Unofficially Summer

Happy Memorial Day, especially to all who serve and their families.

There is still work to be done.

Bell Policy Center President Wade Buchanan brings us current on progress in the governor's TBD project.

The Brothers Valenzuela - Meet Manuel Valenzuela, Marine veteran under threat of deportation, and think about how we are treating our veterans.

If Momma's not happy... Moms in Erie want to shield their children from drilling hazards. Jen Palazzolo tells us we are just getting started here with Erie Rising.

The Affordable Care Act - Obamacare - is already affecting Latino communities. Olivia Mendoza, Executive Director of the Colorado Latino Leadership Advocacy & Research Organization (CLLARO,) announces a special training opportunity for community leaders at Plan de Salud in Fort Lupton this Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

And just to be sure, please take a moment to recall why this is a holiday weekend. 

Next weekend make time for the Lyons Studio Tour (click on the logo when the page opens) to meet area artists and enjoy their work, and make your own at the Depot Library.

Weary of the legislature?

I am, especially over the obstruction of progress by a partisan minority.

It took only two sessions, but somehow our electeds managed to find time for some of the people's work. We wrap up the session with Bell Policy Center Director for policy and Research Rich Jones. 

Not all women in America enjoy equal pay, access to health care or protection against violence in the workplace or at home. Helping to define the issues and seek solutions today will be Lorena Garcia, Executive Director of COLORLatina. There is a way for each of us to help.

Look up Sunday! Carefully, or it will hurt! A partial eclipse of the sun will occur, clouds or no. Join Matt Benjamin from the Fiske Planetarium for tips on how to have fun with an eclipse.

We'll see you on the radio!

On Deck: Special Session of the Colorado General Assembly

PeaceJam premieres their new film "Mayan Renaissance" during the United Nation's World Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York next week. Dawn Engle gives us a preview.

House Speaker Frank McNulty orchestrated a filibuster of the civil union bill that had enough votes to pass, so it died along with nearly 30 other bills including funding for water projects in a drought year and insurance reform needed by Colorado businesses to continue our economic recovery. We will talk about collateral damage with Bell Policy Center Director for policy and Research Rich Jones.

For details and strategy for civil unions in the special legislative session that starts Monday we will be joined by One Colorado Executive Director Brad Clark. Hope springs eternal.

Hispanic Women of Weld County continues their work to empower Latinas in northern Colorado. HWWC President Marilena Ortega will share some happy news about their scholarship program.

For information about the South Weld Dems meeting Thursday with RMFU President Kent Peppler click on the calendar at http://www.weldcountydems.org .

Sunny Colorado, Muddy Churchill Downs

Early races at Churchill Downs were cancelled to preserve the track for the Run for the Roses. My picks: Union Rags to win, long shot Rousing Sermon to show, but none of the horses has much experience in the mud. Make your best guess and join me to watch the race after the show at the Kress Lounge (good mint juleps.)

The Latino Chamber of Northern Colorado hosts Greeley's Cinco de Mayo festivities at Island Grove Park today. We'll have an update and reminder of the rest of the days activities.

Bell Policy Center President reviews the last full week of the Colorado legislature.

Joe Perez and friends preview the Obama re-election campaign that kicks off officially today.

Run for the Roses - Thursday Notes

If anyone else in Colorado is writing about the Derby, please drop me a line and let me know who. As for the Denver Post, I am pretty sure none of the Nuggets, Rockies or Broncos will be in Louisville this Saturday.

Here is who I like today but I don't have to decide until late Friday where my money goes.

Union Rags (9-2) - Not the line favorite today, but on or near the top last couple of weeks. He's big, he's tall, he's strong and fast. #4 post is a good place for him to start.

Gemologist (6-1) - With the #15 post position he is is a good place to stretch out in the sweeping turns of Churchill Downs. If it rains (40% chance per Weather Channel) he's pretty well screwed.

Hansen (10-1) - Starting just inside Gemologist, which is an advantage, but doubt about his ability to make the distance. 

Cannot ignore: Take Charge Indy (15-1) under Calvin Borel posts #3. Borel loves the rail and performs magic at the Derby, but the least stumble on the start and he's done.

My favorite long shot - Rousing Sermon (50-1) has finished closely behind some great horses -on shorter tracks. From the #7 position if he can avoid getting blocked out he will be in a position to push at the end when the more favorite sprinters start flagging. Big if, but that's the risk-reward thing. I think I might have another $2. 

I'll make time on the show Saturday to discuss. Then join me to watch the race and enjoy a mint julep at the Kress Lounge.

Cheers!