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Justice, after countless close calls, has finally arrived for Trump

Ernest Gurulé
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Justice, after countless close calls, has finally arrived for Trump

There are many ways to describe Donald Trump. But one, more than any other, will follow him through history. Felon. Last Thursday, the 45th President of the United States became the first ever U.S. President to be found guilty in a court of law.

Last Thursday, at 2:20 p.m. Denver time, a jury of seven men and five women, sent a note to New York State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan that it had reached a verdict. Within the hour, Donald Trump, a man who once bragged that he is “always right” and almost miraculously remained just out of the law’s grasp, surviving not one but two impeachments, sat grimly as a jury foreman pronounced him guilty of 34 felonies.

Trump’s guilty verdicts were almost immediately assailed by a chorus line of uniformly dressed Republican congressional supplicants and failed candidates, each taking aim at prosecutors and the presiding judge and jury, as had Trump countless times before. The trial, they said, was both unnecessary, “a sham…scam…unfair,” using rehearsed talking points.

“No, absolutely not,” said attorney Ryan Brackley, who once practiced law as a Manhattan DA before moving to Colorado. The case was meticulously constructed and filing it was basically a matter of seeking judgment, he said. The presiding judge, Judge Juan Merchan, Brackley added, simply did his job.

“I knew Judge Merchan back when I was practicing in New York,” said Brackley, now a private attorney in Denver. Claims that Merchan was biased and handpicked, he said, are both absurd and baseless. “They (judges) are randomly assigned for cases like this.”

Merchan “has a history and reputation of being fair and impartial,” he underscored. Trying this case, the native New Yorker said, came with “novelty and extreme, unprecedented circumstances.” It was the defendant, a former U.S. President, not the judge, who created the drama and litany of second guessing.

During the course of the 22-day trial, Trump’s behavior, everything from sleeping in court to animated gestures to audibly cursing Merchan’s rulings, resulted in ten contempt of court violations and $10,000 in fines.

The ex-president’s day after news conference was rote resuscitation of claims of bias and persecution, an ad infinitum and vintage performance of Trump’s siren song of criticism. He, more than once, took crude and direct aim at Merchan in almost juvenile and arguably racist terms, calling him ‘conflicted, ’crooked,’ and criticizing the fact that Merchan came to the U.S. as a child from Colombia.

“Take a look at where he comes from,” Trump said on more than one occasion over the course of the trial.
Trump’s curtain calls covered the gamut, from suggesting his team had its hands tied on witnesses to exaggerated characterizations of the proceedings.

“We weren’t allowed to use our election expert…this was all done by Biden and his people…there’s never been a more conflicted judge…I’m supposed to go to jail for 187 years,” Trump wailed in a litany of day-after non-sequiturs. Fact checking proved each allegation baseless.

Judge Merchan did not bar a Trump witness, an election expert, but did limit what he could testify to. Trump’s counsel made no effort to call the election expert. But other witnesses included Hope Hicks, a long-time Trump acolyte and former administration spokesperson, and his own former attorney, Michael Cohen, a once loyal sideman turned Trump’s biggest detractor.

The case was a New York case, not brought by the Justice Department nor the Biden administration as Trump alleges. Further, the inquiry into hush-money payments began in 2018, long before DA Bragg took office and well before Biden was elected.

The 187-year prison sentence Trump conjured? Once again, surreal arithmetic. Each of the 34 counts for which he was found guilty carries a maximum of four years—136 years if the sentence was to run consecutively. Similar cases tried in New York have resulted in one-to-four-year sentences. The judge may instead pursue another statutory path which includes no incarceration for which there is on-going debate.

Trump must soon report to sit for an interview with court officials that will be considered when Merchan decides the ex-president’s sentence. Jail? Home confinement? Or something else?

“This is going to be a logistical nightmare,” said Brackley. Jail would potentially mean joining his ex-CFO, Alan Weisselberg, now serving a perjury sentence in New

York’s Rikers Island. “Here’s a guy who has Secret Service protection…can that be a factor,” asked the former Manhattan prosecutor. “He (Merchan) will figure out the best way to implement any sentence.”

Merchan, said Brackley, must decide if a 77-year-old man—even if he is an ex-president—must be treated like any convicted person. “The jury pretty convincingly said he was proven guilty” of illegally falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to an adult film star before the 2016 election. The judge must also weigh Trump’s repeated disrespect and disregard for the court, said Brackley. Trump’s ten contempt violations, he said, showed “disrespect to the judge and witnesses.”

Trump’s attorneys almost immediately announced that the verdict will be appealed. Of course, a decision on an appeal will not come until after the ex-president is sentenced on July 11th. But court watchers say while the appeal may be denied, it will neither shock nor surprise if it is successful. There is a deep shade of legal ‘gray’ that could work in Trump’s favor.

Trump’s legal team is expected to argue that the law for which he was found guilty—a state false records election law—was expanded to cover a federal campaign violation. On this point, Brackley says things could swing in Trump’s favor. “There are a number of issues that are novel,” including jury instructions that will play out in the appellate process.

One thing that Brackley and so many other trial observers took notice of was the full-court press of high-level, uniformly dressed Trump supporters, from congress members to governors, whose appearance may have been choreographed to not so subtly influence the jury or, perhaps, influence Trump.

“That did not play well,” said Brackley. “Jurors notice that kind of thing…they saw it for what it was.” Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert was among the group. Others present for the trial, some perhaps auditioning as potential running mates with Trump, include Senators Rick Scott and Tim Scott, also-ran presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

The shockingly quick verdict by the jury surprised neither the ex-president’s supporters nor his detractors. Neither will a suspended sentence, probation or even jail for Trump when he is sentenced on July 11th. A number of high-ranking former Justice Department officials, including former federal judges, say Trump should be jailed. Former Denver Mayor, presidential cabinet secretary and attorney, Federico Peña, believes Trump must be treated no differently than any other citizen.

“Trump has already earned 10 contempt citations but without repercussions,” said Peña. Judge Merchan, he said, will fairly review Trump’s past conduct and other pending criminal cases and “determine whether the defendant is remorseful about his conduct.” If Judge Merchan’s sentence includes incarceration, said Peña, “I would support his decision.”

Tips for having a safe summer

Joseph Rios
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Tips for having a safe summer

Summertime in Colorado is officially here with temperatures slowly starting to increase each week.

Our state offers perfect getaways to breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and memorable experiences. It’s a great time of year to explore the endless opportunities Colorado offers, like hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

While it’s an exciting time of year, it’s crucial for Coloradans to prepare and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer. Here are some essential summer safety tips to enjoy the season for both Coloradans and those who are visiting our state.

Drink plenty of water

Because of Colorado’s high altitude, it’s easy for residents to get dehydrated easier than in other states. It’s always a great idea to carry plenty of water when participating in outdoor activities, especially with temperatures increasing.

It is recommended to drink at least half a gallon of water per day and to avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks of caffeine, because they can contribute to dehydration. 

Use sunscreen

Colorado’s high altitude doesn’t just leave residents susceptible to dehydration. It also increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every two hours while wearing a hat, sunglasses, and even lightweight, long-sleeved clothing if you know that you are going to be outside for an extended period. 

Be respectful and responsible with wildlife

Colorado’s stunning outdoors draw enthusiasts to the mountains each summer, but it’s important to remember that we share this state with a diverse range of wildlife.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, driving, or even enjoy- ing your backyard, it’s important to avoid unwanted encounters and ensure everyone’s safety. When encountering wildlife, it’s important to keep a safe distance from animals. Do not feed any wildlife and make sure to store food securely. If camping, use bear-proof containers and dispose of waste properly. 

Be mindful when building fires

Sadly, Colorado has been no stranger to wildfires in recent years, which are often a result of dry conditions.

When starting campfires, or any fire, make sure to check local fire restrictions or bans. These are often in place during dry periods. If allowed, build campfires only in established fire rings or pits as well.

It’s also important to keep fires manageable and to only build small fires that you can easily control. Never leave a fire unattended, and when putting out a fire, make sure to extinguish it completely by dousing it with water. Stir the ashes, and make sure everything is cold to the touch before leaving the area where your fire was burning.

Be aware of altitude sickness

Altitude sickness can impact anyone, especially visitors and newcomers to Colorado.

While our mountains offer breathtaking views and outdoor adventures, high elevations can bring altitude sickness. This occurs when your body doesn’t have enough time to adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping.

To prevent altitude sickness, stay hydrated, eat light, carbohydrate-rich meals, rest, and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours at high altitude.

If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude, rest, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or don’t improve.

Protect yourself from mosquitoes

Be mindful of West Nile Virus: Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile Virus, an illness that can occasionally cause serious neurological complications. While most people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms or mild illness, it can also result in a serious health outcome for others, sometimes fatal. it’s important to be mindful of the risk mosquitoes can impose.

To prevent mosquito bites, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, drain standing water, screen windows and doors, and limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk. If you experience symptoms of West Nile Virus, like a severe headache or a high fever, seek medical attention promptly.

Consolation prize for Nuggets and Avs fans

Brandon Rivera
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Consolation prize for Nuggets and Avs fans

Although neither the Nuggets or the Avalanche lived up to fans’ expectations this postseason, there is solace in knowing that the two teams that defeated both of Ball Arena’s residents in the playoffs have now, too, been eliminated.

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games including their first two wins on the road in Minnesota. Dallas has now made it to the Finals for their third time in history. Thirteen years ago Dallas appeared in the Western Conference Finals against; you guessed it, the Minnesota Timberwolves where the Mavericks moved on to defeat the Miami Heat in six games, winning their first championship.

The then Dallas Mavericks were led by Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kid who coincidentally is coaching the Dallas Mavericks to their first appearance in 13 years and second appearance all time.

The Colorado Avalanche were eliminated by the Dallas Stars who many thought would be in the NHL’s Finals series, however; Edmonton Oilers center, Connor McDavid had other plans. McDavid scored three-points in game four, helping the Oilers tie the series 2 apiece. McDavid lifted his team in the last two games against Dallas sending his team to the face the Florida Panthers in the final series.

Game 1 is scheduled for this weekend on Saturday at 6 p.m. (MST) at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise Florida.

In other sports the Colorado Rockies lost their third straight since their win in game one of a three-game series with the L.A. Dodgers back on Friday last week. The Rockies have since lost, game 2 in L.A. 4-1, game 3 in L.A. 4-0 and took an absolutely beating by the Cincinnati Reds on Monday at Coors Field, 13-3.

Games two and three of that series will be played this week (results of game one not available at the time of this writing) before the Rockies hit the road to face the St. Louis Cardinals this Thursday.

Major League Baseball is sending a message to players, “don’t bet on games.” On Tuesday, the MLB banned San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for life after an investigation uncovered data from a legal sports betting operator which showed concerning baseball gambling activ- ity from accounts owned by Marcano along with four other MLB players. Marcano was the only one who was banned while the other four were suspended.

The investigation also uncovered that Marcano was not just gambling on baseball games around the league but also games his team played at the time. It was also noted that although Marcano did place bets on his team, he never played in any games those games due to injury.

The Colorado division of gaming, part of the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR), released monthly sports betting numbers for April 2024. Fiscal year to date show a 10.85 percent increase over April 2023: Total Handle: April 2024 – $509,508,228.35 (14.09 percent decrease from March). The fiscal year-to-date betting through April is $5,216,042,847.72, a 16.41 percent increase over fiscal year 2023 bets through April of 2023.

It’s Pueblo’s ‘Field of Dreams’

Ernest Gurulé
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It’s Pueblo’s ‘Field of Dreams’

. . . where southern Colorado holds court all year round. It’s ‘The Slab’

The line in the movie classic, “Sunset Boulevard,” and uttered by long forgotten ingenue and recluse, Norma Desmond, “Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up,” is timeless. It’s also a line that might be perfect for southern Colorado’s basketball Mecca, ‘The Slab.’ Like Miss Desmond, time has not been entirely kind to this place in Pueblo where you go to ‘get a game,’ or to hone your game. Indeed, ‘The Slab’ has seen better days. But the city’s promised it has a plan.

To non-Puebloans ‘The Slab’ is an iconic concrete strip on the city’s Elizabeth Street where anyone, whether you’ve ‘got game,’ or just want to shoot around, can play hoops. But the concrete surface has aged and, said Steven Meier, Pueblo’s Parks and Recreation Director, not in a good way.

The concrete is cracked, the backboards need repair and, basically, time has not been good to this Pueblo institution. Still, despite its bedraggled condition, its wrinkles and age spots, it still gets continued and regular use by thousands of hoopsters each year. It’s the same as it has been since the 1950’s, even earlier, said Meier. No matter its looks, hoopers remain true to ‘The Slab,’ the name it took on years before for its concrete courts.

Photo courtesy: Pueblo Parks and Recreation

Every Pueblo kid with any kind of court skill and thousands more with none, knows ‘The Slab.’ While Pueblo’s temperate weather allows games all year round, it’s the summer, both days and nights, when the place holds court. Has been that way for what seems like forever.

“We played 4 on 4, half-court games, one point per basket,” recalled Pueblo native Rick Meidell. Today, fifty-plus years later, Dr. Meidell, Medical Director of the Garfield Medical Center’s Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit, in Monterey Park, California, has fond memories of ‘The Slab,’ and the stakes on each game. If you had game or even could talk a good one, Meidell said, you played on the ‘premier court.’

Guys who played there were the Velasquez brothers, Eddie and George; Central’s Terry Snider and Eddie Smith, both later Division I players; South High’s England brothers and another South Colt, Pueblo two-sport legend and later Denver West coach, Dan ‘Kosho’ Trujillo. Now and then, even college players showed up at ‘The Slab.’ Meidell remembers knocking elbows with most. He keeps the outcome of these contests a secret.

Everyone knew the rules, ‘no autopsy, no foul.’ But while games could now and then be rough, most were played with skill and passion. Meidell went on to play four years of college basketball at a small Kansas school. But ‘The Slab,’ he said, is where the foundation of his game was formed.

“We’re looking at a little over a half a million,” for the project, said Meier. The renovation will include new court surfaces, new lights and goals. Instead of playing on the concrete surface that generations of players hooped on, Meier said, the new surface will be “rubberized,” and easier on the joints.

In addition to the ‘nuts-and-bolts’ for playing the game, ‘The Slab’ will also feature murals reflecting the city’s legacy, the state’s geography and whatever the city approves from the commissioned muralists. Part of the funds, he said, including the $2,500 for each mural, will come from the Colorado Lottery. The rest? “I had to build up the money over a couple of years,” from the Parks and Recreation budget.

The Slab has historically been the province of young boys and men. But over recent years, girls, who’ve also worked on elevating their game, are now court regulars, no matter the season. Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, no doubt, will inspire even more girls.

“Young girls,” said Meier, “I see ‘em out there playing all the time.” In addition to pick-up games, Meier said, his department also runs summer leagues for boy, girls and co-ed teams.

Summer temperatures in Pueblo are often hotter than its famous chile. But, said Meier, it’s the night’s when things are really cooking at ‘The Slab.’ All four courts are in use and there are people courtside waiting for the next game.

Restoring the courts to a 21st century level, he said, might seem expensive but restoring is not just about the money. “It’s culture and nostalgia,” said Meier. “We have people who come and talk to us about playing at ‘The Slab,’ from long ago.” It’s also, he said, for Pueblo kids who, long after they’ve left child- hood, remember the place.

The renovation, said Meier, should be complete in a matter of months, followed by an official ribbon cutting. The half-million-dollar project, Meier admits, might seem a bit rich. But, he said, it’s not a dollar-and-cent return on investment. Sometimes, he said, you can’t put a dollar value on what this basketball version of an Iowa cornfield means to the city.

When is a criminal a patriot?

David Conde
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When is a criminal a patriot?
David Conde, Senior Consultant for International Programs

History is a landscape full of dramatic changes in the life of people and their land. It reflects the evolution in the building of civilizations as well as their demise.

On the “building” side, the true agents of change tend to be outsiders to the status quo that appear in key moments to find solutions for the greater good. On the “demise” side are the leaders on the inside that continue not only to push ideas that no longer work, but also constitute a “wall” that defends the status quo.

Those that find success in engendering the new over the old constitute the founders of a fresh beginning. The 15th Century Renaissance that established Western Civilization in which we live today represents that type of new cycle of life.

The carriers of ideas that eventually find their way into a new start are many times persecuted as it happened even to those who we consider the greats like Socrates (who was executed), Plato and Aristotle. When the Renaissance in Europe looked to rediscover its classic past, those three, among others, and their thoughts, were most prominent.

The construction of a new nation follows a similar path as outsiders to the status quo become special kind of criminals in order to overturn current political conditions and create something new. An example can be found in the Boston Tea Party that sought to make a point about taxation without representation.

The Boston Tea Party and the American armed rebellion to achieve independence that followed were considered by British authorities to be criminal acts deserving of major punishment. Yet, that movement became a sacred part of our patriotic history.

The American Civil War presents a variation to the concept that continues to create debate. The South broke away from the Union because of great disagreements about slavery and state rights.

The War was fought by the Union to preserve the country and bring the criminal behavior to account. The South fought for independence and freedom to continue its way of life.

In the end, the South lost and you would expect that at least its leaders would be prosecuted for the rebellion as it has happened in other places. This did not occur however, in part because President Lincoln wanted to be generous, “bind the wounds” of war and perhaps not denigrate further the 11 states that formed the Confederacy.

There is another reason dealing with criminal justice that has not been an important part of the rationale as to why the Southern leadership was spared relatively hard punishment. The fact is that, by in large, these officers and politicians fought for something greater then themselves rather than for purely personal gain.

If we were to compare the “criminals” in our history that are judged patriots to the current state of our political scene, we find the inspirational ideals for the future of our society missing. It has been replaced by a personal agenda for individual benefit around which everything else gravitates.

This is the example that Donald Trump puts in front of us. He is a convicted criminal not for acts beyond his person and for the greater good, but rather for private excesses with no redeeming qualities.

That kind of criminal leader is what pushes the country further into decadence. There is nothing patriotic about wanting more for yourself at the expense of others and complaining of unfair treatment when not getting it.

A patriot fights for the country. Not so when it is about oneself.

The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of LaVozColorado. Comments and responses may be directed to News@lavozcolorado.com.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was built for Colorado Highways

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The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was built for Colorado Highways

There is quite nothing like driving the Colorado highways, mountain roads, or country dirt roads. They all lead you in the same direction, to some glorious work of nature only found in Colorado. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was built for those incredible journeys.

Photo courtesy: Toyota

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, a hybrid MAX 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo-charged, 362 HP, 400 lb-ft torque, 6-speed auto w/paddle shifters, 5,000-lb tow capacity, full-time electronic allwheel drive and more.

For your safety and convenience, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with pre-collision, front and rear parking assist with auto brake, blind spot monitor, with rear cross traffic alert, Star Safety System, color head-up display, panoramic view camera, traffic jam assist, LATCH, lower anchor & tether for children and so much more.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander’s exterior is equipped with 5-door Smart Key with push button start, panoramic moon roof, hands free power lift gate and more.

Not to be outdone the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander’s interior features include 12.3” Toyota Audio Multimedia w/11 JBL speakers, leather-trimmed heated, ventilated and power front seats, digital review mirror, 3-zone auto climate control and more.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is a treat to drive on Colorado highways and overall driving. It registered 27-mpg between highway and city driving. Visit your closest Toyota dealership and test drive one. You’ll love it!

State health department resumes daily air quality notifications

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State health department resumes daily air quality notifications

The state health department’s Air Pollution Control Division has started its daily air quality forecasts for the 2024 summer season. From May 31 to Aug. 31 each year, residents subscribed to the division’s “ozone frontrange” email list receive daily notifications sharing forecasts for ozone pollution.

If forecasts show that a specific day may exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the email will say an “Ozone Action Day Alert” is in effect. If forecasts do not show elevated ozone pollution levels, the email will say there is no alert in effect. The division’s meteorologists share daily forecasts with the National Weather Service and the Regional Air Quality Council to reach as many Coloradans as possible.

“We are committed to empowering Coloradans with the necessary knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their health, exposure, and even contribution to ozone pollution,” said Michael Ogletree, the director of the Air Pollution Control Division. “We understand that people cannot always make changes to their daily lives and schedules, but it’s important that this information is only a click away.”

“There are many ways each of us can minimize our impact on summertime air quality. These ozone alerts serve as a great resource for helping us take timely, positive actions to reduce pollution,” said Mike Silverstein, the executive director of the Regional Air Quality Council. “Whether you sign up for RAQC text or email alerts, or you see a sign on the highway warning about high ozone, be on the lookout for ways to protect your health and improve our air quality this summer!”

In 2023, the division updated its daily email layout to make forecasts more clear, concise, and accessible for all Coloradans. The emails include links to information in English and Spanish on the division’s website. In addition to redesigning email forecasts, the division updated its website on ozone pollution and health. This resource can help answer many frequently asked questions.

The division monitors and forecasts several key air pollutants year-round for the entire state. In the summer, the division emphasizes monitoring ozone pollution in the northern Front Range area. However, all Coloradans can subscribe to receive email alerts. Only the “ozone frontrange” list receives daily emails in the summer. Subscribers to other lists will only receive an email if the division issues an air quality alert for that area.

There are more ways to stay informed on Colorado air quality. Follow CDPHE’s Air Pollution Control Division on Facebook and Twitter, or call the advisory hotline at 303-758-4848. Coloradans can also subscribe to alerts through the Regional Air Quality Council and learn more about protecting air quality through its ‘Simple Steps. Better Air.’ program.
Source: Dept. of Public Health and Environment

RTD Police Dept. reaches 77 officers in May

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RTD Police Dept. reaches 77 officers in May

RTD gaining momentum in attaining goal of 119 officers by yearend

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Transit Police Department (RTD-PD) is announcing the addition of 18 new officers after a series of three graduations from local police academies in May. With the recent graduates, RTD is gaining momentum in achieving its goal of reaching a minimum of 119 officers by yearend with 77 sworn officers now on the force.

RTD Deputy Chief Steven Martingano gave the keynote address during the May 13 police academy graduation ceremony at Red Rocks Community College and told the graduates, “You have extended your immediate family by over 708,000, the number of full-time police officers throughout the United States. Every day, every call, and every decision you make will affect each and every one of them. These 708,000 officers will be directly judged if you take a wrongful action, or they will be praised if you conduct yourself in a professional manner. As you carry your duties with honor, integrity and dedication, know that you have hundreds of thousands of people who support you, and that you will never stand alone.”

In August 2019, RTD-PD was comprised of 19 officers. Since then, RTD has shifted from contracted security personnel to directly employing sworn officers. With increased staffing, on May 5, RTD-PD expanded to 24/7 patrolling by a dedicated team of officers working an overnight shift to bolster security where needed across the agency’s service area.

RTD-PD officer Alan Banich, who graduated May 13 from the Red Rocks Community College police academy where he was also class president said, “It’s exciting to be part of the phenomenal and quick growth of the RTD-PD, which is only going to benefit the community that we serve. We’re spread out across the district providing law enforcement to the community that we’ve been without far too long. We can extend patrolling to places like Nederland, Thornton and Parker while still having coverage in downtown Denver. I believe strongly it will help our customers and the community at large.”

Growing the force is one of RTD’s ongoing strategies for creating a welcoming transit environment through reducing criminal activity and improving the personal safety and security of customers and employees. More officers on the RTD-PD also increases the ability to be a regular presence on buses and trains and at stops and stations.

To deploy officers more strategically, the department is also using a sector-approach to patrolling. An RTD-PD sector commander is assigned to each of the five sectors across the 2,342-square-mile district. Property owners, business owners, municipalities and customers may directly contact their respective commander to address chronic, non-emergency areas of concern.

RTD also employs Crime Prevention through Environmental Design to deter criminal activities through changes in a location. As an example, the agency’s elevator pilot program is currently underway at three light rail stations. Elevator doors are programmed to remain in the open position while resting to deter illicit activity. The three-month pilot will conclude mid-June with a final report. Preliminary findings suggest that the program is successful in reducing illegal activity, and RTD will explore plans to expand the program to dozens of additional elevator locations across its system. In the past year, RTD has also upgraded lighting at stops and stations and installed TV monitors that display security feeds across the service area.

In January 2019, RTD became the first transit agency in the country to have a contracted mental health clinician work alongside its Transit Police. This effort helps address the occurrence of individuals experiencing a mental health issue that might otherwise be interpreted as criminal behavior. In January 2022, RTD added a homeless outreach coordinator to work across the service area and share resources with those experiencing homelessness. RTD is currently hiring for additional community outreach staff to staff six mental health clinicians and five homeless outreach coordinators by yearend to partner with RTD-PD. The outreach program has fostered agency relationships to increase customer access to important resources in the RTD service area and help keep services running smoothly.

The agency also has a K-9 unit and plans to add three more K-9s later this year to aid in patrolling and securing buses, trains and stations to make vehicles and facilities safer. Transit Police also partner regularly with law enforcement agencies in the more than 40 municipalities across RTD’s service area to address crime-related activity.

Customers are encouraged to be RTD’s partners in safety by downloading and using the Transit Watch app, available in English and Spanish, to report suspicious or illicit activity discretely or anonymously 24/7. The app is available in Apple and Android versions. Customers without smart phones or the app may call Transit Watch dispatch directly at 303-299-2911 or text 303-434-9100.

Photo courtesy: RTD Facebook

Our Government

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Our Government

White House

Statement from President Joe Biden Congratulating Claudia Sheinbaum as President-elect of Mexico: “I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic election as the first woman President of Mexico. I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries. I expressed our commitment to advancing the values and interests of both our nations to the benefit of our peoples. I also congratulate the Mexican people for conducting a nationwide successful democratic electoral process involving races for more than 20,000 positions at the local, state, and federal levels.”

Colorado Governor

Governor Polis signed bills into law that will support Colorado families and increase housing options Coloradans can afford. The Governor started his day at Denver Kindercare to celebrate the very first graduating class of Universal Preschool Colorado(UPK) and sign HB24-1311 – Family Affordability Tax Credit, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Jenny Willford, and Senators Faith Winter and James Coleman, that supports families and saves Coloradans money. Governor Polis was joined by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, who has led on expanding the federal Child Tax Credit, to help save families money.

Denver Mayor

Mayor Mike Johnston together with Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and partners today celebrated the groundbreaking of The Irving at Mile High Vista, an affordable rental project in the West Colfax neighborhood. Located at 3270 W. Colfax Ave., the apartment community will offer 102 units ranging from studios to three bedrooms, restricted to households earning 20 to 80 percent of area median income (AMI). HOST provided a $4,080,000 loan for the project. “Affordable housing is not just about providing shelter; it’s about creating a Denver where the people who serve, work and live in this city have a fair chance to thrive,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.

A Week In Review

Joseph Rios
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A Week In Review

Africa

Millions without power in Nigeria

Households across Nigeria are left without power because of a general strike over the cost of living. Union members recently halted operators at Nigeria’s power control rooms from working and shut down electricity substations. The power outages have caused schools, offices and hospitals across the country to close.

Former Zambian first lady arrested

Esther Lungu, Zambia’s former first lady, was arrested because of possession of properties that are suspected to be proceeds of crime. Police said Lungu failed to give a reasonable explanation of how she acquired a $1.5 million estate. Last year, Lungu was also arrested over corruption allegations, which involved cases of theft of motor vehicles and title deeds.

Asia

Chinese robot lands on Moon

Officials in China said its robot craft successfully landed on the far side of the Moon. The robot was designed to collect rock and soil from the far side of the Moon for the first time in history. Chinese media called the landing a historic moment. The robot is expected to spend up to three days gathering materials from the surface of the Moon.

Deadly heat leaves dozens dead in India

At least 50 people died in India this past week because of scorching temperatures. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, around 33 people died over the weekend from the heat. Between March and May of this year, India has reported about 24,849 heatstroke cases. Officials in India expect temperatures to fall in the coming days because of the onset of the monsoon.

Europe

Lighting strikes injuring residents in Czech Republic

Around 18 people were injured in the Czech Republic when they were huddled under a tree during a lightning storm. The lightning struck the tree, causing a fire. Local reports suggest that children were among those who were injured. This past weekend, the Czech Republic was hit by heavy rains, storms, and flooding in some parts of the country.

Venice bans large tour groups

Officials in Venice are introducing new rules that will ban loudspeakers and limit tour group sizes to 25 people. Earlier this year, Venice also introduced a daily entry fee as the country continues to grapple with over-tourism. This is considered one of the most urgent issues facing Venice as the area has welcomed more than 13 million tourists since 2019.

Latin America

Mexico elects first woman president

Claudia Sheinbaum is set to become Mexico’s first woman president after a historic landslide win. She is the former mayor of Mexico City and preliminary results show her winning between 58 percent and 60 percent of the country’s vote. Sheinbaum is a former energy scientist and is friends with outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Colombia bans bullfighting

Officials in Colombia have passed a bill banning bullfighting. Once the law is enacted, there will be a three-year transition period to help families who depend on bullfighting to find new income. Today, Colombia is one of only eight countries in the world where bull fighting still takes place.

North America

Ohio mass shooting injures dozens, kills one person

At least one person was killed and 24 others were injured in a shooting in Akron, Ohio. Police found dozens of bullet casings and a gun at the scene of the shooting, but nobody has been arrested or identified as a suspect. The incident occurred when around 200 people were gathered at a birthday party. Many of the victims’ injuries were non-life-threatening, but some are “in a more serious condition,” police said.

Michelle Obama’s mother passes

Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, passed away peacefully last Friday. Robinson was well known around the White House and spent time taking care of the Obama’s children. Michelle Obama called her mother a rock that was always there for her whenever she needed her.

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