Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Emergency Medical Technician Codi Natelli plans a 'safe parking' pilot in January to provide up to 20 monitored parking spots with restrooms, showers, food and case management for people living in vehicles.

The project, led by Ascending to Health, awaits location approval + seed funding.

Today, local events begin with the 48th El Paso County Search & Rescue Run at Norris Penrose at 10 a.m., while upcoming offerings include Manitou Springs’ Gallery Show, a Winter Adult Reading Program at Pikes Peak Library District, and Denver’s National Western Parade Jan.

8.

The Resource Exchange (now employing 600 people) aids nearly 13,000 residents in El Paso, Teller and Park counties by partnering with over 200 local organizations to provide disability services.

Facing state budget cuts, it will use ESF funds (essential for retaining staff) to protect staffing levels and streamline work.

The exhibit Neighbors by photographer John Goddard and poet Kristy Milligan opens tomorrow with a free reception from 4-8 p.m. at Auric Gallery (125 E.

Boulder St.) and runs through Jan. 15; an artist talk with a poetry reading is set for Wednesday at 5 p.m.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced that unincorporated areas remained under Stage I Fire Restrictions starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The restrictions ban open burning (including fireworks and outdoor smoking) until guidelines are updated.

Sheriff Joseph Roybal reinstated Stage 1 fire restrictions for unincorporated El Paso County last Wednesday at 1 p.m. The measures limited open burning, charcoal grilling, and outdoor smoking, among other activities, and remained until moisture levels improve (fireworks for the AdAmAn Club event are exempt).

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reinstated Stage 1 fire restrictions for unincorporated areas after recent snowfall fell short of forecasts, banning fireworks without a permit and other fire-related activities to prevent wildfires.

The restrictions went into effect at 1 p.m. Wednesday and will remain until moisture levels improve.

Colorado currently has nearly 800 people in hospitals because of the flu, a record high compared to previous weeks.

Health officials reported one child death and urge residents to get their flu shots as cases continue rising.

Colorado is facing one of its roughest flu seasons as hospitalizations among children rise sharply due to a new strain and lower vaccination rates.

Public health experts advise getting vaccinated and following sanitation measures — officials expect more challenges as the season continues.

Colorado faced a record flu surge last week with 800 hospitalizations statewide and rising severe cases in Colorado Springs.

Doctors noted an increase in patients with worse symptoms (with numbers higher than last season) and stressed that vaccination and preventive measures protect community health.

Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews was named to Team Canada for the Olympic Games in Milan in February — his strong season performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off helped earn him the spot.

Blacklight Starry Night Art Party

8-10 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$48 per person — Use neon paints under black lights for a fun, guided art experience.

Trivia Night at Summa

6-8:30 p.m. — Summa — Free entry — Gather your brainy bunch for a night of fun and prizes with free trivia.

Japan How I Love Thee

5:30-8:30 p.m. — The French Kitchen — $109.00 — Explore the cozy and colorful world of Japanese home cooking in a creative culinary class.

Trivia Tuesdays

7:30 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — Free entry — Test your pop culture knowledge every Tuesday with themed trivia nights for all ages.

Newcomer Orientation

5:15-6 p.m. — Listening Heart Medicines, LLC David W. Armstrong — Free entry — Discover the RMI introduction and meditation protocol in a friendly, in-person setting.

Jazz Thursday with Susan Rissman

5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Experience the smooth sounds of the Susan Rissman Trio performing jazz standards and contemporary covers.

Cybersecurity First Friday

4-6 p.m. — University of Colorado Colorado Springs — Free entry — Connect with the Colorado Springs cybersecurity community for socializing and networking.

Family Fun: Paint Your Favorite Squishy Friend

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Pricing varies — Get ready to paint, sip, and unleash your creativity regardless of experience level.

Stranger Things Trivia and Blind Bag Prizes

2-4 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Test your knowledge on Stranger Things and win fun blind bag prizes.

Game Days at Dave & Buster's

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — Special deals on wings — Score big with game day deals at D&B including 10 wings for $10.