City Cast Denver

What lengths will Governor Jared Polis go to to get his Front Range Passenger Rail? He and some senior Democrats are just starting to roll out their plan right now, and it is far-reaching — they’re talking about taxing rental cars to fund the project and cutting two thirds of the RTD board seats. CPR’s Andy Kenney joins producer Paul Karolyi to explain how the governor’s big plan could affect Denver’s public transportation system, and then former State Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll joins to explain why he’s already speaking out against it. Paul would like to add some context from this poll from the Colorado Polling Institute last year, showing that a majority of Denverites have a favorable opinion of RTD. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Colorado Wine Board Urban Bush Women at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about the biggest stories shaping Denver today. First up, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert got a big boost from Republican Party leaders last week, so we’re surveying the state of the races to represent Denver, Colorado Springs, the Eastern Plains and the Western Slope ahead of the congressional primaries in June. Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk through the latest developments. Plus, Patty’s got the scoop on possible changes coming to the city-owned Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, the Tattered Cover’s bankruptcy, and the historic preservation fight over El Chapultepec. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: The Colorado Wine Board Newman Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Happy April, Denver! As we inch closer to real spring and out of the grasp of false spring, we can expect to see our fair Mile High City blooming this month. But which of the proverbial flowers will be worth stopping to smell? Producer Paul Karolyi is joined by newsletter editor Adrian Gonzalez and producer Olivia Jewell Love to share our top picks to eat, drink, do, and experience around Denver this month. Paul recommended this podcast episode with Adam McKay on Hattie McDaniel. Links to all our picks: City Cast Denver Live on April 25! - “Mile High Mobility Through Bus Rapid Transit” Pizza Beer at New Belgium Brewing Fruta preparada/Prepared fruit (maybe at La Michoacana?) “Gone With The Wind” 85th Anniversary Showing (Estes Park) Colorado Rockies schedule Hang out in a park (maybe join a sports league?) ThriftCon Eat some nachos (Maybe at a place from this thread?) Find a new hobby at The Craft Box (Wheat Ridge) What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: The Colorado Wine Board Newman Center for the Performing Arts Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday and we’re looking back on the biggest stories of the week. 9News anchor Kyle Clark joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to break down the escalating controversy around the recent killings at the former DoubleTree shelter off I-70 and Quebec. One council member is blaming the contractor, but is this all Mayor Johnston’s problem to solve? Plus, the metro area’s biggest dog park is being overwhelmed with dog poop and, as always, our wins and fails of the week. We discussed Mayor Johnston’s All In Mile High Dashboard. Check out his progress for yourself! Bree talked about Curious Theater and the Denver Basic Income Project. Paul mentioned empty warehouses, Denver’s pizza reputation, and this now-gone piece of art on the Cherry Creek Trail. Kyle talked about Denver’s minority entrepreneurship fund and the Vine St. Pub. What do you think about year two of Mayor Johnston’s quest to end homelessness? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Socializing is a hot commodity in the Mile High, and there are plenty of bars, parks, and adult-oriented entertainment spaces catering to folks looking for community. But in the last few years, a new type of organization has risen to meet growing demand from a higher-end clientele: The private members club. So our producer Paul Karolyi decided to see for himself. Host Bree Davies sits down with Paul to talk about his experience applying to be a potential insider at one of these spaces, how their inclusivity policies work in practice, and what their “curated” approach to recruitment says about Denver’s social fabric today. For more, BusinessDen reported on the Clayton Members Club & Hotel back when it opened in 2021, and 5280 Magazine reported on Clayton’s inclusivity policies. What do you think is the best way to make friends in Denver? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A few years back, The New York Times spent some time in Denver and came back with a visitor’s guide that we found… lacking. They missed out on some of the most quintessential Denver experiences, so we set out to plan the perfect Mile High long weekend for ourselves. Politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joined host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last summer to put together the ultimate 36 hours in Denver, full of the best restaurants, attractions, and outdoorsy stuff to please visitors and locals alike. Paul mentioned our episode on DIA conspiracy theories. Bree talked about the Forney Museum’s old home in REI, and the story behind the historic brick building, which you can read about in our newsletter, Hey Denver! Here’s a list of all the places we recommended: Colorado Tick’s Club (Curtis Park) Blucifer (DIA) RTD’s A-Line Union Station (Union Station) The Confluence (Highland) “Confluent People” by Emanuel Martinez (Auraria) Starbucks at the REI (Auraria) Little Man Ice Cream (LoHi) Bruto (Union Station) Bodega (Sunnyside) Red Rocks (Morrison) Dinosaur Ridge Trail (Morrison) J’s Noodles (Westwood) Miss Saigon (formerly Pho 79; Westwood) Meow Wolf (Sun Valley) Raíces (Sun Valley) Bastien’s (City Park) PS Lounge (Congress Park) Bluebird Theater (City Park) Middleman (City Park) Satire Lounge (Cheesman Park) Charlie Brown’s (Cap Hill) Pho 96 (Ruby Hill) Lakeside Amusement Park (Lakeside) Where do you like to take visitors? We want to hear your can’t-miss spots that never fail to impress visitors. Leave us a voicemail or a text at 720-500-5418, and you might hear it on the show soon! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Alma Fonda Fina is one of the buzziest new restaurants in town — but a lawsuit over the potential theft of “trade secrets” and a non-compete clause could shut the operation down. Turns out My Neighbor Felix isn’t feeling so neighborly towards its former employees, and now the two LoHi eateries will duke it out in court. Meanwhile, Casa Bonita celebrates 50 years (but you still can’t make a reservation!), and a new push to ban assault weapons has East High School students taking the fight to social media. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into these stories, plus your comments on Buc-ee’s and Johnson’s Corner. We played the audio from this East Students Demand Action Instagram reel. Bree mentioned past City Cast Denver episodes on the gun debate featuring East students Clara and Gracie Taub and Senator Tom Sullivan. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think of the My Neighbor Felix/Alma Fonda Fina dispute? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There are two very distinctive, very green buildings being built in Denver right now — maybe you’ve seen them? One purports to be the country’s first “carbon positive” hotel with a facade reminiscent of an aspen tree, and the other has got a giant crack down the middle that’s going to be filled with native plants and tenants doing yoga. So what does this architectural mini-movement say about Denver today? Denverite senior reporter Kyle Harris recently toured both The Populus and One River North, and he’s on today with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to give us the inside story. Oh, and we’ve got pics of both of these buildings on our Instagram so you can see them for yourself. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Rocky Mountain PBS Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday and we’re talking about all the biggest stories in Denver this week. First up, the hotly contested debate over widening Peña Blvd divided City Council on Monday night, with arguments touching on equity, climate concerns, and the future of DIA. Westword reporter Catie Cheshire is on with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi with the inside scoop. Plus, we’ve been hearing for years that the long-awaited Buc-ee's in Johnstown would be “more than a gas station,” so we went to see for ourselves. And finally, our wins and fails of the week. Catie talked about bald eagles and the Colorado schools in March Madness. Bree mentioned RTD elevators and the Oriental Theater. Paul talked about the Business Impact Opportunity Fund and High Line Canal Trail. He also recommends this classic Westword story about how Johnson’s Corner stopped being what it used to be. Wanna get us a third birthday present? Become a member of City Cast Denver today! You’ll get an ad-free podcast feed and, if you’re one of the first to join on Friday March 22, a shot at winning a City Cast mug. Learn more and sign up at membership.citycast.fm/Denver. What do you think about the Buc-ee's hype? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver’s fashion sense is, well, questionable. So it’s no wonder GQ once named Governor Jared Polis as the “worst-dressed congressman ever.” And boy oh boy, is he far from the only local elected who’s made some bold choices! But do our politician’s sartorial choices matter? And what do they say about us? Host Bree Davies sits down with fashion expert and her lifelong friend David Casados to break down some of our local reps’ most iconic looks and dish on what they’re all about. We posted all the pics Bree and David discussed to our instagram (@citycastdenver) so you can follow along as you listen. Who do you think are the most — and least — fashionable local politicians? We want to hear your hottest takes! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Over the past few years, ramen shops have proliferated across Colorado, as more and more Denverites hop on the broth-y, noodle-y hype train. So it made sense to the editors of the Denver Post to move past burgers, tacos and pizza for their annual March Madness local food bracket this year — it’s ramen time! And now that we’re down to just the Final Four contenders, host Bree Davies sits down with bracket architect and Denver Post editor Jonathan Shikes and Gil Asakawa, author of “Tabemasho! Let’s Eat” and expert on Japanese food in America, to talk about the big first-round upsets, cinderella stories, and which shop is the favorite to win it all. Voting on the Final Four of the Denver Post’s ramen bracket is open now! There are also still tickets available for Denver Ramen Fest this weekend at the Stockyards Event Center. For more from Gil and Shikes, Gil was on the show most recently talking about his book on Japanese food in America, and Shikes’ most recent appearance was discussing New Belgium Brewing’s rebrand of their flagship beer, Fat Tire. What’s your favorite ramen in Denver? We need to know. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Become a member of City Cast Denver today: membership.citycast.fm/denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday and we’re talking about the biggest stories of the week. First up, downtown is going through a rough patch, and while that can be challenging for many businesses, others see opportunity! Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the brewing fight over plans to demolish Denver’s most storied jazz bar, El Chapultepec, and the shocking news that The Brown Palace just laid off all its doormen and bell staff. Plus, we hear about listeners’ favorite grocery stores in the city. The Denver Post published an editorial yesterday calling for El Chapultepec to be preserved. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Driving around downtown Denver, you’d be forgiven for getting frustrated about parking. But is the solution to our parking woes more spaces? Or fewer? State lawmakers are working on a bill to ban parking minimums, and Governor Jared Polis sounds excited about it. But CU urban planning professor Ken Schroeppel thinks we could take it a step further, by enacting parking maximums. He joins host Bree Davies to explain why less parking might be the best way to fix downtown. Ken founded the DenverInFill blog to track development around the city in 2004. Check out the archives for nearly two decades of hi-def photos of a changing Denver! For more, the Denver Post reported on the parking debate a couple weeks ago. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Newman Center for the Performing Arts PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday and we’re talking about the biggest stories of the week. First, Rep. Ken Buck announced this week that he’s leaving Congress even earlier than expected, throwing another wrench in an already chaotic race to represent Colorado’s Congressional District 4. So host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval are talking through the implications of what CD4 candidate (and Buck’s fellow representative) Lauren Boebert called a “swampy backroom deal.” Plus, four Denver-area grocery stores ranked among the worst in the country, and our wins and fails of the week. Paul mentioned the city’s new plan for the Cherry Creek Trail and construction on Peña Boulevard. Justine talked about Frozen Dead Guy Days and the latest push for funeral home regulation (Here's a link to our recent, eye-opening ep on the topic). Bree talked about the micro-community in Overland. What do you think about Boebert’s chances in CD4? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

If Sen. Michael Bennet had his way, TikTok would already be banned. But after more than a year of intense lobbying, he’s finally going to have his chance to cast that vote. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday compelling the Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok, and if they won’t, to ban the app for good. So we’re revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had with Bennet last spring about why he feels so strongly TikTok has to go, despite how many Denverites love it. Here is some of Sen. Bennet’s correspondence on the topic: 1. Sen. Bennet’s letter requesting Apple and Google remove TikTok from their app stores 2. Sen. Bennet’s statement after his meeting with the TikTok CEO 3. Sen. Bennet’s Digital Platform Commission Act For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When Denver’s most historic jazz club was sold in 2021, developer Kenneth Monfort said he didn’t want to “erase El Chapultepec out of the history books.” But now, the real estate mogul says the building will have to be demolished. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the future of The ‘Pec, then our latest edition of Landlord Watch highlights a new bill that could stop the use of algorithms to determine rent prices, plus tenants at the Welton Park apartments have been without hot water for a week?! And listeners respond to the ongoing drama that is the Broadway bike lane. Paul mentioned a post on X from former DPS board vice president Auon’tai Anderson about the water situation on Welton Street, as well as a 9News report on the building and a piece from Business Insider on the business benefits of bike lanes. Bree mentioned the “junk fee” lawsuit we discussed back in January. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Have you got a bad landlord story to share? Landlord Watch needs your help! Hit us with stories, tips, or questions about how to deal with your landlord. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday and we’re looking at the biggest stories of the week. First, it’s been five years and the Avalanche and Nuggets still aren’t available on most Denver TVs! Kroenke Sports & Entertainment just hired a new guy who is promising to end the Altitude Sports vs. Comcast dispute for good, so can he pull it off? Then, Denver City Council is considering a proposal to ban sugary drinks in kid’s meals at fast food restaurants, which one man says is just politicians attempting to “micromanage” their constituents. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dissect these stories and share listener comments on The Epoch Times’s billboards and how, exactly, you’re supposed to eat oysters. We went deep on the Altitude/Comcast dispute with our pal Jake Shapiro from Denver Sports back in 2021. Bree mentioned an episode of the If Books Could Kill podcast about the book “Nudge” by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. What do you think about a ban on sugary drinks? We want to hear from you (especially if you work for Pepsi)! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What’s the best bar in Denver? Is it the bar with the highest average rating on Yelp? Is it the diviest dive that ever dove? Or somewhere new and fresh? With St. Paddy’s Day coming up this weekend, producer Paul Karolyi is sitting down with two people who know Denver’s bar scene as well as anyone — AAA spokesman, Oak Creek Tavern owner, and part-time bartender at Pete’s Satire Skyler McKinley, and our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval — to pick Denver’s best bars. We are gonna have a huge list of St. Paddy’s Day stuff to do in our newsletter Hey Denver later this week, subscribe now at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Get your Annual Portal Pass to Meow Wolf today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Even with record low voter turnout, President Biden and former President Trump easily cruised to victory in Colorado’s presidential primaries on Tuesday. But will “noncommitted” voters, RFK Jr., and Nikki Haley’s popularity in Denver signal trouble for the parties this November? Then, stoner comedian Nick Swardson bombed his set in Beaver Creek, blaming edibles, alcohol, and altitude — but he’s still headlining three nights at Comedy Works in Denver this weekend! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to dig into these stories, plus Russell Wilson’s goodbye, local media layoffs, and more rocky mountain highs and lows of the week. Bree mentioned the forgotten Beau Monde Mall and photos that surfaced on Reddit. Paul talked about Ben Markus’s report on CPR’s layoffs and RFK Jr.’s relative strength in Colorado. Justine talked about two anti-abortion bills that both died in committee in the Colorado house this week. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Chef Michael Diaz de Leon had a great 2023. For his work at the buzzy Mexican-inspired fine-downtown dining spot BRUTØ, he was nominated for a James Beard Award. Then one of his dishes appeared on the New York Times’ list of Best American Dishes of 2023. Then, in October, a Michelin star. So why did he quit? Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with Diaz de Leon to talk about why he left a Michelin star behind and what he’s cooking up next. Plus, Michelin wasn’t the only one-star review Diaz de Leon has earned, so Paul asked him to respond to some of BRUTØ’s one-star reviews on Yelp. Diaz de Leon’s “taco omakase” pop-up at Hop Alley this month is sold out, unfortunately, but you can be first to know about his next project by following him on Instagram @michaeldleon. While you’re waiting for his next pop-up, here are the spots where Chef Michael says he likes to eat: Hop Alley (RiNo) sắp sửa (East Colfax) Alma Fonda Fina (Highlands) Somebody People (South Broadway) For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Last month, boxes of cremated remains were found in the home of a funeral director, along with a decomposing body discovered in a hearse in his backyard. But this was far from the only disturbing case — over the last few years, local funeral homes have been caught illegally selling body parts, giving families “ashes” of loved ones that turned out to be concrete mix, and abandoning corpses in 70 degree rooms for years. This week lawmakers introduced legislation to fix a long deregulated industry. But how did Colorado become the place with the most lax regulations and oversight in the country? We asked an expert. Here’s the full text of Senate Bill 174, Regulate Mortuary Science Occupations. Learn more about Faith Haug’s department and the mortuary science program at Arapahoe Community College. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado’s presidential primaries are today, and we already know who’s going to win. But local Palestinian solidarity groups have launched a last-minute campaign for Denverites to vote for “noncommitted delegate” on the Democratic primary ballot, so there’s still plenty of intrigue for host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to parse. Plus, Denver’s most powerful union isn’t more powerful than local labor laws. And finally, we respond to your ideas for fixing downtown and share comments responding to our new regular segment, Landlord Watch. Bree mentioned a few episodes of Ezra Klein’s podcast about the non-committed vote and his case for why Biden should walk away from running again. Paul talked about the “uncommitted” vote in Michigan last week and the last time the president of the UFCW Local 7 got in hot water with the union’s members. We also talked about the current plans for The 5280 Trail. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s March, Denver’s snowiest month of the year — but that won’t stop any true Denverite from getting out and enjoying the city. From skijoring with your pup and seeing sandhill cranes’ mating dances to slurping the best oysters and green milkshakes around, there’s plenty to do, see, experience, and imbibe across the Mile High City. Producer Paul Karolyi, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia, and producer Olivia Jewell Love sit down to map out the perfect March, complete with a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired, “green” themed twist. Here are the links to our picks: Skijoring with your dog (Statewide) Ft. Greene’s Reading Den (Globeville) Monte Vista Crane Festival (Monte Vista) Oyster Month at Jax Fish House (Various locations) Milkshakes at Slater’s 50/50 (Five Points) Curly Steak Fries at Music City Hot Chicken (Baker) Space Explorers The Infinite (Aurora) Danish Frog Cake at Taste of Denmark (Lakewood) Shepherd’s Pie at Henry’s Pub (Louisville) Peyton is on the search for the best shepherd’s pie in the Denver metro — call or text the City Cast Denver All Shepherd’s Pie All The Time Hotline at 720-500-5418 with your recs! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: PineMelon- The Farmer’s Market Delivered Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First up, Mayor Mike Johnston has a new plan to address the growing cost of supporting the South and Central American newcomers still arriving in Denver. He announced that four shelters will be closing just days after Aurora City Council declared Aurora a “non-sanctuary city.” So is this a turning point? And where is Governor Jared Polis in all of this? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sorting it out with one of our favorite regulars — stand-up comedian Joshua Emerson. Plus, the Broadway bike lane is “complete,” so we’re also talking about the latest bike lane drama and sharing our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. What do you think is the best bagel in town? We’re gearing up for our next big food battle, and we don’t want to leave out the under-appreciated gem you love! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Joshua talked about the Esquire Theater closing and the Vintage Theater community buying their building. Paul talked about the “carbon neutral” oil company and a staircase bill. Bree mentioned New Saigon closing and the Denver Post’s recent best podcasts list. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Enter the Adulti-Verse at Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The bad news just keeps rolling in for downtown Denver — more restaurants have closed, office buildings are hitting their highest vacancy rates since the ’90s, and yet another clean and safe initiative aims to combat the “toilet bowl” reputation. But what else could be done? Politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to brainstorm a list of innovative, interesting, out-there, and completely free ideas that could be the magic solution to downtown’s ongoing woes. Bree mentioned the Cinderella City Project, pencil smokestack art, and Lawrence Halprin’s original Skyline Park design. She also talked about our episode on the likelihood of changing downtown’s empty office buildings into housing. Do you have a good idea to help fix downtown? We want to hear it! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬ Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Enter the Adulti-Verse at Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Bright yellow billboards have popped up around Denver proclaiming that something called the Epoch Times is the “#1 Trusted News.” But a recent investigation of the media company reveals its connections to a Chinese group that may or may not be a cult. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the bizarre billboard backstory, plus the latest landlord-tenant drama in a new segment we’re calling Landlord Watch. Then, listeners respond to our Purina plant episode with their own stinky stories of weird and gross smells around the Denver metro area. We also discussed our episode from last year about local fast food drive-thrus implementing AI. The Epoch Times is also connected with Shen Yun, the anti-Communist Chinese dance show that advertises around Denver from time to time. Have you got a bad landlord story to share? Landlord Watch needs your help! Hit us with stories, tips, or questions about how to deal with your landlord. We want to help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Enter the Adulti-Verse at Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Two weeks after announcing budget cuts for Parks & Rec and the DMV, Mayor Mike Johnston on Monday laid out some ambitious — and probably pricey — new goals for the city in 2024. So how will his renewed focus on the unhoused crisis, public safety, and affordable housing affect Denver’s support for the newcomers still arriving by the busload? Producer Paul Karolyi and Westword editor Patty Calhoun are dissecting Johnston’s new goals. Plus, Denverites are looking at their most confusing presidential primary ballots ever. What would a vote for “noncommitted delegate” mean? Patty mentioned this op-ed from former U.S. Congressman David Skaggs arguing in favor of voting for “noncommitted delegate.” Paul talked about this explainer from 9News explaining what such a vote would mean. What do you think about Mayor Johnston’s new goals? We want to know how you feel about his leadership! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Enter the Adulti-Verse at Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There are only five strip clubs left in Denver today, and one of them was just forced to shut down for two weeks after undercover cops found dancers engaging in prostitution. While PT’s Showclub is open for business again as of last month, the business of exotic dancing is tougher than ever. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton reports on the local strip club scene for The Denver Post, and she sat down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi last fall to reveal what really goes on inside PT’s, Shotgun Willie’s, and the rest of Denver’s storied clubs. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Enter the Adulti-Verse at Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, if social media is making kids depressed, will pop-up warnings on their phones stop the doomscroll? Some state lawmakers think so. Then, as the summer concert calendar fills up, more live music venues are coming online, too — from RiNo to La Alma-Lincoln Park, music fans will soon have more choices. But what does it mean for the musicians themselves? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies chat with Becky Otárola, guitarist and bandleader of local act Bellhoss, about these stories, plus dig into the new upgrades at Red Rocks, some bad news for downtown restaurants, and more wins and fails of the week. Bellhoss’ new EP “A Rose, A Thorn” is out now! Summer 2024 concert lineups have been announced recently at Levitt Pavilion, Denver Botanic Gardens, and Red Rocks. Paul mentioned his beef with Beau Jo’s, Ian’s Pizza closing, and Dough Counter. Becky talked about the debate over an Israel-Gaza ceasefire proclamation and the Highlands mommies facebook group. Bree mentioned Lookin’ Good Restaurant and her 2010 review of the questionable Drake concert. What do you think about the proposals to regulate social media? Too little too late or too much too fast? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Join a Volo Sports league today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Ask any Denverite about the stinkiest spot in the city, and for more than 90 years the answer has been clear: The Purina pet food plant in Elyria-Swansea. But in the last six months or so, odor complaints have spiked. So what can be done? Science reporter Trish Zornio looked into the science of bad smells for the GES Gazette, and she’s on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the health implications of the Purina plant’s smell, the challenge of effective odor monitoring, and how the smell fits into north Denver’s gentrification story. If you want to submit an odor complaint about the Purina plant (or any other stinky spot in the city), you can fill out this form or send an email to [email protected]. What do you think are Denver’s signature smells? Apart from the Purina plant, we are putting together a definitive list of Denver smells — good, bad or just plain Denver — and we want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your smell on the show: 720-500-5418‬ The Denver Post reported on the pilot project Gregg Thomas mentioned a couple years ago. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Join a Volo Sports league today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Back in 2022, voters decided that Denver definitely deserves sidewalks. But not everyone was happy with the new taxes to pay for them. Now, city leaders have a new proposal for how to pay for them, so we’re getting into the details. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the sidewalk debate, talk about Bree’s trip to see Next Gallery’s Casa Bonita-themed art show, and share some hot goss from a listener about how one local restaurant chain is changing its cooking methods and, according to some recent customers, changing its signature taste. We talked to Jill Locantore way back in 2021 about why our sidewalk network was so broken — and in 2022, we spoke with Molly McKinley (also of Denver Streets Partnership) about how the then-proposed “Denver Deserves Sidewalks” ballot initiative hoped to address the problem. Got feedback on the proposed changes to #DenverNeedsSidewalks? Fill out this survey before Feb. 27. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Join a Volo Sports league today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

For the past year, Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser has been investigating the proposed merger of two of Denver’s biggest grocery chains — King Soopers and Safeway. While their parent companies insist the $24.6 billion merger would save Denverites money, Weiser has concluded the opposite and filed a lawsuit to block it. “After 19 town halls across the state,” he wrote, “I am convinced that Coloradans think this merger between the two supermarket chains would lead to stores closing, higher prices, fewer jobs, worse customer service, and less resilient supply chains.” Host Bree Davies sits down with Weiser reveal more details from his investigation, and explain why he felt it was necessary to intervene now. Plus, Weiser shares a message for your out-of-state grocery faves and his go-to snacks at Trader Joe’s. Which out-of-state grocery chain would you love to see open in Denver? We want to hear your hot grocery takes! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver and become a member today: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Join a Volo Sports league today! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First, why is the City of Denver paying residents to change their transportation habits? Also, why did the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure cancel plans to plant trees on West Colfax? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about green steps forward and back with artist and educator Moe Gram. Plus, parents are increasingly struggling to find a spot in a good summer camp — so what are kids supposed to do when they’re not in school? And of course, we share our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. FYI: We are taking Monday off for President’s Day, but we’ll be back in your podcast feed Tuesday morning with more news from around the city. Moe is moderating a panel on the legacy of iconic Denver artist Bob Ragland next Tuesday at the Kirkland Museum. RSVP here. We also talked about her mural on the Catbird Hotel. Bree mentioned this Westword story on The Stanley Hotel and Steffan Tubbs’ new gig. Paul talked about the RTD app and Colorado College’s leadership transition. Moe talked about hostile architecture and Alchemy Ritual Goods’ new space. We are looking for Denver’s biggest bagel fanatic! Is it you? Or someone you know? We want your help finding a guest judge to help us pick Denver’s best bagel. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Pizza makers, aka pizzaiolos, are notoriously particular about their ovens. Is it coal-fired? Or wood? How hot does it get? How fast? “It’s the pursuit of perfection.” That’s what one local pizzaiolo told reporter Helen Xu about the brick oven he had custom made for White Pie in Uptown. But another local pizza shop is going in a different direction entirely — electric! Producer Paul Karolyi joined Helen Xu for a visit to the newly all-electric Sexy Pizza on Pearl Street to taste some electric pizza and figure out why a small but growing number of local restaurants are dumping natural gas for electric ovens and stovetops. Paul mentioned this report on Denver’s new electrification rules. For anyone who heard Helen’s most recent appearance on the show and might be wondering if Sexy Pizza sources their cheese from Leprino Foods — like 85% of all pizza makers around the world — we asked, and they do! Sexy Pizza buys from Leprino’s upscale brand Bacio, which offers mozzarella made with “a kiss” of buffalo milk. What do you think about electric pizza? Would an electric operation entice you? Or repulse you? We want to hear what you think about the electric future of local dining. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What does it take to be a true Denverite? There’s gotta be a turning point sometime after you first see Blucifer but before you get in your first fight about green chile. What was that moment for you? Host Bree Davies sits down with a couple of keen observers of Mile High culture — Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan of Dyketopia — to help finish this sentence: You’re not a Denverite until… Kate is hosting a night of “hootin’ and hollerin’” at Comedy Works downtown with a bunch of funny folks on Feb. 21. Catch Kate and Lee at “Dyketopia: Spring Awakening” live at the Oriental Theater on March 8! UPDATE: After we recorded, we learned that Snooze takes reservations now, but only on weekdays. You can also join their waitlist online, though you’d miss out on some sweet, sweet brunch anticipation time! When did you first feel like a Denverite? We want to hear stories about your first times with local faves or traditions! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear yours on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denverites are reeling from Mayor Johnston’s Friday announcement of budget cuts to free up money to provide more support for migrants, and now the uproar is spreading into the suburbs! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the blowback to Johnston’s cuts and the “sanctuary city” debate in Lakewood, plus the Denver Zoo’s new 570-acre facility in Weld County. Finally, we’re considering your thoughts on whether we should be saying “migrant,” “new immigrant,” or something else entirely? Bree mentioned a Westword story featuring comments from a Venezuelan migrant himself about the budget cuts. Hear our conversation with Denverite editor Obed Manuel about one newsroom’s decision to change their language around the crisis of new people arriving in Denver from Venezuela. Paul discussed local author Helen Thorpe’s excellent book “The Newcomers.” For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support us by becoming a member: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver What do you think about “migrants” vs. “new immigrants”? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After a deal on immigration reform died in Congress last week, Mayor Mike Johnston made a decision he didn’t want to make. To cover the estimated $180 million projected cost of supporting the still-growing migrant population this year, he announced a round of budget cuts on Friday for the DMV and Parks and Recreation, and warned of more cuts possible. As Denverites prepare for a summer without flowers in city-owned flower beds or in-person vehicle registration renewals, Denverite editor Obed Manuel joins host Bree Davies to make the case for why now is the time to change the way we talk about the crisis. Obed mentioned this recent Denverite story about Yupi the Clown. What do you think we should be saying — “migrants” or “new immigrants”? We haven’t decided yet, and we need your help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re digging into all the local stories that mattered this week. First, Suncor Energy is getting hit with a “historic” $10.5 million dollar fine for “spewing excessive amounts of toxic chemicals into the air over three years.” Are lawmakers finally ready to crack down hard on the 100-year-old chronic polluter? Plus, tickets went on sale yesterday for a new “SXSW-style” event called Outside Festival set to premiere in Civic Center Park this June, and those new black-and-white license plates are everywhere! Longtime environmental champion and former mayoral candidate Ean Thomas Tafoya joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the news, and wrap up with our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. Ean talked about the GreenLatinos’ North Denver report. Paul looked up the Commerce City steakhouse with the colorful signage, and Bree was right. It is Deno’s. He also mentioned the Delta pilot’s lawsuit and Ed McCaffrey’s excellent mustard. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Have you planned something extra thoughtful for your sweetie?Did you remember to make a reservation? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up a great list of unique, low-cost, and memorable options in and around the city for the best V-Day yet. From a simple gesture like a heart-shaped box of fried chicken to an affordable day trip to a city-close hot springs, host Bree Davies, producer Olivia Jewell Love, and returning guest, writer Linnea Covington from Mile High on the Cheap, bring you their top tier recs for keeping this holiday romantic and budget friendly. Some of the things we mentioned: -The local wine and chocolate lists from 5280 magazine -Takeout deal from Chook Chicken -Denver city scavenger hunt -Maven Hotel and Atomic Cowboy -Indian Hot Springs -Heart shaped box of chicken at The Post -Vero heart shaped pizza -Thrifting and brunch date in Lakewood Read Linnea’s full write up on cheap dates for Mile High on the Cheap here. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Spurred by new guidelines issued last month by the Biden Administration, curators at the vaunted American Museum of Natural History in New York are shutting down two major exhibits of Native American objects and culture. The closures send “a powerful message” to museums across the country to speed up their repatriation work, according to The New York Times. But here in Denver, our museum community is already on the cutting edge! Last summer, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi toured the Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s North American Indian Cultures Hall on the last day of its 45-year run, asking a couple of experts what message it was sending to thousands of schoolchildren each year and why it needed to close. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Late last week, Mayor Mike Johnston responded to City Council’s ban on sweeps of homeless encampments during freezing temperatures with his first official veto. Though the Denver mayoral position allows for vetoes of City Council decisions, it is not a power often used by those in office — so why did the Johnston administration take this particular stand? Plus, this isn’t the only friction to arise within local government lately. After the mayor partnered with the Downtown Denver Partnership a few weeks ago to roll out a new “ambassadors” program aimed at making the city center more appealing to visitors, some council members are questioning if the program is lacking oversight. Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun to break down these stories, plus dig into some listener responses to our ongoing callout for the worst intersections in the Mile High. Patty mentioned the Next Gallery Casa Bonita-inspired art show, opening February 16; she also talked House1000 dashboard updated by the City, which as of February 5 said that 1,245 people had been moved indoors and 1,191 were still indoors. Bree mentioned the deadly shooting in Green Valley Ranch over the weekend, as well as Axios Denver’s coverage of the veto and the Mayor’s letter to City Council; she also talked about the need for volunteer translators for migrant work authorization clinics happening this week. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Did you know Denver used to have a streetcar? That simple, nostalgia-fueled question has lured many transit nerds and urban planning enthusiasts down a rabbit hole paved with asphalt and good intentions (mostly asphalt though). None have gone further into the archives than Jake Berman. He’s the author of the new book “The Lost Subways of North America,” and he’s on today with host Bree Davies to talk through the shockingly bloody history of the old Denver Tramway company and why Denverites are still so nostalgic for the sepia-toned days of our transit past. Plus, an update on Governor Jared Polis’s effort to turn back the clocks. Jake ultimately cut all his Denver research out of his book, but you can read the whole chapter in this reddit post he made a few months ago. Bree mentioned the recent water main break on East Colfax What do you think about Denver’s streetcar nostalgia? Is it a useful research topic or a flight of fancy? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10) “Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Do you have that one spot in the city where your phone calls always get dropped? Or that place in your house where cell service is nonexistent? According to a new story from Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, the trees on your block might be to blame. Megan joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into the cell service dilemma, along with her forthcoming story, just in time for Valentine’s Day — does Denver still live up to its nickname “Menver,” a place overflowing with single men? Plus, the welcome closure of that exploitative animal entertainment joint in Southwest Plaza Mall, an expansion of tenants’ rights, and more Stanley cup drama make our list of Rocky Mountain highs and lows of the week. We talked about some of Westword's past "Menver" coverage, which you can read here. Megan mentioned the Girls Gotta Eat podcast episode about dating in Denver. If you have thoughts on Denver’s “Menver” nickname or want to share your Mile High dating experience, you can reach Megan via email: [email protected]. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s the month of love! It’s also “false spring,” aka temps in the 20s and 60s. So, what is a Denverite to do? From skiing in a tuxedo to enjoying a solo movie date during Oscars season, we’ve got a list of fun ways to the make the most of February in and around the Mile High City. Host Bree Davies, producer Olivia Jewell Love, and newsletter editor Adrian González share their fave activities, food recs, and hot tips for enjoying this wonky weather season. Here are links to our picks: 33rd Annual Mountaintop Matrimony at Loveland Ski Area (Dillon) Vintage Shopping / Antiquing / Estate Sales (The Shop Outpost, The Oddemporium, Ten Penny, Goldmine Vintage, Brass Armadillo, estatesales.org) Ash Wednesday Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel / Dinner at Uncle (Northside) Pozole (La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal; Kahlo's, Mi Gusto Es, Las Hijas de La Chilanga) Deviation Distilling at the Dairy Block Lala’s Bakery at La Victoria Healing Kitchen (Aurora) Jewelry Making Course at Fleur (Speer) Oscar Season Solo Movie Date (Citywide) Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin: The Trilogy Tour at Ball Arena (Auraria) Bree mentioned this Saturday’s grand opening party at La Victoria Healing Kitchen, the new source for the Denver classic Spring Fling cake. Adrian’s source for finding out about estate sales: https://estatesales.org/estate-sales/co/denver For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

What makes a particular intersection worse than another? Or more dangerous? Or just plain rage-inducing? From the urban streets we treat like speedways to ‘spaghetti monster’ highway interchanges to that one building drivers can’t stop crashing into, our listeners shared tons of suggestions for the worst roadways in the city. So we invited Denver7’s “Traffic Guy” Jayson Luber to help answer some of your voicemails and texts about Denver’s worst intersections, and break down why we love to hate them. Bree mentioned new data showing Colorado pedestrian and cyclist deaths reached an all-time high in 2023. For more from Jayson, check out his podcast Driving You Crazy on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you think is the worst intersection in Denver? Or is there one you actually really like? We want to hear from you. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Tuesday, and we’re talking about all the stories that matter in Denver this week. First, Secretary of State Jena Griswold is concerned about deepfakes and other AI-generated material impacting Colorado elections and she’s asking the legislature to take the issue seriously. But how? Then, just as bicycle activists declare victory over NIMBYs on 7th Avenue, a new transit fight is brewing over the soon-to-be-constructed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on Colfax Ave. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi break down these stories, plus they dare to take on the Denver Post’s divisive question facing all Coloradans: How do you pronounce “Buena Vista”? The request for proposals for bus stop art along the upcoming Colfax Avenue BRT line is open through February 11. The group opposing BRT, Keep Calm, has a meeting this Thursday at Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church. Paul talked about this episode of the New York Times’ Hard Fork podcast digging onto AI election concerns. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

One of Denver’s richest men just won another major ruling in a years-long legal battle with his own nieces over the mozzarella empire he built on 38th Avenue. James “Jim” Leprino will maintain sole control of 85% of the global market for pizza cheese through his company Leprino Foods. But how did this reclusive billionaire first corner the market? And why did his own family take him to court? Producer Paul Karolyi spoke with reporter Helen Xu (also known as Helen X) back in December 2022 when all this juicy succession drama was first revealed in the courtroom. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: See “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at the Arvada Center (Feb. 16 - Mar. 31) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Friday, and we’re talking about all the stories that mattered this week. District 7 city councilmember Flor Alvidrez is in hot water after an ethics investigation revealed she allegedly misused city funds. Then, Republican state representative Mike Lynch stepped down as House minority leader after a video surfaced of his 2022 DUI arrest. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Joshua Emerson, comedian and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission, to wade through the controversies. Finally, this week’s Mile Highs and Lows dig into a local preacher’s crypto scam, a former mayoral candidate’s big conservative reveal, a local coffee shop’s good news, and more. Learn more about City Cast’s guest diversity initiative and the data about City Cast Denver’s guest diversity in 2023, as well as a piece from Neiman Lab on the state of local news podcasts with our CEO David Plotz. Bree talked about the Youtuber wanted by state patrol for going 150 miles per hour on I25; she also mentioned the new Molecule Effect opening on south South Broadway. Joshua discussed the crypto pastor. Paul talked about Conor McCormick-Cavanagh’s report on the Common Sense Institute, this Denverite story about Yupi the Clown, and the Denver Gazette’s coverage of the real top story of the week: Us! If you happen to be in the Bay Area in February, catch Joshua’s Bad Indian: A Native American Comedy Showcase at SF Sketchfest. What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Denver Art Museum - “Untitled: Artist Takeover,” Jan. 26 6-10 p.m. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Dry January is coming to a close, but what if you want to keep the booze-free party going? Beyond Denver’s countless breweries and hyped cocktail bars, where do adults go to let loose and have fun? Host Bree Davies is joined by returning guest Ashley (AKA Colfax Things on Instagram) to lay out a versatile list of fun things to do with a group of friends or on a date in the Mile High City, no alcohol needed. We want to hear from you, too! We’re compiling a list of all our favorite sober activities for our newsletter Hey Denver next week, and we need your help. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and we’ll include all our faves: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Denver Art Museum - “Untitled: Artist Takeover,” Jan. 26 6-10 p.m. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

With busloads of migrants still arriving in Denver nearly every day, Mayor Mike Johnston just returned from a second trip to Washington, DC, lobbying the federal government for emergency action. So in our semi-regular sit-down with the mayor, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi ask him why this situation is so dire right now, what happens if Congress won't give him what he wants, and whether or not he’d be willing to risk prison time testing out an innovative new legal theory. Plus, we get the deets on his increasingly iconic corduroy jacket, question his commitment to multi-modal transportation post-¡Viva! Streets’ cancellation, and give him a listener question on the snowplowing problems we all know are coming soon. Mayor Johnston mentioned the House Homeland Security Committee’s planned impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the temporary work authorization program that allowed some migrants who arrived in Denver last year to work. UPDATE: After the mayor left the studio, one of his aides told us she’d checked with the Downtown Denver Partnership and they told her ¡Viva! Streets cost closer to $1 million in 2023, which is still quite a bit higher than the $650,000 their executive director, Kourtny Garrett, told us a couple weeks ago. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Health Denver Art Museum - “Untitled: Artist Takeover,” Jan. 26 6-10 p.m. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise