News-Press Douglas Co 3/21/13
Castle Rock
Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 10, Issue 52
March 21, 2013
Free
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourcastlerocknews.com
Physician named to school board Castle Pines mom Mendoza chosen from six finalists By Jane Reuter
jreuter@ourcoloradonews.com An emergency room physician and Castle Pines mother joined the Douglas County School Board March 14. Dr. Carrie Mendoza was sworn in at the end of the meeting, chosen from among six finalists to fill the seat vacated in January by Dan Gerken. Mendoza, 46, and her husband Myles have three children. Myles Mendoza is executive director of Summit 54, described as a nonpartisan group that invests in programs to improve K-12 education. The new board member, who said she was leaving immediately after the meeting for her hospital job, was interviewed earlier in the evening along with the other five finalists. “I would like to carry on the great work the board has done,” she said. “I think I’d be
the best qualified in bringing some diversity to the board with my background and experience as a physician.” Board president John Carson asked her how she responded to the recent Colorado Court of Appeals decision in favor of the school district’s voucher program. “It was a hopeful moment that things obviously were going to progress and not take another back step,” she said. Mendoza also said she believes she could help the board counter the criticism “that comes with such a bold move.” “How can we be more effective? How can we promote better what we’re doing, how it’s effective?” she said. Board member Justin Williams proposed naming Mendoza to the board. Williams said Mendoza stood out from the others, though all six finalists met his criteria, which included compatibility with the current board, vision and electability. The seat Mendoza is filling expires in November, so she must either step down or run for election. Three other seats also are up for election in the fall. “We will be going against a union that is Mendoza continues on Page 4
School board secretary Nona Eichelberger, left, swears in new school board member Dr. Carrie Mendoza during the March 14 meeting. Photo by Jane Reuter
Castle Pines city manager leaves post By Rhonda Moore
rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com
Nancy Prokop, victim assistance coordinator for the Parker Police Department, says an average of 1,000 victims of crime are supported each year. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Victim support is crucial part of justice Advocates spread calm, help illuminate system By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com In a time of crisis, sometimes the best thing to have is a shoulder to cry on. Being that shoulder is just one of the many functions of a victim’s assistant, the people who respond to crime scenes alongside police. They are called, sometimes in
the middle of the night, to provide whatever comfort and guidance they can. Whether it’s the scene of a homicide, sex assault or, most commonly, domestic violence, an assistant typically informs victims of their rights and directs them to a qualified counselor to deal with the emotions involved. Victim’s assistants in Douglas County work closely with the district attorney’s office to help victims navigate the court system. The majority of the time, though, it’s simply a matter of lending an ear.
“We want to empower them and we sometimes go to court, but mostly we want them to be with people,” says Nancy Prokop, victim assistance coordinator for the Parker Police Department. Patty Moschner, victim assistance coordinator for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, said removing the fear of what comes next is a critical part of her job. She offers information on how the criminal justice system works and what to expect to “take some of the anxiety away.” Victim continues on Page 13
Castle Pines City Manager Ted Soltis has resigned after about six months on the job. Soltis is the second full-time city manager to leave the City of Castle Pines within the past year, said Mayor Jeffrey Huff. The previous manager, James McGrady, served in the position from 2010-12. McGrady served as an interim city manager in a role the city knew would be temporary, Huff said. Before McGrady, the city contracted its managers through a corporate agreement with CH2MHill, he said. Huff declined to say how many city managers have served in Castle Pines, but public records indicate at least four people have served since the city’s 2008 incorporation. “There really isn’t any story on this,” Huff said. “While there has been some turnover, that has been driven at the corporate level, from CH2MHill.” Soltis’ term began in September 2012. He resigned Feb. 26, according to an announcement from city council. When he came to Castle Pines, Soltis received a relocation bonus of $12,500, according to his employment agreement. It requires him to return his bonus on a pro rata basis at the rate of $1,041 per month for each month remaining in the first year of his employment. Soltis earned $8,500 per month and signed his contract in August 2012. His departure came shortly after his six-month anniversary with the city, at which time he was to face a performance review, according to the contract. The city does not expect to replace Soltis before August, Huff said. Staff members and residents are instructed to go to city council members with any concerns or questions.