Denver, CO

Sacrificing Convenience for Safety Is the Right Thing to Do

Published

4 months ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Sacrificing Convenience for Safety Is the Right Thing to Do

Are bicyclists safe on the streerts of Denver?

Lauren Antonoff

More than halfway into his first term, Mayor Mike Johnston finally met with his own Bicycle Advisory Committee and reiterated a familiar promise: Denver can increase road safety without taking any convenience away from drivers. “We want this to be a city where it is safe and easy to get around by bike or by foot,” Johnston told Westword after the meeting. “We want to build infrastructure and a culture that makes that easier, and we think we can do that without making it more difficult for drivers.”

The mayor is wrong. If Denver is serious about making our streets safer for everyone — people driving as well as people walking, biking, rolling or taking transit — then we have to be honest about what that requires. Real safety improvements will sometimes mean slowing cars down, reallocating space or asking drivers to take a slightly longer route. In other words, we must be willing to trade a bit of convenience for a lot of safety.

We already make this trade-off all the time. Parking in front of the fire hydrant across from my house would be extremely convenient, but I don’t do it because it would put my neighbors at risk if a fire broke out. I don’t enjoy going through security screening every time I attend a Denver City Council meeting, but I accept it because it keeps a critical public forum safe. These small inconveniences are simply part of living in a community where everyone’s well-being matters.

So why is the idea of asking drivers to accept minimal inconvenience — a few extra minutes, a block or two of walking from their parking spot to their final destination — treated as politically impossible, even when it could prevent deaths and life-altering injuries?

Will you step up to support Westword this year?

At Westword, we’re small and scrappy — and we make the most of every dollar from our supporters. Right now, we’re $20,000 away from reaching our December 31 goal of $50,000. If you’ve ever learned something new, stayed informed, or felt more connected because of Westword, now’s the time to give back.

Denver committed to Vision Zero nearly a decade ago, pledging to eliminate traffic fatalities. Yet year after year, the death toll remains stubbornly high, topping eighty lives lost annually since the pandemic. The reason is not mysterious: City leaders have consistently prioritized driver convenience over safety, even as people continue to die on our streets.

For generations, Denver’s street designs have catered not just to driving, but to driving dangerously. The majority of streets on the city’s High Injury Network — just 5 percent of streets where half of all traffic deaths occur — are major arterials like Colfax, Federal, Colorado, Speer and Alameda. These corridors are engineered to move as many vehicles as quickly as possible. People walking and biking are left to navigate speeding traffic with minimal protection, crossing up to eight lanes just to reach the other side.

We know what works. The data is unequivocal: On streets like these, the most effective safety improvements reduce the space available for fast-moving vehicles. Road diets, narrower lanes, shorter crossings and dedicated space for sidewalks, bike lanes and bus lanes all make streets safer for everyone — including drivers — by bringing speeds down to survivable levels.

And yet, Mayor Johnston’s recent decision to abandon the planned road diet on Alameda Avenue is only the latest example of the city retreating from proven safety measures because they might inconvenience drivers. The city noted that its revised plan for Alameda would save drivers an extra sixty seconds of driving time, compared to the original road diet.

The mayor must confront a hard truth: We cannot keep people safe without changing the status quo, and the status quo is built on prioritizing speed and convenience over human life. Denver cannot have it both ways.

So the real question for Mayor Johnston is this: How many lives is Denver willing to sacrifice to preserve driver convenience?

So far in 2025, we have lost 87 people — and counting.

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Denver, CO

Historic 84-year-old Bonnie Brae gas station in Denver officially listed for sale by family

Published

9 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Historic 84-year-old Bonnie Brae gas station in Denver officially listed for sale by family

DENVER — After 84 years of pumping gas and cleaning windshields, the family-owned Bonnie Brae Conoco in Denver is officially up for sale.

Located at the corner of University and Exposition, the station has been a staple in the neighborhood for generations. Owner Ken Wilson believes it could be the only remaining full-service, family-owned gas station in the city.

“Some people wouldn’t know what to do if we stopped doing this,” Wilson said.

Mike Castellucci

Wilson started working at the station when he was 12 years old. His family has owned the business through the decades, keeping photos from the 1940s through the 1970s.

“So many memories. I love coming to work. When I come here I feel like my dad never left,” Wilson said.

Wilson noted that his father died 14 years ago.

► Watch Mike Castellucci’s report in the player below:

Historic Bonnie Brae Conoco gas station in Denver officially listed for sale

The station was previously known for a sign that read “not for sale.” Now, the sign has changed to indicate the property is on the market.

“We’re just looking to the future. It’s a great property. It’s been good to us. We love the neighborhood. I love coming to work. So it’s not like I’m dying to sell this. We think it’s a very valuable property,” Wilson said.

Customer Ali Halberson noticed the Conoco sign went from "not for sale" to "for sale"

Today, employee Claude Espinoza is changing out winter tires for summer tires.

“I get it. Only so long you can run a family business,” Espinoza said.

Customers like Ali Halberson, who spent $100 to fill her car, are feeling the impact of changing times.

“I was really empty,” Halberson said.

While Halberson thinks current gas prices are “terrible,” customers in the neighborhood do not want to pay the price of watching the Wilson family’s station disappear. Other gas stations that used to operate across the street and next door are long gone, leaving the Bonnie Brae Conoco as a final remnant of a bygone era.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Mike Castellucci

Denver7’s Mike Castellucci covers stories that have an impact in all of Colorado’s communities, but specializes in reporting on community connections. If you’d like to get in touch with Mike, fill out the form below to send him an email.

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Denver, CO

First Time at Denver Fashion Week? Read This Before Tickets Sell Out – 303 Magazine

Published

21 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

First Time at Denver Fashion Week? Read This Before Tickets Sell Out – 303 Magazine

Denver Fashion Week has become one of the city’s most buzzed-about events – but if you’ve never been, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to expect.

The good news: it’s far more accessible (and fun) than you think – and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.

Your first Fashion Week experience doesn’t have to happen in New York or Paris. It’s happening right here at Denver Fashion Week.

Seats are limited, and the most popular nights go quickly—especially VIP. Get your tickets HERE

Here’s how to navigate your first Denver Fashion Week like a pro.

What’s the vibe?

Forget the intimidating, ultra-elite energy of New York or Paris. Denver Fashion Week strikes a balance between elevated and inclusive. Think high-energy, visually immersive, and social.
You’re not sitting quietly—you’re part of the atmosphere.

You’ll see a mix of:

Designers, models, local creatives, and stylists
Influencers, press, brands, sponsors, and photographers
Fashion, beauty, art, and music lovers dressed to be seen

The energy builds as the night goes on — from pre-show cocktails to the moment the lights dim and the runway comes alive. It’s part fashion show, part social scene, and part cultural experience.

What to wear?

The most common question: What do I wear?

The short answer — there are no strict rules. But this is your moment to show up intentionally styled.

Think of it as: elevated self-expression.

Go-To Outfit Ideas:

Elevated Streetwear
Oversized blazer, cargos or tailored pants, heels or sleek sneakers. Effortlessly cool and on-trend.

Minimal Chic
Slip dress, neutral tones, sleek bun, gold jewelry. Clean, understated and polished.

Bold Statement Look
Metallics, textures, statement outerwear or dramatic silhouettes. Perfect for turning heads.

If you’re debating between playing it safe or going bold – lean bold. This is one of the few nights in Denver where more fashion-forward always works.

What is the timeline of the night?

Arrive early to avoid the line and find parking
Grab a cocktail, take photos, mingle, shop
Runway show begins
Ask where the after party is!

What is the VIP Lounge Experience?

Experience Fashion at the Highest Level

If you’re looking to turn your night into something unforgettable, the VIP experience is where Denver Fashion Week truly comes alive.

VIP access is available to First + Second Runway Seat ticket holders, giving you a front-row connection to every moment on the runway.

VIP Perks Include:

Priority seating with premium runway views
Exclusive check-in experience
Elevated atmosphere among Denver’s fashion insiders
Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres (while supplies last)
Elevated photo opportunities of every look
Networking alongside press, influencers, celebrities, and fashion insiders
Exclusive VIP discounts at select pop-up vendors
An up-close experience of cutting-edge runway production
Access to the VIP cash bar

Why does seating matters?

First and second Row: premium, closest to the action, elevated photo opportunities of every look, and gain VIP lounge access.
General Admission: relaxed, and enjoy a state-of-the-art fashion show production.

Does Denver Fashion Week support the community?

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Denver Fashion Week has announced Ardent Grove, a Colorado-based nonprofit mental health clinic, as its official community partner for the Spring 2026 shows

Where will Denver Fashion Week be held?

For Spring 2026, Denver Fashion Week will once again transform the luxurious Furniture Row Showroom into a fully immersive runway environment. Known for its expansive layouts, modern architecture, and refined aesthetic, the space offers a setting rarely seen in traditional fashion venues.

Instead of conventional warehouses or hotel ballrooms, the runway unfolds inside a curated interior design landscape — where elevated home décor meets cutting-edge fashion.

Is it worth it?

Denver Fashion Week is more than a runway — it’s a full experience blending fashion, culture, and community.
If you love fashion, creativity, or just want a unique night out in Denver, absolutely.

And once you go, you’ll get it.

Where to stay?

Elevate your Denver Fashion Week experience with our hotel partner, Vīb Hotel. Enjoy 35% off during DFW when you book directly and stay just minutes from the action in style and comfort.

Where to buy tickets?

Seats are limited, and the most popular nights go quickly—especially VIP.

Get your tickets HERE or below

SUSTAINABLE Spring ’26 Presented by Furniture Row

When: Fri, May 1, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Furniture Row Showroom – 5445 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $30+
The Lowdown:

This show honors designers committed to ethical production, eco-conscious materials and slow fashion principles. From upcycled textiles to responsible sourcing and transparent manufacturing, this runway proves that sustainability and high design can coexist beautifully.

SOCIETY Spring ’26 Presented by Furniture Row

When: Saturday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Furniture Row Showroom – 5445 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $30+
The Lowdown:

Denver Fashion Week’s most elevated and couture-driven evening. This showcase highlights avant-garde collections, luxury craftsmanship and bold artistic expression. It’s a celebration of high fashion — where visionary design and dramatic silhouettes command the runway.

Family Day: YOUTH + MOMMY & ME Spring ’26 Presented by Furniture Row

When: Sunday, May 3, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Furniture Row Showroom – 5445 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $30+
The Lowdown:

A heartwarming and high-energy experience celebrates the next generation of fashion. Featuring youth designers, young models and coordinated parent-child looks, this daytime runway brings together families, creativity and community in a joyful celebration of style at every.

STREETWEAR & SNEAKERS Spring ’26 Presented by Furniture Row

When: Tuesday, May 5, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Furniture Row Showroom – 5445 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $30+
The Lowdown:

Streetwear & Sneakers taps into culture, edge and urban influence. This show highlights bold graphics, statement footwear, layered styling and trend-driven collections rooted in music, art and street culture. Expect high-impact energy and looks that define what’s next in everyday fashion.

MAXIMALISM Spring ’26 Presented by Furniture Row

When: Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Furniture Row Showroom – 5445 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $30+
The Lowdown:

Maximalism Night embraces fearless self-expression. Designers will showcase vibrant color stories, dramatic textures, exaggerated silhouettes and unapologetic styling. It’s a runway dedicated to more — more volume, more detail, more personality.

OUTERWEAR + ATHLEISURE Spring ’26 Presented by Furniture Row

When: Thursday, May 7, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Furniture Row Showroom – 5445 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $30+
The Lowdown:

New for Spring 2026, Outerwear & Athleisure celebrates Colorado’s unique intersection of performance and polish. This show highlights technical innovation, structured outerwear, luxury sportswear and contemporary layering designed for movement and style.

ADAPTIVE Spring ’26 Presented by Furniture Row

When: Friday, May 8, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Furniture Row Showroom – 5445 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $30+
The Lowdown:

Denver Fashion Week, in partnership with Guided By Humanity, invites you to a defining moment of the season, The Adaptive Runway Show, which spotlights inclusive design created for individuals of all abilities.

SWIM & RESORT WEAR Spring ’26 Presented by Furniture Row

When: Saturday, May 9 7:00 p.m.
Where: Furniture Row Showroom – 5445 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $30+
The Lowdown:

Back by demand, Swimsuit & Resort Wear delivers high-energy glamour and vacation-ready style. Designers will present bold swim silhouettes, sculptural one-pieces, vibrant prints and flowing resort looks that set the tone for Summer 2026. It’s an evening of color, confidence and destination-inspired drama.

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Denver, CO

Timberwolves to open NBA Playoffs at Denver Nuggets Saturday

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

Timberwolves to open NBA Playoffs at Denver Nuggets Saturday

Kevin Garnett returns to Target Center for Timberwolves’ finale

Former Minnesota Timberwolves’ legend Kevin Garnett returned to Target Center Sunday night for the first time in eight years. He was escorted, along with his two daughters, to their courtside seats by owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore. He walked out to a standing ovation from fans, and a video tribute.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Denver Nuggets to open the Western Conference Playoffs.

It’ll mark the third time in four seasons the two teams have met in the NBA Playoffs.

Timberwolves vs Nuggets playoff series

What we know:

The Nuggets rested several of their starters against the San Antonio Spurs Sunday night, but still got a 128-118 win to earn the No. 3 seed for the Western Conference Playoffs. The L.A. Lakers fell to the No. 4 spot despite beating the Utah Jazz 131-107 Sunday night.

The Timberwolves had already earned the No. 6 seed in the West last week. They got a 136-132 win over the Houston Rockets, and in Sunday’s regular season finale, beat the New Orleans Pelicans 132-126 to finish the season 49-33.

The Timberwolves probably would’ve preferred to have the Lakers get the No. 3 seed, with star guard Luka Doncic dealing with a hamstring injury. Guard Austin Reaves is also dealing with an oblique injury.

The Timberwolves and Nuggets will play a best-of-seven series, with games 3 and 4 at Target Center, as as well as a game 6, if necessary.

Timberwolves rivalry with Nuggets

Why you should care:

The two teams enter the Western Conference Playoffs with quite the rivalry. The Nuggets went 3-1 this year against the Timberwolves in the regular season.

Last year, the Timberwolves swept the regular season 4-0, then the two teams didn’t meet in the playoffs. Minnesota got to its second straight Western Conference Finals, and the Nuggets got eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Timberwolves and Nuggets went seven games in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, and in Game 7, Minnesota came back from a 20-point deficit to win and advance to its first Western Conference Finals in 20 years.

In 2023, the Nuggets beat the Timberwolves in the first round on the way to winning the NBA title. Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels both missed that series due to injuries.

In 2017, the Timberwolves ended a 13-year playoff drought, needing overtime to beat the Nuggets in a play-in game, 112-106.

Game 1 set for Saturday

What’s next:

The Timberwolves will travel to Denver and face the Nuggets in Game 1 of their playoff series at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime.

Minnesota TimberwolvesSports

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