WEEK OF JULY 17, 2025
VOLUME 136 | ISSUE 50
$2
South Metro Fire details budget shortfall
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Ballot measure could be on the horizon BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
ENGLEWOOD HERALD Section included in this week’s
P13
edition
PIRATES COVE CHILD SEX ASSAULT ACCUSATION
Man faces 6 felony counts P15
Gym’s House at 9729 W. Coal Mine Ave., Unit T, in Littleton will host a new fundraising event, Reps & Rides PHOTO BY ISABEL GUZMAN Rally, on July 19.
Local gym raising funds for two Littleton nonprofits Gym’s House hosting Reps & Rides Rally on July 19 BY ISABEL GUZMAN IGUZMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
ROOTED VS VIBRANT 2 visions for Littleton
P4
IN N OUT MAKES PLANS
City could get burger chain P8
Alix Laraque-Two Elk, opened Gym’s House in Littleton to be more than just another gym option for the community. It was about creating a place for people to come together with the common goal to look after their health and wellness. After studying violence and the factors that influence someone’s propensity toward violence, Laraque-Two Elk said he saw the critical stages in youth development where intervention can change their trajectory. He began coaching youth sports, then worked in security for Denver Public Schools. Laraque-Two Elk earned a patrol position for the district and then became an emergency preparedness specialist, during which he conduct-
VOICES: 10 | CALENDAR: 18 | PUZZLES: 19
ed training and coordinated emergency plans for the district. In these roles, LaraqueTwo Elksaw first-hand the ways to help lead youth away from violence — by encouraging their athleticism and getting them involved in community service. “I found a ton of research that showed the positive results that come from getting youth engaged in their communities, and I saw the outcomes myself,” Laraque-Two Elk said. “There’s a ton of benefits — they get physical activity which helps with mental health and … their sense of connection and belonging (strengthens), which reduces marginalization.” Gym’s House’s official mission is to create a fitness community dedicated to building and sustaining longterm habits that encourages healthy lifestyles, service to-
ward others, positive work ethic and youth empowerment, Laraque-Two Elk said. In 2021, Gym’s House opened its doors, offering memberships and training. Located at 9729 W. Coal Mine Ave., Unit T, in Littleton, Gym’s House offers annual and monthly memberships, including a special deal for youth — students have the opportunity to earn their Gym’s House membership by volunteering for community service work. To link students to volunteer opportunities, the gym partners with the Rotary Club of Littleton, a community service organization that boasts more than 100 years serving Littleton that provides financial and volunteer support to local organizations and projects. SEE NONPROFITS, P9
South Metro Fire Rescue has stated that it is facing a budget shortfall in 2026, so the board of directors is seeking the public’s input on whether to cut services — or, if the agency were to put a tax increase question on the November ballot, what would it look like. Mike Dell’Orfano, the chief government affairs officer with South Metro Fire Rescue, said that due to a combination of costs and legislation, there will be a $16 million shortfall by 2026 and nearly $270 million over the next decade. “It’s kind of a story of increasing demand, increasing costs and decreasing revenue,” said Dell’Orfano. On top of the shortfall, South Metro Fire Rescue is needing an additional $34 million annually to maintain its level of service to communities and retain staff. Renee Anderson, vice chair of the South Metro Fire Rescue Board, said that the board’s goal is to maintain the agency’s efficient response time and adequate staffing, but without additional revenue, it will not be able to maintain the high-quality fire and emergency services it strives to provide. However, according to community survey results from January and February, which reached more than 2,000 registered voters in the fire district’s service area, about 41% believe that South Metro Fire Rescue has the financial resources to provide an acceptable level of fire protection, ambulance and emergency services in their given community. About 34% were unsure and 25% did not believe the district has the financial resources it needs. Where is the need coming from?
South Metro Fire Rescue is a fullservice fire and emergency medical provider with 30 stations located across parts of Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson counties, which includes 12 municipalities that are home to some major businesses such as Lockheed Martin and the Centennial Airport, serving more than 571,000 people. SEE SHORTFALL, P27
LITTLETONINDEPENDENT.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA