Nothing says "Halloween, Cole Style" like spooky police tape...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Denver weighs security vs. privacy as cops focus cameras on crime - The Denver Post
City Councilman Doug Linkhart, on DPD's placing crime-prevention cameras in high-crime areas of town:
"The public has a right to be wary," Linkhart said
Of what? Of getting caught on tape picking their noses? These are cameras temporarily placed in high-crime, public, right-of-way areas. Don't get it. If you aren't up to no good, why would you care if there's a camera taping you as you walk or drive by?
So what you're saying, Doug, is that criminals' civil liberties are more important than fighting crime?
Full article here:
Denver weighs security vs. privacy as cops focus cameras on crime - The Denver Post
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"The public has a right to be wary," Linkhart said
Of what? Of getting caught on tape picking their noses? These are cameras temporarily placed in high-crime, public, right-of-way areas. Don't get it. If you aren't up to no good, why would you care if there's a camera taping you as you walk or drive by?
So what you're saying, Doug, is that criminals' civil liberties are more important than fighting crime?
Full article here:
Denver weighs security vs. privacy as cops focus cameras on crime - The Denver Post
Shared via AddThis
Denver Metro Crime Statistics Released
If you haven't checked it out, and want some interesting (though hardly enlightening) reading, I highly recommend all residents take advantage of the citywide crime data available at the City of Denver website.
You can see the trending of crime by category citywide, and by neighborhood. For example, here are the most recent breakdowns for Denver and for Cole.
What can we learn from these numbers? Well I'm clearly no expert, but I get a sense that it's hard to take the data at face value, though folks on both sides do. When crime goes down, it's a victory for COMP-STAT policing, and our police in general. When crime goes up, it's spun by Alisa and the "Coalition" to say that our police aren't making any progress, and are just upping harassment.
No secret that I'm pro-cop, and applaud DPD for all their efforts in the challenging cultural melting pot that is Cole and urban Denver. Some interesting stats in the latest updates (Comparing YTD statistics for 2009 versus the same period in 2008) for Cole:
But anyone that isn't completely blind can see that the quality of life, safety, cleanliness, and appeal of Cole is better now than ever before. We're making progress, with the help of the DPD. And I'm very grateful for their help.
Thanks for reading.
You can see the trending of crime by category citywide, and by neighborhood. For example, here are the most recent breakdowns for Denver and for Cole.
What can we learn from these numbers? Well I'm clearly no expert, but I get a sense that it's hard to take the data at face value, though folks on both sides do. When crime goes down, it's a victory for COMP-STAT policing, and our police in general. When crime goes up, it's spun by Alisa and the "Coalition" to say that our police aren't making any progress, and are just upping harassment.
No secret that I'm pro-cop, and applaud DPD for all their efforts in the challenging cultural melting pot that is Cole and urban Denver. Some interesting stats in the latest updates (Comparing YTD statistics for 2009 versus the same period in 2008) for Cole:
- Aggravated assault is up 13.6% (Is this an actual increase in crime, or an increase in reported and/or documented crime? Meaning, is activity about the same, or even down, but a higher percentage of riff-raff are getting arrested?)
- Burglary is down 20% (I don't get this one. I'm a firm believer that burglars target homes where they have a good shot at getting something of value. As more affluent residents move in, there are more desirable possessions in the homes, like laptops, TV's, bikes, etc. Cherry Creek has some of the highest burglary rates in the city, historically. Are there a bunch of criminals living there? No, but there are a lot of desirable possessions to be had there.)
- Theft from motor vehicle up 42% (I believe it. Again, nicer cars, with PDA's, CD's and other desirables in them than in the past)
- No arrests for prostitution in either year during this period (Seriously? I don't know about you, but I see an occasional hooker, not as many as in previous years, but they're there. But I know it's really hard to catch one "in the act", thus generating an arrest that can be documented. But the problem is much less than it was a couple years ago along Bruce Randolph and by the Down-and-Out Super.)
- Disorderly Conduct up 200%, from 3 to 9 cases. (Again, there aren't more drunks today than yesterday, but I think people are stepping up and not tolerating that kind of behavior as much anymore.)
But anyone that isn't completely blind can see that the quality of life, safety, cleanliness, and appeal of Cole is better now than ever before. We're making progress, with the help of the DPD. And I'm very grateful for their help.
Thanks for reading.
Coffee Shop Coming to 37th and Franklin
The neat old building on 37th and Franklin that has been a drug store, brothel, day care, and most recently, residences, is being re-modeled to be a coffee shop. Interesting location, but the building could be really cool in this use. I actually used to live here and always thought it would be neat if the owner, Nancy Greene, re-purposed it for commercial use at some point. It'll be a tough road, since so few people work in the area to support the coffee shop in non-peak hours, but I'll certainly support 'em as much as I can (assuming the coffee doesn't suck).
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A Practical Use for Ghetto Tumbleweeds
Ever been out walking your dog, and either they "take care of business" more times than you have bags? Or, if you think "Hey, Snuggles just went #2, there's no chance he'll need to go on this walk...", but he inevitably does?
One nice thing about living in Cole, is that when you're in a pinch like this, there inevitably is a plastic bag (or "ghetto tumbleweed" as my neighbor so cleverly called 'em) blowing by.
Black ones come from the liquor store on Bruce Randolph and Downing, and are most prevalent for obvious reasons. White ones come from the Down-n-Out Super. Regardless of what color they are they certainly come in handy.
Like getting water from an Agave plant in the blistering heat of the desert; or finding a wild blackberry bush while starving in the sticks, Ghetto Tumbleweeds can be quite the life saver. I wouldn't put them on my list of things I'm most excited about in Cole, but they serve their purpose.
Guess we owe a hearty "thank you" to all those litter-bugs out there.
One nice thing about living in Cole, is that when you're in a pinch like this, there inevitably is a plastic bag (or "ghetto tumbleweed" as my neighbor so cleverly called 'em) blowing by.
Black ones come from the liquor store on Bruce Randolph and Downing, and are most prevalent for obvious reasons. White ones come from the Down-n-Out Super. Regardless of what color they are they certainly come in handy.
Like getting water from an Agave plant in the blistering heat of the desert; or finding a wild blackberry bush while starving in the sticks, Ghetto Tumbleweeds can be quite the life saver. I wouldn't put them on my list of things I'm most excited about in Cole, but they serve their purpose.
Guess we owe a hearty "thank you" to all those litter-bugs out there.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Curtis Park Flats are on the market, one already sold!
I walked the dogs by Curtis Park today and noticed that the renovations to the old Curtis Park Flats are nearly complete, with "For Sale" signs in each front window. The East corner unit has already sold!
Those places were real problem properties, as this article illuminates, so this is very encouraging for Curtis Park--Park and neighborhood. And good for us over here in Cole, too.
It's also a good sign that affordable--Relatively affordable, at least--housing is still available as the neighborhoods change.
The Change keeps on coming!
Sunday, September 06, 2009
The Larimer (Not So) Hot House Sunday Brunch
My wife texted me the other day after heading downtown to work to let me know of a new restaurant just south of our neighbhorhood on Larimer--The Larimer Hot House. It was a new joint in the building formerly home of Espo's Gelato.
Readers of this blog know that I am all about local, independent businesses and try my best to support them whenever possible. That can mean discovering some really great places (Walnut Room, Curtis Park Creamery, etc.) and some real stinkers (Casselman's--Where I was assaulted on grand opening night--Or the several gas-station barbecue joints on Bruce Randolph, etc.).
This place looked very encouraging. The name and a stylish logo (with flames) suggested spicy food (which is my passion), or at least grilled or smoked meats.
I immediately went to their website and was surprised to find that it was just a sandwich and breakfast joint--Nothing spicy, and nothing that I could find relevant to the name "hothouse". Perhaps they don't have air conditioning?
Their sandwiches looked interesting enough, though they're going to have a hard time beating Walnut Room's, which I think are the best in town. But we also were excited to see that they had Sunday Brunch.
My wife especially is a big fan of brunch--Though I'm not quite sure why, as they consistently seem to disappoint, or be mediocre at best. I'd just as soon go eat Mexican, but that's me. We definitely used to enjoy the second generation brunch at Kiva, where they had some really interesting and tasty items on the menu. But of course, Kiva is gone.
The brunch was listed on their website to include: "Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browned Potatoes, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Sliced Fruit Assortment, Bagels & Cream Cheese, Refried Beans, Jalapeno Black Beans, Warm Tortillas, White Corn Tortilla Chips, Vegetarian Green Chili, Pork Green Chili, and Fresh Salsas". Sounded interesting to me, once again, because of my love of spicy and tasty fresh Mexican-style food.
From the website, we were already a bit bummed that they didn't offer my wife's requisite brunch beverage, mimosas. But, I thought, on the bright side perhaps limiting ourselves to the orange juice and agua frescas would lead to a more productive Sunday (and a cheaper bill!).
So we ventured out today to try the Larimer Hot House's brunch. We drove up to the place and noticed no other cars there--A bit concerning, but I know they are new and we should give them a chance, even if we were the only ones there. Walking in, we were greeted at the door by Jen Reyna, one of the partners. She was friendly, and escorted us to the tidy, if plain patio to the North of the building. She explained their brunch menu, and took our drink order. There was one other party in the rather vast dining room--A couple with two boys fueling up before heading to the Rockies game.
We headed up to the brunch, only to be instantly disappointed. When I read a brunch menu, I typically think what they list on the buffet is just a sample of what they have--In this case, what the Hothouse had out was in fact FEWER selections than they mentioned on the website. No tortilla chips, no bagels, and the "fresh fruit assortment" was a single small bowl of mixed fruit. Nothing else to be found.
Instantly I heard the sound effect from SNL's Debbie Downer, as I knew we were in for a profoundly disappointing meal for the $13 each (plus beverages!) we were about to pay.
Tamales, Chilaquiles, some more fruit selections, ANYTHING would have been a nice addition. But as my Mom always said, "Eso si que es". (It is what it is.) I thought perhaps the quality of the food items that were there would make up for the limited selection, so I dove in to make myself two breakfast tacos...
The "warm tortillas" came right out of a bag, and were mediocre. The scrambled eggs had a bluish hue to them that was a bit alarming, and they tasted bland. The "jalapeno black beans" tasted like they were from a can. The refried beans, according to my wife, were "clearly not from a can, as beans from a can taste better". Ouch. The two kinds of green chili (vegetarian and pork) were better than the creamy orange goo that passes for green chili at most places in Denver, but wasn't on par with the premier green chilis in Denver (think Jack And Grill, or Blake Street Tavern on Thursdays). The bacon and sausages were your standard breakfast buffet fare. And finally, the "fresh salsas" consisted of two choices--A bland roasted tomato salsa, and a marginally tastier tomatillo salsa. Neither particularly good (though they clearly were home-made) and neither were remotely spicy.
After choking down my unremarkable breakfast tacos, I gave a second look at the bottles of Tapatio on the tables--Perhaps they were there to add some discernable flavor to the meal.
So we paid a total of $28.11 (would have been three dollars more except Jen comp'd my wife's agua fresca for some reason) for what amounted to the free breakfast buffet you get at many mid-range business hotels. Needless to say we were very disappointed. Underwhelmed? Yes. Feel a bit ripped off? In honesty, yes. And while Jen thanked us for coming in, she never asked "how was everything." I am always uncomfortable complaining, but I would have appreciated that question so I could simply tell her "Quite honestly, we were really disappointed." We didn't need our meals comp'd or whatever, but I think she needs to hear some feedback early on that can perhaps help them succeed. Because I would like nothing less than for them to figure things out and become a viable business in the area.
I can't help but compare the experience I had here with one I had on Friday with another local joint--This time Large Marge's Cheesesteaks in Lakewood. Their website isn't much to look at, nor is their simple, take-out and casual dining room, but their staff was super-friendly, the food exceptional, and the value was good too. This is the kind of place we need in North Denver. Not another over-priced, poorly-executed sit-down dining restaurant. Oh, so yes, be sure to check out Large Marge's in Lakewood if you like a good cheesesteak from time to time.
We won't be back to the Larimer Hothouse for brunch, though we likely will give their lunchtime sandwiches a try sometime. Hopefully they're far better than their first attempt at brunch. Otherwise, it won't be long before I'll be potentially writing about yet another business at 2810 Larimer, where the Hothouse used to be.
So in summary, the verdict is still out on the new Larimer Hothouse Restaurant. But for brunch, don't bother.
Readers of this blog know that I am all about local, independent businesses and try my best to support them whenever possible. That can mean discovering some really great places (Walnut Room, Curtis Park Creamery, etc.) and some real stinkers (Casselman's--Where I was assaulted on grand opening night--Or the several gas-station barbecue joints on Bruce Randolph, etc.).
This place looked very encouraging. The name and a stylish logo (with flames) suggested spicy food (which is my passion), or at least grilled or smoked meats.
I immediately went to their website and was surprised to find that it was just a sandwich and breakfast joint--Nothing spicy, and nothing that I could find relevant to the name "hothouse". Perhaps they don't have air conditioning?
Their sandwiches looked interesting enough, though they're going to have a hard time beating Walnut Room's, which I think are the best in town. But we also were excited to see that they had Sunday Brunch.
My wife especially is a big fan of brunch--Though I'm not quite sure why, as they consistently seem to disappoint, or be mediocre at best. I'd just as soon go eat Mexican, but that's me. We definitely used to enjoy the second generation brunch at Kiva, where they had some really interesting and tasty items on the menu. But of course, Kiva is gone.
The brunch was listed on their website to include: "Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browned Potatoes, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Sliced Fruit Assortment, Bagels & Cream Cheese, Refried Beans, Jalapeno Black Beans, Warm Tortillas, White Corn Tortilla Chips, Vegetarian Green Chili, Pork Green Chili, and Fresh Salsas". Sounded interesting to me, once again, because of my love of spicy and tasty fresh Mexican-style food.
From the website, we were already a bit bummed that they didn't offer my wife's requisite brunch beverage, mimosas. But, I thought, on the bright side perhaps limiting ourselves to the orange juice and agua frescas would lead to a more productive Sunday (and a cheaper bill!).
So we ventured out today to try the Larimer Hot House's brunch. We drove up to the place and noticed no other cars there--A bit concerning, but I know they are new and we should give them a chance, even if we were the only ones there. Walking in, we were greeted at the door by Jen Reyna, one of the partners. She was friendly, and escorted us to the tidy, if plain patio to the North of the building. She explained their brunch menu, and took our drink order. There was one other party in the rather vast dining room--A couple with two boys fueling up before heading to the Rockies game.
We headed up to the brunch, only to be instantly disappointed. When I read a brunch menu, I typically think what they list on the buffet is just a sample of what they have--In this case, what the Hothouse had out was in fact FEWER selections than they mentioned on the website. No tortilla chips, no bagels, and the "fresh fruit assortment" was a single small bowl of mixed fruit. Nothing else to be found.
Instantly I heard the sound effect from SNL's Debbie Downer, as I knew we were in for a profoundly disappointing meal for the $13 each (plus beverages!) we were about to pay.
Tamales, Chilaquiles, some more fruit selections, ANYTHING would have been a nice addition. But as my Mom always said, "Eso si que es". (It is what it is.) I thought perhaps the quality of the food items that were there would make up for the limited selection, so I dove in to make myself two breakfast tacos...
The "warm tortillas" came right out of a bag, and were mediocre. The scrambled eggs had a bluish hue to them that was a bit alarming, and they tasted bland. The "jalapeno black beans" tasted like they were from a can. The refried beans, according to my wife, were "clearly not from a can, as beans from a can taste better". Ouch. The two kinds of green chili (vegetarian and pork) were better than the creamy orange goo that passes for green chili at most places in Denver, but wasn't on par with the premier green chilis in Denver (think Jack And Grill, or Blake Street Tavern on Thursdays). The bacon and sausages were your standard breakfast buffet fare. And finally, the "fresh salsas" consisted of two choices--A bland roasted tomato salsa, and a marginally tastier tomatillo salsa. Neither particularly good (though they clearly were home-made) and neither were remotely spicy.
After choking down my unremarkable breakfast tacos, I gave a second look at the bottles of Tapatio on the tables--Perhaps they were there to add some discernable flavor to the meal.
So we paid a total of $28.11 (would have been three dollars more except Jen comp'd my wife's agua fresca for some reason) for what amounted to the free breakfast buffet you get at many mid-range business hotels. Needless to say we were very disappointed. Underwhelmed? Yes. Feel a bit ripped off? In honesty, yes. And while Jen thanked us for coming in, she never asked "how was everything." I am always uncomfortable complaining, but I would have appreciated that question so I could simply tell her "Quite honestly, we were really disappointed." We didn't need our meals comp'd or whatever, but I think she needs to hear some feedback early on that can perhaps help them succeed. Because I would like nothing less than for them to figure things out and become a viable business in the area.
I can't help but compare the experience I had here with one I had on Friday with another local joint--This time Large Marge's Cheesesteaks in Lakewood. Their website isn't much to look at, nor is their simple, take-out and casual dining room, but their staff was super-friendly, the food exceptional, and the value was good too. This is the kind of place we need in North Denver. Not another over-priced, poorly-executed sit-down dining restaurant. Oh, so yes, be sure to check out Large Marge's in Lakewood if you like a good cheesesteak from time to time.
We won't be back to the Larimer Hothouse for brunch, though we likely will give their lunchtime sandwiches a try sometime. Hopefully they're far better than their first attempt at brunch. Otherwise, it won't be long before I'll be potentially writing about yet another business at 2810 Larimer, where the Hothouse used to be.
So in summary, the verdict is still out on the new Larimer Hothouse Restaurant. But for brunch, don't bother.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Good article about the (slow) redevelopment of the nearby Welton corridor.
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_13107276
The Ice Cream Man
Well, with the city pools closed, kids back in school, and football season starting, it's clear that summer is fading into fall. And that means no more "ice cream man".
I grew up in a rural area, far from any city of any scale. So I have to admit I enjoy hearing the ice cream man come by all summer in Cole, as I didn't have that as a kid.
I have to also admit that every time I hear the ice cream man, it makes me think of Eddie Murphy's Ice Cream Man bit. If you haven't heard it, and aren't easily offended by Murphy's profanity-laden style of the time (this was 20 years before Doctor Doolittle, mind you), you should check it out:
Farewell, Ice Cream Man. See you next year.
I grew up in a rural area, far from any city of any scale. So I have to admit I enjoy hearing the ice cream man come by all summer in Cole, as I didn't have that as a kid.
I have to also admit that every time I hear the ice cream man, it makes me think of Eddie Murphy's Ice Cream Man bit. If you haven't heard it, and aren't easily offended by Murphy's profanity-laden style of the time (this was 20 years before Doctor Doolittle, mind you), you should check it out:
Farewell, Ice Cream Man. See you next year.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
3447 and 3449 Marion Street Are Ready For Sale!
I'm so thrilled to say that Darryl Nylund, the flip guru of Cole, has his new duplex at 3447 and 3449 Marion Street ready to go. They should show up on the listings in the next two days.
Yet another problem house fixed up and being sold to (hopefully) good new neighbors.
I don't have the specifics, but I think he's selling each side of the duplex for around $150k or so? Pretty much new throughout, 2br 1ba, each with a one-car garage and a deck on the back. Look pretty nice (especially the bigger one at 3447).
Interested? Or know someone looking in Cole right now? Have 'em call Darryl at 303.386.5549.
And tell him CNM sent you...
Yet another problem house fixed up and being sold to (hopefully) good new neighbors.
I don't have the specifics, but I think he's selling each side of the duplex for around $150k or so? Pretty much new throughout, 2br 1ba, each with a one-car garage and a deck on the back. Look pretty nice (especially the bigger one at 3447).
Interested? Or know someone looking in Cole right now? Have 'em call Darryl at 303.386.5549.
And tell him CNM sent you...
Monday, August 17, 2009
You know your house is a nuisance when...
Even Google's Street View tells the entire story of your property.
When your home is in such a state of disrepair (or "renovation" as the owner calls it) for four years, that this is the Street view photo the Google truck captures:
Or, if unsavory characters are loitering around, drinking, buying and selling prohibited substances, or soliciting prostitution frequently enough that said characters show up in the Google Street View:
This property is such a neighborhood gem. In fact, there was a Gang member on gang member stabbing at the property just two weeks ago. Too bad we couldn't catch that on Google Street View.
When your home is in such a state of disrepair (or "renovation" as the owner calls it) for four years, that this is the Street view photo the Google truck captures:
Or, if unsavory characters are loitering around, drinking, buying and selling prohibited substances, or soliciting prostitution frequently enough that said characters show up in the Google Street View:
This property is such a neighborhood gem. In fact, there was a Gang member on gang member stabbing at the property just two weeks ago. Too bad we couldn't catch that on Google Street View.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Essential Equipment For Life in Cole
Anyone else have a horrific fly problem right now? I don't know if it's the dumpster right out back of our house that frequently has chicken bones, other food, and dirty baby diapers dumped (sans bag) in it, or the fact that one of our neighbors is running a perpetual soda can recycling program out of their back yard, but the flies have been AWFUL around here since around a week after the 4th holiday.
This photo, mind you, is of a GALLON size fly trap that is almost full--in a week. Along with two quart sized ones, and one disposable one. Also filled up 3 fly tapes during the same period. So I've caught nearly two gallons of flies in a week. Yikes.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Welcome to Cole
Two folks I met through this blog (Shocked, actually, I guess I don't offend EVERYONE) bought an awesome home in Cole recently, and moved in a couple of weeks ago... and were immediately burglarized...
Yes, bummer. Not a great welcome to a couple of really nice folks willing to chance it in Cole.
Have we been burglarized in three plus years here? Nope, at least not yet. Have any of our friends? Yes... I guess... in a way.
Why do I say that? Because each time it included some very interesting circumstances:
1. A nice girl that lived across the street had her car stolen from right in front of her house. Turns out she had left her keys sitting out on the front porch overnight. (Incidentally, the guy on our block with "connections" to the local crack-heads was able to get her car to mysteriously re-appear within a couple days... interesting).
2. That same girl had a guy crawl in her doggy door. Yes, her doggy door was big enough for a man to fit through. Need I say more?
3. Ironically enough, this same girl, who just sold her house to move back to the midwest, came by a couple weeks ago to clean out her house for the new owners, and left her weed-whacker out unattended in her front yard, with the gate open. Poof! Weed-Whacker gone. Imagine that. Is this the city or something?
4. Our neighbors up the street had a pallet of sod stolen. Turns out they had parked it out back of their property in the alley, and in all honesty, in the 'hood, that means typically it's up for grabs. Now I wouldn't normally think anyone would give away a pallet of sod, but that is the custom around here. They ended up finding the guy in the next alley up the block laying the sod in his yard. He of course denied any wrongdoing, but they got it back, and it now grows happily in their back yard.
5. Our neighbors across the street had a Playstation and some other electronics stolen from their home. Someone actually kicked in their back door and stole the items, as if they knew exactly when they were gone, and where the items were. They initially blamed it on a kid up the street who is a bit shady--But we later learned that it was one of their nephews who had a drug problem.
My point? (And I'm likely jinxing ourselves by saying this...) We have a pretty darned good block, all things considered. Most everything that has happened here has a story behind it besides just random, urban crime.
And, thinking outloud, betting that the person that robbed these folks is right on their block right now, typing away on their laptop...
To my new friends in Cole, here's hoping it gets better for you guys, and definitely check out the Cole Neighborhood Association when you get settled.
Cheers,
CNM
Yes, bummer. Not a great welcome to a couple of really nice folks willing to chance it in Cole.
Have we been burglarized in three plus years here? Nope, at least not yet. Have any of our friends? Yes... I guess... in a way.
Why do I say that? Because each time it included some very interesting circumstances:
1. A nice girl that lived across the street had her car stolen from right in front of her house. Turns out she had left her keys sitting out on the front porch overnight. (Incidentally, the guy on our block with "connections" to the local crack-heads was able to get her car to mysteriously re-appear within a couple days... interesting).
2. That same girl had a guy crawl in her doggy door. Yes, her doggy door was big enough for a man to fit through. Need I say more?
3. Ironically enough, this same girl, who just sold her house to move back to the midwest, came by a couple weeks ago to clean out her house for the new owners, and left her weed-whacker out unattended in her front yard, with the gate open. Poof! Weed-Whacker gone. Imagine that. Is this the city or something?
4. Our neighbors up the street had a pallet of sod stolen. Turns out they had parked it out back of their property in the alley, and in all honesty, in the 'hood, that means typically it's up for grabs. Now I wouldn't normally think anyone would give away a pallet of sod, but that is the custom around here. They ended up finding the guy in the next alley up the block laying the sod in his yard. He of course denied any wrongdoing, but they got it back, and it now grows happily in their back yard.
5. Our neighbors across the street had a Playstation and some other electronics stolen from their home. Someone actually kicked in their back door and stole the items, as if they knew exactly when they were gone, and where the items were. They initially blamed it on a kid up the street who is a bit shady--But we later learned that it was one of their nephews who had a drug problem.
My point? (And I'm likely jinxing ourselves by saying this...) We have a pretty darned good block, all things considered. Most everything that has happened here has a story behind it besides just random, urban crime.
And, thinking outloud, betting that the person that robbed these folks is right on their block right now, typing away on their laptop...
To my new friends in Cole, here's hoping it gets better for you guys, and definitely check out the Cole Neighborhood Association when you get settled.
Cheers,
CNM
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Former New York Mayor Ed Koch On Crime
I stumbled across the following clip today that instantly made me think of Cole. Basically, how many of the "activists" or "organizers" in the neighborhood seem to downplay the crime and violence in the area--Suggesting that it isn't so bad, and doesn't justify the current level of police presence. Or, why residents become fearful, or that their attitude towards the neighborhood changes due to negative experiences. To which, I say, if you say that, clearly crime hasn't hit your home or family yet. You haven't cleaned up enough graffiti yet. Your son or daughter hasn't been assaulted or murdered. Your home hasn't been burglarized. Or you haven't become the victim of the drug dealing and related theft and violence that has long been part of Cole's history. But enough from me. Take it away, Ed...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
38th Annual City Park Bike Race This Sunday
One of the nicest things about living is Cole is our proximity to City Park. While still a bit sketchier and less gentrified than Wash Park (for better and for worse), it's arguably Denver's most beautiful park.
This Sunday the longest-running bike race in the state returns to City Park. Rocky Mountain Road Club, the second coolest team in the state (behind Twin Peaks Racing) is hosting the 38th annual City Park Criterium. While I won't be racing this year, it's one of my favorite races due to its pancake flat parcours, and fast, technical corners. It's a crit rider's dream!
It also makes for some great spectating, with the beautiful park in the background, and with the short laps making you always close to the action. I highly recommend you check it out.
Better yet, there is a charity cruiser race at the end of the day.
Hope to see you there.
This Sunday the longest-running bike race in the state returns to City Park. Rocky Mountain Road Club, the second coolest team in the state (behind Twin Peaks Racing) is hosting the 38th annual City Park Criterium. While I won't be racing this year, it's one of my favorite races due to its pancake flat parcours, and fast, technical corners. It's a crit rider's dream!
It also makes for some great spectating, with the beautiful park in the background, and with the short laps making you always close to the action. I highly recommend you check it out.
Better yet, there is a charity cruiser race at the end of the day.
Hope to see you there.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
They're at it again...
Anyone notice the recent upswing in "Oldies" gang-related graffiti lately? If you happen to see a kid on your block with black spray-paint on his hands, kick him in the gonads for me, OK?
It's going to be a busy summer for the little thuggitos, that's for sure.
Get your dumpster paint ready, and make sure DPAG's number is in your phone so you can call this crap in when you're out walking the Chiwoodle.
It's going to be a busy summer for the little thuggitos, that's for sure.
Get your dumpster paint ready, and make sure DPAG's number is in your phone so you can call this crap in when you're out walking the Chiwoodle.
Monday, May 11, 2009
On Banjos
As I've mentioned before, living in Cole definitely has a musical component. Generally loud latin music booming from a slammed Ford F-150. More fun is the nostalgia I feel when I see someone walk by with a "boom box" or "ghetto blaster" from back in the 80's cranking some Cube. (Oh, as a pasty white kid, I used to burn through those D-batteries listening to my Huey Lewis and The News and Hall and Oates Cassettes.)
But things are certainly changing, as evidenced by my Saturday afternoon experience, when I saw my first-ever banjo in Cole. Followed no more than 5 minutes later, my second. Man, the neighborhood is really going down the toytee now.
The first one belonged to this new white guy that moved into the tri-plex on our block. Can't decide if he looks more hippy-ish or like he fell off a bottle of Kentucky Deluxe. (Perhaps the banjo and beard was making me think Deliverance when I should have been thinking Pearl Street). Either way, he sat on the curb in front of his house for about 1/2 hour picking his banjo as he spoke on the phone with a buddy.
The second banjo sighting was from a very goth-looking girl that came walking by, no doubt heading to the fixed-gear house up on the 3600 block. Six months ago I never saw another cyclist in the 'hood. Now, each and every day I see the folks from the house come and go, like some flock of vultures. I can only imagine what "The Collective" thinks of this wheeled (but brake-less), white invasion.
Yes, two--Count 'em, two banjos on my block in the span of 5 minutes. And to make it even more strange, they didn't even know one another! No acknowledgement of one another. No nod, no hellos, and despite my fingers being crosssed, no dueling banjos. I so wanted to hear what hippies and goth kids play on their banjos.
I still can't get my mind around the odds that two different, unaffiliated banjo-owners would come within five feet of one another--In Cole. The odds must be something close to two comets passing within 50 miles of one another, or of Al Gore buying a Hummer. Heck, Kenyon Martin winning a spelling bee might be even more probable than what I witnessed.
But it happened, honest. Not sure what it means, but it sure shows the neighborhood is rapidly changing. Perhaps we've hit some sort of critical mass?
I've heard that just before an area becomes yuppified, that's when the artists and urban fixed gear crowd moves in. Yup, "The Collective" is going to be pissed.
But things are certainly changing, as evidenced by my Saturday afternoon experience, when I saw my first-ever banjo in Cole. Followed no more than 5 minutes later, my second. Man, the neighborhood is really going down the toytee now.
The first one belonged to this new white guy that moved into the tri-plex on our block. Can't decide if he looks more hippy-ish or like he fell off a bottle of Kentucky Deluxe. (Perhaps the banjo and beard was making me think Deliverance when I should have been thinking Pearl Street). Either way, he sat on the curb in front of his house for about 1/2 hour picking his banjo as he spoke on the phone with a buddy.
The second banjo sighting was from a very goth-looking girl that came walking by, no doubt heading to the fixed-gear house up on the 3600 block. Six months ago I never saw another cyclist in the 'hood. Now, each and every day I see the folks from the house come and go, like some flock of vultures. I can only imagine what "The Collective" thinks of this wheeled (but brake-less), white invasion.
Yes, two--Count 'em, two banjos on my block in the span of 5 minutes. And to make it even more strange, they didn't even know one another! No acknowledgement of one another. No nod, no hellos, and despite my fingers being crosssed, no dueling banjos. I so wanted to hear what hippies and goth kids play on their banjos.
I still can't get my mind around the odds that two different, unaffiliated banjo-owners would come within five feet of one another--In Cole. The odds must be something close to two comets passing within 50 miles of one another, or of Al Gore buying a Hummer. Heck, Kenyon Martin winning a spelling bee might be even more probable than what I witnessed.
But it happened, honest. Not sure what it means, but it sure shows the neighborhood is rapidly changing. Perhaps we've hit some sort of critical mass?
I've heard that just before an area becomes yuppified, that's when the artists and urban fixed gear crowd moves in. Yup, "The Collective" is going to be pissed.
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