District 7 Update - December 2013

2013 has been a great year for Lucky District 7, and we're proud to represent such unique and dynamic neighborhoods in South Denver. As this year comes to a wrap, we hope you have a warm, safe and happy holiday with friends and family. From our District 7 family to yours, Happy Holidays!

A Message From Mayor Hancock on Denver's Solid Waste Master Plan

From Mayor Hancock -- In Denver, we take pride in our city. Whether it's cleaning the riverbanks, making our homes energy efficient or conserving by watering our lawns less - I see residents taking significant steps to uplift this community every day.

As a community, we constantly strive to improve the quality of life here, thinking not only of today but of generations we may never meet. To keep Denver healthy, clean and beautiful, I am excited to reenergize the city's Master Plan for Managing Solid Waste next year.

About 75 percent of what Denver residents are throwing away can actually be composted or recycled. We are too conscientious of a community to continue on that path.

The strategies laid out in the solid waste plan aim to make it simple and easy for Denver residents to recycle and compost while significantly reducing what gets thrown away. Our target, set out in our 2020 Sustainability Goals, is to reduce by 20 percent the waste disposed of in landfills. One approach we are taking is to encourage residents to use a three cart system - black trash, purple recycling and green compost carts.

To reignite this work, which was stalled by the recession, the city will be undertaking its biggest conversion in collection methods in 15 years by transitioning 20,000 homes from dumpsters and manual trash barrels to black trash carts. Beginning in mid-2014, this move will help reduce illegal dumping while cleaning up our streets, alleys and neighborhoods.

We will also be expanding the composting collection service in January to double the number of people eligible to participate. In addition, we will be working to expand participation in the Denver Recycles program.

And that is just the beginning. I am assembling a group of city staff, solid waste experts, and community and city council members who will work to put the next steps in place for further implementation of the solid waste plan into our neighborhoods.

My administration also continues to work with Councilwoman Debbie Ortega to explore policies to address plastic bag waste. I believe it is critical to consider other plastic bag litter and waste diversion solutions that will not impose a fee for the use of a material that makes up a relatively small portion of our overall solid waste. We must stay focused on solutions that empower residents - solutions that are right for Denver.

Together, we can ensure the city's resources are affordable and available for all residents now and in the future. I ask that you stand with us as we embark on a new chapter of sustainability for Denver.

Seasonal Tree Tips

Now that we're in full winter mode, you may find tree branches broken or damaged from the cold. We don't need to warn you that chainsaws are dangerous. A little common sense goes a long way. But we would like to give you a few additional tips for dealing with broken branches in the winter:

Inspect the area around your tree to ensure there are no overhead power lines
Look for broken/hanging branches and cracks or fractures within major limbs
Visit Trees Are Good for tree pruning advice or call a licensed arborist
If you do hire someone, make sure they are licensed through Denver Forestry (click on the website or call 720-913-0651for a list of licensed contractors.)

Call Xcel Energy at 800-895-1999 to report power outages and/or other electrical emergencies.

Denver "TreeCycle" - January 6th through January 17th

And for your "indoor" trees, mark your calendar for the beginning of January and plan to participate in Denver Recycles "TreeCycle" program -- turn your Christmas tree into valuable mulch. Even better, you can pick up your mulch for FREE in the spring. Plus, participating in the program helps the City save money on disposal fees and space in the landfill.

1) Remove all decorations and the tree stand. NO artificial or flocked trees. Real evergreen trees only!

2) Set your tree out for collection during the first two weeks of January. Your tree will get picked up by a special tree collection truck for recycling.

Set-out day and location depends on your trash service type.
Manual & Barrel customers should set trees out near your normal set-out location by 7 a.m. on one of your trash collection days during the two-week collection period.
Dumpster customers should set trees out by 7 a.m. on either Monday, January 6th OR Monday, January 13th for collection sometime during that week.
Please do not place trees in dumpsters. Trees should be placed at least 4 feet away from dumpsters and other obstacles for collection

3) Reclaim free mulch made from your tree at the annual Mulch Giveaway in the Spring!

Deck The Halls With Red and GREEN This Season!

SKIP WRAPPING PAPER

Create your own wrapping paper with newspaper comics, calendar and magazine pages, or brown paper bags that you decorate. Or, wrap gifts in fabrics or gift bags that can be used year after year. You can also use cloth ribbon for bows instead of disposable plastic ones. Don't forget to recycle the wrapping from the gifts you receive. Denver Recycles accepts most wrapping paper for recycling, but cannot accept glitter-coated or foil coated paper.

RECHARGE IT

About 40 percent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season and many of those batteries end up in landfills. Buy rechargeable batteries to include with your electronic gifts, and consider giving a battery charger as well. Rechargeable batteries can save money in the long run, too.

BRING YOUR OWN BAGS

Canvas bags aren't just for the grocery store. Make sure you bring them on all of your holiday shopping trips.

MAXIMIZE RECYCLING

Denver Recycles will accept many types of packaging generated during the holiday season. Here are a few holiday items you can recycle:

Gift boxes

Cardboard toy packaging

Eggnog cartons

Wrapping paper (no glitter or foil coated paper)

Holiday cards and envelopes (no photo, glitter or foil coated cards)

Metal cookie tins (up to 6" x 10" in size with the lid removed)

The good folks at Denver Recycles have made a list (and checked it twice) of ways to be environmentally friendly during the holidays. Follow them on Twitter @DenPublicWorks and send along your favorite tips too.

Become a Denver Master Composter and Recycler

Master Composters learn all about composting and recycling in Denver AND give back to the community. You'll have tons of fun, and you're guaranteed to meet others who are committed to the environment and to their communities. No experience required!

Here's how the program works:

Instruction: Receive 40 hours of instruction in compost science, compost bin construction, worm composting, urban gardening, recycling and solid waste management, and community outreach.
Service: In exchange for your training you'll be required to return 40 hours of outreach service teaching composting and recycling to Denver residents. You'll have six months to complete your outreach service requirement.
Dedication, not experience: You do not need to be an experienced composter or gardener to participate, but you must be able to commit the time necessary to attend the classes, tours and demonstration site sessions.
Cost: A $35 fee is generally required to help cover the cost of certain materials. However, this fee can be waived; inability to pay the fee should not deter qualified candidates!
Schedule: Classes will be held about once a week for 10 weeks on a combination of Monday evenings, Saturday mornings and one Friday field trip.
Enrollment: Approximately 30 enthusiastic and committed participants will be selected each year for this program.

Applications for the 2014 program are being accepted now through December 16th, 2013. Please review the 2014 schedule here. If you are interested in the program, and can commit to the published schedule, please call Judy Elliot of Denver Urban Gardens at 720-404-0621 to learn more and make an appointment for a short interview.

Snow & Ice Removal

Unless you've been living in a cave the last week, you know that snow has already hit Denver, and there may be plenty more the rest of the month. Thankfully, our fearless Public Works Street Maintenance Department is ready to go with a range of active plans to make the city safe and passable for everyone. Check out their

website for information on snow removal routes, timelines, de-icing strategies, winter trash removal, and more.

But Public Works can't do it alone. Residents are required to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after snow stops falling. Businesses and apartment building owners are required to clear walkways and sidewalks within four hours. If you notice that ice is building up in your street gutter and preventing proper drainage, call 3-1-1 to report it. Lastly, sign up to be a "Denver Snow Buddy

." This is a fantastic new program that matches volunteers with elderly or disabled neighbors who are unable to shovel their walks. You can also refer them to one of the following agencies:

Catholic Charities, 303-742-0823 x 2046
DRCOG Area Agency on Aging, 303-480-6787
Senior Resource Center, 303-235-6973
VOA Handy Man Program, 720-264-3331 or 303-297-0408

Denver to Update Its Historic Design Guidelines

In an effort to make them more user-friendly, Denver is updating its historic design guidelines used to evaluate building projects for local landmarks and properties in historic districts. The design guidelines help ensure that proposed projects preserve key historic features and are compatible with the character of historic buildings, sites and districts. But the current guidelines, adopted in 1995, are difficult to navigate, and have few illustrations and do not reflect recent advances in building and construction -- including energy-efficient technology.

The new guidelines will outline a "how-to" approach and will provide easy-to-follow charts and graphs so that homeowners and design professionals can more easily navigate through the design review and permitting process.

As part of the update process, city landmark preservation staff are soliciting input from the community. Please join us for the first of two public workshops on December 9.

Landmark preservation design guidelines workshop

Monday, Dec. 9, 6:00pm.

Scheitler Recreation Center, 5031 W. 46th Ave., Denver

For additional information on the project and more opportunities for public input, visit DenverGov.org/Landmark.

Proposed Zoning Code Amendments Available for Review

The Denver Community Planning and Development department has proposed a series of amendments to the text of the Denver zoning code. The proposed changes include zoning adjustments in response to market trends in specific industries as well as clarifications that make the code clearer and more user-friendly. Many of the amendments come in direct response to the needs of permit customers and Denver residents who have provided feedback to city staff.

A draft of the series of proposed zoning code text amendments is now available for public review and comment; view it by visiting DenverGov.org/CPD or clicking here.

Denver Animal Care & Control Reminds Residents to Protect Pets from Dangerous Cold Temperatures

As the Denver Metro area braces for more days of bitter cold, Denver Animal Care & Control reminds residents to ensure pets are protected from the elements. Failing to do so could have dire consequence for pets, and result in a cruelty to animals or animal neglect charge and up to a $1,000 fine for the owner.

Ideally, the best way to protect pets from extreme temperatures is to avoid long-term outdoor exposure. However, if pets have to be outside for longer durations, Denver city ordinance requires that pets have adequate outdoor shelter such as a dog house, porch area, or a similar structure that allows an animal to escape the elements.

Further insulating the shelter or adding a "doggie door" to a garage or covered area adds an additional layer of protection from the cold.

Additional tips include:

When pets come in from the outdoors, remove snow, ice, salt or other ice treatment chemicals. This will not only keep them dry, but also keep them from ingesting chemicals that may remain on their coat.
Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold.
Don't leave dangerous and potentially lethal chemicals like snow and ice remover and anti-freeze outdoors where pets can accidentally ingest.
Check under the hood of outdoor vehicles before starting them up. Stray cats often look for refuge in warm engines.

For information about Denver's Animal Care & Control ordinances or additional pet safety tips, visit www.denveranimalshelter.org.

Denver Fire Department Offers Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

With the holidays upon us, we are entering a season full of celebrations and risks for residential fires. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve are notoriously full of potential fire hazards such as candles, decorative lights and combustible decorations to add fuel to any fire. And since the holidays are often accompanied by cold weather and snow, heating appliance and fireplace use can increase the risk of fire. This holiday season, remember to keep an eye out for safety. Click here for Denver Fire Department's fire prevention tips for the holidays.

The Denver Latino Commission is Seeking Candidates!

The mission of the Denver Latino Commission is to oversee, recommend and influence policies that affect the Denver Latino community while maintaining and encouraging a constituent focus. Responsibilities of the Commission include the following:

Responds to emerging issues identified by the Mayor on a timely basis
Responds to new or existing Latino issues/initiatives by communicating with the interested parties and serves as a sounding board to understand their issues/initiatives and take positions to relay to the Mayor in support of common goals identified
Advises the Mayor on suggested political positions
Responds to state or local legislative issues impacting the Latino community

The Commission is specifically looking for individuals from the following backgrounds:

Immigrant Communities
Education
Youth/College-aged Students
Media
Health Care
Young Professionals
Human Services

The Commission meets monthly the third Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at various locations throughout the City. For an exact meeting location, please refer to the Denver Latino Commission website:

Interested applicants should submit an application (here) and resume by close of business, January 10th, 2014. If you have questions, please contact Anthony Aragon at 720-865-9032.

Residential Street Sweeping Program is Officially Over Until April 2014
Denver Public Works' Residential Street Sweeping program is done until scheduled sweeping resumes in April 2014. The end to residential street sweeping also means an end to monthly posted parking restrictions and to the email. Posted parking restrictions for street sweeping are effective April 1 - November 30 every year.

RNOs - Have You Renewed Your Registration?

The clock is ticking for all existing Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) to re-register, and for previously unregistered groups to join the list. The deadline is January 31st. Click here for details and the registration form or Alex Foster at 720-865-2969 or Alexandra.Foster@DenverGov.org

Denver Preschool Program Annual Preschool Showcase, January 11th

It's not too soon to be thinking about preschool for next year. Denver families can find out about tuition support and choose from more than 250 licensed preschools across the Denver metro area in one place at the Denver Preschool Program's annual Preschool Showcase from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel on the 16th Street Mall, 1550 Court Place. Free light refreshments, family-friendly activities and entertainment will be available.

Planning to attend? Email Ellen@dpp.org or call 303.595.4DPP (4377). For more information, visit dpp.org for more information.

Denver Public Library Winter Used Book Sale
The Denver Public Library will be holding a Winter Used Book Sale December 12-14 at the Central Library, 14th Avenue and Broadway. The sale will feature over thirty thousand used books, CDs, and DVDs. All at bargain prices starting at just $1! Bring your own reusable bags and plan to fill them. All proceeds benefit the DPL.

Sale Schedule:

Thursday, December 12, 10:00am to 7:00pm
Friday, December 13, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday, December 14: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Overland Park Neighborhood Association Winter Solstice Celebration, Dec 21^st
Join the self proclaimed "funky and feisty" OPNA group on Saturday, December 21st at 2pm at the Best Little Hair House - 2093 S. Acoma Street. Celebrate the solstice with homemade baked goods, warm cider, hot chocolate, and coffee. Bring the kids and show them what neighborhood involvement can do. All neighbors are welcome.

South Pearl Merchants Association Winterfest, December 6^th and 7^th

Join the South Pearl Merchants Association on the 1500 block of South Pearl Street for Box Elder Horse and Wagon rides, a holiday market with gift and food vendors, local merchant open house, and appearances by Santa! Come hear live music and enjoy a hot adult beverage or hot chocolate and cider for the kids. The open-aire market will feature a Christmas tree lot, holiday greenery, artisan foods, and winter crops. Come out and feel the holiday cheer!

Friday, December 6^th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday, December 7^th from 11:00am to 5:00pm

39th Annual 9News Parade of Lights

Be sure to come downtown for a Denver holiday tradition! The 39th annual 9News Parade of Lights takes place on two nights - Friday, December 6th at 8:00pm and Saturday, December 7th at 6:00pm. Get all the info and details here.

Ring in 2014 with FREE New Year's Eve Fireworks Downtown, December 31st

Start off 2014 with a bang. Spend New Year's Eve watching fireworks light up the sky over the 16th Street Mall. Shows start at 9 pm and midnight. Click

here for more information.

December Calendar Link

Click here to visit the District 7 website

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