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Share Your Vision for Safer Streets at the Vision Zero Forum
While driving, walking, biking or taking transit in recent months, you may have seen advertisements for Vision Zero, an initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on Denver roadways by the year 2030. It’s an ambitious goal. However, with the right combination of local government support, creative partnerships and community engagement, Vision Zero has the potential to change the way Denverites move.
The Vision Zero goal understands that human error will always be a factor, but that smart design can make Denver a  safer place for all. City agencies and partners have been working since 2015 to meet the 2030 goal with the help of one key demographic: everyone and anyone who uses Denver’s highways, streets, sidewalks, crosswalks and more. If that includes you, the Vision Zero team wants to hear your voice.
On May 12, residents are invited to the Denver Vision Zero Community Forum. The free event will feature local leaders as well as mobility and community engagement experts from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin to discuss empowering residents to help create safer streets. The Denver Vision Zero Team will also discuss and answer questions about what Denver is doing to engage the community and meet the Vision Zero goal.
“Our visiting cities have exciting programs that truly empower community groups,” said Michele Shimomura, public health manager for the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. “As Denver advances Vision Zero, we want to raise up community voices and build enduring partnerships because mobility safety is a priority in every Denver neighborhood. Community members and City leaders will hear ideas on how to empower communities, affect change, and find ways to get involved.”
Attendees will also get a first look at the debut Photo Voices Exhibition. The exhibition features the photography of 17 local residents who have spent the last few months capturing the Federal Blvd. corridor. The transportation-focused exhibition shines a unique spotlight on the places that make the artists feel safe and happy as well as the places that make them feel unsafe or concerned. Artists will be on hand to present and discuss their work during a lunchtime reception.
RSVP for the event at VisionZeroDenver.eventbrite.com. Lunch, childcare and both Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation will be available, with American Sign Language and other languages available upon request.
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Be a Produce Pro: Tips for Farmers Market Food Safety
Farmers markets have become a seasonal staple in the Denver metro area. From May to October, a rainbow of locally grown produce fills farmers market stalls — alongside jerky, jam, baked goods and other prepared foods.
DDPHE public health inspectors generally visit established farmers markets twice each season to ensure that all vendors are licensed and following food safety regulations. These include proper food washing and preparation and personal hygiene practices as well as maintaining safe food temperatures and ensuring proper storage. While most farmers and food entrepreneurs comply with all food safety regulations, consumers should be aware of the following tips when enjoying the perfect plum or fresh croissant.
Produce
Farmers market produce should be uncut and unpeeled at purchase, and consumers should still wash natural and  organic produce. While cleaning fruits and vegetables with soap or detergent is not advised, consumers should use running water to clean produce before slicing, dicing or eating. Foodsafety.gov also recommends that all cut or peeled produce be refrigerated within two hours after preparation.
Dairy, Eggs and Meat
Consumers are advised to be aware of proper food safety temperatures when purchasing perishable items such as dairy products, eggs and meat at their local farmers market. Dairy products in particular must be pasteurized and kept at a temperature of 41 degrees F or lower. Farmers market purchases should be immediately refrigerated to prevent bacteria growth, and Foodsafety.gov suggests bringing along an insulated bag or container to keep items cool in transit.
Prepared Foods
Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations require vendors that offer prepared or packaged foods — as well as foods served on site — to be licensed as a retail food establishment. Additionally, all processed foods must be prepared in approved facilities. Essentially, if it’s sliced, diced, dried, smoked, cooked or otherwise, vendors should be following all standard food regulations and labeling their goods accordingly.
Product Samples
While product samples are not specifically regulated by DDPHE public health inspectors, vendors should treat these enticing bites the same way they treat food intended for sale. Perishable food samples should be properly cooled or heated, and all standard cleaning and preparation steps should be followed.
For more information on farmers market food safety, contact DDPHE’s Public Health Inspections staff at 720-865-5401 or visit www.denvergov.org/HealthInspections.
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Keep Your Dog Safe with Leashing
Denver's leash laws are intended to protect the health and safety of all people and pets that enjoy our city’s parks and open areas. However, even “good” dogs and owners need to obey leash laws.
While pups are free to run and roam in designated dog parks, here are the top five reasons why you should keep your dogs on leash in public spaces.
- It’s the law: Even gentle, well-behaved and well-trained dogs are required to remain on a leash and under the control of their owners in public spaces. Pet owners who violate this ordinance are subject to a fine.
- Protect your dog: Even if a dog has perfect recall, an owner cannot control the world around them. An unleashed dog could be attacked by another animal (including wildlife that might spread disease) or struck by a motor vehicle. The leash is there to protect your dog from the world as much as it’s there to protect the world from your dog.
- Parks are full temptations: Owners just can’t predict what their unleashed dogs may encounter in park or public space: bicyclists, barbeques, an un-spayed female dog, a rambunctious child, SQUIRREL! There are lots of doggie distractions in our neighborhoods that could cause unpredictable reactions in dogs; leashing keeps everyone safe.
- Liability: Bad things are simply more likely to happen when dogs run loose, and owners are liable for their dog’s actions. A leash provides emergency control over your pet. A court may determine that letting a dog off leash is reckless. So, if something goes wrong, an owner could find themselves in legal hot water over a bite, property damage, etc.
- Setting a good example: Many people think it is okay to let their dogs off leash because they see other people doing it. However, dogs running loose aren’t good for anyone. Set a good example as a responsible pet owner and keep your furry family members leashed.
But what if your good boys and girls need to run and play? Luckily, Denver offers many dog parks throughout the city. Before visiting a designated dog park, please keep the following in mind:
- Dog parks are open from sunrise to sundown, seven days a week.
- Dogs must be spayed or neutered, or have a current Denver Intact Permit (Denver residents).
- Dogs must have current rabies and Denver dog license.
- Dog owners must dispose of their dog’s feces properly and immediately.
When at the dog park, supervise your dog at all times. Make sure that you are able to call them away from anything, if needed. Always keep a leash handy so that if your unleashed dog is making other people or dogs uncomfortable (or your pet is stressed by others), you can readily remove them from the situation.
Thanks for helping make Denver a place where all people and animals can thrive!
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