building to be respected for who they are.
With a fresh business in hand and both of his sons working with him, Klehm is looking to expand the opportunities for people in the community as well as expand to a franchise.
“ e coolest part of where I’m at today is, I’m not bitter, I’m not angry, I deserved what I got, I did things that got me in prison,” said Klehm. “I’m just at a place in my career where I don’t want to waste another day.”
Greg Lopez sworn into Congress to finish Ken Buck’s term
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Former Parker mayor Greg Lopez has been sworn into o ce to represent Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, completing the remainder of U.S. Rep. Ken Buck’s term.
Lopez was elected to the seat in the June 25 special election following Buck’s early retirement from Congress. Lopez, a Republican, received 58% of the vote, easily defeating the Democratic candidate Trisha Calvarese.
Lopez took the oath of o ce on July 8 and will serve through January, when a new representative will be sworn in.
Following his oath of o ce, Lopez said he is honored to serve Colorado and aims to put people over politics during his time in Congress.
“I am lled with a sense of gratitude, gratitude for being given the opportunity by my Lord and Savior, and the good people of Colorado’s 4th Congressional District to represent our district and state in the U.S. Congress,” Lopez said. “During my time here, I vow to stay true to the virtues of respect, collaboration, friendship, unity, and most importantly, statesmanship.”
Lopez helps Republicans hold a majority in the House, with 220 seats. Democrats hold 213 seats and two seats are un lled.
Lopez is an Air Force veteran and worked for the Small Business Administration. He campaigned as a temporary representative who would promote conservative solutions to issues like the economy and immigration. He ran as a Republican candidate
Former Parker mayor Greg Lopez is sworn in to his new role as the representative of Colorado’s 4th Congressional District by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Lopez will serve the remainder of former U.S. Rep. Ken Buck’s term since Buck retired earlier this year. COURTESY OF CSPAN
for Colorado’s governor in 2022, but lost to Heidi Ganahl in the primary.
According to e Colorado Sun,
Lopez has a history of run-ins with the justice system. Lopez and his wife were both cited in a domestic violence incident in 1993, and later pleaded guilty to harassment. Lopez also settled a federal lawsuit in 2020 that alleged he attempted to improperly in uence the actions of the Small Business Administration. Voters will decide in November whether Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert or Democratic challenger Trisha Calvarese will be the 4th district’s next congresswoman. Governor Jared Polis congratulated Lopez in a statement.
“I look forward to working together to build a Colorado for all where all Coloradans have the opportunity to thrive,” Polis said. “ ank you to everyone who ran, and especially all the voters who participated in this election.”
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But the county works to provide shelter through partnerships with churches and municipalities — including Aurora and Colorado Springs — and by providing motel or hotel vouchers, the spokesperson said.
transportation available to them to travel to Douglas County,” county sta said in a statement in late March.
What’s in the law
e law the county is poised to expand to at least some municipalities does not mention migrants or any other groups, only mentioning “commercial passengers.”
passengers other than at a “planned and scheduled documented destination.”
Columnists & Guest Commentaries
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We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.
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“Migrants appear to be utilizing personal transportation or public
The RidgeGate calendar of fun starts here.
It prohibits commercial passenger vehicles from stopping in unincorporated parts of the county to unload
e law applies to any vehicle where payment is involved for transportation, including buses, vans and trucks.
It does not include vehicles rented or leased by the driver, vehicles operated by the Regional Transportation District, or RTD, or any government body of the State of Colorado, ridesharing services, or taxi cabs. FROM PAGE 2
Yoga in the Park
Join RidgeGate and South Suburban Parks and Recreation for free community yoga classes on the grass at the south end of Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own mat, water bottle and towel to all classes. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled.
Tuesday, July 30th, 6:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, August 27th, 6:30-7:30pm
Guided Nature Hikes
Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes. These hikes are led by professional naturalists from the district, and offer insight and education into the natural ecosystems within the open space at RidgeGate. Registration is required and available at RidgeGate.com
Sunday, July 21st, 8:30-10pm – Buck Moon
Friday, July 26th, 6-7:30pm – Urban Coyotes
Saturday, August 3rd, 9-10:30am – Nature Journaling
Sunday, August 18th, 7:30-9am – Common Backyard Birds
Tunes on the Terrace at the Lone Tree Arts Center
RidgeGate is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Lone Tree Arts Center’s ‘Tunes on the Terrace’—an outdoor evening concert series that will bring your summer nights to life. Check out the full schedule and buy tickets at LoneTreeArtsCenter.org
Friday, July 26, 7:30pm – Mistura Fina
Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch
The restoration of the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, led by the Schweiger Ranch Foundation, gives us a glimpse into settlers’ lives. Today, the ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits and a variety of events throughout the year. Register for or learn more about these events online at SchweigerRanch.org.
Thursday, July 18th, 8:30-10am – Natural Heritage Walking Tour with SSPRD (Natural Heritage of Native Americans)
Saturday, July 20th, 10-11:30am – Guided Public Tour
Friday, August 16th, 6:30-8pm – Campfire Storytelling Series (Ranger Trey)
Saturday, August 17th, 10-11:30am – Guided Public Tour
Saturday, August 17th, 8:30-10am – Natural Heritage Walking Tour with SSPRD (Nature Bingo)
Keep Colorado Wild Passes a boon to programs
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, avalanche forecasting, search and rescue groups benefit from the program
BY JASON BLEVINS THE COLORADO SUN
More than 1.5 million Colorado vehicle owners have delivered more than $40 million to Colorado Parks and Wildlife by including a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass as part of their annual registrations.
e rst scal year of Keep Colorado Wild pass sales ended June 30 with revenue reaching $40.9 million. at uno cial tally — nal numbers will be updated by the fall — means that parks, wildlife, backcountry search and rescue volunteers, and avalanche forecasters will get boosts in funding in the coming year.
e Keep Colorado Pass plan that
launched in January 2023 adds $29 to every vehicle registration in the state unless owners opt out. e pass provides access to all state parks. e 2021 legislation that created the program hoped to generate more revenue than the annual $80 parks pass that delivered $23 million to CPW in 2020. Early projections hoped CPW would harvest at least $36 million in annual revenue from the new parks pass plan.
at plan set aside the rst $32.5 million in Keep Colorado Wild Pass sales revenue for the state’s 42 parks. en $2.5 million would go to more than 50 Colorado Backcountry Search and Rescue, or BSAR, organizations. And the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, or CAIC, will get $1 million.
At $36 million, the tap would return to CPW for wildlife funding for trails, wildlife programs and diversity and inclusion projects. e roughly 2,800 volunteers who serve on Colorado’s search and rescue teams secure about $9 million a year through fundraising. e additional Keep Colorado Wild Pass funds will ease that fundraising burden.
“ e hope is to make it easier on volunteer responders so they don’t have to do the same kind of fundraising,” said Je Sparhawk, the head of Colorado Search and Rescue Association, which has helped work out a formula to distribute the funds to search and rescue teams based on the size of the area they cover, the number of calls for help and the size of the rescue teams.
at $9 million gure is just how much the volunteers raise through their communities. It does not include spending by county sheri departments that oversee search and rescue teams, nor does it account for the amount individual volunteers spend on equipment and travel for rescue missions and training.
CPW projected revenue from Keep Colorado Wild Pass sales would land between $21.5 million and $54 million. It was a wide range because no one knew for sure how Colorado drivers might react to the additional $29 fee on their annual vehicle registration bill. ere were more than 5 million cars and light trucks registered in Colorado in 2023 and about 30% are included in the Keep Colorado Wild Pass program.
Tra c patterns from those new pass holders will not be known until CPW releases recent visitor tallies to
Colorado’s state parks. In scal 2023 — which ended June 30, 2023 with only six months of Keep Colorado Pass sales — there were 17.9 million state park visitors, down from a pandemic peak of 19.5 million 2020. For the past two years, the state legislature has sent extra funding to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, enabling an overhauled website and forecasting system for the 2022-23 season and a new avalanche awareness campaign as well as forecasts and educational materials in Spanish. e center also converted some part-time positions into full-time jobs, expanding its roster of avalanche forecasters into more communities.
Last month, CAIC forecasters met with Avalanche Canada to map out a 10-year plan for using new technologies and forecasting tools to further grow avalanche awareness and safety in the backcountry.
Ethan Greene, the head of CAIC, said the new funding “will help support this strategic work to provide more accurate and speci c avalanche forecasts for the Colorado mountains.”
is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
Tents and RVs fill the Dutch Charlie area of the Ridgway State Park on July 7 in Ouray County.
PHOTO BY HUGH CAREY/THE COLORADO SUN
THE 2024/2025 SEASON BEGINS WITH GRAMMY® NOMINATED ACADEMY OF
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JIMMIE VAUGHAN: RESCHEDULED FROM MARCH 29, 2024
Pay hikes draw scrutiny in Elbert County
County attorney, manager get raises that spark complaints
BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Elbert County commissioners recently extended and amended the contracts for the county manager, currently Shawn Fletcher, and county attorney, currently Bart Greer. Salaries for both positions were increased to $220,000 per year. e contracts were previously set to expire in 2025 and were extended to Jan. 1, 2027.
In a document titled “Extension of Engagement of ServicesCounty Manager’’ dated Jan 20, 2023, Fletcher’s salary was set at $140,000. It reads in part: “ e term of this contract shall be for a period of two years from January 30, 2023, through January 30, 2025, e ective as of January 30, 2023 … is exempt position will pay an annual salary of
One-Hundred and Forty ousand ($140,000.00) commencing January 30, 2022.”
In a June 6, 2024 document of the same name, Fletcher’s contract was extended to January 1, 2027 with a
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
AUCTION
salary of $220,000 commencing on April 1, 2024. e updated contract also added that “the individual employee’s portion of insurance premium costs associated with Elbert County’s Family medical coverage for PPO Plan A shall be defrayed by Elbert County for the term of this contract …” Premium costs of $2,852.60 will be contributed by the county in addition to the standard 2024 monthly contribution of $1,500 toward medical coverage for each Elbert County employee with a “Family Coverage” plan.
Fletcher’s new contract speci es that he will receive a monthly housing stipend of $1,500. Both Fletcher and Greer will be furnished with a county vehicle, with the county paying associated expenses.
In a document titled “Extension of Engagement of Services-County Attorney” dated Jan 10, 2023, Greer’s salary was set at $145,000. It reads in part: “ e term of this contract shall be for a period of two years from December 22, 2022, through December 22, 2025, e ective as of December 20, 2023… is exempt position will pay an annual salary of OneHundred and Forty-Five ousand ($145,000.00) commencing December 20, 2022.”
In an April 18, 2024 document of the same name, Greer’s contract was extended to January 1, 2027 with a salary of $220,000 commencing on April 1, 2024. Greer’s insurance premiums will also be defrayed by the county. According to the 2024 Elbert
County Budget Book, page 69, the county attorney’s 2023 salary including the cost of bene ts was $187,187 and in 2024 it was listed in total as $212,943.
Commissioner speaks out
Chris Richardson, current county commissioner for District 1, addressed the contract extension for the two positions.
Richardson said that the increases were long overdue and the commissioners waited to address them until shortfalls in pay for 216 other county employees were addressed rst. “ e increases also account for the additional legal and managerial complexities arising from the partial unionization of our workforce and new collective bargaining process that these two individuals will be leading on behalf of the county,” he explained.
Richardson went on to say that “not extending the contracts would have been a signal that the board has concerns regarding the performance of these employees and that is certainly not the case. e extensions were timely and well-deserved. Both are highly quali ed and highperforming individuals who will be critical to the continuity of county operations as new board members are sworn in, in the coming year.”
Robert Rowland, a former county commissioner who remains active in county a airs, feels that there is
The Elbert County commissioners meet in the county administration building that formerly served as the courthouse in Kiowa.
FILE PHOTO
Castle Rock considers regulations for psychedelic mushroom businesses
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Castle Rock Town Council is working to pass a law to regulate the operations of psychedelic mushrooms and other natural medicine businesses in town.
In 2022, Colorado voters approved the decriminalization of the use of psilocybin and other plants for people 21 and older. Since then, the legislature passed laws that outline legal natural medicine businesses.
Unlike the legalization of marijuana, municipalities can’t prohibit natural medicine businesses, but they can regulate where the businesses are located and some operational elements, like setting business hours.
e law allows for natural heal-
ing centers, where people use natural medicines under facilitation, and natural medicine businesses for cultivation, manufacturing and testing. Selling psilocybin or other natural medicines is still illegal.
Castle Rock Town Attorney Mike Hyman said the natural medicine market will look di erent from the retail and medical marijuana markets.
“You’re not going to go in and buy your bag of mushrooms and go home,” Hyman said.
Castle Rock’s council is looking at an ordinance to limit natural medicine businesses and healing centers to light and general industrialzoned areas and require they be at least 1,000 feet from schools, childcare facilities or residences.
e proposed ordinance would severely limit where natural medi-
A map from Castle Rock town sta shows, in purple, the limited area where natural medicine businesses would be allowed under a proposed ordinance. The town council is moving forward with an ordinance to regulate natural medicine businesses, that facilitate the use, cultivation or manufacturing of psilocybin or other plants.
cine businesses could open. e ordinance would also restrict business hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Councilmembers expressed disagreement with allowing natural medicine businesses in town, saying they wish Castle Rock had the local control to prohibit them.
“As a home rule, folks, I wouldn’t want it at all,” councilmember Tim Dietz said.
Council will vote on the proposed ordinance at its July 16 meeting. In February, Parker passed similar restrictions, limiting natural medicine cultivation and manufacturing businesses to industrial zoning and placing a 1,000-foot boundary around schools, childcare facilities and residences. Parker allows natural healing centers in business and commercial areas.
Co ee drive-thru will neighbor EchoPark Stadium
Councilmember shows concern over tra c
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
EchoPark Stadium in Parker
could be meeting some new neighbors as the empty property across the street will see new development in the future, one being a drive-thru for a national co ee chain.
“I think with the neighborhood centers, if you will, they’re kind of evolving and changing,” said Mayor
Pro Tem John Diak. “It used to be dry cleaners and I think it’s being replaced by co eeshops.”
Town sta did not specify the national co ee retailer, however, they did provide details about the size of the drive-thru and other future development for the empty property.
Located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Chambers Road and Double Angel Road, it’s estimated to be a 310-foot-long drive-thru with vehicles entering on the west side of the building and going along the south side until the pickup window near the southeast corner of the building.
e drive-thru and pickup window are planned to be bu ered from nearby residential homes by a private street called Disha Drive and adjacent commercial properties to be developed in the future, according to a document provided to the town.
With a proposed daycare to be built on one of the lots of the property, EchoPark Stadium across Double Angel Road, a church across Chambers Road and a residential neighborhood behind the property, Councilmember Brandi Wilks expressed concerns about the tra c that could build up in the
area.
“All of those are going to create high tra c at some point in time and I have yet to see a co eeshop, especially a national one, not have tra c build up,” said Wilks.
With the approval of the application, a site plan will be developed that will have certain contingencies, and if the applicants exceed what they projected, they will have to mitigate that in their plan.
“With the professionals giving opinions, I think our sta will have enough information to ensure that we have as much ability to curtail any issues,” Diak said.
Colorado Community Media to Hold its First 5K Run
BY JO ANN M. COLTON
There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of Colorado than by witnessing all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
from walking and/or running along our state’s many wonderful paths and scenic nature trails.
Join Colorado Community Media as we host our first-ever 5K run on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave. in Littleton.
And, before the run, we want you to submit your own “Trail Tales,” including photos, to your local newspaper (events@coloradocommunitymedia. com). Tell us where you most enjoy going for a walk or a run in your commuor elsewhere in Colorado.
In turn, we will share many of those adventurous tales with the readers of our two dozen community newspapers in the weeks ahead of the run. About the 5k: It is scheduled to loop around Johnston Reservoir from 9:30 a.m. to noon. It will start and end on the bike path near Shelter P. The event is different from most 5k runs in many ways. For starters, the sole purpose of this event is to simply provide an opportunity for people across Colorado to come together, interact, and share their personal experiences gained
There are no prizes associated with the event and participants will not receive a “standard” T-shirt. Instead, registered participants will receive a pair of custom running socks. The Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run is open to people of all ages. Participants have the option of making it a fun-filled day for the entire family. Registration fees are $35 for adults (ages 17 & up), $15 (ages 5 to 16), and free for children (ages 4 and under ). Parking for run participants and event attendees is available in the west parking lot, which can be reached as you enter Clement Park through the Library entrance on W. Bowles Avenue.
Park is currently being firmed up to feature other activities throughout the day including food and beverage purchase options offered by local food trucks, vendor booths, and live music entertainment.
“Your support of this event as a race participant and/or as an attendee is paramount to the success of our first Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run and it will help us sustain our ability to support local news,” Scott said. “We encourage the engagement of our readers and future readers to be part of this and future events at Colorado Community Media.”
Colorado Community Media publications span eight counties along Colorado’s majestic Front Range — Weld, Adams, Jeffco, Clear Creek, Douglas, Elbert, Arapahoe and Denver. As a nonprofit organization, community is important to us and we are eager to reach out and meet members of the communities our news organization serves.
Carlie Scott, Colorado Community Media’s events director, stated that the program for the Aug. 24 run in Clement
Colorado Community Media could not put on events like this 5k run without the help of its dedicated supporters and sponsors. Sponsorship provides an ideal marketing prospect for your business and positive brand recognition. The organization offers many levels of sponsorship and opportunities for involvement. As a sponsor, you can be part of a fun community event that promotes health and wellness.
To register for the Share Your Trail Tales 5k please visit our website www.coloradocommunitymedia.com and click on EVENTS/CONTEST tab.
Decency and courtesy amid rush and crush
In a world where time is a precious commodity, the ability to empathize with others and make small sacri ces for the greater good often falls by the wayside. Despite legitimate reasons and clear opportunities to help, many of us nd ourselves prioritizing our own convenience. is brings us to the concept of “doing the right thing” — a principle that, though simple in theory, proves challenging in practice.
Take, for instance, a common scenario at the grocery store. A man, visibly in a rush, approaches the checkout line and asks if he can cut ahead, explaining that he needs to get home to care for his sick child. One might expect understanding and a bit of human kindness, yet he is met with a curt refusal and a reminder that “we are all in a rush.” e irony of the situation becomes glaringly apparent when, minutes later, the same man who refused the request is seen sitting outside on a bench, leisurely smoking a cigarette. is small act of indi erence highlights a broader issue: our inability to momentarily set aside our priorities to assist others, even when it costs us next to nothing.
WINNING been
in the con nes of an airplane. Imagine a ight that has been delayed, causing many passengers to worry about their tight connecting ights. Upon landing, the pilot or ight attendant kindly requests that those who have reached their nal destination remain seated, allowing passengers with tight connections to disembark rst. Despite this reasonable request, a signi cant number of passengers stand up and crowd the aisle, eager to be the rst ones o the plane. Observing these passengers later, casually grabbing a drink or waiting at the baggage carousel, reveals that their hurry was more about personal impatience than genuine urgency.
e ect on those around us. By choosing to do the right thing, whether it’s letting someone cut in line or staying seated to help a fellow traveler, we contribute to a more compassionate and considerate society.
It’s easy to rationalize our actions and justify our behavior by convincing ourselves that our needs are more pressing. Yet, taking a step back to consider the broader context can lead to more empathetic choices. In the case of the grocery store, allowing someone with a sick child to go ahead might only cost us a few extra minutes, but it could make a signi cant di erence in their day. Similarly, remaining seated on a delayed ight so that others can catch their connecting ights may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can alleviate considerable stress for those travelers.
Another telling example unfolds
ese everyday incidents, though seemingly minor, underscore a profound truth: many of us struggle to act with decency and courtesy when it comes to looking out for others. e decisions we make in these moments, however small, have a ripple
JLiving with more decency and courtesy doesn’t require grand gestures or signi cant sacri ces. Often, it’s the small acts of kindness and consideration that have the most profound impact. Whether it’s holding a door open, o ering a seat, or simply being patient, these actions foster a sense of community and shared humanity.
When we make the e ort to look
out for others, we acknowledge that we are part of a larger community where everyone is navigating their own challenges and pressures. Empathy, particularly during hectic times, can bridge the gaps created by our individual pursuits. It reminds us that despite the hustle, we all share common human experiences and that a little kindness can go a long way. In the rush of daily life, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the importance of empathy and kindness. By making a conscious e ort to do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest or most convenient option, we can create a more supportive and compassionate world. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com because after all, we are all in this together, and our actions, no matter how small, can make a signi cant difference in the lives of others, and that really will help us to live 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.
Seniors’ Council promotes mental health
ason Hopcus, president/CEO of the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) for Arapahoe and Douglas counties, will discuss mental health resources on ursday, Aug. 1 at the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County (SCDC) meeting. e meeting will start with announcements from 10-10:15 a.m., followed by a presentation by Hopcus, and will conclude with community conversation from 11:15-11:30 a.m. at Seven Stones - Chat eld Garden Botanical Cemetery, 9635 N. Rampart Range Road, south of Littleton. e meeting is free and open to the public. Hopcus will share resources available to older adults as well as people of all ages. Hopcus, a certi ed life coach and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to serve, created the Connections Project, which takes a fresh approach by focusing on those who have turned
personal struggles into community victories. He hosts two podcasts called “Get Unstuck, Move Forward With Your Life” and “Nobody’s Perfect,” both community resources designed to help navigate today’s challenges that impact mental health.
According to Hopcus, “Drawing on personal experience and over ten years of involvement with mental wellness, my mission is to advance human connection. e present narrative about mental health is often perpetuated through sad, scary, or traumatic events, which typically overlook individuals who are struggling
with functional life issues.”
Hopcus “fully acknowledges the amount of e ort it takes, how necessary it is to share each other’s journeys, and why we as a society need to move the needle toward unashamed conversation. Everyone is directly or indirectly a ected by mental health.”
An estimated 1 in 4 adults experience mental health challenges annually. Youth experience mental health issues too. ere is hope and help for healing. In addition to NAMI for Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, NAMI Colorado offers support and resources.
Save the date: e SCDC Aging Well/ Finishing Strong interactive workshop topic is Legacy Binder Preparation on Tuesday morning, Sept. 24. Imagine how bene cial having all your important information in one binder would be for your loved ones at the time of
your death or if you are gravely disabled. Registration begins Aug. 15 at www.douglas.co.us — search for Seniors’ Council using the magnifying glass icon. e fee is $10.
e Seniors’ Council of Douglas County serves to enhance quality of life through advocacy, education, and collaboration. SCDC welcomes older adult attendees as well as participants from government and community organizations serving the senior population in Douglas County. Meetings are the rst ursday morning of the month at various locations in Douglas County and address topics of importance to older adults and those who o er support. For information and updates, please visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Seniors’ Council using the magnifying glass icon.
LIVING AND AGING WELL
Jean Spahr
Midyear economic checkpoint
We are halfway through 2024 already and looking to see how the rest of the year will unfold. Will the economy be too hot or too cold? We have been enjoying a Goldilocks scenario in the rst half of the year. ere was some indication of a cooling economy with enough momentum in the technology sector to average a lukewarm or comfortable economic environment so far.
We have two quarters of corporate earnings under our belt, which were better than expected, and two more to go. If we see gross domestic product (GDP) output slow, then we could see a leveling o of future earnings as well.
Two major market indexes, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, both hit record highs just before the July 4 holiday, despite slower-than-expected economic growth numbers.¹
e arti cial intelligence (AI) sector fueling high returns reminds me a bit of the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. at was a large, rapid and ultimately unsustainable increase in the valuation of stock market shares in internet service and technology companies that later resulted in the bursting of the dot-com bubble in 2000.²
is year boasts the second-best start for the S&P 500 in an election year since 1928; only 1976 was better. ³
Chief Equity Strategist Je Krumpelman, CFA, is sticking to his theme of “back to normal” as the markets broadened out from the potentially overpriced tech market. We would like to see participation from several sectors before we form solid
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Beware Burcham’s backers
Having won his June primary, Matt Burcham is the November GOP candidate for House District 43 (Highlands Ranch).
Critically, Burcham is endorsed by the controversial Colorado GOP Chair and MAGA kingpin, Dave Williams. Williams is currently under threat of removal by the CO GOP Central Committee, after taking actions that fall outside of political party norms.
Burcham is one of 18 primary candidates endorsed by Williams’
FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
ground to go higher. I am standing by my view that nominal GDP growth is expected to be in the 4% to 4.5% range for 2024. e Federal Reserve appears to be keeping in ation under control as June numbers saw a drop in overall in ation from a 2.9% increase over last year to a 2.6% increase, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
e good news/bad news of all this is that the Federal Reserve Board may not feel the need to cut rates anytime soon. It has done a great deal to curb in ation and now doesn’t want to reverse the economic tightening that higher interest rates provided by loosening the strings too early.
e jobs front shows 206,000 jobs added in June, slightly below May and April, both of which were revised lower last month. is might indicate a cooling economy as the unemployment rate rose to 4.1% in June, the highest since November 2021.4
We will see if higher interest rates for longer continues to keep in ation down, increases unemployment, and slows economic growth. is would be the normal course of action in this phase of the business cycle.
1. WSJ 7.2.24
2. Britannica.com/event/dot.com bubble.
3. Marketwatch
4. House.gov
Patricia Kummer is managing director for Mariner Wealth Advisors.
MAGA group; 14 lost their races. Although Williams was endorsed by Trump, he was soundly defeated in the Congressional District 5 GOP primary.
Only four candidates in the Williams MAGA pod won their primaries … Burcham’s win was a narrow victory over his local opponent.
Factors leading to Burcham’s win have been published in local news media. However, those media have paywalls, so it’s important to restate
HIGHLANDS RANCH NATIVE MAKES TEAM USA ROWING SQUAD
from Colorado to the Olympics
BY JOHN RENFROW
Even while playing multiple sports at Mountain Vista High School, Jessica oennes never saw herself as a stellar athlete; much less an Olympian. But a decade later, that’s exactly what she is after qualifying for Team USA as a rower on the women’s pair team. It’s not her rst time qualifying, either.
oennes spoke with Colorado Community Media on the Fourth of July before hopping on a plane to Paris for the Summer Olympics.
“As I have been told many times in my career,
there is no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than by practicing my craft for the United States,” oennes said.
So rather than hot dogs and reworks, oennes enjoyed multiple weightlifting sessions, in-thewater practice runs, yoga, working online, packing and more.
It’s her return to the big stage after the Tokyo Games in 2020, where she was a bow seat in the women’s eight group of rowers. at squad nished fourth in that event.
Now she and her partner, Azja Czajkowski, pair up for the U.S. as a smaller unit going for the gold after winning the pair at the 2024 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials in April.
oennes and Czajkowski will compete against the world’s best rowing pairs later this month. But oennes’ journey to the top of her sport is unique; she had never rowed in her life until walk-
ing on to the University of Washington’s team in 2015. at’s about as late a start as possible.
And she wasn’t exactly counting up o ers from colleges, she said.
“I was probably one of the least talented athletes in all of the incredible number of people that came out of Mountain Vista,” oennes said. “And I don’t say that humbly; I say that as a fact. I had the privilege of playing on a volleyball team where, I think, 12 out of 13 women went to a Division I school to play volleyball. I had a basketball team where I was the varsity benchwarmer. I just wasn’t quite in my body yet. I really was scrappy, though.” at scrappiness took her to the world stage again. For more on her journey and focus going into Paris, check out the brief Q&A with oennes on the next page.
Jessica Thoennes’ path
Jessica Thoennes, left, and her partner
TEAM USA
To watch oennes in action, tune in on Sunday, July 28 at 2:30 a.m. MT on NBC or Peacock. For those without TV or streaming access, follow @womenintheboat on Instagram for updates, schedules and more. e full Olympics schedule can be found at www.olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule.
Colorado Community Media: How did you
become an Olympian and Division I athlete if you weren’t as good as the other girls on your Mountain Vista teams?
oennes:I was scrappy, determined and I outworked everybody else. ose were my characteristics in high school. I knew I wasn’t the biggest, I knew I wasn’t the fastest and I knew I wasn’t the strongest. So I had to be able to outwork, out-hustle and be willing to go just another inch to just make the team, which really helped when I went to college as a walk-on. I had never rowed before.
CCM: How did you get into rowing in college?
oennes:I had no idea what I was getting myself into. One of my characteristics is I say, ‘Well, how hard can it actually be?’ So I said to myself, ‘I’ll do it for a year. How hard could it be?’ And it turns out I was really bad. It was really hard. And I was like, “Well, I’ve really gotten myself up this creek without a paddle, so I better gure this out.’ It took me about two years to come around and gure things out. By the time I hit my junior year, I was like, ‘Oh, this is fantastic. I love this. is is incredible.’ So, I’ve always been scrappy. I’ve never been the No. 1. But I had a lot of try. I’m a bit of a stubborn creature and I just keep working at things.
CCM: What was your reaction to learning you made the Olympics again?
oennes: at was one of the best moments where, for a little bit, I was wondering if the three-and-a-half, four years that I’ve worked … You have all those thoughts that go through your head like, ‘Is this going to pay o ? Is this going to work?’ And in those moments, you can’t really think about that. But as soon as the buzzer went o , I was so elated because it was just a con rmation of, ‘Yeah, I do this really well and I have been doing this really well.’
CCM: How do you balance that elation with the quick turnaround of getting to work for Paris?
oennes: I think I did it a little bit better than I did last time. One, it comes with experience. But I think I just knew that if we wanted to really have a big impact on the pair eld, like Azja and I were both hoping, we needed to take a few days and celebrate, take a rest. en get right back to work.
CCM: What’s a typical day for you when you’re preparing for the Olympics?
oennes:I’m up every day super early. Out of the house by 6 o’clock. We do one practice in the morning, and that’s about two and a half hours; three once you get all your warmup stu in. Get o the water. I work in addition to rowing, so I’ll hop online for an hour or two to kind of decompress for practice and get some work sorted. en hop back in the boat or cross-train for an afternoon session. en I’ve been doing a ton of yoga. We are religious weightlifters. We are in the gym, at minimum twice a day, but usually three times a day.
CCM: As a pair, you’re relying on a partner heavily, but what are one or two things you feel you need to polish ahead of the Olympics?
oennes: Every pair has its own unique dynamic in what you need to do. As the stroke seat, something that I really needed to solidify in these past couple of months has been providing a rhythm that is followable and fast. at’s something that we have been working on super diligently. at falls a little heavier on my shoulders, but Azja certainly contributes in that aspect. She’s got all the power back there. She’s hauling me around a lot of the time. Speci cally, I’ve really been working on my catch entry, which is the dynamic portion of rowing you can never be too good at. As your blade enters the water, you have to be patient to let it go all the way in and not jump on it before you’re fully buried. So my focus has been rhythm and catches.
Jessica Thoennes, middle, shares a moment with her fellow rowers between competitions. As one of the members of the pair team, Thoennes said her success comes from doing her part but also relying on her partner to match her energy and rhythm. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROW2K
Azja Czajkowski, left, and Jessica Thoennes share a moment of relief in the boat. The duo won the pair at the 2024 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials in April, which qualified them for the Summer Olympics in Paris this month.
Miners Alley goes back to school
There are many ways to approach school, and not every student thrives under the same conditions. Or, in the case of Dewey Finn, every teacher.
But that just provides the opportunity for more creativity in learning, and as the musical “School of Rock” at Miners Alley Playhouse entertainingly demonstrates, that can make all the di erence.
And that willingness to learn extends to the creatives on and o stage.
“For me, if a project scares me, that means I should do it,” said Warren Sherrill, director of the production and associate artistic director at Miners Alley. “When I was approached about directing this show it was really exciting to me, because it’s a massive undertaking. ere are
COMING ATTRACTIONS
a bunch of kids on stage (about half of whom need to play speci c instruments), an adult ensemble and a regular band. It’s a big show for us to bite o , but I know we can pull it o .”
“School of Rock” runs at Miners Alley, 1100 Miners Alley in Golden, from Friday, July 26 through Sunday, Sept. 15. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on ursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
e show features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes and is based on the classic 2003 lm starring Jack Black. e story fol-
lows Dewey, a failed rockstar who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. ere he discovers a class of straight-A students and decides to turn them into the rock band he always wanted. e one of the biggest challenges was nding child actors who could handle the many requirements of their roles — they essentially have to be triple threats, as they have to act, sing and play instruments. Sherrill said about 70 children auditioned and the actors they selected are going to wow audiences.
“ e kids are just amazing talents and they carry a large chunk of the show and they’re going to knock people over,” he said. “I’m so excited for audiences to see them and witness their brilliance.”
Light Up the Night at the Pedal
the
Moon Bike Ride
Castle Rock’s annual Pedal the Moon bike ride is one of those special events that can only happen during the summer.
e ride will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, with participants meeting at Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Drive. From there, riders will follow the East Plum Creek Trail. Cyclists are encouraged to get festive and soup up their bikes with light and other decorations and they can use a decorating station located at the intersection of East Plum Creek and Hangman’s Gulch trails with glowin-the-dark items and other goodies.
While the aim is always to entertain audiences, Sherrill hopes that they also come away with a renewed appreciation of the importance of music, especially for you children. It really has the power to unlock so much that a less creative education can’t.
“A big part of the show is the kids nding their true selves through music, no matter what that is,” he said. “It’s about doing what you feel passionate about and having a sense of security that I’ve always felt the arts provide.”
All participants must wear a helmet and have a front headlamp and blinking rear light. Registration and other details are available at https:// visitcastlerock.org/events/.
Dazzle Jazz and Colorado Music HOF Keep El Chapultepec’s Culture Alive
El Chapultepec was one of Denver’s most storied jazz and blues clubs and its closure in 2020 was a heartbreaker for a lot of music fans. But it’s spirit lives on, courtesy of Dazzle Jazz Club and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
Clarke Reader
Thu 7/18
Torreys Peak Ages 8-11 - 2023 League Session #4
@ 3:30pm / $400
Jul 18th - Aug 30th
Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136
JaySilenceBand: Jay Silence live at The Viewhouse Band Series
@ 5pm
ViewHouse Centennial, 7101 S Clinton St, Centennial
CW & Twenty Hands High @ 5:30pm Discovery Park, 20115 Mainstreet, Parker
Eric Golden @ 6:30pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
Fri 7/19
Neil Z @ 5pm
2 Penguins Tap and Grill, 13065 E Briar‐wood Ave, Centennial
Cooper Alan: 2024 Summer Concert Series (Castle Rock, CO) @ 6pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater, 210 E Wolfensberger Rd, Castle Rock
Taylor Rave @ 8pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Cooper Alan: 2024 Summer Concert Series (Castle Rock, CO) @ 5pm
Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
Sat 7/20
Seun Kuti & Egypt80 @ 5pm Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver
In The Valley Below @ 6pm
Sun 7/21
Burlesque Brunch and Drag Brunch with The Broken Babes @ 9:30am / $20
Jul 21st - Sep 22nd
Western Sky Bar & Taproom, 4361 S BROADWAY, Englewood. westernsky barco@gmail.com
Tom Mcelvain Music @ 1pm Wheelz, 2490 W Hampden Ave, Engle‐wood
Stephen Stanley: Community Worship Nights @ 5:30pm
Summit Church, 4240 N Perry Park Rd, Sedalia
Falcon Park - Summer Camp - 3 Year Old class @ 10am / $59
Jul 22nd - Jul 24th
Falcon Park, 9555 Fallbrooke Dr., High‐lands Ranch. 720-297-0117
Iveth Luna: Community Worship Nights @ 6pm
Summit Church, 4240 N Perry Park Rd, Sedalia
Micah Christopher: Community Worship Nights @ 6pm
Summit Church, 4240 N Perry Park Rd, Sedalia
Mon 7/22
Moe's Original BBQ, 3295 S Broadway, Englewood
Phat Daddy @ 6pm
RockStar Music Hall & Event Center, 15755 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial
Falcon Park - Summer Camp - Jr Soccer Stars @ 8am / $179
Jul 22nd - Jul 26th
Falcon Park, 9555 Fallbrooke Dr., High‐lands Ranch. 720-297-0117
LØLØ @ 6pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood
Modern Swing Mondays 2024 @ 6pm / $10 Stampede, Aurora
DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 7pm Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan
Thu 7/25
Rotating Tap Comedy @ Coal Mine Ave Brewing @ 6pm
Coal Mine Ave Brewing Company, 9719 W Coal Mine Ave unit a, Littleton
Calendar information is provided by event organiz‐ers. All events are subject to change or cancella‐tion. This publication is not responsible for the ac‐curacy of the information contained in this calendar.
Annual criterium races toward Littleton
to ride over 40 mph in their nishing sprints.
“People are just giving it everything they got,” said Chip Brunk, the race director.
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Downtown Littleton is at.
For most shopping areas, this wouldn’t be much of a selling point. But in Littleton, its topography creates the perfect conditions for a massive annual event, one that most Colorado cities can’t claim.
From around the country — and sometimes around the world — cyclists travel to Littleton each summer for the Littleton Twilight Criterium. e day-long bicycle racing event starts with beginner competitions and culminates in professional races, where cyclists have been known
is year, the criterium will take place from 2:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 3. e course — which includes portions of West Main Street, South Sycamore Street, West Berry Avenue, West Powers Avenue and South Curtice Street — will host 10 races over the course of the day and one “cruiser ride” open to the public.
“We want to provide a free, fun day for Littleton residents to have a great family experience,” said city spokesperson Kelli Narde. “We also want to provide some economic bene t for our businesses.”
In addition to the race, the event includes beer stations, food trucks, live music and a “kid’s zone” complete with face painting and an inatable bounce house, Narde said. e last two races of the day are professional races and are part of an eight-race national series called the American Criterium Cup (ACC). e series is partnered with USA Cycling “to serve as the premier professional road race calendar in the United States,” according to its website.
For the rst time, the series includes a junior event this year. e ACC Junior Criterium Cup will include competitions for athletes ages 15 to 16 and 17 to 18 years old, according to its website.
At Littleton’s event, where Audi Denver is a main sponsor, junior athletes will compete in the rst race of the day at 2:15 p.m. Athletes as young as 10 years old are allowed to race in this event, but those younger than 15 will not be included in the national series.
Over 500 cyclists usually compete at the criterium, Brunk said, with top racers winning prizes. For the professional races, about $15,000 will be awarded in cash prizes.
For the winners of the entire American Criterium Cup, which ends in September, $100,000 is on the line.
For Brunk, who has raced in the event as an amateur, the day is full of excitement.
“It’s at, it’s really fast, and great crowds, a great energy,” he said. “ ere’s an energy that you get when you line up for that race at the beginning that’s just palpable — and so much more than any other race.”
Even from people who aren’t fa-
miliar with cycling, Brunk said he always hears that the event is “exciting.”
e cyclists clump up, just feet away from each other, speeding past viewers and drafting o of each others’ wind, he said.
Every year, famous cyclists compete in the race, including former national and world champions who now compete for fun.
“Seeing all this talent line up and give it 100% for our race, that’s my favorite part,” Brunk said.
Last year, Narde said, about 14,000 people attended the event. She and Brunk said they hope people come this year to enjoy the excitement of the races, cycling on the course and the overall energy of the day.
“We have the beer gardens and the band going and just, there’s an energy there that you’re not going to experience (at) too many events,” Brunk said. “It’s just really a very exciting, fun event for everybody, family and kids, and it just builds throughout the day.”
Cyclists speed down the street during the Littleton Twilight Criterium in 2023.
PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF LITTLETON
Littleton residents and visitors enjoy the ambience of the Littleton Twilight Criterium in 2023.
Big equipment coming to Elizabeth Library
Touch-a-Truck event tied to summer reading
BY COURTNEY BAKOS
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Families in Elizabeth are in for a treat at the upcoming rst-ever Touch-a-Truck event. Hosted by the Pines and Plains Libraries, the event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. at the Elizabeth Library. As part of the “Elbert County rough e Years” Summer Reading Program, this event aims to showcase the hardworking folks in town and of course the vehicles they operate.
“ is is our rst of hopefully many Touch-a-Truck events,” said Amalá Perry, activity services guide with Pines and Plains Libraries.
In 2023, as part of “Community Helpers Week,” the Elizabeth Library hosted the Elizabeth Fire Department at an event that drew more than 100 people eager for a chance to see a re truck and ambulance up close. Event organizers anticipate similar excitement for this year’s event.
“We have been seeing record numbers in attendance for our programs this summer, I anticipate well over 100 people to show up to see the trucks,” Perry predicted.
A re truck and ambulance are just two of many vehicles making an appearance at the Touch-a-Truck event. Elizabeth Public Works Director Mike Devol shared that his department will bring the following equipment: street sweeper, backhoe, 950 Cat wheel loader and a town service truck with a crane and air compressor. “I’m excited to see children’s expressions when they see the equipment because our machines are bigger in person than they appear from afar,” said Devol.
Elizabeth’s Public Works Department is responsible for many essential operations throughout town including the maintenance and construction of public infrastructure and facilities within town, maintaining streets, sidewalks, parks and other town facilities, planning and executing projects related to parks, roads, bridges, buildings, water and sewer systems. e Public Works Department is also responsible for providing safe and clean drinking water to Elizabeth residents.
is Touch-a-Truck event o ers a hands-on experience for children and adults alike to explore and learn about the various vehicles that help keep their town running smoothly. It isn’t just about the excitement of seeing these big machines up close, but also gaining an understanding of their critical roles in everyday life. From ensuring the streets and drinking water are safe and clean to responding to emergencies, each vehicle and their operator contribute signi cantly to the well-being of the community.
e Elizabeth Library is located at 651 Beverly St.
A child gets a tour of an ambulance a few years ago at an event similar to the Toucha-Truck coming to the Elizabeth Library on July 24.
A child looks out from a fire truck like the one that will be at the Elizabeth Library on July 24. PHOTOS BY COURTNEY BAKOS
Ikon or Epic Pass? We asked 13 locals for their opinion
BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
ough we just eclipsed the Fourth of July, it’s smart to start thinking about gearing up for the winter season again. Colorado is the ultimate outdoor playground for skiing and snowboarding, but the options can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just getting into the sport(s).
Aside from hitting the backcountry, you’ll likely need to visit one of roughly 40 prominent resorts seasoned throughout the Rocky Mountains. It’s no secret they can get pricey, with day passes topping a couple hundred dollars.
at’s why most powder-crazy Coloradans purchase an Ikon or an Epic Pass. Depending on the option you choose, the pass can provide access to dozens of resorts not just in Colorado, but worldwide.
Instead of waiting for temperatures to drop, many slopeheads believe summer is the best time to load up on used gear and secure season passes. Other than price, several factors might determine which pass you favor.
So, we asked eight locals for their opinion: Ikon or Epic?
Ikon
“When I was in college in Colorado Springs, me and all my friends got the Epic Pass because there was a great college discount with access to lots of great mountains. However, since moving to Denver I’ve been on Ikon and believe it is the better of the two passes. If I leave early enough on the weekend, I can get to Winter Park in just over an hour and avoid the I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel tra c. Epic does not o er any mountains this close. Despite its proximity, Winter Park has also become one of my favorite mountains from a pure snowboarding perspective, with highly variable terrain perfect for any group I might take there. While I do get FOMO for not having access to Breckenridge, Vail or Telluride through the Epic Pass, these mountains are all further than Winter Park and give o a more bougie, rich, tourist vibe that doesn’t appeal to me. Additionally, I am from Los Angeles and my home
Kyle Warner, of Denver, poses for a photo on one of the many resorts provided by the Ikon Pass in Colorado. COURTESY PHOTO
SKI PASS
resort is Mammoth Mountain. Given that Mammoth is on the Ikon Pass, it is very convenient to be able to go home for the holidays and use the same pass I use in Colorado. Ikon also has great mountains all over the world. I am already planning a trip to Japan this winter to ski at Niseko.”
— Kyle Warner, Denver - LoHi “Ikon is the move. Fewer options but fewer crowds. Plus, you get seven days at Arapahoe Basin and Aspen, and you get seven days at a lot of cool resorts. So if you plan to travel, you could hit Big Sky (Montana), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), Deer Valley (Utah), Taos (New Mexico), Sun Valley (Idaho), etc. One winter I did a trip to Big Sky and that alone made getting the pass worth it because day passes are so expensive.”
— Catherine Dodge, Wheat Ridge “I most enjoy the people I’ve met while skiing Ikon mountains. ey always have great vibes and made the skiing even more enjoyable than the world-class mountains. e tailgating at Arapahoe Basin is unmatched and hard to nd a better group of mountain-loving people.”
— Alex Greene, Littleton
“I have the Ikon Pass and prefer it because of the mountains in Colorado as I nd them to be less touristy. I also enjoy being able to go to certain mountains on Ikon when I go home back east.”
— Isabelle Risse, Denver - Sloan’s Lake Epic
“When deciding between Ikon and Epic it’s been tough in the past. However lately Epic has been our pass of
choice although we have both. ere are more Epic options on the pass and mountains like Keystone have been a bit less crowded with great conditions.
Epic was also gracious enough to let us take advantage of early season pricing when we thought our passes were on auto-renew and they were not. Ikon would not allow us to get the same price. We had to pay midseason pricing.”
— Justin Scott, Georgetown
“When I rst moved to Denver, we went with Epic because those were the resorts that had more recognizable names. After two years we switched to Ikon. is year we’ll be going back to Epic. If you’re coming from Denver, Epic has more resorts within driving distance, but it also draws out bigger tourism crowds. In my opinion, I think it’s because those names like Vail, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte are more recognizable. I felt more limited with Ikon but crowds are better and the resorts were well worth only having two or three nearby for day trips. Some years I feel like the higher price tag with Ikon is worth it, and some years I want to hit the Epic resorts for the better scenery and deal with the crowds. If I had to pick just one, I’d probably grumble for a whole week and then decide on Epic.”
— Paul Toth, Aurora
“Grew up riding Epic mountains and they’re still my favorite places to go. Vibes are better, runs are wider, less moguls, less ice. What snowboarder wants to spend their day on moguls and ice? Bought Ikon last year to see what the hype was about and wasn’t super happy with it.”
— Sarah Samuel, Denver - Capitol Hill
Sarah Samuel from Cap Hill poses with a friend at one of the resorts o ered with the Epic Pass. COURTESY PHOTO
e recently created El Chapultepec Legacy Project is working with the hall of fame to host a launch event at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 at Dazzle, 1080 14th St. e event, “Ode to the Early Days,” is a throw-
LETTERS
the situation ... made more complex due to the behind-the-scenesnancial machinations of Burcham’s deep-pocketed supporters.
First, Burcham’s primary opponent is a controversial member of the disheveled DougCo Board of County Commissioners. She has been highly pro led in endless public squabbles with fellow board members. Essentially, she lost the local GOP popularity contest to Burcham.
Secondly, according to Colorado’s campaign nance tracking system (TRACER), Burcham received at least $180,000 in primary election-
back to the straight-ahead be-bop standards that launched the original El Chapultepec. e aim of the project is to keep quality live music accessible in Denver. Get tickets at www.dazzledenver.com.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Vampire Weekend at Red Rocks
For my money, Vampire Week-
eering support from Keep Colorado Counties Safe. Simply stated, this is an extraordinary amount for a DougCo primary race.
Keep Colorado Counties Safe is a campaign front for Douglas County Future Fund (DCFF). DCFF is directly funded by three very wealthy partners in the Renewable Water Resources (RWR) syndicate.
e RWR syndicate is the sponsor of the ill-fated plan to ship groundwater from the San Luis Valley to Douglas County. e RWR partners immediate family members also made large individual contributions to Burcham.
Over two years, RWR has been dumping large sums into local campaigns of candidates. Unfortunately, Burcham’s campaign has already earned a tactical
end has remained one of the best and most innovative indie rock bands since their debut album was released back in 2008. ey’ve only released ve albums over their 16year career, but they clearly prioritize quality over quantity. is year’s release, “Only God Was Above Us,” is perhaps their most experimental and inquisitive yet.
In support of the album, Vampire
reputation for false assessments of his opponents. Burcham’s website alludes to his November opponent, moderate incumbent Bob Marshall, as “a radical, left-wing Democrat.”
Over the next months, there will be large sums of money and campaign support owing into Mark Burcham’s campaign.
Because most of the money and resources will be passed through several behind-the-scenes committees, Highlands Ranch voters will need to pay attention to whose interests will be served by Burcham and his wealthy backers.
Lloyd Guthrie Roxborough Park
Shame on discrimination supporters
Shame on the group of parents who oppose updating discrimina-
Weekend is playing Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19. ey’ll be joined by young blues great Christone “King sh” Ingram, making for a truly eclectic and entertaining evening. Get tickets at www.axs.com. Clarke Reader is an arts and culture columnist. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
tion policies to include transgender students and shame on the Douglas County School Board who has inde nitely delayed a vote on this matter.
Proposed changes would have explicitly prohibited discrimination and harassment against transgender and nonbinary students and would mirror new language in the federal Title IX law as well as a 2023 Colorado law. is should be a no-brainer in helping to protect at-risk youth.
To those parents who oppose the change, I am betting you would be singing a di erent tune if your child was at risk. Our world needs more tolerance, not less, and that is what we are getting with this opposition.
Susan Buckley Highlands Ranch
This summer, take simple steps for be er air
It’s another hot, sunny, bluesky day in Denver. The air is still and looks clear! Despite the beautiful day, you may feel irritation in your throat or a tightness in your chest while out walking the dog, at the park, riding your bike, or on an afternoon run. Your asthma may also be acting up.
This is likely the impact of ground-level ozone: the Front Range’s most pressing air quality problem each summer. We can’t see or smell it, but this pollutant accumulates the most on hot and sunny blue-sky days, reaching its highest levels in the afternoons and evenings.
While ozone serves an important purpose high up in the atmosphere — protecting us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation — at ground level, high concentrations of ozone are unhealthy. Ozone makes it difficult to breathe, increases our susceptibility to respiratory infections, and exacerbates respiratory ailments such as asthma.
High ozone levels affect all of us. Even if you are healthy, ozone can impact the cells in your lungs during and after exposure, like
sunburn, and repeated exposure over time can lead to reduced lung function. The people at higher risk of exposure or more sensitive to this air pollution include the elderly, those with respiratory conditions, outdoor workers, outdoor athletes, and especially children, whose lungs are still developing.
Where does this air pollution come from? Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted from any source. It forms in the air when two chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), react in the sunshine and heat of summer days. These chemicals are called ozone precursors, and they are released into the air from emissions made by our gaspowered vehicles, gas-powered lawn equipment, and oil and gas production across the Front Range.
Both colorless and odorless, ozone is different than wildfire smoke, tiny particulate matter called PM2.5 or PM10, and the visible Denver “brown cloud” of years past. However, ozone can combine with other air quality issues, and is sometimes referred to as “smog.”
errands, or taking the bus or the light rail to get where you need to go. Don’t forget: youth ride for free on RTD! For shorter distances, leave the car at home and walk, ride a scooter, or your bike or e-bike.
Fuel up your car after 5 p.m. to avoid releasing emissions during the heat of the day. Skip idling your car: instead, roll down the windows and turn off the engine while waiting in parking lots or lines. Consider a low- or zeroemissions vehicle, like an electric vehicle (EV), when it’s time to purchase a new vehicle.
While air quality in the region has greatly improved in the past half century, ozone remains a pressing issue to our health and environment. But as our gas-powered vehicles and gas-powered lawn equipment contribute to its formation, we all have the power to reduce ground-level ozone in the Front Range each summer!
First, sign up for ozone alerts. Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org to sign up for emails or text “BetterAirCO” to 21000 to receive air quality alerts on your phone. When the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) forecasts a high ozone day, the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) will send you a timely text or email to let you know.
On high ozone days, protect your health by avoiding outdoor exercise or heavy exertion between noon and 8 p.m. Still want to get outside? Plan ahead and spend time outside in the morning, or later in the evening, when ozone levels will be lower.
Second, reduce your emissions! Take some Simple Steps for Better Air: Skip two car trips per week by carpooling, combining
Mow the lawn after 5 p.m. if you still use gas-powered equipment. Even better, upgrade your old gas lawn mower, trimmer, or leaf blower to a new electric one with a 30% state discount at participating retailers this year!
And if your job can be done remotely, work from home at least one day a week and eliminate your commute altogether.
Taking these timely, simple steps in the summer improves our Front Range air quality, our health, and our ability to enjoy the outdoors! Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org for more information about how to reduce your ozone impact this summer and help your community breathe easier.
SKI PASS
“Ultimately, I chose the Epic Pass as it was what the majority of my friends purchased. I’m a big fan of the Epic Pass because I liked being able to go to Keystone and Breckenridge for the day. It also was a great excuse to travel to Park City and get some skiing in. I have a few friends who ski Vail exclusively, so it’s nice to be able to go there for a few days too.”
— Annie Strongwater, DenverWest Colfax
“We’re lucky to have tons of nearby options on both passes here in Denver. I did Epic for the rst two years when I rst moved out here because, as a Navy guy, the price on Epic couldn’t be beat. When I got out of the military, I gave Ikon a try and I fell in love with Winter Park. I’ve yet to have a single bad day at Winter Park early season, late season, or heavy powder. I could loop Panoramic all day and being able to bail on I-70 early on the trip can’t be understated. I’ve gone back this to Epic resorts this year to save money since im getting fewer days in with
Aurora’s Paul Toth poses with him dog, Snoop, pose for a
said he is torn but if he had to choose, he’d go with the Epic
a one-year-old at home. ey are great as well but you have to get far from the base and stay away from
Anywhere.
on a
that area because Keystone, Breckenridge and Vail are painful to navigate the learner and family crowds
causing astronomical lift lines on the front sides. I am looking forward to seeing those legendary back bowls at Vail again.”
— Chaz DeSio, Aurora
“Honestly, whatever is cheaper, which is Epic. I got Winter Park this year only because I can take the train and it’s cheaper than Ikon. I love to ski but I don’t need access to that many mountains.”
— Dana Itah, Denver - Sloan’s Lake
Both
“I have both Ikon and Epic Pass as it gives me the exibility to go to any mountain I want and not be restricted on where and when I can go.”
— Aileen Mendez, Denver - LoHi
“I have both. I think Ikon is better for day trips and then I have Epic for trips to Vail.”
— Ryan Larkin, Denver - Highlands
Neither
“Haven’t bought a pass before, but considering one for next season. Most likely Epic, but it’s dependent on which route friends are going.”
— Matt Fitzpatrick, Denver - LoHi
photo
recent hike. Toth
Pass.
COURTESY PHOTO
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a major di erence when comparing the salary increases to other counties as well as other salaries within Elbert County. It “doesn’t match the pattern of compensation packages for the county as a whole and seems very selective,” he said.
Richardson does not nd the increase outlandish. “While some on social media are portraying the increases granted as `huge,’” he said, “together they represent a 23% increase (or approximately 17% as they are paid out only for the remaining months of the year) for these two key sta members. Compared to the county’s total budgeted 2024 payroll of $15,462,993, this represents a 0.3% increase for the remainder of the year for this General Fund budget line.”
Richardson added that, comparatively, the county attorney makes less than his metro area counterparts: “Metro area attorneys’ rates average $261/hour. Under the terms of this contract, our current attorney is paid at a rate of less than half that.”
Chris Hatton, an Elbert County resident, started the grassroots
group Elbert County Watch after the recent urry of citizen interest as a result of the contract and compensation changes. As founder of the selfdescribed watchdog group, Hatton says Elbert County Watch is mainly focused on disseminating information and encouraging people to get engaged.
Two o ceholders to leave next year
Two of the current commissioners, Richardson and Grant ayer, will leave o ce in 2025. Both Rowland and Hatton expressed concerns that the outgoing county commissioners are making decisions that will hinder the incoming county commissioners. “When people change political o ce, you don’t write things so that you’re stuck with them,” Hatton said. “ ey’re feathering the nest so that they’ll (the county manager and attorney) carry on the mission, in my opinion,” he added.
“ e truth of the matter is this, two new commissioners come in, in January … let the next group make any big decisions in relation to the county,” Rowland said. “It shows respect for the next term to not be impeded by decisions that impact the county, especially nancial ones.”
Rowland believes that the salary adjustments and other changes
were also made in violation of Colorado Revised Statute 30-25-103. Hatton agrees and said he believes the contract changes weren’t budgeted or appropriated for and were not carried out transparently.
Part of Section 30-25-103 reads “No contract shall be made by the board of county commissioners of any county, and no liability against the county shall be created by any o cer of the county, whether the object of the expenditure has been ordered by the board of county commissioners or not, unless an appropriation shall have been previously made concerning such expense.”
“We do not nd any evidence that they followed proper legal procedure in making these changes to an approved budget,” Rowland said.
Richardson feels both the county manager and attorney have a wealth of experience and responsibility justifying a higher rate in pay. Richardson also said the manager and attorney have saved the county money.
“ ese two employees are highly educated, highly experienced, and perform at an extremely high level. eir compensation is in line with the current market rates and without a doubt their combined e orts have saved our taxpayers more than they have earned annually,” he said.
“ e county manager has responsibility for an array of multi-year efforts and an overall budget of $53.7 million. Providing certainty of employment is critical in keeping the focus of this position on long-range planning and getting ahead of issues before they result in unanticipated expenses to our taxpayers,” Richardson added.
e “county attorney is responsible for the management of cases which span multiple years, and the risk management or policy advisement aspect of the position allows the county to avoid costs that far exceed the position’s annual salary,” Richardson went on. “Until approximately 12 years ago, the county contracted for legal services. Contracted legal services tend to become extremely expensive over time as generally this results in responding to lawsuits vs. avoiding them.”
For more information about Elbert County Watch, send an email to ecwatch@proton.me.
For more information about upcoming county commissioner meetings visit elbertcounty-co.gov/ calendar.aspx?CID=14.
e Elbert County 2024 Budget Book is online at elbertcounty-co. gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/ Item/405.
Elbert Legals
No Brand, Yellow Tag in RE. Livestock must be claimed by legal owner within 10 days or will be sold by Colorado Brand Board. For information call 719-924-3548 or 303-869-9160.
Legal Notice No. ECN 1532
First Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: July 18, 2024
Publisher: Elbert County News
Name Changes
NOTICE
Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name
Public notice is given on July 1, 2024 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court.
The Petition requests that the name of Yingfei Deng be changed to Long Yan Case No.: 2024 C 64
By: Judge Palmer Boyette
Legal Notice No. ECN 1533
First Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: August 1 2024 Publisher: Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE
