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Contact Your Commissioners
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Kevin
McCasky
Chairman,
District Two
Faye
Griffin
Chairman
Pro Tem,
District
One
Kathy
Hartman
District
Three
commish@jeffco.us
303.271.8525
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Johnson Road to Close for
Preparation of Light Rail Station
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 There
will be some major changes in front of the Jefferson County
Administrative and Courts Facility over the next few months as the county
prepares for construction of the RTD West Corridor light rail extension
and train station. The most immediate changes will start April 6,
2009, as the county begins its portion of roadway improvements associated
with the construction.
The first closure comes with RTD and its contractor
shutting down a small portion of Johnson Road from West 6th Avenue to the
Courthouse entrance at the roundabout early Saturday morning, April 11,
2009. The road will be re-opened early Sunday morning, April
12. Work will involve completion of the waterline tie-in and roadway
paving. Suggested detour routes include Ulysses Street to 10th
Avenue, and West 6th Avenue to Jefferson County Parkway.
During Phase I, Johnson Road will be closed to through traffic, just
north of the courthouse entrance near the roundabout to the Sheriff's
Office Detention Facility entrance, south of 10th Avenue. To help
accommodate the added traffic that is forecast for the light rail
station, a second roadway segment will be constructed to connect
Jefferson County Parkway to Johnson Road. This new roadway will be
located near the south side of the county jail and will give
employees and courthouse visitors a second access point from Johnson
Road.
During the closure from April 16 to June 15, Johnson Road will be
raised in some areas and lowered in others to properly connect this new
extension. The current access from Johnson Road through the roundabout
will remain open during and after construction.
Work also will include construction of two detention ponds and
a new storm sewer system. Although Johnson Road will be shut down,
visitors and employees can still access the courthouse from US 6 and
Johnson Road through the roundabout.
The link below shows the planned phases of construction.
The Jefferson County Highways and Transportation Division will manage the
roadway project and provide routine updates of progress. Jefferson County
will split the costs of the roadway improvements with the City of
Golden.
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Jefferson County Welcomes Community Orchard
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 The
organization Feeding Many, Inc., officially broke ground and began
planting 136 fruit trees for a community fruit orchard on April 4,
2009. Preparations were made on the site, which included building
raised beds for strawberries, potatoes and melons and the construction of
large arbors for grape vines.
The produce will be free and will go to residents of Jefferson County in
need who come to the orchard to pick as much as they need for their
family's consumption. Any extra produce will be donated by Feeding Many
to agencies, ministries, youth homes and other organizations within the
Jefferson County community.
The site is on five acres of land owned and donated by WaterStone
Community Church, which is also providing the water for the orchard for
which Feeding Many will be paying.The orchard and church are located near
the intersection of Bowles and Alkire, at 5890 South Alkire Street,
Littleton, 80127.
Included in the plan for the site are orchard trees, including
nectarines, apricots, pears, peaches, apples and plums, as well as raspberries
and grapevines. The orchard and grounds will be tended by volunteers.
Shirl Smith, President/Founder of Feeding Many, invites the public to
join her on April 25 at 9:00 a.m., for the Public Ribbon Cutting.
The Feeding Many Web site, www.feedingmany.org,
will have volunteer opportunities, educational opportunities, times and
dates for workshops on canning, and helpful tips on gardening,
fertilization and useful recipes for fresh produce. You can also donate
money via a secure connection to Feeding Many.
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Rocky Mountain Resource Fair
Helping people in turbulent economic times - Moving Colorado
forward
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Provided by Kris
Kinzli, Jefferson County Workforce Development
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, and Broomfield and Jefferson
County Workforce Centers are sponsoring a resource fair for unemployed
people at the Denver Merchandise Mart on Thursday, April 9, from 10:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m.
Unemployed individuals will connect with resources and gather information
to help them with issues faced in today's economy. Assistance with resumes,
interviews, workshops for budget planning and new job search strategies,
along with information from 50 community, state and local organizations
will be offered FREE to attendees. Workforce Centers, Colorado Department
of Labor & Employment, Human Services, health and housing
organizations, education, senior and veterans programs, credit and tax
assistance, plus many other resources will be highlighted at the resource
fair.
Workshops will include financial planning for individuals who have lost
part or all of their income, overcoming obstacles (such as a past
conviction) to employment, and New Strategies for a New Job Market
presented by Don Strankowski. Strankowski is the author of "Get
Hired! 10 Simple Steps for Winning the Job You Desire-in Any Economy,"
"New Strategies for a New Job Market," and "Success is a
Choice" and is widely considered a leading expert in the modern job
search.
The Plaza at the Denver Merchandise Mart is located at 451 East 58th Avenue
on the North side of the building. The Mart is on an RTD route and
parking is free. Attendees should come prepared with questions and ready to
learn. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accommodations are available
for any resource fair activity. Please contact the Resource Fair Planning
Committee for additional information. American Sign Language interpreters
will be on site.
The workshop schedule is:
10:30 a.m. to
11:45 a.m.
When your Income
Decreases ... but the Bills Keep Coming ... What To Do.
Presented by Money Management International
Financial Planning
During Lay-off Transition
Presented by the
Financial Planning Association of Colorado
Breaking the Barriers of Job Searching with a Criminal
History
Presented by Empowerment
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
New Strategies for a
New Job Market
Presented by Don
Strankowski
For additional information contact:
Nicole
Weiss Jill
Howard
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5k to Support Foster Care
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 Mark your calendar for the Edgerunner
5k Walk/Run. This new event is intended to promote awareness and raise
interest in the need for foster care in the community. Resources and
agencies will be present to answer questions. Come cheer, walk or run to
show your support for kids and families involved in foster care! This race
is being sponsored by the Foster Care and Adoption divisions of Arapahoe
and Jefferson Counties. Visit www.edgerunner5k.com for
more information.
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Coyote Conflicts . . . and How to Avoid Them
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 Provided
by Andrea Burns, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Coyotes are active in Jefferson County and throughout the Denver metro
area. The following is adapted from Colorado Division of Wildlife
literature.
Coyotes in the Front
Range?
Coyotes are extremely adaptable and can thrive in urban areas. From
downtown Denver to the smallest suburb, coyotes are not new to residential
communities. They can and will be found in any neighborhood that provides
their basic needs -- food, water, shelter and space.
Why are they here?
Residential areas provide habitat for coyotes. Plentiful food sources
exist, such as mice, rabbits and voles. These small animals feed on
birdseed, berries and garbage, which are commonly found and easily
accessible. Shelter and water can be found in landscaped parks and yards.
Space is plentiful throughout parks, trails, and natural areas. As coyotes
have adapted to the presence of humans, they have lost their natural fear
of us.
What attracts
coyotes to your neighborhood?
Coyotes are attracted to neighborhoods due to the availability of garbage,
pet food and even pets, which coyotes see as prey. The following list
illustrates some of the attractants that draw coyotes close to people.
Remove these attractants to discourage coyotes from visiting your property:
- Outdoor pet
food or water
- Birdseed or
food sources that attract small mammals
- Accessible
garbage or compost
- Fallen fruit
or berries from trees or shrubs
- Shrubs,
woodpiles, decks or any other structure that can provide cover or be
used as a den
- Dogs and
cats allowed to roam free, and/or female dogs in heat
If you have an incident with a coyote:
If a coyote attacks your pet, or if you have an unexpected
encounter with a coyote in which the animal appears aggressive, please
report the incident to Animal Control at 303-271-5070, or 303-277-0211
after normal business hours.
If a coyote attacks
a human:
In the case of a coyote attack on a human, call 911. The Sheriff's
Office will respond, and will also notify the Division of Wildlife so that
DOW can track or destroy the animal.
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Jefferson County Workforce Center wins Economic Developer of
the Year Award
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On March 26, the 2009 Jefferson Economic Council (JEC)
Industry Appreciation Awards drew a full crowd to the Arvada Center.
At this event, select Jefferson County businesses were acknowledged and
awarded for their efforts in contributing to the economic vitality of
Jefferson County and its citizens.
The Jefferson County Workforce Center received the Genesis Award or
"Economic Developer of the Year." This award goes to an
organization that has contributed to the economic vitality of Jefferson
County through creative leadership, innovation, facilitation, and
collaboration within and outside of the county.
The center was nominated by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County and
award winners were chosen from an exclusive pool of nominees by a volunteer
committee. Mary Russell, Director of the Jefferson County Workforce
Center and Jane Barnes, Chair of the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board,
took the stage to receive the award. "We are honored to be the
recipients of such a prestigious award. It confirms our strong
economic tie to the community and reinforces our commitment to our job
seekers, businesses and families," says Mary Russell.
Other business award winners include: CaridianBCT, Abengoa Solar,
Gaming Laboratories International, Lockheed Martin Orion Program, McKesson
Provider Technologies, Quest Product Development, Sartorius TCC Co.,
ZeaChem, Carma Developers and Miller Coors.
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Cycling in Jefferson County
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 Provided
by Andrea Burns, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Jefferson County is a popular place for outdoor recreation.
Its foothills, parks and roads, and its proximity to Denver make it a great
choice for people from all over the metro area. We welcome you to Jefferson
County and remind you to consider the following:
Traffic Laws Apply to Everyone
Both motorists and cyclists are responsible for obeying
traffic laws, and both may receive traffic citations for violations.
Choosing a Route
Some roads are better suited than others for an activity
like cycling.
Riding a bike down a hill at excessive speeds is hazardous.
In certain areas of the county, motor vehicle parking for
cyclists can be hard to come by.
Please be responsible about discarding your litter, or hold
onto it until you return home.
Mutual respect and cooperation between motorists and
cyclists makes the road safer for everyone.
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National Start Walking Day
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Provided by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Department of
Health and Environment
Please join the American Heart Association and Colorado Public Health Week
partners to kick-off the 2009 Walking Season. The second annual National
Start Walking Day rally begins at noon on Wednesday, April 8, at Skyline
Park, located at 17th and Arapahoe in downtown Denver.
Wear your walking shoes and walk approximately one mile as we all celebrate
public health in Colorado. Click here to see the flyer.
Confirmed speakers include Colorado Lt. Governor Barbara O'Brien and
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Medical Director, Ned
Calonge.
Here are some other events happening during Public Health Week that you may
be interested in:
Preventive Medicine
Grand Rounds
Anschutz Medical Campus, Ed2 N 1303
Monday, April 6 at 12:00pm
www.cudenver.edu
Preventive Medicine Grand Rounds are hosted by the CSPH
General Preventive Medicine Residency Program. Grand Rounds are hosted each
month during the fall and spring semesters. Visit the Preventive
Medicine Grand Rounds page at http://publichealth.ucdenver.edu
Public Health
Legislative Advocacy
CCI Conference Room
Tuesday, April 7 at 1:00pm
Health policy interventions are one of the most effective ways to improve
public health. The Health Policy Advocacy Training offers public health
students and professionals information and skills to build their capacity
to advocate for public health policy. Please join us for an engaging and
interactive learning opportunity on public health advocacy!
NOTE: To register for this event, you must visit http://events.publichealthalliance.org!
Uniting Public
Health in Colorado
Governor's Park Restaurant & Tavern
Tuesday, April 7 at 4:30pm
for more information: heather.kennedy@ucdenver.edu
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Public Health Champions for 2008 Announced
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Provided by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Department of
Health and Environment
Public Health is what we as a society do collectively to
prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our communities.
Each year, during National Public Health Week, being celebrated this year
between April 6-12, 2009, Jefferson County Department of Health and
Environment (JCDHE) honors some of the many people it works with throughout
the year that help to make our County healthy.
While they may not have made public health their profession, the work they
do, the partnerships they provide and their enthusiasm for protecting the
health of Jefferson County residents, makes them the 2008 Public Health
Champions of the Year. An award ceremony hosted by JCDHE, the Jefferson
County Board of Health and the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners is scheduled
for Thursday, April 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 100 Jefferson County
Parkway in the Lookout Mountain Room.
JCDHE is pleased to announce the following 2008 Public Health Champions of
the Year: Kathy
Ireland, Dave Seal, Jackie Mohr, Amber Lippert, Annie Bekuhrs, Maria
Gurbindo, Mary Pond, Elia Gonzales, Luis Bonet, Eli Ayala, Tina Ayala,
Colleen Hatton, Brenda Crowe, Carol Salzmann and Fred Zastrow.
Read their full stories.
Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment:
Kathy Ireland,
Classroom Coordinator, Lakewood Head Start and Early Childhood Education
Programs
Head Start and Early Childhood Education Programs aim to provide children
with a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. In
Lakewood, this is accomplished through the dedication and hard work of
Head Start Classroom Coordinator, Kathy Ireland. Kathy has made safe food a
priority for the hundreds of children who attend the Head Start Program by
requiring all program staff to attend the health department's Excellence in
Food Safety course.
Dave Seal, Jefferson County Schools
Water Quality Management
Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for learning is no
small task for the second largest school district in the state of Colorado.
With over 130 facilities, which includes seven water treatment plants
and two wastewater treatment plants, Dave Seal has plenty of work
keeping children safe.
Promoting
Automobile Safety from the Car Seat to the Driver's Seat:
Drive Smart
Evergreen-Conifer's Jackie Mohr and Amber Lippert; Middle School
Coordinators, Annie Bekuhrs from Evergreen Country Day School, Maria
Gurbindo from Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen, and Mary Pond from West
Jefferson Middle School
Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers in
Jefferson County. Since its formation back in 1993, Drive Smart
Evergreen/Conifer has been a champion for safe driving in the mountain
communities. Partnering with schools, businesses, community and
governmental organizations Drive Smart has created awareness and improved
attitudes around safe and courteous driving in Jefferson County. Drive
Smart's Buckle Bear Program, modeled after the national program, is
especially effective in that it uses soon-to-be drivers as middle school
mentors to educate younger children about the importance of automobile
safety.
Promoting Healthy Nutrition for Jefferson County Families:
Elia Gonzales, Luis Bonet, Eli Ayala and Tina Ayala with
Healing Waters Family Center
Public health professionals have long touted the benefits of
including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in everyone's diet. Not only
do they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers, but they help to
reduce obesity. Still, many in Jefferson County are forced to forego the
fresh fruits and vegetables because of limited incomes. Healing Waters
Family Center made it possible in 2008 for the health department to hold
its first Produce & Health Fairs for low income residents.
Reverend Elia Gonzales, Luis Bonet, and Eli and Tina Ayala are all
champions for their work not only providing the space for the produce fairs
but also helping to make them run smoothly.
Promoting
Tobacco Free Workplaces:
Colleen Hatton, Brenda Crowe and Carol
Salzmann with Exempla Lutheran Medical Center
Tobacco-free campus policies, along with local and state
smoke-free laws, make a significant, positive impact on health in Jefferson
County by reducing tobacco use and secondhand exposure. In July, 2008 the
Exempla Lutheran Medical Center campus went 100% tobacco free. The policy
applies to the entire campus including the hospital, four medical
office buildings, two outlying medical care faculties and the 100
acres of corporately-owned land in Wheat Ridge. Tobacco-use and
secondhand smoke exposure continue to be among the top causes of preventable
death and disease in Jefferson County and Exempla's example sets an
important standard.
Promoting Tobacco Free Living:
Fred Zastrow
Fred Zastrow has an important message for the thousands of
Jefferson County school children he presents to each year, Don't smoke or
use any other form of tobacco. Zastrow speaks to his audience through a
mechanical device due to the loss of his larynx from cancer caused by
cigarette smoking years ago. As a survivor of throat cancer, Fred uses his
story to inspire and motivate thousands of youth throughout Jefferson
County public schools each year.
The Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment held the first
Public Health Champions Awards ceremony in April 1998. The Public
Health Champion Awards have been duplicated nationwide by state and local
health departments honoring their own public health champions or heroes
during National Public Health Week, the first full week of April each year.
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Airport Improvement Projects in 2009
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 With
the arrival of springtime, new development projects will begin to bloom at
Rocky Mountain Metro Airport. The Airport Master Plan Update is one of this
year's most exciting projects. An airport master plan is essential in the
ongoing process of developing the airport. Rocky Mountain Metropolitan
Airport has not had a master plan completed since 2000 and utilized 1999
information, which does not reflect the changes the airport has undergone
in the past few years. A typical master plan outlines 20 years of
development, however, the airport has changed a great deal over the past
decade and the current master plan no longer provides the necessary vision
to continue airport development.
The master plan update is well underway with the firm of Reynolds, Smith
and Hill (RS&H) having completed the airport existing inventory section
and the aviation demand forecast. These chapters are available, as well as
additional information pertaining to the Airport Master Plan Update, within
this website.
Other airport development news includes the addition of two airport
monument signs. The larger of the new monument signs will be located at the
corner of Wadsworth Parkway and Metro Airport Avenue. The other sign will
be located at the intersection of Airport Way and West 120th Avenue.
The construction of the new air traffic control tower is underway. A ground
breaking ceremony was held on March 2, 2009 with an anticipated completion
date in March of 2010.
This spring, the final phase of the Taxiway Alpha Relocation Project will
begin. The existing taxiway will be demolished, the last segment relocated,
and lighted. After six phases, a great deal of patience, and several long
years, the Taxiway Alpha Relocation Project will be completed the summer.
If you have any questions or comments concerning development at the
airport, please contact the Airport Development Manager, Georgiann Sailer,
at 303-271-4850.
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"Our Jeffco" Civics Class
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Have you ever wondered what exactly local governments are
responsible for? A new educational seminar called "Our
Jeffco" has been designed to help citizens learn more about their
local government and become more engaged in the process. This seminar
will be similar to a civics class, providing a unique learning
experience where you can interact, engage and discuss topics specific to
government operations at the local level, as well as how things operate on
a broader scale.
The county is planning to offer this Civics 101 course starting in
early summer 2009. To gauge interest and assist in planning this inaugural
class, we need your feedback. We would like to know if you would like to
participate in such an event. Classes will be held at the Jefferson County
Administration and Courts Building. Specific dates and time have not
yet been determined.
If you would like to attend the event, please send an email
to Tim Carl at tcarl@jeffco.us. It would be helpful to
know if you prefer classes in the evening or afternoon. In addition,
take a moment and let us know what topics sound interesting to
you, such as:
- How does
government work?
- Where
do your property taxes go?
- How does
land get rezoned?
- Who
determines which streets get plowed?
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Contact Us
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Jefferson County
Public Information Office
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