February 18, 2016
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Optimists locate space for bicycle program Big screen Temporary location near fest tackles downtown Golden allows Optimists to continue their work big problems
By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
About 20 years ago when he was a student at Colorado School of Mines, Zhao Guo came to Ted Rains, founder of the Golden Optimists, to get a bicycle. Some weeks passed and Guo returned with six other students who needed bicycles. Guo really liked what the Optimists were doing, Rains said, and eventually started volunteering his free time to fix up bicycles, too. Here, Guo was working toward an advanced, higher education degree. But in China, he worked in the planning office of a national petroleum company. “He had 10,000 employees reporting to him,” Rains said, “and here I had him working in my driveway fixing flats.” The Golden Optimists—a volunteerrun bicycle recycle program—operated out of Heritage Square for about the past 25 years. But when Martin Marietta, the square’s property owner, announced a year ago plans to close the square, the nonprofit found itself in need of a new home. Martin Marietta allowed the Optimists to use the space rent-free until October, when the Optimists received official notice it had to relocate by April. In xxx few months ago, the Optimists found a temporary home in the northwest corner of the parking lot at Golden Real Estate, located at 17695 S. Golden Road for a minimal rent fee. Optimists expect to be up and running as a fair-weather operation within a few weeks. Members are excited about a location
Golden’s 10th annual environmental film fest Feb. 18-20 By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
From left, volunteers Dennis Ryan and Paul Hobson, both of Littleton, and Golden Optimists Club president Howard Bagdad work in the parking lot of Golden Real Estate on Feb. 11 to prepare the lot for the Optimists’ new, temporary location. The Optimists expect it to be up and running as a fair-weather operation within a few weeks. Photo by Christy Steadman near central Golden, said Suzy Stutzman, chairwoman on the board of directors. The arrangement is temporary for 1 1/2 years. “This is a way to keep us active and going,” Stutzman said. But the space “might be a little small for our ultimate mission.” Ideally, the Optimists will have a large enough area to not only store tools and repair bikes, but also to be able to test-ride the bikes and allow customers to try out a bike before taking it home. The location is “a good fit for now,” Rains said. Broker Jim Smith, owner of Golden Real Estate, also is excited about the arrangement. “It’s perfect for Golden Real Estate,” he
said. “It rounds out our image of supporting sustainability.” The real estate company, he said, promotes sustainability through the three Rs — reuse, recycle and reduction. The Optimists keep bicycles out of the landfill, rehabilitate them and put them back in service into the community. “What’s more sustainable than bicycles?” Smith said. “It makes sense to have the Optimists here.” Although operations will be on a smaller scale, Rains wants the community to know that it can still depend on the Optimists. “Something we all enjoy the most is interacting with the people,” Stutzman said. “It’s a community garden of bicycles.”
Even in Bert Raynes’ ninth decade of life, he’s inspiring people to pay attention to their surroundings. Filmmaker Jennifer Tennican brings that story of Raynes — a Wyoming man whose great loves are his wife and nature — to the screen in a documentary called “Far Afield: A Conservation Love Story,” one of 50 films at the 10th annual Colorado Environmental Film Festival, Feb. 18-20, at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. “Even though it’s a local setting, it’s got broad appeal,” she said of the film and Raynes. “He was responsible for getting more people outdoors.” The festival does have a couple local filmmakers in the mix, but features 10 countries worldwide, said Dave Steinke, a filmmaker on the festival’s board. “It really is a global festival,” he said, and “there is no shortage of environmental topics.” The purpose is not to have people leave the festival feeling guilty about the impacts on the environment, but people do learn a lot from the films, Steinke said. “There are so many wonderful films,” Steinke said. “The cool part is you can walk in at any time and have a variety of films to see.” Festival organizers did not want to focus
Wheat Ridge defending new lawsuit, sort of Staff Report
HOT ON THE TRAIL
Trail running breeds balance and strength, while providing peace of mind and smiles for miles. Find out more on PAGE 14.
The city of Wheat Ridge is fighting a developer’s lawsuit by arguing that the city is able to set its own tax incentive rules and requirements, even if one of those requirements might turn out to be unconstitutional. In November, voters approved Issue 300 — a voter initiative that would force voter approval of future redevelopment projects receiving more than $2.5 million in tax increment financing from the city. Issue 300 specifically included a clause applying the rule retroactively back to March 1, 2015. Last month, the development company behind the Wheat Ridge Corners development, which includes plans for a 40,000-square-foot Wal-Mart grocery store and 37 town homes, filed a lawsuit in district court against the city. The project received $6.2 million in tax increment financing assistance from the city. The lawsuit had two points: First, that the plan was approved prior to March 1, and
therefore should not be held to the requirements of Issue 300; and second, that passing a retroactive law like Issue 300 is prohibited under the state constitution. Last week the city’s law firm filed a response, arguing that the city has the authority to apply its own rules regarding development rules and tax increment financing, as listed in the 38th Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Plan, and by the city’s charter. However, on the second question of whether Issue 300 is constitutional or not, the city is remaining neutral, offering no defense. “This is an important issue for the city and for our citizens, and we look forward to the lawsuit being resolved,” City Manager Patrick Goff said in a statement. Requests to speak further with city staff were denied. Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay and city officials have previously criticized Issue 300 as being bad for the future of the city. No trial date has been set.
Film continues on Page 7
The film, “The Anthropologist,” will have a special screening on Feb. 18 for World Anthropology Day, but will also be shown on Feb. 20. It is one of 50 films that will be available at the 10th annual Colorado Environmental Film Festival, which takes place Feb. 18-20 at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. Courtesy of Ironbound Films
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