by Public Information
comments open from February 2 until February 21

The Native Plant Master® Program has announced a newly expanded 2012 schedule of offerings. Explore a new park by taking an award-winning Native Plant Master course. Sample one of the exciting classes taught by CSU faculty and other experts. Topics include basic botany, native plant landscaping, native lawns, invasive weeds, poisonous plants, alpine/subalpine plants and more.

Register early as many of these popular offerings will have waiting lists later in the season. See our EventBrite registration page for more details and to register.

For more information or questions on the program, please contact:
Yinyan Huang
Colorado State University Extension
Native Plant Master Program
(303) 271-6620
yhuang@jeffco.us

by the Board of County Commissioners
comments open from January 30 until February 18

The year 2011 was a busy and productive one for the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. Donald Rosier was sworn in as a County Commissioner on January 11, 2011 and Faye Griffin was elected 2011 chair of the BCC on that date. On March 2, John Odom was sworn in as a commissioner, filling the vacancy created when Commissioner McCasky resigned.

To see the full list of highlights, see the Board of County Commissioners webpage.

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from January 27 until February 15

With the recession, adults are becoming more willing to take jobs that pay less, which used to be reserved for teens. Nearly 25 percent of teens faced unemployment last summer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Andrew Sum, head of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, states that proportionally, more teens have lost their jobs recently than they did during the Great Depression.

Colorado youth are facing similar struggles, but Jeffco YouthWorks is working to help youth change these statistics. Jeffco YouthWorks helps connect youth with educational opportunities and experiences that help them get a first job, a better job or a career. Youth can also receive help obtaining a GED and acquiring necessary training in order to become better qualified for a position.

During the month of March, Jeffco YouthWorks is hosting a young adult job fair to bring businesses with available positions together with youth to meet face-to-face. This hiring event gives teens a chance to explore career possibilities with Jefferson County businesses that have full time, part time, summer jobs and career opportunities available for young adults.

While unemployment increases teen susceptibility to drugs and crime, a job can teach youth responsibility, leadership and the opportunity to learn about employment. Jeffco YouthWorks focuses on youth employment because, not only does it provide such benefits, but it also helps teens transition to adulthood, while promoting social development and decreasing poverty.

For more information contact Christa Hittle at chittle@jeffco.us or 303-271-4608 or visit jeffcoyouthworks.org.

by Tom Hoby, CPRP, Open Space/Jeffco Parks Director
comments open from January 20 until February 8

Thanks to 27 volunteers from the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) of Golden and the Access Fund, a climbing advocacy group based in Boulder, the access trail leading to the Cynical Pinnacle climbing area of Cathedral Spires Park is safer and more sustainable. On Saturday, January 14, volunteers made significant improvements to 1,500 feet of trail, guided by Jefferson County Open Space Trail Services.

Trail Services Team Lead Brian Conty called the event “hugely successful.”

“I don’t think we’ve ever done a trail project in January,” he said, “and the improvements that were made were immense.”

Before the volunteer event, the trail gained 535 feet over the first 1,500 feet of trail. After the project, that same elevation gain occurs over 2,100 feet, reducing erosion and hopefully the incidence of slips and falls.

“The new grade’s comfortable to walk with a 30- to 40-pound pack on,” Conty said.

About 2,500 feet of the trail still await restoration/re-alignment. No date has been determined for future volunteer work on the remaining section of the approximately 0.8-mile trail. But the partnership among the three organizations figures to continue.

“We’re always looking for different ways to engage folks in stewardship, [and] we really enjoy working with Jefferson County Open Space,” said CMC Stewardship Manager Lisa Cashel. “The staff is really professional, well-organized, and fun.”

by Public Information
comments open from January 11 until January 30

The new South Jeffco call-n-ride bus service is scheduled to begin service on January 22. The service, provided by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The call-n-ride is intended to replace a number of bus routes (60, 63X, 67, 76 & 401) which are being eliminated or will have service reduced due to budget cuts by RTD. The service boundaries are Platte Canyon on the east, Bowles and Southwest Plaza on the north, and C-470 to the west and the south, which also includes trips to Lockheed Martin.

This personalized, curb-to-curb bus service operates with smaller (14 passenger) buses and is designed to take you anywhere you want to go within the service area. One call can connect you to bus routes, Park-n-Rides, light rail stations or to work, school, and shopping.

>> Call 303-994-3069 and request travel at least one hour or up to two weeks in advance. RTD will provide an estimated pick-up time.

>> You can also book your trip online at rtd-denver.com at least two hours prior to departure.

However, you must phone in your reservation the first time you use the service.
Service is available on a first-come, first-served basis. When the bus arrives, you will need to pay your exact cash fare - $2.25 per trip for regular riders and $1.10 for seniors and children aged 6-19.

RTD will mail a brochure to residents within the South Jeffco call-n-ride service area with information on how to use the service as well as two free ride coupons.

Map of the service area:

by Public Information
comments open from January 5 until January 24

Jefferson County’s draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Maps are now available for public comment. The two maps, one for the Bicycle Plan and the other for the Pedestrian Plan, were developed by the Transportation Planning team in the county’s Transportation and Engineering Division. The purpose of the two plans is to guide the county in developing a network of on-street bicycle corridors and off-street paths, sidewalks and trails.

In creating these maps, the Transportation Planning team made regional recommendations by incorporating various municipal bicycle and pedestrian plans. Using a regional approach, the bicycle and pedestrian corridors will be continuous and consistent in the cities, towns and unincorporated county areas. An important feature of this plan is to utilize Kipling Street as a north-south multi-modal “backbone,” connecting to a ladder-style network of east-west connections. No funding is currently available to implement the plan, but projects will be implemented as individual roadway corridors are developed.

This plan shows a long-term vision for Jefferson County and represents significant future investments. Reviews and comments on the plan maps are being accepted through January 31, 2012. See the transportation website at www.jeffco.us/bike-plan for the detailed maps and all the information. Please make your voice heard on this important plan.

For more information, contact Will Kerns, AICP Transportation Planner, at 303-271-8497 or wkerns@jeffco.us.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from January 4 until January 23

New Year’s is a great time to set personal goals. But don’t forget to also focus some attention on developing your career.

1.Think about where you want to be in your career (short-term and long-term) and take note of what you need to do to get there.

2. You may want to initiate a meeting with your boss to discuss your long-range goals and discuss how he or she can help you get there.

3. If your goals include a change in career, it may be a great time to explore networking and educational opportunities that may help you with that transition.

4. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of enhancing your current skills through training classes and opportunities to work on new or different job functions.

These are just some of the things you can do to focus on your career in 2012. And be sure to check out the Jeffco Jobs page for job opportunities with Jefferson County!

Larry Benshoof, Road & Bridge Director
comments open from December 19 until January 7

It’s been a busy year for the Road & Bridge Division so I thought I would recap the major categories of work we were involved in during 2011.

Asphalt Overlay Program – we use both Road & Bridge crews as well as a private contractor to perform this work. The private contractor is chosen based upon the lowest bid received that meets all of the bidding requirements.

>> R&B Overlay Crew
 76,000 tons
 $4,560,000
 118 lane miles

>> Contractor – LaFarge West using FASTER funds
 26,000 tons
 $1,700,000
 35 lane miles

Rotomill Patching Program - we purchased a small rotomill in 2009 with the intent of greatly increasing our ability to perform extensive asphalt patching. Since that time, we have increased our production by 191%.

>> R&B Rotomill Patching Crew
 32,000 tons
 $1,920,000

Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Replacement Program – here again, we use both R&B crews as well as a private contractor chosen through an open bidding process.

>> R&B Concrete Crew
 $640,000
 2100 cubic yards of concrete

>> Contractor – CEI
 $875,000
 2461 cubic yards

Roadway Improvement Projects Constructed by Road & Bridge Crews
>> 6th Avenue Frontage Road Sidewalk
 $299,839
>> Sutton Trail Connections
 $92,693
>> Deer Creek Road Shoulder Widening and Safety Improvements
 $139,759
>> 80th & Alkire Guardrail
 $30,465
>> NEAT Village Trail
 $277,829
>> White Ranch Park: Belcher Hill Road Improvements
 $277,220
>> Mt. Falcon West Parking Lot Overlay
 $35,963
>> Lair O’ the Bear Access Road Paving
 $33,541
>> Deer Creek & Grizzly Parking Lot Drainage Improvement and Overlay
 $74,393

Total Cost: $1,261,702

I would close by thanking all of our residents for the patience and caution you demonstrated this past year as we impacted various neighborhoods with our maintenance operations.

Have a safe and joyous Holiday Season!

by District Attorney Scott Storey
comments open from November 29 until December 18

The holiday season has arrived. Malls and retail stores are already crowded with shoppers. This retail hustle and bustle provides fertile ground for identity thieves and other crooks. While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday season, District Attorney Scott Storey warns, “Do not be distracted. Weary shoppers may let their guard down by the time they get to the cashier to pay for their purchases. Savvy ID thieves need just that moment to capture your credit card information on their cell phone, grab your purse or pick your pocket and destroy your holiday cheer.”

Shoppers are often rushed and distracted. It is not unusual to lay checks, credit cards, and drivers’ licenses on cashiers’ counters amidst a bevy of onlookers. Most cell phones today are also cameras, making it easy for a crook to take a quick picture of your credit card number.

Here’s a manageable list of suggestions that can help you stay safe this holiday season:
>> Plan your trip and go with a friend - there is safety in numbers.

>> Park near an entry door, under lights if it is the evening. Note where your car is parked so that you can walk directly back to your car, without wandering, when you return.

>> Don’t get overloaded with lots of packages. If you are focused on your packages, you’re more vulnerable to purse or wallet theft. When you have a few packages it’s a good idea to bring them back to your car, put them in the trunk, and then drive to another part of the mall to continue shopping.

>> Be particularly aware in the busier areas of a store or mall. Crowded aisles, food courts and restrooms create great opportunity and quick getaway plans for thieves.

>> Don’t leave your packages or purses unattended in the food court and don’t set packages or purses on the floor when in a bathroom stall. Crooks can easily reach under, grab and run.

>> Travel light in terms of your personal and financial information. Bring a little cash with you and keep it in a front pocket. Bring only one credit card. Avoid using checks as it is easy to become distracted while writing a check and drop your guard, leaving packages or purse vulnerable long enough for a crook to make you their next victim. Carry credit cards and ID in a neck wallet, bi-fold wallet in a front pocket, or a fanny pack worn in the front.

>> Don’t let your credit card out of your sight. Thieves can use a device called a “palm skimmer” to capture your credit card information without stealing your card. Check your credit card/bank account statements carefully at the end of the month and report fraudulent charges to your bank or credit card company immediately.

The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office offers free Power Against Fraud presentations for groups of all sizes. If you have questions, or need assistance, call the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Fraud Line 303-271-6980.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from November 21 until December 10

The end of the year tends to be a busy time for many -- between work and family obligations as well as preparing for the various holiday celebrations. Because of the many activities going on, the opportunities for miscommunication abound. Now is a great time to refocus on active listening skills. Active listening not only prevents miscommunication, but it can also increase productivity, minimize potential conflicts and prevent costly mistakes.

So what are the keys to active listening?
>> First, focus your attention on the speaker while removing any distractions. Distractions can include noises such as music, television or other people engaging in a conversation. Other distractions can include things such as checking your email or merely thinking about something else.

>> Second, let the speaker know you are listening. Simple gestures such as nodding or short responses such as “o.k.” are helpful. Maintaining eye contact is important as well.

>> Third, make sure you understood the message by clarifying your understanding of what was said. This is a critical component of minimizing any miscommunication.

Whether communicating at work, out in public or with family, active listening is key to effective communication.

by Public Information
comments open from November 17 until December 6

In another year, the vast majority of work on the West Rail Line will be completed. For now, stay up-to-date with the most current construction information by becoming a subscriber to our e-newsletter. You can sign up by visiting the West Rail website, and while there, utilize the tools that have been established to keep you updated on progress and impacts.

Auraria West Station Opens
After a three month closure, the light rail station at Auraria West is now open! On Monday, October 31, 2011, RTD opened the first light rail station on the West Rail Line. The opening of this station culminated a summer of construction activities at the Auraria campus that included integrating the existing Central Platte Valley tracks into the West Rail Line, demolishing the old Auraria West Station and constructing the new station north/west of its original location. Access to and from the station will include sidewalks leading to Auraria Campus, as well as a kiss-n-ride drop off on 5th Street.

Relocating this station was necessary to accommodate trains heading out to the West Rail Line or the Southeast and Southwest Rail Lines. This is the first station on the West Rail Line where you can see the final windscreens, as well as the station furniture, lighting and shelter canopies that will be consistent along the new line.

Bike Path
The West Rail Line boasts new bike/pedestrian paths along the corridor, connecting the three counties in which the rail line spans. The project has dedicated a total of 4.26 miles (.38 miles in Jefferson County, 2.20 in Lakewood, and 1.68 in Denver) of bike/pedestrian route, including new bike bridges adjacent to both the Wadsworth and Kipling light rail bridges. Although the bike/pedestrian path is one of the final phases of the overall project, as of September 2011, it is almost 50 percent complete!

Safety remains a priority, so public access to the bike/pedestrian path will not be allowed until all adjacent shouldering, landscaping, painting and fencing are complete and the path is safe for all users. Once completed, the new and improved path will make traveling to and from the west much more seamless and safe. Locations where bicycles/pedestrians cross the light rail tracks are minimized along the corridor to the greatest extent possible.

In addition, all West Rail Line stations will feature bicycle parking with racks and/or lockers for travelers’ convenience. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Denver Transit Construction Group (DTCG) are committed to opening the bike path by mid- 2012, at least one year earlier than originally scheduled. For safety purposes, the West Rail Line team asks the public to refrain from using the path until it is opened.

Construction Update – Area 1, Jeffco Government Center to Federal Center
• Work continues on the parking garage and station at the Jefferson County Government Center. Work on the structure should be completed by the first week of December and station and guideway work will continue through the winter months.
• Track crews are distributing ties from Johnson Road to the west end of the Jefferson County Government Center.
• All eastbound and westbound lanes, including the ramps at Indiana Street are scheduled to open by Thanksgiving.
• Installation of guardrail on the frontage road west of Red Rocks Station will be ongoing through mid-December.
• Roadway improvements continue to require lane closures on Union Boulevard and the 6th Avenue on and off ramps at Union Boulevard. Construction on the southbound lanes of Union Boulevard will continue through November.
• The excavation of the light rail tunnel under Union Boulevard has been completed. Crews continue preparing the tunnel walls.
• North/4th Avenue between Union Boulevard and just west of Routt Street is closed as crews finish up roadwork and the track crossing in that area. To access the Federal Center, turn east from Union Boulevard onto 2nd Place and proceed through Gate 4 into the Federal Center.

Information contained in this post adapted from the FasTracks newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter or get the latest information, see the FasTracks West Corridor website.

by Maria D'Andrea, P.E., Traffic/Transportation Engineer
comments open from November 16 until December 5

As you drive around the metro area, you may start to see flashing yellow arrows on traffic signals. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and several cities and counties have begun implementing a new flashing yellow arrow left-turn signal light at intersections where, in the past, circular green signal lights were used.

A green arrow provides a protected left turn from oncoming traffic while the flashing yellow arrow indicates left-turning traffic must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning.

A national study demonstrated that drivers found flashing yellow arrow signals to be more understandable than yield-on-green indications. They keep motorists safer during heavy traffic and reduce delays when traffic is light.

Jefferson County has no immediate plans to upgrade or install any flashing yellow arrow signals.

Below is an explanation of what the arrows mean:

Steady Red Arrow = Drivers turning left must stop.
Do not enter an intersection to turn when a solid red arrow is being displayed.

Steady Yellow Arrow = Stop if you can do so safely.
Drivers are warned the left-turn signal is about to turn red. Do not enter the intersection if you can stop safely. Vehicles in the intersection should complete their turn.

Flashing Yellow Arrow = Proceed with left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians (Oncoming traffic has a green light!).
Drivers are allowed to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic has a green light. Drivers must determine if there is an adequate gap before turning.

Steady Green Arrow = Proceed with left turn.
Drivers making a left turn have the right-of-way. Oncoming traffic has a red light.

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from Nov. 9 until Nov. 28

November 11 is Veterans Day, a time when Jefferson County focuses on celebrating the veterans in our community with a great deal of respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Here at Jefferson County Department of Human Services, we will be honoring local veterans and their families during November, as we do all year, through highlighting two of our programs that serve veterans, the Veterans Services Office and the Workforce Center Veterans Team.

In honor of Veterans Month, Veterans Services Officer, Henry Mondragón will be out in the community sharing information on the wonderful services that we provide veterans. Being a veteran himself, Henry goes out into the community to spread the truth about VA benefits. He is amazing at being available and accessible to all veterans because with an economy like we've had, it's important for veterans to know what benefits and services are available to them. Henry will be at the Apex Center, 13150 West 72nd Avenue in Arvada on Monday, November 14th from 9am to 12Noon. No appointment is necessary, simply come by to learn more about our services.

Our mission is to help veterans in any way possible. We assist veterans and their dependents in applying for benefits and services including compensation, dependent and survivor benefits, home loan guarantees, vocational rehabilitation, health care, burial, pension and life insurance. We also have workforce center resources available for veterans. It’s not always easy to find a job after military service, but at the Jefferson County Workforce Center, we work with veterans to utilize, promote and expand upon training, work ethic and skill sets to find a great career -- post military service. Services include counseling, supportive services referrals, job opening referrals, job development, education and training.

During this time, we also want to honor those among us, right here at Human Services. Anyone whose family has been impacted by a veteran has been invited to share their story. Later this month, the stories will be shared online. Veterans posters including the names of employee veterans will also be posted at each elevator in the Human Services building and a potluck honoring veterans will be held later this month. We hope you too are honoring the veterans among you, whether they are family, friends or co-workers who you can honor in small ways during November.

If you appreciate the freedom we, as Americans, enjoy today, then you realize why it's important to honor those who sacrificed for that freedom. All the services we provide for veterans are simple ways we give back to these brave men and women as well as our community.

If you are a veteran who can benefit from these services or knows of someone who can, please contact us. We are standing by, at your service.
>> For more information regarding veteran job services and Jefferson County Workforce Center contact John Koontz at 303-271-4769, jkoontz-AT-jeffco.us or visit www.jeffcoworkforce.org.
>> If you are a veteran who can benefit from these services or knows of someone who can, please contact Henry Mondragón at 303-271-4205, contact vs-AT-jeffco.us or visit the Human Services' Veterans web page.

by Tom Hoby, CPRP, Open Space/Jeffco Parks Director
comments open from Nov. 7 until Nov. 26

Jefferson County Open Space and the Jefferson County Historical Society received the History Colorado Carolyn Bancroft Award Honorable Mention for 2011 for the exhibit “Fateful Lightning: Colorado and the Civil War 1861-1865." Competing amid the largest entry pool ever, the award committee was impressed by the collection resources and information that was pulled together to document and share a Colorado-specific Civil War history. The exhibition was opened on April 12, the 150th anniversary of the Civil War beginning with the firing on Fort Sumter, South Carolina. The exhibit runs through November 20, 2011 at the Hiwan Homestead Museum in Evergreen.

Not only did Colorado play a largely forgotten role in the Civil War, the first family who lived on the Museum’s property had deep family ties to the War. The first owners of the property were Mary Neosho Williams and her daughter Josepha. Mary was the daughter of Joseph Howard Bailey, an Army Captain and Assistant Surgeon from 1834-1862. He also founded the first Army hospital at Fort Smith, Arkansas. In 1853 Mary married Brigadier General Thomas Williams, son of Major General John R. Williams. Their daughter Josepha was born in 1860 at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, one of the few Union locations in the state of Virginia during the Civil War. General Williams was killed in 1862 at the Battle of Baton Rouge; Mary learned about it after her son read about it in the newspaper. Mary and Josepha moved to Colorado in the 1880s.

“Fateful Lighting” is a collaborative venture, sponsored by the Jefferson County Historical Society. All artifacts are on loan from various private collectors. Many of these items have never before been seen publicly and because they belong to different collectors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this particular compilation. Artifacts include items such as weapons, personal letters, cartes de visite, medical kits and supplies, daily necessities, religious tracts, Confederate money, and a commemorative quilt.

The Carolyn Bancroft Award was presented by History Colorado's Board of Directors Chairman W. Bart Berger to staff of the Hiwan Homestead Museum, lead by Meghan McGinnes, Program Coordinator, at History Colorado’s annual meeting Thursday,
October 27 at the Grant Humphries Mansion.

by Buck Benke, Fleet Division Director
comments open from Nov. 3 until Nov. 22

The recent snow reminds us that winter is close at hand in Colorado. The colder weather and the snowy days make it tough to get going in the morning, even for our county equipment. But thanks in part to a grant from the Regional Air Quality Council, Jefferson County is installing "pre-heaters" to the engines of many pieces of equipment to make those chilly mornings a little easier on our vehicles, more cost-efficient, and better for the environment.

Rather than having to "warm-up" or idle vehicles before use, the new Fuel Operated Heaters use a timer to pre-heat a vehicle's engine. These timers ready the vehicle engine to a set temperature between 110 - 160 degrees. Instead of idling for 20-30 minutes, the equipment driver can jump in the cab, start up the vehicle and just get started with the task at hand.

Conservative estimates show that Jeffco should save approximately 4,000 gallons of fuel, which based on today's cost equates to almost $14,000 per year, with the new heaters in this first phase of installations. This also means less emissions polluting the air as the county will reduce its carbon footprint by 45 tons of carbon dioxide per year, while also saving money.

A similar method of warming vehicles is to plug them in to electrical outlets over night. This constant flow of electricity is costly, requires a lot of outlets and doesn't work for equipment already on job sites within the county that don’t have electricity. With the new technology, the county will save about half the amount paid in electrical costs.

This technology has been tested with great success by a few other metro organizations including the City of Englewood and buses for Boulder Valley School District. Vehicles equipped with these pre-heaters will be at our South Shop, Shaffers Crossing (near Conifer), the Central Shop and a few Open Space trucks. The program will be constantly evaluated and potentially grow and be added to more county equipment and vehicles in the future.