Susan Shepherd weighs in on No High Rises fight in Highland

The signs started popping up late last fall: No high rises in West Highland. But the residents fighting a massive, three-building complex proposed for the heart of Highland Square didn’t stop at signs. They also pushed city officials, including Susan Shepherd, the new Denver City Council representative for District 1,…

Why don’t Mexicans compete in the Winter Olympics?

Dear Mexican: How come Mexicans don’t perform in the Winter Olympics? What, no talent? Or are Mexicans afraid of snow? I’m thinking both. Also, Mexicans don’t do too well in the Summer Olympics, either — they even suck in soccer. There is plenty of snow in Mexico, so don’t use…

Vail Resorts Epic Pass holders get snowed by Montana rustlers

While Colorado skiers keep watching the skies and the weather reports, hoping to see some of the white stuff, other states aren’t sitting idly by on their snowboards. Montana’s Big Sky, for example is trying to rustle Colorado skiers…by honoring the Epic Pass issued by Vail Resorts…

Why do Americans pronounce Junipero as Juan-a-pear-o?

Dear Mexican: In my home town of Playa Larga (Long Beach, California), natives refer to a major avenida in our villa, Junipero Avenue (named for Father Junípero Serra, accused native genocider, a candidate for sainthood — but I digress), as Juan-a-pear-o. There is no “Juan” in Junipero, but that’s how…

Why Golden put the brakes on the Jefferson Parkway land swap

Despite the efforts of Governor John Hickenlooper and Don Hunt, the head of the Colorado Department of Transportation, the negotiations with Golden, Jefferson County and the group that would build the Jefferson Parkway wound up going nowhere…fast. In mid-December, Golden outlined a $57 million transportation deal that town would get…

Greatest Mexican hits of 2011

Dear Readers: Here’s a look back at some of the best questions of the year. Dear Mexican: Thirteen years old, and I’m jacking off, not knowing I left the bathroom door ajar. Just as I blasted onto the shower curtain, my mom walked in. Aghast, she shouted, “¡Cochino, te vas…

Latest Word is ho-ho-home for the holidays

The Westword office is closed for the holidays until Tuesday, December 27, and Latest Word is taking a break until then. In the meantime, enjoy these Colorado Christmas cards from Kenny Be — and if you have time on your hands, feel free to post a comment on the topic…

Union Station developers bite into a delicious project

Union Station was once a bustling spot, but as fewer people decided to “travel by train,” as its neon sign advises, more and more businesses pulled out of the station. By the early ’80s, the only refreshment options were a soda fountain in the lobby, the classic Caboose Lounge and,…