Anger has been growing after two recent incidents of gun violence at East High School, which left one student dead and two administrators wounded. Thousands of students, parents, teachers, and administrators are demanding that leaders at Denver Public Schools (DPS) take action to make schools safer.
Community Issues
Insurance Rates Rising due to Increased Car Crimes
In January 2022, Ara Nenninger had just returned from a trip to Missouri visiting her mother. She parked her Sprinter van on the street outside her home in north Central Park, but when she came out two days later to clean it out, the van was gone.
Monumental Gun Control Package Moves Through the CO Capitol
With two recent school shootings happening less than two miles from the Capitol and with residents becoming outraged about the rising rates of gun violence, Democrats in the Colorado Legislature have introduced a monumental gun control package consisting of four bills that began progressing through the Legislature in March.
New Affordable Housing Projects in NE Denver Neighborhoods
Many new affordable housing projects are underway throughout Northeast Denver to reduce the housing deficit facing neighborhoods and increase the affordable options available for residents.
Gentrification Patterns in NE Denver
A study from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition revealed that 27 percent of Denver neighborhoods are currently gentrifying and that Denver is the second-most gentrified city in the nation, just behind San Francisco.
Rec Centers Are Pivotal to Denver’s Migrant Response
In December, Denver faced the unexpected challenge of providing shelter and resources for an influx of migrants from Central and South America.
NE Denver Forum: Creating Safer Communities
What does it mean to create a safe neighborhood? How can youth violence be prevented? How can school shootings be stopped? These were among the many complex issues discussed at the November 16 neighborhood forum sponsored by Central Park United Neighbors and Front Porch.
Thanksgiving “Madness”
It’s become an annual November tradition: Tajahi Cooke, known as Chef Taj, and his team cook thousands of meals to deliver to people in need. He calls it “Madsgiving”—since there’s a little madness in undertaking such a project.
Key 2022 Ballot Measure Results
In November, Denver residents cast their votes on many ballot measures. Here are the results of some of the key city and state initiatives.
Denver Discovery School Avoids Closure Amid Struggles
In late October, DPS released a list of ten small schools recommended for closing—and DDS was on the list. Later the list was cut in half—and DDS was still there. At the last minute, Superintendent Marrero surprised the board by recommending that just two schools be closed—and DDS was one of those.
Denver’s Successful STAR Program a Model for Rep. Crow’s Mental Health Bill
United States Congressman Jason Crow is the co-sponsor of a bill that would prevent law enforcement officers from needing to respond to calls involving mental health crises. The bill, which was passed by the House, would provide local governments with grants to form mental health units, instead of police, to respond to certain 911 calls.
Safer Neighborhoods Forum
Panelists include Denver District Attorney Beth McCann, State Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Steven Woodrow, Denver Youth Violence Prevention Program Manager Felicia Rodriguez, Together Colorado’s Vickie Wilhite, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, and District 5 Lt. Kevin Hines. To submit a question to the panelists, go to the ‘Ask Front Porch” tab at the top of the page.