https://www.kevinfordougco.com/

Kevin Leung for State Senate, Castle Pines, CO (2026)

05/29/2026

🔥💧 Drought, Fire Danger, and Brown Lawns: Should Homeowners Be Fined for Conserving Water?

As Douglas County policymakers consider whether to permit professional fireworks displays this July 4th, I urge them to place public safety first.

Colorado is experiencing one of its driest starts to the year in recent memory. Historically low snowpack, worsening drought conditions, dry vegetation, and elevated wildfire risk have prompted state and local agencies to take action.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board has activated Phase 2 of the Colorado Drought Response Plan as drought conditions expand across much of the state.

On June 2, the Town of Castle Rock Government Council will take a final vote on an ordinance designed to protect homeowners who conserve water during drought conditions. The proposed ordinance would:

✅ Prohibit HOAs and metro districts from fining residents for brown or dormant lawns during declared drought stages.

✅ Prevent neighborhood associations from enforcing landscaping or watering requirements that conflict with town drought restrictions.

✅ Automatically apply throughout Castle Rock whenever a drought stage is declared, whether restrictions are voluntary or mandatory.

The ordinance recognizes an important reality: residents should not be penalized for doing the right thing and conserving water during drought conditions.

At the same time, many Colorado communities have already implemented Stage 1 drought restrictions, including Denver, Aurora, Arvada, City of Brighton, and Town of Erie, and Golden. Most now limit outdoor watering to two days per week and prohibit watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Here in Douglas County, water providers are also responding:

💧 Highlands Ranch remains under a Drought Watch with outdoor watering limited to three days per week. The Highlands Ranch Community Association, and Highlands Ranch Metro District canceled the 2026 Civic Green fireworks celebration due to drought conditions and Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

💧 Castle Rock declared Stage 1: Advisory drought conditions on May 19 and is asking residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 10%, while mandatory outdoor watering schedules remain in effect through September 30.

💧 Parker Water & Sanitation District is encouraging voluntary conservation and delaying sprinkler activation.

💧 Roxborough Water & Sanitation District maintains seasonal watering restrictions and encourages efficient water use.

Meanwhile, Douglas County remains under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, joining approximately 15 Colorado counties facing elevated wildfire danger.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

🔥 Open burning is prohibited.

🔥 Fireworks remain prohibited for residents.

🔥 Campfires are restricted except in approved locations.

🔥 Activities that could spark wildfires should be avoided.

These restrictions apply throughout unincorporated Douglas County, including Larkspur, and Castle Pines.

The choices we make today can help preserve our water supply, protect homes and open space, and reduce wildfire risk for our communities tomorrow.

❓Do you support Castle Rock’s proposed ordinance preventing HOAs and metro districts from fining homeowners for brown or dormant lawns during declared drought conditions?

Should other Douglas County communities—including Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Sterling Ranch, and Roxborough—adopt similar protections for homeowners?

Why or why not?

05/24/2026

🔥 Fireworks, Wildfire Risk, and Responsible Leadership in Douglas County (Colorado)

Most of us love celebrating the 4th of July. Fireworks are part of a long American tradition that brings families and communities together.

But Douglas County also knows firsthand how quickly conditions can turn dangerous during drought season.

Less than a year ago, a fireworks-related fire near Stonegate showed how rapidly dry vegetation can ignite after a fireworks malfunction:
https://youtu.be/JWp5F1jrMu8?si=tRPYpwMvibtjgI4B

Douglas County currently remains under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to ongoing dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.

The County’s official fireworks transparency page outlines the extensive review process required before any professional fireworks show moves forward, including:
• Fire department review
• Law enforcement coordination
• Environmental and wildlife review
• Site inspections
• Vendor licensing and insurance
• Final safety approval based on real-time conditions

Importantly, County officials state these decisions are made in consultation with fire and law enforcement professionals based on public safety considerations, not political party officers!

Back in 2020, fireworks displays were canceled because conditions were considered too dangerous:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv5P5lW4cas

Many residents are asking whether this year’s drought and wildfire conditions may be just as serious — or worse.

At the same time, Douglas County Republicans and community partners have announced efforts to “Save the 4th” after Highlands Ranch canceled its fireworks show. Supporters argue that a professionally managed display may be safer than individuals setting off fireworks throughout neighborhoods. That is a reasonable point worth considering.

Still, residents across the political spectrum deserve transparency and thoughtful discussion about:
❓How final safety decisions will be made
❓What conditions would trigger cancellation
❓Whether taxpayer resources are involved
❓How wildfire risk is being balanced with community traditions
❓How to protect both public safety and responsible celebration

This does not need to become a partisan issue.

Protecting our communities, supporting first responders, respecting taxpayer dollars, and preserving cherished traditions can all coexist — but only if decisions are made carefully, transparently, and with safety first.

Douglas County fireworks transparency page:
https://www.douglasco.gov/board-county-commissioners/transparency/fireworks/

05/18/2026

Douglas County has grown from roughly 70,000 residents decades ago to nearly 400,000 today — yet we still operate with only 3 county commissioners.

Now, residents are proposing expanding the Board of County Commissioners from 3 to 5 members to improve representation, accountability, and transparency.

Opponents — including the Douglas County GOP, which strongly supported the failed 2025 Home Rule effort — are criticizing the proposal because adding two commissioners could cost roughly $500,000.

But let’s put that into perspective.

Douglas County’s 2026 amended budget is nearly $694 million.

And the same leaders expressing concern over $500,000 had little concern when:
• Douglas County spent $704,044 taxpayer dollars on the failed June 2025 Home Rule special election
• Nearly $498,000 went toward running the off-year election
• Another $206,130 went toward promotional mailers and the county “white book” advocating the measure

Voters rejected Home Rule overwhelmingly, with more than 71% voting NO.

At the same time:
• The County is moving forward with approximately $100 million in COP debt for the Zebulon Sports Complex without direct voter approval
• Massive decisions can currently be made by a simple 2-person majority on a 3-member board

Supporters of expanding to 5 commissioners argue it would:
✔ Improve local representation
✔ Reduce concentration of power
✔ Increase accountability and transparency
✔ Better reflect a county approaching 400,000 residents

No matter where you stand on increasing commissioners from 3 to 5, residents deserve the right to decide this issue at the ballot box.

👉 If you believe voters should have a choice in November, please sign the petition.

Douglas County residents deserve a serious conversation about governance, representation, and accountability in one of Colorado’s fastest-growing counties.

Learn more:
https://www.denver7.com/news/politics/douglas-county-residents-push-to-expand-board-of-county-commissioners-from-3-to-5

https://www.facebook.com/Denver7News/posts/a-citizen-led-initiative-is-gathering-steam-to-put-the-question-of-expanding-the/1440022964833113/

https://www.facebook.com/3to5dougco

https://www.3to5dougco.com

05/13/2026

🌟 What an inspiring afternoon at the 4th Colorado International Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition!

It was my honor to attend this beautiful celebration of traditional Chinese art and culture. A special highlight was meeting the head monk from the Denver Buddhist Cultural Society — originally from Malaysia, she has been serving in Denver for the past six months. Her warmth and presence added so much depth to the experience.

We were also privileged to view original calligraphy works by the revered Hsing Yun (星雲大師), founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastic order and one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Taiwanese Buddhism. Seeing his powerful brushwork in person was truly moving.

Mayor Mike Coffman did a wonderful job opening the exhibition and even surprised everyone by showcasing his own two-word calligraphy piece!

Grateful for these meaningful cultural exchanges right here in Colorado. Events like this bring our diverse community together through art and shared appreciation.

05/12/2026

📈 Inflation is rising again — and Colorado families are feeling squeezed.

The latest report shows United States inflation climbed to 3.8% in April 2026, the highest level in nearly 3 years. Rising gasoline and energy costs tied to the Iran conflict are major drivers.

As of May 2026, national average gas prices have climbed to about $4.55/gallon — up from roughly $3.12 on Inauguration Day in January 2025.

Today, the average Colorado household is estimated to spend more than $20,000 more per year on necessities compared to pre-COVID levels.

Colorado families are being hit hard by:
🏡 housing costs
⚡ utilities
👶 childcare
🚗 fuel and transportation
🛒 groceries and essentials

Many families are cutting back spending, carrying more debt, and delaying major purchases just to keep up.

Meanwhile, the PENTAGON estimates the Iran war has already cost about $29 billion, with additional defense spending requests expected.

In communities like Highlands Ranch, Lone tree, Castle Pines, Sterling Ranch, and Roxborough Park, inflation affects everyday life — from groceries and commuting to mortgages and household bills.

People may disagree on politics, but most agree on this:
Colorado families are feeling squeezed.

What rising costs are impacting your family the most right now?

Sources: https://nz.finance.yahoo.com/news/us-inflation-rose-3-8-131618427.html

05/10/2026

🎉 A Double Celebration! 🎉

It is such an incredible honor to stand before you all today! We have two amazing reasons to celebrate: the successful conclusion of another fantastic year at the Denver Chinese School and the wonderful Mother’s Day we are sharing with all the parents here.

To DCS students: your hard work and dedication to learning have been truly inspiring. To the mothers and parents: thank you for your endless support and for making this community so vibrant.

Let’s raise a cheer for our graduates, our heritage, and the incredible women who make it all possible. Happy Mother's Day and Happy End of the School Year!

05/08/2026

Yesterday, our community came together for the STEM School Highlands Ranch Remembrance & Resiliency Community Walk, organized by STEM, to honor those whose lives were forever changed by the tragic May 7, 2019 school shooting.

Thank you to the students, families, educators, first responders, community organizations, and neighbors who showed up in support, remembrance, and unity. Your presence reminded us that even in the face of tragedy, community matters.

Yesterday’s walk was not only about remembering the victims and survivors, but also about honoring resilience, healing, and the strength of a community that continues to stand together seven years later.

But remembrance alone is not enough.

We cannot allow school shootings to become something society simply accepts as “normal.” Children should not have to practice lockdown drills wondering if one day it will be real. Teachers should not have to fear for their lives while educating students. Parents should not have to carry anxiety every time they drop their children off at school.

Preventing violence in our schools must be a shared commitment. It requires schools, families, mental health professionals, law enforcement, first responders, elected leaders, and communities to work together — not only after tragedy strikes, but before it happens. We must continue investing in student mental health, early intervention, trusted relationships, safe school environments, and a culture where every student feels seen, supported, and valued.

Thank you to the Douglas County School District, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Commissioners, counselors, volunteers, and all community partners who helped make this meaningful event possible.

We remember those we lost.
We stand with the survivors.
And we recommit ourselves to building a future where no child has to experience this again. 💙

05/06/2026

⛽ Gas AND diesel prices are rising — and Colorado families are feeling it everywhere.

At Sam’s Club in Castle Rock, today, regular unleaded was $4.599 per gallon. On the gas pump was one of those “I DID THAT!” stickers with President Trump pointing at the price display.

Whether people agree with the sticker or not, it captures something many Americans are feeling right now:Frustration over the rising cost of everyday life.

According to AAA:
🇺🇸 National average gasoline price: $4.48/gallon
🏔 Colorado average gasoline price: $4.43/gallon
🚛 Colorado diesel average: $5.50/gallon

Just one year ago, Colorado’s average gas price was about $3.06/gallon.

Since the Iran conflict disrupted global oil markets earlier this year, national gasoline prices have reportedly climbed roughly 50%. Families, commuters, and businesses across Colorado are now seeing the impact directly at the pump.

And diesel matters more than many people realize.

When diesel prices rise even higher than gasoline, the people hit hardest are:
🚚 truck drivers and shipping companies
🌾 farmers and ranchers
🏗 construction companies
🚒 service fleets and contractors
🛒 grocery supply chains
🏔 tourism and mountain delivery businesses

Most of the goods we depend on every day — food, appliances, building materials, online deliveries, and retail products — are transported by diesel-powered trucks.

That means rising diesel and gasoline prices eventually affect almost everything:
🍎 grocery bills
📦 shipping and delivery costs
🏡 home construction and repairs
🛠 small business expenses
💵 overall inflation and household budgets

For many families in Highlands Ranch, City of Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Sterling Ranch, and Roxborough Park, driving long distances is simply part of daily life. Rising fuel costs create real pressure on working families and small businesses alike.

Most people in our community — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike — want the same basic things:
✔ affordable living
✔ stable energy prices
✔ economic predictability
✔ strong local businesses
✔ less financial stress on working families

In a purple district like State Senate District 30, people may disagree on politics, but most agree that rising costs are hurting everyday Americans.

What are gas and diesel prices looking like where you live?

Kevin Leung for State Senate

05/29/2026

05/24/2026

05/18/2026

05/13/2026

05/12/2026

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

05/06/2026

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