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 Elizabeth McCubbins | Nov 17, 2025 | Main Articles
by Elizabeth McCubbins
East Theatre History: While waiting for the play to begin, patrons could peruse posters of East’s past and buy merchandise to support the arts.
East High School (EHS) observed 150 Years of Excellence this September, marking the sesquicentennial milestone with a weekend of celebration. Founded in 1875, EHS claims the title of Denver’s original high school. Beginning Thursday, September 18, the 150th Committee held a re-dedication to kick off the remembrance. Followed by Homecoming, a breakfast, and an open house, students, staff, and alumni joined together to honor the history of the building and its community.
150 Years is a big accomplishment, and the occasion brought together decades of Angels to commemorate the legacy. In a modern society that is ever changing, East has clung to its traditions and honored the history well. Along with the foundation of the school, 2025 marks 100 years of the building itself. Constructed in 1925, the Jacobean architecture aimed to aesthetize the neighborhood, and in 1991 was declared a Denver Historic Landmark.
In celebration of the anniversary, East Theater Company put on a special play of their own creation. Written by the cast performing it, “Study No More” is a one-of-a-kind look into the history of the school.
History Of The Building: Former East student George Williamson designed the building, which was completed in 1925, and has been a beauty of the City Park neighborhood ever since.
The artistic director, Deborah Voss, conceptualized the idea last spring to chronicle the history of EHS. with a piece that told a story and moved throughout the actual building. About 20 theater students worked collaboratively to write the script, with the senior students claiming most of the work.
Relying on records, the East’s past was researched for the production. Luckily, historians have analogued the accounts for today’s society. “Flights of Angels: A History of Denver East High School” by Richard Nelson was relied on in the writing process of this play. Nelson, now retired, wrote the book after teaching English at East for 31 years. Along with his book, the students used the library of records at East and yearbooks from school years past.
Though the play narrates true historical events, the students used some creative liberties: fictionalizing characters and plot points to tell a cohesive story. With two main characters acting as a guide for the audience, together they travel back in time on a journey through the decades of East. Senior Mira Ghosh, one of the tour guides in the show, explained that there were no main characters, rather, everyone contributing equally to the production as a team. “We cast as an ensemble,” said Ghosh, “not individual characters.”
This performance was a special experience for the seniors who had the chance to direct individual scenes and revise the script as a team. Running from October 21-30, the ensemble put on four shows a night to audiences sized of 25 people. The nature of the show had audience members moving from classrooms to various spaces throughout the school, following the guides back into history through each scene.
Beautiful Architecture: East High School’s beautiful 100-year-old building shines on Colfax. The historic clock tower, which stands over 100 feet tall, was the location of the play’s final act.
It was a really unique show for the cast and audience members alike. East Theater Company delights in the arts promoting togetherness, which is the overall goal of the theater experience. This anniversary has brought the student body and neighborhood together, and through the immersive play, the crowd was connected to the cast in a feeling of community.
The show was an ode to the legacy we leave behind. The actors played high school characters who learned to embrace their current day experiences through inspiration from the past. As the audience was taken on a tour through the school building and previous decades, we watched and learned along with our navigators that it is possible for high school students to have an impact. And while progressive change is always important, the story also reminds us that the relationships we form and the memories we make along the way should never be forgotten.
by Jessica Hughes | Nov 17, 2025 | Editorials
by Jessica Hughes
Dinosaur National Monument is one of many national parks experiencing severe budget cuts and staff shortages. Photo credit: Jessica Hughes
Often referred to as “America’s best idea,” our national parks are what many consider a national treasure, not only loved for their beauty and recreational access, but for their commitment to conservation, culture, and collective heritage.
Yet, now more than ever, our national parks are in crisis. Since the beginning of this year, they have become political pawns in a larger agenda that seems intent on undermining their mission. Behind the scenes, the foundational work of protecting landscapes and preserving cultural history is under attack.
National parks have struggled under a severe staffing crisis, losing roughly one quarter of their permanent workforce. This loss has made it increasingly hard to keep gates open, deliver basic visitor services, or carry out vital maintenance. It has also caused delays in research and critical maintenance, putting the long-term protection of America’s most iconic landscapes and cultural resources in jeopardy.
But the threats extend far beyond shrinking budgets and empty positions. Park leadership has been pressured to strip climate change information from official webpages and to remove references to slavery and LGBTQ+ history. Staff were also directed to inventory interpretive signage and museum content, and flag so-called “negative information” about past or living Americans via QR-code reporting and submit content for review. These requests are not isolated efforts, rather they reflect a sweeping effort to reshape our national park system and how American history is told.
All of this comes at a time of heightened pressure. Visitation has surged since the COVID era. Climate change is accelerating. And now, with cuts and mandates, national parks are being squeezed from every angle.
In Colorado, where more than one-third of the land is federally owned, roughly 24 million acres, parks were the busiest ever this year, with record-breaking visitation, all forced to operate with minimal staff. “The Administration ordered all NPs to remain open to maintain the appearance of a park visitor experience,” notes Tracy Coppola, the Colorado Program Manager at the National Parks Conservation Association. “It’s been tough this year.”
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is currently operating with no maintenance crew and half its staff. Photo credit: Jessica Hughes
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was forced to operate with no maintenance crew and half of its staff. “That means Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is unable to fill 24 of the park’s 74 positions – a 1/3 reduction in staffing,” says Caitlyn Burford, the NPCA Senior Communications Manager. In other instances, this past summer, the park operated without rangers at the park’s North Rim, requiring signs to be posted telling visitors that search, and rescue would be slow or unavailable. And because all custodial staff had been terminated, higher-grade employees were being directed away from their regular duties to perform custodial functions.
Even amidst the government shutdown, most parks remain open with fewer amenities, and to the public, no real change is seen. But Coppola points out the front-facing staff shortages and closures aren’t the real issue.
“The challenge with the current narrative is that parks behind the scenes are scrambling. Visitors aren’t really seeing it out front; it is more behind the scenes,” explains Coppola. “It’s the scientists, conservationists, all those behind the scenes are where the parks are feeling it the most.”
Coppola refers to the staff who are hired to help protect the park’s natural and cultural resources. But with the recent cuts, places like Dinosaur National Monument, where its Cultural Resources person was fired, aren’t allowed to replace or rehire this position. And because administrative and maintenance staffing at the park is down 40%, those who remain behind the scenes, such as the park’s archeologist, are jumping in to help where they can, taking them away from what they were hired to do.
“We’re at a place where the parks are being put in an impossible situation,” says Coppola. “The future is uncertain. It is terrifying. We never thought the administration would come for the parks like they have; the parks are becoming politicized more, and we’re losing the reason why parks were created in the first place.”
Staff shortages at national parks have led to visitors exploring at their own risk. Photo provided by National Park Conservation Association
The National Park Conservation Association is the only independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and advocating for America’s National Park System. This year, Coppola has seen a huge pivot in the organization’s focus, most of which has been voicing how critically important park staff is, and how these cuts have put a huge strain on the park system.
“We estimate that at least 24% of park permanent staff is gone across the board,” says Coppola. “So, we’ve been using our voice to stand up for park staff.” Another big focus for the organization is the sweeping changes that could come with president’s most extreme proposed 2026 budget.
The harshest budget proposal asks Congress to cut more than $1 billion to the National Park Service, which includes a $900 million cut to the operations of our national parks. According to the NPCA’s calculations, “achieving a $900 million cut to operations would require eliminating funding and staffing for roughly 350 park sites from the smallest to some of the largest.”
The NPCA also goes on to list other Park Service-related budget cuts proposed in the President’s budget, including:
- $73 million cut to park construction funding
- $77 million cut to recreation and preservation funding
- $197 million cut to the Historic Preservation Fund
“This is the most extreme, unrealistic, and destructive National Park Service budget a president has ever proposed in the agency’s 109-year history,” according to a statement issued by National Parks Conservation Association chief executive Theresa Pierno. “It’s nothing less than an all-out assault on America’s national parks.”
It’s clear, no matter how you slice it, the future of America’s national parks is on the line.
