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
The 38th Avenue corridor is the heart and main street of Wheat Ridge and as the community prioritizes safety, engagement, placemaking and identity, the challenge becomes balancing these long term goals with the everyday needs of the current businesses and their customers. At the city council meeting on June 15th, a refresh of 38th Avenue
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,
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 has been awarded a $2.64 million grant through the Colorado Energy Office’s Local Implementation, Mitigation, and Policy Action (Local IMPACT) Accelerator program, bringing significant state investment to the community without increasing costs for local taxpayers. The grant funding will help reduce costs, improve public facilities, and support a more sustainable
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
Name: Jill Mendoza Explain your job: As Economic Development Manager and Executive Director of Renewal Wheat Ridge, I lead efforts to implement the City’s Prosperity Plan and advance initiatives that strengthen our local economy. I work alongside businesses, developers, property owners, community leaders, and residents to support investment, revitalization, and opportunities that enhance quality of
One of the things I appreciate most about Wheat Ridge is that we’re a community that values connection. Whether it’s chatting with a neighbor while walking the trail, supporting a local business, volunteering for a cause, or meeting someone new at a community event, those everyday interactions are what make this city feel like home.
During its June 1 study session, Wheat Ridge City Council reviewed two code enforcement issues with public safety implications: recreational vehicle (RV) parking in parks and updates to the city’s massage business licensing rules. The first discussion focused on proposed amendments to the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws that would regulate RV parking in city
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
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
Name: Andy Pocernich Explain your job: As a lifeguard, I spend the majority of my time scanning the water for people in distress and when needed aiding those people. I do this to ensure that all of our patrons can have a safe, fun time at the pool. Additional parts of my job include slide
One of the things I love most about Wheat Ridge is that people here care. They care about their neighborhoods. They care about local businesses. They care about parks, trails, public safety and the future of our community. Most importantly, they care enough to show up, ask questions and share ideas. That spirit of involvement
For such a small stretch of roadway, 38th Avenue from Harlan to Vance Streets in Wheat Ridge can sure stir up the dust. From a “road diet” 15 years ago to the non-working clock monuments to ongoing pedestrian hazards, that nine-tenths of a mile stretch of 38th that is both the city’s living room and
With a list of improvements identified by the city and council adding up to 150 million dollars over the next 10 years, we thought we would open the conversation to all readers and ask you to submit your answers, opinions, encouragements and anything else you’d like to share to [email protected] These 3 questions have been
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
The Berbert House stands facing 44th Ave., forlorn and out of place just east of Prospect Park’s entrance and the pickleball courts. Its main entrance stairs, sculpted from red sandstone slabs, are crumbling; the windows are grimy, and surrounding gardens are beyond raggedy. So it goes for some historical properties. The City of Wheat Ridge
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
Water and the lack of it is on everyone’s minds lately. As another article in this newspaper recently asked, “are local efforts a drop in the bucket” when it comes to statewide water scarcity? Sustainable Wheat Ridge, the volunteer committee that helps shape and implement the Sustainable Action Plan “SAP”, believes that all local efforts
