by Editorial Board | Jun 20, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Editorial —
With little fanfare the Godfather of the Colorado GOP Establishment, Phil Anschutz, has given up on the Colorado GOP which he has indirectly controlled for over three decades until the rise of the grassroots and President Trump. The signs of his abandonment have been popping up for months.
The Anschutz RINO conservative media empire has been in full retreat. The Colorado Springs Gazette and the Denver Gazette are hidden behind pay walls now therefore the opinion pieces by RINO columnists like Dick Wadhams and Jimmy Sengenberger have little readership or reach. His RINO blog site Colorado Politics is not updated for long periods of time.
His flagship enterprise, the Independence Institute, was once a beehive of activity with almost a score of employees, now just limps along. Anschutz’s Complete Colorado website acted as and looked like a Colorado Drudge Report. Its Page 2 section provided original RINO reporting. The Drudge-like format and most of the original reporting are now a thing of the past.
The face of the Anschutz media empire for over two decades has been Jon Caldara. Originally a quick witted, irreverent firebrand, is now an old, tired, sad, and bald lion in winter.
Anschutz disillusionment with the Colorado GOP dates to the Fall of 2022 and heartbreaking election losses suffered in that year’s midterm races by the Colorado GOP Establishment. Anschutz and his Establishment allies had finally got a GOP election lineup it had long dreamed of with Joe O’Dea for U.S. Senator; Heidi Ganahl for Governor; Pam Anderson for Secretary of State; John Kellner for Attorney General; and Lang Silas for Treasurer.
For the Establishment, there were absolutely no God, guns, anti-gay, climate deniers. Anschutz adamantly believed that this was exactly what Coloradans hungered for. GOP Chair Kristy Burton Brown put together a vague and bland pro-business platform that all Colorado Republicans could run under that would offend absolutely no one. Best of all 2022 was going to be a big Red Wave year nationally and Colorado would be part of the tsunami with business friendly RINOs taking back Colorado from the extreme, socialist Democrats.
The big day came but there was no Red Wave nationally and the beautiful Colorado RINO slate was crushed with individuals losing by overwhelming margins. How could this have possibly happened?
Uncle Phil and his brain trust at the Independence Institute did a long deep intellectual dive and came up with the answer. It was, of course, the fault of Donald Trump. Yes, suburban women in Colorado hated Trump and took it out on the beautiful Republican slate even though none of the Colorado Republicans running for statewide office liked or supported Trump.
This conclusion is outlined and explained in an extraordinary column in Colorado Politics penned by Jon Caldera on May 8th (“Will Open Primaries Rescue Republicans”). According to Caldara suburban women and in particularly the dastardly single moms, hate Trump with such a passion that it “turns to hatred of his political party [the Republicans].” Caldera went so far to state: “Any candidate running with an ‘R’ behind his name in swing districts might as well have a swastika behind his name.”
The concept explains everything. The wonderful 2022 RINO slate did not overwhelming lose because the voters did not like them, but their hatred of Trump blinded them.
Suburban women in Colorado according to Caldara are “pro-gay, pro-abortion, pro-weed and, until the blackouts hit, believe climate change is Colorado, not China, caused.”
Men apparently don’t vote in suburban districts according to Caldara or if they do their votes don’t really count. How Trump won countrywide the popular vote by over a million votes in the 2024 election including all seven swing states is not explained. Colorado women in the suburbs are just a different breed than anywhere else in the country.
So how can Republicans win in a state where suburban women view Republicans as “Nazis” even the wonderful meek pro-business RINOs that Anschutz adores.
Independence Institute and Jon Caldara have figured it out. In order to save the State and the Colorado GOP we must destroy the political parties and go to jungle primaries just like California.
But didn’t the Colorado voters just reject jungle primaries in the 2024 election along with three other western states? In Colorado, this rejection happened notwithstanding Kent Thiery and the proponents of jungle primaries outspending its opponents by a 10 to 1 margin. Well according to Caldara, Thiery needs to spend millions to bring it back to the people but this time no ranked choice voting.
In Caldara’s view jungle primaries will result in the swing suburban districts persons unaffiliated with either party running and winning. These winners are really RINOs but without any party affiliation. They would then caucus with the rural Republicans and save us from socialist Democrats who are destroying the state.
The mere fact that that is not what happens in any jurisdiction that has jungle primaries is of no importance to Caldara. What, in fact, will happen only candidates with rich backers like Phil Anschutz can win in such a system. The Republican Party apparatus will be destroyed and along with Grassroot Republicans.
For many Republicans in Colorado whatever value the Independence Institute and John Caldara once had is past its due date. Time to put both out to pasture.
— Editorial Board
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 18, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Tra la la, it’s May. “That lovely month when everyone goes blissfully astray. It’s mad, it’s gay, a libelous display. That gorgeous holiday,” Lerner & Loewe composed for Camelot.
May is one of the best months of the year with flowers blooming, green grass, graduation parties, and proms happening. A poignant reflection on the transformative power of May.
Among the changing months, May is the sweetest, and fairest colors dressed. Here are our warm choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment for those big, bright, sunny days:
For a marvelous start to month, plan to attend the annual Hattitude Luncheon in DCPA’s Seawell Ballroom, May 1. The event funds women playwrights and directors, plus produces their innovative plays. Information: 303-892-4100.
Don’t forget Cinco de Mayo returns to Civic Center Park for a weekend of food, fun, and Latino culture May 3-4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: 303-534-8342.
Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho headlines Ukefest’s 2025 concerts, workshops, and master classes at Swallow Hill Music, May 10. Information: 303-777-1003.
Looking for tasty Italian American dishes plus Stone-Hearth pizza and baked goods? Try Pomodoro in the former Monaco Inn space. Sauces, dough, dressings, desserts made in-house with best ingredients, top service. Information: 303-320-1104
Attend Swallow Hill’s seven Wednesday summer concerts at Four Mile Park, June 4 to July 16. Rumours — Fleetwood Mac’s 11th studio album — is concert opener. Doors open 5:30 p.m., concerts 6:30 p.m. Bring the family. Information: 303-777-1003.
Enjoy the pop rock, blazing jazz, and improvisation of guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan entertaining at Dazzle, May 22, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Music meets visual artistry and the sounds of Pink Floyd come alive in a stunning Laser Spectacular at the Paramount Theater May 24, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
Grammy violinist Augustin Hedelich plays Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with the Symphony at Boettcher Hall, May 30-31, 8 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Support new beginnings by attending the Storybook Ball Gala in the Art Museum’s Strum Grand Pavilion, May 16, 6-9 p.m. Funding will help Ronald McDonald Charities to renovate its Aurora House to serve more families. Attendees will enjoy cocktails, and dinner, plus a silent and live auction. Information: 303-832-2667.
You feel like singing. It seems like every May is like a new beginning. Glendale-Cherry Creek is alive with life, and all the birds are singing. The air is fresh, and flowers flourishing.
The bees are as happy as can be, and the birds are too. They seem to have so much to say, and so much to do. Eggs are hatching, babies are born, in this marvelous month of May.
With a warm wind blowing, we sink into spring with a mix of sunshine and showers. May is here with cheer and skies so clear, “Ne’er cast a cloud till May is out,” the saying goes.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
by Mark Smiley | Mar 28, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Gentle breezes, chirping birds, picnic baskets, and flowers in bloom. Best of the best: It’s the end of winter! It was the Beatles’ George Harrison who sang it best: “Here Comes the Sun.”
Goodbye clouds, hello bright April skies. April brings new sounds, like bird songs at dawn and frog croaks by ponds. April’s flowers, the daisy and sweet pea, bring joy to April-born.
Beautiful, sun-kissed days. Cool, crisp nights. The sights and smells of spring. Here are our fresh, fragrant choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to put a spring in your step:
View the film and musical montage for Naruto in Denver for the first time at the Ellie April 1, 7:30 p.m. Sing along with the two-hour event synchronized to a live orchestra performing Toshio Masuda’s original score. Information: 720-865-4220.
Enjoy the arrangements, harmonies, and onstage energy of the musical foursome Windborne entertaining at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall April 4, 8 p.m. Information: 202-777-1003.
Youth concert Destination Denver with Robinson Dance, rapper Nelo Tyler, and the Symphony plays Boettcher Hall April 17, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Want warm, hearty comfort food? Sam’s No. 3 — Glendale & downtown — serves over 100 breakfast, lunch, & dinner items. Large portions, fair prices. Downtown since 1927, Glendale since 2013. Denver 303-534-1927; Glendale 303-333-4403.
Join Glendale Sports Center’s Adult League basketball, outdoor soccer, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, & pickleball. No joining fees or contracts. Membership includes classes. Leagues all year. Fitness programs for all ages. Information: 303-639-4711.
Touring band Daruma plays at Dazzle in The Arts Complex April 17, 7 p.m. Group plays blend of improvisation, electronics, & grooves. Information: 303-839-5100.
See and hear Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. — formed in Dublin in 2014 — entertaining at the Mission Ballroom April 22, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
Catch the music of Tempe, Ariz.-based rock band Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers coming to play at the Bluebird Theater April 24, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Hear CNN Anchor & 60 Minutes Correspondent Anderson Cooper at the JFS Executive Luncheon in the Sheraton Downtown Hotel April 22, noon-1:30 p.m. Event supports life changing services of Jewish Family Service that help everyone in need regardless of race, faith, age, or income. Information: 303-579-5000.
Blossom by blossom the new spring begins with all its splendor, all its birds, and all its blossoms. The promise of warmer days, plus its simplicity, playfulness, and unpredictability.
As this month begins, it brings the soft laughter of April’s sun, along with the shadow of April showers. April is recognized as “the angel of the months, the young love of every year.”
On April Fools’ Day believe nothing, trust no one. Just another day. Why do omelets love April Fools’ Day? They enjoy practical yolks. Summer texted us; she’s on her way.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
Time marches on may sound like a cliché, but this is already March 2025. “Left, right, left, right,” time paces us. To get ahead requires making strides, and advancing forward.
“In like a lion, out like a lamb,” is the proverb that describes this month’s transition from winter to the beginning of spring. What an exciting renewal feeling the March transition evokes.
Here are our purposeful, exhilarating choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to start your march into springtime. Days when it’s summer in the light, and winter in the shade:
If you’re a fan of powerful vocals, timeless ballads, and a night full of heart, you’ll want to experience Cha’Rel’s soulful tribute to legendary artist Adele. The event will be at Dazzle Denver March 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
You’re in four-leafed clover, the Irish-American rock band The Young Dubliners play at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall March 8, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
The road is sure to rise up to meet you at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade beginning in front of Coors Field March 15, 10 a.m. Information: 303-321-7888.
Levin’s Deli has opened a Wash Park restaurant & wine shop in the retail center at 300 E. Alameda Ave. (where Legacy Pie is located). New space offers a sourdough pizza category in addition to groceries and gifts. Information: 720-893-7540.
Spring ahead with quality window covering and custom window treatments to beautify your home from Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery on E. 6th Ave. Stop in or book an in-home consultation with experienced staff. Information: 303-355-4223.
Catch the 2024 three Grammy winner and Indian tabla drum player Zakir Hussain playing at the Newman Center March 18, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Be sure to hear Oundjian conduct Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall March 21-23, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Canadian singer and musician Martha Wainwright with seven acclaimed studio albums plays at the Bluebird Theatre March 27, 7 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Attend the 25th Anniversary T1D (Type 1 Diabetes) Dream Gala in the Hyatt Regency at the Convention Center March 15, 5 p.m. It’s a glamorous, black-tie optional fundraising soiree with seated dinner, award winning entertainment, silent and live auction in support of the diabetes community. Information:303-770-2873.
As winter transitions to spring, March brings both moments of reflection and celebration, like St. Patrick’s Day. As the weather shifts, there’s a sense of anticipation for the season ahead.
March invites us to spend more time outdoors watching mother nature awaken. The trees are budding, birds are chirping, and flowers are starting to bloom. Everything seems possible.
March 9 starts Daylight Saving Time, which begins at 2 a.m. Denver time. Set clocks ahead one hour. You’ll know the March worm moon has gotten enough to eat when it’s full.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 16, 2025 | Valley Gadfly
February is filled with love, reflection, and transition. Songs and music of the season combine the emotional depth of winter with the ever-present hope that spring will soon arrive.
From winter’s chill, to the warmth of Valentine’s Day, February creates an intense emotional landscape. Suddenly we feel all giddy and lightheaded like a “Silly Love Song.”
Here are our heart-to-heart choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to get you sharing, and caring together. A stormy, swooning February affair to win you a hug and kiss:
Don’t miss the Colorado Symphony tribute to Mel Brooks — including Blazing Saddles film clips plus recent musicals — by John Morris playing at Boettcher Concert Hall on Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Capture the Mardi Gras spirit, New Orleans’ soul, as Lincoln Center artists play Songbook at Lone Tree Arts Center Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-509-1000.
Must see: Swallow Hill’s Valentine Concert by Dakota Blonde — the “Front Range Darlings” — in Daniels Hall Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Closed after 38 years, the Monaco Inn Restaurant space has become the second location for Lowry’s Italian eatery Pomodoro Pizza & Pasta. The larger Monaco Square space has the same menu as the Lowry site. Information: 303-320-1104.
Make 2025 Stanley’s Year! With 50+ local firms in Aurora at 2501 Dallas St., Stanley Marketplace is a shopping bonanza featuring shops, eateries, bars, gyms, and salons. It’s a family place with daily free events. Information: 720-990-6743.
Denver Brass does hot horn blowing, plus trumpet solos during the Fat Tuesday Festa at the Newman Center Feb. 15-16, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
With six albums plus an incredible 16 Billboard Number One hits, jazz artist Adam Hawley entertains at Dazzle Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303- 839-5100.
American singer, rapper, and actress Mary J. Blige — a nine Grammy winner — entertains at the Ball Arena on Feb. 25, 7 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
Attend the Delores Project Open House & Lunch Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The metro’s largest provider of emergency and extended-stay shelter for homeless women and transgender individuals, it was founded in 1999. Meet staff, tour facility, ask questions during the event at 3450 W. 13th Ave. Information: 303-534-5411.
The third week in February is International Flirting Week. If you believe Paul McCartney’s Silly Love Songs, take them to heart. This is also “An Affair to Remember Month.”
There’s something about love songs that motivates happiness. Possibly the upbeat tempo? Cheerful lyrics, the singer’s voice helps. Impact: Ballads stir emotions, tug at our heartstrings.
Actually, neither true love nor music makes the world go around, but it sure makes life’s high notes seem sweeter. What do you call sweets that can keep a beat? “Candy rappers.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 13, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Welcome to 2025, the 25th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 6th year of the 2020s decade. Don’t get rattled, 2025 is also the Chinese Zodiac’s Year of the Snake.
Sure, snow slithers into Denver’s January forecast, but averages only 1.9 inches and has never exceeded 4.7 inches. A month of quiet, snowy days offering us upbeat new beginnings.
Dashing through the snow, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to keep us focused, meet challenges, and tackle tough tasks to make the most of the new year:
Experience the power of songs like “Feeling Good,” as jazz vocalist La Paloma pays tribute to music icon Nina Simone. The enchanting evening of artistry, and reflection is at Dazzle Jan. 2, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Melody lines, embellishments highlight China’s Gold Medalist pianist Tony Siqi Yun’s Newman Center show Jan. 5, 4 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Sturtz’s vocals highlight the string band Sturtz & Salome Songbird playing fiddle tunes at Tuft Theatre, Jan. 10, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1003.
Whoop it up as the annual Stock Show returns with rodeos, horse shows, bull-riding at the National Western Complex, Jan. 11-26. Information: 303-297-1166.
Closed after 38 years, the Monaco Inn Restaurant space has become the second location for Lowry’s Italian eatery Pomodoro Pizza & Pasta. The larger Monaco Square space has the same menu as the Lowry site. Information: 303-360-5200.
Tired of the same old clip joint? Consider Boulder Barbers featuring nine barbering, four beard services, for a polished look. Sites at Broadway & Bayaud (720-524-8144) and in Cherry Creek North at 6th & St. Paul (720-549-0879).
Singer Austin Brown entertains with Grammy nominated New Orleans band Tank & Bang at the Bluebird Theater Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Catch Motown’s “supergroup” The Miracles entertaining with singer Sid Justin at Lone Tree Arts Center Jan. 24-25, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-509-1000.
Singer, actor, and record producer Justin Timberlake, dubbed the “Prince of Pop,” entertains at the Ball Arena Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. Information:303-405-1100.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast fundraiser celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Speakers will deliver Dr. King’s vision of peace and unity at the in-person gathering. The morning of reflection and community is at Mile High Station, 2027 W. Colfax Jan. 17, 9-11 a.m. Information: 720-946-7721.
January is like a Monday. No one likes it. No one looks forward to it because it comes after a holiday month. Besides, it’s the dead of winter, and typically cold, wet, and dreary.
We find ourselves sitting around a cozy fire more often, and bundling up when we step outside. Nonetheless, January is the month that wipes the slate clean and triggers spring fever.
Cheers to the future in all we do: May the year ahead be our brightest one yet! What do you call a temper tantrum that a snowman throws in January? A meltdown.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
