Colorado summers are made for hiking, park days, patio outings, and outdoor adventures with our pets. But Denver’s combination of high temperatures, intense sunshine, and higher elevation can create unique risks for dogs and cats. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that heat-related illnesses can develop quickly—even when temperatures don’t seem extreme. Here are
In 2014, I ran for the Colorado House after spending 2013 helping design and pass the Colorado Voter Access & Modernization Act as state director for America Votes. I hoped HD-24 voters would want a public policy expert willing to fight for a progressive agenda to increase reproductive freedom, protect our environment and stand up
The question I’ve heard more than any other over the past few months has been, “Is Rolling Smoke BBQ open?” The second most common comment? “The food is amazing.” It was time to find out for myself. Located at 7100 W. 38th Ave., in the heart of Wheat Ridge, Rolling Smoke BBQ occupies the former
The people who serve Wheat Ridge and the department’s culture have turned it into a destination for young people pursuing a career in law enforcement. On Friday, June 5, eight people graduated the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Lakewood Combined Regional Law Enforcement Academy to join the ranks at the Wheat Ridge Police Department. The
Each year, the Neighborhood Gazette proudly awards the Lou Olivera Citizenship Scholarship, honoring the life and legacy of Louis ‘Lou’ Olivera -U.S. Army Ranger, devoted community member, and proud American. Lou believed that citizenship is not just a status, but a responsibility- lived through service, integrity, and compassion. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a
Walk into Little Brazil and one thing immediately stands out: optimism. Located at 7333 W. 38th Ave., owner Kellen Marques greets guests with the same enthusiasm she had on opening day. The difference today is experience. After navigating the challenges of restaurant ownership, she’s emerged wiser, more confident, and determined to trust her instincts. Kellen
Written for, and with, everyone who called Dominick Breton a friend On the morning of June 18, 2026, the news moved through Wheat Ridge faster than Clear Creek in a spring melt. Dominick Breton was gone — after a short illness, before the Carnation Festival, before his time. How do you fit a man like
The mouth-watering scent of burgers and hot dogs on the grill will waft through the Historical Park on Saturday, July 11 when the Historical Society holds a Community Potluck Picnic from 10:00–2:00 as a way to thank residents for their support. Special this year is the celebration of the Sesquisemiquincentennial (250/150) Celebration, the theme for
Early bird registration is now open for Localworks’ fourth annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser, scheduled for Sept. 17 at Applewood Golf Course in Golden. You can purchase your tickets online at wearelocalworks.org/golf. Golfers who register by July 31 will receive discounted rates of $100 for an individual player or $350 for a foursome. Beginning Aug. 1, registration increases
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of selecting Dominick Breton as the very first recipient of the Mayor’s Community Champion Award in recognition of his extraordinary service, leadership, and love for Wheat Ridge. Sadly, before we had the opportunity to publicly present this honor, Dominick passed away. It is fitting that the inaugural award
Citizenship is not a piece of paper. It’s not a passport stamp or some legal definition sitting in a government filing cabinet. Citizenship is a voice, loud, insistent, and never quite finished saying what it needs to say. When I speak, the sound doesn’t just come from me. It echoes back across centuries, carried by
Make a Difference in Your Community! Are you passionate about public safety and looking for a meaningful way to serve your community? The West Metro Fire Protection District is seeking civic-minded individuals to fill volunteer positions on its Civil Service Committee – a citizen-led committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The Civil Service Committee
Summer in Colorado is one of the best times of year to get outside with your dog. From morning walks in Wheat Ridge to weekend hikes in the foothills, our pets often join us for all of it. But with rising temperatures and increased outdoor activity come a few important considerations to keep your dog
There was a time in Wheat Ridge where one in ten police calls for service were dedicated to just a handful of businesses in the city. Ever since Wheat Ridge Police Chief Chris Murtha took on the job in 2020, creating better public safety around the I-70 and Kipling area and the hotels in the
There is always something happening in our neighborhood. Businesses opening, others changing direction, owners taking risks, and residents debating what they want their community to become. That constant movement is part of what makes Wheat Ridge and the surrounding area interesting. Sometimes the news is exciting, sometimes disappointing, and often it is a little bit
Randall Park is one of Wheat Ridge’s oldest and most historic parks. Constructed between 1952 and 1954, it is the second-oldest park in the City’s park system and has served generations of residents for more than 70 years. Located near 43rd Avenue and Fenton Street, the approximately 5-acre park sits along the Wheat Ridge and
Creative, instructional and educational toys including Lincoln logs, Legos, wooden train sets, veterinarian play sets, puzzles, dolls houses, and games for children from infants to eight years old are available to borrow just like a library book. Children learn primarily through play, and the Toy Library aims to provide all children with the opportunity to
The City of Wheat Ridge has been awarded a $50,000 Housing Grant from Colorado Gives Foundation to help residents access stable housing and overcome short-term barriers that can prevent long-term housing success. The funding will support the city’s efforts to provide temporary housing assistance and housing stabilization resources for individuals and families in Jefferson County
This summer, residents across Wheat Ridge will have four free opportunities to dispose of old furniture, yard trimmings, recycling, and household clutter. On 3rd Saturdays in June, July, August and September, residents will be welcomed to local church parking lots where rows of dumpsters will be waiting at TLC Clean-up Days. These events are a
Typically, when you spend more, you expect to get more in return. That’s not the case when it comes to the water in Wheat Ridge. Beginning February 1, 2026, Wheat Ridge Water District water bills increased by $5.51 per month on the service charge for single-family residential customers from $11.02 to $16.53 and by $11.02
Wheat Ridge residents have seen inflation in the grocery aisle, on utility bills and in nearly everything they buy. But it is less obvious when inflation is parked inside a local fire station. According to West Metro Fire Rescue, the cost of a fire engine has increased from $720,000 in 2018 to $1.3 million today.
Localworks, in partnership with the Wheat Ridge Police Department, will host four TLC Clean-up Days in 2026, offering Wheat Ridge residents an opportunity to dispose of unwanted items responsibly and keep their neighborhoods clean. Adeline Mann, Localworks Program manager, states, “TLC Clean-up Days bring the Wheat Ridge community together around a common goal: keeping our
Partnerships between law enforcement create safer communities. There is no more relevant and timelier example of collaborative teamwork than a 10-day operation that happened in Jefferson County known as Operation Gateway Sweep. For this operation, the Wheat Ridge Police Department teamed up with other police departments, including Lakewood, Arvada, Golden and the U.S. Marshals Service.
As the owner of Anteak Booteek and manager of our upcoming fashion show, I can say with certainty that vintage western wear will always be a favorite especially here in the Wild West of Colorado. There’s something about fringe, denim, leather, and a well-worn pair of boots that feels right at home against our big
