staging.rockymountainvoice.com

thelobby-co.com

Vehicle window-washing by unskilled migrants in Denver raises safety concerns
Downtown Denver, Local, thelobby-co.com

Vehicle window-washing by unskilled migrants in Denver raises safety concerns

By The Lobby The influx of Venezuelan migrants in Denver, who have taken to washing windshields of stopped cars at busy intersections, is raising concerns about safety and the city's sanctuary policies. Tens of thousands of migrants in the city, facing ongoing delays in obtaining government work permits, have resorted to working in teams, cleaning vehicles waiting at intersections in exchange for cash. While some see this as reminiscent of their home countries, critics argue that it highlights the flaws in U.S. border policies and Denver's burdensome sanctuary city strategy. Yoli Casas, the executive director of the nonprofit migrant support group ViVe Wellness, compares the sight of window washers to her origins in Venezuela. She says that in South America, such as Venezuela, Col...
‘Sensitive spaces’ bill aims to ban guns in 19 locations in Colorado
State, thelobby-co.com

‘Sensitive spaces’ bill aims to ban guns in 19 locations in Colorado

By The Lobby Colorado's liberal Democrat-controlled legislature is once again targeting the Second Amendment rights of Coloradans. These lawmakers, many of whom were appointed rather than elected, seem determined to disarm law-abiding citizens while allowing criminals and migrants access to firearms. The latest assault on the Second Amendment comes in the form of Senate Bill 24-131, introduced by Democrat Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis. The bill aims to ban firearms from 19 locations deemed "sensitive" spaces. These include public parks, community recreation centers, hospitals, sporting venues, bars, libraries, universities, voting centers, and government buildings. Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit individuals from carrying guns at events such as protests and rallies. ...
Lakewood residents want transparency from City Council over migrant housing concerns
Denver Metro, Local, thelobby-co.com

Lakewood residents want transparency from City Council over migrant housing concerns

By The Lobby An emergency community meeting in Lakewood on Tuesday night brought hundreds of concerned citizens together to address the potential for the city to become a sanctuary for migrants. The meeting, organized by the group Lakewood Concerned Citizens, saw an overwhelming turnout, with attendees filling the meeting room and spilling into the parking lot. However, the meeting was not without controversy, as a last-minute location change raised questions about transparency. Initially, the meeting was scheduled to take place at a Lakewood school, but the permit was changed under the group Lakewood Concerned Citizens. This sudden alteration raised eyebrows among residents who were seeking clarification on the city council's stance on housing migrants. Concern over Lakewo...
As re-introduced gray wolves cross state lines protection ends
State, thelobby-co.com

As re-introduced gray wolves cross state lines protection ends

By The Lobby Wyoming ranchers are expressing their concern as gray wolves reintroduced into Colorado have been spotted near the state line. The proximity of these wolves to Wyoming raises fears about potential conflicts with livestock and poses a threat to the livelihoods of ranchers. While wolves in Colorado are federally protected and cannot be hunted or killed by the general public, once they cross into Wyoming's vast "predator zone," they lose their protected status and can be shot on sight. There have already been reports of conflicts. In September, at least one wolf was killed after crossing into Wyoming, according to reports by ranchers and stakeholders. However, Wyoming officials declined to confirm the incident, citing an 11-year-old state policy that keeps the identity o...
Colorado House unanimously supports bill recognizing emergency phone operators as first responders
State, thelobby-co.com

Colorado House unanimously supports bill recognizing emergency phone operators as first responders

By The Lobby In a rare display of unity, a bill at the Colorado Capitol received the approval of every representative present on Monday. The measure, which seeks to recognize emergency phone operators as first responders, is now headed to the Senate for further consideration and approval. These unsung heroes are often the first people you speak to in times of crisis, yet they have not been classified as first responders. Lawmakers at the Capitol have come to a bipartisan agreement that it is time to rectify this oversight and give credit where credit is due. PRIME SPONSORS Rep. Sheila Lieder Rep. Ryan Armagost Sen. Chris Kolker Sen. Kevin Van Winkle 9-1-1 dispatchers work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that people across the state receive the help they need...
Colorado’s growing fentanyl crisis calls for stronger laws and border security
State, thelobby-co.com

Colorado’s growing fentanyl crisis calls for stronger laws and border security

By The Lobby The Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Rocky Mountain Field Division has reported an explosion in the seizure of fentanyl pills in 2023, surpassing previous years. This alarming trend demands immediate action to protect Coloradans from the dangers of this deadly drug. The DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division provided the following breakdown of fentanyl seizures in their region: Colorado: 425.60 kilograms of fentanyl seized, equivalent to approximately 2.61 million pills. Utah: 119.30 kilograms of fentanyl seized, equivalent to approximately 664,200 pills. "Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest drug threat facing our nation," stated David Olesky, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division. Olesky emphasized the collabora...
Colorado Speaker faces criticism for turning away families of Hamas victims, while Senate welcomes them
State, thelobby-co.com

Colorado Speaker faces criticism for turning away families of Hamas victims, while Senate welcomes them

By The Lobby The Speaker of the Colorado House has come under fire for refusing to allow families of hostages and victims, who had family members kidnapped by Hamas, into the House chamber. It is alleged that pressure from radical pro-Hamas Democrats influenced this decision, while the Colorado Senate welcomed these families with open arms. Seven families, who had flown all the way from Israel to share their heartbreaking stories with lawmakers, visited the Colorado Capitol on Monday. They came seeking support and assistance to bring their loved ones back home from Gaza. Rep. Ron Weinberg, a Loveland Republican and end Dafna Michaelson Jenet, a Commerce City Democrat speaking before the Colorado Senate February 5, 2024. Rep. Ron Weinberg, a Loveland Republican and end Dafna...
State lawmakers weighing bill to allow law enforcement to cooperate with ICE
State, thelobby-co.com

State lawmakers weighing bill to allow law enforcement to cooperate with ICE

By The Lobby Republican lawmakers in Colorado are making efforts to overturn a controversial piece of immigration policy in the state. House Bill 24-1128 would reinstate a 2006 law that allowed peace officers to communicate with federal immigration enforcement officers if they have reasonable grounds to believe that a detainee is violating federal immigration laws. In 2013, Colorado lawmakers repealed Senate Bill 06-090, which resulted in local law enforcement being prohibited from providing personal information about suspected illegal immigrants to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), among other restrictions on collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE officers. This law, along with others like it passed by Democrats, prevents ICE officers from r...
Hundreds of Golden Retrievers brave heavy snow to meet up for annual event
State, thelobby-co.com

Hundreds of Golden Retrievers brave heavy snow to meet up for annual event

By The Lobby This past weekend, Golden, Colo., transformed into a magical winter wonderland for hundreds of fanatical dog owners, as thousands of golden retrievers gathered for the city's annual "Goldens in Golden" event. Despite the heavy snowfall, attendees were determined to capture the iconic "Goldens in Golden" picture under the arch, making it a must-have moment. One adventurous duo, Charlie Alfrey and his dog, Boss, embarked on an epic road trip all the way from Saint Petersburg, Florida to the snowy streets of Golden, Colorado. Charlie couldn't contain his excitement as he shared, "[It's] his first trip to the snow and to see this golden festival. He's super excited. And so are we!" READ THE FULL STORY AT THE LOBBY
Homeless Advocates Protest Denver Mayor’s Veto
Denver Metro, Downtown Denver, Local, thelobby-co.com

Homeless Advocates Protest Denver Mayor’s Veto

By The Lobby Denver's homeless advocates gathered outside the City and County Building on Saturday morning to express their dissatisfaction with Mayor Mike Johnston's decision to veto a bill that would have prohibited homeless sweeps in freezing temperatures. Despite the frigid conditions, about a dozen members of Housekeys Action Network (HAND) showed up to voice their opposition to the mayor's announcement. The City Council Ordinance 23-1960, introduced in December, aimed to amend the municipal code to prevent various city agencies from clearing homeless encampments when temperatures dropped to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. However, on February 2, Mayor Johnston vetoed the "No Freezing Sweeps" ordinance, which had been passed by the Denver City Council with a narrow 7-6 vote. ...