Neighborhood Gazette –September 2019 – Wheat Ridge

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR Wheat Ridge City Elections Page 4

LOCALWORKS UPDATE Easy Ways to Become More Civically Engaged Page 5

WEST METRO FIRE ARM Car Program Rolls Out New “Wheels” Page 7

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WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE | BERKELEY September 17 – October 14, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE

Local Councils Offer Varied Approach To Tobacco-related Regulation ■ By

Mike McKibbin

T

obacco-related products may or may not be sold to minors in Lakewood or Edgewater as neither city had conducted compliance checks. Wheat Ridge, meanwhile, just started developing its regulations to ban the sale of such products to youth and require city licenses.

Earlier this year, the Edgewater City Council voted unanimously to raise the minimum legal sale age for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21. The city first required tobacco product retailer licenses on Feb. 1, 2017.

Edgewater also raised the age to obtain a tobacco retailer license from 18 to 21; required retail tobacco businesses to set a minimum store customer age of 21 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian; and made it illegal to provide tobacco to any person under 21 by gift, sale or any other means.

Retailers that violate those regulations risk revocation of their tobacco retailer license.

Meanwhile, the Lakewood City Council unanimously passed a non-cigarette tobacco retailer licensing ordinance requiring any city business selling such products to purchase Continued on page 12

GORGEOUS WEATHER AND BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK highlighted the 2019 Ridgefest, held in the heart of the Ridge at 38 district. The September 7th event, hosted by Localworks, featured bluegrass bands, a classic car show, chalk art, vendors, crafts for kids and adults, food trucks, beer, wine, lots of kids’ activities and more.

PHOTO BY BECKY OLSTAD

Wheat Ridge Is The Perfect Base Camp For Adventure ■ By

Nancy Hahn

W

heat Ridge is full of entertaining adventures and activities and has so many political events coming up. Whether you enjoy exploring tastes in furniture and home styles or even tasting some local honey, you can find it in Wheat Ridge. If you would enjoy exploring something older than vintage homes in Wheat Ridge, you can even explore the no. 1 dinosaur track site in the United States: Dinosaur Ridge. Wheat Ridge makes a perfect base camp.

For the politically inclined

Nextdoor.com and other online forums are full of comments and questions about what is being built in Wheat Ridge and where its being built. These sites also are full of opinions for and against new development.

What about TABOR? Should we keep it or get rid of it? What do the candidates for office in

event will be streamed on Channel 8 and live streamed on YouTube.

For the hiker, photographer and paleontologist

Dinosaur Ridge is about 20 minutes Continued on page 2

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Communities That Care: Thriving, Healthy and Safe Community for Our Youth

For the home shopper

4 Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market at 7043 W. 38th Ave. is hosting its Colorado Honey Festival on Sept. 21 and 22. There will be crafts and games to enjoy and several varieties of honey to taste. In addition, there will be demonstrations and information about beekeeping. If you would enjoy more of a farmer’s market experience, 5 Fridges Farmer’s Market has goods not only from 5 Fridges Farm but from 10 other vendors, too. There are fresh eggs, treats, meats and garden produce for sale. Also for sale are handmade products like natural soaps, lotions and gluten-free flours. The vendors are all local Colorado producers. There are also goats, chickens, cows, a turkey or two and other farm animals to watch and enjoy when you’ve filled your hamper.

If you enjoy Mid-Century and Modern home furnishings and homes, visit wearelocalworks.org for tickets to the sixhome, self-guided tour held on Sept. 28.

Your ticket also grants you entry to the afterparty at ModMood at 44th Ave. and Zephyr St. in Wheat Ridge. Enjoy their midcentury modern furnishings.

the Wheat Ridge elections have to say? Find out on Sept. 24 when all the candidates have a chance to introduce themselves and share their backgrounds, opinions, and what they believe they have to offer Wheat Ridge. The Wheat Ridge Election Forum will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at City Hall, 7500 W. 29th Ave. If you can’t make it to the forum, the

■ By

Sally Griffin

J

efferson County Communities That Care is an initiative that seeks a “thriving, healthy and safe community for our youth.” In 2017, when they were starting this initiative, the Coordinator, Pamela Gould, found out how important it is to listen to what young people have to say about what will help them be thriving, healthy and safe. First, she did her listening at home where her teenager suggested that she should hire youth and have them bring their friends to serve on focus groups tasked with talking about these issues. She did this by hiring youth research interns. These interns recruited focus group members, hosted the groups, read questions for groups to discuss and determined the snacks that should be served. These focus groups were to have a big impact on the project.

The eight focus groups talked about marijuana and alcohol use by underage youth and about interpersonal violence that is part of youth dating and sexual activity. Most importantly, they pointed out that youth are experiencing hopelessness and anxiety and indicated the connection they saw between substance abuse and sexual abuse. Pamela found it stunning how articulate the interns were about how they saw their world and how much they thought about why things were the way they were. This caused the initiative to look at not just the substance abuse and violence that they had expected, but also how to deal with the hopelessness and anxiety that may contribute to these issues.

Continued on page 2

PAMELA GOULD, coordinator of Communities that Care program, worked with her staff to develop a large coalition of community partners and volunteers to help youth in communties. PHOTO COURTESY PAMELA GOULD

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

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Communities Continued from page 1

The discoveries pushed Pamela and her staff to look for and find additional funding to deal with these issues.

Pamela and her staff also worked to develop a large coalition of community partners and volunteers. The feedback they received helped them design and implement a program that differs from any other program in the national Communities that Care network.

“My job is to facilitate a Jefferson County coalition that reduces risk factors and increases protective factors among Jefferson County youth,” Pamela says. “Our focus is preventing youth substance misuse, hopelessness, anxiety, sexual assault and relationship violence among youth in or community.”

It is a big job, but one Pamela is both qualified for and excited to take on. She started out teaching middle and high school. She obtained a master’s degree in community and behavioral health. She worked in educational support at Georgia Tech. She also worked as a writer, owned a small business and coordinated Healthy Jeffco. She was on Golden’s City Council. She is currently the chair of the Golden Urban Renewal Authority. And, as if all this isn’t enough, she loves volunteering for Front Range BEST Robotics. Her philosophy is straightforward: “We have a responsibility to use whatever talents we have and should work to contribute to the welfare of our community, particularly our youth. Local problems require local solutions.” She is very proud of the coalition, especially the fact that it uses data and assessment to ensure their efforts have even more impact.

Another takeaway: the coalition learned Jeffco youth feel their fellow teenagers can be inappropriate and mean to each other verbally, electronically and physically.

16 percent of them have been bullied on the school grounds and 14 percent have been bullied electronically. Date rape and physical violence during dates are more common than anyone would like to admit.

During focus groups and town halls, youth explained that they often deal with stress and trauma through unhealthy coping mechanisms, like using alcohol, marijuana and someone else’s prescription. They also talked about depression and suicide attempts among themselves and their friends. However, youth feel that if they reach out, adults in the system will respond with brief or punitive interventions or by contacting others who cause the victim social, legal or school problems. They would like opportunities for prosocial involvement with families or trusted adults. They need a sense of purpose, healthy outlets and coping mechanisms. The Communities that Care Coalition is working hard to provide trusted adults to whom youth can talk and is training volunteers to host activities that

can help youth be stronger emotionally, intellectually and physically.

Jefferson County Communities That Cares is launching a few really exciting projects this fall. These include: • Twelve Talks to Have With Teens (twelvetalks.com), a web-based platform that provides reliable information, conversation starters, resources and links to local help on the twelve topics that teens in our community have highlighted as topics adults seem to have trouble discussing with them.

• The Trustable Adults Partnership (trustableadults.com) is an organized approach to communicating about, and cross-promoting, training opportunities for adults who work with youth. These trainings include positive youth development classes, suicide prevention trainings and much more.

• Navigating Substance Experimentation in Teens Parenting Workshops, a twohour workshop for parents or caregivers who are concerned that their youth has experimented with vape, tobacco, alcohol or marijuana. This free, two-hour workshop will be held on the first Wednesday of the month, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in Lakewood and will be taught by a professional therapist specializing in substance misuse.

“Our mission is to have a thriving, healthy and safe community for our youth,” Pamela says. “Our coalition relies on a combination of data and youth input to decide what actions we can take in our community to move toward our vision and then to select actions that are evidencebased with a broad base of partner support.

The reality is that none of us alone can make the changes we need to make for Jefferson County’s youth. But together, I think we can.”

The coalition is very interested in having you involved. To find out more ways you can help, reach out to Pamela and her staff at jcphctc@jeffco.us.

Adventures Continued from page 1

from Wheat Ridge but transports you back in time to the age of dinosaurs. Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison was rated the no. 1 track site in the United States by a panel of paleontologists and features over 300 tracks. The tracks are of three different dinosaurs and one crocodile-type creature.

The tracks have recently been darkened to make them more visible and are on the side of the ridge; the whole scene makes for a great view. When the tracks were made though, there was no ridge; there was a sandy, sea-level beach which made an excellent spot for leaving footprints. The site is also a great backdrop for photographs. A paved road provides the walkway for visitors and the gift shop has great dinosaur-themed treasures to take home. Visit dinoridge.org to learn more.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR Wheat Ridge City Elections sponsoring an election forum on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6-9 p.m. in city council chambers.

The candidates will have an opportunity to ike many communities around the introduce themselves, state their platforms country, our city election campaigns are and positions on the issues they care about underway and allow residents to learn more and answer questions posed by a moderator. about their neighbors who are running to Additionally, candidates will discuss serve in city government. In Wheat Ridge, upcoming ballot initiatives and share their each of the four districts has two or more positions. This is a great opportunity to get candidates running for city council. We to know the local candidates also have two candidates for city and issues on the ballot this clerk and one running for city November. treasurer.

With the technology Our elected officials work hard available today, residents can during city council meetings and also find information on the study sessions to provide oversight websites and/or social media of city government and attend accounts of the candidates. numerous ribbon cuttings, special Some candidates are also events and local community hosting “meet and greet” events meetings to engage with their around the city, so check out constituents. Sometimes viewed their Facebook pages or watch as thankless positions, these roles Bud Starker for neighbors to share the are vital for the health, safety and information on Nextdoor.com, well-being of our city. Each district Facebook or Twitter. While the city doesn’t councilperson represents those who live in provide information on candidates on the their district and responds to the concerns city’s website or social media accounts of those residents, answering questions and other than official documents and campaign providing clarity on decisions being made. finance reports, our local newspapers will These are the people who make decisions on provide names, photos and information your behalf about the ordinances and codes about candidates and ballot questions as that help us maintain the quality of life here the election draws near. in Wheat Ridge, and their efforts honor the Voting is a cherished right and vital values of those who founded What Ridge 50 duty in our democracy. Exercise your right years ago, all while shaping the policies that to vote and help determine who of our lead us into the future. fellow citizens will best lead our city into the As a resident of Wheat Ridge, you can future as city councilor, city treasurer and make a difference and have an impact city clerk. on these elected officials’ decisions by Contact Wheat Ridge mayor Bud Starkbecoming involved in this year’s election. er at bstarker@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303Get to know those who seek office this 235-2800.

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his year’s Apple Cider Day at the Wheat Ridge Historical Park (4610 Robb St.) on the second Saturday of October between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will be a little different.

Our Cider Press is in need of repair, so we will be making applesauce and dried apples instead. Bring your washed apples and bring clean containers in which to store your goods. You will be able to learn about pollinator gardens and their impact on our apple trees at the 11 a.m. program by Bonnie Botham. We will have lunch heated on the cook stove in the Soddy for a nominal cash donation at noon. We always have craft demonstrations and local musicians, so bring your voice or instrument and join in. You can bring your questions about the Wheat Ridge area to our historians or purchase some local history books and oldtime toys, too.

Our October Society meeting will be on the second Tuesday: Oct. 8. We will start at 6:30 p.m. with a board meeting followed by a members program at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be at the Red Brick Museum building. We will have snacks and a historic talk at the start of the program.

New members are encouraged to join us at these fun and informative monthly evening programs.

Mark your calendar for our annual members meeting: Nov 12. We will start with a 6:30 p.m. board meeting. Interested

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

in becoming an officer or board member?

Stop by and learn more before Oct. 1.

On the fourth Wednesday of the month between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., stop by the Historical Park to chat with the members of the Wheat Ridge Quilt Circle as they work on quilts and other crafts. The event is open to all crafters and the cost is $2.

Our Knit One, Crochet Too group meets the fourth Wednesday of the month between 7 and 9 p.m. The cost is $2. Bring a project and learn from other crafters, or just socialize.

The Historical Park is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can get a tour for just $2. The tour of the Historical Park’s five buildings includes the Soddy, the Brick Museum (a Sears Kit home from the 1900s), the Implement Shed with old time tools, the Johnson-Colhoun Cabin and the first Wheat Ridge post office. Groups of 10 or more should call 303-421-9111 ahead of time to schedule.

Our upcoming monthly second Saturday events include a Veteran’s recognition and flag pole dedication in November, a holiday celebration with a cookie and white elephant gift exchange in December and, in January 2020, a historical fashion show (a Victorian- and pioneer-themed show with prizes). We look forward to seeing you.

Our website is wheatridgehistorical society.org. Email us at wrhistorical@gmail. com or connect with us on Facebook: / WRHistoricalSociety.

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

LOCALWORKS UPDATE Easy Ways to Become More Civically Engaged YouTube. Search “City of Lakewood” there and look for the city’s channel.

Want to start closer to home? Consider re you looking to get more involved in hosting a block party or neighborhood your local community? There are so clean-up day. These are great ways to get many ways to participate, and whether you to know your neighbors. Knowing your have lots of time and energy to give or you neighbors makes your neighborhood can only fit in small acts of engagement, safer and maybe even cleaner. Localworks Localworks can help find something that provides neighborhood Block works for you. Localworks’ Party Grants and Dumpster Partners in Progress Committee Days Grants, so whether you is working hard to make civic want to invite your neighbors engagement fun and easy for all over for a barbecue or work with residents. them to clean up your block, If you’re looking for Localworks can help. something quick, start simple: Finally, you may want to take a moment or two to learn join in on the conversation. If more about the City of Wheat you want to contribute your Ridge. Do you know which opinions, you can write to your council district you live in? city council members or speak That’s a great place to start. during public comment at a From there, you can learn more Ashley Holland council meeting. These are great about the officials that represent ways to kick your engagement up a notch you. You can also sign up for several and make your voice heard. You might also different email and text communications consider joining a board or commission as from the city. These range in topic from fun spots become available. Joining allows you activities in your community to emergency to share your personal and/or professional alerts for your area. expertise with the city.

When you’re ready to take your You can learn more about these civic engagement to the next level, consider engagement options and find convenient attending or watching a city council meeting. links for each at wearelocalworks.org/ Regular city council meetings are held on engage-in-your-community.

If you’re the second and fourth Monday of the month interested in civic engagement, follow the at 7:00 p.m., and council study sessions are efforts of Localworks’ Partners in Progress held on the first and third Monday of the committee as we continue to explore ways month at 6:30 p.m. All meetings take place to get and stay involved in your community. at city hall: 7500 W 29th Ave. You can watch Ashley Holland is the marketing and meetings live on Channel 8 or on YouTube. events coordinator at Localworks.

You can also watch past meetings on n By

Ashley Holland

A

MOUNTAIN VIEWS November General Election Prepare - Be Informed - Vote n By

Patricia Liston

D

uring the regular town council and special session public meetings this summer, the town leadership resolved to submit three ballot measures to the registered electors of the town of Mountain View for the Nov. 5 Colorado general election.

In principle, ballot measures are proposed legislation that are to be approved or rejected by eligible voters. Additionally, each ballot measure is presented to voters in the form of a question.

The three measures on the 2019 Mountain View ballot ask voters whether or not they wish to effect a lodging tax for short-term rentals, whether or not term limits should be imposed on the position of Mountain View mayor and whether or not there should be a change in the monetary compensation for the office of Mountain View mayor.

In April, the town council resolved to set an annual license fee and late fee for short-term rental licenses pursuant to the Mountain View Municipal code. With passage of the resolution, a Mountain View property owner offering a short-term rental, frequently referred to as an Airbnb rental, is required to secure a business permit from town hall.

Subsequently, one of the 2019 ballot measures proposes a 7.5 percent lodging tax

heat Ridge WR W Community CF Foundation

on short-term rental properties with the 7.5 percent tax amount remitted to the town.

Turning to the question of term limits on the position of mayor, since the incorporation of Mountain View in 1904, the mayor has been elected to office for fouryear terms. However, no appropriation can be cited limiting the number of terms the mayor can serve in the position.

Slated now for approval or rejection on the 2019 general election ballot is the question of whether or not Mountain View mayors should be limited to three four-year terms.

Finally, the third 2019 ballot measure asks whether or not there should be more flexibility in the mayoral salary compensation. As it now stands, Article V, section 5.3 of the Mountain View town charter stipulates that the town council will set the salary of the mayor and that the salary shall not be increased or decreased during the term of office.

Prepare now for the Nov. 5, general election by registering to vote by mail, email, fax or in person at locations throughout the metro area including the Department of Revenue and the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Be informed. Attend a town council meeting, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at 4176 Benton St., or visit townofmountainviewcolorado.org to contact a town council member about the 2019 ballot measures.

The Wheat Ridge Community Foundation encourages giving, fiscally supports organizations that serve civic, educational and community needs and sponsors and supports educational programs.

For more info, or to donate to community programs visit:

wheatridgefoundation.org

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

SCHOOL CROSSING

What’s Happening in the WRBA

When Your Kid is Wrong I’m not promoting a tough-love program where hurting your child’s feelings and embarrassing them in the hopes that what recently read in Inc. Magazine about a pet doesn’t kill them will make them stronger. shop employee who had created a window Not at all. But I am proposing teaching our sign promoting a sale on hamsters. The store children how to lose. We teach them how manager noticed that the employee spelled to win and be gracious about it, but one can hamster with a “p” (hampster) and asked her never truly appreciate winning without losing. to correct the spelling on the sign. She replied Learning to take criticism constructively that that’s how she spells it. When the manager and understanding where we failed is just as insisted on the correction, the employee called important if we’re to gain from the her mom to complain. The mother experience. in turn accused the manager A friend of mine reminded of not letting her daughter be me today that candidates in every creative at work and threatened election are great at setting aside to report the manager to the store their personal feelings and running owners. For the record, hamster against one another but work very is spelled without a “p” and the well with those they didn’t support employee was 26. originally. “That’s just the name Now, if you’re Pete Townsend of the game,” she said. Imagine and Roger Daldrey, I guess you a candidate’s mother calling the get a pass when you claim that city to complain that their son lost “one and one don’t make two, one Guy Nahmiach the election and wondering why and one make one.” But that’s as everyone can’t win a seat. far I’m willing to stretch it.

Election season is here. While the district We all think our kids are wonderful and races concern me, I am mindful of the want to support them no matter what. We candidates running for the school board seats. praise and encourage them whenever they win I always have the utmost respect for anyone and sometimes we even allow them to fail “for that throws their hat in that ring, but I’m a their own good.” But what about those who put little apprehensive about politics mixed in their kids up on a pedestal and shelter them with education. That goes for both sides of the from any negativity? aisle. Once in a while, we get lucky. Ali Lasell The author of the Inc. Magazine article, and Amanda Stevens are two school board Suzanne Lucas, had some sage advice: members who have left me no doubt: their “Learning how to take negative feedback focus is on their work. No politics, no personal is a critical part of being an adult. Learning agendas, simply fighting for our students. Both how to say, ‘Oops, you're right. I was wrong,’ of course will not be returning this fall and will is a valuable life skill. There are times when be missed. you should stand your ground, but not when Lastly, this month, I find myself concerned it comes to spelling. The dictionary wins about the Applewood battle for Manning, every time. And if the dictionary says there with Maple Grove families pushing for an are multiple correct spellings, the boss gets to automatic enrollment at Manning, which is a choose which one you use in the office.” “lottery” school. Prospect Valley families are Lucas asked a few teachers the extent concerned there won’t be space left for their to which they allow “creativity” in English students. While both sides are headed to the or Math, and the conversation that followed board of education meeting, I am left thinking was interesting. Some parents will absolutely that no matter how hard so many of us have support corrections and applying grades tried, Everitt Middle has a long road to become up and down the scale. Some however are a viable option. less open to their children’s “bubbles” being On a good note, I want to give a hearty burst at a young age. In my mind, this second “welcome back” to Mike Collins. A former track is linked with eliminating scorekeeping principal at Prospect Valley, he has returned to and giving everyone a ribbon. Let’s not kid be the assistant principal at The Manning School. ourselves, students know exactly who is better As always, thanks for reading. and which team outscored the other. Who’s Contact Guy Nahmiach at Guy@Nostalgifeelings are we really trying to protect? Whose cHomes.com or 303-999-5789. “bubble” are we really talking about?

n By

Guy Nahmiach

I Networking bingo led by Amira Watters of Jefferson County Business Resource Center (JCBRC) members and guests making connection in the beautiful Anderson Park Pavilion.

Cutting the ribbon at 4965 Iris St., Wheat Ridge, was Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker, co-owners Rob Bayless and Jay Kenney, accompanied by family members and WRBA members.

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Please register for this meeting before 5pm on Thursday, October 3

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ASK THE SUPER Questions For Jeffco Education Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass The 2018 election resulted, among complete over $720 million in building other things, in the successful approval of improvements in Jeffco over a six-year ballot questions 5A and 5B. These resulted period. The early projects—which include in an addition $600 million in funding. So, building expansions, smaller renovations, I would like to answer for you: How are field work and replacement of outdated we doing with the projects? Will we see furnishings—are finishing up now and we any new requests for more money from the are just getting into more major renovations. district?

Jeffco residents can expect this construction Overall, a number of positive changes program to positively impact every school are taking place in our building in the district, including community’s schools this charter schools. academic year. 5A brought I am sometimes asked if and increased, ongoing funding when the district might be back to Jeffco Public Schools. By on the ballot in search of further pooling these dollars with new funding. Of course, the future funds provided from our state is unknown and circumstances legislature, we were able to might require different actions, provide staff an average raise but at this time we have no plans of 8.57 percent for this year. to go back to voters for more 5A also allowed us to expand funding. student mental health and We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Jason Glass safety support, expand career/ this support for our community, technical education, implement a one-toand we will work hard to make all Jeffco one technology program for students fifth citizens and taxpayers proud of the positive grade and up and expand early childhood changes these new dollars are bringing education programs. about.

If you have a question for our new Superin5B brought bond construction dollars tendent please submit it to Guy@Nostalgic to Jeffco. By using these dollars with our Homes.com or call it in to 303 999-5789. existing capital transfer, we expect to

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

SCHOOL VISITOR PASS Much to Celebrate at WRHS will build towards a career pathway in the aviation industry. Our Career Explore program has also expanded, thanks to all is, without a doubt, my favorite our community partners Vivage Senior time of year. Cooler temperatures, Living and Red Rocks Community College, football season and, most exciting for me, to include a Certified Nurse the excitement and promise Assistant Program where that comes with a new school students from all over the year. Here at Wheat Ridge High Jeffco School District can come School, we are off to a fantastic to Wheat Ridge. Our Gifted start, and it has been great to and Talented Center, now that see the positive energy that our funding questions of the past are students and staff have brought firmly in the rearview mirror, with them. We have a lot to look continues to attract students forward to as we plan for higher from around the Denver Metro enrollment than expected, area. All of these changes are in launch new programs that direct response to our students’ continue to align with the vision requests and needs that go hand of our school and district and Josh Cooley in hand with the already strong honor our past as we look to the academic offerings and support we give our future here on the Farm. diverse student population every day.

In May of last year, our enrollment was As I enter my third year as principal, I 1,164 with a forecast for it to fall again this am continually amazed at the outpouring of year. I am happy to report that as of this support we get from not only our amazing writing our current enrollment is up above current Wheat Ridge community, but also 1,200 students. Although we are still digging Farmers who have moved on and achieved into the numbers, it appears we are not mind-blowing accomplishments around the losing as many upperclassmen as we have in globe. I think it is important that we as a the past to other schools and programs; in school always honor the past as we look to fact, as of now, we have added students in the future. To that end, this year we will be grades 10 through 12. In addition, we have forming a group to establish a Wheat Ridge welcomed a freshman class of over 300 High School Hall of Fame so that we can students. As many of you know, the official truly honor all the great Farmers, in both count of students happens in October, and academics and athletics, who came before we are optimistic as we look to the positive us. If you are interested in being a part of trends we are seeing. this group, or have any questions, comments We are also excited to add new program or concerns about anything going on here offerings to our students this year. We have at Wheat Ridge High School, please do not added a broadcasting class for students hesitate to give me a call at (303) 982-7696. interested in pursuing journalism careers; Go Farmers! an AP computer science course, which is Questions for this guest writer or suggesan addition to our award winning STEM tions for future guest writers should be program, where students build “battle sent in to Guy@NostalgicHomes.com. bots”; and a new course in electronics that n By

Josh Cooley

F

WEST METRO FIRE Successful ARM Car Program Rolls Out New “Wheels” n By

Ronda Scholting

A

fter debuting service in a reserve ambulance last May, the staff of the West Metro’s Advanced Resource Medic (ARM) Car program is now driving a new, more fully equipped set of wheels. A Ford Transit van, outfitted with a larger exam area, a refrigeration system for medication storage and more space for treatment kits went operational this summer.

“While we most often treat patients in their homes, we sometimes treat them at work,” says Kimel Brent, West Metro advanced practice paramedic and coordinator for the ARM Car program.

“Having a larger exam space with good lightning is important for patient privacy in those cases.”

The ARM Car program is a publicprivate partnership between West Metro Fire Rescue and Dispatch Health. It’s designed to treat non-emergency patients in place—like urgent care on wheels. That saves on healthcare costs and avoids an unnecessary trip to the hospital.

The car is staffed with a West Metro advanced practice paramedic and either a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner from Dispatch Health. Since the program’s debut, more than 350 patients have been treated, saving nearly $750,000 in medical costs.

“Patients call 911 believing they need to get to an emergency room and, in many cases, that’s true, but not for everyone,” Brent says. “What we do is provide the most appropriate treatment possible for those patients who can stay in place—either at home or at work.”

Being treated in place can be the optimum choice for older patients and

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It’s designed to treat non-emergency patients in place—like urgent care on wheels. PHOTO: WEST METRO FIRE those with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Having to leave familiar surroundings—being taken by strangers to a strange place—is often extremely confusing and disruptive and can be a contributing factor to a longer recovery period for the patient. Treatment at home is much more calming and reassuring.

ARM Car workers also help patients and their families connect to community resources and navigate through the healthcare system. Staff members assist in scheduling follow-up appointments with the patient’s primary care doctor and help locate other care providers. In some cases, patients have been assisted in locating inhome services, like meal delivery and other options that allow them to “age in place.”

“We’ve been able to make a difference in the lives of the patients we’ve treated,” Brent says. “With the ARM Car, patients get personal attention in a place where they feel safe.”

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL

MEDICALLY SPEAKING Supporting Community Health opioids and use more alternatives to pain.

To assist with food insecurity, Lutheran developed a pilot Food Farmacy program very three years, the health providers to distribute healthy food and spread in Jefferson County—Lutheran Medical food education, especially among patients Center, Saint Anthony Hospital and with diabetes. Our cafe also supports and Jefferson County Public Health—collaborate purchases from local organic on a community health needs farmers. assessment. The results of this Alcohol and substance use report help develop programs education is focused on our that impact community health. young residents—middle and The December 2018 high school students. Along assessment highlighted ten with our community partners, areas of opportunity. Of those, medical staff participates in four were ranked as priorities by local events to educate students community members: and their families about drugs • Access to mental health and and alcohol. substance use treatment.

Homelessness is a growing • Food insecurity. problem in Jefferson County • Alcohol and substance use.

Chuck Ault and elsewhere across the Denver • Housing. metropolitan area. Lutheran recently held Since its beginning as a tuberculosis a shark-tank type of event where six local sanitarium, Lutheran has been a agencies pitched a panel to fund their community-based hospital dedicated to the efforts to end homelessness. The groups all health and wellbeing of all patients. While do impressive work and we are considering we offer treatments for mental health and which ones to support. substance use among many other services, Lutheran is committed to this we also want to implement or partner for community and will be for many more years programs that go beyond medical treatment to come. We contribute millions of dollars to improve the health of this community. each year in programs and support which As such, we have embarked on a series of benefit the people of Jefferson County innovative partnerships and programs to and the West Denver metropolitan area. accomplish these goals.

We are also dedicated to addressing other We have partnered with local agencies important needs in the community through to provide mental health first aid classes and collaborations with a wide range of partners. have expanded suicide follow-up programs, Chuck Ault is the regional director for and we have developed opioid treatment community health improvement at Luprograms. One program focuses on theran Medical Center. The full report can treatment for new and expectant mothers. In be found by searching “community health our Emergency Department, we have joined needs assessment” at sclhealth.org. the Colorado Hospital Association's ALTO Project to decrease the administration of

n By

Chuck Ault

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Starting Your Fitness Journey with Chronic Pain day movements to prevent injury while also relaxing muscle and myofascial tissue. Look ccording to the National Institutes of for beginner’s, restorative and other gentle Health, Chronic autoimmune disease yoga classes to get started. affects 24-plus million individuals in the Also, there is strong evidence that U.S. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control cardiovascular exercise can reduce chronic reported 20.4 percent, or over inflammation.

According 50 million people in the U.S., to the National Center for have chronic pain. With today’s Biotechnology Information, emphasis on physical fitness, incorporating small bursts of how can those with chronic pain cardiovascular exercise, as little find the resolve to pursue their as 20 minutes per day, can fitness goals? greatly improve pain levels longI started my fitness journey term. a decade ago. As a child, I Step three: find a gym or studio could barely walk a mile in 20 that aligns with your goals. Small minutes. At 19, I was diagnosed class sizes ensure instructors can with rheumatoid arthritis. I provide one-on-one attention, and was overweight and hadn’t Caitlyn Alter this is very important when you are exercised the majority of my new to exercise. Connecting with life due to pain. How could I get stronger instructors and peers provides motivation and when traditional exercises like running and support, especially when you’re experiencing a weightlifting were out of reach for me? flare-up.

Step one: talk to a Physical Therapist Take the time to read through instructor (PT). PTs can help you figure out what biographies—you’ll be surprised to learn muscle groups to work in order to prevent how many started because of chronic and reduce pain and injuries, so please illness! You don’t have to look like a fitness consult with a PT prior to starting any model or be able to lift 200 pounds to be exercise program. Afterwards, I utilized atfit. Feeling better is the top priority. We’re home videos as a platform to figure out what rooting for you. exercises were fun to me.

Feed Your Soul Fitness offers yoga, Step two: branch out to live classes. If strength and cardio training for groups you’re just starting your fitness journey, of eight to 10 individuals at beginner and yoga can be a great gateway to fitness and intermediate levels. Many of our clients body awareness. When I started, I couldn’t have chronic pain or injuries they are overdream of touching my toes! With a teacher’s coming. Learn more about our unique apguidance, you can work on variations of proach to wellness at feedyoursoulfitness. all poses and eventually receive the same com. The author Caitlyn Alter is a yoga muscular benefit as someone who easily teacher and reiki practitioner in the greatbecomes a pretzel in class. Yoga helps er Denver area. Follow her shenanigans integrate muscle engagement with day-toon Facebook @AlterYourRealityWellness. n by

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ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

9

Wildlife in the City: Mountain Lions n By

T

Sally Griffin

his will be my final article on wildlife in our city, so I thought I would end with what is known as the “apex carnivore” in Colorado: The Mountain Lion/ Puma Concolor/ Cougar. What is meant by apex carnivore is that this is the top nature hunter in our state. What is changing about mountain lions is that they seem to be more and more willing to hunt humans.

According to a study done a few years ago and listed on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, “Apex carnivores, which are important members of ecological communities, and are among the most threatened group of species on Earth, are less sensitive to habitat development than previously assumed, and are showing more evidence of adaptation to human-dominated landscapes.” Previously, mountain lions were seen as calm, quiet, and elusive. They tended to live in remote country where deer and cover were plentiful. However, lately the number of mountain lion/ human interactions have increased. This probably because more people have moved into lion habitat and more deer live closer and closer to our homes.

If you think you only need to worry about mountain lions in, well, the mountains (which makes sense given their name), you need to think again. So far this year there have been at least eight sightings in various spots in Lakewood, Littleton, Golden, Boulder and Denver. This does not include the mountain lion that recently attacked a young boy at his home in Bailey or the one that attacked a runner in the foothills by Fort Collins. To show how close they can come, the most recent sighting was at a home east of 20th and Wadsworth. Security cameras caught a mountain lion crossing from one neighbor’s yard, through the front yard of the home and then a few seconds later wandering over to the house on the other side. Luckily, the homeowner had

just come indoors before the lion made his appearance. Talk about a close encounter!

Mountains lions are the ultimate carnivore. Their favorite meal is venison, aka deer. However, they have been known to eat grasshoppers, snails, mice, rats, lizards, turtles, snakes, squirrels, rabbits, bats, gophers, weasels, prairies dogs, skunks, beavers, raccoons, porcupines, turkey, chickens, geese, grouse, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, wild and domestic sheep, pigs, goats, cows, horses, elk, moose, bears, cats, dogs, and other cougars. This is why I saved them for my last article. It appears that mountain lions will eat almost every animal I have focused on for this series of articles. Unfortunately, not often, but they will even eat us.

I just finished a book written in 2004, The Beast in the Garden: The True Story of a Predators Deadly Return to Suburban America by David Baron. It is a fascinating book but a bit scary. It is about nature and officialdom and what happens when the two collide. It is about what happens when we mess with animal habitats. While we are completely unprepared for life in proximity to mountain lions, they have been quietly observing us, learning our habitats and learning how to live close to us without our knowing it. They have been stalking us.

Here are the actions that Colorado Parks and Wildlife for dealing with mountain lions: Make lots of noise if you come and go during the times mountain lions are most active: dusk to dawn.

Install outside lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present.

Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.

Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions, especially

around children's play areas. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen.

Planting non-native shrubs and plants that deer often prefer to eat encourages wildlife to come onto your property.

Predators follow prey. Don't feed any wildlife!

Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions.

Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions. Store all garbage securely.

Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look.

Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible lion confrontation.

If you have encountered a mountain lion, you know how scary they can be.

First, they are large. Second, they move very swiftly and very quietly. They have extremely big paws with very sharp claws.

They have powerful jaws with equally sharp teeth. In the book, Beast in the Garden, stories are told of scary human encounters with mountain lions. One woman jogging in Boulder’s foothills was confronted by not one but two mountain lions hunting in tandem. This is unusual as most cougars are solitary creatures. These two beasts

force her up a tree where she beats them off with a branch she has managed to break loose. She is rapidly losing the battle until a nice big deer wanders by and catches the attention of these apex carnivores. Deer are much tastier and not as likely to fight back.

She is saved.

Another story in the book is about a park ranger jogging in Roxborough on his day off. He encounters a lion. Despite his use of all the right tactics, the puma keeps after him. It is not until his head is in the jaws of the lion that he desperately reaches up for the cat’s face and finds a lump. He plunges his thumb into the lump which is the cat’s right eye. At this point the animal, decides that he is too much trouble and retracts its claws and opens its jaw. He escapes.

Lastly, is my own story of cougar encounter. A number of years ago, my husband and I were taking a long weekend up in Hot Sulphur Springs. We decided to take a walk after dinner. Just as we got to the outskirts of town, two deer came running toward us. They rushed past so close that we could have touched them. This should have been a warning, but we kept going. We both soon sensed that there was something on the edge of our vision that seemed to move whenever we moved. At this point, we realized that perhaps a walk outside of town was not a good idea. We literally backed our way into town, always facing toward whatever was out there. When we finally reached the lights of the town, we turned and hurried toward our hotel on the other side of downtown. As we made our way, it was still following us. We could tell by the alarmed barking of dogs all along our route. Then when we got to the hotel, the owner’s dog went crazy and started barking so desperately that he had to be brought inside. It was then that we found out that there was a rogue mountain lion that had been terrorizing the town and threatening the residents and domestic animals. We were certainly terrorized.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The City of Wheat Ridge recently launched a national search for its next Chief of Police and has engaged Public Sector Search and Consulting (PSSC) to lead the search process, according to a recent release from the city.

A key component of the search includes the opportunity for the community to help determine the profile of the perfect candidate for this important position.

Residents can help determine the qualities and experiences most important in the next police chief through an online survey open through Sunday, Sept. 22. A community forum for input was held on Wednesday evening, Sept. 18, at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center.

“Public Sector Search and Consulting’s sole focus is police chief recruitment, and the company comes highly recommended for the collaborative and innovative way they go about recruiting this important role,” stated Patrick Goff, city manager for Wheat Ridge. “With this in mind we are very excited to offer Wheat Ridge residents these opportunities to get involved and shape the future of the Wheat Ridge Police Department.”

The survey is available online and hard copies are also available at City Hall at 7500 W. 29th Ave., the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center at 4005 Kipling St. and at the Active Adult Center at 6363 W. 35th Ave. In addition to the survey and previous community forum, PSSC will also hold employee focus group meetings to gain a better understanding of the qualities the department seeks in its next Chief.

“This unique public process offers community members a great opportunity

to help determine the next chief for Wheat Ridge,” said Goff. “And we hope many people will take the time to complete the survey and attend the meeting to provide us with their thoughts.”

Complete the survey at http://bit.ly/ WRPDChiefSurvey. For updates on the search for the next Chief of Police, go to ci.wheatridge.co.us.

All Things Apple – And More – At Wheat Ridge Historical Society’s Apple Cider Day, Oct. 12 The Wheat Ridge Historical Society will host its annual Apple Cider Day Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wheat Ridge Historical Park, 4610 Robb St. Join the Society in making applesauce and dried apples – bring washed apples and containers to put sauce into.

Guests can also learn about pollinator gardens at an 11 a.m. program, and a lunch heated on the cook stove in the Soddy can be had for a nominal cash donation at noon.

Also featured are craft demonstrations, local musicians, sing-alongs and local history.

It’s this month’s regular Second Saturday event, hosted by the Wheat Ridge Historical Society.

For more information, visit Wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org.

Fall Whale Of A Used Book Sale Packs Jeffco Fairgrounds, Oct. 18-20 Looking for good books at bargain prices? Then you’ll want to visit the Jefferson County Library Foundation’s (JCLF) Fall Whale of a Used Book Sale at the Jefferson

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The sale helps the Foundation raise tens of thousands of dollars, which in turn helps to benefit Jefferson County Public Library.

Early Bird shoppers can get in ahead of the crowd on Oct. 18 from 8 to 9 a.m. for a fee of $10 per adult. At 9 a.m., the sale opens to the public, and there is no admission charge for the rest of the three-day sale. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19. On Sunday, Oct. 20, the sale is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Special offers include 50-percent-off purchases for teachers, Friends of JCPL and Jeffco employees (bring ID) on Saturday, and “Bag Day” on Sunday, during which a bag of books can be had for $6 and up.

There will also be a Friends Only Preview Night on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The public can sign up for a membership at the door.

The Friends of Jefferson County Public Library is a county-wide organization dedicated to enhancing the programs and resources of our libraries.

For more information about the Foundation and the Fall Whale of a Used Book Sale, to volunteer or become a Friend of the Library, visit jeffcolibraryfoundation. org or call 303-403-5075.

Wheat Ridge Supports Porchlight Family Justice Center With Donation The City of Wheat Ridge made an $18,000 contribution in August to support

the First Judicial District’s new Family Justice Center (FJC), PorchLight, which will be located at 11100 W. 8th Avenue in Lakewood.

More than 70 partner agencies will work together at PorchLight to provide services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, at-risk individual abuse, and human trafficking in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. The Family Justice Center model upon which PorchLight was based, is recognized as a best practice by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“This unique collaboration provides individuals with access to the services of multiple agencies in one location,” said Wheat Ridge Police Chief Dave Pickett.

“This new Family Justice Center created by the First Judicial District takes into account the especially difficult challenges survivors often face as they work to rebuild their lives.”

“One of the greatest challenges faced by victims and survivors in the aftermath of crime is trying to find a new state of normal.

They are often overwhelmed and confused,” said Candace Cooledge, PorchLight Director and Deputy District Attorney. “While many services are currently available for victims and survivors in our community, access to those services may require travel to different offices or searching multiple websites.

PorchLight provides access under one roof.”

PorchLight is a 501(c)(3), private, nonprofit corporation which allows donors to make tax exempt donations to the center.

The center is also actively seeking available grant funding.

For more information visit www.porchlightfjc.org or contact the PorchLight Director, Deputy District Attorney Candace Cooledge, at 303-271-6929 or ccooledg@ jeffco.us.

Continued on page 11

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ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

11

WHAT’S HAPPENING Continued from page 10

Vote For The 2019 Wheat Ridge Reads Book Selection Before Month’s End Wheat Ridge residents are being asked to help select the Wheat Ridge Reads book for 2019. To participate in the two-question poll visit the Wheat Ridge Cultural Events page on Facebook MeetTheArtistWheatRidge or take the survey online. Wheat Ridge Reads will close voting on the 2019 book selection at the end of September and the 2019 selection will be announced in October.

Wheat Ridge Reads is an annual citywide book club designed to promote literacy and a shared reading experience throughout the community. Local residents are encouraged to review the following titles and vote for their favorite as a collective reading experience: “Campsite Six” by Jan Fallon, “Rosary Without Beads”

by Diana Holguin-Balogh, “Go Ask Fannie”

by Elisabeth Hyde, and “Madam Velvet’s Cabaret of Oddities” by Nancy Stohlman.

The books were selected for their variety, their authors based in Colorado, and, in the case of three books, their recent recognition as Colorado Book Award finalists.

The author of the selected title will visit the community in January 2020 to discuss the book with readers in locations throughout the city. Check the webpage for details.

Wheat Ridge Reads is sponsored by the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission in partnership with the Wheat Ridge Library and Wheat Ridge High School.

For more information contact Wheat Ridge Cultural Commissioner Gay Porter DeNileon at gpdenileon@gmail.com.

Wheat Ridge Division Chief Receives Yasui Volunteerism Award Wheat Ridge Police Department Division Chief Jim Lorentz received the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award for August 2019, according to a recent release from the City of Wheat Ridge. He was recognized for his work presenting training to first responders, law enforcement and EMS personnel on the effective response to those living with dementia.

“We are very proud of Division Chief Lorentz and his ongoing dedication to training those who encounter community members and caregivers every day who are living with the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia,” said Chief Dave Pickett.” This is an example of the impact just one individual can make on the lives of others, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jim.” As a volunteer for the past eight years with the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association, Lorentz has dedicated countless hours to training more than 1,400 Denver police officers as well as officers in Wheat Ridge, Englewood, Lakewood, Avon, Eagle Vail and Gypsum as well as deputies in Douglas, Jefferson, Adams, Eagle and Arapahoe counties. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock attended the presentation of the Minoru Yasue Community Volunteer Award and proclaimed Aug. 29 as Jim Lorentz day.

In her letter of recommendation for Lorentz, Tina Wells, director of regional programs for the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association said, “The community at large, and particularly family caregivers, can be assured and rest easy knowing that someone who was trained about dementia by Jim Lorentz will handle the situation with the utmost respect and dignity for the individual, and will do so in a calm manner that will

diffuse emotions and avoid an unwarranted arrest. A recipient of Jim Lorentz’ training leaves them well equipped to handle any emergency situation involving a person with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.”

Lorentz gained first-hand knowledge of the impact of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia when he and his wife became caregivers for his mother-in-law. He attended an Alzheimer's Initiative course in Texas to learn about teaching others and since then, he has instructed more than 3,000 police officers and first responders in effective practices.

An individual with dementia may not react rationally to officers' questions so the right approach is crucial to lessening the anxiety, distress, fear and agitation that the person living with dementia may be experiencing.

In addition to teaching, Lorentz also was a driving force behind the Colorado Life Track program, a safety device system designed to ensure the safety of adults and children at risk of wandering due to memory loss and other diagnoses.

The Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award was conceived by the Commission on Community Relations in 1975 to recognize and promote volunteerism by honoring an individual each month whose volunteer contributions are constructive, unique and outstanding. The award was named for Minoru Yasui who was subjected to military orders which forcibly removed 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast and incarcerated them in evacuation centers during World War II. In testing the constitutionality of such government measures, he spent nine months in jail, so he would know firsthand the never-ending struggles to preserve and protect liberty and freedom of people.

Minoru Yasui served as Executive Director of the Denver Commission on Community Relations from 1967 to 1983 and had served as a member since 1959. His work in the Denver community began in 1943.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

Tobacco Regulations Continued from page 1

an annual license. The ordinance also required the city’s 115 tobacco retail businesses to confirm customers buying noncigarette tobacco products are at least 18; banned minors under 18 from selling, stocking, retrieving or handling noncigarette tobacco products; prohibited self-service displays of all tobacco products, except in tobacco businesses with age restrictions; and prohibited tobacco retail businesses within 500 feet of a youth-oriented facility.

Edgewater Police Chief John Mackey noted in an email that these types of potential violations are generally brought to law enforcement attention by on-site citizen complaints.

“I do not have any record of complaints regarding our new tobacco ordinances to this point, and we have no immediate plans to initiate new enforcement actions,” he wrote.

Interim City Manager Dan Maples says the city had no previous compliance issues. Audits to test each store’s practices are usually conducted twice a year, he added, and anticipated the next one in the next six months.

“We only have six retail outlets that sell tobacco products and King Soopers only sells tobacco products at their gas station,” Maples says.

Edgewater’s ordinance also expanded the city’s smokeand vapor-free law, prohibiting smoking and vaping in public parks and recreation areas and within 20 feet of public transportation waiting areas.

Lakewood Police Department spokesman John Romero wrote in an email that no compliance checks had been conducted since that city’s ordinance took effect earlier this year.

“Because of a city-wide budget reduction, we are not able to do them at this time,” he wrote. “We estimate it would cost between $10,000 to $15,000 a year to perform these checks and unfortunately that isn’t a possibility in the short term.

We are working on a (public service announcement) to help with public education, however.”Compliance inspections conducted in Lakewood in 2017-18 under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's authority found 17 percent of tobacco retailers in Lakewood sold tobacco to a minor.

The annual license fee paid by retailers funds license administration and enforcement, including compliance checks. Retailers found in violation of any state or local tobacco-related law could have their license suspended or revoked.

Khanh H. Nguyen, a tobacco policy specialist for the Jefferson County Public Health Department, says these ordinances are only as effective as local compliance activities.

“There are state and federal laws regarding youth tobacco use, but local laws tend to have penalties that are more effective because they’re always stronger,” she stated.

Since the two cities adopted their respective ordinances earlier this year, Nguyen says she wasn’t surprised neither had conducted local compliance checks to this point.

“These are really big changes with the administrative steps they need to take and the time it takes businesses to adjust,” she added.

Wheat Ridge gathers info for tobacco law Information presented to Wheat Ridge City Council at an Aug. 19 study session noted two out of three Colorado youth under 18 who tried to buy tobacco products at a retail establishment were successful. A study found a sales-tominors violation rate of 25.3 percent, with teenage store clerks a major source of tobacco products for high-schoolage smokers.

The information noted the tobacco industry spends more than 95 percent of its $9 billion marketing budget to advertise

and promote products in convenience stores, gas stations and other retail outlets. Two-thirds of middle school students visit a convenience, small grocery or liquor store at least once a week, while tobacco products are advertised most heavily in stores where adolescents shop. Weekly or more frequent exposure to retail tobacco marketing has been associated with a 50 percent increase in the odds of ever smoking, the information added.

The National Association of Convenience Stores last year reported tobacco products made up to $55,000 a month in individual store sales and $10,000 in monthly profit.

The council information noted local tobacco retail licensing with fees high enough to pay for enforcement were shown to be the most effective policy to reduce illegal sales.

“We’ve seen youth access policies be very effective in reducing the use of tobacco products by youth,” Nguyen says.

Municipal licensing “puts an umbrella” of regulations in place similar to alcohol and marijuana regulations, she added.

A dozen Colorado communities have tobacco retail licensing laws: Aspen, Avon, Basalt, Edgewater, Fountain, Golden, La Junta, Lakewood, Manitou Springs, Pueblo, Rocky Ford and Steamboat Springs. The City of Arvada does not have such licensing requirements, but bans minors in stores, Nguyen noted.

Colorado does not require retail licenses for tobacco businesses, Nguyen added, and federal fines are not high enough compared to the profit from tobacco product sales.

Compliance checks by the Colorado Department of Revenue are rarely done, she says, since the department has no complete list of retail outlets selling tobacco products. If violators are found, a warning letter or a $200 fine can be issued, Nguyen says.

Nguyen noted a 2019 Journal of the American Medical Association on pediatrics found strongly worded ordinances substantially lowered the odds of youth use of tobacco products. For example, increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 “takes social pressure off high school 18-year-olds who feel peer pressure to smoke,” Nguyen says. “Studies have found that if someone is not smoking by the time they are in the early 20s, the odds are they never will.”

The council information noted that between 73 percent and 83 percent of Wheat Ridge residents think tobacco companies market their products to youth and believe the placement of tobacco and tobacco advertising in retail stores can encourage youth tobacco use. Residents also reported a belief that lowerpriced tobacco products can encourage use by youth.

Additionally, 77 percent of Wheat Ridge residents think retailers are already required to have a license to sell tobacco, 41 percent believe it is illegal for youth under 18 to sell tobacco products when working in a retail store, 72 percent support requiring retailers to have a license to sell tobacco products and 83 percent favor requiring a retail clerk selling tobacco to be 18 or older.

The council information for minimum recommended wording of a tobacco retail license included stating a violation of any federal, state or local tobacco law is a violation of a city retail license; set the minimum age to sell tobacco products at 18; ban all self-service displays of tobacco products and paraphernalia; bar anyone under 18 from being in a tobacco business; and limit the location and number of tobacco retailers near schools and other youth gathering sites.

City Manager Patrick Goff says the city could make an age limit apply to tobacco-related businesses through its existing retail business licenses, which each of the approximate 4,500 city businesses must have displayed on site.

City Councilman David Kueter says he favored a regional approach to the issue.

“If Wheat Ridge is known as a place where kids can go to get tobacco products, I’m not sure that’s what we want to be famous for,” he stated.

Goff says a draft ordinance and examples of what other surrounding cities have in place should be provided to the council soon.

City Council District 3

for a better Wheat Ridge Putting you first on issues that affect your home and your neighborhood FiglusForWheatRidge@gmail.com

720-725-9855

Judy Hutchinson for City Council District 1

★★★★★★★★★★ I care about Wheat Ridge! ★★★★★★★★★★ I will ...

• protect zoning in residential neighborhoods, • push for regulation of short term rentals, and • make decisions that reflect what I hear from the people I represent.

votejudyhutchinson@gmail.com 303-237-6832

Re-Elect Larry Mathews Wheat Ridge Council District 4

• Putting Citizens First • Protecting OUR Neighborhoods • Supporting Low Density Zoning • Enforcing Our Codes Fairly • Always Listening To You

303.396.5201 electlarrymathews@gmail.com

VOTE

Brandy Zamudio Wheat Ridge

City Council District II

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Brandy faces challenges head-on. Through active listening and communication, he proudly works with others to achieve common goals and make a strong impact in the community he loves! You can find Brandy working in the community as: § Board member of the Wheat Ridge Business Association § Member of the Wheat Ridge High School Accountability Committee § Vice President of the Wheat Ridge Grange § An active volunteer with Feed the Future, Localworks, and his local church § A business leader and development coach

Vivian Vos

WHEAT RIDGE CITY CLERK 720-217-1340 Official Duties of the City Clerk (Wheat Ridge City Charter Section 2-22) • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Be the clerk of the council attending all meetings of the council and keep a permanent journal of its proceedings.

Be the custodian of the seal of the city.

Be custodian of all papers, documents and records.

Certify by signature all ordinances/resolutions enacted.

Provide and maintain a supply of forms for all petitions.

Have power to administer oaths of office.

Be the chairperson of the Election Commission.

Publish all notices, proceedings, and other matters.

Supervise the staff under Clerk jurisdiction.

Perform such other duties as prescribed by the charter or by ordinance.

Administer and maintain liquor and amusement license; applications for volunteer Boards and Commissions.

Clerk to the Police Pension Board.

Coordinate fulfillment of Public Information requests.