We, the staff at the Westminster Window, have no fashion sense.

We have worn the same pair of Levi blue jeans for a decade. We buy all of our clothes off the rack at Walmart. Our athletic gear is all merchandise from local high schools.

I would like to say I am making a political statement by not buying the newest, trendy clothes. No, I am just cheap and lazy.

And I am not as ingenious as the students at Standley Lake High School last week, who put on a classic fashion show using second-hand clothes donated by Plato’s Closet Westminster. Under the tutelage of teacher Danielle McCracken and Plato’s Closet owner Charlotte Magee, the students made those older hand-me-downs, well, fashionable.

One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: While working on a story about “Westy Restaurant Week,” I learned quickly how restaurants are not just a place to dine. They are a focal point for families and economic mainstays for a community. They are employment magnets and a place like Jim’s Burger Haven has given jobs to generations of kids in Westminster and beyond.

Why it matters: A student-led fashion show at Standley Lake High School last week gave kids a shot at being a model, designer and an organizer.

Six “models” used discarded but usable clothes from Plato’s Closet Westminster to put on a stylish show to the appreciation of the student body.

What’s happening: Students learned they could be economical and practical while still being proud of what they wear. Many said they wanted to go on to the fashion industry, giving a fresh perspective on high fashion for the commoners.

Why it matters: Westminster officials and restaurant owners want to drive more traffic into the city’s eateries. That’s the reasoning driving “Westy Restaurant Week,” which begins April 17. The event will put the focus on old dining favorites like Jim’s Burger Haven and a new player in the designer chocolate world - m2 Confections.

What’s happening: Diners will be offered specials at each restaurant during the week in an effort to get people into seats. Special pricing levels will run from $15, $25, $35, $45 or $55 and will be offered during breakfast, lunch, dinner or all day at participating restaurants.

What to know: City Councilors this week learned that short-term rentals, including Airbnb and VRBO, generated $1.4 million in accommodation taxes in 2025. The new revenue is largely due to the city adding the licensing of short-term rentals in its city code. 

Next step: The city will continue to track the growth of short-term rentals in the community.

Westminster’s restrictions on lawn watering begin April 15, quite a bit earlier than usual, thanks to the region’s drought conditions.

The restrictions are voluntary at this point and residents will be asked to limit watering to no more than three days per week and to water lawns before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to minimize evaporation. 

We’ll run the results from this poll in a future newsletter!

Last week, we asked if you’d support a Front Range Passenger Rail system, and 68% of you said you would.

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Special Permit and License Board — 6:00 p.m., City Hall

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