LOCAL

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Northglenn could use its old Recreation Center on Community Center Drive to house the homeless this winter, pending a City Council vote.

Northglenn City Council was scheduled to consider a resolution to use the old recreation center as winter housing at the Dec. 6 meeting.

If approved, the program would run through March 2022 and house 25 people who are experiencing homelessness and would be open overnight, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The program would be operated by Denver Rescue Mission and funded by Adams County. The exact start date depends on the council’s decision and how fast the Denver Rescue Mission can staff the program.

In Adams County, homelessness increased between 40 and 45 percent since the COVID pandemic. As well, no emergency shelter currently exists to connect people experiencing homelessness during cold nights. The closest one rests 20 miles outside of Northglenn.

For those needing housing, they must be referred by a Northglenn Crisis Response Unit, Adams County Street Outreach Team or the Northglenn Police Department.

Participants must be 18 years or older, have employment or a community connection. Connections can include attending day school, a day center, or staying with friends or family. Families with children will be referred to Adams 12 Five Star schools which can provide resources through a federal act.

The program aims to serve those left out by the Severe Weather Action Plan, a county program adopted in 2020 to help people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The intake hours for the SWAP are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those experiencing homelessness come to the program in the morning and room distribution occurs around 1 p.m. Since working folks miss these intake hours, the new program will accommodate those folks.

Male and females will be separated and each bed will be spaced six feet apart for COVID safety.

The staff remains confident in making long-term connections for these folks, which can include transitional housing, longer-term housing, using housing vouchers or identifying appropriate low-income housing, before the program ends.

The program only exists for four months because the building will be unusable after March 2022. The Civic Center Master Plan, which will redevelop the current Civic Center Campus, includes the old recreation center.

Northglenn opened its new rec center in October, leaving the old building vacant.

Adams economic group hosts legislators Dec. 9

STAFF REPORT

Area business, economic development, and non-profit leaders, and citizens are invited to attend Adams County Regional Economic Partnership’s 2022 Legislative Preview Breakfast 7- 9:30 a.m.on Dec. 9 in person, at the city of Northglenn’s new Parsons Theatre.

The Adams County region continues to recover after an uncertain year for businesses due to the lingering effects of COVID-19. With challenges to supply chains and struggles recruiting workforce it’s crucial that organizations like AC-REP partner with the state government to enhance our business environment.

“Decisions and legislation considered during the 2022 state legislative session will impact how quickly our regional businesses recover,” said Lisa Hough, President/CEO of the economic development organization. “We support new investments and programs that allow our members to provide for sustainable and prosperous opportunities to the community based on our legislative priorities.”

Attendees will be first to hear about the partnership’s legislative priorities for the Adams County region and engage in a panel discussion with area legislators. Legislators from the greater Adams County region will share their agendas for the 2022 Legislative Session that will set the stage for business growth.

Area State Legislators scheduled to participate include Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, from House District 32, Rep. Shannon Bird, House District 35, Rep. Rod Bockenfeld, House District 56, Rep. Matt Gray, House District 33, Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, Senate District 23, Sen. Dominick Moreno, Senate District 21 and Sen. Faith Winter, Senate District 24.

Additional speakers at the Legislative Preview include Commissioner Eva J. Henry, Chair of the Adams County Board of County Commissioners and Northglenn Mayor Meredith Leighty.

“To help our members stay informed, the Legislative Preview provides a local opportunity to hear our key regional legislators discuss their plans, priorities, and predictions for the upcoming session,” said Nicole Milo of Centura Health and Co-Chair of the partnership’s Business Advocacy & Public Policy Committee. That committee meets bi-weekly during the session to review and take positions on legislation.

The 2022 Legislative Preview Breakfast is presented by sponsors Great Western Petroleum, Xcel Energy, and United Power and Event Sponsor City of Northglenn. Tickets are $20 for partnership members and economic development partners and $30 for others. Those interested in attending can see the full agenda and register online at http://www.bit.ly/LegPreview22.

FROM

26 SOUTH 6TH AVENUE BRIGHTON 303-654-9700

FAMILY DENTISTRY

JACLYNN SPENCER D.D.S. 30 South 20th Ave., Suite D, Brighton 303-659-3062

Join us for free Cookies and Crafts

Open to all ages between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 11th before the Festival of Lights Parade.

We will be serving hot cider outside. The Episcopal Church welcomes everyone.

Save the date for Christmas Eve Service with Carols at 6:30 and worship with Eucharist at 7:00 pm.

The Suncor Energy oil refi nery in Commerce City on July 18.

FROM PAGE 1 EMISSIONS ‘They feel very strongly their health is

State air quality commissions can also use the regional haze update to issue new pollution-cutting regulations specifi cally to speed up haze reduction if technology and environmental lobbying pushes them to move faster.

Colorado’s initial State Implementation Plan from 2011 is now due for a 10-year update. The state Air Pollution Control Division staff initially said years of work such as closing coal-fi red power plants has kept Colorado on the right glidepath for long-term reductions, and no big changes were needed for a list of 16 major pollution sources.

An environmental coalition disagreed, and proposed that the update include new restrictions on utilities, cement plants and Suncor. The coalition wanted the Air Quality Control Commission to make mandatory the dates some utilities have promised to close or convert coal plants in the next few years, and also to consider new scrubbing equipment on other polluters.

Commissioners said utility closing dates are the Public Utilities Commission’s charge, and that some of the pollution controls proposed would be more expensive than allowed by cost-effi ciency rules.

But commissioners said that for Suncor, one of the state’s top polluters, they were swayed by public testimony from neighbors saying regulators had put off equitable pollution change for too long.

“They feel very strongly their health is being compromised and that we are not fully embracing that and taking action,” Commissioner Elise Jones said during deliberations over the proposal to hasten Suncor’s pollution reductions.

Hiatt said the coalition’s proposal would cut Suncor’s sulfur dioxide emissions by 28 tons a year, about 10 tons more per year than the division staff had approved in Suncor’s plans.

After discussing the plan, the commission said it would tell Suncor to either move up its technology improvement schedule from 2029 to 2024, or employ the environmental coalition’s alternate technology proposal if they couldn’t make that deadline.

Suncor appears well on its way to installing systems to cut pollution and could speed that up, and it’s time for the commission to show neighbors they are aware of environmental justice demands and want to “do the right thing,” Commissioner Gary Arnold said.

Coppola of the National Parks Conservation Association said other southwestern states with haze problems in their national landmark areas are watching Colorado carefully as a potential leader, and will be heartened by the commission’s action.

The environmental coalition was hoping the commission would expand the environmental justice conversation to further cut pollution at cement plants in disproportionately impacted communities like Pueblo. The pollution hits local neighborhoods, and the resulting haze hurts wild places many miles away, like the Great Sand Dunes, Coppola said.

But, she added, even the more modest effort to toughen up the regional haze plan will benefi t other Front Range residents and outdoor enthusiasts.

Ongoing haze at Rocky Mountain National Park “is the poster child for being a victim of our pollution crisis that we have in Colorado,” Coppola said.

being compromised and that we are not fully embracing that and taking action.’

Elise Jones,

Air Quality Control Commissioner

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group

Presented by Bruce Petrie with a PHD in Neuroscience and over 20 years’ experience. December 13th at 7pm

2nd Monday each month • No charge to attend

Contact Nellie at Inglenook with any questions: 303-659-4148

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Court briefs

An Adams County man faces fi rst-degree murder charges after a shooting incident east of Brighton.

It happened around 1:30 a.m. Nov. 27 in the 12800 block of Picadilly Road. Deputies arrested 33-year-old Jeffrey Aschenbrenner. He faces a total of four charges, including attempted fi rst-degree murder and possession of a weapon by a previous offender, all felonies. His next court appearance is at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27.

Adams County sheriff’s deputies responded to the area on a report of a woman who’d been shot. Authorities found her and her father in the front seat of a car. She was alive, according to a Facebook post from the sheriff’s offi ce. She died after going to a local hospital for treatment.

Toys for Tots

Phil Doerner, a local Edward Jones fi nancial advisor, is supporting the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program by using his offi ce as a drop-off location for this year’s toy drive, according to a press statement.

Local residents may help needy children in the area by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to the offi ce, 725 E Bridge St, Suite A, during regular business hours through Dec. 10. Monetary gifts cannot be accepted.

“With the holiday season around the corner, we are all getting ready for the festivities,” Doerner said. “And as this is the season of giving, now is a great time to remember the less fortunate in our community.”

Governor forum]

Nine Republican candidates for governor .. Greg Lopez, Heidi Ganahl, Danielle Neuschwanger, Jack Dillender, Darryl Gibbs, Jeff Fry, Jason Lopez. Jim Rundberg and Jon Gray-Ginsberg .. are due to appear at a candidate forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave.

The Republican Wlomen of Weld is the sponsor. There’s a 90-minute meet-and-greet/dinner before the forum begins.

Call Tammy Klein at 720-290-3289.

was hoping the commission would

Growing grads

The next installment of Brighton’s Growing Grads program is at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Anythink Library, 567 E. Bridge St.

Brighton Youth Services provides this annual college and career readiness event for high-school juniors and seniors and anyone interested in pursuing higher education. Students and families will be able to chat with colleges, trade schools and apprentice programs, view fi nancial aid presentations in both English and Spanish, and check out local scholarships. Call 303-565-2000.

ONGOING

Walk with a doc

Platte Valley Medical Center’s cardiac rehab team and Walk With A Doc will host monthly walks with Dr. Christopher Cannon, interventional cardiologist at Brighton Heart and Vascular Institute.

This is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. After a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from the doctor, spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active and enjoy all the benefi ts that come from walking.

Boards/commissions’ openings

Commerce City has openings for several of its boards and commissions, including the city’s cultural council, the housing authority and the Derby review board. Visit https://www.c3gov.com/Home/ Components/Form/Form/70316b054 22c448492c51da0f0e0fd86/ to sign up.

Legal self-help clinic

The Access to Justice Committee hosts a free, legal self-help clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. the fi rst Tuesday of every month.

The program is for those who don’t have legal representation and need help navigating through legal issues.

Volunteer attorneys are available to discuss such topics as family law, civil litigation, property and probate law. Call 303-405-3298 and ask for the Legal Self-Help Clinic at least 24 hours in advance.

Help for vets

Qualifi ed Listeners, a veteran

December Fill-Up Special! GLOBAL PROPANE

303-660-9290

Family Owned Business Text “globalpropane” to 22828 for email prices

VOLUME DISCOUNTS! 500+

Gallon $2.099

Limited Offer

FREEDOM. TO BE YOU.

and family resource hub serving northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, has a number of power chairs, power scooters and electric wheelchairs available.

To fi nd the closest facility to you visit www.va.gov/fi nd-locations.

Qualifi ed Listeners also need volunteers to drive veterans to and from appointments, run errands for veterans who cannot get out, handyman services, help administer veteran and family resource guide inventory in local libraries and veterans to be trained to become qualifi ed listeners. Call 720-600-0860.

COVID-19 testing

Here’s where you can receive a test for COVID-19:

Brighton Advanced Urgent Care, 2801 Purcell St. Call 303-659-9700 or visit https://advurgent.com/locations/brighton/

Brighton Salud, 1860 Egbert St. Testing is available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Visit https://www.saludclinic.org/ covid-testing

Fort Lupton Salud, 1115 Second St. Testing is available on Tuesday and Thursday. Call 303-697-2583 or visit https://www.saludclinic.org/ covid-testing online.

Volunteers needed

Qualifi ed Listeners needs volunteers to drive veterans to and from appointments, run errands for veterans who cannot get out, handyman services, help administer veteran and family resource guide inventory in local libraries and veterans to be trained to become qualifi ed listeners.

Visit qualifi edlisteners.org/volunteerapp and fi ll out the form or call 720-600-0860.

Mental health

Community Reach Center offers in-person intake assessments from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the Brighton Learning and Resource Campus, 1850 E. Egbert St. in Brighton. Call Community Reach Center at 303-853-3500.

For walk-in intake, bring an ID and insurance information. For those who would prefer to complete the intake forms and schedule an appointment, the intake forms are available online at www. communityreachcenter.org. There will be a short screening for fl ulike symptoms before the entrance to the center to ensure safety and wellness for everyone.

Anyone feeling unsafe or suicidal should call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255, text 38255, or visit the Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) Center at 2551 W. 84th Ave., Westminster.

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