Mayor Mike Johnston, Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore, Department of Safety Director Armando Saldate, Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton and other city officials will come together on Friday, December 15, to officially place the newest Denver Fire Engine in service. Engine 2, which will be stationed at Denver Fire Station 2. Station 2 is located at 5300 Memphis Street, Denver, 80239 and is currently the home to Denver Fire (Ladder) Truck 2 and Denver Fire District 5 Chief.
“As Denver continues to grow, Denver Fire has identified a need for more resources to better serve the citizens of Northeast Denver. Engine 2 will ensure that our residents will receive the quality, timely, and professional fire service they deserve from their Fire Department,” said Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton.
Photo courtesy: Denver Public Library
Station 2 opened in 2004 and has been the home to Truck 2 and District Chief 5 since it’s opening. Adding Engine 2 will increase the resources available in Fire District 5, adding 4 more firefighters working 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and a (Fire) Engine that will carry 500 gallons of water and thousands of feet of hose to compliment all the other tools at the ready for our firefighters use whenever called upon.
Special thanks to Mayor Johnston, former Mayor Michael Hancock, Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore, and all of City Council for continuing to invest in the Safety of the Citizens of Denver.
The Grand Opening Celebration of Engine 2 will be on December 15, 2023 from 0900-1000 at Denver Fire Station 2, 5300 Memphis Street, Denver, 80239.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Chihuahua Mayor Marco Bonilla signed a sister cities agreement between the two cities on Thursday, Dec. 7., with the purpose of exchanging good practices, sharing public policies and strengthening ties to promote the development of both cities.
In his message, Mayor Bonilla shared that the sistership goes beyond geographical borders, as it represents the union of two communities that share values, traditions and the vocation of service to their inhabitants.
Bonilla also added that the opportunity is expected to promote economic and cultural cooperation between the two cities, generate an open door for economic growth, cultural exchange and the generation of opportunities for Chihuahua businesses and residents alike.
Mayor Coffman emphasized that establishing this sistership is, above all, a recognition of the Mexican community living in Aurora.
“This sisterhood between our cities is very important to me,” he said. “Beyond the economic, cultural, or trade and business development benefits that may arise from this relationship, it was vital to me that a sister city be established in Mexico, the country where most of our immigrant residents come from, and specifically within Mexico, in Chihuahua.”
Aurora Sister Cities International is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes local and global partnerships centered on cultural, educational and best practices exchange, cultivating a network of community ambassadors who champion peace and prosperity around the world. Current Aurora sister cities are Adama, Ethiopia; Ilopango, El Salvador: Jaco, Costa Rica; Seongnam City, Korea; and Zielona Gora, Poland. Current Aurora friend cities are Antiguo Custcatlán, El Salvador; and New Taipei City, Taiwan. To learn more, visit AuroraSisterCities.org.
Denver Public Schools has announced the development of the International Educator Institute. This is an expansion of our current Visa Sponsorship Program to continue to be an essential part of our work to bring talented individuals to serve and develop our globally competent scholars.
“The newly launched International Educator Institute will provide an incredible opportunity to recruit, hire, devel- op and retain qualified and talented individuals to support our highest needs areas,” said Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero. “These qualified candidates can help fill the staffing gaps that we are facing, and, as bilingual professionals, can help with the increase of students we are seeing who are learning English as their second language.”
In addition, the institute has been carefully designed to support extended onboarding, professional development, cultural transition assistance, and social and emotional support for our new and current international educators.
“Our current Visa Sponsorship Program has been, and continues to be, an essential part of the work we do to bring talented individuals to serve and develop our globally competent student scholars,” said DPS Chief of Talent Edwin Hudson. “We had 58 new international educators join Team DPS this school year! We strive to continue building upon this growth through the new programs we will offer under the DPS – International Educator Institute.”
Denver Public Schools is thoughtfully modifying the structures and systems to build the System Experience that is addressed in the Strategic Roadmap throughout each of our departments, programs, and initiatives.
The President’s modern American industrial strategy seeks to address market failures that prevent the U.S. economy from serving the nation’s economic and national security needs, including by building a clean energy economy. Transportation accounts for the largest share of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (about a third), with most transportation emissions coming from light-duty vehicles— the cars, small trucks, and vans that many of us drive. Meeting the President’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050 will require large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which can produce fewer—or zero—emissions.
Colorado Governor
At Lamar Station in Lakewood, Governor Polis released the Roadmap to a Future Colorado 2026, detailing practical steps to create more housing that Coloradans can afford, expand transit options, protect Colorado’s precious resources like water and public land and improve air quality. “We have an opportunity to create a more affordable and livable Colorado for everyone when our state turns 150 in 2026. Coloradans around the state are calling for reduced housing costs and better transit options, and this roadmap details common sense actions we can take to deliver the results Coloradans deserve, while protecting our environment and the resources we rely on,” Governor Polis said.
Denver Mayor
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced the nomination of two cabinet positions, pending City Council approval. Chief Desmond G. Fulton is nominated to continue as Chief of the Denver Fire Department, and Sheriff Elias Diggins is nominated to continue leading the Denver Sheriff’s Department. Both Chief Fulton and Sheriff Diggins will play instrumental roles in collaborating with local agencies, community stakeholders, and city officials to ensure the seamless delivery of public safety services to the City and County of Denver. “These are leaders who have grown up in this community, have served this community, and share our vision for bringing public safety to every neighborhood in Denver,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “I look forward to working with them shoulder to shoulder to deliver a safer Denver.”
Officials in Kenya announced a plan to send 1,500 farm workers to Israel. Recently, Malawi sent 221 young people to work on Israeli farms. Israel has leaned on some parts of Africa to help fill labor gaps on farms in the country. Since the start of the war with Hamas, 10,000 migrant farm workers have left Israel.
South Africa woman gets 50-year prison sentence
A court in South Africa sentenced a woman to 50 years in prison after she was found guilty of stealing $28 million from her employer. Hildegard Steenkamp siphoned money from a healthcare company she worked for and pleaded guilty to 336 counts of fraud. Investigators found that she spent the money on gambling, jewelry purchases and travel.
Asia
Activists say North Korea defectors missing
A Seoul-based human rights group said they believe up to 600 North Koreans have “vanished” after being forcibly returned to the country. Most of those who are missing are believed to be women after being deported from China. Those who flee North Korea are viewed as traitors, and can face torture, sexual violence, and execution.
Philippine/China vessels collide
A Philippine boat and a Chinese ship collided near a reef in the South China Sea. The area is in the middle of a territorial dispute between China, the Philippines, and other countries. The Philippines accused China of harassing, blocking, and executing “dangerous maneuvers” when the collision occurred. The China Coast Guard accused the Philippine boat of deliberately colliding with the Chinese ship.
Europe
EU reaches new deal on AI
The European Union has agreed on a set of comprehensive laws to regulate the use of artificial intelligence. Other countries like the United States and China are also working quickly to publish their own laws. The European Union’s agreement includes safeguards on the use of AI within the EU and limitations on its adoption by law enforcement.
Shooting at Russian school leaves two dead
A teenage girl in Russia shot and killed a student before shooting herself in a Russian school close to the Ukrainian and Belarusian borders. Five others were injured, and the weapon used in the attack was registered in the girl’s father’s name. Officials said they believe the 14-year-old girl was involved in a conflict with classmates.
Latin America
Brazil sends troops to Venezuelan border
Officials in Brazil said they have deployed troops near the country’s border with Venezuela. The move was made in response to Venezuela announcing plans to incorporate an area controlled by Guyana into its own territory. Guyana is known for its oil and has been a disputed piece of land since it was a British colony. Brazil said it is reinforcing its presence in the region to guarantee the “inviolability of the territory.”
Former Peru president freed from jail
Alberto Fujimori, who served as Peru’s president from 1990 to 2000, was released from prison after spending 15 years incarcerated. He is known as being a divisive leader and was jailed for corruption and human rights violations. Fujimori ran an authoritarian government, resulting in the deaths of around 69,000 people.
North America
Tornadoes tore through Tennessee
Six people were killed in Tennessee over the weekend after tornadoes and storms swept through parts of the state. The victims lived in Nashville and in the city of Clarksville. Around 23 others were injured and hospitalized. Images showed overturned cars, damaged buildings, and uprooted trees. Communities also dealt with blackouts.
Woman attempts to burn down MLK’s house
Bystanders stopped a woman as she attempted to set a fire at the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta. The woman, 26 year old Shantrice Henderson, is in custody on charges of attempted arson and interfering with government property. The house is a federal landmark, and its interior was acquired by the National Park Service in 2018.
Saying goodbye to a parent, dear friend or someone who has left an indelible mark on a life or the lives of many is never easy. The holidays, where we find ourselves today, often serve to compound our grief. That is why we are told that it is always wise to temper it with a clear, lasting memory of what made the person special. David Mejia was that person.
Mr. Mejia, as thousands of West High School students knew him over the years, passed away on November 20th, just as this year’s holidays were arriving and 11 days before his 94th birthday. He died in the same Park Hill home he and his family shared for decades. But, like a pebble tossed into a pond and the endless circles it generates, Mr. Mejia’s mark just continues on.
The legacy is unmistakable on the thirteen children he and wife, Ophelia, raised. Its outline is also on his 52 grandchildren, said James Mejia, whose name is easily recognized across Denver.
Firmly entrenched in his own life and himself now a father, Mejia thinks about the arc of his own Dad’s life; the young man, the Marine, the husband, the teacher, the mentor and, most of all, the father, each segmented like facets on a jewel.
“He was a tough guy,” said Mejia. “If you ask my sib- lings, they would say the same thing.” Candidly, he could be “rough around the edges.” But it’s understandable, Mejia chuckled, “with thirteen children.”
But being rough is not the same as being mean. That, his father was not. Mr. Mejia, he said, always had time for each of his children and also time for their many friends who lived nearby. He had a soft spot for kids, especially for “kids who were trying to improve their lives.” That meant getting involved in all kinds of activities both in school and out of school. Mejia said his father was also a coach in more than a few sports.
“I remember growing up playing football, basketball, street hockey…we were always outside during the sum- mers,” Mejia recalled. Team Mejias would “arrive together and leave together.” The routine was by edict—Mr. Mejia’s. “It was a fantastic way to grow up.”
It is no surprise that all of the Mejia children attended college with all but two earning degrees, including a pair earning Ph.Ds. But degree or no degree, all have achieved professional success. A few have followed their father with careers in education, others in finance or own their own business. One, brother Rob, is a professor of cannabis at an east coast university. Their sister, Theresa, passed away. Sheheldadoctorateinbusinessconsulting. Aneclectic and educated brood, to be sure.
Photo courtesy: Mejia Family
Mejia, a Notre Dame graduate, says he encounters people all the time who tell him how Mr. Mejia touched their lives. “I’m very proud of his impact.” Of course, not every kid has the same review. “But 95 percent of the time, the reviews are glowing.”
It was in the mid-1950’s when Mr. Mejia attended the University of Northern Colorado, then Colorado State College, in Greeley. It was also at a time when Latinos were literally and figuratively minorities on campus. It’s also where he met a young Ophelia Garcia, the woman who would become his wife and partner for life.
Teaching, however, was much more than a job to Mr. Mejia. He was, his son said, always curious and a lifelong learner. “No question.” At West High, where he spent the majority of his career, he taught social studies, his- tory and Chicano history. Curiously, said Mejia, while he taught Chicano history, “it was hard to engage him in Civil Rights.” Education and lifelong learning were his fallbacks and consistent mantra.
Mejia marvels at how, with so many children, his parents maintained a balance with their children and their lives. That many kids, he said, can be expensive. “My parents,” he laughed, “had an uncanny way of using all their resources.” Dining at home and together was nearly mandatory. “We did not go out to eat…and we shared everything we had, much to the annoyance of older siblings.”
Mejia has carved his own mark across the city. He’s served as president of Denver’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, played a vital role in former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb’s administration, including overseeing construction of the new jail and also ran an unsuccessful campaign for Denver mayor. While he fell a bit short there, he says he finds it more than rewarding that his father lived to witness his climb.
As he examines the arc of his own life, Mejia celebrates the man and the father who made it all possible. “For me, he was my role model in so many regards,” said Mejia. “He’s the one who spent time with me and getting me involved with the things I’ve done. I was enabled by my parents.”
Still, as his dad’s life wound down, Mejia couldn’t help but look back to those days playing soccer or tennis or whatever sport it may have been with a much younger version of his father. The ‘compare-and-contrast’ clash moment, he said, can create a well of emotion.
“When you have a giant of a man, so mentally and physically adept,” he pauses, “when that disappears and you see him wheelchair bound and bed-bound, you have to go through some processing.”
The loss, as it does for all of us, will pass. That is simply the way life works. But the memories for Mejia, his dozen siblings and the 52 children of the clan, survive. For the holidays, one Mejia readily acknowledges will be emo- tional and challenging. Each of the siblings will share their own remembrance of a life well lived.
A memorial mass will be held for David Mejia December 11th at 10:00 a.m. at Denver’s Blessed Sacrament Church, 4900 Montview Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation be made in the name of David Mejia to the DPS Supplemental Benefits Program in care of DPS Acoma Campus, 1617 S. Acoma Street, Denver, CO 80223.
During the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, where digital connections sometimes replace face-to-face interactions, there is a treasure of wisdom and warmth that we some- times overlook — the company of seniors.
As we navigate life, the experiences and stories of our elders stand as guiding beacons just waiting to be discovered. In this age of constant connectivity, there’s an undeniable allure in devoting a day to connect with an older adult where we can immerse ourselves in their memories, experiences, and the quiet wisdom that only time can bestow. Beyond family gatherings and holidays, dedicating an entire day to the companionship of an older adult offers a unique opportunity to bridge the generational gap, fostering understanding, empathy, and an appreciation for moments that shape a lifetime.
Consider spending a day with an older adult this holiday season and making memories that go beyond family holiday gatherings.
For many, the idea of spending a day with an older adult often begins with family. Our relatives, particularly those who are older, hold wisdom, memories, and experiences that can have a positive impact on our lives. Whether it’s a grandparent, an aunt, or an uncle, reaching out to a family member provides an opportunity to strengthen bonds and forge a deeper connection. Stories passed down through generations and the joy of companionship can create understanding and unforgettable memories.
However, we understand that not everyone has the privilege of having elderly family members nearby. In such cases, there are numerous ways to connect with older adults in the community, including at local senior centers. Volunteering or participating in community programs is an excellent way to meet and spend time with older adults. Outside of senior centers, many organizations offer volunteer opportunities specifically designed for international connections. Some faith-based organizations also often organize events and programs that bring together members of all ages. Engaging with your local church or religious setting can also lead to meaningful interactions with seniors.
There are various meaningful ways to engage and bond with older adults, including having a cup of coffee, taking leisurely walks in a nearby park, attending local cultural events together, like theater performances or art exhibitions, playing classic board games or working together on puzzles, or other activities.
While spending time with seniors can give us valuable insights, lessons, and a unique perspective on life, it can also help prevent loneliness or isolation. Often times, older adults may sometimes face feelings of isolation, and regular social interactions provide emotional support, reduce feelings of solitude, and contribute to overall mental well-being.
The benefits of spending time with seniors extends beyond the immediate moment, and contributes to enhancing relationships and creating a shared appreciation of life across generations. The investment of time in these relationships often creates lasting rewards for both parties involved.
Despite Denver’s most recent loss to the Sacramento Kings in California over the weekend, the Nuggets sit at number three in the Western Conference two games behind the conference leading Minnesota Timberwolves, tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Sacramento Kings aren’t far behind, two games behind the Nuggets.
Jokic, who is fresh off his championship season, is putting together one of the most historic starts in NBA history. Currently Jokic is first in points, first in rebounds and first in assists, almost averaging a triple double in just the first two1 games of the season.
Two seasons ago Jokic won the NBA MVP award and many felt he was the clear winner last season; however, the MVP voting panel, made up of sportswriter and broadcast- ers throughout North America decided that Philadelphia 76ers, center Joel Embiid was the clear choice. Basketball fanatics will without a doubt debate this for years to come with some excoriating the panel for robbing Jokic of his third straight MVP an accomplishment only held by Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird, players Jokic has clearly placed himself among.
While the Nuggets are only two games behind the conference-leading Timberwolves, they are still favorites to win the West.
This week the Nuggets are in L.A. to face the L.A. Clippers (Wednesday, December 6th at 8 p.m.) before they return home to host the Houston Rockets (Friday, December 8th at 7 p.m.) and former teammate Jeff Green. Green is expected to receive his championship ring dur- ing his return to Denver. The Nuggets are back on the road next Monday heading to Atlanta to face the Hawks (Monday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m.).
In other news the Denver Broncos lost on Sunday to the Houston Texans in a game many hoped they’d extend to a six-game winning streak. The Texans who lost the previous week to the Jacksonville Jaguars (the AFC North’s division leader), hosted Denver behind rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The Broncos were slow to start trailing the Texans 13 – 3 heading into the half after a underwhelming first half. In the second half the Broncos started moving the ball much better behind quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite Denver’s success taking away the ball when facing other teams during their five-game winning-streak, they were unable to win the turnover battle, which ultimately cost them the game. Wilson threw for 186-yards with one touch- down and 3 interceptions.
This week the Broncos are in L.A. to face division foes, the Los Angeles Chargers who are struggling this season at 5 – 7 with recent losses to the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers. Last week L.A. beat the New England Patriots 6 – 0. Sunday’s game is for kickoff at two:two5 p.m. MST.
The Colorado Avalanche are atop of the Central Division one point ahead of the Dallas Stars. The Avs have had some struggles this season, most recently against the Arizona Coyotes, the Anaheim Ducks and the L.A. Kings losing three straight. The Avs are at home this week to host the Anaheim Ducks and Winnipeg Jets before Saturday’s game with the Philadelphia Flyers at Ball Arena.
A politician never wants to miss an opportunity to tout their record and remind voters about the good job they’re doing. Keeping with the tradition, President Biden visited Pueblo—the first by an American president in 60 years—to do just that appearing at CS Wind, the largest wind turbine manufacturer in the world, to talk jobs.
“Jobs,” said the President, “that’s what climate is about, not only just saving lives and saving the environment.” At CS Wind, a manufacturing plant just south of center city, both are at the forefront. CS Wind has anchored in Pueblo with a $200 million expansion and more than doubled its workforce to 800 jobs with as many as 500 more still planned.
“It was exciting for the whole community,” said Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar. Not only, he said, was the President’s visit the first by a chief executive since John F. Kennedy visited in the summer of 1963, but he came to demonstrate the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which budgets tens of billions of dollars for green energy incentives.
Besides the IRA, the President also signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act last year and Pueblo, said Gradisar, was awarded $16.8 million from the bipartisan legislation. A major portion of that grant is targeted for work on the city’s west side, a part of the city long overdue for upgrades on everything from sidewalks to bridges and to make it easier for residents to connect with the rest of the city. “We’re also going to expand the sewer system.” Gradisar believes these improvements will usher in a new and positive focus on the area.
Gradisar thinks that as Pueblo’s west side gets these planned improvements and CS Wind boosts its workforce, it well may be where new workers and others decide to live. “Housing,” said the mayor, “is one of our top priorities.” There is already talk, he said, of building as many as 600 units of affordable housing in the community. Gradisar wants a combination of housing for fixed income residents as well as for younger people who want to stay and live in Pueblo.
With younger workers coming in as CS Wind expands and the city continues to grow, Gradisar is hoping that developers see Pueblo as an opportunity for new business. He wants to see “new complexes where people want to live…older people who are tired of doing yardwork and want nicer places.” The city, said the mayor, doesn’t have nearly enough options.
Pueblo City Council member Dennis Flores says one of the city’s top infrastructure priorities is the Union Avenue bridge that connects the city’s historic Union Avenue with a part of the city known as the Mesa Junction. Flores said the bridge has undergone countless cosmetic improvements, including new sidewalks and repaving, but its time has come and gone. “It does need replacing.”
Flores, who has served on both Pueblo’s school board and city council, says the CS Wind expansion has already put the city on the map. Now the big challenge is making sure it can provide housing for projected new workers and their families. “One of the biggest problems is bringing in a company like this and then asking ‘where are these employees going to live.’” Right now, he said, the city is going to need at least 10,000 new hous- ing units in the next ten years.
The President did not leave Pueblo without making a joke about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert who represents the city in Congress and voted against the IRA. “She called this law a massive failure,” he said. “Tell that to the 850 Coloradans who are getting new jobs in Pueblo at CS Wind.” In mentioning Boebert’s name, he simultaneously made the sign of the cross. It’s one of the President’s reliable laugh lines used when mentioning Republicans who voted to kill the legislation but tout its benefits when they campaign back at home.
Located at Union Station downtown, Merry & Bright Lights will transform the exterior facade of Denver’s Landmark Train station into a spectacular canvas spreading holiday cheer.
Beginning with the Grand Illumination and continuing through December 26th from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. each night, this outdoor light show will feature interactive visual imagery created by local Denver artists projected across the Station’s historic façade.
With classic holiday music accompanying the joyful imagery, Merry & Bright Lights is a can’t miss holiday experience in Denver.
Jolly Jingles & String Lights with the Original Dickens Carolers on Larimer. Enjoy festive tunes from the Original Dickens Carolers roaming the Square, and soak in the holiday magic with twinkling lights and sights this Saturday, December 9, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Que Pasa? is compiled by La Voz Staff. To submit an event for consideration please email attractions@lavozcolorado.com with Que Pasa in the subject line by Friday at 5 p.m.
The holidays can be stressful – Let’s face it, the holidays are full of opportunities to laugh. Finding a way to laugh changes body chemistry and can help change your perspective in helpful ways. So, Ho-ho- ho it up!
