Wildfires have become an unfortunate part of summer across the West, and this year is no exception. With multiple large fires burning across the country—including here in Colorado—many of us are paying close attention to air quality before heading outside. While we often think about how smoke affects people, our pets are breathing that same
Alively debate is brewing around town, and it has nothing to do with politics or sports. It starts every Tuesday around dinnertime. Tuesday has traditionally been the slowest night of the week for restaurants. To fill empty tables, many owners have turned to one of the oldest promotions in the business: Kids Eat Free. Locally,
The older I get, the more convinced I become that life is simply too short to spend pretending to be someone you’re not. Each passing year reminds me how important it is to embrace our authentic selves not the version our ego creates or the one society expects, but the person we were always meant
The City of Wheat Ridge will begin work on 38th Avenue sometime in 2027. The Kipling to Youngfield project is part of the $76 million project approved by voters 2 years ago. The project will include safe routes to schools for kids on bikes as well as 3 roundabouts (see plan drawings). City council is now
Most people walk in dreading the road test. The official data says they have it backward. This report breaks down Colorado’s own test records, shows exactly where most people get stopped, and explains how to pass both the permit test and the driving test on your first try. Written Test vs. Driving Test: Colorado’s Pass Rates
Finding blind spots, changing procedures and raising awareness of potential bias or discrimination in Wheat Ridge’s internal policies are parts of an upcoming equity audit. The city council, by a 5-3 vote on July 13, approved spending up to $96,000 in reserve money for the audit. Council members Mike Okada, Rachel Hultin, Jenny Snell, Kathleen
For 57 years, the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival has celebrated more than the city’s rich agricultural heritage—it has celebrated the people who have helped shape our community. One of the Festival’s longest-standing traditions is recognizing individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, and commitment have made a lasting impact on Wheat Ridge. Each year, community members nominate outstanding
Now in his sixth year as chief of the Wheat Ridge Police Department, Chief Christopher Murtha reflects on changing crime trends from the height of the pandemic to today. With the help of new technologies and the largest graduating class of police officers in the department’s history, the police force can focus more on proactive
The name “5 Fridges Farm,” although nicely alliterative, seems a mighty unusual name for a farm. On the other hand, when one stops to consider all that goes on at a working farm, it starts to make sense. A farm that regularly produces lots of eggs and milk certainly needs a reliable method of refrigeration,
Tickets are on sale now for Localworks’ fourth annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser, scheduled for Sept. 17, 7:30 a.m. shotgun start at Applewood Golf Course in Golden. The cost to play is $120 per player and $450 per team. The 18-hole scramble tournament tees off at 7:30 a.m. and welcomes players of all skill levels. Participants can
Summer is still in full swing, and we’re celebrating with an evening of family fun, sweet treats, and community at El Arka Plaza (located at 6875 W. 38th Ave)! Join Localworks on Thursday, August 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a fun-filled Live Local at one of Wheat Ridge’s newest community gathering places. El
The City of Wheat Ridge’s Homeless Navigation Program has reached over 200 housing placements since its inception in December of 2020. The City of Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation Program follows the county-wide navigator model that was developed in 2020. Wheat Ridge has a Homeless Navigator and a Housing Navigator full-time on staff who help people
Astanding-room-only crowd gathered July 10 at Fellowship Denver Church North Metro to remember Dominick Breton, the beloved community leader known to many as “Mr. Wheat Ridge.” Breton, who was born with liver and kidney disease, died June 18 at age 41 while awaiting another transplant. Pastor and friend Rich Dugan led the service, where Breton’s sister,
Two associates at the Youngfield Street King Soopers are being recognized with Kroger’s highest safety honor, the AllSafe! Angel Award, after their quick thinking and compassion helped a customer avoid what could have been a serious eye injury. Earlier this year, a customer was fueling their vehicle when gasoline unexpectedly sprayed into their face, eyes,
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
