AN AMERICAN DREAM TURNS NIGHTMARE
Two brothers migrating from Venezuela in hopes of making better lives are not part of Aurora’s immigration and slum apartment chaos
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DAVE PERRY Editor
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces he is suspending his presidential campaign at a news conference Friday, Aug 23, 2024, in Phoenix and would back Donald Trump for president. He since has been tabbed to head up federal health agencies, despite his record of misinformation about vaccines.
AP Photo/Darryl Webb
Time to make resolutions for the guv, the city council and the Aurora cops
As I was dusting off the growing list of annual New Year’s resolutions I passionately swear to, I realized, at my age, this is going nowhere. Being a journalist, I may be slow, but eventually, I get it.
The flashing-red dashboard light should be the annual race to break what I’m resolving to change — but this time I mean it — during the marathon gluttony and hedonism of New Year’s Eve.
I’ve got a better idea. This year, I’m making New Year’s resolutions for others.
Sure, I would feel endlessly better in smaller pants that fit, but my life, and millions of others in Aurora and Colorado, would be so much better if those people running the state and local shows would make some big changes as the year rolls over.
Here’s my list of resolutions for everyone but me for a better 2025:
Gov. Jared Polis: More nerdy social media post memes. Whether Colorado’s governor is dressing like Mork from Ork or pushing dead legislative bills across a table saw on his Capitol desk (Capitol housekeeping had to be less than amused) Polis reflects that genuine Colorado mettle: Don’t take yourself so seriously. It’s a quality more community and government leaders should emulate. For next year: Stop doubling down on making it seem like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has some redeeming quality as a leader in health issues. Anyone who pushes dangerous medical quackery with a straight face is a danger to public health. There are no redeeming values for healthcare leaders who recognize proper nutrition is important so you can suffer longer from polio. Kennedy is a nutcase. Just admit it and move on.
Aurora Police Chief: More talk about transparency in the Aurora Police Department, please, followed by more concrete examples of how the department makes public the information residents need to understand improvements in public safety and problems in public safety. Next year, quit telling rooms full of Black and brown people that you “don’t care what color they are” when it comes to enforcing the law. They care because they’re Black or brown. Everyone gets that you’re trying to make it sound like you and all Aurora police are “above” racism when it comes to enforcing the law and protecting the public. The problem is the communities of people of color know the difference between the way things should be and the way they are. This is a community that experienced the cataclysmic death of Elijah McClain — over and over and over as it played out in the media, the protests and the courts. Black people here heard an Aurora police officer on videotape call Black crime witnesses “porch monkeys.” The Black community here watched as a city commission overruled a former police chief and forced that cop back onto the force, saying that kind of racism was not a fireable offense for the Aurora Police Department. The Black community here, and across the country, watched Aurora police officers force a car full of Black women and
girls face down on a scalding asphalt parking lot when they were wrongly accused of being inside a car they wrongly thought was stolen. They were little girls. We all get that you are implying that Aurora Police are now going to enforce the law equitably among white and non-white people. But when you say you “don’t care” about their color, they’re hearing that you don’t care about what they’ve been through, and what Aurora police have yet to convince them that they will still go through. As a community, we need to care that immigrants, Black people, Latinos, Asian Americans, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people are and have been treated differently, and usually badly. Black people especially want to hear from police that they do care that they’re Black, and that police recognize they fear encounters with police, for themselves and their families. Aurora’s people of color are a savvy community. Saying “I don’t care” sounds like, “I don’t care.”
The Aurora City Council: Continue streaming more city meetings and explainers on social media platforms and web interfaces. Making the actions of city officials public in real-time and for playback later helps engage the public in processes few have the time to even take notice of, let alone participate in. Next year, get help. I’ve been doing this journalism thing for a very long time. I have never, ever seen a group of people as perpetually mean and dysfunctional as this Aurora City Council. Take some hard-earned tax dollars from your constituents and get professional help to come in and spur some civility and professionalism among the members. Immediately, quit stepping on the critical democratic, legislative process by stopping debate on issues some city lawmakers don’t want to hear but clearly need to. The cheap trick of shutting up any opposition or questions by “calling for the question,” minutes after the debate begins is a sleazy, authoritarian gimmick expected by the Venezuelan national assembly, not the city of Aurora. Everyone professes to be ever so patriotic and appreciative of this American democracy. Prove it.
The Colorado State Patrol: Keep those warnings and threats coming about going after “weavers” on the highway and ass-hats with their phones in their faces as they race down the interstate. Next year, quit just making empty threats about cracking down on “weavers” and drivers pushing 120 mph on I-25 and the entire catalog of dangerous stunts we all see every time we get on the interstates in the metro area, and for the love of all that’s going to be 2025, pull people the hell over — with lots of sirens, and lights. Then run that video endlessly on TikTok and Instagram and Youtube so, after all these years, moron motorists will see that they can’t get away with it anymore.
See you next year, probably fatter.
Follow @EditorDavePerry on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon, Twitter and Facebook or reach him at 303-750-7555 or dperry@SentinelColorado. com
Rep. Crow lauds veterans caucus for bridging divides, pushing legislation
“WE ARE A SMALL BUT MIGHTY CAUCUS THAT PUNCHES WAY ABOVE ITS WEIGHT,” CROW SAID.
BY GARY FIELDS, Associated Press
The players in this year’s Army-Navy football game kept up a long tradition, with each side honoring the other’s school song when the contest ended. It was an acknowledgment that the future could bring moments when the opponents that day are teammates on deadlier fields.
That ethos also guides a group in the U.S. House that calls itself the For Country Caucus. Its members are veterans with wide military experience who have banded together across party and ideological lines. At a time when bipartisan working relationships in Congress seem rare, with little hope for change in the coming session, the caucus shows there are still spaces where people with different views come together.
“We’re trying to lead by example, both within Congress to show our colleagues that this is possible, but also to America more broadly,” said Aurora Democrat Congressperson Jason Crow, who is one of the outgoing co-chairs of the caucus.
“People only get deluged with the crazy aspects of Congress and the things that don’t work and the people yelling and screaming,” Crow said. “We just don’t get as much attention when we’re actually working together.”
The caucus began in 2019 to bridge the divides that plague Washington and slow its effectiveness, said Steve Womack, a Republican member of the caucus from Arkansas and a retired colonel in the Army National Guard. Bringing together people who see themselves as sharing a commitment to putting country and mission first seemed like a starting point “to maybe advance some agendas that would be good for the country,” Womack said. Deadlines, comfort with high-pressure situations and a focus on common goals create “a kind of warrior ethos,” he said.
Since then, the group has been integral in getting more than 100 bills passed into law. The legislation includes such areas as national security, strengthening the military, veterans’ issues,
national service and supporting military families, especially those that have lost loved ones.
The caucus was instrumental in getting an increase — the first in two decades — in payments designed to help military families bear the added financial costs of deployments. The caucus also pushed a provision to allow federal agencies to appoint military spouses to remote work positions, an action that could allow them to keep their jobs despite multiple moves.
Other legislation signed recently included an act to help continue efforts to evacuate Afghans who served alongside U.S. military members, diplomats and aid workers in Afghanistan.
One of the group’s first successes was the effort to establish the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall. Its design is underway.
“We are a small but mighty caucus that punches way above its weight,” Crow said.
Members of it sit on a number of committees together and meet regularly, including breakfast briefings twice a month. Recently, those briefings have included the heads of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force, as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Other guests have spoken about national service, such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps and Voices for National Service.
“We believe really strongly that one of the ways to bring Americans together is to get Americans to work together again,” Crow said.
That doesn’t have to be in the military, he said. People also can find common ground by serving their communities.
Their staff members also meet, and the representatives have some functions off Capitol Hill, including washing the black granite walls at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Two members of the outgoing group are retiring, while the 28 others were reelected. The caucus expects to pick up at least five new members in the next Congress, meaning nearly 8% of the House will be part of the caucus.
Crow, a former Army Ranger who served
multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and his co-chair, Texas Republican Tony Gonzales, a retired Navy chief petty officer, will hand over the leadership to Texas Republican Jake Ellzey, a former F/A-18 pilot, and Air Force Academy alumnus Don Davis, a North Carolina Democrat.
Edward Crawford, a co-founder of War Veterans Fund, which recruits Republican war veterans to run for Congress, has had several candidates join the caucus after winning their races.
“In a polarized world and a very polarized country, we veterans have to work with everybody,” he said. “You go into combat, Black, white, Hispanic, Asian, it doesn’t matter. You’re getting shot at. You’re working together. You’re covering each other. Democrat or Republican, it doesn’t matter.”
A Navy veteran himself, Crawford said that while his organization centers on Republican prospects, he refers Democrats to his counterpart at a group called With Honor Action, because that nonpartisan organization promotes veterans from both parties for elective office.
“We want them to be successful, too,” he said. “We want both sides of the aisle to get more veterans.”
Several of the members already had direct military connections.
Reps. Pat Ryan, a New York Democrat, and John James, a Republican from Michigan, were West Point classmates who at one time lived on the same hall. Ryan is the first West Point graduate to represent the district where the academy is located.
Ellzey flew in a squadron that provided air support in Afghanistan for Mike Waltz, a Florida Republican and caucus member, during one of Waltz’s military deployments. A former Green Beret, Waltz has been tapped to become President-elect Donald Trump’s national security adviser.
Crow and Womack, who were interviewed together, said they have been monitoring the debate over Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, as well as issues
related to the nomination such as veterans’ benefits and women in combat.
Womack said the nomination is the Senate’s responsibility, but if issues that are counter to the ideals of the caucus are floated, “the whole For Country Caucus will be ready to spring into action. I think to the person, we all kind of know where each other is on those kinds of subjects.”
But, he added, “I think it’s a little bit premature right now to get too caught up in the conjecture of what may or may not happen in the new Congress.”
Crow said questions about women in combat are non-issues.
“We don’t have to take a position because it’s just the fact that women serve in combat,” he said. “There are people in the caucus that have had that experience. So for us, this is not even a question.”
He said the caucus was made up of men and women of different backgrounds, nationalities, races and political positions. The outgoing covice chairs are New Jersey Democrat Mike Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an Iowa Republican and Army and Army Reserves veteran whose career includes stints as a nurse and physician.
Pushing specific ideologies is not part of its purpose, Crow said. Finding common ground, even in disagreements, is.
“We’re not going to take an all-or-nothing mentality because we know that when people take an all-or-nothing mentality, Americans end up with nothing,” he said. “That’s just not acceptable to us.”
For Country Caucus co-chair Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., right, and Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., left, pose for a portrait at the Capitol following a vote, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in Washington. AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.
The Magazine
Running interference on pain and injuring
PHYSICAL THERAPY IS ‘THE BEST-KEPT SECRET IN HEALTH CARE’
BY STEPHEN WADE, AP Sports Writer
If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well.
“We’re the best-kept secret in health care,” Sharon Dunn, the past president of the American Physical Therapy Association, told The Associated Press.
Roger Herr, the current president of the APTA, and Gammon Earhart, associate dean for physical therapy at the medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, echoed Dunn’s prevention message in separate interviews with the AP.
“We need to change our image by getting out of our silos, out of our brick-and-mortar clinics,” said Dunn, who teaches at LSU.
The image of the profession tends to be one-dimensional. You’ve had knee surgery, your back keeps acting up or you’re injured and you’ve been referred by a physician to a physical therapist.
You go several times, you get an evaluation and you’re discharged with exercises to do and advice about how to move more efficiently.
“That’s a big chunk of what physical therapists do,” Earhart said. “But I think a lot of people don’t understand. They think when they have a major medical problem that a physical therapist is going to massage them until they feel better. That’s not what it is.”
Follow the dental model
Many in the profession favor thinking of physical therapists the way we do dentists; patients make appointments for regular exams.
“Even if you’re not having any problem, you go in and have everything checked out,” Earhart said. “If there’s any problems that seem to be brewing, you head them off at the pass.”
An exam could include health history and current health — physical activity, sleep, nutrition, etc. This would be followed by a look at how you’re moving. It might include things like postural alignment and movement patterns as you walk, run, reach, sit and stand. In
terms of strength and flexibility, think muscle imbalances.
Herr is a big backer of annual wellness visits. For all ages.
“Physical therapists can fit into all parts of the spectrum,” Herr said. “It can be for the young, emerging athletes or high-end athletes, or someone who wants to age well and be as functional and independent as possible.”
Think prevention
You can now visit a physical therapist in all 50 states without needing a referral from a physician or surgeon. That’s the good news.
“I just don’t think the public knows they can go to a physical therapist without a physician’s referral,” Dunn said.
The bad news for an annual exam might be the price tag. These preventative visits are not usually covered by insurance. Earhart estimated such a visit in the Midwest might cost $150 out of pocket. But an intervention like this might save expenses — and add healthy years — in the long run.
Herr, who is based in New York, suggested a cost of $200-$300 in a more expensive part of the country.
“Surgery and accidents can still happen, but generally you’re on top of things with these visits,” Earhart said. “I think if people understood more that the way they move might be setting them up for a problem down the line, they’d be much more inclined to see a physical therapist.”
The hips for ballet — or not
We are all built differently with variations in hip architecture and so forth. It might be useful to evaluate children early to decide what sports or activities suit them. Testing beforehand to avoid a problem later is the perfect job for a physical therapist.
“If we screened kids as they were choosing sports and said this sport is probably not the right kind of stress for the way you are put together, it could save a lot pain and problems down the line,” Earhart said. “Maybe they don’t have the hips for ballet.”
Issues with weight
Distance runners should think this way. Some are built more efficiently to avoid injuries despite pouring on the miles or kilometers. Others are not, and it would be good to know in advance.
Fear of falling
Falling — and the fear of falling — is debilitating for the aging population. Herr said physical therapists can help with relatively simple interventions.
“You want to show people they can get back up if they fall,” Herr said. “And once they know they can do it, it gives them confidence and it can help reduce the fear of falling. One of the risks of falling is that people don’t do anything, so you don’t move and therefore you become more out of shape and not as functional.”
Herr noted that “floor to stand” movements involve flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. And planning.
“It sounds simple getting up from a lying position on the floor to stand,” Herr said. “But it’s a great exercise for all age groups.”
Earhart estimated that perhaps 50% of physical therapy patients are there because of issues related to being overweight.
“Somebody does not have to be morbidly obese for their weight to be affecting their movement,” she said. “The more weight somebody is carrying the higher the loads are on their joints.”
Earhart said she sees patients for “prehab” for weight-loss surgery known as bariatric surgery, also known as gastric bypass. This involves the digestive system to limit how much patients can eat, or the ability of take in calories.
The surgery can also involve rehab visits.
Herr said he’s watched obese patients drop weight. It can be a question of motivation, though it’s not always that straightforward.
“I have seen people change based on a milestone, like having a kid and they really want to be a good parent,” Herr said. “They want to be a fit parent, and the same thing with a grandparent. So that motivates people to engage because of a lifestyle change.”
Physical therapist Tyler Detmer, right, works with patient Jacob Bullard at WashU, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in St. Louis. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
Icons for a New West at Gallery 1261
“Icons for the New West” looks at the Western art trope by exploring icons. Artists invited to show work were selected for their current and contemporary view of the Western United States.
scene & herd
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Presents “A Night in New Orleans”
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra’s Sextet will perform “A Night in New Orleans” with vocalist Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield at the Aurora Fox Main Stage. Let the good times roll as the band brings the vibrant spirit of New Orleans jazz to life in an electrifying evening of music and celebration. From the soulful sounds of the blues to the swinging melodies of jazz horns, prepare for a rousing experience that will transport you straight to the heart of the Big Easy.
New Orleans jazz is characterized by its lively rhythms, collective improvisation and a blend of African, Caribbean and European musical traditions. Instruments commonly used in New Orleans jazz include the trumpet, clarinet, trombone, piano and drums, which create a rich and dynamic sound.
Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield is one of the top rising star vocalists in the country, with a voice and persona that have been described by many as refreshing and powerful. She often performs with the group and is featured on its fourth album, “Golden Lady,” to be released in July 2025. A jazz/soul vocalist, musician, composer and educator from Fort Worth, Texas, Mayfield has performed in various venues and festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad, earning her rave reviews from listeners and musicians and numerous awards. Mayfield is the Assistant Professor of Contemporary Popular Music at Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.
The sextet includes Gabriel Mervine (trumpet/horns), Art Bouton (saxophone/reeds), Adam Bartczak (trombone), Tom Amend (piano), Patrick McDevitt (bass) and Dru Heller (drums).
IF YOU GO
Show: A Night in New Orleans
When: 7:30 p.m., Jan. 11
Where: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, Tickets: $15.00 - $38.00 https://www.coloradojazz.org/ concerts or call the Fox Box 303-739-1970
Western art is a more expansive genre than most art patrons believe it to be. The gallery invited artists delving into contemporary themes and unusual media in this show. In some cases, the work for the show is experimental; these pieces signal a new direction for these artists with their work and vision. This work is always exciting because it signals that the artist is pushing boundaries in their work and for their audience. Making art that takes risks is vital to the artist’s growth.
Other artists’ work pushes boundaries in subjects, and so these artists present the West through a different lens. These works are wonderfully fun for patrons because they challenge them to see through the artist’s eyes and experience the world in a fresh, new way. In this respect, artists are looking at Western “icons” and reimagining them or simply shedding the nostalgia so many genre paintings embrace.
Artists in this exhibition include Don Stinson, Maeve Eichelberger, Daniel Sprick, Tim Cherry, Corey Pickett, Terry Gardner, Dan Young, Tony Hochstetler, William Matthews, David Carmack Lewis, Susie Hyer, Ulrich Gleiter, Stephanie Hartshorn, Linda Prokop, Billyo O’Donnell, Jen Starling, Reen Axtell, Kate Breakey, Andy Evansen, Michael Vacchiano and Johanna Mueller.
IF YOU GO
Show: Icons for a New West
When: Opening reception 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Jan. 9, the exhibition runs from Jan. 9 - Jan. 28
Where: Rose Fredrick Project Space at Gallery 1261, 1261 Delaware St., Suite 1, Denver https://buff.ly/4fHdURk
“The Rose of Sonora,” a violin concerto
Symphony of the Rockies is putting on an evening of western-themed music with “Rose of Sonora,” featuring the acclaimed violinist and former Denverite Holly Mulcahy. The program includes a new concerto by George S. Clinton’s evocative “Rose of Sonora,” a violin concerto in five scenes, is inspired by true stories about the lives of legendary women in the Old West and takes the listener on an epic western adventure of love, loss and revenge. The Western theme continues with Bernstein’s “Magnificent Seven,” Morricone’s “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” and Copland’s “Hoe Down from Rodeo.”
IF YOU GO
Show: The Rose of Sonora
When: 7:30 p.m., Jan. 11
Where: Gates Concert Hall, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver
Tickets: $10 - $50; code GOWEST25 gets 25% off the ticket price https://www.symphonyrockies. org/events/rose-of-sonora
Art Inspired by Frida
Kahlo:
Visions of the Self
The artworks featured in this show draw inspiration from Kahlo’s distinctive style and subject matter, reinterpreted through a diverse range of mediums and artistic approaches. From surreal self-portraits to colorful celebrations of Mexican culture, the pieces pay homage to Kahlo’s enduring legacy while offering fresh, contemporary perspectives. In their exploration of the self, the body and the intersection of the personal and political, the artists in this exhibition capture the raw emotional power and unapologetic authenticity that defined Kahlo’s artistic voice. Their works invite viewers to peer into the artist’s inner world, confront their own experiences and find connection in the universal truths that Kahlo’s art poignantly reveals.
This Chicano Humanities and Arts Council exhibition is a testament to Frida Kahlo’s continued influence and the enduring relevance of her artistic vision. Through its diverse interpretations, viewers are reminded of art’s transformative potential to illuminate the human condition and celebrate the beauty in shared struggles.
IF YOU GO
Show: Art Inspired by Frida Kahlo: Visions of the Self
When: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Jan. 3 and runs until Feb. 14
Where: Chicano Humanities and Arts Council at 40 West, 7060 W. 16th Ave.
Tickets: Free and open to the public www.chacgallery.org
Art in Nature: Poetry
Writing on the Prairie Attendees can tap into their creativity and enjoy the wonder of the written word. The event allows people to admire and learn about the prairie’s beauty and power while creating unique nature poetry. Attendees will travel around a picturesque winter landscape and wind up in a cozy sod home to finish poetic works. Presented and Managed by the City of Aurora.
IF YOU GO
Show: Art in Nature: Poetry Writing on the Prairie
When: 1 - 3 p.m. Jan. 5
Where: Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave.
Tickets: $5 per person for ages 15 and older
https://buff.ly/40dUwHh
The Pond Ice Rink
Southlands’ popular ice rink, The Pond, reopens on Nov. 8, kicking off the holiday and winter season. Advance tickets for skating sessions will be available soon. Group rates are also offered; contact (303) 928-7536 for details and reservations or email southlands@icerinkevents.com.
IF YOU GO
The Pond is open
Southlands, 6155 S. Main St.
$14
Family-friendly shopsouthlands.com/
Budding Sounds Mommy and Me Kindermusik
Classes
Kindermusik is a music curriculum used worldwide for decades, starting in Sweden. These hands-on caregiver/child classes meet the child at their developmental stage and help develop their cognitive, physical, emotional, and musical skills through music. Each class is centered around a theme, and the theme is used to learn new songs, dance and play instruments together.
IF YOU GO
Show: Budding Sounds’ Mommy and Me Kindermusik Classes
When: Wednesday mornings, 9 a.m.-9:45 a.m. for 1- to 2-year-olds, 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. for 2- to 3-yearolds, 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. for 0- to 1-year-olds
Where: Premiere Martial Arts, 17200 E. Iliff Ave. St., Unit A3
Tickets: $5-$90, $5 trial classes for newcomers https://kindermusik.com/ studio/58723
El Morro Y Su ReuniónLos Pilotos de Chihuahua - Los Pericos del Arroyo
Colorado’s largest New Year’s party. Ladies free until 10 p.m IF YOU GO Show: El Morro Y Su ReuniónLos Pilotos de Chihuahua - Los Pericos del Arroyo
When: 8:30 p.m., Dec. 31
Where: The Stampede, 2430 S. Havana St., Aurora
Tickets: $2 - $50 https://www.stampedeclub.net/ tm-event/el-morro-y-su-reunin-lospilotos-de-chihuahua-los-pericosdel-arroyo/
Burrell Arts at Central High School - Arts and Business Connection
Tour the new creative and performing arts space in the Burrell Arts pathway at Aurora Central High School. Learn about the current programming of the K-12 Charles Burrell pathway and the $19 million renovation of the campus. Jessica Brown, Director of Magnet Schools at Aurora Public Schools, and Eppstein Uhen Architects will discuss the two-year project. The renovation at the high school included a state-of-the-art new dance studio, theatre tech workspace, theatre room and dressing rooms, a renovated auditorium and a Charles Burrell mural. Only teachers are working on this day, and no students will be available to perform.
IF YOU GO
Show: Burrell Arts
When: 8:30 a.m., Jan. 7
Where: Aurora Central High School, 11700 E. 11th Ave. Tickets: Free for Chamber members https://buff.ly/3Pis68Q
Chicano Humanities and Arts Council Members’ Showcase
It is a one-of-a-kind exhibit where Chicano Humanities and Arts Council artists present their favorite works of art. CHAC Gallery comprises diverse artists who use various mediums to present their unique and powerful voices. These voices reverberate throughout Denver and the generations. By its nature, this will be a multi-generation art exhibit, as CHAC artists range in age from teenagers and 20-year-olds to older artists in their 80s. This is an opportunity to see the different artists and the diverse styles that make up the CHAC artist community. Every CHAC artist has a story about what it means to be an artist, their life experiences and being part of the Denver arts community. Many of the CHAC artists are also arts educators who are passionate about making art accessible for all, as it is an important part of the human experience. Meet CHAC artists and experience their dynamic and multi-dimensional artwork. Curated by CHAC Artist Anthony LaCombe Art image by CHAC Artist Anthony LaCombe Chicano Humanities and Arts Council CHAC is an inclusive community of all creatives that are dedicated to preserving, showcasing, educating and reflecting the essence of Chicana/o/x, Latina/o/x and other multicultural/ multiracial communities.
IF YOU GO
Show: CHAC Members’ Showcase
When: 5 p.m., Jan. 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 31
Where: 834 Santa Fe Drive, Denver https://www.chacgallery.org/
“Where The Wild Things Are” Package
In collaboration with Denver Art Museum’s brand-new “Where The Wild Things Are” exhibit, honoring the cherished children’s book, The ART Hotel Denver, has launched a Wild Things package. The package will include a hardcover edition of “Where the Wild Things Are” book. Two tickets to the “Wild Things” exhibit at the Denver Art Museum, truffles and a personalized note from the book’s main character, Max.
IF YOU GO
Through Feb. 17
The ART Hotel Denver 1201 Broadway, Denver Free www.thearthotel.com/special-offers/wild-things •
• GreatBurgers
• GreatCheesesteaks
•
• 20 TV’s
•
•
•
Soda
Give
Honest Journalism
AROUND AURORA
Immigrants in metro area fearful after Trump victory. Advocates urge calm Fear. Confusion. Sadness. Nervousness. Those were just a few of the adjectives used to describe how immigrants — and people who work with them — are feeling after Donald Trump’s victory in November.
The president-elect has said he will begin mass deportations of people who are in this country illegally. He dubbed the effort “Operation Aurora” after falsely claiming that the city had been overtaken by Venezuelan gangs. He has also indicated he may revoke temporary protected status for people who have legally come to the U.S. after fleeing violence or oppression in their home countries.
While many people find that kind of rhetoric disturbing, Amanda Blaurock doesn’t want immigrants to panic. Blaurock is the executive director of the Village Exchange Center in northwest Aurora, a non-profit organization that served 30,000 newly arrived immigrants this past year. “We don’t know today what’s really going to happen, but we definitely will not engage in any fear mongering. We want to keep people calm. We want them to know that we are still here, and that we will still support them.”
The non- profit Village Exchange Center provides services including food, vaccinations, job training, legal resources, and education. Blaurock anticipates the need for services will greatly increase in the coming year, so she hopes to more than double the number of case managers on staff to help connect immigrants with government and non-government services.
Bhim Bhattarai manages the food pantry at the center, which provides food for 600 families every week. He lived in a refugee camp for 22 years in Nepal before resettling in Colorado in 2014. Now, a U.S. citizen and proud Aurora homeowner, Bhattarai says he senses that many newly arrived immigrants are fearful in the wake of the election “and that makes me worry that they won’t come to places like this to get food or services anymore because they’re afraid to leave their homes.”
Mango House, on East Colfax in Aurora, features several immigrant-owned businesses, restaurants, stores, and a non-profit medical clinic.
The Village Exchange Center food pantry provides a variety of groceries for more than 600 immigrant families every Wednesday afternoon.
Dr. P.J. Parmar has been providing medical services to refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented immigrants in Aurora for more than 13 years. He says among the people he sees, there has been a wide variety of reactions. “Obviously most didn’t want Trump, but interestingly some did, and many are even indifferent or ambivalent for many reasons.”
Outside Parmar’s clinic, the Mango House food court was serving a lunchtime crowd. The immigrant-owned restaurants there serve Burmese, Syrian, Nepali, and Sudanese food, among other cuisines. Several managers of the restaurants told Front Porch that even though they were naturalized citizens, they didn’t want to talk on the record for fear they could suffer some kind of backlash because of the heated political rhetoric.
Central Park resident Christina Carballal has been working with migrant families through the Central Park and Park Hill Newcomer Support page on Facebook. The site acts as a clearinghouse: collecting donations and connecting immigrants with neighborhood families. Carballal says the migrants she has spoken with are worried, “but most believe that the immigrants that will be most impacted are ones who have broken the law either here in the United States or back in their home country.” She knows one immigrant who has successfully got-
ten a work permit and has found regular work. Still, he’s nervous and plans to save money and be more careful so that he doesn’t draw any attention to himself.
Carballal says she takes some comfort in the fact that during his first term, Trump didn’t carry out many of the things he threatened, “so I’m just hoping that he won’t really carry out the mass deportations that he talked about on the campaign trail.”
Casa de Paz is another organization that helps immigrant communities. Its mission is to offer support to people who have been released from the privately-owned Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in northwest Aurora. Executive director Andrea Loya says she’s seen an increase in nervousness among certain groups of immigrants. “There were specific countries that were targeted so much by the media during the election— Venezuela and Haiti in particular — that immigrants from those countries are definitely more fearful.”
Loya says that she is also worried about her organization. “During the first Trump administration we received all kinds of threatening messages because of the work we were doing.” She says there is so much uncertainty about what will happen, so she is trying to remain calm and focus on the work at hand. But she is “enraged” that Trump has targeted Aurora. “I was born in Mexico City, but have been in Aurora for 20 years. What he doesn’t understand is that this community has been a migrant community for many, many years. A strong, diverse, and vibrant community.”
To volunteer with immigrant communities in the northeast Denver metro area, visit the following websites: VillageExchangeCenter.org ProjectWorthmore.org CasaDePazColorado.org
— Mary Jo Brooks, Front Porch
COPS AND COURTS
Man handling handgun at Aurora hotel shoots, injures girl, 16, police say
A 16-year-old girl was shot and injured late Dec. 28 at an Aurora hotel as a man was handling a handgun and it discharged, striking the girl, police said.
Police were called to an Aurora hospital at about midnight after the unidentified girl walked into the emergency department suffering a gunshot wound.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the girl was with “multiple” people at the Quality Inn, 1011 S. Abilene St. when the shooting occurred.
“An adult male began manipulating a handgun,” Aurora police spokesperson Sydney Edwards said in a statement. “The gun fired and struck (the) victim.”
Police said the suspected shooter fled the scene before police arrived, but they know the man’s identity. It was not released.
Edwards said the girl was expected to survive.
— Sentinel Staff
Aurora man dies from Christmas Eve ‘fight’ injuries outside High Point home
Investigators said there were “multiple adult suspects” in the case, and all are at large.
Investigators are trying to piece together who was involved in what police described as a “fight” on Christmas Eve that left an unidentified man dead in Aurora’s High Point neighborhood.
Police were called to a house on the 19400 block of East Navarro Drive about 9:30 p.m. after reports of a fight there.
“When they arrived, they found an adult male unconscious,” according to Aurora police spokesperson Sydney Edwards. “Officers conducted life-sav-
ing measures before he was transported to the hospital.”
The man died from his injuries on Thursday, according to police,
Investigators said there were “multiple adult suspects” in the case, and all are at large.
Police did not disclose how the man was injured during the fight, nor any details about a motive or suspects.
The man will be identified at a later date by Arapahoe County coroner officials.
— Sentinel Staff
Aurora man charged with arson, death of dog in Dec. 23 apartment fire
An Aurora man accused of purposely setting fire to his apartment, leading to the death of a dog, faces arson and cruelty to animal charges, according to Adams County prosecutors.
Abrigo Apartment resident Paul Daniel Clark, 45, faces three counts of arson and one count of cruelty to animals in connection with the fire, according to officials from the 17th Judicial District Attorney office.
Firefighters were called to the apartments at 12170 E. 30th Ave., at about 12:30 a.m. Dec. 23 after reports of a fast-growing fire in a single unit,
according to Aurora Fire and Rescue spokesperson Dawn Small.
“The flames were visible from a couple of miles away as fire companies approached the scene,” Small said in a statement. “When they arrived, flames and black smoke were visible on the east side of the three-story apartment building.”
Firefighters reached the complex within two minutes of the call, Small said. They were able to contain the blaze to the third-floor apartment where the fire originated.
While rescuers were combing the building to evacuate residents, a dead dog was found inside Clark’s apartment, where the blaze began, Small said. Two residents in the unit directly below Clark’s unit were forced to leave their apartment.
Firefighters said Clark had left his burning apartment and the building before firefighters arrived, He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries, Small said.
“AFR fire investigators determined that the cause of the fire was intentionally set by the resident of the apartment,” Small said earlier in the week.
As of Friday, Clark was being held in the Adams County jail in lieu of $25,000 bond, according to county records.
— Sentinel Staff
Man killed after jumping on to roof of a moving car in north Aurora
Police said an unidentified man was killed after he jumped onto the hood of a car driving down a north Aurora street, crawled onto the roof of the SUV and was thrown to his death as the car continued driving.
Police said a man was apparently walking in the middle of Jasper Street at about 6:30 p.m. Dec. 27 near East 33rd Place, which is an industrial area, “when an SUV slowly approached him.” police spokesperson Sydney Edwards said in a statement.
“The male charged at the SUV, jumped onto the hood of the vehicle and climbed onto the roof while the vehicle was in motion,” she said.
The driver of the SUV sped up to get the man on the roof off his car, according to police reports.
“The male fell from the vehicle, sustained serious bodily injury and died at the scene,” Edwards said. “The driver of the vehicle attempted to render aid to the male and was cooperative with the investigation.”
The death was 49th fatal car crash in Aurora this year.
— Sentinel Staff
›› See METRO, 19
HOPES AND BAD DREAMS
Two Venezuelan brothers coming to the US for better lives found only turmoil in Aurora
BY CASSANDRA BALLARD, SENTINEL STAFF WRITER
This American dream quickly turned into a nightmare.
For millions of immigrants, the United States is a beacon of hope, an escape from violence and economic futility. For Venezuelan brothers Nixon and Dixon Azuaje-Perez, however, their journey to a better life has spiraled into a tangle of legal battles, incarceration and uncertainty.
What the two young men say was a mistake made after a July 28 shooting at their northwest Aurora apartment has left them grappling with a harsh reality far removed from the promise of a fresh start at the American dream.
Police say the brothers were not involved in the July 28 shooting at the Aspen Grove Apartments, one of a bevy of crimes and controversies linked to Venezuelan immigrants and gang members that have made Aurora the nexus of an anti-immigrant battleground. But police say the two brothers “tampered with evidence in the shooting,” prompting their arrests. The brothers say they were only trying to move spent bullet casings from the shooting away from their front door landing to keep from drawing attention to their apartment.
It may have ended their years-long journey to an American life.
The two Azuaje-Perez brothers and their mother say they felt like so many South American immigrants seeking asylum in the United States. If they could just get here, everything would eventually fall into place. It’s a common mantra for millions fleeing nations rife with corruption, crime and poverty.
A journey of hope
The family migrated from Venezuela to Peru six years ago, when the brothers were 15 and 13 years old, to escape widespread violence in their birth nation and find better jobs. When life in Peru became just as difficult, their mother sought asylum in the United States with her three children, including Dixon and Nixon.
Both brothers helped their mother a lot, friends and family told the Sentinel. Dixon, 21, takes on the responsibility of the oldest brother’s role, helping his mother support the family, and Nixon, 19, also helps by pitching in to watch out for his siblings.
After traveling by foot, train, and occasionally hitchhiking for months more than 1,000 miles from Peru to Mexico and then to the United States, their mother filled out asylum paperwork with her sons as her dependents to enter the US legally, according to the brothers’ mother and community members who have helped the family.
ICE reports that U.S. immigration records show the brothers entered the United States on Aug. 22, 2023. This allowed them to legally move about the country while court determinations for their asylum requests were processed. This process can easily take months or even years, immigration attorneys say.
Nixon and Dixon entered the Camino Real International Bridge 2 Port of Entry in Eagle Pass, Texas, where they were arrested by United States Customs and Border Protection and issued a notice to appear. They were subsequently released on immigration “parole,” according to an ICE spokesperson.
The Sentinel agreed not to name the men’s mother nor younger brother because both fear harassment by federal officials or anti-immigrant activists.
“They were dependents on her asylum application,” said Jennifer Piper, interfaith organizing director at the American Friends Service Committee’s Denver Immigrant Rights program.
The family applied for asylum through the CBP One process, which required an appointment for screening at the border, according to Piper. Once cleared, they immediately traveled to New York, where the family set their immigration hearings as a unit, Piper said. The two older brothers, who were 19 and 20 years old, were legally adults but still young enough that their mother could claim them as dependents on her asylum paperwork.
However, the situation in New York, crowded with no job opportunities, prompted the two older brothers to look elsewhere across the country.
“They were staying in the shelters for single men,” Piper said. “NYC was also being very strict then, sending buses to other places and saying they were full, so the environment was pretty hostile.”
Since the brothers couldn’t find work or stay with their mother, they decided to try their luck in Colorado. They heard from friends that there was work in Aurora, and those friends offered to let the brothers stay with them in exchange for watching their child while they were at work.
Dixon and Nixon moved to Aurora on Dec. 30, 2023. They settled in Aurora’s Aspen Grove Apartments, 1568 Nome St., where they lived with friends and worked side jobs while helping care for children in the building.
They quickly became familiar faces in the community, known for their hard work and willingness to help others, Piper said. His mother describes Dixon as a caring, responsible older brother who takes pride in supporting his family, while Nixon is known for his optimism, ambition and strong sense of responsibility toward his younger siblings.
A shooting and its fallout
Their world began to fall apart when a shooting occurred July 28, 2024, at the apartment complex.
That midsummer morning at 4:30 a.m., the Aurora Police Department was called to the complex after multiple calls reporting a “shootout” that took place outside on three of five floors of the building. The shooting has since become part of a national story in-
volving the apartment’s owner, a local city council member making disputed claims about foreign gang takeovers and President Elect Donald Trump promising to create “Operation Aurora.” The plan would put the city in the crosshairs of Trump’s promise of mass deportation.
At Aspen Grove that morning, there were multiple gunmen with numerous shots, including some from automatic weapons, according to a police affidavit. Two victims were found shot, and the third had fractures to his lower legs after jumping from a fourth-floor window. As officers were attempting to “clear the chaotic scene” within an hour of their arrival, they saw two “Hispanic males” picking up gun shells from the third-floor walkway in front of their apartment door.
The Aspen Grove apartment complex is built in a U shape, with an outdoor walkway that lines the inside of the U, much like a motel. Nixon and Dixon were seen outside of their unit picking up and tossing the bullet shells from the space near their front door, police said in a report.
They were both wearing white, with one wearing a red shirt, when the officers spotted them. The brothers went inside their apartment, and when the officers attempted to knock on the door, they didn’t answer. The next day at 2:16 p.m., police returned with an arrest affidavit, read them their Miranda rights and questioned them with a Spanish-speaking officer.
Dixon told the officers he had nothing to do with the shooting, according to the affidavit. He said that the shooters entered the three units next to theirs and that those people were only at the apartment complex “sometime.”
Translations with the officer and lat-
er with Google Translate made some of the accounts from the brothers hard to understand in the affidavit.
Dixon said they were inside when they heard the gunshots and later tried to move the shells so the police wouldn’t think they were involved. Nixon told police a similar story, according to the same affidavit.
“The people who shot from the side of my apartment,” Nixon said in a direct quote in the affidavit. “They are my neighbors, and there are many other people there who are armed. That’s why I entered my apartment.”
It was unclear in the affidavit if Nixon said he entered his apartment after the shooting or if he meant that he was in the apartment during the shooting since many of the translations were through Google Translate. The people involved in the shooting were outside much of the night drinking and partying while carrying guns, according to the affidavits.
Police accused the brothers of tampering with evidence, and they were arrested and sent to Adams County jail in Brighton.
The two were advised of the charges against them on July 30. The same day, Enforcement and Removal Officers from ICE Denver encountered Nixon and Dixon and issued an immigration detainer.
A moment of freedom
The brothers each bonded out for $1,500 Aug. 5, with payment sent by their mother in New York. They were also given GPS ankle monitors at the courthouse to keep track of their locations. By Aug. 11, The city and Aurora Police Department announced a special task force in collaboration with other lo-
cal, state and federal partners to make clear and crack down on people in areas linked to the notorious prison gang, Tren De Aragua, also known as TdA.
The city shuttered The Aspen Grove Apartments Aug. 13, partly because of continued crime at the complex and scores of health and safety violations documented as unresolved for more than two years.
How the brothers became so quickly intertwined with ICE agents set off red flags for at least one state legislator who has led legislative efforts to restrain such action.
State Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, said that during the first Trump administration, ICE officers conducted operations near courthouses, schools and other sensitive locations. In response, she said, the Colorado General Assembly enacted HB19-1124, which prevents local law enforcement from honoring ICE detainer requests without a judicial warrant. In addition, SB20083 prohibits ICE from carrying out civil arrests at courthouses.
Gonzales said these policies ensured law enforcement can build and maintain trust with vulnerable communities. During the debates over these measures, victims’ advocates, legal professionals and immigrant-support organizations emphasized the importance of fostering trust with noncitizens, survivors of violence and trauma and non-English-speaking individuals.
The brothers stayed at their Aspen Grove apartment until it was closed, then moved to Denver to stay with friends.
On Aug. 18, the now-viral video of six armed men entering an apartment unit at the Edge of Lowry was broadcast, first locally and then on national TV news shows. The same property man-
THE DREAM: Friends and family of Nixon and Dixon Azuaje-Perez at the Mexican border from Guatemala on their way to the United States to migrate as refugees Photo Via the Azuaje-Perez family.
agement company that owned the Edge at Lowry also owned the Aspen Grove Apartment complex.
Police began asking the public for tips on people linked to TdA, as they were “increasingly collecting evidence” on Aug. 28 about who was linked to the Venezuelan gang and how many TdA gang members were in the region.
Police confirmed Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos, 22, as a shooter and Tren de Aragua gang member on Aug. 30 after reviewing video surveillance from the Aspen Grove Apartments. He was arrested right after the shooting with his older brother, Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, who was later identified as a gang member, too, according to court documents.
On Sept. 4, The Aurora Police Department released photographs of Dixon and Nixon as suspected gang members alongside the Pacheco-Chirinos brothers, who had both been identified as Tren de Aragua gang members. Dixon and Nixon were close to the same age as the Pacheco-Chirino brothers.
However, after the Sept. 4 news release, the Aurora Police Department said they found no evidence that the boys were related to TdA.
“They have not been tied to TdA or any other specific gang at this time,” Sydney Edwards wrote in an email on Oct. 18.
ICE officials, however, still claim the brothers are gang members.
“Nixon Azuaje Perez, 19, and Dixon Azuaje Perez, 21, are unlawfully present citizens of Venezuela and confirmed members of the transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua,” ICE officials said. ICE officials did not provide details of the alleged link to TdA.
However, the same officials said the brothers had no criminal history, and that it is not illegal to be members of a gang.
It is illegal, however, to participate in gang-related activities, according to state and federal law.
Aurora police are concerned about the illegal activities and actions in Aurora, not arresting on potential affiliation. The officials also said they do not work closely with other agencies and have not shared their evidence with other local enforcement agencies.
Piper said ICE makes these accusations regularly and that the brothers were never part of any gang. Their mother and other community members also claim the brothers were never affiliated with the gang.
According to Piper, while the brothers were out on bond, they lived with different friends in Denver. Nixon went with Dixon to his preliminary hearing in Adams County with Judge Jeffrey Dean Ruff on Sept. 6. The hearing was not held because the brothers had no attorney then. That day, they both applied for a public defender at the courthouse.
While in court, Dixon told the judge he and his brother’s ankle monitors were bruising their ankles.
The judge gave the brothers an address to get their ankle monitors adjusted and told them they could go whenever they wanted. Since there was no need to make an appointment, the brothers did not discuss when they would get their monitors adjusted, they said.
Nixon took the paper with the address and put it in his wallet.
The brothers went from the courthouse directly to the address on the paper because they had a friend driving them and didn’t want to waste any more of his time, according to Piper, who also spoke to the friend who drove the brothers.
The address was 4201 E. 72 Ave., Unit D, in Commerce City, listed as Adams County Probation. Avenue Unit B is listed at the same address as the Adams County Service Center and Adams County Sheriff’s Office Substation.
Sgt. Adam Sherman, Public Information Officer for Adams County, told the Sentinel that case managers at the Supervised Release office are “in charge of adjusting ankle monitors.”
“They are in charge of all clients on GPS / all GPS issues,” he said in an email.
The brothers told Piper they went in and told the front desk attendant they were there to have their ankle monitors adjusted. She told them they would have to wait a couple of minutes, the boys said. They said that when they told her their names, “she looked surprised.”
She left and returned and acted nervously while in the waiting room, the brothers relayed to their friend and Piper.
The two brothers and their friend who drove them said they waited about 15-20 minutes. Then, the front desk attendant told them to go to the back of the office.
“Then three ice officials were inside the office when they took us back from the lobby into another room, and they arrested us,” Piper said, recounting both brothers’ stories.
Their mother said she was also on the phone with Dixon when the brothers walked back to be met by ICE agents.
The brothers were arrested inside the Adams County Probation building and taken to the GEO Group Inc., ICE detention center at 3130 Oakland St.,
When asked who approved the arrest inside of the county building and what the business that specific building was for, Sgt. Sherman confirmed it was a county-run office.
“The Supervised Release Program is part of pretrial services with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, located at 4201 E. 72 Ave.” Sherman said in an email. It is a sheriff’s office program. I do not have any information if the ICE were contacted by someone from that office or not.”
Gonzales said that not only does the detention of the brothers inside the probation office appear to directly violate both SB19-1124 and SB20-083, but it specifically erodes the trust these agencies claim to have worked diligently to establish.
“That is why the Aurora Police Department’s initial labeling of the Azuaje-Perez brothers as gang members and the brothers’ subsequent detention by ICE officers inside the Adams County probation office is extraordinarily troubling,” Gonzales said. “The brothers’ criminal cases are still pending, which means they are innocent until proven guilty, but the consequence of their labeling as gang members and renewed immigration detention has all but de-
stroyed their asylum applications.” Detainment
Nixon and Dixon were arrested by Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver for immigration violations Sept. 6 and were detained in the Denver Contract Detention Facility, ICE officials said.
“I call on the Aurora Police Department, the Adams County Sheriff and the Adams County District Attorney to further investigate this incident to determine who bears responsibility for this failure to follow state law,” Gonzales said.
Once the Colorado General Assembly convenes in January, Gonzales said she intends to work alongside her colleagues to strengthen state laws further in order to advance greater public safety.
“Just days ago, APD Chief Chamberlain applauded immigrant victims’ ‘courage’ for calling the police in their moment of crisis,’ Gonzales said.
As the state braces for the upcoming second Trump administration, Gonzales said she fears that the plights of Nixon and Dixon Azuaje-Perez – asylum-seekers whose arrests in the aftermath of a shooting that led to President-elect Trump dubbing his upcoming mass deportation plan “Operation Aurora” – will make Aurorans who are immigrants or who live in mixed-status families less likely to call 911.
“That will make all Coloradans less safe, and should concern us all,” she said.
Since then, the brothers have been held in separate pods at GEO ICE. They went from being inseparable to unable to talk to or see each other.
Piper said she received the same account of what happened from both boys, even though they could not speak to each other.
The piece of paper with the address the brothers were sent to have their ankle monitors adjusted was later given to Piper. While at the facility, Nixon was able to ask for his belongings and retrieve the paper to give her.
Piper said that everyone in the car never noticed any cars following them, and there didn’t seem to be any ICE vehicles in the parking lot when they pulled up.
The driver also didn’t notice anyone pull up while waiting for the brothers in the building.
When the brothers were taken to GEO custody, ICE removed them from their mother’s application and placed them into their own deportation proceedings, Piper said. They now have to file their asylum applications while in the GEO center.
“I’m not a tax attorney nor an immi-
gration attorney, but I’ve heard numerous attorneys for both say that the only law that is more complex than immigration law is tax code,” Piper said. “When you look at all the other types of laws we have, immigration is a second to tax code; you can imagine how successful people are in representing themselves in a second language.”
Dixon just turned 21 years old, which closed his window to seek asylum as his mother’s dependent. Community members and family could not collect enough funds for a lawyer to help him. In his most recent immigration hearing with ICE, he was ordered to be deported.
“Dixon was ordered removed to Venezuela by an immigration judge Oct. 31,” ICE officials said. “Dixon remains in ICE custody pending removal to Venezuela.”
He chose not to make an argument for citizenship. No one advised Dixon to allow himself to be deported, but he told Piper he thought it would be the fastest way to get out of the ICE facility.
“Imagine the conditions that would lead you to decide that sitting in detention for six more months was the fastest way to get out of that place,” Piper said.
Since the United States does not have diplomatic relations with Venezuela, he will most likely be held at GEO for 180 days. Then, he will have a custody review, said Piper and Conor Gleason, senior attorney for Meyer Law Office, an immigration firm. Gleason spoke broadly on the immigration process without specifically addressing Dixon and Nixon.
The U.S. Constitution protects citizens and noncitizens from indefinite detention. According to the Immigration Council and Gleason, detention after a final order of removal must be tied to facilitating deportation. However, individuals must be released if removal is not likely within a reasonable timeframe, for example, in non-diplomatic relations between the US and other countries.
Federal statutes mandate a Post-Order Custody Review after 90 days. If removal remains unlikely, Gleason said, release with supervision conditions—such as GPS ankle monitoring or travel restrictions—must occur after 180 days. Any exceptions require compelling evidence.
“Hopefully, by then, his criminal case will be resolved favorably, but he doesn’t have any mechanism to stay permanently in the United States,” Piper said about Dixon. “Each day, his mental health deteriorates.”
Even though he may be able to stay in Colorado, he could receive a three- or 10-year restriction where he cannot apply for citizenship for three or 10 years, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Piper said he has been held in isolation since his hearing and is still currently in isolation, that he was in a segregated unit in isolation, which she said is typically what ICE does when they are dealing with people having a mental health crisis.
ICE officials confirmed this, citing the Performance-Based National Detention Standards to which ICE adheres.
The CMA may authorize medical isolation for a detainee who is at high
LEFT: Aurora police issued this series of mug shots and a press release in October, indicating that Dixon and Nixon Azuaje-Perez were among others in Aurora tabbed as members of TdA. Police have since said there was no evidence of their involvement with the gang.
risk for violent behavior because of a mental health condition, the document states under medical care. The CMA shall be responsible for the daily reassessment of the need for continued medical isolation to ensure the health and safety of the detainee. The document said medical isolation should not be used as a punitive measure.
If the US and Venezuela’s relationship changes or an administration persuades a third country to take Dixon, then ICE would be able to pick him up and deport him, Piper said. Gleason confirmed that this could happen. Piper and Gleason said there was a period when ICE would keep people in detention for years, but they don’t currently do that. It’s unclear if that will change in the new year, under the new Trump Administration.
Dixon and his younger brother Nixon last lived in Venezuela when he was 15 and Nixon was 13 years old. Piper said he would be unable to navigate well if forced to go back.
“They lived in Peru for years,” Piper said.”He doesn’t have a lot of family or connections there because he’s lived elsewhere.”
When their immigration court hearing was moved from New York to Colorado, there was a mixup with Nixon’s case being placed in Denver instead of Aurora, which postponed his hearings for much longer than his brother’s. Nixon had an immigration hearing set on Nov. 13 but couldn’t appear.
On Nov. 6, Nixon was told to pack his stuff because he was being moved to Adam’s County Court on a writ from the judge while he waited for his court hearing. This was after his third continuance, but it caused him to miss one immigration hearing, and he will most likely miss a second one before his next court date in Adams County.
ICE officials stated that it is common practice for immigrants in ICE custody to be transferred to complete any pending criminal cases.
Nixon also missed his hearing on Dec. 12 while held in Adams County Court.
Piper and other community members found Nixon a pro bono attorney who could file his CBP One application.
He still needs an attorney to represent him in front of the immigration court because that relief comes from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, not the court. In the meantime, his deportation will continue to progress unless someone can represent him and coordinate the outcome of the criminal case and his immigration case. That lawyer will cost $3,500, and Piper and other community members have only raised $600 in their GoFundMe. There will be a time when part of his application might be approved, and then that attorney could argue that he should be paroled while waiting to hear the final decision from the government, Piper said.
Dixon had his arraignment hearing Dec. 16, where he pleaded not guilty. The court accepted his not-guilty plea and set a motions hearing for April 4 and a jury trial May 28 and 29.
Nixon’s arraignment hearing was continued until February.
Top: Senior Kenny Black-Knox (4) is one of four players averaging in double figures in scoring for the Rangeview boys basketball team during its 8-0 start to the 2024-25 season, which is the best mark among Aurora area teams.
Below top: Senior Garrett Barger missed the opening game for the Eaglecrest boys basketball team, but helped the Raptors go 6-1 when he was in the lineup.
Below middle: Regis Jesuit junior Eric Fiedler poured in 20.1 points per game in the first seven games as the Raiders took a 5-2 mark into winter break.
Below bottom: Senior Kaylan Graham has contributed an average of 17.6 points per game for Smoky Hill boys basketball team during a 4-4 start.
PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL
FOR MONTH BY MONTH 2024
With the holiday hiatus in the rearview mirror, Aurora’s winer prep sports teams can enter the new year full steam ahead.
WINTER SPORTS
Here’s a look at the status of things in boys and girls basketball, boys and girls wrestling, girls swimming and ice hockey, which can resume competition on Jan. 2:
Colorado
Back from break
BOYS BASKETBALL
A lot of quality basketball took place in and out of Colorado in the opening portion of the season, with the promise of more to come.
The most notable start to the season took place at Rangeview, where coach Shawn Palmer’s team won all eight of its games, which included championships in two different tournaments. Besides individual wins against Gateway and Denver North — won by an average of 51 points — the Raiders secured back-to-back titles at the Mullen Christmas Classic and then the Aztec Varsity Tournament played in Tucson, Arizona.
BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor
Rangeview returned a key core that included fixtures in seniors Kenny Black-Knox and Royce Edwards and sophomore Archie Weatherspoon V, but two additions have been transformational. Senior guard LaDavian King, who starred for three seasons across town at Eaglecrest, transferred over and heralded freshman Marceles Duncan joined the mix as well. King is a potent scorer who leads the way with an average of 14 points per game, while Duncan has been good for 11.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 blocks.
With a slew of athletic players and a rim protector in the 6-foot-5 Duncan, the Raiders have been relentless on defense and allowed an average of just 42 points per game thus far. That’s plenty to win games with four players averaging in double figures (Weatherspoon V as 12.8 ppg and Black-Knox at 10.3 ppg to join King and Duncan).
King’s old team, Eaglecrest, is off to a 7-2 start and went into winter break after a 3-1 showing at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, where it was the runner-up of the Spalding Division.
The Raptors were without senior post star Garrett Barger for a season-opening loss against Regis Jesuit, but with Barger back in the lineup with averages of 13.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, have gone 6-1 since. Coach Jarris Krapcha’s team — which will add transfer Anthony Nettles to the mix for the second half of the season — have four players who average in double figures starting with Barger to go with sophomore Kris Coleman (13.7 ppg) and seniors Lucas Kalimba (11.8 ppg) and La’Quince York (10.9 ppg). Eaglecrest has a showdown with Mountain Vista shortly after break ends. Regis Jesuit (5-2) took a pair of losses against elite teams in Arizona, but also picked up a win out of state to go with four in Colorado. Coach Ken Shaw’s Raiders picked up quality wins against Ea-
Junior Eric Fiedler has been off to a fantastic start to the season and leads city players in scoring average at 20.1 points per contest, which includes a 30-point effort against Denver East. The all-around play of senior Lucas Dickinson has been crucial to the start for the Raiders and he has averaged 16.2 points and 9 rebounds per contest, while senior Alec Roumph has an average of 13.4 ppg. Under the guidance of Ryan Turk — who took over for Michael Rogers — Grandview captured the Paul Davis Classic to open the season and also played sixth at the Cherry Creek Holiday Classic during a 5-4 start. The Wolves have a single double-digit scorer in Breven Anderson (11.7 points per game), but several others are close in Trevor Thomas (8.7 ppg), Cameron Pritchard (8.1 ppg) and Cole Holtman (8.0 ppg).
Cherokee Trail won a total of eight games last season, but already has five in the new season, which is the second under Brian Brown as head coach. The Cougars won four out of five games in one stretch and posted a 2-2 mark in the Orleans Division at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas.
Six players averaged 7.1 points per game in the opening stretch for Cherokee Trail with only senior Jake Scott (10.5 ppg) and junior Caleb Jensen (10.3 ppg) in double figures.
Smoky Hill — a 6A semifinalist last season — came into the season with high expectations and made it into the break with a 4-4 record. Coach Anthony Hardin put his team through the paces against some elite programs in Colorado (Mountain Vista, Regis Jesuit and Kent Denver) and the Buffaloes also traveled to Las Vegas, where they finished 3-1 in the Ball Dawgs Division of the Tarkanian Classic. The schedules doesn’t ease for Smoky Hill coming out of the break, as it opens at the Nike Tournament of Champions.
The Buffaloes have a high-scoring trio in seniors Lorenzo Contreras (19.6 ppg) and Kaylan Graham (17.6 ppg), while junior Carter Basquez is just a little bit back at 17.4 points per contest.
Jordan Carter took over at Vista PEAK Prep, which made it to the semifinals of the 5A state tournament a year ago under Keenon Clement before he stepped down. Carter’s Bison played the fewest games of all the Aurora area programs before the break (five) and finished 3-2, capped by a strong home win over DSST: Montview. Vista PEAK Prep gets a good test coming out of break with three straight games against Centennial League teams.
Marquilos Mata and Mitchell Oliver averaged 10.9 points per game, just ahead of the 9.8 of Devontay Bursey.
Aurora Central lost all three of its games at the Mullen Christmas Classic, which put it at 3-5 at the break with a contest against Rangeview looming Jan. 7. Coach Marcus Shelton’s Trojans had one of the highest scorers among local players in the opening portion of the season in Alex Flores, who
glecrest, Smoky Hill and Denver East (which saw Shaw best the Angels and Rudy Carey in a matchup of two of the top-three winningest coaches in
history).
ABOVE: Senior Iliana Greene, right, is one of the holdovers from the Regis Jesuit girls basketball team from last season’s team that finished as the Class 6A state runner-up. BELOW TOP: Senior Sienna Betts has helped the Grandview girls basketball team navigate a very challenging early season schedule with a 6-2 record. BELOW MIDDLE: Junior Amaya Nance has a scoring average of 13.7 points per game for the Vista PEAK Prep girls basketball team. BELOW BOTTOM: Grandview senior Charlie Herting, top, placed third at Reno Tournament of Champions prior to winter break and has only one loss so far as he seeks to win a second straight boys wrestling state championship. PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL
poured in 19.2 points per game. Fellow junior Deon Davis Jr. finished just outside of double figures at 9.6 points per game along with 7.6 rebounds.
Overland (2-5) nearly pulled off a large upset of Chaparral before suffereing a double-overtime losses and faces a rugged test Jan. 8-11 against Regis Jesuit, ThunderRidge and Denver East. Coach Danny Fisher’s Trailblazers were led in scoring by Siraaj Ali, who averaged 20.6 points per contest, while he was joined in double-figures by fellow seniros Isreal Littleton (12.7 ppg) and TJ Manuel (10.1 ppg).
Gateway ended the first portion of the season on a high note with a victory over Hinkley that sent it into break at 2-6. Coach Nick Dixon’s Olys were paced by Bryan Lozano with an average of 11.2 points per game, while Ahmed Mohammed is at 9.8.
Senior Malachi Holden has averaged 8.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for Hinkley (0-7), which remains looking for its first victory.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
It was quiet on the courts for Aurora in girls basketball just before winter break with a handful of local programs that played out of state.
One of those teams was Grandview, which is off to a 6-2 start with only one game played in Colorado. Coach Josh Ulitzky’s team has faced an elite group of teams at both the She Got Game Classic in Dallas (at which the Wolves went 3-0) and Nike Tournament of Champions (2-2) plus a home matchup with powerhouse Riverdale Ridge.
Senior Sienna Betts has been special against all that top-notch talent as she’s averaged 22.1 points per game that puts her in the top 10 in 6A, while she is the classification’s early rebounding leader at 19 per contest plus 3.6 blocks per game. Sophomore Ava Chang has had a great offensive start and averaged 14.8 ppg.
Regis Jesuit graduated some big talents from last season’s team that finished as the 6A runner-up, but it remains one of the state’ premier programs. Coach Jordan Kasemodel’s team finished 5-2 in the early portion of the schedule and resumes play out of state at the East Idaho Shootout Jan. 2-4.
The Raiders feature a trio of double-digit scorers in seniors Jane Rumpf and Iliana Greene (12.0 ppg) plus freshman Tiana Rogers (10.6 ppg).
Cherokee Trail looks different from the team won 24 games and advanced to the 6A semifinals a year ago, but coach Tammi Traylor-Statewright has plenty of veteran talent back in the fold. The Cougars own a 5-3 record in the early stages of this season that includes a championship at the Castle View/ThunderRidge Tip-Off Tournament plus a 2-2 mark at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix.
Balance has been the standard for Cherokee Trail, which has had 11.8 points per game scored by junior Aaliyah Broadus, while seniors Talia Strode (10.6 ppg) and Madeline Gibbs (10.0 ppg) also have been regulars in double figures, followed closely by senior Delainey Miller (8.8 ppg, plus 7.4 rebounds per game) and junior Karson Chaney (7.6 ppg).
Overland is the area’s wins leader in the opening
portion of the season with a sparkling 7-2 record that includes a championship in Las Vegas. Coach Wondame Davis’ Trailblazers lost close early games to Vista PEAK Prep and Vista Ridge (by a combined 11 points) before they reeled off six straight wins, including four in the Tarkanian Classic Sapphire Division. Sophomore Michaela Halton owns an average of 20 points per game that ranks second among local players, while senior Ilaisaane Davis is next at 12.2.
A 6-2 mark is in the ledger for coach Tony Speights’ Rangeview team, which has just one senior in Maddie Kilmer. The Raiders won their first six games — including the first two in the Derril Kipp Division at the Nike Tournament of Champions before two straight defeats. Stats have only been reported for one game thus far and Kilmer went for 29 points in a victory over Denver North to start the season.
Eaglecrest stands at 6-3 in the wake of a 2-1 performance at its own tournament prior to winter break, which came on the heels of a championship of the Pacifica Mariner Mayhem tournament in California.
Coach Robby Gabrielli’s Raptors have received 15 points per game so far from senior Jada Bobb, who was the MVP of the California tournament. Sophomore Kaydence Waymire has tallied 8.4 points per game and junior Naomi Emecheta has added 7.3. Aurora Central is under the guidance of a new coach in Braden Hammond, who has overseen a 4-2 start. The Trojans have had a strong start from junior Jamaea Johnson-Gonzalez, the only other Aurora area player besides Betts to average a double-double with 18.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
Vista PEAK Prep has played six games and sits 2-4 with a backloaded scheduled that includes several Centennial League matchups out of break. Coach Howard Payne’s Bison have been paced by junior Knakai Starks (13.8 ppg and 12.6 rebounds per game) and junior Amaya Nance (13.7 ppg), while they’ve been joined in double figures by seniors Amirah Pena (11.3 ppg) and Eianna Jackson (10.6 ppg).
BOYS WRESTLING
The state tournament at Ball Arena is six weeks away and early indications seem to be that there will be a large local contingent headed there.
Grandview finished third in the Class 5A team standings last season and has performed like a top-three squad again with a mostly veteran lineup. Leading the way is senior Charlie Herting, a 5A state champion last season, who is off to a 19-1 start and placed third at the rugged Reno Tournament of Champions prior to winter break. Sophomore Leland Day (18-2 at 285 pounds with a fourth-place finish in Reno), junior Gunner Lopez (who is 17-2 after he placed sixth at state last season), returning state finalist Jonathan Montes Gonzales (16-2) and sophomore Braxton Widrikis (16-4) are also off to outstanding starts among others. Sophomores JR Ortega (a third-place finisher last season), Graeson Streit and Oz Nowick plus junior Donavon Delbridge have state experience.
Cherokee Trail finished fifth as a team at the
›› PREPS, from 12
PREPS
Northern Colorado Christmas Tournament with its own loaded lineup. Air Force recruit Chance Mathews (who placed fourth at state last season) has yet to be beaten in Colorado this season at 144 pounds and won a NCCT title, while his sophomore brother, Cooper, is one the quest for a second straight state title. He has moved to 120 pounds and finished as the NCCT runner-up and owns 13 wins to start. Returning state qualifier Mateo Garreffa also has 16 wins thus far at 190 after he was a sixthplace finisher last season, while the veteran lineup for coach Jeff Buck’s Cougars also includes Ryan Everhart — a state placer last season — and senior Noah Collins.
Eaglecrest graduated two-time state finalist Adonis Cantu and several other longtime lineup staples, but coach Javier Quintana has a replenished talent pool. Back in the fold, however, are returning state qualifiers Blake Saddler (8-3) and Alijah Gabaldon, who has wrestled just one match. Sophomore James Pearson has the Raptors’ most wins at 11-4 at 132 pounds, while freshman Jaivyn Hawkes (144) is 9-2. Sophomore Britton Matejovsky also has state tournament experience.
Regis Jesuit senior Garrett Reece — who has signed with the University of Maryland — has not competed yet this season due to injury. Reece is a two-time state finalist and captured a state championship last season. The Raiders have a returning state qualifier in junior Dane Anderson (86 at 120 pounds), while junior Richard Avila is 15-3 and has placed in the top-seven in two tournaments.
Overland has two returning state qualifiers in seniors Jarrius Ward (10) and heavyweight Silver Velasquez DeLao, who is 14-3, while there is another pair at Smoky Hill in senior Dashawn Jenkins (9-3 at 113 pounds) and sophomore Jovani Galvan (16-4 at 132 pounds) and a last one at Vista PEAK Prep in junior Ian Bacon (145 with a Benedict Invitational title and runner-up finish at the Arapahoe Warrior Invitational.
Rangeview senior heavyweight Christian King won the championship of the Denver West Invitational prior to break and has yet to be defeated, while Makhi Ellison is 112 between matches at 138 and 144 pounds for coach Adam Bird’s Raiders. Junior Federico Amezquita Lara has paced coach Rocco DePaola’s Aurora Central squad, which also has had good starts from seniors Fabrisio Nunez and Andrew Pelenkahu.
Coach Felix Baca’s Hinkley team has a trio of wrestlers in double figures in victories in junior Carter Davis (who is 12-3 at 215 pounds), senior Larik Dominguez (14-3 at 175) and senior Marco Duran (13-2 at 126, including a title at Denver West).
GIRLS WRESTLING
Eaglecrest flexed its depth on the final weekend before winter break, as it had a split squad that placed in the top six at two different tournaments.
Coach Horacio Vialpando Jr.’s Raptors have five wrestlers with 14 or more wins thus far, led by the 163 mark at 105 pounds of junior Sydney Babi, a returning state qualifier. Also back with state experience for Eaglecrest is senior Natalie Replogle (12-5 at 155 pounds with three topfive tournament finishes) and junior Emma Roberts (who placed sixth last season and is 12-3 at 235, including an Eaglecrest Invitational title).
Junior Jordan Heibult (125 pounds) and senior Bailee Mestas (130) both have 14 victories to their credit thus far on the season.
Vista PEAK Prep has a returning state runner-up in Amelia Bacon, who has started her junior season on fire as well. Bacon is currently 12-0 and won all three tournaments in which she has competed (Arapahoe Warrior Invitational, Eaglecrest Invitational and Northern Colorado
Christmas Tournament) thus far at 125 pounds. In the next weight class up is sophomore Idaly Garcia, who is off to a strong start as well at 9-2 for coach Ashley Jaramillo’s Bison. Regis Jesuit has returning state qualifiers in sophomore Remington Zimmerer (120 pounds) and junior Jordynn Shannonhouse (170), who both have winning records early. Zimmerer (who placed sixth last season at 105 pounds) is 7-0 and counts a championship at the Arapahoe Warrior Invitational to her credit.
Senior Ruth Worknhe gives Overland some returning state experience and she’s placed in the top five in two of three tournaments with an overall record of 6-4. Junior Ellena Behre has the Trailblazers’ most wins with seven at 105 pounds.
GIRLS SWIMMING
The Rex Abelein Invitaitonal closed out the first portion of the schedule in the pool, which was
strong from the opening.
Defending Class 5A state runner-up Regis Jesuit had a strong showing with a second-place finish behind Cherry Creek. The Raiders graduated two-time 100 yard breaststroke state champion Charlotte Burnham and two of the topthree placers in the 1-meter diving competition, but have developed more depth. Sophomore Natalie Daum secured two event titles at the Rex meet, while Regis Jesuit came in second in all three relays.
Cherokee Trail edged Grandview in a two-point Centennial League dual meet that was one of the highlights of the opening part of the season and then took sixth at the Rex meet, the first under Dalton Tainter-Paar as head coach. Seniors Ava Zadigan and Ella Drakulich have been early standouts for the Cougars.
Smoky Hill has been led by junior Cameryn Walkup and good depth. while Grandview had the Rex diving winner in Addison
early
group
PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL
Campbell, while sophomores Makenna Dyk and Jasia Barnes and freshmen Paige Gust and Delaina Burgeson were third in the 200 freestyle relay.
ICE HOCKEY
The local contingent of teams on the ice swelled to three this season as Grandview joined the varsity ranks along with established powers at Regis Jesuit and Cherry Creek, a co-op team that includes players from a variety of Aurora area schools.
Coach Terry Ott’s Raiders — last season’s state champions — and coach Jeff Mielnicki’s Bruins both won five times and lost once before break, while they skated to a hardfought 2-2 overtime tie. Those two programs along with Valor Christian (last season’s runner-up to Regis Jesuit) will vie for the 5A League No. 2 title and postseason positioning. Coach Josh Schaeffer’s Wolves picked up their first-ever varsity victory with an 11-3 win over Dakota Ridge as part of a 1-6 start.
Regis Jesuit senior Parker Brinner is the only local player in double digits in points so far, as he boasts 11 on three goals and eight assists. A trio of Cherry Creek players (seniors Austin Katz and Jack Linville along with sophomore Ari Gelfand) have accumulated eight points apiece. At seven points is Archer Arnold, Grandview’s offensive leader with five goals to go with two assists, while senior James Lembke is next with three goals and three assists.
In the nets, Regis Jesuit returns sophomore Easton Sparks, who was a key factor in last season’s title run and has a 3-1-1 start to this campaign. He has faced a whopping 143 shots in five games (more than any other goalie in League 2) and has stopped 133 of them. Backup Marc Brousseau has been outstanding as well with only one goal allowed on 50 shots. Mason Banks of Cherry Creek has made 75 saves on 77 shots he’s seen and is 2-1, while Payton Mills (Overland) is 3-0-1. Linkin Alisasis of Grandview has 203 saves.
TOP: Senior Nolan Williams, left, and the Regis Jesuit ice hockey team finished the opening portion of the season with a 5-1-1 record, which includes a tie with another program with Aurora area players in Cherry Creek. LEFT TOP: Smoky Hill’s Cameryn Walkup is off to a strong start to her junior season. LEFT BOTTOM: Hinkley junior Carter Davis, right, won the 215-pound bracket of the Benedict Invitational boys wrestling tournament and has a 12-3 record for the Thunder. ABOVE: Eaglecrest junior Sydney Babi, facing, has compiled a 16-3 record in the
portion of the girls wrestling season to lead a deep
for the Raptors.
proceeding. Parties wishing to file a public comment on the above-described OGDP may find the “eFiling Public Comment Portal” under “Hearings” on the ECMC homepage or use the eFiling system outlined below.
PETITIONS DEADLINE FOR PETITIONS
under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 510.l, the deadline for petitions may only be continued for good cause, even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated
Publication: January 2, 2025 Sentinel
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION PUBLIC NOTICE
Notification of Issuance of Emergency Permit Permit No. CO-24-12-17-01 for Treatment of Hazardous Waste under the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act
Name of Permittee: Arapahoe County Bomb Squad
Location of Treatment: 4406 S County Road 129, Bennett, CO 80102
The Arapahoe County Bomb Squad has been authorized to treat several old blasting caps recovered in a residence.
Detonation of the waste is a safe management method for this waste. This emergency permit expired immediately after treatment was completed.
Publication: January 2, 2025 Sentinel DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF ADOPTION HEARING Case Numbers: 24JA30031 and 24JA30032
In the Matter of the Petition of: Schertz, Josh Robert For the Adoption of a Child
Pursuant to §195-08, C.R.S., you are hereby notified that the above-named Petitioner(s) has/ have filed in this Court a verified Petition seeking to adopt a child(ren).
If you wish to respond to the Petition, you must file your Response with the clerk of this Court within 35 days after this Notice is served on you. Your response must be accompanied by the applicable filing fee. If applicable, an Affidavit of Abandonment has been filed alleging that you have abandoned the child(ren) for a period of one year or more and/or have failed without cause to provide reasonable support for the child(ren) for one year or more.
Your failure to file a Response, or to appear, within 35 days after service, and, in the case of an alleged parent, your failure to file a claim of paternity under Article 4 of Title 19 C.R.S., within 35 days after service, if a claim has not previously been filed, may likely result in termination of your parental or your alleged parental rights to the minor child.
Please be aware that it is both expected and required that Custodial Parent, Petitioner, and Child over 12 years of age must appear at the hearing.
Dated This 10th day of December 2024
Attorney for Petitioner Joanna T. Floribus Springer & Steinberg, P.C. 303-861-2800
First Publication: January 2, 2025 Final Publication: January 30, 2025 Sentinel DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF APPEARANCE Case No. 2024CV000050
In the Matter of: Kaylin Martinez Kaylin Martinez 2318 Remington Rd. Elizabeth, CO 80107
You are hereby notified that the above captioned case has been set for NAME CHANGE HEARING.
You are required to appear at 7325 S. Potomac St., Centennial, Colorado 80112 on January 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Div. 34.
COPY TO: Appearance via Webex
https://judicial.webex.com/meet/D18ARAP-Div34 Meeting number (access code): 2594 408 0614
Join by phone Call: +1-720-650-7664 Access code: 2594 408 0614 then press #,# (no attendee ID is needed)
Date of Motion: November 25, 2024
MAF for Shana Kloek Clerk/Clerk of Court
Continuance granted only by the Court on Written Motion.
First Publication: December 5, 2024 Final Publication: January 2, 2025 Sentinel DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF APPEARANCE Case No. 2024CV000241
In the Matter of: Beverly, Leighanne
You are hereby notified that the above captioned case has been set for NAME CHANGE HEARING. You are required to appear at 7325 S. Potomac St., Centennial, CO 80112 on January 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Division 34.
Copy to: Appearance via Webex
Meeting number (access code): 2594 408 0614
Join from a video conferencing system or application Or click on: https://judicial.webex.com/ meet/D18-ARAP-Div34
Join by Phone: Tap to call in from a mobile device (attendees only) +1-720-650-7664
Access code: 2594 408 0614 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed)
Date of Notice: November 26, 2025 /s/ Shana Kloek
Clerk/ Clerk of Court
Continuance only granted by the Court on Written Motion.
First Publication: December 19, 2024
Final Publication: January 2, 2025 Sentinel DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF HEARING Case No. 202JA30035
In the Matter of the Petition of: DWIGHT L. HOLMES and ELIZABETH HOLMES, For the Adoption of a Child.
To: ANTHONY RASMUSSEN, JOHN DOE, JAMES DOE, et. al..
Pursuant to §19-5-208, C.R.S., you are hereby notified that the above-named Petitioner(s) has/have filed in this Court a verified Petition seeking to adopt a child.
You are further notified that an Adoption hearing is set on February 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the court location identified above.
You are further notified that if you fail to appear for said hearing, the Court may terminate your parental rights and grant the adoption as sought by the Petitioner(s).
First Publication: December 19, 2024
Final Publication: January 16, 2025
Sentinel
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to § 38-26-107, C.R.S., that on January 23, 2025 final settlement with Velocity Constructors, Inc will be made by East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District, for the “Zone 3 Booster Pump Station, Phase 3: Mechanical and Pumping Improvements” subject to satisfactory final inspection and acceptance of said facilities by the District. Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or his or her subcontractor in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplies, laborers, rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work whose claim therefore has not been paid by the contractor or subcontractor, at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, may file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on such claim with East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District, c/o, Mr. Dave Kaunisto, District Manager, 6201 S. Gun Club Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016. Failure to file such verified statement or claim prior to final settlement will release the District and its employees and agents from any and all liability for such claim and for making final payment to said contractor. East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District
First Publication: December 26, 2024
Final Publication: January 2, 2025 Sentinel NOTICE OF HEARING CONCERNING EXCLUSION OF REAL PROPERTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there has been filed with the Board of Directors of The Aurora Highlands Metropolitan District No. 6 (“District”), located in Adams County, Colorado, petitions requesting that the Board adopt a resolution approving the exclusion of certain property from the boundaries of such District (“Petitions”).
The name and address of the Petitioner and a general description of the Property that is the subject of such Petitions are as follows:
Petitioner: Aurora Highlands, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company
Address of Petitioner: 250 Pilot Road, Ste. 150 Las Vegas, NV 89119
Description: Approximately 12.870 acres of land generally located: west of N. Fultondale Rd., east of Denali Blvd., south of East 48th Ave., in Aurora, Colorado
Approximately 3.351 acres of land generally located: east/southeast of the intersection of N. Highlands Creek Pkwy and E. 33rd Dr., north of E. 26th Ave., south of E. 32nd Ave., in Aurora, Colorado
Approximately 3.906 acres of land generally located: south of the intersection of N. Highlands Creek Pkwy and E. 33rd Dr., north of E. 26th Ave., south of E. 32nd Ave., in Aurora, Colorado
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 32-1501(2), C.R.S., notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the District shall hold a public meeting to hear the Petitions on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., virtually, via Zoom.
Interested persons may attend the meeting in any of the following ways: 1. To attend via Zoom Videoconference, e-mail kathy.suazo@claconnect.com to obtain a link to the videoconference, or use the following: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/86786188843?pwd=tYAMn2DMIOCNXzZ8iQ4zJrRlrbnCqJ.1
2. To attend via telephone, dial 1-719-3594580 and enter the following additional information: a. Meeting ID: 867 8618 8843 b. Passcode: 660408
All interested persons shall appear at such meeting and show cause in writing why such Petitions should not be granted. All protests and objections shall be deemed to be waived unless submitted in writing to the District at or prior to the meeting or any continuance or postponement thereof in order to be considered.
THE AURORA HIGHLANDS
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 6 By: /s/ Denise Denslow District Manager
Publication: January 2, 2025 Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION Case No.2024PR31145
Estate of Priscilla Limmadon, Deceased.
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Repre- sentative or to the Dis- trict Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before April 16, 2025, or said claims may be for- ever barred. Glen Joseph Hutsell, Personal Representative 1408 Lima Street Aurora, CO 80010
First Publication: December 26, 2024
Final Publication: January 9, 2025
Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2024PR31226
Estate of Michael Richard Wilczewski aka Michael R. Wilczewski aka Michael Wilczewski aka Mike Wilczewski, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before April 19, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Marco D. Chayet
Jennifer R. Oviatt
Chayet & Danzo, LLC
Personal Representative 18th Judicial District Public Administrator’s Office P.O. Box 460749, Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-355-8520 First Publication: December 19, 2024 Final Publication: January 2, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2024PR31256
Estate
Marco D. Chayet
Jennifer R. Oviatt
Chayet & Danzo, LLC
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2024PR31265
Estate of Ann E. Yuds aka Ann Yuds, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before April 19, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Marco D. Chayet
Jennifer R. Oviatt
Chayet & Danzo, LLC
650 S. Cherry St., Ste. 710 Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-355-8500 First Publication: December 19, 2024
Final Publication: January 2, 2025
Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No 2024PR31140
Estate of Donna Louise Aydelott aka Donna L. Aydelott aka Donna Aydelott, Deceased.
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before April 19, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Attorney for Personal Representative
Skipton S. Reynolds
Atty Reg #: 39887 Skipton Law, LLC 2 Inverness Drive East, Ste. 102 Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: 720-440-2774
First Publication: December 19, 2024
Final Publication: January 2, 2025
Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2024PR031018
Estate of Craig Lewis Noring aka Craig L. Noring, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or
Editorials Sentinel
Time to capitalize on Trump, Musk and GOP migrant visa fracas
Emulating George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” President-Elect
Donald Trump’s warring GOP has indicated that, “All immigrants are equal, but some immigrants are more equal than others.”
Trump gadfly and acolyte Laura Loomer lit up the MAGAsphere over the weekend by taking exception to plans made by Trump favorite Elon Musk to exempt educated immigrants to threatened immigration limits and deportations.
Proponents of allowing educated, skilled workers in while keeping other immigrants out of the country say they are more valuable to the nation, giving it a competitive edge over competitive nations such as China.
Loomer, cheered on by millions of Trump-GOP members, insists that all jobs, and especially the best jobs, should be reserved only for “Americans.”
Musk insists he’s behind Trump’s threat to deport millions of “illegal” immigrants, even if it involves changing current immigration law, creating “illegal” immigrants who currently are here under legal asylum, parole or temporary protective status.
All are wrong, Musk, Loomer and Trump.
No credible U.S. leader argues that immigration and border entry should not be regulated or controlled.
For years, the most common “illegal” immigrant in the United States was one who came to the country legally as a visitor or on a visa, and overstayed one or both. Most often, these immigrants created homes, lives and families. They pay taxes and for all intents and purposes are as “American” as anyone, except they cannot vote nor collect most federal benefits.
Both highly skilled and just highly motivated immigrants are critical to the U.S. economy. Every credible economist analyzing the recent economic churn since the onset of the pandemic agrees that without the skilled and “unskilled” labor of migrants, the U.S. economy would have suffered greatly, either by pushing inflation even higher or stalling in a recession.
In either case, Americans do not want the lack of skilled or unskilled jobs. Unemployment has long been at a historic low. Employers, on the other hand, cannot find enough skilled and unskilled workers at this time to meet their needs.
There is no good reason to round up and deport immigrants. Instead, Trump and Congress should create worker visas for immigrants and powerful penalties for companies that hire anyone who isn’t a citizen or a sanctioned immigrant worker.
For workers who do not commit crimes and do pay taxes, they can work toward a Green Card and eventually citizenship.
As to dismantling programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and other immigration statuses that have served the nation and immigrants so well for so long, Congress and the incoming Trump administration should look for meaningful changes.
For years, both Democrat and Republican elected leaders have helped Americans understand DACA residents are children caught up in a quagmire of policy and bureaucracy they are powerless to solve or even address.
In almost every case, they know no home other than the United States and they have no home other than here.
Outside of a set of paper credentials, they are no different than any other child born here or naturalized.
Former President Barack Obama wisely stepped around the unwinnable 2012 politics of the moment and created the DACA program by executive action, creating security for millions of American children. The nation referred to the DACA kids as “DREAMers” referring to the federal act that created their legal immigration status.
One of the sorriest moments in U.S. History came during then-President Trump’s 2018 State of the Union Address.
“Americans are dreamers, too,” he boasted, preening for the camera and his Republican fans in the House Chamber.
Immediately, the line was lauded by people who agreed with it, understanding Trump’s slight at the children of immigrants.
“Thank you President Trump,” Ku Klux Klan wizard David Duke said immediately in a tweet. “Americans are ‘Dreamers’ too.”
DACA foes don’t understand that the thousands of “DREAM-ers” in Aurora, and hundreds of thousands more across the country, are every bit as American as any of the rest of the nation. Americanism doesn’t come from credentials. It comes from community and allegiance to the notion that all of us are equal.
Congressional leaders are being offered a unique moment while Trump is trying to keep peace among his own internal warring factions.
Republican and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate should step in to draw the lines around immigration reform, limiting future immigration to the nation’s needs and allowing current immigrants to, legally, step into the jobs the nation critically needs, and wants, them to do,
Will Rogers knew Congress too well
As we head into the New Year, the approval ratings of the U.S. Congress are still at historic lows. After bottoming out at 12% last February, Congressional approval is now hovering at a sorry 17%.
The timeless wit and political wisdom of Will Rogers explains why:
“Congress is so strange; a man gets up to speak and says nothing, nobody listens, and then everybody disagrees.”
“We all joke about Congress, but we can’t improve on them. Have you noticed that no matter who we elect, he is just as bad as the one he replaces?”
“When Congress makes a joke it’s a law, and when they make a law, it’s a joke.”
Rogers — America’s first great Mister Rogers — spoke these words in the 1920s and 1930s, but they’re just as true now. When voters gave Republicans the majority in the Senate in November, they voted for change. They want an end to massive bills that are packed with ridiculous spending.
Regrettably, according to Rogers, there’s nothing new about the shenanigans of Congress:
“We cuss Congress, and we joke about ’em, but they are all good fellows at heart, and if they wasn’t in Congress, why, they would be doing something else against us that might be even worse.”
“Never blame a legislative body for not doing something. When they do nothing, they don’t hurt anybody. When they do something is when they become dangerous.”
Rogers saved some of his best barbs for the Senate, the allegedly august body of distinguished minds that is supposed to snuff out bad ideas and bills the House passes and advance good ones. But even during Rogers’ time, things hardly ever turned out that way:
“About all I can say for the United States Senate is that it opens with a prayer and closes with an investigation.”
“Senators are a never-ending source of amusement, amazement and discouragement.”
“The Senate just sits and waits till they find out what the president wants, so they know how to vote against him.”
That’s what is most agitating about our current Congress. Too many members on both sides of the aisle are narrow-minded, partisan and looking to advance their self-interests.
The average American doesn’t like that. The average American knows that the country is facing giant challenges — entitlement programs that are going broke faster than we can fund them and massive $2 trillion federal budget deficits that must be tamed.
The average American wants these problems to be solved by people who are interested in the good of their country — not Republicans and Democrats interested in the good of their parties.
It’s no wonder we are disgusted. But according to Rogers, that’s nothing new either:
“It’s getting so if a man wants to stand well socially, he can’t afford to be seen with either the Democrats or the Republicans.”
“There is something about a Republican that you can only stand him just so long; and on the other hand, there is something about a Democrat that you can’t stand him quite that long.”
We can only hope our 2025 Congress begins to comprehend what the American people have been trying to tell it — that it needs to get in step with the wisdom and will of the people.
Because, as the wise and witty Mr. Rogers said, “Our country is not where it is today on account of any one man. It’s here on account of the real common sense of the Big Normal Majority.”
–
See Tom Purcell’s syndicated column, humor books and funny videos featuring his dog, Thurber, at TomPurcell. com. Email him at Tom@TomPurcell.com.
TOM PURCELL - CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
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Christmas shooting in Aurora ends in light-rail car crash, police say. 4 hurt.
Police said a shooting in Aurora is connected to a car crashing into an RTD lightrail train, sending four people to a hospital on Christmas morning.
Dispatchers received reports of a shooting in the 18000 block of East Kepner Place at about 8:30 a.m., police said in a social media post. The shooting took place in the parking lot of a apartment complex in the area.
Just after that, three men and two women got in a car and drove away from the scene of the shooting. Police said the people in the car and the shooting victim are all known to one another.
“A vehicle from the shooting fled the scene and crashed into an RTD train at Sable and Ellsworth,” police stated.
Everyone in the car except one man was taken to a nearby hospital. The two women suffered minor injures. One man was critically injured.
One of the men in the car suffered “serious” injuries from a gunshot wound and from the crash.
The two women sustained minor injuries from the crash and the third male was checked out on scene and was not transported to the hospital.
“The RTD train will be out of commission for an extended period of time,” police said.
All of the lanes of South Sable Boulevard at East Ellsworth Avenue were closed in both directions until about 2 p.m.
— Sentinel Staff Bomb threat closes Aurora King Soopers for more than 3 hours
The King Soopers store and surrounding parking lot at East Cornell Avenue and South Peoria Street were closed for about three hours as police investigated a bomb threat called into the service desk earlier Dec. 23.
Police at the scene said someone called in a bomb threat to the King Soopers customer service desk at about 3:30 p.m.
Police said the caller told employees there were “numerous” bombs set outside of the store in the parking lot, according to Aurora police spokesperson Joe Moylan.
The store and parking lot were evacuated.
Some retail outlets on the south side of the parking lot that were open were instructed to shelter in place.
Similarly, residents in apartments at the site and residents in the immediate area were also been instructed to shelter in place.
At about 6:30 p.m. police said they had swept the store and parking lot to look for possible explosives. Finding nothing, the
scene was cleared.
King Soopers officials at the store said the store resumed normal services Tuesday.
— Cassandra Ballard, Sentinel Staff Writer
BEYOND AURORA
Man accused of attacking Grand Junction reporter, saying ‘This is Trump’s America now’
A Grand Junction man is facing possible bias-motivated charges for allegedly attacking a television news reporter after demanding to know whether he was a citizen, saying “This is Trump’s America now,” according to court documents.
Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested Dec. 18 in Grand Junction after police say he followed KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja’Ronn Alex’s vehicle for around 40 miles from the Delta area. Alex told police that he believed he had been followed and attacked because he is Pacific Islander.
After arriving in Grand Junction, Egan, who was driving a taxi, pulled up next to Alex at a stoplight and, according to an arrest affidavit, said something to the effect of: “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!”
Alex, who had been out reporting, then drove back to his news station in Grand Junction. After he got out of his vehicle, Egan chased Alex as he ran toward the station’s door and demanded to see his identification, according to the document laying out police’s evidence in the case. Egan then tackled Alex, put him in a headlock and “began to strangle him,” the affidavit said. Coworkers who ran out to help and witnesses told police that Alex appeared to be losing his ability to breathe during the attack, which was partially captured on surveillance video, according to the document.
According to the station’s website, Alex is a native of Detroit. KKCO/KJCT reported that he was driving a news vehicle at the time.
Egan was arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second degree assault and harassment. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday to learn whether prosecutors have filed formal charges against him.
Egan’s lawyer, Ruth Swift, was out of the office Friday and did not return a telephone message seeking comment.
KKCO/KJCT vice president and general manager Stacey Stewart said the station could not comment beyond what it has reported on the attack.
— COLLEEN SLEVIN Associated Press
Gilbert demonstrated unwavering commitment to his team and the integrity of the game. [He showed] a level of character that reflects the very best values of sportsmanship, representing GOAL with honor and commitment.
Jason Cross Ponderosa High School eSports Coach
Gilbert Cardenas