In This Issue: May 9 General Meeting; Mayor Run Off Debate; Homeless Presentation; West End Health Clinic; Online Services Hub; West Colfax Safety Walking Tour; Colfax Marathon Water Station; Waste Warriors; Spring Bazaar; Volunteer Database; Plant Exchange; Sloan’s Lake Environmental Assessment; ECM Happy Hour; Urban Forest Survey; Youth Opportunities at Library; WeCAN Run Club; E-bike Rebates; Denver Police District 1; Community Resources; Event Calendar; West Colfax in the News

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Bringing Neighbors Together to Build Community

May 2023 - Volume 14  Issue 5

www.wecandenver.org

Hello West Colfax Neighbors!

At this month’s General Meeting, we are recognizing long-time West Colfax neighbor and one of the initial founders of WeCAN, Barbara Baker. She will be moving out of the neighborhood soon and we are sorry to see such a community and sustainability minded person leave West Colfax.

Barbara was instrumental in the founding of the West Colfax Association of Neighbors (WeCAN) in 2009; having it officially recognized as a Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) for West Colfax with the city of Denver, and establishing bylaws and the first Board of Directors. Barbara advocated for so much to be brought to West Colfax in the early days of the organization: Paco Sanchez Park, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library, W Light Rail line, St. Anthony’s redevelopment and Colorado Coalition of the Homeless (CCH) housing. She also worked to keep the organization sustainably and locally minded, encouraging participation with pot luck dinners and local business awards at general meetings, and partnering on the Neighborhood Festival.

The WeCAN organization today simply would not exist without Barbara Baker. Please join us at our May 9 General Meeting to recognize all she has done for West Colfax and WeCAN before she moves away.

Warm Regards,
WeCAN Board of Directors

May 9, 2023 WeCAN General Meeting:

Lake Steam Baths & West Colfax Ave. Pedestrian Projects

6:00 - 7:00 PM

In Person at Confluence Ministries, 1400 Quitman St.

Virtually at https://denvergov-org.zoom.us/j/86962737215?pwd=eU1QV3ZrbzkvWUkzcWRJL1VvZ0FCZz09

AGENDA

6:00 PM - WeCAN Announcements

6:05 PM- Barbara Baker WeCAN Moving Away Recognition

6:15 PM: Community Resource Officer Updates, Kaylan Campbell, Denver Police District 1

6:20 PM: Lake Steam Baths: Historic Preservation and Redevelopment, Andre Couvillion, RealArchitecture

6:35 PM: West Colfax Pedestrian Project Updates

7:00 PM: Adjourn

Get to know Denver's Mayoral runoff candidates — Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston! Regis University and ten community partners (including WeCAN!) invite you to a Mayoral Runoff Debate 6–7 p.m., May 11.

In person at Regis University in the Mountain View Room of Claver Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Free parking will be available in Lot 4; enter via Lowell Blvd. between 52nd and 53rd Ave. Campus maps are available here: https://www.regis.edu/admissions/visit/map-and-directions.

CBS Colorado will again stream the event live, watch at https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/ or their YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/cbs4denver.

Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Presentation from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless (CCH) from the April General Meeting

The CCH presented at our April General Meeting on some of the data, systems and solutions surrounding the un-housed. If you missed it, see the Full Presentation here.

CCH West End Health Clinic

If you know someone who is in need of primary care, especially if they are at risk for homelessness, experiencing homelessness, or having a difficult time connecting to health care, please pass along this information.

West End Health Center, 5050 W. Colfax Ave.

Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays 7:15 AM to 4:00 PM

Call 303-293-2220 on those dates to schedule future appointment.

Denver’s NEW Online Services Hub (Formerly Pocketgov)

If you see something, say something! Use the new Online Services Hub (formerly pocketgov) to report a non-emergency issue or call 311.

Here, you can file a non-emergency report on:

• Potholes

• Animal Complaint

• Weeds & Vegetation

• Trash/Recycle/Compost (Issue)

• Graffiti

• Snow on Sidewalk

• Abandoned Vehicle

• Illegal Parking

• Damaged/Fallen Tree

• Police: Non-emergency

• Encampment Reporting

• Fireworks

• Illegal Dumping

• No Heat No Water No Electricity

Create an account today: https://www.denvergov.org/Online-Services-Hub/Report-an-Issue/issue/new-report

West Colfax Safety Walking Tour

DATE: Saturday, May 13, 2023

TIME: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Safety Walking Tour) and 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Stay if you can for a debrief of findings)

WHERE: Meet on the Seedstock Brewery patio, 3610 W. Colfax Ave.

First drink, before or after the walk, is on WeCAN!

Join the WeCAN Mobility and Land Use Teams, and representatives from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Denver Street Partnerships and the West Colfax Business Improvement District (BID) on its first Safety Walking Tour of West Colfax!

Walk with your neighbors and representatives from transportation while noting and discussing safety and other concerns along the way. Return to the patio and stay for a debrief session with neighbors if you are able to.

This walk will focus on the southeast area of the neighborhood, roughly between Federal Blvd. to Meade St. along 14th Ave. and W. Colfax Ave. We hope to host more Walking Tours in different areas of the neighborhood soon.

If you have any questions contact Heidi at heidi@heidinewhart.com.

WeCAN Waste Warriors is Back!

First Saturdays and First Wednesdays of the month

Wednesday, May 3, 5:30 - 7:00 PM at Seedstock Brewery (3610 W. Colfax Ave.)

-AND -

Saturday, May 6, 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Brew Culture Coffee (3620 W. Colfax Ave.)

WeCAN Waste Warriors are back! Join your neighbors on the first Saturdays and first Wednesdays of every month (April to October) to help beautify a small piece of your West Colfax community and get to know a few new neighbors.

Trash grabbers, gloves, vests and all supplies will be provided. Families welcome.

Add your contact information here to get updates on Waste Warriors and other West Colfax events.

Thank You Volunteers for Coming Out for the Waste Warriors Canvassing Day in April!

Gum Pop Presents is a WeCAN Sponsor,

Thank you for your support!

Learn more about WeCAN sponsorship opportunities at www.wecandenver.org/business-sponsorship

Join the WeCAN Volunteer Database

WeCAN has volunteer opportunities (big and small) throughout the year. Add your contact info and interests below, and we'll reach out when we have a upcoming project or event.

Free Neighborhood Plant Exchange

May 20, 2023

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

1445 Meade Street

A free event for gardeners of all levels! Bring cuttings from your garden or home, extra bulbs, vegetable starters, plants you pick up at the store on the way over... and then take home what you like from what other neighbors have brought. Contact Heidi with questions, heidi@heidinewhart.com.

Mimosas and light breakfast are always served!

Sloan's Lake Environmental Assessment: Virtual Community Meeting #1

Please join Denver Parks & Recreation for the first Community Meeting about the Sloan's Lake Environmental Assessment. We will share existing conditions that will guide initial concept design alternatives to create a vision for the future of the lake.

When: Thursday, May 18, 2023 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Where: Zoom | https://tinyurl.com/SloansLakeEA
Phone Option: 720 928 9299 | Meeting ID: 810 3411 0226

A sign language interpreter or CART will be provided upon request. Three business days’ notice is requested. Contact: SignLanguageServices@denvergov.org

For any public accommodation requests, please contact: DisabilityAccess@denvergov.org

For more information about this project visit www.denvergov.org/parksprojects

Evaluación ambiental de Sloan's Lake: 1a Reunión Comunitaria Virtual

¡Acompañe a Denver Parks & Recreation para la primera reunión comunitaria sobre la evaluación ambiental de Sloan's Lake! Compartiremos las condiciones actuales que ayudaran crear alternativas para el concepto inicial de la visión para el futuro del lago.

Cuando: jueves, 18 de mayo del 2023 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Donde: Zoom | https://tinyurl.com/SloansLakeEA
Por Teléfono: 720 928 9299 | Identificación de reunión: 810 3411 0226

Interpretación al español se puede pedir mandando un correo electrónico a: parksandrecreation@denvergov.org

Se le proporcionará un intérprete de lenguaje de señas o CART si lo solicita. Se solicita un aviso de tres días hábiles. Póngase en contacto con signlanguageservices@denvergov. org.

Para cualquier otra solicitud / inquietud de alojamiento, póngase en contacto con disabilityaccess@denvergov.org

For more information about this project visit www.denvergov.org/parksprojects

Extreme Community Makeover Volunteer Happy Hour

Learn more and ask any questions you have about how to get involved in Extreme Community Makeover this year!

Date: Tuesday, May 23 from 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Seedstock Brewery, 3620 W. Colfax Ave.

Register

Save the Date!

Extreme Community Makeover is hosting the West Colfax Clean-Up Day on Saturday, October 7, 2023. WeCAN will be bringing a team to volunteer.

The City of Denver’s Urban Forest Strategic Planning process is a chance for you to share your thoughts on how Denver can create a strong, resilient urban forest.

Take the survey here and let your voice be heard!

Youth Opportunities at Gonzales Branch library

The Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library has a few exciting opportunities specifically for teens:

• We are hiring for 2 part time youth assistants to join us this summer as part of the Denver's Youth Employment initiative -- applicants must be between 14-21 years of age and live in Denver, as well as meet income requirements. This is a great opportunity for any youth looking to gain some leadership experience in a library setting, as well as earn some summer income. We do ask applicants to note their preference for the Gonzales library on the form located here: bit.ly/DYEP2023YOUTH

• We are also planning to revive our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) with the help of our summer youth assistants. This is not a paid opportunity, though still an excellent way to gain leadership experience, and we are happy to count it towards any required community service hours. Youth on the TAB work to influence library events and spaces for other youth -- we also have pizza & games at meetings! Our kick-off for TAB will be on Saturday, May 13 at 3 pm.

You May Be Eligible for a Electric Bike (E-bike) Rebate

From Denver Police Department (DPD) District 1

West Colfax Community Resources

Visit https://www.wecandenver.org/west-colfax-resources-contacts/ for a list of resources available in the West Colfax neighborhood: Non-emergency contacts, elected representative contacts, green space and park locations, bus and light rail scheduled, USPS locations and more!

The West Colfax Stakeholder Database was created by WeCAN organization through a grant from Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR) This Database includes non-profits, city agencies, schools, housing, businesses and other agencies; making it easier for neighbors to connect with information, resources, and one another in West Colfax. 

WeCAN’s Land Use Policy is currently being updated. We will soon be using the WeCAN Land Use Folder to hold all information pertaining to Land Use in West Colfax (this includes re-zone request, permitting and other variances). Stay tuned for more details!

West Colfax in the News

The West Colfax Association of Neighbors (WeCAN) acts as community stewards to connect neighbors with information, resources, and one another in the West Colfax neighborhood. WeCAN brings awareness and a voice to issues facing our historic but fast-changing community, develops and leads award-winning sustainability and community-building projects, and works to enhance our neighborhood while preserving the unique character and diversity of West Colfax.