Sentinel Colorado 5.7.2026

LOOKING FOR LIFE IN THE FAST LANE ON EAST COLFAX

Aurora begins building Bus Rapid Tansit on East Colfax, joining with Denver for a system promising a bus every four minutes

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Been there. Done that. Don’t go down the eugenics road ever, ever again

Two recent programs produced by Denver’s Mizel Museum make it clear the red lights are flashing, folks. The critical message that a noted Holocaust researcher offered last week is that Americans must take action to keep history from repeating itself.

That problem is already dangerously underway.

“When we study the Holocaust, it’s very important to remember that these crimes were perpetrated largely by ordinary, average citizens,” Holocaust researcher and historian Shelley Klein said during a broadcast interview last week with Mizel’s Meg Robbins. The interview followed a similar, earlier session with Holocaust survivor Adela Dagerman, who grippingly retold how she and her family, and others like her, were abused and murdered by German Nazis as they rose to power.

The interviews were case studies in “been there, done that” in how millions were abused, tortured and murdered because of eugenics, a completely debunked, faux-science scheme that blends the worst of racism, corruption and ignorance into a recipe for genocide.

If you’re reaching back to your fuzzy highschool history, eugenics is a 19th-Century pseudoscience that insists that some humans are genetically broken and destined for a life of crime, stupidity, mental illness and malevolence, and that everyone except for white people are doomed to be plagued by their broken genome.

Well before the Nazis were rounding up Jews, they were selectively culling their nation by first sterilizing what eugenicists deemed as inferior human seed stock. These included people with mental disorders, disabilities or people convicted of crimes. It was a national effort to “get tough on crime” and reel in spending on social problems, like aiding poor people.

DAVE PERRY Editor

As the Nazis rose to power, they quickly accelerated the eugenics program to not just sterilize inferior humans, but “euthanize” them.

The so-called T-4 “treatment” centers were redesigned to become mass-murder centers, using showers converted to gas chambers or just murdering tens of thousands of “undesirable” disabled people via lethal injection.

“This wasn’t just happening in Germany,” Robbins said. “Eugenics spread across Europe and North America, influencing everything from public health policies, school systems, immigration laws and court decisions. In the United States, famous public figures supported eugenics, including President Theodore Roosevelt.”

American eugenics led to Native American “boarding schools,” which imposed forced sterilization and abuse, all based on fake science that tabbed Native Americans as genetically damaged goods.

Then it spread beyond that to all kinds of hospitals and asylums where more than 60,000 Americans were forced to be sterilized.

“These were not fringe ideas, but ones that were embedded within governments, education and scientific institutions, systems often regarded as authoritative and trustworthy,” Robbins said.

The white supremacists and eugenics cult got away with it by marshalling the federal government and using the media to “legitimize” their scam.

Seem familiar? If it sounds very much like the Trump administration’s push to delegiti-

A package of Luminal is on display as part of the “Deadly Medicine: Creating The Master Race” exhibit Feb. 27, 2007 at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. The exhibit uses 200 photographs, videotaped survivor stories and several dozen artifacts to trace eugenics’ development from a perversion of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to its Nazi justification for genocide. Nazi Germany doctors used a number of methods to kill selected disabled children, from overdoses of the sedative Luminal to starvation, deadly injections of morphine and gassing. AP

mize real science and real journalism, it sure as hell is.

With endless waves of propaganda and desensitizing the German nation, the Nazis were able to cartwheel their ghastly eugenics scheme into the Holocaust and the decimation of more than 6 million Jews, political dissidents, gays and other “undesirable” humans.

And the kinds of things the eugenics cultists hammered on?

“They’re sick people, and a lot of them were let in here,” Trump told an eager Fox News personality in March, talking about American immigrants. “They shouldn’t have been let in. Others are just bad. They go bad. Something wrong — there’s something wrong there. The genetics are not exactly, they’re not exactly your genetic,” Trump told the white reporter.

It was hardly the first time he played the eugenics card.

“How about allowing people to come through an open border, 13,000 of which were murderers,” Trump infamously and erroneously said at the end of the 2024 presidential campaign. “Many of them murdered far more than one person, and they’re now happily living in the United States. You know, now a murderer, I believe this, it’s in their genes. And we’ve got a lot of bad genes in our country right now.”

Like “bad blood” and “they’re eating the dogs.”

Klein and real scientists just like her are cautioning everyone here, and across the nation, to stop being distracted and pay attention to what’s happening.

In the 1930s, the German government unveiled solid policies backed by huge propaganda campaigns insisting that “undesirable” people like disabled and poor people, were costing German taxpayers vast sums of money and were responsible for the majority of crimes.

“It’s really powerful, because it illustrates how the Nazi regime framed eugenics, not only as a biological issue, but also as an economic burden, appealing to fear, scarcity and

financial responsibility,” Robbins said. “That messaging encouraged ordinary citizens to view certain citizens, certain people, as costly liabilities, rather than human beings with rights.”

The message that was driven home to Germans, even in public school curricula, is that not all life is worthy of life.

The policy took hold and grew into the Holocaust, and much of Germany took part in it.

“We often think about people who were directly working in the camps, guards, commandants, soldiers, but what we don’t think about are the engineers who designed and repaired the gas chambers,” Klein said. “We don’t think about the companies that produced the gas itself, or the companies that produced the crematoriums, or the railroad companies. There were a lot of people involved in this, a lot of professionals who actively contributed their talents to this project of genocide.”

Klein said that research has made clear that most Germans never saw themselves as participants in the Holocaust; they saw themselves as unaffected bystanders and patriots.

“We forget that this was a long road,” Klein said. “We specifically forget about the transformation of Germany that happened in less than a couple of years. Germany went from a very liberal democracy to a dictatorship in about 14 months.”

The take-home? Don’t let history repeat itself, especially when the warning signs for Americans are the same ones Germans ignored.

“The lesson for all of us is that we can lose our freedom and democracy very quickly,” she said. “It’s up to all of us to protect our democracy, protect our institutions and be as involved as we can in our own civic system.”

The lights are flashing, folks. What are you going to do about it?

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

Aurora lawmakers OK uniform condolences for o cer-involved shootings

“I THINK IT’S DISAPPOINTING THAT SOME HAVE FRAMED SUPPORTING THIS AS ANTI-POLICE, I DON’T THINK IT’S ANTI-POLICE, I THINK IT’S AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THERE IS HURT AND PAIN IN OUR COMMUNITY.” – COUNCILMEMBER CURTIS GARDNER

BY MCKENNA HARFORD, Sentinel Staff Writer

City lawmakers approved an amended resolution offering condolences to families and the community for officer-involved shootings, while acknowledging the council’s legal obligations and impacts to police.

The resolution, sponsored by Councilmember Rob Andrews, comes after years of contentious meetings and sustained pressure from activists and families demanding accountability in officer-involved shooting cases involving the Aurora Police Department.

Council voted 7-3 May 4 to pass the resolution, with council members Françoise Bergan, Stephanie Hancock and Angela Lawson opposing.

It establishes a consistent public stance on behalf of city council, acknowledging the tragedy of officer-involved shootings and expressing sympathy for those affected, while detailing that ongoing litigation prevents any other public comment.

During Monday’s council meeting, Andrews and Councilmember Alli Jackson presented an amended version of the resolution that included language about the community’s concerns with police use of force and racial and ethnic disparities in policing.

Another change added that officer-in-

volved shootings are a tragedy for the community, “including the lives of officers, their families, friends, and supporters.”

“City Council stands in mourning with all who are adversely affected by these tragic events,” the resolution states.

Several council members thanked Andrews for collaborating with both sides of the issue to craft the resolution. Councilmember Curtis Gardner said he supported the resolution because it offered humanity while pointing out the council’s legal and financial responsibilities.

“I think it’s disappointing that some have framed supporting this as anti-police, I don’t think it’s anti-police, I think it’s an acknowledgement that there is hurt and pain in our community,” Gardner said. “While the city council didn’t pull the trigger, as one commenter put it earlier, we certainly can feel sympathy for those families. I think that’s a responsible thing to do.”

Public commenters were largely supportive of the amendment, who called it a sign of progress in how city officials handle the issue, though they continued to push for substantive changes, such as independent police oversight.

“While this resolution is an opportunity for you all to engage in thoughtful language,

that the community can review, can hear and can bear witness to, we know that this resolution is not structural change,” MiDian Shofner said.

The resolution got some push back from conservative council members, including Bergan, who was incensed that Andrews and Jackson suggested an amended resolution at the meeting. She said Andrews had told her that there wouldn’t be more changes following the ones discussed at an April 20 study session.

Andrews did not address Bergan’s complaint.

The condolence measure comes as the city marks four years under a consent decree imposed on the city and police. The decree followed investigations by the state attorney general into repeated incidents of excessive use of force and discrimination by Aurora police, particularly against people of color, including the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, who died at the hands of police and first responders after being stopped, even though he was unarmed.

At the April 20 meeting, conservative council members pushed back on the resolution for not making a distinction between shootings that have been deemed “legally justified” or not, a determination made by local

district attorneys after investigation. Some city lawmakers were at the time critical of the bill for not including the impact officer-involved shootings have on police.

Bergan pointed to the officer-involved shooting in April, where Amare Garlington, a 23-year-old Black man experiencing a mental health crisis, attacked an officer with a knife, stabbing him in the head. The officer shot and killed Garlington during the attack.

“We should show sympathy and empathy for that officer and his family as well,” Bergan said.

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

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

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

AROUND AURORA

Aurora Mental Health cutting 111 jobs, citing Medicaid cuts. State officials push back

Aurora’s mental healthcare provider announced this week it will lay off more than 100 staff members because of Medicaid funding reductions at the federal and state levels. State officials, however, dispute Colorado has contributed to the provider’s financial struggles.

Aurora Mental Health and Recovery officials said the program is reducing its staff by 111 employees, mostly administrative and support positions, as of June 30.

Only four roles providing direct client care will be eliminated, officials said. Additionally, the facility plans to reduce some of its services.

CEO Kelly Phillips-Henry said in a statement changes to Medicaid at the state and federal levels represent a $13 million hit to the organization’s budget, which it can’t afford because it operates on a break-even payment model.

Aurora Mental Health and Recovery “is taking this action with a heavy heart,” Phillips-Henry said.

Aurora Mental Health will also close programs that don’t have sustainable funding, including adult education, victim assistance, a youth leadership academy and Aurora Sustains, a mental health screening initiative partnered with the municipal court system.

Behavioral health residential services for Mrachek House and Thomas Houses will end as well, though residents will continue living at Mrachek, which will be managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Phillips-Henry said the organization is “committed to ensuring that no client experiences a gap in care as a result of these closures.”

In an effort to reduce the number of layoffs, the organization also instituted other cost saving measures, including mandatory furloughs for leadership, reducing paid holidays and eliminating travel. Aurora Mental Health was able to cut expenses by $1.4 million, which translates to saving 22 positions.

Phillips-Henry said the organization is performing ahead of budget for the year and has cash available but is limited by its payment model, which is directed by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. The model pays providers at cost with no operating margin.

“Colorado’s safety net behavioral health system rests on a payment model that threatens our ability to serve the people who need us most. That must change,” Phillips-Henry said. “Safety net providers need stability in order to continue serving our communities, especially the most vulnerable among us.”

State officials strongly dispute Aurora Mental Health’s claims that budget cuts or the state’s payment program contributed to financial woes.

“The assertion that these reductions are due to state and federal budget cuts simply isn’t true,” Eric Maruyama, a spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis, said. “Providers like Aurora Mental Health are paid a rate that is intended to cover their costs, in advance, with a reconciliation period. Ultimately, they overestimated their costs, meaning they were overpaid, and the state had to recover that overpayment, which is why they are facing this financial situation.”

The governor’s office also provided an April 14 letter sent to Aurora Mental Health from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

The letter defended the state’s payment model as a way “to preserve the

broadest possible array of services for vulnerable Coloradans, provide stable funding that can be tracked month over month, and remain in compliance with federal regulations and approvals.” It said the department doesn’t have the resources to support additional provider payments.

The department also said it is working on creating new ways to support providers and offered to ensure Aurora Mental Health could take advantage of “all of the resources we have set up to support and educate providers, and to understand what additional technical assistance would be helpful beyond what we have available.”

Aurora Mental Health isn’t the only provider struggling with the state’s payment system, according to the Colorado Behavioral Health Council, a nonprofit representing healthcare providers. The council has formally raised concerns about the payment model with the state legislature’s Joint Budget Committee and the state’s Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

In a statement, Colorado Behavioral Health Council CEO Kara Johnson-Hufford said the state’s payment model has not kept pace with the obligations of healthcare providers.

“The fact that (Aurora Mental Health and Recovery) have reached this point is not a reflection of their performance,” Johnson-Hufford said. “It reflects a payment model that, as currently designed, is not fully aligned with the demands placed on comprehensive safety net providers.”

A March 2026 survey of the council’s member organizations found that 77% are operating at break-even or at a loss, while 62% have reduced services or frozen hiring.

Colorado’s Medicaid Interim Committee plans to discuss the state’s payment model this summer and Johnson-Hufford said the council hopes to help work toward “a payment architecture that can more effectively support and sustain the system Colorado has built.”

Aurora Mental Health’s Phillips-Henry said the cuts are devastating, adding the organization will continue to look for sustainable funding to bring the services back in the future.

The impacted employees will receive a 60-day notice period, severance and outplacement services. Aurora Mental Health will allow them to apply for remaining vacant positions in the next fiscal year.

The layoffs and cuts come after Aurora Mental Health and Recovery opened a new walk-in access facility, Potomac Pavilion, earlier this year. The clinic offers same-day, non-emergency mental health services during weekday business hours and provides 24-hour crisis services, including a crisis walk-in clinic, a crisis stabilization unit and a detox facility.

The $38 million project is a collaboration among Aurora, Adams and Arapahoe counties, the state and federal funding sources. The building includes an ambulance bay to allow law enforcement and emergency medical personnel to bring people experiencing mental health or substance use crises directly to specialized care.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide, call or text 988 for help or go to 988Colorado.com.

— McKenna Harford, Sentinel Staff Writer

with intellectual and developmental disabilities celebrated the renovation of its Aurora location, which will open up programs to serve more people.

Support, Inc.’s newly renovated space dedicates the first floor of its Aurora facility to the day program and moves the organization’s administrative team to the second floor. The day program provides onsite activities and community events in the Denver metro area, like sports games and outdoor recreation.

Brian Slusarz, director of intake and public relations for Support, said the change of layout will allow for double the amount of participants in day program activities, with room for 40 people. He added that the space has been upgraded with a pool table, an air hockey table and sensory room.

In addition to the new space, Support

hired a new director and staff to focus on building up the day program.

“We’re really focusing on providing better day program services and getting client input on what they want to do,” Slusarz said.

Slusarz said the demand for day programs has increased since the pandemic, when many programs closed.

“It’s such a valuable service to our clients and it’s a huge part of integrating people with disabilities into the community,” he said.

Jeremy Boudreaux, who has been a client of Support for nearly 12 years, said he plans to start taking advantage of the day program on his days off. Boudreaux initially connected with Support for residential services, which helped him transition to independent living.

“I need to get out of my apartment

more and get interacting with more people, so I decided to take (Support) up on the offer,” Boudreaux said. “It’ll be a great opportunity to just go and hang out.”

Boudreaux said Support has been like family to him since he connected with them after his mother died. The organization helps him learn how to manage his finances and arranges transportation so he can get to doctor’s appointments, as well as supporting his transition to his own apartment.

“Support has been there for me since I turned 21, they’ve been teaching me about the rights and wrongs about the world and raising me to learn how to cope,” he said.

With the expansion of the day program, Boudreaux said he’s looking for-

›› See METRO, 6

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Cheyenne-Arapaho Park Community Garden Kids Club

The Good Bug Club: Pollinators and other Beneficial Insects June 14 | 10–11 a.m.

Not all bugs are bad—in fact, some are garden superheroes! Join Arapahoe County Master Gardeners Elaine Davis and Jessie Asimus as they introduce kids to the fascinating world of pollinators and beneficial insects working hard to keep our gardens healthy. Register now at bit.ly/GoodBugClub

Arapahoe County is hiring bipartisan election judges for the June and November elections. We o er:

• Flexible schedules (some positions are Election Day only)

• Work either—or both—elections, only apply once

• A variety of positions available (ballot security, verifying signatures, ballot processing, and more)

• Competitive pay

• Open to citizens from any county

Go to jobs.ArapahoeCO.gov or call 303-795-4511 to learn more and apply.

ward to playing video games and taking part in a summer camping trip.

The Aurora renovation marks the successful completion of Support’s expansion, Slusarz said.

Support also recently opened new locations in Arvada, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Littleton and Loveland.

Support originally opened in Aurora in 1989, offering services including the day program, residential support and clinical care.

— McKenna Harford, Sentinel Staff Writer

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Aurora Community Campus helps justiceengaged students complete high school

Tucked along a block including a dent repair shop and fitness studio on Dayton Street in northwest Aurora is the colorful façade of a school designed to help students get back on track after being involved with the criminal legal system.

The Aurora Community Campus school is one of two micro-schools in Colorado that are part of the nonprofit Generated Schools Network. In April, leaders hosted an open house and art night to raise money to support programs.

“There are 23,000 justice-engaged youth in Colorado right now. Once a young person becomes justice-engaged, their odds of graduating high school drop to just 20%. Tonight, you’re in a room that’s working to change that,” GSN Board Chair Cameron DeTello told the crowd.

Classes started in August 2025, with 15 to 25 high school students attending

flexible programs designed to support them.

Alfonso, one of the students, said the school “makes him feel more seen” than at his previous school, where students who were doing better overshadowed other kids. He said he has earned better grades since he started at Aurora Community Campus, in part because he’s not allowed to skip class, and he’s able to take college classes.

Dion said there’s more opportunity than at public schools where “there’s a lot more stress and peer pressure.”

Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones volunteers at the school, teaching courses like economics using NBA and professional athlete contracts as an example of how to watch spending. He’s also taught a class on learning about the government system.

Denver Nuggets forward and school volunteer Spencer Jones spoke to the crowd of community members, staff, and students including Alfonso (left) and his family at a fundraising event.

“Education has always been part of my life, and I want to give back,” Jones said. “Plus, the students tend to listen to me more than a teacher sometimes.”

Wendy Loloff-Cooper, CEO of GSN, has been involved with the National Association of Street Schools for more than a decade. She joined GSN after one of her sons got into trouble, which she discovered after he and his friends showed up on a Crime Stoppers report. Her goal is to customize learning for the students.

“We believe in the power of second chances and the importance of compassionate guidance,” she said. Beyond the cost of a human life, data shows it makes economic sense to get youth through high school and on to a future where they can contribute, be healthy, and self-sufficient.”

The Aurora Community Campus

school is part of a pilot program developed in response to a 2024 state law supporting justice-engaged students and peers ages 14-21 in education. It’s currently funded as a micro-school; Loloff-Cooper is looking for other designations and future funding.

The GSN campuses in Aurora and Colorado Springs are public schools and free to attend. For more information on Generation Schools Network, visit generationschools.org.

— Linda Kotsaftis, Front Porch

COPS AND COURTS

Aurora man convicted in 2024 fatal injuries of 10-day-old

daughter

A jury found an Aurora man guilty of killing his newborn daughter after medical evidence revealed extensive injuries.

Hector Alexandro Delarosa, 21, was convicted May 1 of a felony charge of child abuse resulting in death for the 2024 death of his 10-day-old daughter, according to a press release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office

In April 2024, Aurora police responded to Colorado Children’s Hospital after Delarosa’s daughter was admitted with severe injuries, including a skull fracture, irreversible brain bleeding, multiple retinal hemorrhages and a fractured femur. The child was placed on life support, but life-sustaining measures were ultimately withdrawn, and she died on May 3, 2024.

The release says Delarosa told investigators that the injuries may have resulted from an accident while bathing the child, but medical experts “determined that the explanation was inconsistent with the severity of the injuries.” Police said Delarosa’s story changed multiple times throughout the investigation.

An autopsy found the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma and the death was ruled a homicide.

“This conviction reflects the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence and ensures accountability for the death of a defenseless newborn,” Deputy District Attorney Tory Reavis said in the release. “While no outcome can undo this loss, we are committed to seeking justice for victims who cannot speak for themselves.”

No charges were filed against the child’s mother.

Delarosa is scheduled to be sentenced June 29. — McKenna Harford, Sentinel Staff Writer

BEYOND AURORA

State-level

legislative

effort to shrink singlefamily lots across Colorado fails

Colorado Democrats abandoned a pair of bills aimed at legalizing homebuilding on smaller lots, delivering a rare win to critics of the state’s steady push for more housing.

One measure, House Bill 1114, would have banned many local governments from requiring lot sizes that exceed 2,000 square feet, while the other, House Bill 1308, would have allowed developers to split lots in order to build two single-family homes on land initially zoned for one.

The proposals marked a new tactic in the state’s push to add density to Colorado neighborhoods and bring down housing costs. In recent years, lawmakers have passed a number of bills to push cities to zone for more multifamily housing, such as duplexes, townhomes and apartments. But housing advocates this

session set their sights on a new goal: shrinking the single-family home.

The effort encountered fierce resistance from city officials across the state, who said they need the ability to limit housing density to prevent traffic congestion and protect limited water resources. Neighborhood groups in the Denver suburbs also pushed back, saying they should be able to decide how their communities develop.

“We need solutions that fit each community, not one-size-fits-all,” said Jody Nickerson, a retiree who lives in Lakewood. “Let’s keep the power to make decisions local so we can protect the character and quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

Both measures passed the House with overwhelming support from Democrats, but they lacked the support to pass the state Senate, which is more politically moderate. At the request of the bills’ sponsors, the chamber’s Local Government and Housing Committee voted in April to kill the proposals rather than advance them to the Senate floor.

The measures’ failure comes on the heels of recent local elections that have seen suburbanites reject efforts to encourage new housing. In November, Littleton voters passed a ballot measure that enshrined single-family zoning within the city charter and rolled back recent efforts to legalize duplexes and small townhome projects in more neighborhoods. And in April, Lakewood voters repealed four new zoning ordinances aimed at shrinking single-family lot sizes and allowing duplexes to be built in more neighborhoods.

“This is the state stepping in to override voters when it does not like the result,” Karen Gordey, a leader of the re-

›› See METRO, 7

peal effort, told lawmakers during an April hearing. “This bill tells our voters that their decisions can simply be overridden at the state level.”

Housing advocates point to studies showing that relaxing local zoning restrictions can lead to lower prices. And homebuilders say that when local rules prevent them from building on smaller lots, they’re incentivized to build expensive McMansions to maximize their profits, instead of multiple smaller homes that middle class families could afford.

“The truth is that when every locality has rules that restrict growth, the net impact of that is that costs just go up and up and up,” said Sen. Matt Ball, a Denver Democrat who sponsored both bills.

Kip Kolkmeier, the former chair of the Lakewood Planning Commission, said he learned firsthand how large lot size requirements affect the housing market.

He and his wife recently sold their ranch-style house in Lakewood. But, like many other seniors who attempt to downsize, they couldn’t find anything smaller that fit their needs nearby.

“We had to leave our community,” Kolkmeier said. “And I hear this story over and over and over again from folks.”

House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, a Republican from Colorado Springs, acknowledged that the small-lot homes envisioned by House Bill 1114 are rare in much of the Denver metro area — but that’s because local officials are designing their communities with their residents’ desires in mind.

“That’s why people moved there: They want those larger lots,” Caldwell said during a debate on the House floor. “Let them design their areas the way they want to.”

— BRIAN

EASON, Colorado Sun

Colorado Dems propose bill to counter mandated road-funding ballot initiative

Colorado Democrats want to pass a bill in the final days of the state legislative session to offset a potential constitutional amendment on this year’s ballot that would divert revenue to maintain and repair the state’s roads.

Lawmakers warn that the initiative would reroute money from priorities like public education and healthcare amid a difficult budget reality. The Legislature recently approved a state budget that had to close a $1.5 billion deficit, and future years are not expected to be easier.

They say the authors of the ballot initiative are telling voters it would fund roads without raising taxes, but that funding would actually come at the cost of other state programs.

“If you ask the voters, ‘Would you like to fix roads but defund public education? Would you like to fix roads but impact the ability to seek healthcare in your community?’ Then that’s something we have to pay attention to,” said Rep. Andy Boesenecker, a Fort Collins Democrat. “But that’s not the question they’re asking voters. The question they’re asking voters is, ‘For no additional dollars to you, would you like to repair roads in our community?’ Who wouldn’t say yes to that? I think it’s our obligation as a Legislature to be truthful.”

Initiative 175, whose backers are collecting petition signatures to get it on the November ballot, would direct existing taxes and fees related to gas and car use to fund road repairs and “road transportation,” to the tune of about $700 million annually. It is backed by the Restore Our Roads Coalition and funded by the Colo-

rado Construction Industry Coalition.

The initiative specifically concerns taxes on gas and car sales and the sales tax related to car “parts, equipment, materials and accessories.” The hundreds of millions of dollars from these sources would automatically head towards repairs for roads and bridges, driver safety, the Colorado State Patrol and road engineering. Right now, some of that revenue heads toward a mix of transportation projects, like transit systems and electric vehicle infrastructure. Initiative 175 would shift the money entirely towards road construction.

That mandated spending could further restrict budget flexibility and “handcuff” the state to long-term spending commitments, Democratic lawmakers say.

“If we had an extra $700 million to fund transit in our state, we probably would have used it this last budget cycle to not cut (Medicaid) reimbursement rates,” Boesenecker said.

A nonpartisan fiscal analysis of the initiative predicts that the state would need to spend about $2 billion a year on roads if it passes, including about $540 million from the state’s general fund, which is where most of Colorado’s discretionary spending comes from. It could also draw in money from parts of the state budget that are not directly related to road repairs, such as cash funds for pedestrian infrastructure, law enforcement training and emergency medical services, according to the fiscal analysis, though initiative authors say that’s not their intent.

The measure proposed by Democrats, House Bill 26-1430, would effectively offset state spending under Initiative 175 if it passes by lowering that state’s road usage fee, gas tax, special fuel excise tax and some vehicle registration fees. That reduced revenue would

create more general fund spending space under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which caps how much the state can spend before returning money to taxpayers.

Initiative backers say Colorado’s roads are overdue for more investment.

Last year, the libertarian think tank Reason ranked Colorado 43rd in the country for its road conditions, and even lower for rural roads.

“By moving this bill now, legislators are telling Coloradans their votes don’t matter,” Tony Milo, the president and CEO of the Colorado Contractors Association, said in a statement. “If politicians can rewrite the rules to get around a citizen led road funding measure before it even reaches the ballot, they’re not just undermining transportation policy, they’re overriding the will of the voters and setting a dangerous precedent for

every future statewide campaign.” Initiative supporters say they have collected about 75% of the required signatures with a deadline at the end of the month.

Groups including the Bell Policy Center, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Sierra Club Colorado and Colorado Education Association are against the initiative.

HB-1430 has its first committee hearing Tuesday. The legislative session ends on May 13.

— Sara Wilson, Colorado Newsline

›› See METRO, 8

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SCHOOL BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Education of the Joint School District No. 28-J of the Counties of Adams and Arapahoe, Colorado (Aurora Public Schools), for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and has been filed in the office of Superintendent. It will be available for public inspection on the APS website at starting May 9, 2026. Such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at the regular meeting of the Board of Education of the said district at the Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 E. 1st Ave., Aurora, CO 80011, on May 12 at 6 p.m. The meeting may also be accessed on the APS website at boe.aurorak12.org/live Any person paying school taxes in said District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, file or register objections via email to the Assistant to the Board of Education at cpaz@aurorak12.org

BOARD OF EDUCATION

April 30, 2026

Joint School District No. 28-J of the Counties of Adams and Arapahoe, Colorado

Gayla Charrier BOE Secretary

Legislature OKs two bills aimed at reducing state prison population, expenses

Colorado lawmakers passed two bills Thursday and are still considering a third aimed at reducing the state’s prison population, which has ballooned to the point where Gov. Jared Polis is recommending reopening up to two prisons.

It’s difficult to say whether the bills, which Polis has yet to sign, can cut the prison population enough to offset the Department of Corrections’ space needs this year. But they represent the legislature’s latest effort to reduce the number of incarcerated Coloradans, which has increased 19% since 2021 even as crime

rates have fallen.

“This is part of the bigger conversation we’re having this year about the need to manage our prison population with public safety and the state budget reality in mind,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, who is sponsoring all three bills.

The effort comes as lawmakers have approved an increase of about $69 million in the corrections budget for the coming fiscal year, for a total budget of nearly $1.2 billion, including the addition of 941 prison beds. It was a bitter pill for lawmakers to swallow in a year with a $1.5 billion budget shortfall that forced them to make difficult cuts to Medicaid and social services for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.

At a Democratic caucus meeting earlier this month, Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Lou-

isville, warned his colleagues that if they want to change the budget situation, they would need to start passing bills to reduce the prison population.

“If the General Assembly is serious about changing that dynamic, then we need to pass laws that will change when people get out, that will make sure that they get the treatment that they need, that will turn our correction system not into just our security system with a rehabilitation problem, but a real system that is performing and rehabilitating and getting folks out into the community safely,” he said.

Eric Maruyama, a spokesperson for Polis, said the measures are not enough to address the state’s prison capacity needs.

“Population management strategies alone, such as those in the legislation

you highlight, help, but are not enough by themselves to address our capacity needs,” Maruyama said in a statement. “Increasing capacity is also necessary to ensure the safety of offenders and staff.”

One bill that lawmakers passed, Senate Bill 158, would give the parole board, not just the governor, the power to release people from prison who committed a felony offense when they were under the age of 21. That bill passed the House with the support of all of the Democrats and three Republicans — Reps. Stephanie Luck of Penrose, Matt Soper of Delta and Brandi Bradley of Littleton.

Fiscal analysts at the Capitol do not anticipate it will meaningfully change the state’s prison population. Just 11 people have completed the required programming over the last two years. They are awaiting a decision from the governor on their release, according to the analysts.

And in recent years lawmakers and voters have passed policies to enhance punishments and create new crimes, including Proposition 128. Approved by voters in 2024, the law extends prison time for people convicted of some violent crimes.

In March, the governor’s office shocked lawmakers, saying they would need to approve funding to immediately reopen one, possibly two, prisons to handle the projected increase in the prison population.

Instead, lawmakers gave Polis permission to engage in negotiations with a private prison company to reopen and manage one of their shuttered facilities, at an estimated startup cost of $6 million and then an annual cost of $40 million. Lawmakers signaled they will approve an emergency funding request if and when adding a prison becomes necessary, even if it comes when the legislature isn’t in session.

The other bill that lawmakers passed, Senate Bill 159, would change how earned time is calculated for certain people in prison. It passed the House with the support of all but two Democrats — Reps. Sheila Lieder of Littleton and Bob Marshall of Highlands Ranch. The bill would make more prisoners eligible for reducing the amount of time on their sentence. Fiscal analysts did not estimate the bill’s impact on the prison population because earned time depends on the behavior of people incarcerated and the discretion of the DOC.

The June prison population forecast will provide more clarity on just how much more prison space the state needs and how soon.

— Taylor Dolven, The Colorado Sun and Rae Solomon, KUNC News

Colorado lawmakers push for ride-hailing safety standards, again

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The third bill, Senate Bill 36, which is awaiting a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee, would require the parole board to consider more people for release when the state’s prison system reaches a new, more conservative overcrowding threshold. Given the parole board’s rate of approving people for release, fiscal analysts estimate the bill would result in only 17 additional people being released.

Weissman was more optimistic about the bills’ impact, saying Senate Bill 36 could result in a couple hundred people being released.

“Is it likely that we avoid having to contract for more beds? Look, I think we have a decent chance,” he said. “These three measures will only help. They only point in one direction. They only improve the odds. The more money that we end up needing to spend on corrections, the less there is on a lot of other things that people care about and want us to spend money on around here.”

The number of prisoners these bills could potentially release pales in comparison to the state’s jail backlog. At the end of March, the backlog or the number of people the DOC was holding in county jails instead of in prisons, was nearly 700.

A dramatic decrease in the number of people in prison being granted parole and a slew of recent laws that lengthen prison sentences is causing Colorado’s adult prison population to outstrip capacity. Without another prison, Polis’ office said earlier this year, the DOC would have to house more than 100 people on sled beds — plastic floor cots — in a gym.

It’s not that the state is sentencing more people to prison. New admissions are expected to decrease by 3% this fiscal year and crime rates have fallen.

But the state isn’t letting as many people out as it could. By the end of June, the DOC’s most recent projection shows the state paroling 12% fewer prisoners this fiscal year compared with last.

A recent DOC audit shows about 4,600 people — more than one-fourth of adults incarcerated in state and private prisons — are past their parole eligibility dates. Staff in charge of programming incarcerated people need to complete to gain parole are routinely reassigned to security posts because of staffing shortages.

Colorado lawmakers will once again consider whether to enact new safety requirements for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to protect passengers from drivers lying about their identity, one year after Gov. Jared Polis vetoed similar legislation.

House Bill 26-1424 passed its first committee hearing April 30.

“These companies move human beings around every single day,” bill sponsor Rep. Jenny Willford, a Northglenn Democrat, said. “We regulate taxis. We regulate buses. We regulate airlines — not because we want to be punitive or punish those industries, but because when people get into a vehicle or they get on a plane, they should be able to trust that there are basic, enforceable safety standards in place.”

Willford also sponsored last year’s bill after publicly sharing her story of surviving a sexual assault during a Lyft ride in 2024. The man accused in the case used another driver’s account and vehicle, in violation of Lyft’s policies, according to the the prosecutors who charged him last year with a felony count of unlawful sexual contact. Both of Willford’s bills focus on driver vetting, curbing imposter driving, and allowing audio and video recording during rides.

The bill last year cleared the Legislature with wide support, but Polis vetoed it over implementability concerns and amid a threat from Uber that it would cease operations in Colorado if the bill became law.

“This year, we have been assured that we will get a signature and not a veto, although of course we will make sure that that remains the case as we continue to have the bill go through the system,” said bill sponsor Rep. Meg Froelich, an Englewood Democrat who also sponsored last year’s version.

HB-1424 would require large ride-hailing companies, also referred to as “rideshares,” to conduct background checks on drivers every six months and bar drivers convicted of assault, harassment or domestic violence. They would need to comply with search warrants and subpoenas within three days. If a driver is caught sharing an account, they would be unable to drive for the first company and another company. Companies would need to create an enforceable policy

FASTER MOVES

Aurora and RTD begin creating a 3-mile ‘bus rapid transit’ system on East Colfax

BY MCKENNA HARFORD, Sentinel Staff Writer

The Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project has made its way to Aurora, with construction on the improved bus route kicking off after a groundbreaking celebration on Friday.

The bus rapid transit project, a collaboration between government agencies including the city and the Regional Transportation District, aims to increase bus capacity and frequency along the Colfax corridor in Denver and Aurora.

Aurora’s portion of the Colfax Bus Rapid Transit will upgrade bus amenities on a three mile stretch of Colfax from Yosemite Street to the Interstate 225 and Colfax light rail station. The upgrades include enhanced bus stations, more accessible boarding, fare payment stations, real-time arrival information and signal priority at intersections.

Unlike Denver, Aurora’s portion of the project will not have center-running, bus-only lanes, but will instead utilize side-running, mixed-traffic lanes.

Construction is planned to progress block by block and is expected to be completed next fall. Traffic is set to remain open while construction is ongoing. Once Aurora’s segment is complete, the Colfax Bus Rapid Transit will run from Union Station in Denver to the I-225 and Colfax light rail station.

Denver businesses along the Colfax corridor where the street has been redesigned and rebuilt to accommodate the center-lane bus traffic has drawn years of criticism for the disruptions it caused.

Mayor Mike Coffman said the bus rapid transit system will help address the growing transportation demands in the city and improve connectivity. Buses will be scheduled every four minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.

According to RTD, the bus rapid transit system will reduce travel time along the corridor by up to 30 minutes. By 2040, RTD estimates that the Colfax Bus Rapid Transit will serve nearly 32,400 daily riders, up from nearly 24,500 daily riders in 2019.

“With BRT, this corridor will make travel between downtown Denver, I-25 and Aurora better in the long term, im-

proving travel time, providing reliable service and making it safer for people traveling along the corridor,” Coffman said.

The cost for the total project, including Denver’s portion, is roughly $280 million. Aurora contributed $14 million, the Federal Transit Administration granted $150 million, the Denver Regional Council of Governments funded $28.45 million and funding from Denver covered the remaining costs.

In addition to addressing demand, Coffman said the improved bus system will help support the city’s other efforts to revive the Colfax area, like the Colfax Downtown Development Authority and the city’s infrastructure task force, Build Up Aurora. The downtown development authority is a voter-approved special district focused on economic development that the city is in the process of creating.

“High quality and consistent bus rapid transit will contribute to the work of the DDA and the Community Development Corporation, providing a better transportation connection and supporting a thriving economic environment for everyone,” Coffman said.

Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshanna Lew said the project represents a collaborative effort over years of planning, including making sure the bus rapid transit was built where it’s most needed and to match the communities it runs through. Aurora has been part of the bus rapid transit project since 2012.

“I think it’s a great thing that this is going to look slightly different on the Denver and Aurora sides because it means we were thoughtful in how it will fit into each part of the community as it runs as one continuous network,” Lew said.

Coffman is also hopeful that the construction for the side-running, mixed-traffic lanes will be less disruptive to businesses than Denver’s center-running lanes have been. In Denver, construction has caused businesses to lose revenue and even some closures, leading the city to implement a grant program.

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, who praised the bus rapid transit project on Friday, encouraged people to support businesses on Colfax throughout construction.

“Susan and I love this street, we love the restaurants and businesses that are on this street and we have to do our part to make sure they stay alive,” Bennet said, referencing his wife.

Aurora officials are also working with the Denver Regional Council of Governments to study the possibility of continuing the bus rapid transit route along Colfax to East 470. That project is called Colfax BRT Next.

Grown home

HERE’S HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN FOOD WITH LESS WATER, EVEN IN A DROUGHT

BY BRITTANY PETERSON, Associated Press

Afew raindrops fell as Heather Grady gingerly transplanted beet seedlings into the earth, but the sky refused to release enough moisture to ease her worries about a dry winter that’s left reservoirs low. With most of Colorado in drought, Grady and her husband Terrance began discussing how they could conserve more water in their backyard vegetable garden.

“We feel personally responsible, even though it’s not a problem we created,” said Grady, who has committed to cutting back on water and shares her gardening journey on the Homesteading in Denver Instagram account.

A winter of record-low snowfall in much of the U.S. West means less snowmelt to feed the rivers and lakes that supply the region’s water. It has sent a clear message to communities, agricultural producers and businesses — everyone must live with less.

Cities are implementing outdoor watering restrictions. Denver Water announced drought restrictions on March 25 — the earliest in their history. Salt Lake City has urged residents to voluntarily cut back and mandates that government offices do. Cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Albuquerque already have year-round seasonal watering rules.

Watering a food garden is still typically allowed under these restrictions within a few parameters.

Even where restrictions don’t apply, growing your own produce can be done in a water-wise way, even in a thirsty desert. Here are tips from experts on how to get started.

Know your water, and plant accordingly

Greg Peterson, creator of The Urban Farm educational website, advises people to take stock of what water sources are available, including less-obvious ones. Beyond the tap, you can harvest rain in a barrel, collect water from rinsing veggies or letting a shower warm, Peterson said. His favorite example is capturing condensation from air conditioners, typically by placing a bucket under outdoor drainpipes.

His co-educator, Don Titmus, collects greywater several ways for the desert food garden and pollinator oasis he’s created at his home in Mesa, Arizona. In the summer, Titmus said he showers outside and allows the water to run off to the

surrounding plants. Titmus also washes dishes in basins with non-toxic soaps so he can use the water in his garden.

When it does rain, capturing it to use later is far better than paying for tap water, said Jamiah Hargins, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Crop Swap LA, which grows food on unused land around Los Angeles. The benefits extend beyond saving money on water bills.

“Rainwater has more oxygen than (tap water)” Hargins said. “It actually makes the roots happier and the plants grow much better.”

Selecting plant varieties that thrive with what nature provides in your area is one of the easiest ways to save on water. Consider hybrids bred to use less water or heirlooms native to your region, said Noelle Johnson in her book, “The Water-Smart Garden.”

Feed your soil

Healthy soil has five components: dirt, the air within, organic matter, water and biological life. Healthy soil needs less fertilizer and less water than unhealthy soil, Peterson said.

A soil test can show if you’re deficient in any key nutrients, said Josie Hart, Associate Director of Sustainable Agriculture at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. Gardeners can typically send soil samples for testing at a local public university or private lab.

To prep soil for the first time, break up hard dirt with a tiller or shovel and layer in compost or leaves to create a fluffy texture. In future years, just add compost on top and let the worms move nutrients around, Titmus said.

Protect from the elements

Sun and wind are the primary factors that dry out a garden. Planting near a fence, tree or shed can help shield them, Hart said.

Shade cloths also reduce evaporation for plants that get stressed in hot, sunny climates by filtering about half the sunlight. These plastic or burlap cloths can be strung on hooks nailed into a structure, or draped over hoops or posts just above the plants.

Johnson, the author who gardens in Arizona, recommends intensive vegetable planting, a practice that minimizes wasted space compared to traditional row planting. The intensive method puts plants closer together in a staggered pattern. Leaves of maturing plants provide shade and reduce evaporation.

Planting directly in the earth also helps because raised beds are more exposed to the elements, Johnson said.

People planting in arid climates may want to consider creating a waffle bed that uses small rows of raised soil in a grid pattern around the plants, Hart said. The ancient technique used by Indigenous farmers helps direct rainfall to their roots.

“Creating a waffle bed is going to capture any moisture you have going and it will keep it there,” Hart said.

Finally, mulch is essential for protecting soil by keeping water in and weeds out, everyone agreed. But be careful with wood mulch, which can poach nutrients from your veggies.

Water deeply and less often

Use an irrigation setup that slowly puts water directly into the soil, experts agree. You can use soaker lines, a drip system or drip tape. Anything that sprays will lose water to the air.

Can options be overwhelming? Sure. But there’s a ton of online resources to help, including a free drip tape workshop through urbanfarm.org. Local nurseries and water utilities also offer free or low-cost workshops.

Using one of these systems, water deeply and less often to teach roots to grow deep where moisture is stored, Hart said. Gardeners in hot, dry climates may think frequent watering helps plants, but it keeps roots shallow. Hart recommends watering on a drip system for at least an hour during the summer, but then going three days without watering in between.

In Denver, the watering pattern is one thing Heather and Terrance Grady plan to switch up this year. They’re going to try deep watering three days a week instead of short daily spurts.

“It’s a huge change,” Grady said. ___

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ climate-and-environment

Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center

Studio Theatre, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.

Tickets: $15

Information: aurorafoxartscenter. org or 303-739-1970

scene & herd

“Bohemian Rhapsody: Arts for a Better Tomorrow” with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra

The Aurora Symphony Orchestra closes its season with a vibrant concert celebrating individuality and musical expression. Highlights include a symphonic arrangement of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” selections from Puccini and Strauss, and contemporary works. The performance blends classical tradition with modern influences in an accessible, community-focused program.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 16 at 7:30 p.m.; May 17 at 4 p.m.

Place: Gateway High School Auditorium, 1300 S. Sable Blvd.

Tickets: From free–$22

Information: aurorasymphony.org or 720-262-3850

“Angels in America, Part One” at Vintage Theatre

Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic unfolds against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis in 1980s America, weaving together multiple storylines that explore love, illness, politics and spirituality. The play follows a diverse group of characters grappling with personal and societal upheaval, blending realism with dreamlike sequences and supernatural elements. This production brings emotional intensity and visual imagination to a work widely considered one of the most important pieces of modern American theater.

IF YOU GO:

Date: Through May 10, curtains vary

Place: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.

Tickets: $20–$40

Information: vintagetheatre.org or 303-856-7830

“Destination Freedom Black Radio Days: ‘Marvin Booker – A Letter From a Denver Jail’”

No Credits Productions presents a powerful live audio drama as part of its “Destination Freedom Black Radio Days” series, examining contemporary issues impacting communities of color. This original production, written by Terrance “Big T” Hughes and directed by donnie l. betts, tells the story of Marvin Booker through a compelling dramatic format blending performance and radio storytelling. Featuring a talented cast and broadcast live on KGNU, the evening also includes a post-show panel discussion with community leaders addressing themes such as justice, housing and systemic inequality.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 19, 7 p.m.

“Rock Art: An American Story – An Evening with Stephen Alvarez” e

Award-winning photographer and longtime National Geographic contributor Stephen Alvarez presents a compelling visual journey into humanity’s earliest artistic expressions. Drawing from decades of exploration, Alvarez shares striking imagery and firsthand stories from ancient cave sites in Europe and rock art landscapes across the American West. The program explores how these early works reflect human identity, storytelling and survival, while emphasizing the importance of preserving these fragile cultural records. The evening also celebrates the release of Alvarez’s new book, *Rock Art: An American Story*, offering audiences a deeper connection to the origins of creativity.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 12, 7 p.m.

Place: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Infinity Theater, 2001

Colorado Blvd.

Tickets: $18 members; $21 nonmembers

Information: dmns.org or 303-370-6000

Rocky Mountain Stamp Show at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds

One of the largest philatelic events in the region, the Rocky Mountain Stamp Show brings collectors, historians and dealers together for a weekend celebrating the art and history of stamps. Exhibits include rare collections, competitive displays and educational presentations highlighting global culture through postage design. The event blends visual art, history and craftsmanship in a niche but fascinating format.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 8–May10

Place: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave.

Tickets: Varies

Information: rockymountainstampshow.com or 303-771-2244

“Felipe Peláez in Concert” at Stampede

Latin Grammy-winning Colombian singer-songwriter Felipe Peláez brings his signature vallenato and Latin pop sound to Aurora for a high-energy live concert. Known for romantic ballads and danceable rhythms, Peláez’s performances blend traditional Colombian influences with modern Latin music styles.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 15, 9:30 p.m.

Place: Stampede, 2430 S. Havana St.

Tickets: Varies

Information: stampedeclub.net or 303-696-7686

“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

“Mom & Me Tea Party” at Town Center at Aurora

This themed cultural event combines performance, costume characters and interactive arts activities for families. Attendees can participate in storytelling, crafts and photo experiences in a whimsical, theatrical environment designed for children and parents.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 9, 10 a.m.–Noon.

Place: Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave.

Tickets: Free but reservations are required. Link to reservations is at towncenterataurora.com

Information: towncenterataurora.com or 303-344-0434

“Lawrence of Arabia” at Aurora Fox

Arts Center

David Lean’s sweeping, Oscar-winning epic returns to the big screen in this special screening as part of the Aurora Fox’s Fox Flix film series. The visually stunning historical drama follows British officer T.E. Lawrence during World War I as he navigates complex alliances and personal transformation in the Arabian desert. The screening offers a rare opportunity to experience the film’s grand cinematography and score in a theatrical setting.

IF YOU GO:

Date: May 7, 7 p.m.–11 p.m.

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

Tickets: $5

Information: aurorafoxartscenter.org or 303-739-1970

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

“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

Ecosystems: Opening Reception at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts

Celebrate the opening of “Ecosystems,” a printmaking exhibition at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts reflecting biodiversity and environmental dialogue through the medium of print. The show features work by local and guest artists, and the opening reception invites the public to engage with innovative techniques and thematic depth.

IF YOU GO:

Date: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. weekdays through May 15

Place: Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, 1405 Florence St.

Tickets: Free Info: www.davarts.org or call 303-367-5886

“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

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The last laps in the pool for the spring season are upcoming with the Class 5A boys state swim meet, which takes place May 8-9.

A total of 35 individuals and 14 relay teams from five area programs head to the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center looking to put big finishing touches on what’s been a significantly successful season.

As usual, Regis Jesuit will have the largest contingent from the area for the meet, which begins with prelims at 5 p.m. May 8, followed by the diving competition at 9:30 a.m. May 9 with swim finals at 5 p.m.

a closer pack of persuers in the event that includes his former teammates Greyson Connett, now of Grandview. Greene also sits in the No. 4 spot in the 50 freestyle.

Senior Nolan Kohl is the No. 3 seed in both the 100 freestyle (45.74 seconds) and 100 backstroke (50.54) for Regis Jesuit, which also boasts 200 yard medley and 400 yard freestyle relays that have been second-fastest in the state over the course of the season. The trio of Krauss, Greene and Kohl plus the relays represent the biggest point scoring potential for the Raiders, who also typically get strong performances from a lot of sources in prelims.

Last wall ahead

Coach Nick Frasersmith’s Raiders will be 12 strong individually and carry a full set of relays, while Smoky Hill comes next with nine individuals, followed by Grandview with eight and Cherokee Trail with six. Overland’s entire contingent is made up of three relays.

BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor

Regis Jesuit took its customary approach of preparation for the state meet, as it did not have its top swimmers compete in the Continental “A” League meet hosted by Heritage May 2.

Still, the Raiders annually contend for a trophy as one of the top two teams at the state meet and have a major challenge in trying to surpass defending state champion Cherry Creek, but have the firepower to be the state runner-up.

At the top end of the lineup for Regis Jesuit is sophomore Treyvn Krauss, who is the state’s clear leader in the 500 yard freestyle. Krauss’s top time of 4 minutes, 34.01 seconds, is more than a full second clear of Fairview’s Luke Axisa (4:35.38), while he is also the No. 4 seed in the 200 freestyle with a best time of 1:42.11. Another title contender for the Raiders is sophomore Spencer Greene, who is tops in the state seeding in the 100 yard butterfly with a time of 48.41 seconds. He has

The Centennial “A” League Championship meet May 2 at Arapahoe High School provided a preview of the possibilities for some local teams at state.

The bigger winner of the meet individually was Cherokee Trail senior Tyson Walker, who garnered Centennial League Swimmer of the Year honors from league coaches. He backed that up with his performance at the meet, in which he won championships in both the 200 yard freestyle and 100 yard breaststroke.

Walker’s time of 1 minute, 40.67 seconds, set the league record in the 200 freestyle, as it knocked out the 1:41.43 posted by former Arapahoe star Fletcher Hayes. His time of 56.30 seconds in the breaststroke vaulted him to the top of the field in the state, as he is the No. 1 seed, while he is seeded No. 3 in his other state event, the 200 yard individual medley. Junior Anderson Hardin is also potentially primed for a big state meet, as he is seeded No. 6 in the 50 freestyle (21.19 seconds) and seventh in the 100 freestyle (46.97), while the Cougars also are seeded to score in all three relays.

While Walker will be a contender for the state championship in the 200 IM, so, too, will another local standout who had an exceptional Centennial “A” League meet. That is Smoky Hill’s Cooper Walkup, who as a sophomore captured both the 200 IM as well as the 100 yard freestyle.

Walkup swam 1:52.06 to win the league title in the IM, but his season-best time of 1:51.04 puts him in front of Walker in the state seedings and only behind Columbine senior Joey Sudermann, who leads the field with a seed time of 1:50.68. Walkup won the league title in the 100 freestyle in 46.93 seconds, but went slightly faster earlier in the season (46.81) to go in as the No. 6 seed.

Grandview graduated a pair of two-event state champions from last season’s meet in Oliver Schimberg (last season’s 5A Swimmer of the Year and a four-time state champion, including three straight in the 100 backstroke) and Gherman Prudnikau, but coach Dan Berve’s team has a potential winner again in Connett. Connett swam for Regis Jesuit last season, but transfered over and has been an outstanding contributor. He won a Centennial League title in the 100 yard butterfly — an event in which he is seeded third with a best time of 49.91 seconds — while he has a chance to extend the program’s legacy in the backstroke as he is seeded second with a best time of 49.96 seconds. The Wolves boast the third-fastest 200 yard medley relay team in 5A going into the state meet.

Grandview also has the only diver among Aurora area programs in junior Hunter Bull, who was recently selected the Centennial League Diver of the Year. Bull — who will look to improve on last season’s 14th-place finish, has 5A’s sixth-highest score of 494.95 points coming into the state meet, in which there are just 21 total qualifiers.

Overland will have two relay teams in the field and the highest seeded is the 200 yard freestyle unit, which holds the No. 31 spot in the seedings and will need to jump up 11 spots to score.

Right: From left, junior Alex Garcia, senior Devan Hall, senior Cooper Bird Bear and junior Connor Deickman pose with the Class 5A Region 3 trophy won by the host Grandview boys volleyball team May 2. The Wolves go into the May 7-9 5A state tournament at Fountain-Fort Carson High School as the No. 3 seed among eight teams.

Middle: Junior Will George (1) and his Eaglecrest teammates celebrate after the

final point that delivered the Class 5A Region 1 championship May 2 at Eaglecrest High School. The undefeated Raptors earned the right to defend last season’s state title as this season’s No. 1 seed.

Below: Junior Sike Rot, right, and the Hinkley boys volleyball team fell to Lutheran in the opener of the Class 4A Region 8 boys volleyball tournament on May 1 at Lutheran High School

BY

Once the ball goes into the air during the Class 5A boys state volleyball tournament, adrenaline and instincts will take over.

But there is no doubt that familiarty with the stage — as well as the venue at Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Colorado Springs — could make a difference in determing the state champions by the time play concludes May 9.

The three-day, double-elimination tournament features eight qualifiers and this time, only half played their last season, when the tournament shifted to the new venue after it was previously housed at Overland High School.

Grandview, meanwhile, nearly toppled Eaglecrest in the championship match of the Centennial League Challenge before falling in an epic five-setter. In the first season under Jaren Graham as head coach, the Wolves bounced back with two wins at the 5A Region 3 tournament — over Riverdale Ridge and Sand Creek, respectively — to

The Wolves (19-6) feature a powerful triumverate that helped them make last season’s semifinals —nbefore a five-set loss to Eaglecrest — in senior setter Devan Hall and junior outside hitters Alex Garcia and Connor Deickman. With big efforts from each of them and solid contributions from a variety of players who either have expanded roles or completely new ones this season, Grandview will be a definite contender. First up is a 5:15 p.m. May 7 matchup with No. 6 Douglas County.

Dig in for state

BY COURTNEY OAKES Sports Editor

Both of Aurora’s qualifiers for the 5A state tournament — Eaglecreset and Grandview — happen to be in the half that has the experience, which along with elite talent, gives them a chance to capture the state championship.

For the Raptors, that is something they know the feeling of well, as they captured the 5A crown last season for the first time in program history. Coach Chad Bond’s team defeated the then top-seeded Littleton Public Schools co-op team in four sets in the championship match, which avenged a loss by sweep earlier in the tournament. That happens to be the last time Eaglecrest suffered a defeat as well, as it roared through a 23-0 regular season and added a pair of three-set home wins at the 5A Region 1 tournament May 2.

The Raptors have an experienced group led by seniors Dillan Ancheta and Ashton Bond, plus juniors Max Chen and Will George, while they’ve filled in with a variety of outstanding contributors in seniors Evan Hunt and David Graham as well as junior Dillan Anderson and others. Eaglecrest will open the tournament at noon May 7 against No. 8 Castle View, one of the teams new to the state venue.

Aurora West College Prep Academy, Gateway & Hinkley stopped in 4A regionals

The Aurora area will not be represented in the 4A boys volleyball state tournament as all three local qualifiers for regional play had their seasons come to an end. Gateway came into Region 5 play at Mullen May 2 on a four-match winning streak, which included a victory over DSST:Conservatory Green that netted it the 4A City League title.

Coach Kaaryn McLeod’s 20th-seeded Olys took an early lead on the host and fifth-seeded Mustangs before they fell 25-21, 25-14, 25-20, while a subsequent 25-15, 25-15, 25-17 loss to No. 12 Thomas MacLaren School ended their season at 13-12. Seventeenth-seeded Hinkley paid a visit to No. 8 Lutheran May 1 for Region 8 play and dropped a 25-13, 25-16, 25-19 decision to the host Lions, which was followed by a 25-21, 25-16, 25-18 defeat to No. 9 Canon City. Coach Paul Reyes’ Thunder finished 10-13 overall. On the same day, 18th-seeded Aurora West College Prep Academy dropped two matches in Region 7 play, as coach Bre Smith’s squad fell 2519, 25-19, 25-15 to host and No. 7 Denver Waldorf and then 25-9, 25-11, 25-17 to No. 10 Stargate School, which went on to earn the regional berth in the state tournament. The Spartans finished the season 9-13.

runners-up, while Johnson had a to win a playback to make the state tournament for a second time in four varsity seasons.

GIRLS TENNIS

Regis

Jesuit leads area to Class 5A state tournament

Three Aurora area programs will be represented at the Class 5A girls individual state tennis tournament — which is scheduled for May 7-9 at the Denver Tennis Park and Denver South HiIgh School — after they got through regional play.

Regis Jesuit played host to the 5A Region 8 tournament (which also included local programs in Grandview and Rangeview) and had all seven lines earn the chance to play for state championships, while it piled up five more points than Fairview to take the regional team title. Coach Jenn Armstrong’s Raiders had all three singles regional champions in sophomore Madeline Dickey (No. 1) plus seniors Otylia Martino Wojciechowski and Helen Adams (Nos. 2 & 3), respectively, while the No. 1 team of freshman Samantha Garcia Lucero and junior Abigail Puschaver also won their bracket. Rounding out Regis Jesuit’s state tournament contingent is the No. 2 duo of sophomore Rachel Osborn and freshman Alegra Warnaars, the No. 3 tandem of junior Brooke Griggy and freshman Samantha Groen and the No. 4 team of junior Cailyn Vu and freshman Lucita Lewis.

Vista PEAK Prep (senior No. 1 singles player Francesca Johnson) and Cherokee Trail (the No. 4 doubles team of seniors Aspen Cedeno and Aninka Madege also made the field. Both finished as regional

BOYS LACROSSE

The 5A girls individual state tournament begins at 9 a.m. May 7 with Nos. 1-3 singles and Nos. 1-2 doubles played at the Denver Tennis Park and Nos. 3-4 doubles played nearby at Denver South. The tournament continues through May 9 with third-place matches set for 8:30 a.m. and finals at 10 a.m. Visit sentinelcolorado. com/preps for full results and coverage.

GIRLS SOCCER

Cougars, Raiders qualify for 5A state tournament

The Colorado High School Activities Association put out the bracket for the Class 5A girls soccer state tournament May 3 with a field that included just two Aurora area qualifiers. Cherokee Trail — which finished 7-2-6 in the regular season — ended up as the No. 21 seed, while Regis Jesuit (5-5-3) ended up No. 24. Both teams played road games May 5 against No. 12 Horizon and No. 9 Broomfield, respectively. Opening round winners move on to the second round, which is scheduled for May 8 at higher seeds.

BOYS LACROSSE

Smoky Hill snaps playo drought, makes 4A field

For the first time in 14 years, the Smoky Hill boys lacrosse team earned the chance to play in the postseason. Coach Logan Booth’s Buffaloes posted a 9-6 regular season record to earn a playoff trip for the first time since 2012 and ended up as the No. 21 seed in the playoffs. Smoky Hill had a road game against No. 12 Golden to open the playoffs. Visit sentinecolorado.com/preps for results.

Trio of Aurora area teams earn spots in 5A playo s Cherokee Trail, Grandview and Regis Jesuit represent the Aurora area in the Class 5A boys lacrosse state playoffs according to brackets released May 3 by the Colorado High School Activities Association. Cherokee Trail and Grandview squared off in the regular season fnale — a 17-6 win for the Cougars — and earned the Nos. 12 and 13 seeds in the 24-team field, which put them into action in the first round May 5 in games to be played despite adverse weather. The Cougars and Wolves played No. 21 Chatfield and No. 20 Boulder, respectively, as they sought to move into the May 9 second round. As the No. 3 seed, Regis Jesuit earned a first round bye and will be home for a noon May 9 second round game against either No. 14 Castle View or No. 19 Northfield. Visit sentinelcolorado.com/preps for updated tournament coverage.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Regis Jesuit seeded No. 2 in Class 5A girls playo s

Regis Jesuit is the lone Aurora area program to qualify for the Class 5A girls lacrosse state tournament and enters the fray as the No. 2 overall seed. Coach Crysti Foote’s Raiders (12-3) were scheduled to play No. 15 Columbine at home on May 5, but the game was postponed due to weather and is now scheduled for 5:30 p.m. May 7 at Lou Kellogg Stadium. The winner moves into a May 8 second round contest against either No. 10 ThunderRidge or No. 7 Arapahoe. Visit sentinelcolorado.com/preps for updated tournament coverage.

SIGNING DAY

Aurora area prep athletes honored on signing days

Ceremonies both small and large were held at several Aurora area high schools in April and May to recognize athletes agreeing to financial aid packages to play sports in college. Here’s a list of honorees by school: CHEROKEE TRAIL (4.30): Tyson Walker, swimming, Tampa. (5.5): Aubrey Franklin, dance, Nebraska; NeVaya Yared, stunt team, Arizona St. EAGLECREST (4.29): Sydney Babi, wrestling, Adams St.; Ashton Bond, volleyball, Augustana College; Naomi Emecheta basketball, Taft College (Calif.); Avery Herron, cheer, Dodge City C.C.; Thomas Lechuga, football, Kansas Wesleyan; Sophia Lopez, cheer, Dodge City C.C.; Nakhai Miller, wrestling, Otero College; Jace Perry, baseball, Bakersfield College; Liam Sutton, baseball, Bethany Lutheran College; Drew Tulio, soccer, Pacific Lutheran. RANGEVIEW (4.29): Colin Anderson, lacrosse, Cornell College; Anthony Andrew, basketball, Colorado School of Mines; Maliq Brown, lacrosse, Dallas Baptist; Colten Burch, baseball, Great Bay C.C. (N.H.); Camila Chavez-Banuelos, soccer, North Dakota St. College of Science; Adam Christopher, lacrosse, William Woods; Kemariahe Brown, football, CSU-Pueblo; Daniel Jenkins, lacrosse, Cornell College; Ajani Johnson, lacrosse, William Woods; Keylen Mack football, South Western College; Adrian Martinez, lacrosse, Whittier College; Santiago Pina Martinez, lacrosse, Midland Univ.; William Stevenson, baseball, Eureka College (Ill.); Jay’Sean Toliver-Qualls, football, South Western College (Calif.); Justin Trujillo, lacrosse, William Woods; Tyson Tuck, football, Adams St. REGIS

JESUIT (4.29): Hudson Alpert, baseball, Vanderbilt; Evan Ault, swimming, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Deion Cesario-Scott, baseball, Alabama A&M; Isaiah Darr, rugby, Univ. of Colorado; Jack Dore, rugby, Salve Regina Univ.; Greyson Glasheen, baseball, Pacific.; Grayson Googins, rugby, Kentucky; Joseph Haubert, basketball, Coe College; Alex Hughes, baseball, Morningside Univ.; Nolan Kohl, swimming, Saint Louis; Clayton Kollmeyer, volleyball, Arcadia Univ.; Jack Manthey, football & baseball, Colorado School of Mines; Chase Massey, baseball, Boston College; Logan Nordstrom rugby, Colorado St.; Jacob Olson, baseball, Oregon; Carter Rathbun, baseball, San Francisco; Rory Schmeider, soccer, Colorado Christian Univ.; Riley Scrogham, rugby, Utah; Jordynn Shannonhouse, rugby, Life Univ.; Erick Toribio, rugby, Colorado St.; Domini Willsea soccer, Nebraska Wesleyan. SMOKY HILL (4.15): Dillan Ancheta, volleyball, Lake Forest College; Grady Baker, lacrosse, Carthage College; Kiyah Enoch, track & field, South Dakota; Maria Pascual Francisco, wrestling, Otero College; Russell Greenstein, swimming, Virginia Wesleyan; Tylen Haller, men’s soccer, LaRoche Univ.; Alyssa Ivaniszek, dance, Northwest Mississippi C.C.; Jason Jaster, lacrosse, Univ. of Dubuque; Eve Niemann, swimming, St. Bonaventure; Mya Noffsinger, swimming, Minn. St.-Mankato; Kiley Snyder, softball, Northeastern J.C.; Kevin Torres, soccer, LaRoche Univ.; Jayda Vigil, basketball, Bethel College; Cameryn Walkup, swimming, Wyoming; (5/4): Miller Boyd, basketball, Purchase College. VISTA PEAK PREP (4.15): Amelia Bacon, wrestling, Colorado Mesa; Ian Bacon, wrestling, Colorado Mesa; Ca-

naan Barthlow, football, Wheaton College; Brody Brancato, baseball, Hamline Univ.; Joshua Gallien, football, Northern Colorado; J’Niya Hernandez, cheerleading, Hope International; Amara Herrera, softball, North Platte C.C.; Emily Peabody, cheerleading, Davenport Univ.; Jordan Ramirez-Jimenez, football, Vermillion C.C.; Abel Salinas, baseball, Eastern Arizona College; Tyrone Smiley, football, Northern Colorado; Isaiah Watson, football, Colorado St.

WEEK PAST

The week past in Aurora prep sports

MONDAY, MAY 4: The Regis Jesuit baseball team answered an 11-run Rock Canyon rally with an eight-run burst in a 15-13 Continental League road win. Jacob Olson homered twice and drove in six runs and joined Hudson Alpert (who also homered) with four hits. Eli Shappee also went deep and Greyson Glasheen had three RBI for the Raiders. ...The Gateway baseball team mashed out 20 hits in a 22-2 Colorado League win at Thornton. Five Olys had three hits, including Kalai Betosino & Anthony Rubio, who each had four RBI, while Yanndy Aguayo knocked in five runs. ...Grandview’s Jean Lim and Smoky Hill’s Erianna Perez each shot plus-10 82s to finish in a tie for 5th individually at the Centennial League girls golf finale played at Murphy Creek G.C. Cherokee Trail finished second as a team behind Cherry Creek as Brinnon Cook paced the Cougars with a tie for 10th place. ...The Regis Jesuit girls golf team placed third at the Continental League tournament played at CommonGround G.C., as Natalie Furgason shot plus-8 79 to finish ninth. ...The Gate-

way girls golf team posted a 17-shot win over Adams City in the nine-hole Colorado League Major at Aurora Hills G.C. The Olys’ Makenna Dossey earned medalist honors, while Aurora Central’s Dryllynn Joseph took third. ...SATURDAY, MAY 2: The Grandview baseball team swept a home-and-home doubleheader from Smoky Hill with wins of 6-1 — highlighted by three hitless innings and eight strikeouts from Ethan Wachsmann and AJ Maroni’s three RBI — and 13-0 as Seth Mittleman and Zach Muniz combined on a five-inning no-hitter. Gavyn Bauer had four RBI and Wachsmann three in the second contest. ... The Vista PEAK Prep baseball team downed Skyview 113 as seven different players drove in runs (two from Jorge Cordero) and Eli Garcia allowed just two hits in four innings. ...Caiden Van Damme hit a walk-off threerun home run to lift the Eaglecrest baseball team to a 14-12 Centennial League home win over Mullen. Brian Moreland had three hits and Blake Anderson two RBI for the Raptors. ...The Cherokee Trail girls soccer team claimed the Arapahoe Derby trophy with a 1-0 victory over rival Grandview as the lone score came in the opening half. ...Noel Pulley’s goal in the opening half stood up as the Eaglecrest girls soccer team finished the season on a two-game winning streak with a 1-0 victory over Liberty. ...Joshua Gallien won three events to help the Vista PEAK Prep boys track team to second place at the City League Championship meet. Jaiden Deans swept the boys throwing events for Rangeview Elazia Patton won twice on the girls side for the Bison, who were

FAR LEFT: Vista PEAK Prep’s Joshua Gallien powers to the finish line to win the City League Championship in the boys 400 meters on May 2 at All-City Stadium . ABOVE LEFT: Eaglecrest’s Zenobia Witt just catches the final hurdle at the end of the 300 meter race at the Buff Blazer Invitational on May 2 at Stutler Bowl.

FAR LEFT BELOW: No. 3 singles player Helen Adams was one of seven lines for the Regis Jesuit girls tennis team to make the 5A individual state tournament out of Region 8 . LEFT: Rangeview’s Jaiden Deans won the shot put and discus at the City League Championship track meet May 2. ABOVE: Regis Jesuit’s Will Cornell (8) gets in close to score a goal in the Raiders’ 9-8 loss at Cherry Creek May 1. RIGHT: Eaglecrest’s Rylan Lambert (11) outjumps a Smoky Hill defender for a header during the Raptors’ 3-2 girls soccer win April 30 at Stutler Bowl. (Photos by Courtney Oakes/Aurora Sentinel)

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

also second. ...The Cherokee Trail boys track team won the Blazer Buff Invitational with help from wins from Prince David Ajibade (high jump) and Dylan Smith (800 meters). Third-place Grandview had event champions in D’Aaron Stewart (100 meters), KeShaun McCray (long jump), William Smith (pole vault) and Ethan Belfon (triple jump), while Bryson States (200 meters) and the 4x100 meter relay were victorious for sixth place Eaglecrest. The Eaglecrest girls — who saw star Zenobia Witt come back from injury and post a win in the 100 meter hurdles — finished third as Baiylee Hervey (300 hurdles), Haley Brinkman (shot put) and the 4x200 meter relay also won. Taylor Delgado (discus) and the 4x100 meter relay took events for Grandview in its tie for fourth, while twoevent winner Tayah Burton (400 meters & long jump) and Madison Lange (800 meters) won for sixth-place Cherokee Trail Lezlee Napier (100 and 200 meters) took two events for Overland. ...The Predators Cup returned to the Cherokee Trail boys lacrosse team after its 17-6 victory over rival Grandview in a rescheduled contest. Cooper Bernard tallied five goals and Bruce Pfeiffer and Ryder Southern added four for the Cougars, while Mason Kelly had four for the Wolves. ...FRIDAY, MAY 1: Hudson Alpert allowed a single hit and struck out eight over 3 2/3 innings as the Regis Jesuit baseball team blanked Castle View 10-0. Jacob Olson homered twice, while Deion Cesario-Scott, Carter Rathbun and Chase Massey also left the yard. Karter Robertson hit a home run and

joined Abel Salinas and Brody Brancato with two RBI apiece to back Ace Kelly as the Vista PEAK Prep baseball team defeated Thomas Jefferson 11-5. ...Mason Kelly tallied five goals and Gunnar Abeyta added four for the majority of the offense for the Grandview boys lacrosse team in a 10-9 win over Chatfield. ...The Smoky Hill boys lacrosse team rolled to a 17-2 win over Summit to cap a 9-6 regular season. ...The Regis Jesuit boys lacrosse team led Cherry Creek 7-3 in a road showdown, but fell 9-8. Will Cornell’s three goals led the Raiders. THURSDAY, APRIL 30: A complete game five-hitter for Brian Moreland (with 10 strikeouts) led the Eaglecrest baseball team to a 4-1 Centennial League win at Mullen. Liam Sutton drove in half of the Raptors’ runs. ...Makayla Sellyei scored in each half (both assisted by Selah Davis) to help the Cherokee Trail girls soccer team down Arapahoe 2-0 in Centennial League play. Izzy Becker made five saves. ...Alana Rodriguez’s penalty kick gave the Eaglecrest girls soccer team a 3-2 Centennial League win over Smoky Hill. Rodriguez scored twice and Noel Pulley had the other goal, while Sailor Roth had one for the Buffs.

...The Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team poured it on in an 18-7 win over PIne Creek that saw six players score multiple goals. Anna Hodges had four, while Addison Kindy, Jasmine Lugo and Delaney Sitzmann had three apiece for the Raiders. ...WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29: The Regis Jesuit baseball team got a home run and five RBI from Eli Shappee and scored in nearly every inning of a 12-2 Continental League win over Ponderosa. Kennedy Ranson scored in the first half and Meg Manion in the second half —

both assisted by Annabelle Turner — as the Regis Jesuit girls soccer team took down Continental League-leading Mountain Vista 2-1. ...The Aurora Central boys track team finished second at the Colorado League Championship meet as Kendall Matthews, La’Darious Willingham, Jordan Fluellen and Jeremiah Briscoe combined to win the 4x100 meter relay and Darian Fitzgerald took the high jump. Fourth-place Gateway had event winners in Lyric and Giovanni Winn, who won the 100 and 200 meters, respectively. Aditi Arreola won the long jump and teamed with Goundo Diarra, Savannah Yarbrough and Trinity Wilson to take the 4x100 meter relay for the Aurora Central girls, who placed fourth, just ahead of Gateway Kayden Anderson had six goals and three assists and Jackson Long piled up three goals and seven assists as the Rangeview boys lacrosse team celebrated Senior Night with a 15-3 win over The Vanguard School. ...TUESDAY, APRIL 28: Colt Wenzel, Kalai Bentosino and Roberto Rosario drove in runs for the Gateway baseball team in a 5-4 walk-off win over visiting Overland ...The Cherokee Trail baseball team got five shutout innings from Connor Thrush and two RBI from Ryan Chidester in a 9-2 Centennial League win over Eaglecrest Mason Kelly notched seven goals, while Jack Cole had eight and Jack Callan went for two goals and eight assists in the Grandview boys lacrosse team’s 20-4 win over Eaglecrest Natalie Chilton’s eight-goal performance helped the Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team down ThunderRidge 25-9. ...Brynn Goodwin had four goals and Kaley Melton two for the Grandview girls lacrosse team in a 7-6 win over Eaglecrest

Because the people must know

COMBINED NOTICE

PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0083 2026

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice

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

On January 30, 2026, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

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

LOT 4, BLOCK 7, MEADOWOOD SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 7, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Purported common address: 3314 S. Granby Street, Aurora, CO 80014. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/03/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 4/9/2026

Last Publication 5/7/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO

A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE

A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 01/30/2026 Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado

By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: DEANNE R. STODDEN #33214 MESSNER REEVES LLP 1550 WEWATTA STREET, SUITE 710, DENVER, CO 80202 (303) 623 4806 Attorney File # 8020.0154

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

©Public Trustees’ Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015

COMBINED NOTICE PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0121 2026

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

On February 10, 2026, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records. Original Grantor(s) Tsengel Erdenechimeg and Erdenechimeg Bataa and Khulgen Namkhainyam Original Beneficiary(ies) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Fortune Financial, Inc., its successors and assigns Current Holder of Evidence of Debt Citizens Bank, N.A. Date of Deed of Trust May 21, 2021 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust May 24, 2021 Recording Information (Reception No. and/ or Book/Page No.) E1083569** Original Principal Amount

$260,950.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$246,586.00

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

Attached as Exhibit “A” Exhibit “A” UNIT 202, BUILDING 28, TOGETHER WITH THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE GARAGE 17 SPACE C, PINNACLE RANCH CONDOMINIUMS PHASE II, IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND SUBJECT TO THE CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION FOR PINNACLE RANCH CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED AUGUST 24, 1999 AT RECEPTION NO. A9138735 AND THE PINNACLE RANCH CONDOMINIUMS PHASE II DECLARATION RECORDED NOVEMBER 21, 2002 AT RECEPTION NO. B2222359 AND THE CONDOMINIUM MAP RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 21, 2002 AT RECEPTION NO. B2222358 IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Purported common address: 10070 East Carolina Drive, Unit 202, Denver, CO 80247 1999. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. If applicable, a description of any changes to the deed of trust described in the notice of election and demand pursuant to affidavit as allowed by statutes: **The Deed of Trust legal description was corrected by an Affidavit of Correction recorded on 8/13/2025 at Reception No. E5057394 in Arapahoe County, Colorado.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/10/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 4/16/2026 Last Publication 5/14/2026 Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 02/10/2026

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

By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Amanda Ferguson #44893

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

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

Attorney File # CO25211

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

©Public Trustees’ Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015

COMBINED NOTICE

PUBLICATION CRS §38 38 103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 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)

ACABO, LLC

Original Beneficiary(ies)

Capital Fund I, LLC

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

Capital Fund REIT, LLC

Date of Deed of Trust

February 16, 2022

County of Recording

Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust

February 25, 2022

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

E2022307

Original Principal Amount

$653,000.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$653,000.00

Pursuant to CRS §38 38 101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to Pay Matured Note THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

LOT 38, 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. 0081 2026

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

On January 30, 2026, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s)

Aatif Khalil

Original Beneficiary(ies)

CANVAS

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

CANVAS CREDIT UNION

Date of Deed of Trust

August 20, 2021

County of Recording Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust

August 25, 2021

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

E1132571

Original Principal Amount

$115,600.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$105,942.35

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. CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 397, CLUB VALENCIA CONDOMINIUMS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DECLARATION RECORDED ON DECEMBER 12, 1979

IN BOOK 3135 AT PAGE 443, AND CONDOMINIUM MAP RECORDED ON DECEMBER 12, 1979 AT RECEPTION NO. 1922030 OF THE ARAPAHOE COUNTY RECORDS, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.

APN #: 1973 21 1 05 301

Purported common address: 1306 S PARKER ROAD CONDO 397, Denver, CO 80231. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE

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

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/03/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 4/9/2026

Last Publication 5/7/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado

IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE

A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;

DATE: 01/30/2026

Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

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

Alison L Berry #34531 N. April Winecki #34861

David R. Doughty #40042

Lynn M. Janeway #15592

Janeway Law Firm, P.C. 9540 Maroon Circle, Suite 320, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 706 9990

Attorney File # 25 036575

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. 0082 2026

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

On January 30, 2026, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.

Original Grantor(s)

Consuelo Garcia

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

November 16, 2018

County of Recording

Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust

November 16, 2018

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

D8113352

Original Principal Amount

$284,747.00

Outstanding Principal Balance

$250,234.83

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 15, BLOCK 8, AURORA HIGHLANDS SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. APN #: 1975 21 3 03 015

Purported common address: 1654 S Quintero Way, 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, 06/03/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items al-

lowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law.

First Publication 4/9/2026

Last Publication 5/7/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE

MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED; DATE: 01/30/2026

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

By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

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

N. April Winecki #34861

David R. Doughty #40042

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

Attorney File # 25 034884

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. 0086 2026

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On January 30, 2026, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records. Original Grantor(s) OTAKAR DAVIS Original Beneficiary(ies)

MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR LUMINATE HOME LOANS, INC.

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt

M&T BANK Date of Deed of Trust

December 23, 2021 County of Recording Arapahoe

Recording Date of Deed of Trust December 28, 2021

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

E1193411

Original Principal Amount

$472,626.00

Outstanding Principal Balance $444,685.85

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 1, MISSION VIEJO SUBDIVISION, FILING NO. 6, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Purported common address: 3560 S NUCLA STREET, AURORA, CO 80013. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/03/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. First Publication 4/9/2026

Last Publication 5/7/2026

Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED; DATE: 01/30/2026

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

By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Carly Imbrogno #59533 Ryan Bourgeois #51088

David W. Drake #43315

Israel Saucedo #61111 Barrett, Frappier &

11028 E. Mexico Avenue, 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, 06/03/2026, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. First Publication 4/9/2026 Last Publication 5/7/2026 Name of Publication Sentinel Colorado IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED; DATE: 02/03/2026 Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: /s/ Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee The

Bidders will be charged a fee of $42 to submit bid electronically. For this project, bids will only be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN.com

The Bidder to whom a contract is awarded

will be required to furnish “Performance and Maintenance” and “Labor and Material Payment” bonds to the District. The “Performance and Maintenance” and “Labor and Material Payment” bonds shall be furnished in the amount of 100 percent of the contract, in conformity with the requirements of the Contract Documents.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to accept that proposal or combination of proposals, if any, which in its sole and absolute judgment, will under all circumstances best serve the District’s interest. No proposal will be accepted from any firm, person, or corporation, who is a defaulter as to surety or otherwise, or is deemed incompetent, irresponsible, or unreliable by the District Board of Directors.

No proposals will be considered which are received after the time indicated above, and any proposals so received after the scheduled closing time shall remain unopened. East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District

First Publication: April 30, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to

§ 38-26-107, C.R.S., that on May 28, 2026 final settlement with Hydro Resources, Inc will be made by East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District, for the “Well A-30 Drilling” subject to satisfactory final inspection and acceptance of said facilities by the District. Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or his or her subcontractor in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplies, laborers, rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work whose claim therefore has not been paid by the contractor or subcontractor, at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, may file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on such claim with East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District, c/o, Mr. Dave Kaunisto, District Manager, 6201 S. Gun Club Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016. Failure to file such verified statement or claim prior to final settlement will release the District and its employees and agents from any and all liability for such claim and for making final payment to said contractor.

East Cherry Creek Valley Water & Sanitation District

First Publication: April 30, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO § 15-10-401, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR650

In the Matter of the Estate of: Jose Luis Espinoza Delgado

To: Jose Luis Espinoza; Jose Alonso Espinoza; Jose Angel Espinoza; Jose Pedro Espinoza; Maria Espinoza

Last Known Address, if any: Unknown.

A hearing on Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative and determine common law marriage to consider and determine the appointment of a Personal Representative for the Estate of Jose Luis Espinoza Delagado, Deceased, determine common law marriage and to address any objections or interested party input regarding the appointment will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:

Date: June 23, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM Courtroom or Division: 12 Address: Virtual Hearing will be conducted remotely. Contact Court for access information.

The hearing will take approximately 30 minutes.

Margarita DeLeon Dominguez 12394 E. Iowa Ave. Aurora, CO 80012

First Publication: April 30, 2026

Final Publication: May 28, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KINGS POINT SOUTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT 3

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Kings Point South Metropolitan District 3 ( “District”), of Aurora, Douglas County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that one or more vacancies currently exist on the Board of Directors of the District. Any qualified, eligible elector of the District interested in serving on the Board of Directors for the District should file a Letter of Interest with the Board by 5:00 p.m., on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Letters of Interest should be sent to Kings Point South Metropolitan District 3, c/o WBA, PC, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 2000, Centennial, CO 80122.

KINGS POINT SOUTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT 3 By: /s/ WBA, PC Attorneys at Law

Publication: May 7, 2026 Sentinel

VEHICLES FOR SALE

2005 Buick Terraza silver 242509

1999 Chevy Tahoe blue 315054

2025 Ford F150 silver A35683

2010 Subaru Forrester blue 750205

Garlitos Towing 720-934-8588

Publication: May 7, 2026

Sentinel

VEHICLES FOR SALE

2016 BMW 3 SERIES VIN-U21432

2020 SUBARU LEGACY VIN-002161

2022 RAM 1500 VIN-384199

2019 FORD EXPLORER VIN-B53549

Extreme Towing

303-344-1400

Publication: May 7, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO § 15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR223

Estate of Dora Marie Wilson, Deceased.

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

Janet Weaver

Personal Representative

14919 E. Harvard Ave. Aurora, CO 80014

First Publication: April 30, 2026

Final Publication: May 14, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S Case No. 2026PR209

Estate of Maurla K White aka Maurla Kleone White aka Maurla White, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before August 24, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Amy C White

Personal Representative 3345 S. Quintero St. Aurora, CO 80013

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2025PR30304 Estate of James Bruce Poirier aka James B. Poirier, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before August 30, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Brian James Poirier

Personal Representative c/o Hofgard & Associates, P.C. 1510 28th St., Ste. 275 Boulder, CO 80303

First Publication: April 30, 2026

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. 2026PR164

Estate of Adnan M. Babaa, Deceased.

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

Ahmad I. Babaa

Personal Representative

32023 W. 14 Mile Rd., Apt. 204 Farmington Hills, MI 48334

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR224

Estate of Michael Leslie Smith aka Michael L. Smith aka Mike Smith, Deceased.

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

Alan Lynn Smith

Personal Representative 9948 Spring Hill Dr. Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

First Publication: April 30, 2026

Final Publication: May 14, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR232

Estate of Thomas C. Hosea, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before August 24, 2026 or the claims may be forever barred.

Jeffery A Hosea

Personal Representative 10960 E Monte Ave, Unit 151 Mesa, AZ 85209

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 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. 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. Pamela J. Barela

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30239

Estate of Ellen T. Synder, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before August 25, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Attorney for Personal Representative

Harmon S. Graves

1950 W. Littleton Blvd., Suite 113

Littleton, CO 80120

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30279

Estate of Kari Diane Mugavero aka Kari D. Mugavero aka Kari Mugavero, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court, Colorado, on or before August 29, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Frank Mugavero

Personal Representative 111 S. Monroe St., Unit B102 Denver, CO 80209

Attorney for Personal Representative

David A. Imbler, Esq.

Atty Reg #: 52038

Spaeth & Doyle, LLP

501 S. Cherry St., Ste. 700 Glendale, CO 80246

Phone: 303-385-8058

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30316

Estate of Marguerite Anna Thompson, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before August 20, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Vicki Marshall Personal Representative 275 Lost Shaker Way Hardeeville State, SC 29927

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30321

Estate of Billie Jean Taylor aka Billie J. Taylor aka Billie Taylor, Deceased.

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

Brittany Allen Personal Representative 4054 E. Tonopah Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89115

Attorney for Personal Representative

David A. Imbler, Esq.

Atty Reg #: 52038 Spaeth & Doyle, LLP

501 S. Cherry St., Ste. 700 Glendale, CO 80246

Phone: 303-385-8058

First Publication: April 30, 2026

Final Publication: May 14, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

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

Estate of Maryanne Thompson Keller, Deceased.

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 c/o Zalessky Law Group, LLC

9725 E. Hampden Rd. Ste. 305 Denver, CO 80231

Phone: 303-900-5229

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. 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. 2026PR30161

Estate of Wanda Jo Meyer, aka Wanda J. Meyer, aka Wanda Meyer, aka Wanda Jo Lewis, aka Wanda J. Lewis, aka Wanda Lewis, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado, on or before August 24, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

Ashley A. Geary, Esq. Jorgensen Brownell & Pepin 8001 Arista Place, Ste. 415

Broomfield, CO 80021

Phone: 303-678-0560

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30373

Estate of HOWARD LEE NIELSEN, aka HOWARD L. NIELSEN, aka HOWARD NIELSEN ,Deceased. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Arapahoe County District Court on or before August 31, 2026 or the claims may be forever barred.

Marco D. Chayet

Jennifer R. Oviatt

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

First Publication: April 30, 2026

Final Publication: May 14, 2026

Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO $15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR30252

Estate of Robert Erwin aka Robert Adams Erwin aka Robert A. Erwin, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before August 24, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred.

James Matthew Erwin

Personal Representative 43 Leonardo Dr. Clifton Park, NY 12065

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO §15-12-801, C.R.S. Case No. 2026PR228

Estate of Sherry Diane Goodteacher, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before August 24, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. April Lynn Goodteacher

Personal Representative 1015 S. Joplin Way Aurora, CO 80017

First Publication: April 23, 2026

Final Publication: May 7, 2026 Sentinel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

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Condolences aren’t the problem, police shootings are

The problem Aurora can’t get past was made clear this week with controversy created in trying to adopt a policy for how city lawmakers should behave when they have to confront the public with news of an officer-involved shooting.

One side of the city council scowlingly insists that offering condolences to friends and family members of someone killed by an Aurora police officer during some kind of interaction with police sends the wrong message and is essentially “anti-police.”

The other side of the city council grimacingly insists that elected leaders have a duty to show sympathy and remorse for the tragic loss of life and explain the legal constraints about what they can and can’t do about it.

Resolving those differences isn’t the problem. The shootings are the problem.

Four years after the state government investigated Aurora police and determined the city has a problem because the department has for years exhibited patterns and practices of using excessive force, especially against people of color, Aurora still suffers from the same serious problem.

For almost two years — long after details of the death of Elijah McClain at the hands of Aurora police and rescuers revealed how serious the situation was — activists and family and friends of Kilyn Lewis have bi-weekly made loud, insistent appearances at city council meetings, making demands of things the city can and cannot do.

The nearly two-year public battle has keenly illustrated the very crux of Aurora’s problem, and how city lawmakers during the past four years were mostly to blame for the seemingly endless animosity between lawmakers and protesters.

Even though the political makeup and majority of the city council changed after the Nov. 4 Election, there are still a handful of city lawmakers who believe that the last six or so Aurora police shootings were warranted, or “justified.”

They absolutely were not.

It doesn’t mean that the officer who shot Kilyn Lewis or others acted outside the law when they fatally shot men while confronting them and trying to arrest them. It means that Aurora police too often finds itself in situations where police officers feel like they have no option but to fire guns at suspects.

Police experts across the nation have made clear to the Sentinel during years of stories and investigations that poor training and poor planning are mostly to blame for putting police in situations where a lethal shot is the only solution to their law enforcement problem.

In the case of Lewis, an entire SWAT unit surveilled their suspect with Denver Police for days before orchestrating and moving in for his arrest. He was confronted outside of his car in an apartment parking lot during a surprise encounter with a cell phone raised over his head, mistaken to be a gun by one officer, who fatally shot Lewis.

Lewis was being sought by Denver police in connection with the shooting of a homeless man. Similarly, Rajon Belt-Stubblefield was shot and killed during his arrest after a car crash he caused. When approached by a police officer, he became confrontational with the officer and when the situation escalated, the officer pulled his gun and fatally shot him.

In the case of the shooting death of Rashaud Johnson at an airport parking lot in 2025, police didn’t respond to requests from employees to investigate a man wandering around the cars, who clearly was having a mental crisis. After a lengthy confrontation, the single officer sent to the call fired on Johnson and killed him.

An easy legal argument can be made to shield the officers in each of these cases from criminal prosecution. But the longstanding argument about Aurora police making lethal mistakes in answering calls and encountering people, especially Black men, is undeniable.

While each of these slain men may have deserved to be held accountable for whatever they were accused of, their crimes, misdeeds or psychiatric problems did not warrant the death penalty. Under the very constraints of the Constitution and our legal system, police are not allowed to impose it — under any circumstances.

The Aurora City Council resolution codifying how lawmakers should respond to future officer-involved shootings appears to offer clarity and comfort more to city officials than to those linked to the shootings themselves.

There is no harm in the clarity, transparency and humanity linked to this measure, but as critics have pointed out, this does nothing to solve a problem that Aurora has made progress in addressing, but has not yet overcome.

Just over a month ago, Aurora police fatally shot a Black man having a mental crisis, long after it became absolutely clear the man had previously suffered from serious mental problems and was in the midst of a crisis and armed with a knife. Somehow, and the public has not been informed, an officer and police dog were situated so that the suspect was able to reach the officer, attack him with a knife and stab him in the head.

Police fatally shot the man.

Police inside the department, reaching out to the Sentinel, have questioned how the intervention played out and why the relatively slow-moving developments led to an unprotected officer in such a vulnerable situation.

These same questions keep arising nearly each time Aurora police fatally shoot someone they encounter.

Aurora Councilmember Stephanie Hancock, who voted against the condolence measure, on Monday coldly told critics in the audience, including the mother of Lewis, that she opposed the proposition because it’s just never enough for the families and activists of those killed by police. “When is it going to be enough?”

The answer is clear. When a truly independent, non-political, oversight mechanism can enforce laws, rules and regulations that provide accountability of the Aurora police department, that will be enough.

The police cannot police themselves. And the local district attorney, who by law can only determine if an officer broke a law during a shooting, cannot determine if a police-involved shooting was truly “justified.”

While some city lawmakers may be weary of this issue, it’s critical that the majority of city council members finish the job spelled out in the consent decree and reform this police department so that officers can enforce and uphold the laws, serve the public, and not the politics of the city council dais.

REP. MICHAEL CARTER, GUEST COLUMNIST

I voted yes on farm worker overtime bill. I would do it again.

Ivoted yes on Senate Bill 121, the “Overtime Threshold for Agricultural Employees” bill. I want to explain why — not just defend it.

Let me start with something most people at the Capitol don’t have to reckon with: I represent Aurora. Our city has spent over $120 million in recent years purchasing small farms and retiring their water rights. An $80 million farm in Otero County. A $43 million set of deals on the South Platte. You don’t need me to explain what buy-and-dry means. You’ve watched it happen. The fruit orchards, the cantaloupe fields, the small operations that defined southeastern Colorado for generations — gone, or going. Aurora is part of that story. I know it. I own it.

HD36 is not a farm district, my constituents are Aurora city residents. I chose to think beyond my zip code on this vote — because what happens to those farms eventually comes back to us, and because I could not in good conscience ignore what my own city has been doing to rural Colorado for decades.

So when I was asked to vote on farm worker overtime, I could not separate that vote from that reality.

The debate over SB 121 has been framed as a choice between protecting workers and protecting farmers. I reject that framing. The question I kept coming back to was simpler: what actually keeps farm workers employed? The answer is farms. Specifically, small farms — the kind already under enormous pressure from historic low commodity prices, rising input costs from tariffs, and cities like Aurora buying up their water.

The current 48-hour overtime threshold, despite its good intentions, was accelerating that pressure. Employers were cutting worker hours to avoid overtime costs. They were shifting to less labor-intensive crops. They were consolidating or selling out entirely. Workers testified to this themselves. The policy designed to protect them was, in practice, pushing the operations they depended on closer to the exit.

I spoke directly with the bill’s sponsors.

I also took note of who voted to advance SB 121 out of the House Agriculture Committee: Rep. Karen McCormick — the same Karen McCormick who was one of the original House sponsors of the 2021 law that first established overtime protections for farm workers. When one of the architects of the original law concludes it needs to change, that carries real weight.

SB 121 sets a uniform 56-hour threshold and adds some of the strongest wage theft enforcement Colorado has ever put into law — up to $40,000 per violation for repeat offenders, and enhanced penalties for employers who misclassify workers to avoid their obligations. That is a real, enforceable win for workers. It is not a retreat from the 2021 gains. It is a course correction grounded in what has actually happened since that law took effect.

I want to speak directly to my union brothers and sisters who are angry about this vote. I hear you. I understand.

I have stood beside you my entire career. Behind you when you needed cover. In front of you when you needed a shield. My stature may be short. My shoulders are broad. That has not changed.

But I have to be honest. I cannot vote to preserve a policy that was helping push small farms out of existence while my own city was already doing enough of that. That is not solidarity. That is complicity dressed up as principle.

Protecting workers means protecting the places they work. Without the farms, there are no farm workers left to fight for.

I’m not mad if you’re mad. This was a hard vote. I made it with open eyes, after talking directly to the people closest to the issue, and after sitting with the uncomfortable truth of what Aurora’s water strategy has done to rural Colorado.

I voted for the farms. I voted for the workers on them. And I would do it again.

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against account sharing and imposter drivers.

The aim is for riders to be sure that the driver picking them up is the same one shown on the app, who has gone through vetting by the company. There are also provisions for safety during the ride itself. The bill would create an opt-in policy for audio and visual recording during rides. Food and drinks in a car that the driver offers to riders would need to be factory sealed. Additionally, the bill would prohibit rides of people younger than 15 in most cases.

The state’s Public Utilities Commission would be able to fine companies up to up to $1,500 per violation.

“I have told my daughters not to take Uber and Lyft and to go back to the old days of a designated driver,” Froelich said. “I don’t feel it’s safe. I would like to know that they can go out into Denver and go to a basketball game and have a few drinks and get home safely.”

Last year, a Denver judge sentenced former Lyft driver John Pastor-Mendoza to 290 years in prison for abducting and

sexually assaulting women. Prosecutors said he waited outside bars and targeted women who appeared drunk, convincing them he was the driver they were waiting for.

“For years, he was able to continue victimizing women in our Denver community because of the accessibility, convenience and trust that we place in ride-share companies,” said Holly Snead, Denver deputy district attorney.

“This bill sends a necessary and clear message to sexual assault victims that rideshare companies will take action to protect them. It ensures that there are safeguards in place so that predators like Mr. Pastor-Mendoza cannot continue to abuse our community’s reliance and trust in ride-share companies to perpetrate their crimes.”

Court records show that over 400,000 Uber trips between 2017 and 2022 resulted in reports of sexual misconduct, according to a New York Times investigation. That ranges from uninvited flirting or use of explicitly language to alleged rape. Uber previously reported about 12,500 reports during the same time period, using different parameters.

Stefanie Sass, the manager of public affairs at Uber, told lawmakers Thursday that most of the safety concepts in the bill are measures the company already implements, or plans to implement, including background checks twice per year. She said the company is working with sponsors to “refine the language to ensure the final requirements are operationally feasible.”

“We are committed to continuing working on the bill with the sponsors and the committee, and our goal is to get to a place where we can fully comply while continuing to provide safe, reliable transportation for people across Colorado,” she said.

Sass said the company is working on amendment suggestions about the recording provision and a piece of the bill about rider deactivation and suspension policy.

The bill now heads to the entire House of Representatives for consideration. The legislative session ends on May 13.

— Sara Wilson, Colorado Newsline

Honest Journalism