Local News

On a high road in Brook Forest is a gray frame house with purple trim where Evergreen resident Elizabeth Gonzales now lives.

Gonzales’ new home is the 30th one built by Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity.

“Two years ago, I first saw this land. Now it’s going to be Elizabeth’s home,” said Kathleen O’Leary, executive director of the area organization.

O’Leary was among Blue Spruce Habitat staff and volunteers who came to the dedication of Gonzales’ home on Friday afternoon.

Wearing bright yellow shirts and jackets, firefighters stood listening to a briefing from Evergreen Capt. Scott Martin in the early-morning chill on Saturday.

“When we’re fighting fires, put fires totally out,” Martin told the 30 Evergreen and Foothills fire department volunteers assembled for a wildland fire training exercise.

“We’re running this as a fire scenario for a lightning strike,” said Martin. “Our spread potential is high for today. The conditions are what they are.”

With three of five seats up for election and at least one incumbent not running, this year’s campaigns for positions on the Jeffco school board promise to be hotly contested.

With the November election still six months away, longtime South Jeffco resident and education veteran Alonzo “Al” Rodriguez has announced a bid in District 5.

“I have a vested interest in Jeffco schools,” Rodriguez said. “I have a son who is a junior at Columbine High School, and 13 of my grandchildren attend Jeffco schools.”

A small greenhouse at Evergreen Country Day School has created large opportunities for students to learn.

The geodesic-dome greenhouse behind the school is being put together by students with the help of teachers and the founder of Evergreen nonprofit Global Children’s Gardens.