The Beginning of the Dispute
In early 2021, Taralyn Romero relocated to Kittredge, Colorado, excited for her new home nestled next to Bear Creek. However, what began as a dream quickly spiraled into a nightmare when she discovered that local residents had long enjoyed access to the creek and beach that were now a part of her private property.
Community Outrage at Town Hall
In May 2022, tensions erupted at a local town hall meeting where Romero faced a furious crowd demanding access to the creek. Many residents were angry that she had restricted their long-standing enjoyment of the area. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, Romero’s situation was deteriorating as she sensed growing hostility from her neighbors.
The Legal Battle Begins
Two months after the town hall, Jefferson County filed a lawsuit against Romero, claiming that the government owned the beach on her property based on adverse possession. The county alleged that access to the sandy beach had been illegally occupied by the public for years, setting the stage for a heated legal battle.
Negotiation Attempts
In hopes of reaching a compromise, Romero sought negotiations with the county to either lease her land for public use or create a shared access agreement. However, her efforts were met with resistance as officials pushed for rights to the land.
The Doctrine of Adverse Possession
In July 2022, the lawsuit brought forth by Jefferson County leveraged the concept of adverse possession, claiming the longstanding public use of the beach justified their claim over the land. Romero’s legal team countered, stating that the property boundaries were explicitly defined by survey maps—not the changing landscape of Bear Creek.
A Call to Arms
Feeling a sense of relief after the lawsuit was filed, Romero stated, “Now we can just go to war, and I don’t have to pretend anymore.” With the support of her TikTok followers, she became an advocate for property rights, gathering community support and bringing attention to her case.
The Power of Social Media
Romero utilized social media to share her experiences, garnering millions of views on her TikTok videos depicting confrontations and updates on her battle. Public pressure from across the globe influenced the county’s stance on the issue.
Resolution and Reflection
Ultimately, Romero settled the lawsuit in late 2023, agreeing to sell part of her land containing the creek for $250,000. Although she grappled with feelings of displacement and betrayal from her community, she emerged emboldened to champion property rights for others facing similar struggles.
A New Chapter
Romero’s fight not only impacted her personal journey but also highlighted the complex nature of property ownership in shared communities. Now, she continues to advocate for individual property rights and remains critical of neighbors who tried to undermine her ownership. “Shame on you,” she declares, reminding us of the fragility and importance of true ownership.
