E-Talk in 10 DNC Update Aug. 25-28
August 22nd, 2008e-Talk in 10 From the Office of Councilwoman Jeanne Robb
In This Issue:
- Thank YOU for your Patience and Support of Denver During the DNC -
- Denver and DNC Fun Facts -
- DNC 1908: 100 Years Ago –
- Golden Triangle DNC Impacts Neighborhood Meeting August 21st -
- Pepsi Center Community Open House -
– Designated Parade Route -
- Street Closures, I-25 Closure and Recommended Detours -
- Freewheelin’ Bikesharing Program –
- RTD Light Rail and Buses -
- Demonstrations and Freedom of Speech -
- Activities Open to the Public -
Thank YOU for your Patience and Support of Denver during the DNC
The advent of the Democratic National Convention is almost upon us. Denver will be a happening place starting this weekend. Whether you choose to participate in events or not, I hope this update makes life a little easier for you next week. I just attended the lighting of the colorful fountain in Ferrill Lake at City Park last night. It was like fireworks with water! Don’t miss it. No doubt things will continue to change and there will be last minute press releases and events scheduled so for the most current schedule of activities, road closures, expected demonstrations, etc. please visit my website by clicking here, or visit www.denverconvention2008.com, www.demconvention.com, www.denver.org, or www.denvergov.org/DNC2008.
Additionally, Denver 8 TV, the city’s Municipal Access Television channel has put together a four part segment designed to educate and inform Denver citizens about the many programs, processes and people involved in Denver’s biggest convention ever. The segments are airing several times each day in the upcoming week. Each segment is also available as a streamed video program by clicking here.
Please note, my office and the city are open for business during the week of the DNC. Denver City Council will meet at its usual time, Monday at 5:30 August 25 at the City and County building (14th and Bannock St., 4th Floor, Room 451). However, City Council will not be meeting on Monday, September 1 in recognition of the Labor Day Holiday. City offices and facilities will be open and operational during the Convention week, and Denver does not anticipate any interruptions to City services (including street sweeping!). If you have questions during the DNC, extra Denver employees will be staffing the 3-1-1 call center.
Thank you for your efforts to ensure that Denver shines as a host city and capitalizes on this opportunity to showcase our community’s successes to the world.
Councilwoman Jeanne Robb
Denver and DNC Fun Facts
How many people are we expecting in Denver?
Over 50,000 visitors are anticipated between Saturday, August 23 and Thursday, August 28 – including 6,000 delegates, 14,000 elected officials, 15,000 members of the media, VIPs and assorted guests and staff. While this number may seem staggering, it is important to remember that this is less than the number of people that come downtown for Rockies’ Opening Day or for a Broncos game. Denver has hosted games in all three downtown stadiums at the same time, involving close to 150,000 people. The Convention visitors – who won’t all be downtown at the same time – will spend significant amounts of time inside the Colorado Convention Center, Pepsi Center and other event venues. It is anticipated that Denver will bring in $160 million in economic benefits directly related to the DNC.
Did You Know…?
- Denver is one of only two cities in America with eight professional sports teams.
- You can locate the exact elevation of 5,280 feet (1 mile) above sea level by finding a round brass cap embedded in the 15th step of the western entrance stairs of the State Capitol.
- Local boosters named the frontier mining camp on the South Platte River “Denver” after Kansas Territorial Governor James Denver in hopes of gaining political favor. Unfortunately, Denver had retired by the time they named the town.
- There were originally three separate towns, with three separate names, where Denver now stands. In 1859, the other names were dropped in return for a barrel of whiskey to be shared by all. Fittingly enough, the first permanent structure in Denver was a saloon.
- Denver is one of the few cities in history that was not built on a road, railroad, lake, navigable river or body of water when it was founded. It just happened to be where the first few flakes of gold were found in 1858.
- Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the top five botanic gardens in America, with more than 32,000 plants, representing over 2,000 species, including seven that are classified as endangered.
- Colfax Avenue is the longest continuous street in the United States and hosts an annual marathon.
DNC 1908 – 100 Years Ago
100 years ago, in 1908, Denver welcomed delegates to the Denver National Convention with great fanfare. Lakeside Amusement Park, the “Coney Island of the West,” had opened just in time for the convention. During the Convention, Moffat Railroad transported carloads of snow into the city from the Western Slope so that the delegates could have a snowball fight.
1908 was Denver’s 50th year as a City and the 32nd year of Colorado’s admittance to the Union. The1908 Convention was nicknamed the “Golden Gamble” because of the overwhelming skepticism of Easterners about holding a convention in the West. In 1908, the average hotel room cost $1.00 and in 2008, the average hotel room costs $144. In 1908, Denver had 59 paved street miles, in 2008, Denver has 34,300 paved street miles. At the 1908 Convention, Denver was lauded for its public areas and its proximity to the mountains. Then-mayor Robert Speer had built city parks meant to mimic Europe’s open spaces. There were also no protests at the 1908 convention. The women’s suffrage movement was quickly accelerating, but no one picketed the event. In fact, Denver’s convention hosted the first five female delegates.
Like today, the Democrats had chosen their presidential candidate beforehand. William Jennings Bryan, a former Nebraska Congressman and two-time presidential hopeful, was again asked to sign onto the Democratic ticket. William Howard Taft, who later won the presidency, was handpicked to succeed the incumbent Republican President Teddy Roosevelt. Unlike today, however, the candidates did not typically attend their party’s conventions. Bryan stayed at his Nebraska farmhouse, cutting alfalfa in the field, while the delegates hashed out the party’s platform in Denver. He stayed in close contact with the proceedings; receiving 1,200 telegraphs in the three-day span.
Golden Triangle DNC Impact Neighborhood Meeting August 21st
During the DNC Convention and because of the Designated Parade Route, the Golden Triangle neighborhood will be impacted more significantly than others. Please join me and the Mayor’s office for an informational meeting to discuss the DNC and impacts to the Golden Triangle on Thursday, August 21 at 6 pm at the City and County Building, Parr-Widener Community Room, 3rd Floor, 1437 Bannock Street.
Pepsi Center Community Open House
During the Convention, the Pepsi Center will be the focal point of television screens around the world. Prior to the start of the Convention, local residents will be able to tour the Pepsi Center and see first-hand where history will be made within the Convention Hall. Attendees will view the podium and state where dozens of individuals will take the stage during the first three days of the Convention. The transformation of the Pepsi Center, from sports arena to Convention hall, took seven weeks and equipped the arena with the latest technology, seating for delegates from around the country and infrastructure for media from around the world.
The Open House is on Friday, August 22 from 11:30 am – 4 pm and is free of charge. You must be in line by 3 pm to join a tour. Tickets for the event have all been given out. However, my office has a limited amount to distribute, first come first served. Please contact my office at 303-377-1807 to see if I still have some available.
Designated Parade Route
The City and County of Denver chose to waive its standard fees, making the parade route available free-of-charge to groups wishing to conduct parades during the week of the Convention.
Designated Parade Route and Demonstration Zone August 25, 26, and 27 (11 am – 3 pm):
Each day of the Convention, requesting groups will be able to gather on Bannock Street between 14th Avenue and Colfax Avenue (adjacent to Civic Center Park) at 10 am. The Designated Parade Route will begin at 11 am on the north side of Colfax Avenue in the westbound traffic lanes at Bannock Street proceed west toward Speer Boulevard, where marchers will proceed north on the southbound lanes of Speer Boulevard to Larimer Street. The parade route will end within walking distance of the 50,000 square-foot demonstration zone located in Pepsi Center parking lot A. From the intersection of Larimer and Speer, marchers will be able to continue on foot down Larimer to 7th Street to access the public viewing area/demonstration zone. From 2:30 pm until 3 pm, City crews will follow the last group to clean the streets on the parade route.
Designated Parade Route and Demonstration Zone Thursday, August 28 (11 am – 3 pm):
Requesting groups will gather on Mariposa Street between 12th and 13th Avenues beginning at 10 am. The Designated Parade Route to Invesco Field at Mile High will begin at 11 am at the intersection of Mariposa Street and 13th Avenue and proceed northbound to Colfax Avenue. The route will continue west on the westbound lanes of Colfax Ave. from Mariposa St. to Federal Blvd. The route will continue on northbound Federal Boulevard from Colfax Avenue to no further north than 20th Ave., where it will proceed east to the 53,000 square foot public viewing area/demonstration zone located in Invesco lot J. Please note, one lane of northbound Federal Blvd. will remain open during the parade.
Street Closures, I-25 Closure, and Recommended Detours
Because of the Pepsi Center’s location in the Platte Valley, transportation- and security-related impacts on downtown will be minimized. While there will be some additional screening procedures and security measures in some locations, all downtown residents will be able to access their homes and parking garages. Downtown businesses will be able to remain open with access to employees and customers.
Monday, August 25- Wednesday, August 27:
Speer Boulevard Closure: Speer Blvd. from I-25 to Lawrence Street will be closed from 9 am on Monday, August 25 through midnight on Wednesday, August 27 except during morning rush hour. However, two lanes in each direction of Speer Blvd. between I-25 and Lawrence Street will be open from 6 am to 9 am to allow for rush hour traffic. The I-25 ramp to northbound Speer Blvd. will remain open at all times. The closed portions will reopen permanently for traffic by 6 am on Thursday, August 28.
Auraria Parkway: Auraria Parkway from I-25 to Speer Blvd., including the I-25 ramps to and from Auraria Parkway will be closed from 12:01 am on Sunday, August 24 through midnight Wednesday, August 27.
Related Parade Route Street Closures August 25-27: Bannock Street between 14th Avenue and Colfax Avenue will be closed August 25 - 28 from 10 am until 3 pm. During that time, the westbound lanes of Colfax Avenue from Bannock Street to Speer Boulevard will be closed, as will the southbound lanes of Speer Boulevard from Colfax Avenue to Larimer Street. The eastbound lanes of Colfax Avenue and the northbound lanes of Speer will remain open, but some slowdown in traffic flow is expected.
Thursday, August 28:
5.5 Mile Stretch of Interstate 25 between U.S. 5 and I-70: The Colorado Department of Transportation announced that this stretch will close at approximately 5:30 pm on Thursday, August 28. Thursday morning rush hour will not be affected. Afternoon and evening commuters who generally use this stretch of I-25 are encouraged to use one of the many alternative routes outlined by CDOT at www.dot.state.co.us. This stretch of I-25 will reopen after Thursday night’s activities conclude at Invesco Field at Mile High and should be completely opened by midnight, well in advance of Friday morning rush hour.
Related Parade Route Street Closures Thursday, August 28: Colfax Ave. will remain open during morning rush hour, but will be closed from Mariposa Street to Federal Blvd. beginning at 9 am until the Convention program concludes at Invesco on Thursday night. One northbound Federal Boulevard traffic lane – from Colfax Avenue to 20th Avenue – will close at 9 am and reopen at 3 pm. One northbound lane of Federal Boulevard and all of southbound Federal Blvd. will remain open throughout the parade.
While still accessible to pedestrians, vehicle traffic on the following blocks between 15th Street and Speer Blvd. will be limited to residents and employees from Monday August 25 through Wednesday August 27: Wazee, Wynkoop, Delgany, Wewatta, and Little Raven.
Colfax Avenue: Colfax Avenue will be open for morning rush hour, but will close from Mariposa Street to Federal Boulevard beginning at 9 am until the Convention program concludes at Invesco that evening. Westbound Colfax will be detoured to Kalamath Street. Eastbound Colfax will be detoured by southbound Federal Blvd.
What are the recommended routes I can take August 25-27?
o East and Northeast: Drivers may access downtown from the east and northeast using Martin Luther King Blvd., 18th Ave., 13th Ave., and 8th Ave.
o South and Southeast: With northbound Speer closed at Lawrence Street, drivers along Speer Blvd. south of Lawrence as well as on Lincoln and Santa Fe may experience slight increases in traffic. Slowing may occur on these streets as they cross Colfax Ave. Commuters may want to use Downing, Clarkson, or Logan St. to avoid delays. Exiting downtown may be slightly slower than normal due to Convention-related activities, but once traffic crosses Colfax Ave. movement on Kalamath, Broadway, Grant, Washington and Corona/Downing should be similar to a normal weekday.
o West and Southwest: Travelers may access downtown from the west and southwest using 6th Ave. or northbound I-25 to 20th Street. Traffic exiting downtown to the west and southwest may be a little slower than normal, but with the combination of increased transit use and the absence of Auraria Campus traffic, delays along Arapahoe, Champa, Glenarm and Colfax should be minimal. Once traffic reaches Kalamath, I-25 and 6th Ave. travel should be similar to a normal weekday.
o Northwest: Drivers can use I-25 to Park Ave. West or 20th Street to access downtown. Traffic exiting downtown to the northwest should use 20th St. or Park Ave. West to I-25.
What are the recommended routes I can take August 28 during the I-25 closure?
o Accessing downtown Denver from southbound I-25:
· I-25 to westbound I-70: Exit Pecos Street and go south to 38th Avenue or Park Avenue or exit Federal Boulevard south to Speer Boulevard
· I-25 to eastbound I-70: Exit Washington Street South to Brighton Boulevard or exit Colorado Boulevard south to 17th or 13th Avenues or Colfax
o Accessing downtown Denver from northbound I-25:
· Lincoln Street and Santa Fe Drive are the preferred routes, others are Colorado Boulevard or University Boulevard to 13th Avenue, Colfax Avenue or 17th Avenue, Downing Street, 6th Avenue east to Santa Fe Drive or Lincoln Street
o Accessing southbound I-25 from downtown Denver:
· Kalamath Street to Santa Fe Drive, other routes are Broadway Boulevard, York Street/University Boulevard, Colorado Boulevard, Corona Street/Downing Street
o Accessing northbound I-25 from downtown Denver:
· Park Avenue West is the preferred route, other routes include 20th Street, Brighton Boulevard to I-70, Speer Boulevard
o For those passing through the city, alternate routes include:
· Southbound I-25: I-76 east to I-270 to I-70 to I-225 (preferred), I-70 east to I-225 (preferred), E-470 to I-70 or I-25 (tollway)
· Northbound I-25: C-470 west to I-70 (preferred), I-225 to I-70 (preferred), E-470 to I-70 or I-25 (tollway), Hampden Avenue west to Sheridan, Wadsworth, Kipling or C-470 to I-70, 6th Avenue west to Sheridan, Wadsworth, Kipling or Indiana to I-70, University or Colorado boulevards to I-70
Freewheelin’ Bike-Sharing Program
Bike use is being encouraged as an alternative mode of transportation during the Convention. Close to 1,000 bikes are available free of charge for anyone looking for an alternative to automobiles. Anyone over 18 can ride any bike they like between 7 am and 7 pm at no cost. Many of these bikes and stations will be sticking around Denver after the DNC for permanent use.
Bike stations will be located throughout Denver and near the convention center and major hotel clusters, so the bikes will be useful for convention transportation. Click here to view the map for the DNC. To learn more visit the Freewheelin website. To ease the process, they recommend pre-registering online on the website. Once you are registered, you can visit a bike station, get a Freewheelin’ card and get on a bike. If you are unable to register online, you can register in person at any one of the Freewheelin’ stations.
Greeters will be on site at every station to assist with the process and a Safety Specialist will answer any questions you may have about cycling. They will also provide bikers with terrific maps to help unfamiliar riders navigate the city. Additionally, seasoned Denver riders will be serving as Travel Guides to lead group rides from certain destinations to others. Bicycle helmets will also be available at the stations for riders if you can’t find yours. Each of the bikes will be equipped with odometers that will record every mile you ride. Personal pages will be created for you on the Freewheelin’ website and your mileage information will be posted after the convention.
RTD Light Rail and Buses
RTD plans to run normal bus service during the Convention, adjusting routes impacted by street closures. Light Rail has been slightly modified. RTD will provide information on these adjustments through its website, the RTD Telephone Information Center 303-299-6000, and information will be posted on buses, light rail, and stops.
Light Rail: Midnight Sunday, August 24 through midnight Wednesday, August 27
Light rail lines coming into the Central Business District will not be disrupted, including lines D, F, and H. The only effected lines are C, coming from the southwest, and E, coming from the southeast. There will be no boarding or alighting allowed at the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens Station or Denver Union Station stops. Passengers on the C and E lines who want to travel downtown can transfer to the D, F, and H lines at I-25/Broadway, Alameda, or 10th/Osage. All northbound C and E line light rail passengers will be required to disembark at the Invesco Field at Mile High Station light rail stop.
Light Rail: Midnight Wednesday, August 27 through midnight Thursday, August 28
All light rail service will be available on Thursday, August 28, 2008 to the Invesco Field Station. The Pepsi Center Station stop will remain closed. Routes C from the southwest corridor and E from the southeast corridor stop at the Invesco Field Station. Individuals parking downtown can take light rail from Denver Union Station to the Invesco Field Station.
Buses Midnight Saturday, August 23 through midnight Wednesday, August 27
No bus service will be available from the Invesco Field at Mile High Station to downtown Denver. The following bus routes will be detoured in the downtown area during the above times: 1, 2, 10, 12, 15, 20, 38LTD, 44LTD, AF. The following routes will be detoured in the downtown area from Monday, August 25 through Thursday, August 28 10 am – 2 pm: 1, 30, 31.
Buses August 25, 26, 27 and 28 10 am – 2 pm
To account for the designated parade route street closures, the following bus routes will be detoured in the downtown area during the above times: 1, 30 northbound, 31 southbound.
RTD Bus Shuttle Service to Invesco Field at Mile High on Thursday, August 28
To account for the many people attending the DNC Convention on Thursday, August 28, RTD is providing free shuttle service. However, parking lots where you pick up the shuttle buses may require payment. In downtown Denver, shuttle service will start from 22nd and Blake down Broadway to 8th to Zuni, to 13th and Decatur, to Invesco Field at Mile High on Howard Pl. from 11 am – 2 pm. The shuttles will be stopping at all regular RTD bus stops along the route and will be available to return attendees to the same downtown stops following the event. The last shuttles will leave at 2 pm. Parking will be available for $5 per vehicle in Coors Field lots A, B, and C located northeast of Park Ave. West and Wazee St. From 11 am – 2 pm a free shuttle will transport people from Coors Field lots to 5th and Walnut where they can walk across the Broncos Bridge to Invesco Field at Mile High. The last shuttles will leave at 2 pm. No stops will be made between Coors Field and 5th and Walnut. These shuttles will be available to return attendees to the Coors Field lots following the event.
Demonstrations and Freedom of Speech
Denver supports the rights of people to express their views safely and in a manner that respects the rights of others along with local, state and federal laws. The 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston attracted 10,000 demonstrators. To lean about the process Denver used to permit its parks during the DNC click here. Here are some of the District 10 parks that have been permitted during the DNC:
· Civic Center Park:
o Saturday, August 23: Pro-life witness and rally
o Sunday, August 24: Denver Convention 2008 Host, Civic Celebration
o Monday, August 25: Recreate 68: The Protest Park
o Tuesday, August 26: Manjushri Project: Pictures of You
o Wednesday, August 27: Tent State University: Convention Against the War and Recreate 68: Festival of Democracy
- The annual set-up for the Downtown Denver Partnership’s Taste of Colorado will begin in Civic Center on Wednesday, August 27 at 6 pm
· Congress Park:
o Monday, August 25: The minutemen Civil Defense Corps and Right March are holding a rally in Congress Park. The rally will be held from 10 am – 6 pm. Congress Park Neighbors and the Denver Police Department has met with the Minutemen and discussed various concerns. While the Minutemen are unable to estimate how many participants they anticipate they will be providing remote parking and shuttle transportation to and from the rally which should ease parking concerns. However, they do not know how many non-members and other groups may attend. Feel free to call my office if you have questions.
· Cheesman Park:
o Friday, August 22 Stand for Peace Assembly, 11 am -11 pm
o Monday, August 25 Candlelights Salute: The Rise 2008, 9 am – 11 pm
o Tuesday, August 26 Colorado Women Count/ Women Vote: Celebrate Women’s Rights, 1 am – 11 pm
Will the rights of homeless individuals be violated during the DNC?
Absolutely not. The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (Coalition) released a statement reiterating its commitment to the homeless and clarifying any misinformation that exists as it relates to the homeless and the DNC. The Coalition obtained commitments from the City & County of Denver, Denver’s Road Home (the Mayor’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness) and the Denver Police Department that they will not “sweep” homeless people away or try to hide them, but will seek to engage them in the process. We’ll carefully monitor security activities to ensure that the rights of all homeless individuals are protected. For more information, please contact BJ Lacino, Direction of Education and Advocacy for Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: (303) 285-5223, biacino@coloradocoalition.org
Activities Open to the Public
Dialog:City 8/21- 8/29 Free to Public
Dialog:City is an official public program organized by the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs involving arts and cultural events that catalyze civic discourse by inviting internationally renowned artists to create interactive, and dialogical works in neighborhoods across the city of Denver. For more info visit: www.dialogcity.org
Cinemocracy Rocks! 8/25
Cinemocracy Rocks! is a short film festival held at Red Rocks Amphitheater at 6pm on August 25. Screened films will address the topic “How do you define Democracy?” For more info visit: www.cinemocracy.org/splash.html
American Presidential Experience 8/22 - 8/29
This non-partisan exhibit, the largest traveling exhibit of Presidential memorabilia, is a unique event that invites everyone to experience presidential history. For more info visit: www.presidentialexperience.com
2008 Rocky Mountain Roundtable 8/25 - 8/27
The 2008 Rocky Mountain Roundtable is a series of 10 issue-oriented, non-partisan discussions by internationally-known leaders and experts on many of the most critical issues of the day. For specific times and ticket information, please visit: www.2008rmr.org
Unconventional Women 8/25
Unconventional Women features non-partisan roundtable conversations among internationally-known leaders and experts intended to galvanize women into political action as candidates, supporters, and mentors. For more info visit: www.unconventionalwomen.org
Green Frontier Fest and Green Energy Station 8/24 10 am – 6 pm Free to Public
Green Frontier Fest is a celebration of positive everyday choices that we can make to address global challenges. This event, held at the Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, will feature a full spectrum of sustainable options from renewable technologies to solutions that can be implemented in the home. For more info please visit: www.greenfrontierfest.com
Denver 2008 Marketplace 8/24
In an ongoing effort to celebrate Colorado, the DNC host committee presents Denver 2008 Marketplace. This event will showcase the many Colorado culture & arts organizations to the world. For more info please visit: http://www.denverconvention2008.com//?page=marketplace
Democracy Read-Out on 16th Street 8/27
On August 27th, you may hear the words of Benjamin Franklin echoing down the 16th Street Mall. Listen as Denver residents bring to life a little-known document, instrumental to our country’s existence: Franklin’s 1787 letter to the Constitutional Convention. For more info visit: http://www.downtowndenver.com/Events/DemocracyReadOut.htm
City-to-City Pachanga 8/24 Free to Public
Denver invites DNC delegates and the public to help celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Enjoy food, drinks, art and entertainment while rubbing elbows with numerous “special guests” at this FREE event. To learn more visit: www.citytocitypachanga.com/.
After Five Jazz & Blues Festival 8/23-8/29
Denver comes alive as top-flight jazz groups and musicians perform at this year’s festival, which coincides with the convention. Included in the line-up are Gerald Albright, Poncho Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Jeffrey Osborne, Hazel Miller George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Dotsero and many more! For specific times and ticket information, please visit: www.denverjazzfestival2008.com/home.shtml.
More DNC Related Events
The aforementioned events are just a small portion of activities that will occur during the DNC. For more events visit the following websites: www.denver.org/metro/features/dnc-events, www.denverconvention2008.com, www.demconvention.com, www.denvergov.org/DNC2008.
This electronic newsletter was prepared by Councilwoman Robb and her staff in her office on city computers. Therefore, it was paid for by taxpayer dollars.