Green Valley Ranch

African Grill and Bar will add a second location

We've been enamored of African Grill since we first stumbled into this Aurora strip mall spot a couple of years ago. Not only does the restaurant serve up tasty, tomato-tinged jollof rice and pungent goat stew, it's also operated by some of the most hospitable owners we've ever encountered. Osei and ... More >>

Hentzell Park flap: Should Denver trade open space for offices?

Five years ago, Denver park officials thought highly enough of a little-known parcel of open space along the Cherry Creek corridor, containing some of the last traces of native prairie vegetation to be found in the city, to officially designate it as a natural area. But now, Mayor Michael Hancock's ... More >>

Tisihia Allen charged with stabbing murder of Darius Norris in Aurora (36)

The Aurora Police Department has made an arrest in the October 2 death of a man later identified as 24-year-old Darius Norris. Tisihia Allen, 26, is being held on suspicion of second-degree murder. Get more details below.

Matthew Gianopoulos ID'd as victim in Green Valley Ranch homicide (35)

Update: Last week, we told you about a homicide in Green Valley Ranch on Wednesday evening; look below for our previous coverage. Now, the Denver coroner's office has identified the victim as Matthew Gianopoulos, age 21. The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. Here's a little more about a y ... More >>

For its new rule on liquor licenses near schools, Denver deserves extra credit

Michael Hancock's State of the City speech: Police reform and e-Denver

A year after taking office, Mayor Michael Hancock delivered his first State of the City address this morning, promoting a range of priorities, including restructuring the police department, increasing programs for children and a new online initiative he is calling "e-Denver." That's right, Denver is ... More >>

Dry Dock picks new brewery location; will begin canning by the end of 2012

Dry Dock Brewing, the 2009 Small Brewer of the Year and a darling of the Colorado craft beer scene, will open a huge second brewery in north Aurora later this year. The company will also begin canning four of its most popular beers with a packaging system is has ordered from Wild Goose Engineering i ... More >>

Elementary school band Night Oblivion makes its debut Saturday at a Koffi Togo fundraiser

Saturday night at the Mercury Cafe, second- and third-graders from SOAR Charter School in Green Valley Ranch will bring their drumming skills to the big stage for the first time. Performing under the moniker Night Oblivion, the elementary-school band of percussionists will be part of a fundraiser t ... More >>

Denver Public Schools committee exploring possible bond, mill levy ballot initiatives

Denver Public Schools is exploring whether to ask taxpayers to approve more moolah. The district has convened a giant committee of community members (72 of them!), including some familiar DPS faces, tasked with recommending whether DPS should -- in the face of deep state funding cuts -- ask voters i ... More >>

Lowry Leeks are prized for their lighter Denver flavor: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Lowry leeks are closely related to Denver Onions but have a sweeter, creamier, more delicate urban flavor. Prized by residents who seek urban flavor without all the dicing and tears, Lowry leeks are extremely hardy and many will grow in a compact space...

University Park turban squash improves observing conditions: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ The University Park turban squash is a colorful heirloom that inspired the design of University of Denver's Chamberlin Observatory back in 1889. Just as the observatory helps students look deep into the night sky, the buttercup-type squash is better for gazing than grazing...

Skyland mushroom spawn contains the fungi needed for better futures: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Much like the residents of the Skyland neighborhood, fungal mats are the most prolific biological entities on the planet and respond with inherent intelligence to stressed environments by recycling plant and animal debris into a nutritious food source...

Camping tips for people who don't like the wilderness: Kenny Be's Hip Tips

Berkeley alley getaway.​ August is a great month for enjoying a Colorado camping trip, but it is also the busiest. Rowdy campground crowds and hiking-trail traffic jams can add extra hassle to the burden of outdoor living. People who don't like the wilderness experience can still enjoy some Au ... More >>

One Chance Colorado, coalition of school reform organizations, launches today for real (VIDEO)

​ Last week, we told you about a fake webpage masquerading as the home base for One Chance Colorado, a coalition of school reform-minded organizations that actually launches today. Here's former Lieutenant Governor and coalition member Barbara O'Brien's take on what it's after and how it plans ... More >>

Michael Hancock campaign sprinting toward the finish line in mayor's race vs. Chris Romer

Michael Hancock.​Update: A short time ago, we published a look at the Chris Romer campaign's election day strategy in the Denver mayor's race that pits him against Michael Hancock. The Hancock crew's take? Amber Miller, spokeswoman for the perceived frontrunner, offered the following takes on ... More >>

Denver Public Library, facing budget cuts, asks for community input on how to raise revenue

​ The Denver Public Library is in financial trouble. Since 2003, city budget constraints have caused the system to cut hours, reduce staff and spend less money on new books. And it may only get worse: Next year, the library has been instructed to cut another $2.5 million from its budget. Start ... More >>

Parks and Rec membership fees (and revenues) could increase under tiered structure proposal

​Denver Parks and Recreation membership fees could increase if the city council approves a task force's recommendation to create a tiered fee structure for the city's 27 rec centers. The centers would be divided into three categories: neighborhood (small), local (medium-sized) and regional (fu ... More >>

Walkability: Top 3 best (and worst!) Denver neighborhoods for walking to the coffee shop

Flickr​ Walkability -- that is, how close a property is located to grocery stores, banks, restaurants, bus routes and bike trails -- is becoming increasingly important to home-buyers and apartment-dwellers, says local realtor John Skrabec. "People see the benefits of a walkable lifestyle and ... More >>

Denver Auto Show proves Denver drivers are truckin' nuts: Kenny Be's Special Report

Virginia Vale.​ The Denver Auto Show currently running at the Colorado Convention Center is an exhibition of dreams. The real Denver Auto show is staged on neighborhood driveways reveals that Denverites like big trucks. The 2005 Volvo Condo semi truck shown above is just one of many examples t ... More >>

Green Valley Ranch library: Denver opens impressive new facility despite staffing crunch

​Amid ribbon-cutting and speeches, balloon hats and live raptors, the Denver Public Library held a grand opening for its newest addition Saturday: the Green Valley Ranch Branch Library. The $11.4 million project, paid for out of bond funds authorized four years ago, arrives at a time when DPL ... More >>

Commerce City approves an incentive package to grow a King Soopers

​Food deserts -- that's what areas without grocery stores are called. And Commerce City is ready to provide some irrigation for the desert area around Reunion, a planned community whose plan has so far lacked a supermarket. The result? About 16,000 people in the northern range of Commerce Ci ... More >>

DPS school turnaround: Those opposed to plan have their say, but board approves it anyway

An opponent's sign.​ Last night, the Denver Public Schools board narrowly approved a turnaround plan for six struggling schools in far northeast Denver, including Montbello High, largely by hiring entirely new staffs or replacing them with charter schools. But first, the seven board members li ... More >>

Crips burned down the Holly in Bloods territory, but can peace emerge from the ashes in northeast Park Hill?

Freddie Ray Lazzo, three other members of the Denver Top 50 Most Wanted busted

Freddie's run from the law is dead.​Earlier today, we shared with you the latest edition of Denver's Top 50 Most Wanted Criminals. And the Denver Police Department is making progress on shrinking that number. According to Lt. Tony Lopez, commander of the complex-investigations section, four ... More >>

Darrent Williams murder trial, day five: Bullets and blood

Prosecutors say Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams (left) was shot and killed by 26-year-old Willie Clark (right) on New Year's Day 2007.​ Westword is covering the trial of Willie Clark, accused of murdering Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams early on New Year's Day 2007. The m ... More >>

Denver's top ten underutilized neighborhood business districts: The next hot 'hoods!

Denver Public LibraryIn 1986, before Highland Square was Highland Square​ I got into a conversation at a party this weekend about which neighborhood business district in Denver might emerge as the next cool place. Or, as real estate agents like to say, an "up-and-coming location." People who s ... More >>

Wake-Up Call: Shooting from the lip

Independence Institute chief John Caldara lost the battle of the sexes shoot-off at the organization's annual ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms -- but not in that order) event at the Kiowa Shooting Club on Saturday, but he's still a master at shooting from the lip. "I always aim for the left wing," ... More >>

Ray Ruybal Made His Mark

The longtime head of Denver's graffiti unit fought to clean up the city -- until he felt he was beating his head against the wall.

Shmuck of the Week

Delegating Denver #45 of 56: South Carolina

Affordable Housing a Tough Sell in Stapleton

There's room for everyone in Stapleton, but after five years, developers are having trouble finding room for affordable housing.

The Matrix

Can a white woman with ties to Dune, Keanu Reeves and Burning Man effectively represent Denver’s historically black city council district?

Welcome Inn

Our Drunk tries to keep pace with the locals.

Blue Ocean Asian Cafe

Carrying out and carrying on.

Change of Plans

Once hailed as the perfect community, Northglenn is ready to fight for its life.

My Way for the Highway

North Denver neighbors get a crash course in I-70's future.

Speed Thrills

Bandimere gets it in gear.

Follow That Story

Yap Dance

Imagine a Great Mayor

The candidates are spit-shining their images, trying to prove that, really, they're not all the same person.

Off Limits

Naked ambition

The Straight Poop

Cheesman neighbors worry that their park is going to the dogs.

Imagine a Great Campaign

It takes more than money to make a mayor. You have to know your way around Colfax, when to cry Republican and how to handle a drag queen.

Pucking Around

Remembering their boyhood passion, tabletop-hockey players are reviving their tiny game.

Two Makes Fore!

Can two golf courses survive near DIA?

Class Wars

Northeast Denver's schools are running out of room.

A Long Shot

Building the city's newest golf course has been a rough road, and it's not over yet.

Race for the Cure

In the special election for a new District 8 City Councilman, the field is wide open -- just like all those empty lots.

Tee Party

For a few well-connected Denver duffers, the city's golf program has meant plenty of green.

You Get What You Pay For

The city keeps hiring a business consultant who can't keep his own affairs straight.

MISSING LINKS

THE NEW CONSULTANT FOR THEY CITY'S GOLF PROBLEMS IS NO DUFFER--HE'S THE MAYOR'S PAL.