Westsider Westsider 11-1-2013
North Jeffco
POSTAL PATRON
November 1,2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
North Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 43
PRSRT - STd ECRWSS US POSTAgE PAid BROOmfiELd CO PERmiT #101 Eddm
Rally for Hudak-backed gun bill Bill seeks to remove guns from domestic violence situations By Vic Vela
vvela@ourcoloradonews.com State lawmakers who were instrumental in crafting gun-related domestic violence legislation this year spoke at a Capitol rally on Oct. 26, in hopes of bringing awareness to crimes against women. The event, which honored Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighted a Colorado law that stemmed from this year’s passage of Senate Bill 197, which makes it more difficult for domestic violence offenders to own or transfer a gun. “We’re here to celebrate the successful passage of the bill, but more importantly we’re getting a message out that we have a law, and that people can be protected and they don’t have to cower at home in fear,” Sen. Evie Hudak, D-Westminster said prior to the event. Hudak sponsored the legislation, along with fellow Democratic lawmakers who also spoke at the event, Reps. Beth McCann of Denver and Rhonda Fields of Aurora. Prior to Gov. John Hickenlooper signing the bill into law in June, there had already been a law on the books that prohibited domestic violence abusers from having guns. The new law puts in place a process
by which state courts ensure that offenders relinquish their weapons. Those who receive court-imposed protection orders must relinquish their weapons and ammunition for the duration of their court order. They can do so either through legitimate gun sales or transfers, or through temporary relinquishment to law enforcement. The law also applies to offenders who are convicted of domestic violence cases. The rally also served as a call for more domestic violence-related policy action. In front of those who spoke, there sat nine chairs that were covered in women’s clothing, which symbolized the number of women who are killed each week as a result of gun violence. Senate Bill 197 was one of a handful of Democrat-sponsored gun bills that became law this year. The legislation did not receive any support from Republican lawmakers. Hudak’s rally appearance comes at a time when there is an organized effort to oust her from office over her votes on gun bills, as a group is in the process of collecting signatures in hopes of forcing a recall election. “Whatever price has to be paid, this bill is the accomplishment of my life,” Hudak said of the recall effort. “And it’s something I’ve wanted to do for so many years and finally found a way to get it done.”
State Sen. Evie Hudak, D-Arvada, is flanked by fellow Democratic lawmakers, Reps. Beth McCann of Denver, left, and Rhonda Fields of Aurora, as she speaks at a Capitol rally on Oct. 26, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The nine seats in front of the legislators signify the number of women who are killed every week as a result of gun violence. Photo by Vic Vela Fields urged rally-goers to fight back against the recall effort that’s being waged against her colleague.
Having a super time
“We need to make sure we do not shrink,” Fields said. “We do not back down!”
Zoning change approved for center By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
A little boy poses with the group of super heroes during the Halloween Carnival on Saturday night at City Park Recreation Center in Westminster. Photos with the super heroes were one of the many popular activities for the little ones during the carnival. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Election Day on Tuesday Mail-in ballots can be dropped off by 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5. Drop-off locations are listed in the voter ballot packets and include the Jeffco Administrative and Courts Building 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2560. Voter service and polling centers in Jeffco opened Oct. 21. For more information about voting, visit http://jeffco.us/elections/ Please visit ourcoloradonews.com on election night and the following day for coverage.
Another step forward to the development of the Westminster Center was made during Monday night’s city council meeting. A unanimous vote approved a zoning change to Planned Unit Development, PUD for the former Westminster mall site. The new rezoning ordinance establishes the PUD rezone for the entire 108-acre site and amends the existing zoning from a combination of PUD and C-1 zoning to exclusively PUD. “A PUD zoning sets up flexibility for zoning and design purposes to allow for cohesive development for the Westminster Center,” said Westminster planning manager Mac Cummins. Council also unanimously approved the Preliminary Development Plan for the downtown Westminster Planned Unit Development. This approval allows for a mix of land uses, public parks and plazas and allows for multi-modal circulation. “We have the right plan going forward now and now we can just let it grow on its own,” councilor Scott Major said. In September, residents had the opportunity to view the draft plan for the Westminster Center during two open houses. The plans include multi-story office and Center continues on Page 13
Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. Courtesy photo
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.