News-Press DCCR 8-22-2013
Castle Rock
Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 11, Issue 22
August 22, 2013
Free
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourcastlerocknews.com
Sign-code changes get initial approval New rules would allow variety of options By Virginia Grantier
vgrantier@ourcoloradonews.com
The best seat in the house at the 14th annual Blue Thunder Ride Benefit and Poker Run was owned by this dog, who paid no extra to participate in a sidecar. Photos by Ryan Boldrey
Blue Thunder
rides again
14th annual Ron King ride takes to streets By Ryan Boldrey
rboldrey@ourcoloradonews.com A total of 71 bikes revved their engines in unison at the Robert A. Christensen Justice Center in Castle Rock, bringing Julie Widmer to tears. The 14th annual Blue Thunder Ride Benefit and Poker Run, ridden in honor of Widmer’s stepfather, Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Ron King, is part celebration of life/part fundraiser for Douglas County children. “It took me a long time before I was able to participate in a ride,” said Widmer. “I would see a motorcycle and think of him, think of how he died. But once I got on the back of (a bike) and was surrounded by family and by people all here for the same reason I am, it really calmed me down a lot. This year’s ride was Aug. 18 and it wound from Castle Rock to Monument, east into Black Forest and north to Kiowa. The event raised $2,600 for the Ron King Organization’s scholarship fund as well as financial aid money to help select area high school students pay for things like school supplies, athletic fees and instruments. King was killed in the line of duty 14 years ago after being hit by a drunk driver. Finishing up his shift, King was riding
Tom Vondra spoke Aug. 18 in Castle Rock before the start of the 14th annual Blue Thunder Ride Benefit and Poker Run, ridden in honor of fallen Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Ron King. his motorcycle south on U.S. 85 back to the station when a van pulled out of The Matchbox Bar — which has since been leveled — and plowed into him and his partner, Chris Washburn, who was riding with him. Washburn, now a sergeant with the department, wound up in the ICU requir-
ing reconstructive surgery. King was pronounced dead at the scene. One of the first D.A.R.E. officers with the department, King had dedicated his life to helping people make the right choices when it came to using drugs and alcohol and getting behind the wheel, something that made his death that much harder for many. “Someone like Ron that gave so much to the community, trying to take care of our youth and trying to mentor and educate them on right and wrong and how to grow up and be a good citizen, to be stricken down by a guy who was abusing alcohol, it’s like something you see in a movie,” said Sheriff David A. Weaver. What has come out of King’s death is perhaps the feel-good ending to a tragic film. Each year, law enforcement and members of the community alike come together on their bikes for the memorial ride to help pay it forward to area youth. Last year, part of the proceeds also went to help the family of fallen Englewood police officer Jeremy Bitner, who, similar to King, was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver. “I would love to have more community members come out. That is who we are supporting is their kids,” Widmer said. “I know there are a ton of people out there with bikes. I want to give them a reason to ride and come support something good.” For more information, go to www. ronkingorganization.org.
A new sign code that would allow marquees and murals, signs that appear to move, signs with lights, strings of light bulbs, freestanding signs, signs on roofs — all things currently prohibited — got an initial OK from Castle Rock Town Council Aug. 6 on first reading. The marquee sign on Denver’s circa-1914 Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave, was an example of an old-time sign allowed in the new code. Town staff explained the new code is the result of a two-year effort by town staff, various business organizations and other residents and groups to come up with something that encourages creativity while maintaining the historical character of downtown — while also enticing customers to businesses while also making it a “pedestrian-friendy” charming place to be. “(The new code) will encourage creativity by allowing a broader range of styles and materials,” said Mary Shaw, Castle Rock’s zoning manager. Not everything is considered creative and desirable, however. Prohibited in the new sign code are inflatable signs, portable flashing roof signs, aerosol spray-painted signs, except murals, and any signs that emit sound. “The team felt there may be a sign that emits sound that could scare someone,” Shaw said. “The team was sort of torn half and half whether or not that should be listed as a sign type that was prohibited.” The effort to update the town’s sign code began in 2010 with the goal being to “ensure higher-quality development” in the downtown area, while creating regulations that “encourage creative signage… in line with the downtown master plan,” Shaw said. In answer to council questions, Shaw said that sandwich-board signs would be allowed. Shaw added that signs held by human sign twirlers aren’t addressed in the code because “we don’t have the authority to regulate that type of signage.” Castle Rock Councilmember Clark Hammelman said sign codes “are always very controversial… whatever sign code we adopt, it’s not going to make everybody happy.” But he said he believes the new code is a product of a “of a lot of good work, compromise and negotiation.” “I hope the community … accepts it in that spirit,” Hammelman said. Castle Rock Councilmember Chip Wilson said he appreciated “all the time, the effort” by those creating the code and moved to approve it. Second reading will take place at a future council meeting.