Why do Americans pronounce Junipero as Juan-a-pear-o?

Dear Mexican: In my home town of Playa Larga (Long Beach, California), natives refer to a major avenida in our villa, Junipero Avenue (named for Father Junípero Serra, accused native genocider, a candidate for sainthood — but I digress), as Juan-a-pear-o. There is no “Juan” in Junipero, but that’s how…

Why Golden put the brakes on the Jefferson Parkway land swap

Despite the efforts of Governor John Hickenlooper and Don Hunt, the head of the Colorado Department of Transportation, the negotiations with Golden, Jefferson County and the group that would build the Jefferson Parkway wound up going nowhere…fast. In mid-December, Golden outlined a $57 million transportation deal that town would get…

Greatest Mexican hits of 2011

Dear Readers: Here’s a look back at some of the best questions of the year. Dear Mexican: Thirteen years old, and I’m jacking off, not knowing I left the bathroom door ajar. Just as I blasted onto the shower curtain, my mom walked in. Aghast, she shouted, “¡Cochino, te vas…

Latest Word is ho-ho-home for the holidays

The Westword office is closed for the holidays until Tuesday, December 27, and Latest Word is taking a break until then. In the meantime, enjoy these Colorado Christmas cards from Kenny Be — and if you have time on your hands, feel free to post a comment on the topic…

Union Station developers bite into a delicious project

Union Station was once a bustling spot, but as fewer people decided to “travel by train,” as its neon sign advises, more and more businesses pulled out of the station. By the early ’80s, the only refreshment options were a soda fountain in the lobby, the classic Caboose Lounge and,…

Union Station vote is tonight, but LoDo is already aglow

The Regional Transportation District Board is scheduled to make a final decision on the redevelopment of Union Station tonight — choosing between the proposal of the Union Station Neighborhood Co., which already has the contract to oversee the development behind the historic station, and the Union Station Alliance. But another…

Behold, your Ask a Mexican! holiday shopping list

Dear Readers: In between your fifteenth tamale and sixth spiked cup of ponche, you’re going to have to buy regalos for Christmas or whatever pinche holiday you celebrate. Okay, you don’t have to, but you should, to support all those great indie businesses suffering during this Great Recession. Behold, then,…

Linda Torrez is headed to prison for abusing Kristen Stillman

Kristen Stillman had been on the witness stand for two days — talking about how her mother had dropped Kristen and her twin brother, Will, off at a house in northwest Denver when they were eight, and how the head of that household had abused them emotionally, physically, sexually for…