City Cast Denver

Christie Buchele is one of Denver’s hardest working comedians, but her new one-woman show, “Lost & Found,” isn’t about the jokes. Christie is currently undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy, a revolutionary approach to healing trauma. It features intense talk therapy sessions while under the supervised use of MDMA (aka ecstasy). After Colorado voters decriminalized psychedelics last year, Christie stepped into this new world of treatment and it inspired her to write and create a performance about what she’s learned about herself, her disability, and her experience in the world. Host Bree Davies talks to Christie about how her experience with psychedelics has changed her approach to art and her advice to people curious about psychedelics. You can see Christie perform Lost & Found tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Buntport Theater. Tickets are $15. Don’t worry if you can’t make it! She’ll be performing it again at the Denver Fringe Festival in June. Follow Christie Buchele on Instagram for more info on her upcoming shows and workshops. Learn more about psychedelics-assisted therapy through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Christie also mentioned this study on the impacts of MDMA therapy for individuals with PTSD. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It’s Tuesday and we’re talking about the big stories around Denver this week. The Park Hill Golf Course saga gets even messier, as a new lawsuit throws the developers’ trustworthiness into question. Then, just as it celebrated 20 years as a LoDo staple, Blake Street Tavern announced plans to close — but the reason why isn’t totally clear. And of course, Mayoral Madness continues, with one candidate dropping out and another pulling in big bucks from a Silicon Valley billionaire. Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi to dig into details, plus we hear a hilarious entry from a listener’s elementary school diary! Paul mentioned a leaked deposition from a recent lawsuit involving Westside Investment Partners, owners of the Park Hill Golf Course. For more details on the lawsuit, Denverite covered the whole situation. Bree mentioned campaign finance reports for the 2023 Denver election, which you can access through the Clerk and Recorder’s website. Want to hear more embarrassing childhood stories? City Cast Denver is co-hosting Mortified on April 13th, and you can watch host Bree Davies and a line-up of fellow former angsty teens read directly from their diaries. You can buy tickets or win a pair by sharing with us the cringiest, angstiest teenage memory you’ve got. Bonus points for a Denver twist! To enter, call the Teenage Angst Hotline and leave a message at (720) 500-5418‬. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or 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

Images of our Wild West past often evoke the work of men: miners, railroad titans, fur trappers, cowboys, and land speculators who wandered the dusty streets of early Denver. But on those same streets we now call LoDo, women were at work, too — businesswomen known as madams ran parlor houses and brothels that catered to a growing city. While life for these women may have seemed glamorous, the sex workers they employed often inhabited a much darker existence. Host Bree Davies sits down with History Colorado’s Assistant Curator of Serials, Ann Sneesby-Koch, to dig into the nuanced, complicated, and fascinating world of early sex work in late 1800s Denver. Bree mentioned the Denver Art Museum’s decision to take Emma Bunker’s name off a gallery; be sure to check out our episode with Denver Post investigative reporter Sam Tabachnik, who broke the story last year. Read more on the transfer of bison to the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Robert Treta is the owner of Treta Design and Build Inc., a contracting company, and he wants to be mayor. He talks to host Bree Davies about why he loves electric vehicles, Chipotle vs. Illegal Pete’s, how to make Denver less “fugly,” and his plan to build a neighborhood out by the airport to house our unhoused neighbors. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Trinidad Rodriguez Thomas Wolf Chris Hansen Mike Johnston Kelly Brough James Walsh Kwame Spearman (Dropped out on March 16) Terrance Roberts Debbie Ortega Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to ask the candidates, or one candidate in particular, email it to us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Debbie Ortega is currently an at-large representative on City Council. She has served on council and worked in local government for more than 40 years, and she wants to be Denver’s next mayor. She sits down with host Bree Davies to talk about her support for the failed 2021 bond to build a new arena at the National Western Center, her vision for our transportation network, and Casa Bonita. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Trinidad Rodriguez Thomas Wolf Chris Hansen Mike Johnston Kelly Brough James Walsh Kwame Spearman (He dropped out on March 16) Terrance Roberts For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It’s Friday and we’re talking about the local stories that mattered this week — which of course involves the mayor’s race. Ballots are out, so producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies invited Axios Denver reporter Alayna Alvarez to tease apart the narratives jammed into all the candidates’s TV commercials. The crew reviews campaign fundraising totals, messaging, music, and what voters might glean from these 30-second intros to just some of the 17 names they’ll be facing on their ballots. Then, newsletter editor Adrian González rounds up his picks for the weekend, which involve alpacas, brunch and ballots, crawfish boils, and bug-eating! We organized the candidates in reverse order based on overall fundraising (and who has published a campaign ad, of course). See all the fundraising totals for yourself here: https://denver.maplight.com/public After we recorded this episode, we heard back from the city’s planning department on our question about street addresses. Here’s what a spokesperson said: “In 2018, the City and County of Denver began adding directional designations to north and east addresses in the city and encouraged residents and property owners to do the same. The goal was to increase the accuracy of addressing in our city! While people on Denver’s west and south sides were already accustomed to including a W or S in their address to more clearly indicate their location, directional designations for addresses on the east and north sides of town were something new. A property or home on a street that runs north/south and is located north of Ellsworth Avenue would include an N in their address. Example: 3880 N Newport Street instead of 3880 Newport Street A property or home on a street that runs east/west and is located east of Broadway would include an E in their address. Example: 2401 E Colfax Ave instead of 2401 Colfax Avenue With these additions, we aimed to create improvements for everyone: Improve the ability of police and fire staff to respond to calls Reduce confusion, eliminate ambiguity Create efficiency and consistency among us all” Subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or 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

Ever since that day last December, when the South Park guys announced that Casa Bonita would be re-opening this May, we’ve been salivating for details. Nearly 12,000 fans have RSVP’d merely to wait in line for opening day. And this week, our friends at 9News flew a helicopter overhead to reveal that the iconic fountain has been restored and refilled. As we wait for more details (including that yet-to-be-named opening date), we’re sharing a conversation from last August with 9News investigative reporter and fellow CB aficionado Jeremy Jojola. For more details and those photos Bree mentioned, don’t miss Jojola’s report on his investigation into the Casa Bonita redevelopment. Bree also mentioned the “St. Pittie’s Day” pitbull adoption event at the Denver Animal Shelter — check out the canine cuties available for adoption! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Twelve-term congresswoman Pat Schroeder passed away this week at the age of 82, leaving behind an important legacy that changed the way all Americans — particularly women — live, work, raise families, and hold power in this country. Schroeder helped pass the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act — she even spearheaded the effort to convert Rocky Mountain Arsenal from a toxic military-industrial site to the wildlife refuge it is today. But she meant a lot more than that to the Denverites she represented for 24 years. Host Bree Davies talks with Westword Editor-in-Chief Patty Calhoun about the congresswoman’s indelible impact on Denver. For even more on Pat Schroeder, check out the episode where we debated which local icons would go on Denver’s Mt. Rushmore. You better believe we picked her. Bree mentioned the new “Coors-icles” and Shannon Sharpe’s take on the Ja Morant/Shotgun Willie’s situation. Get even more news from around the city, delivered to your inbox every morning by subscribing to our newsletter Hey Denver. All you have to do is text “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It’s Tuesday, and we’re taking a look at the stories that matter to Denverites this week. Obviously that means Casa Bonita. The May reopening is approaching, and more than 11,000 people have RSVP’d to wait in line when the official opening date is announced. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi speculate about Casa Bonita 2.0, then they dig into stories about state GOP’s recent election of Dave “Let’s Go Brandon” Williams to lead the party, new rules for composters, and a controversial school closure in Sun Valley. Plus, after our episode laying out important rules for surviving Denver two weeks ago, we got tons of your submissions for more rules. Paul and Bree talk through our faves. Bree mentioned statements about the Fairview Elementary closure from Councilwoman Jamie Torres and DPS Board Vice President Aoun’tai Anderson. Hang out with us in person and hear Bree read her high school journals at the next edition of Mortified Live, happening April 13th! And if you want a chance to win a pair of free tickets to the event, leave us a voicemail with your own angsty, cringey, embarrassing teenage memory — bonus points if it’s got a Denver twist! The number to call is 720-500-5418. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Denver is the Mile High City. Literally, that means we are one mile closer to the sun and that much more vulnerable to skin cancer. But we don’t talk about it! Maybe that’s why 9News meteorologist Kathy Sabine never thought it would happen to her. But early last year she got the all-too-common diagnosis, and she knew her life was going to change. So how does a beloved TV personality deal with a problem like skin cancer? Host Bree Davies sits down with Kathy to talk about her treatment, the reaction from viewers, and why she’s speaking out against the skin cancer stigma. Bree mentioned Westword’s report on the Casa Bonita reopening event on Facebook. Wanna get yourself checked for skin cancer? The American Cancer Society and American Academy of Dermatology offer free screenings. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Terrance Roberts is a former gang member-turned-Park Hill community and civil rights activist. He sits down with host Bree Davies to explain his goal of making Denver a 24-hour city, why he thinks we need public banking, how he’d try to stop youth gun violence, and why he’s a “no” on the proposal to redevelop the Park Hill Golf Course. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Trinidad Rodriguez Thomas Wolf Chris Hansen Mike Johnston Kelly Brough James Walsh Kwame Spearman Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to ask the candidates, or one candidate in particular, email it to us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Kwame Spearman is on leave from his job as CEO of Tattered Cover, which is also co-owns, and he wants to be mayor. He sits down with host Bree Davies to talk about his plan to make Downtown a better place to do business, he personal experience with psychedelics, and how he’d bring his experience running Denver’s most iconic bookstore to the mayor’s office. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Trinidad Rodriguez Thomas Wolf Chris Hansen Mike Johnston Kelly Brough James Walsh Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to ask the candidates, or one candidate in particular, email it to us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It’s Friday and we’re rounding up the stories that caught our eyes — and noses — this week. Producer Paul Karolyi is joined by host Bree Davies and returning favorite, public radio vet and podcast host Jo Ann Allen. First, the issue of public safety in Denver in 2023 has gotten a lot of attention from mayoral candidates on the campaign trail in the last few weeks. A recent piece in Colorado Newsline from Chase Woodruff has us wondering: what does “safety” even mean? Then, in a recent op-ed for the Denver Post, Jo Ann asks a very stinky question: Why can’t Denverites seem to scoop up their own dog’s poop? Finally, newsletter editor Adrian González rounds up the best stuff going on in Denver this weekend! Paul mentioned this episode from earlier in the week about the state of the film industry in Colorado. Check out the latest season of Jo Ann’s podcast “Been There Done That.” Wanna follow our weather expert? Rain or Shine, he’s Andy Stein on TikTok and all socials. Hang out with us in person and hear Bree read her high school journals at the next edition of Mortified Live, happening April 13th! And if you want a chance to win a pair of free tickets to the event, leave us a voicemail with your own angsty, cringey, embarrassing teenage memory — bonus points if it’s got a Denver twist! The number to call is 720-500-5418. Subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Hey Girl Friday Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Of all the dinosaurs, we Coloradans have a special connection to the Stegosaurus. So much so that in February, state lawmakers introduced a bill to create a new license plate honoring the 1876 discovery of our favorite ancient armored herbivore. But that’s not the only reason why our state — and the Front Range in particular — has had such a huge impact on the discovery and study of dinosaurs globally. Host Bree Davies sits down with Dinosaur Ridge’s Erin LaCount, one of Colorado’s foremost dinosaur educators to unearth the story of "the bone rush" and explain how Morrison became one of the most important sites for dino-lovers everywhere. For even more local dino stories and facts, check out Dinosaur Ridge’s new podcast! We want to know: What does “safety” mean to you? It’s become one of the biggest debates in the mayoral race, so we want to talk about what safety means to real Denverites. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your answer on the show soon: (720) 500-5418‬ Subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Hey Girl Friday Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Republican Party of Colorado is in tough shape. They’ve been on a major losing streak since Cory Gardner was elected to the Senate in 2014, and it’s unclear if they can turn things around. But that’s the job six senior Republicans are vying for this weekend as the state GOP convenes to elect a new leader. So host Bree Davies called up one of the last successful Republican strategists in Colorado, Dick Wadhams. He managed statewide campaigns for senate and governor, chaired the state GOP from 2007 to 2011, voted for Trump twice, and he has a lot to say about what the GOP could — and should — be doing to win over Colorado voters. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬ City Cast Denver is hiring! We’re looking for a Senior Account Executive and an Audio Producer to join the Denver team. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Hey Girl Friday Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The 95th Academy Awards will be presented this Sunday in Los Angeles, and at least a couple Coloradans are up for an Oscar. But why not more? And why are so many theaters closing across the metro area? To help celebrate the biggest week in Hollywood, producer Paul Karolyi and newsletter editor Adrian González are surveying the local film landscape, from big changes that could be coming to our state film incentive program to the recent string of theater closings to the secret Canadians who saved The Mayan. Are you going to be watching the Oscar’s on Sunday? Join the official City Cast Denver Oscar’s Pick ‘Em Pool and see how your predictions stack up against Paul and Adrian’s. Sign up and make your picks here. This episode was recorded on location at the Jewish Community Center during their Tzedakah 4 Kids fundraiser supporting the JCC’s ESL and summer programming. If you’d like to support those programs, you can make a donation here: https://www.jccdenver.org/tzedakah-4-kids/ We discussed the new Denver Arts & Venues/CineFe study on the local film and TV industry and the recent Regal and Elvis Cinemas closings. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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: Hey Girl Friday Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Between the high price of natural gas and the push for green energy, conservatives in Colorado have in the last few years become increasingly interested in nuclear power. They have called to replace the old coal plant in Craig with a new small-scale reactor, and GOP state lawmakers recently introduced a bill that would have reclassified nuclear as “clean energy.” Across the country, people are reconsidering the highly stigmatized and highly powerful technology. So today, we are revisiting the story of Colorado’s first and still only nuclear power plant, Fort St. Vrain. Our producer Paul Karolyi first reported this story for Colorado Public Radio in 2019. This episode features an extended version that ran on the podcast Range & Slope. It also features an original, explicit song by Jesse Wooten of the local band Creekbed. Bree mentioned the GoFundMe for Luis Garcia. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

James Walsh is a professor of political science and labor history at CU Denver, and he wants to be mayor. He talks to host Bree Davies about how he’d make Denver the most worker-friendly city in the country, universal basic income, and what he learned riding his bike to all 77 neighborhoods. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Trinidad Rodriguez Thomas Wolf Chris Hansen Mike Johnston Kelly Brough Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to ask the candidates, or one candidate in particular, email it to us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Kelly Brough served as president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and chief of staff for then-mayor John Hickenlooper, and she wants to be mayor. She sits down with producer Paul Karolyi to talk about fixing Denver’s downtown problem, expanding the STAR first responder program, and keeping reckless scooter drivers off the sidewalks. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Trinidad Rodriguez Thomas Wolf Chris Hansen Mike Johnston Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to ask the candidates, or one candidate in particular, email it to us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up all the local stories that mattered this week. At the top of that list: Denver is the third best place in the country to live if you’re Gen Z, according to a recent survey. But what the heck does that mean? We invited Shana Saint-Phard, a young reporter from the TJ Journal, Thomas Jefferson High School’s student paper, to give us an inside look at Gen Z life in Denver, swap some overlooked stories of the week, and help us pick the Official City Cast Denver Maybe For Your Weekend. Check out Westword’s piece on how to celebrate today — 303 Day. Read Shana Saint-Phard’s work in the TJ Journal, from Thomas Jefferson High School. Subscribe to Hey Denver, our kickass morning newsletter, by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or 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

When Politico published its rules for surviving Washington DC, it got us thinking: What are the essential rules for surviving Denver? From how to dress for all occasions (hint: cowboy boots and Tevas carry the same fashion clout) to the question of ‘to smother or not to smother,’ host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and returning fave, Westword reporter Conor McCormick-Cavanagh, to lay down our unofficial rules for how to make it through Mile High. Do you have tips for how to survive Denver? Tell us about them! We want to create the definitive list, and we need your help. Text or call the Surviving Denver Hotline at 720-500-5418, or email us: [email protected]. Bree mentioned the livestream from the Standley Lake eagles. And if you haven’t already, here’s where you can find and read Conor’s complete archive of articles at Westword.com. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Xcel Energy posted $1.7 billion in profits in 2022, yet many Coloradans have seen their energy bills double and in some cases triple this winter. From difficulties accessing payment-assistance programs to frustrations with the arduous process of converting to solar energy, Coloradans are fed up with their power utility. So is this what living with a monopoly feels like? Today host Bree Davies sits down with Xcel Energy Colorado president Robert Kenney to hear how he’s balancing the needs to keep his customers warm, his shareholders happy, and our planet safe from climate catastrophe. If you or someone you know is struggling with high energy bills this winter, Robert recommended sharing this link to resources and programs Xcel offers. Robert also recently wrote an op-ed for The Denver Post laying out ways Xcel is helping customers burdened by big bills. Bree also mentioned this recent story from Sam Brasch at CPR about Xcel Energy’s support for a nonprofit that’s been defending natural gas and pushing against the green energy transition, Coloradans for Energy Access. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

After months of research and planning, Colorado Democrats introduced a big package of gun reform laws last week that tackle everything from an increased age limit for gun purchases to the expansion of red flag laws — and this is just the beginning. Meanwhile in the Mile High, the recent toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has Denverites wondering if something similar and equally dangerous could happen here and what politicians are doing about it. Plus, what two years into Colorado’s wage transparency laws reveal about our job market and how butterflies, bees, and other bugs could positively impact new development. Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Erin O’Toole to break down these topics and discuss Denver’s newest sloth resident and why a Star Wars-inspired name could perfect for the cute baby mammal. Bree mentioned a previous conversation with legislators about gun control: Why Rep. Sullivan Thinks His Colleagues Won’t Talk About Guns. And she referenced a Denver Gazette article on red flag laws and the Club Q shooting, Colorado Sun reporter Tamara Chuang’s excellent, ongoing reporting on jobs and the economy in Colorado, and she discussed with Erin Axios Denver's recent coverage of the Butterfly Pavilion's call for more pollinator-friendly development. Want to name Denver’s newest baby sloth? The Denver Zoo wants your vote! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

The City and County of Denver recently joined cities across the country in banning TikTok from all government devices — meaning city employees cannot download the app on any publicly owned phones. As concerns mount about the Chinese-owned app’s access to Americans’ data, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet has called on Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their stores entirely — meaning no more boutique fashion shows, no more local food adventures, no more pedestrian advocacy, no more access to an inclusive workout coach, and that's just some of the great local accounts we follow. Senator Bennet joins host Bree Davies to explain why he’s so concerned about TikTok and what he’d tell the Denverites who love it. For more, you can follow Senator Bennet on Twitter @senatorbennet, or read a variety of statements he’s made and legislation he’s proposed on the issues posed by TikTok and social media generally: 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 And if you’re upset about the prospect of missing out on all the TikTok recipe videos, don’t worry! Sen. Bennet gave us his favorite tofu recipe. You can find that and more local stories that matter in our newsletter Hey Denver. Subscribe now by texting “Denver” to 66866. We’re hiring! City Cast Denver is looking for an audio producer to join our team. If you live in Denver, love local news and culture, and you know your way around a DAW, check out the full listing and apply by March 10. Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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: JCC presents the Jewish Film Festival (March 11-19) Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mike Johnston served in the state senate for eight years, ran for governor and the U.S. Senate, and most recently was president and CEO of Gary Community Ventures — and he wants to be mayor. He sits down with host Bree Davies to talk about his plan to end homelessness in Denver during his first term, his stance on rent control, and the proposal to widen Peña Boulevard. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Trinidad Rodriguez Thomas Wolf Chris Hansen Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to ask the candidates, or one candidate in particular, email it to us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Chris Hansen is a trained engineer and state senator who has represented Denver for the past six years, and he wants to be Denver’s next mayor. He sits down with producer Paul Karolyi to talk about his controversial TV ad, how he’d lead the Denver Police Department, and his plan to tackle housing costs and homelessness. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Trinidad Rodriguez Thomas Wolf Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to ask the candidates, or one candidate in particular, email it to us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It’s Friday and we’re digging into all the local stories that mattered this week. First, more Mayoral Madness because the debates in recent weeks have gotten pretty spicy on the topics of housing, homelessness, and how candidates feel about the camping ban. Then, we take on a Denver sports mystery: who is really behind the mountain lion mask? Because the Nuggets’ mascot has been missing a lot of half-court shots recently… Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Westword staff writer, regular Cast Denver guest, and sports fanatic Conor McCormick-Cavanagh to break it all down. Plus, newsletter editor Adrian González shares his list of fun things to do this weekend and we pick the official City Cast Denver Maybe — as in, maybe you’ll see us there! Here’s some of Conor’s reporting on the Rocky mascot mystery, and stay tuned this weekend for more Mayoral Madness! We talked about our forthcoming interviews with Mike Johnston and Chris Hansen. Those are running Saturday and Sunday, but you can hear all our mayoral interviews here: https://denver.citycast.fm/home/mayoral-madness/ We mentioned Chris Hansen’s TV ad and the 9News debate. Here are the events we considered: Murder Mystery Dinner at The Fort Mile High Skate Fest Cupid’s Undie Run Denver Nuggets vs L.A. Clippers For more great weekend recs, subscribe to Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: How to Buy a Home Podcast Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Craft breweries can be as intimidating as they are plentiful. But there’s lots to enjoy in the local brewery scene even if you’re not a major beer lover. And newsletter editor Adrian González and producer Paul Karolyi are not beer lovers. They are beer likers, and they are here to help. Host Bree Davies sits down with Paul and Adrian to talk through their favorite breweries for non-alcoholic options, vibes, food and, yeah, also the beer. All the breweries we mentioned: Dry Dock Brewing (Aurora) Raices Brewing (Sun Valley) Ratio Beerworks (Five Points) TRVE Brewing (Baker) Station 26 Brewing (Park Hill) Alpine Dog (Uptown) Black Sky Brewing (Santa Fe Drive) Bull & Bush (Glendale) Dos Luces (South Broadway) Goed Zuur (Five Points) Strange Craft Brewing (Lincoln Park) Brewability (Englewood) Great Divide Brewing Co. (Downtown) Copper Kettle Brewing Company (Indian Creek) Which great breweries did we miss? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your recommendation on the show: (720) 500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: How to Buy a Home Podcast Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The new podcast “Alphabet Boys” is making waves across the country with revelations about how the FBI used an undercover informant to infiltrate the racial justice movement in Denver in the summer of 2020. Told using secret recordings, the story revolves around Michael “Mickey” Windecker, a self-proclaimed counter-terrorism expert who drove a silver hearse full of guns and tried to convince activists to take on increasingly violent plots. Producer Paul Karolyi talks to Alphabet Boys host Trevor Aaronson and one of the activists Windecker targeted, Zebbodios “Zebb” Hall about how Windecker operated and how he undermined the protest movement. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver What would you say is an essential rule for surviving Denver? We’re making our own Denver survival guide, and we need your help. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your rule 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

A series of mysterious incidents in late December forced the Suncor refinery in Commerce City to shut down for weeks. The refinery is reviled by environmental activists and neighbors for its history of polluting our air and water, but it’s also responsible for about 40% of Colorado’s supply of gasoline. So, what if the shutdown was permanent? What if Mother Earth snapped her fingers and it disappeared? Denver Post reporter Noelle Phillips has been covering Suncor for years, and she’s on today with producer Paul Karolyi to explain the current situation and imagine what a Denver without Suncor would look like. Catch up on all Noelle’s reporting on Suncor here: https://www.denverpost.com/author/noelle-phillips/ At the 9News mayoral debate last week, Ean Thomas Tafoya took aim at Chris Hansen over a recent TV ad. Check out our interview with Tafoya, and the rest of our Mayoral Madness coverage — and make sure to stay tuned for our interview with Chris Hansen this weekend. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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: How to Buy a Home Podcast Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Thomas Wolf is an investment banker who has worked for JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, and Crewe Capital, and he wants to be mayor. Thomas sits down with producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how he’d support the arts community, combat gentrification, build bike lanes, and, of course, Casa Bonita. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to ask the candidates, or one candidate in particular, email it to us at [email protected]. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Trinidad Rodriguez is an investment banker who’s served on the board of the Denver Housing Authority and as policy advisor for the Governor’s Policy Office and Office of Energy Conservation, as well as Colorado’s Department of Natural Resources, and he wants to be mayor. Trinidad sits down with producer Paul Karolyi to talk about his plan to improve public safety, his stance on rent control, and how he’d support Denver’s remaining late-night diners. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before Election Day on April 4. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón Ean Thomas Tafoya Thomas Wolf Keep up with Mayoral Madness on our site! For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It's Friday and we're rounding up all the stories that mattered to Denverites this week. First, TikTok: is it a source of endless entertainment and information or a Chinese surveillance operation? And which should we be worried about more? The City of Denver banned the social media app from government-owned devices this week and Colorado’s senior senator Michael Bennet (Democrat) is joining Republican calls to ban it from the app stores, so we’re digging into the local implications of the TikTok situation. Producers Paul Karolyi and Erin O’Toole are digging in with Hey Denver newsletter editor Adrian González. Do you have a favorite local TikTokker? We want to hear about them! Email us your fave at [email protected], or text or leave us a voicemail at (720) 500-5418. We also talked about Denver’s bachelorette party ranking, the El Paso County Sheriff’s response to the allegations of racism we talked about on the show yesterday, the war against prairie dogs in Aurora, touching dead birds, the Mountain Plover Festival, and what should be our official state smell. Mayoral Madness continues this weekend! We’ve got interviews with two more candidates -- investment banker Thomas Wolf and state policy advisor Trinidad Rodriguez — coming Saturday and Sunday. Catch those and all the other candidate interviews we’ve done so far at https://denver.citycast.fm/home/mayoral-madness/ We’re taking Monday off for President’s Day. See you Tuesday! Subscribe to Hey Denver, our kickass morning newsletter, by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or 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

When Courtney and Nicole Mallery were thinking about buying a ranch on the Eastern Plains, other Black people in Denver told them to “be careful out there.” But it was the Mallerys’ dream to live off the land, so they bought some land east of Colorado Springs anyway. A simple dispute over their property line quickly escalated with slaughtered livestock, allegations of a racist conspiracy involving the local sheriff, felony charges for the Mallerys, and nearly $200,000 in donations to a GoFundMe supporting their cause. Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with the president of the Rocky Mountain NAACP, Portia Prescott, to talk through the case, the changing shape of racism in rural Colorado, and the legislation she thinks would have ended this whole thing before it started. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Department has disputed the allegations of racism at length. For more, 9News covered their press conference earlier this week. Paul mentioned the rally planned for this Friday at the Capitol in solidarity with the Mallerys and in support of the CAREN Act. It’s set to begin at 9 a.m. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Do you have a Denver moment of joy you’d like to share? We want to share the good vibes. 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

Colorado has banned rent control since 1981. But with the cost of housing on the rise across the state, including here in Denver, some lawmakers are trying to change that. While Governor Jared Polis has already come out against their proposal, Javier Mabrey thinks he can change the governor’s mind. State Rep. Mabrey is an evictions defense attorney representing southwest Denver, and he’s on today with host Bree Davies to explain why now’s the time to legalize rent control, how it would work in Denver, and how it could fit in Polis’ long-term vision for housing. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver We're on the hunt for Denver's best hot sauce! Leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood, and your favorite local hot sauce, and we'll try to track it down for a taste test 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

It’s Valentine’s Day, so we’re surveying the dining scene with Westword’s food editor Molly Martin and editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun. First, Molly’s recent piece about giving leftovers away to an unhoused person sparked a heated conversation online about how “dangerous” it is to dine out downtown right now. So we’re digging into that thorny topic, then Molly and Patty report back from visiting two iconic Denver-area Western restaurants: The Fort, which is turning 60 this year, and El Rancho, which was recently reopened with new owners and Chef Frank Bonanno. Help celebrate The Fort’s 60th anniversary with a big party this Friday, Feb. 17. Get all the details here. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

In the wake of Brown v. Board of Education, Denver Public Schools created a de facto segregation that was so bad, a group of Park Hill parents sued and their case went all the way to the Supreme Court. That landmark decision in 1973 led to decades of busing, white flight, and now “school choice,” prompting many parents and activists to ask, has DPS become de facto segregated again? To mark the 50th anniversary of Keyes v. School District No. 1, Chalkbeat reporter Melanie Asmar worked with Historic Denver on a new project uncovering the half-century fight to desegregate Denver schools, the challenges that remain today, and the story of one school that’s been at the center of it all: Park Hill’s Stedman Elementary. Parents, don’t forget! Round one of Denver Public Schools’ choice process ends on Tuesday, February 14. Rachel B. Noel and educator Debbi Blair talk about the Noel Resolution in this clip from the Higher Education Diversity Summit. For more on busing, check out this 2019 piece featuring locals recalling their own busing experiences. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Ean Thomas Tafoya is an environmental justice advocate and community organizer with 20 years of experience working with and within local government, he led the campaign to pass the Waste No More ballot initiative in 2019, and he’s running for mayor. He sits down with producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Xcel Energy, Public Safety, and the Park Hill Golf Course. Ean wants you to know that he remembered the name of the coffee shop he mentioned. It’s the Curious Coffee near Colorado Blvd. and I-25. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before the April 4 election. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod Lisa Calderón For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Lisa Calderón is the executive director of Emerge Colorado, previously served as chief of staff for City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, and she’s running for mayor. She sits down with Host Bree Davies to talk about her plan for “transformational transportation,” how she’d adjust the police budget, and her plan for downtown. We are inviting all 17 candidates for interviews before the April 4 election. So far, we've talked to: Renate Behrens Leslie Herod For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It’s Friday and we’re digging deep into all the local stories that mattered this week. First, the mayor’s race isn’t the only big decision facing Denver voters this April. We’ll be picking new City Council members too, and those races are starting to take shape — and in one case, getting pretty nasty. With host Bree Davies out of town, producers Erin O’Toole and Paul Karolyi are talking politics and swapping Valentine’s Day recs with CPR senior host and hopeless romantic Nathan Heffel. We talked about the anonymous mailers attacking D9 councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, the big names in the at-large race, and the swingers club in Centennial. Our picks for your Valentine’s Day: Donate blood Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Pizza Class at Joy Hill B&GC Speakeasy The Cooper Lounge at Union Station And, the weekend events Adrian brought for our consideration: “Titanic” 25th Anniversary Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo at History Colorado Monster Jam Superb Owl All-You-Can-Eat Buffet City Cast Denver is hiring! We’re looking for a Senior Account Executive to join our revenue team. Do you know someone who might be a good fit? Are you someone who might be a good fit? Check out the full listing here and let us know if you have any questions! Subscribe to Hey Denver, our kickass morning newsletter, by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: How to Buy a Home Podcast Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Nearly three years of a global pandemic have done a number on downtown Denver — high vacancy rates, shuttering businesses, low foot traffic, and crime and safety concerns abound. It’s clear every mayoral candidate is going to need a plan to bring life back to our economic center, but the question is how? When Federico Peña was elected mayor in 1983, he faced a very similar set of challenges downtown. But he turned it around with his campaign to “Imagine a Great City,” leading to a period of sustained growth and prosperity. So as we gear up for the mayoral election on April 4, producer Paul Karolyi spoke with Peña about how he did it and what he’s hoping to hear from candidates today. City Cast Denver is looking for a Senior Account Executive to join our revenue team. Do you know someone who might be a good fit? Are you that person? Check out the full listing here. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Help us find Denver’s best hot sauce! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and we’ll track down that hot sauce: (720) 500-5418‬ Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: How to Buy a Home Podcast Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When you pay $80 for an Uber to the airport, how much of that fare goes to the driver? A recent survey of local gig drivers showed that they’re only making an average of $5.49 per hour. That data has brought the debate over gig work back to the state legislature, where some lawmakers are pushing a new “Gig Worker Transparency” bill to require these tech platforms to disclose information about payments to both the drivers and their customers. Today host Bree Davies talks with Uber and Lyft drivers Munir Abuzawida, Michael Machar, and Zaw Tun to get a full picture of what it’s like to work in the gig economy in Denver in 2023. For more from Michael Machar on their recent advocacy work, here’s an op-ed he recently published with the Colorado Sun. Michael, Munir, and Zaw have been organizing with other drivers through a new organization called Colorado Independent Drivers United. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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: How to Buy a Home Podcast 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 breaking down the big stories of the week so far: The mayor’s race is heating up, and we’re finally getting to know the lesser known candidates — like Andy Rougeot, who made some big claims on AM radio recently, which 9News promptly investigated. Then, there’s the story of Maggie Barton, a teacher who was fired from All Souls Catholic school in Englewood — the Archdiocese claims it wasn’t because she’s gay. Later, we talk local business, with VF Corp’s recent slump and Duffeyroll’s surprising growth. Finally, we debut “Paul’s Movie Corner” so producer Paul Karolyi has an excuse to talk about a weird Netflix movie starring Kevin James as the Broncos incoming head coach, Sean Peyton. (Oh, and we have a Casa Bonita update, but shhhh it’s top secret!) Thanks to 9News, CPR, and Denver Business Journal for their reporting and to Bree’s unnamed friend who may or may not have snuck her a photo of the inside of a still-in-progress Casa Bonita renovation. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Should we invite some expert guests to watch the Sean Payton biopic with us? Let us know with a text or 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: Mortified Live: Doomed Valentine’s How to Buy a Home Podcast Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Black History Month, and we’re thinking about the people and experiences that have been foundational to this place. Much of who and what has been depicted as Colorado history paints a picture that is not very diverse, let alone accurate. But Colorado’s history is Black history — today on the show, host Bree Davies talks with Dexter Nelson II, History Colorado’s associate curator of African American History and Cultural Heritage, about The Dry, a Black homestead that dried up long ago. The tale of The Dry is one of Black excellence and perseverance in the face of harsh environmental and social conditions. You can learn more about the Black Heritage Trail and download the new History Colorado app. Additional music in this episode is by Jason Shaw and adapted here under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. In the newscast, Bree mentioned the cute baby sloth born last week at the Denver Zoo, which you can see here. Want to work for City Cast Denver? Check out our latest job posting for a Senior Account Executive. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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: How To Buy a Home podcast Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Renate Behrens worked as a caretaker in Germany before moving to Colorado to get married, and she wants to be Denver’s next mayor. She speaks with producer Paul Karolyi about transportation, homelessness, and Casa Bonita. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

Leslie Herod is a state representative serving parts of Denver, and she wants to be Denver’s next mayor. Host Bree Davies speaks with her about the rising cost of energy, public transportation, the Park Hill Golf Course, and Casa Bonita. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

It’s Friday and we’re talking about the stories we couldn’t stop thinking about this week. Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and returning favorite, public radio veteran and host of the Been There Done That podcast, Jo Ann Allen. Inspired by multimodal-transit advocate Molly McKinley’s op-ed for Westword, the crew talks through the failures of Vision Zero and questions Denver’s ability to get transit and pedestrian infrastructure right. Then, Jo Ann connects the brutality of Tyre Nichols’ murder at the hands of police with a recent incident in Colorado Springs. Finally, newsletter editor Adrian González joins with some ideas on how to spend your weekend. Paul discussed the success of Vision Zero in Oslo, Norway, and mentioned Denver’s big new transportation vision document laying out how the city plans to shift away from car dependency and toward more biking, walking and public transit. Jo Ann mentioned an opinion piece from Charles M. Blow in the New York Times about the murder of Tyre Nichols. Here are the events Adrian brought us to consider: Museo’s First Friday Celebration of Afro-Latinx Identity Los Mocochetes in Concert Soleful: MCA’s Closing Night Celebration of The Dirty South USA Curling Championships Subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter @citycastdenver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

We’ve tackled breakfast burritos. We’ve eaten our way through Denver’s donut scene. We’ve chowed down on fried chicken and compared Denver-style, Mission-style burritos. Finally, we’re taking on the toughest tussle of them all: tacos. But not just any tacos, we’re talking al pastor street tacos. Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi, newsletter editor Adrian González, and producer Erin O’Toole to taste test four of the top street tacos from across the metro area. An old school favorite, a downtown newcomer, an urban-suburban superstar, and an esteemed west, West side staple go head-to-head as the City Cast Denver crew decides: Who makes Denver’s best street taco? Our street taco competitors: La Diabla Pozole & Mezcal El Taco de Mexico Tacos Selene La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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

If you’ve been in Denver for a while, you’ve seen the work of internationally renowned artist Anthony Garcia. Born n’ raised in Globeville, he paints with bold, bright colors and serape-inspired patterns to create murals that enrobe whole buildings across the metro area and take over gallery walls from Miami to Amsterdam. Recently, the artist collaborated with the GES Coalition, an environmental and housing justice organization created by and serving the Globeville Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods, to paint two homes taken from GES families through eminent domain. Host Bree Davies met up with Anthony and GES Coalition organizer Alfonso Espino on the block where these two houses still stand to talk about how art, activism, and community connection made this painting project a reality. And make sure to follow our instagram to see these beautiful new pieces for yourself! For the whole backstory to the Torres family’s displacement through eminent domain, we recommend this feature story from Westword. The GES Coalition is working on a variety of different projects to advance their campaign and strengthen their land trust, including this new affordable housing/library project that could be coming soon. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Or instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Got a moment of Denver joy you want to share? 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

Do you have what it takes to be “entertainer (wet)” — aka, a cliff diver at Casa Bonita? The South Park guys are hiring ahead of their planned May re-opening. Meanwhile, many Denverites’ energy bills have more than doubled in the past few months while Xcel posted massive profits for 2022 — so, what gives? And on the transit front, RTD is debating a policy change that would prohibit passengers without a set destination from riding the light rail. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi break down these local stories and more as they dig what Denverites are talking about this week. Plus, Paul and Bree answer a listener question about population growth and revisit the hilarious vanity license plate convo from last week. Paul mentioned Xcel’s record profits, Jon Caldara and the Independence Institute’s crusade against Xcel, and Xcel’s tips for reducing your energy bill. Don’t miss our guide for how to help our neighbors struggling to pay energy bills, which we published in our newsletter Hey Denver yesterday. You can subscribe to Hey Denver for even more news from around the city by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver 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: Mortified Live: DOOMED VALENTINE’S Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise