2020 in Denverite photos: It’s been a year

Walk with us through the timeline of our lives.

Melanie Crumb and Angela Jackson hold hands during a vigil for George Floyd at Civic Center Park. June 9, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Kevin Beaty

Dec. 31, 2020, 3:16 p.m.

There have been a lot of words spent on 2020. How many times have you heard or seen the word “unprecedented?”

Why not take a look at the past year instead?

At the end of each year, we usually we bring you our favorite photos from the last 12 months. We break it down by category, since each year in local news tends to be an assortment of different ideas and themes. But we wanted to do something different this year. Because we’ve all experienced time in a quite abnormal way, and because a sequence of events really reveals more than collecting images in tidy categories, we’ve decided to present our images of 2020 in the order they occurred.

I won’t try to add any extra foreshadowing or commentary. What you’ll see speaks for itself.

And on behalf of Denverite’s team, let me first thank you for reading us (and our delightful newsletter) this year. You were here for us as we did our best to bring you coverage of this wild year. It’s now time for a Rip Van Winkle-caliber nap.

January

Chris Contryman vapes on the 16th Street Mall. He said his vaporizer helped him quit smoking cigarettes, and he's looking soon to quit vaping, too. Jan. 4, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Chris Contryman vapes on the 16th Street Mall. He said his vaporizer helped him quit smoking cigarettes, and he's looking soon to quit vaping, too. Jan. 4, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Denver old and new can be seen at the Western Stock Show parade on Jan. 9, 2020 as a man dressed as a gold panner with a donkey marches down 17th Street in front of a residential development. (Lindsay Fendt/Denverite) — Denver old and new can be seen at the Western Stock Show parade on Jan. 9, 2020 as a man dressed as a gold panner with a donkey marches down 17th Street in front of a residential development.
Lindsay Fendt/Denverite

Gov. Jared Polis' prepares to make his second State of the State address. Jan. 9, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Gov. Jared Polis' gives a big thumbs-up before his second State of the State address. 2020's gonna be great! Jan. 9, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

An environmental protester is ejected from the House gallery after he burst in yelling, "Ban fracking now!" during Gov. Jared Polis' second State of the State address. Jan. 9, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — An environmental protester is ejected from the House gallery after he burst in yelling, "Ban fracking now!" during Gov. Jared Polis' second State of the State address. Jan. 9, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Christina Zaldivar comforts her youngest son, Francysco, as she drops him off at school. His father will be deported soon, and she's leaving this morning for Mexico to meet him. Jan. 9, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Christina Zaldivar comforts her youngest son, Francysco, as she drops him off at school. His father will be deported soon, and she's had to take on every parenting responsibility as she deals with his absence. Jan. 9, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Denver Department of Public Health and Environment workers break up an encampment at Lincoln Memorial Park due to a "public health and safety risk," Jan. 15, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Denver Department of Public Health and Environment workers break up an encampment at Lincoln Memorial Park due to a "public health and safety risk" and, they said, a rat infestation. Jan. 15, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Denver School Board Member Tay Anderson, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Mayor Michael Hancock, Former Governor John Hickenlooper, Governor Jared Polis, Rep. Leslie Herod, and former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joined arms at the 2020 Marade marking the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Denver, Jan. 20, 2020. — Denver School Board Member Tay Anderson, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Mayor Michael Hancock, Former Governor John Hickenlooper, Governor Jared Polis, Rep. Leslie Herod, and former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joined arms at the 2020 Marade marking the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Jan. 20, 2020.
Hart Van Denburg / CPR News

Cowboy tea time at the Brown Palace Hotel, Jan. 24, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Cowboy tea time at the Brown Palace Hotel during the annual National Western Stock Show celebration, Jan. 24, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

All the Dollys gather for Dolly Day Denver's official count, which will be submitted to Guinness for consideration as a world record, Jan. 26, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — All the Dollys gathered for Dolly Day Denver's official count, which was submitted to Guinness for consideration as a world record, Jan. 26, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

February

Floyd and Katrina Stolin pose for a portrait at their camp along the Sand Creek. Feb. 5, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Floyd and Katrina Stolin pose for a portrait at their camp along the Sand Creek as authorities force people like them to move along. Feb. 5, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

A question is posed to a "learning partner" AI bot that's being built at the Iliff School of Theology, Feb. 6, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — We talked to AI made by Iliff School of Theology researchers about the definition of happiness. Feb. 6, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Thomas and Erika Zuniga get married on Valentine's Day at the office of Denver's Clerk and Recorder, Feb. 14, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Thomas andErika Zuniga get married on Valentine's Day at the office of Denver's Clerk and Recorder, Feb. 14, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen speaks to a reporter in his office. Feb. 14, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen speaks to a reporter about the need for better body armor for his officers. Feb. 14, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Carlos Martinez was treated by Dr. Justina Ford when he was a child. He served in the late 1950s in the Army, where he got training as a draftsman he used in a variety of civilian jobs. Since he retired he has been able to devote more time to his lifelong interest in music, writing and performing songs and entertaining crowds as an Elvis impersonator. Feb. 12, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Carlos Martinez was treated by Dr. Justina Ford when he was a child. Since he retired, he has been able to devote more time to his lifelong interest in music, writing and performing songs and entertaining crowds as an Elvis impersonator. Feb. 12, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

March

March 5: The first case of COVID-19 is detected in Colorado.

March 12: DPS announces spring break will be extended due to rising coronavirus concerns.

Terri Ruffennach fields questions from second-graders at Carson Elementary, March 13, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Terri Ruffennach fields questions from second-graders on the last day of school at Carson Elementary before nobody returned to in-person learning for the rest of the school year. March 13, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

6th Avenue was a ghost road at rush hour after the city grinded to a COVID-19 halt. March 17, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — 6th Avenue was a ghost road at rush hour after the city grinded to a COVID-19 halt. March 17, 2020. Local air quality monitors may have measured a decline in pollutants, but scientifically sound analyses were yet to come.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

A vacant piano in the Brown Palace's empty tea lounge, March 19, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — The Brown Palace's piano was silenced in the pandemic's early days. March 19, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

March 23: Mayor Hancock announces first “stay at home” orders.

Residents of the Springbrooke Senior Living center sing and dance above their courtyard. Washington Virginia Vale, March 27, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Residents of the Springbrooke Senior Living center sing and dance, with proper social distancing, above their courtyard. Washington Virginia Vale, March 27, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

April

April 8: The National Western Center opens as a makeshift shelter for the city’s unhoused during the pandemic.

Nick Jurkowski, a United Airlines employee, volunteers to help transform the National Western Center into a shelter for unhoused men. April 8, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Nick Jurkowski, a United Airlines employee, volunteers to help transform the National Western Center into a shelter for unhoused men as a result of the pandemic. April 8, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Ryan Foo poses in Five Points by the shuttered Crossroads Theater where the Black Actors Guild once held court. April 9, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Ryan Foo, co-CEO of the Black Actors Guild and founder of WeAreDenver, the online local-arts streaming service, poses for a portrait in Five Points. April 9, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Colorado National Guardsmen Airman First Class John Boyle (right) and Staff Seargent Bart Blumberg map out the Rodeway Inn on Zuni Street as it's transformed into housing for people living in homelessness. April 15, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Colorado National Guardsmen Airman First Class John Boyle (right) and Staff Seargent Bart Blumberg map out the Rodeway Inn on Zuni Street as it's transformed into housing for people living in homelessness. April 15, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Leon Gallery owner Eric Nord stands in his City Park West space. April 15, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Leon Gallery co-owner Eric Nord stands in his City Park West space on April 15, 2020. Donna followed the gallery through the pandemic's early days.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Protesters demand the end to Colorado's stay-at-home order at the state Capitol building. April 19, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Protesters demand the end to Colorado's stay-at-home order at the state Capitol building. April 19, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Mireya Marquez sits in the shade at the Highland motel where she was living. April 28, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Mireya Marquez sits in the shade at the Highland motel where she was living after she was evicted from her home in Valverde. April 28, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

April 30: Gov. Polis announces a state-wide ban on evictions.

Imam Muhammad Kolila prays alone at the Downtown Denver Islamic Center as the first day of Ramadan comes to a close. April 24, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Imam Muhammad Kolila prays alone at the Downtown Denver Islamic Center as the first day of Ramadan comes to a close. April 24, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

April 27: The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado and the Colorado Village Collaborative announce intentions to open a sanctioned camping site for the city’s unhoused.

May

Arianna Penny, Ayesha Sanchez and Dasha George. May 8, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Arianna Penny, Ayesha Sanchez and Dasha George celebrate graduating from Martin Luther King Jr. Early College without all the usual pomp and circumstance. May 8, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

A couple dances in Cheesman Park as Jim Scharper blasts "Moondance" by Van. Morrison. May 7, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — A couple dances in Cheesman Park as Jim Scharper blasts "Moondance" by Van. Morrison over the neighborhood. May 7, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Kanwarbar Sandhu loads boxes of snacks, packed here at Colorado Singh Sabha in Commerce City, into a truck bound for frontline workers across the state. May 8, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Kanwarbar Sandhu loads boxes of snacks into a truck, part of 12,000 pounds of aid for frontline workers packed here at the Colorado Singh Sabha temple in Commerce City. May 8, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

May 9: Denver’s stay-at-home orders expire.

Alaina Beth Reel, of the Curious Theatre Company and the COVID-19 Theatrical Response Team, poses for a portrait over Zoom. May 12, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Alaina Beth Reel, actress with the Curious Theatre Company and the COVID-19 Theatrical Response Team, poses for a portrait over Zoom. May 12, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

In his bedroom, David Puente wears the oxygen tube he needed while he was recovering from COVID-19. May 13, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — In his bedroom, David Puente wears the oxygen tube he needed while he was recovering from COVID-19. May 13, 2020. Latinx residents of Denver have been disproportionately affected by the virus.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

May 21: The venue formally known as the Pepsi Center opens for COVID testing.

Takahiro Beachum, a Denver Police crime lab worker, watches from afar as Mayor Michael Hancock and Gov. Jared Polis announce a new mass testing facility for COVID-19 at the Pepsi Center. May 21, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Takahiro Beachum, a Denver Police crime lab worker, watches from afar as Mayor Michael Hancock and Gov. Jared Polis announce a new mass testing facility for COVID-19 at the Pepsi Center. May 21, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

May 25: George Floyd is killed by Minneapolis police.

Erin Rollman and Erik Edborg are part of Buntport Theater's The Grasshoppers, a play you can watch from your car. May 28, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Erin Rollman and Erik Edborg are part of Buntport Theater's The Grasshoppers, a play you can watch from your car. May 28, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Aubrey Rose, an 18-year U.S. Army veteran, marches with an upside-down American flag over his shoulder. A march reacting to the death of George Floyd comes face to face with authorities at 20th Street and Chestnut Place. May 28, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Aubrey Rose, an 18-year U.S. Army veteran, marches with an upside-down American flag over his shoulder during the first moment of protests in reaction to the death of George Floyd. May 28, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Protesters in downtown Denver demonstrate against the death of George Floyd on Thursday, May 28, 2020. (Hart Van Denburg/CPR News) — Protesters in downtown Denver demonstrate against the death of George Floyd on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News

A protester washes her face with milk after being teargassed. Protesters filled the lawn in front of the Colorado Capitol building on May 30, 2020, to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. — A protester washes her face with milk after being teargassed by police. May 30, 2020.
Hart Van Denberg/CPR News

Protesters lie "dead" chanting, "I can't breathe," for nine minutes on day three of protests in reaction to the killing of George Floyd. May 30, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Protesters lie "dead" chanting, "I can't breathe," for nine minutes on day three of protests in reaction to the killing of George Floyd. May 30, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

June

June 1: Denver begins its pilot of the STAR program, in which a mental health worker and an EMT respond to certain 911 calls to remove police from situations that require a different kind of support. It was in the works for a year before launching.

Elisabeth Epps leads a crowd on the Capitol steps on the sixth day of protests in reaction to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. June 2, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Elisabeth Epps leads a crowd on the Capitol steps on the sixth day of protests in reaction to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. June 2, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

After speeches at Civic Center Park, the protesters against police brutality moved to Lincoln Street in front of the state Capitol on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. At about 10 p.m. — an hour past curfew — they held phones aloft and stayed silent for nine minutes in honor of George Floyd, the African American man who was killed by Minneapolis police. Denver police blocked off the roads around the Capitol to give the demonstrators room but otherwise held their distance at least until 11 p.m. — At about 10 p.m. — an hour past curfew — protesters held phones aloft and stayed silent for nine minutes in honor of George Floyd. Police blocked off the roads around the Capitol to give the demonstrators room but otherwise held their distance at least until 11 p.m. June 3, 2020.
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News

Rev. Nathan Adams prays at the start of a virtual church service from his home in Eat Colfax. June 7, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Rev. Nathan Adams prays at the start of a virtual church service from his home in East Colfax. June 7, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

A vigil for George Floyd at Civic Center Park on the day of his burial. June 9, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — Tay Anderson holds a candle during a vigil for George Floyd, on the day of his burial, at Civic Center Park. June 9, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Barbara Berry-Bailey is a Lutheran pastor at St. Paul Lutheran and Catholic Community of Faith. (Brien Hollowell/Special to Denverite) — Barbara Berry-Bailey is a Lutheran pastor at St. Paul Lutheran and Catholic Community of Faith. She spoke to us about how Black people in Denver experience racism and their hopes for reform. June 15, 2020.
Brien Hollowell for Denverite

June 19: Gov. Jared Polis signs SB 20-217, a police reform bill ushered through the legislature by protests, into law.

On Juneteenth, Gov. Jared Polis signed SB 20-217 into law. The measure, brought about by protests against racism and police brutality, will increase police accountability and transparency. June 19, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) — On Juneteenth, Gov. Jared Polis signed SB 20-217 into law. The measure, brought about by protests against racism and police brutality, will increase police accountability and transparency. June 19, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Jeff Hughes plays his violin as Aurora Police officers in riot gear keep protesters demanding justice for Elijah McClain off the municipal building lawn. June 27, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

June 30: The FBI announces it’s been investigating Elijah McClain’s death since 2019.

Terrance Roberts addresses people who gathered outside the Aurora Municipal Center to voice concerns about the Aurora Police Department in the aftermath of Elijah McClainÕs death in Aurora, CO, June 30, 2020. — Terrance Roberts addresses people who gathered in Aurora to voice concerns about the Aurora Police Department in the aftermath of Elijah McClain's death. Roberts, who transformed from gangster to activist, spoke to Kevin Mohatt about his journey and views on the summer of racial justice. June 30, 2020.
Kevin Mohatt

July

July 1: Mayor Hancock announces the city’s intentions to open a sanctioned camping site for Denver’s unhoused.

Candles and flowers for Elijah McClain Vigil — Original founder of We Shall Overcome, Now!, Ebeny Grant West, holds Sheneen McClain, mother of Elijah, during a floral and candlelight vigil at Utah Park on July 11, 2020, in Aurora, Colorado.
Alyson McClaran for Denverite

Eric Bogel, AKA JuggleStruggle, performs for tips during red lights at a Baker intersection. July 17, 2020. — Eric Bogel, who lost his job and housing in the pandemic, juggles for tips during red lights at a Baker intersection. July 17, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Staza Stone performs in the Clocktower Cabaret's pandemic-appropriate show. July 17, 2020. — Staza Stone performs in the Clocktower Cabaret's first show since they had to close in the spring. They're glad to be back, but it's going to be a tough slog to see this pandemic through. July 17, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

100-year-old Victororiano Trujillo walked from his home to sign a petition to change the name of Columbus Park to La Raza Park. July 24, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

State police detain Timothy Wempen, who was protesting a forced cleanup of encampments at Lincoln Park, across Lincoln Street from the Capitol. July 29, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Isiah Davis, class of '22, runs drills during East High School football practice. July 31, 2020. — Isiah Davis, class of '22, runs drills during East High School football practice. The team was able to work out, but a regular season was more or less impossible. July 31, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

August

Patrick Wilcox moves his stuff to a new potential campsite after he had to leave his spot by Morey Middle School. Aug. 4, 2020. — Patrick Wilcox moves his stuff to yet another new potential campsite after he had to leave his spot by Morey Middle School. Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Michael Little sits at Union Station beneath a darn fine hat. Aug. 8, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Cristian Vazquez floats the South Platte River into Confluence Park atop a doughnut tube. Aug. 12, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Soraya Serrano, left, and Clover Duhart watch Grease in their trunk during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks Park on Aug. 13, 2020.
Eli Imadali for Denverite

Ana Ortega sits in a conference suite above the Denver Justice Project's headquarters at 16th Avenue and Downing Street. Aug. 19, 2020. — Ana Ortega, organizer with the Denver Justice Project, spoke with us about the realities of policing, reform and abolition. Aug. 19, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Hailey Bauer in training at the Denver Fencing Center in Ruby Hill. Aug. 20, 2020. — Hailey Bauer in training at the Denver Fencing Center in Ruby Hill, the gym that hopes to become a hub for Paralympic sword athletes. Aug. 20, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

At the end of a lunch event at Brother Jeff's Cultural Center, Minister Stachelle Bussey grabbed a piano and turned the crowd into an impromptu church choir. Aug. 22, 2020. — At the end of a lunch event at Brother Jeff's Cultural Center, Minister Stachelle Bussey grabbed a piano and turned the crowd into an impromptu church choir. Bussey came with a delegation from Louisville, Ky., who combined their message of justice for Breonna Taylor with local protests about justice for Elijah McClain. Aug. 22, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

The crowd dances together during a gathering in memory of Elijah McClain at the Montbello Rec Center. Aug. 23, 2020. — The crowd dances together during a gathering in memory of Elijah McClain at the Montbello Rec Center. Many people came. Many people boogied. Aug. 23, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

The most recent big Federal Boulevard cruise. Aug. 23, 2020. — Armando Geneyro photographed the 2020 big Federal Boulevard cruise for us, and spoke to us about documenting this facet of the city's Chicano culture. Aug. 23, 2020.
Armando Geneyro for Denverite

Medication taken from homes of deceased Denverites is stored at the city's Office of the Medical Examiner before they are destroyed. Aug. 25, 2020. — Medication taken from homes of deceased Denverites, stored at the city's coroner office. Overdoses reached new heights in 2020. Aug. 25, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

September

Rose Milon, director of the Epworth United Methodist Church's food pantry, at Sunday services on. Sept. 6, 2020. — Rose Milon, director of the Epworth United Methodist Church's food pantry, at Sunday services on Sept. 6, 2020. Walking in the footsteps of "Daddy" Bruce Randolph, she's still inspired by the neighborhood leaders' legacy.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Nick Moses stands before the giant, ongoing, hand-dug pond pit in his back yard off Bruce Randolph Avenue as his son, Quentin, goes to work with a pickaxe. Sept. 11, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

A man and woman put their arms around each other on Sept. 23 at a rally in Denver for Breonna Taylor.
Alyson McClaran for Denverite

Cricket (7) plays at the El Oasis community garden almost every night each week. Sept. 25, 2020. — Cricket (7) plays at the El Oasis community garden almost every night each week. Residents who have long relied on this green space were horrified to learn it would soon be (mostly) scraped for a new development. Sept. 25, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Anna (8) fishes under the tutelage of her father, Alexandros Vasilatos, around Grasmere Lake in Washington Park. Sept. 28, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

October

Debbie Wildrick sports a see-through mask to a rally in support of President Donald Trump at state Senate candidate Doug Townsend's home in Hale. Oct. 7, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Octavio Delgado, 58, packs paletas, or Mexican popsicles, into his cart in the back of Paletería Chihuahua in Cole on Oct. 8, 2020. The cart can hold around 300 paletas. — Octavio Delgado, 58, packs paletas, or Mexican popsicles, into his cart in the back of Paletería Chihuahua in Cole on Oct. 8, 2020. Esteban and photographer Eli Imadali followed him around for a day of sales.
Eli Imadali for Denverite

Fiona Wohannes paints her parking space, marked number one, at East High School. Oct. 16, 2020. — Fiona Wohannes paints her parking space, marked number one, at East High School. She wonders if she'll every use it, though, and her classmates say this year has felt like a joke. Oct. 16, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Lek Nuntanavooth works the dinner shift at J's Noodle and Star Thai Delivery as her daughters play in the now-inactive dining room in the front of house. Oct. 28, 2020. — Lek Nuntanavooth works the dinner shift at J's Noodle and Star Thai Delivery as her daughters play in the now-inactive dining room. It's become their playroom and schoolhouse, not to mention the family's source of income. Oct. 28, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Matt Cordova and Paul Stephens are cousins by marraige, but they hadn't met until Oct. 29, 2020, when Cordova visited the ofrenda Stephens and his partner built on their porch in Harvey Park. — Matt Cordova met Paul Stephens when Stephens built a huge ofrenda on his front porch. Turns out, they're cousins. Oct. 29, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

November

Nov. 3: Election Day.

Demonstrators protesting the police and the government, regardless of who wins the election, begin their evening on East Colfax Avenue by burning a pro-police flag. Nov. 4, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Nov. 7: The election is called for Joe Biden.

Taylor Soderborg is dressed as a bald eagle as Denverites gathered at Cheesman Park celebrate Joe Biden's victory in the U.S. presidential election. Nov. 7, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Nov. 17: Gov. Polis announces new restrictions for Denver as cases rise again.

Cagzmier Jumper, lead peer specialist with the Transgender Center of the Rockies, in her Aurora home. Nov. 18, 2020. — Cagzmier Jumper, lead peer specialist with the Transgender Center of the Rockies, in her Aurora home. She spoke to us about the 2020 Trans Day of Remembrance, which had to happen virtually. Nov. 18, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Everyone we met at the annual Denver Feed a Family event on Bruce Randolph Avenue in Cole. Nov. 21, 2020. — Every volunteer we met at the annual Denver Feed a Family event on Bruce Randolph Avenue, which distributed 10,000 complete Thanksgiving meals this year. Nov. 21, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Loreen Wilson holds her daughter, Lilly, as nurse practitioner Karen Hoffman swabs her nose for a COVID-19 rapid test outside Denver Indian Health and Family Services in Sun Valley. Nov. 24, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Maxine Ichikawa in her Elyria Swansea home. Nov. 25, 2020. — Maxine Ichikawa in her Elyria Swansea home. She spoke to us about her best friend, Bettie Cram, the Elyria-Swansea stalwart who died this year at 98 years old. Nov. 25, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

The tools of the comedy trade in 2020: a mask and a mic. Ben Roy performs during Number Thirty Eight's first-ever comedy showcase. Five Points, Nov. 28, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

December

lumo — Barry Raphael stands inside Lumonics Light and Sound Gallery in Denver's northern reaches. Dec. 1, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Week of Dec. 7: The first sanctioned, temporary, campsite for Denver’s unhoused opens in Capitol Hill.

Steve Duman measures Katie Brown's houndstooth coat for the right fit in his Colfax Avenue shop, Duman's Custom Tailor. Dec. 9, 2020. — Steve Duman measures Katie Brown's houndstooth coat for the right fit in his Colfax Avenue shop, Duman's Custom Tailor. The business, which has been open since the '60s, is in danger of closing due to the pandemic. Dec. 9, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Vince Cox at work on new pillows at House of Blessing Custom Upholstery, his shop on 28th Avenue in Skyland. The business has seen a boom in this pandemic. Dec. 4, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Shawn Martin (left to right), Professor Keith Miller and student Vander Georgeff remove a wastewater sampler from a manhole outside of the University of Denver's Nelson Hall. Dec. 16, 2020. — Shawn Martin (left to right), Professor Keith Miller and student Vander Georgeff remove a wastewater sampler from a manhole outside of the University of Denver's Nelson Hall. The university has assembled something of an "A-Team" of subject matter experts to beat back infections on campus. Dec. 16, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Sam Candi Towne and her kids, Lyla (right to left), Dakota and Forest, just received wrapped Christmas presents from Victory Outreach Church in Athmar Park. Dec. 19, 2020. — Sam Candi Towne and her kids, Lyla (right to left), Dakota and Forest, just received wrapped Christmas presents from Victory Outreach Church in Athmar Park. They've had a tough year. Dec. 19, 2020.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Candidates answer yes/no questions during Denverite's People's Forum mayoral debate at the Carla Madison Rec Center. March 7, 2023.

Gut check: Has Denver’s Fair Elections Fund done what it’s supposed to?

About a dozen committees have spent more than $3 million on all of Denver’s municipal races, mostly in support of candidates.

The skeleton of a fin whale hangs in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science's main hall. March 1, 2023.

What is a whale baleen and why is its skeleton at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science?

It likely dates back to the 1800s.

A sidewalk ends on Josephine Street by East High School. Aug. 24, 2021.

Here’s your chance to have your say on Denver’s sidewalks

The city is taking applications for a task force on Denver Deserves Sidewalks.

A security guard watches over a parking lot at East High School after a shooting there on March 22, 2023.

East High School shooter’s interest in ghost guns derailed a once-promising academic outlook

The 17-year-old student was bright with an interest in engineering, but his attitude toward guns led to repeated tense encounters with law enforcement and school officials.

Denver Public Schools teachers, faculty and students march into the Colorado State Capitol as they protest gun violence and push for new laws to address the problem. March 24, 2023.

Thousands rallied for gun legislation for the third time this month

DPS is supporting five bills this session to address the issue.

Sangre de Mexico performs during the Festival del Mole and Frida Kahlo celebration on Morrison Road. July 9, 2022.

Pozole Fest returns to Westwood this weekend

“Food is an expression of culture."

Dia de Los Muertos at Town hall Celebration

Curious about cumbia? Join Ciudad Reina for a cumbia history and dance lesson

“It’s so much more than just music."

Police officers stand between a soup drive and "anti-fascist" protest and a "patriot" rally in support of police on October 10, 2020 at Civic Center Park.

Pinkerton, the security firm involved in the 2020 killing of a protester, can resume operating in Denver

The city recently renewed the firm's license, after a judge overturned Denver’s decision to revoke it over the killing of a right-wing protestor in October 2020.

A Denverite Instant Art Contest For Kids entry from Katherine, age 9, Central Park.

Kids home today? Here’s Denverite’s Instant Art Contest For Kids

We asked kids if they'd make some artwork of Denver places today. They did!

Enchiladas Doradas, part of Tamayo's Viva Abejas menu. March 14, 2023.

Things to do in Denver this weekend, March 24-26

Black Restaurant Week, a bee-themed menu at Tamayo and more!

Two East High School administrators were injured in a shooting reported at the school Wednesday morning. Police Chief Ron Thomas the the suspected shooter, a student, was being searched as part of a school safety plan. The student fled and is not in custody.

After East High shooting, armed police are temporarily headed back to DPS high schools. The debate to keep them there is underway

DPS board approved the return of officers until the end of the school year a day after a shooting at East High school.

Denver Public Schools students speak with Rep. Ken DeGraaf as they protest gun violence at the Colorado State Capitol, one day after a shooting at East High School. March 23, 2023.

East High students march on State Capitol and call for gun control a day after school shooting

Students from various Denver high schools walked out of class and marched to the Capitol earlier this month after 16-year-old Luis Garcia died from a gunshot-related injury sustained outside East High.

Cleo Parker Robinson, right, poses with Bruce Springsteen, second from right, and members of The International Association of Blacks in Dance. They all were honored with a National Medal of the Arts this week at The White House. (Courtesy The White House)

Cleo Parker Robinson among those honored at White House with National Medal of the Arts

Her group The International Association of Blacks in Dance shared the honor with Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and others.

Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas speaks with parents, some visibly angry, after a shooting at East High School. March 22, 2023.

East High shooting: Coroner confirms body is suspect’s as students plan protest

The Board of Education has replaced its Thursday meeting with an executive session about school safety.

Grassy yards in Northeast Park Hill. Aug. 30, 2022.

Big money floods the fight over the Park Hill Golf Course — 155 acres of Northeast Park Hill

All but six of the contributions are from outside the neighborhood.

The iconic “E” outside Denver East High School on Wednesday evening, March 22, 2023, with flowers and a “#11” painted on the surface in commemoration of Luis Garcia, who was shot outside the school in late February. Two school staffers were injured in a shooting reported at the school Wednesday morning.

“We just buried Luis”: East High parents, students fume after another shooting and call for stricter security

On their way to school today, students walked past a memorial to Luis Garcia, who was shot outside East earlier this year.

Police tape surrounds East High School following reports of a shooting that left two people injured on March 22, 2023.

East High shooting: Police say they’ve found a body near the suspected shooter’s car in Park County. One victim remains in the hospital.

The Park County coroner identified the body as the 17-year-old suspect Thursday morning.

Maria Islas Lopez (left), manager of History Colorado's Museum of Memory project, sorts through Jesse Garcia's photos of Sun Valley. Feb. 25, 2023.

Sun Valley is rapidly changing, but a History Colorado project wants to keep the neighborhood’s memory alive

“This is an opportunity to make sure that the history of this neighborhood is told by those of us who lived it."

Anthony Maes stands in PlatteForum's Five Points space as he prepares for the "Generations" show that features work by him and a crew of interns he's been training over the last few weeks. March 15, 2023.

PlatteForum’s latest show features the work of a rising star in the Denver street photography scene — and his mentees

Anthony Maes mentored high schoolers for six weeks teaching them about street photography. Their work is now on display together.

Kelly Brough beams as she's introduced to speak at a launch party for her mayoral campaign at the Blue Moon Brewery off Brighton Boulevard. Nov. 16, 2022.

Kelly Brough’s partner has long influenced city politics on behalf of businesses like Frontier Airlines, Kroenke and large developers

David Kenney would have to step back from business with the city if Brough is elected mayor.

More Denverite

Voter guide 2023:

January

Chris Contryman vapes on the 16th Street Mall. He said his vaporizer helped him quit smoking cigarettes, and he's looking soon to quit vaping, too. Jan. 4, 2020.

Denver old and new can be seen at the Western Stock Show parade on Jan. 9, 2020 as a man dressed as a gold panner with a donkey marches down 17th Street in front of a residential development.

Gov. Jared Polis' gives a big thumbs-up before his second State of the State address. 2020's gonna be great! Jan. 9, 2020.

An environmental protester is ejected from the House gallery after he burst in yelling, "Ban fracking now!" during Gov. Jared Polis' second State of the State address. Jan. 9, 2020.

Christina Zaldivar comforts her youngest son, Francysco, as she drops him off at school. His father will be deported soon, and she's had to take on every parenting responsibility as she deals with his absence. Jan. 9, 2020.

Denver Department of Public Health and Environment workers break up an encampment at Lincoln Memorial Park due to a "public health and safety risk" and, they said, a rat infestation. Jan. 15, 2020.

Cowboy tea time at the Brown Palace Hotel during the annual National Western Stock Show celebration, Jan. 24, 2020.

All the Dollys gathered for Dolly Day Denver's official count, which was submitted to Guinness for consideration as a world record, Jan. 26, 2020.

February

Floyd and Katrina Stolin pose for a portrait at their camp along the Sand Creek as authorities force people like them to move along. Feb. 5, 2020.

We talked to AI made by Iliff School of Theology researchers about the definition of happiness. Feb. 6, 2020.

Thomas andErika Zuniga get married on Valentine's Day at the office of Denver's Clerk and Recorder, Feb. 14, 2020.

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen speaks to a reporter about the need for better body armor for his officers. Feb. 14, 2020.

Carlos Martinez was treated by Dr. Justina Ford when he was a child. Since he retired, he has been able to devote more time to his lifelong interest in music, writing and performing songs and entertaining crowds as an Elvis impersonator. Feb. 12, 2020.

March

Murder By Death plays the Ogden Theatre for a very large crowd. March 6, 2020.

Terri Ruffennach fields questions from second-graders on the last day of school at Carson Elementary before nobody returned to in-person learning for the rest of the school year. March 13, 2020.

6th Avenue was a ghost road at rush hour after the city grinded to a COVID-19 halt. March 17, 2020. Local air quality monitors may have measured a decline in pollutants, but scientifically sound analyses were yet to come.

The Brown Palace's piano was silenced in the pandemic's early days. March 19, 2020.

Residents of the Springbrooke Senior Living center sing and dance, with proper social distancing, above their courtyard. Washington Virginia Vale, March 27, 2020.

April

The Optiv building at 15th and Arapahoe Streets is lit up with a pink heart as the pandemic's staying power becomes very real. April 3, 2020.

Heather Farley whips a hula hoop around her body in Cheesman Park during howl hour, as Denverites get weird in parallel with the year. April 7, 2020.

Nick Jurkowski, a United Airlines employee, volunteers to help transform the National Western Center into a shelter for unhoused men as a result of the pandemic. April 8, 2020.

Ryan Foo, co-CEO of the Black Actors Guild and founder of WeAreDenver, the online local-arts streaming service, poses for a portrait in Five Points. April 9, 2020.

Colorado National Guardsmen Airman First Class John Boyle (right) and Staff Seargent Bart Blumberg map out the Rodeway Inn on Zuni Street as it's transformed into housing for people living in homelessness. April 15, 2020.

Leon Gallery co-owner Eric Nord stands in his City Park West space on April 15, 2020. Donna followed the gallery through the pandemic's early days.

Protesters demand the end to Colorado's stay-at-home order at the state Capitol building. April 19, 2020.

Mireya Marquez sits in the shade at the Highland motel where she was living after she was evicted from her home in Valverde. April 28, 2020.

Imam Muhammad Kolila prays alone at the Downtown Denver Islamic Center as the first day of Ramadan comes to a close. April 24, 2020.

May

Arianna Penny, Ayesha Sanchez and Dasha George celebrate graduating from Martin Luther King Jr. Early College without all the usual pomp and circumstance. May 8, 2020.

A couple dances in Cheesman Park as Jim Scharper blasts "Moondance" by Van. Morrison over the neighborhood. May 7, 2020.

Kanwarbar Sandhu loads boxes of snacks into a truck, part of 12,000 pounds of aid for frontline workers packed here at the Colorado Singh Sabha temple in Commerce City. May 8, 2020.

Alaina Beth Reel, actress with the Curious Theatre Company and the COVID-19 Theatrical Response Team, poses for a portrait over Zoom. May 12, 2020.

In his bedroom, David Puente wears the oxygen tube he needed while he was recovering from COVID-19. May 13, 2020. Latinx residents of Denver have been disproportionately affected by the virus.

Takahiro Beachum, a Denver Police crime lab worker, watches from afar as Mayor Michael Hancock and Gov. Jared Polis announce a new mass testing facility for COVID-19 at the Pepsi Center. May 21, 2020.

Erin Rollman and Erik Edborg are part of Buntport Theater's The Grasshoppers, a play you can watch from your car. May 28, 2020.

Aubrey Rose, an 18-year U.S. Army veteran, marches with an upside-down American flag over his shoulder during the first moment of protests in reaction to the death of George Floyd. May 28, 2020.

Protesters in downtown Denver demonstrate against the death of George Floyd on Thursday, May 28, 2020.

A protester washes her face with milk after being teargassed by police. May 30, 2020.

Protesters lie "dead" chanting, "I can't breathe," for nine minutes on day three of protests in reaction to the killing of George Floyd. May 30, 2020.

June

Elisabeth Epps leads a crowd on the Capitol steps on the sixth day of protests in reaction to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. June 2, 2020.

At about 10 p.m. — an hour past curfew — protesters held phones aloft and stayed silent for nine minutes in honor of George Floyd. Police blocked off the roads around the Capitol to give the demonstrators room but otherwise held their distance at least until 11 p.m. June 3, 2020.

Rev. Nathan Adams prays at the start of a virtual church service from his home in East Colfax. June 7, 2020.

Tay Anderson holds a candle during a vigil for George Floyd, on the day of his burial, at Civic Center Park. June 9, 2020.

Barbara Berry-Bailey is a Lutheran pastor at St. Paul Lutheran and Catholic Community of Faith. She spoke to us about how Black people in Denver experience racism and their hopes for reform. June 15, 2020.

On Juneteenth, Gov. Jared Polis signed SB 20-217 into law. The measure, brought about by protests against racism and police brutality, will increase police accountability and transparency. June 19, 2020.

Jeff Hughes plays his violin as Aurora Police officers in riot gear keep protesters demanding justice for Elijah McClain off the municipal building lawn. June 27, 2020.

July

A demonstrator leads chants through a bull horn at a protest in memory of Elijah McClain on July 3, 2020.

Original founder of We Shall Overcome, Now!, Ebeny Grant West, holds Sheneen McClain, mother of Elijah, during a floral and candlelight vigil at Utah Park on July 11, 2020, in Aurora, Colorado.

Eric Bogel, who lost his job and housing in the pandemic, juggles for tips during red lights at a Baker intersection. July 17, 2020.

Staza Stone performs in the Clocktower Cabaret's first show since they had to close in the spring. They're glad to be back, but it's going to be a tough slog to see this pandemic through. July 17, 2020.

100-year-old Victororiano Trujillo walked from his home to sign a petition to change the name of Columbus Park to La Raza Park. July 24, 2020.

State police detain Timothy Wempen, who was protesting a forced cleanup of encampments at Lincoln Park, across Lincoln Street from the Capitol. July 29, 2020.

Isiah Davis, class of '22, runs drills during East High School football practice. The team was able to work out, but a regular season was more or less impossible. July 31, 2020.

August

Patrick Wilcox moves his stuff to yet another new potential campsite after he had to leave his spot by Morey Middle School. Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Michael Little sits at Union Station beneath a darn fine hat. Aug. 8, 2020.

Cristian Vazquez floats the South Platte River into Confluence Park atop a doughnut tube. Aug. 12, 2020.

Soraya Serrano, left, and Clover Duhart watch Grease in their trunk during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks Park on Aug. 13, 2020.

Ana Ortega, organizer with the Denver Justice Project, spoke with us about the realities of policing, reform and abolition. Aug. 19, 2020.

Hailey Bauer in training at the Denver Fencing Center in Ruby Hill, the gym that hopes to become a hub for Paralympic sword athletes. Aug. 20, 2020.

The crowd dances together during a gathering in memory of Elijah McClain at the Montbello Rec Center. Many people came. Many people boogied. Aug. 23, 2020.

Armando Geneyro photographed the 2020 big Federal Boulevard cruise for us, and spoke to us about documenting this facet of the city's Chicano culture. Aug. 23, 2020.

Medication taken from homes of deceased Denverites, stored at the city's coroner office. Overdoses reached new heights in 2020. Aug. 25, 2020.

September

Rose Milon, director of the Epworth United Methodist Church's food pantry, at Sunday services on Sept. 6, 2020. Walking in the footsteps of "Daddy" Bruce Randolph, she's still inspired by the neighborhood leaders' legacy.

Nick Moses stands before the giant, ongoing, hand-dug pond pit in his back yard off Bruce Randolph Avenue as his son, Quentin, goes to work with a pickaxe. Sept. 11, 2020.

A man and woman put their arms around each other on Sept. 23 at a rally in Denver for Breonna Taylor.

Cricket (7) plays at the El Oasis community garden almost every night each week. Residents who have long relied on this green space were horrified to learn it would soon be (mostly) scraped for a new development. Sept. 25, 2020.

Anna (8) fishes under the tutelage of her father, Alexandros Vasilatos, around Grasmere Lake in Washington Park. Sept. 28, 2020.

October

Debbie Wildrick sports a see-through mask to a rally in support of President Donald Trump at state Senate candidate Doug Townsend's home in Hale. Oct. 7, 2020.

Octavio Delgado, 58, packs paletas, or Mexican popsicles, into his cart in the back of Paletería Chihuahua in Cole on Oct. 8, 2020. Esteban and photographer Eli Imadali followed him around for a day of sales.

Fiona Wohannes paints her parking space, marked number one, at East High School. She wonders if she'll every use it, though, and her classmates say this year has felt like a joke. Oct. 16, 2020.