Headlines – April 07, 2023

Listen:

Download Audio

Denver Runoff Elections To Be Held In June

The latest Denver election results determined that there will be a mayoral runoff on June 6. None of the candidates vying for Mayor received the minimum needed for an outright win in last Tuesday’s election.

In the mayoral race, former State Senator Mike Johnston and former Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO Kelly Brough will go head-to-head in June. Johnston received 24% of the vote, while Brough received 20%. Even if one of those candidates picked up all remaining votes, it wouldn’t be enough to reach the necessary 50%.

Whoever wins the runoff will succeed term-limited Michael Hancock, who is completing three four-year terms in office.

In the City Council races, candidates in Districts 7, 8, and 9 are also headed to runoff elections in June. Flor Alvidrez will face Nick Campion in District 7. Shontel Lewis will go against Brad Revare in District 8. And in District 9, incumbent Candi CdeBaca faces Darrell Watson.

Polis Names New Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Governor Jared Polis has named a new director for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Jeff Davis, formerly Director of Conservation for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, was tapped to take over the spot left vacant by Dan Prenzlow.

Prenzlow retired in November during an investigation into comments he made that a Black employee felt were racist. A third-party investigation into Prenzlow’s three-year stint uncovered an unhealthy workplace environment.

In Washington State, Davis shaped legislation for habitat and biodiversity conservation and addressed sustainable land management issues. Davis will start his job on May 1, overseeing 42 state parks and over 300 wildlife areas.

Centura Health Hit By Ransomware Attack 

Centura Health reported it was hit by a large ransomware attack last fall. CommonSpirit Health, which owns the Catholic hospitals in the Centura partnership, announced the breach, saying it began mailing letters Thursday to patients whose information had been compromised.

The hacked data included names, dates of birth, diagnoses and treatments, provider names, health insurance information, contact information and in some cases, social security numbers.

CommonSpirit Health says it took until February 21 to confirm what information hackers had stolen.

AdventHealth, which owns the Adventist hospitals in the Centura system, shares much of their administration with CommonSpirit. The two Centura groups announced on February 14 that they intended to split their management operations.

Denver Opens New Affordable Housing Units for Homeless

Denver’s department of Housing Stability opened 49 new affordable housing units in Denver. Rhonda’s Place is the 10th project for the nonprofit REDI Corporation that specializes in providing supportive housing and services for people exiting homelessness, as well as those with mental health struggles and disabilities. 

The city-supported 17.3 million development offers one-bedroom apartments located near numerous bus stops and includes amenities like shared laundry spaces, meeting rooms for supplemental services, a dog run and garden, and community spaces.

According to a press release, subsidy vouchers will be provided for all units to ensure residents pay no more than 30% of their total income on housing costs.

Boulder Calls To 911 Dispatch Will Have Live Streaming Capabilities 

The City of Boulder announced Thursday that emergency dispatchers will now be able to accept live streaming video from 911 callers. The new system, called “Prepared 911,” is free and sends a text link to a caller’s cell phone. The caller must hit approve to allow dispatchers permission to see and hear live video from the phone.

Emergency dispatch will be able to switch between the front and back-facing cameras, turn the screen dark so no one can see it is recording and can also end the livestream. However, according to a press release, they will not have access to other controls in the cell phone.

Dispatchers can also send a location request to someone’s cell phone to help them if they’re lost or unable to say where they are.

Boulder officials say the new visual technology will help first responders to better assess and prepare for emergencies.

Colorado Senate Committee To Review Mental Health Screening Bill 

The Colorado Senate Health and Human Services Committee will consider a bill next week that would allow eligible public schools to conduct mental health screenings for sixth through twelfth graders.

The bill would require participating schools to provide written notice of the mental health screenings to students’ parents within the first two weeks of school. Parents may then opt their child out of the program. However, students 12 and older may still consent to participate.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download