CenCON

 Monthly Reports by Sue Rosser

Highlights from the March 23^rd CenCON meeting

From CenCON’s VP of Community Engagement, Rhonda Livingston:

• Bring family and friends to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Centennial officially becoming a city, with a lively afternoon of music, food, activities, and community fun; Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Centennial Center Park (13050 E Peakview Avenue).
• A reminder that the newly reconstructed Centennial Center Park splash pad, closed since 2024, will reopen for the summer on Memorial Day weekend!
• Colorado state law, passed in 2024 and designed to address Colorado’s housing crisis, requires counties and cities to create more housing options near light rail stations and bus routes.  The first step in this rezoning is to allow a residential housing density of at least 15 housing units per acre near transit. To comply with this law, Arapahoe County has identified three unincorporated areas for higher residential density rezoning, with one being the unincorporated area east of I-25 surrounding the Dry Creek Light Rail station—from County Line Rd north to Geddes Ave, which is north of Dry Creek Rd and north of Maggiano’s. This area is already largely built out, but rezoning would allow for tear-down and redevelopment with much greater housing (apartment) density. To learn much more, fill out the county’s survey through May 8, and to attend a meeting on Wednesday evening, May 6, Google: Arapahoe County Colorado’s Transit-Oriented Communities Act Dry Creek Station.

From Arapahoe Library District (ALD) Manager of Community Relations & Strategic Events, Holly Whelan:

• With spring and summer here, join the Koelbel Walking Group every Thursday morning from 9-10 a.m. at Koelbel Library to explore trails and neighborhoods in Centennial and Greenwood Village, surrounding the library.  Registration is required; go to www.arapahoelibraries.com, click the “Events” calendar icon, and register on the Thursday date(s) you’d like to walk.  Or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
• If you have a family member or friend with memory loss, Koelbel hosts the Neighborhood Memory Café for you both, on the 2 and 4 Fridays of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Each café morning has a different theme, with interesting activities to complete together.  This is a great place to meet others with similar situations, form friendships, and often then get together outside meetings for walks or lunch, benefitting both caregivers and those with memory loss.  Register at www.arapahoe libraries.com or call 303-LIBRARY.
• ALD is hosting a four-part Documentary and Dialogue series in 2026, with film screenings and facilitated conversations that allow guests the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and learn from those of others.  Part two of the series will be shown at Koelbel on Wednesday, June 3 from 2-4 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. Guests will view Join or Die, through the legendary social scientist Robert Putnam’s research on the decline in community connections--a half-century story of America’s civic unraveling.  Registration is required.  Use the library website for much more info, a trailer, and to register.

From Jordan Ehnke, GM of Venues & Facilities for the Denver Summit Football Club (Women’s Soccer):

• Denver Summit FC is a newly formed American professional women’s soccer team based in the Denver metro area that competes in the National Women’s Soccer League.  It was accepted as an expansion team by the League on January 30, 2025, and played its first game this year in mid-March. 
• Annually, the team will play 15 home games--30 total games--from March to late October/early November.
• The team will play in the temporary, 12,000-seat stadium now being built in Centennial, across the street from the Arapahoe County Justice Center, at Potomac St & Fremont Ave, on Friday, July 3.  The team will begin training at the Centennial location in early June.
• The Centennial stadium will be used for the team’s first two seasons before being downsized to a 4,000-seat venue, with eight multipurpose fields and a training center for school sports, operated and financed mainly by the Cherry Creek School District.
• The Summit’s home opener was played at Empower Field on March 28, setting a league attendance record of 63,004. 
• Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ASCO) is currently working on the traffic/parking plan for home games.
• The team will build its permanent 14,500-seat stadium, expected to be completed in 2028, at Santa Fe Yards in Denver’s Baker neighborhood. Until then, home games will be played at Centennial Stadium.

Highlights from the Monday, February 23 CenCON meeting:

From CenCON’s VP of Community Engagement Rhonda Livingston:

• Ms. Livingston is collecting warm clothing for the Centennial’s Homeless Outreach Liaison, Vanessa Gates. For drop-off information, please contact her at 303-690-5544 or we4liv@aol.com.

From Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ASCO), Support Services Bureau Chief Lt. Adam Burson:

• Lt. Burson again emphasized that ICE does their job and they don’t do ASCO’s. And vice versa. Lt. Burson stated, “ASCO works for the citizens of Arapahoe County, not for the federal government.”
• Two Colorado Senate bills are now moving through the legislature regarding Flock cameras and other surveillance systems. ASCO currently leases around 50 Flock cameras that are in place throughout Arapahoe County, including some within Centennial. The cameras are license plate readers, so if ASCO has probable cause or a warrant, license plate info can be entered into the Flock camera system, and from that point forward, the system alerts law enforcement when that license plate has been identified at a location, with additional cameras then continuing to track it as it moves throughout the county. 
• Lt. Burson emphasized that the system does not save info for every license plate that passes by a camera, so when a crime has been committed, the system can’t retrieve historical camera data for all vehicles that have passed by surrounding the time that the crime was committed.
• He also stated that no Flock camera information is shared with the federal government.   
• About protests: Most protest organizers work with ASCO, and law enforcement is on scene, but not highly visible, to protect protesters’ constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

From South Suburban Parks & Recreation District (SSPRD)  Michelle Kitchens:

• Registration is now open for all specialty summer camps, including week-long and single-day camps.  View at www.register.ssprd.org.
• Enjoy live music from local bands and weekly food and beverage specials at the South Suburban Golf Course grill every other Friday evening from 6-9 p.m. These events are free, but space is limited. Tables are available on a first-come basis. Spring Schedule: April 10 - Josh Blackburn, April 24 - Hip Replacements, May 1 - 5 Minutes Late, and May 15 and 29 - Outliers.
• While supplies last, pick up self-serve free mulch on Fridays from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Willow Springs Service Center (7100 S Holly Street).
• The new lighted outdoor Southpark Pickleball Complex, a 19-court facility, is now open to the public, located on the southwest corner of E County Line Rd and S Broadway.  Courts can be rented for $12/hr., with four of the 19 courts always open for drop-in play. To learn more and to rent a court, go to www.ssprd.org and search for SouthPark Pickleball Complex.
• You’re invited to participate in SSPRD’s 2027 Budget Priorities Survey through April 10, to give your opinions on what services are important to you.  Go to: www.gameplan.ssprd.org/ssprd-budget-survey.  
• View all SSPRD’s planning updates and public input opportunities at www.gameplan.ssprd.org.

From Holly Whelan, Arapahoe Library District’s Manager of Community Relations & Strategic Events;

• Ms. Whalen gave a comprehensive update on many events/lectures over the next months. Visit www.arapahoelibraries.org and click on the calendar for more info or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279.

From Ryan Dwiggins, our newly-elected Centennial District 3 City Council member:

Ryan shared these upcoming Saturday events at Centennial Center Park, 13050 E Peakview Ave:

• The newly renovated Centennial Center Park splashpad will finally reopen on Memorial Day weekend!
• June 6 - Celebrate Centennial - this new event will offer family friendly entertainment zones throughout the park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• August 8 - Enjoy live music and food at Centennial Under the Stars from 5 to 9 p.m. 
• August 22 - The Symphony of the Rockies will perform music from popular movies from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 
• September 12 - Chalk Art Festival - talented local chalk artists will create masterpieces at the Streets at SouthGlenn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  As always, there will be an area open for kids to create their own chalk art. 

Highlights from the January 26^th CenCON meeting:

The City of Centennial officially turned 25 years old on February 7^th, the date in 2001 when Centennial’s first mayor and city council were sworn in.  But some most active in the grueling 2+ year incorporation effort view Centennial’s actual birth as September 12, 2000, the date of the Centennial Incorporation Election, when 77.38% of all voters said YES to forming Centennial. Voters in our Willow Creek square mile had the highest level of support in the incorporation election, with over 90% voting YES to create our city! 

From CenCON’s VP of Community Engagement, Rhonda Livingston:

The Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation is partnering with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and K-9 Back-the-Blue to raise funds for two bronze K-9 dog sculptures to be placed in Centennial Center Park, overlooking the splash pad, which is scheduled to reopen this summer.  The sculptures will honor the service of both the ACSO School Resource Officer therapy dogs and the K-9 Patrol teams.  To learn more or to donate, visit www.centennial-art.org.  The Go-Fund-Me link is on the home page.

From 18^th Judicial District Director of Consumer Fraud Protection & Community Engagement Jamie Sorrells:

• In 2025, DA Amy Padden’s first year in office, 3,407 felony cases were filed, more than in either of the two previous years—3,110 in 2024 and 2,974 in 2023.  While adult homicide cases in 2025 remained flat, the number of juvenile homicide cases declined--15 in 2025, compared to 25 cases in both 2023 and 2024.  This decline signaled progress in early intervention and accountability efforts involving collaboration between law enforcement, community partners, and more support services to reduce youth violence.
• Traffic-related cases rose sharply in 2025, as law enforcement across the district renewed proactive traffic enforcement efforts following the pandemic.  In 2025, 11,822 traffic cases were filed, significantly up from 6,747 cases in 2023, which marked a 10-year low.
• Notable 2025 cases included 1) a multi-state human trafficking operation, 2) a violent robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault of a hotel employee, and 3) dentist James Craig’s poisoning murder of his wife.
• DA Padden has been actively working with other DAs in the state and the governor to close gaps and toughen Colorado’s competency laws.  These laws have allowed individuals who have committed crimes but deemed to be incompetent to avoid being held accountable and then released back on the streets.

From South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) Deputy Chief of Community Services, Kristin Eckmann:

• In December, 20 newly trained firefighters graduated from SMFR’s 20-week Fire Academy, and 20 new recruits will begin training in early April, the first of two Fire Academy sessions in 2026.  SMFR also holds two annual 16-week EMT Basic Courses, one beginning in January and the other in August.  More info about firefighter/paramedic careers can be found at www.southmetro.org.
• SMFR is on alert with our extremely dry, windy, winter weather and the resulting increased fire danger.
• The significant increase in vehicle lithium-ion battery garage fires is at the forefront of US fire industry concerns.  These fires can spread within seconds beyond the garage into the home, emitting potentially harmful chemicals while burning, and they must be put out with special fire extinguishing blankets.  Water can be used only on the fire that has spread beyond the vehicle.

From Arapahoe Libraries District (ALD) Manager of Community Relations & Strategic Events, Holly Whelan:

• Ms. Whelan presented a long list of interesting and educational programs being held over the next couple of months at our two nearest libraries, Koelbel and Castlewood, and in our community beyond.  They are too numerous to list here!  Please visit www.arapahoelibraries.org and click on Events at the top of the home page next to the calendar icon.  If you have any trouble registering, call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
• Kids ages 5-12 are encouraged to create designs for the 2026 Bookmark Contest.  Designs will be accepted March 1^st -31^st.  Winners will be selected in mid-April from each library, as well as 27 grand prize winners. 
• The former ALD Administration Office, located at 12855 E Adam Aircraft Circle (east of I-25 and across the street from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office), has been completely renovated and repurposed, and now reopened as The Space and Café,  a state-of-the art-community coworking and event space, open to the public during weekdays, with expanded evening hours coming in the future.  Coworking and meeting spaces of varying sizes are available free of charge to all Arapahoe County residents, as well as audio and video recording rooms, and light catering---the café features sandwiches and baked goods, and coffee, tea, and other drinks.  This is the perfect place for a quiet workspace, a neighborhood meeting, or to meet clients—well worth checking out!   For much more information, visit www.arapahoelibraries.org.
  

Highlights from the November 24^th CenCON meeting:

From CenCON’s VP of Community Engagement Rhonda Livingston:

The City of Centennial is now accepting applications to serve on its boards, commissions, and committees.  Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 2.  After interviews, appointments will be made in March, with three-year terms beginning in April.  Board/commission members provide input to the City Council on important issues. For more information and the application form, go to www.centennialco.gov/boardsandcommissions. Questions? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at clovelace@centennialco.gov.

From Colorado 18^th Judicial District Director of Community Engagement Jamie Sorrells:

• On Saturday, November 22, Arapahoe County’s 18^th JD held their annual November Warrant Forgiveness Day at the Arapahoe County Courthouse. Court officials, probation officers, public defenders, and district attorneys provided support and assistance to eligible individuals in resolving their cases, setting new court dates, getting back on track to completing probation, and connecting with on-site community resources. Around 263 individuals attended, and the warrants of 130+ were processed. The oldest case was from 2010; one person arrived via train from St. Louis, MO, to have his warrant resolved. Eligible offenses for warrant clearance include low-level, nonviolent misdemeanors and traffic offenses, some class 5 and 6 property offense felonies and class 4 drug felonies. Excluded are those charged with or convicted of an offense under the Victim Rights Act, such as assault, child abuse, unlawful sexual contact, or domestic violence.
• The 18^th Judicial is becoming increasingly involved with youth in Arapahoe County, including working with high schools in the county to interact with students and to conduct Citizens Academies, a day-long curriculum about the criminal justice system.
• 18^th JD representatives are always willing to do presentations to groups on topics including consumer fraud protection, retail crime, scams, domestic violence, and human trafficking. To learn more or to schedule a presentation, contact Jamie Sorrels at jsorrells@da18.state.co.us
• At this time of year, many charities ask for contributions. Before donating to any organization, do research to confirm that it’s legitimate and visit the Secretary of State’s website and www.charitynavigator.org to confirm its registration. A good article to Google is “How to Evaluate a Nonprofit Before You Donate.”
• Colorado has one of the highest mailbox and porch theft rates in the US. Check your mailbox at least daily and your porch frequently for packages.
• Some of the greatest losses occur with online purchases from fraudulent companies, which either never sends the products ordered or sends cheaper versions of the products depicted. If in doubt, Google the name of the company followed by scam or fraud. 

From City of Centennial District 2 Council member Tammy Maurer:

• Ms. Maurer is term-limited after serving two terms, from January 2018 to January 2026. The new mayor and city council members elected on November 4 will be sworn in on Monday evening, January 5 at the Centennial City Office (13133 E Arapahoe Rd). Each newly elected member will serve for a four-year term.
• At the January 5 meeting, City Council will discuss options to fill the vacant seat in District 2, either via a special election or by appointing a resident from District 2. This seat has been vacated by District 2 City Council member, Christine Sweetland, who was elected in November to become Centennial’s fourth mayor, succeeding term-limited Mayor Stephanie Piko.
• Centennial has begun replacing some of the city’s aging steel traffic light poles with galvanized steel poles, which are more durable and corrosion resistant, reducing replacement and maintenance costs. These poles are often coated with power coating in colors like bronze or black to improve visual appeal, but the ones installed thus far are not powder coated. The poles along Dry Creek at the Willow Way and Quebec intersections are among those scheduled to be replaced. WC 1 & 2 representatives are working with Centennial’s City Traffic Engineer to determine the best possible pole replacement locations, given the density of utility infrastructure now in place both above and below ground in the right of way, which has been added in the years since the original poles were installed. Replacement poles installed thus far can be seen along Arapahoe at the Clarkson, Forest, and Heritage Place intersections.

Highlights from the Monday, October 27^th CenCON meeting

South Suburban Parks and Recreation District’s Michelle Kitchens gave this update:

• Registration is open for winter break camps. Visit www.ssprd.org and search for 2025 Winter Break Camps, or call registration at 303-798-5131.
• South Suburban hosts monthly Tuesday trivia nights from 6-8:30 p.m.  Enjoy food and drink specials with family and friends while testing your knowledge and competing for prizes at these locations: 1st Tuesday – Littleton Golf & Tennis; 2nd Tuesday - South Suburban Golf Course Bar and Grill; 3rd Tuesday – Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel.
• South Suburban’s Hudson Gardens & Event Center on Santa Fe Blvd in Littleton is once again hosting family-friendly Hudson Holidays evenings through January 4, featuring lighted decorations and exhibits, selfies with Santa, warm beverages, and nights with special events.  To learn much more, visit www.hudsongardens.org to view the calendar and purchase tickets.
• Plan to attend the 38^th Annual Craft Fair at Goodson Rec Center on Saturday, December 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a variety of handmade items crafted by Colorado artisans, including pottery, jewelry, and holiday items.  Free admission.
• Experience free holiday magic ice events at both the South Suburban Sports Complex and Family Sports Center, beginning Friday evening and continuing throughout Saturday and Sunday, December 12-14.  Public skating sessions, Skate with Santa, and Holiday Ice Shows will all be featured. For details and specific times visit www.ssprd.org and search for 2025 Holidays on Ice.

Arapahoe Library District’s Manager of Community Relations & Events Holly Whelan shared these events:

• Join other adults on Thursday evening, December 11, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Koelbel Library for the Community Roundtable: A Conversation on Life (and Death)—explore different facets of aging well.  All are welcome and encouraged to participate. Registration is required—most easily done by calling 303-542-7279.
• Also Thursday, December 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Sip into the Season: A Holiday Mixology Experience with Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar. Zoom holiday mixology class to learn to craft three seasonal cocktails.  Registration is required, at www.arapahoe libraries.org>Events>Dec 11, 2025>Online events. 
• All Arapahoe Library District libraries have many interesting events for adults, children, and families over the holiday season. Visit www.arapahoelibraries.org and then peruse the events calendar.

City of Centennial District 1 City Councilmember Amy Tharp shared this update:

• Celebrate the season on Saturday, December 6, from 1-4 p.m. at Centennial Center Park at the free family-friendly Jingle Jam.  Enjoy local youth choirs, hot chocolate and cider, cookies, and a visit with Santa.
• Centennial’s annual sales tax revenue is around $52M, of which at least $6M—11.5+ percent—comes from online sales (Amazon, etc.). This $6M online sales figure is undoubtedly higher, because some of the city’s brick and mortar stores also do online sales, but submit only one sales tax return for all their sales combined.  
• Despite efforts over many years, Willow Creek leaders have never been successful in getting CDOT, Arapahoe County, or the City of Centennial to install a masonry sound wall along County Line Rd, similar to those seen along County Line farther west.  With no success in sight, in 2023 our WC1&2 GID finally constructed the Allan Block wall from Yosemite St west to Willow Creek (the creek), and the GID is responsible for all wall repair and maintenance; Centennial has now recently replaced the aging cedar fence with Trex fencing farther west, along WC 3, and will repair and maintain it in the future.
• Since purchasing all 2,800 streetlights located west of Parker Rd from Xcel Energy, Centennial Public Works is now in the process of converting the entire streetlight system to energy efficient LEDs, having budgeted $4.6M for this conversion. All traffic signals have also been upgraded to LED lighting. LED technology provides increased visibility, energy efficiency, and cost savings, and LED lights also have longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of bulb changes and maintenance.  Because some residents have complained that the streetlights are now too bright in their neighborhoods, Public Works is working on adjusting brightness levels. Contact 303-325-8000 with brightness and all other streetlight issues.
• An estimated 1.7 million fentanyl pills and 12 kilograms of fentanyl powder found in a Highlands Ranch storage unit have been turned over to the DougCo Sheriff’s Office, after the individual who bought the storage unit contents at auction discovered this fentanyl stash and immediately called law enforcement.  This is the largest single seizure of fentanyl in Colorado history, and the sixth largest seizure in the US.

The main program was an in-depth discussion of CenCON’s bylaws.  Revising the bylaws is a work in progress.

Highlights from the Monday, August 25^th CenCON meeting

South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) Kristin Eckmann, Deputy Chief of Community Services, shared this update:

• SMFR has deployed crews over the summer to help fight wildfires both within Colorado and in California.  This is a reciprocal arrangement, with crews from other areas helping to fight Colorado fires.  SMFR is reimbursed through state and federal funds set aside for fighting wildfires.
• Although most wildfires occur during the dry summer months, more are now occurring year-round, as evidenced by the Marshall Fire, the costliest wildfire in Colorado to date, which on December 30, 2021, grew from a grass fire into a suburban firestorm in only one hour.
• 18 new recruits have been hired after completing training in SMFR’s Fire-Based EMT Basic Course in conjunction with Arapahoe Community College, successfully passing two written exams, and becoming certified in Colorado.  SMFR runs two academies annually.  The most recent academy began on August 19 and will run through December 9.  To learn more, Google: South Metro Fire Rescue Fire-Based EMT Basic Course.  Then if more info is needed, email Drew Mayers at Drew.Mayers@southmetro.org
• SMFR has a Community Risk Reduction Program to educate businesses, groups of all types, and HOAs.  In schools the specialists are speaking to third graders in the “Sound Off” program about smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and where each should be placed in their homes for best detection.
• A SMFR drone assisted firefighters by finding hot spots in the August 14 strip mall fire on E Arapahoe Rd. The fire caused extensive fire, smoke, and water damage. Drone use is increasing to help fight fires.
• SMFR will have a 3-mill property tax question on the November 4^th Coordinated Election ballot, which will arrive in our mailboxes in mid-October.

Amy Padden, the new 18^th Judicial District Attorney (DA), elected last November, shared this information:

• The 18^th Judicial District (JD) now serves only Arapahoe County.  As of January 1, Douglas, Lincoln, and Elbert Counties now comprise the new 23^rd JD.  Challenges in funding for the 18^th JD have come with the split, including a loss of economies of scale.  Before the split, each of the four counties contributed funding based on their population, but the other three counties, being more rural with less crime, to a degree subsidized our more urban, densely populated Arapahoe County, which has a higher crime rate per capita.  All funding for the 18^th JD comes from Arapahoe County and from grants.
• The DA office’s primary responsibility is to prosecute state law violations that happen within Arapahoe County.  They do little investigation, except in cases of human trafficking or financial fraud.  Instead, they rely on area law enforcement partners (sheriff’s office/city police) to refer cases, The exception is that when a homicide or officer-involved shooting occurs, the DA’s office has a deputy and investigator on call 24/7 to immediately go to the scene to ensure that all is being done correctly, waking up a judge to obtain a search warrant, if necessary.  These DA personnel are also needed if a suspected drunk driver refuses to take a blood or breath test, and a judge must be contacted to issue a warrant to force those tests.
• Once a case comes through law enforcement to the DA’s office, they must decide whether any additional investigation needs to be done before prosecuting that case.
• Because the 18^th JD prosecutes around 10,000 cases annually, it’s impossible to take that many to trial. Thus, in the 18^th JD or anywhere else in Colorado or beyond, 99 percent of all cases result in a plea deal, with punishment then decided by the judge assigned to that case. 
• Aurora Municipal Court historically prosecuted domestic violence cases that occurred within their city limits, but as of July 1, because of the municipal court’s budget constraints, the Aurora City Council voted to send all those cases to the 18^th JD to handle in the future.  This will result in an estimated 1,300 new cases annually, doubling the domestic violence caseload of the 18^th JD.
• The DA’s office currently has 72 prosecuting attorneys, but will have added four more by October 1, to help prosecute Aurora’s added domestic violence cases. Felony prosecutors each handle 130-150 cases/year.  DA Padden would like to see that number reduced to under 100 cases/year/prosecutor.  Misdemeanor prosecutors handle around 250 cases/year.  These are some of the largest caseloads in the metro area.
• There have been numerous fatal motor vehicle accidents and egregious hit and run incidents, especially in Aurora.  DA Padden is attempting to get more Aurora Police enforcement, and to work with other DAs to enhance the penalties in those cases. Currently there is no mandatory prison time for vehicular homicide.

Highlights from the Monday, June 23^rd CenCON meeting: 

From Arapahoe Library District’s Manager of Community Relations, Holly Whelan:

• In partnership with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, ALD will present a virtual program entitled “Masterpiece of the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” on Wednesday, August 6, from 2-3 p.m.  Although it’s billed as being for tweens & teens, this program will be for everyone to discover the museum’s history through vintage photos and behind-the-scenes stories. To register and receive the Zoom link, visit www.arapahoelibraries.org and click on Events>Online Events or call - 303-542-7279.
• The Dueling Pianos of Denver Piano Shows will be live at Tagawa Gardens on Friday, August 15, from 6-8 p.m. They’ll play musical requests.  Arrive early to enjoy dinner from food trucks on site from 5-8 p.m. No pets, please.

District 4 Centennial City Councilmember Don Sheehan shared these updates:

• The city council has approved changes to the Festival Center, located on the NE corner of University & County Line. A portion of retail space will be torn down, and 114 townhomes will be built on that site.
• The Planning Department is revising/updating the Land Development Code for easier use in developing city projects. Included is Midtown Centennial new zoning, EC-MU-75 (Employment Center-Mixed Use-maximum building height of 75’), as discussed in last month’s CenCON article.
• About half of Centennial’s annual budget is spent on Public Works, which is managed by Jacobs Engineering.  The city has now signed a new 15-year agreement with Jacobs, who acquired the original contract with their 2017 acquisition of CH2MHill, the original Public Works management company.
• In June, the city council passed a resolution in support of the lawsuit filed by six other Colorado Front Range cities (Greenwood Village, Arvada, Aurora, Glendale, Lafayette, and Westminster), against the State of Colorado and Gov. Jared Polis. The lawsuit challenges housing laws that the cities claim violate the Colorado Constitution’s provisions on Home Rule, which give municipalities control over local matters, particularly in land use and zoning.  The lawsuit also challenges an executive order that threatens local governments with withholding more than $100 million in funds if they don’t comply with a series of housing laws enacted by the legislature in the last two years.
• Ground has been broken for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) facility on Broncos Pkwy.
• Centennial Center Park’s splash pad, which in 2023 was rated the 5^th best splash pad in the US by USA Today, was closed for repairs last fall.  And although it was scheduled open on Memorial Day 2025, it remains closed, with no opening date in sight. The contractor is incurring penalties. 

South Metro Fire Rescue Deputy Chief--Community Services, Kristin Eckmann, gave the main program:

SMFR is a full-service fire and emergency medical provider, serving 751,000+ residents across 287 square miles in parts of three counties.  The district is facing an immediate and significant budget shortfall due to recent state legislation and increasing costs and demand for services. Without additional revenue by 2026, SMFR will be unable to maintain the high level of fire and emergency medical services that residents expect and rely on. 

• In 2024, the Colorado legislature passed HB24B-1001 to lower property taxes, which has significantly reduced funding for fire protection districts throughout Colorado, including SMFR.
• As a result, SMFR expects a $16 million shortfall in 2026, and nearly a $270 million shortfall over the next 10 years, all while demand for emergency services continues to increase.
• Without additional funding, the district may face tough cuts which would affect response time for fires, medical calls, and accidents in our growing south metro community; adequate staffing and crews, investments in fire stations vehicles, and equipment; health programs for first responders; wildfire preparedness and response, especially where forests and grasslands meet neighborhoods.
  
  

SMFR is considering three options to address the budget shortfall:

• Cuts to essential services, which will not solve the impacts of this shortfall
• A 3 mill property tax increase, from our current 9.25 mills to 12.25 mills.  For WC2 homes, a 3 mill increase would be an additional $12-$14/month, generating around $50 million annually.
• A new 0.5% sales tax levied within the fire district boundaries--an added 50 cents for every $100 spent, and like a 3 mill property tax increase, this sales tax would raise around $50 million annually.
  

At one of two August meetings, the SMFR Board is expected to finalize either a sales tax or property tax question to place on the November 4 ballot.  To read much more, Google: South Metro Fire Rescue funding shortfall.

Highlights from the Monday, May 19^th CenCON meeting:

Rhonda Livingston, CenCON VP, Community Engagement, included this information relevant to WC2:

• Prior to selling their headquarters building at 7409 S Alton Ct, Colorado Public Radio (CPR) is seeking to rezone their 2-acre property for future potential redevelopment—to EC-MU-75 (Employment Center-Mixed Use-maximum building height of 75’).  This rezoning allows any new building to be up to three stories tall, and for residential (apartments) as well as commercial uses.  The CPR building lies immediately north of the building formerly occupied by Arrow Electronics, at 9201 E Dry Creek Rd (mentioned in last month’s CenCON Willow Talk article), which has already obtained the same rezoning, and is scheduled to be torn down to allow a 326-unit apartment complex to be built on that site.
• South Alton Court becomes South Chester Street south of Dry Creek Road.  Currently, the properties already rezoned and built or scheduled to be built along the Alton Ct/Chester St corridor will contain a total of 2300+ apartment units.  Several others, including the CPR property, are in the “rezoning pipeline” and will likely be adding to this apartment unit total in future years.  The closest property to Willow Creek having already received EC-MU-75 zoning is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Nichols Ave with Yosemite St--9000 E Nichols Ave--directly across the street (east) of the homes along the east side of E Mineral Circle.  This rezoning is all part of the revitalization of increasingly vacant office park areas, to create Midtown Centennial, the mixed use residential/commercial/retail district located along the I-25 corridor, encompassing the area between Yosemite and Havana Streets (west to east) and Arapahoe to County Line Roads (north to south).
• CenCON will host a candidate forum for the three candidates vying to replace Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko, who is term-limited, and the eight total candidates running for one open seat in each of the four city council districts.  The forum will be held on Monday evening, September 22, at a location to be announced at a future date. Ballots will be mailed to all active registered Centennial voters in mid-October for the Tuesday, November 4 election.  For candidate info, google: 2025 Centennial city council candidates.
• 620+ Nourish Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver 650-725 nutritious meals each weekday to those 60+ and/or homebound adults, supplementing these meals with breakfasts and frozen meals for weekends. Nourish recently delivered their one-millionth meal since moving in late 2019 to their new kitchen at 92 E Arapahoe Rd. To request meals, donate, volunteer, or participate in making crafts given to recipients on their birthdays and in the December holidays, call 303-798-7642 or visit www.nourishmealsonwheels.org

The 18^th Judicial District’s Director of Consumer Fraud, Jamie Sorrells, gave this update:
The 18^th JD’s Senior Safety Summit will be held on Saturday, September 20, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Arapahoe Community College.  Representatives from the 18^th JD, South Metro Fire, the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office, and other county agencies will discuss consumer fraud protection, safety/first aid, medical topics, including fall prevention, changing passwords/antivirus protection, online scams, home security and much more.  There may be a small charge to cover the cost of a box lunch and beverage. More details to come.

Highlights from Arapahoe Library District’s Manager of Community Relations, Holly Whelan:

• All ages are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to attend Outdoor Storytime every Friday through July 25 at Commons Park in The Streets at SouthGlenn, 200 E Commons Ave. No registration is needed.
• Dream Masterz, the award-winning magic duo, will perform at Koelbel Library on Thursday, July 24, 2 - 3 p.m. for ages 5+. Registration is required.  Visit www.arapahoelibraries.org, click on the calendar icon at the top, and view and register for this and many other interesting events throughout the library system this summer.

Amy Tharp, Centennial District 1 City Council member shared these summer and fall free city events:

• 19^th Annual Centennial Under the Stars – live music, local vendors, food trucks; Sat, Aug 9, 5 - 9 p.m., Centennial Center Park, 13050 E Peakview Dr.
• Cinematic Symphony – family friendly concert, courtesy of the Symphony of the Rockies, Sat, Aug 23, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Centennial Center Park.
• Centennial’s Annual Chalk Art Festival – Chalk art, live music, family activities, local vendors; Sat, Sept 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., along the sidewalks in the Streets at SouthGlenn. To apply to be a chalk artist, visit: www.centennialco.gov/calendar/chalk-art-festival; the deadline to apply is July 15.
• Sip in Centennial – Colorado Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries, live music, food trucks, yard games; all ages are welcome, but alcohol tastings are limited to those 21+.  Sat, Oct 25, 1 - 5 p.m.; Centennial Center Park.  

Highlights from the April 28 CenCON meeting:

Our District 2 Arapahoe County Commissioner Jessica Campbell shared this update:

• The Arapahoe County Assessor’s Office has sent property owners their current property valuation, and the appeal period ends on June 9.  The QR code included in the notice allows owners to appeal online.
• 18 percent of the county’s $571 million budget comes from federal sources. If not funded in future years, programs including Work Force Development, SNAP, Public Health, Veterans, older adult programs, and human services, will all be impacted, slashed, and/or eliminated.
• The 2025 Arapahoe County Fair, held at the county fairgrounds at 25690 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, is Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27.  For the full schedule and much more info, visit www.arapahoecountyfair.com.

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Bureau Chief Lt. Adam Burson gave this info:

• ACSO again emphasized that ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and ACSO work independently—neither does the other’s job; ACSO does not round up or detain suspected undocumented immigrants.
• Arapahoe and Douglas law enforcement recently arrested more than 16 thieves who have been burglarizing the homes of Asian business owners in both counties. Collectively, at least 25 homes were reported as being burglarized in 2024, with more in 2025—and law enforcement believes that not all thefts have been reported.  According to Lt. Burson, a cultural distrust of banks makes some business owners prefer to store large amounts of money, jewelry, and other valuables at home. In the recent arrest, $160,000, 60 pounds of jewelry, and numerous electronic devices were recovered.
• Cyber fraud is increasingly becoming a major problem. Called phishing, it’s the fraudulent practice of sending emails or text messages, posting on Facebook and/or Instagram, or messaging in some other way, purporting to be from a reputable company, in order to deceive people into revealing personal information, including passwords, social security information, and credit card numbers.  
• As warm weather again arrives, be vigilant about removing valuables and locking cars and closing garage doors. Most reported thefts in Centennial are from unlocked cars and open garages.
• Cracking down on buyers and increased etching of catalytic converters has curtailed converter theft.

The South Suburban Parks & Recreation District provided an update:

An update to that update: Incumbent Keith Gardner and new board members Elizabeth Watson and Luke Lorenz (son of the longtime former South Suburban Executive Director, Dave Lorenz) were each elected on May 6 to a four-year term on the Board of Directors.  Watson and Lorenz will assume board seats on June 11.  As you read this, the current board, including Gardner, as well as a number of district stakeholders, will be narrowing down the choice of the new Executive Director, who is expected to then assume his/her duties by late June.

Centennial City Planners David King and Amy Wiedeman discussed Midtown Centennial:

• The City of Centennial has designated the area between Yosemite & Havana and Arapahoe & County Line as Midtown Centennial.
• The City’s website describes Midtown Centennial as “a dynamic, mixed-use environment fostering meaningful activity and revitalization…uniquely positioned to become a central hub of activity…blending vibrant residential, commercial, and transit-oriented spaces.”
• The plan for Midtown Centennial looks ahead 50 years to continued changing trends and needs. As COVID accelerated the already-evolving shift from working in the office to working at home, office vacancies have increased.  Currently, the vacancy rate in office buildings between Yosemite and I-25 averages over 24 percent, and around 35 percent in Denver.  The result?  Office buildings are selling for significantly less now than they did several years ago.  Just one example is 9201 E Dry Creek, the former Arrow Electronics building, which sold for $40 million in 2019 and for just $12 million in 2024. The drop in office value is impacting Centennial’s property tax base, which is a significant part of city revenue.
• It’s clear that the Midtown Centennial area needs some type of revitalization, but what impact will that have on our Willow Creek neighborhood, our quality of life, and our property values?  To learn more and to remain informed with updates, visit www.centennialco.gov and search for Midtown Centennial.