Superior Archives - Yellow Scene Magazine

Butterfly Pavilion Scientists Complete First Survey of Northwest Parkway Pollinator Corridor

Guest Contributor — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:29:03 +0000

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

Contact: Katie Farnan, (720) 383-7269

press@thebighorncompany.com

High-resolution photos can be downloaded at this link (photo credit: Butterfly Pavilion / Hannah Hitchcock).

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — May 28, 2026 — Scientists from Butterfly Pavilion completed their first baseline survey yesterday along the Northwest Parkway’s southern right-of-way, advancing the pollinator corridor project that the two organizations announced in February 2026.

The surveys, conducted along approximately one mile of the Parkway in Broomfield, assess the pollinator species currently present at the site and evaluate existing habitat conditions, establishing a scientific foundation for the seeding and landscaping work to come later in the fall.

The May 27th survey was conducted by Butterfly Pavilion entomologists, who documented pollinator species to the lowest possible taxonomic level while also assessing the vegetation present and the general capacity of the site to support pollinator populations. A formal report will follow, with science-based recommendations for plant selection, placement, soil conditions, irrigation access, weed management, and long-term maintenance.

“What we observe in a baseline survey shapes everything that comes after it,” said Alex Han, EES Entomology Technician at Butterfly Pavilion. “By understanding which species are already using this corridor and what the habitat conditions look like today, we can make targeted recommendations that give pollinators the best chance of establishing and thriving here over time. This site has real potential, and the data will help us realize it.”

Pollinators are experiencing documented decline across North America, driven by habitat loss, chemical exposure, parasites, and disease. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 85 percent of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce, and roughly one in three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinator activity. The Northwest Parkway’s corridor project is designed to address part of that habitat deficit by converting unused right-of-way land into functional pollinator habitat.

“The survey results are an important milestone, and we are grateful to have Butterfly Pavilion’s scientists guiding this work,” said Mathieu Lisbonis, CEO of the Northwest Parkway. “This stretch of land runs alongside thousands of daily commuters, and we want it to do more than look maintained. We want it to function as part of the local ecosystem. The science will help us do that properly.”

Northwest Parkway’s partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion is part of their vision to make transportation corridors as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. Both the Parkway and its parent company, VINCI Highways, are committed to these goals globally and are constantly finding new ways to engage with local community partners on the development of stewardship initiatives.

With the spring survey now complete, the next steps in the project include a fall survey of the same stretch, followed by seeding and landscaping guided by Butterfly Pavilion’s plant palette recommendations, maintenance training for Northwest Parkway staff, and recommendations for interpretive signage along the corridor.

High-resolution photos of the survey activities can be downloaded at this link (photo credit: Butterfly Pavilion / Hannah Hitchcock).

About Northwest Parkway

The Northwest Parkway links Broomfield to surrounding communities, including Lafayette, Superior, Boulder, Erie, Thornton, and Northglenn. Serving about 20,000 daily trips, it eases congestion and supports smart regional growth while respecting planned open space. The Parkway is operated under a concession agreement between the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, composed of the municipalities of Broomfield and Lafayette, and VINCI Highways. Learn more at nwpky.com.

About VINCI Highways

VINCI Highways is a leading international roadway concessionaire and mobility services provider, managing a 2,330-mile network across 13 countries. By integrating design, financing, construction, operations, and tolling, we give public authorities the assurance of a single industrial partner able to deliver strong operational performance throughout the full life cycle of highway projects. As a long-term partner to the regions we serve, we are committed to safety, environmental progress, and economic development.

In the United States, VINCI Highways is active in six states with Northwest Parkway in Colorado, the Ohio River Bridges connecting Indiana and Kentucky, and tolling services in California, Texas, and Georgia through ViaPlus. Learn more at vinci-highways.com.

About Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion, established in 1995, is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited, stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world, located in Westminster, Colorado. Butterfly Pavilion’s mission is to foster an appreciation of invertebrates while educating the public about the need for conservation of threatened habitats in the tropics and around the world. Beyond Colorado and the United States, Butterfly Pavilion conservationists are doing important invertebrate research projects around the world, from Mongolia and Tanzania to Sumatra and Mexico. Learn more at butterflies.org.

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2nd Annual Art Sale To Benefit Sister Carmen Community Center

Guest Contributor — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:25:14 +0000

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

Honora Wolfe, Artists in Action, honorawatercolors.com

Artists in Action

Call For ARTISTS

2nd Annual Art Sale to Benefit Sister Carmen Community Center

USE YOUR CREATIVITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, June 7, 2-6 pm * Tri City Elks Lodge, 525 Main St, Louisville, CO

WHY: Artists in Action, a group of local artists, is hosting our 2nd Annual Art Sale/Fundraiser to benefit Sister Carmen Community Center (SCCC), a trusted local nonprofit Family Resource Center that provides critical assistance—food, financial support, connections to resources, educational programs, and more—to residents of Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, and Erie. With 1 in 4 Boulder County residents struggling to make ends meet, your donated artwork can help our community thrive. All proceeds from the sale will go directly to SCCC programs and services.

WHAT: Types of Art – Donated Original art, i.e., paintings, ceramics, photographs, book arts, textiles, glass, mosaic, pencil/ink drawings, jewelry, wood, sculpture, print making, bin work, and quality prints of original work, greeting cards, and more.

WHO: Eligibility – Artists 14 yrs and older

Requirements:

All art must be original and ready for display.
Deadline to submit competed application is May 27, 2026.

All donated art is considered a gift to Artists in Action (AIA) to benefit SCCC and won’t be returned if not sold.

AIA will set the sale price for each piece of art
Artists will not be able to get information about the provenance of their art (There were hundreds of pieces last year that sold in 4 hours)
All sales are confidential

WE APPRECIATE YOUR PARTICIPATION.

LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER GREAT EVENT!

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Superior Town Council Tackles Bike Safety and Public Art

Nicholas Bernhard — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:15:40 +0000

Bike safety and public murals dominated Superior’s February 9 town meeting.

Public Works and Utilities Director Brannon Richards briefed Town Council on bike and pedestrian safety along 88th Street, the main access route to Monarch K-8 and Monarch High School for residents of Rock Creek and parts of downtown Superior. The corridor becomes heavily congested at the start and end of the school day, and cars illegally occupying bike lanes have resulted in injuries to cyclists and pedestrians.

A map of 88th Street. Promenade Drive is on the south side, and its terminus at Dillon Road is on the north side. Monarch K-8 and Monarch High are on the east side, near the center.

Richards presented video footage showing students riding on sidewalks and against traffic. “[Students] don’t want to cross 88th Street by the school,” he said. “They have to wait for the signal […]. There’s no sidewalk on 88th Street on the Louisville side.”

Staff recommendations included extending the 20 MPH school zone into Superior and adding a protected, two-lane bike lane on the east side. Richards noted the flex posts protecting the lane would not interfere with snow plowing. He closed his presentation with a blunt assessment: “[The] current situation is the most dangerous: if we do nothing.”

Mayor Mark Lacis praised the video evidence. “You can drive 88th Street every day, but if you’re not capturing it at […] school drop-off time, you’re going to miss the heart of the problem.” He added that the Council was “on board with staff’s recommendations.”

The meeting’s second major item drew sharper debate. Council considered a resolution to partner with Boulder nonprofit Streetwise Arts on a mural festival planned for October. Proposed locations included the amphitheater, concrete benches along Main Street, the Marshall Road underpass, public restrooms, and a dumpster enclosure, with a total budget of $74,000, including $10,000 drawn from the Art & History department.

Mayor Pro-Tem Jason Serbu didn’t hide his skepticism. “This whole thing was supposed to be big murals. I get the underpass, I get the breezeway, but… park benches? A garbage thing? And, forgive my language, but… a shitter?”

Liza McKenzie, vice-chair of the Cultural Arts and Public Spaces Advisory Committee, pushed back. “Those little pieces of art here and there, […] they’re integrated into places we want people to be. A public bathroom? I know it sounds silly, but people use them. That’s where the community is.”

Council members Jenn Kaaoush and Stephanie Miller backed the proposal. “I love the benches,” said Miller. “I’m okay moving funds into this, knowing it creates more of a sense of place.”

Art & History Supervisor Jennifer Garner acknowledged the budget impact plainly: “It’s workable, but it will absolutely take away from museum programming, public art maintenance, and other smaller programs.”

Mayor Lacis offered a closing argument in favor. “The one thing I’ve never heard from any resident, ever, is ‘You guys are spending too much on art.'”

The Council voted 5-2 to approve the resolution. Council member Foster and Mayor Pro-Tem Serbu voted against.

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Trick or Treat, Check Out These Streets

Lexi Miller — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 01:42:03 +0000

Trick or Treat, Check Out These Streets

The top 25 spooktacular neighborhoods in Boulder County and beyond

From the spooky to the sweet, little costumed trick-or-treaters deserve the best. While there has been a reported 74% decline in trick-or-treaters in 2023, these neighborhoods in Boulder and Weld Counties are not ready to let the tradition die out. From homeowners who go all out on decorations, music, and food to fun town-orchestrated events, your little monster is sure to have a great time and make the most of the holiday.

Erie

The Most Popular: Erie Village

Starting at the Erie Town Square and working your way through winding streets, Erie Village is the perfect place to stay safe and hit a lot of houses. Local mom, Diana Carty states, “It will be our fifth year trick-or-treating in this neighborhood. It is a blast!” With residents who go out of their way to make the Victorian-style homes look extra spooky while many of the homeowners dress up themselves, kids and adults alike will have a great time.

The Most Fun: Meadow Sweet Farms

If you are ready for a party, head to Meadow Street Farms. Kids will stock up on candy, adults can partake in Jell-O shots and beer, and everyone can look forward to hotdogs.

The Safest: Colliers Hill

On the Weld County side of Erie, the planned community of Colliers Hill offers a quieter energy. With houses just a short walk apart and lots of young families, there is plenty of opportunity for little ones to stock up on candy without worrying about reckless drivers or getting lost in the crowd.

Maximizing stops: Vista Ridge

Jean Tam, a long-time resident, boasts of her neighborhood: “Folks at Vista Ridge have everything from haunted houses, displays synchronized with music, and full-blown displays.” She adds that she is so glad that her kids experienced the holiday magic growing up in this neighborhood.

For the Littles: Erie Safety Stop

Swing by the Erie Police Station for a trick-or-treat safety stop. The 2025 theme is “Toy Story,” so come prepared for your little ones to meet some of their favorite characters and have a safe indoor trick-or-treating experience.

Halloween Warm-Up: Boo on Briggs Street

Music, activities, and trick-or-treating, downtown Erie gets everyone warmed up for the holiday on October 25 with Boo on Briggs. Supported by local businesses and residents, this is the perfect way to finish trick-or-treating early while enjoying what the town has to offer.

Longmont

The Most Popular: Prospect New Town

With festive houses, lots of families, and winding neighborhoods, Prospect New Town is not only the perfect place for a local Longmonster but also worth the drive for those in quieter towns. According to local parent Windy Coleman Lohr, “The winding streets are fun, massive turnout always, and the neighborhood really does it up big!”

The Most Fun: South of Loomiller Park

Located near Longmont High School, the neighborhood to the south of Loomiller Park is a perfect grid for candy collecting. In particular, 15th Street is not to be missed, as the residents coordinate their houses and sweet offerings, making it fun for all. Head to Loomiller Park at 11:30 a.m. on Halloween to take part in the holiday drum circle.

Maximizing Stops: Thompson Park/ Olde Town Longmont

Here, you can start your night off at the newly renovated playground to get some of the wiggles out before running a sweep of the houses in downtown Longmont. Located next to Central Elementary School, the area is safe, and houses are kid-friendly with decorations and enthusiasm.

Halloween Warm-Up: The Longmont Halloween Parade

Get ready for Halloween a little early at the Longmont Halloween Parade. Starting at 9:30 a.m. on October 25, local business owners and employees parade up and down the street, handing out candy, dancing, and showing off some creative costumes. If an early bedtime might interfere with trick-or-treating, or you just want to make the most of the holiday, this is a great way to get your little ones excited for the big day.

Boulder

The Most Popular: Four Mile Creek

This neighborhood is so popular that it is recommended that you arrive early before it gets too busy. Located in North Boulder, the residents often enlist local bands to play in their yards, and many houses go big with the decorations.

The Most Fun: Table Mesa

Table Mesa neighborhood has a little bit for everyone. One block up from Bear Creek Elementary School off of Ithaca Drive, a Halloween parade begins at 5 p.m. To see some wild decorations, head to haunted Heidelberg Drive, where the residents go all out to make their short road something to be admired.

The Safest: Martin Acres

For a family of social butterflies, Martin Acres is one of the busier neighborhoods. Lots of kids means lots of candy, and the homeowners know their audience.

For the Littles: Pearl Street/Munchkin Masquerade

For the ultimate safe and easy Halloween, take the family to Pearl Street. From 3-6 p.m. on October 31 for the Munchkin Masquerade. The shops and restaurants of Pearl Street set up for trick-or-treaters and their families. With early hours, this is a perfect option for small children with early bedtimes or a slightly older crowd that may want to maximize trick-or-treating in a few neighborhoods.

Superior

Most Popular: Rock Creek

Tucked behind Colton Road, Rock Creek is a safe and quiet neighborhood. With houses a little closer together than other areas of Superior, it will be easy for your little goblins and ghosts to get to as many houses as possible while staying safe from cars.

Halloween Warm-Up: Monster Mash

The Monster Mash Party is held at the Superior Community Center on the Saturday before Halloween. This free event is a great way to get your little ones used to their costume while enjoying sweet treats, crafts, and games.

Louisville

Most Popular: Dutch Creek

South of Community Park in Louisville, this older neighborhood with winding and quiet streets comes alive with spooky decorations and roaming trick-or-treaters. You can take a play/ candy break at Elephant Park halfway through your candy mission or push through and enjoy a bite to eat downtown afterwards.

For the Littles: Louisville Library

On October 30th, the Louisville Library will have a silly-spooky story time, followed by trick-or-treating. Designed for ages 2-5, this is a great way to get your little one in the mood for the holiday while abiding by naptime windows.

Town Tradition: Main Street Trick or Treat

Starting at 9 a.m. on Halloween morning, Main Street Louisville closes down for the local elementary school, or any other interested kids, to parade up and down the street, collecting treats from local businesses. This event has been held every year since 1968.

Lafayette

Most Popular: Old Town Lafayette

With less traffic, sidewalks, and houses that are closer together, Old Town is a favorite for Halloween trick-or-treating. Additionally, take a walk down Public Road and hit up some of the shops set up for trick-or-treating.

Lafayette Fire Department

The Lafayette Fire Department is holding their first Halloween safety event on October 11. Children 6 and under can look forward to trick-or-treating, a not-so-spooky haunted house, and touch-a-truck.

Niwot

Town Tradition: The Great Pumpkin Party, Petting Zoo & Parade

Niwot loves holidays, and Halloween is no exception. Hosted by The Niwot Group the Saturday before Halloween, this event takes place at Compass and the Niwot Business Association where kids, families, and kid-friendly dogs can trick-or-treat, play games, and show off their costumes.

Broomfield

The Most Popular: Broomfield Heights

With parking at the Broomfield Heights Middle School; you can spend the evening in this an older neighborhood with houses close together and a dense population of families, meaning they understand the importance of trick-or-treaters going for a big candy haul.

Firestone

Halloween Safe Night Firestone

One week before Halloween, the town of Firestone will be hosting their safety night. Complete with trick-or-treating, music, games, and food trucks, it will be a fun way to get the family out of the house and have a great (safe) time.

Frederick

Town Tradition: Tiny Terror Town

On October 18, the town of Fredrick goes all out for a family-friendly Halloween with Tiny Terror Town. With two trick-or-treat opportunities, one at Crist Park and the other located downtown, local businesses and community members will be handing out candy to the parading candy-seekers from 3-5 p.m. For your furry (or scaly) friends, there is a pet costume contest, and for those wanting a good scare, the evening ends with haunted house tours at the Miners Memorial Museum.

Westminster

Bonus: Bug-a-Boo at the Butterfly Pavilion

Taking place on October 18, 19, 25, 26, and a special after-dark addition on October 31, the Butterfly Pavilion is hosting indoor trick-or-treating among the butterflies and aquatic displays. Additionally, there is a special spider zone where visitors can walk among free-roaming spiders. This event is included in the standard entry price.

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The Town of Superior Seeks Qualified Contractor to Lead Creative Efforts for the Marshall Fire Remembrance Project

Guest Contributor — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:28:11 +0000

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

The Town of Superior Seeks Qualified Contractor to Lead Creative Efforts for the Marshall Fire Remembrance Project

The Town of Superior is seeking a contractor to propose a preliminary design concept for a unique
remembrance of the 2021 Marshall Fire, to be located in Superior open space near the Oerman-Roche
Trailhead. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is intended to gather information concerning the ability of a contractor to meet the needs of the Town of Superior. After review of qualifications, the resulting semi-finalists will each receive a Request for Proposal (RFP). Interested firms are invited to submit (1) electronic copy of the Statement of Qualifications by 10 a.m. Aug. 12, 2025. View the full project scope on the Town website.

At the conclusion of the Town’s engagement process, subsequent analysis, and review by an independent
consultant, the Marshall Fire Remembrance advisory group and the Superior Council concluded that three
resulting “concepts” surfaced: one primary and two add-alternate options. Applicants are encouraged to submit
on all three concepts:
• A Place to Gather
• Pet Remembrance
• Dispersed Components

Consultants will be required to submit a brief concept description for the primary component, A Place to
Gather, but if possible, are encouraged to submit concepts for all three components. Qualifications will be
reviewed and a more in-depth Request for Proposals (RFP) will be sent to short-listed consultants.
Background: On December 30, 2021, the Marshall Fire destroyed 398 structures in Superior alone, including 393 residences and the town’s historical museum. In the ensuing three years, led by the Cultural Arts and Public Spaces (CAPS) Committee and the Marshall Fire Remembrance Subcommittee, the Town of Superior has conducted extensive public engagement around how best to commemorate this tragedy.

Contact: Jennifer “JG” Garner
Arts & History Supervisor
303-499-3675 ext. 167
jenniferg@superiorcolorado.gov

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Coal Creek Meals on Wheels Celebrates Surpassing 1 Million Melas Served as Par of the 23rd Annual March for Meals Month

Guest Contributor — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:50:14 +0000

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2025 – Lafayette, Colorado –
This March, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels (CCMOW) will celebrate surpassing 1 million meals served since the organization’s founding in 1972. Coal Creek Meals on Wheels has served Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, and Superior for over 50 years, delivering more than just a meal to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and anyone in need who is at a significant risk of hunger, food insecurity, and isolation.
Last year, the organization served over 72,000 meals through their Home Delivered Meal Program and the Coal Creek Café combined – an increase of more than 10,000 meals compared to the year prior. “2024 has been a year of growth, resilience, and impact at Coal Creek Meals on Wheels,” said Nate Broeckert, Executive Director. “Together, we’ve strengthened our foundation, expanded our reach, and deepened our commitment to serving our community with compassion and care. It was another record-breaking year for meals served, which is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our volunteers and donors.” It is no surprise that in 2025, the organization will be celebrating this milestone of over 1 million meals served.
Food insecurity is increasing, and action is needed now to support local Meals on Wheels programs. This year, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining together for the March for Meals awareness campaign to celebrate its success and garner the support needed to ensure these critical programs can continue.
Community members can support CCMOW and March for Meals in the following ways:
? 1 Million Meals Celebration: Friday, March 7 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Coal Creek Café Free lunch will be served for all – no registration required.
? Meals on Heels, a Shoe Fashion Show: March 31 from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Acreage by Stem Cider – purchase tickets at www.coalcreekmow.org/meals-on-heels
? Volunteer to support your neighbors – learn more at www.coalcreekmow.org/get-involved
? Give a gift to provide a meal to your neighbor – donate at www.coalcreekmow.org/donate

About Coal Creek Meals on Wheels:
Coal Creek Meals on Wheels supports independence and quality of life for Lafayette, Louisville, Erie & Superior residents by providing nutritious meals and social connection opportunities. For more information, visit www.coalcreekmow.org.
Media Contact:
Nate Broeckert
Executive Director
Coal Creek Meals on Wheels
nbroeckert@coalcreekmow.org
303-406-8442

The post Coal Creek Meals on Wheels Celebrates Surpassing 1 Million Melas Served as Par of the 23rd Annual March for Meals Month appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Superior’s First Affordable Housing Units in Pre-Development

Hope Muñoz — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:26:26 +0000

Pennrose LLC to build senior affordable housing.

The town of Superior has approved the development company, Pennrose, LLC, to build senior affordable housing units downtown near Discovery Office Park. The units will be called Kite Route Crossing. Along with this approval comes a rebate opportunity.

According to Superior’s Planning and Building Director, Lisa Ritchie, this will be the first affordable housing project for the town. She says it will be a three-story structure with roughly 50 apartments. These units will be set aside for individuals aged 55 or older.

“The town approved it,” Ritchie told Yellow Scene. “We haven’t acted on it yet because they haven’t pulled a building permit.”

The pre-development agreement proposes to rebate 47% of permit and plan review fees to Pennrose. Applicable fees include inspection fees, system development fees, and impact fees. The estimated rebate amount is around $725,000. The reimbursement would occur after project development. If the company cannot secure a building permit by Dec. 31, 2025, the rebate/pre-development agreement will be terminated.

“As is the nature of affordable housing, there is a financial gap on this project of roughly three million dollars,” Ritchie said in a town board meeting on Sept. 23, 2024.

Kite Route Crossing will be located in the alluring location of Downtown Superior. Within a few blocks of the lot are public transportation options, a grocery store, medical services, retail stores, and more. Included will be 36 one-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units.

Kite Route Crossing’s location is an upside for potential residents, especially those who don’t own a car. One anonymous Boulder resident says the location of their affordable housing unit has made a huge difference. It is within walking distance of a bus stop, their doctor, a market, and a pharmacy.

Commercial and office space near to Kite Route Crossing, photo by Hope Munoz.

“I can get to Denver and anywhere in Boulder County on the bus easily,” an anonymous resident said. “I can also ride my bike.”

Although the location of this resident’s home is ideal for them, they say the apartment hasn’t come without downsides. They live in a mixed facility with seniors and people with disabilities. When units opened up, they noticed that many who went there were transitioning from incarceration. They said that some relapsed, and others became violent.

“The reason why I stayed where I live so long, even though it’s been very unpleasant, even unsafe, from time to time, is the location,” they said.

In future housing units, the resident feels it would be beneficial to units build that are smaller and exclusively for seniors. Being around younger people brings up a slew of issues, according to the resident. They cited communicable diseases and differences in lifestyles as some of their concerns. Kite Route Crossing shouldn’t encounter mixed facility issues as it is set to only accept seniors for its units.

Although the situation has not always been ideal, the affordability and location of the housing have greatly impacted this resident’s life. They enjoy that the rent costs slide up and down with their income. Now that they are retired, those costs provide a lot of stability in the later stages of their careers.

According to the Boulder Community Foundation’s trends report, the median home rent has nearly doubled since 2000. In 2000, the median cost was $983 per month and was at $1,893 in 2023. The current median rent costs exceed that of the rest of Colorado and the United States as a whole. Colorado’s is $1,693, and The United States is $1,348. In Superior, the median home rent is $2,355 per month.

“As for Superior, I think that sounds great,” says the resident. “They need to have some options prioritizing seniors versus middle-income people. I think that’s next. I think those are two key populations.”

On Jan. 27, 2025, Superior adopted its first-ever Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. The plan states that in 2018, the town committed to making 12% of its units affordable by 2035. It also says that the 2021 Marshall Fire destroyed 390 residential properties and exacerbated housing needs. Now, housing demand is high, and vacancy is low.

Neighborhood of proposed construction, photo by Hope Munoz.

Superior’s affordable housing objectives include:

Increase housing choices for people.
Support and promote local and regional affordable housing efforts.
Remove housing barriers for people who often encounter them.

The property for Kite Route Crossing is currently under contract. Pennrose recently requested a Letter of Support from the Superior Town Council for an application to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. If the plan moves forward, Superior will soon have its first affordable housing units.

In the Sept. 23 presentation, Brad Weining, a developer with Pennrose, shared the anticipated timeline of the project. It predicts that construction will begin in the spring of 2026 and open in the summer of 2027. Updates on the project can be found on Pennrose LLC’s page.

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Hood Guide: Towns | How Walkable Are Our Towns?

Jason Collins — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 03:32:50 +0000

Boulder

Boulder Walkability and Improvements:

The Boulder area allows you to easily do some tasks by walking on foot, but you have the option of easily accessible public transport to help you get across town. WalkScore put the Boulder area walking score at 63, and the city holds the title of being a Gold-level Walk Friendly Community. In 2019, the city adopted a new pedestrian plan to create more walkable streets, and the pedestrian network now includes an impressive 500-mile sidewalk and 82 pedestrian underpasses.

The local government of Boulder can improve the area’s walkability by connecting the many paths, parks and roads to help create a more unified walking path for the residents. Creating paths that begin and end at public transport pick-up zones can also help with improvements.

Longmont

Longmont Walkability and Improvements:

Longmont is a large area (3200 acres), making it difficult to walk to every location. You can use a bicycle to get to some places, but due to the city’s layout, access is still very limited, and most errands will require a car.

Walkscore rated Longmont 39 due to its poor walking paths. The city can improve its walkability by building new dedicated walkways and connecting existing routes. The Longmont Council is looking at how they can prioritize pedestrian safety downtown due to the increased traffic on the roads, but hurdles like funding and getting permission from the Colorado Department of Transportation need to be jumped.

Erie

Erie Walkability and Improvements:

Erie is stuck between other cities and towns, with weird borders that do not allow residents to walk to different areas of Erie easily. This has led to the town’s dismal score of 13 on WalkScore. In the early days, Erie requires almost all errands to use a vehicle as everything is so far apart or split into weird sections between other towns and cities. While the area is flat, which helps with walking, without dedicated walking paths that cross roads safely, Erie is not great for walking.

Lafayette

Lafayette Walkability and Improvements:

Lafayette is reasonably walkable if you’re in the right part of town, and public transport helps increase residents’ ability to walk everywhere. A drawback of the city is the large sprawl and distances between places. This makes it a long walk to get to places in the city.

While Walkscore gives Lafayette a decent score of 42, you will still require a car to do most daily errands because of the size of the area. Luckily the City of Lafayette has a Multimodal Transportation Plan that includes improvements to more then just driving, with connectivity of things like walking, biking and transit.

Louisville

Louisville Walkability and Improvements:

Louisville is quite walkable if you stay in nearby neighborhoods, and as it is a relatively low-crime area, pedestrians are safe. With the lack of public transport in some areas, most residents use the multiple bike lanes or their cars for daily commuting or errands they need to do.

The walk score from Walkscore is only a 42, meaning you can walk to some places nearby, but due to the size of the area (2000 acres) and the lack of public transport, you will not have a great time doing it unless you’re a long-distance athlete!

Superior

Superior Walkability and Improvements:

Superior is not a large area, only 4 square miles, and is quite flat, meaning you can easily walk to many places in town. However, a vehicle may still be required to go to some areas in town due to a lack of walking infrastructure, such as sidewalks, but this is set to hopefully improve with part of the ongoing downtown development.

Superior has a walkability score of 50 on Walkscore, meaning you can get to some places on foot, but using a vehicle is also a great option for getting around town.

Broomfield

Broomfield Walkability and Improvements:

Broomfield is not an easily walkable area due to its large size (8607 acres), lack of public transport, and lack of layout in the city. This city is car-dependent as the road network splits up many neighborhoods. The lack of public transport doesn’t help either.

Even though the city is flat due to its location in Colorado and the many parks, there are very few dedicated walking paths. That is why Walkscore gave Broomfield a score of only 33 and public transport a terrible score of 10.

The city has created a project to improve the pedestrian environment with safer walking and biking connections to Emerald Elementary School. The project has yet to start, with contracts to be executed in January 2025.

North Westminster

North Westminster Walkability and Improvements:

North Westminster is a large and spread-out city with a walking score of 24, meaning you may need to walk a long distance to get anywhere you want to go. The city also has few public transport facilities, which doesn’t help its walkability.

As the area is designed around moving cars through it, there are very few dedicated walkways, but that is by design due to the town’s size. Almost all errands in the town require a car. Currently, the city is working hard to improve pedestrian conditions, such as the Safe Routes to School (SRTS).

North Thornton

North Thornton Walkability and Improvements:

North Thorton’s town layout allows many residents to do some errands by just walking to where they need to, but for longer distances, they need to use a personal car as public transport is lacking in the area.

North Thoorton can improve its walkability by creating dedicated lanes that connect the neighborhoods, but the distances for some errands may require transport.

Lyons

Lyons Walkability and Improvements:

With a score of 63 on the Walkscore, many different tasks, such as shopping and going to work, can be done on foot.

This is due to the small size of Lyon and the flat area in which the town is situated and that improving pedestrian safety is a priority for the city via the Safe Streets For All project.

Niwot

Niwot Walkability and Improvements:

Niwot is a small town that has many of its main errands in one location, making it easy to get everything you need and want from one location. However, some places may require a vehicle as they are a little farther out, such as the tennis court and baseball field.

The post Hood Guide: Towns | How Walkable Are Our Towns? appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editors Picks | November 2024

Associate Editor — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 00:45:40 +0000

Best Festivals, December 2024

Great minds think alike, as both Erie and Louisville are hosting separate events, both called the “Parade of Lights,” on the same day, December 6. The Erie event from 4:00-9:00 features choir performances by local schoolchildren at Orchard Community Church, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Coal Creek Park, and a parade that kicks off from Perry Street & Briggs and ends up Kattell St. and Cheesman. Louisville’s event similarly features choirs at Walnut & Main, visits with Santa behind Bittersweet Cafe, and a parade that heads up Main Street from South Street to Elks.

Not to be outdone, the City of Boulder itself has the Lights of December Parade going on December 7 at 6 p.m. Kicking off at 15th and Walnut and finishing at 15th and Spruce, the parade features spectacular floats from local churches, schools, businesses, and non-profits, to be capped off by an appearance from Kris Kringle himself.

Santa is making a lot of stops in Boulder County this year, as he’s also planning to stop by the It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration that’s happening on December 8 at Lafayette Plaza from 4:00-6:00 p.m.. In addition to a Santa photo op table near Lafayette Historical Society‘s Old Betsy, there’s also going to be a tree lighting and train rides on the Lafayette Express. Plus there’s a no-host bar for the adults and food from Sideboard Lafayette and Round Table Pizza, making it an event for anyone.

CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival, taking place from December 6-8, is a celebration of holiday music with performances from student choirs, bands, faculty orchestras, and guest performers brought to you by the renowned CU Boulder College of Music.

For those who want to not just take a picture with St. Nick but hang out with him, too, Superior Winter Fest also features skating with Santa, as well as a winter market, a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, and s’mores stations.

As Christmas isn’t the only holiday being celebrated this season, CU Boulder’s Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) is holding a Kwanzaa Celebration at Abram’s Lounge on December 5 from 5:00-6:45. Geared not only towards CU students but also towards community members who want to learn about and celebrate the holiday, the event will feature traditional rituals and a Kwanzaa feast for attendees.

The post Editors Picks | November 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Superior Special Election on Home Rule Charter Set for December 10

Ray Manzari — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 21:28:22 +0000

On December 10, Superior residents will vote in a special election to approve or reject a proposed Home Rule Charter, a step that could grant the town greater independence in local governance. This election will be conducted entirely by mail. Registered voters will receive ballots by mail, which they can return by post or drop off at the 24-hour ballot box outside Superior Town Hall at 124 E. Coal Creek Drive.

Last year, Erie voted to approve its Home Rule Charter. Home Rule allows local municipalities, like Erie, Colorado, to govern themselves with greater autonomy by drafting a municipal charter. This charter enables the town to manage issues such as zoning, taxation, and public health independently rather than following state-mandated rules.

In the context of Erie, adopting Home Rule would give residents more control over local decisions, such as tax collection methods, open space preservation, and council elections. Home Rule charters aim to empower communities with a direct say in governance, which many residents see as a means to preserve local interests and address specific community needs without state intervention.

For those needing an absentee or replacement ballot, applications are available to download online. Completed forms can be submitted by email to elections@crsofcolorado.com.

To help residents understand the details of the Home Rule Charter, Superior will hold two informational sessions at the Superior Community Center, located at 1500 Coalton Road. Each session will cover the same material, providing residents a chance to ask questions and learn about potential impacts. The sessions are scheduled for:

Thursday, Nov. 14, from 5–6 p.m.
~~Thursday, Dec. 7, from 7–8 p.m.~~ has been moved to Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30pm

The Home Rule Charter is designed to give Superior more control over local issues such as zoning, taxes, and community health policies. If approved, this charter would move decision-making power from the state to the town, allowing residents to shape policies directly affecting their community.

For further information, including the full text of the Home Rule Charter and election notice, visit the town’s website or contact the commission at homerule@superiorcolorado.gov

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The post Superior Special Election on Home Rule Charter Set for December 10 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Entertainment Picks | September 2024

Associate Editor — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 22:54:41 +0000

Spooky 90’s Cabaret @ The Louisville Underground

640 Main Street, Louisville, CO Saturday, October 19, 2024, 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.

Tickets available HERE

Halloween Costume Party @ The Dairy

2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO October 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m.

Tickets available HERE

Spooky Business After Hours @ The Fox Hill Club

1400 State Hwy. 119, Longmont, CO Thursday, October 24, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Halloween Monster Mash Party (Hosted by SYLC)

Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton Road, Superior, CO Saturday, October 28, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Halloween Silent Disco (21+ Party) @ The Louisville Underground

640 Main Street, Louisville, CO Saturday, October 26, 2024, 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Tickets available HERE

The post Entertainment Picks | September 2024 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The Story Of Our Nation Can Be Gleaned From These Historic Homes

Austin Clinkenbeard — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:27:35 +0000

Ten local homes with historic pasts, unique architecture, and important stories

From farmland & mines, to small towns, to burgeoning suburbs, the land most of us live on today has seen an incredible transformation over the last hundred years. In 2023 Yellow Scene Magazine explored the history of BOCO and the North Metro, illuminating the stories of how farmland and mining towns transformed, slowly at first, into growing suburbs that soon connected Denver to Boulder. What was once the space in between two cities had filled in.

Interestingly enough, some of the earliest buildings have been relocated from their original location. Elizabeth Beaudoin, curator of history for the city of Longmont, spoke to YS about the phenomenon of moving entire structures into “archeology parks” to not only preserve history, but open land for development. Some of these early farms stood on the most scenic or fertile land as early settlers naturally took the best plots when they arrived. Although the structures no longer stand where they were constructed, some museums and archaeology parks have relocated them to teach about the history of early settlers in Colorado.

The story of how the land was stolen from the indigenous nations living here always echoes in the past. We do need to acknowledge that many of these structures were built shortly after people were forcibly removed or killed, and make sure that looking back on the architecture and pioneer stories does not glamorize the genocidal aspect of the dark colonial past.

Arnett Fullen House

Arnett-Fullen House – Boulder
Built 1877

Possibly the most iconic home in all of Boulder, the Arnett-Fullen house’s foundation was laid in 1877. The house is full of tales, some maybe too tall to believe. Its original owner, Willamete Arnett, died in Alaska while prospecting for gold at the turn of the century. Over its 147 year life span, the building has been used as a showpiece for the wealthy, government office, historic center, and a stop on ghost tours due its rumors of hauntings.

When finished, it was the most expensive home in the area by far, double that of nearby Mapleton Hill homes, itself an “upper class” neighborhood. The cost of construction was about $4,000, which roughly translates to just over $120,000 today.

Current owner’s described it to the Daily Camera as “a little farmhouse with ostentatious Victorian aspirations.” More specifically, AboutBoulder states that architect George E. King created “… an excellent example of Queen Anne-style architecture. This style was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, characterized by asymmetrical facades, towers, and turrets, often with ornate details such as stained glass windows, decorative shingles, and carved woodwork.”

Often included in ghost tours due to stories of the place being haunted, it’s up to you to decide whether little Olivia Fullen still roams the halls or not. The legend of its ghostly apparition was heightened by the home’s inspiration for a horror novel that spawned its nickname of “Gingerbread House.” Childlike figures do actually appear in the windows from time to time — as a prank by the current owners.

Brunner Farmhouse – Broomfield
Built 1908

The Brunner farmhouse still stands, but not in its original location. As Broomfeild boomed in the 1990s, suburbs and shopping centers now grew from the farmland. The house was relocated to preserve its history and also make way for the Broomfield Town Center development.

Brunner farmhouse was renovated several times over the decades, some of the main improvements being heating and cooking mechanisms. The history of the nation’s transition from coal to natural gas and electricity can be traced through changes the kitchen and other rooms have been through.

The farmhouse was built in 1908 when Broomfield was still just two gas stations and a smattering of local businesses. The home is named after the second ever mayor of Broomfield, Dr. Brunner, who lived here. Dr. Brunner — himself a gardener — would likely be very pleased to see that the house, although in a new location, is still surrounded by flowers and gardens maintained by community volunteers.

The property is open for visits and the events are held here throughout the year. The yellow walls and welcoming porch have seen countless visitors and locals join together for community gatherings for well over 100 years now.

Wise Homestead Museum – Erie
Built 1869

The Wise Homestead museum is an interesting mixture of rural and Victorian architecture. Victorian homes, as adapted in the United States, often consisted of a simple internal structure adorned with asymmetrical features, steep sloping roofs, porches, and intricate wood detailings. They were usually two or more stories high, and built “up” instead of “out.” Traditional Western farmhouses, in contrast, were usually long, squat, and rectangular single story buildings. The Wise Homestead combines both features: the facade of a more decadent style and the practicality of living on a homestead.

The first house on the property was a log cabin, probably similar to the one President Lincoln was born in. Following the conclusion of the Civil War, the face of the nation changed. The Wise family was granted a U.S. Homestead Patent in 1870, with construction on the current home starting around the same time. Sara Wise, great-granddaughter of the original inhabitants, along with the Erie Historical Society, turned the home into a museum which is currently open on Saturdays for visits.

Thomas M. Callahan House

Thomas M. Callahan House – Longmont
Built 1892

Although located in Longmont, the Thomas M. Callahan House is constructed with red Lyons sandstone. The distinct pink-red colored stone was also used in many of UC Boulder’s buildings and can be seen on older homes of the wealthy in the area. Numerous prestigious buildings of the day used Lyons redstone to mark their importance.

The home is a fine example of the Queen Ann style Victorian revival architecture common at the time. This style was that of the wealthy — meant to portray class, sophistication, and worldliness. Queen Ann architecture is set apart by the distinctive corner turret or tower, L-shaped wrap-around porch, and other fanciful exterior decor. Both the construction materials and the style make the Callahan house a symbol of pride and wealth for the city. The Callahan’s themselves eventually moved to Nevada and donated the house to Longmont for use as an event space, which it still is today.

Miller House – Lafayette
Built late 1880s

Like so many plots on the Front Range, Mary Miller’s land was transformed with the discovery of coal. The Miller’s moved to Colorado before it was officially a state and Mary witnessed the growth of the coal industry that would forever shape the course of Colorado history. Their home too would grow from a rustic wood cabin to the formal structure that exists today, reflecting the growth and development the West was going through after the Civil War.

Mary had a hard life at times. In 1878, her husband died from alcohol abuse. She was forced to run the ranch herself. She buried two of her children before their thirteenth birthdays. Mary went on to found the town of Lafayette, named after her late husband, and saw great business success. She founded the first school, divided her land into neighborhoods, and formed a local bank with the profits from coal.

The Miller House serves as a reminder of the difficulty and transformation of living in a frontier area, but more importantly preserves the story of a woman who shaped a city long before she could even vote. Mary passed in 1921, one year after women’s suffrage was implemented.

Ginacci House – Louisville
Built in 1908

According to History Colorado, the Ginacci house “is a rare brick example of the modest residences constructed by local coal miners.” Not every home can have spiraling towers, Victorian facades, and intricate wood detailing. Sometimes a brick house that withstands the test of time is just as impressive.

As the name hints, the house is associated with the Italian population in Louisville. Once the residence of immigrant coal miners, the story of the Ginacci family is like many who came from abroad seeking a better life. Unfortunately for many men, and boys, that meant toiling underground in coal mines. Strikes were common throughout the interwar years of the 20s and 30s, often turning violent. Rights we take for granted today were fought for by the coal miners and other workers of this time.

Fittingly enough for its Italian roots, a spaghetti making machine was built when the house was expanded in 1926. The home is also known as the Jannucci House, a version of the last name the family used in a time before spelling was as rigidly codified as it is today.

Bowles House

Bowles House – Westminster
Built in 1871

The Bowles House was built in a different architectural style than other structures on this list. Most have been either Victiorian — or some derivation like Queen Ann — or older but simpler farmhouses. The Bowles House harkens back to the Renaissance days of Italy, conjuring up architectural memories of Florence in a style called Italianate.

Cowboy turned homesteader, Edward Bruce Bowles turned his initial wood-frame farm house into the beautiful brick home that stands today. He found success as not only a homesteader, but also as a horse breeder. He donated money to construct a train station in what was then called the town of Despain Junction. Westminster was a separate but nearby town at the time.

Having a railroad stop was the key to economic success for pioneer towns that wanted to transform into cities. Bowles was the second permanent white resident, behind only the man who gave the town its name, Pleasant Despain himself. The house has been a museum for decades now, offering tours on Saturdays.

William J. Gregory House – Westminster

Built in 1910

Westminster was founded years after Despain Junction, but unlike the earlier town, still survives today. One of the earliest homes in Westminster itself was the William J. Gregory House built in 1910. The home was associated with Westminster University, however the institution shut down in 1917 after its entire male student body went off to fight in WWI.

Gregory was a pastor and a professor at Westminster university, teaching language and Bible courses before it shuttered. The Westminster Castle, the original university building, is owned by a local church.

The curved eaves of the Gregory House construct starkly with the steep Victorian peaks of other historic homes of the era. History Colorado described it as “a rare Colorado example of a solid brick, two-and-a-half story Dutch Colonial Revival style residence.”

Grasso Park – Superior
Various dates

Grasso Park is an example of an outdoor museum that shows what a turn of the century farmstead looked like. It holds a collection of buildings ranging from the late 1800s to the early 1900s as well as farm equipment used at the time.

The land that is now Grasso park was once called Hake Homestead, a piece of land that again harkened back to the Civil War era Homestead Act. When the Hake’s left to seek fortune elsewhere, Frank Grasso took over and started a dairy farm to get away from the brutal coal miner’s life. Grasso was a Polish immigrant who served in the German Empire’s Army before migrating to the United States.

Grasso Park displays the changing architecture that reflects the shifts Colorado, and the nation as a whole, were going through. There are early homestead buildings, dairy farm remnants, farm equipment, and a coal shed. Grasso himself even led striking miners when they descended on the Columbine mine demanding better working conditions and pay. The main building is the temporary home of the Superior Historical Museum.

Dearfield Colony

Dearfield Colony Buildings
1910-1946

Oliver Toussaint Jackson, the son of two former slaves, was so inspired by reading Black literature emerging from the Reconstruction era that he decided to found a Black majority agricultural community in Weld County. In 1910 Jackson founded the Dearfield Colony as a place for Black farmers to establish self-sufficiency.

The farmers struggled financially throughout most of the colony’s history. WWI was a brief but glorious boom time with over 700 residents and a thriving religious and social scene. However, by the end of the second World War, the colony was mostly abandoned. The ravages of the dust bowl, the recruitment of young men into war, and the shifting nature of the global balance of power all played a hand in turning the wheel of time that made boom towns to ghost towns.

The main building that remains — a multi-purpose store — evokes a typical “Wild West” feel, presenting a tall false front, wide wooden porch, and a rectangular single story interior. More stories and information about the history of Black Colorado can be found in the Museum of Boulder’s new Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History exhibit. The Dearfield site itself is not open to the public and has sadly been vandalized from time to time.

Currently, there is movement towards recovering the colony’s history. In January 2023, a study was started to determine the future of the site. Possibilities include rebuilding fallen structures, conducting archaeological surveys, and officially designating it a National Park.

The spaces in between

Many of the historic homes and structures of Colorado were constructed between 1860 -1910 when the United States was emerging from the Civil War as a truly modern nation taking its place on a global scale. The Federal government greatly expanded, railroads crossed the continent, and robber barons made fortunes from transportation and energy monopolies. Colorado became a state during this period, as did several other Western territories.

Internal displacement of people is nothing new during and after civil wars. This was the time of the Homestead Act which gave farmers, mostly white ones, the opportunity to own land in areas the U.S. had never officially settled before. This was the time of Reconstruction, where many Black families fled the South to create memories in new lands. Most went to urban centers like Chicago, Charleston, or New Orleans, but plenty others ventured West to seek a frontier life instead.

White settlers pushed further West, indigenous inhabitants were pushed further to the fringes, Black folks finally free from the bondage of slavery spread across the continent. Immigrants arrived from Europe on the East coast and Asia on the West. These movements were made possible by emerging transportation technologies. This was a time of migration and resettlement, of imagined utopia and working class hell.

The global industrial powerhouse the U.S. became during the World Wars was built on the homesteads, coal mines, railroads, and oil fields across the nation. New wealthy classes, exemplified by their fanciful Victorian architecture, populated the most desirable neighborhoods. CU Boulder students, returning veterans, and waves of immigrants transformed the population over time. Indigenous land turned to homesteads that became mining towns that grew into suburbs. The stories of nationhood are traced through the walls and foundations of the historic homes of BOCO and the North Metro.

The post The Story Of Our Nation Can Be Gleaned From These Historic Homes appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Need a reason to get outside? Join the Wildlife Monitoring Team!

Guest Contributor — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 23:17:40 +0000

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

If you are interested in getting outside and learning more about wildlife in our community, you should consider joining the Superior Wildlife Monitoring Team!

The Superior Wildlife Monitoring Team helps to gather local wildlife observations and inform Town habitat projects.

Meet existing team members during Wildlife Monitoring Training on Jan. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road) and hear from wildlife ecologist Ashely DeLaup as she teaches us about the wildlife we are likely to encounter here in Superior.

The post Need a reason to get outside? Join the Wildlife Monitoring Team! appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | November 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:41:06 +0000

[LOCAL]

Aaron Brockett wins a narrow mayoral race in Boulder’s first ever ranked-choice voting system
Thornton City Council results eliminates mayor Kulmann’s majority power bloc, dropping from 6-3 to now a minority of 4-5
King Sooper shooter pleads not guilty, claiming insanity l Change in Boulder city energy code will eliminate gas power in most new buildings to lessen impact on environment
Colorado Judge allows Trump to appear on statewide ballot for 2024 Presidential race, rejecting efforts to bar the insurrectionist from running again
Erie and Superior both approve Home Rule Charters, allowing more autonomy for the city governments

[NATIONAL]

Henry Kissinger finally dies, here’s to hoping hell exists
Mike Johnson, MAGA Republican from Louisiana, is finally voted in as the next Speaker of the House after a tumultuous vacancy
New York City mayor Eric Adams had his phone seized by the FBI in a campaign finance violation investigation
Joe Manchin will not run for reelection, a move that will have implications next year when a Republican is highly likely to take his Senate seat
Voters in Ohio pass a ballot measure in ensuring access to abortion in big win for reproductive rights access in the midwest
Trump takes the stand in New York civil trial while losing his temper during and ranting on social media after, surprising noone but rightly prompting a gag order from the judge
Hollywood Writers and United Auto Workers strikes — admittedly very different groups — both came to end with very favorable outcomes to auto workers unions and concessions to the writers unions in two wins for labor

[INTERNATIONAL]

Israel surrounds Gaza City in an attempt to remove Hamas from power in Palestine, sparking another humanitarian crisis in the process
Pod of Orcas sink yet another boat near the Strait of Gibraltar in an apparent coordinated attack on the vessel
Sudan’s Darfur region erupts into ethnic violence, continuing this century’s first genocide and widening violence in the country
Argentina elects far-right libertarian as president, his platform includes abolishing the national currency, shutting down the national bank, and slashing public services. Small Talk

“We’re going to make sure every Colorado voter knows about how Boebert, Buck, and Lamborn turned their backs on Colorado by supporting a MAGA extremist for speaker.” – Colorado Democratic Party statement on new House Speaker

“Once you’ve been to Cambodia, you’ll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands. You will never again be able to open a newspaper and read about that treacherous, prevaricating, murderous scumbag sitting down for a nice chat with Charlie Rose or attending some black-tie affair for a new glossy magazine without choking.” – The late Anthony Bourdain on Henry Kissinger

“Coloradans are looking to us to reduce property taxes and provide relief to families, and as we always have, we will work to deliver solutions that protect and enhance the Colorado we love.” – Gov. Polis on defeat of Prop HH

“Saving approximately 100 people in Colorado this year outweighs the aggregate harm of minimal expenditures of time and sacrifice business opportunities.” – Judge John Kane on his ruling to uphold Colorado’s three day waiting period for gun purchases “No refugees in Jordan.

No refugees in Egypt.” – Jordan’s King Abdullah said at newconference regarding Palestinians fleeingthe war in Gaza

By the Numbers

$5.14 Million – 2024 budget for the city of Boulder
190 – Bodies found improperly stored at Return To Nature funeral home in Colorado Springs
1 guilty, 2 acquitted – Results of the three police officers trials for the Elijah McClain murder
$1.7 million – Amount raised by 2023 Weld County Fair’s Junior Livestock Sale, breaking previous fundraising records
$15 – Average cost of a burger in Colorado according to Colorado Sun article

The post Month in Review | November 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Yellow Scene 2023 Election Guide

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 22:30:42 +0000

Local elections are often the most important to your daily life but are not given nearly as much attention as large national events. YS strives to provide a comprehensive guide to the upcoming elections so you can have a voice in how your city, neighborhood, and community are run.

We ask all candidates running against each other the same questions. However, answers are condensed and summarized when needed to fit our size constraints. Each candidate we have an opinion on is then given status by our election board — Endorsed, Qualified, Unqualified — and every race has an endorsement.

Editors Note:

Nothing gets past our readers. They noticed a mistake that slipped into the YS Election Guide and alerted us immediately.

For Broomfield, City Council Ward 1, YS endorses Kenny Nguyen.

YS does not endorse Chriss Hammerschmidt. We actually find her Unqualified due to her anti LGBTQ+, anti-abortion, and conspiracy theory views that she would bring to City Council.

We apologize for any confusion for mislabeling this endorsement and want to thank our supporters for quickly pointing this out.

In our defense, we were up into the late hours of the night with a flurry of spreadsheets, documents and design layouts to be completed of over 84 candidates and 24 ballot issus — such is the life of a small, independent magazine that still believes in real, local journalism — but take full responsibility for our mistake.

Colorado Statewide Ballot Measures

Proposition II – Taxes and Tobacco: Asks voters to either (1) allow the state to retain and spend revenue the state received above the estimated revenue generated from increases taxes on cigarettes and tobacco and nicotine products in Proposition EE or (2) refund $23.65 million to distributors and wholesalers and reduce the tobacco tax rate by 11.53% | Vote: Yes

Proposition HH – Taxes and Property: Reduces the property tax rate; allows the state to retain and spend revenues (that it would otherwise be required to refund to residents under the Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR)) to give local governments to make up lost tax revenues from the property tax rate reduction | Vote: Yes

Boulder County Ballot Initiatives

1A – Open Space extension: A proposal to extend for fifteen years the existing 0.05% countywide sales and use tax for the purpose of acquiring, improving, managing and maintaining open space lands and other open space property interests. | Vote: Yes

1B – Affordable Housing Extension: A proposal to extend for fifteen years the existing 0.185% countywide sales and use tax for the purposes of funding existing and additional affordable and attainable housing and related supportive services within Boulder County. | Vote: Yes

6A – Nederland EcoPass Public Improvement District extension: A proposal for a ballot issue for the November 2023 election to extend for ten years the District’s existing ad valorem property tax mill levy imposed at a rate not to exceed 1.85 mills for the purposes of paying the costs of providing a Regional Transportation District EcoPass to all District residents; and to seek elector authorization for the District to administer an EcoPass program for non-resident employees of employers operating within the District. | Vote: Yes

Broomfield Elections

Broomfield Mayor – UNOPPOSED

Guyleen Castriotta – ENDORSED

Unhoused: You don’t see a lot of folks camping in tents. People do live in their vehicles or are living several to a room. It looks different in Broomfield. We offer referrals for services for emergency and transitional housing, mental health if they need it and also in the colder months, we offer hotel vouchers.
Infrastructure: Regional Transit Authority (RTD) is underfunded, under-resourced and overprescribed. Broomfield contributes about $17 million a year to RTD. If you’re transit dependent in Broomfield then then you’re out of luck and that is the bigger problem. There has to be systemic change in the state to truly create a public transit system that serves everyone.
Development: We’re embracing growth, we’re building and improving as fast as we can. Voters approved an open space tax in perpetuity, and that helped fund a lot of land acquisitions that are going to be conserved and preserved as parks and recreation. But you can’t walk around – Broomfield is not a walkable community. It wasn’t built that way. It’s the burbs. You need a car here.
Cost of living: We require all new developers to provide 20 percent of their new for rent units at 60 percent (Adjusted Median Income) or less, or 10% of their for sale units at 60%. We have focused on that as a priority as long as I’ve been on this council since 2017. We’ve already built 9,700 units in three years.
Education: I doubt local governments can fill the gap. The schools are funded by a completely different taxing system in Colorado. It’s through property taxes. Cities and counties, and we’re both, are facing a lot of sticker shock as well. The cost of our capital improvements, pipes, labor, you name it, has tripled since before the pandemic.
Crime & Mental Health: We have mental health co-responders that go on calls. We have red flag laws or risk protection orders that allow folks to report someone who may be trying to harm themselves or others with firearms and get those firearms removed. We are utilizing part of our cannabis sales tax revenue to fund behavioral health programs in our schools.

Broomfield City Council – Ward 1

Chriss Hammerschmidt

Unhoused: They’ve done a good job with homelessness in Broomfield. They now have a voucher program so that people who need housing can get housing. The police department is really good at assessing the situation. I think they’re a vital part of that program.
Infrastructure: I attended a transportation forum the other day and I think Broomfield has a pretty good handle on it. They work pretty closely with CDOT. I know there’s been some problems with Highway 7 and I-25 Corridor, but that’s just the lack of funds. The thing I see as a problem is just the funding, like the RTD light rail system that’s taken a long time, they’ve overcharged.
Development: Broomfield was a small home community and it’s no longer that. The character changes as the population increases or decreases. We’ve had droughts forever here because we’re a semi-arid, arid part of the United States. We need to be really careful with our water supply and what I like to see is that we slow down a little bit.
Cost of living: People on fixed incomes are really feeling the pinch, we have to be really careful about how we subsidize housing. We don’t want to make it less affordable for some people just to make it more affordable for other people.
Education: My kids went to five-star schools and I never saw problems, but I just have to look at that a little bit more.
Crime & Mental Health: I think a lot of our problems go back to either drugs or childhood abuse or even elderly abuse. We need to focus on helping people find out what the problem is in their lives, that would go a long way to helping crime. You have to enforce laws, there has to be consequences. That’s how you have a civil society. It’s worked for a long time and we need to get back to the basics.

Kenny Nguyen – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We can help homelessness with affordable housing and better wages, because the reality is that people are just unable to afford homes. We need more housing units to help people make sure that they can afford a home and have options so they can purchase or even rent homes or apartments.
Infrastructure: The reality is that we don’t have public transit that supports us. A lot of folks use RTD, I use RTD. Unfortunately, it’s not accessible for a lot of Broomfielders. We want to make sure Broomfield is on the Green Path of carbon emissions. I would also encourage more charging stations for electric vehicles.
Development: My goal is more density in units. We need to focus on apartment complexes, duplexes, and townhomes that are maybe not as large but they are more attainable and affordable.
Cost of living: Folks are seeing crippling effects of inflation and interest rates. We have to increase wages, make sure that people can afford those homes. There’s crippling inflation and interest rates, people buy a home and they’re unable to afford a mortgage.
Education: Working with our local schools, teacher unions, and our educators to fund programs that are fair. We have to work together from local, state and federal and ideally, find the right partnerships. How do we get more pre-K teachers and educators?
Crime & Mental Health: We have to find better ways to address gun violence. Having mental health providers, police officers on patrol, and de-escalation. We’ve had some successful gun control legislation like red flag laws and getting guns from people who are more dangerous. I would also invite experts, police officers, folks to brainstorm together.

Broomfield City Council – Ward 2

Paloma Delgadillo – ENDORSED

Unhoused: I believe in funding our health and human services department and ensuring people who are unhoused, and those being on the brink of being unhoused, are able to access free services. I want to ensure that we are not making homelessness a crime, luckily this is the case. In Broomfield, if someone is camped out where they should not be camped out, it does not lead to criminal punishment.
Infrastructure: I am on the record of supporting denser development. It’s necessary not only to have regulatory solutions, but also to have more people. There are people who cannot afford a car, much less two cars for a household and so I think expanding public transportation is extremely important for us.
Development: Our goal is about 40% open space. Having access to the outdoors, open space, is beneficial for people and public health. We have plenty of single family options, I would argue that what we don’t have is townhouses and more of those denser developments.
Cost of living: Safe and dignified housing is a human right. It’s unconscionable the inequality we have in America. Obviously, that is not something under my control as a city council member. However, I do support continuing to fund those public services and public utilities that help improve people’s quality of life.
Education: I would defer a more robust answer for school board candidates and people who are much more informed about this. I would point to funding community services such as library programs, making sure that we have low cost and free preschool available to young families.
Crime & Mental Health: I believe in the Second Amendment and I do believe that we need common sense regulations. I think it’s impossible to ignore the link that poverty and a scarcity of resources have a detrimental effect on mental health. Giving people access to safe housing is important to ensure they are taken care of.

Broomfield City Council – Ward 3

Jean Lim – ENDORSED

Unhoused: In Broomfield when a resident or someone is concerned about an unhoused person, they can report it to the city and a cross-sectional team goes out to see if they can assist that unhoused person. That team effort has been successful so far in trying to find the unhoused person the resources that that person needs to find housing somewhere and to otherwise be set on a better path to sustainability.
Infrastructure: Public transit is essential to meeting not only the needs of those who have to commute to work and in and out of Broomfield, it’s essential to meet our green greenhouse gas goals, which we set in 2020 in Broomfield. Our BRT service has not developed fully yet. We need BRT service on Colorado 7.
Development: We have a process of reviewing development in Broomfield which keeps the character while at the same time providing for housing needs. We have recently revamped a lot of the code which had not been reviewed for a long time, as far as zoning landscape code, where parking and biking requirements.
Cost of living: I’m very proud of the efforts that council has made with our inclusionary housing ordinance. We have secured funding from residential developers for either the on site units or for cash in lieu. For cash in lieu, we have established the Broomfield Housing Alliance which will use to look at developments in Broomfield that can address the needs of our demographics.
Education: The Colorado preschool initiative as a statewide initiative, it was adopted on the premise that the state would be able to fund it and Broomfield has six school districts. Broomfield has never been in the service of providing education, so I don’t think that Broomfield has a role in this statewide initiative.
Crime & Mental Health: We have enhanced our mental health services that are available to Broomfield residents, in particular in the past four years through the pandemic. We have made use of the funding grant and internal funding grants and now the opioid money that’s available to enhance mental health resources for Broomfield residents.

Peter Crouse

Unhoused: I don’t have a plan for homelessness. The answer to homelessness is a multi-jurisdictional question that’s going to involve the resources of cities, counties, states and actually the federal government. It also has to do with health care in the country, which I don’t view as being as complete as it should be.
Infrastructure: We have to build appropriate density. Density allows living near retail so people can shop and walk without having to travel great distances, density allows people to park their cars, to ride their bikes, and to walk. The word density is a boogeyman, it creates fear in people. When they hear density, they think poverty, crime, crowding and I don’t think those align.
Development: There are those who would like to make Colorado so expensive that you build a financial fence around Colorado. I don’t think that that’s the right way to approach population growth. If you look at 96th Avenue in Broomfield, that is a model development of how we can move forward to provide adequate housing that’s affordable, as well as putting it around workplaces so that you have workforce housing and people don’t have to travel great distances to work.
Cost of living: We have to be very careful about what kind of municipal laws we pass regarding housing standards and electricity. We have got to ultimately move away from hydrocarbons, because the air pollution that comes with hydrocarbons has negative consequences. We want to reduce that air pollution. The move to electrify things has consequences in housing cost, you have to be careful.
Education: I don’t think local governments should be expected to fill that gap. I think that unfunded state mandate is one of the things causing friction between the municipalities and the state level government right now. I’m not sure how to address that unfunded mandate.
Crime & Mental Health: The responsibility for controlling guns is going to come down to voters in this country and voting in national politicians that align with their views on gun control. I really don’t think that the local communities are gonna have a lot to do with gun control. I don’t have a magic bullet answer on what to do about mental health issues. It’s so tied to families, poverty and poverty is so generational.

Broomfield City Council – Ward 4

Laurie Anderson – ENDORSED

Unhoused: Continue providing a more tailored approach to the unhoused, working with unhoused individuals on a case by case basis to figure out where they are from and what they need to get back on their feet. Broomfield’s unhoused population is low, so we should use this to our advantage by providing this more tailored, personalized approach.
Infrastructure: Those before us have done good work to begin expanding public transit and walkability, we should continue this work. We have walkable developments, more bus stops and expanded RTD coverage in development, hopefully to be completed in the next couple of years. We need to work to keep these projects on track.
Development: We need to build developments with unique character, such as the upcoming town square.
Cost of Living: Broomfield has already done work on figuring out what affordable housing is needed and how to provide more of it. We should follow the work that came before and stay on this course to provide affordable housing for Broomfield families. We have homes in the pipeline, we are building for density and plan to have RTD coverage by 2026.
Education: Advocate with the state to ensure that the most needy families are prioritized, and seek more funding for early education.
Crime & Mental Health: Identify when someone is having a mental health crisis as opposed to committing a crime, and expand programs and services to assist people undergoing mental health crises. Right now, our biggest issue with regards to mental health is lack of resources. Most of this is handled at the state level, so we must advocate for more state support and resources.

Broomfield City Council – Ward 5

Adam Gobetti – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: We need to help the unhoused population, not just tuck them into a corner and forget about them. The issue really comes down to mental health. We already have mental health resources, we need to do a better job of informing people and expanding access. We need to do targeted investments to improve these resources. Do what we can to make sure people don’t wind up unhoused in the first place.
Infrastructure: We need to focus on what can be done at a municipal level, such as advocating for smarter design and working with RTD and county authorities to encourage more public transportation.
Development: We need to be careful with what we build and why, and focus on growing slowly.
Cost of Living: Affordability/Cost of Living: We need to spend less money on big projects and focus on saving money for Broomfield families. To do this, we need to reduce taxes for those in Broomfield. We need to make it less expensive to live and do business in Broomfield. Don’t add costs to housing and don’t make it more difficult for builders to create housing.
Education: Education is a matter for the school board, not the city council. This doesn’t mean that nothing can be done, but it means that city council is incredibly limited in this area.
Crime & Mental Health: Mental health drives a lot of other issues, such as crime and suicide. Broomfield’s police department is fantastic and needs to be supported. We need to invest in solutions to mental health and crime problems that aren’t entirely police oriented.

Heidi Henkel – ENDORSED

Unhoused: There are a number of compounding issues behind this problem that need to be addressed. We need to expand affordable housing, mortgage assistance, and other housing support services so that people who are struggling don’t slip into homelessness. We need to get the unhoused wrap-around support services they need, such as mental and physical health care.
Infrastructure: Work on rezoning to improve walkability and public transportation, reduce parking spaces, increase walkability between commercial and residential areas. This is all about planning, we need to build with walkability and public transit in mind first and foremost. If you build density, transportation will come.
Development: The key to this is public input. If we are people powered, we’ll be able to build smartly and preserve Broomfields unique character. People are moving to Broomfield because of affordability, open spaces, and the tech scene, among other factors. We need to keep all of these in mind while growing and developing.
Cost of Living: We should build partnerships to develop more affordable housing, reduce cost of living and support Broomfield families. Broomfield should retain its land use authority because it can move quickly to build affordable housing. We need to work to make home ownership more attainable for people, and work regionally to raise the minimum wage across Boulder County and surrounding counties.
Education: We need to provide more preschool and childcare resources for Broomfield families.
Crime & Mental Health: Work at the state level to pass a bill requiring firearm education before any firearm purchase. This will significantly increase gun safety, and weed out people who are looking to purchase a firearm just to hurt others. Make sure people are keeping their firearms locked up, and work to reduce firearms being stolen from cars and homes. Expand red flag laws to ensure that people going through a mental health crisis have some sort of intervention before purchasing a firearm.

Broomfield Ward 5 (Recall) | Vote: No

Todd Cohen – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We have a robust Human Services Department that provides services. The city also has a hotel voucher program to temporarily get people out of public spaces and provide shelter especially in times of severe weather.
Infrastructure: We can pressure RTD to live up to their promises, they have failed. We’re unfortunately a public transit desert in many ways. I would like to see more safe, dedicated bike lanes rather than relying on paint on a pavement.
Development: Stick to our 40% open lands goal. It provides spaces for both mental health spaces and wildlife. We are emphasizing density, particularly in the Highway 7 corridor. The future is more townhomes, more dense housing developments around transit areas.
Cost of Living: Beyond the basic problem of supply and demand, we need more housing. The market is not going to solve that. It’s partly the density that you require, we need to build our way out of this with more housing options.
Education: The state doesn’t have enough resources for schools, roads, or sewers. It doesn’t have enough resources for preschool. Unfortunately, TABOR has starved schools, roads, and education to a Mississippi level.
Crime & Mental Health: young people are not feeling hopeful at all, and if you don’t have hope you turn to other means. Lockdown drills, home prices out of reach, student loans making college unrealistic, why is it surprising that we have mental health challenges and anxiety?

Maria Boutrous – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: We need to take an individualized, tailored approach, by providing mental health and economic support services to the people that need it. Many with mental health issues, such as schizophrenics, are chronically unhoused, and we need to focus on giving them the support and resources they need.
Infrastructure: Broomfield has been giving RTD money for years without a noticeable increase in service. We need to reevaluate where our money is going, and what will have the best impact on increasing public transit availability. Crime puts a big damper on public transit use, so by combating crime we would encourage more people to use public transit.
Development: We need to be smart about developing the last twenty percent of available land in Broomfield, as the city’s large amount of open space is one of the main things that draws people to the city.
Cost of Living: We need to reduce the mill levy, and other taxes and regulations that make it difficult for builders to create housing in Broomfield. This will increase the amount of affordable housing, specifically middle housing like townhomes, and reduce cost of living for average families. Specifically, we need to target high property taxes that make life more expensive for Broomfield families.
Education: This is not something the city council can realistically address, this issue is best left to the school board.
Crime & Mental Health: Crime is a huge mental health burden on Broomfield families. We could do a lot to address the mental health crisis by reducing property crime, such as vehicle thefts, so families have less to worry about, and by fighting to lower the cost of living. In order to reduce crime, we need to work with Broomfield police and give them the resources and support they need.

Boulder Elections

Boulder Mayor

Aaron Brockett – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We need more permanent housing to get people off the street and provide wraparound substance abuse and mental health services. We should also create programs with transitional choices like tiny home villages which are proving to be successful in Denver. We can help pay for this with funding from proposition 123 which was passed last year and provides millions of dollars for homelessness supportive services.
Infrastructure: We need to move in a sustainable direction by creating more “15 minute neighborhoods,” where people can walk, bike, and take the bus to most of their daily needs. We are working to accomplish that by rezoning some of our old strip malls and business parks, so they become vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. We got a $25 million grant to increase transportation between Longmont and Boulder. I will seek out every opportunity to add transit options and bike infrastructure if I’m re-elected.
Development: It’s about locating denser development in places that can support it, where there are services, bikeability, and transit. That goes to some of the rezoning I’ve been talking about, but some of that new development can really create beautiful communities. You can add new development in ways that actually enhance a community’s character.
Cost of living: We have to create substantial affordable housing. Right now we are working on projects to clear out regulatory obstacles to more affordable and attainable housing, and I am in full support of those. The rezoning that I was talking about will come with a 25% affordable housing requirement. We can expect substantial amounts of affordable housing from that. We also have to look at changing permit and fee structures so that affordable housing is easier to create.
Education: I have been disappointed at the rolling back of universal preschool programs. We had a positive alternative in the potential creation of an early childhood education district, but I was disappointed that they didn’t move forward. One thing we can do at the municipal level is to provide support for early childcare expenses. Our Human Services department has a child care affordability fund that we use to support small family-owned childcare, as well as people who need help paying for childcare.
Crime & Mental Health: Better mental health support is critical. Currently Colorado ranks 49th in terms of funding and it affects everybody in the community, people with houses, people without houses, youths, and seniors, everyone. We need to partner with our nonprofit and county governments to provide additional resources and funding. The largest cause of gun violence is suicides. We need to provide mental health resources to help keep that from happening.
Policing: I was excited to support the Reimagine Policing program. It moves us away from primarily arresting people who commit crimes and more into a focus of how to prevent crimes from happening in the first place. So it puts police more in a partnership with the community and finding out the reasons why crime is happening and working toward changing the environment such that it won’t reoccur in the future.

Bob Yates

Unhoused: I put together an eight point plan that addresses some problems and consequences of homelessness in Boulder. We need to be compassionate and provide services that unhoused people need — mental health treatments, substance-abuse treatment, temporary and permanent housing. We need to be sensitive to community values because we have homeless people living in parks and other public spaces, which is illegal and unhealthy for them and for our housed community.
Infrastructure: Our public transportation is operated by the regional transit district, the RTD. The city does operate one bus line, the HOP, and we’ve had discussions over the last few years about possibly expanding the HOP bus lines, because RTD is simply not able to provide adequate transit service to our community.
Development: Boulder’s growth within the last 20 years has been very slow and steady. We add about 200 to 300 housing units per year. About half of those incremental units that have been added in the last few years have been permanently affordable and are restricted for low income families. So we have been growing very slowly but steadily.
Cost of living: There are a number of state and federal programs that help the city create permanent affordable housing for families with low income at or below 60% area median income. If a family makes 70%, there are no such programs. The city needs to be creative. One program I put together with the former mayor was a middle income down payment assistance program.
Education: This is a state program, so I’m not sure it’s appropriate. The city is not involved with education. I think it’s great that the state has stepped in to provide some preschool education, but the city is not in a position to get into the education business to fund education services. This is something the city should not be involved in. We should leave that to the school district and to the state.
Crime & Mental Health: Colorado ranks at or near the bottom of mental health funding compared to other states. The city doesn’t have a health department and so while the city can certainly be helpful in various ways, we need to look to the state and the county to provide treatment. For gun violence, I am proud of the fact during my years on council, we passed two sets of gun gun violence prevention measures.
Policing: I am happy with the plan. It passed unanimously a couple weeks ago and that tells you a lot. There’s not a whole lot that nine members of the council can agree on, and I think that’s a tribute to the police chief, and I think it’s a tribute to the process. I was part of that process of community engagement understanding what it is that the community expects from the police department. It is my understanding that the understanding police plan that we approved a couple weeks ago is being held up nationally as a role model.

Nicole Speer – QUALIFIED

Unhoused: My plan is to focus on evidence based solutions to end homelessness. There are a few things we know that work, one of them is prevention focused, and it is providing cash emergency assistance to people who are on the verge of becoming homeless. You can, for relatively small amounts of money, actually prevent somebody from falling into homelessness.
Infrastructure: I would advocate for moving towards universal design standards for our streets. Which go beyond ADA accessibility. Maybe neurological disorders, sensory processing disorder and mental illness. Make more spaces for them, like how we provide ample seating for people who can’t really walk very far before they take a break. How are we using trees and plants to dampen noise and provide shade for cooler spaces. Those are things I’d push for.
Development: I’ve been here almost 20 years and you know, the character has changed quite a bit. We have gotten quite a bit wealthier, housing prices have gone up quite a bit. A lot of the homes are doubling in size. I think we need to think about how we want to change moving forward. Are we comfortable with that change? Is this what we really want to be?
Cost of living: One thing is to increase the amount of affordable housing. We are beginning to look at — and I am fully in support — is putting housing fees on single family homes that are doing additions or large renovations. Homes that are getting bigger. These homes that I just complained about above are changing the character of our neighborhoods.
Education: I was a little disappointed that our county commissioners did not choose to pursue the creation of a child care district. I think that is an interesting solution to some of the childcare issues we’re facing, and I would really like to see that revisited in the coming years.
Crime & Mental Health: At a local level we’re doing what we can to restrict availability of guns. We really need some sensible gun safety legislation. As far as Mental health goes, I always think it’s important to remember most people with mental illnesses are not committing crime, and also people with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of crimes. We are one of the lowest when it comes to mental health care. I would love to see the county and state invest more in mental health services, a lot of it comes down to prevention.
Policing: Where the Reimagine Policing policy ought to be taking us is to where we’re partnering with the community to reduce crime and reduce the need for police intervention. That is where I see the role evolving to prevent crime. More investment in social services. If you have enough money to put food on the table, we know there is no reason to go try and steal food from the grocery store. We know that investments really make a difference.

Paul Tweedlie – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: You can make a distinction between the homeless, who are raised in Boulder, and have fallen on hard times, and they have been helped by the city’s housing department. I think it’s like six people. Transients, illegal camps, these guys don’t belong in Boulder, they need to leave.
Infrastructure: I think there are some problems. I was excited to see a new route has been added and also I see encouraging signs like E-bikes around town and now E-scooters. We need to make sure we have safe bike and foot paths where people can get to where they need to be.
Development: There’s the super rich who come from out of state with millions, if not billions, and that puts pressure on the housing market. What we really need is low income housing so that the people who work in Boulder can live in Boulder. So I would try to encourage the development of low income housing.
Cost of living: There’s not much you can do about the rising cost of living. There’s a 600 acre area just north and east of the city which you know can be chopped up and then we can develop that area for more low income housing. The first thing would be to follow the plan that’s already in place.
Education: It sounds like a failing for families. I don’t know what to do, the housing and school system are already under a lot of pressure. I’d encourage more home schools, I’d support these programs.
Crime & Mental Health: Crime is a real problem and it’s highly associated with drugs. There is such an access to drugs. Fentanyl is killing our kids. Absolutely heartbreaking. To address the crime I think we first need to address illegal drugs.
Policing: It was a great plan. They’re looking for more officers to hire, but they’re having trouble hiring more officers. I believe the city Council has a duty to set the tone, they need to set expectations in Boulder. If you break the law, you’re gonna get fined and ticketed if it’s a misdemeanor. If you don’t pay your fine, you’re going to jail.

Boulder City Council – At Large

Aaron Neyer

Unhoused: We need transitional housing so homeless people have a place to go. Right now we’re saying ‘you can’t be here,’ but the truth is they don’t have a place to go. We need to recognize our society, and the inequity that’s built into our society, is creating this problem.
Infrastructure: We need to make it more appealing to not use a car, to do that people need to feel safe. Right now a lot of people don’t feel safe when not in a car. We do that by creating more protected bike lanes.
Development: Duplexes and triplexes allow for more infill and housing. We start like really thinking how we can intelligently build out.
Cost of Living: We should create more affordable housing, and more middle income housing, to start creating a little more economic diversity. I know people who live in duplex and triplexes and they really enjoy the community feel.
Education: I know there’s really great preschools here yet a lot of people struggle sending their kids to preschools. I would like to see Boulder play more of a role in how we are shaping the education system. But I’m not well researched enough to know what the solutions are.
Crime & Mental Health: I learned about a program where they trained a number of mental health responders so if someone is caling 911, the operator that receives it can determine if this is a mental health crisis. I’m curious if we could do something like that in Boulder, that would be really cool.
Policing: The struggle is when somebody is having a mental health break down, they get the police called on them. We should emphasize things like community mutual aid and trained mental health responders.

Jacques Decalo

Unhoused: Expand facilities and programs that currently help the unhoused, such as turning night shelters into daytime or even 24 hour shelters. Give unhoused people the support they need to find both temporary and long term housing, particularly employment. Enforce the camping ban, but provide areas where the unhoused can stay, receive support, and access services.
Infrastructure: Work on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis to figure out which can accommodate more density. Make Boulder friendlier to bikers by building protected bike lanes and fixing potholes. Work to accommodate e-bikes and make public transit more reliable and frequent.
Development: Keep Boulder diverse, natural and beautiful. Make our neighborhoods more walkable and friendlier to public transit. Boulder shouldn’t sprawl.
Cost of Living: Make Boulder an affordable place to live for everyone. Focus on building inclusionary housing while also helping housed people stay that way. Make use of vacant and underused spaces, like empty offices, to build more housing.
Education: Work with what we have, use universities already in Boulder to expand early education programs. Give lower income Boulder residents more opportunities for early childhood education. Philanthropy can help us bridge these gaps and provide for Boulder’s children.
Crime & Mental Health: Take a holistic approach to policing, focus on preventative measures. Get input from the community on what they’re worried about and what needs fixing. Address what leads people to crime, provide support and expand opportunities for people.
Policing: Continue to support Reimagine Policing. Invest in our police, make sure our bike paths and public spaces are safe, well-monitored, and held to a safety standard put forward by the chief of police. We also need to work with our local businesses to help them feel safe.

Jennifer Robins

Unhoused: We can’t group the unhoused into one group. We have families that are experiencing homelessness. We have individuals experiencing homelessness. I think Boulder does a good job working with a portion of the unhoused community who are actively working towards to exit homelessness. For those living in the encampments, we believe we need to continue outreach to get them involved with coordinated entry and the mini mini services that are offered through outdoor city.
Infrastructure: Transportation accounts for 29% of the greenhouse gas emissions. There are many people in our community that have to drive to work, to shop, to go to school. It comes back to rezoning housing and areas that we have mass transit and walkable, mixed use neighborhoods. We need to increase the safety and usability of RTD, increase our bike share, and incentivize eBike purchases.
Development: I would support strategic zoning reform to allow for slightly higher densities and gentle infill in certain areas. These areas can include our vacant or aging businesses and industrial districts, where we can rezone to create multi unit housing. I think it’s crucial work with our existing neighborhoods to accomplish all of this.
Cost of living: The market is in the business of profit it’s not in the business of affordability so in Boulder we’re going to have to regulate in order to get the affordable housing that we need. We need to focus on continuing our inclusionary housing policy and leveraging that cash to let our Boulder housing partners with the county to create truly affordable housing.
Education: I went back to work after six weeks with both of my kids and they had to go directly into private daycare so I am very aware of how families struggle. We need to continue looking at working with our community partners or existing nonprofits to help that situation, as well as potentially providing tax rebates for in-home daycare.
Crime & Mental Health: We need to implement a caring yet efficient strategy for addressing crime. Mental health is a huge issue right now. Public safety is the job of the city and health is the job of the county. The county really needs to step up and provide supportive services.
Policing: Police need to be staffed to be staffed to be successful. I went on a ride along about two weeks ago with the police and I was able to see how all of the different teams within the police department work together so efficiently. We had mental health calls. I was able to see how they worked with the downtown Ambassadors on Pearl Street.

Ryan Schuchard – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We need to focus on four key areas: people, prevention, places, programs and spaces. Increase the use of non-police responses when dealing with those suffering mental health issues. Prevent people from slipping into homelessness. Establish a more accessible network, such as day shelters. Make sure our public spaces have the things people need to get through their day, such as public toilets and drinking fountains
Infrastructure: Consolidate the city’s resources and bureaucracies for the purpose of building more walkable, public transit friendly infrastructure and codify our goals in this area. We need to focus on making Boulder resource and space efficient. Lastly, we need to build a full grid of transportation modes that aren’t centered on cars, and build a public transportation network that is more robust, efficient and reliable.
Development: Our problems with development come from our attachment to and reliance on cars. Decoupling from cars would give us space for more people and room for safer modes of transit. Reducing our dependence on cars would make our city more inclusive and solve a lot of our issues with development.
Cost of Living: We need to increase the quantity of middle housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, townhomes. Reform zoning to make it easier to build middle income housing. We need to reduce and eliminate parking mandates in order to incentivize building more housing. We need to practice strategic development in the large tracts of land open to us, such as the airport.
Education: We need to make the cost of living work better for those in the education system, namely teachers. We also need to expand resources for working parents.
Crime & Mental Health: We need to expand our network of mental health and substance addiction support services.
Policing: Address the epidemic of drug addiction, mental illness, poverty, and desperation, which are fueling an increase in violent crime. We need to fix the congestion problem in our courts, in a way that protects civil liberties while reducing costs and breaking the cycle of people reoffending. Become more sophisticated about dealing with transportation related crime, such as bike theft.

Silas Atkins – QUALIFIED

Unhoused: A holistic approach to support the unhoused and help struggling people stay housed. Take both the short and long term into account, and expand our perspective to work with regional authorities. Take inspiration from successes in Denver to create safe public spaces and provide services to those who need them most. Expand temporary housing solutions such as hotel room stays and repurposing empty commercial space.
Infrastructure: Incentivize housing density and placing housing along transit corridors. In order to depend less on cars, we need people to live closer to where they work and give them greater access to more means of transportation. We can achieve this by changing our zoning laws and taking cues from infrastructure changes that are working in other parts of the state.
Development: Boulder is not full, it only feels so because we have cars everywhere. Reduce conflict between different modes of travel by splitting them up. Increase public transit and dense housing to make Boulder a more pleasant, environmentally friendly place to live.
Cost of Living: Make it easier for things to get built. Support working families by raising the minimum wage and providing direct cash assistance to those that need it. Work to create neighborhoods of mixed income levels, economic segregation benefits no one.
Education: There is very little we can do to work with the education system on the local, city level, as this is largely handled on the state level. The best way to proceed is to reach out to experts on this matter and figure out what we can do, if anything, to help ease families burdens. It will take expert advice and out of the box thinking to tackle this problem on the local level.
Crime & Mental Health: Take the existing police budget and reinvest it into proven, nonviolent solutions, such as the care team. The last thing the Boulder Police Department needs is more money and more officers, as it has been proven that approaches like this do nothing to make our citizens and public spaces safer.
Policing: The reimagined policing plan was a bad idea for Boulder.

Tara Winer – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We have a day center that we’re working on. Right now, people have the option of staying in the Boulder Shelter for the homeless. But that is during the night, they need to go somewhere during the day where they can access services, use the bathroom and the showers, and have lockers for their possessions. We need more transitional housing with more services.
Infrastructure: We have a car culture. To get people out of cars, transit has to be fast, reliable, and inexpensive. That, of course, falls under the purview of the RTD. However, we do have Via, they run the hop and they do a good job. I think the best options we might have even for the disabled are probably E-bikes. I want to put infrastructure with protected bike lanes into Boulder.
Development: Colorado in general has a housing shortage but we also have a labor shortage. So, to me, they’re inter-twined. Having housing that the labor pool wants is going to be crucial for us to solve some of our labor shortage problems. I don’t have to tell you how expensive land is here, making housing that is affordable is pretty difficult.
Cost of living: Two types of affordable housing in Boulder. Deed restricted permanently affordable housing, and there is housing that is affordable or attainable. We have a lot of the deed restricted permanently affordable housing units in the pipeline. I would say we’re really good at that. What we don’t have is a lot of affordable housing that’s outside that. We have very little middle income housing stock.
Education: You know, in a world where we have unlimited funds, yes, they could. But, we have limited funds. Personally, I don’t know. I feel like the state should’ve done that. It’s not fair to keep asking local governments to keep paying for everything.
Crime: I want to talk about mental health. We have Mental Health Partners. It’s the county that’s supposed to be in charge of mental health so a lot of my job is to beg the county commissioners and the state to do something to help us. Mental health is part of the county’s purview, and it affects our cities so much. I will say that Mental Health Partners did recently get a grant that was awarded to them to purchase a facility.
Policing: I was part of the subcommittee for the Reimagine Policing plan and I thought the policing plan was great. I think we have some problems because we have a shortage of police officers. We are about 20 police officers down so we’re having trouble keeping up with all the things that police officers need to be involved with. So the reimagining plan called for 205 police officers and we can’t even find staff and retain them. We really need more police officers.

Taishya Adams – ENDORSED

Unhoused: Resources, people, programs and initiatives we know what works, investing in what works, and being led by those who are most affected by this topic. Like Streetscape, for example, and their four point plan.
Infrastructure: Funding for our transportation system is going to be the number one most important goal. We have new funding opportunities through both the inflation reduction act, and Boulder’s own climate tax. How do we leverage these historic investments to make sure we are reducing our own carbon footprint emissions, and increasing our biodiversity. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention people with disabilities. I believe in balancing people and the planet.
Development: We can’t just have housing everywhere. It really needs to be balanced with the habitats of other species and of course the natural resources we manage. As a former commissioner for Colorado Parks, and Wildlife, I am aware of this fresh perspective and proven expertise in balancing the needs of outdoor recreation, which is one of the cornerstones of Boulder. That’s why I came here. The character also evolves as we evolve.
Cost of living: Increasing the minimum wage. Honestly, I think it’s problematic when our government is only focused on one dimension of our lives. Affordability is not just in housing, We’re going to have a 25% increase in our water bill. Water affordability is going to be a conversation we’re going to be having Not to mention transportation affordability. I know we have some programs, but not to meet the demands. It is a holistic viewpoint that moves the bar.
Education: One of the issues is staffing and retaining early childhood staff in challenging work conditions. Demand is high and inventory is low. This is one of the challenges of unfunded mandates. I’m going to bring expertise to this council, understanding the federal, state, and local level to work with various departments to put money in the hands of families.
Crime: What we do have is to work with health and human services that we currently have and make sure they are resourced. Our Health and Human Services department just became at parity with our police budget. Two years prior to that I think it was 2/3 the budget. So you get what you pay for. You get what you invest in. We invested in policing, which unfortunately is a reactive strategy. Thankfully, Chief Herold is working to be more proactive.
Policing: I’m an inaugural member of the police oversight panel, so I’ve looked under the hood in ways most in our city have not, and by that I mean audio tapes, video, tapes and documents opportunities to meet with the chief and staff and officers and community members. I’ll bring that experience in the expertise to this conversation around policing and Reimagine Policing, I think the current reimagining police program gets it right as it relates to transparency, and as it relates to an effort to be more proactive rather than be reactive.

Terri Brncic – QUALIFIED

Unhoused: Need to stop thinking of unhoused people as a uniform group with the same needs. Housing alone will not solve the problem, many are suffering from mental health disorders. We need to expand our mental health support services and transitional housing to help the chronically unhoused. However, Boulder can’t do this on its own, and we need to pressure the county and state to step up and help us.
Infrastructure: Focus on our e-bike infrastructure and safety policies. Make sure that e-bikes are encouraged and safe to use for everyone. Increase bike security so people will be more likely to buy and use bikes. Target parking minimums to reclaim space and start building for the future.
Development: We need to expand density in moderation. Don’t want Boulder to be all high rise apartment buildings, but need to build targeted, intentionally walkable neighborhoods along transit corridors.
Cost of Living: Need to make the best use of our scarce land by building more affordable housing and expanding housing density. We have to make sure that, in the process of building out, we focus on housing that is affordable rather than high end housing like townhomes.
Education: We need to increase the minimum wage to make things easier both for educators and for families. This is the main thing we can do to address this issue at the local level.
Crime & Mental Health: Work on lobbying the county to expand mental health resources in Boulder. Our police force is progressive and doing well, we need to support them.
Policing: I support Reimagine Policing, we have one of the most progressive police chiefs in the country and we should support her. The chief has expressed a desire for change and is currently on a good course, we should support her while also keeping an eye on her progress.

Tina Marquis

Unhoused: Support current efforts, and expand with new projects such as a day center for the unhoused population. Work to connect people to the resources we have. Expand collaborations with municipal partners to increase affordable housing and provide support to those who are struggling.
Infrastructure: Reduce barriers to accessing public transportation in order to increase use, which will hopefully lead to increased frequency. Work with RTD to expand public transportation options. Create safe routes for people to walk and bike on. Expand density where it makes sense, in places where people can realistically walk and bike around.
Development: Don’t build just for the sake of it. Focus on providing opportunities for middle and low income families, such as providing more middle income housing. In general, focus on building housing that caters to a diverse range of socioeconomic groups.
Cost of Living: Help people stay in their homes. In general, focus on helping people who are struggling to afford basic necessities, both by providing services through the city government and by partnering with nonprofits.
Education: Focus on working with existing providers and services rather than creating new taxes or boards. Could consider a citywide early childhood care tax, but must look at the need for it in Boulder. Would prefer a city tax rather than county wide tax. Try to meet families needs without adding too much administrative complexity.
Crime & Mental Health: Reduce the usage of guns and support gun safety. Guns should not be in the hands of people who would not be responsible firearm owners. Work with the county to address mental health support services in Boulder.
Policing: The reimagined policing program provides a nice balance between the need for public safety and our city wide values of social justice and equity. Focus on preventative rather than reactive policing.

Waylon Lewis – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We’ve been stuck in the status quo that is bad for all of us. Bad for the homeless, bad for the rest of the general public. It’s been expensive, we’ve tied the hands of the police, and expect them to solve everything. I am a rare candidate not allied with either of the major slates who work to form coalitions. (I’d work), to solve this based on what’s worked and what hasn’t in other cities.
Infrastructure: I would add electric buses and smaller vans more frequently to all the major routes. RTD is not always a dependable partner. We need regular clean buses and protected bike lanes, as well as adequate access and parking for those who do need to drive. This will take cars off the road reducing traffic. We have to take both climate change and our ability to get around the city safely and quickly seriously.
Development: We’ve lost affordability, our schools are emptying out. Police officers, teachers, healthcare workers can’t afford to live in Boulder. We need to redouble our efforts on affordable housing in beautiful fun ways that keep Boulder feeling like Boulder. I’d often say let’s make Boulder weird again.
Cost of living: What Boulder has done with affordable housing is pretty impressive. Still, our goal is nearly double where we’re at now. The model that BHP and others are focusing on is working. We need to focus on missing middle income housing but that will take focus and support from the City Council.
Education: If parents can’t afford to live in Boulder, let alone work in Boulder that doesn’t work for any of us. To keep our economy strong we need to fill the gap with nonprofit and city run daycare as well as pushing both regionally and state and federally to get the support we expected, and that our citizens need. Families are vital to Boulder and we’re losing them every single day.
Crime: Boulder has shown leadership on addressing gun violence, especially since the tragic shooting at King Soopers. There’s only so much we can do without federal and state support. Mental health and addiction care are both vital for reducing crime.
Policing: We are gifted with an ethical and progressive police chief. Our role in City Council will be to both support the police and get them clear direction, neither of which they’ve never really had over the last years. The Reimagine Policing document is one I support, and it includes encouraging community, policing and mental and addiction care, so that police aren’t saddled with responding to everything, including situations they may not be equipped for.

Boulder City Ballot Measures

2A – Sales Tax Allocation: Extension of the existing .15 % City Sales and Use Tax with 50% for General Fund Purposes and 50% to Support Arts, Culture and Heritage (Compromise Measure) | Vote: Yes

302 – Public Space: A citizen initiated Charter Amendment to prohibit items located on city property within a radius of five-hundred feet from any point on a school property line or within fifty feet on both sides of any multi-use path or sidewalk with prioritized removal | Vote: No

2B – Election Rules (Petitions): A Charter Amendment to sections 27, 37, 39, 46, and 57 to: Remove the requirement that people who wish to sign petitions in support of mayoral or City Council candidates do so in person before the city clerk. Allow the city clerk additional processing time to reduce the need for overtime or weekend work to process paper petitions. Clarify language providing that state law governs amendments to the city’s Charter | Vote: Yes

Erie Elections

Erie Ballot Measures

3A – Home Rule: Shall the Town of Erie proposed home rule charter be adopted? | Vote: Yes

3B – Mayor and Council Compensation: The Mayor shall receive as monetary compensation the sum of twelve hundred dollars ($1,200) per month, and each Council Member shall receive as monetary compensation the sum of seven hundred dollars ($700) per month. Both amounts shall be adjusted annually according to the consumer price index (CPI) for the Denver-Boulder-Greeley area, or such successor index promulgated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. | Vote: Yes

Lafayette Elections

Lafayette City Council – At Large

Crystal Gallegos – QUALIFIED

Unhoused: Make sure the people who are unhoused know resources that are available, but we don’t want to strain those organizations as well. I’m thinking specifically of Sister Carmen as one that does great work. We need to make sure they are financially able to continue to assist people.
Infrastructure: When RTD was free for everyone, as a mom who spends a lot of time driving to various schools, I did notice the program cut down on vehicular traffic immensely, especially near schools, which in turn helps with our problem with emissions and deteriorating roads.
Development: My biggest concern with population growth is its impact on education. We seem to be building a lot of large density housing, but not really planning for children and schools.
Cost of living: I just wanted to mention I’m not a homeowner, I am someone who rents. That does make me pro affordable housing. We need to think about education and infrastructure as well. If we continue to build large density housing, we need to make sure we’re considering those as well.
Education: I’m the parent of a four year old who was promised four days a week of preschool and then they retracted that decision. We need to work with the district to see if there are ways we can implement those additional days that were promised.

David Fridland – ENDORSED

Unhoused: It’s a lot about working directly with services and support networks that we have around us: Boulder County, our local PD, Sister Carmen or our mental health services through the city and through the county. Getting them housing, if we can. It’s definitely inspiring to see what the new mayor of Denver is doing.
Infrastructure: The basic infrastructure of our community needs to be top of mind: roads, safe sidewalks, multimodal transportation, making sure there’s bike lanes, making sure there’s bike and walking paths. All of it has to be addressed. Specifically for mass transit we need to work directly with RTD to make sure our community is getting served. I hear from a lot of people that RTD is a challenge in Lafayette.
Development: People have been moving to the Front Range, and Colorado generally, since the mid-90s. I love that we have new neighbors, new ideas, new energy. We need to make sure we do it in a balanced way. We need to start thinking about how to build in a balanced and responsive way to the community that lives here already. More density, especially around transportation corridors, is really important.
Cost of living: Lafayette has done a pretty good job with affordable housing. We have Willoughby Corner being built. We have been leaders in terms of increasing the housing stock. A lot of it is larger than one community. We need housing stock across the income spectrum. We can do what we can do in Lafayette but it has to be more regional, state-wide support from the county, from the state. We all need to be rowing in the same direction.
Education: Our role would be helping support local school districts to make sure folks that can’t afford preschool are getting support. We are more of a connector in helping understand the problem, and helping our community and our residents get what they need.

Eric Ryant

Unhoused: It is a continuing problem and lots of citizens are concerned about it, so I do plan on addressing it.
Infrastructure: I’m pro-business first of all. Any way to generate either income for the city or make it more affordable to live like the Willoughby Corner center that we’re putting up, I’m all for it. I think that affordable housing is an important issue that I am firmly for.
Development: I’d have to get with CDOT. I want to see extensively what kind of plans they have with the roads. There’s several projects here in Lafayette that have been delayed or are taking forever, so I’d see what they’re planning to do to help us with the influx of people moving in.
Cost of living: Inflation is a tough battle, for increasing the minimum wage, once something is in writing with Boulder County I’d probably sit down with all our local business leaders and get their thoughts because I think it is difficult to live in Lafayette. That’s why we’re putting up affordable housing, and we have to allow our local workers to be able to live locally.
Education: I don’t represent myself. I represent the community, so if we feel that there’s any issues, I am there to approach it and try to find a good, long-term solution to the situation.

Gala Orba

Unhoused: The city of Lafayette is currently being sued because we have no homeless shelter. I’d like to open a homeless shelter, and I’m already looking at spaces. I’m going to pick four of them, and then I’m going to take them to the Council. I’d also like to create some permanent housing for the homeless. It’s been proven that the best way to solve homelessness is to give homeless people a place to live.
Infrastructure: We’ve got space on Public Road and other areas where we could have more economic development and small business, however the rent is pretty high. It’s hard for people to get their foot in the door and start small businesses. I will always be a candidate for the little guy. I believe small business is the heart of our country.
Development: We’re balancing urban growth in general. We just need a little help with the economy. I think those people who move here could potentially help us. I don’t look at it as a problem.
Cost of living: There is affordable housing that is public housing but then there are landlords who are already helping with this phenomenon. For all the towns in the area and in this county I feel like Lafayette is the most hospitable to people who are lower income. That said I am focusing on the homeless more so than affordable housing.
Education: Everybody deserves help with quality help with childcare. I’ve been impressed with the city of Lafayette’s commitment to after-school programs for middle and high school kids. It’s been beautiful to witness. The city has focused on middle and high school kids this past year, and done really well, so it’s time for us to build upon that success and focus on a younger population. There’s been lots of studies as far as how early childcare and head start programs are incredibly beneficial for successful students and successful lives.

JD Mangat – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We have always had folks experiencing homelessness in Lafayette, but lately it’s becoming more and more an emerging issue. Unfortunately we don’t have a housing and human services department currently within the city. My long-term goal is to create and develop that internally. The goal is to provide the unhoused population with the resources they need to survive and thrive.
Infrastructure: During my time on counsel we’ve built a comprehensive plan for the entire city. We need to focus heavily on multi-modal transportation. I know that the state is working on the RTD across Baseline, but we can’t just rely on that. I’m a big fan of micro mobility, the electrification of smaller vehicles, scooters, and bicycles. We have a lot of areas that are missing bike lanes. The city is not as connected as it should be.
Development: I think people make the mistake of thinking we are growing like crazy. We’re really not. Our intent is not to expand our borders, it is to meet further growth with infill. That’s going to be tough when it comes to traffic congestion, water, and city services. Any time your population grows I think problems grow with it.
Cost of living: This is the number one issue I’m campaigning on. Lafayette made history this year by creating Willoughby Corner. There are a lot of different levers we can pull in partnership with the state that we can work with to increase affordable housing, like how we opted into Proposition 123. I’m hoping Willoughby Corner is just the tip of the iceberg.
Education: I think there’s a need for free full-day childcare. I’d be willing to do what I can do in my capacity to advocate for it, whether it’s on a state level or a different level. That’s a huge need in our city, as all Coloradans would probably agree.

John Watson – ENDORSED

Unhoused: I would definitely want to address that issue and look at possibly having some type of affordable housing.
Infrastructure: I’m a huge supporter of the infrastructure. I definitely want our businesses to continue. I do know that part of the problem that I see is that we are getting ready to lose our King Soopers. It looks like a gaping hole in the north side of town there. At the same time I don’t want another Dollar General or something like that. I’d like a grocery store, whether it be a mom or pop, or somebody else that would be paying taxes.
Development: I think that it’s not as prevalent because we are kind of close to our maximum threshold as far as population-wise. We will need to look at different aspects and considerations, but I think diversity is a very fundamental part of who I am and what I represent, and I would like us to be welcoming and inviting, not become exclusive.
Cost of living: I do believe that we should have a living wage. I’m completely on board with supporting people having living wages. I myself have lived here going on 18 years and I could not afford my house when we had it appraised and refinanced. I could not afford my house today.
Education: I don’t have a lot to do with it as far as a city council member, but I would definitely support those types of endeavors.

Tim Barnes – ENDORSED

Unhoused: Unhoused have different categories. Those who have immediate needs, say triage, you help them with medical emergency services. The other piece is to help people manage work their way through this system of services that exists, maybe with a mentoring program.
Infrastructure: The whole metro area has been designed around cars. So we have a hard problem and infrastructure problem that impacts all of these other issues like affordable housing and whatnot. We need to separate car traffic. There has to be a physical barrier, there’s way too many accidents.
Development: I sit on the sustainability resilience Advisory Committee. Resilience is key. That means taking stock of what you currently have, and what are the missing components. The problem is with development is that it has been low density.
Cost of Living: The definition of affordable housing is too narrow. Accessory dwelling units, condos, apartments, they all play a role. But right now it’s cost prohibitive to build an adu and keep the rent reasonable.
Education: I hear there is a direct economic correlation to early education and the economy. There’s a direct correlation. You pay for it, but your economy does better. Municipalities can can contribute but I don’t think they should be the lead.

Louisville Elections

Louisville – Mayor

Chris Leh – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We need to build more affordable housing. There are a variety of places where we can establish some permanently affordable housing. And, one such place is doing some transportation-oriented development near our bus rapid transit close to McCaslin Boulevard.
Infrastructure: The idea of transportation-oriented development is critical here because it provides the kind of density that helps reduce carbon footprint and provides opportunities for people either not to need cars because they can use the bus or to use whatever transportation they have more sparingly, which helps to cut down greenhouse gasses.
Development: We’re going to be doing some changes to our land use planning code and processes. I think that that will certainly provide, we hope, expedited, clear, consistent, fair, predictable sorts of standards for folks to develop too. Those standards will be very much informed by our desire to maintain the small town feel of the city, which I believe we can do.
Cost of living: We need housing stock that augments our single-family homes, because that’s a majority of housing in Louisville, and it’s not going to work for everybody. Part of being a small town is having diverse housing that includes workforce housing, that includes affordable housing. I don’t think you should have to have double income, no kids to be able to move in, and I don’t believe you should have to move out when you turn 65.
Education: We’ve seen a decline in the number of people who are in elementary and middle school. I think it is directly related to the cost of housing for young families. We can help with that, to the extent, we may be able to fill some of the gaps involving some of our local preschools, Montessori schools and others. We may be able to provide some incentives to assist those folks.
Crime & Mental Health: We’re about to do a pilot program, which is a continuation from previous work that we have done to provide a mental health trained professional to accompany officers on certain calls to help de-escalate issues. Part of the goal is to keep folks who need treatment out of the criminal justice system.

Josh Cooperman

Unhoused: In Louisville, at the moment, homelessness is not a serious problem. As a first step, the city council should have a special study session where they have a discussion about homelessness in Louisville and try to really gather as much information about what the status of homelessness is. I think the city could consider repurposing one of the many empty office buildings in town as a homelessness services center, if that were really appropriate.
Infrastructure: We do have pretty good infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists, but it could definitely be improved. There are a number of intersections which are just not good for people to cross. One of them is South Boulder Road and Main Street. I think the city should definitely prioritize making some of these crossings safer.The city is thinking about the possibility of underpasses, and I hope we can figure out how to fund those.
Development: We have seen population growth over the last decade At the moment, the population in Louisville is leveling off. Some people think that Louisville shouldn’t grow very much, that’s key to maintaining the character of Louisville. I understand that to some extent, but I also feel like if Louisville doesn’t grow a little bit, we’re displacing that growth somewhere else where it’ll probably be less sustainable.
Cost of living: As a resident I advocated for affordable housing before the city council because I think we all have an obligation to provide housing for people. If you go into neighborhoods they’re designed in that suburban way where people have to get in their car to access any services, that’s a really unsustainable model.
Education: In Louisville, the local government is not really involved with education. The Boulder Valley School district is the district we have here, and we certainly coordinate with them on certain things, but we’re not providing any funding or anything like that. Aside from the property taxes, of course, funding them.
Crime & Mental Health: People are not particularly concerned about crime in Louisville, but that’s not to say that there aren’t any issues. The police department has been exploring mental health support as part of their work. There was discussion about a pilot program in the coming year, which I think the city council will fund, to provide for mental health providers or support through the police department. And I think that’s a great program.

Sherry Sommer – QUALIFIED

Unhoused: Sometimes I feel like it becomes a problem that gets out of hand because there’s no real way to address it on a smaller level. I think that housing is part of this equation. We can’t do everything, but we can do what’s within our means and the scale of our town to provide avenues where people can afford their housing.
Infrastructure: We have a transportation master plan, which we’re working on. I think in order to expand walkability, we need to be focusing on the areas where there’s barriers, like the high traffic streets, like South Boulder Road, Centennial and Bella Vista. There’s a component of this that’s enforcement as well. I would love to be able to generate more sales tax revenue so that we can hire more traffic enforcement police officers.
Development: We need to consider the scale and mass of our existing town and work in that guideline. So, for example, one way we can do that is with our existing neighborhoods, we can work on zoning overlays, which will set standards that are more in conformity with the pr-eexisting neighborhoods.
Cost of living: The demand to live here is so huge. There’s no way that we can outbuild the demand. A lot of people that I talk to are concerned that they won’t be able to stay in their homes very long because the property taxes are getting so exorbitant. We really need to think about our existing residents too and how affordable our town is for them, that’s part of what a local government does.”
Education: I’d like to learn more about the issue. I don’t know a way the city can do that.
Crime & Mental Health: I am really happy that our police department has had people who assist with mental health crises, and it’s not treated in the same way as crime is. There are other interventions. I really support that because mental health has really suffered after the pandemic and then the Marshall fire.

Louisville City Council – Ward 1

Caleb Dickenson – ENDORSED

Unhoused: Dealing with this issue is certainly incredibly important to the region and that we have a lot of partners in Boulder County and our neighbors that we need to be supporting in our joint efforts. To find a home for every human is really important to me.
Infrastructure: Public transit is a very difficult topic because we don’t have our own transit system. We rely on RTD and they have their own metrics for how we get routes and how many buses we get and those kinds of things. But they measure our ridership. It’s important we’re using the transportation provided so that they can see that we want it. And if we’re not using it, they’re not going to be providing it. And that’s how that system works.
Development: The unique feel of Louisville is in the people and the place and our small business owners and great little shops and restaurants. Continuing to develop our commercial areas and adding some more residents to our community is not going to negatively impact who we are. In the end, we’re a community of people. And, if development brings some more density and some more people, I welcome those new neighbors and jobs.
Cost of living: People are finding it very difficult to live here when they’re not in their peak earning years. We have to continue to partner with developers who can bring true affordable housing to our community. We need a variety of housing stock for empty nesters and young people who want to live in the community. We need to add places for people to live so we can have more diversity in the type of people that can live here.
Education: I think the increase in property values is creating a very big increase in property taxes, of which in the city of Louisville, half of it nearly goes to the schools. I would certainly hope that if there’s one benefit to this rising property value, that we are able to do a better job funding our schools.
Crime & Mental Health: We’re not talking about defunding the police, we’re talking about funding it differently. We need mental health experts on the police force. Currently, many of our calls to our law enforcement agents are around domestic abuse. They need the skills to communicate with someone and help them in a crisis moment and de-escalate. It’s having officers that are trained in mental health first and foremost.

Louisville City Council – Ward 2

Deborah Fahey – ENDORSED

Unhoused: The city of Louisville doesn’t have a lot of programs available for actually directly assisting, but we do have plans to increase affordable housing, and we’re cooperating with Boulder County. We have an inter-governmental agreement with them to help with housing issues and homelessness throughout the county.
Infrastructure: We’re making the streets more bike and pedestrian friendly, putting in right turn lights at major intersections. We’ve got a plan in place to put underpasses under Highway 42 on South Boulder Road, places where there’s a lot of transportation issues. We’re also providing issues or assistance for electric bike purchases. We’re planning on one of those e-scooter programs where you can ride them to the bus stops.
Development: We’re in the process of a housing study, and that’s going to determine what we do, but the plan right now is to increase the amount of housing that’s available, requiring that some of it be low or middle-income housing and putting it close to transit stops. We have a historic preservation tax where if you are willing to preserve your home or business, either one that’s more than 50 years-old, we will give you up to $1 million dollars in assistance.
Cost of living: We have an inter-governmental agreement with Boulder County on low and middle-income housing. They took over all of our structures that we own about, about 10 or 15 years ago now, and in exchange, they built a housing unit that’s over 200 units that are income-restricted in some way, and they’re also net zero buildings.
Education: I’m not sure how we could, we’re all pretty financially restricted right now. We are in the process statewide, again, of changing funding for various things, but Louisville as a city is also trying to deal with recovery from the Marshall Fire. We lost over 600 homes in the Marshall Fire, and mine was one of them. We’re still dealing with the flood. Our funds for financially supporting anything are very limited.
Crime & Mental Health: Through our Boulder County Health and Human Services division, we have health issues for the schools in all of the schools, for all of the Boulder Valley School District. We’ve also got charitable organizations that are funding mental health assistance, and some of that is even coming as a result of the fire.

George Colbert

Unhoused: Nobody should have to sleep on the streets. I want to make sure that we have resources for those folks who may be on the verge of homelessness, and make sure that they have vocational training with school education. Whatever we can do to help make sure that they’re still part of the workforce, and that we’ve got affordable housing for everyone.
Infrastructure: Our transit system currently is pretty great. Obviously, everything can get better. When I moved to Louisville, I was really impressed with the walkability that existed already. However, just recently, I was using one of our crosswalks at night and was almost hit by a car. I think we need to really focus on making sure that crosswalks have the right lighting, they have the right warning system, and that our citizens are actually using those in the right manner.
Development: We need to make sure that the infrastructure that does come in is in line with our small-town charm, and absolutely imperative to the way of life that we have here. We want to keep that, but we also have to be open to reasonable sustainable growth.
Cost of living: My vision for Louisville includes developing partnerships with the property developers, employers, and nonprofits to create permanently affordable housing by incentivizing affordable housing development and streamlining building codes. We can make Louisville accessible for all income brackets.
Education: Every child should have access to early education. It is disappointing to see that the projected availability for the preschool program is not going to be met. Local governments indeed play a role. Community partnerships with businesses, local organizations, and charity groups is important and instrumental. Creating some of that public private partnership, we can pull resources to supplement the shortfall.
Crime & Mental Health: When we discuss crime prevention and reducing gun violence, including suicides, mental health becomes paramount. Individuals who engage in violent behaviors, including self-harm, often suffer from mental health issues. By ensuring timely intervention and adequate support, we can reduce the risk of these tragic outcomes. It’s essential we enforce rigorous gun background checks that must include a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s mental health history.

Louisville City Council – Ward 3

Barbara Hamlington – ENDORSED

Unhoused: That collaboration with the county and the state is necessary to develop comprehensive solutions for the growing population of unhoused people in our community. I would advocate for solutions such as an affordable living wage and affordable housing in our community. In order to address challenges the unhoused population face, it requires multiple solutions.
Infrastructure: Public transit would be best served by collaborating with the county and the state as well. I’m advocating for multimodal transportation for residents. I’m not only looking at it from a walkability standpoint, but I’m considering other options as well to encompass all abilities and ages, ensuring that our crosswalks are safe, that there’s good visibility for both the pedestrian and the vehicle.
Development: Our economy relies on sales tax revenue to provide the residents with the services that they expect of the city. There are ways to go about strategic development within the city that support our sales tax revenue and also maintain the charm that residents appreciate. Proposition 123 that we recently discussed the city council, was a housing commitment that we all agreed to put forth in order to qualify applications or projects in Louisville, really for affordable housing.
Cost of living: Some of the things that interest me are re-imagining land use and zoning, particularly in our areas where we have commercial vacancies that have not been filled for some time, for example, along the McCaslin corridor. I envision how it could be used for mixed residential and commercial use, close to public transportation. I also am advocating for accessory dwelling units.
Education: The local government can help educate the community about that resource to ensure that all residents are aware that they can apply for it. There could be local programs that are supplemented by local government funds, through grant applications, to help families get access to preschool education and care.
Crime: I’m going to focus my answer on our children. I think collaboration between the city departments, such as the police department, and the Boulder County School District to ensure that our children feel supported and have the resources they need to be successful. They will realize they have partners within the entire community who want to ensure that they have the resources they need to be healthy and successful.

Dietrich Hoefner

Unhoused: Homelessness is an issue that we need to address in close coordination with our neighboring and adjacent communities along the front range. Louisville has a relatively small percentage of individuals experiencing homelessness. Solutions include addressing the overall shortage of housing and affordable housing units, ensuring access to social services, and engaging on this issue with compassion.
Infrastructure: Louisville is certainly a suburban community and we do need to appreciate that many folks are going to continue to get around with cars. We need to have a transportation network that works well for folks and is safe for them. I’ve been concerned we’ve had a handful of pedestrian incidents with car collisions. We have room to improve street design and street safety to reduce the frequency of those types of incidents.
Development: We do have opportunities to redevelop existing sites, and in some cases, we have opportunities to shift land uses potentially from underutilized commercial zone spaces to potentially allow mixed use residential and increase the number of units at a reasonable pace. Louisville’s small-town character and historic downtown are the feather in our caps, we need to be careful that whatever we do, it’s consistent with that character.
Cost of Living: We’re in the process of developing a housing needs assessment and strategy framework that will help identify steps that can be taken in response to the housing needs. I see this as another region-wide issue. It’s across the Front Range that we have a shortage of housing, a shortage of affordable housing. And I think this is one where we’ll have to work with our neighbors, we’ll have to work with the state.
Education: Respectfully, I would run that question to the Boulder Valley school district. As the city government, we don’t have a lot of direct oversight of local schools.
Crime: I think we’ve been reasonably successful with community policing. That means not only having police visible around town, but also having police have good relationships with the community, and with city leadership, so they feel like trusted community members. Louisville has obviously taken steps on gun legislation within the city. I think that’s something we’ll continue, but until there are solutions at higher levels of government, it’s going to be a difficult problem for individual jurisdictions to tackle.

Louisville Ballot Measures

Louisville Open Space Tax: Additional %.125 sales tax (10 yr) to fund open space management and wildfire mitigation and an extension (10 yr) of the extant %.375 sales tax. | Vote: Yes

Longmont Elections

Longmont Mayor

Ethan Augreen – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: We need to get rid of government policies that create more homelessness. For example, the lockdowns that resulted from the poorly understood health scare. I oppose bringing the train up from Denver because Denver has an even larger homelessness crisis. I think it’s important for the city to have a dedicated team that performs outreach and helps homeless people. I also support creating an alternative-to-police model like Denver’s STAR program.
Infrastructure: I ride the bus all the time, and I want to make sure it reaches people in the more rural areas of town. But we need to bring RTD to the table and ask what we can do to expand transit. I would also support putting a referendum on the ballot to repeal the train tax we have been paying for a train that doesn’t exist, and try to claw back any taxes we’ve already paid.
Development: I would listen closely to what the community wants and make sure the city’s plans match it. There’s a need for affordable housing, but we also need to protect our open space. I don’t think anyone wants to continue the sprawl that we’ve seen. I would support building more apartments or condos in that area to densify housing, but I would also work to limit sprawl.
Cost of living: We have an opportunity to support the modular housing industry and I would work to attract a modular housing manufacturer to town. The cost of construction has increased significantly, that’s the number one factor that’s causing housing to be more unaffordable.
Education: The idea of creating an Early Childhood Development Special District encompassing the St. Vrain and Boulder Valley school districts should be explored further. As mayor, I will be eager to support the District and help bring this promising idea to fruition. As a general libertarian principle, I don’t think it’s wise for a city government to be directly involved with preschool. Let’s leave early childhood education in the hands of qualified and trained education professionals.
Crime & Mental Health: We don’t need new gun laws. The state has already provided tools like red flag laws. I also don’t think that criminals should have guns. I believe the Second Amendment is an important right because it gives citizens the right to defend themselves. We should also look at creating a law enforcement advisory board so the public can give feedback. We should hire more social workers and case managers to create a better safety net for people who suffer from mental illnesses.

Joan Peck – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We have a project hopefully ready in 2024, for affordable housing with wrap-around services — addiction services, mental health — permanently there. We need to have everything in the same place so people don’t have to go all over the city.
Infrastructure: We do have Ride Free Longmont but the challenge is RTD sets those routes. As we grow, the routes do not cover what we need. RTD did give us a grant to look into micro-transit. I am still working on the passenger rail district board hopefully we will get a Northwest corridor for passenger trains.
Development: We do need to urbanize. I know that’s difficult for some people who have lived here for a long time. It is a challenge to keep our community feeling. We need to have a rental market for people. Longmont is doing a great job of building what we need to get people into housing.
Cost of living: We used to have an inclusionary zoning ordinance years ago which gave us an affordable inventory. The city council, a few years back, got rid of that. All of our affordable units went to market rate, leaving a big gap. We need to keep people who shop and work in our community here.
Education: Some of the conversations that I’m having with organizations are can businesses open up preschools in their facilities for their employees? Longmont Housing Authority is going to include a preschool within their housing project.
Crime & Mental Health: A couple years ago I made a motion that half of the marijuana tax must go into an affordable housing bank. It also goes into mental health. We need universal healthcare, the cost to get mental healthcare for a family is overwhelming.

Terri Goon – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: Get the government out of the housing business altogether. That would make homes more affordable, there would be less regulation and less requirements. Homelessness is a tragic situation with a lot of factors like mental health and drug abuse involved. Keeping the government out of it would give people more money to invest in the causes they care about.
Infrastructure: I do not support expanding public transportation. Government doesn’t need to be in the business of bussing, especially during times of potential pandemics. Sidewalks are another story, and I think we need some stronger regulations around scooters and micro-transit options on sidewalks to improve walkability.
Development: Longmont is a beautiful place. Colorado is as well, and people are going to want to continue moving here. And I don’t envision the government doing anything about that. Developers should be able to create homes for people who move here in a way that makes the homes sellable.
Cost of living: It’s sad when kids and their families can’t afford to live here, but addressing affordability is not within the scope of the government’s duties. The government needs to stay out of the housing market and allow the market to adjust. We need to do something about Colorado’s construction defect law so we can build more condos.
Education: There is no such thing as free preschool. All of our taxes went up and we’re supposed to be incentivizing parents to cart their children to preschool. We should be educating more of our children at home. Keep more of your tax dollars in your pocket and maybe we won’t have to have two parents working.
Crime & Mental Health: Mental health is a big problem, and I could see the government working to implement mental health resources until private sources come along. We’ve filled our jails with people who need mental health treatment, and it’s all because we don’t have enough resources in this state. For guns, we should have data about who has been in a mental health facility and restrict their ability to purchase firearms based on their level of threat.

Longmont City Council – At Large

Rebekah Venturella – QUALIFIED

Unhoused: We really have to get creative with our space, to be creative with multifunctional housing. We also need a space, something that’s open 24 hours versus Boulder’s shelter, which is just for the evenings, and then you have homeless people on the streets in the day.
Infrastructure: Having a car is expensive. Gas is expensive. Having more transit will be amazing, and the railway, I know they’re working hard on that. We need to be looking at that high density housing where we’re not just putting in houses and lawns, let’s make this a city. Let’s build this community in a tight, tight knit way and make it walkable.
Development: I like the affordability option, where people are able to buy a home, and they’ll build credit, and then they can pay into it. And then they get that generational wealth, build that equity. That will give people more of a route here, versus just a fast in-and-out. Really looking at the whole picture, not just the immediate fix now.
Cost of Living: Affordable housing is a necessity, it has to be, because it’s so expensive. Even if you wanted to buy a house, your interest rates are so high, it’s unreal. TABOR and HH are coming up. I built good relationships with state legislators, a lot of people lose sight of that city-to-state connection.
Education: If we can get TABOR repealed and that money to help boost our education, that’s going to create a ripple effect so kids are getting better at education, they’re getting cared for, that’s going to help with people’s concern with homelessness, it will empower students and kids as they grow up. We’ve all got to buckle down and try to work this out together. It can’t just be our state legislators doing it all. We have to be pushing things here.
Crime & Mental Health: I’ve got gun violence in the family and mental health struggles as well. I think we need a survivor in that chair. Suicide rate is a higher than that other shootings rate so we need to put more money into the budget for mental health services and we need an intensive outpatient program.

Sean McCoy – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We’re trying to figure out how to navigate the issues surrounding clearing encampments and providing people with adequate shelter. We’re exploring the use of pallet homes and trying other Housing First approaches. I think the biggest thing is to listen to the community and respond to their needs accordingly.
Infrastructure: Investing in public transit is one way to resolve the climate issues attached to car-centric development. I’m a big supporter of the rail station that we’re building. In the same notion, we also need to tackle the construction defects issue in Colorado so we can build more apartments and condos to provide more people with homeownership opportunities.
Development: We won’t build our way out of this problem. There’s not enough land; there’s not enough water, there’s simply not enough resources to do so. We also need to start thinking about what Longmont’s ideal size is. That way we can continue to provide the services that people depend on like fire and police, while also preserving the town’s unique character.
Affordable housing/Cost of living: We’ve been working on this in the city for a while. That’s one reason why we had to take over the Longmont Housing Authority. In my mind, they basically forced us into this situation because of their negligence. Right now, we’re exploring the use of ADUs, but we know they won’t work everywhere. I also plan to work with homeowners associations to reduce barriers to building more affordable housing where appropriate.
Education: If we shift money over to support the state’s preschool education program, then something else in Longmont will get underfunded. If you never want to be able to sell a bond again, this is a great way to do it. We don’t want to overtax anybody but stepping in to help fund the gap would force us to tax a certain part of the population over others, kind of like how metro districts work.
Crime & Mental Health: When we look at the evidence of the gun violence epidemic, it’s sad. It’s an expensive issue for cities. We can work with insurance companies so people have to take out a policy to buy a gun. Maybe AR-15s and other weapons of war will become so costly that it dissuades people from buying them. I’m not against somebody having a gun for hunting purposes or for safety purposes. I’m against people acting like their Second Amendment rights trump my right to life.

Steve Altschuler – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: If the homeless that we’re talking about are disabled or veterans, then we need to step in and help them. The same goes for someone who maybe lived in Longmont for an extended period of time and paid taxes. Otherwise, we’re going to attract people from all over the country if we just give out subsidies to anyone who asks.
Infrastructure: I’m not a big fan of building high-density housing to improve walkability. People want to live in Longmont because it’s more of a bedroom community and is more affordable than other places like Boulder or Denver. I would support building more walking and biking trails for people to get to King Soopers or other stores.
Development: Right now, city council seems focused on acquiring as much land as possible to build as much housing as it can. I don’t think this is a way to maintain the character of Longmont. I could see us building a few more townhome communities to give people a way to step into homeownership, but we also need to focus on connecting these communities to the rest of Longmont.
Cost of living: One way to make housing more affordable in Longmont is to get rid of the city’s affordable housing requirements. All they do is drive up the cost of construction for developers. I think a smarter way to make housing more affordable is to stop taxing people so much and allow the city’s residents to keep more of their income.
Education: There are things that people should be personally responsible for, and their children are one of them. I think our government should be primarily focused on providing fire and police services, not universal daycare. Hiring government employees to fix this mess will just increase taxes for the rest of us.
Crime & Mental Health: Criminals will always find a way to get guns, so the answer isn’t to take guns away from reasonable and law-abiding citizens. Places that have the toughest gun laws, like Chicago, also have some of the highest rates of gun violence. On mental health, we need to make it easier for people who need treatment to get treatment.

Longmont City Council – Ward 1

Diane Crist

Unhoused: Property taxes push people out, creating more homeless. This is kind of a whole enchilada here. Historically, we’ve been through times like this before — the 1970s, the 1930s — significant things need to happen. We need Reaganomics to bring down inflation, deregulate, lower our taxes, and balance our budgets.
Infrastructure: On the Transportation Board we started talking about Vision Zero because we have a safety issue with the way transportation is right now. It’s very centralized. And that just doesn’t work. The big initiative that we picked was Vision Zero. We’re working on developing that within the city, which is zero traffic deaths.
Development: High density housing is meant to be more affordable, but it’s from isolated services. The thing we need most is for transportation services, which could connect quite easily at a commercial center like the blighted Safeway. It’d be a nice five errand stop and you could catch a bus there, which makes things a lot more affordable.
Cost of living: We’ve got to put a break on property taxes. The Gallagher Amendment was written back in the 1970s in a similar economic climate. It was repealed, and the idea was we would replace it, but what we did was we removed it without replacing it. In the meantimeI’m asking the city council to consider property tax rebates.
Education: It’s a frustration to those who work in government funding. We need to not vote in the initiatives on the ballot this year. We need to give it three years and see where we are financially. Currently, we don’t have any childcare facilities on the north end of town, but there are empty storefronts that can be brought into condition. The real road forward is to trim down the expenses. We have to partner with the private sector.
Crime & Mental Health: Often we try to come up with a micro solution to what’s a macro problem. There’s a homeless engagement professional, a liaison that keeps tabs on that community. That seems to be helping that community find the services they need. I’m not in favor of needle exchanges.

Harrison Earl – QUALIFIED

Unhoused: It’s important to remember that we’re talking about human beings when we talk about the unhoused. I would work to connect them with better services and resources. I would look to other communities to find ways we can work collaboratively to solve the problem.
Infrastructure: One of my key objectives is to make sure we have a livable Longmont. Part of being in a livable community is having a public transit system that works for the community and isn’t only built to serve Main Street. I love the idea of microtransit as well. We should also work to improve our sidewalks and build more protected bike lanes to help the city meet its Vision Zero goals.
Development: Parks, greenspaces and open areas are what make Longmont a phenomenal place to live and I want them to be enjoyed by future generations. There are ways we can support more growth without sacrificing open land. We should look at certain areas close to downtown that can accommodate more multi-family housing.
Affordable housing/Cost of living: We need more supply in the community, and that includes more subsidized properties and market-rate homes. Longmont has historically built either single-family homes or apartments and nothing in between. We need to diversify housing stock, one way to do that is speed-up the approval process for developments.
Education: There’s a group in Longmont that has been pushing for an early childhood education program and a regional tax to support it. While I’m not in favor of new taxes, I like the idea of expanding public education and would support those ideas.
Crime & Mental Health: The mental health challenges we’re facing are much bigger than the City of Longmont can handle by itself. We need federal and state officials to dramatically increase the funding we receive for supportive services, and should be sending trained professionals to help these individuals instead of police officers. I would support programs like gun buybacks to reduce the number of guns on the street.

Nia Wassink – ENDORSED

Unhoused: I’ve spent a lot of my career working with the homeless community. First and foremost, housing is the solution. People can’t get into stable employment, substance use treatment, or mental health support services unless they have housing. Right now, we’re relying on the kindness of our faith community and that’s non sustainable.
Infrastructure: Longmont has grown in a lot of fantastic ways. We were recently named by People For Bikes as the #10 city for our infrastructure. And a lot of folks are looking at multimodal solutions for themselves. I think we have a duty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make our streets safer for pedestrians. That’s why I support our Vision Zero goals.
Development: One of the things that really appeals to the people of Longmont is the city’s diversity. We have amazing cultural art centers and we’ve created a city that allows people from different socioeconomic backgrounds to live here. If we don’t have a diverse housing stock, then become a city that only appeals to the elite. We need to balance our green spaces with housing that people can afford.
Cost of living: There isn’t a silver bullet for this problem. We need to do it all by addressing zoning issues, supporting accessory dwelling units, and supporting infill development so that folks aren’t pushed to the outskirts of our city. We need townhomes, apartments, condos, and single-family homes. We need to figure out where we can put them so they don’t disturb our community environment.
Education: I was part of the Early Childhood Alliance for Boulder County that was pushing for a special district to provide more education funding for kids. We are heading toward an early childhood education crisis in this country. Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act are about to run out. The local government must play a role in the solution.
Crime & Mental Health: We have amazing programs in Longmont like the Restorative Justice Program, but we need to do a better job of addressing the underlying needs of young adults. Crime is a symptom of deeper issues. We need to improve our services for people who struggle with their mental health, and raise salaries for social workers and mental health clinicians.

Longmont City Council – Ward 3

Gary Hodges – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: The city published a pamphlet that has a half-dozen shelter options, food options, and resources for people who don’t have to be living on the streets. It’s really about vagrancy.
Infrastructure: Public transit is fine, but we’re a relatively small town. I think RTD more broadly will almost always say “no” to expending resources here. We need to look at other options like expanding specialty lines to football games or to the airport, or at beautifying our existing public transit stops with public art to encourage more use.
Development: Longmont is going to continue to see growth and I am not opposed to the idea of adding more affordable housing, fundamentally. We need to identify an end game because the blind pursuit of affordable housing can have major consequences.
Cost of living: It’s expensive because a lot of people want to live here. Something that the city council needs to address is the increasing local utility costs. Electricity prices have increased this year and could increase next year. The city has a plan to draw 100% of its power from renewable energy sources but we can’t shut down our coal-powered energy plants. It’s just fantasy.
Education: Our role would be to lobby state lawmakers for a solution to the problem, and partner with surrounding communities to send letters of support for different pieces of legislation. I am not sure that we can do anything at the local level to address this issue.
Crime: This is not something that the city council can solve. It must come from the state. People don’t feel as safe as they used to. That’s been caused by the push for reduced sentencing at the state level by Attorney General Weiser. I’m not going to ask the police to crack skulls, but we need to get back to community-value policing, go after the criminals, and protect rights of law-abiding citizens.

Ron Gallegos

Unhoused: I don’t think there need to be any more large shelters built because between half or three-quarters of the unhoused population are lacking the necessary mental health support they need. We can thank Ronald Regan for that. I would support building a temporary housing community with shipping containers that is managed by a third-party.
Infrastructure: We need to have more owner-occupied, mixed-use, and condo communities in Longmont so that people don’t have to drive to get their basic necessities. If you live near where you work, then people don’t have to use cars as much and that would make Longmont safer for pedestrians.
Development: We need to start talking about the sustainability of our community. Longmont is in “maintenance mode.” We should be looking at new infrastructure to accommodate growth. We could increase fees for park space and make other fees for water, stormwater, and sewage go away. I would also encourage mixed-use development in places that have been traditionally commercial or retail areas.
Cost of living: We need to streamline the building relationship between developers and the planning community to get them all marching in the same direction together. The last thing we should do is shove a top-down solution on the community. Instead, we should get a bottom-up solution with a lot of buy-in.
Education: Education isn’t the city’s area of expertise. That’s why we have a school board. We’ve got enough on our plate to fill it, and then some. We don’t need to be looking out for any other problems.
Crime: We don’t have any mental health professionals listed on Longmont’s staff. Nor should we. That doesn’t mean we can’t be supportive, but we need to stay in our lane. Gun violence is a similar issue. That’s a federal, not a state or city-level issue. Policies like extended waiting periods seem to be popular with the public, but I don’t think gun buybacks are something Longmont should consider.

Spencer Adams – NO REPLY

Susan Hidalgo-Fahring – ENDORSED

Homelessness: I have been working on streamlining the way our Neighborhood Impact Teams work with other community organizations to connect people with services. We need to remember that many of our unhoused neighbors are living in flight-or-fight mode and don’t always have the ability to think about finding services when they don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
Infrastructure: We need to have more options for people who rely on public transportation. Our transportation department recently acquired a grant to support micro-transit. We can’t have people waiting at a bus stop for 30 minutes. We increase the frequency which our public transit operates. I’m also glad to support our Vision Zero goals of making our streets safer for pedestrians.
Development: The people who work in Longmont should be able to live here as well. But a lot of the jobs that we have are so-called working middle class jobs and those are the people who are struggling most to afford housing. I support building more affordable or attainable housing for these folks.
Cost of living: One way to make housing more affordable for all is to raise the minimum wage. We have to make sure it aligns with our cost of living. This is something I’ve advocated. Providing housing is one part of the solution, and making sure people can pay for that housing is the other.
Education: One of Longmont’s priorities is early childhood education and that goal has been in place before the state’s push for universal early childhood education. We want to expand those services. We have to make sure these services are affordable for impoverished families.
Crime: I work to educate the community about the mental health services that are available to them. We also want to make sure we’re sending the right responders to the scene. On gun safety, we need to tighten up our red flag law and start holding people accountable for gun crimes.

Longmont Ballot Measures

3C – New Library Funded by Mill Levy and Sales Tax Increases | Vote: Yes

3D – New Arts & Entertainment Center Funded by Mill Levy and Sales Tax Increases | Vote: Yes

3E New Recreation Facilities Funded by Mill Levy and Sales Tax Increases | Vote: Yes

Superior Elections

Superior Ballot Measures

301 – Home Rule Charter: Shall the Town of Superior form a home rule charter commission for the purpose of drafting a home rule charter? | Vote: Yes

Thornton Elections

Thornton Mayor

Jan Kulmann – UNQUALIFIED

Julia Marvin – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We need to expand services that we have to help people at the moment, we have our cold weather program where we provide vouchers when it gets really cold. I would like to see that program expanded to include the summer we’re starting to see more and more days of nearly 100 degrees or higher.
Infrastructure: We need to be putting more resources into making sure that our roads and our sidewalks are all well maintained.We really need to start looking at some alternatives besides RTD. We need more Micro Mobility public transportation options.
Development: Community feel is what people really love about Thorton. People do wish we had more small businesses, coffee shops, restaurants, it adds to the character. Do we really need a gas station on every corner?
Cost of Living: We should create a housing inventory for the city to figure out what we’re missing, where the gaps are, and then create a housing strategic plan. We could be doing inclusionary zoning policies that would require developers to allocate a certain percentage of affordable housing units. And that’s something that the current council has no interest in.
Education: Making sure that we’re paying our early educators living wages is incredibly important. The City could invest in public after school programs that the city runs, we should be investing and expanding those more
Crime & Mental Health: if someone’s in crisis usually the initial call is going to be 911. So to have some mental health professionals that can be sent out in those situations is crucial. There was a lot of success working with cities to provide mental health counselors that were embedded in the police departments.

Thornton City Council – Ward 2

Angie Bedolla – DID NOT REPLY

Roberta Ayala – ENDORSED

Unhoused: I’ve seen it in my neighborhood. I live by a pretty big park and there are folks camping there. We don’t really have much funding for our homeless outreach team. We have to fund mental health and human services. I worked in human services, we need those folks, we need to pay them so they stay.
Infrastructure: I grew up in the original neighborhood of Thornton, it’s more walkable. Other places, you’re getting a little bit into the food desert area, where there’s a lot of housing but not any resources nearby. Roads are built for the car, not for the person. There’s tons of accidents. A lot of neighbors reach out to me as a community leader because they’re frustrated. We can build it so it’s safer for our community.
Development: I think we haven’t been balancing, we’ve been concentrating more on developers. Our current Council is more interested in pandering to developers with corporate profit interests. Their campaigns have been bankrolled by developers. How do we fold our community into these conversations? I want to get Thorton back to a city that represents people, not corporate profit.
Cost of Living: Housing that is built for people, affordable housing, isn’t going to be the developer’s top priority. Typically they push housing that is affordable, into the denser, older neighborhoods, and then the luxury apartments and single use McMansions north, and that’s not sustainable. Part of my platform is that we need housing everywhere.
Education: I sent my son to the Thornton Rec Center, preschool program, and it was fairly affordable. I was pretty much a single mom at the time. We should keep those programs affordable, even though it was just a few days a week. I’m a fan of education as early as you can.
Crime & Mental Health: We have a progressive and well funded police force but we’re asking our police department to do a lot of things that they are maybe not best trained to do. We started a responder program, but we have to look at adding more resources because a lot of the unhoused folks in Thornton are having mental health issues.

Thornton City Council – Ward 3

David Acunto – REFUSED INTERVIEW

Mark Gormley – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We have a capitalist system wrapped around what is supposed to be our democratic system and we should be taking care of everybody. We don’t have enough money for support programs. We want to give everybody what they’re asking for, because the need is out there, but where’s the money coming from?
Infrastructure: A number of people I’ve spoken to have voiced their desire for better eating establishments. Thornton does a really good job with green spaces, and trails, and we need to make sure that we maintain the ones that exist, and continue to develop those and make sure that the green spaces and trails are in the interest of the citizens and not the developers.
Development: We don’t have enough affordable housing, specifically what I mean is the other three Wards all have a lot more apartments. So anybody starting out new is not going to be able to afford these single family homes that are cropping up endlessly.
Cost of Living: In my case, KB Home was able to roll up all the infrastructure expenses into bonds, and when they walk away, they leave the bonds behind for the homeowners to pay, and then they call it property taxes when it’s really infrastructure expenses that are put into these bonds.
Education: It would be wonderful if we had the ability to do this, to accommodate people’s needs. I’m all for public education. We’re going back to the whole funding issue. I’m wondering if we have the facilities for such a thing.
Crime & Mental Health: In the 1980s, Reagan started closing down a lot of mental facilities across the country. We’re not putting the resources into it, and then many wonder why we have so many homeless. A lot of this because they have no alternative. Mental health resources can help prevent crime because people aren’t putting in a situation where they need to perpetrate crime.

Thornton City Council – Ward 4

Christopher Russell – ENDORSED

Unhoused: My solution is to increase funding for our HOT team, our homeless outreach team here in Thornton, which is understaffed. We need to get communities together, so that we’re not just moving the unhoused across city lines, but actually providing help.
Infrastructure: Where I live, off Highway 7, there are few bus routes. I believe that the city should run a study and consider running our own mass transit bus system. Spend some money on additional bike lanes and connecting trails.
Development: Simply by building townhomes, condos, those are higher dense, but they are housing that is innately more affordable.
Cost of Living: If we are going to erect condos or townhomes we need to designate 20-30% of those as affordable units that have a certain limitation on the price.
Education: My wife’s level of frustration was through the roof because we couldn’t get answers right away and right deadlines were coming and you had to commit. There needs to be dedicated personnel that can help review and take in information for the betterment of the program.
Crime & Mental Health: I am a big advocate for having a universal health care system. I think that we start at the top with our federal government. I think the American population in general needs better access to medical treatment across the board, not just mental health.

Nicole Matkowsky – DID NOT REPLY

Dacono Elections

City Council – At Large

Daniel J. Spagnuolo – DID NOT REPLY

David O’Day – DID NOT REPLY

Doris Crespo – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We don’t have a lot of unhoused people around our area, so I’d definitely look more into it and do a lot more research into it if it was something affecting Dacono.
Infrastructure: I think we have a plan with a lot of development coming to Dacono, so I’m really excited about that, definitely more housing and more businesses. I’m really looking forward to growth in that way.
Development: I think we all definitely have to work together. I think we are going to have a lot of growth in Colorado.
Cost of living: Who’s not struggling to pay for housing right now? That is something we should all be concerned about. I believe working together with different people, different organizations, I think we could all help with that.
Education: I agree there is that problem. I would have to do a lot more research on it to make a decision.

Mike Mathiesen – DID NOT REPLY

Rick Gerk – QUALIFIED

Unhoused: Currently the issue is not afflicting Dacono to where it’s a high priority. I haven’t heard of it in my community or other communities within Dacono.
Infrastructure: We’re not going to build another King Soopers on the south side of 52. We need to be reasonably thinking about the direction we want Dacono to go. What’s attainable, and set those sights in a realistic manner.
Development: As a council member your responsibility is to think about the current residents. I have an appreciation for people who have been here for a number of years in the original, central part of the city, and then be mindful of where we want to be in the future. I think the balance for that seems to be a sticky point for our city.
Cost of living: Home prices and living prices in Dacono are much lower compared to Erie, to Thornton, to Broomfield. Dacono is pretty well primed to support any kind of person who wants to move here, we have housing options for anybody who has any sort of respectable income to support and sustain themselves.
Education: Childcare is very hard to get into, the affordability is beyond many, so I do think there is an issue. There is a big gap between availability of childcare providers and then a big gap between what people can actually afford to pay. I think it’s a multi-layered issue. I do feel for families.

Dacono Ballot Measures

City Manager Selection and Role – Shall the City of Dacono Home Rule Charter be amended to require the City Council to appoint and remove the City Manager and other appointed officers by resolution and require the City Manager to devote their work primarily to the City and not hold any elected or appointed office or otherwise engage in activities contrary to the interest of the City? | Vote: Yes

Open Government Training for Councilmembers – Shall the City of Dacono Home Rule Charter be amended to incorporate an Open Government Policy; require councilmembers and members of boards and commissions to attend periodic training regarding open government; include requirements for open meetings, notices, and agendas; provide that special meeting notices may be delivered to councilmembers by email; limit discussion and formal action at meetings to items included on meeting agendas except when an emergency requires immediate action; and require disclosures when relatives of councilmembers and members of boards and commissions appear before such bodies? | Vote: Yes

Pro-Term Mayoral Selection – Shall the City of Dacono Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that councilmembers take office at the first regular or special meeting following certification of the results of their election; a Mayor Pro-tem shall be appointed by the city council following certification of the results of each regular or special election; and the Mayor Pro-tem may be replaced at any time with another councilmember by at least four (4) affirmative votes of the council? | Vote: Yes

Tax Levy for Library Shall the City of Dacono, Colorado be included in the High Plains Library District, for which the current rate of property tax levied is 3.177 mills? | Vote: Yes

Westminster Elections

Westminster City Council – At Large

Amber Hott – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We have navigators who go into the unhoused community, build relationships, and offer assistance. The issue that we have right now is they only had two navigators, and one of them recently quit. One or two people cannot help the amount of unhoused people we have in our community. I would speak to the navigator that we currently have to find out what their needs are.
Infrastructure: Any future development needs to be mixed use so amenities are within walking distance and building roads and sidewalks that are safe for people to walk. Also, there are areas where our sidewalks don’t continue. There are people who are pushing a stroller, maybe they’re in a wheelchair, what happens when the sidewalk just stops?
Development: We need to continue to protect our open space. We need to look at the characteristics of the neighborhoods that are already there, and do what we can to make sure that whatever we’re building fits. Things, like duplexes and fourplexes, you can build them in a way that they look like single family homes.
Cost of living: We have a development called the Uplands Development. We were supposed to have 600 affordable units, that has dropped down to 300. It took a long time to get through the processes with the city. If the developer comes in and their main concern is making the max amount of money, I’m gonna think twice about approving when we have developers that invest back in our community.
Education: I’ve been building relationships with the people on the school board. When I’ve been talking to principals, educators, superintendents, really wanting to understand how we can partner to help our kids. One of the areas that they need help with is they don’t have enough space for their preschool. We don’t just have areas without grocery stores, we have areas where we don’t have enough childcare.

Bruce Baker – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: We need to remind the counties it is their responsibility. The path we chose more than a year ago hasn’t yielded the results we had hoped for. We need a different strategy.
Infrastructure: One of the problems is that there’s nothing to walk to in this area. The Uplands is on Federal Boulevard, which has bus transit. The closest grocery store is on 104th. That’s two miles, one each way. Two miles doesn’t suit anybody’s definition of walkability.
Development: Westminster is a completely car dependent community. If you want to have private green spaces, lawns, landscapes, you need space. You end up being car dependent. Mass transit does not work with low density housing. You need points of origin and points of destination on the lines. We don’t have that, we’re not built that way.
Affordable housing/Cost of living: Affordable housing is more of a scam to get the city to relax our housing codes and requirements so corporations can make bigger profits. The Uplands is just a prime example of this.There’s not going to be any affordable housing there at all. Anyone who thinks so is really nurturing a fantasy. They’re gonna make as much money as they can.
Education: The problem is way too big than even the state government and sometimes you have to scratch your head, and say ‘how carefully did they look at this before promising?’ Here’s where promises far exceeded capabilities.

Claire Carmelia – ENDORSED

Unhoused: This is of extreme personal importance to me. I’m passionate about ensuring we do the most that we can in a compassionate, humane and holistic way. I believe that we need to partner with others for better solutions that work in a broader way for the Front Range. I have been having discussions with our neighbors in Arvada, Lakewood, and Thornton, trying to gather ideas of how they are tackling the issue.
Infrastructure: I could not afford a car until I was 27, and that was very limiting. I believe that we need more mixed use zoning. We should make sure that it’s not just a subdivision out in the middle of nowhere, the only way to and from via car. Hopefully we’re having houses to the same places as restaurants and entertainment, and then folks can walk to where they’re going.
Development: It comes down to planning smart. Where do we put housing and what kind of housing do we select to be built? Housing can be planned around transit, RTD stations, etc. We’re trying to avoid building on spaces that have not been built before.
Cost of living: We all live in Westminster for a reason. It is a beautiful city with gorgeous views. We want to protect our parks and open spaces. That is a priority and always will be. I think that we need to build smart and plan ahead because growth is just a part of life, and trying to inhibit growth, inhibits our economy. It also pushes current residents out because if they ever want to downsize, there is no available property for them.
Education: It’s prudent upon local government to find solutions, even when perhaps before there weren’t any. With that said, I don’t know exactly what we can do. But with the many schools that recently shut down, we now have available buildings and lands that I would like to see used for the community. I really hope that they end up being used in some way for the kids.

Jeff Jones – DID NOT REPLY

Karen Kalavity

Unhoused: Luckily I’m not one of them, but I could have been. I had a foreclosure during the 2011 recession. We should have some housing available for people to live in for a year, not just the night when it gets cold.
Infrastructure: Focus on pedestrian oriented neighborhoods rather than just transit oriented neighborhoods. Focus on neighborhood design that accommodates walkability first. We need public transit throughout the city, not just to downtown Denver.
Development: I’m fighting against the Uplands Development as a city council candidate. We need to protect our open space, and concentrate our density development in a place like the new downtown.
Cost of Living: It shouldn’t be 300 units of all the same kind of housing, it should be intermixed with other housing. That reduces stigma and allows people to work within their community. Any new construction needs to incorporate least 15% truly affordable housing.
Education: With declining enrollment they are closing lots of elementary schools. Maybe those buildings could be used partially as pre-K facilities.

Kristine Ireland – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: The city has gotten a hotel for these people, spending a million dollars a year, but the problem has not changed. I think you can give too much and people will become not self-reliant. It’s not good for people to be given everything. They need to get ways to help them learn how to do a resume, get a job, those kinds of things I would be willing to advocate for.
Infrastructure: We’re really spread out, and people have to get to work. You can’t expect people not to work. I mean, my husband works outside of the city, he has no choice and sadly enough a lot of our city employees live outside the city. The number one problem we can address is to hire within so people can be closer to work.
Development: I think we just need to stop it, and address how we are changing our suburb into Denver. We didn’t move here to be Denver. We moved here to get away from traffic and high density. I like Boulders’ approach to caring about people’s sunshine, they won’t build anything if it blocks your sunshine.
Cost of living: The number one problem with housing being affordable is the taxes — property taxes, water rates, and sales tax. Corporations have been buying up single family homes and turning them into rentals. Westminster has the highest rent costs in the entire state of Colorado, but letting corporations buy up these houses, we’re gonna have a problem until 2030.
Education: I haven’t ever thought about this one too much. I have children, my own. Some went to preschool, some didn’t go to preschool. I would have to look into that more, because no one’s brought that up to me at all in this city.

Richard Seymour – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: The answer is not more government assistance, that’s already been tried. As a city, unlike a county, we receive no human services dollars. We have to find a creative way to address homelessness in our city. It’s a continuum of compassionate care with mental health, co-responders in our police department, homeless navigators who do the follow up contacts, and we have a budget for temporary bed sites. Those who don’t want to take advantage of the services just move from one place to the other.
Infrastructure: This is the western United States. It is not high density Eastern, or Western corridors. That creates an issue as far as moving people out of cars. We’re hoping that either Front Range Rail or RTD will have a stop at the new downtown, which we have a spot carved out for. We also have a development at our train station at 71st. and Irving that is part of the end of the D line where we have two developments going in there.
Development: Our current Council just updated our comprehensive plan, which took a very hard look at our number one resource: water. We asked staff to reduce the density on some parcels to make sure that what we did build, we had water for. No water, no building. We want to maintain unique neighborhoods, unique styles, a little bit of everything for everybody, to keep our suburban mix.
Cost of living: Inventory over time will help with the cost. There’s no immediate short term fixes. Westminster has two remaining large parcels to build everything from single family homes, paired homes, townhomes. Entry level homes should be 30% of the healthy market. Because of our state legislature unwilling to fix this or address it, it’s less than 3% of our market.
Education: Local governments absolutely cannot fill that gap. Governor Polis over-promised and under-delivered.

Timothy Pegg – ENDORSED

Unhoused: We got to make progress on the high rent in the metro area. Westminster can do its part and will help with some of the homeless folks. Some of them have problems with drug use or mental health so I think there needs to be updating of our knowledge constantly about the best ways to get those folks the help they need.
Infrastructure: I would make sure that we’re doing things with transit oriented developments so we aren’t incentivizing people to drive when places can be accessed on foot and by bus. I can think of a couple city policies that are, in effect, paying people to drive. We’re shooting ourselves in the foot and we need to stop.
Development: I think accessory dwelling units are a great way to do that. They don’t really change the neighborhood character, but there’s an opportunity to develop more. Additionally, we have some city owned open space we shouldn’t sell off.
Affordable housing: Accessory dwelling units: granny cottages, that type of construction gives homeowners an opportunity, and will soften price pressure on the housing market. It’s a win-win for young families, or an aging relative, they can live in your backyard. They’re not competing with someone else for housing, and they’re close to someone who can help take care of them.
Education: Unfortunately, I’m not really familiar enough with the specifics on that.

William “Scott” Shilling – UNQUALIFIED

Unhoused: Now for those that are truly homeless, I don’t know. I want to try and figure out how to help them without subsidizing them with taxpayer money. I’d like to hear what the proposals are. I’m okay to help them. But vagrants, I want to make it uncomfortable so that they move on someplace else.
Infrastructure: This is a suburb. A suburb is traditionally single family housing, cars are just part of that. If you want to get into a discussion about cars hurting the environment, I can get into that. I’m not going to bring in more high density apartments and things of that nature. We want to keep this community more of a sober, classic suburb of single family units.
Development: Westminster has a certain amount of open space. Simply gobbling up all of the open space and shoving in high density apartments is not where I want to take us. Westminster’s population is currently about 125,000. I want to keep it right in that range, and make sure we keep our open spaces open. And guess what? It’s full.
Cost of living: You cannot have taxpayers subsidize other people’s lifestyles. Employers are going to need to raise their salaries to pay people a living wage. A lot of it depends on the administration who’s in charge, and what they’re doing to stop inflation, and stop illegal immigration. It starts at the federal government.
Education: Schools in Westminster are more controlled by the county. The county is the one responsible for that, the state and county. I don’t want to get into schools. There’s so many people breathing down schools’ necks. I don’t need the City Council of Westminster also breathing down the necks of the schools. It’s a county and state issue and I don’t want to subsidize the county or the state with city money.

Westminster Ballot Measures

3L – Wards: Shall the Westminster City Council propose by 2026 a system of electing some or all City Council members from geographic wards rather than at-large? | Vote: Yes

3M – Budget Control: Shall the Westminster City Charter, Section 9.6 Budget Control, subsection (2), be amended to change the City Manager’s budgetary control from the departmental budget level to the fund level, in order to allow for more effective financial management? | Vote: Yes

3N – Budget Procedures (Timeline): Shall the Westminster City Charter, Section 9.2 Budget Procedures, be amended to provide current year expenditures as of July 31 rather than September 1st, in order to provide the community with a more consistent basis of comparison of City expenditures? | Vote: Yes

3O – Budget Procedures (Appropriation): Shall the Westminster City Charter, Section 13.3 Contracts, subsection (h), be amended to allow the City Manager to designate an individual to certify an appropriation has been made before a contract, agreement, or purchase order is executed, in order to provide more effective management of financial controls? | Vote: Yes

3P – Public Announcements: Shall the Westminster City Charter, Section 17.5 Definition of Publication, Mailing of Notices, be amended to change the requirements for the publication of notices and ordinances from newspaper publication only to allow for either newspaper publication or publication on the City’s official website, or both, in order to allow for notices to reach more people, more effectively, and more quickly? | Vote: Yes

School Board Elections

Boulder Valley School District

District A

Jason Unger – ENDORSED

Book Bans: I’m concerned about not just banning books but anti-equity policies around the country. Parents in BVSD have a right to opt their kids out of lessons. Where I draw the line is when parents impact or censor what other kids are learning.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: Colorado passed a ballot initiative to have all kids have access to healthy breakfast and lunch. As a teacher in Compton, I could see the advantage that early education provides. The state program’s goal is the right goal.
DEI & Education: Diversity of teaching staff is important as well so people can see themselves in teachers. Some schools have a DEI committee and I think that’s a model. I’m supportive of all efforts to promote diversity and ensure welcoming environments.
Mental Health: With a ratio of 450 kids to each counselor we need to do everything we can as a district to lower that ratio to bring in more counselors, both on the career and guidance side but more so on the mental health side.
Drills & Anxiety: We can’t ignore the fact that these are real threats that we have this real issue and so we have to prepare for these things and do so in a calm and measured way, not with alarmist language. I feel like the district has fairly good plans in place.

Neil Fishman – QUALIFIED

Book Bans: I’m opposed to banning books. Kids need to see themselves in their educational materials. I was engaged very directly to make sure progressive standards were the ones ultimately accepted by the State Board of Education for the K-12 for the entire state of Colorado for social studies standards.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: I was not pleased to see we had these great plans but not the resources available to implement the plans fully like we had hoped. I think the voters need to pay attention to the crying need for it and pass Ballot Issue II, it would help us.
DEI & Education: It’s integral. The absence of it leads to problems in terms of having safe and welcoming schools. A huge part of the learning process is feeling comfortable and safe in the environment you’re learning in.
Mental Health: One shining spot right now in BVSD is the Wellness Center model. In its first year almost one out of every two kids in the school spent time in the Wellness Center. BVSD has expanded it to five additional schools.
Drills & Anxiety: we really need to begin to be thinking outside the box. be aware, alert, and have kids be a part of our eyes and ears on the ground. They’re very connected to their surroundings, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t include them in the solutions that we try and come up with.

District C

Alex Medler – ENDORSED

Book Bans: I believe strongly that we need to resist efforts to ban books or narrow our curriculum, especially ones that try to sanitize how our communities have dealt with difficult things like racism and injustices that have happened, materials are developmentally appropriate.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: We’re making progress on increasing access to early childhood care. The first year implementation has not gone as anyone would hope. I’m hoping we have more clarity and transparency and a smooth implementation going forward.
DEI & Education: I support curriculum and materials that are inclusive of all the kids we have. Every student should see themselves represented.
Mental Health: There’s no single program or policy adjustment that will solve the problem. We need to prioritize it at the district, school and individual staff level. We need to partner with families. Mental health screening is a big deal. LGBTQI+ kids have depression and suicidal tendencies at higher rates.
Drills & Anxiety: Mental health and sense of belonging is a school safety issue. I support the district’s transition to Safety Resource Officers. BVSD needs to have strong working relationships with all emergency responders and train over the summer, it doesn’t need to be done with 5 year olds in the building.

Andrew Steffl

Book Bans: For the best possible education, students need access to a wide variety of age-appropriate books. I recognize that some parents may object to certain books. The solution is not to ban these for all students, but rather to work with school librarians and staff to limit the student’s access to these materials on a case-by-case basis.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: It is important that all children have access to high quality, nutritious meals. BVSD provides free and reduced cost meals to eligible families who sign up for the program. It is important to make sure that all eligible families are aware of this benefit to de-stigmatize it, so kids don’t feel like they are different just because their families are receiving food assistance.
DEI & Education: I believe that students at all levels do best when they are able to see people like themselves represented in their schools. This applies to both teachers and staff as well as students’ curriculum. However, making our students feel seen and included doesn’t just happen by accident, it takes a conscious effort. We should continue our district’s efforts at DEI.
Mental Health: Between the Marshall Fire, the King Soopers shooting, COVID, distance learning, etc. kids in BVSD have been through a lot recently. Mental health issues like stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD are all present in our student population at levels much too high. If elected, it is my number one priority to increase the resources allocated to addressing students’ mental health needs. This includes providing funding for additional counselors and social workers and programs that have been proven to work.
Drills & Anxiety: This is a tricky situation in that it is important to prepare for emergencies, while not also further adding to kids’ anxiety levels. I believe the best way forward is through lots of openness and transparency so kids know in advance that an activity is a rehearsal and not the real thing. I also think it is important for individual students to be able to opt out of participating in preparedness activities if they feel that participating would cause them too much anxiety or stress.

Cynthia Nevison – DID NOT REPLY

District D

Andrew Brandt – QUALIFIED

Book Bans: I recognize the threat of groups like moms for Liberty who are trying to worm their way into school boards all over the country. I oppose reactionary book bans, I oppose the culture that has emerged in which small groups of parents decide they are the arbiters of what everyone in society is allowed to read.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: I’m grateful voters approved universal pre-K in Colorado. We have seen a doubling in one year of the number of students in BVSD, who’ve enrolled in pre-K. Free and reduced lunch means more than just a free lunch. It means additional access to services, and connection with community organizations.
DEI & Education: DEI policies exist in the district, specifically to address disparities that have that have happened and educational outcomes that have been that have left gaps. We cannot solve problems if we deny problems exist or pretend that they never existed.
Mental Health: Mental health affects every single kid whether or not they admit it in a survey. We need to increase funding for Wellness Centers, more counseling available. We also have unmet needs for neurodiverse kids, we could use empathy training and more resources.
Drills & Anxiety: School Safety Advocates are engaged with the students at school at lunch, they spend five days a week working on plans and procedures to address a whole range of school safety issues. They arrange drills, and work with the students who feel anxiety and fear about those drills.

Lalenia Quinlan Aweida – ENDORSED

Book Bans: Policy in BVSD should be informed by the American Library Association and Office of Intellectual Freedom. Book banning is a hard no for me. We should pass statewide legislation to make it illegal to ban books.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: BVSD staffed pre-K as if we had the expected amount of students, but the matching process from the State to preschool was not good. The number of kids did not come in because the matching process didn’t go right.
DEI & Education: There is an intersection between power and oppression. You have to look at DEI through a lens of safety, and make sure students who have identities that put them at greater risk of having an unsafe experience are made to feel safe.
Mental Health: I worked in BVSD classrooms as a sexual abuse prevention educator. We need to let our teachers teach. We need community partners to be sure we’re buttressing every place that we can on social-emotional issues, and have experts provide support.
Drills & Anxiety: We’ve done the right thing by taking SROs out. That is making a difference. Our disproportionate discipline has decreased by about 4%. That’s, but we have to continue to think about safety and I fully support our SSA’s, so they can have good relationships with kids, knowing when there’s a problem on the horizon. We all need implicit bias training.

District G

Anil Pesaramelli

Book Bans: I think books are a medium of expression and opinion. I don’t believe books should be banned. I do believe in age appropriate content, for example, we don’t introduce algebra or calculus to kindergarten students because it’s not age appropriate.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: Early childhood education should be provided. We don’t have enough money, we should push the authorities to get more funding.
DEI & Education: Mentors in every area, not just the teaching profession, should reflect diversity because they become a big influence on children growing up.
Mental Health: More counseling sessions, watch out for people who are showing signs that something is not right. The whole the whole system has to play a part with more with more training to identify those behaviors, more counseling and less punishment.
Drills & Anxiety: More training, to say that this could happen but remove the panic part and help students stay alert, and follow instructions. Having more information ahead of time.

Jorge Chávez – QUALIFIED

Book Bans: I am opposed to book bans. Censorship is problematic. Parents have a right to select for their own children what they have access to, but I think that the ability to access information to read is a fundamental right to be protected.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: It’s been difficult for parents to get access. I know. It’s a process. It’s a new program going through growing pains. Investment in early childhood education pays off dividends in terms of reducing crime and violence, in terms of academic success, and economic benefits.
DEI & Education: It’s critical students are reflected on the curriculum, reflected in the faculty and staff. Kids learn well they feel they’re welcomed and safe. That’s at the core of what we do. If you’re not welcoming, if you’re not seeing yourself, if you’re not reflected, it has detrimental effects.
Mental Health: We’re experiencing a mental health crisis. The movement towards social emotional learning and development in schools is critical. Giving students tools by which they self regulate their emotions and their behavior, and to have the language to speak up when there are problems.
Drills & Anxiety: Safety measures we have — hardening schools, metal detectors, police in schools with guns, lockdown drills — are increasing the the mental health load on our kids. What we can do is have strong safety plans, and collaborate with local agencies, to be ready in times of crisis.

Stuart Lord – ENDORSED

Book Bans: One of the ways that people are introduced to a culture or different groups is through books. The district’s responsibility is to provide educational opportunities for all students to enrich their lives around difference, culture, race, ethnicity, etc.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: I support the initiatives, it was a rocky start, but we need to continue to educate parents on the opportunities, get people into these opportunities at a very early age. It starts with educating parents.
DEI & Education: I think it’s highly important when a student walks across the stage when they graduate, we are able to say that that student has cross-cultural competency. People need to see themselves in the classroom, I think we have to diversify our staff.
Mental Health: The first line of defense for mental health are the people that work in our buildings.Continue to engage with professionals around mental health wellness who can support our students. We don’t have enough mental health wellness counselors in our schools.
Drills & Anxiety: We build trust with the safety advocates and students so they see them as a caring adult in their life. When a crisis happens, relationships are established with students. I think we need a safety summit to address best practices.

St. Vrain Valley School District – ALL UNOPPOSED

Jacqueline Weiss – District A – REFUSED INTERVIEW

James Berthold – District C – ENDORSED

Book Bans: Our goal is to make sure we engage the minority communities’ parents, because engagement in the schools results in higher scores by the students. We never had any problem with anybody complaining about books in our schools.
Early Education & Healthy Meals: They did pass free lunch, everyone gets free lunch. We give free breakfast to Title 1 schools in need.
DEI & Education: Equity is in our mission statement. Every student in our school will be given the same opportunities as every other student. We’ve increased our minority graduation rates over the last six years from 54% to 89%.
Mental Health: Our highschool program has tripled the number of counselors and psychiatrists we have in the schools. We have extremely high participation in our extracurriculars, that socio-emotional aspect is important.
Drills & Anxiety: We have a lot of our security systems in our schools. Our hope is that if we have some kind of craziness, all the students know what to do. It’s not provided in a scare tactic way, its explained to them
Parent & Student complaints: Administrative staff is critical. I would gather what parents have to say and invite the Superintendent, and he would look into it. In any administration, you’re never sure if everything is bubbling up.

Michelle Sulek – District E – DID NOT REPLY

Geno Lechuga – District G – DID NOT REPLY

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A Wildfire Sheds Light: It Didn’t Have To Be This Way

Carolyn Elerding — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:21:32 +0000

This is Part 3 of a multi-part series that explores the ongoing impacts of the Marshall Fire through interviews with survivors and analysis of the role of climate change and alternatives to recovery such as mutual aid.

Photo by Skinner Myers

Part 3 looks at the lack of mutual aid during the surreal and traumatic experiences following the fire

When Marshall burned, existing support systems like the automatic SMS alerts proved grossly inadequate, and many people were simply unaccustomed to helping anyone they didn’t know. Outside of their households and families, many were revealed to be very isolated, and all lacked meaningful government support, despite voting and paying taxes.

It didn’t take long for shock to set in as individuals and families pursued atomized strategies, reaching frantically for safety and information as they fled their neighborhoods. Familiar places became terrifyingly surreal.

Carole Billingham of Louisville, an intuitive counselor and life coach, describes how even though almost everyone she saw seemed calm and alert during the evacuation process, time slowed down. At one point, Carole and her husband, Steve, drove past a group of sardonic teenagers in gas masks walking in the opposite direction, back into the neighborhood, like extras in a sci-fi satire rather than human beings whose lives and communities were at risk.

Makia Minich lived in Superior’s Sagamore neighborhood, which was entirely destroyed in the fire. At first, Makia and his fiancée, Kat, weren’t worried, because small fires are common in the region. They knew it was time to go “when the skies started changing color.” By the time they had gathered their two cats and their dog, who had run upstairs to hide under the bed, the rear deck of the house was aflame.

“At that moment,” Makia remembers, “I ran into the kitchen, grabbed car keys and my wallet, and we ran outside under falling soot and debris and jumped into the car. Our focus was on ourselves and our animals, and as a result all we had was the clothes we were already wearing and nothing else . . . It was almost comical how the next day it snowed.” They drove off with Kat wearing no shoes, socks, or coat.

It took a while for Makia and Kat to recognize how deeply they had already been affected: “During those moments we went from ‘this is normal’ to running on nothing but adrenaline.” As Makia concentrated on driving the household to safety, he realized that his breathing had changed. They decided to stop in a mall parking lot to make sure everyone was alright and decide what to do next: “I got out of our car just as another car had pulled up next to us. I remember seeing them, two normal people having a normal day going to the mall while my face and teeth were covered in soot and two cats were meowing in the back, I said ‘have a nice day!’ and waved as if on auto-pilot.”

Options for Escape

Skinner Myers, his wife, and their children found themselves stuck in traffic. They were inching forward in a line of cars passing a police blockade against a backdrop of flames shooting into the sky, an apocalyptic scene no one wants their kids to experience. To move the young family away from danger while determining their next move, Skinner, who was at the wheel, departed from the suggested evacuation route, managing through trial and error to pick a path north around street closures toward his office in central Boulder.

As a recent transplant from Los Angeles — Skinner is a noted filmmaker, photographer, actor, and assistant professor in film studies at CU-Boulder — he kept thinking about the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, in 2018, where seven people died in their cars following faulty evacuation instructions. “It’s claustrophobic,” he says, “because if the wind shifts, you could be burned up.”

Later while trying to relax at dinner with another evacuated family up north in Fort Collins, Skinner’s friend was asking him to check on their house next time he drove to work. A text arrived: the house was gone. Soon they would learn that they lacked the thousands in savings it would take to access their insurance benefits for rebuilding. Their home, their most important investment, was simply gone. Inadequate policies and under insurance plagued many relying on support from existing systems.

In the following weeks while the Myers family stayed in temporary lodgings in Fort Collins, both children expressed a new preference to sleep in their parents’ room, even though they had their own beds. Every new smell made the whole family nervous, wondering if it was an indication of smoke: “We are now hyper aware of this,” Skinner said. In preparation for future emergencies, they have purchased a four-wheel-drive truck with a large gas tank so that the family can reach safety no matter what.

Evacuees’ stress was compounded by a lack of fine-grained information. Henry Wong, a graduate student originally from Guangzhou, China, said that the information available on the local news was helpful but not very precise. He and his fiancée had no way to determine whether it was accurate. They learned as much from sensory observation during their evacuation from Louisville as they did from the reportage. Flames could jump in any direction at any time, which they already knew from seeing a police car on fire in the middle of a road with nothing else burning around it, and from driving past single houses burning amid developments that were otherwise untouched. In such unpredictable conditions, it’s very difficult to protect oneself and others without robust assistance in place.

Mental Impacts

For many, the surreal details remain etched in the trauma impacting their nervous systems, regardless of their wealth. For Henry and his partner, the short-term financial impact of staying away from home was a strain on their student budget, especially because they had to sleep in hotels at first due to all of the region’s AirBnB’s filling up. Otherwise, they haven’t suffered much. The only long-term consequence has been a lingering acute awareness: whenever they smell something unusual or see a fire truck, they manage the stress by making nonchalant jokes about the city burning again.

It remains a strange experience to see the badly burned areas, though for others affected less directly the bizarre vistas may have become commonplace. Near Henry’s home there is a driving range where on a pleasant day one can see golfers practicing — right next to an area that burned to nothing and just over the hill from where hundreds of houses were destroyed.

Not all survivors were residents of the neighborhoods that burned. Pasha Ripley lost almost all of her household’s belongings, which during their move had been in storage in Superior in a facility behind Costco. Her genderqueer son was looking forward to joining Eagle Scouts, and she had been saving her father and grandfather’s regalia for him.

Among residents affected more seriously, many report needing long-term mental healthcare assistance that they didn’t require before. Kathe Perez, a Louisville speech pathologist who lost her home, said: “I need all the inner resources—mental, emotional, cognitive—available to me to rebuild my life.” She goes on to say: “Medication helps. . . . At first, I really couldn’t talk. I could only cry, crushing heavy sobs. I was inconsolable. I had difficulty tracking conversations. I had trouble remembering things. I had no capacity to listen to your sadness about my sadness.”

It didn’t have to be this bad. Not only is it past time to quit fossil fuels, better regulate insurance industries, and set up finely tuned alert systems that won’t let people down, but it would have been safer and less traumatic to have robust community-based systems in place.

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Something Spooky This Way Comes

Sundance Hollingsworth — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:56:09 +0000

Ah, the crisp smell of a cool overcast day as the clouds gradually threaten rain. Leaves the color of sunset dance a wind-led ballet across the street, parting as a woman ambles through the neighborhood, sipping spiced apple cider from some local shop. A black cat curls into a cinnamon bun on their human’s lap as she surfs the web for jack-o-lantern ideas. A man peruses the candy aisle, searching for a bag that has all his personal favorites.

At the time of writing, it’s still 97 degrees outside and my seatbelt hasn’t stopped trying to fuse to my arm. Not one of the above has come to pass yet, and if you’re like me – a person that becomes a cornered animal in the heat – then Spooky Season always comes as a welcome change of pace. While it’s never too early to talk about and plan for Halloween, it is admittedly much easier and more practical as the season draws near.

Starting with the most mysterious of any of the traditions I could find, we have the Headless Horseman of Lafayette – cue thunder crack. Every year on All Hallows Eve an unknown pumpkin-headed horseman rides around the city. This nightmarish figure has strayed a touch west of his original haunt –but he is just as terrifying, if not significantly less violent, than his depiction in Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow.

While it’s never too early to talk about and plan for Halloween, it is admittedly much easier and more practical as the season draws near.

Moving north, we’ll stop at Briggs Street in Erie on October 28th. Boo! on Briggs Street is an annual event between Moffat and Cheesman with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and a storefront decoration contest. Trick-or-treating starts at 3pm and lasts until the event ends at 6 pm. The event is completely free, but if you want to flaunt your creative chops in the costume contest, there is a small $5 registration fee. Registrations start at 3 at the stage at Briggs and Moffat, with the contest kicking off at 4:30.

A newcomer to the arena is the Monster Mash Party. While this is only its second year, its first was a smashing success. Hosted by the Superior Youth Leadership Council at the Superior Community Center on October 28th from 6 – 8 pm, this free event includes a costume contest – split up by age group for fairness – live DJ playing all your favorite spooky songs, pumpkin decorating, a variety of games, and all the treats and snacks you can eat. If that isn’t enough, there are plans this year to partner with the Superior Chamber of Commerce to offer a Trick-or-Treat Street like the aforementioned Boo! Details are still in the works, so make sure to follow the Superior Youth Leadership Council on Facebook to stay up-to-date.

Moving up to Longmont, we have nearly a full month of free Day of the Dead celebration. Starting Saturday, October 14th, and going until November 5th, the Dia de Muertos exhibition at the Longmont Museum’s Swan Atrium will feature art from Local Artists and community-built altars. Opening day of the exhibit, Longmont will also host its annual Dia de los Muertos Family Celebration from 11am to 3pm at 4th Avenue and Main Street. The celebration will feature street food, arts and crafts, music and dance, cultural education, altars, and the iconic Gigantes Procession–a parade that features various mini-floats and decorations to honor the season. If this sounds like a lot, it is, which is why a free shuttle service will be available to ferry you between activities so you can experience everything this mini-festival has to offer!

Also in Longmont, Outworld Brewing is hosting a Halloween costume contest on the 31st, and given the atmosphere and decor of this incredible bar, this will be an unmissable event. Celebrations start at 11am and continue until just about midnight meaning you can spend the entire day here if you wanted.

… given the atmosphere and decor of this incredible bar, this will be an unmissable event.

On to a very family-friendly event in Louisville, we have the Halloween Spooktacular on October 30th at the Louisville Public Library. Open to kids 2 to 5 years old – as well as their caregivers – this event kicks off at 10:15am in the Library Meeting Room and goes until 11am. During this time, enjoy spooky stories, and songs, and crafts – as well as trick-or-treat around the library.

Over in Westminster we have Boo at the View. This event is returning for its second year after a very successful debut in 2022; over 1,000 people showed up the first time around. Hosted on Saturday, October 28th – a very popular day for Halloween celebrations – from 3-6pm at the West View Recreation Center Part tailgate, part trick-or-treat, children will be able to walk around the parking lot, collecting candy from car to car. This free event will also have onsite hayrides, crafts, face painting, and a balloon artist.

Out in Lyons is the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund Rave to the Grave on Friday, October 27th. Details are still being finalized for this event, but if last year is anything to go by, Rave to the Grave stands to be a resounding success. Featuring live music at Lavern Johnson Park, Rave to the Grave managed to raise over $39,000 in 2022. With a pre-rave happy hour starting at 6, and various food trucks, this 21+ event drew in hundreds. Registration is required to enter, with a suggested $25 donation to LEAF.

For something more family-friendly in the Lyons area, be sure to check out the Lyons Spooktacular Parade the following day, Saturday, October 28th. Games and activities abound, all culminating in downtown trick-or-treating. I made sure to confirm the return of one key activity; the Stone Cup Chili Cookoff. Activities kick off at Lyons Elementary from 4-5:30pm, with the parade and trick-or-treating following shortly after. Be sure to keep an ear to the ground for the most up-to-date information.

Moving on to Thornton we have Harvest Fest on October 7th and its two satellite events: the Fishing Derby at Grandview Ponds and the Pancake Breakfast at the Thornton Active Event Center. Harvest Fest is a community event held at Thornton Parkway and York Street at Community Park that will feature live entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden for those no longer disadvantaged with youth, business booths, craft booths, and a skate park competition. The event will run from 10am to 5 pm on Saturday, October 7th.Admission for the Pancake Breakfast is $3 for Children and Seniors and $5 for Adults. Once you’ve had your fill, stop by the Fishing Derby at Grandview Ponds from 8 am to 11 am. This event isn’t for us lame adults, but is open to children 4 to 12 years old and is just $1 per kid.

With all of this happening in one day, there’s something for everyone.

Stanley Masquerade Ball hosted by, of course, Seayonce, will start Saturday at 7pm in Estes Park and features “the spookiest and most glamorous Halloween celebration of the year.” Not your typical masquerade, there will be comedy, a mystery, cabaret, and drag to keep you entertained and in the spirit. Can’t wait for the night to get started? Join the Magical Brunch Event that morning from 10am-1pm but make sure to reserve your spot.

And finally, last on the list–but certainly not least is Boulder. If dancing is more your speed, check out the Motown Haunted Prom on, you guessed it, Saturday, October 28th. Featuring a live band covering all of your Motown & Stax Records favorites, this single-night dance party is guaranteed to have you dancing in the street. And if you love to dance but are terrified of any public attention no matter how small, liquid courage will be served at a full bar on site. Doors open at 7 pm so you could feasibly add this to the end of your night after one of the other mentioned events. Motown Haunted Prom is located at Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl Street V3A in the big blue building. There will even be a giant hand pointing to the door in case our excellent directions aren’t concise enough for you. Tickets are $25 ahead of time, $30 at the door, and there are $200 booths that can accommodate up to 5 people if you prefer something more private.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Meow Wolf. For the uninitiated, Meow Wolf is an immersive art exhibit/psychedelic experience that is near impossible to do justice with words.

But I’ll try.

This year, Meow Wolf is putting on two separate events during the month of October! Starting off with Wednesday, October 4th at 5:00 pm, Adulti-Verse: Spooky-Verse is a 21+ immersive experience celebrating everything spooky. To give a better idea of what the event has to offer, perhaps it is best to use their own description from their website:

“Wander in the realms of the wonderfully weird as we celebrate this spooktacular season at Convergence Station. Costumes highly encouraged!”

While that might not clear much up at all, with Meow Wolf at the helm, this is guaranteed to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Following this, on Saturday, October 28th is the 2nd Annual SpooKiKi Ball. Once again, I think it is best to go to the source for information on this event:

“In 1979, Ballroom Icon, Paris Dupree, created the revolutionary dance movement known as vogue. Vogue was and still is the celebration of Black and Latino Trans and Queer people highlighting their beauty, talent, and ability to leave their mark in a world that tries to erase them. The House of Flora (@kikihouseofflora) is a KiKi house that originated in Portland, Oregon est. 2016 by Legendary Passa Flora, and in 2018, the house expanded its roots in Denver, CO, under the direction of Valentino Valentine, AKA Mother Flora…. The House of Flora has been seen elevating the subculture of Denver, collaborating with both local and large-scale companies, and building safe spaces for BIPOC QTs since 2018.”

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Louisville and Superior: Surviving the Elements

Doug Geiling — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 22:49:37 +0000

Historical photos provided by the Carnegie Library for Local History, Denver Public Library, and Louisville History Museum

Forged by fire and stone

There is a place where the wind eats the snow. The air is pressurized over the top of a colossal mountain range we call the Rockies before it is released down the other side. Wind gusts violently careen through the pine-forested foothills and crash out onto a land ocean we know as the Great Plains.

It’s the Chinook. This warm winter wind can bring the force of a hurricane down onto the flatlands. It uproots trees, stirs up dust storms, and sends backyard trampolines flying. It can also snap live power lines and breathe life into the dimmest of embers.

On December 30, 2021 the conditions aligned in this environment to create an almost unthinkable catastrophe. An exceptionally dry early winter had turned the grasses of Colorado’s High Plains into brittle tinder. On that late December day, wind gusts were clocked at up to 115 mph at the edge of the Rockies. Multiple ignition points were activated by the winds. Spot fires lit up like blinking Christmas lights and then erupted into wind-driven hell vortexes. Fire crews had no chance to stop the blaze, which seemed to erupt everywhere all at once.

As the winds gusted and shifted, embers darted to new targets, jumping over some homes and businesses only to set others ablaze. Heroic first responders frantically evacuated citizens with only minutes to spare. Some residents took to driving through fields ahead of approaching walls of flame and smoke.

When snow finally blanketed the smoldering neighborhoods the next day, over a thousand homes and seven businesses were burned to the ground. Two people lost their lives. The Marshall Fire was the most destructive in the history of Colorado. Almost all the losses were sustained in the beautiful Colorado towns of Louisville and Superior.

Both Boulder County towns are routinely ranked as among the best places to live in America by various media outlets. In fact, Louisville is a two-time No. 1 best place to live by Money Magazine and has made the top 10 list multiple times.

December 30, 2021. Louisville. Photo: Patrick Kramer of the Longmont Fire Department

But these towns have not always been the serene suburban havens they’ve become. When the aftermath of the Marshall Fire was still smoldering, some residents speculated that coal was to blame. After all, it was known that there was another fire burning in the area at the time — an underground cauldron continuously smoldering for over 100 years. Near Superior, under the Marshall Mesa, ground temperatures have been measured at over 200 degrees Fahrenheit from the simmering coal underneath the surface. The underground fire is a relic of why these towns even exist.

Seventy million years ago the land where Louisville and Superior sit today was not the semi-arid high plain beautifully situated at the base of a big mountain range. Back then dinosaurs waded through the waters of a giant tropical swamp. Over the eons all that plant matter had to go somewhere, and it ended up pressurized into a layer of soft black rock. This formed the Northern Colorado Coal Field.

The first prospectors to arrive in Colorado were seeking gold in the late 1850s. But, as they moved through the area looking for the yellow metal or related business opportunities, some of the keener observers noticed outcroppings of black rock, surface coal, on the plains north of Denver and east of Boulder. In an arc that roughly follows the course of the aptly named Coal Creek, a series of coal mining towns sprang up. Near the edge of the mountains was Superior, and just east of Superior would be Louisville.

Coal mining provided the catalyst for railroad construction in the area, which in turn accelerated the volume of coal extraction as the railroads not only ran on coal but were used to haul massive quantities of the black rock to wherever it was needed. Indeed, these new Boulder County coal towns, like Louisville and Superior, would for a time provide the growing Denver area with most of its power.

Fifteen miners with their lunch buckets. Third from left in second row is Peter Johnson. (Donor: Ralph Johnson, of Louisville)

But the human history of this area does not start with coal. Nor does it start with gold, or even with the first white explorers who traversed these plains and mountains from the east in the early 1800s, or the Spaniards who ventured into the area from the south with their horses two centuries earlier. People had already been here for hundreds of generations, the earliest of which hunted the woolly mammoth and feared the sabre toothed tiger. The area that is Louisville and Superior today was likely inhabited for at least thousands of years during the winter because the proximity to the mountains provided a slightly milder and more sheltered micro-climate compared to places farther east or west.

More recent Indigenous peoples include the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne. While the Utes and their direct ancestors had been in the area for centuries, the Arapaho and Cheyenne were newcomers in the early 1800s having previously been displaced from their Upper Midwest homelands by the westward expansion of European Americans from the east.

The horde of pioneers and fortune seekers from the east did not just settle a land already occupied, they transformed it as if terraforming a new planet. In 1820 Colorado’s high plain was part of a vast American Serengeti teeming with millions of bison upon which the Plains Indians depended. The landscape was a vast rolling ocean of grasses crisscrossed by precious prairie riverways lined with cottonwoods. The enormous prairie was backdropped in the west by the rampart of a vast mountain range, its glacial valleys, and high peaks known only to its indigenous inhabitants.

1912. Native American (Ute) men and children ride on horseback as part of the marking ceremony for Ute Pass Trail, El Paso County, Colorado.

By 1870, just a half century later, the bison were rapidly disappearing, felled by the hundreds of thousands by pioneers seeking fortune rather than sustenance from the land. Rivers were diverted, damned, and irrigated. Great fields were cultivated. Domesticated herbivores were a poor replacement for the depleted bison — the newcomers mowed down prairie grass like thousand-pound locusts. The mountains and prairies were hollowed out by people obsessed with finding black, yellow, and silver stones. The horse-drawn wagon was replaced by the steel horse belching its black smoke and bringing ever more people from the east. The Native Americans were forced from their suddenly defiled range into reservations to the north and south.

When seen through the eyes of the Plains Indian, the period from 1820 to 1870 was an apocalypse. For the newcomers, the West meant opportunity and not just for Americans. Titans of the Gilded Age industry needed bodies to extract their fortunes for them, and they often looked abroad for their labor. Many of Louisville’s early coal miners came from Italy, eventually forming large prominent immigrant families.

I spoke with Ron Buffo, a Louisville native and retired high school social studies teacher born in 1953. Buffo spun a fascinating family history for me that begins with his great grandfather Michele — pronounced MeeKAYla — Buffo. A Colorado coal mine offered him and his brother Giacomo jobs and a paid trip across an ocean a continent away from home. After the long journey Michele hopped off the train and looked around at a foreign land that bore little resemblance to his northern Italian homeland. As someone with mining experience, he knew the work would be hard and the pay little, but he also knew it was better than anything he could get in Italy at the time.

Michele Buffo worked in the Louisville mines for five years before he was able to bring his wife to Colorado to join him. They had two sons, Dominic and Baptiste. Dominic dropped out of school at the age of thirteen to work in the mine with his father. In those days the mining companies paid the miner by the ton, not the hour, and an able-bodied son could increase the load and the income for the family. School was of lesser importance than the chance to get ahead financially.

1909. Photo of the Miners Trading Company building which was demolished due to coal mining subsidence, and once stood on the site of 701 Main Street.

Dominic Buffo’s coal mining career ended after 31 years with a gruesome accident in 1944. While working the conveyor belt on the tipple of Erie’s Columbine Mine, his right glove was snagged in the machinery, violently yanking his body forward. Dominic threw his weight back to avoid getting pulled over the top to an almost certain death, but the force of the conveyor belt ripped his right arm off at the shoulder.

Dominic was loaded into a basket and taken on a grueling 45-minute ride to the nearest full-service hospital in Boulder, nearly bleeding to death en route. His life was saved, but a blood clot formed in his head causing him to lose his ability to speak for the rest of his life. He also developed black lung disease from his years of breathing in coal dust almost every day since age thirteen. Dominic lived in Louisville for another 31 years after the accident, passing away in 1975 at age 75. “I tell you what,” said his grandson Ron, “he was a strong old man.”

Before the accident Dominic was a lifelong member of the United Mine Workers of America fighting, like many coal miners of his day, for better pay and working conditions. He followed in the footsteps of his father Michele, an ardent union man himself. In fact, Michele and his other son Baptiste, Ron’s great uncle, participated in the Hecla Mine conflict of 1914 when gunfire erupted between the union men and state government forces.

The striking miners, according to Buffo, were fearful of a repeat of the Ludlow Massacre in Southern Colorado — they knew it was the same Third Colorado Cavalry that attacked Ludlow that was headed up to Hecla. The union handed out hundreds of rifles to the striking miners. Hours of gunfire ensued with remarkably few injuries. Ron Buffo still has the rifle that his great uncle used at Hecla.

Dominic Buffo. Photo provided by Ron Buffo

It was during this time that, according to Buffo, the state government placed a trigger-happy machine gunner at Hecla who had a habit of randomly firing into the town of Louisville. One night Buffo’s great grandfather Michele went to use the outhouse when a bullet zipped through and grazed the top of his hand. When I asked if they reported the incident to the police, I knew the answer before it came. What would have been the point? “The government supported that kind of thing back then,” said Buffo.

Just before dawn on January 20th 1936 an underground explosion rocked Monarch Mine #2 just south of Louisville. Something ignited the combustible air and uncovered coal dust, eight coal miners perished. The body of Joe Jaramillo was never recovered and he rests to this day somewhere directly beneath the Flatiron Crossing Mall. The loss of Jaramillo compelled his fourteen-year-old son, Joe Jr., to go to work in the mines at age 14 to support his family. Joe Jr. would live the rest of his life as a coal miner with an interlude as a soldier and prisoner of war in World War II. He was among the final shift of miners to close down Erie’s Eagle Mine for good in 1978. Joe Jr., like so many coal miners, suffered from black lung disease. He died of a heart attack just three months after his retirement.

Ron Buffo reflected on the dangerous work and labor violence of those years experienced by his family and others. “Thank goodness I didn’t have to work in a damned coal mine,” said Buffo.

After his grandfather’s accident in 1944, Buffo’s grandmother was forced to find work and became one of the first people hired at Rocky Flats. Coal mining was in decline by that time and many out-of-work miners found jobs there as well. As if the risk of black lung disease weren’t enough, now they would face cancer-causing radiation, unbeknownst to them at the time. “My father and brother both died of cancer as a result of radioactive exposure from Rocky Flats,” said Buffo.

1909. Two barbers with chairs ready for customers. The photographer’s image is reflected in the mirror.

With a strong Italian heritage comes the rumors and stereotypes of organized crime, but there seems to be little evidence of much of this in Louisville. According to Buffo, there was a small Italian Mafia presence operating out of North Denver. Buffo recalls “during the 60s and 70s if you drove down Main Street (Louisville) you’d sometimes see five or six brand new Cadillacs parked out front of a pool hall. Those weren’t people from Louisville,” said Buffo.

Legends of bootlegging tunnels underneath Old Town Louisville from the Prohibition era have mostly been either debunked or unproven. However, according to Gigi Young at the Louisville Historical Museum, the Prohibition era did produce some interesting bootlegging schemes in Louisville including a giant hidden underground still.

The nature of Louisville and Superior continued to evolve in the post World War era as coal mining was replaced by a more diversified economy in a growing Denver-Boulder metropolitan area. Buffo graduated from Louisville High in 1971. When I asked him about those days, I could feel the sense of excitement and nostalgia come through the phone. This was Louisville’s classic Americana era when homecoming and football games against Lafayette High School were the big thing.

It took the Louisville kids weeks to collect enough scrap wood for the homecoming bonfire, a tradition that would never fly today. Reflecting on this, Buffo said, “They once took Old Man Ferrari’s outhouse and put it on top of the pyre.” During football games, “a couple thousand people would show up,” said Buffo. “It was a lot of fun.”

Superior? It’s a strange name for a town. Located a little to the southwest of Louisville, the town of Superior was originated by a farmer, Charles Hake, who settled on the land around 1860. He knew of the exposed coal seam on his land, but it wasn’t until 1892 that he partnered with Jim Hood to drop the first coal mine shaft. The resulting mine called The Industrial would operate for the next 53 years and extract four million tons of coal from the earth.

1923-1925: Photographs of the Industrial Coal Mine coal camp near Superior, showing among other things the company housing and the company casino; also members of the Morgan and Gibby families.

Although the town of Superior was incorporated in 1904 only a few hundred residents called Superior home for almost the next century. Then the 1990s came and Superior exploded like a coal mine blast, booming to over 12,000 residents by the turn of the Millenium.

Chandy Ghosh and her husband were one of the early residents of Superior’s beautiful Rock Creek subdivision. Originally hailing from Calcutta, India, Ghosh came to New Mexico on a full ride scholarship in 1987, got a job in Denver at US West, and moved to Superior for the “superior schools” in the late 1990s.

Ghosh described for me a real life American dream. She became a successful telecommunications executive and found the perfect home with her husband in Superior with an unobstructed view of the mountains and a friendly community. “Twenty-five years later, I still feel blessed that we got this spot,” said Ghosh.

I asked Ghosh what she thinks about Superior’s growth. She remembered in the early years how the city lights would end on her commute home from downtown Denver near Westminster Mall and then it was pitch black. “Now, you can’t tell where Denver ends and Superior starts,” said Ghosh.

Ghosh is more than okay with the growth. “The schools and the views brought us here,” she said. “But, I’m really more of a city girl.” Ghosh believes that Superior is growing into an independent town with its own identity. “I’m loving Superior right now,” she said.

But on December 30, 2021 they nearly lost their dream home. In fact, it’s almost a miracle that they didn’t. “We smelled the smoke before we saw the fire,” she said. “Then I looked up and saw huge flames across the street, and at that moment someone started banging on our front door.” It was the fire marshall and they needed to go immediately.

Harper’s Lake. Photo: Dustin Doskocil

They only had time to grab passports before racing out the door. “We thought there was no way the house would survive,” said Ghosh. “But the next morning some friends snuck into the neighborhood and told us ‘your house is still standing!’” Somehow the flames parted. It burned the houses one block over on both sides of their street, but not theirs. Such was the erratic nature of the Marshall Fire.

The Marshall Fire did not break these communities. Not even close. They are quietly rebuilding. These towns were forged by hardy families. They had men (and often boys) who swung pick axes at black rocks six days a week and paid the price for their toil to build better lives for their descendants. They had women who endured the low income and constant worry about their mining husbands and sons.

I know from speaking with Ron Buffo that he takes great pride in the example that his forebears set, and in the communities they helped build. Like Buffo said, we all should be glad that we don’t have to work in a damned coal mine.

Despite the Marshall Fire, Louisville and Superior remain among the best places in America to live. It is not just the great views and great schools. There’s something particularly wonderful about this area that we can’t quite put our finger on. Perhaps it’s simply superior.

The post Louisville and Superior: Surviving the Elements appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

A Wildfire Sheds Light: Interviews with Marshall Fire Survivors

Carolyn Elerding — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:37:41 +0000

Rebuilding from natural disaster within a capitalist system

YS explores the ongoing impacts of the Marshall Fire through a multi-part series including interviews with survivors and analysis of the role of climate change and alternatives to recovery such as mutual aid.

Photo by Skinner Myers

On December 30, 2021, a wildfire tore through Louisville and Superior, two wealthy suburban cities nestled among the busy shopping centers and relatively pristine open spaces stretching between Boulder and Denver, Colorado. Two lives were lost that day, and more than 1,100 businesses and homes were destroyed, many of them containing home businesses and remote work spaces for weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. By the next day when a heavy snowstorm added another ring of hell, a deep transformation of the area’s economic and psychological landscapes was already well underway.

In the following months, reconstruction began, and the grasses and shrubs returned, but the charred remains of trees and houses make the absence of thousands of displaced residents impossible to forget. Many continue to struggle with financial obstacles to returning home, especially now that most residents’ single year of insurance coverage for emergency living expenses has run out, if it was adequate to begin with — not to mention the ongoing health risks of living in smoke-damaged structures.

The Marshall Fire poured fuel on a problem already raging out of control for renters and owners alike in Boulder County and elsewhere: the ballooning cost of all forms of housing.

Homeowners in particular face ongoing devastation from a combination of unexpectedly inadequate insurance coverage and woefully minimal assistance from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Many renters in the area suffered tremendously as housing became a rarer commodity.

The massive losses incurred render especially stark the inadequacy of current methods of responding to disaster. It’s not just insurance and FEMA that betrayed survivors. It’s all of us collectively. It’s capitalism, which also fuels climate change.

Looking back over the past twelve-plus months of recovery, all signs point toward living differently so that disasters can be less, well, disastrous. The question is: How? As many have known since at least the Paris Commune, the answer, or at least part of it, is to build material and relational networks of reciprocal care.

Part 1: Mutual Aid in Suburbia? Offers a panoramic perspective on the demographics of Boulder County, particularly Louisville and Superior, with an eye on what this meant when the Marshall Fire occurred.

Part 2: Mutual Aid Is Everyone’s Future considers how neither wealth nor government can keep us safe from climate disasters and outlines the basics of mutual aid.

Part 3: It Didn’t Have to Be This Way, looks at how the lack of mutual aid helped during the surreal and traumatic experiences.

Part 4: Mutual Aid, the Real Insurance, explores the experiences of Marshall Fire survivors navigating insurance claims, remediation, and more.

Part 5: Social Media, Infrastructure for Mutual Aid, unpacks what it means when we reply on social media platforms like Twitter, or NextDoor, for community safety.

Part 6: Advice from Marshall Fire Survivors, shares tips from the front lines of climate disaster.

Special thanks to Carole Billingham for introducing me to so many other survivors of the Marshall Fire. If you or someone you know are a Marshall survivor in need of mental health support, please see this list of crisis services.

To donate to support survivors in the long-term or to obtain assistance, visit the Boulder County Wildlife Fund and the Red Cross.

The post A Wildfire Sheds Light: Interviews with Marshall Fire Survivors appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Rock Creek Parkway Project Public Meeting on June 21

Guest Contributor — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 20:00:01 +0000

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

Town to Share Updates on Rock Creek Parkway Repurposing Study in June 21 Meeting

About a month after work on the study kicked off, Superior residents will have an opportunity to provide Town engineers with feedback on a project that will evaluate the configuration and roadway geometry of Rock Creek Parkway to determine if changes would improve safety and comfort for users of the corridor.

The project team is in the midst of conducting a technical analysis of existing conditions and collecting traffic, crash, and speed data along the corridor.

In the June 21 public meeting, engineers will provide more information on their findings. Community members can share their thoughts on the corridor as it currently exists as well as offer ideas for its future.

Wednesday, June 21
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton Rd.

To learn more about the project or provide online input, please visit the Town’s Shape Superior community engagement platform using the button below.

[Rock Creek Parkway Repurposing Study]

Bikers cross at the Rock Creek Parkway and Indiana Street intersection.

The post Rock Creek Parkway Project Public Meeting on June 21 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Summer Calendar 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 26 May 2023 14:00:09 +0000

Highlights of some of the HOTTEST shows this summer! Come back often for updates on new shows and events we want to share.

Weekly/Monthly Events

Taps & Apps – Tuesdays, 3pm-6pm 300 Suns Brewing, Longmont
Summer Kids Film Series – Tuesdays 10am Longmont Museum, Longmont
Bands on the Bricks – Wednesdays through Aug 2, 5:30pm-9pm Pearl Street, Boulder
Farmers Market – Wednesdays and Saturdays all summer 13th Street, Boulder
Bohemian Nights – Thursdays through Sept 7, 7pm – 9pm Downtown, Ft Collins
Aspen Saturday Market – Saturdays through October, Galena & Hopkins Ave to Hunter St., Aspen
International Pastel Exhibition – Now through July 1, Greenwood, Curtis Center for the Arts
Urban Market – June 2-4, 10-11, July 8-9, 22-23, August 12-13, 19-20 Skyline Park, Denver
Picnic on the Plaza – Thursdays June-August, noon-1pm Festival Plaza, Lafayette
Rock & Rails – Thursdays June-August, 5pm Whistle Stop Park, Niwot
Yoga on Tap – Mondays June 5-26, 6pm New Terrain Brewing, Golden
Music at the Gardens – June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, July 26, August 7, 14, 21 Botanic Gardens, Denver
Geeks Who Drink Trivia – Thursdays, 6:30pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Thursday Nights at the Museum – Thursdays June 15-July 27, 7pm Longmont Museum, Longmont
Erie Farmers Market – Thursdays all summer 5pm-8pm Briggs & Moffat, Erie
Summer Concerts in the Park – Thursdays starting June 15, 6pm-8pm Community Park, Louisville
Poetry Night – Fridays all summer Firehouse Art Center, Longmont
Open Wine Tasting – Fridays all summer Blue Mountain Vineyards, Longmont
Louisville Street Faire – Fridays starting June 16, 5pm-9pm Historic Downtown, Louisville
Concert in the Courtyard – Fridays and Saturdays – May 26-Aug 24, 7pm 836 Main St., Louisville
NoBo First Friday – Every 1st Friday May-Oct, 6pm-9pm NoBo Art District, Boulder
Art Night Out – Every 2nd Friday May-Sept, 5pm-9pm Old Town Lafayette, Lafayette
Friday Afternoon Club – Every Final Friday, 3pm-5pm The Sink, Boulder
Farmers Market – Saturdays May-Oct, 9am-1pm 824 Front St, Louisville
Summer Concert Series – Saturdays June-Aug, 6pm-8pm Superior Commons Amphitheatre, Superior
Summer Street Festival – Every 2nd Saturday May-Aug, 4pm-8pm Firehouse Art Center, Longmont
Music & Movie Summer Series – Every 2nd Saturday June-Aug, 6:30pm Centennial Field, Dacono
Sunday Supper on the Farm – Every 3rd Sunday June-Oct Speedwell Farms & Gardens, Longmont
Poetry Night – Every 3rd Tuesday R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
Boulder Art Association Meeting – Every 2nd Tuesday R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
Photographer’s Night – Every 1st Tuesday R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
Wine Bar Solo Exhibit – May 3-June 11 R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder

May

Artist Talk: Mark Risius – May 23, 7-9pm R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
Free Live Music: Dave Corbus – May 25, 7-9pm R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
Fruta Brutal, Phoebe Nix, and Pool Sharks – May 25, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
Kevin Nealon Live @ The Stanley – May 26, 7pm Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Donna the Buffalo – May 26, 7pm The Caribou Room, Nederland
Coal Creek Park Grand Reopening Celebration – May 26, 4pm-7pm Coal Creek Park, Erie
Live Music by Alexa Wildish – May 26, 7pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Coal Creek Park Grand Reopening Celebration – May 26, 4pm-7pm Coal Creek Park, Erie
Genevieve & The Glimpse with Mr Knobs – May 26, 7pm The End at Dog House Music, Lafayette
Comedy Underground with Luke Gaston – May 26, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
Canyon Creek Summer Scavenger Hunt – May 26-27 1442 Westin Dr, Erie
Boulder Creek Festival – May 26-29, 5pm 1212 Canyon Blvd, Boulder
Movie Matinee at Meadows: The Sandlot – May 27, 2:30pm BPL/Meadows Branch, Boulder
Lager & Lyrics Songwriter Showcase – May 27, 6pm Wibby Brewing, Longmont
Motus Playback Improv Theater – May 27, 7pm Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Mad Dog Blues – May 27, 7pm Arts Hub, Lafayette
Arkansauce with Dig Deep – May 27, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
FUNK KNUF – May 27, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
Live Music by Cliffside Rodeo – May 27, 6pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
School of Rock Boulder House Band Gig – May 28, 3pm Boulder Creekfest, Boulder
Creekside Beer Festival – May 28-29, noon 11th & Arapahoe, Boulder
BolderBoulder 10k – May 29, 5:30am 30th & Walnut, Boulder
The Murph Challenge – May 29 950 Boston Ave, Longmont
Memorial Day Mountain Festival & Barbeque 2023 – May 29, noon Gold Hill Inn, Boulder
Summer Music Evenings – May 31-July 28, Various Dates Sunflower Farm, Longmont

June

Adventure Yoga – June 1, 6:30pm A-Lodge, Boulder
Free Live Music: Karen Finch – June 1, 7-9pm R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
The Coffis Brothers – June 1, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
Me and You and Our Feelings Too – June 1, 3pm Erie Community Library, Erie
Neighborhood Nights June 1, 5:30-8pm Central Park, Northglenn
Big Pride Energy – June 1, 12pm Call to Arms Brewing, Denver
Erie Community Center – Hearing Clinic – June 1, 8am-11am Erie Community Center, Erie
Indie 102.3’s Pride Kickoff feat. VINCINT – June 2nd-7pm Meow Wolf Convergence Station, Denver
Full Moon Candlelight Meditation & Gong – June 2, 7:30pm YDM Meditation, Boulder
TV Game Show Night w/ Rion Evans – June 2, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
Ballet In The Park – June 2, 7pm Glen Huntington Bandshell, Boulder
The Bronte Sisters – June 2, 7:30pm Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
First Annual Pride Cabaret – June 2, 7:30pm Arts Hub, Lafayette
Live Music by Mojazz – June 2, 6pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Bite Club – June 2, 5:30pm-8;30pm Harney Park, Firestone
First Friday at Arturo Garcia Art Studio – June 2, 5pm Arturo Garcia Fine Art, Denver
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – Opens June 2, 8pm Rocky Mtn Repertory Theater, Grand Lake
Telluride Balloon Festival – June 2-4 Telluride Town Park, Telluride
Driving Miss Daisy – June 2-9, 7:30pm Vintage Theater, Aurora
Bear Hat with Elle Michelle’s Grateful Holler – June 3, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
Ballet In The Park – June 3, 7pm Glen Huntington Bandshell, Boulder
The Bronte Sisters – June 3, 2pm, 7:30pm Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
5k Fun Run & Dog Jog – June 3, 9am Main St., Louisville
Denver Day of Rock – June 3, 1pm-9:30pm LoDo, Denver
Live Music by Hunter Stone – June 3, 6pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Belgian Brew Fest – June 3, 1-4pm Bruz Beers Brewery, Denver
Niwot Lobsterfest – June 3, 4pm-8pm Whistlestop Park, Niwot
Belgian Brew Fest – June 3, 1pm-4pm Bruz Beers Brewery, Denver
Colorado Sky: A Puppet Opera – June 3, 6pm Broomfield Auditorium, Broomfield
Rise & Shine Outdoor Event – June 3, 8am Little Luck Farmette, Erie
Tesoro Indian Market and Powwow – June 3-4 The Fort, Morrison
Park Hill Art Festival – June 3-4 Park Hill Masonic Lodge, Denver
Colorado Sky: A Puppet Opera – June 4, 1pm & 3pm Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Being Better Neighbors Pride Celebration – June 4, 3pm-7pm 500 Briggs St, Erie
Boulder Jewish Festival – June 4 Pearl Street, Boulder
Flamingo Decorating Party for Children’s Hospital – June 4, noon Anderson Farms, Erie
The Garden Party – June 4, 3:30pm-7;30pm Location shared w/ RSVP, Boulder
Far Out Gravel Adventure Series – June 4, 8am-6pm 1815 Pearl Street, Boulder
Meadow Music Performances – June 4, 10:30am Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
Sarah Mount and the Rushmores – June 4, 6pm City Park, Denver
Discover Nature Boulder Session 1 June 5-9 Women’s Wilderness, Boulder
The Long Run – A Tribute to the Eagles – June 7, 7pm Festival Lawn 1 E Memorial Pkwy, Northglenn
Sheri—The Alpacka Raft Story Film Showing – June 8, 7pm Neptune Mountaineering, Boulder
Teddy Bear Picnic ft.Tiny Mule Music – June 8, 10am Festival Lawn 1 E Memorial Pkwy, Northglenn
Free Live Music: George Nelson – June 8, 7-9pm R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
Apogea – June 8-11 24721 County Rd 18.3, Trinidad
Magical Mystery Detour – June 8-11 Cleo Parker Robinson Theater, Denver
Jazz From Around the World – June 9, 7pm Canyon Theater, Boulder
Arts Night Out – June 9, 5pm-9pm Old Town Lafayette, Lafayette
Armchair Boogie with Ghost Town Drifters – June 9, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
CJRO Cool Jazz for a HOT Summer Night – June 9, 7pm Festival Lawn 1 E Memorial Pkwy, Northglenn
The Mike Stanley Comedy Show – June 9, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County Spring Soirée – June 9, 6 pm Budweiser Events Center, Loveland
CJRO’s Cool Jazz for a Hot Summer Night – June 9 D.L. Parsons Theater, Northglenn
Bridging Worlds: A Sherpa’s Story – Jun 9, 7pm Fiske Planetarium Theater, Boulder
Erie Balloon Fest – June 9-11, Erie
Colorado Medieval Festival – June 9-11 1750 Savage Rd, Loveland
Beauty and the Beast – June 9-18 Arts Hub, Lafayette
New Volunteer Orientation – June 10, 10am Allegiance Ranch and Equine Rescue, Erie
Colorado Vintage Motorcycle Show – June 10, 8am-2pm 604 Holbrook St, Erie
Fairy Tale Movie Matinee: Shrek 2 – June 10, 2:30pm BPL/Meadows Branch, Boulder
ElektroHornz Dance Party! – June 10, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
Iron Man 70.3 – June 10 Boulder Reservoir, Boulder
“Open Up!” featuring Taarka – June 10, 7pm First United Methodist Church, Boulder
Snowmass Rendezvous – June 10, 2pm Snowmass Village, Snowmass
Kings w/ Special Guest Romero – June 10, 8pm Brighton Armory, Brighton
Peak2Peak| Wibby Brewing Open-Air Pavilion Show – June 10, 6pm Wibby Brewing, Longmont
Family Health & Fitness Day – June 10, 9am-noon Community Park, Erie
Lafayette Police Department’s Bicycle Rodeo – June 10, 9am-noon 201 Waneka Pkwy, Lafayette
Dacono Citywide Garage Sale – June 10, Dacono
Big Gay Beer Day – June 10, 10am Call to Arms Brewing, Denver
Motus Theater Immigrant Heritage Month Performance – June 10, 7:30pm Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Highland Art Festival – June 10-11, Highlands Masonic Lodge, Denver
FREE Open Mic Sundays – June 11, 4pm-7pm, The End at Dog House Music, Lafayette
Boulder County Pride Festival– June 11, 11:30am-5pm Boulder Central Park, Boulder
Tales from Faraway Places with Josh Harpen – June 11, 2pm First United Methodist Church, Boulder
Stafford Hunter & Jazz Explorations – June 11, 6pm City Park, Denver
“This is [Not] Who We Are” Free Film Screening – June 11, 3pm Erie Community Center, Erie
Much Ado About Nothing – June 11-August 13 Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, Boulder
Summer Art Camp – Grades 4 – 7 – June 12-16 Meadowlark School, Erie
Discover Nature Boulder Session 2 June 12-16 Women’s Wilderness, Boulder
Summer Art Camp – Grades 1 – 3 – June 12-16 Meadowlark School, Erie
Meadow Music Performances – June 13, 5:30pm Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
National Bourbon Day – June 14, 11am-9pm Vinca, Broomfield
THE SINK 100th Anniversary Movie Premiere – June 14, 7:30pm Boulder Theater, Boulder
Hand Turkey Band – Groovy Party Tunes – June 14, 7pm Festival Lawn 1 E Memorial Pkwy, Northglenn
Lafayette Pride – June 15 Lafayette
Partee at Twin Peaks Golf Course – June 15, 6 pm Twin Peaks Golf Course, Longmont
We Are Here. The Drag Guide to Pride – June 15-16, 7pm Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station, Denver
Twelfth Night – June 15-17 Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Tara Performing Arts High School:The Secret Garden – June 15 – 18 Nomad Playhouse, Boulder
Sonic Bloom – June 15-18 Hummingbird Ranch, Rye
Telluride Bluegrass Festival – June 15-18 Telluride
Improvarama! Boulder’s Best Improv! – June 16, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
Live Music by Swing Aggregate – June 16, 6pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Food & Flick Friday: A Bug’s Life June 16, Movie starts at dusk Harney Park, Firestone
Summer Carnival Wow! Family Fundraiser – June 16, 5:30pm Wow! Children’s Museum, Lafayette
The Pirates of Penzance – Opens June 16, 8pm Rocky Mtn Repertory Theater, Grand Lake
Being Better Neighbors Juneteenth Celebration – June 17, 5pm-9pm 500 Briggs St, Erie
Dead Alive : A Grateful Dead Tribute! – June 17, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
1940s WWII Era Ball – June 17, 4pm Boulder Airport, Boulder
Leftapalooza – June 17, 11am-10pm 1245 Boston Ave, Longmont
Mr. Majestyk’s 8-Track Revival – June 17, 7pm Brighton Armory, Brighton
BrewHaHa – June 17, noon-5pm Arista Place, Broomfield
Live Music by Shawn Cunnane – June 17, 6pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Denver Juneteenth Music Festival – June 17-18 Five Points, Denver
The Storybook KiKi Ball – June 17, 8pm Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station, Denver
Colorado Renaissance Festival – June 17-August 6 (Sat & Sun Only) Larkspur
June Jubilee – June 17-18, 11am-6pm Acacia Park, Colorado Springs
Community Makes the Culture: Festival Finale – June 18, 3pm Canyon Theater, Boulder
Father’s Day Crafts Workshop – June 18, 10am Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster
Dotsero – June 18, 6pm City Park, Denver
Chess Camp of the Rockies – June 19-23 Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Golden
Ten Years Gone – A Tribute to Led Zeppelin & Disney/Pixar’s COCO – June 21 at 7pm Northglenn
Summer Concert Series – June 21-July 26 Wednesdays at 7pm Broomfield Library, Broomfield
Boulder Comedy Festival – June 21-25 Boulder
Alpenglow with Grant Livingston & Friends – June 22, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
Neighborhood Nights June 22, 5:30-8pm Wyco Park, Northglenn
Country Jam – June 22-24, 1065 Old US Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction
Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Experience – June 22-25 Belly Up, Aspen
Greeley Stampede – June 22-July 4 Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley
3rd Annual Rail on the River – June 22-25 Parrish Ranch RV Resort & Campground, Berthoud
Ouray International Film Festival – June 22-25 Wright Opera House, Ouray
Melissa Etheridge Live at The Stanley – June 23, 7pm Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Highlands Street Fair – June 24, 10am 32nd St. from Irving to Perry, Denver
Summer Soirée – June 23, 5:30pm 500 Gothic Rd., Crested Butte
Steamboat Rodeo – June 23-August 26 Fridays & Saturdays Brent Romick Rodeo Arena, Steamboat Springs
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival – June 23-25 Bond Park, Estes Park
The Enchanted Bookshop – June 23-25 D.L. Parsons Theater, Northglenn
Frederick in Flight – Hot Air Balloon Festival – June 23-25 Centennial Park, Frederick
Summer Solsisters Backpacking – June 23-25 Women’s Wilderness, Boulder
Melissa Etheridge Live at The Stanley – June 24, 7pm Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Walk with a Geologist – June 24, 12pm Triceratops Trail, Golden
The Delta Sonics – June 24, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
Samskara – June 24-25, Fiske Planetarium Theater, Boulder
Bike MS Colorado – 150 – June 24-25 Various Locations, Colorado
Denver PrideFest – June 24-25 Civic Center Park, Denver
James & The Giant Peach – June 24-25 Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Keystone Bacon and Bourbon – June 24-25 River Run Village, Keystone
The Winter’s Tale – June 24-August 12 Roe Green Theatre, Boulder
Evergreen Music & Beer Festival – June 25, 12-9pm Buchanan Park, Evergreen
Ritmo Jazz Latino – June 25, 6pm City Park, Denver
Paul Beaubrun – June 25, 6pm Arts Hub, Lafayette
Pollinator Palooza Festival – June 25, 10am Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster
Louisville Slugger Tournament – June 26-July 2 2445 Stazio Dr, Boulder
Adventure Car Camping – June 27-30 Women’s Wilderness, Boulder
Bike to Work Day – June 28 Boulder
5280’s Band – 80s Music & Selena – June 28, 7pm Festival Lawn 1 E Memorial Pkwy, Northglenn
Bike to Work Day Breakfast Station – June 28, 630am-930am Arista Place, Broomfield
Telluride Plein Air Festival – June 28-July 4 Elks Park, Telluride
Sqwerv and Lunar Ticks – June 29, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
Recital: Alexander Malofeev – June 29, 6pm Harris Concert Hall, Aspen
DeadPhish Orchestra – June 30, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
Longmont Pride Festival – June 30, 2pm-6pm 4th & Main, Longmont
Happy Hour at the Museum – June 30, 5pm-7pm Museum of Boulder, Boulder
Comedy Underground with Luke Gaston – June 30, 8pm The Louisville Underground, Louisville
Movie Premier: DaVinci’s The Last Supper – June 30, 7pm Nomad Playhouse, Boulder
Chamber Symphony: Beethoven’s “Pastoral,” – June 30, 5:30pm Benedict Music Tent, Aspen

July

Live Music by Derek Dames Ohl – July 1, 7pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Keystone’s Stars & Guitars Celebration – July 1 River Run Village, Keystone
Independence Day Fun & Fireworks – July 1, 4pm-10pm Waneka Lake, Lafayette
Opera Encounters: Rene?e Fleming, Patrick Summers – July 1, 10am Wheeler Opera House, Aspen
The People’s Tiny House Festival – July 1-2, 10am Ranch Events Complex, Loveland
Dead & Co. Concert – July 1-3, 7pm Folsom Field Stadium, Boulder
Cherry Creek Arts Festival – July 1-3, 10am Cherry Creek, Denver
Wellington Bullings – July 2, 6pm City Park, Denver
Festival Orchestra: Rite of Spring, Daniil Trifonov – July 2, 4pm Benedict Music Tent, Aspen
July 3 Fireworks Show – July 3, 6pm-10pm Community Center, Erie
Boulder Symphony – July 4, 7pm Glen Huntington Bandshell, Boulder
Colorado Firecracker Run – July 4, noon Erie
Firecracker 5K – July 4, noon Firestone
4th of July Celebration – July 4, 7am-3pm Community Park, Superior
4th at Firestone – July 4, Dusk Miners Park, Firestone
Fourth Of July Fireworks – July 4, 6pm Coal Creek Golf Course, Louisville
Great American Picnic – July 4, 5pm Broomfield County Commons Park, Broomfield
Longmont Half & 5k – July 4 Sandstone Ranch Community Park, Longmont
Rooftop Rodeo – July 5-10, 7pm Estes Park Events Complex, Estes Park
Rooftop Rodeo Parade – July 6, 10am Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park
Free Live Music: Laurie Dameron – July 6, 7-9pm R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
The RIDE Festival – July 6-10 4 Historic Venues, Telluride
Music in the Mountains Classical Music Festival – July 6-30 Ft Lewis College, Durango
Music in the Mountains Free Community Concert Series – July 6-8 Ft Lewis College, Durango
The Little Mermaid – July 6-September 10 Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown
Face – July 7, 6pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Lady Romeo and Amaryllis – July 6, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
The Roger’s Run 5K aka The Greenway Glow – July 7, 7:30pm Rogers Park, Longmont
Live Music by Mojazz – July 7, 6pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Chamber Symphony: Maxim Vengerov Violin Concerto – July 7, 5:30pm Benedict Music Tent, Aspen
Drishti Beats Yoga and Music Festival – July 7-9 Snowmass Village, Aspen
Movie Matinee for Adults: My Octopus Teacher – July 8, 2pm BPL/Meadows Branch, Boulder
High Lonesome with Fastfloyd – July 8, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
Live Music by Tom Pevear – July 8, 6pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Boulder Fine Art Festival – July 8-9, 10am-5pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Art in the Park – July 8-9, 9am-4pm West Lincoln Park, Steamboat Springs
King Lear – July 8-August 12 Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, Boulder
40th Annual All Colorado Art Show – July 8 – August 26 Curtis Center, Greenwood
FREE Open Mic Sundays – July 9, 4pm-7pm, The End at Dog House Music, Lafayette
Chris Daniels & the Kings w/ Freddi Gowdy – July 9, 6pm City Park, Denver
Ricardo Arjona – Blanco y Negro Volver – July 9, 8pm 1st Bank Center, Broomfield
Terrence McNally’s Tony Award Winning Master Class – July 9, 7:30pm Wheeler Opera House, Aspen
Meadow Music Performances – July 11, 5:30pm Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
Summer Splash – July 11, 1pm-3pm Clem Dufour Park, Dacono
Radio Band – July 12, 6pm-8pm Arista Park, Broomfield
Narrow Gauge – Country & Classic Rock & Top Gun Maverick – July 12, 7pm Northglenn
Top Taco Denver – July 13, 6pm-10pm Westminster City Park, Westminster
Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoors Film Festival – July 13-16 Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Hanuman Festival – July 13-16 Yellow Barn Farm, Boulder
Resolve: Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra Concert – July 14, 7pm Ft Lewis College, Durango
Chris Daniels & the Kings – July 14, 6pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Arts Night Out – July 14, 5pm-9pm Old Town Lafayette, Lafayette
Chamber Symphony: Spano/Beethoven’s “Emperor” – July 14, 5:30pm Benedict Music Tent, Aspen
Pearl Street Artsfest – July 14-16 Pearl Street, Boulder
SnowyGrass Music Festival – July 14-16 Stanley Park, Estes Park
Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra Concert ft Tony DeSare – July 15, Ft Lewis College, Durango
Drums Along the Rockies – July 15, 7pm CSU Canvas Stadium, Ft Collins
Downtown Aspen Art Festival – July 15, 10am 151 E Main St., Aspen
Left Hand Artist Group Label Show – July 15, 4pm Wibby Brewing, Longmont
Live Music by Swing Aggregate – July 15, 6pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival – July 15-16 River Run Village, Keystone
Winter Park Jazz Festival – July 15-16 Rendezvous Event Center, Winter Park
4th Annual Brass Band Extravaganza – July 16, 6pm City Park, Denver
Vibrant Virtuosos:Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra – July 16 Ft Lewis College, Durango
Free Live Music: George Nelson – July 17, 7-9pm R Gallery + Wine Bar, Boulder
Chess Camp of the Rockies – July 17-21 Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Golden
Meadow Music Performances – July 18, 5:30pm Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
Adventure Backpack & Climb – July 18 Women’s Wilderness, Boulder
Author Visit: Melissa Green – July 19, 10:30am Canyon Theater/Boulder Public Library, Boulder
Music in the Mountains Dinner & Family Concert – July 19 Ft Lewis College, Durango
Elektrohornz – Old School Funk & Disney’s Hook – July 19, 7pm Northglenn
Chainsaws & Chuckwagons – July 19-22 Centennial Park, Frederick
Flash Mountain Flood and RADO – July 20, 9pm Velvet Elk Lounge, Boulder
Neighborhood Nights July 20, 5:30-8pm Festival Lawn, Northglenn
Candlelight Concert: Music in the Mountains Chamber Concert – July 21 Ft Lewis College, Durango
Jacob Larson – July 21, 6pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Food & Flick Friday: Top Gun: Maverick – July 21, Movie starts at dusk Settlers Park, Firestone
Global Dance Festival – July 21-22 Empower Field, Denver
River Run Art Festival – July 21-23 River Run Village, Keystone
Rock of Ages – July 21-23 & July 28-30 Arts Hub, Lafayette
Cheyenne Frontier Days – July 21-30 Frontier Park, Cheyenne
Music in the Mountains Benefit Dinner & Concert – July 22 Sky Ute Event Center, Ignacio
Tennyson Street Fair – July 22, 10am Tennyson St., Denver
My Neighbor Totoro: Family Film Social – July 22, pm Boulder Public Library/Canyon Theater, Boulder
Live Music by Danny Shafer – July 22, 7pm Abbott & Wallace Distilling, Longmont
Summer Brew Fest – July 22, 1pm-10pm Mile High Station, Denver
Triple Bypass Bike Race – July 22, 6am Buchanan Park, Evergreen
10th Annual Cheesman Park Art Fest – July 22-23 Cheesman Park, Denver
One Man, Two Guvnors – July 22-August 13 Roe Green Theatre, Boulder
Walk with a Geologist – July 22, 12pm Triceratops Trail, Golden
Philippe Quint in Charlie Chaplin’s Smile: Music in the Mountains – July 23 Ft Lewis, Durango
Denver LGBTQ Wedding Expo – July 23, 12:30pm-3:30pm Lionsgate Events Center, Lafayette
Otis Taylor – July 23, 6pm City Park, Denver
Colorado Lavender Festival – June 23-25, Palisade
Meadow Music Performances – July 24, 9:30am Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
National Wine & Cheese Day – July 25, 11am-9pm Vinca, Broomfield
Sublime Serenade: Music in the Mountains – July 25 1st Presbyterian Church, Durango
National Scotch Day – July 27, 11am-9pm Vinca, Broomfield
Daddyblue – July 28, 6pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Masterful Moments: Music in the Mountains – July 28 Ft Lewis College, Durango
Telluride Fine Art Festival – July 28, 10am 568 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride
Rockygrass Festival – July 28-30 Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Lyons
4 Year Anniversary Celebration – July 28-30 Dryland Distillers, Longmont
Cha Cha Cha! Latin Jazz Night: Music in the Mountains – July 29 Ft Lewis College, Durango
Movie Matinee at Meadows: Sing 2 – July 29, 2:30pm BPL/Meadows Branch, Boulder
Opera In The Park: Scenes from Der Ring – July 29, 7pm Glen Huntington Bandshell, Boulder
The Petty Nicks Experience – July 29, 7pm Brighton Armory, Brighton
Heart & Soul: Music in the Mountains – July 30 Ft Lewis College, Durango
The Burroughs – July 30, 6pm City Park, Denver
Frequent Fliers Aerial Dance Festival – July 30-August 11 Dairy Arts Center, Boulder

August

Meadow Music Performances – August 1, 5:30pm Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
American Evening Featuring Appalachian Spring – August 1, 6pm Harris Concert Hall, Aspen
Denver Burger Battle – August 3 Auraria Campus, Denver
Hunter Hamilton – August 4, 6pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Crested Butte Art Festival – August 4-6 818 Red Lady Ave., Crested Butte
Game of Tiaras – August 4-6 D.L. Parsons Theater, Northglenn
Keystone Bluegrass and Beer – August 5-6 River Run Village, Keystone
La Pompe – August 6, 6pm City Park, Denver
Meadow Music Performances – August 8, 5:30pm Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
Neighborhood Nights August 10, 5:30-8pm E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, Northglenn
Arts Night Out – August 11, 5pm-9pm Old Town Lafayette, Lafayette
Quemando Salsa – August 11, 6pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Chamber Symphony: Brahms’s Second Symphony – August 11, 5:30pm Benedict Music Tent, Aspen
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival – August 11-13 Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Lyons
Summer Sisters Retreat – August 11-13 Women’s Wilderness, Boulder
Telluride Jazz Festival – August 11-13 Telluride Town Park, Telluride
Block Party – August 11-13 Downtown Eagle, Eagle
Boulder County Fair & Rodeo – August 11-14 Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont
The Little Mermaid – August 12 D.L. Parsons Theater, Northglenn
Tuba Skinny – August 12, 7pm Brighton Armory, Brighton
Chalkmont! – August 12, 4pm 4th Avenue, Longmont
Steamboat Springs Festival of the Arts – August 12 10am, 12th & Yampa St, Steamboat Springs
Touch-A-Truck – August 12, 9am-noon Community Center, Erie
38th Annual Sunrise Stampede – 5K Run/Walk – August 12 Silver Creek High School, Longmont
Estes Park Wine Festival – August 12-13, 11am Bond Park, Estes Park
Ancient Civilizations Conference – August 12-13 GaiaSphere Event Center, Louisville
Meadow Music Performances – August 15, 5:30pm Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
Groove/Motion – August 16. 6pm-8pm Arista Park, Broomfield
Adventure Mighty Melanin BIPOC Backpacking – August 17-21 Women’s Wilderness, Boulder
Cody Qualls – August 18, 6pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Food & Flick Friday: Shrek – August 18, Movie starts at dusk Settlers Park, Firestone
76th Annual Buffalo Days – August 18-20 Grand Lake
Mountain Town Music Fest – August 19 River Run Village, Keystone
Lafayette Peach Festival – August 19, 9AM-4pm Old Town, Lafayette
Shaw Classic Strongman Competition – August 19-20, 1pm Budweiser Events Center, Loveland
FREE Open Mic Sundays – August 20, 4pm-7pm, The End at Dog House Music, Lafayette
Starlite Classic Car & Motorcycle Show – August 21, 10pm-3pm 13th Street, Boulder
Meadow Music Performances – August 21, 9:30am Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
Neighborhood Nights August 24, 5:30-8pm Danahy Park, Northglenn
Rail on the River Arts and Jams Camp – August 24-27 Parrish Ranch RV Resort, Berthoud
Fete des Fleurs – August 25, 5:30pm Botanic Gardens, Denver
Hazel Miller – August 25, 6pm 1710 29th Street, Boulder
Walk with a Geologist – August 26, 12pm Triceratops Trail, Golden
Boulder Taco Fest – August 26, noon-7pm Civic Center & Library, Boulder
Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival – August 26, noon-6pm Omni Interlocken Hotel, Broomfield
Firefly Summer Market – August 26, South Gaylord St, Denver
Colorado Bridal Show – August 27, 11am-3pm Delta Marriott Hotel Thornton, Thornton
Affordable Arts Festival – August 27 Arapaho Community College, Littleton
Meadow Music Performances – August 28, 9:30am Chautauqua Green 9th & Baseline, Boulder
Vail Jazz Party – August 31-September 4 Lionshead Village, Vail

September

Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience – September 1-3 Belly Up, Aspen
Block Party! – September 2 The Sink, Boulder
Billy Idol – September 2, 7:30pm Budweiser Events Center, Loveland
Keystone Oktoberfest – September 2 River Run Village, Keystone
Breckenridge Gathering at the Great Divide – September 2, Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge
Taste of Colorado – September 2-4 Civic Center Park, Denver
Labor Day Parade – September 4, 10am Main Street, Louisville
Labor Day Fall Festival – September 4, 9am-3pm Memory Square Park, Louisville
Arts Night Out – September 8, 5pm-9pm Old Town Lafayette, Lafayette
Rhythm at Roosevelt – September 16 Roosevelt Park, Longmont
Invest In Women Annual Luncheon – September 21 Colorado Convention Center, Denver
Broomfield Days – September 23 Midway Park, Broomfield

Major Venues

Aggie Theater, Ft Collins

Appetite for Destruction (Guns N’ Roses Tribute) + Halfway There (Bon Jovi Tribute) – May 26
Kenny Feidler and the Cowboy Killers – May 27
Dead Poet Society – May 30
Prof – May 31
Prof – June 1
Josh Meloy – June 2
David Cross (18+) – June 3
Un Año Contigo?: A Bad Bunny DJ Night – June 9
King Gizzard After-Party: A Colorado Psych Rock Showcase – June 10
Miranda Fling – June 15
FANCY: Queens of Country Party – June 16
Pepper – June 17
FANCY: Queens of Country Party – June 17
Manwolves & The Slaps – June 19
An Evening with Gaelic Storm – June 22
Grim Keifer – June 23
Darling – June 24
MonoNeon – June 28
Jesus Christ Taxi Driver – July 8
Sam Grisman Project Presents the Music of Garcia/Grisman – July 25
Youth Lagoon – July 28
Satsang – August 10
The Mountain Grass Unit – August 12
Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel – August 13

Arts Complex, Denver

The 39 Steps – May 27 – June 18
Miss Rhythm – The Legend of Ruth Brown – May 27 – October 15
Stravinsky’s The Right of Spring with Peter Oundjian – May 27 – 28
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show – May 31 – June 4
Community Blood Drive – June 1
Glass Top Bar – June 1 – July 1
Artist In Residence Celebration – June 4
Finding Grace Artist Talk and Tour – June 9
A Centennial Tribute to Tito Puente – June 12
Sunset Cinema: Chef – June 13
Aladdin – June 13 – 18
Rocky Horror Picture Show – June 17
The Book of Mormon – June 21 – July 2
TedxMileHigh TRANSCEND – June 24
Sunset Cinema: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory – June 27
Dixie’s Cherry Bombs & Bottle Rockets – July 8
Summer Boot Camp @ Sculpture Park – July 10 – 31
Sunset Cinema: Tampopo – July 11
Sunset Cinema: The Hundred-Foot Journey – July 18
The Big Eat – July 20
Sunset Cinema – July 25
Natalia Lafourcade – July 26
All Day I Dream – July 29
Jinkx Monsoon – August 1
Nurse Blake – August 2
Summer Boot Camp @ Sculpture Park – August 7 – 28
Glass Top Bar – August 16 – 25
Jagged Little Pill – August 16 – 27
Rocky Mountain Dreams – September 3

Aspen Theater, Aspen

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical – June 22 – July 8
Doubt: A Parable – July 14 – 29
Rent – August 4 – 26
Theater Aspen Summer Cabaret Series at Hotel Jerome – July 2, August 6 and 13
Theater Aspen co-production of Terrence McNally’s Master Class – July 9 & 10
Ruby Anniversary Gala – July 30

Ball Arena, Denver

Eryka Badu: Unfollow Me Your with Yasiin Bey – June 26, 7:30pm
Blink – 182 Tour – July 3, 7:30pm
KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil – July 5 – August 13
Bryan Adams: So Happy It Hurts w/ Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – July 6, 7:30pm
Disturbed: Take Back Your Life Tour – July 11, 6:30pm
Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Too $hort & More- H.S. Reunion Tour – July 12, 6:00pm
Paramore – July 13, 7pm
Nickleback: Get Rollin’ Tour – July 18, 6:30pm
Tears for Fears – July 20, 7:30pm
50 Cent: The Final Lap Tour – July 23, 7:00pm
Madonna – The Celebration Tour – July 25, 8:30pm
Alicia – Keys To the Summer Tour – July 27, 8pm
Luke Bryan: Country on Tour July 29, 7pm
Greta Van Fleet – Starcatcher World Tour – July 31, 7:30pm
Rod Stewart with special guest Cheap Trick – August 1, 7:30pm
NF – Hope – August 12, 8pm
Lil Baby – It’s Only Us Tour – August 15, 7pm
Foreigner – The Historic Farewell Tour – August 16, 7pm
Carin Leon – Colmillo De Leche Tour – August 17, 8pm
Sam Smith- August 18, 8pm
Thomas Rhett: Home Team Tour – August 19, 7:30pm
Pantera – August 23, 7pm
Lil Durk – Sorry for The Drought Tour – August 26, 7pm
LL Cool J: The F.O.R.C.E. Live – August 29, 8pm
Jurassic World Live Tour – September 1, 7pm
Jurassic World Live Tour – September 2, 11am
Jurassic World Live Tour – September 2, 3pm
Jurassic World Live Tour – September 2, 7pm
Jurassic World Live Tour – September 3, 11am
Jurassic World Live Tour – September 3, 3pm

Bellco Theater, Denver

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band – June 6, 7:30pm
Charlie Puth – June 27, 7:30pm
RuPaul’s Drag Race – July 12, 8pm
John Oliver – July 23, 8pm
Peso Pluma – August 5, 8pm
Eslabon Armado – August 19, 8pm
Fuerza Regida – August 20, 8pm
Summer Block Party: Jodeci & Dru Hill – August 31, 7:30pm
Marca MP – September 2, 8pm

The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues, Denver

Fun Machine with Cherokee Social + Sunstoney – June 1, 7pm
Wiff with Error Code + Flak + Origami Summer – June 2, 7pm
Night Routine with Fresh Fruit! + The Curtis Brothers – June 3, 7pm
Bailey Elora with Porcelain Twin + Spitting Image + Yes Baby – June 8, 7pm
Milquetoast & Co. With the Regular + Julian Fulco Perron – June 10, 7pm
Phix with Tre Verse + Neverxhappy – June 14, 7pm
Weary Bones with Jackson Harkness + Drew Dvorchak – June 15, 7pm
Heartsick Heroine with Purge the Heretics + A Vintage Future – June 16, 7pm
Punk Is Dad 5 With Fast Eddy + Dressy Bessy + Jaguar Stevens – June 17, 7pm
Lodo Comedy Show Feat. Jenny Zigrino – June 20, 7pm
Jacklen Ro – June 21, 7pm
Pie Lombardi with Goodnight Native + Bailey Elora – June 23, 7pm
Colby Acuff – June 24, 7pm
Oh, Drifter with Silver & Gold + Years Down + Overtime Winner – June 30, 7pm
The Hemlock Band with Highdrox + Clementine – July 8, 7pm
Volores – July 15, 7pm
Lodo Comedy Show feat. Kate Willett – July 18, 7pm
Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast – July 22, 7pm
Live Comedy Show with Eric Neumann – August 5, 7pm
Lodo Comedy Show feat. Nathan Macintosh – August 8, 7pm
Hogslop String Band – August 19, 7pm
Pony Bradshaw with Grayson Jenkins – September 3, 7pm

Black Sheep, CO Springs

The Emo Night Tour – June 1, 8pm
Katchafire, Fia, Rasta Stevie – June 2, 7pm
Taylor’s Version – June 3, 8pm
Welshly Arms, Walden – June 4, 7pm
Three Headed Monster Tour: Violent J, Ouija Macc & Esham – Jun 6, 6:30pm
DE’WAYNE, Not a Toy, Crooked Teeth, Strung Short – June 8, 7pm
Kekrogoblikon – The Goblin Mode Tour – June 9, 7pm
Punk Rock Karaoke – June 10, 7pm
Uncle Lucius – June 11, 7pm
Mike Love & Full Circle w/ Keilana, A-Mac & The Height – June 14, 8pm
Pepper w/ The Elovaters – June 16, 8pm
Giovannie & The Hired Guns – June 17, 7pm
Fighting The Phoenix – June 24, 7pm
Hello Night Market – June 25, 4pm
Jonny Craig, KEEPMYSECRETS, Shaker – June 27, 7pm
Creeping Death, Year of the Knife, Fleshrot, Saintpeeler – June 28, 7pm
The Bandulus, Last Reel Hero, Knock Blockers – June 30, 7pm
ITZKC, Top Flite Empire, Ha$h, SwizZy B – July 1, 6pm
Ozomatli – July 6, 7pm
Dancefestopia: Yellow Brick Road Tour 2023 – July 7, 7pm
Grip – July 11, 7pm
Every Avenue, Makeout, SayWeCanFly – July 15, 7pm
The James Hunter Six – July 16, 7pm
Powerman 5000, Priest, Julien-K – July 17, 7pm
Baphies Blastbeat Bonanza – July 22, 5:30pm
Orthodox, Momentum, Chamber, Cell – July 25, 6pm
49 Winchester, Kat Hasty – July 26, 8pm
Weathers – July 28, 7pm
Red Wanting Blue – July 29, 7pm
Scotty Austin formerly of Saving Abel – August 5, 7pm
GEL, Truth Cult, Destiny Bond, Skull – August 11, 7pm
Wildermiss – August 19, 7pm

Bluebird Theater, Denver

Andy Sydow Band – June 2, 7:30pm
Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels & Of Good Nature – June 3, 7:30pm
Rolo Tomassi – June 6, 7:30pm
Jeleel! – June 7, 7pm
All them Witches – June 8, 8pm
All them Witches – June 9, 9pm
All them Witches – June 10, 9pm
Del Amitri – June 12, 8pm
Bury Mia – June 16, 8pm
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of Grateful Dead for Kids + More – June 17, 11:30am
The Blue Stones – June 17, 8pm
Temples – June 19, 8pm
Melissa Etheridge – Special Acoustic Performance – June 21, 8pm
Crystal Skies – June 23, 9pm
Classixx – June 24, 9pm
Pallbearer – June 27, 8pm
Nita Strauss – June 28, 8pm
KPOP Night: Official Fan Expo After Party – June 30, 9pm
The Rocket Summer – July 5, 8pm
U.S. Air Guitar National Finals – July 15, 8pm
All them Witches – June 8, 8pm
D4VD – July 18, 8pm
Lime Cordiale – July 21, 9pm
MF Ruckus – July 22, 8pm
Braid – July 25, 8pm
Ambrosia – July 26, 8pm
Better than Ezra – August 1, 8pm
Nanna – August 5, 8pm
The Drums – August 11, 8pm
Dead on a Sunday – August 18, 9pm
Vision Video – August 22, 8pm
W.I.T.C.H. – August 23, 8pm
Pick & Howl – August 25, 8pm
Total Chaos – September 5, 8pm

Bootstrap Brewing – Longmont

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMOCA), Boulder

agriCULTURE: Art inspired by the Land Opening Reception – June 8
Tinker @ BMoCA: Mermaid Ice Cream Shop – June 12-15
Tinker @ BMoCA: Fashion Design Camp – June 12-15
WHOLE-CAST(E) Pop-Up Shop & Exhibition – June 13-25
Tinker @ BMoCA: Galaxy Camp – June 19-22
Tinker @ BMoCA: Under the Sea – June 19-22
Tinker @ BMoCA: Fashion Design Camp – June 26-29
Tinker @ BMoCA: Mermaid Ice Cream Shop – June 26-29
SPARK! Program – June 28
Flowers From the Inside Out – Botanical Illustration – July 7
Natural Dye Workshop with Maki Teshima – July 8
Tinker @ BMoCA: Sewing Stuffies – July 10-13
Tinker @ BMoCA: Galaxy Camp – July 10-13
Tinker @ BMoCA: Mermaid Ice Cream Shop – July 17-20
Tinker @ BMoCA: Fashion Design Camp – July 17-20
Tinker @ BMoCA: Under the Sea – July 24-27
Tinker @ BMoCA: Sewing Stuffies – July 24-27
Tinker @ BMoCA: Art at the Museum – July 31-August 3
PLEIN AIR Sketching at the Farm: A Floral Field Journal in Pencil & Watercolor – August 4-25
Fizz & Spice: The Art of Fermentation – August 4
Tinker @ BMoCA: Realistic Drawing – August 7-10
Tinker @ BMoCA: Teen Paint & Draw – August 7-10
SPARK! Program – August 9
BMoCA + ASLD Do Buenos Aires – August 29-September 6
Mushroom Foraging Workshop – August 31

Boulder Theater, Boulder

Mayhem In Boulder – May 27
An Intimate Acoustic Evening with Michael Franti & Spearhead – June 3
Old Gods of Appalachia – June 9
Gaelic Storm – June 23
Melvin Seals & JGB – Dead & Co Pre Party – June 30
Melvin Seals & JGB – Dead & Co After Party – July 1
The Motet – Dead & Co After Party – July 2
Yonder Mountain String Band – Dead & Co After Party – July 3
SPARKS 2023 – July 9
Jupiter & Okwess – July 14
Jeff Tweedy with special guest Le Ren – July 21
Rachel Bloom – Night 1 – July 28
Rachel Bloom – Night 2 – July 29
Dave Mason – July 31
The Dollop! – August 5
Jorma Kaukonen – August 6
An Evening with Fran Lebowitz – August 7
BoDeans – August 11
Craig Ferguson – August 17
Craig Ferguson – August 18
Ziggy Alberts with Kim Churchill – August 25

Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver

Conway the Machine – May 31st, 8pm
Shift ft. Goopsteppa – June 1, 8:30pm
Prof w/ Juice Lord – June 2 & 3, 8pm
Shift ft. Veil – June 8, 8:30pm
Circles Around the Sun – June 9, 10pm
Imanu w/ Special Guests – June 10, 8:30pm
One Rave to Rule Them All – June 23, 8pm
Kill Bill – June 24, 8:30pm
Mononeon – June 30, 8pm
Khiva – July 1, 9pm
Shift ft. Tsundra – July 6, 8:30pm
Daft Disco – July 8, 9pm
The Green House Band – July 14, 8pm
Smith w/Notixx – July 15, 8:30pm
Hol! w/Special Guests – July 28, 8:30pm
Rubblebucket – July 29, 8pm
The Hip Abduction – August 4, 7pm
Lowdown Brass Band – August 12, 8pm
Detroit Love – August 18, 8:30pm
Cool Customer – August 25, 9pm
Avicii to Zeds Dead Strings Attached – August 26, 7pm

The Colorado Chautaqua Auditorium, Boulder

The Wailers with Zivanai Masango – June 1
Joshua Bell & Mussorgsky’s Pictures – June 29 7:30pm
Joshua Bell & Mussorgsky’s Pictures – June 30 6:30pm
Family Concert: Peter & the Wolf/Goodnight Moon – July 2 10:30am
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 & Symphony No. 3 – July 6 7:30pm
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 & Symphony No. 3 – July 7 6:30pm
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4 & Symphonic Dances – July 9 6:30pm
Orebolo – June 10-11
Mary Chapin Carpenter with Emily Barker – June 15
Marc Cohn + Shawn Colvin Together Onstage – June 20
Graham Nash – June 24
Indigo Girls (with Full Band) – July 5
Los Lobos + Ozomatli – july 8
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – July 17
The Wood Brothers with Ida Mae – July 22
Mat Kearney with Marc Scibilia – July 31
Andrew Bird with Uwade (2 Nights!) – August 4-5
Amos Lee – August 8
Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes with Al Olender – August 9
Leo Kottke + Julian Lage – August 18
The Wallflowers – August 21

Colorado Rockies Games, Denver

Dazzle, Denver

The Pat Bianchi Trio – June 1, 7pm
Joe & Theresa Mazza – June 2, 7pm
Nelson Rangell – June 3, 6:30pm
Nelson Rangell – June 3, 9pm
Brandee Younger – June 4, 7pm
Brandee Younger – June 4, 9:30pm
Alex Tripp Quartet – June 6, 7pm
Terri Jo Jenkins – June 8, 7pm
Rico Jones CounterCurrent – June 8, 9:30pm
CW Ayon – June 9, 7pm
The Jack Hadley Band – June 9, 9:30pm
Fia Nyxx – June 10, 7pm
Mariachi Alma Del Folklore – June 12, 7pm
The Songwriting of Ron Miles: Matt Skellenger with Greg Tanner Harris – June 13, 7pm
Legacy Music Group: Pride Celebration – June 14, 7pm
The Renwick Brothers – June 15, 7pm
Big Chief Donald Harrison – June 16, 7pm
Big Chief Donald Harrison – June 16, 9:30pm
Bill O’Connell with Craig Handy – June 17, 7pm
Bill O’Connell with Craig Handy – June 17, 9:30pm
Bill O’Connell with Craig Handy – June 18, 6pm
Purnell Steen and the Five Point Ambassadors – June 19, 7pm
Rob Mullins Quartet – June 21, 7pm
Django Festival All Stars – June 22, 7pm
Django Festival All Stars – June 22, 9:30pm
Dog Tags/+Ultra/Nu Bass Theory – June 23, 7pm
Kids Matinee: Animal Farm – June 24, 1pm
Same Cloth – June 24, 7pm
The Flatirons Jazz Orchestra feat. Deborah Stafford – June 26, 7pm
Libelula – June 29, 7pm
Friday Brunch: Purnell Steen and the Five Point Ambassadors – June 30, 11am
Gregory Goodloe – July 8, 7pm
Steven Denny Christmas in July – July 13, 7pm
Gavin Worland Big Band ft. David Mesquitic and Nico Colucci – July 17, 7pm
Gift of Jazz Presents A Centennial Tribute to Johnny Hartman – July 19, 7pm
Miguel Espinoza Fusion and Guitar/Cello Duo Friends – July 20, 7pm
Forever is Now – July 26, 7pm
Joe Anderies Quintet – July 27, 7pm
Ken Walker Sextext – July 28, 7pm
Daniel Steigleder and Sarah Mount – July 28, 9:30pm
Claudette King with the Gregory Goodloe Band – August 18, 7pm
Claudette King with the Gregory Goodloe Band – August 18, 9:30pm

Denver Center for the Arts, Denver

The 39 Steps – Now-June 8
Miss Rhythm – The Legend of Ruth Brown – Now-October 15
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show – May 31-June 4
Disney’s Aladdin – June 13-18
The Book of Mormon – June 21-July 2
Dixie’s Cherry Bombs & Bottle Rockets – July 8
Jagged Little Pill – August 16-27
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – August 17-September 2

eTown, Boulder

The Commonheart – May 26
Ben Sollee w/ Special Guest Adeem the Artist – June 1
The Suitcase Junket with Thom Lafond – June 9
Town Mountain – June 17
Black Opry Revue – June 18
Katie Wise & Bhakti Explosion & Sean Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band – June 20
An Evening with Brendan James – June 24
An Evening with Vienna Teng – July 13

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, Greenwood Village

The Cure – June 6
Kane Brown – June 10
Dirty Heads & Stick Figure & Atmosphere – June 16
Brothers Osborne – July 1
Fall Out Boy – July 9
Little Feat & Leftover Salmon – July 21
Colorado Is For Lovers – July 22
Buddy Guy & Kenny Wayne Shepherd – July 29
Lynrd Skynrd & ZZ Top – August 7
Ghost – August 8
Lost 80’s live – August 12
Mudvayne – August 26
Weezer – August 28
Goo Goo Dolls w/ O.A.R. – August 30
Gojira & Mastodon – September 2
Jelly Roll – September 3
Wu Tang Clan & Run the Jewels – September 8
Rob Zombie – September 16
Justin Moore – September 23

Fillmore Auditorium, Denver

$not, Night Lovell, DC the Don, Micro – May 29, 7pm
Melanie Martinez – May 30, 6pm
The Sisters of Mercy – June 9, 7pm
Thrice. Holy Fawn – June 12, 6:30pm
Bones, Xavier Wulf, Eddy Baker, – June 13, 6:30pm
Don Tolliver, Pi’erre Bourne – June 18, 6:30pm
Logic, Juicy J – June 19, 6:30pm
Three Doors Down – July 25, 6:30pm
The Maine, Real Friends, Knuclepuck – August 1, 5:30pm
Clutch, Dinosaur Jr., Red Fang – August 5, 6:30pm
Corey Taylor – August 25, 6pm
Electric Callboy Techno World Tour – September 3, 6pm

Film on the Rocks, Morrison

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark – June 12
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – June 19
Top Gun Maverick – July 10
Mamma Mia! – July 24
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – August 21

Fox Theater, Boulder

The River Arkansas with Hunter Burnette, Golden Brown – May 26
King Lil G with Special Guest El Cacho – May 27
David Cross (18+) – May 31
Caitlyn Smith with Alex Hall – June 1
Wood Belly with Meadow Mountain – June 3
Michael Franti & Spearhead’s Reggae Reunion – June 4
Leadville Cherokee with Dylan Kishner Band, The Diabolics – June 10
Magnetar World Premiere – A BMX Film – June 11
EQUANIMOUS + KR3TURE with Ruby Chase, Bloomurian – June 24
MonoNeon – Dead & Co Pre Pre Party – June 29
Steely Dead – Dead & Co After Party – July 1
Spafford – Dead & Co After Party – July 2
LP Giobbi Presents: Dead House – Dead & Co After Party – July 3
Colorado’s Finest Underground Hip Hop – July 15
Youth Lagoon with Nina Keith – July 29
Satsang – August 9
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band – August 17

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail

Brothers of a Feather – June 8, 7pm
Orebolo, The Heavy Heavy – June 9, 7pm
Local Natives – June 10, 7pm
Lowdown Brass Band – June 20, 6:30pm
Shakey Graves – June 21, 7pm
The Academy of St. Martins in the Fields – June 22, 6pm
Mozart & Bach with Joshua Bell – June 24, 6pm
Joshua Bell with Academy of St. Martins in the Fields – June 25, 6pm
Classic Albums Live: David Bowie Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars – June 27, 6:30pm
Luishi Conducts Brahm’s Third – June 30, 6pm
Paul Simon Songbook – July 1, 6pm
Hayden Cello Concerto – July 2, 6pm
Patriotic Concert – July 4, 2pm
John Williams’ Music of the Movies – July 5, 6pm
Big Head Todd and The Monsters & Blues Traveller – July 6, 7:30pm
All Beethoven – July 7, 6pm
Time for Three – July 8, 6pm
A Night in Vienna – July 9, 6pm
Beethoven’s Fifth with Van Zweden – July 10, 6pm
49 Winchester – July 11, 6:30pm
Tchaikovsky with Hilary Hahn – July 12, 6pm
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 – July 13, 6pm
Mozart’s Requiem – July 14, 6pm
Thievery Corporation – July 15, 7:30pm
Old Crow Medicine Show – July 16, 7:30pm
CAAMP – July 17, 7pm
The Dip – July 18, 6:30pm
Chick Corea’s Trombone Concerto – July 19, 6pm
New York Philharmonic Performs Sibelius – July 21, 6pm
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Concert – July 22, 7:30pm
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Ziggy Marley – July 24, 6:30pm
Bruckner Symphony No. 7 – July 25, 6pm
Alsop Conducts Rachmaninoff by Yunchan Lim – July 26, 6pm
Opening Night – July 28, 7:30pm
Tiny Dancer Tea Party – July 29, 10am
Martha Graham Dance Company – July 29, 7:30pm
Upclose Mr B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century – July 30, 6pm
L.A. Dance Project – July 31, 7:30pm
Dance for $20.23 – August 1, 7:30pm
International Evening of Dance I – August 4, 7:30pm
International Evening of Dance II – August 5, 5pm
International Evening of Dance III – August 5, 8pm
Now: Premiers – August 8, 7:30pm
Chicago – August 11, 7:30pm
The Head and The Heart X Father John Misty – August 15, 7pm
The Head and The Heart X Father John Misty – August 16, 7pm
Hopslop String Band – August 17, 6:30pm
Mt Joy – August 19, 7:30pm
Jimi’s Dead – August 22, 6:30pm
Fruition – August 29, 6:30pm
Pixies and Modest Mouse – September 2, 7pm
Tash Sultana – September 3, 7:30pm

Globe Hall, Denver

Chain Station W/ Native Space – May 25
Blueredradio W/ Krew, Rosebay + Bruha – May 26
Kainalu – Ginseng Hourglass Album Tour W/ Pink Skies + Barbara – May 27
Sinclair W/ Deeta Jain _ Alfred and the Teddinators – May 28
The Hip Snacks W/ Josh Bierman Band + Mor – May 29
Ryan Oakes “Wake Up” Tour W/ Special Guests Layto, Cherie Amour + Hellocentral – May 30
Joshua Ray Walker W/ Jade Jackson – May 31
The Brummies W/ Vlad Holiday – June 1
Talking Meds W/ Ridgeway + Public Opinion – June 2
Light The Letters W/ Overtime Winner, Tire Show + Jordan Lucas – June 3
Adeem The Artist W/ Yepok (Duo Set) – June 4
Parker Millsap W/ Clay Rose (Night 1) – June 6
Parker Millsap W/ Clay Rose (Night 2) – June 7
Astral Tomb W/ Cronos Compulsion, Sludgebroker + Monument – June 8
Moonlight Bloom W/ Los Toms, Ploom + Lounge Drugs – June 9
Bayonne W/ Mmeadows – June 10
Chatham County Line – June 11
Earth W/ Burning Sister – June 13
Billie Marten W/ Olivia Kaplan – June 14
Jason Boland & The Stragglers W/ Jeremy McComb – June 15
Jon Stork – June 16
Louise Post (of Veruca Salt) – June 17
Annie Dirusso W/ Hannah Cole – June 18
Lyn Lapid – To Love in the 21st Century Tour W/ Stephanie Poetri – June 20
Scepter of Eligos W/ Insipidus, Warcrown + Obscene Worship – June 22
Catie Turner W/ Sophie Holohan – June 23
Almost Monday W/ Lady Denim – June 25
Jonathan & Abigail Peyton W/ Stone Mendez – June 28
Chest Fever W/ Boot Gun – June 29
Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners – June 30
Waiting Room W/ Babybaby + Standing Start – July 1
Ax and the Hatchetmen: Where TF Did We Park The Van US Tour 2023 W/ Fonteyn – July 3
Grady Spencer & The Work – July 6
Ben Kweller W/ Robert Ellis – July 7
The Family Crest W/ The Study Abroad – July 10
Drayton Farley – July 11
Wallace W/ Nitefire – July 14
The Goddamn Gallows W/ IV and the Strange Band + Volk – July 15
Pennysick W/ In the Variant + 2 Seconds To Denver – July 16
Profanatica W/ Panzerfaust – July 18
Late Night Drive Home – Opening A Door Tour W/ Benches – July 19
Andrew Duhon W/ Special Guests – July 20
The Desk Jockeys W/ Orca The Band + Drew Dvorchak – July 29
Say She She – July 31
The Wldlfe – August 1
Arkansauce – August 4
Zella Day W/ Okey Dokey – August 5
The Mountain Grass Unit – August 11
The Crystal Casino Band – August 12
Hello Darling W/ Bryce Menchaca + Seth Beamer – August 16
Kenny Feidler & The Cowboy Killers W/ Ronnie & The Redwoods – August 19

Gothic Theater, Denver

David Cross – May 30, 8pm
Haken – May 31, 8pm
Save Ferris & Five Iron Frenzy – Jun 10, 8pm
Ghostland Observatory – June 13, 8pm
Prayers – June 16, 8pm
Eels – June 17, 9pm
Pedro the Lion – June 21, 8pm
TRVE Bacchanal 2023 Feat. Godflesh – June 24, 6pm
Summer Salt – July 27, 8pm
Dave Mason – August 2, 8pm
Cirith Ungol – August 18, 8pm
Read Southall Band – August 20, 7:30pm
Kings Kaleidoscope – August 23, 8pm
Gavin Degraw – August 25, 8pm
Ocean Alley – August 29, 8pm

Hi-Dive, Denver

Chris King & the Butterballs – May 31, 8pm
ACXDC – June 2, 9pm
Los Shadows – June 3, 9pm
Korine – June 4, 8pm
Spirit Mother – June 7, 8pm
Possessed by Paul – June 8, 8pm
Heated Bones – June 9, 9pm
Jeromes Dream – June 10, 9pm
Zao – June 11, 8pm
Drowse – June 12, 8pm
Legs the Band – June 15, 9pm
Dirty Few – June 16, 9pm
Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol – June 17, 9pm
Child of Night – June 18, 8pm
Bestial Mouths – June 22, 9pm
Los Dug Dug’s – June 23, 9pm
FACS – June 24, 9pm
JK Flesh – June 25, 8pm
Moon Pussy – June 27, 8pm
Remember Sports – June 30, 9pm
Summer Dean – July 1, 9pm
Vexing – July 2, 7:30pm
Josephine Foster – July 5, 8pm
Telekinetic Yeti – July 6, 7:30pm
Rezn – July 7, 9pm
Juan Wauters – July 8, 9pm
Air Traffic Controller – July 15, 8pm
Spells – July 14, 9pm
Pardoner – July 19, 8pm
Kiwi Jr. – July 22, 9pm
Tropa Magica – July 26, 8pm
Weaponizer – August 3, 8pm
Belzebong – August 4, 8pm
The Thing – August 9, 8pm
Ghost Canyon Fest – August 12, 6pm
Bongzilla – August 22, 8pm
Mizmor – August 24, 8pm

Jamestown Mercantile, Jamestown

River Spell – June 1, 7pm
Greg Schochet – June 2, 7pm
Wrenn Van – June 11, 12:15pm
Strangebyrds – June 8, 7pm
Sturtz – June 9, 7pm
Cordle & Rice – June 11, 12:15pm
Taarka – June 15, 7pm
Dechen Hawk Band – June 16, 7pm
Ashlei Kendall Priest – June 18, 12:15pm
Hunter James & The Titanic – June 22, 7pm
Rolling Harvest – June 23, 7pm
Drew Peterson – June 25, 12:15pm
Ramaya Soskin – June 29, 7pm
Paul Kimbris – June 30, 7pm
Desolation Horse and Corey Oglesby – July 2, 12:15pm
Chris Murray – July 6, 7pm
River Arkansas – July 7, 7pm
River Arkansas – July 9, 12:15pm
River Mann – July 13, 7pm
Donny & Clay (Gas Pops) – July 14, 7pm
Lauren Frihauf – July 16, 12:15pm
Megan Burtt Band – July 20, 7pm
Jeremy Mohney Swing Band – July 21, 7pm
Mike Lamitola – July 23, 7pm
Lowfive – July 27, 7pm
Hogan & Moss and the Old Weird America – July 28, 7pm
Gingerbomb – July 30, 12:15pm
High Lonesome – August 3, 7pm
Seeing Stars Band – August 4, 7pm
Dave Tilmon – August 6, 12:15pm
Many Mountains – August 10, 7pm
Rocket Paradise – August 11, 7pm
J.K. Halvorson – August 13, 12:15pm
Bob Barrick – August 17, 7pm
Blue Krewe – August 18, 7pm
Matthew McDaniel – August 20, 12:15pm
Good Music Medicine – August 24, 7pm
Cody Sisters –August 25, 7pm
David Tiller – August 27, 7pm

Larimer Lounge, Denver

Lab Thursdays – Thursdays June 1, 9pm
Treehouse DJ Set – Saturdays June 2, 8pm
Open House – Saturdays June 2- September 15, 10pm
Kenny Cornbread & The Biscuit Boys + Horse Bitch – June 3, 7pm
128 Presents Benson w/Kordicimo, Decker Rush + Amba – June 3, 10pm
Prophets Tomb w/Triune, Tarnage + Patema – June 4, 4pm
Global Dance Presents Telykast w/Kandyshop + Zeos – June 9, 9pm
The Ries Brothers w/Ghost.wav – June 10, 5pm
Wild Party w/Cinders + Bloody Bananas – June 11, 6pm
Rosie w/Theo Kandel – June 13, 8pm
Joan w/Harriette – June 14, 8pm
Do Cool Shit with Your Friends – June 16, 9pm
Amorphous – June 17, 7pm
The Iceman Special – June 18, 8pm
Moon Walker w/Annabel Lee – June 20, 8pm
Arden Jones – June 21, 8pm
Global Dance Party Presents Emma Hewitt – June 24, 7pm
Bonnie Stewart w/Ellsworth + Alana Mars – June 25, 4pm
The Copper Children w/Family Mystic – June 30, 6pm
Nimino – July 1, 7pm
Nostalgix w/T4BZ + Soli – July 2, 8pm
Shae District – July 8, 7pm
Stocks w/Fiction + Orca the Band – July 9, 4pm
Blood Red Shoes – July 11, 8pm
Madilyn Mei – July 12, 8pm
Brownies & Lemonade Presents: Rossy Heaven’s Door – July 15, 9pm
Kill Dyll w/Whokilledxix, Oni Inc, Vitamin, Ace Shadows, Deathshroom, Desu the Heathen, Cyberdrips + Killfish – July 16, 7pm
Global Dance Presents Golden Features – July 21, 9pm
Blookah w/Spirit Motel, Jamesik + Siah Rain’n – July 22, 6pm
Locate S,1 – July 23, 8pm
Indie 102.3 Presents Ekkstacy w/60Juno – July 26, 8pm
Chromonicci – July 29, 6pm
Season 3 w/Kay. + Cory Simental – July 30, 4pm
Genix Presents – Warehouse 55 – August 4, 9pm
Bryce Evans & the Black Cats w/ Terran Severance, Circles We Draw + Nth Degree – August 6, 4pm
The Jungle Giants – August 10, 8pm
128 Productions Presents Kaysin w/Josh Fedz – August 19, 9pm
James Ivy – August 22, 8pm

Levitt Pavilion, Denver

Devotchka (with Annastezhaa) – June 3, 6pm
Central City Opera – June 4, 4pm
Rez Metal – June 9, 5:30pm
The Drop 104.7 3rdf Annual Block Party – June 10, 6pm
Dwight Yoakam & Emmylou Harris – June 11, 7pm
Garbage and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds with Special Guest Metric – June 15, 5:30pm
Stranger Famous Fest – June 17, 4pm
Kutandara featuring Taffie Matiure (with Logo Ligi) – June 18, 4pm
Ladama (with Lolita) – June 21, 6pm
Soccer Mommy (with mon cher) – June 22, 6pm
An Evening with CAKE – June 23, 7pm
Izcalli: Movimiento (with El Cro & Fruta Brutal) – June 24, 6pm
Brazilian Day – June 25, 4pm
Itchy-O (with The Drood) – June 30, 6pm
Flobots (with Joseph Lamar) – July 1, 6pm
Jenny and the Mexicats (with Pink Hawks) – July 2, 4pm
Delgres (with Joe Johnson) – July 6, 6pm
Wailing Souls (with Mono Verde Collective) – July 7, 6pm
Tenth Mountain Division Presents: A Midsummer’s Night Jam (with Tejon Street Corner Thieves) – July 8, 6pm
Denver Municipal Band (with Tien Hsieh) – July 9, 4pm
Color Field Presents: SUPER CHILL – July 15, 3pm
Color Field Presents: The Dip – July 16, 4pm
Cavetown – Bittersweet Daze with mxmtoon, Ricky Montgomery, and grentperez – July 26, 4:30pm
Los Lonely Boys with Thee Sinseers, The Altons – July 30, 6pm
Heartless Bastards (with Matthew Logan Vasquez) – August 4, 6pm
Shakedown Street – August 5, 6pm
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club with Snakes – August 6, 4pm
Yellowcard (with Anberlin, This Wild Life, and Emo Nite Brooklyn) – August 8, 6pm
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Ziggy Marley (with Mavis Staples and Robert Randolph Band) – August 9, 5pm
All My Relations Celebration – August 10, 6pm
Novalima (with Siembra) – August 11, 6pm
Colorado Dashiki Fest – August 12, 4:30pm
Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra (with Fiesta Colorado Dance Company & Baile Caliente) – August 13, 4pm
Carla Morrison (with Neoma) – August 19, 5pm
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of the Swell Season – August 20, 6pm
Oakhurst (with The Reckless Folk) – August 25, 6pm
Japan Fest 2023: Lyrics Born – August 27, 4pm
Etana (with Wylie Jones) – August 31, 6pm

Marquis Theater, Denver

Bakester – June 3, 8pm
Craig Owens – June 6, 6pm
De’Wayne – June 7, 7pm
Loveless – World Tour – June 9, 7pm
Baby Rose & Q Present “Through The Soul” Tour – June 10, 7pm

Mile High Stadium, Denver

Illenium – June 17, 7pm
George Strait, Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town – June 24, 5:45pm
Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour – July 14, 6:30pm
Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour – July 15, 6:30pm
Global Dance Festival – July 21, 3:00pm
Global Dance Festival – July 22, 3:00pm
Ed Sheeran – August 19, 6pm

Mishawaka, Poudre Canyon

William Black – June 2
Katchafire w/ Fia and Luna Shade – June 3
Yonder Mountain String Band – June 9-10
Ghostland Observatory – June 14
Mike Love & The Full Circle w/ Keilana – June 15
Pickle Palooza at the Pickle Barrel – June 24-25
Toad the Wet Sprocket w/ Reed Foehl – July 2
Emancipator w/ Northern Form, Koresma, and Lapa – July 7-8
Midnight Tyrannosaurus – July 14-15
John Craigie with special guests – July 22
Guster: Presented by Live Nation & 105.5 – August 1-2
The Infamous Stringdusters w/ Wood Belly – August 4
Keller Williams (Solo Set) – August 11

Mission Ballroom, Denver

Shrek Rave Presents Swamp Gala – June 3, 8pm
CNCO – June 6, 6:30pm
Trey Anastasio Trio w/Dezron Douglas and Jon Fishman – June 9-11, 8pm
Rumble in the Rockies – June 14, 7:30pm
Illenium – June 16, 8pm
T-Pain – June 17, 8pm
Grandson & K.Flay Present: I Love You, I’m Trying Tour – June 19, 8pm
The Flaming Lips – June 22, 7:30pm
Emancipator – June 24, 8pm
Dreamsonic 2023 – Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Animals as Leaders – July 15, 7pm
Cypress Hill w/The Colorado Symphony – July 20, 8:30pm
Brent Faiyaz – July 25, 8pm
Big Wild – July 28, 8pm
Eprom – July 29, 8pm
Pretty Lights – August 4-6, 8pm
The Australian Pink Floyd Show – August 8, 8pm
The National – August 11-12, 8pm
Flogging Molly – August 17, 8pm
Dominic Fike – August 18, 8pm
Cigarettes After Sex – August 22, 8pm
Gregory Alan Iskaov – September 2, 8pm
Dance Gavin Dance – September 3, 7pm

Moxie Theater, Greeley

Bryan Martin – June 1, 8pm
Stella’s Stand Up Underground Comedy Showcase: Sammy Anzer – Thursdays June 1-July 27, 9pm
Greeley Blues Jam – June 2, 7pm
Greeley Stampede Kick-Off After Party – June 9, 9pm
Signs of Tranquility, Siege, Perilous, Skoldvagg, Wicked Vixen – June 10, 7pm
Sundiver – June 11, 7pm
Danielle Nicole – June 15, 7pm
Trev Rich, Kodean IX, Unlmtdata, Santino G, TWoods – June 16, 7:30pm
A Sonnet To Silence – June 17, 7pm
Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Them Dirty Roses – June 20, 8pm
Red Clay Strays – July 7, 8:30pm
Moonshine Bandits, Dusty Leigh, Who TF is Justin Time, Good Ol’ Boyz – July 14, 7pm
Kat Hasty – July 29, 8pm
Pressing Strings – August 2, 7pm
Montana of 300 – August 17, 8pm
Hopslop String Band – August 18, 8pm
Pony, Bradshaw, Grayson Jenkins – September 2, 8pm
The Steel Woods – September 3, 8pm

Muse Performance Space, Lafayette

Revell-Lewis Quintet – May 26
A Tribute to Randy Newman – May 27
The Elaborate Owl – May 28
Jazz Jam – May 29
Andrew Vogt Sextet – June 1
Three Tenors – June 2
Jazz Jam – June 5
Kimmerjae & Kent McLagan – June 8
The Magic Within: Psychic Explorations w/ Erica Sodos – June 9
Alfredo Muro – June 10
King Kamehameha Celebration – June 11
Boston Imposters – June 11
Jazz Jam – June 12
MuseCycles Open Jam – June 15
Jacob Larson Trio – June 17
Jazz Jam – June 19
Gabriel Santiago – June 24
Jazz Jam – June 26
MaryLynn Gillaspie Band du Jour – June 30

Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver

Lamont Bluegrass Ensemble – May 30, 7:30pm
Lamont Symphony Orchestra – May 31, 7:30pm
North Indian Classical Ensenble – June 2, 7:30pm
Sound of the Rockies: Summer Sounds – June 17-18, 7:30pm
Neal Brennan: Brand New Neal – August 5, 7pm

Nissi’s, Lafayette

The Petty – Nicks Experience – May 26
The Long Run – Colorado’s Tribute to the Eagles – May 27
Skanson & Hansen’s “Last Ride To Gigsville” – May 28
FACE “All Vocal Rock” – May 30
Wine & Jazz With Neil Bridge & The Pride – May 31
RetroVertigo – June 1
Last Men On Earth – June 2
90’S Throwback! Ninety Percent 90’S | Grunge Lite | TRL – June 3
Jon Chandler & The Slingers – June 4
Bourbon, Blues, & Grooves 50 Shades Of Blue – June 7
Darling Revival w/ Special Guest Different Drum – June 9
The Jerseys – June 10
Bourbon, Blues, & Grooves w/ Lionel Young Band – June 14
Good Music Medicine – June 15
National Touring AC/DC Tribute Noise Pollution w/ Special Guest Stone Revolver – June 16
Boogie Machine – 70s Disco Party – June 17
FACE “All Vocal Rock” – June 20
Bourbon, Blues, & Grooves w/ Johnny O Band – June 21
Stereo Collision – June 22
Citizen Dan – A Steely Dan Experience – June 23
“Game Over” Pole & Aerial Dance Show Presented By Vertical Fusion Studios – June 24
B.U.S. Presents “An Acoustic Tribute To CSN” – June 25
Wine & Jazz With Nelson Rangell – June 28
Unauthorized Absence – June 29
80’S Metal Night! – Mr. Steak w/ Special Guest Resurrection – June 30
BadCO “Bad Company Tribute” & Still The Same “Bob Seger Tribute” – July 1
Bourbon, Blues, & Grooves w/ Randall Dubis Band – July 5
Steve & The Cruisers – July 6
Buckstein w/ Special Guest Eric Golden – July 7
One On One – July 8
FACE “All Vocal Rock” – July 11
Bourbon Blues & Grooves – National Touring Artist Laurie Morvan Band – July 12
Eben G. Fine Band w/ Special Guest The Wild Elderberries – July 13
Shelvis And The Roustabouts w/ Special Guest The Closers – July 14
The Return Of Paradise Theatre w/ Special Guest Asha & Alane Duo – July 15
Bourbon, Blues, & Grooves Basement Blues Project – July 19
National Touring Artist Ryan Shupe & The RubberBand – July 20
“National Touring Eagles Tribute” The Boys Of Summer – July 21
80s Vs 90s Night – 5280s Band & Nothing But Nineties – July 29

Ogden Theater, Denver

Helloween – May 30, 7:15pm
Anees – June 1, 8pm
Valentino Khan – June 2, 9pm
Kreator & Sepultura – June 3, 6:30pm
Lovelytheband – June 15, 7:30pm
Rival Sons – June 18, 7pm
Palace – June 20, 8pm
Ruel – June 27, 8pm
Between The Buried and Me – July 3, 7:30pm
Gogol Bordello – July 14, 8pm
Eprom – July 29, 8pm
Parliament Funkadelic & George Clinton – August 2, 8pm
Bicep – August 5, 9pm
Pecos & The Rooftops – August 10, 8pm
Spag Heddy – August 11, 9pm
JVKE – August 12, 7pm
The Juno Show – August 15, 8pm
Extreme – August 21, 8pm
Kamelot – August 27, 7pm
Poppy & PVRIS – August 29, 7pm
James Bay – September 1, 8pm
Bruno Major – September 4, 8pm
Maisie Peters – September 7, 8pm
King Krule – September 15, 9pm
Wolfmother – September 18, 8pm
Hermanos Gutierrez – September 19, 8pm
The Walkmen – September 21, 8pm
The Wombats – September 24, 8pm
Owl City – September 26, 7:30pm
Snarky Puppy – September 30, 8pm

Open Stage Theater, Ft. Collins

Treasure Island – June 1, 7pm
Treasure Island – June 3, 7pm
Treasure Island – June 8, 7pm
Treasure Island – June 9, 7pm
Treasure Island – June 10, 7pm
Treasure Island – June 16 – 18, 7pm
Treasure Island – June 23 – 25, 7pm
Treasure Island – June 30, 7pm
Treasure Island – July 1, 7pm
Treasure Island – July 6, 7pm
Treasure Island – July 8, 7:30pm
Treasure Island – July 13, 7:30pm
Hedwig and The Angry Itch – July 6, 7:30pm
Hedwig and The Angry Itch – July 8, 7:30pm
Hedwig and The Angry Itch – July 13, 7:30pm
Hedwig and The Angry Itch – July 14, 7:30pm
Hedwig and The Angry Itch – July 15, 7:30pm
Hedwig and The Angry Itch – July 16, 2pm
Hedwig and The Angry Itch – July 20 – 22, 7:30pm

Oriental Theater, Denver

Lucha Libre & Laughs – June 3 & 5, 8pm
Clan of Xymox – June 9, 8pm
80s Night w/The Six Million Dollar Band – June 10, 8pm
White Fudge – June 15, 8pm
Dyketopia – Pridestravaganza – June 16, 8pm
Hell’s Belles – June 17, 8pm
Diamonds & Pearls – June 21, 8pm
IAMX, June 22, 8pm
CPR Presents: Mortified – Pride Edition ft. Ryan Warner – June 23, 9pm
Emo Night Brooklyn – June 24, 8pm
Cynic & Atheist: Focus and Presence Tour – June 25, 8pm
Little Big – June 26, 7pm
Tri.be Vida Loca Tour – July 1, 8pm
Down Yonder Comedy Tour – July 7, 8pm
Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra – July 8, 8pm
Illuzia & DragonWolf Circus Theater presents: Tao – July 9, 7pm
Venom Inc. – July 15, 8pm
Masood Boomgaard – July 18, 8pm
Live/Loud Tom Keifer – July 19, 8pm
X with James Intveld – July 20, 8pm
Gorilla Biscuits – July 22, 9pm
Best Night Ever – Taylor’s Version – July 27, 8pm
Asleep at the Wheel – July 29, 8pm
Dan LaMorte & Natalie Cuomo – August 6, 7pm
Ramy Youssef – August 6, 8pm
An Evening Without Kelly Mantle – August 15, 8pm
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band – August 18, 8pm
Dale Watson and his Lone Stars – August 26, 7pm

Paramount Theater, Denver

Tommy James & the Shondells – May 27
Blue Oyster Cult – June 3
Straight up with Stassi Live – The Mommy Dearest Tour – June 4
Carlos Rivera – Un Tour A Todas Partes – June 7
Miranda Sings Featuring Colleen Ballinger – June 10
Ben Schwartz & Friends – June 17
Sam Morill: The Class Act Tour – June 22
Jonathon Mcreynolds – My Truth Tour – June 25
Seth Meyers – June 29
38 Special – July 7
Jesse & Joy Summer Tour 2023 – July 11
STS9 – Sound Of The Light – July 20
The Moody Blues: John Lodge – July 23
Eddie B’s Teachers Only Comedy Tour 23’ – July 29
The Marshall Tucker Band – August 10
KBCO Presents Tower of Power – August 11
Please Don’t Destroy LIVE – August 12
Ed Sheeran – August 18
Kansas: Another Fork in the Road – 50th Anniversary Tour – August 25

Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison

Lord Huron- June 1
Michael Franti & Spearhead – June 2
Michael Franti & Spearhead Yoga Session- June 2
Jow Russo’s Almost Dead – June 3-4
Yea Yea Yeahs – June 5
Quinn XCII, Arizona & Julia Wolf- June 6
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – June 7-8
Brit Floyd – June 9
Big Head Todd and the Monsters – June 10
Rodrigo y Gabriela – June 11
Barenaked Ladies, Semisonic & Del Amitri – June 13
Whiskey Myers – June 14-15
Umphrey’s McGee – June 16-17
Stick Figure, Pepper & the Elovators – June 18
Oliver Tree – June 20
Louis Tomlinson – June 21
Shakey Graves & Neal Francis – June 22
Widespread Panic – June 23-25
Zach Bryan – June 26-27
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band – June 28
The Head and the Heart – June 29
Dirty Heads – June 30
311 – July 1
Zeds Dead- July 2-3
Blues Traveler- July 4
Rainbow Kitten Surprise – July 5-6
The Avett Brothers – July 7-9
Falling In Reverse & Ice Nine Kills – July 11
Al Green & The Colorado Symphony – July 12
Trampled By Turtles – July 13
String Cheese Incident- July 14-16
Tori Amos – July 17
Killer Queen – July 18
CAAMP – July 19-20
STS9 – Sound Tribe Sector 9 – July 21-22
Portugal. The Man & The Colorado Symphony – July 23
Jimmy Eat World & Manchester Orchestra – July 25
Noah Kahan – July 26
Big Wild – July 27
Tedeschi Trucks Band – July 28-29
Dispatch w/ The Colorado Symphony – July 30
Big Thief & Lucinda Williams – July 31
K-Love Live – August 1-2
Ween – August 3
The Front Bottoms – August 4
Boygenius – August 5
Joe Bonamassa – August 6
Gov’t Mule – August 7
Hippie Sabotage – August 8
Maggie Rogers – August 9
Parker McCollum – August 10
Jon Pardi – August 11
Slightly Stoopid, Soja, Iya Terra & Denm – August 12
Slightly Stoopid, Andy Frasco and the U.N. & The Elovators – August 13
Beck & Phoenix – August 15-16
Mt. Joy – August 17-18
Reggae on the Rocks: Rebelution & Iration – August 19
Santa Fe Klan – August 20
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats – August 22-23
1964 The Tribute – August 24
My Morning Jacket – August 25-26
Vance Joy – August 27
Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers & Bastille – August 28-29
Young the Giant & Milky Chance – August 30
Rezz – August 31-September 1

Roots Music Project, Boulder

Backyard Tire Fire w/Special Guest Dave Tamkin – May 26
Mile High Stash LIVE – June 3
FastFloyd and Foggy Mountain Spaceship – June 4
Funk You featuring Isaac Teel of Tauk – June 9
Reed Foehl – June 29
David Lawrence and The Spoonful w/The Cody Sisters – June 30
Dead and CO after party. Featuring: Joslyn and The Sweet Compression – July 1
Dave McMurray: Dead and Co after party at Roots Music Project – July 2
A.J. Fullerton with full band at Roots Music Project – July 8
Johnny & The Mongrels – July 14
Liz Barnez Live Broadcast on 88.5 KGNU – July 18
Jeff Crosby at Roots Music Project – August 5
Pinetop Perkins Benefit with Bob Margolin – August 12

Soiled Dove, Denver

“Love Ya” Gantogoo & Nasaa – June 1, 8pm
Nina Storey – June 3, 8pm
The Lao Tizer Band – June 8, 8pm
The Long Run – Colorado’s Tribute to the Eagles – June 9, 8pm
Danielle Nicole – June 14, 8pm
Nathan Mitchell – June 16, 8pm
Scotty Wiese Magic – June 17, 7pm
Dan Navarro – June 21, 8pm
Bonerama – June 22, 8pm
Still The Same – Tribute to Bob Seger – June 23, 8pm
Angie Stevens & Hayley E Rydell – June 24, 8pm
Al Stewart – June 25, 7pm
Spinphony – June 29, 8pm
Hazel Miller – June 30, 8pm
The Arcadian Wild – July 2, 8pm
Mike Phillips – July 7, 8pm
Unplugged at the Dove – July 8, 8pm
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – July 11, 8pm
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – July 12, 8pm
Beth Nielsen Chapman – July 13, 8pm
Vienna Teng – July 14, 8pm
James Hunter – July 15, 8pm
Damon Fowler with Jason Ricci – July 20, 8pm
6 Million Dollar Band – July 21, 8pm
Julian Vaughn – July 22, 8pm
Message In A Bottle – Tribute to The Police – July 29, 8pm
Miguel Espinoza Fusion – August 3, 8pm
Jenny Shawhan – August 6, 8pm
Pieces of a Dream – August 11, 8pm
Pieces of a Dream – August 11, 10pm
Marcus Miller – August 20, 6pm
Marcus Miller – August 20, 9pm
Sonny Landreth – August 24, 8pm
Sonny Landreth – August 25, 8pm

Stampede, Aurora

Los Hermanos Flores- Orquesta San Vincente – June 2, 9:30pm
Sabado Parrandero/ Damas gratis antes de las – June 3, 9:30pm
Modern Swing Mondays – June 5, 6pm
Ladies Night – June 7, 6pm
Colorado Jiu Jitsu Club – June 8, 6pm
Modern Swing Mondays – June 12, 6pm
Ladies Night – June 14, 6pm
Fuego on Conclerto – June 15, 9pm
Reventon Catacho – Kazzabe– June 16, 9pm
5280 Muay Thai 28 – June 17, 1pm
Banda Alta Potencia – June 17, 9pm
Batalla de Campeones – June 18, 9pm
Modern Swing Mondays – June 19, 6pm
Ladies Night – June 21, 6pm
BXS – Los Terricolas – Los Angeles Negros – June 24, 8:30pm
Modern Swing Mondays – June 26, 6pm
Ladies Night – June 28, 6pm
Ladies Night – July 5, 6pm
Ladies Night – July 12, 6pm
Yelson Jimenez – July 13, 10pm
Ladies Night – July 19, 6pm
Jorge Calderon – Daniel Calderon y Los Gigantes del Vallenato – July 21, 9pm
Ladies Night – July 26, 6pm
Ladies Night – August 2, 6pm
Ladies Night – August 9, 6pm
Ladies Night – August 16, 6pm
Ladies Night – August 23, 6pm
Ladies Night – August 30, 6pm

Summit, Denver

Decibel Tour 2023 with Dark Funeral – June 2, 6pm
Hunter Hayes – June 3, 7pm
Harry Mack: Odyssey Tour – June 5, 7:30pm
Chicks in the Office Podcast – June 7, 6:30pm
Nekrogoblikon – June 8, 6pm
Emo Nite LA – June 9, 9pm
Larry’s Market Run – June 10-11, 7pm
Benson Boone: The Pulse Tour – June 16, 7pm
Unlimited Vibes: Afro Rave – June 17, 8:30pm
Vibes in The Park: Continuing the Juneteenth Celebration – June 18, 8pm
Bearracuda Denver Pride – June 24, 9pm
Ava Max On Tour (Finally) – June 28, 7pm
Feels So Close – June 30, 9pm
Reggaeton Rave – July 14, 8:30pm
Alternative Symphony Presents: An Orchestra Rendition of Dr. Dre 2001 – July 15, 8pm
Aleks Syntek – July 16, 7pm
Rema – Rave & Roses Tour – July 31, 7pm
King Lil G – August 4, 7pm
Band-Maid 10th Anniversary Tour – August 8, 7pm
Blessthefall: Hollow Bodies 10 Year Anniversary Tour – August 9, 6pm
Javier Rosas: Hombre de Ley Tour – August 12, 7pm
Soulja Boy – August 13, 7pm
Bop to the Top feat. DJ Jeffery & Life By Michael – August 17, 8:30pm
Less Than Jake – August 18, 7pm
Gimme Gimme Disco – August 19, 8pm
Escape the Fate w/Special Guests – September 1, 6pm

Your Mom’s House, Denver

Colorado Bassheads Present: FLIPSWITCH + More – June 2, 8pm
Droppin Bodies Tour: Autokorekt + Mista J – June 3, 8pm
Singer Songwriter Showcase – June 4, 2pm
Rock the Clock Tower – June 4, 6:30pm
Bass of the Mondays – June 5, 8pm
Contortion w/Blood Across the Sky & When Darkness Falls – June 6-7, 11pm
Tantric Flux Release Party – June 8, 2am
Ragency Takeover – June 9, 8pm
“The HausWives of Denver” Tour Matinee – June 10, 11:30am
Comic Freaks | Made Tribe in Denver | Qbtrance & Boogie Groove Entertainment – June 10, 8pm
Friends on DECK – June 11, 7pm
Tight 3’s Open Comedy Mic – June 12, 5pm
Momma’s Electronic Mondays – June 12, 8pm
Open Jam – June 13, 8pm
Wired Wednesdays ft. GLTY + More – June 14, 8pm
Vaguely Relatable ft. The River + More – June 16-17, 2am
Heartbeat Sessions – June 17, 4pm
Tech House Mondays – June 19, 8pm
Magic Hunks – June 20, 7pm
Throwback Thursdays ft. Atroxx – June 22-23, 2am
Knowmads – June 23, 8pm
Lunar Ticks w/Mr. Specific – June 24-25, 2am
Public Theater w/Sunfish + None Sunshine – June 26, 8pm
Open Jam – June 27, 8pm
Glassio – June 28, 7:30pm
DnB Night ft. Sera Tonin + More – June 29-30, 2am
Krushendo + Top Brahman w/ Prismatic, Rage-Bot, Slasha, King Kobra – June 30, 8pm
A1 Presents – July 1, 8pm
Rock Night – July 5, 8pm
Picasso Gvng presents R&B Jam vol. 4 – July 6, 8pm
Birthday Partyy w/ KVN | Silkworm | Ravida | Trowel – July 9, 7pm
Phish Stream Series – July 11 – September 3
Psychedelectronic Night – July 13, 8pm
Free Creatures RETURNS to YMH – July 20, 8pm
BASSment Experiments ft. In Orbitz Budz – July 22, 9pm
Tep Neo Presents: The Forever Summer Tour – July 28-29, 2am
True Say Boiler Room Showcase – July 29, 8pm
Puzzled feat. Ben Spalding (ENG) w/ Tantok + More – August 26-27, 8pm

The post Summer Calendar 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Marshall Fire homes being rebuilt faster than national, post-disaster average

Guest Contributor — Sun, 07 May 2023 19:40:01 +0000

Special Thanks to Shay Castle, Boulder Beat (AP Storyshare)

It’s spring in Boulder County. Flowers are blooming, trees budding.

Something else is sprouting in the Marshall Fire burn area: Houses. Dozens of them, being built anew after 2021’s devastating blaze, twice as fast as the national average for rebuilding following a natural disaster.

Building professionals say that’s thanks in large part to the efforts of the local governments to simplify and demystify the rules, prioritize Marshall Fire victims and put them on a fast track to a new home.

As a result, 495 of the 1,096 lost homes have been cleared to begin rebuilding, according to municipal dashboards. Thirteen 13 families have been able to move back home, with many more expected to join them throughout the summer.

“By September 15, we anticipate having at least 100 families back home” in Louisville alone, said Lisa Ritchie, the city’s planning manager. “It’s been all hands on deck.”

Making it easier

On average, it takes five years for just 25% of homes to be rebuilt after they are destroyed in a natural disaster. That’s according to the American Institute of Architects National Disaster Recovery Committee, and Scott Rodwin, president of Boulder-based Rodwin Architecture and director of the AIA for Northern Colorado.

Rodwin, who has five clients in various stages of rebuilding, recently co-presented to the AIA Colorado board on the Marshall Fire progress, followed by a driving tour of the burn area. He estimates that, by the two-year mark, some 250 homes will be complete — hitting that 5-year average three years early.

As of now, 45% of homes destroyed have been granted building permits.

In unincorporated Boulder County, building permits have been issued for 57 of 157 destroyed homes. Louisville has issued building permits for for 247 of the 550 it lost, and four households have moved back home. Superior has handed out 191 building permits, representing 49% of the town’s 389 homes destroyed by the fire. Nine families have moved back home so far.

The FEMA-led debris removal, the first of its kind in the state, helped tremendously, Ritchie said, finishing in six months. When lots were cleared and rebuilding started in the fall, Superior, Louisville and Boulder County were prepared with a streamlined process, beefed-up staffing and reduced fees and taxes for Marshall Fire rebuilds.

Planning and building staff from the three municipalities also meet frequently with residents to identify and address whatever issues arose in the process. Superior’s town board went from two meetings a month to two or three per week.

“We upped the amount we were interacting to make sure we were nimble enough to execute anything we knew needed to get done,” said Superior Mayor Mark Lacis. “We reached out to community and said, ‘If there’s anything we can do to make this easier, we want to hear about it.”

In Boulder County, everyone is assigned their own individual rebuilding coordinator, according to Kim Sanchez, deputy director of community planning and permitting.

“They are that point of contact,” Sanchez said, to address issues, provide updates and answer questions. “So there’s just one person that the property owner has to deal with.”

‘Bending over backward’

Boulder County had an advantage over Superior and Louisville, in that they already had a set of rules to govern what happens after a natural disaster. It’s Article 19, developed after the 2010 Fourmile Fire. With each new destructive event, it’s been amended.

“Unfortunately, we have sections for each of the disasters we’ve experienced: Fourmile, the 2013 flood, the CalWood Fire,” said Sanchez. “Right away, we went to work writing provisions for the Marshall Fire.”

Among other things, Article 19 guides rebuilding. Crucially, it allows applicants to skip a lengthy site review process if they stay within certain parameters.

Not having to do site review “shaves half a year off,” Rodwin said. With other changes the county has made to prioritize Marshall Fire rebuilds, the time spent in permitting has been drastically reduced.

Prior to the Marshall Fire, the “fastest possible path” through the county’s regulatory process “was 11 months,” Rodwin said. “Sometimes it took 2,3 years: You had to wait in line just to get an appointment to meet with anybody.”

Post Marshall Fire, “we’ve been getting building permits approved in under two weeks.”

“It’s not a perfect process,” he said, “but the county is really trying hard, bending over backward.”

Rebuilding greener

Louisville also set a goal of 10-15 days for first review of a building permit. The city’s chief building official, who typically doesn’t handle building permits, sets aside Thursdays to process them for Marshall Fire victims, Ritchie said. “Sometimes Wednesdays, too.”

There are exceptions. Production builders, developing multiple properties at once, are sometimes pooling all the applications and submitting them together. But, generally, things are moving much more quickly than usual.

The permit for Casey and Kevin Lombardo’s Louisville home took eight weeks — a bit longer than they initially thought. But the city’s first pass did indeed take two weeks from when it was submitted.

The extra time was to address the Lombardos’ plan to build a Passive House, an energy-efficient structure that relies primarily on design, shading and ventilation for heating and cooling. After the family fled the Marshall Fire, they watched former neighbors quickly begin planning to rebuild.

They were overwhelmed, having bought their previous homes already finished. It wasn’t until they attended a webinar from the Colorado Green Building Guild that “something clicked,” as Casey said.

“Seeing this possibility of this other type of home, that excited us,” she said. “That was a turning point.”

Added Kevin: “I went from, ‘I don’t want to have anything to do with this,’ to ‘I want to be deeply involved.’”

The Lombardos are not alone in pursuing greener rebuilds. Planners for Louisville and Superior said 70% of properties are meeting or exceeding the most recent energy codes, despite the towns exempting Marshall Fire homes from them.

Extensive rebates from the state and Xcel Energy made it financially feasible, builders said. Passive Houses like the Lombardo’s come with an extra incentive: They’re more resistant to fire.

“From the moment we decided to build, we decided we always want to look back at this time and say we did everything we could, we made the best choices,” said Casey. “We didn’t just throw up a house because we wanted a house.”

‘We need everybody’

Not everyone will be able to rebuild. Most properties were under-insured relative to the cost of new construction. The area’s relative wealth meant that some families could cover the difference themselves, with second homes to move into in the meantime.

Others don’t have that option. Sanchez said many of the folks who haven’t yet started the process in unincorporated Boulder County are still dealing with their insurance.

“Most still had a two-year stipend for living expenses,” she said, “A lot of people were riding that out and still working on their settlements.”

As the clock ticks down, Louisville is preparing for an increase in the number of applications it receives, anticipating 10 or so each week this summer, up from two or three per week now.

Assuming the permitting process continues to be smooth in all three jurisdictions, the biggest slowdown may be in the actual construction, plagued by supply and labor shortages.

“To build 1,000 houses, we need everybody,” Rodwin said. “We need people coming in to help from all around the state in order to get people back in their homes in a reasonable time. We need every factory in all of Colorado building wall panels.”

And as more people move back into what are essentially construction zones, there will be the need to balance the currently relaxed rules for worksites with the needs of families living in a neighborhood. Louisville is planning for that now, Ritchie said.

“There’s still a million barriers” for these families before they return home.

In addition to the increased workload, Ritchie and other city officials are making time to attend as many move-ins as they can for returning households. Superior’s mayor went to one Wednesday afternoon; he’s committed to attend “every single one that I can.”

“We’re a small enough town that we can do something like this,” he said. “I can actually commit to attending 391.”

“It’s hard to work in these tragedies,” said Boulder County’s Sanchez, “but it’s really gratifying work for the planners to help someone through this.”

The Lombardos’ groundbreaking was Monday, April 3. Their building team, architects and landscape designers were there, with champagne and framed blueprints and gold-painted shovels for the Lombardos’ two boys.

“There’s still a lot to go,” Kevin said. “But I’m hopeful.”

The post Marshall Fire homes being rebuilt faster than national, post-disaster average appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | April 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 23:00:25 +0000

[NATIONAL]

Ex-president Donald Trump is indicted for payments to porn star Stormy Daniels in an attempt to squash news of his affair, which occurred just 4 months after Trump’s wife Melania gave birth. He previously announced the day of his arrest, which, like most of his statements, turned out to be false. He pleaded not guilty to all 34 charges.
Nashville school shooting leaves 6 dead, including 3 nine-year olds in the latest string of gun related tragedies plaguing the nation, making this over 130 mass shootings in 2023 so far.
Lori Lighfoot (D) comes in third place, losing her Chicago mayoral reelection bid which historically has seen the incumbent remain in power for decades.

[INTERNATIONAL]

Mass protests spread in Paris following the proposed raising of the retirement age. While France is looking at raising it from 62 to 64, we could learn a thing or two about solidarity in the face of stripped benefits.
UBS takes over one of its largest competitors, Credit Suisse, in a buyout following news of the bank’s fragility.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovic is detained by Russia who accuses him of spying.
Fire in a detention center for migrants that have been sent back from the U.S. to Mexico kills at least 38 people trapped in the facility.
Archaeologists have found evidence of horseback riding that pushes the domestication date of these animals back to about 5,000 years ago.

[LOCAL]

North Boulder was placed under a shelter in place order for several hours after a standoff with armed suspect near 17th and Yarmouth.
Prop 125 took effect this month allowing sellers of beer to also stock wine on their shelves. Expect more and more faux wine snobs to come out of the woodwork.
Jenna Ellis, one of Trump’s numerous former lawyers, has been rightly censured in Colorado over fabricated statements regarding the 2020 elections.
Lauren Boebert announces her underage son will soon be a father, having impregnated an even younger girl. Boebert will be a grandmother at age 36.
CU Boulder signed a football player to their program that is under investigation by the El Paso County sherriffs dept for rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation of a minor. A petition to expel him is currently circulating but the administration has made no decision by the date this was published.
Denver East high school experiences a shooting with two injuries and the death of the shooter. Students staged a protest at the State capitol in a plea for lawmakers to do something.

Small Talk

“I have looked into the terrified eyes of many children after they’ve been shot and tried to comfort them… I tell them they’re in a safe place now, but in my heart, I don’t know if they are.” – Dr. Halden Scott on treating child survivors of mass shootings.

“Aurora Civil Service Commission quietly approved a package of changes to entry-level hiring rules for police and firefighters, giving the commission… the ability to hire candidates whose backgrounds include caveats that would have previously gotten their applications thrown out.” – according to the Colorado Sentinel‘s In The Blue project.

“To all the trans youth who may be affected by this legislation: we stand by you, and we will not stop fighting. You are cherished. You are loved. You belong,” – Kentucky ACLU on the State passing a bill that, among other restrictions, bans all gender-affirming medical care for those under 18.

“The police department is destroyed. City Hall is destroyed. The county courthouse is damaged. The fire department is devastated. There’s no grocery store that’s operable in the community.” – US Rep. Bennie Thompson on the tornado that devastated Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

“What you’re telling me is, you don’t mind infringing free speech to protest children [from drag show readings] but when it comes to children that have died, you don’t give a flying f*ck to stop that because ‘that shall not be infringed.’ That is hypocrisy at its highest order.” – Jon Stewart to Oklahoma State Senator Nathan Dahm during their conversation on drag shows and gun rights.

By the Numbers

11 – Candidates still in the Denver mayoral race as voting comes to a close, with Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough now facing each other in a top-two runoff.

19% – American children deaths are from gun violence, now the leading cause of death for those under 18.

48% – Superior residents are renters according to 2020 census data reviewed by Mayor Mark Lacis.

311,000 – Jobs added last month in an already strong labor market

47% – Of all building and permit fees for the Town of Superior have been issued as rebates to residents wishing to rebuild.

The post Month in Review | April 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Letter to the Editor | March 2023

Guest Contributor — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:00:28 +0000

Yellow Scene welcomes Letters to the Editor and is happy to publish your thoughts, within limit. Please send all love letters, hate mail, curious thoughts, and open letters to editorial@yellowscene.com.

Since moving to Erie two years ago from Morris, Illinois, I have depended on Yellow Scene to acquaint me about everything from the best restaurants to dentists. I just look forward to getting
the latest addition to catch up on whats happening in Boulder area.

I taught history for 35 years and really enjoyed the look back at old Lafayette where my daughter lives and why I moved here to be close to grand kids. I think “tidbits” like the “dead work” of not getting paid to actually build the mines, but only mine the coal itself demonstrates how far we have come in the labor rights and how the former Mayor Mary Miller was instrumental in making Lafayette “dry” after loosing her husband to alcoholism speaks to how history is often shaped by strong personal experiences.

I also appreciate the current events about Ukraine, making the analogy of the Superior fire tragedy trying to give some perspective of imaging flames lasting for a year now with no end in sight. I found the geo-politics of the other former soviet republics near Ukraine, not covered by major media very interesting.

Very much look forward to the next issue, thanks for making me feel comfortable and informed in my new home.

Ken Iverson,
Erie

The post Letter to the Editor | March 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

New study confirms Marshall Fire contaminated drinking water, but the response prevented a crisis

Guest Contributor — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 20:00:14 +0000

By Tim Drugan, Boulder Reporting Lab (AP Storyshare)

A new study on the Marshall Fire reaffirms the need for better guidelines to safeguard water systems from contamination as wildfires burn through more residential areas.

But Andrew Whelton, the study’s lead author, hopes lessons from the Marshall Fire can help other communities avoid the worst future fires have to offer.

“The Marshall Fire was the most effective disaster response to a damaged water system that I’ve ever been a part of,” he said.

Whelton, a professor of civil, environmental and ecological engineering at Purdue University, flew out to Boulder County days after the Dec. 30, 2021 disaster to study the damage to water systems and municipalities’ response. His study, published in American Water Works Association in January, helps answer, at least partially, the question of how much contamination occurred and what can be done to improve wildfire water safety.

The fire damaged six public drinking water systems: Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, East Boulder County Water District, Eldorado Artesian Spring, Inc. and the Sans Souci Mobile Home Park. Toxic chemicals leaked into pipes from damaged homes and into hydrants where low water pressure created vacuums that pulled the compounds into the distribution system.

In Louisville, some chemicals remained at unsafe levels for weeks after the burn, evading several flushings of the system. That includes benzene, a volatile organic compound, or VOC, that has been found to cause cancer in the long term.

Superior not only had ash fall into its source water but the town’s water treatment plant lost electricity and the plant’s backup generator was destroyed. Superior’s residents complained for months after the fire of their water having a smokey, chemical flavor. In the year since, Superior spent more than $4.6 million on their water system response and recovery. Louisville spent roughly $1.4 million.

Superior’s reservoir is being treated to remove any potentially harmful semi-volatile organic compounds that caused the smokey flavor.

Whelton’s study, more than anything, validates struggles other municipalities have faced after wildfires destroyed entire neighborhoods and chemicals lingered in the air and water. Because the field is so new, there is a lack of established guidelines on how to properly test water after a wildfire and what to test for.

“When the fire occurred, all utilities [in Boulder County] were not aware of what, where, and how to collect post-fire water samples,” the study said. This lack of awareness could mean that contaminated water was consumed or bathed in. (A primary concern was exposure to VOCs, such as benzene.)

Though Whelton said none of the public water systems were prepared for what took place in the Marshall Fire, municipalities in Boulder County were the most proactive he had seen. (He’s been a part of several water disaster recoveries, including the 2017 Tubbs Fire and the 2018 Camp Fire in California, the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam contamination, and a chemical spill in West Virginia.)

Water testing was an illustration of this. Though there wasn’t an established framework of what to test for, those in charge were “hungry for information” and willing to learn from anyone with credentials.

“The municipalities impacted by the Marshall Fire all were open and proactive to making the best decision they could, and finding resources to make that decision,” Whelton said. “I’m using them as examples to other communities.”

“Sometimes the water utilities will say, ‘We don’t have to test for anything, so we’re not going to,’” Whelton said. Not Boulder County.

But the response was not without mistakes and failures. Boil water advisories were not consistent, for one.

When water is contaminated, boiling it is insufficient and can lead to chemicals off-gassing into the home. Meaning, people drink fewer chemicals only to inhale higher levels of the compounds.

“The boil water advisories were not designed to protect customers from being exposed to chemically contaminated water,” the study said. Among the six water systems affected, “only Louisville urged their customers to avoid drinking and contact with water as they conducted sampling and ultimately found contamination.” (The East Boulder Creek Water District found chemical contamination several weeks after the state lifted the boil water advisory.)

The lack of coordination “underscores a much larger public notification problem associated with wildfires,” in Colorado, the study said.

When smoke gets into the water system

Depressurization is a top water quality concern for a town struck by fire. To get water from treatment plants to homes and businesses across a city, water is pressurized. If pipes are damaged — or the distribution system runs low on water — that pressure is lost. This creates a vacuum that sucks smoke and chemicals into the water system. Louisville lost water pressure during the Marshall Fire, and high levels of contamination were found in its distribution system after. Lafayette did not lose pressure and contamination was minimal.

Flushing the system so contaminated water is replaced with a fresh batch from the treatment plant is one way to mitigate contamination.

Knowing this, post-Marshall fire, flushing was a priority, especially in Louisville that both lost pressure and pumped lake water into their distribution system to aid firefighters. “After the fire was contained, all water systems first focused on damage assessment, flushing, and re-pressurizing their water distribution systems,” the study said.

And yet, “contamination in Louisville remained at select locations above the benzene maximum contaminant level for weeks,” even after aggressive flushing. Three months after the fire, testing showed no contamination.

One reason contamination in Louisville might have persisted despite flushing is overheated plastic pipes. Some plastics, when heated by a fire, can leach benzene and other chemicals for months or even years. In Whelton’s research, plastic pipes were primed to leach chemicals by temperatures as low as 392 degrees Fahrenheit. Wildfires can exceed 1,400 degrees.

Also, if municipalities do not flush their systems quickly enough after a fire, chemicals sucked into the system via pressure loss can soak into plastic pipes, even if those plastic pipes weren’t heated, and leach out over time. So someone in the same distribution system, though far from the burn scar, could be exposed to carcinogens over time without knowing it.

“The longer contaminated water sits in the water mains, plumbing, etc. the greater potential you have of that infrastructure posing a serious health risk to the users,” Whelton said.

‘Severe’ issues with water testing post-fire

Testing is critical to identifying contamination early on.

In the Marshall Fire, not only was there a lack of coordination on when and where to take samples of water, there was a lack of capacity to then test those samples. The study revealed “several chemical water sampling and analysis issues” that made understanding the full scope of contamination unclear.

“For Louisville alone, six commercial laboratories were contacted for assistance,” the study said. “Some laboratories did not respond to requests, lacked sampling supplies, and stated they could not promptly provide results to the water system.”

Preparing for future fires, it’s important municipalities and labs understand how to properly test drinking water for contamination after fires, the study urged.

It’s also important to rethink water distribution systems to better prevent such contamination in the first place.

One of the main solutions offered by Whelton in the Marshall Fire study, backed by experience from previous fires, is “zoning water systems.”

By splitting a water distribution system into zones, if one area of town gets hit by fire, heated pipes leaching chemicals or contaminated water can be quarantined from other parts of town. Done on a large scale would entail breaking a city into sections like North Boulder, East Boulder, and so on.

On a smaller scale, remote shutoffs for each building could cut individual homes off from the system when needed, protecting nearby buildings and the water system as a whole.

Such shutoffs would have preserved water in the Marshall Fire and kept more people out of harm’s way. While the fire burned, Louisville and Superior Department of Public Works employees went into the fire zone where “structures around them were on fire” to “stop the bleeding” of water from houses that were no more.

“They were shutting off these valves located at the street so the homes that were burned down, with water shooting out, would stop leaking,” Whelton said. “Because that was draining the water system and firefighters needed that water.”

At the time of the study’s publication, insurance hadn’t kicked in to cover the costs of damaged water systems. Municipalities were relying on stored cash to make needed repairs. And as they wait on insurers and FEMA for aid, those cash pools will continue to drain. The water systems are still recovering.

The post New study confirms Marshall Fire contaminated drinking water, but the response prevented a crisis appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The Open Space Known as “Tract H” Needs a New Name and We Need Your Help!

Guest Contributor — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:00:06 +0000

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

The Town’s Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) needs your help naming an open space area known as Tract H. This open space is located between Rock Creek Ranch to the south and Downtown Superior to the north. To the west, it borders McCaslin Blvd. and reaches east almost to US 36, culminating at Miners Park.

Below you will be a link to a survey asking for your ideas on the park name. Please open the survey page and enter your choice. The survey will close on January 31. Please, only one entry per resident. You may include multiple ideas in your entry.

[TAKE SURVEY NOW]

The post The Open Space Known as “Tract H” Needs a New Name and We Need Your Help! appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Let’s Celebrate What Local Neighborhoods Are Doing to Help Adapt to Climate Change

Austin Clinkenbeard — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 17:00:45 +0000

Combating the effects of climate change is a broad effort that can take many forms locally.

When disaster strikes it can feel as if the world beneath your feet has shifted. Dust settles and things fall back into place, but nothing is the same. Scars forever mark not just the land, but the mind as well — remnants of the strength and force of the earth around us.

We know the globe is actively being altered by our actions. We know that the climate is changing at a rapid pace. We have seen the effects firsthand: not just the fire one year ago, but the floods last decade and numerous other disasters that have washed away homes, lives, businesses, and memories.

A before and after image illustrating the impact of climate change in Colorado. Courtesy of CU Boulder.

The frustration comes in part from the fact that so many of our leaders are sitting on this information. They acknowledge the climate is changing yet their actions do not reflect any sense of urgency. Everyone likes to talk the “eco-friendly” talk, but what communities are actually doing their part to mitigate the impact of climate change? Let’s highlight and celebrate the many ways that our local communities are working towards a stronger climate future.

There are numerous factors at play, everything from the obvious recycling programs and official disaster plans, but there are also the not-so-obvious: educating our youth in sustainability, ensuring homeless people have safe places to stay, and providing arts programs to express the frustration and emotion that comes from a looming crisis. It may not seem obvious, but the unpredictable weather will mean unhoused individuals will face even more daunting challenges. Studies and surveys consistently show that the younger generation feels hesitant about their future, are worried about climate change, and are hesitant to have children in part due to the climate crisis.

This changing landscape affects us all, but it is not an equal distribution of burden. Those with health or mobility issues, fewer resources, and the unhoused will all be more impacted by a changing environment. The deep irony is that individuals and nations with the most wealth are oftentimes the largest contributors to the climate crisis but will themselves be affected less by the damages caused.

Comparing how each city and town is doing is difficult to do. There is no one “winner” that is prepared beyond everyone else. Every neighborhood has areas to improve on, and every community offers a sliver of hope in their own sustainable solutions. The key is to take action where your community is lacking and celebrate the accomplishments of what has been done.

The unfortunate truth is that climate change is an international problem on a global scale, yet we feel the effects locally on a community level. Rising temperatures brought about by global polluters and massive corporations will alter ecosystems across the earth. Unfortunately, we must be the ones to prepare our home towns to lessen the impacts of these climate events.

The unfortunate truth is that climate change is an international problem on a global scale, yet we feel the effects locally on a community level.

To add insult to injury, oil and gas companies have free reign to frack where they wish in the state of Colorado. This harmful process accelerates the damage from climate change and is actually a key contributor to pollution and wildlife disruption. Possibly the most impactful way to make a change is to show up to town hall meetings in support of a fracking ban, to demand it from our officials, and to vote for candidates who refuse to take the millions of dollars these large corporations have to spend on our elections.

One way to drive change is to continue to look into the varied solutions suggested by other communities. Does your city or community have a similar program or is there a void that needs to be filled? Suggesting programs at city council meetings can be one avenue, starting a local volunteer chapter can be another. Holding officials accountable to climate action promises, making sure that cities are not just paying lip service to “going green,” and educating and spreading awareness to your peers and the younger generations are all ways to get involved that can appeal to nearly everyone.

When disaster inevitably strikes again, when helpers are needed in times of crisis, when we need to turn to the next generation for our climate solutions, what neighborhoods are leading the way?

Photo courtesy of the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless.

Homeless Services

Surviving the winter cold without a home is already a near superhuman feat that many members of our community must endure every single year. It is only going to get worse. As the national homeless population grows, more and more individuals and families will be facing the prospect of a winter without a roof. Coupled with an increasingly volatile climate, the challenge of navigating life outdoors will only become more and more difficult. Planning for a future where existing without shelter will be even more lethal than it is now and will require long-term thinking as well as immediate solutions. When disasters destroy houses, what communities are best equipped to help residents recover?

Homeless Shelters:
Boulder – 6
Lafayette – 1
Longmont – 3
Louisville – 1
Westminster – 2

City Services/Programs:

The city of Boulder offers several services including a critical weather shelter at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless on nights when temperatures reach dangerous levels.
Longmont created a street outreach program called the Longmont Targeted Homeless Engagement & Referral Effort that aims to provide resources for those experiencing homelessness.
Louisville provides a listing of over 3,000 places to find shelter, affordable housing, and transitional places to stay. Simply having a roof over your head can make all the difference in the world on the road to recovery.

Education

A sustainable future is only achievable through an educated and active population. Polls consistently show that younger people care more about climate change and see it as an existential threat to be dealt with immediately. We need future leaders to be inspired and informed about the dangers our communities are facing in a changing future. From floods to fires, those who model the changes, who provide solutions, and who lead us through the next chapter will be the youth. They will not only bear the burden of an inherited environment fraught with signs of collapse, they are also tasked with conserving plant and animal species, managing sustainable growth, and finding solutions to unforeseen problems yet to arise.

Elementary Schools:
Boulder – 20
Carbon Valley (Frederick, Firestone, Dacono) – 6
Erie – 8
Gunbarrel – (served by Boulder)
Lafayette – 7
Longmont – 20
Louisville – 3
Lyons – 1
Nederland, Ward, Jamestown – 1
Niwot – 2
Superior – 1
Thornton – 17
Westminster – 3

K-8 Schools:
Boulder – 15
Carbon Valley (Frederick, Firestone, Dacono) – 27
Erie – 2
Gunbarrel – 10
Lafayette – 15
Longmont – 19
Louisville – 6
Lyons – 2
Nederland, Ward, Jamestown – 2
Niwot – 1
Superior – 3
Thornton – 17
Westminster – 3

High Schools:
Boulder – 19
Carbon Valley (Frederick, Firestone, Dacono) – 3
Erie – 3
Gunbarrel (including Dawson) – 3
Lafayette – 4
Longmont – 13
Louisville – 1
Lyons – 1
Nederland, Ward, Jamestown – 1
Niwot – 2
Thornton – 17
Westminster – 13

We need future leaders to be inspired and informed about the dangers our communities are facing in a changing future.

Arts & Creativity

Not everything is doom and gloom. From darkness comes light. Creativity and artistic expression are fantastic ways to let off steam, express inner emotion, and inspire others to action. Creating a new path forward will require different ways of seeing things. We need the artists, the visionaries, and those who think outside the box to be encouraged to develop their voices. Art and science will both need to play a role, working hand in hand to guide us through a changing planet.

Public Art:
Niwot Sculpture Park
Longmont Creative District Murals
heARTS of Lyons
Erie Public Art
Firestone Library Art & Music Show

Programs:
Thornton Arts Academy
Westminster Art Classes
Superior Art Therapy Program
Louisville Marshall Fire Public Art: Call for Entries

Libraries:
Boulder – 6
Carbon Valley (Frederick, Firestone, Dacono) – 1
Erie – 1
Lafayette – 1
Longmont – 1
Louisville – 1
Lyons – 1
Thornton – 4
Westminster – 5

Mental Health Services

Recovering from a life-altering disaster can take more than just rebuilding. Losing your home in a fire, flood, or other natural disaster can be one of the most tragic events in life. The collective trauma experienced by our communities last year is punctuated by the individual trauma of possessions lost, homes destroyed, and lives uprooted. We will need mental health services for acute loss as well as long-term support for everyone recovering. Mental health, therapy, and wellness programs can benefit anyone but are especially helpful for those in marginalized communities of all kinds.

City Services:
Louisville Marshall Fire Emotional Recovery
Thornton Mental Health, Substance Use and Respite Programs
Lyons Public Library Mental Health Resources
Longmont Mental Health Resources

County Resources:
Broomfield County LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources
Boulder County Mental Health Resources
Weld County Let’s Talk

Healthcare Services

The unfortunate reality is that the impact of natural disasters can often be measured in human loss. Although the impact of property damage and the loss of one’s home are completely devastating, the dire truth is more of us will be in need of medical care following weather events. Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of future disasters. The warming environment can absorb more energy, meaning storms will be stronger and potentially more lethal. Communities will need robust healthcare services capable of handling all types of injuries.

Hospitals:
Boulder (not including branches) – 2
Carbon Valley (Frederick, Firestone, Dacono) – 2
Lafayette – 1
Longmont – 3
Louisville – 1
Superior – 1
Thornton – 3
Westminster – 4

The unfortunate reality is that the impact of natural disasters can often be measured in human loss.

Disaster Preparedness

Community effort is needed to prepare any city for natural disaster. From diligent homeowners clearing their brush to the local city inspector checking for code violations to the countywide disaster plans once tragedy strikes, there are numerous ways a neighborhood can prepare for and help mitigate damage from wildfires, floods, wind events, and other storms.

Wildfire Mitigation Groups:
Wildfire Partners
Saws and Slaws

Fire Stations:
Boulder – 7
Carbon Valley (Frederick, Firestone, Dacono) – 1
Erie – 2
Lafayette – 2
Longmont – 5
Louisville – 3
Lyons – 1
Nederland, Ward, Jamestown – 3
Niwot – 1
Superior – 1
Thornton – 5
Westminster – 7

Destruction left by the Marshall Fire. Photo courtesy of Dan Bruder.

Rebuilding

Unless you have previous construction experience, the rebuilding process can be convoluted and fraught with red tape. The permitting process can seem unnecessarily complicated and move as slow as molasses at times. Finding a licensed, experienced, and reliable contractor is another can of worms. Then the actual construction begins. It is a stark reminder to have adequate insurance and be aware of the risk of natural disaster. Now that recovery has begun, what communities are doing the most to help their residents rebuild from the Marshall Fire?

Re-Building Permits Issued:
Louisville – 123
Superior – 92
Unincorporated Boulder County – 28

Recovery Money:
Unincorporated Boulder County Grant Money – $3,592,000
Superior Rebate Money – $918,927

Affordable Housing

Sometimes rebuilding is not feasible. Sometimes it is best to move on. There is no one answer to everyone affected by disaster. Every individual and family will need to come to their own best solution. For those who choose to move to a new location, cost can often be the prohibitive factor. Insurance can help, but we know that too many homeowners were under-insured and face massive costs after the Marshall Fire. The cost of rebuilding and recovering, plus the stress of navigating an insurance company that probably is not covering everything you need can be daunting. Finding an affordable place to live in a new community can be the beginning to the end of your stresses, or it can be another nightmare of its own.

Affordable Housing Programs:
Longmont – 9
Thornton – 7
Westminster – 11

Median House Price:
Boulder – $790,100
Erie – $423,300
Gunbarrel – $605,000
Lafayette – $498,400
Longmont – $423,300
Louisville – $677,000
Superior – $660,000
Thornton – $376,900
Westminster – $388,300

Median Rent Prices:
Boulder – $1,711
Erie – $2,564
Gunbarrel – $649
Lafayette – $1,733
Longmont – $1,538
Louisville – $1,831
Superior – $2,162
Thornton – $1,608
Westminster – $1,598

Non-Profit Organizations

Shifting our society away from a carbon-based fuel system driven by for-profit corporations is a monumental task. The largest entities are often the largest polluters. Help support the local non-profits that make the world just that much better by doing their important and varied work. If you have the time, get involved and make a donation out of your time. If not, they always appreciate a monetary contribution for their efforts as well. Either way, let’s make a difference.

Number of Non-Profit Organizations:
Boulder – 5,402
Erie – 5,882
Lafayette – 5,864
Longmont – 5,100
Louisville – 5,890
Lyons – 5,447
Niwot – 5,067
Superior – 5,452
Thornton – 5,199
Westminster – 5504

Local Farming

Sustainability comes in many forms, but some of the impactful ways to move towards a greener future is to grow your own food, or at least support those that do. Transporting food across the globe uses massive amounts of fossil fuels. Climate crises will make it more difficult to grow certain crops and nearly ensures that some yields will fail. Farming locally creates a stalwart community more resilient to global uncertainty and more connected to the earth locally.

Boulder County Farm Data:
Over 1,000 Farms in Boulder County
13,000 Acres of Irrigated Crops
3,000 Acres of Dryland Crops
90% of all crops end up in our food system

The post Let’s Celebrate What Local Neighborhoods Are Doing to Help Adapt to Climate Change appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Wildfires in Colorado Are Growing More Unpredictable. Officials Have Ignored the Warnings.

Guest Contributor — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 20:20:18 +0000

By: Jennifer Oldham for ProPublica (AP Storyshare)

Sheriff’s deputies driving 45 mph couldn’t outpace the flames. Dense smoke, swirling dust and flying plywood obscured the firestorm’s growth and direction, delaying evacuations.

Within minutes, landscaped islands in a Costco parking lot in Superior, Colorado, caught fire as structures became the inferno’s primary fuel. It consumed the Element Hotel, as well as part of a Tesla service center, a Target and the entire Sagamore neighborhood. Across a six-lane freeway, in the town of Louisville, flames rocketed through parks and climbed wooden fences, setting homes ablaze. They spread from one residence to the next in a mere eight minutes, reaching temperatures as high as 1,650 degrees.

On Dec. 30, 2021, more than 35,000 people in Superior and Louisville, as well as unincorporated Boulder County, fled the fire — some so quickly they left barefoot and without their pets. Firefighters abandoned miles of hose in neighborhood driveways to escape.

The Marshall Fire, the most destructive in Colorado history, killed two people and incinerated 1,084 residences and seven businesses within hours. Financial losses are expected to top $2 billion.

The blaze showed that Colorado and much of the West face a fire threat unlike anything they have seen. No longer is the danger limited to homes adjacent to forests. Urban areas are threatened, too.

Yet despite previous warnings of this new threat, ProPublica found Colorado’s response hasn’t kept pace. Legislative efforts to make homes safer by requiring fire-resistant materials in their construction have been repeatedly stymied by developers and municipalities, while taxpayers shoulder the growing cost to put out the fires and rebuild in their aftermath.

The Marshall Fire Burned Grasslands to the West Before Consuming Neighborhoods and Shopping Centers in Boulder County. Satellite imagery was taken in 2019, two years before the Marshall Fire, and obtained via NAIP. Credit: Map by Lucas Waldron/ProPublica

Many residents are unaware they are now at risk because federal and state wildfire forecasts and maps also haven’t kept pace with the growing danger to their communities. Indeed, some wildland fire forecasts model urban areas as “non-burnable,” even though the Marshall Fire proved otherwise.

The disaster put an exclamation point on what scientists, planners and federal officials warned for years: Communities outside the traditional wildland-urban interface, or WUI, are now vulnerable as a changing climate, overgrown forests and explosive development across the West fuel ever-unpredictable fire behavior. Fire experts define the WU zzz I, pronounced woo-ee, as areas where plants such as trees, shrubs and grasses are near, or mixed with, homes, power lines, businesses and other human development.

They now agree that instead of a threat confined to the WUI, the entire state, including areas far from forests, may be at risk of a conflagration.

“The Marshall Fire was a horrible, tragic event that served as a wake-up call for the rest of our state,” said state Rep. Lisa Cutter, a Democrat who represents mountain and foothill areas. “I don’t think we realized how much wildfire could impact communities that aren’t deep in the forest — it’s not something any of us are immune to.”

Unheeded Warnings

Data Source: Colorado Forest Atlas. Map by Lucas Waldron/ProPublica.

An early warning of the growing danger to suburban communities arrived in 2001. That year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies identified scores of Colorado municipalities adjacent to public lands as being at high risk of a wildland blaze-turned-urban conflagration. Some of these areas burned in the Marshall Fire.

A decade later, in 2012, another warning came, as an unprecedented weather-driven inferno, the Waldo Canyon Fire, destroyed several Colorado Springs neighborhoods.

Afterward, fire experts urged state lawmakers to adopt a model building code that communities in high-risk areas could enact. Such codes have been scientifically proven to reduce risk for residents and rescuers and to increase the odds structures will withstand a blaze by requiring fire-resistant materials on siding, roofs, decks and fences, along with mesh-covered vents that prevent embers from entering.

But lawmakers bowed to pressure from building and real estate lobbyists as well as municipal officials who demanded local control over private property.

Meanwhile, the number of new homes built in Colorado’s WUI — as defined by researchers several years ago — more than doubled between 1990 and 2020. And nationwide, the WUI is growing by 2 million acres a year. Homes in 70,000 communities worth $1.3 trillion are now within the path of a firestorm, according to a June report from the U.S. Fire Administration that featured photos of the Marshall Fire’s destruction.

https://yellowscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/wui-buildup_lucas-waldron_propublica.mp4

Over 40,000 Residential Structures Were Built in the Areas Now Considered Wildland-Urban Interface in Boulder County Between 1990 and 2022. The location of each dot was determined by the geographic centroid of the parcel containing it. In rural areas, the dots may not reflect the exact location of the building. The WUI boundaries are from the 2017 Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment, which are the most recent boundaries contained in the Colorado Forest Atlas. Credit: Data Source: Boulder County Assessor’s Office. Graphic by Lucas Waldron/ProPublica.

In the months that followed the Marshall Fire, there were again calls to consider a statewide building code. A last-minute amendment to a fire mitigation bill in May would have created a board to develop statewide building rules, but it was pulled after builders, real estate agents, municipalities and others opposed it.

It wasn’t the first time the state’s powerful building industry asserted its influence over policy. Whenever a wildfire bill comes to the state legislature, well-heeled lobbyists routinely represent the industry, records kept by the Colorado secretary of state show. The state’s culture of local control and the construction industry’s $25 billion annual contribution to the economy hampered lawmakers’ ability to find middle ground on a minimum statewide building code.

ProPublica’s review of legislation introduced from 2014 to 2022 found only 15 out of 77 wildfire-related bills focused primarily on helping homeowners mitigate their risk from fires. Most of the 15 proposals offered incentives to homeowners and communities through income tax deductions or grants — some of which required municipalities to raise matching funds — to clear vegetation around structures.

None called for mandatory building requirements in wildfire-prone areas, even as 15 of the 20 largest wildfires in state history have occurred since 2012.

The lack of uniform regulations has cost the Centennial State millions in federal grant money: The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the state grants from the agency’s resilient infrastructure funds, which from fiscal 2020 to 2022 totaled $101 million.

Colorado remains one of only eight states without a minimum construction standard for homes.

Municipalities Weigh Prevention and Its Cost

Cherrywood Lane in Louisville. The Marshall Fire incinerated 550 homes and businesses in the city. Credit: Chet Strange, special to ProPublica.

Developers have also influenced municipalities’ recent decisions, as homes decimated by the Marshall Fire are rebuilt in Boulder County, and the cities of Superior and Louisville located within it. The debate has reflected difficult tradeoffs between the cost of making homes more fire-resistant — particularly in an era of high inflation and unpredictable supply chains — and residents’ tolerance for risk.

Lawmakers in Louisville, where 550 homes and businesses burned, voted to remove a fire sprinkler requirement for homes, citing cost, despite evidence such systems reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 80%. The City Council also voted to allow residents to choose whether to follow new energy efficiency requirements estimated to add $5,000 to $100,000 to the cost of a new home.

By contrast, in unincorporated Boulder County, which lost 157 homes to the Marshall Fire, commissioners in June voted to require fire-resistant materials on all new and renovated homes. Before the inferno, the eastern grasslands were exempt. (Mountain residents, who since 1989 have been required to follow mitigation practices, have seen the effectiveness of such codes: Eight out of 10 of their homes survived the Fourmile Canyon Fire in 2010.)

In Superior, which lost 378 structures, the Board of Trustees voted down a proposed citywide WUI building code in May. After residents of the leveled Sagamore neighborhood requested they revisit their decision, trustees reconsidered in July.

The financial pressures facing Superior officials and their constituents were evident as they considered whether to require fire-resistant materials solely for homes destroyed by the Marshall Fire or for the entire city.

“This is all a huge cost we cannot bear,” said Robert Lousberg, a resident who wants to rebuild several homes. “I understood this is a once-in-a-lifetime fire.”

Some neighbors disagreed.

“Sagamore burned down in less than an hour — one of my neighbors ended up in the hospital after trying to escape the fire on foot — that’s the main reason we need these codes, to slow the spread of fire,” Dan Cole said. “We have an opportunity to build a more fire-resistant neighborhood right now, and it would be foolish and short sighted not to take it.”

Builders estimated that costs for tempered-glass windows, fire-resistant siding and other materials could reach $5,500 to $30,000 per home. Procuring the materials and labor to install them could delay rebuilding.

Like residents, town trustees were divided about whether the cost outweighed safety benefits to residents and first responders should there be another conflagration.

“To me, it’s unconscionable to have people rebuilding in an unsafe manner,” said Trustee Laura Skladzinski, who did not seek reelection last month. “I would rather have residents pay $20,000 now. If they cannot afford it, how are they going to be able to afford it when their house burns down?”

Some noted that most residents didn’t have enough insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding their homes.

Trustee Neal Shah said the city should have adopted tougher codes after the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, which prompted calls for a voluntary statewide building code that communities could institute requiring fire-resistant materials in homes.

“I fundamentally believe in WUI standards,” Shah said, “what I can’t solve is the math.”

The body voted 5-1 to institute the code, then added an opt-out clause for those rebuilding their residences.

Colorado Springs Fire Foreshadowed the Risks

A decade before the Marshall Fire, a blaze was burning in the mountains above Colorado Springs on a 101-degree June day. That afternoon a thunderstorm caused a sudden shift in the wind, pushing a wall of burning debris out of the Rocky Mountain foothills into the state’s second-largest city.

Firefighters fled the 750-foot-high fire front — as tall as a 53-floor building — as it chewed through pine, pinyon and juniper dried by a record-hot spring. Sixty-mile-per-hour gusts peeled back the door on a fire truck. Fist-sized embers rained down on the city’s Mountain Shadows community. The fire incinerated 79 homes per hour, or 1.3 per minute, over 5 ½ hours, a report found.

The Waldo Canyon Fire killed two people. Credit: Chet Strange, special to ProPublica

In the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon Fire, which destroyed 347 homes and killed two people, Colorado Springs drew lessons from which residences had survived and capitalized on fresh memories of burned neighborhoods to institute tougher building requirements.

Standing recently in the shade of a still-scorched tree behind her home, Patty Johnson described how her house was relatively unscathed, even as eight of her neighbors lost their residences. She credited ignition-resistant materials, including stucco walls, siding, a composite deck and a concrete tile roof. Drought-resistant landscaping also helped. Her family sold the home in September to move into a smaller place in the city.

Patty Johnson. Credit: Chet Strange, special to ProPublica

After-action reports found neighbors’ work clearing vegetation around homes helped firefighters save 82% of residences in the 28-square-mile burn area.

FEMA estimated that minimal expenditures to protect Colorado Springs neighborhoods had paid off. In Cedar Heights, $300,000 in mitigation had prevented about $77 million in losses.

“The Waldo Canyon Fire was shocking, but it could have been so much worse if the city of Colorado Springs had not spent decades getting ready,” said Molly Mowery, co-founder of the Community Wildfire Planning Center.

Even so, the fire reached 2,000 degrees and moved so fast it incinerated some homes with fire-resistant material and fire-proof safes inside.

Nevertheless, the city followed a 30-year pattern and took its lessons to heart to institute additional building requirements to fortify homes in wildfire-prone areas. Timing was everything, Mowery’s nonprofit concluded in a recently released analysis.

The city had done the same in 2002. With smoke still in the air following the Hayman Fire — which started about 35 miles northwest of the city and destroyed 600 structures — a coalition of fire officials, homeowners’ associations and local builders and roofing contractors devised rules that banned wood roofs on all new homes and repairs greater than 25% of the total roof area.

Similarly, after the Waldo Canyon Fire, as heavy machinery cleared charred neighborhoods, the city updated its code to increase the distance trees had to be from homes and require fire protection systems, ignition-resistant siding and decks, and double-paned windows for all new or reconstructed homes in hillside areas.

Fire officials used spatial technology to hone the city’s definition of the WUI. The tool identified a 32,655-acre area — one of the largest high-risk regions in the United States. The city recruited homeowners to educate neighbors in the threatened area about fire-resistant practices.

Peer pressure worked, said Ashley Whitworth, wildfire mitigation program administrator at the Colorado Springs Fire Department. If a homeowner’s property is flagged red on the city’s online risk assessment map (denoting it needs work), neighbors reach out to learn why they haven’t completed mitigation.

Ashley Whitworth. Credit: Chet Strange, special to ProPublica

Colorado Springs’ voters overwhelmingly approved the allocation of $20 million in city funds toward incentives to gird wildfire-prone properties.

Days after the vote in November 2021, the Marshall Fire unfolded 90 miles to the north across communities with little history of wildfire mitigation.

Scientists, some of whom lived in Boulder County and were evacuated, proclaimed it a “climate fire.” They cited the extreme weather that preceded it: Abnormally high levels of snow and rain in spring and summer had nurtured abundant 4-foot grasses that baked to a crisp during a historically dry fall. Chinook winds blasted the region for an unusual nine-hour period and propelled the firestorm. And even though there’s growing understanding that fire season is now year-round, no one believed a December blaze could ravage entire cities.

While it began as a wildfire in grassland, once it reached nearby communities it transformed into an urban conflagration — the type of fire that destroyed Chicago in 1871 and San Francisco in 1906 and that until the early 20th century consumed more property than any other type of natural disaster.

“Was this a wildland fire or an urban fire?” Sterling Folden, deputy chief of the Mountain View Fire Protection District, asked during a July legislative committee meeting. “I had five fire trucks in the entire downtown of Superior — I had 20 blocks on fire — I usually have that many for one house on fire.”

Whitworth, of the Colorado Springs Fire Department, said there were more lessons to learn about the threat of wildfire.

“The Marshall Fire was a really big hit for people here because it happened in December and it happened just like that,” Whitworth said. “Everyone said to me, ‘It could happen here,’ and I said, ‘You’re absolutely right.’”

Is the Entire State Now Vulnerable to Wildfire?

With the 2023 legislative session days away, fire chiefs, county commissioners, scientists and planners are once again calling on Colorado lawmakers to institute statewide rules that mandate fire-resistant materials in high-risk areas.

Cutter, who will be sworn in as a state senator in January, is developing a bill that would require the state to create a WUI code board to write minimum fire-resistant building requirements. It’s patterned in part after the amendment that failed at the Capitol this spring.

Such laws save lives, said Mike Morgan, director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. The 36-year fire service veteran cited studies from the nonprofit Fire Safety Research Institute and the federal National Institute of Standards and Technology showing that building codes work.

“Firefighters take extraordinary risk to protect lives and property,” he added. “If we start building communities and structures out of materials more resistive to fire, we are upping our odds of success — we’ve got to do something different and do it better.”

The insurance industry is also warning that if Colorado lawmakers and communities don’t reinforce homes against wildfire, mounting claims from blazes could put premiums out of reach for many. The industry supports a statewide building code.

“Unlike other disasters, wildfire is one of those risks there is much we can do from a mitigation standpoint to put odds at least in favor of that home surviving,” said Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.

“We’ve got to get it done,” she added. “Colorado right now is at … a tipping point with concerns about keeping insurance here and keeping insurance available.”

But such rules won’t be adopted without a compromise among local control advocates, builders and fire officials.

Construction industry representatives who met with Cutter and Morgan recently said builders are wary of one-size-fits-all requirements imposed by the state. Together with the insurance industry and municipal governments, they have met the past few months seeking to influence the bill’s language.

“It’s important to make sure we match codes with risk,” said Ted Leighty, chief executive of the Colorado Association of Home Builders. His members “are not opposed to talking about what a code board might look like — if we were to adopt a model code that local governments could adopt to match their communities’ needs.”

The idea for such a board emerged after the Colorado Fire Commission received a letter from Gov. Jared Polis in July 2021.

The first-term Democrat, who was reelected in November, sent the missive following conflagrations in 2020 that exhibited unimaginable fire behavior: The 193,812-acre East Troublesome Fire traveled 25 miles overnight and incinerated 366 homes; and the 208,913-acre Cameron Peak Fire, which torched 461 structures, burned for four months despite firefighters’ efforts.

Polis wrote that legislators in 2021 had failed to “address a critical piece of the wildfire puzzle in Colorado: land use planning, development and building resiliency in the wildland-urban interface.”

Instead, lawmakers focused on fire response, restoration of burned lands and voluntary mitigation by communities.

In answer to Polis’ missive, a little-known subcommittee, which included state, county and city fire officials, met between August 2021 and April. The 51-member group agreed it’s time to rethink which communities are prone to wildfire, offering a new definition of the WUI: The group concluded “almost the entire state of Colorado falls within the WUI,” according to minutes from a Feb. 10 meeting, “which could make a strong argument for adopting a minimum code.”

Fire officials also countered the long-held belief that communities favor local control over building requirements. They pointed to a 2019 law that established a minimum energy code that local jurisdictions must adopt when they update local building codes. About 86% of the state’s 5 million residents now live in a community that mandates such measures.

“There is minimal evidence that people voluntarily regulate themselves,” committee members concluded, according to minutes of their Feb. 28 meeting.

Rebuilding Like Before

Cherrywood Lane in Louisville. Credit: Chet Strange, special to ProPublica

A report on the Marshall Fire released in October by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control noted how wooden fences abuting grasslands had accelerated the blaze’s spread, leading flames from the grass directly to homes. Firefighters also described fence pickets flying past at 80 mph and landing to start new fires.

This month, as homes were being rebuilt on Cherrywood Lane in Louisville, in one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods, evidence remained of first responders’ frantic efforts to cut down fences to prevent them from spreading flames to neighboring homes.

New homes are going up across the 9-square-mile burn zone. A recent drive through the area revealed many are being rebuilt with the same kinds of fences. With no building code dictating that the fences be made of fire-resistant materials, homeowners are using flammable materials that have been standard in the past, unaware it will again put them at risk in the next blaze.

Wooden fences such as these touch homes and grasslands in communities up and down the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.

Rebuilding without ignition-resistant barriers leaves the homes vulnerable to the next climate-driven wildfire, said Morgan, the state fire chief.

This month, with snow on the ground and temperatures in the 40s, another blaze ignited not far from where the Marshall Fire burned. Thirty-five-mile-per-hour winds spread the flames and forced evacuations before the threat subsided.

“I’ve heard people say the Marshall Fire was just a fluke,” he said. “I would disagree — there are literally thousands of communities along the Front Range of the Rockies from Canada to New Mexico subject to these Chinook winds multiple times a year, and when the conditions are right this can happen.”

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up for Dispatches, a newsletter that spotlights wrongdoing around the country, to receive our stories in your inbox every week.

The post Wildfires in Colorado Are Growing More Unpredictable. Officials Have Ignored the Warnings. appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | January 2023

Austin Clinkenbeard — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 17:00:02 +0000

January 6th Select Committee refers former President Donald Trump to the Justice Dept. for felony charges. The Committee’s charges include insurrection, obstruction of the proceeding, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Four Trump allies, Kevin McCarthy, Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, and Andy Biggs, all Republicans, were also referred to the House Ethics Committee for a failure to comply.
Brittney Griner is released from a Russian labor camp. The WNBA star was released in an exchange between the United States and Russia. Convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout was swapped for Griner, who was accused and convicted of possessing marijuana. Welcome home Brittney!
UN Member Nations Oust Iran from Women’s Rights Panel. This obvious move was the latest effort by the international community to condemn the Iranian government’s crackdown on widespread protest and unrest. The women’s movement to remove the requirement to wear a hijab had been met with violence.
President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act. The newly signed bill recognizes a national right to a same-sex marriage, and mitigates the potential impact of a conservative Superme Court overturning the currently established law. Governor Polis was a strong advocate for this bill during his time in Congress.
Kyrsten Sinema switches party affiliation from Democrat to Independent. Just as her relevance as a swing vote was fading, Sinema once again captures a news cycle by announcing she is leaving the Democratic party. Sinema consistently voted against progressive policies as a Democrat, leading many to doubt that her party affiliation will change the landscape of Congress.
FTX’s co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried is arrested in the Bahamas and extradited to the U.S. in connection to the collapse of the crypto-exchange company he founded. He was released on a $250 million bond and is now on house arrest.
Argentina defeats France to win the World Cup. Lionell Messi helps lead his team to victory in what many are calling the best final match ever, despite the numerous off-field scandals involving FIFA and the host nation, Qatar.
25 People arrested in Germany for an attempted plot to overthrow the democratic government. Raids were conducted across the country in a coordinated infiltration of an extremist group plotting a coup against the democratically elected government.
December 30th marks the one year anniversary of the Marshall Fire that swept through Superior, Louisville and parts of Boulder County forever changing the landscape of these treasured towns.
2 Killed in Shooting at Jehovah’s Witness Church in Thornton. The Christmas Day shooting happened when no services were occuring. Authorities say a man shot his wife before taking his own life. There was no threat of wider violence to the public.
University of Colorado Football program hires Deion Sanders as Head Coach. The former NFL superstar coached Jackson State for their recent winning seasons but prompted controversy by leaving for CU Boulder. Jackson State is a historically black college and critics say Sanders left early after promising the college he would remain at the helm.
The District Attorney filed hundreds of hate crime and murder charges against the Club Q shooter. Attorney for the 4th District Michael Allen filed the charges as a clear message to the community as well as the shooter that the DA will take a strong stand. Bias-motivated charges have also been filed under a new Colorado Law that allows additional prosecution for crimes committed against specific groups of people.

Small Talk

“The testing stems from a recent spike in reports of individuals smoking in public restrooms over the past four weeks. On two occasions, city employees were evaluated and cleared of ongoing health concerns after experiencing symptoms consistent with a potential exposure to meth residue or fumes.”

– Boulder City Staff regarding the closure of Arapaho Ave. Library due to presence of methamphetamine in the air conditioning system.

“A key contributor during the winningest four-year period in franchise history, Ronnie was part of two Super Bowl teams and led the Broncos in rushing during our Super Bowl 50 championship season.”

– Denver Broncos statement on the passing of Ronnie Hillman, age 31.

“We will celebrate Christmas. Maybe candlelit. Not because it’s more romantic, no, but because there will be no electricity. Millions won’t have neither heating nor running water. All of these will be the result of Russian missile and drone attacks on our energy infrastructure.”

– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his December 21st address to Congress.

“I am ready for my next chapter outside of this golden dome as I plan to continue to work for the people of Colorado… With my fellow Latino legislators, we have grown our caucus to 14 members, the largest in Colorado history. I am proud of our work to engage Latinos across our state and ensure the needs and concerns of our Latino communities are addressed. This outreach and advocacy will continue under their watchful eyes, and I look forward to seeing their continued impact.”

– Colorado State Representative Adrienne Benavidez said in her resignation letter.

“It’s happening all over the place, and it’s very alarming for publishers and the larger book world.”

– Elizabeth A. Harris, New York Times writer on banned books.

“It’s a great tragedy that for 1,500 fish there was no chance of survival. The focus in the afternoon was clearly on saving the fish in the remaining tanks.”

– Almut Neumann, Berlin City Official on the AquaDom Aquarium collapse.

By The Numbers

$187,000 – Denver Federal Appeals Court upholds a sanction against lawyers claiming the 2022 election was rigged against Donald Trump in favor of President Joe Biden.
½ Point – The Fed raised interest rates again in an attempt to reduce inflation and nail that “soft landing”. This is now the highest interest rate in 15 years.
2,880 – Calls taken via MESA’s (Moving to End Sexual Assault) 24-hour hotline (303-443-7300).
$10.7 billion – CVS and Walgreens are set to pay a settlement from a lawsuit led by Colorado that included other states. This payout is the latest attempt at financial restitution for the damage caused by the distribution of harmful opioids.

$918,926.73 – Amount issued in rebates for Superior residents relating to the Marshall Fire.
$593.5 Million – Boulder County announces its budget for the coming year.
$3.33 – Price per gallon of gas falls to its lowest price in a year in a much needed positive sign for your wallet.
-24° – Intense late December cold front affects most of the nation and brings dangerously low temperatures to BOCO and North Metro.

The post Month in Review | January 2023 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Superior to Host Marshall Fire Solidarity Breakfast and Community Story-Telling Open to All

Guest Contributor — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 19:24:35 +0000

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

Superior’s Marshall Fire Solidarity Breakfast, commemorating the Marshall Fire and Wind event, will be hosted at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road) on December 30 from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m.

This event will be an open-house-style breakfast featuring donations from Santiago’s, Serendipity, Huckleberry, Moxie Bread Company, Chick-Fil-A, Louisville United Methodist Church, and Louisville Rising. A local jazz pianist will provide music for the morning. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Family-friendly crafts and activities will be hosted by the Superior Youth Leadership Council and Snapology. Mental, emotional and social support will be offered by local professionals throughout the event.

Please join us as we support each other as one community.

Community Story-Telling

Directly following the breakfast, Superior Rising, in partnership with Colorado Public Radio, will host a story telling session. This will be an hour-long structured event featuring pre-determined speakers. Speakers wishing to participate must contact Superior Rising before the event. Everyone affected by the fire is welcome to listen, and there will likely be an open mic session for those wishing to share their story but are not included speakers in the programing.

The post Superior to Host Marshall Fire Solidarity Breakfast and Community Story-Telling Open to All appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

FEMA Awards Another $1.5 Million For Marshall Fire Recovery

Guest Contributor — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:00:08 +0000

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

FEMA News Release

Seguido en Español

FEMA has approved another $1.5 million in Public Assistance funding for the cost of fighting the Marshall Fire in Boulder County. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued by President Biden on Dec. 31, 2021.

The Marshall fire which began on December 30, 2021, burned across open grassland space and into the communities of Louisville and Superior destroying more than 1,000 homes, 200 commercial structures, and causing major damage to infrastructure in Boulder County.

The FEMA grant will provide an additional $1.5 million to Boulder County for the cost of managing the Marshall Fire response and subsequent recovery efforts. The total FEMA Public Assistance funds provided to the State of Colorado for the Marshall Fire is now more than $37 million.

The FEMA Public Assistance program provides funding to governmental agencies and certain private non-profits for eligible disaster response costs and to repair or replace damaged public infrastructure. For more information about the Public Assistance program, visit: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/program-overview.

FEMA concede $1.5 millones más para la recuperación del incendio Marshall

La Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) ha aprobado $1.5 millones más en fondos de asistencia pública para ayudar con el costo de la lucha contra el incendio Marshall en el condado de Boulder. La ayuda se otorgó bajo una declaración de desastre mayor emitida por el presidente Biden el 31 de diciembre de 2021.

El incendio Marshall, el cual comenzó el 30 de diciembre de 2021, quemó a través de los espacios abiertos de los pastizales y llegó a las comunidades de Louisville y Superior, destruyendo más de 1,000 casas, 200 estructuras comerciales y causando grandes daños en infraestructuras en el condado de Boulder.

La subvención de FEMA proporcionará $1.5 millones adicionales al condado de Boulder para el costo que implica el manejo de la respuesta al incendio Marshall y los esfuerzos de recuperación posteriores. El total de los fondos de asistencia pública de FEMA proporcionados al Estado de Colorado para el incendio Marshall es ahora de más de $37 millones.

El programa de Asistencia Pública de FEMA proporciona financiación a las agencias gubernamentales y a ciertas organizaciones privadas sin ánimo de lucro para los costos elegibles de respuesta a desastres y para reparar o reemplazar la infraestructura pública dañada. Para más información sobre el programa de Asistencia Pública, visite: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/program-overview.

The post FEMA Awards Another $1.5 Million For Marshall Fire Recovery appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Citizens of Superior and Louisville Aren’t Giving Up the Fight Against Unwanted Development

Austin Clinkenbeard — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 20:32:57 +0000

Developers have found ways to bypass local opposition, including community and city trustee votes, to continue projects that should have been rejected

If community push-back, irreversible environmental impacts, and increased traffic congestion are not enough reasons to oppose new development, maybe evidence of skirting regulation, verbal attacks on a city trustee, and an unethical vote by a mayor might.

For any proposed development, some community pushback is inevitable, but citizens of Louisville and Superior are making it known this was not how they envisioned their hometowns developing. Both localities are facing large-scale development projects that would change the face of their respective communities. For Superior, it is a downtown project called the Coal Creek Innovation Campus that would bring much-needed tax income and local business. In Louisville, there is a commercial project called Red Tail Ridge that would finally see the land near the southern part of the city developed under its approved use. However, the reality is that neither project was quite so straightforward.

Superior faced what some citizens have described as a “bait and switch” from developers and city trustees playing inside ball. The Coal Creek project was initially billed as a vibrant downtown space that would provide several blocks of restaurants, shops, and entertainment to what is otherwise known as a “bedroom community,” a town in which citizens commute elsewhere to work. It would create a reason for people to visit and spend money here, which would raise the tax revenue of the city and lead to an overall improvement in quality of life. That was the idea.

By the time the plan was presented at a Superior town hall meeting on June 27th, the Coal Creek Innovation Project included a life science campus, a rather large one at that, with over 350,000 square feet dedicated. Citizens began to wonder why they were sold a vision of a vibrant community downtown while, instead, a large science campus with no guaranteed tenant to move in was being developed.

“What happened to the downtown? This is an office complex, not a downtown,” local realtor Lauren Hughes Schneidewind states.

Hughes Schneidewind and another resident, Daniel Rice, filed a since dropped lawsuit alleging city trustees did not follow proper voting procedure on the project during a controversial August 22nd meeting.

That August night, city trustees took a vote to continue their meeting past the 11 pm deadline in order to further discuss topics that were not resolved regarding the Coal Creek life science campus. Trustee Laura Skladzinksi was present via Zoom while in New York on business. She voted not to continue the meeting. Skladzinski explains, “We’re all just not making great decisions when it gets to be 11 pm or midnight.” Skladzinski chose to log off, which caused confusion among the residents in attendance.

The departure of a trustee was not handled with tact. Citizens were not informed that Trustee Skaldzinksi had left the meeting of her volition. Some wondered if her internet connection had dropped. Mayor Clint Folsom chose to wrap up the discussion, and trustees soon motioned to vote on this portion of the Coal Creek proposal. Skaldzinksi’s absence afforded the mayor and other pro-development trustees an opportunity to advance the life science option that would likely have been defeated had she been present to vote. Hughes Schneidewind, who was at the meeting, expands.

“We weren’t privy to who was logging off. The [city] attorney didn’t stop it and say ‘Hey, we should probably look at procedure.’”

Instead, city trustees proceeded, knowing the present votes would favor the developer. “I do have concerns that it got into a vote so quickly,” Skladzinski explained. “I am disappointed with how it happened”

Residents were confused and outraged. Some even took to personal attacks on Skladzinski, who they blamed for causing the vote to pass by logging off the meeting. “Right after August 26th, my cell phone number was given out. I started getting literally hundreds of calls and text messages a day telling me I was a terrible person,” she told me.

The August 22nd vote was also challenged via petition by citizens Ryan Hitchler and Jason Serbu asserting that an absent trustee counts as a “No” vote, and therefore the approval was never legally granted that night.

Regardless of the legality, the ethicality of hastily pursuing a late-night vote when your colleague is no longer present on an unresolved issue instead of consulting the city attorney is called into question.

Superior City Code Sec. 2-8-50 states that “Any board member who refuses to vote, except when abstaining pursuant to this article, shall be deemed guilty of misconduct in office, and a negative vote shall be cast and recorded in the board member’s name.” The effect of this petition could change the outcome of the vote, meaning the life sciences portion would no longer be approved.

The lawsuit and petition were filed around the same time. Ultimately, neither measure was needed, but both sent a clear message. During the Superior Town Hall meeting on November 14th, the proposed life science portion of the project was voted down. Developers will head back to the drawing board after receiving clear messaging from Superior residents. However, even a “No” vote does not mean the end of similar potential projects.

The citizen action to drive a vote on a proposed development echoes previous battles in nearby Louisville, where another saga involving developers, city council, and citizens has been unfolding for years. Brue Baukol Capital Partners submitted plans to develop land that was once regulated and zoned for a Conoco-Phillips campus, an area called Red Tail Ridge, which Yellow Scene Magazine previously covered. Conoco-Phillips restructured, and the campus never materialized, but the regulations around the type of development approved under that plan remained. “That plan does not expire. That runs with the land,” explained Rob Zuccaro, Director of Planning & Building Safety for the City of Louisville.

This limits what developers can build here. Brue Baukol first attempted to develop Red Tail Ridge under a General Development Plan Amendment, which would have given them more flexibility to change the old Conoco-Phillips zoning. Changing the General Development Plan requires a public vote, and when election day came in April 2022, citizens rejected it, citing reasons such as increased traffic congestion and environmental concerns. Many even challenged the need for such a large commercial space, especially when the community is still rebuilding homes lost in the devastating Marshall fire.

Developers have the wealth, resources, and connections to continue to pursue lucrative projects even when defeated by voters. Instead of amending the general plan, Brue Baukol submitted the project as a Subdivision Plat. This type of submission has more limitations on development but crucially does not require updating the General Development Plan, which would trigger a citizen vote. Director Zuccaro explained, “Because the purpose of those two types of applications are different, there’s nothing that prohibits them [Brue Baukol] from submitting for the subdivision plat.” This would give developers another avenue to continue their projects even if voted down by the public.

The results and impacts to the town would be strikingly similar either way. Mass grading of land would destroy much of the natural space. Nearby roads would face increased traffic congestion with no long-term mitigation plan required. With worsening air quality, according to the EPA, and no public transportation options, the increased traffic for the nearly 3 million square feet of office would be devastating.

One proposed solution to traffic is to construct a four-lane highway called Campus Drive. The road would cross the Goodhue Ditch, the only natural wetlands on the proposed development. It is a perfect confluence of environmental concern, traffic impact, and regulation being ignored. This potential solution raises more problems. YS was alerted to an internal email from the Army Corps of Engineers to the permitting company ERO Resources and developer Brue Baukol showing apparent evidence of a skipped step in this permitting process.

In part, the email states, “…long story short the relationship isn’t great, so [in] the interest of saving time and aggravation for everyone, we are going to go ahead and issue an exemption for this project. It will be considered construction of an irrigation ditch, which is exempt under Section 404(f) and won’t require a permit.”

The City of Louisville is aware of the above email. Director Zuccaro states, “I have seen the email. And the applicant has provided a letter from the Army Corps of Engineers, you know, that shows a permit exemption. We would not get involved as city staff… We would only require that they submit their final approval.” When asked about granting the Goodhue ditch exception, the Army Corps of Engineers stated that they will not be able to comment on specific projects.

What connects these two towns is the struggle of the ordinary citizen against developers over the divergent visions each party has for their respective homes. Even when put to a vote, developers have found ways to overcome citizen opposition, and officials have skirted rules to help approve large commercial projects.

But people here are not giving up. They have formed citizen coalitions, filed lawsuits, doggedly pursued petitions, and shown up in droves to council meetings. They have demonstrated sustained passion for years. Despite the confrontational nature of these struggles, it actually reveals a deep-seated love organizers have for their communities. It shows the passion they feel for their towns and illuminates a desire not to let “the big guy” change the face of the land they love.

Hughes Schneidewind still sees the positive beneath the layers of red tape and bureaucratic navigation, “So we’re all coming together as a community. It’s nice to see that community connection again, which I think was washed a little bit during COVID. I know more of my neighbors so I’d say that’s the silver lining of this entire process. I get to know people again.”

The post Citizens of Superior and Louisville Aren’t Giving Up the Fight Against Unwanted Development appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

2022 Election Guide

Thomas Rutherford — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 17:00:18 +0000

Every year, Yellow Scene Magazine publishes an exhaustive Election Guide taking hundreds of human hours of work from August 30th, 2022 to the day it is published. Because we are “old-school” and still believe journalism is important, we do not allow email interviews and require a 15-minute call with each candidate. They are all asked the same six questions our Editorial Board outlined at the start. The only exceptions are races that these questions don’t make sense for such as Board of Education, CU Regents, Coroner, etc. After all interviews are completed, the YS Editorial Board reconvenes and decides on their final endorsements.

The Editorial Board is made up of Thomas Rutherford, Steve Nelson, Laurenz Busch, Robin Gross, Austin Clinkenbeard, and Zoe Jennings with contributions by Katrina Greenwood-Stroud, Shay Castle, and Michelle Mead.

Click on the individual candidates in the Table of Contents or scroll down, (keep scrolling past the black box, there were a LOT of interviews – nearly 100), for the full Election Guide Q&A with each candidate. We secured approximately 80% of all interviews, but over 90% of major races. Additionally, we researched 26 Ballot Issues outlined here.

QUESTIONS:

* = Some writers focused on single aspects of the question

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH*

In light of Uvalde as well as evidence that shows SROs do not prevent violence in most cases, and in fact increase the arrest of marginalized children. What is your stance on SRO’s in schools?
How do you see arming teachers?
In 2019 YS published a story about the minimal mental health and trauma support services in our local schools. What would you do to support more mental health programs in schools (which may also help reduce school shootings.)

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS*

How do you see gun legislation working in Colorado in light of the new Supreme Court decision as well as the lawsuit against Superior, Colorado AND Boulder, Boulder County, Louisville?
The far-right militia movement has gained visibility in Colorado over the past year after its members appeared at protests across the state. Additionally, the FBI has reported the infiltration of police departments by militant members. What do you think Colorado should do to curb the continued rise of these often violent groups, also known for disinformation?

ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE/WATER/FIRE*

Colorado’s environment has been greatly impacted by wildfires over the last four years. What plans do you have to make sure that future wildfires are not as devastating as the ones we’ve witnessed since 2016? How will you help communities impacted by wildfires rebuild?
Congress recently passed a $4 billion aid package to address the drought in the Colorado River as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Do you think this funding is enough to address the water challenges Colorado faces? Would you support investing more state or federal dollars toward reducing the drought, or is there another solution for Colorado?

FENTANYL

900 people died in 2021 as fentanyl use and availability continued to skyrocket. The recently passed bill increases penalties for possession and the intent to distribute but it leaves in place a 2019 bill that allows possession of up to 4 grams of almost any drug. Critics say even 1 grams of a fentanyl compound can be dangerous. Is increasing penalties the right move? What else needs to happen?

HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness is growing in many cities and rural areas in Colorado, and across the country. What will you do to help people experiencing homelessness find safe and sanitary homes?

INFRASTRUCTURE

Colorado’s roads are in a constant state of disrepair. How do you plan to improve local infrastructure without significantly impacting the wallets of taxpayers?

COVID

With a plethora of coverage about COVID, we chose to focus on legislative matters.

GOVERNOR

(D) Jared Polis – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I believe in more counseling/counselors instead of SRO’s. We should focus on Behavioral Health and counseling. I am against arming teachers. I support imatter.org, a program that offers free counseling sessions for 18 and under.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: The Red Flag Law removes guns from people in mental crisis. Communities should decide gun safety measures. I will defend all laws currently in place. I support free speech but condemn hate speech/speech that advocates violence.

ENVIRONMENT: I support $145 mil. investment in prevention and mitigation. I will raise funds for rebuilding. We need to provide a victim aid center. The Inflation Reduction Act will help with drought as will allocating state funds. I will increase efficiency in urban and agricultural practices.

FENTANYL: It’s poison. Get it off the streets. Penalties are part of the solution but we must also provide resources for addicts to get clean and test strips be distributed.

HOMELESSNESS: I support American Rescue Act Funds. The state will invest $200mil over two years for job training, housing, and addiction counseling.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act will equal billions of dollars over next ten years for improvement. I signed the State Bipartisan Infrastructure Act which provides $5bil over next 10 years. I am investing in public and alternative transit.

ROE V. WADE: We need to empower women and doctors to make decisions. Birth control should be widely available. Empower sex ed. Protect nurses and doctors.

ADDITIONAL

ENERGY: Colorado is moving towards 100% renewable energy by 2040. Date certain on closure of all coal plants in CO and will be replaced with solar and wind energy. I am pursuing geothermal energy as well.

(R) Heidi Ganahl – TOO EXTREME, Refused interview

(L) Kevin Ruskusky

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: SROs are misuse of resources. School shootings are a result of mental health issues. I don’t support arming teachers. I am still forming my plan for mental health issues. More programs does not mean more progress.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I didn’t know about the lawsuits. We need more mental health support. It is an American right to own firearms. More laws are not the answer. Colorado is a diverse state with diverse needs. I have no knowledge of militia infiltration and support the right for militias to exist.

ENVIRONMENT: I will focus on mitigation and education and make sure our wells are full. I am not in government so I am unsure of what else can be done. We should monitor the HOA, stop wasting water on sprinklers and lawns, address old treaties, and curb Kentucky bluegrass.

FENTANYL: Penalties don’t work. We should focus on mental health and education.

HOMELESSNESS: Make mental health services available. Make housing affordable. We need better paying jobs. Take power away from billionaires.

INFRASTRUCTURE: More small contractors. I need to do more research. We should have people in the communities do the work.

ROE V. WADE: I never thought of the abortion issue in terms or education and resources. More sex ed in schools. The decision is between mother, father and their god. Government shouldn’t fund Planned Parenthood but it should help women in need.

(UP) Paul Fiorino

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: The arts are essential, kids need the arts. Dance is in every culture, you can teach every subject in dance. Dance would lend itself to physical education and mental health.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We have to battle white supremacy Christianity. Our Christianity has been stolen. And you know, who instigated it? You know who I’m talking about, he brought us out of Afghanistan.

ENVIRONMENT: We need someone that is going to address a real opportunity for change and transformation. The environmental movement will grow at leaps and bounds, it has been hindered by party politics. We’re using way too much water in our fracking industry.

FENTANYL: This is just from the pit of Hell, killing our kids

HOMELESSNESS: It’s going to take good Samaritans, people who have been there, that have a heart, and compassion, and the means to be able to assist.

INFRASTRUCTURE: More people are talking about the drivers paying a tax, you have cyclists, skaters, everybody uses the road. As a third party i want to see if you can find funds, the savings, without party interference.

(I) Ralph Tingle – RADIO SILENT

(AC) Danielle Neuschwanger – RADIO SILENT

ATTORNEY GENERAL

(D) Phil Weiser – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: A lot of times the misuse of SRO’s are because school administrators are misusing them. It’s not fair to paint with a broad brush. There are wonderful SRO’s and there are also some not as well trained.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We need to continue to advance smart gun safety approaches. It would be a real disaster if gun safety protections are undermined by the Second Amendment.

ENVIRONMENT: We have droughts and wildfires that are not going away. I’m committed to the breadth of this job, making sure that we use this office to fully support and protect people.

FENTANYL: We need more drug treatment and recovery programs, to build that capacity. I sued irresponsible drug companies and we got $500 million back to build more drug recovery [programs].

HOMELESSNESS: Enabling people to access drug treatment and recovery services is a critical tool in addressing homelessness. When someone’s released from prison with no money, no place to live and no job, they end up homeless.

ADDITIONAL

POLICE REFORM: We need more police with mental health funds to ensure that we’re able to help them deal with trauma to improve the quality of policing, to put emotional awareness in a central position.

2020 ELECTION: This is a scary time we’re living in. Threats to our democracy are real and demand our attention, our vigilance and concern.

(R) John Kellner

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: We set up a hotline to leave a tip about something so they know there’s a place to provide information that they will be confident is followed up on. It’s important because people who committed these atrocities had warning signs.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I will defend Colorado’s gun laws. My opponent and I disagree on one recent law: He supported the bill that allowed convicted felons to possess guns, including car thieves and drug dealers. I did not. We need to fix that for the safety of police officers and all Coloradans.

ENVIRONMENT: We need smart forest management, rational federal delegations, and make sure we’re taking care of our national forests in a way that’s not creating a future tinderbox.

FENTANYL: One of the things that I’ve done last year is use the power of the statewide grand jury in my local district to build a case against drug trafficking organizations.

HOMELESSNESS: As we head into winter, every year becomes a life threatening situation. We can provide shelter, resources, and give them a helping hand whether it’s mental health treatment or job training.

TREASURER

(D) Dave Young – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I run a program called BEST, a grant matching grant program to repair buildings around the state. These are serious health and safety problems.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: YS did not conduct this question of Treasurer candidates as it does not apply.

ENVIRONMENT: It doesn’t make sense to develop affordable housing if you have no water for the residents. If I can get a really solid conversation going I will consider that a win.

FENTANYL: YS did not conduct this question of Treasurer candidates as it does not apply.

HOMELESSNESS: I have a sister who’s disabled. Somebody that vulnerable did not have any options where to live. I discovered funding was at the core of the problem so I joined the Joint Budget Committee.

INFRASTRUCTURE: People have a very narrow definition of infrastructure and these other things never get addressed. We have great needs across the state and we don’t have enough structures financially in order to respond.

ADDITIONAL

RETIREMENT FUND: Everybody deserves a sustainable and dignified retirement. There is a possibility for a multi state partnership, states like New Mexico are looking to Colorado as first in the nation to offer a multi state approach.

(R) Lang Sias

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: We’ve hired administrators at four times the rate we’ve hired teachers, and five times the rate of increases in students. I have Department of Education data that shows student growth has increased 6%, teacher growth by 8% and administrators by 34.6%. I don’t view this data as a “gotcha”, but something to start a conversation with.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: YS did not conduct this question of Treasurer candidates as it does not apply.

FENTANYL: YS did not conduct this question of Treasurer candidates as it does not apply.

ENVIRONMENT: We saw green building codes be passed last year, and who doesn’t want a cleaner and safer environment? But when those things are actually analyzed the average home price is going to go up. We should have a conversation about that.

HOMELESSNESS: We had single party rule in this state since 2018, this has become a very expensive place to live. We need to restore some balance there and I’ve got a record of doing that in a prudent, bipartisan way.

ADDITIONAL

SCHOOL CHOICE: The bottom line was school choice really helps equalize funding for kids in our public school system within their districts.

US HOUSE 2ND DISTRICT

(D) Joe Neguse – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I support the use of school resource officers. I do not support teachers being able to concealed carry. I have and will continue to support increased funding for mental health services.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We must expand background checks and ban the sale of firearms to those under 21. The best way to combat extremist violence is to support the efforts of law enforcement in doing so.

ENVIRONMENT: Federal relief must be given to those affected by wildfires, we must transition to renewable energy to stop climate change, and more funding has to go to addressing the drought in the Colorado River Basin.

FENTANYL: I’ve introduced the Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act, which if passed will use unexpended COVID-19 relief funds to purchase Naloxone and fund educational programs about the fentanyl crisis.

HOMELESSNESS: Congress needs to work with state and local governments to expand access to affordable housing, and I have introduced several bills to do exactly that.

INFRASTRUCTURE: We must ensure that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is implemented appropriately so that Colorado receives its share of funding. I support bipartisan reform of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

(R) Marshall Dawson – TOO EXTREME

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: School resource officers are a valuable asset. Teachers who are willing to undergo training should be allowed to conceal carry on the job, and federal funds should be reallocated toward mental health resources for students.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: The Second Amendment must not be altered. Far right violence does exist, but it is not nearly as large of an issue as left wing violence.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to take a hands-on approach to maintaining our national forests by removing invasive plant species and incentivizing water conservation on an individual level.

FENTANYL: I support the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act, which would move several fentanyl variants to the Schedule I category and increase penalties on possession and distribution.

HOMELESSNESS: Giving out free money to homeless individuals leads to more drug overdoses. Instead, we should fund organizations with a proven track record of getting people off the streets and successfully rehabilitating them.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Most infrastructure decisions should be left up to states, but the federal government should be investing in repairing our national power grid and considering the possibility of nuclear power.

(AC) Gary Nation – TOO EXTREME

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Schools being designated gun-free zones and not having resource officers has invited violence. I’m not opposed to arming teachers, if they were properly trained.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We should restrict ownership of firearms for those under 21, but states should have to recognize other states’ concealed carry permits. Right-wing militants are under control, and now it’s time to stop left-wing violence.

ENVIRONMENT: Mountain land must be kept clear, and trees should be a certain distance from the mountain homes to avoid property damage. Droughts are inevitable, but inter-state agreements to limit usage can be helpful.

FENTANYL: Fentanyl is produced in China, and it’s coming across the southern border. If you want safer cities, we’ve got to get control of our borders.

HOMELESSNESS: Increased drug usage has created a larger homeless population. We should provide shelters for the homeless, but those shelters need to be contingent upon not allowing drugs or violence within them.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Raising gas taxes on a local level would help, but the federal government should not be involved. Wind and solar power are unreliable and shouldn’t be mandatory. Instead, I would support investment in nuclear power.

(CCP) Steve Yurash — TOO EXTREME

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: School resource officers are the best way to prevent violence, teachers should be allowed to conceal carry on the job, and more funding should be sent to mental health services in schools.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We need increased background checks for people under 21 and strict enforcement of red flag laws. The threat of far right violence is over exaggerated. The biggest threat for most people is petty crime.

ENVIRONMENT: The federal government should provide additional firefighting resources to limit strain on state budgets. Droughts occur naturally, but they are exacerbated by overpopulation due to immigration.

FENTANYL: Instead of increased penalties for possession, we need a more heavily guarded southern border and more counseling services for addicts, up to and including forced rehab for drug offenders.

HOMELESSNESS: Those who are homeless purely due to financial reasons should get free temporary housing, but those with addictions or mental illnesses should be relocated away from big cities and rehabilitated by state programs.

INFRASTRUCTURE: State governments need to be encouraged to divert funding away from nonessential areas and into infrastructure. Illegal immigration deteriorates infrastructure due to overpopulation, so heavier border control will help the infrastructure crisis.

US HOUSE 7TH DISTRICT

(D) Brittany Pettersen — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: We have a lot of fallout from policies that have not prioritized investment in our kids. Unfortunately it has been on the chopping block for decades because of conservative ballot measures that have stripped away funding for critical services.

GUNS: We need common sense legislation at the national level. People in Colorado support gun safety legislation. It is deeply concerning how radical the Supreme Court is. It’s an unelected body not reflective of the American people

ENVIRONMENT: You don’t have a fire season anymore, it’s year-round. That’s the reality.We need to work on water conservation and building communities that will be resilient.

FENTANYL: My mom had a substance abuse disorder, my brother struggled with mental health issues and fell through the cracks. We lost my older brother to suicide. These are preventable deaths with the right support.

HOMELESSNESS: This has a cascading effect not only to that individual and their life but also the community. We need to invest in housing, providing substance use disorder treatment, and recovery services.

INFRASTRUCTURE: We passed a comprehensive transportation package last session, investments are coming. We are utilizing federal dollars to invest in roads, bridges, sewer lines, and access to safe drinking water.

(R) Erik Aadland – TOO EXTREME, Refused interview

(L) Ross Klopf – QUALIFIED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: School resource officers should be used at each school board’s discretion. Properly trained teachers should be allowed to conceal carry. We should fund mental health services in schools and reevaluate the Common Core system.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: All gun legislation needs to be safety oriented and careful to not violate the Second Amendment. We need increased security at government facilities to prevent a repeat of the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot.

ENVIRONMENT: We should invest in reforestation to repair damage done by wildfires. Individuals and corporations must take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and stop climate change while the federal government funds green energy research.

FENTANYL: Safer drugs need to be legalized so that users can buy them without having to worry about fentanyl lacing. The FDA needs to seriously reconsider which drugs should be approved for medical usage.

HOMELESSNESS: We need to get rid of lumber tariffs to decrease building costs on homes and cut spending to stop inflation, which is causing many to become homeless.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Recycling materials such as asphalt helps the environment and keeps costs down. We need to fund maintenance of existing infrastructure first before funding any new building projects.

US SENATE

(D) Michael Bennet – Refused interview

(R) Joe O’Dea – TOO EXTREME, Refused interview

(L) Brian Peotter – TOO EXTREME

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I don’t think it’s a coincidence that school shootings happen. Because they are gun free zones, people who are mentally deranged find them.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Governments at different levels are doing things they know are illegal. If I create a rule knowing it will be thrown out of court, that’s not a rule of law society.

ENVIRONMENT: Declaring an emergency gives you access to funds that you otherwise didn’t have so we don’t manage our lands until there is an emergency. Selective harvesting of timber inside our forests restricts private industries.

FENTANYL: Putting someone in jail for possession of drugs, they don’t come out of the system fixed in any way. I would end the Drug Enforcement Administration on the federal level, just make it a local enforcement issue.

HOMELESSNESS: At the federal level, the war on poverty is an abject failure, we lost. I prefer to localize at the state level and end this failed war on poverty.

INFRASTRUCTURE: The future may include robo taxis and I think billion dollar investments in trains is an inefficient waste of money. Get rid of the Federal Highway Administration and let the states manage their own roads.

ADDITIONAL

2020 Election Stolen? Absolutely. Potentially legally. I don’t think anyone’s gonna go to jail over it, the system was manipulated to produce an outcome and they succeeded.

(AVP) Frank Atwood

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Disclaimer: I’m not the answer. I’m the solution to get to better answers. With regards to roads, water and education, we’re ignoring voters to begin with and then surprised that we’re not getting the solutions we want.

ENVIRONMENT: No, I’m not going to take a stance. I’m hoping approval voting will push towards alternative thinking and compromise.

FENTANYL: I am so grateful that my own family is not impacted by fentanyl. I want people treated as adults. I don’t want children harmed. To find that balance I think requires moving beyond polarized thinking.

HOMELESSNESS: Denver is conducting experiments with money for the homeless. Traditionally Instead of Republicans saying no more money and Democrats saying yes more, we could be running a controlled experiment moving us beyond two party thinking.

INFRASTRUCTURE: I trust voters. In a country where independents say a new party is needed, yet we only see 2, 3 or 4 percent voting for new parties, there’s a disconnect.

COLORADO SENATE

DISTRICT 8

(D) Yadira Caraveo — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: In state legislature, I have supported increased mental health programs for school kids because of and informed by my experience as a pediatrician. I will carry this work forward on the federal level. I understand the concerns around SROs but I believe we can affect the necessary changes through better mental health programs and not focus on law enforcement.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I have worked hard on gun reform legislation in our House and greatly look forward to carrying that work to the federal level, where I believe we can effect the most comprehensive change. Colorado’s work on gun reform is an example all states can benefit from. I think we should delve into these groups weakening our democracy to see how we can effectively combat them and ensure they have no influence in public service.

ENVIRONMENT: I believe action on our various climate woes, including wildfire victims, can be created on the federal level with strong bipartisan support. This action can be done on a holistic level to approach the issue from many angles. I have done much work on this important topic in our state legislature and will work on the federal level to increase funds for water management throughout the entire West, taking things we have learned in Colorado to a broader scope. I believe we can create and maintain affordable housing for all through various grant programs, etc on the federal level and I am looking forward to helping make safe, affordable housing for all, thus continuing the work I have done so far in the state legislature.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: I believe every person should have access to all the information available to them before making a decision that is very personal, and the topic of abortion is healthcare only and should not be handled in a legislative setting.

(R) Barbara Kirkmeyer – Incumbent, TOO EXTREME, Refused interview

DISTRICT 24

(D) Kyle Mullica — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: We need to be conscious of the school to prison pipeline. I faced homelessness as a child. I’m here today because of the community that rallied around me. SROs have a place in our schools to ensure that our students are protected

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Over the last years we’ve seen an increase in divisiveness. I’m hoping to at least be a part of some of that healing. We’ve seen an increase in gender bias attacks and racial attacks. We need to have civil discourse.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to make sure that individuals are appropriately covered under their insurance. Climate change is real, we need to continue having the conversation of what it looks like toe having the conversation of what it looks like to create a cleaner and healthier community.

FENTANYL: Give our DA and police resources, make sure consequences come from bringing poison into our communities. Addiction is a disease, we need to treat it that way. I see it in ER and in my community firsthand.

HOMELESSNESS: Partnering with our local communities, each one is unique. The first thing is meeting these individuals where they’re at, making a legitimate investment to make sure we’re getting them into a safe place.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Continue to make investments and be transparent that those investments are going into local communities. The more people are on the roads, the longer they’re stuck in traffic, that’s less time with their family.

(R) Courtney Potter – TOO EXTREME

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: The number one thing is get parents engaged and involved. Building confidence, supporting parents, being a part of the conversation, and just believing parents from the get-go.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: In light of the recent Supreme Court gun rulings and lawsuits against Colorado cities who have implemented new gun restrictions, I hope proposed legislation would honor the constitutional right to own guns and the safety of our communities.

ENVIRONMENT: People can’t afford to rebuild their homes because of regulation. We have to address that.

FENTANYL: We did see a correlation with the rise of fentanyl with decriminalization. There’s other factors as well, we’re seeing a lot of people cross from the border.

HOMELESSNESS: I support encouraging private organizations to help with those issues, they typically tend to manage resources better than the government.

INFRASTRUCTURE: The budget has been raised over the past four years and on top of that, you have rising housing costs, higher property taxes, it’s hard for me to believe that there’s no money.

DISTRICT 25

(D) Faith Winter – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Make sure that we are integrating community health centers with our schools. Also de-stigmatizing access, how do you make it okay to walk in say, I need some help?

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: A lot of that [far-right] rhetoric is against democracy. My job is to ensure that every person in my district has access to accurate information, can easily vote, and feels safe.

ENVIRONMENT: We have a small fee on insurance so that we have local funds for communities to do wildfire mitigation. Then addressing the core issue which is the climate emergency. I do think it’s an emergency.

FENTANYL: Increasing criminalization doesn’t solve the problem and it disproportionately impacts low income and communities of color. We really need to go after the supply chain, the drug cartels that are providing these substances.

HOMELESSNESS: In my community I know we have a lot of single moms couch-surfing. They’re sleeping in their cars. There are a lot of invisible homeless, especially in the suburbs.

INFRASTRUCTURE: I was the author of SB 260. There’s going to be a Highway 70 expansion. It is unsafe. Congestion is awful, it’s impacting our economy and workers. SB 260 is a significant step forward that has bipartisan support.

(R) Melody Peotter

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Our kids coming out of COVID are really struggling. We have had some programs offer free sessions to families, they’re at capacity. It’s a clear sign to us that we need more mental health support.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We have a lot of gun control laws in place, it’s not decreasing the violence issues. How can we prevent people from getting to that breaking point?

ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE/WATER/FIRE: We can get ahead of wildfires by getting underbrush out. People affected by wildfires can’t rebuild their homes because of all the red tape, eliminating some of that is going to be key.

FENTANYL: I don’t think four grams of possession should be allowed, it’s way too dangerous. We need to really look at why people are turning to these substances to begin with, and really address mental health as well.

HOMELESSNESS: In talking to law enforcement we’re able to see we have a two fold issue. We do have resources available but we are finding that a lot of people don’t want to utilize those resources.

INFRASTRUCTURE: It’s not a matter of more money, it’s really prioritizing which roads are important. Looking at the high density areas where we have a lot of traffic and congestion is going to be key, keeping in mind our rural people. We need to be more careful with regulations we push onto our home builders. Being fair to them will help balance things out a bit while providing resources to people that are trying to get into homes.

COLORADO HOUSE

DISTRICT 10

(D) Junie Joseph — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Having police officers in schools is not ideal. Schools are not prisons; kids go to school to learn. But ultimately, it’s a conversation that the community and parents need to have.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We need legislation but we have to hit them in their pockets. We have to find ways to make guns unprofitable for them. I agree on background checks and on the waiting period.

ENVIRONMENT: The way we build homes has to change. We’re living in different times; everything is intensified because of climate change. We need to retrofit our homes and provide support to homeowners.

FENTANYL: I disagree with criminalizing possession because we are punishing the end users. We need to go after producers, we need to ensure that wherever this fentanyl is coming into our community, we stop it.

HOMELESSNESS: We need to ensure that people have access to housing and jobs. If you give someone housing but not a job or a sense of community, I don’t know what you expect from them.

INFRASTRUCTURE: I don’t think there’s any infrastructure project that costs little money. Telecommunication might be where we have the most impact to help a lot of marginalized people.

(R) Bill DeOreo

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I support school resource officers in schools. I would make sure that there was no bias going on and that they didn’t become agents of the classroom to prison pipeline. That’s not acceptable.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I don’t support a statewide ban on semi-automatic rifles. I’m a supporter of concealed carry permits. I would support raising the age to buy firearms and I support criminal background checks.

ENVIRONMENT: Active protection (such as barriers) is really important. We have dead wood everywhere, so I definitely want to take a careful look at better management of these lands.

FENTANYL: I support increasing penalties. I would support repealing our status as a sanctuary state and I would strongly advocate for better security on our southern border to stop this invasion.

HOMELESSNESS: Encampments have to be regulated, controlled, and well-policed. Cities have to enforce laws. We then offer addiction treatment and connect them with their families. If they show a desire to integrate, we should help them get set up.

INFRASTRUCTURE: I feel that the state energy system infrastructure is being dismantled and we’re headed for what I call an energy cliff. I will advocate strongly for advanced nuclear power.

DISTRICT 11

(D) Karen McCormick – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: This depends on the individual school systems, school boards, and how those positions are set up and how they are fostered. I see the benefits and the downfalls.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I am bringing forward another gun violence prevention bill this year to create grant funding for nonprofits that recycle guns that are turned in anonymously. It’s not a gun buyback, it’s a gun recycling program.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to get ahead of the areas that have been mapped out by experts where the biggest dangers are. Homeowners need to be able to make their homes defensible. We need affordable technology and materials.

FENTANYL: We do not want to criminalize possession; we have to do better. (HB22-1326) was not perfect, but I don’t want us to lose focus on all the harm reduction pieces of that bill.

HOMELESSNESS: If we don’t see the entire picture: helping folks with their mental health needs, misuse needs, job transition, budgeting and finances, we’re not solving the whole issue.

INFRASTRUCTURE: SB21-260 will be put into place over the years. If we ask companies to come to our city, if they employ 100 people, we should discuss what is going to be their contribution to help with housing.

(R) Tara Menza – QUALIFIED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I’ve seen SROs work. I haven’t seen any SROs doing anything negative towards discipline or towards any particular child based on their race. They’re a huge asset to our schools and to our communities.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I want to focus on gun safety versus gun control. We should encourage responsible gun owners to help educate the public about firearm safety; and more mental health support; and start holding criminals accountable for their crimes.

ENVIRONMENT: Colorado needs better land management, provide funding to rehabilitate and control the pine beetle destruction, and add in more fire breaks to protect our homes.

FENTANYL: It is a crisis. We have to outlaw these drugs. But we can’t just throw people in jail because they’ve committed crimes because they’re addicted. We’ve got to have some addiction treatment centers; we have to have mental health support.

HOMELESSNESS: There are some incredible programs out there that we should model. We can utilize nonprofits to help and assess each individual and try to figure out the root cause of their homelessness.

INFRASTRUCTURE: We need to better use funds from marijuana taxation and infrastructure bills—So, we’re not pulling money out of the pockets of our constituents.

DISTRICT 12

(D) Tracey Bernett – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: SROs need to reflect the values of the local community. SROs can be very positive. We need to be very sensitive to the local communities, the local issues—the relationships that SROs have with them.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Most gun owners are responsible but the issue needs to change from gun rights to gun safety. I consistently voted on improving gun safety by safe gun storage and the red flag laws.

ENVIRONMENT: We need insurance reform and improved fire codes. People are terrified that if they build with more fire resistance, if their neighbors don’t, it’s an issue. I want to improve our emergency communications.

FENTANYL: We want to make sure the people who are distributing and selling are held accountable but we don’t want to victimize the victims. Education is a lot of it—that young people learn to be very careful.

HOMELESSNESS: I agree with housing first. A person experiencing homelessness in the community can be expensive, but if you get them into permanent supportive housing, with wraparound services, it can be a quarter of the cost.

INFRASTRUCTURE: The recent federal bills will help. Roads and transportation are important but also broadband and sustainable infrastructure. Colorado is an ideal place for wind and solar energy.

(R) Anya Kirvan

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Until we get the mental health crisis taken care of, we’re going to have shootings. We’re going to need to have some sort of (well-trained) mitigation at our schools. I hope it won’t be forever.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I support the Second Amendment.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to have really good land management and forest management policies. We need to keep our forests really clean. We need to pull out the dead brush and have controlled burns.

FENTANYL: They have to re-criminalize it as a felony. You cannot have even one gram—they need to re-criminalize, that’s going to be the thing that’s really going to create change.

HOMELESSNESS: I do not support housing first. Groups have found that it doesn’t work. Until people get clean and off drugs, they’re not able to make the choices to make their life better.

INFRASTRUCTURE: I care about the environment. We can have clean energy, like nuclear. But we need to turn on the oil and gas as we innovate and see if these alternative fuels really work and can store the energy.

DISTRICT 19

(D) Jennifer Parenti – ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I have known many SROs and while some are good, most need better education, bias training, and to recognize they are not always beneficial. We must increase mental health care for all Colorado’s children, and increase access as well so children can see a therapist during school hours.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We have done good work on this issue, but there is a lot more to do: expanded safe storage laws, legislation to hold gun owners partially responsible if their weapon is used in the committing of a crime, and how insurance can play a role in creating more safety for guns and gun owners. As a veteran I can attest to the infiltration of our military and not only law enforcement by extremists and extremist groups. This must be examined and questioned to decipher the depth of infiltration, and at a national level, not just local.

ENVIRONMENT: Our legislature did good work on addressing wildfires and how to support victims of such this last session, but we should always do more to address the topic of how climate change negatively impacts our communities and how we can mitigate it. I also turn to the experts for guidance. I do not think the funds designated to address our drought conditions from the recent aid package are enough, and we must find other ways to find funds to address this growing concern. We need to have hard discussions about water and how we can conserve it. This includes how we can support water for our people while still having enough for agriculture and industry. This should include ideas on how to restrict growth so we maintain enough water for safe and sanitary living conditions.

FENTANYL: We have learned our lesson already about criminalizing drug users, and it does not work. It fails the people that need help, so we need to invest heavily in treatment for addiction. We also need to expand our mental health services so people can treat the reasons for their drug use and prevent addiction before it starts. If we want to stop people from doing drugs we must give them hope.

HOMELESSNESS: A very hard issue, especially in our district where housing prices have skyrocketed. Our communities must come together and have hard discussions and make a moral decision to create housing available and accessible for all. There are many ways to address this, from rent stabilization, protection for mobile home owners, and facing the difficulties with HOAs and Metro District taxes.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: We need to recognize the vast number of people coming to CO from out-of-state to access healthcare. One state’s ban is another’s burden, so the healthcare aspects of this issue must be handled on a federal level. This does not mean we shouldn’t invest more heavily in healthcare access for all anyone who needs it. Pregnancy prevention programs, access to contraception, and ensuring we have enough infrastructure to treat our population are topics to investigate.

(R) Dan Woog –TOO EXTREME, Refused interview

DISTRICT 29

(D) Shannon Bird – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Many SRO’s are part of identifying abuse happening towards children. I support increased investment in additional mental health support for our youth.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: People have the right to free speech, but that doesn’t mean they have the right to harass and intimidate others.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to better monitor our forests to increase fire response time. Key sectors of the state economy should work together to protect our water.

FENTANYL: Increasing penalties is the right thing to do.

HOMELESSNESS: We need to create partnerships with local governments and nonprofits to provide shelter and programs to help people struggling with addiction and mental health problems. I support expanding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit.

INFRASTRUCTURE: We must invest in affordable public transportation.

(R) Venessa DeMott

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I support SRO’s, potentially arming teachers, and increased mental health services.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Raise the legal age to purchase a firearm to 25 and increase mental health services.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to mitigate open spaces to prevent brush fires.

FENTANYL: I believe police intervention and incarceration can help lead addicts to sobriety.

HOMELESSNESS: Invest in Homeless Navigators Program that helps homeless individuals and offers interventions. Help incarcerated individuals get back into the workforce.

INFRASTRUCTURE: The budget and Department of Transportation need to be constantly assessed. We need to work with municipalities to ensure our roads are usable.

DISTRICT 31

(D) Said Sharbini — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: SRO’s do more harm than good. We need to focus on mental health evaluations and providing treatment.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Supports common sense gun regulations such as universal background checks. Police officers should be required to get a college education.

ENVIRONMENT: Focus on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and forest mitigation. We need more aggressive climate legislation and to work with surrounding states to solve our water conservation problem.

FENTANYL: I do not support an increase in penalties. We need to end the war on drugs, it’s not working.

HOMELESSNESS: We could create stop gap housing that helps people get into hotel rooms temporarily. Mental health, drug addiction, and employment programs need to be provided.

INFRASTRUCTURE: TABOR is a hindrance to providing usable roads as it prevents enough money from getting to where it needs to be.

(R) Heidi Pitchforth

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I support SROs, arming teachers, and more counselors in schools.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Criminals will always have guns and law-abiding citizens should not be penalized from carrying a gun. It doesn’t matter what political ideology these militant groups have: if you break the law, you break the law.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to groom our forests and remove all the deadwood that may cause a wildfire. We have enough water in Colorado, we just have to keep it local and limit its access to other states.

FENTANYL: There has to be penalties for distribution and I think addicts need treatment.

HOMELESSNESS: We need to have resources available for the homeless, provide treatment for the mentally ill, and get them into permanent housing where they are contributing to society.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Using the tax dollars we have right now in the transportation program would be a great start.

ADDITIONAL

DEI: CRT (Critical Race Theory) and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) are ideologies that divide people into groups and fosters a victim mentality.

DISTRICT 33

(D) William Lindstedt — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: SROs are really an issue that’s best left to local school districts. SROs might be a part of that solution but I think school districts need to make that decision locally.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Colorado has made strides with comprehensive background checks and magazine limits, our red flag law. There’s a lot of guns in this country—it’s a public health crisis and needs to be addressed head on.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to give our communities adequate resources to maintain their open spaces and support fire departments. But, it’s about climate change. It’s going to be about meeting our greenhouse gas emissions goals.

FENTANYL: Criminalization isn’t a way to get people to get clean and sober. HB22-1326 provided funding for harm reduction. But it’s a problem that the bill isn’t going to solve and we need to take more actions.

HOMELESSNESS: We need resources to find long-term housing. The biggest thing we can do is prevent people from becoming unhoused. We need to make sure that we’re building enough housing.

INFRASTRUCTURE: SB21-260 funded improvements to our transportation system and I’m watching to see how it unfolds. We haven’t funded our infrastructure system sustainably enough to accommodate all the growths we’ve seen in Colorado.

(R) Stacie Dougherty – Radio Silent

DISTRICT 34

(D) Jenny Willford — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I’m somewhere in the middle. I want more community interaction and trust-building with law enforcement. That we’re implementing (SB217) reforms in a way that’s transparent and reflects the direction we’re going as a nation around policing.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We need to ban assault rifles. Despite legislation that authorized local control in the past, the issue is a statewide concern—when you’ve got different regulations in different parts of the state it complicates issues.

ENVIRONMENT: Addressing climate change and reducing emissions—that can help with wildfires and air quality. We need more resilient homes and improved fire mitigation across the state recognizing that the Marshall Fire could happen anywhere.

FENTANYL: Penalties are part of the equation and the fentanyl epidemic is ripping communities apart. The answer is somewhere in the middle: penalties will help, but we need to be investing in treatment.

HOMELESSNESS: We need case management to build relationships and trust. Affordable housing is a huge issue but folks have so many other obstacles too—we should explore opportunities to break through some of those barriers.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Tabor really hamstrings what we’re able to do. Without additional funding, I don’t know how we’ll meet these challenges. We want to invest in our infrastructure, because when we do, we create good paying jobs.

(R) Kevin Allen

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: We need to fund our police to address crime and keep our schools safe. I would be in favor of having SROs—I’m an advocate for local control and want the individual school districts to decide.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Protecting the Second Amendment is my first priority. Continued education of gun ownership is key to making sure that our streets remain safe because an armed society is a safer society.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to have better forest management—we are still recovering from the beetle kill. I want to work with our state and local partners to unify building code standards across the state.

FENTANYL: HB22-1326 did not go far enough and HB19-1263 was a mistake. I would re-criminalize fentanyl and work to stem the flow of illicit drugs across the border and educate our citizenry on why drugs are unsafe.

HOMELESSNESS: It’s more complicated than one solution. It has to do with mental health, taking care of veterans, getting drugs off the street, providing police resources, having job training and people available to help transition off the street.

INFRASTRUCTURE: We have to prioritize our budget. I want to work towards making sure that we’re allocating enough money to improve our roads and bridges and keep them safe.

DISTRICT 49

(D) Judy Amabile – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Boulder Valley school board voted against SRO’s. We need to substitute with more counseling. I have worked to allocate $100 million for children, youth and families to get mental health resources and $100 million for mental health grants.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: People want common sense gun regulations. I have worked to pass gun violence prevention bills and have another coming soon that will institute a waiting period.

ENVIRONMENT: I helped pass fire mitigation bills and bills insuring homeowners against wildfire damage.. More climate legislation is needed at a state and federal level.

FENTANYL: Focus on drug education. More funding should go towards medication assisted treatment, providing test strips, and making Narcan nasal sprays should be available in public bathrooms.

HOMELESSNESS: I helped pass a bill that puts $200 million towards homeless services, half towards drug and mental health treatment and housing and the other half will go towards grants for local governments and nonprofits.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Uber and other delivery services are now required to pay for transportation fees to help roads. We must maintain the infrastructure that we already have and create more public transit in places that need it.

(R) Katie Lehr –TOO EXTREME

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I can’t imagine not having an SRO officer would have been beneficial. Uvalde is a gateway for cartels. That school had been on lock-down many times prior to that incident. The people killed in Uvalde were minorities, killed by a minority, and officers on site were of Hispanic background.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: People convicted of domestic violence or with a history of mental instability should not be able to obtain firearms. I am confused as to why a far right militia member might be a hindrance to a police force.

ENVIRONMENT: The county has an obligation to maintain this open space, before it serves a kindling for a grass fire. Keep Colorado’s water in Colorado.

FENTANYL: Increase penalties. Put addicts in jail, give them treatment, and try to help them when they have served their time in prison. The state of Colorado should help find employment post incarceration.

HOMELESSNESS: I would not do anything on homelessness. City voters have spent millions of dollars on shelters and the homeless are service resistant.

INFRASTRUCTURE: The government is wasting tax money and is not sure how to fix CO’s roads.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: I’m glad Roe v. Wade was overturned. Sex education should be gender-segregated. Boys shouldn’t have to learn about menstruation, because the girls are embarrassed to have their periods.

(L) Daniel Lutz

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Create inexpensive programs that give Veterans jobs with the purpose of defending schools. Supports arming teachers. Use local resources, such as child counselors, to improve mental health programs.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: More organizations to educate community members with gun safety regulation. People in law enforcement need to learn to work together despite political differences.

ENVIRONMENT: PILT: Payment in Lieu of Federal Tax money, which allows counties to have federal lands and never sell them for private use. More money to stop drought is not the answer. We should put more effort into reflecting shortwave radiation from the sun.

FENTANYL: Less penalties, more treatment programs. Stronger regulations on lacing other products with fentanyl.

HOMELESSNESS: Get rid of laws that prevent organizations and individuals from helping others with rent.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Spend half of the cannabis tax money towards improving infrastructure and give the other half back to the taxpayer.

DISTRICT 27

(D) Brianna Titone – Incumbent, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: SRO’s put a lot of fear into kids, especially in schools with a lot of marginalized people. Passed a bill that allows kids ages 12 and up to be able to talk to a counselor. More counselors in schools.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Second Amendment outdated. Police and safety officers should protect everyone and not favor anybody.

ENVIRONMENT: Give fire departments more resources and improve mitigation. More water recycling, getting rid of turf grass, and learning from drier states on how to conserve water.

FENTANYL: Passed a bill last year to help people identify fentanyl in their drugs. Prison is not the answer. Need to empower people to get the help that they need.

HOMELESSNESS: Need to better equip housing shelters to assist addicts, as well as bringing them back to self-sufficiency.

INFRASTRUCTURE: We need to get more people on public transportation and alternative forms of transportation. We can put more resources at people’s facilities to help them get around better.

(R) Lynn Emrick – RADIO SILENT

(L) Jacob Luria

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Support staff and teachers being armed. Improve children’s mental health by restricting screen time during lunch.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: Gun legislation should be determined at local level. Local marches have more influence than the Supreme Court. Supports free speech unless a group is violent or damaging.

ENVIRONMENT: Forest management is extremely important, as is private conservation. States should also be banding together to raise money to fight drought in the Colorado River.

FENTANYL: Decriminalize all drugs. The War on Drugs has failed and decriminalizing drugs is the best way to keep Mexican drug cartels from coming into the country.

HOMELESSNESS: Find better ways to encourage homeless addicts to shelters. Can’t force people to enter these shelters against their will, but that leaves a lot of addicts on the streets.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Some of the roads should definitely be privatized and sent back to localities. Let local areas be responsible to fix their roads.

SECRETARY OF STATE

1. Election security is vital to our democracy, fortunately Colorado has some of the safest elections in the country – how will you maintain safe elections for our state and what are your top priorities for ensuring election security?
2. How will you encourage voter registration in Colorado and what do you see as the most important areas of improvement for encouraging voter registration?
3. How will you improve the process for reporting a campaign-finance complaint, what issues do you see with the current process that could be improved?
4. The position of Secretary of State has become increasingly political in recent years, how will you maintain election integrity?
5. Closing thoughts: please provide any closing thoughts for readers or any issues you would like to cover that we haven’t.

(D) Jena Griswold – Incumbent, ENDORSED

1. In a second term, I will continue to innovate and respond to emerging election security threats. I will enforce the laws and rules we have in place that make Colorado a leader in election security.
2. I’ve led the largest democracy reform package in the nation. That included automatic voter registration reform, which led to more than 350,000 eligible Coloradans registering to vote.
3. I have led legislation that shines light on dark money, prohibits foreign political spending, and requires disclaimers on political ads. We also set up campaign finance enforcement, so that the rich and well-connected could not sidestep the rules.
4. I have increased voting access and protected the right to vote for all voters, Republican, Democrat and Unaffiliated. I have passed numerous bipartisan bills this legislative session, and if reelected, I will continue to work across the aisle, with all political parties.
5. I will continue to ensure that every eligible voter — Republican, Democrat, and Unaffiliated alike — has access to free and fair elections. That’s how democracy works. One person, one vote regardless of party.

(R) Pam Anderson – QUALIFIED

1. I will launch the Citizens Election Academy. I will work to restore the cybersecurity team and resources directed to elections operations, not for commercials to raise my political profile. I will continue to lead on unbiased and experienced professional leadership for Coloradans.
2. I’ve led on supporting voter registration modernization. We need to be transparent in the safeguards and processes that ensure everyone’s vote is accurate and valid.
3. I will delegate the office’s authority to the nonpartisan staff and return to professional rather than political evaluations. I will work with the legislature to eliminate gotcha rules used by all sides for partisan political reasons, and will institute published guidelines to how decisions on penalties are determined to increase transparency.
4. I will restore professionalism and keep moving the ball on standardizing and improving election best practices in Colorado. I am a better elections official by listening to those with valid concerns, not dismissing them.
5. I have the proven track record of serving as a fair referee and a history of working across the aisle with legislators on both sides to best serve our voters.

(UP) Gary Swing

1. I was the vice chairman of the Colorado Coalition for Fair and Open Elections back in the 1990s. I’m a former national advisory board member for the Center for Voting and Democracy. Colorado elections are technically secure. It’s the job of election administrators to maintain and update security measures.
2. I support expansion of automatic voter registration. Why would people vote in a system that excludes them from representation? In the US we’re stuck with our system that was originally designed to preserve slavery. Proportional representation encourages voting and making every vote count.
3. There is too much money spent on political campaigns that fail to provide fair representation for a diverse population. Campaign finance laws are set up to bleed money from inexperienced candidates who are on a shoestring budget.
4. As a political issue, election integrity has been used to distract attention from the real problems with elections. My top priority is to implement proportional representation voting. The U.S. political system is designed by two cartel parties to exclude political minorities of all types from representation.
5. I support a proposal to use hybrid proportional representation to elect a 185 member unicameral state legislature. I support ballot access reform. We have the most restrictive ballot access laws in the world designed by two cartel parties to exclude other parties from participating in the process.

LONGMONT CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL ELECTION

Local races are bipartisan, therefore YS does not include party affiliation.

Sean McCoy — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: We need an expert on dealing with students and families and then bring in police officers when it’s absolutely necessary.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We need to demand that people who have guns have insurance and liability insurance. People would be a lot more careful with their guns and not allow people that are too immature to have them.

ENVIRONMENT: We have to start looking at what we can do in our communities to be more resilient. How do we deal with zoning issues about the type of siding that we put on our houses?

FENTANYL: It’s an educational thing of how dangerous it is. Longmont could arm people with Narcan—our best move is trying to educate people.

HOMELESSNESS: Longmont might need to help by providing a piece of property to be used for housing (for homeless outreach). People feel their county government is not doing enough—we need to do more.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Longmont’s in pretty decent shape. I am a strong believer in solar gardening on most city buildings and properties to lower electricity costs. We need more people composting and being more sustainable.

Mitzi Nicoletti – QUALIFIED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Students of color are disciplined more aggressively—in those cases, it would not make the situation better. It may be different from school to school, but it’s not always helpful. It causes problems.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: The community needs to have a discussion for a resolution. It’s important to look at background checks. Gun safety is critical and people should feel safe in the community.

ENVIRONMENT: Every city should have a fire emergency plan and everyone should be properly insured. Managing our natural resources is critical and looking at how we’re building our communities.

FENTANYL: Fentanyl shouldn’t be on the street. It should only be in a controlled medical setting and additional mental health services would help this critical situation.

HOMELESSNESS: Our solution is going to provide shelter for the unhoused—including wraparound services and counseling, which will help them transition to permanent housing. That’s a top priority.

INFRASTRUCTURE: We should go after any money that might be in the recently passed infrastructure bill. Especially when it involves renewable energy projects, which could affect the schools and some of the commercial buildings.

Gary Hodges

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I support SROs. I don’t think I would have any influence or say on that. My understanding is that it’s going to be a school board and not a local governance issue.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: If I’m fortunate to be elected, I wouldn’t bring forth any ordinance or resolution nor would I support any ordinance or resolution that restricts your gun rights in Longmont.

ENVIRONMENT: We could look at fire breaks and landscaping. I would encourage people to have adequate insurance. Adequate firefighting. The architecture of homes, different roofs, materials on the houses might be valuable.

FENTANYL: I would like to talk to our Chief of Police how we might be able to insulate our city from the liberalization of criminal offenses. I’m all for doing whatever we can to reduce the amount of fentanyl use in the city.

HOMELESSNESS: I disagree with the idea that housing first is an effective solution. The vast majority is vagrancy. I would take a firm but compassionate approach to deal with the vagrancy-end of homelessness.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Longmont has a long-standing .75% tax that goes directly to maintenance and upkeep of roads, sidewalks, etc. We have a steady reliable source of income. I don’t have any complaints.

SUPERIOR CITY COUNCIL

Local races are bipartisan, therefore YS does not include party affiliation.

Mark Lacis – Unopposed, ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Superior doesn’t have a school district so I don’t think the question applies. We need to curb the availability of guns. Mental health services should be available to children.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: We need to stop catering to the NRA. I support the bans. I don’t respond to intimidation.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to focus on renewable energy. I have passed oil and gas regulations. We need to preserve open spaces and implement more wildfire prevention measures. I’m happy to see the funding to fight the drought but it’s not enough.

FENTANYL: I don’t agree with the criminalization of drugs. The war on drugs is a failure. We should be spending on Narcan, test kits, and education.

HOMELESSNESS: Superior hasn’t really been affected. We should focus on affordable housing, fire mitigation, mental health and drug use.

INFRASTRUCTURE: I support small sales tax increases, weep businesses thriving, invest in public and alternative transportation, and encourage electric vehicles.

Jenn Kaaoush – ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I don’t agree with SROs. We should increase awareness of the support systems that exist, normalize mental health awareness, and support mental health initiatives.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I support gun reform. We need to make sure all members of the community are included in decisions. I believe in gun safety. Action should be taken against militias so a precedent is set. Leadership should shine a light on them.

ENVIRONMENT: I am the director of Superior Rising which develops ways for prevention and rebuilding. Finding resources is a priority. We need to curb flammable fencing and plant life around homes. The money is not enough to fight the drought.

FENTANYL: Penalty doesn’t stop usage. We need more resources to stop it entering communities and focus on mental health, education, addiction services. Stop it at home with teens.

HOMELESSNESS: I volunteer with Bridge house, an organization that helps the unhoused find work and provide housing. We need to fund more resources.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Let’s focus on rezoning and development. There’s not a lot more room for development in Superior. We need to focus on finding other available resources and traffic mitigations.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: I’m pro-Roe. The more sex and reproductive rights education and resources, the better.

Neal Shah – ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Listen to parents with kids in schools. I support cutting down SROs. We need to fund mental health initiatives.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I support the laws already in place, common sense gun laws, and finding middle ground. We need to make sure language is clear in legislation. I am unaware of militia infiltration in Colorado but believe more training should be implemented in police departments.

ENVIRONMENT: I co-founded Superior Rising. We need to listen to the community and keep it informed and more affordable resources. I support responders. The money for drought is a drop in a bucket. Stop wasting water on unnecessary grass. Reduce energy usage.

FENTANYL: Increase access to narcan. Penalties don’t do enough.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: Despite the Supreme Court, nothing has changed in CO at a state level. I support more education for kids and access to birth control.

Jason Serbu – Refused interview

Stephanie Miller – ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: We need to focus on mental health over SROs.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I am disappointed that groups are more concerned with 2nd amendment rights over mitigating gun violence. I support common sense gun laws and more mental health availability.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to mitigate possible ignition points and rebuild with prevention in mind. I will ensure rebuilding is affordable for homeowners and increase community communication. I am not as informed as to the drought and need to do more research.

FENTANYL: Increased penalties don’t work for users, but might help deter distributors. We need to provide mental health services.

HOMELESSNESS: Affordable housing is imperative. Look to the tiny home movement for potential ideas. Mental support is key as is increasing availability of jobs for the unhoused.

INFRASTRUCTURE: I support a sunset tax that will be on the ballot this November to help offset recovery costs. Other small taxes can go a long way.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: The population in general, not just women, needs more sex education. We need to remove the stigma around abortions and ensure access to health care for people in need.

Mike Foster – ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: I believe SROs can make children feel safer. I do not support arming teachers. We need to work with the state and federal government to provide more mental health care in schools.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: AR’s are strictly military weapons. I believe in sensible gun laws but am not optimistic about their implementation. We need to ensure police departments are appropriately vetting applicants.

ENVIRONMENT: Climate change should be at the forefront of legislation at all levels. I support a sales tax to help towns rebuild. We must use funds to increase water storage capacity and help local companies increase agricultural efficiency.

FENTANYL: Penalties can help, but focus must be on addiction treatment, mental health, and education.

HOMELESSNESS: I support building more affordable housing.

INFRASTRUCTURE:: I will use funds from federal infrastructure bills to repair roads and increase access to public transportation.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: The government should not dictate women’s decisions.

Michael Neustedter – QUALIFIED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Schools are underfunded so excess resources should be dumped. Guns don’t belong in classrooms. We need to increase mental health resources and increase mindfulness training.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: No individual needs an AR. All sides should be heard but increase media outreach to keep the public informed of the facts. More restrictions on guns equals safer communities.

ENVIRONMENT: We must focus on prevention and mitigation through community education. Investing more resources towards conservation is incredibly important for Colorado’s economy.

FENTANYL: I support stiffer penalties.

HOMELESSNESS:: We must focus on mental health and availability of affordable housing. Long term methods towards connecting with the unhoused on an individual level are worth looking into.

INFRASTRUCTURE: I don’t have a specific answer but we should listen to the community.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: Parents should educate their children on the issue as should schools.

Stephanie Schader

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: Does not support SROs. Increase mental health resources and education that allows students to be more in touch with their emotions.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I feel there is a balance that should be struck. I am against concealed and open carry. I need to think more on the matter. I believe militias and misinformation can be real threats. We should monitor social media for warning signs.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to consider the past, what’s worked and what hasn’t and update policy moving forward. We should focus on clean energy. Increase awareness of electric vehicles. Educate the community on mitigation and prevention. I Don’t know if the money is enough or not.

FENTANYL: Increase access to jobs. I believe in stiffer penalties, that we should curb influx of immigrants andIncrease cooperation with law enforcement.

HOMELESSNESS: Affordable housing is key. We should follow California’s model and repurpose hotels.

INFRASTRUCTURE: We need to attract more taxable businesses.

ADDITIONAL

ROE V. WADE: I support age appropriate sex education for boys and girls. We need to increase awareness of the potential consequences of sex. I support Planned Parenthood and other low-cost providers.

Bob McCool – Refused interview

BOULDER COUNTY

COMMISSIONER

(D) Ashley Stolzmann — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: School districts should decide on SRO’s. I support school districts providing mental health programs and these services should be more widespread across the county.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I’m proud of the community for passing the assault rifle legislation. It’s important that law enforcement knows how to identify white nationalists and to make sure that they’re not hiring them.

ENVIRONMENT: We must continue mitigating public lands and private property, rebuild using more resilient materials, and practice regenerative agriculture. Keep water in the stream and improve our conservation laws.

FENTANYL: End the war on drugs. Improve our programs to stop addiction and to have more community conversations about addiction to break the stigma.

HOMELESSNESS: Boulder County housing program needs more resources. Multi-pronged approach to provide more resources faster. Encourage collaboration between towns.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Unincorporated roads in poor condition in subdivisions. Equity issue because cities in Boulder County are paid to maintain their roads while incorporated area subdivisions are neglected.

(L) Bo Schaffer — Radio Silent

SHERIFF

(D) Curtis Johnson — ENDORSED

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH: School districts should be the ones who decide whether they want SRO’s. I don’t support arming teachers. Mental health programs in schools are important to students’ well-being.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I am frustrated by federal inaction on gun legislation. Local communities are taking it upon themselves to pass ordinances. Must be extremely careful in our hiring processes and in our background checks.

ENVIRONMENT: I am working hard to look at ways to mitigate fuels to lessen the opportunity for such damaging wildfires. We must make sure communities have the right resources to fight fires.

FENTANYL: I support penalties for people distributing drugs. We need to take an aggressive approach to dealing with addiction.

HOMELESSNESS: We need to stop relying on law enforcement to deal with the unhoused. I am committed to working with human and housing services to ensure the homeless stay out of the criminal justice system simply because they’re unhoused.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Continue the current transportation tax in Boulder County to address infrastructure needs without raising new taxes. Provide better alternative transportation options.

(R) Lee Stadele – Radio Silent

CLERK & RECORDER

(D) Molly Fitzpatrick — Unopposed

QUESTIONS:

– As someone who maintains records of real estate and mortgages, how do you think politicians should combat the rise of homelessness in Colorado?
– How important is the Respect for Marriage Act? How has it impacted Boulder County?
– What precautions are you taking to protect our elections this season?
– How are you getting people to vote this election season? What other programs have you coordinated in the past?

ANSWERS:

HOMELESSNESS: We are working to develop information for the public that describes some of the common questions that we get from first time homebuyers. We want to break down the jargon so new homebuyers can understand.

RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT: It’s very important that that legislation is passed. Our office has an important history in the fight for marriage equality that I have every intention of continuing in my role as clerk.

PROTECT ELECTIONS: Protecting the right to vote right now is an important priority for our office. We worked with the Colorado legislature on bills that enhance security procedures for local election offices. We produced a 20 page election security report that details why the public can feel confident about our elections process. We do tours so the public can see what election operations look like. There was no election fraud in the 2020 election in any state.

VOTING: I’m proud of our High School Voter Registration Awareness Week. I worked with the Colorado legislature on a bill in 2019 that increases access to voting centers for college students and increased drop boxes across the state. Part of that legislation included removing drop boxes from police stations. I serve on a committee that promotes early voting. Make sure the community is confident in our voting processes.

TREASURER

(D) Paul Weissman — Unopposed

QUESTIONS:

– On December 9 of 2021, Buller county adopted a $549.8 million budget for 2022. Much of its funding went towards forest health and wildfire mitigation. Do you think enough money was funded for these programs?
– Do you believe there should be an increase in taxes to improve Boulder’s infrastructure? Are there any particular areas in regards to infrastructure that need improvement?
– What is your stance on active military property tax deferral?
– Do you think the proposed library district will become an asset to the community? Or will it cost the community too much tax money?
– Since your reelection in 2018, what negative and positive changes have you seen in Boulder County’s funding?
– What should Boulder County residents keep in mind during local midterm elections?

ANSWERS:

WILDFIRES: I’m not intimate with the budgets of Boulder County. What I do is get them the money for it. I don’t think Boulder County could have done it alone. I think the federal government should work in tandem with the state.

INFRASTRUCTURE: What I’d do is make a deal or cut ties with the local RTD. Let them handle regional transportation and we will build our own transit infrastructure.

MILITARY PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL: I think it’s a good policy. A lot of times when you’re called for duty, the last thing you need to do is scramble to try to figure out your property taxes.

LIBRARY DISTRICT: In an ideal world, the library would be funded by the city. Libraries are one of the first things to scale back financially when economic issues are encountered. The city relies on sales taxes which causes libraries to get the short end.

POSITIVES/NEGATIVES: We’ve increased the numbers of people that are paying property taxes online. We’ve been open and accessible to the community and the governments we collect for which will continue to grow.

MIDTERMS: Know that there are ballot issues that will affect you. People that are less engaged tend to see sales taxes rising and get upset because they don’t know why.

COUNTY ASSESSOR

(D) Cynthia Braddock — Unopposed

POLICE/SCHOOLS/MENTAL HEALTH I think SROs are absolutely essential. I don’t agree with arming teachers. Our office doesn’t deal with policy making but I would support any legislature regarding mental health services.

GUNS/MILITANT GROUPS: I’m not anti-gun but I think it’s too easy for people to get guns. I think there’s a type of gun that should not be in the hands of anybody but the military. I don’t think police departments should tolerate far-right activity.

ENVIRONMENT: We need to have more money and more programs available to help people keep their properties in safe condition. We need to make sure the people in our communities have their properties insured. I think that the government has a role in providing help and support to people not only in recovery, but also in preparation.

FENTANYL: I think we need huge improvements in our social network and our mental health support for people. I think criminalizing this behavior doesn’t really stop it.

HOMELESSNESS: In my political position, I can’t do a lot. But personally, I think that we need to do more. I think the solution really is in addressing this as a social concern and funding that better so that we can meet people where they are and help them come out of the situation.

INFRASTRUCTURE: It’s not what I do as assessor, but I certainly would support measures that move it into mass transit, buses, high speed trains, light rails. We should make it affordable to be subsidized. Everybody should be able to access mass transit. I also support other transportation modes such as biking and electric vehicles.

CORONER

(D) Emma R. Hall — Unopposed

WELD COUNTY

COMMISSIONER

Scott James – Unopposed, Refused interview

SHERIFF

Steve Reams – Unopposed, TOO EXTREME, Refused interview

CLERK AND RECORDER

Carly S. Knoppes – Unopposed, Refused interview

COLORADO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

1. Why are you running and what are your highest priorities?
2. Do recent NAEP scores have any policy implications?
3. School safety – what further measures, if any, do you support?
4. What do you understand about DEI and what more should elected officials be doing to ensure racial justice?
5. What is your view of charter schools and school choice?
6. Should for-profit schools receive public funding?
7. In light of the recent SCOTUS case, must Colorado provide public support to religious schools?
8. What should be schools’ approach to education about sexuality and gender?
9. What role do you see for parents in schools, including having a voice in curriculum and/or choice of literature or subject material?

(D) Kathy Plomer – ENDORSED

1. I care about public education. It’s been a passion since my oldest child started kindergarten. Well-resourced classrooms with up-to-date curriculum, broadband internet connection and a diversity of course offerings. Address teacher shortages.

2. More one-on-one attention or credit recovery options. How do you use the resources available to now address the issue?

3. Three levels. Prevention. We need to understand if kids are in crisis and they are ready to hurt themselves or others. Making our buildings safer and procedures that lessen the risk. Coordinated relationships with law enforcement.

4. To advance as a country we need to have an honest study of the past. You cannot talk about the Civil Rights Movement without talking about racism and slavery.

5. Every student deserves a school that parents can feel confident about; some at public charter schools, some at neighborhood schools – magnet schools, innovation schools.

6. No.

7. Since they’re not public schools it’s the same answer.

8. Every child who comes to the door needs to be seen for who they are, needs to be treated with dignity. Kids who identify as LGBTQ have higher rates of suicide, stress and anxiety. We can have those conversations in our classrooms.

9. They already have a voice. Whenever a school district has a new curriculum, those materials are put out for parents to view. It’s a partnership.

(D) Joseph Shelton – ENDORSED

1. I decided to run because Steve Durham has been in this seat since 2014 and hasn’t shown up in his community. I want to make sure we’re building an education system that prepares our students for a future.

2. More on practice than policy.

3. Reasonable security measures, but not armed guards or armed teachers.

4. Diversity equity and inclusion is making sure that everyone’s getting a seat at the table and we’re getting the best support systems possible. My number one plan is to build a Community Coalition.

5. I support Charter Schools. I support a parent’s right to choose where their student goes to school.

6. No.

7. If it’s a public institution. I don’t believe that religion should play any part.

8. As an openly gay man, gender and sexuality studies and support for LGBTQ students are very important – the kind of education that really supports our youth, especially those who are at high risk of suicide. Talking about LGBTQ issues doesn’t hurt anyone.

9. They should be able to choose what classes their child takes. If a parent doesn’t want their kid in sex ed, they should be able to say yes or no.

(D) Rebecca McClellan – ENDORSED

1. I’m running for re-election to continue the work of supporting academic growth and achievement for all students. Implementing the READ ACT – evidence based literacy – is very important.

2. The impact of interruptions to in person learning are reflected in the latest scores. The value of professional teachers delivering in person instruction cannot be overstated.

3. When we prioritize respect and humanity for every student, our schools are safer. This includes prioritizing mental health support and protocols for identifying and stopping bullying.

4. The State Board can support diversity, equity and inclusion by following the terms of HB19-1192 as we revise the Standards. We should include the contributions of people from diverse groups, as the law now indicates.

5. The majority of charter school applications are approved locally without State Board involvement.

7. I believe in the separation of church and state. I would find a shift to public funding of religious schools concerning.

8. Opting out of sex education is allowed. It should be factual and comprehensive so that students can gain accurate understanding.

9. Colorado is a local control state and our constitution forbids the Legislature and the State Board from prescribing textbooks. The teacher is the best person to talk with.

(R) Peggy Probst – QUALIFIED

1. Literacy levels have plummeted – 40 percent leave third grade without reading. I want to address the declining academic performance. We are seriously jeopardizing our kids.

2. If they can’t read, they can’t do any other content area. We must have literacy specialists who understand the science of reading.

3. Perhaps retired military or law enforcement who volunteer their time. Arming staff or teachers could be considered.It should not be a mandate.

4. Education is the great equalizer. A conscientious effort to improve the level of academic achievement is the best way to approach equity.

5. I support parents’ choice because every child is different.

6. Some charter schools have a chartering entity that is for-profit. They have management companies that help run them.

7. In Colorado we receive some federal funding, state funding and local funding, Money could be tied to the child without strings attached from the government. I think all of us are looking very closely at what’s going on in Arizona to see if that experiment works.

8. We have science-based health and sex education.. There should be a parental right to opt in or out and/or provide instruction at home.

9. The State Board of Education sets standards, but we don’t dictate curriculum. That is left to local school districts.

(R) Molly Lamar – Radio Silent

(D) Rhonda Solis – Radio Silent

(R) Dan Maloit – Radio Silent

(R) Steve Durham – Refused interview

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO REGENTS

1. What are your highest priorities if elected/reelected?
2. How would you define the purpose of higher education?
3. What is your view of affirmative action and the SCOTUS case that will be argued this fall?
4. Colorado funds higher education at one of the lowest rates in the nation. Only 6 states are worse. How can the system increase revenue or control expenses?
5. The Regents have been widely criticized for the CU presidential searches. Can that process be improved?
6. Do you believe free speech restriction is a problem on Colorado college campuses?

(D) Wanda James – ENDORSED

1. Higher education should be a pathway to success from a traditional four-year student learning from great books at one campus to an older adult gaining new skills for career advancement at another.

2. Diversity, diversity, diversity. As the first Black woman on the Board of Regents in more than 4 decades, I wish to see the diversity of our state reflected in the student body, faculty and administration.

3. It is a shame that affirmative action is threatened. This “campaign”dates back to the Carter administration when Ward Connerly, a Black Regent in the University of California system, began a long crusade to eliminate affirmative action, which he saw as a form of racial discrimination.

4. I believe we are 49th or 50th! Unfortunately, there is little that Regents can do but work with the legislature to encourage more support.

5. I support the appointment of Todd Saliman. The recent searches have been well-conducted. If there had been more transparency, the public perception problems might have been avoided.

6. The political rhetoric around this issue is not supported by real experience. I’m not aware of any student whose conservative viewpoint has been repressed in the classroom.

(R) Frank McNulty – QUALIFIED

1. Higher education is to help build better people; to allow them to experience things that they haven’t experienced in their lives.

2. My top priority is to make sure that we have diversity of thought and experience throughout the system. We need to prioritize the Athletics program to make sure that it’s resourced at the very highest levels.

3. Students benefit from learning from others. Experiences we share help make us better people. Diversity makes for a stronger University system.

4. It is important for the legislature to better fund our education system. It is the largest unprotected pot of money in the state budget. Regents must make the case well and make it loudly.

5. I was involved in the presidential search that recommended Mark Kennedy. Partisans outside of the Board got a hold of that nomination and decided to sink him. I don’t think that the process is fundamentally flawed.

6. Cancel culture exists on college campuses. Conservatives are the ones most concerned. Regents need to set an example that we can have productive, respectful discussions of philosophical ideas. That example should carry through to the administration, the faculty and the students.

(D) Jack Barrington

1. The purpose of higher education is to enhance people’s abilities to function in our society, become better, contributing members of society.

2. To make sure that the people are taking care of the students, the faculty and the staff. I’m going to be considering the effect on people, more than I will be on political expediency.

3. As long as there has been and are still roadblocks or gatekeeping done to keep minorities from accessing the same services and resources as others, we do need some way of balancing.

4. Since I haven’t gotten to the position yet I can’t speak specifically on any point.

5. My opponent had been heavily involved in forcing through the previous president who was basically run out of town on a rail. I would try to bring in as many of the varying Community leaders to seek out candidates so that we could have a larger candidate pool of qualified people, regardless of their race, sex, creed or religion.

6. It really is more of a legal question as to what kind of limits can the university put in place on any kind of speech being funded by the government.

(R) Ken Montera – QUALIFIED

1. Higher education is there to not only establish specific skills based on a major but it’s also there to foster one’s ability to make decisions, based on critical thinking skills.

2. The cost of education;Making sure the money that is provided to the university is moving to the areas that are most important. Reaching more students within our state.

3. It’s not just about people of color or people of a certain identity, but it’s also about political thought and representation from rural communities, farming communities, and places that are harder to reach.

4. Only 5.5 or 5.7 percent of our budget comes from state funding and that has a significant impact on the cost that gets passed on to the students. Our donor levels are at all-time highs. When you have a $5.2 billion operating budget, there will be opportunities to evaluate expenses.

5. It’s very difficult for anyone to come out of a contentious search. It was unfortunate for President Kennedy to go through that. This time I think we ended up in a pretty good place.

6. I’m a strong proponent of free speech. If you believe in free speech you’ve got to believe that it offers the same opportunity for everybody.

(R) Mark VanDriel – ENDORSED

1. To prepare students’ minds for all the awesome possibilities life offers. Education should provide good value as students move on to work and life after college.

2. The highest priority is to make higher education more affordable. As I have had a career in higher education, I know the value of a strong advising system and this should be a priority.

3. Affirmative action has been a crude tool with good intentions. If affirmative action is not permitted, CO might look to workable strategies developed elsewhere, i.e. programs that guarantee admission to the top tier of students at all high schools.

4. Even if CO reached the median, it would be only about $2,400 more per student. We might lower costs by partnering with 2 year colleges to reduce the time and expense at CU. Administrative costs can be reduced.

5. The biggest credibility gap arose from having only one final candidate.

6. Restriction of speech at Colorado campuses doesn’t seem to be a real problem.

(D) Ron Casados – Radio Silent

(D) Yolanda Ortega – Radio Silent

BALLOT ISSUES

State

Amendment D | In 2020, the state legislature passed a law creating the 23rd Judicial District out of the existing 18th Judicial District. A ‘yes’ will initiate a definitive mechanism for transitioning judges currently living within the new district boundaries into their seat position in the 23rd Judicial District. Amendment D amends the state constitution requiring the Governor to reassign judges from the 18th Judicial District the the 23rd Judicial District. | YES
Amendment E | Colorado currently offers the Homestead Exemption to spouses of 100 percent disabled veterans when the veteran dies. A vote ‘yes’ to extending the Homestead Exemption to Gold Star spouses would reduce property taxes for homeowners who are the surviving spouse of a military service member who died in the line of duty or a veteran or who died from service-related injuries or diseases. | YES
Amendment F | A ‘yes’ would allow non-profit organizations to operate in Colorado for a minimum of three years instead of five years, the current requirement, before applying for a bingo-raffle license. A ‘yes’ would also allow, but not require, a member of the non-profit organization working as the bingo raffle operator to receive compensation up to the minimum wage before a complete repeal of compensation restrictions on July, 1, 2024. | YES
Proposition FF | A ‘yes’ will create the Healthy School Meals for All program. Along with additional federal funding, funding would come from an increase in income taxes owed by households with federal taxable incomes over $300,000. Any school meal provider can participate in the program, which will feed any student regardless of income at a participating school. Beginning in the 2024–25 school year, the program will also fund purchasing products grown, raised, and processed in Colorado, increase wages for employees who prepare and serve meals, and fund education and collaboration between schools, communities and local food growers and non-profits. | YES
Proposition GG | A ‘yes’ would require petitions and ballots from citizen-initiated measures to include a tax information table listing the change to average individual income tax rates for taxpayers in eight specified income categories. The measure would increase information technology costs in the Secretary of State’s Office to modify ballots to include tax information. The measure will increase costs for county clerks to include the new tax information on printed ballots and would increase printing and mailing costs. | YES
Proposition 121 | A ‘yes’ would reduce the state income tax rate from 4.55 percent to 4.40 percent for individuals and corporations for the tax year 2022 and after. State government currently collects more taxes than it is legally allowed to spend, as mandated by the constitutional revenue limit (TABOR). If passed, 75 percent of taxpayers will receive a tax cut of less than $63 a year. On average, households and corporations with incomes over $1 million are expected to save almost $7,000 per year. In years when the state revenue is below the constitutional limit (TABOR), the measure would reduce the amount of general funds to be saved or spent. | NO on 121
Proposition 122 | A ‘yes’ amends Colorado statutes to require the state to create regulations and a system for accessing psychedelic mushrooms for those 21 and over. The measure would allow the supervised use of psychedelic mushrooms for those 21 and older at licensed facilities that follow a state regulatory structure for operation. A ‘yes’ also expands the types of substances used in licensed facilities to include more plant-based psychedelic substances including dimethyltryptamine, ibogaine, and mescaline. The measure would decriminalize personal possession, growing, sharing and use of psilocybin, psilocin, dimethyltryptamine, ibogaine, and mescaline for those 21 and over. Local governments may not ban licensed facilities, services and use of natural psychedelic substances but can regulate the time, place and manner of these operations. There will be an established penalty for those over 21 who possess, use or transport natural psychedelic substances and for those who allow underage access. “This initiative would give Coloradans access to a new, promising, and research-based treatment option for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, in a safe, careful, and beneficial way,” Kevin Matthews, representative for Natural Medicine Colorado said, according to their website. “These medicines can be transformative for people who have suffered for years and struggled to find help.” | YES
Proposition 123 | A ‘yes’ would allow a portion of annual state income tax revenue to go toward affordable housing programs, which could possibly result in less money returned to Colorado citizens in their TABOR tax refund. The state already uses over one billion dollars in federal stimulus funds for affordable housing. From lack of affordable housing options in metro areas to people working in resort towns not being able to afford to live in the community they work, 86 percent of Colorado citizens list housing and the housing crisis as a top issue, according to a poll conducted earlier this year by the Colorado Health Foundation. The money collected from tax revenue will run through both the state division of housing and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. Those entities will put the funds into land banking, affordable housing equity, concessionary debt, affordable home ownership, homesllessness assistance and local government capacity building. Local cities will have the obligation to make a commitment to growing their affordable housing stock, as well as expediting the planning review for affordable housing developments, according to Brian Rossbert, Executive Director of Housing Colorado. The funding would increase building of affordable housing units from around 3,000 units to a goal of around 10,000 units a year, Rossbert said. The voter-approved investment into affordable housing, which doesn’t increase taxes but uses existing tax revenues, is the first of its kind in the U.S. “Right now there isn’t a ton of incentive for market rate developers to develop affordable housing because they are able to build, sell, or rent the units that they’re building at market rate,” Rossbert said. “With rents and home prices increasing, the affordable market might start to go away.” Groups like Advance Colorado Action oppose the proposition. “There is nothing ‘affordable’ about taking $300 million of our TABOR tax refunds for a flawed housing measure,” said Michael Fields of Advance Colorado Action. “To fix our state’s housing crisis, we need to build more, not tax more. Coloradans are struggling — and they want their full TABOR refund in upcoming years.” Yes on 123
Proposition 124 | A ‘yes’ would allow retail liquor stores to open additional locations from the current law of two stores to three stores between 2023 and 2026, four stores between 2027 to 2036 and unlimited stores starting in 2037. The campaign behind the proposition, Coloradans for Consumer Choice and Retail Fairness, has raised millions of dollars and is backed by David Trone and his brother Robert Trone who co-own the national corporation Total Wine. “These large out of state corporations want it because changing the laws will meet their business model and help them increase their profits, so they’re essentially trying to buy a change of law that they were not able to get done at the legislature,” said Bruce Dierking of Keeping Colorado Local and Colorado Licensed Beverage Association (CLBA). The CLBA estimates that about half of all independently owned liquor stores, majority owned by minorities, would be out of business within five years if this proposition passes. “[Colorado laws] have been this wonderful low barrier to entry opportunity for people of modest means to own their own business and to provide a nice middle class income for their families,” Dierking said. “We’re at risk of losing that to corporations who are just going to chuck the profits back home to other states and pay them out to shareholders, wealthy CEOs and executives at the expense of these Colorado families.” | NO on 124
Proposition 125 | A ‘yes’ would allow grocery and convenience stores that already sell beer to be able to sell wine. “Colorado is known as one of the best alcohol markets of any of the states in the nation,” said Dierking of CBLA and Keeping Colorado Local. “We have one of the most robust craft industries. Every community has their own unique stores that are different. It’s not like every county you go to has the same stores. When you look at states that have gone to chain licensing in more of what the corporations want, you got a lot more homogeneity and uniformity. Every town you go to has the same stores. When you go from town to town you might see that the only liquor stores are Total Wine and More and it’s not like down in Pueblo there’s Big Bear, and in Colorado Springs there’s Cheers, and Denver has Argonaut, and Fort Collins has Wilbur’s. Everybody’s a little different and they’re all owned by families. Instead it might be that every community has the exact same store. Exactly the same selection, and we’re all owned by out of state corporations.” | Tentative Yes on 125
Proposition 126 | A ‘yes’ would allow alcohol takeout and delivery from bars and restaurants, which is currently set to be repealed in 2025 and also allow third party companies, like Doordash and Uber Eats, to deliver alcohol to customers. Third party entities would be able to deliver alcohol from establishments that have a liquor license. There would be no regulation mandating the third party delivery services to check for underaged alcohol purchases. “[Alcohol] is not like every other consumer product,” said Dierking of CLBA and Keeping Colorado Local. “It should be regulated. A lot of these big out of state corporations want deregulation because their corporate model makes more money when they don’t have to follow the rules. It really is about money. It’s about greed.” | NO on 126

Boulder County

Ordinance 8542 | Yes on 8542
Ordinance 8534 | NO on 8534
Ordinance 8539 | Yes on 8539
Ordinance 8540 | Yes on 8540
Ordinance 8546 | Yes on 8546

Louisville

The Louisville Fire Protection District Board of Directors election | Residents within the Fire District will receive a mail ballot election for its Board of Directors. The Fire District is a separate governmental entity from the City, which is not conducting the election. If you have questions, please contact the Louisville Fire District at 303.666.6595 or visit https://www.louisvillefire.com/about/contact/.

Erie

Ballot Question 3E | A resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Erie to submit a ballot question to possibly form a Home Rule Charter Commission to the Town’s Registered Electors at the November 8, 2022 Special Election, and list candidates for the Charter Commission. A ‘yes’ on Resolution No. 22-104 would mean that Erie would be governed based on a charter written by its residents as opposed to following the state’s statutes. This will mean that the community will be governed by its residents. | Yes on Resolution No. 22-104
- Candidates endorsed: Bob Braudes, Ken Martin, Ashraf Shaikh, Ben Hemphill, Adam Haid, Sarah Kornerly, Lisa Cunningham, Brian O’Connor and Chelsea Campbell

Full disclosure: YS’s publisher lives in Erie, CO and supports Home Rule. She is involved in supporting the Yes for Erie Home Rule Committee and feels these candidates have the best interest of Erieites in mind.

Ballot Question 3D | A ‘yes’ on Resolution 22-103 will extend funding to protecting natural areas along Coal Creek and Boulder Creek, conserving scenic landscapes, creating and enhancing hiking trails, protecting wildlife habitat, acquiring more natural areas, and maintaining trails. This resolution would not increase taxes. Funds would come from the existing Four Mill Property tax, which was approved by voters in 2004. This resolution would extend the tax until Dec. 31, 2024. The intended uses of the funds will include slightly broader intended uses than agreed upon in 2004. No more than four percent of revenue will be used on the administrative costs that come with the annual citizen advisory board and independent audit. | Yes on Resolution 22-103

Longmont

Amended by revising Sections 2.4, 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, 7.1, and 13.7 of the City Of Longmont Charter | A ‘yes’ on amending 2.4, 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, 7.1, and 13.7 on the City’s Home Rule Charter will remove outdated language and allow for modernization of how city business is conducted. | Yes on revising Sections 2.4, 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, 7.1, and 13.7 of the City Of Longmont Charter
Resolution R-2022 | A ‘yes’ on this resolution would allow City Of Longmont Revenue Bonds to fund St. Vrain project improvements. Without imposing new taxes or increasing existing taxes, the City would borrow up to $20,000,000 for the purpose of financing storm drainage system improvements, including improvements to the St. Vrain Creek drainageway from Sunset Street to Hover Street to protect downstream areas from future flooding. The proof of the borrowing would be through bonds, loan agreements, or other financial obligations payable solely from the City’s storm drainage enterprise revenues. | Yes on Resolution R-202

City of Boulder

Research on Boulder County and the City of Boulder Ballot issues provided by Shay Castle, endorsed by YS editorial board.

Ballot Issues 2A + 2B: Climate Tax and bonds | Yes on Resolution 2A & 2B

Together, these measures will combine two climate change-fighting taxes into one, increase them a bit and extend them to 2040 (2A). 2B will allow the city to borrow money against the revenue, so it can make large, upfront investments into things like infrastructure (think solar and other renewables, electric vehicles and/or chargers, microgrids, replacing natural gas systems in buildings with electric appliances, etc.).

Money from it will go toward efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deal with the impacts of climate change: flood, fires and other extreme weather, etc. Much of this work is ongoing; additional money will help pay for work to prevent and fight wildfires.

PROS

Urgent climate action is needed, and almost all of it costs money. The city is currently reducing emissions by about 1.3% per year, and will need to increase that to 5.88% to meet its climate goals.
The ability to borrow money against the tax will give the city a way to spend money upfront on bigger projects, something they can’t do with current climate taxes.
This tax also includes money for wildfire prevention and mitigation, another critical need that is expected to grow as the climate dries and warms.

CONS

This is a tax increase, and a big one for businesses. The tax is a charge on energy consumption: How much your bill will increase depends on how much electricity and/or natural gas you use, but the city calculated the following average rates and increases:
- Residential: $49.66/year (+ $6.71 / year, or 15.6%, over current CAP + UOT)
- Commercial: $487.37 (+ $194.95 or 66.7%)
- Industrial: $1,806.85 (+ $722.74 or 66.7%)

Ballot Question 2C: Repeal of Library Commission and Tax if Library District Created | Yes on Resolution 2C

This measure addresses language in Boulder’s charter related to the Library Commission, the group of residents city council appoints to “govern” the library. If a library district is created, the commission will no longer be needed — a district is its own government entity, and it will be governed by an appointed Board of Trustees, similar to RTD or school boards.

More importantly, 2C gives city council the authority to repeal a dedicated library tax of 0.333 mills that has helped fund the library since the early 1900s. It brings in about $1.4 million each year.

If voters approve the library district and associated property tax, this dedicated tax will no longer be necessary. 2C allows that tax to stop being collected, providing a bit of a tax break to property owners within the city of Boulder.

The passage of 2C is dependent on the passage of the library district measure. That is, if voters reject a library district and tax, 2C becomes null and void, regardless of how people vote on it.

PROS

If a library district is created, all the language in Boulder’s charter related to the library becomes pointless. This helps keep the charter clean, up to date and free of conflicts that could cause confusion or legal challenges.

CONS

There really aren’t any to this: It only matters if the library district is approved by voters.

Ballot Question 2D: Charter Clarification of Candidate Issues | Yes on Resolution 2D

This measure cleans up charter language related to the 2020 voter decision to directly elect Boulder’s mayor beginning in 2023.

It has four parts:

Prohibiting a candidate from running for council and mayor simultaneously
Allowing a sitting council member to run for mayor without resigning
Defining how vacancies are filled if a sitting council member wins the mayoral seat
Changing the swearing-in date for new council members

Let’s look at each issue separately:

Candidates may run for council or mayor, but not both

The rationale here is that it reduces conflicts in the event of a popular candidate winning the mayoral seat and a spot on city council. (Which would need its own set of rules: Do they take the mayoral seat or the council one? How do we fill either the council spot or mayoral seat they one in that case?)

The posts are essentially the same. Boulder’s mayor has no more powers than an ordinary council member, though s/he does have certain ceremonial and representative duties.

PROS

Reduces confusion for voters
Eliminates the possibility of a double win and attendant issues
Conforms with state law that prohibits candidates from seeking more than one office at the same time; kinda. It’s complicated. Additionally, Boulder is a home rule city, meaning it can (mostly) make its own election rules.

CONS

Some argue that this will reduce the number and quality of candidates, assuming most people would prefer a four-year seat to the mayor’s two-year term.

Council members can run for mayor

This is how things are done now, when council members choose the mayor themselves. This means that a council member could continue serving if they run for mayor and lose.

PROS

It helps keep experienced members on council and reduces turnover (which is hard for good governance).

CONS

Provides a bit of a safety net for elected officials and may result in them not being entirely focused on their jobs (as some have argued).

Filling vacancies

The way council fills vacancies now is to simply go down the ballot; the candidates with the most votes get those seats. If there are 5 seats, the top 5 vote-getters are elected — the top 4 to four-year terms, and the fifth to a two-year term. If there are 6 seats (as has happened in the past with resignations) the sixth-place candidate will fill whatever is left of that term.

2D would apply that process if/when a sitting council member is elected to mayor, filling their now-vacant seat with the fifth or sixth candidate in terms of votes.

Why you might want to vote for this

It’s the way things are done now, and honors the will of the voters (in that the most popular candidates will be elected).

Why you might not want to vote for this

Some have argued that if a sitting council member runs for mayor, then voters should be allowed to choose an additional candidate in case they win.

New swearing-in date

Newly elected council members currently take office the third Thursday of November. (It’s actually Tuesday, but council meetings recently moved to Thursdays, so this would also change charter language to reflect that.)

The problem? Election results aren’t official by that point. It hasn’t been a problem; the results are typically pretty clear. But this would ensure that newly elected officials don’t take office until the first Thursday in December — after the results are certified.

PROS

See above.

CONS

There really aren’t any, as the date for swearing in is only one week later (the last Thursday in November being the Thanksgiving holiday, there are no meetings)

Ballot Question 2E: Change Regular Municipal Election to Even Years | Yes on Resolution 2E

Boulder’s city council is currently elected in odd-year elections (2019, 2021, etc.) This would move city council elections to even years — when far more people vote.

On average, 30,000 more people vote in even years than odd. Even when looking solely at local ballot measures, 17,000 more people, on average, have voted for the down-ballot local measures on even years over the past decade.

While ballot drop off doubles in even years (to 8%, on average), the loss in voters is not enough to offset the gain by moving away from odd years.

Studies of moving local elections to even years in other jurisdictions (primarily California) show that even-year elections bring a greater diversity of voters. That is reflected in the candidates they represent.

However, studies also suggest this effect is limited in majority-white places like Boulder. Turnout is still more diverse in even years, but gains are not as great as in cities with more diverse populations.

PROS

More people voting
More diverse voters
More representative government
Demonstrable ballot drop-off offset by overall gains

CONS

This may exacerbate decreases in voter turnout on odd years and create “orphan” elections such as school board races.
It could also strengthen the dominance of interest groups in odd years for whatever elections remain — the fewer the voters, the more power these groups have.

Ballot Question 2F: Repeal of Ordinance 8483, regarding the annexation of CU South

This would undo the city’s annexation of the land known as CU South, 308 acres south of the city (along U.S. 36) owned by the University of Colorado. (Annexation = officially adding the land to city limits, which provides access to city services such as water and sewer.)

The land is owned by the University of Colorado, who plans to build a southern campus there. In exchange for annexation, CU is donating land for Boulder for flood protection.

This spot was identified as the most optimal by a 2015 study of South Boulder Creek, given the number of homes and businesses downstream and the waterway’s history of flooding.

The annexation agreement includes much more, including limits to the amount of housing and traffic the campus can generate, plans to donate and sell open space to Boulder, requirements for affordable housing and options for Boulder to buy the land should CU choose to sell and not develop.

Ordinance 8483 was passed by a 6-1 vote of city council in September 2021, approving the annexation.

PROS

If you are opposed to development at CU South, this would likely delay that by many years. It probably won’t stop indefinitely.
There is an agreement that surrounding towns (Louisville, Lafayette, Superior) won’t annex the land into their boundaries, but that expires in 2029. Even if it remains unincorporated, some building can occur there (a handful of very large homes).

CONS

A yes vote on 2F would delay flood protection for for several years. Boulder does not own the land; CU does, and as a state government entity, it outranks Boulder (making condemnation unlikely if not impossible).
There is no backup plan for flood mitigation; 2,300 downstream residents would be left unprotected. The process that identified this as the best site was completed in 2015. All the work that has occurred since then — preliminary design, studies, consultations with permitting agencies — would have to be repeated once a new site was selected.
Boulder would also lose the other benefits of the annexation agreement, including donated open space and plans for wetlands restoration.

Boulder County

Research on Boulder County and the City of Boulder Ballot issues provided by Shay Castle, endorsed by YS editorial board.

1A: Countywide Wildfire Mitigation Sales and Use Tax and Revenue Change | Yes on Resolution 1A

This would create a new sales tax to fund wildfire prevention and response, through four primary focus areas:

(a) Strategic forest and grassland management projects;
(b) Community partnerships and programs to help residents prepare for wildfires, create defensible space around homes, make homes more fire resistant, and provide technical assistance and rebates to homeowners;
(c) Fire mitigation staffing; and
(d) Other projects and services to proactively address the increasing risk of climate-driven wildfires.

Community partnerships refers to an expansion of the Wildfire Partners program into the eastern part of the county. The program provides assessments, recommendations and certification for fire mitigation at private properties.

The sales tax is 0.1%, equal to 1 cent for every $10 purchase.

PROS

The county doesn’t have a dedicated source of funding for fire, despite the widespread and increasing risk. This would provide one, and in perpetuity. That’s appropriate, given that the threat of fire is not one that expires.
Expanding wildfire programs into the eastern plains makes sense. The Marshall Fire showed how vulnerable everyone in the country can be, regardless of location.

CONS

It is a tax increase, to be charged in perpetuity.
Sales tax is regressive (meaning low-earning people pay a greater percentage of the income, on necessities like food and clothes).
There are other sources of funding for wildfire, including another county tax (1B) and state and federal funds. However, it’s worth noting that local officials say this won’t be enough, and that local money is necessary to apply for state and federal grants.

1B: Emergency Services Sales and Use Tax and Revenue Change | Yes on Resolution 1B

This would create a new sales tax to pay for emergency services (ambulances, fire response and open space search-and-rescue teams) in areas of Boulder County not already served by various cities.

This money will be used to supplement all the aforementioned emergency services with additional staff and equipment, including:

Extended contracts of currently part-time, seasonal wildland firefighters
Funding first responder training
Providing multilingual dispatch services
Purchasing radios and other communication equipment, vehicles and personal safety gear
Supplementing funding for mountain and rural fire districts

Funds will also provide staffing and shuttle services to address congestion and traffic concerns at trailheads.

It includes beefing up search-and-rescue resources. Boulder County contracts for these with volunteer organizations Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (primary contractor), Boulder Emergency Squad, Front Range Rescue Dogs, and Mounted Search and Rescue, which provides horseback searchers and assists with large animal evacuations.

Of this tax’s initial revenue, ~$17 million will help build a (county-owned) facility for Rocky Mountain Rescue Group to use as a home base for equipment maintenance and testing, outdoor safety education, meeting space, sleeping quarters for out-of-town responders assisting with large missions, and storage space for county and RMRG equipment.

The tax would be 0.1%, or 1 cent on every $10 purchase, declining to half a cent for every $10 after the first five years.

PROS

There is no dedicated tax for emergency services or search and rescue. Paying for these services in rural areas is difficult owing to the low number of property owners to contribute taxes.
Coverage has typically been provided by contracts with units serving nearby cities. As those cities shift services in-house, towns like Lyons and Hygiene are uncovered by ambulances.
Demand for search and rescue operations has increased along with visitation to open space. Their current headquarters is inadequate for current needs, and equipment stored outside has been stolen. The county will maintain ownership of the facility, providing flexibility for future uses.

CONS

This is a tax increase, one that will be paid in perpetuity. It’s also a sales tax, which is regressive.
In this case, however, a sales tax might actually be more equitable given that, unlike property tax, it is also paid by visitors and non-residents — including many users of open space. This does mean property owners in rural areas will be paying twice (in property tax and sales tax) but they will get more services in return.

1C: Transportation Sales and Use Tax Extension and Revenue | Yes on Resolution 1C

This is an extension of an existing tax, one that funds transportation programs and services. The 0.1% sales tax (a penny on every $10 purchase) raises $11 million per year.

The tax expires in 2024; 1C would extend it in perpetuity.

PROS

This is not a tax increase — you’re already paying it.
The tax is the only source of funding for any improvements to or construction of new facilities, including roads, bridges, pedestrian underpasses, sidewalks, multi-use paths, new road shoulders or transit routes.
The first 15 years of revenue will go to:
- 55% Roadway safety and resilience (Road shoulders, flood resilience and creek restoration, intersection safety, mountain road repair)
- 15% Regional trails and and commuter bikeways (Recreational trails connecting Longmont, Boulder, Superior, Louisville, Erie, Lyons and Nederland; bikeways along major corridors; multi-use paths connecting neighborhoods)
- 15% Transit service and programs (Fixed route and on-demand transit services from Boulder to Lyons, Gold Hill, Fort Collins and throughout Boulder County)
- 10% Regional corridors (Multimodal travel improvements connecting communities, including transit, bike and pedestrian facilities, and safety)
- 5% Community mobility programs (Services for vulnerable and underserved populations of all ages and abilities, including education and support programs)

CONS

There aren’t really cons to this measure. There is more transportation money floating around than usual, but as mentioned above, having a source of local revenue will help secure federal and state grants.
It does extend the tax forever (unless repealed by voters), but transportation is an ongoing need.

Special districts

6C – Library district | Yes on Resolution 6C

The Boulder Public Library is currently the responsibility of the City of Boulder. This would create a library district — a separate government entity similar to RTD or school districts — whose sole purpose is to run the area’s libraries. It would be funded by a property tax.

The property tax will be 3.5 mills for a large part of Boulder County. For residents within the city of Boulder, it will be 3.167 mills, once a 0.333-mill dedicated library tax is repealed. (That’s measure 2C on City of Boulder ballots.)

The city has developed a searchable map so property owners can see how much their property taxes will increase (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8f0fafc66c7f4d0e9aba1084e37de9b7) but generally it’s $230 per year for a $1 million home outside the city of Boulder, or $208 for one inside the city (again, assuming the repeal of the current dedicated library tax).

Commercial properties will pay more, due to the Gallagher Amendment: $976 per year for every $1 million of commercial property outside the city of Boulder, and $884 per million inside.

Of note: This is on the assessed value of a home — that is, the taxable value — not the market value, or what it could sell for.

Also similar to RTD or schools, the library district will be governed by a five- to seven-member board of trustees appointed by Boulder City Council and Boulder County commissioners.

PROS

The library is underfunded according to several measures Patronage has increased while staff has decreased. The library was particularly hard-hit during pandemic-related budget cuts, and has still not recovered completely. Private nonprofit Library Foundation — not the city — pays for 90% of the library’s programs, and even covered staff salaries during COVID.
All locations are operating at reduced hours, the Carnegie Library for Local History is still open by appointment only, there is very little programming at the Canyon Theater and the makerspace is open only 2.5 days per week. There is also a more than $3 million maintenance backlog, for things like leaky roofs and outdated HVAC systems.
A library district was identified as the best way to fund the library by multiple library commissions (the city-appointed group that helps govern the library) and recommended in the 2018 library master plan.
That’s in part due to the stability of property tax revenue, which has increased exponentially along with property values in Boulder County. Most of the library’s budget today is funded by sales tax, which fluctuates along with economic health.

CONS

This is a sizeable tax increase, one of several taxes on this year’s ballot. The cost is particularly steep for businesses, which is part of why the Boulder Chamber is opposing the district.
It also creates a new government entity, though their powers are fairly limited to running the library and asking voters for money.

5A – BVSD bonds | Yes on Resolution 5A

This would increase taxes to Boulder Valley School District by $32 million per year and allow them to borrow $350 million, primarily to repair buildings and other facilities (like playgrounds). It would also pay for two new school buildings: A replacement for Vista High School and a new elementary school in Erie.

Lastly, it would expand BVSD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) job training programs.

Taxes would increase by about $120 per year for a home worth $600,000 and $840 per year for a commercial property worth $1 million.

PROS

Many of the district’s buildings are old and in need of upgrading or replacement. Vista High School, for instance, is 70 years old.
Additionally, BVSD’s sole Erie elementary school is already over-capacity. Given the planned housing development in the area, population (and enrollment) will likely continue to increase.

CONS

This is a sizeable tax increase, and comes not too long after voters passed the largest-ever school district bond measure for BVSD in 2014: $576.5 million for some of the very same issues voters are being asked to fund today.
Quoting from a Daily Camera article at the time: building New Vista High School, constructing a new school to relieve overcrowding in Erie and money to support CTE. It also comes at a time of declining enrollment in the western part of the district.

The post 2022 Election Guide appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Winter Camp Directory 2022

Weston Martellaro — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:00:08 +0000

General Interest/Recreation

Boulder Parks and Recreation – School Day Off
Email: langerakm@bouldercolorado.gov
Phone: 303-253-4271
Website: bouldercolorado.gov/services/youth-camps

BVSD School – Day Off and Holiday Classes
Email: anthia.munoz@colorado.edu
Phone: 303-735-8422
Website: colorado.edu/sciencediscovery/programs/bvsd-school-day-and-holiday-classes

Jewish Community Center
Email: Teen – tzuria.malpica@boulderjcc.org; Elementary School – julia.paeglis@boulderjcc.org
Phone: 303-998-1900
Website: boulderjcc.org

Lafayette School’s Out Camps
Email: becca.mack@cityoflafayette.com
Phone: 303-665-0469
Website: lafayetteco.gov/1950/Schools-Out-camps

Lifelong Learning – BVSD, Superior
Email: lifelong.learning@bvsd.org
Phone: 720-561-5968
Website: bouldervalley.augusoft.net

Town Of Erie – Activities and Programs
Email: geninterest@erieco.gov
Phone: 303-926-2797
Website: erieco.gov/220/General-Interest-Programs

Winter Kids Camps and Classes – Longmont Museum and Cultural Center
Phone: 303-651-8374
Website: longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-e-m/museum/education/summer-camps

YMCA of North Colorado – School Day Off Camps
Email: afterschool@ymcanoco.org
Phone: Mapleton – 303-442-2778; Arapahoe – 303-664-5455
Website: ymcanoco.org/summer-camps/boulder-valley-camps

Nature & Science Camps

Winter Break Camp – Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Email: camps@dmns.org
Phone: 303-307-6000
Website: dmns.org/learn/onsite-at-the-museum/overnight-adventures/school-ca mp-in-best-of-the-museum

Winter Safari Camp – Denver Zoo, Denver
Email: safaricamps@denverzoo.org
Phone: 720-337-1400
Website: denverzoo.org/winter-safari-3

Climbing

ABC Kids Climbing – Holiday Camps, Boulder
Email: info@abckidsclimbing.com
Phone: 303-443-5437
Website: abckidsboulder.com/school-holiday-camps

Boulder Rock Club – Camp, Boulder
Email: frontdesk@boulderrockclub.com
Phone: 303-447-2804
Website: boulderrockclub.com/programs/youth/day-off-school-camps

Gymnastics/Martial Arts

Airborne Gymnastics – Longmont
Email: frontdesk@airbornegym.com
Phone: 303-684-3717
Website: airbornegym.com/camps

Easton Training Center – Boulder
Email: boulder@eastontc.com
Phone: 303-938-1275
Website: eastonbjj.com/boulder/schedule

Mountain Kids Gymnastics and Movement – Louisville
Email: fun@mountainkidslouisville.com
Phone: 303-720-7617
Website: mountainkidslouisville.com/events

Role Playing/Adventure/Dramatic Arts

Renaissance Adventures – Boulder
Email: info@renaissanceadventures.com
Phone number: 303-786-9216
Website: renaissanceadventures.com/registration

Rocky Mountain Theater For Kids – Classes Only, Boulder
Email: info@theaterforkids.com
Phone: 303-245-8150
Website: theaterforkids.net/fall_classes

Sewing

Common Threads Boutique – Camp, Boulder
Email: boulder@shopcommonthreads.com
Phone: 303-449-5431
Website: shopcommonthreads.com/schedule/school-day-off-camp-oct-11

Soccer

Boulder Indoor Soccer – Winter, Boulder
Email: info@boulderindoorsoccer.com
Phone: 303-440-0809
Website: boulderindoorsoccer.com/camps-clinics/holiday-clinics

FC Boulder – Lafayette
Email: questions@bcunited.com
Phone: 303-443-8877
Website: bouldercountyunited.com

Rapids Youth Soccer
Email: info@rapidsyouthsoccer.com
Website: rapidsyouthsoccer.org/soccer-camps

Creative/Food/Art

Food Lab – Boulder
Email: becca@foodlabboulder.com
Phone: 303-952-8364
Website: foodlabboulder.com/kids-day-off-school-workshops

Kid Create Studio – Broomfield
Email: broomfieldco@kidcreatestudio.com
Phone: 303-578-8060
Website: kidcreate.com/broomfield/classes/camps

Tinker Studio – Day Off and Holiday Camps, Boulder
Email: tinker@tinkerartstudio.com
Phone: 303-503-1902
Website: tinkerartstudio.com/holiday-camps-21

The post Winter Camp Directory 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

YS Back to School Directory 2022

Associate Editor — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 23:00:03 +0000

We’re online! There was just too many things we wanted to fit in print. Check out all of these places where you and your child can learn.

Schools

Art Schools

Burrell Arts Campus
K-8: 303-340-0770, 875 Peoria St., Aurora
HS: 303-340-1600, 11700 E. 11th Ave., Aurora
burrellarts.aurorak12.org

Parlando School for the Arts
303-442-0006, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
parlando.org

Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design
303-753-6046, 1600 Pierce St., Denver
rmcad.edu

Tara Performing Arts High School
303-440-4510, 4180 19th St., Boulder
tarahighschool.org

Charter Schools

The Academy School
Main Campus: 303-289-8088, 11800 Lowell Blvd., Westminster
North Campus: 303-289-8088, 12161 Park Centre Drive 80234, Westminster
theacademyk12.org

Aspen Ridge Preparatory School
720-242-6225, 705 Austin Ave., Erie
aspenridgeprepschool.org

Boulder Preparatory High School
303-545-6186, 5075 Chaparral Court, #1, Boulder
boulderprep.org

Jefferson Academy
Elementary School: 303-438-1011, 9955 Yarrow St., Broomfield
jeffcojeffersonacademyes.ss12.sharpschool.com
Secondary School: 720-887-1992, 11251 Reed Way, Broomfield
jeffersonacademysecondary.jeffcopublicschools.org

Justice High School
720-328-4864, 805 Excalibur St., Lafayette
justicehigh.org

Peak to Peak Charter School
303-453-4600, 800 Merlin Drive, Lafayette
peaktopeak.org

Pinnacle Charter School
K-8: 303-450-3985, 1001 W. 84th Ave., Federal Heights
High School: 303-412-2940, 8412 Huron St., Thornton
pinnaclecharterschool.org

Prospect Ridge Academy
K-8: 720-399-0300, 2555 Preble Creek Parkway, Broomfield
High School: 720-723-2100, 2555 Preble Creek Parkway, Broomfield
prospectridgeacademy.org

Ricardo Flores Magón Academy
303-412-7610, 5330 Meade St., Denver
magonacademy.org

Stargate Charter School
303-450-3936, 14530 Washington St., Thornton
stargateschool.org

The Summit Academy
303-438-6985, 7575 W. 103rd Ave., Westminster
thesummitacademy.org

Twin Peaks Classical Academy
303-772-7286, 340 S. Sunset St., Longmont
twinpeaksclassical.org

Two Roads Charter School
Arvada Campus: 303-423-3377, 6980 Pierce St., Arvada
Littleton Campus: 720-425-6163, WaterStone Community Church, 5890 S. Alkire St., Littleton
tworoads.jeffcopublicschools.org

Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools

Aims Community College
Greeley Campus: 970-330-8008, 5401 W. 20th St., Greeley
Fort Lupton Campus: 303-857-4022, 260 College Ave., Fort Lupton
Loveland Campus: 970-667-4611, 104 E. Fourth St., Loveland
Windsor Campus: 970-339-6610, 1120 Southgate Drive, Windsor
aims.edu

American Real Estate College
303-422-2220, 4704 N. Harlan St., #520, Denver
americanrealestatecollege.com

Ann Rose School of Nursing Arts, Inc.
303-650-2994, 7280 Irving St., Ste B-205, Westminster
annroseschoolofnursingarts.com

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
877-249-0305, 637 S. Broadway St., Suite H, Boulder
escoffier.edu

Colorado Christian University
303-963-3000, 8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood
ccu.edu

Colorado Mesa University
970-248-1020, 1100 N. Ave., Grand Junction
coloradomesa.edu

Colorado Mountain College
970-945-8691, 802 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs
coloradomtn.edu

Colorado School of Mines
303-273-3000, 1500 Illinois St., Golden
mines.edu

Colorado State University
Fort Collins Campus: 970-491-6444, 2545 Research Blvd., Fort Collins
Pueblo Campus: 719-549-2100, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo
colostate.edu

Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs Campus: 855-230-0555, 1575 Garden of the Gods Rd Suite 100, Colorado Springs
Denver South Campus: 303-632-2300, 3151 S. Vaughn Way, Aurora
coloradotech.edu

Elevate Salon Institute Westminster
720-243-2962, 6775 W. 88th Ave., Westminster
esiwestminster.com

Front Range Community College
Boulder County Campus: 303-678-3722, 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont
Larimer Campus: 970-226-2500, 4616 S. Shields St., Fort Collins
Westminster Campus: 303-404-5000, 3645 W. 112th Ave., Westminster
frontrange.edu

Metro State University
303-556-5740, 890 Auraria Parkway, #310, Denver
msudenver.edu

Naropa University
800-772-6951, 2130 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder
naropa.edu

Red Rocks Community College
Arvada Campus: 303-914-6010, 10280 W. 55th Ave., Arvada
Lakewood Campus: 303-914-6600, 13300 W. 6th Ave., Lakewood
rrcc.edu

Regis University
800-388-2366, 3333 Regis Blvd., Denver
regis.edu

University of Colorado
Boulder Campus: 303-492-6301, 65 UCB, Boulder
CU Anschutz Medical Campus: 303-724-5000, 13001 E. 17th Place, Aurora
Colorado Springs Campus: 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs
Denver Campus: 303-315-5969, 1201 Larimer St., Denver
colorado.edu

Continuing Education CU
303-492-5148, 1505 University Ave., 178 UCB, Boulder
ce.colorado.edu

University of Denver
303-871-2036, 2199 S. University Blvd., Denver
du.edu

University of Northern Colorado
970-351-1890, 501 20th St., Greeley
unco.edu

Daycare/Preschools

Acorn School for Early Childhood Development
303-938-8233, 2845 Wilderness Place, Boulder
theacornschool.org

Active Boulder Kids Preschool Louisville
303-665-9669, 1970 Centennial Drive, Louisville
activelouisvillekids.com

Alaya Preschool
303-449-5248, 3340 19th St., Boulder
alayapreschool.org

Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten
303-466-1719, 545 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield
appletreebroomfield.org

Bal Swan Children’s Center
303-466-6308, 1145 E. 13th Ave., Broomfield
balswan.org

Boulder Day Nursery
303-442-7605, 1518 Spruce St., Boulder
bdnschool.org

Bright Horizons
Louisville: 303-665-5511, 1818 Centennial Drive, Louisville
East Longmont: 303-834-3665, 919 Deerwood Drive, Longmont
Westminster: 303-213-9615, 11305 Decatur St., Westminster
Denver: 720-590-4498, 1050 17th St., Suite 201-B, Denver
Loveland: 970-461-9802, 2420 W. 8th St., Loveland
Lakewood: 720-258-4210, Denver Federal Center, Building 64, Denver
Broomfield: 720-274-7992, 575 Eldorado Blvd., Broomfield
East Fort Collins: 970-484-4700, 2815 Iowa Drive, Fort Collins
West Fort Collins: 970-229-0300, 3513 Richmond Drive, Fort Collins
Greenwood Village: 720-274-8134, 6560 S. Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Suite 20, Greenwood Village
Englewood: 720-274-8086, 5889 S. Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Suite 100, Plaza W., Englewood
brighthorizons.com

Cadence Academy
Broomfield: 720-893-5681, 900 E. First Ave., Broomfield
Centennial: 720-223-0235, 9064 E. Mineral Circle, Centennial
Columbine: 303-647-4215, 6768 W. Ottawa Ave., Littleton
Ken Caryl: 720-893-5680, 12633 W. Indore Place, Littleton
Smoky Hill: 303-835-3467, 5637 S. Himalaya St., Aurora
cadence-education.com

Children’s Garden Learning Center
303-466-8801, 7085 W. 119th Place, Broomfield
childrensgardenlc.com

Children’s House Preschool
303-444-6432, 3370 Iris Walk Court, Boulder
childrenshousepreschool.org

A Child’s Touch
303-286-8460, 9141 Poze Blvd., Thornton
achildstouch.com

Cornerstone Preschool
303-776-3290, 1000 15th Ave., Longmont
bethlehem-lutheran.net/faith-formation/cornerstone-preschool.html

Cottage School
303-546-6814, 1301 North St., Boulder
cottageschoolsco.com

Cradle to Crayons Learning Center
303-216-1910, 1921 Youngfield St., Golden
goldenchildcare.com

Dream Makers Preschool
720-274-0101, 1345 28th St., Boulder
dreammakerspreschool.com

Exploring Minds Academy for Learning
303-828-3452, 4051 NE County Line Rd., Erie
exploringmindsacademy.com

The Family Learning Center
303-442-8979, 3164 34th St., Boulder
flcboulder.org

Goddard School
Arvada: 303-423-1869, 14679 W. 87th Parkway, Arvada
Arvada (Ward Road): 720-779-3222, 12720 W. 54th Drive, Arvada
Aurora: 303-693-1700, 21805 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora
Aurora (South): 303-693-3100, 23905 E. Arapahoe Rd., Aurora
Castle Rock: 303-660-9992, 4340 Woodlands Blvd., Castle Rock
Centennial: 303-738-5922, 6477 S. Lima St., Centennial
Colorado Springs: 719-495-4432, 8560 Scarborough Drive, Colorado Springs
Denver: 303-722-2336, 1400 S. Emerson St., Denver
Denver (City Park West): 303-355-0982, 1733 Vine St., Denver
Denver (Highlands): 303-800-0225, 3914 King St., Denver
Denver (Park Hill): 720-543-9797, 1501 N. Locust St., Denver
Erie: 303-828-5202, 3000 Village Vista Drive, Erie
Fort Collins: 970-482-1003, 6427 Carmichael St., Fort Collins
Highlands Ranch: 303-470-9899, 1101 Sgt. Jon Stiles Drive, Highlands Ranch
Lakewood: 303-237-4558, 12850 W. Alameda Parkway, Lakewood
Littleton: 303-932-7499, 8010 Shaffer Parkway, Littleton
Longmont: 303-772-3501, 1095 Olympia Ave., Longmont
Louisville: 720-739-1938, 380 Centennial Parkway, Louisville
Meridian: 303-708-1838, 12700 Lynnfield Drive, Englewood
Northfield: 720-943-0672, 4901 N. Wabash St., Denver
Orchard Park Place: 303-469-4998, 14325 Orchard Parkway, Westminster
Parker: 303-805-1700, 11450 S. Pine Drive, Parker
Reunion: 303-222-0994, 15320 E. 103rd Pl., Commerce City
Thornton: 303-254-4144, 4203 E. 136th Ave., Thornton
Westminster: 303-635-1790, 4147 Main St., Westminster
goddardschool.com

Growing Minds Learning Center
303-530-1820, 6525 Gunpark Drive, Boulder
growingmindsco.com

Harmony Preschool
303-444-8452, 3990 15th St., Boulder
harmony-preschool.com

Here We Grow
720-600-5927, 630 15th Ave., Suite #105, Longmont
hwgchildcare.com

Jeanne’s Sunshine Preschool
720-339-3198, 11307 Billings Ave., Lafayette
jeannessunshinepreschool.weebly.com

Jefferson Street Preschool
303-666-6080, 733 Jefferson Ave., Louisville
jeffersonstreetpreschool.com

Kiddie Academy
Aurora: 303-529-1605, 21950 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora
Columbine: 720-826-8268, 6650 W. Ken Caryl Ave., Littleton
Erie: 303-828-1030, 641 Mitchell Way, Erie
Denver: 720-702-0222, 7100 E. 1st Ave., Denver
Lone Tree: 720-805-3500, 10344 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree
kiddieacademy.com

Kindercare
Arvada West: (303) -422-9232, 6255 Simms St., Arvada
Arvada West Woods: (303) -432-9445, 14449 W 63rd Pl., Arvada
Boulder: (303) -443-5595, 3050 34th St., Boulder
Broomfield: (303) -439-9110, 1045 Opal St., Broomfield
Longmont: (303) -651-1008, 851 Crisman Drive, Longmont
Louisville: (303) -666-9999, 107 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
Thornton: (303) -451-5210, 4200 E 128th Ave., Thornton
Westminster: (303) -469-8503, 7395 Church Ranch Blvd., Westminster
kindercare.com

La Petite Academy
Broomfield: 844-516-0341, 13009 Westlake Drive, Broomfield
Lakewood: 844-516-0341, 348 S. Owens, Lakewood
Louisville: 844-516-0341, 380 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
Thornton: 844-516-0341, 3900 E. 124th Ave., Thornton
Westminster: 844-516-0341, 11180 Eaton St., Westminster
lapetite.com

Larks Preschool
303-778-9988, 730 S Logan St., Denver
larkspreschool.com

Little People’s Landing Learning Center
Arvada: 303-422-9157, 7885 Allison Way, Arvada
Fort Collins: 970-266-1230, 4525 Boardwalk, Building T, Fort Collins
Highlands Ranch: 720-344-1804, 122 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch
Littleton: 303-973-1926, 8305 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton
Louisville: 303-604-4440, 215 Century Circle, Louisville
Loveland: 970-225-2936, 6606 Avondale Road, Fort Collins
Parker: 303-841-4313, 16808 Village Center Drive, Parker
Roxborough: 303-794-6858, 10127 Waterton Road, Roxborough
littlepeopleslanding.com

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool
Broomfield: 303-457-1477, 3555 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield
Colorado Springs: 719-576-9789, 1245 Tenderfoot Hill Road, Colorado Springs
Littleton: 303-973-8589, 4780 W. Mineral Ave., Littleton
Parker: 303-226-4201, 17033 Cedar Gulch Parkway, Parker
littlesunshine.com

Louisville Montessori School Inc.
303-665-2002, 461 Tyler Ave., Louisville
louisvillemontessorischool.net

Mapleton Early Childhood Center
720-561-6200, 840 Mapleton Ave., Boulder
mpe.bvsd.org

McGregor’s Garden Preschool
303-499-9341, 3535 Eastman Ave., Boulder

Meadowlark Preschool
303-499-2646, 2650 Table Mesa Drive., Boulder
preschoolboulder.com

Mountain View Preschool
303-494-3557, 355 Ponca Pl., Boulder
mvpreschool.com

Mt. Hope Lutheran Preschool
303-499-9800, 1345 S. Broadway St., Boulder
mthopeboulder.org/index.html

My Second Home
Oldtown Louisville: 303-664-1098, 300 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette
Waneka Lake Louisville: 303-665-0235, 1321 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette
mysecondhomeco.com

Primrose School
Bear Creek: 303-716-7147, 3395 S. Kipling Parkway, Lakewood
Candelas: 720-621-2000, 9179 Kendrick St., Arvada
Centennial: 720-488-7400, 13331 E. Euclid Place, Arapahoe Road and Potomac, Centennial
Colorado Station: 303-757-7727, 4300 E. Warren Ave., Denver
Denver Central Park: 303-322-7200, 2501 Syracuse St., Denver
Denver North: 720-405-5150, 9954 E. 59th Ave., Denver
Erie: 303-665-3444, 2998 Ridge View Dr, Erie
Flatirons: 303-469-8000, 1680 Coalton Road, Superior
Fort Collins: 970-689-3811, 2117 Bighorn Drive, Fort Collins
Highlands Ranch Business Park: 303-346-4800, 9055 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch
Ken Caryl: 720-981-2988, 6060 S. DeVinney Way, Littleton
Lafayette: 303-665-4769, 411 Homestead St., Lafayette
Littleton: 303-795-6555, 7991 Southpark Way, Littleton
Lone Tree: 303-792-9234, 9200 Teddy Lane, Lone Tree
Longmont: 303-774-1919, 1335 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont
Lowry: 303-341-7000, 150 Spruce St., Denver
Parker: 303-840-5300, 18692 Pony Express Drive, Parker
Reunion: 303-637-9999, 17050 E. 103rd Ave., Commerce City
Saddle Rock: (303) -766-7859, 5950 S. Gun Club Road, Aurora
Shadow Canyon: 720-200-9388, 4105 Siskin Ave., Highlands Ranch
Standley Lake: 303-650-5437, 8430 Church Ranch Blvd., Westminster
Sterling Ranch: 303-319-6377, 8159 Piney River Ave., Littleton
Tallgrass: 303-699-8001, 21537 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora
Thornton: 303-279-0525, 12899 Grant Drive., Thornton
Torrey Peaks: 303-246-4203, 5483 W. 118th Pl.ace, Westminster
West Woods: 303-431-5437, 16395 W. 64th Ave., Arvada
primroseschools.com

Promise Christian Preschool
303-666-9874, ?270 76th St., Boulder
promisechristianpreschool.org

Rainbow Child Care
303-499-3038, 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder
boulderrainbow.com

Snowlions School
720-564-0456, 2580 Iris Ave., Boulder
snowlionschool.org

Spark Discovery Preschool
720-652-7906, 555 8th St., Frederick
sdpk.svvsd.org

St. John’s Early Learning Center
303-733-3777, 700 S. Franklin St., Denver
sjdenver.org/elc

Sunflower Preschool
303-494-2012, 3340 Dartmouth, Boulder
sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com

Sunset Academy Daycare
303-651-6600, 711 S. Sunset St., Longmont
sunsetacademy.com

Sunshine House
Colorado Springs: 719-573-6910, 6910 Wills Drive, Colorado Springs
Fort Collins at Bucking Horse: 970-235-1236, 2482 Miles House Ave., Fort Collins
Fort Collins at CSU Campus: 970-493-4337, 2060 Perennial Lane, Fort Collins
Fort Collins at CSU West Campus: 970-480-5990, 1080 W. Lake St., Fort Collins
Greeley: 970-353-4183, 2101 16th St., Greeley
Loveland at Centerra: 970-635-0111, 1801 Piney River Drive, Loveland
Loveland at 18th St.: 970-820-4075, 1703 E. 18th St., Loveland
sunshinehouse.com

Take a Break
303-665-9741, 408 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette
takeabreakchildren.com

The Academy Early Childhood Education
Arvada: 720-797-0375, 6412 Fig St., Arvada
Westminster: 720-844-8343, 5170 W. 113th Ave, Westminster
theacademyece.com

TLC Learning Center
303-776-7417, 611 Korte Parkway., Longmont
learningwithtlc.org

Treehouse Learning
303-666-1950, 175 N. 96th St., Louisville
treehouselearning.com

Wee School Preschool
303-828-2939, 690 Briggs St., Erie
weeschoolpreschool.com

Wooden Shoe Preschool & Kindergarten
303-422-6195, 9180 Yarrow St., Westminster
woodenshoe-childcare.com

Districts

Boulder Valley School District (BVSD)
303-447-1010, 6500 Arapahoe Road, Boulder
bvsd.org

St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD)
303-776-6200, 395 S. Pratt Parkway., Longmont
stvrain.k12.co.us

K-12 Schools

Alicia Sanchez Elementary School
720-561-7300, 655 Sir Galahad Drive, Lafayette
sae.bvsd.org

Alpine Elementary
720-652-8140, 2005 Alpine St., Longmont
aes.svvsd.org

Altona Middle
720-494-3980, 4600 Clover Basin Drive., Longmont
ams.svvsd.org

Aspen Creek K-8
720-561-8000, 5500 Aspen Creek Drive., Broomfield
ac8.bvsd.org

Bear Creek Elementary
720-561-3500, 2500 Table Mesa Drive., Boulder
bce.bvsd.org

Birch Elementary
720-561-8800, 1035 Birch St., Broomfield
bie.bvsd.org

Black Rock Elementary
720-890-3995, 2000 Mountain View Blvd., Erie
bres.svvsd.org

Blue Mountain
720-652-8235, 1260 Mountain Drive., Longmont
bmes.svvsd.org

Boulder Community School of Integrated Studies (BCSIS)
720-561-6500, 3995 Aurora Ave., Boulder
bcsis.bvsd.org

Boulder Universal Online School
720- 561-5500, 6600 E. Arapahoe Rd., Boulder
bu.bvsd.org

Broomfield Heights Middle
720-561-8400, 1555 Daphne St., Broomfield
bhm.bvsd.org

Burlington Elementary
303-776-8861, 1051 S. Pratt Parkway., Longmont
bes.svvsd.org

Career Development Center
303-772-3333, 1200 S. Sunset St., Longmont
cdc.svvsd.org

Centennial Middle
720-561-5441, 2205 Norwood Ave., Boulder
cem.bvsd.org

Centaurus High School
720-561-7500, 10300 S. Boulder Road, Lafayette
ceh.bvsd.org

Central Elementary
303-776-3236, 1020 Fourth Ave., Longmont
centrales.svvsd.org

Coal Creek Elementary
720-561-4500, 801 W. Tamarisk St., Louisville
cce.bvsd.org

Coal Ridge Middle
303-833-4176, 6201 Booth Drive., Longmont
crms.svvsd.org

Community Montessori
720-561-3700, 805 Gillaspie Drive, Boulder
cme.bvsd.org

Creekside Elementary
720-561-3800, 3740 Martin Drive, Boulder
cre.bvsd.org

Crest View Elementary
720-561-5461, 1897 Sumac Ave., Boulder
cve.bvsd.org

Douglass Elementary
720-561-5541, 840 75th St., Boulder
doe.bvsd.org

Eagle Crest Elementary
303-485-6073, 4444 Clover Basin Drive, Longmont
eces.svvsd.org

Eisenhower Elementary School
720-561-6700, 1220 Eisenhower Drive, Boulder
eie.bvsd.org

Emerald Elementary
720-561-8500, 275 Emerald St., Broomfield
eme.bvsd.org

Erie Elementary
303-828-3395, 4137 E. County Line Rd., Erie
ees.svvsd.org

Erie Middle
303-828-3391, 650 Main St., Erie
ems.svvsd.org

Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer
720-561-7800, 101 Baseline Rd., Lafayette
pie.bvsd.org

Fairview High School
720-561-3100, 1515 Greenbriar Blvd., Boulder
fairviewhs.org

Fall River Elementary
720-652-7920, 1400 Deerwood Drive., Longmont
fres.svvsd.org

Fireside Elementary
720-561-7900, 845 W. Dahlia St., Louisville
fie.bvsd.org

Flatirons Elementary
720-561-4600, 1150 7th St., Boulder
fle.bvsd.org

Frederick High School
303-833-3533, 5690 Tipple Parkway., Longmont
fhs.svvsd.org

Foothill Elementary
720-561-2600, 1001 Hawthorn Ave., Boulder
foe.bvsd.org

Grand View Elementary
303-702-8000, 6601 Aggregate Blvd., Frederick
gves.svvsd.org

Gold Hill Elementary
720-561-5940, 890 Main St., Gold Hill
ghe.bvsd.org

Halcyon Elementary
720-561-4700, 3100 Bucknell Court., Boulder
hal.bvsd.org

Heatherwood Elementary
720-561-6900, 7750 Concord Drive., Boulder
hee.bvsd.org

High Peaks
720-561-6500, 3995 E. Aurora Ave., Boulder
hpe.bvsd.org

Horizons K-8
720-561-3600, 4545 Sioux Drive, Boulder
horizonsk8school.org

Hygiene Elementary
720-652-8021, 11968 N. 75th St., Longmont
hes.svvsd.org

Indian Peaks Elementary
303-772-7240, 1335 S. Judson St., Longmont
ipes.svvsd.org

Innovation Center
303-702-8200, 33 Quail Rd., Longmont
innovation.svvsd.org

Jamestown Elementary
720-561-6020, 111 Mesa St., Jamestown
jae.bvsd.org

Justice High School
720-328-4864, 805 Excalibur St., Lafayette
juh.bvsd.org

Kohl Elementary School
720-561-8600, 1000 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield
koe.bvsd.org

Lafayette Elementary
720-561-8900, 101 N. Bermont Ave., Lafayette
lae.bvsd.org

Longmont Estates Elementary
720-652-8101, 1601 Northwestern Rd., Longmont
lees.svvsd.org

Longs Peak Middle
303-776-5611, 1500 14th Ave., Longmont
lpms.svvsd.org

Louisville Elementary
720-561-7200, 400 Hutchinson St., Louisville
loe.bvsd.org

Louisville Middle
720-561-7400, 1341 Main St., Louisville
lom.bvsd.org

Lyons Middle Senior
303-823-6631, 100 McConnell Drive, Lyons
lmshs.svvsd.org

Manhattan Middle
720-561-6300, 290 Manhattan Drive, Boulder
mam.bvsd.org

Mapleton Early Childhood Center
720-561-6200, 840 Mapleton Ave., Boulder
mpe.bvsd.org

Mead Elementary
970-535-4488, 520 Welker Ave., Mead
mes.svvsd.org

Mead Middle
970-535-4446, 620 Welker Ave., Mead
mms.svvsd.org

Mead High
720-494-3940, 12750 County Road 7, Longmont
mhs.svvsd.org

Mesa Elementary
720-561-3000, 1575 Lehigh St., Boulder
mee.bvsd.org

Monarch High
720-561-4200, 329 Campus Drive, Louisville
moh.bvsd.org

Mountain View Elementary
720-652-8261, 1415 14th Ave., Longmont
mves.svvsd.org

Nederland Elementary
720-561-4800, #1 Sundown Trail, Nederland
nee.bvsd.org

Nederland Middle – Senior
720-561-4900, 597 County Road 130, Nederland
neh.bvsd.org

New Vista High School
720-561-8700, 700 20th St., Boulder
nvh.bvsd.org

Nevin Platt
720-561-5536, 6096 Baseline Road, Boulder
npm.bvsd.org

New Meridian High School (formerly Olde Columbine)
720-494-3961, 1200 S. Sunset St., Longmont
ochs.svvsd.org

Northridge Elementary
303-772-3040, 1200 19th Ave., Longmont
northridgees.svvsd.org

Peak to Peak Charter School
303-453-4600, 800 Merlin Drive, Lafayette
peaktopeak.org

Red Hawk Elementary
303-774-2700, 1500 Telleen Ave., Erie
rhes.svvsd.org

Rocky Mountain Christian Academy
303-652-9162, 9447 Niwot Rd., Niwot
rmcaonline.org

Rocky Mountain Elementary
303-772-6750, 800 East 5th Ave., Longmont
rmes.svvsd.org

Ryan Elementary School
720-561-7000, 1405 Centaur Village Drive, Lafayette
rye.bvsd.org

Sandborn Elementary
303-772-3838, 2235 Vivian St., Longmont
sanbornes.svvsd.org

Silver Creek High School
720-492- 3721, 4901 Nelson Rd., Longmont
schs.svvsd.org

Soaring Heights PK-8
303-702-8020, 3280 County Road 5, Erie
shpk8.svvsd.org

Southern Hills Middle
720-561-3400, 1500 Knox Drive, Boulder
shm.bvsd.org

Spark Discovery Preschool
720-652-7906, 555 8th St., Frederick
sdpk.svvsd.org

St. Vrain Online Global Academy
720-494-3975, 1200 S. Sunset St., Longmont
svoga.svvsd.org

Summit Middle Charter
720-561-3900, 4655 Hanover Ave., Boulder
sum.bvsd.org

Sunset Middle
303-776-3963, 1300 S. Sunset St., Longmont
sms.svvsd.org

Superior Elementary School
720-561-4100, 1800 S. Indiana St., Superior
sue.bvsd.org

Thunder Valley K-8
303-833-2456, 600 5th St., Frederick
tvk8.svvsd.org

Timberline PK-8
303-772-7900, 233 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont
tpk8.svvsd.org

Trail Ridge Middle
720-494-3820, 1000 Button Rock Drive., Longmont
trms.svvsd.org

University Hill Elementary
720-561-5416, 956 16th St., Boulder
uhe.bvsd.org

Westview Middle
303-772-3134, 1651 Airport Rd., Longmont
wms.svvsd.org

Whittier Elementary
720-561-5431, 2008 Pine St., Boulder
whe.bvsd.org

Driving

911 Driving School
303-425-0911, 9100 W. 100th Ave., Ste. B-4, Westminster
911drivingschool.com

Arvada Driving School
303-423-0265, 12850 W. 64th Ave., Unit N, Arvada
arvadadrivingschool.com

Go4It Racing School
303-666-4113, 374 N. 96th St., Louisville
go4itservices.com

Colorado Driving Institute
303-818-7623, 2850 Iris Ave., Boulder
coloradodrivinginstitute.com

Drive Safe Drive Schools
303-721-8881
Arvada: 13825 W. 85th Drive, Suite 210, Arvada
Boulder: 2704 28th St., Boulder
Conifer (classes only): 9998 Havekost Rd, Conifer
Denver: 5345 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
Englewood: 4000 E. Quincy Ave., Englewood
Evergreen: 28677 Buffalo Park Rd., Suite 202, Evergreen
Greenwood Village: 8919 E. Union Ave., Greenwood Village
Highlands Ranch: 537 W. Highlands Ranch Parkway, #103, Highlands Ranch
Longmont: 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont
Louisville: 1132 W. Dillon Rd., Unit 3, Louisville
Morrison: 14011 W. Quincy Ave., Morrison
Parker: 20105 Mainstreet, Parker
Regis Jesuit: 6400 S. Lewiston Way, Aurora
South East Aurora: 22966 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora
Westminster: 12365 Huron St., Suite 100, Westminster
Wheat Ridge: 6073 W. 44th Ave., Suite 300, Wheat Ridge
drivesafecolorado.com

Homeschool

Desiderata School
303-678-9335, 8979 Nelson Rd., Longmont
desiderataschool.com

The Patchwork School
720-271-6729, 1428 Main St., Louisville
thepatchworkschool.com

Woodrow Wilson Academy Home School Connection
303-431-3694, 8300 W. 94th Ave., Westminster
wwacademy.org

Montessori

Adventure Montessori
303-665-6789, 250 S. Cherrywood Drive, Lafayette
adventuremontessori.com

Autana Bilingual Montessori School
303-664-4788, 1305 Plaza Court. N., Lafayette
autanaschool.com

Bloom Montessori
303-776-8173, 327 Terry St., Longmont
bloommontessori.com

Blue Mountain Montessori
303-339-0117, 201 S. Briggs St., Erie
bluemountainmontessori.com

Boulder Montessori
303-494-5814, 3300 Redstone Rd., Boulder
bouldermontessori.org

Community Montessori
720-561-3700, 805 Gillaspie Drive, Boulder
cme.bvsd.org

Countryside Montessori
303-494-3100, 5524 Baseline Rd., Boulder

Fairview Montessori
303-661-0343, 1501 Jefferson Ave., Louisville
fairviewmontessori.com

Gateway Montessori School
303-772-3864, 1500 9th Ave., Longmont
gatewaymontessorischool.net

Heart & Hands Montessori
303-444-0181, 1355 Forest Park Circle, Suite 100, Lafayette
heartandhandsmontessori.com

Hope Montessori Academy
Broomfield: 303-457-4400, 13785 Huron St., Broomfield
Thornton: 303-255-8151, 12121 Pennsylvania St., Thornton
Thornton Infants and Toddlers: 303-255-3882, 12290 Pennsylvania St., Thornton
Westminster: 303-404-9770, 4401 Main St., Westminster
montessorichild.com

Jarrow Montessori
303-443-0511, 3900 Orange Court., Boulder
jarrow.org

Mapleton Montessori
303-449-4499, 3121 29th St., Boulder
mapletonmontessori.org

Montessori Academy
303-926-8321, 801 N. 111th St., Lafayette
montessori-academy.lafayette.co.us

Montessori Education Center
303-494-3002, 4745 Walnut St., Suite B, Boulder
mecr.edu/wp/

Mountain Shadows Montessori School
303-530-5353, 4154 63rd St., Boulder
mountainshadows.org

Patience Montessori
303-449-5214, 3600 Hazelwood Court., Boulder
patiencemontessori.com

Petunia Montessori
303-926-8321, 801 N. 111th St., Lafayette
petuniamontessori.com

St. Vrain Community Montessori School
303-682-4339, 1055 Delaware Ave., Longmont
svcmontessori.org

Online

Hope Co-op Online
720-402-3000, 9780 Pyramid Court., Suite 100, Englewood
hopeonline.org

Pikes Peak Online School
855-234-4559, 8601 Turnpike Drive, Suite 100, Westminster
ppos.k12.com

Vilas Online School
719-523-4952, 105 W. Maple St., Vilas
vilasre5.us

Private

Alpine Valley School
303-271-0525, 4501 Parfet St., Wheat Ridge
alpinevalleyschool.com

Bixby School
303-494-7508, 4760 Table Mesa Drive., Boulder
bixbyschool.org

Boulder County Day School
303-527-4931, 4820 Nautilus Court. N., Boulder
bouldercountryday.org

Boulder Journey School
303-443-8909, 1919 Yarmouth Ave., Boulder
boulderjourneyschool.com

Boulder Sudbury School
720-943-0918, 3800 Plateau Rd., Boulder
bouldersudbury.org

Crossroads School
303-709-9881, 833 15th Ave., Longmont
crossroadslongmont.org

Crown Pointe Academy
303-428-1882, 2900 W. 86th Ave., Westminster
crownpointeacademy.org

Dawson School
303-665-6679, 10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette
dawsonschool.org

Friends School
303-499-1999
North Campus: 3800 Kalmia Ave., Boulder
South Campus: 5465 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder
friendsschoolboulder.org

Hillside School
303-494-1468, 7415 Lookout Rd., Longmont
hillsidelearning.org

Holy Family High School
303-410-1411, 5195 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield
holyfamilyhs.com

Holy Trinity Catholic School
303-428-3594, 7595 Federal Blvd., Westminster
htcatholic.org

Mackintosh Academy
Boulder: 303-554-2011, 6717 S. Boulder Road, Boulder
mackboulder.com
Littleton: 303-794-6222, 7018 S. Prince St., Littleton
mackintoshacademy.com

September School
303-443-9933, 525 Canyon Blvd., Boulder
septemberschool.org

Steamboat Mountain School
970-879-1350, 42605 County Road 36, Steamboat Springs
steamboatmountainschool.org

Temple Grandin School
303-554-7363, 3131 Indian Rd., Boulder
templegrandinschool.org

Watershed School
303-440-7520, 1661 Alpine Ave., Boulder
watershedschool.org

Religious

Beautiful Savior Lutheran School
303-469-2049, 6995 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield
beautifulsaviorbroomfield.org

Belleview Christian School
303-427-5459, 3455 W. 83rd Ave., Westminster
belleviewchristian.com

Holy Family High School
303-410-1411, 5195 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield
holyfamilyhs.com

Longmont Christian School
303-776-3254, 1440 Collyer St., Longmont
longmontchristian.org

Mt. Zion Lutheran School
303-443-8477, 1680 Balsam Ave., Boulder
mtzionboulder.org

Nativity of our Lord School
303-466-4177, 900 W. Midway Blvd., Broomfield
school.nool.us

Rocky Mountain Christian Academy
303-652-9162, 9447 Niwot Road, Niwot
rmcaonline.org

Sacred Heart of Jesus School
303-447-2362, 1317 Mapleton Ave., Boulder
school.shjboulder.org

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran School
303-424-1306, 8997 W. 88th Ave., Westminster
svlchurch.com/k-8-school

St. John the Baptist Catholic School
303-776-8760, 350 Emery St., Longmont
school.johnthebaptist.org

St. Louis Catholic School
303-666-6220, 925 Grant Ave., Louisville
school.stlp.org

Waldorf

Boulder Valley Waldorf (formerly Shepherd)
303-652-0130, 6500 W. Dry Creek Parkway, Niwot
bvwaldorf.org

Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten
303-541-0671, 4072 19th St., Boulder
boulderwaldorf.com

Denver Waldorf School
303-777-0531, 2100 S. Pennsylvania St., Denver
denverwaldorf.org

Shining Mountain Waldorf School
Lower School: 303-444-7697, 999 Violet Ave., Boulder
High School: 303-447-1973, 1179 Union Ave., Boulder
shiningmountainwaldorf.org

Camps: Outdoors

Avid 4 Adventure
720-249-2412 , 1501 Empire Rd, Louisville
avid4.com

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
970-453-6422, 524 Wellington Road, Breckenridge
boec.org

Camp Telaphiba
205-656-0154, 8820 W 116th Circle B, Broomfield
camptelaphiba.com

Cal-Wood
303-449-0603, 2282 County Road 87, Jamestown
calwood.org

Cheley Colorado Camps
970-586-4244, 3960 Fish Creek Road, Estes Park
cheley.com

Colorado Mountain Ranch
303-442-4557, 10063 Gold Hill Rd., Boulder
coloradomountainranch.com

Keystone Science School
970-468-2098, 1053 Soda Ridge Rd., Keystone
keystonescienceschool.org

Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center
303-258-0495, 20 Lakeview Drive Unit 107, Nederland
wildbear.org

Women’s Wilderness
303-938-9191, 1206 Euclid Ave., Boulder
womenswilderness.org

Tutoring

Code Ninjas
Broomfield: 303-536-1318, 12920 Lowell Blvd Unit A, Broomfield
Louisville: 720-379-7638, 1387 E. South Boulder Rd. Units E&F, Louisville
codeninjas.com

Dragonfly Education
303-625-6565, 1942 Broadway #314B, Boulder
dragonflyinhometutors.com

Flatirons Tutoring
720-706-9320
flatironstutoring.com

Huntington Learning Center
Broomfield: 303-404-0645, 5127 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield
Colorado Springs: 719-591-9800, 1430 Kelly Johnson Blvd., Colorado Springs
Fort Collins: 970-223-5738, 140 E Boardwalk, Suite P, Fort Collins
Parker: 303-617-0476, 18320 E. Cottonwood Drive, Suite 113, Parker
huntingtonhelps.com

Learning Pathways
303-499-1941, 2033 11th St., #1, Boulder
learningpathwayscolorado.com

Lori Lucas
303-545-6215, Castle House, 977 Ninth St., Boulder
lorilucas.org

Mathnasium
720-307-2970, 13644 Orchard Parkway, #700, Westminster
mathnasium.com/northwestminster

Mindfish
720-204-1041
Boulder: 1320 Pearl St. #108, Boulder
Denver Tech Center (DTC): 7950 E. Prentice Ave., #100, Greenwood Village
Denver: 1633 Fillmore St. #412, Denver
Lakewood: 44 Union Blvd, Suite #105, Lakewood

Reading Solutions
970-689-2290, 604 W. 4th St., Loveland
coloradoreadingsolutions.com

Kumon Math and Reading Centers
Aurora: 720-504-0881, 1155 S. Havana St., Aurora
Arvada: 303-305-7777, 12650 W. 64th Ave., Arvada
Broomfield: 720-388-8222, 6590 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield
Boulder: 720-924-6284, 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Centennial: 720-285-3568, 5730 E. Otero Ave., Centennial
Denver Central Park: 720-826-6288, 2373 Central Park Blvd., Denver
Denver Cherry Creek: 720-896-5050, 201 Steele St., Denver
Denver Hampton South: 720-588-9222, 8000 E. Quincy Ave., Denver
Denver Lowry: 303-968-1025, 100 Spruce St., Denver
Denver University: 303-390-1818, 1685 S. Colorado Blvd, Denver
Englewood: 303-779-2605, 7447 E. Arapahoe Road, Englewood
Greenwood Village: 303-542-7200, 5910 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village
Highlands Ranch East: 303-683-3339, 9362 S. Colorado Blvd., Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch Town Center: 720-400-7755, 9245 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch
Lafayette: 303-604-2100, 535 W. S. Boulder Road, Suite #230, Lafayette
Lakewood: 720-399-9100, 3200 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
Littleton: 720-922-7474, 9142 W. Ken Caryl Ave., Littleton
Lone Tree: 720-738-8499, 9500 Heritage Hills Circle, Lone Tree
Superior: 303-876-1111, 502 Center Drive, Superior
Westminster: 303-464-1210, 12910 Zuni St., Westminster
kumon.com

Tutoring Excellence
Fort Collins: 970-829-0866, 1825 E. Harmony Rd., Fort Collins
Longmont: 720-613-8090, 1445 Nelson Rd., Longmont
Loveland: 970-829-0876, 220 E. 29th St., Loveland
tutoringexcellence.com

Tyse Tutoring and Test Prep
303-887-7408, 4155 Darley Ave., Suite F, Boulder
tysetutoring.com

Extracurriculars

Dance/Gymnastics

3rd Law Dance/Theater
303-938-8656, 2590 Walnut St., Suite 3, Boulder
3rdlaw.org

Airborne Gymnastics
303-684-3717, 1816 Boston Ave., Longmont
airbornegym.com

Artistic Fusion Dance Academy
720-929-1820, 12421 Washington St., Thornton
artistic-fusion.com

Arts Hub
303-229-1127, 420 Courtney Way, Lafayette
www.artshub.org

Avalon Ballroom
303-440-8303, 6185 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder
boulderdance.org/venue/the-avalon-ballroom

Avoca Irish Dance Academy
303-324-4895?, 1329 Sherman Drive, Longmont
avocairishdance.com

Belliston Academy of Ballet & Dance
303-973-2070, 8310 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton
bellistonacademy.com

Boulder Ballet
303-443-0028, 2590 Walnut St., Suite 10, Boulder
boulderballet.org

Boulder Performing Arts Company
303-859-4195, 4847 Pearl # B4, Boulder
boulderperformingarts.com

CATS Gymnastics & Rock Climbing
303-939-9699, 2400 30th St., Boulder
catsgym.com

Centennial State Ballet
303-772-1335, 338 Main St., Ste. 3, Longmont
centennialstateballet.org

Dance Dimensions
303-772-3750, 638 Main St., Longmont
dancedimensions.net

Elite Dance Academy
Boulder: 303-442-3745, 3005 Sterling Circle, Suite 100, Boulder
Broomfield: 303-466-8626, 8820 W. 116th Circle A, Broomfield
elitedanceacademy.net

Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Parker: 303-237-3733, 11153 S. Parker Road, Suite S, Parker
Westminster: 303-429-3237, 6995 W. 88th Ave., Westminster
fredastaire.com

Globalsound Studio
303-439-7956, 555 Alter St., Unit 9F, Broomfield
globalsoundstudio.com

Grace Studios
303-465-5678, 3101 Industrial Lane, #B, Broomfield
gracestudios.com

Gymnastics Unlimited
303-452-4075, 525 W. 115th Ave., Northglenn
gucolorado.com

Mountain Kids Gymnastics
970-239-3717, 419 E. Stuart St., Fort Collins
mountain-kids.com

Illuminar Aerial
720-479-8438, 2655 Industrial Ln., Broomfield
iluminaraerial.com

Premier School of Dance
303-457-2165, 12351 Grant St., Unit 360, Thornton
danceatpremier.com

Scootbacks Square Dance Class
303-451-6126, 545 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield
scootbacks.com

Taps and Toes Dance Studio
303-460-0685
Broomfield: 6855 W. 116th Ave., Broomfield
Thornton: 128th & Colorado Blvd., Thornton
tapsntoes.com

Tara Cluck Dance Center
303-665-0908, 990 S Public Rd., Lafayette
tcdcdance.com

The Dance Movement
303-604-6530, 1012 Carbon Court. #101, Erie
thedancemovement.net

The Little Gym
303-427-6688, 10141 Wadsworth Parkway #300, Westminster
thelittlegym.com

Xtreme Altitude Gymnastics
720-887-6752, 1405 S. Public Road, Lafayette
xtremealtitude.com

Language

Alliance Francaise
720-568-9976, 7701 E 1st Pl., Unit A, Denver
afdenver.org

Intercambio
Boulder: 303-996-0275, 4735 Walnut St., Suite B, Boulder
Lafayette: 720-771-4986, 775 Baseline Road, Lafayette
Longmont: 303-776-7070, 1715 Iron Horse Drive, Suite 130, Longmont
intercambio.org

Language Solutions
303-664-0852, 305 W. Simpson St., Lafayette
facebook.com/certifiedcoloradointerpretersandtranslators

Spanish Institute
303-503-5652, 1084 Iliad Way, Lafayette
spanish-institute.com

Music

The Afterbeat Drum School
720-837-5410, 917 Front St., Louisville
afterbeatdrumschool.com

Boulder Guitar Coach
720-323-6424, Boulder
boulderguitarcoach.com

Boulder Suzuki Strings
720-295-5647, 2705 Stanford Ave., Boulder
bouldersuzukistrings.org

A Child’s Song
303-460-7408
Thornton: 12301 Grant St., #200, Thornton
Denver: 2180 S. University Blvd., Denver
achildssong.com

Colorado Children’s Chorale
303-892-5600, 2420 W. 26th Ave., Suite 350-D, Denver
childrenschorale.org

Colorado Music Festival and Center for Musical Arts
303-665-0599, 200 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette
comusic.org

DaVinci Center for Musical Arts
720-466-5119, 555 Alter St., #A, Broomfield
davinciarts.org

Dog House Music
720-864-0650, 525 Courtney Way, Lafayette
doghousemusic.com

Flatirons Strings Academy
303-908-2493, 3745 Martin Drive, Boulder
fsamusic.org

Jason Olson Guitarist
303-621-4031, 320 Main St. Unit D, Longmont
jasonolsonguitarist.com

Kutandara Center
303-443-2969, 5401 Western Ave., #B, Boulder
kutandara.com

Lesson Studio/Rock PopMa
303-543-3777, 3200 Valmont Rd., #8, Boulder
thelessonstudio.com

Love Music Studio
770-316-4389, 1095 Atlantis Ave., Lafayette
lovemusicstudios.com/home

Melody Kids Music Together
303-773-0742, 2015 Ionosphere St., Longmont
melodykids.com

Mojo’s Music Academy
303-776-3373, 350 Terry St., Longmont
mojosmusicacademy.com

Mountain Song Music Studio
303-413-1120, 4800 Baseline Road E. 104, PMB#320, Boulder
mountainsongmusic.yourvirtuoso.com

My Piano Prodigy
Home Studio, Erie
mypianoprodigy.musicteachershelper.com/home

Rocky Ridge Music Center
Estes Park (Summer): 970-586-4031, 465 Longs Peak Road, Estes Park
Boulder: 303-449-1106, 1128 Pine St., Boulder
rockyridge.org

School of Rock
Aurora: 720-789-8866, 13750 E. Rice Place, Suite 100, Aurora
Boulder: 303-532-1201, 3280 28th St., Unit 1, Boulder
Broomfield: 303-325-3772, 11970 Quay St., Broomfield
Colorado Springs: 719-888-7625, 7535 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
Denver: 720-221-6991, 560 S. Holly St., #15, Denver
Fort Collins: 970-236-7625, 215 E. Foothills Parkway., Fort Collins
Highlands Ranch: 720-828-7625, Highlands Ranch
Lakewood: 720-662-7625, 608 Garrison St., Unit V, Lakewood
Littleton: 303-974-7547, 5950 S. Platte Canyon Road, Suite D-20-21, Littleton
schoolofrock.com

Sollohub School of Music
303-667-7957, 7000 W 120th Ave., Broomfield
sollohubmusic.com

Theater

Arvada Center
720-898-7200, 6901 Wadsworth, Arvada
arvadacenter.org

Boulder Dinner Theatre (BDT)
303-449-6000, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
bdtstage.com

Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company
303-351-2382, 2590 Walnut St., #1, Boulder
betc.org

Coal Creek Community Theater
303-665-0955, 801 Grant Ave., Louisville
cctlouisville.org

Dance Space
720-255-2619, 16669 Washington St., Thornton
dancespacedance.com

Jester’s Dinner Theatre/Performing Arts School
303-682-9980, 224 Main St., Longmont
jesterstheatre.com

Longmont Theatre Co.
303-772-5200, 513 Main St., Longmont
longmonttheatre.org

Reel Kids
720-212-1244, 3063 Sterling Circle Unit 5, Boulder
myreelkids.com

Theater Company of Lafayette
720-209-2154, 300 E. Simpson St., Lafayette
tclstage.org

Wildflower School of Voice
720-212-1244, 3229 Walnut St., Boulder
facebook.com/mybouldermusic

Art

Arts HUB
303-229-1127, 420 Courtney Way, Lafayette
artshub.org

Boulder County Arts Alliance
303-447-2422, 2400 28th St., #103, Boulder
bouldercountyarts.org

Open Window Studio
720-400-1319, 7873 St. Vrain Rd., Longmont
openwindowstudio.org

Sunflower Art Studio
720-939-7545, 6545 Gunpark Drive, #200, Boulder
artsunflower.com

Whimsy Paint and Sip Art Studio
303-665-7026, 14676 Delaware St., #850, Westminster
whimsypaintandsip.com

Young Rembrandts
847-742-6966
youngrembrandts.com/fortcollinsco-cheyennewy

Rock Climbing

ABC Kids Climbing
303-443-5437, 1960 32nd St., Boulder
abckidsboulder.com

Avid 4 Adventure
720-249-2412, 1501 Empire Rd, Louisville
avid4.com

Boulder Rock Club
303-447-2804, 2829 Mapleton Ave., Boulder
boulderrockclub.com

Camp Granite Lake
720-249-2997, 11902 Camp Eden Rd., Golden
campgranitelake.com

Movement Climbing and Fitness
Boulder: 303-443-1505, 2845 Valmont Road, Boulder
Denver Baker: 720-476-7800, 1155 W. Fifth Ave., Denver
Denver Rino: 720-667-3059, 3201 Walnut St., Suite 107, Denver
Englewood: 303-242-3555, 1050 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 100, Englewood
Golden: 303-222-9564, 700 Golden Ridge Road, Golden
movementgyms.com

Rock’n & Jam’n
Centennial: 303-766-5462, 7390 S. Fraser St., Unit E, Centennial
Thornton: 303-254-4344, 9499 Washington St., #C, Thornton
climbthebest.com

The Spot Bouldering Gym
Boulder: 303-379-8806, 3240 Prairie Ave., Boulder
Denver: 720-542-3326, 1235 Delaware St., Denver
Golden: 303-317-5644, 1391 Brickyard Road, Golden
Louisville: 303-317-3770, 1754 Dogwood St., Louisville
thespotgym.com

Women’s Wilderness
303-938-9191, 1206 Euclid Ave., Boulder
womenswilderness.org

Warrior Challenge Arena
720-370-9700, 3400 Industrial Ln., Unit #12A, Broomfield
warriorchallengearena.com

Soccer

Boulder Indoor Soccer
303-440-0809, 3203 Pearl St., Boulder
boulderindoorsoccer.com

Broomfield Soccer Club
303-466-0096, 2150 W. 6th Ave., Suite F, Broomfield
broomfieldsoccerclub.org

Colorado Fusion Soccer Club/Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club
Aurora: 303-339-5858 Ext. 212/126, 111 Havana St., Suite 120, Aurora
Castle Rock: 303-339-5858 Ext. 130, 1609 Park St., Castle Rock
Fort Collins: 303-339-5858 Ext. 151, 2619 Canton Court., Suite C, Fort Collins
Westminster: 303-339-5858 Ext. 243, 1070 W. 124th Ave., Suite 100, Westminster
rapidsyouthsoccer.org

Boulder County United
303-443-8877
Boulder: 3203 Pearl St., Boulder
Lafayette: 555 Aspen Ridge Drive., Lafayette
bouldercountyunited.com

Trebol Soccer Club
720-876-2237, 800 Jefferson Ave., Louisville
trebolsoccer.org

Swimming

Aquavista Swim School
303-499-3188, 3485 Martin Drive., Boulder

Blue Dolphin Swim School
303-254-6920, 7655 W. 108th Ave., Unit 300, Westminster
bluedolphinswimschool.com

Colorado Swim School
303-439-7946, 5075 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield
coswimschool.com

Infant Aquatics at Swim, Float, Swim
Jolyn Anderson: 720-219-9999
Judy Heumann: 303-499-2229
Kyla Heumann: 303-499-2229
infantaquatics.com

Swim School of Boulder/Ocean First Diving
303-444-7234, 3015 Bluff St., Boulder
oceanfirst.blue

Swim Otters Swim and Fitness School
303-554-7946, 3974 Youngfield St., Wheat Ridge
swimotters.com

Equestrian

Academy Stables
303-665-4637, 4277 N. 109th St., Lafayette
academystables.com

A Rising Star Equestrian Center
303-431-4675, 9470 Indiana St., Arvada
arisingstareqcenter.com

Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center
303-652-9131, 11968 Mineral Road., Longmont
ctrcinc.org

Just A Little Farm
303-579-3837, 8200 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder
justalittlefarm.com

Mounting Miracles Ranch, Inc.
720-971-0569, 11051 Jasper Road, Lafayette
mountingmiraclesranch.org

Plane View Farm
303-237-2375, 4738 County Road 5, Erie
planeviewfarm.com

Triple Creek Ranch
303-444-4291, 4255 Nelson Rd., Longmont
triplecreek-ranch.com

Martial Arts

ATA Karate/Blackbelt (American Taekwondo Assoc.)
Denver: 303-816-3395, 1485 S. Colorado Blvd., #190, Denver
Westminster: 303-963-9440, 8433 Church Ranch Blvd., #300, Westminster
atawekick.com

Bennetts Karate
303-947-3908, 1010 Carbon Court., Unit F, Erie
bennettskarate.com

Boulder Quest Center
303-440-3647, 1501 Lee Hill Road, #18, Boulder
boulderquest.com

The Dojo of Karate
303-920-4500, 1975 W. 120th Ave., #300, Westminster
facebook.com/thedojoofkarate

Easton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Boulder: 303-938-1275, 2005 32nd St., Boulder
Centennial: 720-998-5795, 5170 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite E2, Centennial
Denver: 303-623-1715, 1304 S. Santa Fe Drive, Denver
Littleton: 303-600-8425, 5005 S. Kipling Parkway., Suite A2, Littleton
Longmont: 720-731-2655, 2415 Wedgewood Ave., Longmont
Thornton: 720-285-2148, 13762 Colorado Blvd., #148, Thornton
Wheat Ridge: 303-463-1663, 12421 W. 49th Ave., #3, Wheat Ridge
eastonbjj.com

International Martial Arts
303-665-0339, 1340 Main St., Louisville
imakarate.com

Longmont Wado-Kai
720-893-1331, 1350 Ken Pratt Blvd., Unit 4A, Longmont
longmontwadokai.com/wp/

Mile High Karate
Westminster: 303-426-0277, 11265 Decatur St. #200, Westminster
Thornton: 303-280-1839, 3979 E 120th Ave., Thornton
milehighkarate.com

Scientific Martial Arts and Fitness
303-451-5131, 40 Garland Drive Unit C, Northglenn
flashkickboxing.net

Scornavacco Family Karate
303-485-5425, 1830 Boston Ave., #F, Longmont
karatechangeslives.com

Seo’s Martial Arts
Arvada: 303-431-2200, 6490 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
Lakewood: 303-948-4466, 3255 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
Westminster: 303-426-7996, 9250 Sheridan Blvd., #100, Westminster
seosmartialartsacademy.com

Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association
303-507-3800, 1750 38th St., Boulder
shaolinhungmei.org

Success Martial Arts
720-890-3889, 1721 Boxelder St., #105, Louisville
successmartialarts.net

Tran’s Martial Arts
Boulder: 303-402-9460, 3101-1/2 28th St., Boulder
Longmont: 303-776-1887, 117 S. Sunset St., Suite D, Longmont
trans-mafc.com

Vision Quest Kenpo Karate-IBBA
303-604-2119, 305 Waneka Parkway., Lafayette
vqmartialarts.com

Miscellaneous

Book Arts League
1915 N. 95th St., Lafayette
bookartsleague.org

Boulder Circus Center
303-444-8110, 4747 26th St., Boulder
bouldercircuscenter.net

Boy Scouts
303-455-5522, 10455 W. Sixth Ave., Suite 100, Denver
denverboyscouts.org

Colorado Junior Rowing Camp
cjcrew.org

Face Fiesta
303-994-2595
facefiesta.com

Fanciful Faces
303-579-9998, 7277 Mt. Sherman Road, Longmont
fancifulfacesboulder.com

Girl Scouts
877-404-5708
girlscoutsofcolorado.org

Inspector Magic
719-637-9965
inspectormagic.com

Northern Colorado Fencers
303-641-6557, 1949 33rd St., Boulder
ncfencers.org

Renaissance Adventures
303-786-9216, 5717 Arapahoe Ave., #100, Boulder
renaissanceadventures.com

Rocky Mountain Tennis Center
303-449-5033, 1345 28th St., Boulder
rmtenniscenter.com

Sword Camp
720-934-6890, Chautauqua Park, Baseline Rd & 9th St., Boulder
swordcamp.com

Skate City Colorado
Arvada: 303-423-0616, 5353 W. 64th Ave., Arvada
Aurora: 303-690-1444, 15100 E. Girard Ave., Aurora
Colorado Springs: 719-591-1016, 4575 Austin Bluffs Parkway., Colorado Springs
Littleton: 303-795-6109, 5801 S. Lowell Way, Littleton
Westminster: 303-457-0220, 200 W. 121st Ave., Westminster
skatecitycolorado.com

Square State Skate
720-441-4047
squarestateskate.com

Government Services

Boulder County Head Start
303-441-3980, 3482 Broadway, Boulder
bouldercolorado.gov

Boulder County Housing & Human Services
303-441-1000, 3400 Broadway, Boulder
bouldercolorado.gov

City of Boulder Parks & Recreation
303-413-7200 x7214, 3198 Broadway, Boulder
bouldercolorado.gov

City of Longmont Parks and Recreation Department
303-651-8446, 310 Quail Rd., Longmont
longmontcolorado.gov

Erie Parks and Recreation
303-926-2541, 450 Powers St., Erie
erieco.gov

Recreation Centers

Bob Burger – Lafayette Park & Recreation Center
303-665-0469, 111 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette
cityoflafayette.com/recreation

Broomfield Bay Aquatic Park
303-464-5520, 250 Spader Way, Broomfield
broomfield.org/2651/The-Bay-Aquatic-Park

Broomfield Community Center
303-464-5500, 280 Spader Way, Broomfield
broomfield.org/2708/Broomfield-Community-Center

Carpenter – Thornton Recreation Center
303-255-7800, 11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton
thorntonco.gov/recreation/facilities/Pages/carpenter-recreation-center.aspx

Louisville Recreation Center
303-666-7400, 900 W. Via Appia, Louisville
louisvilleco.gov/living-in-louisville/recreation-senior-center

Northglenn Recreation Center
303-450-8800, 1 East Memorial Parkway, Northglenn
northglenn.org/rec_and_events/recreation_center.php

Paul Derda – Broomfield Recreation Center
303-460-6900 13201 Lowell Blvd., Broomfield
broomfield.org/339/recreation

Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
303-231-1300, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge
rootedinfun.com/174/recreation-center

YMCA
Boulder: 303-442-2778, 2850 Mapleton Ave., Boulder
Lafayette: 303-664-5455, 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette
Longmont: 303-776-0370, 950 Lashley Lane, Longmont
ymcanoco.org

Libraries

Boulder Public Libraries
Carnegie Library for Local History: 303-441-3110, 1125 Pine St., Boulder
NoBo Corner Library: 303-441-3100, 4600 Broadway, Boulder
George Reynolds Branch Library: 303-441-3100, 3595 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
Main Library: 303-441-3100, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Meadows Branch Library: 303-441-3100 4800 Baseline Road, Boulder
boulderlibrary.org

Broomfield Public Library
720-887-2300, 3 Community Park Rd., Broomfield
broomfield.org/276/library-home

Carbon Valley Regional Library
888-861-7323, 7 Park Ave., Firestone
mylibrary.us/cvrl

Centennial Park Library
888-861-7323, 2227 23rd Ave., Greeley
mylibrary.us/cp

Erie Community Library
888-861-7323, 400 Powers St., Erie
mylibrary.us/erie

Farr Regional Library
888-861-7323, 1939 61st Ave., Greeley
mylibrary.us/farr

High Plains Libraries
888-861-7323
mylibrary.us

Lafayette Public Library
303-665-5200, 775 W. Baseline Rd., Lafayette
cityoflafayette.com/library

Lincoln Park Library
888-861-7323, 1012 11th St., Greeley
mylibrary.us/lp

Longmont Public Library
303-651-8470, 409 Fourth Ave., Longmont
longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-e-m/library

Louisville Public Library
303-335-4849, 951 Spruce St., Louisville
louisville-library.org

Services — Family Support

Moxie Moms
susan@moxiemoms.com
655 Aspen Ridge Drive, Lafayette
moxiemoms.com

A Precious Child
303-466-4272, 7051 W. 118th Ave., Broomfield
apreciouschild.org

A Woman’s Work
720-414-9661, P.O. Box 817 Longmont, CO 80502
awomanswork.org

Boulder JCC
303-998-1900, 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder
boulderjcc.org/main/infants-youth-family

Community Food Share
720-797-1651, 650 S. Taylor Ave., Louisville
communityfoodshare.org

Community Table
303-424-6685, 8555 W 57th Ave., Arvada
cotable.org

Emergency Family Assistance
303-442-3042, 1575 Yarmouth Ave., Boulder
efaa.org

Meals on Wheels
720-780-3380, 3701 Canfield St., Boulder
mowboulder.org

Stepping Stones
303-872-6882, 9032 West Ken Caryl Ave., A1 A3, Littleton
steppingstonesupportcenter.com

Play Places

Boondocks Fun Center
Northglenn: 720-977-8000, 11425 Community Center Drive, Northglenn
Parker: 720-842-1100, 18706 Cottonwood Drive, Parker
boondocks.com

Chipper’s Lanes
Broomfield: 303-466-9700, 100 Nickel St., Broomfield
Fort Collins: 970-305-9702, 830 N. College Ave., Fort Collins
Greeley: 970-305-9703, 2454 8th Ave., Greeley
chipperslanes.com

Fat Cats All Out Fun
303-466-7515, 10685 Westminster Blvd., Westminster
fatcatsfun.com

Gateway Park Fun Center
303-442-4386, 4800 N. 28th St., Boulder
gatewayfunpark.com

Little Monkey Bizness
303-252-9999, 14693 Orchard Parkway., Westminster
westminster.monkeybizness.com

Loveland Laser Tag Fun Center
970-663-9999, 401 Denver Ave., Loveland
laserfuncenter.com

The Summit
303-254-8888, 580 E. 144th Ave., Thornton
playatthesummit.com/thornton

Sciences

Boulder Digital Arts
720-282-1435, 1401 Walnut St., Suite 070, Boulder
boulderdigitalarts.com

Butterfly Pavilion
303-469-5441 #1852, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster
butterflies.org

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
970-565-8975, 23390 Road K, Cortez
crowcanyon.org

CU Science Discovery
303-492-7188, 4001 Discovery Drive, SEEC, Room C340, Boulder
colorado.edu/sciencediscovery

Dinosaur Ridge
303-697-3466, 16831 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison
dinoridge.org

Fiske Planetarium and Science Center
303-492-5002, 2414 Regent Drive., Boulder
fiske.colorado.edu

NCAR Public Visitor Program
303-497-1000, 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
ncar.ucar.edu

Space Voyage Academy
303-985-3143, 1504 S. Johnson Court, Lakewood
spacevoyage.com

Thorne Nature Experience
303-499-3647, 1466 N. 63rd St., Boulder
thornenature.org

Up-A-Creek Robotics
950 S. Sherman St., Suite 300, Longmont
team1619.org

Museums

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMOCA)
303-443-2122, 1750 13th St., Boulder
bmoca.org

Children’s Museum of Denver
303-433-7444, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver
mychildsmuseum.org

Colorado Railroad Museum
800-365-6263, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden
coloradorailroadmuseum.org

Denver Art Museum
720-865-5000, 100 W. 14th Ave., Denver
denverartmuseum.org

Denver Botanic Gardens
720-865-3500
York Street: 1007 York St., Denver
Chatfield Farms: 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
botanicgardens.org

Denver Museum of Nature and Science
303-370-6000, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
dmns.org

Dougherty Museum
303-776-2520, 8306 N. 107 St., Longmont
visitlongmont.org/listing/dougherty-museum/882

Longmont Museum and Cultural Center
303-651-8374, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-e-m/museum/about-the-museum

Museum of Boulder
303-449-3464, 2205 Broadway, Boulder
museumofboulder.org

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
303-298-7554, 1485 Delgany St., Denver
mcadenver.org

University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
303-492-6892, Henderson Building, 15th and Broadway, Boulder
colorado.edu/cumuseum

Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center
303-258-0495, 20 Lakeview Drive, Unit 107, Nederland
wildbear.org

Wings Over the Rockies
Denver: 303-360-5360, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
Englewood: 303-360-5360 ext. 160, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood
wingsmuseum.org

WOW! Children’s Museum
303-604-2424, 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette
wowchildrensmuseum.org

Denver Zoo
720-337-1400, 2300 Steele St., Denver
denverzoo.org

The post YS Back to School Directory 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Coming Up at the Superior Community Center!

Guest Contributor — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 20:05:54 +0000

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

Did you know that the Superior Community Center offers free entertainment every Friday and Saturday night and a variety of enrichment and recreational programming all week long. Mark your calendars and join your neighbors for community fun!

Friday, August 26
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
JAMMIN’ Feud

Survey says…The fun continues with a twist on America’s favorite game show! JAMMIN’ Feud consists of four rounds of feud-style trivia. Teams go head to head, and the two top-scoring teams battle it out in a championship round. Build a team and spread the word! Free to play and fun to be had! First prize wins a ticket to Beer Fest.

Saturday, August 27
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Live Music – All About The Brass

All About The Brass is a local, seven-piece horn-based group playing rock classics from Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana, Paul McCartney & Wings, Bruno Mars, Pat Benatar, and many other Classic Rock groups. They love getting people on their feet dancing and singing along! Enter the free raffle at the concert to win a ticket to Beer Fest!

www.superiorcommunitycenter.com

The post Coming Up at the Superior Community Center! appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | June 2022

Tristan Stoller D'Antonio — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 17:29:25 +0000

The state legislature passed a law, SB21-256, permitting towns, cities and counties in Colorado to create their own gun regulations. On Tuesday, June 7: Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, and Boulder put in place a new ordinance making it so all assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire trigger activators, are prohibited; and all four cities have raised the minimum age to purchase any firearm from 18 to 21.
The House on June 9 approved a “red flag” law which would allow families, police, and others to petition the state court to temporarily remove all firearms from a person who is deemed a high-risk threat to themselves or others. So far Colorado and 18 other states including the District of Columbia have enacted this law.
Avalanche V. Lightning, 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final kicked off this month and ended in a Colorado victory. High tension and heart-pounding anxiety filled fans going into game six with a 3-2 win/loss record. The final score was 2-1 and the Avalanche took home the Stanley Cup for the third time since coming to Colorado in 1995.
Yellowstone National Park suffered terrible damage when the 692 mile long Yellowstone River jumped 6ft. and flooded its banks—closing the park down on June 13. Although vast damage was done to the historic park, on June 22 a now reopened Yellowstone allowed an eager several miles long line of 5,000 cars to enter early that morning.
With inflation rising at record levels, manufacturers and consumers face rising costs across the nation, companies have been cutting costs by quietly shrinking packages, ”shrinkflation”—meaning less product, same price. This practice isn’t new by any means but it has been mushrooming worldwide as people try and find ways to cope with the increased cost of ingredients for packaging.
Last year, when president Biden declared Juneteenth a national holiday, it brought to life a cohesive gathering of people on Freedom Day eager to learn the holiday’s history. Festivals such as Five Points in Denver to the celebration of the holiday in the streets of downtown Erie with their first black mayor.
Covid-19 hospitalization reports in Colorado have reached the same level that they were during early March, 2022, which saw an increase from 270 cases on June 7 to 323 cases on June 14, 2022. On June 18, the U.S. rolled out Covid-19 vaccinations for children as young as six months in some locations after being given the green light by companies like Pfizer and Moderna. Although Colorado and the U.S. has seen a dramatic increase in infections—deaths from Covid were recorded at a rate close to the lowest of the pandemic. Over the weekend on June 18, the U.S. rolled out Covid-19 vaccinations for children as young as six months in some locations, including a Walgreens in South Carolina and another in N.Y., companies like Pfizer and Moderna have given the green light for the long awaited vaccines for children.
In the early morning hours on Friday, June 24, the Supreme Court reshaped U.S. politics as they have eliminated women’s Constitutional right to abortion; which will lead to bans on the procedure in about half of states nation wide. In 6-3 ruling, the Court ends a 50-year ruling of women abortion rights making this Supreme Court one of the most partisan in history. Many police departments across the country are preparing for the confused and angered reaction from people to Roe V. Wade overturn of which there has been no violence from protestors to date. President Biden called the court’s action the “realization of extreme ideology.”
Over the weekend on June 18, the U.S. rolled out Covid-19 vaccinations for children as young as six months in some locations, including a Walgreens in South Carolina and another in N.Y., companies like Pfizer and Moderna have given the green light for the long awaited vaccines for children.
Colorado Republican, Lauren Boebert, faces allegations that she inflated the mileage she logged on the campaign trail in 2020 and then used more than $20,000 of donor reimbursements to pay off her restaurant in Rifle, CO, and years of tax liens. Financial campaign inquiries are drawn out and conclusions are yet to yield until Colorado’s primary on June 28. (has anything come of the prostitution allegations?)
On June 20, President Biden proposed a gas tax holiday plea in an attempt to ease high fuel prices, as the dilemma around record-high inflation ensues, leaving the White House in a state of panic as they try to find a way to cope. The suspension of gas tax, which is currently 18.4 cents per gallon, would need action required by Congress.
Father’s Day evening, June 19, left terror in the streets as another all too familiar dreadful shooting occurred in East Harlem, N.Y., killing a Houston Baptist University basketball standout, Darius Lee—21-years-old—while eight others were wounded as people rushed from the area; the streets littered with red Solo cups as sirens echoed in the distance.

Small Talk

“Our action now is the result of a generation that has grown up with lockdown drills and school shootings saying #enough is enough. In Colorado, we have seen threats and gun violence in places of worship, the theater, the grocery store, and school after school.” – Ashley Stolzmann, Louisville Mayor

“Anytime you lose you don’t feel great about it. We dipped our toes in the water in the beginning and dug ourselves a hole but there were stretches I liked what we were doing too. There’s some positive signs but the right team won the game.” – Lightning Coach Jon Cooper

“Roe was egregiously wrong from the start.” – Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote for the majority in the 6-to-3 decision of the Roe V. Wade overturn

“This is unfortunately, yet again, another example of the senseless gun violence that seems to be plaguing our country right now and we all pray it will cease.” – HBU Athletics Director Steve Moniaci said in a statement

“If we only look when a lot of people are killed, we kind of miss the bigger picture.” – Ron Avi Astor (professor of social welfare at the University of California)

By The Numbers

The post Month in Review | June 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Month in Review | May 2022

Adrian Connolly — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 23:00:38 +0000

On May 19, Rita Gutierrez-Garcia’s remains were found in Weld County, Colo. after a four-year-long investigation into her disappearance. The mother of three was last seen alive on March 18, 2018. Juan Figueroa, Jr., was charged with her murder and kidnap in June 2021 even though a body had not been recovered at that point.
A temporary halt has been put in place on Boulder’s controversial ban on car camping. The ban was stopped after residents and advocates for the unhoused spoke out against the ban at a town hearing that was held on May 19.
The Supreme Court of the United States is set to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, allowing states to decide the legality of abortion. On May 3rd, a draft of the court’s decision was leaked to the public, sparking outrage and protests across the country.
Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ claims that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump were debunked by the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office on May 19. Peters released a report in March claiming that “potentially unauthorized and illegal manipulation of tabulated vote data” had occurred. District Attorney Daniel P. Rubinstein completely refuted Peters’ claims stating that there was “extensive evidence” that Peters’ claims were unequivocally false.
Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo will be closing its in-person psychiatric care facility. The closure is due to “decreased utilization by payers for inpatient psychiatric services…” The exact date of the facility’s closure is yet to be determined.
After 47 years of operation, the Cripple Creek Care Center will be closing its doors this June. The closure comes as a result of nearly 40% of the nursing home’s staff leaving the facility in the past two years.
On May 4, Weld County Commissioner Lori Saine attempted to introduce a resolution that would establish Weld County as the Colorado’s first “human life sanctuary,” an anti-abortion designation designed to limit local access to the procedure. The resolution has been tabled for the time being.
Colorado Democratic State Representatives have reached out to federal officials to increase funding for the Front Range rail project that has been in the works for years. The representatives’ letter read, “The population among the Front Range is expected to grow by 35%, increasing the pressure on Colorado’s transportation system. This project will help ease the burden on our roads, improve safety of commuters, and create jobs across the state.”
Republican Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert will resign from his roles as both a state Senator and the leader of the chamber’s minority party. Holbert served as a state Senator for eight years and as the leader of the Colorado Senate Republicans for six.
Colorado District Judge Marcia Krieger has blocked drilling by Bill Koch’s Gunnison Energy. Krieger’s decision has prevented Gunnison Energy from creating 35 fracked gas wells across 30,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land between Gunnison and the Grand Mesa.
The United States has officially passed a $40 billion spending package to aid Ukraine in its defense against Russia. This financial aid will be used for economic support, the seizure of assets from Russian oligarchs, weapons, and to supplement the extreme food shortage in Ukraine.
The Superior Historical Museum is to rebuild after being completely destroyed by the Marshall Fire. The museum will be moving to Grasso bungalow in Grasso Park. Museum curators are asking Superior residents for the donation of artifacts to help replace those lost during the fire as they prepare to reopen the museum.
Former Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey has been inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. McCaffery considers the induction “an honor.”
An 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children, two teachers, and injured 17 others at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Thursday, May 26. The massacre marked the deadliest US school shooting in nearly a decade. This is the 30th school shooting at a K-12 school in 2022. Officers took 30 minutes to an hour to enter the school stop the 18-year-old murderer.

Small Talk

“I am grateful to the Senate Republican Caucus for electing me to serve as Leader for six of the eight years that I can serve in the Colorado Senate…” — State Senator Chris Holbert on his resignation from the Colorado Senate

“By the agencies’ own admission, the plan should never have been approved in the first place… In this court’s view, allowing the agency the opportunity to fix the error is more important than forcing the public to abide by a decision that the agency concedes was improper.” — Colorado District Judge Marcia Krieger on her decision to block Gunnison Energy’s oil drilling

“I will never jeopardize the care that we give our residents. With the staffing numbers having decreased to the level that they have, that absolutely was a possibility had this decision not been made.” — Cripple Creek Care Center night nurse and administrator Lawrence Cowan on the decision to close

“Ukraine clearly believes that it can win, and so does everyone here. Ukraine needs our help to win today. And they will still need our help when the war is over.” — Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the United States’ continued support of Ukraine

“This was a singular and egregious breach of that trust that is an affront to the Court and the community of public servants who work here.” — Chief Justice John Roberts on the leaking of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

“This proposed ordinance is an insult to the Boulder community who is still recovering from the Marshall Fire and will rebuild after future fires.” — Boulder SAFE representative Ryan Harwood on Boulder’s proposed car camping ban

“I told one of the officers myself, if they didn’t want to go in there, let me borrow his gun and a vest and I’ll go in there myself to handle it…” — A father whose child attended the Uvalde elementary school

By the Numbers

The post Month in Review | May 2022 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Boulder County launches Rebuilding Better website for Marshall Fire-impacted residents

Associate Editor — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 19:37:10 +0000

New financial support opportunities and resources for building high-performance homes now available

Boulder County, Colo.- In collaboration with the City of Louisville and Town of Superior, Boulder County has launched RebuildingBetter.org, a new website for builders and Marshall Fire-impacted residents. The website can be viewed here. The Rebuilding Better site provides resources for planning, designing, and constructing high-performance homes that are cleaner, more comfortable, and more resilient to climate change impacts. The website is produced and maintained by EnergySmart, Boulder County’s residential energy advising service, and will be updated as more resources become available.Editor’s Note:

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

The Rebuilding Better website features clear, easy-to-follow guidance on subjects such as:

Building a healthy and comfortable home
Building a more resilient home
Identifying incentives, discounts, and financing
Finding a design and construction team
Choosing materials and equipment
Implementing water and wildfire resistant landscaping and other outdoor elements

“One of the greatest advantages of building to a high-performance standard, is the built-in resilience and durability that comes with an airtight, well insulated home,” said Mark Attard, a green builder who was evacuated during the Marshall Fire. “My home was very close to others that burned in the Marshall Fires. Because of the air sealing strategies that were employed during my energy retrofit, I had no smoke damage or even smoke smell after the fires. Because we had a whole house ventilation system installed in the home, after we returned from the fires, we were able to live in our home with filtered fresh air, even when the outside air was still heavy with smoke.”

The Rebuilding Better website also feature incentives, discounts, and financing available for high-performance home elements. EnergySmart is pleased to announce new discounts on heat pumps, air sealing materials, and heat recovery ventilation for homeowners affected by the Marshall Fire. EnergySmart is in discussion with other vendors who wish to provide discounts and will add them as they become available. Xcel Energy announced the following direct-to-homeowner rebuilding incentives for homes that were a total loss in the Marshall Fire:

$7,500 for meeting International Energy Conservation Code 2021 standards, where adopted by the municipality and if the homeowner does not opt out
$10,000 for meeting ENERGY STAR® Home v3.2 standards
$12,500 for meeting Department of Energy “Zero Energy Ready” Home v2 standards
$17,500 for meeting ENERGY STAR® New Certification Program standards
$37,500 for meeting Passive House standards

Rebates are also available for new residents moving into new homes on parcels destroyed by the Marshall Fire:

$1,250 for meeting ENERGY STAR® Home v3.2 standards
$2,500 for meeting Department of Energy “Zero Energy Ready” Home v2 standards
$5,000 for meeting ENERGY STAR® New Certification Program standards
$15,500 for meeting Passive House standards

“After losing our home in the Marshall Fire, we plan to rebuild with a goal of constructing a net-zero energy home,” said Greg Harms, a Louisville resident who lost his home in the Marshall Fire. “The last thing anyone needs are construction hurdles and added expense during the rebuilding process, however, I am confident that after rebates, incentives and discounts, we will be able to reach this goal with no, or nominal incremental expense. And the resulting reduction in utility costs will pay dividends for years to come.”

The post Boulder County launches Rebuilding Better website for Marshall Fire-impacted residents appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Residents Impacted by Marshall Fire and High Winds Urged to Apply for Financial Help and Emergency Food Assistance

editor — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 01:57:16 +0000

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

As impacts of the recent Marshall Fire and strong winds continue to be felt throughout Boulder County, anyone who has been directly impacted by these destructive events is urged to apply for financial assistance to help bridge gaps until longer-term recovery is possible.

Financial help remains available for the following:

renters and homeowners who had homes damaged or destroyed or who were displaced by the Marshall Fire
those with homes that have been uninhabitable due to the fire
those who lost wages for work or had small businesses that were destroyed or damage
those who lost tools of the trade needed to do their work due to the fire
low to moderate income residents who lost food or need help with food as a result of the Marshall Fire or high winds and are in the declared disaster zip codes

Deadlines are approaching for application:

Disaster Unemployment (February 2) – provides up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who have lost work as a direct result of a major natural disaster.

Disaster SNAP (February 1) – provides emergency food assistance for eligible low-to moderate-income households in impacted zip codes who don’t normally qualify for SNAP. Replacement funds for SNAP benefits lost in the fire in the form of destroyed and spoiled foods from power outages.

“This help is here for a reason and people should apply for it if they have not yet done so,” said Boulder County Disaster Recovery Manager Garry Sanfacon. “So many are suffering in a range of ways after the Marshall Fire and the high winds on that day, and while the financial help available may not completely fill the gaps, it can help provide an important cushion to support their longer-term recovery.”

BOCO has a comprehensive Marshall Fire recovery page:

Those seeking local financial and food assistance should visit www.boco.org/MarshallFireAssistance. Answers to frequently asked questions about financial assistance are also available. Sister Carmen Community Center in Lafayette (303-665-4342) is providing assistance to fire- and wind-impacted households. Emergency Family Assistance Association Boulder also provides help (303-442-3042).

Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing disaster assistance:

Apply in-person 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Sat, Disaster Recovery Center, 1755 S. Public Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026.
Apply by calling 800-621-3362 or using FEMA mobile app for smartphones
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Small Business Administration is providing federally-funded low-interest disaster loans.

Residents and business owners may apply in-person Disaster Recovery Center, 1755 S. Public Rd in Lafayette.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. Deadline is March 1, 2022.
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.

Marshall Fire Donation and Resource Center, open daily 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 21 West Flatiron Crossing Dr, Broomfield (Flatiron Crossing Mall), has a wide range of supplies and resources available.

Boulder County continues to work with its partners across the region to connect those impacted by the Marshall Fire and high winds with the financial, food, and other help they need, including through direct outreach and the support of community partner services.

The post Residents Impacted by Marshall Fire and High Winds Urged to Apply for Financial Help and Emergency Food Assistance appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

80027 Strong But Stronger Together | Marshall Fire

editor — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 20:28:34 +0000

A comprehensive list of resources; government and community, essays, and images from the Marshall Fire

• Click here for the gallery of photos from the fire.

• Skip down to the Marshall Fire Resources List here.

• Click here to support local businesses affected by the fire.

A Message from Ashley Stolzmann, Louisville Mayor

Dear Louisville residents,

Of all the difficult messages I’ve had to share with you over the last two years, this is without a doubt the most painful.

Our community and our neighboring communities in Superior and unincorporated Boulder have suffered a tragedy resulting from the fires which ravaged our homes, businesses, and open space. None of us remain untouched by these losses in one way or another.

I have spent the last day working closely with the City’s leadership team, Chief Dave Hayes, the Fire District, and the Sheriff’s Office. I can assure you that although the City’s buildings were evacuated, the City is still hard at work and we will get through this together.

First responders are still responding to this emergency and the City will continue to share information as it becomes available. I urge you to follow the Boulder Office of Emergency Management on social media or visit their updates page.

I am deeply grateful to all of Louisville’s first responders who have been working tirelessly to protect our community and also to the first responders from all of our neighboring communities who answered the call and continue to support and protect our community.

There are a lot of unknowns right now, but what I do know, is that Louisville is a strong community full of people, who have supported each other during nearly two years of pandemic. I know we will continue to use our strength and community spirit to persevere and rebuild in the face of this tragedy.

Please remember that the evacuation order and the boil water notice are still in effect. Please do not return to the evacuation area until we have advised you that it is safe to do so.

If you’re able to and are looking for somewhere to donate money or accommodation, please see the links below.

If you’re needing mental health support after the events of the last 24 hours, please access the free mental health resources.

As ever, Louisville, it is an honor to be your Mayor.
Mayor Ashley Stolzmann

Photo: Patrick Kramer

A Message from Patrick Kramer, Longmont Fire Department

Let me start by saying… this post is not for “likes” or to fish for comments of gratitude.

If you know me, you know that I rarely post anything. However the events of the day and night that I witnessed, compelled me to share a few of my experiences of which I have never seen before, nor do I hope to ever see again. The scope of the devastation is completely unimaginable. To say I have no words is a grand understatement. Apocalyptic. Surreal. “Movie-like” is what comes to mind.

Myself and my crew of Troy Reed, Joey Ginsborg, and Jeremy Sigg worked with hundreds (probably thousands) of firefighters to save houses. To save neighborhoods… however, Mother Nature had other ideas. Never in my life have I been in wind and fire conditions like I experienced today. And never in my life have I felt so helpless while watching home after home burn to the foundation with nothing we could do to stop it.

Photo: Patrick Kramer

I’m super proud of my crew. They could not have worked any harder. We did save some homes… maybe even more than we know. But Mother Nature was the boss today and she let us know it. The only other comparison that I can think of, was working during the flood of 2013. However, today had a much more sinister feel…

I‘m super proud of my crew. They could not have worked any harder. We did save some homes…

I don’t know what can be done to help those affected by these fires, but I hope if you can help in any little way… that you do. People are going to need it.

As busy as we were, I took a few seconds here and there to document the devastation. Maybe it’s the journalist in me. But this is truly unforgettable and these communities will never be the same. The healing and rebuilding will take years. I think many will never completely heal. My heart goes out to all who have lost so much.

Be well.

Photo: Patrick Kramer

[These firefighters’ words express so much for all of us. Thank you Patrick Kramer of the Longmont Fire Department for you and all the firefighters who were so courageous for our communities.]

Photo: Sheryl Zimmerer

A Message from Sheryl Zimmerer

In the past 24 hours, people in #bouldercolorado lost their homes to the #colorado #MarshallFire #MiddleForkFire wildfire. I lost my home (along with 3500 other homes) in the September 2020 Almeda Fire and offer this help, and any other help, that I can give.

For those who lost your home:

Get a notebook to start making lists of to-dos, phones numbers, policy numbers, and other things like this list. Your brain is going lots of directions and it will help you start to get on the right track.
Call your insurance company immediately to get a claim going. Get them to send you emergency funding to cover you over the next days. They can usually get an initial amount to you within a day.
Call your mortgage company to put your payment on hold.
Get a mailing company mailbox like UPS or FedEx. They went quickly after the fire, but these companies can take all deliveries, not just mail. It’s a horrible feeling to not know where to send the things that will help you put your life back together.
Allow a friend or family member to put together an Amazon wish list for you to send to people who ask.
Get a storage unit immediately. These went fast. We lived in seven locations in three weeks. People offered us furniture and other things that we needed once we found a stable place.
Go with the insurance adjuster to your site and make sure they understand completely what was there. Ours came from out of state, and we didn’t go, so he put rebuilding our house at only $130 a square foot (comically below Rogue Valley averages). Help them understand if you can how much it will cost to rebuild. If they do come in low, get a competing bid and fight them for every penny.

Photo: John Anderson

Your insurance has many “buckets” including personal property, debris removal, landscape, dwelling, other, and so much more. Ask them for a list of all your buckets and coverage amounts. The questions are at the end of this post. You’ll need this as you try to get your coverage amounts paid out. Some insurance companies were better than others for paying out claims easily.
Reach out to the Red Cross, FEMA, and other agencies that help fire survivors. Helping Hands International sifted my house last and found small treasures that I’ll be forever grateful for. They also grieved with us. When I tried sifting on my own, I cut myself and needed a tetanus shot. There are so many entities willing to help. Don’t hesitate to ask for it.
Don’t hesitate to ask the companies that you bought things from if they will replace or give you a discount on replacing items. It reminds me of the importance of registering my products. My daughters reached out to several and I was shocked what they sent. One incredible company sent us a whole grill and everything that went with it. Also, stores in the area gave us incredible, sacrificial discounts.
The decision to buy or rebuild is a hard one. We chose to rebuild after we realized our mortgage doesn’t go away after a fire. If you have 12 years left on your house, you still have 12 years and eventually have a new house. If you buy after a wildfire, demand and prices are really high (Almeda Fire lost 3500 homes). While building was really hard, we were better off financially. For some people, buying and getting settled quickly is worth the extra cost.
Once those things are situated, you can turn off utilities, contact elections offices to send ballots, fill out tax assessor forms, try to get vital records and do all the millions of other things that you will need to do while searching for a place to call home.

Photo: Dan Bruder

A Message from Shavonne Blades, Yellow Scene Magazine

As the founder of Yellow Scene Magazine, I have lived in Boulder County for 31 years. I moved to Erie when it was 500 homes. Superior was 255 homes back in 1990, now today ALL of Old Town is gone, in just a few hours.

Photo: Dan Bruder

YS started in 2000 because of these homes. I had been working at the Weekly in Boulder and left as I lived in Erie and saw the growth happening. I thought to myself, all these new residents need something that is their voice, not just an offshoot of Boulder, but our very own voice.

The first-decade YS was only distributed in East County and we were known as the Voice of East County. In 2009 we added Boulder and have worked hard to be the Voice of BOCO but still never, ever leaving our roots in East County. (Some were afraid we would forget them but we didn’t; we are more loyal to our backyard than ever before.)

On Saturday I drove down South Boulder Rd. for an appointment in Boulder, each left turn leading to the devastation, they were all blocked by the National Guard. But I could smell it. It just smelled of burn. I could see the black of the grass fields along the way leading to the neighborhoods. Neighborhoods I watched get built. These neighborhoods are the very reason for Yellow Scene Magazine. I have so many friends who live in those homes burning, friends who ran or worked at those businesses.

Photo: John Anderson

Maybe it’s also the collection of the last 5 years and especially the last two with the pandemic, but I feel a great deal of responsibility to be of service. YS exists because of these communities.

I believe we will see our community come out like we never have. I do not know if that is enough to replace what people lost. One man lost all his artwork which he said was his retirement. My heart ached when I read that. But I am already seeing our community once again, come together through another crisis.

I believe we will see our community come out like we never have.

A Message from Ashley Stringham with Jerry Shaffer

It couldn’t be more fitting that this was one of the very few recognizable things laying in a pile of rubble that used to be our house and all of our memories. I bought it for Jer this past Christmas and it describes our love perfectly.

Photo: Ashley Stringham

For those of you that don’t know, Jer saved us the day of the fire. I was at home with Dylan and another baby that I watch. Jer had the car at work. Only minutes passed between the time that I began to smell smoke and our neighborhood completely filling with smoke so you couldn’t see a few feet in front of you. Just about the time I began to panic wondering how to get out without a car, as I didn’t want to risk bringing babies out in the smoke, I saw him fly around the corner into the driveway. He had seen the fires, dropped everything he was doing and literally raced the fire home to get us. We got the babies out as we watched houses go up in flames and he knew exactly what to do and which way to go to get us to safety. Minutes later we tried to check the baby monitor and it had cut out. We think it was because our house was gone. Our neighborhood was the first one to get hit and not one house survived.

He is our hero. I truly believe he is the reason we all made it out that day and he is the glue that is holding us together right now. I will surely love you as long as there are stars above us Jerry.

Photo: Kami Marland Gilmour

A Message from Kami Marland Gilmour

What neighbors mean after a natural disaster (from a survivor who lost their home along with 90% of their neighborhood in the East Troublesome Fire.)

Disasters burn down trees and also bring down walls. You’ll suddenly get to know the people you’ve lived beside in a whole new way. Super-exposed, raw, and realizing you’ve shared an experience so deeply life-changing that your common bond will remain forever. Even the weird asshole neighbor down the street. He’s on your team now too, and he’s not as bad as you thought.
You’ve now become a microcosm of human community in survival mode. It might be a single street of neighbors, or a network of folks throughout the community…but you’re building a tribe. In this tribe people will contribute their gifts of wisdom to one another as you navigate the new territory you’re all facing. Tap into it, lean into each other and your strengths, communicate weekly through Zoom, share the best of your experience, skills and wisdom as you divvy up the burden and act as a team.
Don’t discount/exclude your neighbors who didn’t experience a total loss. They are experiencing massive survivors guilt, and likely still have significant insurance hurdles ahead as they remediate. They’re part of your tribe too.
Embrace that the neighborhood will NEVER be/look the same. Your HOA is scrambling right now to figure out how to create reasonable architectural guidelines after a natural disaster requiring all of this rebuilding. There will be many builders, many plans, many timelines, and a lot of noise and construction chaos for a few years. Give grace—don’t be a dick in the process.
Celebrate moving forward. You won’t be in sync with everyone’s schedules, but every step of the recovery, debris clearing, and rebuilding process is something to celebrate. Be present and excited for the joy and progress of others if they are faster at the recovery process than you are—this is what is coming your way soon!

Photo: Kami Marland Gilmour

Remember this: Beauty in the ashes will not come from treasures recovered, but from the new relationships that will come from your fellow neighbors who went through the fire with you, and the gestures of kindness and love you’ll receive. Take a deep breath and soak in the good when the bad is unfathomable. You’re not alone, your neighbors understand.

Photos by Patrick Kramer

Photos by Dan Bruder

Photos by John Anderson

MARSHALL FIRE RESOURCE LIST

Compiled by Mona Cedillo and Shavonne Blades

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Colorado Crisis Services – 1 (844) 493-8255, or text “TALK” to 38255, to speak with a professional counselor about support for yourself or a loved one.
Boulder County Mental Health After Fire – Emotional wellness & care for children.
JFS Boulder County Crisis Counseling – Counseling services to Boulder County residents.
I Matter – 3 free mental health sessions for youth in CO, available via telehealth.
Mental Health Partners – (303) 443-8500, housing, wellness & support.
Disaster Distress Helpline – (800) 985-5990, available at each evacuation shelters.
Naropa Community Counseling – Free drop-in group on Mondays 5:30 pm-6:30 pm.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Preparing Children after a Wildfire Damages Your Community.

BUSINESS & EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE

Small Business Disaster Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Services (DUA)
University of Colorado Boulder – Staff & Faculty Emergency Fund.
Yellow Scene Magazine – Free business card ad online as well as print for businesses impacted by the Marshall Fire.

CHILDREN, YOUTH and STUDENT SERVICES

Boulder Valley School District – Trauma Response Team for Students.
University of CO Boulder – Student Emergency Fund.
Peak to Peak Charter School – School supplies for displaced students.
Louisville Rising – Toy replacements for children.
Sill-Terhar Motors – Boots, toys, coats.
Operation Birthday – Providing birthday parties for displaced children.
Erie Dog CO. – Clothing, infant items, coats, shoes, boots, toys, blankets.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Town of Superior – Marshall Fire FAQs
Disaster Assist Team (DAT) Wildfire Info & Relief Services
Boulder County Fires
KGNU Boulder County Fires – Mutual Aid Group.
Boulder Fire and Surrounding Area Victims – Distribution Page.
Soul Tree Studio – Fundraising for the 9News Marshall Fire donation.
Muse Performance Space – Music fundraiser.
Colorado Strong – T-shirt fundraiser.
The Sink (1165 13th St.) will donate 10% of all sales through January 11 to The Community Foundation’s Boulder County Wildfire Fund.
Jones+C – Working with the Red Cross they are collecting large furniture items. If you have beds, mattresses, living room furniture, desks, etc. to donate, please email Paulina Schiliro (paulina@shopjonesandco.com).
Superior Chamber of Commerce – Restaurants wanting to provide food. Deana Miller deana@superiorchamber.com, call 303-335-4931 or email pmorgan@louisvilleco.gov.
Free Dumpsters
A full list of the nearly 100 restaurants offering meals to the #MarshallFire victims. – northwestchamberalliance.com/wildfire/#restaurants

FEMA

Individual Assistance Program – Call after insurance. Apply online or 1-800-621-3362.
FEMA Application Assistance – Joe Neguse, US Congressman, 2nd District.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Boulder Office of Emergency Management
Boulder County Sheriff
National Alliance for Public Safety – Map of areas affected by fire.
City of Louisville
Town of Superior

HOME & HOUSING

Insurance Company Claims Assistance
Colorado Division of Insurance
Boulder Office of Emergency Management: AirBnB Open Homes
Boulder Colorado USA: Discounted Hotel Rooms
Town of Superior: Home Re-entry Assistance
City of Louisville: Boil Water Order.
Xcel Energy – Electric and natural gas restoration updates.
Marshall Fire Housing Needs & Availability – Housing for displaced residents.
Boulder Area Rental Housing Association (BARHA)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING and URBAN DEVELOPMENT

hud.gov/info/disasterresources
Community Development and Housing Assistance Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (call or text) provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Disaster Household Distribution Program

IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center
American Red Cross Colorado
Boulder County Fire – Mutual Aid.
City of Louisville – Bottled water distribution.
YMCA of Northern Colorado
Community Foundation
Together Rising – Offering grants to the impacted.

FUNDRAISING and DONATIONS

Sill-Terhar Motors – Boots, coats, toiletries.
Erie Dog Company – Clothing, infant items, coats, shoes, boots, toys, blankets.
Boulder Fire & Surrounding Areas Distribution – Immediate needs or funds.
Rayback Collective Fundraiser
Outworld Brewing Fundraiser

MEALS

If you are not from the 80027 and impacted by the Marshall Fire, please reserve these services for those that were.

Superior Chamber of Commerce – Restaurants wanting to provide food. Deana Miller deana@superiorchamber.com, call 303-335-4931 or email pmorgan@louisvilleco.gov.
Restaurant Revive-Free Meals – a comprehensive list of restaurants supporting victims of the Marshall Fire
Ben and Jerry’s Boulder – Bring a gift card of $20 or more (Target, Walmart, Costco, grocery stores) to 1203 Pearl St. and they will give you a free kids scoop!
Blackbelly – Free meals for displaced residents.
Restaurant Revive – Restaurants offering hot meals to displaced residents.
Tangerine Restaurant – Free meals for displaced residents.
Town of Superior – Spoiled food disposal assistance.
Chautauqua Dining Hall – Free meals for displaced residents.
Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant – Free meals for displaced residents.
Great Harvest – Meals to go.
The Buff is hosting a toy drive.
Viet Kitchen – Lafayette.

MIXED MEDIA

WX Chasing – Drone Footage of Louisville, CO.
Google Share – Photos by Dan Bruder, Jeff Lang, TK, Chani Dissanayake.
9News Sky

PETS

Animal Rescue Requests
Boulder Humane Society – Lost & Found.
Boulder County Fire Lost & Found Pets
Colorado Pet Pantry
Humane Society of Boulder Valley
Lost & Found
Horse Evacuation Boulder Fort Collins
Evolution Veterinary Specialists, Inc. – Free Room & Board (smoke inhalation).
Alpine Hospital for Animals – Pet food, blankets, kennels, toys, leashes, medications.
Erie Dog Company – Kennels, blankets, misc. items.

SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS

Nik Martinez – Westminster resident image to support those impacted by fire.
Dave Billingshurst – Superior & Louisville.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Colorado Responds
Boulder OEM – To donate food, water, physical materials.
Colorado Pet Pantry – Bring and sort food donations.
Sister Carmen Community Center – Donations for the food bank.
A Precious Child – Clothing and gift card donations.
Louisville Rising – Help replace toys/gifts for children affected by the fire.
Alpine Hospital for Animals – Donations of pet food, blankets, kennels, toys, leashes.
YMCA of Northern Colorado – Assisting displaced residents.
Community Foundation of Boulder County – Assisting with immediate needs.
Boulder County – Bring, sort, and/or deliver donations.

LOUISVILLE, COLORADO POLICE DEPARTMENT

What’s at the Disaster Assistance Center? The Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center (DAC), located at the Boulder County Southeast County Hub at 1755 South Public Road in Lafayette, is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. This is a one-stop-shop for anyone impacted in any way by the Marshall fire and we encourage you to stop in when you’re ready.

Here is a full list of all services located there:

First Floor Southeast Community Hub:

DAC intake > DAC waiting > Main entry table
FEMA intake > After FEMA, proceed to local services > After local services, proceed to 2nd floor additional services
Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting
Boulder County Human Services
Boulder County Victim Advocates
City of Louisville
Colorado Pet Pantry
Division of Insurance
FEMA Assist
Firstnet
Hazard Mitigation
Health Serv. COVID tests
Mental Health Partners
Small Business Development Center
Snacks and Hydration
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
Town of Superior
Unemployment Services
United Policy Holders
US Small Business Disaster Assistance
Xcel Energy

Second Floor:

Arc Thrift Store
Our Front Porch
United Way 2-1-1
A Precious Child
Red Cross
The Salvation Army

West Parking Lot:

American Family Insurance
State Farm
USAA
Veterans Center

Support these businesses affected by the Marshall Fire.

Superior

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Louisville

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Broomfield

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The post 80027 Strong But Stronger Together | Marshall Fire appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Boulder County Announces Door-to-Door Assessments of Wind and Smoke-Damaged Properties

editor — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 22:29:54 +0000

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

Beginning Sunday, Jan. 16, Boulder County staff and representatives will be going door-to-door in Louisville, Superior, and unincorporated Boulder County to assess properties that were not destroyed but may have sustained wind and smoke damage from the Marshall Fire. These assessments will help the county better understand what will need to be collected during the second part of the debris cleanup program’s phase two, which will involve a curbside collection of damaged household items. This collection program will start after the right-of-way (public roadways) clearing process (currently underway) is complete.

If residents are not home, material will be left behind including a request for you to self-report your smoke and wind damage by visiting www.BoCo.org/damage-self-report.

For more information on the curbside debris cleanup program, please visit www.BoCo.org/Marshall-Debris-Cleanup or call the debris hotline at 303-214-3203.

The post Boulder County Announces Door-to-Door Assessments of Wind and Smoke-Damaged Properties appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Yellow Scene Election Guide 2021

Laurenz Busch — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 17:37:21 +0000

Local elections are critically important, in fact, it is said we have more power over our local political landscape than national.

Unfortunately, many of our local races are being influenced by outside money, with a concerted effort to take over school boards and city councils by larger, national influences.

However, on the flip side, there is a LOT of new blood running. It appears the 2021 races could be quite interesting. Out with the Vanguard and in with the new? There is a new generation inspired to make their community better and are ready to step up. But not all are running for the right reasons. Pay attention to your school boards, and who is running for the city council. It does matter. These are local elections and should be policy-forward.

While we offer our endorsements, we leave conclusions up to our readers by providing the answers in our interviews. However, there were several races where we truly had a difficult time choosing.

Longmont has four really great candidates running for two seats. We loved Shiquita Yarbrough, Aren Rodriguez, Tallis Salamatian, and Sean McCoy. We hope all four can serve on council together sometime in the future, but for this year there are only two seats. We had a very difficult time narrowing Longmont down to just two, and know that all four of these would do a great job for the community. We ultimately weighed in but strongly think Longmont should work to get all four of these elected in the future.

Boulder was also difficult to choose among, but it always is. This year Boulder has 10 candidates for 5 seats with only one incumbent on the ballot. Many have similar-sounding messages.

However, we do know we are not endorsing Ballot Issue 302 (Boulder), Steve Rosenblum (Boulder City Council), Natalie Abshier (SVVSD School Board) or Kara Awaitha Frost (Boulder Valley School District).

Read on and study your candidates wisely. Know who you are voting for and why. The day of races being uncontested are over. Your local election is where voters have the most power.

YS staff interviewed just about every candidate running, we asked the hard questions, and are reporting those results here. Unfortunately, in a digital world, not everything goes as planned. In a few cases our transcription was lost to a new phone that had technical difficulties. In those cases, we provided links to their website, and our understanding of each candidate. As transcripts are able to be salvaged we will upload them here.

Boulder | City Council

Matt Benjamin (Endorsed)

Background: I have lived in Boulder for over 20 years and live in South Boulder with my wife, and two kids. I formally taught astronomy and managed Fiske Planetarium at CU Boulder. I am now a photographer and science educator.

Infrastructure and Transportation: We are simply not meeting the call on climate action to remove cars and to reduce our dependence on vehicles. We have a very cycling-friendly town, and we’re not building the protected safe bike infrastructure that’s necessary.

Housing: We have completely neglected middle income housing over the last ten, perhaps even twenty years or more. Most of our housing is zoned single-family and that means that we simply don’t have zoned into our codes the ability to build many duplexes, triplexes or quadplexes.

Economic Growth: I think we can really help [restaurants] with financial assistance… keep West Pearl closed, we allow and we make permanent the opportunities for restaurants to have parklets and to be able to expand out onto sidewalks or into the right of way of parking areas.

DEI: If we did fair pay for council, I know that we could attract an even greater diversity of people. Their choice to run for council doesn’t have to be an economic decision.

Final Remarks: I’m going to try and get us away from criminalizing being unhoused and build a more empathetic and compassionate approach that’s more housing first and service based approach to actually get them the resources they need.

Michael Christy (Endorsed)

Background: Family lawyer by trade, Air Force Veteran, deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan shortly after 9/11, certified mediator and collaborative law lawyer. Serving on the Cannabis Licensing and Advisory Board for City Council

Infrastructure and Transportation: I would eventually like to see Boulder and our neighboring cities create their own regional electric bus transit system. Within the city, I’d like to see improvements on the biking infrastructure. There is a need for having safer biking paths [and] more north to south biking corridors.

Housing: I don’t think by just increasing supply you’re going to reduce cost. Let’s look at rezoning some of the older dilapidated strip malls around town, for mixed commercial housing use and provide a wide range of housing options for people at all stages of their life.

Economic Growth: People cannot afford to live here, so instead of commuting into Boulder they are trying to obtain work where they live. [Continue to] provide affordable housing for workers, continue to support local businesses. I also think public safety is an issue for our businesses.

DEI: There are obstacles in place that don’t make it easy for people to get involved and proportionately those tend to be people of underrepresented communities. There needs to be more outreach into underrepresented communities. There’s a lot more we can do than just creating a racial equity plan.

Final Remarks: I don’t pretend to have all of the answers but I do believe that given my background and my experiences that I can add value to the conversations around the issues that we’re facing.

Jacques Decalo

Background: Born and raised in Boulder, Jacques went to Western Washington University, Fairhaven College, and has ‘a vision of Boulder becoming one of the most sustainable cities in the world.’

Infrastructure and Transportation: We have to build with sustainable materials, we have to implement greywater recycling to reduce the cost of utilities. We have to implement solar and battery pack storage to reduce the demand for fossil fuels and reduce the dependence on excel.

Housing: High density housing allows more people to access housing while minimizing space impact. We have to look into duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes. We have to work with neighborhoods and residents in order to establish areas where the whole neighborhood can be comfortable with the change.

Economic Growth: City reserve funds are needed for catastrophes such as this pandemic. We have to be able to help out businesses and stimulate [them] …and make sure their workers are taken care of.

DEI: We have to look at ways to be more inclusive. One of my ideas is to put QR codes around the city and have the option [for] citizens to scan the QR code [and] submit something that they feel the city could improve upon.

Final Remarks: My main platform is that I guarantee no one will fight harder for climate activism than me. We have to take advantage of [100% renewable and sustainable technology] before these huge gas and oil and power and electric companies come in and try and monopolize green energy.

Lauren Folkerts (Endorsed)

Background: A sustainable design architect by profession, Lauren has been a resident of Boulder for ten years and currently serves as the Chair of Boulder’s Design Advisory Board.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Having 60% of our workforce live outside of city limits is causing a large amount of traffic and congestion. We need to press for a free bus system within city limits. Scooters and e-bikes provide great options. Incentivize pushing those alternative mobility options.

Housing: Our co-op ordinance is written so tightly that we have seen almost no new co-ops since its implementation. Most of the co-ops have just been the legalization of existing projects. [I’d like to] look at relaxing some regulations around duplexes and triplexes around transportation hubs.

Economic Growth: City council needs to be pushing at the state and federal level to make sure that we’re getting our fair share of benefits for our community. Housing is [still] a big portion of this, lacking workforce housing means that it is harder for our businesses to hire.

DEI: We miss out on some really qualified people in our community being able to run for [elected] positions. I would push for a liveable wage for city council members. It’s important for us to value people’s work and the work they do for our community.

Final Remarks: None.

Steve Rosenblum

Background: Steve Rosenblum is an economist and a mathematician with a twenty-year career investing in communities, analyzing government budgets, and creating housing for the elderly, disabled, and the unhoused.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Invest in transitional housing, much better mental health support, [and] mental health and social services professionals. I also want to focus on improving our roads and making them safer for alternative types of transports – bikes, ebikes, pedestrians – and making them work better with a new electric mass transit system.

Housing: CU student population grew by 40% [since 2000] and hasn’t built adequate housing; the city has been forced to accommodate. Focus on… and all of our 70’s and 80’s strip malls and shopping centers – redevelop those into communities with [a] mix of housing options.

Economic Growth: City needs to be more vocal about the distribution of rental assistance. I’m going to do all I can to help maintain our local businesses. Putting [them] at the front of the line for permitting processes, looking at property tax abatements for commercial landlords, and listening to the community.

DEI: We need to… increase representation both in our city government and how we make investments as a city. We need to recognize we have a regressive tax system, funded through sales tax which has an…impact on people who are most struggling to live here.

Final Remarks: We’ve fallen prey to the worst parts of our national political discourse. I’m going to work to try and solve that by bringing people together and having discussions about the way to move forward on the big issues like housing, homelessness, and climate.

Nicole Speer (Endorsed)

Background: I’m a scientist, parent, businesswoman, and champion for inclusion. I am running for Boulder City Council to help our community rise to the challenges of housing, equity, and climate change.

Infrastructure and Transportation: I would really love to see our city start focusing on designing in a way that doesn’t center cars quite as much. Designing our neighborhoods [so] that it’s easier for people to bike and walk around and to take public transportation rather than having to rely on a car for transport.

Housing: Rethink the way that we do zoning. A majority of our residentially zoned land is single-family. That does not mean that I want to build giant apartment buildings. That means giving people more options like [turning] their single family home lot into a duplex or triplex.
Homelessness: We are currently moving our services to the outskirts of the city, where they are harder for people to get to and access. That really needs to change.

Economic Growth: This comes down to an issue of housing and wages that enable people to live here in Boulder.

DEI: The biggest thing I can do is listen to the voices of people of color. I’m a privileged white person. I’m not the person that should be generating the ideas; rather, I’m a person that should be helping to implement the ideas of the people who are being affected by racial injustice.

Final Remarks: I’m really trying to elevate climate resilience, and not just from the perspective of protecting us from extreme weather, but from a perspective of ‘how are we building up our communities in a way that is strengthening the social connections that we have to each other?’

David Takahash

Background: David Takahashi not only asks the world to leave no trace, but he walks the talk. David is involved in regenerative organizations at the individual, neighborhood, city, regional, state, national, and global levels.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Our jobs/housing imbalance encourages commuting, resulting in 60,000 single-occupancy vehicles streaming into and out of Boulder each working day. By providing a diverse housing palette, Boulder could turn some of these into inhabitants free to use alternate modes of transportation.

Housing: My solution is to encourage housing in under-utilized low-contest areas such as church parking lots, declining strip malls, declining shopping centers, and other places that are relics of our automobile-centric building codes.

Economic Growth: The first thing is providing affordable workforce housing. Second, we must consider weatherizing and making our 44,000 dwellings energy efficient. Third, I would ensure that building these new housing options is done in a walkable mixed-use style, encouraging smaller, locally owned, community-enhancing businesses that create meaningful and community-building jobs.

DEI: The roots of racial discrimination go so far back as attempts to alleviate its expression in our 14th Amendment are so unsuccessful that I grieve to discuss this. Education that furthers embracing cultural differences rather than cultural intolerance will be better than the alternative of ignorance.

Final Remarks: We are in a code-red climate emergency. It is a time to act and not vacillate. I have been working with the council, city staff, and boards for over six years and have established relationships the other candidates will have to begin building.

Mark Wallach (Incumbent)

Background: Mark Wallach is currently a member of the Boulder City Council and is running for a second term. He has previously worked as an attorney and a real estate developer. Mark has been with his lovely wife, Joan, for 35 years.

Infrastructure and Transportation: [Our] needs are various and pressing, everything from road and bridge maintenance. We have highly inefficient buildings and rec centers that need to be deeply retrofitted to be more energy efficient.

Housing: The core answer is we have to build more affordable housing. Boulder Housing Partners has been doing a great job. There has to be some degree of realism here… Boulder is a desirable place to live. You can’t build yourself out of the problem.

Economic Growth: We’re always trying to increase economic vitality. Just as we did with the outdoor dining, which we’re going to extend to 2022. My only comment is that the economy is stimulated and is recovering. It’s been a very strong end of year for Boulder in terms of sales tax collections.

DEI: The city has adopted an equity lens. It’s a relatively new program, so I don’t know what the results are going to look like [or] whether we have to take further steps, but our city government has been very much on top of these issues.

Final Remarks: I don’t want us to lack experience on the council. It takes several months to know which end is up and having too many rookies on the council I’m not sure that’s going to be good for process or substance.

Dan Williams (Endorsed)

Background: Dan Williams wants to make Boulder a place for all of us. He’s focused on the climate emergency, social justice, housing, and open space.

Infrastructure and Transportation: I’m for exploring ways to make the bus in Boulder free; make it something people incorporate into their daily routines and [free] actually speeds up the buses. The city should be subsidizing or even giving away e-bikes to front line workers who are living in town.

Housing: The missing middle housing crisis is the result of failed policies; we just haven’t built enough housing. There was a time when people could do things, like subdivide lots and build more housing in currently single family neighborhoods. We can make it a lot easier to build multi-family housing.

Economic Growth: Some of the emergency measures just need to continue, [such as] keeping Pearl Street closed from 9th to 11th. The amount of outdoor seating we have has been great. Those are things we can make permanent even though we may have a modest reduction in parking spaces.

DEI: The exclusion of BIPOC communities in Boulder – historically – was intentional and we can intentionally deconstruct that… with more inclusionary housing policies. One of the things I hear from communities of color is that we’re policing in an unfair way. That’s completely unacceptable.

Final Remarks: I’ve loved living in Boulder for the last fifteen years. I can’t imagine living anywhere else and I’m committed to working to make Boulder a brighter place that’s more welcoming and inviting for all of us in the future.

Tara Winer

Background: Tara has developed an expertise in forming partnerships, listening to people, understanding problems, and developing solutions in both her extensive public service here in Boulder and as a small business owner for over 25 years.

Infrastructure and Transportation: I strongly approve of [Issue 2I] because to me infrastructure is vital, that’s one of the primary jobs of the city, to have good infrastructure. I would like to see lighting in the bike tunnels and more protection on the bike lanes.

Housing: The problem with permanently affordable housing is the developers have to pay for [it] with cash in lieu or them adding a few units of affordable housing to their market rate housing so that’s slow going… but at least it’s something and we’re definitely adding.

Economic Growth: We have a big mess on our hands in this country. [Business owners] can’t seem to hire employees, and then we have people that can’t find jobs. Why is there a disconnect between those [groups]?

DEI: I feel [it] was great, that the city [held trainings on DEI], and [that] they continually work on their racial equity plan and continue to really push it in every way that I’ve seen. They always put racial equity and inclusivity and diversity first.

Final Remarks: One reason I am running is because post-COVID all cities have really had some challenges – budget-wise, safety, environmentally – and I feel it’s very important, going into the next few years, to have people that are balanced and think for the whole of the city.

Broomfield | Mayor

Kimberly Groom

Background: Kimberly has proudly served as Broomfield Ward 4 Council Member, has over 25 years progressive corporate experience, earned two master’s degrees, and served on the Board of Directors of Senior Resources of Broomfield.

Infrastructure and Transportation: It’s our east-west corridors that are most important to build out and support the growing transportation needs. What we need to do – to get the funding – [is] work with the state because this northern region is not getting their fair share of transportation dollars.

Housing: My hopes for attainable housing is [that] a dual family income can still live here… and that’s what I think affordable housing needs to equate to.

Economic Growth: [Small businesses] cannot get people to work. They can’t open their business at full capacity because of employee employment issues. I do see Broomfield being able to play a role in that through our current workforce center. There’s a lot of resources available.

DEI: We’re a very accepting community. However, there are chances you can have a blind side and I think by having a staff dedicated to diversity, it will help us ensure that we don’t have blinders on. I support making sure that everyone in our community feels included.

Final Remarks: We need to make business decisions and ensure that our 34 square miles [are] built out appropriately to sustain our financial future. We need to make sure that we have economic diversity in each of our communities.

Guyleen Castriotta (Incumbent) (Endorsed)

Background: Guyleen was the first openly lesbian candidate elected to the Broomfield City Council and was unanimously appointed to Mayor Pro Tem in 2019.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Our transportation has been woefully underfunded in Colorado. We’re hopeful to be able to get some of that funding to improve Highway 7. [It] is our biggest pinch point right now. We are a transit desert and it’s not equitable for people who can’t drive.

Housing: [When Broomfield was first planned] there was never a focus on workforce housing. We need to be flexible, work with developers, allow more variances, allow more smaller footprints, and allow the density and height that it’s going to take to fill these gaps.

Economic Growth: I support helping people who are still looking for work. I believe the way out of this is to lift people up from poverty and increase wages. They haven’t increased with the cost of living. We’ve got to do a better job investing in people.

DEI: In 2018, we passed the charter amendment with 75% of the vote to replace the male-only pronouns with gender neutral pronouns and titles. We are working toward [an] equitable environment for our staff and our residents. It is definitely one of my priorities.

Final Remarks: I want to encourage people to get vaccinated to protect each other. It’s not about the ‘me’. It’s about the ‘we’. That’s what we’re all about. We want to lift each other up. We want to take care of each other.

Broomfield | City Council (Ward 1)

James Marsh-Holschen (Endorsed)

Background: After receiving my law degree from Georgetown in 2013 I moved to Broomfield, worked for the public defender’s office, and now I work with a company doing financial compliance and anti-money laundering work. I also serve on the Health and Human Services Board and the Community Justice Partnership.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Redesigning streets with traffic calming devices can prevent dangerously fast driving. Developing a circular road network can alleviate traffic. Establish mixed-use developments on unused parking lots. Transition away from cars by providing biking and pedestrian lanes, offering multimodal transportation capabilities, and developing a bus system that reaches all main points of the city.

Housing: Help individuals afford homes by raising wages to keep pace with costs of housing. Provide property tax deductions for landlords who rent at affordable prices, offer tax credits for low-income homeowners, and modify our ordinances to increase stock of affordable houses and ADUs.
Homelessness: I support voucher programs that give homeless people access to hotel rooms, and assistance programs to provide them with the services they need.

Economic Growth: With people working remotely and many office buildings vacant, we can redevelop those spaces into commercial properties. Only attract companies to Broomfield that pay high wages, and we should provide them with incentives to move into empty existing spaces rather than creating new buildings.

Pandemic: The narrative that people are sitting at home because they are lazy is not supported by the data. The workforce decreased as the economy changed; companies need to pay higher wages to attract workers. Support small businesses by using COVID funds to help them recover and adjust to the economy.

DEI: Working in the government or living in a community requires us to work together despite disagreements. But there is no compromise on issues of diversity, equality, and human rights. We’re fortunate that Broomfield has been good about increasing its minority population and embracing its diverse residents.

Final Remarks: Property crime has been rising in Broomfield. It’s most likely due to the increased struggles caused by the pandemic. We can work with law enforcement and neighborhood watches to help reduce the rates of property crimes and to make everyone in the community feel safe.

Chriss Hammerschmidt

Background: I’ve lived in Broomfield for 24 years, and throughout my scientific career I’ve worked for NASA and ITS. But I disagree with some decisions of the city council, so I’ve been attending meetings, conducting research, tracking resolutions, and now I’m running for office.

Infrastructure and Transportation: We have to upgrade our main thoroughfares; traffic is increasing as the city reaches build-out. We should redesign Midway Blvd, complete the construction loop around Highway 7, and fund infrastructure projects for the roads connecting to northern Broomfield.

Housing: Have homebuilders develop affordable options, including small home communities and ADUS. Reduce zoning restrictions and building regulations to optimize the efficient use of our land and decrease the overall costs of our homes.
Homelessness: Help by providing facilities and nonprofits that can take them off the street, improve their lives, and help them at a community level.

Economic Growth: We should encourage small and large businesses to operate here, mix stores better within our residential areas, and revitalize our existing commercial areas, such as the Flatirons Crossing Mall and the Broomfield Town Center.

Pandemic: The unemployment benefits have to stop because it’s discouraging people from getting back to work. However, rather than ending it all at once, we should phase it out gradually so the recipients can still afford to make purchases during the transition.

DEI: I’m happy that Broomfield has a diverse community with residents from very different backgrounds. I’ve never seen any group be disrespected or excluded here, so we should avoid introducing a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.

Final Remarks: Public safety is a big issue. Restrictions on police departments have reduced the police presence on the streets, and this has increased property crimes throughout the communities. But we can also reduce crime by alleviating the angry rhetoric, fearful attitudes, and divisive tendencies in our society.

Broomfield | City Council (Ward 2)

Brent Hultman

Background: I’m a nonprofit volunteer, leadership coach, army veteran, published author, and I’m solution-focused based on what makes sense and how we can achieve the best outcome.

Infrastructure and Transportation: We have problems with our aging water and sewage infrastructure. Constant leaks are wasting exorbitant amounts of water, so modernizing our water and sewer systems need to be a top priority. Regarding roads, we need to repair and improve the conditions of the surface streets running through and around the city.

Housing: The construction defect rule and risk of litigation prevents condo development. I would encourage our mayor to pressure state legislators to address that issue. I would collaborate with developers to create a wider variety of housing styles, and modify height restrictions / density limitations to increase our housing inventory.
Homelessness: I support the hotel voucher system in place.

Economic Growth: We need the tax revenue from the business side rather than the residential side. I would communicate with our small and big businesses, provide the resources they need to flourish, and I’d also provide an inviting atmosphere to make it easy and advantageous for new companies to operate here as well.

Pandemic: We should give access to trade schools and technical training opportunities, so workers can meet the needs of companies, and we should provide match-maker programs that connect skilled workers with hiring employers.

DEI: It’s important that we can be honest and candid about everything. But we all have to unite together rather than polarize further apart, so I love MLK’s vision of us all coming together despite our various differences and then moving forward together as a unified community.

Final Remarks: The basis for my campaign is safety, affordability and quality of life. Quality is the big bucket that everything else goes into, so we must identify how to maximize the conditions of our lives and the quality of our community.

Austin Ward (Endorsed)

Background: I was born and raised in Wyoming. I’ve lived in Denver metro for the past 10 years; Broomfield for the last three. I’ve been an RTD bus operator since 2016. I volunteer for the Colorado Rail Passenger Association. That lets me advocate for expanded rail service and increased public transit.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Effectively bring people in by completing the B-Line and FasTracks, and by increasing public transit. Implement a local bus service or municipal shuttle system. Improve our multi-modal infrastructure by creating wider lanes that can be used to walk or bike to our shopping centers or office buildings.

Housing: I support mixed use developments and high-density neighborhoods that would add housing without stretching infrastructure. I want to eliminate single-family zoning for new builds, pass an ADU ordinance, and eliminate parking minimums, so we can use the empty space to construct new housing.
Homelessness: Increasing funding for mental health services, providing stable housing opportunities to improve their lives and alleviate the issue.

Economic Growth: Attract big businesses by increasing transportation infrastructure, making sure we have housing to support employees, and having beautiful stretches of open spaces. Mom and pop shops are the heart of the city; we must provide better support for them by offering assistance programs that help them get started.

Pandemic: The pandemic gave people the ability to reassess their lives. Increasing the wages of workers could belie the scope of the labor shortage. Unemployment benefits should not have relaxed; vulnerable people are struggling and immunocompromised people are unable to work.

DEI: We should all support each other because we’re all interconnected and the success of our neighbors benefits the rest of the community. Though we have to make more progress, especially with equal housing, DEI has been helpful in improving the treatment of immigrants, people of color, and LGBTQ communities.

Final Remarks: Sustainability and environmental problems are plaguing our society and destroying our world. I would increase the use of solar panels, electric vehicles, and composting programs. We’ve run out of time, and so incremental solutions would be ineffective; instead we need dramatic transformations.

Broomfield | City Council (Ward 3)

Deven Shaff, (Incumbent) (Endorsed)

No transcript available due to recording error.

Learn more: www.deven4broomfield.com

In a news release, Shaff stated he wants to continue the progress the City Council has made the past three years and through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am proud of my record of supporting the Broomfield community, enhancing the creative economy, improving our local and regional transportation systems and ensuring the public health and safety of our residents,” Shaff stated in the release.

The release cites Shaff’s role in helping implement the mural at Highway 128 and U.S. 287 designed to shine light on mental health and diversity, as well as his work to build support and foster communication surrounding the 2021 transportation funding bill.

“As a father of two students at Kohl Elementary School and a substitute teacher, I interact with Broomfield residents on a daily basis,” Shaff stated in the release. “In these conversations, I listen and take note of how to show up and respond. I offer transparency and inclusion of ideas on all matters important to them. As we move to a new normal in our community, I look forward to spending more time with constituents and continuing the work of the people.”

Brian Peotter

Did not return multiple requests for an interview.

Broomfield | City Council (Ward 4)

Mindy Quiachon, Uncontested

Background: I am a small business owner of two successful UPS Stores, a mother, volunteer, and resident of Broomfield for 20 years. I believe in our residents and local business owners, and will passionately serve our community, listen to and take action on resident concerns, and put Broomfield first.

Infrastructure and Transportation: It is imperative that we spend on non-recurring expenses such as our sewer and water. In addition, Broomfield is growing faster than it can meet demand with expanding roads and addressing public transportation issues. I will advocate for timely, efficient solutions.

Housing: Member of the Broomfield Housing Advisory Committee.We need to explore and prioritize all options to see what works – tiny homes, duplexes, or higher density, mixed use developments. There is a shortage of affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and the disabled. Our economy and smart growth go hand in hand.

Economic Growth: I understand the need to support, recover, and invigorate our local business economy to provide good paying jobs and opportunities for all Broomfield residents. I will be a champion for new and existing businesses, and will support economic growth to stimulate innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

DEI: I care about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. I wish for every resident to succeed and live with dignity. I will advocate to bring people together. Broomfield is an incredibly compassionate and giving community. I care about making sure Broomfield is diverse in providing the best services, amenities, and opportunities.

Final Remarks: My priorities are providing a safe community, economic vitality, and smart growth. I have 3 kids and retired parents here. I am committed to being a voice for, and engaged with, residents. I am a leader invested in the future. I believe in Broomfield and will get it done for Ward 4.

Bruce Leslie

Background: I have been Cheryl’s husband for 52 years. We have three children and eight grandchildren, two attending CU and one a senior in BVSD. My career as a community college president has given me skills in strategic planning, accountability, fiscal management, academic quality and student success. My skills are in collaboration, goal achievement in politically complex environments, accountability and strategic planning. I am currently Treasurer of the Rocky Mountain Performance Excellence Board.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Ward 4 residents are concerned about Route 7 and the need to widen and improve the road in light of the on-going growth in the region. Residents want to preserve if not expand open spaces and ensure that our water assets are secured and air quality, especially related to drilling. Collaborating with developers will be an important focus of my work. Increasing arts and cultural assets, such as the relocation and expansion of the Butterfly Pavilion and stem school.

Housing: More affordable housing must be built to provide homes for our teachers, firefighters, police and other critical members of our community. My vision is that our grandchildren and great grandchildren will be able to afford to work, live, and raise their families here. Thus, starter homes, alternative energy and related sustainability measures must be pursued. Our issues, whether affordable housing or homlesness, are best addressed regionally.

Economic Growth: Affordable housing, cultural amenities and a well trained workforce are assets that attract corporate and small businesses. By maintaining our open spaces, building adequate housing stock, increasing cultural amenities, improving transportation, providing secure water and energy as well as strengthening education, Broomfield can attract the companies that align with our values and goals.

DEI: A strong society is one that values everyone, educates and trains everyone and provides access to jobs, business ownership and includes their voices. I’ve received diversity awards at each college I’ve served, for both me and my institution. I’ve expanded access and success for all cohorts of students, equalized student success and assertively employed faculty, staff and administrators who looked like our students.

Final Remark: I am experienced in leading large, politically complex organizations. I have gained substantial leadership skills over my career and have the fortitude, experience and capabilities to serve Broomfield. I have proven my capabilities, empathy, creativity and innovation. I am retired so I have the time and desire to continue my career of service to our city. I have no interest in higher office. I am unaffiliated in this non-partisan race, wishing to serve my Ward 4 neighbors with the best representation possible.

Broomfield | City Council (Ward 5)

Grayson Hofferber

Background: Grayson is a small business owner that moved to Broomfield in 2015, ran for City Council in 2017, and was the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Board of Equalization.

Infrastructure and Transportation: The biggest challenge will be two-fold. First, making sure our transportation access is multimodal. We’re [also] going to have to continue to be ahead of the curve in terms of thinking about what future transportation looks like, especially when it comes to autonomous vehicles.

Housing: [One of the biggest issues is] making sure that the city and county has the vision and the planning necessary to zone specifically for smaller footprint housing… and allowing for our builders to bring forward these projects in a way that’s timely and cost effective.

Economic Growth: The biggest thing that we can do is provide market competition for wages. Bringing good commercial projects… that are going to provide high paying jobs will set the market tone for businesses to continue to pay above a fair market wage.

DEI: Our role as policy makers here, locally, is to make sure that we provide equal opportunity for all of our residents. [We need] to make sure that we are setting a level playing field in the policies that we create.

CRT: Critical Race Theory at its core is not appropriate for our school-age children. I do think it is the role of families and parents to raise their children in such a way that their children grow to embrace differences.

Final Remarks: My goal is to have a more moderated voice on City Council, making sure that differences of opinion are met and understood with the idea that we need to have compromise.

Todd Cohen

Background: Todd was appointed to Council in 2021 after serving on the Open Space and Trails Advisory Committee. He is an AVP at Regis University and previously was at Great Outdoors Colorado.

Infrastructure and Transportation: We’re looking at improving our bus systems as well as providing better bike and other transit [infrastructure]. Specific to electric cars, one thing we can do is require a certain number of electric car charging stations in developments.

Housing: We’re having a particular shortage in homes that the average income person can afford. It’s going to take a public-private partnership to make a significant dent and that might mean acquiring land for affordable housing or acquiring existing developments to prevent them from being redeveloped into more expensive units.

Economic Growth: We’re going to be focused particularly on the Flatiron Crossing Mall because it’s been a significant source of our revenue in sales tax. We need to provide jobs in Broomfield. We’re going to have to recruit as best we can to bring more businesses into the community that have living wages.

DEI: Inclusivity is very important. I want every member of the community to feel welcome and safe. We need to make sure that there is ample representation on all our advisory committees and everything else.

Final Remarks: [It’s] very important that Broomfield continue to have progressive leadership on the council so that we are productively addressing our growing pains as well as climate change. [The] city is still growing and we need to make sure it develops in a way that’s safe and healthy for everybody.

Lafayette | City Council

Brandon Stites (Endorsed)

Background: I got interested in local government in high school while earning my Eagle Scout Badge and fulfilling citizenship missions. After college I began working as a software engineer, established Lafayette as my home, and began attending city council meetings because I’m passionate about the community and want to participate with the process.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Traffic congestion is a problem with the corridors of Arapahoe, South Boulder Rd, and Baseline. I support Lafayette’s comprehensive plan, but we also need to create auxiliary side-road options to reduce traffic on major roads, and connect RTD and bus routes to our networks to increase mass transit options.

Housing: Reduce the number of residents who are cost-burdened. Develop Willoughby Corner to provide 400 affordable houses, encouraging ADUs, and rezone single-family areas to allow attractive duplexes to accommodate households.
Manage homelessness with free access to mental and physical healthcare, with support programs to help them escape the homelessness cycle.

Economic Growth: To stimulate growth, I would employ experts to increase business growth while maintaining the intimate atmosphere of the community. To fund the government, I would support a ballot to increase property taxes on wealthy homeowners whose house values have skyrocketed and who can help fund the programs we need.

Pandemic: I strongly support unemployment benefits and rental assistance for people who couldn’t attend work due to the pandemic. The hiring difficulties reflect a larger problem in which employers have been underpaying working citizens for too long, so we need to raise the wages of workers to match the expensive [cost of living] of the area.

DEI: I support the DEI movement entirely, and I also believe that schools should teach history honestly so we can alleviate racism effectively.

Final Remarks: Although fracking can create jobs for workers and revenue for the city, we must protect the community by restricting any drilling near schools, homes, parks, and water sources.

Enihs Medrano (Endorsed)

Background: I grew up in Lafayette, went through its schools, and now I’m in my third year at CU Boulder studying sociology. I was on the Youth Advisory Committee in HS. At CU I joined many programs that entailed social justice work, that equipped me with knowledge of social issues, and strengthened my skills with local governance.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Make transportation more accessible; reduce rates for bus passes, offer rideshare or carshare capabilities, and programs to encourage people to use public transit. This would also reduce pollution. I support continued efforts to create safe streets for people to walk or bike while traveling around town and fulfilling various activities.

Housing: Lafayette isn’t accessible for some families. I live in one of the mobile home parks. Partner with the BOCO Housing Authority to help people go from renting affordable units to owning. I support the city acquiring land to build affordable housing and complete diverse development projects.
Homelessness: I strongly support the needs of the homeless. Add more job opportunities, offer more housing options, and provide services to prevent people from losing their homes.

Economic Growth: The growth of small businesses is crucial for economic development. Support those businesses by distributing grants that enable them to thrive, increase employment opportunities, improve domestic comfort of families, and create more tax revenue for the town.

Pandemic: I support the financial assistance provided for vulnerable residents. We definitely need workers to keep the town running and sustain economic growth. Addressing workplace conditions would be beneficial, as making sure the workplaces are safe, that they’re following COVID protocols, and that residents have access to health care can help alleviate their fears and make them comfortable returning to work.

DEI: The DEI movement is great. Its concepts might be hard and uncomfortable for some, but it is important to provide the right training for people. We must continue the movement and improve the training to effectively serve the community and accommodate all residents.

Final Remarks: Being only 20 years old and almost finishing college influences my perspective. I grew up in this town, the community shaped who I am, and my hope is that people will see that I am excited to reinvest in my community and to represent groups that aren’t being represented.

Nicole Samson

Background: I’m currently on the Adams County Planning Commission, the Northwest Parkway Authority Board of Directors, and I filled a vacancy on the Lafayette council in 2019. My 17 years working in local government has equipped me with broad experience regarding economic development, recreational management, grant administration, housing programs, ordinance codes, and policy issues.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Water infrastructure is important. We need to fix cracked pipes and replace old pipes. I would consider establishing a new broadband network for the entire community (deal with frequent outages). With transportation, we can improve the safety of highway 7 and the flow of highway 287. It’s important to also increase public transportation, fulfill commuter rail projects, and ensure bus routes connect to those rails.

Housing: Provide downpayment assistance for first-time homebuyers, offer tax credits for low-income residents, and modify municipal codes to increase ADUs and mobile home options. Use grant funds to give developers subsidies when they build both luxury units and affordable houses with their projects.
Homelessness: work with nonprofits to determine what resources we can provide and what strategies we can implement.

Economic Growth: Small businesses are the backbone of our community. We have brilliant people who are ripe with innovative ideas, so we should offer support and work with the chamber to help small businesses grow and new startups flourish.

Pandemic: The problems facing this new economy are perplexing. We should have the chamber facilitate discussion groups that would let experts offer advice, businesses express their needs, and the city determine what resources can help keep companies alive and workers employed.

DEI: Lafayette prioritizes being an eclectic and diverse community. I love having people with different backgrounds, experiences, thoughts, and ideas enhance my perspectives of the world and enrich the diversity of Lafayette.

Final Remarks: I love this city, the community, and its residents. My personal mission is to leave this world a better place, and that’s why I want to be a city council member here in Lafayette.

Brian Wong (Incumbent) (Endorsed)

Background: I’ve lived in Lafayette for over 14 years. I work as a human resource director. I got into local government by serving on the Planning Commission for seven years, four as Chair. I learned about land use, planning, development, and then jumped into city politics and spent the last two years on city council.

Infrastructure and Transportation: We made progress with RTD, the Lafayette shuttle for all residents, and the call and ride program. We still need to increase public transit to help residents travel around Lafayette and connect to Boulder. We need to improve our high speed internet, especially with adults working from home and kids learning remotely.

Housing: Work with developers; incentivize them to build affordable housing. Increase the density. Our mobile home parks need support with zoning/policy changes to enable parks or the city to purchase mobile homes that go up for sale. Tiny home communities are efficient ways to use open land and provide affordable units.
Homelessness: solve at a regional level by collaborating with other partners to determine how we can address the issue and apply our resources.

Economic Growth: We lured Medtronics to build a new campus, which means that in a year the largest employer in Boulder County will be in our city. We need to decide what to build on the land that King Soopers vacated. We need to support our small businesses, identify what they need to grow, and make sure that they are effectively integrated into our community.

Pandemic: I’m proud that the city offered two grants to assist small businesses. Further amplify our support for these companies by hosting job fairs as community events or offering perks for hired workers. But building recreational facilities or community amenities can also attract tourists to visit our city and support our businesses.

DEI: As an HR professional, this issue is at the forefront of what I’m doing. I’m glad our community has been addressing injustices in society. After the George Floyd incident, our police chief facilitated multiple forums to encourage citizens to gather together, share thoughts, and engage in open and honest dialogues.

Final Remarks: I am privileged and honored to be given my first term. With COVID and the cyberattack there is much more that I want to do. I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve another term for Lafayette, and I would be eager to continue building an amazing culture for our residents.

Tonya Briggs (Incumbent) (Endorsed)

Background: I own a plumbing company, I’ve lived here for 13 years, and I’ve been on council the last two years. I volunteered for East Boulder County United, which enabled me to advocate for the banning of oil & gas activity, and I’m an animal lover so I volunteer for animal rescue organizations.

Infrastructure and Transportation: RTD is failing us despite our efforts. Work with Boulder County to increase taxes to fund a public electrified transportation project to protect the environment, and is reliable and free for all residents. Our new multimodal transportation and environmental sustainability plans would create more lanes for bikers and pedestrians.

Housing: Protect our affordable housing, especially the mobile home parks. Implement policies to require developers building single-family homes to also provide a reasonable percentage of permanently affordable homes.
Homelessness: We need more funding to provide rental assistance to prevent people from losing their homes, and mental health services for people already entrenched in that situation.

Economic Growth: Our King Soopers is about to move to Erie, so placing a performing arts theater in that massive empty space would provide an exciting new feature for the city, an artistic venue for our residents, and tax revenue for the government as people come to see the shows and then spend money at our restaurants. Medtronics will create over 2,500 jobs, and then I’d also like to partner with other companies that match our values, protect the environment, and benefit the community.

Pandemic: Benefits were crucial for helping people and preventing homelessness, and we should continue the assistance because many people are immunocompromised. We’re putting together grants for the small businesses that need them most, and we should also help to connect skilled workers with ideal companies.

DEI: DEI is a necessary movement that connects to everything. We should embrace all residents, make all groups feel welcome, and ensure the lens of equity and the views of diversity are considered in all decisions that we make as a community.

Final Remarks: I love Lafayette, and I’m very excited to get to some of our initial priorities. Although the pandemic put some issues on pause, I look forward to returning to the issues of environmental stewardship and affordable housing while also helping our community recover.

Longmont | Mayor

Gregory Harris

No transcript available due to recording error.

Learn more: www.greg4mayor.com

From his website: We all know Longmont will grow. Businesses want to come to Longmont. To meet this need, we must support the construction of Middle-Class apartments and houses for those employed in Longmont.

Without addressing our infrastructure, our current growth is unsustainable. It will increase our vehicle emissions, especially during commuting hours with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Longmont has many roads that go North and South, but East and West we only have Highways 66 and 119. In 1957, the fences on Highway 66 were moved back to expand into a four-lane highway — but it never happened. Then we were taxed for a train from the south, but it was never built and we didn’t get our money back.
I oppose all excessive policies, codes, regulations and any fees attached to new construction since they would add to the costs for consumers.
I oppose any increases in water rates, connection fees or tap fees.
If it’s necessary to fund some city program, the money should come from the general funds.
Longmont has an inclusionary housing ordinance. I oppose any expansion of the ordinance.
I oppose all efforts to limit residential growth. We must support all efforts to substantially increase the number of homes built in Longmont.
I support increasing the budget for public safety and oppose any effort to defund the police.
The City and State should not decide which businesses should close and which stay open. I think the recent action by the Boulder County government requiring masks everywhere was excessive government overreach. As Mayor, I will do what needs to be done to keep all businesses open.

Joan Peck, City Council Member

No transcript available due to recording error.

Learn more: www.joanpeckforlongmontmayor.com

From the website: As a proven advocate for Longmont’s vibrant community and a strong supporter of programs popular with our city’s residents, Councilwoman Peck intends to continue her work and complete projects around the major issues that originally won her a seat on City Council. These issues include:

Securing the RTD/FasTracks build-out by holding RTD accountable for tax dollars already contributed
Achieving pragmatic, safe solutions for services to the unhoused
Meeting affordable housing challenges
Addressing climate change
Supporting early childhood education
Taking decisive steps to defend Longmont’s rights to clean air and water

Proven Leader

Longmont needs experienced, proven leadership to ensure that these issues are skillfully addressed. Peck has already established a record of collaboration and creativity. As the vice-chair of the Northern Area Transportation Alliance (NATA), she has worked diligently with the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), with Commuting Solutions, and with Longmont’s two RTD Directors.

In 2016, Joan was elected to City Council as an at-large candidate. One of her reasons for running was to bring the RTD FasTracks Northwest Corridor commuter rail to Longmont.Through these efforts, Longmont Council and staff have successfully created an alliance of the five NW cities, Longmont, Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville and Westminster, to develop the ‘Peak Service’ Commuter Rail plan for the NW corridor.

Through her second term which began in 2018, Joan continued her work, holding RTD accountable to build the rail to Longmont. When elected Mayor, Joan will work with all the Mayors of the cities on the RTD NW corridor, our two RTD directors, AmTrak and the Front Range Passenger Rail to complete the project.

Serving Unhoused and Disadvantaged Residents

Joan and her husband served as Soup Angels for H.O.P.E. (Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement) for seven years and she continues to be involved with efforts that support unhoused residents.

As a Councilwoman, Peck led an initiative to bring together city staff with developers, the Longmont Chamber of Commerce and the Longmont Economic Development Partnership (LEDP) to give their perspectives on an affordable housing ordinance.

Councilwoman Peck led another initiative for community service leaders to inform Council about services available for unhoused, marginalized and disadvantaged residents. Out of those meetings, safe lots for residents living in cars and sleeper vehicles emerged. Longmont now has two safe lots for residents waiting for housing. Also, housing vouchers are now available for residents living in vehicles. What Joan Peck works on gets results.

Environmental Stewardship

In 2012, 60% of Longmont’s voters passed Proposition 300 to amend the City Charter banning fracking within the City of Longmont. Peck led the petition drive to put the proposition on the ballot and launched Longmont as a leader among area municipalities banning fracking. Her commitment to clean air and water led to a contract with scientist and researcher, Dr. Detlev Helmig, to monitor Longmont’s air quality at Union Reservoir and at Vance Brand Airport — and to the Council’s acceptance of a resolution for 100% renewable energy by 2030!

STEAM: Science, Technology, Education Arts and Music

Joan knows that the actuality of a robust RTD commuter rail will be a precursor to development along HWY 287. As mayor, Joan Peck envisions that through the STEAM Project, Longmont stands to become a hub for economic development which includes a future performing arts center, an expanded college campus, a hotel, as well as affordable housing.

Tim Waters (Endorsed)

No transcript available due to recording error.

Learn more: www.timwaters4mayor.com

From his website:

Economic recovery, growth, and resilience

Every municipality in the country is focused on a rapid recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The question for all of us is, what will differentiate Longmont from every other municipality with similar ambitions?

To be certain, we will continue collaborating with Longmont’s Economic Development Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Development Authority. These associations and relationships are instrumental to the recruitment of primary businesses to Longmont and supporting Main Street businesses through challenges like the ones faced during the pandemic.

Beyond compliance-based planning

We need more than compliance with zoning, the imagination of developers, and coincidence to shape Longmont’s future.

New development and redevelopment of land and property in Longmont needs to be more vision and less compliance based. Decades of compliance with zoning ordinances have produced results that, in many cases, fail to meet our standard of “highest and best use” of land and opportunity.

Examples of vision-based development opportunities include Longmont’s Main Street corridor plan and our Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) area. Both efforts reflect the aspirations of Longmont residents and possibilities for development and/or redevelopment of land that rises to the standard of “highest and best use”. Summaries of the Main St. corridor and STEAM area projects can be reviewed on the city’s Engage Longmont platform.

Why should we care about these initiatives? Because these are creative and vivid approaches for signaling to developers what Longmont leaders wish to see proposed for development. They go beyond basic compliance with zoning requirements to reflect the best hopes of the community. We will also want to hear the ideas of Longmont’s developers for development and/or redevelopment of our land.

Currently, the leadership of Longmont’s Downtown Development Authority describes the downtown area are vibrant, clean, and safe. When fully developed, the Main Street plan will result in a corridor from HW 66 to Plateau Rd, that takes vibrant, clean, and safe to new levels.

As the vision for the STEAM area is translated from possibilities to planning, proposals and then to projects, Longmont’s entire lower downtown will be transformed. Amenities will be developed that will benefit generations of Longmonters for years to come. Imagine never having to leave Longmont to access and enjoy world class education programs and facilities from pre-school through post-doctoral degrees. Imagine best-in-class performing arts and conference venues and 21 ^st century library facilities and services.

Sugar Mill to Vance Brand Airport

Along with the Main Street corridor and STEAM area vision-based planning already underway, we deserve clarity on how we will proceed with development when property that has been in a flood plain is removed from the flood plain along St. Vrain River. Completion of the next stretch of the Resilient St. Vrain Project (RSVP) will present unprecedented opportunities to reimagine responsible, environmentally sensitive, planning and development that will extend from the Sugar Mill to the Airport.

The City is already engaged with the Urban Land Institute to assess and evaluate possible land use from County Line Road to Martin Street. The STEAM project offers a vision of possibilities from Martin Street to Main Street.

$140 million in local, state, and federal funding will eventually be invested in restoration of the St. Vrain river corridor. Following restoration, protection of this natural amenity, along with a commitment to “highest and best” use of land that will be removed from the flood plain, should be captured in an effective vision for the corridor. When flood restoration work between Main St. and Hover is completed in in 2023 or 24, 800 acres of land will be out of the flood plain and we will be presented with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset expectations for development of the corridor.

Among the many development opportunities we need to “get right” is the Vance Brand Airport. The airport should be instrumental to Longmont’s future. It should be a driver of economic development and prosperity. This is only possible if our community shares a vision of a regional airport that becomes a leader in research and development of green/quiet aviation.

Both private and government investment in research and development of electric powered aircraft is rapidly increasing. Municipalities, along with private sector partners, are positioning to take advantage of investments in research, development, manufacturing of electric aircraft. Electric airplanes can also become assets in a regional transportation system. If we want to quiet the skies over Longmont, attract capital, create high-end jobs, recruit talent, connect Longmont with other future-focused cities in a the 21^st Century world, and create a new hub of robust economic activity in the post-pandemic era, it’s time to get started.

Housing

Housing Insecurity

Too many Longmont residents are one automobile accident, health crisis, or lost job away from losing their homes.

Housing, and reducing housing insecurity, remains a significant challenge to municipalities throughout the country. Longmont, located in Boulder County, rated as the 7th most expensive location in the country for housing costs, faces a more challenging situation than most.

Too many Longmont homeowners are housing burdened, which means they spend more than one third of their monthly income on housing costs. This leaves too many Longmont residents one medical emergency, one auto repair, or one layoff away from losing their homes.

Housing insecurity is a precursor to homelessness. If we want to prevent homelessness, we must reduce housing insecurity. To reduce housing insecurity, we must continually update ordinances that lower the initial costs, and total costs, of home ownership.

Affordable Housing

Every Longmont resident who wants safe, stable, permanent housing should be able to find it and afford it.

Reducing homelessness was a challenge before the Covid-19 pandemic. It is likely to become a much more daunting challenge in the post-pandemic era. Homeless can only be reduced or eradicated when every Longmonter who desires to live in safe and secure permanent housing enjoys access to it. We cannot house the homeless without developing more affordable housing options in Longmont.

In December 2019, the City Council adopted an Inclusionary Housing ordinance that was a positive step toward creating more affordable (subsidized) housing for residents who qualify for subsides. This was a necessary, but wasn’t a totally sufficient step in the right direction.

Work remains to be done to grow Longmont’s inventory of housing options for eligible residents. To assure, with confidence, that all Longmont residents are unburdened in safe, secure, and permanently affordable housing, we must leverage every available resource, both public and private. This means optimizing Longmont’s housing authority, courting investors in tax credit funded housing development, and partnering with developers of affordable housing.

This also means working with business owners and neighborhoods on the design of affordable housing projects, so they are congruent with neighborhood design standards, even as housing options are more diverse.

Attainable Housing

Home ownership and child-care are the two biggest expenses for many Longmont families. Affording both should be achievable for working families in Longmont.

If Longmont is to be a community in which young individuals or couples can purchase a home, start their careers, raise their families, invest in the community, and mature along with their children, then housing stock must be available and attainable for them. These are individuals or couples who do not qualify for subsidized housing but aspire to purchase a home, raise their families, and build equity in the city in which they work.

Today, the housing stock in shortest supply is what housing experts refer to as “attainable” housing. This is housing priced so working families, earning $85,000 to $115,000 can qualify to purchase market rate homes priced between $375,00 and $400,000. This combination of income and housing costs requires no more than one third of homeowner income being obligated to mortgage, interest, and fee payments.

Here is the problem. There are very few homes in Longmont available for sale in Longmont in this price range. The median family income in Longmont is $75,000. This is why 20% of homeowners in Longmont are considered “housing burdened” and so many young families who want to live and work in Longmont are unable to do so.

There is a direct correlation between City Council adopted housing ordinances and the development of attainable housing inventory. The interests of teachers, City of Longmont employees, entrepreneurs, and other young professionals aspiring to own a home in the city in which they work have not been served well by Longmont’s housing policies. More imagination, creativity, learning, and willingness to work with builders of attainable housing is needed if Longmont is to avoid becoming older, less diverse, and less vibrant.

Just as a relationship exists between City housing policy and available, attainable housing stock, a relationship exists between housing policy and Longmont’s carbon footprint. Prior to the pandemic, 60% of people who work in Longmont commute from outside of Longmont into the city. Understanding that the total percentage of commuters into Longmont each day may change slightly in the post-pandemic era, we need to make it feasible for people who work in Longmont to live in Longmont. Living near where one works decreases the use of automobiles and reduces traffic congestion. Biking and walking to work increases.

Economic recovery, growth, and resilience will be, at least partially, tied to the success of Longmont’s primary employers. Primary employers located in Longmont note that current housing costs and the shortage of attainable housing is an obstacle to recruiting talent. In the post-pandemic era, we should be able to differentiate Longmont from other Front Range municipalities based on a variety assets. Attainable housing needs to be among them.

Talent Recruitment

Child-care

Talent recruitment is essential to our community if we are going to recover economically. Potential new, talented employees are unlikely to locate to communities without high quality, reliable, affordable child-care options.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, high quality child-care and early childhood education was understood by economists to be a solid investment in human capital with a return on investment anywhere from 7 to 16 times the cost of child-care and early learning opportunities.

High quality child-care and early learning opportunities was understood by educators as essential for children to be “school ready” by the time they enter kindergarten. School ready children are far more likely to succeed in school and graduate from high school than children who are not.

High quality child-care and early learning was understood by military leadership as a national security concern. Children who experience high quality child-care and early learning opportunities are far more likely to qualify for military service as young adults and are better equipped for the personal disciplines required for success in the military.

Now we’ve seen what parents of children younger than 5 years old have always known. Every sector of the American workforce is dependent on access to high quality, reliable, affordable child-care and early childhood education programs. When access to child- care is not an option for working parents, parents of young children are not an option for employers.

Child-care and early childhood education options for parents simply disappeared during the pandemic. If our local economy is going to recover quickly, with resilience, and grow in the post-pandemic era, working parents of young children must be able to access high quality, affordable, reliable child-care.

The 2020 and 2021 City of Longmont budgets included funding to salvage (in 2020) and grow child-care capacity (in 2021). Building on these investments, Longmont’s economic recovery, growth, and resilience into the future will depend on the capacity of our child-care and early childhood education industry.

City government cannot do this alone. In partnership with Longmont’s Early Childhood Community Coalition, Longmont’s Economic Development Partnership, our Chamber of Commerce, the Early Childhood Council of Boulder County, the Bright Eyes Coalition, and the St. Vrain Valley School District, we will continue leveraging opportunities to grow and sustain a “best in class” child-care and early childhood education system.

There is no question that child-care is critical to economic recovery in every community. The same can be said about attainable housing. The combination of costs for housing and child-care account for a majority of monthly income for most young families. Add costs for ongoing education and training and it is easy to understand why the Building STEAM vision includes bringing a four-year college or university campus to Longmont along with growing Front Range Community College’s presence. If we want to attract the kind of talent that carries Longmont into a productive future, we need to grow affordable, high-quality, child-care, attainable housing, and education options in Longmont sooner rather than later.

Reduction of Longmont’s Carbon Footprint

Every municipality in the world must commit to reduction of their carbon footprint. We owe this to future generations. If not now, when? If not us, then who?

Sustainability Plan

The best time to implement Longmont’s Sustainability Plan was 25 years ago. The next best time is now.

Longmont’s Sustainability Plan is thoughtful and comprehensive. While it addresses a variety of environmental concerns critical to Longmont’s future, my focus remains on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the strategic, consistent, and effective use of the Sustainability Evaluation System (SES). The SES is an organized collection of criterion and standards for evaluating potential development projects. It was initially developed to evaluate City of Longmont projects. We are now positioned to use it to evaluate private sector development proposals.

When considering approval of development projects, the SES evaluation process should ensure that future projects contribute to the “triple bottom line” of people (social equity), planet (the environment), and profit (to developers and broader economic benefits to the community).

Climate Action Taskforce Recommendations

If sustainability plans represent what we need to do over the next 25 years, then our Citizens Climate Emergency Taskforce recommendations are what we need to do now so we can think about Longmont 25 years from now.

In the summer of 2020, recommendations from the Citizens’ Climate Emergency Taskforce were accepted by City Council. Priorities were established for 27 recommendations based on their impact on the reduction of Longmont’s carbon footprint, the cost to implement, and the time required for implementation. The most promising of these recommendations are:

deployment of state-of-the art meters
public education and engagement
development of a beneficial electrification plan to be phased in over a 10-year period
Benchmarking of commercial buildings
Distributed energy resources
Commercial efficiency and rebates
Building codes
Low-income residential efficiency

The next Mayor and Council will need to remain disciplined in listening to members of the taskforce along with all Longmont residents in setting budget priorities for implementing the recommendations with the greatest impact on reduction of Longmont’s carbon footprint while mitigating potential negative, unintended impacts, on vulnerable members of the community.

Local Public Transportation Options

We need a clearer, shared, future-focused understanding concerning the future of local transportation.

Longmont needs a local transportation plan that integrates with a regional plan and that reflects the future of transportation. A sustained public engagement process, to educate all Longmont residents on the future of local transportation, should be implemented in 2022.

Current efforts are underway to consolidate transportation recommendations from multiple studies into a “transportation roadmap”. This effort needs to be vetted through a vision of the future of local transportation. This is likely to include autonomous electric vehicles, ride hailing or subscription services, and smaller electrified buses. All of these support living in Longmont without dependence on car ownership.

Regional Transportation Options

Mid-sized cities like Longmont deserve transportation plans that seamlessly connect them to both centers of commerce and transportation hubs.

Commuter rail to Longmont is long overdue. The only way to make this happen in the relatively near future is through a thoughtfully developed and effectively executed political strategy. Longmont needs to play a pivotal role in strategy development and implementation. If this is going to happen, Longmont’s Mayor must provide serious, focused, and persistent leadership along with City Council members in Longmont and the other municipalities in Boulder County.

Funding required to meet regional transportation solutions promised in the 2004 RTD “FasTracks” vote is unlikely to materialize any time soon. Longmont, along with RTD and other Boulder County municipalities, must organize and prepare to compete for additional (federal) funding. In addition, we need to recruit private sector investors, to deliver state-of-the art regional transportation solutions to Longmont. If FasTracks is not feasible in the near-term, then work needs to be done with other Boulder County elected officials, the RTD board, and others to identify and pursue creative alternatives.

Solid Waste Diversion

Longmont’s current efforts to divert solid waste from the landfill to recycling and composting centers are necessary, but insufficient for future reduction of our carbon footprint.

Longmont has made substantial progress in recent years on diverting solid waste from our landfill through our recycling and composting initiatives. It’s a good start. But, it’s only a start. The next Mayor and Council must work effectively with City of Longmont staff members, Longmont residents, County Commissioners, and service providers to create regional partnerships and solutions. This includes commercial landscapers, builders, the hospitality industry, and multi-family dwelling properties to divert solid waste from the landfill to commercial composting and recycling centers. Regional options for “hard to recycle” items in addition to demolition waste, building materials, and commercial composting, will have a meaningful impact on our zero-carbon goal.

Platt River Power Authority’s Integrated Resource Plan

PRPA is critical to achieving the City Council adopted goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Platt River Power Authority (PRPA) supplies Longmont with electricity. PRPA is critical to achieving our goal of 100% of electrical energy consumed by Longmont residents being generated by renewal energy sources (wind, solar, and hydro) by 2030. PRPA’s Integrated Resource Plan, which will be updated by 2025, needs to reflect their commitment to this goal. The City of Longmont is obligated to continue informing residents about progress toward the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 and the composition of RRPA’s Integrated Resource Plan as it prepares the 2025 update.

Longmont | City Council (At-Large)

There are four strong candidates running for two seats. We have endorsed all four because they would all bring to the city the energy needed, however, we narrowed it down to our two top choices with an * by their name.

Tallis Salamatian (Endorsed)

Background: I started my first business when I was 19. Later I served as CEO of an aerospace company. I’m now devoted to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, as I taught at CU Boulder, published a book on business, hosted a TV show on public media, and volunteered with Energize Colorado to host business community events.

Infrastructure and Transportation: I’d like to expand the routes of public transit to reach Denver, Boulder, the airport, and the trailheads of our open spaces. We should also create multi-use paths for bikes, implement green technology for buses, and improve digital infrastructure for neighborhoods.

Housing: Attainable housing is beneficial for resident living conditions and workforce productivity. Increase stock of attainable homes by using smart development with new technology, and by converting office buildings into condos.
Homelessness: I work with the Our Center in Longmont, and I support programs that equip the homeless with the skills and training required to find available jobs and earn living wages.

Economic Growth: Extend the runway at our airport to bring in more flights and support more travelers. Promoting small business growth is also crucial. I would establish a unique startup environment in Longmont by using the strategic resources, manufacturing capabilities, and funding mechanisms that are already available.

Pandemic: Broaden the scope of which businesses qualify to receive assistance. Many startup companies that have raised hefty investments, but that have not yet generated revenue were excluded. Small companies need support to fulfill their potential, create their products, and advance our society.

DEI: As an immigrant of color, I strongly support diversity and oppose racism. But we need to also let every citizen express their opinions and foster a free exchange of ideas so we can engage in intellectual conversations about the topics.

Final Remarks: The anti-growth movement in Longmont is regressive and unsustainable. We can debate how or where to grow. But we must always strive to stimulate vibrant growth so we can improve our community, thrive in the future, and accommodate the younger generation of families and workers.

Jeremy Dejuan Johnson

Background: I’m originally from Alabama, but I’ve been a Longmont resident for ten years. I’m a veteran of the US Army. I worked in oil & gas for 16 years, and I own an insurance business. I also coach high school basketball, and I’m passionate about supporting the youth in our community.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Longmont is growing at a rapid rate that outpaced our current roadway system. The funding to expand Highway 66 should help. We need to add lanes and improve the stoplights at Highway 119 to reduce congestion during rush hours. We should allocate more funds to restore downtown Longmont and add more multi-use buildings to the area.

Housing: The affordable housing initiative lowered the amount of attainable homes available. Many workers have an income level that doesn’t qualify for subsidized homes. We need a happy medium between attainable and affordable, so workers can live here and we can benefit from their tax dollars.
Homelessness: Use taxpayer dollars to increase funding for organizations that provide support.

Economic Growth: Longmont was founded on small businesses. Family and community businesses are crucial. We’ve lost track of that, and so we need to let small businesses know that they’re needed in the community and that they’re pivotal for our survival.

Pandemic: People pay a certain debt to society, so if they qualify for unemployment they deserve assistance. For Longmont we need to help small businesses hire more people, ensure workers feel safe going back to work, and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

DEI: I’m a true-born Christian, and God said that we were all created equal. Regardless of someone’s religious beliefs, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or financial status, in God’s eyes we’re all equal and our society needs to go back to those roots of treating people how we want to be treated.

Final Remarks: I don’t owe anything to any group, and instead I owe everything to the citizens of Longmont. I will always listen to their issues, create plans to solve their problems, and make sure our children know that we have them set up for success with our schools and recreation centers.

Aren Rodriguez (Incumbent) **(Endorsed*)**

Background: Born and raised in Longmont, I was a performing opera musician until 2012. Then I began running a real estate appraisal business. I served as the leader of the outreach and inclusion team for the BOCO Dems. I was then appointed as Zoning and Planning Commissioner. I’ve been on the council for the past four years.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Infrastructure is important, and water is a big issue right now. Modernize the water infrastructure system, and provide rebates for people installing low-flow toilets and taps. Upgrade our electric grid to handle increased power required for renewable energy. I’m dissatisfied with the poor service from RTD and support a supplemental municipal bus service.

Housing: Aim for 12 percent (+) affordable housing stock. Establish policy with an inclusionary zoning ordinance to get more funding. Then convert existing properties into affordable residential, get more land to build new dwellings, and update our designs to build a diverse range of aesthetically pleasing units.
Homelessness: Struggling, since we don’t have a camping ban. Address homelessness from a regional perspective to create universal strategies. Partner with non-profits to provide resources and shelters.

Economic Growth: Longmont is in a strong position. We don’t have commercial linkage fees, our commercial lease rates are more affordable, and so we have interest from many companies to relocate here. We should only provide economic incentives to companies that pay high wages. We should have new companies move into vacated spaces.

Pandemic: I was a proponent of unemployment benefits. Some employers aren’t willing to pay the necessity of the living wage, and seeing those wages finally go up has been a net positive from the pandemic.

DEI: As a former leader of the outreach and inclusion team, promoting DEI concepts has been a big priority. Our council deployed cultural brokers to identify the specific needs of groups and to help Longmont become an equitable community in all aspects of governing, including hiring, planning, development, energy, and water.

Final Remarks: In such divisive political times, it benefits the community to think about what community means. We’re all neighbors, we eat at the same restaurants, shop at the same stores, we’re all going through our issues and facing challenges, and so a little respect and kindness would go a long way towards bringing people together.

Diane Crist

Background: I’m a business growth professional, I’ve worked with small businesses for over 25 years. I typically help them develop business strategies, manage money, fulfill aspirations, and actualize dreams. Now I’d like to apply those strategic and financial skills to help the city implement new projects and achieve goals.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Longmont needs to get on board with hyperloop. The high-speed, magnetic, passenger pod system would go 700 mph (fastest rail system in the world). The hyperloop would solve many problems; allowing residents to travel quickly to other cities, enable people to also reach Longmont, and minimize traffic congestion on the roads and greenhouse gases.

Housing: Rapid population growth and limited house building has increased market prices. Building more units and keeping taxes low can help reduce costs on landlords, rates for renters, and prices for homebuyers.
Homelessness: It’s best to identify why they became homeless and then solve those problems. Some fell beneath the poverty line, so we should equip them with jobs, while others were harmed by drugs or mental issues and so we should provide them with treatment.

Economic Growth: All the parts relate to community growth like a symphony. We should be attracting big companies to the city, and cultivating exciting small businesses so they can grow. But we should locate the businesses in pockets where people live because letting everyone walk to the shops and restaurants enhances the camaraderie of the neighborhoods, the profits of the companies, and the revenue for the city.

Pandemic: The pandemic was hard on small businesses because receiving assistance was difficult; many local companies worried they would go bankrupt. Small businesses badly need the support and that keeps all of their money in the town; we should provide those similar financial incentives, land deals, and tax breaks to small businesses.

DEI: I support DEI. I love that my neighborhood is an immigrant community with diverse races, ethnicities, backgrounds, and ages. This inclusive atmosphere is a trend throughout Longmont. I hope the DEI movement can create that same sense of diversity, compassion, and camaraderie throughout our entire society.

Final Remarks: We’re a military family. My husband was military, and so were both of my sons. This is my way of serving my community. I’m very passionate about Longmont and I love its residents, but we’re under distress so I want to help address our issues and improve our city.

Shaquita Yarbrough **(Endorsed*)**

No transcript available due to recording error.

Learn more: www.shiquita4loco.com

From the website:

I have spent most of the last decade deeply investing my time in the Longmont and Boulder County community. From serving on nonprofit Boards like KGNU Community Radio to the League of Women Voters, to supporting racial equity work with my role at the YWCA of Boulder County, my commitment to this community is evident.

In addition to the many organizations I work with, I’m also a single mom who has struggled to find affordable housing. When I moved here in 2012, it was hard enough. I often filled the financial gaps by working two jobs or earning supplemental income, just to make ends meet. Now, when I should be established, when it should be getting easier, it feels just as hard. I know it feels that way for so many families in Longmont who I will fight for on city council.

Housing: Accessible and affordable housing must be a priority for this community to thrive.

Transportation: We must ensure that public transit is available for all Longmont residents, not just commuters.

Youth: Hearing from the young people in our community, the next generation of leaders, is what will create a strong future for Longmont.

Current Work Experience

Founder, Yarbrough Consulting: Providing training for nonprofits and small business on racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promote personal growth in anti-racism through racial equity retreats.
Co-Founder, Families of Color Colorado: Providing families of color with opportunities to express and share cultural values, struggles, and successes
Director of Community Engagement and Equity, YWCA of Boulder County: Coordinating community events, trainings, and forums for continued dialogue and learning on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Current Volunteerism

Board Member – League of Women Voters of Boulder County (January 2015 to Present)
Board Member – KGNU Community Radio (August 2017 to Present)
Board Member – Longmont Housing and Human Services Advisory Board (2019 to Present)

Sean McCoy (Incumbent) (Endorsed)

No transcript available due to recording error.

Learn more: www.mccoyforlongmont.com

From the website:

I am a 56 year old Longmont native. I attended Central Elementary, Longs Peak Junior High, and graduated from Longmont High in 1984. I have an undergraduate degree in political science, masters in education, and I am only a pesky dissertation away from a doctorate in education from the University of Northern Colorado. I have been married to my wife Maureen O’Brien-McCoy for 29 years and we have two beautiful adult daughters Claire (Silver Creek, class of 2014) and Mollie (Silver Creek, class of 2018).

I was a Longmont city council member from 2007 to 2011 and fought for many issues throughout my term including affordable housing and the right for the public to speak at council meetings. I had been on multiple boards and commissions prior to serving as a Longmont City Councilperson, including

Longmont Housing and Human Services Commission
Longmont Planning and Zoning Commission
Longmont Police Standards board
Boulder County Open Space commission

While on council I continued my service, including

Longmont Museum Board
Liaison to the Art in Public Places commission
Golf Board
Longmont Housing and Human Services Board
Longmont Youth Council.

I have earned a Bronze Level Certification from the National League of Cities for the professional development courses I took while serving the community of Longmont. After my council term I served on the

Historic Preservation Commission
BVSD District Accountability Committee
Colorado State Future Business Leaders of America Board of Directors representing District 2 FBLA Business Programs (SVVSD, BVSD, Westminster, and the Denver Metro Area)

I teach US government at Monarch High School and believe as a teacher. I believe I would bring to the City Council a strong grasp of the serious issues concerning Longmont’s residents, including transportation (RTD or AMTRAK rail lines), affordable housing and homelessness. During the past year these important community issues have become more prevalent than ever before. With COVID many people have had to go outside of our community to gain a livable income, without access to a rail in between commuter communities from Longmont to Denver this challenge of commuting to work to many has become insurmountable. With access to public transportation throughout the front range we would be able to help our fellow citizens gain access to higher paying jobs in outside communities for their field and bring in new talent from other communities as well. With layoffs and wage cuts from 2020 still showing its true repercussions we are entering an era of extreme need for affordable housing. As individuals struggle to make a living wage we as a community must lift our neighbor up, and help them to have a place to lay their head. We don’t only want to give them a place to stay but also a place to raise their families and help to hopefully contribute to the end of generational poverty. The first way to end homelessness and poverty is to give people a house, and the tools they need to succeed.

Longmont | City Council (Ward 2)

Marcia Martin (Incumbent/Uncontested)

Background: I’m a software engineer. I was the first woman to become a research fellow at the Storage Technology Corporation. I joined Smart Grid Communications to work with renewable distribution technologies. When I joined the council four years ago, the city was transitioning to renewables and I was uniquely qualified to help facilitate that transition.

Infrastructure and Transportation: I was the (‘19) liaison for the Climate Action Task force to help the city set goals to lower greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewables, and now we’re implementing those recommendations. Many areas of infrastructure need upgrades. We must improve the water, sewer, and electric distribution.

Housing: Affordable homes for single families might be out of reach for low-income residents. Use multi-family arrangements such as duplexes, condos, and townhouses. Reclaim asphalt being wasted as unused parking lots to build affordable multi-family units.
Homelessness: Low-income housing would reduce homelessness. Ensure that people who need city services to stay housed know how to utilize those. Provide transitional housing for people trying to escape the homeless lifestyle.

Economic Growth: Increasing our urban density and building workforce housing can help us attract more companies and generate more revenue. We should also build recreational amenities and entertainment venues to bring tourists and increase the profits of our businesses.

Pandemic: I advocated for unemployment benefits. The biggest problem was that the pandemic broke day care, as many day care services had to close due to health issues, staff shortages, and COVID protocols… which prevented many parents from being able to return to work. Increasing day care capabilities can help alleviate workforce problems.

DEI: I don’t oppose anything about the DEI movement except for the ‘defund the police’ phrase. We have an exceptional police force that is in good shape and that doesn’t need reform. But we should always strive to improve hiring practices, training programs, and DEI education.

Final Remarks: My contribution to policy and implementation is that I’m a big picture thinker. When it comes to solving Longmont’s problems we’re all in this together, and all the parts fit together regarding urban density, traffic congestion, the housing market, and economic growth.

Louisville | City Council (Ward 1)

Keith Keller (Endorsed)

Background: Education – engineering degrees and MBA. Work experience – 25 years technical project management. Community service – served 2 years on city historical commission and 1.5 years on historical preservation commission

Infrastructure and Transportation: Repair aging roads and bridges, add pedestrian underpasses throughout the city to provide safe passages for pedestrian and bicycle traffic crossing railroad tracks and busy highways.

Housing: Update city zoning laws to allow creation of smaller residential lots with smaller, more affordable homes. Allow accessory dwelling units (ADU) on existing residential lots which would increase the inventory of available dwelling units within the city.

Economic Growth: Repurpose vacant commercial property in the city (such as Sam’s Club, Kohl’s, Alfalfa’s market) for new residential developments. These empty buildings are no longer providing a service or tax revenue for the city.

DEI: I support equality and fair treatment of all residents, regardless of nationality, gender, skin color, or sexual orientation. This applies to education, occupation, and housing opportunities.

Final Remarks: My primary objectives are to promote more affordable housing options and environmentally-friendly city policies.

Chris Leh (Incumbent)

No transcript available due to recording error.

Learn more: www.lehforlouisville.org

From their website:

Sustainability

Climate change and the threats it poses to the planet and our City are real. We have limited time to make prudent, meaningful progress in reducing greenhouse gases. Our City has an important role to play. That’s why I voted for and continue to champion the Sustainability Action Plan. I’m also strongly supporting the bag tax on the Louisville ballot in November. I also look forward to ensuring that our land use decisions reflect our community’s commitment to sustainability.

Reduction of Aircraft Noise & Disruption

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) is located about 6 miles from Louisville. It has become Colorado’s third busiest airport. But that growth has come at the expense of our community, which has suffered disproportionately from aircraft overflights and noise. RMMA is an important regional economic engine. But we need to continue to work with the newly-formed Airport Community Noise Roundtable, and our regional, state, and federal partners to reduce to promote voluntary noise abatement procedures. We also need to engage the regional FAA and the federal Air Traffic Control to permanently route air traffic away from residential and commercial areas.

Protection and Maintenance of Open Space, Parks & Trails

Louisville has an extraordinary collection of Open Space properties, parks, and trails. Most recently, Council played a crucial part in the purchase of the Mayhoffer property, which for many years was the most sought-after target of our Open Space acquisition strategy! At the same time, we need to improve substantially our maintenance of existing trails and parks. Finally, I intend to encourage the construction of several smaller dog parks around the City to take some pressure off the Davidson Mesa and Community Park dog parks.

Affordable Housing

Louisville provided a diversity of housing options for many decades. That is partly responsible for building the small town character we treasure. More recently, housing prices have skyrocketed throughout our region.

We owe it to residents who soon may not be able to afford to live here anymore. We owe it to those who would contribute to the richness of our community but cannot afford to move here. One way to do that is to increase the supply of permanently affordable housing. Along with other Boulder County municipalities, Louisville jointly committed to increase the supply of permanently affordable housing over the next 15 years. Our City is almost built out. It will take a creative, multi-faceted, and strategic approach to achieve the goal. We should consider allowing affordable housing in some areas, such as those that are likely to be redeveloped or are near public transit. Providing targeted incentives, such as expediting review of some land use applications and waiving some fees and design rules Twill be useful to consider. The upcoming revision of our City’s Comprehensive Plan will give us an opportunity to have a robust public discussion about affordable housing.

Open for Business

Louisville businesses supply us and the world with goods and services, create jobs, and generate a large portion of our City’s tax revenue. That helps us to maintain roads, provide clean drinking water, ensure safety of our residents and others, and so much more. We need to be mindful of the crucial role that the business community plays. We should demonstrate that our City is welcoming to business activity. Consistent with other City policies, we should ensure that our City’s ordinances and regulations, decisions, and actions help foster their success and growth. We should sustain an ongoing dialogue with the business community in order to encourage their continued positive contributions to Louisville.

Underpasses & Connectivity in the City

Some of Louisville’s major arterial streets generally serve us and the region well, but they can and do inhibit connectivity between different parts of our city. This has adverse impacts on safety of kids and adults alike, whether they are pedestrians and cyclists who use our walkways and trails for getting to and from school or work, shopping at stores or eating at restaurants, for traveling between our community and others. Because of these challenges, I have supported the construction of underpasses to help improve safety, energize commercial activity that comes with greater connectivity, and enable the completion of our trail system and its use for recreation and for travel as an alternative to driving. I also support the bond issue on the November ballot – its passage will enable Louisville to build additional underpasses, including at Main/South Boulder Road, Via Appia/South Boulder Road, South Street/Highway 42, and Bullhead Gulch in Steel Ranch, and make at-grade improvements.

City Manager Selection

One of the most important responsibilities City Council is choosing our City Manager, who carries out the policies and directives of the Council. Our City Manager recently stepped down after 4 years of outstanding service to Louisville in that position and more than 20 years overall. A nationwide search for her successor is underway. The City Council will then interview and then select a candidate. I believe we need a new City Manager who will communicate and collaborate well with Councilmembers and carry out the priorities it sets; will deeply value our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion; will be visible to the community; and will lead City staff to help Louisville to become an even better play to live, work, and visit!

Louisville | City Council (Ward 2)

Maxine Most

Running unopposed.

Learn more: www.most4louisville.com

From the website:

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

The unmistakable impacts of climate change can no longer be ignored. We are seeing this on a global, national, and local scale. Louisville should be a leader in all aspects of sustainable living….

From government processes and infrastructure, to retail and commercial spaces, to our schools and homes.

I will fight to make Louisville a beacon for what is possible while helping make our little corner of the world a better place for generations to come.

THRIVING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

Louisville is a great place to live, work, and play. To keep it this way, we need to maintain our small-town character and feel while prioritizing:

Parks and open spaces
Infrastructure that works us all.
Support for the arts, entertainment, innovation, and entrepreneurs.
Retail that meets community needs and provides a strong sales tax base.
Inclusive support of all community members regardless of age, race, religion, ability or disability, gender identity, orientation, or family status??

I believe our City Council and professional staff – driven by community values – should strive to create the highest vision of what our community can be.

SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELL BEING

Let’s make sure Louisville continues to be one of the best places in the state and the nation to raise a family, be a young professional, or retire with security and dignity. This means:

Safe routes to school and other expanded pedestrian and bike access.
Minimizing greenhouse emissions.
Quiet and peaceful skies and neighborhoods
Maintaining and expanding community, recreational, senior, and special needs services and facilities.

I am committed to approaching these issues, and all the challenges we face, with honesty, integrity, innovation, and compassion.

Kyle Brown

Running unopposed.

Learn more: https://kyleforlouisville.com

From the website:

I grew up in Louisville and have been a member of this community nearly my entire life. I want the best for my family and all families in Louisville. I am a lifelong public servant and my experience sets me apart. I am currently leading efforts to provide new, high quality, affordable health insurance options to people in Louisville and all Coloradans. I have advised two Colorado Governors as well as senior U.S. Senators, crafting legislation and advocating to protect health coverage for everyone.

A Vibrant Economy

Attracting and retaining local businesses.
COVID-19 relief to Louisville businesses totaling $1 million.
Expanding economic development efforts including implementing a new strategic plan.

Sustainability

Taking climate action by securing 100% of our electricity from renewable energy.
Expanding open space by using our open space fund to preserve and protect properties.
Reducing plastic bag use by implementing our new, voter approved fee.

Protecting our small town

Ensuring that new developments are consistent with the small town we love.
Preserving our historic old town through landmarking of properties
Fighting airport noise and excessive traffic, while promoting quiet zones.
Supporting the library and our historical museum while expanding opportunities to celebrate Louisville through the arts.

A Louisville for All

Making housing in Louisville more affordable.
Assisting those most impacted by the COVID-19 economic downturn, by providing utility assistance and other economic assistance through community organizations.
Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and promoting policies that make sure everyone is welcome in Louisville.

Westminster | Mayor

Anita Seitz (Incumbent) (Endorsed)

Background: I have been on city council since 2013. I have served as the Environmental Advisory Board liaison, the Planning Commission, and the Youth Advisory Panel. I was formerly the president of the Colorado Communities for Climate Action, director of the Denver Regional Council of Governance, and treasurer for the North Area Transportation Alliance. I’m proud of my record and the progress of the city.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Some of our infrastructure needs to be upgraded. Our new comprehensive transportation plan integrates multimodal capabilities into the city, such as additional stations for public transit, increased lanes for biking, and enhanced walkability. I understand concerns about water rates, but we need a new treatment center for our water, and so we created a three-tier system that enables households who use less water to also pay lower bills.

Housing: We implemented the city’s first housing plan. We added over 700 affordable housing units. Affordable units will also be included in the new downtown. We want to preserve the beautiful atmosphere of our open spaces. I got $1.4 million in the budget for open space acquisition.
Homelessness: We have professional navigators who can meet with homeless people, connect them with services, and ensure access to mental health vouchers, food meal services, and nonprofit shelters.

Economic Growth: We’ve brought over 20 new businesses to Westminster, added over 4,000 new jobs, and generated substantial revenue. We’re implementing a holistic development plan. This focuses on economic resilience to support small businesses, cultivate entrepreneurs, and promote placemaking investments.

Pandemic: The unemployment benefits were crucial for the economy, and I’m glad we chose not to furlough any city employees during the crises. But the pandemic facilitated a transition in which many people are reshaping their careers and modifying their priorities. We recently raised the minimum wage to $15 in the city, and companies will likewise need to increase the wage rates and improve the working conditions to meet the demands of this new workforce.

DEI: We have DEI consulting to guide government operations, an Inclusivity Board to understand the needs of different groups, and a mental health program in the police department to de-escalate situations. Some people might be uncomfortable with cultural changes or increased diversity. But change is always uncomfortable, and we must be more considerate, thoughtful, and inclusive as a society.

Final Remarks: In every decision I make I try to focus on sustainability so I can really understand how our decisions and actions impact the social, environmental, and fiscal strength of our community now and in the future. I’m proud of my track record on the council, and I’d like to keep working with all of Westminster into the future.

Nancy McNally

Background: I was Mayor of Westminster from 2004 – 2013. I taught leadership development for 20 years and trained women. I’m a facilitator for Christian churches in Westminster. I’m running for mayor to offer my leadership skills, solve problems that I see happening, and train the next generation of council members to be exceptional leaders.

Infrastructure and Transportation: FastTracks isn’t going to happen in our corridor. We have good bus service. Regarding infrastructure, our roads have become a mess over the last 8 years, our residents are angry about the high water rates, and so we have to address those two issues.

Housing: Developers can build affordable houses, but we need to account for longevity. We need contracts to ensure the prices of the houses stay low in the future.
Homelessness: For the homeless, we need churches and nonprofits to offer food so they don’t starve and shelter so they don’t freeze.

Economic Growth: With the pandemic, I blame the panic-stricken doom-and-gloom people for scaring everyone about the virus and for discouraging us from going out. Our businesses suffered from that, so now we need to host roundtables to learn what businesses need, what changes we can make, and how we can help them recover.

Pandemic: I resent that the government was giving people more than they were making on their job. That removed any incentive for them to ever return to work, and now every store I see has a “help wanted” sign on the window.

DEI: For Westminster, I support us being a welcoming community, showing compassion for everyone, and remaining civil even when we disagree.

Final Remarks: I want every resident of Westminster to know that their voice matters in this city, we have a lot to offer for everybody, and I urge people to get involved with any matter they are passionate about and to become part of the solution.

Westminster | City Council

Kristine Ireland

Background: I’ve lived here for 35 years. I have management experience in retail, and my husband and I have run several small businesses. I’ve also been on the HOA as treasurer. I kept dues down because I used money wisely, and that’s what I would also do on the city council.

Infrastructure and Transportation: City planners focus on high-density housing but infrastructure can’t sustain the high volume of people coming to the city, and the high-density housing is occupying a substantial amount of our open space. The water situation: we have outrageous rates, make sacrifices to compensate for the costs, and many neighborhoods have brown lawns.

Housing: Corporations are buying up neighborhoods to flip the houses, which makes it impossible for first-time homebuyers to purchase. It should be illegal. We should offer low-income housing for residents who are trying to better their lives by attending school or fulfilling jobs.
Homelessness: Provide people who want help with the resources they need to become self-reliant.

Economic Growth: We should focus more on retail and less on high-density housing. We don’t have enough parking spaces because high-density housing developments don’t provide enough spots, so the difficulty of parking can discourage people from shopping at our centers.

Pandemic: Unemployment benefits were good during the pandemic, but now that the pandemic is subsiding we should end the benefits to encourage people to go back to work and help companies find employees.

DEI: I don’t think most Americans are racist, so I don’t think that they want that implication perpetuated throughout society and I don’t think we should be teaching children that they’re racist in our schools. The divisiveness is bad for the country, and there are issues we can all come together on.

Final Remarks: I got into this race because I love the city of Westminster. I’m disappointed to see the problems that are occurring. I want to help develop solutions to our problems and improve the conditions of our community.

Kathryn Skulley (Incumbent) (Endorsed)

Background: I’ve lived here for 29 years, and I’ve worked at Front Range Community College as a professor, advisor, and director. My experience on council and community longevity enhanced my knowledge of our history and visions for our future. My biggest qualifications are the ability to conduct research, analyze information, and determine good pathways.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Maintain our roads, fix problems, and provide efficient transportation. We should create a system where we can instead walk, bike, and bus. With water, rates are high, but we live in a desert city where water is scarce, our treatment center needs to be replaced, and we must ensure that all residents can access clean water.

Housing: We have to spread out affordable homes and ensure they are placed near transit, schools, and open spaces. Our council added 800 new units of affordable housing, and mid-level and luxury housing, and the new downtown will also include twenty percent affordable housing.
Homelessness: I’ve been working with our two counties and neighboring cities to put in homeless navigators that track the homeless population and ensure services, food access, and shelters.

Economic Growth: We alleviate costs on residents by having the lowest property tax rates (city level) in the metro area. For sales tax, our majority source of income, bringing Ball Aerospace, Max Mart, and Trimble into the city helped provide jobs and revenue. We attracted them by providing transportation and housing for workers.

Pandemic: We worked with experts to keep businesses open and workers employed. We facilitated non-profit food pantries, outdoor restaurant dining, outdoor library systems, testing and vaccination sites, and funding to open spaces so everyone could enjoy the parks during the pandemic.

DEI: I’ve always advocated for minority rights and we have an LGBTQ member in the family. Equity relates to everything, including housing, infrastructure, education, and employment. We must achieve equity by providing our most marginalized populations with opportunities to use their skills, fulfill their goals, earn a living, and remain included.

Final Remarks: We shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the challenges we need to overcome. I call it the ‘wheel of concern.’ We should take each issue one step at a time so we can ensure that all citizens have equity, food, water, safety, roads, and everything they need to thrive.

David DeMott (Incumbent)

Background: I work as an IT professional at the executive management level, I also teach part-time to instruct the next generation, and I have been serving on the city council for the last four years.

Infrastructure and Transportation: Expensive water rates hurt our neighborhoods. It’s important to maintain the infrastructure so the water is safe to use, but ensure affordability. Improving our roads is another main issue. Our paving index has dropped, so we need to use our tax revenue to increase the funding and improve the quality of our roads.

Housing: Partner with builders to increase the affordable units. Spread these units throughout the city and mix them with other properties to increase the socioeconomic diversity. Offer affordable stock for both young families and retiring seniors.
Homelessness: Identify the challenges regarding mental health and substance abuse, provide resources, and balance their needs with public safety.

Economic Growth: We have to continue our relationships with the big businesses in the city. But small businesses are crucial because they create the jobs, help the community, and provide the tax revenue that helps us maintain our parks and provide our water. Thus, we must remove all barriers to make it easy for big businesses to move here and for small businesses to succeed here.

Pandemic: The length of unemployment has made it hard for companies to find workers. But I support the city helping businesses operate during the pandemic by providing necessary resources, protective gear, and updated information.

DEI: I’m a big believer in liberty as the greatest aspect of the country. Liberty means we should allow other people to live the way they want without society obstructing their lifestyles, but liberty also means we need to accept other people even when we disagree with their views.

Final Remarks: We live in a representative government, which means the government answers to the people. It’s been a pleasure to represent Westminster for the last four years, the interests of the city are my only priority, and I would appreciate representing the city for the next four years as well.

Kathleen Dodaro

Background: I have 35 years of experience working as a human resource manager and organizational leader in various industries, including oil & gas, health care, and manufacturing. I’ve started three businesses. Now I teach as a full-time professor in the master’s program at Regis University.

Infrastructure and Transportation: I am committed to conducting research to identify what areas of infrastructure can help us best manage controlled growth. Be transparent regarding the budget, be judicious regarding how we allocate funds, and prioritize which areas require the most attention and which projects can most effectively solve the given problems.

Housing: Collaborate with builders to establish low-income housing. The city claimed they were going to build low-income housing, but the prices wound up being $1,700 a month. That’s not conducive for low-income residents. We need a new plan to build low-income houses and place them in ideal locations.

Economic Growth: We need a comprehensive plan to attract all kinds of businesses to move and operate here. The plan needs to cater to small, independent, and big businesses so we can ensure that diverse companies are successful in the city and that we have lucrative tax revenue to fund our services.

Pandemic: We can overcome the pandemic by increasing sustainable work opportunities for residents, by supporting the businesses in our city, and by providing the companies with the resources they need to achieve success and hire workers.

DEI: We need to value each other. I prioritize diversity as an absolute necessity in any community or organization, and I have experience in achieving that goal through the work I’ve done teaching diversity and through my time serving as an affirmative action officer.

Final Remarks: I’m a lifelong resident of Westminster. I care about the community, I’ve been a successful leader for organizations in the past, and now I want to apply my leadership skills for the city as we forge into the future.

Karen Kalavity

Background: I’m a landscape architect and site planner. With the high water rates being such a huge problem in Westminster, my unique knowledge and beneficial skills regarding effective and inexpensive water treatment methods are highly conducive for the needs of the city at this moment.

Infrastructure and Transportation: The city is stealing water from reservoirs and open spaces. Now they’re building an expensive infrastructure system with outdated water treatment methods. We should use holistic, progressive, and biological water treatment methods to improve water quality and reduce bills. For transit, redesign downtown to be walkable, and implement a shuttle system so people can get around town.

Housing: Rent control is the biggest problem. We’re allowing rent to be raised by 20 percent every year. We should change that policy and restrict annual rent increases.
Homelessness: The 2008 housing crisis, the ensuing recession, and the lack of affordable housing have all exacerbated homelessness. We can best manage the problem by providing more affordable condos and rent-controlled apartment units.

Economic Growth: We should change our priorities regarding commercial development. We emphasize large retail chains and fast food restaurants. Focusing instead on small businesses, local companies, and exciting shops would attract larger crowds downtown and provide more tax revenue for our city.

Pandemic: We should encourage residents to support locally owned shops. However, the vaccine mandates have been detrimental for businesses and are unnecessary for our community.

DEI: I’m glad that our society is finally recognizing the abuses and prejudices inflicted upon minorities and immigrants. But we should also address the Native American community that often gets neglected and that needs more resources.

Final Remarks: I want to represent Westminster because I love the city, I love the people, and I love the beauty of our open spaces and mountain views.

Sarah Nurmela (Endorsed)

Background: I have 20 years of experience working for cities in urban planning, economic development, and city management. I worked for Westminster for eight of those. I helped plan the new downtown, where I managed real estate by establishing the hotel, office, commercial, and affordable housing for the site.

Infrastructure and Transportation: A lot of our infrastructure is aging out of its life span. We need to improve city infrastructure. For transportation, we need to develop creative solutions with regional partners to provide public transit options, expanded bus services, and extended rail lines.

Housing: Provide ownership opportunities so residents can accumulate wealth, achieve generational stability, and invest into our community. Forming partnerships with the county and private developers would enable us to build mixed-use, affordable, and senior units to accommodate diverse income levels and unique housing needs.
Homelessness: Meet the immediate needs by supplying food and shelter. Address causes so we can provide them with assistance and connect them to services before they become homeless.

Economic Growth: This new economy is going to be more local and based on small businesses. Form partnerships with financial institutions, enable local companies to access capital funds, and provide loan programs so residents can open small businesses and entrepreneurs can develop innovative products. Diversify our revenue stream by capitalizing on the sales tax revenue from marijuana dispensaries.

Pandemic: Job security is a quality that workers value most and that was absent from the previous economy. The city should encourage companies to provide increased job security, higher wage rates, and better employee benefits to more effectively attract available workers.

DEI: We need to remove the racial inequities in our system. We need to focus on providing all groups with equal access to high-quality education, homeownership capabilities, and other wealth building opportunities. The message of inclusivity and equity in the DEI movement will increase compassion among citizens and enhance the camaraderie of our society.

Final Remarks: I’m also on the Westminster Environmental Advisory Board, so I want to see us make better strides on sustainability to protect our environment, mitigate climate change, and conserve our resources.

Bruce Baker

Background: I went to high school in Lakewood, graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Pharmacy, and then I spent three years as a lieutenant in the Army and another 38 years as a retail pharmacist.

Infrastructure and Transportation: The exorbitant price of water is damaging the city. They want to increase the population, but we don’t need an increased population because the growth just raises water rates and reduces open space. We don’t need to focus on mass transit; we’re a suburb that should embrace cars.

Housing: I don’t support population growth and so I don’t support new housing, affordable or luxury. We have finite limits, and we shouldn’t be jamming in apartments while water is being taken away from residents.
Homelessness: We should not enable homelessness, and now our programs are enabling it by giving them food, clothing, and shelter. They think they’re doing a good thing, but in the long run they’re not because it’s like giving alcohol to an alcoholic.

Economic Growth: We stimulate growth by making Westminster a desirable and beautiful city with green lawns in the neighborhoods. The incentives the government gives out increase the greed of developers. We should stop the incentives, and businesses should come here because it’s pretty, safe, and easy to get around in cars.

Pandemic: People need a reason to work. For many people work is part of their identity, and for other people it’s to make money. But if you have a pleasant place for people to live, it will be a pleasant place for people to work.

DEI: Westminster recently engaged in an abusive instance of depriving voter rights. In 2020 a group gathered signatures for a recall. The council clerk used city lawyers and money to throw out signatures, challenge the petition, and drag out the process. I think it was a blatant wrong to suppress the voters and obstruct the recall.

Final Remarks: If we don’t have enough water for people to water their front lawns, how can we have enough water to build new apartment complexes?

BVSD School Board Director (District B)

Nicole Rajpal

Background: MS in Curriculum & Instruction. Worked as a Dietitian at Children’s Hospital and as Adjunct Faculty at FRCC. Parent of 2 BVSD students, volunteered in their schools over [the] past 8 years. Served on the School Accountability Committees (SAC) (two schools) for 9 years. Represented those schools on the BVSD District Accountability Committee for 6 years, two as chairperson.

Pandemic: Rely on recommendations from our public health partners. I believe the layered approach, and high rate of vaccine participation, has allowed in-person learning to occur as safely as possible. If cases rise, I would like BVSD to consider increasing the frequency of its school-based coronavirus screening program.

Infrastructure: BVSD relies on bonds and mills, or the BEST Grant to support improvements; PTOs are stepping in to purchase furniture and equipment which is inequitable. Top of mind projects include: upgrades and expansions of high school facilities, electrifying our bus fleet, athletic facilities and grounds maintenance.

Students and Staff: Ensure that our students have equitable access to high quality courses and programs. Implement the Strategic Plan and Unified Improvement Plan. Continue to leverage parent engagement groups. Build on relationships with local governments and organizations. Ensure district staff is supporting and training our teachers so they can meet student needs.

Sustainability: Think about transportation, facilities, and green building practices. BVSD is working to improve and promote safe walking/biking routes, and is encouraging carpooling. Work with localities to improve bus routes and include electric busses. I would like to see all 56 BVSD schools participate in the Green Star Schools program.

DEI: Our staff should be teaching standards adopted by the state and district; CRT isn’t one of them. Students and staff should see themselves, their families, and the richness of their ancestral histories reflected. It is important to have honest, age appropriate, conversations about our histories and to challenge discrimination and bias.

Final Remarks: I have spent 8 years meeting with, learning from, and advocating for BVSD. I understand the varying issues and perspectives. I care deeply about the success of BVSD. By working together, elevating historically marginalized voices, and leveraging talent we can create the conditions for BVSD to flourish.

William Hamilton (Endorsed)

Background: Former bilingual elementary teacher. Served on the board of trustees of two schools. Currently serves as the Vice President of Foothill Elementary PTO. Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and MBA in International Marketing. Transitioned to the business world and worked as a technical educator and project manager. I have two young children.

Pandemic: The best way to ensure that students can learn in-person, without masks, is for everyone who can get vaccinated to do so. Science shows that masks work to lower transmission rates indoors. BVSD should maintain masks inside until Boulder and Broomfield Health Departments determine that they are no longer necessary.

Infrastructure: The “digital divide” needs to be addressed to reduce the achievement gap. The district needs to look at Information Technology across the district to ensure that all students have equitable access to devices and internet access. This includes getting internet access to students when they are outside of school grounds.

Students and Staff: Teachers need training on how to assist struggling learners, especially teachers in schools with high levels of inequity. BVSD needs to provide extra support (specialists and paraprofessionals) to English language learners to ensure they do not fall behind in coursework due to a language barrier.

Sustainability: BVSD needs to transition all buses to electric. I would also like to see solar panels on all schools that have roofs to support it. The district also needs to look at school boundary lines to reduce or remove the drive times for families.

DEI: We must include honest conversations about America’s history on our campuses. A shared, honest understanding of the past bridges divides. Students must be taught the history of race to understand how legal systems and policies (e.g. Jim Crow laws) came about. Trust kids to make up their mind about the facts.

Final Remarks: My experience as a teacher, technical educator and project manager will allow me to make the best decisions for BVSD. As a married gay man with two mixed-race children, diversity is key to my life and my campaign. I will provide a diverse voice to the Board of Education.

Gala Orba

Withdrew from race.

BVSD School Board Director (District B)

Beth Niznik

Background: I have been in education for over 15 years; as a special education teacher, school psychologist, and special education administrator. I work with CDE as a special education conflict mediator. I am the parent of a first-grader. My professional experience on every level prepared me to serve.

Pandemic: I am pro-in-person learning, with layered measures of protection until otherwise directed by health experts. I would support vaccines for students as well. We need to have a good relationship with the state to facilitate seamless support, open communication with teachers and parents, and school board leadership that can be responsive.

Infrastructure: We have a bus driver shortage and with increasing concerns around climate we need to incentivize students to take alternative means of transportation. We must do this with an eye to safety. This is not consistent across BVSD; not all students have a safe path to school.

Students and Staff: Declining enrollment will be a major challenge. Fewer students means less funding. Priorities lie in creating a sustainable budget. We have a staff shortage on multiple levels. We need to attract, hire, and retain the most talented, diverse workforce possible. We need to support policies that narrow the achievement and opportunity gaps.

Sustainability: I think reducing the carbon footprint for BVSD requires coordination between the district and the city in the area of transportation. I would support electrification of our buses, incentivizing alternative modes of transportation (e.g., bike to school), and finding novel ways to increase the efficiency of our current transportation infrastructure.

DEI: I am in favor of taking a look at BVSD’s curriculum and approach to race relations education. It is undeniable that we have issues to address. I support rewriting the narrative to represent history more accurately. As a board member, I would rely upon the recommendations of the Equity Council.

Final Remarks: I am prepared and I am willing to put in the work to represent all of BVSD. My tagline is “we’re all in this together”. A vote for me is a vote for collaborative leadership, for someone who can bring a broad level of experience to our board and address the challenges ahead.

Deann Bucher (Endorsed)

Background: Boulder County resident for 35 years. Boulder Valley teacher for 27 out of my 31 years in education. I am licensed as a teacher and a principal and have a Master’s degree in Information and Learning Technology. I have been an instructor at CU Boulder and Jones International University.

Pandemic: Support wearing masks so that we can offer in-person classes. Students are struggling with focus, following directions, and working with others. As the number of students, staff, and teachers with the vaccine increases, the more schools can return to normal.

Infrastructure: BVSD has done a great job adding security to all schools and AC to many older schools. The infrastructure problems of the future will involve analysis of shifting demographics in the district. The result of these demographics could involve closing some buildings and sharing the resources of the school district.

Students and Staff: Expand the reach of the district to make partnership agreements with local healthcare providers. Expand our offerings of tech ed/vocational training. Address the achievement gap. Resolving this gap will take not only a monetary commitment but implementation over years to come.

Sustainability: Schools need to be role models in chasing energy work! Making a commitment toward replacing outdated HVAC and transportation equipment, reducing traffic to schools, and providing access to programs that allow students to pursue careers in this field are imperative.

DEI: I have been working for 20 years to make the curriculum more inclusive and diverse. My work with the Boulder Latino History Project has been pivotal. I work with the NAACP Boulder Education Committee to the continued advancement of social justice in the world.

Final Remarks: My daughter graduated HS in 2020 and I simultaneously retired from teaching. I had the rich opportunity to be an out member of the LGBTQI community while in the profession. I aim to be the first out school board member for BVSD, where we can continue pursuing educational equity for all.

Kara Awaitha Frost

No transcript available due to recording error.

BVSD School Board Director (District F)

Kitty Sargent

Running unopposed.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/sargentforbvsd/

From the landing page:

As a former teacher and BVSD parent, Kitty has always been passionate about children. Her involvement with BVSD began in 1993, when her older daughter entered kindergarten, and lasted until 2012, when her younger daughter graduated from high school. During those years she was very involved at the school and district level. Kitty volunteered in the classroom and spent plenty of long nights helping her kids (and their friends) with homework and extracurricular activities.

After several years as a stay at home mom, Kitty attended graduate school, earned a Master of Social Work, and embarked on a career of child abuse prevention. During that time she worked all over Boulder County teaching classes on mandatory reporting laws and sexual abuse prevention.

During graduate school Kitty also developed a strong interest in public policy and has volunteered at the State Capitol assisting lawmakers with education and healthcare related strategy.

Now Kitty is ready to serve and work for the families and students of the Boulder Valley School District.

SVVSD School Board Director (District B)

Karen Hagland

Running unopposed.

No website found.

SVVSD School Board Director (District D)

Tyler Gearhart

Withdrew from race.

Meosha Brooks (Endorsed)

No transcript available due to recording error.

Learn more: www.brooks4svvsd.com

From the website: I have lived in Erie with my husband Justin and four St. Vrain Valley kids for 12 1/2 years. I’m an aerospace professional, a former math and science middle school teacher, and a Co-Instructor at the Johns Hopkins University graduate school in Systems Engineering. I have long volunteered as a Boy Scout, Cub Scout, and Girl Scout leader and am a current PTO board and School Accountability Committee Member. I am also an Education Foundation, Colorado Space Business Roundtable, and Colorado Futuretek Board Member. I also enjoy reading, playing volleyball, spending time with my family, and volunteering.

Equity: Quality education is a right for all students

Safety: Schools are meant to be places of positive and healthy development

STEM Curriculum: Adequate collegiate preparation for rigorous curriculum

Alternative Pathways: Options for students to pursue careers in skilled trades

SVVSD School Board Director (District F)

Natalie Abshier

No transcript available due to recording error.

YS is NOT endorsing this candidate for her views expressed regarding Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). Natalie also advocates for cameras on teachers which is an idea that sprung from Tucker Carlson, out of fear teachers would be discussing racial equity with students.

Learn more: www.natalie4svvsd.com

From her website:

Teachers should focus on core ACADEMICS such as math, science, literature, history, etc. first. so that students excel in core subjects, doing so will allow them to be best prepared for their future.
Students should be taught without bias in the classroom so that every child has the best opportunity for success.
Parents should raise their children with the values that are important to their own families. It’s not the school’s job to raise children, it’s the school’s job to educate students.

Sarah Hurianek (Endorsed)

Background: My husband and I attended SVVSD. Our children attend Mead Elementary. I have been involved with the PAC; served as Chair of the Spring Fundraiser. As a teacher, I taught to individual children and made choices based on what would be most beneficial, not easiest. I am here to serve students and will be a fierce advocate.

Pandemic: I support the district’s goal of providing in-person learning as much as possible. SVVSD has done a great job being transparent and communicative while providing a safe and welcoming environment for students. I look forward to working on what could be carried forward and what changes need to be implemented.

Infrastructure: With growth, the need for additional schools and programs becomes increasingly apparent. However I believe responsible growth can be achieved. I want to support the current board’s trajectory toward financial stability and responsible budget management. We need a sound financial plan to give our children the best education possible.

Students and Staff: The district has provided wonderful programs and support to meet the needs of each student, through programs like the Innovation Center and the Career Elevation & Technology Center. The inclusion of programs within schools, partnerships with area businesses, and focus programs is something I would like to see expanded.

Sustainability: There is always room for improvement and innovation; something St. Vrain has been very responsive to. A great example is the Mead High School Energy Academy, which engages students in these conversations. I would love to see additional opportunities for other schools and grades to participate in finding effective and sustainable solutions.

DEI: The district has committed to ensuring equity throughout its systems and practices; there is always room for improvement. I would like to see increased student and parent involvement to guide this work. In regards to professional development, the district should examine current areas of strength and areas of need.

Final Remarks: I enjoy talking with and responding to inquiries from voters. I’ve always been involved in the community. It has led me to meet some amazing people and have delightful conversations. If anyone has any questions or would like to chat please reach out to me at sarahforstvrain.com.

Judiciary

Judge Robert J. Frick

Recommended for retention.

Ballot Measures

Boulder

• Issue 2I | The currently existing Community, Culture, and Safety sales and use tax, which is .03%, is set to expire on December 31, 2021. A vote for ‘yes’ will extend this tax to December 31, 2036 and change the name to Community, Culture, Resilience and Safety Tax. The tax would fund a large variety of improvements such as roads, multi-modal paths, replace the central avenue bridge, fund emergency vehicles for Boulder Fire Rescue, and convert street light systems to LED lights. It would also use 10% of the tax revenue to support non-profit organizations. | YES

• Issue 2J | A ‘yes’ would increase Boulder’s debt by $110 million. To pay off the debt would cost $158 million. The revenue from Issue 2I would be used to pay off this debt (if approved). | YES

• Issue 2K | A ‘yes’ would change the Boulder City Charter, Section 9 which dictates City Council rules. It would remove expired provisions and allow City Council to form committees of (generally) two. These committees can not have enough members to form a majority in Council. Other Council members can attend, but can not participate. There will also be a recruitment committee (no more than two) for each of the three council appointments. All meetings will be public. | YES

• Issue 2L | Sections 38A, 44, and 46 of the Boulder City Charter are in conflict with each other. A ‘yes’ will amend them to accurately reflect the number of signatures required for initiatives, referenda, and recall positions (10% of the ‘average number of voters in the previous two municipal candidate elections). | YES

• Issue 2M | A ‘yes’ would change City Council pay schedule to the same as other city employees starting January 1, 2022. | YES

• Question 300 | A ‘yes’ will allow housing units to be occupied by as many people as there are legal bedrooms (plus one additional). Health and safety codes still need to be met. | YES

• Question 301 | A ‘yes’ would prohibit the sale of certain fur products. Certain exceptions exist such as used fur at pawn shops, second-hand stores, or non-profits, previously used fur, fur used or traded by native people, or if it’s ‘authorized by federal or state law’. | YES

• Question 302 | Should the annexation of CU South gain voter approval? City Council approved the annexation on Sept. 21, 2021. | NO on 302

Hygiene Fire Protection District

• 6A | Mill Levy Increase. The measure would increase property taxes on homes in the district, and the money would be used to increase funds for the fire department in the area. Whereas critics oppose the idea of a tax increase, the benefits of funding the department supersedes. The measure would raise taxes to $0.001 of each dollar in property value each year. Everybody vocalizes their immense respect for fire departments, especially at times when unprecedented wildfires occur annually. The superior equipment would reduce the response time of fire professionals, increase their safety on the job, and improve their ability to extinguish fires. | YES

Lafayette

• 2B | Tax increase to fund local safety services, public safety equipment, and operating expenses for things such as mental health response teams, more officers for the fire and police departments, resources for emergency responses, including environmental, climate disasters, and fund fire and police equipment and operating expenses. $1,990,000 annually the first fiscal year, and any additional funds from a .27% sales and use tax thereafter. | YES

• 2C | Tax increase to fund mental health and human services. An increase of $750,000 annually for the first fiscal year, and any additional funds from a 0.1% sales and use tax thereafter. These funds would be used to help local families by, for example, providing assistance with rent, food, medical and childcare services, and for victims of domestic violence. | YES

• 2D | A ‘yes’ would change all gender specific pronouns, such as he, him, his, and she, her, hers, in Lafayette’s Home Rule Charter to gender neutral references. | YES

• 2E | A ‘yes’ would change sections 2.3, 4.5(b), 4.14, and 6.4 of the Lafayette Home Rule Charter. It would remove the word ‘citizen’ because it’s not legally required to be a citizen. It would also change ‘master plan’ to ‘comprehensive plan’.

Examples from charter:
• The Planning Commission will be charged with the preparation of a proposed master plan.
• The expansion of protections of the rights herein enumerated, and the further enumeration of rights, as well as additional prohibitions against rights-denying behavior, through citizen use of the initiative process, is hereby encouraged. | YES

• 2F | The Lafayette Home Rule Charter states that in order to run for office, candidates must be residents for one year before the last day to file petitions for office. State Law, however, says it’s one year immediately prior to the date of the election. A ‘yes’ would change the charter to match State Law. | YES

Louisville

• 2A | Debt Tax Increase for Transportation Improvements. The debt level and property tax increases would allow Louisville to implement the Transportation Master Plan. Implementation would allow the city to address many aspects of city infrastructure by increasing multi-modal transportation capabilities, improved connectivity for bike paths and pedestrian walkways, and the construction of six underpassess to alleviate traffic. The multi-modal features of the plan are especially favorable. The ability to ride bikes and walk on paths to travel to various locations in the city will prevent residents from being car dependent, decrease greenhouse gasses, and enhance the quality of life of residents. Additionally, creating the network of pathways throughout the city will also increase safety. | YES

Lyons

• 2G Construction of Solar Generation and Battery Storage Facility. This measure would enable the city to build a solar farm at Bohn Park. Opponents claim that the vast stretch of space could be used for commercial developments, the small gains of any commercial development cannot match the benefit of constructing this solar farm. Lyons has been committed to environmental sustainability for years and has been attempting to implement a sustainability plan. Lyons is attempting to curtail the destruction of climate change by transitioning away from traditional energy sources towards renewable energy sources. This solar farm project would finally allow Lyons to facilitate the transition to renewable energy. | YES

Superior

• 2G | Sale and Use Tax Increase for Transportation Improvement Funding. Critics oppose a permanent tax increase but the increase would typically just be 2.8 cents for every dollar spent. The revenue would be used to pay for infrastructure improvements desperately needed: repair of roads. Many roads in Superior are suffering from dilapidated conditions. Most of the tax revenue would be directly allocated to fixing these flaws, repairing the roads, filling the potholes, re-coating the concrete, and maximizing the overall conditions of the main roads in the city and the side streets in neighborhoods. Additionally, some of the revenue would also be designated for traffic calming devices. The project would increase the efficiency of driving through the town, reduce traffic, protect cars, and prevent car accidents. | YES

The post Yellow Scene Election Guide 2021 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Hood Guide 2021 | Home & Hood

De La Vaca — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 23:51:21 +0000

CITY

Downtown Longmont

“Downtown” is an artificial designation, given the old and the new downtown corridors, and given the neighborhoods assigned, we love the stretch of Longmont on either side of Main Street, from 3rd through Longs Peak Avenue, facing East and West.

The Downtown Longmont Development Authority says this is “Your destination for small town [read: country-esque, antiquey, but decidedly city] charm and modern urban grit [read: growth is afoot and this area is cracking]. With innovative businesses, authentic people, tangible history, and Colorado’s best craft culture [arguably some of the best on the Front Range], Downtown Longmont has something for everyone. Come explore and discover your new favorite place today.”

By favorite places, we mean Dickens 300 Prime (formerly Dickens Opera House), Jefe’s Tacos, Martini’s Bistro, Pumphouse Brewery, and any of the 40+ listed bars, distilleries, breweries, and restaurants on this stretch. Dine in, take out, sip up, and enjoy the goodness within walking distance of the neighborhoods flanking this epic area.

This area is also part of the Longmont Creative District, meaning the arts are not just present, but supported and flourishing. We all love to live in areas with museums, galleries, bookstores, and lots of public art. With grants to support struggling artists and art orgs during COVID, Longmont is ensuring continuity of vibrancy.

These neighborhoods are decidedly mixed country and city living with walkable streets on both sides of Main, generally quiet neighborhoods with entrepreneurs (like our friends at The Hop and Wibby Brewing) on side streets, and three notable parks – Roosevelt, Collyers, and Thompson – with others and Longmont Reservoir close by. We love the country access, with only one turn off Main needed to get to Lyons and Estes Park-cum-RMNP.

Arista Broomfield

A special little development project in Broomfield, about 5 minutes drive from the Wadsworth exit off Highway 36, this is a perfected self-sustaining community with everything you need… except a supermarket.

Don’t let the Google Maps screenshot fool you. Broomfield and Boulder county have 2,397 acres of Inter Governmental Agreement land held in open space reserves, of a total 21,468.756 acres of Broomfield, with a goal to keep total open space of 9,567 acres as approved by the 1995 Master Plan (with updates), this area of Broomfield is decidedly city living and not as country as some areas of Broomfield can be.

The Arista website spells it out: “A thoughtful blend of urban living destined to be the energy epicenter of the northwest corridor. Dining, shopping, parks, entertainment, and the Aloft Hotel are all within walking distance. Arista offers incredible views of the Front Range’s pristine mountain peaks.”

“The cornerstone of Arista is the 1STBank Center,” a multi-purpose arena known for big name shows (even if not as popular as some downtown venues) and conveniently located 15 miles northwest of Downtown Denver. It is located near the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport for folks who want to fly in and close the Flatiron Crossing Mall. It opened in 2006. Arista is one of the very few town center developments in the nation anchored by a major entertainment venue, though 1st Bank Center was there first, and provided the foundation for Arista to thrive.

“Arista Place is the town center of Arista, a fun, eclectic, two-block pedestrian mall featuring the Aloft Hotel, office space, and residential units. The buildings feature a unique, contemporary, urban design,” in an otherwise high energy, high impact area. The “daytime population is very strong, with about 173,000 people working within three miles of the site and the 10-mile population is approximately 644,000,” making this decidedly vibrant area definitively city living.

Dining and drink options include Hickory & Ash (a lovely fine dining options a few steps away from 1st Bank Center), Proto’s Pizzeria, Prosper Cats, Masa Cocina Mexicana, Loftea, MC2.

“The options for living at Arista include live/work lofts, flats & townhomes, paired homes, as well as two different apartment communities. Commuting is easy at Arista as the RTD park-n-ride is located on site,” meaning commutes to Boulder or Denver are easily accessible and easily done. Makes me want to head downtown for lunch and drinks just cause we can.

Downtown Louisville

Definitive city living abounds in Louisville, one of the “Ls” as they’re called. With a population density of 3,522 per square mile in this area of town, according to Newborhood, a community data website built to help people pick neighborhoods to move to, and what seems like a million amenities in walking distance, you will lack for near nothing in Downtown Louisville.

Safely tucked away in a modest 2-bedroom with a beautiful yard, schools close by, and plenty of shopping options for the grown folk, you’ll be hard pressed to find a reason to leave town, save for the occasional concert or sporting event. Although, importantly, the Louisville Sports Complex is right across the way.

The Downtown Louisville website has almost 30 restaurants listed, and there are dozens of shops as well, including Eric Olson Master Jeweler – one of just a handful of certified Master Jewelers in Colorado. Whether you’re stepping out for some famed Melting Pot fine dining or an epic patio burger at Waterloo, or just browsing the incredible inventory on hand at Little Horse Vintage and Books, this neighborhood is ready to help you feel fun, flirty, and fancy free.

The downtown site also points out that, “When you visit Historic Downtown today you will find 100 year old wooden buildings lining Main, Front, and Pine streets. This frames an area that is home to over 100 businesses and a thriving art scene with galleries, studios and live music almost every night of the week. The Museum is here; so is City Hall and the Public Library.” Not only do you live in a vibrant area, it’s the seat of power and everything popping off is popping here.

COUNTRY

Niwot and Niwot Rd (63rd area)

YourBoulder neighborhood guide has a lot of great information on the history of Niwot, including that “the town was created in 1875 as a stop along the Colorado Central railroad which runs northeast from Boulder. The original business district built up on both sides of the tracks – those on the west having been razed for construction of the Diagonal Highway, while those on the east remain and house Niwot’s eclectic shops, stores and restaurants.”

Eclectic, they are, housing some of the most fun and quirky clothing and chotsky shops around. We also love that one of Boulder proper’s favorite chefs, Bradford Heap – of Salt and Wild Standard fame – also has a local favorite fine dining restaurant in Niwot called Colterra Food & Wine. It is, in fact, his flagship restaurant.

Old Town Niwot is roughly bounded, YourBoulder points out, by Highway 119 on the Northwest, Niwot Road on the South and North 83rd Street on the east, which is the area we’re specifically interested in. On the edge of a tiny town – Niwot boasts a population just over 4,000 and a about 4.005 mi² of land – these neighborhoods out on Niwot Rd. and 63rd are about as country as Boulder County gets. With coyotes on the prowl and prairie dogs digging holes, this is a great area for quiet living, knowing the neighbors, and knowing how to swing an axe to keep the woodshed stocked.

Don’t let the country edges confuse you, though. The IBM plant built in 1965 spurred a lot of growth for Niwot and Gunbarrel, and alongside the fine dining and $680K median home price, the quaint little unincorporated town of Niwot is also “home to an exotic automobile dealership. Yes, you can stroll down the street in Old Town Niwot and pick up a nice Aston Martin DB9 or a Porsche Carrera 4S at Gunbarrel Import Motors.” Country, indeed.

Brownsville

(Lafayette/Erie east of 287 between Erie Parkway and Jasper)

Shaped like a geometric flag on the tip of a flag pole, Brownsville – which is technically in Lafayette but edges west Erie – is a single family home neighborhood with a majority of houses built in the 90’s, according to City-Data.com. The average home price is $724,500, with closing in the area between $590,000 to $945,000. WOW. That’s some seriously comfortable country living.

NextDoor lists the neighborhood as having a population of 1784 residents with an average age of 54 years old. Homeowners are the majority, at 90 percent, which makes sense for the area, and heading into Erie, which has an absolute dearth of rental properties overall.

Compared to Lafayette overall, Brownsville has high income ($104k to $72k average), lower population density (251 to 3,057 per sq. mile), and larger households (including family size, amount of families to non-family households, and amount of married v single mother families).

While it’s not common knowledge outside of the area, these long country roads are excellent for bicycling. Great pavement, less traffic than cities, and absolutely gorgeous views in every direction. Even if the average household in Brownsville has more cars than Lafayette in general, we’d recommend a cruiser or road bike for the neighborhood. Distance cycling is also incredibly popular throughout the region so you can always grab some lycra and a 25-speed and get some miles under your belt. It’s the best way to stay in shape as you age, maintain strength and hip flexion, and enjoy the world around you.

Old Town Superior

When our publisher came to Colorado 30 years ago Superior was 230 some people. It was a small, quiet, out in the country, to themselves kind of community. Superior has grown, but some things remain the same.

Turning into the Old Town Superior neighborhood via Coal Creek the first thing you pass is the city hall building, a small, nondescript, slightly country-looking building. Cruisin’ down Coal Creek you pass Asti Park and Founders Park, open spaces between blocks, and families that clearly know each other passing each other in the streets. You pass conventional houses edged by the homes that have been here for generations, those one-story ranch-style brick houses and the wooden structures that look like they probably have a gun rack and a few antlers as decor.

The neighborhood becomes slightly industrial before turning into pure country with dirt roads criss-crossed by trails, dotted with singles and couples walking and running, bicycling, and the Flatirons in the distance. This is the kind of area where, leaving your driveway, if you go one direction you’re going to hit Target and Costco and a freeway, but if you go the other direction you’re going to need some outdoor gear and some trail shoes. Minutes after hitting the dirt road you’re in an alien landscape, back in old Colorado, back in country Colorado, with the added imposition of barbed wire fences.

There’s no lights out here, just sky. It’s beautiful, and you know these trails get a lot of wear and tear from passing feet of locals and regional adventurers (there are single tracks out here for the cycling community). Old Town may straddle both worlds, City and Country, but the old houses, and old families, and the very old trails, remind you that this is indeed country.

When you drive through that single track mountain biking area and you get to the 170, you find elegant homes nestled alongside old farm houses, Adobe inspired structures, and dilapidated corrals. It’s easy to forget that a few hundred yards away is highway 36. It’s a wonderful area for being in the middle of everything, halfway between Denver and Boulder, right next to everything you could possibly need, but decidedly cozy, comfy, quiet, country living.

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2014 Election Guide

Brett Calwood — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:12:12 +0000

John Hickenlooper – Governor

John Hickenlooper has served as Governor of Colorado since 2011, and in that time has seen his state rise from 40th to fourth in job creation, something that he’s understandably proud of. “Forbes Magazine ranked us as having the number one workforce in America,” he says. “Business Insider ranked us as having the number one fastest growing economy. We came in and our real focus was, you can talk all you want about social issues and this and that, but quality of life starts with a good job, and we’ve worked hard to get entrepreneurs to come here and have Colorado be the place where they want to not just build a business but build a life.”J

With the economy, we’ve got to continue the momentum…

John Hickenlooper
Governor, Colorado

When asked what work is still to be done, Hickenlooper offers two answers. “With the economy, we’ve got to continue the momentum,” he says. “We started out with a billion dollar deficit with the state budget, and now we’ve got $600 million rainy day fund. We’re also, in terms of certain issues like the long-term unemployed, we’re doing better than other states but we’re not doing good enough. Young people coming right out of high school or college, the recession in 2010-2011 was as bad a it has been in 30 years. We’ve made progress, but there are people with huge student loan. We have to figure out a way to find more resources in higher ed, and just make it more cost effective. I’d love to get to the point where we can say that nobody graduating from high education should have more that a $10,000 or $20,000 total debt. I met a guy last week who is 26 years old, a school teacher, and he has $125,000 of college debt. The other thing I would say is that we are the thinnest state, but we’re not the healthiest. We took that on as our challenge. We reduced teenage pregnancy by 40 percent, and reduced the number of abortions between 15-25 year olds by 35 percent. We have reduced prescription drug abuse by 20 percent. We have a very clear goal that we want to be the healthiest state, and that folds back into, if we can clearly say that we are the healthiest state in America, that will help attract more entrepreneurs and small businesses. It becomes a positive feedback loop.”

Yellow Scene was in Denver recently to hear Hickenlooper and his opponent Bob Beauprez speak at the Gubernational forum, and it was impressive to hear the Governor speak about the dangers of keeping mentally ill prisoners in solitary confinement until their release. That is admirable, but what is a realistic alternative? “It’s challenging but I think we’ve got a good plan.,” Hickenlooper says. “I think our effort is to take a facility that’s more like a hospital and make sure it has the security infrastructure. You can have mentally ill and potentially dangerous patients there as well. We have five inmates who are in prison who really haven’t committed a crime – they’re just so dangerous and so violent, and clearly have severe mental illness, that they’re families committed them. I don’t think that individuals such as them belong in a prison. I think they belong in a hospital. Again, it’s got to be a very secure hospital.”

Especially the chronically homeless, what was amazing to me is how much money society already spends in maintaining the lives of suffering.

John Hickenlooper
Governor, Colorado

We ask the Governor if he thinks the issue of the homeless people in Colorado gets dismissed and ignored because it’s not perhaps a overt as it is in other cities. “Part of the reason it’s not so in-your- face here is because we worked on it for so long” he says. “Especially the chronically homeless, what was amazing to me is how much money society already spends in maintaining the lives of suffering. People sleeping under a bridge, on average we spend $42,000 per person per year, maintaining a life of misery. These people have diseases like diabetes and they get to the hospital, their arm is already turning blue – the average cost per visit to the hospital is $28,000 for the chronically homeless. We can get them into a home, a small, one bedroom home, but into housing and total wrap-around services. If they have mental illnesses, we can get them the appropriate doctor supervision, we can make sure if they’ve got addictions we can get them counseling, and most importantly we can get them job training. Even if it only pays $8 an hour, we get them into a job. Many of the chronically homeless are emotionally fragile. That structure that a job provides is invaluable. But anyway, we can get them into housing with total wrap-around services for about $15,000-$16,000 a year. Nb the present circumstances, we paying over $40,000 a year. So it makes financial sense, and it gets these folks a second chance at a life. We don’t succeed with every individual, but it’s amazing, we succeed with a great number. Instead of giving them a hand- out, we’re giving them a hand-up. The opportunities to control their destinies and create a life that they’d imagined.”

Many people were outraged recently when learning that the police in Lafayette were armed with 42 M-16s, and Lafayette isn’t an isolated incident. Hickenlooper is also perplexed by that program. “This whole program of taking surplus military hardware and then distributing it to communities all over the country, a) in many case those communities don’t need as much firepower as they’re getting and b) it really does send out the wrong message,” he says. “It implies that there’s something to be fearful of, that the government is fearful of being attacked. I don’t think that’s the case anywhere – not in Lafayette, not anywhere. I think that program is going to be reevaluated now, and we’ll see if it doesn’t get reconfigured in a more constructive way. You look at some of the gigantic vehicles that these small communities have – it’s hard to imagine them ever needing a vehicle like that.”

Finally, and again at the Gubernational forum, Bob Beauprez said that Hickenlooper made a good Mayor in Denver, but has been a disappointing Governor. Hickenlooper’s response is typically witty.

“He would have to say that, wouldn’t he? If he’s running, trying to convince people that he would be a better Governor, he’s got to say that I was disappointing, he says. “The key issue here is that all of the things that he says, like he wants to reduce regulation – we already eliminated 1,500 regulations and significantly made simpler another 5,500 regulations. He said he wants to attract businesses here, and a I said we’re the number one destination for start-ups in the country with the number one workforce. He said he wants to fuel the economy by making it grow faster – we’re already the number one fastest growing economy in America, so I keep asking him, if these are the primary things you’re planning on doing, we’re already doing them so maybe I can count on your vote.”

The post 2014 Election Guide appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Halloween – Best Trick or Treat Neighborhoods

M.B. Abbott — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 16:35:16 +0000

It’s the Holy Grail of Halloween treats: a full sized candy bar, preferably chocolate, preferably Hershey’s. This year Halloween’s on a Friday night and come clear skies or a foot of snow, kids will be out there searching for the best areas for top notch treats. So let’s be sure to find them.I

“Louisville.” That’s what parent’s keep saying when asked which town has the best treats this time of year. “A lot of homes are decorated in Louisville, “says Jenny Hart, mother of three. “We have a party down (here) because Vista Lane and West Mulberry are so great for candy and decorations.”

Old Town Lafayette has its own rustic charms, and with the nice grid layout of the neighborhoods it makes door-to-door treat hunting easy. Be sure to get off the highway and visit the smaller shops, sometimes we forget they serve up more than peach cobbler over there.

With a name like Erie, you know this town’s got Halloween buckled down. But if you can only pick one neighborhood, drop by Erie Village. With its neo-Victorian architecture, neighbors make the most of the season with haunted houses popping up from year to year. A walk through the Village on any autumn afternoon is sure to stir up the holiday spirit.

Keep your eyes peeled these weeks leading up to Halloween. One or two families can turn a blah neighborhood into an “aaaaaaaah!” neighborhood overnight. If you’re too busy dashing around, you may miss a nearby celebration zone. It’s become a theme lately, sticking close to home, especially after so many communities had to pull together last year in the 100 Year Flood’s wake. It’s become on trend for friends to put on family potlucks and neighborhoods to close down a whole block for local partie. The Village at Five Parks, a suburban area South of Superior in Arvada, is a prime example of how to keep celebrations close to home. With Miekeljohn Elementary in the middle of several subdivisions, almost everyone has a child or grandchild coming by.

But kids, especially older ones, still want to venture out in search of bigger hauls. Of course, Rock Creek in Superior is always a good place to hit up if you don’t mind the upward and downward climb. Clayton Circle got an extra knowing look and waggling of eyebrows from preteens this season. Gossip is not the best reliable source however. So if you want to find the best neighborhoods this year, or any year, you need to do your research.

Before the Big Day

1. Cruise around ahead of time. Look for areas that put out the most elaborate decoration, and who put their Halloween decorations up first.

2. Look for nice, if creepily decorated, houses clumped closely together – the more doors you knock on the more chances you have of a good score.

3. Keep to well-lit areas with wide sidewalks and lots of pre-planted trees. These are signs of neighborhoods set up for walking and visiting.

4. Look for evidence of kids throughout the neighborhood, not at just one house. Toys scattered everywhere. Streets blocked off by portable soccer and hockey goals, basketball nets, kids bikes everywhere.

5. Ask around. Parents, kids. Who’s bought the good candy and who’s just trying to get rid of last year’s stale junk (boooo!).

6. Go where the kids are. If they’ve got elementary schools nearby they’ve got candy.

7. Consider other options. Church groups, neighborhood parties and shops. WOW! Children’s Museum in Louisville hosts a family Halloween Party every year, and the Butterfly Pavilion throws their annual Bug-a-Boo October 18th and 19th this year. That way you can stay home and be the one handing out the awesome treats this year.

Tips for Halloween Day

1. Set out early but not too early. At least give folks time to get home from work and set up. Let the toddlers and babies go first to warm people up.

2. Start with the places you staked out earlier, but make time side runs to places that got in the holiday spirit overnight.

3. Look for lights on, decorations out, and easy to find doorways. Precious minutes are lost looking for that hidden side door. Unless there’s a trail of other kids leading the way, keep clear.

4. Follow or join a group that’s on the move. Steer clear of hooking up with a pack of little kids – one of them is bound to fall. Look for locals that you may know.

5. Watch the younger kids as they leave a street. Are they filled with joy waving full sized candy or disappointed? Don’t waste your time if they all look sad.

6. Use the grid system. Up one side, down the other. Don’t keep crossing the street. Don’t get distracted by side streets unless they look promising.

7. Keep an eye out at the end of the night. Early risers sometimes just leave the bowl out front after awhile and go to bed.

8. Don’t waste your time on places with their lights off or with hard to find front doors. Especially if they have zero Halloween décor.

9. Never leave a man, or ghost, or princess behind. It may cost you some time to wait for a lagging friend, but it will pay off later when it’s time to trade.

10. And perhaps the most important rule: Be a good giver yourself. Don’t hand out cruddy candy. Be consistent and hand out the good stuff year after year. Candy karma is real.

The post Halloween – Best Trick or Treat Neighborhoods appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Take Out the Trash, Err, Trustees

editor — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:23:57 +0000

So we were wrong last month when we thought a garbage flap in Superior would just blow over. It turns out that the residents who were upset over the city awarding a single contract to one trash service provider that the deal stunk enough to call for change. A petition has been filed to recall Mayor Pro-tem Lisa Skumatz, Eric Rosenfeld and Dana D’Souza. Those three were instrumental in cutting a deal to have Waste Connections service the city’s trash needs. The city promoted the deal as a way to increase recycling while saving residents money. Many thought the city didn’t get a competitive deal—noting that Waste Connections already services the Rock Creek subdivision giving them better service for about the same cost.

[What’s Next] If enough residents sign the petition, voters can boot these three from office.

The post Take Out the Trash, Err, Trustees appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Don’t Worry These Cars Don’t Look That Funny

editor — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:44:24 +0000

There could be a day in the near future that the town of Superior will be overrun by futuristic-looking golf carts whizzing by at a pesky 35 miles per hour. Sounds annoying, but it’s a proactive step toward reducing auto emissions. Residents are asking the city to take a page from the book of Lincoln, Calif., a town that has welcomed Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) as a primary means of scooting around town. Lincoln, a community filled with retirees, built specific infrastructure for the more than 500 tiny electric cars there to use.

What’s Next: Residents and the Recycling and Conservation Advisory Committee will work to see what Superior can do to accommodate NEVs.

The post Don’t Worry These Cars Don’t Look That Funny appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Superior Archives - Yellow Scene Magazine

Butterfly Pavilion Scientists Complete First Survey of Northwest Parkway Pollinator Corridor

2nd Annual Art Sale To Benefit Sister Carmen Community Center

Superior Town Council Tackles Bike Safety and Public Art

Trick or Treat, Check Out These Streets

Trick or Treat, Check Out These Streets

Erie

Longmont

Boulder

Superior

Louisville

Lafayette

Niwot

Broomfield

Firestone

Frederick

Westminster

The Town of Superior Seeks Qualified Contractor to Lead Creative Efforts for the Marshall Fire Remembrance Project

Coal Creek Meals on Wheels Celebrates Surpassing 1 Million Melas Served as Par of the 23rd Annual March for Meals Month

Superior’s First Affordable Housing Units in Pre-Development

Hood Guide: Towns | How Walkable Are Our Towns?

Boulder

Longmont

Erie

Lafayette

Louisville

Superior

Broomfield

North Westminster

North Thornton

Lyons

Niwot

Editors Picks | November 2024

Best Festivals, December 2024

Superior Special Election on Home Rule Charter Set for December 10

Entertainment Picks | September 2024

The Story Of Our Nation Can Be Gleaned From These Historic Homes

Ten local homes with historic pasts, unique architecture, and important stories

Arnett-Fullen House – Boulder Built 1877

Brunner Farmhouse – Broomfield Built 1908

Wise Homestead Museum – Erie Built 1869

Thomas M. Callahan House – Longmont Built 1892

Miller House – Lafayette Built late 1880s

Ginacci House – Louisville Built in 1908

Bowles House – Westminster Built in 1871

William J. Gregory House – Westminster

Built in 1910

Grasso Park – Superior Various dates

Dearfield Colony Buildings 1910-1946

The spaces in between

Need a reason to get outside? Join the Wildlife Monitoring Team!

Month in Review | November 2023

[LOCAL]

[NATIONAL]

[INTERNATIONAL]

By the Numbers

Yellow Scene 2023 Election Guide

Colorado Statewide Ballot Measures

Boulder County Ballot Initiatives

Broomfield Elections

Broomfield Mayor – UNOPPOSED

Guyleen Castriotta – ENDORSED

Broomfield City Council – Ward 1

Chriss Hammerschmidt

Kenny Nguyen – ENDORSED

Broomfield City Council – Ward 2

Paloma Delgadillo – ENDORSED

Broomfield City Council – Ward 3

Jean Lim – ENDORSED

Peter Crouse

Broomfield City Council – Ward 4

Laurie Anderson – ENDORSED

Broomfield City Council – Ward 5

Adam Gobetti – UNQUALIFIED

Heidi Henkel – ENDORSED

Broomfield Ward 5 (Recall) | Vote: No

Todd Cohen – ENDORSED

Maria Boutrous – UNQUALIFIED

Boulder Elections

Boulder Mayor

Arnett-Fullen House – Boulder
Built 1877

Brunner Farmhouse – Broomfield
Built 1908

Wise Homestead Museum – Erie
Built 1869

Thomas M. Callahan House – Longmont
Built 1892

Miller House – Lafayette
Built late 1880s

Ginacci House – Louisville
Built in 1908

Bowles House – Westminster
Built in 1871

Grasso Park – Superior
Various dates

Dearfield Colony Buildings
1910-1946