Parents, teachers and students are reacting after the San Francisco Unified School District announced nearly a dozen schools are at risk of being closed next fall.

On Wednesday, dozens of parents and students at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy joined forces to protest the possible closure of their school after 30 years. SFUSD identified the elementary school as one that may be forced to close next year.

San Francisco resident Courtney Gordon said both her son and daughter both attend the school.

“I think I am just saddened, nervous and scared,” she said. “My kids really love it here. So, there is an overwhelming sense of sadness and worry.”

Students marched with their parents on Castro Street.

The district has identified for 11 schools for possible closure including eight elementary schools, one K-8 school and two high schools.

“We want to make sure maintain local control and make sure we have a balance budget and are not continuing to deficit spend,” said SFUSD Superintendent Matt Wayne. SFUSD said that closing the 11 schools could save the cash strapped district more than $20 million.

In a statement, San Francisco Mayor London Breed said that “What matters most for our city’s kids and families is for SFUSD to balance its budget so that it can maintain local control, a state takeover could be a disaster for our students and our families.”

The final list of recommended school closures is expected to be presented to the board of education in November and the board is slated to vote on the final closures on Dec. 10.

Colorado dogs live the ultimate dream life. From conquering mountain peaks to splashing in crystal-clear lakes, these adventurous pups get to experience the state’s natural beauty like no other. But sometimes all they really want is to head to a local dog park and romp around with the other pups, chasing squirrels and “writing letters”.

With this in mind, let’s explore the 7 most paw-some dog parks in the Denver metro area!

Boulder: Valmont Dog Park

Don’t have a green tag? No worries! Boulder’s Valmont City Park boasts a three-acre canine playground perfect for letting your pup run wild. Fenced in to keep your furry friend safe from the street and pump track, the park also offers a separate area for smaller dogs. With rolling hills, shady spots, and stunning views of the Flatirons, it’s a dog’s dream. And let’s not forget the social aspect: you’ll likely meet plenty of four-legged friends to play with. Open from sunrise to sunset and completely free, it’s a local favorite for a reason.

Golden: Tony Grampsas Dog Park

Tucked away in the shadow of North Table Mountain, Tony Grampsas Dog Park feels like a hidden gem. This 2.5-acre oasis boasts lush greenery, winding trails, and a secluded wooded area, perfect for adventurous pups. While your furry friend explores, relax at a picnic table and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. To find this dog-friendly retreat, head past the baseball fields at Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex. The park is free and open from sunrise to sunset. But be prepared for muddy conditions after rain or snow.

Aurora: Cherry Creek Dog Off-Leash Area

Is your pup a water enthusiast? Then look no further than the 107-acre off-leash dog park at Cherry Creek State Park. This expansive area offers direct access to the creek, perfect for splashing and cooling off. With varied terrain and trails to explore, there’s something for every dog. While this park is a canine dream, be prepared for crowds and fees. There’s a $9 park entry fee, plus a $2 fee for the off-leash area (or a $20 annual pass), and a 3-dog limit per handler. Once inside, you can leash up your pup and enjoy the surrounding trails and wildlife. Open from 5 AM to 10 PM, this park is a very popular spot, so plan accordingly.

Castle Pines: Glendale Farms Dog Park

Glendale Farms in Castle Pines is a dog lover’s dream! With a spacious 17-acre off-leash area and a scenic 1.6-mile leash-required loop, there’s something for every fur baby. This laid-back park is perfect for burning off energy or enjoying a leisurely stroll. Located near Sky Ridge Medical Center, it’s easily accessible from I-25. If you’re training a puppy, check out the obstacle course featuring a staircase ramp and barrel. Just remember, the park is primarily dirt, so it can get muddy when it rains. Glendale Farms is open one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset, and it’s completely free!

Lakewood: Forsberg Park

Looking for a place to let your pup burn off energy? Forsberg Park in Lakewood is a great option. This 2.5-acre park offers two separate fenced areas, so you can choose the perfect space for your dog. Enjoy stunning views of Green Mountain and Red Rocks Amphitheatre while your fur baby plays. There’s even a small obstacle course to keep them entertained. While there’s a drinking fountain for dogs, it’s best to bring your own water during winter as the fountain is shut off. Open from 5 AM to 10 PM and completely free, Forsberg Park is a local favorite.

Littleton: Chatfield State Park Off-Leash Dog Area

Your pup will love exploring the wide-open spaces and refreshing ponds at Chatfield State Park’s off-leash area. With 69 acres of both gravel and paved trails, your dog can run and play to their heart’s content. If you’re a bird dog enthusiast, there are also 16 acres of upland terrain and eight acres of flatwater for training, though a special permit is required. While there’s an $8 fee to enter the park (plus a $2 fee for the off-leash area (or a $20 annual pass)), you’ll enjoy a well-maintained environment.  Remember, only three dogs per handler are allowed.

Westminster: Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park

Located at the corner of 105th Avenue and Simms Street, Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park offers a sprawling 420-acre space for your pup to roam freely. This peaceful retreat, part of the 15,000-acre Colorado Hills Open Space, provides ample room for fetch, leisurely walks, and even a refreshing dip in the small pond. While the park offers benches, a shade shelter, and a dog drinking fountain, it’s important to note that the fencing is partial, so a lead and/or voice commands are essential. Be prepared for crowds, especially around 5 PM. Open from sunrise to sunset, this park is a free haven for dogs and their owners.

Ready to hit the dog park with your best friend? 

Dog parks are a fantastic way to socialize your pup and let them burn off energy. But even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. A sudden tumble, a playful scuffle, or an unexpected illness can quickly turn a fun day into a stressful one. That’s why pet insurance is so important. It provides peace of mind knowing you can focus on your pet’s recovery without worrying about overwhelming vet bills. Pet Insurance Review can help you find the perfect plan to protect your furry friend. Get a free quote today and ensure your fur baby is covered for life’s unexpected twists and turns.

Some Seattle police officers have received paychecks with half their pay missing. Others received checks missing overtime pay they’ve worked or they were paid the wrong overtime rates and may have to pay money back to the city.

Those payroll issues are just a few described to MyNorthwest first reported by KTTH’s Jason Rantz. Seattle police officers who shared details on the condition of anonymity. At least one of those officers described the issue as “a major pain” and added that it has resulted in low morale among the ranks and file in a department already dealing with limited resources and an officer shortage.

The officers say the issue started two years ago when the city leaders switched to the software payroll system, Workday. The officers claim the city negotiated with Workday without fully understanding the police department’s payroll nuances, including how to record 10-hour shifts and part-time and overtime pay correctly. And, they say, when SPD leadership brought those concerns to city leaders, the city moved ahead with the new payroll system anyway.

Rantz Exclusive: Mayor’s office ignored warnings about payroll system, now Seattle Police missing pay

One officer told MyNothwest that vacation and sick time accruals are also inaccurate. Also, according to the officers, money from SPD’s deferred compensation plans, which allow officers to set aside money to be paid at a later day, is correctly being taken from paychecks but, in some cases, is not being deposited into individual accounts. The result is that officers potentially default on loans from creditors.

The officers who alerted us about the issues say the Seattle Police Officers Guild is looking into hiring accountants to help officers who are impacted. The guild did not respond at the time of publishing.

We also reached out to SPD for official comment. A spokesperson deferred us to city leaders, including Mayor Bruce Harrell. The mayor and other city leaders did not respond at the time of publication.

Luke Duecy is a reporter, editor and anchor at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Luke’s stories here.
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