How to engage with Douglas County’s local governments and elected boards
BY MCKENNA HARFORD
While Colorado’s open meetings law does not require local governments or elected bodies to seek public engagement on their decisions, most o cials consider feedback part of good governance.
In Douglas County, all of the local municipalities designate time to hear from the public during meetings through general comment periods that allow people to speak about things not on the meeting agenda, and designated comment periods speci c to agenda items.
Typically, elected o cials don’t respond directly to public comments, but they can be factored into decision making and o cials can follow up on them.
Public comments also help reporters, including those at Colorado Community Media, learn about community members’ concerns and ideas. ough all of the municipalities
and elected boards accept comments through email, the procedures for commenting during a meeting di er between places and can be tricky to navigate. To help people participate in local government, e Douglas County News-Press created a guide to the basics of local public comment policies. (All of the meeting schedules are subject to change for holidays, weather or other reasons.)
Douglas County Board of Commissioners e Douglas County Board of Commissioners has business meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Public comments can be made on speci c agenda items and the board can hear general public comments on items not on the agenda at the end of the meeting. Comments are limited to three minutes per person and can be made in person or online through WebEx. Meeting agendas are available the Friday before the meeting at www.douglas.co.us/boardcounty-commissioners/meetings/
What you need
to
know
about leash laws in Douglas County
Many areas require restraints
on canines when on public property
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Even the most obedient dogs can be tempted by sounds and wildlife when outdoors, potentially putting themselves, the handler or wildlife at risk. is is why dogs in Douglas County are required to be on a leash when on public property.
“Dogs are required to be physically restrained by a 15-foot leash when on public property within unincorporated Douglas County,” said Bryanna Munns, an animal law enforcement sergeant with the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce.
Unincorporated areas are those outside of city and town limits. Cities and towns within Douglas County also have leash laws. For example, Castle Rock requires leashes, cords and chains to not exceed more than 10 feet in length.
Munns added that dogs must be physically restrained by someone who is capable of maintaining control of the dog to ensure that the dog is not approaching other animals or people without permission. Dogs found o the owner or handler’s property are called “strays,” according to the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce website, and may be impounded.
If owners fail to properly control their dog or allow it to run at large in the community, they are in violation of Douglas County’s Resolution 019029.
business-meeting-public-hearings.
Douglas County School District e Douglas County School Board approves an annual meeting schedule that can be found online at www.dcsdk12.org/about/board-of-education. Meetings are typically held two Tuesdays per month, starting at 5 p.m. e board hears public comments during regular meetings, and does not have public comments at study session meetings, which are marked as such on the calendar. Meeting agendas are posted the Friday before the meeting at douglaspublic.ic-board.com. People wanting to speak during public comment must sign up online by noon the day of the meeting. Comments can be given in person or via Zoom. Commenters typically receive three minutes, though that can change depending on the number of people signed up to speak. Unlike most general comment periods with other organiza-
Enforcement of the resolution consists of the option for an educational conversation, a formal written warning and a payable ne. e sheri ’s website also states that nes for violations begin at $50 per animal, and increases with additional violations. A summons for the dog owner to appear in court may also happen. “ e enforcement action that the responding o cer takes is dependent upon the previous history of the dog owner,” said Munns. “And whether the individual is receptive to our contact.”
Why Douglas County has leash laws ere are multiple reasons why leash laws are put in place.
Not only does having a dog on a leash allow the owner or handler to more easily break up any negative encounters with other animals or people, but it also helps prevent dogs from roaming into unsafe areas, such as onto icy ponds.
With coyotes being a frequent sight throughout Douglas County, the Highlands Ranch Metro District says having dogs on a leash can help protect them, as coyotes and other wildlife might see an unleashed dog as prey or a threat to their territory.
Where can I allow my well-behaved dog to run free?
Dogs are allowed to run o leash in nearby designated o leash areas that are fenced in. ese include Chat eld State Park, South Suburban’s
Douglas County community members attend a recent public meeting.
FILE PHOTO
Sheri s raise alarm about burglaries of Asian business owners’ homes
O cials also point to ‘dinnertime burglaries’ at expensive houses
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
For months, thieves have burglarized the homes of Asian businesspeople in Arapahoe and Douglas counties, and the local sheri s came together to urge the public to take steps to protect against the crimes.
“You could be the hero that solves all of these cases just by making a call to law enforcement,” Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly said.
Flanked by a longtime cop and an ofcial from the local district attorney’s ofce, the sheri s encouraged the public to contact law enforcement and report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. O cials are also concerned about a string of burglaries at high-value homes during the hours when people normally eat dinner.
Collectively, the burglaries may have cost victims a total of millions of dollars, according to law enforcement.
At a sheri s’ town hall event in December, o cials focused especially on the burglaries of Asian residents’ homes, speaking to Asian community members in the audience. Brian Sugioka, a chief deputy district attorney, mentioned his own heritage as he discussed the issue.
“Of course, there’s a general sense of unease that certain ethnic groups may feel” and “as a person of Japanese descent myself, I understand,” Sugioka said.
Although the incidents have been thefts, the crimes still present the risk of violence, Sugioka said.
“One of the things that makes home burglaries so dangerous is the possibility that perhaps the suspects think nobody’s home but they’re wrong, and before you know it, there’s gun re,” Sugioka said.
O cials are concerned that not all victims are reporting the crimes or aren’t reporting in a timely manner, Weekly said.
For those who may struggle with a language barrier, law enforcement can use a translator to help, Weekly said.
Even small details that seem suspicious might help o cials if the public reports them, according to the Arapahoe County Sheri ’s O ce.
It’s OK to “be suspicious of people loitering around your home,” Arapahoe County Sheri Tyler Brown said, adding: “We would rather drive by and have it be absolutely nothing than be investigating a burglary.”
Burglaries pile up
e Douglas County sheri ’s jurisdiction in mid-December listed 13 reported burglaries of Asian business owners’ homes in 2024, with seven of those having occurred since September.
e sheri ’s jurisdiction includes unincorporated Douglas County — areas outside of city and town boundaries — along with Castle Pines and Larkspur.
At least about a dozen burglaries of Asian business owners’ homes have occurred from October 2023 through early December 2024 in the Arapahoe County Sheri ’s O ce jurisdiction, according to the o ce.
e Arapahoe County sheri ’s jurisdiction includes unincorporated Arapahoe County areas, along with Centennial, Bennett, Fox eld and Deer Trail.
‘Taking advantage’
Asian business owners could be the target of burglaries because thieves have recognized some apparent cultural di erences, such as the idea that Asian people may distrust banks and instead keep large amounts of money at home, Brown said.
“ ey’re taking advantage of that,” Brown said of the burglars.
Along with that string of crime, o cials also have their eye on a separate pattern of burglaries that took place at high-value homes in Arapahoe County during the hours when people normally eat dinner — incidents that have been dubbed the “dinnertime burglaries.”
e nine dinnertime burglaries took place at homes in Cherry Hills Village, Columbine Valley, Littleton and unincorporated Arapahoe County from February to October 2024, according to the sheri ’s o ce. e homes hit in the Arapahoe dinnertime burglaries back up to a greenbelt or an open area, Cohn said.
O cials said the nine thefts total almost $1 million in stolen goods.
e Douglas sheri ’s o ce is only aware of one case of a dinnertime bur-
glary, Weekly said.
Arapahoe sheri ’s Sgt. Brett Cohn noted that dinnertime is usually when people are home — but, he said, thieves are taking steps to make sure people aren’t there.
“We’re talking about groups of people that are working together to hit these homes,” Cohn said.
Persons of interest
One question at the town hall asked whether the burglars are part of a “South American theft group,” a term that has circulated in news media coverage.
“We don’t have any indication or any evidence in our dinnertime burglaries that the suspects are coming from one particular nation or another,” Brown said.
When asked whether there is any evidence that suspects in the burglaries of Asian business owners’ homes in the Arapahoe sheri jurisdiction are coming from one nation or demographic, Ginger Delgado, an Arapahoe sheri spokesperson, said: “ is is something investigators are still working together to gure out.”
For his jurisdiction, Weekly said, “In Douglas County, we believe they are Colombian nationals.”
Asked why o cials believe that Colombian nationals are involved, Weekly referred to “people that have been identi ed in relation to the investigations” of Asian business owners’ home burglaries.
“We have several people identi ed that we believe are persons of interest in the
Arapahoe County Sheri Tyler Brown, left, speaks next to Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly at a December town hall event at the Arapahoe County Sheri ’s O ce that focused on burglaries and how the public can protect against them.
PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD
Statistics Confirm That the Seller’s Market Evaporated by the End of 2024
Now that 2024 has ended, we can see quite clearly that the seller’s market created during the Covid pandemic is now a thing of the past. December was a particularly slow month in a year that saw a great increase in the number of active listings, but little or no corresponding increase in sales, plus some other negative metrics, as shown in the charts at right.
As always, I derive these statistics from REcolorado, the Denver MLS, within a 25-mile radius of downtown Denver instead of using the multicounty “metro Denver” stats reported by the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.
that there were now more homebuyers than homes for sale, which fostered competition and drove home prices to unforeseen levels. From the start of the pandemic in March 2020 until the Federal Reserve began hiking rates in March 2022, home prices grew 37%, per Case-Shiller.
Charts Are for Last 5 Years
The most obvious indicator of a slowing market is how many listings expire without selling, and that number reached nearly 3,000 in December, about triple the figures for the first two Decembers of the pandemic, 2020 and 2021.
“In late 2022, home sales activity came to an abrupt halt when mortgage rates climbed from about 3% to above 7% in a matter of months. Buyers are still facing higher mortgage rates than they've seen in recent memory – on top of that, home prices are still staying stubbornly high after the pandemic housing boom. For many, especially first-time homebuyers who lack tappable equity, monthly mortgage payments have become too expensive at these new interest rates.
The ratio of closed price to listing price is another key indicator of a seller’s market. It peaked at 106.1% in April 2022, but has been as low as 92.0% since then.
The median sold price has leveled off but is still higher this December than all previous Decembers. It’s just that sellers are still overpricing their homes when they first put them on the market, producing that lower ratio.
The median time on market stayed well below 10 days throughout the pandemic, but has risen steadily since the fall of 2022 and is at its highest level in recent history now — 39 days. The average days on market is at 56 days. This compares to 30 days and 47 days respectively a year ago.
A big factor in the real estate market is always the cost of mortgage loans. At right is a graphic from USNews that charts the impact of interest rates on home prices from 1987 to present. Here’s that website’s interpretation of the chart:
“The housing market is in a mortgage rate stalemate: Homebuyers are priced out, and homeowners are reluctant to sell and trade in their low mortgage rates.”
So what should we expect in 2025?
Whenever there’s a market slowdown, it produces pent-up demand later on. And I foresee that pent-up demand expressing itself this month and this year in a more balanced market. The big increase is inventory shows that sellers are accepting that interest rates
“With mortgage rates at 3% or even lower, more homebuyers could afford to enter the market in the early 2020s. Home sales activity picked up, but housing inventory was insufficient to keep up with demand. Decades of housing underproduction in the U.S. meant
will stay at present levels, so they are no longer waiting for them to go down before sacrificing their current low interest rate loan to purchase a replacement home. Likewise, I see buyers accepting current interest rates as the “new normal” and getting off the fence.
Open House at 2-BR Condo in Downtown Golden
Nearly one-quarter of Americans say local and national politics highly influence their decision about where to live, according to a recent survey from Realtor.com. In some age groups, that percentage is even higher.
“With both local and national politicians making decisions that impact daily life, both socially and fiscally, it makes sense that many would prefer to live in areas where the politics align with their own beliefs,” according to Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist.
Many of the respondents to a Realtor.com survey said their political views do not align with those of their neighbors, and 17% have considered moving for that reason.
That percentage was 28% for the millennial generation, who are also the most likely –at 33% - to report that their decisions about where to live are highly influenced by national politics. Among Gen Z respondents, 25% say politics influence their decisions, and among Gen X, it’s 21%. Only 16% of baby boomers felt that way.
Now a company called Oyssey has entered the home search business with an app that includes all the usual criteria plus neighbor-
hood politics — even block-by-block. Calling Oyssey an “app” minimizes the company’s intention, which is to replace Zillow as the go-to real estate search engine by providing more information about listings — including neighborhood politics.
Currently, the app is sold to individual real estate brokers who can invite individual buyers to access it. It’s strictly a buyer’s tool, and brokers will still be using their current MLS for listing homes for sale. The idea is that Oyssey would replace buyer tools, such as email alerts, built into the MLS, and that the buyer agency agreements now required by the NAR settlement would be built into its functionality.
Ultimately, the company wants to partner with the nation’s MLSs to have their app be an included feature of that MLS instead of something brokers need to purchase on the side.
The app was introduced last month in south Florida and some New York cities, but should be available elsewhere, including Colorado, by the end of March 2025.
I am the first Colorado broker to have signed up for it when it comes to our market.
Condos in this building at 722 Washington Avenue (called Washington Station) are in great demand because of its location right in downtown Golden. This listing is Unit 201, which has a great corner location directly above the unit’s deeded parking spot. Moreover, the stairs to the parking garage are right next to the door to this unit. (There’s also an elevator.) This is a mixed use building, with commercial units on the main floor. The unit itself features an open floor plan, with slab granite countertops and cherry cabinets with handles, and an island with breakfast bar to complement the dining area. There’s a balcony outside the living room. It an all windows have mountain view. The bathrooms and kitchen have ceramic tile floors, and the rest of the unit has carpeting in like-new condition. There’s a 7’deep storage room and laundry closet with vinyl flooring. Take a narrated video tour at www.GoldenCondo.info, then come to the open house this Saturday, 11am to 1pm. Or call Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to request a private showing.
$650,000
Originally listed for $750,000, the price is now $100,000 less! There’s so much to love about this home at 7085 W. 32nd Pl.! For starters, it’s a handyman’s delight with an oversized 2-car garage that is heated and has 200 Amps of power, including two 240-Volt circuits! Also, one of the basement bedrooms has been converted into a sound studio with professional soundproofing such that neighbors and the people upstairs wouldn’t be aware of it! Altogether, including that studio with its ensuite bathroom, this home has five bedrooms and three full bathrooms. And it has a full-size bar with bar stools next to that studio in the basement that is to die for. Under the new state law, the basement could be adapted into a 2-bedroom/1-bathroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to provide extra income for the owner. To fully appreciate this impressive home, which has been owned and lovingly maintained by the seller for 43 years, take the narrated video tour at www.GRElistings.com, then come to the open house this Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or call Kathy at 303-990-7428.
NOTE: All prior “Real Estate Today” columns are archived at www.JimSmithColumns.com.
Jim Smith
Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401 Broker Associates:
Big Price Reduction on Brick Ranch in Wheat Ridge
Legislators hear concerns over open meetings law
Current standard lets lawmakers keep their discussions secret
BY SARA WILSON COLORADO NEWSLINE
Government transparency advocates expressed their frustration with recent changes made to Colorado’s open meetings law during a public hearing on Dec. 30, though there is no guarantee the law will get amended again.
e Colorado General Assembly approved the change last March in an attempt to update the open meetings law for a world with email, cell phones and text messages, which did not exist when voters adopted the law in 1972. Sponsors and supporters also said the changes allow legislators to brainstorm and have informal conversations.
Critics, however, contend that the update allows for secret policy negotiations that fall outside of formal votes and committee hearings. is could deprive members of the public, they argue, of a meaningful view of how policies are formulated and instead allow public access only to formal votes without substantive discussion.
“As a watchdog, it’s important for the press to also have access to the work that you do — not just the public votes, but
ENGAGEMENT
tions, the school board’s comment period allows speakers to comment on agenda items and items not on the agenda. For more information about the district’s public comment policy and procedure, go to www.dcsdk12.org/about/board-ofeducation/public-comment.
Castle Pines
Castle Pines City Council has regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month starting at 6:30 p.m. Regular meetings include time for general public comment and comments for quasi-judicial hearings. Comments are limited to three minutes per person and can be made in person, virtually or by phone. Meeting agendas, public comment sign up and more information about public comment are available at www.castlepi-
understanding how you reach your decisions. We’re concerned that (Senate Bill 24-157) weakens that ability and makes it easier for those discussions to happen in private,” Kevin Dale, the executive editor of Colorado Public Radio News, told legislative leaders on Monday.
e opportunity for public testimony before the end of 2024 was a requirement in the law. e Legislative Council has the power to consider changes on an annual basis until 2026.
e original law de nes an open meeting, which requires a notice and ability for public observation, as a gathering between at least two lawmakers to discuss public business. e update, which applies only to the General Assembly and not local public bodies such as city councils, rede nes public business as “introduced legislation” or “proposed legislation” prepared by the O ce of Legislative Legal Services and under discussion by a quorum of a committee and excludes “matters that are by nature interpersonal, administrative, or logistical or that concern personnel, planning, process, training, or operations.” Previously, the law de ned public business as the formation of public policy. at new de nition was the basis for the exclusion of reporters from Democratic caucus meetings over the summer that went over the possibility of a special summer session on property taxes. ere was no introduced legislation at the time of the caucus meetings.
nesco.gov/city-services/city-departments/city-clerk/city-council-meetings.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock Town Council holds meetings the rst and third Tuesdays of the month starting at 6 p.m. Agendas are made available the Friday before the meeting at www.crgov.com/2841/Council-Agendas. Council meetings include time for public comments on items not on the agenda and for items on the agenda marked as discussion or public hearing. Interested commenters must attend the council meeting in person and sign up for public comment at the meeting. For items not on the agenda, speakers get three minutes with the total comment period limited to 30 minutes. If there are more speakers than the 30 minutes allow, the council can continue hearing public comments at the end of the meeting. ose who speak on items on the agenda get four minutes. For more information, go to www.crgov.com/2267/Meetings.
“It was startling and disturbing to hear that journalists and the public were excluded from caucus meetings before the August special session on property taxes using the new de nition of public business. Caucus members were given copies of the tax proposal during meetings, but leaders told the Colorado Sun there really wasn’t a policy conversation,” said Je Roberts, the executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition.
House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said that the August meetings had substantial conversation about the campaigns for and against a pair of
Highlands Ranch Metro District
e Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors, which governs the district’s infrastructure amenities like roads and stormwater drainage, o ers public comment at both study sessions and regular meetings. Study sessions are on the second to last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. and regular meetings are on the last Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. Both meetings have public comment periods at the beginning and end of the agendas, allowing for in person and virtual comments. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Agendas are available before the meetings at www.highlandsranch.org/government/board-of-directors/agendasminutes.
Lone
Tree
Lone Tree City Council has regular meetings the rst and third Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m., following the council’s study session, which starts at
property tax measures that were on the November ballot. e risk of those measures was the impetus for the special session, but the campaigns were not identied as public business.
Since then, McCluskie said House Democrats started posting notices for meetings that could contain policy discussion even if there are not introduced bills involved.
Both Dale and Roberts, as well as Colorado Press Association CEO Tim ReganPorter, want to see all caucus meetings subject to the open meeting law.
“Until such a change is made, we urge all caucuses to voluntarily adopt this standard as a matter of good faith and accountability,” Regan-Porter said.
It is possible that the Legislature will consider bills next session to address the open meeting issue.
“I do believe that we need to continue to move forward in guring out how to — openly, before the people — craft the best policy possible,” Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Monument Republican, said. Lundeen voted against the bill this year. “We need to nd out how to do the public’s business in front of the public in a way that still preserves the fact that creating legislation is very relational.”
e General Assembly reconvened on Jan. 8. is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
4:30 p.m. Meeting agendas are released the Friday before the meeting at cityoonetree.com/city-council. Regular meetings include time for general public comments and comments for public hearings. Comments must be made in person and are limited to three minutes.
Parker
Parker Town Council meetings are the rst and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. Agendas are available the day of the meeting at parkerco.portal.civicclerk.com. Council meetings include a 30-minute period for general public comment. Speakers are asked to sign up for comments starting 30 minutes before the meeting starts. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. If there are more speakers than the 30 minutes allow, the council can continue hearing public comments at the end of the meeting. e town also o ers an electronic comment form at parkerco.gov/CouncilPublicComment.
After Refacing
The Colorado state Capitol, pictured in 2023. FILE PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD
Centennial Water and Sanitation District rebrands as Highlands Ranch Water
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
From new leadership and updates to facilities, the Centennial Water and Sanitation has been undergoing a transformation over the past three years and now, the district has rebranded as Highlands Ranch Water.
e rebrand comes as a way to better represent the customers it serves in Highlands Ranch and Solstice.
“It’s time for the next chapter of Highlands Ranch Water,” Sam Calkins, General Manager said in a statement. “We are prioritizing our customers, making it easier
for you to get to know us.”
Highlands Ranch Water will remain a special district, serving more than 30,000 single family homes, 7,200 multi-family units and 1,100 commercial customers.
e district aimed to support the growing community for decades. As Highlands Ranch nears build-out, the district looks to focus on long-term sustainability.
“We will be doing more education and outreach with customers than ever before with the goal to deepen the understanding of the vital services we deliver,” Calkins said.
Highlands Ranch Water can be found at highlandsranchwater.org.
Highlands Ranch man accused of killing father found competent to proceed with court hearings
December, and Gipson was examined.
A Highlands Ranch man who is accused of killing his father in early 2024 was found competent to stand trial.
Sean Gipson, 35, was taken into custody on Jan. 9, 2024, following a deadly dispute with his father.
He is being charged with first-degree murder after deliberation.
An issue of competency was issued during a previous court proceeding in
The court found Gipson competent to proceed with court hearings at a Jan. 3 hearing, during which Judge Victoria Klingensmith accepted Gipson’s not guilty plea.
There will be another hearing on Jan. 13 to discuss trial dates.
On the morning of Jan. 7, 2024, deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a home on Elmhurst Avenue in Highlands Ranch following a report of gunshots being fired. Upon
arrival, deputies found Gipson in the living room conscious with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital to be treated. Deputies also found a deceased male who was later identified as Billy Gipson, Sean Gipson’s father.
During the investigation, deputies located a semi automatic handgun and a folding pocket knife at the home.
The arrest affidavit states that Gipson’s mother told detectives that her son had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in
2018 and was off his medication. She also told detectives that a conversation about her son’s medication led to the gunshots.
Gipson allegedly stabbed his father, according to the arrest affidavit. According to court records, Gipson had made threats in the past and had been convicted in both state and federal courts for making telephone threats to a mental health agency. Records also show that Sean’s father carried a handgun out of fear of his son.
Attorney General Weiser declares for 2026 governor’s race
BY MEGAN VERLEE CPR NEWS
As Coloradans returned from the New Year’s holiday, the state’s top elected lawyer announced a major resolution: to run for governor in 2026.
Democrat Phil Weiser is midway through his second term as attorney general. Over his six years in o ce he made a name for himself ghting the rst Trump administration in court, as well as suing opioid manufacturers and social media companies.
Attorney general is Weiser’s rst elected o ce. He previously served as dean of
Democrat
Phil Weiser is midway through his second term as attorney general.
the University of Colorado law school. He also held posts in the Obama administration, including deputy assistant attorney general in the anti-trust division and as an advisor to the national economic council.
With Gov. Jared Polis term limited, political watchers expect a long list of Democrats to enter the race to replace him. e left-leaning group Healthier Colorado, and right-leaning Magellan Strategies recently surveyed 630 Democratic and una liated voters on four of the potential primary candidates.
Twenty percent of those polled said they’d support congressman Joe Neguse in a theoretical Democratic primary, 16%
went for Secretary of State Jena Griswold, 11% for former Interior Secretary and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar and 8% for Weiser.
On the Republican side, state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and outgoing 4th Congressional District Rep. Greg Lopez, who was selected to ll the last months of Ken Buck’s term, are potential contenders.
Other than Weiser, none of those potential contenders has yet con rmed they’re interested in the o ce.
is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.
United will begin nonstop flight to Rome from DIA
Seasonal flights will be o ered daily from May to September
BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN
United Airlines will launch a seasonal, nonstop ight from Denver to Rome, expanding the list of international destinations travelers can reach from the Mile High City.
e Italy ight will be o ered daily from May 1 to Sept. 25, according to the airline, which also announced seven other new routes from Denver, including ones to Regina, Saskatchewan; Bu alo, New York; and Redding, California.
With the addition of the Rome and Saskatchewan ights, United says it will operate ights to 22 international destinations from Denver — “more than any airline in
“United’s continued commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience in Denver is underscored by these new routes and the nearly $1 billion in investments we have made to enhance the
customer experience and bring greater convenience,” Jonna McGrath, vice president of United’s Denver hub, said in a written statement. “As Denver’s hometown airline, we’re proud to o er more destinations than any other carrier, giving
Colorado residents and travelers passing through Denver unmatched exibility and options to explore the destinations they want to visit most.”
Other international destinations recently added from Denver International Airport include Istanbul, Turkey, on Turkish Airlines and Dublin, Ireland, on Aer Lingus.
United says its ight from Denver to Rome will be operated on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which seats about 260 passengers.
Norwegian Air Shuttle planned to launch a Denver-Rome ight in March 2020, but it never materialized because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Norwegian ultimately halted its long-haul network to focus on its intra-European routes.
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.
The Centennial Water and Sanitation District has rebranded as Highlands Ranch Water.
Expert tips for Colorado winter driving
Preparation, driving techniques are key elements of staying safe
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With colder temperatures comes snow blanketing the streets, and roads can get slippery and dangerous for Colorado drivers — new and native to the state.
Experts say it’s important to be prepared for the di cult task of driving in the winter, and Colorado AAA o ers a few tips that can help keep drivers safe when traveling in the harsh winter climate.
“ e rst sustained major weather event is always a useful reminder to Coloradans — regardless of whether you grew up here or if you’re new to town — to brush up on winter driving fundamentals. Slow down, don’t tailgate and don’t slam on the gas or brakes,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public a airs.
Prepare the vehicle
Colorado AAA urges drivers to ensure their vehicles are ready for winter. is includes checking the battery and electrical systems, testing all uid levels — such as antifreeze, transmission uid, brake uid and engine oil — and making sure all lights are functioning properly.
Additionally, drivers should inspect their tires, brakes, windshields and windshield wipers and windshield wiper uid.
“Remember, too, that four-wheel drive does not mean four-wheel stop. We’ve had to winch out many top-of-the-line
dead batteries, at tires and engine issues.
Keep an emergency kit
Ensuring the vehicle is prepared is
another way drivers who may end up stranded, whether by sliding o the road or getting stuck in tra c during a closure,
“Keep an emergency kit in your car with tire chains, abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, a small shovel, ashlight with extra batteries, ice scraper, rags or paper towels, ares or other warning devices, booster cables and a rst aid kit,”
Colorado AAA said on its website.
Additionally, drivers should bring items to help keep them warm, such as blankets, jackets, hats and gloves for themselves and passengers. People should also pack water and snacks, such as energy bars, and bring pet food if they’re traveling with their animals.
“Finally, remember that an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure. Your battery likely tried to warn you it wasn’t up to the task of starting your engine in sub-zero temperatures, likely through dimming headlights or sluggish starts in warmer weather,” McKinley said.
Driving on icy roads
When navigating icy roads, Colorado AAA urges drivers to slow down and exercise caution when accelerating, turning or braking. Each action should be gradual.
“Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you,” the company advises on its website.
Tailgating should be avoided, and drivers should remain alert to the tra c ahead of them. It’s also important to avoid unnecessary lane changes and be particularly cautious on bridges and overpasses.
“Black ice typically forms rst in shaded areas of the roadway and on bridges and overpasses that freeze rst and melt last,” McKinley said. “Although the road leading up to a bridge may be ne, the bridge itself could be a sheet of ice.”
For more information and tips, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-drivingtips.
Driving in the snow can be scary if drivers don’t take precautions.
PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY
Wellspring nonprofit begins moving tenants into Castle Rock’s Unity on Park apartments
BY MCKENNA HARFORD
e Douglas County nonpro t Wellspring Community is in the process of moving tenants into its recently completed conversion of the former La Quinta Inn in Castle Rock to a ordable apartments. e apartment building, called Unity on Park, provides a ordable housing for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), with half of the units reserved for tenants with disabilities. ere are 22 studios and 20 one-bedroom units, and 66 parking spaces.
All of the housing units will be restricted to people making 30-80% of the area median income.
Nicole DeVries, the executive director of Wellspring, which provides services to people with IDD, said the project addresses an unmet demand for indepen-
dent living options in Douglas County.
DeVries said more than 20,000 adults with IDD in Colorado live with a caregiver who is over the age of 60.
“ is is the rst community of its kind in Douglas County,” DeVries said. “ is is the rst step, but it just scratches the surface of meeting the needs, not just in Douglas County, but statewide.”
Unity on Park provides an independent living option while still o ering 24/7 on-site sta to assist residents with daily tasks. DeVries said sta mostly helps with building life skills.
“ ey help with learning to cook and to clean, getting groceries, getting to doctor appointments, getting to and from work, doing laundry, managing a budget, managing their schedule,” DeVries said. “It’s all the stu anyone of us had to learn how to do when we rst lived on our own or lived outside of our parents’ house, but
they just get extra assistance and support.”
e project received support from the state, the Douglas County commissioners and the Castle Rock Town Council. e state contributed a $4 million grant, while the county purchased the property for Wellspring and Castle Rock waived development fees.
Wellspring also partnered with the Douglas County Housing Partnership to manage the property.
“It didn’t cost Wellspring anything,” DeVries said. “It’s called Unity because it brought so many di erent people together and uni ed around one project, which couldn’t happen for just any project, but it happened for this, which is pretty incredible.”
DeVries said Wellspring is already in the process of developing a second housing project in Castle Rock. e next project
LEASH LAWS
e Highlands Ranch Metro District also has four o -leash dog parks, which are open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. e parks include:
• Digger’s at Dad Clark Park, 3385 Astrobrook Circle
• Fido’s Field at Foothills Park, 1042 Riddlewood Road
• Hound Hill at Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St.
• Rover’s Run at Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Circle
In Parker, a dog should be on a leash 30 feet or shorter in all parks and trails,
aims to build for-sale condos for adults with IDD and others.
“We’re doing the same concept in terms of taking a hotel and turning it into housing, but we’re selling them as condos instead of renting them,” she said. “ en that provides the individual with IDD a long-term asset that follows them as they age.”
DeVries said she’s proud that Wellspring has been able to ful ll one of its founding missions and plans to continue chipping away at the need for housing and residential services.
“It feels like the real work for us is just getting started,” she said. “Our founder’s original vision 15 years ago, when she started the organization, was to create a place where people could live out their lives together and to see that we took a step to do that feels really, really amazing.”
except for the USMC CPL David M. Sonka Dog Park.
Every park requires the owner or handler to put a leash on their dog when entering and exiting the park, and to pick up after their dogs. Owners or handlers must carry a leash at all times and be present in the park with their pet.
Additionally, dogs must be vaccinated, and aggressive dogs and dogs-in-season are not allowed.
Are dogs allowed on local walking trails? In terms of taking dogs on walking trails, dogs are not allowed on the Wildcat Mountain Trail System or the Highlands Point Trail system. However, if on a leash, they are allowed on the Rocky Gulch Trail and the Douglas County East/West Trail.
More information about leash laws and owner expectations in Douglas County can be found on the Douglas County website at tinyurl.com/bde4a48k.
Wellspring Community, a nonprofit that provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is moving in tenants to its recently opened apartment building in Castle Rock, called Unity on Park. The project converted the former La Quinta Inn on Park Street into 42 a ordable apartments with 20 reserved for adults with disabilities.
Closing the gap to quality mental health services
Southeast Counseling Center in Parker o ers family, addiction and trauma counseling to everyone
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Every organization has to start somewhere.
For Southeast Counseling Center in Parker, it started in an old janitor’s closet with one therapist, two interns and a couch.
Today, it’s a nonpro t with more than 25 licensed therapists and serves at least 700 families.
“Our desire (is) to provide high-quality mental health services that (are) a ordable and accessible for people who desperately need it,” said Peter Barber, board member of the counseling center.
Barber was a pastor at Southeast Christian Church in 2010 when he noticed a gap between the need for high-quality mental health care and people having access to such therapy services.
He added at that time, mental health services and pastoral care rarely worked in cooperation with one another.
But believing it could work together, he helped implement a counseling center at the church and in 2018, it established itself as its own separate nonpro t. Although the center still maintains a referral relationship with the church, it’s no longer connected to the church and Barber no longer serves as the church’s pastor.
While many of the therapists at the center are of Christian faith, Barber said it’s not evangelical or proselytizing, and that they are there to bene t everyone in the community.
“We don’t hide the fact that we’re Christian, but we’re also not pushing our beliefs onto clients,” said Barber. “We’ve (served) atheists, Buddhists, witches.”
Working to fill the gap
Involved with the organization since the beginning, Jason Bell, the center’s counseling executive director who also serves as a counselor, said they have further de ned why this type of organization is needed. One reason being the growing gap between those who qualify for governmental assistance like Medicaid and
those who earn su cient income to pay for services.
“ e gap means you’re cutting something out,” said Bell. “Most often, that’s some form of healthcare.”
e center has partnered with di erent organizations in Douglas County to pool resources to fund care for people in the gap.
e Douglas County Community Foundation, the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Aloha Fund have provided funds to support the center’s erapy Subsidy Program, which provides nancially subsidized sessions each month to those who are in the gap between self-su ciency and qualifying for government support.
e center subsidizes “about 40% of the client base who are living in the gap,” Bell said.
Barber added that if individuals cannot pay the full rate, therapists will oftentimes o er a sliding scale, meaning the therapist will slide the fee down to make it affordable for the individual.
e center’s goal was to create a model where therapists didn’t have to make that sacri ce in their pay.
“Every therapist gets their full takehome pay regardless of who they see and the center then subsidizes the di erence,” Barber said.
e center’s client base also expanded in the fall of 2024 to serve those who are on Medicaid.
Tailoring to the needs of patients
With numerous mental health agencies across the county, Barber and Bell believe their counseling center stands out because of its intake process.
When searching for a therapist through insurance, a list of who’s in the network comes up and individuals hope they pick one that’s a good t, Barber said. e center, on the other hand, has an intake team that conducts a full comprehensive assessment, which includes a personal interview.
“When they do that, they’re able to tailor the kind of service that the clients need in a way that’s far better than, like, a 30-minute phone interview or nding someone in your insurance database,” Bell said.
Aiming to provide a therapist that best ts a client’s personality and needs, Barber said they may reach out to other providers in the community.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about you needing to come here, it’s what is best for
you, the client, (and) what you need,” Barber said.
e center has various speciality teams, including addiction counselors and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) certi ed trauma therapists. It o ers a same sex domestic violence treatment group, and the domestic violence and forensics team also provides services for court-ordered treatment of o enders for the 18th and 23rd Judicial District.
e center also has teams for all aspects of the family, including therapeutic groups for parenting. e child and ado-
lescent team provides services for children as young as 3, and because it’s dicult for young children to stay sitting for a period of time, the center has play therapists to provide age-appropriate services. e center does not provide medication or inpatient treatment, instead, it partners with psychiatrists and other agencies in the area.
“ is organization is now situated … straddling communities of faith and healthcare and law,” said Bell. “All of those di erent institutions, in one way or another, help to make treatment accessible.”
OPENING JANUARY 2025
Locally owned and operated by Dr. Leslie Longo, The Ranch Veterinary Hospital is a brand new state-of-the-art veterinary hospital opening in Highlands Ranch. Sign up for the latest updates and receive exclusive o ers and access to our opening events.
Southeast Counseling Center in Parker is a nonprofit organization that provides accessible and personalized therapy services for children, couples, adults and addiction or trauma services.
PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA
The Southeast Counseling Center has more than 25 licensed therapists and serves more than 700 families across Colorado to find wholeness and hope.
A positive outlook for the new year
It’s no secret that the world has seen its fair share of chaos and confusion in recent times. With constant upheaval, many of us have become conditioned to approach life with a sense of cynicism, keeping our guard up as a natural self-defense mechanism.
It’s an understandable response when life throws curveballs, it’s easier to expect the worst and shield ourselves from disappointment.
But what if we chose a di erent approach?
Imagine if, instead of defaulting to skepticism or negativity, we intentionally shifted our initial reactions to focus on the positive. What if we looked for potential and opportunity rather than questioning, challenging, or seeking out aws? is isn’t about ignoring reality or pretending problems don’t exist. It’s about approaching life with trust, abundance, and optimism.
The glass is always refillable
We’ve all heard the debate: Is the glass half full or half empty? Some argue that it’s neither, it’s simply re llable. is perspective is powerful because it reminds us that our outlook isn’t static. We can choose how we see the world and, more importantly, how we respond to it.
Choosing to see the glass as re llable requires vulnerability. It asks us to trust again, even when past experiences have left us burned. It means embracing a mindset of abundance, where we believe that goodness and opportunity are not nite resources but are available to us if we’re willing to look for them.
From scarcity to opportunity
e shift from negativity to positivity starts with reframing how we perceive change and challenges. Too often, new products, services, or initiatives are met with harsh criticism, not because they lack merit but because the people evaluating them have experienced change fatigue. e skepticism isn’t rooted in the o ering itself but in an emotional exhaustion from adapting to constant ux.
But what if we approached these situations di erently? What if, instead of immediately looking for what’s wrong, we asked, “What’s possible?” is shift in perspective opens the door to creativity, collaboration, and innovation. It helps us see potential solutions rather than dwelling on the problems.
The courage to be vulnerable
Changing our outlook requires courage. Positivity is not about naivete, it’s about being brave enough to hope, trust, and believe in the possibility of good outcomes. It means lowering our defenses and embracing the idea that not every change or new idea will hurt us. is vulnerability doesn’t make us weak; it makes us resilient. When we choose to trust, we free ourselves from the fear and scarcity that cloud our judgment and limit our potential. Positivity doesn’t guarantee success but fosters the environment needed to grow, learn, and thrive.
A resolution for the new year
As we enter this new year, let’s set a simple yet powerful goal: to adopt a positive outlook. is isn’t about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about choosing to see the good, even in imperfect circumstances. Here are a few ways to start:
Pause before reacting: When faced with change or challenges, take a moment to look for the potential before responding. Ask yourself, “What’s the opportunity here?”
Celebrate wins, big and small: Acknowledge progress, even if it’s incremental. Positivity grows when we focus on achievements rather than shortcomings.
Practice gratitude: Regularly re ect on what you’re thankful for. Gratitude shifts our focus away from scarcity and toward abundance. Encourage others: Be a voice of support for those around you. Positivity is contagious, and encouraging others helps create a culture of optimism.
Finding the good in the world
Choosing positivity doesn’t mean ignoring the bad; it means not letting it de ne us. It’s about recognizing the goodness, opportunities, and potential that coexist with the challenges. Focusing on the good makes us more likely to nd solutions, build stronger connections, and live a more ful lling life.
As you enter this new year, challenge yourself to see the glass not as half empty or half full but as endlessly re llable. Look for the good, embrace opportunities, and trust in the possibility of positive outcomes. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com and when we live a life viewed through the lens of positivity, it is a life lled with potential, a resolution worth keeping, and one that will make it a betterthan-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.
What brightens you?
Igrew up in a family where stories were a nightly part of our meals. My father, a great storyteller, came from a family of nine, seven boys and two girls. His baseball team-sized family gave him a huge volume of tales to share on seemingly endless topics. While my father told many stories around the dinner table, there were moments when the storytelling would come from my mom. Mom had tales of her father’s work as a traveling salesperson, her time in high school and many “neighborhood” stories. When Mom told us her favorite story, her face would light up and she would talk about dancing. In that story, she did not spend much time talking about speci c performances, her attempts to make every child born into the extended family a dancer, or even her time learning from and eventually teaching for Colorado Ballet founders Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker. What she talked about was her love of motion. She would explain that as a teenager her favorite game was to walk quickly through a crowd of people without touching any of them but coming within a few inches of every person she passed. She would describe feeling the air as she passed individuals, appreciating the uidity of her motion and the fact that so many people were gathered, allowing her to play her game.
I loved the story partly for the vision it created of Mom as a teenager, but more for the absolute passion you could feel in the words she shared. When she told this story, you gained an insight into the way she viewed the world. You under-
stood that she saw things di erently than others. at the daily mundane physical tasks most people muddled through were, in her mind, a dance; a beautiful dance to be appreciated. e joy in Mom’s face is still fresh in my mind even though it has been more than 35 years since I last heard her share the story. is memory will never fade for me.
We all need things in our lives that ll us with such joy that it is re ected on our faces whether we are engaging in the activity or telling the story of it. We need things that color our vision, helping us to see the beauty that surrounds us.
Take time this week to think about the things that are so exciting to you that they light your face when you mention them.
During struggles, unmitigated joy is a tonic that will help each one of us.
If you would be willing to share, I would love to know what creates joy for you, I can be contacted at jim.roome@gmail.com .
As always, I hope that you will nd inspiration in my words and share those words of encouragement with those who need it. ank you to all who have shared stories with me so far, I love hearing from you as you nd helpful morsels in these columns and nd ways to encourage those around you.
Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences.
The Love Letter Project is Valentine’s Day season, join Aspen Grove, ROX Arts Gallery and the U.S. Department of Veterans A airs for e Love Letter Project — a heartfelt initiative to thank and honor local Colorado veterans.
is annual community event is open to everyone. Whether you write a simple “thank you” or share words of love and encouragement, every letter makes a di erence. Deadline for the cards is Feb. 2.
Cards can be dropped o at the mailbox outside of ROX Arts Gallery or they can be dropped o in person inside the gallery. ROX Arts Gallery is located at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Suite 222, in Littleton. Its hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Learn more about ROX Arts Gallery at https://roxartsgallery.com.
Game Show Night at the Highlands Ranch Southridge Rec Center
e community is invited to Game Show Night, which will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Highlands Ranch Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road. Ron Evans will guide the audience through exciting rounds of your favorite TV game shows like Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Press Your Luck.
by attendees age 15 and older, but the content will not be inappropriate for younger attendees.
Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online at https://hrcaonline. org.
Active Minds: The Roaring Twenties
It has been a century since the economic boom in the U.S. known as the Roaring Twenties led to an era of mass consumerism and cultural expression. It was the age of jazz, appers, the Charleston, the Harlem Renaissance and more.
Active Minds will explore the origins, manifestations and legacy of this colorful era during a presentation at the Douglas County Libraries Castle Rock Event Hall A, 100 S. Wilcox St. e presentation will take place from 2-3 p.m. on Jan. 15.
e event is an audience participation event and attendees will have the chance to win prizes — and enjoy a night of laughter and friendly competition. A cash bar will be available but food will not be served at this event.
Game Show Night is a family-friendly event. Questions will be answerable
Registration is requested, and can be done online at www.dcl.org.
Lost Ski Areas of Colorado presentation Colorado’s mountains still draw droves of skiers to the slopes. However, many of the historic runs and areas that were popular over the past century — some near the current resorts of Aspen, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Vail, etc. — no longer exist. e community is invited to a presentation about the state’s lost ski areas by authors Caryn and Peter Boddie from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St., in Littleton. e “Lost Ski Areas” books will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the presentation. Learn more at https://bemis.libcal. com/event/13359856.
RTD seeks equal access comments
Riders asked for thoughts on Title VI program changes
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Regional Transportation District is asking the public to comment on the agency’s update of its Title VI program, which is a federal law that ensures riders equal access to transit services including buses and commuter trains.
RTD is accepting community feedback about the proposed updates through Jan. 31.
RTD’s Transit Equity O ce updates its Title VI Program every three years and is seeking feedback on proposed updates to three key policies, according to a RTD news release:
e Major Service Change Policy, which would rede ne both “adverse e ect” and what constitutes a major service change.
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e Low-Income De nition, which would rede ne low-income populations as those whose household incomes are at or below 200% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines.
e Fare Equity Policy, which would clarify what constitutes a fare change and when a fare equity analysis would be required in accordance with the FTA.
Community members can provide feedback on the proposed changes on RTD’s Title VI Program page (recommended) or by sending an email to transitequity@rtd-denver.com with “Proposed Title VI Policy Changes” in the subject line.
RTD’s current Title VI program started in 2022 and runs through mid-2025. e agency’s updated program will be in effect from mid-2025 to 2028. e public is encouraged to visit the Program page to learn more about the proposed updates and contribute feedback through the end of January.
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Colorado feels brunt of crisis in home insurance
Ice, fire, ‘wildly di erent market’ come together to squeeze owners
BY ISHAN THAKORE CPR NEWS
A homeowners insurance crisis fueled by escalating natural disasters has arrived in the Centennial State.
Home insurance now costs $818 more per year on average compared to 2020, and Colorado now has the fourth-highest insurance premiums nationwide, according to a July research paper by Benjamin Keys and Philip Mulder. In places like Philips County, home insurance is now 55% more costly than just four years ago, the data show.
Even ling a single claim can now be a permanent scarlet letter, agents and insurance o cials say.
“ ere is a real risk right now that insurance companies will not renew you if you le a claim,” said Michael Conway, Colorado’s insurance commissioner, during an October insurance town hall.
“Does it make sense for people to be nonrenewed if they led one claim in 20 years?”
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Places like Grand County have seen insurance nonrenewals increase by around 77% in 2023 compared to 2018, according to new data from the U.S. Senate Budget Committee.
Colorado homeowners are also scrambling to stave o cancellation notices and keep their mortgages.
In October, Trevor Donahue and Trish Krajniak bought their mountain dream home in Nederland and moved from Littleton with their children. e couple bought homeowners insurance from Allstate — the only major carrier that would insure them. ey needed insurance to close on the home and for their mortgage; Donahue was surprised by how cheap the rate seemed.
An Allstate agent told them there was “nothing incredibly serious” to x after their home inspection, according to an email shared with CPR News.
A few weeks after closing, an insurance cancellation letter arrived from Allstate. Initially, the company gave them until Jan. 11, 2025, to conduct extensive wild re and hail mitigation on their property, or risk losing their insurance, defaulting on their mortgage and losing their home.
“None of it was outlandishly unreasonable, what they were asking,” said Donahue. “ e biggest problem is that they gave us a 60-day deadline from when we closed. We’re covered in snow, there’s ice on the roof, and they’re making no exceptions for an extension whatsoever.”
Colorado lawmakers will debut two major bills to rein in home insurance. e state will also begin selling insurance plans to homeowners who are no longer o ered insurance in the private market, likely in the rst few months of 2025.
For Donahue and Krajniak, having an “insurer of last resort” can’t come fast enough.
“We have a gun held to our head right now,” Krajniak said. “I have no guarantee if we complete all of these steps, and spend the several thousand dollars, that [Allstate] will actually continue to insure us.”
In mid-December, after the couple led a complaint with Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies, the company o ered them an extension to complete their mitigation, allowing them to hold onto their insurance for the time-being.
e couple’s Allstate agent did not return a request for comment about their policy, and Allstate’s corporate o ce did not answer questions about cancelling homeowner policies before mitigation work is complete.
Fire and ice — and climate change
Colorado is facing both insurance a ordability and availability challenges, which means that carriers are issuing fewer home insurance policies in certain areas, while policies now cost more per year on average.
“Our market in Colorado is wildly di erent than what it was at the end of 2022,” Conway said during a July insurance town hall with residents struggling with insurance availability.
In March 2023, the state released an industry report, which showed that small and medium-sized insurance carriers were issuing fewer policies. But the top ve insurers – Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, USAA and American Family — were picking up the slack. at has now changed.
Colorado “has seen some of those top ve insurers start to write fewer policies. And we do have little pockets of availability concerns popping up,” Conway said. Areas that are now seeing insurers pull back include corners of Je erson County, like Evergreen, and the Boulder and Colorado Springs foothills.
While availability issues are primarily driven by wild re risk, insurance una ordability is being driven primarily by hail damage.
“Hail is by far the biggest driver of losses in most years for the homeowners insurance market,” Conway said. “In 2023, [hail reports] went up dramatically over the previous highest year … both in the overarching number of events, but also in the severity of those events, too.”
Conway estimates that 55% to 70% of home insurance premiums on average in the state are driven by hail.
Colorado recorded nearly $2 billion in overall losses from a single hailstorm that pelted the Denver metro area in May. Brief and violent hailstorms can cause hefty damages to roofs and cars, and occur several times a year. Since 1980, the number and severity of all types of billion-dollar disasters have dramatically increased in the state.
Third-party modeling and reinsurance add to woes
Insurers rely on “reinsurance” — basically insurance for insurance companies — to help companies o oad some of their risk. Reinsurance costs have roughly doubled since
2017, which is partly driven by higher rebuilding costs after catastrophes and high interest rates, Keys said during a July town hall.
“A lot of these challenges for insurance companies will continue, and that they’ll be passing these costs on in the primary market to homeowners,” he said.
Insurance companies also rely on analytical models to map out risky areas. An insurance carrier is more likely to ratchet up rates, or call it quits altogether, in high risk areas.
On a state and community level, mitigation e orts to reduce wild re risk involve pruning trees, prescribing burns, and grazing grassland. Mitigating for homeowners involves installing hail-resistant shingles, delimbing nearby trees and sealing homes so embers can’t waft in. Structural adjustments, and clearing nearby vegetation, can reduce a home’s wild re risk by up to 75%, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
But Conway worries that models — which assign wild re risk scores — are not actually reducing rates even after mitigation e orts.
“If [models] are not sophisticated enough to incorporate mitigation work that both individual property owners are doing, that communities are doing, we’ve got a signi cant problem in our market,” Conway told CPR News.
He was more blunt to homeowners.
“ ird-party companies are doing a terrible job of building mitigation into their models,” he said during a separate October town hall. “And it really pisses me o . And it should really piss you o too.”
Playing defense on the front lines
Chris Dirolf cased the perimeter of a large, wood-paneled home in Nederland, trudging through a foot of snow to tag trees to cut down.
For two hours on a frigid Wednesday, Dirolf used an iPad to tick through a 50 question assessment prepared by Wild re Partners, a Boulder County program that mitigates wildre risk. Since 2014, Wild re Partners has offered a homeowner certi cation program, which starts with an assessment, leads to property-level mitigation and ends with a certi cate that
can send to
homeowners
insurers.
Trish Krajniak and Trevor Donahue outside the home they recently bought in Nederland. After closing on the home, they suddenly had their home insurance cancelled on them, and at first had until January to conduct extensive mitigation on their property. They were just granted a reprieve by Allstate, but they worry about their insurance being cancelled in the future. Trish is holding Declan, 3, and Trevor holds Arlo, 1.
PHOTO BY HART VAN DENBURG/CPR NEWS
INSURANCE
Wild re Partners hopes the certi cation can drive down insured losses and save homes using the best available science, according to a July presentation by program manager Jim Webster.
e program can be laborious – on average, a homeowner will spend thousands of dollars and over a year to get certi ed. Certi cation is only o ered in the foothills and mountainous parts of Boulder County, though the county does o er other mitigation inspections in urban areas.
But it does save homes. In 2016, the Cold Springs Fire ripped through Nederland and destroyed eight homes and seven additional structures. Within the burn zone, eight homes were certi ed by Wild re Partners, and all eight survived.
e re came within a few dozen feet of Darrin Harris Frisby’s home, leaving a giant burn scar, a thinned canopy and sweeping views of the Indian Peaks. Frisby, a Boulder realtor, called Partners to assess his home after attending a training for realtors.
Dirolf pointed out numerous areas for improvement, like patching and caulking holes in Frisby’s siding, which could let in embers, and pruning smaller lodgepole trees. e two rounded the corner to potentially the biggest issue, an open shed near the house, which Frisby called a “bomb lled with wood.”
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, but yeah,” Dirolf said.
e certi cation may not lower a homeowner’s insurance premium, or guarantee them a renewal. But that may be besides the point, at least until the market accurately re ects mitigation in prices.
“People in our community aren’t mitigating for any discount,” Webster said during a July townhall. “ ey’re doing it to save their homes.”
Looking for a fix
Conway expects lawmakers to introduce two bills during this upcoming legislative session to x the market. One, sponsored by Rep. Kyle Brown (DBoulder) and Rep. Brianna Titone (DJe erson), would nudge models to better account for mitigation performed at the homeowner, community and state level.
e bill would also allow homeowners to appeal their wild re risk score so they can get credit for mitigation work they’ve done, and release more information to homeowners about insurance discounts.
Another bill would set up two major programs in the state. One would help homeowners install hail resistant roofs so they can qualify for insurance discounts. Eventually, Conway hopes the program will drive down hail claims and make insurance more a ordable state-
wide. e second program would set up a state reinsurance fund in order to oset wild re insurance costs embedded in premiums.
“If [insurance companies] want to be part of that reinsurance program, they’re going to have to o er coverage in the highest wild re areas of the state,” Conway said.
e bill would also require a “lossratio” for insurance companies, so that they spend a certain percentage of each dollar they earn paying out claims. Conway said the requirement could help balance out the models, and make sure insurers don’t o oad all of their risk, in the form of higher bills, onto homeowners.
“A loss-ratio requirement will really spread the risk back, so that the insurance companies are carrying part of that risk,” Conway said.
In 2023, Colorado lawmakers passed the FAIR plan to provide insurance for homeowners and businesses shut out of the regular market. But the coverage is
limited, and premiums may still be exorbitant because the plan is not meant to compete directly with the private market.
Still, Conway estimates that tens of thousands of homeowners and businesses are eligible for the plan and may enroll next year.
‘It just feels like a money grab’
When Donahue and Krajniak received their cancellation notice, they said Allstate o ered to help them nd other insurance on the “excess market.” But Allstate, and a broker the couple found through the state, could not nd another option, they said.
State law requires insurance companies to give 60 days notice before cancelling a home policy. e couple feels that Allstate insured them for the minimum time before cancelling — and incentivized them to purchase auto insurance — even as other insurers declined coverage upfront.
“It just feels like a money grab,” Krajniak said.
e couple’s Allstate agent did not return a request for comment about their policy, and Allstate’s corporate o ce did not answer questions about cancelling homeowner policies o ered as part of a policy bundle.
With their deadline extension, the couple no longer have to spend Krajniak’s vacation time raking pine needles buried beneath feet of snow. But they worry about whether they’ll be able to secure insurance in the future, even after they complete mitigation work. Risk seems everywhere – their house in Littleton was technically in a oodplain and required ood insurance.
“ ere’s massive relief that we don’t have this looming deadline,” Krajniak said. “But I am very concerned if Allstate decides to drop us in the future, we’re in the same place. It’s scary.”
is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.
South Metro firefighters stand ready to protect homes on Skydance Drive in Douglas County while an air tanker prepares to drop
June
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
new kind of social scene is quietly brewing in the Denver metro area, one that’s less about the buzz of alcohol and more about the calm of connection. Across the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, kava bars are emerging as popular alternatives to traditional bar scenes.
O ering a range of holistic, non-alcoholic beverages, calming atmospheres and a focus on plant-based medicinal drinks, these venues are rede ning what it means to “go out” in Denver’s metro area.
Once a niche concept relegated to tropical destinations like south Florida, where they are widely popular, kava bars are now nding their place in Colorado’s social landscape.
Rooted in the ancient South Paci c tradition of drinking kava for relaxation and social bonding, these bars have become gathering spaces for those seeking refuge from alcohol-infused spaces.
Central to this experience is the tradition of saying
“Bula” before drinking kava. Derived from Fijian culture, “Bula” is more than just a toast. It’s a wish for good health, happiness and a long life.
Many kava bars also o er wellness-centric community spaces, often featuring activities like yoga, meditation sessions and social events, link bingo or trivia, providing new ways for people to connect without the haze of alcohol.
e appeal of alcohol-free spaces is clear. As health consciousness grows, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, so does the demand for spaces that promote relaxation, self-care and authentic connection.
For some, it’s about living a “sober curious” lifestyle; for others, it’s a preference for experiences that prioritize well-being over intoxication. Whatever the reason, the rise of these venues signals a shift in the social habits of Denver area residents, o ering fresh options for those looking to unwind without the side e ects of a hangover.
The Karma House — Lakewood’s spiritual hub
Just past the entrance of the Karma House in Lake-
wood sits several cozy couches ahead of a long bar busy with patrons sipping kava, herbal teas or plantbased beverages like kratom or other adaptogenic drinks believed to help the body resist stress. e space is warm, friendly and packed with the sounds of social chatter, even in the middle of the afternoon.
With a “zero tolerance” policy for alcohol and illegal substances, e Karma House identi es as a welcoming alcohol-free space vs. a sober bar. is distinction re ects its focus on o ering natural, mood-altering beverages like kava and kratom, which, according to research, promote relaxation, focus and pain relief.
“It’s de nitely not a sober bar,” said Deonna Lupola, who is one of the Karma House’s three owners, adding that their goal is to maintain a safe, transparent space for patrons seeking a calm, mindful, alcohol-free experience.
“A lot of people that come here are in recovery. ey’re looking for an alternative place to hang out and get the bar atmosphere without the booze,” she said.
Kava is a plant-based drink made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific islands. SHUTTERSTOCK
CONNECTION
“I’ve been coming here since 2021, and it’s become a vital part of my support system,” said Tanner O’Leary, a frequent patron who is six years sober. “ e community here is like no other. Everyone’s looking out for each other. It’s a place where I’ve found real connections and friendships.”
Operating as a nonpro t, Lupola said the Karma House uses revenue from its beverage sales to support community events, wellness programming and fundraising initiatives. It hosts daily activities like yoga, Reiki and cultural workshops. Lupola said the owners also prioritize harm reduction and education, o ering patrons guidance on the safe use of plant-based substances. Its “Harm Reduction Hive” teaches customers how to identify and navigate risky situations, empowering them to make informed choices.
Patrons can also attend “Self-Care Sundays” and
TOP PHOTO: Patrons at That’s Kava in Englewood enjoy a relaxed hangout where they can socialize, work or play games.
BOTTOM: “Bula” (pronounced boo-lah) is a Fijian word meaning “life” or “to live” and is often used as a toast, similar to “cheers” in Western cultures. PHOTOS BY
other wellness events o ering practical tools for daily life.
“ e idea is that you have the best tools to succeed each and every day, no matter what obstacles come your way,” Lupola said.
That’s Kava — Englewood’s plant-based social scene e atmosphere at at’s Kava in Englewood reects its open-minded philosophy. With a tropical motif re ective of kava bars popular in Florida, its brightly painted walls invoke a party vibe meant to welcome people who might initially come in looking for a “regular bar” experience but are curious enough to stay.
Owner Ryan Gieski is quick to state that his place isn’t as recovery-focused as others.
“I don’t care what you do on the weekends, as long as you’re chill when you walk in,” Gieski said. is philosophy ensures that everyone, from those in recovery to those just seeking a new experience, feels at ease in the space.
at’s Kava is designed to be a true social space, not just a beverage counter. As one visitor explained,
“ is place feels like a social hangout. You might see bingo or trivia once a week, but most nights, it’s just a space to chill, work on a laptop or have a conversation.”
Gieski’s place emphasizes conscious consumption, focusing on education and transparency. Sta are well-versed in the properties of kava, kratom and other botanicals, and they actively educate customers on how to make informed decisions.
New patrons are often walked through the di erent types of beverages and their e ects.
“I’m big on education,” Gieski said. “Our bartenders go through days of training to ensure they understand the products they’re serving and how to best help serve our customers.”
e beverage menu is larger than most, featuring not just traditional kava and kratom but also teas and kratom alternatives like velvet bean. Gieski believes the range of o erings showcases the di erent properties of each drink while accommodating diverse preferences.
He is proud that customers can try unique blends incorporating natural spices like turmeric, ginger and black pepper for added health bene ts and improved taste. Gieski also regularly tests his products to ensure they’re free from contamination.
“We tested all commercially available kava in the market and 78% of it came back contaminated,” he said. As a result, he continues to test all of the products he buys and urges consumers to buy from only reputable sources.
at’s Kava isn’t a nonpro t, but Gieski said he doesn’t take a paycheck, and customers regularly raise money for friends and community members in need.
Why are kava bars becoming the new social haven?
Gieski and Lupola believe their establishments o er a sense of community and connection that can be hard to nd in traditional bars.
When Lupola quit drinking, she discovered how much she disliked being around people who were. “ en I found Kava bars,” she said. “And I stopped wanting to go out and party. It was a natural transition.”
Gieski said while there are around seven or eight kava bars in the Denver area, he expects that number to grow exponentially in the coming years.
What’s driving this shift? According to a 2022 report by the Food Institute, the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives re ects broader social trends around reducing alcohol intake and cites improving mental health as the main reason adults are limiting their consumption.
With their focus on mindful consumption and meaningful interactions, kava bars o er a clear solution for those wanting to socialize without the booze.
e market shows no sign of slowing down, either. e global demand for kava root extract is expected to grow from $1.4 billion in 2023 to $4.6 billion by 2031, according to market research. Analysts attribute part of the increased interest to a greater concentration on mental health and wellbeing.
So, whether you’re raising a cup of kava, served in a traditional coconut shell, with old friends or sharing stories with new ones, many say there’s no better way to end the night than with a communal wish for well-being.
Bula!
What is Kava?
Kava is a plant-based drink made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Paci c islands. Traditionally consumed in ceremonial and social gatherings, kava holds signi cant cultural importance in places like Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga. e drink has a long history of being used to promote relaxation, ease anxiety and foster social bonding.
e active compounds in kava, known as kavalactones, are responsible for its calming e ects. Unlike alcohol, which impairs cognitive function, kava induces a state of relaxation and mental clarity without a ecting alertness. is unique e ect makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a mindful way to relax or socialize. Kava is legal in Colorado and is not classi ed as a controlled substance at the federal or state level, but you must be 21 or older to consume it.
Kava doesn’t come without risks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, kava works similarly to alcohol and some anxiety and Parkinson’s medications, and it can be dangerous to combine them. Some components of kava are also known to be toxic to the liver.
Talk to a healthcare provider before trying kava or any other plant-based medicinal drink.
SUZIE GLASSMAN
Mayor by night, wine expert by day
Tips from Littleton’s Kyle Schlachter to boost your wine game this year
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e world of wine can be intimidating.
From guessing what to serve with a let mignon to struggling through an incomprehensible wine list at a fancy restaurant, it can seem like there is a large barrier to entry.
But if you want to impress your friends at dinner parties this year, fear not — Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter has answers to help you.
Although many know him only as the man in the center of the dais, Schlachter is also a wine professional. In his day job as the executive director for the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board, Schlachter works to promote and develop the state’s wine industry, largely through marketing and research.
To help those who want to up their wine game this year, Schlachter broke it down to the basics.
Why are wines di erent colors?
When you look at a bottle of wine from the U.S., it often lists one or several words — like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, Schlachter said. ese words, which most wine drinkers are familiar with, are the names of di erent kinds of grapes.
“ ey all have slightly di erent characteristics with the size of the grapes, the sizes of the bunches — are they real big bunches or small bunches? e skin — do they have thick skin or light skin?” Schlachter said. “It’s those characteristics that then get passed on into the wine.”
Schlachter said you can think of these di erent kinds of grapes — called cultivars — like dog breeds. e wine grapes are part of the species Vitis vinifera, just like how domestic dogs are Canis lupus familiaris. Within the species, there are di erent dog breeds — like masti s and golden retrievers — just as there are different grape cultivars, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Wine grapes are di erent from the grapes people eat as a snack, Schlachter said. Although many people think red
wine comes from red grapes and white wine comes from green grapes, this is not entirely accurate. Almost all wine grapes have “yellowish, clearish esh and juice” if you peel the skins o , Schlachter said. Red wine is made when skins and seeds of red grapes are crushed and fermented with the juice, whereas white wine does not include the skin and seeds.
“ at pigment leaks out when you crush them all together and mix them up,” Schlachter said. “ at’s where it gets the color. at’s why you can make white wine from red grapes if you don’t let the skin get in contact with the juice that you crush.”
For example, Schlachter said, three main grape varieties are used to make Champagne, and two of them are red grapes. e skins and seeds are not included in the process, so the well-known sparkling wine is white or light yellow in color.
Rosé wines can be made a few di erent ways, Schlachter said. One of the more traditional ways is to use red grapes and include the skins just a little bit, so the wine picks up a small amount of color.
Orange wine is made when the greenish-yellow skins of white grapes are involved in the fermentation process,
The color of a wine comes from skins and seeds that ferment with the juice during the winemaking process. If no skins and seeds are included, or they are included for a shorter period of time, the wine will be lighter in color.
Schlachter said.
How do you choose which wine to serve with a meal?
When it comes to wine pairing, Schlachter has very simple advice.
“ e number one rule, I would say, is drink what you like — or at least have options for people to drink what they like,” he said.
Typically, the guideline is to drink red wine with red meat and white wine with sh, vegetables or white meat, Schlachter said. e whole point of pairing is to create an experience where both the food and wine taste better when you have them together. But there is no reason to limit yourself to these rules, Schlachter said.
“It doesn’t mean that you can’t have a white wine with steak,” he said. “If you don’t like red wine, don’t force yourself to drink something that you don’t like.”
He also said it’s good to explore new kinds of wine, especially when hosting.
“If you’re going to have your family over, don’t just have one bottle,” he said. “Get two or three. Have a white, a red and a rosé, or a white, a red and a sparkling open, so people can try di erent things and explore and just have fun.”
How does region make a di erence in a wine?
Beyond kinds and colors, trying wine from di erent regions can bring out new avors, Schlachter said.
“It all comes down to the place where the grapes are grown — how the soils, and the sun and the proximity to water a ects it,” Schlachter said.
e way that a region’s unique climate, soils and terrain a ect the taste of wine is called “terroir,” as de ned by the wine education company Wine Folly.
“What’s in a bottle of wine re ects that uniqueness,” Schlachter said. “ at’s why you can taste a Merlot from France, a Merlot from Argentina, a Merlot from California, and they all taste similar, but di erent — because it’s based on the different soils, the di erent weather.”
Schlachter said Colorado’s environment and high elevation makes it a unique wine-growing atmosphere. He said there are more than 160 wineries in the state, with most of the vineyards in the Palisade area.
“We’re one of the highest grape-growing regions in the world,” he said. “ at’s unique, because we’re very dry. Humidity is very low here, so the grape growers don’t spray pesticides nearly as much here in Colorado.”
Whether you are hosting a dinner party or visiting your local winery this winter, Schlachter said the most important thing to remember is to drink what you like.
“If it tastes good to you, that’s the important thing,” he said. “ at’s what wine is for — it’s to compliment food, and it’s something that should taste good and it’s something that you should enjoy.”
SHUTTERSTOCK
Mayor Kyle Schlachter holds a glass of sparkling wine at the Littleton State of the City event in 2024. COURTESY CITY OF LITTLETON
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Pre-session HD43 legislative report
The 120-day legislative session begins Jan. 8. I’m assigned to the House Finance and Business committees. Each legislator can prime sponsor five personal bills. I intend to run:
1) Teacher Tax Credit. It would offset teachers’ out-of-pocket expenses to educate our children. This bill has bipartisan sponsorship and passed its committee hearing 11-0 last session but died in appropriations.
2) “Mini-Hatch Act.” Prohibiting law enforcement from engaging in partisan political activity while in uniform or using government property.
3) County Commission Modernization. Requiring large counties to have five commissioners elected by district or ranked choice voting as the voters may elect. Allowing two commissioners elected “at-large” is a recipe for bad government. Local “at large” elections have a notorious history and were wiped out by the DoJ in the majority of the United States in the 1980s under the Voting Rights Act.
4) “Accessible” v. “Available” pollution records. Have Colorado conform to the EPA’s standard that large polluters must make records “accessible” (EPA standard) and not just “available” (Colorado’s standard).
5) Placeholder. Three or four potential bills.
I also have been tapped as the prime sponsor for four of five bills introduced by the tax oversight committee. Several are my own concepts I previously ran individually, including:
1) Senior Housing Tax Credit. Meant to ensure the elderly who rent their homes in their golden years have similar tax benefits as those who own their homes and receive the senior homestead exemption.
2) Transparency. Requires the state to set up a centralized searchable database for the public of all the grants and tax credits to which people must apply. Too many state government benefits are unknown to the public and only accessed by those who “know a guy who knows a guy.”
I also expect to introduce a bipartisan vacancy committee reform resolution. Almost 30% of Colorado’s legislators obtained their seats originally through a vacancy committee composed of small groups of party insiders. This system is growing and self-perpetuating with three state senators resigning after the election who all had been vacancy appointees themselves at some point … and will be replaced by vacancy appointees. My reform would make vacancy appointments true interim appointees by prohibiting them from running in the next general election for that same office. This preserves voter and candidate expectations that voters select and choose their representatives in the electoral process rather than “ratifying” decisions of small groups of party insiders. The best part of this reform is it must be approved by the voters and not simply decided by a few people behind closed doors.
Later in the session, I am considering introducing a Public Employee Retirement Account protection reform resolution to cut down on the insider fees being charged to PERA and prevent it from being used for political purposes and messaging.
Finally, in an oversight capacity as a veterans caucus member, I am asking pointed questions regarding why Colorado is abysmally falling short of its servicedisabled veteran owned business set aside goals by a factor of 37X (i.e., meeting only 2.7% of the goal set by statute).
We should also expect large fights over repealing Colorado’s Labor Peace Act, firearm bills, and efforts to codify current federal rights and protections for various groups in anticipation of actions by the new presidential administration. My focus, however, will continue to be on good governance reforms which are never popular. But the goal of being elected to any office should never be perpetual reelection and popularity, but to leave things better than you found them for future generations.
BURGLARIES
cases,” Weekly said, adding: “We are closer than we’ve ever been to making arrests and cracking this (case) wide open.”
Asked whether the alleged Colombian nationals are believed to also be U.S. citizens or legal immigrants, undocumented immigrants or migrants who are seeking asylum, Deputy Cocha Heyden, a spokesperson for the Douglas sheri ’s o ce, said: “Until we make arrests, we won’t know all those details.”
She added in a December statement that it is “hard to know” the number of 2024 burglaries of Asian business owners’ homes in Douglas County that Colombian nationals are believed to have committed.
“In regards to our belief that the suspects may be from (Colombia), this is still part of the investigation and we can’t release anything else on that right now,” Heyden said.
Sugioka, the chief deputy district attorney, said “we should not assume” that every burglary is committed by one group. He noted the concept of “copycat” crimes.
“It could be one group with add-ons, it could be multiple groups, but certainly when you’re looking at (this) speci c pattern, there’s at least a group,” Sugioka said.
‘Minutes count’ O cials also described how the crimes appear to work.
In burglaries that a ected Asian business owners, the suspects may employ “sophisticated tactics” to track their victim’s activity before the burglary by placing hidden cameras in the area to determine when the homes are unoccupied, according to the Douglas sheri ’s o ce.
Weekly urged the public to report suspicious activity, adding that “we can catch these people in the act.”
“ ese suspects are trying to look like cable guys, repairmen, phone repairmen,” Weekly said, adding: “If it’s a legitimate person working on the line, that’s ne, but let us get out there. We’ve been close to catching these guys (before).”
these things are happening.”
Cohn, the Arapahoe sergeant, said ocials believe criminals are also watching the businesses.
“If a vehicle is following you, take two left turns,” Cohn said, adding: “If you’re an Asian business owner, talk to your neighbors (and say) ‘I need your help.’” Other states are being hit as well, Weekly said.
“We’re working with other states as well, and we may (involve) our federal partners,” Weekly said.
Tips on staying safe
O cials also o ered advice on how to guard against burglary.
“You want to make your home an unattractive target,” Sugioka said. “ ese guys are opportunists.”
“Install cameras not only on the exterior of your home, but put them on the interior,” Brown said, adding that it’s important to keep homes lit up outside.
Dogs can act as a deterrent, Cohn said, adding that criminals “don’t want to be bit.”
ieves also burglarize garages. Don’t put keys and valuables right by your door, Cohn said.
“Make sure your garage door opener is hidden,” Cohn said, adding: “Keep your cars clean. Keep any identifying information out of your vehicles” because criminals can use it to target your home.
Other security tips from the sheri s include:
• Lock doors and windows when you’re leaving home.
• Install motion-sensor lights outdoors.
• Talk to your neighbors.
• Hide jewelry or place it in a safe secured to the oor.
“Put those valuables in a bank,” Weekly said. “ e reason they keep hitting is because it’s lucrative.”
O cials emphasized talking to law enforcement.
If you report about a car that seems not to have a reason to be in the area, that may not be a crime — but if the car pops up again, that may be relevant information to law enforcement, Sugioka said.
O cials have victim’s advocates who can provide services to victims of crimes, Brown said.
“You don’t even have to give your name. You can give the address” and hang up, Weekly added. “Minutes count when
“You can come to us, and you can share what happened, and it’s (a) judgmentfree zone,” Brown said. FROM PAGE 2
Arapahoe County Sheri Tyler Brown, right, speaks next to Arapahoe sheri ’s Sgt. Brett Cohn at a December town hall event at the Arapahoe County Sheri ’s O ce that focused on burglaries and how the public can protect against them.
PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD
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We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-8775833
Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091
Miscellaneous
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-5439189
Portable Oxygen Concentrator may be covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobil-ity with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877-305-1535
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 1-844-591-7951
Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Miscellaneous
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris -blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936
Pets
Dogs
Doodle Puppies Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com
Wanted
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
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