City Cast Denver

For the first time in his now five years as governor, Jared Polis is focusing on housing. Whether its an urban, rural, or suburban community, every part of Colorado is just too expensive. So how does our uber-popular, tech-loving, libertarian-leaning governor plan to tackle the housing issue? And what would a hypothetical future Polis-opolis look like? CPR state politics and housing reporter Andy Kenney is on today with our chief Polis watcher and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about how the Governor thinks about housing and how he could re-shape our cities. Hear more from Andy and the CPR politics team as they cover the housing debate at the Capitol on the Purplish podcast. Andy mentioned State Sen. Julie Gonzales and the rare moment of bipartisanship over housing at last year’s legislative session. Don’t miss our interview with Gonzales about how that all went down. Paul mentioned the recent closure of the Tea with Tae shop at 16th and California. 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 rounding up the stories that caught our eye this week. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Denver Post reporter Elizabeth Hernandez to chat all things fowl and lewd (as in crude license plates!) Demand for chicks and home hen house supplies has skyrocketed as consumers reel from the egg shortage, and Elizabeth has the inside scoop. We’re also talking about personalized license plates and what the DMV has decided which ones are too hot for your Honda — sorry FASTMFR and SHAGWEL, you’re not getting those plates! Stay til the end for our recommendations on the best things to do this weekend in Denver with newsletter editor Adrian González! Plus, Paul and Bree talk about the mayor’s race and how, exactly, City Cast Denver hopes to best inform voters on this crowded field of 17 candidates. We want to hear from you, too! Do you have a question you’d like every candidate to answer? Or one question for a specific candidate? Leave us your name, neighborhood, and question in a text or voicemail at 720-500-5418. Paul mentioned Colorado’s slowing population growth and the full list of rejected personalized license plates. Subscribe to Hey Denver, our kickass morning newsletter, 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

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. And boy, do we in the West really need to figure out how to use less water. The federal government has imposed a February 1 deadline for the seven Colorado River Basin states to come up with a new conservation plan, so what would be realistic for us in the Denver metro area to contribute? Colorado Sun environment reporter Michael Booth is on today to talk about two new innovative water projects — a “MacGuyver-esque” wastewater recycling system in Aurora, and the new “cloud seeding” effort outside Longmont. 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

On our hunt for Denver’s best street tacos, we stumbled on a story we had to share: After decades working in other peoples’ restaurants on the Northside, Jose Ramirez ventured into the suburbs to open Los Dos Potrillos in 2002. Serving his version of Colorado’s famed green chile alongside dishes reflecting his hometown of Jerez, Zacatecas in Mexico, Jose gained a loyal following. Now Jose’s sons, Luis and Daniel, have taken over Los Dos with big dreams to become the “Shake Shack of Mexican food.” The brothers now oversee four locations across the metro area, have launched a brewery, are planning a fast-casual spin-off, and have their sights set on 20 more new locations across Colorado in the next few years — including a massive, 8,000-square-foot Los Dos flagship in Castle Rock. So ahead of their next opening in Northglenn next month, host Bree Davies sits down with the Ramirez brothers to talk about their take on Den-Mex. What do you think? Does Los Dos Potrillos make the best street tacos in Denver? Or is there somewhere else we absolutely have to try? Leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood, and your favorite local street taco purveyor, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬. Bree mentioned the launch of universal preschool in Colorado. Click here to learn more and check your child’s eligibility. 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 Tuesday and we’ve got everything you need to know about the local stories Denverites are talking about: Meth residue found inside libraries in Englewood, Boulder, and Littleton is causing concern, the gun debate heats up at the Capitol after another mass shooting, and we regret to inform you that the Aurora police department is at it again. Plus, all the taco news you can use — first, Westword’s deep dive into the Taco Bell-rat poisoning scandal exposes some flimsy evidence; and second, we hear from a listener about his favorite immersive street taco experience in Westwood. Two recent Aurora Sentinel op-eds encapsulate the frustration with Aurora’s police department: Dave Perry’s “Aurora Police Department problems are so bad, someone should call the cops — somewhere else” and “Stop protecting Aurora police from themselves — the city must protect the public first” from the Sentinel Editorial Board. We’re going to have a full update on Monday evening’s Park Hill Golf Course vote at City Council later this week, but don’t miss our breakdown of the whole saga on Monday’s episode. 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

For almost 100 years, the Park Hill neighborhood has featured an 18-hole golf course. But then a major developer, Westside Investment Partners, bought the land and put forth ambitious plans to redevelop the site into a walkable new community and park. The purchase sparked a neighborhood fight that’s escalated into a city-wide debate over housing, growth, and change. And if City Council approves Westside’s rezoning request tonight, Denver voters will decide on the defunct golf course’s future on April 4. It’s a complicated and controversial situation, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sharing some clips from past interviews and catching you up on the saga of the Park Hill Golf Course. Check out our past coverage of the Park Hill Golf Course fight: WTF is Happening with the Park Hill Golf Course? (Part One) Park Hill Gold Course (Part Two): The Developers Speak! If you want to learn more about Westside Investment Partners’ vision for the Park Hill Golf Course, here’s a link to their website. Friend of the show Conor McCormick-Cavanagh reported more details about the 303 ArtWay Heritage Trail for Westword. Bree mentioned the Beast Fingers Climbing Gym in Globeville needing support, which you can do on their website. Read the full saga of the gym in this Westword piece from Catie Cheshire. 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 We want to hear about your moments of joy in Denver! Leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your story 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 that means we’re looking back at the local stories that mattered this week. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by returning fave Sam Brasch of Colorado Public Radio. We discuss the hot topic of gas stoves and how Colorado got tangled up in what at first seemed to be a very Florida mess. Plus, our resident nerd Paul runs a game of “Did Governor Polis Actually Say That?” as Sam and Bree try to guess which geeky pop culture references came out of the governor’s mouth. As always, newsletter editor Adrian González joins the crew to share some fun things to do this weekend around the Mile High. Don’t forget to send us your street taco recs! Text or leave us a voicemail with your favorite spot, your name and neighborhood at 720-500-5418. Paul mentioned the alleged rat poisoning at a local Taco Bell. Learn more about the Denver climate rebates for electrification on the city’s website. Read guest Sam Brasch’s reporting on the Healthy Homes Program over at Denverite. Looking for more ideas for your weekend plans? Subscribe to Hey Denver, our kickass morning newsletter, by texting “Denver” to 66866, or click here. We are on Twitter: @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

Once upon a time, New Belgium Brewing ruled the craft brew scene in Colorado, and Fat Tire was its flagship beer. When the Fort Collins–based brewmasters debuted their signature amber ale in 1991, it inspired imitators, dominated shelves, and satisfied beer lovers for decades… until it didn’t. This week, New Belgium announced they were giving Fat Tire a whole new look and taste. Today on the show, host Bree Davies talks with Denver Post editor and unofficial Colorado Beer Man Jonathan Shikes about what it means for an old favorite to be reformulated, repackaged, and re-introduced to a new generation of craft beer drinkers Denver Post’s cannabis and beer reporter Tiney Ricciardi wrote about the big changes at New Belgium earlier this week. And Jonathan mentioned Axios reporter John Frank’s assessment of the new Fat Tire. 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

Mayoral hopefuls are rolling out their strategies to tackle public safety and homelessness, and others have set social media abuzz with plans for more snow plowing — in other words, the race is on! But there’s still a crucial hurdle to clear before the dozens of aspiring leaders make the ballot: 300 verified, unique signatures from registered Denver voters. With that deadline coming up this Thursday, some candidates may not end up running after all. Today on the show, host Bree Davies chats with Westword editor in-chief Patty Calhoun about who’s saying what, whose ambitious plans she’s watching, and the historic precedent for snowplows swaying mayoral elections. Bree mentioned Kelly Brough’s comments on sweeps (9News) and the comments from one of her supporters (Denverite). 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

The National Western Stock Show has been an annual attraction in Denver since 1906, bringing cowboys, cowgirls, farmers, ranchers, and agri-business titans here to buy, sell, show, and celebrate all things agriculture. But the big question is, how relevant is this famous show to an evolving modern city like Denver today? We wanted to understand what it meant to one Arvada family, so today on the show, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi tagged along with the Leathermans on a trip to the National Western Complex to meet their goat farmer daughter and watch her (and her goat) in the junior market goat show. 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 sponsors of this episode: How to Buy a Home Podcast 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

It’s Friday! And we’re looking back at the news of the week with one of our favorite returning guests — podcaster extraordinaire and weed expert Ann Marie Awad. She joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig deep into two debates over the state of our streets. Does Denver suck at plowing snow? And should we decriminalize jaywalking? Plus, Bree has a few words of remembrance for the great architecture critic Mary Voelz Chandler who passed this week, and as usual, we’ll help you pick some cool stuff to do this weekend. We mentioned Michael Paglia’s remembrance of Mary Voelz Chandler for Westword (and her own excellent blog, Chandler in Denver, and her 2021 appearance on our show), Jim Charlier’s epic twitter thread on plowing policy, and this Denverite article on the plowing problem: Is Denver Bad at Snow Plowing? For more cool event recs and news from around the city, subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter @citycastdenver Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Westwood Academy Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise We reached out to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for comments on the plowing situation. Here are their responses, edited for length: CCD: Do you know if DOTI has any plans to re-assess its snow removal strategy? If so, how does the changing climate factor into those plans? The storm we received on December 29 was a particularly challenging storm event in that it was a wet, heavy, spring-like snow that hit during the coldest time of year. The snow also fell at very fast rate (1 to 3 inches an hour). Conditions on the main streets improved with subsequent passes by the plows. It was unusual for us to have a spring-like storm in December. So, we will be looking at… was this a one-time thing? Or a new trend amid global warming? These are the things that we’ll look at --- any new trends over the course of several seasons and see if we need to adjust. Here is more on that: we assess our snow program after every snow season, especially as we install more and new kinds of bike infrastructure, to evaluate what kinds of new equipment we might need, and so that we can make a budget ask for it. we will want to keep main streets a priority to ensure emergency vehicles and people can get where they need to go. we’re interested in continuous improvement and in discussing snow removal approaches that better support alternative modes of travel during the winter months, and large-scale programmatic changes will require expansions in people and in equipment. COVID put us in budget reduction mode, but as our city recovers, there may be opportunities in upcoming budget cycles to reignite discussions about service level expansions that the administration and elected officials want to fund. CCD: I saw that the budget for plowing was $3 million in 2019. I can’t seem to find a more current budget. Do you happen to have that figure as well? We have about $3M in 2023 as well. If we need additional dollars due to an unusually active snow season or a big event at the end of the year, we would ask for a supplemental. Safety comes first.

Grocery prices are through the roof, but gas is under $3 a gallon. The housing market in Denver finally seems to be cooling, but mortgage interest rates are high. Governor Polis campaigned for re-election on how well Colorado is doing, but some experts say a recession is looming. So, what gives? What’s going on with Denver’s — and Colorado’s — economy and how should we feel about it in 2023? Today on the show, host Bree Davies talks with Rich Wobbekind, senior economist at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, about inflation, the job market, and if we should be worried about that recession or not. 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 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: Westwood Academy Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

“Given the city’s strained resources, the expansion of recycling and compost service next year will be a significant burden that might not come with the hoped-for environmental benefits.” Denver’s auditor Tim O’Brien wrote those words back in November about the 2023 rollout of some big changes to our waste removal system. Denverites will soon have both compost and recycling pickup weekly for free — but residents will also be charged by volume for trash service. Plus, voters approved the Waste No More ballot initiative, making it mandatory for all private businesses (including apartment buildings) to offer compost and recycling. We wanted to see for ourselves how the rollout is going, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi took a trip to The Dump, AKA the Denver South Transfer Station on S. Cherry Creek Drive, to talk with Denver’s trash experts. Vanessa mentioned the waste directory that can help you figure out where to put your waste. You can find that at Denvergov.org/recycle. Bree mentioned the city’s waste information app, which you can find by searching “Denver trash and recycling” in the app store of your choice. 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 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: Westwood Academy 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 bringing you a midweek roundup of news across the metro area: As migrants and asylum seekers continue to show up in Denver, things get more complicated — we have the latest on Governor Polis’s recent people-moving plan. Plus, another dude jumps in the race for mayor, e-bike rebates are back, and why Su Teatro is burning their mortgage (it’s for a really good reason, we promise!) To round out the show, we help a listener with her burning question: how do adults make friends in Denver? Paul mentioned this tweet from mayoral candidate and Western wear enthusiast Kelly Brough. Here are some links to learn more about the stories we mentioned: Tattered Cover CEO Kwame Spearman Is Running for Denver Mayor [Westword] Letter to Colorado governor highlights growing frustration with migrant crisis [Denver7] Denver e-bike rebates are back, but smaller [Axios] Su Teatro’s 50th anniversary production: Torch a mortgage. This won’t be fiction. [Denverite] Mayoral candidate Chris Hansen’s spicy snow plow tweet Denver’s planning to shut down emergency migrant shelters at rec centers [Denverite] 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: Westwood Academy Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Denver Broncos opened their 2022-23 season with Mile High expectations. A new ownership group led by deep-pocketed Walmart heirs made a big splash signing superstar quarterback Russell Wilson to a $245 million contract, and the new head coach Nathaniel Hackett boasted a championship pedigree (his father Paul Hackett coached Joe Montana to a Super Bowl victory in 1984.) Still, the losses piled up, and our Donkeys ended the season yesterday, far from playoff contention. We invited our sports guy Jake Shapiro of Denver Sports back to explain where the Broncos could go from here, what should be done about Russell Wilson, and what it all means for the long-rumored plans for a new stadium which, depending on if —or where— it gets built could reshape Denver as we know it. 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: Westwood Academy 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 back in studio rounding up the news of the week! The legislative session kicks off Monday, and after the GOP‘s face-plant in November, the Dems hold a super majority. So, what are they gonna do with all that power? Our official state politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to dish her legislative speculation. Plus, we’re talking all about the Stock Show, which stampeded back into town on Thursday. Think you know about one of the biggest agricultural events in the region? Paul puts Justine and Bree’s Stock Show knowledge to the test. Plus, stay tuned until the end of the show for some sweet weekend recommendations and a bittersweet goodbye (and hello) for the City Cast Denver team. Definitely check out Dos Luces Brewery’s site for a better explanation of their special chicha and pulque brews. The events we considered for the Official City Cast Denver Maybe For Your Weekend: inspiraHike for the new year! Sensory friendly morning at the DAM Movies at the CO Symphony - Harry Potter Beer dinner at Dos Luces Subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter @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

Next time you find yourself in LoDo or wandering around near Union Station, look down. Just below the streets of downtown, there’s a maze of old, out-of-commission tunnels that used to connect our hotels, restaurants, and stores of yore. Glimpses of these alternative pathways still exist at street level, if you know where to look. Today on the show, host Bree Davies talks with Tracy Beach, author of “The Tunnels Under Our Feet: Colorado’s Forgotten Hollow Sidewalks,” about this turn-of-the-last-century phenomenon. Beach explains what the tunnels were used for, who used them, and how to spot the remnants of these lost transit spaces today. Bree mentioned our tour last year of the Pueblo-themed Fuel & Iron Bar (which has since rebranded as Honor Farm), the racist anti-Chinese riot of 1880 (which she discussed with Dr. William Wei in 2021), and her interview with Coffee at the Point owner Ryan Cobbins from last year. Check out the Hey Denver newsletter for even more news, Denver history, and fun stuff to do! https://denver.citycast.fm/newsletter/ We are on Twitter: @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

We’re catching you up on all the top stories of the week so far: The Broncos went from bad to worse. Tattered Cover’s OG owner passed away. Denver continues to greet busloads of migrants and asylum seekers, even as the city and aid groups are overwhelmed. The Suncor Oil Refinery was shut down temporarily, which could impact air quality (in a good way) and gas prices (in a bad way). Oh, and a 16th Street Mall institution may have closed its doors forever. We know you, our listeners, like our Friday news roundups, so host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are trying out this new mid-week wrangling of top stories and info! Let us know what you think: reach us via email [email protected] or leave us a message on the City Cast Denver hotline: (720) 500-5418‬. Bree mentioned Axios’s coverage of the migrant situation; if you’d like to help, the city has shared information on needs and donation options on its website. 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 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

We can’t predict Denver’s future, but — what if we could get some guidance from the universe on how our 2023 will be? To start off the new year, host Bree Davies called up her favorite tarot reader, astrologer, and astral guide Lady Speech for a reading. In a take on the traditional three-card tarot spread, Lady Speech pondered our big questions: Will Denver’s mysterious “downtown dilemma” be solved? Can the local arts scene keep thriving and bring some stability to our artists? What in the heck is going to happen with our 2023 mayoral election? 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. And Instagram: @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

Programming Note: We’re taking some time off around the new year. We’ll be back with new episodes starting on January 3. All this week, Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi counted down Denver’s top five stories of 2022. Today, we’re revealing #1, what should be done about downtown? 5. Hockeytown, USA 4. Tipping Fatigue 3. The Rise of Worker Power 2. Legal Reefer Madness 1. The Downtown Dilemma This episode originally aired on April 1, 2022, and features Bree, Paul, former producer Xandra McMahon, and Denverite reporter Kyle Harris. 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 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

Weed. It’s been legal for 10 years, and it feels more fraught than ever. All this week on City Cast Denver, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are counting down 2022’s top five stories in Denver. Today, #2, how had legal weed changed Denver? And how has it remained the same? 5. Hockeytown, USA 4. Tipping Fatigue 3. The Rise of Worker Power 2. Legal Reefer Madness 1. ??? Continue listening to the 1800 S Broadway Saga! Part Two Talkback We also mentioned this episode where we visited Tetra Lounge, Denver’s first-ever, smoke-friendly public weed consumption site. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 If there’s still Twitter… @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

2022, what a year, am I right? Lots of ups, lots of downs. And we made it. All this week on City Cast Denver, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are counting down 2022’s top five stories in Denver. Today, #3, grocery workers, baristas, gig workers, cannabis growers, public employees, etc. etc. etc. 5. Hockeytown, USA 4. Tipping Fatigue 3. The Rise of Worker Power 2. ??? 1. ??? This episode originally aired on January 14, 2022. Other workers’ rights stories we’ve done: Why Are King Soopers Workers Going on Strike? ‘I Walk In Everyday Expecting To Be Fired’: Inside The Starbucks Union Effort She Says Amazon Fired Her For Speaking Out. Now She’s Fighting Back For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us while there’s still Twitter: @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

As the days tick down to the new year, we’re looking back at 2022. All this week on City Cast Denver, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are counting down the 2022’s top five stories in Denver. Today, #4, the bill is here. How much are you gonna tip? 5. Hockeytown, USA 4. Tipping Fatigue 3. ??? 2. ??? 1. ??? This episode originally aired on September 9, 2022. Newsletter editor Peyton mentioned this funny video that lays out an argument against tipping and the Bonanno Concepts’ explanation of their service fee. Check out the other episodes we’ve done on tipping: Should Tipping Have a Place in Our New Normal? These Service Industry Vets Have Choice Words For Your ‘Tipping Fatigue’ Your Questions on Coffee, Tipping, and the Megadrought 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 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

Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are counting down the top five stories in Denver in 2022. Today’s episode kicks off with some honorable mentions and #5, a turning point moment for local hockey. 5. Hockeytown, USA 4. ??? 3. ??? 2. ??? 1. ??? A longer version of this episode originally aired on July 1, 2022. Dive into our coverage of the runner-up stories of the year: We Get Lost in David Byrne's ‘Theater of the Mind’ Denver Deserves Sidewalks. Will Voters Agree? Can Denver Rethink What We Throw Away? How Denver Voted Does Denver Have a Parking Problem? 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 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

Just as we were setting our away messages and logging off for the holiday season, Denver got the biggest news of the year: the South Park guys announced an official reopening date for Casa Bonita! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi jumped on the mic to share their first reactions to the video announcement from South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, and their head chef, decorated culinary master Dana "Loca" Rodriguez. We swear, this is real!! Check out the video for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rogxbMwifw And keep your eyes on the feed next week. We’ve got a really fun end-of-year project that we’ve been working on to share. For more on the Casa Bonita saga, our most recent episode on the topic was published on August 16, 2022, and featured 9News reporter Jeremy Jojola's investigative look into the CB re-opening project. 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 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 about to put another interesting year on the books. Depending on how you look at it, we celebrated some major victories… and took some embarrassing Ls. Today on the show, host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and a couple of regulars from Westword, editor in chief Patty Calhoun and staff writer Conor McCormick-Cavanagh, to discuss their picks for the most epic wins and fails for the city in 2022. Programming note: We’re off tomorrow, but we’ll be back next week with something really cool to ring in the new year. 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 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

Tonight marks the fourth night of Hanukkah, and it’s time to settle the age-old question: who makes the best latke in Denver? Two brave home chefs stepped up to challenge three local Jewish restaurant institutions — Zaidy’s, Rosenberg’s, and Safta — at the Jewish Community Center’s first annual best latke competition earlier this week. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi were on hand to eat too many latkes and vote alongside the community to see who would take home the coveted golden latke and reign supreme as the latke champion of Denver. The JCC is hosting candle-lightings and other free events to celebrate Hanukkah. Learn more at jccdenver.org. Bree mentioned an opportunity to make $25/hour to help migrants arriving in Denver in need of support during the upcoming cold. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Additional music in the episode was performed at the event by Carly Coons, assistant director of Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado. Follow us on Twitter: @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

As we longingly wait for snow to blanket the Mile High in time for the holidays, there’s always the mountains — the place where we can reaIly get that Colorado winter experience, AKA hot springs! And boy, does our fair region have a lot of different kinds of places to choose from. So are you looking for a hideaway in the woods or a swimming pool at a resort? Do you prefer wearing a swimming suit or your birthday suit? What hot springs behavior makes you cringe? Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia to dish on their fav hot springs destinations across Colorado and beyond. A list of all the hot springs we discussed in today’s episode: Conundrum Mt. Princeton Indian Hot Springs (Idaho Springs) Glenwood Springs Strawberry Park Iron Mountain Hot Sulphur Springs Valley View (Orient Land Trust) Montezuma (Las Vegas, NM) Ojo Caliente (NM) Durango Cottonwood For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Tell us about your favorite hot springs on Twitter: @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

Or does parking have a Denver problem? It’s an age-old question that’s become particularly controversial lately, with increasing concerns over the vitality of downtown. So what could be done to fix our parking problem? And is parking even the right thing to focus on? Host Bree Davies gets to the bottom of it with Denver’s number one urban planning power couple: Frank and Jill Locantore. Frank was last on the show representing the Colfax Ave. Business Improvement District, an epicenter for our parking woes; and Jill is the executive director of Denver Streets Partnership and the architect of the #DenverDeservesSidewalks campaign, which voters approved by a wide margin back in the November election. Jill mentioned a great tweet thread from past City Cast Denver guest and CPR transportation reporter Nate Minor. For more on parking, Frank recommends this video from Vox: “The High Cost of Free Parking.” In the newscast, we mentioned that the city is looking for volunteers to help with the influx of more than 900 migrants and asylum seekers who have come to Denver in the last few months. 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 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

This weekend, we’re excited to share the first episode from the new season of Laws of Notion, the podcast produced by The Institute of Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This new season is all about a big story we’ve been talking about all year: water. There’s not enough of it! Or maybe we just don’t know what to do with the water we’ve got? There are a lot of challenges facing Colorado when it comes to water, and this episode is a great place to start understanding them on a deeper level. You can learn more about The Institute of Science and Policy at institute.dmns.org. And to access more podcast episodes, along with additional content, go to LawsOfNotion.org. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The cost of groceries is too damn high! And it could be going even higher, based on the reporting from our guest for this week’s news round-up. Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser’s look into the local impacts of the proposed $25 billion Albertson’s/Kroger merger, the old law driving up the price of eggs, Dairy Queen, and more. Plus, Hey Denver newsletter editor Peyton Garcia joins us to pick our Official Maybe For Your Weekend, because as usual, she’s got lots of great ideas for cool stuff happening across the city in today’s Hey Denver newsletter. Here are Megan’s stories on Kroger/Albertson’s and AG Weiser, and the new regulations on eggs. Here are the stories we thought went overlooked this week: Megan - “From heart disease to IUDs: How doctors dismiss women’s pain” Bree -”Certain Denver Parks Warn Adults Without Children to Stay Away” Paul - “Scientists Achieve Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough With Blast of 192 Lasers” Subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter @citycastdenver Learn more about the sponsors 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

An astounding 85% of all pizza cheese is supplied by the Denver-based company Leprino Foods, which is controlled by one man, the reclusive billionaire James “Jim” Leprino. But that’s pretty much all we knew about Leprino until recently, when his nieces took him to court and forced the family’s billion-dollar succession drama into the public record. Producer Paul Karolyi sits down with reporter Helen Xu (also known as Helen X), who was in the courtroom for Westword, to share previously unknown details about how Leprino cornered the mozzarella market, his humble origins in his father’s Northside Italian market, and the inner workings of one of Denver’s most fascinating and secretive companies. 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 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: 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

In a highly controversial vote two years ago, Coloradans narrowly approved a proposal to reintroduce wolves to the state. But a breakdown of the vote revealed the more complicated challenge ahead: urban voters, who may not have direct interactions with the wolves, overwhelmingly said yes, while rural voters — like ranchers, who have concerns about livestock safety — tended to skew against the measure. So how is this actually going to work? Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a draft of their plan to reintroduce wolves last week, and today CPR reporter Sam Brasch joins host Bree Davies to talk about the vote, the plan, and why scientists think it’s a good idea to bring these deadly predators back to Colorado. 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 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

While Colorado Springs is still dealing with the aftermath of the Club Q shooting, there’s something else that’s clung to the city in a negative way: its reputation as a conservative, fundamentalist Christian stronghold that espouses strong anti-LGBTQ beliefs. That stereotype has never defined it for the people who actually live there, though — and now that the world is looking at Colorado’s second largest city, many in the community want to challenge what those outside the Springs think they know about this special place. Today on the show, Representative-elect Stephanie Vigil — who will be representing the district where Club Q is located — joins host Bree Davies to talk about the vibrant, creative, and diverse community that they say defines the city they know. We talked about the Ted Haggard and the New Life Church, which was rocked by scandal in the early 2000s. Subscribe to Hey Denver, our kickass morning newsletter, by texting “Denver” to 66866] Follow us on Twitter @citycastdenver We’re looking for your hot springs recommendations! Leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood, and favorite mineral pool 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

The alleged shooter who opened fire inside Club Q last month, killing five people, had prior run-ins with law enforcement, including reportedly threatening members of his own family with a homemade bomb. It would seem to be a textbook scenario for use of Colorado’s red flag law to prevent the purchase of weapons used in the attack. But that didn’t happen — and that’s left many wondering if ordering those weapons to be confiscated would have saved lives. Today on the show, Colorado Sun reporter Jesse Aaron Paul talks with host Bree Davies about the complexities of red flag laws, and what’s next in the ongoing legislative fight to stem gun violence. Follow Jesse Paul’s reporting on the Club Q shooting in The Colorado Sun. 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 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 another Friday news roundup! This week, podcaster and cannabis expert Ann Marie Awad joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to dig through local stories big and small. First, the crew discusses the recent controversy around the Colorado Healing Fund and talk about “solidarity not charity” models of giving, like mutual aid networks. Then, Paul, Ann Marie, and Bree dig into a highly controversial listener question about parking in central Denver. Finally, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia pulls up to the table to bring us her top four picks for the Official City Cast Denver Maybe For Your Weekend! Bree mentioned the recent RTD customer satisfaction survey results. Ann Marie and Bree mentioned several mutual aid networks, support programs, and food access organizations in the metro area: Denver Community Fridges Rocky Mountain Mutual Aid Network Denver Food Rescue Snow Angels - snow removal And here’s the piece Bree wrote about how mutual aid works Folks looking for an alternative to the Colorado Healing Fund can support Club Q survivors through this GoFundMe, set up by Good Judy Garage. Here are the events Peyton proposed for our Official Maybe For Your Weekend: Festival de Tamale y Atole - Westwood (who is definitely NOT paying Peyton ;) ) Ugly sweater contest at Park Meadows Mall Xmas movie night - Grounds for Dismissal Coffee + s’mores board - Aurora 37th Annual Children’s Hospital Toy Drive - Aurora Sports Park Find even more cool events every week - subscribe to our newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866. For updates from on the construction at the Central Library, check here: https://www.denverlibrary.org/central-library-bond-updates. 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

Ten years after Lakewood baker Jack Phillips refused to bake a cake for a gay wedding, a similar case went before the Supreme Court this week — yet again involving a Denver-area professional refusing to serve same-sex couples. But the make-up of the court is very different, and the outcome is anyone’s guess. CPR’s justice reporter Allison Sherry was in Washington this week to hear oral arguments, and she’s on today with host Bree Davies to break down the case — what’s at stake for our civil rights laws and why Coloradans keep bringing this type of case. 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 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 lost so many restaurants to the pandemic — RIP Racines, To The Wind, Tables, Piatti, etc. — but there are great new spots popping up all the time and plenty of old favorites going strong! So we’re looking back at a killer year in Denver dining with Westword’s food editor Molly Martin, who just published her annual list of 100 restaurants we can’t live without. Is the food hall trend floundering? Do celebrity chefs have any cache left in Mile High? And what’s behind the rise of the bakery/restaurant? Molly’s got her finger on the pulse and her eyes on the menu. Restaurants Molly specifically mentioned: El Taco de Mexico (Santa Fe.) Sam’s No. 3 (Glendale, Aurora, Downtown) Bakery Four (Tennyson St.) Bánh & Butter Bakery Cafe (East Colfax) Bourbon Grill (Uptown) Oak at Fourteenth (Boulder) Corrida (Boulder) Three Saints Revival (Downtown) The Wolf’s Tailor (Sunnyside) Blazing Chicken Shack (Park Hill) Hits the Spot (Lakewood) Poppie’s (University Hills) Mama Lolita’s (Broomfield) Stone Cellar Bistro (Arvada) Denver Central Market (RiNo) Apple Blossom (Downtown) Bodega (Valverde) Bree and Molly also discussed the ups and downs of food halls, including the recent change-up at Zeppelin Station, and the latest celebrity chef to open a new spot in Denver, Ludo Lefebvre. 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 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

Sure, Denverites love the Parade of Lights and the tree lighting at Union Station. But what else is there to do here during the holiday season? Today on the show, host Bree Davies is joined by newsletter editor Peyton Garcia for a rundown of some of the best Christmas-y things to do, see, and eat in the Mile High. From pop-up bars and holiday markets to tamale tastings and visits with Santa, we’ve got a variety of seasonal recommendations to fill your December calendar and make the yuletide great! Stuff we mentioned: Christkindl Market at Civic Center Park (Plus, Peyton mentioned this list of first-timers tips) Denver Zoo Lights Camp Christmas (Listen to Bree’s tour with director Lonnie Hanzon from last year) Holiday Tea at Hotel Boulderado Miracle, the Christmas cocktail pop-up Festival Del Tamal Y Atole 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 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 Denver Post published a blockbuster three-part investigation last week, unveiling the spokes of an international criminal conspiracy with Denver as a key hub — the Denver Art Museum, in fact. Their fifth floor Bunker Gallery is so-named for Emma C. Bunker, “The Scholar,” as she was known in court papers connected to the scheme. From her Denver home, she validated and elevated the false claims of Douglas Latchford, an art dealer and collector who trafficked in priceless relics looted from southeast Asia. Producer Paul Karolyi talks to reporter Sam Tabachnik, who investigated the story for more than a year, including on the ground in Cambodia and Thailand. Paul mentioned the new venue for Frozen Dead Guy Days and Denver’s laudatory efforts to replace lead water pipes. 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 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

What does it mean to have a safe space? We tackle that question from two different directions in this week’s Friday news round-up. First, Club Q’s owner has pledged to re-open after the mass shooting left 5 dead and 22 injured less than two weeks ago. Will it still be a respite for the LGBTQ community of Colorado Springs? And second, dozens of parents and students from Athmar Park’s American Indian Academy of Denver — a charter school rooted in indigenous values — flooded the Denver Public Schools board meeting on Monday to protest the possible closure of their school. But should it stay open right where it is? Public radio veteran and fan favorite guest Jo Ann Allen returns to break it all down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi. Plus, Hey Denver newsletter editor Peyton Garcia joins us to pick our official Maybe for your weekend. Jo Ann mentioned this episode of her excellent podcast Been There Done That with Mia Yamamoto. For more on the American Indian Academy of Denver, guest host Avery Lill and former CCD producer Xandra McMahon visited the school and talked to its founder almost exactly one year ago. Are you feeling the holiday spirit? Help us get in the mood! Leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood, and favorite Denver holiday tradition, and you might hear it on the show soon. Our number is 720-500-5418. Subscribe to Hey Denver, our kickass morning newsletter, by texting “Denver” to 66866, and check out today’s newsletter for Peyton’s list of spots to watch the USMNT take on the Netherlands at the World Cup on Saturday. 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

The Libertarian Party celebrates its 51st birthday next week — that’s 51 years pushing a fiscally conservative, socially liberal agenda. And the party’s origins trace back to a living room in the Denver suburbs — Westminster! — when a group of people fed up with the Nixon administration imagined a different way. Their message has shaped Colorado in many ways in the decades since, but why was Colorado the perfect place for this political ideology to be born? And is Governor Jared Polis really a secret Libertarian? Today on the show, author and former party leader Ari Armstrong joins host Bree Davies to talk about Libertarianism’s impact on local and national politics, why Colorado became the birthplace of this movement, and more. Read Ari’s work on his website. Here’s the interview with party founder David Nolan: https://lpedia.org/wiki/Document:Memoir_2001_David_Nolan_Reflects_on_the_Libertarian_Party_on_its_30th_Anniversary Looking for more Denver news you can use? Sign up for our daily newsletter, Hey Denver, by texting “Denver” to 66866 You can also find us on Twitter: @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

With no fewer than 20 declared candidates, the race to be Denver’s next mayor seems to be getting more crowded by the day. And more of those candidates might have a fighting chance this year, thanks to the new Fair Elections Fund, which matches certain campaign contributions with public money. But there’s only so much money available, and some of the requirements could make this election in particular a bit unwieldy. Producer Paul Karolyi talks with Westword editor Patty Calhoun about what she’s seen in 45 years of covering mayoral elections and if this fund is, indeed, a game-changer, as some have called it. Find out more about the Fair Elections Fund and its ramifications in this article from Westword. Paul mentioned James Leprino, the reclusive pizza cheese billionaire who hasn’t been photographed in public since 1978. His family is in court this week fighting over his billions, and if you want to learn more, the only interview we could find was with Forbes in 2017: “This Secretive Billionaire Makes the Cheese For Pizza Hut, Domino’s and Papa John’s” 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 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 a milestone year for Su Teatro, the 50-year-old Westside institution and third-oldest Chicano theater in the country. They’re also close to paying off the mortgage on their building, cementing their place in a part of town that has seen so much change — and displacement — over the years. Host Bree Davies sits down with Su Teatro’s Executive Artistic Director Tony Garcia to hear the story of how Su Teatro came to be and why their mission is still important. Starting this weekend, Su Teatro is bringing their acclaimed play “The Westside Oratorio” back to the stage. Learn more and buy tickets at http://suteatro.org/the-westside-oratorio/ Paul mentioned the indictments in connection with the killing of Christian Glass. He also talked about the World Cup, which would be great to watch at these local spots recommended by our pals at Westword. Subscribe to our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 and learn more at https://denver.citycast.fm/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: @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: Youth on Record’s Underground at the Showcase podcast Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Whether you’re celebrating Cyber Monday today or thinking about a wardrobe refresh for the new year, it’s time to talk fashion. Do Denverites have style? Do Crocs, cargo pants, a puffer jacket, and a cowboy hat count as fashion? LA-based designer Lil Fresh Sam grew up in Denver and now styles superstars like Doja Cat and Method Man. She sits down with host Bree Davies to talk about about finding her style in a fashion-challenged Denver, how she’s styling mayoral candidate Leslie Herod, and whether or not Denverites have style. Looking for great local charities and nonprofits to support on Giving Tuesday tomorrow? We rounded up a list of our favorites in today’s edition of our newsletter Hey Denver, which you can subscribe to by texting “Denver” to 66866 Follow us on Twitter @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 been a difficult week in Colorado, as the nation reels from yet another mass shooting — this time apparently targeting the LGBTQ community at Club Q in Colorado Springs. So we’re taking a break from the news to have some fun. Host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia swap tips for surviving DIA this holiday season. Then, producer Erin O’Toole shares your craziest edibles stories and we pick a winner to receive a private dinner with world-class cannabis chef Jarod Farina, AKA Chef Roilty. Programming Note: We’re taking the rest of the week off for Thanksgiving, so City Cast Denver won’t be back in your podcast feed until Monday morning. For even more DIA hacks, Peyton rounded up a bunch of reader-submitted ideas in our newsletter Hey Denver. And don’t miss today’s newsletter to see that pic of Emily N. You can subscribe to Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 Bree also mentioned Westword editor Patty Calhoun’s 2017 articles about the “Interior Garden” art piece at DIA. Learn more about DIA’s food delivery service, therapy animal program, and other things to do at DIA. A few airport restaurant recs from the team: Root Down La Casita Shake Shack Voodoo Doughnut Follow us on Twitter: @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

Everyone knows Denver’s got a housing shortage — but so many proposed fixes seem too expensive, too controversial, or just too out of reach. So what if we took some of the city’s existing structures and turned them into, well, places for people to live? That’s what Monica Martinez and The Fax Partnership decided to do when they bought two dilapidated old motels on East Colfax. These vestiges of a time when Route 40 was a tourism paradise have since become makeshift affordable housing — but Monica hopes her organization can bring stability, upgrades, and eventually, more housing to these properties. Monica joins host Bree Davies to explain why, as executive director of an East Colfax-centered non-profit, she chose to take on the housing crisis, one motel at a time. Bree also mentioned this Denverite report on Denver Rescue Mission. For the latest affordable housing developments and other news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866 As of this writing, we are (were?) still on Twitter: @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: Youth on Record’s Underground at the Showcase podcast Mental Health with Marielle Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Shortly before midnight on Saturday, November 19, a 22-year-old armed with a semi-automatic weapon entered one of Colorado Springs’ few LGBTQ+ nightclubs, Club Q, and opened fire on the crowded dance floor, killing 5 people and injuring at least 25. The attack comes after Colorado Republicans, including gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl, deployed increasingly anti-queer rhetoric in the lead-up to the midterm elections earlier this month. Journalist Heidi Beedle reports on far-right extremism for the Colorado Times Recorder and was on the ground covering the aftermath of the shooting on Sunday. She sits down with host Bree Davies to talk through what happened over the weekend and the connections she sees with the increase in anti-queer rhetoric around the election. Our friends at CPR have put together a list of resources and ways to help out the victims of the shooting: https://www.cpr.org/2022/11/20/colorado-springs-club-q-shooting-resources-how-to-help/ Find more of Heidi’s reporting here: https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/author/heidi-beedle/ We'll be covering the aftermath of the Club Q shooting in our weekday morning newsletter Hey Denver, which you can subscribe to by texting Denver to 66866. Share your thoughts! Just 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: Mental Health with Marielle Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

When city officials threatened to shut down yet another hip-hop club late last week — this time Roo-Bar Lounge at 3480 Park Avenue West — co-owner Jugurta Tighrine made a provocative allegation: “They don’t want hip-hop.” And in a city that has never made waves on the national hip-hop stage, we take on a big question: Does Denver have a hip-hop problem? Longtime promoter and champion of the local music scene Ru Johnson joins host Bree “Coco” Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to offer an insider’s take. Then we tackle a doozy of a listener-submitted question and hear from Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca on this weekend’s annual Feed-a-Family event in honor of “Daddy” Bruce Randolph and Rev. Ron Wooding. Wanna volunteer or donate to support the Daddy Bruce Feed-a-Family Thanksgiving drive this weekend? Here’s the link to volunteer for a shift, and here’s the link to donate. For the latest on the Boebert-Frisch race in CD3, here’s a report from last night from the Colorado Sun. Subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866. Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: How to Buy a Home Podcast Mental Health with Marielle Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

With enrollment declining across Denver Public Schools and funding as scarce as ever, Superintendent Alex Marrero has thrust the highly dysfunctional DPS board into a controversial and traumatic debate over school closures. Parents, students, and activists are up in arms over his proposed “consolidations,” and for many board members, the issue is personal — past school closures motivated them to run for the board in the first place. So will the board approve his list of closures or somehow find another way out of this mess? Host Bree Davies talks to producer Paul Karolyi about how the district got into this situation; then she sits down with DPS board member Michelle Quattlebaum to talk about about why she’s approaching this vote differently than any other she’s cast before. For more on the proposed closures, check out our friend at Chalkbeat Melanie Asmar’s recent reporting. 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 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: How to Buy a Home Podcast Mental Health with Marielle Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise