Debbie Ortega

3 things to do for free in Denver this week, April 1-4

What better way to start off April than with a terrifying Belgian horror movie? See the scary flick Calvaire, learn about the music business from industry professionals, or help raise awareness about sexual assault this week in Denver -- all without spending a dime. No joke! Read the Westword calend ... More >>

"I voted" stickers perfect addition to LoHi hipsters' yoga ensembles

At 7:35 a.m., a Colorado Republican Committee radio ad urging people to vote early by mail was airing on KHOW. Too late. I'd just returned from the polling place in my neighborhood -- a neighborhood that has changed drastically in the twenty years I've been voting here.

Scarlet Ranch: City council refuses to pay off lawsuit alleging police misconduct

The Scarlet Ranch swingers club, which moved last year from Denver to Littleton, won't be getting an infusion of city money anytime soon. Last night, the city council narrowly rejected a $42,500 settlement agreement to resolve a federal lawsuit alleging that in May 2010, Denver police "illegally ent ... More >>

Medical marijuana outdoor ad ban one step away from Denver City Council approval

Last night, Denver City Council unanimously backed the proposed ban on medical marijuana outdoor advertising, despite a majority of speakers opposing the proposed measure, as well as one advocate's threat to sue on First Amendment grounds. Council will now have to have a final vote to approve it on ... More >>

Marijuana advocate to Denver City Council: If changes in MMJ ad ban not made, we'll sue

Update below: Last week, our William Breathes noted that a Denver City Council-proposed outdoor medical marijuana advertising ban is up for public discussion tonight -- but advocate Rico Colibri isn't waiting. During the wee hours, he sent an open letter to the council (read it below) threatening to ... More >>

Medical marijuana outdoor advertising ban moving forward at Denver City Council

For the past several months, the Denver City Council has been debating outdoor medical marijuana advertising. The main question: Should it be prohibited near schools or banned entirely? Now, a ban seems to have the momentum, and could be approved in the next several weeks.

Plastic bags ban in Denver? Officials considering fees and more

They clog up waterways. They end up in landfills, where they take thousands of years to break down. And they kill turtles and dolphins. Plastic bags of the sort used in grocery stores are a top enemy for environmentalists, and Westword has learned that some Denver officials are considering policies ... More >>

Medical marijuana outdoor-ad-ban decision in Denver delayed until August

Two competing medical marijuana advertising bans have been proposed by Denver City Council members, and their concepts are very different in scope. The council's Debbie Ortega and Christopher Herndon have until August to find a compromise before their colleagues take a vote.

Medical marijuana ad ban supportive, not punitive, councilman says

Earlier this week, Denver City Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz expressed philosophical support for a medical marijuana outdoor ad ban that would go beyond one targeting the areas near where kids congregate. Councilman Christopher Herndon confirms that he'll offer just such a proposal and tells us why he t ... More >>

Medical marijuana advertising: Citywide ban more fair, councilwoman says

Last week, Cannabis Business Alliance's Shawn Coleman argued that accepting a medical marijuana advertising ban near schools, parks, daycares and rec centers might find off citywide prohibition. But one councilwoman is leaning toward a more sweeping policy.

Medical marijuana ad regs a way for industry to show it's responsible, advocate says

Yesterday, the Denver City Council's Businesses, Workforce and Sustainability Committee voted in favor of an ordinance that would ban medical marijuana advertising within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, parks and rec centers. It's a proposal Cannabis Business Alliance executive director Shawn Colem ... More >>

Medical marijuana ad ban to be considered by Denver City Council

Last month, we told you about a Medical Marijuana Industry Group-proposed citywide ban on outdoor MMJ advertising that was being kicked around by Denver City Council. That idea didn't materialize, but a bill banning advertising near schools and parks is moving forward.

Photos: Cries of "Shame!" as camping ban passes at tense council meeting

The mood was charged from the beginning. Even before City Council voted nine to four to approve Denver's new urban camping ordinance, one audience member made a point during the Pledge of Allegiance. During its conclusion of "peace and justice for all," he shouted "ALL!" in protest against the measu ... More >>

Medical Marijuana Industry Group pushes plan for outdoor MMJ ad ban

If the Medical Marijuana Industry Group has its way, there'll be a citywide ban on outdoor medical marijuana advertising in Denver. And with the idea for this proposal currently floating around city council, MMIG might just get its wish.

Photos: Denver City Council preliminarily passes urban camping ban

Before last night's epic Denver City Council meeting started, and well before its members voted nine to four to preliminarily approve the proposed urban camping ordinance, the line for public attendance stretched far outside the City and County Building. Many of these people left during the followin ... More >>

Councilman Albus Brooks discusses the proposed ban on urban camping

Also read: For the homeless, "urban camping" is no picnic

Urban camping ban: Denver City Council delays vote -- for a week

Today, after the Commission on Homelessness called for an additional four weeks to consider an urban camping ordinance, Denver City Council moved its final consideration date to May 14, one week later than previously scheduled. The decision came with a final vote of four to three. If approved, the b ... More >>

Sports Authority Field at Mile High: Neighbors question the city's sign standards

​In its February newsletter, under the headline "PROPOSED SPORTS AUTHORITY SIGNS CONTROVERSIAL," local neighborhood organization the Sloan's Lake Citizens' Group encourages its membership to write the city in response to the potential additions to Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Because o ... More >>

Colorado Democrats commend Obama's "smarter immigration policy"

Colorado Democratic leaders are applauding the Obama Administration's newly proposed immigration policy, a measure that would permit undocumented spouses and children of United States citizens to remain in the country during the legal immigration process. Under current law, undocumented family memb ... More >>

Elitch's lights up the night...every night

We're Not Worthy

Charity began at home. This home.

What Class!

Elvis has left the building, but things are looking up at the Regency.

Follow That Story

Camp Out

Pitching Tents

A camp for the homeless works in Portland. Can it work here, too?

Satan Sheets

The Regency Hotel's dance with the devil.

Blockheads

The Baker neighborhood drafted a plan for its future -- and then developers got involved.

The Meter's Running

From a world-class city to a world-class pity.

A Fine Mess

The Children's Museum cites the city's parking division for a violation.

Backwash

Local bars get stung by police, and some say the kids are to blame.

The Truck Stops Here

Denver's loncheras were cooking until the city put the brakes on mobile vendors.

Funky Town

Even though the EPA says Denver's air is getting cleaner, the odor lingers on.

Every Vote Counts

Mail-ballot elections force candidates to change their campaign strategies.

Off Limits

Is that a tuba in your pocket?

The Bite

Is the Denver Art Museum looking to expand more than its gallery space?

A City Deal

Denver wreaks havoc with the nonprofits that run its community centers.

Penned In

Tired of trying to get around the Stock Show, Globeville residents want the Stock Show to get around them.

Off Limits

No bang for the buck

Letters to the Editor

From the week of August 24

How to Build a Ghetto

Everyone said they wanted homeless people to be invisible at Lowry. So why aren't they?

Off Limits

May Day, May Day...

Don't Be Dense

A Denver neighborhood fights city hall and wins -- for now.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised!

How Denver’s Hispanic community lost a cable-TV channel but gained a “heritage center.” Maybe.

No Walk in the Park

Dustin Redd is dead, but the rift over naming a playground in his honor lives on.

Letters

OFF LIMITS

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

AN INQUIRY TURNS DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICIALS INTO PICNIC BASKET CASES.

BARRELS OF FUN

SUNNYSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS FROLIC AMONG HAZARDOUS WASTE AT EPA CLEANUP SITE.

OFF LIMITS

THE $1 MILLION MAN

MAYOR WEBB'S SAFE CITY SUMMIT WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE THE SUMMER SAFER. BUT IT HASN'T BOUGHT POLITICAL PEACE.

SCHOOL'S OUT

THE FORMER RESIDENTS OF AURARIA LOSE A BATTLE FOR FINANCIAL AID.