DENVER — Denver’s Civic Center Park is bustling with well-dressed people weaving between gourmet food trucks jammed into its center. Some drift toward the Greek pavilion to make selfies in front of the fountain and turn to nod at the woman sitting on a park bench. Yoko Yokota’s day started at 4:30 a.m., a bit […]
Melanie J. Rice's Stories
Produce stands to sprout soon in Denver
July 26, 2014

DENVER — Pop-up produce stands may be coming soon to a yard near you. On Monday, the Denver City Council voted 9-1 to allow home retail sales of fresh produce and cottage foods grown by the seller on residential property. The Colorado Cottage Foods Act of 2012 made this possible, without the food licensing required […]
Denver park draws more than foodies
July 11, 2014

DENVER — Well-dressed people weave between gourmet food trucks jammed into the center of Denver’s Civic Center Park. Some drift over to the fountain near the Greek pavilion and nod toward the woman sitting on a park bench. Yoko Yokota’s day started at 4:30 a.m., a bit earlier than usual. Another woman woke her by […]
Westwood Summer Fiesta celebrates culture, connects to resources
June 1, 2014

DENVER — The second annual Westwood Summer Fiesta held May 31 celebrated the neighborhood’s diverse local culture and connected residents with community resources. It featured food with a local flair, activities for kids, community groups and not-profits, Denver Fire Department representatives and lively music and dance. It was sponsored by Jesus of Nazareth Compassion Ministries, […]
Food fight heats up in Colorado
May 24, 2014

DENVER – A growing movement in Colorado that reflects a national trend, would require statewide labeling for foods containing GMOs. GMOs are organisms that have been genetically modified at the DNA level. This may include the addition of genetic material from other plants, bacteria or viruses. Colorado is one of many states, which in absence […]
Upcoming ballot initiatives reflect Coloradans’ diversity, polarization
May 15, 2014

DENVER — From school funding to bovine tail docking – Coloradans’ diverse concerns are reflected in pending 2013-14 statewide ballot initiatives. The Colorado constitution allows citizen-generated proposals to be placed on the statewide ballot provided they meet certain requirements. The path is complex, but well documented. It includes a review and comment session, titling by […]
GMO roast in Denver calls for labeling, media coverage
May 1, 2014

DENVER – A group of 15-20 people gathered for a GMO roast in front of The Denver Post building Tuesday. It was sponsored by We Are Change Colorado, part of a national, grassroots activism organization. Organizers said they called for more media attention and hoped to raise awareness of what GMOs are and to promote […]
Got insurance?
April 17, 2014

With few exceptions, the Affordable Care Act requires all U.S. residents, even busy and financially challenged college students, to have health insurance coverage or face a penalty. Though some students may qualify for insurance under their parents’ coverage, many MSU Denver students take advantage of the school’s insurance program or other options. If not insured […]
“Isms” pose challenges for journalists
April 15, 2014

If society and journalists had not viewed and reported on many groups in our society with bias, the press would not have to step so carefully today. Though the impact to journalists can’t be compared to the results that prejudice has had on the people who society discounted, its effect on reporters will be felt […]
Small city governments face same challenges as larger cities
April 1, 2014

SHERIDAN, Colo. — Don Smith has lived in Sheridan for more than 30 years. He’s worked construction through boom and bust cycles for most of that time. Now, the work has shifted to where there’s plenty of gas and oil, so he follows the work, often living in extended-stay type motels. Motels that he says, […]
August 1, 2014
1 Comment