Kiva Restaurant Closes down

Well, what has at times seemed the inevitable for over two years, Kiva Restaurant has closed. I rode my bike by the other Monday--Usually their busiest day of the week other than Drunk Kiva Sundays due to their quite inventive "parents night out" (where they provided free child care for parents dining out)--and was shocked to see no cars on the street or in the parking lot. On the front door, a brief note awaited: "Kiva has closed. Please see website for more information."

So, of course I headed home to learn more about what finally did them in. Here is the eloquently written notice I found:


"KIVA HAS CLOSED

Dear Guests,We would like to thank you for your ongoing support, unfortunatly we have made the decision to close the restaurant. If you have any questions regarding the buisness, tetentitive events, or are a vendor, please use the information page on this site or leave a message at the restaurant directly at 303-832-5482 and we will get back to you as soon as possible."

This message is so "Kiva." Just not right, like the way they terribly mis-managed their business the entire time their doors were open.

Don't get me wrong--I went there frequently and supported them in any way I could, as that building is such a blessing to the neighborhood, and we need an "anchor" business. And they were friendly enough; I truly wanted them to succeed--But they just never seemed to get it.

The food was uneven, largely unremarkable and occasionally substandard. The service even worse--the only consistent thing about their tenure in Cole Whittier. Again, friendly service, but it took forever to get service pretty much any time you were there.

They were running a new promotion every week it seemed--Free breakfast, fliering local bars, partnering with local organizations--But never seemed to understand that it didn't matter how many people you put in the restaurant for their first visit--You needed them to come back. And their service, consistently frustrating and slow, didn't do them any favors in this regard.

And their limitless discounting to put people in the door--$2 Kivaritas and free taco bar? $2 drinks on Sundays? How do you expect to stay in business when the only times you have a busy restaurant are during happy hour when you have cheap parasites sucking down drinks you don't make a dime on?

It always amused me when I'd walk in and see the "Best of Denver" signs claiming someone nominated them for "best happy hour" or "best tacos" in Denver, asking you to vote to help them win. I understand trying to promote your business to get some traction, but come on--No one but an employee would ever vote for Kiva for best anything.

We all went there because we wanted to love it, we wanted to love it so damned much, and wanted to help them become to be the neighborhood hangout they thought they were, and we wanted them to be. But if they weren't close, and weren't cheap, we wouldn't have gone as much as we did. Heck, even that wasn't often enough to get us to brave the imminent horrid, inattentive service and uneven food quality.

I need to let it go. No use worrying about why Kiva seems hell bent on shooting themselves in the foot now. So my last meal at Kiva will have been lunch on Tuesday of last week--When my wife and I waited 25 minutes for a couple of sandwiches, and then had to chase down our server to pay our bill in order to complete our dining experience in a timely manner. Farewell, Kiva.

What will happen to the building? Who knows. I can't imagine it will remain vacant, with how much potential it possesses, and how far the neighborhood has come in even the two years Kiva occupied it. I'm sorry to see them go, but hopefully someone that actually understands how to run a successful restaurant will replace Kiva as our neighborhood gathering place.

Denver Partners Against Graffiti Rules

Folks,

Do you hate graffiti as much as I do? I hate it so much I think we should consider implementing some sort of medieval or middle eastern punishment for graffiti painting. Cut off a gang-banger's hands and I'm pretty sure you won't be seeing his signature painted on a dumpster near you anytime soon. But that's another story...

I just wanted to share with the rest of the barrio that the folks at Denver Partners Against Graffiti (DPAG) have been just stellar as of late in addressing graffiti in our neighborhood. The Downing Street alley between Bruce Randolph and 35th has been particularly nasty in the last couple months (pretty sure it's due to a neighbor of mine and his little punk friends) and as such I've had to call DPAG at least four times to re-paint the dumpsters on that block. They literally get there within two days and get the stuff painted over.

They're even getting pro-active now in cleaning the stuff up--For example, when you used to call in a specific address, they'd come out and clean it up, but if there was graffiti right next to it on a dumpster or light pole, they'd ignore it. Not only that, they didn't even have an inspector to follow up on complaints--They just sent out a request for removal of the graffiti to the homeowner, and if they didn't respond, nothing happened. Not anymore.

Now, it seems that they're (finally) keeping their eyes open coming and going from specific addresses, and removing and documenting other graffiti when they see it. I know, it sounds obvious, but this is the city of Denver we're talking about and I'm darned surprised and thankful they're that on-the-ball now.

So there you go folks... can't blame graffiti on the city anymore. You've just got to call it in or report it through the DPAG website.

And while I have no life and in all honesty have a lot of time on my hands relative to most folks, I can't cover the entire neighborhood. If we each take our block (or two) and are diligent about calling in the tagging when it happens, we all win, by each doing our own little part.

And trust me, it's worth it--The faster you get graffiti removed, the less likely the little idiots are to come back and tag it again--It may take a few times, but you can win the battle and the war, at least on your block--But you have to be diligent, and call the stuff in.

Rain? Please?

Here we are in late July in the driest year on record in Denver proper. Cole Neighborhood, with its relative lack of mature trees, grass, and other vegetation, doesn't need any help looking barren and dry. When can we expect some freakin' rain?It sprinkled today--Honest. I was out watering the grass this evening and I felt a drop--one drop--on my arm. That was it.Pretty ironic to me that I moved here from Tucson to get out of the desert heat and dryness. Here's the kind of moisture Tucson has gotten recently from their monsoon.What I wouldn't give for a rain like that in Denver to green everything up.

Solving the homeless problem (for a weekend) in Denver

Have you gotten wind of the city's plan (apparently supported by the Colorado Coalition For the Homeless) to provide bus and movie tickets, even tickets to the zoo, to make sure when the world spotlight is on our wonderful city, people don't see the chronic homeless problem?Seriously--Tickets to the zoo--Don't believe me? Read more here.My favorite quote is this, from none other than the president of the Coalition, John Parvensky:"If they don't want to get caught up in the protests or demonstrations, we'll find other activities that will keep them busy."Yeah, right. You're acting to protect the homeless from the hubbub of the DNC. Not to hide the city's homeless problem, right?I'm an "evil conservative" but even I know that the last thing on the radar of the Denver homeless community is trying to find a quiet place to set up their cardboard box during DNC week. They don't know where they're going to get their next meal, or how they're going to turn their lives around people--A token trip to the zoo won't make one bit of difference in their lives. I'm pleasantly surprised to see that I'm not the only one that sees through this thinly-veiled strategy by the city.I mean, hmm... let me think, how else could we spend that ticket money? Perhaps for FOOD or MEDICAL CARE for these forgotten souls? Even a coupon for a free gut-buster Chipotle burrito would be a more meaningful gesture--That is, if you sincerely were acting with benevolence towards the homeless population.But it clearly isn't about making a real difference--It's never been about actually addressing the problem, despite annual grandstanding on the topic by the democratic mayor in office each year.This is all about PR. And perhaps, maintaining the facade of "the party of change." Makes me want to puke.While you're at it, why not buy all the gang-bangers, crackheads and dealers, and graffiti-painters a ticket to the zoo too?And while we're at it, why not buy them a bus ticket to El Paso or something? Why just hide 'em during the DNC? I'm sure Chickenlooper would be quick to call all the local press to bloviate about yet another self-perceived profound change he's championed in Denver.Is this "change you can believe in?"

Typical Dog Walk in Cole

Ahhh... the sights and sounds of Cole.Took the dogs for a walk late last night on what turned out to be more of the same as far as this neighborhood goes. A few highlights:
A bunch of nice people out watering their lawns. More and more folks are sprucing up their yards, despite the near-record drought we're experiencing.
A few folks sitting on their porch that were less-than-friendly and potentially unsavory characters. I say hi to everyone, but it's pretty interesting when someone won't even respond to efforts to be friendly.
Two kids on bikes that I'm pretty sure were gang-bangers or at least out looking for trouble
A couple of crowds of neighborhood kids (Cole has some of the best kids, at least until they get older) wanting to learn about the dogs. Really sweet kids.
A guy speeding through the neighborhood in his Lincoln Navigator with mariachi music playing so loud it made windows on the houses he passed rattle, stopping smack in the middle of the street to proposition me to breed my dogs with his. (Not a walk goes by without someone asking to buy or breed our dogs.)
My crazy neighbor, who happened to be visiting friends (or perhaps her drug dealer) that as usual yelled "Mind 'yo bidness!!!" when she saw me (because she thinks I'm out to get her and the only person on the block that calls the cops).

My neighbor said the other day that "there's always a story" that comes with going for a walk in Cole. True dat.

Just Visiting, or here for the long run?

We just got some "new neighbors"--figuratively (as many African-Americans in Cole/Whittier refer to white people) and literally.They bought the house right next door. Last year at this time we had nice Mexican neighbors that didn't take care of their house, and wouldn't call the cops when crime was occurring on the block. Today, we have nice white neighbors that take care of their house and have already called the cops when they witnessed some 'hood shenanigans. I'm not ashamed to say that I think we made out pretty well in that trade.Don't get me wrong, I loved our old neighbors--They were a very sweet family and had great kids and grandkids--The best on the block in fact--but their house was a blemish on an otherwise improving block. And while I feel bad that their home went into foreclosure, no one forced them to borrow $25k against their house in a risky ARM. Oh, the good and bad of gentrification.Our new neighbors are interestingly enough the second white family to move here from the mountains since we've lived here. Part of me honestly wonders "What the feck were you thinking leaving the peace and quiet of the mountains for the barrio?" But I know the answer. $4 a gallon gas and the promise of a 5 minute commute. Lots of what drew us here (though we actually were pretty forward thinking since we re-urbanized before it was chic to do so).The night before they moved in was a classic example of the drama you rarely see in the suburbs, but see quite regularly in the city. Still don't know exactly what happened, but it involved two Mexican families, a bunch of shouting of "East Side" and "South Side," one of the families emptying out of their rented house into the street carrying two-by-fours, and then no less than six police cars. And I had a front-row seat. You could pay money for this kind of entertainment in Vegas I'm sure, but I get it every week for free. It Cole's version of West Side Story. Historia del lado oeste perhaps.All I kept thinking when I watched it all unfold was "I'm sure glad they close on their new house tomorrow." And thank Chickenlooper, when they drove up in their yuppie-car caravan the next day to unload all their stuff, lo and behold, it was a quiet night in Cole.We love our new neighbors--They're really nice, they keep a good house, they're not selling the rock, you know, all the basics. But we do worry how much they can really take of Cole before they become at best disenchanted, at worst, "former" residents.Cole is changing, no doubt, but you couldn't pick much more of a contrast from the mountains. It's like eating tofu burgers for ten years and then suddenly switching to the Baconator.In the mountains they worried about bears; here they worry about gang bangers and crack dealers. There they awoke to fresh, cool air and the sound of wind in aspens; here they will quickly learn how to identify when the Purina plant is cookin' up horses (or whatever they put in their dog food) and the sound of the ghetto bird.You get the idea. How much will they be able to take before they, like me clearly, have soured on all the bullshit that comes with living in the city?I hope a lot. Because sure enough, the third day they were here, they saw our punk-ass neighbor kid selling rock with his "homeys". Welcome to the 'hood, neighbors.

More On The Daniael Lujan Apology

If you haven't watched the News 2 interview of Curtis Park shooter Daniel Lujan, you've got to.It just shows how twisted these idiot gang-bangers really are:
The kid says the shooting was "unintentional" and he's clearly remorseful about shooting the little girl. However, he's an admitted member of the Oldies 13 Mexican-Mafia affiliated gang that has no qualms about shooting anyone else. He was carrying a gun for a reason, and describes pulling out his gun to shoot as I would describe pulling out my cell phone to call someone. Who knows who this punk has already killed in his life? Who knows how many innocent and complicit people they as a group have killed in the last ten years?
He says "What was I supposed to do?" in justifying him pulling his pistol and spraying bullets at another gang-banger and hitting the little girl. What were you supposed to do? Well, for starters, not be in a gang. Second, not carry a gun. Third, not take your family over to gang-infested Curtis Park to chill with other idiot gang members that might shoot you. That's what you were supposed to do.
He now says he wants to help the family of the little girl. "I'll be her big brother," he says. Yeah, I'm sure there's nothing the girl's family would like better than to have an admitted gang banger and shootist take her under his wing and teach her about the world--In his twisted, violent, criminal understanding of it. Who says children today don't have role models?

What's happening in urban Denver? (From June 27th)

I just found out that my neighbor's cat, that I gave to him, was set on fire this morning while in his back alley. I can't even begin to describe how pissed and horrified I am right now. But it's just another incident in a very disheartening couple of weeks.June 15th an apparent gang-banger shot another gang-banger on 35th and Marion (less than a block away from my house).Two days later, I was sitting on my front porch when a thuggish-looking kid walking by threatened to shoot me (posturing as if he had a gun in his back belt) because my dog barked at him once.Then, last Friday, an 8 year-old girl got caught in the cross-fire of an apparent drug and/or gang-related shooting in Curtis Park. (The shooter, Daniel Lujan, gave a downright ridiculous apology: "I never meant to hit that little girl." Not to be confused with apologizing for being a little gang-banger punk up to no good and shooting his gun at the intended target at a public park.) He put himself and his family in jeopardy by being involved in drugs and/or gangs, otherwise he wouldn't have had to fire his gun in "self defense."Then, Early Sunday morning, there was another shooting in LoDo, where a guy involved in some sort of gunfight turned a shotgun on cops--Then, when he got shot by police, his buddy picked up the shotgun and took up where he left off. Of course, even though both the guys shot had criminal records (and were shooting at cops with a shotgun they had in their position in downtown Denver) one of their family members is pointing the finger at police for their death. Get frickin' real people.But it's all OK--Our impotent mayor Chickenlooper called the Denver media together to grandstand about how "violence won't be tolerated in Denver." Our cops are great, and are doing the best they can with what they have, but it's not working Mr. Mayor. We need help, or the city is going to spiral out of control.It's clearly going to be a very busy and deadly summer in metro Denver. (Though it's not just Denver, did you hear about the unbelievable drug-related shootout in Phoenix recently?)What do most of these incidents have in common (and the one in Phoenix)? Drug and Gang connections; and in many of them, illegal immigrants. What is Chickenlooper, the state government, or Jorge Bush, Juan McCain, or Nobama prepared to do about the pervasive gang problem in Denver and across the country?Or, in a more basic sense, What the hell is wrong with these people?Two houses on our block just got flipped and have new, responsible residents moving in. I see joggers, cyclists, and people walking their dogs more and more every week. Cole, Whittier, and Curtis Park have all been voted as "the next hot Denver neighborhoods". And, Chickenlooper is proud to point out that crime is down in Denver.But I've never been more concerned about the current state of our neighborhood's safety and crime situation.

Front Porch Ramblings

It's 12:30 PM and I should be in bed with my wonderful wife. However, something about the clear, calm Denver night inspired me to head out to our front porch to enjoy the evening weather.This likely won't be the most succinct, nor the most focused post of the history of this blog.Those of you that read the previous version of it, The Cole Neighborhood Memoirs, know I frequently headed down controversial roads. Roads that generated so many negative comments that I at one point deleted my entire blog and its history of posts.But, as mentioned previously in the offspring of that original Cole Neighborhood blog, I am back, and dedicated to continue to speak my mind in spite of the few critics that in the past I succumbed to.I don't think I'm a bad person... though there were some that read my accounts of life in Cole Neighborhood that thought otherwise. However, I'm the first to admit that I, like everyone, voice an opinion and depict an experience that has been shaped by my background. A background of spending my first 20 years in the sheltered and egocentric culture of rural Michigan. A community that had five African-American residents out of about 1200. A culture, like most, that was shaped by the experiences of its residents.I spent a year and a half at the University of Michigan, where I experienced my first dose of multi-culturalism. I experienced a microcosm of being part of a minority population still only at the campus rec center, where I fought for equality in terms of my basketball skills among the far more gifted blacks that clearly considered the basketball courts their venue to vent their subconscious bitterness and sense of latent oppression on me and my white friends.I don't say this to play any sort of victim card, only to explain my background.I then moved to Arizona, in search of warmer climates. 8 years later, and no more culturally educated, I relocated to Denver, where I now call home.Cole (and a stint in Highlands, before it became the Caucasian haven of urban Denver) has really been the institution that has educated me about the African-American and Latino cultures. And I'm the first to admit I'm still seeking proficiency and graduation; and that I am likely carrying a GPA of around a C-.Why am I writing this? I'm afraid I don't even know.I'm now 35, and very grateful for the opportunity I've been given to experience what I have in three very unique parts of the country. I look forward to what I'll be able to experience and learn in however many years I'll be privileged to stay on this Earth.As I think I've expressed in previous posts, I don't live in Cole because I think it's the premier neighborhood to live in in Denver. When my wife and I got to the point in life where we decided we should consider buying a home (back in 2005), we undertook an extensive and analytical search for where we should invest our money, and our energies.Trust me, if we had been in a better financial position, we likely would have moved to Lakewood, Golden, or some other area surrounding Denver proper. An area that would offer a more peaceful existence, without the challenges any urban resident can relate to.We bought in Cole for several reasons. One, because we saw what had happened in the Highlands, where we rented for several years. For the first three years there, we fought the same problems we do now: Graffiti, drug dealings, theft, and the occasional gang-related violence. For three years we worried about the cars that stopped in front of our duplex were there for unsavory reasons; then suddenly we were astonished at the number of Audis and Volvos that were drawn to the block as it was redeveloped. By that point, we had been priced out of the market.We moved to Cole out of selfish, though I feel legitimate reasons of buying a home that met out needs and our price range.However, in doing so, we turned back the clock three years to have to deal once again with being forced to be the watchdogs of our block: Fighting drug users and drug dealers that were accustomed to having the run of the neighborhood.We have made many friends, though some enemies, by making it clear that this type of behavior was unacceptable. The first year we lived here we had crack-heads knocking on our door seeking handouts; had individuals urinating on our front curb, crack-heads walking up and own our street whistling, seeking a "friend" to satisfy their addiction; and being singled out as the "white people that called the cops". We still hold that dubious distinction with a few of our neighbors.However, I constantly marvel about how far our block, and our neighborhood has come in the three years we have been here. When we moved here, we had the second nicest home on our block. (This is after the developers that we bought our home from had flipped a dilapidated crack-dealing home into the cute Victorian we purchased). Since that time, four out of 18 of the residences on our block have been completely renovated; and at least three of the other properties have changed ownership and become better managed and more valued properties.This all happened before the current energy crisis and trend of reurbanization had taken hold.What caused this regenesis of Cole? In all likelihood we purchased here when the first seeds of the current economic and urban climate were being sown, and we didn't even know it. Perhaps we were smarter than we thought we were in eschewing the patterns all our friends were taking in perpetuating the decades-long white flight to the suburbs, But now we find ourselves in a pretty good situation relative to many that bought homes during the famous "housing bubble" when property values were increasing at incredible rates and credit was available to anyone with a pulse.We still have a love-hate relationship with our neighborhood. We love the classic, historic architecture; the sense of history that often overshadows the other trials and tribulations; the diversity that makes Highlands Ranch and Cherry Creek look like some affluent or Caucasian exclusive country club development; and the relationships that we've forged with our Hispanic and black neighbors that have forced us to become better citizens.But I'd be lying if I told you that we haven't grown tired of being characterized as the "do-gooders" or the rich people on the block (who inevitably are the source for financial support, food, or assistance, regardless of the fact that since we bought our home 20 years after most of the residents here means that we likely have just as much month left at the end of our money as most of our more senior neighbors). Or having to be vigilant to police our block against the opportunistic parasites that seem convinced they can perpetuate the tradition of Cole as the place where you can sell drugs, solicit prostitution, or simply treat the neighborhood as some forgotten step-child of urban Denver where public drunkenness, littering, and crime are the norm.Why do I write about this? I don't know, actually. Maybe the reasons are two-fold. One, to paint an accurate picture of where Cole is now--In a profound transition. This isn't Highlands Ranch (Thank God!!!). If that is what you're looking for, but you're looking for a bargain price on a home, look elsewhere.However, I also write this as an advertisement to current and prospective Cole residents. To let you know that there is a committed, and growing contingence of residents that are going to ensure the continued progress of the neighborhood. Especially with today's environment of high energy costs and reurbanization, Cole is, and will be, for the right people, a fantastic place to live.We just need help. We need more residents (not just home-owners) that want to be a part of a historic change, even a regenesis, of this area. It has happened in other parts of Denver, and all over America, and it is happening now. White, African American, Black, Asian, whatever you are, if you are willing to put a little of your vitality and energy into the neighborhood in which you live, I can't think of another area in Denver that is a better place to live.But know when you move here, change doesn't happen by itself. Action and commitment on behalf of the residents of Cole is what will make it happen. Just moving here and expecting to sell your home in 2 years for a fat profit isn't only unrealistic, it is irresponsible. Are you prepared to help make this the neighborhood the wonderful place it can be? If not, look elsewhere. If so, we will welcome you to the neighborhood with open arms.As always, thanks for reading.

Today's Recommended Reading

Here are a couple of interesting articles that might be of interest to Cole residents.First, I found an article that is the best account of the recent history of Cole I've seen. Read it here.Second, my wife passed this article along about the emerging trend of reurbanization in America. Speaks very well for the future of Cole, and our investment here.Enjoy.

More On Big Dogs in the 'Hood

Owning big dogs in the 'hood
Just moved to the 'hood and starved for conversation? Feeling lonely? Get a big dog or two. My wife and I can't take our dogs for a walk a block away without getting some sort of interesting comment from folks in the neighborhood.Here are some gems:
Are they spaded?
Got any puppies?
Can I buy your dogs?
Them Rockwilers? (They are in fact Rottweilers)
Them is some big-ass dogs!
You must be pretty important, to have protection like that!
Them Pit Bulls?
Are they mean?
Do they bite?
Pretty much people either are deathly afraid of them, or want to buy them, or often both. Hard to convince them that we treat our dogs like people, and have carefully socialized them to be good neighbors and ambassadors for the breed.
We have "halties" or no-pull trainers for them, which people immediately think are muzzles. To which I say "No, they could still bite you if they wanted to..."
It's a shame that so many people here have only been exposed to big dogs that aren't socialized. Even though our dogs wouldn't bite anything but a pork chop, people immediately assume they're voracious man-eaters. Not that I complain about our house being known by the bad guys as the one with the two big dogs. Or that the occasional person that makes us feel a bit uncomfortable will cross the street rather than pass our dogs on the same sidewalk.
We actually finally got a security system for our home a few months ago. The next day a couple police officers were on foot patrol on the block and stopped by to say hello--They saw the security system yard sign and said "You guys don't need a security system with dogs like this!"
It is refreshing, however, that the neighborhood kids love our dogs. A walk doesn't go by without a crowd of kids (Cole has the sweetest kids, at least until they grow up and get polluted by the pervasive negativity here) gathering around the dogs, petting them, and asking all kinds of questions. They often can't believe that our dogs are like family, and even sleep with us in bed. Guess they're again used to dogs used only for protection, and left chained to a pole in the back yard.
I hope that at least in some miniscule way we're helping these children come to know that many big dogs are sweethearts.

At Least We Don't Have Cranes

Is it just me, or have there been like eleventy-billion crane accidents in the last couple years?I'm watching Fox News right now and they're talking about yet another crane accident, this one in Dallas, Texas. Think American cars are unreliable, what about our cranes?In fact, crane accidents are apparently so frequent that there is a website devoted exclusively to 'em. Forget Alaskan crab fishing; forget logging; I smell a reality show here (and yes, it stinks).So what does this have to do with Denver's Cole Neighborhood? Not a whole heck of a lot, honestly. But while we might have crackheads, gang bangers, and hookers, at least we don't have cranes. And based on the recent frequency of crane accidents, it seems like we should be pretty grateful for that fact. Be careful LoDo and Ballpark neighborhood residents! There are cranes everywhere downtown right now!Thanks for reading.

Good news for Cole

I'm sure most of you have already seen this, and I'm late in posting, but here is a recent article highlighting our own Cole Neighborhood in Denver.It's great to see the progress we've made over here be recognized, though in a very basic way.More meaningful posts to come. Promise.

I'm baaaaack...

After a six month hiatus, the Cole Neighborhood Memoirs is back.It's 11PM and I type as this speak as yet another crack head leaves the house across the street from mine.I took this blog down a few months ago because I grew tired of the constant criticisms from civil libertarians, whiners, and others that in my opinion take things far too seriously, portraying me and my views as narrow minded, racist, and overly negative about my Denver block and the Cole neighborhood in general.What I didn't anticipate was the word-of-mouth feedback that I have since responded and made it clear that I had more of an audience than I thought--And that I'm not the only one that simultaneously sees beauty, tragedy, potential, and humour in being a white resident in a largely black and hispanic, gentrifying neighborhood in urban Denver.Let's get some things straight for starters--I'm white and a college graduate (though I use that term loosely, since I hold a "degree" in liberal arts, which doesn't guarantee me any job but one at Starbucks or doing door-to-door sales for the local cable company) and I don't claim to have all the answers. I don't know what it's like to be a black or a hispanic in today's United States of America. I believe that while racial profiling and discrimination still exists today in Denver's police department (and elsewhere), I firmly believe that most of our police officers try to do their best in a very difficult job and an equally complex political environment. So if you're one of those folks that thinks that the Denver Police Department as a whole is a racist organization, don't bother posting comments, and move on to another site--You and I will never see eye-to-eye.I also see the future of Cole as one of cultural and economic diversity--That means we need more affluent residents to take an interest in and invest in Cole to make it a safer, more vibrant neighborhood.What is the purpose of this blog? Quite simply, to portray what living in this neighborhood is like for a resident of my "demographic". In the previous iteration of this site I admittedly found myself pandering hopelessly to those of opposing viewpoints--I didn't know whether I should speak my mind, convey current events in the neighborhood, or simply say what the "masses" thought should be said.No more. I'm happy to say that the Cole Neighborhood Association has enjoyed a regenesis of late, and as such, if you just want to become involved in the neighborhood, or learn what is new here, you have another source of information. What you'll read here is just my two cents, right or wrong. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, often useless, but it will always reflect what I see as the most accurate portrayal of life here from the eyes of a white guy from rural Michigan.Will I say some controversial things? Guaranteed I will. Don't like it? You don't have to read it. Have a comment? By all means share it, I may learn something from you. But if you're just out to be negative, or to flame me for having an opinion, don't bother.Like my point-of-view or not, I am invested in and committed to this neighborhood, and ensuring its progress. For those like me, and for those unlike me, but that are responsible and similarly committed to making it a great place to live (more on that later).Thanks in advance for reading.

Cole Neighborhood Association Holiday Party

...is this Thursday Nov. 29th from 6:00-8:00 at 3280 Downing Street in the US Bank Community room.

Anyone interested in more information about the CNA can contact Sarah Schultz, snschultz@gmail.com.

Also sounds like the next actual CNA meeting will be January 31st, in the same location and same time.

Crime data at Denvergov.org

Folks,

I've mentioned numerous times the great crime data that is available from the Denvergov.org website, and they've now taken it one step further, providing real-time (24 hour) updates, and the ability to zero in on your neighborhood and block and see first-hand where, when, and what type of crimes are occurring in your area.

Be sure to check it out!

And thanks again for reading, and for caring about Cole.

What WE can do NOW

I was thinking more about the comment that came into this site recently claiming that "the best way to fight crime in Cole is to oppose illegal immigration", and thought that I should elaborate on my point that there are many things we can do NOW to fight crime and improve the situation in Cole. Again, I agree that illegal immigration is a HUGE issue right now, and at the root of many of Denver's and society in general's various ills. But I think that ones energies can be much more productive by getting involved in your neighborhood TODAY with something very simple rather than waiting for Washington (or even the Denver State Capitol) to figure that complex issue out.

So, for what it's worth, here are my Action items for anyone living in a gentrifying, redeveloping urban neighborhood like Cole:

1. Get to know your neighbors! No matter how good the police in your area are, they can't watch your block 24/7. Only your neighbors collectively can do that. While I haven't been able to get enough of our block unified to create a neighborhood watch, I know at least 9 of our block households by name. How many of you can say that? Likely not many, because honestly, I wasn't good about doing it myself for over a year here. Do it sooner rather than later. Your neighbors and you might not see eye to eye on some things, but at the bare minimum you should be able to be on good terms with them and look out for each others' properties.


2. Get to know your police officers. Whether it's your neighborhood police officers (We have great ones in Cole, email me for their contact information) that can handle ongoing, chronic issues, the District 2 direct non-emergency number (720.913.1000) or just the Denver non-emergency dispatch line (720.913.2000) we've got a tremendous asset in terms of a police force that is active, approachable, and willing to assist residents with the issues that are important to them (us).


3. Befriend your neighborhood kids. It's a shame, but 99% of the crap that happens in our neighborhood I think is perpetrated by kids; in particular graffiti, vandalism, and just the stuff that kids do (as I did) like throwing rocks through windows and stuff. If they're not doing it, they probably know who is. Not only are you selfishly building relationships that could potentially again protect your "stuff", many of these kids unfortunately clearly don't have a supportive, loving home environment. Just saying hi to them by name, being friendly, and pumping up their football when they need it is making a positive contribution to their lives and to your block.


4. Clean up your block! If you wait for your neighbors to clean up their portion of the street, your block will always be dirty. I know it sucks picking up others' trash, but it's part of living in the city I've come to understand. And I don't care what the civil libertarians say, I've seen first-hand that if you pick up trash on your block, it sets a positive example for your neighbors and others in the area--Others will be less likely to throw trash, and less likely to commit more serious crimes simply because it's clear someone cares about and is watching over your block. I've seen it make a difference first-hand. Will it entirely fix the problem? Of course not. But it all helps.


5. Same thing with Graffiti. Contact Cole-Whittier Against Crime for dumpster paint or worst case scenario report the graffiti to the City of Denver and get that crap covered up as soon as you see it. Again, if you leave that crap up, the losers that put it there will learn which block they can do the deed without getting caught, or on which blocks they can tag where it stays up the longest.


6. Get involved with your neighborhood in a more global sense. (Here's where I've fallen short as of late due to a hectic home/work schedule and an unexplained apathy relative to "meetings") Participate in your local neighborhood association, crime prevention group, or neighborhood watch meetings. Cole and Whittier each have active neighborhood associations (http://whittierneighborhood.org/, Cole doesn't have a website yet that I know of) and of course there is Cole-Whittier Against Crime. There's no doubt we have to get more involved to ensure the success of our neighborhood than the average suburbanite--But I think that's a good thing.
7. Keep your eyes open and don't be afraid to call the city. See someone selling crack up the street? Call the police. Abandoned house becoming a nuisance, or just overgrown with weeds? Call neighborhood inspection services. Or, as C-WAC writes today, notice that your corner store is catering to the bad guys by selling crack pipes? Talk to them about it, or call your neighborhood police officer to get their take and/or assistance.

But more than anything, do what you can, even if it's just one of the above points. The recent positive changes in this area aren't happening by accident--They're due to a growing number of engaged residents, and allies at the police and city, that are working hard to forge the future in Cole. If we're not part of the solution, we're part of the problem.

Cole-Whittier Against Crime Meeting Wednesday, November 7th, 6PM, Mitchell Elementary

For those of you that have been asking for more neighborhood "news" and opportunities to be involved, here's your chance.

C-WAC, in my opinion, has made great strides in cleaning up this area, while increasing the cooperation between (reasonable) residents and the police department.

That having been said, they need more residents to be involved, and speak up about their concerns and needs.

So, please join them tomorrow, Wednesday, November 7th 2007 at 6PM at Mitchell Elementary in Cole.

New life for the Cole Neighborhood Association?

I got an encouraging email that I thought I should share on this site--It's from one of the new leaders of the Cole Neighborhood Association. I have been involved with the association in the past, but over time grew a bit frustrated at the lack of action--We always seemed to be long on talk about what we "should do" but never actually organizing any sort of true action. At some point I determined that I could get more done spending that hour on the phone with the city inspectors and/or police department to handle some action items in the neighborhood, than attending the meetings. A shame, but true. No doubt I should have stuck it out and been a more vocal and active member.

Now just to backtrack--A lot of credit for the association has to go to Loralie Cole, who used to run the association. Even as a busy mother and teacher, she poured countless hours into the organization. I know first-hand that it is a thankless job leading an all-volunteer organization, and she deserves a tremendous amount of credit for keeping the association alive.

I just think that with any organization, new blood is lifeblood, and am thrilled to see that there are new, equally engaged people participating. Hopefully Loralie will still be involved in some way to finally realize the fruits of her long, largely unrecognized labors. Thanks again, Loralie.

It will be interesting in what direction the association heads now. In the past, it seemed very conflicted about "the mission statement" and goals of the organization. Pro or anti redevelopment? How much effort should be spent trying to get largely apathetic neighborhood residents to participate? Can decisions that affect the entire neighborhood be made when the only active Association members are largely white middle-class residents?

Regardless, this email is very encouraging, and I hope it speaks for a new direction for our neighborhood. Sounds like it's time for me to plug in again. So here's the info:
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I wanted to inform you that the Cole Neighborhood Association will be holding a mid-month planning meeting on Nov. 8 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at 3280 Downing, US Bank Community Room. The main purpose of the meeting is to set a Strategic Plan for the CNA. EVERYONE is invitied and encouraged to attend!! This is an ideal opportunity and an exciting time to get involved; share your voice and help shape the future of the CNA. If you haven't come to a meeting in awhile, we'd love to see you on the 8th!

We decided to schedule this meeting because during our regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 29th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. we will be having the CNA Holiday Party . More about the party at the end of this e-mail.

Details regarding the Strategic Plan:
(The first hour of the meeting will be dedicated to the Strategic Plan)

At our last meeting on Oct. 25, The Economic Development subcommittee presented a Strategic Planning questionaire consisting of the following questions:

1. Why do we exist?

2. What is our vision for Cole Neighborhood?

3. What is our mission statement?
We decided that the goal for the planning meeting would be to answer these questions, after we all answer them for ourselves at home prior to the meeting. Now, all of you can do the same. In addition to these questions, we would like to address the Needs, Goals and Strategies for the Cole neighborhood.
What needs do we see in our community that we would like to address?
What are our goals in light of those needs?
What strategies do we need to develop to accomplish our goals?
For these questions, we'd like to begin brainstorming by writing down any and all ideas that come to mind. Then, at the Holiday Party, we'll ask everyone to help prioritize the list so that we can set a plan of action.
Please start brainstorming today and bring your thoughts and ideas to the meeting on the 8th. A Microsoft Word document with the questions is attached.
Details about the CNA Holiday Party, Nov. 29th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
(after a quick break, we'll use the last 20 min of the mtg to plan the party)

Again, we'd like as much participation as possible so that we can make our Holiday party a success. Items to be planned:
Food and Drink
Content for a flyer
Flyer Distribution
Activities for the evening, etc.

We hope to see everyone, and your neighbor, at both of these events. Start spreading the word today!

Best,

Sarah Shultz
Communications Subcommittee
Cole Neighborhood Association

Tagged

I went out to the dumpster in our back alley this morning to find several dumpsters and the back of three residences (including ours) tagged with gang-related graffiti. I don't know (nor do I care) what exactly it all meant but is was some "East Side Tre Tre" bullshit. What a bunch of losers.

I've already painted over most of it, but I just wish these guys had better things to do than deface a freakin' back alley.

Does this mean there is new gang activity in our neighborhood? Who knows, it's been pretty tame lately, I know that. I don't think this activity was due to a few "wannabes" like one of our neighbors (who hasn't removed the similar graffiti from her house, despite the fact it showed up around three months ago) thinks.

But it's not like we're unique in our gang problem. I traveled this summer to Montreal and Vancouver and saw a lot of gang graffiti there. There was even a gang-related shooting in downtown Vancouver the night I was in town. Canadian gangs? I guess they exist too, eh.