by Ashe in America | Jul 18, 2024 | Feature Story Bottom Left
ASHE IN AMERICA — OPINION
The clear takeaway from the June 25 Colorado primary is that Centennial State voters are a diverse bunch with wide spectrum of priorities and ideas. While ballot measure advocates race to obtain enough signatures by the August 6 deadline, the ballot for candidates is set — and somewhat surprising.
DSA Loses Bigly
Members of the far-left Colorado Democrat Socialists of America (DSA) won’t be returning to the State House next year.
Representatives Elisabeth Epps (HD6) and Tim Hernández (HD4) lost their primaries in June, after prominent Democrats, including Governor Polis, endorsed the DSA candidates’ “more moderate” challengers, and national money flooded the local races. Kyra deGruy Kennedy, wife of Chris deGruy Kennedy (HD30), who was also endorsed by DSA, lost her contest as well, failing to keep her husband’s seat in the family.
Epps and Hernández faced escalating criticism from their Democrat colleagues, last session and during the campaign, for their anti-Israel advocacy and their refusal to toe the party line — often breaking with the establishment on key votes.
The pair also faced criticism from their Republican colleagues for their outsized focus on disarmament, enabling crimes against children, and flying foreign flags on the floor of the People’s House.
According to 9 News, and most corporate media, “These decisions by voters mark a shift back toward moderate Democrats and away from far-left progressives.”
That’s certainly the narrative Democrats are selling voters this cycle. “No, seriously, we’re really not communists!”
Republicans Remain Divided
Over in CD4, Greg Lopez won Ken Buck’s vacant seat, and he was sworn into office in D.C. on July 8. Lopez will occupy the seat for the rest of the year, a welcome outcome for CD4 constituents who have been without representation since Ken Buck resigned in March.
Why did Buck resign? Colorado Peak Politics nailed the answer to that question earlier this month, writing, “Lopez replaces Ken Buck who resigned in March during the middle of his term because he was fed up with Republicans and wanted to spend more time with his CNN family.”
Lopez is not running for the seat in November, and Lauren Boebert won the nomination. She will face Trisha Calvarese in the general. Calvarese came up short in the special election, losing to Lopez by more than 39,000 votes, or 24%.
More GOP establishment picks were victorious in CD3, Boebert’s current seat, and CD5, where Ron Hanks and Dave Williams lost to a couple of Jeffs: Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank, respectively. Current State Rep Gabe Evans handily won the primary in CD8, though he faces a tough contest against Democrat incumbent Yadira Caraveo in November.
Local races on the Republican side saw mixed results between America First and establishment candidates. Adriana Cuva lost her bid for Senate District 12, and Saundra Larsen failed to prevail over former GOP Chair Kristi Burton Brown for State Board of education.
In other races, America First candidates were victorious, including Highlands Ranch resident Matt Burcham’s triumph over Lora Thomas for HD43, and former State Rep Kevin Van Winkle’s nomination for Douglas County Commissioner.
Eyes On The General
CD3, CD4, and CD5 should be reliably Republican seats, but CD8 is a toss-up. If Evans were able to pull off the upset, and Republicans hold their three current seats, then half of Colorado’s federal representatives would be Republican. Talk about shifting voter sentiment in Colorado!
Still, the race in CD3 will reveal whether Boebert’s hardships in 2022 were a “her problem” or signal of a changing local electorate.
The balance of power under the dome is arguably more important than the Presidential race, though you wouldn’t know it from the wall-to-wall media coverage of Biden’s obvious dementia and Democrat panic. While most of the primary candidates for State government ran unopposed, the results of actual contests indicate a mixed bag from voters.
Republicans seek to flip a few vulnerable seats in both chambers, hoping to restore some sense of balance after a particularly tumultuous 74th General Assembly. For now, it appears McCluskie is on track to retain the gavel in the 75th.
For America First Coloradans, this seems unthinkable, given the absolute state of our state. Unfortunately, those are the results. In November, Coloradans must vote like our lives depend on it.
A quick look around confirms that, at the minimum, our ways of life most certainly do.
Ashe in America is a writer and activist. Find all her work at linktree.com/asheinamerica.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 26, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Mark Smiley
On June 25, 2024, Styx and Foreigner performed at the Ball Arena for their Denver stop on The Renegades & Juke Box Heroes tour. This was the first time the bands toured together in 10 years. Styx opened with a 13-song set followed by Foreigner’s 10 song set. John Waite started the evening off with an 8-song set that included his solo hit “Missing You” and “When I See You Smile,” the hit from Bad English.
Styx and Foreigner trade headlining on this tour and both bands sounded as good as they ever have. One note, is that none of the original members of Foreigner performed at Ball Arena. They will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this Fall. Styx has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 1998 but curiously has never been nominated despite having a string of hits and selling over 54 million albums worldwide.
Styx started their set with “Grand Illusion” and ended with “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade” with all of their hits in between including “Lady,” “Blue Collar Man,” and “Come Sail Away.” Foreigner started with “Double Vision” and ened with an encore of “I Want to Know What Love is” and “Hot Blooded.”
Since 1999, Styx has averaged over 100 shows per year and they have no signs of stopping. Foreigner announced this was their farewell tour. All three acts left the audience singing, dancing, and enjoying good rock and roll music for what ended up being a solid show.
For more information visit Foreigneronline.com and StyxWorld.com. To see more dates on the tour, visit livenation.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | Main Articles
Contingency Fee For Catastrophic Injury Is A Growing Segment Of Its Practice
by Mark Smiley
Partners: Jeff Springer (right) and Harvey Steinberg started the Law firm of Springer & Steinberg over 40 years ago.
Networking: Cielo Busch, Director of Legal Administration & Marketing for Springer & Steinberg (left), Megan Stephens, Colorado Athletic Club (middle), and Debbie Fitzgerald, Partner/Co-Founder at Fitzgerald Peterson, were among the attendees at the latest Business After Hours for the Glendale Chamber.
Springer & Steinberg is a law firm that started over 40 years ago and has spent most of its existence with offices in downtown Denver. Last year, the firm moved to an office building close to I-25 and Colorado Blvd., and after 11 months of permitting and construction, in June 2024 its new space is finished on the top floor of the building.
“Downtown has advantages when you’re a lawyer because you can be close to all the courthouses,” said Jeff Springer, partner at Springer & Steinberg. “It was great when I was a younger lawyer. The opportunity to be right next door to Glendale, even though we couldn’t find the right arrangement for us in Glendale, was attractive.”
Springer eluded to the difficulty of maneuvering downtown and hassling with parking as a reason potential clients would shy away from retaining their services. “Where we are now, you can get here and park, and you can easily maneuver through traffic,” said Springer. ”It is much more convenient.”
New Office: Springer & Steinberg moved from downtown to South Colorado Blvd. last year and moved into its new office space in June 2024. The firm is more conveniently located for potential clients.
Even though the firm is not technically in Glendale, Springer considers the firm a part of Glendale based on where they are
situated. “We have the benefits of Glendale and we get to visit everybody in Glendale, we get to the rugby pitch, and the event center,” said Springer. “For everybody in the firm, it is a real advantage. The location is terrific along with the views and access. We are very excited.”
Although close to Glendale, Springer felt the effects of not being within the city boundaries. “If we were in Glendale, we would have moved into this space six months ago. But, in Denver, you can’t get them to act and approve permits. It takes forever to get things done.”
Glendale has a reputation for being efficient and consumer and business friendly. “If you are deserving of one, you can get a permit in Glendale very quickly,” said Springer. “They want to make sure they get things built and built on time. For whatever reason, in Denver, it doesn’t work that way.”
Since it started over 40 years ago, the law firm of Springer & Steinberg has broadened its skillset. Their lawyers can handle every kind of litigation imaginable such as criminal, personal injury, landlord tenant, construction, corporate, trademark, and copyright.
A rapidly growing aspect of the firm’s practice is contingency fee work for catastrophic injuries including serious automobile accidents. They also do transactional work. The firm has transactional lawyers who can form entities and corporations, handle wills and trusts, and probate. Springer & Steinberg can provide a full service because of the depth and breadth of the lawyers on staff. They are all experienced and skilled lawyers. “We don’t typically take lawyers right out of law school,” said Springer. “We want to see them get some experience and seasoning.”
Springer & Steinberg can provide people with full service and be their lawyer and also be a company’s lawyer. “If we represent a company, we can do everything from A to Z,” said Springer. “We can form them and help them when they operate. We can defend them in litigation, and pursue litigation on their behalf. And it’s the same thing for individuals. We can take care of families and oftentimes do.”
Experience: The Law firm of Springer & Steinberg has a fleet of experienced attorneys specializing in many different areas.
Springer & Steinberg has been known to take on unpopular cases as well. “My partner, Harver Steinberg, does a number of cases that are important from a constitutional standpoint, and yet some of the people we represent are not well received by parts of the community,” said Springer. “Yet, we have a duty to do good for everybody. The people on the top of the totem pole as well as the people on the bottom of the totem pole. That’s what we try to do.”
In addition, Springer & Steinberg has been the city attorneys for Glendale for over 20 years. “I have seen the city grow and develop from every perspective,” said Springer. “What the city does for its citizens and what it does for the people nearby and surrounding areas is absolutely incredible. The opportunities that one has in Glendale for entertainment, exercise, events, scenery, activities, is unmatched in my estimation.”
Springer adds that Glendale is a shining light in the metro area. “It is a tribute to all of the hard-working people in Glendale and its citizens who take an active role in what goes on in Glendale,” said Springer. He attributes much of Glendale’s success to its current Mayor, Mike Dunafon. “Mayor Dunafon is a true visionary,” said Springer. “He had a true vision of what Glendale could be. Through his hard work and efforts, he has made it happen.”
For more information on the firm or to schedule a consultation visit www.springersteinberg.com, or call 303-861-2800.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | Main Articles
Largest Creek Development In History Set To Begin; To Cut Traffic, Slash Structure Size, Use, And Heights
by Wayne New & David Steel
Wayne New is a former Denver City Councilman. David Steel is the former CEO of Western Development.
Traffic Terror: 1st Ave., University, Steele, and Cherry Creek South Drive already have terrible traffic. Cherry Creek West project will add 10,000 vehicles per day.
Have you recently driven down Alameda, University, Steele, 1st Ave., or Cherry Creek South Drive and experienced the incredible traffic and congestion in the Cherry Creek area? Have you tried to cross 1st Ave. and feared that you could be hit by a car? You are not alone.
We believe in smart, well-designed development, but we all know that the unintended consequence of too much density without concurrent transportation planning is uncontrolled traffic. However, a Denver Moves Cherry Creek statement from City Planning and the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure reads: “DMCC recommends that an increase in density in Cherry Creek is needed to support higher frequency/more reliable transit, and allow for more local trips within Cherry Creek to be taken by walking/bicycling.”
They are putting the cart before the horse!
Choking Cherry Creek
What’s driving this large increase in Cherry Creek traffic? The problem begins with the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District’s (BID) 10-year, 150% density growth plan.
Additional causes are:
Safe Cross Streets: Major Cherry Creek North arterial streets — particularly 1st Ave. — have scarcity of safe pedestrian crossings despite shopping popularity.
- Underutilized BID underground parking and limited on-street parking is creating parking and traffic problems in the neighborhoods;
- Increased Leetsdale/Colorado cut through traffic on 1st Ave. to downtown. At least 50% of 1st. Ave. traffic is from cars originating from Leetsdale, Colorado Blvd., and University;
- Reduced RTD bus services/limited routes — limited service reduces employee transportation;
- Lack of planned transit implementation on major arterial corridors — the 2012 Cherry Creek Area Plan stated “Cherry Creek has highest regional traffic volume” and called for transit services. The City has estimated that it will take 10 to 20 years to implement transit;
- Limited use of City transportation demand management strategies to reduce traffic — City strategies to reduce traffic have not been emphasized or enforced;
- Maximum Intersection Capacities — 10 of the 13 major Cherry Creek area intersections exceed the maximum traffic of 36,000 cars per day.
Adding Obstacles
Even with all of the above, the City will be allowing the rezoning of the largest development in Cherry Creek history. This Cherry Creek West Project development on the west side of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center poses the following issues which will have to be addressed:
- Scale: The approximate 1,600,000-sq. ft. (SF) development will be 45% greater in SF compared to the present Shopping Center;
- Building Height: Three (3) of the seven (7) buildings will be 13 stories in height and one building will be 11 stories. The average height of all buildings will be 10.5 stories;
- Vehicle Traffic: According to the developer, the number of vehicle trips onto 1st Ave. and University will increase traffic by 1,000 vehicle trips per PM Peak Hour or 10,000 per day;
- Traffic Flow: The flow of traffic will be difficult with the property having only four (4) entrances/exits that are: two (2) one-way only and 2 two-way with lights. The existing Shopping Center, which is 45% smaller, has seven (7) entrances/exits with four (4) two-way with lights;
- Construction Difficulties: The entire 13-acre property will require two (2) to three (3) story-depth underground for project infrastructure construction and parking. Those 10 years of project construction will create continuous 1st Ave. traffic issues.
What To Do Now
What can immediately be done to reduce traffic, since transit is 10 to 20 years in the future?
Establish a 75% residential use ratio for new development for next five years since residential construction creates the lowest level of new vehicle trips; Expand RTD route services to Cherry Creek; Implement specific Transportation Demand Management measures for all existing and new building developments, which will have the potential of reducing Cherry Creek traffic by 2,500 vehicle trips per PM Hour:
More: a) Require RTD Eco-Pass programs to increase bus usage; b) Require hourly parking or unbundled parking for all building users, including employees; c) Implement bicycle support amenities for all buildings.
Structure Size, Height
Implement and fund shuttle services from Cherry Creek to University / I-25, the Colorado Blvd / I-25, and Colorado / I-70 light rail stations to expedite service to the present transit network.
Propose to the City a Development Impact Fee Program to help fund Cherry Creek improvements — a plan which has created millions of dollars from developers in other cities.
Even with these Cherry Creek options and recommendations, the easiest and most effective solution for immediate traffic reduction is to address new building use, size, and heights. Therefore, reducing the total CCW new development square feet and height to eight (8) stories will have a significant reduction in vehicle trips.
Crosstown Bugs: Cherry Creek Dr. South has become a major thoroughfare for drivers crossing in either direction between University Ave. and Colorado Blvd.
Resident Support
What can residents do to help? Implementation of any of these recommendations falls under the purview of the various registered neighborhood organizations (RNO) and their respective Councilperson.
Each RNO should send a Position Statement to the City & County of Denver (Councilperson). If a Position Statement is not sent, then, in effect, the RNO is endorsing the CCW Project as submitted. Written resident comments can also be sent to your Councilperson.
All concerned organizations and residents should attend Planning Board and the City Council meetings to express their opinions. Approval of the submitted CCW rezoning will create traffic and congestion for the foreseeable future. RNOs and business organizations are the ones with the stature to make a formal submittal of objection.
About The Authors
If you have questions, please contact Wayne New at wayneindenver@gmail.com or David Steel at steelyard@msn.com.
