February 23, 2017
DENVER
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Since 1926
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DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
TAKING THE OATH: Ceremony
in Denver welcomes new citizens P2
Santa Fe Drive: Gateway to Denver Arts district, First Fridays and more spell positive future BY ANTONIO HERNANDEZ SPECIAL TO THE DENVER HERALD
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ven on a cold Friday in February, the arts district on Santa Fe Drive draws a crowd in the thousands. People huddle around food trucks on 9th Avenue. Live music pours into the street from multiple venues, and blue-colored streetlights illuminate the street as people wander in and out of the many shops and galleries. In the nine blocks that comprise the Santa Fe Art District, people can find Japanese, Mexican, Ethiopian and classic American fare. They can also find shops, businesses and galleries ranging from Renegade Brewing Company, The Art Network Gallery and Event Center, The Colorado Ballet Academy and The Aztlan Theatre. “We’re literally Denver’s front door,” said Veronica Barela, president and CEO of NEWSED, a community development organization focused on solving longterm economic problems in disadvantaged communities. “We’re the gateway to the city.” Santa Fe Drive is historically the oldest route to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the main route south from
Local duo “Squeaky Wheel & the Water Bear,” with members Erin McGowan, left, and Sean Bennight, entertain visitors to Ninni & Toffa’s, a store at 987 Santa Fe Drive, during First Friday festivities in February. The store, which sells vintage items, handmade soaps, jewelry and other antiques, is co-owned by Edith Emory, who said the event brings in lots of new customers. PHOTOS BY SHANNON GARCIA the city. The arts district, which runs from 4th to 13th avenues, developed with the help of NEWSED, which has worked with state and local governments to provide housing assistance for lowincome artist residents. Artists initially were spread throughout the area and the arts district provided a bus service to bring arts enthusiasts to the various artist locations. SEE SANTA FE, P7
Tiffany Pavich, co-owner of The Room of Lost Things, displays a stuffed bear’s head, one of many curious items at her store, during February’s First Friday.
DID YOU KNOW? The Buckhorn Exchange boasts the oldest liquor license in Denver. Jigg’s Barber Shop has been in business more than 30 years. The Chicano Humanities & Arts Council has been on Santa Fe for 20 years but has roots dating back to the 1970s.
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
‘If you own a restaurant or direct a film or perform in a play, you are up for grabs, and because of the internet, opinions can be tossed around anonymously.’ Craig Marshall Smith, columnist | Page 4 INSIDE
NEWS: PAGE 2 | VOICES: PAGE 4 | SPORTS: PAGE 6 VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 18