CVCRMay24

By Kelly Fordyce Martindale

When recipes for green chili, enchiladas, sauces, and desserts, come from Abuelita Lupe, Mamá Isabel, Mamá Francisca and a bit of fusion from Ruben and Edith…la comida está deliciosa! For Gringos, that means ‘the food is delicious!’

Starting with zero customers, Ruben and Edith opened Casa Cortés Cocina, a family-owned Mexican restaurant September 2021. ey have a reputation for fusing unique avors in food and drink. is keeps their clientele growing as word spreads from the Carbon Valley to Erie, Longmont, Mead, and outward.

You might wonder, what does the business name mean? Casa means home, Cortés is the family’s last name, and Cocina means kitchen. “It’s where the magic happens,” Edith says. ey have two children ages thirteen and six. e restaurant is located at 500 8th Street in Dacono (formerly Gabe’s).

Excitement grows as Edith plans for May festivities. Starting with Cinco de Mayo, May 5th. Families, couples, and lunch groups, will enjoy food and drink specials, family festivities, and a great atmosphere all day!

Mother’s Day, May 12, has previously proven to be a memorable event for families. From relaxed two-party

tables to larger groups, Casa Cortés Cocina accommodates your Mother’s Day celebration meal.

Don’t forget Memorial weekend, Friday and Saturday let-your-hair-downand-unwind days, or quick lunches. Sta are ready to meet your needs whether a full meal or simple chips, salsa, and a great margarita. You can top o your meal with an extravagant dessert too!

Did you know Casa Cortés Cocina serves breakfast? Heuvos Benedictos, Chilaquiles Rojos, even traditional ham, eggs, and hashbrowns, are on the menu. ey’re meeting most every discriminating appetite. Brunch/Breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. e rest of the week, breakfast is served 10am to 9pm. ey are closed Tuesday. Otherwise, their hours are Wed.-Fri. 10am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday hours are 9am to 9pm. is self-made couple, Ruben and Edith have made continual modi cations to the business to better suit their customers. ese modi cations continue. Looking forward, customers can anticipate

some minor renovations including paint, new furniture, and a new logo. More exciting is a possible outdoor patio. Imagine, after a great motorcycle ride, stopping in and enjoying a customer favorite, the Mangonéada. It’s a mango margarita rimmed with chamóy. e menu is evolving to include special pasta dishes, steaks, and vegan choices. is in addition to their gluten free and vegetarian options.

Regardless of the day you stop in at Casa Cortés Cocina, you’ll be greeted with a smile, daily specials, fantastic desserts, and a fusion of avors to rival any Abuelita. Fresh, homemade enchiladas, burritos, green chili, and so much more!

Carbon Valley’s Casa Cortés Cocina o ers wonderful, avorful Mexican food and Ruben and Edith are excited to show you what their combined 30 years of experience has birthed.

Follow them on social media www.instagram.com/casacortesmr01 www.facebook.com/ CasaCortesMexicanRestaurant eir number is 303.284.2233. Tell them you read it here because I wouldn’t write anything I didn’t believe in. I enjoy visiting with them, eating their food

much like a food bank, CVDB provides diapers, wipes, rash cream and other supplies. “ roughout the county at all of our locations, every month we have families that need the diapers just to get by, nancially and emotionally,” noted Carolyn Valencia, librarian with High Plains Library District. “Plus, our parents and caregivers getting diapers helps them to stay in the workforce, as many child care providers can’t accept our youngest children unless the parents provide the diapers.”

In addition to High Plains Library District, other diaper bank members and distributors include Aims Community College, Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado, Weld County WIC, and Weld County Dept. of Human Services. For additional information, please contact Lyle SmithGraybeal at Lyle@ UnitedWay-Weld.org or 970-304-6163.

Would $100 help toward buying your mom a Mother’s Day gift or taking her out to a meal? Maybe $100 would help you pay your electric bill or buy fuel for your vehicle.

If you own a business, would free advertising appeal to you and your budget?

Since 1999, my goal for this publication is to connect local businesses and services with the citizens who need those services. When we utilize locally owned and operated companies, the money we spend, stays in our communities. However, if we use the huge corporate establishments, our money is moved to other states and in some instances to other countries. I’ll be the rst to admit, I can’t always get what I need at a low cost from a local rm. But I strive to use local rst. I hope you will choose local as often as you can.

Back to $100 or free advertising— Hoping to bring new clients to my advertisers, I’d like to challenge readers to check out the businesses in this issue of the Consumer Report for Carbon Valley, Mead, & Erie. Here’s how I choose local, rst.

My granddaughter’s dentist is at Firestone Pediatric Dentistry and

Orthodontics. I’ve purchased a snow blower from G & G Equipment. I eat at many of our local restaurants including Casa Cortés Cocina and Bash’s Pizza. I’m a member of the Carbon Valley, Mead, and Erie Chambers. I’ve called the Law O ce of Ellen M. Ross for advice on several occasions. I vote and strive to stay educated on what’s happening, locally, statewide, and nationally. A-1 Natural Arbor Care has worked on my trees on several occasions. I’ve shopped for various items, including musical instruments, knives, ammo, and more at Grandpa’s Pawn and Gun. I’ve met with Eric, owner of Premier Construction for a home project. I’ve utilized most of the businesses on the At Your Service page (7). You can always call me for recommendations. Always an Answer is my answering service and one of the best things I’ve ever done for my business. I’ve asked questions of Dr. Fronczak at Modern Urology Colorado and have United Power for my electricity. I’ve done business with hundreds of businesses locally, the above only re ect my most recent connections. So how do you come by an extra

$100? Take this newspaper to a minimum of three (3) businesses advertising this month (May). Let them know you see their ad. Take a sel e (holding the newspaper) at the front desk or by the business vehicle with logo. If you’re utilizing their service, ask them to email me your name. When you send me three (3) proofs of your visits, i.e. sel e/business email, by email at carbonvalley@gmail.com, you’ll be in the drawing for $100 cash, to use as you wish. Extra entries for every visit over three (3). Do this by May 26, 2024. Drawing will be held May 27, in honor of my dad’s 86th birthday. I’ll email the winner!

For every “proof” I receive, the business displayed in your proof will be entered into a drawing for a free 1/16-page ad in the July issue.

I appreciate every business who makes it possible to deliver this paper to your home at no charge. I’m thankful for every reader who’s found value within the pages.

May every one of you experience blessings throughout 2024.

Find Local Businesses Here

LocalGovernment,ELECTIONS&NEWS

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 is the State Primary Election

VOTE Adrienne Sandoval Weld County Commissioner

My name is Adrienne Sandoval, and I am running for Weld County Commissioner in our District 3. I have been the mayor of Platteville for the last 6 years and a trustee for four years before that. What I realized when I was representing the ne folks of Platteville as trustee, is that I really love serving the public. I don’t love getting yelled at when residents are mad, but I do love listening to them and guring out how we can work together to get their issue resolved. I do love nding a kink or hold-up in the system and getting it straightened out for the betterment of the residents.

For the last 10 years in my public service to Platteville, I have learned the ins and outs of a government budget, transportation, enterprise funds, and I would argue the most important, how to work with my fellow board members. I have gone to meeting after meeting working with County Commissioners, CDOT management, state reps, and many more. I have made sure the people of Platteville were represented on every oor and room I could get into.

I also promised the residents of Platteville when I ran for mayor that I would start committees on important focus topics. With the help of my fellow trustees and sta , we formed and started ve committees and they are Recreation, Public safety, Economic Development, Parks, Trails & Trees, and Finance. Residents have more of a voice in each of these topics by being involved in one or more of these committees.

I rmly believe in government transparency and the people having a strong voice and say in their governance. I have served Platteville by starting the committees, being present at as many events as I can, communicating with residents regularly, and listening to ensure the people are being served. I will absolutely bring that work ethic and attitude to the county commission. I will make sure the south county has a voice and is not lost in O street shenanigans.

I am prepared to hit the ground running from day one serving the Weld County residents because of all of this experience and the relationships I have been able to form over my last 10 years. Everyone who knows me, knows I will be kind, but I will not be a push over. I will make sure district 3 residents have a strong voice and their concerns are tended to. I am the best choice for Weld County Commissioner in district 3 because I am a proven ghter and strong advocate for the people.

Adrienne Sandoval, Candidate for Weld County Commissioner District 3 www.SandovalForWeld.com | 970.222.3238 | Adrienne@SandovalForWeld.com

VOTE Lori Saine for Weld County Commissioner at Large

I humbly ask for your support in the June election for Weld County Commissioner at large. I want to serve you by making Weld County accountable to you, the taxpayer. Weld should be a leader in transparent, scal governance. We should continue to budget like you do at your kitchen table and make sure we tighten our belt when you do.

e government in its proper role should not hinder you in your pursuit of happiness, your American dream. To that end, Weld County should strive to provide you with the best services in that role with the least amount of cost possible.

My opponent unfortunately does not share that vision; last June she voted for a new taxing district in the Carbon Valley area that could have cost you thousands of dollars more on your mortgage statement. I was the only commissioner that voted no (4-1). is new taxing district was so de cient in nancial feasibility that Boulder County joined me in voting it down (2-1), which kept this new tax o your property in the St. Vrain School district. You are taxed enough; your property was raised 30-40 percent, and it is set to raise by that much or more this year.

I was also the only commissioner that stood with you in giving you a reduction in your property taxes. (see the negative mill levy on your tax notice). ankfully, Weld County Council members Leisy, Hatch, and Welch voted no on the Weld Commissioners proposal to raise taxes solely ‘for the children’ but would spend elsewhere.

ose council members also pointed out my opponent was shaking her head during my presentation that Weld didn’t need to keep that excess tax revenue and negotiated with the other commissioners to raise taxes in a public work session.

Weld County citizens deserve better than Washington D.C tax and spend policies. Our state continues to fund non-citizens rather than veterans and other citizen needs. e city of Denver prioritized non-citizens and cut the police budget for open positions. Weld doesn’t need to mirror those communities. We need better leadership that will solve problems in a responsible manner and serve the community by prioritizing safety. I’ve been leading the e ort to fully fund the Sheri ’s o ce so we can get deputies back in the eld. And to reinstate animal control in the county. So far, my opponent has voted no on fully funding the sheri positions as of the 03/27/24 work session.

Electeds take an oath to defend the Constitution, including the 1st amendment, and that includes the extended right to petition our government with our grievances. My opponent shut down public comment in a backroom deal after being o ended that citizens voiced their opinion that Weld should not be supporting illegal immigration. You have a right to be heard in every public meeting and be present in every meeting in a public building paid for by your taxpayers’ dollars.

My opponent voted to keep me from testifying on anti-oil and gas bills that would’ve killed the industry and made our energy costs skyrocket! You can verify everything at www.saineforweld.com

I have stayed true to the conservative principles by voting for limited government, protecting individual rights, protecting private property rights, ensuring equal treatment under the law, promoting individual responsibility and scal responsibility and defending free markets. ose principles of liberty are as close to the golden rule that you can have in government, and I am honored to be your servant.

F , TRACIE CRITES

 Election: Thank you for your support and continued trust in me as your Mayor. I deeply appreciate the voice of our community and its ability to guide our Town for the greater good! I look forward to the continued journey with Mayor Pro Tem, my fellow Trustees, and our entire community. FREDerick is a family dedicated to strong values: respect, empowerment, and dedication. I will continue to uphold these values and fiercely build upon what truly matters to our residents and businesses.

FIRESTONE MAYOR, DON CONYAC

Greetings Firestone Residents  Thank God election season is over!

Congratulations to Firestone’s new trustees, Lorna Morton, Ray Byrd and Linda Haney. Now that the new board members have been seated, we can begin a new era in Firestone. This era is bringing Unity To Our Community just like I promised.

 During my interactions with many of you over the last two months a common theme kept occurring and that theme was, “We don’t

 Town Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Your involvement in Frederick’s future is invaluable. Whether you’re passionate about planning, public art, historic preservation, or youth advisory, there’s a place for you. Explore the various opportunities and apply today. https://www.frederickco.gov/281/Boards-Commissions

 What’s Developing: You’ve heard the news and seen the “signs” that Silverstone Marketplace is underway bringing a new shopping convenience to Frederick! To move this exciting project forward, there will be a full road closure between Highway 52 and the traffic circle at Fifth Street beginning at the end of April, with an anticipated re-opening mid-summer. Detours are carefully being planned to allow full access into Downtown. To keep you fully informed, project updates will be provided at https://www.frederickco.gov/997/Silverstone-Marketplace

 Resolution 24-R-11: Frederick’s Board of Trustees unanimously passed a Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Town of Frederick and the Town of

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7.  Reliable Infrastructure: The County Road 38 Bridge Deck Replacement Project over the Farmers Extension Canal is complete and open to motorists. Looking ahead, Mead will reconstruct the County Road 34 Bridge later this year, located just west of County Road 5 and spanning the Mead Lateral Canal. Our commitment to strengthening

integrity and safeguarding the well-being of all travelers remains paramount.  Public Safety: The Mead Police Department was established in 2017 and has grown to provide 24/7 police services. Today, the department includes 16 sworn staff members: 10 officers who work three rotating shifts, two full-time School Resource Officers, two Sergeants, one Commander, and one Chief. The Town recently surveyed community members regarding the Mead Police Department, its services, and residents’ willingness to support additional police resources. The survey findings showed substantial support for the department and its efforts in community policing.

want to lose that small town feel.” I ask, “what defines “that small town feeling”? To me it is knowing who your next-door neighbor is or, for that matter, knowing everyone’s name on your block and they know yours, as well. Or, perhaps it’s when you’re out to dinner or to a town event and you end up running into several friends who live across town and you stop and chat, enjoying each other’s company.

 In today’s digital age that “small town feel” is becoming harder to maintain, especially when it comes to your local government. That’s why soon you will be seeing some changes as to how the Town of Firestone will be communicating with you, the residents.

1. As has been tradition in the Carbon Valley, I will continue to give you a monthly update here in the Carbon Valley Consumer Report.

2. We will be re-implementing the Firestone Voice, the Bi-Monthly paper edition of what is occurring in Firestone. It will be re-formatted to include four sections: The Mayor’s

Firestone for the Colorado Blvd and Bella Rosa Pkwy Operation Improvement Project to enhance traffic operations and ensure travel safety for all residents and visitors in the Carbon Valley. In a grant application, both the Town of Frederick and the Town of Firestone agreed to contribute matching local funds to complete the project. Fredericks’ resolution approving this IGA represents the Town of Frederick fulfilling our commitment and readiness to make these improvements. For insights into discussions and Board actions tune into our Board of Trustee meetings streamed online or watch the recording at your convenience. https:// www.frederickco.gov/AgendaCenter/Board-of-Trustees-3

 Community Tour & Talk: - I look forward to spending time with you during our upcoming Community Tour and Talks. First up is Savannah Park on May 22. These gatherings are a fantastic way to engage with elected officials and Town staff. Your voice matters and we’re listening!

 In celebration of Mother’s Day, May 12, and Memorial Day, May 27, I would like to send special wishes and appreciation to you!

 Fiscal Stability: The Street Improvement Fund, established to collect the 1% sales and use tax approved by voters in November 2021, garnered $3.1 million in revenue throughout 2023 and anticipates accruing $2.8 million in 2024. The Board of Trustees greenlit $4.7 million for street improvements in 2024. Any remaining funds can be rolled over and allocated to future budget cycles to support extensive street projects. This fund is solely earmarked for maintaining and enhancing Mead’s roadways.

 Connected Community: Mead Motorheads will host their 20th annual car show in Town Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Memorial Day. The car show is a free event and features classic automobiles, music, vendors, and food! Stay current on events, projects, and news by subscribing to our monthly Mead Messenger and signing up for email notifications: www.townofmead.org/ newsletter/subscriptions. If you are new to Mead, check out the Resident Information page at bit.ly/47PocLg

Perspective, Another section that will showcase one of the many wonderful people who work for you; A “Do You Know” section that will explain some of the many processes that are part of your local government. And lastly, a section that will inform you about developments, projects and other happenings under the umbrella of “Here’s What’s Coming, Here’s What’s Happening and Here’s What Happened.”

3. We will begin “Park Parties”, these will be gatherings in local parks where you can talk with the Board of Trustees and Mayor while enjoying a dinner from one of the many food trucks in the area.

4. I have an open-door policy. If you want to meet me in person and talk over a cup of coffee or your drink of choice, that will be arranged. I prefer face to face conversations.

5. Finally, please sign up for “Notify Me” on the town’s website. Keep in touch with your town.

Pro Gun or Anti Gun: Educate Yourself HB24-1292

Our Second Amendment states, A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

House Bill 24–1292 is just one of twelve anti-gun bills currently a ecting law-abiding citizens in Colorado. Many people aren’t even aware of the looming massive changes. Laws, if passed, that strip Constitutional rights from Americans living in Colorado. Let me clarify, these changes a ect upstanding, peaceable, respectful people NOT the criminally minded ose with criminal intent don’t go through the proper channels of the application process to buy a gun, the waiting period to take possession of the gun, or by taking gun safety classes. e vast majority of gun-owning Coloradans have completed all the above.

It’s important for us to remember that criminals do not obey laws; they will nd ways around them, while law-abiding citizens are left defenseless.

HB24-1292 is called the “Assault Weapons Ban.” e de nition of assault weapon is any of various automatic or semiautomatic rearms. is Bill doesn’t just a ect assault ri es, which some ill-informed people mistakenly understand to be like machine guns. HB24-1292 a ects handguns, smaller size guns that women use to protect themselves, business owners, homeowners, legal gun owners, and people of all colors, races, genders, and all levels of nancial stability from poverty up.

We must urge our representatives in the Colorado General Assembly to vote against HB24-1292. Instead of focusing on banning certain weapons, let’s focus on e ective measures such as improving mental health services and saving lives without the infringement on our rights.

Death by gun, whether accidental, suicide or mass shooting, is unacceptable. However, when we enact laws from a place of fear, we’re acting emotionally instead of intelligently. We’re attempting to protect ourselves from perceived risk rather than actual risk. Reworking the current bill might be in order to develop practical, workable, e ective laws.

HB24-1292 does not serve the majority of our Colorado population OR help those with mental issues OR protect our Constitutional rights. It does seem to protect those who have no desire to follow the law of the land.

ere’s a link lower in this article for valuable information, but in essence, this bill seems to have thrown in everything and the kitchen sink. It a ects a large variety of weapons, not only AR style ri es. It could ban a simple 9mm or smaller handgun that women use for personal protection.

It could ban handguns used by those with a Conceal Carry Permit. Getting this permit requires extra training and background checks with the government. Based on multiple searches, from a variety of sources, those with the conceal carry permits have helped by either stopping attacks or ending the attack before more loss of life.

is bill includes changes to how family members manage guns handed down, sometimes for generations, and if they can even keep them in the family.

Because of federal laws, Colorado residents cannot purchase rearms from other states. If this bill passes, Colorado hunters will not be able to go to another state to buy ri es or shotguns. By law, you can only purchase a handgun in the state that you reside in. However, you can be sure that criminals will not adhere to these laws. If passed, these laws become e ective July 1, 2024.

HB24-1292 has a lot of speci c details on elements of guns that might become illegal. ose details are explained via the link later in this article.

Six weeks ago, Representatives Hernandez and Epps voted to make gun theft a misdemeanor instead of a felony. So, law abiding citizens will no longer be able to defend themselves like the criminals can and criminals can steal guns with a consequence of misdemeanor charges.

If passed, your local gun dealers will not be allowed to sell these types of guns as of August 1, 2024. Gun dealers will only be able to sell them out of state.

e same legislators above passed laws making grand theft auto a $200 ticket not a felony or even a misdemeanor. No wonder Colorado leads the nation in auto theft and aggravated assault. ese criminals aren’t punished for wrongdoing. Have you noticed your insurance rates going up? is is why. Have you noticed more crime in or around your neighborhood? It’s imperative that Colorado residents can legally defend themselves and their property. Please contact your representatives today. May 8 is the deadline. Submitted by Rod Brandenburg. Brandenburg is fifth generation in Colorado. His great-grandfather homesteaded here 145 years ago. Brandenburg has owned businesses in Longmont since 1990 and is seeing many lifelong Coloradans move because of the political atmosphere and unaffordable living conditions. Colorado is the third most expensive state in the nation to live in.

Check out an excellent article explaining HB24-1292 and the details within the bill about every point in a written testimony of David B. Kopel on Colorado House Bill 241292, which would prohibit numerous types of rearms in Colorado, submitted to the Colorado House Judiciary Committee.)

Life Changes

I’ve been writing an article in this paper and you’ve seen my advertisements for my business Time For Change Personal Training and Fitness Group for the past 12 years. It’s been an absolute honor to help hundreds of women in the surrounding areas improve their health and reach their tness goals over the years.

is month you’ll read about life changes. I’ve personally been given a new assignment due to some life circumstances I’ve experienced. I’ve taken these experiences and resilience to be able to help women in a new way.

Life changes like the loss of a job, divorce, or death of a loved one, can throw us into a tail spin. Life changes can also be happy events like starting a new job, getting married, or having a child. Both categories of signi cant life changes can be challenging as we move forward into the unknown, and the more changes we have to navigate at once, the more complex and challenging it can be.

Life transitions involve signi cant changes in responsibilities, routines, and roles requiring you to adapt to new circumstances. Life events have a way of ipping your world around, but they can also be a catalyst for change that is positive.

It’s a beautiful reminder that God helps us through some of the worst of circumstances and then turns it into something beautiful. It gives us hope that we can come out the other side of sorrow.

We each get one life to live, and we’re all on a journey to nd the best versions of ourselves.

Check back here next month to read about my new career change and assignment where I’ll still be helping others with their lives. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you soon! Tracy Rewerts 303.828.2856.

Grief Workshop (FREE) “Returning to Life after Loss”

Because signi cant loss creates incredible emotional pain, and has the power to permanently change our lives and future, it bene ts us to engage in a conversation about returning to life after loss. Our sense of normal has been forever changed and we are tasked with the responsibility of establishing a new normal and adjusting our life to it. is requires recognizing, accepting, and adapting to a change we did not ask for and do not want. is workshop is for anyone struggling with the forced change created by loss.

A 4-week workshop o ering tools for returning to life after loss.

is workshop is scheduled for four Monday evenings in May, 2024

May 6, 13, 20 & 27; 6:00pm - 7:00pm Mountain Standard Time

(5:00p - 6:00p Paci c, 7:00p - 8:00p Central, 8:00p - 9:00p Eastern)

Workshop format will be a combination of teaching and a group sharing experience. is workshop is virtual via Zoom and is available to the public.

Register for free at www.wegrieve.net

Bladder leakage. We stop it.  Going too often. We reduce it. Want a vasectomy. We snip it. Bladder pain. We relieve it.

Weak urine stream. We unblock it.

Recurrent bladder infection. We find out why and stop it. Kidney stone. We remove it ...and stop new stones from forming. And we offer nitrous oxide for all in-office procedures.

Carolyn Fronczak, MD

Dr. Carolyn Fronczak is a board-certified urologist and Medical Director of Modern Urology Colorado. She specializes in advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments for all urologic conditions in men and women. Dr. Fronczak finds the root-cause of the urologic condition and strives toward prevention of urologic issues to promote a healthy future.

303-558-4995

Raising the Standard of Urologic Care