Sentinel Colorado 5.21.2026

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Polis defies ‘timing is

everything’

wisdom with invoking the Tina Peters principle

DAVE PERRY Editor

My jaw still hurts from when it dropped into my lap last week when Gov. Jared Polis wiped away years of remaining prison time for former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters.

Polis should have waited.

Sure, I like to hate on Peters as much as the next cogent fan of our democracy for the crimes she committed, the damage she caused, the public money she misspent and for her perpetually smug demeanor in believing her lord and savior Donald Trump would come save her sorry ass and install her in a much-deserved suite at Mar-a-Lago, where she should could get what she deserved.

But here’s the thing, having had a front row seat to Polis’ career for decades now — as a state school board member, owner of an Aurora Spanish language cinema, school for immigrants on Lowry, member of Congress and, now, governor — I shouldn’t have been surprised.

And, having taken a few more gasping breaths, I can’t say he’s wrong in doing what was clearly the right thing, with a couple of caveats.

I shouldn’t have been surprised because the move to excuse Peters from prison was just so Polis.

I’ve previously disagreed with the governor on some big and serious issues, but I’ve come to understand that nearly every decision he makes is based on an acute sense of pragmatism and fairness powered by intense confidence that comes with epic nerdism and believer in dad jokes.

Polis believes that school-age inoculations are important, but allowing parents to decide that issue for themselves is the right thing to do. I believe that if you don’t want to get Little Johnny an MMR, homeschool the little human petri dish and stay out of public places.

But here, I can’t disagree with Polis’ clear logic that the state court of appeals, which is hardly a bastion of Trumpism, ruled that Peters was wrongly sentenced by Grand Junction District Court Judge Matthew Barrett back in 2024.

Like so many of you, I have gleefully replayed Barrett’s sentencing speech as he excoriated Peters for her calamitous crimes and her wisenheimer whack story.

But Polis points out what the court of appeals did, too. At her sentencing, Barrett made it crystal clear he was sending her elderly self to the hoosgow, practically for good, because

of her endless national tour of crackpot conspiracy theories and smug lies about Trump.

Barrett clearly crossed the line by punishing Peters for what was world-class stupid and abhorrent free speech, but not criminal.

If it were a criminal offense for an elected official to espouse unfounded, dangerous, even life-threatening lies, conspiracy theories and all-around nuttery, the entire Trump administration would be behind bars right now with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asking the guard for straws for everyone in his prison cell to get a little something off the toilet seat.

As despicable as the things Peters said and promoted, they were just despicable.

As to how long Peters should stay in prison for lying about trying to “un-rig” voting machines and covering up her deeds and lies, I think a court should decide that.

Polis thought differently.

The state court of appeals ordered her sentence to be revised based on its ruling about free speech.

I don’t get why Polis didn’t wait for that revised ruling and then act, if he needed to.

And, I certainly get that Peters is an old, mentally ill woman who really belongs in a mental hospital, not a prison, which is not unlike thousands of people in Colorado jails and prisons.

Now, there’s an effort among Democrats to “censure” Polis for his mercy ruling.

As ghastly and tragic as the Peters-Trump-Hegseth-Noem-Kennedy-Bondi-Patel freak show debacle has been, it would be equally as tragic if Polis being Polis about Peters were to define his long and remarkable political career.

He should have waited.

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

Aurora City Council rushes to restrict police social media posts and mugshots

“LET’S CALL THIS EXACTLY WHAT IT IS — A DIRECT ATTACK ON OUR POLICE CHIEF, TO MUZZLE OUR POLICE AND TO MAKE OUR CITY LESS SAFE.”

BY MCKENNA HARFORD, Sentinel Staff Writer

City council approved an “emergency” amended resolution May 18 to restrict public communications from the Aurora Police Department, including social media posts, mugshots and press releases.

The measure, brought by Councilmember Alison Coombs, requires police communications to follow established city communications policies and procedures, as well as prohibit posting mugshots and suspect names on social media in most cases until the suspect pleads guilty or is convicted. It makes an exception for releasing mugshots and names in the event of a public safety emergency.

It also restricts members of the police department from commenting in their official capacities on “official social media sites, media releases, or as a representative of the City on any pending or enacted city, state, or federal legislation,” unless with prior approval.

On Monday, the council voted 6-4 to approve the resolution, with council members Françoise Bergan, Curtis Gardner, Stephanie Hancock and Angela Lawson opposed. The vote came after numerous comments and testimony by family and activists linked to controversy over how Aurora police handled providing information to the public after cases involving police force.

Conservative members of council were adamantly opposed to the resolution, calling it “deeply disturbing” and saying it would stifle the police department and hurt public safety.

Hancock also accused the progressive council members of using the resolution to pressure Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain into quitting.

“Let’s call this exactly what it is — a direct attack on our police chief, to muzzle our police and to make our city less safe,” Hancock said.

The measure bypassed the usual weeks-long

path of city legislation that winds through committees and study session before becoming law on the council floor.

Coombs said in an interview before Monday’s meeting that past and recent public comments and social media posts prompted her concern, including a post about proposed legislation and past comments from police on suspects’ personal lives.

Local prosecutors, including 18th Judicial District Attorney Amy Padden, have raised concerns about some of the police department’s posts influencing litigation or violating civil rights, City Attorney Pete Schulte said at the meeting.

Schulte cited a May 5 social media post from the police department that describes an arrest of a man for suspected kidnapping, car theft and other charges. The post includes the name of the suspect and body cam footage of the arrest, and includes comments about the man’s extensive criminal history.

Schulte said that detail shouldn’t have been included because a person’s past criminal history typically can’t be used against them in court.

“None of the conversations I’ve had with the city manager or other city council members is trying to get APD to stop doing their good work and putting out factual information — we just don’t need the added editorial,” he said.

Chamberlain did not speak at the meeting on Monday.

In a statement released before the meeting, Chamberlain said the resolution would unfairly silence his office over diverging viewpoints and hamper the office’s ability to do its job.

“We should be able to agree to disagree, but it increasingly appears that when information, perspectives, or facts do not align with the views of certain groups, the answer is to silence those

voices rather than allow open and honest public discussion,” Chamberlain said. “And if I as a public safety leader cannot discuss or share concerns without reprisal from the local level, my department and I are unable to effectively be what Aurora needs — candid, forthright, and open about how our work impacts the daily lives of those we serve.”

Chamberlain said his office has been successful with its approach to transparency and direct communication, citing a drop in crime, including the city’s reduced homicide numbers, improving community trust surveys and significant compliance with the consent decree. He said his department “has been nothing but professional.”

Coombs strongly disagreed that the police department’s communications, and those of the chief, have been professional, saying she feels there have been several instances of police communications undermining public trust or inappropriately taking political or policy stances.

At the meeting Monday, she said the tone and language not only puts the city at risk of lawsuits, but also fosters racist and divisive comments.

“The tone of innuendo, of opinion, of personal bias that is coloring what is coming out of our department that undermines public trust and it absolutely torches any credibility we may have had over the incredible amount of work that many members of the department and city staff have put into the consent decree,” Coombs said.

Councilmember Amy Wiles agreed that the tone and language of some of the police department’s recent posts were inappropriate, prompting her to feel the resolution is necessary.

“Honestly, I think it’s a shame that our police chief was not able to follow directions given to him previously to just post the facts,” she said. “If he posted the facts, I would absolutely vote no on this.”

Opposing council members worried that the resolution could allow misinformation or false narratives to spread in the absence of comment from the police department. They also questioned why the process of the resolution differed from the norm.

“If this passes, the community, what I call my residents, who live in my neighborhood, should be outraged because we’re not going to get any kind of information,” Lawson said.

Schulte said police would be able to share mugshots and names in the case of a wanted person or if they were seeking additional information or victims, as well as if the person posed a threat to the community.

Ultimately, Coombs said she felt it was necessary to take formal action through a resolution because the chief has “demonstrated that he’s uninterested and unwilling to be responsive” to requests that communications be professional and factual.

Coombs said the chief’s public comments about the personal life and gender identity of Blaze Aleczander Balle-Mason as unnecessary and harmful. Balle-Mason was a 17-year-old who was shot and killed by police in September after they called 911 and claimed they planned to “shoot up” a gas station and responding officers in a suspected attempt to die by suicide by cop.

“That really created a lot of concern and fearfulness and perpetuated stereotypes about transgender and non-binary people,” she said.

The resolution says the city desires consistency in communications on policy positions and notes that only city council, not other city employees, can take an official position on state or federal legislation.

AROUND AURORA

After Aurora Housing Authority wins lawsuits, repeal measure introduced

Coming full circle, Aurora lawmakers moved forward a measure that would repeal the former city council’s attempt to make structural changes to the city’s affordable housing authority amid a bevy of controversies.

Aurora Council members at a May 18 study session moved the repeal measure to the council floor for consideration.

The Aurora Housing Authority won its lawsuit against the city council and then an appeal to the state’s appellate court, prompting the repeal.

The authority owns and manages apartments and townhomes in Aurora, most of which are reserved for households earning less than 60% of the area median income — $54,780 for a single person and $62,640 for a household of two in Arapahoe County. The agency also administers federal Section 8 housing vouchers and develops affordable housing using federal, state and local grants.

The proposed repeal measure said the court losses make the existing housing authority rules “moot.”

The repeal comes a year after a new authority chief took over after the previous director was pushed out.

Steve Blackstock was appointed as executive director last May.

His appointment came after more than a year of controversy at the authority prompted by allegations among some city lawmakers that the current board was sometimes unfriendly to developers.

Friction between the former executive director, board members and some city lawmakers resulted in city council members enacting appointment rule changes last year in an effort to oust some board members.

The Housing Authority, in turn, sued the city and has now prevailed, accord-

›› SOCIAL MEDIA, from 4

Coombs pointed to a recent social media post from the Aurora Police Department that opposed legislation, SB26-190, which imposes new transparency requirements across the state on police in officer-involved shootings.

The bill, which is waiting for Gov. Jared Polis’ signature to become law, lays out a timeline for when police must share information with the families of people killed in officer-involved incidents, as well as expands who can get access to unedited body-worn cameras and audio recordings. It also prohibits police from making statements that may prejudice any litigation.

Sponsors of the bill said during hearings that some use-of-force cases arising from Aurora, including the deaths of Kilyn Lewis and Rajon Belt-Stubblefield, were linked to their carrying the bill.

The Aurora Police Department’s post, which is on X and Facebook, raises several concerns with the bill, saying it would prevent police from responding to misinformation and “takes us back to the days of saying no comment.”

“Police are no longer allowed to answer tough questions on scene or provide context to events – but anyone else in the community can,” the post says.

The post added that releasing unedited body-worn footage could negatively impact the privacy and dignity

ing to authority officials.

The rule changes passed two years ago by the council would have required that appointments to the seven-member housing authority board be made by a majority of the council rather than unilaterally by the mayor, which was the previous, and still standing, policy.

City lawmakers also specified that the board should include a certain number of members with a background in the affordable housing business, finance and property development as well as personal experience living in affordable housing or being homeless.

“This sweeping initiative has the potential for destructive effects upon the organization’s operating independence and the financial integrity of future housing projects,” the board said in a July 2, 2024 statement. “The ability of enacted public housing authorities to conduct their vital work independent of the varying political motivations of elected officials is exactly what the Housing Authorities Law is designed to protect.”

Controversy erupted over the proposed nomination changes came to light when former Authority CEO Craig Maraschky warned city lawmakers about the risks of making the agency or its leadership structure appear unstable to project investors.

In a May 10, 2024 email that Mayor Mike Coffman and Councilmember Alison Coombs shared with the Sentinel last year, Maraschky claimed the draft proposal had already spooked the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, which he said had “terminated” its involvement with the redevelopment of Residences at Willow Park as well as the pending Gateway Park and Sanctuary on Potomac developments.

“Investors and lenders with a financial stake in affordable housing developments cannot risk their funds by working with organizations that do not have a proven leadership structure,” Maraschky wrote.

“It is unfortunate that AHA was not consulted in any manner on the draft ordinance. The consequences have

of the people and families involved. The post was not attributed to a specific author, though it quoted from an interview Chamberlain did with Fox 31 TV in Denver.

Colorado Democratic Senate President James Coleman said Monday he was surprised by the Aurora Police Department’s comments on the bill because he worked with law enforcement groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police, to craft the language in the legislation.

“I think the intent of that, which we came to an agreement on that language together, was that it would not jeopardize (police) statements and the body cam footage would not jeopardize the integrity of the criminal justice process, but it would also allow those families to have information that they may not have received weeks or months after their loved one life was lost,” Coleman said.

He said he stands by the legislation and is glad to have worked with both law enforcement groups and the families of people killed to promote more transparency.

Coombs said her intent with the resolution is to make sure police communications are transparent and accurate.

“We just want consistency, transparency, ensuring that professional standards and city

been and will continue to be severe to the development of affordable housing in the City of Aurora.”

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority had awarded about $1.5 million in tax credits and construction-to-permanent financing worth about $23.9 million for the Willow Park redevelopment as well as nearly $1.5 million in grant funding to buy land for Gateway Park.

Aurora’s Housing Authority has also applied for a tax credit for the proposed Sanctuary on Potomac affordable housing development, which would be located on Aurora Mental Health and Recovery’s new Crisis and Acute Care Campus.

— Sentinel Staff

›› See METRO, 6

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ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Aurora Chamber honors military service members, community advocates at 50th annual awards luncheon

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce honored military service members and civilian advocates during its 50th Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon last week, celebrating leadership, volunteerism and community service across multiple military branches.

Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Denver May 14, the annual event brought together military commanders, elected officials and business leaders to recognize enlisted personnel and community members who have strengthened ties between the military and the Aurora area.

“For half a century, this event has been a reflection of who we are as a community,” Chamber Executive Director Naomi Colwell told attendees.

“Fifty years ago, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce made a commitment that the men and women who serve at our local military installations would know, without question, that their community stands with them.”

The Armed Forces Recognition Award is presented to enlisted service members ranked E-6 and below who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership and community involvement.

Also honored this year was retired Air Force Col. George Peck, a veteran himself of the local military and Chamber of Commerce communities.

“For 50 years, this luncheon has

honored the men and women who serve in our armed forces,” said Master of Ceremonies Rick Crandall. “And for about half of those years, one man has stood on this stage and delivered a live tribute that has become the heartbeat of this event.”

He referred to and honored Peck for his years of support and tribute to the event and its recipients.

“Each finalist today has been nominated by their unit leadership and reviewed by a panel of seasoned professionals,” Crandall said. “Their recognition is not just a testament to their service, but to their character and impact well beyond the base.”

Buckley Space Force Base is home to all branches of the military, and each branch offers their own honorees.

Among the honorees was Army Spc. Jack Dunn of the 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, who received the Army award after being nominated by unit leadership and selected by a review panel.

The Marine Corps category ended in a tie, with Staff Sgt. Aric Hanner of the 4th Distribution Support Battalion and Staff Sgt. Claire Lybrand of Company A, Marine Corps Support Battalion, both receiving top honors.

“And because both of their packages came out as a tie, we are recognizing both as our winners,” Crandall said.

Personnel Specialist 1st Class Nikita Sheline of Navy Reserve Center Denver received the Navy award. Finalists also included Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Nicholes Hurd and Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class Brett Roberson.

The Air Force category, which included active-duty, Guard and Reserve personnel, produced three winners: Technical Sgt. Gabrianna Bonilla of

Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center, Technical Sgt. Angie Luce of the 233rd Space Group with the Colorado Air National Guard, and Airman 1st Class David Godwin of the 460th Contracting Squadron.

“The Air Force field this year is our largest,” Crandall told attendees.

Technical Sgt. Theresa Poviboon of the 201st Space Operations Squadron at Aerospace Data Facility Colorado received the Space Force award.

The Coast Guard award went to Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Jeyden Clancy of Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit Colorado.

Rob DeVall, the Chamber’s director of military affairs, said this year’s recipients represent the values the program was created to celebrate.

“To our award winners: Thank you for setting the standard,” DeVall said. “To our community: Thank you for standing behind them.”

Recipients received commemorative bricks as part of a partnership with the Colorado Freedom Memorial. Matching engraved pavers honoring each winner will be installed at the memorial’s planned visitor and education center.

“A brick is a symbol. It’s foundational,” DeVall said. “A brick says: You were here. You made a difference. And your impact will last.”

The luncheon also recognized longtime military advocate and former Democratic State Rep. Su Ryden with the Bob Cardenas Award, which honors civilians who have made significant contributions to the military community.

Crandall praised Ryden’s work as a former Colorado legislator and advocate for veterans and service members.

“When her time in the Legislature

ended, she didn’t move on,” Crandall said. “She moved deeper in.”

Ryden chaired the Colorado House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee during her time representing House District 36 and she helped champion legislation supporting veteran housing and investments at Buckley.

The event also included special recognition for Crandall, who recently received the Association of Defense Communities’ Defense Community Champion Award.

“This is his home. This is his event,” DeVall said. “We were not going to let another day go by without giving him his flowers in front of the community that knows him best.”

Major Gen. Devin Pepper, deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and policy at NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Transformation, delivered the keynote address and was later honored ahead of his retirement from the U.S. Space Force.

DeVall praised Pepper’s leadership during the establishment of the Space Force and his work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“He kept the base running. He kept people safe. He kept the mission going,” DeVall said.

— Sentinel Staff

Top Colorado court orders Children’s Hospital to resume gender-affirming care

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled April 18 that Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora should restart gender-affirming care for transgender children, about five months after the hospital stopped providing such treatment in

the face of threats to federal funding.

The 5-2 majority on the court wants the lower trial court to reverse its decision and issue a preliminary injunction against the hospital, writing that there is sufficient evidence to prove that the hospital — referred to as CHC in the ruling — violated the state’s anti-discrimination law when it stopped offering care like puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender children but continued offering it to cisgender children for some hormonal conditions. The hospital has never provided gender-affirming surgeries for children.

“CHC has directly tied its decision to suspend medical gender-affirming care to the identity of transgender patients,” Justice William Hood wrote for the majority. “CHC’s decision to suspend medical gender-affirming care to youth denies petitioners the full and equal enjoyment of services based on gender identity.”

The hospital operates the TRUE Center for Gender Diversity, which has historically served both adult and minor patients. In January, the hospital suspended treatment for minors after the Trump administration and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threatened to cut funding to facilities that offer gender-affirming care to minors. The warning from the federal government was existential to the hospital, since it serves a significant number of patients who use Medicaid.

A group of parents of transgender children then sued, seeking an injunction to prevent the hospital from refusing medically-necessary care.

“Petitioners and other transgender youth who sought such care from CHC ›› See METRO, 7

were suddenly abandoned during a precarious time,” the Monday ruling says. “Without access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy, these children will go through puberty and develop characteristics of a sex with which they do not identify.”

Children’s is “reviewing the court’s ruling and assessing our next steps,” spokesperson Rachael Fowler wrote in an email. The hospital will provide guidance “in the near future.”

The mental health of several children has worsened since January, the ruling contends, including one child mentioning suicide after a hospitalization for a depressive episode.

The Denver District Court decided not to require Children’s to restart care. But in its ruling Monday, the state’s highest court stated that the hospital cannot use federal threats — in this case a federal declaration, not a law banning gender-affirming care — to discriminate against transgender children.

“The threat of harm to CHC remains speculative, and CHC has other avenues to address it. Issuing the preliminary injunction petitioners seek won’t cause CHC’s immediate exclusion from federal health care payment programs or cause it to shut down,” the ruling reads.

Justices Brian Boatright and Carlos Samour dissented, writing that the majority’s decision minimizes the extreme consequence of losing federal funding, which would threaten the hospital’s ability to stay open.

Children’s previously stopped providing gender-affirming care for minors in February 2025 following a federal executive order, but it resumed care after a federal judge blocked the order. In July, the U.S. Department of Justice subpoenaed the hospital for patient data as par — Sara Wilson, Colorado Newsline

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Cherry Creek schools fires Brenda Smith, HR director, amid leadership controversy

The wife of the former Cherry Creek schools district superintendent was officially fired last week from her job as human relations director for the district after being suspended in February amid controversy surrounding her husband and other school officials.

“In conjunction with Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Perry, we the Board of Education have received the final investigative findings regarding Brenda Smith,” school board members said in a joint statement May 15. “Ms. Smith will not be offered a contract for the 2026-27 school year. Based on the personnel investigation, significant policy violations occurred. We will not be paying out any of the additional benefits as this is a for-cause termination.”

She has been paid her monthly salary of $21,572.67 since being suspended, and will receive that through June 30, according to school district officials.

The decision to fire Smith was made by Perry, who then informed the board of her decision, according to Cherry Creek Chief Communications Officer Abbe Smith, no relation.

The investigation was conducted by outside attorneys, officials said.

School officials would not provide details of the alleged policy violations, citing personnel matters and indicated information would be released only via a

Colorado Open Records Act request.

Brenda Smith is the wife of Christopher Smith, the former Cherry Creek superintendent who resigned abruptly in January amid claims made by employees of a “toxic workplace” and allegations that he funneled school contracts to acquaintances.

The district leadership has been rocked by claims made against other top administrators, an internal investigation and, most recently, the forced resignation last month of a school board member accused of making racially offensive remarks.

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

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

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

Smith unexpectedly resigned at the end of January, with the board accepting his resignation during an executive session. He announced his retirement the next day.

His resignation came amid media scrutiny stemming from a Denver 7 News investigation in which district employees described what they characterized as a toxic work environment.

Sources for the 7 News report also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest because Smith and the district’s chief human resources officer are married.

District officials have said Smith’s resignation was unrelated to the television reports. Board members, however, said the scrutiny and changes that have followed since Christopher Smith’s departure are focused on the actions and performance of both of the Smiths.

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

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

It was unclear Friday whether any of those policy changes have been lifted.

Brenda Smith was placed on administrative leave effective Feb. 2, and the board announced the internal investigation, apparently completed this week.

One of the board’s newest members gave some details on what the inves-

tigations were looking for, saying he would ensure a vigorous and transparent probe, citing some of the allegations from media reports.

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

Interim Superintendent Jennifer Perry was a part of and involved with the probe, school officials said.

Smith was appointed superintendent in 2021 after more than a decade in the district, where he previously served as chief of staff and as an elementary school principal. Perry, who had been deputy superintendent, was named interim superintendent effective Feb. 2.

Board members have not since provided details of a search process for a permanent superintendent.

The school district was then rocked again three weeks ago when it forced out newly elected school board director Terry Bates amid allegations he had on more than one occasion made “racialized” remarks.

Neither Bates nor school officials described his comments.

“As elected leaders serving the Cherry Creek Schools community, we have a responsibility to respect the district’s values, uphold district policies, and act with the utmost professionalism,” school board members said in a statement April 27. “When a member’s actions fall short of board policy and those values, we must address it directly and stand for what is right. As a Board, we have zero tolerance for this type of behavior.”

School board members said only that Bates’ remarks were “inappropriate” and that school board members had proof he had made similar remarks before being elected last November.

Two days later, Bates posted comments on Facebook, addressing his resignation.

“I accept full responsibility for offending others by my comments, and I regret that my apology was not acknowledged in the board’s press re-

lease,” Bates said in the statement. He said he called school board President Anne Egan the week before to discuss the controversy caused by his undetailed comments, but did not get a return call.

“In advance of the meeting, I prepared a written apology acknowledging that my words were inappropriate and expressing my desire to personally apologize and make things right,” Bates said. “During the meeting, I distributed my written apology to each Board Member. I asked whether my apology would be considered, and I was told it was “too late.” No one asked me a single question about what occurred.”

He said he realized then that there would be no opportunity to address the controversy.

“I believe in accountability, and I took that step. I also believe in fairness and due process, and I do not believe those principles were extended to me in this situation,” Bates said. “It’s important for the community to know that I made a sincere, good-faith effort to take responsibility and address the matter directly.”

Bates went on to take credit for recent board direction requiring new financial audits following controversy centered on Chris and Brenda Smith.

The school district is accepting applications for the District D vacancy through 4 p.m. May 26.

Applicants must complete an affidavit of qualifications for office and a board candidate applicant questions form. Both are available online or at the district’s Educational Services Center, 4610 S. Ulster St., Suite 1001.

Candidates also must submit typewritten responses to the applicant questions, a resume and the signed affidavit to the district’s Office of Legal Resources. Materials may be delivered in person or emailed to smckenzie3@ cherrycreekschools.org by the deadline.

Interviews for qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for June 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Applicants are expected to be available during that time, according to school officials.

Former CCA President Betsy Oudenhoven honored as president emeritus

The Community College of Aurora has named former college president Betsy Oudenhoven president emeritus, honoring her leadership in expanding equity initiatives and securing long-

term investments that continue to shape the college.

The designation was announced May 9 during the college’s commencement ceremony. The president emeritus title is reserved for leaders whose influence extends beyond their time in office, according to the college.

Oudenhoven served as CCA’s fifth president from 2013 to 2021 after joining the institution in 2011 as vice president of student affairs.

During her tenure, the college acquired ownership of its CentreTech campus, a move that opened access to additional state funding opportunities and strengthened the institution’s financial position. She also led efforts that helped CCA become a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2016 and advanced workforce diversity initiatives that earned the college the American Association of Community Colleges’ Advancing Diversity Award in 2019.

“I am very honored to be awarded emeritus status and humbled to be in the company of the leaders who have preceded me,” Oudenhoven said in a statement. “My 10 years at CCA were incredibly meaningful for me.”

Oudenhoven also played a role in securing state funding for the college’s Center for Applied Science and Technology, which expanded workforce-focused education programs. Her administration additionally guided the college through the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current CCA President Mordecai Brownlee credited Oudenhoven with helping position the institution for future growth.

“Her steady commitment to students, her belief in the power of access and opportunity, and her ability to lead with both clarity and compassion helped shape the foundation upon which we continue to build today,” Brownlee said in a statement.

When she retired, she was honored by the state system of community colleges for the work she did in Aurora, the Sentinel previously reported.

The State Board for Community Colleges recognized Oudenhoven in 2021 for her work and described her as a “trailblazing” leader.

“Her insight, her genuine care and concern for others, and her ability to expertly move forward the priorities of equity, inclusive excellence, and student success has left a lasting legacy that will benefit CCA, the surrounding region, ›› See METRO, 14

The Magazine

As planting season starts, CSU Horticulture shares its picks for perennials from its trial garden

BY NIKOLE ROBINSON CARROLL

Colorado State University has some recommendations for your garden now that we’re in spring planting season about a mile above the ocean and amid a record droubt.

The CSU Trial Gardens, established in 1974, tests various flower species for suitability for northern Colorado conditions. The gardens cover four acres and include annual and perennial trials.

Funding comes primarily from trial entry fees, mainly from commercial crop breeding companies. Additional support comes from donations and volunteers. Tours are offered on a by-request basis.

Chad Miller, an Associate Professor and the director of the Trial Gardens program, says an advisory committee chooses trial plants that stand out in the Fort Collins environment and publicizes them to gardeners and their suppliers. CSU’s Horticulture and Landscape Architecture department is currently highlighting perennials tested last year.

“They’re in for three summers and two winters,” Miller said of perennials. “And then we pick the top performers out of those that are surviving, generally with higher average ratings of fours and fives on a scale of five, and higher survival rates of 85%-88% or higher over those three years.”

Here are some highlights from 2025’s highest-performing perennials list:

‘HONEYCOMB’ BLUE GRAMA GRASS (BOUTELOUA GRACILIS) from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

CSU Trial Gardens says: This ornamental, clump-forming grass grows about 24” tall and is drought tolerant. It also provides great winter interest opportunities in the landscape. An alternative to ‘Blonde Ambition’ for cold hardiness and soils that might retain a bit more winter moisture.

ROCK ‘N GROW® ‘MIDNIGHT VELVET’ STONECROP (SEDUM HYBRID) from Proven Winners and Walters Gardens

CSU Trial Gardens says: A sturdy, moderately-sized upright sedum, with foliage from the initial spring growth to the end of the season. Full sun is ideal for this pollinator favorite. It’s a great plant for dry landscapes and not as tall and bulky as an ‘Autumn Joy.’

‘BLUE RIBBONS’ WOODLAND PHLOX (PHLOX DIVARICATA)

CSU Trial Gardens says: A native spreading phlox that grows ~8” to 10” tall. This groundcover plant has semi-evergreen variegated foliage. It’s a semi-shade plant that does well with morning sun and afternoon shade and can adapt to slightly drier soil conditions.

‘DAZZLE ROCKS’ SEA LAVENDER (LIMONIUM GMELLINII)

A bouquet filler that’s drought-tolerant and adaptable to low water inputs. It’s also

deer and rabbit resistant. It might be a bit slow in the first year, but by the third year, it’s going strong. Recommended for planting with ‘Honeycomb’ blue grama grass!

Microgardening means getting a surprisingly big harvest from a windowsill or balcony garden

Although the term might conjure thoughts of minuscule garden gnomes and fairies, the reality is quite the opposite. You can get a surprisingly high yield from a small space, even a windowsill or balcony, if you plant it right. One way to maximize your harvest is to grow plants that mature quickly, harvest them and then plant more.

Small greens on repeat Microgreens — 2- to 3-inch seedlings of certain edible plants — are perfect candidates for such succession. They sprout quickly indoors in as little as a week, and are easy to grow. Just scatter seeds over light, sterile potting mix in a shallow, domed pan, then set it in a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil slightly moist.

Arugula, broccoli, cabbage, kale, mustards, mizuna and radish are among the fastest sprouters, but beets, chards and nasturtiums work, too, typically germinating in 10-14 days.

When the sprouts produce their second pair of leaves (which are their true leaves; the first pair are called cotyledons), use sharp scissors to clip them at the soil line and enjoy them in smoothies, salads, sandwiches or stir-fries. Then plant more and start over, or, better yet, sow more seeds every few days to ensure a steady supply.

Good things come in small packages

Outdoors, the same small thinking can be applied to fruits, vegetables and herbs, which traditionally can take up a large portion of a garden’s real estate.

Basil, leaf lettuces and mint are among those that can do the most with the least. Comfortable in containers, they’ll also regrow to provide multiple harvests all season long.

You can even grow dwarf apple, fig and other fruit trees in 10- or 20-gallon planters, as well as in the ground.

Use the space you have

Your garden’s square footage might be limited, but you may be looking at it the wrong way. Instead of down and out, look up, and the sky’s the limit. Trellises, hanging baskets and wall planters will host flowers, herbs, berries, greens, and compact or dwarf varieties of traditionally larger plants like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.

If you’re short on patio or balcony space, use multi-tiered stands to hold several pots in a single footprint.

And let your flower pots pull double duty. Plant strawberries and herbs around annuals, and let them spill over the container’s edge.

When planting flowers, think in layers: Use taller plants in the back, mid-height

ones in the middle and ground-huggers in front. The design strategy adds depth, even in a thin strip or a window box — and will provide the best bloom for your buck.

Pretty and practical

Seek out multi-tasking plants that provide

beauty as well as food.

beds, borders and containers before working a second shift on your dinner

—JESSICADAMIANO Associated Press

would not typically be cast to play. The annual event celebrates creativity, inclusivity and unexpected artistic interpretation in a lively cabaret-style format.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 29 and May 30, 7 p.m.

Place: Roaming Gnome Theatre, Aurora Cultural Arts District

scene & herd

“Ain’t Nothing But the Blues”

This acclaimed musical revue traces the evolution of the blues from Africa to the American South and beyond through a dynamic collection of songs and stories. Featuring music made famous by legendary blues artists, the production celebrates the genre’s enduring emotional power and influence on American music history.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Opens May 22 - June 21. Friday and Saturday curtains at 7:30 p.m., Sunday curtains at 2:30 p.m.

Place: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.

Tickets: $20-$39

Information: www.vintagetheatre.org or call 303-856-7830

“Chosen Family” by the Denver Rock Orchestra at The People’s Building

The Denver Rock Orchestra celebrates Pride season with orchestral arrangements of music by artists including Lady Gaga, Chappell Roan and Queen. The concert combines rock performance with symphonic instrumentation in a program centered on community, identity and belonging.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 29 at 7:30 pm and May 30 at 7:30pm

TICKETS: General Admission: $25; Student/Senior/Military: $20; Kids 8 & Under Free!

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

Information: www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-819-6680

“Contemporary Photography Exhibition” at Center for Visual Art

This exhibition showcases the work of emerging and established photographers exploring themes such as identity, environment and storytelling. Through a range of styles and techniques, the featured artists offer compelling visual narratives that invite viewers to reflect on their own perspectives.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Through May

Place: Center for Visual Art, 965 Santa Fe Dr.

Tickets: Free

Information: msudenver.edu/cva or 303-294-5207

Tickets: $10-$15

Information: www.auroraculturalartsdistrict.org or 720-819-6680

“Jazz Jam” at Cerebral Aurora Arts

Musicians of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate in this community-centered jazz session celebrating improvisation and collaboration. Hosted at Cerebral Aurora Arts, the event creates an inclusive environment where emerging and seasoned performers can share the stage and explore jazz traditions together.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 31, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Place: Cerebral Aurora Arts at Cerebral Brewing, 9990 E Colfax Ave.

Tickets: Free

Information: cerebralbrewing.com/ or 720-819-6680

“A Parliament of Owls … and Other Surprises” at The People’s Building

This inventive evening of short theatrical works places audiences in the middle of the action with performances unfolding around and among attendees. The production combines satire, movement, humor and experimental storytelling in a format designed to surprise audiences from piece to piece.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 22 at 7:30pm, May 23 at 4pm and 7:30pm and May 24 at 4 pm

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

Tickets: $20-$30

Information: www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-819-6680

“In the Absence of Shelter” Film Screening at The People’s Building

This world-premiere documentary follows students from RMSEL as they move beyond graduation and embark on solo wilderness journeys that test their resilience, independence and personal growth. The screening highlights themes of transition, education and self-discovery through an uplifting Colorado-made film. Discussion follows the documentary.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 29, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.

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

Tickets: $5-$20

Information: www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-819-6680

“AAPI Culture Fest x Civic Center Night Market” at Civic Center Park

Place: Civic Center Park in Denver

Tickets: Free

Information: civiccenterpark.org or call 303-534-6161

Havana Street Night Market

Aurora’s global street festival returns for the 2026 season, transforming the Havana Street corridor into a vibrant open-air celebration of food, art and community. Centered outside Leezakaya, the monthly night market features an eclectic mix of vendors offering handmade goods, clothing, jewelry and international crafts. Live music, dance performances, games and giveaways add to the festive atmosphere, making it a lively gathering for all ages. A major highlight is the rotating lineup of food trucks and culinary vendors serving global street fare— from Korean barbecue and Mexican tacos to African specialties and inventive fusion dishes—creating a dynamic, ever-changing dining experience.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Last Saturday of the month beginning May 30; continues monthly through September from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.)

Place: Leezakaya, 2710 S. Havana St.

Tickets: Free admission Information: onhavanastreet.com or 303-360-7505

“Live Music at The Local Drive” at Stanley Marketplace

This ongoing live music series transforms the Stanley Marketplace hangar into a vibrant performance space featuring local and regional musicians. The programming spans genres—from indie and folk to jazz and rock—creating an eclectic soundtrack for Aurora’s creative community.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Fridays and Saturdays after 5 p.m.

Place: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St.

Tickets: Free admission

Information: stanleymarketplace.com or 720-941-7070

“The

Deluge” exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Artist Bethany Collins examines American history, language and identity in this multimedia exhibition that combines sculpture, sound, text and installation. Collins is known for transforming historical documents and cultural symbols into artworks that explore how stories about the nation are constructed and remembered. The exhibition includes pieces created from materials connected to historic monuments as well as works that reinterpret literature and music through erasure, repetition and sound. By reshaping familiar texts and symbols, the exhibition invites visitors to consider how narratives about race, justice and national identity continue to evolve over time.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Through July 5,

Place: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St.

Tickets: $8–$14; free for members

Information: mcadenver.org or call 303-298-7554

“World’s Largest

Dinosaurs” at Denver Museum of Nature and Science

This traveling exhibition explores how the largest land animals in Earth’s history lived and functioned. Rather than focusing solely on fossil bones, the exhibit examines the biology of giant sauropods, which are dinosaurs whose massive bodies required unique adaptations for breathing, circulation and movement. Through interactive displays, models and scientific research, visitors can learn how scientists study both fossils and modern animals to understand how these enormous creatures survived and thrived millions of years ago. The exhibition also explores the evolutionary advantages and challenges of extreme size, offering a deeper look at how the scale of these animals shaped their behavior and ecosystems.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Through Sept. 7

Place: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Tickets: $6-$9 Information: dmns.org or call 303-370-6000

“Miscast 2026” at Roaming Gnome Theatre

This inventive theatrical showcase turns traditional casting expectations upside down, inviting performers to sing songs and perform roles they

Denver’s celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month returns with food vendors, artisan booths, cultural exhibitions and live performances representing communities from across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Organizers describe the evening as a large-scale cultural marketplace inspired by traditional Asian night markets.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 22, 5 p.m.–11 p.m.

THE AIR UP THERE

Aurora area athletes dominate jumping, hurdling events plus some running in big performance at Class 5A state track meet

When there was an event that involved leaving the ground at the Class 5A state track meet, Aurora area teams were in the thick of it.

BY COURTNEY OAKES, Sports Editor

On The Cover: Cherokee Trail senior Prince David Ajibade bends over the high jump bar on his way to winning the title at the Class 5A boys state track meet May 15 at Jefferson County Stadium. Photo by Courtney Oakes/ Aurora Sentinel

Above: Eaglecrest senior Cameron Bell decends from the height of one of his attempts on his way to winning the long jump at the Class 5A boys state track meet May 14 at Jefferson County Stadium. Bell added a state title in the 300 meter hurdles as well. Photo by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel

Over three days of competition May 14-16 at Jefferson County Stadium, local prep athletes won championships in the long jump, triple jump, hurdles and more. Medals came in the triple jump, pole vault and throwing as well.

Aurora truly aired it all out.

In all, athletes from Cherokee Trail, Eaglecrest, Grandview, Overland, Rangeview, Regis Jesuit and Vista PEAK Prep put on the area’s typically strong showing at the grand spectacle event and came away with a combined total of 46 top-nine individuals medals — eight of them for state championships —and 12 more for relays.

Leading the way in the display of gravity defying was Eaglecrest senior Cameron Bell, who was the only athlete in the highly competitive 5A boys meet who managed to win two individual event championships, as he ruled the long jump as well as the 300 meter hurdles. Even the event he got disqualified in — the 110 meter hurdles — Bell sent something flying, as he contacted a hurdle that somehow launched itself into a neighboring lane was deemed to have impeded another competitor.

Cherokee Trail senior Prince David Ajibade was the highest flyer of them all and it earned him the state championship he had hoped for. At times jumping so high, he did a flip over the high jump bar, Ajibade soared to a height of 6 feet, 7 inches, and won his title by virture of fewer misses at lower heights. Right behind him came promising Grandview freshman Finn Higgins, who cleared 6-6 in his state meet debut.

Another Cherokee Trail athlete — sophomore Joshua Stewart — hardly appeared to touch the ground at all on his way to winning the 110 meter hurdle state title. Stewart cleared every hurdle cleanly and employed a lean at the finish line that rewarded him with a championship.

Eaglecrest senior Bryson States finished second in the long jump to his teammate Bell and held the lead into the final attempt in the finals of the triple jump before the secondto-last competitor soared past his mark and the last finalist jumped into a tie with him for second place.

Two Aurora area girls athletes won state championships and not surprisingly, one of them came in the long jump.

Eaglecrest junior Zenobia Witt solidifed herself as queen of the air with her third consecutive win in the 5A long jump. Though she failed to reach the 20-foot mark that she hit at a New Balance Indoor meet Witt still would have won the state title in the event with any of the three legal marks she had as she won the event by more than a foot. Witt also placed in the top six in two hurdles events.

Of course, not all of the Aurora area’s success came through the air.

Vista PEAK Prep senior Joshua Gallien spent plenty of time on the ground in the finals of all three sprint events and captured his first — and that for the school’s boys program —in the 5A boys 400 meter dash. Cherokee Trail freshman Madison Lange took the most footsteps of anybody in three distance events, including the 1,600 meters she won.

›› See TRACK, 12

GIRLS LACROSSE

Regis Jesuit falls to Valor Christian 12-6 in Class 5A state championship game

The Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team is beginning to collect trophies, but still hasn’t been able to secure the big one.

The Raiders earned their way into the Class 5A state championship game for the first time back in 2023 and had their title hopes stopped by a dynastic Colorado Academy program, while an emerging powerhouse — Valor Christian — prevented a crown this season.

Second-seeded Regis Jesuit worked all the way back from a significant hole to tie up the top-seeded Eagles late in the third quarter of the May 15 5A final at Peter Barton Stadium on the campus of the University of Denver, but Valor Christian scored the final six goals for a 12-6 victory.

While the Eagles claimed a second straight state title, the Raiders remain in search of a first. Coach Crysti Foote’s Regis Jesuit team finished the season 15-4, with half of the losses coming to Valor Christian.

Junior Natalie Chilton scored three goals, while senior Amina Pope had a goal and two assists and senior Delany Sitzmann added a goal an an assist for the Raiders, who four themselves down 4-1 at halftime.

The deficit grew to 5-1 before Regis Jesuit finally solved a difficult Valor Christian defense to the tune of five goals in the third quarter. Chilton had two of those to complete her hat trick, while sophomore Anna Hodges had the tying score. Senior goalie Rayn Parker made six saves for Regis Jesuit.

The one-period offensive burst wasn’t enough for a Raiders offense that finished the season with the most goals of any team in the state with 398 and had averaged 19 goals per game in its previous three postseason wins.

The Raiders could make another run next season given its four top scorers expect to return in Chilton plus sophomores Hodges, Jasmine Lugo and Addison Kindy, while they will have holes to fill to replace Pope and Sitzmann along with a few members of an experienced defense.

GIRLS GOLF

Regis Jesuit, Cherokee Trail finish in top 10 of 5A state team standings

Brutal conditions made the opening day of the Class 5A girls state golf tournament a significant challenge for a field of 13 qualifiers from Aurora area programs, who had largely better finishes in the May 19 second round.

Cold, wind and non-stop rain May 18 forced adjustments and mental fortitude — which was reflected in mostly inflated scores, while one area player withdrew afterward — but seven of the 12 locals who finished shot better in calmer conditions at Thorncreek G.C.

Regis Jesuit finished fifth as a team with a 20-stroke margin over Cherokee Trail, which came in seventh, while Grandview finished in 14th place in a field of 17 teams with at least the three players qualified to get a team score.

Leading the way for the Raiders was senior Natalie Furgason, a multiple-time state qualifier who tied for 15th individually. Furgason managed a plus-8 80 in the conditions of the opening round and followed that up with

an 84 for a two-day total of 164, which gave her a two-stroke margin over teammate Emily Gott. The third score for coach Kathleen Seig’s team came from Claire Pariset, who shaved eight strokes off her first round score with an 83 to finish at 174.

Cherokee Trail’s leader was Marisa Vialpando, who shot 85 in both rounds to finish in a tie for 26th place, while put her one stroke and two places clear of Brinnon Cook. Saruul Gantulga came next for coach Justin Jajczyk’s Cougars (182) tied for 42nd.

All three of the scoring players for coach Kurtis Bailey’s Grandview team —Jean Lim (who shot 90 in the second round to tie for 46th), Elizabeth Chang (whose 92 lifted her into 55th) and Charly Ashworth (who shot 91 — an eight-stroke improvement from the opening round — to tie for 59th — had better second rounds.

For complete teams scores and individual results, visit sentinelcolorado. com/preps

BOYS LACROSSE

Regis Jesuit’s Class 5A run ends with semifinal loss to Cherry Creek

The Regis Jesuit boys lacrosse team fell into a five-goal hole to Cherry Creek and never got closer than three goals in a 14-9 loss in the Class 5A semifinals May 16 at Peter Barton Stadium on the campus of the University of Denver.

The third-seeded Raiders — seeking a spot in the 5A state championship game for the first time since 2018 — lost to the Bruins in the postseason for a second straight season. Coach Ross Moscatelli’s Regis Jesuit team finished 15-3 with all three defeats coming to the teams that played for the state title (two to Cherry Creek and one to Valor Christian, which defeated the Bruins 8-5 May 18 to win the state title). The Raiders have made the semifinals in five of the past six seasons, but have yet to make it through the round since 2018, when they defeated Kent Denver for their fourth all-time state championship. In the quarterfinals on May 13, Regis Jesuit weathered an early challenge from sixth-seeded Fairview before it gained steamed on the way to a 2011 victory. Will Van Der Bosch scored four goals and had three assists, while Will Cornell and William Wilson each had three goals and three assists for the Raider, who also got 14 saves from Ryan Olsen.

BASEBALL

Regis Jesuit set for 5A Championship Series

For the fifth consecutive season, Regis Jesuit earned its way into the Class 5A Baseball Championship Series, but this time, it will be the lone Aurora area representative in the eightteam field for the double-elimination tournament.

TOP: Players and coaches on the Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team pose with the Class 5A state runner-up trophy after a 12-6 loss to Valor Christian May 15 at Peter Barton Stadium at the University of Denver. LEFT: Cherokee Trail’s Marisa Vialpando raises her arms in celebration after her approach shot made the green on Hole No. 18 at Thorncreek G.C. in the final round of the Class 5A girls state golf tournament May 19. ABOVE: Regis Jesuit’s Flynn Larson (24) celebrates a goal with teammate William Wilson in the Raiders’ 20-11 Class 5A quarterfinal playoff win over Fairview May 13. Regis Jesuit went on to lose to Cherry Creek in the semifinals. PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL

Coach Matt Darr’s Raiders (19-6) hold the No. 3 seed in the field and will open play at 12:30 p.m. May 22 at AllCity Stadium in Denver against No. 6 Mountain Vista (15-10). The winner turns around and plays at 2:30 p.m., while the loser moves into elimination bracket play May 23 at 9:30 a.m. Championship bracket play concludes with a 2:30 p.m. May 23 contest at AllStar Park in Lakewood and the tournament continues for four teams left standing May 29. The state championship will be decided May 30.

Notably, the Championship Series field will not include Cherry Creek, which has defeated Regis Jesuit in the state title game in each of the past two seasons. The Bruins were eliminated by No. 26 Legend in regional play.

The Raiders played host to the Region 4 tournament May 15 — which included another Aurora area qualifier in No. 20 Vista PEAK Prep — and won the two games necessary to advance. Regis Jesuit opened the day with an 11-1 defeat of No. 29 Riverdale Ridge and followed that with a 4-2 win over No. 13 Chaparral in a Continental League rematch. The Bison, meanwhile, qualified for the regional postseason for the first time in program history and fell to Chaparral 11-1.

Grandview went into the postseason as a hot No. 15 seed after winning 11 of its last 12 games and winning the Centennial League championship,

but was unable to extends its streak of Championship Series appearances. The Wolves — who had been to the semifinals in each of the past two seasons — fell to No. 2 Broomfield 9-6 in the Region 2 championship game after they defeated No. 18 Northfield 9-3 in the first round. Logan Hurtado threw six strong innings in the opening victory, which allowed Grandview to send out ace Ethan Wachsmann in the regional final. The host Eagles scored six runs with Wachsmann on the mound and went on to victory.

WEEK PAST

The week past in Aurora prep sports

TUESDAY, MAY 12: The Overland baseball team ended the season with a 21-11 victory over DSST: Montview behind a 12-hit attack led by Jerome Mestas, who went 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and four runs scored, while Edwardo Colon drove in three runs. Octavio Sanchez (five hits alowed and two earned runs over five innings) got the win. ...The Rangeview baseball team finished the season on a two-game winning streak after a 14-4 road win at Lincoln that included a complete game with 10 strikeouts for Emmanuel De La Torre Fabian Amaya led the way offensively with four hits and three RBI, while Colten Burch went 3-for-3 and scored four time

CHEROKEE TRAIL BOYS STREAK OF CLASS 5A TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP ENDED BY EPIC FORT COLLINS SQUAD

Cherokee Trail’s three-year run as Class 5A boys state track champions came to end, but not to just any old team.

A Fort Collins team that scored points in just about every conceivable way over three days of competition at Jefferson County Stadium ended the Cougars’ reign and did so with a whopping 99 points.

Even without knowing who its biggest challenger might be, Cherokee Trail coach Chris Faust knew it would be difficult for his team to stay on top of the state standings with talent lost to graduation, which included sprint star Peyton Sommers, a Penn State signee who won 11 individual and relay titles.

The Lambkins’ performance — which put them 40 points clear of the Cougars and possibly could have been more if they hadn’t come up just short of making the 4x400 meter relay final — left Faust to tip his cap.

“These guys being champions and coming here and expecting to do big things, it was a little hard to get through to them that Fort Collins was an all-time great team,” Faust said. “I would them right up there with some of the best.”

Fort Collins’ point total would have beaten two of Cherokee Trail’s three winners (2023 and 2025, but not 2024, when the Cougars amassed 111 points

Still, Cherokee Trail — who Faust said was projected to place fifth according to the pre-meet heat sheets — would be denied a trophy, as it garnered enough points to hold off Northfield for second place.

The Cougars captured three state championships to put a lot of points in their coffers. First came the high jump state title of senior Prince David Ajibade, who placed fourth last season and took the top seed in the event. Ajibade cleared 6 feet, 7 inches — which matched his season best — and won a tie with Cherry Creek’s Luke Saville due to fewer misses at the lower heights. Neither was successful attempting 6-9.

“I’m not going to lie, I felt all the pressure (as the top seed),” Ajibade said. “I was a little anxious, but I just had to remember that either way, ‘I’m here, I did it and I can do it again and again.’ I’m really proud of myself and so happy for everybody who helped get me here.”

On the last day of the meet, sophomore Josh Stewart provided some fireworks in the finals of the 110 meter hurdles. Stewart outleaned Denver East’s Mulyndwa Kafuuma at the finish line to win by 0.10 of a second.

To cap the meet, the Cougars knew they only had to finish in the top five in the 4x400 meter relay to claim second place, so senior anchor Dylan Smith came through the finish line with arms raised in triumph, even though they were behind Mountain Vista. The team of Smith plus juniors William Mines, Cooper Adams and Austin Eravelly became state champions, however, when the Golden Eagles were disqualified for a lane violation.

Smith — who also ran on last season’s winning 4x400 meter relay team for Cherokee Trail — had a fitting ending to an incredibly impactful prep career. Faust lauded him and Sommers as perhaps the two most successful team track athletes ever given their individual accomplishments coupled with the team success.

The Cougars extended a remarkable run in which they’ve won a trophy in five straight seasons thanks to runner-up finishes this season as well as in 2022.

“Every member of this team has never come to this meet without getting a trophy, all the way up to the seniors,” Faust said. “Our last five years have been pretty good.”

Eaglecrest had a two-event state champion in Cameron Bell and fellow senior Bryson States did a little bit of everything to help the Raptors finish fifth in the team standings, while Grandview placed 11th, Vista PEAK Prep (with help from Joshua Gallien’s state championship in the 400 meters) tied for 15th.

EAGLECREST GIRLS BESTED BY MOUNTAIN VISTA IN FINAL EVENT TO COME IN SECOND IN 5A STANDINGS

While the Class 5A boys championship chase ended with a wide margin, things couldn’t have been much closer on the girls side between Eaglecrest and Mountain Vista.

The Raptors trailed the Golden Eagles by just a point going into the final race of the competition May 16 at Jefferson County Stadium and both program’s had teams in the final. The drama built throughout the race and ultimately Mountain Vista won what would be its third title in four relay events to hold off Eaglecrest for the state title.

The Raptors settled for second place by a mere five points.

“Every coach dreams that it comes down the 4x400,” said Chazz Burney, who was in his first season as head coach. “That means you’re in it for all three days and you’re hitting all the marks you need to get to have a chance to win it all. It stung to come out second on that, but I’m proud of our kids. They grinded for three days and we overseeded ourselves in many cases to

give ourselves a chance to win, that’s all I can ask for.”

Eaglecrest was a small, but mighty, group, which generated points in a lot of places. Junior Zenobia Witt won a state championship in the long jump on the opening day of the meet — her third in as many seasons — to kick start the competition and the Raptors kept going from there.

Witt grabbed points in three events (which also included a runner-up finish in the 100 hurdles and sixth in the 300 hurdles), while junior Jenna Winn finished second in the 800 meters and sixth in the 1,600 and sophomore Rhyan Gadlin had a third in the 300 meter hurdles plus a sixth in the 100s. Senior Hailey Brinkman didn’t think she’d make state a couple of weeks earlier, but not only was she there, but she finished sixth in the shot put to provide a boost of points.

Eaglecrest’s 4x400 meter relay team of Gadlin, Winn, junior Malanya Gaines and sophomore Jenna Hallman (who contributed to three placing relay teams apiece) better their previous season-best time significantly, but just couldn’t catch Mountain Vista.

The Golden Eagles ended up with their first-ever state championship and that’s exactly what an Eaglecrest team that had very few seniors (only Brinkman and relay runner

Tatum Gratrix among the scorers) is after next season.

“I’m a little sad, but I’m really proud of how far we came,” Witt said. “I think we got all the points we could and our girls ran as fast as they could and it just wasn’t enough. We’ll just come back next year even better and ready to take that title. ...I’m not leaving without a state title. We will have that gold plaque.”

Added Burney: “While its bitter to finish in second and not have the opportunity to win it all, the sweetness is these girls had that experience. They know what it takes to get to this point and what it is going to take to take it home next year.”

Coming in a close third in the 5A girls standings was Cherokee Trail, which piled up 50 points with help from places in all four relays and a state championship from freshman Madison Lange in the 1,600 meters. Lange scored in three events individually, while junior Tayah Burton placed in four with a fifth place in the long jump coupled with legs of three placing relays) and freshman Maiya Watson took sixth in the 400.

“We hoped to get trophies for both teams (boys and girls) and even if it didn’t happen for the girls, they were awesome,” Cherokee Trail coach Chris Faust said.

Overland scored 11 points on junior Lezlee Napier’s two finals appearances to tie for 24th.

GALLIEN MAKES HISTORY AS VISTA PEAK PREP’S FIRST-EVER BOYS TRACK STATE CHAMPION

Joshua Gallien has run track since he was around 6 years old and he admits he was definitely not one of the fastest in his younger days.

But years of training built him up and it finally paid off in his senior year, as he was the only athlete at the Class 5A boys state track meet to qualify for the finals in all three sprint events: the 100, 200 and 400 meters.

Not only that, but Gallien won a state championship, a first for himself as well as the Vista PEAK Prep boys program. Gallien beat a talented field to the finish line in the 400 meters — his favorite race — to win in 43.07 seconds and finish the season undefeated in the event.

“I don’t like to lose; the 400 is all about heart at the end,” Gallien said. “That’s the race, it makes me show who I am as a person and who I am as an athlete. It’s my race.”

Gallien’s win was the first for the Vista PEAK Prep boys and third in school track & field history, as he joined girls winners in Maya Evans (long jump in 2015) and Raina

Witt placed second in the event to go with a state championship in the

FAR LEFT: Cherokee Trail freshman Madison Lange raises her arms in

girls 1,600 meter run on May 16 at Jefferson County Stadium, LEFT: Eaglecrest junior Jenna Winn (2)

Cherokee Trail freshman Madison Lange (10) right behind her during the

Winn finished second in the event and Lange third. TOP: Members of the Cherokee Trail boys

runner-up trophy they earned on May 16 at Jefferson County Stadium. The Cougars had a three-year streak of state championships snapped, but finished second behind a strong Fort Collins team that racked up 99 points. ABOVE: Vista PEAK Prep senior

Gallien (2) won the Class 5A boys state championship in the 400 meters and in so doing became the program’s first

champion. PHOTOS BY COURTNEY OAKES/AURORA SENTINEL

Branch (high jump in 2019). He added a fifth in the 200 and seventh in the 100, which made him responsible for almost all of the 19 points that put the Bison in a tie for 15th place. Gallien, a standout defensive back, is headed to play football Northern Colorado.

(CAMERON) BELL TOLLS TWICE FOR EAGLECREST

The only athlete in the Class 5A boys state meet to win two individual state titles was Eaglecrest senior Cameron Bell, who captured both the long jump in addition to the 300 meter hurdles.

Bell won the long jump, but he was unable to surpass his own Colorado state record of 24 feet, 8 1/2 inches, but a leap of 24 earned him the title.

“I feel good that I got it done,” Bell said. “I was going to go for another state record, but first place is first place. I worked hard for it, so it’s a big moment and I’m trying to take it in.”

Later, he beat Denver East’s Mulyndwa Kafuuma to the finish line by just 0.8 of a second to win the 300 hurdles. Bell was disqualified from the 110 hurdles after he contacted a hurdle that was deemed to impede the adjacent lane.

CHEROKEE TRAIL’S MADISON LANGE HANDLES STIFF COMPETITION TO WIN 5A GIRLS

1,600 METERS

In a state that is known for elite distance runners, Cherokee Trail freshman Madison Lange served notice that she is part of a bright future in the sport.

Lange ended an already successful meet with a punctuation mark performance, which came in the 1,600 meter run May 16. Already with a second place finish in the 3,200 meters and third place in the 800, Lange captured the state championship in her final event.

Running the final stretch head-to-head with Heritage senior star Emry Schwalm, Lange had enough of a kick to make it all the way to the finish line with a winning time of 4 minutes, 52.32 seconds, which was seven seconds faster than her seed time in the event.

“I’m so happy, it’s kindof hard to wrap my mind around it,” Lange said. “It’s so amazing to do it in my first year.” It wasn’t just any victory, either. It came against a field that included two athletes who were state champions in events this season — Schwalm in the 3,200 and Riverdale Ridge’s Payton Meineke in the 800 — in addition to Cherry Creek senior Emily Cohen, who won the race in 2025.

and the higher education sector for decades to come,” then Colorado Community College System Chancellor Joe Garcia said in a statement.

Since retiring, Oudenhoven has remained active in community organizations, including serving on the Foundation Board for the Aurora History Museum. She also spends time traveling and participating in senior women’s softball.

“I will always be proud to have been part of CCA’s history,” Oudenhoven said. “It is exciting to see the innovation and progress on behalf of our students as well as how thoroughly Colorado’s most diverse institution of higher education is being embraced and celebrated locally and nationally.”

— Sentinel staff

COPS AND COURTS

Aurora man faces murder charges in death of 4-year-old boy

A 24-year-old man faces first-degree murder charges after police accused him of killing a 4-year-old boy during some kind of physical altercation inside an east central Aurora apartment.

Alexander Martinez-Armstrong is being held at the Arapahoe County jail, currently without bond.

Police and rescuers were called about 10 p.m. May 16 to an apartment in the 14100 block of East Tennessee Avenue after receiving a report of a child who was unconscious and not breathing.

“When officers arrived at the scene, Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics were performing life-saving actions on the boy,” Aurora police spokesperson Joe Moylan said in a statement. “Respond-

ing officers observed the boy had significant injuries.”

The boy was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries, Moylan said.

A preliminary investigation at the apartment prompted police to arrest Martinez-Armstrong, police said.

“Martinez-Armstrong acknowledged striking the boy,” Moylan said.

Martinez-Armstrong is scheduled for his first court appearance Monday at 9:30 a.m. at an Arapahoe County court.

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

Stolen car recovered, juveniles detained after East Colfax motel standoff

Following a stand-off at an East Colfax motel, Aurora police detained four juveniles May 14 in connection with an armed carjacking.

According to Aurora Police Deputy Chief Michael Gaskill, a man reported Wednesday afternoon that four people assaulted him and stole his car, firing a gun at him as he ran away. The man was not hit by any gunshots

Two of the suspects left in the stolen vehicle and two others left in a gray Audi, police said.

Officers spotted the gray Audi at the Wolf’s Motor Inn, 15691 E. Colfax Ave., Thursday morning, Gaskill said. While police were surveilling the motel, they saw two juveniles approach the Audi.

When police approached the two, they ran from the car and police chased them, ultimately catching and detaining them. Gaskill said police also recovered a gun during the chase.

Two other juveniles barricaded themselves in separate rooms at the motel. During negotiations with police, Gaskill said the two juveniles came out of the motel rooms along with an adult woman. No one was injured during the incident.

Police detained all three, but said there’s no evidence currently connecting the woman to the carjacking.

The juveniles will not be identified because of their age. Gaskill said the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

Police also recovered the stolen car.

— McKenna Harford, Sentinel Staff Writer

Teen arrested for stealing car, crashing in Aurora school parking lot, tossing Molotov cocktails

Police arrested an Aurora 17-yearold boy after he drove a stolen car through a school parking lot and then barricaded himself in his home.

On May 12, Aurora Police responded to Cherokee Trail High School school, after reports that the boy stole his mother’s car and drove recklessly through the parking lot, hitting a parked car. Police say he also stabbed a tire on an off-duty sheriff’s deputy vehicle before fleeing the scene.

The boy has not been identified because he is a juvenile. His mother had reported him missing and her car stolen on Monday.

Then, on Wednesday afternoon, police responded to an apartment in the 23400 block of Easter Drive after the teen’s mother called and said he had returned home and was acting erratically and throwing things around the house.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Aurora Police Deputy Chief Michael Gaskill said the teen barricaded himself

in the house and wouldn’t communicate with officers. Gaskill said at one point, the teen was throwing makeshift Molotov cocktails off the balcony.

Aurora’s SWAT team was called to the scene because of the barricade, but after several hours, the boy came out of the house. No one on scene was injured.

“The teenager came out without incident and gave up,” Gaskill said.

Charges for the barricade incident are pending, but the boy has been charged for taking a knife on school property, criminal mischief, reckless driving and charges related to a hit and run crash.

Gaskill said the teen was evaluated by the police department’s Critical Incident Response Team, which includes mental healthcare professionals.

— McKenna Harford, Sentinel Staff Writer

Gun scare at Overland High School ends in student’s arrest, no injuries reported

A 17-year-old boy was spotted with a handgun at Overland High School May 13, chased down a hallway and tackled by staff members and eventually arrested by a school resource officer.

No shots were fired and no injuries were reported, Aurora police said in a social media post.

Police said others students in the hallway spotted the unidentified student with a gun at about 8:40 a.m.

“Someone noticed the weapon, shouted out to alert staff members who then chased after the teen and tackled him to the ground,” police said in their X post. “A School Resource Officer who is stationed at the high school subsequently detained the 17-year-old and recovered the loaded weapon.”

The school was put on immediate lockdown and after it was clear the is-

sue was resolved, classes resumed.

“Overland HS was in lockdown and followed all lockdown procedures,” Cherry Creek school spokesperson Ashley Verville said in a statement. “All students and staff are safe and the school has now been moved out of a hold/lockdown status. We are continuing to work with law enforcement and district security to ensure the school and surrounding areas remain safe.”

In a letter to Overland students and parents, school officials offered counseling yesterday and through the end of the week for students, their families and school staff.

“While no one was physically harmed, we understand that situations like this can cause fear, anxiety, and other strong emotions for students, staff, and families,” Overland Principal Sybil Booker said the letter.

Booker outlined steps the school takes to ensure the safety of students:

• School security teams, District Security Coordinators, and School Resource Officers who support schools throughout the district.

• Radios for school leaders and security personnel that connect directly to district security and dispatch, along with emergency intercom systems with automated lockdown capabilities in every school.

• Locked front entrances at elementary and middle schools requiring all visitors to check in through the main office.

• Secure vestibules or kiosks installed throughout district schools.

• Push-button or twist locks on classroom doors that allow rooms to be secured from the inside.

• The “Redbag” program in every classroom, which includes emergency first aid supplies and QR code communication capabilities during lockdown situations.

— Sentinel Staff

Colorado education bills pass, addressing school safety and civil rights issues

BY JASON GONZALES OF CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Colorado lawmakers avoided cuts to the core of public education funding this legislative session despite facing a significant budget shortfall. But with more financial challenges likely in the years ahead, it’s now on voters to decide whether public schools deserve more dollars than the status quo.

A November ballot measure referred by lawmakers in Senate Bill 135 will ask voters if the state can keep part of their tax refund to fund K-12 schools. The state could also spend the extra money on key services such as healthcare and higher education.

Lawmakers referred the ballot measure to voters after a second year of needing to cut more than $1.2 billion from the state budget. That made it difficult to approve bills that required state spending. Despite the fiscal constraints, lawmakers did approve numerous education-related bills during the 120 day session. Many bills still require the governor’s signature.

Among them is a new law to allow colleges and K-12 schools to request someone’s guns be temporarily confiscated, a new bilingualism endorsement for high school graduates, and a bill to create a new Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Legislators also approved a bill to allow the Colorado Department of Education to begin hearing 504 plan violations after parents complained that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights’ process has lagged under the second Trump administration.

Lawmakers also passed another bill regarding the state’s ability to hear civil rights issues in schools, although the bill was significantly scaled back.

House Bill 1141 will expand educational discrimination definitions, such as making pregnancy or being a parent protected statuses. The bill also encourages but doesn’t require the state’s Civil Rights Division to hear school discrimination complaints.

Here’s a roundup of other education bills that passed and failed this legislative session, which ended last week.

The education legislation approved

How do the state’s most effective schools help students succeed? That’s the question Senate Bill 170 will require a task force to explore and report back on by next year. The bill was sponsored by Senate President James Coleman after pushback on an “education deserts” bill that would have allowed the state to authorize charter schools in communities with low-performing schools and without local school board agreement.

House and Senate lawmakers approved two somewhat similar bills that would require social media companies to acknowledge a law enforcement warrant and give them a time period to comply. Lawmakers introduced the bills after two students were wounded in a shooting at Evergreen High School in Jefferson County. The shooter, a 16-year-old student who took his own life, had made suspicious social

media posts before the shooting.

Senate Bill 11 requires social media companies to acknowledge a warrant within eight hours but gives them 72 hours to comply. The more strict Senate Bill 1255, which Gov. Jared Polis has threatened to veto, also requires social media companies to acknowledge a search warrant within eight hours, but gives an operator only 24 hours to comply under certain conditions.

As part of the budget process, lawmakers filed the state’s School Finance Act in January, which was much earlier than in past years. Senate Bill 23 sets district and state funding levels at $10.2 billion in the 2026-27 school year. Two amendments added to the bill late in the legislative session will dramatically curtail the power of Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, also called BOCES, to authorize bricks and mortar schools or homeschool enrichment programs outside their member school districts.

The powerful Joint Budget Committee also filed House Bill 1428 to require the Colorado Department of Education to provide a variety of information on publicly funded online learning and enrichment programming by Nov. 1.

Due to budgetary constraints, lawmakers decided to phase out a program that extends high school so students can earn college credits toward a teaching degree. House Bill 1357 would allow one more group of high school students to enroll before it ends.

And Colorado lawmakers cut back on how often school districts must administer the state’s Colorado Measures of Academic Success social studies test. Starting next year, only 7th graders will take it, per House Bill 1353.

House Bill 80 creates a Cradle to Career grant program within the Colorado Department of Human Services that would provide educational, extracurricular and social services support to children in poverty. The bill does not provide state funding for the grants. Instead, their availability will depend on charitable contributions from private groups, the federal government, or local governments.

Teachers won’t have to disclose misdemeanor convictions that occurred in the last seven years if they don’t involve a student or at-risk adult under House Bill 1090.

Lawmakers also approved Senate Bill 103 requiring districts to share information on how they help at-risk students in their schools.

Districts will also have an updated process to involve charter schools in local construction ballot measures after the passage of Senate Bill 145.

House Bill 1004 extends an existing tax credit for contributions to child care facilities for 10 more years. The law provides a tax credit of 50% of the value of the donation, up to $100,000.

Municipalities could designate a roadway next to a school as a “school street” that’s closed to traffic or where the speed limit is 10 miles per hour under House Bill 1318, which was inspired by a Littleton middle schooler who was fatally hit by a car while biking to school.

Employees of Colorado’s facili-

ty schools, which serve some of the state’s most vulnerable students with the highest needs, will be able to get pension benefits through the state’s Public Employees Retirement Association under House Bill 1146.

Teachers will no longer have to create individualized readiness plans for kindergarten students who score proficiently on readiness tests under House Bill 1050. Instead, the plans will be optional. The bill also requires the state to publicly report kindergarten readiness test scores disaggregated by school district, school, gender, race, and more.

Colorado lawmakers revamped the state’s higher education funding formula in House Bill 1345. The bill received pushback from private colleges after lawmakers cut $14.1 million from private student aid. Private college leaders said the cut, meant to be in effect for just one year, could open the door to a permanent loss of that funding.

Colorado students taking college classes while in high school have only been able to take classes at four-year universities if they take the classes on the college campus. House Bill 1078 would allow high school students to take college-level courses offsite.

Federal cuts have left universities that enroll high percentages of students of color without federal grant funding to support students. House Bill 1006 doesn’t include funding. But lawmakers hope that designating certain colleges as “thriving institutions” will show students of color that those campuses are a welcoming place.

Most Colorado universities will now need to stock abortion medication at on-site health clinics under House Bill 1335, which received final approval on the last day of session.

House Bill 1142 gives civil immunity to board members, staff members, and volunteers at child advocacy groups if these individuals acted reasonably and in good faith in disclosing information about a child or during investigations of child maltreatment.

Education bills that didn’t move forward

Senate Bill 68, designed to study how to reduce CMAS testing time, failed to advance.

After facing concerns from Polis, lawmakers decided to indefinitely postpone House Bill 1292, which would have required Colorado to place nondiscrimination rules on its use of a federal education tax credit program.

Senate Bill 180 would have created a new investment authority that could seek higher returns on certain pots of state money than what state investments typically produce. Tens of millions of dollars from the higher yield investments would have been earmarked to help low-income families pay for childcare. But the bill faced opposition from Colorado’s state treasurer and other groups who said it was risky and possibly violated the state constitution.

Lawmakers decided not to pursue the Building Excellent Teacher and Employee Residences Program in House Bill 139. The $40 million pot of money would have provided financial assistance to districts for workforce housing projects.

Lawmakers rejected a bill that would have raised money for public schools by subjecting microtransactions in online games to a 5% fee.

House Bill 1148 was a wide-ranging bill aimed at enhancing data privacy

for children on gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. But lawmakers did pass a similar bill, House Bill 1418, that will put the proceeds of the 5% fee toward youth mental health services.

Colorado lawmakers rejected an attempt to change how school board members are elected. Instead of electing school board members at large, Senate Bill 57 would have restricted the pool of voters to those who live in the neighborhoods that the candidate would represent, similar to how Colorado elects its state representatives and congresspeople.

A bill aimed at saving Colorado families money on back-to-school supplies failed to advance. House Bill 1048 would have made children’s clothing and school supplies exempt from the state’s 2.9% sales tax for one weekend in July. A similar bill also failed to advance in 2024.

Lawmakers shelved Senate Bill 166, which would have disqualified candidates from running for school board if they had a recent conviction for certain violent crimes or felony drug offenses.

Colorado lawmakers rejected a bill to cut back on teacher evaluations. House Bill 1291 would have allowed teachers who are rated effective and who have Colorado’s version of tenure to be evaluated every three years instead of annually.

A Denver lawmaker hoped to replicate a city program that gives students a free pass to recreational, museum, and cultural facilities. But House Bill 1055 didn’t advance. The bill, backed by Colorado students, would have allowed for the pilot program to give My Colorado Cards to grades 6-12 students in a limited number of communities.

Because the people must know

COMBINED NOTICE

PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0156 2026

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice

is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

On February 24, 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)

BLOCK 7, SOUTHSHORE AT AURORA SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 12, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Purported common address: 7285 S Titus Way, Aurora, CO 80016. 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, 06/24/2026, 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 4/30/2026

Last Publication 5/28/2026

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: 02/24/2026

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: Carol M. Conley #21390

Keith A Gantenbein Jr #39213

Gantenbein Law Firm PO Box 777, Wheat Ridge, CO 80034 (303) 618 2122

Attorney File # ACABO 18087

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. 0149 2026

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On February 20, 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) Bianca Samantha Fruzynski and Andre Oliver Hylton Original Beneficiary(ies) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as beneficiary, as nominee for DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC

Date of Deed of Trust June 29, 2020 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust July 09, 2020 Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.)

E0084350 Original Principal Amount

$427,121.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$387,505.50 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 8, BLOCK 2, HARMONY SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 6, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Purported common address: 26732 E Byers Ave, Aurora, CO 80018. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/24/2026, 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 4/30/2026

Last Publication 5/28/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colo-

rado 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: 02/20/2026

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 # 24CO00087 2

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. 0150 2026

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

On February 20, 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)

BENJAMIN BOYLE AND ANIKA DELINGER

Original Beneficiary(ies)

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRA-

TION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR STEARNS LENDING, LLC

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC

Date of Deed of Trust

November 28, 2016

County of Recording Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust November 28, 2016

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

D6136007

Original Principal Amount

$249,300.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$233,960.22

Pursuant to CRS §38 38 101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the

deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 14, BLOCK 18, AURORA HILLS

SIXTH FILING, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Purported common address: 13531 E EXPOSITION AVE, 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, 06/24/2026, 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 4/30/2026

Last Publication 5/28/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colo-

rado 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: 02/20/2026

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:

Carly Imbrogno #59533

Ryan Bourgeois #51088

David W. Drake #43315 Israel Saucedo #61111 Barrett, Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391

Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350 3711

Attorney File # 00000010721173

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. 0153 2026

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On February 20, 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)

Denise Blue

Original Beneficiary(ies)

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR UNIVERSAL LENDING CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE

AUTHORITY

Date of Deed of Trust May 31, 2019

County of Recording

Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust June 03, 2019

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

D9051665

Original Principal Amount

$211,596.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$190,641.34

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 8, BLOCK 1, SAN FRANCISCO FILING NO. 2, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

Purported common address: 14212 E Hawaii Circle Unit D, 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, 06/24/2026, 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 4/30/2026

Last Publication 5/28/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colo-

rado

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: 02/20/2026

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 # 24 033143

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. 0155 2026

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

On February 24, 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)

Ryan Christian Vasile Valente and Tamara Rodrigues Valente

Original Beneficiary(ies)

Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc., its successors and assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing

Date of Deed of Trust

May 31, 2023

County of Recording

Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust June 07, 2023

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

E3038361

Original Principal Amount

$229,500.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$223,723.42

Pursuant to CRS §38 38 101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to make timely payments as required under the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

Attached as Exhibit “A” Exhibit “A” LEGAL DESCRIPTION Condominium Unit No. 1893 A, Building No. 9, Brittany Highlands Condominiums, in Accordance with the Declaration Recorded on June 29, 1981 in Book 3440 at Page 558, First Supplement to Declaration Recorded on July 29, 1981 in Book 3459 at Page 777, Second Supplement to Declaration Recorded November 30, 1981 in Book 3537 at Page 341 and Rerecorded December 9, 1981 in Book 3543 at Page 136, and First Amendment to Second Supplement and Annexation Agreement Recorded May 21, 1982 in Book 3629 at Page 65 and First Amendment to Declaration Recorded April 26, 1982 in Book 3614 at Page 162 and First Amendment to First Supplement and Annexation Agreement Recorded April 26, 1982 in Book 3614 at Page 171 and Third Supplement to Declaration Recorded May 21, 1982 in Book 3629 at Page 69, and Fourth Supplement to Declaration Recorded September 7, 1982 in Book 3693 at Page 494, the Condominium Map Recorded on June 29, 1981 in Book 51 at Page 56 and the First Supplement to the Condominium Map Recorded on July 29, 1981 in Book 52 at Page 23, and Second Supplement Recorded November 30, 1981 in Book 53 at Page 76 and Third Supplement to Condominium Map Recorded May 21, 1982 in Book 56 at Page 42 and Fourth Supplement to Condominium Map Recorded September 7, 1982 in Book 58 at Page 35 of the Arapahoe County Records, Together with the Exclusive Right to Use the Following Limited Common Elements: Parking Space No. 345. County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado. Purported common address: 1893 S Pitkin St Unit A, 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, 06/24/2026, 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 4/30/2026

Last Publication 5/28/2026

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: 02/24/2026

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 # CO26301

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. 0157 2026

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

On February 24, 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) Roderick Winslow Original Beneficiary(ies) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as beneficiary, as nominee for OCMBC, Inc., its successors and assigns Current Holder of Evidence of Debt OCMBC, Inc. Date of Deed of Trust September 20, 2019 County of Recording Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust September 26, 2019

Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.) D9101200 Original Principal Amount

$356,271.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$351,290.21 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: The failure to make timely payments required under said Deed of Trust and the Evidence of Debt secured thereby and violation of Section 17 of the Deed of Trust (transfer of a beneficial interest) THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 7, BLOCK 4, FOX HILL FILING NO. 4, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO

Purported common address: 19733 E. Union Drive, Centennial, CO 80015. 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, 06/24/2026, 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 4/30/2026 Last Publication 5/28/2026 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: 02/24/2026 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 WEWAT-

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, 06/24/2026, 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 4/30/2026 Last Publication 5/28/2026 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: 02/24/2026 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

Editorials Sentinel

The chief problem in Aurora is the police chief, not public information

Aurora lawmakers this week made clear how valid the old adage is that when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem is a nail.

In a ham-handed attempt to reign in the city’s problematic police chief, city council members whacked the entire police department on the head with its legislation tool.

The new Democratic majority of the city council agreed Monday that the often misspoken, frequently tone deaf, sometimes erroneous and potentially alarming comments of Police Chief Todd Chamberlain have to stop.

Rather than pressure the city manager, to whom Chamberlain reports, to make Chamberlain quit telling the public that Black men shot dead while encountering Aurora police “choose” to get themselves shot, or that a deeply troubled person killed during a textbook suicide-by-cop episode was a “tragic” person because they were transgender, the council majority saddled city police and staff with new rules and regulations that are unlikely to solve the problem.

Lawmakers on Monday, in a 6-4 vote, agreed to impose emergency rules that essentially require police to clear future social media posts and press releases with the city manager’s office.

In Aurora, the public is already at a disadvantage in getting a clear and accurate picture of what the crime situation is because of the strategic lack of transparency built into the Aurora police department.

Several years ago, Aurora police discontinued a system that allows the public, and the media, to easily scan calls for service recorded by dispatchers and then quickly glean factual details about what happened last night, last week or last year.

Not long after, Aurora police decided to “encrypt” their police radio system, locking the media out of a critical way of reporting public safety emergencies and mundane calls for service.

Aurora at one time offered the media special access to the encrypted scanner system, but with the caveat that reporting something police disliked, the newspaper or TV station could be held liable.

Essentially, the Sentinel, and all metro news media, are at the mercy of the police department, which decides which individual crimes they release to the public.

For the most part, Aurora police communication officials are professional and diligent in ensuring that details about crime are accurate and timely. Many of these police spokespersons are former journalists.

The emergency resolution passed by city council Monday prohibits police from “posting” pictures and other identifying information about criminal suspects, unless the city manager’s office determines there is a compelling reason to make the details public. An example of that would be the mugshot of a suspect at-large that police consider dangerous to others.

This will have an immediate chilling effect on the already limited amount of information the Aurora community gets on incidents of crime and public safety.

Most of what the Aurora police offer the media and public is limited to factual but brief accounts of crimes or incidents involving fatalities or gunshot injuries.

Chamberlain, however, has on numerous occasions gone far beyond the facts of the case, and offered commentary without fact, leaving the media to point out to the public that statements made by the chief are often without evidence or even contrary to it.

His defense, and that of his allies on city council, is that the chief is responsible for a drop in key crime categories in the city. Neither Chamberlain nor anyone else in the city has provided any proof of that. Almost every community in the metro area, and the state, and even across the nation, report almost identical drops in crime.

Even if it were true, reducing crime at the cost of the public’s trust in the department and sketchy civil rights violations is not a quid pro quo.

The practice would be problematic for any police department. Aurora is not just any police department. It just marked its fourth year of working through a state-enforced consent decree to enact a long list of mandated police reforms. The decree came after a state investigation determined that the department has for years exhibited “patterns and practices” of using excessive force, especially against people of color.

While straight and factual news releases about crimes have over the past few months withered, APD has instead recently created dramatic social media posts and theatrical reels creating a bizarre and unwise collection of commentary about crime, rather than just providing the public with needed information and details.

One post on X offered a narrative about an April 26 robbery on East Colfax where a suspect threatened to shoot a store employee apparently on the phone with police. According to the post, police pursued three juvenile suspects, making an arrest about 3:30 a.m. “We can’t stress this enough – getting your kicks by committing crimes isn’t worth it,” the post author states. “And also, these three were out way past their bedtime. We “want” you to succeed in life — this just isn’t the way to do it.”

It’s unclear who the message on X is intended to impress, or why police would consider making light of a woman whose life was threatened during an armed robbery.

On May 5, another anonymous police poster on X lauded police for arresting someone suspected of driving a stolen car. The suspect attempted to flee when confronted by Aurora police.

“Sigh. Another runner. No worries, we got you,” the post said, making light of a police pursuit that experts across the nation say are ill-advised and dangerous to both officers and the public.

The poster quoted a police official who said the suspect had “An extensive criminal history … it may be the largest I’ve ever seen.”

Monday night, City Attorney Pete Schulte told city council members that he’d had a discussion with Arapahoe County DA Amy Padden, and both agreed that such social media banter and editorializing creates very real legal problems for prosecutors in that they make clear the police in Aurora are not acting without malice or intent in their arrests.

This behavior and the often odd and sometimes dangerous comments of the chief impugn a large and dedicated police force who, for the largest part, don’t behave the same way.

All this bodes ill for ensuring a fair and just criminal justice system and especially on rebuilding public trust in a critical city department that continually finds ways that undermine it.

The problem in Aurora isn’t a system that undermines the public trust by promoting police officer prose rather than facts, the problem is whoever is making it or allowing it to happen.

Changing the system won’t fix the problem.

That’s hitting the nail on the head.

Reality reveals Aurora Water not the bad guy as Rep. Carter insists

EDITOR: In a May 7 Aurora Sentinel opinion column, Aurora House District 36 Rep. Michael Carter took the City of Aurora to task for buying water rights from farmers.

Rep. Carter aptly noted increased labor costs, and that small farmers are “under enormous pressure from historic low commodity prices, rising input cost from tariffs,” but then he incorrectly includes “cities like Aurora buying up their water” as an additional pressure on farmers.

What Rep. Carter doesn’t mention is that Aurora Water doesn’t steal water from anybody, nor do they force farmers to sell their water. Water rights in Colorado are real estate, and in the United States the seller of real estate gets to choose the highest and best offer when it’s time to sell.

Those farmers under economic pressure cannot profit from growing crops, and often there’s no next generation to hand the farm to. They reach a point where they can no longer make a profit with their small farm and most of the value of the farm is in their water rights. Having an honest and reputable buyer of water rights is not a detriment to farmers, rather it is a benefit when farmers reach that most difficult farm decision they ever had to make.

There are several water districts and water investors buying water rights from farmers and these farmers choose Aurora as their buyer. That may be because Aurora Water is a trusted and respected buyer of water rights. As a 52-year resident of Aurora, I commend Aurora Water for

continuing to buy water rights when they are available.

In the future, Aurora Water will get through the regulatory hurdles to building additional reservoirs ,and then Aurora will be able to store additional water to tolerate the next drought cycle. Having more water rights to fill Aurora’s reservoirs is a good thing in my opinion. It’s good planning on the part of our Aurora Water leaders for Aurora’s 400,000 residents.

—BobLeGare,residentandformerAurora mayorandmemberofthecitycouncil

Send Weiser to the state Capitol and keep Bennet in DC

EDITOR: Colorado voters will have to choose between Democrats Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser in the upcoming June 30 Primary Election for gubernatorial nominee. It is a critical imperative to understand the weighty problem of having to choose to bring Bennet back to Colorado. Voters have already sent him to Washington, and to date, he has little administrative experience except for a relatively short term as Denver Public Schools superintendent. Bennet’s recent naked rhetorical references would have us believe otherwise.

On the other hand, Weiser has served as Colorado’s attorney general since 2018. His constant work protecting Colorado citizens’ legal and constitutional rights should continue by electing him governor. Bennet should remain in Washington for the reasons we sent him there.

—BernieRogoff,GreenwoodVillage

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR030317

Estate of Martin Hayes, 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 September 10 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative

Anna L. Burr, Esq.

2851 S. Parker Road, Ste. 230 Aurora, CO 80014

First Publication: May 7, 2026

Final Publication: May 21, 2026 Sentinel NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR030397

Estate of Charlotte Elizabeth Wickham aka Charlotte E. Wickham aka Charlotte Wickham, 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 September 14, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative Kailie H. Wilson, Esq. 2851 S. Parker Road, Ste. 230 Aurora, CO 80014

First Publication: May 7, 2026

Final Publication: May 21, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR237

Estate of Gary Duane Gregory, 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 September 7, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Craig Gregory

Personal Representative

4255 S. Buckley Rd., #178 Aurora, CO 80013

First Publication: May 7, 2026

Final Publication: May 21, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S.

Case No. 2026PR251

Estate of Melvin Paul Covert aka Melvin Covert aka Melvin P. Covert aka Mel Covert, 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 September 21, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Michael Covert Personal Representative 1701 S. Deerberry Trail Sioux Falls, SD 57106

First Publication: May 21, 2026

Final Publication: June 4, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR269

Estate of JoAnn E. Deneff, 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 September 7, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30386

Estate of Michele Charlene Quiring, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District/Probate Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before September 21, 2026, or the claims may forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative Krista Beauchamp, #47615

The Law Office of Ryan B. Scott, LLC 6851 S. Holly Circle, Suite 210 Centennial, CO 80112 Phone: 720-446-1966

First Publication: May 21, 2026

Final Publication: June 4, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30425

Estate of Barry Howard Silvestain aka Barry H. Silvestain aka Barry Silvestain, 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 September 7, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative

James L. Parke

Atty Reg #: 39203 Minor Keele Parke, LLC 2809 E. Harmony Road, Ste. 100 Fort Collins, CO 80528

Phone: 970-818-8198

First Publication: May 7, 2026

Final Publication: May 21, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30477

Estate of Amber Lee Jorgensen, 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 September 21, 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

Phone: 303-355-8520

First Publication: May 21, 2026

Final Publication: June 4, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30440

Estate of Andrew S. Deitel, 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 September 15, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before September 18, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Gareth J.R. Thomas Personal Representative 841 E. Nichols Place Centennial, CO 80122

First Publication: May 14, 2026

Final Publication: May 28, 2026 Sentinel

Pamela J. Barela

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF A MINOR ARAPAHOE COUNTY COURT, COLORADO Case No. 2026CV120

PUBLIC NOTICE is given on April 6, 2026, that a Petition was filed for a Change of Name of a Minor has been filed with the Arapa-hoe County Court.

Steven S. Deitel

Personal Representative 6814 E. 10th Ave. Denver, CO 80220

First Publication: May 14, 2026

Final Publication: May 28, 2026 Sentinel

The Petition en-tered that the name of Elijah Anderson be changed to Elijah Trujillo. /s/ Judge

First Publication: May 7, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30401

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF A MINOR ARAPAHOE COUNTY COURT, COLORADO Case No. 2026CV120

PUBLIC NOTICE is given on April 6, 2026, that a Petition was filed for a Change of Name of a Minor has been filed with the Arapa-hoe County Court.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATIONS

Personal Representative 1057 Granby St. Aurora, CO 80011

First Publication: May 7, 2026

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR85

Final Publication: May 21, 2026 Sentinel

Estate of Janet S. Womack, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30378

Estate of Maryanne Thompson Keller, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

Final Publication: May 21, 2026 Sentinel

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30452

Estate of Robert Joseph Ross aka Robert J. Ross aka RJ Ross,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 September 14, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

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 September 14, 2026 or the claims may be forever barred. Ruth E. Ross

Estate of Vivian H. Thomas aka Vivian Henry Thomas aka Vivian Thomas aka Viv H. Thomas aka Viv Henry Thomas aka Viv Thomas, 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 September 18, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Gareth J.R. Thomas

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF AN ADULT ARAPAHOE COUNTY COURT, COLORADO Case No. 2026C100429

Personal Representative

841 E. Nichols Place Centennial, CO 80122

First Publication: May 14, 2026

Final Publication: May 28, 2026

Sentinel

PUBLIC NOTICE is given on May 9, 2026, that a Petition was filed for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Arapa-hoe County Court.

Personal Representative

c/o Chayet & Danzo LLC

Maxine J. Womack

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court if Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before September 7, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Susanne Burke

Personal Representative

650 S. Cherry St., #710 Denver, CO 80246

800 Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80011

First Publication: May 14, 2026

Final Publication: May 28, 2026 Sentinel

c/o Zalessky Law Group, LLC 9725 E. Hampden Rd. Ste. 305

First

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATIONS

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR85

The Petition en-tered that the name of Samantha Marianne Toner be changed to Samantha Marianne Toner Dawson.

Estate of Janet S. Womack, Deceased.

The Petition en-tered that the name of Elijah

(303) 355-8520

/s/ Clerk of Court/ Deputy Clerk

First Publication: May 14, 2026

Final Publication: May 28, 2026 Sentinel

First Publication: May 21, 2026

Final Publication: June 4, 2026 Sentinel

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 September 14, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Maxine J. Womack

Personal Representative

800 Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80011

First Publication: May 14, 2026

Final Publication: May 28, 2026