by Mark Smiley | Mar 28, 2025 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
Boots are no longer just for cowboys and cowgirls. They are a shoe that every person should have at least one pair of in their closet. If you had to have one affordable pair in your arsenal, consider the Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot made by Ariat. This boot retails for approximately $149.95 at time of press.
Ariat is a popular brand known for making high-quality footwear, apparel, and accessories, particularly designed for outdoor activities like horseback riding, work, and general outdoor sports. The Booker boot which features a round toe and 1.5” heel is also ideal for dressing up a pair of jeans or even slacks for men.
This boot which has been worn for a couple of months, is durable, comfortable, and a dressy option. The Ariat Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot combines elements of Western style with the convenience of a Chelsea boot.
The Booker is designed with a round toe, making it a versatile option for both work and casual wear. Its Chelsea boot design features elastic side panels, allowing for easy on and off without laces or zippers.
This boot is made from premium leather and provides durability and a sleek appearance. The leather construction also allows it to mold to your foot over time, enhancing comfort. The ankle height is perfect for wearing under jeans.
This boot incorporates Ariat’s signature ATS technology for all-day comfort and support. The technology includes a gel-cushioned footbed, a moisture-wicking lining, and a lightweight composite shank for stability and support.
The outsole is made of rubber, which offers traction and durability, making it suitable for a variety of environments, from ranch work to everyday wear. The boot blends the practical design of a Chelsea boot with Western-style elements, such as a sleek silhouette and sometimes subtle stitching or decorative details, making it perfect for both modern and traditional Western aesthetics.
“I almost sent these back before I had even tried them on,” said Robert Fichera, Amazon customer. “I am so glad that I didn’t; they are like wearing my house slippers. I love the fact that the sides have the stretchy material where your ankles are so much more comfortable.” There are many 4 and 5 star reviews across the board with most reviewers complimenting the comfort and durability.
If you are in the market for a stylish and comfortable boot that won’t break the bank, consider the Ariat Booker Chelsea Round Toe Western Boot.
For more information, visit www.ariat.com. You can find a nice selection of Ariat boots at the Boot Barn located at 8500 East Orchard Road in Englewood or 12 other Colorado locations.
by Editorial Board | Feb 19, 2025 | Editorials
Editorial —
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
This Editorial Board has scant opportunity to support or praise Denver Mayor Mike Johnston since his swearing in as Denver’s 46th mayor on July 23, 2023, other than to say at least he is not Michael Hancock. This difficulty is in large part due to Mayor Johnston spending all of his time his first 19 months in office on the homeless and the “newcomers” and little else.
That leaves the needs of 99% of Denver’s residents unattended to. A mere walk downtown demonstrates a city badly in decay. Mayor Johnston is a self-described “progressive” and like many other big city progressive mayors, like Karen Bass of Los Angeles and Brandon Johnson of Chicago, he is pretty good at theoretical constructs but lousy at governing.
That is why this Board and most of the city was in shock when he announced that the City and County had swapped 144 acres of industrially-zoned land for the 155-acre former Park Hill Golf Course which will now be a regional park to open this summer.
The swap took some doing. Denver took $12.7 million from a voter approved park fund and acquired from the Denver International Airport 144 acres of industrial zoned land located in Adams County. It then swapped it for the 155-acre old Park Hill Golf Course property located by Colorado Boulevard in the Northeast Park Hill neighborhood. The transaction still needs to be approved by Adams County but that is not expected to be a problem.
On the surface this looks like a bad deal for Westside Investment who paid $24 million for the property from the Early Learning Center and is now receiving property worth half that much from Denver.
But don’t worry. The driving force behind the swap was not Mayor Johnston and Denver but Westside Investments who will, behind the scenes, be making out like a bandit as developers usually do.
But we don’t care. Johnston got the deal done for the benefit of all of Denver, and particularly the residents of Park Hill. All his predecessor ever did was destroy every piece of open space he could hand over to developers.
Now what to call the new park? If there has ever been a “Peoples Park” it is this one. The people of Denver fought against their own government and a favored developer hell bent on turning green land into a pavement covered development.
At the front of the park there should be a very impressive statue of Wellington Webb flanked by Penfield Tate and Woody Garnsey. No one in Denver should ever forget what they accomplished for the people of the City and County of Denver.
— Editorial Board
by Editorial Board | Jan 16, 2025 | Editorials
Editorial —
Lisa Raville, aka “Dr. Death”
When Mike Johnston assumed the mayorship of Denver in 2023, he announced that he would make homelessness in Denver the absolute highest priority for his Administration for the first six plus months of his term. In 2024 he expanded the scope of his concentration to include the tens of thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into the city from across the border in Texas. He indicated the City would spend whatever is needed to assist the people he dubbed the “newcomers.”
The two groups will eventually meld into one another, as when the newcomers are cut off from the free rental subsidy the city provides, they too will fit into the category of “residents experiencing homelessness.” So jealously has Johnston guarded his future homeless newcomers that he publicly threatened to send the Denver Police to the Denver border, augmented by ferocious Valkyries from the Highlands neighborhood, to meet and repulse ICE agents coming to Denver to deport any newcomers.
In last Fall’s election Denver voters shot down the mayor’s proposed sales tax increase to help the mayor meet his housing development goals. Instead of modifying and lessening those goals he has told all city departments they must cut their budgets by 12.5%. This should cause all services provided to citizens to significantly drop, but homelessness, of course, supersedes all other needs of Denver’s citizens.
Some Denver residents who are not “newcomers” or homeless have begun to wonder what exactly the city was going to do for them. That is when the Denver City Council had a brilliant idea of expanding the needle exchange centers from three to an infinite amount in every neighborhood. On January 13, 2025, in an 8 to 5 vote, the City Council voted to allow an unlimited amount of these centers and even included a lift on the restriction of no needle exchange centers being within 1,000 feet from a school or daycare center.
At a needle exchange center a drug addict can turn in dirty needles and syringes for new ones along with other drug paraphernalia free of charge. Advocates for this program argue this will limit the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C infections. Of course, an addict could buy his or her own needles and syringes but that would cost money and advocates indicate the program will free up more money for items that drug addicts value, like more drugs.
The best part from the addict’s perspective is that the staff at these sites are forbidden from bringing up the subject of treatment for the addiction unless the addicts foolishly bring up the subject themselves.
The new ordinance also does away with the 1997 law prohibition of having needle exchange centers within a thousand yards of a school or daycare center. Not that the provision was really an impediment as the city simply granted exceptions when asked.
The passage of the needle exchange ordinance is a triumph for Lisa Raville the executive director of The Harm Reduction Action Center. Her critics have dubbed her “Dr. Death.” having earned her doctorate not from an educational center but the mean streets of Chicago and Denver. She views herself as a tireless advocate for intravenous drug users, caring for their needs and wants.
She in many ways resembles John Parvansky the CEO of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. In his 37 years of service from 1985 until he retired in 2022 he grew homelessness from a relatively manageable problem into a behemoth social quagmire that literally has become the primary concern of the entire city government.
Dr. Death has headed up the Harm Reduction Acton Center since 2009. In that time the number of intravenous drug users and drug overdose deaths has steadily increased. In the last four years alone the number of drug overdose deaths has nearly doubled while recently decreasing nationally.
Dr. Death’s needle exchange centers are the first part of a three-part scheme. Next up is turning the needle exchange centers into supervised “safe use sites” which will eventually be provided with a “regulated drug supply” of quality heroin and meth.
Under the full program addicts will have across the city places to go for free drugs, needles, and syringes at taxpayer expense. Addiction and drug deaths should skyrocket.
You do not have to guess what the result will be because the full “harm reduction” program was introduced in British Columbia by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, As a result deaths in British Columbia from drug overdoses have risen to unprecedented levels. The disastrous results of the Canadian “harm reduction” program is one of the reasons the Prime Minister is resigning come this March.
To the shock of some in Denver, Mayor Johnston vetoed Dr. Death’s needle exchange plan on the evening of January 14, 2025. Apparently, the mayor does not want anything to interfere with his homeless and “newcomer” initiatives. Don’t think Dr. Death is going anywhere Like Parvensky, she is in it for the long haul. She will be back next year and the year after until her goal of making Denver the intravenous drug user capitol of the United States. God help us all.
— Editorial Board
by Mark Smiley | Dec 13, 2024 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
The Mile High Beer Festival is set for March 1, 2025, and will be at The Refractory in the Santa Fe Art District. Over 40 beer vendors will be pouring their specialty beers for unlimited sampling.
In addition to beer, guests will be able to enjoy canned cocktails, ciders, food from local food trucks, and non-alcoholic brews. Ryan Cox photo
One of Denver’s favorite beer celebrations is returning with new breweries and some old favorites. The 2025 Mile High Beer Festival returns on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and early bird tickets are on sale now. Prices go up as it gets closer to the event so act now for the savings.
General Admission includes unlimited sampling, a commemorative sample glass, and access to 100+ beers, ciders, and spirits from Colorado’s best (and some favorites outside of Colorado too.). Early entry includes everything above plus 45 minutes to get the first sips in before the crowd files in (1:15 p.m.). The VIP experience includes 90 minutes of early access (12:30 p.m.), plus an exclusive commemorative pint glass.
The Mile High Beer Festival will be the first event at the new venue, The Refractory located at 890 Navajo Street, in the Santa Fe Art District in Denver. “We are really excited to transform this space and create an open industrial atmosphere for the beer festival,” said Lacey Spruce, Mile High Beer Fest.
A lineup of 40+ vendors serving 100+ brews, including local breweries like WeldWerks, Left Hand, and Wiley Roots will be in hand. “I feel like the people that like to attend our events every year are self proclaimed beer nerds,” said Spruce. “They find it exciting to meet new breweries and try new things as well as see their old favorites.”
Three breweries will make their Mile High Beer Festival debut in 2025: Wiley Roots (Greeley), Milieu Fermentation (Aurora), which opened in 2024, and Second Dawn Brewing (Aurora). “I think a lot of people want variety in events they attend, said Spruce. “For a lot of people like us who produce these events, we try to give the people what they want. This is a beer fest so we try to keep it mostly beer. But people tend to appreciate having some options like trying some canned cocktails or ciders so we try to sprinkle some of those in.”
General admission tickets are $48.57, early entry are $60.41, and VIP tickets are $78.16 and all fees are included. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.milehighbeerfest.com. Also, stay tuned for information on the second annual Denver Ramen Festival which will be held at the Stockyards Event Center in April.
by Editorial Board | Nov 15, 2024 | Editorials
Editorial —
Philip Anschutz
The richest man in Colorado, billionaire Phil Anschutz, is a highly secretive individual. What exactly his political views are is unknown but he is usually described as “deeply conservative.” He is highly interested in influencing Colorado politics and policy and he spends millions of dollars every year to do so.
He funds or partially funds think tanks and policy groups like the Independence Institute and Advance Colorado; publications like the Colorado Springs Gazette, the Denver Gazette, Complete Colorado, and Colorado Politics; and even radio personalities like Jimmy Sengenberger.
Like many billionaires in America his views have evolved over the years. He was a strong Bush/Cheney supporter and hates Donald Trump due to his views on immigration and tariffs as well as his far from gentlemanly demeanor and personal conduct. Anschutz seldom contributes in his own name to politicians, but did so for Liz Cheney in her unsuccessful bid for re-election in Wyoming. Anschutz is referred to as the Liz Cheney of Colorado in grassroots circles in Colorado.
Dave Williams
He has always disliked Colorado’s Republican Party’s primary system with caucuses and assemblies that allows everyday grassroot Republicans a chance to be a candidate for public office in a general election. Back in 2016, he supported Proposition 107 behind the scenes. The proposition opened party primaries to unaffiliates purportedly to ensure that moderate Republicans like Joe O’Dea and Walker Stapleton would win the Republican primaries.
Anschutz has almost always controlled the chair of the Republican Party due to his contributions to the party, but in 2022 there was a grassroots pro Trump revolt and Dave Williams was elected chair, and other grassroots candidates such as Hope Scheppelman Vice Chair and Anna Ferguson for Secretary also won.
That was too much for Anschutz and he stopped giving to the Colorado Republican Party. He threw his hidden support to Proposition 131 which would do away with party primaries for jungle primaries with rank choice voting in general elections. Prop 131 was backed by Democrats like Governor Jared Polis and Senator John Hickenlooper as well as a war chest of fifteen million dollars.
If one wishes to gauge Anschutz’s views on any matter just listen to the Independence Institute’s board member Dick Wadhams and President Jon Caldara. Both wrote numerous articles in the Anschutz publications praising Prop 131 and Wadhams was even paid as a consultant to back the measure.
Practically the only voice opposing Prop 131 in public was Republican Chair Dave Williams who, with virtually no money, managed to defeat Prop 131 and Anschutz 55% to 45%.
Anschutz and the Republican establishment had attempted to recall Williams as Chair of the Republican Party right in the middle of the election season, but Williams defeated them in court and by vote of the Colorado State Central Committee.
The purpose of the recall was not only to get rid of Anschutz’s nemesis but also to be sure the Republican Party would have a bad election night under Williams’ tutelage. But instead, the Republicans had a very good night. They gained a Congressional seat as well as three in the State House defeating a Democrat supermajority. While Trump lost Colorado, the margin decreased from 13.5% to 11%
It is not often that a billionaire like Phil Anschutz is handed a spanking by an underfunded grassroots leader like Dave Williams, but that is the under reported story of the general election of 2024 in Colorado.
— Editorial Board
by Mark Smiley | Oct 18, 2024 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
BikaBahn step-thru ebike in red.
BikaBahn is a good option for those looking to commute in the city.
This publication has reviewed a few different electric bikes over the last couple of years. They have ranged from Class 1 with fat tires to Class 2 with regular tires and everything in between. The BikaBahn is the first brand to be located in Denver and they have burst onto the scene this summer and fall.
BikaBahn launched its first electric bike on July 13 and 14, 2024, at the Electrify Expo in Denver. BikaBahn introduced its commuter bike and they proclaimed it is “designed to make city commuting easier and more reliable than ever.”
The electric bike space is extremely competitive, so BikaBahn needs to set itself apart from the competition. They are focussed on one style bike and the rider’s experience. “We’ve poured our hearts into designing a bike that caters to the needs of urban commuters,” said Dharmin Dontamsetti, Founder and CEO of BikaBahn. “Our goal is to make commuting easier, more enjoyable, and more sustainable for everyone.”
Bikabahn loaned the Chronicle one of these bikes for 72 hours and it was put through the paces by three different people. One thing to note is that these bikes are a little smaller than other electric bikes on the market so they make it ideal for women and teenagers. With that said, the bike offered a comfortable, smooth, safe, and peppy ride.
BikaBahn launched in July 2024 at the Electrify Expo in Denver. They are Denver based and attempting to upset a saturated electric bike market.
It features an electric propulsion which is either pedal assist or a throttle for the difficult hills. “As a seasoned cyclist in a hilly area, I struggled with exhausting commutes until I discovered Bikabahn’s e-bike,” said Kimberly Read. “This bike has been a game-changer, allowing me to conquer any terrain with ease using its adjustable assist features. It’s not only ergonomic and stylish but also packed with innovative features like zero flat tires. My rides are now enjoyable and effortless, reigniting my passion for cycling. I highly recommend Bikabahn to enhance your cycling experience.”
As a Class 2 ebike, this bike tops out at speeds of 20 miles per hour. In our test, it did not make it past 18 miles per hour which is an attractive option for parents looking for their children to own an electric bike.
As mentioned above, Bikabahn has produced a smooth riding electric bike, in part because of the flat-free tires and its advanced front and rear suspension systems. The bike absorbed shocks and bumps with ease with the alloy wheels performing well. These aluminum alloy wheels protect the motor, ensuring a long-lasting and sturdy ride. These features make BikaBahn a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable electric commuter bike.
The handlebar and seat is height-adjustable and allows you to customize your riding position for maximum comfort and control. And, the basket and cell phone holder attached to the handlebars are included in the cost, which at time of press, is $1,550.
The BikaBahn electric bike also features an LCD display (which most electric bikes have) that keeps riders informed about their speed, battery life, and riding mode. There are five levels of pedal assist and manual riding using the 1/2 twist throttle. Bikabahn is not the lightest on the market at 55 pounds, but certainly not the heaviest. The regular tires help keep the weight down and allow for a more manageable storage solution.
“Riding the BikaBahn e-bike has been an absolute pleasure,” said Lori Pesola. “It’s smooth, powerful, and makes every ride so much more enjoyable and accessible. I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking to elevate their biking experience.”
For more information or to purchase, visit www.bikabahn.shop. Chronicle readers can take advantage of a $50 discount by using the code Cherrycreek50.
