Westsider Westsider 6-14-13
North Jeffco
POSTAL PATRON
June 14,2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
North Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 23
And they’re off
PRSRT - STd ECRWSS US POSTAgE PAid BROOmfiELd CO PERmiT #101 Eddm
Gun law affects domestic abusers
Restrictions received no GOP support in Legislature By Vic Vela
vvela@ourcoloradonews.com
Runners take off after the start of the 10K race during the Blazing Bullets Trail Run on Saturday at Christopher Fields in Westminster. Both the 10K and the 5K races raised money for the Westminster Pubic Safety Recognition Foundation. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Summer event kicks off concert series By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews. com A new event is debuting in Westminster this month — the Summer Solstice Celebration and Bike Ride. Coinsiding with the longest
day of the year — June 21 — the celebration will feature a community bike ride, live music and free activities. Bikers can either meet up at City Park or Big Dry Creek Park at 6 p.m. before making their way to the Westfield Village, 115th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, for live a concert by
local band The Nacho Men. Food vendors, a bounce house and free activities will also be available during the concert. Heather Hammarstrom, recreation specialist for the city of Westminster, said both bike rides are fairly short and will be led by trail hosts, volun-
Hundreds of people attended last year’s concert series in Westminster. This year’s series will kick-off during the city’s Sumer Solstice Celebration and Bike Ride on June 21 with a performance from The Nacho Men. Courtesy photo
teer bikers who ride the trails on a regular basis. “We really wanted to have an event where people could enjoy the weather and get in some good exercise,” she said. “It’s really just a fun night out in the park.” City council members will also be in attendance and available to answers questions from residents. Hammarstrom said after the concert ends at 9 p.m. the trail hosts will lead the bikers back to their beginning destination. She said for those not in the mood to ride, residents can just attend the concert at the park, which is also the kick-off to the summer concert series. “This is the first of a few more concerts happening in the city this summer,” she said. “All of the bands are great and they play a variety of music. There is really something for everyone.” The next summer concert will feature Heartbeat, a popular variety band, on July 4, followed by a concert by Soul School on July 18. Both concerts are from 7-9 p.m. at City Park, 10455 Sheridan Blvd. “We’re hoping to have a third concert after the Westminster Faire in August, but that is still in the works,” Hammarstrom said.
Domestic violence offenders will find it more difficult to own or transfer guns under a bill that was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper on June 5. Senate Bill 197 places greater gun restrictions on people who either are convicted in cases involving domestic violence, or those who have been served with a court-issued protection order. Capitol Prior to the Report bill being signed, Colorado law had already prohibited domestic violence offenders from having guns. The new law puts in place a system by which state courts ensure that offenders relinquish their weapons. Sen. Evie Hudak, D-Westminster, a bill sponsor, said an incident from about 20 years ago motivated her to carry the bill. A former teacher, Hudak said that a student of hers was shot to death by an ex-boyfriend, who had a restraining order against him. “I’ve wanted this to happen for a very long time,” Hudak said. “I think a lot of women and children will be safer because of this.” Under the new law, persons who have received court-imposed protection orders must relinquish any firearms and ammunition in their possession for the duration of the court order. The same rules will apply to persons Guns continues on Page 18
Gov. John Hickenlooper speaks to reporters on June 5, following the signing of several pieces of legislation. Photo by Vic Vela
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