ERIE

Following thefts, police urge public to lock vehicles

Erie police are warning the public to lock their vehicles after belongings were stolen from at least two cars this weekend.

According to a release by the department, at least two instances of criminal trespass to motor vehicles occurred in the Boneyard Dog Park lot at Reliance Park, 900 County Road 1½. The trespassers, who have not been identified, stole belongings at approximately 4 p.m. Friday and approximately 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

According to the release, the trespassers then attempted to use stolen credit cards in Longmont and surrounding areas.

“The Erie Police Department strongly suggests not storing items of value in vehicles, and would like to remind patrons to secure their vehicles every time, and every place they park,” the release stated.

Police encouraged any possible victims or anyone with information to call 303-441-4444 to speak with an Erie officer.

DENVER

City Council approves expansion of needle exchange law

More needle exchange programs could soon be allowed in Denver after the City Council on Monday approved a new ordinance paving the way for them.

Only three needle exchanges have been permitted to operate in the city under a 1997 law, but if the mayor gives his stamp of approval to the new policy, an unlimited number would be allowed in areas zoned for medical offices. The ordinance also would remove a 1,000-foot buffer between the sites and any schools or day cares.

The council approved the ordinance 8-5.

In explaining his “yes” vote, Councilman Paul Kashmann said the existing distancing requirements don’t help in needed addiction recovery efforts.

Needle exchange sites offer a place for drug users to dispose of used needles, pick up clean ones, and learn about mental health and addiction treatment options. Drugs aren’t legally allowed to be consumed or sold at the centers. They’re recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a way to prevent the spread of disease and reduce the impact of drug use on communities.

ARAPAHOE BASIN

Ski patrollers are the latest to unionize

Organizers campaigning to unionize ski patrollers are touting their momentum following the settlement of a strike at Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort and a vote last week in favor of forming a union at Arapahoe Basin.

A-Basin patrollers voted to become part of the CWA 7781 United Mountain Workers, which will negotiate a contract with Denver-based Alterra Mountain Company and A-Basin officials. That union is currently negotiating a contract with Keystone which, like Park City, is owned by Vail Resorts. The contract at Breckenridge will expire in the spring.

The patrollers at A-Basin had been closely observing the tensions in Utah, where Park City’s patrollers went on strike Dec. 27, 2024. The strike caused significant problems for Broomfield-based Vail Resorts. The employees returned to work last Thursday after winning concessions that included a $2 hourly increase to $23 for new patrollers and $4 for experienced patrollers.

— Staff and Denver Post reports