Firefighting has evolved as new challenges impact our area
After Colorado Springs annexed Colorado City in 1917, it soon became clear that the existing fire station needed substantial repairs,…
What the blazes? Colorado City was a hotbed of fires
Colorado City during the 19th and early 20th century is often described as disreputable, colorful and full of characters right…
The right person at the right time for OCC, Westside
Sara Vaas came to Colorado Springs 12 years ago. Then in her late 20s, she was immediately entranced by Old…
Curl up with a good book while winter does its worst
Recently, we’ve had weather that would be delightful in April, let alone January and February. It’s a reminder that we’re…
OCC Library remains a beautiful hub for neighborhood
This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Old Colorado City Library, a beloved Westside anchor that remains lively, beautiful…
Garden of the Gods is not just a pretty place
The city of Colorado Springs communications department rarely misses a chance to brag about our fair city — so here’s…
Everyone is welcome to enjoy community-centric center
What, exactly, is the Westside Community Center? That’s a question with many answers. According to the city of Colorado Springs,…
A closer look at the story of Colorado Springs street names
Are you puzzled about the origin of Colorado Springs street names? As a native, I learned that east-west streets were…
City and county budgets are up in the ‘real money’ stratosphere
For a journalist, there’s nothing quite as much fun as deflating the egos of elected officials. Granted, you can puncture…
Speak up now about county’s transportation corridor plan
El Paso County is updating its 2045 Major Transportation Corridor Plan, which was adopted in 2016. The MTCP is the…
Dreaming the impossible dream to transform casino into resort
$300 million? To transform Bronco Billy’s Cripple Creek casino into a high-end resort? To small-time gamblers who enjoy low-stress gaming…
Infill housing, ADUs revitalizing appearance of Westside streets
Compared to planned neighborhoods like the North End and post-war planned suburbs from Bonnyville to Briargate, Old Colorado City and…
Solutions for homelessness are basic and long overdue proposed for Colorado Springs?
What can we do about homelessness? Some cities do better than others, but none have managed to end homelessness as…
The future looks bright for Colorado Springs economic development
The times are great, and they’re not a-changing, say our local prognosticators. According to the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC,…
Remembering good times, good friends
Absent the Colorado Springs Independent and the Business Journal, I would never have written for any newspaper. But after the…
Photographers have long focused attention on Pikes Peak region
Photography has enlightened, amused and amazed Colorado residents since the 1870s, when pioneer photographer William Henry Jackson loaded his mules…
The wild and woolly world of our region’s early newspapers
Small local newspapers were abundant in 19th and early 20th century Colorado. Every town, however small, boasted its own weekly…
Hatching plans to break away from domineering neighbor proposed for Colorado Springs?
On a bright and cheerful morning last week, I drove a few blocks from our Westside house to the Old…
What can OCC learn from high-rise proposed for Colorado Springs?
The latest gigantic downtown high-rise apartment building scheme debuted a few days ago, and was duly saluted by a front-page…
Time to slam the brakes on speeding through OCC
Old Colorado City businesses and residents can be scrappy and argumentative, but one thing unites them: Something has to be…