Supplement: Boulder B-cycle Tour

The July issue of the Denver VOICE features a number of tours around Denver—but don’t forget Boulder! Check out the loveliness of our neighbor city with these suggested tours, complete with detailed directions, courtesty of Boulder B-cycle.

Boulder’s Bounty

Ride to three of Boulder’s community gardens to see local agriculture in action. If you take this ride on a Wednesday evening (4-8 p.m.) or Saturday morning (8 a.m.-2 p.m.), you’ll be able to fill a B-cycle’s basket with fresh local produce from the Boulder Farmer’s Market that takes place along 13th Street between Arapahoe and Canyon!

Directions

Begin at the Alpine & Broadway station. Ride one block east to 13th Street and turn left to ride north until 13th Street ends at a bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the bike path around the large Hawthorn Gardens before returning to 13th Street to ride south, turning left on Balsam Avenue. When you reach 19th Street, turn right and head south again. Nineteenth Street turns into 20th Street.

When you reach Walnut, turn right and travel east for one block to 19th Street. Cross Pearl Street, and turn right on Walnut Street for one block before turning left through a park next to the September School. Emerging onto 19th Street, cross Canyon Boulevard before following 19th Street as it curves left, becoming Goss Street. Turn right on 20th Street to find Goss Grove Gardens at the intersection of 20th and Grove. Ride one block west before turning left to head south on 19th Street, crossing Arapahoe to find the 19th @ Boulder Creek station at the end of 19th.

Ride west on the Creek path to Arapahoe and 13th, crossing Arapahoe to the Boulder Farmer’s Market, which takes place Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. Dock your B-cycle at the RTD station at the northeast corner of 14th and Canyon, and enjoy the market. Then, pick up a new B-cycle and return to the Boulder Creek Path. Ride west to find the 6th & Canyon station and walk or ride to the Fortune Community Gardens on 4th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Pearl Street.

B-cycle Stations

-Alpine & Broadway (Hawthorn Gardens)

-19th @ Boulder Creek (Goss Grove Gardens)

-RTD (Farmer’s Market, only Wednesday evenings and Saturdays 9-2)

-6th & Canyon (Fortune Community Gardens)

Brews by B-cycle

Starting at Boulder’s first microbrewery, take a spin to several of the small brewpubs around town to taste Boulder’s take on beer.

Directions

Begin at the UCAR Center Green station at the end of Center Green Drive, one block west of Foothills Parkway. on the north side of Valmont. Ride south on Center Green Drive and cross Valmont Road to continue south on Wilderness Place. Stop at Boulder Beer (2880 Wilderness Place). Then continue your ride to the south end of the business loop to connect to the Goose Creek Path.

Ride the path west to Mapleton Avenue, exiting the Goose Creek path near the East Mapleton Ball Fields. Ride Mapleton west to 28th Street and turn left for one block, crossing 28th Street at Pine Street.

Ride Pine Street west to Folsom Street. Turn left for three blocks, and then right on Walnut Street. Ride west to 15th Street and turn right and then right again on Pearl Street to dock your bike at the 15th & Pearl station.

Visit Mountain Sun on the north side of Pearl Street between 15^th and 16th Street. Return to the same station and head north on 15th, turning left on Spruce Street.

Cross Broadway before turning left again onto 11th Street. End at the 11th & Pearl station across the Pearl Street Mall from BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse and just one block from the Walnut Brewery, at 1123 Walnut Street.

B-cycle Stations

-UCAR Center Green (Boulder Beer)

-15th & Pearl (Mountain Sun)

-10th and Walnut (Walnut Brewery and BJ’s)

Pedal the Path

Pedal up the beautiful Boulder Creek path and into Boulder Canyon, and then enjoy the rewards of your effort as you coast back down. 

Directions 

Start at the 19th @ Boulder Creek station and ride west toward downtown Boulder. Take a break at the Boulder Library by stopping at the Library @ Arapahoe station, located on the south side of Boulder Creek after you ride through the Broadway underpass.

Continue west to 6th Street and stop at the 6th & Canyon station before riding up the Boulder Creek path as far as your legs and the 60-minute free trip period will take you!

B-cycle Stations 

- 19th @ Boulder Creek

- Library @ Arapahoe

- 6th & Canyon

Rhode Island Stands for Homeless Rights

By Rebekah Hanish

We may think that equal rights were established in the U.S. years ago with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but there are still ways that people groups are being illegally discriminated against. For many homeless, their struggle to find work or housing is more than their obvious lack of connections or resourcing. They are often denied those rights because they are homeless, which only perpetuates the cycle.

For the very first time in the nation, a new bill has been passed in Rhode Island to specifically protect the rights of homeless people. The bill protects homeless from harassment and bans discrimination against them in housing and employment as well as providing redress for the homeless who have experienced these injustices in the past.

The bill was crafted by John Joyce who was formerly homeless, with the help of other homeless advocates like Jim Ryczek and previously homeless people and eventually enlisting the help of Senator John Tassoni. After lots of hard work recrafting the bill and gaining support, the bill was passed, setting an example to the rest of the states to advocate for the insurance of rights for homeless people.

The hard work and ambition of one or two people set this bill in motion for Rhode Island. Imagine what could be accomplished with your support.

Superfunding Humanity

By Diana Kurniawan

Last week, Gov. John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced the recipients of nearly $30 million in Great Outdoors Colorado/Lottery Grants for open space, outdoor recreation and trail projects near river corridors.

$30 million. Imagine how many people we could help.

I'm not putting down outdoor improvement, but it is an interesting idea. Taxes are taken for the sale and distribution of alcohol, gambling, adult entertainment and lottery monies. What if these so-called “sin taxes” were apportioned to help those who are less fortunate?

As increases in these “sin taxes” are introduced, maybe a new category can be helped -- the homeless.

A piece in Forbes Magazine in June reported, “sin taxes are all the rage these days—with votes pending to tax cigarettes an extra dollar per pack in the state of California to a proposed license fee in Richmond, California, on businesses selling sweetened drinks.”

And in Denver, we have the perfect “borderline” sin—medical marijuana. In 2011, the sales tax on medical marijuana increased Colorado revenue by $5 million.

Could medical marijuana tax be part of the education, healthcare and homeless care for the future of Colorado? With the $5 million revenue for the state, some of its distribution should include education, healthcare and homeless care, and marijuana usage is likely to increase in the coming years. Currently, the monies collected from the sales tax are allocated to the state and city treasuries department to be used in accordance to the state’s discretion. 

Colorado’s medical marijuana tax could be spent like the state’s lottery funds, which is given to the Colorado State Parks and Recreation Department to increase outdoors grants. Through the Colorado Lottery funds and the Conservation Trust Fund, the Barnum Park restroom and the South Platte River (Denver) Legacy were built with Great Outdoors Colorado. Three Western Colorado outdoor fundings going forward are publicized as maintenance, improvements and reconstructions, and there will still be money allocated to Colorado’s Park and Recreation through the existing Colorado lottery funds.

Which brings up the question, could a part of the $30 million have been approved for education, healthcare and homeless care? Is an extra playground worth more to Colorado than a newly constructed independent housing for the matchstick men outside on Colfax Avenue? A lot of people would argue yes, I know.

There are ways of using that excess lotto money, too. Strategies such as lowering the final prize drawing by 20 percent for lotteries and giving that amount to add to the tax proceeds used for homeless care could prove to be advantageous. It might make the winner less happy, but, hey, they are going to spend all at once anyways. A small tax increase is a small sacrifice for those who frequent the marijuana dispensaries or play the lottery, but the taxes apportioned to better the well-being for the impoverished will be a worthy cause to help our youth and increase grants for the healthcare system for the people.

To live in a world without vice and alternative medicine may never exist, but the effort to superfund humanity is an effort that will never be corrupted.

Urban Peak - Class of 2012

By Rebekah Hanish

In the spring of my senior year in high school, my graduating class was herded into the gymnasium for some general info from the principal – where to pick up our gowns, where to meet before the ceremony, that kind of thing. And he told us that, under no circumstances, were our friends and family allowed to celebrate when our names were called for our diplomas. There were too many people. It was rude. It would take too long. If anyone hooted, blew an airhorn or threw a beach ball in our honor, they would be escorted from the ceremony immediately.

No such restrictions applied to the GED graduation ceremony for the youth of Urban Peak on Thursday, June 7.

Senator Pat Steadman addresses the graduates, "I'm not here because I'm an extraordinary person but because I'm an ordinary person who cared and cared to go on."

Haley Todd, one of the teachers at Urban Peak for the GED prep program, reads a short bio about each graduate, telling the audience of their success and future plans. And after each is read, the crowd erupts in celebration.

Kendra, one of the student speakers at the ceremony, talks about finding Urban Peak at a scary time in her life. Newly homeless at 17, she didn’t know where she would be sleeping at night because most shelters require you to be at least 18 or to be checked in with your family. After a few short months at Urban Peak, Kendra has earned her GED, has a job and an apartment and plans to continue her education.

“I stand here today because Urban Peak completed their mission,” Kendra says.

Urban Peak exists to provide a safe place for Denver’s homeless youth, a place to grow and learn and become self-sufficient.

“Youth are afraid to go to big shelters because there are people with a lot more ‘life’ experience,” says Jason Newcomer, the annual fund and individual giving manager at Urban Peak. “That’s not us. We want them to feel safe and empowered.”

Urban Peak accomplishes this in a number of ways: first, through their shelter where 40 beds accommodate the youth who need them and also through their drop-in center called The Spot where youth can just “drop in,” get something to eat, take a shower or get some medical help. Urban Peak also provides the GED prep classes as well as classes on job prep (crafting resumes and cover letters and learning conflict management). Also at The Spot, enrichment classes like cooking or poetry are provided throughout the week.

Urban Peak's graduating class of 2012

Two-thirds of the youth who leave Urban Peak do so as a “success,” meaning they have a stable, safe environment to live and have an income. But they are always encouraged to keep improving. Throughout the GED graduation ceremony, the staff of Urban Peak reiterates to the youth that they are strong and capable and that they have what it takes to be a valued part of the education community.

“We’re so proud of you, but don’t ever stop,” says Ron Barber, the Chair Elect of the Urban Peak Board of Directors. “Be an active part of the community, and help others the way you needed help.”

Sign over your check and you'll get help!

by Kristin Pazulski with reporting by Rebekah Hanish

When I was young, I never learned how to manage money effectively. I just figured life would follow the pattern I expected: high school -- college -- good job -- better job -- raises -- ... well that end part was supposed to continue.

Alas, after reaching a credit card limit and changing careers a few times, I have come to learn the reality of the workforce is more complicated and not as lucrative as I thought. 

Was I warned before this fiasco of youthful spending? Yes.

My dad tried to tell me the realities of student loans and credit spending. I didn't listen, and now my credit card bill is a monthly reminder of my ignorance.

Sometimes, you have to learn on your own.

I am a strong believer that people will and do eventually learn on their own time with guidance, not micro management. Telling people—who are stubborn or ready to learn life's lessons for themselves—what to do is demeaning, and they often rebel against it. I know because I did. I'm stubborn, and so are a lot of people from the street.

People who live on the streets are a unique breed. They've been there. Doesn't matter where, so don't ask, cause they've been there. Rock bottom. The gutter. Alone. Attacked. Lost.

Telling these people who have lived (maybe not the life they wanted to live, but living nonetheless) what to do with their money is not going to be taken lightly.

That's why I find this move fascinating. San Luis Obispo in California has offered five parking spots to the population of people that call their car home. They apply for a permit and get to stay overnight in a safe environment--safe for the community that is.

The catch? They have to turn over their checks (from the government, a job or elsewhere) to a nonprofit for fiscal management with the goal of getting people into housing.

A good goal and sensible on paper. But signing away checks? What about just helping people manage? 

About three months into the project, no permits have been issued (due to frustration with the financial requirement and apparent confusion on how to apply).

Would living in a car be rock bottom for you? Maybe you need to get to the gutter first. Either way, these people have lived and made mistakes and are getting by on what they have. The little control they still hold onto in their lives is their money. Maybe you don't think they are doing it right. Maybe they don't think they are. Maybe they need help. But it's their money. And requiring someone to turn over their check is much different than helping someone, than teaching a lesson.

I learned my lesson, and if I was still spending on my credit card and my dad or boyfriend asked me to turn over my finances in order to manage my debt, I'd run. If they offered to sit down with me and budget my money, I'd sit down.

That's what I love about what we do at the VOICE. I'm so glad we don't have requirements and restrictions on who can work for us and how they use their money. IN that way, we welcome everyone and anyone. We don't require a car, a house, a paycheck. We hope they eventually attain those things, but for people on the fringe who aren't there and maybe aren't ready, we will offer a way to earn money they can own, and sometimes that small ownership can launch someone to bigger, greater things.

In Denver, 123 people were living in their cars in January, according to the Metro Denver Point-in-Time Report released last month. There doesn't seem to be a law against sleeping in your car in Denver (we couldn't find one), but according to this story in the Denver Post Crime Blotter, those living in their car or sleeping overnight (in Golden) are encouraged to park alongside public, not private, property.