Arvada Press April 4, 2024

72nd Avenue Bond Project delayed amid holdup with planned Union Pacific underpass

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Improvements to West 72nd Avenue paid for by a 2018 bond measure could be completed over two years behind schedule, according to Arvada Civil Engineer David Bernard.

A “slog” in the process of working with Union Paci c to build an underpass at the railroad crossing holds up the nal phase of construction, Bernard said.

At the March 25 Arvada City Council meeting, Bernard provided an update on the 72nd Avenue Bond Project, while the rst two phases of construction — utilities infrastructure and road widening work from Swadley Court to Oak Street, respectively — are mostly complete, the nal phase of construction is held up.

Late 2027-2028 completion date set; project was originally supposed to wrap in 2025 SEE

Spice Room set to open Arvada location this month

Soft opening at the top of the month will be followed by a grand opening roughly two weeks later

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Arvada dining scene is about to get spicier, as Spice Room prepares to open its Arvada location in early April with a take-out-only soft opening.

e restaurant — located on the corner of Ralston Road and Wad-

sworth Boulevard in the old Steuben’s building — will open for full service two weeks after the soft opening, Owner Kal Plant said. e location will be the Indian restaurant’s third franchise; the rst two are in Denver.

Plant said he opted for the staggered opening schedule because he wants to ensure the sta is up to speed and the food quality is up to par. He added that he became interested in the location when it came up for lease a few years ago, but his interest was piqued when the former diner went up for sale.

PHOTOS COURTESY KAL PLANT

The restaurant will hold a soft opening just for takeout options before moving for full service a couple of weeks later.

Spice Room moves into the former Steuben’s on the corner of Ralston Road and Wadsworth Boulevard.

SEE SPICE ROOM, P20

New Law: Landlords Can’t Refuse to Rent to Tenants Who Are ‘Rent-Burdened’

A long-term “rule of thumb” has been that one shouldn’t have to spend more than 30% of their income on housing, but a legislative bill signed into law last June stipulates that landlords cannot refuse to rent to a tenant for whom their monthly rent would equal up to 50% of their income.

The National Council for Credit Counseling (www,nfcc.org) says, “The general rule of thumb is that housing costs should be no more than 30% of your gross income. This includes rent or mortgage payments; homeowner association fees; and utilities like gas, electricity, water, and internet.”

to the refused tenant.

The bill in question, SB23-184, is titled “Protections for Residential Tenants.” It states that “A landlord may not require a prospective tenant to have an annual income that exceeds 200% of the annual cost of rent.” That’s another way of saying 50% of one’s annual income. And that figure does not include utilities in that 50%.

A violation is also an unfair housing practice subject to enforcement by private persons, the attorney general, and the Colorado Civil Rights Division. A violation carries an initial penalty of $50 payable to the applicant, and failure to cure (i.e., accept the tenant’s application) carries a $2,500 penalty, again paid

This new law not only has small landlords upset, it also has some tenant advocates upset. They point out that HUD doesn’t allow renters to be “rent burdened” over 30%. HUD says on its website that the 30% rule is “meant to protect low-income households from extreme rental costs. High housing costs and high prices for basic necessities place a greater burden on poor households living in metropolitan areas. Measures of affordability should be reassessed to ensure that policymakers are decreasing rental burdens for poor households.”

Public housing authorities nationwide are prohibited from charging more than 30% of a tenant’s income for rent under federal fair housing laws.

Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver bases mortgage payments on 30% of the homeowner’s annual salary at time of applying for a Habitat home and does not increase the payment if and when the homeowner’s income increases.

On its website, HUD acknowledges contrary opinions about the 30% rule, noting that 30% of a $500,000 income leaves sufficient funds for other household costs, whereas 30% of a $20,000 annual income does not.

Rather than measuring affordability using a rent-to-income ratio, Michael Stone of the University of Massachusetts Boston recommends a residual income approach, which measures cost burden by calculating the money a family has left for housing after other expenditures such as food, clothing, and medical costs are taken into account.

SB23-184 has other landlord-tenant provisions. It prohibits charging more

than twice the monthly rent for a security deposit, and it allows an existing tenant subject to an eviction action, irrespective of the percentage of income paid in rent, to assert as an affirmative defense that the landlord violated fair housing laws by evicting him/her.

I have no opinion about whether SB23-184 was a good idea. There will probably be more debate about it in coming months. What’s your opinion?

Houzz Report Shows Increase in Home Renovation Spending

With sellers and buyers both sitting on the fence more than usual, thanks to increased mortgage rates, it’s not surprising that both are investing in improvements of their current home, and that’s reflected in this year’s home renovation trends report from Houzz.com.

Here are some of the key findings in their 2024 report published last week based on 32,615 website users, including 17,713 home renovators, who participated in a survey regarding their 2023 spending.

The median amount spent on renovation in 2023 was up 60% from 2020 to $24,000. The median spend in the 90th percentile was up 77% to $150,000.

In just one year, the percentage who financed their project using credit cards surged 9 percentage points to 38%.

Distressed Commercial Real Estate Loans a Red Flag for Residential?

It’s no secret that commercial real estate has been in trouble with the shift to at-home work following the pandemic’s abatement. The vacancy rates in office buildings is still too high for some landlords to meet their financial obligations.

The numbers behind that trend were released last week by Bloomberg, which wrote about stressed collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) which bundle debt that would be considered too speculative for conventional mortgage-backed securities (MBOs). You may recall that MBOs full of sub-

prime loans were central to the collapse of the housing market in 2008, triggering the “great recession.”

Below is a chart published by Bloom-

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

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

berg, which wrote: “In just the last seven months, the share of troubled assets held by these niche products surged four-fold — rising by one measure to more than 7.4%. For the hardest hit, delinquency rates are in the double digits. That’s left major players in the $80 billion market rushing to rework loans while short sellers ramp up attacks on publicly-traded issuers.”

Many leveraged properties can’t be sold for what they owe their lenders.

Gen Xers edged out Baby Boomers, as they did last year, with a median spend of $25,000 vs. $24,000. When it came to big projects, the top 10% of Gen X renovators had a median spend of $180,000 compared to $131,000 for Baby Boomers.

The most commonly renovated room continued to be the kitchen, followed by guest bathroom, primary bathroom and living room — 29, 27, 25 and 21 percent respectively. The median kitchen project cost $24,000 (up 20% over 2022), and median bath project cost $15,000 (up 15% over 2022).

Archive of Past Columns Is Online

Over the past two decades this column has appeared in the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate, You can search that archive, listed by headline and downloadable with a single click, at www.JimSmithColumns.com

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DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835

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Distressed Commercial Real Estate CLOs

Phase 3 of the bond project encompasses widening roadwork from Oak Street to Kipling Street, which includes the proposed railroad underpass at the currently-atgrade crossing at the 72nd Avenue and Oak Street intersection.

Bernard said the City of Arvada has been working with the Union Paci c Railroad for years, but the Construction and Maintenance agreement between the two parties still needs to be reached — a process that could take six months. He added that the Public Utilities Commission agreement also needs to be nalized before work can begin.

“We have to have those in place before we can begin construction,” Bernard said.

Because of the holdup, Bernard said construction could potentially

begin as late as 2025 — when the project was initially slated to be completed.

“ e railroad has to do their own work with the contractor to get the temporary crossing up and running so that we can build the bridge,” Bernard said. “We’re looking at the beginning of 2025 (for work to start) at this rate.

“We’re continuing to slog through

this long public process that the railroad has when they make changes to their property,” Bernard continued.

City Manager Lorie Gillis took a more dire tone, noting to council that the city team would advise them on possible action they could take soon, including talking to state legislators and other stakeholders.

“We are in no way where we need

to be with the railroad,” Gillis said. “ e team has been tenacious, but I need to be clear; we are not where we need to be, and we will likely need additional support and will let you know what that is. But we need to be moving, and they need to be moving faster.”

Bernard noted that the project itself has more tough-to-navigate aspects, including the railroad crossing, than other bond projects undertaken by the city around the same time, such as the recently completed Ralston Road project.

“We’re looking at 2028 to late 2027 for this project to be fully complete,” Bernard said. “And this is a lot more complex project compared to similar projects in the area that have been done over the years.”

A community meeting to discuss the project is scheduled for April 10 at the First United Church of Arvada at 7195 Simms St. e meeting is an open house and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Colorado Schools to receive $11.4 million for youth vaping prevention

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Colorado schools are poised to receive $11.4 million to combat the youth vaping crisis. e funding comes from a settlement between the state attorney general’s o ce and ecigarette manufacturer Juul Labs, Inc.

“Colorado has a youth mental health crisis that has fueled a vaping epidemic,” said Attorney General Phil Wieser in a press release. “ ese funds will support solutions and pre-

ventive measures that will help our children to make informed and better decisions about their health and wellbeing.”

e deal ends a lawsuit Weiser’s o ce led against Juul in 2020 for targeting young people in its marketing and misleading them about the health dangers of using its products. Juul settled with Colorado, along with several other states that joined the e ort, in 2023 for $462 million. Colorado’s share was $31.7 million.

e Colorado Department of Law

and the Colorado Department of Education will disburse $3.8 million annually to local K-12 education providers beginning next school year and ending in 2027. Weiser said his o ce is excited about the partnership and for the opportunity to ensure all Colorado schools can access and invest these funds.

“ e new Vaping Education Prevention Grant provides much-needed resources for our school districts and boards of cooperative educational services to support students in

learning about making healthy and responsible choices,” said Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova.

According to a press release from the Colorado Attorney General’s ofce, schools receiving the grant must incorporate all or some of the following criteria:

• Address the youth vaping crisis through education, prevention, and treatment

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• Provide professional development opportunities for school sta

• Increase family and community involvement in promoting healthy lifestyles and choices for students

year data is available, 16% of Colorado youth report using a vape daily. is percentage signi cantly decreased from 2019, when 26% of Colorado youth reported daily vaping. e portion of youth who said they’d ever vaped decreased from 46% in 2019 to 30% in 2021.

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“Youth vaping is a concerning issue,” said Chelsea Andrews, CDPHE’s tobacco communications specialist. “CDPHE is actively supporting communities in their efforts to limit children’s and youth’s exposure to tobacco advertising and access to tobacco through its State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership grant program.”

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• Include activities and programming that incorporate youth voices and are culturally responsive.

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• Adopt or enhance comprehensive vaping and drug prevention policies that include ENDS and move towards student-centered alternatives to suspension approaches.

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Colorado teen vaping rates

According to the 2021 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, the latest

Despite some positive downward trends in youth vaping, the percentage of youth who tried vaping before the age of 13 rose from 13% in 2019 to 22% in 2021 and the percentage of students who use vape products because they are avored increased to 23%.

e Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment conducts the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey in the Fall of odd-numbered years. e 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey results will be available this summer.

Andrews said the department encourages parents and trusted adults to discuss vaping with young people. More information about how to start these conversations is available at https://www.tobaccofreeco.org/.

In addition, Andrews said that young people between ages 12 and 17 can access free, con dential support to quit smoking or vaping by texting “Start My Quit” to 36072 or visiting www.mylifemyquit.org for more information.

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City of Arvada launches new podcast

“Inside Arvada” will delve into upcoming happenings

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ere’s always something happening in Arvada, and a new initiative from the city team aims to help keep folks in the loop. “Inside Arvada,” a podcast designed to help you stay up to date on everything Arvada, debuted on April 3.

e podcast is hosted by Arvada’s Communications Manager for Infrastructure Katie Patterson and the city’s Communications Manager for Vibrant Communities and Neighborhoods Sean Star.

Episodes will feature guests from different departments within the city and will be released every other Wednesday on all major podcast streaming platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon).

“Inside Arvada” will feature “humancentered storytelling about the unseen and untold work happening at the city,” according to Star, and will tackle complex topics including sustainability, development, transportation and water resources.

Adelle Burton, Arvada’s manager of special events, will be the rst episode’s guest. Burton is set to discuss the upcom-

ing Arvada Kite Festival — set for April 14 — among other topics.

“ e City is always looking for new and innovative ways to share information with our community about the services, programs and projects we are working on,” Star said. “A podcast is a great information-sharing tool since it is free, accessible and convenient.

“We will be able to bring on the many of the people who manage those e orts so our listeners can hear directly from the people behind the scenes who serve our community,” Star continued.

Episodes will start with an interview with that week’s guest, followed by a “lightning round” of questions designed to get to know the guest more on a personal level. Episodes will conclude with answering questions from listeners, previewing upcoming episodes, and talking about other happenings in the city.

A publication of

Upcoming topics include Majestic View Nature Center, transportation updates about 72nd Avenue, the pavement program and the city’s Transportation System Plan and Arvada’s 120th anniversary — taking place this fall.

“It’s a lot of fun to brainstorm topics and have conversations about the di erent types of work that City team members do,” Patterson said. “I’m excited to continue to learn more with each episode alongside our listeners.

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e format was something we spent a lot of time guring out,” Patterson continued. “We want to make sure it’s something that holds value for our community members but is still digestible to the typical listener.”

e podcast can be found at ArvadaCO. gov/Podcast. Community members are invited to share feedback about the podcast and ask questions to be answered in the concluding segment at podcast@ arvada.org.

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Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Arvada Press

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Je erson County, Colorado, the Arvada Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 3540 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen, CO 80439.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Arvada Press, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

‘Inside Arvada’ podcast host Katie Patterson (left), the program’s first guest Adelle Burton (center) and podcast host Sean Star (right). PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF ARVADA

Je co Clerk and Recorder

fights title fraud with new online service

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Je erson County Clerk and Recorder’s O ce is addressing homeowner concerns of title fraud with a new service. e Recording Noti cation Service is provided by the clerk’s o ce to help homeowners protect against title fraud.

e National Association of Realtors calls them “title pirates.” e association describes title fraud as an act by an entity to record a “fraudulent or forged deed or other similar document” that appears to claim title to a property.

Despite the nickname, Je erson County’s Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez said that title fraud is not a common crime. However, it is one that warrants more protection for county residents.

“While title fraud is rare, it is possible, and I want homeowners to have every opportunity possible to proactively protect themselves,” Gonzalez said. “Our new Recording Noti cation System is an easy way to ensure you’ll be alerted to any attempts at it.”

The Je erson County Clerk and Recorder’s O ce is o ering a new system to protect homeowners from title fraud. The system is free to Je erson County residents and only works for county residents.

e system works by alerting the enrolled person when a document is recorded in Je erson County. e system alerts the person names and also names variations added to the

SCREENSHOT FROM THE JEFFCO CLERK AND RECORDERÂS OFFICE

alert system. According to the system FAQs, the enrolled person will also receive a link to view the document recorded. If it is fraudulent or forged, the are steps to take to re-

port and rectify the fraud.

Sarah McAfee, chief communications and engagement o cer for the Je co Clerk and Recorder explained that the RNS is needed because her o ce only records. e nature of the recording does not support fraud checks. According to McAfee “bad actors” take advantage of the recorder’s role. She explained that the result could be a legal document on record that does not belong to

According to Gonzalez, Je co’s senior population is often the target of these scams when they do happen.

“We know our older adult community members are at a higher risk for being taken advantage of nancially, and that family members are often the ones looking for ways to prevent them from being harmed,” Gonzalez said. “You can sign up for alerts not just for yourself, but to monitor on behalf of a parent or other loved one, too.”

Signing up for the service is easy and free for Je erson County residents. For more information, visit the Title Fraud page on the Je erson County website.

Preserving a traditional Mexican craft

Guadalupe Hernandez creates papel picado art during residency in Denver

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Guadalupe Hernandez was born in 1993 in San Miguel de Allende, which is located in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. At 5 years old, he and his family relocated to Pleasanton, Texas, a town south of San Antonio.  But each winter celebration season, they would return to Mexico to attend weddings, baptisms and ornate parties. It was during these trips that Hernandez recalls see-

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ing rows and rows of colorful papel picado hanging across rafters. He remembers seeing the ornate papers swing around the nativity during Christmastime. He vividly remembers it hanging along storefronts and streetlamps during festivals.

It was these childhood memories, and his desire to connect to his home country, that led him to explore the traditional Mexican handicraft of papel picado.

“I began creating papel picado in 2020 during my graduate school program at Houston Christian University. I incorporated it into my thesis exhibition,” said Hernandez. “I began to create the images that were in my paintings. As I dove deeper, I fell in love with it and its history.”

Papel picado is a Mexican folk art tradition that involves a series of chiseled cuts and punches into delicate tissue paper. e remaining paper and associated negative spacing creates an ornate design.

“When I started to look online, I realized that a lot of the available papel picado was mass produced,” Hernandez said. “After this realization, I began to experiment with paper cutting.”

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Hernandez, a longtime painter, creates large-scale papel picado that mirrors his previous paintings. Simple traditional designs typically take him three to four hours to make, while portraits that are more intricate can take him up to 200 hours to complete.

“La Pesqueria” by Guadalupe Hernandez. Hernandez is the current resident artist at the Art Students League of Denver. He will have an exhibition of his paintings and papel picado art running from April 26 to June 1. COURTESY OF GUADALUPE HERNANDEZ

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CRAFT

“I have a lengthy artistic process when I make picado papel. I start with a painting, and from there, I draw inspiration for the paper designs,” Hernandez said. “To make papel picado, I layer sheets of Kozo paper (Japanese ber-based paper). It is super thin and has beautiful texture. Because of the bers, it holds up to many intricate details and abuse of punching through the paper.”

Hernandez is the current resident artist at the Art Students League of Denver. He began his stint at ASLD in October 2023 as a Visiting Artist of Color Resident. He is the third participant in this residency program. His residency will culminate with an exhibition of his paintings and papel picado works at the ASLD, which opens on April 26 and runs through June 1. An opening reception will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. on April 26. e ASLD o ers free entry to its exhibits, and the opening reception is free and open to the public.

ASLD launched its Visiting Artist Series in 2003, and added a residency program with a focus on artists of color in 2021. is program was developed out of a desire to concretely combat the inequity of opportunities for artists of color and thereby enrich Denver’s art scene. e program, which has featured ceramicist Kevin Snipes and photographer/ lmmaker/dancer Natalia Roberts, provides resources –including studio space, housing and a stipend for arts materials – nancial support, and enough time to immerse

oneself in the community while also

“ e world of artist residencies is historically inaccessible and even unwelcoming toward artists of color,” said the ASLD’s executive director Rachel Basye. “ASLD utilizes the tools and resources we have available to concretely combat the inequity of opportunities for BIPOC artists. By encouraging racial equity and diversity, we are helping to create a thriving arts ecosystem and enriching Denver’s art scene.”

In addition to his papel picado works, Hernandez focuses his artistic practice on the immigrant experience that re ects on his own life. His exhibition series is based on the experience of his four older brothers who worked tirelessly to provide for him and his family. It will also explore how immigrants are oftentimes viewed as labor, taking on hidden jobs within elds like construction and the service industry.

“I want to bring attention to the artisans who have been working to produce and preserve this art form. Unfortunately, without any history or context, it has become just a product to most people,” said Hernandez. “One of the biggest reasons why I make art is representation. It’s important for people to have artists represented that look like them.”

e exhibit featuring Guadalupe Hernandez will take place from April 26-June 1 at the Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St. To learn more about the Art Students League of Denver, visit asld.org. To learn more about Hernandez and his work, visit guadalupehernandezart.com or on Instagram: @lupehernandez_art.

Guadalupe Hernandez during his residency at the Art Students League of Denver. COURTESY

Every year, Denver Film hosts the Women+Film Festival, a particularly special event that shines a much-deserved spotlight on stories told by and about women.

A full range of storytelling at Women+Film Festival COMING

is year’s event features 13 fulllength lms and a shorts program. It opens on Wednesday, April 10, and runs through Sunday, April 14, at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. We connected with Ambriehl Turrentine, programming manager for Denver Film, to talk about the festival, some highlights and more.

Interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Tell me about this year’s festival?

I’m probably most excited about how all-embracing the festival will be. We have a strong variety of perspectives and topics that the festival will cover through our lm programming, as well as through our panel discussions and special events. ere truly is something for everyone at this festival.

What are some of the lms you’re excited about?

We have two incredible documentaries bookending the festival. In addition to a reception, Opening Night will include a presentation of the Sundance-screened lm “Every

ALittle ing,” directed by Sally Aitken. It’s an intimate story about Terry Masear, a woman who rescues and rehabilitates hummingbirds, and it’s ultimately a celebration of compassion. Our Closing Night lm, “COPA 71,” is about the rst Women’s World Cup in 1971, which was an incredibly popular event but has since been written out of o cial sporting history.

We’ll also be hosting Q&As with lmmakers after select lms, which will provide audiences with time to discuss these lms directly with their creators.

Tell me about some of the other activities the festival is hosting this year?

We’ll be hosting two panel discussions led by community leaders from a variety of backgrounds. e rst panel is Rede ning Reproductive Rights, Health and Justice, which will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13. Our second panel will be at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 14, and is titled Sexism to Solidarity.

At 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12, we’ll

be hosting Women in Film & Media Mixer, presented by Women in Film and Media Colorado. We’ll also host Film & Flow Yoga on Sunday, April 14, and that same day will be our annual Women+Film Marketplace, which will feature handmade art, wellness products, jewelry, and more - all from locally women-owned small businesses.

What do you wish more people knew women in the lm industry?

While statistics still reveal that women are underrepresented in many lm industry-related elds, I’d love for people to understand why that is. It’s important to analyze the conditions that create demands for more female representation in lm. I’d also love for more people to understand that women in the industry are not a monolith. Not all women face the same challenges, and this festival tackles questions on what these challenges are, who — speci cally — is most impacted and why they’re impacted.

What do you hope attendees come away with?

I hope they’re entertained, engaged and energized by the nuanced stories we’ll be sharing during the festival — through lm, our special events, and our panel conversations. I hope attendees use these stories to analyze

their own conditions and the world we live in, then decide as individuals how best to participate in the quest for a better, more equitable future for all.

e full schedule and tickets can be found at https://www.denver lm.org/

Castle Rock Hosts Second Film Festival

e Women+Film Festival isn’t the only festival going on in the metro area in April. e second annual Castle Rock Film Festival will be held from ursday, April 11 through Saturday, April 13, at the eatre of Dreams, 735 Park St.

ere will be four lm categories recognized at the event: documentary, short lm, experimental and music video. e festival is supported by the Castle Rock Artist Alliance and all pro ts and donations from the event go to the alliance’s Veteran Art erapy Program.

Get tickets and more information at https:// lmfreeway.com/castlerocklmfestival/tickets.

Chieng Brings New Show to Denver

If you’ve watched “ e Daily Show” at all over the last decade or so, then you know the work of comedian Ronny Chieng. He’s one of the funni-

Black bears: From hibernation to hungry encounters

s black bears rouse from their winter hibernation, typically in April, a pivotal phase unfolds, marked by their gradual awakening and the necessity to kickstart their metabolism. During this period, bears actively seek tender new vegetation emerging in spring, gradually shifting their diet to include grasses and other greenery—vital for revitalizing their systems. As the season progresses, the forest becomes abundant with young and vulnerable wildlife, o ering an additional source of nourishment for these omnivores. is sets the stage for heightened bear activity as they navigate their surroundings in search of sustenance, impacting both natural habi-

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tats and human settlements. Understanding and addressing this phase in the bear’s annual cycle is crucial for e ective wildlife management and con ict prevention.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife shoulders the responsibility of managing black bears. In 2023 alone, CPW district wildlife managers, also known as wildlife o cers, responded to over 3,500 bear-related calls and complaints, underscoring the signi cance of wildlife manage-

ment in their responsibilities. With well over 100 wildlife districts in Colorado, the substantial time dedicated to bear and lion management becomes evident. Bear-related issues, ranging from trash and bird feeders to livestock depredations, car breakins, and dwelling or garage break-ins, including attacks, are often rooted in the food sources that attract bears. Addressing these underlying causes becomes imperative.

Renowned for their intelligence and perpetual hunger, bears encounter challenges nding food as they emerge from hibernation, initially targeting tender vegetation and subsequently transitioning to hunting young wildlife such as deer fawns

and elk calves.

In times of abundant natural forage, bears are less likely to turn to arti cial food sources. However, during food shortages, bears become more creative, venturing into human settlements for calories. Requiring 20,000 calories a day to survive winter, bears are driven to high-calorie locations, such as houses, alleys, and trash dumps, despite the increased risks.

e root cause of bear issues lies in human behavior rather than the bears themselves. Failure to diligently clean up attractants, like trash cans and hummingbird feeders,

Clarke Reader

exacerbates the problem. Seemingly innocent actions, such as leaving these items out overnight, can quickly escalate, turning a bear into a potential threat that breaks into cars and homes, posing risks to human safety. Most bear attacks are traced back to trash or attractants left out by individuals neglecting responsible practices.

Contrary to misconceptions, CPW values bears, and the di cult decision to relocate or euthanize “problem” bears arises from human actions. CPW wildlife o cers are dedicated to protecting the public and managing wildlife. Unfortunately, the necessity of euthanizing bears stems from learned behaviors caused by human actions. Addressing this complex issue requires public cooperation to nd viable solutions.

CPW grapples with two main challenges in addressing bear con icts: inadequate reporting of con icts and the public’s reluctance to heed CPW employees’ advice. Often, people only report bear con icts when it’s too late for preventive measures. Proactive public engagement is crucial to informing CPW about potential issues, such as problematic trash, before bear behavior escalates. Cooperation and understanding are essential for reducing con icts with bears and nding long-term solutions to this complex issue.

If you would like to get in touch with your local Wildlife O cer regarding wildlife violations, habitat projects, educational program opportunities,

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FROM PAGE 12

est correspondents on the program and he’s also got a booming movie career. He also happens to be a fantastic stand-up.

Chieng is bringing his latest stand-up show, “ e Love to Hate It Tour,” to the Paramount eatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in Denver, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5. Get tickets at www.paramountdenver. com/event-calendar.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Sampha at Summit e voice that emanates from the U.K.’s Sampha is di cult to de-

or other wildlife concerns and incidents, contact CPW’s Northeast Region Service Center during normal business hours at 303-291-7227.

If you would like to report a wildlife incident and it is outside of normal business hours, please contact Colorado State Patrol’s Non-Emergency Dispatch at 303-239-4501 or *CSP (*277), and a Wildlife O cer will be in touch.

If you would like to report a wildlife violation, on record or anonymously, please contact Colorado Operation Game ief at 1-877-COLO-OGT (1877-265-6648).

Contributors to this column included Wildlife O cers Jacob Sonberg, Scott Murdoch and Philip Sorensen; Area Wildlife Managers Mark Lamb and Matt Martinez; and CPW NE Region PIO Kara Van Hoose.

scribe. Much like his music, it can be quavering and quicksilver, but there’s an underlying majesty to it that can be fully unleashed whenever he wants. Last year’s album, “Lahai,” was one of 2023’s best — a moving meditation on parenthood that allowed the musician to blend gospel and soul with dance and funk.

In support of the album, Sampha will be stopping by Summit, 1902 Blake St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 8. He doesn’t tour much, so this will be a special show. Get tickets at www.livenation.com.

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

OBITUARIES

CAMPBELL

Betty Jean (Ringsby) Campbell

November 4, 1932 - March 23, 2024

Betty Jean Campbell, formerly Ringsby, aged 91, departed this world peacefully on March 23, 2024, at her residence in Arvada, CO, surrounded by her loving family. An active member of the First Christian Church and the Disciples of Christ Church, Betty dedicated herself to spiritual and community enrichment. She found her true calling in retirement, dedicating countless hours to volunteering at the Apex Community

Recreation Center and the Ralston House in Arvada. Born in Boulder, CO, on November 4, 1932, to Robert and Utulla Hu man, Betty’s legacy is carried on by her family: one daughter, two sons, ve granddaughters, two grandsons, six great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 5, at the Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife shoulders the responsibility of managing black bears. COURTESY OF CPW

Worth

Local Irish pubs keep tradition of Celtic culture alive

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, but luckily metro area residents can experience Gaelic culture any day of the year at local Irish pubs.

Irish pubs di er from the average sports bar or cocktail lounge, and not only because there’s guaranteed to be Guinness on the menu. A good pub is all about a welcoming and approachable environment, where patrons feel like one of the lads.

Colorado Community Media rounded up a few places to go for a pint and some shenanigans. Sláinte!

Nallen’s Irish Pub

1429 Market St., Denver

Nallen’s sells the most Guinness in Denver and it’s likely because the bar is known for the smoothest pour in town, per a trophy that proudly sits behind the bar.

John Nallen, an Ireland native who moved stateside in the ‘70s, said the secret to the perfect Guinness pour is patience.

“It’s a two-pour and you have to let it sit for a few minutes and then top it o ,” Nallen said. “We take the time to do it right.”

Nallen opened the bar with his family in 1992 and has since gained a reputation that’s led to hosting a number of celebrities, including Fergal Murray, who is a former brewmaster at Guinness, and musicians Toby Keith and U2.

e pub’s reputation has also

earned it a loyal group of regulars. Nallen said a comfortable and inviting atmosphere denes the Irish pub.

“ e local pub is kind of the living room of the Irish community,” Nallen said. “(Nallen’s) is a hang out place. ere’s no pressure.”

In addition to a variety of Irish whiskeys, the bar also has a selection of Irish creams, which it uses to make one of it’s signature drinks, the Shillelagh, a whiskey and cream mix. e drink is named after an Irish walking stick used by humans and leprechauns alike.

Landsdowne Arms

9352 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch

As Landsdowne Arms prepares for its 20th anniversary next year, it’s busier than ever, fresh o a record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day weekend for the restaurant.

“Post COVID, to have such a big weekend, even though we don’t stay open until 2 a.m. anymore, is really incredible,” Steven Gregory, general manager at Landsdowne Arms, said. “We’re glad for our regular families we have come in.”

Gregory said the restaurant offers a family-friendly pub experience that blends Irish and Latino culinary dishes, drawing inspiration from the mix of cultures on sta . For example, the menu features traditional sh and chips, as well as sh tacos made with fried cod.

Nallen’s is known for having the best Guinness pour in the area, having won a trophy for their pints. Nallen said it all comes down to patience.

PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD

PUB, P15

IRISH PUB

“We have great Irish food and a meld of Irish and Latino culture beyond the Irish fare,” he said.

Other specialties are the Reuben, a roast beef sandwich dubbed the Dubliner and the Irish whiskey chicken and mushrooms.

At the bar, Landsdowne Arms serves up more than 45 varieties of Irish whiskeys and scotchs. ey also have their own take on the Irish car bomb called the Left Hook, which uses Hard Chaw Irish cream instead of Bailey’s.

e space includes a rooftop patio and private library room with a replace for events.

Darcy’s Bistro and Pub

4955 South Ulster St., #103, Denver e sister restaurant to Landsdowne Arms, pub-goers will nd a similar vibe and menu at this location, which opened in 2002. Gregory said it’s a popular date night spot thanks to its cozy atmosphere.

“Couples often come in to split a sh and chips or a Reuben,” he said, Chef Jorge Garcia is known to add special menus for holidays, like Mardi Gras and Oktoberfest, as well as serving the classics. Specialties include bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and sh and chips.

e bar o ers a selection of more than 20 Irish whiskeys and scotch options, as well as a rotating taplist alongside the usual Guinness and Smithwick’s. On Wednesdays, the bar has Jameson, Tullamore Dew and Bushmills for $7.

When describing what de nes an Irish pub, Gregory joked “mostly Jameson.”

Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub

5686 South Sycamore St., Littleton

Located in the heart of downtown Littleton, Ned Kelly’s opened in 2009 as a “raggedy local spot,” as Megan Casey, operating partner at Ned Kelly’s, put it, before growing into the establishment it is today.

Casey said the pub is beloved for its friendly environment where everyone is a regular.

“It’s a ‘Cheers’-like establishment,” Casey said. “Plenty of chat and fun, and always a bit of shenanigans.”

e pub serves a small menu of pizza and snacks from Grande Station, but there’s nothing small about the

drink selection. Ned Kelly’s advertises having one of the widest-ranging liquor selections in the area and bar keeps who can make anything.

For the full taste of Ireland’s brews, try an Irish ight, which includes Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp and Kilkenny.

In its years in Littleton, Casey said Ned Kelly’s has seen countless great days, but one of the best each year is the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a nonpro t that raises money to support children with cancer by sponsoring head-shaving contests. is year, Ned Kelly’s St. Baldrick’s event raised over $90,000 for the foundation, the most of any Denver area participant.

“Our St Baldrick’s event is a proud day for us, every year,” she said. “It’s good to give back.”

Clancy’s Irish Pub

7000 West 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge

Clancy’s Irish Pub was established in 1973 and claims on its website to be Colorado’s oldest Irish Pub. Despite being around for over 50 years, Clancy’s still keeps things fresh.

Chefs Jeremy Ramos and Shon Guy released a new dinner menu at the start of the year, which includes a mix of scratch-made traditional Irish fare and unique dishes, like the Irish

e bar o ers more than 30 kinds of Irish whiskey and, of course, Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s on tap.

e 6,000 square-foot pub, hous-

ing four bar areas and two patios, frequently hosts live music, with music ranging from the expected Celtic style to bluegrass, blues and classic rock.

Every Tuesday the pubs hosts an open jam session for Celtic music where anyone can join in.

Castro, a corned beef and pastrami sandwich in the style of a Cubano. Classic corned beef and cabbage is served every Friday night.

John Nallen, owner of Nallen’s Irish Pub, pours a Guinness at the bar. Nallen said an Irish pub is commonly known as the living room of Ireland because of the camaraderie.

PHOTOS BY MCKENNA HARFORD

Highlands Ranch pub Landsdowne Arms serves up a twist on the Irish car bomb called the left hook which uses Hard Chaw Irish cream. The restaurant is also popular for Celtic fare, like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash.

Parents and pop ups work together

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We believe that a creative, learning environment staffed with talented people who want to grow and utilize the newest and best tools will result in a dynamic and successful culture that has a positive impact on our clients’ businesses and our community. Our brand is one of the most trusted in the communities we serve. We’ve built this reputation by providing award-winning news coverage and top-notch customer service, and by being engaged in our communities at all levels.

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Interested applicants can submit a resume and cover letter with references to VP of Sales and Advertising

Erin Addenbrooke at eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

arlier this year members of the Colorado State Legislature wisely introduced a bill aiming to prevent social media overuse among kids and teens.  e concern over the addictive lure of the Internet and personal devices on today’s kids is praiseworthy and justi able. A recent poll commissioned by Healthier Colorado reveals that 82% of those surveyed believe social media has a negative impact on youth mental health, and 75% said they would support a new law to restrict it.

As a parent coach and adolescent mentor for the past 18 years, I o er here a deeper dive into how family dynamics can greatly support the e ectiveness of pop ups.

First, the advent of “screens” is like nothing we’ve ever seen. Unlike family-oriented television programming that invites families to watch together, our personal devices are set up to keep users engaged for longer periods of time by any means necessary. Platforms like video games, YouTube, Rumble, and social media (TikTok, Snapchat, etc.) o er an enticing menu of “synthetic connectedness” that has conned a generation and ba ed parents across the globe.

e lure is dopamine, a chemical that acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. For example, when we exercise hard the body will give us a healthy dopamine response. Using screens activates the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine but does so with minimal effort on our part.  Unfortunately, in the place our children go for hours on end to get “likes” (short dopamine bursts), they instead get stuck

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

• Email your letter to kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s

GUEST COLUMN

Jason Denham

in loops of comparison or worse yet, bullied relentlessly at a level that often shocks and terri es parents, leading to depression and at times self-harm.

Parents can help immensely to reduce the time spent on screens by increasing the amount of time together working toward healthy connection. ere will, of course, be challenges along the way because the slow burn to good feelings is not as e ortless as watching a one-minute cute cat video. It turns out, however, that spending time with family members, making eye contact, and talking, is one of the easiest ways to create connections and one of the most grounding things we can do for one another.

A good beginning is to make time each day for “no phone zones.” ese may center around meals, where we face one another at the table, share eye contact, talk about what our goals might be, what’s coming up for today and how we can support one another even when we are not together. Brief check-ins will help nd out who they’re becoming, how they see the world, what they think is important. And how best to support them in becoming critical thinkers, responsible accountable young adults, who are not trapped by short- re unsustainable dopamine hits, meant to keep them glued, ignoring pop ups and looking for the next hit.

SEE DUNHAM, P20

newspaper.

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not be submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

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Thu 4/11

Neil Z at the Chart House @ 4pm

Chart House, 25908 Genesee Trail Rd, Golden

Surf Mesa: Red Rocks w/ Alesso @ 6pm

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison

Quinn DeVeaux @ 7pm

Savoy Denver, 2700 Arapahoe St, Denver

SICARIA: Chase & Status: Massive USA Tour @ 8pm

Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Welton St, Denver

Little Trips @ 8pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver

Fri 4/12

Rodell Duff @ 8pm Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, 1624 Market St, Denver

Tailspin @ 9pm Stay Tuned, 2162 Larimer St, Denver

Leon and the Revival @ 9pm BurnDown Denver, 476 S Broadway, Den‐ver

Sat 4/13

Harvested: Victim Of Fire Tour Kickoff @ 7pm

Seventh Circle Music Collective, 2935 W 7th Ave, Denver

Finn O'Sullivan: Mercury Cafe @ 8pm

Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St, Denver

Sun 4/14

TLooP Artist @ 11am

Roxy Broadway, 554 S Broadway, Denver

Acoustic Allman Brothers with My Blue Sky @ 6pm

Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Denver

Blackcat Zydeco @ 7pm

Little Bear Live, 28075 CO-74, Evergreen

Mon 4/15

Phil Mauro @ 6:30pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Nonpoint: The Million Watts Tour 2024

@ 6:30pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Meltt: Lost Lake Lounge @ 7pm

Low Hum @ 8pm

Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Tue 4/16

I Don't Know How But They Found Me @ 7:30pm Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Kenny Mason @ 8pm

Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Welton St, Denver

Wed 4/17

The Power of Communal Drumming. “Building Community, Healing Together” @ 12pm

Sculpture Park, 1345 Champa St., Denver

Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

b2

@ 7:30pm

Your Mom's House, 608 E 13th Ave., Denver

Jordan Yewey @ 6pm

Miners Saloon, 1109 Miner's Alley, Golden zachy @ 8pm

Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Jungle @ 11:15pm

Ogden Theatre, Denver

Vail Resorts says skier visits down

Numbers fall at 37 ski areas in North America

BY JASON BLEVINS THE COLORADO SUN

Skier visits are down 9.7% at Vail Resorts’ 37 North American ski areas so far this winter, with snowfall 42% lower than the start of the previous 2022-23 winter, when the company reported a record 17.2 million visits.

Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch called the start of the season “incredibly challenging,” but said improved snowfall — and a higher-than-usual percentage of the 2.4 million skiers who have already bought Epic passes and lift tickets but not used them — indicates visitation will rebound.

Despite the challenges with snow and declining visitation, Vail Resorts reported an annual 7.7% increase in earnings for the three months that ended on Jan. 31. e company reported $1.1 billion in revenue for those three months, a slight decrease from the previous season.  e stability of earnings and a small drop in revenues after a slow start to the season and declining visits re ects Vail Resorts’ overarching strategy to harvest 75% of its liftticket revenue from skiers who buy long before the snow falls. Before the emergence and proliferation of advanced purchase season passes and lift tickets in the late 2000s, a poor snow year and downturn in skier numbers would have dealt blows to bottom lines.

SEE RESORTS, P19

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We meet in person with extraordinary live music on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 10:30a.m. to noon at: Activity Options, 7401 W. 59th Ave., Arvada, 80003.

All other Sunday meetings are on zoom from 10:30a.m. to noon.

Please phone: 720-576-9193, or email: livingwaterspiritualcommunity@gmail.com

Our website is: www.livingwaterunity.org

To advertise your place of worship in this section, call Erin at 303-566-4074 or email

eaddenbrooke@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Skiers hike up towards Peak 8’s summit from the top of Imperial Express Superchair on Breckenridge ski area on Jan. 27 in Summit County. The ski area is owned by Vail Resorts.

PHOTO BY HUGH CAREY/THE COLORADO SUN

RESORTS

e Vail Resorts second-quarter report showed fewer skiers spending more on lessons, dining and gear at the company’s retail and rental stores. ( e company does not break out visitation or spending by individual resorts or even by state or region.)

“ ere is no sign they are pulling back on spending, but they are pulling back on visitation,” Lynch told investors, noting that she was anticipating a strong spring as conditions improved at its resorts in all its regions — the Northeast, California, the Rockies and Paci c Northwest.

Vail Resorts told investors to expect earnings between $847 million and $889 million on close to $3 billion in revenue for the scal 2024 year that ends July 31, which gives Vail Resorts an earnings yield of about 30% on its revenue. In September the company

told investors to expect earnings between $912 million and $968 million with a margin around 31%. In January, the company told investors that visits were down 16.2% compared to the previous season and estimated the year’s revenue would fall into the lower half of the September guidance.

e company reported access to $1.4 billion, with $812 million in cash on hand and $409 million in loan availability. e company reported $2.8 million in debt.

In November, Vail Resorts acquired a majority interest in the Crans Montana ski area in the Swiss Alps for $135 million. e company announced plans to invest $34 million in the resort in the next ve years and the resort is expected to deliver an additional $17 million in earnings a year. e purchase price was about eight times the resort’s expected cash ow, which is along the lines of traditional resort valuations over the years. (So Vail Resorts did not spend

crazy money on its second European ski hill.)

We don’t know how much Vail Resorts’ competitor Alterra Mountain Co. paid for its most recent acquisition, Arapahoe Basin, because the company is privately owned. One investment representative asked if Vail Resorts looked at acquiring Arapahoe Basin.

Lynch reminded the investor that Vail Resorts sold Arapahoe Basin in the late 1990s due to federal antitrust concerns with its purchase of Breckenridge and Keystone. Vail Resorts had a 20-year partnership with Arapahoe Basin before the ski area in 2022 ended its partnership that allowed unlimited access for Epic Pass skiers.

“It makes a lot of sense to us that Alterra appears to be pursuing a strategy that might be more similar to our strategy of an owned and operated model,” Lynch said.

Alterra Mountain Co. and Vail Resorts last week released prices for the

2024-25 passes, with annual increases around 8%, which is similar to the rate of increase in previous seasons. e Ikon Pass, with access to 58 ski destinations and April skiing for early-purchasers at several resorts including Steamboat and Winter Park, starts at $1,249 and the more restrictive Ikon Base selling for $869.

Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass is selling for $982 for 2024-25, with unlimited access to all 42 of the company’s ski areas, plus seven days at Telluride ski area and access to partner resorts in Canada, Europe and Japan. e company’s Epic Local is o ered for $731 with holiday restrictions and unlimited access to 32 ski areas. e company’s Epic Day passes sell for as little as $52 for non-peak days at 22 resorts to $129 for unrestricted access to all 42 ski hills.  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.

SPICE ROOM

FROM PAGE 2

“Renting, I feel like, is a waste of money,” Plant said. “I really wanted to go further in the Golden/Arvada area, because I’ve lived here for a few years before. I do like Arvada and how (the city’s) done for Olde Town Arvada too.”

DENHAM

FROM PAGE 16

What may surprise some parents is that in the process, we start pay-

e dining scene in the Olde Town area also attracted Plant to the spot.

“ ere’s a bunch of restaurants around and I feel like whenever there’s something happening, (Olde Town) is like the center of Arvada and our surrounding area,” Plant said. “And, since there is a big food scene, if someone is thinking about food, they’re most likely thinking about this area. Hopefully, they think about us when they think about Indian food.”

ing attention to how much time we are captured on our own devices, searching through texts and emails for work-related activities stealing from time meant for healthy attachments and connections with our kids. No matter who’s doing it, it has

Spice Room’s menu is primarily informed by northern Indian cuisine, but Plant mentioned that some menu items are inspired by travels throughout the subcontinent. e restaurant tries to cater to customers with a range of experience with the cuisine, Plant added.

“I want to be authentic,” Plant said. “Some items are a breeze for people who want to try or learn about Indian cuisine, some is as authentic as it can be. If someone comes in and says,

the same e ect: less connection with family members.

‘I’m scared, I’ve never had it,’ I just say, ‘Hey, these things will be very palatable for you.’ at way, they continue to try and journey to other things.”

Some of the unique items Plant highlighted are the jackfruit curry and the meatball butter chicken. He added that there also are a number of vegetarian options at the eatery.

Spice Room’s Arvada location is at 7355 Ralston Road and will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day.

pop ups do appear, you are there in spirit guiding.

Now that’s a POP UP.

I am thankful to our state leaders for their awareness and action. My experience tells me that your voice will be the most important ingredient to disengage your young people from the pull of their personal “echo chambers.”  Can you remember a time when your conscience was based on the conversations you had with your parents, if you were lucky enough to have had those conversations? Imagine for a moment that your voice is in your favorite young person’s head reminding them that there is another way to be connected that is deeper, richer, more meaningful than being in the online spaces, so when those

Jason Denham is the founder of Awakened Shadow Coaching (https://awakenedshadow. com/). He focuses on teaching parents to e ectively communicate and gives them an extensive tool kit for self-soothing and co-regulating with family members helping to deepen relationships. Jason uses a mixture of attachment coaching and the Hakomi method, a mindful body awareness approach, has over 20 years of experience as a coach, mentor, and wilderness therapy guide, and is a yoga, meditation, and Pilates instructor. He lives in Conifer with his wife Brittainy.

“My

Dakota Ridge sophomore throws gem against Vista Ridge

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LITTLETON — Facing three games over the span of three days, Dakota Ridge sophomore Matt Larmore knew his job March 28 when he took the mound.

“We are just trying to save our pitching with playing two more games back-to-back right after today,” Larmore said. “I just wanted to work as much as a could and go as long as I could.”

Larmore went the distance on the hill in a 7-1 home victory over Vista Ridge. e sophomore threw seven innings, giving up just four hits while striking out eight.

“We needed that to save our bullpen,” Dakota Ridge coach Je Legault said with the Eagles heading to Fort Collins to face the Lamkins on Friday and then Rocky Mountain on Saturday. “He (Larmore) is a battler. He got his experience last year as a freshman. He did what he needed to do today against a good, undefeated team.”

Vista Ridge (4-1 record) had its lone run come in the top of the third inning with an RBI double by senior Elijah Flores. After the only extra-base hit for the Wolves, Larmore held Vista Ridge to one hit over the nal four innings.

“I felt really good. Probably the best I’ve felt yet,” Larmore said after walking just one batter and retiring the Wolves in order over the nal three innings. “I’ve dealt with some minor injuries, but I feel great right now.”

Dakota Ridge (3-4) graduated four pitchers that each logged at least 20-plus innings each last season. Larmore is the only returning pitcher to throw doubledigit innings last year.

“I still remember my rst freshman game. I was scared to death,” said Larmore, who threw just over 22 innings last season with a 4.07 ERA. “Now, I feel like I can be a leader out there and set the tone.”

O ensively, the top of the order set the tone for the Eagles. Seniors Cole Ehlinger, Cade Collins and Carson Sauter combined for ve hits and scored ve runs.

“ e top of the line-up has to produce for us for sure,” Collins said. “When the top three get going, we are pretty good.”

Dakota Ridge did take advantage of a handful of defensive errors by Vista Ridge.

“We actually worked in practice yesterday on taking advantage of other team’s mistakes,” Legault said after the Eagles capitalized on the Wolves’ ve errors. “ en when we make mistakes to shut it down. at was our Achilles heel in Arizona. We would make an error and give up four runs.”

e Eagles scored a pair of runs in the rst and third innings to open up a 4-1 lead. Senior Jake Marquez had a single and scored in the fourth inning to add another run. Dakota Ridge took advantage of a pair of Vista Ridge errors in the sixth inning to grab two more insurance runs.

“We were just nding holes and doing whatever we can,” said Collins, who scored three times. “We forced them to make plays and got lucky a few times.”

For the second straight year, Legault has double-digit seniors. A lot of this year’s seniors don’t have a ton of varsity experience, but Legault sees that as a plus.

“ at is what makes it so fun,” Legault said of his 13 seniors. “ ey are so fun at practice and enjoying the experience. It is hard to get everyone in with 19 guys, but this group of seniors is so fun. ey have waited for two years to have their chance. ey are working hard and doing great.”

Dennis Pleuss is the sports information director for Je co Public Schools. For more Je co coverage, go to ColoradoPreps. com and CHSAANow.com.

Dakota Ridge sophomore Matt Larmore threw a complete-game victory over Vista Ridge on Thursday, March 28, at Dakota Ridge High School. The Eagles defeated Vista Ridge 7-1 in the non-league game.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Dakota Ridge senior Carson Sauter slides into third base during the Eagles’ 7-1 victory over Vista Ridge on Thursday, March 28, at Dakota Ridge High School.

Boxer Kenny Hill helps mentor fight Parkinson’s one jab at a time

Denver’s Tao of Boxing gym helps people combat symptoms of the disease

BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Kenny Hill was a troubled youth as he was growing up in Kansas. But one day, he met a man who turned his life around.

Butch Dillon and Hill got acquainted through the Boys & Girls Club, and the friendship grew when Dillon gave Hill an hourly gig detailing cars.

“He got me out of trouble,” Hill said of Dillon. “He inspired me to do better.”

Dillon and Hill remained close, the former serving as an adult role model and o ering advice as the latter grew up and eventually moved to Denver, earned a college degree and started a business.

In 2011, Hill was able to return the favor. Dillon had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. So Hill — a lifelong boxer who has garnered many accolades including threetime junior Olympic champion, a three-time Silver Glove champion and a Golden Glove champion — didn’t waste any time helping his

friend in the best way that he knew how.

“Boxing is the No. 1 exercise that combats the movement symptoms,” Hill said.

Hill traveled to Indianapolis to get certi ed to coach people with Parkinson’s disease through a nonpro t called Rock Steady Boxing, which

through a non-contact, boxingbased tness curriculum.”

Hill got Dillon set up with all the equipment, and every month, Hill designs a new boxing-based exercise routine for Dillon’s Parkinson’s symptoms.

“Taking instruction from Kenny (Hill) is just a joy,” Dillon said, adding that Hill is both enthusiastic and patient. “It has done wonders for living with Parkinson’s.”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that a ects a person’s muscle movement. While the disease itself is not fatal, its complications can be serious and greatly diminish quality of life. e most obvious motor, or movement, symptoms include tremors, slowing and sti ening movements.

“Half of boxing is footwork,” Hill said. is means participation in boxing can help with posture and balance. And likewise, using the arms for the punches and jabs in boxing also helps with the rigidity symptoms.

exists to “improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease

Ryan Ehtessabian, left, and Kenny Hill demonstrate how boxing can help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

PHOTO BY CHRISTY STEADMAN

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Aside from the movement symptoms that come with Parkinson’s, those living with the disease also suffer a wide range of non-movement symptoms that can include cognitive changes such as problems with attention, and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and apathy.

Boxing can help with some of the mood disorders – particularly depression -- because it provides people living with the disease with an outing.

“It gets them out of their head for a bit,” Hill said. “Someone is ghting the battle of their life, but they still leave here with a smile on their face.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 50%-80% of those living with Parkinson’s will eventually experience dementia as the disease progresses.

Boxing can also help with this, as the memorization work of learning a series of combination punches targets the cognitive symptoms.

“When they come in, they have doubts that they can do things, but when they walk out the door, they’re believing they can do them,” said Ryan Ehtessabian, Hill’s business partner. “It’s the little things – walking a dog or grocery shopping. ey can maintain an active lifestyle, even though they’re battling Parkinson’s symptoms.”

Tao of Boxing

Hill, 42, has been boxing since he

was a young child. Being smaller in stature than the rest of the kids his age – he is 5-foot and 6-inches as an adult — Hill got bullied and picked on in school. So his dad got him involved with boxing.

“It ended up being the best thing for me,” he said.

Hill had dropped out of school as a youth, but with the mentorship he received from Dillon, he eventually moved to Colorado and pursued higher education. While in college, he obtained a job at the YMCA in downtown Denver and worked his way up, eventually founding its boxing program and becoming the program’s rst Black director. Later, he obtained a job as the boxing director of the Denver Athletic Club.

Hill, now a master trainer and boxing coach — who trains UFC ghters, professional boxers and amateur boxers alike — opened Tao of Boxing, 4416 E. 8th Ave. in Denver, in 2015. e gym had been o ering the Parkinson’s and cancer boxing training for a while, but was able to get the nonpro t arm, Movement by TOB — which provides boxing training for people living with Parkinson’s and cancer – o the ground in March 2021. It is governed by a ve-member board, and the nonpro t status allows Movement by TOB to accept donations so that it can provide the training for Parkinson’s and cancer patients to those who need it at low or no cost.

“I’ve been given an opportunity,” Hill said. “I have the skill set, and I want to help others. Being able to better their lives goes a long way.”

Ehtessabian, who has been with

Tao of Boxing since 2018, recently moved to California and is opening a Tao of Boxing in Orange County. His grandfather had Parkinson’s disease when he died, and Ehtessabian expects Movement by TOB to be implemented in California as well.

“Boxing brings out a level of challenge,” he said. “And the bene ts that come from that are incredible.”

Dillon couldn’t be prouder of his friend Hill, he said.

Living with Parkinson’s disease for about 13-14 years now, Dillon continues to do the boxing-based exercises that Hill designs for him about four times a week.

“Boxing is a wonderful combination of training and friendship,” Dillon said.

Hill agrees.

“It’s about giving people a path,” Hill said. “Not my path, but their path.”

To learn more about Tao of Boxing, visit taoofboxing.com. To learn more about the gym’s nonpro t arm, Movement by TOB, visit movementbytob.org.

Editor’s note: April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. To learn more about the disease, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation’s website (a national organization) at parkinson.org or the Parkinson Association of the Rockies at parkinsonrockies.org.

Kenny Hill, left, and Ryan Ehtessabian, who are business partners and boxers, operate a nonprofit called Movement by TOB, which o ers boxing training to people living with Parkinson’s disease and cancer.

PHOTO BY CHRISTY STEADMAN