Category Archives: Uncategorized

Please take the time to visit Denver’s latest and greatest redistricting website. Here you can get all the info on our redistricting process, including the timeline, next steps, and even draft maps that have been proposed for Council District boundaries.

This is a very important process for Denver residents to be involved in, so be sure to check out this website and get up to speed!

http://www.denvergov.org/citycouncil/DenverCityCouncil/Redistricting/tabid/442524/Default.aspx

Today I had a very productive redistricting retreat with the rest of my City Council Colleagues. We discussed some of the key redistricting guidelines set forth by the City Council, and presented a few draft map proposals for discussion. Some of the maps include substantial changes such as potentially shifting council districts east or possibly changing council district numbers. A map must be adopted by City Council by the end of April, in combination with vetting by the City Attorney to ensure the federal Voting Rights Act is protected. These maps will be available for review on the City’s website in the next couple of days, so be sure to check back for more updates.

Finally, the next Redistricting Committee will meet next Monday, February 13th, to discuss how public outreach will be conducted. Be sure to tune in to this meeting on Denver Live 8 TV or on the City’s website. For all your City of Denver redistricting information, please visit the below link.

http://www.denvergov.org/citycouncil/DenverCityCouncil/Redistricting/tabid/442524/Default.aspx

From Denver Public Works – Denver requires property owners to clear their walkways so that EVERYONE has safe access throughout the City! Senior citizens, people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and mail carriers -just to name a few – struggle to negotiate hazardous walkways…we need to do our part to make our community safe and accessible for all.

• Homeowners:  Once snow has stopped falling, residences have twenty-four (24) hours to remove snow from public sidewalks adjacent to their property.
• Businesses:  Once snow has stopped falling, businesses have four (4) hours to remove snow from public sidewalks adjacent to their property.
• Report A Problem:  Please contact Denver 3-1-1 to provide the address of unshoveled sidewalks.
• Enforcement:  Denver performs proactive inspections in business districts, and we rely on citizen complaints to help us identify those property owners that need to be educated about sidewalk safety requirements.

The vast majority of people comply with the first sidewalk safety notice issued by the City.  In the rare instances where a property owner refuses to comply, Denver takes escalating legal action, which can include issuing an Administrative Citation that carries a $150 penalty.  Denver manages 3,000 sidewalk safety cases a year.

Help Out A Neighbor: 

“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Denver is snow country. Every winter, snow falls and snow shoveling becomes a part of our lives. For senior citizens and people with disabilities, however, snow shoveling can be a dangerous and overwhelming task.

Being a Denver “Snow Angel” means making a promise to clear the walkway of an elderly or disabled neighbor every time it snows so that they can stay mobile and connected during the winter months.

You can be a snow angel and help out a neighbor if you are a healthy, active person who:

• Has not had a heart attack
• Does not have a history of heart disease
• Does not have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Does not smoke

7 Shoveling Safety Tips for Denver Snow Angels

Courtesy of Denver Health and Hospitals

• Stretch before shoveling: warm up those muscles! Cold, tight muscles are more likely to sprain or strain than warm, relaxed muscles.
• Stay hydrated. Dehydration is an issue no matter what the temperature. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your shoveling session.
• Pace yourself, taking frequent rest breaks.

• Dress in layers so clothing can be peeled off as the body becomes warm. Overheating puts extra strain on the heart.
• Wear a hat to retain body heat.
• Shovel safely by bending legs slightly at the knee, letting thigh muscles do most of the pushing and lifting work; this will reduce strain on the heart and back. Use a shovel with a small scoop and keep loads light and small.
• If you experience pain of any kind, stop immediately and seek assistance.

Public Information

Visit our website, www.DenverSnowPlan.com, for more detailed information on snow removal. During snowfall, we update the website in real time to reflect current conditions and our strategies.

From NALEO – The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, the nation’s leading organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, today released its 2012 primary electoral profile for the state of Colorado.

“Latinos accounted for 42% of the total population growth in the state of Colorado over the past ten years,” stated NALEO Educational Fund Executive Director Arturo Vargas. “Campaigns and candidates will need to actively work to engage Latino voters if they hope to capture the support of this growing electorate in Colorado.”

With Latinos accounting for one out of every ten registered voters in Colorado, the Latino electorate is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the state’s 2012 election contest. According to CNN exit poll data from the 2008 Presidential election, 61% of Colorado Latino voters supported President Barack Obama, a number which helped him gain a critical victory over Senator John McCain.

What: NALEO Educational Fund’s 2012 Primary Electoral Profile for Colorado

When: Available online now

Where: http://www.naleo.org/downloads/CO_Prim_Prof_2012_fin.pdf

Media: For questions or interviews, please contact Amanda Bosquez at (202) 546-2536 or abosquez@naleo.org.

ABOUT NALEO EDUCATIONAL FUND

The NALEO Educational Fund is the nation’s leading non-profit organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.

From the Office of Mayor Hancock – Mayor Michael B. Hancock issued the following statement in recognition of Black History Month:

“Black History Month shines a bright light on the critical progress that has occurred in our nation, while concentrating our efforts on what we have yet to accomplish. In that spirit, I encourage all Denver residents to consider what we can do to continue this progress, to continue to build a nation where everyone is afforded an equal opportunity to succeed.

“This month, we celebrate the efforts of African-Americans throughout our nation’s history – people who dedicate their lives to equality for every individual. This year in particular, we pay special tribute to the achievements of the countless African American women, past and present, who work to shape the course of our nation’s history. Many stand today as unsung heroes but their contributions and achievements have helped pave the way for equal rights.

“As we recognize and celebrate Black History Month, let us use this time to remind ourselves of our own journeys and the choices we face every day. And as we deliver a world-class city where everyone matters, let us engage all of Denver’s communities in the spirit of those who have fought for equality and helped shape what our country is today.”

From Denver Public Works – Denver’s entire fleet of heavy plows have been addressing our main roadways, or most streets with stripes, since snow began to accumulate on the pavement last night. Crews will continue to work until further notice. Trucks are applying de-icing materials to prevent snow and ice from bonding with the pavement, and that material will be particularly effective after the sun comes up today.

Denver’s main roads are very drivable at this time, but the AM commute may be slow due to the potential of snowfall continuing throughout the morning. Plows made good progress overnight, but during rush hour they are often unable to cover as much ground as they can during times of lighter traffic. Allow plenty of time this morning to reach your destination, and please give our plows enough room to operate when on the roadway.

The residential plows will not be addressing side streets for this snowfall since 12 inches of snow are not predicted. The side streets are only plowed when 12 inches or more of snow is predicted followed by prolonged freezing temperatures, as with the storm that came last week.

Visit our website, www.DenverSnowPlan.com, for more detailed information on snow removal. During snowfall, we update the website in real time to reflect current conditions and our strategies.

From Denver Public Works:

EVENING commute will be difficult, heavy snowfall expected during drive-time.

• Main streets are snow packed but passable with low lane visibility; drivers should proceed with caution and be very aware of their surroundings.
• Because of the significant snowfall, snow plowed on main streets and residential streets will be pushed to the sides of the road, potentially resulting in berms; please do not shovel this snow back into the travel lanes on main streets or residential streets.
• Drivers are encouraged to drive with caution and allow extra time to arrive at their destination.
• During the evening commute, our plows will be in traffic alongside commuters. Please give the plows plenty of room to maneuver, and remember that they aren’t able to work as efficiently during rush hour as they can overnight or in off-commute hours.

Public Works strategies for snow removal:

• HEAVY PLOWS: Our entire fleet of 68 heavy plows was deployed when snow began to accumulate on the pavement, plowing and spreading de-icing materials as needed. The large plows will apply both Ice Slicer and liquid Magnesium Chloride to Denver’s main streets, identified as streets with stripes.

• HEAVY EQUIPMENT: Several pieces of construction equipment (motor-graders and front-end loaders) are prepared to address significant drifting in outlying areas of the City.

• LIGHT PLOWS: A total of 126 light plows (4×4 pick-up trucks and small dump trucks with plows) have been deployed on Denver residential streets (or side streets) and will stay deployed until further notice. The residential plows will take one pass down the middle of each residential street to skim off accumulated snow, preventing thick snow pack; the residential plows will not be plowing the streets to bare pavement. This process basically removes a layer of the accumulation, keeping the street manageable. The residential plows will not be spreading any materials (de-icing).

BROKEN TREE BRANCHES & DOWNED POWER LINES:

Denver Forestry and Xcel Energy offer the following advice when dealing with snow-laden branches on trees and fallen branches and/or power lines:

• Check to make sure the tree is safe and clear of all utility lines prior to removing snow; do not attempt to shake snow off of a tree if a utility line is going through it.
• If the tree is clear of utility lines, using a broom, remove as much snow as possible from branches.
• Do not attempt to climb tree or use ladder to reach higher limbs.
• Sometimes branches heavy with snow take down power lines/cables. Stay clear of downed lines and report them immediately to Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999. If a power line has fallen onto a vehicle, stay away from the vehicle. Seek help immediately by calling 911.
• If a tree limb is broken on a public right-of-way, citizens are asked to contact Denver forestry to assess damage and tree safety. For trees on private property, citizens can visit www.denvergov.org/forestry for a list of licensed and insured tree care contractors.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR:

• Check on elderly and/or disabled neighbors during major snow storms to be sure they do not need help.
• Always clear your sidewalk of snow as soon as possible – it is difficult for pedestrians to walk down sidewalks full of snow and ice but it is nearly impossible for wheelchairs.
• Go the extra step to make sure the sidewalk on your block is clear of snow so it can be accessible to all.
• Visit the Denver Office of Emergency Management to get more information on how neighborhoods can prepare for emergencies in Denver.

ANIMAL CARE REMINDERS DURING COLD WEATHER:

As the Denver Metro area braces for more bitter cold weather, 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 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.

From Denver Public Works – Denver Public Works’ full fleet of heavy plows were deployed to our main streets last night when snow began to accumulate on the pavement. While steady progress was made overnight, main streets are still snowpacked but passable.

The plows are concentrating on pushing snow this morning and using deicing materials where needed. Drivers can expect slow conditions on Denver’s main thoroughfares, but the transportation network is open and drivable. Visibility will depend on snowfall and wind, and while passable, the lines on the roadway are not discernable. All heavy plows will remain deployed until further notice.

Several pieces of construction equipment (motor-graders) were deployed last night to address drifting and to plow wider, more open areas of the City, primarily northeast Denver.

All 126 light plows (4×4 pick-up trucks and small dump trucks with plows) were deployed to  Denver’s residential streets (or side streets) last night and will stay deployed until further notice. Early reports show that these plows are doing their job of skimming off one to two inches of accumulation off of the middle of the street, and significant rutting has not become an issue. Currently, reports tell us that the side streets are very snowpacked but negotiable, and with snow still falling conditions will vary. The residential plows will not be spreading any materials (de-icing).

Residents are advised that Denver is experiencing a major snow event, with potential snowfall totaling 15+ inches before this system winds down this weekend. Evaluate conditions carefully before choosing to drive, taking into consideration the predicted strength of this snowfall.

Visit our website, www.DenverSnowPlan.com, for more detailed information on snow removal. During snowfall, we update the website in real time to reflect current conditions and our strategies.

From Denver Human Services – Friends, as you’re all likely aware, we’re anticipating severe weather in Denver.

Please spread the word throughout your networks that homeless men should be referred to Crossroads, Denver Rescue Mission or Samaritan House overflow.  30 additional beds will be available at the Crossing – with intake at the Denver Rescue Mission and transportation provided by RTD to and from the Crossing.

Single women and families will be referred to available shelter space until we are at capacity and will then be issued motel vouchers. Motel vouchers can be obtained from General Assistance at Denver Human Services at 1200 Federal Blvd from 8am-3pm. After Hours, clients should be referred to the Samaritan House at 2300 Lawrence Street for shelter referrals or motel vouchers. Length of voucher stay with be closely monitored based on the weather as well as available shelter space, but we will ensure that everyone has a safe, warm place to be. Women are encouraged to contact Delores Project directly to check for availability (303-534-5411). Our faith partners continue to partner with Delores Project and the Gathering Place, and referrals for overnight shelter at New Jerusalem will continue to be handled by these partners.

Additionally, Urban Peak has 10 additional overflow beds for youth and clients or case managers should contact Urban Peak directly to check for availability (303-974-2908).

Denver Street Outreach along with Denver Police Department Homeless Outreach Officers are on the streets doing everything possible to get everyone into shelter.

From the Office of Mayor Hancock – Mayor Michael B. Hancock today announced the appointment of Bennie Milliner as the new Executive Director for Denver’s Road Home (“DRH”), the City’s 10-year plan to end homelessness.

Additionally, the Mayor announced Meg Lyda will join the team as Development Director where she will develop and implement a strategic plan to raise vital funds for DRH.

“Bennie is an ideal dynamic leader who will work diligently to reaffirm our commitment to Denver’s Road Home and ensure every man, woman and child has a safe and warm place to sleep at night,” Mayor Hancock said. “Together with Meg, this team will bring community understanding, fiscal support and sincere dedication to the program in this critical time.”

“We are excited to have both Bennie and Meg join Denver’s Road Home and reenergize our efforts to address homelessness in our community,” said Denver Human Services Manager Penny May. “We have made great strides in bringing our community together to work toward our common goal. I have no doubt we can take those efforts to the next level with our new leadership.”

Milliner comes to the program from the Mayor’s office where he currently serves as the Deputy Director of Legislative Services. He will begin his new role on Feb. 13.

Prior to working for the Hancock Administration, Milliner spent more than five years working as a community liaison for Senators Michael Bennet and Ken Salazar. Milliner specialized in veteran’s services, an important population to be familiar with in the fight to end homelessness. Milliner also spent several years with the Urban League as Director of Community Relations and Development, responsible for a campaign of successful fundraising activities and events.

Milliner has an extensive history of community service and political activism and is a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Lyda will join the team on Feb. 13 as well. She has been working on the annual DRH fundraiser with tremendous success and looks forward to continuing that work on a regular basis. Lyda will also continue to serve in a narrowed capacity as the Community Initiatives Director for Mayor Hancock’s Office.

Before joining the Hancock Administration, Lyda served as the Finance Director for the political campaigns of former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives Elliot Richardson. She also served in various positions during Ritter’s administration.

About Denver’s Road Home

Denver’s Road Home is our City’s comprehensive 10-year plan to end homelessness. It is a collaboration between the City and County of Denver, Mile High United Way, homeless service providers, foundations, businesses, faith-based organizations and the greater community. It works by connecting homeless men, women, children and families to affordable housing and support services. Since 2005, Denver’s Road Home and our partners have developed 2,373 permanent and transitional housing units, linked 5,817 people to job training and employment, prevented 5,714 families from becoming homeless through eviction assistance, and mentored nearly 1,000 families and seniors out of homelessness. For more information, visit www.DenversRoadHome.org.