COMMUNITY
Tennyson Street Fair Returns July 20 PAGE 3
COMMUNITY
Old World Church Festivals in North Denver and Globeville PAGE 4
POLITICS
Denver City Council Members Re ect on Past Year PAGE 6
POLITICS
Espenoza Defeats
Incumbent Hernández in House District 4 Primary PAGE 8
TRANSPORTATION
City Moves to Reduce Fatalities on Federal Boulevard PAGE 8
EDUCATION
DPS School Board Moves Bond Proposal Forward, And More PAGE 9
HISTORY
Dr. Daniel R. Lucy, North Denver’s Pioneer Doctor PAGE 14
Attendees of the Colorado
By Chancy J. Gatlin-Anderson
As the legend goes, an ancient Chinese poet and court official named Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest of the corrupt imperial government. Onlookers from the nearby village rushed into the river with their boats to retrieve Qu Yuan’s body, violently thrashing at fish with their paddles along the way to prevent them from eating his quickly decaying flesh. This is said to be the origin of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, and ultimately the dragon boat race.
Historically, the Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, a traditionally unlucky time of the year. According to the Smithsonian Institute, the festival incorporates several traditions that work to rid people of misfortune during this time. Parents, for example, give their children five threads of colored silk to carry around with them during the Dragon Boat Festival. The threads are meant to keep negative spirits at bay.
To honor this Chinese tradition, communities all over the world hold Dragon Boat Festivals, incorporating food, arts and sports, all in celebration of Chinese history and culture.
of Sloan’s Lake Park on July 27-28. In addition to the much-anticipated dragon boat races, the festival will include an Asian Marketplace where vendors and artists will be selling wares, two Taste of Asia food courts, and a stage for live music. It will also feature live art demos, eye dotting ceremony, a performing arts stage, water zorbs and a dragonland kids play area.
“Our festival stands out because we are not just about Dragon Boat races. We are an arts and culture festival that also highlights and promotes the ancient sport of Dragon Boating. On land, we feature three stages with over 60 performances from community organizations, including Taiko drumming, Indian dance, and K-pop battles,” said Sara Moore, executive director of Colorado Dragon Boat, a non-profit established in 2001.
DATES: JULY 27 & 28 SATURDAY: 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. SUNDAY: 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. WHERE: SLOAN’S LAKE PARK, DENVER
LEARN MORE: CDBF.ORG
Denver’s Sloan’s Lake Park is home to the United States’ largest Dragon Boat Festival, attracting nearly 200,000 attendees in recent years. The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival debuted in 2001 with the mission of building bridges of awareness, knowledge and understanding between the diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in Colorado and the general public through cultural education, leadership development and athletic competition.
The 2024 Colorado Dragon Boat Festival will take place on the north side
Those involved with Colorado Dragon Boat believe that AANHPI representation is crucial, especially in Colorado. The AANHPI umbrella encompasses more than 40 different ethnicities and cultures.
“In Colorado, only about 4% of the population identifies as AANHPI, highlighting the need for our communities to unite to be seen and heard,” said Moore. “This is precisely why Colorado Dragon Boat, the nonprofit that hosts the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, was established.”
Moore added that the three founders –Ding Wen Hsu, Howie Solow and John Chin – recognized the necessity of bringing diverse AANHPI communities together to celebrate a collective impact.
“The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival not only unites our AANHPI communities in a safe and fun environment to celebrate and promote our remarkable contributions and achievements, but also invites the general public to join us in celebration,” Moore said. “Although we are an AANHPI
FESTIVAL, Page 15
By John Renfrow, Colorado Community Media
Dubbed “the longest and toughest horse race in the world,” riders from all over the globe will travel to Mongolia this August to compete in the annual Mongol Derby, a treacherous, 10day pilgrimage on horseback. And one of them lives in north Denver.
Based on the ancient postal system Genghis Khan used to deliver messages across his empire, the race pits nearly 40 riders against rugged and dangerous terrain for eight hours a day across the Mongolian steppe between August 7-16. Only about 4% of racing applicants are accepted.
Gideon Kotkowski, a Sloan’s Lake neighborhood resident, made the cut this year. Kotkowski had just graduated college in 2018 when he discovered the Mongol Derby on social media. He was “broke as a nail” at that time and it’s an expensive adventure. But after going down the rabbit hole and learning more, he put it on his bucket list.
“I actually printed out some pictures of the Derby of that year and put them up in my bedroom so that every day as I woke up and went to sleep, it was the first and last thing I saw,” Kotkowski said. “And I thought to myself, ‘One day, I’m going to do this.’”
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Kotkowski has been riding horses since he was a child. At about 14 years old, he said he was lucky to land at a polo ranch in El Paso called “Los Amigos.” That turned into a lustrous college polo career at Texas A&M, where Kotkowski snagged a couple of national championships.
But even the most experienced riders are in for a big challenge in Mongolia; some don’t even finish the race. At a distance equal to riding from Kansas City to Denver, riders travel over 60 miles per day, changing horses every 25 miles.
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e Denver North Star prints over 34,000 copies each edition and is mailed free of charge to homes and businesses in North Denver. Additional copies can be found at local businesses in the community. New editions are published on the 15th of each month.
Life doesn’t slow down during summertime in North Denver. Kids may be out of school and splashing around in neighborhood pools, but a hard-fought primary election has just been won, potential ballot initiatives continue to make their way toward your Nov. 5 ballot, summer festivals and fairs are in full swing, and food trucks have arrived in Denver parks (sort of).
You’ll nd dozens of hyperlocal ideas for your own summer days in these pages, as well as a few tips for keeping your physical and mental health where you’d like them to be through it all.
I’m excited that this month’s edition features two college students who work for their student newspapers, yet wanted to
put their skills to good use pitching in with their community paper while back in North Denver for the summer. Xavier Barrios, who attends Loyola University Chicago, brings us “Laminated Layers: Moon Raccoon Baking Co. Has e Recipe for Rapport,” and Rebecca Wells, a student at Occidental College, brings the North Star its rst-ever hyperlocal crossword puzzle, “Summer Fun in North Denver.”
But perhaps nothing we have on tap here on the Northside will out-impress Sloan’s Lake resident Gideon Kotkowski’s plans. Kotkowski is o to Mongolia for what has been described as “the longest and toughest horse race in the world,” starting Aug. 7.
And nally, if your summer plans are picking up speed, don’t let that new momentum overtake you on the roads. Measures to curb speeding along Federal Boulevard are, well, right around the corner.
By Ernest Gurulé
Customers line up to enjoy the
at Commons Park.
food-truck permitting experiment.
One of summer’s greatest pleasures is dining al fresco. In part, it provides a break from the blistering summer heat and from preparing meals in a hot kitchen.
Now, in a trial run under the auspices of Denver Parks and Recreation, dining al fresco in the parks is a real option. The city’s first phase of food trucks in Denver parks ends soon, with a second just days away, said DPR’s Stephanie Figueroa.
“We wanted to space it out,” Figueroa said. By kicking things off early in the summer and ending at the end of August, Figueroa said “we’re catching both ends of the summer.”
The first session runs through July 17. The second begins July 20 and ends Aug. 31.
The sites for the pilot program are Paco Sánchez Park at West 12th and Knox Court, Washington Park at East Kentucky and South Downing, and Commons Park at 15th Street and Little Raven Street.
At Paco Sánchez, food trucks are permitted for business on Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (except for Aug. 3).
Washington Park’s schedule includes Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m.
At Commons Park, trucks are permitted Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.
Figueroa said that the idea for the program, “Feast In Denver’s Nature,” came about after talks with the various communities. When it appeared to make sense – other cities have been doing it for years – the city invited vendors to apply and obtain a permit, a $300 investment.
The history of food trucks is long. But over the last several years their evolution has been meteoric. The factory parking lot and construction-site staple food trucks, often referred to as “roach coaches,” where one can buy sandwiches and coffee still exist, but they stand in
BY ERNEST GURULÉ
stark contrast to many modern food trucks. It may be considered the culinary contrast between Henry Ford and Elon Musk.
Figueroa said vendors who applied for the program feature fare ranging from Haitian cashew chicken to Mississippi catfish and ribs to Asian fusion potstickers and shrimp. Of course, there are other menus, as well as more traditional summer offerings of ice cream cones and sundaes.
WeChef Kitchen, John Prom’s food truck, offers a mostly Cambodian flare with its menu. Beside cooking up cream cheese wontons and Asian street tacos, Prom has improvised with snacks aimed at a more American palate, like his Korean bulgogi meatballs. Same thing with his tacos.
“Instead of a Spanish taco we do a Chinese taco,” he explained. It looks basically the same as a conventional taco, but features Chinese spices. Prom, whose family is Cambodian and who cooks while his son and daughter take orders and also cook, has found success with his hybrid menu.
Running a food truck was a no-brainer for Prom. Unlike his extended family, he wanted no part of traditional brick-and-mortar.
“This is a lot cheaper than having a restaurant. I didn’t want to work seven days a week,” he said. He added he’s also strictly a “seasonal guy.” When cooking season’s over, Prom waxes up the snowboard, his other passion.
Figueroa said that when summer is over, DPR will evaluate how the pilot offering has gone. The first session experienced what Figueroa described as a few bumps in the road. When customers didn’t arrive in numbers that made it worth their while, some food truck operators left to find business elsewhere.
“We’ll have surveys,” she said, and DPR will talk with both vendors and consumers. Then, DPR will determine whether permits for food trucks in Denver parks will continue into the city’s future.
By Bruce Goldberg
pitching in with in North Barrios, who Chicago, brings Raccoon BakRapport,” and Occidental Colrst-ever hy“Summer Fun in on tap here out-impress Sloan’s Kotkowski’s plans. what has toughest Aug. 7. plans are new momenMeasures to Boulevard are,
The inaugural Tennyson Street Fair in north Denver went well last year, drawing roughly 15,000 people who came to eat, drink, check out homemade art objects and hear live music. Not to mention that the event drew about 100 exhibitors.
The event did well enough to jump the number of this year’s exhibitors by about 33% to 150 – a big step for something so new. The Tennyson Street Fair returns this year from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. Attendance is free.
A portion of fair proceeds will benefit the Tennyson Berkeley Business Association. Organizers recommend that attendees take Lyft, Uber or public transportation to avoid parking problems.
The block party will run along Tennyson from West 41st Avenue to West 43rd Avenue.
WHAT DO ORGANIZERS WISH FOR THIS YEAR?
“Really building the community and showing off what the community has to offer,” said Nathan Karnemaat, event director at Team Player Productions, which produces the event.
“Year one was a huge success. We had a lot of local businesses that participated. We love to show off the community and what it’s all about.”
He also credited the City of Denver for such items as pulling all the permits needed for the event, and closing the streets during it.
trucks. It contrast beapplied for the from Haitian catfish and ribs shrimp. Of well as more ice cream food truck, with its menu. wontons and improvised with palate, like thing with a Chinese basically the same features Chinese Cambodian and daughter take orsuccess with his no-brainer for he wanted brick-and-mortar. having a restaudays a week,” “seasonal Prom waxpassion. summer is over, offering has experienced what in the road. numbers that truck opelsewhere. and DPR will consumers. Then, permits for food continue into the parked participating in the
food trucks, including one selling sushi. More than 100 makers selling handcrafted jewelry, rugs, spices, art, candles, skin-care products and more. Inflatable devices will be available for kids to enjoy, and there will be yoga sessions — be sure to bring your own mat. The live music lineup includes Native Space and Break Signals.
Attendees will have the opportunity to dine at restaurants such as Hops & Pie, Bakery Four, Atomic Cowboy, Meat Wagon, Bohemian Wurst Co. and Heckin’ Good Bubble Tea; and breweries will include FlyteCO Brewing, Call to Arms Brewing, The Empourium Brewing Co. and Berkeley Alley.
“This is the second year we’re doing this," said Lee Ann Hahne, general manager of FlyteCO Brewing, who also serves as a TBAA board member. "We got involved because we’re very community-based.”
FlyteCO Brewing is an “aviation-themed” brewery. It runs a brewery, bar, restaurant and entertainment site, located at a former air-traffic control tower in Denver's Central Park.
FlyteCO's other location is at 4499 38th Ave., which celebrated five years in business recently.
DATE:
SATURDAY, JULY 20 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M.
WHERE: TENNYSON STREET FROM WEST 41ST TO WEST 43RD LEARN MORE: TENNYSONSTREETFAIR.COM
“We work with Denver police to make sure it’s as safe as can be,” Karnemaat said. “We were very happy with the turnout for year one. It’s really about getting the word out in the community.”
The event has a lot to offer. There will be 15
“When the company asked if we wanted to do the summer fest, we thought it would be a great idea to introduce people to our incredible neighborhood,” Hahne said. “Tennyson Street has so many incredible restaurants, four breweries, bars and shops. We’re hoping to make it a destination place.”
FlyteCO Brewing offers a pilot’s discount at both locations.
“We love to show off the community and what it’s all about,” Hahne said. “The biggest
By Lexi Lehman
While Denver has long been celebrated as a haven for beer lovers, with its thriving craft brewery scene, there’s another beverage quietly making waves in North Denver: wine.
North Denver boasts a growing number of tasting rooms, tucked away amid the bustling urban landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious novice, summer presents the perfect opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery through North Denver’s wine-tasting options.
For those seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed wine experience, look no further than Golden Hour Wine Bar & Social Club, a new addition to the area, nestled in the heart of LoHi on Tejon Street.
Co-owned by Julie Dinsdale, Golden Hour fills a gap in the market for a younger demographic. With this insight, Dinsdale strives to provide an inviting atmosphere where friends can come together and enjoy a glass of wine.
At the helm for Golden Hour’s wine selection is in-house sommelier Cameron Hogan, whose extensive global travel enriches his expertise. Hogan, who honed his skills at Barcelona Wine Bar and II Posto, curates a wine collection that constantly evolves to embrace seasonal flavors and trends.
Golden Hour also offers a variety of nonalcoholic beverages, accommodating those who prefer to consume less alcohol.
“We have people on our team who don’t drink, including some of our bartenders. So it was important to have nonalcoholic options,” said Itzel Catarino, manager of Golden Hour.
Tuesdays through Fridays, from 2-5 p.m., Golden Hour hosts a happy hour where guests can indulge in a selection of wines and beers priced at $9, with a handcrafted cocktail of the month at $12. For a snack, the Petit Charcuterie is priced at $10.
The next stop for exploring wines in North Denver is Bonacquisti Wine Company, near Pecos and West 46th Avenue.
Founded in 2006, Bonacquisti Wine Company is a family owned, urban winery that barrel-ages and bottles local Colorado wine, as well as regional and international wines on-site in a funky, industrial warehouse space.
WINE, Page 15
By Mary Lou Egan
Nearly every Catholic parish holds a bazaar during the summer months to raise money for operating expenses throughout the year.
But the parishes in North Denver and Globeville offer an invitation to share the heritage of their immigrant founders. If you attend any of these celebrations, peek inside these historic churches: the stained glass windows, altars, statues and stations of the cross are a tribute to the devotion of the immigrant founders.
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH BAZAAR
Saturday, July 20, 5-10 p.m.
Sunday, July 21, Mass and procession at 2:30 p.m.; bazaar from 4-9 p.m. ourladymountcarmel.com
Founded in 1894, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 3549 Navajo St., has been the beating heart of the Italian-American community in Denver for 130 years.
Their parish bazaar features music, Italian sausage or meatball sandwiches, hot dogs, roasted corn, beer, wine and sodas. There will be children’s games and Italian crafts, ceramics and merchandise.
To really savor the Italian essence of Mount Carmel, attend the Feast Day Mass at 2:30 p.m. in this stunning church. Then join the procession bearing the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel through the streets of North Denver.
POTENZA LODGE AND THE FEAST OF ST. ROCCO
Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, 5-10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 18, Mass at 11 a.m.; festival from 4-9 p.m. potenzalodge.com
Societa Nativi di Potenza Basilicata, more commonly known as the Potenza Lodge, was founded in Denver on Oct. 14, 1899, by immigrants from Potenza, Italy. The society helped newcomers find jobs and housing, and provided support to strangers as they adjusted to life in their new environment.
Today, the society is committed to keeping Italian traditions alive with the yearly celebration of the Feast of St. Rocco, a lively commemoration of the patron saint of the city of Potenza.
The festival starts at Potenza Hall, 38th Avenue and Shoshone, with Italian sausage and meatball sandwiches, pizzelles, desserts, beer, wine, games, raffles and music.
Sunday is the big celebration with the procession. Bidding for the privilege of carrying the statue of St. Rocco begins following the 11 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 3549 Navajo St. Immediately following the bidding, there will be a procession of the statue and Pa-
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This position will primarily focus on Denver businesses o ering a full suite of marketing strategies to help them reach the local community. CCM’s Denver publications include The Denver North Star, Washington Park Profile and Life On Capitol Hill. Hours vary but can fit to your schedule, average week is about 20-25 hours or more if desired. Pay is 20% commission – contract basis. Sales experience is helpful but not required. For more information, email: eaddenbrooke@ coloradocommunitymedia.com
BSunday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. holyrosarydenver.org
Holy Rosary Parish at 4688 Pearl St. was founded by Slovenian and Croatian immigrants, and dedicated in 1920. The exquisite windows and statues bear plaques featuring the names of their Slavic donors. As the original ethnic groups moved up the economic ladder, they moved out and a predominantly Hispanic population settled in the neighborhood. Today’s Hispanic parishioners share the working-class background and robust faith of their predecessors.
ST. JOSEPH’S POLISH ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Saturday, Aug. 24, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday Aug. 25, noon to 5 p.m. facebook.com/polishfoodfestival
Enjoy amazing tacos, flautas, enchiladas, churros, hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, ice cream, snacks and desserts. In a nod to the Slavic founders, there will be some potica and pizzelles for sale. Games for the kids, entertainment, musical performances, raffles and prizes will keep everyone entertained.
From I-70 you can see the red spire of St. Joseph’s Polish Roman Catholic Church at 517 E. 46th Ave. Since its founding in 1902, the parish has been a bastion of Polish culture, and you can experience it at the Polish Food Festival.
Celebrate all things Polish: Polish craft brews, kiełbasa, potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, pierogi, kraut and Polish pastries. Krakowiacy Polish Dancers will perform traditional Polish dances, and the Amber Band and DJ SKI will provide dance music. Treat yourself to Denver’s best Polish celebration.
By Xavier Barrios
Butter isn’t the only thing in the layers of Moon Raccoon Baking Co.’s laminated pastries. Each baked good is made with essential core values in mind, from using Colorado ingredients to building rapport with the community.
Their cruffins aren’t filled with just cream, but with four years of evolution. The business started on Instagram in 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic went full force. Moon Raccoon spent a year working out of two home kitchens before moving to a commissary kitchen in Lakewood.
Owners Kate Lange and Zoe Deutsch are ready to add another layer, a brick-and-mortar location in the Sunnyside area.
The duo met in 2017 working for a wholesale bakery after moving to the Denver area. Deutsch and Lange traveled across Europe and, despite going different directions careerwise, remained in contact. After a rough shift at their job, Lange, who uses she/they pronouns, said they texted Deutsch about starting a bakery.
“So, we met, we had a couple conversations about what our ideas and goals were to make sure they aligned,” Lange said. “We felt like they really aligned, and so on January 1, 2020, we shook hands and agreed we were going to start working on a bakery together.”
As in-person events returned, Moon Raccoon began looking into appearances at farmers markets. After starting with a few smaller markets in 2021, Moon Raccoon can now be found in five places across the state, including Saturdays at the Boulder, City Park and Fleischer Family Farmstand markets and Sundays at the Parker, Arvada and Highlands farmers markets.
Moon Raccoon market representative Camila Vizcarra begins her day at 4:45 a.m., arrives at the commissary kitchen at 6 a.m. and maintains the stand at the Highlands Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vizcarra said she got involved with Moon Raccoon after moving to
Denver as a part-time law student.
“People come all the time and say right in the beginning of the morning that they came just for us,” Vizcarra said. “That used to be me. I used to only come to the market for Moon Raccoon.”
Chiara Robinson said she’d seen Moon Raccoon online for a few months and was surprised to see them at the Highlands market. The Sunnyside resident said the idea of a storefront adds to the neighborhood's character and makes it lively.
Because their customers have been integral to their business, Deutsch and Lange said they have chosen a community lending platform through Honeycomb Credit. Victoria Smith, the bakery’s campaign manager, said the crowdfunded loan benefits both the community and the business by allowing investors to “vote with their wallet.”
“That very first day [we met], it was so evident the passion they had for both Moon Raccoon and for baking and the Denver community,” Smith said. “They just seem like an incredible team.”
In four years of business, Moon Raccoon
Whether you are in the planning stage of your dream pursuit or you’re looking to safeguard all that you’ve accomplished, I will meet you wherever you are in your journey. Let’s talkabout your plans,andhow Ican helpyouprotect them.
has had only one male employee, not by choice rather by attraction to energy and values, according to Deutsch. In 2022, only 22.6% of workforce chefs and head cooks were women and only a slight majority of 61.1% of bakers according to a visualization by Data USA based on U.S. Census information.
“It’s interesting to me because, you know, a lot of people say, ‘Oh, women belong in the kitchen,’ but then in the professional world of kitchens, it’s a lot of unchecked male ego,” Deutsch said.
Lange said Moon Raccoon is an example of what a queer-, woman-, minority-owned business looks like for other businesses it interfaces with. The bakery uses its own success to strengthen support for other minority-owned businesses in the Denver area.
“I feel really thankful that we are able to do that,” Lange said.
Moon Raccoon Baking Co. has gathered over 100% of their crowdfunded loan through Honeycomb Credit and signed a lease at an undisclosed Sunnyside location.
Readers of The Denver North Star who are
interested in getting involved can find Moon Raccoon Baking Co. at the Highlands Farmers Market on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October and on Instagram.
“Moon Raccoon would be still just a dream if people didn’t come and, you know, like our pastries and keep buying them every week and supporting us in all the many ways that they do,” Lange said.
Xavier Barrios is an undergraduate student at Loyola University Chicago majoring in political science and English. He is a writer and former editor of The Loyola Phoenix, Loyola Chicago’s student-run newspaper. Born and raised in the North Denver area, Barrios is honored to be writing for The Denver North Star for the summer. For inquiries or to stay up to date on his writings, Barrios can be found on Instagram at @barrxavi.writes.
By Jill Carstens
With so many changes going on across North Denver’s landscape, it can be comforting to know that some tried-and-true parts of this special neighborhood remain.
Dedicated to preserving the positive community vibes that brought them here to begin with, three members of the hyper-local jug band the Highland Ramblers are embarking on a new project they hope will continue to cultivate that community. Highland Electric Co. performs its first gigs this month.
As the tenure of the Highland Ramblers wound down, Andy Carlson, Steve Jones and Scott Robinette began transforming their bluegrass rehearsals into jam sessions. Instruments were plugged in, a banjo was swapped out for an electric bass, and drummer Robinette traded in his jug-band standard beat for a less predictable rock rhythm.
“It all sort of erupted out of a happy accident,” Robinette said. “We were goofing around with some grungier sounds, just noise at first, but boy was it liberating.”
Carlson recalled Robinette using the metaphor of putting himself in a tiny row boat at night and pushing himself out into the middle of the open sea. It felt extremely freeing.
As much as the group loved performing their brand of bluegrass music, they heard the Grateful Dead, Phish, Widespread Panic, and others known for fun and danceable jams calling to them.
“We were all already big jam-band fans,” said Carlson, who reminisced about meeting Robinette at a Phish concert in 2012.
“Fun is a big part of the recipe here,” said Ryan Coward, new band member and key-
boardist. Coward has been Carlson’s alley neighbor for years, and they had played music together just for fun.
“We knew something was missing in our early rehearsals for this project,” Carlson said. “That’s when I called Ryan.”
Speaking about the first time the four played together, Robinette said, “It was a good first date.”
DATES:
JULY 20, 26
WHERE:
JULY 20: 23RD AVENUE SCULPTURE
STUDIO
JULY 26: EDGEWATER
INN'S LOT 46
“It was pretty instantaneous,” Robinette added. “Like Ryan brought in this piece that I didn’t know we needed. It snapped in and brought everything into focus about what we were going to do. Jamming allows for this space to remind you to listen to each other and just let the music happen more organically.”
/// ARTS AND CULTURE ///
By Jacqui Somen
Culture is something that is created by people, and there are few things the people of Denver love more than beer.
Denver breweries aren't just for sipping your favorite local beer, they’re great places to enjoy cultural events. Live music at Denver's breweries is the status quo: On any given night or weekend day, you can catch live music at breweries like Zuni Street Brewing Company, Black Shirt Brewing Co. and Breckenridge Brewery.
Now, many taprooms provide a lesser-known adventure, serving as cultural hubs for Denver residents to share and experience art, music, crafts and literature.
One place that exemplifies the brewery as a vibrant cultural hub is Raíces Brewing Co. Located just south of Empower Field, Raíces is built on what the brewery describes as its three pillars: comunidad, cultura and cerveza (community, culture and beer), and everything the taproom does revolves around these tenets.
In the last few weeks, you could celebrate Argentina's anniversary with tango, purchase wares from Venezuelan jewelry artisans and enjoy live traditional Cuban music. Raíces also hosts a galleria displaying artists yearround and features artisans every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
At The Lodge at Woods Boss Brewing, you can catch compelling arts events like the Denver Fringe Festival, an annual performance arts festival that "supports independent artists and diverse voices in all genres of the performing arts." During the 2024 event in June, festival-goers could partake of cabaret, comedy and puppet shows at The Lodge. The space also hosts SoFar Sounds, intimate events spotlighting local musicians. Woods Boss Brewing's Five Points taproom hosts free live Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz shows on the fourth Saturday of each month.
Books and beer may not be an obvious pairing, but Denverites are soaking up literary events at breweries.
At Fiction Beer Bar, literature lovers can attend a monthly book club while sipping brews named after literary works like Madame Psy-
Co. anchors its operations in “comunidad, cultura and cerveza” (community, culture and beer).
chosis, a New England pale ale inspired by David Foster Wallace's novel “Infinite Jest.”
This year, the group pored over books such as “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt and “Under the Whispering Door” by TJ Klune. The book club is usually hosted on the third Monday of the month.
While Fort Greene Bar isn't exactly a brewery, it is a local bar serving a range of cocktails, wine and, yes, beer selections—from Miller High Life to TRVE's Siren Saison. Fort Greene hosts one of the city's most intriguing literary events.
Reading Den is a monthly reading series co-founded by Adam Vitcavage and Sarah Ann Noel that runs on the last Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. The evening features readings from four writers, many of whom are local, and presents attendees the opportunity to meet and mingle.
“It’s like storytime for grown-ups,” Noel said, “with high-caliber writing, amazing cocktails, a gorgeous setting, and a group of people there to meet, chat, share.”
In one way, cultural events are a way for a brewery to distinguish itself in a sea of similar establishments (Visit Denver estimates there are more than 70 breweries in Denver and more than 150 in the metro area).
In another, these events are simply a way to entertain and connect people who love music, books, and art and want to enjoy them over a delicious, locally brewed concoction.
flourished in North Denver. It was important to the band to support the community and arts scene. Many of their gigs were part of charitable events, like supporting Brown Elementary and raising funds for 23rd Avenue Sculpture Studio founder Dennis West’s medical bills back in 2018.
As the neighborhood grew and changed, the Highland Ramblers continued to support local causes, keeping themselves grounded in what they felt made the neighborhood great.
“We are leaning into the changes and exploring our own growth within the core of what has made North Denver special,” Robinette said.
Carlson added that Highland Electric Co. will continue the legacy of giving back initiated with the Ramblers inception in 2008.
Coward said that the band’s positive energy, commitment to community, and respect and support for one another are just as important as their musical skills. He added that being in a band is almost like being married.
“The first thing I noticed about these guys was they were all so nice, which is not always easy to find in a band,” Coward said.
“We’ve got four guys, four wives and eight kids between us all,” said Carlson. “It takes a lot to balance all of that without pressure. We make the time and we all view it as precious.”
The original Highland Ramblers became known as a “dad-grass” band as their families
Carlson wants fans to know that Highland Electric Co. is constantly evolving. Songs will come from combinations of jams from their favorite bands, adding their own twists as they go. The youthful sense of fun the Ramblers were known for is reflected in the name and logo of the new band, which are reminiscent of “The Electric Company,” a popular PBS kids’ show that launched in the 1970s.
“By adding the ‘Co.’ to our name,” Carlson said, “we want to reflect that we are a Colorado band and that we value the community that has made North Denver special. There are indeed a lot more people living in the neighborhood now and the band wants to help sustain the core roots of the area that made it an attractive place to live in the first place.”
“There is a sense of pride in the North Denver community to support businesses and arts, both old and new,” Jones added. “We still want to be your neighborhood band.”
By London Lyle
It’s been about a year since six new members were sworn into Denver City Council, and it’s been an eventful one, according to four we spoke with.
Mayor Mike Johnston was sworn in on the same day as new council members last July. And the new mayor wasted no time getting his agenda off the ground, declaring a state of emergency on July 18, his second day in office, in an effort to address the high number of people experiencing homelessness in the city.
Together, the 13 members of Denver City Council along with the Mayor have worked to balance the budget, create more affordable housing and assist thousands of recently arrived migrants who were living on the streets.
Helping migrants was one of second-term council member Amanda P. Sandoval’s top priorities. Sandoval said she worked alongside volunteers and nonprofits to make sure housing and aid were delivered to more than 300 migrants from an encampment on Zuni Street and 27th Avenue, an area that is part of Sandoval’s district in Northwest Denver, District 1.
“The encampment was one of the hardest things I’ve ever worked on professionally and emotionally,” she said. “I’m really proud of Northwest Denver. I’m proud of how everyone showed up and helped out with the migrant crisis that Denver was experiencing.”
Sandoval, who was elected council president pro-tem last July, played a pivotal role in arranging a land-swap between the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver and the city to lease the Mullen home on West 29th Avenue in order to house migrant families.
Council member Paul Kashmann, who assumed office in 2015, is optimistic about the way the City Council has evolved over the past year.
“I think Council is getting younger. I think it’s getting more progressive. Leaving the age and the politics aside, we just have more people focused on that charter responsibility of crafting legislation,” he said. “The job of a council member has evolved to be twofold. One is to pass laws. The other is to tend to your
constituents’ concerns, be it barking dogs disturbing the neighborhood or someone’s gutter leaking into their basement.”
Council member Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez came on board at this time last year, but she’s no stranger to working as a legislator.
“It’s been a really interesting transition, coming in as a new council member and then diving right into the budget for 2024. Not only for council, but the mayor’s office too,” she reflected.
With a background working in the state House, she has prioritized modifying the budget in order to put money towards rental assistance. By working alongside her fellow council members and advocacy groups, Gonzales-Gutierrez helped pass a substantial budget amendment, increasing the city’s rental assistance budget from $12 million to $29.1 million.
This was a notable feat, not just because Mayor Johnston pushed back, but also because all 13 council members favored the budget amendment, something of a rarity when it comes to a budget amendment that would more than double the amount originally proposed.
In March, council members went on a retreat where they focused on creating a budget proposal for 2025 that would land on Mayor Johnston’s desk. The retreat was the first of its kind, according to Sandoval, illustrating the level of urgency the Council was taking with the annual city process. In order to get the ball rolling on legislation, they first had to make sure the city has the cash.
Government moves slower than those seeking big changes would like, said council member Darrell Watson. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, he added. For Watson, this means the Council is taking the necessary steps instead of rushing things, when rushing could negatively impact the communities they serve.
“One thing that I’ve taken pause in and reflected on is the ability to pull together really smart legislative items and work collabora-
CITY COUNCIL, Page 15
By Kathryn White
On June 25, Cecelia Espenoza defeated Tim Hernández to move on as the Democratic candidate for state House District 4 in the Colorado Legislature. Denver Elections reported July 9 that Espenoza overcame Hernández with 53.18% of a total 10,509 ballots counted (5,589 votes) compared to Hernández’s 46.82% (4,920 votes).
This was Hernández’s and Espenoza’s second time competing for the west and northwest Denver seat, as Hernández upset the former immigration lawyer and House District 4 Democratic party captain via the August 2023 vacancy committee charged with replacing Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez when she resigned from the Legislature to serve on Denver City Council last summer.
Earlier this summer, The Denver North Star covered Hernández’s reflections on his term in the Legislature, where his efforts contributed to the success of bills for renter protections, a new funding model for Colorado schools and the creation of a Chicano license plate. Two measures he supported did not pass, an assault weapons ban and a bill that would have made it illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who refuse to participate in their employer’s expression of political or religious speech.
Closing out an event for campaign volunteers on election night, Hernández read the poem “In Lak'ech” by playwright and filmmaker Luis Valdez, which opens with the line, “Tú eras mi otro you (You are my other me).”
Hernández added that he had read the poem regularly to students in his classroom at Denver North High School, where controversy and protest resulted from a DPS decision not to renew Hernández’s teaching contract in May 2022.
“You have to understand,” Hernández said, “I never wanted to be a politician. I grew up in my aunt’s basement. The only thing I ever
wanted to be was a public school teacher. I went to seven schools in seven years. And I wanted to help young people in my community feel something that I didn't get to feel at school. I didn't get to feel proud or powerful. I didn't get to learn my history.”
Hernández would go on to concede to Espenoza when the next day’s results confirmed her lead in the race.
Espenoza plans to continue her door-knocking campaign, emphasizing how this and events such as coffee hours allow her to be accessible to voters, whom she said have helped her surface issues she hadn’t considered.
The city’s approach to charging property taxes, for example, presents a unique hardship to some, including older adults on fixed incomes and small-business owners. If a homeowner is not paying property taxes as part of a monthly mortgage, they are expected to pay their property taxes in one or two large installments between late February and June 15.
With increases in property taxes, this burden has become more and more significant, according to one voter who raised the issue when Espenoza came to her door. Espenoza has begun formulating a solution she could pursue through a bill in the state Legislature.
Espenoza encouraged voters to stay tuned to her Facebook page for opportunities to meet with her one on one.
“Because really,” Espenoza said, “my position is that I want to represent the needs of the constituents in HD4, and the only way I can do that is by talking to them, and providing mechanisms for them to reach me and ensure they can get their issues in front of me so that I can properly represent them.”
Espenoza faces Republican Jack Daus in the general election Nov. 5. Daus ran unopposed for his party’s spot on the November ballot, securing 1,045 votes.
Federal Boulevard’s crash fatality rate is 20 times the typical urban street in Colorado.
Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) wants to decrease that rate by reducing speeding along Federal, as well as Alameda Boulevard, through a pilot program aimed at reducing crash deaths on the two streets in what has become known as Denver’s high-injury network.
The move comes after several record years of traffic-crash deaths, including 2023, when 83 people were killed in crashes on Denver streets. The city recently doubled down on its Vision Zero by 2030 goal of decreasing traffic deaths to zero.
“Building a safe and vibrant Denver means improving traffic safety by reducing speeds on Denver roads,” Mayor Mike Johnston said. “I’m proud to roll out our new pilot program that coordinates evidence-based actions that are shown to reduce speeds and reduce deaths.”
A DOTI report found that speed was the biggest factor in fatal and serious injury crashes, thus the pilot program will focus on reducing the number of drivers choosing to speed.
At 40 mph, a pedestrian struck by a driver has a 73% chance of a serious or fatal injury. By reducing the speed of a car to 30 mph, that same pedestrian now has a 40% chance of a serious or fatal injury. In most sections of Federal, the posted speed limit is 35 mph.
DOTI will be taking a multilayer approach to reduce speeding. For starters, it wants to give drivers a chance to slow down on their own before it starts issuing speeding tickets. It’ll post additional speed limit signs, add the type of speed feedback signs that tell drivers what speed they are going, and implement a
marketing program warning drivers to slow down.
In addition, traffic signals will be retimed so that drivers going the speed limit will be rewarded with more green lights. And since more than half of fatal crashes happen at night, signals will be set to “rest in red” until a car arrives to prevent excessive speeding at night. Traffic signals will also be set to give pedestrians a head start of a few seconds, which allows people walking in the crosswalk to be more visible to drivers, thus reducing the risk of a collision.
DOTI will also utilize automated speed limit enforcement methods on the corridor, including camera vans and a pilot speed enforcement camera program.
Similar efforts on West Colfax between Sheridan and Irving Street resulted in a 71% decrease in fatal crashes in recent years.
The announcement of the pilot program came with the announcement of a new citywide policy aimed at safer streets. In a press release, DOTI said that it is “confirming the department’s commitment to safety first in the design and operation of city streets, emphasizing lower speeds, safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings and improving the experience for people taking transit at all times of day with safe, comfortable and accessible transit stops.”
The new policy is not only a top-down emphasis on safety by DOTI Executive Director Amy Ford, but also highlights a handful of short-term goals including safer school zones, improving the high-injury streets where most crashes happen and a focus on investing in underserved communities.
Allen Cowgill is the City Council District 1 appointee to the DOTI Advisory Board, where he serves as the board co-chair.
By Erich Jegier
JEGIER
The Denver Public Schools Board of Education concluded a busy academic year with its June 13 meeting. The board met at the Emily Griffith Campus in downtown Denver to discuss several important topics.
The board unanimously passed Executive Limitation 18, giving the superintendent guardrails for proposing school consolidations and closures. Such a policy was deemed necessary due to the financial impacts of declining district enrollment.
The policy requires that any proposal made by the superintendent “equitably distributes the effects of changing demographics across the district, maximizes student resources and opportunities, and follows state statutes for closure based on governance type.”
The board had been discussing and refining Executive Limitation 18 for more than a year, and the June meeting offered one last opportunity to discuss and vote on amendments. Notably, the board voted 4-3 that test scores and school performance ratings should not be used as a sole condition for school consolidations or closures, but can be used as part of a larger set of considerations.
The board reviewed DPS's updated discipline matrix, a staff guideline for determining disciplinary action in response to student behavioral issues.
“There are many things we can do to support students that are preventative,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero. “The matrix is for responding.”
Moira Coogan, principal at North High School Engagement Center, said the new matrix focuses on “naming conducts with more specificity,” which she said will be helpful for issues that range broadly in severity, like fighting and technology misuse.
DPS Deputy Chief of Staff Deborah Staten noted that homicide was added as a behavior category, saying it was “a reality for an urban school district.”
The new matrix has another key goal.
“Our Black students are out-of-school suspended at a disproportionately high rate," said Ike Ogbuike, program manager of the district’s Central Discipline Team. The Colorado Department of Education has flagged DPS as a result and is now monitoring DPS discipline metrics.
The discipline matrix does not require board approval. It will be rolled out to DPS leadership in July and to teachers and staff in August.
Committee chairs for the 2024 Community Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) presented the board with a $975 million bond proposal to fund facility updates and other investments it deemed high priority. DPS staff
identified $2.3 billion in district needs, and the 72-member CPAC formed to prioritize those needs on behalf of the district community.
A breakdown of the bond proposal is as follows:
• $301M for critical maintenance
• $240M to install air conditioning
• $127M for arts, athletics and innovation
• $124M for new facilities, expansions and transportation fleet
• $100M for learning environment enhancements
• $83M for safety and technology
Board members thanked CPAC for being student-centered and for engaging in difficult conversations in a way that allowed everyone's voice to be heard. A teacher who attended one of the subcommittee meetings for public comment told Board President Carrie Olson that she was overcome with emotion on her drive home because she truly felt the committee had listened to her.
The board will vote on the bond proposal Aug. 29 during their first meeting of the new academic year. If the board vote passes it, the proposal will go to Denver voters on Election Day, Nov. 5.
The DPS board encourages the community to get involved. Regular board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month and are open to the public both in-person and virtually. The board's schedule, agendas, presentation materials, minutes and video recordings of meetings are all published on its website at dpsk12.org/page/board-of-education.
Public comment sessions are held at 4:30 p.m. on the Monday prior to a regular board meeting and are the community's opportunity to speak directly to the board. Speakers have three minutes to deliver their remarks, and the session lasts two hours. Sign-up for public comment is available online starting at 9 a.m. on Monday the week before the session and closes when the two-hour limit has been reached.
Community members looking for greater involvement with the district have several options:
• DPS 101: A Community Leadership Course is offered by Superintendent Marrero to teach DPS community members “the inner workings of DPS departments, structures and systems.” The course is collaborative in nature and consists of monthly two-hour sessions from October to April. To apply visit thecommons.dpsk12.org/Page/3456.
• The District Accountability Committee (DAC) accepts applications each spring. DAC is mandated by state law and includes subcommittees for budget, family and community engagement, and performance.
• A bond oversight committee will be formed if the proposed 2024 bond passes. Stay tuned to The Denver North Star for more updates. Visit dpsk12.org to learn more and stay tuned to this newspaper for ongoing education coverage.
Summer vacation! If you are fortunate enough to get to take one, your wellness routine can help you make the most out of it.
Relaxing on the beach, exploring a new city … even a few days o at home over a holiday: Time out from the normal routine can be a wonderful, restorative thing. But time away sometimes means time away from our wellness routine. e good news is, feeling healthy during and a er our vacation is not only possible – a few smart choices can keep us active and energized, and help us get the most out of our vacation.
EAT WELL
• Feast on a high-powered meal before hitting the airport to avoid having to eat at the fast food courts. Or, if you know your airport has some great restaurant choices, build in time to choose those.
• Adjusting to a new time zone might make you hungry at odd hours. Feed the urge to snack at 4 a.m. with water and focused breathing (it works). If you decide you truly need those midnight calories, choose a powerful option like a handful of nuts that will give your body meaningful calories and avoid acid so you’ll be better able to sleep.
• If you’re driving to your getaway, plan where and when you’ll stop for meals before hitting the road. Be a food snob. Take time to eat what you enjoy – you deserve it.
TRAVEL, Page 15
For those of you who’ve lived long enough to remember the song “Summertime Blues,” you will recall that the singer lamented the many reasons to feel down during this, our hottest season of the year, and that there’s no cure for the aforementioned blues.
As a mental health professional, I feel it’s my duty to chime in. There is indeed such a thing as summertime blues (some depressions seem to spike in July and August); technically, the condition known as seasonal affective disorder can happen at any time, though it’s typically tied to environmental conditions like lack of sunlight and isolating indoors.
Depression spiking in summer can feel like a bit of an anomaly when it happens to you. Summer is usually associated with fun, a loosening of adult responsibilities and vacations.
Unfortunately, the reality for many folks is that summer is simply a continuation of the challenges they've been carrying in seasons prior: struggles to meet our soaring cost of living, epic traffic woes compounded by an influx of tourists along with the stressors of juggling childcare while school is out. These factors can make life feel like summer’s a breeze for everyone but us.
It’s important to know that depression absolutely is treatable: yes, there IS in fact a cure (several, actually) for the summertime blues. In fact, remedies for depression are more varied now than at any other time in history. Today, we have a cornucopia of treatment for depression, ranging from run-of-the-mill pharmacological interven-
tion to innovative alternative therapies to standard talk therapy—and considering the mental health crisis we collectively have been mired in post-COVID, it’s important readers know just how lucky we are to live in Northwest Denver with so many options nearby.
Let me introduce you to a mini depression screening tool known as the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), an abbreviated version of a tool called the PHQ-9, a very common depression screening tool developed 25 years ago and used in mental health clinics across the country. The PHQ-2 is literally two questions, the answers to which might indicate whether further depression screening is warranted.
Take this brief two question PHQ-2, and let's see where you fall on the depression scale. Keep in mind as you formulate your answer to only consider the last two weeks.
be experiencing some form of depression. While by no means a thorough assessment, you might decide a high PHQ-2 warrants exploring a more thorough examination.
And, just so you know, the more comprehensive PHQ-9 is free and available simply by Googling it. It's important to note that the PHQ-9 doesn't take into account psychosis, substance use or others of the more debilitating depressive symptoms. It's a conversation starter you may want to have with your healthcare professional.
Northwest Denverites have access to a number of beautiful outdoor spaces in which to enjoy some exercise and fresh air. Studies have shown that for cases of mild to moderate depression, exercise can be nearly as effective as an antidepressant in alleviating symptoms.
Studies have shown that for cases of mild to moderate depression, exercise can be nearly as e ective as an antidepressant in alleviating symptoms.
Question 1: In the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Select answers from: not at all (zero points); several days (one point), more than half the days (two points) or nearly every day (three points).
The same for Question 2: How many days in the last two weeks have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless? Choose not at all, several days, more than half the days or nearly every day.
While your score can run from zero to six, the scaling is pretty self-explanatory: the higher you score, the more likely you could
What’s more, there are a number of free and low-cost alternative treatments, from community clinics to acupuncture (Denver Community Acupuncture on West 29th Avenue is a great example) to tackle depression head on.
And, when needed, there’s the free 24/7 Colorado crisis line, which can be reached by dialing 988 from any phone.
Erin Olyer Rohlf is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), professional therapist and founder of Denver Couples Clinic. Call her at 720-644-1400 or find her at www.denvercouplesclinic.com to learn more or to suggest ideas for future columns.
By Rebecca Wells
on the ____”
Civic Center’s June festival
Abbrv. for a 30 ACROSS in the summer
zodiac for 2020
__do, __peat, __play
at 37 ACROSS
Denver’s is Beth McCann
To see how you did on Summer Fun in North Denver, turn to Page 15. Rebecca Wells is a rising junior at Occidental College, studying economics and politics. During the school year, she works for The Occidental Newspaper as their crossword creator, and as a North Denver resident she is creating crosswords for The Denver North Star this summer. Wells can be reached at rebecca.r.wells4@gmail.com.
It’s another hot, sunny, blue-sky day in Denver. The air is still and looks clear! Despite the beautiful day, you may feel irritation in your throat or a tightness in your chest while out walking the dog, at the park, riding your bike, or on an afternoon run. Your asthma may also be acting up.
This is likely the impact of ground-level ozone: the Front Range’s most pressing air quality problem each summer. We can’t see or smell it, but this pollutant accumulates the most on hot and sunny blue-sky days, reaching its highest levels in the afternoons and evenings.
While ozone serves an important purpose high up in the atmosphere — protecting us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation — at ground level, high concentrations of ozone are unhealthy. Ozone makes it di cult to breathe, increases our susceptibility to respiratory infections, and exacerbates respiratory ailments such as asthma.
High ozone levels a ect all of us. Even if you are healthy, ozone can impact the cells in your lungs during and after exposure, like sunburn, and repeated exposure over time can lead to reduced lung function. The people at higher risk of exposure or more
sensitive to this air pollution include the elderly, those with respiratory conditions, outdoor workers, outdoor athletes, and especially children, whose lungs are still developing.
Where does this air pollution come from? Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted from any source. It forms in the air when two chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), react in the sunshine and heat of summer days. These chemicals are called ozone precursors, and they are released into the air from emissions made by our gas-powered vehicles, gaspowered lawn equipment, and oil and gas production across the Front Range.
Both colorless and odorless, ozone is di erent than wildfire smoke, tiny particulate matter called PM2.5 or PM10, and the visible Denver “brown cloud” of years past. However, ozone can combine with other air quality issues, and is sometimes referred to as “smog.”
While air quality in the region has greatly improved in the past half century, ozone remains a pressing issue to our health and environment. But as our gas-powered vehicles and gas-powered lawn equipment contribute
to its formation, we all have the power to reduce ground-level ozone in the Front Range each summer!
First, sign up for ozone alerts. Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org to sign up for emails or text “BetterAirCO” to 21000 to receive air quality alerts on your phone. When the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) forecasts a high ozone day, the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) will send you a timely text or email to let you know.
On high ozone days, protect your health by avoiding outdoor exercise or heavy exertion between noon and 8 p.m. Still want to get outside? Plan ahead and spend time outside in the morning, or later in the evening, when ozone levels will be lower.
Second, reduce your emissions! Take some Simple Steps for Better Air: Skip two car trips per week by carpooling, combining errands, or taking the bus or the light rail to get where you need to go. Don’t forget: youth ride for free on RTD! For shorter distances, leave the car at home and walk, ride a scooter, or your bike or e-bike.
Fuel up your car after 5 p.m. to avoid releasing emissions during the heat of the day.
Skip idling your car: instead, roll down the windows and turn o the engine while waiting in parking lots or lines. Consider a low- or zero-emissions vehicle, like an electric vehicle (EV), when it’s time to purchase a new vehicle.
Mow the lawn after 5 p.m. if you still use gas-powered equipment. Even better, upgrade your old gas lawn mower, trimmer, or leaf blower to a new electric one with a 30% state discount at participating retailers this year!
And if your job can be done remotely, work from home at least one day a week and eliminate your commute altogether.
Taking these timely, simple steps in the summer improves our Front Range air quality, our health, and our ability to enjoy the outdoors! Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org for more information about how to reduce your ozone impact this summer and help your community breathe easier.
By Allen Cowgill
Stories about books and their readers make for relaxing summer reads, and “Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop” does not disappoint. Written by Hwang Bo-Reum and translated from Korean by Shanna Tan, the story follows Yeongju as she walks away from her marriage, career and life, and opens a bookshop outside of Seoul. e transition isn’t easy. Yeongju’s burnout and mental state are apparent in the way she sits in the store day a er day, reading but not engaging with the shop and the customers, driving away what little business she has. e more she reads, though, the more she realizes that books have the power to meet people where they are and that the right book at the right time can go a long way toward healing a heart. As she reads, she writes notes about the books and posts them to Instagram, slowly gathering a following and drawing folks into the shop.
As the story progresses, Yeongju and Minjun create a community that includes a teenager who doesn’t want to do anything but stay in his room, a writer whose penchant for proper grammar has put him at the center of a controversy and a co ee-bean roaster who brings her miserable marriage to work with her every day. eir friendships are forged through their challenges, and as the bookstore nds its way, so do they.
With the business growing but still not pro table a er a year, Yeongju takes a leap and hires a barista to make drinks. Starting o with only enough savings to keep the store open for three years, she tells her new barista that she can only guarantee his employment for two years before she runs out of money. e new barista, Minjun, is at his own crossroads and struggling to nd his path in life.
Relationships are a key theme in the book, and part of Yeongju’s journey is to make peace with the pain she caused her ex-husband and to accept a future without her judgemental mother in it. e co ee roaster also re ects on her relationship, and the teenager and his mother have some reckoning of their own to do. e theme of identity also weaves throughout the novel, with all of the characters on a journey to discover their paths and questioning society’s expectations of them.
rela teenag ques expec
Whether readers are looking for a way to step out of their lives for a moment to vicariously live Yeongju’s dream, or seek a more nuanced, contemplative read, this novel will delight. Check it out at a Denver Public Library branch near you.
Wendy omas is a librarian at the Smiley Branch Library. When not reading or recommending books, you can nd her hiking with her dogs.
This summer, Denver Water and its contractors are busy replacing lead service lines across North Denver. These lead water service lines on older homes, which go from the street to the dwelling, are being replaced at no cost to residents. Work is completed or underway in Sunnyside, Regis and Chaffee Park; and West Highland is expected to be completed by this fall. Additional neighborhoods like Sloan’s Lake, homes along Federal Boulevard between West 23rd Avenue and West 44th Avenue, Highland, and the eastern end of West Highland between Irving and Lowell are also scheduled for lead service line replacement this year, with construction starting later this
summer and fall.
Residents may notice small circular holes in the pavement, known as “investigative potholes.” These are created prior to construction in order to confirm the presence of lead in the lines, and they will be patched along with other street impacts.
In addition, larger lead water pipes in Berkeley and Sunnyside are slated to be replaced this year on about a dozen streets.
Residents can learn more about the project schedule and see exactly which streets and homes will be getting new lines at: denverwater.org/project-updates/pipe-replacement or by calling Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444.
Dr. Daniel R. Lucy
immigrated from Ireland, where he was born in County Cork in 1860. He left Ireland because he was on the run from the English for being a supporter of Irish independence. He worked for a time in Boston then decided to move to the California gold fields. Ill luck and ill health convinced him to move on again.
Lucy arrived in Denver in 1893, enrolling at the Gross Medical College, which produced many of Denver’s early physicians. In 1896, his medical degree in hand, he moved to North Denver to care for his countrymen who lived in the neighborhood. This was in the era when the neighborhood was a mix of established Irish-Americans and newer Italian immigrants.
The 1900 census listed Lucy as a single man living in quarters at 1439 W. 35 Ave., the northeast corner of Navajo and West 35th. A year later he married Margaret Lewis, and they built their new house across the street at 3505 Navajo, where they raised three children. Lucille was born in 1902; Sanford in 1903; and Robert in 1905.
Dr. Lucy was a family practice and obstetrical physician who served the Northside’s varied residents. He mended broken limbs and delivered numerous babies. He had medical privileges at St. Joseph Hospital but most often
treated patients in their homes or in his home office. Years later, Margaret, his children and even his grandchildren ran into neighborhood residents who would say, “I knew Dr. Lucy, he delivered me.”
In the early years the doctor drove a horse and carriage, then went on to acquire a Ford Model T when they became available. Neighbors remembered that he was a fast driver when he was on the way to see patients. And he rarely slowed for stop signs. One story shared about him mentioned that neighborhood teens liked to grab his car and hold up the rear wheels as he gunned the engine. Then they dropped the car and it would roar off up the street.
Dr. Lucy was fiercely proud of his Irish origins. While he generally spoke English in public, he also spoke Irish at home. The Lucy family attended St. Patrick’s Irish Catholic Church, but the doctor also contributed to Mount Carmel Italian Catholic Church, whose parish hall adjoined the office wing of his house. He gave to Mount Carmel in a variety of ways, like when he donated $200 to the building fund and when he once bought a goat at the annual festa (feast day Mass and procession).
Dr. Lucy was a Republican and quite active in neighborhood politics. In 1919, he ran and was elected to Denver City Council to represent what was then District 9. He served four terms from 1919 to 1925 and from 1927 to
If any of you have read my memoir, “Getting Over Vivian,” you hopefully noticed an emphasis on the importance of connection to place, including the outdoors. is outdoor connection began for me as a child running and playing through the elds of my suburban neighborhood. is connection grew to hiking and biking in the nearby foothills, and then throughout my adulthood traipsing deeper and higher into the Colorado mountains, learning the ora and fauna, the landscape becoming more and more a part of my identity.
To me this has been a normal part of living in Colorado, and even though we live in an urban area I have strived to share my love of the outdoors with my son and my students. I have written before about the importance of getting children outside, but this passion was recently renewed for me while conducting a writing class with high schoolers in a mountain town.
I received a grant from a local environmental organization and titled the class “Writing to Save the World,” indicating that we can make positive changes through thoughtful and impactful writing. I was fortunate that the participants in this class were a collection of well-read teens. ey impressed me with their already pro cient writing skills and breadth of reading.
Not only that, but this all-female group already had a good working knowledge of their outdoor surroundings, which fed greatly into their writing pieces. Perhaps not surprising in a mountain town, but these days with all of the distractions of phones and social media, it was quite refreshing to hear such informed perspectives at their ages.
All of the students had wonderful stories to share about regular excursions into the hills, whether through regular hiking, mountain biking or heading to ski in the winter. ese girls had knowledge, and they shared it in their personal narratives:
“ e smell of dew-dampened pine trees is sweet and I’m more alert than I’ve been for a long time.” – Lily
“My eyes lingered on the splashes of brightly-colored wild owers, and I smiled. ere were little purple daisies, ngernail-sized yellow and white blooms on tall stalks, intensely orange Indian paintbrushes, and tiny starshaped violet blooms that looked to be made of velvet. I observed them quietly, then shu ed
from septicemia after he performed an abortion. After he was exonerated, he continued his practice.
But at the time, he was involved in a heated re-election campaign against prominent Ku Klux Klan member Edgar Lee Mitchell. He felt that the charges and subsequent loss at the polls were part of the KKK anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant feelings that dominated politics in 1924. The doctor was re-elected in the next term, serving until 1929. Many Northsiders had rejected his opponent’s radical KKK ideals.
on, humming to myself.” – Grace
“I look out the window and watch the snow slowly fall in no rush to hit the ground. I open the car door and the bitter cold wind rushes onto my face making my nose prickle and turn red.” – Stella ese young adults know the smells, sights and textures of their surrounding wild landscape. ey had already become naturalists, connected to their outdoor landscapes. ey have been schooled by random hikes or cold, winter excursions. ey made me think of what makes you of Colorado. ey’ve got it. And they passionately love and care about the natural environment.
My time with these students also reminded me to allow our youth to teach us, to follow their lead sometimes. I remembered my regular walks with my preschool class around the neighborhood. Although walking the blocks near the preschool was a routine, each time seemed brand new to them. ey might notice petals fallen from a recently blooming tree or on rainy days would squeal in delight at the emergence of worms, their wiggling bodies ailing about on the sidewalks. ey could spend an hour observing an ant hill.
Letting our kids lead us can help us to remember to slow down, and yes, smell the owers. Look up at the sky and down at our feet. Let our surroundings engulf us for a moment and let ourselves be connected again, with our environment and our kids.
I initiated this writing class as a way to empower young people in this unpredictable time of impending global warming. e students progressed during our week together to write informative articles about change makers in their community who are positively battling climate change with their work. With earnest and zest, they tackled some very intense subjects with a palpable sense of responsibility. I have no doubt that they will continue to be in uential in their community as we share this writing. We will self-publish their works through the grant we received.
Let’s remember to get our kids and ourselves outside. And be present in those moments. Our kids need to feel that connection to the Earth in order to care enough about saving it.
Jill Carstens taught for 30 years and now enjoys writing about that time, both here and in her recently published memoir, "Getting Over Vivian." Find out more at www.jillcarstenswriter.com.
1929. He shared with his children that one of his proudest achievements was serving on the commission that negotiated Rocky Mountain water rights for Denver. He also secured an allocation for paved streets and sidewalks in North Denver.
But Dr. Lucy was a bit of a maverick. Although he was a good Catholic, he advised women who already had too many children on birth control and, when needed, performed abortions. In 1923, the police charged him with the death of Catherine Stange, who died
Dr. Lucy and his wife, Margaret, lived at 3505 Navajo until his death in 1941, and she continued to live there for a number of years after. Eventually the house was divided into apartments and then back into a single-family home. It was purchased by a developer in 2014 and scheduled for demolition to build luxury townhomes. Neighborhood activists organized to save the house and Dr. Lucy’s legacy by filing it for designation as an historic property. The developer relented and saved the house. It still stands at 3505 W. Navajo Ave.
Dr. Rebecca A. Hunt has been a resident of North Denver since 1993. She worked in museums and then taught museum studies and Colorado, Denver, women’s and immigration history at the University of Colorado Denver until she retired in 2020.
By e Denver North Star sta
Denver Public Library remembered and honored North Denver historian Ruth Eloise Wiberg, author of “Rediscovering Northwest Denver,” in a June 13 ceremony marking the dedication of a newly renovated Woodbury Children’s Library in Wiberg’s honor.
DPL’s Chief Philanthropy Officer Katy Anderson spoke about Wiberg’s extensive time in North Denver, including graduating from Denver North High School in 1925 and meeting her husband at the old Trocadero Ball-
at
Wiberg’s son Larry recounted the many hours he and his brother Paul spent enjoying the children’s department at the library while their mom conducted research for her book.
Wiberg’s “Rediscovering Northwest Denver” has been described as one of the most thorough and well-received books on any Denver neighborhood. It was first published in 1976 and is now in its sixth printing. Ruth Eloise Wiberg died in February 2008 at age 99.
By e Denver North Star sta
The city’s West 38th Avenue Corridor Study continues with a meeting on Tuesday, July 23, at El Centro De Barrio (1351 W. 38th Ave.) from 5:30-7 p.m.
The public is invited to see Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s (DOTI) draft recommendations for near-term improvements to West 38th Avenue, and to review the results of public input offered during an earlier round of outreach.
Improvements are intended to enhance safety, bus service and the pedestrian experience, and will “green” the corridor.
DOTI will also be on-hand to talk about its recommendations at a community bicycle event Saturday, July 27, at Aztlan Recreation Center (4435 Navajo St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Sunnyside United Neighbors and
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Paul Bonacquisti, owner and winemaker, crafted Bonacquisti to be deeply rooted in the community, where education and a passion for local music converge to create a unique experience.
But it’s not just Paul who fuels the success of Bonacquisti Wine Company.
Dr. Judi Diaz Bonacquisti, an education advocate with over two decades of experience in higher education, has actively involved the winery in collaborations with local nonprofits, such as the Denver Scholarship Foundation, Colorado Educational Services and Development Association (CESDA) and the Latin American Education Foundation.
Among the standout offerings are Vinny No Neck and Bella Risa, two beloved wines in honor of the Bonacquisti children. These wines have garnered acclaim both locally and nationally, with accolades ranging from Double Gold awards to high ratings in prestigious wine competitions.
Visitors can indulge in Bonacquisti’s rich offerings at their tasting room, open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours are offered free of charge; flights of Paul’s expertly crafted wines are available for $25.
This summer, the winey continues its live music offering, with Buckner Funken Jazz coming up on July 19, the Colorado Blues Show with Delta Sonics, Jack Hadley and Erica Brown on Aug. 24 and DeLeon with Smooth Groove on Sept. 13.
Introductory wine classes, held on select Saturdays, are another way to experience Bonacquisti Wine Company. A monthly wine and cheese class, in collaboration with the Truffle Cheese Shop, is also on the docket this summer.
“We're proud to have been making wine in Sunnyside for 18 years, and we're excited to share our passion,” Paul Bonacquisiti said.
The final stop, Mondo Vino at West 32nd and Lowell, offers a neighborly stand-up tasting alongside an opportunity to purchase wine to enjoy at home.
Owned by Duey Kratzer, this charming wine shop invites you in with its warm atmosphere and carefully curated selection of wine, beer and spirits.
With an array of wines to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the exposed-brick boutique shop. From bold reds to crisp whites and everything in between, there’s something to suit every palate.
On Fridays and Saturdays from 4-6 p.m., visitors are invited for a complimentary pour of interesting wines from around the world, while snacking on cheeses from neighbor St. Killian’s Cheese Shop.
But the offerings extend beyond complimentary tastings. Behind the store lies “the cave,” a sanctuary for wine enthusiasts seeking Mondo Vino's finest selection of wines.
While it may be tempting to walk out with the entire store, the knowledgeable staff at Mondo Vino are on hand to guide customers toward the perfect selection.
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tively with my colleagues, community and the administration,” Watson said. The District 9 council member is working on eight pieces of legislation in his first year, addressing concerns from tenant rights to banning the sale of flavored tobacco products.
“You have to be willing to do the hard work. And it is hard work, the research, the writing of bills. None of this is fancy. None of this is sexy. But working for the city is a joy. And that’s why I’m so honored to be here on City Council. I’m looking forward to the next three years,” Watson said.
“This job takes a lot of time, and a lot of listening,” Watson added.
As Denver City Council approaches one year since being joined by six new members and Mayor Michael Johnston, it’s clear they aren’t slowing down.
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And these aren’t polo-ish, country-club style horses; they are semi-wild, which Kotkowski described as “domesticated but feral.”
“As an adrenaline junkie and a horseback rider, this is absolutely the pinnacle of the sport,” he said. “It tests your physical endurance, your horsemanship, your ability to connect with over 40 horses across the entire race. You’re riding Mongolian ponies, so they’re still pretty crazy.”
In 2021, the Equestrianists (the organization that puts on the Mongol Derby) partnered with the Mongolian nonprofit Steppe and Hoof, www.steppeandhoof.org, which helps to preserve and enhance the lifestyles of the remaining nomadic herders and their families in the country.
From a total population of 3.2 million Mongolian people, only about 169,000 nomadic families remain today. Each rider is asked to raise money for Steppe and Hoof as a thank you to the herders. View Kotkowski’s
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festival, many attendees come from other marginalized and underrepresented communities. We strive to create a safe space for everyone to celebrate art and culture.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in anti-Asian sentiment and hate, making the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival even more vital in the post-pandemic era.
“It is heartwarming to see so many Coloradans and others support our community after such a challenging time. In 2023, over 200,000 attendees joined our two-day event, demonstrating Coloradans' strong desire to support and uplift diversity and culture. We are a staple in Colorado history, as well as one of the largest events in Denver year after year,” Moore said.
Moore added that planning for the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is a year-round
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• Pack your own healthy snacks. (See a theme here? Planning for the road wins!)
• Treat yourself. Visiting France? It’d be a sin not to try out some crepes. e beach? You WILL want those drinks with the tiny umbrella. And that's just ne. When you're indulging, indulge! Savor every bite and know that enjoying what we eat is wellness.
• Visit local food markets. Soak up some local culture and nd delicious fresh food. Local food is better for the environment; and you'll move as you walk around the market. Triple win.
MOVE WELL
• See the sights on foot, bike, scooter, skateboard, etc. Skip the bus tours and check out your new surroundings the old-fashioned way to get those heart rates up while taking in the views.
• Take the stairs. Skip the elevator and sneak in some extra cardio. Bonus: Lots of sightseeing attractions – churches and towers, for example – have unique stairs featuring architectural oddities. Kill two birds with one step.
• Embrace your surroundings. At the beach? Yoga on the sand. e city? Take a long walk through a local park to turn your exercise into exploration.
• Try the local specialty. Take advantage of what an area’s known for – or even plan a vacation around it. Climb boulders in Colorado, learn tai chi moves in China, or let your colors show with amenco moves in Spain. Bathe in culture while getting your tness x.
REST WELL
• Keep work away if at all possible. It’s a vacation, remember? Resist the urge to check work emails, and focus on having fun. It will keep your mind clear and allow you to
endeavor, and staff and volunteers are always introducing new and exciting elements to keep the festival fresh and relevant each year.
“For our staff, this event is a passion project that inspires them daily,” Moore said. “However, the festival would not be possible without the hundreds of community volunteers who devote their time and energy to ensuring a safe and enjoyable event each year.”
decompress. If your job, like mine, requires you to check in, set limited hours so your contacts will know when to expect you and you can really log o the rest of the time. No emailing allowed from the top of a 14er!
• Free your mind. Meditating or just some intentful breathing for a few minutes each day can help relieve stress and remind you to notice that you are on vacation. Bonus points if you can nd a beautiful space to do it.
• Squeeze the most out of your time o . Enjoying activities, keeping your cell phone o , and sharing time with friends and family (or alone time) ensure you’ll get the most bang for your buck out of a vacation.
As the summer heats up, remember, our wellness practices are meant to improve our lives. And not just on some distant day in the future. When we build a practice that truly works for us, our wellness routines can add to our every single day, even on vacation.
Erika Taylor is a wellness instigator and program designer at Taylored Fitness. She believes passionately that it is only possible to do our best work in the world if we make a sustainable commitment to our health and that this commitment can be fun. Visit facebook.com/erika.taylor.303 or email erika@ taylored tness.com.
