Canstruction Food Event Subverted for Emory Purchase Propaganda

Lakewood’s shell game to buy Emory for the Action Center has shone a light on deals made before the public has a chance to weigh in. City leaders tell residents they can speak at the public comment period that was months away, and then they use the time before public comment to cement their plans away from public eye. More proof? An upcoming event taking place at Emory Elementary, hosted by Kaiser Permanente to benefit the Action Center. Chances are good that this was originally planned to be a celebration event for the Action Center that has now devolved into an event “with nonprofit partner.”

This is not just a regular Canstruction event. This is special for the Action Center at Emory.

The regular Colorado Canstruction drive is being held right now in Cherry Creek, just like it was last year. Cherry Creek Mall is where the public regularly gathers to shop, which is ideal for raising awareness among the people. The sculptures are on display for a month to build awareness. The food is collected by We Don’t Waste for distribution to local partners.

So although the food drive will serve a good purpose, there were opportunities to join the larger movement at Cherry Creek. Or to host the event at the current Action Center location. That would keep the focus on hunger issues.

Instead, the focus of the Action Center event will be the Emory location. Instead of taking awareness to the people through a major public venue, Kaiser and the Action Center are bringing people to the issue – Emory.

As originally scheduled, Lakewood had planned to sell Emory to the Action Center on October 27, 2025. It is unclear when or how the Action Center can take possession of the school when the school board hasn’t yet voted on it. The school board is not answering questions on this topic.

Both the Action Center and West Metro started organizing this event on social media around October 16, with final dates set October 24, after attorney Anita Springsteen got an injunction on the Emory sale vote. Now the sale date is in question.