Sentinel Colorado 4.11.24

DIAGNOSIS: DEBT

Despite Colorado strides in preventing medical debt, charges hurting many, and it hits people of color the hardest

City lawmakers target domestic violence victims in trying to wrong a right

Aurora, once known as diverse, sprawling, and innovative really needs to eschew its new moniker as a place where the facts never get in the way of a bad idea.

It was unnerving but not surprising recently when city Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky said that the majority block of Republicans on the dais would rather shut down Aurora’s storied domestic violence court than have the state insist the city retain its public defender program.

That’s suddenly a thing in a city where things suddenly become a thing.

Jurinsky’s threat is the result of a failed effort by city lawmakers earlier this year to shut down the city’s public defender office — if it could find a way to privatize the agency with cheaper private-practice attorneys. On Monday, Councilperson Dustin Zvonek echoed much of what Jurinsky said.

The proposal caused an uproar not only among fair-trial advocates, but among critics who said the scheme was nothing more than a bone-headed extension of a “get tough on crime” wave among council conservatives.

Opponents of the “let’s get privatized” cohort allege council conservatives were unhappy with the success rate of public defenders getting all kinds of charges against municipal court defendants greatly reduced or thrown out.

Maybe. But you have to question the wisdom of people who thought you could even begin to get private attorneys to do the job of public defenders for less. You don’t even have to know a public defender or prosecutor personally to confirm with a quick google search how comparatively little public defenders get paid compared to private-practice lawyers.

So it was a surprise to pretty much no one who knows what they’re doing when a total of “zero” law firms responded to the city’s request for proposals on privatizing public defense. Goose egg.

What seemed like closure for a disruptive waste of time in Aurora has now prompted state lawmakers to consider-threaten legislation preventing Aurora or other similar cities from attempting similar “let’s get privatized” schemes.

And that prompted Jurinsky’s “hold my beer” threat last week.

“Should this (bill) pass, the City of Aurora will no longer prosecute domestic violence cases,” Jurinsky said during a March 29 city council committee meeting. “So go ahead and write about that. Go ahead and put it in your pipe and smoke it, because that’s where we’re at.”

What Jurinsky threatens is a level of cruelty and callousness toward domestic violence victims that stands apart even from past “that’s where we’re at” council schemes.

It was decades ago that Aurora stepped up in protecting some of the region’s most vulnerable victims: those

who are physically and emotionally beaten and beaten down by their spouses. The victims have long been primarily married women.

Much wiser city officials in the past determined that beaten women hustled through the county court system — often as far away as Brighton — were forced into dire predicaments by the sloth of a court system exacerbated by the chaos that abused women face when police finally intervene on their behalf, even if it isn’t at their behest.

Over the past several years, Aurora developed a highly lauded system to address the myriad issues surrounding the tragic and widespread phenomenon of domestic violence.

Aurora is home to “a novel fast-track program that has expedited domestic violence cases in the city for more than 20 years,” Deputy City Attorney Julie Heckman, who leads the city’s prosecutors, told the Sentinel for 2019 story. “The first to be established in the state, the agreement stipulates that suspected domestic violence offenders are arraigned in municipal court the business day after their arrest, and an immediate pre-trial conference is held if the defendant so desires. Meanwhile, victims are summoned to Gateway’s court advocacy program, also housed in the Aurora courthouse, to learn about charges their partner is facing and what options they have moving forward.”

The innovative program has long been credited with aiding victims and protecting the rights of suspects.

Given many of these council conservatives tout their love of all things Constitutional, a little history could be helpful to them.

In 1961, Florida resident Florence Earl Gideon was charged with breaking into a pool hall and petty theft. Indigent and essentially homeless, he asked for an attorney and was refused. He was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison.

There, he studied enough law to write his own appeal to the Supreme Court for an attorney. It heralded one of the most consequential court rulings

in U.S. history, “Gideon vs Wainwright.”

In it, the 1963 Supreme Court agreed that the Sixth Amendment right to a free trial is unattainable without an attorney. Because of that, a state-provided attorney for indigents is always mandatory.

“The right of one charged with crime to counsel may not be deemed fundamental and essential to fair trials in some countries, but it is in ours,” Justice Hugo Black wrote in the unanimous opinion. “From the very beginning, our state and national constitutions and laws have laid great emphasis on procedural and substantive safeguards designed to assure fair trials before impartial tribunals in which every defendant stands equal before the law.”

Equal means equal, and not having a qualified attorney tips the balance in favor of the prosecution. It is not only indisputable, it’s the touchstone of our justice system.

This city council, and Jurinsky in particular, have repeatedly said that they want to see justice for “the victims” of crime, rather than support for the perpetrators.

Here’s their chance to make good on that rhetoric. Stand up for the thousands of women, and men, physically and emotionally beaten and beaten down every year in Aurora and stand behind the city’s domestic violence court system that is tried and true.

And stand up for victims of a police and justice system that is sometimes corrupt or incompetent and even dead wrong during prosecution.

Like Giddeon, sometimes the accused, too, are victims, and regardless, they are deserving and guaranteed fair and equal justice, something unique and precious to America, here in Aurora just like it was in 1963 Florida.

After the Supreme Court decision in Giddeon’s favor, he won the right to a retrial, with a court-appointed attorney. He was acquitted.

Follow @EditorDavePerry on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon, Twitter and Facebook or reach him at 303-750-7555 or dperry@SentinelColorado.com

DAVE PERRY Editor

Aurora Municipal Courtroom. Threats to end domestic violence and other trials in city’s justice center are related to a possible state law requiring a public defender unit, something some city lawmakers keep taking aim at. SENTINEL FILE PHOTO

Affordable housing and transit gets a green light

Colorado and metro Aurora residents even 20 years ago wouldn’t have taken anyone seriously who said that the metroplex would someday be like San Francisco, rife with million-dollar homes and unaffordable apartments.

The average rent for a 700-square foot, 1-bedroom apartment is $1,772, according to Rent Cafe. It’s even $200 a month higher in Denver.

And while unaffordable housing has become a national problem, the Denver metro area, and other areas in Colorado. are seeing a housing crisis as bad or worse than anywhere.

The problem of too many people having to spend too much of their money on housing has prompted all kinds of responses from state and local lawmakers.

Aurora has long been a place where seemingly endless land and water have made for lots of sprawling neighborhoods. At the same time, it’s long been a place where apartments, condos and townhomes are mixed among neighborhoods as far east as the city’s border.

Former City Councilwoman Ingrid Lindemann, a Republican, long lamented a city like Aurora that was unable to offer residents places where you could live, shop, work, go to school and more — without a car. She left the city council before light rail stations opened in Aurora.

The consensus among Democratic state lawmakers is to build more multi-family housing as fast as possible, prompting the market to push rents down.

The culprit, many legislators point to, is too many communities favoring builders of single-family homes on large lots, snubbing plans for apartments, condos and townhomes.

The theory is an oversimplification of a very complex and sprawling state. It’s impossible to overlook that Colorado, and especially the Aurora-Denver metroplex, is a victim of its own success.

Colorado is a vibrant, progressive state that easily draws good-paying employers. The growth spurred by all kinds of success stories continues to draw even more new residents to the state, and especially to the metro areas.

Other than building all kinds of housing as fast as possible, creating a surplus in the market that will drive down prices, there is no clear or easy answer.

Gov. Jared Polis and a variety of state lawmakers have suggested a variety of “fixes,” most of which focus on either restricting cities and communities from building more single-family homes on sprawling lots and encouraging communities to build primarily high-density housing.

The proposals almost all seem unable to address concerns about the loss of local control and the difficulty in creating one-size-fits-all housing mandates in a state as vast and varied as Colorado.

State House Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, is sponsoring a measure, House Bill 24-1313, that seems to offer low-hanging fruit in a treacherous legislative jungle.

The bill focuses only on communities with light-rail and mass transit corridors. Using both a carrot and stick, it would require state and local planners to develop high-density planning maps along light-rail lines and places like RTD bus hubs.

The lure would be as much as $65 million to aid in planning and for infrastructure to entice first builders and then residents to communities that Lindemann and others have long envisioned. The goal is to create more places where you don’t need a car. And with three-to-five stories of neighbors, they would be more affordable.

The stick, suggested in HB 1313, is withholding some kind of state highway dollars from communities who won’t sign up and ensure their light-rail corridors and transit hubs aren’t reserved almost exclusively for multi-family homes.

Critics, such as officials from the Colorado Municipal League, say it’s an unfair repeal of local control, using road dollars as extortion fodder.

While we, too, see the serious problems with comprehensive housing density mandates, HB 1313 is different.

First off, many if not most of these mass-transit corridors in the Aurora metroplex already are zoned for multi-family, In fact, Aurora development plans were created on that principle.

RTD light-rail lines across the metro area are already rife with apartments and condos communities or projects under construction.

The only serious deficiency in the bill, and all of these housing-density proposals, is their silence to the critical issue of available water.

As Jodeh points out, HB 1313, pushing for high-density housing — which requires far-less water per-resident than single-family homes with yards — tips would use less water per resident, if there’s water available.

This proposal, however, would have the biggest impact on communities not like Aurora and Denver, which have large sustainable surface water systems. Promoting any kind of homebuilding for water-insecure municipalities and counties, such as most of Douglas County, ignores a critical issue and should be addressed.

GOP ouster of veteran

Colorado

journalist was a ‘chilling stunt’

EDITOR: This is an open letter regarding the unwarranted ouster of journalist Sandra Fish from the Colorado Republican state assembly April 6.

The Colorado News Collaborative, Colorado Press Association, Colorado Broadcasters Association, Colorado Media Project, Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition and Denver Press Club write to express our collective dismay and concern over the recent exclusion of Colorado Sun politics reporter, Sandra Fish, from the Colorado Republican Party state assembly.

Journalism serves as the cornerstone of a vibrant and functioning democracy, providing citizens with the information necessary to make informed decisions. The forcible removal of Ms. Fish from the assembly, under the pretext that her reporting was unfavorably viewed by the party’s chairman, stands in stark contrast to the principles of freedom of speech and the press enshrined in our Constitution.

Ms. Fish, a seasoned reporter with a career spanning decades, was unduly singled out and told that her presence was unwelcome, based on subjective assessments of her reporting. This action not only silences a respected voice in the field of journalism but also sends a chilling message to the press at large about the erosion of journalistic access and freedom within our state.

The Constitutionally protected role of journalists is to report facts and bring transparency to the

workings of our society, especially our political institutions. By barring Ms. Fish from attending the assembly, the Colorado Republican Party risks obstructing the public’s right to receive comprehensive and unfiltered news about significant political events. This action not only undermines the essential role of the free press but also detracts from the democratic process by limiting the scope of public discourse.

This is not a partisan matter. We agree with the previous GOP state chair, Kristi Burton Brown, who posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the ouster was a “dangerous” move by her successor, adding: “Transparency is necessary for our nation.”

In light of these events, we urge the Colorado Republican Party leadership to reconsider its stance on press freedom and to acknowledge the vital role that journalists like Ms. Fish play in our democracy. It is imperative for all political organizations to operate with transparency and to allow media access to their proceedings, regardless of perceived criticisms. We stand in solidarity with Sandra Fish and all journalists who face barriers in their pursuit of truth and accountability.

— ColoradoNewsCollaborative(COLab),ColoradoPressAssociation,ColoradoBroadcasters Association,ColoradoMediaProject,Colorado FreedomofInformationCoalition,DenverPress Club

Colorado Sun reporter Sandra Fish, left, turns over media credentials to a Pueblo County sheriff’s deputy and arena security staffer during the Colorado Republican Party’s state assembly inside Southwest Motors Events Center on the state fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colo., on Saturday, April 6, 2024. The state GOP had Fish ejected from the event because party chairman Dave Williams said he believes the outlet’s “reporting to be very unfair.” (Ernest Luning/The Gazette via AP)

Aurora lawmakers advance moving domestic violence prosecutions to stymie state legislation

PROPOSAL WOULD PRESERVE CITY’S ABILITY TO PRIVATIVE PUBLIC DEFENDER PROGRAM IN LIGHT OF STATE BILL

Aurora City Council conservative Dustin Zvonek confirmed April 8 that he would support halting the prosecution of domestic violence cases in Aurora’s city court to evade a state bill blocking cities that try such cases from signing flat-fee contracts for public defense.

His statements followed a March 29 committee meeting where another Aurora City Council conservative, Danielle Jurinsky, said she and Zvonek will lead the charge to remove those cases from municipal court if the bill passes.

At the time, Jurinsky framed the proposed overhaul of domestic violence prosecutions as necessary to preserve an ongoing effort to eliminate Aurora’s in-house public defender office and replace the office’s attorneys with lawyers operating under a contract.

Zvonek said Monday that he wants to ensure the council has the ability to pursue privatization in the future but told his council colleagues that getting out from under the state bill was about protecting Aurora’s autonomy as a home-rule city.

“(It) is the latest attempt to subvert local control,” he said of the bill, characterizing the city’s decision to keep domestic violence cases out of Arapahoe and Adams county courts as “subsidizing” those jurisdictions.

“One of the options that we have in Aurora in order to avoid being put under the thumb of the legislature is to review whether or not we want to continue to subsidize Arapahoe and Adams.”

Since the 1980s, Aurora’s Municipal Court has tried misdemeanor domestic violence cases, which cities in Colorado typically rely on counties to handle. City officials have in the past argued that the practice empowers Aurora to make sure victims obtain justice and spares victims and witnesses from having to travel to courthouses in Brighton and Centennial.

It is unclear whether Adams and Arapahoe counties would be able to absorb on their own the influx of cases that would otherwise be prosecuted locally by Aurora. Arapahoe County spokesman Anders Nelson wrote in an email that a 2023 analysis of Aurora’s caseload suggests Jurinsky and Zvonek’s proposal could add upward of 1,588 domestic violence cases to the 18th Judicial District’s docket. That’s about three times the number of domestic violence cases heard annually by the court. Nelson also said hiring the employees needed to handle those cases in the prosecutor’s office as well as in the court itself could cost the county $2.45 million on an ongoing, annual basis. Additionally, the county would have to find the court space to accommodate the additional cases.

“Domestic violence cases are the most time and resource intensive on the county court docket,” Nelson wrote. “Arapahoe County is already facing an immediate budget shortfall. Without new funding by 2025, it will not be possible to sustain essential services at the level our residents deserve and have come to expect. County staff has shared this information with their city counterparts.”

A spokesman for the 17th Judicial District, which serves Adams and Broomfield counties, did not imme-

diately respond to a request for comment. Zvonek told the council he will sponsor a resolution directing City Manager Jason Batchelor to evaluate the cost to Aurora of prosecuting its domestic violence caseload. Zvonek also said he will bring an ordinance to an upcoming meeting of the council’s public safety policy committee that would end those prosecutions.

The latest debate over Aurora’s handling of domestic violence cases comes after the council’s conservative majority, led by Zvonek, voted in October to invite private law firms to bid on replacing the city’s in-house office.

Before and after the vote, Zvonek said he would only support privatizing the office if a bidder promised to provide the same level of service for significantly less money.

“I have said repeatedly that if it came back and showed that isn’t the case, then we wouldn’t move forward with anything,” he said Nov. 27. “I don’t know what people are so afraid of with doing this (request for proposals). If they’re so confident that it’s going to show that there is no savings, then let’s just hurry up and get it done, so we can move on with this.”

This framing of the bidding process — that it was the mechanism by which the council would determine whether privatization could save money and was thus worth pursuing further — was repeatedly invoked to limit criticism of flat-fee privatization by council progressives and the public during meetings while the process was pending.

Opponents accused Zvonek of seeking revenge against the office for former chief public defender Doug Wilson’s outspoken skepticism of mandatory minimum sentencing proposals that were ultimately passed by the conservative majority. Zvonek insisted the bidding process was not an act of retaliation.

The city’s invitation expired last month with no bids received and no further proof that the city could contract with a law firm to do the work of the in-house office for less. Zvonek said at the time that he viewed the outcome as the end of the council’s exploration of whether the city could save money by privatizing the office.

After Monday’s meeting, Zvonek said he didn’t see a contradiction between his previous comments and preemptively overhauling how domestic violence cases are prosecuted to allow the council to move toward a private, flat-fee model.

“The bill has to do with not allowing cities to potentially pursue that, whether we do it or not, which, we tried to, and it didn’t work out,” he said. “That isn’t to say that a future council might not want to do it.”

When Zvonek was asked about Jurinsky saying during the March committee meeting that the council is still pursuing hiring private attorneys to handle the work of public defense despite the outcome of the bidding process, Jurinsky, who was standing nearby, disputed she had said this.

Among other things, Jurinsky said March 29 that “if we continue prosecuting domestic violence cases, we are locked into our current city public defender’s office” and that “we would not be able to bring in outside counsel, which we’re not going to back off from.”

She described the bill as “an attempt to stop us from trying another (request for proposals) or continuing our efforts to get rid of our in-house public defender’s office.”

Zvonek also did not rule out Aurora’s current council continuing to pursue privatization.

“There could be opportunities in the future for councils to do that. Whether or not we do it is to be determined,” he said. “The issue with this bill in particular is whether or not we should continue to allow the state to trample on local control.”

Councilmember Dustin Zvonek addresses other members of the Aurora City Council June 27, 2022 SENTINEL FILE PHOTO

BY MAX LEVY, Sentinel Staff Writer

Aurora demands state address ‘bump’ on Interstate 225 after multiple fatal crashes

Aurora’s City Council on Monday demanded the state take action to accelerate repairs to an uneven segment of Interstate 225 where multiple speeding drivers and their passengers have crashed and died since last year.

Councilmember Steve Sundberg said a “bump” on northbound I-225 near Alameda Avenue has been the site of no fewer than seven traffic deaths over the past nine months.

Since last summer, Aurora police have reported multiple fatal, high-speed crashes on the freeway near the Alameda overpass, the most recent of which flung five teenagers from a stolen vehicle, killing one.

“People are dying, and it’s teenagers who are the majority of the deaths,” said Sundberg, who along with Mayor Mike Coffman sponsored the resolution demanding that Colorado’s Department of Transportation fix the state highway.

While Sundberg said CDOT plans to complete a study over the summer and award a contract next year to make improvements, he said the timeline isn’t aggressive enough.

“We implore the public to drive safely, but we implore CDOT to shift gears, and put the pedal to the metal, and get this project fixed,” Sundberg said. “You can see marks and scrapes on the concrete barriers (from) years ago and debris from vehicles that have crashed.”

A CDOT representative did not immediately respond to questions included in an email sent after the April 8 council meeting.

Deputy city manager Laura Perry told the council that agency representatives “understand the severity of the current circumstance” and that CDOT hopes to begin work on the roadway next year. However, she said the city is also working with the agency to identify ways to reduce the frequency of crashes in the interim.

“We do owe it to everyone in our community to provide safety and to try to do what we can to avoid these things continuing,” Councilmember Alison Coombs said.

Coombs joined the rest of the council in support of the resolution, which passed unanimously.

— MAX LEVY, Sentinel Colorado Staff Writer

New East Colfax Aurora youth center singed but steadfast after neighboring fire

Just a few days after staffers settled in at Colfax Community Network’s new center for poor and

homeless youth, a fire next door gushed smoke into the building, forcing them out again.

The new facility opened after years of planning by Mile High Behavioral Healthcare, which oversees Colfax Community Network. Despite the obstacle of Friday’s fire, the program says it hopes to scrub soot and complete the environmental testing required for the center to open safely and on schedule this month.

“I think it has been really helpful that we had just wrapped up the project and that everyone’s heart is still in it,” said Anna Miller, director of business development and public relations for Mile High Behavioral Healthcare, which oversees Colfax Community Network.

‘They are doing a full, thorough cleaning of our building and testing it for hazards. Since we serve kids, we’re being very, very careful.”

Aurora firefighters responded to a fire in the 1900 block of Galena Street on early April 5, finding structures in the back of a home next to the center engulfed in flames, according to a news release from Aurora Fire Rescue.

While the agency said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, homeowner Jordan Wakefield later said she believed the blaze could have been sparked by a faulty electrical outlet or appliance.

Since the fire originated in a garage structure that is physically separate from her house, Wakefield said it did not set off her home’s

smoke detectors at first. Instead, she said she was alerted when a neighbor spotted it and began pounding on her door.

“He’s the whole reason that we woke up,” she said. “Our car caught on fire too. They put it out before it exploded, but it was a bad situation that could have gotten much worse than it already was.”

Miller, Wakefield and Rod Weber of Aurora Fire Rescue said that, as first responders worked the fire, they climbed onto the roof of the Family Preservation Center, cutting a hole into the building from above and breaking open gates and doors to ensure the inside of the 10,000-square-foot facility wasn’t also smoldering.

The fire was extinguished without inflicting any injuries, but the center’s recently installed roof — which Miller said was worth about $130,000 and was donated by the Colorado Roofing Association — was damaged. Miller said the heat of the fire also broke windows on the center’s south side, and soot was deposited throughout the interior of the building.

Miller said Mile High plans to file an insurance claim for the structural damage to the building, including the roof and doors.

The center’s two halves have been designed to serve youth living in poverty along the East Colfax corridor, including children up to age 12 on one side and teens and young adults on the other.

Miller said the center’s younger

clientele, who had already started attending after-school programs at the facility, have been temporarily relocated to the nearby Moorhead Recreation Center. Staff members hired to work with teenagers and young adults were either relocated to Mile High’s office in Denver or allowed to work from home.

But as long as testing of the inside of the facility doesn’t reveal toxic residues or other hazards that would take time to mitigate, Miller said the center hopes to invite grade schoolers back this week, followed by teens and young adults later this month, as the program had originally envisioned.

“At least no one was hurt, which was the important thing,” Miller said.

Wakefield, who works as a clinician for Mile High, said she is unable to stay in her home for now and that the blaze also melted the vinyl siding of a neighbor’s home.

The fire came just a few weeks after another fire damaged Aurora First Presbyterian Church, where Colfax Community Network operated before moving into its new home at 10190 E. Montview Blvd.

Aurora Fire Rescue spokeswoman Dawn Small said that, while both fires are under investigation, no connection is suspected to exist between the two.

— MAX LEVY, Sentinel Colorado Staff Writer

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SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Solar science shines through partial eclipse in Aurora for Fox Hollow students

Considering Jolly Ranchers, solar-powered twinkle lights and more, the Balloon Launch Club at Fox Hollow Elementary School hypothesized how the solar eclipse would affect science experiments on their annual balloon launch.

A large white balloon — about 5-feet in diameter at lift-off — carried a carefully crafted triangular frame, where the science experiments and GoPros were placed, tens of thousands of feet into the atmosphere. It’s an annual event that STEM teacher Jennifer Sevy said students look forward to every year. This year, it coincided with the partial solar eclipse in Aurora on April 10.

Students questioned if the solar eclipse would affect different solar-powered objects. Alexa Stone, a fifth-grade student in the club, explained that a little figurine will wave the flag when the sunlight hits its head. They want to test if it will still wave the flag during the eclipse.

Other questions posed by club members include: Will the eclipse trigger the sensor on the fairy lights? Will the color of Jolly Ranchers change when they’re sent to near space? Will an empty water bottle collapse when it’s in low air pressure?

“It’s cool to see a balloon go up into space and know that I helped set it up,” Stone said.

The balloon was launched at 11:45 a.m. Monday morning. It was estimated to have landed south of Fort Morgan, approximately 90 miles away from the school. A few hours later, Sevy made her way through a cornfield to retrieve the balloon and the experiments.

While the club launched their balloon, hundreds of Fox Hollow Elementary Schools students watched from the basketball court outside as the balloon sailed away.

They also witnessed the solar eclipse with the special solar-eclipse glasses the school provided. Students excitedly looked up as the moon partially covered the sun.

“I barely remember the last eclipse given that I was in kindergarten,” said fifth-grade student and club member Roshan Chandran. “So to see it and remember it would be great.”

Fox Hollow students were alone in looking for answers about the effect of an eclipse.

“This may be the most viewed astronomical event in history,” said National Air and Space Museum curator Teasel Muir-Harmony, standing outside the museum in Washingon, awaiting a partial eclipse.

Experts from NASA and scores of universities were posted along the route of total eclipse, poised to launch research rockets and weather balloons, and conduct experiments. The International Space

Station’s seven astronauts also were on the lookout, 270 miles up, according to an Associated Press story.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the next total solar eclipse will be on Aug. 12, 2026. It will be visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and some areas of Portugal.

— Kristin Oh, Sentinel Colorado Staff Writer

Cherry Creek schools begins live-streaming board meetings

For the first time since the pandemic, Cherry Creek School District live-streamed their board of education meeting April 8.

The long-awaited livestream comes as Colorado lawmakers work on a proposed bill that would require that local government meetings be more accessible, including people with disabilities.

The topic of live-streaming the meetings was also often a topic of conversation during the last election cycle. Board Members Angela Garland and Anne Egan won their re-election campaigns. They were challenged by two community members who strongly advocated for live-streaming the meetings.

The board hosts their monthly board meetings at different schools and does not have a central meeting location. Meetings are sometimes hosted in gymnasiums. Other times, they’re located in a cafeteria. The inconsistent meeting locations were often cited as one of the reasons why the district could not livestream their meetings.

The meeting was held at Campus Middle School. Inside, two cameras were set up on either side of the cafeteria. One was set up in the middle, facing the board directors.

The district live-streamed the meeting through Microsoft Teams. The live-stream lagged behind the in-person meeting, but otherwise went smoothly.

Before, the school district would only record the audio of the meetings and post it online the following day.

Video recordings of the livestreamed meetings will be available on the school district website at www.cherrycreekschools.org, according to school officials.

The next Cherry Creek Board of Education meeting is on May 13 at Thunder Ridge Middle School. That meeting will also be live-streamed.

— Kristin Oh, Sentinel Colorado Staff Writer

Crossroads Transition Center makes for surprises in store

From making products to using their customer service skills, students at Crossroads Transition Center are putting their life skills to the test at their new shop filled with beverages and handmade goods.

Crossroads Trading Post is the latest addition to Crossroad Transition Center, Aurora Public School’s program for special needs students aged 18 to 21.

The program’s shop was de-

signed so that students who are not ready to work in the community can still practice the skills they’ve learned at the program.

“It’s about helping students realize that they do have a place in the workforce and helping families also see the possibilities that their children have,” said Tom Myers, director of educational support services. “They are so capable of doing lots of different things, but until they actually have the opportunity to build those skills, they may not know what they’re able to do.”

Students like Lupita Sandoval and Katerin Lopez Olmedo make products to sell at the non-profit

›› See METRO, 23

• GreatBurgers

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• GreatCheesesteaks

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• 20 TV’s

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• Open St age

EveryThursday

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• Saturdays:11:30AM-3PM

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Soda With SandwichOrder

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ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Arapahoe County Budget

Arapahoe County faces significant budget shortfall starting in 2025

After years of insufficient tax revenues combined with a continued increase in demand for services, Arapahoe County faces a choice - and is asking for your input. Read more and provide your input at acbudget.com

Arapahoe

County property tax deadline

Wine and Chalk Art Festival

Join us for the fourth annual Chalk Lines & Vines at the Fairgrounds on May 18 and 19

Visit arapahoecountyeventcenter.com or scan the QR code for details.

For taxpayers who chose to pay their taxes in one full payment, rather than in two half-payments, the full payment due date is April 30. For taxpayers paying in two installments, the second installment is due June 15. For more information, visit arapahoeco.gov/treasurer. arapahoeco.gov

Eid al-Fitr

MUSLIMS CELEBRATE A JOYOUS ISLAMIC HOLIDAY

BY MARIAM FAM, Associated Press

Muslims around the world

have bid farewell to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and begun celebrating the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Eid is marked with congregational prayers and festivities that typically include family visits, gatherings and new clothes.

This year, Eid will come just after the Israel-Hamas war crosses the somber milestone of having stretched on for half a year. During Ramadan, as Muslims around the world savored the traditions of their diverse communities, advocacy, prayers and charity for Palestinians in Gaza were high on the minds of many.

What’s Eid al-Fitr?

It’s an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month when devout Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is a time of increased worship, charity, and good deeds.

Eid al-Fitr means the feast, or festival, of breaking the fast.

When is Eid al Fitr?

Islam follows a lunar calendar and so Ramadan and Eid cycle through the seasons. This year, the first day of Eid al-Fitr is expected to be on or around April 10; the exact date may vary among countries and Muslim communities.

What are some common Eid greetings?

Eid Mubarak, or Blessed Eid, and Happy Eid.

What are some of the traditions and customs associated with Eid al-Fitr?

In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, many people embark on an exodus to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. This year, an estimated 193.6 million travelers are expected to crisscross the vast archipelago for Eid in a homecoming tradition known locally as “mudik.”

In the past two years of Eid celebrations, Indonesians crammed into trains, ferries, buses and onto motorcycles as they poured out of major cities amid severe traffic congestion to return to their villages to celebrate the holiday with families. Flights were overbooked and anxious relatives, weighed down with boxes of gifts, formed long lines at bus and train stations for the journeys.

Before the holiday, popular markets teem with shoppers buying clothes, shoes, cookies and sweets.

In Malaysia, Muslims also have a homecoming tradition for Eid. The first day usually begins with a morning prayer in the mosque, seeking forgiveness from family and friends, and visiting loved ones’ graves.

There’s an “open house” spirit that sees friends and families trading visits to celebrate Eid and enjoy traditional delicacies such as ketupat, rice cooked in a palm leaf pouch, and rendang, a meat dish stewed in spices and braised in coconut milk.

Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit their homes.

In Egypt, families partake in Eid prayers amid a festive atmosphere. Many visit relatives, friends or neighbors and some travel to vacation spots. Children, usually wearing new Eid outfits, receive traditional cash gifts known as “eidiya.”

Making or buying Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar is another fixture of marking the holiday in the country.

In the United States, where Muslims make up an ethnically and racially diverse minority, many come together for Eid prayers and for festivals featuring fun activities for children and families. These often include such things as face painting and balloon twisting.

ABOVE: Muslims try to catch balloons distributed after Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan outside al-Seddik mosque in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, April 21, 2023.

AP Photo/Amr Nabil

BELOW: Muslims girls display their hands painted with traditional henna to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Thursday, May 13, 2021.

AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad

demption, arrives at her doorstep, Aunt Ester guides him on a transcendent journey aboard the mythical City of Bones, a spiritual voyage that promises to cleanse him of his sins and connect him to his ancestral roots.

scene & herd

A diamond at the Aurora Fox: Gem of the Ocean

In the heart of Pittsburgh’s Hill District, August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” unfolds as a mesmerizing narrative steeped in the rich tapestry of African American history at the dawn of the 20th century. Set in 1904, this profound drama is the first installment in Wilson’s seminal ten-part Pittsburgh Cycle, exploring the African American experience across each decade of the 20th century.

The play centers around the enigmatic Aunt Ester, a 285-yearold spiritual healer, whose home becomes a sanctuary for those seeking solace and understanding amidst the turbulence of racial injustice and personal turmoil. When Citizen Barlow, a young man burdened by guilt and in search of re-

Through Wilson’s lyrical prose and vibrant characters, “Gem of the Ocean” delves into themes of freedom, identity, and redemption, weaving a richly layered story that resonates with profound truths about the African American spirit. The play’s exploration of historical memory and spiritual rejuvenation challenges the audience to confront the past’s lingering echoes, offering a beacon of hope and healing in the quest for a brighter, more equitable future.

Directed by donnie l. betts, the cast boasts a long lists of credits by local talent.

IF YOU GO:

Through April 14

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM and Sundays at 2PM

No performance on March 31

Industry Night April 1

Tickets: $17-$42

Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. 303-739-1970

AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org

Cockpit Demo Day

Get an up close look inside select aircraft at the museum and learn all about the history of the aircraft, instruments and control. Featured

Aircraft in April include Cessna O-2A Skymaster, Murray Model T helicopter and the Convair F-102A. Some models are wheelchair accessible.

IF YOU GO:

April 13, 10 a.m.

Tickets: $19.95

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

7711 E Academy Blvd 303-360-5360 wingsmuseum.org/

Room For Two: Titanic in Pop Culture

One of the greatest movie debates ever asks, “was there room for Jack?” Join us at the home of the “unsinkable” Margaret Brown, heroine of the Titanic, for a light-hearted exploration of the Titanic story in pop culture, paired with movie-themed snacks and cocktails.

IF YOU GO:

Tickets: $20 April 11, 6 p.m.

Molly Brown House Museum 1340 Pennsylvania St. cli.re/63304-room-for-twotitanic-in-pop-culture

Rainbow Cult Presents: Everything Everywhere All At Once

Join us for a multiversal experience at Meow Wolf Denver as Rainbow Cult stages an interactive screening of the mind-bending film

Everything Everywhere All at Once featuring character performances by drag legends Vandy Sexton and Lulu Krystals. Cosplay is always encouraged at Rainbow Cult-show us your take on one of the stunning looks from this surreal film! At Rainbow Cult and Meow Wolf, we want you to celebrate this cinematic masterpiece in your own unique way. To honor its special mother/daughter themes, $1 from every ticket will benefit PFLAG Denver.

IF YOU GO:

April 15, 6 p.m.

Tickets: $12-$25

The Perplexiplex 1338 1st Street tickets.meowwolf.com/events/ denver/rainbow-cult-eeaao

One Night Stand Theater presents “Sleuths and Spies”

One Night Stand Theater presents “Sleuths and Spies. This production features performances and readings of six short plays and a poem about brilliant detectives, shady private eyes, and sinister secret agents: “Accidental Sleuth” by Dave Brandl, “Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Vacuity” by Leroy Leonard, “Modus Operandi” by David Lipschutz, “The Curious Case of the Teen Detective” by Jeffrey O’Leary, “Sammy the Sleuth” by Bill Thompson, “Spies!” by Dave Ufford, and “Bind…John Bind” by Sean Wellengard.

IF YOU GO: Vintage Theatre 1468 Dayton St. April 7, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10

Details and reservations:

OneNightStandTheater.org, or call 303-725-4959. Theater box office is at 303-856-7830

And Meow This: Fully Feline Art Show

Opening Night & Special Event

“And Meow This” is an art showcase featuring fiercely feline-inspired artworks from several amazing artists in a multitude of media. If you like cats, you’ll find this all-cat art show purrrrrfect. Featuring the artwork of Jacob Garvin aka Sex The Cat & other curated artists in Spectra’s main gallery.

IF YOU GO:

Free with RSVP April 6 through April 29 5 pm

Spectra Art Space 1836 South Broadway spectraartspace.com/ andmeowthis #NoPayWallHere

Preps

Right: Senior Chase Jensen (16) drives home one of his 21 kills during the Cherokee Trail boys volleyball team’s five-set win over Eaglecrest in a local showdown April 4 at Cherokee Trail High School. The Cougars rallied from a two-set deficit to outlast the Raptors.

Middle: Junior Tristan

Rowley (11) helped Vista PEAK Prep become the first Aurora area boys volleyball team to reach 10 wins. The Bison have gone 15-0 in sets played in City League play thus far this season.

Below: Eaglecrest junior Jackson Shaw (7) ranks second in the state in kills and helped the Raptors win their first nine matches of the season before they sustained two Centennial League losses.

The only spring prep sport basically unaffected by weather — boys volleyball — has had quite a memorable start to the season.

Near the midway point of the campaign, which is working its way towards the May 9-11 state tournament at Overland High School, came the matchup of the season.

Eaglecrest, last season’s state runner-up, and state tournament qualifier Cherokee Trail — both off to outstanding starts — clashed on April 4 and put on a show. In a match that included elite skill, smart shot-making and huge surges of momentum, the host Cougars prevailed in five sets.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Coach Mike Thomsen’s Cherokee Trail team pulled an epic reverse sweep, as it prevailed 22-25, 24-

road match looming against Discovery Canyon, winner of the past two championships and a team that is 10-0 this season and has yet to drop a set.

Coach Chad Bond’s Eaglecrest team won its first nine matches, a hot start he believed was partially due to the teams on the schedule. He greatly valued matches such as losses to LPS and Cherokee Trail in how they will help his team grow. The Raptors feature Shaw, who ranks second in the state in total kills with 108, while sophomore setter Dillan Ancheta ranks third in the state with 216 assists.

“We played hard and we just battled,” Bond said. “It doesn’t always have to come out your way to be fun and to learn something. The key is what you do with those losses. We’ve done well in the past, so if we can continue that and change a couple of things, we’ll be in a good place.”

Holding serve

BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor

26, 25-17, 25-19, 15-11 to come off the ropes against coach Chad Bond’s team, which was the verge of capturing what would have been a big sweep. The top talent on both teams rose to the occasion, as senior Chase Jensen racked up 21 kills, and senior John Clinton added 17 for the Cougars to counter a 15-kill performance from Eaglecrest junior standout Jackson Shaw and double digits from two other Raptors.

“I think we were down a little bit mentally in those first two sets, then the net three we played the kind of volleyball CT wants to play,” said Jensen, who was successful on nearly half of his 51 attacks. “It was exciting. We really trusted each other, and it was all a team effort in the end.”

Cherokee Trail followed that up with a four-set win over Regis Groff to extend its winning streak to to seven matches and improve to 9-1. The Cougars’ have a key match ahead April 11 as they visit Littleton Public Schools in a match between co-Centennial League leaders. Cherokee Trail also has an April 19

Vista PEAK Prep is tied for an Aurora-best 10 wins and has been particularly outstanding since reaching City League play, as the Bison have yet to lose in 15 sets of conference play. Coach Jeffry Ranson’s Bison have a centerpiece in junior Tristan Rowley, an outside hitter who has racked up 3.3 kills per set so far this season, while senior setter Kaiyan Ivey is second in the state in total assists with 229.

Also at 10 wins is Regis Jesuit, which counts a tournament victory over Cherokee Trail among them. Three of the Raiders’ losses came in either five sets in a regulat match or in three in tournament play.

Hinkley has caught first since a .500 opening, as the Thunder own a six-match winning streak and sit just one game out of the City League lead. Hinkley has eight wins, as does Gateway, which was unbeaten through eight matches, but has dropped three straight since. Rangeview sits even at 6-6 in the early going and joins Vista PEAK Prep, Gateway and Hinkley in the upper half of the conference standings.

Grandview has been bolstered by young talent such as freshman Alejandro Garcia, which has helped it off to a 6-3 start. Overland is 4-8, but is rising after successive five-set wins over Valor Christian and Denver East.

PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL

WEEK PAST

The week past in Aurora prep sports

MONDAY, APRIL 8: Max McGinnis homered and joined winning pitcher Sebastian Heredia-Ruiz, Ryan Luevanos and Micah McPhail with two hits as the Rangeview baseball team topped visiting Overland 12-2. Heredia-Ruiz struck out six and scattered two hits in five innings. ... In a reschedule, Douglas County beat the Cherokee Trail baseball team 19-9. Akoi Burton and Braedan Reichert had two hits and two RBI apiece, and Jake Hernandez drove in three runs for the Cougars. ...Cody Scott scored six goals and three assists, while Brady Smith racked up eight assists as the Smoky Hill boys lacrosse team cruised to a 20-1 home win over Thomas Jefferson. Dylan Henning and Max McDougall had four goals apiece for the Buffs. ...The Regis Jesuit boys lacrosse team dropped a 10-9 road decision to Arapahoe in a high-powered clash. ...The Eaglecrest boys lacrosse team fell to Windsor 15-10. ...Emma Cary and Linhvy Nguyen at No. 2 doubles and the No. 3 doubles team of Maddie Mayer and Quincy Muntean earned wins, but the Grandview girls tennis team fell to Greeley West 5-2 in a dual. ...The Vista PEAK Prep girls tennis team dropped a 4-3 battle with Northfield.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6: Emiliano

Menchaca, Jose Gomez and Alberto Avila drove in two runs apiece for the Aurora Central baseball team in a windy 11-7 home win against Overland. ...The Eaglecrest baseball team lost a 6-5 game at Dakota Ridge. Brayden Stufft drove in three runs, while Jaxin Mallory had two hits and an RBI for the Raptors. ...The Grandview baseball team put up six runs in the opening frame against visiting Arvada West, but got outscored 10-1 the rest of the way in a 10-7 loss. Justin Dean tripled and drove in two runs and Chase Chapman homered among highlights for the Wolves. Madalyn Hopkins scored twice and Paige Jasinowski and Allie Smith also found the back of the net for the Grandview girls soccer team in a 4-0 win over Chatfield. ...The Regis Jesuit girls soccer team scored in each half for a 2-1 win over Cherokee Trail which got a goal from Ayanna Mackey. ...The visiting Overland girls soccer team scored three times in the opening half, and host Aurora Central had three goals (the last by Jacqueline Gonzalez) as they tied 3-3. ...The Smoky Hill boys swim team finished second at the Clovis West Invitational in California. Daniel Yi set the meet record in the 100 yard breakstroke and also won the 200 yard individual medley, while Ian Noffsinger had two top-10 finishes for the Buffs. ...Everett Breniser had three goals and four assists, and Liam Emond made 16 saves as the Eaglecrest boys lacrosse team beat Boulder 8-4. ...The Grandview boys lacrosse team fell to Cherry Creek 15-9 despite three goals from Liam Szarka, plus two goals and

two assists apiece from Cameron Festi and Mason Kelly Madisyn Jokerst and Delaney Sitzmann contributed five goals apiece as the Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team rolled past Chaparral 16-6. ...The Cherokee Trail girls lacrosse team fell to Northfield 20-17 in an offense-driven contest that saw Aubrey Benton finished with five goals and two assists. Kyla Bieker and Lorelei Gearity added four goals apiece for the Cougars, and Abby Vanzant had a handful of assists. ... The Eaglecrest boys volleyball team earned a 25-20, 25-22, 25-22 road win at the Poudre School District. ...The Vista PEAK Prep boys volleyball team finished 3-1 at the Douglas County Tournament, which also saw Regis Jesuit go 2-2 and Rangeview 1-3. ...FRIDAY, APRIL 5: The Cherokee Trail baseball team took advantage of the jet stream on its home field in a 16-12 win over Castle View. Johnny Robledo, Akoi Burton, Landon Olds and Brody Ceyrolles all homered in an eight-run second inning for

the Cougars. ...Easton Flores dropped in a double that brought home Jax Pfister to give the Grandview baseball team a 6-5 walk-off win over Boulder in blustery conditions. AJ Maroni homered, and Tony Crow had three hits, while Ben Crandall struck out nine to earn the win. ...The Vista PEAK Prep baseball team earned an 8-6 City League road win at Denver South as Connor Angelini had three hits and three RBI, and Brian Herrera also had three hits. ...John May homered and joined Brody Chyr witih two RBI for the Regis Jesuit baseball team, which fell to Mullen 9-6. ...The Eaglecrest girls soccer team earned a 9-0 Centennial League win against Overland. ... Sydney Brillhart, Sakari Mackey, Gianna Mathenge and Maddyn Walker all had goals for the Cherokee Trail girls soccer team in a 4-2 Centennial League win over Smoky Hill Kylie McMullin scored a goal for the Vista PEAK Prep girls soccer team, and Hazel Bonansinga countered for Rangeview as the teams

TOP: Rangeview’s Micah McPhail dives attempts a steal in a 12-2 baseball win against Overland April 8. ABOVE LEFT: Jacqueline Gonzalez (3) celebrates her goal with her Aurora Central teammates in a 3-3 tie with Overland April 6 . ABOVE

RIGHT: Former Regis Jesuit boys lacrosse coach Jim Soran and former assistant Kim Thiel greet current players at a pre-game ceremony in their honor April 5. LEFT: Smoky Hill’s Kiyah Enoch place second in the 300 meter hurdles at the Legend Track Clash April 5. ABOVE

RIGHT: Landen Holmes delivers a pitch in the Eaglecrest baseball team’s 9-5 win at George Washington April 4. BELOW

RIGHT: Regis Jesuit’s Chase Massey, left, is chased home by Gavin Cronin in the Raiders’ 12-2 win April 2. Photos by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel

played to a 1-1 tie. ...The Regis Jesuit boys lacrosse team honored former coach Jim Soran and longtime assistant Kim Thiel prior to a 13-3 win over Chaparral. ...The Eaglecrest boys and girls track teams swept the team titles at the B-Town Bash at Broomfield. On the girls side, the Raptors got wins from Rachel Carlsen (100 meter hurdles), Anaya Ewing (200 meters) and McKenna George (shot put), plus the 800 meter sprint medley and 4x100 meter relays, while the boys had the triple jump champion in Bezalel Tizazu, plus the winning 4x800 meter relay team. ...The Legend Track Clash track meet got moved up a day due to wind, and Rangeview, Smoky Hill and a split Cherokee Trail squad took part in boys and girls events. Rangeview had a two-event champion on the girls side in Maddie Kilmer (high jump, triple jump), while Smoky Hill got victories from Kiyah Enoch (100 meter hurdles) and Poli Fifita (discus), and Cherokee Trail’s Raziah Hyslop took the shot put. Rangeview’s

Jaheim Alexander earned

only victory

locals

boys competition

took the 110 meter hurdles. John Clinton piled up a whopping 23 kills, while Jaeden Barnes and Chase Jensen added 15 apiece, and Chase Cabuag piled up 50 assists in a 21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-15 win for the Cherokee Trail boys volleyball team over Regis Groff. ...Kaden Billings’ 11 kills and 30 digs from Trevor O’Shea highlighted the Overland boys volleyball team’s 25-23, 20-25, 25-18, 1725, 17-15 outlasting of Denver East. Alejandro Garcia had 11 kills and Connor Deickman added nine as the Grandview boys volleyball team swept past Valor Christian 25-23, 25-15, 25-16. ...The Regis Jesuit girls tennis team finished fifth out of eight teams at the Full Send Invitational. ...

THURSDAY, APRIL 4: Jaxin Mallory and Brayden Stufft each homered and drove in two runs as part of a 10hit attack to back starting pitcher

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Medical debt Affects much of the US, but Colorado immigrants are hit hardest

Colorado is ahead of the curve on policies to prevent medical debt, but the gap between the debt load in places inhabited primarily by people of color versus non-Hispanic white residents is greater than the national average.

BY RAE ELLEN BICHELL AND LINDSEY TOOMER | KFF Health News and Colorado Newsline

In February, Norma Brambila’s teenage daughter wrote her a letter she now carries in her purse. It is a drawing of a rose, and a note encouraging Brambila to “keep fighting” her sickness and reminding her she’d someday join her family in heaven.

Brambila, a community organizer who emigrated from Mexico a quarter-century ago, had only a sinus infection, but her children had never seen her so ill. “I was in bed for four days,” she said.

Lacking insurance, Brambila had avoided seeking care, hoping garlic and cinnamon would do the trick. But when she felt she could no longer breathe, she went to an emergency room. The $365 bill — enough to cover a week of groceries for her family — was more than she could afford, pushing her into debt. It also affected another decision she’d been weighing: whether

About This Story

marily non-Hispanic white is twice what it is nationally. (Hispanics can be of any race or combination of races.)

Medical debt in Colorado is also concentrated in ZIP codes with relatively high shares of immigrants, many of whom are from Mexico. The Urban Institute found that 19% of adults in these places had medical debt on their credit reports, compared with 11% in communities with fewer immigrants.

Nationwide, about 100 million people have some form of health care debt, according to a KFF Health News-NPR investigation. This includes not only unpaid bills that end up in collections, but also those being paid off through installment plans, credit cards, or other loans.

Racial and ethnic gaps in medical debt exist nearly everywhere, data shows. But Colorado’s divide

“Diagnosis: Debt Colorado” is a reporting partnership among Sentinel Colorado and statewide newsrooms led by KFF Health News and the Colorado News Collaborative exploring the scale, impact and causes of medical debt in Colorado. The ongoing series builds on KFFHealth News’s award-winning reporting on medical debt in the United States.

to go to Mexico for surgery to remove the growth in her abdomen that she said is as big as a papaya.

Brambila lives in a southwestern Denver neighborhood called Westwood, a largely Hispanic, low-income community where many residents are immigrants. Westwood is also in a ZIP code, 80219, with some of the highest levels of medical debt in Colorado.

More than 1 in 5 adults there have historically had unpaid medical bills on their credit reports, more in line with West Virginia than the rest of Colorado, according to 2022 credit data analyzed by the nonprofit Urban Institute. The area’s struggles reflect a paradox about Colorado. The state’s overall medical debt burden is lower than most. But racial and ethnic disparities are wider.

The gap between the debt burden in ZIP codes where residents are primarily Hispanic and/or nonwhite and ZIP codes that are pri-

organizer. “I really would love to help people to pay their medical bills,” she said.

Health or Debt?

Roxana Burciaga, who grew up in Westwood and works at Mi Casa Resource Center there, said she hears questions at least once a week about how to pay for medical care.

— on par with South Carolina’s, according to the Urban Institute data — exists even though the state has some of the most extensive medical debt protections in the country.

The gap threatens to deepen long-standing inequalities, say patient and consumer advocates. And it underscores the need for more action to address medical debt.

“It exacerbates racial wealth gaps,” said Berneta Haynes, a senior attorney with the nonprofit National Consumer Law Center who co-authored a report on medical debt and racial disparities.

Haynes said too many Colorado residents, especially residents of color, are still caught in a vicious cycle in which they forgo medical care to avoid bills, leading to worse health and more debt.

Brambila said she has seen this cycle all too often around Westwood in her work as a community

Medical debt is a “big, big, big topic in our community,” she said. People don’t understand what their insurance actually covers or can’t get appointments for preventive care that suit their work schedules, she said.

Many, like Brambila, skip preventive care to avoid the bills and end up in the emergency room.

Doctors and nurses say they see the strains, as well.

Amber Koch-Laking, a family physician at Denver Health’s Westwood Family Health Center, part of the city’s public health system, said finances often come up in conversations with patients. Many patients try to get telehealth appointments to avoid the cost of going in person.

Adding to the crunch is Medicaid “unwinding”, the process of states reexamining post-pandemic eligibility for health coverage for low-income people, Koch-Laking said. “They say, ‘Oh, I’m losing my Medicaid in three weeks, can you take care of these seven things

without a visit?’ Or like, ‘Can we just do it over the portal, because I can’t afford it?’”

Looking for the Right Fix

Colorado has taken steps to protect patients from medical debt, including expanding Medicaid coverage through the 2010 Affordable Care Act. More recently, state leaders required hospitals to expand financial assistance for low-income patients and barred all medical debts from consumers’ credit reports.

But the complexities of many assistance programs remain a major barrier for immigrants and others with limited English, said Julissa Soto, a Denver-based health equity consultant focused on Latino Coloradans.

Many patients, for example, may not know they can seek help with medical bills from the state or community nonprofits.

“The health care system is a puzzle. You better learn how to play with puzzles,” said Soto, who said she was sent to collections for medical bills when she first immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico. “Many hospitals also have funding to help out with your debt. You just have to get to the right person, because it seems that nobody wants to let us know that those programs exist.”

She said simplifying bills would go a long way to helping many patients.

Several states, including Oregon, Maryland, and Illinois, have tried to make it easier for people to access hospital financial aid by requiring hospitals to proactively screen patients.

Patient and consumer advocates say Colorado could also further restrict aggressive debt collection, such as lawsuits, which remain common in the state. New York, for example, banned wage garnishment after finding that the practice disproportionately affected low-income communities. Research there also showed that medical debt burden was falling about twice as hard on communities of color as it was on non-Hispanic white communities.

Elisabeth Benjamin, a lawyer with the Community Service Society of New York, said hospitals were garnishing the wages of people working at Walmart and Taco Bell.

Maryland enacted limits on debt collection lawsuits after advocates found that patients living in predominantly minority neighborhoods were being disproportionately targeted. Even in wealthy counties, “the pockets that are being pursued are majority Latino neighborhoods,” said Marceline White, executive director of the advocacy group Economic Action

Norma Brambila, a community organizer with Westwood Unidos, inside La Casita Community House in Denver. More than 1 in 5 adults in the ZIP code that includes the Westwood neighborhood have medical debt on their credit reports. Brambila, too, is dealing with a bill hanging over her head, after an emergency room visit for a bad sinus infection.

Rachel Woolf for KFF Health News

Maryland.

White’s group helped pass a law requiring hospitals to pay back low-income patients and avoid the scenario she was seeing, in which hospitals were “suing patients who should have gotten free care.”

Exacting a Heavy Toll

In Colorado, lawmakers are considering a measure to improve patients’ access to financial aid: a modification to the state’s Hospital Discounted Care program that would make hospitals presumptive eligibility sites for Medicaid.

Meanwhile, some consumer advocates say existing protections aren’t working well enough.

State data shows patients who received financial assistance were primarily white. And, though it’s unclear why, 42% of patients who may have been eligible were not fully screened by hospitals for financial assistance.

“What is clear is that a lot of people are not making it through,” said Bethany Pray, deputy director of the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, a Denver-based legal aid group that pushed for the discounted care legislation.

hospital.”

For Rocio Leal, a community organizer in Boulder, medical debt has become a defining feature of her life.

Despite the health insurance she had through her job, Leal ended up with high-interest payday loans to pay for healthy births, wage garnishment, prenatal appointments she missed to save money, and a “ruined” credit score, which limited her housing options.

Leal recalled times she thought they’d be evicted and other times the electricity was cut off. “It’s not like we’re avoiding and don’t want to pay. It’s just sometimes we don’t have an option to pay,” she said.

Leal said the worst times are

behind her now. She’s in a home she loves, where neighbors bring cakes over to thank her son for shoveling the snow off their driveway. Her children are doing well. One daughter got a perfect GPA for the second semester in a row.

Another is playing violin in the school orchestra. Her third daughter attends art club. And her son was recently accepted to college for biomedical engineering. They are covered by Medicaid, which has removed the uncertainty around big medical bills.

But medical debt still haunts Leal, who has Type 2 diabetes.

When she was referred to Boulder Medical Center to get her eyes checked after the diabetes diagnosis, she said she was told there

was a red flag by her name. The last time she’d interacted with the medical center was about a dozen years earlier, when she’d been unable to pay pediatrician bills.

“I was in the process of moving and then my wages were garnished,” she recalled. “I just was like, ‘What else do I owe?’”

Heart pounding, she hung up the phone.

KFFHealthNewsseniorcorrespondentNoamN.Leveycontributedtothisreport.KFFHealth Newsisanationalnewsroomthat producesin-depthjournalism abouthealthissuesandisoneof thecoreoperatingprogramsat KFF—theindependentsourcefor healthpolicyresearch,polling,and journalism.

FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION AVAILABLE

call 303.739.7532. Visit AuroraGov.org/Flood for more information.

Within the state’s immigrant communities, medical debt — and the fear of debt — continues to take a heavy toll.

“What we’ve heard from our constituents is that medical debt sometimes is the difference between them being housed and them being unhoused,” said Denver City Council member Shontel Lewis. Her district includes the 80216 ZIP code, another place north of the city center that is saddled with widespread medical debt.

Paola Becerra is an immigrant living in the U.S. without legal permission who was pregnant when she was bused to Denver from a Texas shelter a few months ago.

She said she has skipped prenatal care visits because she couldn’t afford the $50 copays. She has emergency health coverage through Medicaid, but it doesn’t cover preventive visits, and she has already racked up about $1,600 in bills.

“I didn’t know that I was going to arrive pregnant,” said Becerra, who thought she could no longer conceive when she left Colombia.

“You have to give up your health.

Either I pay the rent, or I pay the

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. LOT 18, A VACATION AND REPLAT OF TRACT C, BIJOU CREEK BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 AT RECEPTION NO. E1145460, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO APN #: 2059-19-2-02-018

Purported common address: 314 S 4TH CT, Deer Trail, CO 80105. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY

ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/08/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said

FORECLOSED MAY NOT

A

SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT A EXHIBIT “A” BUILDING 4, UNIT 107, CEDAR COVE II CONDOMINIUMS FILING NO. 2, ACCORDING TO THE CONDOMINIUM MAP RECORDED JANUARY 11, 1996 IN PLAT BOOK 125 AT PAGES 83-91 AND THE THIRD SUPPLEMENT TO THE CONDOMINIUM MAP OF CEDAR COVE II CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED JULY 16, 1999 IN PLAT BOOK 164 AT PAGES 1112 OF THE REAL PROPERTY RECORDS OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO, AND THE CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION DATED JANUARY 30, 1996 AND RECORDED JANUARY 30, 1996 UNDER RECEPTION NO. A6011418, AND FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION RECORDED MARCH 26, 1996, UNDER RECEPTION NO. A6036294 AND SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION RECORDED JULY 10, 1996, UNDER RECEPTION NO. A6087987 AND FOURTH SUPPLEMENTAL RECORDED JULY 16, 1999 AT RECEPTION NO. A9115874, AND ANY AND

Original Grantor(s) Reba J. Lee

Original Beneficiary(ies) Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, A Subsidiary of Indy Mac Bank, F.S.B.

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF HECMRESI TRUST 2023-1

Date of Deed of Trust

February 17, 2005

County of Recording

Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust

February 28, 2005

Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.)

B5028308 Book: n/a Page:

Original Principal Amount

$148,500.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$139,326.07

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

See Attached Legal Description. Legal Description

Condominium Unit 2, Condominium Building 9, Sable Cove Subdivision Filing No. 1, Phase 10, According to the Condominium Map thereof, recorded August 24, 1983 in Book 58 at Page 55, in the Records of the Office of the Clerk and Recorder of Arapahoe County, Colorado, and as defined and described in Condominium Declaration for Sable Cove Condominiums recorded September 15, 1982 in Book 3698 at Page 273 in said records and the Statement of Annexation of Additional land recorded May 9, 1983 in Book 3857 at Page 534 of the aforesaid records, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado Purported common address: 909 South Dawson Way #2, Aurora, CO 80012. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY

other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust. Such failure constitutes a breach under the Note and Deed of Trust triggering the power of sale by the Public Trustee. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

See attached Exhibit A.

EXHIBIT A

All the real property, together with improvements, if any, situate, lying and being in the said County of Arapahoe and State of Colorado, described as follows: Lot 1, Block 9, Murphy Creek Subdivision Filing No. 4, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado. Purported common address: 24693 E Louisiana Cir., Aurora, CO 80018. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/15/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. First Publication 3/21/2024

and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/15/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 3/21/2024

By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s)

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/22/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said

ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/22/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 3/28/2024

Last Publication 4/25/2024

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado IF THE SALE

Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado

By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Alison L Berry #34531

N. April Winecki #34861

David R. Doughty #40042

Nicholas H. Santarelli #46592

Lynn M. Janeway #15592

Janeway Law Firm, P.C. 9540 Maroon Circle, Suite 320, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 706-9990

paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. First Publication 3/28/2024

you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for by the Deed of Trust and related loan documents and other violations of the Note and Deed of Trust.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/22/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of

Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/22/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the high-

Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

Alison L Berry #34531

N. April Winecki #34861

The

PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0051-2024

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

On January 30, 2024, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s)

Omar Rodriguez, Jr.

Original Beneficiary(ies)

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE

AUTHORITY

Date of Deed of Trust

March 10, 2022

County of Recording

Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust March 16, 2022

Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.)

E2029930

Original Principal Amount $315,250.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $308,214.37

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. SEE ATTACHED LEGAL DESCRIPTION. LEGAL DESCRIPTION

CONDOMINIUM UNIT 103, BUILDING 42, LOUISIANA PURCHASE II CONDOMINIUMS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND SUBJECT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION FOR LOUISIANA PURCHASE II CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED ON JANUARY 13, 2012 AT RECEPTION NO. D2005423, AND AS FURTHER DEFINED AND DESCRIBED ON THE CONDOMINIUM MAP OF THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE II CONDOMINIUMS, BUILDING 42, RECORDED ON DECEMBER 12, 2000 AT RECEPTION NO. B0160794, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

PARCEL ID NUMBER: 1975-22-2-64-003

Purported common address: 1461 S Danube Way Unit 103, Aurora, CO 80017.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED

TION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR AMERICAN ADVISORS GROUP, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC

Date of Deed of Trust June 16, 2017

County of Recording Arapahoe Recording

you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. LOT 4, EXCEPT THE NORTH 3 FEET THEREOF, BLOCK 8, APACHE MESAFOURTH FILING, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. PURSUANT TO AFFIDAVIT OF SCRIVENER’S ERROR RECORDED ON 01/25/2024 AT RECEPTION NO. E4004576 TO CORRECT LEGAL DESCRIPTION. Purported common address: 668 Norfolk Way, Aurora, CO 80011. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. If applicable, a description of any changes to the deed of trust described in the notice of election and demand pursuant to affidavit as allowed by statutes: C.R.S.§ 38-35-109(5) LEGAL DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN CORRECTED BY SCRIVENER’S AFFIDAVIT RECORDED 1/25/2024 AT RECEPTION NO. E4004576 IN THE RECORDS OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY. NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/05/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of

records.

Original Grantor(s)

Jason Keyes AND Ralaya Goshea

Original Beneficiary(ies)

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS

mand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/05/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness

AS

NO. 637 NOW

CONSTRUCTED

SAID

UNIT

LOCATED SUBSTANTIALLY AS SHOWN ON THE “SUPPLEMENT TO OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO, FILED OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF THE COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO RECORDED DECEMBER 7, 1973 IN BOOK 25 AT PAGE 73, INCLUDING ALL FIXTURES AND IMPROVEMENTS CONTAINED THEREIN, TOGETHER WITH AN INDIVIDED 1/200TH INTEREST IN AND TO THE GENERAL COMMON ELEMENTS APPURTENANT THERETO, AS DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM OF STRAWBERRY I AT HEATHERRIDGE AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO. TOGETHER WITH:

(1)THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE THE PATIOS, BALCONIES AND FIXTURES WHICH PROJECT BEYOND THE SPACE OR AREA DESCRIBED AND CONTIGUOUS THERETO.

(2)A RIGHT OF WAY IN COMMON WITH OTHERS, FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS TO AND FROM THE CONDOMINIUM UNIT ABOVE DESCRIBED;

(3)THE RIGHT TO USE GENERAL COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE CONDOMINIUM PROJECT IN COMMON WITH OTHER OWNERS IN SAID CONDOMINIUM PROJECT.

(4)THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE PARKING STALL NO. 173 IN PARKING LOT NO. F, LOCATED SUBSTANTIALLY AS SHOWN ON THE “CONDOMINIUM MAP” REFERRED TO ABOVE OR ANY

address:

or Book/Page No.)

E0115916

Original Principal Amount $417,302.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $392,155.56

Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 5, BLOCK 3, TOLLGATE VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 9, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

APN #: 031355052

Purported common address: 615 S Laredo Circle, Aurora, CO 80017.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED

COMBINED NOTICEPUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0063-2024

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On February 6, 2024,

therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

The

holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/05/2024, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’

Purchase, all as provided by law.

15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 1400, Aurora, Colorado, and on the city’s website at: https://www.auroragov.org/city_hall/public_records/legal_notices/ordinance_notices/.

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez City Clerk

Publication: April 11, 2024 Sentinel

CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO Ordinance 2024-07

FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO, FOR A ZONING MAP AMENDMENT TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 2 ACRES OF LAND TO MIXEDUSE CORRIDOR DISTRICT (MU-C), LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR OF COLFAX AVENUE AND AIRPORT BOULEVARD

Ordinance 2024-07 was finally passed at the April 08, 2024, regular meeting of the City Council and will take effect on May 11, 2024. The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection and acquisition in the City Clerk’s Office, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 1400, Aurora, Colorado, and on the city’s website at: https://www.auroragov.org/city_hall/public_records/legal_notices/ordinance_notices/.

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez

COLORADO

2024-08 FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AURORA AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE (PROS) TO ACQUIRE CERTAIN GOLF MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT DURING THE 2024 FISCAL YEAR, PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO BETWEEN

lic_records/legal_notices/ordinance_notices/.

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez City Clerk

A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION

CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO, RELATING TO THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT PLAN, AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS

Ordinance 2024-15 which was introduced on April 08, 2024, will be presented for final passage at the April 22, 2024, regular meeting of the City Council. The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection and acquisition in the City Clerk’s Office, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 1400, Aurora, Colorado, and on the city’s website at:

https://www.auroragov.org/city_hall/public_records/legal_notices/ordinance_notices/.

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez City Clerk

Publication: April 11, 2024 Sentinel CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO Ordinance 2024-16

FOR AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO, AMENDING SECTION 50102 OF THE CITY CODE PERTAINING TO THE COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE COMMISSION

Ordinance 2024-16 which was introduced on April 08, 2024, will be presented for final passage at the April 22, 2024, regular meeting of the City Council. The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection and acquisition in the City Clerk’s Office, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 1400, Aurora, Colorado, and on the city’s website at: https://www.auroragov.org/city_hall/public_records/legal_notices/ordinance_notices/.

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez City Clerk Publication: April 11, 2024 Sentinel CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO Ordinance 2024-17

FOR AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 2 AND THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 66 WEST OF THE SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE (Allen Annexation) 41.028 ACRES

Ordinance 2024-17 which was introduced on April 08, 2024, will be presented for final passage at the April 22, 2024, regular meeting of the City Council. The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection and acquisition in the City Clerk’s Office, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 1400, Aurora, Colorado, and on the city’s website at: https://www.auroragov.org/city_hall/public_records/legal_notices/ordinance_notices/. /s/ Kadee Rodriguez City Clerk

-

notified

a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Aurora, Colorado. This meeting will be a virtual meeting, please go to the city website (auroragov.org) for instructions on participation. The hearing will consider a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone 30.2 acres, more or less, from MU-R (Mixed Use-Regional) to R-3 (Medium Density Multi-Family).

Site Location: 1/2 miles East of Picadilly Road and South of 6th Avenue Site Size: 30.2 acres

At said meeting any person in interest may appear and be heard on the requested approval.

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez

Clerk

11, 2024

You are hereby notified that a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Aurora, Colorado. This meeting will be a virtual meeting, please go to the city website (auroragov.org) for instructions on participation. The hearing will consider a request for approval of a Conditional Use for a drive-thru coffee shop in MU-C (Mixed

0.48 acres

At said meeting any person in interest may appear and be heard on the requested approval.

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez City Clerk Publication: April 11, 2024 Sentinel NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Case Number(s): 2024-2001-00

Brennan Investment Group

You are hereby notified that a public hearing will be held on April 22, 2024, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Aurora, Colorado. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers in the Aurora Municipal Center located at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora. This meeting also has a virtual attendance option. Please visit the City website, at auroragov.org for instructions on virtual attendance. INTRODUCTION OF AN

and E 6th Avenue Site Size: 40.0 acres

At said meeting any person in interest may appear and be heard on the requested approval.

Case Number(s): 2024-4001-00

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez City Clerk Publication: April 11, 2024 Sentinel NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

You are hereby notified that a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Aurora, Colorado. This meeting will be a virtual meeting, please go to the city website (auroragov.org) for instructions on participation. The hearing will consider a request for approval of a Conditional Use for a 640-square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit in OA-R1 (Original Aurora – Low-Density Residential) district.

Site Location: Southwest Corner of Oswego Street and E 22nd Avenue (2095 N Oswego St)

Site Size: .15 acres

At said meeting any person in interest may appear and be heard on the requested approval.

/s/ Kadee Rodriguez City Clerk

Publication: April 11, 2024 Sentinel

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the City of Aurora and Unincorporated Areas of Arapahoe County, Colorado, Case No. 23-08-0403P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps. fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp , or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

First Publication: April 11, 2024

Final Publication: April 18, 2024

Sentinel

District Court Arapahoe County 7325

S. Potomac Street

Centennial, CO 80122

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-10-401, C.R.S.

Case Number: 23PR582

In the Interest of Recendo Tavio

To: Resendo Tavio

Last Known Address: UNKNOWN

A hearing on Petition for Appointment for Guardianship for Minor for, Request Permanent Guardianship of Zion Marley Tavio will be held at the following time and location or at the later date to which the hearing may be continued.

DATE: May 01, 2024

TIME: 1:30 p.m.

DIVISION: 12

COURTROOM: Virtual

First Publication: April 4, 2024

Final Publication:

The Traditions Metropolitan District (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project:

Traditions Pond ‘A’ Modifications

RSN 1733892

Bids for the construction of the Project will be received electronically by uploading to a sharepoint link until May 2, 2024, at 5pm local time. At that time the Bids received will be privately opened and read.

The Project includes the following Work: Conversion of the existing constructed wetland stormwater detention pond to a dry bottom water quality and detention pond. This work includes re-grading 207 linear feet of the Harvest Tributary channel bottom north of 6th Avenue, installing an 18-inch storm sewer across 6th Avenue, importing earthwork to fill the permanent pool and re-grade the pond bottom, replacing maintenance paths, concrete work encompassing a control structure, control weir, forebays, and trickle channels, and site stabilization, seeding and mulching.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be obtained electronically by emailing Jay Peters at: JPeters@wsbeng.com

Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the sharepoint link provided by Mr. Peters. Prospective Bidders will be registered as a plan holder and will be made available on the sharepoint link. The designated Link will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated link. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated link.

A pre-bid conference for the Project will be held on April 18, 2024. This will be a virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams. A link will be sent to registered Bidders. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is encouraged but not required.

For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

Bidders are hereby advised the Owner reserves the right to not award a Contract until sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of Bids, and Bidders expressly agree to keep their Bids open for the sixty (60) day time period. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive any informality, technicality or irregularity in any Bid, to disregard all non-conforming, nonresponsive, conditional or alternate Bids, to negotiate contract terms with the Successful Bidder, to require statements or evidence of Bidders’ qualifications, including financial statements, and to accept the proposal that is, in the opinion of the Owner, in its best interest. Owner also reserves the right to extend the Bidding period by Addendum if it appears in its interest to do so.

Any questions concerning this bid shall be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 18th, 2024, and must be directed in writing via email to: Jay Peters, JPeters@wsbeng. com.

subsequent meeting(s).

Any interested electors of the Sable Altura Fire Protection District may inspect the proposed 2023 Supplemental Budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to final adoption of the of the 2023 Supplemental Budget.

ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SABLE ALTURA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Hope Williams, Secretary

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Wheatlands METROPOLITAN DISTRICT (the “District”), will hold a public hearing via teleconference on April 15, 2024, at 6:00 P.M., to consider adoption of an amendment to the 2024 budget (the “Amended Budget”). The public hearing may be joined using the following teleconference information:

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88018377722 ?pwd=vXdSkQ2aLtbRgHFbSSEpJfNlzD

ApZH.1 Meeting ID: 880 1837 7722

Passcode: 262868

Call In Numbers: 1 (720) 707-2699 or 1 (719) 359-4580

The Amended Budget is available for inspection by the public at the offices of Marchetti & Weaver, 245 Century Circle, Suite 103, Louisville, CO 80027 and phone number (720) 210 -9136.

Any interested elector of the District may file any objections to the Amended Budget at any time prior to the final adoption of the Amended Budget by the Board.

The agenda for any meeting may be obtained at https://www.wheatlandsmetro. org/ or by calling (303) 858-1800.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: WHEATLANDS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT, a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado /s/ White Bear Ankele Tanaka & Waldron Attorneys at Law Publication:

matrixdesigngroup.com for further information.

Publication: April 4, 2024

Publication: April 11, 2024

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT Aerotropolis Area Coordinating Metropolitan District, a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado, is soliciting qualifications and proposals from qualified contractors to be selected as the Filing 26 North Area A Drainage Pond Phase I Contractor for the Aurora Highlands Project in Aurora, CO.

Please be advised that the Aerotropolis Area Coordinating Metropolitan District is planning to publish this Request for Qualifications/Proposals contemporaneously on BidNet. A full copy of this Request for Qualifications/Proposals will be available at the following link: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/private/supplier/solicitations/ search, use the BidNet search tool for open solicitation named “Filing 26: North Area A Drainage Pond Phase 1” Reference No. 0000347417.

Qualification/Proposal submittals must be electronically submitted via BidNet before 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Qualifications/Proposals will not be accepted after the foregoing submission deadline, and hardcopies of Qualifications/Proposals will not be accepted.

A public opening will be held at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, May 9, 2024 via Microsoft Teams. A link to this event can be found in the Request for Qualifications/Proposals.

For further information contact: Hannah Kelly Engineer II, AECOM Hannah.Kelly@aecom.com

Publication: April 11, 2024 Sentinel

Re: Public Works Construction/Improvement Contract Tibet Road Phase 2 General Improvements Project Alpine Civil Construction, Inc. CONTRACT DATED: August 15, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the SECOND CREEK RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT (the “District”), City of Aurora, Adams County, Colorado, will make final payment on or after April 28, 2024, to Alpine Civil Construction,

attorney for

Hufford at

address below within the next 30 days. This summons is being published, with the Court’s permission, for one week pursuant to SDCL 25-6-4(7), 25-5A-11, 25-5A-12, and 26-7A-48.

IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR either personally or through counsel at the hearing set on the matter scheduled for May 16, 2024, at 10 a.m., at the Meade County Courthouse, 1425 Main Street, Sturgis, South Dakota, judgment by default may be rendered against you, in part based on SDCL 25-6-4(7), which states your consent to the adoption of C.W.H. by Shelby Hufford and Joshua Guidry can be waived if you do not appear personally or by counsel at the hearing set to waive your consent, terminate your parental rights and proceed with the adoption.

Dated this 3rd day of April, 2024.

/s/ Karen Paige Hunt Attorney for Shelby Hufford 2202 Main Street/PO Box 459 Sturgis, SD 57785

Telephone: (605) 720-6274

Facsimile: (605) 720-5875

Email: karen@paigehuntlaw.com

Publication: April 11, 2024 Sentinel

SUMMONS (CITATION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso): 23VECV01697

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): MOUNTAIN CITY SUPPLY LLC; KRISTIAN EMERY; and DOES 1-20

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): MAVERICK BANKCARD, INC., a California Corporation

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

of the proposed 2023 Supplemental Budget will be considered at a public hearing held at 7:00 p.m. at the April 17, 2024 meeting of the District Board. The meeting will be held electronically. Final information regarding attendance and public comment procedures will be included on the District’s meeting notice and agenda and posted on the District’s website at www.sablealturafire.org at least 24 hours in advance of the public meeting. The public hearing may be continued to a

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta.

Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.

Landen Holmes as the Eaglecrest baseball team earned a 9-5 win at George Washington. ...Three shutout innings from Nick Wiley helped the Regis Jesuit baseball team earn an 11-5 win at Pueblo West. Chase Massey and Jace Filleman both went yard for the Raiders. ...Kalai Bentosino pitched four shutout innings, Toby Sanchez had five RBI, stole three bases and scored three times, and Aron Gardea had three hits as the Aurora Central baseball team blanked Kennedy 13-0. ...Scott Dewey struck out 13 in a complete game effort, but the Overland baseball team fell to Westminster 4-2. ...Madalyn Hopkins scored the game-winning goal in the second half as the Grandview girls soccer team topped Arapahoe 2-1.

Isabelle Rogers had the Wolves’ other goal. ...The Aurora Central and Gateway girls soccer teams played to a

0-0 tie at the Aurora Sports Park. ...The Cherokee Trail boys lacrosse team lost a 10-8 home contest against Olympus from Utah. ...Aubrey Benton tallied four goals, while Kyla Bieker added three goals and four assists for the Cherokee Trail girls lacrosse team, which held off Ralston Valley 13-11. ... The Rangeview girls lacrosse team topped Eaglecrest 17-11. Shylin Collins racked up 11 goals for the Raiders, while Ellery Hesseltine tallied seven for the Raptors. ...Phoebe Rogala had five goals, while Madisyn Jokerst added three and eight players scored as the Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team defeated Poudre School District 16-0. ...The Overland boys volleyball team outlasted Valor Christian for a 29-27, 21-25, 26-28, 25-16, 17-15 victory that included 11 kills for Kaden Billings and 10 from Grayson Lukes Ammon Fifita had eight kills, and Ryan Bieber was credited with 11 blocks as the Hinkley boys volleyball team swept Denver South 25-15, 2512, 25-11. ...Tristan Rowley had nine kills, while Kaiyan Ivey dropped in eight aces as the Vista PEAK Prep boys volleyball team swept George Washington 25-11, 25-10, 25-10. ...The Cherokee Trail girls tennis team topped Eaglecrest 6-1 in a match that featured a three-set battle at No. 1 singles, where the Raptors’ Natali Marshall edged the Cougars’ Riley Leeser 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-4. ...The Hinkley girls tennis team rolled to a 6-1 win over Kennedy that included a doubles sweep and singles wins at No. 2 from Mary Ling and No. 3 Paw Hser

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3: The Regis Jesuit baseball team honored retiring coach legend Marc Johnson of Cherry Creek, then dropped a tight 3-0 contest to the Bruins. ...Goretty Vazquez De Leon’s first-half goal held up for the Vista PEAK Prep girls soccer team in a 1-0 win over Hinkley, as Kaylynn Stewart made 17 saves. ...A six-goal, two-assist explosion from Hazel Bonansinga helped the Rangeview girls soccer team to a 10-0 win over Far Northeast. ...Liam Szarka scored four times, while Mason Kelly and Owen Kulczewski had three goals apiece as the Grandview boys lacrosse team doubled up Monarch 14-7. Devin Melton made 20 saves. Cody Scott had three goals, Brady Smith added two goals and three assists as the Smoky Hill boys lacrosse team downed visiting Prairie View 10-5. ...The Grandview girls lacrosse team fell to Arapahoe 11-5 despite two goals apiece for Laurel Johnson and Gladys Mellinger Sophia Capua of Vista PEAK Prep recorded a plus-11 82 to earn a twostroke win at the City League tournament played at Wellshire G.C. ...The Regis Jesuit girls golf team finished fourth at the Continental League tournament at Broadlands G.C. Audrey Whitmore shot a plus-8 80 to tie for seventh. ...TUESDAY, APRIL 2: In a matchup of local baseball programs, Regis Jesuit topped

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Eaglecrest 12-2 in six innings as Liam Mosley threw three shutout innings. Trevor Nordstrom had three hits, Andrew Bell homered and joined Nick Wiley with 3 RBI for Regis Jesuit, while Connor Brennan and Tavish Dey drove in runs for the Raptors. Brody Ceyrolles doubled twice, and Akoi Burton knocked in a pair as the Cherokee Trail baseball team earned a 5-2 win at ThunderRidge. ...The Smoky Hill baseball team defeated Roaring Fork 5-4 as Hudson Roth had four hits, and Eric Aleman earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief. ...The Vista PEAK Prep baseball team got a strong four-inning effort from Brian Herrera and had plenty of offense in a 17-2 win over Rangeview. Herrera and Steven Reaux each had two RBI and Domenic Montoya knocked in three for the Bison, while Anthony Reyes had an RBI for the Raiders. ...Madalyn Hopkins scored in the 78th minute on a free kick attempt that lifted the Grandview girls soccer team into a 2-2 tie with Cherokee Trail in the Arapahoe Derby. Kiana Sparrow scored both goals for the Cougars, while Lindsay George also scored for the Wolves. ...Reagan Wagner scored to complete a threegoal second half for the Eaglecrest girls soccer team, which rallied from a two-goal deficit for a 3-2 win at Smoky Hill Maria Herrera and Ruth Salazar scored two goals apiece, as the Gateway girls soccer team blanked Alameda 4-0. ...Verenice Pulido scored a goal and assisted on Amairani Penaloza Arriaga’s score, while Malayzia Jones made 13 saves in the Aurora Central girls soccer team’s 2-1 win over Skyview. ...The Smoky Hill boys swim team topped Overland 142-23 in a Centennial League dual meet. The Buffs had individual victories from Chae Phillips, Charlie Newton, Aiden Ball, Adam Kutak, Carl Johnson, Daniel Yi and Benjamin Brewer, while Chad Hamilton won diving for Overland. ...The Cherokee Trail girls lacrosse team downed Arapahoe 15-9 behind six goals from Lorelei Gearity plus three goals and three assists from Kyla Bieker Shylin Collins had six goals for the Rangeview girls lacrosse team in a 20-11 home loss to St. Mary’s Academy. ...A 19-kill effort from Chase Jensen, plus 11 from John Clinton helped the Cherokee Trail boys volleyball team to a 25-19, 2516, 25-27, 25-23 win over Valor Christian. ...Alejandro Garcia had 12 kills and Devan Hall dished out 30 assists as the Grandview boys volleyball team swept Mullen 25-13, 25-15, 2520. ...The Rangeview boys volleyball team topped Denver West 25-15, 25-15, 25-16 as Pethuel Ofori contributed 10 kills and six blocks, while Nicholas Tapparo recorded 18 digs. ...The Hinkley boys volleyball team earned a 25-10, 25-13, 25-15 sweep of Kennedy. ...Despite 13 kills and 13 digs from Jackson Shaw, the Eaglecrest boys volleyball team dropped its first match of the season to Littleton Public Schools, which won 25-20, 21-25, 25-19, 25-14. .... ...The Eaglecrest girls tennis team earned a 7-0 sweep of Overland Caroline Ryan of Grandview shot a plus-1 73 to finish second individually at the Centennial League girls golf tournament at Foothills G.C., while Cherokee Trail finished in third as Haylee Clark led the way with a 87.

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store. On Thursday morning, they were tasked with working at the “barkery” making dog biscuits, from making the dough to using a boneshaped cookie cutter to cut out each biscuit.

In another classroom, students used small irons to place heat transfer vinyls on t-shirts and made candles in preparation for Mother’s Day.

Others, like Deyanira Garcia Moncado, manned the cash register at the cozy shop.

Unlike traditional schools, the students who attend Crossroads Transition Center are not confined to a regular bell schedule with typical courses. Instead, they prepare to live more independent lives by learning job skills, soft skills and everyday life skills.

The students, many of whom cannot drive, learn to use the RTD and make bus connections so they can go to the grocery store or go to the doctor’s office. They learn to count money and learn to give change. They also learn to do chores around the house.

Students in the program also have the opportunity to volunteer at nearby businesses like Burger King and Pickens Technical College.

fic about a fight involving between 15 and 25 people near the Crossroads at City Center apartments in Aurora, according to an arrest affidavit.

When they arrived, they found a group screaming in Spanish who told them a woman had been injured, and one person pointed out two men running away as being involved in the fight. Schulte later told investigators that he told the men to stop, and that he was a police officer, before tackling one of them, Audiel Garcia-Contreras, to the ground.

As the two grappled with each other, Garcia-Contreras wrapped his arm around Schulte’s neck and choked him, while Schulte punched Garcia-Contreras. Officers eventually caught up with the two and arrested Garcia-Contreras, whom the affidavit described as intoxicated and smelling like alcoholic beverages.

Screenshot of Aurora police legal adviser Pete Schulte at a recent Aurora City Council meeting.

Schulte, who spoke with investigators from a hospital bed with his neck immobilized in a brace, said he believed Garcia-Contreras was trying to kill him and that the chokehold prevented him from breathing and lasted for what “felt like an eternity.” A doctor at the Medical Center of Aurora evaluated Schulte and told police he had suffered a serious bodily injury.

Crossroads Trading Post operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it isn’t fully open to the public like typical stores. Students and staff have come in to buy beverages, and the students who operate the store have made merch for the district, like buttons for Bus Driver Appreciation Week.

— Kristin Oh, Sentinel Colorado Staff Writer

COPS AND COURTS Man pleads guilty to attacking Aurora police legal adviser during patrol

A Denver man has pleaded guilty to choking an Aurora City Attorney’s Office employee and police officer who along with the city’s police chief responded to a brawl-in-progress at an apartment complex last year.

On April 15, 2023, Pete Schulte, a police officer and public safety client manager for the Aurora City Attorney’s Office, was riding in a police vehicle with then-chief Art Acevedo when the two heard police radio traf-

On April 5, Garcia-Contreras pleaded guilty to second-degree assault by strangulation, downgraded from first-degree assault. Charges of assault on a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and third-degree assault knowingly or recklessly causing injury were dropped.

The city said in a statement that, while Schulte’s primary role is providing legal guidance to the Aurora Police Department, he previously worked as a police officer in Texas and is certified by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to work as an officer in Colorado. For this reason, Schulte accompanied Acevedo on patrols for a period of time in 2023, the city said.

“Our officers are committed to serving and protecting our community,” interim police chief Heather Morris said in the statement. “It is completely unacceptable for anyone to perpetrate harm against any peace officer trying to keep our community safe.”

Garcia-Contreras’ sentencing is scheduled to take place May 2.