Serving Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and beyond
WEEK OF JANUARY 23, 2025
VOLUME 41 | ISSUE 25
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‘Everything was a fight’: Lakewood city council member abruptly resigns BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
“Our goal for the first year was 60 members,” Piper said. “We’ve already surpassed 170. The response from the community has been incredible.” Piper attributes this success to a combination of factors.
Lakewood Council member Rich Olver resigned at the end of 2024 with a letter that alluded to conflict with city staff and other councilors. “The best part of this job has been interacting with the citizens oneon-one,” Olver wrote. “The worst part has been interacting with some of the city staff and some of my fellow councilors. You know who you are.” Olver didn’t elaborate on those issues in his letter but said in an interview with the Jeffco Transcript that he felt certain council members shot down his motions not on merit but because they didn’t like him. He also expressed extreme frustration that the city’s policies and regulations kept him from accomplishing anything. “I could count on them (council members Jeslin Shahrezaei, Rebekah Stewart and Sophia MayottGuerro) voting against anything I brought up. I mean, it didn’t happen every time, but it was so obvious that if it was my idea, they were going to poo-poo it,” Olver said. Olver also felt he’d been inappropriately silenced at meetings, citing the time when a group of Palestine supporters was present, and Shahrezaei ended the meeting early. “I was the only Israel supporter, and when it was my turn to speak, the crowd got pretty loud, so she made a motion to end the meeting,” Olver said. “She cut me off and the other four counselors and the mayor off.” Shahrezaei, who admitted to having a contentious relationship with Olver, defended her decision, saying the meeting no longer felt safe when she decided to adjourn and the other council members agreed. “We had people approaching the dais from the crowd, and I felt like it was unsafe,” Shahrezaei said. “He (Olver) was leaving the dais to confront protesters in the courtyard, and then he’d come back in. So he
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WINDOW Federal grant fuels growth at WESTMINSTER
Lucas Crosset said his favorite part about working at the Clear Creek Makerspace is that it makes him feel happy.
PHOTO BY SUZIE GLASSMAN
Wheat Ridge’s Clear Creek Makerspace BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Charlee Huggins never imagined she’d find a space where she could bring her creative visions to life. Living in a small apartment, the idea of working on large-scale projects like crafting with a nine-foot CNC machine, a computer-controlled machine that uses coded instructions to perform tasks like cutting, drilling and milling, or experimenting with a laser cutter seemed out of reach. But everything changed when she discovered the Clear Creek Makerspace in Wheat Ridge. “Here, I can use equipment I’ve always wanted to try without worrying about space or cost,” Huggins said. “It’s a place
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where I can just create.” The Clear Creek Makerspace, powered by Localworks, has grown rapidly since opening in March 2024. Located in a cityowned building, the facility offers state-of-the-art tools, classes and a vibrant community for creators of all skill levels. Now, thanks to a $200,000 federal grant secured by the City of Wheat Ridge last month, the space will continue to empower makers and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life in bigger and more innovative ways. “We worked directly through Senator Michael Bennett’s office to apply,” said Amanda Harrison, the city’s communications and engagement manager. “It’s not a typical grant but rather a pool of federal funds
designated for smaller municipal projects.” Half the funding will support programming expansions, such as the Growing U initiative, which helps makers turn hobbies into businesses. “We bridge the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship,” Piper said. “Growing U offers career coaching, workshops and micro-grants to help members navigate tax licensing, business planning and marketing.” The other half will go toward equipment upgrades. “This funding allows us to invest in advanced tools like a CNC plasma cutter, industrialgrade welding equipment and new woodworking tools,” Piper explained. “It’s a game-changer
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for what we can offer.” Harrison emphasized the importance of collaboration in securing the funding. “We’re really fortunate to have such great support in the House and Senate,” she said. “Representatives like Michael Bennett, John Hickenlooper and Brittany Petterson were instrumental in bringing this funding to Wheat Ridge.” A place for everyone
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