by Editorial Board | Sep 19, 2025 | Editorials
The Life in Saigon in the 1960s, by François Sully
Seldom, if ever, has Denver’s progressive Mayor and the majority of the City Council annunciated that the solution to a problem in the city is to let the “free market decide.” But now, all of the sudden, they have advocated that the solution to parking woes in Denver is henceforth to let the free market decide. For future developments or redevelopments there will be no city mandated parking minimums. Developers will be the ones to decide what, if any, parking is necessary or advisable for their projects.
What has caused this sudden change of philosophical outlook? The answer is obvious. The powers to be believe that many preternaturally greedy and short-sighted Denver developers will elect to provide the least amount of parking possible hoping to cannibalize off neighboring businesses or on-street parking. That will make automobile use in the city even more problematic.
But why do Denver’s planners and political class dislike cars? They believe, inter alia, automobiles are a major source of carbon dioxide contributing to climate change which will eventually destroy the planet. They also believe that automobile-oriented societies adversely affect the poor who can’t afford a car or drive cars that necessarily reflect their socio-economic status.
Cars also facilitate urban sprawl. Progressives correctly note the densely packed areas tend to be far more likely to lean left and favor increased governmental solutions to societal problems. Cars also provide a certain degree of personal freedom for people to travel where and when they wish. Individual freedom, however, is not a value prized by progressives.
An advantage to Denver’s approach to parking is that the city is looking to let an ever-increasing number of city employees go. Traffic engineers whose job it is to make car traffic flow more easily are now expendable as the city wants to make traffic more congested. As hard as that is to believe in some respects it is obviously exactly what is being planned. The number of traffic lanes on major thoroughfares in the city such as Colfax and Broadway are being reduced. On neighborhood streets, bollards and striping are intended to be “traffic calming devices” making traffic flow more difficult.
In turn dedicated bicycle lanes are expanding across the city. It appears the vision for urban transportation are buses, bicycles, and walking. For those old enough to remember, that was the transportation mode for Saigon, Vietnam, circa 1965.
Do most people want to live in or visit a city whose transportation plan reflects that of 1965 Saigon? Tax revenues for Denver have been steadily dropping but the city does not appear to care. The city depends on Coloradans coming to shop and recreate. By making the city less friendly for cars it makes it less likely people will come visit.
City planners indicate they would like to see Denver be a place where the concept of a “15-minute city” becomes a reality. In such a place daily necessities are all accessible by a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. The peasants in Germany and the serfs in Russia in the 12th century lived in 15-minute communities. American coal miners were forced to live in company towns in the late 19th century.
Throughout history so-called utopian communities turned out to be lousy places to live. Denver’s city planners may be doing the same to Denver in their quest to make it a “15-minute city.” Only time will tell.
— Editorial Board
by Valley Gadfly | Sep 19, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Brisk and cool, October is the first sign that the year is coming to an end. Time to gather your thoughts, find your inner peace, and appreciate the exquisite beauty of life and nature.
What we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits. This is the year’s last, loveliest smile. The perfect time of year for taking a long stroll outside to enjoy the mellower season.
It’s the time of year when autumn finally feels like it’s kicking into high gear. Here are our cozy choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to embrace the beauty of fall foliage:
For a marvelous start to the month, catch the Gabriel Santiago Orchestra playing jazz and Brazilian music at Dazzle, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. The orchestra delivers a sonic experience that is both intricate and deeply expressive. Information: 303-839-5100.
Don’t miss a night of acoustic music with Americana-Blues singer David Starr in the Tuft Theatre at Swallow Hill on Oct. 2, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
From Beatles to Wings, to solo hits, hear the music that defines decades as Paul McCartney plays Coors Field on Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-292-0200.
Looking for tasty casual dining spot in Cherry Creek North? Try the café in Town Pump Provisions that also has a Little Man Ice Cream counter. The eatery serves sandwiches, salads & burritos 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: 303-535-7876.
Lowry Speaker Series hosts Little Rock Nine’s youngest member Carlotta Walls LaNier in the Eisenhower Chapel, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. Free and open to public, she talks about integrating Little Rock High at the age of 14. Information: 303-344-0481.
Catch Canadian electronic pop band Purity Ring starring multi-instrumentalist Corin Roddick at the Mission Ballroom Oct. 21, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Singer-guitarist Justin Furstenfeld and the Houston-based rock band Blue October entertain in the Mission Ballroom Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Country singer Lukas Nelson — front for Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real — plays at the Paramount Theatre October 31, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Support A Splash of Pink celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Cable Center on Saturday, October 18, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event is presented by Empower and will feature an open bar, live music, plus a three-course dinner. Funds raised benefit Colorado breast cancer patients in need. Information: 303-669-3113.
Ah, October, a beacon of pumpkin spice lattes, cinnamon-scented candles, and Halloween décor. Moreover, we get breathtaking views of colorful leavers everywhere we look.
This month is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. With Mother Nature giving us a blanket of colorful leaves, plus a fresh crop of pumpkins in the patch, it’s a season to behold.
Autumn skies and pumpkin pies, fall is proof that change is beautiful. What’s the best type of joke to tell to an oak tree in October? Acorn-y joke. Oh, my gourd, I love fall!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
by Mark Smiley | Aug 25, 2025 | Uncategorized
By Mark Smiley
The legendary horn-driven rock outfit Chicago brought its timeless blend of pop-rock, jazz-fusion, and brass-powered grandeur to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre on August 24, 2025—a reliably sunlit Sunday turned electric under the clear Colorado sky. The outdoor venue, with its 7,500 fixed seats and expansive general-admission lawn, provided a lush backdrop for what was shaping up to be a memorable evening.
Doors opened at 6:00 PM, and the show—which kicked off around 7:45 PM—delivered a packed, 2-hour and 15-minute performance (typical of their Summer Tour 2025 run). The setlist offered a mix of nostalgia, emotion, and surprise—with a smooth blend of brass arrangements and vocal harmonies.
Opening with “Introduction” and “Where Were You,” the group quickly had the crowd on its feet, horns cutting sharp against the evening air. Standouts included a heartfelt “If You Leave Me Now,” which turned the venue into a communal singalong, and a fiery encore of “25 or 6 to 4” that sent fans home buzzing.
Midway through the evening, the crowd swayed to heartfelt numbers such as “(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long” and the crowd favorite “If You Leave Me Now”—both standing out for their emotional resonance. High-energy spikes came with the explosive “Make Me Smile”, “So Much to Say, So Much to Give”, and even rarities like “Anxiety’s Moment” and “West Virginia Fantasies.”
Unlike some larger stadium shows, this felt intimate despite the 17,000-capacity venue. The audience vibe was friendly, with longtime fans proudly wearing vintage Chicago tour shirts and younger fans discovering the band’s catalog live. Fiddler’s Green’s open-air design gave the night an almost festival-like feel, but with the polish of a world-class concert.
Chicago’s August 24, 2025 Denver show was proof that the band’s unique blend of rock, jazz, and brass-powered spectacle hasn’t lost its magic. For fans, it was both a nostalgic journey and a reminder of how live musicianship can still captivate a massive crowd.
by Valley Gadfly | Aug 22, 2025 | General Featured
Denver Ranked The Fourth Most Popular For Dogs; Wash Park’s Furry Scurry Is Nation’s Largest Dog Walk
by Glen Richardson
Wading Woopie: Dogs love to run and play at off-leash dog parks, especially those such as Cherry Creek State Park that involves water. Photo: Cris Dornbusch
Dogtown Denver: The nation’s fourth most popular city for dogs with a dog population of 158,000, there’s one dog for every four people.
Denverites really love dogs, and few leave Fido behind when they’re going out on the town. It’s not what the “D” in Denver stands for, but it might as well be. The nation’s 2025 fourth most popular city for dogs, canines are great buddies for the Mile High City’s active lifestyle.
With an affinity for big dogs, Labrador Retrievers are Denver’s most popular breed. Other favorites include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, and Rottweilers. Denver’s total dog population is a whopping 158,000. Denver’s current people population is around 711,400, that’s at least one dog for every four people
Canines are celebrated here as loyal companions. Many local owners believe that dogs are a catalyst for a healthier, happier Denver. Besides, most pups, mutts, and pooches are incredibly cute. Moreover, it’s not uncommon for shoppers to be greeted at the door of retail stores by an excited dog. The city, of course, does have dog issues ranging from crowded animal shelters to attacks by off-leash dogs.
Holidays With Dogs
The holidays are even more special here because four-legged friends get to join in the fun. Many seasonal events and holiday light displays welcome dogs, making it easy to include them in your favorite traditions. From glowing gardens to festive parades, the city lights up with opportunities to celebrate together. Whether you’re exploring a walk-through display or strolling through a holiday market, you dog can be right at your side.
While not every night is open to dogs, The Denver Zoo’s annual Zoo Lights hosts special nights for pups and their parents. Those evenings include access to the dazzling displays, photo-ops, and festive treats for both owners and their dogs. Keep an eye on the zoo’s event calendar to get tickets, since these nights tend to sell out fact.
The annual Winter Wonderland in Cherry Creek North offers a festive atmosphere with music, lights, and dog-friendly outdoor spaces. The area is decorated with glowing trees and art installations that make a great backdrop for holiday photos with your dog. You’ll enjoy the crisp winter air with your dog by your side.
Many of Denver’s holid
Halycon Hound: Dogs and their owners are given first-class treatment, and a host of amenities at the Halycon Hotel in Cherry Creek North.
ay markets and pop-up events are dog-friendly, especially those held outdoors. The Christkindl Market at Civic Center Park allows leashed dogs and offers a lively European-style holiday experience. Your pup can enjoy the sights and smells, while you browse artisan gifts, try seasonal treats, and enjoy live music. Markets are usually busiest in the evenings and on weekends, so plan accordingly if your dog prefers a quieter crowd. It’s wise to bring along water, treats, and waste bags.
Dog Friendly Places
Holiday Time: During the holidays dog owners are encouraged to give the gift of time and attentiveness to their dog(s).
The city has a selection of places where your best friend can go with you. Denver’s home to numerous locally crafted beers and most of the breweries have dog-friendly patios. Pizzerias, coffee shops, and sites serving some of Denver’s best hot dogs and burgers also welcome dogs, sometimes with special treats.
Shoppers are encouraged to explore stores and have a good time at many events and retail stores in Glendale and Cherry Creek. Dogs, for example, are invited to bring their owners along to Denver’s doggy social event of the year, Pets on the Plaza in Cherry Creek North. The event is a fundraiser for the Denver Dumb Friends League.
Bird Dog, a dog-friendly rooftop happy hour is held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Halcyon Hotel in Cherry Creek. Neighboring Glendale has five dog-friendly hotels. PetSmart’s Glendale location offers dog training. Classes can help your young pup or older dog learn to behave at home or on the go.
Dogs Versus Kids
How many of your friends have dogs versus kids?
Across the metro area, the number of “dog parents” is steadily climbing. Approximately 50% of Mile High’s residents own one or more dogs versus only 20% of metro homes with children under the age of 18.
In Glendale-Cherry Creek neighborhoods and across metro Denver, there are more people living with pups than human children. Simply stated, more and more people are choosing to raise pups instead of kids.
Furry Scurry
Furry Scurry in Wash Park is the nation’s single largest dog walk. The event raises money to help the Dumb Friends League care for 20,000 homeless dogs and other pets.
Held in May this year, dog lovers and
Shopping Spree Sidekick: Dogs are pampered in Cherry Creek, and many stores offer bowls of water or delectable treats. There are 11 dog-friendly shopping areas in Denver.
their four-legged friends enjoy a two-mile walk around beautiful Wash Park.
Dog demonstrations, contests, refreshments, plus food trucks attract dog owners to support Dumb Friends League’s mission of ending pet homelessness and animal suffering.
Dog Shows
Every year the Colorado Kennel Club — the club meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, 7:30 p.m. — hosts one of the largest conformation shows in the country. The show offers both agility and obedience performance trials, as well as barn hunt and dock diving.
Another premier dog event is Denver Dog Days held in September or October at Sloan’s Lake Park. MaxFund animal shelter is the 2025 beneficiary. It’s a fun dog show with a live DJ plus puppies available to adopt. The mid-season challenge for dog athletes features a 5K and 10K event, plus a half mile marathon. Courses wind northeast along the scenic Big Dry Creek Trail.
A new Dog Days of Summer was launched this year on Larimer Square featuring live music, splash pads, adorable dog adoptions, plus free goodies for dogs. Whether you’re a proud dog parent or just love being around happy dogs, it’s another way to spend a summer day full of smiles, splashes, and good vibes.
