If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or going through a difficult time and need support, call or text 988. If you’re part of the LGBTQ community, go to the Trevor Project’s hotline for immediate crisis support that is free and confidential.

So many of us in Douglas County have been touched in some way by suicide. The majority of all gun deaths in CO and nationwide are suicides, and that number is surging among Black and brown teenagers. Research and data tells us that interrupting access to a firearm plays a key role in prevention. My guest Virginia Mack, a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Fort Collins, presented her concerns—and a solution—to her state senator. Donna’s Law in Colorado allows a person to voluntarily put themselves on a do-not-sell list. This law needs to be fully funded to go into effect; listen to find out more.

Get more details, donate and/or get help planning a fundraising event at https://www.donnaslawforco.com

Contact Sen Cathy Kipp and Virginia Mack at [email protected]

The text of the bill that created Donna’s Law in CO

DougCo lawmakers that voted against Donna’s Law: Rep Anthony Hartsook, Rep Max Brooks, Rep Brandi Bradley, Sen Lisa Frizell and Sen John Carson. Not sure who represents you? Find out here.

Thank you to Rep Eliza Hamrick, Rep Bob Marshall, and Sen Tom Sullivan who voted for this bill.

Who are my representatives at the CO capitol?

Get involved with Moms Demand Action (not limited to moms, anyone can join)

Facts about suicide here and Colorado-specific here.

Today I’m joined by Carol Sorenson, one of the leaders of Lone Tree Votes, which is an Indivisible group in Douglas County.

About this series:Since the election of Trump in 2016, many of us have had to take a deep look at our friendships, change our political affiliations, or examine our religious beliefs. Maybe you’ve had to do all three. It can be lonely and disorienting. If you’re ready to take action and make new friends who don’t avoid politics, or if you just want a good dose of hope in Douglas County, this series is for you. I’ll be highlighting local groups that are moving the needle and building community for people who believe in science, social justice, the rule of law, and democracy. (Don’t worry, I’ll be covering the school board election next).

Email me, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected]

Get connected to Lone Tree Votes:

https://groups.indivisible.org/

Lone Tree Votes on Facebook

Email: [email protected]

Recommended: Kim Turnage’s piece on Doing It Scared

The Douglas County Commissioners continue to shut off all avenues for Douglas County citizens to ask questions or express concerns in any meaningful way. My friends Julie and Kim join me to talk about the brick wall nature of the county commission business meetings and exactly why this is bad governance that hurts everyone. What can we do about their “I’m the daddy and you’ll do what I say” energy? Listen to find out.

The home rule election cost taxpayers over $700k.

The county commissioners’ next meeting on September 2 at 1:30pm, in-person and virtual options available.

Rep Bob Marshall’s town hall is on August 18, 6:45pm-7:45pm at Lone Tree Library, 10055 Library Way, Lone Tree, CO 80124. Rep Marshall represents most of Highlands Ranch at the CO Capitol, anyone can attend.

Moms Demand Action meeting is on August 18 at 6:30pm in Lone Tree. RSVP for location. Learn about school safety and meet the pro-public education school board candidates that will be on the ballot this November.

This is an episode of odds and ends because Douglas County lawmakers have once again been in the news for being shady. Today covers gross behavior by our GOP representatives at the CO Capitol (Colorado Public Radio story, Kyle Clark chimes in too), more confusing statements on Zebulon (gift link to Denver Post article), and county commissioners further shutting down community voices. But also not-terrible: the Great Colorado Payback.

Email me: [email protected]

Who is my state representative? Find out here.

Email Rep Brandi Bradley: [email protected]

Email Rep Anthony Hartsook: [email protected]

July 12 county commission meeting agenda and details

Email county commissioners (only if you don’t want a response): [email protected]

Great Colorado Payback

The planned Zebulon mega sports complex is not a rec center with a pool and treadmills—it’s a huge project with facilities for basketball, baseball/softball, volleyball, football, soccer and hockey. The area will eventually be built out to include commercial development such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Kim Turnage and Barrett Rothe of the Douglas County Lantern return for Part 2 of our discussion on the Zebulon mega sports complex slated to break ground in Sterling Ranch in the fall. In this episode we talk about the potential impact on Douglas County School District (spoiler alert, it’s complex) and how our commissioners’ trust problem plays into all of this. Does this project have support in Sterling Ranch? It does, and I’ll address that too. Listen to Part 1 here.

Email me: [email protected]

Email the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC): [email protected]

Next Douglas County Commission business meeting: August 12 at 1:30pm, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock CO (link includes agenda, livestream, and info on public comment)

Subscribe to the Douglas County Lantern

Sources:

Douglas County 2025 Citizen Survey

Douglas County government’s page on Zebulon, the rendering/maps, and the promo video (idk what else to call it) on May 21, 2025

Sterling Ranch’s page on Zebulon

Douglas County Commissioners’ April 2025 Town Hall on Zebulon

CBS Colorado: 500 acre mega Colorado sports complex proposed in Sterling Ranch to be funded by Douglas County parks & open space fund

CBS Colorado: Colorado county approves $400,000 for controversial Zebulon mega sports complex

Kim Turnage and Barrett Rothe of the Douglas County Lantern join me to discuss the Zebulon mega sports complex slated to break ground in Sterling Ranch in the fall. Why does it matter? Douglas County taxpayers will join private developers in funding this 500 acre project. Our commissioners have justified this outlay of public money by claiming “this is what you asked for” and “it’ll pay for itself” without much evidence. It’s a little too close to home rule for comfort. We’re digging in to let you know what we do and don’t know so you can form your own opinion.

Email me: [email protected]

Email the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC): [email protected]

Next Douglas County Commission business meeting: August 12 at 1:30pm, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock CO (includes agenda, livestream, and info on public comment)

Subscribe to the Douglas County Lantern

Sources:

Douglas County government’s page on Zebulon, the rendering/maps, and the promo video (idk what else to call it) on May 21, 2025

Sterling Ranch’s page on Zebulon

Douglas County Commissioners’ April 2025 Town Hall on Zebulon

CBS Colorado: 500 acre mega Colorado sports complex proposed in Sterling Ranch to be funded by Douglas County parks & open space fund

CBS Colorado: Colorado county approves $400,000 for controversial Zebulon mega sports complex

The commissioners persist in the dangerous and racist lie about a local doctor and blame everyone but themselves for the crushing home rule loss. When you gaslight folks, they’re going to respond.

Edited 7/10/25 to add: Kyle Clark and 9News coverage of this meeting after this episode was published.

Types of meetings that the commissioners have.

Commissioner calendar

Interested in giving the invocation or opening prayer at a commission meeting? Find out more here.

Write a letter to the editor.

Next commission meeting is July 22 at 1:30pm in Castle Rock, 100 Third Street. Can’t make it? Get more info here.

Email me at [email protected] or comment on substack.

July 8 meeting in full:

Dr Eiko Browing’s comment:

Cowboy Code of Conduct

When public comment starts

George Teal mocking crowd:

The Democrats are marching in the Highlands Ranch 4th of July parade tomorrow (short notice from me! I know!). Meet at the Kaiser Permanente in HR, 9285 Hepburn St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 at 8am.

County Commissioners meeting—their first business meeting since their home rule defeat. July 8 at 1:30pm, 100 Third Street. If you can’t make it in person, stream here.

Abe Laydon’ Pride post.

A Bit Fruity podcast by Matt Bernstein

on Instagram: @mattxiv

Watch: Somebody Somewhere

Eat: Yu’s Noodles in Lone Tree

Email me: [email protected]

Tell me your recommendations for podcasts, shows, restaurants, I want to hear it all!

We did it! Over 70% of voters voted no on home rule under these commissioners and Stop the Power Grab candidates dominated the at-large and district races. Community organizer Angela Thomas was the one to educate us on this issue, and she’s the one who’s going to break down the election with me—and answer some pressing questions.

Commissioner Teal’s comments about putting home rule on the ballot again (this is just one example from the Denver Post, gift article).

Watch this: Kyle Clark’s coverage of Commissioner Teal making bigoted and false claims about cancer doctor Dr Eiko Browning. It’s even more shocking when you watch Commissioner Teal on camera lie his face off.

Sign the letter in support of Dr Eiko Browning: Demand for Retraction and Apology from Commissioner George Teal

Email me! I’d love to hear from you: [email protected]