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It’s a dog eat Don world out there in the cold, cruel social mediaverse
You can hardly avoid the pandemonium and heartache Donald Trump and JD Vance have inflicted on Springfield, Ohio as they’ve disgorged endless lies about Haitian immigrants eating dogs and cats.
Besides the fact that, for the rest of his blustery life and beyond, those words will haunt and define him.
DAVE PERRY Editor
Like, “I can see Russia from my house,” and “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is,” and I am not a crook,” Trump’s image and legacy has been reduced to his own pathetic hair ball. His unparalleled proclivity for profuse lying colors everything he says and does. So when he picked up freaky local lies and exaggerations about Aurora being “overrun” by Venezuelan gangs, it was easy to jump into a column last week and call him out for his racist and dangerous scheme. Don’t come, I said.
As you might imagine, in a world where you can talk back to or about anyone or anything instantly from your phone or keyboard, the response online via phone, email and social media has been daunting. Here are some highlights that pretty much tell you where we are as a community, a state and a nation.
Trump should book Empower stadium for a rally, which would fill with MAGA and take a dump down your progressive throat! — Chris
WE KNOW EXACTLY HOW THE MEDIA WORKS!!! WE NO LONGER TRUST THE MEDIA AND FOR GOOD REASON!!! WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT PROPAGANDA IS AND HOW THE CORRUPT GOVERNMENT IS USING IT!!! Is there one reporter here that’s NOT biased & NOT spewing out leftist propaganda??? — hnm19
Good summary, but as with many Colorado MAGA disinformation stories that grow, note that Coffman and Jurinsky first delivered their false allegations on #DenverUnifiedReichTrumpRadio presented by @ Caplislaw. It started on CO AM radio — just like Jenna Ellis and Stop the Steal — Craig Silverman
Conservative media and MAGA Republicans keep spreading a ‘story’ that Aurora has been ‘taken over’ by Venezuelan gangs, even though it has repeatedly been proven false... They’re making up stories about Aurora and our state because they decided politics is more important than solutions. We owe it to the hard work of @Denverite @DenverChannel @ColoradoSun @denverpost @ KDVR @SentinelColo for researching and reporting the actual truth. — Sen. John Hickenlooper
Go F*** yourself Perry! You ly-
ing sack of s** I won’t even go to Aurora because of the gang crime! Just drive through! (Trump) is not against diversity but illegal activities by the gangs...He’s not racist, not against diversity but is for law and order! You want to clean up Aurora’s shi** reputation? Bring in Trump — Kaya
I’d rather my daughter date a member of TdA than a Republican — Crod
Aurora hasn’t been taken over (yet) but there is significant TdA activity as well as elevated migrant crime. What do you think it will look like after 4 more years of Harris and another 10m+ migrants? — Recovering Woke
More excellent reporting to mitigate firsthand accounts and surveillance video. We need more journalists willing to double down that all of this is disinformation and a figment of your imagination. — Meth Camp Mike
This is a very Profound letter, and could be copied and sent from most of the cities in America. We are a Nation of Immigrants and are not afraid of our neighbors. We learn so much from their other people and of their cultures. Most of humanity love and want the same things — Evelyn
Many of us actually welcome Trump!! — Heather
STAY. OUT. OF. MY. TOWN. — Rosey
Very well said. Cheers to the Sentinel for telling the truth. — Dorothy The writer eviscerated Donut T Rump. — Erich
I delivered the Sentinel when I was a kid. 20 paying customers out of several hundred homes. I can only imagine that has dwindled given the
state of journalism. Things like this are confirmation. 9news is on the same path. Digital independent media is about to swallow it up. — S DAK
Sounds like a case of mistaking conformity for diversity.— S C That said, Trump coming to Aurora would increase the Oompa-Loompa population by 100%. — Josh
A letter from Aurora Colorado. That says it all. LOL — Mike
“Aurora embraces diversity” Yes, @EditorDavePerry. That’s why there are Venezuelan gangs operating in Aurora. — Adam
Bravo @SentinelColo! We don’t need his hatred and division spreading in Colorado. We’re neighbors, and citizens, people, just trying to live our lives and pay our bills. — Lord Malignance
Yeah, back off Trump! We love the filthy, crime & drug infested, OD /car theft capital, homeless slum of a city we’ve created under years of democrat rule!!! Now we want to make it 3rd world too and you had better not stand in our way you “mean orange man”! Whaaaaaa!!! — COindecline
Venezuelan gangs welcome, Trump, not so much. Sure Jan. — seansmegaphone
Dave Perry stfu and go run your opinions on leaf peeping — All Right
“Embraces diversity” = you’re not welcome here whitey. — 556andBriske
There’s nothing in Aurora, but illegals committing crimes of rape , murder and theft! — Connie
Dave Perry is clearly part of the problem, suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome. Luckily, Trump will never read or consider
Dave’s little opinion. Aurora needs a voice, no town in this country wants Venezuela gangs violently taking over there apartment buildings. Theres a reason illegal immigration is in fact “ILLEGAL” in this country. These kinds of liberals will always continue to tear at the fabric of society, because they are deep down, sad and lonely and are incredibly moldable by mainstream media. — What People Clearly Think
Dave Perry once again nails the story and facts perfectly. No exaggerations, no twisting of the facts, no alternative facts. I specifically moved TO Aurora 30+ years ago BEFORE it was Blue. I moved to Aurora for the diversity of ideas, cultures and neighborhoods. I have not been disappointed in my decision. —Lemme. Tell, Ya.
I can’t wait for The Don to see Saudi Aurora first hand! It’s one of the worst cities in America. — Mike
Follow @EditorDavePerry on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon, Twitter and Facebook or reach him at 303-750-7555 or dperry@SentinelColorado.com
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attend the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York.
AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File
Editorials Sentinel
Trump is wrong. Police brutality doesn’t prevent crime
The barely latent meaning Donald Trump promoted Sunday during a campaign speech in Pennsylvania about crime is unnervingly clear and the polar opposite of what Aurora is trying to accomplish.
Trump on Sunday told supporters at a rally that police across the nation are ineffective at preventing crime because so much of it is committed by unruly immigrants that American police must handle too gingerly.
He said that “one rough hour” by police would tamp down shoplifting across the nation.
“One rough hour — and I mean real rough — the word will get out and it will end immediately, you know? It will end immediately,” Trump said.
It’s not the first time Trump has supported police brutality as a strategy for crime prevention. Since running for office in 2015, Trump has regularly blamed immigrants for the nation’s criminal woes. He has encouraged police brutality and even insisted that police be immune from punishment for use of excessive and even deadly force.
Infamously, as the rioting began nationwide after the grizzly police killing of George Floyd in 2020, Trump said in a social media post, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.”
Trump’s comments and campaign promises come at a time when Aurora is trying to unpack its longstanding problems with police brutality and seek ways to identify and prevent excessive use of force, especially against people of color.
Aurora’s new police chief, Todd Chamberlain, has so far made strong strides toward realizing what the goals of state’s consent decree against Aurora police clearly are: transparency, accountability and the ethical and lawful policing of the community. Chamberlain needs an opportunity to realize those goals.
What Trump calls for, and now is promising, is police thuggery and a return to Jim Crow laws and lawlessness.
While Aurora, and dozens of communities like it, have been finding leaders and strategies to weed out police bullies and criminals from its ranks, and create systems that identifies them and holds them accountable, Trump is asking that the nation look the other way or even promote “Goon Squad” police-gang violence as a form of criminal justice.
Trump’s implication is clear. The nation’s criminal justice system is inadequate in preventing criminal activity, and minority immigrants must be beaten and bullied by police into “behaving.”
He’s also insisting that when he invokes “mass deportations,” if elected, he would ensure police are offered immunity from being penalized for expanded use of force.
“We have to get back to power and respect,” Trump said. Police must “have immunity from prosecution, because frankly, our police are treated horribly. They’re not allowed to do their job.”
That’s not the job police are hired to do. The evidence in Aurora, and across the nation, is indisputable. Too often, in too many places, people of color are abused by police when dealing with officers.
The fear so many Black Americans have expressed toward police is real and visceral. Black parents having “the talk” with their children of color happens every day in America.
It’s unfathomable that Trump would promote police brutality as a tactic for addressing crime, and that he would be cheered by anyone for such a scheme.
The science is clear. “Tough-On-Crime” rhetoric and laws do not prevent murder, theft or any crime. Poverty, the lack of education, indifference by parents and the community drive the crime rate, but addressing those social problems can prevent people from criminal activity.
Trump is clear in what he wants. He’s not asking for white-collar criminals, like himself, to be roughed up by police during their arrests and incarceration. Trump actually wants widespread broadcasts of cops brutalizing suspects, believing it will make immigrants and people of color too fearful of retribution to commit any kind of crime.
It’s the philosophy of leaders of police states, totalitarian governments like Venezuela and Damascus, not of Aurora and the United States.
No to Prop 131 - It’s too confusing
Get out your pens and pencils—it’s going to be a long ballot for the November election! Once again, voters will be asked to weigh in on a long list of questions that require public approval.
Some of the questions are technical, some involve narrow interest areas, and most require a lot of information that is beyond our everyday lives. Soon, voters will receive the longest Blue Book in Colorado history—a summary of ballot questions that tries to explain what these ballot questions do and how much they will cost taxpayers.
But there is one measure that will impact most of us and deserves more attention and explanation about how it could impact our democracy: Proposition 131 will upend Colorado’s election system and open the doors wider to special interest hidden money into our politics. It’s not voter-friendly, it’s expensive, and it’s based on false promises.
Let’s start with their first promise - you can vote for any candidate in the primary. False. Only half of the candidates are covered by 131: US Senate and House, governor, and other statewide candidates and legislative candidates. US President, district attorneys, county, city, and other local races will remain the same. That means Colorado voters will get two separate ballots in the primary, two separate ballots in the general, and two separate ways to vote.
Who is behind it? Wealthy Colorado former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry and a cabal of billionaires in a group called United America, including members of the Murdoch family. Who benefits from it? People with money who want to influence elections. And Colorado certainly does not need more money in politics. (This group also pushes similar models in Montana, Nevada, and Idaho this year.)
If you need evidence that this big money will show its hand, just look to June’s primary, when Thiry dumped $1.1 million in PAC dollars into ads for his chosen candidates just three days before the election. Aurora Rep. Mike Weissman, the winner of his state Senate primary, endured this last-minute attempt to influence the race through dark money.
Proposition 131 was written without addressing current campaign finance laws. Colorado has some of the lowest con-
tribution limits in the country, but the US Supreme Court has ruled that there can be no limits on “independent” dark money. So, as moneyed special interests directly fund newly expense campaigns under Proposition 131’s unprecedented, risky way of conducting elections, even more, moneyed special interests will likely further barrage voters with ads paid for by organizations with meaningless names like “Coloradans For a More Awesome Colorado.” The result will diminish the voter’s voice, contrary to Proposition 131’s proponents claim.
That means the candidate with the most money wins, which will come from undisclosed PAC and special interest spending.
Taxpayers will foot the bill for this experiment, to the tune of at least 21 million dollars in state and local money over the first 2-3 years.
Other states’ experiences demonstrate what could go wrong here. A University of Pennsylvania study shows that a vote in a ranked-choice election is 10 times more likely to have a mistake, which means it will be invalidated, and the voter will never know. A University of Minnesota study of ranked-choice elections showed no evidence that ranked-choice voting produced any moderation or diversity of elections, lessened partisanship, or changed the political landscape in any significant way.
In fact, this model is so complicated election results have been delayed up to two weeks past Election Day. Voters in RCV elections have less confidence in the results and find the whole process to be frustrating, especially in traditionally underrepresented communities.
Both Republican and Democratic county clerks, who run our elections statewide, were never consulted about 131 and have raised red flags about whether it can be implemented correctly with the available resources and in the proposed tight time frame. We should take their concerns seriously. They support a commonsense plan to test this model in several different counties before we attempt to implement it statewide.
This is not a partisan battle. This is a democratic battle to ensure our elections remain safe, secure, accurate, and voter-friendly. Vote no on Prop 131.
State Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, represents House District 41.
STATE REP. IMAN JODEH, GUEST COLUMNIST
Residents of Aurora apartments at the center of Venezuelan gang controversy plead to stay in their homes
“YOU’RE GOING TO KICK OUT ALL OF THESE FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN ONTO THE STREET?”
BY CASSANDRA BALLARD, Sentinel Staff Writer
Residents at a dilapidated apartment complex in northwest Aurora fear being kicked out of their apartments just as the fall weather will likely turn cold.
“We’re going to start having snow, and it’s going to be snowing and cold here,” said V Reeves, spokesperson for Housekeys Action Network Denver, translating for resident Moises Dinote. The homeless aid organization gathered residents at the apartment Sept. 26 to make their appeal. “You’re going to kick out all of these families with children onto the street?”
The Whispering Pines Apartments, 1357 Helena St., have been the center of controversy for the last couple of months due to disputed allegations that the building was overrun by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Many of the residents are Venezuelan immigrants.
Police have repeatedly denied that but said that a presence by gang members and other criminal forces have had a substantial impact on the complexes.
CBZ Management, the property management company that runs the Whispering Pines location, along with the Edge at Lowry, 1218 Dallas St. claims it’s been neglecting both properties because it was run off of their properties by the TdA.
Controversies in the area have created a
firestorm across the national, culminating with presidential candidate Donald Trump persisting in false claims that all of Aurora has been taken over by TdA gangs.
Although the residents at the Whispering Pines have not received any formal notice from the City of Aurora or the property management company that they will be evicted or that the property will be condemned, they fear that news will soon come.
Letters obtained by the Sentinel, and first reported by the Denver Post — written by Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain to property owners — state that eviction is imminent at the Edge at Lowry and the nearby 200 Columbia apartments, unless owners take immediate action. The eviction is threatened because of unlivable conditions and crime making the complexes threats to public health and safety.
The letter does not address Whispering Pines, but residents fear their complex, too, may be targeted for closure.
“What we know at this point is that the city did an inspection last week and issued a summons, and there is a possibility of condemnation that is imminent,” Reeves said.
City officials said repeated attempts to work with the complex owners have been ignored.
“We wholeheartedly understand and share
in the frustrations expressed by Whispering Pines tenants,” city officials said in a statement. “We are still attempting to get the property owners and managers to address the multitude of issues at their apartment complexes, including Whispering Pines. We are leveraging every tool available under state and municipal law to hold the property owners and managers accountable, which include actions that are not yet public. The property owners continue to rebuff the city’s efforts or outright ignore the city’s offers to assist.”
Many residents said they are willing to work on repairing and cleaning up the building to help assist the city and the property management company. Dinote said that many residents have skills and worker’s permits to help.
The city can only interfere so much. Residents said this week that the city started sending trash collectors every ten days since no trash service picked up garbage.
Residents said they are being charged for services like water and trash, but they are not receiving them consistently. Two weeks ago, water was turned off in one of the buildings, and they had to make a report to a city-run department to get it turned back on.
Brendan Greene, the co-founder and CEO of East Colfax Community Collected, relayed that not only was water turned off in one build-
ing, but sewage flooding or black water was also present in some of the residences and the basement of one of the buildings.
Residents say they fear racist and anti-immigrant reprisals because of the controversy. They feel safe inside their apartments but fear the community’s reaction when they’re in public and possibly searching for new housing. Resident Jeraldyne Maza said she’s encountered discrimination and fears for her safety in public.
Although the residents worry the building will be condemned and closed, like the 1568 Nome St. apartment complex, which the same property management company owned, the city can only move as fast as it is legally allowed to.
The residents at the Whispering Pine Apartment complex say they want to be involved and allowed to stay in their homes.
“What they have been asking for is collaboration with the city,” Reeves said. “They’re asking for time. They’re asking for support. They will not be able to move out in time and safely relocate with their families, and they’re saying that they are very willing, and they have been willing to take care of their homes and to maintain conditions and do what they need to do in the absence of the landlord, and the city, dropping their responsibilities.”
Residents and aid workers hold a press conference Sept. 26 at Whispering Pines apartment complex in northwest Aurora.
PHOTO BY CASSANDRA BALLARD
CHIEFLY SPEAKING:
Aurora’s new police Chief Chamberlain offers Q&A with the Sentinel
Todd Chamberlain was on his ninth day as Aurora’s latest police chief when he sat down Sept. 24 to speak with the Sentinel.
His arrival comes as the city keeps making national and even international headlines for election season exaggerations — spurred largely by rightwing City Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky and, to a lesser extent, Mayor Mike Coffman and propelled by GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump — about the extent of violence by Venezuelan immigrants living in the city.
“The nine days seem like, like about 40 years,” he told us. “It’s a lot, but I’ve been very appreciative of all of it.”
The former commander from the Los Angeles Police Department is the seventh person to lead Aurora’s approximately 700-person department in five years. His selection for the $250,000-a-year job spurred criticisms by civil rights watchdogs for having been decided behind closed doors, without input from the public, at a time when the department is being forced by the state to address its pattern of racial profiling and excessive force and to mend its relationship with the community.
Greeting us with a disarmingly strong handshake, Chamberlain welcomed us Tuesday in his yet-undecorated office where only a map of the city and a police department organizational chart hang on the walls. He met with other metro media throughout the day. Here are some excerpts from our conversation, edited for brevity and clarity.
The Sentinel: You’ve spoken a lot during your first few days here about the importance of transparency and trust in the police department. Why?
Chamberlain: This is an organization that I think people need to know what’s going on behind, you know, the smoke and mirrors. I think they need to know what’s going on behind the curtain. I want to get that out, and I want people to have faith in what we’re doing, that we’re trying our best to do our best for the right reasons and the right purpose.
Yeah, there’s going to be incidents that are going to come out badly, and there’s going to be things, you know, that’s not going to stop. There are still going to be dramatic incidents. There’s still going to be use-of-forces. There’s still going to be shootings. But I want to tell the story of everything else that’s going on that’s good.
Like the fact that year to date, we are at about 186,000 calls for service, people who have reached out to Aurora PD, and said, “Hey, we want you here. I’ve been victimized. I’ve been mistreated. There’s something I don’t want to deal with. There’s something I’m stepping away from, and I want somebody to step into it.” Of those, there’s a total of about 465 use-of-forces, which could range from an officer grabbing your wrist to an officer-involved shooting. That comes out to about .3% of calls for service. And when you look at officer-involved shootings right now, this year to date, we’re at two, which comes out to about .0001% of the total calls for service.
That’s the story that I don’t think people hear. I think they think that ev-
eryday officers are just out there running amok, and every day things are happening, and it’s going crazy and it’s going wrong. But there’s a lot of things that officers are doing that are right. There’s a lot of communication they’re having that’s correct. There’s a lot of intervention and prevention that they’re doing that are changing people’s lives every single day. And again, when you look at those numbers, and you look at those use-of-force numbers, that brings a little clarity.
Each one of those officer-involved shootings, they’re a tragedy. They’re a tragedy for the person. They’re a tragedy for the families. They’re a tragedy for the department. They’re a tragedy for the officers that have to experience that. But they are not the norm. That is really a very, very, very, very small percentage of what actually occurs. But unfortunately, the other stuff that occurs never gets talked about, never gets discussed.
The Sentinel: One challenge your predecessors faced as police chief was interference from certain City Council members. How are you going to do things differently and make sure that doesn’t happen under your leadership?
Chamberlain: I think we just have to find a spot where we are working in collaboration, where we are doing it in a process that’s the most effective for everybody, and we are having a relationship that’s built on the trust that I will do my best job and I bring the experience of running a law enforcement agency. Council members have their own experiences and knowledge, but it’s not about how to run a law enforcement agency. And that’s why I believe they hired me.
The Sentinel: Is it more your style to have more direct contact with the city council, or have the city manager — whom you directly report to — be the conduit?
Chamberlain: We’re hoping for the latter. I’m hoping that the city council, if there’s issues or concerns, that we definitely have that conversation, but I’m hoping that it’s more vetted through the city manager.
And I really hope that we’re looking at the same items, we’re looking at the same issues, the same complexities of the issues, and we’re moving in the same direction to solve that. I think what is detrimental is if you have a million people focusing only on what is their concern or their primary issue. I think that can cause distraction.
That’s really what my role is going to be — to say these are the things we’ve identified that we’re going to focus on and here’s what our primary goal is in this organization.
The Sentinel: You’ve said several times now that you’ll be focused on three aspects of the department: crime, community and risk. What specifically do you mean by that?
Chamberlain: On crime, I want to bring in more technology to focus on not only identifying what kinds of crimes are happening, but also where they’re happening, who are the individuals involved in it, who they are affecting, what are the demographics of the individuals involved and the victims, and where can we do intervention and prevention. I look forward to using an evidence-based approach that will let
us look at whether our programs and responses have been effective, and if not, how we can change them.
The community aspect, again, I think it’s a lot about building trust and earning faith that my words are going to be a reflection of what my actual actions are. I look forward to that opportunity to do that with the communities that I serve. But really what I look forward to doing is setting that tone and that idea through this entire organization because I can go out there and be the happiest guy in the world, telling the community group everything they want to hear, but if I have an officer that doesn’t buy into that philosophy or ideas, and they’re stopping that person at 2 or 3 in the morning and they treat them terribly, or they get involved in bad situations, and it’s like, well, who cares who’s sitting up on the top of the chair if the people that are actually doing the work don’t adhere to what that vision is? So to me, it’s not just about me going to the barbecues and award ceremonies and things like that. It’s about really instilling what community policing is to this organization and having it pressed down through every level of this organization. That’s what I’m really excited about.
I’m very aware of risk, and want to understand what the risk mitigation issues are within this agency. I want to look at officers that are performing well, and I want to acknowledge them, and I also want to identify officers that are having problems. I want to find out where training needs can be improved, where we can change the trajectory of somebody who is on a bad path, where they’ve been involved in too many useof-forces or too many complaints. How can we retrain? Or how can we say, “Hey, you might need to go somewhere else.” And the only way you can do that again is through analysis and statistics.
The Sentinel: As for the risk part, are you looking to address that through internal affairs or a new part of the department?
Chamberlain: I’m not really looking at internal affairs. I think that’s a really incredibly important component to do the investigation after an incident occurs, but I’m looking at what can we do to prevent it before it occurs.
And so just this week, I instituted a new office under special operations called the Office of Constitutional policing. And what we’re going to do is focus on some of the issues in the consent decree such as biased policing. Is bias policing an issue? Are we addressing it? Are we effectively addressing it? We’ll be looking at use-of-force cases. And we’ll ask if we need to give different training on communication to officers? I want to have spot audits on how our officers are relating to community members. Are they talking to them with emotional intelligence? Are there better ways they can communicate better with people? We’re going to be looking at our training on all that.
Sentinel: Former President Donald Trump has said he’s coming to Aurora soon to address issues around the immigrant population — especially Venezuelans — here. What’s your take on such a visit?
Chamberlain: I think right now it’s up in the air. If he comes, great, we’ll support it and we’ll make it happen. If he doesn’t come, that’s his decision.
The Sentinel: Do you wish he
wouldn’t come, given the misinformation he has repeated about Aurora’s Venezuelan immigrant community and the extent of violence here by Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang otherwise known as TdA?
Chamberlain: Maybe a conversation with me might bring some clarity to what he’s talking about. And I wish that would happen, because again I think you have to have clarity to make it more reality-based, and not the moral panic that I think we’re at now. I think there are incredibly dynamic issues with the Venezuelan community, with the TdA issue, but I think it has to be a measured approach to what are the real issues and how can we effectively work on those.
The Sentinel: You seem to look at — or at least speak of — Venezuelan immigrants with more complexity and empathy than some politicians in the city. Will that be a challenge as chief?
Chamberlain: That’s why I’m very thankful I’m here at the very beginning of this controversy. As law enforcement, we do not handle immigration. Immigration is handled through the White House. It’s handled through the federal government. And again, however they get here, however they arrive, whatever that situation is, once they drop down, our job and our role is to provide for their safety, whether they’re documented or whether they’re undocumented. I don’t care less. I care that they feel comfortable enough and safe enough to have contact with us so that we can identify what their issues are, what their problems are, and hold TdA members or anyone else accountable if they’re victimizing them, victimizing people of their own ethnicity. And that’s what I want to make sure we stop at the beginning, as opposed to allowing this to grow.
— Susan Greene, Sentinel Reporter in Residence
COPS AND COURTS
Aurora probe: Metro teen gang sold guns and drugs, responsible for area shootings
At least four teenagers were arrested earlier this month on rare state organized crime charges in connection with several unsolved shootings in Aurora, and with shootings in Wheat Ridge and Lakewood.
An 84-page arrest report claims the young men may belong to an offshoot of the Bloods street gang. It alleges they waged a months-long crime spree throughout the Denver metro area marked by vendetta-driven assaults and random acts of violence that they chronicled, Gen Z style, on social media.
Those arrested include Xavier Chavez, 18, of Aurora; Lennon Melgares, 18, of Edgewater; Jayden Velarde, 18, of Morrison; and a 17-year-old Lakewood teenager whose name has been redacted from court documents because he is a minor.
All four face charges of attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, aggravated intimidation of a victim or witness and felony menacing, among others. According to the arrest affidavit filed in Arapahoe District Court, Aurora police believe the teens were involved not only in three shootings between
late February and late April of this year, but also a string of other unsolved shootings in Aurora, as well as gun sales and the sale and distribution of psilocybin mushrooms and fentanyl.
“Although APD has not identified a specific name for this group, they have committed acts of violence, drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking together to forward their joint criminal enterprise,” the report reads.
Aurora police say the group has no connection to Tren de Aragua, also known as TdA — the Venezuelan prison gang that right-wing politicians, including Donald Trump, have been stoking fears about in Aurora and nationally this election season.
Aurora’s Crime Gun Intelligence Unit took the lead on an elaborate investigation in partnership with Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and Lakeside police departments. The probe involved analysis of bullet casings, what police describe as a “fake illegal firearm purchase” by an undercover officer, cell phone geo-location data and a long trail of pictures, videos, posts and messages via Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat in which suspects recorded themselves with an arsenal of weapons, large quantities of narcotics, piles of cash and what police call “other items of evidentiary value.”
Aurora police investigator Brent Maksyn wrote that he believes the group’s members use “violent episodes” and “videos depicting them committing violent and careless shootings to build clout and a reputation of a violent criminal enterprise. Which is used as a means of intimidation by visibly displaying their willingness to commit violent acts.”
One of the shootings took place Feb. 29 in Wheat Ridge when police say Chavez, Melgares and the unidentified minor suspect waited an hour and a half for a student to leave his high school, followed his car as he drove away, then pulled up beside him. Chavez allegedly walked up to the victim’s car window, drew a gun and fired at him in retaliation for comments the victim made about Chavez’s late father two years ago. The 17-year-old victim was not hit by the bullet.
The arrest affidavit calls the shooting a “deliberate and premeditated attack on the victim… carried out by known and identified members of this organized criminal enterprise.”
A second incident, on March 19, involved an assault inside and a shooting outside an AutoZone store in Lakewood. According to the report, Chavez, Melgares, Velarde and a fourth suspect, 18-year-old Antonio Lontine, targeted a young woman who previously dated an “associate” of Melgares and Chavez, as well as her current boyfriend and friend. A fight ensued in the store, and later, once the group was outside in the parking lot, one of the suspects allegedly fired a shotgun.
Police say the attack was premeditated and that the suspects continued “to intimidate the witnesses and victims related to this case by documented threats to kill, shoot, or physically harm” them in the days that followed. Ten days later, police pulled over Chavez’s car to find a fired shotgun hull, two fired rifle casings, and one fired 9mm casing that, according to the affidavit, is forensically linked to a third incident on April 29 when shots were fired at a home on the 1100 block of Victor Street in Aurora. Four people were in the house at the time, including a small child.
The affidavit says police have iden-
METRO
tified seven members of the alleged gang, “but this group is likely larger and comprised of additional unidentified members.” Partly because members have been seen wearing the color red, Maksyn surmises it is an offshoot of the Bloods street gang.
His report describes Instagram posts showing Chavez, Malgares, Velarde and the unnamed minor in a bedroom in possession of a large caliber rifle, handguns, and large clear bags of psilocybin mushrooms. Police believe “this group commonly stashes large amounts of illegal or illicit narcotics and firearms at this location,” it reads.
Maksyn described “videos of members of this criminal enterprise actively training at marksmanship and in skills to move and shoot.” He also described videos showing them “firing firearms indiscriminately in populated urban areas, likely somewhere within the Denver Metropolitan Area.”
One such video, posted on Facebook, shows an AR-15 style rifle being fired out of the passenger side window of a moving vehicle at what Maksyn wrote was the retaining wall for the RTD Light Rail train that runs along I-225 at East Mississippi Avenue in Aurora. It is unknown, he noted, “if a train was traveling on the tracks in this area at the time of this shooting since the video does not contain a date or time.”
The affidavit also includes a photograph depicting a shotgun and AR-15 rifle, and the letters “EBK” spelled out with live ammunition cartridges beside them. “EBK” stands for “Everybody Killer,” a term Maksyn indicated is used by gang members to signal that they will kill anyone regardless of gang affiliation.
“This group is unpredictable and has shown complete disregard for the value of human life through their ongoing and violent actions,” he wrote.
— Susan Greene, Sentinel Reporter in Residence
Aurora police arrest man linked to TdA wanted on gunfire, assault charges
Aurora police have arrested and jailed a 23-year-old man investigators say is linked to a Venezuelan gang and was wanted on two outstanding warrants for gunfire and assault charges from earlier this year.
The Aurora Police Department Gang Intervention Unit arrested Roiberth Daniel Mora-Marquez, 23, police said in a statement Sept.25.
He faces assault, kidnapping and menacing charges in what police said was an April 4 dispute over unpaid rent money for undisclosed accommodations somewhere in the 1600 block of Lima Street in northwest Aurora.
Details from that case were not available at press time.
Police said Mora-Marquez was arrested April 17 in connection with those allegations and posted a $20,000 bond for his release.
“A warrant for Mora-Marquez’s arrest was later issued when he failed to appear in court,” police spokesperson Joe Moylan said in a statement.
Police also arrested Mora-Marquez in connection to an Arapahoe County warrant for a separate case involving allegations of felony menacing, harassment, and firing a gun at a house on the 400 block of Nile Street on June 28.
In that case, Mora-Marquez and an adult woman were living in a house in the 400 block of Nile Street with another 44-year-old man, who owned or rented the house.
The woman said she and Mora-Marquez had lived in the house for about two weeks when the man and Mora-Marquez got into a dispute, according to an arrest affidavit filed with Arapahoe County courts.
The woman said she and Mora-Marquez had been in an intimate relationship for about three weeks, and have been living in her car.
The couple moved in with the older man about two weeks prior to the shooting.
On the day of the shooting, the man told her and Mora-Marquez they could no longer stay in the house.
Mora-Marquez and the woman drove there, and he became upset.
“Mora-Marquez yelled and struck her while they were in the vehicle,” police reported in the affidavit. “During the altercation, (Mora-Marquez) pulled out a handgun, reached over her, and fired rounds at (the house).” The woman said “she had to lean back to avoid being harmed.”
Mora-Martinez then drove a short distance away, stopped the car, pulled the keys from the ignition and walked away, leaving the woman behind.
On Aug. 6, police said the older man identified Mora-Marquez from a photo line-up.
Police said Mora-Marquez has been linked to the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua.
“Mora-Marquez is one of the 10 documented TdA gang members the Aurora Police Department released information about earlier this month,” police said in a statement “As of Thursday afternoon, Mora-Marquez was in custody at the Aurora Detention Center on a no bond hold.”
— Sentinel Staff
Woman faces careless driving charges after driving through Aurora boba shop windows
An unidentified woman parking in an Aurora strip mall Sept. 28 drove her car through the front window of a boba shop, injuring four customers.
Police said the woman was driving in the parking lot of Snowl, 1930 S. Havana St. at about 3 p.m. when the crash occurred.
“An elderly woman went to park her car in front of the restaurant and instead drove into the shop through the glass windows,” Aurora police spokesperson Sydney Edwards said in a statement Sunday.
Edwards said the woman had a passenger in the car at the time of the crash, and neither the woman nor the passenger were injured.
“Four people inside the restaurant had minor injuries with three of them being checked out on scene,” Edwards said. One person was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Police said the woman faces possible careless driving charges.
— Sentinel Staff
Police say man fatally shot in northwest Aurora was ‘targeted’
An unidentified 20-year-old man died from gunfire wounds early Sept. 29 after being shot in northwest Aurora and finding his own way to a nearby hospital, police said in a statement.
Police said hospital officials reported the shooting to police.
Montview Park, police reported.
“The victim, a 20-year-old man, self-transported to the hospital where he later died,” Aurora police spokesperson Joe Moylan said in a statement. “Evidence at the scene suggests the victim was targeted. Investigators do not think there is a danger to the general public.”
— Sentinel Staff
Aurora cops nab robbery suspects in minutes, and rescue the cash and goods
Police say they caught two robbers Sept. 26 shortly after they held up an Aurora smoke shop, and arrested them with the money and merchandise they’re accused of stealing.
Aurora Police responded to a report of a robbery at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Tobacco Station, 16851 E. Iliff Ave.
A witness said that the two suspects entered the business, demanded money and merchandise, brandishing what at the time appeared to be a gun.
Just minutes later, the two sus-
pects were spotted by police nearby at 2275 S. Pitkin Way after matching the description of a witness, Aurora police spokesperson Joe Moylan said in a statement.
The suspects were arrested without incident, police reported. There were no injuries to officers or community members, and all the stolen money and merchandise was recovered.
Bernard Celestin
CANDIDATE FOR RTD-Board of Director District F
“One of the suspects was carrying what has been determined to be a simulated firearm,” police stated in the release.
Police said both suspects are juveniles and will not be identified.
The investigation is ongoing, police said.
— Cassandra Ballard, Sentinel Staff Writer
• Strengthen the relationship between RTD and the public
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ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Oct. 19 & 20
The man was apparently shot at about 3 a.m. while somewhere in the 1700 block of Boston Street, near
Get in the Halloween spirit with Arapahoe County and join us for Treat Street Oct. 19 and 20, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Safe and festive family fun, held outdoors at the BOOOO-tiful Arapahoe County Scaregrounds in Aurora. Online presale tickets are just $10 each. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets at arapahoecountyeventcenter.com
House County Offices Closed Arapahoe County Offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 7 in observance of Arapahoe Day.
Join us Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. for a free educational event at the 17 Mile House Farm Park in Centennial and learn about the property’s dairy history (1880-1950). Visit the milking parlor in the barn, milk house, and butter churn display. The featured activity will be making and tasting your own butter! Registration is strongly encouraged at arapahoeco.gov/17milehouse
Aurora selects operator for homeless ‘navigation’ center in old hotel
‘One stop for those in great need’
BY CASSANDRA BALLARD AND SENTINEL STAFF WRITERS
Aurora moved closer to opening its regional, centralized homeless shelter and services center built from a shuttered 255-room hotel this week when it appointed a non-profit group to operate the facility.
Aurora-based nonprofit-group Advance was chosen by the Aurora City Council Sept. 23 to operate the new facility. Advance will also take over operation of the Aurora Day Resource Center from Mile High Behavioral Healthcare on the Fitzsimons campus as part of a consolidation in city homeless services.
The group was chosen over metro-area veteran programs Salvation Army and Comitis Crisis Center despite being in operation for only two years. Advance officials said even though the agency is relatively new, Advance leaders and service providers have years of experience.
“The $2 million operations agreement, funded by Aurora’s general fund and marijuana tax revenue, covers shelter and case management services, among other services for the unhoused in the region,” city officials said in a statement. “Advance will also be responsible for securing additional public and private funding to sustain campus services.”
Earlier this year, Aurora negotiated a purchase price cap of $26.5 million for the 13-acre property, which it closed on over the summer. According to previous Sentinel reporting, the rest of the approximately $40 million investment — including money controlled by the city, overlapping counties, and the state — will be used to renovate the hotel.
“We are excited to partner with the city of Aurora to operate the navigation campus and to reach our goal of reducing homelessness in Aurora by 50%,” Jim Goebelbecker, Advance’s Executive Director, said in a statement.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the metro area has seen a growing homeless population.
After trying a variety of approaches to address homeless in the city, like encampment sweeps and transitional pallet housing, Aurora will now leverage federal, state, and regional funding to create a large, all-encompassing Aurora Regional Navigation Campus.
“One stop for those in great need,” Goebelbecker said.
The campus will sit on 13 acres surrounding the old Crowne Plaza Hotel, 15500 E 40th Ave., in the northeast corner of the city. It will utilize the hotel’s 255 rooms, as well as the commercial kitchen and laundry facilities.
Although Advance is newer than the other two companies it competed with, its directors, employees and board members have decades of combined experience.
“In addition to our senior leadership experience with homelessness and substance use disorder, our board also has decades of experience working with the unhoused,” Goebelbecker said. “We partnered early on with the (Colorado) Springs Rescue Mission to mirror their best practices.”
The multimillion-dollar campus is based on a “work first” approach for housing, according to Goebelbecker. Participants must seek and gain employment before qualifying for transitional housing at the center.
Other services, such as medical and addiction care, congregate shelter, employment counseling, assistance obtaining lost identification, case management and transportation
will be available without job requirements.
The selection panel for the two-year contract included representatives from the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, as well as city staff, according to a statement.
“Advance’s prior experience and holistic approach to helping individuals transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency will be an asset to the campus,” said Jessica Prosser, Aurora’s Director of Housing and Community Services, in the release.
Although the navigation center won’t open until late 2025, Advance will take over operation of the Aurora Resource Day Center from Mile High Behavioral Healthcare Oct. 1. Goebelbecker said Advance has no plans to make immediate changes.
At the campus, sobriety and employment will be requirements to receive transitional housing through the program, Advance officials said, but those are only some of the steps of “recovery.”
“We use the recovery as a broad term,” Goebelbecker said, adding that recovery means helping people overcome whatever put someone in the situation to become homeless.
Goebelbecker plans for the final design of the campus to be a community endeavor.
“We can’t do this alone,” Goebelbecker said, referring to the community goal of reducing homelessness. “There are local nonprofits that provide quality service, and we want to partner with them.”
Looking for a different solution to a growing and persistent problem
Situated on the far side of Interstate 70, if the Crowne Plaza hotel were any farther north, it would be in Denver. But Aurora City Council members who inked the deal said the hotel was a pre-built answer to the question of how the city would fulfill the goal included in Mayor Mike Coffman’s plan of bringing together under one roof all of the services people need to exit homelessness.
“This, in my opinion, seems to be a good solution,” Councilmember Francoise Bergan said at a city council meeting earlier this year. “If we are truly compassionate, we want to help those who are experiencing homelessness to be productive, to be able to overcome substance abuse disorders, to get mental health help and eventually to transition into working and being a productive member of society.”
The money to buy the hotel and convert it into a campus capable of sheltering and providing assistance to the city’s several hundred homeless residents will come in the form of $15.4 million from Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs, $10.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds controlled by the city, and $8.3 million, $5 million and $1.1 million in pandemic funding from Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties respectively.
Coffman’s strategy for dealing with the phenomenon of homeless encampments that the conservative majority of Aurora’s City Council codified in 2022 dictates that the city won’t spend general fund dollars to operate or maintain the campus.
The mayor originally envisioned building the campus
from scratch, which prompted pushback from progressives who argued it would be more efficient to invest in properties distributed throughout the city.
Coffman wrote in his email that consolidating homelessness services into a single campus was “far more cost-effective” than the alternative. Other council members at the time questioned whether the city would be better off spending its $10 million somewhere else.
More sweeps, more options
Aurora is also creating a specialty-court program for homeless defendants as well as a companion ordinance that will allow the city to accelerate clearing camps, both policies that support Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman’s “work-first” plan to address homelessness.
The changes are intended to be coordinated with the city’s homelessness navigation center.
Unlike the current policy for sweeping encampments in which city workers have to give a 72-hour warning prior to an abatement, the new policy will prohibit camping in certain areas, allowing abatements without the standard 72-hour warning.
Changes in city policy were adopted earlier in the summer.
Areas can be “closed” if the city has conducted a sweep within the past six months. Closures could occur for other reasons, including dangerous conditions, criminal activity, evidence of rodent infestation and “physically undermin(ing) or erod(ing) public infrastructure.”
In addition, the Housing Employment Assistance Recovery Team, or HEART Program, will divert defendants charged with low-level misdemeanors, including trespassing, to a voluntary specialty court. Proponents of the program say defendants can choose a diversion program, allowing the court to connect defendants with city resources, such as addiction and mental health treatment, job training or temporary housing.
Aurora’s City Council adopted both policies after weeks of discussion.
If defendants choose not to participate in the HEART program they would go through the current legal process to address their charge, which could include fines or jail time, according to what is now city code.
“Ultimately, we want people to accept services and help within our city, to become well, to experience healing and recovery, and ultimately to get back into society, and contribute,” Councilmember Steve Sundberg, who co-sponsored both policy proposals, said June 10.
The mayor’s work-first strategy was introduced in 2022 alongside Aurora’s camping ban and the city’s decision to invest in a central social services campus with the goal of helping people experiencing homelessness find employment and then housing.
Along the Interstate 225 corridor especially, the city has continued to see homeless encampments, which residents say they want addressed, said Curtis Gardner, who also co-sponsored both policies. He said the HEART Program would address residents’ concerns while acknowledging the unique challenges that people experiencing homelessness face.
“It really focuses on meeting those individuals experiencing homelessness where they’re at,” Gardner said. “Not only does it help them address the criminal charges, but it also connects them with services.”
The intent of both the HEART Program and the sweeps ordinance is to alleviate the impacts of homelessness, according to bill sponsors and proponents. The question of how effective campsite sweeps and criminal charges are at reducing homelessness have become a topic of nationwide debate in recent months, as the U.S. Supreme Court prepared to deliver a ruling on City of Grants Pass v. Johnson.
That court decision was expected to determine whether penalizing homeless people for camping on public property when shelters lack sufficient bed space violates Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment.
The high court ruled June 28 on the question, allowing Aurora the ability to carry out its approved plans.
The Supreme Court ruled that cities can enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outdoors, even in West Coast areas where shelter space is lacking.
In a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, the high court reversed a ruling by a San Francisco-based appeals court that found outdoor sleeping bans amount to cruel and unusual punishment.
The majority found that the Eighth Amendment prohibition does not extend to bans on outdoor sleeping bans.
“Homelessness is complex. Its causes are many. So may be the public policy responses required to address it,” Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority. “A handful of federal judges cannot begin to ‘match’ the collective wisdom the American people possess in deciding ‘how best to handle’ a pressing social question like homelessness.”
The question of chasing homeless people away in an effort to reduce homeless has been a thorny issue for years.
In an amicus brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, 57 social scientists offered arguments against the practice of sweeping encampments based on personal experiences and peer-reviewed studies, including Dilara Yarbrough, an associate professor of criminal justice studies at San Francisco State University.
“Policing, sweeps, and other forms of criminalization and punishment actually make homelessness worse,” Yarbrough
wrote in an email. “Research shows that police responses to homelessness make unhoused people more vulnerable to violence by forcing them to move away from areas of relative safety and into more remote areas away from their social networks.”
In a 2020 article published in Social Problems, Yarbrough and amicus brief co-signatory Chris Herring reviewed surveys, interview and municipal data, which consistently indicated that move-along orders and similar laws shuffle people between neighborhoods and police jurisdictions rather than getting them into permanent housing.
In her work with the homeless community, Mile High Behavioral Healthcare’s director of business and public relations, Anna Miller, has seen the negative impacts sweeps have on people experiencing homelessness.
“They have to just have somewhere to go, and with limited resources, I think we will see increased violence, theft (and) substance misuse,” Miller said. “Unfortunately, it will happen. People will get more and more scared and frustrated when they don’t have resources or places to go … They’re human beings. There has to be somewhere for people to go.”
Participants in Aurora’s HEART Program will have priority access to the housing that the city offers, giving them a place to go, Gardner said. He said that, because it is a court diversion program, they must be charged with a non-violent misdemeanor, like trespassing, to participate.
Some people experiencing homelessness agree that people need more that just a place to sleep.
Comitis Crisis Center guest Frenchan Brooks said in June that his peers waiting long periods of time to access shelter space during his three stays at the center have their own set of problems. When people have to move out prior to finding permanent housing, he has observed them spend all of their savings on motel space waiting for the next available bed, only to start the cycle over again.
“I think the help (the city is) giving them is not the help they need,” Brooks said. “We’re giving them a place to lay down and go to sleep. But the people in (Comitis) have that and a job with no place to stay permanently.”
In the four years since he lost his sight, Brooks has spent four months sleeping on the streets of Aurora. Though he’s had the jarring experience of being woken up by police and told to move, he avoids staying outside of established shel-
ters at night and is trying to find permanent housing.
Prior to losing his sight, Brooks worked in construction and was a chef. Now, he receives disability benefits but still can’t afford rent. His sight comes and goes, and even if he were to get a job, maintaining the position would be difficult because he can’t guarantee that his sight will be at its best everyday.
“It’s not like I didn’t work, or I haven’t worked. It’s just I had a medical problem,” Brooks said.
It remains to be seen how disabled Aurorans like Brooks fit into what the city has presented as its comprehensive work-first strategy for addressing unsheltered homelessness, though Coffman has said no one who wants services or shelter will be denied a place at the navigation campus. A 2023 report released by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless found that 65% of adults experiencing homelessness reported having at least one disabling condition.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Christopher Thomas holds his veteran employee identifier on Monday June 13, 2016 at Veteran Affairs Homeless Programs. Thomas is peer support apprentice for the VA and has experience going through the program for assistance.
Photo by Carl Glenn Payne/Aurora Sentinel
Early in the season, Amber Cornett knew the best was yet to come for her Cherokee Trail girls volleyball team.
It simply had to be.
The Cougars were beset by illness and injury to start the season — the first with Cornett as head coach — but are riding high as the season reaches the midway point. Cherokee Trail boasts a five-match winning streak and seems to be growing stronger each time out.
“I’m feeling really good and settled right now, so it’s time to put our foot on the gas,” said Cornett, who helped out with the program last season before she became its third coach in four seasons since original coach Terry Miller retired after the 2021 season.
“We’ve finally had our full starting lineup the last few matches and we’re finally getting some traction,” she added. “You can see things are starting to click on all cylinders.”
Full court press
In the early going, it was all about surviving for Cherokee Trail.
Key regulars such as senior outside hitter Kassie Cooley, senior middle blocker Quincey McCoy and junior setter
BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor
Avery Krause were out of the lineup along with others, which forced many adjustments.
The Cougars managed to eek out a five-set win over Ralston Valley in the season opener and also took a five-setter from Ponderosa with a junior varsity player thrust into the mix at setter. They dropped a five-set match to Rock Canyon (a 10-win team), but on the whole came out of the adversity in good shape.
“I just tried to encourage them to stay focused, find our grounding and how we are centered as a team,” said Cornett, who works a lot with her team on sports pyschology. “We focused on working on things we could control, how we were going to feel more stable and not get all swept up in the chaos. ...They did a great job with that.”
The lineup has been made whole as Cooley — a four-year varsity player — has joined junior Ella Notheisen as formiddable offensive weapons, while McCoy and senior Bella Sieve have given the team a presence at the net. Krause has made it all run smoothly since her return to the lineup.
Those pieces, combine with the resilient mindset that was forged through the early adversity, give Cornett hope.
“I think we have the personnel to play with any team in the state,” she said. “The group of tenured players in this program have their eyes on state, so we want to make that happen for them. We’re going to approach the rest of the season with a commong goal and motivation and we’ll see how the ball falls on any particular day.”
Cherokee Trail will get a chance to test itself the rest of the season with back-to-back Centennial League matches with Arapahoe and Cherry Creek, followed by the Centennial League Challenge tournament and a regular season finale against a Chaparral team that currently sits 12-1.
The Cougars have been the standout thus far for Aurora teams at the midway point of the season, but others have had their moments.
Grandview — which is crafting a new identity in the wake of the graduation of a large group of impact players from last season’s 5A
state tournament qualifier — earned a fourset win over a 10-win Arapahoe team Sept. 24. The Wolves secured coach Rob Graham’s 400th career victory as part of a 5-9 start that has seen big performances from seniors Sajaal Glunz and Savannah Adams. Glunz ranks second in 5A in kills with 195, while Adams is fourth with 166.
Rangeview has won four of its last five matches to get to 5-3 early in its backloaded schedule. Coach Desarae Powell’s Raiders have versatile threats in seniors Maddie Kilmer and Anika Davison that are surrounded by other emerging players.
Eaglecrest faced the Centennial League’s top teams consecutively in its first three matches, three losses that dropped it to 6-7 on the season. Coach Morgan Garrow’s team has plenty of firepower from junior Anayah Rucker and senior Jada Bobb. Coach Natasha Kellogg’s Hinkley team also has picked up six wins in the early going.
At 5-6 is Regis Jesuit in its first season under Celeste Barker. The Raiders were 5-2 in non-league play, but have found the going difficult against Continental League opponents. Junior setter Lucy Tricco has passed the 1,000 assist mark for her career.
Vista PEAK Prep is in the midst of reloading from graduation and is off to a 4-7 start, while Smoky Hill sits at 4-11 and Overland
at 4-10.
COUGAR CHEER: Ella Notheisen (3) and several other players on the Cherokee Trail girls volleyball team celebrate with Quincey McCoy (10) after a big kill in the Cougars’ Centennial League win at Eaglecrest Sept. 24. Photo by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel
HUNTING WOLVES: Senior Savannah Adams, center, and the Grandview girls volleyball team picked up a big fourset Centennial League win over a 10-win Arapahoe team Sept. 24. Adams is one of the players leading the way as the Wolves move forward after losing a talented group to graduation. (Photos by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
FOOTBALL
Aurora teams wrap up non-league play with 5-6 combined mark in Week 5
Aurora prep football teams prepared for upcoming conference play with Week 5 contests that saw local programs post a combined 5-6 mark.
Eaglecrest extended the best start of any area program to 4-1 with a 26-8 victory over ThunderRidge Sept. 26 at Halftime Help Stadium. Joe Steiner threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, while Burke Withycombe and Kota Becker each scored via reception and rush for coach Jesse German’s Raptors.
Now over .500 is Rangeview, which moved to 3-2 with a 17-10 win over Liberty Sept. 25 at APS Stadium. Coach Chris Dixon’s Raiders got two rushing touchdowns from Tyson Tuck plus Caleb Granger’s 25-yard field goal.
Grandview enters Centennial League play on two-game winning streak (which followed an 0-3 start) thanks to a 427 victory in a local matchup with Vista PEAK Prep Sept. 26 at Legacy Stadium. Coach Tom Doherty’s Wolves had two rushers surpass 100 yards as Chris Blanks went for 169 yards (and scored three touchdowns), while Caleb Llamas ran for 125 with a score. Blitz McCarty threw touchdown passes to Xay Neto and Kyler Vaughn to lead Grandview over Mike Campbell’s Bison (3-2), whose score came late when Canaan Barthlow found Quay Davis in the end zone. Also now 2-3 is Regis Jesuit, which celebrated Homecoming with a 23-12 victory over parochial school rival Sept. 26 at Lou Kellogg Stadium. Coach Danny Filleman’s Raiders got 124 yards of total offense and a touchdown from Joe Pron, while Garrett Reece also got into the end zone. Jack Manthey knocked through three field goals and two extra points.
Aurora Central improved to 2-3 with a 47-8 Homecoming victory over rival Hinkley Sept. 27 at APS Stadium. Markell Perkins had 149 yards passing and threw touchdowns to Darian Fitzgerald and Jeremiah Briscoe, who had a three-score night with a pair of rushing scores. Coach Dennis York’s Thunder dropped to 0-4. Cherokee Trail dropped to 2-3 with a 31-13 loss to Dakota Ridge Sept. 26 at Jeffco Stadium. Tyson Smith found with Cade Brook for a touchdown passing, while Noah Collins scored on the ground for coach Justin Jajczyk’s Cougars. Coach Rashad Mason’s Gateway team and coach Tony Lindsay Sr.’s Overland squad both sit 1-4 after losses to Mountain View (52-20) and Mountain Vista (55-6), respectively, Sept. 26. Westin Rayburn threw touchdown passes to Jeramiah Stark and Forrest Clemmons for the Olys, while Jarrius Ward rushed for the Trailblazers’ touchdown.
Smoky Hill fell to 0-5 Sept. 26, as coach Brandon Alconcel’s team dropped a 56-0 contest to undefeated Fairview at Recht Field in Boulder.
BOYS GOLF
Grandview, Regis Jesuit grab team spots in 5A team state tournament
Qualifying for the Class 5A boys state golf tournament began Sept. 30 and the Aurora area came away from the first day with a good-sized contigent.
Regis Jesuit finished as the runner-up at the Central Region tournament and Grandview won a team playoff to finish
second at the Western Region as both earned the right to have four-player teams in the state tournament Oct. 7-8 at CommonGround G.C.
Coach Craig Rogers’ Raiders (comprised of four seniors) finished with a team score of 1-over-par 217 in the Central Regional at South Suburban G.C., which put them two strokes behind champion Fossil Ridge. Regis Jesuit had the individual medalist, however, as Sam Walker fired a 6-under 66 for a five-stroke victory. Ryland Doolittle tied for 10th with a 74, while Anthony Lore and Roland Thornton both shot 77 to tie for 21st.
Coach Kurtis Bailey’s Grandview team had two assured individual qualifiers from the Western Regional at Indian Tree G.C. in Michael Rosman and Sam Silver, but that doubled when it won a team playoff with Lakewood for second place. Andrew Sinar and Dominik Fedotov also will head to state by virtue of the team finish. Sinar (who shot 78) and Fedotov (84) will join Rosman — who was the regional runner-up after he shot a 1-over-par 71 and Silver, who shot 77.
gional at The Broadlands G.C. and concluded on Oct. 2 with Vista PEAK Prep in the 5A Southern Region tournament at Columbine C.C. Results were unavailable at press time, but visit sentinelcolorado. com/preps for scores and recaps.
BOYS TENNIS
Regis Jesuit, Grandview qualify for 5A team state
Two of the 16 teams headed to the Class 5A boys tennis team state tournament come from Aurora, as Regis Jesuit and Grandview were part of the bracket released Sept. 30 by the Colorado High School Activities Association.
For more on these stories visit sentinelcolorado. com/preps
Coach Laura Jones’ Raiders went undefeated in dual matches during the regular season to land the No. 1 seed and will play host to No. 16 Northfield at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2. Regis Jesuit was also the No. 1 seed in the 2023 team state tournament and advanced to the final, where it lost to No. 2 Cherry Creek 4-1.
At 2 p.m. Oct. 2, coach Jeff Ryan’s Wolves (which compiled a 7-1 dual record) will take their home court for a first round match with No. 9 Fort Collins.
Three indviduals also earned state tournament spots in Smoky Hill’s Reece Nuwash (who shot 73 to tie for fourth at the Western Regional) and teammate Hudson Roth, who came out of an individual playoff after shooting 78. From the Central Regional, Eaglecrest’s Gregory White shot 73 to tie for seventh and earn his third career trip to state.
Regional qualifying continued Oct. 1 with Gateway in the 4A Region 2 tournament at Foothills G.C. plus Cherokee Trail and Rangeview in the 5A Northern Re-
The two Aurora area programs would meet in the quarterfinals Oct. 5 should both win in the opening round. Both Regis Jesuit and Grandview are likely to play host to regionals for the individual state tournament as well.
WEEK PAST
The week past in Aurora prep sports
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28: The Chero-
kee Trail softball team exploded for a season-high in runs in a 25-2 Centennial League win over Mullen. Leera Davis earned the win and went 4-for-4 with 3 RBI, while Delaney Falzon also homered and drove in three runs as part of the Cougars’ 21-hit attack...The Smoky Hill softball team pounded out 12 hits and put up 14 runs in a 14-8 home win over Doherty. Ava Matheny pitched a complete game and had two hits, as did Ailey Henry, Kadynce Schutt (4 RBI) and Kiley Snyder (3 RBI). ... The Grandview girls flag football team rolled to a 37-13 victory over Arapahoe. ...FRIDAY, SEPT. 27: Alex Silva piled up five goals for the Aurora West College Prep Academy boys soccer team in an 8-0 win over STEM School. ...Despite a 3-for-3 performance from Elsa Pedersen and a six-hitter from Alex Tavlarides, the Regis Jesuit softball team fell to Rock Canyon 4-3. ...The Regis Jesuit and Grandview boys cross country teams finished sixth and seventh, respectively, in the Division 1 race of the Dave Sanders Invitational run at Clement Park. Regis Jesuit’s Braeden Focht finished fourth with a time of 16 minutes, 3.50 seconds, while Grandview’s Colton White was next in fifth at 16:07.10. The pair of Abdinasir Hassan (15th) and Kimi Bulto (16th) helped Rangeview to 14th, while Vista PEAK Prep placed 20th and Overland 24th. In the Division 1 girls race, Grandview placed 15th as a team with Emerson Hensler setting the pace in 70th, while Rangeview’s Aiden Schumacher was the top local individual in 65th place. ...The Regis Jesuit girls flag football team downed Mullen 22-7 with help from Delaney Sitzmann, who threw for 237 yards and connected with Ava Keen and
Catherine Eure on touchdown passes. Jasmine Lugo had five sacks and Naala Barnes intercepted two passes for the defense. ...THURSDAY, SEPT. 26: The Cherokee Trail girls volleyball team kept rolling along with a 25-19, 25-22, 26-24 Centennial League sweep of Mullen. Kassie Cooley (14) and Ella Nothesien (12) reached double figures in kills, while Avery Krause had 38 assists. ...The Rangeview girls volleyball team rode 17 kills, 15 digs and 11 assists from Maddie Kilmer plus 10 kills and 13 digs from Anika Davison in a 25-20, 26-24, 26-24 sweep of rival Vista PEAK Prep. ...The Eaglecrest girls volleyball team downed Overland 25-12, 25-14, 25-13 in Centennial League play. ...The Regis Jesuit boys soccer team reached double figures for the third time in a 10-0 win over Ponderosa. Jack De Simone and Charles Sharp had three goals apiece, while Rocco Berg, Hugh Brophy and Matthew Layden dished out two assists apiece. ...Two goals from Caleb Burgess and another from Isaac Wells helped the Cherokee Trail boys soccer team to a 3-0 win over Arapahoe. ... Leo Garcia, Daniel Hamanovich, Andrew Harwell, Marek Jesienjouski and Suvan Yerramilli all tallied for the Grandview boys soccer team in a 5-3 win over Eaglecrest Mohamed Sylla, Keegan Wiezorek and Roman Yonder had the Raptors’ goals. ...Leah Graves allowed just two hits over five innings as the Grandview softball team topped Smoky Hill 15-0. Maddie Donaldson homered twice and drove in three runs, as did Madison Jaramillo, and Sasha Kennedy also
ered for the
›› See PREPS, 18
hom-
Wolves. ...The Eaglecrest
TOP: Regis Jesuit senior Sam Walker watches the flight of his tee shot on Hole No. 2 at South Suburban G.C. during the Class 5A Central Region boys golf tournament on Sept. 30. Walker shot a 6-under-par 66 to win regional medalist honors and help the Raiders qualify for the state tournament as a four-player team. ABOVE LEFT: Junior No. 1 singles player Justin Son and the Grandview boys tennis team qualified for the 16-team 5A boys tennis team state tournament. ABOVE RIGHT: Tayah Burton slaps a base hit during the Cherokee Trail softball team’s 8-3 home win over Eaglecrest. (PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL)
Fall into something di erent
SHORTER DAYS MAKES FOR A TALL ORDER FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DO
BY SENTINEL STAFF WRITERS
Missing summer already? With summer weather washing into fall, a rare occurrence here in Colorado, shorter days just means more time for evening fun. Sentinel staffers have collecting an eclectic catalog of ways to celebrate the changing season and be happy to watch the sun set before the curtain even rises. Check it out.
The Wildwoods In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods emerge as a folk/Americana trio, a musical tapestry woven by the husband-and-wife duo, Noah (guitar) and Chloe Gose (violin), accompanied by the bassist Andrew Vaggalis. Their story is a symphony of exploration and connection, a journey that has taken them from the Midwest to international stages, carving out a unique place in the folk landscape. Their presence has graced stages alongside artists such as Mighty Poplar, Sierra Ferrell, Aiofe O’ Donovan, Melissa Carper, Jamie Wyatt and Joe Nichols at concerts and festivals like Summerfest, FreshGrass and the Oyster Ridge Music Festival.
The Wildwoods have become a force in the folk scene, boasting accolades like being finalists at the FreshGrass Music Festival Band competition and Gems on VHS “Gems in the Rough” competition in 2023. Their songwriting prowess is underscored by semi-final placements in the International Songwriting competition, with tracks like “Untitled” and “Way of Train.” Recognized consistently at the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards, they were crowned “Best Band” by the Lincoln Journal Star’s Lincoln Choice Awards in 2022.
IF YOU GO:
8 pm Oct. 3
Swallow Hill Music
71 E. Yale Ave.
Details: 303-777-1003 and swallowhillmusic.org
13th Floor Haunted House
Denver’s ultimate Halloween event is back for encore boos. 13th Floor is Denver’s largest haunted house, boasted as one of the scariest haunted houses in the country. This legendary haunt returns for the 2024 season with NEW Mini Escape Games, new characters, a new layout, and two brand-new secret bars inside the haunt. Scare-fanatics will see the return of their favorite attractions such as the Shriekeasy, ‘The Sacred Skull: A
Tiki Tarot Experience,’ Class Axe Throwing, Behind-The-Screams tours, Zombie Shooting Gallery, and No Name’s Curtain Chaos. Three new themes inside the haunt will take visitors through Crimson Night, Nautical Nightmare and Macabre. Get
IF YOU GO:
Tickets: $19.99 - $34.99
7 pm nightly from Oct. 2 3400 East 52nd Ave. http://13thfloordenver.com
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Get your ticket to ride on the classical thrilling journey on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at the Vintage Theatre.
Whether you’re new to Agatha Christie or a longtime fan, you won’t want to miss this fantastic show, which boasts these classic lines: “We are losing heat and light, provisions are low, the passengers are angry and we have a dead man rotting in compartment two. How are things with you?” and “Examine your heart and tell us what you want.”
IF YOU GO:
Runs through Oct, 20. Fridays through Sundays. Curtains vary with weekly matinees available.
Tickets: $20-$36
Details and ticket sales: www.vintagetheatre.org/
The Life and Art of Tokio Ueyama
The Life and Art of Tokio Ueyama features more than 40 paintings loaned to the museum by the Japanese American National Museum and Ueyama’s family, whose combined efforts to preserve his work have allowed the story of this accomplished and cosmopolitan artist to be told at the Denver Art Museum for the first time.
Born in Japan, Tokio Ueyama moved to the United States in 1908 at age 18, where he made a home until his death in 1954. This exhibition tells the story of Ueyama’s life, including his early days as an art student in San Francisco, Southern California, and Philadelphia; his travels abroad in Europe and Mexico; his role as artist and community member in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles; and his unconstitutional incarceration during World War II at the Granada Relocation Center, now the Amache National Historic Site, in southeast Colorado.
Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Tokio and
his wife Suye were among more than 120,000 Japanese Americans forcibly relocated into American concentration camps. More than 10,000 people were unconstitutionally incarcerated at Amache in the following years, making it the third largest “city” in Colorado at the time. There, Ueyama taught adult art classes to 150 students. This exhibition tells a story of a time in Colorado’s history, of a place where Americans experienced dislocation and loss, and, more importantly, displayed unimaginable resilience, tenacity, and creativity in the face of prejudice.
IF YOU GO:
Tickets: Included in general admission, which is free for members and for all visitors 18 and under.
10 a.m. daily from Oct. 3 Denver Art Museum, 100 West 14th Ave Parkway Details: 720-865-5000 and www.denverartmuseum.org/ en/exhibitions/tokio-ueyama
The Collection
Fronted by David Wimbish, The Collection hail from North Carolina. Impressively, the band logged thousands of miles on the road, generated millions of streams and earned praise from American Songwriter, Glide, Parade and more all before signing to Nettwerk. With three full-length releases, three EPs and a number of singles in their repertoire, the band’s extensive catalog is complimented by their robust and raucous live show that has built a devout fanbase. The Collection has toured with The Oh Hellos, RIPE, Tall Heights and Nettwerk’s own Sammy Rae & The Friends.
How To Survive An Ending features the previously released track “Won’t Stop Yet” and the project’s first official single “Sorry Baby,” released in September. The band lives by “rules for how to be a band.” They set boundaries, and they try to remain consistently positive, encouraging and supportive of one another. These values are present on stage and off, and underpin their community.
IF YOU GO: 8 p.m. Oct. 4
Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave.
Details: lost-lake.com/ Duskus
26-year old British producer Duskus is a DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist fast on-the-rise. He spent over a decade playing both piano and the guitar – first classical and
later acoustic – after picking up his first at just seven years old; training that helped foster a lifelong passion for music-making.
Heavily influenced by visual outdoor elements – “it could be just a view from a field or a photo of a plant I’ve seen on Instagram”, Duskus’ vision is grounded in the world around him; the here and now. His sound meshes together elements of classic 4x4 house, blood-and-thunder kicks and rich melodies. He credits electronic artists like Floating Points, Ross From Friends, Tom VR and Joy Orbison with playing into those ideas, but also looks further afield to folk and country music, too. “I listen to an artist called Arthur Russell religiously”, he says. “It’s nothing to do with electronic music, but it’s nice to listen to music outside of the lane I’m working in sometimes.”
IF YOU GO:
8 p.m. Oct. 4
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St.
Details: larimerlounge.com
Fandemonium: A group show featuring works of fan art
Fandemonium presents a look into how twelve Access Gallery artists celebrate fandom Explore how these fan artists interpret and reimagine iconic scenes, personalities, and narratives through their unique lenses. Each piece tells a story of personal connection and creative expression, showcasing creativity that breathes new life into familiar franchises. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the intersection of art and fandom, Fandemonium promises an engaging experience that celebrates the passion and artistry of fan communities. Join us in this artistic journey where your favorite stories leap off the screen and into a gallery of imagination and creativity. Participating Artists: Adrien Law II, AJ Kiel,
Alexander Scott, Angel, DPA, Jaida, Lorne Threlkeld Jr., Matt Maclean, Quinn Martinez, Rose, Knight S., Tristan
IF YOU GO:
5 p.m. Oct. 4
Access Gallery 909 Santa Fe Drive
Details: denversartdistrict. org
First Friday at Tracks:
“Halloween Horrors”
It’s always one of the biggest First Friday parties of the year. Dress up and stay up with Tracks. Halloween Horrors, the spookiest Women’s Party of the season.
On the first Friday of October, we’re transforming the club into a haunted haven where sexy meets scary. Dance the night away in your fiercest costumes, enjoy spine-chilling cocktails, and experience electrifying performances. Whether you’re here to mingle, dance, or simply soak up the spooky vibes, this is the Halloween event you don’t want to miss. Ghosts, ghouls, and witches are all welcome— let’s make this First Friday a night to remember. DJ music by Soup – Country 7PM-10PM, in the Lounge; DJ Tatiana – 8PMClose in Tracks; DJ Blaque Gurl –10PM-Close in the Lounge
IF YOU GO:
Oct. 4, 7 p.m. - close
Tickets, at the box office: $10 from 7PM-10PM; $15 from 10PM-Close Tracks Nightclub 3500 Walnut St Details: babesaroundenver. com
Mendelssohn Violin
Concerto featuring Anne Akiko Meyers
The Colorado Symphony and guest conductor Douglas Boyd welcome soloist Anne Akiko Meyers in a captivating show-
case of her lyricism and agility on Mendelssohn’s revered Violin Concerto - a true Romantic masterpiece. Sibelius’ Third Symphony is cheerful and free spirited as the composer bids farewell to the opulent romanticism of his earlier works. A prelude that is sure to delight, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture is a magical fantasy based on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy and features the iconic love theme that has become one of the most recognizable melodies in the world.
IF YOU GO: 7:30pm, Oct. 4
Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St
Details: 303-623-7876 or www.artscomplex.com
The Spirituals Project Choir with the Colorado Repertory Singers
The Spirituals Project Choir is joined by the Colorado Repertory Singers and director Kyle Fleming for their Fall concert. Colorado Repertory Singers is a Broomfield-based choral organization presenting diverse repertoire in concerts throughout the Front Range. CRS provides singers of all ages an environment that encourages musical growth and fosters a sense of community. CRS was formed in January 2002 by Director Emeritus, Ronald J. Williams, to create an accessible community choir bringing diverse music to the community. The auditioned members of the chorus share a love of music and a commitment to excellence.
IF YOU GO: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4
Tickets: free - $5 Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Details: 303-871-7720 or liberalarts.du.edu
Ken Ludwig’s clever adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at the Vintage Theatre boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense! Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks and by morning it is one passenger fewer. PHOTO SUPPLIED
PREPS
softball team downed Mullen 16-1 behind Jordyn Stilley on the mound, plus a 3 RBI-game from Callie Johnson Zaya Elliott, Briahna Gallegos and Malaina Cortez had two RBI apiece. ...Lauren Reed tossed a six-hitter, while Nayely Duran had three hits and three RBI in the Vista PEAK Prep softball team’s 10-1 win over Denver East. ...The Regis Jesuit boys tennis team completed an undefeated Continental League season with a 7-0 win over Heritage. ...The Cherokee Trail boys tennis team swept past Mullen 7-0. ...The Smoky Hill boys tennis team took all but the No. 3 doubles match in a 6-1 win over Overland Natalie Chilton and Claire Snelling scored goals for the Regis Jesuit field hockey team, which defeated Kent Denver 2-1. Izzie Golding made six saves. ...The Smoky Hill girls field hockey team got a second half goal from Elyse Bailey on an assist from Julia Kaiser to top the Boulder Valley School District 1-0.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25:The Grandview softball team got a one-hit effort from Kamaya Soniea-Harris on the mound, plus three hits, four runs and six stolen bases from Sasha Kennedy and four RBI from Maddie Heinrich in a 9-2 win over Cherry Creek. ...Cheyenne Hatcher threw a touchdown pass to Nia Gibson and rushed for a touchdown in the Smoky Hill girls flag football team’s 30-0 win over Cherokee Trail Kiyah Enoch also found the end zone for the Buffaloes, who got an interception from Sailor Roth. ...The Grandview boys tennis team secured second place in the Centennial League with a 4-3 dual match win against Arapahoe. Kaahan Wani and Krish Wani at Nos. 2 and 3 singles were victorious for the Wolves, as were the No. 1 doubles team of Blake Hardin and Carter Benton and the No. 2 tandem of Atharv Peroor and Nathan McIsaac
TUESDAY, SEPT. 24: The Cherokee Trail girls volleyball team got 11 kills from Kassie Cooley and eight apiece from Quincey McCoy and Bella Sieve in a 25-20, 25-15, 25-17 road sweep at Eaglecrest. ...The Grandview girls volleyball team took down visiting Arapahoe 23-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 for a big Cen-
tennial League victory. Sajal Glunz piled up 19 kills and Savannah Adams added 18, while Julia Ulitzky contributed 30 assists. ...The Aurora Central girls volleyball team picked up a 19-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-21 road win at Gateway Charles Sharp and Stefan Zehnacker scored goals for the Regis Jesuit boys soccer team in a 2-0 win over Mountain Vista. ...A hat trick for Cristian Rosas was part of a 4-0 victory for the Vista PEAK Prep boys soccer team over Aurora West College Prep Academy. ...The Cherokee Trail boys soccer team erased a halftime deficit on goals by Caleb Burgess and Isaac Wells in the second half of a 2-1 win over George Washington. ... Yazan Arabi-Katbi, Daniel
Hamanovich, Andrew Harwell and Jagger Winnig all scored goals for the Grandview boys soccer team in its 4-0 win over Overland Brandom Funez accounted for half of the Gateway boys soccer team’s eight goals in an 8-1 win over Denver West. ...Mikiyas Regassa and Luke Tenkorang had two goals apiece to help the Lotus School For Exellence boys soccer team to a 7-0 win over Front Range Baptist. ...Emma Rice allowed a single hit over 5 2/3 innings of relief and also homered and knocked in three runs as the Cherokee Trail softball team topped visiting Eaglecrest 8-3. Kylie Twilt also homered for the Cougars, who overcame a home run from Briahna Gallegos from the
Raptors. ...Kaydence Maes, Nia Mathis and Nayely Duran had RBI for the Vista PEAK Prep softball team in a 7-4 win over Denver South. Lauren Reed struck out five in seven innings. ...The Vista PEAK Prep boys cross country team edged Eaglecrest by seven points for fifth place at the Runners Roost Invitational. Brandon Pearcy finished eighth to lead the Bison, while Kaleb Packer’s 20th paced the Raptors. Jenna Winn finished 14th, Jenna Hallman 15th and Mia Silva 16th for the Eaglecrest girls, who were fourth. ...Brooke Sullivan had nearly 200 yards of total offense and intercepted three passes, but the Grandview girls flag football team lost to Mullen 18-13. ...The Grandview boys
tennis team swept past Smoky Hill 7-0, while Regis Jesuit was victorious by the same count over Castle View. ...Casey Nesbitt of the Vista PEAK Prep boys golf team shot plus-14 85 to tie for 14th place at the City League Tournament at Kennedy G.C. ...MONDAY, SEPT. 23: The Vista PEAK Prep girls volleyball team made a visit to Smoky Hill and came away with a 23-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21 victory. ...Elliott Kaganer and Andres Karpouzos had goals as the Smoky Hill boys soccer team downed Douglas County 2-0. ... Overland girls flag football team downed Aurora Central 47-7. Macie Parsons had half of the goals for the Regis Jesuit field hockey team in a 4-1 win over Palmer Ridge.
S. Tucson Way Aurora, CO 80014
First Publication: September 19, 2024 Final Publication: October 3, 2024 Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO §15-12-801. C.R.S. Case No. 2024PR420 Estate of Frank Vincent Palamara, 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 January 26, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred. Amy Palamara Nesbitt Personal Representative 6515 Many Moon Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80923
First Publication: September 26, 2024 Final Publication: October 10, 2024 Sentinel
NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO § 15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2024PR30646
Estate of WILLIAM RAY KILGORE, aka WILLIAM R. KILGORE aka WILLIAM KILGORE aka RAY KILGORE, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to pres-
ent them to the co-personal representatives or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before February 1, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred. JULIE ANN KILGORE RANDALL KEVIN KILGORE Co-Personal Representatives c/o Felice F. Huntley West Huntley Gregory PC P.O. Box 588 Breckenridge, CO 80424 Phone: 970-453-2901 First Publication: September 26, 2024 Final Publication: October 10, 2024 Sentinel
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF A MINOR ARAPAHOE COUNTY COURT, COLORADO Case No. 2024CV144
PUBLIC NOTICE is given that a Petition was filed for a Change of Name of a Minor has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.
The Petition entered that the name of ANH KHOA TRAN be changed to KEVIN KHOA TRAN. /s/ Judge
First Publication: September 19, 2024 Final Publication: October 3, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF AN ADULT ARAPAHOE COUNTY COURT, COLORADO Case No. 2024CV224
NOTICE is
TIP DRILL: Vista PEAK Prep senior Amanni Tisdell, center, tips a ball over a block put up by two Smoky Hill players during the Bison’s 23-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21 victory over the host Buffaloes on Sept. 23. (Photo by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)
Rocky Horror Picture Show with Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient Shadow Cast
An interactive screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient, the state’s largest live shadow cast at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
IF YOU GO:
7 p.m. Oct. 4
Tickets: $13-$15
Museum Of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St
Details: 303-298-7554 or mcadenver.org/
Discovering Teen Rex
Take an extraordinary journey into our prehistoric past with the arrival of “Discovering Teen Rex” as we unveil a remarkable fossil discovered by a crew of inquisitive young dino hunters in North Dakota. The fossil prep lab will be displayed alongside dinosaur fossils, including Triceratops and Edmontosaurus, from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science collection. The whole family is invited to come experience history in the making as our team of
Obituary
Lawrence James “Jack” Lannen
June 17, 1941 - September 16, 2024
He is survived by his children and grandchildren: Mark, Jon, Jannette, Felicity and Audrey.
renowned paleontologists clean, preserve and study this rare adolescent T. rex fossil — one of only a handful found worldwide — before the public on the Museum floor.
IF YOU GO: Free with museum ticket purchase
Daily 9-5
Tickets: $19.95-$25.95
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.
Details: 303-370-6000 or at dmns.org
Autism Speaks Field Day for All
Autism Speaks Field Day for All is a celebration of the light that shines in every person with autism and the community that supports them. This event brings the larger community - of all ages - together for an opportunity to have fun, discover new activities and resources, meet new friends, and be a part of this special community.
IF YOU GO:
11 a.m. Oct. 5
Tickets: Free Infinity Park, 4599 E Tennesee Ave.
DETAILS: 303-639-4604 or act.autismspeaks.org
Fun at the Firehouse
Come at 10 am on the first or third Saturday of each month for a fire-related story and craft time. You can even stick around after the craft for a guided children’s tour of the Museum that’s great for the whole family. Reservations are required to ensure appropriate supplies for the crafts. There will be a different book and craft each month.
IF YOU GO:
10 a.m. Oct. 5
Tickets: $9-$15 reservations required
Denver Firefighters Museum, 1326 Tremont Place
Details and RSVP: denverfirefightersmuseum.org
History Mystery Tour at the Riverside Cemetery
An unusual and entertaining evening tour at the historic Riverside Cemetery, one of the oldest in Colorado.
Tour is presented by Fairmount Heritage Foundation
IF YOU GO:
7 p.m. Oct. 5
Riverside Cemetery, 5201 Brighton Blvd.
Details: 303-399-0692
Green Valley Ranch Fall Fest
Come for free tacos and ice cream as supplies last, as well as outdoor, family-friendly fun. Drop by at Green Valley Ranch East Park. Tacos from Powered by Besitos and ice cream from Mi Ranchito Neveria. There is a short walking tour, Denver Public Library Bookmobile, arts & crafts, nature play for the kids and more!
IF YOU GO:
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Oct. 5
Free
Green Valley Ranch East Park. 4430 Jebel St.
Details: highlinecanal.org
Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park
Bright Nights is a collaboration with Tianyu Arts an Culture, Inc., the largest producer of Chinese lantern festivals in North America. This event transforms the Park into a captivating realm with larger-than-life sculptures illuminating the night across its 12 acres. Each year brings a fresh theme, new experiences, and captivating sculptures.
Bright Nights at Four Mile is the only opportunity to experience a Tianyu festival in the Mountain West. The event features art by day and magic by
night, and with each new year will come a new theme, a new experience and new sculptures to the festival.
Vanity and Vice: American Art Deco
Delve into the vibrant era of 1920–1933 and explore the dynamic designs that emerged during this period of rebellion.
Step into the story of a progressive Prohibition-era woman as you journey through her boudoir and a speakeasy, immersing yourself in the Art Deco objects that defined her world. Experience the freedom and change of the time, as American women embraced independence both at home and in society.
From chic bobs to cocktail parties, this exhibition showcases the evolution of the modern woman through fashionable perfume atomizers, vanity sets, and stylish drinking and smoking accessories. Vanity & Vice: American Art Deco invites you to indulge in the glamour of a bygone era.
This special exhibition is included with admission and does not require a separate ticket.
IF YOU GO:
Through Jan. 12, 2025, opens at 11 a.m. Kirkland Museum
1201 Bannock St.
Info: www.kirklandmuseum. org/vanity-vice/#
The Power of Poison
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science exhibition provides an interactive experience and incredible way to discover what you’ve always wanted to know about nature’s toxic arsenal.
Through a live performance and interactive dioramas, the spellbinding “The Power of Poison” will take Museum visitors into familiar and novel tales of illness, enchantment and death by poison. Journeying through the Colombian forest, they will uncover fascinating secrets about the many plants and animals that wield poison as a potent tool for defense and survival. Finally, the exhibition will uncover how scientists are studying poison’s effects on human cells to protect, repair and heal our own bodies and improve our health.
IF YOU GO:
Open every day, 9 a.m-5 p.m., Most Fridays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Included with museum admission ticket, $19.95-$24.95 2001 Colorado Blvd. Info: 303-370-6000 and www.dmns.org/
›› FALL, from 12
