Judy Montero

Submit a photo showing your love of recycling in the Mile High City!

From Denver Public Works – As Valentine’s Day approaches, Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Denver Public Works’ Denver Recycles announces a way for residents to “show their love” for recycling with the “I Heart My Purple Recycling Cart” photo contest. Denver residents are encouraged to submit creative photos showing their support for, and love of, recycling; however submissions must share a common theme: all photos must include the signature Denver “purple recycling cart.”

With more than 111,000 households choosing to “Go Purple” by recycling paper, bottles, containers, cans, etc., everyday, it is clear that Denver loves to recycle. Now it is your chance to show how much you love your purple recycling cart by submitting a photo that captures this love and creatively shows how your household recycles.

Mayor Hancock, Denver Public Works Manager George Delaney and Denver Recycles Operations Manager Charlotte Pitt will select a first, second and third place winner, and the best submittal under 13 years old.  Prizes include four tickets to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, four tickets to Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance (theatre tickets are courtesy of Arts and Venues Denver), Colorado Avalanche tickets and a ParkSmart Denver gift card.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO:

1. Email your digital photo to DenverRecycles@DenverGov.org by noon, Tuesday, February 14th
2. Include your name, phone number and home address in your email
3. Photos must include your Denver Recycles purple cart, without any permanent markings on it (no stickers, no spray paint, etc.)
4. Photo should illustrate your appreciation for your purple recycling cart, how or what you recycle at home, etc.
5. Digital photo should be a minimum of 500 KB and a maximum of 1000 KB
6. One photo per household

Please note that by submitting your photos you are giving the City and County of Denver permission to post them on Facebook, websites and in other promotional and printed materials. Winners will be notified through their submittal email on February 14, 2012. Also, City and County of Denver employees are not eligible to win prizes, but are welcome to submit photos.

To sign up to receive a purple recycling cart and no-cost recycling service, or for more information on Denver Recycles programs, please visit DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles or call 311.

From the Flobots –

Hey, Students! You’re Invited to a Sneak Peak at DeVotchka with the Colorado Symphony:

Friday, February 17, 6:30 pm, Boettcher Concert Hall

Tickets only $5 students grades 6-12

The Colorado Symphony, DeVotchka and Flobots.org are pleased to invite middle and high school students from across the Front Range to a special dress rehearsal on February 17 at Boettcher Concert Hall in downtown Denver. Students in grades 12 and below have the rare opportunity to watch two of Denver’s most beloved musical ensembles prepare for a collaborative public performance, which will take place the following evening, on Saturday, February 18.

Tickets are only $5 per student, available through the Colorado Symphony Box Office or by calling 303-623-7876.

The mash-up between DeVotchka and the Colorado Symphony is one you don’t want to miss! With a truly original, romantic sound, DeVotchka is a four-piece multi-instrumental and vocal ensemble that is already established as one of the most exciting underground bands in the country. Featured on the Grammy©-nominated soundtrack to the movie Little Miss Sunshine, this grand and soaring group is our city’s musical ambassador to the world.

Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 10a-6p and Saturday from 12p-6p. A student ID will be required to purchase or pick up tickets. Each adult purchasing a ticket must accompany at least one youth. Boettcher Concert Hall box office is located at 1000 14th Street in the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

This dress rehearsal is presented by the Colorado Symphony, DeVotchka and Flobots.org, which works to harness the power of music to create a better world for Denver youth.

Ever wonder why some neighborhoods have different City Council representatives than others? Or why two similar communities side-by-side are within different City Council districts? The answer is that this is the product of months and months of deliberation by local policy makers who are charged with redrawing the council district boundaries in the City and County of Denver every 10 years. The process is called redistricting, and cities and counties all over the nation are required by law to redraw their district boundaries after the U.S. Census is complete. The most recent U.S. Census was completed in 2010, and this has triggered Denver to move forward with its own redistricting process.

The 2010 U.S. Census showed that Denver’s population grew to more than 600,000 over the past decade, and much of that growth was in far Northeast Denver near the airport. Denver is required to draw council district boundaries that put an approximately equal number of people in each of our 11 council districts and our target is 54,560 people in each district. We have to be careful of the number of people in each district, while also trying not to split neighborhoods or other communities of similar interests.  The redistricting process in Denver begins with precinct boundaries being redrawn by the Clerk and Recorder, with City Councilmembers subsequently offering their own council district boundary map proposals for final adoption by the City Council. It’s a complex process that requires detailed analysis of neighborhoods, populations, demographics, and growth trends throughout the city.

So what does all of this mean and why should we care?  It means that council district boundaries will most likely have to shift in order to adjust to the ever-growing population of Denver. Some neighborhoods could find themselves in a different council district, or we could see the addition of new and different neighborhoods to Council District 9. These changes can have a direct impact on how our neighborhoods are represented at the local level, and they could significantly change the way city projects and policy issues are addressed within the neighborhoods of our council district boundaries. Simply put, new council district boundaries can have an immediate impact on your neighborhood and how you are represented on the City Council.

As you can imagine, there will be many questions asked during the redistricting process. Should one neighborhood be represented by two different council representatives? Should a council district have one specific demographic, or should it include diversity? Will geographic borders such as rivers, highways, or open spaces be determining factors for new boundaries? Are there opportunities to advance economic development with different boundaries?

These are extremely important questions we should all be asking throughout this process, as the end result could have a significant impact on the future of our communities. More importantly, our redistricting process should be done with full transparency, where citizens of Denver have every opportunity to express their own ideas and concerns about the configuration of our council districts and their representation. Redistricting is one of the most important decisions our elected officials will make in the City and County of Denver, and your participation is critical to ensure a positive outcome.

So I encourage you to become actively involved and engaged in our redistricting process. Send me your thoughts, opinions, and ideas on what you think are important as the City and County of Denver deliberates new council district boundaries. Also, be sure you stay informed on what’s being discussed among policy makers by watching Denver 8 TV and visiting the Denver City Council website at www.Denvergov.org and viewing the Council’s Redistricting Committee section.

We’re still relatively early in the process, but the next few steps will be extremely important to follow, so be sure to check back regularly for more updates on the redistricting process and how it will affect you!

Sincerely,

Judy H. Montero, Councilwoman

City and County of Denver, Council District 9

From Denver Crime Stoppers - On the morning of 01/21/2012 at approximately 01:04 am in the area of 19th and Market Street, the victim (a white male) and his girlfriend were walking. The victim was approached by two Hispanic males, one of which bumped the victim. The suspects then began to argue with the victim at which time they began to physically assault the victim. The victim attempted to physically defend himself and was then stabbed by one of the suspects. The suspects then fled the area in an unknown direction.

Anyone who has information regarding this incident, please contact Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.

From the Office of Mayor Hancock – Mayor Michael B. Hancock will receive the final report from the Structural Financial Task Force at Monday’s meeting. Immediately following, the Mayor will be available to members of the media to address the Task Force’s report and moving forward.

WHO: Mayor Michael B. Hancock

WHERE: Parr Widener Room in the City and County Building at 1437 Bannock St. in Denver

WHEN: Meeting @ 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012

Media availability @ 4:30 p.m.

Stock Show ends with top ten all time attendance. A total of 636,662 for the 106th year!

From the National Western Stock Show – The 106th National Western Stock Show ended Sunday, with strong numbers throughout the 16 days. Opening day started with a bang as Colorado Champions faced off against the World Champions in the first ever Colorado vs. The World rodeo. Over 44,000 people attended opening day, making it the second biggest in history.  Total attendance for the 16 day run was 636,662, making it a top ten year in National Western history!

Records fell at the Junior Livestock Auction, as 98 animals were sold for a record $611,200 which was nearly a $20,000 increase from the previous record.  The money invested supports the youth that raised the animal as they plan for their future needs for college education.

The National Western Scholarship Trust is funded by three primary sources and each source had a tremendous year. The Junior Livestock Auction, as noted earlier, had a record year and a percentage of the total goes to fund the Trust. The Citizen of the West dinner, honoring Lynne Cheney, made its first appearance at the Event’s Center to a sold out arena floor. The Coors Western Art exhibit had a great year and a portion of the proceeds fund the Scholarship Trust. All three of these events will produce enough revenue to fund a projected 75 scholarships throughout Colorado and Wyoming for students studying in the fields of agriculture and rural medicine.

Our 19 ProRodeos featured some of the greatest competitors from around the world, along with the famous Westernaires.  New highlights this year included the Susan G. Komen “Pink” Rodeo, and a historic night in salute to our armed forces.

The historic yards hosted over 16,000 head of livestock, making it one of the top five years of all time. The Wagyu, a Japanese heritage breed made its debut at the Stock Show and was shown here for the first time in the Northern Hemisphere.

A thank you to all members for your great support in this 106th year!  We look forward to seeing you soon.

Informe a la comunidad concerniente a la Alineacion del I-70

Lo que esta sucediendo y como te puedes involucrar!

La Ciudad de Denver y el CDOT (departmento de transporte de Colorado) estan trabajando en conjunto para poder proveer informacion a la comunidad concerniente a la alineacion de la I-70 entre Brighton Blvd y Colorado Blvd. Este esfuerzo se enfoca en los vecindarios de Elyria, Globeville y Swansea.

CDOT ha conducido un estudio sobre los efectos del medioambiente y la alineacion y mejoramientos del I-70. Informacion adicional se encuentra en http://www. I-70east.com/. Parte de este esfuerzo incluye un Equipo de Colaboracion de la Alternativa Preferida (PACT). Este Equipo ha proveido bastante apoyo para la alternative de alineacion actual, sin embargo no llego a un acuerdo entre la alineacion hacia el Sur o Norte entre los Blvd Brighton y Colorado. Como resultado, CDOT y FHWA (administracion federal de carreteras) tomaran una decision para hacer el cambio ya sea hacia el Norte o Sur basada en la mejor informacion disponible recibido del PACT en el ultimo ano y del esfuerzo de los vecindarios afectados.

Basado en el proceso del PACT, hay dos posibles alineaciones para este segmento de la carretera; Una hacia el Sur y otra hacia el Norte. La Ciudad de Denver ha estudiado las limitaciones y oportunidades asociadas con ambas posibilidades, y de dicho analisis ha determinado que la alineacion hacie el Norte tiene mayor potencial para proveer un mayor beneficio a la comunidad y menores impactos negativos a largo plazo.

Informacion adicional concerniente a los beneficios de la comunidad se encuentran en la pagina web: www.denvergov.org/ccdl70. Ademas, hay carpetas disponibles en la comunidad que contienen un resumen del proyecto. Para ver estas carpetas, pueden acercarse a los centros comunitarios Swansea Recreation Center, Stapleton Recreation Center, Focus Points Family Resource Center y Colorado Miners para revisar la informacion.

Reuniones Publicas

Se han llevado a cabo hasta la fecha dos foros comunitarios, uno en Septiembre y otro en Noviembre del 2011. Las presentaciones y un resumen de estas reunions se encuentran en www.denver.gov.org/ccdl70. Durante el foro del 9 de Noviembre, Se anuncio que el siguiente foro seria el 12 de Diciembre del 2011. Pero para poder tener mas tiempo de tratar asuntos particulares en grupos pequenos, el siguiente foro sera a principios de Marzo en un local que aun no se ha determinado. Mientras, hay 5 grupos pequenos que se han reunido para indentificar asuntos importantes. Si les interesa participar en estos grupos pueden llamar o contactar por correo electronic a Karen Good de Obras Publicas de Denver; Karen.Good@denvergov.org 720.865.3162.

La intencion de estos grupos es mantenerlos pequenos para poder asi enfocarse en asuntos particulares. Estas reuniones estan abiertas al publico pero se recomienda contactar a Karen Good si desea participar.

Asuntos Tratados en los Grupos Pequenos:

ESCUELA Y CENTRO DE RECREO

Reunion #1 14 de Diciembre 2011 – lo que se hablo:

• Los vecindarios dependen de su escuela y les preocupa su relocalizacion y el impacto que eso tendria sobre sus hijos y la comunidad, una nueva escuela debe ser lo suficiente cerca para llegar caminando o en bicicleta.

• La escuela actual no esta en las mejores condiciones y existen ciertos

beneficios en obtener una nueva.

• Es importante entender como una combinacion Escuela/Centro de

Recreo funciona y como puede proveer una separacion clara y segura

entre ambos usos.

MEJORAMIENTOS Y LA MODERACION DE SU IMPACTO

Reunion #1 21 de Diciembre 2011 – lo que se hablo:

• Se debe de apartar dinero para mejoramientos como nuevas banquetas,

callejones pavimentados, mayor conectividad, iluminacion en las calles y la

rehabilitacion de viviendas.

• Hemos identificado la necesidad de disminuir el nivel de sonido y contaminacion en el vecindario.

• Tanto la nueva carretera como la avenida 46 deben ser disenadas para

reducer los impactos de ruido y suciedad. Ademas, la avenida 46 debe ser

disenado para tener suficiente espacio para recreacion, deporte y luz natural,

con un parque y espacio para pequenos negocios.

• Sera importante coordinar los esfuerzos de planeacion para los tres

vecindarios afectados.

NEGOCIOS Y CONSTRUCCION NUEVA

Reunion #1 15 de Diciembre 2011 y Reunion #2 3 de Enero 2012 – lo que se hablo:

• Pedir el apoyo y esfuerzo de la Oficina de Desarollo Economico de Denver

para mantener a los negocios actuales y atraer a mas negocios, como un

supermercado al area.

• Todo lo posible se debe de hacer para reducir el impacto sobre los negocios

durante construccion y para retener y crear nuevos trabajos.

COMUNICACION AL VECINDARIO

Reunion #1 14 de Diciembre 2011 y Reunion #2 3 de Enero

2012 – lo que se hablo:

• Crear un boletin y proveer oportunidades para foros comunitarios.

Si desea hablar con un miembro de la comunidad directamente acerca de la comunicacion en la comunidad o del proyecto favor de contactar a miembros del grupo de comunicaciones:

Karen Good, Obras Publicas de Denver karen.good@denvergov.org

720.865.3162, Manejador de Proyecto

Kirk Webb, CDOT kirk.webb@dot.state.co.us

303- 757-9866, Manejador de Proyecto

Cynthia Gallegos, Focus Points Family Resource Center (Centro de

Recursos Familiar) cynthia@focuspoints.org 303-292-0770 x11

Max Weyker, Residente de la comunidad

maxweyker@gmail.com (720) 422-7567

Kendra Sandoval Oficina del Alcalde de Denver

Kendra.Sandoval@denvergov.org 720.865.9049

Michael Sapp, Oficina del Alcalde de Denver

Michael.Sapp@denvergov.org 720.865.9024

Stuart Steers, Focus Points Family Resource Center

Stuart@focuspoints.org 303-292-0770 x25

From the City and County of Denver –

I-70 ALIGNMENT NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH

Here’s what’s happening & how you can get involved!

The City of Denver and CDOT are working together to provide extended neighborhood outreach regarding the I-70 alignment between Brighton Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard. This outreach effort is focused on the neighborhoods of Elyria, Globeville and Swansea.

CDOT has conducted an EIS studying the I-70 alignment and improvements, additional information can be found at http://www.i-70east.com/. Part of these efforts included a Preferred Alternative Collaboration Team (the PACT). The PACT has provided significant support for the Current Alignment Alternative, however did not reach consensus on the north or south shift of the alignment between Brighton Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard. As a result CDOT and FHWA will make a decision on north or south shift based on the best available data, discussions, and information provided by the PACT over the last year as well as this neighborhood outreach effort. Based on the PACT process there are two possible alignments for this segment of the highway; a northern shift and a southern shift. The City of Denver has studied the opportunities and constraints associated with both alignments, and from this analysis have determined that the northern shift has greater potential to provide increased community benefit and reduced long-term impacts.

Additional information regarding community benefits can be found at the website: www.denvergov.org/ccdI70. You can also find several project summary binders available for review in the community. Please feel free to visit the Swansea Recreation Center, Stapleton Recreation Center, Focus Points Family Resource Center or Colorado Miners to review the information.

Public Meetings:

There have been two public meetings to date, one in September and another in November, 2011. Meeting presentations and notes are also posted on the website www.denvergov.org/ccdI70. At the November 9, 2011, I-70 Community Outreach meeting it was announced that the next public meeting would be held the week of December 12th, 2011. In the interest of having more time for the focus groups to meet and discuss issues, this meeting will be held in early March, location to be determined. In the meantime the five focus groups have been meeting and are identifying key issues and opportunities. If you are interested in participating in a focus group please either call or email Karen Good at Denver Public Works; Karen.Good@denvergov.org or call 720.865.3162.

Focus groups are intended to be smaller working groups that focus on particular issues. These meetings are open to the public but it is strongly recommended if you would like to participate in the focus group that you contact Karen Good.

Focus Group Topics Include:

School and Recreation Center

Meeting #1 December 14, 2011 – Meeting Highlights

• The neighborhoods are dependent on their school and are concerned about their school moving and how this will impact their children and community, a new school must have walk-ability and bike-ability.

• Existing facility has physical issues and there could be benefit in having a new school.

• It is important to understand how a school and recreation center combination functions and provide clear and safe separation between uses.

Housing Impacts and Relocation

Meeting #1 December 21, 2011 – Meeting Highlights

• Money should be set aside for community improvements such as sidewalks, paved alleys, curbs, improved connectivity, lighting and housing rehabilitation.

• We identified the need to use best practices in lessening the impact of noise and air pollution, etc. upon the neighborhood.

• Both the new highway and 46th Avenue should be designed to reduce impacts such as noise and dirt. In addition 46th Avenue should be designed to provide opportunities for attractive buffers, usable space for recreation and sports, openness and natural lighting, landscaped/park space and new small businesses.

• It will be important to coordinate all the planning efforts for these three neighborhoods.

Business Interests and Redevelopment

Meeting #1 December 15, 2011 & Meeting #2 January 3, 2012, - Meeting Highlights

• Enlist the support and efforts of Denver’s Office of Economic Development to keep current businesses with the neighborhood and attract new service oriented businesses, such as a grocery store, into the area.

• Everything possible should be done to lessen the impact upon businesses during construction as well as retain and create jobs.

• Develop a small business tool kit specifically for these neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Communication

Meeting #1 December 14, 2011 & Meeting #2 January 3, 2012, - Meeting Highlights

• Create newsletter and provide opportunities for community discussions.

If you would like to speak to a community member directly about neighborhood communications and the overall project please feel free to contact the neighborhood communications focus group members:

Karen Good, Denver Public Works karen.good@denvergov.org

720.865.3162, Project Manager

Kirk Webb, CDOT kirk.webb@dot.state.co.us

303- 757-9866, Project Manager

Cynthia Gallegos, Focus Points Family Resource Center

cynthia@focuspoints.org 303-292-0770 x11

Max Weyker, community resident maxweyker@gmail.com (720) 422-7567

Kendra Sandoval City of Denver Mayor’s Office

Kendra.Sandoval@denvergov.org 720.865.9049

Michael Sapp, City of Denver Mayor’s Office Michael.Sapp@denvergov.org

720.865.9024

Stuart Steers, Focus Points Family Resource Center

Stuart@focuspoints.org 303-292-0770 x25

From Girl Scouts of Colorado – Girl Scouts of Colorado make it easy, meaningful and fun for girls and volunteers to grow as leaders.  Girl Scouts of Colorado is a dynamic, statewide organization serving 30,700 girls and engaging nearly 10,000 volunteers.  The organization’s annual operating budget is approximately $11 million.

The Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) provides leadership to advance the mission of Girl Scouts across Colorado. This is a high profile, high-energy position, requiring a dynamic individual who is comfortable working with a wide variety of constituents, interests and in diverse communities.

We seek an accomplished executive whose leadership and management track record in growing and leading organizations is highlighted by successful relationship development with diverse constituencies. Ideally this individual has experience working in volunteer driven organizations and/or in an organization that serves a state-wide or regional audience. This individual will have at least five (5)years of executive leadership in a multi-million dollar organization in the not-for-profit, for-profit or government sectors. Knowledge and experience working with the Colorado philanthropic community is a plus.  A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is preferred. To learn more about the Girl Scouts of Colorado, please visit their website at www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org.

Nominations and applications for this position will be accepted prior to February 22, 2012 by contacting:

Raylene Decatur,

Principal, Kittleman & Associates, LLC,

299 Milwaukee Street, Suite 332, Denver, CO 80206

resumes@kittleman.net

Additional information regarding this position is available at www.kittleman.net.

From Denver Environmental Health and the Downtown Denver Partnership – The City & County of Denver, Department of Environmental Health today joined the Downtown Denver Partnership in launching Certifiably Green Denver, a free, environmental assistance program to help businesses reduce costs and become more efficient by becoming more sustainable.

Formerly known as Denver Pollution Prevention Partners, Certifiably Green Denver provides environmental certification programs for restaurants, auto repair facilities, and office and retail businesses.

“Besides being the responsible thing to do, it’s a great marketing tool for businesses,” said Environmental Health Manager Doug Linkhart. “There is an incredible amount of consumer interest in supporting business that operate sustainably, and we’re excited to have the Downtown Denver Partnership partner with us.”

“Certifiably Green Denver is aligned with the 2007 Downtown Area Plan’s Vision Elements of a Green City and a Prosperous City to achieve a vibrant, economically healthy, growing and vital Downtown,” said John Desmond, Executive Vice President, Downtown Environment, for The Downtown Denver Partnership. “The Downtown Denver Partnership is proud to launch Certifiably Green Denver as an environmental sustainability program that positively affects the bottom lines of Downtown businesses.”

After meeting specific certification requirements, certified businesses receive a window decal, are recognized as sustainable business partners on the City & County of Denver website, and well receive certificates of achievement signed by Mayor Michael B. Hancock.

Originally launched in 2009, Certifiably Green Denver initially certified only restaurants and auto repair facilities. With the leadership of the Downtown Denver Partnership, the program was expanded to include retail establishments and business offices including law firms and accounting firms. Certifiably Green Denver has assisted more than 75 businesses and has already certified 10 restaurants, five auto repair facilities and three office and retail spaces.

To date, the program has:

• Diverted more than 1,200 tons of landfill waste through recycling or composting. This is the equivalent of diverting the landfill waste from approximately 2,400 people annually.
• Saved 237,822 kilowatt hours of energy, enough to power 217 ski lifts for a day.
• Saved 470,000 gallons of water, or enough to almost fill one Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Certifiably Green Denver is one of several free environmental assistance programs offered through Denver Environmental Health. The Denver Energy Challenge offers Denver residents and businesses energy reduction assistance thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the Department of Energy’s BetterBuildings Program, the EPA’s Climate Showcase Communities Program, and the GEO Main Street Efficiency Initiative Program and sponsored in partnership with the City and County of Denver Department of Environmental Health, Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships, Greenprint Denver, and Xcel Energy.

For more information about Certifiably Green Denver, visit www.denvergov.org/certifiablygreendenver