Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

U.S. Small Business Administration – Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters

Release Date: April 10, 2026

Release Number: CO-20027-01

Media Contact: Corey.Williams@sba.gov

Follow us on X (https://X.com/SBA_ODRR), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sbaodrr/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sbaodrr/) & Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sba_odrr/)

SBA Disaster News Release – SBA Offers Relief to Colorado Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought

Low-interest disaster loans now available

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Colorado to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Nov. 1, 2025.

The declaration covers the Colorado counties of Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Boulder, Broomfield, Chaffee, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Delta, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso, Elbert, Fremont, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Jackson, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Morgan, Otero, Ouray, Park, Phillips, Pitkin, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Routt, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel, Sedgwick, Summit, Teller, Washington and Weld as well as the Nebraska counties of Cheyenne, Deuel, Kimball and Perkins and the New Mexico counties of Colfax, Taos and Union, and the Utah counties of Daggett, Grand, San Juan and Uintah, and the Wyoming counties of Albany, Carbon, Laramie and Sweetwater.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs — including faith?based organizations — with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could not be paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Dec. 7.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.

The post U.S. Small Business Administration Offers Relief to Colorado Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Update: Press Conference will take place at 1 PM before the BOCC meeting commences. Community Resolution will be read for media and public consumption.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community to Present Resolution Calling for Accountability and Safety at Douglas County Commissioners Meeting

Douglas County, Colorado — Community members and families impacted by police violence will attend tomorrow’s Douglas County Board of County Commissioners meeting to present a formal community resolution affirming accountability, transparency, and the rejection of policies that shield state actors from civil responsibility.

The resolution comes in response to a proposed county action committing public resources to support sheriff’s deputies in civil litigation. Community leaders argue that such measures risk reinforcing systemic harms and undermining public trust by prioritizing institutional protection over human impact.

The community resolution affirms that true public safety is inseparable from accountability and that the stewardship of public resources must reflect a commitment to justice, dignity, and civil rights.

If public comment is permitted, community advocate MiDian Shofner will address the Board, emphasizing the need for governance that protects people, not just institutions.

“This is about drawing a moral line,” Shofner said. “Public safety cannot exist without accountability. Communities deserve systems that prevent harm, honor human dignity, and ensure that power is exercised responsibly.”

The gathering represents a peaceful assertion of community voice and solidarity with families who have experienced the consequences of systemic police harm. Attendees will call on county leadership to adopt policies centered on transparency, prevention, and equitable treatment under the law.

Community members emphasize that their presence is a demand for a model of safety that is dedicated to justice and accountability.

Media and members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Contact: MiDian Shofner, (303) 525-6461

For the Culture,

Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership

Communications Team

Historic Five Points

Denver, CO. 80205

(720) 600-7075, ext 103

www.BeTheEpitome.org

###

The post Community Responds to DougCo BOCC Resolution in Matter of Jalin Seabron appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

[ Local ]

• Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas resigns over a month ahead of the end of her term limit citing years of conflict with other commissioners which she described as “harassment.”
• Longmont City Council member Marcia Martin steps down from her position to attend to a family member struggling with mental health issues. Martin had been fulfilling her duties remotely for months until other council members filed a motion barring her from attending meetings remotely.
• Boulder City Council considers making meetings virtual after meetings are continually interrupted by protesters demanding the council pass a resolution calling for an Israeli ceasefire against Gaza. The council voted 7-2 in February against such a resolution.
• The city of Boulder appeals the decision in the lawsuit brought against them by Yellow Scene Magazine (YS). A judge ruled previously that the county could not charge for the release of body-worn camera (BWC) footage from the police shooting of 51-year-old Jeannette Alatorre under the Law Enforcement Integrity and Transparency Act.

[ National ]

• President Biden signs a full and unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, for gun charges and tax offenses, resulting in backlash and criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.
• New York Court of Appeals rejects President-Elect Trump’s request to delay sentencing in his hush-money case. Trump appeals ruling to Supreme Court.
• More than 1,100 homes and other buildings destroyed and at least five people dead as wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, making some of the most devastating fires to hit the region in some time.
• The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 25 basis points in an effort to strengthen a struggling labor market, but say they expect to make fewer rate cuts in the near future.

[ International ]

• Israel reaches ceasefires with both Hezbollah and Hamas and agrees to terms for a prisoner exchange, creating a tentative and delicate peace in the region.
• The Assad regime in Syria collapses following an assault from opposition forces. Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia as a new Syrian government transitions into power.
• A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Tibet, killing 126 people and injuring 188 more.
• Trump bizarrely decides he wants control of Greenland and the Panama Canal for the sake of U.S. national security, making the false claim that the Panama Canal is currently being controlled by China.
• South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law in the country after accusing the Democratic Party of anti-state activities. After backing down from martial law and apologizing, Yeol is impeached and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok is made acting president.

Quotes

“I believe we have responsibilities because we do have the authority to submit a ceasefire and we do have the authority to determine what the investment criteria is for our city. And I was hopeful that our current city council would follow in the steps of previous councils that have acted on behalf of international issues.” 
– Boulder City Council member Taishya Adams speaking in favor of a ceasefire resolution

“People that were doing some bad things weren’t prosecuted, and people that didn’t even walk into the building are in jail right now. So, we’ll be looking at the whole thing. But I’ll be making major pardons, yes.”

– President-Elect Trump on his plans to pardon those involved in the January 6 insurrection

“[In the new Syrian government] there should be participation from the entire religious spectrum within a government that includes, for example, our Druze brothers, our Alawite brothers and our Christian brothers, and includes all the geographical and demographic nature of Syria.”

– Hadi Al-Bahra, president of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, calling for a more inclusive Syrian government following the fall of Assad

“The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country… no matter whether it’s a very small one or a very powerful one.”

– German Chancellor Olaf Schol regarding Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland

By the Numbers

Over 100,000

The number of people evacuated due to the wildfires in the Los Angeles area

52

The number of years the Assad family ruled over Syria before the fall of Damascus on December 8, 2024

$2857.50

The amount that Boulder Police Department requested that YS pay for the “search, retrieval, and redaction” of footage of the Jeannette Alatorre shooting

Over 1,500

The number of people charged with crimes for their actions during the January 6 insurrection who could potentially be pardoned by Trump.

Like journalism like this? Consider becoming a sustaining supporter (and get our printed copy monthly at home.)
Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post Month In Review | December-January 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

DENVER — May 9, 2024 — History Colorado’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program has awarded an additional $62,941 to three county and municipal government-led historic preservation projects. This funding is in addition to CLG grants awarded in March and brings the total funding for 2024 to $143,811.

All six projects funded in this grant round either help with the identification and study of historic resources or provide guidelines for meeting the needs of growing communities while minimizing the impacts on the character-defining features of those communities.

“Surveys and design guidelines like the ones funded in these grants are vital building blocks for historic preservation efforts across the state,” said Patrick Eidman, chief preservation officer and deputy state historic preservation officer. “These projects build awareness of historic resources within our diverse communities and create frameworks for how we can protect those resources while still meeting the needs of our growing communities.”

The Certified Local Government program is part of the State Historic Preservation Office and is one of the many ways that History Colorado invests in the prosperity of rural communities and preserves the rich history of the Centennial State.

Currently 67 of Colorado’s 127 local governments have been certified by the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service as CLGs. This distinction makes them eligible for grants and shows the community’s commitment to maintaining standards consistent with federal archaeology and historic preservation requirements.

Highlighted Projects:
City of Aurora | Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas Counties, CO
The City of Aurora was awarded $25,000 to hire a qualified preservation consultant to update its Historic Resources Survey Plan. The existing plan is due for an update as it does not reflect properties or neighborhoods significant to underrepresented and historically marginalized communities in Aurora, which is the most diverse city in the state with roughly 21% of its population reporting a birthplace outside the United States.

The need for this updated survey plan was recognized at a recent Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting where the Commissioners presented a number of different potential local preservation opportunities connected with the diverse ethnic groups of Aurora.

“Each idea discussed by the Historic Preservation Commissioners and me resulted in the realization that we need a survey first to know where these potential districts and landmarks are located,” said Chris Geddes, historic preservation specialist for the City of Aurora. “Even locally landmarking properties associated with the various ethnic groups requires additional context and knowing where different communities settled in Aurora.”

The proposed survey plan will extensively cover the historic resources in the city by identifying historical themes and property types to be researched and preserved, with a particular focus on the role the city’s diverse cultural groups have played in the history of Aurora.

The survey process will include multiple public meetings to receive guidance from Aurorans, and the final product will provide both a prioritization of properties to be preserved and a list of potential funding sources for preservation projects.

“This updated plan will reflect the current state of preservation in the city; especially in relation to cultural diversity and underrepresented groups in the community,” Geddes said. “Additionally, the plan will provide a clear-cut methodology for recording the voluminous number of historic properties through historical and architectural survey as well as a timeline for the execution of this important undertaking.”

Town of Minturn | Eagle County, CO
The Town of Minturn was awarded $25,000 for a resource survey which will identify historic assets in the town and guide historic context studies for properties that are eligible for historic designation. This survey will build off of recent efforts by Minturn to recognize and preserve historic structures in the township, such as the inclusion of a historic preservation ordinance into the town’s municipal code.

“Although we have had this code in place for about 18 months now, the Town has only had three properties nominated and designated to be local landmarks,” said Madison Harris, planner 1 for the Town of Minturn. “This survey would provide data for staff, HPC, and the Town Council to more confidently nominate and designate properties in Town that meet the 75-year-old threshold and at least one other eligibility criteria.”

The project will include an architectural survey of the town to establish future preservation priorities and identify a list of 10 priority properties for deeper research. These priority properties will receive an intensive-level survey and archival research to establish a detailed record of the history of the property as well as its owners.

Town officials hope this survey will promote designation and rehabilitation of historic buildings in Minturn, give them tools to determine “what is actually historic vs. what looks old,” and educate locals of the funding opportunities available for historic preservation projects.

“It is my hope that with the results of the survey to point to, the evidence will be there for people to understand why it is often more sustainable to reuse existing buildings as well as to support the HPC if they make a determination that demolition or alteration is not appropriate,” Harris said.

City of Cortez | Montezuma County, CO
The City of Cortez was awarded $12,941 to hire a cultural resource consulting firm to conduct an intensive archaeological survey at several city-owned open spaces. This survey will document any prehistoric and historic resources contained within the natural areas and expand earlier surveys which largely focused on the natural resources present.

With more than 20,000 identified archaeological sites – the majority of which are associated with ancestral Puebloan occupation of the region – Montezuma county has one of the densest concentrations of archaeological sites in North America and it is expected that more may be found through this survey work.

This project will allow for a more comprehensive management plan of these public open spaces and the location of any sites identified through this survey work will remain confidential to protect them from vandalism.

“The City of Cortez needs to develop a more comprehensive management plan for our natural areas,” said Linda Towle, author of the grant application and Chair of the Cortez Historic Preservation Board, authorized by the City of Cortez. “The staff needs to know where archaeological sites are located on open space property so that these sites can be properly managed, primarily through avoidance during trail work, invasive species mitigation, and other low impact projects.”

About The Certified Local Government Program
Through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), History Colorado administers the U.S. Department of Interior’s Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Program in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS). Under this program, NPS has specified that at least 10% of Colorado’s annual program funds must be subgranted to Certified Local Governments (CLGs). Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to eligible applicants for projects that range from preservation planning, context studies and surveys, outreach, connecting with underrepresented communities, as well as scholarship funding for educational opportunities by historic preservation commissioners in CLGs.

Currently 67 local governments are certified by History Colorado, and since the initiation of the program in 1985, more than $4 million has been awarded to counties and municipalities in Colorado by the CLG program. In 2000, History Colorado began providing matching funds for CLG grants through the State Historical Fund, which removed the barrier of matching funding for governments applying for grants. Additional information about the CLG program is available here.

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 144-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado.

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado

The post History Colorado Awards an Additional $62,000 to County and Municipal-led Preservation Projects appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Haley Lena, Colorado Community Media (via AP Storyshare)

CASTLE ROCK, Colorado – It’s not every day that a Douglas County commissioners’ meeting includes a quote of Rihanna lyrics.

Several area residents at the meeting expressed concern with a drag show event last year at the county fairgrounds in Castle Rock, a topic that gave way to a broader discussion about a parent’s ability to choose what kinds of entertainment their kids can view.

The meeting, on May 9, also heard accusations of indoctrination of children.

Joy Overbeck, a Parker resident, referenced videos of performances she took issue with.

She referred to a performer “belting out” a song with the lyrics: “I may be bad, but I’m perfectly good at it. Sex is in the air, I don’t care, I love the smell of it. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me.”

Another performance, Overbeck claimed, involved young girls on stage performing in a drag dance contest, mimicking the dancers.

“This can only be called recruitment — promoting sexualization and sexual confusion to children,” Overbeck told county leaders.

Douglas County PrideFest held its annual event at the Douglas County Fairgrounds last summer. During a drag show at the celebration, a performer’s breast plate and false nipple were temporarily exposed.

Videos of the performance circulated on social media, where some commenters expressed frustration with the exposure at an event not designated for adults only. Organizers sent out an apology, saying it was not a planned part of the performance.

But the backlash continues even months later, ahead of this year’s planned PrideFest.

“There are movies that have an NC-17 rating where no one under the age of 18 is allowed. These drag queen shows should be treated exactly the same,” one commenter, who said she’s from Parker, told commissioners. “The purpose of an NC-17 over an R rating is because some parents don’t know what is wrong for their children.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve certain fairgrounds policy updates. It appeared that this year’s scheduled drag queen entertainment would proceed as planned, not limited to an adult audience.

One man argued the county shouldn’t allow performers to wear certain tight clothing in front of children, saying it’s “an oversexualization of our kids.”

“I think this is an erosion of families. It’s an erosion of family values,” Michael Campbell, of Castle Rock, told the commissioners. “And I do want to be clear: Nobody’s stating that we should limit people’s rights — rights to assembly, rights of freedom of speech and to be themselves — but I do think that the appropriate measure the county should take is to recognize that this is an adult-themed performance just like any other strip club, and it should not be allowed for children.”

Art Kerkezian, cochair with the Douglas County PrideFest, said the event last summer doesn’t represent the values of the Castle Rock Pride group and the PrideFest.

In contrast with the comments from the public, Kerkezian said he doesn’t believe that drag “in and of itself” is sexually explicit.

“It can be — just like a movie can be X rated or G rated,” Kerkezian said. “We have put in safeguards. As parents who are planning this event for our children, why would we want to put in anything sexual by nature in that regard?”

His group has a clause in its policies that prevents nudity at PrideFest, he added.

Those in his group “wholeheartedly disagree” with “taking away the right from our parents to be able to choose what is appropriate for their children,” he said.

“Douglas County was the cry of parents’ rights during the pandemic, and of parental right, whether or not their children should wear masks. These people are asking you to prohibit our parents from choosing what is appropriate for their children,” Kerkezian told the commissioners.

The group’s procedures will eliminate the sexual content of the lyrics and the activities that have been described as “sexual in nature,” he added.

“There is such a thing as a G-rated drag show, and we are here to prove that,” Kerkezian said.

County staff had proposed changes to the county’s fairgrounds facilities policies, including an updated mission statement to state that all events are to be “family friendly.”

Another proposed change outlined that event holders agree “not to operate anything similar to a sexually oriented business” as defined in the county’s zoning regulations, according to the document of fairgrounds policies.

The commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the fairgrounds policy updates.

Commissioner Abe Laydon appeared to push back on the tone of some comments during the meeting.

“We also recognize that in a community of nearly 400,000, not all families look exactly alike. And there are families that are different than your family and my family,” Laydon said. “I will say, you know, if your view is that pride and gay people are not welcome in Douglas County, I’m going to disagree with you, and so will the law. If your view is that all drag queens are evil and out to get children, I’m going to disagree with you, and so will virtually any drag queen.”

He continued: “We support freedom of expression and the Constitution, (and) we are not going to censor or book burn or tell people what they can or cannot say and express because then again we just become fascist dictators if we do that.”

Laydon said LGBTQ youth are more likely to die by suicide and that it’s important to share the message that there may be people that look differently than the “mainstream” and that that’s OK.

“It’s no secret that I am a Republican. I’m a Christian. I’m a father, and I’m also a member of the LGBTQ community. I support all of those groups, and those aren’t mutually exclusive. I believe that the God I believe in loves all people, and there’s really an opportunity to educate and inform one another at any age that that love exists,” Laydon continued.

After the Pride event, as videos of what happened circulated, Commissioner Lora Thomas met with Kerkezian and others, and they understood what went wrong, Thomas said at the commissioners’ meeting.

“They told me that there are parents who believe that drag is an art form and they want their kids to see it. I see people in the audience shaking their heads,” Thomas said. “We also receive, as commissioners, complaints from people that want us to stop prayer at the fair and the rodeo. And so we have to figure out how we balance the needs of the community.”

Thomas clarified during the meeting that PrideFest is not part of the county fair.

Castle Rock Pride is a nonprofit “building a supportive community in the Castle Rock and greater Douglas County areas for LGBTQ+ residents,” the organization’s website says.

The nonprofit offers community events and resources including monthly support groups, family meetups, educational opportunities and the annual PrideFest, its website says.

Set for Aug. 26 at the county fairgrounds, the Douglas County PrideFest includes local LGBTQIA+ supporting exhibitors, food and beverage vendors, and live performances, according to the website.

The post Colorado county changes fairgrounds policy after drag show backlash appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The Democratic Caucuses for Boulder, Longmont, Denver, Arapahoe, and Douglas municipalities are fast approaching. As an American, it is your civic duty to participate in the electoral process and the first step to doing so is getting registered to vote.  It’s important for both Democrat and Republican voters to watch and participate in these caucuses so that they can be informed of the positions that these democratic candidates hold on the issues that matter most to the voters. All of the caucuses can be watched live on the internet, making it easier than ever for each and every voter to tune into these caucasus.

To access all of the Democratic Caucuses in Colorado, click here. For specific municipalities, see the list below:

Adams

Click Here

Arapahoe 

Click Here

Boulder 

Click Here

Broomfield

Click Here

Denver

Click Here

Douglas

Click Here

Larimer

Click Here

Longmont

Click Here

Weld

Click Here

It is extremely important that every voter in the state of Colorado watch the caucus that affects their particular county. The lawmakers who are elected to local government are the officials who have the most impact on local laws, ordinances, and the general day to day life of the average voter.

The post How to Participate in Your Local Democratic Caucus appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.