Denver in 5 minutes: What you need to know today, Aug. 14

Andrew Kenney

Aug. 14, 2016, 10:44 a.m.

Today’s rundown includes Sunday afternoon events, big changes to water bills and the plan to fix Denver’s streets and sidewalks.

For fun

It’s time for yet another taco festival. (I’m not complaining.) Westword’s Tacolandia kicks off at 3 p.m. today. Tickets are $40.

Warm Cookies of the Revolution is hosting a scavenger hunt and walking tour around the Five Points, Whittier, Curtis Park and Cole neighborhoods. The event runs 4:30 to 6 p.m., kicking off at 2900 Downing Street. (Denverite)

Your bills

Denver’s biggest water consumers are paying cheaper rates under a new billing structure. Meanwhile, some of the smallest consumers’ bills have gone up. (Denver Post)

Streets and sidewalks

The temporary bike lane on South Broadway opens on Monday. Illegal Pete’s is hosting a celebration.

Also, the Denver City Council is looking at ways to fix the city’s sidewalks. Currently, individual property owners pay to maintain sidewalks, which hasn’t exactly produced a walkable city-wide network. (Streetsblog)

Crime

A man was fatally shot by a SWAT team in Lakewood on Saturday. He reportedly was armed and resisting arrest. (Denverite)

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser address a crowd outside the State Capitol on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, in Denver. (Esteban L. Hernandez/Denverite)

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser celebrates Presidents Day by suing President Trump

More than 100 demonstrators rallied outside the State Capitol in opposition to President Trump’s emergency declaration to fund a border wall.

Nancy Grandys-Jones expresses concern to Nathan Hunt about the Beloved Community tiny home village during a meeting at the Globeville rec center, Feb. 15, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Globeville residents really, really don’t want anything to do with the tiny home village that the city wants to move there

Councilman Albus Brooks, whose district includes the neighborhood, says he's still seeking clarity.

Teachers and supporters march outside of South High School at dawn on the first day of their strike, Feb. 11, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Gentrification destabilized some teachers’ pay as it changed neighborhoods around schools. Teachers say the new deal makes it better.

Here’s what just changed.

A couple experiencing homelessness lives in this camp along Sand Creek. (Donna Bryson/Denverite)

Business and political figures have started to raise voices — and funds — to oppose Right to Survive

The initiative's backers say it's a matter of protecting the rights of people experiencing homelessness

Randy Russell sits beyond a police line. "Homeless sweeps" on Nov. 15, 2016. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)homeless; sweeps; denver rescue mission; police; justice; kevinjbeaty; denver; denverite; colorado; camping ban; right to rest;

Denver Democrats endorse Right to Survive

A Thrive Elements Collection home in Stapleton. (Donna Bryson/Denverite)

Stewards of Denver’s affordable housing program slammed if they don’t, slammed if they do

A major builder complains OED has made it too difficult for buyers to get homes.

A screen shot of Blucifer: The Doom Horse of Denver.

The Blucifer video game is ready for those of you who want to be Denver’s airport demon horse

Blucifer is "woke" and also the real Gossip Girl.

Boettcher Concert Hall. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

The Colorado Symphony wants a new concert hall

“The bottom line is: Whatever plan Next Stage comes up with will involve taking Boettcher Concert Hall down.”

Guinevere Vigil rides the half pipe in roller skates at Englewood's Cushing Park, Feb. 2, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Things to do in Denver this weekend, Feb. 15-17

Denver Public Schools Superintendant Susana Cordova sits in a packed room during negotiations with Denver's teachers union at the Denver Public Library, Feb. 12, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Here’s how Denver’s teacher pay debate went from fiery to collaborative and even a little silly

With the help of a federal mediator and a lot more attention and pressure, the teachers union found new superintendent Susana Cordova easier to work with.

Mayor Michael Hancock announces a city bill to increase minimum wage for city workers, Feb. 14, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Denver city workers and contractors are now on track to get a $15 minimum wage

The Hancock administration, City Councilwoman Robin Kniech and union organizers have proposed a new normal.

State House District 37 Rep. Tom Sullivan speaks at a press conference for a "red flag" bill that's being introduced in the state legislature, Feb. 14, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

With Democrats in control of the legislature, Colorado lawmakers revive red-flag bill

Legislators believe passing the “extreme risk protective order” will help reduce gun violence.

Lupe Lopez-Montoya greets students at Columbian Elementary School on Thursday after Denver's three-day teacher strike. (Eric Gorski/Chalkbeat)

Jubilation, and some confusion, as Denver schools begin their post-strike recovery

Denver teachers cheer as a live feed of a rally outside the Denver Public Library is fed inside to a negotiation room, Feb. 12, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Strike over: Denver school district, teachers union sign tentative pact raising teacher pay

The tentative deal gives teachers significant raises and a more traditional pay system, while keeping incentives for teachers at high-poverty schools that the district believes are essential.