Author: DEBBIE KELLEY
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7 years in, Colorado Springs Democratic socialists say they’re making inroads
If further proof is needed that the political arena in Colorado Springs isn’t like matchups in Denver, the Democratic Socialists of America is a case in point, say some people involved with the local chapter of the nationwide organization. It’s admittedly been difficult for the Colorado Springs branch of the DSA to organize in the…
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‘Civility in the City’ event with two national experts to be held Monday at UCCS
Two notables working on the front lines of civic and cultural repair will discuss “Civility in the City” on Monday at the University of Colorado’s Colorado Springs campus. The event will feature Maury Giles, CEO of Braver Angels, and Alexandra Hudson, best-selling author of “The Soul of Civility.” The doors open at 6:30 p.m. at…
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Two specialized Colorado Springs police teams unite to address homelessness
Two specialized units within the Colorado Springs Police Department, which for years have been patrolling concentrated areas of the city for issues pertaining to homelessness, have merged and been re-tasked, according to Lt. Ryan Tepley, who oversees the new Peak Station Unit. The Homeless Outreach Team and the Downtown Area Response Team were combined on Feb. 1, he said. The resulting…
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First-ever citywide tenants union for renters’ rights forming in Colorado Springs
After tenants made progress in getting their concerns about living conditions and policies addressed by overseers of their federally subsidized apartment complexes, a citywide union for tenants of public and private rental housing is launching in a few days. Colorado Springs Tenants will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at First Congregational Church,…
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Colorado health equity funder’s redirection debated
A redirection in grantmaking that began two years ago for The Colorado Trust, a 40-year-old Denver-headquartered funder, has led some employees to now voice concerns, which has reportedly put their jobs in jeopardy. The vice president of communications for the private health equity foundation says the course has been set for years, with this being…
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Vehicle camping now illegal in Colorado Springs, City Council decides after another impassioned session
After listening to another lengthy and impassioned round of opposition Tuesday, the Colorado Springs City Council voted 7-2 to adopt a new municipal ordinance that makes living in a vehicle illegal on public property. The law combines existing ordinances that ban overnight urban camping near waterways, along trails, in city parks and other public places…
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Colorado Springs to consider car camping ban on public property earlier than expected; transparency on council a concern
The Colorado Springs City Council will hear a proposal to standardize camping bans on public property and include restrictions on vehicle camping months earlier than expected. Members had voted on Nov. 10 to postpone for six months an ordinance that would bring ordinances pertaining to illegal camping in city limits, such as near waterways and…
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Deaths by suicide decrease at Royal Gorge Bridge following safety upgrades
CAÑON CITY – Jay Valusek stared at “that damned railing” for hours that bled into days after his beloved 28-year-old daughter jumped in 2018 from atop the metal edge of the Royal Gorge Bridge to her death 956 feet below. Valusek’s vision blurred and then refocused as he pictured his precious Elizabeth Anne Valusek, who…
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Lawsuit filed against Christian-focused charitable fund in Colorado Springs with Tebow connection
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information about damages sought in the lawsuit. It’s likely that Gordon Peterson would not only be turning over in his grave, if that were possible, but also tsking angrily and oozing disappointment about what’s happening 20 years after the late real estate investor opened a donor-advised…
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Point in Time homeless count begins Sunday following last year’s record high for El Paso County
A surveying crew of 125 volunteers on Sunday will begin counting people who are homeless at 50 areas known for encampments and other activity throughout El Paso County. The process will continue through Wednesday for the yearly Point in Time and Housing Inventory Count, according to organizers. This year’s big initial weekend push to collect…