Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs teamed with Westside Community Center Alliance—a nonprofit formed by Westside Neighbors—to advise on programs at the community center.

The alliance met yesterday at the center and will work with city staff to plan upcoming projects as regular events like the Saleabration garage sale continue.

Auria Space held its Demo Day last Thursday, July 9, letting residents try its technology for satellite control, communications, and simulation used by the Air Force Academy, U.S. Space Force, and commercial groups.

CEO Damian DiPippa said the event gathered community feedback on future tech plans.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is launching a state accredited nature based preschool *Little Paws Preschool* on Aug.

24 for 3 year olds and for children ages 4 and 5 with small class sizes; registration is now open.

Eastlake High School, an alternative charter school downtown, is weighing its future as its board met Tuesday to discuss interim leadership, relocation or closure after Principal CJ Berry resigned on July 10 amid declining enrollment and funding concerns.

A final decision will come in the coming months.

A Colorado Children's Campaign report shows that nearly 30% of families with children struggle to pay for essentials while education and health challenges persist with lower vaccination rates, rising childcare costs, and teacher shortages (figures mark significant changes since 2014).

A section of South Academy Boulevard is closed this weekend from 7 p.m. Friday to noon Monday for underground waterline installation and re-striping, and drivers must follow detour routes via Hancock and Astrozon; additional lane closures at the Astrozon-Academy intersection will begin Monday afternoon for three weeks.

Voters chose Colorado Springs' top ice cream spots: Josh & John's offers a drive-through on Garden of the Gods Road, BJ’s Velvet Freeze serves Union Blvd, and Rizuto’s opened a second Chelton Crossing location featuring its 14er cone — while Colorado City Creamery in Old Colorado City remains a must-try.

Colorado Springs' Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is underway, featuring top competitors from all 50 states, Canada and Mexico in the season-ending championship; organizers recommend using the free, air-conditioned shuttle for easy parking at downtown garages, and the event wraps up Saturday.

D2 Summer Food Service Program

All day — Family Success Center - Pikes Peak United Way — Free meals available — A community initiative to provide nutritious food during the summer months.

LIVE at the Lodge - Tiny Pockets with Good Grub Food Truck

6-9 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Food truck and live music — Enjoy an evening of tunes from Tiny Pockets while savoring delicious bites from Good Grub.

Brushes & Brunch at Beans & Brews

1-3 p.m. — Beans & Brews Coffeehouse — $15 minimum food purchase required — Unleash your creativity with step-by-step painting instruction in a cozy café setting.

Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Camp

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — El Pomar Youth Sports Park — Registration required — Develop soccer skills with expert coaching from Real Madrid methodologies.

Mash Mechanix Pickleball Club

5:30-6 p.m. — Mash Mechanix Brewing Co — Free entry — Enjoy friendly and competitive pickleball while sipping on discounted pints.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge while enjoying craft beer and prizes every Wednesday night.

Cos Racing Group Bike Ride

5:30-6:00 p.m. — Fossil Craft Beer Company — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly cycling adventure followed by community vibes and craft beer.

Food Distribution Event

10-11 a.m. — Norris Penrose Event Center — Open to all — Helping the community by providing food supplies for those in need.

Highland Happy Hour

6-10 p.m. — Jack Quinn's Irish Pub and Restaurant — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of drinks and camaraderie at a beloved local pub.

Sunday Market in Acacia Park

9 AM – 2 PM — Acacia Park — Free entry — Browse fresh food and local goods at this vibrant weekly community market.