Sentinel Colorado 2.12.2026

HELTER SHELTER

Aurora’s nascent Navigation Center for homeless people is straying off course, residents say

Inspiring Courage. Building Hope.

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery

1290 S. Potomac St. Aurora, CO 80012 (303) 617-2300

WEST ENTRANCE

Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• CONNECT TO CARE (C2C)

• Same-day, non-emergency access to care

NORTH ENTRANCE

Open 24/7/365

• Crisis Walk-In Clinic

• Crisis Stabilization Unit

• Withdrawal Management (formerly East Metro Detox)

The road to honoring diversity in Aurora has a name: Barbara Shannon Banister

It would be hard to imagine a better metaphor for the storied work of Aurora activist Barbara Shannon Banister than a road leading to our local self-government.

This week, Aurora named the very street leading to city hall for Barbara, who for decades has worked to bring equity, compassion and evolution to one of the most diverse communities in the nation.

DAVE PERRY Editor

In typical “BSB” fashion, she said the honor was truly gratifying, but the decades of achievements in identifying and addressing issues linked to race, culture and diversity in Aurora were a collaborative march toward progress. True, but Barbara has always been at the front of the parade. The road to Barbara Shannon Banister street on the east side of Aurora city hall started in a Black New Orleans neighborhood, where she was born.

Barbara grew up in the thick of segregation and was eager to move away from it when she and her husband, Gaurdie Bannister, were expecting their first child.

They not only went West, where segregation was at least more subtle, they landed in Casper, Wyoming.

She recalled the relief she discovered that, despite real fears, people out here rode in cars and not just on horses.

Life was good there, Barbara said. Gaurdie, an Air Force vet, eventually rose to become an education leader at the local community college and became involved in employment equity work.

Barbara finished her degree in humanities from the University of Wyoming. She was bestowed an honorary doctorate later in her career.

And the road then brought them to Aurora in the late 1970s.

Here, she and Gaurdie became smitten with the burgeoning diversity of Aurora, and how it was emerging and evolving into something new and different, rather than typical red-lined communities in other large cities and outright segregation in the South.

They both helped found the Aurora NAACP, which Gaurdie went on to lead before his death from a pandemic-related illness in 2020.

Barbara took up work with the city in the early 1980s, rising to lead the city’s Community Relations Department for decades, until she retired from the city in 2019.

The road to her retirement was often a wild ride, filled with nearly made-for-TV obstacles, which she regularly met with solutions.

She was the inventor of several city programs created to meet diversity and racism challenges head-on.

The early 1990s saw a freakish emergence of neo-Nazism and outlandish racism by a relatively small but potent group of far-right extremists.

Locally, Shawn Slater was a local guy among a group of white supremacists who grabbed plenty of headlines and local news airtime.

He led a variety of racist rallies in Aurora and the metro area, eventually rising in the ranks to become top dog in the Colorado Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. He made The New York Times headlines when he said he wanted to run for Aurora City Council.

One day, as Barbara was at city hall getting to her office, she shared the elevator ride with Slater and another Klansman while they were seeking protest permits.

What are the odds?

Her storied career at Aurora city hall was rife with “what are the odds?”

Barbara’s trademark long braids started as a show of support for fellow Black city employees in the 1990s when a bevy of workers were targeted with racist insults.

She was pushed into a local fray when Rodney King riots in Los Angeles rippled across the nation, including in Aurora.

Trouble erupted at Aurora’s two malls and Barbara found herself working to quell both unrest and distrust among Black youths and a jittery non-Black community, unsure what to expect or how to react.

She handled the crisis with her trademark commitment. Diversity and racial issues demand honesty, transparency and communication, she says.

Those qualities are what moved Aurora so far past neighboring communities when it came to creating a city that is clearly and openly nonchalant about shopping, learning and playing alongside folks speaking as many as 140 different languages, wearing possibly hijabs, hoodies or Hermes.

When Black children were tagged and mistreated at a local skating rink, more than 20 years ago, she helped create Citizens Concerned About Minorities in Aurora. Rather than just posture and talk around racial problems, groups like CCAMA and the Key Community Response Team took issues head-on.

It was all about frank talk and an up-front demand to solve issues rather than just perpetuate them.

Barbara said the city appears to have backed off of its successes by backing away from utilizing the programs, and the determination that worked so well.

There’s no denying, however, that the Herculean work Barbara and other local diversity leaders did for the past several decades has, indeed, paid off in numerous ways.

Periodic crises were punctuated with endless other successes, too. The MLK Jr. Library in northwest Aurora has the only full-body statue of the library’s namesake in the state, a project Barbara worked hard for.

Nearly every store, restaurant and service in Aurora is a kaleidoscope of cultures and races, much like the programs Barbara led pushed them to be.

And for the first time in the city’s history, the city council, the school boards, the legislative seats and even the county commissions are filled with representatives and officials that look like the communities they serve.

She’s far from done. Her Grand Designs non-profit group, which has produced a variety of cultural programs in Aurora, is now marching toward a new audience on social media and podcasts, with a first show out in January and more to come this year.

New generation. Same direction on a very long road.

Barbara truly helped clear the path to the cultural and racial progress Aurora enjoys. It’s only just that the road to the doors of city hall bear her name for the next generation of leaders determined to get there.

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

Cherry Creek school board enacts ‘reforms’ in the wake of superintendent’s sudden resignation

‘ANY ALLEGATIONS OF MISOGYNY DISCRIMINATION, RACIAL BIAS, DISCRIMINATION AND THE IMPROPER USE OF FUNDS, PARTICULARLY THOSE DESCRIBED AS LONG STANDING OR SYSTEMIC, WILL BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND INVESTIGATED’

BY SENTINEL STAFF

The Cherry Creek School District Board of Education approved what they termed as policy reforms and an external audit following the sudden resignation of Superintendent Christopher Smith and the placement of the district’s chief human resources officer, his wife, Brenda Smith, on administrative leave.

“This is a difficult and emotional moment for our district and our broader community,” Cherry Creek Board Director Angela Garland said during the board’s monthly meeting Monday at Sky Vista Middle School. “The departure of Superintendent Chris Smith and the placement of our human resources director on lead has stirred a wide range of emotions. For some, there is relief, perhaps even a sense of vindication. For others, there is grief, confusion and a real sense of loss. I have had conversations with people on both sides, and I want to be clear, both experiences are real and both deserve to be acknowledged.”

Board members unanimously approved the changes during its meeting Feb. 9. The changes come after an executive session last week.

The reforms include tightening procurement and spending approval policies, requiring legal department review and approval of all contracts and establishing clearer guidelines for district travel for the remainder of the school year, according to a statement from district spokesperson Ashley Verville.

The changes follow a turbulent period for the 53,000-student district. Smith unexpectedly resigned at the end of January, with the board accepting his resignation during an executive session. He announced his retirement the next day.

His resignation came amid media scrutiny stemming from a Denver 7 News investigation in which district employees described what they characterized as a toxic work environment. Sources for the 7 News report also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest because Smith and the district’s

chief human resources officer are married.

District officials have said Smith’s resignation was unrelated to the television reports. Board members, however, said this week that scrutiny and changes are focused on the Smiths actions and performance.

“The decision to review District policies and freeze certain travel and contracts is a result of concerns being raised about the decisions and actions of former Superintendent Smith and Brenda Smith,” Board President Anne Egan said. “Immediate action was necessary to maintain the public’s confidence. We look forward to continuing to listen and engage the community as we uphold our promise of being ‘Dedicated to Excellence’.”

Monday was the first time the school board spoke publicly about the controversy. Board members did not decline details about allegations against the Smiths, citing advice from attorneys to restrict comment because the issues are employee related. Each board member, however, at the beginning of the meeting acknowledged that there are a bevy of unspecified accusations against the Smiths, all stemming from the Channel 7 story and other media reports.

The board has frozen certain travel and new contracts and begun reviewing district policies related to nepotism and conflicts of interest.

Brenda Smith was placed on administrative leave effective Feb. 2, and the board said an internal investigation into her actions is underway.

Egan said the recent steps were prompted by concerns raised about decisions and actions involving both Christopher Smith and Brenda Smith. Eagan did not say where those concerns were coming from.

Failure to comply with the new contract review requirements could result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, the board said.

“All five members of this board are committed to transparency with and accountability for our community,” Egan said in a statement earlier Monday.

One of the board’s newest members went further, saying he would ensure a vigorous and transparent investigation, citing some of the allegations from media reports.

“I want to be very clear that as long as I am on this board, any allegations of misogyny discrimination, racial bias, discrimination and the improper use of funds, particularly those described as long standing or systemic, will be taken seriously and investigated,” Board Director JC Futrell said Monday. “These issues are inexcusable. They are incompatible with public education, with ethical leadership and with the trust are community places they will not be tolerated moving forward and anyone participating in these acts, this is your notice.”

A timeline for the investigations was not laid out during the meeting.

Egan said the board has met in executive session more frequently than usual because of personnel matters requiring legal counsel, but expects to return to a more typical meeting schedule as those issues are resolved.

Interim Superintendent Jennifer Perry is also expected to announce that, at the board’s direction, she is initiating an external audit of district systems and structures Verville said in a statement. The audit will examine internal controls, operational processes and fiscal responsibilities, according to the board. Smith was appointed superintendent in 2021 after more than a decade in the district, where he previously served as chief of staff and as an elementary school principal. Perry, who had been deputy superintendent, was named interim superintendent effective Feb. 2.

Board members did not provide details of a search process for a permanent superintendent.

AROUND AURORA

Aurora’s Fire Station 9 reopens after $9.3 million rebuild from ‘shifting soils’ dilemma

Aurora reopened Fire Station 9 in central Aurora after demolishing and rebuilding the aging firehouse on shifting soil that city officials said made renovation impractical.

The new two-story, 12,000-squarefoot station at 17200 E. Mexico Ave. is back in service less than a year after the original structure was torn down, the department announced.

The $9.3 million project was funded primarily through federal American Rescue Plan Act money.

The original Station 9, completed in 1979, was demolished last March, after years of structural problems linked to unstable soil beneath the building. City officials previously said the station sat atop expansive fill material that swelled and shrank with moisture, causing cracks, gaps between walls and floors, and other damage that worsened over time.

Contractors inspecting structural problems at the station discovered the building was sitting on about 7 feet of “fill” material, including sand and clay, as well as sandy soil full of clay and silt that extended as far down as 30 feet below the surface, officials said previously.

Inspectors said the soft soils were likely deposited when nearby homes were being built. The ground underneath the fire station were composed of “expansive” or “shifting” soil, which tends to swell when wet and shrink when dry, damaging structures that aren’t built to withstand the stress.

A 2016 facilities assessment concluded the building no longer met the needs of the department or its firefighters. While the station remained safe to occupy, city staff determined that tearing it down and rebuilding on the same site was more cost-effective than renovating the deteriorating structure.

Before demolition, Station 9 operated as a single-company house with one engine and a four-person crew serving Aurora’s Ward III community. The building was originally designed with an open bunk room and later retrofitted with individual sleeping areas, though space constraints prevented the addition of doors.

The new station includes 11 dorm rooms, eight bathrooms, a fitness room, kitchen, dining areas, a day room, offices and a double-length, three-bay apparatus bay. It was designed to allow for future expansion, including the possibility of adding a second fire company.

During construction, Engine 9’s crew was temporarily housed at nearby Station 8 while continuing to serve the same coverage area. The crew has since returned to the rebuilt station.

A public ribbon-cutting and grand opening is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7. The event will include a dedication ceremony, station tours and opportunities for residents to meet firefighters and see fire engines up close.

— Sentinel Staff

Aurora, Boulder legislators pitch new fees on beer, wine and spirits to fund addiction services

A pair of Colorado Democratic lawmakers are reviving a proposal to raise money for addiction prevention, treatment and recovery programs by imposing new fees on alcoholic beverages.

The bill, which is expected to be officially introduced in the Colorado House this week, would apply the fees to beer, wine and spirits manufacturers and

wholesale distributors, charging $0.26 per bottle of spirits, $0.05 per bottle of wine and about $0.03 per six-pack of beer.

Small breweries would be exempt.

The fees would not kick in until July of 2027. They would be collected by the Colorado Department of Revenue and distributed by an oversight board. The money generated would go towards prevention, treatment and recovery programs, specifically for alcohol-related substance use disorders.

As of 2024, Colorado had some of the highest per-capita alcohol consumption in the U.S., and the 7th highest rate of alcohol-induced deaths, according to data from the state’s Department of Public Health and Environment.

State Rep. Jamie Jackson of Aurora, a sponsor of the bill, said fees on the alcohol industry are a way to create a dedicated, sustainable funding source for key services that face dwindling resources.

“We’re talking about a billion-dollar industry annually, billions of dollars, and I think it’s really time for us to put people over profits,” Jackson said. “At a time where we are cutting our budgets – that’s programs and services that people desperately, desperately need – I want to create pathways for people to just get the help that they need.”

The bill will also be sponsored by State Sen. Judy Amabile of Boulder.

The fees, more specifically called enterprise fees, are not considered taxes under state law because they generate revenue from a specific industry to fund services directly related to that industry –in this case, charging the alcohol industry fees to fund alcohol-related addiction services. In Colorado, any new taxes must be approved by voters under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR, while enterprise fees can be implemented simply through legislation.

The revenue generated by an enterprise fee in Colorado is capped at $20 million annually. The bill would create three separate enterprise fees – one for beer, a second for wine and a third for spirits – and the bill’s sponsors hope they could raise up to $60 million dollars per year in total.

The prevention services funded by the bill would include early intervention programs, community outreach and efforts to deter impaired driving, according to backers of the measure. Treatment services would include inpatient, residential, detoxification and crisis stabilization programs. And funding for recovery services would help expand access to programs that also incorporate behavioral health treatment, including those that are family or community-based.

The bill would also take steps to ensure that veterans have prioritized access to treatment and recovery services, and approximately two percent of the revenue raised would be set aside for Colorado’s federally recognized Native American tribes and urban Indian organizations.

Advocates say the funding is desperately needed as lawmakers prepare to make deep cuts to balance an $850 million state budget deficit, with money for prevention, treatment and recovery programs potentially on the chopping block.

“We’re in a place where we could have to cut all these services, and people aren’t getting what they need,” said Tonya Wheeler, executive director of Advocates for Recovery Colorado. “Substance use disorder needs to have the full continuum of prevention, treatment and recovery. We can’t get rid of any piece of that.”

Wheeler is also concerned about diminished support on the federal level, pointing especially to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA. The agency has faced budget cuts, restructuring, staff reductions and hundreds of millions of

dollars in grant cancellations over the last year under the Trump administration.

But the proposal will likely face pushback in Colorado, including from Gov. Jared Polis.

A similar measure was introduced during the 2024 legislative session, but failed to pass, in part because of pushback from the governor’s office. That year, Polis said he was concerned the bill would raise prices for consumers. He also pressured the bill’s sponsors to exempt all beer companies from the fees, including industry giants like Golden-based Coors Brewing Company and Budweiser-maker Anheuser-Busch.

Sponsors of the bill strongly opposed the change, arguing that exempting large companies would undermine the core intent of the policy. The measure died on the legislative calendar.

Polis has yet to take an official position on this year’s proposal.

“The governor will review the final bill

if it reaches his desk,” Polis spokesperson Shelby Wieman said in a statement. Jackson said negotiations with the governor’s office over the policy are already happening, but that she opposes a carve-out for beer that includes large brewers.

“I don’t understand the justification or reasoning for why we would exempt it,” Jackson said.

Alcohol industry trade groups opposed the 2024 measure, and are likely to have the same position on this year’s. The Colorado Brewers Guild does not take official positions on bills that have not been introduced, but executive director Shawnee Adelson said her organization is already skeptical.

“We have concerns with the proposed legislation,” Adelson said, adding that the fees would “continue to harm Colorado’s craft breweries at a time when they are already struggling with rising costs and softening demand.”

Other groups, including the Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology, which advocates for the state’s wine makers, and the Colorado Distillers Guild, also expressed similar concerns, but stopped short of taking official positions.

— Lucas Brady Woods/ KUNC Reps Crow, Neguse inspect Aurora ICE jail unannounced following court ruling

“Colorado Democratic Congressional Reps. Jason Crow and Joe Neguse conducted an unannounced oversight visit to the GEO ICE detention facility in Aurora Feb. 6 morning, marking their first such inspection since a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to require advance notice for congressional visits.

The visit follows a ruling last week by U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, who granted

emergency relief to Crow, Neguse and other Democratic lawmakers from across the country challenging a Department of Homeland Security policy that required members of Congress to give seven days’ notice before entering immigration detention facilities.

The policy was imposed in January by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem without public announcement, according to the lawsuit.

Details about their inspection were not included in the announcement Friday.

Under federal law, members of Congress are permitted to conduct unannounced oversight of facilities used for immigration detention, including those run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and private contractors such as the GEO Group.

In a joint statement Friday, Crow and Neguse said the administration has attempted to block lawmakers from carrying out their oversight responsibilities.

“The Trump Administration is trying to block Members of Congress from doing our jobs of conducting oversight. So we took them to court,” the lawmakers said. “The law is clear: Members of Congress have the right to conduct oversight of federal immigration facilities.”

The congressional members also pointed to deaths in custody and the scale of federal spending on immigration detention.

“Last year was the deadliest year at federal detention facilities in decades,” Crow and Neguse said in their statement.

“Billions of taxpayer dollars are being used to carry out a violent and lawless immigration agenda. Coloradans deserve transparency and accountability.”

The court order last week temporarily restored unannounced access to immigration detention centers while the legal challenge continues. ICE and DHS officials have argued the notice requirement

is necessary for security and coordination, though lawmakers have rejected that explanation, saying it violates federal law and undermines congressional oversight.

Crow has long pushed for access to the privately operated GEO ICE detention facility in Aurora. Yesterday’s visit was his 11th inspection of the facility since 2019, according to his office. Crow’s staff has conducted more than 80 oversight visits to the site, and reports from those inspections are publicly posted on his website.

The dispute over access has unfolded amid increased scrutiny of immigration detention facilities nationwide, as detention has expanded under President Donald Trump’s policies and lawmakers have raised concerns about transparency, accountability and detainee welfare.

— Sentinel Staff

Arapahoe County seeks public input on transportation safety improvements

Arapahoe County is asking residents to weigh in on final updates to its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, which officials say will guide future transportation safety improvements in unincorporated areas near Aurora.

The plan, known as the CSAP, identifies where safety improvements are most needed across the county’s transportation network and is intended to make travel safer for people who walk, bike, use transit or drive.

In addition to online comments, the county will host two in-person meetings in February to explain the proposed recommendations and collect feedback.

A transit-oriented communities open house is scheduled from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 10, in the Thersa Dando Meeting Room at the Sheridan Library, 3425 W.

Oxford Ave.

An eastern Arapahoe County open house is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12, at the Kelver Library, 585 S. Main St., in Byers.

County officials said earlier public input helped identify locations where residents feel unsafe. Project staff are now reviewing crash data and roadway conditions to identify high-risk areas and focus on strategies aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities.

The updated plan follows a “Safe System Approach,” which emphasizes designing transportation systems that anticipate human error and reduce the severity of crashes.

To develop the update, the county is working with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Patrol and the Denver Regional Council of Governments.

Residents reviewing the draft recommendations are encouraged to comment on whether any roadways or intersections are missing, whether proposed improvements are unnecessary, which projects should be prioritized and what criteria should be used to rank them.

County officials said the final public comment period opens Feb. 9 and runs through March 2. More information about the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and the public comment process is available at www.arapahoeco.gov/safetyplan.

— Sentinel Staff

What

to

build — first: Aurora

solicits

advice on envisioning, ranking public projects

Aurora residents are invited to help shape the city’s infrastructure priorities by attending a series of public feedback sessions this month held by the city’s

Build Up Aurora Infrastructure Task Force.

The sessions, called “ranking roundups,” are designed to collect community input advising the city which proposed infrastructure projects should take priority as the city plans for future growth and addresses unmet capital needs.

Residents can attend one or more meetings, hear presentations on proposed projects, such as public recreation, public safety, cultural and other features, and rank their preferences by focus area.

The meetings mark the next phase of the task force’s work.

City officials said residents provided extensive feedback in 2025 on the types of infrastructure projects that matter most, and the upcoming sessions will build on that input.

Spanish interpretation will be provided at the meetings, and all ages are welcome.

The schedule includes:

• Other City Facilities: Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway.

• Parks, Recreation and Open Space: Feb. 19, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place.

• Transportation Infrastructure: Feb. 21, from 1:30 p.m.to 3 p.m. at the Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle; Also, Feb. 24, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.; and Feb. 26, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Southeast Recreation Center, 25400 E. Alexander Drive.

• Libraries, Arts and Culture: Feb. 25, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E. Hampden Circle.

• Public Safety: Feb. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway.

City officials say safe, adequate and

well-maintained infrastructure is essential to Aurora’s economic health and has a significant impact on residents’ quality of life.

Project descriptions, feedback opportunities and recordings of the presentations will also be available online at EngageAurora.org/BuildUpAurora.

— Sentinel Staff

Colorado Dems seek answers on ICE ‘death cards’ in Eagle County linked to Aurora office

Colorado congressional Democrats are calling for further investigation into the ace of spades playing cards left in the cars of people detained by federal immigration agents in Eagle County.

U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow and Brittany Pettersen wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem last week about the incident.

Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 10 people in Eagle County during traffic stops. When family members went to get the cars left behind, they found in the vehicles the ace of spades cards printed with “ICE Denver Field Office” and the address of the privately-run immigration detention center in Aurora, according to advocacy group Voces Unidas de las Montañas.

Known as the “death card,” the ace of spades has been associated with psychological warfare, as U.S. soldiers left the card on the bodies of dead Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War.

“It is unacceptable and dangerous for federal law enforcement to use this symbol to intimidate Latino communities. This behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement, raises serious civil rights concerns, and falls far short of the pro-

fessional standards expected of federal agents,” the letter reads.

The group of lawmakers is requesting, by Feb. 13, a briefing on ICE activity in Eagle County, a written report about an ongoing Homeland Security investigation, a separate investigation by the Homeland Security Office of Inspector General into the Denver Field Office, and confirmation of any corrective action.

In a statement to The Denver Post last month, a Homeland Security spokesperson condemned the playing cards and said the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility would investigate.

The agency did not immediately respond to a separate request for comment.

The letter from lawmakers also addresses the allegation that ICE agents were in unmarked vehicles with sirens during the arrests.

“This behavior leads individuals to believe they are lawfully required to pull over for a traffic violation when in reality, the federal government has no authority over local or state traffic regulations. Federal agents acting in disguise as local law enforcement is misconduct and should be treated as such,” they wrote.

The letter comes amid growing national backlash to the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts, which in Minnesota last month involved the killing by immigration agents of two citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

— Sara Wilson, Colorado Newsline

Colorado Democrats advance bill to allow lawsuits against ICE agents

“Government officials are subject to the law.” Aurora state Sen. Mike Weissman Colorado Democrats approved a bill during a committee hearing Monday that would allow people to sue immigration officers for alleged constitutional violations, following a tense month of nationwide protests against immigration operations and the fatal shootings of two citizens in Minneapolis.

“Government officials are subject to the law,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, an Aurora Democrat who is running the bill at the Legislature. “When we have rights, we also need to have remedies when those rights are violated, or can we truly be said to have rights at all?”

Senate Bill 26-5 is one bill in a package lawmakers aim to pass this legislative session related to how immigration enforcement personnel can operate in the state and accountability measures for immigration agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

It is sponsored by Weissman and Sen. Julie Gonzales, a Denver Democrat.

The bill would allow people to sue federal immigration officers in state court if they think their constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration enforcement, with a statute of limitations of two years. It also strips any immunities an officer might have under other laws, including qualified immunity.

During the first year of the Trump administration’s mass immigration detention and deportation effort, ICE officers have pursued increasingly severe methods in their operations, including smashing car windows to remove drivers and passengers, forcibly entering private homes without a warrant and using tear gas on protesters. Last October, state investigators launched a probe into the use of force by ICE officers on a woman during a protest in Durango. In January, immigration enforcement officers shot and killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were observing enforcement operations in Minneapolis.

“What we have seen in this moment

is a shift in tactics, an increase in use of force and officials at the highest levels of the federal government, including (White House Deputy Chief of Staff) Stephen Miller, (Department of Homeland Security Secretary) Kristi Noem and (former Border Patrol commander at large) Greg Bovino, have said there is no stopping their force,” Gonzales said. “Except I believe that the Constitution protects us all.”

Supporters say the bill would give a concrete legal remedy for affected people.

“Constitutional rights are supposed to come with enforcement mechanisms,” said Meagan Forbes, the director of legislation at the Institute of Justice. “This bill restores a basic accountability mechanism that was once available through common law, but that has now been largely gutted.”

Federal law allows people to bring civil rights lawsuits against state and local officials, such as police officers, but there’s not a similar pathway for lawsuits against federal agents. Illinois recently passed a law that’s similar to SB-5.

Sen. Lynda Zamora Wilson, an El Paso County Republican, said the bill would invite “expansive litigation abuses.”

“I’m afraid that this is going to cause a chilling effect, not just in our federal agents, but statewide,” she said. “You’re opening up a demand for these lawsuits. If we’re going to protect constitutional rights, we should target and support reforms at the federal level.”

The bill passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee on a party-line vote. It’s likely Senate Republicans will also be uniformly opposed to the bill, as they were on a Democratic resolution Monday that criticized immigration enforcement tactics.

“We have now two large federal agencies that have been weaponized — sometimes explicitly in their own statements and their own documents that have come to light — for the purpose of infringing on the First, Second, Fourth and Fifth amendments,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, a Pueblo Democrat. “Nothing in this bill has anything to do with law enforcement dutifully enforcing the laws of this nation. It has to do with infringements of those constitutional rights.”

Lawmakers will also introduce at least two other bills related to ICE enforcement and cooperation in Colorado. One of them would prohibit ICE officers from wearing masks and require them to wear identification, including their agency name and identification number. Another bill would require publication of all subpoenas issued by the Department of Homeland Security, notification to people if their information was shared with federal officials, and regular inspections in immigration detention centers.

The bills build on work from last year, when lawmakers strengthened a statute that prohibits agencies and local governments from sharing immigration status data with the federal government, except for criminal cases. Last year, Gov. Jared Polis directed a state employee to provide such data about adult sponsors of unaccompanied immigrant minors, but a judge ruled that Polis could not compel the employee to do so.

Bill sponsors and community supporters publicly unveiled the bill package at a rally outside the Capitol in Denver on Monday.

“My message to ICE agencies is ‘I was just following orders’ is no excuse for committing atrocities,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, a Fort Collins Democrat. “Our communities will continue our efforts to abolish ICE, and once we successfully do so, we will then make it our mission to use evidence of your cruelty to hold you accountable.” — Sara Wilson, Colorado Newsline

The Magazine

Long distance connection

LINKING VIETNAMESE REALITY TO MY AURORA MEMORIES BEFORE I MADE THEM

BY JAKE

By the time the little airplane icon on the Boeing 789 screen was blinking above the Bering Strait, I didn’t know what I was going to discover when we landed.

For as long as I can remember, walking in Vietnam was a matter of when not if. So when I landed in Hanoi 48 minutes past midnight in December, I wasn’t sure how to feel.

Eight thousand miles away from my lifelong Aurora home, I had this image of what Vietnam should look like in my head. It was exactly what I imagined my whole life, and it blew me away.

With the mindset of an 18-year-old Aurora guy excited to see the roots of my family far from home, we trekked for 17 days across nearly 127,000 square miles of Vietnam, with stops in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City.

I discovered a lot, but three things stood out.

Anthony Bourdain was right

“It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.” Anthony Bourdain loved Vietnam, and it loved him. He wasn’t wrong in the least. Obviously, the world-renowned chef had to have known where to find the best food in the world, and you don’t have to look further than Vietnam.

Bánh Mì Ph ng in H i An was featured in an episode of No Reservations, and I was lucky enough to visit – twice.

Each bite of the pork banh mi was airy and light, while each vegetable added an extra layer of crunch to the freshly made, hot baguette. The gastronomical worlds colliding made me appreciate the art of a good bahn mi. Even something as simple — and questionable as an American tourist — as the gas station bahn mi was something I will never forget.

Did I crave a burger when I got back to the United States? Sure. Did I even once think about a McDonalds or a Wendy’s on Colfax when I was in Vietnam? Absolutely not. Because the best meal I’ve ever had in my entire life was the Michelin rated bún ch off a busy street in Hanoi.

The low plastic stools and metal tables squeezed together made up the dining room in this hole-in-the-wall restaurant. A lady sat at the front of the store, cutting the pork belly into pieces and wrapping it with a minty paper. She poured a light, savory broth into a bowl while we looked at the menu of six items – water, coffee, tea, Coke, Sprite or Fanta. The mix of the broth, sweetened by papayas and minty pork belly that melted in my mouth, added to the taste of tangy rice noodles with fresh herbs added on top. Even the chopsticks added a smoky flavor. The orange Fanta I had chosen contributed a tang because of the local cane sugar used to make it, instead of the processed chemicals in the United States.

The fruit was better than delicious. Famil-

iar fruit like mangos salivated with me. Watermelon was the most vibrant red I’ve ever seen. Getting fresh-cut coconuts on the street were amazing refreshments.

Then there was fruit I never imagined. The almost hairy rambutan that tastes like a relative of a grape: Yum. The jackfruit peeled away to sweetness and appealed to mangos and bananas. There were bitter Asian pears that honestly were no different than an apple.

The importance of family

My grandparents immigrated from Vietnam. I grew up around the language, the food and the customs. There’s a Buddha statue in my house, and the rounded vowels that fill the air from the small talk my father has with his mother still exist all around me. Even though I don’t know what those words mean, it sounds like family.

While we were in Vietnam, my grandparents made it a point to visit relatives, cousins, aunts and uncles who still live in Vietnam. I never knew they existed. Surrounded by those familiar ringing tones and rising prefixes, I realized just how similar we really are, but how different everything could be.

My grandma’s sister still lives in Vietnam, never immigrating after the North won the war. There was a moment where I was sitting at a restaurant table and turned to my brother and said, “Can you imagine how different our lives would be if grandma and grandpa never left for America?”

But then I talked to those distant relatives, and we feuded over whether Liverpool or Manchester United was better, or if we had seen the new season of IT: Welcome to Derry. Even though we lived on opposite sides of the world, continents away from each other, it’s those small moments that made me realize no matter how far the distance, we’re made from the same flesh and bones generations ago. We’re family.

When we were in Can Tho, we visited the hospital where my dad was born and the old house where he lived the first six years of his life. We saw the convenience store that my family used to own. That’s been a coffee shop since my family rented it out. My grandpa was still able to walk the streets and show us the restaurants he eats at with ringing gongs from the temple across the street.

Being able to hear their stories always made me appreciate where I came from, but being able to experience it, see it and have it all in front of my eyes gave me a new perspective.

The need to be picturesque

There was a moment where we were on a boat in Ninh Binh, looking out at the beautiful rock formations. I was struck by the look in my grandpa’s eyes as he looked out on the green moss climbing the limestone and trees that had branches reaching out toward the water. I was seeing it the same way.

While we were in Da Nang, we visited SunWorld at Ba Na Hills, an almost knockoff version of Disneyworld. But the day we went was foggy, and cast a sheen over everything as statues and castle turrets disappeared into vagueness. While we rode the gondola up to the Golden Bridge, it just suddenly appeared from the fog, and it added to the spectacle. It was no Disneyworld, but the mystery and the environment made it uniquely its own.

We travelled by rowboat on the Mekong River, hiked to the tops of mountains to see dragon statues, crossed through caves in lagoons and rode rusty bikes on back roads to dusty brick factories. And nothing was more beautiful than the pagoda looking over H Long Bay.

A beach at the bottom and a path shaded by trees, the setting sun poked through the leaves and branches, painting everything in its shade of orange. By the time we reached the top, the sky was clear and that sunlight was glittering

off ships in the bay, illuminating sides of the limestone karsts rising out of the ocean into the blue sky. It was unforgettable. Even the city was beautiful. The systematic and continuous bustling of cars and motorcycles in Ho Chi Minh City weaving through traffic while people played a real life version of Crossy Road. The sidewalk was lined with busy street food carts and shops. The alleys between them led to people’s homes and lives hidden behind storefronts in Hanoi.

Part of Vietnam’s beauty is that it puts a layer of luster over your eyes that makes everything seem so picturesque. Even something as simple as a street food cart, or a second floor to a shop, or an outdoor seafood boil, or using the buddy system as you cross the street becomes beautiful. It may seem unassuming at first glance, but if you let it, you’ll learn just as much about yourself as the country itself.

Library Teen Roundup: Black History Jeopardy at Aurora Public Library

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Tween Movie Club: Celebrating Black Voices at the Aurora Public Library

A special movie viewing geared toward ages 9-13 that highlights films focused on Black stories, creators, or characters. The library provides snacks and refreshments, and the screening is followed by an informal discussion encouraging youth to engage with themes of identity, history and representation. This is a great way for families to explore Black culture through age-appropriate cinema in a communal space.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Place: Aurora Public Library – Central Activity Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Cost: Free Info: 303-739-6600 and auroraco. libnet.info/events

Teens ages 12-18 are invited to test their knowledge of Black history in a game-show style Jeopardy competition. Participants will play in teams or individually, answering questions drawn from Black history, culture and achievements, with snacks and prizes provided. This engaging activity builds knowledge and community among youth.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Thursday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Place: Aurora Public Library – Central Activity Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Cost: Free

Info: 303-739-6600 and auroraco.libnet.info/events

Tween Family Movie and Cultural Conversation at the Aurora Public Library

Although not exclusively listed as a Black History program on the library calendar, this Tween Movie Club screening is scheduled during the Black History Month and specifically celebrates Black voices in film, making it a relevant cultural event for families and youth.

Black History Live 2026: African Americans in the West at the Aurora Public Library

This dramatic historical presentation brings to life the story of York, the only Black member of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, through performance and interpretation. The program is part of Colorado Humanities’ Black History Live tour and is designed to educate all ages about underrepresented figures in Western history. It includes context, Q&A and

an exploration of African American contributions to U.S. expansion westward.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Feb. 21, 2 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Place: Aurora Public Library – Central Large Community Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Cost: Free

Info: 303-739-6600; auroraco.libnet.info/events

Homeschool Day: Black History – Aurora History Museum

Part of the museum’s monthly Homeschool Days series, this event introduces students ages 5–12 to the history of Dearfield, an early 20th Century Black agricultural settlement in Colorado. Participants use primary sources and hands-on exploration to understand the community’s founding, everyday life and legacy. Siblings and adults are welcomed. Unique activities are designed to complement homeschool curricula.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Monday, Feb. 2, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Place: Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Cost: $8 per student and includes one adult

Info: 303-739-7000; auroragov.org/museum

Black Chefs in the White House with Adrian Miller at the Aurora History Museum

Award-winning culinary author Adrian Miller, known for “The President’s Kitchen Cabinet,” discusses the influential role of African Americans in shaping

U.S. presidential cuisine. Miller’s talk combines food history, cultural narratives and personal insights, exploring how Black chefs and culinary traditions have intersected with American political life.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Feb. 12, 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Place: Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Cost: Free, but registration is recommended

Info: 303-739-7000 and auroragov. org/museum

Waiting for Godot at the Aurora Fox Arts Center

Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” arrives at the Aurora Fox in a thoughtfully staged production that leans into the play’s wit, melancholy, and

enduring relevance. Often described as both absurdist comedy and existential meditation, the play follows two men, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wait endlessly for someone named Godot, filling the time with jokes, arguments, memories, and fleeting moments of hope. As the waiting stretches on, the play becomes a reflection on friendship, purpose, and the human need for meaning in an uncertain world. Whether encountering Beckett for the first time or revisiting a classic, theatergoers will find plenty to laugh at — and plenty to ponder — in this stripped-down yet emotionally rich production.

IF YOU GO: Through Feb. 22, at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax. Tickets are $17–$42. Details and reservations at 303-739-1970 or www.aurorafoxartscenter.org.

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Milestone long in making

As a math teacher, Shawn Palmer deals with numbers of all sorts.

When he became head coach of the Rangeview boys basketball team in 2003 at the age of 25, a certain number — 400 to be exact — as far as wins he hoped to reach in his coaching career popped into his mind as a goal.

Twenty-three years later, Palmer reached that magical milestone mark with the Raiders’ gritty 56-51 road win at Denver South Feb. 3 that was followed a celebration with the current team, some past players and an appearance from his wife, Colette.

BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor

“Four hundred wins means a lot of things,” said Palmer, whose team improved to 14-3. “It definitely caught me off guard a little bit on the emotions I had, but it’s definitely a significant thing because of the years and teams and everything that goes into something like that happening.

loss of sophomore standout Marceles Duncan to fouls in crunch time. Perez finished with a game-high 22 points, Duncan added 16 and 10 rebounds and senior Anthony Andrew pulled down 12 rebounds and dished out six assists in the Raiders’ eighth consecutive win.

When it was over, players mobbed Palmer once he got in the door of the room across the hall that served as the Rangeview’s lockerroom. Palmer invited his wife into his postseason speech, where he emotionally relayed a story about the year he got the job and how he told her he wanted to win 400 games.

While those 400 wins don’t put him in the top 25 in Colorado history according to the online historical records of the Colorado High School Activities Association, he does rank No. 12 in the subcategory of most coaching wins earned at one school.

“That group really made a dent in it,” said Palmer, whose team went 87-8 in those four seasons with three semifinal appearances.

Making it more special for Palmer is that he has been able to do the winning with Rangeview as only the second coach since the school opened its doors in 1983. Terry Taylor Sr. won 287 games at Rangeview (and surpassed 400 for his career when combined with his record elsewhere) and turned it over to Palmer, who made it through some lean seasons before he reestablished the winning tradition.

“This is a special place,” he said. “I just feel like I’m the right coach for Rangeview. When you feel like you understand the community and the athletes that you are getting, it makes a difference. This really works well for me and I’m proud of the losing seasons — I know that sounds strange — when you have to dig your heels in and rebuild. ...

HAPPY HUDDLE: Rangeview boys basketball coach Shawn Palmer, second from right, breaks the huddle with his team after a 56-51 City League road win at Denver South on Feb. 3. The victory marked the 400th of his coaching career, which has all been at Rangeview. Photo by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel

“It’s really cool to do it with this group and to have the support of my family, former players and coaches and administration. It’s very humbling and I appreciate the kind words, but I don’t like being the center of attention.”

Rangeview Principal Lisa Grosz gave Palmer his flowers in a note to school staff, which was also treated to a donut car to celebrate the achievement.

“This milestone represents years of dedication, countless practices, buzzer-beaters, hard-fought battles, and the building of a culture of excellence that defines Rangeview basketball,” she wrote. “Coach Palmer’s legacy is written all over our gym, our school, our community, and the generations of players who proudly wear Raider red and black.”

Denver South did its best to put off the milestone for another night. Rangeview has had plenty of lopsided victories this season, but No. 400 didn’t come in that way by any means. The Ravens lost by just nine points on the Raiders’ home floor Jan. 15 and made things inhospitable for the visitors in the rematch.

Two clutch finishes in the closing minute-plus by senior Aidan Perez helped Rangeview emerge despite the

Palmer came into the season tied with Jefferson Academy’s Mark Sharpley (who is still currently active) in 12th place, but now owns it by himself with five more wins this season. Next on the list is 421 earned by Andrew Hasz from 1999-2019 at Faith Christian. At the top is venerable Denver Christian coach Dick Katte, who earned 876 wins with the school between 1964 and 2012.

“It felt like a lifetime to be able to get here and so it was two lifetimes for what Dick Katte was able to do,” Palmer said. “I grew up going to the Dick Katte Basketball Camp. He’s such an iconic figure and he was a math teacher, too, so I’ve been able to have some cool conversations with him. He’s had a huge impact on me, even though I never technically played for him.”

A huge chunk of Palmer’s win total came in a four-season span from 2018-22 that included a massive 61-game winning streak that began in the 2018 calendar year and ended with a loss to George Washington in the then-Class 5A semifinals in 2021.

In between, Rangeview won the 2018-19 5A state title (the second in school history), went 26-0 and made it to the semifinals of the 2019-20 campaign — only to have it cut short when the final games were wiped out by the arrival of COVID-19 — and won the first 16 games of the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season.

“Being around 23 years, you see the faces on all those different teams. It’s such a blessing to stay in these guys’ lives and watch them turn into fathers and husbands. It’s really cool.”

On a larger scale, Palmer got a victory earlier this season over Denver East and Rudy Carey, who sits atop Colorado’s all-time wins list with 927 victories and counting (achieved at two schools), while he also got to go against Regis Jesuit’s Ken Shaw (who has 870 wins and counting with four different schools) in a Foundation Game before the season.

Among boys coaches who spent portions of their careers in Aurora, Shaw (who also spent a long tenure at Smoky Hill) leads the way with his 870, while Bob Caton (who had a stop at Aurora Central) won 556 and Gary Childress (who coached at Grandview, Vista PEAK Prep and Cherokee Trail) accrued 511. Palmer’s 400 wins with one program is the best in Aurora area history on the boys side with Childress next with 215 won with Grandview.

On the girls side in the Aurora area, Grandview’s Josh Ulitzky has 436 wins and counting (including his initial stop at Overland) and ranks ninth alltime in wins with one program with 401 of them at Grandview, while current Denver East coach Carl Mattei won 351 games with Regis Jesuit between 2003 and 2021.

FOOTBALL

Regis Jesuit grad Klint Kubiak wins Super Bowl, takes Las Vegas head job

Regis Jesuit High School graduate Klint Kubiak became a Super Bowl champion and first time head coach in the National Football League in the span of two days.

The 38-yearold Kubiak — son of former Denver Broncos player and head coach Gary Kubiak and a multisport athlete at Regis Jesuit before his graduation in 2005 — served as offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks in a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LV played Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.

The next day, Kubiak arrived in Las Vegas, where he was officially hired as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. With a 3-14 record last season, the Raiders ended up with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and have $91 million in salary cap space.

GIRLS SWIMMING

Psyche sheets released for 5A state swim meet

With the regular season and league championship meets complete, the field of qualifiers is set for the Class 5A girls state swim meet, which is scheduled for Feb. 17-18 at the Veterans’ Memorial Aquatic Center.

Aurora area programs Cherokee Trail, Eaglecrest, Grandview, Overland, Regis Jesuit and Smoky Hill all have at least one individual swimmer/diver or relay team set for the 5A competition, which begins with swim prelims at 5 p.m. Feb. 17. The diving competition takes place in its entirety Feb. 18 with a start time of 9:30 a.m. and swim finals begin at 5 p.m.

The Colorado High School Activities Association released the psyche sheets ahead of the meet Feb. 9 — two days after league championship meets concluded — and Regis Jesuit has the largest contingent with 19 individual swimmers/divers along with all three relays. Coach Nick Frasersmith’s Raiders, who have finished as the 5A runner-up to Cherry Creek for three straight seasons and are in search of the program’s first state crown since 2014, are led by junior Ava Terella, who is seeded No. 2 in the 100 yard backstroke and No. 4 in the 100 butterfly. Senior Lexi Stramel is the No. 3 seed in the 500 freestyle and No. 11 in the 200 freestyle and sophomore Elsa Osborne is fourth and eighth, respectively, in the 50 and 100 freestyles, while all three Regis Jesuit relays have top-five seeds.

Next in size locally is Grandview, which has 12 individuals swimmers/divers and all three relay teams in Kelly Mullin’s first season as head coach. By seeding, the Wolves are led by junior Makenna Dyk, who goes in with the No. 3 spot in the 50 freestyle and is No. 12 in the 100 butterfly, while sophomore Paige Gust is the No. 10 seed in the 50 freestyle and all three relay teams are seeded in the top 20.

Coach Kipp Meeks’ Cherokee Trail team features a full compliment of three relays plus nine individual swimmers/ divers, a group led by junior Natalie Daum — who is in her first season with the program — who is seeded No. 1 in both the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke. The Cougars also have big point potential in the relays with the 200

medley as the No. 4 seed and the 200 freestyle the No. 6.

Smoky Hill also has three relays and nine individual swimmers/divers that is a largely experienced group. Leading the way is senior Cameryn Walkup — the recently selected Centennial League

Swimmer of the Year — who is the No. 3 seed in the 200 freestyle and No. 10 in the 500 freestyle. Senior Mya Noffsinger is the No. 6 seed in both the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke, while the Buffaloes could finish with a flurry with the sixth-seeded 400 freestyle relay team.

Eaglecrest (senior Lily Grigorian) and Overland (junior Kayden Gutierrez-Romero) both have individual qualifiers in the diving competition, while coach Jillian Fehringer’s Raptors also have all three relay teams in the field.

Visit sentinelcolorado.com/preps for a complete list of Aurora area qualifiers for the 5A girls state swim meet

GIRLS SWIMMING

Cougars’ Daum, Buffs’ Noffsinger win event titles at Centennial “A”

League

Two Aurora area athletes earned event wins at the Centennial “A” League Championship meet Feb. 7, the last tuneup for area teams ahead of the Class 5A girls state swim meet.

During the championship finals contested at Arapahoe High School, Cherokee Trail junior Natalie Daum won the 100 yard breaststroke and Smoky Hill senior Mya Noffsinger took the 100 yard backstroke as the top results in a successful performance for a handful of local teams in the field.

Grandview did not have a champion, but edged Cherokee Trail by 1.5 points (609-607.5) to finish in third place in a meet won handily by Cherry Creek (966.5) with Arapahoe (768) second.

TOP: Smoky Hill’s Mya Noffsinger, right, finished second in the 100 yard butterfly and won the championship of the 100 yard backstroke at the Centennial “A” League Championship girls swim meet Feb. 7 at Arapahoe High School. LEFT: Cherokee Trail’s Natalie Daum set the league and Arapahoe pool record in her win the 100 yard breaststroke. ABOVE: Makenna Dyk, third from right, and Paige Gust, left, gave Grandview two of the top-four placers in the 50 yard freestyle at the Centennial “A” League meet. (Photos by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)

Smoky Hill finished with 598 for fifth place, followed by Eaglecrest (176) and Overland (33).

The Wolves’ depth made the difference in their finish, which was led by a runner-up finish from Baylei Polk in the diving competition, while the 3-4 finish of Makenna Dyk and Paige Gust in the 50 yard freestyle also proved impactful.

The Cougars started the meet with a strong performance in the 200 yard medley relay, as Daum, Lily Rosh, Giavelle Salsig and Emir Saliger placed second behind a Cherry Creek team that set the league and pool record. In her first Centennial “A” League meet (she was at Regis Jesuit the previous two seasons), Daum lost the 100 freestyle by .14 of a second, but dominated the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1 minute, 2.33 seconds. She bettered the existing league record of 1:02.35 and the pool record of 1:02.62, both of which were held by for-

and Aria

scored in two event finals apiece for Cherokee Trail. Smoky Hill had an outstanding meet that was highlighted by the 100 backstroke in which Noffsinger touched the wall first in a time of 57.94 seconds, and was followed by teammate Caroline Kaiser in 59.12. It was the first league title for Noffsinger, who also finished second to record-setting Kate McKinnon of Cherry Creek in the 100 butterfly. Cameryn Walkup finished as the runner-up in both the 200 and 500 freestyles and was voted Centennial League Swimmer of the Year, while the Buffs’ Scott Cohen took home Coach of the Year accolades. Eaglecrest had a championship finalist in Mila Huseby (who placed sixth in the 100 butterfly), while Sadie Ballou scored in the consolation finals of both the 200

›› See PREPS, 12

IM and 100 breaststroke. Overland got a pair of 13th-place finishes to lead the way, which went to Kayden Gutierrez in the diving competition as well as Sabina Jeram in the 200 individual medley.

Visit sentinelcolorado.com/preps for complete Centennial “A” League Championship results.

GIRLS SWIMMING

Regis Jesuit seventh in Continental “A” Leagues

Regis Jesuit finished in seventh place at the Continental “A” League Championship meet, which concluded Feb. 7. The top finishers for the Raiders came in the diving competition held at Cherokee Trail High School, as Simone Lore took fourth, while Brooklyn Lanphier took eighth and Heidi LaTourrette in ninth. In the swimming competition held at Heritage, Kate DeBoer contributed two top-10 finishes to lead the way.

GIRLS SWIMMING

Area teams finish seasons at City “A” League meets

The season came to an end for Aurora area teams from Aurora Central, Gateway, Hinkley and Rangeview at the City “A” League Championships Feb. 7 at Manual High School. In the 3A/4A competition, Aurora Central (led by Andrea Meraz-Chacon’s second place finish in the 200 yard individual medley) placed third with Hinkley (paced by thirds from Frida Coss-Farfan in the 200 IM and Galilea Patino in the 500 freestyle) fourth and Gateway (led by two top-six finishes for Makenna Dossey) fifth. In the 5A competition, Rangeview finished fifth with help from two consolation finals apperances from Daveah Archibeque.

BOYS WRESTLING

Cherokee Trail hosts, area teams spread out for key

regional tournaments

The wrestling postseason has arrived with regional state qualifying tournaments set to take place in multiple places Feb. 13-14.

The majority of Aurora area programs come from Class 5A and one of the four regionals will be on home soil, as Cherokee Trail is site of Region 4, which includes Eaglecrest and Vista PEAK Prep in addition to the host Cougars among a field of 14 teams. The rest of Aurora’s 5A teams will be at Region 2, which is set for Broomfield High School and includes Grandview, Overland, Rangeview, Regis Jesuit and Smoky Hill. Aurora’s three 4A programs are divided between Region 1 (Gateway and Hinkley) at Thompson Valley High School and Region 2 (Aurora Central) at Windsor High School.

Four wrestlers in each weight from each regional advance to the state tournament Feb. 19-21 at Ball Arena in Denver. Visit sentinelcolorado.com/preps for regional wrestling schedules and results.

GIRLS WRESTLING

Aurora area programs all go on road for regionals

The Aurora area’s handful of girls wrestling programs — all of which reside in the 5A classification — will head out on the road for regional state qualifying tournaments Feb. 13-14.

The 5A Region 2 tournament set for Lewis-Palmer High School has the vast majority of the area contingent, as Eaglecrest, Overland, Regis Jesuit and Vista PEAK Prep are included in the 14-team field. Smoky Hill, meanwhile, is included in the Region 3 tournament set for Littleton High School, while Aurora Central — in its first season as a program — is in the Region 4 field at Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Colorado Springs.

TOP LEFT: Aurora Central’s Alex Flores (1) challenges a Standley Lake shot during the Trojans’ 52-51 boys basketball win Feb. 7.

TOP RIGHT: Cherokee Trail’s Chloe Cain (3) goes in for two of her 27 points in the Cougars’ 62-58 girls basketball win Feb. 6 Eaglecrest. ABOVE: Senior Aliya Zitek, second from left, poses with her parents and Grandview girls basketball coach Josh Ulitzky Feb. 6 during Senior Night. RIGHT: Cherry Creek’s Davis Ritter (9) scored twice in the third period of the Bruins’ 3-2 OT win over Regis Jesuit Feb. 6 at Family Sports Center. (Photo by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)

Four wrestlers from each weight class at each regional advance to the Feb. 19-21 state tournament at Ball Arena in Denver.

Visit sentinelcolorado.com/preps for regional wrestling schedules and results.

WEEK PAST

The week past in Aurora prep sports

MONDAY, FEB. 9: The Smoky Hill girls basketball team snapped a fivegame losing streak with a 57-33 nonleague victory at Douglas County. The Buffs got 21 points from Ari Boyd, 13 from Leilani Gordon and nine from Juanita Dixon. ...The Cherry Creek coop ice hockey team rallied from a goal deficit with three scores in the third period of a 4-2 win over Mountain Vista. Ari Gelfand scored twice, while Owen Kulczewski and Kailer Trebelhorn had the other goals for the Bruins, who got two assists apiece from Matthew Lopez and Davis Ritter SATURDAY, FEB. 7: The Aurora Central boys basketball team overcame a double-digit deficit to visiting Standley Lake for a 52-51 non-league home victory. Alex Flores poured in 24 points to lead the way for the Trojans, who also got 13 from Deon Davis Jr Matthew Backus and Alexander Stellino scored for the Regis Jesuit ice

hockey team, which fell to rival Valor Christian 3-2. Easton Sparks made 28 saves for the Raiders. ...FRIDAY, FEB. 6: The Rangeview boys basketball team secured a City League sweep of George Washington with a 58-53 road victory that included a pair of 19-point efforts from Anthony Andrew and Marceles Duncan. ...The Overland boys basketball team pulled off another big Centennial League victory when it went into Cherokee Trail and prevailed 63-59 behind Palmer Bass’s 19 points plus 14 for Darian Proctor and 10 apiece for Kymani Eason and Mehki McNeal. Four Cougars reached double figures as well in Jordan Mitchell (13 points), Caleb Jensen and London Moore (11) and Cameron Hopkins (10). ...The Grandview boys basketball team recovered from its first Centennial League loss with a 55-43 victory over Smoky Hill in a competitive home contest. ...The Regis Jesuit boys basketball team picked up a key 67-54 Continental League road win at Highlands Ranch. ...The Eaglecrest boys basketball team trailed Mullen by a point at halftime, but exploded for 32 points in the 3rd quarter of an 82-58 Centennial League road victory in which six players scored eight points or more for the Raptors. Demari Manns Davis had a teamhigh 19 points, while Reece Brown and

Clayton Kalimba had 11 apiece and JayAnthony Green tallied 10. ...The Regis Jesuit boys basketball team traveled to Highlands Ranch for a Continental League matchup that finished in a 67-54 victory. ...The Hinkley boys basketball team earned its first win of the season with a 72-58 non-league home victory over Vanguard Classical East Qwamarius Lake tallied 33 points to lead the Thunder, while Benjamin Kachoul, Josiah Lopez and Kavaughn Shaw added 12 apiece. ...Kiarra Spellman had a key finishing stretch for the Eaglecrest girls basketball team in a 49-46 Centennial League road win at Mullen. Spellman had 14 points, Kennedy Spellman added 10 and Naomi Emecheta had nine for the Raptors. ...The Cherokee Trail girls basketball team topped visiting Overland 61-27 in a Centennial League play. ...A balanced Grandview girls basketball team earned a 61-44 Centennial League home win over Smoky Hill as Ava Chang led the way with 13 points and Brooke Sullivan contributed 11. Ari Boyd’s 17 points led the Buffaloes, who also got nine apiece from Chloe Davis and Leilani Gordon. ...The Rangeview girls basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak with a 52-38 non-league home win over Skyview. ...The Regis Jesuit girls basketball team got off to a strong start

against visiting Highlands Ranch in a Continental League showdown, but the visiting Falcons earned the lead by halftime and went on to a 57-47 victory. ...The Eaglecrest boys wrestling team finished 5-0 at the Greeley West Duals with wins over Prairie View, Sterling, Fort Lupton, Greeley West and Rock Canyon. Dane Sims (144 pounds) pinned all five his opponents, Britton Matejovsky (150) had four pins and a win by forfeit and Charles Swick (285) pinned all three opponents he faced. ...The Regis Jesuit boys wrestling team defeated visiting Valor Christian 47-34 with the help of wins by fall from Dane Anderson, Richard Avila, Dane Anderson, Clayton Damrath, Aidan Sullivan and Tony Ndikum. ...The Eaglecrest girls wrestling team won all five of its matches at the Greeley West Duals (vs. Fort Lupton, Prairie View, Greeley West, Sterling, Thornton). Olivia Fabbricatore (145 pounds) and Parice Jones (190) each won two matches and received three wins by forfeit. ...Matthew Lopez lifted a shot that went just inside the crossbar to lift the Cherry Creek co-op ice hockey team to a 3-2 comeback overtime victory over rival Regis Jesuit at Family Sports Center. Beau Paton scored twice in the

second period to give the Raiders a 2-0 lead, but Davis Ritter scored twice in the third period for the Bruins to force the extra period. Mason Banks made 12 saves on 14 shots for Cherry Creek, while Easton Sparks stopped 26 of 29 for Regis Jesuit. ...

THURSDAY, FEB. 5: The Aurora Central boys basketball team withstood a third quarter rally from visiting Adams City and held on for a 47-46 Colorado League home victory. Deon Davis Jr.’s 16 points led the Trojans, who also got 15 from Sohaieb Sufi-Mohamed plus 10 from Jaylin Bester. ...The Gateway boys basketball team came away from Thornton with a 55-49 Colorado League road victory. ...The Lotus School For Excellence boys basketball team scored at least 20 points in all four quarters en route to a 94-54 home win over Rocky Mountain Lutheran. ...Andena Torres set the pace for the Aurora Central girls basketball team with 13 points, while Bella Lumba chipped in eight in a 45-33 Colorado League win over Adams City. ...The Gateway girls basketball team defended its home floor with a 4324 Colorado League victory over Thornton. ...The Grandview boys wrestling team celebrated its Senior Night in style with a 62-16 home dual victory over Windsor that featured wins by fall from Grant Batty, JR Ortega, Kyle Menuez and Marques Lawrence plus a variety of tech fall wins. ...The Overland girls wrestling team got wins by fall from Isabella Taylor and Arina Boskiva in a forfeit-filled 42-22 dual match victory over Skyview.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4: The Overland boys basketball team dealt Grandview its first Centennial League loss of the season with a 73-66 home victory behind 18 points from Mehki McNeal, 16 from

Kymani Eason, 15 from Darian Proctor and 10 from Lawrence Amedor Jiovanni White had a game-high 19 points for the Wolves, who also got 14 from Noah Sevy and 10 from Charlie Atkinson ...The Eaglecrest boys basketball team built a double-digit lead in the opening quarter, fell behind by two after three quarters and had the better fourth quarter in a 55-51 Centennial League home win over Cherokee Trail Demari Manns Davis poured in 20 points to pace the Raptors (who also got 16 from Reece

Brown in his return from injury), which overcame a Cougars attack that featured 15 points from Jordan Mitchell, 13 from Jeremiah Shortis and 10 apiece from Caleb Jensen and London Moore Eric Fiedler’s 22-point night led the way for the Regis Jesuit boys basketball team in a 73-44 Continental League road win at Castle View. Ten Raiders got in the scoring column as Braeden Baker added 16 and Michael Price 14. ...The Lotus School For Excellence boys basketball team rolled to a 107-30 win over Arvada.

...The William Smith boys basketball team downed Aurora West College Prep Academy 55-38 in 3A/2A Foothills League play. ...Chloe Cain scored a career-high 27 points — including a basket in traffic that held up as the game-winner — in the Cherokee Trail girls basketball team’s 62-58 Centennial League home win at Eaglecrest Karson Chaney tallied 17 points and Hannah Conger five (all in a key late stretch) for the Cougars, who overcame 15 points from Kennedy Spellman in addition to 13 apiece from Kiarra

Spellman and Naomi Emecheta Ava Chang poured in 24 points and was joined in double figures from Sorrelle Kamgang (14) and Amya Narducci (10) to push the Grandview girls basketball team to a 64-51 Centennial League road win at Overland. ...An extremely balanced effort for the Regis Jesuit girls basketball team — led by Khloe Miller with 13 points, Izzy Davies with 10 and Tiana Rogers with nine — produced a 61-37 Continental League home win over Castle View. ...The Vista PEAK Prep boys and girls wrestling teams both lost road dual matches at Brighton, which won 61-8 on the boys side (despite a win by tech fall from Ian Bacon and decision from Gavin Fifita) and 40-27 in girls competition, in which Maylin Morales and Amelia Bacon won by fall. ...TUESDAY, FEB. 3: The Rangeview boys basketball team picked up a key City League road win with a 56-51 defeat of Denver South —  helped by Aidan Perez’s 22-point effort along with 16 from Marceles Duncan and 10 from Archie Weatherspoon V — but delivered head coach Shawn Palmer his 400th career coaching victory, all with Rangeview. ...The Gateway boys basketball team earned a Colorado League regular season split with Aurora Central with a 59-55 home victory that saw Elion Croft go for 16 points and Colt Wenzel 15. The Trojans got 25 points from Deon Davis Jr., while Alex Flores added 13. ...The Aurora Central girls basketball team came away with a 20-point Colorado League home win over Gateway, as Bella Lumba and Andena Torres tallied 19 points apiece in a 57-37 victory. ...Despite 14 points from Amaya Nance and 10 from Zaria Rogers, the Vista PEAK Prep girls basketball team dropped a 59-41 City League contest to Denver East.

FINDING ITS WAY. AURORA’S NEW HOMELESS NAVIGATION CENTER MAKES A WAYWARD START

“A lot of the people there seem like they’ve never done this before.”

BY CASSANDRA BALLARD,

Sentinel

Staff Writer

The toilets are flushing now at the city’s new homeless shelter.

The sewer issues at the Regional Aurora Navigation Campus have been fixed, and the toilets inside the building are all functional, and residents say the nascent homeless shelter and services nexus no longer reeks of feces.

Residents and officials told grim tales of bad plumbing and outdoor portable toilets in the winter cold during a recent city council meeting. Those problems have now been fixed, shelter and city officials say.

Many other issues keep piling on, however, residents say.

The $38 million regional center opened in November, creating what the city billed as a sort of onestop-nexus for homeless residents seeking a place to live and services to become self-sufficient.

As the operator, the city and the building adjust to growing pains, issues keep popping up, people keep getting sick, the building continues to have issues, and many residents say the campus is nothing like it was advertised.

“This building was not in good condition, and I don’t know to what extent we analyzed the building prior to purchasing it, but it has been a problem, and it has hurt the program,” Mayor Mike Coffman said during the Winter Workshop meeting Saturday. “What has further hurt the program is an agreement with the operator in terms of maintaining the building. We’ve layered maintenance responsibilities on them that they really are not capable of, and that is incredibly inefficient.”

Many of the Sentinel’s sources, residents at the center, say they were drawn to the Navigation Campus for several reasons, including that it provides a stable place to stay and store belongings, unlike other area shelters that require people to pack up and out daily.

Others said they liked the idea of working up to attaining an independent room at the former hotel-turned-shelter, and hoped the program would help them find more permanent housing.

One source, the only one who was willing to go on record, because he was already temporarily kicked out of the Navigation Campus, said he thought it would be a helpful way to transition into housing after moving back to Colorado, while being able to keep his emotional support dog with him. That person, Demetrius Johnson, was among the first to sound the alarm about some of the issues on the campus, and he said he was pretty sure that, since he used his name openly in an online review of the campus, he had faced retaliation from some staff.

Some of the accounts he and many other campus residents confirmed described the operator and the

city as negligent, incompetent and “staff not seeming to know what they are doing.”

The Sentinel spoke with the CEO of Advance Pathways, Jim Goebelbecker, the campus operator, and the Aurora Director of Housing and Community Services, Jessica Prosser. Goebelbecker was late for the Q&A session and not all questions were thoroughly answered.

The campus has three tiers, ranging from a low-barrier congregate emergency shelter to a “work first” private hotel room that charges 30% of a resident’s income as rent.

Tier 1 aims to meet basic needs with few requirements for those receiving basic shelter services. This tier is displayed as a shelter, restructuring large conference rooms into spacious rooms with cots, lockers, and bathroom and shower facilities. There are 285 cots.

Tier 2 requires engaging with case managers and peer coaches. In this tier, people move from cots to beds in large, dorm-like spaces with additional storage and cubby space; these spaces are called pods. The beds are built with walls on three or four sides for a little extra privacy. There are 114 pods.

Tier 3 offers long-term, independent living with additional commitments, including a requirement to hold a full-time job. This tier allows individuals to move into single and two-bed hotel rooms on the campus. People in this tier are given a separate entrance, private parking, and a shared kitchenette/ living room with a fridge, microwave and televisions. There are 220 rooms in tier three, some of which are used for staff.

The campus’s capacity for those using the entire shelter is 600 people.

Sickness and medical facility still needed

People are getting sick, often, residents say. As in any shelter where large groups of people live together, sickness spreads readily. Almost every source that spoke to the Sentinel said the food makes them sick, and that they try not to eat it. A few said they think the building might be a cause, too. Johnson said he knew there was black mold on certain floors in the building because his friend had done construction on the building before the city bought it.

He sent a video of mass flooding on the main floor for proof.

City Manager Jason Batchelor told the Sentinel that black mold is present on the fifth and sixth floors, which the operators are working to address, and that no one currently lives on those floors.

Prosser said during a Winter Workshop city council meeting Feb. 7 that all construction on the building, including the rooms on the fifth and sixth floors, is slated to be completed by the end of February.

STRIDE, a local non-profit network of clinics, provides healthcare during the day, five days a week, but there are currently no respite beds, a medical facility or a quarantine area for people to recover from illnesses. Prosser said during the workshop meeting that respite beds are part of long-term construction plans but did not specify a date to offer them.

Johnson said his illnesses included dizziness and nose bleeds, and later respiratory issues. He said he thinks it was because of black mold, but it has not been confirmed as the source. He said he was sent to the hospital twice because of these symptoms after being healthy for years.

He said he was grateful for STRIDE, which has continued to provide care for him since he left campus and was treated for pneumonia.

A couple of other sources reported getting pneumonia, with one receiving respite care at Comitis Crisis Center. That source reported that a couple more people had joined them at Comitis in the last week. Bob Dorshimer said Comitis offers respite care, but he was unable to confirm whether they were receiving many people from the Navigation Campus, as those seeking care are not required to report to Comitis where they came from.

In the case of widespread illness, the city said it would seek guidance from county and state health officials and coordinate as appropriate.

“The city does not have its own public health department,” city spokesperson Joe Rubino said

Moving goalposts

Multiple separate sources say the goals and rules are always changing and that staff doesn’t seem to know what is going on.

Rules, policies, and requirements change regularly, and people feel frustrated when they are unable to follow them.

Johnson said the constant changes made it feel as if they were doing it on purpose for amusement, comparing it to the Stanford Prison Experiment.

Another source said they were kicked out after using the portable toilets on a freezing cold night because security told her to go back outside and get behind a line of more than 30 people who still needed to be cleared and searched. When they tried to argue with security, saying

they were already cleared and had their belongings inside, security kicked them out and refused to let them retrieve them.

Johnson confirmed that people needing to use the porta potties had to go outside during the coldest nights of the year.

Johnson and other sources said there is rampant drug use inside and around the building, and people are openly dealing drugs. The source who was kicked out said the searches and “clearings” are also pointless because they don’t check bags, and the wands don’t detect weapons.

Johnson also said they would change the rules about how many bags were allowed in regularly.

The most common complaint from everyone who spoke to the Sentinel was not being moved to the next tier after believe they had worked hard to get there. The operator CEO of Advance Pathways, Jim Goebelbecker, said the “work first” approach will be based on each individual’s abilities, but multiple sources with disabilities say they don’t believe it.

Two older residents with disabilities said they were promised to be move to Tier 2 for weeks, but it never happened. They said they feared even more that they would never make it to Tier 3 because they are on disability and can’t work many hours.

One source said she made it to Tier 2 after continually demanding it and asking about it in front of the “right managers” to make it happen. A few older residents with disabilities said they were still waiting, or had gotten fed up and left.

Johnson said he was so uncomfortable with the living conditions inside the facility, which he felt was set up like a prison, that he would sleep in his car whenever it was warm enough for his dog not to freeze.

Multiple sources said they are doing all the work and taking all the classes, but were not being told why they were not moving.

“The primary delay was due to facility construction, namely the door lock system,” Goebelbecker said in a statement. “We needed to do a workaround, meaning guests will not be able to have their own key card to access Tier 2, but instead need to be let in by staff. This took a while to discover both the problem and the solution.”

Not enough staff

One complaint heard by almost every source was, “A lot of the people there seem like they’ve never done this before.”

One source said that security and other staff will sometimes laugh at people when they are having a mental breakdown, or they will treat people with unnecessary force. Johnson said that for a long time, there were only two social workers, and when the Sentinel went in with an anonymous source, half of the social workers were out of the office and only able to work a couple of days a week.

The sources with disabilities said they thought there was little to no training for dealing with people with disabilities or mental health needs, and in some cases, police were being used to remove people in a mental health crisis with force.

Goebelbecker said that Advance is hiring peer specialists, addiction recovery specialists, and people with some training in mental health. He said there will also be more in-house training for mental health needs, “so that we could recognize when there are mental health issues, in order to be able to outsource to our other community partners, like Aurora Mental Health.”

“Mental health is an issue throughout all the shelters,” Goebelbecker said, “There aren’t enough mental health professionals in general.”

During the workshop, the Prosser confirmed that STRIDE offers some behavioral health support and that Aurora Mental Health is engaged to provide on-site services. She also confirmed that Advance is doing trauma informed care with all of their staff.

The Navigation Campus’s goal for staffing is to reach a case manager-to-guest ratio of 1:30, and Advance has five open positions to support guests at the campus, city spokesperson Joe Rubino said.

On Saturday, Prosser told the city council that Advance is in the process of hiring at least two additional case managers, a supervisor and an operations manager.

“They need more case managers, and they needed them some time ago,” Coffman said during the Saturday meeting. “There are too many people in Tier 1. Actually, I think

There are also long-term construction plans that include an outdoor recreation area for guests.

One source said she was unable to take a shower for a week because there were never enough towels available and residents were not allowed to use their own towels. Goebelbecker said this was the first time he had heard this complaint and that he would look into ensuring enough towels were provided.

Sources said the computer room and many other resources were not available as promised. A few said they were never allowed in the computer room, even though it was promised for job applications. Goebelbecker did not respond to questions about use of the computer room.

Goebelbecker said that other partners who were contracted to provide services were waiting to confirm there were enough people on campus to determine what their schedules would need to look like.

Neighboring complaints

A member of homeowners’ association for neighboring residents called the Sentinel last week to report that people from the campus were trespassing on their property. The navigation center abuts a Denver neighborhood. One of the sources also confirmed that many residents get stir-crazy at the center and wander onto adjacent properties.

Revisiting the operator agreement

Coffman said he thought the best way to move the center forward would be to change the operator agreement, so Advance can focus on case work instead of building maintenance.

He said the two case managers being hired were delayed because Advance also needed to focus on building maintenance in a building with many age-related issues.

“Now we’ve layered maintenance responsibilities on them that they really are not capable of,” Coffman said. “That is incredibly inefficient.”

Coffman said the city should shift building maintenance responsibilities, beyond cleaning, back to the city.

“To get it on track, I think we’re going to need to take a look at the agreement with them and align it to the agreements that we’ve historically had with operators dealing with homelessness issues,” Coffman said. “And we’re gonna have to take over responsibility for this, for the condition of this building, outside of cleanliness.”

Recent Numbers

The center is often full and busy, according to the city’s Manager of Homelessness Behavioral Health, Stephanie Keiper.

Shereported:

• Since they opened the space, the average number of beds used per night in Tier 1 was 159 in November.

• In December, an average of 264 beds were used in Tier 1, 10 in Tier 2, and five in Tier 3.

• In January, the preliminary numbers were 280 in Tier 1, 46 in Tier 2 and four in Tier 3.

• Goebelbecker said there were about 63 people in Tier 2 in an email Feb. 6.

• The center has had 94 guests engaged in case management services at the Navigation Campus and 258 programming groups, according to Keiper. Those are things from different certificate training to Alcoholics Anonymous and NarcAnon meetings. So it’s a wide variety of groups that are being offered service.

• The center “has had more than 1,000 different individuals who have checked into the day center since they opened on Dec. 31, and Advance has served over 55,000 meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests as well,” Keiper said Saturday.

beyond the capacity of Tier 1, because of not having sufficient case managers, and people have not progressed to Tier 2, where we have excess capacity in Tier 3 and Tier 2.

Chief of Police Todd Chamberlain told city council Saturday that he put up a manned day unit and a manned night unit at the campus because they were getting so many calls for service.

Chamberlain said he has also been embedding officers within Navigation Campus operations to mentor security and staff rather than just responding to incidents. The officer has been advising Advance’s staff on how to handle challenging clients and when to call the police, and on helping staff follow through on trespass actions involving very problematic clients, rather than backing off once officers arrive.

“The biggest issue we’re having now is again, bringing some stability in there,” Chamberlain said. “There are going to be things that we have to navigate and get better at. So we are actively and proactively taking those steps, because the 300 that are housed there, I’d rather have housed there than under a bridge.”

Amenities are not being offered

Advertised dog kennels, a workout room, and laundry services are not currently being offered due to construction, staffing, and repair needs, according to city and navigation center officials.

A lack of amenities such as laundry services were regularly mentioned by many sources. Many said they have not been allowed to use the laundry facilities and that no services have been offered.

The nearest laundry is a 10-minute bus ride away.

Goebelbecker said the industrial machines for bed sheets and towels have broken, and they have been using the ones for clothing, which has made it impossible to offer laundry as a service currently. He said the machines will be fixed soon, and they will offer services where the operators will wash and dry clothes and give them back to people to fold.

Pet kennels for animals currently have a sign on the door that says, “coming soon.” Prosser reported to staff that they expected to complete construction on the kennel room by the end of February.

• Calls for police and firefighters

• Chamberlain also gave a “snapshot” of calls for service in the last month.

• 141 calls for service

• Average response time: 2 minutes

• Average time on scene: 45 minutes (some up to 7 hours)

• Call types included:

• 30 mental health

• 15 suicidal watches

• 8 threatening suicide

• 11 alcohol or drugs

• 15 “fire against police”

• 12 welfare checks

• They are continually auditing and validating call data to:

• Track how many calls, what types, and when they occur.

• Identify “super users” (frequent callers) and target them with preventive and intervention strategies.

Because the people must know

COMBINED NOTICE

PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0678 2025

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

On November 18, 2025, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records. Original Grantor(s)

COMBINED NOTICE PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0666 2025 To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On November 7, 2025, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records. Original Grantor(s) Crystal Hazelwood Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR UNIVERSAL LENDING CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY

Date of Deed of Trust April 29, 2021 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust June 10, 2021 Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.)

E1092978

Original Principal Amount

$343,660.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$313,945.65

debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 184, CLUB VALENCIA CONDOMINIUMS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DECLARATION

RECORDED ON DECEMBER 12, 1979 IN BOOK 3135 AT PAGE 443. AND CONDOMINIUM MAP RECORDED ON DECEMBER 12, 1979 UNDER RECEPTION NO.

1922030, OF THE ARAPAHOE COUNTY RECORDS, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Purported common address: 1306 S Parker Road Unit 184, Denver, CO 80231. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

If applicable, a description of any changes to the deed of trust described in the notice of election and demand pursuant to affidavit as allowed by statutes: Which has the adress of: 1306 S Parker Road Unit 18 more correctly known as Unit 184, Denver, CO 80231

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 03/18/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 1/22/2026

Last Publication 2/19/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado 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; DATE: 11/18/2025

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

By: Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Alexis R. Abercrombie #56722 Scott D. Toebben #19011 Aricyn J.

Outstanding Principal Balance

$235,442.14

Pursuant to CRS §38 38 101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to make timely payments as required under the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. Attached as Exhibit “A” Exhibit “A” LEGAL DESCRIPTION UNIT 205, CONDOMINIUM BUILDING 4, LIV CITY CENTER CONDOMINIUMS, ACCORDING TO THE CONDOMINIUM MAP OF LIV CITY CENTER CONDOMINIUMS BUILDING 4 RECORDED ON APRIL 15, 2020 UNDER RECEPTION NO. E0045462, IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF THE COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO, AND AS DEFINED AND DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS OF LIV CITY CENTER CONDOMINIUMS, RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2019, AT RECEPTION NO. D9094712, AND ANNEXATION RECORDED JUNE 19, 2020 UNDER RECEPTION NO. E0073372 IN SAID RECORDS, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Pursuant to CRS §38 38 101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. THE NORTHERLY 21.795 FEET OF LOT 116 AND THE SOUTHERLY 2.205 FEET OF LOT 115, EXCEPT THE EASTERLY 16 FEET THEREOF, LITTLE TURTLE, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

APN #: 1973 27 1 04 242

Purported common address: 10295 E Evans Ave Unit 116, Aurora, CO 80247. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 03/11/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. First Publication 1/15/2026 Last Publication 2/12/2026 Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado 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; DATE: 11/07/2025 Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Alison L Berry #34531 N. April Winecki #34861 David R. Doughty #40042 Lynn M. Janeway #15592 Janeway Law Firm, P.C. 9540 Maroon Circle, Suite 320, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 706 9990 Attorney File # 23 031070

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose. ©Public Trustees’ Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015

COMBINED NOTICE PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0713 2025

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On December 5, 2025, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records. Original Grantor(s)

Gwendolyn Finley

Original Beneficiary(ies) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as beneficiary, as nominee for Mutual of Omaha

Inc., its successors and assigns Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

Purported common address: 14341 E Tennessee Ave Unit 205, Aurora, CO 80012. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 04/08/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 2/12/2026

Last Publication 3/12/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado

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;

DATE: 12/05/2025

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

By:/s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

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

Amanda Ferguson #44893

Heather Deere #28597

Toni M. Owan #30580

Halliday, Watkins & Mann, PC 355 Union Blvd., Ste. 250, Lakewood, CO 80228 (303) 274 0155

Attorney File # CO24360

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees’ Association of Colorado

Revised 1/2015

COMBINED NOTICE

PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0652 2025

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

On November 7, 2025, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s)

Doosuur Gambe

Original Beneficiary(ies)

Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as beneficiary, as nominee for DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd.

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee for BMCF EG Gunyah Series II

Trust Date of Deed of Trust

December 22, 2023

County of Recording

Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust

December 27, 2023

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

E3085643 Book: N/A Page:

Original Principal Amount

$511,450.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$503,556.99

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

Lot 9, Block 8, HARMONY SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 13, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Plat Reception No. E1067744, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado.

Purported common address: 27456 E. Byers Place, Aurora, CO 80018. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 03/11/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 1/15/2026

Last Publication 2/12/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado

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; DATE: 11/07/2025

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

By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

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

Alexis R. Abercrombie #56722

Scott D. Toebben #19011

Aricyn J. Dall #51467

David W Drake #43315

Randall S. Miller & Associates PC 216 16th Street, Suite 1210, Denver, CO 80202 (720) 259 6710

Attorney File # 25CO00588 1

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.

©Public Trustees’ Association of Colorado

Revised 1/2015

COMBINED NOTICE

PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0654 2025

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

On November 7, 2025, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s)

Jack Mays

Original Beneficiary(ies)

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR Franklin Loan Center, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE

AUTHORITY

Date of Deed of Trust

June 16, 2021

County of Recording

Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust

June 23, 2021

Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.) E1099923

Original Principal Amount

$208,650.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$196,076.66

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

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. SEE ATTACHED LEGAL DESCRIPTION EXHIBIT A LEGAL DESCRIPTION CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 103, BUILDING NO. 4, BRANDYCHASE II, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DECLARATION RECORDED ON OCTOBER 25, 1979, IN BOOK 3105 AT PAGES 669-737, AND CONDOMINIUM MAP RECORDED ON OCTOBER 24, 1979, IN BOOK 42 AT AT PAGE 18 OF THE ARAPAHOE COUNTY RECORDS, TOGETHER WITH THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE THE FOLLOWING LIMITED COMMON ELEMENTS: STORAGE SPACE 4-103, PARKING SPACE 4-103 AND GARAGE SPACE N/A COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO APN#: 197519332027

Purported common address: 14191 East Jewell Avenue #103, Aurora, CO 80012.

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

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 03/11/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and

all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. First Publication 1/15/2026

Last Publication 2/12/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado

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;

DATE: 11/07/2025

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

By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Alison L Berry #34531

N. April Winecki #34861

David R. Doughty #40042

Lynn M. Janeway #15592 Janeway Law Firm, P.C. 9540 Maroon Circle, Suite 320, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 706 9990 Attorney File # 25 036063

The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose. ©Public Trustees’ Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015

COMBINED NOTICE

PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0656 2025

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On November 7, 2025, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) NICHOLE O BOGNER AND NICHOLAS S ROINESTAD Original Beneficiary(ies)

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR UNIVERSAL LENDING CORPORA-

TION Current Holder of Evidence of Debt NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING

Date of Deed of Trust

September 13, 2019

County of Recording Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust September 16, 2019

Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.) D9096117 Original Principal Amount $358,290.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $321,156.64 Pursuant to CRS §38 38 101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 27, BLOCK 5, SEVEN LAKES SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 5, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Purported common address: 19551 E GIRTON PL, AURORA, CO 80013 3777. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 03/11/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 1/15/2026

Last Publication 2/12/2026 Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado 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; DATE: 11/07/2025 Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

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

at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 10

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 10, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS: WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official

2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

BRUCE O’DONNELL

TODD A. JOHNSON

MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A (Organize District)

Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie

Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 11 TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 11, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS: WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

TODD A. JOHNSON BRUCE O’DONNELL MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A (Organize District)

Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 12

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 12, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS: WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN BRUCE O’DONNELL TODD A. JOHNSON

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A(Organize District) Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2 TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 2, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS: WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Di-

rector to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN

TODD A. JOHNSON

BRUCE O’DONNELL

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A (Organize District) Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT

MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 3 TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 3, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS:

WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

TODD A. JOHNSON

MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN BRUCE O’DONNELL

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A (Organize District)

Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 4

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 4, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS: WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000

Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN

BRUCE O’DONNELL

TODD A. JOHNSON

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A (Organize District)

Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado. By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 6 TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 6, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS: WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN

TODD A. JOHNSON

BRUCE O’DONNELL

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A (Organize District)

Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 7 TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 7, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit

to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS:

WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

BRUCE O’DONNELL

TODD A. JOHNSON

MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A (Organize District)

Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026 Sentinel NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 8 TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 8, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS: WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon):

THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon):

BRUCE O’DONNELL TODD A. JOHNSON MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN

Ballot Questions to be voted upon:

Ballot Question A (Organize District) Ballot Question B (Term Limit Elimination)

The estimated operating mill levy for the first year following organization is 10.000 mills.

The estimated debt service mill levy for the first year following organization is 50.000 mills.

The estimated fiscal year spending for the first year following organization is $900,000,000.

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land, located south of E. 26th Avenue, north of E. 6th Avenue, and in between N. Monaghan Road and Gun Club Road in Aurora, Colorado.

By: /s/ Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Publication: February 12, 2026

Sentinel NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FIRST CREEK POWHATON METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 9

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an independent mail ballot election will be held by First Creek Powhaton Metropolitan District No. 9, in the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on

Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of

Aurora, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado (the “District”) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This election will be conducted as an independent mail ballot election only. Mail ballots will be mailed to eligible electors between February 16, 2026 and February 23, 2026.

The purpose of the election is to submit to the eligible electors of the District the questions of organizing the District, electing directors, and voting upon certain ballot questions.

DROP-OFF LOCATION AND HOURS: WBA, PC Office of the Designated Election Official 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122

Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2026 through March 9, 2026, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon): THERE ARE NO CANDIDATES FOR THIS OFFICE.

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2029 (three seats to be voted upon): BRUCE O’DONNELL TODD A. JOHNSON MICHAEL PIETSCHMANN Ballot Questions to

The boundaries of the proposed District are: 0.25 acres of vacant land,

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Editorials Sentinel

SAVE Act doesn’t prevent fraud. It is fraud

President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to push the so-called Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, as a cure for election insecurity.

In reality, it is a costly, disruptive and unnecessary measure that would do next to nothing to protect elections while making it harder for millions of eligible Americans to vote. The Senate is considering the bill, and that’s where it needs to be stopped. It’s part of a “suite” of bills, others linked to attempts to nationalize elections, which is prohibited by the Constitution.

The premise of the SAVE Act is simple: Require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for anyone registering to vote. Its justification is far shakier.

There has never been credible evidence of widespread election fraud by noncitizens. None. Voting by noncitizens in federal elections is already illegal and carries severe penalties, including felony charges and deportation.

When it happens at all, it is exceedingly rare and typically the result of error, not conspiracy.

Michigan offers a clear example. A review last year found 15 apparent cases of noncitizens voting out of more than 5.7 million ballots cast in the 2024 general election. That microscopic fraction only confirms what election officials across the country already know: This is not a systemic problem. It is not remotely close to one.

In Colorado, after months of far-right Republicans alleging election fraud, one case was identified in Castle Rock where a registered Republican woman voted the ballots of her son and dead husband in the 2024 Election. She was convicted last October.

The GOP ruse of election fraud is hardly new. Former GOP Secretary of State Scott Gessler infamously purported an election-fraud ruse, claiming more than 100 “proven” instances of election crimes. Immediately, 41 were identified as registered voters. In Arapahoe County, former DA George Brauchler took the Gessler bait, pursuing fraud cases that were eventually dropped for lack of evidence or intent. If there is fraud poisoning American elections, it is not at the ballot box. It is the fraud of lying — the years of false claims, distortions and misinformation perpetuated by former President Donald Trump and his acolytes.

Those lies have done real damage to public trust. The SAVE Act does nothing to repair that damage. Instead, it codifies suspicion of voters themselves.

Some Republicans argue that the SAVE Act is needed to restore trust to Republicans who have doubts about election integrity.

That’s easy to fix. Stop listening to party leaders and their provable lies and disinformation and change false messages from social media feeds to real, accurate, vetted news from trusted journalists.

Under the bill, states would be required to reject voter registration applications unless applicants present specific documents proving citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, a birth certificate paired with a government-issued photo ID, or a narrow category of IDs listing birthplace or citizenship. In theory, that sounds straightforward. In practice, it is a bureaucratic mess.

Roughly half of American adults do not have a passport. Millions do not have ready access to their birth certificates. Married women are particularly affected. As many as 69 million women nationwide have birth certificates that do not match their current legal names.

Fixing that mismatch can require time, money and multiple documents — a burden that falls hardest on working families. These are U.S. Citizens guaranteed the right to vote, which is the very foundation of our nation.

The bill would also hit rural voters especially hard. Those who mail in a federal voter registration form would be required to present their proof of citizenship in person at a local election office. In many rural counties, that office may be hours away. For people without reliable transportation, flexible work schedules or child care, that requirement alone is enough to stop a registration cold.

Minority voters would face disproportionate obstacles as well. Citizens of color are significantly more likely than white citizens to lack documents such as passports or certified birth certificates, or to face difficulties obtaining them.

Veterans and military families, who often re-register as they move, would be forced to produce paperwork again and again. Families displaced by natural disasters would be expected to replace lost documents before they can participate in elections.

And all of this would take effect immediately, not just for new voters but for existing voters who move, change their name or otherwise need to update their registration. The idea that this has “no impact” on currently registered voters does not survive contact with reality.

If you don’t want to listen to the sage advice of the state and national League of Women Voters, take the advice of former Arapahoe County Clerk and Republican Matt Crane, who has for years headed the association of Colorado county clerks.

“I think that for some people who don’t know and all they hear are those false narratives coming from the president and some of the grifters who have really seized on the opportunity to scare people for votes and money, I think, well, we have concerns and why wouldn’t we want proof of citizenship? Why don’t we want these things?” Crane said in a Feb. 5 interview with Colorado Public Radio’s Colorado Matters Host Ryan Warner. “You will see voter suppression happening, and there are some people who I firmly believe think the only way they can win elections is if that happens, which is disgusting. People fought and died for this right, Ryan. So the fact that we have people who are trying to undermine our elections like this and suppress voter turnout is completely un-American.”

For election administrators, the SAVE Act would be a nightmare. County clerks would be tasked with verifying documents, managing in-person submissions, and navigating vague requirements that could vary from state to state. Online and automatic voter registration systems — among the most effective tools for maintaining accurate voter rolls — could be crippled or shut down entirely. The cost to states and counties would be enormous, with no meaningful return. And what would the payoff be? Not increased election security. Not restored public confidence.

The only noticeable effect would be fewer eligible voters successfully registered, more confusion at polling places, and more Americans turned away from the ballot box. That is not safeguarding democracy. It is undermining it.

Colorado suffers greatly under Tabor Derangement Syndrome

In Colorado, TDS doesn’t stand for “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” It stands for “TABOR Derangement Syndrome.”

You can spot its sufferers easily. They break into hives at the mere mention of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. In fact, they can’t even utter its full name, Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, only “TABOR,” as if it’s a slur. They blame it for everything from potholes to pimples. And they insist — with religious certainty — TABOR is shrinking government in Colorado, and thus people are suffering.

That’s not just wrong. It is so demonstrably wrong it’s deranged.

TABOR passed in 1992. If it really were the government-killing death ray its critics describe, Colorado should look like a ghost town by now. Abandoned government buildings. Empty parking lots at the Capitol. Bureaucrats reduced to bartering staplers for food. State government keeps growing Instead, we have (drumroll…) more government than ever.

According to recent analysis from Independence Institute’s Nash Herman, the state didn’t shrink. It swelled like Oprah in a Krispy Kreme shop.

Let’s start with the budget. Since the early 1990s, the state’s General Fund has grown by 44%. That’s

where all our tax money is supposed to go. We elect representatives to approximate our values and debate how to spend it.

And thanks to TABOR they can’t spend more of that fund than what they spent last year plus population growth and inflation.

Except that while the General Fund has grown 44%, the new taxes they don’t call taxes (fees) has grown by 588%. It now makes the General Fund look like a tiny slice of the pie by comparison.

To modify a quote from Ghostbusters’ Dr. Egon Spangler, “Let’s say this Twinkie represents the normal amount of taxation in Colorado. According to this morning’s sample, when you add the taxes we’re not allowed to vote on, it would be a Twinkie 35 feet long weighing approximately 600 pounds.”

That’s a big Twinkie. Yep, those “Cash Funds” exploded by 588%. And federal funds (still our tax money) spent by our state ballooned by 278%. That’s the cash we temporarily get from the feds our legislators get addicted to spending, so they can scream “budget crisis” when it turns out temporary means temporary.

The real threat to democracy

Those who believe democracy is in danger need to focus on this next part, because they’re right:

Back in 1993, the General Fund made up 56% of the state budget. Today, it’s only 35%.

Do you see the threat to democracy? Might require a second look.

Our democratic republic was based on a battle cry, “no taxation without representation.” When TABOR passed the large majority of our taxation had our direct representation. Today only a third of what is taken from us is controlled by those we elected.

Thanks to the engorged orgy of taxes we can’t call taxes (like “fees”), two-thirds of our government is now operating outside of our democratic control.

Despite what the TABOR-deranged say, state spending has been growing faster than the economy itself. Colorado’s GDP has averaged about 5% growth since the late 1990s. State spending? About 6%.

Well, let’s look at it just a little differently. Since 1993, private employment in Colorado is up 61%. Solid. But state government employment? Up 189%.

Apparently, TABOR is so “crippling” the bureaucracy tripled.

Which explains why lobbyists are doing so well. Since 1995, professional lobbyist incomes have risen 374%. When government grows, so does the industry dedicated to feeding on it.

Then there’s Medicaid. Since 2009, Colorado’s pop-

ulation has grown about 20%. Medicaid enrollment? Up more than 200%.

And if you think taxpayers have been protected, think again. Since 2001, the average effective state tax rate has increased by almost 14%.

So dear TABOR-deranged folks, PLEASE tell me again how TABOR is “starving” government.

Consent of the governed

Those with TDS believe unchecked government spending is moral virtue and the simple consent before increasing their spending and our taxes is cruelty.

You see, TABOR is democracy. The gob-smacking growth of state government could only happen when they work around TABOR.

Which is why their sky-is-falling, democracy-destroying obsession never ends. Every year there’s a new attempt to “fix” TABOR, “modernize” TABOR, “adjust” TABOR, or “temporarily suspend” TABOR.

Funny how all those fixes move in exactly one direction.

TABOR’s real crime is not shrinking government, because it doesn’t. It’s reminding government who it works for.

JonCaldaraispresidentofIndependenceInstitute, afreemarketthinkinDenver.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that PODS Enterprises, LLC, located at 21110 E 31st Circle, Aurora, CO 80011, will sell the contents of certain containers at auction to the highest

bidder to satisfy owner’s lien. Auction will be held online at www.StorageTreasures. com starting on March 5, 2026 and ending on March 12, 2026. Contents to be sold may include general household goods, electronics, office & business equipment, furniture, clothing and other miscellaneous personal property.

First Publication: February 12, 2026

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR30888

Estate of Alice Lorraine Wilson, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado, on or before June 12, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative Catherine Anne Seal Atty Reg #: 26908 The Gasper Law Group LLC 101 N. Cascade Ave., Ste. 100A Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-227-7779

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Estate of Richard Cenedella, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before May 31, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative

Chris McGowne

PO BOX 1659

Hays, KS 67601

720-878-7688

First Publication: February 12, 2026

Final Publication: February 26, 2026

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Case No. 2025PR31193

Estate of Dianna G. Lonergan, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before May 26, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Jeremiah James 2515 Warren Ave., Ste. 500

Cheyenne, WY 82001

First Publication: February 5, 2026

Final Publication: February 19, 2026

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PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR31255

Estate of Karen L. Scott aka Karen Scott, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before May 29, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative

Raymond M. Laws 811 Main St.

Fort Morgan, CO 80701

First Publication: January 29, 2026

Final Publication: February 12, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR462

Estate of Nettie Mae Alexander, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado, on or before June 8, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Cheyenne Williams

Personal Representative 27892 E. 7th Ave. Aurora, CO 80018

First Publication: February 5, 2026

Final Publication: February 19, 2026 Sentinel

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PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR638

Estate of Linda M. Olson, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before June 12, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Dean Zimmerman

Personal Representative 1210 Glynwater Lane Waxhaw, NC 28173

First Publication: February 12, 2026

Final Publication: February 26, 2026 Sentinel

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PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR665

Estate of Joseph William Fisher, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to file them with the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before June 1, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. William Patrick Fisher, Personal Representative 2660 175th Ave. Erie, CO 80516

First Publication: January 29, 2026

Final Publication: February 12, 2026 Sentinel

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PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR03027

Estate of Jose D. Gallegos aka Jose Gallegos, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado, on or before June 4, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Thomas E. Johnson

Personal Representative 631 North Foote Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80909

First Publication: January 29, 2026

Final Publication: January 12, 2026

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Estate of Mary Katherine Shore aka Katherine N Shore aka Kay Shore, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before June 1, 2026, or said claims may be forever barred.

John E Holcomb

Personal Representative 3455 S Corona St., Apt 224 Englewood CO 80113

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Final Publication: February 12, 2026

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Estate of Aiham Alyasiri, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before May 30, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Assir Basim Alyasiri

Personal Representative 2784 S. Jebel Way Aurora, CO . 80013

First Publication: February 5, 2026

Final Publication: February 19, 2026

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PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30059

Estate of Janet Sue Young aka Janet S. Young, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Arapahoe County District Court on or before June 5, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Marco D. Chayet

Jennifer R. Oviatt

Personal Representative 18th Judicial District Public Administrator’s Office P.O. Box 460749, Denver, CO 80246 (303) 355-8520

First Publication: February 5, 2026

Final Publication: February 19, 2026

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Case No. 2026PR30060

Estate of Frederick Debrovner, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Arapahoe County District Court on or before June 5, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Marco D. Chayet

Jennifer R. Oviatt

Personal Representative 18th Judicial District Public Administrator’s Office P.O. Box 460749, Denver, CO 80246 (303) 355-8520

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PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR31336

Estate of Robert C. Chapman Jr. aka Robert Charles Chapman Jr. aka Robert Chapman Jr. aka R.C. Chapman Jr. aka Bob Chapman, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before June 1, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Mary A. Chapman Personal Representative 7623 S. Quatar Way Aurora, CO 80016

Attorney for Personal Representative Bette Heller, Esq. Atty. Reg. #: 10521 19671 E. Euclid Dr., Centennial, CO 80016 Phone: 303-690-7092

First Publication: January 29, 2026

Final Publication: February 12, 2026

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PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30042

Estate of Barbara E. Weigle, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before June 8, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Karin E. Weigle-Sollender

Personal Representative 5205 Linden Court Greenwood Village, CO 80121

Robert K. Weigle

Personal Representative 63 Ridge Ct. Woodside, CA 94062

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Final Publication: February 19, 2026

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PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30068

Estate of Vivian S. Lamb aka Vivian Lamb aka Vivian Sue Lamb, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before June 12, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Karen L. Fleeger

Personal Representative 304 Timber Ridge Road Marysville, PA 17053

Attorneys for Personal Representative

Charles E. Rounds

Atty Reg #: 37786 Kirch Rounds & Bowman, P.C.

Marketplace Tower II 3025 S. Parker Rd., Ste. 820 Aurora, CO 80014

Phone: 303-671-7726

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Estate

DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO CONSOLIDATED NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT IN THE FOLLOWING

OF MARRIAGE” AND “UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION” ACTS,

within the State of Colorado and further efforts would be to

2025DR001326 Souad Doua v Houssine Takajjart Dissolution 2025DR032095 Michael C Pugh v Malcom Pugh and Sarah White Custody

A copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of the

respond to this service by publication within thirty-five (35) days of the

non-appearing party.

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