Sentinel
LAKEWOOD 1.31.13
Lakewood
Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 89, Issue 25
January 31, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourlakewoodnews.com
No criminal conduct in officer shooting By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com First Judicial District Attorney Peter Weir announced Jan. 23 that his office found there was no criminal conduct done by Lakewood police officer D.J. Braley in the accidental shooting death of his fellow officer, James Davies. Police Chief Kevin Paletta received a letter from Weir’s office, which is commonly sent after an officer involved shooting, that described the findings of the DA in investigating the case, according to information released by the Lakewood Police. The investigation was conducted by the
Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), which is made up of investigators from other Jeffco law enforcement agencies, and the district attorney’s office. Some of the factors contributing to the confusion at the scene included poor Davies lighting, several voices talking over the police radio, and several pit bulls officers had been attempting to clear from the home. “We appreciate the time and effort put into this case by District Attorney Weir, his staff, and the investigators. We know this decision was a difficult one, and one that
was made after a thorough and thoughtful review of the facts. We will use these findings, along with the findings from an independent panel, in making our internal decisions,” Paletta said in a released statement. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Davies family.” Paletta has created a committee that will now review the entire incident and events that led to Davies’ death. According to the police statement, the goal will be to examine the tactics, policies and procedures that were in play during Davies’ death, and then make recommendations to Paletta and his command staff. The committee is made up of: Bob Evans, an FBI supervisory special agent; Sgt. Mi-
cheal Harding, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Tactics and Survival Training Unit; Captain Terry Brown from the Aurora Police Department; Chief Louis M. Dekmar, the Chief of Police and Chief of Public Safety for the City of LaGrange, Ga.; and staff members from The Force Science Institute. The committee’s work is expected to take two to three months. Davies was shot on Nov. 9 at 1940 Eaton St. while investigating shots coming from the home. Three people were in the home and taken into custody. Charges have been filed against one of the residents, and the case is pending with Jefferson County Courts.
Students helping the homeless
SEE MY TRAIN A COMIN’
Vivian volunteers work at Denver Rescue Mission By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com
Lights illuminate the 6th Avenue bridge as a RTD light rail crosses the bridge during a lighting ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Lakewood. Photo by Andy Carpenean
Connectivity plan on main street Downtown Lakewood transit examined in open house By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com Connectivity is a key part of revamping downtown Lakewood, and some of the options for improving it were on display at the Council Chambers on Jan. 22. The open house was the second public meeting as part of the city’s Downtown Lakewood Connectivity and Urban Design Plan, which aims to not only better provide connectivity in the area, but also implement design standards to make it feel like a more unified downtown. “This is one piece of the larger project, and while we are looking at both connectivity and urban design, tonight we’re focusing on transportation,” said principal planner with the city, Rob Smetana. The area designated as downtown Lakewood encompasses the Belmar shopping and living area, Lakewood City Commons, properties on the north side of Alameda Avenue between Carr and Pierce streets, the city’s civic center area and Belmar Park, and the living area south of Belmar to Ohio Avenue. Tables were set up with maps of the area, focusing on Wadsworth Boulevard and some of its intersections like Alaska Drive and West Ohio Avenue. Maps of Alameda Avenue, Teller and Pierce streets were also on display. Visitors had a chance to see some of the proposed changes to each area and speak with planners about their concerns and suggestions.
Much of Lakewood’s public art collection is on display throughout Lakewood’s downtown area, a feature that city leaders say gives the area a cohesive downtown feeling. Photo by Clarke Reader Recommended changes depend on the intersection or area, and vary from new signals and crossings to mediums and circulation modifications. “The project is designed to enhance downtown Lakewood through transit connections, and we want to make it more comfortable for bikes and pedestrians,” said Beth Vogelsang, consulting project manager with OV Consulting. Vogelsang said the city conducted an online survey for residents and they identified three key issues: Enhanced pedestrian and bike access on Wadsworth, improved
neighborhood connections to the downtown area and direct connections to the West Rail Line stations. She said that the Wadsworth and Garrison stations are key in relation to getting to downtown Lakewood, and RTD is working on enhancing service to the area. The next meeting will add a focus on the urban design element of the project, and will be sometime in April. For more information on the Downtown Lakewood Connectivity and Urban Design Plan, visit www.lakewood.org/downtownlakewood.
Students at Vivian Elementary are learning about the power of connection by volunteering at the Denver Rescue Mission. Through funding from the Jefferson Foundation’s Lights On After School program, students are able to make the trip to downtown Denver once a month to serve those in need. “This is a program that we’ve been doing for 12 years and it’s something we wouldn’t be able to do without the Lights On After School program,” said Sharon Coffman, who teaches fourth through sixth grade for students with Significant Identifiable Emotional Disabilities (SIED) at Vivian. She also instituted the program at the school. “It’s a great way to bring the kids together because it’s open to all students.” Around eight students from the school are taken for each two-hour trip, along with parents and volunteers, and everyone is given a turn to go and help. Coffman said that all newcomers get a tour of the facility to see how the mission is run. Those who volunteer work in the kitchen, preparing food trays, cleaning and setting up dinner tables, sorting food donations and whatever other tasks need doing. For a few years volunteers would drive the students to the mission, but the Jefferson Foundation’s program allowed them to travel more safely, and with more participants. Coffman said the volunteer program wouldn’t be able to continue without the work the foundation does. “The Lights program is a partnership between us and the Mile High United Way, which gives $6-to-8,000 for after-school activities,” said Katie Tiernan, executive director for the foundation. “Kids who participate in these kinds of activities have better attendance, more positive adult role models, and stronger feelings of belonging in school. All of these things contribute to on time graduation.” Coffman said that one of the major benefits for the students is that they see how alike everyone is. “The see homeless people are not so different from them, and many of the homeless share their stories and some of the poor choices they made,” she said. “It really helps to inspire the students to make their own good choices.” The trips become something the students really look forward to, according to Coffman, and really inspire them to do more service on their own. “It makes them really aware of how they can help in the community,” she said.
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