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Tell DPS to Make DSST at Byers a Top Priority - We Need Your Feedback! Denver Public Schools (DPS) has created a Community Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) to recommend whether DPS should pursue a bond, mill levy, or both. Once that decision is made, the committee will help prioritize investments within those ballot initiatives. They want to hear from you. Take a few minutes to fill out this survey. Make sure to let them know that bringing DSST-to-Byers is a top priority! |
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New Policy Will Make Two of Denver's Best Event Venues Even Better
District 7 has two of the Denver's best event venues - Ruby Hill Park, with the City's best views and natural music amphitheater, and the beautifully restored Fleming House, in Platt Park. Sadly, however, they sit unused. We want to fix that. Councilman Nevitt has asked Denver Parks & Recreation to establish an alcohol policy for both locations. Here is why:
The Fleming House, the former South Denver City Hall, is a treasured Historic Landmark. This grand old home has been beautifully renovated by the Park People and is now available for use as a much-needed event facility, similar to the Boat House in Washington Park. The Fleming House is the only facility of its kind south of the I-25 that provides an intimate and memorable setting for occasions such as fundraisers, weddings, special meetings, and other exceptional celebrations. Unlike the Washington Park Boat House, however, there is no alcohol policy in place for the Fleming House. Consequently, as has become increasingly clear, our non-profit partners - including the Park People themselves - and other special event seekers, are not booking their events at the Fleming House. This is a shame and a waste.
Ruby Hill Park was recently named as Denver's newest festival site. It is also a key anchor in Denver's "River Vision Implementation Plan." Not only is Ruby Hill an important recreational and environmental amenity, it is also a crucial link in the South Platte River plan. As our city continues to attract new residents, it is critical we continue improving our parks, trails & gulches as valuable park amenities and as key links in our multi-modal transportation system. The full activation of Ruby Hill Park is a catalyst in this effort.
We are excited that some of Denver's great non-profit organizations, such as Swallow Hill Music Association, want to provide precisely the activity we need at Ruby Hill Park as early as this summer. But again, the barrier to booking and using Ruby Hill Park as it was intended is the lack of an alcohol policy. Ruby Hill Park is the only festival park without an alcohol policy in place. It's imperative for us to make the policy change as soon as possible so that the organizations interested in Ruby Hill Park can get their programming and logistical planning in place for this year.
The Parks and Rec Advisory Board will be taking further testimony on this issue at their May 10th meeting, after which they will be giving their advisory decision to the Manager of Parks & Rec, who will make the final decision.
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Denver Recycling is Now Accepting Food & Beverage Cartons!
Are you a dedicated recycler? With a view towards continually reducing our land-fill waste, we've now made it possible for you to throw milk containers in the recycle bin along with other food and beverage cartons like:
- soy and almond milk boxes
- cream and egg white containers
- soup and broth boxes
- ice cream & frozen yogurt containers
- wine and juice boxes
- tofu & frozen food containers
Don't forget, Denver Recycles accepts all rigid plastic bottles, jugs, jars, tubs, cups, trays, and containers marked with the #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7. Sign up for Denver Recycles updates for more information. You can also follow Denver Recycles on Facebook and Twitter. |
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FREE Mulch Giveaway and Compost Sale - May 5
Denver is putting your Christmas trees and yard debris to use! Denver's annual "Free Mulch Giveaway & Compost Sale" is on Saturday, May 5th from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (or while supplies last). Pick up what you need to make your garden grow at:
Havana Nursery, 10450 Smith Road, just south of I-70 & Havana St.
- Mulch and compost loader service for trucks and trailers, and dig- your-own
- Limit of 3 cubic yards of compost per vehicle
- Compost cost $3.50 per 1.25 cubic foot bag or $30.00 per cubic yard (plus tax)
Dig-Your-Own FREE mulch sites:
- Southeast: Veteran's Park, Iowa St. & Vine St.
- Southwest: Bear Creek Park, South of Dartmouth Ave. on Raleigh St.
Click here for more information. |
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FREE Compost Classes!
Have you always wanted to start your own home composting pile but weren't sure how to get started? Or have you been composting at home but not quite getting it right? Check out a free "Learn to Compost" class and find out how to turn food scraps and yard waste into dark rich compost. Two hour classes include:
- Backyard composting
- Worm workshop
- Build-a-pile
Composting is good for your garden, good for the environment, easy to do, and fun! All classes are held at the Denver Backyard Composting Demonstration Site at Denver Urban Gardens' Gove Community Garden at East 13th Avenue & Colorado Blvd. Participants need to register at least one week before the class to ensure proper staffing. To register call 720-865-6810 or visit www.dug.org/compost. |
FREE Shade Trees From Mile High Million
Looking for ways to reduce your summer energy costs? The "Mile High Million" is offering FREE trees to shade homes and cool neighborhoods in Denver. Strategically planted trees -- in front yards on the west side -- provide the optimal amount of shade for cooling homes in the summer while still allowing maximum southern exposure for heating homes in the winter. Click here to apply for a tree and find out more about the program. |
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Trees for Trade-Ins
The "Trees for Trade-Ins" initiative from Colorado's Clear Air Foundation gets high polluting cars off the road and trees in the forest. How? For each of the first 250 old, dirty vehicles donated, the Clear the Air Foundation will fund a tree to be planted by ReForest Colorado. Trees improve air quality by absorbing pollutants. New vehicles produce a small fraction of the pollution emitted by old cars. Getting old cars off the road and planting trees is a winning combination for reducing ground-level ozone and dirty air. What's even better is that instead of reselling your old clunker, the "Trees for Trade-Ins" program will crush it and recycle the parts, so it won't pollute again. Click here if you are interested in participating. |
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"Purge the Spurge" and get a FREE Native Plant
If you don't know what spurge is, click here to see a photo. If it looks familiar and you've got some in your yard, get rid of it. Denver Parks & Rec will hold two "Purge the Spurge" events where you can trade bags of the noxious weeds (or photos of its removal) for free native plants.
May 19 at Harvard Gulch Park, 888 E. Illiff Ave., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June 2 at Rocky Mountain Lake Park., 9 a.m. to noon
What is so bad about myrtle spurge? It not only spreads rapidly and displaces native plants, but all parts of it are poisonous and its milky sap is a severe skin irritant. |
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2012 Summer Watering Rules
A dry winter has created drought conditions across Colorado causing Denver Water to adopt a Stage 1 drought resolution. Denver Water will begin enforcing the following summer watering rules on May 1:
- Only water during the cool of the day - before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Do not water more than 2 days a week until stage 1 drought resolution is lifted
- Only water dry areas of the yard instead of the entire yard
- Adjust automatic sprinkler systems throughout the summer, starting with less water in the spring
- Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets, and alleys
- Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt
- Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days
- Do not use spray irrigation during rain or strong winds
Rules are subject to change throughout the summer. Use this chart to help determine watering times and be aware that there are exceptions to watering rules. If you see water waste in one of Denver's parks, please call 3-1-1. To report waste elsewhere, call Denver Water at 303-628-6343. |
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Take Advantage of Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations and Licenses This Summer
Denver Animal Care and Control will be hosting seven low cost cat and dog vaccination, license, and microchip clinics in area parks throughout the summer. All clinics run from 11am to 1pm.
- May 20: Garfield Lake Park (S. Newton St. and W. Arizona Ave.)
- June 10: Harvey Park, (S. Tennyson Way and W. Warren Ave)
- June 24: Aztlan Park (Navajo St. and W. 44th Ave)
- July 8: Mestizo-Curtis Park (32nd St.and Curtis St.)
- July 22: Fuller Park (28th and Williams)
- August 5: Berkeley Park (46th and Sheridan)
- August 19: Barnum Park (Hooker and W. 5th)
- September 9: Thomas Park (E 26th Ave and N Roslyn St.)
Cat and dog vaccinations cost $35 and include a one-year pet license. Expired pet licenses can be renewed for $15 for one year or $40 for three years. Microchips cost $25 per animal. Or save yourself the hassle of renewing and purchase a lifetime license for $150. Senior citizens over 65 receive one free license per senior and service dogs are free.
Additionally, the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter (which just obtained LEED Platinum Certification and has cool public art) offers weekly vaccination clinics for dogs on Wednesdays, from 2:30 pm - 4:45 pm and for cats on Thursdays, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Licenses can also be renewed online. |
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Denver B-Cycle Comes to South High!
Lucky District 7 is lucky indeed to get the first B-Cycle station located on a DPS school site. South High was selected because of its excellent location next to Washington Park and willingness to host the station. If you haven't had a chance to check out B-Cycle yet, try one out next time you are in Washington Park. |
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Love to Bike? Volunteer to be a Denver Park Ranger
BikeDenver is teaming up with Denver Parks & Recreation to find a few good bike lovers to become volunteer Park Rangers this summer. The program is a new high-profile volunteer initiative that will help Denver Parks & Recreation take care of some of Denver's favorite outdoor spaces. The goal of the Volunteer Courtesy Patrol is to expand the reach of the Park Ranger program and to help educate users about basic park and trail safety rules and courtesies. The volunteers will assist in pairs 3 - 4 times a month, primarily on weekends from mid-May to mid-September. Applications must be received by April 18 and the program will launch May 12, 2012.
If you love to bike and care about Denver's parks and trails, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Apply now and for click here for more information.
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Volunteers Needed for RTD's New Smart Card Pilot
RTD is in the process of implementing a smart card fare payment system later this year. The system will provide an efficient, easy, and convenient method for paying your fare. The card will be the size of a credit card, and contains a smart chip that will enable passengers to buy and electronically load RTD passes and cash.
RTD is searching for volunteers to test their new smart card. As a volunteer, you'll enjoy your normal commute while using our new smart card to tap on the bus or train. To qualify, you must be a current pass holder in one of the EcoPass, Neighborhood EcoPass, or College Pass programs. You must also ride one of the following bus routes on a regular basis: SKIP, DASH, BOLT, 209, B local or express, and AB, or ride light rail and board at Lincoln, Mineral, Nine Mile, I-25 & Broadway, 18th & Stout, Denver Union Station or Colfax at Auraria.
If you would like to participate in the pilot, simply email your name and address to the RTD Smart Media Customer Service Center at RTDSmartMedia@Celinainc.com. |
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Live Street Traffic Views Now Available on Denver 8 TV Want to get a jump start on your rush hour commute? Check out live traffic coverage on Denver 8 TV's "Good to Go" program. The three hour program plays on Denver's News and Information Channel 58 twice each weekday at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Live views from more than 80 cameras are grouped by thoroughfares and areas of town and sequenced to show the traffic flow along Denver's most traveled routes. |
FREE Walking Tours of Denver Union Station
After years of hard work & planning, difficult deal-making with federal agencies & private developers, and substantial local public investments, Denver Union Station is finally undergoing its long-awaited transformation. If you are curious to learn more about its key place in Denver's past and its bright role in Denver's future, check out a free walking tour this summer. The one-hour tours will start inside the Great Train Hall (1701 Wynkoop Street) at 4:30pm, on Thursday, May 10 and continue at the same time on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month through July. For more info and to reserve your spot visit www.DenverUnionStation.org. |
"Create Denver Week"
Celebrating Denver as the Creative Capitol of the Rocky Mountain West, "Create Denver Week" supports the city's growing arts and culture scene by providing a forum for creative professionals to meet, share wisdom, and learn from others. Managing the little things and networking with others can make a big difference in the success of your creative business. Workshop sessions include: grant writing for artists, financial literacy for creatives, working with the city (building codes & zoning permits), media's role in the arts, and more. The day-long "Creative Expo" at the Wellington Webb building (201 W. Colfax Avenue) from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, May 12 is a part of "Create Denver Week" which runs from May 10 - 13. For a full schedule of events visit "Create Denver Week".
Bonus: Wynkoop Brewing Company will release a new beer, Catalyst Ale, brewed especially for Create Denver Week. The unfiltered extra pale ale made with 100% Colorado-grown malts and locally grown hops from Voss Farms, was fermented with the "house" yeast from six different Denver breweries: Wynkoop Brewing, Breckenridge Brewing, Strange Brewing, Renegade Brewing, Denver Beer Co, Wit's End Brewing. Look for it in pubs throughout town. |
Summer Youth Employment Programs
Make an impact on the life of a young person and help build Denver's future workforce by participating in the Office of Economic Development's (OED) Summer Youth Employment Programs. If you are a business with part-time and full-time job opportunities considering hiring a youth from age 14 to 21. For more information contact Ginger Hecht at 720-865-5700 or YouthServices@Denvergov.ogr. |
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New Denver Homebuyer Program
If you are interested in buying a house, but worried about being house poor afterwards, consider taking advantage of the new Mortgage Credit Certificate program. The program enables qualifying borrowers to receive an annual federal income tax credit equal to 30% of the annual interest paid on their mortgage loan, up to $2,000 annually. That money can help offset some of the expenses that buying a new house brings. Additionally, lenders can use the estimated amount of the credit on a monthly basis as additional income to help a potential borrow qualify for a loan. Click here for more details. |
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New Energy Hotline for Denver Residents
Making Energy Improvements? Your projects may qualify for rebates and financing through the City. The Denver Energy Challenge is a free residential and commercial energy program working to help reduce energy usage, while increasing the indoor comfort and air quality of your home or business. Participation is free so sign up online or call 720-865-5520 to speak with a live energy expert today! Watch this video to learn more about it. |
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Why Permits Matter
If you do undertake a home improvement project, make sure your contractors obtain the proper permits. Here's why:
- Permits ensure that the person/company is qualified to do the work
- Permits require that an independent third party will inspect the work upon completion
- Unpermitted work done by unqualified individuals could result in safety issues
- Unpermitted work is harder to defend by law if something goes wrong
- Unpermitted work could void your home insurance
- Unpermitted work makes it harder to sell or re-finance your house
Some small projects do not require a permit. Click here to find out if your project is exempt.
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Small Business Forum - June 1
Johnson and Wales, 7150 E. Montview Blvd, 8 am to 5 pm
Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and networking reception
Do you own a small business or have a great idea to start one? Check out this forum. It is loaded with useful information and workshops to help you succeed. Over 50 topics will be discussed, including:
- Starting a small business in Denver
- Financing vs investment
- Debt management
- Employee hiring & retention
- Website development
- Marketing
- Accounting and organizing
- Networking
Click here for a full schedule of events and registration information. |
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Grill & Chill: Safe Summer Celebration
Kick off a safe and healthy summer at the fifth Annual "Grill & Chill" celebration on Saturday, May 12th, from 11 am to 2 pm, at Kepner Middle School, 911 S. Hazel Ct.
Free BBQ lunch
Games and prizes
Salsa demonstration
Denver Nuggets cheerleaders
Local artwork
Live music & dancing Valuable resources from over 30 community organizations
Click here for more information.
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Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 26th, 10 a.m.
Civic Center Park
Military personnel, veterans, and veterans' organizations will march to honor the many servicemen and women who gave their lives to protect the United States. The parade will start in front of the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, and end at the State Capitol. Click here for route information and other related events. |
Mayor's Youth Commission Seeks Applicants
Are you a high school student or member of a youth-oriented city agency or non-profit who wants to make a difference in our community? Apply to the Mayor's Youth Commission and give a voice to Denver's youth. Comprised of 11 youth (ages 14 to 18) and 10 adults, the Commission advises the Mayor on youth issues and offers young people an opportunity to learn about city government, develop leadership skills, and serve the community. Commissioners are appointed for three-year terms and must attend twice-monthly meetings. If you are interested, submit an application by May 31. Youth apply at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YouthCommissioner2012. Adults apply at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AdultCommissioner2012. |
Denver Women's Commission is seeking candidates!
The mission of the Denver Women's Commission is to enhance the quality of life in Denver by assisting women in the attainment of equality and full opportunity. The commission:
- Works with coalitions of women's organizations to remove barriers and advocate for positive change on a variety of issues.
- Monitors legislation and proposed policy change.
- Informs women's organizations who have an interest in legislative advocacy.
- Publishes a monthly news bulletin card outlining events and developments in the Denver Women's community
The Commission meets monthly on the first Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Avenue. Interested applicants should submit their application by May 20. If you have questions, call Anthony Aragon at 720-865-9032. |
West Washington Park/ Speer/ Broadway Neighborhood Office Hours - Same Time, Different Location
District 7 neighborhood office hours for the West Washington Park, Speer, & Broadway neighborhoods will still be held at 6:00pm on the fourth Tuesday but at it's NEW location at Bardo Coffee House, 238 S. Broadway (just south of Cedar).
Remember: District 7 holds open neighborhood office hours every month in every neighborhood in the district. If you have an issue or inquiry, this is your opportunity to meet with the Councilman or one of the District 7 staff, no appointment required. We meet at local businesses, usually before the corresponding Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) meeting. Check the calendar below for this month's meeting locations, dates and times. You can also go to the District 7 website for more information about your local RNO and our neighborhood office hours. |
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Colfax Marathon - May 20
Get ready for the ultimate urban tour of Denver on Sunday, May 20. Run or watch the Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay and Urban 10 Miler. New for 2012:
- Epic stadium run-through
- Seven miles of water on the marathon course
- A new 10 mile race
- Run through a fire station on the ½ marathon course
- Short film contest
For street closure and registration information visit: www.RunColfax.org.
Platt Park People's Associaition Happy Hour - May 8
3PA will not have a general meeting in May. In lieu of the general meeting, 3PA is hosting a Happy Hour on May 8 at 3 Monkeys on Broadway a little north of Louisiana (former home of Bistro One). |
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