Top five people -- Jello, UFO ambassador, Dem Nest builder, Forrest and East medalist

August 22, 10:28 AMDenver People ExaminerErnie Tucker

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David's mission accomplished
(davidoliverhurdles.blogspot.com)

Sure the looming shadow of Obamapalooza and the DNC is on Denver, so naturally, the top five people this week will include folks connected to the civic circus. And while the usual suspects are in the spotlight -- Mayor John Hickenlooper, Gov. Bill Ritter and  Sen. Ken Salazar -- there are others who shining. So let’s begin with:

5. There’s always room for Jello, Biafra, that is. The former Boulderite Eric Reed Boucher, who gained a measure of infamy with the politcally-themed Dead Kennedys (but has recently battled with former members) is expected in Denver as part of a Ralph Nader event on Wednesday which reportedly will also include Sean Penn and Val Kilmer. Say hello to Jello/Eric at DU.

4 Jeff Peckman and his quest to infinity and beyond. Denver’s homegrown spaceman, who wants a ballot initiative to create an office for space outreach, says he’s willing to share insights with Barack Obama – and any of the expected 20,000 journalists here. Perhaps he’ll bring his iPod loaded with David Bowie’s “Major Tom” and Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”

3. When Linda Alvarado founded Denver-based Alvarado Construction Inc. in 1976, it’s doubtful whether she envisioned something like redoing the Pepsi Center for the Democratic National Convention. In partnership with Turner Construction Co. and HOK Sports Facilities Group, the original architect of The Can, Alvarado’s crew has been part of the transformation into the set which has been likened to a giant video game display. As she said at the time, "This is so much more than a construction project for us," said Alvarado. "This is an opportunity for our partnership of companies to engage in an event that's of incredible significance to the Denver community."

2. Chris McGahey has had a tough week, but not as tough as his pet pit bull, Forrest (likeTom Hanks' lovable Forrest Gump, the owner says), who is being held at the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter after being picked up a second time on the loose. Pit bulls are banned in the city, an ordinance upheld in court four years ago, and the pooch could be put to sleep. McGahey, who visits daily to bring his “son” stew faces jail and a $999 fine, but plans a court fight this fall, and says he can move the dog to his father’s home in Arizona.

1. Colorado had its share of bling in Beijing, including a wrestling gold in the 55-kilogram class from Colorado Springs Coronado High grad Henry Cejudo, the son of illegal immigrants (calling Tom Tancredo!) who moved from Arizona to become a Cougar as a junior, and Alexander "Sasha" Artemev, the Highlands Ranch gymnast who helped the USA men's team win bronze by acing the pommel horse. But the best local angle is 2000 East High grad David Oliver, an early favorite who managed a bronze in the 110-meter hurdles. Oliver cited the support of  the flock at Scott United Methodist Church in Denver (which may be why his blog says “God gave me style”),  his mom’s co-workers at UPS, but most of all, his mother, Brenda Chambers, who herself was in track and encouraged him to stick with it after his first day as an East High Angel when he threw up repeatedly during a grueling workout. Cheers, David.