Kayvan Khalatbari: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Iranian-American entrepreneur (born 1983)}} |
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{{Undisclosed paid|date=April 2020}} |
{{Undisclosed paid|date=April 2020}} |
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{{Infobox person |
{{Infobox person |
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| name = Kayvan Khalatbari |
| name = Kayvan Khalatbari |
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| image = Kayvan Khalatbari Headshot 2014.png |
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| birth_name = Kayvan Soorena Tyler Khalatbari-Limaki |
| birth_name = Kayvan Soorena Tyler Khalatbari-Limaki |
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| occupation = Comedy |
| occupation = Comedy |
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Khalatbar co-founded and funds ''birdy'', an alternative culture magazine out of Denver featuring artwork, articles, and creative writing pieces from journalists, comedians, artists, and other local talent.<ref name="“Gassman">{{cite news|last=Gassman|first=Ian|url=http://mymetmedia.com/news/founders-of-birdy-make-mark-on-denver-culture/|title=Founders of Birdy make mark on Denver culture|date=April 29, 2014|newspaper=Met Media|accessdate=December 14, 2014}}</ref> In 2016, birdy. expanded its print run to 10,000 copies in cities including Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Manitou Springs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westword.com/arts/free-art-mag-birdy-takes-off-with-new-website-expanded-distribution-8391269|title=Art-Mag birdy Takes Off With New Cities, New Website|date=2016-10-12|publisher=Westword|accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> |
Khalatbar co-founded and funds ''birdy'', an alternative culture magazine out of Denver featuring artwork, articles, and creative writing pieces from journalists, comedians, artists, and other local talent.<ref name="“Gassman">{{cite news|last=Gassman|first=Ian|url=http://mymetmedia.com/news/founders-of-birdy-make-mark-on-denver-culture/|title=Founders of Birdy make mark on Denver culture|date=April 29, 2014|newspaper=Met Media|accessdate=December 14, 2014}}</ref> In 2016, birdy. expanded its print run to 10,000 copies in cities including Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Manitou Springs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westword.com/arts/free-art-mag-birdy-takes-off-with-new-website-expanded-distribution-8391269|title=Art-Mag birdy Takes Off With New Cities, New Website|date=2016-10-12|publisher=Westword|accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> |
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Khalatbari was one of the founders of [[Cresco Labs]], a medical marijuana business. Kayvan served as Cresco Yeltrah's Executive Vice President of Operations. Cresco Labs company went public on the Canadian stock exchange in October 2018. |
Khalatbari was one of the founders of [[Cresco Labs]], a medical marijuana business. Kayvan served as Cresco Yeltrah's Executive Vice President of Operations. Cresco Labs company went public on the Canadian stock exchange in October 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newcannabisventures.com/cresco-labs-prepares-to-go-public-in-canada-after-100-million-capital-raise/|title=Cresco Labs Prepares to Go Public in Canada after $100 Million...|website=New Cannabis Ventures|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-24}}</ref> |
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Khalatbari co-founded Denver Relief, a medical and adult-use cannabis dispensary, in May 2009; since regular business funding was unavailable, they founders used their own money.<ref name="Hickey">{{cite news|last=Hickey|first=Walter|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/the-founder-a-huge-marijuana-dispensary-told-us-about-life-at-the-center-of-a-gold-rush-2013-6|title=How To Sell Marijuana In America|date=June 25, 2013|newspaper=Business Insider|accessdate=December 18, 2014}}</ref> Denver Relief's cultivation facility was sold to [[Willie Nelson]] in July 2016;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westword.com/news/whats-next-for-ganjapreneur-kayvan-khalatbari-after-selling-to-willie-nelson-8240970|title=What's Next for Ganjapreneur Kayvan Khalatbari After Selling to Willie Nelson|author=Kate McKee Simmons|date=2016-08-26|publisher=Westword|accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> its dispensary licenses were sold to Terrapin Care Station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecannabist.co/2016/07/21/terrapin-care-station-denver-relief-marijuana-colorado/58991/|title=Exclusive: Terrapin Care Station buys Denver Relief marijuana shop |
Khalatbari co-founded Denver Relief, a medical and adult-use cannabis dispensary, in May 2009; since regular business funding was unavailable, they founders used their own money.<ref name="Hickey">{{cite news|last=Hickey|first=Walter|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/the-founder-a-huge-marijuana-dispensary-told-us-about-life-at-the-center-of-a-gold-rush-2013-6|title=How To Sell Marijuana In America|date=June 25, 2013|newspaper=Business Insider|accessdate=December 18, 2014}}</ref> Denver Relief's cultivation facility was sold to [[Willie Nelson]] in July 2016;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westword.com/news/whats-next-for-ganjapreneur-kayvan-khalatbari-after-selling-to-willie-nelson-8240970|title=What's Next for Ganjapreneur Kayvan Khalatbari After Selling to Willie Nelson|author=Kate McKee Simmons|date=2016-08-26|publisher=Westword|accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> its dispensary licenses were sold to Terrapin Care Station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecannabist.co/2016/07/21/terrapin-care-station-denver-relief-marijuana-colorado/58991/|title=Exclusive: Terrapin Care Station buys Denver Relief marijuana shop|publisher=Thecannabist.co|accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> |
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In 2011, from the financial success of Denver Relief, Khalatbari opened the international consulting arm, Denver Relief Consulting, with Denver Relief’s GM, Andy Betts, and a co-owner of Denver Relief, Ean Seeb, who became the Governor's Special Adviser on Cannabis under Governor Jared Polis in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/marijuana/colorado-governor-picks-marijuana-industry-veteran-to-head-states-cannabis-policy-11345688|title=Jared Polis Picks Ean Seeb to Lead Colorado's Pot Policy|last=Mitchell|first=Thomas|date=2019-05-17|website=Westword|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref> Most of the firm's work is with out-of-state entities who are looking to get involved in cannabis-related businesses.<ref name="Wenzel" /> In 2012, Khalatbari also served as a media spokesman, speaking about [[Colorado Amendment 64]] (a ballot measure to amend Colorado's constitution, outlining a statewide drug policy for cannabis) to media outlets including [[CNN]]'s ''[[CNN Newsroom|Newsroom]]''.<ref name="CNN">{{Cite episode|title=Denver Relief Consulting's Kayvan Khalatbari Visits CNN to Debate Happy Haynes on Amendment 64|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkSto1nMx3o|accessdate=December 21, 2014|series=Newsroom|first=Carol|last=Costello|network=CNN|date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> He has worked with client groups in Illinois, Nevada, Maryland, Alaska, and Canada, advocating reform and creating business plans and applications for partners to establish operations in each. For example, Silver State Relief was the first medical [[marijuana dispensary]] to open in the state of Nevada when it launched on July 31, 2015 in Sparks, Nevada. Silver State worked with Khalatbari as a consultant during the development phases,<ref name="“Bessette">{{cite news|last=Bessette|first=Chanelle|url=http://www.rgj.com/story/news/2015/07/29/states-first-medical-marijuana-dispensary-open-friday/30863209/|title=Nevada's first medical pot marijuana dispensary now open in Sparks|date=July 29, 2015|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|accessdate=November 13, 2015}}</ref> and earned the highest score from the state licensure board.<ref name="Kush">{{cite web|url=http://kushtourism.com/nevada-marijuana-retail-map-and-directory/|title=Nevada Marijuana Retail Map and Directory|website=Kush Tourism|accessdate=November 13, 2015}}</ref> |
In 2011, from the financial success of Denver Relief, Khalatbari opened the international consulting arm, Denver Relief Consulting, with Denver Relief’s GM, Andy Betts, and a co-owner of Denver Relief, Ean Seeb, who became the Governor's Special Adviser on Cannabis under Governor [[Jared Polis]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/marijuana/colorado-governor-picks-marijuana-industry-veteran-to-head-states-cannabis-policy-11345688|title=Jared Polis Picks Ean Seeb to Lead Colorado's Pot Policy|last=Mitchell|first=Thomas|date=2019-05-17|website=Westword|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref> Most of the firm's work is with out-of-state entities who are looking to get involved in cannabis-related businesses.<ref name="Wenzel" /> In 2012, Khalatbari also served as a media spokesman, speaking about [[Colorado Amendment 64]] (a ballot measure to amend Colorado's constitution, outlining a statewide drug policy for cannabis) to media outlets including [[CNN]]'s ''[[CNN Newsroom|Newsroom]]''.<ref name="CNN">{{Cite episode|title=Denver Relief Consulting's Kayvan Khalatbari Visits CNN to Debate Happy Haynes on Amendment 64|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkSto1nMx3o|accessdate=December 21, 2014|series=Newsroom|first=Carol|last=Costello|network=CNN|date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> He has worked with client groups in Illinois, Nevada, Maryland, Alaska, and Canada, advocating reform and creating business plans and applications for partners to establish operations in each. For example, Silver State Relief was the first medical [[marijuana dispensary]] to open in the state of Nevada when it launched on July 31, 2015 in Sparks, Nevada. Silver State worked with Khalatbari as a consultant during the development phases,<ref name="“Bessette">{{cite news|last=Bessette|first=Chanelle|url=http://www.rgj.com/story/news/2015/07/29/states-first-medical-marijuana-dispensary-open-friday/30863209/|title=Nevada's first medical pot marijuana dispensary now open in Sparks|date=July 29, 2015|newspaper=Reno Gazette-Journal|accessdate=November 13, 2015}}</ref> and earned the highest score from the state licensure board.<ref name="Kush">{{cite web|url=http://kushtourism.com/nevada-marijuana-retail-map-and-directory/|title=Nevada Marijuana Retail Map and Directory|website=Kush Tourism|accessdate=November 13, 2015}}</ref> |
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Kayvan Khalatbari became part owner of High Times media in 2017 as part of Oreva Capital investment group. Oreva Capital now holds the controlling interest with a team additionally made up of Reggae legend [[Damian Marley]] and other notable cannabis entrepreneurs. The sale encompassed rights to the popular High Times Magazine, website, books, Cannabis Cup events, and more. Khalatbari hopes to see High Times cover more societal and cultural topics in the future including environmental best practices for the cannabis industry, protection of medical cannabis patient's rights, and expanded minority inclusion in the cannabis industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westword.com/marijuana/high-times-sells-to-denver-pot-entrepreneurs-damien-marley-9116242|title=High Times Sells to Denver Pot Entrepreneurs, Damien Marley|author=Facebook Twitter email Print Article AA|date=2017-06-01|publisher=Westword|accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> |
Kayvan Khalatbari became part owner of High Times media in 2017 as part of Oreva Capital investment group. Oreva Capital now holds the controlling interest with a team additionally made up of Reggae legend [[Damian Marley]] and other notable cannabis entrepreneurs. The sale encompassed rights to the popular High Times Magazine, website, books, Cannabis Cup events, and more. Khalatbari hopes to see High Times cover more societal and cultural topics in the future including environmental best practices for the cannabis industry, protection of medical cannabis patient's rights, and expanded minority inclusion in the cannabis industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westword.com/marijuana/high-times-sells-to-denver-pot-entrepreneurs-damien-marley-9116242|title=High Times Sells to Denver Pot Entrepreneurs, Damien Marley|author=Facebook Twitter email Print Article AA|date=2017-06-01|publisher=Westword|accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> |
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[[Sexpot Comedy]] is a comedy collective in Denver, producing or sponsoring more than 30 podcasts and more than a dozen weekly or monthly live events |
[[Sexpot Comedy]] is a comedy collective in Denver, producing or sponsoring more than 30 podcasts and more than a dozen weekly or monthly live events.<ref name="Wenzel2">{{cite news|last=Wenzel|first=John|url=http://www.denverpost.com/marijuana/ci_27111415/sexpot-comedy-retools-2015-new-lineups-lessons-hand|title=Sexpot Comedy retools for 2015 with new lineups, lessons in hand|date=December 12, 2014|newspaper=Denver Post|accessdate=December 14, 2014}}</ref> In its August 2015 issue, [[GQ]] named Sexpot's monthly show one of the "5 Funniest Nights in America."<ref name="Campion">{{cite news|last=Campion|first=Freddie|url=https://www.gq.com/story/funniest-comedy-nights-in-america|title=The 5 Funniest Nights in America|date=July 25, 2015|newspaper=GQ Magazine|accessdate=November 13, 2015}}</ref> |
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In 2008, Khalatbari left M.E. Group and entered into a partnership with other first-time entrepreneurs to purchase a struggling pizza restaurant in Capitol Hill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecannabist.co/2016/04/22/high-society-sensi-magazine-denver-party-spotlights-cannabis-pioneers/51890/|title=High Society: Hopping Sensi Magazine party spotlights cannabis pioneers| |
In 2008, Khalatbari left M.E. Group and entered into a partnership with other first-time entrepreneurs to purchase a struggling pizza restaurant in Capitol Hill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecannabist.co/2016/04/22/high-society-sensi-magazine-denver-party-spotlights-cannabis-pioneers/51890/|title=High Society: Hopping Sensi Magazine party spotlights cannabis pioneers|last1=Squibb|first1=Susan|last2=Staff|first2=The Cannabist|date=2016-04-23|website=The Cannabist|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> Sexy Pizza is now employee-owned and has four locations in central Denver<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://denverite.com/2019/06/17/sexy-pizza-is-opening-its-fourth-location-at-park-hill-commons/|title=Sexy Pizza is opening its fourth location at Park Hill Commons|date=2019-06-17|website=Denverite|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> and one in Kansas City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cityscenekc.com/new-hyatt-house-bringing-sexy-pizza-to-downtown-skyline/|title=New Hyatt House Adding 'Sexy Pizza' to Downtown Skyline|last=Kevin|date=2019-11-07|website=CitySceneKC|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> In 2014, the two stores combined were estimated to earn roughly $2.5 million.<ref name="Wenzel"/> |
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==Advocacy and politics== |
==Advocacy and politics== |
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=== 2019 Denver Mayoral Candidate === |
=== 2019 Denver Mayoral Candidate === |
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On Valentine’s Day 2017, Khalatbari officially announced his candidacy for the 2019 Denver Mayoral election. Khalatbari hoped to run on a platform aimed at improving conditions for the homeless, increasing police accountability, halting the I-70 expansion, developing DIY artist spaces, establishing Denver as a sanctuary city, encouraging increased civic engagement by business coalitions and individuals. During his campaign, he also advocated for establishing a public bank as a way to keep and manage funds from the Elevate Denver bonds in Denver as opposed to using outside banks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/news/denver-mayoral-candidate-kayvan-khalatbari-advocates-for-public-banks-in-colorado-10628814|title=Coloradans Sick of Paying Interest to Wall Street Want to Establish a Public Bank|last=Walker|first=Chris|date=2018-08-08|website=Westword|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref> "The time is now, especially with all the fervor around national politics, which has shown us two things: One, anybody can win; two, if people stay inactive, bad things happen. Period," says Khalatbari. “I love this city. It’s given me everything I have in my career, friendships, love life and community organizing—Denver afforded me all of those opportunities,” he explains. “But the longer that I do business and [live] in this city, I realize the detriment this city is placing on the people that I care about. I can’t sit by and watch it anymore. I feel it’s incumbent on me as a business leader and community organizer to engage people and give them hope that they can make a difference.”<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris Walker |url=http://www.westword.com/news/ganjapreneur-kayvan-khalatbari-files-to-run-for-mayor-and-isnt-blowing-smoke-8793888 |title=Ganjapreneur Kayvan Khalatbari is Running for Mayor in 2019 |publisher=Westword |date=2017-02-14 |accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> Khalatbari ended his campaign citing "personal reasons" in October |
On Valentine’s Day 2017, Khalatbari officially announced his candidacy for the 2019 Denver Mayoral election. Khalatbari hoped to run on a platform aimed at improving conditions for the homeless, increasing police accountability, halting the I-70 expansion, developing DIY artist spaces, establishing Denver as a sanctuary city, encouraging increased civic engagement by business coalitions and individuals. During his campaign, he also advocated for establishing a public bank as a way to keep and manage funds from the Elevate Denver bonds in Denver as opposed to using outside banks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/news/denver-mayoral-candidate-kayvan-khalatbari-advocates-for-public-banks-in-colorado-10628814|title=Coloradans Sick of Paying Interest to Wall Street Want to Establish a Public Bank|last=Walker|first=Chris|date=2018-08-08|website=Westword|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref> "The time is now, especially with all the fervor around national politics, which has shown us two things: One, anybody can win; two, if people stay inactive, bad things happen. Period," says Khalatbari. “I love this city. It’s given me everything I have in my career, friendships, love life and community organizing—Denver afforded me all of those opportunities,” he explains. “But the longer that I do business and [live] in this city, I realize the detriment this city is placing on the people that I care about. I can’t sit by and watch it anymore. I feel it’s incumbent on me as a business leader and community organizer to engage people and give them hope that they can make a difference.”<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris Walker |url=http://www.westword.com/news/ganjapreneur-kayvan-khalatbari-files-to-run-for-mayor-and-isnt-blowing-smoke-8793888 |title=Ganjapreneur Kayvan Khalatbari is Running for Mayor in 2019 |publisher=Westword |date=2017-02-14 |accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> Khalatbari ended his campaign citing "personal reasons" in October 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/news/as-one-candidate-enters-denver-s-mayoral-race-another-drops/article_bbc4abdd-1c8e-5e0d-a68c-7eeb87820d5c.html|title=As one candidate enters Denver's mayoral race, another drops out|last=Bunch|first=Joey|website=Colorado Politics|language=en|access-date=2019-09-24}}</ref> |
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=== Denver Kids === |
=== Denver Kids === |
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Denver Kids Inc. is a nonprofit that works with [[Denver Public Schools]] to pair at-risk students with educational counselors and community mentors.<ref name="“Kosmider">{{cite news|last=Kosmider|first=Nick|url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27036536/denver-kids-program-links-at-risk-students-education|title=Denver Kids program links at-risk students with education counselors|date=November 30, 2014|newspaper=The Denver Post|accessdate=December 15, 2014}}</ref> Khalatbari has been a “big brother” mentor for Denver Kids Inc. since 2007, and has been guiding his current “little brother” since 2009.<ref name="“MedicalJane">{{cite web|url=http://www.medicaljane.com/directory/professional/kayvan-khalatbari/|title=Kayvan Khalatbari, Biography|website=MedicalJane.com|accessdate=December 15, 2014}}</ref> |
Denver Kids Inc. is a nonprofit that works with [[Denver Public Schools]] to pair at-risk students with educational counselors and community mentors.<ref name="“Kosmider">{{cite news|last=Kosmider|first=Nick|url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27036536/denver-kids-program-links-at-risk-students-education|title=Denver Kids program links at-risk students with education counselors|date=November 30, 2014|newspaper=The Denver Post|accessdate=December 15, 2014}}</ref> Khalatbari has been a “big brother” mentor for Denver Kids Inc. since 2007, and has been guiding his current “little brother” since 2009.<ref name="“MedicalJane">{{cite web|url=http://www.medicaljane.com/directory/professional/kayvan-khalatbari/|title=Kayvan Khalatbari, Biography|website=MedicalJane.com|date=23 December 2013 |accessdate=December 15, 2014}}</ref> |
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=== Drug policy === |
=== Drug policy === |
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Khalatbari works toward more responsible drug policies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cobizmag.com/People/Kayvan-Khalatbari-An-entrepreneur-on-the-road-less-traveled/index.php?|title=Kayvan Khalatbari: An entrepreneur on the road less-traveled|website=www.cobizmag.com|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> This work focuses on students, providing alternative activities, and education for all. He sits on the Board of Trustees for [[Students for Sensible Drug Policy]], an international grassroots network of thousands of students from many universities who work to create sensible drug policies, minimize drug abuse, and fight back against the failing [[War on Drugs]]. Khalatbari serves as a Board Member for the Harm Reduction Action Center (HRAC).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://creativemornings.com/talks/kayvan-khalatbari|title=Kayvan Khalatbari {{!}} Committing to Solve a Housing Crisis {{!}} CreativeMornings/DEN|website=CreativeMornings|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> HRAC provides training for first responders, police officers, and others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpr.org/2018/02/06/hoping-to-blunt-opioid-deaths-naloxone-for-life-is-equipping-colorado-first-responders/|title=Hoping To Blunt Opioid Deaths, |
Khalatbari works toward more responsible drug policies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cobizmag.com/People/Kayvan-Khalatbari-An-entrepreneur-on-the-road-less-traveled/index.php?|title=Kayvan Khalatbari: An entrepreneur on the road less-traveled|website=www.cobizmag.com|date=4 May 2016 |access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> This work focuses on students, providing alternative activities, and education for all. He sits on the Board of Trustees for [[Students for Sensible Drug Policy]], an international grassroots network of thousands of students from many universities who work to create sensible drug policies, minimize drug abuse, and fight back against the failing [[War on Drugs]]. Khalatbari serves as a Board Member for the Harm Reduction Action Center (HRAC).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://creativemornings.com/talks/kayvan-khalatbari|title=Kayvan Khalatbari {{!}} Committing to Solve a Housing Crisis {{!}} CreativeMornings/DEN|website=CreativeMornings|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> HRAC provides training for first responders, police officers, and others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpr.org/2018/02/06/hoping-to-blunt-opioid-deaths-naloxone-for-life-is-equipping-colorado-first-responders/|title=Hoping To Blunt Opioid Deaths, 'Naloxone For Life' Is Equipping Colorado First Responders|last=Daley|first=John|website=Colorado Public Radio|language=en|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> |
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==== Cannabis drug policy ==== |
==== Cannabis drug policy ==== |
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===== Colorado ===== |
===== Colorado ===== |
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Khalatbari's involvement in cannabis drug policy started in 2004 when he moved to Denver and was looking to find a way to get involved and meet people. His brother Hassan found a group online called SAFER ([[Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation]]), a marijuana legalization group that had just passed initiatives on [[University of Colorado]] and [[Colorado State University]] campuses to equalize cannabis possession with alcohol possession. The group centers on educating the public about cannabis benefits and the harmful consequences to consumers and society of alcohol, while encouraging policy reform. [[Colorado Amendment 44]] was placed on the voting ballet after SAFER volunteers received over 129,000 signatures to put the act in place (only 68,000 were required by the Secretary of State in Colorado).<ref name="Wenzel" /> Khalatbari started volunteering for the organization, collecting petition signatures and staging political protests<ref name="Culture">{{cite news|url=http://ireadculture.com/article-4370-kayvan-khalatbari.html|title=Featured Advocate: Kayvan Khalatbari|date=September 4, 2014|newspaper=Culture|accessdate=December 14, 2014|url-status=dead| |
Khalatbari's involvement in cannabis drug policy started in 2004 when he moved to Denver and was looking to find a way to get involved and meet people. His brother Hassan found a group online called SAFER ([[Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation]]), a marijuana legalization group that had just passed initiatives on [[University of Colorado]] and [[Colorado State University]] campuses to equalize cannabis possession with alcohol possession. The group centers on educating the public about cannabis benefits and the harmful consequences to consumers and society of alcohol, while encouraging policy reform. [[Colorado Amendment 44]] was placed on the voting ballet after SAFER volunteers received over 129,000 signatures to put the act in place (only 68,000 were required by the Secretary of State in Colorado).<ref name="Wenzel" /> Khalatbari started volunteering for the organization, collecting petition signatures and staging political protests<ref name="Culture">{{cite news|url=http://ireadculture.com/article-4370-kayvan-khalatbari.html|title=Featured Advocate: Kayvan Khalatbari|date=September 4, 2014|newspaper=Culture|accessdate=December 14, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003080630/http://ireadculture.com/article-4370-kayvan-khalatbari.html|archive-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref> in an effort to pass Initiated Question 100 (I-100). I-100 was a City of Denver ballot initiative, to legalize adult marijuana possession. The measure passed in the fall of 2005, making Denver the first U.S. city to vote to remove all penalties for adult marijuana possession.<ref name="SAFER">{{cite web|url=http://archive.saferchoice.org/content/view/652/73/|title=About SAFER|website=SAFERchoice.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220001141/http://archive.saferchoice.org/content/view/652/73/|archive-date=December 20, 2014|accessdate=December 21, 2014}}</ref> In 2006, SAFER's leader, [[Mason Tvert]], encouraged Khalatbari to dress up in a chicken suit and "harass" then-Denver mayor [[John Hickenlooper]] at town hall meetings, even challenging Hickenlooper to a debate as the chicken, which had by then been named "Chickenlooper."<ref name="Culture" /> Khalatbari revived the Chickenlooper costume and character to protest Hickenlooper's bid for re-election in the [[Colorado gubernatorial election, 2014|2014 Colorado gubernatorial race]].<ref name="Marcus">{{cite news|last=Marcus|first=Peter|url=http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20140819/NEWS01/140819524/-1/|title=Pot to back Colo. guv?|date=August 19, 2014|newspaper=The Durango Herald|accessdate=December 15, 2014}}</ref> Chickenlooper also took part in a photo opp to protest Colorado's controversial "Don't Be a Lab Rat" campaign, aimed at curbing underage marijuana use.<ref name="Camera">{{cite news|url=http://www.cannabiscamera.com/labrat|title=Colorado's "Don't Be A Lab Rat" Campaign|date=August 14, 2014|newspaper=Cannabis Camera|accessdate=December 15, 2014}}</ref> Khalatbari also became an active participant at Sensible Colorado, volunteering for patients’ rights and proactive regulation over cannabis. While volunteering at Sensible Colorado, Khalatbari met other industry activists and met his future business partners for Sexy Pizza, Denver Relief, and Denver Relief Consulting. In 2009, following these efforts, Khalatbari became a founding member of the Board of Directors for the [[Medical Marijuana Assistance Program of America]] (MMAPA), an organization that worked to raise awareness of the positive attributes of medical cannabis use, decrease the negative [[social stigma]] correlated with cannabis, and provide aid to patients who are unable to afford access to cannabis medicine. The organization shut down in 2012.<ref name="“Roberts">{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Michael|url=http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/04/medical_marijuana_assistance_program_of_america_shuts_down.php|title=Medical Marijuana Assistance Program of America shuts down|date=April 17, 2012|newspaper=Westword|accessdate=December 18, 2014}}</ref> |
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Khalatbari was the "lead backer" behind [[Denver Initiative 300|Denver’s Initiative 300]], a comprehensive measure that allows for the public consumption of Cannabis.<ref>{{cite web|last=Murray |first=Jon |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/14/denver-social-marijuana-use-measure-wide-lead-updated-results/ |title=Denver social marijuana use ballot measure Initiative 300 passes |publisher=Denverpost.com |
Khalatbari was the "lead backer" behind [[Denver Initiative 300|Denver’s Initiative 300]], a comprehensive measure that allows for the public consumption of Cannabis.<ref>{{cite web|last=Murray |first=Jon |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/14/denver-social-marijuana-use-measure-wide-lead-updated-results/ |title=Denver social marijuana use ballot measure Initiative 300 passes |date=15 November 2016 |publisher=Denverpost.com |accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> The measure was created in response to the city's lack of regulation regarding legal Cannabis, which has left many tourists and residents without legal places to consume up to that point. Initiative 300 was endorsed by the Denver Post, the Democratic Party, and a host of local businesses.<ref>{{cite web|last=Denver |first=The |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/18/yes-on-initiative-300-denver-measure-is-a-reasonable-test-of-social-pot-use/ |title=Yes on Initiative 300: Denver measure is a reasonable test of social pot use |date=19 October 2016 |publisher=Denverpost.com |accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> |
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=====Minority Cannabis Business Association===== |
=====Minority Cannabis Business Association===== |
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Khalatbari has been appointed to the Minority Cannabis Business Association's (MCBA) Board of Directors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/110216-minority-cannabis-business-association-board/ |title=Minority Cannabis Business Association Announces Three New Board Members |publisher=Cannabis Business Times |
Khalatbari has been appointed to the Minority Cannabis Business Association's (MCBA) Board of Directors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/110216-minority-cannabis-business-association-board/ |title=Minority Cannabis Business Association Announces Three New Board Members |publisher=Cannabis Business Times |accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> As one of the few minority Cannabis business owners in the United States, Khalatbari has been disheartened by the lack of access and involvement opportunities for minorities and is actively striving to generate care and support for this topic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/read/what-its-like-working-in-the-legal-weed-industry-as-a-person-of-color |title=The Struggles of Being One of the Few People of Color in the Cannabis Industry |publisher=VICE |accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref> Most recently, MCBA led the development of model legislation inclusive of every aspect of marijuana legalization. The model legislation will provide a guide for policy makers across the country to reform marijuana laws in a way that makes cannabis business ownership accessible to minorities, provides drug war reparations via marijuana tax revenue to communities of color, calls for stronger legal protections for those who use cannabis and allows for expungement of marijuana-related convictions that are no longer illegal under new laws.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.vice.com/story/heres-the-plan-to-make-legal-weed-lucrative-for-more-than-just-white-people |title=Here's the plan to make legal weed lucrative for more than just white people – VICE News |publisher=News.vice.com |date=2017-03-10 |accessdate=2019-07-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://minoritycannabis.org/what-we-do/model-municipal-ordinance/|title=Model Municipal Ordinance|website=Minority Cannabis Business Association|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-24}}</ref> As a member of the MCBA, Khalatbari has raised concerns about how this model legislation is being implemented in some states, such as Illinois where he believes it will have the opposite of its intended effect and make it more difficult for minorities to enter the cannabis industry in an equitable way due to the short application window and high costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.illinoistimes.com/springfield/green-new-world/Content?oid=11577117|title=Green New World|last=Rushton|first=Bruce|website=Illinois Times|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref> |
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=== Homelessness === |
=== Homelessness === |
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A video he posted to his social media account, of [[Denver Police Department]] Officers confiscating blankets from homeless people in freezing conditions went viral. Kayvan's video made the front page of the [[Huffington Post]] and prompted civil rights organizations such as the [[ACLU]] and [[NAACP]] to write letters and threaten lawsuits against Mayor [[Michael Hancock (Colorado politician)|Michael Hancock]] and the City of Denver.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/12/10/aclu-colorado-denver-homeless-camps-sweeps/|title=ACLU Pens Letter To Mayor About Homeless And The Camping Ban|date=December 10, 2016}}</ref> Facing pressure, Mayor Hancock lifted the "urban camping ban" until April 2017 to get the homeless population through cold winter months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/denver-mayor-decides-police-shouldnt-confiscate-homeless-blankets-while-its-freezing-out_n_584e685ee4b0e05aded47c52|title=Denver Mayor Decides Police Probably Shouldn't Confiscate Homeless' Blankets While It's Freezing Out|last=Shapiro|first=Rebecca|date=December 12, 2016|website=HuffPost}}</ref> In March 2017, he found success as a principal member of the Alternative Solutions Advocacy Project (ASAP) by helping to get the first tiny-home village for the homeless approved in Denver. Beloved Community Village was established as a 180-day pilot program for individuals experiencing homelessness to create a democratically self-governed community aimed at self-empowerment and reestablishing lives. The village officially open on July |
A video he posted to his social media account, of [[Denver Police Department]] Officers confiscating blankets from homeless people in freezing conditions went viral. Kayvan's video made the front page of the [[Huffington Post]] and prompted civil rights organizations such as the [[ACLU]] and [[NAACP]] to write letters and threaten lawsuits against Mayor [[Michael Hancock (Colorado politician)|Michael Hancock]] and the City of Denver.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/12/10/aclu-colorado-denver-homeless-camps-sweeps/|title=ACLU Pens Letter To Mayor About Homeless And The Camping Ban|date=December 10, 2016}}</ref> Facing pressure, Mayor Hancock lifted the "urban camping ban" until April 2017 to get the homeless population through cold winter months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/denver-mayor-decides-police-shouldnt-confiscate-homeless-blankets-while-its-freezing-out_n_584e685ee4b0e05aded47c52|title=Denver Mayor Decides Police Probably Shouldn't Confiscate Homeless' Blankets While It's Freezing Out|last=Shapiro|first=Rebecca|date=December 12, 2016|website=HuffPost}}</ref> In March 2017, he found success as a principal member of the Alternative Solutions Advocacy Project (ASAP) by helping to get the first tiny-home village for the homeless approved in Denver. Beloved Community Village was established as a 180-day pilot program for individuals experiencing homelessness to create a democratically self-governed community aimed at self-empowerment and reestablishing lives. The village officially open on July 21, 2017 and consisted of 11 houses, showers, restrooms, and a yurt for cooking and village events.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/news/advocates-announce-denvers-first-tiny-home-village-to-house-the-homeless-8864978|title=Advocates Announce Denver's First Tiny-Home Village to House the Homeless|last=Walker|first=Chris|date=March 10, 2017|website=Westword}}</ref> The site moved to a semi-permanent location in the Globeville neighborhood, which may allow them to stay for up to 4 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2019/01/31/denver-tiny-home-village-globeville/|title=Denver's tiny-home village finally has a semi-permanent new site|date=2019-01-31|website=The Denver Post|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.5280.com/2019/05/denvers-beloved-community-village-finds-a-new-home/|title=Denver's Beloved Community Village Finds a New Home|last=Barrett|first=Chloe|date=2019-05-28|website=5280|language=en|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> Though previous efforts to open a trans-inclusive women's only facility at St. Andrews's Episcopal Church were initially denied in July 2018, the group is in the process of choosing a new site and hoped to begin building before the end of 2019, with a possible site at Clara Brown Commons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://denverite.com/2018/07/16/denver-church-cant-build-temporary-homeless-village-in-parking-lot-because-it-doesnt-fit-historic-architecture-commission-says/|title=Denver church can't build temporary homeless village in parking lot. It doesn't fit historic architecture, commission says.|date=2018-07-16|website=Denverite|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradovillagecollaborative.org/womens-village|title=Women's Village|website=Colorado Village Collaborative|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradovillagecollaborative.org/womens-village|title=Women's Village|website=Colorado Village Collaborative|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> In July 2018, the Barton Institute for Philanthropy and Social Enterprise at the University of Denver issued a study which concluded that the project has been a success for the overall community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bartoninstitute.org/the-latest/2018/7/16/first-year-of-tiny-homes-village-a-success-for-residentsneighbors|title=First Year of Tiny Homes Village a Success for Residents/Neighbors|website=Barton Institute for Philanthropy & Social Enterprise|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-25}}</ref> |
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Kayvan Khalatbari serves on the CVC Board<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradovillagecollaborative.org/collective-leadership|title=Collective Leadership|website=Colorado Village Collaborative|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> and supports homelessness through Sexy Pizza.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2020/02/21/executive-voice-kayvan-khalatbari-sexy-pizza.html |
Kayvan Khalatbari serves on the CVC Board<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradovillagecollaborative.org/collective-leadership|title=Collective Leadership|website=Colorado Village Collaborative|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> and supports homelessness through Sexy Pizza.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2020/02/21/executive-voice-kayvan-khalatbari-sexy-pizza.html|title=How this Denver entrepreneur's pizza business fuels homeless advocacy|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
Latest revision as of 13:50, 8 December 2022
This article may have been created or edited in return for undisclosed payments, a violation of Wikipedia's terms of use. It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly neutral point of view. (April 2020) |
Kayvan Khalatbari | |
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Born | Kayvan Soorena Tyler Khalatbari-Limaki August 1, 1983 Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
Occupation | Comedy |
Kayvan Khalatbari (Kayvan Soorena Tyler Khalatbari-Limaki) is an Iranian-American entrepreneur; he was a mayoral candidate in Denver, Colorado, in 2019.
Early life and education
[edit]On August 1, 1983, Kayvan Khalatbari was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to his father Abbas Khalatbari, an immigrant from Iran, and his mother Terri Ramel (now Terri Smith), a small-town Nebraskan.[1]
After graduating from high school, Khalatbari earned an associate degree in architectural-engineering technology from the Milford campus of Southeast Community College at the age of 19. He worked at the Lincoln office of M.E. Group, a mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering firm, before being transferred to their Denver office in 2004.[2]
Unternehmertum
[edit]Khalatbar co-founded and funds birdy, an alternative culture magazine out of Denver featuring artwork, articles, and creative writing pieces from journalists, comedians, artists, and other local talent.[3] In 2016, birdy. expanded its print run to 10,000 copies in cities including Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Manitou Springs.[4]
Khalatbari was one of the founders of Cresco Labs, a medical marijuana business. Kayvan served as Cresco Yeltrah's Executive Vice President of Operations. Cresco Labs company went public on the Canadian stock exchange in October 2018.[5]
Khalatbari co-founded Denver Relief, a medical and adult-use cannabis dispensary, in May 2009; since regular business funding was unavailable, they founders used their own money.[6] Denver Relief's cultivation facility was sold to Willie Nelson in July 2016;[7] its dispensary licenses were sold to Terrapin Care Station.[8]
In 2011, from the financial success of Denver Relief, Khalatbari opened the international consulting arm, Denver Relief Consulting, with Denver Relief’s GM, Andy Betts, and a co-owner of Denver Relief, Ean Seeb, who became the Governor's Special Adviser on Cannabis under Governor Jared Polis in 2019.[9] Most of the firm's work is with out-of-state entities who are looking to get involved in cannabis-related businesses.[2] In 2012, Khalatbari also served as a media spokesman, speaking about Colorado Amendment 64 (a ballot measure to amend Colorado's constitution, outlining a statewide drug policy for cannabis) to media outlets including CNN's Newsroom.[10] He has worked with client groups in Illinois, Nevada, Maryland, Alaska, and Canada, advocating reform and creating business plans and applications for partners to establish operations in each. For example, Silver State Relief was the first medical marijuana dispensary to open in the state of Nevada when it launched on July 31, 2015 in Sparks, Nevada. Silver State worked with Khalatbari as a consultant during the development phases,[11] and earned the highest score from the state licensure board.[12]
Kayvan Khalatbari became part owner of High Times media in 2017 as part of Oreva Capital investment group. Oreva Capital now holds the controlling interest with a team additionally made up of Reggae legend Damian Marley and other notable cannabis entrepreneurs. The sale encompassed rights to the popular High Times Magazine, website, books, Cannabis Cup events, and more. Khalatbari hopes to see High Times cover more societal and cultural topics in the future including environmental best practices for the cannabis industry, protection of medical cannabis patient's rights, and expanded minority inclusion in the cannabis industry.[13]
Sexpot Comedy is a comedy collective in Denver, producing or sponsoring more than 30 podcasts and more than a dozen weekly or monthly live events.[14] In its August 2015 issue, GQ named Sexpot's monthly show one of the "5 Funniest Nights in America."[15]
In 2008, Khalatbari left M.E. Group and entered into a partnership with other first-time entrepreneurs to purchase a struggling pizza restaurant in Capitol Hill.[16] Sexy Pizza is now employee-owned and has four locations in central Denver[17] and one in Kansas City.[18] In 2014, the two stores combined were estimated to earn roughly $2.5 million.[2]
Advocacy and politics
[edit]2015 Denver City Council Campaign
[edit]In January 2015, Khalatbari announced that he would enter the Denver City Council race as an At-Large candidate. His platform included initiatives in the cannabis and hemp industries; law enforcement reform; children's services; and affordable housing.[19] The election was held May 5, 2015 and he came in fifth place.[20]
2019 Denver Mayoral Candidate
[edit]On Valentine’s Day 2017, Khalatbari officially announced his candidacy for the 2019 Denver Mayoral election. Khalatbari hoped to run on a platform aimed at improving conditions for the homeless, increasing police accountability, halting the I-70 expansion, developing DIY artist spaces, establishing Denver as a sanctuary city, encouraging increased civic engagement by business coalitions and individuals. During his campaign, he also advocated for establishing a public bank as a way to keep and manage funds from the Elevate Denver bonds in Denver as opposed to using outside banks.[21] "The time is now, especially with all the fervor around national politics, which has shown us two things: One, anybody can win; two, if people stay inactive, bad things happen. Period," says Khalatbari. “I love this city. It’s given me everything I have in my career, friendships, love life and community organizing—Denver afforded me all of those opportunities,” he explains. “But the longer that I do business and [live] in this city, I realize the detriment this city is placing on the people that I care about. I can’t sit by and watch it anymore. I feel it’s incumbent on me as a business leader and community organizer to engage people and give them hope that they can make a difference.”[22] Khalatbari ended his campaign citing "personal reasons" in October 2018.[23]
Denver Kids
[edit]Denver Kids Inc. is a nonprofit that works with Denver Public Schools to pair at-risk students with educational counselors and community mentors.[24] Khalatbari has been a “big brother” mentor for Denver Kids Inc. since 2007, and has been guiding his current “little brother” since 2009.[25]
Drug policy
[edit]Khalatbari works toward more responsible drug policies.[26] This work focuses on students, providing alternative activities, and education for all. He sits on the Board of Trustees for Students for Sensible Drug Policy, an international grassroots network of thousands of students from many universities who work to create sensible drug policies, minimize drug abuse, and fight back against the failing War on Drugs. Khalatbari serves as a Board Member for the Harm Reduction Action Center (HRAC).[27] HRAC provides training for first responders, police officers, and others.[28]
Cannabis drug policy
[edit]Colorado
[edit]Khalatbari's involvement in cannabis drug policy started in 2004 when he moved to Denver and was looking to find a way to get involved and meet people. His brother Hassan found a group online called SAFER (Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation), a marijuana legalization group that had just passed initiatives on University of Colorado and Colorado State University campuses to equalize cannabis possession with alcohol possession. The group centers on educating the public about cannabis benefits and the harmful consequences to consumers and society of alcohol, while encouraging policy reform. Colorado Amendment 44 was placed on the voting ballet after SAFER volunteers received over 129,000 signatures to put the act in place (only 68,000 were required by the Secretary of State in Colorado).[2] Khalatbari started volunteering for the organization, collecting petition signatures and staging political protests[29] in an effort to pass Initiated Question 100 (I-100). I-100 was a City of Denver ballot initiative, to legalize adult marijuana possession. The measure passed in the fall of 2005, making Denver the first U.S. city to vote to remove all penalties for adult marijuana possession.[30] In 2006, SAFER's leader, Mason Tvert, encouraged Khalatbari to dress up in a chicken suit and "harass" then-Denver mayor John Hickenlooper at town hall meetings, even challenging Hickenlooper to a debate as the chicken, which had by then been named "Chickenlooper."[29] Khalatbari revived the Chickenlooper costume and character to protest Hickenlooper's bid for re-election in the 2014 Colorado gubernatorial race.[31] Chickenlooper also took part in a photo opp to protest Colorado's controversial "Don't Be a Lab Rat" campaign, aimed at curbing underage marijuana use.[32] Khalatbari also became an active participant at Sensible Colorado, volunteering for patients’ rights and proactive regulation over cannabis. While volunteering at Sensible Colorado, Khalatbari met other industry activists and met his future business partners for Sexy Pizza, Denver Relief, and Denver Relief Consulting. In 2009, following these efforts, Khalatbari became a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Medical Marijuana Assistance Program of America (MMAPA), an organization that worked to raise awareness of the positive attributes of medical cannabis use, decrease the negative social stigma correlated with cannabis, and provide aid to patients who are unable to afford access to cannabis medicine. The organization shut down in 2012.[33]
Khalatbari was the "lead backer" behind Denver’s Initiative 300, a comprehensive measure that allows for the public consumption of Cannabis.[34] The measure was created in response to the city's lack of regulation regarding legal Cannabis, which has left many tourists and residents without legal places to consume up to that point. Initiative 300 was endorsed by the Denver Post, the Democratic Party, and a host of local businesses.[35]
Minority Cannabis Business Association
[edit]Khalatbari has been appointed to the Minority Cannabis Business Association's (MCBA) Board of Directors.[36] As one of the few minority Cannabis business owners in the United States, Khalatbari has been disheartened by the lack of access and involvement opportunities for minorities and is actively striving to generate care and support for this topic.[37] Most recently, MCBA led the development of model legislation inclusive of every aspect of marijuana legalization. The model legislation will provide a guide for policy makers across the country to reform marijuana laws in a way that makes cannabis business ownership accessible to minorities, provides drug war reparations via marijuana tax revenue to communities of color, calls for stronger legal protections for those who use cannabis and allows for expungement of marijuana-related convictions that are no longer illegal under new laws.[38][39] As a member of the MCBA, Khalatbari has raised concerns about how this model legislation is being implemented in some states, such as Illinois where he believes it will have the opposite of its intended effect and make it more difficult for minorities to enter the cannabis industry in an equitable way due to the short application window and high costs.[40]
Homelessness
[edit]A video he posted to his social media account, of Denver Police Department Officers confiscating blankets from homeless people in freezing conditions went viral. Kayvan's video made the front page of the Huffington Post and prompted civil rights organizations such as the ACLU and NAACP to write letters and threaten lawsuits against Mayor Michael Hancock and the City of Denver.[41] Facing pressure, Mayor Hancock lifted the "urban camping ban" until April 2017 to get the homeless population through cold winter months.[42] In March 2017, he found success as a principal member of the Alternative Solutions Advocacy Project (ASAP) by helping to get the first tiny-home village for the homeless approved in Denver. Beloved Community Village was established as a 180-day pilot program for individuals experiencing homelessness to create a democratically self-governed community aimed at self-empowerment and reestablishing lives. The village officially open on July 21, 2017 and consisted of 11 houses, showers, restrooms, and a yurt for cooking and village events.[43] The site moved to a semi-permanent location in the Globeville neighborhood, which may allow them to stay for up to 4 years.[44][45] Though previous efforts to open a trans-inclusive women's only facility at St. Andrews's Episcopal Church were initially denied in July 2018, the group is in the process of choosing a new site and hoped to begin building before the end of 2019, with a possible site at Clara Brown Commons.[46][47][48] In July 2018, the Barton Institute for Philanthropy and Social Enterprise at the University of Denver issued a study which concluded that the project has been a success for the overall community.[49]
Kayvan Khalatbari serves on the CVC Board[50] and supports homelessness through Sexy Pizza.[51]
References
[edit]- ^ "About Kayvan – Kayvan for Denver 2019". Kayvanfordenver.com. 2017-02-14. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
- ^ a b c d Wenzel, John (August 17, 2014). "Kayvan Khalatbari rolls weed, pizza and comedy into Denver empire". Denver Post. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
- ^ Gassman, Ian (April 29, 2014). "Founders of Birdy make mark on Denver culture". Met Media. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
- ^ "Art-Mag birdy Takes Off With New Cities, New Website". Westword. 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
- ^ "Cresco Labs Prepares to Go Public in Canada after $100 Million..." New Cannabis Ventures. Retrieved 2019-09-24.
- ^ Hickey, Walter (June 25, 2013). "How To Sell Marijuana In America". Business Insider. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
- ^ Kate McKee Simmons (2016-08-26). "What's Next for Ganjapreneur Kayvan Khalatbari After Selling to Willie Nelson". Westword. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
- ^ "Exclusive: Terrapin Care Station buys Denver Relief marijuana shop". Thecannabist.co. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
- ^ Mitchell, Thomas (2019-05-17). "Jared Polis Picks Ean Seeb to Lead Colorado's Pot Policy". Westword. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
- ^ Costello, Carol (October 26, 2014). "Denver Relief Consulting's Kayvan Khalatbari Visits CNN to Debate Happy Haynes on Amendment 64". Newsroom. CNN. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
- ^ Bessette, Chanelle (July 29, 2015). "Nevada's first medical pot marijuana dispensary now open in Sparks". Reno Gazette-Journal. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ "Nevada Marijuana Retail Map and Directory". Kush Tourism. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ Facebook Twitter email Print Article AA (2017-06-01). "High Times Sells to Denver Pot Entrepreneurs, Damien Marley". Westword. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
{{cite web}}
:|author=
has generic name (help) - ^ Wenzel, John (December 12, 2014). "Sexpot Comedy retools for 2015 with new lineups, lessons in hand". Denver Post. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
- ^ Campion, Freddie (July 25, 2015). "The 5 Funniest Nights in America". GQ Magazine. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ Squibb, Susan; Staff, The Cannabist (2016-04-23). "High Society: Hopping Sensi Magazine party spotlights cannabis pioneers". The Cannabist. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ "Sexy Pizza is opening its fourth location at Park Hill Commons". Denverite. 2019-06-17. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ Kevin (2019-11-07). "New Hyatt House Adding 'Sexy Pizza' to Downtown Skyline". CitySceneKC. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ Mitchell, Thomas (January 28, 2015). "Sexy Pizza's Kayvan Khalatbari on Why He's Running for Denver City Council". Westword. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
- ^ Murray, Jon (May 5, 2015). "Denver election centers on active City Council races". Denver Post. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
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