Highlands Ranch Herald 070623

County commissioners approve homeless camping ban

Amid an ongoing crisis of homelessness in the Denver metro area, Douglas County’s elected leaders unanimously approved a law to ban unauthorized camping on county property in areas outside of cities and towns.

Area residents have expressed fears in recent months about the possibility of more shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Douglas County, a topic the county attorney addressed before the ordinance passed.

Storm season — the good, bad and ugly

Getting too much of a good thing

When it provides vibrant green grass, supports the growth of native wild owers and feeds our reservoirs, there is beauty in rain. But it also comes with a dark side as storms can wreak havoc and damage homes, vehicles and roadways.

is spring, parts of the Denver metro area saw record breaking amounts of rain along with a longer and more consistent rain pattern.

“It’s almost biblical in nature,” said Bryan Weimer, Arapahoe County director of public works and development.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Douglas, Arapahoe and Je erson counties have seen rainfall above average.

Over the past 129 years, Douglas County saw its fourth wettest May on record with 3.63 inches above

normal, making it the 13th wettest year on record.

Arapahoe County saw its fth wettest May with 3.29 inches of rain above normal and Je erson County saw its 7th wettest May with 2.28 inches of rain above normal.

While some may have loved the gloomy days, listening to the sound of rain falling, for others, it posed an ongoing issue as well as citizen safety.

“Our goal is to work with our partners throughout the state to make sure that shelter is available and we transport individuals who need that shelter to that already-existing shelter,” Je Garcia, county attorney, said at the June 27 county commissioners meeting. “We are not going to create new shelters in Douglas County.” e conversations about shelter and a long-discussed potential restriction on camping in the county are intertwined because of recent court cases along the Front Range.

Commissioner Abe Laydon and others have referenced People v. Wiemold, a district court case out of Fort Collins where a judge ruled a man couldn’t be cited for violating a camping ban because there was no shelter available to him.

“It is important to note that a party

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Veterans nonprofit program, Team Rubicon, assists in tornado cleanup

Volunteers with Team Rubicon throughout the Denver metro area, including a few from Highlands Ranch, were ready to jump into action as soon as the EF-1 tornado hit the ground in Highlands Ranch on June 22.

After the tornado plowed through 6.3 miles in the unincorporated community, Commander Rachel Fox and sta got in touch with Douglas County Emergency Management.

After surveying neighborhoods and providing what support they could give to the community on Friday, June 23, Team Rubicon had a team on the ground Saturday morning helping homeowners for free.

“It was really neat,” said Fox. “It was like neighbors helping neighbors and you know, everybody was out helping each other.”

Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities during and after disasters.

e organization was originally founded following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti - now more than 150,000 volunteers in the organization across the nation and over 1,100 operations domestically and internationally.

e organization pairs military veterans with medical professionals,

rst responders and technology solutions to provide an impactful service.

Not only do they help with clean up after tornado events such as this, but they also take part in re mitigation and other natural disasters such as hurricanes.

A majority of the damage from the tornado resulted in damaged and downed trees. With about 30 volunteers a day, teams are deployed to residents in need and work to cut down damaged trees, cut up fallen trees, haul branches away and move debris to the curb.

“We have di erent levels of training, like formal training that we go through,” said Fox.

Fox said that some of the trees in the area are out of their scope and they encourage homeowners to hire a professional to nish up the rest after Team Rubicon has done all they can do.

“ ey’re just a dedicated group of volunteers who are committed to helping residents,” said Douglas County Commissioner Lora omas. “ ere are some of our residents who simply do not have the nancial means to clear the trees o their properties or their fences, to put them in a safe condition. And so these sel ess people, including the Latter Day Saints and we also had some people from the Baptist Church who showed up. You just can’t put in words the value of their sel ess acts.”

omas said there is a lot to be grateful for in Highlands Ranch and is looking forward to the community coming together and to celebrate the Fourth of July.

“We’re not changing our lives because of this little tornado,” said omas.

With a team set up at Eastridge Recreation Facility, they are able to access the Crisis Home Cleanup database and look at what residents are requesting for assistance and if it is within their capabilities, they claim it and send a team out to help.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, volunteers are in groups working with each other and helping one another be safe while attempting to save trees, cut down trees and remove debris.

While some requests take a few hours, there are some large trees in dangerous situations that take a few days to remove.

“We’re really trying to help as much as we can,” said Fox.  e volunteers will be providing their services through Friday, June 30.

In addition, Douglas County will begin curbside pickup for those who cannot transport the debris from the hardest hit areas of the community on ursday, June 29. Residents who request help are asked to ll out a form which can be found on Highlands Ranch Metro District website.

Highlands Ranch mom debuts on ‘American Ninja Warrior’

Local Highlands Ranch mom, Angela Fuller made her debut on the “American Ninja Warrior” stage in the fourth episode of season 15.

e 42-year-old married mom of two was once a competitive gymnast and cheerleader but after su ering a broken back in a car accident and further injury, Fuller thought her active life was over after being put on disability.

Fuller once again fell in love with gymnastics and through her kids, fell in love with the ninja lifestyle over the past few years.

After four years of applying to compete on the NBC show, Fuller called herself the happy dance ninja and was excited to run the course. Host Matt Iseman said there was no one more excited to run the course than her.

Wearing her Faith over Fear shirts, Fuller’s family and her best friend were standing behind the fth obstacle course, cheering her on.

“I was so happy because my dream came true,” said Fuller. “To get on that stage and have my best friend there, my hero and my family — I won.”

Taking the stage at 2:30 a.m. in freezing temperatures, Fuller was ready to run the brand new qualifying course.

e course started with the pole vault. Each ninja had to jump onto the pole and climb to the top as it was being lowered. e goal was to make it to the landing before reaching the water.

“It was an obstacle that once it got wet, it couldn’t be dried,” said Fuller.

Although Fuller did not make it past the pole vault, she is still grateful for the experience.

In a social media post Angela wrote: “We are all on di erent journeys and everyone’s accomplishments should be celebrated. So the fact ANW still decided to include my short run and big smiling face on my episode is such an honor.”

Fuller said she realized that she is inspiring more people by not hitting the buzzer because it’s more relatable as only a few people hit the buzzer on the latest episode.

When thinking about competing on another season, Fuller said she will never say never. However, the most important part of this experience was making it onto the stage.

“I won by being there,” said Fuller.

Marshall seeks permanent injunction against school board

Rep. Bob Marshall, who sued the Douglas County School Board for violating Colorado Open Meetings Law, is asking the judge to reconsider issuing a permanent order barring the board from using a series of one-on-one conversations to discuss public business outside of public meetings.

Earlier this month, Douglas County District Court Judge Je rey Holmes ruled that school board members Becky Myers, President Mike Peterson, Christy Williams and Kaylee Winegar broke open meetings law when they had multiple one-on-one discussions about ring former superintendent Corey Wise last year.

While Holmes declared the board’s actions were illegal, he did not issue a permanent injunction, which would have ordered the board not to engage in serial meetings in the future. Holmes said in his ruling that he didn’t think the injunction was necessary.

In a motion led on June 27, Marshall’s attorney, Steve Zansberg, is requesting Holmes rethink his decision, arguing the board has shown they won’t follow the law in the future. As evidence, Zansberg cites Peterson’s statement following the

judge’s ruling.

Peterson said the board “will simply rely on existing (Colorado Open Meetings Law) going forward.”

“ us, Mr. Peterson has declared publicly that he has no intention of having the Board he chairs abide by the Court’s ruling, which he considers contrary to his view of ‘existing’ (Colorado Open Meetings Law),” Zansberg said in the June 27 ling.  Attorneys for the school board have not yet led a response to Zansberg’s motion.

Peterson told Colorado Community Media that the motion is unfortunate because it will prolong the case.

e school board has yet to take action on the settlement, though on June 27, the board tabled a resolution that would have directed their attorney to negotiate how much of Marshall’s legal fees the board would pay.

e terms of the settlement include an acknowledgement that Myers, Peterson, Williams and Wineger broke the law when they had private discussions about public business, a commitment from the board to not discuss public business outside of public meetings, except when legally allowed, and payment of Marshall’s $93,000 legal fees.

Between March 11, 2022 and June 14, 2023, the district has paid $133,264 in legal costs.

Page appointed to school board in 4-2 vote

Will serve through November

Douglas County school board members selected Highlands Ranch resident Jason Page to ll the seat left vacant by Elizabeth Hanson’s resignation last month.

On June 27, the board interviewed three nalists for the position, including Page, Michael Burmeister and Brad Geiger. e board chose Page in a 4-2 vote with board members David Ray and Susan Meek dissenting, saying their choice would have been Geiger.

Page was o cially sworn in following the vote.

Page’s experience in the district includes serving two years on the board for Ben Franklin Academy, a Highlands Ranch charter in the district, and on the Long Range Planning Committee. Page is an IT professional and has a child attending middle school. He previously worked as a private music teacher.

Board President Mike Peterson and board member Christy Williams said Page’s time on a school board and history as a teacher made him

their top candidate.

“His past job titles speak to what the district needs,” Williams said. “He understands from a teacher’s perspective what their needs are.”

During his interview, Page said his professional experience helps him be uniquely suited to the job.

“I’ve worn all the hats - I’ve been on a board, I’ve served on committees, I’ve been a teacher and I’m currently a parent,” he said. “I know the di erent perspectives those bring and bring that to the table.”

Responding to a question from Peterson about the recent changes to the equity and parent engagement policies, Page said equity could be a loaded term, but he supports equal opportunities for all students and advocated for parent involvement.

Page also acknowledged that while he may have a bias toward charter schools, he understands the importance of neighborhood schools as well.

He told the board that he would be a collaborative member who focuses on problem-solving and being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

“I’m a big picture thinker but I’m data-driven in my assessments and I have the heart of a teacher and mentor,” Page said. “I have a passion for service in the community

impact on the

Page’s term will end in November. tered as a candidate for the board election.

knowledge and experience I have to make a positive

Mosquito season is here, worsened by rainfall

e trees are green, the grass is lush and all the rainfall brought some much-need moisture to the Denver metro area. However, the added wetness this spring also means a lot of standing water, which is prime breeding ground for mos-

More mosquitoes means more bites and a possible increase in West Nile virus cases. Mosquitos are most active between May and October each year. West Nile virus cases tend to increase in August and Septem-

In 2022, Colorado led the nation in West Nile virus, with a con rmed 152 positive cases. In 2021, Colorado ranked second, falling behind

Dr. Mark Montano, medical director of CareNow Urgent Care Clinics, said urgent care centers across the metro area are starting to see patients complaining of multiple mosquito bites. While none has been too serious, and Montano said they do not test for West Nile, the added rainfall this year means residents should think of prevention over reaction.

“When it comes to mosquitos the biggest concern on our end is the diseases they can carry,” Montano said. “In most years a lot of these areas are usually dried up by July, but this year is di erent.”

Montano said the rst line of defense has to be eliminating standing water and consistently using repellent.

Paul Galloway, the marketing and communications manager with the Division of Disease Control for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said this year could be a challenge.

“Last winter’s heavy snowpack and the wet spring we’ve had in Colorado are already causing an increase in mosquitoes in some areas,” he said.

So far, Galloway said the biggest increase has been in Aedes vexans mosquitos, which do not transmit human diseases but are named for being aggressive biters.

As summer continues, Galloway said, state health o cials are just starting to see a shift from Aedes mosquitos to the Culex mosquitos, which can transmit diseases such as

the West Nile virus.

“While we do expect to see more Culex mosquitoes this summer,” Galloway said, “more mosquitoes does not always result in more human infections. We have not seen any mosquitoes with the virus yet, but it’s important to use insect repellent and empty or treat sources of standing water.”

is includes everything from plant pots and rain barrels to ooded streams and elds. People should empty standing water from tires, cans, owerpots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, toys, and puddles around their home at least once every week, Galloway said. Standing water is a breeding ground for all kinds of mosquitos as these areas are where they lay eggs.

Montano said everyone should be using repellent outdoors. Montano said mosquitoes are most aggressive in the early morning hours and evening, warning hikers and bikers to get prepared rather than dealing with the itching and rami cations later.

While mosquito bites are generally annoying more than anything, Montano said there are instances where a person can have a bad reaction. Topical creams such as Hydrocortisone and Benadryl can be useful, he said.

However, if a person sees unusual swelling in the bite area and has an abnormal allergic reaction, Montano recommends seeking care because added oral or steroid treatment may be required.

Galloway said most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms. About 20% of infected people will have u-like symptoms, and fewer than 1% develop a serious, potentially deadly illness.

Galloway said people aged 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness.

Montano said if when someone is having severe headaches or experiencing confusion from a mosquito bite they should seek medical care immediately.

Other tips provided by the state health department include:

Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of

Your Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is just around the corner

Looking for unique food options, starstudded country music and vintage cars all in the same place this summer? Visit the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo from July 28 to Aug. 6. To purchase tickets and view the schedule, visit FairandRodeoFun.com

RAIN

Roadway damage

When looking at the infrastructure of roadways, Matt Williams, the Douglas County assistant director of public works engineering said there are drainage design standards and criteria that engineers must follow and must look at minor and major storms.

As rain persisted, streets ooded, cracks in the road turned into potholes and sinkholes began to open in various counties.

ere are di erent types of cracking in roadways and when water in ltrates the subgrade and people start driving over it, the asphalt starts to move around and breaks up, causing a pothole.

According to Weimer, Arapahoe County has dealt with an increasing number of potholes.

“Our potholes overall through the second quarter are up almost 70%,” said Weimer. “ ey’re at 69% of what we experience and just looking at quarter two - when we were receiving all this rain - is up 103% from the previous year.”

MOSQUITOES

lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. For more information about insect repellents visit

In addition, Weimer said since May 11 the county is approaching a total of 15 roadway closures, with some already repaired.

Operations Manager Carlos Atencio of Je erson County roads and bridges said this season has felt like chasing their own tails due to the consistency of the rains.

In the beginning of the spring, Jefferson County maintenance crews focus on drainage issues caused by runo from the mountain snow. ey are cleaning ditches and getting ready to resurface roads.

“When a storm comes in, typically what that does is it completely unravels everything, all the work that we’ve done,” said Atencio. “And for every storm that comes in, it just compounds that problem. Our district supervisors know where the problems are, so they know exactly where to go after a storm to get the crews back out.”

Atencio said this does take away and delay some of the pothole patching.

Douglas County’s Assistant Director of Operations of Public Works

Daniel Roberts said the department has not seen a signi cant increase in

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the EPA’s information webpage. Always follow label instructions. Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long pants, longsleeved shirts, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection.

STRIVE TO THRIVE

Resource & Service Fair

Tuesday, July 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd. in Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Douglas County families who are struggling financially can receive backto-school items for the kids, a hot meal and access resources from more than 20 different organizations. Attendees in need of school supplies must preregister at https://tinyurl.com/4jafend For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search for Strive to Thrive

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view public meeting agendas, participate in-person or remotely, or watch select meetings, visit douglas.co.us and search for Business Meetings.

pavement damage due to the moisture and no signi cant ooding impacts have hit the major roadways.

When it comes to repairs, public works has to wait for water levels to go down.

“Just because the weather looks better doesn’t mean that we’re able to get in and x it yet,” said Anders Nelson, Arapahoe County public information o cer. “ ey have to wait for the right conditions to make sure that it’s a solid x.”

ere is also the potential for a total washout of a roadway.

“It may be a size of a storm that is greater than that culvert could handle,” said Weimer. “It could be debris that blocks the culvert, once the water starts building up, then it starts over owing the roadway and then starts eating back on that road and potentially fails.”

Culvert failures were the primary source behind the numerous sinkholes in June.

On June 11 a sinkhole opened on the shoulder of a rural road southeast of the Town of Parker, resulting in authorities having to close Flintwood Road.

Heavy rainfall also led to another sinkhole to open in the Town of Parker on June 11 which has indenitely closed down Bradbury Ranch Drive. On the bad side, the repairs are likely going to cost more than $300,000.

June 12, the City of Littleton closed Jackass Hill Road inde nitely following a sinkhole that collapsed under a moving car.

During a storm on June 22, a sinkhole on Oxford Avenue opened, resulting in a road closure from Santa Fe Drive to Windermere/Navajo streets in Englewood.

In Douglas County, the department has been videotaping the storm sewers for the past ve years

to manage the pipes.

“We were videotaping those because our infrastructure is starting to get to that age, so we just want to make sure that we can avoid a sinkhole in the future,” said Williams.

As this is a semi-arid region of the country, Williams said that it’s not common to see standing water around but with the back to back storms the area has had, residents are going to see it for some time.

“Our storm drainage system is functioning exactly how it’s designed to function,” said Williams.

Home and vehicle damage and bodily harm

e damage caused by rain and

thunderstorms has also impacted residents’ homes in various ways as well as vehicles and has currently proven to cause bodily harm.

Large hail is not the only source of bodily harm, mosquitos enhance the possibility of an increase in West Nile virus cases.

Dr. Mark Montano, medical director of CareNow Urgent Care Clinics, said the added rainfall this spring means residents should think about mosquito bite prevention.

Although some say it is a pretty light show, lightning strikes are hard to prevent. First responders have responded to lightning strikes.

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On June 11, South Metro Fire Rescue shared on social media when they responded to a residential re caused by a lightning strike to the roof.

According to the post, crews on scene reported smoke coming from the home as there was an active re underneath the roof line.

e metro area has also experienced multiple hail storms, producing hail from the size of pea all the way to the size of an apple.

For one family, the continuous rain and hail have caused unprecedented ooding, hail damage and the loss of precious belongings.

During a heavy rainfall on May 10, Debbie and Doug Osborne’s house began to ood.

“We had ridiculous rain,” said Debbie. “ at was when we rst noticed the water coming in, and it came in our chimney - it ooded through our chimney ue and it came in groundwater like around the foundation.”

e lower level of their home is 1,1800 square feet and 100% nished with two bedrooms, a family room, bathroom, an o ce and a hallway lled up with three inches of water. is is the living space for their adult son who has special needs.

“Wall to wall, there wasn’t one inch of dry spot,” said Debbie.

Rainfall impacts on mental health

Whether it’s stress from storm damage or the consistent gloomy look outside, rainfall does have an e ect on one’s mental health.

Stormy weather can cause anxiousness and nervousness in a person as many people are unsettled by that type of weather.

Gloomy weather can also cause some to experience Seasonal A ective Disorder. According to Vincent Atchity, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado it can be tied to things like dampness and darkness.

e National Institute of Mental Health de nes Seasonal A ective Disorder as short periods of feeling sad or not like your usual self.

While scientists do not know the exact cause for Seasonal A ective Disorder, Atchity said for those who feel it, that they should look to cultural remedies that stem from rainy cultures such as the British and Irish cultures, even Seattle.

“ ey need to have sets of personal practices that they can beg, borrow and steal from others in other cultures to swerve themselves up during the dark times of the year,” said Atchity. “Have to have a personal tool kit of the go-to comforts.”

Atchity also encourages people to stand, walk and feel the rain as it can have a positive e ect on the brain.

“It is what stitches us together and makes it possible to live,” said Atchity. “It’s one of the ready accessible check-ins from the world to remind us that we are not separate from everything else, we are part of

the system and the ow of water is at the heart of it.”

Being in the rain is a great refreshing check in with reality, said Atchity.

Positive environmental impacts

All the rain has been bene cial for the environment and has brought the metro area out of drought.

e Centennial Water and Sanitation District, which provides services to Solstice and Highlands Ranch, voted to remove restrictions in May as the area was out of drought conditions for the rst time since September 2021.

Rain goes into streams which then go into reservoirs. e U.S. Geological Survey produces maps of realtime stream ow conditions.

With major streams like Plum Creek, Cherry Creek, Newlin Gulch, Clear Creek, Bear Creek and Platte River, stream ow across Douglas County ranges from above normal to record high while Je erson County ranges from normal to above and high, according to its latest update on June 28.

Within the metro area, Cherry Creek near Parker has reached record high levels of water which has helped the storage levels in RueterHess Reservoir.

According to Ron Redd, district manager of the Parker Water and Sanitation District, the reservoir is close to reaching 20,000 acre feet.

Another reservoir that has been lled is Chat eld Reservoir, which is utilized by the town of Castle Rock.

Mark Marlowe, director of Castle Rock water, said water demands are down and the area is out of drought conditions.

“Usually our water demands this time of year are somewhere between 12 and 19 million gallons a day,” said Marlowe. “We’ve been seeing demands between six and 11 million gallons a day, so roughly half of what we normally see.”

However, there can be too much of a good thing.

e ashy storms that have brought a lot of water to Plum Creek quickly present challenges as it is damaging the diversion infrastructure along the creek, said Marlowe.

e other diversion on the creek has remained in service but is requiring a huge amount of maintenance according to Marlowe because the creek is carrying a lot more sand and sediment than it normally would due to the high ows and debris such as tree stumps and logs.

is also a ects the water quality and which in turn increases water treatment costs.

Although heavy rain can sometimes be harmful, beauty can result from it. e rains have helped wildowers to bloom and have allowed the wildlife and insects to reap the bene ts.

e semi-arid land makes it hard for plants and pollinators to survive, however, the rain helped the growth and abundance of wild owers and

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cannot violate this ordinance if there is no other alternative shelter available,” Garcia said about the county’s new law.

“We have taken direction from Colorado courts on this, and that’s why the exception exists that permits nonenforcement where there is no shelter available,” Garcia said, referencing a legal case out of Boulder.

What’s in the ban

e county’s new law is not a universal ban on camping across all public property.

Instead, it concerns camping on county property, which the ordinance de nes as “all land, including, any park, parkway, recreation area, roadway, open space, or any other public property owned by Douglas County.”

e new law applies in “unincorporated” Douglas County — in other words, areas that sit outside of city or town boundaries.

e county can only give an individual a citation if the person does not have county permission to camp on county property, the county is aware of available alternative shelter and the person refuses shelter, Garcia told Colorado Community Media.

Douglas County has no large-scale homeless shelter, but the Winter Shelter Network — an organization of churches — serves Douglas County women and children experiencing homelessness.

e network provides shelter from Jan. 2 through March 31, according to its website. Guests stay at local churches that open their facilities on

RAIN

native plants, which means that there is more food for animals, shelter, soil stabilization and beauty.

“When you take away the vegeta-

a rotating basis. In 2022, the network sheltered ve households, according to Laydon. But the ordinance can be enforced based on shelter outside of Douglas County, Garcia said.

Asked whether the county must speci cally o er to transport a person to a shelter, Garcia said: “ e ordinance is silent regarding transportation to a shelter. However, (as) a matter of procedure, the HEART team does o er rides to shelters.”

at’s a reference to Douglas County’s Homeless Engagement, Assistance and Resource Team of “navigators” who respond to homelessness, working with law enforcement when safety is a concern.

e new law also targets encampments in general, stating: “No person shall erect or use any tent, net, or other temporary structure for the purpose of shelter or storage of property on county property without rst having obtained the written

tion, then you also take away the ability for this soil to stay stable,” said Sandy Holcomb, Highlands Ranch Metro District park ranger.

“So not only does it provide shelter for animals, we got pollinators and this is also a stabilization for soil.”

Native plants grow each year but the rain has increased the frequency

permission of the authorized o cer

e term “temporary structure” includes “any structure used to shelter a person or property after sundown

nance “shall be punished by a ne of not more than $1,000,” the law says.

e ordinance is set to take e ect

e new law’s focus on land owned by the county leaves a less-clear picture of what enforcement could look

• Creeks, rivers, other bodies of water, or storm drainage areas that are not owned by the county;

• Parks, open space or other recreation areas that are not owned by the county, such as those owned by local governments called metropolitan districts or other entities;

• And areas in the right-of-way, such as sidewalks or other areas along the road, along state or federal roads or highways, such as those owned by the Colorado Department of Transportation or U.S. Department of Transportation.

“ e county does not have laws prohibiting camping on these types of property,” Garcia said. “However, other state laws may prohibit unauthorized camping in these areas.”

Camping bans vary around metro area

Laws that may ban camping by the unhoused vary widely across the Denver metro area, and some local governments in Douglas County already had their own bans.

Parker approved a camping ban in June 2018. Overnight camping on public property is not allowed in the

of the plants.

Larkspur have been more prominent, cottonwoods are growing seed and one plant that has thrived is yucca.

“ e water has been so good to them this year that they’re blooming like mad,” said Holcomb. “Usually you don’t see quite as many.”

City of Lone Tree, according to the city’s website.

e Highlands Ranch Metro District is a type of government body called a special district — not a municipality — and is located in unincorporated Douglas County. A rule related to parks and open space says camping is prohibited without a permit. at rule was added in 2018, according to Sherry Eppers, metro district spokesperson. e rule applies to all Highlands Ranch Metro District-owned property — that includes parks, open space, parking lots, parkways and property surrounding o ce buildings, Eppers has said.

Complicated picture

People who have experienced homelessness told CCM in recent years they’ve had concerns that led them to avoid shelters, including worries about safety or being separated from a companion. e advocacy group Denver Homeless Out Loud has also expressed those concerns.

e Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has argued that camping bans don’t solve homelessness but, rather, only may eliminate the visibility of homelessness for a period of time.

Cathy Alderman, a spokesperson for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, in March 2022 pointed to what she called “the unproductiveness of having competing camping bans between cities,” arguing that camping bans will push people back and forth across city and county lines.

Denver in 2012 banned staying in an outdoor place with a tent, sleeping bag or other shelter, a policy that advocates for the homeless have said may be pushing more homeless individuals into the suburbs.

e diversity of the plants include butter y milkweed, prickly poppies, spiderwort, blue ax, chokecherries, three leaf sumac and purple prairie clover.

While this spring brought a di erent kind of weather pattern to the metro area, there is so much beauty that has resulted from it.

Teams go door-to-door to collect data for FEMA

As part of the tornado aftermath in Highlands Ranch, the Douglas County Sheri s and O ce of Emergency Management personnel have been working together to conduct door-to-door damage assessments.

After a major disaster, FEMAFederal Emergency Management Agency - asks for two kinds of damage assessments, according to Debrah Schnackenberg, director of the O ce of Emergency Management in Douglas County.

An initial damage assessment is made so FEMA can determine whether the county quali es for a declaration of disaster.

“ e reason we want that is because that then opens up a grant process that helps to reimburse the county and other public agencies and perhaps homeowners,” said Schnackenberg.

Teams have been conducting individual assessments throughout neighborhoods in order to give the information to FEMA so they can help residents through grant funding that covers areas not covered by insurance.

“I say uninsured because FEMA obviously expects that homeowners have homeowners insurance,” said

Schnackenberg. “And that’s the rst place the homeowners should go, right to their insurance agents and get their damages covered under their homeowners insurance. But sometimes FEMA will release funds to cover losses for homeowners when they’re not insured.”

When teams see tornado damage to a house as they drive through neighborhoods, they get out of their car, knock on the door and ask if the person there is the homeowner or if it is a rental. at data is then collected.

e team takes pictures of the damage and uses an app on their phone to put the data into.

“Which sends it immediately back to where we’re at at the incident command post and then we’re tabulating that information,” said Schnackenberg. “And ultimately, all that information that’s being tabulated today will get sent to FEMA in the next week or so.”

Along with some photos of the assessments taking place, the Douglas County’s Sheri ’s O ce shared a video on social media of the mobile command post where personnel were doing di erent kinds of mapping.

According to Schnackenberg, when the deputies are nished with a street, personnel change the color

Bud’s Home Team

ties, another map shows where the clusters of damage are.  ere is also a public assessment, meaning the county, Highlands Ranch Metro District, the Highlands Ranch Community Association and other public agencies have to go around and assess damages to their facilities.

is includes damage to recreational facilities and street lights, said Schnackenberg.

Once the initial data is collected, it is then sent to the Department of Emergency Management for the state.

cause then FEMA has to analyze all the data and determine whether or not they’re gonna let us be included in a federal disaster declaration or not.”

Schnackenberg said throughout this process, everyone from the local government in Douglas County to the Highlands Ranch Metro District and Community Association to the Centennial Water and Sanitation District have coordinated and worked well together to make the process as smooth as possible and to capture all the data.

Thomas concerned Prop. HH will impact county budget

One of Douglas County’s elected leaders is sounding the alarm about the potential impact of Proposition HH, a proposal Colorado voters may see on their ballots in November.

e proposition was pushed by state Democrats in response to a wave of impending property tax bill hikes.

Among other things, the Democrats’ plan, according to the governor’s o ce, would cap the growth in local governments’ property tax collections, excluding school districts, based on in ation.

“ ere is a paragraph in this (plan) that caps county revenue at the in ation rate of 2022, which was 8%,” Commissioner Lora omas said during a Douglas County town hall on June 28.

e problem: State Senate Bill 23-303 requires county revenue to start where it last left o , according to omas.

Because Douglas County approved a $10 million tax — or mill levy — credit for 2023, Douglas County revenue would be starting at essentially a de cit if voters were to approve Prop HH, omas said. (Prop HH was proposed by the state legislature’s passing of SB23-303.)

“We are going to have to start our calculation of the increase in in a-

tion minus that $10 million, and that means Douglas County is actually starting (at) a $7 million” de cit,” omas said.

In that scenario, the county would face cutting $7 million from its current budget for 2024, according to omas.

Douglas County’s expenditures in its 2023 budget totaled $580 million, according to the county’s adopted budget document.

If the county doesn’t see enough revenue come in, it would have to “lay people o ,” omas said at a June 13 speaking event in Highlands Ranch.

Leaders can opt out of limit omas later clari ed to Colorado Community Media that “there are di erent ways that we can reduce our costs without laying o people.”

“ ere’s various mechanisms that we can use — it’s not just going to be by laying o people,” said omas, adding that in the past, the county has put together “packages” so people can take early retirement.

At the June 28 event, omas said the county could look at “some spending programs, some early retirement programs or some reduction in manpower” to address the issue.

But even if voters were to approve Prop HH, local governments aren’t

bound to abide by the revenue limits in the plan. e county could opt out of the limit and bring its revenue up closer to its current planned budget for 2024.

“ ere is a provision that would allow the commissioners to hold a meeting, explain to the public why this 8% increase was not enough for us and that we were going to increase the amount of revenue that the county was going to bring in,” omas said.

But “as one commissioner, I can assure you that this time of year, (with) what’s going on, I will not vote to increase the property taxes,” she added.

Prop. HH and TABOR

Home values — as calculated for property tax purposes — have spiked since the last time homeowners received notices of value two years ago. Since then, residential properties in the Denver metro area typically saw value increases between 35% and 45%, a group of county assessors from around the Front Range announced April 26.

In notably a uent Douglas County, residential properties saw increases between 30% and 60%, with a median of 47%.

and school districts. (Property tax rates are o cially called “mill levies.”)

Property taxes partly fund county governments, but they also fund re districts, library districts and other local entities.

Because a drop in property taxes would a ect those local entities, part of the Democrats’ plan was to include “back ll” revenue to re districts, water districts, ambulance and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast as others by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to back ll, according to the governor’s o ce. at’s a reference to Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which limits the amount of money that the state government can collect and spend, or save, each year.

Revenue above the limit — often called a “TABOR surplus” — generally gets refunded to taxpayers. TABOR is an amendment to the Colorado Constitution.

e o cial who heads Douglas County’s property valuation o ce, Assessor Toby Damisch, felt the potential tax relief was too small and took issue with the fact that the Democrats’ proposal would a ect TABOR refunds.

Ground-level ozone is invisible and the Front Range’s biggest air quality issue. Created from pollutants like car exhaust, ozone is a leading cause of respiratory problems.

Improving our air quality takes all of us, and there are many ways to help.

We encourage you to #JustSkipTwo car trips a week, mow your lawn after 5 p.m., don’t idle your car, telework a few days each week, and take the bus, bike, or walk.

Sign up for air quality alerts and learn more about the simple steps you can do to help.

SimpleStepsBetterAir.org

Colorado law requires assessors to value properties every two years, according to Douglas County’s website. e property valuation that homeowners recently received is based on June 2022 data, near the recent peak in the real-estate market.

So even though home prices have declined since then, property values re ect last year’s exceptional highs. And when property values increase, the tax bills property owners pay also go up — even if the tax rates themselves don’t change.

Democrats rolled out the Prop HH proposal to potentially blunt the impact of high property values.

What Coloradans pay in property taxes depends in part on the property values — such as the value of a home — and the tax rates set by local government entities like counties

What relief would look like Damisch provided an example scenario of the e ect that Prop HH, proposed by the state legislature’s passing of SB 23-303, would have on homeowners’ tax payments.

An example home in Highlands Ranch, valued at roughly $583,000 in 2022, paid a tax of about $3,700, according to Damisch.

Now, that property is valued at about $857,000. Under current circumstances, the home’s property tax payment would total about $5,200, according to the county’s data. at’s about a 40% increase from before.

Under SB23-303’s policies, that tax payment would fall to about $4,900, which would instead be about a 33% increase from before, according to the county’s data.

If you could see Colorado’s air, you would want to improve it.

Local mom raises funds for Northridge teachers

A local mom is encouraging the community to rally behind the teachers of Northridge Elementary after the tornado caused signi cant damage.

Following the storm, multiple classrooms were ooded and damage was done to the exterior of the building.

Local mom, Renee Lewis, heard from teachers that items they have purchased over the years have been destroyed by water damage.

“When you think about a classroom, it’s almost like a second home to the kids because they do spend so much time there,” said Lewis. “And when you walk into a classroom, it’s warm and inviting and it’s happy.”

While walking past the school recently, Lewis asked someone on site how it was going, they responded by saying it’s a work in progress. ey have dried up most of the water and are starting demo work.

Lewis’ two daughters attend the school. Having just nished the second and third grade, both of their teacher’s classrooms were a ected by the ooding.

“It’s an environment that’s created to celebrate accomplishments and success but is also a safe place to fail and try again,” said Lewis. “And the teachers have worked over the years

to make that happen.”

Lewis said she could not sit by and hope insurance is going to cover everything.

“If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that teachers are saints and this type of profession is a calling and they choose to put in even more than what is asked of them everyday,” said Lewis.

A few days after the tornado struck,

Lewis started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the teachers impacted by the damage. Within a week, more than $1,000 has been donated.  Donations can be made to https:// tinyurl.com/yc28mmcc.

“We’re gonna leave it open until we at least hit our goal,” said Lewis. “If we don’t hit it by the time school opens, you know, that’s okay, we’re going to do what we can to work with

the school to gure out how to get these funds over there and get these teachers what they need.”

In addition, a student from the school will be selling necklaces that he made starting at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 8 at Living the Dream, a family-friendly brewing company located at 12305 N Dumont Way. All proceeds will go towards supporting the teachers.

Staying in the loop

When the topic of a school district keeping parents out of the loop about their children rst started coming up two years ago – I didn’t give it much thought. I believed if the school is going to send a note home or call when they administer a small dose of Tylenol, then they surely would notify me of other, more serious issues.

Recently, the Douglas County School District took up the issue of pronouns and parent involvement. While I disagree with ignoring a student’s preferred pronouns – I am OK with the idea of communicating with parents.

A lot of the debate has come as more students are going by di erent pronouns or considering a gender transition. In 2022, a New York Times article said, “Educators are facing wrenching new tensions over whether they should tell parents when students socially transition at school.”

In the article, a parent told a story about her female student identifying as a male student only at school — writing a di erent name on homework assignments, having teachers use he/him pronouns.

e mother in this instance asked the school how they could be doing this without at least letting her know. According to the article, the school counselor said because the student did not want his parents to know, the district and state policies instructed the school to respect his wishes.

For students, it can be a confusing time and they can be struggling with their identities. Being able to turn to someone at school such as a counselor is important. However, gender identity is a serious topic and if a student is considering it, there should be a well-rounded supportive circle, which means keeping parents in the loop.

I cannot see how it is healthy to encourage a student to be one person at school and another at home. at would be both mentally and

physically exhausting for a teenager already questioning their identity. Should a school counselor be encouraging a student to move forward with changing their gender? What if that student is 12? Should they decide parents are not to be part of such a major life change?

As a parent, I have my concerns. School counselors are important for our students to turn to. However, at some point, the student has to go home. e student will leave or move on from that school. Should the parent have the tools needed to help the student with life’s transitions with a full picture of what their children are thinking and feeling?

I am becoming more concerned with the power school administrators, boards and counselors think they have over our children. at goes both ways. I think some districts are getting too extreme on both sides of the debate.

e school district trying to take away student rights such as the use of preferred pronouns is not OK. However, encouraging the student to be deceitful while honoring a secret life at school knowing they are living another at home is not healthy for the student or family.

I have three children — ages 17, 9, and 6. If one of my children is having an identity crisis, struggling, or questioning who they are — I am ne with them turning to a school counselor. What I am not ne with is that counselor agreeing to secrecy. If my child were to go to the counselor rst due to not quite knowing how to tell me something — I still need to know. e school counselor spends a total of a few hours with my children. I live with them. I know them, and their father and I are the ones who need to help guide them in making choices that t their needs currently and in the future. Keeping adults in their lives in the dark is a trend I will never sign o on.  I know some parents may not have what society views as the “right” reaction to some of these tough topics, but they cannot be disregarded.

elma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Moving at a snail’s pace

Sometimes we just have to laugh at ourselves, right? Or is it that sometimes we just have to laugh with ourselves? I am not laughing at you; I am laughing with you kind of thinking as we look in the mirror. My laughing at myself moment came the other day while I was traveling. I had boarded my ight and was checking my email on my phone before we took o . As I tried loading my email app, it took about 8 seconds. And in those 8 seconds I became frustrated and thought why is this taking so long? Cue the laughing at myself.

Each year as technology advances our need for speed seems to advance with it. We want information and we want it now. We not only want it now, but we also expect the information to be fed to us before we even have to think about it, we train the technology to understand what we like and want before we ever even have to search for it, we simply turn on our device and lo and behold there it is waiting for us to consume it.

In a recent meeting with a partner, they were discussing how their technology could serve up information in real time, measuring response times in milliseconds. Again, we have become a culture that has a need for

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

speed, instant grati cation. As I came across a snail the other day, I watched it move slowly across the pavement. And I found myself fascinated by the slow and deliberate pace of the snail. I know it is a snail and snails aren’t equipped to move any faster, so they have to settle for the slow pace at which they move. It took the snail ve minute or so to cross the pavement and move into the grass. Just ve minutes, which for us could now feel like an eternity. So in that moment I re ected on my own need for speed. Although I can’t slow down advancements in technology that are designed to speed things up, nor can I or should I worry about others and their need for speed, I can decide when it’s time to slow things down for myself. Can my walks along the shoreline be a little slower so I can appreciate the sounds of the waves lapping against the sand, taking in the salt air, and maybe nding a unique shell or piece of sea glass? Can my hikes in the mountains be slowed down just a bit so I can take in the wild owers, watch the streams rushing down the mountainside, or look out at the amazing vistas from the openings through the trees?

We are de nitely a society on the go. We want the speed limits to be higher, our ights to get us to our destination faster. We want our meals delivered to our homes or tables in unreasonably fast times. We expect

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What is the value of irrigation?

It’s July, which means it’s Smart Irrigation Month. We at Centennial Water and Sanitation District join with other water providers across the country to promote this annual initiative to educate customers about e cient irrigation practices.

As the water conservation coordinator for Centennial Water, one of my objectives during the summer season is to partner with customers and help you learn how to more e ciently use your irrigation system. is can be accomplished through a variety of ways that can include:

Evaluate your sprinkler system Get to know your controller Water smarter, not more Know when to water

NORTON

FROM PAGE 14

the elevator to show up as soon as we press the button. It’s the pace of the race these days that we are trying to keep up with and the pace is getting quicker and quicker each day. I thought about the snail again. And as I did, I was reminded that moving at a snail’s pace is okay sometimes. I enjoy a slow brewing pot of co ee as it lls the kitchen with that beautiful co ee aroma.

I love reading and spending time slowly letting the story develop and not racing to nish the book. I nd it so much more meaningful to pray slowly as it connects me at a deeper

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

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Evaluate your sprinkler system

July is a peak month for outdoor water use, which makes it a great time to evaluate your sprinkler system. A system audit can detect leaks and uneven watering, which wastes water and can damage your lawn. You can get a free irrigation audit from our partners at Resource Central. A Slow the Flow irrigation audit will reveal the e ciency of your system and you will be provided suggestions to improve it. Call 303-999-3824 to schedule an appointment.

Get to know your controller

What better time than Smart Irrigation Month to get to know your smart controller? A good controller uses sensors and technology to water according to weather conditions and plant needs. You can also set it to water speci c days of the week, and times of the day – all from an app you have on your phone. It

level to those I am praying for and to my faith. And when I can slow down enough before rushing out of the house to write notes to my family and leave them around the house, it makes everyone feel so loved and appreciated.

Is it time to slow down a bit for you? Are you running a race that just gets faster and faster all the time? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can move at a snail’s pace sometimes, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

couldn’t be easier.

Water smarter, not more e greatest waste of water in lawn and landscape irrigation comes from watering too much, too fast. Instead of watering 20 consecutive minutes, run sprinklers in four 5-minute sessions. is is called cycle and soak and it allows water to soak into the soil while minimizing runo .

Know when to water

Watering too much and too often results in shallow roots, weed growth, disease and fungus. Water long enough to soak down to the root zone, and don’t water again until the soil is dry. A good rule of thumb to follow is if the grass springs back when you step on it, it has enough water.

I want you to get the most value out of your irrigation system through these and other e cient techniques. If you have questions, sta at Centennial Water is here to help. You can visit our website at centennialwater.org/rebates to nd out more about how to sign up for a Slow the Flow inspection, and to get information about all of our rebate and incentive programs. You can call or email if you have irrigation questions. We are here to help, whether that’s helping you program your smart controller, or explaining how to set your system to cycle and soak. Contact me at 303-791-0430 or email watermon@ highlandsranch.org.

Paige McFarland is the Water Conservation Coordinator for the Centennial Water & Sanitation District

• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available.

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How to take up running, from starting out to marathons

Roxane Geisler started running in high school as a new challenge — somebody told her she should run cross country.

“I didn’t even know how to run a mile,” said Geisler, who is now president of the Highlands Ranch Running Club.

Getting into running “just gradually happened for me,” said Geisler, who is 54. “Suddenly, I was like, ‘Oh, I really do enjoy it, and I love getting out and seeing the views.’”

For people who are inexperienced at running but want to improve, it’s key not to be intimidated, Geisler said.

“A lot of people think, ‘Oh, I can’t join the running club because I’m not a real runner.’ And that’s totally silly,” Geisler said. “If you run, you’re a runner.”

Ryan Marker, an assistant professor who teaches exercise physiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, said it’s important for beginners to start slow. “Setting appropriate expectations, I think, is really important,” Geisler said. “So if someone’s never run before, you’re not going to get o the couch and do a marathon.”

But with the right plan, even beginners can work their way up to a marathon within months. (Here’s a tip: You don’t have to run the whole thing.)

Here’s some advice on how to start running or take your training to the next level.

Part of the group

One thing that can help you get into running: nding a group of runners to keep you moving.

When Geisler moved to Highlands Ranch in 2003, she noted how many people were out running by themselves.

She learned about the Highlands Ranch Race Series, and part of the idea behind starting her running club was to get some runners to train together.

“It makes running so much easier, training so much easier, when you have people to train with,” Geisler said.

And the people she’s met through her club “were a tremendous in uence on me — just people who really push themselves and try to get the best out of themselves,” said Geisler, who has run marathons.

e club provides a communal atmosphere:

LONG RUN

Runners don’t just work out but also make connections in her group. “De nitely lots of friendships have formed, and even a few people have met their spouses,” Geisler said.

Starting out

For beginners who are getting over the initial hump of starting to run, it’s important not to bite o more than you can chew, said Marker, who works in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

“If you’re just starting, even running for a mile, say — or even less than that — is meaningful,” Marker said.

Another strategy, he said, is to remember you don’t have to run consistently for a whole workout. “Run for ve minutes and walk for two,” Marker said as an example of setting planned walk intervals. at method “can help people build up their initial capacity.”

For runners ages 35 and up, Geisler said starting slow can help, like working toward a goal of “I’m going to run this whole mile without walking,” she said. “And then go from there.”

Also important: making sure you have the right running shoes for you. Geisler recommends getting a shoe tting at a specialty running store like Runners Roost.

“You can really get injuries if you don’t have the right footwear,” Geisler said.

Mental game

“Running is a mental sport” is a cliché for a reason — getting your mind used to running is a big part of the battle.

Di erent strategies can help you tackle the mental aspect of running, according to Marker.

“One very accessible one is goal setting … maybe you’re someone that really thrives on, you know, competition, getting a personal best,” Marker said. For those people, always having an appropriate race that you’re training for can help.

For others, distraction works well, so nd a good music playlist or podcast or audiobooks, Marker suggested.

Or opt for using running as a headclearing experience.

“I can almost do a mindfulness type of thing in running,” Marker said, adding: “Especially if you’re trail running, it can make you stop thinking of other things.”

Gearing up for a marathon

For those who aim to run a marathon — about 26 miles or 42 kilometers — it’s a good idea to schedule an initial training plan of at least six months, Marker said.

For inexperienced runners, there’s “not a small chance that you may get injured in that time, so you want to incorporate some bu er room,” Marker said. at’s partly so if you do develop an injury, you can adjust your training instead of trying to push through the pain and making it worse.

Expecting a long training period can help you eld interruptions that

may pop up.

“Life happens,” Marker said, adding that if you have a busy week at work, for instance, and are not able to stick with your training plan, there’s no need to feel that you’ve failed and have to stop.

In terms of distance, “you want to get in at least one longer run a week,” Marker said.

Expect to run three to four days per week at minimum and six days per week at most.

at’s because runners need to incorporate rest periods to avoid overtraining problems, Marker said, adding that it’s important to give your body time to adapt.

It may surprise you to hear that you shouldn’t be about to keel over throughout your run when training for a marathon.

“It’s not a bad idea to keep most of your training at moderate intensity,” said Marker, who referenced “the talk test.”

at’s “the idea that you’re doing moderate intensity exercise if you’re able to relatively easily carry on a conversation (while) you do that exercise,” Marker said.

If it gets so hard to breathe that you can’t say more than a few words without pausing for breath, that would be higher-than-moderate intensity.

In “the marathon, you’re going to be going at a relatively steady pace for a long period of time,” Marker said, adding it’s a good idea for your training to re ect that pace.

Yes, runners walk

You could call it running or “com-

pleting” a marathon.

“ ere’s no shame if you incorporate walking into a marathon,” Marker said.

“When you get to the elites, they’re running the entire time, and they’re running a pace that people, even me, couldn’t keep up even a 10th of the distance,” said Marker, who has done a couple marathons and one ultramarathon. (An ultramarathon is anything longer than a marathon, he said. e one he did was 50 miles.)

For walking, the biggest tip is making sure it’s planned, Marker said.

“ e moment you start walking because you’re tired,” that can be “game over,” he said.

He added: “You want to have more ‘on’ than ‘o ’ — not ending up with a 50/50 split” of time spent running and walking.

Fuel on the way

Something else you might not know: People training for marathons eat while on the run. at could be energy gels or bars, Marker said.

“I’d say if your long runs are starting to get longer than an hour, that might be a good time to gauge how you’re feeling,” Marker said, adding it could help to start bringing food with you.

Hit the gym

Strength training — not just running — can be key to pushing your running further, as it can help with injury prevention.

“If someone has the time and they’re able to incorporate strength training into their routine,” Marker said, “it can de nitely help them.”

Englewood’s Hampden Hall is a perfect spot to spend a cool summer Saturday afternoon listening to chamber music, performed by highly skilled musicians. Some selections will be familiar and for me, at least, many are not — which is great! And, I get to hear skilled artists performing in a really ne hall.

On June 24, Englewood Arts Presents brought Russian saxophonist Sergei Govorov, who performs both classical and contemporary music for audiences in Europe, Asia and the U.S. In 2023, he received a green card for “extraordinary people,” so

again. I think we sometimes don’t fully recognize the issues international performing artists must cope with to perform in the U.S. or Europe and China.

In addition, he has written three books with musical arrangements for children to play. And musical pieces such as “Organ Plus Saxophone Duet,” which he has performed with organist Olesya Kravchenko — more than 600 concerts in Russia.

Govorov was born in Ekaterinburg, Russia and graduated from the Sverdlovsk Regional Tchaikovsky College of Music in 1999. He studied saxophone at the depart-

there.

He also is a member of the folk ensemble Russian Banjo and after completing his doctorate at the National Gnessin Music Academy, he traveled to France to be coached by skilled performers there and has performed at the prestigious Montreaux, Switzerland, Jazz Festival.

Govorov was accompanied by pianist Britta De Groot, who recently received her master’s in music in piano performance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, under the tutelage of well-recognized pianist David Korevaar.

ere will be one more summer chamber music performance at 2

with Susan Paik on violin and Teddy Niedermaier on piano, performing music by Schumann, Bolcom and Niedermaier.

Fall concert dates are also announced:

Sept. 23 will feature e Lirios Quartet in a celebration of Latino Heritage Month and Oct. 28 will feature pianist Jooeun Pak. On Oct. 28, Alex Gonzalez, assistant professor of violin at CU Boulder (replacing Claude Sim, previously announced) will perform “Violin Sonata in Eb Major” by R. Strauss. On Dec. 10, cellist Silver Ainomae will make a return visit from his present home in Minneapolis.

Thu 7/13

PIckleball - Denver Open

@ 9am

Life Time - Centennial, 5000 E Dry Creek Rd, Centennial

Valor Alumni Series - Basketball

Skills With Raegan Beers

@ 12pm / $60

Valor Athletic Building, 3775 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch. 303-471-3000

Torreys Peak Ages 8-11 - 2023

League Session #4 @ 3:30pm / $325

Jul 13th - Aug 25th

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Eric Golden @ 6:30pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Sat 7/15

Sun 7/16

Wed 7/19

11U-12U-13U Tryout @ 3:30pm / Free

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Marty NIghtengale @ 4pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Dear Marsha,: DM and her Freaky Band Band at Talgate Tavern

@ 4pm Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Mike Ippolito Live at Broken Tee @ 4:30pm

Broken Tee Golf Course, 2101 W Oxford Ave, Englewood

Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts: KYGO Summer Series - Wide

Open

@ 1pm

Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

Danno Simpson @ 5pm Yetman Farms, 2995 S Estes St, Lakewood

Mon 7/17

HRCA Rocky Gulch Circuit @ 5pm / $25-$30

2674 Pemberly Ave, Highlands Ranch

Sturtz: Sounds Exciting! Lakewood @ 5pm

Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park (formerly Lakewood Heritage Center), 801 S Yarrow St, Lakewood

Ladies Night @ 5pm

Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora

14U Tryout @ 6:30pm / $40

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Learn to Bike PreK-1st AM

#HR071723-1WAM

@ 8am / $349

Jul 17th - Jul 21st

CO - Highlands Ranch, Connec‐tions Church, 2121 Dad Clark Drive, Littleton. 720-249-2412

Mountain Biking 5th-7th

#HR071723-1WDC

@ 8am / $699

Jul 17th - Jul 21st

UB40

@ 5pm

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater, 210 E Wolfensberger Rd, Castle Rock

Teague Starbuck

@ 5pm

The Pint Room, 2620 W Belleview Ave, Lit‐tleton

MOONSHINE BANDITS

@ 6pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

CO - Highlands Ranch, Connections Church, 2121 Dad Clark Drive, Littleton. 720-249-2412

Survival Skills 2nd-4th #HR0717231WDC

@ 8am / $699

Jul 17th - Jul 21st

CO - Highlands Ranch, Connections

Church, 2121 Dad Clark Drive, Littleton. 720-249-2412

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo Wednesdays - 'Bout

Gardens hold flowers, trees, wildlife

Th e latest Hudson Gardens Newsletter carries a photo of a resident bullsnake that may be found sunning itself in the gardens these days. is bullsnake is non-venomous, but really might resemble a rattler. Spring owering trees are in bloom and a variety of owers. Walk along trails and look for birds. Open free from sunrise to sunset. Pack a picnic and visit! Please observe wildlife from a distance. e Hudson Gardens & Event Center is located at 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton. See hudsongardens.org.

Art in the park

Greenwood Village o ers art projects for kids ages 6-12 from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays, ursdays at Wetlands Park, 5701 S. Quebec St. $35 per program. Limited to 20 participants. Call 303-797-1779. See tinyurl. com/gvparkart.

Green Mountain Falls

Green Mountain Falls Arts Festival is open with ve new art installations on June 30. ey are: “Open Skies” by Brenda Biondo; “EARTH.SPEAKS” by brooke smiley; “Skye” by Brian Wall; “ e Managers” by Molly Rideout; “Ovum” by Nikki Pike. Green Mountain Falls is at the foot of Pikes Peak. See tinyurl.com/ artgmf.

Depot Art Gallery

e Depot Art Gallery has its 61st Anniversary Show exhibited until July 10, followed by “Being Human” from July 11 to Aug. 5. e annual “Best of Colorado” will run Aug. 8 to Sept. 10, during Western Welcome Week and after. e gallery is at 2069 W. Powers Ave. in Littleton. See depotartgallery.org.

Denver Art Museum

e Denver Art Museum will

Prepare

host its rst “Lowrider Show and Shine” on July 9, followed by the “Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion” exhibit, through Sept. 24. e museum is at 14th and Broadway in Denver. See denverartmuseum. org.

Auditions

Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton, will be holding auditions July 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for “All Shook Up.” Callbacks will be July 9. 303-794-2787, townhallartscenter.org.

Opera

Denver Lyric Opera announces that tenor Mark Van Arsdale will be guest artist at the annual Summer Party, “Vive Le France,” from noon to 2 p.m. at Columbine Country Club, 17 Fairway Lane in Columbine Valley. Dr. Jeremy Reger will accompany. Tickets cost $75 and will be available June 25 online at denverlyricoperaguild. org. DLO raises money to support young singers who are starting a career in opera.

Fort Garland

“bu alo soldiers: reVision” is a new exhibit opening June 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center. Eight independent artists have collaborated and worked independently to create this exhibit. Black Army recruits were known as Bu alo Soldiers. John Taylor Valdez, a descendent to John Taylor and Kitty Cloud (Ute), will appear. Fort Garland is in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. See historycolorado.org/ fort-garland-museum-culturalcenter.

Castle Rock author

Castle Rock author Amanda McCoy Flanagan’a new book, “Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Ley Go,” is available at amazon.com.

Denver Center DCPA eatre tickets are available for the new season: “A Little Night Music”; “Clyde’s”; “Cebollas”; “Rubicon”; “Emma”; “ e Lehman Trilogy”; “Where Did We Sit On the Bus?” denvercenter.org, 303-893-6030.

Freeman keeps shining on tennis court

Castle View grad gets two awards at Iowa college

More than 700 miles away from her native Castle Rock, Katelyn Freeman is still shining on the tennis court.

e 2022 Castle View graduate, a two-year varsity player on the Sabercats girls team, is now playing tennis at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where she recently received the team’s Bogaard Most Improved Performer Award and was a co-recipient of the Hardest Worker Award.

At Castle View, Freeman received the Sabercat Award as both a junior and senior. e Sabercat Award is voted on by the team and given to the player who “represents dedication, competition, sportsmanship and leadership.” Freeman was also recognized for her grades in the classroom in her last two years at Castle View.

“It meant a lot to be recognized, especially because I don’t have as much experience as a lot of the other players,” the 18-year-old Freeman, one of only four freshmen in Central’s lineup, said of the two awards she hauled in. “I didn’t play a ton of

ranked matches this year; I did a lot of exhibition matches. Even though I’m not in the top 3, it’s cool that I can be recognized at any level.”

On receiving the Most Improved Performer Award, Freeman said she noticed a “huge improvement” in her game, even from the start of the fall season in August to the end of the season just two months later. Freeman continued to re ne her game during the spring season, which ran from early March to late April.

She credited the rise in her game to the drills that head coach Ryun Ferrell has the team do on a regular basis and Central’s overall team culture.

“ ose things helped improve both my consistency and con dence as a player,” Freeman said. “ ey helped me not just from a physical standpoint but also from a mental standpoint.”

After hearing what her days are like at the small, private college in western Iowa, it’s no wonder one of the two Hardest Worker Awards was bestowed upon Freeman.

She said a typical day for her consists of waking up and going to at least three classes, working at the school’s athletics complex, going to tennis practice, having dinner with

her teammates in the dining hall, going back to her dorm to spend time with her non-tennis friends and doing homework, then “going to sleep and doing it all again the next day.”

“I do enjoy the busy schedule. Always having something to do gives me a sense of motivation and direction,” Freeman said. “ e energy I get from going to classes translates to work mode and then to practice mode. Staying busy throughout the day helps keep my energy up and helps me do what I need to do.”

Knowing how to navigate a full schedule like the one she has now will certainly come in handy when the time comes for her to take on the professional world.

Freeman, who is studying economics at Central, said she wants

to go into the investing eld — she loves all things hedge funds, stocks and portfolios.

Of course, Freeman isn’t ready to tackle Wall Street just yet. She still has three years of classes and homework and team dinners and tennis matches to tackle at Central.

And if the teenager continues to work hard and builds on the improvements she’s already made to her game, who knows how much more hardware she can add to her shelf while she’s in the Hawkeye State?

“I de nitely want to work on taking my game to the next level next year. I’d like to go from an exhibition player to maybe the lower end of the starting lineup,” Freeman said. “Now that I know what I’m doing, I’d also like to take on more of a leadership role and show incoming freshmen that I made it through my freshman year and they can make it through theirs, too.”

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‘Alcohol alternatives’ and community aid

That’s Kava is now open on Broadway in Englewood

Whether it’s shooting pool or bowling with friends, one Colorado business owner noticed it’s hard to go out in the evening and not end up near folks drinking.

“All of our social time is all spent around alcohol,” Ryan Gnieski told Colorado Community Media.

“ ere’s got to be something better than that, you know? We o er that alternative.”

Gnieski recently opened at’s Kava, a bar that serves kava and other non-alcoholic beverages, on South Broadway in Englewood.

Kava is a tea-like drink made from the root of a plant in the pepper family, found in the South Paci c islands. Served cold in a small bowl that mimics a coconut shell, kava has a relaxing e ect but doesn’t affect your motor skills, Gnieski said.

“It acts as a social lubricant, loosens your shoulders, makes you a little more talkative — but it doesn’t impair your judgment,” said Samuel

IF YOU GO

That’s Kava is located at 3394 South Broadway in Englewood. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Annes, the administrative operations manager at at’s Kava. With a bright pink and blue color palette and a 10-foot marlin above the bar, the new hangout spot exudes a Florida vibe. at’s an homage to the state where Gnieski grew up and rst learned about kava nearly two decades ago.

In addition to kava, the new business serves tea, co ee, Red Bull and drinks containing kratom, a Southeast Asian plant known for its stimulant-like e ects. ere’s a pool table in the back, and while there isn’t any food on the menu, Gnieski encourages people to bring in a snack from one of the neighboring eateries.

“With kava, it’s all about community,” he said. “I’m just about bringing people together.”

at’s Kava is registered as a nonpro t corporation with the State of Colorado. Gnieski, who also founded a kava bar in Lakewood and owns a trading card game store

KAVA

in South Florida, said the money at’s Kava earns will go back towards operating expenses.

Any extra will be used to help local charities and organizations in the community. He envisions picking out four or ve Englewood groups each quarter and letting his customers vote on which should receive the business’s surplus.

“We’re just trying to o er alcohol alternatives while trying to help out local communities,” Gnieski said of his latest endeavor.

at’s Kava, decorated with balloons and streamers, celebrated its grand opening June 17 by staying open for over 24 hours. e event included party food, a photobooth, a ra e and drink specials. Just before 8 p.m., two rattan chairs and a little love seat were moved out to make room for the live DJ that took the chill vibe of the packed bar up a notch or two.

Normally the music’s kept at a low volume and the atmosphere is relaxed, Gnieski had said earlier.

But they only have one grand opening, Annes conceded with a smile as he surveyed the lively scene.

Legals

Public Trustees

PUBLIC NOTICE

Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0076

To Whom It May Concern: On 4/25/2023 7:29:00

AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: Jason Stobart

Original Beneficiary: FirstBank

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: FirstBank Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 8/22/2019

Recording Date of DOT: 8/29/2019

Reception No. of DOT: 2019054324

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $35,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $34,989.30

Pursuant to C.R.S. §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 by the Deed of Trust and related loan documents

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property:

Lot 51, Block 3, Highlands Ranch Filing No. 14, County of Douglas, State of Colorado.

Which has the address of:

1077 Appleblossom Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Build-

ing Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of 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 deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 6/22/2023

Last Publication: 7/20/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 4/25/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

TREVOR G. BARTEL

Colorado Registration #: 40449 1601 19TH STREET, SUITE 1000, DENVER, COLORADO 80202 Phone #: (303) 623-9000

Fax #: Attorney File #: 307913-00049

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0076

First Publication: 6/22/2023

Last Publication: 7/20/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0067

To Whom It May

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Borrower’s failure to make timely payments as required under the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 70, STERLING RANCH FILING NO. 4A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED OCTOBER 24, 2018 UNDER RECEPTION NO. 2018064726

Which has the address of: 8041 Adams Fork Avenue, Littleton, CO 80125

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of 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 deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 6/15/2023

Last Publication: 7/13/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 4/10/2023

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

N. APRIL WINECKI

Colorado Registration #: 34861 9800 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. SUITE 400, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112

Phone #: (303) 706-9990

Fax #: (303) 706-9994

Attorney File #: 23-029580

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0067

First Publication: 6/15/2023

Last Publication: 7/13/2023 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE

Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0073

To Whom It May Concern: On 4/19/2023 10:40:00

AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: Nancy A Cox

Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS") as nominee for Cherry Creek Mortgage Co., Inc., Its Successors and Assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt:

NewRez LLC, F/K/A New Penn Financial, LLC,

D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/17/2019

Recording Date of DOT: 6/24/2019

Reception No. of DOT: 2019036372

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:

$202,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $192,071.24

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: the failure to make timely payments required under said Deed of Trust and the Evidence of Debt secured thereby.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 332, HIGHLANDS RANCH, FILING 122-G, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS,

STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 10394 Ravenswood Lane, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of 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 deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 6/15/2023

Last Publication: 7/13/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 4/19/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

ILENE DELL'ACQUA

Colorado Registration #: 31755 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (877) 369-6122

Fax #:

Attorney File #: CO-23-955681-LL

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0073

First Publication: 6/15/2023

Last Publication: 7/13/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press ### Highland Ranch Herald Legals July 6, 2023 *