Historic Denver, in conjunction with the Honorable Elbra Wedgeworth and professional musician Ron Bland, announced today that it has filed a landmark designation in an effort save the El Chapultepec building, at 1962 Market Street in Denver, from demolition.

“The story of our city is told by buildings large and small, grand and discrete. If the walls of 1962 Market Street could talk, they would tell the stories of the countless patrons, musicians, politicians, and even a U.S. president, who gathered at El Chapultepec, Denver’s legendary jazz club,” Historic Denver President & CEO John Deffenbaugh, said: “The history of our city is being lost as places that tell Denver’s story, like El Chapultepec, are demolished. Historic Denver has been trying to work with the building owner, Monfort Companies, since last year to offer suggestions on how to adaptively reuse the building. Sadly, this advice has not been acted upon and we understand the owner intends to apply for a demolition permit. We remain hopeful that a compromise solution can be found to protect this key piece of Denver’s history outside the landmark designation process. If not, we firmly believe this 130 year old building, and the stories it continues to tell, is deserving of the protection afforded by landmark designation.”

Since its construction in circa 1890, the building at 1962 Market Street has been home to a diverse range of uses, including a boarding house, bar, restaurant, and then the iconic jazz club, El Chapultepec. The club was the physical representation of former owner, Jerry Krantz’s vision to create an affordable and accessible place to experience excellent jazz music. Outwardly, it is an unassuming building with little ornamentation. However, as musicians took to its small stage, it gained a reputation as the place to play in Denver. El Chapultepec was host to numerous world class jazz musicians over the years. Stars from other genres such as The Police, ZZ Top, Mick Jagger, Dave Mathews, Santana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pat Morita, Ed Sheeran, and many more have visited or performed. Actors such as Chrisopher Walken have dropped by over the years, and President Bill Clinton played there in 1991. Even the legendary Frank Sinatra came to El Chapultepec.

El Chapultepec was truly a place that brought the stars and the common person together to enjoy great music, drinks, and burritos. It was a cultural phenomenon rarely experienced elsewhere, as someone of little means could join a high roller and experience some of the best jazz in the world.

The business may be gone but the physical representation of that vision and what occurred there remains. Historic Denver believes that this representation is worthy of preserving and incorporating into future development plans for the site. Landmark desigation does not freeze a building in time, but it does prevent it from being demolished. Buildings such as 1962 Market Street, and the stories they tell, anchor neigh- borhoods and provide a connection to Denver’s rich past.

Many of the buildings that have provided continuity within Denver’s changing urban landscape over the years are disappearing as neighborhoods are redeveloped. Historic Denver and community partners are concerned that the El Chapultepec building could become another example of this pattern. In response, Historic Denver has applied for landmark designation to the City and County of Denver.

John Deffenbaugh, President and CEO of Historic Denver, said: “Existing buildings can evolve and change to meet modern needs. The thoughtful combination of new development and historic places is what sustains the authentic character of our city. Historic Denver acknowledges that the building needs love and care to bring it back to life, however there is no such thing as a terminal illness in buildings nor do buildings come with an expiration date. With the necessary love and care, the El Chapultepec building can continue to stand for many more years and serve as a reminder of the legendary venue and of the performers who played there.”

For more information, visit www.historicdenver.org.

Source: Historic Denver

Benefits for RTD bus operators include a $4,000 signing bonus, paid training and more

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is inviting individuals interested in becoming bus operators to attend its Career Fair Thursday, March 14, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event is specifically for bus operator candidates interested in full- or part-time opportunities with the agency. For easy access across the Denver metro, RTD is hosting the event at the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center, 15500 E 40th Ave., Denver, CO 80239.

Benefits and pay

Candidates who are hired as bus operators will receive a $4,000 signing bonus, paid training, including CDL training, and guidance through the permit process. Bus operator pay starts at $25.96 an hour and qualified candidates need to have a domestic driver’s license valid for at least two years.

Those who apply on site may receive a same day offer letter. Training can start as soon as April 1 or April 15.

The bus operator role is a career that people can retire from or start as a second career. It provides a needed service for the community and contributes to the agency’s mission of making lives better through connections. RTD invests in its employees and trains them for future leadership roles within RTD and the transit industry.

Candidates who attend can learn more about bus operator benefits and opportunities, including touring a RTD bus in the parking lot for a closer look during the event.

Full event details

What: RTD Bus Operator Career Fair
Date: Thursday, March 14
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center, 15500 E 40th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

Many RTD frontline positions are eligible for a hiring bonus. To learn more about career opportunities with RTD, please visit the Careers page on the RTD website.

Source: RTD

In a momentous stride toward addressing homelessness among Veterans, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System announced the successful, permanent housing placement of 752 Veterans in 2023. The more than 750 Veterans represent 107 percent of the 2023 targeted goal of supporting 704 Veterans experiencing homelessness in VA ECHCS’ area of responsibility.

“Each Veteran among the 752 Veterans who now have secure housing represents someone who fought to defend our country and fell out of stable housing,” said Michael Moore, VA ECHCS interim medical center director. “Homelessness is a complex issue, and we are grateful for our dedicated VA ECHCS Homeless Program staff and community partners who continue to tackle this important concern.”

Without secure housing, many of the critical components of well-being are impacted, including access to physical and mental health care, access to employment and access to social connection.

VA is uniquely positioned as a health care system to respond to the homeless crisis, as its housing program for homeless Veterans (HUD-VASH) offers more than just a roof over a Veteran’s head. It also provides Veterans with case management by a social worker, medical care, and housing and social services assistance to help them find and maintain permanent housing. VA also has programs to help Veterans gain meaningful employment and has programs that assist Veterans in the criminal justice system gain access to VA services and programs.

These efforts are built around the evidence-based Housing First approach, which prioritizes getting a Veteran into housing and then assisting the Veteran with access to health care and other support systems that promote stable housing and improved quality of life. The approach does not try to determine who is “housing ready” or demand treatment prior to housing. Instead, treatment and other support services are wrapped around Veterans as they obtain and maintain permanent housing.

“No Veteran should ever experience the tragedy and indignity of homelessness. More than 46,000 formerly homeless Veterans are going to sleep tonight in good, safe, stable homes — and there’s nothing more important than that,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “While this is an important step forward, we’re not stopping here — we’re going to keep pushing until every Veteran has a safe, stable place to call home in this country they fought to defend.”

VA ECHCS’ efforts are part of a Department of Veterans Affairs 2023 goal to house 38,000 homeless Veterans nationally. VA recently announced that 46,552 previously unhoused Veterans are now connected with secure housing in 2023, surpassing the goal by 22.5 percent.

If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Visit VA Homeless Programs to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.

White House

On March 15, 1995, by Executive Order 12957, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran. On May 6, 1995, the President issued Executive Order 12959, imposing more comprehensive sanctions on Iran to further respond to this threat. On August 19, 1997, the President issued Executive Order 13059, consolidating and clarifying those previous orders.

Colorado Governor

Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced Opportunity Next Colorado to increase enrollment in Colorado-based postsecondary education and training programs. This program will provide one-time scholarships and career advising to the class of 2024, with an emphasis on connecting high school graduates to in-demand careers. “Colorado leads the nation in college degrees and programs like Opportunity Next will help us continue to provide students with opportunities that lead to promising careers in attractive and high-demand industries. I am proud to remove barriers to education and post-secondary training, strengthening our work-force and economy. These scholarships will help the class of 2024 further their education, gain more experience, and get good-paying jobs,” Said Governor Polis.

Denver Mayor

The City and County of Denver successfully came to an agreement with the Denver Sheriff’s Fraternal Order of Police – Lodge #27 (FOP) on final amendments to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), approved today by Denver City Council. “Today’s contract with the Denver Sheriff Department is a huge step forward for public safety,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “This will help us attract and retain great sheriffs to address the major staffing shortages at our jails. I’m proud to work collaboratively with our Sheriff Department and City Council to ensure every worker in our city earns a fair wage and benefits, and can afford to live in the city they serve.”