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April 1, 2021
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
JeffcoTranscript.com
VOLUME 37 | ISSUE 38
Blight and an alleged beating in Lakewood Stunner of a meeting brings ugly issues to the fore on a melancholy night BY BOB WOOLEY BWOOLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Logan Borer, a young man who receives various services from DDRC. Borer, who works at King Soopers and serves as a Youth Leader for religious youth organization Young Life, said the first thing he’s looking forward to doing when things eventually get back to normal is hanging out with friends. He’s also hoping to attend a camp at Crooked Creek Ranch this summer. Logan’s mom Bonnie drove him to the event and was getting her vaccine as well. She said she and Logan both contracted COVID-19 earlier in the year. “We’re here just to make sure we don’t spread it and can get back to our lives a little bit,” she said. Susan Todd, Director of External
If you only have time to listen to one Lakewood city council meeting this year, consider putting the one held March 22 on your shortlist — but make sure your children aren’t in the room. The absolute barnburner of a meeting started with open comment from the community. One of the first callers described an alleged case of police misconduct raising serious questions about the Lakewood PD arrest of a man named Ameer Allen on Feb 26. Three education workers called in to talk about trauma inflicted on Allen’s children after being witness to the alleged altercation. Several minutes later, Allen himself called in. “I’m actually the gentleman that was beaten by the cops. I’d like to speak about that,” he said. Allen went on to give his version of events. He said police were called during a tussle between himself and a tow truck driver who was attempting to tow his car. He said when police arrived at the scene,
SEE VACCINE, P9
SEE LAKEWOOD, P13
An elated Bonnie and Logan Borer after receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations in Lakewood.
PHOTOS BY BOB WOOLEY
DisAbility vaccine event brings smiles and relief Jeffco’s most vulnerable are happy for their turn in the queue BY BOB WOOLEY BWOOLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A line of cars stretching through a parking garage near the Lakewood Wadsworth RTD station may have been the happiest place in the city on a rather dreary Wednesday morning last week. Because inside each of those cars, members of a group with high risks for COVID19, who’ve been a bit under the radar, were finally able to get their first vaccination shot. STRIDE Community Health
Center, in partnership with The Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, The Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties and Jefferson County Public Health, put on a DisAbility vaccine event. Michele Majeune, Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, Director of Community Relations, said the event was especially crucial because these individuals often have health conditions that make them more susceptible to the virus. The event is also significant because it occurs during National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, an annual observance meant to raise awareness around the challenges this population faces. One of those patiently waiting to roll up their sleeve was 22-year-old
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 20
LET WILDLIFE CHILL
Wild animals don’t need our help when temps drop P14