December 19, 2013 Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 90, Issue 19 A publication of
lakewoodsentinel.com
Arrest made in Denver West Inn homicide Cody Kaye Sewick arrested by police By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com Lakewood police have made an arrest in an event at the Denver West Inn, located in the 7100 block of W. Colfax Ave., on Dec. 9. Police arrested Cody Kaye Sewick, 21,
at 2:20 a.m. on Dec. 10, in the area of Colfax Ave. and Kipling St. Sewick was taken into custody, interviewed and arrested, according to information supplied by police. Sewick He was booked on charges of first-degree murder and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. He made
a first appearance in court on Dec. 11. At approximately 2:10 p.m. on Dec. 9 Lakewood police were called to a room at the Denver West Inn. Upon arrival police entered the room and observed what appeared to be a male party who was deceased. According to information provided by the police, after obtaining a search warrant, further investigation and evidence recovered on scene indicated to detectives that
the death of the male found in the room was the result of a homicide. The identity of the victim will not be released until the Jefferson County Coroner has notified his family. It is believed that the victim and Sewick were acquaintances. Anyone who feels they may have information that would assist detectives in their investigation is asked to call the Lakewood Police Department at 303-987-7111.
Still on track W Rail projected to meet 2013 goals and beyond By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com
T
he W Rail line has been open for just under eight months, and is well on the way to hitting the goals made for it, and rolling on to the future. According to Julia Yugel, public relations specialist with RTD, data about the line are still premature, but ridership numbers for the summer were about 14,000 boardings per day. “Considering school was not in session at that time, the numbers look good,” Yugel said in an email interview. “Projections called for about 18,000 boardings per day by the end of the year and we are on track to meet that number.” Nanette Neelan, Lakewood’s deputy city manager, said that the city will be looking at the economic impact in the coming months and years, and right now is the time to continue supporting the corridor. “The vibrancy we’re seeing started before the rail was even built, and we’re seeing it bring a new energy along the line,” she said. According to information provided by Neelan, retail vibrancy has increased along the line, with retail building sales volume in the Colfax light rail corridor increasing from less than $4 million annual to $12 million in 2013. “Multifamily projects which contribute to design, density and pedestrian friendliness has also increased, and that is the first step to attracting future retail,” she said. “We also have a lot of activity like the 40 West Arts district and the West Colfax Business Improvement District.” There are still areas that RTD are working on, and one of them is fine-tuning the schedule and matching the train aspect of demand. “Starting Jan. 5, schedules will be about 1 minute faster over the length of the line. This will improve connections at Auraria West Station to the other lines,” Yugel wrote. “Trains were reduced from three cars to two in August to
The W Rail has led to increased economic development, especially along the Colfax corridor. Photo by Clarke Reader
‘The vibrancy we’re seeing started before the rail was even built, and we’re seeing it bring a new energy along the line.’ — Nanette Neelan, Lakewood’s deputy city manager,
Track continues on Page 11
Angel Tree helps spread Christmas Cheer First-time event draws presents for less fortunate
present.” The Christmas Cheer program begins in October, with volunteers and officers cataloging, organizing and matching gifts with children of needy families. Police Agents then deliver these gifts on the days before Christmas. Last year according to Audrey Martin, a volunteer with the department, officers delivered gifts to approximately 300 children in 125 families. Martin said that private citizens do so much donating for the program, and they are the ones who make Christmas Cheer possible. “It’s important that the children have a good Christmas, and this a great way for children to form a positive bond with police officers,” Martin said. “The kids are so excited when they see the officers coming to their houses with the bags of presents.”
By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com Lakewood police department has been hosting its annual Christmas Cheer toy drive for many years, and this year police have found a new way to get gifts for less fortunate children. Police started the Angel Tree at the Colorado Mills Mall the weekends of Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 as a way to encourage shoppers to pick out something for children while they are already out purchasing gifts. “The tree has paper angel ornaments with the name of the child in the Christmas Cheer program and a gift they would like,” said the police’s volunteer coordinator, Al Williams. “Volunteers are there to help shoppers pick an angel off the tree, and match the gift with the child once it has been purchased.” Williams said the Christmas Cheer program doesn’t provide electronics, but items like toys, Lego’s, trains, Barbies, clothes and books are very popular with the children police are supporting.
The Lakewood police department’s project Angel Tree is part of the department’s Christmas Cheer program, which brings gifts to children during the holidays. Photos by Clarke Reader “We’ve seen a lot of generosity over the weekends, and it really touches my heart to see all the people helping,” he said. “We
think the Angel Tree is nice because it gives people a chance to know a little about the child, and add a personal touch to the
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