Highlands Ranch Herald May 23, 2024

Meet the Democrats running for Congress in Colorado’s District 4 race

Rock Church takes

fight

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

A Democrat hasn’t won the U.S. House seat in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District since Betsy Markey in 2008. Two years later, Republican Cory Gardner pushed her out and held the seat until he successfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014.

en came Ken Buck, a Republican from Weld County, who had a lock on the seat for more than nine years until his shocking retirement earlier this year.

And, Republicans vying to replace Buck have grabbed almost all the headlines, especially Lauren Boebert, the Western Slope congresswoman who wants to switch to the 4th District.

But Democrats Trisha Calvarese, Isaac “Ike” McCorkle and John Pa-

dora seek to o er an alternative to the status quo.

ey face an uphill battle. In the past two presidential elections, District 4 voters have favored Republicans at a rate of 13 percentage points higher than the national average, leading many people to believe whichever Republican wins the primary election in June will have a lock on winning the seat in November.

Yet, the three Democrats say not so fast. With 46.4% of the district’s voters registered as uwna liated and 16.7% Democrat, each believes Democrats have a chance at winning the district.

Here’s why.

About the Democratic Candidates

Trisha Calvarese is a native of Highlands Ranch and the only Democratic candidate born and raised in the 4th District. She was working for the

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, the country’s largest federation of unions, in Washington, D.C., when her mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She moved home to provide end-of-life care when her dad also got sick and later died. Running for o ce became a gift to herself and her parents, who were the rst to endorse her candidacy.

Calvarese’s top priorities are health care, including defending seniors and restoring reproductive rights and expanding access to education, job training programs, and infrastructure like broadband internet in rural communities. She’s also focused on democracy in American leadership, both domestically and globally, in areas like technology and national security.

over homeless shelter to federal court

BY MCKENNA HARFORD

e Rock Church is taking its lawsuit to allow the church to provide temporary housing for homeless people in Castle Rock to federal court.  e lawsuit, led in the U.S. District Court for Colorado, argues the Town of Castle Rock is violating the church’s religion freedom by prohibiting it from o ering short-term shelter to people in need.  e church has used an RV and a trailer on its property to temporarily house people who otherwise would have nowhere to sleep and shelter from the weather. Last year, town determined the arrangement was not permitted by the church’s zoning. e church hasn’t provided shelter since.

In addition to prohibiting shelter in the RV and trailer on the property, the lawsuit also alleges Castle Rock prevented its e orts to provide emergency shelter through partnerships with the Red Cross and Douglas County’s Homeless Engagement, Assistance and Resource Team.

Jeremy Dys, an attorney for First Liberty Institute, a nonpro t Christian conservative legal organization based in Texas that is representing e Rock, said the church considers providing shelter to be a core part of its religious mission.

It’s not just Republicans, including Lauren Boebert, who are facing a primary in June for the Congressional District 4 race. Three Democrats – from left, Ike McCorkle, Trisha Calvarese and John Padora – are also vying to be on the fall ballot. IMAGES PERMISSION CANDIDATES’

Dys said the goal of the lawsuit is to defend the church’s First Amend-

are, frankly, desperate in terms of housing, to nd a safe place to stay for a short period of time,” Dys said.

SPEAK OUT!

ity of communities,” and otherwise would not comment, citing pending litigation.

In January, the Rock led a complaint in the Douglas County District Court against Castle Rock over the same allegations. Dys said the federal suit will supersede that complaint.

e church is asking the courts for an injunction to provide shelter while the lawsuit is ongoing.

“Every single day the church is not able to do what they are called by God to do, this ministry, is a denial of their civil rights,” Dys said. “ e town can’t simply come in and say you can be a church that operates from 9 a.m to noon on Sundays, Wednesday nights and a couple Bible studies. e Constitution takes a dim view of the state or the town dictating to a religious entity what their religious practice is or ought to be.”

Shelter for unhoused people is a hot button issue across Douglas County, which has no o cial shelter and paused its winter shelter network in 2023. e Rock participated in that network and Polhemus sits on the Douglas County Homeless Initiative.

e county’s main approach to unhoused residents is the Homeless Engagement, Assistance and

The Rock Church is talking to people in its neighborhood to get their feedback on a potential a ordable housing development, which is stoking controversy in Castle Rock even though a formal plan has not been submitted to the town.

Resource Team, which utilizes sheri ’s deputies and co-responders to connect people with services. According to the annual Point in Time Count, there were 72 people experiencing homelessness in Douglas County on a single day in January of 2023.

In June 2023, Douglas County Commissioners approved a camping ban for public property in the unincorporated parts of the county.

Previous conversations about building a shelter or o ering temporary housing in Douglas County and Castle Rock have been controversial, with one devolving into shouting.

Dys said the lack of shelter in the surrounding area helps bolster the church’s contention that it is working to ll that gap.

“ e town should be coming to the church and thanking them for helping solve an intractable problem, but instead they’re punishing them and telling them they’re not wanted as part of the community,” he said.

In addition to temporary shelter, e Rock had been working on a plan to build income-restricted housing on its property, which has since been paused, according to the lawsuit. ough the lawsuit only asks for a ruling on the temporary housing, it’s unclear what impact it would have on a future a ordable housing development.

COURTESY THE ROCK CHURCH

Aurora Model Home Event Was Uninspiring. Where’s

Last Wednesday, I joined 50+ metro area Realtors for a “progressive model home tour” at the Painted Prairie subdivision in Aurora, just south of the Gaylord Rockies resort near DIA. The weather was perfect, and the turnout must have exceeded expectations since the food ran out early at the seven different builder sales centers on the tour.

Six builders partnered in this event which was sponsored by the two metro area Realtor associations — Denver Metro and South Metro. It was well planned and executed, with registration happening at Honeysuckle Park, and the sales offices of the builders all within walking distance. Free shuttles ran constantly, too.

gas forced air furnaces and gas water heaters that I have seen over the last decade at new-home subdivisions.

the

Innovation & Sustainability?

tification but didn’t want to pay the EPA’s fee for it.

Of these builders, Meritage has the best reputation for sustainability. Our office did a field trip to their Richards Farm subdivision in Arvada many years ago, and we were impressed at their use of spray foam insulation and conditioned attics. Instead of finding further progress toward sustainability, I found that only the front and back walls of the Painted Prairie homes have spray foam insulation, although they still have conditioned attics.

Last week I wrote about the new “Energy Star NextGen” certification, which requires all-electric design, not just Energy Star appliances. None of these builders even aspire to that certification. For that, you need to look at Thrive Home Builders, which is building allelectric homes in Loretta Heights, Baseline (Boulder), and Lone Tree. Thrive homes are also EPA Indoor airPLUS qualified, something not even mentioned by any of the Painted Prairie builders.

At registration we were given a map of the sales offices. The participating builders were KB Home, Berkeley Homes, David Weekley Homes, Meritage Homes, Remington Homes, and New Home Co.

KB Home had two sales offices on the 7-stop tour — one for their paired homes and one for single-family homes. I had my own agenda for that day. I wanted to know what innovations and sustainability features these builders were incorporating in their 2024 products. I saw very little of either. These were the same stick-built homes with

All the builders are installing highefficiency gas forced air furnaces (93% to 96% efficient). There wasn’t a heat pump system in any of the homes, nor was a heat pump upgrade possible. All the water heaters are gas units, half of them tankless, and a heat pump water heater is not available as an upgrade, despite the huge tax credits available.

Several of the builders were including 220V wiring to the garage for electric vehicles and prewiring or conduits for roof-top solar PV — making them “solar ready” — but both were options if available at all.

All of the builders said their homes are “Energy Star certified,” except for one which claims to qualify for that cer-

Just Listed: 4-Bedroom Arvada Home

If I were in the market for a new home, I would certainly look at a Thrive Home Builders community.

All the builders promoted the fact that they will continue paying a co-op commission — typically 3% on the base price at closing — to agents who bring them a buyer. Given the turmoil in the resale market regarding buyer agent compensation, a new home is the one purchase in which buyers can have professional representation without paying for it themselves. This will not be going away.

Sustainability aside, there was one builder at Painted Prairie that I liked, a company I had never heard of before — New Home Co. What impressed me

was their lack of upgrade fees. You can choose different styles of cabinets and countertops, but you don’t pay extra for any of them. Also, they had some innovative electrical components, and they include a video doorbell. They also give buyers $30,000 to use for buying down the mortgage interest rate to 3.5% the first year, 4.5% the second year and 5.5% for 28 years.

Metro District Taxes + HOA Dues

As in many new subdivisions, the infrastructure for Painted Prairie was funded by Metro Tax District bonds. The district has its own mill levy to pay off those bonds. While the HOA dues are spelled out on the MLS, the mill levy is not. At www.LifeAtPaintedPrairie.com the district mill levy is revealed — over 75 mills.

Polis Signs Bill Mandating Accessory Dwelling Units

$750,000

You’ll love this move-in ready two-story home at 7885 Quail Street in the Oak Park section of Arvada. It is just two blocks from Alice Sweet Thomas Park to the west and Sierra Park to the east. The sellers have taken excellent care of this house since buying it 34 years ago. It has four bedrooms and 2½ baths and 2,021 main square feet plus an unfinished basement. The corner lot is just under a half acre and is beautifully landscaped. Built in 1978 of brick with wood framing, it has central A/C and gas forced air heating, plus a wood-burning fireplace. All appliances in the kitchen are included, as are the washer and dryer. Find magazine-quality photos and a narrated video tour at www.ArvadaHome.info, then call me at 303-525-1851 to request a private showing. I will be holding it open this Sunday, May 26th, from 11am to 1pm

One of the housing bills signed by Gov. Jared Polis this month was one which requires larger municipalities and unincorporated communities to allow the building of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots zoned for single family homes. Like the other new housing laws, this one is designed to address the shortage of housing units by increasing density.

The new law emphasizes that ADUs provide compact, affordable housing options in established neighborhoods with minimal impact on infrastructure, addressing various housing needs such as rental income generation for homeowners and intergenerational living arrangements.

The law underscores ADUs’ role in addressing childcare deserts and facilitating aging in place, particularly significant as Colorado's population ages. ADUs are noted

for their energy efficiency, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness, aligning with the state’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting climate targets.

Furthermore, the law acknowledges the impact of local land-use regulations on ADU construction and affordability, advocating for more permissive regulations to increase housing supply, stabilize costs, and promote equitable homeownership. It emphasizes the need for consistent regulations to foster a robust ADU market and facilitate affordable housing solutions statewide.

Ultimately, the law declares increasing ADU construction or conversion as a matter of mixed statewide and local concern, recognizing the broader implications for housing affordability and community development across Colorado.

We proudly provide free use of this moving truck to our sellers and buyers, along with free moving boxes, bubble wrap and packing paper.

Non-profits and community organizations also put lots of free miles on it!

Jim Smith

“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.”

CANDIDATES

e last Democrat to enter the race and substantially behind the others in fundraising, Calvarese said she gained her party’s support to win topline billing on the primary ballot by knocking on doors and making phone calls. e Democratic party also chose Calvarese ahead of Padora as its nominee to run in the June 25 special election to ll out the remainder of Buck’s term.

She believes her message resonates because she’s a “daughter of the district” and has extensive experience in Washington, D.C., bringing opposite sides of an issue together.

Calvarese, who was raised by a conservative father in a Catholic household, said she understands those values and believes the district’s constituents have far more in common than they think.

“When you remove the labels and remove the rhetoric, we all want the same thing. We all love our kids, our communities and our country,” she said.

She knows her stance on protecting women’s access to abortion may put her at odds with some of her constituents. “I would never impose a onesize- ts-all solution on everyone,” she said. “I’m also hearing concern about access to things like IVF (in vitro fertilization). Douglas County has one of the highest rates of IVF in the country, and we need access to care without inserting the will of politicians.”

Losing her parents to cancer taught her that death doesn’t discriminate. “It doesn’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat, so let’s make our systems work better.”

Ike McCorkle is a retired Marine Corps Ocer and Purple Heart recipient from a long line of family members who dedicated their lives to military service. Running for o ce is an extension of his devotion to public service.

McCorkle ran for the 4th District seat in 2020 and 2022, losing to Buck both times. As a result, he says he’s learned that it can take years of hard work and commitment to win over hearts and minds, especially those of the opposing party, but he’s con dent this year will be di erent. “ e lessons, data, experience, donor network, and knowledge we have gained over three cycles of work will lead us to victory,” he said. “I have a committed professional sta and the ability to do the targeted outreach needed to reach the persuadable una liated and Republican voters in district four.”

McCorkle’s top priorities are defending democratic values, protecting women’s rights, and defeating those who seek to steal elections and undermine our system for personal gain. In his talks with the district’s constituents, McCorkle said he’s heard they are extremely concerned about maintaining the foundations of democracy and see Boebert as a threat.

He also believes many politicians say they want to x the immigration system but don’t back efforts to do it.

“ ey are more concerned with preserving their political talking points than with national security,” said McCorkle.

If elected, he would seek to nd bipartisan support for the measure.

“I know that there are Republicans and Democrats in Congress who want to work together on the big issues facing us, and I will nd those leaders immediately and get to work. We not only need to nd common ground in Congress, but we need to nd it among our constituencies in CD4. I rmly believe that we have more in common than not, and many of our constituents have been lied to about what and who will work best for them,” said McCorkle.

McCorkle was arrested earlier this year for allegedly violating a protection order led after a family dispute and faces a misdemeanor charge. Soon after his arrest, he told the Douglas County News-Press that he sent an email to his family member intending to reconcile and hoped the issue would be resolved soon. McCorkle is scheduled to appear in court on May 28.

John Padora grew up in a working-class community in Pennsylvania and was inspired to become active in the wake of a severe car accident he linked to prescribed painkillers. A stint in the county prison inspired him to rehabilitate himself and advocate for policy changes like a drug diversion program to keep nonviolent o enders out of prison.

He has spent summers and winters in Boulder and Estes Park and relocated to Severance in 2021.

“I got into the race for House Representative because I felt like we needed to give people another Democratic choice, and we needed a fresh

perspective from someone who can talk to folks with conservative values,” he said.

Padora’s top priorities are economic, foreign, and environmental policy. Within economic policy, his goals are making healthcare more a ordable, lowering in ation, paying workers higher wages and o ering subsidies for rst-time homebuyers to help rebuild the middle class. He also wants to advocate for small businesses and family farms.

His priorities include reducing government waste in military spending and pursuing a twostate solution for Israel and Palestine. Within environmental policy, he endorses a green energy transition, protecting fossil fuel workers and ensuring long-term water sustainability and clean air and water.

When it comes to immigration, Padora believes what’s happening at the border is a humanitarian crisis and that both major political parties have been passing the buck from one administration to the next without a plan to address it.

“I would like to see less militarization of the border, more resources devoted to deporting criminals who don’t belong in our country and the creation of an expedited path for citizenship for everyday families seeking refuge,” he said.

Pandora de nes himself as an unconventional Democrat who learned how to communicate with people of all types, citing his youth on a farm in southwestern Pennsylvania with a conservative family.

“People don’t want these blue dog Democrats to come into the district with the same types of policies they would embrace in California or New York,” he said. “ ey want people that are pragmatic, centrist and progressive who can listen to both sides of the equation.”

A ballot drop box sits on Feb. 14 in Highlands Ranch outside Douglas County’s parks and trails administration building.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Parker police release sketch of suspect in alleged school abduction attempt

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A composite sketch of a suspect involved in an alleged attempted abduction on May 8 near an elementary school in Parker has been released by local police in an attempt to identify the man.

e Parker Police Department is asking residents near Frontier Valley Elementary School and Cimarron Middle School to review their security cameras for video from the morning of Wednesday, May 8, between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. ey are seeking video of the

incident, the victim or the suspect.

e suspect has been described as a white male, about 50 years of age, with graying hair and a mustache. e suspect was driving a black Audi 4-door car with Colorado plates, including tinted windows and a rack.

In the 23000 block of East Bay Oaks Avenue at about 7:50 a.m., an elementary-aged male was walking to school when the car allegedly approached him. A child reported the incident to a sta member at the elementary school and the school, along with

four surrounding schools, were put into a “secure status” for a few hours as police canvassed the area.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or submit an online tip metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/ submit-a-tip.

The Parker Police Department released a composite sketch of a potential suspect involved in an attempted abduction in Parker on Wednesday, May 8.

COURTESY OF THE PARKER POLICE DEPARTMENT

to the Ben Franklin Academy Class of 2024!

A very special group of students are graduating from BFA this year! We’re very proud of this imaginative, supportive and enthusiastic group of students. We’re going to miss their caring nature, their spunkiness and the way they’ve contributed their many talents to enriching the BFA community. During their time at BFA, they explored new interests, began life-long friendships, and grew into responsible, independent and intelligent young adults.

Graduates - We know your positivity and determination will inspire others and help you excel as you transition into high school. We wish you the very best!

Introducing our exceptional eighth grade graduates:

Peyton Agnew

Afton Ahlstrom

Riley Baker

Dillon Baldwin

Elyssia Barwind

Sabine Beasley

Aubrey Benitez

Brady Blanchard

Lucy Burgess

AnnaLivia Calahan

Soraya Chandler

Maya Chrzanowski

Mark Citrin

Nathaniel Day

Blake Dehner

Natalie DeLaO

Jacob Dillman

Joseph Domenico

Cooper Doolittle

Sawyer Doolittle

Olivia Emanuel

Vivienne Epstein

Ryan Fillmore

Jacob Gautier

Lucas Greer

Alexis Grissom

Isaac Grissom

Levi Haufschild

Lynna Ho

Charlotte Hope

Ian Johnson

Cambrya Jones

Ava Keen

Tanner Kimball

Chase Kinley

Carly Knudsen

Noah Kolbo

Elijah Kotzker

Derek Lam

Grayson Lee

Aubrey Leverson

Mia Levy

Brooke Libner

Annalys Longo

Maggie Marino

Keian Martinez

McClain Mayka

Charlee McChesney

Riley McMeekin

Liliana Molieri

Alexandra Monis

Dominic Montelongo

Anya Motazedi

Anna Mundackal

Charlie Murphy

Grayson Murry

Taylor Neale

Rajeev Nelson

Wendy Nguyen

Joshua Olson

Evan Paul

Genevieve Paulson

Kalina Perry

Lainey Pierce

Zachary Pooler

Thomas Reager

Sophie Runyon

Avani Saboo

Luke E. Smith

Luke P. Smith

Maily Smith

Natalia Solis Aceves

Evan Southwick

Ruby Speer

Trevor Spykerman

Alexa Staib

Finley Stockton

Chase Stolte

Kailah Sugiyama

Lillian Sutherland

Chase Svanda

Jace Trenck

Ella Turtle

Jack Vaughan

Talon Wagner

Rowan Warner

Jackson West

Brooke Wilson

Grayson Wilt

Luke Wood

John Young

State partners with driving schools to educate teens about cannabis-impaired driving

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e national public service announcement often heard during commercial breaks, “If you feel different, you drive di erent,” could be dismissed as background noise. But to driving school instructors, law enforcement and family members, it is potentially a matter of life and death.

at’s why the state Department of Transportation is partnering with driving schools across the state to bring more awareness to teens about the dangers and consequences of driving while high.

“Just one hit o a marijuana vape or something, and you feel di er-

ent, you’re gonna drive di erent,”

Mark Ashby, Colorado drug recognition expert said. “Even small amounts impair people.”

Before becoming a drug recognition expert with the state and a state coordinator for standardized eld sobriety testing, Ashby spent about three decades as a police o cer.

Twelve of those years, he worked on responding to fatal car crashes, and had the di cult task of telling families that a loved one had died.

With over 200 deaths in Colorado a year linked to impaired driving, Ashby said it’s preventable, which is something driving school instructors and the state are educating teens on.

Jake Dinwiddie is a senior instruc-

BATHROOM REMODELING DONE RIGHT

tor with DriveSafe Driving Schools. He has over a decade of experience and believes too many people have a habit of waiting for the bad thing to happen before they learn a lesson.

“Why wait for the bad thing to happen instead of realizing that all of the information and all of the data is out there, proving how dangerous it is,” Dinwiddie said.

Expanding the outreach

When marijuana was legalized in the state, Sam Cole, department of transportation tra c safety communications manager, said outreach was originally geared towards adults.

Now, o cials are focusing their

e orts on those under the age of legal consumption for cannabis. e state is partnering with drivers education programs and the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles in a “Drive High, Get a DUI” campaign, warning about nes and penalties.

“ ey need to understand at an early age, when they’re learning how to drive or they just got their license, that DUI’s involve cannabis as well as alcohol,” Cole said.  roughout his years of teaching, Dinwiddie has noticed teens tend to assume that being high is not as much of an impairment as being drunk.

13-16, 2024

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FUN THINGS TO DO:

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• Bungy Jumping

• Jump and Slide on the In atables

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Friday 8 pm – 10 pm Sisters of Rock

Saturday 8 pm – 10 pm

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THURSDAY, JUNE 13 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Only

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Fri 1 pm – 10:30: Carnival Fri 4 pm – 10:30 pm: Fesival

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Sat 10 am – 10:30 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Sun 10 am – 8:30 pm

MAIN STAGE – Live Music ALL Day HEADLINERS:

Friday, June 14 presented by

8:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Kory Brunson Band

Saturday, June 15 presented by 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Wash Park Band Sunday, June 16 presented by 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: That Eighties Band

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PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL

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TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES

Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.

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School board leaning toward $490 million bond vote

Measure would be replay of request turned down in 2023

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County School Board members appear to favor asking voters to approve a $490 million capital improvement bond issue, essentially a replay of the bond request voted down by 52% of voters in 2023. e board is hoping a bigger voter turnout, given the 2024 presidential election, and growing awareness of the county’s schools state of disrepair, will lead to passage.

e board hasn’t yet voted on the potential bond issue. Superintendent Erin Kane presented options for a potential bond, ranging from $490 million to $725 million, to the school board in May. Kane said the district needs funding to address repairs and building upkeep, noting that delaying xes often makes solutions more costly.

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Highlands Ranch Herald

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the Herald is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 115 Wilcox St., Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

Send address change to: Highlands Ranch Herald, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

“Our capital maintenance backlog is crazy,” Kane told the school board.  e lower amount would cover the district’s maintenance needs for one year, fund two new elementary schools and one middle school expansion. e larger amount would pay for maintenance through 2028, three new elementary schools, a middle school expansion and school improvements.

Douglas County has some growing neighborhoods that currently don’t have schools, including Sterling Ranch, the Canyons and Ridgegate. Students in those neighborhoods are being bused to over ow schools.

In 2023, the district asked voters for a $488 million bond to fund maintenance for three years, build three new elementary schools and expand two middle schools, but it failed with 52% of voters opposing. e district last passed a bond in 2018, which addressed capital maintenance through 2021.

Kane said the goal is to get back to passing bonds on a regular schedule of every three to four years, which the district did from 1984 to 2006.

She added that in ation has made construction and maintenance more expensive, explaining why the latest proposal would accomplish somewhat less than 2023’s; also, as maintenace is deferred, its cost expands.

Recent polling of roughly 400 people

found that 56% of voters would support a $490 million bond, which would not increase taxes. Larger bonds would raise taxes; a $725 million bond, for instance, was estimated to increase taxes by $126 per year for a $1 million home.

If a bond is not placed on the ballot or if it fails, property taxes will decrease by an estimated $94 per year for a $1 million home.

is is the last year Douglas County can ask for a bond without increasing taxes due to the way that its debt payments are structured.

“As we structure debt over time, we look at our payments for where we can step down and potentially ll in with new debt,” Kane said, adding that the district needs taxpayer permission to take on new debt.

e board seemed to favor the idea of asking for a $490 million bond because it’s tax-neutral and voter support shown in polling.

“Some of the results we saw in the polling is because it’s clear it would be without an increase on your current taxes,” said board member Susan Meek. “I don’t want to risk not passing a bond this time around because we’re asking for more money.”

Board president Christy Williams said she is “gun-shy” about asking voters to support a bond for a third year in a row when voters have previously opposed the bonds.

But Todd Vitale, a consultant, said this year will have a much larger voter turnout because of the presidential election and the electorate is likely to skew more in favor of school funding.

“We just barely fell short last November,” Vitale said. “Sometimes it takes two or three bites at the apple before voters are both educated about what’s happening, have learned what the need is, and over time (become) more comfortable.”

Board member Tim Moore was also initially hesitant, but now leans in favor of asking for a bond because of the nancial impact of delayed maintenance and lack of schools.

“ e longer I’m here and learn about what’s really going on behind the scenes, what the need is and why it exists, I tend to lean in favor of (the $490 million bond),” Moore said.

Passing a tax-neutral bond now means that future bonds will require more signi cant tax increases, Kane, the superintendent, warned.

Kane said a $725 million bond would allow the district to keep on top of maintenance needs and open the potential for future tax-neutral bonds.

“It sets us up for getting to a place where we can stay within the (tax) rate while we continue to maintain and invest in our capital,” she said. “It isn’t just one and done, we have to continue to invest in our buildings over time.”

Douglas County School District headquarters in Castle Rock. FILE PHOTO

Aging with independence and dignity, Executive Home Care comes to the Front Range

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When it comes to in-home care for seniors, In and Janet Kim, long-time Colorado residents, believe it’s more than providing a service. It’s about creating a trusting relationship while improving the quality of life for the clients and their families.

“Our main focal point of services is that personal support care for our clients,” In Kim, owner of Executive Home Care Front Range, said. “From personal care and hygiene to meal preparation as well as mobility assistance.”

Executive Home Care is an in-

home care for seniors and disabled persons. A new franchise located at 11479 Pine Dr. Ste. 4 in Parker recently opened, serving those in Parker, Aurora, Castle Rock, Littleton and Highlands Ranch.

Although there is a demand for the service throughout the Denver Metro area, due to Douglas County’s aging population, that form of care is starting to be sought out more often.

As of summer 2023, Douglas County’s population is approximately 383,906, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About 14% of that population are those over the age of 65.

“ ere is de nitely a need for this service,” said Kim. “ ere are folks

that are looking to gain that independence and dignity.”

Denise Moran, a new client, said she has utilized several other inhome care services in the past but this assistance has been the best, describing her caregivers as “exceptional.”

“I couldn’t ask for anybody better,” Moran said.

She added Executive Home Care is also the least expensive service she’s had and that she has been given extra time with the caregivers.

With about two caregivers for every client, the caregivers design specialized care plans based on the speci c recovery needs and daily liv-

ing requirements of clients and o er 24/7 support.

Companionship and comprehensive services are a top priority for Kim and Executive Home Care.

“All of the caregivers that work for us, they strive every day to provide that unparalleled service,” Kim said.

In addition to helping with personal hygiene, planning and cooking meals, medication reminders, dressing and walking assistance, the caregivers aspire to have meaningful conversations, play board games, work on crafts and hobbies and help take clients to and from the grocery store or doctor’s appointments.

REVERSE MORTGAGES MADE EASY

Building trust in an untrusting society

In a world where skepticism often takes precedence over trust, fostering genuine connections can feel like an uphill battle. e adage that “people will talk with people they like, but they will do business with people they trust,” rings particularly true in our interactions both in personal life and in business. Trust and open, honest communication are not merely additives to relationships but essential ingredients that determine their health and longevity.

e process starts with communication — open, transparent and honest. Communication is the vehicle through which trust can be established. When people communicate clearly and openly, they lay down the groundwork for understanding and reliability. Honest communication does not just mean sharing the good; it also means being open about the bad and the ugly. It’s about being vulnerable and true to one’s feelings and intentions. When such transparency is reciprocated, it creates a strong bond that is di cult to break.

WINNING

Trust is also about consistency. People trust those who act consistently over time—those whose actions match their words. is consistency needs to be evident in all aspects of one’s behavior, from the way one handles commitments to how one responds in crises. It’s the predictability in behavior that comforts people, giving them a sense of security that they know who you are and what you stand for.

Another cornerstone in building trust is giving others the bene t of the doubt. is concept might seemw counterintuitive in a society that encourages us to be wary. However, extending the bene t of the doubt can be a powerful tool. It means treating initial misunderstandings or mistakes not as deliberate breaches of trust, but as human errors. is approach does not mean being naive; rather, it’s about tempering judg-

Here in the Douglas County School District, we have some of the most dedicated teachers, principals and support sta who give their all each and every day to ensure that our students receive the best possible education. Because of their e orts, the 2023-2024 school year was full of celebrations!

Did you know?

For the rst time in a decade, DCSD is the top-scoring district in the Denver metro area!

DCSD is one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic!!) scores in every subject and every grade.

DCSD is one of the only school districts in the state to increase prociency levels across all student subgroups.

ment with empathy until proven otherwise. When you approach interactions with this mindset, you not only encourage a more forgiving and understanding environment but also promote a culture where others feel safe to be honest and forthcoming.

is is not to suggest that trust should be unconditional and unlimited. Indeed, discernment is necessary, as blind trust can lead to exploitation. Rather, it’s about creating a baseline of trust that allows relationships to ourish while maintaining the vigilance necessary to protect oneself from deceit.

Encouraging trust also involves acknowledging and addressing the realities of previous betrayals. Trust cannot be rebuilt without recognizing past failures and actively working to prevent future breaches. is may involve systemic changes to ensure transparency, justice and fairness. It also involves personal commitments to not repeat past mistakes, to learn from them, and to grow.

Building trust in an untrusting society requires e ort from individuals

A look back at 2023-2024

and institutions alike. It requires a commitment to honest communication, consistency in actions, and a willingness to give the bene t of the doubt. It also demands an understanding of when to extend trust and when to guard it. As we navigate our daily interactions, let us strive to be agents of trust, fostering relationships that are not only functional but also enriched with integrity and respect. In doing so, we not only enhance our personal connections but also contribute to the broader societal good, paving the way for a more trusting and cohesive community. How about you? Are you a trust rst person, or an earn my trust rst person? I would love to hear your story of trust at gotonorton@gmail. com, and when we can expand our trust horizons, it really will be a better than good life.

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

DCSD is one of the leaders, nationwide, in “blurring the lines” between PK-12, higher education and industry through our incredible Concurrent Enrollment/ Career and Technical Education offerings (over 20K seats!) and our partnerships with multiple higher education institutions, providing students additional pathways to success after high school, whether they choose college or go straight to industry. Finally, DCSD ranked number 11 on the list of the 250 “most envied” school districts in the country by Test Prep Insight (DCSD is the only Colorado school district in the top

65!).

Award-winning academic success irty- ve of our schools received the 2023 John Irwin Award of Excellence from the Colorado Department of Education.

Ten of our schools received the 2023 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award from the CDE. Parker Core Knowledge Charter was named a 2023 Colorado National Blue Ribbon School.

The future is bright! What’s next for DCSD?

In the coming school year, we will ask our community to join us in conversations about our future. Looking ahead 10 years to 2035 and beyond, together we will:

PARTNER: Continued partnerships with our families, students and sta to remain in that number

one spot! Together, we will take on issues that impact our kids, like social media.

DREAM: Community conversations around what we want for DCSD 10 years from now and beyond.

DECIDE: Determine what we want our kids to know and be able to do in 2035 and beyond.

EXPLORE: Prepare students for the workforce and life after high school as it looks in their future. is means leveraging (safely!) the world of Arti cial Intelligence (AI) and whatever else is to come. ank you for an incredible 20232024 school year. We are very grateful for our students, families, teachers, sta and community members.

#ProudtoBeDCSD

Erin Kane is the Superintendent of the Douglas County School District

Erin Kane

‘The Prom’ ends Town Hall Arts Center’s 41st season

Spring is prom season, which makes it the perfect time for Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center to host the Colorado premiere of the joyous Broadway musical, “ e Prom.”

“Some theaters are known for doing tried-and-true classics ey’re intended to entertain. Other theaters are known for producing newer ‘thinkers,’ or message-pieces. ey’re intended to inspire,” wrote Steven Burge, marketing manager at the arts center. “Town Hall Arts Center believes you can do both and ‘ e Prom’ is perfect for that intent.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS

“ e Prom” runs at the Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 Main St. in Littleton, from Friday, May 24 through Sunday, June 23. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. ursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

e show follows a quartet of Broadway stars who are trying to nd a good cause to champion as a way to get back into the spotlight. When they hear about a small town in Indiana that is refusing to allow a young woman to take her girlfriend to the prom, they think they’ve found what they’re looking for.

“It’s a classic forbidden love story that we’ve all seen and loved and rooted for, for years. But it is a couple’s story that isn’t told every day,” Burge wrote. “While entertaining and uplifting the spirits of our audience members is the overarching goal, if we can do that and amplify the voices of queer youth at the same time, that’s great.”

e show features music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and the book by Bob Martin Beguelin. e cast is made up of new faces and longtime Town Hall favorites, like Margie Lamb and Sonsharae Tull, as well as Piper Lindsay Arpan, an actual Broadway performer who was a Radio City Rockette and performed in the Broadway production of Monty Python’s “Spamalot.”

Burge describes the music as very emblematic of contemporary musical theater show tunes, with some nods to Bob Fosse and Stephen Sondheim thrown in for good musical-theater-nerd measure.

When all of this is combined, it makes “ e Prom” the perfect show to end the theater’s season and welcome summer to the state.

Clarke Reader

“We hope folks will leave humming and smiling, and feeling a little bit lighter and happier than they felt coming into the theater,” Burge added. “We hope that people will see that there is quality, cultural theatrical entertainment to be experienced outside of Denver. Littleton community members, Highlands Ranchers and south suburbanites in general can nd award-winning musical theater right here on Main Street, Littleton.”

Indian Market & Powwow returns to Tesoro Cultural Center

e Tesoro Cultural Center, 19192 CO-8 in Morrison, is hosting the 23rd annual Indian Market & Powwow, one of its most beloved events, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2. ere will also be food, exhibitions and the honoring of a Native veteran. More information can be found at https://www.tesoroculturalcenter. org/the-23nd-annual-indian-market-and-powwow/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Maggie Rogers at Red Rocks

Maggie Rogers makes the kind of music that can sweep you away if you let it. Since her debut studio album, “Heard It in a Past Life” was released, she’s been a favorite of those looking for depth to go with their musical earworms. Just a month ago, Rogers released her third record, “Don’t Forget Me,” and it’s one of the year’s best. She’s said she wants the album to sound like a Sunday afternoon, and she certainly delivered. In support of the album, Rogers is bringing her Don’t Forget Me Tour to Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 27, and Tuesday, May 28. As opener, she’s tapped e Japanese House, one of my favorite alt rock performers.

Get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

Centennial State ranks highly for indie bookstores per capita; shopkeepers say neighborhoods benefit

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As the school year comes to a close for some and the summer begins for all, Coloradans may be looking for something to ll their time. Luckily, they need to look no further than their local bookstores, which o er community, games and more, beyond books.

While big box stores and bookselling chains o er wide selections and thorough organizational systems, smaller stores allow for customers to converse with someone well-versed in the pages they spend each day around.

Here are six local independent bookstores worth checking out in the Denver metro area.

Capitol Hill Books | Denver

300 East Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado 80203 | (303)-837-0700 | info@capitolhillbooks.com | capitolhillbooks. com |Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day Bringing books to Denver for 44 years, Capitol Hill Books houses a large collection of used and rare books. Both its placement and longevity have made the store a neighborhood staple.

“Everyone has seen this store as they drive through town,” said owner Ben Hall, who has spent 15 years working there, the last year and a half as owner. “It’s one of the de ning features of Cap Hill, our sign that says used books.”

In addition to being a Colfax mainstay, Hall believes the store serves an

important place in the community.

“I think having a neighborhood bookstore is important,” Hall said. “A neighborhood used bookstore gives everyone in the neighborhood a chance to nd something to read. You can do that at a library too, but maybe you want to take it home.

“It just means more people in the neighborhood will spend time reading,” Hall added. “Maybe I’m biased, but I think that’s important.”

Petals and Pages of Denver

956 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, Colorado 80204 | info@petalsandpagesofdenver.com | petalsandpagesofdenver. com | Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays

Petals and Pages o ers a bit more than your average bookstore. e queer woman-owned shop is both a bookstore and ower shop — with a bakery coming soon.

e shop also serves as a community space, with a variety of events every month. With book clubs covering a range of genres—such as romance, poetry, social justice, fantasy, queer literature and more—any reader can nd a club for them. For those that simply want a place to read, the store also o er read-a-thons.

However, the events aren’t limited to books. From game nights to burlesque classes to oral classes to speed dating, Petals and Pages has many classes and events to bring people together.

“Support your local indie bookstore,” says a message posted outside Petals and Pages of Denver.

PHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN

The music books section inside Capitol Hill Books. The shop has been open for over 44 years.

BOOKSTORES

Sudden Fiction Books | Castle Rock

221 Perry St., Castle Rock, Colorado 80104 | (303)-856-8181 | hello@ sudden ctionbooks.com | suddenctionbooks.com| Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through ursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays  Inside of Ecclesia Market, Sudden Fiction Books brings new and used books across many genres to Castle Rock.

“Our bookstore prioritizes working with the community and re ecting their interests,” said bookseller Luxe Palmer. “ e community builds us up. I think we keep a very good relationship with our patrons, which is something that big box bookstores are not able to do.”  e store not only o ers a place to shop for books, but a place to nd community, with book clubs and “Local Author Saturdays,” where a couple of local authors will spend the day hanging out and chatting about books.

“Working at an independent bookstore gives us a lot of opportunity to be able to interact with the customers and help them nd exactly what they need,” Palmer said. “It’s an absolute joy to work here.”

The Book Stop | Wheat Ridge

10840 West 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 | (303)-4254960 | srebooks@abookstop.com | https://www.abookstop.com/ | Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays

Since 1987, e Book Stop has brought books to Wheat Ridge.  e store has a bit of everything, o ering customers books across a wide variety of genres. With over 70,000 books in its inventory, e Book Stop has something for everyone, inviting customers to come get lost in the maze of bookshelves.

Black and Read | Arvada 7821 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, CO 80003 | (303)-467-3236 | blackandread19@gmail.com | https:// blackandread.com/ | Open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays

Bringing Arvada more than just books, Black and Read is an independent bookstore that also sells music and games.

For over 30 years, the store has

used books and rare books, but its inventory doesn’t stop there. e store also o ers a wide variety of physical media, ranging from vinyls and CD’s to DVD’s and cassettes. For gamers, the store has board games and role-playing games.

“I’m kinda the board game expert here,” said bookseller Ben Boskoss. “So they brought me on to help with that, and I’ve been learning more of the books side of things as well.”

With a maze of books and more at the ready, Black and Read is a shop to browse and enjoy.

“It’s always great seeing local shoppers coming in and out,” Boskoss said.

Spell Books | Littleton

2376 Main St., Littleton, Colorado 80120 | (303)-954-0094 | info@spellbooksco.com |spellbooksco.com |

Open noon to 5 p.m. Mondays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays

One of Main Street’s newest additions, Spell Books brings a curated selection to those looking for unique reads.

“We’re highly curated simply because we don’t have a lot of space,” said owner Corey Dahl. “I think we have a lot of small press and under the radar gems that people won’t nd at bigger stores.”

Dahl also said she focused on curating a good space, alongside a good book selection.

“We have a di erent vibe too,” Dahl said. “I did all the decor; it’s all thrifted. I just wanted to make it cozy; like grandma’s house, if grandma was a witch.”

In addition to housing books, the store is also home to several community events, including book clubs, poetry readings, writing workshops and “Friday Night Read ‘n Writes” — where attendees can spend a few hours reading or writing with others.

“Bookstores are a great community driver,” Dahl said. “You can buy a book online but you don’t get to talk to anyone about it, you don’t get to have that kismit moment of nding the book in person.”

With a variety of community events, Spell Books o ers a space to connect through books.

“Reading feels like it’s supposed to be a solitary activity but I think it’s the opposite,” Dahl said. “I think you’re supposed to connect with people through reading.”

Spell Books in Littleton hosts kids reading hours. COURTESY OF SPELL BOOKS

Black and Read seems to be an endless collection of books and other goodies, such as these comic books.

Douglas County looks to sell Lone Tree property to restaurateur

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County o cials are poised to sell a property in Lone Tree, near Park Meadows mall, pivoting away from a plan to use the property to expand services for seniors.

O cials are in the process of selling the property, owned by the county, to a restaurateur. e space’s new user will likely be the group behind e 303 Sports Grill, an operation seeking to expand in the south metro area, according to the City of Lone Tree.

“We think that (is) probably a much better t for the future plans of Lone Tree’s entertainment district,” said Tim Hallmark, the county’s director of facilities.

e deal is expected to be completed in the weeks ahead.

Eye on senior services expansion e county had purchased the property for $3.9 million in December in hopes of expanding services provided by Aging Resources of Douglas County, an organization that assists seniors with resources like meal delivery and transportation.

Before voting to sell the property, county Commissioner George Teal said he remained committed to

nding a new “home base” for Aging Resources that can provide food and even include a sit-down eating space.

e prospective buyer o ered to pay $4.1 million for the property, county o cials said.

“And considering the bene ts that it’ll present to have a taxable entity there, to collect sales tax on behalf of the City of Lone Tree, yeah, I think it’s a great idea,” Teal said.

Commissioner Abe Laydon, who addressed a Lone Tree o cial at an early May county meeting, spoke about the economics of the move.

“One of the commitments we made when we looked at this property was, ‘Look, if you identify a business that makes sense in this location, we absolutely want to partner with you,’” Laydon said.

e county appears it could make a roughly $200,000 pro t on the sale, but a county spokesperson said that remains to be determined as an outcome of the sale process.

On whether the county could take the roughly $4.1 million — or a portion of it — and use it for purposes other than buying a new property for Aging Resources, the county said in a statement that county leaders have “reiterated on the record their intent to dedicate the funds for the planned expansion of ARDC programming.”

Commissioners voted to do so in an “executive session” meeting April 29 ahead of the May 7 special public meeting where they unanimously voted to move forward with the sale process, according to the statement.

ere is no timeline for when the county might buy a property that Aging Resources can use as its second location, the statement said.

In the ‘entertainment district’

e county property sits at 9228 Park Meadows Drive, near Yosemite Street south of the C-470 highway. At that spot, it ts into Lone Tree’s goal of revamping its “entertainment district” area, a large stretch of land that the city says has faced challenges associated with aging development.

Adding the potential new restaurant o ers “something that we don’t have, believe it or not, a lot of in the entertainment district,” said Je Holwell, Lone Tree’s director of economic development.

“We have lots of wonderful restaurants, but a type like this is something that I think will really be appreciated by our residents,” Holwell said at the meeting.

With the “growing opportunities” in the entertainment district, “I think it’ll create an energy in that area that will hopefully make all these entities successful,” Holwell added.

County o cials expect the sale of the property to be nalized in early July.

The building at 9228 Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree, which has housed the Brewery Bar III. Douglas County bought the property but has decided to sell it.

COURTESY OF GOOGLE STREET VIEW

Thu 5/23

Subtronics

@ 10:59pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Fri 5/24

Dear Marsha,: Dear Marsha supporting Women on Wheels at Brewability @ 5pm

Meadow Mountain: "June Nights"

Album Release Show @ 7pm

daniels hall, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Meadow Mountain + The Grass

Project Live at Swallow Hill @ 7pm

daniels hall, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

The Mike G Band @ 7pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton

Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts @ 7pm

Wild Goose Saloon, Parker

Los Herederos De Nuevo Leon

@ 7:30pm

Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora

Sat 5/25

Meadow Mountain at McAwesome Festival @ 5pm

Tue 5/28

Full Summer Camp Registration (Douglas County) @ 6:30am / Free May 28th - Aug 6th

Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E Plaza Dr., Parker. 303-805-6315

Brewability Lab, 3445 S Broad‐way, Englewood

Eric Golden @ 6pm Wild Goose Saloon, Parker

Judy Collins

@ 6:30pm

Caffeine and Chrome – Clas‐

sic Cars and Coffee at Gate‐way Classic Cars of Denver @ 8am

Gateway Classic Cars of Denver, 14150 Grasslands Drive, Engle‐wood. marketing@gatewayclassic cars.com, 618-271-3000

Wednesday @ 6pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Wednesday @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Wed 5/29

McAwesome Ranch, 3039 Haystack Rd, Castle Rock

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 7pm

Tommy Saxman Foyer: Tommy Saxman Duo at Studio@Mainstreet @ 4pm

Studio@Mainstreet, 19604 Mainstreet, Parker

CHADZILLA MUSIC: Jeffrey Dallet

Album Release Show @ 6:30pm

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Jeffrey Dallet @ 7pm

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Opie Gone Bad @ 8pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Mon 5/27

K-2 Week 1 - Full Day @ 8am / Free May 27th - May 31st

Kiddie Academy - Lone Tree, 10344 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree. 515-708-0433

Fitness: MURPH Memorial Day Challenge Event (15+ yrs) S/S24 @ 1pm

Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan

Thu 5/30

Henry Cho @ 6:30pm

Comedy Works South, 5345 Land‐mark Pl, Greenwood Village

Toni Romiti @ 7pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

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.

DRIVING

A National Highway Tra c Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk study showed that marijuana users are more likely to be involved in crashes as one of the e ects of THC, a component in cannabis, hinders a person’s ability to multitask.

Some students at a DriveSafe school in Highlands Ranch said they didn’t understand the totality of the issue, one saying there’s a lot of de-stigmatization around cannabis.

“Coverage tends to focus on drunk driving and emphasizing not getting behind the wheel when you’re intoxicated,” student Braden Kie er said.

Part of their educational process, state Department of Transportation o cials conduct annual driver behavior surveys. e 2023 survey revealed that drivers ages 16-24 are the most likely age group to believe cannabis-impaired driving was OK.  When Dinwiddie asked the students about the age to purchase and consume marijuana, some thought a person only had to be 18 to consume marijuana. However, the legal

AGING

Caregivers can provide these services in assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and on-site care at hospitals, according to the website.

age is 21 or older to buy or use marijuana recreationally in Colorado.

“Even though it’s illegal for them [teenagers] to consume cannabis, we know that some of them are consuming cannabis and that’s why we want them to know all the facts,” Cole said.

The e ects of cannabis

Studies have shown that THC stays in the body’s system longer than alcohol, and it slows reaction time, reduces focus and temporarily weakens problem solving skills.

People who drive high often have trouble knowing if they are staying in their lane and struggle to keep a steady distance between them and the vehicle ahead of them, according to the National Highway Tra c Safety Administration.

People also lose the ability to form short-term memories, added Ashby, a state drug recognition expert.

“When you’re driving, short-term memories are remembering what the speed limit is, remembering to put your seatbelt on, remembering that there’s a car next to you or that you have to get o at your exit,” Ashby said.

ose under the in uence of cannabis tend to forget to vary their speed, said Ashby, so if they go from the highway to a more residential

Executive Home Care also provides specialized programs such as care for Alzheimer’s and dementia, hospital or rehabilitation to home transition, fall risk and home safety, long-term care insurance assistance and veteran pensions.

“What we’re trying to strive for is to really care for our clients, so they feel comfortable at home and they gain

road, they may maintain the highway speed.

Like Ashby, there are over 200 ofcers that are active Drug Recognition Experts representing law enforcement agencies across the state.

ese o cers, along with those who have Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement training, are able to recognize impairment by cannabis versus alcohol.

e Douglas County Sheri ’s Ofce currently has zero Drug Recognition Experts, said Deputy Cocha Heyden, a spokesperson with the sheri ’s o ce.

Since the beginning of 2024, there have been 86 DUI arrests made in the county, with the top age category being 25-34, according to the latest Colorado Crime Statistics. ese numbers have steadily increased the past few years, with 297 arrests in 2023.

“When we look at a person, we look for impairment,” said Ashby. “ e primary goal is never necessarily to place a substance with a person.”

Clear indicators may be the smell of the person or vehicle, but o cers also look at the driver’s eyes. Drugs such as antidepressants cause the eyes to move in a staggered way, whereas cannabis causes the pupils to dilate.

that independence and a smile on their face,” Kim said.

Kim left the corporate world because he wanted to take on an entrepreneurial role and help people in the elderly community. His own experience with nding his parents the right home care, and seeing how it bene ted them, inspired him to look into the home health industry.

Ashby said the roadside tests were designed to rule out medical conditions for the purpose of seeing impairment and people under the in uence of cannabis tend to forget some of the instructions.

DriveSafe instructor, Dinwiddie wants teens – and adults – to know how many levels of one’s life a DUI could impact, no matter the substance.

“Instead of shaming people and just trying to scare them into not doing it, let’s have good, open-minded communication and have you guys be truly educated on just how many aspects of your life it could impact in a negative way,” Dinwiddie said.

Consequences include possible jail time, a mandatory interlock on vehicles, loss of license, community service and being ineligible for high school activities, college programs or scholarships.  ose a ected in the slightest by drugs or alcohol can be arrested for a DUI, which can cost up to $13,500, or a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired). Even medical cardholders can be at risk.

“You can have whatever opinion on smoking, nicotine or cannabis as you want, but behind the wheel, there’s an obvious e ect and it is not something that you should be doing,” student Braden Kie er said.

“Kind of looking at the value brought to them and then being able to be cared for in the comfort of their home,” Kim said.

Executive Home Care Brand President Kevin Porter said in a statement that Kim’s leadership and dedication to the company’s core values will help meet the growing demand for highquality in-home care in the region.

Valor Christian soars over Denver East in rugby state championship

BY HESTON MOSHER

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e sun shone down upon the Innity Park stadium in Glendale as the Denver East Angels and the Valor Christian Eagles clashed in a thrilling high school championship rugby showdown on May 11.

In a match that showcased grit, determination and moments of brilliance, the Eagles emerged victorious with a nal score of 38-24, etching their names in the annals of high school rugby history.

From the onset, both teams displayed erce determination, each hungry for the championship title. Valor drew rst blood with a penalty kick from Zach Maughan in the 10th minute, setting the tone for the contest.

However, Denver East swiftly responded with a try from #1, followed by a successful conversion kick from Eli Zsemlye, propelling them into a 7-3 lead.

e pendulum swung back and forth as Valor’s Zach Pickett dashed over the try line, swiftly countered by Denver East’s #10, keeping the scoreboard moving.

trol in the second half, launching a relentless assault on Denver East’s defense. Try after try, coupled with awless conversion kicks, propelled the Eagles to a commanding lead.

Valor’s dominance was epitomized by Elliot Smyth’s stunning steal and solo run from mid eld, leaving defenders in his wake as he touched down for another try, sending the crowd into an uproar. Despite a valiant e ort from Den-

ver East, including a late surge with tries from Eli Zsemlye and #21, it was not enough to bridge the gap. Before the game, Denver East Head Coach Bill Baer re ected on the season with pride, emphasizing the team’s dedication and hard work.

“It’s cool to be in the stadium and get to see it pay o ,” Baer said, echoing the sentiments of a team that fought tooth and nail to reach the championship.

In contrast, Valor’s head coach Guy Mumford lauded his team’s unwavering commitment and determination.

“ ey set a goal early in that they wanted to do all the extra work that they needed to in the gym. ey didn’t want to miss a session,” he emphasized, highlighting the squad’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

Despite the loss, Denver East’s Eli Zsemlye commended his teammates for their resilience and ghting spirit.

“We went out on a front foot, and that means a lot,” Zsemlye said, underscoring the team’s unity and determination.

For Valor’s Elliot Smyth, the victory was the culmination of years of hard work and sacri ce.

“To win it all is insane,” Smyth said. “It means a lot to the whole team to nally get the trophy.”

Re ecting on his pivotal steal and try, he added, “It de nitely felt good to outrun every other player.”

In the end, as the nal whistle blew, the Valor Christian Eagles emerged triumphant, their victory a testament to teamwork, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Valor’s Niko Zaharas attempts to wrap up Denver East’s #20 in a tackle midfield.

PHOTO BY HESTON MOSHER

Mountain Vista boys volleyball wins first state title

BY STEVE SMITH SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

After 11 match points and a certain number of gnawed-o ngernails among its fans, Mountain Vista’s boys volleyball team captured its rst boys state volleyball title on May 11. e Golden Eagles (27-2) turned back Fountain-Fort Carson 25-21, 25-23, 26-28, 30-28 at Overland High School. e Trojans nished with a mark of 26-4.

“A lot of it was attitude,” said junior outside hitter Luke Colquette, who nished with 18 kills, tops on the squad. “We worked well as a team. When we needed to pull through, we stayed focused and relaxed.”

Dax Wittren had 12 kills for Mountain Vista. Trevor Robinson added 10 and an ace. Ethan Ploetz and Alex Gio Nicandro had seven kills for the

Trojans. Jonathan Lozan added three aces, while Nicandro and Trystan Maloney contributed two. e fourth set wasn’t all about the nine match points for the Golden Eagles.

Fountain-Fort Carson led 11-2 before Mountain Vista launched a comeback. A hitting error gave the Golden Eagles their rst lead of the set. e lead grew to 24-19, which began the string of match points.

“It was a little too close for my liking,” said senior Reed Richardson, who nished with four kills. “We had to come out on top. We knew if we gave our all into that one point, one point would waterfall into 25 points and eventually into 30. It was a little stressful, so I might have some (gray hair) later tonight.”

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Mountain Vista’s Reed Richardson gets his turn to hoist the state boys volleyball championship trophy at Overland High School on May 11.

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

Outdoor preschools could soon get state licenses

BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Fourteen preschoolers sang “Eggs, larva, pupa, adults,” on a recent morning, curling up on the grass, wriggling around like caterpillars, lying still, and then apping their arms in search of wild owers.

e song, along with redwing blackbird calls and a bit of tra c noise, was the soundtrack of their morning circle, which kicked o near a wetland in southeast Denver. e children weren’t on a eld trip. ey were attending preschool outside like they always do, under the supervision of teachers from Nature School Cooperative. It was early May and, although the 3and 4-year-olds didn’t know it, a momentous week for schools like theirs.

Colorado lawmakers were about to pass a bill that would allow outdoor preschools — sometimes called forest schools — to be recognized with state child care licenses adapted to their format.

Advocates say the great outdoors is an ideal classroom, giving young children the chance to move freely, learn about the natural world, and assess risks and solve problems in a way indoor classrooms don’t allow. ey say licensing will open the programs to a wider swath of families by unlocking public dollars available through Colorado’s universal preschool and child care subsidy programs.

Candace Johnson, whose two children attend Nature School Cooperative ve days a week, said the school is a big expense, but worth it because her kids get so much out of it, even on cold, snowy days. She said it would be “invaluable” if the schools could be licensed and access funds to cut costs for parents.

Gov. Jared Polis is expected to sign the bill, which received support from some Republicans, into law in the next few weeks. Colorado will then become the second state after Washington to license outdoor preschools. State o cials still have to hammer out detailed rules, so it will be a year or two before Colorado begins handing out

licenses.

In the meantime, advocates are celebrating the creation of a clear, state-approved pathway for outdoor preschools.

“We are just very excited and thankful,” said Jennifer Kollerup, who heads the Colorado Collective for Nature-Based Early Education.

Ryan Pleune, who co-owns Nature School Cooperative, said he was thrilled when lawmakers passed the bill. He hopes someday his program can be tuition-free for every family.

State rules aren’t tailored to outdoor preschools

Matt Hebard cried when he was testifying in support of the outdoor preschool bill in February.

He began pushing for state recognition for outdoor preschools more than a decade ago, when he worked for what was then Colorado’s O ce of Early Childhood and is now the Department of Early Childhood.

“It just didn’t really get a whole lot of traction,” said Hebard, who now lives in Alaska.

In 2020 Hebard founded Denver Forest School, an outdoor school that serves more than two-dozen children ages 2 to 7 at Blu Lake Nature Center on the city’s eastern edge.

It’s one of about 45 outdoor early childhood programs in Colorado, according to Kollerup. Some, called hybrid programs, operate in a building part of the time and outdoors part of the time and have a traditional child care license.

Others operate entirely outdoors and follow rules that make them “license exempt” — for example, by having only four children in the group, requiring parents stay for the session, or focusing on a single skill the way a gymnastics class does.

But these arrangements are more or less workarounds since the highly regulated child care licensing system was never designed for outdoor preschools. And since licenseexempt programs aren’t generally eligible for public funding, most families have to pay full tuition.

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

PROTECTS VETERANS

A retired Marine, State Representative Bob Marshall takes action on issues impacting vulnerable veterans & service-members:

OVERRODE the powerful Joint Budget Committee (JBC) as a first-year legislator to ensure veterans received final honors at funerals – Colorado Channel, Feb 15, 2023 @ 1:34:00.

REFERRED a 2024 ballot measure to ensure veterans with “individual unemployability” designations can access Colorado’s disabled veterans homestead exemption. These veterans cannot work but were inexplicably left out for years… until Bob addressed it. – HCR23-1002.

PASSED the “Purple Star Program” to help DoD children integrate better into new schools. Over 40 states had this program for years, but not Colorado…until Bob sponsored it. –HB24-1076.

PASSED resolutions honoring Vietnam War (HJR23-1013) & Persian Gulf War (HJR24-1014) veterans.

LED Veterans Caucus support for the refurbishment of Golden’s Marine Corps Memorial. – Colorado Channel, April 30, 2024 @ 00:33:24

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CONTEST

“You have to bring your team together and take it one play at a time. Everyone has a common goal,” Colquette said. “It’s hard to do. But the more practice you get – like anything else – the easier it becomes.”

“Everyone on this team treats each other like brothers,” Richardson said. “We know how to come together. It was amazing to see us do that and come out a state champion.”

e two teams made their inaugural appearance in the state nals. Richardson said his team “went out with a bang.”

state at the beginning,” Colquette said. “I’m happy, but I don’t know if I’m surprised.”

More

Douglas County High School, Littleton Public Schools and ornton High School sent teams to this year’s tournament. Littleton’s squad came within one win of playing in thenals, thanks in large part to the play of hitters Shawn Zheng and Brady Wiggins.

Enter your cutest pet: May 1st – 20th Voting begins: May 21st – 31st Winner announced in the June 6th publications.

“Last year, we didn’t place too well. e year before, we didn’t even qualify,” he said. “To come this far in this program in such a short amount of time is really impressive. At the beginning of the season, we knew how strong we were individually but not as a team. As the season progressed, it surprised me how well we gelled. It surprised me how much we grew as a team.”

“I thought we were going to win

Zheng, a senior, compiled 24 kills in the semi nal round loss to Fountain-Fort Carson on May 11. Zheng, a junior, nished with 18 kills in that ve-set match plus an ace. LPS nished with a record of 24-6. ornton (22-4) was the second seed in the tournament. Braxton McGonigle led the Trojans with eight kills in a consolation round loss to Grandview High School on May 10. Brock Ellis added four and three aces. Elisha ao also served up three aces.

Douglas County (17-10) was the eighth seed in the tournament. Jensen Pascua picked up eight kills in a consolation-round loss to Grandview on May 9. Seth Dickerson added ve.

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