Sentinel Lakewood
October 24, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourlakewoodnews.com
Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 90, Issue 11
‘These kids are the next greatest generation, they do the right things for the right reasons, and I’m blessed to be associated with them.’ Principal Ron Castagna
Lakewood wins Katy Perry concert School takes top prize in lip dub contest By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com Lakewood High School won the “Good Morning America” and Katy Perry’s “Roar” contest for a live concert at the school. The news was announced on “GMA” on Friday, Oct. 18. The concert for the stu-
dents will be at the school Friday, Oct. 25. “We got the news at 6:15 today (Oct. 18), and I’ve been crying and shaking,” said Courtney Coddington, a senior at the school and student body president. “I’m shocked and amazed. It’s so surreal, and I’m so proud.” Perry and judges picked the winning entry, based on creativity, on-air appeal, “wow” factor, originality and feasibility of a live performance at the entrant’s qualified school, according to ABC.
The school had originally hoped to host the show at a larger venue and sell tickets to raise money for flood victims, but due to contest rules, aren’t allowed to sell tickets. Instead, Coddington said that Lakewood is challenging every high school in America to raise $1,000 for flood relief or any other charity, to show the power of what schools can do. “We’re thrilled we’re getting the concert, but it’s always been about the bigger
hearing from the people
message,” said principal Ron Castagna. “The big message is one of unification. These kids are the next greatest generation, they do the right things for the right reasons, and I’m blessed to be associated with them.” Coddington wanted to thank the school and community that supported Lakewood throughout the process. “Thanks to the students for staying with us, and I’m so happy to call Lakewood High School home,” she said.
Battle moves to courts City, district and 2090 Coalition make their cases By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com
Ben Waldman, transportation and engineering manager with the city, speaks with residents about the Wadsworth project the city will soon start with CDOT. Photos by Clarke Reader
Mapping the road ahead Outdoor event encourages riders to talk about last mile connections By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com Lakewood used a creative and interactive way to find out from residents how connections along the W Rail line are going, and what needs to be worked on. On Saturday, Oct. 19, the city, RTD and several consulting groups laid out a 15-foot-by-40-foot map of the line, and invited people to write their comments about what needs work and where directly on the map. “We want to get as much public input as possible on the things we still need to do, and how things are going now that the line has been open for six months,” said Ben Waldman, transportation and engineering manager with
Residents and staff look at areas along the W Rail line that they believe could use some work at a public meeting on Oct. 19. the city. “We’ve had so many public meetings, but we thought instead of that this would be the best way to get out and hear from people.”
Waldman said the impetus for the meeting came from the fact that during the whole planning and building process of the line, the city told residents that there would be follow up to see what kind of work still needed to be done. All along the map, riders posted comments about sidewalks needing improvement, lack of trail connections at certain points and places where there are bike and pedestrian conflicts. “We want to see where improvements can be made for walking and biking safety,” said Carlos Hernandez, part of the consulting group that is working on the project. “We sent out invitations to 5,000 people who live along the line so we could get input from people who live right on the line.” According to Waldman, improvements are already planned along Wadsworth, thanks to a partnership with the
Road continues on Page 17
Jefferson County District Court Judge Margie Enquist is debating the fate of the 2090 Wright St. property, after hearing three hours of arguments during a summary judgment hearing on Monday, Oct. 21. The Jefferson County School District, City of Lakewood and 2090 Wright St. Coalition were all given an hour each to present their case during the hearing, which ended in Judge Enquist stating that she was not able to make a ruling from the bench. “My ruling will be issued on disputable facts, and I’ve spent a lot of time reading the submitted documents,” she said. “There are a lot of blanks in the case, and the record keeping from the time is abysmal.” The piece of land has been in dispute for more than a year now. The land was proposed as the site for the Rocky Mountain Deaf School before negative public input led the Jeffco school district to withdraw those plans. Judge Enquist will decide who owns the land, and if the city does, if it can be used for municipal purposes. The discrepancies in deeds, memos and documents was the basis of much discussion by all three parties during their comments. “The district (Jefferson County Schools) has a valid deed to the property, and has had it since 1977,” said William Kowalski, counsel for Jeffco Schools. “When you look at the documents, they make our case for us. The district has been watching over the property and treating it as our own.” Patrick Wilson, counsel for the city, Battle continues on Page 17
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