Serving Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and beyond
WEEK OF JUNE 15, 2023
VOLUME 39 | ISSUE 47
$2
Beyond Casa Bonita
County considers consolidation of Moore Middle School and Pomona High School
The future of the 40 West District after the Pink Palace opens BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Much of the state awaits the opening of Casa Bonita, but some of the businesses around the Pink Palace are looking forward to much more than the sopapillas. That’s because Casa Bonita was an economic draw in the 1970s and not because of the food. So, will it bring crowds again, and what does that mean for the future of the 40 West Arts District in Lakewood? Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul is optimistic. “I think that it’s an incredible part of the 40 West Arts District and has always been,” he said. “And now that we’re going to be able to draw more people to that area, they’re going to get to really see a lot of the groundwork that the community has done for the arts in that area.” CEO of the West Metro Chamber of Commerce Jansen Tidmore explained the mayor’s optimism. He said that there’s a concept to understand when discussing Casa Bonita and Lakewood — quality of place. Tidmore says that quality of life used to be the measure city officials used to talk about
BY JANE REUTER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
WESTMINSTER
SEE CASA BONITA, P2
WINDOW
Casa Bonita’s opening date is still unknown but highly anticipated for businesses PHOTO BY JO DAVIS in the 40 West District.
VOICES: 14 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19 | SPORTS: 30
Westminster’s Moore Middle School and Arvada’s Pomona High School could be consolidated into a 6-12th-grade facility under a plan proposed by both schools’ principals. The Jefferson County School Board heard a presentation on the idea during its June 7 study session. The board will vote on the recommendation June 22 during its regular meeting. If it’s approved, Moore Middle School would close at the end of this school year, and its students would attend Pomona High School starting with the 2024-2025 school year. The two schools are about a 5-minute drive apart. The proposal is among several school closures and consolidations planned districtwide due to declining enrollment. Jeffco Public Schools voted to close 16 elementary schools in November 2022. But the Pomona/Moore consolidation is unique; the idea came from the Pomona/ Moore school communities and was not initiated by the district. District leaders have made no recommendations about the consolidation or closing of any middle or high schools at this point. Pomona Principal Pat Rock and Moore Principal Brenda Fletcher first approached district leadership with the consolidation proposal in January, describing it as a vision for “a thriving 6-12 secondary experience.” Both institutions have seen enrollment steadily decline. Pomona’s enrollment has decreased by about 15% over five school years, and about 50% at Moore. “Enrollment declines have been particularly acute at Moore Middle School,” said Claire SEE CONSOLIDATE, P5
JEFFCOTRANSCRIPT.COM • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Landmark 20th
July 28, 29 & 30
Evergreen Jazz Festival Big Talent! Small Venues! Great Setting!
Dancers Welcome!
Free Parking!
EvergreenJazz.org 303-697-5467