Week of December 1, 2022
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
CastleRockNewsPress.net
VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 33
Law enforcement, community groups fight against hate crimes Training, reporting methods improved BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
From 2018 to 2020, reported incidents of hate crimes in Colorado more than doubled, according to
statistics from the FBI. These numbers also increased nationwide, but in Colorado the rate is higher. Over two years, the state’s cases increased by about 132%, compared to the the national average of 17%, according to data from the FBI. Although there is no way to definitively prove the reason for these trends and no clear solution to the problem, law enforcement agen-
cies, legal offices and organizations across the Front Range are taking steps to better care for victims and stand against bias-motivated crimes and incidents. Data and underreporting As defined by Colorado state law, a bias-motivated crime, also known as a hate crime, is a criminal offense committed “with the intent to in-
Castle Rock mayor muses on new term Growth, new revenue sources top priorities BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Heading into his second term as Castle Rock’s mayor after running uncontested, Jason Gray feels confident voters are supportive of his model of “growth with vision” when it comes to managing the developing town. Following the election, Gray said he appreciated the vote of confidence from the town in his leadership. “It’s just nice that the town citizens saw fit to vote for me again and that no one wanted to run against me,” he said. Looking at his time in office, Gray highlighted a number of accomplishments in the town to manage new building, improve parks and increase town services. Gray is particularly proud of the redevelopment downtown, which he said will continue to be a priority. “The downtown speaks for itself. In the last four years, downtown has really seen a big revitalization and it’s been really vibrant and I think we’re going to keep doing it,” he said. Another of Gray’s priorities is improving parks and recreation. He
timidate or harass another person, in whole or in part, because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.” Hate crimes can range from acts of vandalism to shootings, such as that which occurred on Nov. 19 at SEE HATE CRIMES, P2
County creates housing solutions for local nonprofit ARPA funds used for apartment project BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Mayor Jason Gray is slated to begin his second term, reflecting on the need to find new PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES revenue sources and continue smart growth.
pointed to Cobblestone Ranch Park and the Metzler Family Open Space as examples of recent efforts. Currently, the town is also considering a public-private partnership to build a new recreation center.
Dream Big Dreams...
Gray said he’s excited for the future of the project, which will help meet the high demand for attractions that Castle Rock is seeing.
Wellspring Community plans to convert a La Quinta Hotel in Castle Rock into an apartment building to help integrate adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities into the community. Over the summer, Douglas County announced a partnership with the non-profit, Wellspring Community. Douglas County purchased the La Quinta Hotel to allow Wellspring Community to use the building for its nonprofit services. “The owners of the La Quinta decided that they were going to sell the hotel in Castle Rock and they were next door to the Wellspring program office,” said Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas. The La Quinta owners talked to Wellspring Community and informed them the hotel was going
SEE MAYOR, P8
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*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and interest rate of Certificate of Deposit (CD) may change after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings on the CD. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. *The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 9 month CD with current rate at renewal. *The Annual Percentage Yield is current as of October 31, 2022.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and interest rate for Certificate of Deposit (CD) may change after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings on the CD. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. *To open the CD, $1,000 minimum opening deposit is required. The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 12 month CD with current rate at renewal. **To open the CD, $1,000 minimum opening deposit is required. The CD is automatically renewed into a Standard 24 month CD with current rate at renewal. The Annual Percentage Yield is current as of 11/22/018.
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