Good morning, Grand Junction.

Union employees at Safeway and Albertsons in Grand Junction are set to vote on a possible strike between May 30 and June 1 after eight months of negotiations over wages, health care and staffing issues—discussions will resume in Wheat Ridge on June 2.

On June 7, Wüffstock at the Gardens will be held at Western Colorado Botanical Gardens with live music by Liver Down the River and Zac Grant in a dog-friendly benefit for Roice-Hurst Humane Society.

Doors open at 3 p.m. and music begins at 4 p.m.—attendees may also enjoy food trucks, vendor booths, and free entry for children under 13 and well-behaved, leashed dogs.

A heated board meeting last week saw teachers and union members clash over budget pressures, smaller classes, and teacher safety in the first contract impasse in 40 years—board officials cited a $2.8 million insurance cost hike and declining enrollment as major factors.

The district will hold mediation on July 14 and may amend the budget approved by June to address these issues.

On May 21 (a week ago), the City Council voted unanimously to censure Council member Jason Nguyen for a Facebook comment urging a boycott of local businesses opposing a downtown transportation project, and he issued a public apology at the meeting.

The resolution passed (7-0) after local business owners expressed strong concerns.

City Manager Mike Bennett announced today that Jay Valentine, a 26-year veteran, was chosen as Grand Junction’s chief financial officer after a competitive recruitment process with over 25 applicants.

Valentine will oversee the city’s finance, IT and general services departments—ensuring fiscal responsibility and supporting long-term planning.

Mesa County Commissioners voted on May 20 to join the Western Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association in a lawsuit against new air quality rules that may force local energy facilities to close — county officials say the mandates could cost local jobs and hurt economic stability.

They argue the rules require costly electric power conversion that many operators cannot afford — the lawsuit seeks fair measures for the Western Slope.

Grand Junction officials are increasing the cleaning of the two portable restrooms at Emerson Park Skatepark after visitors complained about trash overflow and vandalism.

City staff are working with Ready Services—who clean on Tuesdays and Fridays—to improve service and ask residents to report problems via the non-emergency line.

The City of Grand Junction installed a new HAWK pedestrian signal at the Monument Trail crossing on Monument Road—this is the first of its kind in Grand Junction and Mesa County and alerts drivers when pedestrians press a button.

City officials said the signal is designed to cut car conflicts and more signals will be added at mid-block crossings along Four Canyons Parkway.

The City of Grand Junction will host a free family-friendly Get to Know Your City event on June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dos Rios Park Magpie Shelter where City Manager Mike Bennett and staff will answer questions and share updates on new projects and services.

The City of Grand Junction, in partnership with Mesa County and local community leaders, has released an RFP to fund organizations that address the rise in homelessness by offering services such as shelter, affordable housing, and supportive programs; proposals detailing program experience, budgets, and operational plans are due by June 26 before 1 p.m. – the funding may range from $75,000 to $500,000 per year for up to three years.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night with Jason Boland & The Stragglers as they showcase their new album and celebrated career.

40 Oz to Freedom: A Tribute to Sublime

8-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the energetic tribute to Sublime by the award-winning band 40 Oz to Freedom.

Ninety Percent 90s

8-11 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Cover charge TBD — Covering the best and worst hits of the 90s with 100% awesome vibes.

Clyde McGee with Eric Mocko Live

8 PM — Mesa Theater — Free venue parking — Enjoy a night of live music returning to Grand Junction with Clyde McGee and special guest Eric Mocko.

Rock Junction

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Grand Junction Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram — Entry fee varies — Explore a plethora of automotive innovations and network with industry professionals.

Cheap Trick Concert

7-11 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — Ticket information available — Experience classic rock tunes from the legendary Cheap Trick band.

Phantom Ink Festival

12 PM-10 PM — Grand Junction Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in a vibrant tattoo festival featuring artists, competitions, and entertainment.

Wüffstock at the Gardens: Liver Down the River

4-7 p.m. — Western Colorado Botanical Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Zac Grant and Liver Down the River in a beautiful botanical setting.

Colorado Native Plant Master: Noxious Weeds Training

8 AM – 12 PM — Colorado State University Extension Tri-River Area — Check website for cost — Engage in hands-on classes to identify and manage invasive weeds in Western Colorado.

DJ Snoopadelic Summer Bash

5-6:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $50-$109 — Enjoy an unforgettable evening with DJ Snoopadelic at the ultimate summer BBQ bash.