Colorado car thefts are soaring and growing more dangerous

1 big thing: Car thefts soar and grow more violent 

Denver's Cherry Creek is getting a $1B face-lift

2. Cherry Creek is getting a $1B face-lift 

3. Denver School of the Arts needs more money

4. Mile Highlights: Catch up quick

Illustration of a street sign that says "Mile Highlights" surrounded by clouds in the sky.

A new career is waiting for you

5. 🥂 Where to celebrate New Year's Eve

6. 🚆 All aboard

Happy Thursday! The weekend is right around the corner. 🙏 

Today's weather: Sunny, with a high near 47° and wind gusts as strong as 36mph. 

Situational awareness: The arrest affidavit in the Club Q case was unsealed yesterday, detailing the chaotic hours following the shooting last month.

The document reveals that police overheard the suspect apologize to hospital staff and claim to have been awake for four days.

🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Denver member Michael Vaudreuil! 

Today's newsletter is 963 words — a 3.5-minute read.

😍 Alayna is swooning over the engagement pics she just got back from this talented photographer who shot her and her ​​fiancé at this location. 

🍺 Esteban will grab a beer at this place tonight for a good cause. 

Thanks to our editor Gigi Sukin and copy editor Judith Isacoff.

Denver

Picture of the Denver skyline with DEN written across it.

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters John Frank and Alayna Alvarez.

Axios Denver

Club Q shooter wanted to be "the next mass killer," documents show

1 big thing: Club Q shooter wanted to be "the next mass killer"

Anderson Lee Aldrich, center, sits during a court appearance in Colorado Springs on Tuesday. Photo: El Paso County District Court via AP

Political Pulse: Michael Bennet pushes to extend child tax credit

2. Political Pulse: Michael Bennet charges ahead

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet speaks during a Senate hearing Dec. 1. Photo: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

3. Mile Highlights: Von Miller sells Denver-area pad 

10 best Christmas light displays in Denver

4. ✨ Let it glow 

Plan your future

5. Can't-miss college basketball games

 Colorado State guard Isaiah Stevens. Photo: David Becker/Getty Images

Happy Wednesday! Let's get you smarter, faster on the latest news shaping our community.

Today's weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48° and light breeze. 

Of note: A series of cold fronts in November ended the streak of five consecutive months with above-normal temperatures in Denver, the National Weather Service reports. 

Situational awareness: A bus carrying roughly 100 Spanish-speaking migrants arrived in Denver on Monday, city officials announced yesterday. Denver activated an undisclosed emergency shelter at a city-owned rec center to accommodate them.

It remains unclear where the migrants came from, and who sent them.

Today's newsletter is 894 words — a 3-minute read.

🧩 John is checking out gift options from this Denver puzzle maker.   

📺 Alayna is finally caught up on Season 2 of this HBO series, and can't wait for next week's finale. 

😂 Esteban is laughing at this spoof of his favorite show of the year (spoiler warning!). 

1 big thing: Pay-as-you-throw poised to debut — with delays

Illustration of a dollar sign formed by recycled plastic items.

Supreme Court to hear arguments in same-sex discrimination case

2. SCOTUS hears Colorado discrimination case

Web designer Lorie Smith is shown in her office on Nov. 7 in the southwest part of Littleton. Photo: David Zalubowski/AP

3. Mile Highlights: CU Buffs hire NFL icon 

Colorado company scores "Shark Tank" deal for hummingbird feeders

4. Local bird feeders score "Shark Tank" deal 

Is a new job in your future?

Denver's most-streamed artists, according to Spotify Wrapped

5. 🎧 Our Spotify Wrapped 

6. 🏆 1 title to go

Today's weather: Mostly sunny and windy, with a high near 54° and slight chance of rain or snow in the evening.

Today's newsletter is 910 words — a 3.5-minute read.

🎁 John is checking out these two gift lists from Outside magazine for inspiration.

🥳 Alayna had fun celebrating the 60th anniversary (!) of this Colfax institution on Saturday. 

🎄 Esteban wants to try a few of these local holiday brews. 

1 big thing: City selects blueprint for Park Hill Golf Course 

2. A look at Denver's hotel housing plan

Denver Public Schools undecided on offering free student meals

3. Denver undecided on offering free school meals

Breakfast is served to students who need it at Deane Elementary in Lakewood. Photo: RJ Sangosti/Denver Post via Getty Images

4. Mile Highlights: SCOTUS poised to favor Colorado web designer

Take your career to the next level

Colorado gas prices are dropping

5. Prices at the pump are falling

6. 😋 1 photo to go

A gingerbread replica of a 1937 Flathead V8 Cadillac Touring Car 

Today's weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50°. 

Situational awareness: Denver's Citizen Oversight Board yesterday named Lisabeth Pérez Castle as the next independent monitor, the city's top watchdog over law enforcement agencies.

The appointment of Pérez Castle, a local criminal defense attorney, must be approved by Denver City Council.

Thank you to our Axios Denver members for their support! Become a member today.

Today's newsletter is 834 words — a 3-minute read.

🎅 John wants to attend this movie and talk with a physicist about the science of Santa's travels. 

🥄 Alayna is making this creamy butternut squash and sweet potato soup for dinner. 

🫔 Esteban is looking for the best tamales in Denver. Hit reply to share your recs!

Colorado Springs' future is filled with potential

1 big thing: Colorado Springs' future is filled with potential

Colorado Springs struggles with its past after Club Q shooting

2. Yes, but … first the city must reckon with its past

Mourners outside of the Colorado Springs City Hall where a rainbow flag was draped Nov. 23 to honor of the victims of a shooting at Club Q. Photo: Chet Strange/Getty Images

3. Catch up quick on the Club Q shooting

Club Q and the memorial for the victims of the shooting. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post

Where to eat, drink and play in Colorado Springs

4. Where to eat, drink and play in the Springs

CO. A.T.I food hall. Photo: John Frank/Axios Denver


Do you see yourself with a new career? 

5. 😎 1 photo to go

Our collaborators at Colorado College. Photo: John Frank/Axios

It's Friday, thanks for joining us. We have a special edition today focused on Colorado Springs. 

We received help from a journalism class at Colorado College, where we visited yesterday to talk Smart Brevity.

🌬 Today's weather: Mostly sunny and windy with highs near 52°.

In the Springs, highs near 64° with winds gusting to 50mph.

Situational awareness: The 48th annual Parade of Lights will bring holiday cheer — and closed roads — to downtown Denver on Saturday. Details.

Today's newsletter is 927 words — a 3.5-minute read.

🍺 John wants to return to Colorado Springs to try this brewery he discovered.

😌 Alayna is feeling happy and hopeful after talking to the next generation of journalists. We're in good hands. 

🤓 Esteban is reading this essay on his favorite new show of the year. 

📅 Mark your calendar: On Dec. 8, Axios is hosting an exclusive breakfast roundtable event in Denver focused on the role of connectivity in today's work-from-home era. 

Interested in participating? Fill out this form and the Axios Events team will be in touch!

The average cost of a gallon of gas in Colorado and nationwide has dropped below its price before Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted oil markets earlier this year.

The statewide average for regular, unleaded fuel stood at $3.12 on Monday — 14 cents lower than a week ago and 29 cents less than in 2021, according to new AAA data.

By the numbers: The cheapest fuel is available in Greeley, where it averages $2.89. Denver and the Boulder areas are seeing prices near $3.03 a gallon as of Monday. 

Zoom in: The Denver gas station with the lowest prices is Kum & Go at 450 S. Santa Fe Dr., where fuel is $2.09, according to GasBuddy, which tracks cheap gas prices.

The big picture: The cost to fuel up in Colorado sits below the national average of $3.40. By Christmas, it's possible that prices nationwide could dip below $3, Axios' Herb Scribner writes. 

The statewide average for regular, unleaded fuel stood at $3.12 as of Dec. 5, according to AAA.

The average cost of a gallon of gas in Colorado and nationwide has dropped below its price before <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Russia&#x27;s invasion of Ukraine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/axios-explains-ukraine" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/axios-explains-ukraine" target="_self">Russia&#x27;s invasion of Ukraine</a> disrupted oil markets <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="earlier this year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/03/08/colorado-gas-prices-highest-levels-decade" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/03/08/colorado-gas-prices-highest-levels-decade" target="_self">earlier this year</a>.<ul><li>The statewide average for regular, unleaded fuel stood at $3.12 on Monday — 14 cents lower than a week ago and 29 cents less than in 2021, according to new AAA data.</li></ul>

News

Business

Axios Denver, anchored by John Frank and Alayna Alvarez, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Holiday shoppers sauntering around Denver's Cherry Creek mall may notice "coming soon" signs propped up around the area.

What's happening: A $1 billion mixed-use development plan is underway to transform 13 acres — including the mostly vacant west end of the shopping center.

The project, dubbed Cherry Creek West, is led by local developers East West Partners — the master developer behind the Union Station neighborhood and Riverfront Park. 

Why it matters: The plan could change Cherry Creek's reputation as an upscale area for eating and shopping to a destination that prioritizes economic diversity and green space.

What they're saying: Developers' goal is "to create a vibrant, people-centric neighborhood that embraces the creek," according to East West Partners' presentation at a community information meeting in August.

Details: Cherry Creek West will span from University Boulevard to Clayton Street and 1st Avenue to the Cherry Creek waterway.

Blueprints include a "public plaza" with green space for concerts and events; a market square; seven buildings with office, residential and retail space; a dedicated two-way bike track; and above- and below-ground parking.

A section of Cherry Creek Drive may also be buried, which would allow a wildlife overpass and connect Cherry Creek West with the waterway and nearby trails.

The other side: Some neighbors are concerned the plans will lead to traffic congestion, with fewer places to drive and a lack of parking. Others say there won't be sufficient affordable housing. 

What's next: Before the first phase of construction begins, the property needs to be rezoned — which requires Denver City Council approval.

Developers expect construction to start in the third quarter of 2024, with the first buildings ready to be occupied in 2027, East West Partners spokesperson Alana Watkins told Axios Denver.

The project is likely to take 10 years to complete, she added. 

What else: Numerous other real estate projects are underway in the area. 

For example, Cherry Creek-based Broe Real Estate Group is pursuing the second phase of a $200-million-office redevelopment in Cherry Creek North, the Denver Business Journal reports. 

The building is expected to be 175,000 square feet and up to eight stories high.

What to watch: "Cherry Creek has become the No. 1 leasing market, investment market for commercial space in the whole Rocky Mountain region," Charley Will of commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE told the Denver Post.

That trend is likely to continue for years to come, he said.

A $1 billion mixed-use plan is underway to transform 13 acres — including the mostly vacant west end of the shopping center.

A rendering of Cherry Creek West. Image courtesy of East West Partners

Holiday shoppers sauntering around Denver&#x27;s Cherry Creek mall may notice &quot;coming soon&quot; signs propped up around the area.What&#x27;s happening: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1 billion mixed-use development plan" data-vars-click-url="https://cherrycreekwest.com/" data-vars-content-id="642502b6-c0f3-4552-afb2-8b7cf7607f34" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s Cherry Creek is getting a $1B face-lift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cherrycreekwest.com/" target="_blank">$1 billion mixed-use development plan</a> is underway to transform 13 acres — including the mostly vacant west end of the shopping center.

Real Estate

Denver is dazzling this time of year, with holiday lights twinkling across the city and suburbs. 

Here are 10 can't-miss displays to see the sparkles this season: 

The Mile High Tree: Step inside America's tallest digital tree — at 110 feet tall — to enjoy a spectacular immersive art installation in the heart of Civic Center Park. Admission is free. 

Blossoms of Light: Denver Botanic Garden's signature event for more than 30 years transforms the York Street gardens into a winter wonderland. Tickets are $24 for non-member adults — and going fast! 

Merry & Bright Lights: The exterior of Union Station features an interactive outdoor light show on its historic facade and a 40-foot outdoor Christmas tree with 7,000+ lights. Viewing is free through Dec. 26. 

Zoo Lights: More than a million lights are on display at the Denver Zoo, featuring new installations including an Electric Jungle. Tickets start at $15.   

Luminova Holidays: Check out a 65-foot Christmas tree, over 4 million lights, a 25-foot snowman, a 300-foot candy tunnel, plenty of rides and Santa himself. Tickets are $29.99.

Trail of Lights: Head to Chatfield Farms in Littleton and wander through a nearly mile-long, light-filled path featuring singing Christmas trees, light tunnels and more. Tickets are $16 for non-member adults. 

Camp Christmas: This elaborate celebration at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park spans 6 acres and includes immersive art, Christmas-themed cocktail bars, a classic carousel, visits with Santa and sweet treats. Tickets start at $18. 

Winter Wanderland Light Walk: Enjoy a musical light walk under a million glowing lights at Cherry Creek North. Eight sparkling trees that are choreographed to winter melodies feature a QR code, which can be scanned for chances to win a $1,000 shopping spree.

A Hudson Christmas: Stroll through a lighted forest of towering, twinkling trees at the Hudson Gardens & Event Center in Littleton. Holiday light tunnels, hot cocoa and giant snowmen are also on the scene. Tickets start at $12.  

Christmas in Color: Drive through acres of enchanting illuminations at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison or at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, where millions of lights will be perfectly synchronized to holiday music you'll hear through your radio. Tickets start at $35 per vehicle. 

The Lodge with Joy display at Camp Christmas at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park in Lakewood in 2021. Photo: Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Christmas

Denver is dazzling this time of year, with holiday lights twinkling across the city and suburbs. Here are 10 can&#x27;t-miss displays to see the sparkles this season:

Things to Do

Data: Denver Police Department; Chart: Alayna Alvarez/Axios

Car thefts in Colorado are on track to outpace every other state in the country for a second straight year, and public safety experts say the crimes are also growing more violent.

Driving the news: Just over a week ago, a Denver officer was shot in the back of the neck after apprehending a suspect who allegedly stole a car. 

A Denver man accused of stealing a Jeep on Sunday in Lakewood crashed the vehicle into an ambulance, injuring four people — including two firefighters. The man later told police he was forced by a female passenger to drive the vehicle at gunpoint. 

A month earlier, an officer in Lafayette was shot in the leg at a gas station by a suspect in a stolen car. The alleged shooter was killed by police gunfire in the front seat.

What they're saying: Criminals appear emboldened, intentionally firing guns and smashing into vehicles to distract police and flee, Mike Greenwell, commander of the Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force, told 9News. 

"We know that 74% of the people that get arrested for auto theft are also charged with another felony crime of some type. The vast majority of those are violent crimes," he said.

By the numbers: As of Dec. 5, auto theft in Denver has skyrocketed to 71% for the year, compared to the city's three-year average, according to Denver Police Department data. 

At least 13,911 cars in the Mile High City have been reported stolen by local law enforcement so far this year, compared to the previous peak of 11,758 in all of 2021.

The Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force estimates 41,600 cars will be nabbed statewide — up 12% from last year.

The estimated value of stolen vehicles this year totals between $468.1 million and $848.3 million, per a Common Sense Institute report from September.

State of play: Arrests aren't keeping up with the state's vehicular robbery rate, data shows.

In the first six months of the year, Colorado's arrest rate per motor vehicle theft was 9.4%, down from 15.5% in 2019, according to the Common Sense Institute. 

The Denver Police Department did not immediately respond to Axios Denver's request for information regarding how the agency is combating the rise in auto theft and why the trend is worsening.

What to watch: The Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force is calling for tougher punishments for people convicted of stealing cars. 

Auto theft "needs to be considered more than just a property crime," Greenwell told 9News. "We have offenders tell us, 'Just let me go. You know I'm not going to stay in jail. You know I'm not going to be sent to prison.'" 

Experts say criminals appear emboldened, intentionally firing guns and smashing into vehicles to distract police and flee.

Car thefts in Colorado are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on track" data-vars-click-url="https://commonsenseinstituteco.org/on-the-road-to-1-billion-in-vehicles-stolen-the-data-trends-behind-colorados-motor-vehicle-theft-crisis/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://commonsenseinstituteco.org/on-the-road-to-1-billion-in-vehicles-stolen-the-data-trends-behind-colorados-motor-vehicle-theft-crisis/" target="_blank">on track</a> to outpace every other state in the country for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second straight year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2021/12/14/car-theft-denver-colorado-worst-nation" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2021/12/14/car-theft-denver-colorado-worst-nation" target="_self">second straight year</a>, and public safety experts say the crimes are also growing more violent.Driving the news: Just over a week ago, a Denver officer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was shot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/denver-police-officer-suspect-jail-shooting/73-9e4318ba-fa9a-4fb9-be8a-6f3801562179" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/denver-police-officer-suspect-jail-shooting/73-9e4318ba-fa9a-4fb9-be8a-6f3801562179" target="_blank">was shot</a> in the back of the neck after apprehending a suspect who allegedly stole a car.

Two Loveland locals were featured Friday on ABC's hit show "Shark Tank" for their hummingbird feeder for your face.

Driving the news: HummViewer is a wearable mask that allows you to view and feed the fast, fleeting creatures up close without disturbing their natural habitat. The patented product retails for $69.95. 

The startup was founded in 2017 by John and Joan Creed, whose appreciation for the birds began in Colorado's mountains. To date, they have sold about 500 feeders.

The Creeds made a $75,000 deal with "Shark Tank" guest investor Daniel Lubetzky — CEO of the snack company Kind — for a 35% stake in their company. Lubetzky, whose late father loved hummingbirds, called the deal "fate."

Although the other sharks backed out — Kevin O'Leary being the first to go — the HummViewers drew big reactions from the judges. Lori Greiner called it a "super novel, super cute idea." 

What they're saying: "The crazy man in the mountains did it! How about that?" John said on "Shark Tank" after scoring the deal. 

Two locals were featured on ABC's hit show for their hummingbird feeder for your face.

Two Loveland locals were featured Friday on ABC&#x27;s hit show &quot;Shark Tank&quot; for their hummingbird feeder for your face.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HummViewer" data-vars-click-url="https://hummviewer.com/" data-vars-content-id="e89ffbdb-0fed-494c-ba63-beacad8a6a81" data-vars-headline="Colorado company scores &quot;Shark Tank&quot; deal for hummingbird feeders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hummviewer.com/" target="_blank">HummViewer</a> is a wearable mask that allows you to view and feed the fast, fleeting creatures up close without disturbing their natural habitat. The patented product <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retails for $69.95" data-vars-click-url="https://hummviewer.com/products/hummviewer" data-vars-content-id="e89ffbdb-0fed-494c-ba63-beacad8a6a81" data-vars-headline="Colorado company scores &quot;Shark Tank&quot; deal for hummingbird feeders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hummviewer.com/products/hummviewer" target="_blank">retails for $69.95</a>.

Alayna Alvarez

Stories

Denver's Cherry Creek is getting a $1B face-lift

Colorado car thefts are soaring and growing more dangerous

10 best Christmas light displays in Denver

Colorado gas prices are dropping

Colorado company scores "Shark Tank" deal for hummingbird feeders

Newsletter editions

🚗 Car thefts spike

🚨 Club Q shocker

Development debate

🎵 Denver "Wrapped"

👀 Focus on the Springs