by Mark Smiley | Feb 22, 2023 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
The Earl: Tecovas boots go through a 200-step man-made process. The Earl has a lower heel and a shorter shaft than the traditional cowboy boot. It is made for comfortable wear all day long.
There are two staple items that every Coloradan needs in their closet, a good pair of boots and a comfortable hoodie. From fashion to function, cowboy boots are an essential statement piece to anybody’s wardrobe. And there isn’t anything quite like having a hoodie to keep you warm on a cold Colorado winter night.
One boot to consider purchasing is The Earl, a roper boot made by Tecovas, a company founded in 2015. A roper boot is a streamlined modern version of the cowboy boot with a lower heel and shorter shaft. The Earl features a heel shorter than that of a traditional cowboy boot. The vamp is left unadorned in order to showcase the ultra-soft, hand-burnished calfskin, bovine, or goat leather.
The Earl stands on a stacked leather heel with a rubber end cap. It’s available in a classic, ultra-soft calfskin, bovine, or goat leather. Goat is rich with natural oils, so the boots will quickly earn an aged look.
It takes over 200 steps to make a single Tecovas boot, and each one is crafted by hand in León, Mexico. León has a reputation for manufacturing excellent leather goods and Tecovas boots are known for their exotic leathers — from python to crocodile — as well as for their intricate stitch designs.
This boot is easy to slide on and comfortable to wear all day long. A boot remover tool makes it easier to remove the boot. These boots are stylish with jeans and also look good with slacks.
“Having bought a number of Tecovas boots/access
The Evolution Hoodie: Each hoodie contains three cups of recycled coffee grounds and 10 recycled plastic bottles.
ories, and given them as gifts, I can say that those who received them are extremely happy with the styling and quality of your products,” said Craig A. “And my dealings with customer service have always been a pleasure in their timely actions. You can rest assured that there will be future purchases.”
Tecovas operates on a direct-to-consumer model with all of their products, including boots for women, and wallets, available on their website. This allows them to keep the cost at a reasonable price point. The Earl retails for $265 and is available online or in store.
They also have a brick-and-mortar store located in Cherry Creek North. Tecovas is located at 3030 E. Second Avenue. They welcome you in store with a boot fitting, a boot shine, or whatever else you may be looking for. Even walking in on a busy Saturday, they will make you feel like you are the only one in the store.
Another company’s product to consider for comfort and style is Coalatree, based in Salt Lake City and founded in 2010. Their designs have eco-minded gear and apparel for athletes and photographers, to your average city folks, and weekend warriors.
The Evolution Hoodie has over 20 features for everyday wear and travel. The zippered kangaroo pocket keeps your ite
ms safe and secure. It also folds into a pillow making it easy to pack for travel.
This hoodie is made from spent coffee grounds that are mixed and melted down with recycled plastic bottles to create the fibers for this hoodie. The result is a hoodie packed with features and finished with a water-repellent coating. It also resists odors since coffee naturally absorbs and neutralizes odors. It is very soft and comfortable to wear all day and retails for $109.
“This product is very good,” said Kristin Covalt. “Hoodie maintains size after first wash. Roo pouch in the front is a carry case for the Hoodie or a pillow in a pinch. Fabric is very comfortable, similar to getting a hug. If you are thinking of getting something to spend those crisp mornings in, or just relaxing around on a fall day, this is absolutely a hoodie worth getting. I am sure for the winter months it will absolutely hold its own.”
For more information, visit www.coalatree.com. You can find Coalatree on all social media platforms @Coalatree.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 22, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Top ’o’ the Month to Ya’: March is named for the Roman god of war, Mars. But we think of it as the beginning of spring, as March brings the Full Worm Moon and Daylight Saving Time.
March 12 is the start of Daylight Savings, which begins at 2 a.m. that day. Hint: Don’t forget to “spring forward” and set the clocks one hour ahead, or you’ll find yourself late for everything.
Here are our Irish spring choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so your heart will be light and happy, your smile big and wide, plus your pocket has a coin or two inside:
3 With his 21st studio album out, Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band bring music of 15 soul music greats to the Ball Arena, March 2, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
3 For a Celtic Awakening, listen to Denver Brass’ Irish tenor sing Emerald Isle melodies at the Newman Center, March 10-12, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 March downtown to see step dancers, floats, and marching bands at annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 11, stepping off at 9:30 a.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
3 View over 30 Israeli-Jewish films with “talk backs” during Denver Jewish Film Festival in the Wolf & Pluss Theatres, March 11-19. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 Swing by Inga’s Alpine Tavern on St. Patrick’s Day for good pub grub while listening to the music of GT & The Sidewinders rockin’ Americana band playing from 7-10 p.m. Open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. serving craft cocktails, beer, wine, and creative bites. Information: 720-389-6203.
3 For interior plaster and drywall repair that’s done right and looks super, rely on The Wall Rebuilders. Now in their 24th year, Dan & Laura Pino are known for quality, speed of service, and honesty. Repair, remodel or fix anything. Free estimates. Information: 303-698-1057.
3 Enjoy musical magic as the Denver Young Artists Orchestra & Colorado Symphony play together at Boettcher Hall, March 15, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 See singing, dancing, storytelling, food, and art by 100 Indian tribes during the March Powwow in the Denver Coliseum, March 17-19. Information: 303-934-8045.
3 Catch clarinetist Roger Campbell as he leads the hottest jazz band since the Swing Era playing at Dazzle@Baur’s, March 22, 7-8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Join the tribute, as the Colorado Symphony and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble honor Cleo Parker Robinson — the founder, artistic director & choreographer — for her storied accomplishments. Her 50-year-old institution includes Youth-Junior Youth Ensembles, a Dance Academy, plus an International Summer Institute. The Park Ave. West three-level historic facility seats 240 for concerts, recitals, dances, and theatre. A celebrated artist, cultural leader, and champion of the arts for nearly a half-century, she remains a pillar of the community to this day. The tribute is at Boettcher Concert Hall, March 30, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
St. Patrick’s Day is the main event in March and Irish eyes are smiling: Flowers will soon bud, and this month’s major holiday is just one huge social, minus gifts, and little stress. Leprechauns, laughter, and green, Oh my! Refreshing-tranquil green is linked to money and luck. The Cherry Creek Valley soon will again become our “Green Green Grass of Home.” As the Irish say, “To all the days here and after, may they be filled with fond memories, happiness, and laughter.” But, don’t press your luck by ironing four-leaf clovers!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 22, 2023 | Main Articles
With Lowest Vacancy Rates And Highest Office, Retail, And Multi-Housing Rents, Megaprojects Are Hijacking District’s Westside
by Glen Richardson
Whole Lot Of Wavering: Known as Clayton Lane, the site where Whole Foods and the former Sears store are located, continues to be Cherry Creek North’s most tentative development.
Billion Dollar Deal: East West Partner’s $1 Billion Cherry Creek West project is Cherry Creek North’s biggest project and will have the most impact on the district’s changing westside.
Developers are making bold moves to turn Cherry Creek North’s westside — where what remains of the district’s independent stores, spas, salons, and eateries — into sprawling mega developments. The push to “go big” represents both a growing demand and developer desire to land larger retail and housing tenants in mega mixed-use campuses.
Cherry Creek North has the lowest vacancy rates and highest office, retail, and multi-housing rents in metro Denver, making the district the Valley’s hottest market for investors and lenders alike. Moreover, Cherry Creek has become the leading leasing market in the Rocky Mountain region, attracting the highest demand for properties and spaces available for Lease and Sublease.
Consequently, the district is now one of the nation’s best performing submarkets. Here’s the latest on new megaprojects, plus an update on impending projects:
Coup At 210 University
A $67.7 million, 140,832-sq.-ft. office-retail joint development by Koch Real Estate Investment (KREI) and Corum Real Estate Group at 210 University Blvd. is Cherry Creek’s latest westside development takeover wave. The nine-story office building and attached garage — where US Bank and Baird are located — will remain intact.
But the companies plan to demolish the existing single-story retail buildings on 3rd Ave. — where Chinese restaurant Little Ollie’s has been located since 1997 along with the adjacent OBar — plus the next-door Paradise Cleaners. The development duo plans to build a four-story structure with 7,500-sq.ft. of ground floor retail space and three floors and 46,000-sq.-ft. of office space on the site. Construction won’t begin for at least a year, since leases for the restaurant-bar and cleaners require a year’s notice before termination.
The Sunflower Bank building — located next to the cleaners on the corner of Josephine and 3rd Ave. — was not involved in the purchase and won’t be demolished.
Clayton’s Second Phase: Broe Real Estate has commenced work on the second phase of street’s $200 million redevelopment. Work has started on this eight-story, 175,000-sq.-ft. building.
Josephine St. Changes
Directly across 3rd Ave., Elevation and Edgemark Development have already started construction on a six-story, 70,000-sq.-ft. mixed use building. The location’s first-floor will feature retail space wrapped around the corner of 3rd & Josephine. The upper-floors’ step-up design has 50,000-sq.-ft. of tenant space that will vary from 16,000-sq.-ft. on the second floor to 5,000-sq.-ft on the top-level. The project is on the half-acre site where floral-home furnishing store Bloom was located and includes a portion of parking lot space leased to Hillstone Restaurant.
The site at 2nd Ave. and Josephine — where Whole Foods and the former Sears store are located — remains the westside’s most tentative site. Known as the Clayton Lane project, the collection of buildings between East 2nd Ave. from Josephine to Detroit streets was purchased by OliverMcMillan (later acquired by Brookfield Residential) and Invesco Real Estate for $116.7 million in 2016. Initial plans called for demolition of Whole Foods, the adjacent parking structure, and the former Sears store. They were to be replaced by 173,105-sq.-ft. of retail space and 527 residential units between Clayton and Josephine.
News media reports at the beginning of 2023 hinted that “after years of false starts, things might finally get moving in the massive Clayton Lane development.” Those reports, nonetheless, acknowledged, “it’s unclear if the owners plan to sell completely or in part, or are simply looking to bring another firm into the partnerships.” Even if major changes take place, demolition and new construction is likely two to five years away.
$1 Billion Mall Project
That puts the $1 billion East West Partners’ mixed-use development dubbed “Cherry Creek West” as the biggest project with the most immediate impac
Going, Going, Gone: Newly revealed $67.7 million 210 University Development will demolish Little Ollie’s, OBar, and Paradise Cleaners along the west end of 3rd Ave. in coming year.
t and influence on Cherry Creek North’s changing westside. Construction is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2024, with the first building ready for occupancy in 2027. Already in the starting stages, the massive site is likely to be completed in 10 years.
The 13-acre site — bordering University Blvd., the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and Cherry Creek North Dr. — will be composed of seven 12-story tall buildings housing a combination of offices, condos, and apartments. The massive development will span from University Blvd. to Clayton St. and 1st. Ave. to the Cherry Creek waterway.
Plans include a “public plaza” with green space for concerts and events; a market square; a dedicated two-way bike trail; and above- and below-ground parking. Some neighbors are concerned the plans will lead to traffic congestion, with fewer places to drive and a lack of parking. Others say there won’t be sufficient affordable housing.
Clayton’s Second Phase
Sandwiched in the westside’s middle section is Broe Real Estate Group’s $200 million Clayton Street redevelopment. The completed and fully leased phase one projec
t on the corner of 2nd Ave. and Clayton is 76,000-sq.-ft. and rises eight-stories. The developer — who owns most of the east side of Clayton and has its headquarters on the street — has commenced work on the second phase located at 250 Clayton. It is another eight-story project, this one totaling 175,000-sq.-ft.
Along the westside’s eastern-most street, Schnitzer West is launching an eight-story office project at 201 Fillmore St. The development company paid $108 million for the Men’s Wearhouse site, a new Denver record price per square foot. Landlord for the property was Barry Hirschfeld. The 2nd Ave. and Fillmore project will feature 140,000-sq.-ft. of mixed-use space, with 132,000-sq.-ft. being office space. All of the office space has been pre-leased. There will be 8,500-sq.-ft. of retail space on the ground floor. Five levels of below-grade parking will accommodate more than 240 vehicles.
Down the street at 255 Fillmore — a site that has been a parking lot since it was purchased by BMC Investments in 2019 — construction is underway for a seven-story mixed-use project that is expected to be completed as soon as the third quarter of this year. The project will have six floors of office space and 9,500-sq-ft. of ground-floor retail including French-Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial.
by Ashe in America | Feb 22, 2023 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Senate Bill 23-101, “Candidate Ballot Access For Primary Elections,” is currently making its way through the Colorado General Assembly. The bill is sponsored by Senate Minority Whip Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-SD23) and House Minority Caucus Chair Mary Bradfield (R-HD21).
During the midterms, Kirkmeyer made a run for the newly formed Congressional District 8. The first step in that process is the traditional caucus and assembly, but Kirkmeyer opted out and, instead, paid to gather signatures rather than face her party’s most active and engaged members. The 2022 Colorado Assembly was swept by America First candidates, and CD8 was no exception. Former Representative Lori Saine (R-HD63), the only Colorado legislator to hold a hearing on election integrity in 2020, won the top line on the primary ballot.
The CD8 primary was vicious and, while Kirkmeyer was victorious, she faced allegations of election interference and debate rigging. Like all the other unlikeable Colorado establishment candidates who inexplicably won their primaries, Kirkmeyer lost her midterm election. Democrat Yadira Caraveo is now in Washington, D.C.
Mary Bradfield, on the other hand, did go through assembly. She lost to Karl Dent. She was off the ballot until a judge said that the HD21 assembly result be thrown out — due to a single delegate being improperly credentialed during the vote. Given the procedural and credentialing issues at assembly, as well as clicker malfunctions that led to multiple legal actions, this was highly unusual and shocked the state. When the vote was repeated, Bradfield made the primary ballot and, of course, “won” the primary.
After their humiliating losses in the party process, Kirkmeyer and Bradfield have come together on SB23-101: “Candidate Ballot Access For Primary Elections.”
What is the substance of the bill? To abolish caucus and assembly.
“Section 1 of the bill eliminates the option for a major political party candidate to access a primary election ballot by being nominated through the political party assembly process.” Section 16 does the same for minor parties.
Please understand what is happening here: The primary sponsor of the bill to abolish caucus and assembly did not go through caucus and assembly — likely because she wouldn’t have advanced if required to face actual voters. The co-sponsor of the bill failed at assembly and had to use the courts to subvert the people’s process.
It’s much easier to pay people to circulate petitions for you when you’re unlikeable and your policies are detached from the will of the voters. And that’s the point.
As I have been saying for years, the Colorado Republican party is content being the Minority Party in the state. They have no desire to change. In fact, they are so resistant to change they are attempting to harden the rules to prevent change.
But the people of Colorado want change, and SB23-101 being brought by Republicans should surprise the many voters who’ve only recently engaged with this party (which is now looking to shut them out).
During the 2022 election cycle, the Colorado Republican Party saw the highest levels of enthusiasm and engagement they’ve enjoyed since 2010. You’ll recall that 2010 was the year the GOP nearly became a minor party in Colorado due to voters rejecting them outright. Rather than realize that their party establishment was detached from their voting base, the party doubled down over the next decade to alienate even more Colorado voters and hemorrhage party members. The Democrat Party has also seen a steady decline year-over-year.
Colorado voters have lost faith in the parties. As of February 2, 2023, Colorado has 3,800,543 active and 416,340 inactive voters, for a total registered voting population of 4,216,883. 27% are Democrats, 24% are Republican, and 47% are unaffiliated. Unaffiliated registrations have consistently increased for 11 years, up 1% since last year.
The response of the Colorado Republican Party is to remove the people from the process. Access to the ballot, if Kirkmeyer and Bradfield get their way, will be a matter determined by the candidates and the Secretary of State.
This isn’t a meaningful legislative proposal. It’s the scorn of two unpopular establishmentarians who should have lost their contests.
“Candidate Ballot Access For Primary Elections” was introduced in January and, surprisingly, has not yet been killed in committee.
Ashe Epp is a writer and election integrity activist. Read her work at asheinamerica.com and follow her on Telegram and other socials @asheinamerica.
