Mid-Season Colorado Rafting Underway

DENVER — Mid-season Colorado rafting conditions are ripe and there are still plenty of adventures to be had. As of July, rivers were at comparable flow levels to 2016 and are projected to continue flowing steadily on many rivers through early fall. Trips across the state continue to book fast so reservations with professional outfitters […]

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Colorado Abolishes “Free Speech Zones” at Public Universities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed into law legislation that effectively abolishes free speech zones on the state’s public college campuses. Free speech zones, areas in which students’ First Amendment rights are literally confined, stifle freedom of speech and expression on America’s college campuses. The legislation, Colorado Senate Bill 62, prohibits the state’s […]

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Colorado Cider is doing some lovely things with apples

VALVERDE — I am at my best when the weather gets cooler.  Sure, you get short days, but in return, you are rewarded with bracing, chilly solitude. This year has been the exception to the rule: we have hardly had a touch of true fall weather.

There’s a beverage designed for this time of year.  It’s cider. When the whole world is going gaga for pumpkin spice, I will turn to cider, any day. Apples are my real fruit love, and while they arguably do not belong in beer, they have a higher calling: Cider.

My curiosity about Colorado Cider was sparked when I tried their tasty brews at a recent festival.  I looked on their website, a lo, a real cidery!  They’ve planted trees on Colorado’s Western Slope and this year gave them their first harvest so look for a specialty cider “Block One” in late Spring of 2017.

On our recent visit, we tried the whole gamut, starting with the traditional: Glider Cider.

Glider comes in at 6.5% ABV and is spicy, lightly acidic, clean and light. 

Glider Dry still clocks in at 6.5% ABV and is decidedly less spicy and more apple forward.  I love dry ciders, and I found this quite tasty.

The Rad’lah was next, 6.9% ABV. Super herbaceous, this tasted minty and clean like lemon balm, with a smack of lemongrass. 

My husband really enjoyed the Pearsnickity.  At 6% ABV, this was dry, lightly sweet, and tasted like “crushed pears and fresh rain.”  Sidenote: this is among the reasons I married the guy!

The Cherry Glider (again, 6.5% ABV) was next and arrived pale pink and rosy.  You could taste the light almond from the cherry pits.

Grasshop-ah was next, again a light lemongrass and a hint of hops.

The Pome Mel (6.5% ABV) was amazing.  Not too sweet, it has a flavor like rosemary and lavender. The color was paler than the traditional Glider.  I liked this one a lot.

Ol’ Stumpy, (6.5%) was made with bittersweet cider apples and aged in a chardonnay barrel.  The Chardonnay imparted a nice buttery kick to the apples.

Now, the experimental ciders:

The Uuvana was fabulous. At 6.9%ABV, it was a bit higher, but the drink was clear, bright and slightly tannic like grape skins.  A great marriage!

The Bear Mel was next, at 6.5% ABV.  I liked this one, while my husband found it to be too sweet.

The Pipzarro (6%) was aged in rum barrels.   This was such a tasty cider that I took some home.  I’d never even considered rum and cider, but on balance, everything worked together pretty darn well.

The Rotating Tap was the Glider, with FRESH Colorado Cascade hops.  I loved this.  The cider itself was slightly cloudy from the hops, but the flavor and aroma were game changers.  I hope it’s there when you show up because it is GOOD.

The Fluchtling was made with Newtown Pippen apples and fermented with Berliner Weisse yeast.  You could taste the apples, along with the lactic tang of the yeast. 

I can’t wait for their crop of apples to come in, according to their website, the first batch will be ready in Spring 2017!  I highly recommend a visit to their website to check out the photos of their orchard.  It’s like a mini-vacation. https://www.coloradocider.com/our-orchard

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Colorado Cider.  The people were friendly, the music was great, and there was a little spotty cattle dog wandering around the place.  I have but two pieces of constructive criticism: Colorado Cider needs a sign on the sidewalk because it’s in a super industrial location.  They may also consider turning up their heat just a touch because it was chilly!

Colorado Cider
2650 W. 2nd Ave #10 | Denver, CO 80219
https://www.coloradocider.com

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Colorado Egg Producers dish out the best high altitude baking tips

DENVER — Believe it or not, the holiday season is upon us! For many, this time of year means festive family gatherings, unique traditions and of course, all types of holiday treats. Holiday baking is a favorite tradition for many families, and the incredible, edible egg is a central ingredient in nearly every dessert recipe. The Colorado Egg Producers (CEP) Association would like to share some helpful tips for baking at high altitude, a problem many Coloradans face during the holiday season.

“Locally produced eggs from Colorado can be used in holiday baking recipes,” said Chef Jason Morse, CEP partner, and owner of 5280 Culinary, LLC. “From gingerbread cookies to eggnog to Christmas morning casseroles, eggs are very versatile and contain almost every essential vitamin and mineral the body needs. Including eggs in your holiday baking means your family is eating healthy, nutritional ingredients.” 

Baking in high altitudes here in Colorado can make a big impact on the end result of your dish. Why? Higher altitudes often have lower pressure, which leads to lower boiling points, faster evaporation of liquids and more rapid rising of batters when baked. Basic adjustments and a little experimentation can compensate for higher altitudes. Here are a few tips:

  • Reduce the amount of baking powder the recipe calls for. For each teaspoon, decrease by 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon.
  • Reduce the amount of sugar the recipe calls for. For each cup, decrease by 2-3 tablespoons.
  • Increase the amount of liquid the recipe calls for. For each cup, add 3-4 tablespoons. Eggs and butter are considered liquids.
  • Fill baking pans half-full, not the usual two-thirds, as high altitude cakes may overflow.
  • Increase the baking temperature 15-20 degrees, unless using a glass pan, and reduce the baking time by up to 20 percent.

For hard-boiled eggs, higher altitudes have a lower boiling point, so eggs will need to cook longer to achieve the desired doneness. Hard-boiling at 9,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation may never fully cook through so you may want to hard-boil your eggs before traveling to the high country.

Use these tips, along with locally produced eggs, will ensure your dish will be the hit of the holiday party. CEP suggests trying out these high altitude baking tips on this recipe for cranberry white chocolate cookies, with a bonus gift idea courtesy of the American Egg Board.

Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies*

Total time: 25 minutes  /  Serving size: 40 cookies 

Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 package (6 ounces) dried sweetened cranberries
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, softened
2 large EGGS
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For Dry Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Mix, combine all dry ingredients in a clear 2-quart container with a tight-fitting lid. Cover with lid. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to give as a gift.

To make the cookies right away, preheat oven to 350° F. Combine your container of dry cookie mix with butter in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined after each addition. Stir in vanilla until blended. Drop dough using a tablespoonful for each cookie onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Let cool on cookie sheet on a wire rack for 1 minute. Remove, cool completely and enjoy! 

To make a personalized gift, attach a hand-written recipe card with the ingredients and directions. The dry mix can be prepared and held in a container for up to two weeks before giving.

*Note: The measurements in this recipe are for an altitude of 5,280 feet. As you increase in altitude, please make the necessary adjustments to measurements and cooking times. 

Are you inspired to learn more about the fascinating world of Colorado agriculture? Visit CEP at the National Western Stock Show January 7th through 22nd. Our interactive barn is fun for the whole family with videos and slide shows, a conveyor belt for kids to operate, informational egg brochures and recipes. CEP will also have a kid-friendly display showing how eggs get from the farm to the kitchen table! You can even find out where you can buy high-quality, safe and nutritious Colorado produced eggs. Find us on the 3rd floor in the Hall of Education in the CSU Ag Adventure display.

Pick up a carton of eggs to get started baking delicious holiday recipes! Now through the end of 2016, you can save $ 0.55 when you purchase two dozen eggs at your local grocery story. Visit www.coloradoeggproducers.com/eggcoupon to download a coupon today.

Find more holiday recipes and baking tips by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. To learn more about CEP, please visit www.coloradoeggproducers.com.

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A DUI in Colorado is now even more expensive

DENVER — The financial impact of a DUI is now even higher in Colorado.  The average cost of a first time DUI offense increased to $ 13,530 in 2016, that’s up nearly a third (32%) from the previous DUI calculation.  The new total comes as holiday parties and celebrations are ramping up, and law enforcement throughout the state is increasing patrols for impaired drivers.

A major factor in the increased cost of DUI: the average impaired driver in Colorado now qualifies as a Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD) based on blood alcohol content (BAC).  This year, the statewide average BAC in DUI cases was .164 – that’s more than twice the legal limit of .08.  The average BAC for DUI drivers in Denver mirrored the statewide average of .164 in FY16.  A driver with a BAC of .15 or greater is considered PDD – even if it’s the driver’s first offense.   In 2014 Colorado law lowered the threshold for PDD from .17 to .15. However, the state average BAC remained fairly steady – ranging from .16 to .164 in the past five years. A person who refuses chemical testing (blood, breath, saliva, urine) or with two or more impaired driving offenses will also be designated as PDD.

The PDD designation increases consequences for drivers. PDD drivers must have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicles for 24 months and must complete weekly alcohol and drug education and treatment classes over nine months. These requirements alone account for 55 percent of the overall increase in the average cost of a DUI.

The overall cost of a first DUI was last calculated eight years ago.  That put the price of DUI at $ 10,270. The average cost is based on 22 different fees and expenses that a driver convicted of DUI would likely face.  These range from fees associated with detox or jail, court costs, probation fees, license reinstatement, and increases to auto insurance.

“Every DUI remains 100 percent preventable,” said Glenn Davis, a member of the Colorado Task Force on Drunk and Impaired Driving.  “Cabs, ride services, public transportation, or even buying dinner for a friend who will be your sober designated driver…they all cost money but not nearly as much as a DUI.  If there’s a chance you may become impaired, leave the vehicle at home.  It’s not worth the risk.”

More information is available at NoDUIColorado.org – a project of the Colorado Persistent Drunk Driver Committee which is comprised of the Colorado Department of Human Services, State Judicial Branch, Department of Transportation and the Department of Revenue.

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Sloan’s Lake lawsuit moves to Colorado Court of Appeals

By Larry Ambrose

Lawsuits originally filed against the City of Denver and EnviroFinance Group (EFG), developer of the old St. Anthony Hospital site, to stop the development of up to 12 story buildings on 17th Avenue across from Sloan’s Lake Park, have moved to the Colorado Court of Appeals with legal representation by attorney Gregory Kerwin from the Denver office of the international law firm of Gibson Dunn.  The law suits were originally filed in March and December of 2015 by long-time NW Denver resident and attorney, David R. Medina who represented the Plaintiff’s in the suit, the Sloan’s Lake Neighborhood Association and nearby residents’ pro bono publico (without charge for the public good).

Mr. Medina passed away unexpectedly on September 26, 2016.  Originally from Pueblo, David rose from the ranks as a carpenter to become business manager for the Carpenters Union.  After attending law school at the University of Nebraska he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Pueblo and labor union lawyer. He is survived by his children who grew up in NW Denver, Tone and Jose Medina and Olga Avila as well as many loving grandchildren.

The lawsuits challenge the February 17, 2015 and November 23, 2015 Denver City Council decisions to approve rezoning of two square blocks across from Sloan’s Lake Park for 8-to-12 story luxury high rise condominiums and apartments. The basis for the suits has been the resident’s contention that the City Council decisions were not consistent with a prior City Council approved and adopted plan stemming from a two-year community based planning process in 2005 and 2006.  The primary feature of that plan called for taller buildings and high-density to be placed close to West Colfax and away from Sloan’s Lake Park.

In order to overturn a zoning decision by Denver City Council, a Plaintiff must show the City of Denver erred as a matter of law, and abused its discretion, in failing correctly to enforce the Denver Zoning Code’s requirement that zoning changes be consistent with “adopted plans.”  However, Denver District Court Judge Eric Elliff ruled against the neighborhood Plaintiffs giving Denver unlimited discretion to adopt any zoning change, regardless of obvious conflicts with adopted plans, by deferring to the Denver City Council’s own “judgment in determining if the amendments are consistent with the relevant guidance.”

The precedent being set in this case is, therefore, of citywide importance.  The issue at stake here is that, inasmuch as where there is a community based planning process that results in a plan that is adopted by City Council as an ordinance and which becomes part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, can the Council ignore and not follow that plan when considering a future rezoning request? The Plaintiffs in this case maintain that to allow the City Council to ignore specific requirements in adopted neighborhood plans will make meaningless, community involvement in the planning process. 

Meanwhile, the block bounded by Stuart Street on the west and Raleigh on the east and 16th and 17th Avenues on the south and north, touted by its developer/promoter NAVA Development as the “Lakehouse” features a sales office with fancy models of the high-rise development with units selling for more than $ 1 million and for more than $ 600 per square foot.  It is not clear, however, that NAVA has actually purchased the land from EFG and groundbreaking is not scheduled until spring of 2017.  The same is true of the block just to the east along 17th Avenue which is to be developed by Houston based Hines Development.  It appears that the land has yet to transfer title from EFG to Hines and groundbreaking is not scheduled until the summer of 2017.

Larry Ambrose is Vice President of the Sloan’s Lake Neighborhood Association.  A copy of the Opening Brief to the Colorado Court of Appeals referenced above is available as an October 7 post on the Sloan’s Lake Neighborhood Association Facebook page. 

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Colorado selected to participate in digital driver license pilot

DENVER — Colorado’s Division of Motor Vehicles has been selected to participate in a pilot program to develop a smartphone-based credential that will serve as a secure digital version of the physical Colorado driver license.

This two-year program will be funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Participants include Gemalto, Inc., Colorado, Idaho, Maryland and Washington, D.C. 

“We are very excited about this opportunity to embrace new technology,” said Department of Revenue Executive Director Barbara Brohl. “The Division of Motor Vehicles is constantly looking for ways to improve customer convenience and make our services easily accessible for all residents, and this is certainly a step in that direction.”

The pilot also aims to improve the way that people can securely and conveniently present and prove their identities to businesses and government entities.

“To best protect the people of Colorado, we must recognize and reward innovative solutions, and use state-of-the-art technology to keep any sensitive information secure and private,” Brohl said.

The pilot program is entitled the “Interoperable, Trusted Ecosystem for Digital Driver Licenses and ID Cards on Mobile Devices for U.S. Jurisdictions” project.

More information will become available as the details of the pilot program are coordinated.

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Colorado Allergy & Asthma Centers Announces New Location in Denver-Highlands Area

DENVER — Colorado Allergy & Asthma Centers, P.C. (CAAC) recently opened a new clinic in the Denver-Highlands / Diamond Hill area. 

Heading up this clinic is Monica B. Reddy, MD.  Dr. Reddy worked previously at the Children’s Hospital Colorado as well as National Jewish Health. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics as well as Allergy & Immunology.

Monica Reddy
Monica Reddy

John Milewski, COO of Colorado Allergy & Asthma Centers, P.C. says, “Colorado Allergy & Asthma is thrilled about expanding our presence in the Denver metro area in an attempt to serve the population that requires CAAC services.  This additional location will allow us to expand our marketplace in an effort to continue to meet our mission.”

For CAAC, a practice with an over 40 year history of researching and treating allergy & asthma sufferers in the Denver Metro area, this new location (their 12th) means improved patient care through a more convenient location to patients situated in the ever growing downtown area, as well as employee expansion opportunities. The clinic will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays and is located at 2490 W. 26th Ave., Suite A120, in Denver (I-25 and Speer Blvd.)

Prospective patients interested in learning more can visit www.coloradoallergy.com.

 About Colorado Allergy & Asthma Centers PC

Improving the quality of life for children and adults who suffer from allergy, asthma and immunology related illnesses.

Colorado Allergy and Asthma Clinic opened in 1972 with just three doctors. With steady growth over the last 40+ years, they’ve expanded to 12 locations spanning from Castle Rock to Ft. Collins to better serve their patients. Two of those locations house research clinics where CAAC strives not only to better treat allergy and asthma sufferers, but to someday find a cure for these ailments. Today, they have a team of 15 outstanding physicians and are honored to serve over 48,000 patients.

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Colorado Libertarian registrations outpace Republicans and Democrats

DENVER — The October 2016 Voter Registration statistics have been released, the number of registered Libertarians in the State of Colorado grew over 26% since January 2016. In contrast, the Republicans only grew by 4.25%, and the Democrats only grew by 7.09%. State Chair Jay North commented: As the fail rate of government intervention has become obvious with the realization that the country cannot continue along this path, people are starting to look at new solutions, and the common sense pro-individual, pro-freedom stance of the Libertarian Party has struck a nerve. The fact that the old parties have nominated two of the most disliked candidates in American history has certainly helped. The system is broken. Liberty is the answer. The Libertarian Party of Colorado welcomes all persons from all backgrounds who now accept the Libertarian principles of self-ownership and non-aggression.

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Greenest Car Wash in Colorado

BERKELEY — Gleam Car Wash now open at 4895 W. 38th Ave. in Denver’s bustling Berkeley neighborhood.  Gleam will use state-of-the-art equipment to be a market leader in environmentally sensitive practices while offering the most effective and efficient car wash and detailing services in Denver.

Rob Madrid, Gleam co-founder, said “I’ve been in the business of washing cars for over a decade.  Gleam is going to brush off the image of car washes as dirty, smelly places you can’t wait to escape.”  Gleam’s 135 foot tunnel can wash a car in about three minutes.  Exterior washes will start at $ 6 and a full range of exterior and interior services performed by Gleam staff will be available for additional cost.  Gleam’s owners expect to clean at least 120,000 cars per year.

As part of its mission to be Colorado’s greenest car wash, Gleam will:

  • Use 85% less drinkable water than a do-it-yourself spray wash or washing at home with a hose;
  • Use less than 15 gallons of drinkable water per wash;
  • Reclaim up to 90% of all water it uses and treat 100% of that;
  • Include up to 100kW of solar power, offsetting its energy needs by over 20%;
  • Provide a charging station for electric cars being detailed.

Gleam will give back to the local community by:

  • Donating $ 1 of its top-end Gleam Interior to Groundwork Denver (www.groundworkdenver.org) or and $ 1 of its top-end Exterior Total to Children’s Hospital Colorado;
  • Offering unique fundraising opportunities for neighborhood efforts.
  • Gleam will provide a range of employment opportunities for around 45 people.  Gleam is committed to offering employment to everybody, including people with disabilities, refugees and others from harder-to-employ backgrounds.  Gleam is partnering with nonprofit and government agencies to assist with this mission.  The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is assisting Gleam in recruiting, training and hiring individuals on the autism spectrum.

Gleam Car Wash | 4895 W. 38th Ave. | www.gleamcarwash.com

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