MORE EYES ON OLDE TOWN
stopped by Arvada just before the new year to present the city’s police department with a $56,000 grant that will allow the department to install a camera monitoring system in Olde Town.
30, meeting with Arvada Police Chief Ed Brady and Deputy Chief Todd Reeves in Olde Town, before presenting the department with a check that is part of the state’s Safer Streets initiative.
e Safer Streets Grant Program launched in 2024 and allows the state government to determine which municipalities are in need of grant funding to make their communities safer.
motely and provide intel to their counterparts responding to calls. Aside from APD’s body cameras, this is the rst widespread monitoring program targeted at Olde Town Arvada.
e impacts of the Safer Streets grant program has already been felt elsewhere in the state, as the city of Trini-
Je co Schools accountability committee charts path for inclusive education
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN
Je co Public School’s Equity Accountability Committee recently provided an in-depth update to the school board, highlighting its efforts to promote equity within the district. Formed during the 2023–24 school year, the committee’s goal is to identify systemic inequities and develop actionable solutions across sta ng, resources, programming and family engagement.
Superintendent Tracy Dorland opened the discussion by acknowledging the legacy of the late Riley Robert Hawkins, a longtime Je co teacher and equity advocate.
“Mr. Hawkins was a teacher in Jeco, a longtime teacher in Je co, and I know the (Ethnic Minority Outreach Action Team) cares deeply about his legacy,” Dorland said. “ e work he did for our community is why we are here today to discuss this topic.”
e presentation highlighted the committee’s foundational efforts, emphasizing that equity work is “both deeply complex and profoundly personal,” according to Tara Peña, committee co-chair.
“Equity is not a one-size- ts-all solution but a mindset and a journey requiring us to meet people where they are and honor their unique experiences,” Peña said.
Key progress and initiatives
down over the last two years, but we have to do a lot more. I look forward to building on this work with this new initiative, as well as our budget proposals that we call on the leg-
APD Public Information Ofcer Chase Amos detailed some of the other functionality the cameras will provide and said the infrastructure could be expanded in the future if phase one is successful.
County of Denver receiving three separate grants totaling over $1.4 million.
“We are committed to making Colorado one of the ten safest states and this builds on our work to reduce crime and make our communities safer by inspiring more action,” Polis said. “Colorado has seen violent and property crime go
“Stored footage will also be important evidence in the investigation and prosecution of crimes,” Amos said. “ e system is scalable, so if we nd the technology to be useful, and future funding allows, we intend to increase the number of cameras around Olde Town and eventually into other areas of the city.”
According to Peña, the EAC has structured its work around three main pillars: connection and community building, advancing learning and leading actionable change.
APD Deputy Chief Todd Reeves (left), Governor Jared Polis (center) and APD Chief Ed Brady (right).
COURTESY OF ARVADA POLICE
Polis visits Arvada, presents $56K
Legislators hear concerns over open meetings law
Current standard lets lawmakers keep their discussions secret
BY SARA WILSON COLORADO NEWSLINE
Government transparency advocates expressed their frustration with recent changes made to Colorado’s open meetings law during a public hearing on Dec. 30, though there is no guarantee the law will get amended again.
e Colorado General Assembly approved the change last March in an attempt to update the open meetings law for a world with email, cell phones and text messages, which did not exist when voters adopted the law in 1972. Sponsors and supporters also said the changes allow legislators to brainstorm and have informal conversations.
Critics, however, contend that the update allows for secret policy negotiations that fall outside of formal votes and committee hearings. is could deprive members of the public, they argue, of a meaningful view of how policies are formulated and instead allow public access only to formal votes without substantive discussion.
“As a watchdog, it’s important for the press to also have access to the work that you do — not just the public votes, but understanding how you reach your decisions. We’re concerned that (Senate Bill 24-157) weakens that ability and makes it easier for those discussions to happen in private,” Kevin Dale, the executive editor of Colorado Public Radio News, told legislative leaders on Monday.
e opportunity for public testimony before the end of 2024 was a requirement in the law. e Legislative Council has the power to consider changes on an annual
EDUCATION
Peña explained these pillars guide the committee’s mission to “disrupt the predictability of student outcomes” tied to factors like race, socioeconomic status and gender identity.
One of the committee’s signi cant accomplishments has been developing and piloting implicit bias training.
“Our approach to implicit bias is about doing your own work,” Peña emphasized, adding, “Internal change produces external results.”
Several groups, including the EAC, Jeffco’s cabinet, and the Ethnic Minority Outreach Action Team, have already received the training.
“We’ve received great feedback,” said Renee Nicothodes, chief academic ofcer, who co-leads the training. “Participants have shared, ‘I thought I knew what implicit bias was, and now I know. When I know better, I do better.’”
basis until 2026. e original law de nes an open meeting, which requires a notice and ability for public observation, as a gathering between at least two lawmakers to discuss public business. e update, which applies only to the General Assembly and not local public bodies such as city councils, rede nes public business as “introduced legislation” or “proposed legislation” prepared by the O ce of Legislative Legal Services and under discussion by a quorum of a committee and excludes “matters that are by nature interpersonal, administrative, or logistical or that concern personnel, planning, process, training, or operations.” Previously, the law de ned public business as the formation of public policy. at new de nition was the basis for the exclusion of reporters from Democratic caucus meetings over the summer that went over the possibility of a special summer session on property taxes. ere was no introduced legislation at the time of the caucus meetings.
“It was startling and disturbing to hear that journalists and the public were excluded from caucus meetings before the August special session on property taxes using the new de nition of public business. Caucus members were given copies of the tax proposal during meetings, but leaders told the Colorado Sun there really wasn’t a policy conversation,” said Je Roberts, the executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition.
Peña also said the committee has introduced initiatives to foster community trust. For example, the November meeting featured a storytelling exercise led by the Native American Education Program.
Collaborative work groups have focused on improving teacher diversity, enhancing family engagement and expanding equity-focused professional learning.
meetings that could contain policy discussion even if there are not introduced bills involved.
House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said that the August meetings had substantial conversation about the campaigns for and against a pair of property tax measures that were on the November ballot. e risk of those measures was the impetus for the special session, but the campaigns were not identied as public business.
Since then, McCluskie said House Democrats started posting notices for
According to Nicothodes, the teacher diversity group works on “pipelines for talent, recruiting strategies and retention of sta of color.” Meanwhile, the family engagement group aims to develop “better ways for engaging our more diverse families.”
Challenges and next steps
e committee also addressed ongoing challenges. Peña pointed to the di culty of shifting long-held beliefs and behaviors.
“Mindset and biases…can be challenging,” she said. “It requires the psychological safety necessary to do this work.”
Managing the scale of change within such a large district is another hurdle.
Peña also acknowledged that the pace of implementation can be frustrating for some but that it’s necessary to go slow to go far to work with intention.
Looking ahead, the EAC plans to roll out implicit bias training districtwide, starting with early adopter schools and central departments in February 2025.
e committee is also developing inclusive hiring practices and tools for applying an equity lens to policy revisions.
Both Dale and Roberts, as well as Colorado Press Association CEO Tim ReganPorter, want to see all caucus meetings subject to the open meeting law.
“Until such a change is made, we urge all caucuses to voluntarily adopt this standard as a matter of good faith and accountability,” Regan-Porter said.
It is possible that the Legislature will consider bills next session to address the open meeting issue.
“I do believe that we need to continue
to move forward in guring out how to — openly, before the people — craft the best policy possible,” Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Monument Republican, said. Lundeen voted against the bill this year. “We need to nd out how to do the public’s business in front of the public in a way that still preserves the fact that creating legislation is very relational.” e General Assembly reconvened on Jan. 8. is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
Board members expressed strong support for the committee’s work.
“ ese are the folks having the courageous conversations we need to achieve this important goal…o ering grace and space around sensitive issues without backing away from the challenges,” said board member Paula Reed.
“ is group is taking a clear-eyed look at our systems and the experiences of our diverse students, sta , and families to identify the ways we may not be living into these ideals so that we can correct
our course and move closer to our goals. ey do this by o ering grace and space around sensitive issues without backing away from the challenges,” Reed continued.
Je co’s Equity Accountability Committee updates the school board on recent initiatives. SHUTTERSTOCK
The Colorado state Capitol, pictured in 2023. FILE PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD
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Statistics Confirm That the Seller’s Market Evaporated by the End of 2024
Now that 2024 has ended, we can see quite clearly that the seller’s market created during the Covid pandemic is now a thing of the past. December was a particularly slow month in a year that saw a great increase in the number of active listings, but little or no corresponding increase in sales, plus some other negative metrics, as shown in the charts at right.
As always, I derive these statistics from REcolorado, the Denver MLS, within a 25-mile radius of downtown Denver instead of using the multicounty “metro Denver” stats reported by the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.
that there were now more homebuyers than homes for sale, which fostered competition and drove home prices to unforeseen levels. From the start of the pandemic in March 2020 until the Federal Reserve began hiking rates in March 2022, home prices grew 37%, per Case-Shiller.
All Charts Are for Last 5 Years
Expired Listings
The most obvious indicator of a slowing market is how many listings expire without selling, and that number reached nearly 3,000 in December, about triple the figures for the first two Decembers of the pandemic, 2020 and 2021.
The ratio of closed price to listing price is another key indicator of a seller’s market. It peaked at 106.1% in April 2022, but has been as low as 92.0% since then.
The median sold price has leveled off but is still higher this December than all previous Decembers. It’s just that sellers are still overpricing their homes when they first put them on the market, producing that lower ratio.
The median time on market stayed well below 10 days throughout the pandemic, but has risen steadily since the fall of 2022 and is at its highest level in recent history now — 39 days. The average days on market is at 56 days. This compares to 30 days and 47 days respectively a year ago.
A big factor in the real estate market is always the cost of mortgage loans. At right is a graphic from USNews that charts the impact of interest rates on home prices from 1987 to present. Here’s that website’s interpretation of the chart:
“In late 2022, home sales activity came to an abrupt halt when mortgage rates climbed from about 3% to above 7% in a matter of months. Buyers are still facing higher mortgage rates than they've seen in recent memory – on top of that, home prices are still staying stubbornly high after the pandemic housing boom. For many, especially first-time homebuyers who lack tappable equity, monthly mortgage payments have become too expensive at these new interest rates.
“The housing market is in a mortgage rate stalemate: Homebuyers are priced out, and homeowners are reluctant to sell and trade in their low mortgage rates.”
So what should we expect in 2025?
Whenever there’s a market slowdown, it produces pent-up demand later on. And I foresee that pent-up demand expressing itself this month and this year in a more balanced market. The big increase is inventory shows that sellers are accepting that interest rates
“With mortgage rates at 3% or even lower, more homebuyers could afford to enter the market in the early 2020s. Home sales activity picked up, but housing inventory was insufficient to keep up with demand. Decades of housing underproduction in the U.S. meant
will stay at present levels, so they are no longer waiting for them to go down before sacrificing their current low interest rate loan to purchase a replacement home. Likewise, I see buyers accepting current interest rates as the “new normal” and getting off the fence.
Open House at 2-BR Condo in Downtown Golden
New App Adds Neighborhood Politics to Criteria
Nearly one-quarter of Americans say local and national politics highly influence their decision about where to live, according to a recent survey from Realtor.com. In some age groups, that percentage is even higher.
“With both local and national politicians making decisions that impact daily life, both socially and fiscally, it makes sense that many would prefer to live in areas where the politics align with their own beliefs,” according to Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist.
Many of the respondents to a Realtor.com survey said their political views do not align with those of their neighbors, and 17% have considered moving for that reason.
That percentage was 28% for the millennial generation, who are also the most likely –at 33% - to report that their decisions about where to live are highly influenced by national politics. Among Gen Z respondents, 25% say politics influence their decisions, and among Gen X, it’s 21%. Only 16% of baby boomers felt that way.
Now a company called Oyssey has entered the home search business with an app that includes all the usual criteria plus neighbor-
hood politics — even block-by-block. Calling Oyssey an “app” minimizes the company’s intention, which is to replace Zillow as the go-to real estate search engine by providing more information about listings — including neighborhood politics. Currently, the app is sold to individual real estate brokers who can invite individual buyers to access it. It’s strictly a buyer’s tool, and brokers will still be using their current MLS for listing homes for sale. The idea is that Oyssey would replace buyer tools, such as email alerts, built into the MLS, and that the buyer agency agreements now required by the NAR settlement would be built into its functionality.
Ultimately, the company wants to partner with the nation’s MLSs to have their app be an included feature of that MLS instead of something brokers need to purchase on the side.
The app was introduced last month in south Florida and some New York cities, but should be available elsewhere, including Colorado, by the end of March 2025.
I am the first Colorado broker to have signed up for it when it comes to our market.
Condos in this building at 722 Washington Avenue (called Washington Station) are in great demand because of its location right in downtown Golden. This listing is Unit 201, which has a great corner location directly above the unit’s deeded parking spot. Moreover, the stairs to the parking garage are right next to the door to this unit. (There’s also an elevator.) This is a mixed use building, with commercial units on the main floor. The unit itself features an open floor plan, with slab granite countertops and cherry cabinets with handles, and an island with breakfast bar to complement the dining area. There’s a balcony outside the living room. It an all windows have mountain view. The bathrooms and kitchen have ceramic tile floors, and the rest of the unit has carpeting in like-new condition. There’s a 7’deep storage room and laundry closet with vinyl flooring. Take a narrated video tour at www.GoldenCondo.info, then come to the open house this Saturday, 11am to 1pm. Or call Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to request a private showing.
$650,000
Originally listed for $750,000, the price is now $100,000 less! There’s so much to love about this home at 7085 W. 32nd Pl.! For starters, it’s a handyman’s delight with an oversized 2-car garage that is heated and has 200 Amps of power, including two 240-Volt circuits! Also, one of the basement bedrooms has been converted into a sound studio with professional soundproofing such that neighbors and the people upstairs wouldn’t be aware of it! Altogether, including that studio with its ensuite bathroom, this home has five bedrooms and three full bathrooms. And it has a full-size bar with bar stools next to that studio in the basement that is to die for. Under the new state law, the basement could be adapted into a 2-bedroom/1-bathroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to provide extra income for the owner. To fully appreciate this impressive home, which has been owned and lovingly maintained by the seller for 43 years, take the narrated video tour at www.GRElistings.com, then come to the open house this Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or call Kathy at 303-990-7428.
NOTE: All prior “Real Estate Today” columns are archived at www.JimSmithColumns.com.
Jim Smith
Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851
Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401 Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727
BROWN, 303-885-7855
, 303-868-1903
Big Price Reduction on Brick Ranch in Wheat Ridge
So long to the shop atop the mountain
Customers, concessionaires bid farewell to gift shop at the Bu alo Bill Museum amid indefinite closure
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Over the decades, the gift shop and café at the Bu alo Bill Museum & Gravesite has been a haven for tourists and locals alike.
It was a quiet spot to relax and re ect, to sip co ee or hot chocolate while enjoying the views of Denver and the nearby foothills. It was a welcome relief for those who desperately needed some food or indoor bathrooms. It was also a fun spot to grab souvenirs so visitors could fondly remember their trip to Lookout Mountain.
It was, ultimately, a place of memories — good and bad, big and small, signicant and eeting.
Now, that haven is closed inde nitely. e Pahaska Tepee building, which housed the gift shop and café, closed at end of day Dec. 31. It was built in 1921 and has been run by the same family of concessionaires since 1956.
Denver Mountain Parks, which owns the site, plans to assess Pahaska Tepee’s condition and explore future programming opportunities for it.
Denver Parks & Recreation o cials have not said what those opportunities might be or when the building will reopen, whether on an interim basis or a
permanent one, but encouraged people to check its website for updates.
In the meantime, the museum and gravesite will remain open with its usual hours.
Bill Carle and his nephew Dustin Day said their family has been running the Bu alo Bill Museum gift shop for ve generations, since Carle’s grandma answered Denver Mountain Parks’ request for proposals in 1956.
By 2024, their family members had met about 80,000 people a year from all over the world. As Carle said, he and his family are leaving Lookout Mountain “with great memories but a bad feeling.”
Carle and Day said their family — the H.W. Stewart Company — wanted to continue its partnership with Denver Mountain Parks. However, the agency decided not to renew the agreement into 2025.
Day said the family would’ve been open to “an opportunity to adapt, overcome or step aside,” but there “wasn’t even a conversation” as Denver Mountain Parks seemed to make the decision unilaterally.
Now, Day and Carle said, they felt like they were letting the locals and the tourists down. ey expected Dec. 31 was going to be a di cult and busy day, with Carle adding, “I’ve had a wonderful life on Lookout Mountain. … It’s hard to leave.”
A place of memories
e H.W. Stewart Company has been concessionaires at major Colorado sites since 1893, when it started operations atop Pike’s Peak. After that, it served as concessionaires for several public sites
like Echo Lake Lodge, as well as private operations in Grand Lake and Estes Park.
For decades, Carle and Day said, Lookout Mountain served as a central location for family gatherings like Easter egg hunts and anksgiving dinners.
Carle, who’s lived on-site at Pahaska Tepee for 30 years, recalled several happy memories there, as well as stressful ones like shoveling several feet snow o the roof during the historic 2003 storm.
the views. ey said they were recreating what they did on the second-ever date two years ago.
e two have returned to the museum and gift shop several times to reconnect, saying it had become a special place for them and brought back that feeling from when they rst started dating.
However, he and his family members weren’t the only ones who had fond memories of Pahaska Tepee.
ornton couple Josh Martinez and Makayla Arellano sat in the café Dec. 30, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying
Arellano added how the sta members have been so sweet every time they’ve visited, and Martinez said the gift shop and café had a “homey and welcoming” feel, like a grandparent’s house. Plus, they said, it has the best hot chocolate.
Je co man sentenced to maximum term for desecration of Crown Hill Cemetery
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
John Wayne Belknap, 47, of Je erson County, was sentenced in late December to three years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for his role in vandalizing a mausoleum at Crown Hill Cemetery and stealing human remains.
e Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce described the sentencing in a social media post as an emotional conclusion to a case that profoundly impacted the local community.
e charges stemmed from an incident in October 2023, when deputies responded to a report of severe damage at the Wheat Ridge cemetery. According to the Sheri ’s O ce, “On October 11, 2023, we were called to Crown Hill Cemetery for a heartbreaking report: severe damage to a mausoleum, a crypt vandalized, and a body stolen from its nal resting place.”
Investigators quickly linked Belknap to the crime, arresting him just weeks after discovering the vandalism. He later pled guilty to charges of abuse of a corpse, criminal mischief and theft.
e court also considered time served
for additional misdemeanor charges when issuing the three-year sentence.
“ is unthinkable crime left our community in shock, but it also set into motion a commitment to justice,” a sheri ’s o ce spokesperson said in the social media post.
According to earlier reporting, investigators believed that Belknap entered the cemetery in the middle of the night and forced his way into the mausoleum and crypt. en, he pried open the casket to remove the remains.
e sheri ’s o ce stated in the post that “thanks to the relentless e orts of our JCSO Investigator, our Crime Scene Analyst and two Je erson County Deputy District Attorneys, the victim’s remains were returned to Crown Hill Cemetery and restored to their crypt with the dignity they deserve.”
e sheri ’s o ce described the sentencing as “an emotional day of justice.”
“ is case reminds us of why we do what we do: to bring peace, accountability, and resolution in the face of tragedy,” the sheri ’s o ce noted, praising the team’s dedication to pursuing justice. “Justice served. Closure achieved. is is what we do.”
On Dec. 30, concessionaires Dustin Day, left, and Bill Carle mark their family’s second-to-last day operating the Bu alo Bill Museum gift shop atop Lookout Mountain. Several generations of their family have run the shop since Carle’s grandma first won the bid to do so in 1956.
PHOTOS BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
SEE FAREWELL, P6
FAREWELL
Golden sisters Margot Plummer and Mary Meyers said they’ve been visiting the museum and gift shop every few years since 1948. ey’ve enjoyed the views and things they’ve bought there over the decades.
Plummer recalled one friend who loved the bison chili the café served so much, she made frequent trips up the mountain to eat it.
While plenty of longtime fans stopped by Dec. 30 to bid Pahaska Tepee farewell, others were newcomers.
Savanna Newland had traveled from Florida to visit relatives, and they made a trip up Lookout Mountain together. Newland had found some honey to buy, say-
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ing the gift shop “seems so cute” and was sad to hear it was closing.
Likewise, Arvada’s Jon Dunkle was in the café, drinking co ee and enjoying the view.
He said he was killing time while carshopping, and decided to nally visit the Bu alo Bill Museum & Gravesite after hearing about it for so many years. He didn’t realize the gift shop was closing, but bought himself a half-priced hat for the summer.
He said of visiting the site: “We’re lucky to live in a spot where you can still nd new stu .”
What’s next?
Starting Jan. 1, Denver Parks & Recreation would be evaluating Pahaska Tepee. e 104-year-old building requires a
thorough conditions assessment, spokesperson Holly Batchelder stated via email Dec. 30, as Denver o cials also evaluate “operational changes that reduce pressure on (the building’s) mechanical systems.”
She continued: “ e closure will facilitate historic preservation e orts and exploration of future programming opportunities that celebrate the diverse heritage associated with Bu alo Bill’s Wild West. Interim uses within the Pahaska Tepee building and surrounding site may be implemented depending on the condition and limitations of the space.”
As Lookout Mountain was the H.W. Stewart Company’s last concessionaire agreement, Carle and Day said they and their family members’ sole focus would be their private shops in Grand Lake and Estes Park.
Carle and Day were both frustrated Denver o cials were closing Pahaska Tepee with no formative plan for its fu-
ture. ey were worried it would end up like Echo Lake Lodge, where their family also had a concessionaire agreement that Denver Mountain Parks ended in October 2022.
Since then, the lodge has been closed.
In April 2024, Denver Mountain Parks told CBS News Colorado it initially planned to reopen the lodge by 2026 — its 100th anniversary — but wasn’t sure how feasible that would be.
Carle and Day described how, when facilities like that close, it’s di cult to reopen them and retake that spot in people’s consciousness. As they summarized: “Out of sight, out of mind.”
Whatever the future holds for Pahaska Tepee, or the Bu alo Bill Museum & Gravesite in general, Carle and Day thanked everyone they’ve met from Golden, Denver and beyond — whether they were visitors or employees.
“It’s been a treat,” Day said.
Carle added: “ is is what we do. … is is the greatest business you can be in.”
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Authorities investigating death of fired Je erson County Schools executive
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Washington County Sheri ’s O ce in Maryland is conducting a death investigation involving former Je erson County Schools Chief of Sta David Weiss, 47, of Morrison, Colorado.
A Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce spokesperson con rmed that JSCO was noti ed of Weiss’ death on Jan. 1 and that the sheri ’s o ce is investigating Weiss regarding possession of child pornography materials.
e o ce con rmed that it will continue the investigation despite Weiss’ death and that no further information will be released until it is concluded.
Weiss was abruptly terminated from his role with the Je erson County School District on Dec. 19 following a school board meeting.
e school district did not disclose the reasons for Weiss’s dismissal, citing an ongoing criminal investigation and law enforcement guidance. In a statement, the district said, “At the direction of Jefferson County Sheri ’s Department, we cannot share any further details at this time due to their open investigation.” Maryland authorities have released no additional details about the circumstances of Weiss’s death. e investigation remains ongoing.
On Dec. 30, Arvada’s Jon Dunkle looks out the window while inside the Bu alo Bill Museum gift shop and caf√©. The Pahaska Tepee building, where the gift shop and cafe are, was set to close indefinitely at end of day Dec. 31.
David Weiss PHOTO FROM JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
On Dec. 30, customers browse the merchandise inside the Bu alo Bill Museum gift shop. The Pahaska Tepee building, where the gift shop and cafe are, was set to close indefinitely at end of day Dec. 31. PHOTOS BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Golden hosts holiday potluck
Regulars and newcomers enjoy food and camaraderie on Christmas Day
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e stockings were hung by the motorcycle with care at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse on Christmas Day, with patrons in Santa caps snuggled up to the bar. A string of holiday bulbs twinkled over the bar, and a green-andred Harley Davidson light illuminated the pool table, covered for the day to carry out its seasonal role as a holiday bu et table.
Christmas Day at Golden’s most famous biker bar is a day for community. Each anksgiving and Christmas, the bar hosts a potluck as a thank you to its customers and the broader community.
is Christmas, Dirty Dogs sta provided ham, turkey, potatoes and rolls, and customers brought the rest. A steady stream of patrons carrying pies, homemade bread, deviled eggs and other food owed through the doors, lling the table with their contributions. A steaming tray of cray sh added an unexpected nautical touch to the celebration.
e event drew regulars and some newcomers to share a meal and enjoy camaraderie.
“I can’t pass up a home-cooked meal and the nice people,” said Denver’s Rich Wilson, a regular visitor who typically rides his motorcycle to Dirty Dogs.
“I’m here because it’s Dirty Dogs, and it’s Christmas,” said Texan Jaime Limas, a 10-year visitor to the bar who bakes bread and made rosemary garlic butter for the potluck. “ ey always do a good job here on the holidays; they do it for us that don’t have families around.”
Golden’s Dan Walstad, enjoying a rare day o from his seasonal job playing Scrooge and Santa on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, said he came “to get out of the house.”
“ ere aren’t too many places open today,” he said.
Denver resident Jo Deringer and her friend Keith Gurney of Golden decided on Dirty Dogs for Christmas a few days before the holiday.
“One of us asked the other, ‘What are you doing for Christmas?’” Deringer said. “We both said nothing. I said, ‘You want to do nothing together?’ So we’re doing nothing together.”
Rob and Brenda LaNite frequently eat lunch at Dirty Dogs, where Rob once regularly rode his motorcycle. It seemed a natural choice for Christmas Day.
“We like the atmosphere,” Brenda LaNite said. “It’s just a nice place.”
Mark Miklos and Rob Tompkins opened Dirty Dogs in October 2017. e bar has an indoor and outdoor stage and regularly hosts live music.
Miklos and Tompkins opened a second Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Sturgis, SD in 2018.
While Dirty Dogs is a regular stop for many area bikers, the owners pride themselves on o ering a family- and dog-friendly atmosphere.
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Rich Wilson of Denver, left, and Jaime Limas of Texas, both regular patrons at Dirty Dog Saloon, enjoy Christmas Day dinner at the Golden establishment. PHOTOS BY JANE REUTER
Golden resident Dan Walstad, who plays Scrooge on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, stopped by Dirty Dogs for Christmas lunch.
Bartender Sandra Reynolds hustled to keep up with orders at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse during the Christmas Day potluck, but smiled through it all.
The pool table transformed into a bu et on Christmas Day. Dirty Dogs supplied ham, turkey, potatoes, and rolls for the holiday potluck, with patrons contributing other items.
A positive outlook for the new year
It’s no secret that the world has seen its fair share of chaos and confusion in recent times. With constant upheaval, many of us have become conditioned to approach life with a sense of cynicism, keeping our guard up as a natural self-defense mechanism. It’s an understandable response when life throws curveballs, it’s easier to expect the worst and shield ourselves from disappointment.
But what if we chose a di erent approach?
Imagine if, instead of defaulting to skepticism or negativity, we intentionally shifted our initial reactions to focus on the positive. What if we looked for potential and opportunity rather than questioning, challenging, or seeking out aws? is isn’t about ignoring reality or pretending problems don’t exist. It’s about approaching life with trust, abundance, and optimism.
The glass is always refillable
WINNING
gue that it’s neither, it’s simply re llable. is perspective is powerful because it reminds us that our outlook isn’t static. We can choose how we see the world and, more importantly, how we respond to it. Choosing to see the glass as re llable requires vulnerability. It asks us to trust again, even when past experiences have left us burned. It means embracing a mindset of abundance, where we believe that goodness and opportunity are not nite resources but are available to us if we’re willing to look for them.
cause they lack merit but because the people evaluating them have experienced change fatigue. e skepticism isn’t rooted in the o ering itself but in an emotional exhaustion from adapting to constant ux.
But what if we approached these situations di erently? What if, instead of immediately looking for what’s wrong, we asked, “What’s possible?” is shift in perspective opens the door to creativity, collaboration, and innovation. It helps us see potential solutions rather than dwelling on the problems.
The courage to be vulnerable
Your inner strength is always there, even if you can’t see it
IWORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
We’ve all heard the debate: Is the glass half full or half empty? Some ar-
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
From scarcity to opportunity e shift from negativity to positivity starts with reframing how we perceive change and challenges. Too often, new products, services, or initiatives are met with harsh criticism, not be-
Response to homelessness requires give and take by everyone involved
I don’t disagree that there is an issue of homelessness in Denver metro. However, I do disagree with how communities are responding. If you look at Denver, their idea that everyone has the right to housing has only created more problems. Wouldn’t homeless from other areas in the metro area and/or the country be attracted to this incentive? Crime is up and Denver is struggling to bring in tourists. A few years ago, my nephew left a restaurant with a doggie bag from dinner and as we walked up and down 16th Street, he had several people approach him about his leftovers. In the end, it was easier to hand them over and try to enjoy the rest of our stroll rather than continue to be harassed.
I support organizations who assist the homeless population and believe that they can make a di erence. However, I believe that in doing so, there are requirements for both parties. In exchange for assistance, those people are willing to accept help to rid themselves of their addictions to drugs
Changing our outlook requires courage. Positivity is not about naivete, it’s about being brave enough to hope, trust, and believe in the possibility of good outcomes. It means lowering our defenses and embracing the idea that not every change or new idea will hurt us.
or alcohol. For example, Step Denver has several success stories in which men who walked in the door high on drugs and are now productive members of society – working, paying for housing, etc.
Jim
recently had the opportunity to drive to Colorado Springs from Denver. As I started down I-25 I was struck by the absolute beauty of the day. e sky was a rich crisp blue dabbed with trails of white telling the story of planes that had recently passed, and clouds, not pu y, more two-dimensional white ink blots that stood alone creating little shapes. In addition to the beautiful sky, I had a perfect view of Pikes Peak. e 14,000-foot mountain was covered in snow and against the blue and white background of the sky, it appeared utterly majestic.
is view of Pikes Peak graced my travels south as I passed Castle Rock and continued along. When I started up Monument Hill, I lost sight of Pikes Peak. It made sense that this would happen. Even though I was traveling closer to the mountain, the 7,300-foot altitude of Monument Hill naturally blocked the view. When I got to the top of Monument Hill, I began looking around trying to reorient myself to see Pikes Peak. I could not nd it. No matter how focused I was on nding the snowy behemoth, I could not nd it. It took several minutes before I could see little parts of the Peak again.
As ridiculous as it sounds, I panicked a bit when I could not nd Pikes Peak. As I drove along looking out my front and side window trying to nd the mountain, I kept thinking, “I know it’s there, why can’t I see it?” As any of you who have traveled that road know, eventually, I passed the mountains that kept it from my view, and once again could see Pikes Peak. ere was both relief and a feeling of ridiculousness surrounding me locating the mountain. I knew Pikes Peak was always there, but not being able to see it while being so close to it was… unsettling. On the way back to Denver I was re ecting on that experience, and it struck me that my moment of panic was not ridiculous but very human. ere are times when I am searching for my inner personal strength to navigate a dicult time and I lose sight of it, just like I lost sight of Pikes Peak. I can in my heart know that the strength is there, but I just cannot nd it. Losing sight of that strength generates fear for me. It makes me question my ability to navigate my days. at feeling leaves me o -kilter.
My guess is that you have also had that experience.
I believe when we nd ourselves searching for our inner strength, we need things to keep us connected to the memory of our power. at reminder might be a diary or a list of milestones, it might be a picture, or even a letter — anything that reminds our core that we have an indomitable strength inside us available to help us take another step. Reminders allow us to persevere even when we cannot see or feel that power. I never really doubted that Pikes Peak was there, I knew it had to be there, Mountains do not disappear! Your strength, your mountain, is the same way. is may be a week when you are struggling to nd your endurance. Don’t waver in knowing that it is there, it is as strong, as dominating as ever. It just might be out of view for a moment. Find a reminder of your strength and
In looking to Barbara Dray’s article and saying that temporary and permanent housing is the answer, I wonder whether existing shelters or programs are currently maxed out. Do the programs currently in existence not have additional capacity? Maybe I don’t understand what “Early College Location” provides, but I’m more interested in providing avenues for these people to nd jobs in industries that don’t require college education, such as construction, manufacturing, etc. ese industries contain high-paying jobs and have great need for employees. I am privileged in that I am not familiar with homelessness. But I still believe that everyone has options and that there are consequences to choices made. I am willing to provide assistance but there needs to be a give and take to those accepting assistance. It shouldn’t be just a handout. Nicole Wempe, Arvada SEE ROOME, P9
Roome
SEE NORTON, P9
EPA objects to another Suncor permit
Agency demands more oversight and assurances at Commerce City refinery
BY MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN
e Environmental Protection Agency found problems Dec. 30 with another Colorado-issued permit for Suncor’s renery operations in Commerce City and ordered revisions. Regional and national EPA o ces made the same objections and demanded revisions to a di erent state permit for Suncor in 2022 and 2023.
e EPA, reviewing petitions from environmental advocates, sent the proposed state permit for Suncor plants 1 and 3 back to the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division to answer detailed questions or make outright revisions to the permit mandates.
e order signed by acting EPA administrator Jane Nishida agreed in part with the advocates’ claims that the state permit may not properly monitor and calculate pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds emanating from the big re nery.
“Once again, EPA found Colorado is failing to ensure adequate monitoring of toxic air pollution and failing to ensure Suncor is held fully accountable to safe-
NORTON
is vulnerability doesn’t make us weak; it makes us resilient. When we choose to trust, we free ourselves from the fear and scarcity that cloud our judgment and limit our potential. Positivity doesn’t guarantee success but fosters the environment needed to grow, learn, and thrive.
A resolution for the new year
As we enter this new year, let’s set a simple yet powerful goal: to adopt a positive outlook. is isn’t about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about choosing to see the good, even in imperfect circumstances.
Here are a few ways to start: Pause before reacting: When faced with change or challenges, take a moment to look for the potential before responding. Ask yourself, “What’s the opportunity here?”
Celebrate wins, big and small: Acknowledge progress, even if it’s incremental. Positivity grows when we focus on achievements rather than shortcomings.
Practice gratitude: Regularly re ect on what you’re thankful for. Gratitude shifts
guarding clean air and public health,” said Jeremy Nichols of the Center for Biological Diversity, which objected to the plants 1 and 3 permit — the west side of the sprawling complex — alongside the Sierra Club.
“While this is an important win for clean air, it’s still beyond disappointing that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment refuses to do the right thing here,” Nichols said.
e division said it was reading through the 39-page permit objection and did not have comments as of Dec. 31.
e objections from the advocates that were endorsed this week by the EPA are similar to criticism of a 2022 permit update granted by the state to Suncor’s plant 2, the eastern portion of the re nery. e EPA’s Region 8 o ce based in Denver rst objected to the state’s plant 2 permit draft in 2022. e state made revisions, but environmental advocates in 2023 successfully petitioned the EPA for more changes.
e permit for plants 1 and 3 was issued by the state in March, and survived an EPA initial review. But the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity led formal petitions.
“Everything EPA agreed with us on were issues the agency already objected to in relation to the plant 2 permit,” Nichols said.
our focus away from scarcity and toward abundance.
Encourage others: Be a voice of support for those around you. Positivity is contagious, and encouraging others helps create a culture of optimism.
Finding the good in the world
Choosing positivity doesn’t mean ignoring the bad; it means not letting it dene us. It’s about recognizing the goodness, opportunities, and potential that coexist with the challenges. Focusing on the good makes us more likely to nd solutions, build stronger connections, and live a more ful lling life.
As you enter this new year, challenge yourself to see the glass not as half empty or half full but as endlessly re llable. Look for the good, embrace opportunities, and trust in the possibility of positive outcomes. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com and when we live a life viewed through the lens of positivity, it is a life lled with potential, a resolution worth keeping, and one that will make it a better-than-good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
as you nd helpful morsels in these columns and nd ways to encourage those around you. I can be contacted at jim. roome@gmail.com.
keep going. Continuing to move forward will bring you to a spot where you can experience the full power and strength that is within you.
You have got this.
I hope that you will nd inspiration in my words and share those words of encouragement with those who need it. ank you to all who have shared stories with me so far, I love hearing from you
Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences.
Steven Paul Isenmann
May 24, 1973 - December 3, 2024
Steven Paul Isenmann, known to his loved ones as Steve, was born on May 24, 1973 in Denver, CO and passed away unexpectedly on December 3rd, 2024 in Golden, CO. Steve was a compassionate soul who brought joy, laughter, and comfort to everyone who crossed his path. A man of many talents, Steve had an e ortless charm that made him the life of every gathering. With his quick wit and infectious laughter, he could lighten the mood in any room, making life seem less burdensome. Steve lived his life to be happy and to make others happy.
and family, aunt and uncle Donald and Pam Vahling, cousin Amber (Vahling) Schuler and family, cousin Hayes Vahling and family, and Sienna’s mother, former spouse and close friend Amy Sullivan. He was a loving son, a caring brother, a doting father, and a loyal friend. His departure has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew him.
Steve is survived by his daughter Sienna Isenmann, parents William and Paulette Isenmann, his twin brother Scott Isenmann, brother Je Isenmann
A tribute service will be held Saturday January 11th at 10:30 AM.
New Beginnings Church 1500 W. Littleton Blvd. #140-B (Mall Entrance) Littleton, CO 80121
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
new kind of social scene is quietly brewing in the Denver metro area, one that’s less about the buzz of alcohol and more about the calm of connection. Across the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, kava bars are emerging as popular alternatives to traditional bar scenes.
O ering a range of holistic, non-alcoholic beverages, calming atmospheres and a focus on plant-based medicinal drinks, these venues are rede ning what it means to “go out” in Denver’s metro area.
Once a niche concept relegated to tropical destinations like south Florida, where they are widely popular, kava bars are now nding their place in Colorado’s social landscape.
Rooted in the ancient South Paci c tradition of drinking kava for relaxation and social bonding, these bars have become gathering spaces for those seeking refuge from alcohol-infused spaces.
Central to this experience is the tradition of saying
“Bula” before drinking kava. Derived from Fijian culture, “Bula” is more than just a toast. It’s a wish for good health, happiness and a long life.
Many kava bars also o er wellness-centric community spaces, often featuring activities like yoga, meditation sessions and social events, link bingo or trivia, providing new ways for people to connect without the haze of alcohol.
e appeal of alcohol-free spaces is clear. As health consciousness grows, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, so does the demand for spaces that promote relaxation, self-care and authentic connection.
For some, it’s about living a “sober curious” lifestyle; for others, it’s a preference for experiences that prioritize well-being over intoxication. Whatever the reason, the rise of these venues signals a shift in the social habits of Denver area residents, o ering fresh options for those looking to unwind without the side e ects of a hangover.
The Karma House — Lakewood’s spiritual hub
Just past the entrance of the Karma House in Lake-
wood sits several cozy couches ahead of a long bar busy with patrons sipping kava, herbal teas or plantbased beverages like kratom or other adaptogenic drinks believed to help the body resist stress. e space is warm, friendly and packed with the sounds of social chatter, even in the middle of the afternoon.
With a “zero tolerance” policy for alcohol and illegal substances, e Karma House identi es as a welcoming alcohol-free space vs. a sober bar. is distinction re ects its focus on o ering natural, mood-altering beverages like kava and kratom, which, according to research, promote relaxation, focus and pain relief.
“It’s de nitely not a sober bar,” said Deonna Lupola, who is one of the Karma House’s three owners, adding that their goal is to maintain a safe, transparent space for patrons seeking a calm, mindful, alcohol-free experience.
“A lot of people that come here are in recovery. ey’re looking for an alternative place to hang out and get the bar atmosphere without the booze,” she said.
Kava is a plant-based drink made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific islands. SHUTTERSTOCK
CONNECTION
“I’ve been coming here since 2021, and it’s become a vital part of my support system,” said Tanner O’Leary, a frequent patron who is six years sober. “ e community here is like no other. Everyone’s looking out for each other. It’s a place where I’ve found real connections and friendships.”
Operating as a nonpro t, Lupola said the Karma House uses revenue from its beverage sales to support community events, wellness programming and fundraising initiatives. It hosts daily activities like yoga, Reiki and cultural workshops.
Lupola said the owners also prioritize harm reduction and education, o ering patrons guidance on the safe use of plant-based substances. Its “Harm Reduction Hive” teaches customers how to identify and navigate risky situations, empowering them to make informed choices.
Patrons can also attend “Self-Care Sundays” and
TOP PHOTO: Customers at That’s Kava in Englewood enjoy a relaxed hangout where they can socialize, work or play games.
BOTTOM: “Bula” (pronounced boo-lah) is a Fijian word meaning “life” or “to live” and is often used as a toast, similar to saying “cheers” in Western cultures.PHOTOS BY SUZIE
other wellness events o ering practical tools for daily life.
“ e idea is that you have the best tools to succeed each and every day, no matter what obstacles come your way,” Lupola said.
That’s Kava — Englewood’s plant-based social scene
e atmosphere at at’s Kava in Englewood reects its open-minded philosophy. With a tropical motif re ective of kava bars popular in Florida, its brightly painted walls invoke a party vibe meant to welcome people who might initially come in looking for a “regular bar” experience but are curious enough to stay.
Owner Ryan Gieski is quick to state that his place isn’t as recovery-focused as others.
“I don’t care what you do on the weekends, as long as you’re chill when you walk in,” Gieski said. is philosophy ensures that everyone, from those in recovery to those just seeking a new experience, feels at ease in the space.
at’s Kava is designed to be a true social space, not just a beverage counter. As one visitor explained,
“ is place feels like a social hangout. You might see bingo or trivia once a week, but most nights, it’s just a space to chill, work on a laptop or have a conversation.”
Gieski’s place emphasizes conscious consumption, focusing on education and transparency. Sta are well-versed in the properties of kava, kratom and other botanicals, and they actively educate customers on how to make informed decisions.
New patrons are often walked through the di erent types of beverages and their e ects.
“I’m big on education,” Gieski said. “Our bartenders go through days of training to ensure they understand the products they’re serving and how to best help serve our customers.”
e beverage menu is larger than most, featuring not just traditional kava and kratom but also teas and kratom alternatives like velvet bean. Gieski believes the range of o erings showcases the di erent properties of each drink while accommodating diverse preferences.
He is proud that customers can try unique blends incorporating natural spices like turmeric, ginger and black pepper for added health bene ts and improved taste. Gieski also regularly tests his products to ensure they’re free from contamination.
“We tested all commercially available kava in the market and 78% of it came back contaminated,” he said. As a result, he continues to test all of the products he buys and urges consumers to buy from only reputable sources.
at’s Kava isn’t a nonpro t, but Gieski said he doesn’t take a paycheck, and customers regularly raise money for friends and community members in need.
Why are kava bars becoming the new social haven?
Gieski and Lupola believe their establishments o er a sense of community and connection that can be hard to nd in traditional bars.
When Lupola quit drinking, she discovered how much she disliked being around people who were. “ en I found Kava bars,” she said. “And I stopped wanting to go out and party. It was a natural transition.”
Gieski said while there are around seven or eight kava bars in the Denver area, he expects that number to grow exponentially in the coming years.
What’s driving this shift? According to a 2022 report by the Food Institute, the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives re ects broader social trends around reducing alcohol intake and cites improving mental health as the main reason adults are limiting their consumption.
With their focus on mindful consumption and meaningful interactions, kava bars o er a clear solution for those wanting to socialize without the booze.
e market shows no sign of slowing down, either. e global demand for kava root extract is expected to grow from $1.4 billion in 2023 to $4.6 billion by 2031, according to market research. Analysts attribute part of the increased interest to a greater concentration on mental health and wellbeing.
So, whether you’re raising a cup of kava, served in a traditional coconut shell, with old friends or sharing stories with new ones, many say there’s no better way to end the night than with a communal wish for well-being.
Bula!
What is Kava?
Kava is a plant-based drink made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Paci c islands. Traditionally consumed in ceremonial and social gatherings, kava holds signi cant cultural importance in places like Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga. e drink has a long history of being used to promote relaxation, ease anxiety and foster social bonding.
e active compounds in kava, known as kavalactones, are responsible for its calming e ects. Unlike alcohol, which impairs cognitive function, kava induces a state of relaxation and mental clarity without a ecting alertness. is unique e ect makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a mindful way to relax or socialize. Kava is legal in Colorado and is not classi ed as a controlled substance at the federal or state level, but you must be 21 or older to consume it.
Kava doesn’t come without risks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, kava works similarly to alcohol and some anxiety and Parkinson’s medications, and it can be dangerous to combine them. Some components of kava are also known to be toxic to the liver.
Talk to a healthcare provider before trying kava or any other plant-based medicinal drink.
GLASSMAN
FRIDGID FUN
Evergreen’s annual lake plunge returns to kick o the new year
BY TIM WEIGHART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
New year’s day at Evergreen Lake this year had the perfect weather to bundle up and celebrate the holiday on the lake: blue skies, a vibrant sun and just a bit of chill in the air. However, for roughly 400 people from across the state, bundling up was only a temporary luxury as they prepared to jump into the ice-cold water. e annual Evergreen Lake Plunge is a longstanding tradition run by the nonpro t Active4All to raise money for its INSPIRE program, which aims to provide inclusive recreational activities to kids with disabilities. Last year’s plunge hosted a record number of jumpers who collectively raised over $40,000 dollars for INSPIRE.
John DuRussell, president of Active4All, said INSPIRE hopes to use donated funds to build an ADA accessible playground and work on a skate park and amphitheater.
While a few bold souls have been taking the yearly plunge since long before Active4All started running the event, many more experienced the grueling waters for the rst time in 2025.
“ is is just one of the rst challenges we’ll overcome this year,” said rst-timeplunger Jeremy Salter from Strasburg. Jeremy and his daughter wore matching Bluey shirts as they jumped, getting in on the trend of wearing matching out ts or costumes when jumping into the lake. Other attendees wore onesies portraying animals or ctional characters, in-
cluding Emily and Leo from Parker, who dressed as Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc., and Rosalie from Denver, another rst-timer, who dressed as a shark.
“I just really love sharks, and I gured a shark might be a good thing to get into chilly water with,” Rosalie said, laughing. “ is seems crazy, but also like a really fresh way to start the new year.”
Second-time plunger PJ Holtz from Evergreen was also looking for a fresh start through the plunge.
“It was a little warmer last year,” Holtz said, bouncing up and down to stay warm in his singlet and shorts. “I do triathlons, and this is the start of my March tri season — my rst open water swim of the year.”
Regardless of whether you do the plunge once or do it annually, it’s guaranteed to leave an impact, something that DuRussell knows all too well thanks to his friend and long-time plunger Paul Regan pressuring him into it six years ago. “I only did it one time, and it was ve degrees and windy,” DuRussell recalled. “I told Paul that I wasn’t going to do it again, and he told me ‘You either do it again, or you run it!’ So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll run it.’” And the event has been a yearly staple for DuRussell and Active4All ever since.
As the event began, plungers stored their towels and belongings in plastic crates before lining up behind the jumpo point. e rectangular hole cut out of the ice had a ladder on the opposite end, meaning everyone had to swim about ten meters across the dark water before they could get refuge from the brutal cold.
Regardless of their con dence or their nerves, most plungers looked shocked and ready to get back on land as soon as they hit the water.
Exposing so many people to such cold water would be impossible without the supervision and safety practices implemented by the Evergreen Fire/Rescue squad, ensuring that everyone got in and out of the water safely.
“It’s always exciting to see so many people join, and to see their facial expressions,” said Doug Matheny, a volunteer captain who has overseen the event for nine straight years. “ e department’s here to help out the community, make sure it’s safe, and get the ice ready for them.”
e Fire/Rescue squad is always on standby to keep the ladder out of the pool steady, watch out for each person
currently in the pool, and stay ready to jump in to help out anyone who is too shocked by the cold water to swim out on their own.
“We’ve pulled a lot of people out. Once you get them out, they’re ne, but the shock in that cold water can get you in the moment,” Matheny said.
Even though more and more people from across the Denver metro have come up to the lake in recent years, the Evergreen Lake Plunge still feels like a vibrant celebration of the local community. e sponsors, rescue team and the skate park company where the plunge is located are all locally based and dedicated to helping Evergreen be the fun and welcoming town that it is.
Cheers to everyone who makes the plunge possible, and for many more plunges in the years to come.
Emily and Leo from Parker took the plunge in matching ‘Monsters, Inc.’ onesies.
PJ Holtz from Evergreen took on his first open swim of the year in his Colorado-branded triathlete gear. PHOTOS BY TIM WEIGHART
Thu 1/09
Global Sips and Savories (1/9)
@ 10am
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Amazing Athletes
@ 1pm
Jan 9th - Jan 30th
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Amazing Tots
@ 2pm
Jan 9th - Jan 30th
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Kids Café at Anythink Huron Street @ 3:30pm
Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron Street, Thornton. swhitelonis@anythin klibraries.org, 303-452-7534
Eric Golden
@ 6pm
Brett Hendrix: The StilleryWestminster @ 9pm
The Stillery, 10633 Westminster Blvd #900, Westminster
Sat 1/11
National Western Stock ShowColorado vs The World Rodeo @ 9am
Brett Hendrix: The StilleryWestminster @ 9pm
The Stillery, 10633 Westminster Blvd #900, Westminster
Sun 1/12
Colorado Symphony Orchestra w/ Peter Oundjian @ 1pm Boettcher Hall, Denver
Mon 1/13
Biggest Loser 2025 @ 5am
Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Jr @ 7:30pm Boettcher Concert Hall, 1400 Curtis Street, Denver
Wed 1/15
Lunch Out - Grateful Gnome @ 11am Offsite, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street, Denver
Six Pack Series Winter 2 Mile & 5k @ 9am / $35-$35 10600 Westminster Blvd, Promenade Terrace, Westminster
Teens: Colorado Eagles Game @ 5:30pm Fort Lupton Community / Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Avenue, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Jan 13th - Feb 17th
Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200
Cooking Cultures- Jan @ 10am
Jan 13th - Jan 27th
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
EP Lyrical-Begin-Perform-age 10-17 (Mon) @ 5:30pm Jan 13th - May 26th
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Park‐way Dr., Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Nerf War @ 6pm
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
The Stillery, 10633 Westminster Blvd #900, Westminster
The Temptations & The Four Tops
@ 7:30pm / $49.95-$109.95 Paramount Theatre, Denver
Fri 1/10
Crafty Corner (1/10)
@ 10am
Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Park‐way Dr., Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Denver Nuggets vs. Brooklyn Nets
@ 7pm / $50-$2615
Ball Arena, Denver
Nordic Daughter: Halfway to Renfaire @ 7pm @ Cheers, 11964 Washington St, North‐glenn
Professional Bull Riders @ 7pm Denver Coliseum, Denver
Tue 1/14
National Western Stock Show @ 9am Offsite, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Brunchin’ at Bison (1/14) @ 10am
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Professional Bull Riders @ 7pm Denver Coliseum, Denver
Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets @ 7pm / $20-$1965 Ball Arena, Denver
Professional Bull Riders @ 7pm Denver Coliseum, Denver
Thu 1/16
American Sign Language - Beginner @ 4:30pm Jan 16th - Feb 20th
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Restorative Yoga Jan 16 @ 7pm Jan 16th - Feb 6th
Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760
Colorado Avalanche vs. Edmonton Oilers @ 7:30pm / $50-$999 Ball Arena, Denver
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REAL ID requirements are coming in 2025
BY JACKIE RAMIREZ
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
As the year comes to a close and people prepare for what comes next, many things linger in their minds that can perhaps impact the way 2025 plays out.
For those who have been traveling, you have likely seen several signs at Denver International Airport announcing the upcoming REAL ID Act that will be enforced starting in May 2025. (According to e (Fort Collins) Coloradoan, most Colorado IDs have been compliant since 2012.)
According to the Department of Homeland Security, REAL ID was passed by Congress in 2005, as a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, for the federal government to establish minimum security standards for state issued driver’s licenses and identi cation cards for travel and to access certain federal and government buildings. Forms of identication that don’t meet the standards of REAL ID will be rejected by certain federal agencies.
However, it’s been somewhat of a challenge to fully enforce the act. Deadline extensions have taken place due to “lack of full state compliance with the requirements for issuing the more secure driver’s licenses,” according to NBC News in 2022.
e COVID-19 pandemic also caused a delay in enforcement because it was harder for people to obtain new identications through various lockdowns and sta reductions at various departments of motor vehicles. e original deadline for the REAL ID to be put in place was
October 2021, before it was extended to May 2025.
While the REAL ID has been enforced for entrance to certain federal buildings and facilities, the enforcement of REAL ID will be the standard requirement across the country after the deadline.
e main concern, and the area that will be primarily a ected, is air travel.
e DHS states that the Transportation Security Administration’s security checkpoints will require a REAL ID or other acceptable alternatives, such as a U.S. passport or state issued driver’s license.
To determine if your driver’s license or state photo identity cards are REAL ID compliant, they must have a star marking on it. ose who travel without a compliant form will not be permitted through security checkpoints.
E ects on the immigrant community
Because REAL IDs and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are only issued to those who have lawful status, immigrants are concerned on how this can impact travel. REAL ID allows states to issue driver’s licenses and identi cation cards to those whose identity can’t be fully veri ed or their legal status hasn’t been con rmed. However, these will be considered noncompliant forms of identi cation and must clearly indicate that they are not acceptable for REAL ID purposes and have a di erent design or color that di erentiates them from compliant cards.
Texas immigration law rm Davis and Associates stated on their website that this “will change the way undocumented immigrants present identi cation for many purposes.”
products for transportation, as well as aviation fuel for airports. e Canadianowned public company has been a frequent violator of Colorado air pollution laws.
Major air polluters in Colorado are allowed to continue operating on the terms of expired permits as long as they are complying with deadlines for renewals. Colorado has been far behind in issuing updated permits. Various forms of the Suncor plants 1 and 3 permit have been up for renewal and state drafts since 2016, according to the EPA’s new ruling.
Suncor, the only re nery in Colorado, produces gasoline and other petroleum
e EPA and state regulators in July hit Suncor with a new round of pollution violation notices for the past two years, despite a $10.5 million settlement for similar 2021 transgressions that state ofcials vowed would set the re nery on a path to cleaner operations.
A 140-page litany of alleged new violations compiled by the EPA’s regional ofce in July accused Suncor of continued releases of benzene and other toxins into the air and water around the Commerce
The star, either black or gold, in the upper right corner of the idea denotes an identification card as a valid for REAL ID. Airlines will begin requiring these kinds of cards in 2025.
e DHS wrote on their website that the “possession of a non-compliant card does not indicate that the holder is an undocumented individual, given that individuals may obtain non-compliant cards for many reasons unrelated to unlawful presence.”
“If fully implemented, the law would facilitate the tracking of data on individuals and bring government into the very center of every citizen’s life. By denitively turning driver’s licenses into a form of national identity documents, REAL ID would have a tremendously de-
City plant. e newest violations, including in some areas the EPA had not pinpointed in previous inspections, boosted criticism from neighbors and environmental groups that small nes have not altered the course of Suncor’s multi-billion dollar business.
“ e Commerce City re nery has been subject to state air enforcement actions by the (state Air Pollution Control Division) annually for at least the past 10 years,” the EPA’s new notice of violations emphasized.
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.
structive impact on privacy,” wrote the American Civil Liberties Union on their website.
For bene ciaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the act allows states to issue temporary REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards to applicants “who provide valid, documentary evidence that they have ‘approved deferred action status.’ ”
For more information on the REAL ID Act and what will come after the deadline, visit dhs.gov/real-id.
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