Chronicle Parker 3/21/13
Parker
Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 11, Issue 21
March 22, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourparkernews.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. Mendoza continues on Page 13
School board secretary Nona Eichelberger, left, swears in new school board member Dr. Carrie Mendoza during the March 14 meeting. Photo by Jane Reuter
More gun bills reach governor Background checks, magazine limits await signature By Vic Vela
vvela@ourcoloradonews.com Two more gun bills await Gov. John Hickenlooper’s signature, following another week of polarized debate on firearm-related legislation in the General Assembly. A bill that would put in place universal background checks on gun sales and transfers has now cleared the General Assembly, after getting one last round of debate in both the House and Senate on March 15. House Bill 1229 had previously passed both chambers, but lawmakers had to take up the bill again to deal with some minor amendments. Earlier in the week, on March 13, the House also passed House Bill 1224, which limits high-capacity ammunition magazines to 15 rounds. That bill had already passed the House last Report month, but lawmakers in the lower chamber had to vote on the legislation again in order to deal with amendments from the Senate. As was the case with earlier votes on these bills, debate was lengthy and at times emotional. Democrats continued to make the argument that background checks and magazine limits must be put in place to prevent more criminals from terrorizing a state that is no stranger to mass shootings. And Republicans argued at length that the bills would do nothing to further community safety and would only make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The same Democratic lawmakers who voted against the bills did so again last week. Reps. Ed Vigil of Fort Garland, Steve Lebsock of Thornton and Leroy Garcia of Pueblo all voted against putting in place magazine limits. Vigil also voted against the background checks bill, along with Sen. Lois Tochtrop of Thornton. All Republicans voted against both measures. House Bills 1224 and 1229 join the previously passed House Bill 1228 — which re-
Capitol
Debbie Schacht, who helps run Parker Feed & Supply, holds one of the shop’s baby chicks March 19. Photos by Chris Michlewicz
Baby chicks a popular Easter gift Preparation key if giving poultry as presents By Chris Michlewicz
c m i c h l e w i c z @ o u rc o l o ra donews.com Easter tends to bring out the cute and fluffy things in life. There are the ever-present bunny rabbits, but some might not know about the increasing presence of baby chickens. The chicks, fresh out of their shells, are given as gifts to the delight of youngsters. “Chicks are the new dog,” said Debbie Schacht, who helps run Parker Feed & Supply, a company that has been in business for 42 years along South Parker Road. The family-owned and -operated store sells about 300
A group of baby chicks hangs out in a stock tank, which has a heat lamp to keep them warm. Parker Feed & Supply gets weekly shipments of baby chicks starting in early March, ahead of Easter. chicks in the two weeks leading up to Easter. And while the chicks bring smiles to the faces of those who receive them, there are a few important things to remember. Building or buying a quality chicken coop, with access for
easy cleanup and egg retrieval, is a must. The chicks must be kept inside for warmth during their first 12 weeks. Complying with town ordinances and homeowner-association rules is advised, Schacht says, as is having a chicken run and a
coop that prevents hawks and owls from preying on the pets. But once the details are out of the way, the chicks can be enjoyable first pets. Schacht, the proud owner of 23 chickens, said they make perfect 4-H projects for kids in suburban areas. “They learn how to take care of them and can sell eggs on the side,” she said. “It’s a great way for kids to learn responsibility.” Chickens exhibit different personalities. Some are sweetnatured, and some are there strictly to conduct the business of laying eggs. They prefer not to snuggle up. “Others come running up to me,” Schacht says. “One knows her name: Speckles.” The chicks at Parker Feed & Supply arrive by mail from a Missouri hatchery every spring and are sold for between $3 and Chicks continues on Page 13
Guns continues on Page 13
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.