Roosevelt students raise money for charity to win prom king and queen

On Saturday night, one lucky guy or gal will be crowned prom king and queen at Roosevelt High School. But the winners are not decided by popular vote.

“We don’t do this as a popularity contest here at Roosevelt,” said Katie Davidson, a teacher at Roosevelt. “The tradition is giving back to our community."

The diverse group of students, who are running for prom king and queen, are raising money for their charity, and whoever raises the most will win.

“The focus is not about that crown and that sash,” she said. “It is about their charity and giving back, and leaving this school with a better purpose."

Each one of the six students has a personal reason for selecting their charity. Devon Smith and Koyanna Booker are the only couple in the group and are running together. The lovebirds are tackling food insecurity. Their charity is the Children’s Hunger Fund.

"I am trying to make something change, no more hunger,” Smith said. “Because where I grew up, things were different from other people who are wealthier."

The students said that the hard work of raising money has taught them a lot.

“You are not being selfish,” Booker said. “You are doing something that you really want, but you are also helping a lot of people and it impacts a lot of people’s lives."

Yvonne Clark is raising awareness and funds for Bikers Against Child Abuse.

"I have a lot of experience with abuse, and my mom used to be a biker as well,” she said. “So, it is a two-in-one for me."

Hannah Hardy is raising money for Judi’s House based in Denver.

"In 2009, my father passed away of an enlarged heart,” she said. “And it’s not an easy life losing a parent. What that organization does is they take these kids and the widowers and they show them that there is happiness."

Student Jennifer Jett’s charity is Make-A-Wish, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

"I like the idea of making people happy, especially when they’re not feeling well,” she said.

Every girl loves a crown but for them, it is not about who takes it.

"I feel like this is more of an experience instead of winning the crown because I feel like we are all winners,” Hardy said.

Miguel Castro is a debater at the school, and his cause the Family Service Association of San Antonio. He says that the non-profit was there for him during a rough patch in his life.

“During the fifth grade, my parents were going through a harsh divorce, and it was affecting my personality,” he said. “They helped me get through some things, and made sure that I am still who I am today."

Castro said that this prom experience has opened his eyes.

"It made me more grateful for everything that I have in my life,” he said. “I just want to continue to help out others, because that is just my mission in life."

For the students at Roosevelt High School, it isn’t about the plastic crown. It’s about the legacy the students will leave behind.

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Denver demonstrates: Legalize marijuana and get affordable housing

In April 2016, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions was still merely a senator from Alabama, the politician made a declaration on marijuana:

This drug is dangerous, you cannot play with it, it is not funny, it’s not something to laugh about . . . and to send that message with clarity that good people don’t smoke marijuana.

As politically informed potheads throughout America honor Sessions by firing up a big one, it’s important and appropriate to look at one way in which Sessions’ attitude toward marijuana is counterintuitive — namely, in how it deprives our society of programs that could be subsidized by marijuana-derived taxpayer revenue.

In Denver, Mayor Michael Hancock has proposed earmarking recurring marijuana taxes as a way to help pay for affordable housing for low-income residents, according to The Denver Post. By increasing the municipal tax on recreational marijuana from 3.5 percent to 5.5 percent, Hancock hopes to generate roughly $8 million each year. That money, combined with another $7 million spent each year from Denver’s operating budget, could then be used to either build or preserve 6,400 income-restricted apartments and housing units in the city to provide more affordable housing.

It’s a valuable idea, one that helps victims of poverty lead more bearable lives while reminding opponents of marijuana legalization that taxes on the drug can bring about unrelated social benefits.

"While marijuana taxes are not necessarily going to solve state budget problems, they could be extremely useful for helping localities deal with many of the smaller-scale issues they face in addition to benefiting education and public health services," Morgan Fox, Director of Communications for the Marijuana Policy Project, told Salon by email. "It is likely that localities that have banned cannabis businesses will start to reconsider their policies when they see the financial benefits their neighbors are reaping. On top of taxes, these businesses create jobs and support ancillary industries, both of which improve local economic environments."

Fox added, "Another factor to consider is that many marijuana businesses go out of their way to support local charities and social programs because they realize there is still a stigma associated with the industry and they want to bring positive change to their communities while dispelling some of the unfortunate stereotypes some people still hold."

Attorney Zarah Levin-Fragasso of The Lanier Law Firm, Chair of the Committee on Drugs and the Law at the New York City Bar Association and president of The Lenox Hill Democratic Club, had a similar observation.

"In recent years, some states have moved towards full legalization and have seen massive economic gains from tax revenue from legal marijuana," Levin-Fragasso told Salon, stressing that these were her personal beliefs. "This revenue, in turn, has been put to positive use — use that includes funding public education. Unfortunately, many individuals originally harmed or at higher risk of the marijuana arrest and conviction are not reaping the benefits of this newly legalized industry in the states that have opted for full legalization of the adult consumption of cannabis."

She added, "Activists are seeking ways to incorporate communities of color and/or indigent communities into the state legalized business process but are reporting mixed and often disappointing results. The historically disenfranchised continue to be economically disenfranchised and while profits soar for some, others continue to rot in jail for these non-violent offenses."

Fox made the same point, telling Salon that "ending marijuana arrests, wisely using tax revenue, and ensuring that the marijuana industry is equitable and the people who have been most hurt by prohibition have a fair shot at getting involved, are all going to have a positive impact on public health and social justice issues."

It is also necessary to point out that using marijuana-based taxes to achieve unrelated social ends, while laudable, should not be used as a primary justification for legalizing pot.

"Historically, taxation is rarely a pathway to social justice," Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, told Salon by email. "Politicians possess the discretion to spend tax revenues as they wish, virtually irregardless of the public’s priorities. By contrast, ending the prosecution, incarceration, discrimination, and stigmatization of responsible adult cannabis consumers is a pathway toward social justice."

He added, "The ongoing enforcement of marijuana prohibition financially burdens taxpayers, encroaches upon civil liberties, engenders disrespect for the law, and disproportionately impacts young people and communities of color. It makes no sense from a public health perspective, a fiscal perspective, or a moral perspective to perpetuate the prosecution and stigmatization of those adults who choose to responsibly consume a substance that is safer than either alcohol or tobacco."

Levin-Fragasso emphasized that any meaningful attempt to address marijuana policy must start with acknowledging the inherent injustice in the fact that it is illegal in the first place.

"The history of marijuana criminalization is intimately interwoven with social justice concerns," Levin-Fragasso said. "It would be remiss to review marijuana criminalization and subsequent legalization efforts without first looking at the racial disparity in the application of the marijuana arrest and conviction. According to the ACLU, despite approximately similar usage rates between black and white cannabis users, black cannabis users are over three times more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana than white consumers of the substance. The cost on primarily non-white and/or indigent communities from marijuana convictions is unmeasurable by any true metric."

At a time when roughly three out of five Americans support legalizing marijuana, there are fewer reasons to think like Sessions and more reasons to approach the substance like Denver is doing. Legalizing it is going to help lower income Americans. Not only will it prevent the prison trap that ensnares the poorest Americans — and overwhelmingly, minorities — but the revenue from selling it can actually help more people. The fact that so many innocent lives are being ruined because of the prohibition against pot — and that so many more could be helped if it were legalized — underscores why ending the ban is such a morally compelling issue in 2018.

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Charity booze auctions, formerly illegal, win OK from Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper – Denver Business Journal

Charities that auction off alcohol in fundraisers — wine baskets and the like — will no longer be breaking the law in Colorado.

Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday signed into law Senate Bill 67, which legalizes a practice that long has been common in the state, but that actually has been a violation of Colorado’s liquor code.

Sponsored by state Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada and Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, the law allows organizations to auction sealed beer, wine and spirits without the transaction being considered a sale of alcohol that would violate the license of any facility where a fundraiser is being held.

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Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper on March 1, 2018, signs into law a bill that allows charitable groups to auction donated alcohol. Sponsoring state Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp is over his right shoulder and co-sponsoring Sen. Rachel Zenzinger smiles over his left shoulder.

Zenzinger got the idea for the bill after hearing that state officials were cracking down on these auctions in certain parts of the state.

She included in the bill a safety clause that allows it to go into effect immediately, so that events like The Arc of Pueblo’s upcoming Golden Tortilla fundraiser won’t be affected by limitations on donations of goods for auctions.

Any change to alcohol law typically turns into a battle royale at the Legislature, as competing liquor-selling interests defend their territory and seek to expand sales.

That fervor renders efforts like this year’s proposed regulation of full-strength beer sales in grocery stores among the most heated battles in the Capitol.

However, Zenzinger said that before she moved forward on SB 67, she sat down with all of the interests and found they were OK with changing rules to increase charitable giving of booze — a discovery that left her pleasantly surprised.

“When I started, I was definitely trepidatious over what could happen, given our history down here with liquor bills,” she said.

“I think a majority of legislators didn’t know this was illegal. And I think everybody understood charities wanted to be legal and wanted to do right.”

2017 Largest Colorado Wineries

Ranked by Cases produced in 2016

Rank Company name Cases produced in 2016 1 Colorado Cellars 20,000 2 Talon Winery LLC dba St. Kathryn Cellars and Meadery of the Rockies 11,592 3 Two Rivers Winery 10,600 View This List

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Six Charitably-Minded Beers to Drink for a Good Cause

Those who consider drinking beer a noble act unto itself are not wrong. But community-oriented beer fans will be delighted to learn that a number of brewers are partnering with philanthropic organizations to raise money and awareness for worthy charities. Aiding drug recovery, championing women’s health, and ending food waste are among the causes you can support, one beer at a time.

Ready to drink up for a good cause? Here are six delicious beers with excellent intentions.

Magic Hat and Dropkick Murphys Barroom Hero

Barroom Hero is a collaboration between Magic Hat Brewing of Burlington, Vt., and Boston-born punk band, the Dropkick Murphys. This beer, described simply as a “pub ale,” visually resembles a cross between an amber ale and a brown ale. It is deceivingly drinkable: Its light body, low ABV (4.2 percent), and just a touch of roastiness to punch things up, all make this the perfect barroom brew. Added bonus: A portion of proceeds for this beer go to the Claddagh Fund, a foundation created by Dropkick Murphys front man, Ken Casey, to aid charities devoted to children, veterans, and alcohol and drug recovery.

10 Barrel Trail Beer

Another beer we can’t help but love — for its charitable aims as well as its fruity, herbal hop flavors — is Trail Beer by 10 Barrel Brewing. This Northwest Pale Ale is not only refreshing enough to pack for a hike (at a sessionable 5 percent ABV), it also donates 1 percent of sales to environmental nonprofits. 10 Barrel is based in Bend, Ore., but originally introduced this ale at its Denver location (it was created by Denver head brewer, Kay Witkiewicz). So far, the brewery is partnering with Protect Our Winters, which aims to fight climate change in the outdoor sports space. Each release also helps support local artists by featuring a photograph exemplifying the the Pacific Northwest.

Coronado CoastWise Session IPA

Coronado Brewing of San Diego brewed CoastWise in collaboration with Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit that pours its efforts into preserving coastal lifestyles by protecting the world’s oceans and beaches. The session IPA is brewed with a blend of Mosaic and Sorachi Ace hops, combining tropical citrus notes with a dry, bitter finish that goes down easy at a light-bodied, 5 percent ABV. CoastWise launched in 2017 for Earth Day and is available year-round in 16 states.

Toast American Pale Ale

Conceptualized by U.K.-based global food waste activist, Tristam Stuart, Toast Ale officially launched in the U.S. last year with Toast American Pale Ale. The simple, straightforward brew is made using surplus bread in the mash, sourced from partner bakeries that would have otherwise had to throw the bread away. A true “message in a can,” Toast Ale serves to educate beer drinkers about the enormous problem of food waste in pint-sized fashion — which happens to taste great, too. All proceeds go to Feedback, an organization founded by Stuart to eliminate food waste around the world.

The Larimer La Résistance Sour Ale

If you can get your hands on it, La Résistance Sour Ale, brewed by the Larimer, a bi-coastal collective of Philadelphia- and Denver-based gypsy brewers, is a tasty way way to support Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (which includes health centers in Colorado, southern Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming), one hibiscus-pink, 12-ounce can at a time. This gose-style sour beer is brewed with coriander and pink Himalayan salt. Lightly tart, and just 4.6 percent ABV, La Résistance makes championing birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and other women’s health issues feel easy.

Fireman’s Brew Brunette

Everyone loves firefighters, and everyone loves saving lives (we hope). If you love beer, too, then Fireman’s lineup of hair-color brews is for you. Founded by California firefighters, Fireman’s is currently helmed by Robert Nowaczyk, a former firefighter of 28 years, and Roger Baer, CEO, a beverage industry veteran of 40 years. The label offers Blonde, Brunette, Redhead, and IPA varieties, and pledges a percentage of annual profits to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. It also donates beer and time to several organizations supporting the first responder community. Brunette is a German-style doppelbock (or “German doublebock”) that balances chocolate malt flavor with bitter balance. Available in 16 states, the award-winning, 8-percent-ABV easy drinker will extinguish your night if you’re not careful.

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Spring Forward: Festivals, Fashion and Fun are the Season’s Trends in Denver

DENVER, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — This spring, Denver will host a number of internationally renowned exhibitions, creative cultural displays and exciting festivals. From the only United States appearance of Degas: A Passion for Perfection to the Grand Opening of the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art to an abundance of music, food and beer festivals that pair with our 300 days of sunshine, there are plenty of opportunities to make The Mile High City worth a visit.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science will host the exhibition that has captivated millions around the world – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see authentic Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient manuscripts that include the oldest known Biblical documents dating back over 2,000 years. In addition, the largest collection of artifacts from the Holy Land ever assembled for display will allow guests to explore the traditions, beliefs, and iconic objects of ancient Israel that continue to impact cultures today.

"This is going to be a record year for Denver in terms of international tourist draws, our burgeoning culinary scene and our prolific arts and culture community," says Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The Mile High City continues to attract more and more renowned exhibitions, events, performing arts and more, which, in turn, have helped Denver become known as one of the best places in the country to visit."

Below is a list of highlights in Denver this spring. For a complete event calendar of events, including hotel information, please go to the VISIT DENVER website.

Blockbuster Exhibitions
Degas: A Passion for Perfection, through May 20
Appearing for the only time in the United States at Denver Art Museum, Degas: A Passion for Perfection will showcase prolific French artist Edgar Degas’ works from 1855 to 1906. More than 100 works consisting of paintings, drawings, pastels, etchings, monotypes, and sculptures in bronze will be on view. The exhibition will focus on the most prominent and recurring themes throughout Degas’ 60-year career. These include his interest in learning from the art of the past and from that of his contemporaries, a lifelong fascination with the nude, a passion for horses, and his strong interest in opera and dance.

Creatures of Light, through June 10
Denver Museum of Nature & Science will host a new exhibition, Creatures of Light, which explores the mysterious world of bioluminescence, visible light generated by living things through a chemical reaction. Lifelike models, spectacular immersive environments and simulations, unusual animals, videos, and engaging hands-on activities create an enlightening experience. The exhibition will feature a dark cave illuminated by glowworms, an interactive "lagoon" and more.

Dead Sea Scrolls, March 16 – September 3
Denver Museum of Nature & Science will host the exhibition that has captivated millions around the world – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see authentic Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient manuscripts that include the oldest known Biblical documents dating back over 2,000 years. In addition, the largest collection of artifacts from the Holy Land ever assembled for display will allow guests to explore the traditions, beliefs, and iconic objects of ancient Israel that continue to impact world cultures today.

Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting, April 28 – September 23
Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting, hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens, explores the relationships between the natural world and the artificial world of digital media. Whiting’s sculptures also represent the intersection of two distinct visual styles: 8-bit pixel graphics—which have enjoyed a recent resurgence in video games—and minimalist sculpture. Technological limitations in early video games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders reduced the graphics to simplified shapes, while the minimalist art movement created artworks that purposely lacked detail. Pixelated investigates the opposite intents of these two artistic approaches that result in a strikingly similar visual outcome.

Ai WeiWei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, through October 17
In his first major public sculpture project, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, internationally acclaimed Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei has reinterpreted twelve bronze animal heads representing the traditional Chinese zodiac that once adorned the famed fountain-clock of the Yuanming Yuan, an imperial retreat in Beijing. The bronze pieces will surround the Sea Lions Fountain on the north end of Civic Center Park in downtown Denver, and a complementary educational exhibit, Ai Weiwei: Art & Social Change will be housed in the McNichols Civic Center Building, adjacent to the sculptures.

Signature Events
Winter Park Express Ski Train, through March 25
In January 2017, the Winter Park Express by Amtrak returned from a seven-year hiatus to sellout crowds of eager skiers. The train allows people to hit the slopes during the day and return to Denver for après ski, an abundance of culinary options and nearly 10,000 hotel rooms to choose from, including several that offer Ski Train packages. It’s also a great option for the weekend visitor who wants to get some turns in while they’re in Denver. Changes this year include lower fare prices – tickets start at just $29, instead of last year’s $39 – "First Friday" rides, with the train running on the first Friday of each month of the season. The train runs on weekends; one-way tickets start at $29 per person.

Denver Restaurant Week, February 23 – March 4
The 14th annual Denver Restaurant Week will feature multi-course menus with three price points at hundreds of Denver’s top restaurants. The three-tiered pricing structure that met with great success in 2017 will continue again in 2018: diners can find multi-course menus at $25, $35 and $45 price tags.

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art Grand Opening, March 10
In 2013, ten years after the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art opened to the public on Pearl Street, it became clear that in order to best promote international decorative art, Colorado and regional art and Vance Kirkland, a larger building would be necessary. In January 2014, Kirkland Museum announced plans to move the museum to a new building in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District. This spring, Kirkland Museum will open its doors to a new building, featuring Vance Kirkland’s 1910–1911 studio & art school building, moved to Bannock Street. The new facility features the addition of new and expanded visitor amenities and a world-class display space.

Denver Fashion Week, March 18-25
After 10 years as Denver Fashion Weekend, Denver’s largest fashion showcase will become Denver Fashion Week, featuring emerging designers, local boutiques, national brands, hairstylists, makeup artists and models at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and around the city. This year will feature a number of new events, including industry workshops, trunk shows, sales events and more events that help educate and support Denver’s fashion industry. Renowned New York City designer, Stevie Boi, will present a brand new, exclusive line; and many other local, national and international designers will capture the eyes of the fashion world throughout the week.

Denver March Powwow, March 23-25
One of the largest events of its kind in the country, the Denver March Powwow at the Historic Denver Coliseum is an American Indian Festival that features more than 1,600 dancers from nearly 100 tribes, representing 38 states and three Canadian provinces. Each session of the three-day event begins with the Grand Entry, a colorful spectacle featuring traditional song and dance. Throughout the weekend, there are traditional drum and dance groups, storytellers, and more than 170 tribal craft booths.

Collaboration Fest, March 31
Known as America’s most creative beer festival, Collaboration Fest features brews that are a result of collaborations between two or more breweries from around the state, country and world. These individual collaborations mean that every beer tapped will be its first time, and every beer has a unique story. This year, the festival will be at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

First Friday Art Walks
On the first Friday of every month, galleries, museums and cultural attractions in Denver’s diverse neighborhoods stay open late to encourage people to explore the vibrant creative community.

Colorado Rockies Home Opener at Coors Field, April 6
Watch the Colorado Rockies take on the Atlanta Braves during the 2018 home opener weekend. An unofficial holiday in Denver, home opener weekend draws crowds of baseball fans to the downtown Coors Field, a city landmark with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains.

Cinco de Mayo Festival, May 5-6
One of the largest cultural events in Colorado, the Cinco de Mayo festival features live cultural entertainment on three stages, hundreds of exhibitors and vendors, traditional food and drink, a parade, a green chili cook off and more at Denver’s Civic Center Park. More than 400,000 visitors attend the festival each year to celebrate the tradition and beauty of Latino culture.

Live Music
Five Points Jazz Fest, May 19
This free festival takes place the third Saturday of May and celebrates the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs which played host to many of jazz music’s legends such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more. The festival features a diverse lineup of music – from Latin to blues to funk and many other styles of jazz.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre Easter Sunrise Service and Summer Concert Series
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a world-famous outdoor concert and recreation venue located approximately 30 minutes from Denver. The only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world, Red Rocks is recognized for its star-studded concert roster and ambience, as well as its awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails. On April 1, Easter Sunday, the venue will host its annual Easter Sunrise Service. Headliners for the 2018 Red Rocks Summer Concert Series are still being announced; the lineup already includes the X Ambassadors, Khalid, Elephant Revival and more.

Performing Arts
Romeo and Juliet, February 16-25
Colorado Ballet will present the classic Shakespearean love story, Romeo and Juliet, at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The romantic ballet features choreography by Derek Deane and music by Sergei Prokofiev, performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Prokofiev’s music serves as a melodic substitute for Shakespeare’s poetry and Deane’s staging of the ballet focuses on the characters’ relationships.

Disney’s Aladdin, April 7-28
From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production at the Buell Theatre filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It is an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes create infinite possibilities.

First Date, through April 22
When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. This exciting musical comedy from Denver Center for the Performing Arts takes place at the Garner Galleria Theatre.

Memorial Day Weekend
In addition to all the extended exhibitions and theatrical runs, Memorial Day Weekend in Denver is a great time to visit.

Taylor Swift at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, May 25
Taylor Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour will stop in The Mile High City on May 25 to play at the home field of the Denver Broncos.

Denver Day of Rock, May 26
Denver Day of Rock is a free event that features five stages of live music along Denver’s 16th Street Mall on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Denver Day of Rock unites the community through music and family-friendly entertainment while also raising funds to support Amp the Cause, a Denver nonprofit that raises awareness about critical family issues and local charities.

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, May 25-28
Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens is America’s only downtown theme and water park. All weekend – and all summer – long, kids of all ages can experience more than 50 rides and attractions, including the brand new Star Flyer thrill ride (opening this year), 14 pint-sized adventures, exhilarating roller coasters, cool water slides, Dive-In Movies, free concerts and more. Elitch Gardens opens for the season on April 28, 2018.

Water World Opening Weekend, May 26-27
Located just north of downtown, Water World features more than 45 water adventures on 64 acres of land – the largest variety of water attractions in the U.S. Families can enjoy everything from a lazy river to speed slides; children’s play adventures to Colorado’s only magnetic water coaster, the Mile High Flyer. The park features kid-friendly food vendors, but picnics are also welcome and parking is free.

About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Celebrating 109 years of promoting The Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. A record 17.3 million visitors stayed overnight in Denver in 2016, generating $5.3 billion in spending, while supporting nearly 57,000 jobs, making Tourism one of the largest industries in Denver. Learn more about Denver on the VISITDENVER website and at TOURISMPAYSDENVER or by phone at 800 2 Denver. Denver International Airport (DEN; flydenver.com) connects The Mile High City to more than 180 destinations worldwide including nonstop service to 24 international destinations in 10 countries. Follow Denver’s social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates at: Facebook.com/visitdenver; Twitter.com/visitdenver; Instagram.com/visitdenver; and YouTube.com/visitdenver.

SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Team LeBron, Team Stephen name All-Star Game charities

In an effort to enliven a stale event, the NBA made a series of changes to the All-Star Game coming to Los Angeles this Feb. 18. One was to have captains LeBron James and Stephen Curry pick the teams playground style (well, if on the playground the two walked away and picked the teams in secret then came back and told everyone the results — the draft should have been televised, or at least been done live through social media). They also bumped up the pay for the winning team ($100,000 per player).

Another change was to have the teams play for local charities — $350,000 to the charity of the winning team and $150,000 for the losing team — and Wednesday morning those charities were announced.

Team LeBron will play for the After-School All-Stars Los Angeles, which was founded in 1992 by Arnold Schwarzenegger and provides year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs to about 8,000 youth in 52 low-income schools in the city.

Team Stephen will play for the Brotherhood Crusade, a 50-year-old grassroots organization that works to improve the quality of life and fill the unmet needs of low-income, underserved, under-represented and disenfranchised individuals through health and wellness programs, facilitating academic success, providing access to artistic excellence and cultural awareness, increasing financial literacy, and more.

However all the changes work out in sparking a better All-Star Game, the addition of charities as a cause to play for is a good one — and one that needs to continue. This needs to be about more than basketball.

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Report: New Billionaire Created Every Two Days In 2017

In 2017, 82 percent of all created wealth went to the top 1 percent. (Pixabay)

DENVER – Last year, billionaires saw their wealth increase enough to end extreme poverty around the world seven times over, according to a report from the global charity organization Oxfam.

The report, “Reward Work, Not Wealth," says 82 percent of the wealth created in 2017 went to the top 1 percent, and that a new billionaire was created every two days.

Paul O’Brien, Oxfam America’s vice president for policy and advocacy, says this growing inequality isn’t good news for workers.

"It’s not a good time to be a worker on the wrong end of the economic chain,” he states. “What we essentially have are market economies where the markets aren’t being regulated and the rules are essentially being rigged by those who can afford to do so, and that’s where you see extreme wealth emerging and people getting stuck."

Some criticize the report, saying it buries the good news that the bottom 50 percent of income earners around the world actually are doing better than previously thought.

The report focuses on the inequality women face in the workplace. It says women provided an estimated $10 trillion in unpaid work caring for someone else in 2017.

Charlie Ergen, the founder of Dish Network, is Colorado’s richest man with a fortune estimated at $4.4 billion.

O’Brien says a lot of wealthy people contribute substantially to charities, but adds that the wealthy also have power to hurt the rest of society when they don’t share their prosperity.

"If human dignity is dependent on everybody having enough power and rights to be able to lift themselves out of poverty, to live with dignity, should any individual have that much power?" he says.

The Oxfam report has also been chided as overly critical of capitalism and free markets.

O’Brien says it’s the opposite – that the organization actually wants to see markets work for everyone.

"How do we actually create incentives for companies to grow, markets to work, without creating these extreme realities for people on both ends of the equation?" he raises.

O’Brien says governments should incentivize business structures that are more beneficial to workers, such as cooperatives, and find a way to compensate people who work in the care economy.

Eric Tegethoff/Roz Brown, Public News Service – CO

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