by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Wipe the slate clean, it’s 2026! Time to start from scratch and make a fresh start, make a new beginning. Who knows, this January could be your lucky penny, your four-leaf clover.
It’s a chance to motivate yourself, uplift others, set new goals, and embrace exciting opportunities ahead. You don’t have to be perfect, just be yourself, and that is enough.
January is not about expecting, hoping, and wishing; it’s about doing, being, and becoming. Here are our “chasing dreams” shopping, dining, and entertainment choices:
There’s still time to see the holiday tradition Blossoms of Light®, celebrating 40 years at the Denver Botanic Gardens through January 12. The event showcases the plant collections during the winter months. Information: 720-865-3500.
Guitar virtuoso group the Stanley Jordan Trio show off their “touch technique” and music at Dazzle Denver January 9, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
The symphony plays Rachmaninoff Rhapsody for piano and orchestra at Boettcher Concert Hall Jan. 9-11, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Looking for BBQ with richness and flavor? Riot BBQ’s thin al pastor ribs, and brisket tacos on bison tallow tortillas feature rich, bold flavors. The laid-back atmosphere is a memorable smokehouse experience. Information: 303-872-6862.
Want to add a fun, fitness element to your life this year? Participate in Glendale Sports Center’s adult coed soccer, volleyball, men’s basketball, table tennis, and pickleball leagues. Call Kelly Legler for dates, times. Information: 303-630-4711.
Catch the music of Grammy-winning mandolinist and singer Chris Thile playing at the Newman Center January 15, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Hairball brings their Rock & Roll concert with lights, sound, and smoke to the Paramount Theater January 16, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Montana quartet Kitchen Dwellers plays a fusion of bluegrass, folk, and rock music at the Mission Ballroom January 24, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Attend this year’s Denver Animal Shelter’s strongman event, Battle in Mile High. Event is being held January 24, 8 a.m. at Prost Brewery. Shelter is raising funds to help animals in need, and every dollar counts. The Denver Animal Shelter is an adoption center and shelter for dogs and cats. Information: 720-913-1311.
Snow falls to the ground soft and white. Sometimes it falls all through the night, wintertime is here. January is a month of reflection, transition, and emotional contrast.
The truth is that January makes everyone a little bit demoralized. Whether it’s because of the cold, shorter days, or the end of the holidays, it’s tough to maintain a positive attitude.
A New Year’s Resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. What happened to the man who shoplifted a calendar on New Year’s Eve? He got 12 months.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2025 | Main Articles
They Can Capture Audio, Video Images; Denver Police To Use As First Responders
by Glen Richardson
Drone Duo: Denver Police Sgt. Jeremy Cain (left) and Det. Jeremy Casias fly a drone outside of the Cherokee St. headquarters.
Already using Flock license plate cameras at intersections, the Denver Police Department appeared set to launch Flock’s “Aerodome” flying drones by December. Neither Denver nor Colorado regulates how police use drones.
The Denver Police Department has signed a free trial contract with Flock to use the company’s Aerodome flying drones — a “fully automated air support system” — that can reach crime scenes faster than police can often arrive. By deploying a drone to an incident scene ahead of ground units, it can provide real-time information.
Should you call 911, a drone would likely show up before an officer does. That’s especially true if the scene is being managed or secured by officers. Police drones are also used in specific scenarios, such as monitoring large events or providing aerial support in ongoing operations.
First Responders
The Denver Police Department has been exploring the utility of drones as a “First Responder” program. The department wants to improve its capacity to provide public safety services to the Mile High City.
“We saw benefit in these opportunities and have entered into a no-cost contract with Flock for a pilot package to evaluate its program,” according to a department spokesperson. The Denver Police Department is also in contract discussions with other venders to support a pilot program.”
The Flock drones are capable of capturing audio, video images, and other data that will be retained for 30 days. They look similar to consumer drones, with four propellers and a camera unit.
Dashboard Data
According to the contract, recorded images will be subject to Colorado Open Records Act requests. Once the police begin using the drones, the department plans to create a dashboard showing data about drone flights. Drones can be used to search for missing persons, respond to emergencies, document crime and crash scenes, and assist with bomb threats or “high-risk tactical situations,” among other uses. In some cases, they might be used to chase suspects.
In addition to surveillance, police can use drones for monitoring large crowds, assist in search and rescue operations, and gathering evidence. Federal and state laws govern the legality and extent of surveillance use. A warrant is often required for targeted surveillance, but permitting can be crucial in many circumstances, and state laws play a significant role in defining limits.
Thus far, about 65% of drone deployments are to assist in searches for suspects and during investigations. They have also been used in searches for missing people about 12% of the time.
Privacy Concerns
According to information obtained through an open records request by Denverite — Colorado Public Radio’s news website — the most recent contract with Flock will run through next August. If the city likes the product, it would begin to pay for Flock drones starting in 2026.
The company claims the technology makes policing more efficient and safer. However, advocacy groups argue the use of drone first responders — especially connected to a network of license plate readers — raises privacy concerns.
Moreover, the Electronic Frontier Foundation — a non-profit digital rights group based in San Francisco — argues that “integration of Flock’s ALPR technology with its Aerodome drone equipment is a police surveillance combo poised to elevate privacy threats to civilians.”
Sound, Lighting
Homeowners can often identify a police drone by its maneuverability, quieter, higher-pitched sound, and specific lighting. Police drones can make sudden, sharp movements, unlike planes and helicopters.
They often have a single, less-visible anti-collision light compared to the standard flashing lights on manned aircraft. In high-tech situations, police may also be using specialized equipment, and you might see them using a “Drone as First Responder” program, where the drone is deployed to a scene before officers arrive.
Police drones may be equipped with specialized payloads like thermal cameras or high-resolution zoom lenses for specific tasks like crime scene mapping. These programs deploy a drone to an incident scene ahead of ground units to provide real-time information.
Night Identity
Unmanned Aircraft: Remotely piloted police drones can make sudden, sharp movements, unlike planes and helicopters. Photo: Denver Police Department
At night, surveillance drones can look like moving lights, sometimes with steady white lights or flashing red and green ones. They may also appear as a heat signature to thermal cameras, even in complete darkness.
Drones can be distinguished from stars and planes by their movement patterns. They may hover, move in strange ways, or follow specific, repetitive paths that aircraft cannot.
Some drones can hear conversations, especially through an open window or with specialized equipment, but most standard drones cannot eavesdrop through walls and have difficulty recording clear audio over their own rotor noise. Some commercial drones can record audio. Police or military drones may use advanced directional microphones to listen in, though these are not common.
Data Sharing?
Denver Police Drone: These small, unmanned, weapon-free aircraft support a variety of missions in Denver.
Earlier this year, Denver City Council refused to renew a contract with Flock after members raised concerns about the company’s data-sharing policies. Flock’s CEO came to Denver to lobby lawmakers about the technology.
However, Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration renewed the contract for less than the monetary amount that triggers a council vote, and the council may yet reconsider the larger contract.
Some groups — including the Party for Socialism & Liberation — have been rallying for the city to cut contracts with Flock, citing civil liberties concerns. Supporters, however, say they appreciate how police can use the technology to solve crimes. Arvada police officers recently used Flock cameras to track a stolen car after a carjacking and shooting.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2025 | Glendale City News
District Is Bustling With Fun, Excitement; Santa’s In The Loop For Saturday Night Lights
by Glen Richardon
Santa Sightings: Santa and local landmarks are among the sights you’ll see as drones soar across the sky all month long, 7 p.m.
There’s no place like Glendale-Cherry Creek North, and the Mile High City during the holidays. Cherry Creek’s over-the-top festivities are bright and jolly enough to convert even the biggest grinch.
With a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand, take in the decorative window displays, dazzling lights, holiday markets, and family-friendly activities happening in Cherry Creek and throughout the Mile High City.
Whether you’re indulging in festive Cherry Creek dining, cozying up with a cocktail at the Mistletoe Lounge on Fillmore Plaza, or simply taking in the view, the district is a must-see holiday destination. A million dazzling lights are wrapped around more than 600 trees, illuminating the entire neighborhood.
Holiday Market
Creek Magic: Take the family to Cherry Creek North to see the decorative window displays, dazzling lights, and holiday market.
As December blankets Cherry Creek in a frosty glow, the district comes alive with the spirit of the holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s celebrations that are nothing short of magical. Experience the joy of the season with Winter Wanderland, a collection of free outdoor events for all to enjoy.
The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is open on Fillmore Plaza through Dec. 24. Spend the day shopping under dazzling lights, listening to live music, and getting into the seasonal spirit.
You’ll discover one-of-a-kind pieces from 50+ local makers, designers, and creators. There’s also “Giving Machines” through Jan. 4 that don’t dispense snacks or drinks, but instead, opportunities to donate to those in need. It’s also where the Mistletoe Lounge — a Christmas bar with festive drinks — is located.
Festivities also include “Saturday Night Lights,” Dec. 6, 13, and 20. On those dates you can enjoy complimentary treats, and the kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. There’s also a Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14 hosted by Chabad of Cherry Creek. Families and guests of all ages will enjoy a fun “festival of lights” with face painting, fire juggling, festive treats, and crafts.
Blossom Of Lights
Bright Nights: Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens through Jan. 11 is one of the nation’s top light shows.
While in the Cherry Creek area, don’t miss the Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov. 21-Jan. 11. It’s consistently lauded as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation. Wander a mile-long path through immersive, luminous displays that accentuate and highlight the plant collections. A cherished holiday tradition for nearly four decades, Blossoms of Light is constantly evolving to inspire wonder and delight for visitors.
Zoo Lights, the Denver Zoo’s 30th annual “wildest winter wonderland” is Nov. 23-Jan. 5. A holiday treat for the kids and grown-ups alike, the zoo has some 3,500 animals, including almost 650 species. During the festival, the zoo is decorated as a winter wonderland where you can stroll illuminated paths enjoying holiday entertainment, music corners, warming stations, plus food and drinks.
Stroll over to the City & County Building in Civic Center Park to watch the lights display running all season long! The light and music show repeats nightly from at 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm, except for December 6 and December 21. Added dazzle: Look up in the sky now through Dec. 31 for this year’s Mile High Drown Show “Grand Illumination.” The display of 400 drones will soar across the sky every night from the Tivoli Quad at 7 p.m. You’ll see everything from Santa and his reindeer, to iconic Denver landmarks like the Mile High Tree and Union Station.
Dashing Thru LoDo
Just steps apart, Dairy Block, McGregor Square, and Union Station are brimming with festive activities, dazzling lights, and family fun. Celebrate the magic of the season with Holiday on the Block, an extensive line-up of festive events on the Dairy Block including a local makers market, entertainment, live music, plus winter art installations.
Festive Sights: With a 40-ft.-tall Christmas tree out front, Denver’s Union Station is a popular holiday destination.
Over at Union Station, the Grand Illumination is a can’t-miss spectacular, lighting up the historic landmark. The sparkling displays are perfect for capturing holiday memories, and the ongoing lights make every night feel like a celebration.
McGregor Square is also a winter wonderland this season, offering ice skating under the twinkling lights, festive cocktails to warm your spirits, and special visits with Santa himself. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the holiday magic with friends and family.
Hanukkah
The Jewish holiday “Festival of Lights” known as Hanukkah — also spelled Chanukah — is December 14 to 22 this year.
The Jewish Community Center’s annual “Latkes & Lights” is Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature themed games, jamming to live music, and tasting latkes from Denver restaurants, plus those made by community members. There will also be voting by attendees on handmade menorahs.
Chanukah @ The Capitol is also on Dec. 7, 5 p.m. to 11:50 p.m. The event features a 10-foot Menorah, a Dreidel Drop, plus free barbecue. Temple Emanuel hosts Hanukkah Hoopla Dec. 27, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There’s a community menorah lighting followed by service, a dinner, and a concert. Finally, Chabad of Cherry Creek is hosting a second Chanukah Celebration Dec. 29, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be Chanukah activities at participating neighborhood stores, a Grand Menorah lighting, plus Fire Show.
New Year’s Eve
Mall Fireworks: See fireworks on the 16th St. Mall New Year’s Eve, 9 p.m. and again at midnight.
The two-night electronic dance music festival Decadence is at the Convention Center Dec. 30 and 31. Zeds Dead, Subtronics, and Tape B will perform together for the first time ever Dec. 30.
Noon Year’s Eve returns to the Children’s Museum featuring the glitz and glam of New York City’s Times Square before bedtime! There’s a ball drop at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus music, and treats. Dazzle’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza “Nostal-Jazz” rings in the New Year at the Performing Arts Complex downtown 10 p.m.
The New Year’s Eve bash “Fire & Ice” is at the Fire Restaurant’s outdoor rooftop patio in the Art Hotel, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. A Night in Vienna returns to Boettcher Concert Hall New Year’s Eve playing rousing polkas, waltzes, and marches, 7 p.m. See the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the 16th St. Mall Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. and again at midnight.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
December is the official start of winter, colder weather, holidays, family gatherings, and the last month of the year. Shorter days, the nights are colder, and most of the trees are bare.
Ho, ho, ho: ‘Tis the season of snowy peaks, mistletoe, wrapped gifts, hot chocolate, and holiday music. Households in the Mile High City begin putting up holiday decorations.
The peace and serenity of Denver’s mild weather helps us enjoy holiday festivities. Here are our Christmas time’s a-coming choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment:
The Nutcracker returns to the stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season Dec. 1-28. There’s dancing mice, sugar plums, swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Information: 720-865-4220.
Charlie, Snoopy, Linus, & Lucy do A Charlie Brown Christmas at Boettcher Dec. 6-7, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Join Christy Wessler’s 21st annual Holiday Sing Along at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Hungry for crepes before Christmas? Wash Park West’s Bon Ami Bistro & Creperie on the corner of Alameda Ave. & Pennsylvania St. has nearly 20 to choose from. Open for brunch all week long. Information: 303-862-4959.
See the newest — and perhaps the most unique — addition at Wings Over The Rockies, the AV-8B Harrier. It was the first vertical-short take-off and landing aircraft to enter service with the U.S. military. Information: 303-360-5360.
The Rock & Roll Playhouse plays the Music of Taylor Swift at the Bluebird Theatre Dec. 13, 11 a.m. Information: 303-777-1666.
Catch the musical tribute A John Denver Christmas playing in the Paramount Theatre Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
End this year at A Night In Vienna listening to polkas, waltzes, and marches at Boettcher Concert Hall Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Party with a purpose this month by attending the 5th Annual Denver Winter Ball at The University Club December 13, 7 p.m. The Fire & Ice themed night of elegance, and dancing, raises money to help Denver children and families facing hunger. All profits go to the Food Bank of the Rockies. Information: 303-349-9262.
The final month of the year brings a unique blend of holiday cheer, winter wonder, and reflective moments. It’s the perfect backdrop as you anticipate opening all of those gifts.
Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to be jolly with the holiday spirit in the air and the atmosphere being a celebratory one. What’s the snow man’s favorite relative? Aunt Arctica.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 20, 2025 | Main Articles
November, December Create Sales Buzz; Holiday Decorations Add Appeal For Buyers
by Glen Richardson
Is a new house for the holidays on your wish list?
Lowry Living: Stylish community of green spaces offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility.
Belcaro Beauty: Belcaro is known for its curvy, leafy streets dotted with classic bungalows and stately mansions.
Winter Wonderland: Homes on the market this time of year attract serious buyers and often result in quicker sales.
Cherry Creek Charm: Beyond central district condos, the surrounding area has homes in a variety of sizes and styles.
This time every year, homeowners who want to sell their home have a decision to make, sell now, or wait until after the holidays. Sellers often take homes off the market until the new year. Nonetheless, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays. Buyers are motivated to close deals quickly, whether due to job relocations, family changes, or the desire to settle into a new home before the year ends.
Fact is, the desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Furthermore, homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers. Of the 329,578 occupied housing units in Denver, 49.1% are owner-occupied, while 50.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.
Quicker Sales
Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely to be a serious buyer. Upshot: Homes on the market this time of year attract serious buyers and result in quicker sales.
Sellers are also often motivated to close deals quickly due to job relocations, family changes, or they’ve already purchased a new home.
The overall median home price in metro Denver sits at around $599,000 according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors. Detached single-family homes are averaging between $650,00 and $666,000. Prices for condos and townhomes average between $390,000 and $400,000.
Open House Timing
Cooling from pandemic peaks, prices are down 3% to 5% from the highs of 2022. Due to inventory growth, more homes are on the market, giving buyers more options. Well-priced homes still sell quickly, but buyers have more negotiating power than in past years.
Plan holiday open houses early in the season, from late November to early December. That’s late enough in the year to take advantage of festive decorations, plus early enough not to be squashed by holiday social schedules.
Albeit prices are still high, recent softening means buyers have better opportunities. That’s particularly true in the condo and townhouse market. Negotiating for seller concessions is becoming more common. Nevertheless, homes that are priced competitively and marketed well are still moving. Overpricing can lead to longer time on the market, especially in the attached home segment.
Year-End Tax Gains
Closing on a home before the end of the year can create valuable tax benefits. New homeowners may be eligible to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and loan origination fees when filing taxes. These deductions can significantly reduce taxable income and may lead to a better refund or lower tax bill. By buying in December, buyers also position themselves to take advantage of any local or federal tax incentives that might be expiring at year-end, making the purchase even more financially beneficial.
Just as sellers are motivated to close before the new year, lenders often push to meet their year-end goals as well. This can work to the advantage of a buyer as some lenders may offer competitive rates, special promotions, or reduced fees in December.
Additionally, with fewer loan applications compared to the spring and summer rush, lenders often provide more personalized service and faster processing times. Pre-approval is still essential, but buyers can expect a smoother financing process during the quieter holiday time.
Variety Of Choices
Even though fewer homes may be listed in November-December, Denver’s real estate market remains active. Buyers can still find a variety of properties available, from modern condos downtown to family-friendly homes in the suburbs. The key is to work closely with a real estate agent to identify new listings and hidden gems that buyers may be looking for.
Additionally, properties that didn’t sell during the fall might still be on the market, with sellers becoming more motivated as the year comes to an end. This creates opportunities to find a home that aligns with preferences and budget.
Closing on a home during the holidays means buyers will be settled in the new home and ready to start the new year fresh. Moving during the winter may sound challenging, but with the right planning, it can be a smooth experience. Plus, moving companies are often less busy, meaning potentially better availability and lower rates. With the move complete before January, buyers will have a chance to enjoy their new home and start the year on the right foot.
District Price Trends
Belcaro Beauty: Belcaro is known for its curvy, leafy streets dotted with classic bungalows and stately mansions.
In August 2025, Cherry Creek North home prices were down 53.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $2.8 million. On average, homes in Cherry Creek North sell after 49 days on the market compared to 10 days a year ago. There were six homes sold in August this year, up from five last year.
In August 2025, Washington Park home prices were up 46.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.95 million. On average, homes in Washington Park are selling after 38 days on the market compared to 24 days last year. There were 45 homes sold in August this year, down from 49 last year.
In August 2025, Belcaro home prices were up 6.5% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.4 million. On average, homes in Belcaro sell after 26 days on the market compared to 27 days last year. There were 37 homes sold in August this year, up from 30 last year.
In August 2025, Lowry home prices were up 4.0% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $586,000. On average, homes in Lowry sell after 33 days on the market compared to 20 days last year. There were 46 homes sold in August this year, down from 60 last year.
