Douglas County School Board chides state rep
Mona Lisa theory
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Members of Douglas County’s school board are raising concerns about state Rep. Brandi Bradley after she turned to social media to criticize her son’s teacher.
Bradley alleged on X that the teacher told the class that the Mona Lisa painting, created in 1503, may have been a depiction of its artist, Leonardo da Vinci, as a woman. She claimed the Douglas County School District teacher said that the painter may have been “gender uid.” Bradley also said in the post that she planned to confront the teacher and called them a “groomer.”
e Republican’s post has gone viral with more than 46,000 likes, 2,700 shares and around 2,200 comments. It also caught national news atten-
tion, with the Daily Mail, New York Post and Newsweek writing about the social media fervor.
Amid the attention, in an interview with the Douglas County NewsPress, Bradley said she posted to social media because she doesn’t feel the school district is responsive to her concerns that students might be educated on LGBTQ topics she disagrees with.
“At a certain point parents need to do what they need to do to e ect
Tea experience in Parker is family a air
BY HALEY LENA
After months of anticipation and hard work, siblings Victoria and Patrick Lam have opened a second Tea Street location in the metro area, bringing a piece of their Asian heritage with them. e new location, in Parker, is special to the family because it is close to where they grew up.
“It’s a re ection of who we are,” said Victoria.
Inspired by their family’s history in the restaurant business and years of studying tea abroad, the Lam siblings opened their rst store in 2018 in Denver’s Colorado Boulevard shopping district. e Parker location introduces their authentic taste to a smaller, more closely-knit community.
e opening comes after a di cult period for the family. e siblings lost their mother a few years ago and Victoria said the months after was about healing and nding purpose. ey went back to the fundamentals and spent time understanding tea. By 2022, they felt like they had healed, and were ready to open another store and then began planning.
e months of construction allowed them to travel to Taiwan, where their tea is sourced from. ere, they worked to re ne their skills and rede ne their menu.
“We weren’t trying to rebrand ourselves,” said Victoria. “We wanted to elevate and continue our education
Republican state Rep. Brandi Bradley, shown at the Colorado Capitol, was chided by school board members for posting concerns with her son’s teacher to social media and potentially creating safety concerns for the school.
COURTESY COLORADO HOUSE REPUBLICANS
Police search for bag snatcher after elementary school incident
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Deputies with the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce are seeking information about two suspects involved in a vehicle trespass in a car that had a boy inside at the Cougar Run Elementary School on Tuesday morning.
Just after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, deputies were sent to the school on Venneford Ranch Road in Highlands Ranch to investigate a report that someone entered a vehicle.
e vehicle owner’s 9-year-old son was inside when the incident occurred, but was not harmed. e victim’s computer and bag with personal items were taken from the vehicle. e suspect then got into the passenger seat of a black SUV, which drove away.
e driver of the eeing vehicle is described by the sheri ’s o ce as a white, heavy-set female wearing a white shirt who appears to have a tattoo on the right forearm. e passenger is a white male with dark hair, a dark shirt who wore a dark mask over his nose and mouth.
Surveillance video from the school shows the suspect opening the door
even if away from the vehicle for a
More: Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheri ’s
Employment data: Are fewer people employed than we thought?
BY TAMARA CHUANG
THE COLORADO SUN
For those who follow the state and federal job reports, the rst time numbers come out for any given month is not the last.
e Bureau of Labor Statistics revised employment data from March. e U.S. added 818,000 fewer jobs than previously estimated, while Colorado’s overcount was 72,700, according to the latest Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data.
at doesn’t quite add up, said Tim Wonholf, an economist at the state Department of Labor and Employment. It also doesn’t necessarily mean more people have lost their jobs.
“Downward revisions don’t equate to job losses, but rather provide a clearer picture of the jobs that existed to begin with,” he said in an
email. “Colorado’s revision looks higher than we would expect.”
His reason is that Colorado’s labor force is 2% of the national labor force. So, 2% of 818,000 should be 16,000 and not four-times higher.
“We are investigating and working with national partners to understand the estimate and dig into potential root-cause factors,” he said.
Ryan Gedney, a Denver economist who tracks labor trends, said that if the numbers are true, “Colorado jobs are actually declining over the year,” he said in an email. But he, too, questions the accuracy of the QCEW data.
Final revisions come out in February 2025. 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.
Tersus Solutions employee Maria Mara unloads recycled sleeping bags from the liquid CO2 cleaning systems on the warehouse floor on June 12 in Englewood.
Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce is looking for suspect in a vehicle trespass incident at Cougar Run Elementary School. COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFFÂS OFFICE
What
Knowledge and Skills Should You Expect Your Real Estate Agent to Have?
Some people would say that real estate agents are overpaid, but that varies greatly with the agent. If your agent doesn’t know what he’s doing, he could cost you money, and he should pay you!
It’s all about experience, commitment, fidelity to the client, and a multitude of trainings and skills.
Some skills are “hard” skills, such as how to set up searches on the MLS or write a contract, but even those hard-skill tasks typically require “soft skills” which can come from experience but just as importantly from an intention to be of service to client over self.
ence of Zillow, but we consult other software and nearby sales of comparable homes when doing our “Comparative Market Analysis.” Myself, I consult Realist (an MLS app), Realtor Property Resource (available only to Realtors), and ATTOM, a commercially available property valuation tool.
Knowing the value of a home is only the starting point. We need to assess the real estate market in that neighborhood, paying close attention to existing listings. It’s important that the pricing of other listings helps to sell your home, rather than the pricing of your home helps to sell theirs.
with matching search criteria. Not all listing agents know how to find and use that list of agents whose clients have received an alert about their listing.
(MLS alerts, by the way, are a big reason why no seller should consider trying to sell his or her home off-MLS.)
What agents need to know (and exploit) is that every time there’s a price reduction, it triggers a new alert with the tag “Price Reduced.” That’s a powerful marketing tool, another reason to lower the price quickly and regularly, reminding buyers that this home is still available and matches their search criteria.
have in real estate. Needless to say, they are not taught in real estate school or measured in the licensing exams! When representing buyers, many of those same skills, practices and knowledge come into play for the good real estate agent. Once a buyer decides to make an offer on a listing, I use the same tools to determine its value and what my buyer should offer, paying attention to the sale of comparable homes.
Of course, representing sellers and representing buyers calls for different skills and knowledge, although there are some overlapping skills and knowledge. When representing sellers, the most important skill is that of coming to agreement on the most effective listing price. To the seller, who has probably been watching neighborhood sales, there may be a price point which is appropriate based on relative condition and location, but it may not be the most effective price for going to market.
I’m not just talking about whether the market is rising or falling. And I’m not talking about what the home would appraise for. The most effective price is the one that will draw immediate interest from multiple buyers. Buyers invariably look at Zillow’s “Zestimate” and will decide whether your home is overpriced or underpriced based on what Zillow says — sad but true! Nevertheless, it’s important to know.
We professionals recognize the influ-
However, the market is unpredictable. If the seller and his or her agent agree on a price but the home attracts few or no showings and no offers within a week, then the market is telling you that it’s overpriced, assuming the home was put on the MLS and had other reasonable promotion, such as the kind we provide with this ad. The price should be reduced within a week or 10 days. Don’t wait until the listing gets “stale.”
Most agents and buyers are familiar with the concept of MLS alerts. A buyer’s search criteria are entered into the appropriate search fields on the MLS, and when a new listing matches that buyer’s search criteria, he or she receives a computer-generated email alert from the MLS about it.
For example, the listing below, which is deep in the mountains, 120 miles from Denver, had 97 buyers who received an email alert about it when it went on the MLS. Last week’s featured listing in Lone Tree triggered 230 alerts to buyers
Has Your Time Come to Enjoy Mountain Life?
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at 48 Lang Street is in Twin Lakes, halfway between Leadville and Buena Vista at the foot of Independence Pass. It could be your escape from the Front Range rat race! This is a year-round mountain home, solar-powered, with a hightech greenhouse with “earth battery” for near year-round veggies! Enjoy the quiet mountain life of Twin Lakes Village (population 23). In summer, enjoy the drive over Independence Pass to Aspen. In winter, drive over Fremont Pass to Copper Mountain. Escape those I-70 traffic jams, too! Closer to home, enjoy hiking the Colorado Trail, which passes through town. This home was built in 2000 with all the modern conveniences, yet you're in a historic and charming mountain town. Thanks to high-speed CenturyLink internet, some of the residents have city jobs but work from home. If you’ve been hankering for a slower lifestyle, this mountain home may be your escape. Visit this listing’s website at www.TwinLakesHome.info to take a narrated video walk through of this home and see lots of photos, then come see it on Saturday, September 7th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. NOTE: Seller offers 2.8% commission to buyer’s broker.
Price Reduced to $712,000
Because it’s important for sellers and their listing agent to keep current on the MLS activity near their listing, I have made a practice of setting up an MLS alert around each of my listings and sending it to both my sellers and myself.
Now, look at the picture for the listing below. Before changing the price on the MLS, I changed the primary MLS picture to one that included the day and time of the open house so those buyers receiving the “price reduced” alert know about the open house, which is not mentioned in the alert itself. After the open house, I’ll remove the photo with that information. That’s an example of another skill (in this case, a practice) that a good agent might have.
Some sellers dismiss open houses as a tool for agents to generate leads, not sell that house, which is admittedly rare. It does happen, however. Indeed, all three of my most recent closed listings sold to buyers who came to the open house. Note: It’s important to enter open house dates and times on the MLS. They are populated to Zillow and hundreds of other websites, and doing so draws far more visitors nowadays than the “open house” signs we put in the ground.
According to Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies, “Soft skills are as almost as important as hard skills, In fact, they often define success more than expertise does.” Communication, active listening, social cues, negotiation, patience and tactfulness are cited as the most crucial soft skills to
I also look at the listing history of the property — days on market, price reductions, previous contracts that fell, and prior MLS listings by this or another agent. I have an app that can tell me about the seller, including what other homes they have purchased or sold. I can also evaluate the level of experience and therefore skill of the listing agent.
On ShowingTime, I can see whether there are other showings scheduled or whether the listing is sitting on the market. I also call the listing agent to see if they have other contracts expected or in hand. If a previous contract has fallen, I can ask the circumstances.
I ask whether the seller has a preferred closing date or other things that would make them happy. (Furniture to sell? Post-closing occupancy needed?)
I also ask where the seller is moving to. If they’re moving locally, I can mention that our moving truck is available free to them, along with free moving boxes and packing materials. If I learn that a bidding war is possible and they are moving locally, I might include free labor and gas along with the free truck in my buyer’s contract. I may also insert an escalation clause under additional provisions, indicating that the buyer will beat any competing offer.
Lastly, there’s a new question I need to ask: Is the seller willing to pay my commission? They probably are, and I need to enter that percentage in Sec. 29 of the contract and discuss with my client adjusting the commission in our own agreement to reduce or eliminate what that client pays out of pocket for my professional representation.
First female nurse to become Army Ranger is from Lone Tree
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Following in the footsteps of her dad, uncle and grandfather, Molly Murphy joined the military. Now, as the rst female nurse to graduate from the Army’s elite Ranger School, Murphy, of Lone Tree, is paving the way for other women.
“I would like them (women) to have the con dence to go do it if that’s what they want to do,” said Capt. Murphy. “I love my job, so I de nitely encourage them to do anything that they aspire to be.”
Working as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit at Walter Reed National Military Center in Maryland, Murphy graduated from the high-intensity course in mid-July.
Murphy said she has always been competitive and has always asked
herself what she could do next.
Murphy grew up in Lone Tree, attending Eagle Ridge Elementary and later graduating from Highlands Ranch High School. From a young age, Murphy knew what she wanted to do with her life.
“I was one of those kids who just kind of knew I always wanted to do something like helping people,” said Murphy.
While pursuing her medical degree at the University of Nebraska, Murphy became the fourth generation military recruit in her family as she joined the ROTC program. Not only was it a good way to help pay for college, Murphy loved the structure of the Army and the various job opportunities.
With her background, Murphy went to work in the pediatric ICU and said it has been really rewarding
Join us for our 3rd annual 5K trail run/walk focused on physical and mental wellness along with family fun and our furry friends.
• K-9 training demonstrations • Vendor Market Place • Food trucks • Live and silent auction • Kids zone with family fun events • Pet costume contest
as she gets to be there for the kids, but also the whole family.
bers have so much going on already,” said Murphy. “Some of them, their kids end up in the hospital when they’re on a shift with no communication.”
Having experience as a nurse at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawai’i and with the Army’s Air Assault and Jungle Operations Training Schools, Murphy considered Ranger School while competing in the Army’s Best Medic Competition last year.
It was the support of her friends, family and leadership that encouraged her to accept the challenge.
“I worried if I didn’t go, I would regret not at least trying,” said Murphy. “I almost didn’t join the military and then I chose to because I was afraid that I was gonna regret not doing it.”
Ranger School turned out to be one of the most di cult experiences of Murphy’s life. e school focuses on physical and mental stamina. According to the U.S. Army website, the rst phase of the course involves ground patrols, physical assessments and peer evaluations.
e second phase includes leading platoons on combat patrol operations through rugged terrain, while the third further develops those skills by leading small units through airborne, air assault and dismount-
e Army describes it as “fast paced,” “highly stressful” and “one of the toughest training courses.” Despite not knowing when she was going to sleep and the endless walking, Murphy said her nursing background helped her through the course.
“I have to think clearly under a lot of stress at my job and that was the whole point of this school,” said Murphy. “I have techniques like breathing – techniques that I already used at work that helped me in those moments that they were trying to induce stress.”
Just as her nursing background helped her through the course, the course has prepared her for her medical career. Murphy said she will be able to continue to press on during the toughest moments of her life.
“I know from that school, no matter what happens, it probably will not be as bad as Rangers School,” said Murphy.
Asking herself what’s next, Murphy is hoping to either be a nurse with the Special Forces or at the White House.
As for her dad, Dan, seeing his daughter accomplish a goal one after the other has been exciting.
“It’s a very proud moment,” said Dan. “I think the community is really proud of Molly.”
Lone Tree native Molly Murphy becomes the first female nurse to graduate elite Army Ranger School. She said the school was the hardest experience she’s ever had, but her background in nursing helped.
COURTESY OF DAN MURPHY
Voters to decide if Colorado’s constitution should protect school choice
BY ERICA BREUNLIN
THE COLORADO SUN
Colorado voters will decide whether they want to protect the right to school choice in the state constitution in November. A measure with that goal quali ed for the ballot. Put forth by conservative political nonpro t Advance Colorado Action, Initiative 138 sets out to reinforce parents’ ability to send their children to any public school, charter school, private school or homeschooling program they want. But some education advocates and policy experts see it as a stepping stone toward a state voucher program in disguise.
Voucher programs give parents public dollars to enroll their kids in private schools, including those with a religious a liation.
“We’re de nitely concerned about the implications of this ballot measure,” said Kevin Vick, president of the Colorado Education Association, which is opposing the initiative. “It has the potential to do tremendous damage to already fragile school funding, and we’re also extremely worried about the lack of transparency built into this measure with public funds.”
Initiative 138 would take parents’ right to school choice one step further beyond its current protection
natures in support of it, 131,223 of which were valid, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s o ce. e measure would need the support of 55% of voters to pass in November.
e initiative has divided school groups and communities and is the latest areup in a politically charged battle over how much the state should prioritize school choice. Educators, advocates and lawmakers have frequently disagreed over the extent of accountability and transparency charter schools in particular should follow. Charter school advocates have balked at state regulations, concerned they sti e schools’ exibility and innovation.
Previous attempts to introduce a voucher program in Colorado have regularly failed. e few school voucher programs that did manage to move forward were legally challenged and ultimately dissolved, including a school voucher law rejected by a Denver judge in 2003 on the grounds that it violated local control provisions in the state constitution.
Michael Fields, president of Advance Colorado Action, said school choice needs to be further insulated from ongoing assaults at the Capitol. He noted that because Colorado school choice laws are statutory, they could be amended at any point.
School choice is “under attack” and will likely continue to draw more intense scrutiny in the future, Fields said, pointing to a legislation introduced by a group of liberal Colorado Democrats during the legislative session this year that would have created tighter restrictions for charter schools. at bill failed.
“ at broader battle is going on right now, but if we have the opportunity to give parents and children this right in the constitution, now is a good time to do it,” Fields said.
Elementary school students of QueenShipp’s summer program paint with watercolor on June 30, 2022, at New Legacy Charter School in Aurora.
“We’ve had a long history of school choice here, and we want to be able to build on that and this is another step in that direction.”
Fields denied that Initiative 138 is a prelude to a statewide voucher program since it is not part of the ballot measure’s language and there is no cost attached to the ballot measure. Advance Colorado Action doesn’t disclose its donors.
“Literally all we’re doing is locking in the current laws that we have when it comes to school choice,” Fields said. “We’re not creating any new programs.”
Vick, of the state teachers union, questions the need for the measure when the right to school choice is already enshrined in state law.
School choice is already “a basic component of our education system,” he said. “So you have to ask yourself who’s putting this on and why are they doing it?”
Should voters approve Initiative 138 in November, he worries about the possibility of it opening the doorway to a statewide voucher program. at could divert money away from public schools to private schools and homeschools that o er the public little transparency, Vick said.
“We already have one of the lowest-funded school systems, so the pie for schools is already really small,” he said. “And this just means that the number of hands in that pie increases, which means the amount for each person currently in the system gets smaller.”
e Colorado Secretary of State’s O ce will nalize the ballot Sept. 9. Initiate 138 will be among a long list of initiatives that go before voters.
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.
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OLIVIA SUN/THE COLORADO SUN VIA REPORT FOR AMERICA
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News briefs: seat belt crackdown
In an e ort to increase seatbelt wearing, law-enforcement o cers across Colorado have issued 3,911 citations so far this year. Seatbelts have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of injuries and death in vehicle crashes. As of 2023, 88% of Coloradans buckle up — the highest use rate observed in the past 10 years, according to the Colorado Statewide Seat Belt Survey. Arapahoe County had the highest seat belt use rate in 2023 at 98%. e lowest rate was in Je erson County at 73.5%. Drivers who fail to comply with the law face nes starting at $65. Parents or guardians found with improperly restrained children can be ned up to $82.
RTD’s coping panels project ends ahead of schedule
RTD has concluded repairs to the caps on retaining walls along Interstate 25 between Denver Broadway Station and Lone Tree Lincoln Station. at means that light rail trains that were required to share a track, causing delays, are now running on double tracks again. Travel times along the E, H and R lines were expected to improve vastly as of late August.
Rep. Bob Marshall honored by the Freedom of Information Coalition
Columnists & Guest Commentaries
Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Herald. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.
Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.
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
Bob Marshall, state representative of House District 43, which includes Highlands Ranch, received the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition’s “Ruth Anna Citizen Champion Award” at the 146th annual Colorado Press Association Convention in late August. e award recognizes a Coloradan who “champions open government.” Fred Brown, long-time Colorado journalist and champion of ethics, presented Marshall with the award.
Protect and preserve public lands in Douglas County
Douglas County’s Open Spaces, Trails, Parks and Facilities have issued a reminder about rules meant to “preserve our cherished public lands.” People should avoid camp res except in designated areas with outdoor grills or camp stoves. ey should also observe the rule that there is no rewood collection, no overnight parking and no leaving vehicles unattended after park or open space hours. As for pets, it is against the rules to allow them to chase, harm or harass wildlife. Dogs should be leashed unless otherwise posted.
Quarry Fire closures and reopenings e Quarry re, which burned in the Deer Creek Canyon area east of Littleton, is 100% extinguished. However, three areas remain closed until further notice: Deer Creek Canyon, Rattlesnake Gulch and Black Bear Trails. Hildebrand Ranch Park, Reynolds Park and South Valley Park have reopened.
Arapahoe County seeks input on 2,800-acre property
Arapahoe County wants people to share their views about what’s called the Bijou Basin Open Space Master Plan, which is meant to guide the future management of the 2,800-acre property. e goal is for low-impact public recreation while preserving the property’s active agricultural uses, such as dryland farming and cattle grazing. Potential future amenities, based on public input, may include a trail with parking, picnic areas, rest-
rooms, and a multi-use trail system. For more information about how to comment, visit www.arapahoeco.gov/ bijoubasin
Annual International Heritage Festival
e Colorado Folk Arts Council is holding its 48th Annual Festival in celebration of culture and music with entertainment of music, crafts, food and dance. It will be held at 6501 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, noon-6 p.m., Sept. 7 and the cost is free. For more information: internationalheritagefestival.org
Bear Creek Lake Park trail run series
Registration is open for the fourweek trail running series at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood. Races begins at 6 p.m. Sept. 4 and continues every Wednesday evening through Sept. 25. e series fee is $70 per person. For more information and to register visit: co-lakewood.civicrec.com
Thousands of Coloradans have been ticketed for not wearing seat belts this year.
COURTESY OF THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Douglas County to honor its heroes at annual gala
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Douglas County Community Foundation will shine the spotlight on a group of people dedicated to serving the community at its second annual Heroes Gala in September.
“ is unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration will raise awareness and support,” Tera Radlo , Douglas County Community Foundation chair, said in a statement.
Scheduled to be held at Signature Aviation South at Centennial Airport on Sept. 13, the 2024 Hero Awards will recognize the service and valor of a rst responder, a member of the Armed Forces, a veteran, and a communityoriented person doing life-changing work.
e recipients include Cpl. Grant
Collins of the Lone Tree Police Department, with special honors to the Douglas County Community Response Team, Clinician Sophia Lind, Douglas County Search and Rescue, and Emily M. Davenport with Colorado Wildlife Rescue and Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance.
Veteran, U.S. Marine Cpl. Ryan Garza will also receive an award.
Just last year, Garza was the recipient of acustom-built home in Sterling Ranch from Helping a Hero 100 Homes Challenge, a nonpro t led e ort to house veterans.
For over a decade, Garza had observed Oct. 3 as his “Alive Day.” It was that day years ago that his convoy was struck by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of his right leg and a traumatic brain injury.
Following his service, Garza told the Douglas County News-Press that he struggled with his mental health but found strength in helping others cope with their depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations. He even wrote a children’s book called “My Journey from Guilt to Forgiveness.”
“ ese award recipients are making a profound impact on the Douglas County community,” said Radlo . “ ey exemplify true heroism in every sense of the word.”
An additional recognition will be made to the law enforcement nalists from the Parker Police Department and the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce. e evening will include rst responder demonstrations, interactive re and rescue experiences and military displays, community cocktails and mocktails. Guests will have the chance
to meet honorees and might be able to grab a photo with Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 team members. e awards ceremony starts at 7 p.m. and will include special performances by country artist Tate Stevens. e evening will end with a “Light Up e Night” aerial reworks display.
Funds raised at the gala will go towards the Douglas County Community Foundation’s Community Emergency Relief Fund. Established to directly assist the community, nonpro t partners and rst responders during disastrous events a ecting residents, it also ensures that emergency relief funds can be quickly accessed and distributed.
More: Signature Aviation South at Centennial Airport is located at 8001 S. Interport Blvd. in Englewood. Tickets are available at - aesbid.org/ELP/ DCCF24/Tickets.
Adventure into Pioneer Days at Highlands Ranch Mansion
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Get ready to transport back in time to the Old West as you pass through the steel gates of the Highlands Ranch Mansion for the annual two-day event, Pioneer Days.
With the sounds of live farm animals and a banjo in the distance, the historical education event will highlight local history through hands-on activities like gold panning and fur trapping.
ere will also be blacksmith demonstrations, traditional Native American dance performances, a petting zoo and tours of the Highlands Ranch Mansion.
While guests explore the grounds, stories about the old days of Highlands Ranch can be heard from characters and the local Historical Society.
Guided school tours of the mansion are available by appointment on Friday, Sept. 6. e general public is invited on Saturday, Sept. 7, to enjoy self-guided tours of the mansion and
the M&M Western Grill food truck, which will have lunch and snack items for purchase.
Parking on Saturday will not be available at the mansion. Instead, there will be free shuttle parking from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, located at 9203 S. University Blvd. However, there will be a number of on-site mansion parking spots set aside exclusively for vehicles with a handicap placard or license plate.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for
children and will be sold at the gate. Children two years of age and younger are free.
Hosted by the Highlands Ranch Metro District and the Highlands Ranch Community Association, they ask that no dogs are brought to the event.
More: e Highlands Ranch Mansion is located at 9950 E. Gateway Drive and additional information about the event can be found at https://shorturl.at/hjzy6.
CCM publisher to lead state press group
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Colorado Community Media Publisher Linda Carpio Shapley was named the current president of the Colorado Press Association at the organization’s 2024 conference.
“It feels like such a tremendous honor,” Carpio Shapley said. “One of the things that they have listed in the convention manual is all of the presidents that have served and … I am so honored that I get an opportunity to be considered among them.”
Carpio Shapley feels “very proud” to be the next leader of the CPA and said she “feels history” around her which inspires her to “want to continue to do good things” for the organization and journalism.
Carpio Shapley began her tenure as publisher of Colorado Community Media in August 2021.
She has worked for a number of Colorado newspapers, including the Collegian at Colorado State University and her hometown paper the Greeley Tribune.
Carpio Shapley also worked at the
Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Kansas City Star before heading to e Denver Post, where she went from copy editor and designer to managing editor in her 21-year tenure. She also led a political team at Colorado Politics prior to becoming the CCM publisher.
e Colorado Press Association serves the state’s news media outlets. Shapley was unanimously approved.
“Along with upholding the good work of past presidents, in the everchanging media landscape, CPA evolves to champion media rights, press freedoms and professional development across the state,” the organization said.
Carpio Shapley said the CPA faces challenges similar to what the industry itself faces, including an outdated revenue model, “the good ght against misinformation” and the need for more journalists.
“Colorado Press Association is wanting to do what it can to be supportive in that way, but Colorado Press Association also has those same challenges of just trying to do it on a bigger scale,” she said.With around
do you serve them both when they have so many di erent issues?”
Carpio Shapley said while it’s challenging to help with these issues, she and the CPA need to be aware of these problems and work together to support the Colorado journalism community.
“I’m lucky enough to have a board that is really supportive in trying to help me to do that work and I just want to keep moving forward,” she said.
e CPA is actively trying to get public policy in the Colorado legislature to allow for more public support for informing communities.
“To me that’s one of the things that I want to continue to advocate for, and I want to make sure that everybody who is a member of CPA has an opportunity to reach out to me and learn about me and know that I am committed to this ght,” Carpio Shapley said.
160 newsrooms in the Colorado Press Association, Carpio Shapley said it can be di cult to serve everyone’s needs.
“ ey go from one-person newsrooms … to news organizations like e Denver Post,” she said. “So how
Additionally, Carpio Shapley said she hopes to help the masses see the “public good” of journalism.
“We want to make sure that we’re doing good work and we need to make sure the public understands the great work that we’re doing,” she said.
Our newsroom wins 14 state press awards
BY COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA STAFF
Colorado Community Media’s “Long Way Home” series, a deep dive that unraveled the whys and hows of the escalating housing crisis across the Front Range, took home top honors during state press awards.
e 14-story, newsroom-wide effort was named Best Public Service
Weekly Carrier Routes Available
Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Parker & Highlands Ranch Areas
Project in Class 6 of the Colorado Press Association awards. Earlier this year, the series won rst place for General Reporting, Series or Package at the esteemed Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism, hosted by the Colorado chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
In all, the newsroom received 14 awards, eight of them for rst place, during the Colorado Press Association awards, a friendly competition held among newsrooms of all sizes from around the state.
Editor elma Grimes and former Digital Editor Deborah Grigsby. It also relied on assistance from editors Scott Gilbert and Christy Steadman as well as initial contributions from former chief editor Lisa Schlichtman. Clear Creek Courant Reporter Chris Koeberl won rst place in the Best Series or Sustained Coverage category for his aggressive reporting on criminal justice proceedings for deputies charged in the death of Christian Glass.
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e newsroom’s “Long Way Home” series interviewed ordinary Coloradans about how the rising costs of housing impacts their lives. e series identi ed barriers many younger residents and people of color face as they pursue homeownership and explored potential solutions. Every reporter in the newsroom contributed to the series by interviewing dozens of local residents, elected leaders and experts. It was led by Editor in Chief Michael de Yoanna with West Metro Editor Kristen Fiore, North Metro Editor Scott Taylor, former South Metro
Koeberl also took home rst place honors for his coverage of the renaming of the iconic Mount Evans to Mount Blue Sky.
Reporters Nina Joss and McKenna Harford won rst place in the Best Political Reporting category for “Shades of Red” in the Douglas County News-Press, looking at divergent views among south metro area Republicans regarding how to present a uni ed front to voters. Senior Reporter Ellis Arnold joined with Harford and Joss for a rst place
Colorado Community Media Publisher Linda Shapley has been named president of the Colorado Press Association. She is pictured with association CEO Tim Regan-Porter. COURTESY BRITTANY WINKFIELD
AWARDS
honor in Best Social Justice or Equity Reporting for their stories about Douglas County PrideFest in 2023, including protests and reactions surrounding it.
Highlands Ranch Herald Reporter Haley Lena won rst place for Best News Story for her reporting on a tra c death and a mother’s determination to honor her son.
Former Northglenn- ornton Sentinel Reporter Luke Zarzecki won rst place for Best Agricultural Story for his “Unfruitful” reporting, which examined how supermarket locations and transportations can contribute to neighborhood food deserts.
Page Designer Ben Wiebesiek received a rst place Best Page Design award for “Max out your chill.”
North Metro Bureau Editor Scott Taylor and Zarzecki were honored with a second place in Best Politics Reporting for their coverage of political candidates who alleged they were the victims of a harassment campaign by a local resident.
Reporter Belen Ward won second place for Best Social Justice or Equity
Reporting for her feature on a Brighton trucker o ering sanctuary and hope to Indigenous women.
Golden Transcript Reporter
Corinne Westeman also took home a second-place award in the Sports or Sports Event category for “Role Players: Orediggers work behind the scenes to elevate football team’s performance.”
Lillian Fuglei, who has reported part time for the Arvada Press, won second place for Best News Story for reporting on the One Small Step program that is working to address homelessness.
Page Designer Leah Neu won second place for Best Cover Design for “Century of Sound” in the Washington Park Pro le.
Former Je co Transcript Reporter Jo Davis won second place in the Crime and Public Safety Reporting category for her story about animal control o cers with the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce aiding Hawaii after res.
In May, Colorado Community Media’s newsroom received 10 additional honors for its journalism at the regional Top of the Rockies contest.
The City of Greenwood Village’s Curtis Center for the Arts invites you to take a stroll through the lush grass in Curtis Park as you take in the talented works of over 90 Colorado artists. The fifth annual Art on the Green hosts a two-day art fair featuring the state’s top artistic talent, art demonstrations, live music, and local food and drinks.
A few members of Colorado Community Media’s newsroom — and former member Robert Tann, right — at the recent Colorado Press Association awards. The newsroom won 14 awards and Colorado Community Media Publisher Linda Shapley (center, in glasses) was named president of the press association.
COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA PHOTO
change,” Bradley said. “I feel like I’m not being listened to.”
In follow up posts, Bradley shared recordings of her conversation with the teacher and pictures of the classroom, which have since been taken down. One of the pictures included identifying information about the school and teacher, leading members of the board to chide Bradley.
Members spoke out against Bradley’s posts for potentially putting the school and teacher at risk of threats and harassment.
Susan Meek, a board member, said Bradley abused her position as an elected o cial.
“ is behavior represents a gross abuse of power and a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of our educators,” Meek said.
Board member Tim Moore said people should be careful online, and avoid posting personal information about others.
“I don’t think it’s ever OK to publicly release somebody’s personal or identifying information,” Moore said. “ at information can go lots of di erent, unintended places. Bottom line is that kind of behavior really is dangerous.”
Bradley said she did not intend to identify the school or teacher and removed the photos when it was brought to her attention that they in-
cluded personal information.
“If I intended to identify the teacher, I would have posted the school’s name with the name of the teacher,” she said. “If I wanted to doxx the teacher, I would have and it would have been my right.”
Bradley also disagreed with the characterization of her posts as inciting bullying or targeting of the teacher or school.
“ e grace that I have been taught in my life is not to have hateful people in this world go after the teacher, that’s not my intent,” she said. “Let me be clear, I did not start this. is teacher took it upon herself to lie and push a false narrative on 15-year-old kids. If she hadn’t done that, this never would have happened, so I am done with victimizing the teacher.”
Board members said they encourage parents to speak directly with teachers about curriculum or classroom concerns, but not in a way that creates safety concerns.
“Parents absolutely have the right to talk to teachers when there are concerns and I never want to take that away,” board president Christy Williams said. “ is is a partnership between our parents and our teachers.”
e board also expressed support for the teacher. Board member Brad Geiger condemned Bradley’s use of the word groomer, but also defended Bradley’s right to criticize the schools.
“We cannot limit criticism, nor should we, even criticism we per-
sonally nd objective or even despicable, but I want to make sure that we as a district understand that even though (speech) is a protected
and important right, we are going to acknowledge the consequences of people who use that right to hurt people,” Geiger said.
A screenshot of Rep. Brandi Bradley’s post on X calling out a Douglas County teacher.
TEA STREET
in what we were doing, studying how we could make our product better.”
eir menu includes items like slushies, lemonade, Vietnamese Co ee and now dumplings. e machine in the dumpling showroom in Parker prepares the dough, mixes the llings made by Tea Street and is folded, making up to 1,000 per hour.
But according to Patrick, the dumplings are just a vehicle for the sauce, which was made by their father and used in his own restaurant for more than 40 years. Not only are they delicious, the dumplings serve as a constant reminder of their mother.
“Whenever I look at dumplings, I think about love,” said Patrick.
Ultimately, Tea Street is about helping the siblings discover their heritage. ey are Chinese-Vietnamese, which is shown in the architecture of both locations.
“ e circles and the straight lines are representative of traditional Chinese architecture,” said Victoria. “Which is a harmonious joining of heaven and the earth.”
As the siblings are on a continuous journey to de ning their identities, Victoria said they are excited to be part of the lively Parker business community.
More: Tea Street Parker is located at 16522 Keystone Blvd. More information can be found at www. teastreetdenver.com/
Victoria Lam speaks with guests as she passes out samples of boba. PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA
The design, architecture and furniture at Tea Street is representative of traditional Chinese architecture, mixed with a modern design.
At the new Tea Street store, located in Parker, Patrick Lam demonstrates for guests how the dumpling machine works in their first ever dumpling showroom.
From first-day jitters to year-two road to mastery
As I watched my grandson prepare for kindergarten, I couldn’t help but think about the millions of families going through the same experience. It made me reect on the journey of any new beginning, whether starting school, a new job, or a new role.
Last week, in “ e Joy Found in Continuous Learning,” we celebrated the ful llment of lifelong growth. is week, let’s delve deeper into how our mindset evolves from the rst day of a new experience through critical learning phases, leading to con dence and mastery as we enter our second year. e rst day of any new endeavor is a whirlwind of emotions. Excitement and nervous anticipation mix as we step into an unfamiliar environment. We’re organizing ourselves, meeting new peers, and encountering instructors or leadership for the rst time. e day is lled with potential and possibilities but also uncertainty. We want to make a good impression and prove ourselves, yet there’s a nagging question: “Am I ready for this?”
Fast-forward three months, and the initial rush begins to settle. We’ve gotten to know our peers and understand the expectations before us. However, doubts can start to creep in. e novelty has worn o , and the reality of our challenges sets in. We might question our abilities, unsure whether we’re truly up to the task. Yet, despite these doubts, we remain eager to learn and motivated to improve. By the nine-month mark, something remarkable happens. e
cumulative e ects of all we’ve learned manifest in tangible ways. We’ve absorbed new knowledge, honed our skills, and faced numerous challenges, many of which we’ve overcome. Our con dence has grown, not just because we’ve learned more but because we’ve seen evidence of our progress. We believe in ourselves more deeply, realizing that we can learn, adapt, grow, and perform at a higher level than we initially thought possible. As we enter year two, the transformation is profound. We no longer approach our tasks with the tentative steps of a newcomer. Instead, we hit the ground running, armed with a solid foundation of knowledge and a strong belief in our capabilities. Our con dence now drives our actions. We tackle new challenges with conviction, and our performance re ects the hardearned experience of the previous
year. Our attitude is empowering; we know we’ve grown signi cantly, fueling our desire to continue learning and evolving.
is journey from the rst day to the start of the second year is a testament to the power of continuous learning and perseverance. It highlights the natural progression from uncertainty to con dence, showing how, with time and e ort, we can transform our initial nervousness into a deep-seated belief in our abilities. Learning doesn’t just equip us with new skills; it builds our con dence, shapes our mindset, and prepares us for greater challenges.
As we embrace each new learning phase, it’s important to remember that feeling unsure at the start is normal. But with dedication and a commitment to growth, we can turn that uncertainty into a powerful force for success. e con dence
we build along the way becomes the foundation for future learning and achievement, ensuring that each new experience is approached with greater conviction and a stronger belief in what we can accomplish. e speed of learning comes on the heels of learning agility. It’s not about how fast we learn a new skill but how quickly we adapt and apply what we’ve learned to achieve results. I’d love to hear your stories of moving through the learning journey at gotonorton@gmail.com. When we grow incrementally in our e ort, attitude, and skill, 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.
Bradley is out of line
Republican state Rep. Brandi Bradley has a history of inserting her preferred ancient religion into her duties as a representative in the State of Colorado. ese actions are entirely inappropriate and violate the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.
As if that wasn’t concerning enough, Ms. Bradley has now accepted a leadership role in the nation’s leading book-banning organization, Moms for Liberty.
As an atheist author and writer, I am deeply concerned about Bradley’s incessant xation on the genitalia and sexual preferences of the LGBT+ community. Recently she covertly recorded conversations with a schoolteacher regarding the gender expressions of famous authors and artists such as DaVinci and Michelangelo. In one such exchange, Bradley exclaims that she doesn’t want her children to be exposed to “LGBT ideology and gender uidity.”
A state representative should have no o cial position in an anti-government hate group (as categorized by the Southern Poverty Law Center). As her constituents, we demand that Ms. Bradley resign her position with Moms for Liberty and disband the Douglas County chapter. e two positions are in direct con ict of interest with one another. ose who ban books are never remembered for being “one of the good guys” on the right side of history. Ms. Bradley’s attempts to codify her religiously-inspired bigotry against the LGBT community failed, her attempts to censor authors of communities other than her own religion will fail, and she may remove her children from public schools and send them to scripturefocused indoctrination centers and hide from “the gays and the atheists” are entirely her right to do.
Our public schools and the government of Colorado are not her church. And our libraries are not her personally-approved G-rated reading lists. is is America — please represent ALL of your constituents and ALL viewpoints as you were elected to do.
ments included “We are in danger of losing this county to the destructive and dangerous left,” “Democrats want to destroy this county,” and “we need commissioners to be alpha males and support [Lora] omas.” is Board of County Commissioners de nitely does not need more “alpha males.” eir continuing insistence on scoring political points has made the board chaotic and dysfunctional for years. Here are some of their more maddening actions: ey wanted to take over Daniels Park so guns would not be banned; they destroyed the health department because they didn’t want masks; they caused three separate wild res by scheduling reworks for a dry December night; they are still trying to take water from another county; they keep suing each other; one of them took a boondoggle “executive” training trip (and o ered to pay each citizen back a nickel); they voted to refuse to enforce red ag laws; they opted out of a law prohibiting guns from county buildings; they declared Douglas County to be a “Constitutional County” (thereby taking it upon themselves to declare which federal laws are really “lawful”); they passed an ordinance to prohibit buses from unloading passengers in “unplanned locations” (even though this has never happened). ey’ve openly fought our neighboring counties, and they can’t even agree on the content of the county “Fact or Fiction” webpage!
Craig Mason Member, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Denver Area Chapter Highlands Ranch
Commissioner chaos needs to end
At a recent meeting of the Douglas County commissioners, several supporters of Lora omas spoke. Com-
ist realism. A propagandist art movement of the 20th century, socialist realism grew out of the rise of communism. It depicted leaders as being strong and beautiful with adoring followers.
In stark contrast, for the majority of the Biden-Harris administration, Kamala polled lower than Biden in approval ratings. Her embarrassing word salads and apparent uselessness gave pause to many Dems who did not nd her to be a credible candidate.
Democrats not-so-privately discussed replacing her on the ticket — until the Biden-Trump debate that clearly revealed Biden’s mental struggles. Now she has been foisted to the top of the ticket in a dramatic turnaround that has not involved a single vote for her candidacy. During the DNC week in Chicago, the public fawning spectacle rose to such an extent the viewers would think she was being anointed as the next messiah.
the future and not returning to the past, but what in particular does she envision for America’s future? e only clear thing most of us see is the shift to rehab her image.
We can only rely on her past statements. Calling herself a progressive radical, she has supported the ideas of eliminating all private health insurance, federalizing abortion, closing immigration detention centers, banning fracking, raising taxes, giving out more freebies and buying back guns. We are now seeing some backpedaling on these issues, but her recent suggestion to reinstate disastrous, Nixonera price controls reveals an alarming weakness about economics.
One social media post stated, “You are witnessing the most blatant redesign of an inferior product since New Coke.”
Kamala seems to have adopted a “do-no-[self]-harm” campaign strategy of avoiding interviews and debates. Her o cial website does not list clear policies, and her recent speeches mainly attack Trump’s personality and policies. She keeps talking about
It is certainly not Democrats that have turned Douglas County into an ideological chaotic mess — none of them are on this dysfunctional board! e answer to the chaos and rancor created by the current board is to replace them, not make them tougher males. If you prefer good government over people pushing an ideology, Josh Smith is running for Lora omas’ open seat, and Angela omas is running to replace George Teal. ey’ll do the actual job and quit trying to make political points.
Len Whitten, Highlands Ranch
An amazing reinvention
When the media attempts to revise history through a reboot of a wannabe leader, beware. It’s usually propaganda at its nest.
Rebranding by erasing or reframing the past? Confusing us by wa ing on former statements that show a clear socialist bent? Kama-chameleon is an appropriate nickname.
Don’t be naive. If you’re considering voting for her only because of your disdain for Trump, c’mon, man. Just don’t vote.
Kamala was recently shown in glowing photo art on the magazine covers of Essence and Time, and more than one person has rightfully pointed out the connection to social-
Linda Mazunik, Lone Tree
BY ALEX K.W. SCHULTZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
They came, from near and far, to behold the spectacle.
Men and women, boys and girls, young and old — tens of thousands of them.
Buses shuttled them in and out of swanky Castle Pines Village, nonstop, for four days straight. Signs o local highways and roads warned of heavy tra c and delays. An economic impact of $30 million was expected for the area. A purse of $20 million was up for grabs for the ones swinging the clubs.
At long last, more than two years after PGA o cials said it was coming, it was here — the BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock.
Some of the 150,000 spectators expected to show up over the four-day tournament from Aug. 22-25 were rabid golf fans. Others just wanted to be there, to see the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, to hear the “oohs” and “ahhs” of the crowd ripple
through the Ponderosa pines, to catch a glimpse of some of the game’s biggest stars — stars like Scottie Sche er, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Justin omas.
Attendees couldn’t be blamed for their excitement. After all, the last time the BMW was played in Colorado was a decade ago, when Billy Horschel hoisted the trophy at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village.
e last time a professional golf tournament was played at Castle Pines? at was nearly two decades ago, in 2006 (Castle Pines hosted the now-defunct e International Tournament from 1986 to 2006).
So, yes, Coloradans were beyond thrilled to have professional golf back in their backyard once again.
“It’s pretty cool that they’re all here in Colorado,” 14-year-old Vivian Halaby, a Cherry Creek High School student, said of the 50 golfers vying for the $3.6 million rst-place prize. “It’s neat to see famous people come and go through here.”
PARADISE
Vivian’s brother, 12-year-old Tripp Halaby, was busy trying to get some of those famous people’s autographs. He’d already gotten McIlroy, Tony Finau and Ludvig Aberg, among several others, to pen his oversized golf ball, but the youngster didn’t plan to stop signature-hunting anytime soon.
“It’s life-changing,” Tripp, who attends West Middle School in Greenwood Village, said of his experience at the tournament.
Tripp called himself a “big Nick Dunlap fan” but said he couldn’t help but root for the local kid. at would be last year’s U.S. Open champion and 2012 Valor High School graduate Wyndham Clark, the 30-year-old making his Colorado homecoming.
Clark found himself in 22nd place after the rst day but made things interesting after shooting a 4-under and 3-under the next two days, putting him in a tie for fth entering the fourth and nal round.
e “Valor Grad Wins PGA Tournament in Return to Home State” headlines weren’t meant to be, however, as Clark carded a 2-over on the last day to nish in a nine-way tie for 13th place at 5-under overall. Clark still fetched a $344,111 payout for his e orts.
“It’s been amazing. Denver showed out great,” Clark said at the post-tournament press conference. “I had tons of support. It was all in all an amazing week with all the support and friends coming out and all the love I felt.”
One of the more exciting moments for Clark came on the last day on hole No. 10, where he boomed his drive, stuck his approach shot and rolled in a 24-footer for birdie, bringing the hundreds of fans surrounding the green to their feet.
Not far away from the green where Clark had just buried his birdie was Mignon Stetman, who lives right o the 10th fairway.
“We love it. We’ve had a blast,” Stetman said of watching all the people, including the golf pros, walk within a stone’s throw of her home every day. “I think (the fans) are as much in awe as we are.”
e retired hotel sales director said she was
spectators were expected to show up over the fourday tournament.
ON PAGE 16: Spectators cheer as Wyndham Clark, a 2012 Valor High School graduate, sinks a long birdie putt at the BMW Championship golf tournament on Aug. 25 at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock. Clark finished in a nine-way tie for 13th place.
pulling for Horschel because he, like her, graduated from the University of Florida. Horschel nished in a tie for 22nd place.
Meanwhile, Stetman said her husband, Greg, was hoping either 44-year-old Adam Scott or Keegan Bradley would win.
Now a seven-time PGA Tour champion, Bradley did win in the end, fending o fellow American Sam Burns, the Swede Aberg and South Australia’s Scott, who all nished one shot behind the winner.
Up by the 18th green, as Bradley and Scott, partnered on the last day, made their way in from the fairway for their last putts, fans crammed in tight, craning their necks and holding up their phones, trying to savor the tournament’s nal moments.
“It was incredible,” Parker resident Coleman Harris, who was sitting nearby, said of the day and the tournament. “I go to the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona every year. is was just so much better. I loved it. It was awesome.”
Now, the collective hope is that it won’t be another 10 years before professional golf is back in Colorado.
PHOTO ON PAGE 17: Fans surround the 18th green at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock on Aug. 25 during the BMW Championship golf tournament. Roughly 150,000
PHOTO
PHOTOS BY ALEX K.W. SCHULTZ
SOMETHING’S IN THE WATER:
The impact of community engagement
We often take for granted the simple act of turning on our faucets and receiving clean, reliable water. However, behind this everyday necessity is a complex system and a dedicated team at Centennial Water and Sanitation District working tirelessly to ensure this consistent ow. Water matters, and so does your connection to it.
Why care about water?
Every drop of water we use has a story. By understanding where our water comes from, how it is treated, and the challenges involved, we can begin to appreciate the complexity and e ort behind each drop. Consider this: e water you drink today is the same water that existed on Earth millions of years ago. It has been through countless cycles, owing through rivers, absorbed by plants, consumed by animals, and traveling through a complex net-
work of treatment facilities, pipes, and pumps before reaching your home. is longlived journey of water highlights the delicate balance we must maintain to ensure its availability for future generations.
When we care about water, we are caring about our future. We are ensuring our children and grandchildren have access to the same resources we have today. is means being mindful of water usage, supporting conservation e orts, and staying informed about issues such as drought and water quality.
Building relationships with your water provider Centennial Water is not just a
water provider, we are part of this community, just like you. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every drop you use meets the highest quality standards.
By getting to know us, you are not only learning about the water you use for various purposes — you are also becoming a part of a community that values and protects our local water resources. Attending community events, following us on social media, and subscribing to our eNewsletter will give you the inside scoop on our latest news, updates, and initiatives. Your questions, concerns, and ideas are important to us and help shape the services we provide.
Staying connected with the touch of a button
By following Centennial Water on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube, you will have access to a wealth of information right at your ngertips. Whether it is a tip on conserving water throughout the year, an update on local water quality, or a behind-the-scenes look at our treatment facilities, our posts and platforms are designed for community engagement, learning, and collaboration. Visit centennialwater.org/social to con-
nect with us on your preferred platform.
Stay tuned for the next chapter
As we look to the future, Centennial Water is excited to continue our journey of innovation and community partnership. We have some big things in the works (or shall I say in the water) that we cannot wait to share with you.
is upcoming change represents our commitment to not only providing the highest quality services possible, but also evolving with the needs and expectations of our community. We are gearing up for a transformation that we believe will resonate with you and re ect the pride we have in serving Highlands Ranch and Solstice.
So, stay tuned, keep an eye on our social media channels, and get ready for what is coming in 2025. You won’t want to miss what is dripping in Highlands Ranch.
Lauren Appleby is the Digital Communications Specialist at Centennial Water & Sanitation District, proudly serving her hometown of Highlands Ranch. Her commitment to community involvement both personally and professionally reects her passion for making a positive impact.
GUEST COLUMN
Lauren Appleby
Thu 9/05
Rock Ridge Beginning Orchestra
@ 2:30pm / $486
Sep 5th - May 22nd
Rock Ridge Elementary, 400 Heritage Ave., Castle Rock. 303-912-0701
Neil Z @ Earls Kitchen @ 5pm
Earls Kitchen + Bar, 8335 Park Meadows Center Dr, Lone Tree
Joe Nichols
@ 6pm
Pace Center, Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
Darrell Scott @ 6pm
Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver
Fri 9/06
Neil Z: Brightenstar @ Black Bear
@ 5pm
Black Bear Golf Club, 11400 Canterberry Pkwy,, Parker
The Grind 5280 @ 7pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
Sat 9/07
Insignia @ 8pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora
CRIS WILLIAMSON @ 7pm
Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver
Sun 9/08
The Okee Dokee Brothers in Lone Tree, CO! @ 12:30pm Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree
Ruthie Foster @ 7pm
Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver
Mon 9/09
Willow Creek Elementary @ 1:45pm / $623
Kishi Bashi @ 7pm Gothic Theatre, Englewood
Magdalena Bay @ 7pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Wed 9/11
Cherry Hills Village Elementary @ 12:45pm / $689.75
Sep 11th - May 21st
Cherry Hills Village Elementary, 2400 E Quincy Ave, Englewood. 515-708-0433
The Get Up Kids "Something To Write Home About" 25th Anniversary Show @ 7pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Thu 9/12
Beppe Gambetta @ 6pm
Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver
Sep 9th - May 19th
Willow Creek Elementary, 7855 S Willow Way, Centennial. 515-708-0433
Tue 9/10
Sand Creek Intermediate Band @ 3pm / $486
Sep 10th - May 20th
Sand Creek Music Room, 8898 Maple‐wood Dr, Littleton. 303-912-0701
Magdalena Bay @ 7pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood
Taylor Ashton @ 7pm
Swallow Hill, 71 E Yale Ave, Den‐ver
The California Honeydrops @ 7pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
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.
Road to top of Mount Blue Sky closed until 2026
Uppermost section of Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway closed on Sept. 3 and will reopen in 2026
BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e highest paved road in North America, Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, closed Sept. 3 to all travel to the peak including motorized, biking and most hiking as road repairs continue until Memorial Day 2026, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
e byway, also known as CO Hwy 5, closed from the Forest Service gate near Highway 103 in Clear Creek County through the project area, above Summit Lake, USFS representatives said.
USFS plans to repair the damaged roadway from the Summit Lake over ow parking lot to the rst switchback past Summit Lake.
Danille Perrone from Toronto,
Canada stood at the peak of Mount Blue Sky with friends on Aug. 23 in 40-degree temperatures with a cold wind blowing strong across the peak as she gazed at the view from 14,264 feet with Summit Lake below.
“It’s raw and fresh, it’s God’s country,” Perrone said.
e USFS said its goal is to “improve public safety while reducing ongoing impacts to the fragile alpine ecosystem and restore the natural hydraulic processes through the area.”
Traveling the highway to the summit recently made apparent the need for repairs. Cars, SUVs and pickup trucks crawled up the last section of roadway between 10-15 miles an hour over and across large potholes.
e road itself, barely wide enough to accommodate two vehicles heading up or down, heaved with massive dips in the asphalt that required smaller vehicles to crawl up and down the buckled road at a snail’s pace.
As you approach the summit you’re enveloped by the high clouds
Community Resource Fair
F Old Adults
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 9:00 to 12:00 noon
mit and exited the vehicle you’re in a completely di erent environment than you left at the start of the journey to the top of one of Colorado’s 14ers.
e outside temperature is below 40 degrees and strong blasts of cold winds whip across the summit and blast those who decide to complete the journey to the peak with a short hike to the top.
e rocky path to the top leads hikers through at least four switchbacks to the peak where a brass plate embedded in the rocks marks the summit and elevation; it was placed there in 1955.
Once on top, the view above the clouds goes for miles, notably with Pikes Peak to the south and Mount Bierstadt to the west.
As Perrone put it, “You’re on top of the world.”
Formerly known as Mount Evans, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names voted 15-1 on Sept. 15, 2023 in favor of the change to Mount Blue Sky.
Regiment of Volunteers and Regiment of Colorado Cavalry Volunteers launched an attack on Arapaho and Cheyenne civilians where they camped about 180 miles southeast of Denver. Over the course of eight hours, the troops slaughtered some 230 people, many of them women, children and elderly, according to the National Park Service.
e new name for the mountain comes from the Blue Sky Ceremony, a ceremony for all living things, including “men, women, children, plants, earth, water, life,” Chester Whiteman of the Southern Cheyenne tribe said in 2023.
Nonetheless, the iconic Mount Blue Sky will return to nature, away from tourists and local tra c, for at least the next year and a half. A couple of mountain goats resting at the peak did not seem phased by the upcoming changes to their natural environment.
Please
e name change followed years of lobbying and petitions by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma to disassociate the mountain from its original namesake territorial governor John Evans.
According to historical references, Evans authorized what’s known as
Tourists from across the country at the peak said they were disappointed with the closure, including one couple from Raytown, Missouri who said the trip to Mount Blue Sky is part of a yearly tradition to experience the top of a Colorado 14er and escape the humidity of Missouri. However, the most common sentiment was, “If it’s to repair the road for safety, then that’s what it is, you have to keep it safe,” Perrone said.
Mount Blue Sky summit on Aug. 23.
PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL
Audubon executive pay hatches a strike
Strike against National Audubon Society
gains support from Colorado bird workers
BY MICHAEL BOOTH
THE COLORADO SUN
Birds can be good business.
Not the least for some of the nation’s largest conservation organizations and their executives. e National Audubon Society took in more than $156 million in contributions and grants in 2022, and the CEO made $628,000.
irteen of the bird society’s executives made more than $200,000 that year, and were rewarded with a high
pro le on the group’s required IRS 990 nonpro t ling of top salaries.
Erin Hamilton also works for the National Audubon Society, remotely from Colorado, but she’s not about to show up in 990 highlights anytime soon. Like many other mid- to lowlevel nonpro t employees expected to work cheaply in exchange for furthering a cause they believe in, Hamilton struggles to keep up with in ated food prices and bruising housing costs.
“People need to pay rent. ey need to buy groceries,” said Hamilton, a database engineer for the New York-based society. “ ere’s a lot of folks that are kind of getting to that point in their life where they’re like, hey, I need to start a family. My partner and I are ready to start a family, but with this uncertainty and lack of pay, we can’t do it.”
ose are just some of the reasons Hamilton has become a vocal and active force in the National Audubon Society’s employee bargaining unit, the “Bird Union” under the Communication Workers of America. e Bird Union has authorized a strike with a 92% vote, just won a series of rulings against Audubon management by the National Labor Relations Board, and is launching local demonstrations around the country to publicize their contract requests.
Bird Union announced members would be going forward with a threeday strike in September.
Audubon employees “are really fatigued,” Hamilton said. “ ey basically feel taken advantage of, and to a certain degree betrayed.” at well-compensated CEO, Elizabeth Gray, came in with a burst of hope about diversifying the bird
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world and creating more equity among employees, Hamilton said. Instead, the union-favoring employees feel insulted by losses in health care bene ts, lowball salary o ers and the string of alleged labor violations.
Politico’s E&E News noted “Audubon is one of several major environmental organizations that have seen in ghting over collective bargaining agreements in the wake of a nonpro t unionization wave in recent years,” including Defenders of Wildlife, striking in July. Sierra Club’s sta “reached a compromise” and did not strike, the news outlet said.
A spokesperson for the society declined to answer speci c questions about the ongoing labor dispute.
“Audubon believes in ensuring
STRIKE
a workplace where all employees are respected, valued and empowered, as well as united in our mission to protect birds and the places they need,” according to an emailed statement. “We remain committed to our negotiation process and will continue to work constructively with the Union to achieve a mutually agreeable contract so we can further our work to halt and ultimately reverse the decline of birds across the Americas. ”
Union members say they are bewildered by management pettiness that has tainted relations at the conservation organization for two years. e NLRB ling said Audubon “violated federal labor laws, including by refusing to bargain over minimum salaries, making unilateral changes to health care bene ts, and denying union members bene ts that were given to non-represented sta ,” according to a news release from CWA. e NLRB complaint includes de-
20-page complaint from NLRB.
It’s important to remember, Hamilton said, that the strike authorization and ongoing actions are in opposition to the National Audubon Society o ce, not regional Audubon o ces like Audubon Rockies. Both national and regional o ces have been caught up in other controversies in the past year, over the Audubon name itself and whether it should be dropped along with troublesome bird names dedicated to tainted historical characters.
Hamilton said many upper level Audubon o cials want a resolution to the nancial and bene ts issues, and want top management to end the strife.
“It doesn’t make sense,” she said. “It doesn’t make sense for the organization, and it doesn’t make sense for the workers, and it doesn’t make sense for conservation. For the birds.”
tails of new bene ts o ered to employees not covered by the union, allegedly as a tactic to discourage anyone from joining the union.
Nonunion employees got two extra days o , expanded family leave, sabbaticals, every other Friday o in the summer, and more, according to the
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.
Erin Hamilton and supporters demonstrate union ties in their dispute with National Audubon Society management in downtown Denver on Aug. 17.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COMMUNICATION WORKERS OF AMERICA
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLOROADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
“Native Americans are all extinct.” It’s something people have told Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand, a Sicangu Lakota and Cherokee artist, when she’s explained her background.
Unfortunately, it’s an experience many others of Native American descent share.
So, Maldonado Bad Hand and fellow members of the Golden History Museum’s Native American Advisory Board put together an exhibit reminding everyone that, not only are Native American people still here, but they are active and thriving in the Denver area and beyond.
Golden History Museum patrons and sta celebrated a new exhibit “We Are Still Here: e Endurance of Native Jewels” at an Aug. 22 open house and reception. e four co-curators and contributor Lynette Grey Bull also hosted a panel describing their experiences putting the exhibit together, emphasizing how they wanted to share their cultures’ stories, traditions and artwork.
“Our story is yet to be told correctly,” Grey Bull said of Native American peoples.
‘We must live in harmony to move forward’
While there are 574 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States, the “We Are Still Here” exhibit focuses on plains tribes from the central United States, including Colorado.
e exhibit includes traditional regalia found among plains tribes, as well as more modern pieces of clothing, jewelry and artwork. Except for three pieces on loan from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, everything in the exhibit was made by or is on loan from the co-curators and their families.
e co-curators described how important the pieces are not only to their cultures but also to their individual families.
‘We are still here’
Erlidawn Roy, who grew up in Denver, recalled making the women’s traditional northern-style dress with her mom when she was a teenager.
“It taught me the patience of sitting down and creating legacy items,” Roy said.
Grey Bull loaned a traditional girl’s dress made from velvet, bone, elk teeth and silk ribbon that was likely made in the 1950’s. She recalled wearing it to dances when she was a girl, saying ve people in her family have worn it over the generations and that it’s been mended several times.
Tara Deer-Gover, who’s originally from Oklahoma, said she made one of the breastplates in the exhibit when she was 16, and Raelene Whiteshield described how she made a pink skirt and wore it to an event to honor her grandpa. She said the woman depicted on the skirt represents “waiting for the warrior to come home.”
Whiteshield said the more modern pieces are items she and her colleagues might wear to special events or just in day-to-day life.
Deer-Gover also emphasized how colorful all the pieces were, describing how the co-curators wanted to move away from the bland, gray boarding schools their parents’ generation attended.
Along with the fashion pieces, Maldonado Bad Hand described the photo collage in the center of the exhibit, above the doorway to the museum’s large meeting room. e photos include many of the co-curators’ family members and friends, as all the photos were donated by Native American community members.
Overall, the panelists emphasized the need for “collaboration, harmo-
Raelene Whiteshield attends the Aug. 22 open house for “We Are Still Here: The Endurance of Native Jewels” at the Golden History Museum. Whiteshield, a member of the museum’s Native American Advisory Board, was one of the exhibit’s four co-curators.
PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
ny and togetherness” among community members of all backgrounds. ey also encouraged people to support Native American artists and uplift Native American voices when-
ever possible.
Grey Bull added: “We must live in harmony to move forward.”
Executive Director Nathan Richie said the Golden History Museum is continuing its work in that regard through the Indigenous Connections Project. Upcoming events include dedicating its forthcoming Native American arbor in the history park this fall and the annual Autumn Fest from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 6.
“Indigenous people are not just a part of Golden’s past, but very much a part of its present and future,” Richie said.
e Golden History Museum is free and open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information about the “We Are Still Here” exhibit, the Indigenous Connections Project and other e orts, visit GoldenHistory.org.
Opinion: Ranking the top 5 snacks to take on a hike
BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
How many times have you woken up for a hike — perhaps after a long night — with less time to prepare than you thought? You had it all gured out: you were going give yourself time to wake up slow, have a co ee, make a sandwich and head o on a new Front Range mountain adventure. e only problem is you overslept, your friend is already on the way and now you don’t have time.
To get you through the next few hours, you’ll likely need a snack; either on the car ride there, at the peak of the mountain or waiting on you when you complete your round trip.
As an avid weekend hiker, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe to be the best ve hiking snacks. Each can be found either in your home or at a gas station or market on your way to the hike. is list is clearly subjective, like all snack-based conversations, but check it out below and see how my favorites stack up with yours.
5. Granola and/or trail mix is classic was sure to make the list, even if I feel it’s a bit boring.
But trail mix and granola will hold you over and provide a mixed bag of sweet and salty bites to keep you going on the trail.
I lean more toward the granola side (just give me chocolate or peanut butter), but trail mix is a fan favorite and was created for outdoor adventures. It might not be the most lling item on the list, but if you’re just trying to hold on until the posthike meal, granola and trail mix will get you there.
4. Fruit of choice
Perhaps the most refreshing option on the list, fruit can give you sustenance and cool you o on your ascent. Whether you go with a banana to help ward o potential cramps or an apple for the water it contains, this healthy option makes you feel even better about getting up and at it.
An underrated hiking fruit is cubed watermelon; you don’t have to carry a peel or core back to the car (leave no trace!) and the juiciness of it is like another beverage on your journey. Dried fruits are also nifty, but aren’t as rewarding or refreshing, in this writer’s opinion.
What’s your favorite fruit to take on a hike? You can’t go wrong.
3. Jerky (beef or vegan)
e only savory option on the list, jerky gives you a protein boost and makes you feel like a real outdoorsman while you blaze Colorado’s mountain trails. is is the perfect option to stop and gather your strength before you tackle the nal stretch of your hike.
Plus, vegan jerky is severely underrated (try Louisville Vegan Jerky Co. Even meat-eaters won’t be disappointed).
But jerky can be expensive. Grab a beef stick or a Slim Jim to save money and still get some protein in.
2. Gummy candy
Full disclosure: this is a weird one. My buddy once brought gummy bears on a hike and I couldn’t believe how rewarding they were to eat at the summit. Now, gummy bears or worms accompany me on all my weekend outings.
is is purely a guilty pleasure treat for yourself. I know gummy candy doesn’t give you energy, protein or the health bene ts of fruit, but once you conquer a di cult hike, they are such a sweet treat. Or sour, if you’re into that.
Just make sure you don’t grab the wrong gummies from the fridge on
your way out the door!
1. Clif Bars/protein bars/breakfast bars
e undisputed No. 1 of the list: nothing lls you up like a Clif Bar (shout-out to chocolate chip, peanut butter banana and blueberry almond crisp avors).
I don’t know how they do it, but it reminds me of the “lembas bread” given to the hobbits in the rst “Lord of the Rings.” One bite was supposed to be enough to ll the belly of a grown man. Every time I eat a Clif Bar, I’m shocked at how well it subdues my hunger.
But if you prefer others, there’s no shortage of solid options protein bar-wise. Honey Stinger Wa es are delicious and give you a boost of energy. Nutri-Grain bars never fail to disappoint if you can keep them in one piece. But protein bars are tailor-made for hiking and more outdoor adventures, so you can’t go wrong.
Honorable mention: Peanut butter-stu ed pretzel nuggets – selfexplanatory Did I leave o your favorite hiking snack? Email jrenfrow@coloradocommunitymedia.com and tell me where I got it wrong.
bars/breaklist: Bar peaalit bread” “Lord supposed a Clif subno protein are of fail them are more go butselfhiking jrenfrow@coloradome
MARC VARGAS
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