Property Rights Under Attack: French Bakery Fights Zoning Overreach

On August 15, 2025, Kim Monson devoted her Friday broadcast to the fight for property rights, featuring Professor Kurt Gerwitz in studio alongside bakery owner Rachel Dufour, USMC Memorial Foundation President Paula Sarlls, Second Syndicate co-founders Teddy Collins and Alicia Garcia, and citizen activist Dana Busch.

Jefferson County Threatens French Bakery Over Zoning Technicalities

Start listening at 33:00 – Hour 1

Kurt Gerwitz brought the story of Et Voila French Bakery to the show after discovering the business on a cycling forum. The bakery, perched atop Lookout Mountain, faces shutdown threats from Jefferson County zoning officials over trailers used by bakers who must start work at 3 a.m. to have fresh pastries ready by opening. Gerwitz noted the absurdity of zoning officials having opinions on how to run a bakery.

Rachel Dufour, the bakery’s owner, explained that she and her sister came from France, fell in love with America, and became naturalized U.S. citizens. They launched the bakery to support their nonprofit that provides counseling for pastors and missionaries. Before signing their lease, they received verbal approval from both the landlord and a realtor who claimed to serve on a zoning commission. Despite following every step requested by zoning officials since September, they now face a Monday deadline to remove their trailers or face potential fines.

“It’s not our dream to sleep where we work.”

Rachel Dufour, Owner, Et Voila French Bakery

USMC Memorial Foundation Celebrates 48th Anniversary

Start listening at 9:52 – Hour 1

Paula Sarlls, president of the USMC Memorial Foundation, announced the 48th anniversary celebration at the Marine memorial at Six and Colfax on August 23rd. The event features Marine veteran David Bray performing, food trucks, and opportunities to purchase commemorative bricks honoring veterans. Sarlls, a Marine veteran and Gold Star wife, explained that brick purchases range from $125 to $400 depending on size and location, with certificates provided immediately while the memorial undergoes remodeling.

“It’s really nice when they’re still living and they can see the certificate and the brick and they know it’s going to be laid, I think, in their honor and they just cherish those certificates so much.”

Paula Sarlls, President, USMC Memorial Foundation

Colorado Gun Laws Target Firearms Industry

Start listening at 64:56 – Hour 2

Teddy Collins, co-founder of the Second Syndicate and co-owner of Spartan Defense in Colorado Springs, warned that Colorado’s new 6.5% excise tax on firearms and ammunition represents a deliberate strategy to undermine Second Amendment rights by targeting the businesses that facilitate gun ownership. Collins urged listeners to support local firearms dealers, noting that without them, citizens will have no way to exercise their constitutional rights.

Alicia Garcia, also with the Second Syndicate and the Colorado Federal Firearms Licensees Association, revealed that state officials showed up at gun shops on the very first day new laws took effect, ready to scrutinize compliance. She announced upcoming events including a September 13th gathering at the Damage Factory and an October 4th range day at Spartan Defense featuring high-end firearms brands.

“It’s death by a thousand cuts. That’s the intent. And I mean the true intent behind this, and the reason they’re going after the firearms industry and the firearms stores in Colorado is because they’re trying to take the constitutional rights by going after the businesses that facilitate it.”

Teddy Collins, Co-Owner, Spartan Defense

Denver Residents Fight Forced General Improvement District

Start listening at 78:52 – Hour 2

Dana Busch exposed how Denver officials are attempting to force a General Improvement District on Cherry Creek North residents despite over 65% voting against it in surveys. The GID would add property tax assessments to fund city-managed amenities like flower pots and security, services Busch argues should already be covered by existing taxes. A consultant named Jamie Gillis has already been paid $15,000 from city council budgets to push the initiative, with total compensation expected to reach $100,000.

Busch detailed how surveys were designed to lead respondents toward desired conclusions, with the option to decline buried at the very end. Working groups are being conducted exclusively on Zoom despite residents offering hybrid meeting locations. She noted the irony that the Ballpark GID’s entire budget goes toward paying 21 people to clean up feces and intervene with homeless individuals, tasks that should be the city’s basic responsibility.

“Over 65 percent of us say we’re not interested, and when we mean we’re not interested, there’s nothing to talk about.”

Dana Busch, Cherry Creek North Resident