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Colorado lawmakers aim for property tax cuts, higher tax credits and flat refunds in special session

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

Equal tax refunds and expanded tax credits for lower-income households were among the top Democratic priorities emerging Wednesday ahead of a special session that will convene Friday to provide property tax relief.But legislative leaders were still sorting out details for their approach to what’s expected to be the legislative centerpiece — how to directly head off historic increases that will hit property tax bills across the state early next year, with median value increases running at about 40%. It was also not yet clear how much those increases might be scaled back.Lawmakers will gather under the Gold Dome for a minimum of three days, working through the weekend to forge a post-Proposition HH path forward. Gov. Jared Polis called the special session in the aftermath of voters’ resounding no vote in the Nov. 7 election — by nearly 19 percentage points — on a ballot measure that he and other Democrats in the Capitol had championed.Democrats have a sup...

What to do this weekend: Mariah Carey’s Christmas, Botanic Gardens lights, a 7-year-old fashion star

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

Mariah Carey’s early Christmas presentTuesday. The aurally iconic voice behind “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” a classic of Christmas pop, will headline Ball Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 21, in what promises to be the most Christmas-y concert of the week (and that’s saying something).The Denver show from Mariah Carey and her Merry Christmas One and All! tour is one of only 13 dates this winter. “This festive event is a celebration of the global superstar’s timeless collection of holiday classics including the record-breaking mega-hit, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You,’ and fan favorite chart toppers,” promoter Live Nation wrote.If that’s your jam, head to 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver for the 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are still available, though be warned that many are pricey (if verified) resales from Ticketmaster. $85-$200, ticketmaster.comGaylord Rockies visitors prepare to slide down the ice as part of the annual ICE! event ...

Pretty in pink: Denver Zoo opens new exhibit for an old favorite

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

Flamingos aren’t new to the Denver Zoo, but the magnificent pink and white birds will move into some shiny new digs on Thursday when the organization opens an upgraded habitat.Related ArticlesThings To Do | Denver Zoo welcomes new Amur tiger, Viktor Things To Do | Things to do this weekend: Lil Yachty at the Fillmore, sea monsters at the Denver Zoo Inspired by the Andean Highlands in Chile, the habitat features multiple wading pools, nesting spaces and indoor/outdoor living spaces for the American and Chilean flamingos. That’s better for their well-being, the Zoo said, as for guests who want to see the colorful flock.“We’re grateful to our dedicated guests, members and donors who have rallied behind our flamingos to bring this remarkable new habitat to life and provide the best possible home for our flock,” said Denver Zoo President Bert Vescolani in a statement.“Those who invest in the future of Denver Zoo are ensuring we can continue to ...

Good Golly Ms Dolly: Dolly Parton has recorded a rock album, because why not?

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

Good Golly Ms Dolly: When Dolly Parton was first nominated for and then inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year, certain quarters of the rock community lost their collective shit. Never mind the fact that a precedent has long been set by that institution that they’re using the term “rock & roll” in its broadest sense, feathers were well and truly ruffled. “She’s country, they have their own hall of fame, she doesn’t belong in ours.”(Courtesy of Butterfly Records / Photos by Vijat Mohindra)Frankly, it stunk of simplistic thinking. But ultimately, it all comes down to whether one views “rock & roll” as a genre or a spirit, a feeling. We’ve always veered toward the latter, which is why the likes of Public Enemy, and Kraftwerk, and yes, ABBA, absolutely deserve their spot. As does Dolly Parton.The Queen of country has influenced countless musicians across countless scenes, smashing glass ceilings and kicking down metaphorical doors. When she initially, graciousl...

South Bay school district considers a plan to save Japanese at Lynbrook High

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

Just a few months ago, one of the country’s most renowned high school Japanese programs was at risk of extinction. Struggling with declining enrollment, the Fremont Union High School District had planned to phase out Japanese classes at three of its five campuses — but after an outpouring of community opposition, the district is considering changing course.Although a final decision won’t be made until January, efforts are being made to retain the program at Lynbrook, Homestead and Fremont high schools, and phase it out at Cupertino and Monta Vista. Chinese — whose projected cut at Homestead was also contested by the community — will continue to be offered at that school, while French would be phased out at Fremont High.Since 2019, enrollment in Fremont Union’s world language offerings have dropped by 18%, while total enrollment has dropped by 12%, according to the district. Fremont Union also anticipates its student population will drop by more than 2,0...

More pandas will be coming to the US, China’s president signals

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

By DIDI TANG | Associated PressSAN FRANCISCO  — Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled that China will send new pandas to the United States, calling them “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.”“We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation, and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples,” Xi said Wednesday during a dinner speech with business leaders.The gesture came at the end of a day in which Xi and President Joe Biden held their first face to face meeting in a year and pledged to try to reduce tensions. Xi did not share additional details on when or where pandas might be provided but appeared to suggest the next pair of pandas are most likely to come to California, probably San Diego.The bears have long been the symbol of the U.S.-China friendship since Beijing gifted a pair of pandas to the National Zoo in Washington in 1972, ahead of the normalizati...

Can I keep out-of-state plates as a part-time California resident if I take property tax exemption?: Roadshow

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

Q: I moved from California to the Midwest over a decade ago. Starting next year, my wife and I plan to spend winters in San Jose and the other time in the Midwest, which will remain our primary residence and California will be our part-time residence. As I own property in California and will claim an exemption, per the Franchise Tax Board, I would be a California resident.Can I keep my out-of-state plates and registration “forever,” renewing annually, until I move permanently to California? I’ll be spending three to four months at a time in California.AnonymousA: The DMV answered your question. If a driver claims a property tax exemption in California, then they are considered a California resident and must register their vehicle in California. A customer can only claim one primary residence. More information on what constitutes a “California resident” can be found on the DMV’s website at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-determine-residency-when-fees-are-due-on-out-of-stat...

49ers thriving on opening statements on offense and defense

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

SANTA CLARA — It took exactly two series for the 49ers to demonstrate they were back on track against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a tone-setting opening act.The 49ers are at their best as front-runners. Get a lead, then dictate the pace while gradually squeezing the life out of their opponent like a boa constrictor. They’ve been that way for a few years now, but have taken it to an extreme with a 6-3 record in 2023.When the 49ers forced a three-and-out on defense on the first series, then drove 57 yards in four plays culminated by an ill-advised but ultimately successful 13-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Brandon Aiyuk, it was their sixth opening-possession touchdown in nine games.Throw in a first-drive field goal against the New York Giants, and the 49ers have scored 45 points on their first drive while giving up just 13. In their three-game losing streak, the 49ers had a first-drive touchdown against Cleveland but ended up losing 19-17, lost a fumble by Chris...

Walters: Major California freeway closed by fire center of controversy again

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

If any freeway is a cultural icon, it is Interstate 10, which stretches more than 2,460 miles through eight southern tier states, from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica to the Atlantic in Jacksonville, Florida.Its iconic status is especially evident in Southern California, where it is known by several names as it runs through the heart of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, carrying 300,000 vehicles a day.A portion of Interstate 10 in Los Angeles is empty on Monday. (Dean Musgrove/The Orange County Register via AP)To those who continue the region’s tradition of naming roadways, it’s the Santa Monica Freeway. Traffic reporters refer to it as “The 10.” At one time, there was even a serious movement for Christopher Columbus – before, of course, the explorer became politically incorrect.By any name, I-10 is an important artery for a region that still depends on autos and trucks to carry people and goods. Its vital role makes it, from time to time, a political lightning rod.The freew...

Monterey road rage incident leads to hit and run

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:11:52 GMT

MONTEREY – A road rage incident lead to a hit and run near the Casanova Oak Knoll neighborhood, and ended in an arrest.The Monterey Police Department said a road rage incident Nov. 6, led to a traffic collision and escalated into a physical fight between both drivers. After the fight, witnesses said one of the drivers, William Holland, 24, purposely hit the other driver as he left the area.Police said Holland then crashed his own car into the other driver’s car which caused major damage to both vehicles. Holland fled the scene on foot.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Los Angeles PD investigating why day laborers’ report of bags full of body parts ignored Crime and Public Safety | Oakland police seek tips on how body ended stuffed in suitcase Crime and Public Safety | In need of a Hells Angels expert, Santa Clara County’s DA turned to an Antioch cop on leave in racist text scandal Crime and Public Safety | Fran...