Sentinel Colorado 4.16.2026

AURORA FIREFIGHTERS LEAVE LIFE BEHIND

Pilot Narcan ‘leave behind’ program saves lives and bridges gap to treatment, firefighters say

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No, you’re not crazy, but it’s nuts to allow Trump to carry on as a certified lunatic

Let’s for a moment, just for the sake of argument, stipulate that President Donald Trump isn’t ring-the-bell, crack-head crazy.

Set aside the repeatedly proven fact that Trump has publicly issued tens of thousands of well-documented lies, which no longer seems to be criteria in the United States for imposing a judgment of mental illness, poor character or even a moral wrong when it comes to that old-fashioned Ninth Commandment thing.

And overlook, for the time being, Trump’s endlessly effusive and repetitive wilted word salad he substitutes for political rhetoric when he talks or posts on social media.

No one has ever seen anything like it. So go ahead and say that although Trump is clearly not very bright, he’s not, however, in immediate need of anti-psychotic drugs, a straight-jacket or even powerful sedatives. At least not yet.

Given the absence of certifiable crazy, Trump’s public behavior over the last two weeks since he dragged the United States into war with Iran illustrate his corrupt, criminal and immoral behavior as president and one of the billions of humans on the third rock from the Sun.

Almost all of the country agrees that only a nut-case president or a corrupt fascist would tell an anxious planet on the verge of getting sucked into an Iran war, “Tuesday will be a Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, In Iran,” Trump said in an April 5 social media post. “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fu***n’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!”

Because Trump is who he is, and because we’ve become dangerously acclimated to the president of the United States behaving like a parody on late-night TV, this particular deranged, dangerous and demented flap held the headlines only for hours.

Talk about the “crazy bastard” pot belly

calling the kooky kettles “black.”

All this came amid Trump firing his incompetent and corrupt cabinet members from their jobs for their incompetent and corrupt performance as attorney general and head of homeland security. It all makes for another “There will be nothing like it!!!” conniption that’s hard to ignore no matter who we’re going to war with now.

Last week, Charles stopped by the Sentinel newsroom to leave a donation and some attaboys for what the team here does.

Charles is 90 years old, a Korean War vet, and a lifelong Aurora resident.

“None of us risked our lives so someone like Trump could be president and risk the life of every American,” he said. “Every day I shake my head wondering how anyone can even look or listen to him and not see how clearly he’s a liar, a fake and a fool.”

At 90, Charles clearly doesn’t care about mincing words, pointing out that we are fast approaching a point of no return where the damage Trump and his bewildered acolytes and MAGA followers inflict on the United States will be irreparable.

I agree with Charles that we have got to push back against the gas-lighters trying to persuade the nation that it’s not that bad or that’s just who Trump is and it’s all OK.

Trump himself could not have made that any clearer when he threatened to commit ghastly war crimes in Iran unless his plummeting poll numbers don’t turn around, like right the hell now.

“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” Trump infamously said in a social media post just one week ago. “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

Trump posts scary, crazy stuff similar to that in the same way I post stuff about the obnoxious squirrels in my yard digging up my tulip bulbs.

But even for Trump, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” takes his reckless rhetoric to a whole

new and criminal level.

This is “final solution” kind of stuff that no one in the United States should stand for. This is “never again” territory that came and went in a week with even less alarm than Trump’s “they’re eating the dogs” delusional crap.

Sure, there was some tough talk, even locally.

“The President is endangering the American people, our servicemembers, our allies, and innocent civilians,” Aurora Democratic Rep. Jason Crow said in a statement. “Americans of good conscience must come together and reject this madness.”

On national TV news shows, Crow joined Democrats in Colorado and across the nation in calling for impeachment to “stop a runaway, rogue presidency,” since he doubted that Republicans in Congress or Trump’s Cabinet would pursue invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

But the cogent part of the nation actually paying close attention to all this is back to hoping that, somehow, we make it through the Iran crisis and the dozens of other disasters simmering along since Trump resumed office.

Rational Americans, and the world, can only hope that, this time, Americans pay more attention to the election in November than their TikTok reels and sports scores and elect members of Congress who will remove Trump from power and his determination to drive the nation over the cliff.

Just hoping that Trump somehow gains enough sense and cogency by himself to stop acting like a desperate dictator and washed up reality TV feature isn’t cutting it folks.

Founding fathers wisely installed emergency “off” switches in the Constitution. Hit the switch.

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Activists cool to Aurora council’s proposed police-shooting resolution

WHAT WILL MATTER MOST IS THE LANGUAGE THIS COUNCIL ULTIMATELY ADOPTS AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE ACTIONS THAT FOLLOW.”

BY SENTINEL STAFF AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Aurora lawmakers last week moved forward with a proposal to formalize how city council members publicly respond to police shootings, advancing a resolution offering condolences to grieving families while stating legal limits on what officials can say about active cases.

The measure, approved unanimously April 9 by the council’s three-member Public Safety Committee, comes after months of contentious meetings and sustained pressure from activists and families demanding accountability in officer-involved shooting cases involving the Aurora Police Department.

A spokesperson for many of the activists said the resolution shows what they see as progress in addressing the issue, but it’s far from what the group has regularly demanded.

“…resolutions are gestures,” spokesperson MiDian Shoffner said in a statement Friday. “They do not, on their own, create safety, accountability, or justice. What will matter most is the language this Council ultimately adopts and, more importantly, the actions that follow.”

18th Judicial District Community Corrections Board chairperson and local activist Candice Bailey said the proposed resolution is the “lowest bar” city lawmakers can offer the public.

“It’s word salad,” Bailey said. “It’s nothing more than a performative move to appease people.”

She’s been a regular voice in Aurora demanding substantive change in the police department, including independent oversight of police operations and controversies.

Bailey said newly elected progressive members of the city council need to do much more.

“I want this progressive city council to dig in,” she said.

Public Safety committee members had little comment about the proposal, sponsored by

Councilmember Rob Andrews. He said it was an attempt to show some form of “support of the folks this has happened to.”

City officials said he and city lawyers crafted the text of the resolution.

If adopted by the full city council, the resolution would establish a consistent public stance acknowledging the tragedy of officer-involved shootings, expressing sympathy for those affected while detailing that ongoing litigation prevents any other public comment.

“City Council stands in mourning with those who are grieving the loss of a child, parent, family member or friend,” the proposed resolution states.

City lawmakers have faced repeated criticism during public meetings, often interrupted by protesters calling for discipline of officers, policy changes and broader reforms. The tension has been fueled in part by high-profile cases, including the 2024 fatal shooting of Kilyn Lewis and others, after the 2019 death of Elijah McClain.

The resolution states that while individual council members may hold personal opinions, the body as a whole “must refrain from commenting publicly on any matters with pending claims or litigation” to protect the city’s legal interests.

It also states that Colorado law essentially requires the city to defend officers and cover financial judgments in such cases.

The move reflects an attempt to create a balance for council members, who have said they are constrained in their official roles even as public expectations grow.

In recent months, meetings have drawn regular appearances from a coalition of activists and family members, including relatives of Lewis, who was shot by SWAT officer Michael Dieck during his arrest in May 2024. Dieck told inves-

tigators he mistook a cellphone in Lewis’ hand for a firearm. Investigators later determined the shooting was legally justified, and Police Chief Todd Chamberlain previously said the officer did not violate department policy.

Lewis’ family has since filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Arapahoe County District Court, alleging the shooting was unjustified and avoidable. Attorneys for the family argue that the cellphone was clearly identifiable and that other officers on the scene did not perceive a threat, in that they did not fire on Lewis.

That lawsuit is one of at least two recently filed by families of Black men killed in confrontations with Aurora police, underscoring concerns raised by civil rights advocates about use of force and racial disparities.

The family of the Rajon Belt-Stubblefield, fatally shot by Aurora police Aug. 30, 2025 during a traffic stop, has said publicly they are considering a wrongful death suit against the city as well.

Police records show that Aurora police fatally shot 21 people from 2022 through 2025.

Police fatally shot a Black man in Aurora April 9. Officers said the 23-year-old man was in the midst of a mental health crisis yesterday and was fatally shot while stabbing a veteran canine officer in the head with a butcher knife, critically injuring him.

Activists have repeatedly demanded the city council take a more active role in past police-shooting incidents, including reopening cases, disciplining officers and accelerating police reforms outlined in a state-mandated consent decree. That agreement was imposed after an investigation by the Colorado Attorney General found “patterns and practices” of Aurora police using excessive force, particularly against people of color.

Council members, however, have repeatedly said they lack authority over individual cases

and cannot intervene in ongoing legal matters.

The proposed resolution seeks to clarify that position, sponsors said Thursday.

Besides offering sympathy, the resolution states that the shootings “affect the fabric of our entire community.”

Shoffner said her group is pleased to see the resolution offering now, but she chided the previous city council for dismissing a similar effort last year when city lawmakers spiked an effort created by city council Democrats.

“The removal of that resolution was an action that deepened harm and signaled a reluctance to publicly reckon with the realities our community faces.,” Shoffner said. “Councilwoman Stephanie Hancock motioned for the removal of that resolution in June 2024. The fact that a member of that same body has now voted to advance a resolution forward suggests a shift that may reflect a growing recognition that acknowledgment matters.”

The controversy and persistent public appearances and criticism at city council meetings led to a standoff between members of the former city council last year and activists.

Shoffner won a court decision last month after she sued the city after they ended public comment segments of city council meetings and made other changes in an effort to prevent the activists from regularly speaking out.

A new city council majority elected in November reversed all of that, allowing the activists, and anyone, to address the city council during its regular meetings.

For now, activists said they will continue to push for substantive change in police policy.

“We remain watchful, but also hopeful, that this moment can open the door to meaningful collaboration,” Shoffner said.

The full council is expected to consider the measure in the coming weeks.

AROUND AURORA

Former Cherry Creek board president Angela Garland joins CCA Foundation board

The Community College of Aurora Foundation has appointed former Cherry Creek Schools board president Angela Garland to its board of directors.

Garland, who serves as development director for Scouting Colorado, joined the board this spring, the foundation officials said Wednesday in a statement.

In her role, she oversees fundraising efforts, experience the organization said will support its mission of expanding opportunities for students.

“We are thrilled to welcome Angela Garland to the CCA Foundation Board,” board President Kara Jorgensen said in a statement. “Her proven leadership and deep dedication to students make her an outstanding addition.”

Garland previously served as president of the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education from 2023 to 2025 and remains an elected member of the board.

In a statement, Garland said her experience in public education highlighted the impact of scholarships and community-based fundraising.

“It’s an incredible honor to step into the Board of Directors for the Community College of Aurora Foundation,” she said. “My time working with the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education has shown me the transformative impact of scholarship programs on students’ lives.”

The foundation supports students at the Community College of Aurora by raising philanthropic funds, building partnerships and strengthening community ties. Board members help guide strategy and support fundraising aimed at improving educational attainment and workforce readiness.

Foundation officials said Garland’s appointment reflects an ongoing effort to strengthen community leadership and expand access to education through scholarships and partnerships.

— Sentinel Staff

Sentinel Colorado editor highlights Aurora’s diversity, police reform on CPR

Sentinel Colorado editor, Dave Perry, talked with Colorado Public Radio this week about what’s making top headlines in Aurora these days and some stories readers can expect for the next few weeks.

In Aurora, “you can learn from people from all over the world,” Perry told Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield on Thursday’s show.

Perry was talking about Aurora’s vast cultural, racial and even international diversity, which he said is a great strength for the community in the midst of a national wave of distrust of immigrants.

The interview was part of a CPR series on media across the state focused on ethnic voices and operated by ethnic journalists, the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange.

Perry said the Sentinel would continue focusing coverage of police reform in Aurora in light of a state mandated consent decree.

And among the city’s vibrant arts, cultural and education scene, it boasts

one of the best and most diverse food and restaurant communities on the planet, he said.

Listen in for recommendations on the best bahn mi or Iraqi flatbreads at CPR.org.

— Sentinel Staff

COPS AND COURTS

Black man shot dead by police in Aurora after attacking officer with knife

“EDITOR’S NOTE: This story addresses issues linked to suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self-injury, call or text 988 or click here: www.988colorado.com

Police fatally shot a Black man who investigators said was in the midst of a mental health crisis April 9 while the man was stabbing a veteran canine officer in the head with a butcher knife, critically injuring him.

At about 3:15 p.m. officers were called to an apartment complex in the 14000 block of East Stanford Circle after receiving a report of a 23-year-old man threatening to harm himself and others, according to police.

Aurora police are under a state-imposed consent decree linked to a state investigation that revealed “patterns and practices” of officers using excessive force, especially against people of color.

Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said the call originated from Aurora Mental Health officials, who relayed concerns for the safety of the man, his family members and the surrounding community.

Chamberlain said the man had a history of mental health problems and was previously under a mental health hold.

Officers, along with the department’s Crisis Response Team, which pairs a police officer with a mental health clinician, arrived about 3:45 p.m. and attempted to de-escalate the situation.

Chamberlain said mental health workers initially made contact with the man by phone, but communication later broke down.

Police spent roughly 25 minutes attempting to contain the situation and re-establish communication with the man, officials said.

During that time, officers could see the man inside the apartment holding a large butcher knife to his neck and making threats against himself and others, Chamberlain said.

“This isn’t something that was taken lightly,” Chamberlain said. “This is something where our resources, our personnel came together with the proper resources, the proper equipment, the proper tools to effectively deal with somebody who is experiencing mental health issues.”

When attempts to reach the man failed, a mental health clinician approached the apartment to try to engage the man.

Chamberlain said that at one point, the man abruptly came out of the apartment and charged at officers.

The chief said the man ran directly at the canine-handling officer and began stabbing him repeatedly in the head with the knife.

Chamberlain described the attack as “a full speed head-on charge” and “incredibly overtly aggressive,” saying the knife broke during the assault and a portion remained lodged in the officer’s head.

“This was not something light,” he

said. “This is a large butcher knife that was repeatedly thrust into the head of our police officer.”

Other officers deployed a Taser and a 40mm less-lethal launcher, but neither stopped the attack, police said. During the struggle, the injured officer fired his gun, striking the man and killing him.

“The contact itself was seconds — seconds,” Chamberlain said. “That’s how fast that occurred.”

Officers and emergency personnel provided immediate medical aid to both the officer and the suspect.

The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Chamberlain said.

Police spokesperson Gabby Easterwood said Friday the injured offi-

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cer is expected to recover from his injuries

“Our officer who was injured during yesterday’s incident underwent surgery last night and is doing well,” Easterwood said in a statement “He remains in the hospital but is awake and speaking with family and medical staff. It is unclear how long he will remain hospitalized, but he is in good spirits as he continues his recovery.”

She reported on the condition of the police dog, too.

“Happy to report our canine is also doing well,” Easterwood said. “He received stitches for his stab wound and remained at the veterinarian clinic overnight for monitoring. He has since been released.”

Police said the injured officer has been with the department since 2002 and has served in the canine unit since 2012.

The 18th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation into the shooting, while Aurora police are conducting an internal review.

“This situation, it is without question a tragedy,” Chamberlain said. “The only positive thing that came out of it is that our officer is not dead.”

The identity of the man will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office at a later date.

During the press conference, Chamberlain repeated remarks that officers arriving on the scene were prepared and properly staffed to deal with the potentially volatile situation involving a suspect with mental health issues, and in particularly, “suicidal ideation.”

Aurora police were criticized by outside experts and some police personnel who told Sentinel reporters

last year that Aurora officers were unprepared for and mishandled a socalled “suicide by cop” call, where the unarmed suspect was shot dead by police.

Despite the allegations, the officer who fired the fatal shot was cleared by 18th Judicial District Attorney Amy Padden of any potential criminal charges.

— Sentinel Staff

Unidentified motorcycle driver killed in south Aurora crash Monday night

An unidentified motorcycle driver was killed Monday night in south Aurora after colliding with a car and being ejected from the motorbike, police said.

Officers and rescuers were called to the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and South Espana Way at about 8:40 p.m. after numerous callers reported the crash, Aurora police spokesperson Katie Fisher said in a statement.

“Multiple callers stated a motorcycle and a vehicle collided, throwing the motorcyclist from their bike and into the roadway,” Fisher said. “Despite lifesaving efforts, the motorcyclist was declared dead at the scene.” Police said the driver of the car involved in the crash is cooperating with investigators.

Streets leading into the crash were shut down into the evening to facilitate the investigation.

— Sentinel Staff

Man shot in arm after altercation in northwest Aurora road median

Police said an unidentified man in northwest Aurora was shot in the arm

late April 11 after he and another unidentified man got into an altercation on the road median.

Officers were called to East Colfax Avenue and Macon Street shortly before midnight on reports of a shooting.

“Officers arrived on scene and located a man in the median suffering from a gunshot wound to his arm,” Aurora Police spokesperson Gabby Easterwood said in a statement.

The man was treated at the scene by police and rescuers and taken to a nearby hospital with what investigators said were non-life-threatening injuries.

“Investigators learned the victim had been involved in a verbal altercation prior to the shooting,” Easterwood said. “During the altercation, the suspect produced a handgun and shot the victim before fleeing on foot.”

Investigators said they have not made any arrests in the case.

Police said anyone with information can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000, police said.

— Sentinel Staff

Parker cop indicted on charges of sexual misconduct with police explorers

Former Parker Police Sgt. Troy Brienzo, 31, was indicted by a Douglas County grand jury April 3 on charges of unlawful sexual conduct and official misconduct.

The charges are linked to alleged behavior toward two adult participants in Parker’s Police Explorer Program during ride-alongs.

Brienzo acted as adviser to the program, which consists of youths 14 to 20 and includes learning case law, defensive tactics, attending competitions

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and ride-alongs with officers, Littleton police reported to investigators.

On Jan. 3, according to the indictment, Brienzo invited one of the female explorers he supervised to a nighttime ride-along, and picked her up at the Parker Police Station at about 8 p.m. During this ride along, the affidavit states that Brienzo spoke to the explorer about his sexual fantasies of having sex in the back of his patrol car, asking her if, “hypothetically,” asking her to do so would ruin their relationship.

“How fire would it be if I were to have a rider and I could just reach my hand over and start touching them,” he asked her, according to the affidavit. The explorer told investigating officers that she felt uncomfortable at this point, but he continued talking about other sexual “hypotheticals” and fantasies, asking her about her sexual fantasies and preferred age range, even as she tried to steer the conversation to different topics.

According to the affidavit, he eventually said none of his questions were hypotheticals, and she rejected them, she told investigators.

She said he then asked if she ever had a crush on him, which she said she did at 16 as an explorer, according to the affidavit. Brienzo responded that he thought she was attractive at 16, and that he found another explorer’s “butt” attractive, but that he “knew his attraction to her was wrong.”

The age of the other explorer was not made clear in the redacted affidavit.

The explorer explained to investigating officers that he asked for a photo of her naked — which she refused — and described more fantasies such as a sexual pat-down even as she tried to steer the conversation away again, and continued to persist about a “more touchy” search of her.

The affidavit stated that the explorer “told him if that was going to be enough for him, then she would agree to it.”

They arrived back at the Parker Police Station at about 11 p.m. where Brienzo told her they needed to have a story as to why they would be in the “equipment area” alone together. In that area, Brienzo took off his body camera and began a “pat-down,” groping the explorer under her shirt and above her pants, according to court documents. Afterward, he said she could not tell anyone as it could ruin his career and “look really bad” for her.

He then drove her to an empty parking lot and asked to perform oral sex on her, according to the court reports. She refused. He then spoke on how “hot” it would be if she came to his hotel room during the next explorer competition, she told investigators. The explorer told the interviewing officer that this “freaked her out” because she felt there was nothing she could do as he was a “sergeant and she was not.”

The night ended at almost midnight with Brienzo driving the explorer back to her car in the Parker police department parking lot.

The next day, the affidavit states, the explorer told a friend and fellow explorer about the evening along with an officer. A few days later, Parker police Commander Jacob Schuster told Brienzo he was being put on administrative leave for sexual allegations against him.

At a later date, unclear in the court documents, Brienzo began asking questions of other officials linked to his defense.

The affidavit stated that Brienzo called a friend at the Colorado Bu-

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reau of Investigation asking for advice, explaining the situation as him showing her a pat-down for weapons, asking if he could check down her bra, and her agreeing. He called it “wanted contact by the explorer and agreed upon between two adults.”

The affidavit describes another explorer that Brienzo allegedly had sex with in his patrol car in a high school parking lot, but it is unclear the age of the explorer and when it occurred.

Criminal justice experts say Brienzo’s case mirrors convictions for similar crimes by law enforcement officers across the nation.

“It’s a crime of opportunity where not only has he got her alone, he’s got a gun and a badge in a police car,” said Philip Stinson, a criminologist and professor of criminal justice at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

“There’s a predator aspect and an opportunity aspect here, and it’s consistent with many other arrests of police officers over the years.”

Stinson is the principal investigator of the Henry A. Wallace Police Crime Database which tracks crimes committed by nonfederal law enforcement officers across the country. He told the Sentinel there’s been dozens of these examples of officers being arrested for cases involving teenagers in explorers programs across the country, cropping up as often as a few times a year.

Brienzo’s case is consistent with other examples of sexual crimes against teenagers in explorer programs, according to Stinsen, though others are most often involving 14 or 15 year olds.

“It’s not a one off,” he said. “It’s a problem that was identified 25 years

ago, so it’s a known problem that has been largely ignored.”

Stinsen is referencing a 2003 study by Samuel Walker and Dawn Irlbeck that explicitly describes a “disturbing pattern of police officer exploitation of teenage girls” in explorers programs across the country.

“We have a bunch of these cases,” he added. “You are under the cover of darkness, you can go anywhere you want and no one is going to come up to the car because you’re a cop, so there’s so many aspects where this can go off the rails.”

Brienzo resigned Feb. 13, while under investigation, according to Colorado’s Peace Officer Standards and Training database. He is being represented by a Douglas County Public Defender. The Public Defender’s Office did not respond to multiple phone calls for the name of his attorney.

— Andrew Fraieli, For The Sentinel in Aurora

BEYOND AURORA

Colorado bill would coordinate state, city homelessness prevention and funding

A proposal is moving through the Colorado legislature that would boost the regional and statewide coordination that advocates say is needed to tackle homelessness across the state, after a similar measure failed last year.

The bill, House Bill 26-1202, would help communities coordinate homelessness prevention and reduction efforts and lay the groundwork for a comprehensive state-level strategy on the issue.

“We have to have a coherent strat-

egy,” said Democratic State Sen. Judy Amabile of Boulder, one of the bill’s sponsors. “There isn’t just one thing that will fix this problem. It is about housing prices, but it’s also about addiction. It’s also about mental health. And so if we’re going to get at it, we have to have a really comprehensive approach to what we’re doing.”

the bill would, starting in August, let any combination of local governments come together to form a political subdivision, called a multijurisdictional homelessness response authority, that would be tasked with preventing and reducing homelessness within the borders of all the participating communities.

ist in a silo of a specific city and so it shouldn’t be addressed on just a patchwork basis,” said Democratic State Rep. Manny Rutinel of Commerce City.

Each authority would be run by a board of directors and would have the ability to coordinate with both the Col-

orado Department of Local Affairs and one of the state’s ten federally recognized continuum of care organizations that coordinate housing resources in the state’s rural and nonmetro counties.

The multijurisdictional homelessness response authorities could also levy taxes through their participating local governments, but only if the participating local governments choose to give it that power in their initial agreement. The authorities would have to get approval from the voters of each local government before imposing any new taxes.

But the measure does seek to create some new funding to support local efforts to address homelessness. It would allow counties to use a portion of the revenue collected from real estate document filing fees, after administrative costs are covered, to help develop, preserve or acquire affordable housing for unhoused individuals.

The final piece of the bill would direct the Department of Local Affairs to put together a plan for statewide homelessness prevention and reduction, including a timeline, budget, and an implementation process. The agency would present the proposal when the 2027 legislative session begins next January.

Amabile said the plan needs to include ways to expand resources and assistance for people who are unhoused because of mental health or addiction.

“I think we’ve done a pretty good job of saying we need to really create a lot more affordable housing, and we’re trying to do that,” Amabile, whose own

son has struggled with schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and has been homeless, said. “But we haven’t done nearly as effective a job at trying to help people who are sick and need health care and that their illness is leading to them being on the street.”

The measure is based on an effort from last year that failed. Last year’s bill would have created an interagency council on homelessness within the governor’s office. It would have included representatives from eight state agencies, along with an advisory group made up of advocates and others with experience in homelessness prevention and reduction.

But the bill was rejected in its first legislative hearing. Rutinel, who was also a sponsor of it last year, said it failed in large part because it required funding at a time when the state was facing a massive budget shortfall. With lawmakers facing another dire budget situation, the interagency council and advisory group were not included this year and, without it, the measure doesn’t require any funding at all.

Advocates for unhoused residents have been calling for a statewide homelessness strategy for years.

Cathy Alderman with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless said that, although pockets of the state have implemented their own initiatives to address homelessness, the approach is scattered and disconnected.

“It’s not working for local governments, and it’s not working for communities that are seeing homelessness increase year over year,” Alderman said. “The comprehensiveness of this bill is to say we need a statewide strategy so that local governments and service providers all know what the state’s

goals are and how they can participate in achieving those goals.”

Alderman also said homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all problem across Colorado’s diverse communities.

“Some parts of our state need to think about how homelessness exists in our state parks and national parks, and some of our areas of the state need to know what homelessness response looks like on the actual streets of the city or town,” Alderman said.

House Bill 1202 also has wide support from local governments. The Colorado Municipal League, which represents the state’s towns and cities at the state Capitol, and Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, which includes counties and county commissioners from across the state, both testified in support of the measure.

But Republican lawmakers oppose it. Every GOP member of the Colorado House voted against the bill when the chamber considered it last month.

State Rep. Chris Richardson of Elbert County took issue with the provision that would allow the revenue from documentary filing fees to be used for affordable housing, which he said could amount to an improper use of revenue under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR.

“It essentially converts it into the use of a tax, and this raises a concern with the Taxpayer Bill of Rights,” Richardson said. “Fees should be related to the services that they fund. And directly related, not loosely related.”

The bill had near-unanimous support from House Democrats and passed the chamber. It now awaits consideration in the Senate.

— Lucas Brady Woods/ KUNC

Most Colorado cities could lose access to affordable housing funding next year. Lawmakers are racing to fix it.

The vast majority of local governments in Colorado could be barred from receiving affordable housing funding through Proposition 123 for the next three years unless the state legislature steps in to prevent it.

The problem stems from a provision in the 2022 ballot measure that was designed to hold local governments accountable for increasing the supply of affordable housing. To remain eligible for the $350 million a year that the measure generates, cities and counties must show that they’re increasing their local supply of affordable housing by 3% a year.

But housing advocates — including those who wrote the ballot measure — say the requirement approved by voters has proved impossible for some communities to meet.

And, if lawmakers don’t pass a bill to change the rules, a provision designed to incentivize affordable housing could have the opposite effect: Upward of 90% of local governments enrolled in Proposition 123 could be disqualified from the three-year funding cycle that starts Jan. 1 because they aren’t meeting the 3% annual target.

“Ultimately the goal is creating more housing, right?” state Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, said at a committee hearing in March. “It set goals that certain jurisdictions were never, never going to be able to hit

— (affordable housing) goals that exceeded the amount of building permits that they actually issue year over year. Just completely unrealistic — unachievable.”

Lawmakers and the Polis administration have proposed a fix in House Bill 1313, which is headed to the Senate after passing the House on Thursday. Stewart is cosponsoring the measure alongside House Speaker Pro Tem Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver.

But the proposed solution — a complex formula that gives local governments various paths to maintain eligibility under the law — is raising fresh questions about what sorts of housing taxpayers should be incentivizing in the first place.

Pueblo is among those that would be disqualified under the current rules, officials say, in large part because the city already has a lot of relatively affordable homes.

Most of them are what’s considered naturally occurring affordable housing — homes that low-income families can afford at market rates without public assistance, typically because they’re older and located in less expensive neighborhoods.

But because they count as part of the city’s existing affordable housing stock, they make it that much harder to achieve the 3% annual growth rate required by the formula.

“We must produce 1,206 new deed-restricted or Proposition 123-funded affordable housing units over a three-year cycle,” Melissa Cook, the city’s director of housing and citizen services, told the House Committee on Transportation, Housing and ›› See METRO, 30

Flash drive

MENOPAUSE PRODUCTS ARE HAVING A HOT MINUTE. BUT DOCTORS URGE WOMEN TO BE WARY OF THE MARKETING SURGE

BY JAMIE STENGLE, Associated Press

Women suffering through the hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep problems that can come with menopause — all while looking in the mirror and noticing signs of aging — are being bombarded with products.

More open conversations about menopause and the period leading up to it — called perimenopause — are happening at the same time that marketing has been supercharged by social media. Women are being confronted by lotions and serums and light masks that promise to rejuvenate their faces and necks, dietary supplements claiming to do everything from boost moods to ease hot flashes and gadgets promising to help with symptoms.

“The marketing has gotten very, very aggressive. It’s pervasive,” said Dr. Nanette Santoro, an OB-GYN professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz.

Santoro and other physicians say that before spending lots of money on products that make big promises, it’s important for women to talk to their doctors about what has actually been proven to help — and what could be harmful.

“It really pays to be very, very, very skeptical,” Santoro said.

A flood of marketing

As menstruation winds down, women’s levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. In some women, the symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness and sleep problems.

Dr. Angela Angel, an OB-GYN with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, said that in the past, doctors would ask women around the age of 50 during their yearly exam

if they were noticing any symptoms. But now, she said, patients are making separate appointments and initiating the conversations.

And at those appointments, she said, many patients tell her they’ve already tried something. “They’re coming to see me because it’s not effective or because it’s caused some other side effect,” Angel said.

Her hospital has recently started a menopause support group led by doctors and, at the request of participants, an upcoming session will focus on helping women navigate through the marketing onslaught.

Products aimed at women in that stage of life include everything from bracelets and rings claiming to help ease hot flashes to cooling blankets and bedding.

Santoro said her advice to patients is to “balance what you’re going to spend over whether this might help you.”

“If it’s a bracelet that’s going to cost you $20, it’s not a big expenditure. It might provide some improvement,” Santoro said. “Things that are not well tested might still work but if you want something that works — come back, I’m not going anywhere and I’ll give you evidence based treatment.”

Santoro said dietary supplements have not been proven in multiple, well-done studies to alleviate hot flashes, but many are low cost with a low potential for harm. She said if a patient wants to try something they see online, it’s important to at least tell their doctor so they can be monitored while taking it — or warned off.

Doctors note that most of the time over-the-counter products like dietary supplements, shampoos or skin care that are advertised for menopausal women aren’t different from regular products for that purpose ingredient-wise.

And some products could have side effects.

Advice from doctors

Dr. Monica Christmas, director of the menopause program at the University of Chicago Medicine, said there’s not one symptom everyone gets. Some women get few or none, she said, while others are extremely impacted by a variety of symptoms. What’s most important, she said, is seeking medical help.

Doctors say that hormone therapy prescribed by a doctor can help with symptoms, as can prescriptions for nonhormonal medication. Some women are advised to avoid hormone therapy because they have had certain medical issues.

“Not everybody needs hormone therapy, not everyone is a candidate for hormone therapy, not everybody should be on hormone therapy,” Angel said.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help a lot, doctors say. That can help with weight loss, which is associated with reducing hot flashes and night sweats.

And Santoro notes that avoiding alcohol is a good step for someone with hot flashes since it can make them worse.

“Many of the symptoms actually get better over time, so sometimes it really is just a matter of lifestyle modifications and self-care and getting through this most tumultuous time frame,” Christmas said.

For Brandi McGruder, a 49-year-old school librarian from Dallas, it clicked that she was in perimenopause last year when she went out to dinner for her birthday. When she and her friends entered the steakhouse, she was freezing cold. About 20 minutes later, she was burning up.

She said she made an appointment with her doctor, who prescribed an estrogen patch, which helped. McGruder said she’s seen the advertisements for products aimed at women her age, but her first stop was her doctor.

McGruder said that while she doesn’t like the way the symptoms have driven home that she’s getting older, she’s also embracing this time in her life. Her advice: “Laugh. It’s OK. Reach out to others experiencing what you are going through, don’t take it so serious.”

Concerns about skin

There are changes with skin that come both with time as one ages, and during menopause as skin gets less thick because of a loss of collagen and some of the hyaluronic acid that supports skin, said Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist and associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Mauskar said using a prescribed retinoid or an over-the-counter retinol can help. Both assist with the production of collagen and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

She said good over-the-counter moisturizers can be found at drugstores. Her advice is to look for ones with ceramides, which help keep skin hydrated.

“But you don’t want to have anything that has too many additive ingredients — just because it’s natural and a botanical does not mean it’s better,” Mauskar said. “A lot of those actually are contact allergens that can make people more sensitive.”

Ingestible collagen is among the products being marketed to women, but she warns that studies are mixed and ingesting it “doesn’t mean that it’s going to make its way to your skin and plump up your face” — even though products claim it will. Light masks, she said, won’t hurt and some studies show they could help, but they won’t make a difference overnight. She said seeing any improvements from them would likely take daily use for many years.

She said sun damage is one of the biggest reasons patients have more wrinkles, so consistent use of sunscreen is a must for all ages.

“I think there’s a lot of new fancy things coming out and targeted to perimenopause, menopause patients,” Mauskar said, “but sometimes the tried and true things that we at least have the science for I think still are my kind of gold standard for my patients.”

instrumentation, driving rhythms and high-energy improvisation. The CJRO brings that sound to life with a dynamic ensemble featuring saxophonist Jared Cathey, pianist Ben Hall, guitarist Mike Abbott, bassist Eric Hitt and vocalist Marion Powers.

scene & herd

“Les Misérables” the school edition at The People’s Buidling

Victor Hugo’s sweeping tale of justice, redemption and revolution takes the stage in this powerful musical adaptation that has captivated audiences around the world for decades. Set in 19th-century France, the story follows Jean Valjean, a former prisoner seeking to rebuild his life, while being relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert. Along the way, the lives of factory workers, students, revolutionaries and ordinary citizens intertwine against the backdrop of political unrest. Featuring a soaring score that includes “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home” and “One Day More,” the production combines intimate storytelling with epic theatrical spectacle.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 1-April 19. Curtains vary.

Place: The People’s Building, 9995 E Colfax Ave.

Tickets: $25–$50

Information: ThePeoplesBuidling.com

Django Jingles — Jazz Manouche and more with the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra

Hot swing and spirited improvisation take center stage as the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra presents Django Jingles: Jazz Manouche N More at Lakewood Cultural Center. Led by artistic director Drew Zaremba, the concert pays tribute to legendary guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli, whose groundbreaking work with the Quintette du Hot Club de France helped define the vibrant jazz manouche style.

Blending American jazz traditions with Romani musical influences, jazz manouche—also known as “hot club jazz”—is characterized by its acoustic

The concert also features special guest violinist Enion Pelta-Tiller, co-founder of the internationally recognized band Taarka. Known for blending Gypsy and Eastern European folk traditions with modern sensibilities, Pelta-Tiller adds a fresh dimension to the performance, honoring Reinhardt’s legacy while expanding the sound with her own distinctive style.

Organizers describe the evening as a celebration of rhythm and melody, capturing the infectious energy of early 20th-century jazz while showcasing the CJRO’s signature blend of tradition and innovation. The orchestra, one of the region’s premier jazz ensembles, continues to push boundaries with inventive programming and performances that highlight the depth and versatility of the genre.

IF YOU GO:

Date: 3 p.m. April 26

Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway

Tickets $36 - $38

www.coloradojazz.org or call 303-987-7845

“Fat Ham” at Aurora Fox Arts Center

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames re-imagines Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in this contemporary comedy-drama that unfolds during a family barbecue in the American South. The story follows Juicy, a thoughtful young man confronting family expectations and personal identity after the ghost of his father demands revenge. Instead of following the traditional tragic path, Juicy wrestles with whether breaking cycles of anger and violence might offer a different kind of resolution. The play mixes humor, music and emotional reflection while exploring themes of family, identity and self-determination.

IF YOU GO:

Date: through April 19

Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.

Tickets: $20–$42

Information: aurorafoxartscenter.org or 303-739-1970

Aleks Syntek in Concert at Stampede

Ari Lennox – “The Vacancy Tour” at Summit Music Hall

Celebrated R&B artist Ari Lennox brings her soulful voice and emotionally rich songwriting to Denver as part of her national tour. Known for her smooth vocal delivery and deeply personal lyrics, Lennox creates a concert experience that is both intimate and electrifying. Her setlist blends tracks from her latest album with fan-favorite songs, offering a journey through themes of love, vulnerability and self-discovery. Backed by a live band and thoughtful stage production, the performance promises to be a standout moment for R&B fans.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 26 at 7 p.m.

Place: Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St.

Tickets: $66-$354

Information: www.summitdenver.com or call 303-487-0111

Alesso Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Set against the dramatic natural backdrop of Red Rocks, international DJ and producer Alesso headlines a major electronic music event that blends sound and scenery into an unforgettable experience. Known for his melodic progressive house style, Alesso’s performance combines powerful beats, cinematic builds and immersive visuals. The open-air venue enhances the music with natural acoustics and sweeping views, making it one of the most iconic concert settings in the world.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 25 8 p.m.

Place: Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Tickets: $60–$150

Information: redrocksonline.com or call 720-865-2494

Immersive Concert Experience at Meow Wolf Denver

“South Pacific” at Paramount Theatre

This classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical transports audiences to a remote Pacific island during World War II, where love stories unfold amid cultural tensions and wartime realities. Featuring a lush score and timeless songs, the production explores themes of prejudice, courage and human connection. With full orchestration and elaborate staging, the show delivers a rich and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Opens April 29

Place: 1621 Glenarm Place. Tickets: $30–$90

Information: paramountdenver.com or call 303-623-0106

Candlelight Concert Series at Trinity United Methodist Church

This atmospheric concert series transforms a historic church into a glowing performance space illuminated by candlelight. Featuring classical interpretations of well-known works, the concerts provide an intimate and visually striking setting that enhances the emotional power of the music. Try “90s Unplugged” or “Tribute to Fleetwood Mac”

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 17–25, 2026

Place: 1820 Broadway, Denver Tickets: $30–$60

Information: trinityumc.org or call 303-839-1493

Comedy & Music Showcase at Comedy Works South

Blending stand-up comedy with live performance elements, this showcase features nationally touring comedians alongside occasional musical guests. The venue’s professional setting and strong lineup make it a staple of the region’s entertainment scene.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 17, 2026

Place: 5345 Landmark Place Tickets: $25–$45

Information: comedyworks.com or call 720-274-6800

Spring Dance Night at Stampede

Blending live music with interactive art installations, this immersive concert event invites audiences to explore a surreal environment while enjoying a live performance. The venue’s imaginative design creates a multi-sensory experience where sound, light and visual storytelling intersect. Guests are encouraged to move through the space, discovering hidden rooms and artistic elements that enhance the music and create a one-of-a-kind cultural event.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 25

Place: 1338 First St.

Tickets: $25–$45

Information: meowwolf.com or call 866-636-9969

A lively evening of country, Latin and contemporary dance music brings together Aurora’s diverse nightlife community. With multiple dance floors and professional DJs, the event offers an energetic social experience rooted in music and movement.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 18

Place: 2430 S Havana St., Aurora Tickets: $10–$25

Information: stampedeclub.net or call 303-696-7686

• GreatBurgers

• GreatBurgers

• Great Burgers

• GreatCheesesteaks

• GreatCheesesteaks

• Great Philly Cheesesteaks

• 20 TV’s

• 20 TV’s

• Open St age

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• Open St age EveryThursday

EveryThursday

• Saturdays:11:30AM-3PM

• Saturdays:11:30AM-3PM

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FreeDomesticBeeror

8PM | GALEN CRADER Irish Music

FreeDomesticBeeror Soda With SandwichOrder

Soda With SandwichOrder

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Latin pop icon Aleks Syntek delivers a high-energy live performance filled with chart-topping hits and fan favorites that have defined his decades-long career. Known for blending electronic elements with melodic pop and heartfelt lyrics, Syntek’s music resonates across generations. His live shows are dynamic and immersive, featuring vibrant visuals, audience interaction and a setlist that moves seamlessly between upbeat dance tracks and emotional ballads. The atmosphere at Stampede adds an extra layer of excitement, turning the evening into both a concert and a fullscale nightlife experience.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 19 at 9 p.m.

Place: Stampede, 2430 S Havana St., Aurora

Tickets: $40–$85

Information: stampedeclub.net or call 303-696-7686

Skizzy Mars Live at Marquis Theater

Hip-hop artist Skizzy Mars takes the stage for an energetic performance that blends introspective lyrics with catchy, genre-crossing beats. Known for his engaging stage presence, Mars creates a lively atmosphere that encourages audience participation and connection. The intimate setting of the Marquis Theater allows fans to experience the performance up close, making for a memorable night of live music.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 28, 2026; 7 p.m.

Place: 2009 Larimer St.

Tickets: $25–$40

Information: marquistheater.com or call 303-487-0111

Spring Arts Market & Performances at Southlands

Combining artisan vendors with live entertainment, this outdoor event showcases local artists, musicians and performers. Visitors can explore handmade goods while enjoying live cultural performances throughout the day.

IF YOU GO:

Date: April 25

Place: Southlands Shopping Center, Aurora

Tickets: Free Information: shopsouthlands.com or call 303-627-5000

Editorial Sentinel

Homelessness is a regional crisis. This state bill finally recognizes that

Colorado lawmakers are finally doing what should have been done years ago by acknowledging that homelessness doesn’t end at city limits, county lines or any political boundaries.

House Bill 26-1202, approved by the House and now moving through the state Senate, is a long-overdue step toward confronting one of the state’s most visible and vexing crises with coordination, something the state and local communities have sorely lacked.

For too long, state agencies and officials have allowed a patchwork of policies to define their response to homelessness. Cities, counties and towns have each adopted their own approaches, sometimes in stark contrast to their neighbors. The result has been dysfunction.

Some communities have even leaned into criminalization, effectively treating homelessness as a law enforcement issue rather than a humanitarian, public safety and economic one. That approach doesn’t solve homelessness. It only burdens taxpayers with policing, court and jail costs while doing nothing to address root causes like housing instability, mental health problems and addiction.

Others rely on “move along” policies, pushing unhoused residents out of one area, only to see them reappear a few miles away. That shell game only redistributes the problem. In many cases, it shifts the burden onto neighboring communities, fueling resentment and deepening regional divides.

This is precisely why House Bill 26-1202 matters. By allowing local governments to form multi-jurisdictional homelessness response authorities, the state is recognizing the reality that homelessness demands a regional solution.

The bill’s framework enables cities and counties to collaborate, share resources and align strategies. As advocates and lawmakers have pointed out, homelessness is driven by a complex web of factors, from soaring housing costs to untreated mental illness and substance use disorders. No single jurisdiction can effectively tackle all of that alone, nor should it.

There are already hints of what regional collaboration could achieve. Aurora’s Navigation Center, designed as a hub for services and pathways to housing, offers a glimpse of a more coordinated response. It brings together resources in one place, aiming to move people off the streets and into stability.

But even that model is not without flaws. Its “work first” components, which require employment readiness before enjoying stable housing services at the former hotel, might be limiting its effectiveness. Evidence from across the country increasingly supports a “housing first” approach, which prioritizes getting people into stable housing before addressing employment or other challenges, or addressing those issues at the same time. If Aurora’s model evolves in that direction, it could become a far more powerful example for the region and the state.

House Bill 26-1202 also opens the door for participating governments to seek voter approval for new taxes to fund homelessness programs. That flexibility is important. Effective solutions require sustained investment, and local voters should have a say in how those efforts are funded.

But the state cannot use that provision as an excuse to sidestep its own responsibility.

If lawmakers truly believe that homelessness is not a local problem but a statewide one, then the state must commit meaningful funding from state coffers.

Passing the burden down to cities and counties only perpetuates the very fragmentation this bill aims to fix.

It is not the fault of Denver, Aurora, Wheat Ridge or any other community that people experiencing homelessness end up within their borders. Economic forces, housing shortages and gaps in health care systems are statewide and even national in scope.

When the state fails to invest adequately, it effectively encourages local governments to adopt short-sighted, punitive measures that push the problem elsewhere.

This bill is not a silver bullet. It will not, on its own, end homelessness. But it represents a critical shift away from isolation and toward collaboration.

Trump Derangement Syndrome sends Democrats over the edge

In 2024, Donald Trump was elected president by 77 million Americans, two million more than voted for Kamala Harris. Republicans also won a majority in the U.S. House and Senate, giving the GOP a federal trifecta and a governing mandate. Democrats had a similar governing mandate during the first two years of both the Obama and Biden administrations.

Now relegated to minority party status, progressive Democrats are powerless to deliver their socialist paradise on Earth. So, they’re frustrated, angry, stricken with Trump Derangement Syndrome, and have gone stark raving mad. Lacking a realistic or rational public policy agenda of their own, Democrats have descended into a simplistic “We Hate Trump” resistance-movement flooding the courts with anti-Trump lawsuits, grid-locking government, and attempting to block any and every Republican initiative in Congress.

A case in point is the Democrats’ relentless war on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an essential instrument of Trump’s plan to find, arrest and deport illegal immigrants (especially criminals) who were ushered into our country under the Biden administration’s open-border policies. Having paved the way for those immigrants to illegally enter the U.S. and remain here, Democrats value them as a key political constituency and hope to harvest their votes forever when they become citizens.

Radical mobs around the country in Democrat controlled states and cities have provoked and obstructed ICE officers from doing their duty while Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, hatched a plot to shut down the entire Department of Homeland Security, of which ICE is an agency. Schumer, of course, was well aware that ICE had already been separately funded by Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed into law by the president on July 4, 2025. So, the Democrat Senate filibuster shutting down DHS on February 14th was just a ploy and a bargaining chip to hold DHS hostage to Democrat demands to handcuff ICE. Another consequence of this piece of Democrat extortion was cutting off the paychecks of TSA workers (another DHS agency) at airports across the country, causing many of those workers to stay home. DHS is a collection of numerous agencies including ICE, TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Protective Service, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security, and others that were combined under the

DHS umbrella after the 9/11 attack on America to coordinate their missions more effectively. Stubbornly turning the screws ever tighter, just before the Easter recess Democrats demanded that Republicans accept a phony “compromise” that still hobbled ICE and also undermined the Border Patrol, knowing this bill would never be approved by House Republicans. Under pressure from Trump to make a deal, Senate Republicans took the bait and passed that bill, which was promptly rejected by House Republicans, to the delight of the conniving Chuck Schumer, who predictably blamed Republicans for the impasse. Trump later intervened with an emergency workaround instructing DHS to pay TSA workers retroactively with leftover funds from the OBBB.

It’s despicable that Democrats would stoop to these tactics causing millions of airport passengers to languish in lines for hours, disrupting air travel throughout the country, and shutting down DHS when our nation is especially vulnerable to Islamist terrorist attacks. Some have already occurred here in the midst of the war with Iran.

For now, Democrats are powerless to advance their agenda or “demand” much of anything from the elected Republican majority. How ironic it is that radical progressive Democrats claim Trump and Republicans are “a threat to democracy,” when this is precisely how democracy works when electoral shoes are on the other feet.

Rampant TDS symptoms are glaringly on display in Democrat behavior like the incoherent series of national “No Kings” anti-Trump demonstrations, with three so far. Masses have turned out costumed as everything from chickens to bunnies to outer-space aliens. Elderly women hippies from the 1960s abound joyously dancing and singing silly lyrics amidst a sea of signs praising Antifa, foreign terrorists, democratic socialism, communism, and the universe of woke progressive identity-politics LGBTQ tribes.

Others expressed hatred of Trump, America, Isreal, capitalism, imperialism, colonialism, baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet. If this is a serious political protest, the mixture of rage and partying seems schizophrenic. It’s more like a group psychotherapy session reminiscent of the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Longtime KOA radio talk host and columnist for the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News Mike Rosen now writes for Complete Colorado.

The Hammer drove home an important point for the Smoky Hill boys lacrosse team: this season is different.

A year after a 16-goal loss to rival Eaglecrest with the sledgehammer traveling trophy at stake, the Buffaloes proved to themselves that they’d taken the steps necessary to become competitive.

of guys who have already had a historic season and we know our offense and defense can fire on all cylinders. This is our year to do it.”

Indeed it was, as McDougall scored three goals and fell senior Jason Jaster had the other two, while senior goalie Grady Baker and an experienced defense locked things down on the other end of the field.

Rise of the herd

A rousing 5-4 victory over Eaglecrest on March 27 at frigid Legacy Stadium landed Smoky Hill the Hammer for the first time since 2017

BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor

“I think how far we’ve come showed a lot when the game came down to the wire and we were fired up when it mattered,” Smoky Hill head coach Logan Booth said. “It’s a different mentality than in previous years. It was good for them to understand that now, we can hang with certain teams. That is what helped us get the victory in the end.”

It was a true measuring stick moment for the Buffaloes, who 366 days earlier walked off the field after a 17-1 loss to the Raptors and had to hand over the traveling trophy for a seventh straight time.

Senior attackman Max McDougall remembers the defeat vividly.

“Last year was horrific, definitely a rough night for everyone and very defeating,” he recalled. “We had that mentality like we couldn’t compete with them and it crushed us completely. The mindset going into this is that we are hungry and they’ve taken this from us for too long. We have a group

The Raptors roared back from a four-goal deficit to forge a late tie, but the Buffaloes got the go-ahead

score and held on.

“I remember losing freshman and sophomore year and saying ‘we’re going to get it back one day,” Baker said. “That day was this year. I’m so proud of it. We played our butts off.”

Added senior defender Wyatt Foster: “We got obliterated last year — that’s the best way to say it — and getting the Hammer seemed unreachable. It was rough, but when I was out there getting it this year with Grady, it was like all the work we put in, it’s ours now. It was surreal holding it.”

The Hammer victory might have been the biggest highlight of some seasons past for Smoky Hill, but it is just one of them so far this season.

The Buffaloes have chopped down program history in the early going with a 7-2 start that has them already with the most wins since the 201213 campaign, which happens to be the last time the program had a winning record and qualified for the postseason.

Both of those achievements are well within range for this Smoky Hill team, which is currently ranked No. 11 in the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Class 4A seeding index (which determines the state tournament field). It’s only

two losses through games of April 13 came to 4A Nos. 1 and 2 Lutheran and Air Academy.

Both of those teams are undefeated and the Buffaloes trailed the Kadets just 3-2 at halftime before falling 13-2.

Chemistry and experience have loomed heavily in Smoky Hill’s turnaround.

Defense is where both are most obvious this season, as the Buffaloes have an outstanding netminder in Baker, plus a defensive group of seniors Foster, Luis Macias and Kyle Hess — plus junior long stick middie Asher Cutler — that has an outstanding connection.

The group has yielded an average of 6.7 goals per game this season, which is a marked drop from the mark of 10.2 per game a year ago.

“I’ve been playing with every single defender since I was freshman and that really helps with our chemistry,” Foster said. “We know exactly our playing style and our communication and slides are all on point because we’ve been playing together for so long. It also helps that these guys are my best friends outside of lacrosse, so that helps us succeed on the field.”

McDougall, who is tied with fellow senior Sam Dewit with 20 goals apiece, notes great chemistry on the offensive side as well.

How it has all come together has the Buffaloes anticipating a postseason reward, though they remained focused on a game to game basis for the remainder of the regular season.

“Make it to the playoffs would be big for this group,” Booth said. “Seeing them believe that we can play with these top teams and that we can make it has been really fun to see.”

Added Baker: “It would mean everything (making the playoffs and it would be the John Hancock on our season. Twenty-six teams make it to the playoffs and every single one of them earn their way there. We want to be one of those 26.”

Right: Senior Mason Banks, center, came up huge in the net for the Cherry Creek co-op ice hockey team on its way to the Class 5A state championship and he earned the spot in the net on the 2025-26 Aurora Sentinel All-Aurora Ice Hockey Team.

Below Middle: Regis Jesuit junior Beau Paton led all Aurora area players with 22 goals scored, which included 20 in the regular season, to make the All-Aurora team.

Below: Cherry Creek senior Matthew Lopez (18) had a hat trick in the 5A state championship game and made the All-Aurora team.

PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL

The level of play in Colorado high school hockey continues to rise, but the amount of talent for Aurora area programs continues to keep pace.

WINTER ALL-AURORA

Two of the three local teams — the Cherry Creek co-op and Regis Jesuit — made it to the Class 5A Frozen Four for the second time in the past three seasons and the Bruins brought home the title with an impressive victory over No. 1 Poudre School District in a final played at Magness Arena.

Ice kings

BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor

The nucleus of the Cherry Creek team — seniors Owen Kulczewski, Matthew Lopez, Davis Ritter and goalie Mason Banks plus junior Ari Gelfand — combined with high-scoring junior Beau Paton of Regis Jesuit to form the 2025-26 AuroraSentinelAll-Aurora Ice Hockey Team, which is picked by the Sentinel with balloting of local coaches.

Coach Jeff Mielnicki’s Cherry Creek team — which included a few players from Cherokee Trail, Eaglecrest and Smoky Hill — last hoisted the state championship trophy in 2015 and hadn’t even made it to a final since then. That changed this season with an extremely tight-knit group that defeated last season’s state champion in Valor Christian (which dealt the Bruins two losses in the regular season) and top-seeded Poudre School District in its last two games.

A key ingredient in the championship run was desire and no player typified that more than Lopez, who said he would “put my body on the line to get a state championship.” He showed that in every minute of every shift and made it count when his team needed it the most in the postseason, when he had four goals and two assists to tie teammate Gelfand for most points among 5A players in the playoffs. Three of Lopez’s goals came in the championship game victory and it gave him a total of 10 goals for the season to go with 19 assists and 29 points, all while he alternated between defense and offense. The 29 points put Lopez nine behind Gelfand for

the team lead, as the junior forward piled up 38 in 19 total games, which included 21 goals (second most among Aurora-area players and a total that included six credited game-winning goals) plus 17 assists.

Gelfand — a Colorado High School Activities Association 5A second team all-state pick — tied Lopez for the most points of any player in the postseason with six, which came on three goals and three assists.

Ritter finished third on the Cherry Creek team in total points with 28, which included a regular season in which he racked up nine goals and 15 assists. He assisted on two of the Bruin’s five goals in the championship game.

On the backline, Kulczewski (formerly of Grandview) was part of a group that allowed just 38 goals in 22 games. Kulczewski moved the puck well and also contributed three goals and seven assists, including two in the postseason.

Play in the nets also proved crucial, as Banks earned a spot on CHSAA’s 5A all-state first team for good reason. In the regular season, Banks was one of only two goaltenders in the state with 10 or more starts to finish with a Goals Against Average below 2.00 as his 1.90 fell only behind the 1.70 of Poudre School District’s Tucker Lourance, who he out-dueled in the state championship game. In the postseason, Banks was even better as he played every minute of three contests and allowed a total of just four goals (for a 1.27 GAA) and made 82 saves. Banks earned 5A All-State first team honors from CHSAA.

For a Regis Jesuit team that made it back to its accustomed spot in the Frozen Four after a year absence, Paton provided top-tier firepower. Coach Terry Ott’s Raiders (12-8-1) were not as productive offensively as in the previous season with a drop of nearly 10 total goals, but remained successful thanks to a quality defense. That also magnified the production of Paton, who was one of only three players in all of 5A to score 20 or more goals in the regular season. Paton’s 20 goals ranked third in 5A in the regular season and he did it with six multi-goal games, including a five-goal outburst in an early season win over Resurrection Christian. Paton added two goals in two playoff games and had a total of nine assists, giving him 31 points for the season.

WNBA BASKETBALL

Former Grandview stars Onyenwere, Lauren Betts to team up in

WNBA

Michaela Onyenwere and Lauren Betts played at different times with the Grandview girls basketball team, but will finally get to team up on the court.

Onyenwere, a five-year WNBA veteran, signed a free agent contract April 12 with the Washington Mystics, who the next day turned around and selected the 6-foot-7 Betts with the fourth pick in the April 13 WNBA Draft.

Just over a week ago, the two Grandview products donned the blue and gold of the UCLA women’s basketball team and helped it win the NCAA championship, as Onyenwere served as an assistant coach and Betts was the national tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Last week, Onyenwere talked to the Sentinel about the possbility that the two could play together.

“That would be the craziest things if we ended up on the same team,” she said. “I remember Lauren coming with her dad to watch our games when she was in middle school. We went to the same high school, both won state championships there and then I went to UCLA and she goes there. Then to come back and coach while she’s playing was crazy.

“I’m so excited for Lauren because she’s so skilled and brings the intangibles,” she added. “She can do whatever and be whatever she wants.”

Betts surpassed Onyenwere for highest-drafted Aurora area player in the WNBA Draft, as she was taken two spots before Onyenwere went to the New York Liberty back in 2021. Betts is coming off a senior season with UCLA (her third with the program after she started her college career at Stanford) in which she averaged 17.1 points and 8.8 rebounds. She is part of a UCLA team that had an all-time record six first round draft picks.

“These are like my sisters, and getting to watch your family do something like that is amazing,” Betts told the Associated Press. “But I mean, this team is just so special. We knew the type of players that we had on the team, and to really just have this night really showcase all of the things that we’ve worked on all season is just amazing.”

Onyenwere played with the Liberty for two seasons to begin her career, moved to the Phoenix Mercury in 2023 and spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Sky. She has career averages of 6.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in 182 games, which includes 97 starts. The Mystics announced they had signed Onyenwere to a multi-year deal, though no contract details were disclosed.

BOYS SWIMMING

Host Buffs take fourth at Smoky Hill Invitational

A highly competitive group of teams gathered April 11 for the annual Smoky Hill Invitational boys swim meet, which saw the host Buffaloes finish in fourth place behind winner Heritage, runner-up Mullen and Ponderosa. The other Aurora area representative, Cherokee Trail, finished

10th among 13 scoring teams.

Coach Scott Cohen’s Smoky Hill team had no event champions, though there were a number of runner-up finishes, including two individually from sophomore Cooper Walkup. Walkup finished second behind Columbine’s Joey Sudermann in the 200 yard individual medley and later touched the wall just 0.17 of a second behind Mullen’s Joel Silver, while he also teamed with fellow sophomore Marshall Adams, junior Oscar Valdez and freshman Ethan Abele on a runner-up finish to Mullen in the 200 yard medley relay. Adams also had a second place finish in the 100 breaststroke, where he came in 0.34 behind Chatfield’s Owen Vonne.

Cherokee Trail’s top result came from Austin McCoy, who placed eighth in the 200 yard freestyle. Tyson Walker swam the fastest times in the prelims of the 200 IM, but was one of several Cougars who did not swim in the finals.

WEEK PAST

The week past in Aurora prep sports

MONDAY, APRIL 13: The Regis Jesuit baseball team outlasted Mountain Vista 4-3 in Continental League play as Cade Filleman pitched four solid innings for the victory. Eli Shappee, Chase Massey and Brady Wright drove in runs for the Raiders, who got two hits apiece from Hudson Alpert and Greyson Glasheen. ...The Hinkley girls soccer team tallied two goals in each half en route to a 4-2 win at Regis Groff to snap a three-game losing streak. ...The Regis Jesuit boys lacrosse team continued its unbeaten start to the season with a 15-4 road win over Legend at EchoPark Stadium. A seven-goal second quarter cracked the game open for Raiders. ...The Hinkley boys volleyball team earned a 25-21, 14-25, 27-25, 25-17 victory over visiting Wesminster ...The Aurora West College Prep Academy boys volleyball team downed Addenbrooke Classical

Academy 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 25-12 behind nine kills from Jason Rumong and eight for Rulon Butler. Erick Uriarte was credited with 10 aces to go with 31 assists. ...Jean Lim tied for 8th individually to help the Grandview girls golf team into a tie for 4th place at the Bruin Invitational at Overland Park G.C. Lim shot a plus-10 82 to make into the top 10 for the Wolves, while seventh-place Cherokee Trail was led by Brinnon Cook, who shot 84 to tie for 13th. ...SATURDAY, APRIL 11: Ethan Wachsmann pitched four dominant innings for the Grandview baseball team in a 15-0 Centennial League home win over Cherokee Trail. Wachsmann struck out nine of the 12 hitters he faced and allowed just one hit. Offensively, Gavyn Bauer had three hits and joined Lochlan McHale and Ryan Miley with two RBI and Matthew Schimberg knocked in three runs. ...A six-hitter from Hudson Roth helped the Smoky Hill baseball team to a 5-2 Centennial League home win over Ea-

in

April

the

earned two second place individual finishes and helped the Buffaloes’ 200 yard medley relay team to second at the annual Smoky Hill Invitational boys swim meet April 11. LEFT: Grandview senior Ethan Wachsmann (9) struck out 11 hitters and allowed just one hit over four innings of work in a 15-0 Centennial League home baseball win over Cherokee Trail April 11.. (Photos by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)

glecrest. Roth struck out five in his second complete game of the season and was backed by two RBI from Brock Benedict, who joined Jonathan Fonseca with two hits. Cody Contrerez and Daniel Remson drove in runs for the Raptors. ...A small number of Aurora area boys and girls track & field athletes head to California for the loaded Arcadia Invitational. Cherokee Trail’s Madison Lange claimed fourth place in the girls one mile run with a time of 4 minutes, 50.96 seconds, while Cherokee Trail’s De Marcues Harris jumped 45 feet, 8 1/4 inches to take ninth in the boys triple jump competition. ...The Vista PEAK Prep boys track team won the championship of the Mullen Invitational by a margin of 35 points. Joshua Gallien (100 and 400 meters) and Brandon Pearcy (1,600 and 3,200 meters) won twice for the Bison, while Jaycen Harvell-Gibson (long jump) also took an event win. ...The Vista

›› See PREPS, 15

PEAK Prep girls track team edged Legacy by a half point to win the Mullen Invitational championship. Tajah Eugene was a triple winner, taking the 100 and 300 meter hurdles plus the high jump and Justice Ray (discus) had a win, while Nabria Minor, Elazia Patton, Naomi Coleman and Jordyn Brewer took the 4x100 relay. ...The Eaglecrest boys track team finished in a tie for fourth place at the Pomona Invitational at Jefferson County Stadium with help from a single event champion in Cameron Bell, who claimed the long jump crown. The Eaglecrest girls finished in a tie for ninth. ...The Smoky Hill boys lacrosse team scored multiple goals in each period of a 14-8 win over The Vanguard School. ...A fivegoal, two-assist performance from Jackson Long helped the Rangeview boys lacrosse team to an 18-2 win over Thomas Jefferson, which also saw Kayden Anderson finished with three goals and three assists. ...The Grandview boys volleyball team defeated Mountain Vista and Discovery Canyon to win the championship fo the two-day Cheyenne Mountain tournament. Alex Garcia had 43 kills combined between the two matches, while Connor Deickman had 23 and Devan Hall piled up 83 assists. ...The Hinkley boys volleyball team defeated Lincoln 25-18, 25-23, 25-22. ...FRIDAY, APRIL 10: The Regis Jesuit baseball team got home runs from Jacob Olson, Eli Shappee and Chase Massey en route to a 16-6 win over Legacy, which had won its previous eight games. Shappee drove in five runs, Olson knocked in four and Carter Rathbun three to back Ezra Christ ...The Vista PEAK Prep baseball team earned a key 10-9 City League road win at Denver North that was keyed by Brody Brancato’s four hits and four RBI. Ace Kelly plated three runs for the Bison. ... Xochiti Nava scored on a free kick to open the scoring and the Rangeview girls soccer team topped visiting Hinkley 2-0. ...The Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team dropped a 13-6 clash with rival Valor Christian. ...The Grandview boys volleyball team opened the Cheyenne Mountain tournament with wins over host Cheyenne Mountain and Pueblo South. ...THURSDAY, APRIL 9: The Grandview baseball team got a complete game effort from Seth Mittleman — who allowed seven hits and struck out eight — in a 6-2 Centennial League win at Eaglecrest. Matthew Schimberg and Diesel Bernosky homered for the Wolves. Connor Thrush struck out eight and got the win as the Cherokee Trail baseball team held on to beat visiting Arapahoe 10-8 in Centennial League play. Braden Anderson had two hits and was one of six different players with RBI for the Cougars. ...Yanndy Aguayo struck out 11 and got the win for the Gateway baseball team in a 13-1 victory at Overland Kalai Bentosino and Roberto Rosario had three RBI apiece and Heber Almeida three hits for the Olys, while Jerome Mestas drove in the Trailblazers’ lone run. ...The Gateway girls soccer team played Skyview to a 1-1 tie. ...The Smoky Hill boys swim team earned a 109-61 Centennial League dual win over Cherokee Trail with help from wins by Marshall Adams in two events plus first from Ethan Abele, Nam Tran and Cooper Walkup in addition to a relay sweep. Tyson Walker won twice for the Cougars, while Anderson Hardin also took an event. ...The Regis Jesuit boys swim team fell to Cherry Creek 189-120 in a powerhouse clash at Missy Franklin Pool. Spencer Greene and Trevyn

Krauss won two events apiece for the Raiders and teamed with another event winner (Nolan Kohl) and Nathaniel Spencer to win the 400 freestyle relay. ...The Regis Jesuit boys lacrosse team rolled to a 17-3 win over ThunderRidge. ...The Grandview boys volleyball team earned a 25-15, 25-9, 25-17 Centennial League win at Overland. ...The Regis Jesuit boys volleyball team outlasted ThunderRidge 20-25, 25-21, 25-11, 20-25, 17-15 ...The Hinkley girls tennis team swept doubles and got singles wins from Edwilca Lopez Tineo (No. 1) and Citlalli Guarneros Mendoza (No. 2) in a 6-1 win over Kennedy. ... The Gateway girls golf team won the Colorado League minor tournament played at Springhill G.C., led by the tandem of individual medalist Makenna Dossey and runner-up Lilly Cantu Emily Gott tied for eighth indvidually to help the Regis Jesuit girls golf

team to fourth place at the Heather Cho Memorial tournament.

For more on these stories, visit sentinelcolorado. com/preps

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8: Kylie McMullin scored four goals to help the Vista PEAK Prep girls soccer team to a 6-0 road win over Montbello. Brianna Bills and Diana Flores also scored goals for the Bison. Destiny Martinez scored a goal and assisted on one from Marlen Cabral in the Aurora West College Prep Academy girls soccer team’s 2-0 win over Twin Peaks Classical Academy. Mason Kelly registered four goals and had two assists and Jack Cole contributed three goals to the Grandview girls lacrosse team’s 11-3 win over Denver South. ...The Eaglecrest girls lacrosse team lost to Denver North 9-8 in overtime. ...The Vista PEAK Prep boys volleyball team got 12 kills from Ellis Cook, plus 12 assists and 10 digs from Amol Rai in a 25-22, 25-13, 25-17 win over Aurora West Col-

lege Prep Academy. ...The Gateway boys volleyball team defeated Manual 25-17, 25-22, 25-11. ...The Rangeview boys volleyball team topped DSST:College View 3-1. ...TUESDAY, APRIL 7: Logan Hurtado threw a five-hitter with nine strikeouts as the Grandview baseball team downed visiting Eaglecrest 4-1 in Centennial League play. AJ Maroni had the only RBI for the Wolves, while Landen Holmes brought home the only run for the Raptors. ...Two RBI apeice from Evan Kelly, Domenic Montoya and Royce Lossman backed Eli Garcia for the Vista PEAK Prep baseball team in a 13-3 win over Denver East. ...Makayla Sellyei had a hat trick in the opening half and Hailey Brondel also scored for the Cherokee Trail girls soccer team in a 4-0 Centennial League win over Smoky Hill Sa’Mya Shazier had both goals (each assisted by Noeli Herrera) for the Gateway girls soccer team in a 2-0 home win over Thornton. ...The Regis Jesuit boys lacrosse

team rolled past Chaparral 20-1. ...The Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team piled up 21 goals in a 20-goal win over Castle View. ...The Eaglecrest boys volleyball team used 12 kills and eight digs from Ashton Bond, plus eight kills apiece from Dallin Anderson and Will George in a 25-14, 25-20, 25-21 win against Overland MJ Ranum (No. 1) and Kalene Bassett (No. 2) took singles wins, while wins from the No. 2 doubles team of Stevie Dickman and Rachel Kim plus the No. 4 team of Sophia Ashley and Maya Lopez lifted the Smoky Hill girls tennis team to a 4-3 win over Mullen. ...The Vista PEAK Prep girls tennis team didn’t drop a single set in a 7-0 win over Denver North. ...The Grandview girls golf team earned a two-stroke win at the City League Invitational at City Park G.C. Jacqueline Cho and Jean Lim each shot plus-3 75 to lead the Wolves, while

Patel

for

JUDGE REJECTS FEDS’ HARSH

SENTENCE DEMANDS

IN AURORA DRUG AND GUN STING

“HE CAME

HERE TO MAKE A BETTER LIFE FOR HIS FAMILY, HE’LL

HAVE TO DO THAT

IN ANOTHER COUNTRY.”

BY ALLISON SHERRY, Colorado Public Radio

AColorado federal judge last week rejected government demands for harsh sentences against two Venezuelan men who pleaded guilty to aiding in drug and gun crimes, choosing instead to impose terms that will allow them to be released and deported in relatively short order.

In both cases, U.S. District Judge Kato Crews offered no commentary April 7 on the relative strength of the government’s case, but issued short sentences of time already served in one case and 36 months in another with 18 months credit for time served. Citing their poverty, the judge waived the fees in the cases, but asked them to each pay $200. For one of the defendants, the government sought between $15,000 and $5 million.

Both men are likely to be removed from the U.S. by next year.

The men pled guilty to various federal crimes after getting ensnared in a federal sting operation targeting drug and gun crimes in Aurora. At the time of their indictments last summer, Colorado U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly claimed some of the 30 defendants in the case were hardened members of a Venezuelan gang, including some gang leaders.

But that portrayal began to erode late last year as the government offered plea deals to some of those defendants, shaving decades off possible sentences that most of those charged have accepted so far.

The relatively lenient sentences imposed Tuesday in the first two cases to reach this stage were further indication that the courts did not view the men’s participation in drug deals as quite the threat to society McNeilly claimed.

Federal prosecutors maintained that stance before Crews on Tuesday, arguing that the operation targeted an Arapahoe County apartment building that had an increase in calls for service from local law enforcement and violent crime. They asked for a three-year sentence in the first case and minimum six and a half years in the other.

“Defense counsel has argued that this investigation has been designed to target an impoverished community and that isn’t the case,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Talia Bucci. “It was not designed to target an impoverished community, it was intended to target violent crime in a place where there had been an increase in violent crime.”

Bucci noted that the sting operation netted dozens of firearms and drugs, which are

now off the street. She told the judge that at least 27 firearms were linked to previous shootings, and at least 17 had been previously reported stolen.

But Crews sentenced the men to about half of what the government wanted in each case, after hearing from defense attorneys that they were really ensnared in a government operation that cut short their hope of living in the U.S.

The Venezuelan defendants’ gains — and motivations — were simply financial, lawyers said, after they both clawed their way to the United States through dangerous Mexican trains, cartels and the Darien Gap jungle.

“The political hysteria had something to do with this, it may not have everything, but it had something,” said defense attorney David Lindsey, referring to President Trump’s promise, made in Aurora, to crack down on Venezuelan gangs and deport undocumented people out of the country at historic levels. “It created a market to make it easier for Venezuelan individuals to be involved in crime.”

Tuesday’s sentencing hearings, the first in the sprawling case, offered a window into the familiar story of immigrants who crossed into the U.S. seeking asylum and believing they had done everything by the book, including contacting the Border Patrol on arrival, only to then fail to find work and fall in with acquaintances willing to use crimes to generate income.

Jonathan Jose Ocopio-Villalobos, a Venezuelan native but a long-time resident of Colombia, told Crews Tuesday that he walked thousands of miles over the course of a year and entered the United States at the Texas border in December 2024. He made an appointment with the Customs and Border Patrol app and filed the paperwork for asylum.

Villalobos arrived in Denver within a day and found housing through some friends. He made up business cards and wanted to get into construction trades, but the work was hard to find immediately. He began shoveling snow for cash to pay the rent and buy food.

About three weeks in, he was asked to “stand watch” on a methamphetamine deal

— a ruse set up by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms in order to root out what

seemed to agents to be a criminal network operating from an Aurora apartment complex, Ivy Crossing.

But Villalobos, a father of five, wasn’t a gang member. He didn’t have a weapon. He said he’d get paid $1,000 for just a small amount of work, which was an eye-popping amount of money for him in his desperation to get settled.

“I’m not a bad person,” Villalobos said through a translator to Crews. “I would like to ask to … apologize to the United States and to your honor. I cannot fix the harm that was done and I regret wasting the time and I feel bad for my family.”

His lawyer, Jason Schall, told Crews on Tuesday he was the “least culpable” of the some 30 defendants the federal government charged in the case.

“His hands are worn, he is someone who will walk 5,000 miles to support his family, he is a man of deep faith and he understands he made a very bad decision and it’s set him back and set his family back,” Schall said. “And he knows he dishonors the country he wanted to be a part of – he very much regrets that.”

Even Assistant U.S. Attorney Bucci mostly agreed with Schall on Villalobos.

“He seems to have learned from his mistakes and he is expected to be removed following this,” she said. “He came here to make a better life for his family, he’ll have to do that in another country.”

Villalobos has been in federal custody since January 2025 and will now likely be transferred to ICE custody where he will eventually be removed from the U.S. His lawyer told the judge on Tuesday he hoped that process would be swift and he wouldn’t be caught in limbo in immigration custody for long.

As a native of Venezuela, but a legal citizen of Colombia with family there, it was unclear where he would be sent.

Judge Crews called Villalobos’ role in everything “minimal” and didn’t impose any supervision because of the expected deportation. He called Villalobos “sincere.”

“Good luck to you, sir, I hope you’re able to get back to your family sooner rather than later,” Crews said. “The hard worker you are and what you’ve demonstrated … I hope you can

put it to use when you get back to your family.”

At an afternoon sentencing, Kevin Ruiz Perez and his attorney said he was 25 when he was working at a flooring job with terrible conditions to try and get by and pay his rent. He arrived in 2023 and reported his presence using the same app as Villalobos and was seeking asylum in the United States after walking from Venezuela to get here.

Perez found friendship with a man, another defendant in the case, who told him that he had an “investment opportunity” and that he could “double or even triple” his money, Perez’s lawyer Lindsey told Crews last week. Perez sold guns and an illegal drug called Tusi — which in this case had MDMA and ketamine in it — to undercover agents. Lindsey called it a crime of opportunity due to Perez’s impoverished circumstances.

“He saw members of his family starved to death because there was no food,” Lindsey said of Perez’s young life. “He was swept up in this sting because of the financial viability of getting involved in it … When the government sets up house and creates a market where none existed before … the culpability goes down.”

Perez asked Judge Crews to let him go home.

“I would like to apologize for the crime committed. I feel very embarrassed and I have never participated in any crime,” he said, through a translator. “In my time here I was always working and I never had any problems … I want to go back to my country, I want to see my family and I want to apologize for what I caused.”

He’ll get that chance sometime next year after he serves the remaining 18 months or so on the 36-month sentence Crews imposed.

AURORA’S NARCAN ‘LEAVE-BEHIND’ INITIATIVE EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING OPIOID DEATHS, OFFICIALS SAY

“This is about keeping people alive,” Thompson said. “That’s the first step to recovery.”

BY SENTINEL STAFF WRITERS

Aurora Fire Rescue officials say a pilot program that leaves opioid overdose-reversal medication with patients and their families has proved to be a life-saving intervention as well as a critical bridge to treatment for people struggling with addiction.

“This is really about harm reduction,” Aurora Fire Rescue Lt. Jack Thompson told members of the Aurora City Council Public Safety committee last week. “It doesn’t necessarily take care of the underlying cause, but it reduces the harm so that we can get help there.”

Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a fast-acting medication that stops and reverses the lethal effects of opioid overdoses by restoring breathing.

Thompson said the department’s “leave-behind” Narcan initiative equips firefighters and paramedics to provide the overdose-reversing drug directly to patients or bystanders after a 911 call and then leave an additional dose behind with instructions how to use it.

“This is going to prevent them from dying,” Thompson said. “If they die, they can never recover.”

The program was launched last year with 950 Narcan kits supplied through a state grant.

The grant is not part of a federal program considered by state lawmakers last year, nor is it part of Aurora’s share of opioid addiction lawsuit settlement funds, according to city officials. The cartridges cost the city about $4 each under the program. Kits available in local stores can cost upwards of $50.

Officials said the program’s link to harm reduction is based on a public health approach that prioritizes keeping people alive long enough to seek help, even if it does not immediately address addiction itself.

Aurora reported 324 opioid overdoses in 2025, with 51 resulting in cardiac arrest and 28 people being pronounced dead on the scene, according to fire department data.

Under the program, firefighters respond to an overdose, administer Narcan, and, even if the patient refuses transport to a hospital, which Thompson said is common, rescuers leave behind a kit that can be used in a future emergency.

The kits can be used by roommates, family members or others nearby.

Thompson described a typical scenario from several months ago. A patient was revived from an overdose but declined hospital care. Firefighters left behind a dose of Narcan and told a roommate how to use it. Just hours later, the person overdosed again on opioids. The roommate administered the drug, and the persoin survived a second time.

Officials said similar programs nationwide suggest overdose deaths could be significantly reduced with wider access to the drug.

Aurora Fire and Rescue medical director Dr. Eric Hill, said naloxone is safe, has no ill-effect if opioids are not present, and is increasingly available without a prescription.

After the drug is used and another dose left behind, Thompson follows up with the patient, offering resources for addiction treatment and other mental health options.

Officials said the personal outreach is essential to turning a moment of crisis into an opportunity for recovery.

“We’re not writing them off,” Thompson said. “We’re following up with them … trying to help them get more help that they need.”

Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said he stipulates that the drug saves lives, but he said he opposed efforts to make it more widespread and available in parts of the city where opioid overdose rates are highest.

“We’ve had nonprofit groups reach out to us and say, ‘we’d like to use old newspaper racks to put Narcan in the areas where there’s the highest overdose,’” Chamberlain said. “I pushed back on that because, again, it’s an enabler.”

He said making Narcan readily available encourages people to use opioids more frequently and without trepidation because the Narcan is like a “parachute” for addicts and drug users.

Fire and medical officials acknowledged the debate but stressed the urgency of saving lives.

“If they die, they can’t recover,” Hill said. “This step allows them to survive that overdose so that we can intervene.”

Opioid overdose deaths fell across the nation last year, suggesting an improvement in an epidemic that had been worsening for decades.

Colorado bucked that trend, according to state and fed-

eral health officials, with deaths remaining steady or even slightly increasing in some places, including Denver.

Federal data released earlier this year showed that overdose deaths have been falling for more than two years — the longest drop in decades — but also that the decline was slowing.

Overdose deaths began steadily climbing in the 1990s with overdoses involving opioid painkillers, followed by waves of deaths from heroin and — more recently — illicit fentanyl. Deaths peaked nearly 110,000 in 2022, fell a little in 2023 and then plummeted 27% in 2024, to around 80,000. That was the largest one-year decline ever recorded.

Researchers cannot yet say with confidence why deaths have gone down in some parts of the country. Experts have offered multiple possible explanations: increased availability of the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, expanded addiction treatment, shifts in how people use drugs, and the growing impact of billions of dollars in opioid lawsuit settlement money.

Some also point to research that suggests the number of people likely to overdose has been shrinking, as fewer teens take up drugs and many illicit drug users have died.

One in five teens has already tried prescription drugs illegally, according to the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse. The majority, 76% of these teenagers, buy prescription pills illegally, according to the Adams County 17th Judicial District Fentanyl Fact Sheet.

The pipeline from experimenting to misuse and addiction is not far, experts say. Repeated studies have found that in many cases, addiction behaviors can serve as coping mechanisms for physical and psychological pain, according to the National Library of Medicine.

The Leave Behind initiative is part of Aurora Fire Rescue’s broader community health strategy, which aims to reduce repeat 911 calls by addressing underlying medical and social needs.

For opioid users, officials say the philosophy is simply to provide the tools to survive today so there is a chance to seek treatment tomorrow.

“This is about keeping people alive,” Thompson said. “That’s the first step to recovery.”

Because the people must know

COMBINED NOTICE

PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0083 2026

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice

is given with regard to the following de-

scribed Deed of Trust:

On January 30, 2026, 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

FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF AURORA, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

LOT 4, BLOCK 7, MEADOWOOD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 7, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Purported common address: 3314 S. Granby Street, Aurora, CO 80014. 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, 06/03/2026, 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 4/9/2026

Last Publication 5/7/2026

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: 01/30/2026 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: DEANNE R. STODDEN #33214 MESSNER REEVES LLP 1550 WEWATTA STREET, SUITE 710, DENVER, CO 80202 (303) 623 4806 Attorney File # 8020.0154

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. 0121 2026

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

On February 10, 2026, 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) Tsengel Erdenechimeg and Erdenechimeg Bataa and Khulgen Namkhainyam Original Beneficiary(ies) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Fortune Financial, Inc., its successors and assigns Current Holder of Evidence of Debt Citizens Bank, N.A. Date of Deed of Trust May 21, 2021 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust May 24, 2021 Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.) E1083569** Original Principal Amount

$260,950.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$246,586.00

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” UNIT 202, BUILDING 28, TOGETHER WITH THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE GARAGE 17 SPACE C, PINNACLE RANCH CONDOMINIUMS PHASE II, IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND SUBJECT TO THE CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION FOR PINNACLE RANCH CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED AUGUST 24, 1999 AT RECEPTION NO. A9138735 AND THE PINNACLE RANCH CONDOMINIUMS PHASE II DECLARATION RECORDED NOVEMBER 21, 2002 AT RECEPTION NO. B2222359 AND THE CONDOMINIUM MAP RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 21, 2002 AT RECEPTION NO. B2222358 IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Purported common address: 10070 East Carolina Drive, Unit 202, Denver, CO 80247 1999. 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: **The Deed of Trust legal description was corrected by an Affidavit of Correction recorded on 8/13/2025 at Reception No. E5057394 in Arapahoe County, Colorado. NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/10/2026, 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 4/16/2026 Last Publication 5/14/2026 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: 02/10/2026

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 Toni M. Owan #30580 Benjamin Mann #53588 Heather Deere #28597

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

Attorney File # CO25211

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. 0001 2026

To Whom It

Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s) Abu bakr Muwwakkil and Jennifer Kloeppner

Original Beneficiary(ies)

Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation, its successors and assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

Freedom Mortgage Corporation

Date of Deed of Trust

September 27, 2019

County of Recording

Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust

October 01, 2019

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

D9103034

Original Principal Amount

$417,203.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$365,778.38

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.

LOT 17, BLOCK 2, KINGSBOROUGH

SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 7, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Purported common address: 2563 S Ouray St, Aurora, CO 80013. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/06/2026, 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 3/12/2026

Last Publication 4/9/2026

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: 01/02/2026

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 # CO25934

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. 0006 2026

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

On January 6, 2026, 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)

John Hansford and Casey Hansford

Original Beneficiary(ies)

Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Home Point Financial Corporation, its successors and assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

Freedom Mortgage Corporation

Date of Deed of Trust

December 04, 2020

County of Recording Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust

December 08, 2020

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

E0170774

Original Principal Amount

$284,747.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$250,602.18

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 3, BLOCK 9, KINGSBOROUGH, 2ND SUBDIVISION, FILING UNIT 1, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO Purported common address: 2276 S

Kittredge Way, Aurora, CO 80013. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/06/2026, 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 3/12/2026

Last Publication 4/9/2026

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: 01/06/2026

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:

Erin Croke #46557

Steven Bellanti #48306

Holly Shilliday #24423

Ilene Dell’Acqua #31755

McCarthy & Holthus LLP 7700 E Arapahoe Road, Suite 230, Centennial, CO 80112 (877) 369 6122

Attorney File # CO 25 1029397 JH

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. 0016 2026

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On January 9, 2026, 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)

Jeffrey D. Halbert

Original Beneficiary(ies) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as beneficiary, as nominee for American Financing Corporation

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC

Date of Deed of Trust

December 18, 2020 County of Recording Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust December 29, 2020 Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.)

E0183373

Original Principal Amount

$128,000.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$133,105.28

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 will 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 13, Block 2, Aurora Highlands Subdivision, Filing No. 9, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado.

Purported common address: 1156 South Rifle Circle, Aurora, CO 80017. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/13/2026, 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 3/19/2026

Last Publication 4/16/2026

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 # 24CO00609 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. 0017 2026

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

On January 9, 2026, 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) Luis Alberto Ortiz Arteaga Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

Rocket Mortgage, LLC s/b/m Nationstar

Mortgage LLC Date of Deed of Trust

October 20, 2023

County of Recording Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust October 24, 2023

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

E3072840

Original Principal Amount $416,290.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $411,083.55 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 12, BLOCK 39, AURORA HILLS FILING NO. 4, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

A.P.N.: 1973 13 1 23 013

Purported common address: 13258 E Alaska Pl, 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, 05/13/2026, 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 3/19/2026

Last Publication 4/16/2026

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: 01/09/2026

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 035524

01/09/2026

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.

for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/13/2026, 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 3/19/2026 Last Publication 4/16/2026 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: 01/09/2026 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

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT

CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO DATE: April 9 and 16, 2026

PURCHASE ORDER NO. 25P0491K

PROJECT NO: 6059A

PROJECT TITLE: Vista Peak High School Turn Island

CONTRACTOR:

A-1 Chipseal Company

2505 E. 74th Ave. Denver, CO 80229

Notice is hereby given that the City of Aurora intends to start processing the Final Payment to the above-named Contractor on April 27, 2026, provided no claims are received.

Any person or firm having debts against the Contractor must file a proper written notice with the Contract Coordinator, City of Aurora, Purchasing and Contract Services Division, 15151 East Alameda Parkway Suite 5700, Aurora, Colorado 80012, on or before the above date.

CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO BY: Kristin Chewiwi, Procurement Supervisor

First Publication: April 9, 2026

Final Publication: April 16, 2026 Sentinel APPLICATION FOR TITLE

2010 Subaru Outback

VIN:4S4BRBGC0A3337144

Registered to Timothy Switzer

Contact John’s Towing 303-360-0808

Publication: April 16, 2026 Sentinel DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO SUMMONS

Plaintiff: PLANET HOME LENDING LLC

v. Defendants:

DUNG QUOC NGUYEN; KIM HONG VU; GOODLEAP, LLC; MTKT CAPITAL, INC.; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; and MICHAEL WESTERBERG, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and re-

quired to file with the Clerk of this Court an answer or other response to the attached Complaint. If service of the Summons and Complaint was made upon you within the State of Colorado, you are required to file your answer or other response within 21 days after such service upon you. If service of the Summons and Complaint was made upon you outside of the State of Colorado or by publication, you are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after such service upon you. If you were served by publication, service shall be complete on the last day of publication. Your answer or counterclaim must be accompanied with the applicable filing fee. If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Complaint in writing within the applicable time period, the Court may enter judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint without further notice.

Dated: November 24, 2025

IDEA LAW GROUP, LLC

Original signature of Kate M. Leason is on file with the law offices of IDEA Law Group, LLC pursuant to C.R.C.P. 121 §1-26(7). /s/ Kate M. Leason

Kate M. Leason, #41025

ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF PLANET HOME LENDING LLC

First Publication: March 26, 2026

Final Publication: April 23, 2026

Sentinel

NORTH CAROLINA

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION Case No. 26CV000046-750

DONNA TORRENCE & MICHAEL TORRENCE, Plaintiffs, v. CASSANDRA JOHNSON & ABDERRAHMANE MESSAOUDI, Defendants.

To: Abderrahmane Messaoudi

TAKE NOTICE that a Complaint seeking

Temporary & Permanent Custody and Motions for an Ex Parte Emergency Custody, A Status Quo Custody Order and Hair Follicle Drug Test was filed on January 6, 2026 in the Office of the Clerk of Court, Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina.

You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than May 12, 2026 said date being forty (40) days from the first publication of this Notice, and upon your failure to do so plaintiffs will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

This the 2nd day of April, 2026.

Alyssa Harris Attorney for Plaintiffs

NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED AMENDED 2025 BUDGET AND HEARING GREEN VALLEY RANCH EAST METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 10

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed amended budget will be submitted to the GREEN VALLEY RANCH EAST METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 10 (the “District”) for the year of 2025. A copy of such proposed amended budget has been filed in the office of Pinnacle Consulting Group Inc., 5050 West Eisenhower Boulevard, Loveland, Colorado, where same is open for public inspection. Such proposed amended budget will be considered at a hearing at the meeting of the District to be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The location and additional information regarding the meeting will be available on the meeting notice posted on the District’s website at https://gvremd10-11.org/, at least 24-hours in advance of the meeting.

Any interested elector within the District may inspect the proposed amended budget and file or register any objections at any time prior to the final adoption of the amended 2025 budget.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DISTRICT: By: /s/ ICENOGLE | SEAVER | POGUE A Professional Corporation

Publication: April 16, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED BUDGET SAGEBRUSH FARM METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 3 AND 4 ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 29-1-106, C.R.S., that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Sagebrush Farm Metropolitan District Nos. 3 and 4 (the “District”) for the ensuing year of 2026. A copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the accountant for the District, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 2001 16th Street, Suite 1700 Denver, CO 80202, where same is open for public inspection. Such proposed budget will be considered at a special meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom videoconference. Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, inspect the budget and file or register his or her objections thereto.

You can attend the meeting in any of the following ways:

To attend via Zoom Videoconference, e-mail ljacoby@specialdistrictlaw.com to obtain a link to the videoconference.

To attend via telephone, dial 1-719-3594580, and enter the following additional information:

Meeting ID: 879 2615 4514

Passcode: 068584

SAGEBRUSH FARM

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 3 AND 4

By: /s/ Suzanne M. Meintzer McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C. Attorney for the District

Publication: April 16, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO §15-10-401, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR112

In the Interest of: Christian Mota

To: Jose Santos Mota Rodriguez

Last Known Address, if any:

A hearing on May 27, 2026 at 9:30 am Estoy pidiendo Guardianship and conservator para Christian Mota. Mama murio y papa no esta siendo esponsable. Im asking for Christian Mota guardianship and conservator mom past away and dad is not responsible will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:

Date: May 27, 2026

Time: 9:30 am

Courtroom or Division: Webex App or by phone 7206507664 Access Code #2598388751 call one week prior for interpreter #3036456857 IImar 1 semana antes para intreprete code# divicion 06-03

The hearing will take approximately.

Marcela Roque Diaz Demetrio Talavera Martinez 1284 S. Troy St. Aurora, CO 80012

Date: May 27, 2026 Time: 9:30 am Courtroom: Webex App Address: or phone 720-650-7664 access code # 2598388751

The hearing will take approximately.

Marcela Roque Diaz Demetrio Talavera Martinez 1284 S. Troy St. Aurora, CO 80012

First Publication: April 9, 2026 Final Publication: April 23, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WITH RESPECT TO NOT TO EXCEED $10,000,000 OF PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY

CHARTER SCHOOL REVENUE BONDS (GLOBAL VILLAGE ACADEMY – AURORA PROJECT) SERIES 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Friday, April 24th, 2026, a public hearing, as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), will be held by Casey Parrot LLC concerning the proposed issuance by the Public Finance Authority (the “Authority”), a commission created pursuant to Sections 66.0301, 66.0303 and 66.0304 of the Wisconsin Statutes, as amended, of its Charter School Revenue Bonds in one or more series of taxable and/or tax-exempt bonds, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10,000,000 (the “Bonds”). The hearing will commence at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time, and will be held telephonically at 1-800-351-0813 (toll free).

In accordance with a plan of finance, one or more series or issuances of the tax-exempt (on a qualified 501(c)(3) bond basis) and/or taxable Bonds will be used by Global Village Academy Building Corporation (the “Corporation”), a Colorado nonprofit corporation and Global Village Academy – Aurora, a Colorado public charter school authorized by Joint School District No. 28J, in Adams and Arapahoe Counties, Colorado (the “Charter School”), a Colorado nonprofit corporation, for the following purposes: (a) finance the construction, improvements and equipping of educational facilities to be located at 16401 E Alameda Drive, in Aurora, Colorado 80017 in Arapahoe County, Colorado (together, the “Facilities”); (b) fund a bond reserve fund, if any, or capitalized interest on the Bonds, if any; and (c) pay certain costs of issuance of the Bonds (collectively, the “Project”). The Facilities being financed will be owned, for federal tax purposes, and operated by the Charter School, an organization described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. Any tax-exempt Bonds will be issued as qualified 501(c)(3) bonds within the meaning of Section 145 of the Code.

The Bonds are expected to be issued pursuant to Section 66.0304 of the Wisconsin Statutes, as amended, by the Authority. The Bonds will be special limited obligations of the Authority payable solely from the loan repayments to be made by the Corporation to the Authority, and certain funds and accounts established by an Indenture of Trust pursuant to which the Bonds will be issued.

This notice is intended to comply with the public notice requirements of Section 147(f) of the Code. All interested parties are invited to attend and present comments at the public hearing regarding the plan of finance for the Project and the issuance of the Bonds. Written comments will be accepted by Casey Parrot LLC at 2205 W 136th Avenue, Suite 106-226, Broomfield, Colorado 80023 on or before April 24, 2026.

Publication: April 16, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE AMENDED 2025 BUDGET

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the KINGS POINT SOUTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT . 3 (the “District”), will hold a public hearing 2154 E. Commons Ave, Suite 2000, Centennial, Colorado on April 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM, to consider adoption of an amendment to the District’s 2025 budget (the “Amended Budget”).

https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/86949069812?pwd=ztDlM5Sg0sfC4cym3xswc1XKpiabFm.1 Meeting ID: 869 4906 9812 Passcode: 687605

Call-in Number: +1-720-707-2699

The Amended Budget is available for inspection by the public at the offices of Marchetti & Weaver, 28 Second Street, Suite 213, Edwards, CO 81632.

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

The agenda for any meeting may be obtained at https://kingspointsouthmd3. specialdistrict.org/ or by calling (303) 8581800.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: KINGS POINT SOUTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT . 3, a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado /s/ WBA, PC

Publication: April 16, 2026 Sentinel

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 May 7, 2026 and ending on May 14, 2026. Contents to be sold may include general household goods, electronics, office & business equipment, furniture, clothing and other miscellaneous personal property.

First Publication: April 16, 2026

Final Publication: April 23, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SAGEBRUSH FARM

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 3 AND 4

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Sagebrush Farm Metropolitan District Nos. 3 and 4 of Adams County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that a vacancy currently exists on the board of directors of the Sagebrush Farm Metropolitan District Nos. 3 and 4 (“District”). Any qualified, eligible elector of the District interested in filling such vacancy and serving on the board of directors should file a Letter of Interest with the board of directors of the District on or before the close of business on April 27, 2026.

Forms of Letters of Interest are available and can be obtained from the Sagebrush Farm Metropolitan District Nos. 3 and 4, c/o Lisa A. Jacoby at McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C., 450 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 400, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 592-4380.

SAGEBRUSH FARM

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 3 AND 4 By: /s/ Suzanne M. Meintzer Attorney for the District

Publication: April 16, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF PRAIRIE POINT

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1, 2, AND 3

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Prairie Point Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of Arapahoe County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that a vacancy currently exists on each of the boards of directors of the Prairie Point Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 2, and 3 (“Districts”). Any qualified, eligible elector of the Districts interested in filling such vacancies and serving on any of the boards of directors should file a Letter of Interest with the boards of directors of the Districts on or before the close of business on April 27, 2026.

Forms of Letters of Interest are available and can be obtained from Prairie Point Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 2, and 3, c/o Catherine Will at McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C., 450 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 400, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 592-4380.

PRAIRIE POINT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NOS. 1, 2, AND 3 By: /s/ MaryAnn M. McGeady Attorney for the District Publication: April 16, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR119

Estate of James Frederick Walker, Sr., aka Jim Walker, aka James Walker, Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative, Alexis P. Jackson, Esq., or to the District Court of Arapahoe, Colorado, on or before August 2, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Alexis P. Jackson, Esq., Personal Representative, PO Box 300123, Denver, CO 80203

First Publication: April 2, 2026

Final Publication: April 16, 2026

Sentinel

PUBLIC NOTICE

Colorado law requires the county assessor to hear objections to real property classifications and valuations beginning May 1, 2026. Objections to the valuation or classification of real property must be postmarked, delivered, or presented in person to the county assessor’s office no later than June 8, 2026.

Colorado law requires the county assessor to begin hearing objections to personal property valuations no later than June 15, 2026. Objections to personal property valuations must be postmarked, delivered, or presented in person to the county assessor’s office no later than June 30, 2026.

If you need any assistance please contact the county assessor’s office at 303-7954600.

PK Kaiser, County Assessor

Publication: April 16, 2026

Sentinel

RESIDENCES AT WILLOW PARK 2-BEDROOM TOWNHOME

WAITLIST OPENING MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026

The Housing Authority of the City of Aurora/Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) is announcing a pre-application waitlist opportunity specifically for two-bedroom townhomes at the Residences at Willow Park. Residences at Willow Park is a petfree, smoke-free community.

Residents of these units pay thirty percent (30%) of their adjusted household income towards rent. Occupancy for a two-bedroom townhome must include at least two people, to a maximum of four people. Applications less than the minimum or over the maximum without a reasonable accommodation in place will not be accepted

and will be summarily disqualified without notification. Couples who apply separately will not be qualified to receive subsidy in multiple units and one or the other may be disqualified.

Applications may be made on-site from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm from Monday, April 20, 2026, to Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the leasing o’ce at 14001 E Colorado Drive, Aurora, CO 80012.

Individuals in line before 2:05 PM can be assisted, otherwise will be requested to return the next day. We will close the list at 200 applications as any larger number would prevent us from assisting families in any reasonable timeframe. If you are disabled and require accommodations to apply, please make an appointment via phone at 303-337-4472 (we accept TTY through Relay 7-1-1) or email at willowpark@aurorahousing.org as soon as possible as appointments must be made within the time frame allocated.

Entries must be submitted within the time frame. They will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an applicant is selected, they will be notified through email and phone to the given address within 3 days after the date of selection. If you do not respond, you will be sent a letter indicating you have 10 days to respond or be removed from the list. If you are chosen, you will be informed of the next several steps to an application, including potentially submitting online information, and getting an appointment with the o’ce sta’ to fill out paperwork.

The Housing Authority of the City of Aurora is pledged to the achievement of equal housing opportunity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender expression, familial status, national origin, or any other protected classes concerning the availability of and the requirements for obtaining assistance administered. Accommodations are available!

The person named below has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR, part 8 dated June 2, 1988).

Hannah Han 2280 S. Xanadu Way Aurora, CO 80014 section504@aurorahousing.org TTY: Relay 7-1-1

Publication: April 16, 2026 Sentinel THE AEROTROPOLIS AREA COORDINATING METROPOLITAN DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NOTIFICATION

The Aerotropolis Area Coordinating Metropolitan District requests proposals for Construction Manager/General Contractor Services for the Aurora Highlands Fire Station Project. The project consists of the adaptive reuse and renovation of an existing building, currently operating as the Aurora Highlands Visitor Center, located within The Aurora Highlands development in the City of Aurora, Colorado. The building was originally constructed as a CDOT administrative building and maintenance facility and subsequently converted to its current use. The intent of this project is to convert the existing structure into a new Aurora Fire Rescue station to serve the rapidly growing Aerotropolis area. RFP documents will be available not before 4/16/2026 and may be obtained by emailing ChrisG@CapitalProj.com.

The closing date for proposals is 11:00 a.m. MTN on April 30, 2026. Proposals received after the closing time will be rejected.

The Aerotropolis Area Coordinating Metropolitan District reserves the right to waive any informalities or irregularities, and to reject any and all proposals.

Publication: April 16, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR598

Estate of Kenneth J. Incorvaia, 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 August 9, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Ryan Incorvaia

Personal Representative 370 17th St., Ste. 3075 Denver, CO 80202

First Publication: April 9, 2026

Final Publication: April 23, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR030295

Estate of William D. Norsworthy, 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 August 3, 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,

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR148

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S.

Case No. 2026PR31371

Estate of Joe Roy Michael Nedbalski, aka Joeroy Michael Nedbalski, aka Joe Roy M Nedbalski, aka Joeroy M Nedbalski, aka Joe M Nedbalski, aka Joe Michael Nedbalski, aka Joe Nedbalski, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court, Colorado, on or before August 15, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Monica Nedbalski

Personal Representative

5807 S. Reed Way, #1411 Littleton, CO 80123

Attorney for Personal Representative

David A. Imbler, Esq.

Atty Reg #: 52038

Spaeth & Doyle, LLP

501 S. Cherry St., Ste. 700

Glendale, CO 80246

Phone: 303-385-8058

First Publication: April 9, 2026

Final Publication: April 23, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR490

Estate of David Joseph Martin, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or the District Court of Adams County, Colorado, on or before August 9, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Bailey Martin

Personal Representative 22 Evergreen St. Broomfield, CO 80020

First Publication: April 9, 2026

Final Publication: April 23, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30347

Estate of Judith Ellen Wolf, 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 August 17, 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: April 16, 2026

Final Publication: April 30, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30353

Estate of Gene William Cobb, 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 August 17, 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: April 16, 2026

Final Publication: April 30, 2026 Sentinel

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF AN ADULT

ARAPAHOE COUNTY COURT, COLORADO

Case No. 2026C100303

PUBLIC NOTICE is given on March 23, 2026, that a Petition was filed for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Arapa-hoe County Court. The Petition entered that the name of Bianca Kaye Herbert be changed to Bianca Kaye Kyle.

/s/ Clerk of Court/ Deputy Clerk

First Publication: April 16, 2026

Final Publication: April 30, 2026 Sentinel

Local Government.

“This is more residential units than the city of Pueblo has ever created in any three-year cycle in decades, let alone of documented affordable housing.”

Ironically, Pueblo would be punished for still having a lot of naturally occurring affordable housing — one of the things Proposition 123 directs the state to protect. And the result would be a loss of state funding for a city with a high concentration of poverty — the people who need the most help affording rent.

The median household income in Pueblo is $56,664 — 40% less than the state as a whole, according to U.S. Census estimates.

The requirement that communities expand their affordable housing supply was supposed to ensure that, in exchange for state funding, local governments were doing their part to address the state’s housing crisis. But even before voters approved it, some affordable housing groups were worried the requirement was so strict it could deter communities from participating at all.

Most local governments ultimately opted into the program, quelling some of the early fears. But with the threeyear mark approaching, the 3% growth target has proven to be too crude a measure to apply to every community in the state, according to Gary Community Ventures, an advocacy group that spearheaded the ballot measure.

“The structure we created was based off of back-of-the-envelope math,” Zach Martinez, the group’s policy director, said at the March hearing. “The concept here is not to let local governments off the hook, but to create a system that actually is grounded in reality that will change with economic conditions and the reality of Colorado.”

Under the formula proposed in House Bill 1313, each community would have a different target based on how much housing is actually being built there, and how quickly an area is adding jobs. A city that issued 3,000 housing permits over the past three years, for instance, would need to add about 300 affordable homes over the next three years to stay in compliance, assuming they add jobs at about the

state average.

Local governments would also be able to apply for a waiver if they miss the new target but can demonstrate “good faith” effort to the state.

Some units count extra toward the goal to incentivize things like building for-sale housing, donating public land for projects or developing deeply affordable housing for the lowest income families.

Low-income housing groups, including Housing Colorado, Enterprise Community Partners and Archway Communities, pushed the bill’s sponsors to add incentives for preserving the affordable housing the state already has, much of which is at risk of being lost as housing costs rise and federal rent restrictions expire in coming years.

But even though voters required the state to fund preservation through Proposition 123, a Colorado Sun analysis found that state administrators have approved very few such projects.

In March, the housing committee agreed to amend the bill to count preservation projects toward each community’s target, but no one offered an amendment to incentivize preservation.

Brian Rossbert, the executive director of Housing Colorado, told lawmakers he was “heartened” by the incentives for some of the hardest to build housing, including units affordable to those making less than 30% of the area median income.

“While we would have preferred to see an incentive for preservation included in the amendments, we are nonetheless eager to see how and if these incentives will help build these housing types, while, at the same time, helping jurisdictions remain eligible for funds,” he said.

Time will tell how the new formula plays out.

“I will say that if every local government stays qualified for Proposition 123 funding after the cycle, it means that we did not succeed,” Martinez said. “But if every jurisdiction got booted from Prop. 123, that also means we have not succeeded.”

— Brian Eason, Colorado Sun via the Colorado Capitol News Alliance

DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO CONSOLIDATED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FILED IN THIS COURT UNDER THE “UNIFORM DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE” AND “UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION” ACTS, due diligence has been used to obtain personal service within the State of Colorado and further efforts would be to no avail; therefore, publication has been ordered:

CASE

D0032026DR000379

LARSYA PASHKOVA v EVGENIY PASHKOV CUSTODY

D0032025DR001411 MARCUS SINCLAIR CHANEY v SECRETTE WHISPER CHANEY DISSOLUTION

D0032026DR030251 YNDIRA SANCHEZ PULIDO v LUIS ENRIQUE ROBLES SANDOVAL CUSTODY

D0032026DR030083

MAIRA ESTELA MENDEZ v JAVIER ERNESTO RAMIREZ CUSTODY

A copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of the above Court between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.;

SHANA KLOEK CLERK OF THE COURT 7325 S. POTOMAC ST. CENTENNIAL, CO 80112

Publication: April 16, 2026 Sentinel

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Phil Weiser’s name recognition lags behind Michael Bennet, poll shows

Nearly a third of likely 2026 voters in Colorado have never heard of Attorney General Phil Weiser, according to a new poll, a statistic that underscores the Democratic gubernatorial candidate’s biggest — and so far unshakeable — challenge as the primary election fast approaches.

Of those polled last month, 31% said they’d never heard of Weiser, while 20% said they had no opinion of him. Of those who were familiar with the attorney general, 26% said they had a favorable view of him and 23% said they viewed him unfavorably.

By comparison, just 10% of likely 2026 voters said they’d never heard of Weiser’s primary opponent in the governor’s race, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. Eleven percent said they had no opinion of Bennet, while 40% said they had a favorable view of him and 39% said they viewed the senator unfavorably.

The survey was conducted among 613 likely 2026 voters by New Bridge Strategy, a Republican pollster, and Aspect Strategic, a Democratic firm, from March 20 to March 25 on behalf of the nonpartisan Colorado Polling Institute. It had a 3.96 percentage point margin of error.

Broken down by party affiliation, 33% of unaffiliated voters and 27% of Democrats said they hadn’t heard of Weiser. By comparison, 6% of unaffiliated voters and 9% of Democrats said they’d never heard of Bennet.

Weiser’s familiarity numbers haven’t shifted much since November, which is the last time the Colorado Polling Institute asked voters about Bennet and Weiser. At that time, 33% said they had never heard of the attorney general.

In March 2025, 34% of likely 2026 voters said they’d never heard of Weiser.

When you factor in the three polls’ margins of error, Weiser’s familiarity among voters has stayed statistically stagnant. In other words: There hasn’t been enough variation to suggest things have improved for Weiser.

Voters’ unfamiliarity with Weiser has always been his greatest vulnerability in the governor’s race. Bennet,

who was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2009 and has won three statewide elections since, is simply much better known.

Weiser’s campaign, nevertheless, sees an upside in the numbers.

“This poll clearly shows Phil’s name ID is growing,” said Nate Jackson, a spokesperson for the Weiser campaign. “And as voters get to know more about his winning record against the Trump administration and big corporations that broke the law, they like him more. Phil is the only elected official in this poll whose favorability has grown — and that’s before he has spent a dime on TV ads.”

A bright spot in the poll for Weiser: Bennet’s favorability has fallen compared with previous Colorado Polling Institute surveys. A year ago, 45% of likely 2026 voters viewed the senator favorably compared with 41% who viewed him unfavorably.

The change in favorability in the latest Colorado Polling Institute poll is greater than the survey’s margin of error, meaning that statistics alone can’t explain the shift.

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper and Gov. Jared Polis saw their numbers slide, too, in the poll.

Kevin Ingham, who leads Aspect Strategic, said their drop is the result of a state and national trend of Democratic voters turning on their party and their party’s elected leaders.

“For both senators, Democrats’ attitudes have shifted a net 20-ish points in a negative direction towards both,” Ingham said. “Over the past year, we’ve seen similar-sized shifts among unaffiliateds towards both.”

When it comes to Polis, 48% of those polled said they had an unfavorable view of him, while 44% had a favorable view of him. In March 2025, 40% had an unfavorable view of the governor, while 51% had a favorable view of him.

“A lot of what has changed is his support among the Democratic base,” Ingham said. “Those who describe themselves as very liberal or socialist, we’ve seen a 23-point drop in favorable views of Polis over the past 12 months. He was at 80% last March, and he’s only at 57% favorable among those ideological voters today.”

Some other highlights from the poll:

More voters know of Colorado Sec-

retary of State Jena Griswold, but as they’ve gotten more familiar with her, they’re more divided in their views of her, according to the poll. Twenty-nine percent of those polled said they viewed her favorably, while 33% viewed her unfavorably. “Griswold’s image among Democrats hasn’t actually moved that much, but unaffiliated have become more skeptical,” Ingham said. Griswold is one of four Democrats running to be the state’s next attorney general.

62% of those polled said they had a favorable view of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, while 22% said they viewed the 1992 constitutional amendment unfavorably. Even a plurality of Democrats backed TABOR. However, voters increasingly view the state budget as in crisis.

37% of likely 2026 voters in Colorado had a favorable view of President Donald Trump, while 61% said they viewed him unfavorably. “This is the first time that we’ve seen his numbers softening among Republicans,” Ingham said. “A year ago, in March of ’25, 87% of Republicans were positive towards Trump, and only 11% were negative. Today, 79% of Republicans are positive towards the president, but 19% of voters within his own party view him negatively. We’ve also seen a 15-point drop in the number of Republicans that told us that they have very favorable opinions of Trump over the past year.”

More than 80% of those polled said they were concerned about each of the following: political divisions within the country, low Colorado snowfall this winter, the risk of wildfires in Colorado and social media’s effect on kids

51% of those polled said local law enforcement should be allowed to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities, while 36% said they should not be allowed. Those numbers haven’t changed since the Colorado Polling Institute last asked it of voters in November. But 67% said in the recent survey that they were concerned about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detaining people who should not be detained, while 33% said they were not concerned.

— JESSE PAUL The Colorado Sun

PT&C Group, LLC dba Platform Accounting Group seeks Senior Tax Advisor in Aurora, CO. Email resume to hr@platformag.com.

Responsibilities include preparing complex tax returns, advising clients, reviewing financials, providing accounting and bookkeeping services, computing taxes, and analyzing returns. Requires 3 years of experience as an accountant and a bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in Accounting or Business Administration. A U.S. master’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration will satisfy the degree requirement. Salary: $96,988, plus 401(k) and medical benefits.