City Cast Denver

State transportation officials for years have been using humor to spice up their safety messaging (e.g., “camp in the mountains, not in the left lane"), but now the Federal Highway Administration says CDOT is too funny. Or maybe not funny enough? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the crackdown on humorous safety slogans. Plus, we’re hashing out the new historic preservation fight brewing in Park Hill and responding to your comments and recommendations about our episode on Denver’s best meat-free eats. Paul talked about the failed preservation push we covered around the Richard Crowther house in Cherry Creek, mentioned the data on traffic fatalities statewide, and quoted from this Washington Post story on the funny safety signage. Bree talked about the time someone hacked a safety sign in Denver. What do you think about the funny safety signs? Should they stay or go? 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 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

It seems like Mayor Mike Johnston has tried everything to make Denver a welcoming place for the nearly 40,000 South American migrants who have arrived here since December 2022. He’s opened up shelter space and organized a city-wide fundraiser. He called on city departments to cut their budgets to fund additional support. He even flew to Washington, DC, to personally appeal to President Biden for more federal money and fast-tracked work authorizations — twice! But with Congress embroiled in partisan turmoil, is there anything more he could do? César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández is a veteran immigration lawyer and Denver-based law professor with The Ohio State University, and he’s on today with a big, bold, unprecedented idea for the mayor. César mentioned this recent debate within the University of California system and responded to this critique of the proposal from George Fishman of The Center for Immigration Studies. He will be appearing in conversation with State Senator Julie Gonzales at the Tattered Cover on Colfax on February 1 to promote his forthcoming book on immigration law, “Welcome the Wretched: In Defense of the ’Criminal Alien.’” What do you think about César’s big idea? Should Denver lead in support of the migrants? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ We’ve got a bunch of resources for more ways to help the migrants in our newsletter Hey Denver, which you can subscribe to 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: 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

A Lakewood woman is suing her apartment’s management company for “junk fees” after it allegedly added hidden charges to her rent. Meanwhile, new data says rents in the metro area are actually trending down — does this all signal a change in the balance of power between Denver renters and landlords? Plus, multiple lists of Denver’s most anticipated restaurant openings came out this week, so we’re talking about where we’re most excited to eat in 2024. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by comedian Miriam Moreno to break down all the news that mattered this week, along with their local epic wins and fails of the week. Grab tickets to Miriam’s late-night talk show, Good Night Denver, happening January 25. Miriam talked about the community groups supporting migrants. Bree mentioned The Cutting Room Floor interview with Yasiin Bey and her anticipation for the reopening of Welton St. Cafe, which we covered when they had to close last year. Paul talked about Toro, a Cap Hill spot that got some TikTok love 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: Tecovas Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Everyone knows the reasons why you might want to eat less meat — it’s good for the Earth, it’s good for your health, et cetera et cetera. But not everyone knows the best spots in town to eat well, veggie-style. So today, producer Paul Karolyi (reducetarian) is joined by two members of the veggie community — friend of the show Brooke Garcia (vegetarian) and the new owner of Glendale’s Native Foods, Michael Olivas (vegan) — to talk about how Denver stacks up when it comes to meat-free eats and share their recs for vegetarian/vegan restaurants, as well as favorite non-vegetarian places that offer a great meat-free meal. Some links to places we mentioned: Vegan Van at Assembly Market City O’ City (Cap Hill) The Madras Cafe (Aurora) Sputnik (Baker) Pit Fiend (Five Points) Jelly (Cap Hill) La Diabla Pozole Y Mezcal (Five Points) Michael is officially the owner of the Native Foods in Glendale, but he could still use your support to revamp the menu and get the word out about the new-and-improved Native Foods. Check out the GoFundMe if you want to help out! Michael mentioned the new documentary on Netflix “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment.” 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: Tecovas. Don’t Go Gently, y’all! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

¡Viva! Streets brought more than 40,000 Denverites out to enjoy car-free streets in 2023. But the pedestrian-centered effort to revitalize downtown won’t be returning this year, and advocates are questioning who is ultimately to blame. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking through the suspects, as well as this story about the new robots patrolling LoDo parking garages. Finally, listeners share their thoughts on the labor, environmental, and fashion concerns of the company Mayor Mike Johnston chose to supply the yellow-vest uniform for downtown’s new ambassador program. The Denver Streets Partnership is circulating a petition to save ¡Viva! Streets in 2024. Paul discussed Cotopaxi’s sustainability policy and this third-party review of the company’s sustainability practices. Listener Baily Rose alluded to this classic episode of ours, featuring a local oil and gas executive calling out The North Face for hypocrisy. What do you think about ¡Viva! Streets’ cancellation? 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: Tecovas Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Colorado state legislature returned to work last week, with Democrats still in control of both the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the governor’s office. Housing remains top of mind for state leaders, with unsettled debates over zoning, rent control, and transit-related development expected to continue from last year. But after Governor Jared Polis’s massive land-use reform failure, what, if anything, could change about Colorado’s approach to housing? And what should Denverites in particular be watching? Colorado Sun politics reporter Brian Eason joins host Bree Davies to dig into the big themes for legislators this year and examine the burning question: With lingering tensions over Gaza, will they be able to agree on anything at all? Bree mentioned friend of the show Nate Minor’s excellent podcast “Ghost Train” for CPR. 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: Tecovas Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Sponsored by Tecovas, Western Week reaches a thrilling finale! The Downtown Denver Partnership and Mayor Mike Johnston rolled out a new safety program this week in the form of 650 yellow-vested private security and nonprofit outreach workers. Could these new “ambassadors” be the signal of a safer downtown? And as homelessness and migrant arrivals take up city resources, will the mayor make good on his promise to prioritize the arts? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to dissect all the stories that mattered to Denverites this week, plus a round of Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows. Justine talked about a four-part series in the Denver Post on alcoholism in Colorado. Bree mentioned at story from the Colorado Sun on artists moving to the San Luis Valley and an obituary for her great uncle, John Litz. Paul discussed the IRS and TABOR, this week’s Rocky Flats news, and his five-part podcast series “Unclear Danger: The Colorado Story of Rocky Flats,” which he neglected to mention was supported by a Denver Arts & Venues grant — what a coincidence! 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Sponsored by Tecovas, Western Week continues! And we are digging into one of Denver’s most unusual claims to culinary fame — the Rocky Mountain oyster, aka bull’s balls. But is this quirky appetizer really a unique local delicacy? Or something a lot more complicated? Producer Paul Karolyi and newsletter editors Peyton Garcia and Adrian González visited one of the most famous purveyors of Rocky Mountain oysters, the iconic Buckhorn Exchange (est. 1893), to share a plate of bovine cojones with a side of surprising Mile High history and lore. Have you ever had Rocky Mountain oysters? What did you think of ‘em? Got a favorite place to get them? Or a story about the Buckhorn Exchange? 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. Here are links to our picks for your weekend: The 42nd Annual Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest Far East Center Lunar New Year events The film “The Front Runner,” which tells the story of Colorado Senator Gary Hart’s 1988 presidential campaign 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Sponsored by Tecovas, Western Week continues! And we are going into the belly of the beast, the Stock Show itself. Join host Bree Davies and returning guest Joshua Emerson — stand-up comic and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission — as they talk to ranchers and vendors, old-timers and outlaws, and all sorts of colorful characters in town to carry on this beloved Denver tradition. Tag along as they ask the uncomfortable questions, open the closed doors, and figure out once and for all, what does one do inside a Beef Palace? Missed an episode of Western Week? Catch up on all the goodness: The Day The Stock Show Almost Left Denver An Expert’s Guide to the 2024 Stock Show Can You Guess Which Wild West Tales Are True or Fake? For even more Western Week, 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 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Welcome back to Western Week, our weeklong celebration and investigation into Denver’s Western roots, brought to you by Tecovas! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi stopped by the Tecovas store in Cherry Creek North to smell the fine leather goods and talk through all the stories that matter to Denverites this week. First, mayor Mike Johnston declared victory in his effort to get 1,000 unhoused people off the streets in 2023. But can he do it again in 2024? Plus, we’re talking about who Congresswoman Lauren Boebert punched in the face over the weekend and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear appeals over former president Donald Trump’s ban from Colorado’s Republican presidential primary. Wanna hear us dive deep into the Stock Show’s “cattle sperm auction,” as listener Celia S. suggested? Get access to that members-only bonus episode, plus ad-free listening and more by becoming a member of City Cast Denver today! Join now for as little as $8/month at membership.citycast.fm. 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Welcome back to Western Week! Sponsored by Tecovas, our celebration of Denver’s Western roots continues today with a game about the stories we Denverites tell about ourselves. It’s Two Truths and a Tall Tale about Denver’s Wild West history! Politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to swap mostly true stories about con men, sex workers, unruly cattle, uranium mining, the gold rush, and more. Can you figure out which of these stories are shockingly real and which are tall tales? Love Colorado history? Check out our past episodes on the sex workers of the Wild West, the Black homesteaders who settled the Dry, and the work Denver Parks and Rec is doing to bring bison back to the indigenous communities rooted in this region. What do you think? Do you have a favorite tall tale of Denver’s Wild West? 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 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: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Tecovas, your source for cowboy boots and Western-style fashion, with a shop in Cherry Creek North Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Sponsored by Tecovas, Western Week continues! As the longhorns paraded down 17th Street yesterday to kick off the National Western Stock Show, we gathered downtown to talk through the biggest stories of the week, each of which offers a look at the state of Colorado’s urban-rural divide. Longtime Western Slope representative Lauren Boebert is switching districts — will she appeal to conservatives in Denver’s suburbs? Then, thanks mostly to urban voters, wolf reintroduction is in full swing — so what does it all have to do with the Mile High price of a burger these days? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Aspen Times Western Slope politics reporter Elliott Wenzler to dig into the news and share the first Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of 2024. Elliott talked about donkeys as the first line of defense against wolves, shouted out the Ouray Ice Festival, and mentioned Jesse Paul’s coverage of Boebert’s district switch. Bree referenced a story from The Oregonian about the impacts of wolf reintroduction and unrelated, Aaron Gordon’s dog bites. Paul talked about Russell Wilson’s good sportsmanship and the federal government’s lack of support for Denver and the migrant crisis. 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Presented by Tecovas, Western Week continues! The National Western Stock Show kicks off this weekend, serving up 16 days of fun things to do, see, and eat! Whether you’re an experienced rodeo-goer or a first-timer, a plan is a necessity — but where do you start? From a high-dollar art show to mutton bustin’ to cattle pageantry, there are dozens of unique agricultural, historical, cultural, and culinary offerings to choose from. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Westword editor Patty Calhoun — a super Stock Show aficionado and cowboy boot enthusiast — to get the lowdown on how to do the big horse and cattle show right. For even more help planning your Stock Show visit, we’ve got a quick and dirty FAQ for you at denver.citycast.fm. Patty mentioned the Coors Western Art Exhibit, the Cowboy Bar, and the Livestock Exchange building, along with other historic buildings worth touring on the National Western property. Paul quoted from the 2023 Leachman Cattle of Colorado Commercial Breeder’s Guide. ICYMI: We also discussed the 4-H kids who raise livestock for the Stock Show, but neglected to mention the episode we made last January tagging along with one Arvada girl who was showing off a goat. Check it out if you missed it! Our Hey Denver newsletter editor Peyton Garcia has some helpful tips for navigating parking, ticket pricing, and more at the Stock Show. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Welcome to Western Week, sponsored by Tecovas! The National Western Stock Show is set to open this weekend in Denver, as it has almost every January since 1906. More than a rodeo and livestock showcase, this annual event is an integral part of Denver’s identity and economy, bringing in billions of dollars over the decades. But the story of a city and its rodeo is not all bolo ties and button-snap shirts! To kick off our weeklong celebration and investigation into Denver's Western roots, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi tracked down a chapter that’s best not forgotten — the time the Stock Show almost left Denver… forever. We hear from former speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Terrance Carroll, Rockmount Ranch Wear president Steve Weil, National Western Stock Show CEO Paul Andrews, and start to answer our big Western Week question: Is Denver still a cowtown? What do you think? Is Denver still a cowtown or something else entirely? 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 Stick around to the end of the episode for your Tecovas Tip of the Day! Because the Stock Show is its own world, and we’ve teamed up with Tecovas to get you all the insider know-how. 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s 2024! Maybe you’ve joined a gym or made some new year’s resolutions. But what are you doing for fun? From live concerts by candlelight and a long-awaited restaurant re-opening to a new immersive art (and cocktails) experience, we’ve got lots of great ideas to help you relax and enjoy the new year in Denver. Join Host Bree Davies, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia, and producer Paul Karolyi to plot out your perfect January in the city. Here are links to our picks: Candlelight Concerts (Highland) Prismajic Presents “Shiki Dreams” (Lakewood) Charley Harper’s “Rocky Mountains” Beginner’s Astrology Class (La Alma Lincoln Park) Babe’s Tea Room (LoHi) Domo (La Alma Lincoln Park) 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 Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Could you guess a Denver institution based only on how its haters described it in a 1-star review? Play along with producer Olivia Jewell Love, returning guest JD Lopez, and producer slash quizmaster Paul Karolyi in this first edition of our 1-star review game show. For more from JD, you can hear him share his ice cream obsession on our ice cream battle episode from July, or interview local creatives on his podcast Left Hand Right Brain. This episode originally aired on September 13, 2023. 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: Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

CPR climate reporter and EV owner Sam Brasch says there is “no better state in the country to buy an electric car than Colorado,” thanks to all the state incentives and rebates available here. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sat down with Sam over the summer to break down all the discounts, his personal experience owning a Chevy Bolt, and the complicated politics of EVs. Learn more about our state’s EV incentive programs. This episode originally aired on July 31, 2023. 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: Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mike Johnston made a lot of big promises when he was on the campaign trail earlier this year — like ending homelessness in his first term. So how’s he doing so far? Back in May, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talked with the now-mayor about his plan for downtown, his idea to build “micro-communities” for people experiencing homelessness, and much more. This was right before the runoff, and we’re bringing that conversation back now to see how it sounds on the other side of the election. Johnston mentioned Stephen Brackett’s proposal to create an Office of the Night Mayor. Bree talked to Stephen back in April about what a night mayor is and more of his big ideas for the future of Denver’s nightlife. We caught up with the mayor again in October to talk about his first 100 days in office. You can also check out our very first interview with him earlier in the election cycle. This episode originally aired on May 18, 2023. 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: Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s been exactly one year since the Denver Post published a blockbuster three-part investigation uncovering an international criminal conspiracy involving the Denver Art Museum. While the DAM removed one of the co-conspirators’ names from its Arts of Asia gallery earlier this year and has returned some of the stolen relics, the story behind Denver’s Emma Bunker, or “The Scholar” as she was known, and how those looted antiquities ended up at the DAM still warrants an explanation. Producer Paul Karolyi spoke to reporter Sam Tabachnik about his globetrotting investigation and how his revelations have rocked the Denver art world. This episode originally aired on December 5, 2022. Bree mentioned Tabachnik’s recent reporting on the DAM’s recent decision to remove Emma C. Bunker’s name from a gallery and their quiet repatriation work since his initial investigation. 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: Meow Wolf Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Colorado Supreme Court made international headlines this week when it ruled that former president Donald Trump will not be allowed on our state’s 2024 primary ballots. With an appeal to SCOTUS imminent, we’re talking about why this happened here in Denver, the fragile state of our democracy, and all the ripple effects across Colorado. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by our politics and green chile correspondent, Justine Sandoval, to break down the local GOP and Democrat responses to the Trump ruling and round up the rest of the week’s news, including a pressing question posed by a new report from our friends at Westword: Does “Blucifer” belong to the estate of the artist or the taxpayers? Finally, our predictions for Denver in 2024. Bree mentioned another piece by Luis Jiménez Jr., “End of the Trail (with Electric Sunset),” which was part of the DAM’s Desert Rider show earlier this year, and the original by James Earl Fraser. What do you think about Blucifer’s ubiquitous likeness? Has the demon horse transcended his creator’s vision? Or should the Jiménez estate control his likeness? 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: “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at the Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Twenty-one years after Northsider Jose Ramirez ventured into Centennial to open the first Los Dos Potrillos in 2002, his sons Luis and Daniel have expanded the business across the ‘burbs, with a dream of becoming the “Shake Shack of Mexican food.” Host Bree Davies sat down with the Ramirez brothers earlier this year before they opened their new fast-casual spot in Northglenn to talk about the state of Den-Mex in 2023. This episode originally aired on January 25, 2023. 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: “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at the Denver Art Museum Savio House Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After Rep. Lauren Boebert’s “Beetlejuice” moment back in September, Liberals across the country gleefully jeered and cheered as she tried to spin the media narrative back in her favor. But now that the dust has settled, Boebert is back on the offensive. So what are her electoral chances in the Congressional District 3 Republican primary in June? And if she wins, could she beat the likely Democratic candidate, Adam Frisch, in November? Join host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi and returning guests Ian Silverii and Jason Bane — co-hosts of the liberal Colorado politics podcast Get More Smarter — to look back on Boebert’s big year, including some very fresh dirt from the UK tabloids, and predict her electoral future. Bree quoted two editorials from the Denver Gazette; one about Boebert and one about Trump. She also mentioned yesterday’s news about the Colorado Supreme Court barring former President Donald Trump from the CO primary next year over his role on January 6. 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: “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at the Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Mike Johnston has less than two weeks left to bring almost 500 people off the street into housing if he wants to hit his self-imposed target. At least, that’s what his housing dashboard says now. Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about “deception” and “gaslighting” allegations from Kyle Clark of 9News and the growing criticism facing the mayor. Plus, why is Denver DA taking a look at the burgeoning gray market for psilocybin now? Did you love Jarrod Walker’s “Christmas in Colorado” and want to hear more locally made holiday tunes? Here’s the list that Patty mentioned. Patty also talked about Westword’s reporting on psilocybin entrepreneur Darren Lyman. 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 about Mayor Johnston and House1000? We want to hear your concerns, questions, celebrations, or whatever else you have to share! 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: “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at the Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver is on track to see more people evicted from their homes this year than any time since 2008. But with the Mile High minimum wage steadily rising and a fairly stable economy, what’s going on? Host Bree Davies sits down with Melissa Mejia, policy director for the Colorado Economic Defense Project, to talk about the eviction crisis, how more than $60 million in new funding from the city and state is going to help, and why stopping evictions is about more than just keeping people off the streets. Bree mentioned the Denver Post’s coverage of evictions in the city this year. 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: “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at the Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A new poll shows that Coloradans are “slightly” optimistic about the direction of the state. But a closer look at those numbers reveals a heckuva lot more. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by returning faves — politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and Joshua Emerson, comedian, Casa Bonita employee, and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission — to break down the data. Plus, we’re crowning Denver’s most epic wins and fails of 2023. Bree mentioned a piece she was quoted in about thriving DIY spaces. Paul wants you to know that the most prominent challenger to Lauren Boebert in the CD3 Republican primary is Jeff Hurd. 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: “Bag of Colfax” from the Colfax BID Museum of Illusions DCPA presents “A Christmas Carol” Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The beverage of the moment here in Denver — like the rest of the country — comes from an unlikely purveyor: Panera Bread. But as our producer Olivia Jewell Love has been watching, local Paneras are making their new “charged” lemonade harder to access, as the company faces lawsuits alleging that the highly caffeinated sweet treat is more deadly than it seems. Olivia joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk through her reporting on the local lemonade situation, and then they break down the latest fight in RiNo over car-free streets. Finally, we’ve got some recommendations for your Denver weekend. Paul cited Axios Denver and BusinessDen’s coverage of the car-free streets. Bree mentioned the survey the City of Denver and RiNo Art District are running to ask for opinions on the closed block in RiNo. Here are links to our picks for your weekend: Blankslate Holiday Show @ Broadway Roxy The french fries at Gaia Masala, Bull & Bush, and Las Tortas Rainbow Dome Winter Solstice Market 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 are the biggest Denver wins and fails of 2023? We want to hear what you think are the wins and fails that defined the year in Denver. 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: “Bag of Colfax” from the Colfax BID Museum of Illusions DCPA presents “A Christmas Carol” Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Cold weather is a fact of life up here in Mile High. But current city policy says that Denver’s emergency warming centers should only open after temperatures dip down to 20 degrees — well below the point when the human body can experience hypothermia. Recently, Dr. Joshua Barocas, a medical doctor and associate professor at the CU School for Medicine, made a presentation to City Council arguing for a simple change to Denver’s approach to keeping people warm. Dr. Barocas joins host Bree Davies to explain why opening our warming centers before Denver gets too cold can save lives — and also save the city money. The proposal to change temperature thresholds for Denver’s warming centers goes before the City Council’s Safety Committee December 20 as part of a cold weather shelter plan; if it passes, all of council may vote on the issue 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 What do you think are the biggest Denver wins and fails of 2023? We want to hear what you think are the wins and fails that defined the year in Denver. 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: “Bag of Colfax” from the Colfax BID Museum of Illusions DCPA presents “A Christmas Carol” Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Since Central and South American migrants started arriving in Denver almost exactly one year ago, more than 30,000 people have arrived looking for support, housing, and all kinds of other help. While city officials are scrambling, everyday Denverites are stepping up — but still, the struggle to help migrants is clashing with Mayor Mike Johnston’s last-minute push to house 1,000 people already living in Denver by the end of the year. Host Bree Davies is joined by green chile and politics correspondent Justine Sandoval for a ground-level look at the neighborhood aid work happening across the city. Plus, a listener question pits Blucifer against the Big Blue Bear. And could the solution for our empty office buildings be daycare? Bree mentioned the City of Denver’s Newcomers Fund to help migrants, where you can find the city-run toy drive, and Justine mentioned this Denver Post article about Tamales by La Casita. 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 are the biggest Denver wins and fails of 2023? We want to hear what you think are the wins and fails that defined the year in Denver. 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: “Bag of Colfax” from the Colfax BID Museum of Illusions DCPA presents “A Christmas Carol” Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The numbers are in and it’s official, Denver is not the car theft capital of the country. Car thefts are even down at DIA! So how did that happen? Host Bree Davies sits down with Director Robert Force and Cale Gould of the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority to talk about how new legislation and a mission from the governor’s office gave them the tools to turn around not just Denver’s auto theft problem, but to bring down year-over-year auto theft rates across Colorado in 2023 by 23%. To see an auto theft heat map of Denver and learn more about decreasing your risk of car theft, check out the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. The City of Denver also offers several crime dashboards and information on its car theft tracking system, DenverTrack. Bree mentioned the “Denver Boot.” 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: Grab a “Bag of Colfax” Today! Purchase tickets to Museum of Illusions Denver “A Christmas Carol” at DCPA Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a popular Denver holiday tradition, but ticket prices have barely increased in the last 25 years. So who’s really paying for it? And as the end of the year approaches, the Oxford English Dictionary has chosen “rizz” as the word of 2023. We want to know: If Denver had a word of the year, what would it be? Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan, co-hosts of the Dyketopia podcast and monthly comedy show, to discuss ticket pricing, Denver words, and of course, their Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. Lee and Kate’s A Very Merry Dyketopia live show this weekend is sold out, but sign up for their mailing list to get a heads-up on future events. Paul mentioned the rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia across Denver, Adam Sandler, and Gov. Polis’s Dyketopia shout-out. Bree talked about a new DIY space. Lee discussed Front Range Passenger Rail and straight pride flags in schools. Kate talked about the Broncos and Call Your Mother. What do you think should be Denver’s Word of the Year? Should it be “unhoused” or “micro-community” or something else entirely? 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: Grab a “Bag of Colfax” Today! “A Christmas Carol” at DCPA My Denver Therapy Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The hottest trend in Denver dining right now is the holiday pop-up. These timely takeovers have been popping up everywhere over the past few years, but this year it’s a bona fide eruption of campy, Christmas-y fun, with new stand-outs, contrarians, and even a Tiki-themed trend within a trend. Food writer Linnea Covington is Denver’s go-to holiday pop-up enthusiast, reporting on the trend for Westword and the Denver Post, and she’s on today with host Bree Davies and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia to talk about what’s hot and what’s not. Plus, they share their picks for your weekend. Linnea mentioned her reporting on the Call to Arms Brewery’s pop-up “Big Holiday Energy.” Here are some links to our weekend picks: 4th Annual Five Points Holiday Stroll (Five Points) Denver Zoo Lights (City Park) Saturdays with Santa! at the Little Man Ice Cream Factory (West Colfax) Yule Night Market (Wheat Ridge) What’s your favorite holiday pop-up bar? 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: “A Christmas Carol” at DCPA My Denver Therapy Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The holidays are in full swing, but December is just getting started! From holiday markets in picturesque mountain towns to daytime New Year’s Eve parties for kiddos, there’s a lot happening in and around Denver before 2023 comes to an end. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love share their picks for fun ways to spend your days and nights in December. Here are some links to our picks: Georgetown Christmas Market (Georgetown) Evergreen Ice Fest on NYE (Evergreen) Saturday Night Lights (Cherry Creek) Aura Readings (Platt Park) Noon Year’s Eve (Jefferson Park) Bree mentioned RTD’s final report on the ‘Zero Fare for Better Air’ program. For more, our pal Nate Minor at CPR has a helpful breakdown. 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: “A Christmas Carol” at DCPA My Denver Therapy Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Over the summer a show at Red Rocks was hit by a hailstorm that injured several people and left hundreds scrambling for cover. A lawsuit filed by 9News and reporter Steve Staeger reveals text messages between Red Rocks and city employees and law enforcement were not so sympathetic to the situation. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the texting drama plus other stories that matter this week, like the latest in findings around RTD’s Zero Fare For Better Air campaign and a new building the City hopes to buy. Paul mentioned RTD’s final report on the Zero Fare for Better Air months this year and last. 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: “A Christmas Carol” at DCPA My Denver Therapy Savio House Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Tim Hernández came on our show for the first time two years ago as a 24-year-old teacher who was not just burned out but burned up. He spoke out and suffered the consequences, losing his job with DPS but also becoming kinda Denver famous. Then this year, two things happened. First, Hernández was picked by Democratic leaders to fill a vacant seat in the state legislature. Second, on October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. The next day, Hernández went to a protest, talked to someone on camera about Gaza, and went crazy viral. Host Bree Davies sat down with Hernández to talk about what happened next. Check out some of Hernández’s early appearances on our show: “One Denver Teacher Says They're Not Just Burned Out, They're Being Set On Fire” (Jan. 11, 2022) “He's a Beloved Northside Teacher. Why Did DPS Let Him Go?” (May 11, 2022) Here is the full text of the statement Speaker Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) sent us: As I said publicly, I had several conversations with Representative Hernandez in which I urged him to condemn the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. Following these conversations, I released a statement expressing my disappointment in the representative’s initial reluctance to condemn the attack and for his promotion of offensive social media posts that appeared to support it. I appreciated his apology, and I know he is working hard to learn from his actions. Finally, I want to be clear that I never discussed electoral implications with Rep. Hernandez, and I don’t know from where he heard that. I’m not going to comment further on the specific details of private conversations that I have with members. 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 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: “A Christmas Carol” at DCPA My Denver Therapy Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Ever since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict have been on the rise in Denver, with reports of hate crimes, protests and counter-protests, and several high-profile politicians clashing. It all came to a head this week, with the Jewish National Fund-USA conference in town. So Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking it through with Denver Post reporter Joe Rubino, who was at City Council when Palestinian solidarity protesters disrupted the proceedings Monday evening. Then, we break down Mayor Mike Johnston’s big plan for “revitalizing” downtown and share our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. We discussed this New York Times article on the “instagrammable design” for office space. Paul talked about President Biden’s visit and Dr. Martin Lockley. Bree mentioned the Hi-Dive’s 20th anniversary. Joe talked about Mayor Johnston’s latest housing hire, the Denver Post’s reporting on the local Palestinian community, and El Tepehuan’s expected closure. Breaking downtown news! After we recorded, Joe reported that Mayor Johnston has struck a deal to buy the former Denver Post building at Civic Center for $89 million. 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: Savio House Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Last year, Colorado voters decided that grocery stores could sell wine along with beer, which had many independent liquor store owners nervous. With the holiday season in full swing, how are those mom and pop shops doing now with more competition? Host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia discuss the liquor store conundrum, and talk about competitive eater and social media star Raina Huang’s recent trip to Colorado — she downed 14 pounds of food in one day. Oh and of course, our recs for your weekend! Here are some links to our picks for your weekend: Christmas Beer and Cookies Tour (RiNo) Baby Rave (Five Points) Drive or bike past the Populus and One River North Peyton mentioned Greeley-raised competitive eater Mary Bowers. Paul wants you to know he found a database purporting to include every food challenge currently on offer in the Denver metro area. 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: Savio House Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

With construction on the 16th St. Mall now set to last through 2025 and many office workers happier working at home, the Denver Post reported this week that Mayor Mike Johnston has reversed a major Hancock-era plan for downtown. Instead of allowing city employees to work from home while the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building is being renovated, he has leased space in Republic Plaza, one of downtown’s emptiest office buildings. Could that help revitalize downtown? Or are all those empty offices destined for a different fate entirely? Like housing? Or… demolition? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sought answers last summer from Brad Segal — urban planner, real estate economist, CU Denver professor (and Bree’s former boss). For more, Denverite recently reported on the city of Denver’s study of the potential residential conversion of office buildings downtown, which found 16 that are reportedly “good fits.” 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: Savio House Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Mike Johnston’s effort to house 1,000 people by the end of the year is not looking great, with more than 700 placements still needed in just over a month. Now Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore has resigned as head of the Safety, Housing, Education & Homelessness Committee, stating issues with the Johnston administration’s handling of the project. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about all the latest tension over Johnston’s #House1000 program, as well as the hotel the mayor now says he wants to buy in southeast Denver and President Biden’s visit to Colorado this week. Plus, we respond to your feedback on the classic Colorado chile relleno and what belongs in the Museum of Denver. Looking for a killer playlist of Bree’s personal christmas faves? Look no further. 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: Savio House Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It seems like everyone has an opinion on where to find the best green chile in town. So why do so many of these lists feature spicy green sauces that are specifically NOT Denver-style green chile? And what makes a green chile stand out? Host Bree Davies is chatting with our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval about what green chile is and isn’t, how it became Colorado’s signature cuisine, and, of course, her top 5 places to eat it in Denver. Who do you think serves Denver’s best green chile? We want to hear your spicy chile 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 sponsor of this episode: Savio House Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Happy Thanksgiving! We’re celebrating the short week with a round-up of all the local stories that matter. First, it’s been almost a year since waves of mostly Venezuelan migrants started arriving in Denver, and with the weather taking a turn for the cold, Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton spoke to migrants, neighbors, and city officials about a tense shelter closure in Athmar Park and what we can all expect come winter. Then, we’re chatting about the hilarious new holiday “rom-com” produced by United Airlines and shot entirely at DIA. And finally, we’re sharing listener voicemails and some of our own things about Denver we’re grateful for. Watch United’s holiday rom-com “Love in Plane Sight” for yourself! And get the whole backstory from the Denver Post. Paul also mentioned Aurora’s response to the migrants. Looking for even more Denver-based holiday dating fun? The latest season of the Lifetime reality dating show ‘Married at First Sight' was filmed right here in Mile High, and we. have. thoughts. Become a member of City Cast Denver today and download an exclusive ep full of our takes on the season so far for your holiday travels! 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 our work by becoming a member today: membership.citycast.fm/denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Black Friday and the holiday shopping season are right around the corner, but while the big chain stores are rolling out the deals, we know Denver’s got a lot more to offer. So where do you start? There are hundreds of unique shops and shopping destinations that are also gearing up for a Mile High holiday season. So today, host Bree Davies, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia, and producer Paul Karolyi get together to share their fave places around the metro area to get the perfect gift for anyone (including for yourself!). Here are the shops we shouted out: Denver Christkindlmarket Goddess Isis Books & Gifts REI Flagship 303 Boards Sacred Thistle Casa Bonita (West Colfax or online) The Shop at the Gardens The Art District on Santa Fe Brass Armadillo What do you think are the best places to shop in Denver? Let us know! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Paul mentioned this campaign to end witch hunts and exonerate women accused of witchcraft in history. 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: “Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Many cities have a museum solely dedicated to telling their own story, and many of those museums are a source of civic pride and profit. So why not Denver? Westword editor Patty Calhoun has been reporting on the very real new effort to answer that question. So today, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Patty to debate what would absolutely have to be in that museum, where it could be, and most important of all, what are we serving in that food court? What do you think should be in a Museum of Denver? We want to hear your ideas! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Paul mentioned the video the Denver Chamber of Commerce produced back in the 70s to support Denver’s bid to host the 1976 Olympics. 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 our work by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: “Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Gas prices are trending down nationwide, but they are perhaps nowhere lower than the exit off I-25 into Greenwood Village. 9News reporter Steve Staeger lives nearby and has been doggedly following the price wars between the various gas stations. So today he joins producer Paul Karolyi and one of our favorite regular guests, stand-up comic Joshua Emerson, to report from the front lines. Then, Colorado’s population growth rate has hit an all-time low, according to a recent report from the Denver Post, so we’re debating the age-old Colorado question: Is growth good? Finally, we share our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week. Paul mentioned our recent conversation with Mayor Mike Johnston, as well as our conversation around the “Denver Native” label. He also discussed CBS4’s coverage of the annual Daddy Bruce Feed a Family event, which you can sign up to volunteer at or donate to here. Steve shared memories of Denver7’s Anne Trujilo and the Broncos’ kicking troubles. Joshua discussed the DIA people mover and Nikola Jokic’s comedy talents. What about Denver are you grateful for this year? We want to share the love this Thanksgiving, and we need your help! So let us know about the city program or neighborly gesture that made you feel grateful to live here. Just 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: “Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Hungry for lunch but don’t want to go out? One local restaurant owner hopes you don’t reach for that meal-delivery app just yet. Olive & Finch’s Mary Nguyen recently told BusinessDen that these apps are profiting off of the “blood, sweat and tears” of small businesses like hers. So today, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to sort out the delivery app conundrum. Plus, we respond to listener comments on Half-Baked Harvest and discuss a big new idea for anyone hoping to eat less meat, but not make Thanksgiving dinner so dang awkward. And finally, our recommendations for your weekend. What do you think? Are you a “reducetarian”? Or have thoughts on delivery apps? We’d love to hear them! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ Here are links to all our picks: Watch the tree lighting at the Christkindlmarket’s opening night (Downtown) Go skating at the Downtown Lakewood Holiday Bazaar (Lakewood) See the new 10th Mountain Division exhibit at History Colorado (Golden Triangle) 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: “Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

After a water main break, the rise of streaming, and a global pandemic put the Esquire Theatre on the brink, it looks like the 96-year-old arthouse won’t make it to 100. BusinessDen reported this week that after failing to find a buyer, the owners now intend to redevelop the property at 590 Downing St. into a mix of restaurant, retail, and office space. So producer Paul Karolyi is chatting with fellow film lover Adrian González, formerly of Denver Film and now a newsletter editor with City Cast, to talk about the Esquire closing and share their picks for the best movie theaters in town — from the best popcorn and drinks to the best arthouse and cineplex. What’s your favorite movie theater in town? And which one’s the worst? Are you loving the new AMC at 9+CO? Or maybe you’ve seen behind the screen at The Mayan? We want to know what you think about Denver’s movie theaters. Leave us a voicemail or send us a text, 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: “Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at Denver Art Museum 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 local stories that matter this week. First, local officials are officially hyped about BRT, aka “bus rapid transit” aka the hottest thing in public transportation! Local, state, and federal officials gathered recently to talk about all the exciting new bus rapid transit projects coming to the Denver metro, but something was missing. Producer Paul Karolyi is looking into the story behind the press conference with our green chile and politics correspondent Justine Sandoval. Plus, they piece together the truth behind all those weird Denargo Market questions that fewer than a hundred Denverites voted on last week. And finally, we address a listener comment on our episode about the crackdown on unauthorized weed parties and ask, are “white weed bros” really the problem? For more on the old Denargo Market, Paul wrote this short history, including a cameo from Jack Kerouac, for our newsletter Hey Denver recently. We also learned more about how metropolitan districts work and how prevalent they are in Denver in this article from the Denver Post. What do you think about BRT? Or the future of RiNo? We would love 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: “Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The State of Colorado has a lot of big, lofty goals to help stave off climate change. But according to a new analysis, we are collectively pretty far off track — nearly 12 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, to be precise. The State Energy Office is in charge of hitting the numbers, and last week they proposed a batch of fresh ideas. So today, producer Paul Karolyi talks to Colorado Sun climate reporter Michael Booth about why we’re failing, how some of these big ideas on transportation, housing, and natural gas could work — and most of all, how they will affect all of us. What do you think Colorado should do to hit our climate goals? We want to hear the boring ideas that’ll make incremental progress, but also the moonshots! 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: “Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens “All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at Denver Art Museum Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It wasn’t the biggest election of our lifetimes. It wasn’t even the biggest election in Denver this year! But this past Tuesday’s results will reshape our lives, and our politics, in some big ways. Producer Paul Karolyi is breaking down the results and looking to the future with returning guest Joshua Emerson, a stand-up comic and the co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission, and one of our favorite political insiders — longtime Democratic Party strategist and one of the co-hosts of the Get More Smarter podcast, Ian Silverii. And finally, our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the Week. Paul talked about Mike Coffman and the micro-community in Virginia Village (But he missed the recent cancellation of the one planned for Holly Hills). Joshua mentioned Comedy Works and Spirit Airlines. Ian talked about Lauren Boebert, the Boulder mayor’s race, the school board drama in Woodland Park, and his interview with the reporter behind that Woodland Park story. What do you think of the election results? We want to know what surprised you, what enraged you, and what you want to hear us talk about next! 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: The Ednium Podcast “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at the Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

A few years ago Tom Messina made a deal to sell off his iconic East Colfax building — then known as Tom’s Diner — and ride off into the sunset. But historic preservation got in the way of his retirement plans. The business reopened a little over a year ago as Tom’s Starlight, but it looks as if Tom is thinking about retirement again. Who will take on the stewardship of this Denver institution and take on the lease? Host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia dig into the Colfax drama, along with the prickly story of a Colorado food influencer whose rabid — and sometimes aggressive — fans even got the New York Times’ attention. Plus, our recommendations for fun stuff to do this weekend. Our picks for your weekend: Cat Fest at the National Western Center South Pearl Street Farmers Market Get in the standby line for “I.S.S” at the Denver Film Fest’s closing night. Or just hit the after party at Meow Wolf. 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 Ednium Podcast “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at the Arvada Center Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Voter turnout was unsurprisingly low for yesterday’s off-year election, but we still have plenty of results to dissect from all the hottest statewide and Denver races! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi break down the initial returns from Tuesday evening, including the fate of Prop HH and the new era for Denver Public Schools. Then, we check in with one of Denver’s new city council members, Shontel Lewis, who tells us that the new-look council’s “honeymoon period is ending.” We talk about their latest battles over Denver’s 2024 budget, her leadership on housing and homelessness, and how she convinced Mayor Mike Johnston to cancel a planned sweep in her District 8. What do you think about the election results? We are going to be dissecting the results later this week, and we want to hear what you think! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text with your thoughts or questions, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418. Paul mentioned the time Colorado’s senior senator Michael Bennet recited his favorite tofu recipe to Bree on our show earlier this year. Councilwoman Lewis would like you to know about an upcoming event her office is hosting, because she needs volunteers! The 2023 Hiawatha Davis Jr. Luncheon is coming up on December 8. It’s a free event to celebrate elders in District 8 and connect them with resources. Sign up here to volunteer! 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 Ednium Podcast has interviews with all the candidates running for the DPS Board The Arvada Center’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise