by Regan Bervar | Jun 25, 2021 | Main Articles
“From funerals come flowers.” Ancient Proverb
by Luke Schmaltz
As Denver accounts for the fallout of the past year and pieces itself back together, some residents are reveling in a set of unforeseen outcomes. Prior to the pandemic, pot smokers could not get their weed delivered to their homes and drinkers could not take their alcoholic beverages with them from an establishment.
This is no longer the case. For the sedentary smoker and the ambulatory imbiber, there are new circumstances that can either enable your sanctuary or unleash your adventure — depending on your vice and/or what sort of a day you’re having. New bills affecting how marijuana and alcohol are sold and consumed have recently been approved with overwhelming support in a sweeping effort to bolster the economy.
Another 2020 Shocker
Now, weed smokers need only get up off the couch long enough to answer the door in order to legally replenish their supply.
In an unprecedented move, the Denver Department of Excises and Licenses submitted proposals which were actually designed to create commerce rather than hinder it. Anyone who has dealt with this hissing bureaucracy of red tape and miscommunication knows this is not normally the case. Typically, anyone looking to obtain a business and/or liquor license, noise permit, food retail license, or any of the other 73 licenses the office issues knows this can be a daunting task involving circus levels of hoop jumping and presidential degrees of lip service. The proposals cruised through City Council uncontested and passed through the legislative process unanimously. In a recent Westword article, Marijuana Industry Group director Truman Bradley is quoted as saying, “You know cannabis has arrived when marijuana bills pass through Denver City Council with literally no comment. That never would have happened in the old days.”
Wait, What?
In another surprisingly progressive development, the bills contain social equity provisions regarding new marijuana business licenses. The law now states that all new licenses granted between now and 2027 (except testing laboratory licenses) are required to be given to individuals who have been previously convicted of or at least arrested for a drug offense or have endured civil asset forfeiture because of a drug offense. Qualifications also extend to family members of those who have suffered from the above circumstances and those who reside in an area of high crime or low economic opportunity. This is great news for the little people who want a taste of Denver’s near one billion dollar a year cannabis industry. Whether granting marijuana business licenses to folks with the aforementioned qualifications is a great idea remains to be seen.
Make That To Go, Please
It is widely agreed by hospitality professionals that making takeout sales of alcohol legal saved many establishments in 2020/21.
Meanwhile, House Bill 21-1027 recently passed through the house and Senate chambers and is headed to Governor Polis’ desk to be signed into law. The law allows restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages, to go, between the hours of 7 a.m. and midnight. This extends the currently similar circumstances already in place by another four years until July 1, 2025. Per transaction, bars and restaurants can now sell takeout orders of either two 750 mL bottles of wine, one liter of distilled spirits or one 12-pack of beer.
As most folks already know, last year Polis signed a bill into law once in March and again in July allowing businesses to sell alcohol via delivery and to go as a way of creating revenue during the pandemic. This maneuver allowed many businesses that would have otherwise had to close forever to make it through the pandemic.
Recently, in support of this bill, the Colorado Restaurant Association released a statement saying, “This legislation is critical to the recovery of Colorado restaurants, 93% of which have relied on alcohol to go to supplement lost revenue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a poll conducted last year, 85% of Coloradans over the age of 21 years were in favor of this bill.” Association President and CEO Sonia Riggs also states, “Passing this measure is a political no-brainer. Being able to sell alcohol beverages for takeout and delivery has been a lifeline for the Colorado restaurant industry, which lost $3 billion in revenue in 2020 alone. Allowing alcohol to go can play a big role in alleviating the gravest economic crisis the restaurant industry has faced in living memory.”
Further, according to exact wording in the bill, the new law “allows cities to create outdoor communal dining areas where two or more restaurants are allowed to attach their liquor licenses and then sell and serve alcohol in that outdoor dining area.”
Way To Go, Dude
With a name like Jeff Bridges (in reference to the actor’s character in The Big Lebowski) it’s no wonder the Democratic Senator of the same name who first proposed this bill would be championing alcohol sales for folks too aloof to pour their own drinks. In a recent CBSN interview, Bridges explains that since lawmakers shut down bars and restaurants during the pandemic because they felt they had to save lives, it is now only fair that they do something to help businesses recover. “We shut them down and we did that to keep people safe. We had to do it. It was the right thing to do,” Bridges says. “But because we did that to these bars and restaurants, I think we have an obligation to do whatever we can to help them come out the other end.”
In an era where many politicians don’t seem to give a rip about the little guy, at least there are some who still seem to care. At a time when any piece of good news is cause for celebration — anyone working in hospitality can definitely say “cheers” to that.
by Regan Bervar | May 26, 2021 | Main Articles
by Luke Schmaltz
While the era of the combustion engine is decelerating and low-mileage, high-maintenance vehicles are simply impractical for daily use, there’s no denying the appeal of perhaps the greatest aesthetic achievement of the 20th Century, hot rods.
Of the myriad gatherings and outdoor events that were sorely missed by some folks last year, among them was the all-American, time-honored car show.
Saturday, June 12
Parker Car Fest 2021
Parker Car Fest benefits the Parker Task Force Food Bank.
Not to be confused with “Parker Days,” this annual event is hosted by the Parker Cruisers, an association of car lovers totaling over 900 show-worthy autos. Festivities will last from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. with registration closing by June 10. The grounds for this show are set for 30 vendors and 200+ cars, trucks and motorcycles. Tickets can be pre-purchased at parkercruisers.com and all proceeds will go to the Parker Task Force Food Bank. Downtown Parker, CO, East Main Street.
Sunday, June 13, 2021
Fourth Annual Down To Earth Days
This comprehensive lifestyle spectacle is held with the goal of “improving the car scene and bringing our large gear-head family together.” The event boasts exhibitions by world-class Formula D drifters on a professional drift course, complete with ride-alongs for adventuresome guests. Similar attractions include a live burnout exhibition, two-step competition, live DJ, interactive vendor booths, food trucks, giveaways and trophies in 15 different automotive classes. This family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and kids under 12 get in free. Organizers present the occasion with a family feel, announcing that it is “about making the car culture a family again. Respect each other and respect the culture! We love this culture, and we do this for the culture.” 9755 Henderson Rd. Brighton, CO 80601.
Saturday, June 19
Colorado Camaro Club
37th Annual Chevy Show ‘N Shine Classic Car Show
A time-tested “classic” of a car show, this regional favorite co-sponsored by Century Chevrolet kicks off at 9 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. Entries are just $25 and are limited to “F” body style or “Chevy powered.” Trophies will be awarded to some participants and all entrants are served lunch on the house. This slice of early summer fun will be set to the live sounds DJ Maverick Mike and held at 6105 W. 120th, Broomfield, CO 80020.
Sunday, June 27
Shotgun Willie’s Annual Car Show — Shotgun Willie’s Gentleman’s Club
Shotgun Willie’s is known for visual spectacles, and sometimes for car shows.
Nothing says “It’s summertime in Glendale” like muscle cars and scantily-clad women. The world-famous show club ushers in the warm months with a midday event which runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The premises will feature $2 Montucky Cold Snacks, $5 Hornitos, $5 Jim Beam and great BBQ all day long — plus — a tiki party in the T-Bar all day as well as the mesmerizing charms of the entertainment staff. The car show is free to enter, there are prizes for top contestants and one lucky whip will receive the coveted People’s Choice Trophy. 490 S. Colorado Blvd. Glendale, CO 80246.
Sunday, July 4
’Bout Time Pub & Grub Car & Bike Show
Car Shows Inc. produces and promotes several car shows across the Front Range every year.
Produced and promoted by Car Shows, Inc. (CSI), this event welcomes two- and four-wheeled participants with a “classic” look. Pre-registration is encouraged, and the event goes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will feature music by Van Jeffries Mobile Rock & Roll, awards, and dash plaques. 3580 South Platte River Dr., Drive A, Sheridan, CO 80110
Sunday, July 11
Back Street Tavern & Grill —
“Annual Mid-Summer Hot Rod Stomp” Cruise-in And Car Show
This will be the “Lucky 7th” installment of an area favorite featuring covered outdoor seating, a live DJ spinning old-school tunes, food, drinks, and super-prize giveaways. Event begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. at 1150 S. Galena St., Aurora, CO 80247.
Sunday, July 18
Hero’s Car Show — Hero’s Pizzeria and Tavern
Hero’s loves car shows so much, they plan to host a total of five throughout the warm months.
This will be the third of a total of five such events taking place at this regional favorite for pizza and Italian food. Early arrivals can start their automotive adventure off with a breakfast burrito “grilled up al fresco” while rockin’ to the tunes of Cruisin’ Dave. Visitors and hot rod aficionados can expect “vintage iron on four wheels and two along with many fun people.” 16070 E. Dartmouth Avenue (between Chambers and Buckley). Subsequent events in this series will be hosted on August 22 and September 12.
Saturday, July 24
Take Jake Car Show
Held at legendary Denver music venue The Grizzly Rose, this yearly event raises awareness and funds for organ tissue donation. This year’s contributions will be dedicated to veterans in need as well as the organization’s scholarship at Metro State. The show welcomes classic muscle cars, all-out custom cars, and rat rods, 4×4 trucks, pickups, street rods, imports, and motorcycles. Food and drinks will be available for guests along with silent auctions and sanctioned races. 5450 North, S. Valley Hwy., Denver, CO 80216.
Saturday, August 7
Rocky Mountain Car Show, Swap Meet
The Rocky Mountain Car Show, Swap Meet plans to have 400+ hot rods on display.
Another outdoor event produced and promoted by Car Shows Inc., this shindig will feature up to 400 classic car and hot rod participants — the combined treasures of Colorado Mopar Club, Buick Club, and CSI. The event is co-sponsored by the Collector Car Council of Colorado and will also feature War Bird flybys and a swap meet where gearheads and collectors can buy and sell automotive parts, accessories and collectibles en masse. Festivities go from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and are held at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield, CO 80021.
Saturday, August 21
Holy Rollers Charity Car Show
This is the fourth installment of an annual charity event which benefits the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — an organization dedicated to helping families in crisis in North Metro Denver. The event runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is held on the grass in S. Midway Park in Broomfield. Over 175 automobiles are expected to participate, and festivities will include door prizes every 30 minutes and awards for the top 30 entrants. West Midway Blvd. & Kohl Street, Broomfield, CO 80020.
by Mark Smiley | May 26, 2021 | Main Articles
Dominated By Denver, State Has 2021’s 4th Biggest Drug Problem; 20% Of Citizens Are Using Illicit Drugs
by Glen Richardson
Denver Drug Dealing: In this Denver drug bust law enforcement seized 4 lbs. of meth, 5 lb. of heroin, 4 lbs. of cocaine and 155,000 fentanyl pills. A woman was charged as the drug kingpin.
When the pandemic hit last year it created the perfect storm for drug abuse and overdose deaths in Denver and Colorado. Ranked seventh in the U.S. for drug use prior to the outbreak, the pandemic created long periods of social isolation. Deaths shot up quickly among these who overdosed, their tolerance decreased by abstinence.
A new study ranking the 50 states and the District of Columbia by website WalletHub categorizes Colorado as the nation’s 4th biggest drug problem in 2021. Sadder yet, Colorado continues to rank 4th for adults who used illicit drugs in the past month. Equally troublesome, the state’s share of teenagers using illicit drugs in the past month is 5th, just one notch lower.
Moreover, the state ranks 6th for drug arrests on college campuses per 1,000 students.
Annually, more than 20% of Denver and Colorado residents will use illicit drugs. This is higher than anywhere else and equates to over a half million people abusing drugs. In Denver, a mere 2% will check into a drug rehabilitation treatment program. With so many abusing substances and so few getting help, it’s not surprising that the addiction rate is escalating. Although overdose deaths are spiraling, fewer and fewer residents in Denver and statewide are obtaining proper treatment.
First In Four Drugs
On All Four: Colorado is the only state with heavy consumption of four major intoxicants: Marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, and opioids (prescription painkillers and heroin).
Another startling fact: Colorado is the only state with heavy consumption of four major intoxicants: Marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, and opioids (prescription painkillers and heroin).
According to a study published by Denver Public Health, the percent of treatment admissions for methamphetamines doubled from 3% in 2012 to 6% in 2016; heroin admittances jumped from 4% in 2012 to 7% in 2016. The percentage of clients reporting in for marijuana as their primary substance only increased 1% during that time period.
More alarming, fentanyl-related death rates per 100,000 people quadrupled during that same time period. In Denver, overdoses involving fentanyl more than doubled in 2020 compared with 2019. And the deaths from fentanyl were seven times the number in 2018, according to the Denver medical examiner’s office. Denver Health’s Dr. Joshua Blum explains fentanyl this way: “Fentanyl is like kerosene. Methamphetamine is like natural gas.” When the pandemic came along it was like, “Let’s add some diesel fuel.”
Meth Is Murder
Methamphetamine is a very big problem in Denver and statewide. In fact, some believe it’s a bigger issue than opioids like heroin and fentanyl. According to an article by NPR, crystal meth was involved in nearly 300 overdose deaths in 2018.
Some health officials say the scariest thing about meth in Colorado is that this is one of the states where “it’s still kind of legal.” There are several possible defenses that can potentially reduce or dismiss meth drug charges.
A drug called “Desoxyn” is currently legal in Colorado (It is a Schedule II controlled substance according to the DEA.) It has effects that are disturbingly similar to crystal meth and doctors are reportedly prescribing it at alarming rates. The drug’s medical name is Methamphetamine Hydrochloride.
Meth Crimes Triple
Falling For Fentanyl: Chart by the Denver Medical Examiner’s office shows the upward trend in fentanyl related deaths in Denver County from 2017 through 2020.
Meth-related crimes among adults have tripled in the last few years. It’s cheap, easy to get, and highly addictive. State-funded treatment centers in Colorado are full.
Police have successfully closed meth labs statewide, but the Mexican cartel is keeping Colorado stocked. Furthermore, law enforcement constantly confiscates large shipments along the southern borders. Notwithstanding the best efforts by law enforcement, they also readily admit that, “as long as there is meth, there will be customers using it.”
“Colorado’s overdose rates are alarming. The rate at which our friends, family members, and neighbors are dying is nothing short of an emergency,” asserts AspenRidge Recovery with locations in Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. “We’ve been lucky enough to watch hundreds of Colorado residents get back on the right track.”
Drug Neighborhoods
Cutting The Price: Meth labs are often found in million dollar homes and in units of apartment buildings. This Denver row home sold for just half the original $800,000 asking price after an inspector found high levels of meth contamination.
The Denver Drug & Alcohol Crime Report updated through May 10, reveals Denver has had 1,032 drug crimes so far this year. That’s an average of 243.2 crimes per month or 8.0 crimes per day.
The average number of drug crimes per neighborhood this year is 13.23. Neighborhood residents express to the Chronicle the opinion that, “drug problems are in other areas, not where we reside.” Most often mentioned is East Colfax, which actually only ranks 15th for drug crimes thus far in 2021. Two other frequently cited neighborhoods are City Park, currently ranked 40th, and Montbello, ranked 43rd.
The top five neighborhoods for drug crimes this year are Civic Center, DIA, the Central Business District, Auraria, and Sun Valley. Civic Center, with 29.96 crimes per 1,000 residents and DIA at 27.62, far outrank other neighborhoods. In comparison, Denver’s Central Business District, currently ranked 3rd, averaged only 9.88 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Take Mom’s Advice
Moms Fight Back: Colorado moms tackle the pressing issues facing kids, including drugs. Online, in their neighborhoods, and with publications such as this, they provide helpful, constructive information.
For families with kids the first line of defense in the battle against drug abuse begins at home. In Colorado Moms Fight Back or MFB suggests ways families can become involved in the fight against drugs. They include Rise Above Colorado, a drug abuse prevention organization that measurably impacts teen perceptions and attitudes about the risks of substance abuse to help them make empowered, healthy choices.
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is another group MFB suggests. This organization translates the science of teen drug use and addiction for families, providing parents with direct support to prevent and cope with teen drug and alcohol abuse.
Lastly there’s Stay Sharp, a hard hitting prevention program designed to educate students on drug-alcohol abuse and the consequences of their choices. Information: momsfightback.org.
by Mark Smiley | May 26, 2021 | Main Articles
Homeless Camp Is Just Blocks From Park Hill Home Of Hickenlooper Who Said He Would End Homelessness; Advocates Demand The Homeless ‘Liberate’ Hick House For Use By All
by Glen Richardson
When the pandemic hit Denver last year and layoff climbed, the lack of affordable housing resulted in homeless encampments growing exponentially. As encampments multiplied, the problem began spreading to surrounding neighborhoods.
That’s where this story begins. More precisely in Denver’s Park Hill, a community that rivals Riverside Dr. in New York, the Auteuil and Passy in Paris, and Mayfair in London. The neighborhood was designed to showcase Mayor Speer’s Beautiful City Program. U.S. Senator and former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has a $2.5 million home here. With homes selling in five days or less, 52 homes and two condos were for sale last month, listed from $285,000 to $1,975,00.
This month an encampment with 45 shelters serving 50 people opens in a parking lot behind the church at 5209 Montview Blvd. The arrangement is scheduled to remain at least until Dec. 31. Homeless are being moved here from Capitol Hill. Suddenly, the plight of those living on the streets becomes intimately linked to the well-being of everybody else living in the neighborhood.
Hick’s Hood: Park Hill neighborhood was designed by landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted. Many of the neighborhoods first residences were designed by Fisher & Fisher.
Serenity Of Home
Hickenlooper, who as a U.S. Senator, spends much of his time in Washington, D.C. — the nation’s No. 1 homeless city — likely looks forward to returning to his Montview Blvd. home surrounded by an abundance of mature trees, lushly landscaped medians and generous setback. But with a homeless encampment moving within a block of Hick’s home he may soon be scanning Yelp reviews for a highly rated real estate agent.
The paradox is that Hickenlooper declared he would “end homelessness” with his Denver’s Road Home initiative in 2005. It was a miserable failure. An audit released in April 2019, by Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA, concluded: “A lack of a cohesive overall strategy along with unclear authority and understaffing hindered the city’s ability to comprehensively address homelessness or measure the effectiveness of its efforts.”
The audit revealed that in 2018, the Metro Homeless Initiative identified 3,445 individuals experiencing homelessness. Around $37 million was budgeted for homeless services in 2018 and in 2019. Denver increased that to more than $51 million. In a warning seemingly still being ignored, O’Brien said, “Millions of dollars won’t help solve the problem if we aren’t tracking data and aligning our policies from organization to organization to support the use of the city’s resources.”
Camp Hick
Some homeless advocates are demanding that Hickenlooper make available his home to the denizens of the new Park Hill Safe homeless encampment. They point out the homeless will need places to go during the day and do not want to be stuck in a hot asphalt parking lot in the summer and what better than the green expanses of the Hickenlooper home. In the winter he could open up his home while he is off in Washington, D.C. “He promised to end homelessness in 10 years but failed miserably,” said David Johnson. “Opening up his home to the new Park Hill homeless residents is the least he could do to start making amends and if he won’t then the homeless should just go down there and take it over.”
Upset Neighbors Go To Court
Whether Hickenlooper is upset or not, other Park Hill residents are distraught and troubled. In the most significant attempt ever to block the establishment of the camping site, a group of Park Hill residents sued the nonprofit Colorado Village Collaborative, Park Hill United Methodist Church and the City of Denver to stop the neighborhood camping site. Residents in neighborhoods such as Globeville and Elyria-Swansea have vocally argued against camping sites, but this is the first lawsuit.
A temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction was filed by attorneys Heather Anderson Thomas and Douglas W. Baier on behalf of five plaintiffs on May 6. The site has not met the requirements set out by the city, according to the complaint filed by five Park Hill residents.
The lawsuit stated the proposed site “poses a real danger to minors and school-aged children, does not address the impact it will have on the neighborhood, and displaces people from an area with available resources to an area not equipped to handle the purposes of the camping site.”
Just 13 days after the injunction was filed, Denver District Court Judge A. Bruce Jones dismissed the lawsuit asserting that the plaintiffs had not exhausted all of their administrative remedies to the Denver Board of Adjustment for Zoning Appeals. The plaintiffs indicate they are now filing such an appeal but note that the camp will be in before the appeal is even heard.
Colorado Village Collaborative and Park Hill United Methodist Church celebrated the ruling with a joint statement declar
ing “we are grateful to the many Park Hill neighbors who have already opened their arms to receive their newest neighbors by expressing their support, opening their wallets, swapping recipes that will feed a crowd, and committing to volunteer on an ongoing basis.”
Not All Residents Hostile
Some residents in Park Hill believe that they must demonstrate their progressive values. They indicated that they would be willing to bake cookies and brownies for the new Park Hill homeless. Terrell wrote on Westword’s Facebook: “I am mortified today to say I am from Park Hill. That said, there are literally hundreds of us actively planning how we will welcome these brothers and sisters, and truly demonstrate what a privileged neighborhood can be capable of, beyond hate.”
Preschool Steps Away
The homeless encampment will be just a few feet from the Children’s Center at Park Hill United Methodist Church. The pre-school offers half-day, full-day and after school programs. There are three public schools in the neighborhood, Park Hill Elementary School, The Goddard School of Denver and Odyssey School of Denver.
Residents in the Capitol Hill neighborhood where the encampment is being relocated from claimed that Morey Middle School near the site became a safety issue. “Tents lined the public-right-of-way between the street and the sidewalk outside of the school, and there were baskets and boxes filled with belongings.
Lara Lee Hullinghorst, a lobbyist and daughter of former Colorado Speaker of the House Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, said she was scared to walk out of her apartment without her husband or a friend after a man grabbed her arm and threatened to rape and kill her. She wasn’t certain, but believed the man lived in the camp across the street.
Church Champions Justice
Completing final preparations to share their space with unhoused homeless, Park Hill United Methodist Church — also home to Temple Micah — has a long hi
story of supporting racial and social justice. They’ve offered sanctuary to immigrants and refugees.
Moreover, they have been hosting women experiencing home
lessness for years through the Women’
Modern Skid Row: Denver’s homeless population is now at nearly the 10,000 mark, resulting in city adding more and more camping sites such as this, left. This type of encampment is coming this summer to Park Hill United Methodist Church, right.
s Homelessness Initiative.
Rules for the camp ask their new homeless residents to, “Be a good neighbor and treat private property, schools, children and families with respect.” Guidelines include no violence, weapons, drugs, or alcohol. Theft, fires, disruptive behavior, and trading and selling substances are forbidden. Whether any or all of these admonitions will be observed is unknown.
Today’s Hoovervilles
For most of us the magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back. Unfortunately, today in Denver many citizens can’t afford to come back.
Denver currently ranks 42nd in the nation when it comes to providing affordable housing for its low-income residents. As a result, every night, thousands of our fellow Denverites are forced to sleep on the streets without the warmth, safety, and security that so many of us take for granted.
As if harkening back to the Hoovervilles of the Great Depression, these settlements have become fixtures known as encampments.
Today Denver’s homeless population is 9,619, or 16.7 homeless people per 10,000 residents, according to a new study by website Porch.com. The website says the share of the homeless population in Colorado is now the 10th highest rate among the 50 states.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 23, 2021 | Main Articles
With cute kids, kindly husbands and crowded kitchens, mothers are always fiercely protective of their kids and strive, despite obstacles, to help their families flourish. Albeit moms never dreamed a pandemic would trigger stay-at-home parents, the family matriarch has proven once again to be sensitive, demanding, practical, tough and supportive.
As a result we desire to give extra recognition to moms this Mother’s Day, May 9. Something extraordinary to pay tribute to mothers — past, present, mothers-to-be, and those lost but forever remembered.
There’s a lot to offer this Mother’s Day with events and performances returning plus dine-in capacity has increased, albeit a fourth pandemic wave is a threat. Restaurants are offering the highest holiday dining choices since the pandemic hit. To prepare, use this guide to plan a weekend full of activities she’ll love.
Wining-Dining Mom
Seashore Spot: Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood in Cherry Creek North is offering a Mother’s Day brunch until 3 p.m., followed by dinner.
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood, 2625 E. 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek, is offering brunch until 3 p.m. plus dinner. Full menu includes Chilean Seabass, Swordfish “Paella,” and Filet Mignon. Information: 303-333-2462.
Carmine’s On Penn, 92 S. Pennsylvania St., is presenting a family style dinner for mom. Eatery’s dishes are prepared in two sizes: small for two, and the larger is family sized. Information: 303-777-6443.
Wash Park Grille, 1096 S. Gaylord St., is preparing a special Mother’s Day brunch menu, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Seating for parties up to eight, larger groups can be accommodated at separate tables. Information: 303-777-0707.
Toro Latin Kitchen, 150 Clayton Ln., inside the JW Marriott Cherry Creek. Featuring brunch, patio stations include a Ceviche Raw Bar plus grill station serving lamb chops & mahi mahi tacos, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Information: 303-253-3000.
Taste Of Toro: A patio brunch is planned by Toro Latin Kitchen in Cherry Creek featuring a grill station with lamb chops and mahi mahi tacos plus a Ceviche Raw Bar.
Blue Agave Grill, 1201 16th St. Mall, in the Tabor Center is offering brunch with “Mom Mimosas” flowing and flowers abound. Experience offered day and night, from the regular menu. Information: 720-550-8389.
Kona Grill, 3000 E. 1st Ave. inside the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Earn “favorite child status” and enjoy “MOMosas.” Order from the regular menu. Information: 720-974.1300.
Fogo de Chao, 1515 Wynkoop, is offering brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner from 2-9 p.m. Dinner price is all day at the Brazilian steakhouse chain, children 7-12 half-price. Information: 303-623-9600.
Quality Italian, 241 Columbine St. inside the Halcyon Hotel. The Cherry Creek chophouse is offering food and drink menu specials but doesn’t elaborate. Information: 303-532-8888.
Distinctive Delights
Mother’s Day Tea: Make Mom’s special weekend complete by taking her to afternoon tea at the Brown Palace. Tea is served with plates of scones, finger sandwiches and sweets.
Chocolates & Bubbles — The Chocolate Lab, 2504 E. Colfax Ave., is featuring a Mother’s Day brunch tasting Saturday, May 8, 10:30 a.m. Begin by enjoying a sparkling cocktail with small bites, followed by a discussion of wines and chocolates. The tasting wraps up with additional scrumptious small bites. Information: 720-536-5037.
Mother’s Day Tea — Make mom’s special weekend complete by enjoying tea at the Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th St. She’ll adore listening to the soft sounds of the grand piano float through the eight-story atrium. Tea topped with Devonshire cream from England comes with plates of scones, finger sandwiches and sweets. Information: 303-312-8900.
Music & Performances
Brantley Gilbert At Red Rocks — If mom is a country music fan, take her to Red Rocks to see the country crooner live, May 7-8. Information: 720-865-2494.
Disco Biscuits Play Mission Ballroom — The trailblazers of “trance-fusion” bridging the gap between electronic music and jam bands at the Mission Ballroom Mother’s Day weekend May 7-8, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Bluebird Theater Has RAC — The Portuguese-American musicians play electronica-dance music and live rock for mom May 8, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Art & Exhibits
Matriarch Magic: Restaurants are offering the highest amount of dining choices since the pandemic hit this Mother’s Day. Expect exquisite table settings such as this piece created by Toro Latin Kitchen in Cherry Creek North.
Colorado Women’s Art — Take mom to see the 30th Anniversary group exhibition by the 80-member Colorado Women’s Caucus for Art on display at D’art Gallery 900 Santa Fe Dr., May 6-30. Information: 720-486-7735.
Paris To Hollywood — Mom will love to see the fashion and influences of Veronique and Gregory Peck on display at the Denver Art Museum on Mother’s Day weekend and continuing through July 18. Information: 720-865-5000.
Apron Chronicles — If mom enjoys cooking she’ll adore seeing the photos, personal narratives and one-of-a-kind aprons on display at the History Colorado Center through May 31. Information: 303-447-9679.
Gardens Of The Mind — Take mom to view rarely seen Salvador Dali fanciful color lithographs of flowers and fruit at Denver Botanic Gardens on Mother’s Day weekend and continuing through Aug. 22. Information: 720-865-3500.
Translucent Reality — Artists in this exhibition on display through May 8 at Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Ave., strive for enlightenment by shining through the veil where reality and fantasy overlay. Information: 303-355-8955.
Markets
Friday Night Bazaar — Grab mom for an evening of shopping, sipping and mingling in the RiNo Art District May 7. The bazaar features 40 local vendors, food trucks, craft beer and cocktails plus live music beginning at 5 p.m. Information: 720-398-6200.
Cherry Creek Farmers Market — Begin mom’s special weekend at annual Colorado Fresh Markets Cherry Creek marketplace at 1st Ave. & University May 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet neighbors, friends and buy fresh produce while eating, drinking and enjoying café area. Information: 303-442-1847.
Sports
Colorado Rockies vs. Cincinnati Reds — The Colorado Rockies are partnering with Susan G. Komen Colorado for this May 10 Mother’s Day game, 1:30 p.m. Tickets include a $5 donation to cancer non-profit plus pre-game field access for a family parade around the warning track. Information: 877-465-6636.
Mother’s Day 5K — Cherry Creek Valley moms are on course to go the distance competing in Mother’s Day 5k events at City Park May 3 and 11 starting at 9 a.m. Information: runa.com.
by Regan Bervar | Apr 23, 2021 | Main Articles
“An old building is like a show. You smell the soul of an old building. And the building tells you how to redo it.” – Cameron Mackintosh
by Luke Schmaltz
Casa Bonita stands shuttered alongside West Colfax like a circus gelding locked in a corral for which there is no key. First opened in 1974, the one-of-a-kind survivor from a bygone era is a testament to the optimism, pageantry and imagination of the previous century. But alas, it is currently silent as a result of COVID-19.
The Pink Palace is in the red. This 85-foot, 22-karat-gold domed tower can be seen for miles around.
As it was for most other Colorado restaurants, the mandatory order to close in March of 2020 was a crippling blow. Rather than partially reopen in May of 2020, Casa Bonita management chose to forgo the near-impossible strictures that social distancing would have placed on an entertainment concept built on human interaction.
Finally, more than a year later, there are rumblings of reopening — and a notice on the restaurant’s website confirms these murmurs. Yet, if there’s anything the last year has taught people, it is to not believe everything you read online. This is why a group of Denver residents and longtime natives who have lasting memories of this cherished institution are not going to take the possible death of fun sitting down.
Locals To The Rescue
Savecasabonita.org is a recently-launched initiative intent on spreading awareness of the cultural and historical importance of 52,000-square-foot restaurant, Casa Bonita. Led by Denver icon and Casa Bonita superfan Andrew Novick, this collective of innovators and entrepreneurs represents a larger segment of the Mile High populace that feels this beloved destination deserves another chance. “We have a large group of people in our consortium,” Novick begins. “The group we put together is made up of restaurateurs, folks who have built businesses from the ground up and branding experts. One of our people is a Latina businesswoman and we’ve talked a lot about the food and the cultural appropriation of Casa Bonita. The last thing we want to do is be a bunch of white men running a Mexican restaurant.”
Proponents don’t want Casa Bonita to suffer the fate of The Miner in Black Bart’s Cave. Photo by Andrew Novick
An Unforgettable Experience
For those who have never been there, a visit to Casa Bonita is an immersion into experiential art, culture, kitsch and otherworldly wonder. It’s an escapade into a circus-like realm of cliff divers, puppeteers, gunfighters, family photos, cave adventures, arcade overindulgence and a hype man in a gorilla suit. And yes, there’s the Mexican fare, which can leave a bit to be desired at times, but the meals always finish strong with delectable honey-soaked sopapillas. “It’s always been about the experience, not the food.” Novick explains. “I mean, how many restaurants last for [almost] 50 years?”
Money Talks
Andrew Novick is Casa Bonita’s #1 fan. Photo by Jerilee Bennett.
Rather than attempt to influence the owners of Casa Bonita via community petition, Novick and his associates chose to start a GoFundMe campaign, as a monetary donation signifies a greater commitment than just a signature. With a goal of $100,000, the fund is quickly gaining steam and, at the time of this writing, sits at nearly half of the way in just three weeks. Novick is quick to point out that the money is not intended to pay any current debts the restaurant’s parent company may have outstanding. Rather, the funds would serve as a capital-bolstered basis for participating in the conversation about the future of the restaurant. Novick explains, “We are fundraising to have the power to have a voice in the conversation.” This could play out in any number of ways, from funding a PR campaign to advertise a grand re-opening to procuring legal counsel to broker a deal between the current owners and potential new investors.
A Wild Ride
Casa Bonita’s centerpiece, 30-foot-tall indoor waterfall is modeled after the cliffs of Acapulco and pumps 26,427,000 gallons of water per year, which supplies its 14-foot-deep pool into which cliff divers and actors plunge during the shows.
Understanding the history of the Casa Bonita ownership can be as overwhelming as a visitor’s first foray into Black Bart’s Cave. Initially, it was one component in a chain of themed restaurants that began in Oklahoma City, and branched out to Tulsa, Okla.; Little Rock, Ark.; Fort Worth, Texas; and Lakewood, Colo. The chain was the brainchild of artist, innovator and business mogul Bill Waugh, who was responsible for numerous spectacles of themed entertainment including the Crystal’s Pizza and Taco Bueno chains. In 1982, Waugh sold his company to Unigate, who, in 1992, sold it to CKE restaurants (owners of Carl’s Jr.) who then created a spin-off company in 1997 for the two remaining locations. Today, that company is known as Summit Family Restaurants which is a subsidiary of Star Buffet. When it comes to a discussion about the current state of affairs at the Pink Palace, however, no one at either entity is currently available for comment.
Stay Positive
Meanwhile, Novick and company are holding out for a positive outcome wherein the company culture is modernized, the menu is updated and the Casa Bonita fun machine gets jump started back into action. “We want to make sure that in the future, we (savecasabonita.org) are an important voice,” Novick says. “Whether someone else procures it or if they reopen, we want them to know we are the voice of the community and the fans. The funds we generate could be used to create awareness of the reopening and to revitalize the work environment for employees.” An electrical engineer by trade, Novick is also a realist. Concerning a scenario where the funds raised by savecasabonita.org do not afford them a seat at the negotiation table to have their voice heard by the owners or future buyers, he clarifies, “I want to point out that should the funds not be put to use, all donations will be immediately returned to the donors.”
Dream On
Casa Bonita is a Landmark of the Lakewood Historical Society.
As far as procurement of the intellectual property and the business model goes, just like any dedicated Casa Bonita regular, Novick and company are also dreamers. Ideally, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of South Park) would swoop in, buy out Star Buffet, and entrust the locals to run the zoo. The duo made Casa Bonita a worldwide household name in a 2004 South Park episode which prominently featured the restaurant in all of its fantastically ridiculous glory. In this “everyone wins” scenario Novick, who celebrated his 300th visit to Casa Bonita in 2019 with a wildly successful charity event, could play an integral role. “I’ve done food events, experiential events and experiential art,” he explains. “I feel my role could be VP of experience.”
For now, however, the reality of the situation is that a huge piece of Denver history and yet another beacon of the soul of the city is at stake. Star Buffet filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 6, 2021. So, the harsh fact of the matter is that currently, it’s all about money.
