🧑‍⚖️ 16th Street stabber won’t stand trial

🚏 Is an RTD Reform Finally on the Horizon?

An accountability committee is recommending that state lawmakers restructure the publicly elected board that governs the state’s transit agency. Their suggestion is to reduce the number of board members from 15 to nine, and allow the governor to appoint four of those positions. [Denver Post 🔒]

• The case for change: Most members of the accountability committee said continued ridership decline and customer dissatisfaction signal an obvious need for “serious reform.” They say the change would “improve collaboration.”
• The case against change: Those who disagreed with the recommendation argue it would give the governor too much power and effectively be a “vote against democracy.”
• What do you think? We’ll be speaking with experts on both sides of the debate later this week. What do you want to hear from them? You can leave us a voicemail or a text message at 720-500-5418.

• In other RTD news: Last week, the city began installing artwork at East Colfax’s new BRT bus stations. Denver Arts & Venues commissioned local artists to create unique glass canopies at each of the street’s 15 bus stations that would “highlight and bolster the history, diversity and spirit of the Colfax corridor.” The piece pictured above is at the Westbound Pennsylvania Station. You can see all of them here.

🎷 Demolition Permits Approved for Historic Rossonian Hotel

Construction to redevelop the iconic Five Points hotel — known for hosting legendary Black jazz musicians back when the neighborhood was considered the “Harlem of the West” — is set to break ground this summer. Developers plan to preserve and renovate parts of the historic landmark, as well as build an 8-story addition to the hotel. [Denver Business Journal 🔒]

🧑‍⚖️ 16th Street Stabber Won’t Stand Trial

A Denver judge ruled Friday that the person accused of killing two and injuring two others during a stabbing spree last year is incompetent to stand trial at this time. The suspect will undergo mental health treatment at a facility in Pueblo, and his competency will be reevaluated at a later date. [CBS; Denver Post 🔒]

Sure, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and reservations at your favorite romantic restaurant are Valentine’s Day staples, but what else is in store for this February in the Mile High? Turns out, a lot! So we’ve rounded up our top picks for things to do, see, eat, and celebrate around Denver this month.

🥮 Eat Something Festive for Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, Feb. 17, this year. You can usher in the Year of the Horse at the Far East Center’s beloved annual celebration (Feb. 21-22) or along Aurora’s famously delicious Havana Street (Feb. 15). Indulge at one (or both!) free events with dumplings, noodles, and mooncakes galore.

👑 See ‘SIX’ Get Glammed Up and Yassified

If you’re a fan (and you definitely should be) of the wildly popular theater production “SIX: The Musical” that tells the story of King Henry VIII from the perspective of his six wives if they were a modern-day pop group, this one’s for you! The story is now being retold by six Denver drag queens in a glammed up parody of the Broadway banger. The one-night performance will be Friday, Feb. 20, at MCA Denver’s Holiday Theater.

🌓 Bask in This Coffee Shop’s 24/7 Diner Vibes

From lavender lattes and breakfast sandwiches to chicken tikka masala pizza and Irish cream cold brew, Lil Coffea Shop — with locations in Speer and Rosedale — has it all. The Rosedale spot offers comfy couches for catching up with an old friend, an outdoor fire pit for late-night hangs, and tables aplenty for working or brunching.

🎳 Plan Family-Friendly Fun (on a Budget!)

Looking for an affordable, low-effort hang? Moe’s Original BBQ in Englewood offers a cozy eight-lane bowling alley with couch-like seating on the cheap! Enjoy a few frames of low-stakes fun with friends for just the $4 shoe rental fee and $5 games (Monday-Friday), plus $3 domestic beers on weekdays from 3-6 p.m.

🧶 Get Creative at ReCreative

Yarn, paint, canvases, vintage postcards, beads — you name it — locally-owned, upcycled craft haven ReCreative Denver has everything you didn’t know you needed. Want to add a little spontaneity to your art practice? Pick up one of the shop’s “blind bags” and score a surprise selection of fabrics, jewelry making supplies, and other crafting goodies.

☕ Find Coffee, Cookies, and Community at Convivio Café

Grab a table at Convivio Café and settle in for a cortadito and conversation in their sunny and inviting shop. Come for the coffee, and stay for the treats 🤤 We suggest the creamy, custardy Flan de Vainilla or the not-too-sweet, crumbly perfection that is the housemade Blue Corn Cookies.

Psst! There’s even more where these came from! Tune into the City Cast Denver podcast for more recommendations!