City Cast Denver

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No Money for Trees, Summer Camp Scramble, and New Hostile Architecture Feb 16, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re looking back at the biggest stories of the week. First, why is the City of Denver paying residents to change their transportation habits? Also, why did the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure cancel plans to plant trees on West Colfax? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about green steps forward and back with artist and educator Moe Gram. Plus, parents are increasingly struggling to find a spot in a good summer camp — so what are kids supposed to do when they’re not in school? And of course, we share our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.

FYI: We are taking Monday off for President’s Day, but we’ll be back in your podcast feed Tuesday morning with more news from around the city.

Moe is moderating a panel on the legacy of iconic Denver artist Bob Ragland next Tuesday at the Kirkland Museum. RSVP here. We also talked about her mural on the Catbird Hotel.

Bree mentioned this Westword story on The Stanley Hotel and Steffan Tubbs’ new gig. Paul talked about the RTD app and Colorado College’s leadership transition. Moe talked about hostile architecture and Alchemy Ritual Goods’ new space.

We are looking for Denver’s biggest bagel fanatic! Is it you? Or someone you know? We want your help finding a guest judge to help us pick Denver’s best bagel. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

How Electric Ovens Are Converting Fire-Loving Local Chefs Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

Pizza makers, aka pizzaiolos, are notoriously particular about their ovens. Is it coal-fired? Or wood? How hot does it get? How fast? “It’s the pursuit of perfection.” That’s what one local pizzaiolo told reporter Helen Xu about the brick oven he had custom made for White Pie in Uptown. But another local pizza shop is going in a different direction entirely — electric! Producer Paul Karolyi joined Helen Xu for a visit to the newly all-electric Sexy Pizza on Pearl Street to taste some electric pizza and figure out why a small but growing number of local restaurants are dumping natural gas for electric ovens and stovetops.

Paul mentioned this report on Denver’s new electrification rules.

For anyone who heard Helen’s most recent appearance on the show and might be wondering if Sexy Pizza sources their cheese from Leprino Foods — like 85% of all pizza makers around the world — we asked, and they do! Sexy Pizza buys from Leprino’s upscale brand Bacio, which offers mozzarella made with “a kiss” of buffalo milk.

What do you think about electric pizza? Would an electric operation entice you? Or repulse you? We want to hear what you think about the electric future of local dining. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

You’re Not a Real Denverite Until… Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

What does it take to be a true Denverite? There’s gotta be a turning point sometime after you first see Blucifer but before you get in your first fight about green chile. What was that moment for you? Host Bree Davies sits down with a couple of keen observers of Mile High culture — Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan of Dyketopia — to help finish this sentence: You’re not a Denverite until…

Kate is hosting a night of “hootin’ and hollerin’” at Comedy Works downtown with a bunch of funny folks on Feb. 21. Catch Kate and Lee at “Dyketopia: Spring Awakening” live at the Oriental Theater on March 8!

UPDATE: After we recorded, we learned that Snooze takes reservations now, but only on weekdays. You can also join their waitlist online, though you’d miss out on some sweet, sweet brunch anticipation time!

When did you first feel like a Denverite? We want to hear stories about your first times with local faves or traditions! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear yours on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Denver Zoo Expansion, Budget Cuts Blowback, and No ‘Sanctuary’ in Lakewood Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Denverites are reeling from Mayor Johnston’s Friday announcement of budget cuts to free up money to provide more support for migrants, and now the uproar is spreading into the suburbs! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the blowback to Johnston’s cuts and the “sanctuary city” debate in Lakewood, plus the Denver Zoo’s new 570-acre facility in Weld County. Finally, we’re considering your thoughts on whether we should be saying “migrant,” “new immigrant,” or something else entirely?

Bree mentioned a Westword story featuring comments from a Venezuelan migrant himself about the budget cuts. Hear our conversation with Denverite editor Obed Manuel about one newsroom’s decision to change their language around the crisis of new people arriving in Denver from Venezuela.

Paul discussed local author Helen Thorpe’s excellent book “The Newcomers.”

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support us by becoming a member: https://membership.citycast.fm/denver

What do you think about “migrants” vs. “new immigrants”? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Should We Be Saying ‘New Immigrants’ Instead of ‘Migrants’? Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

After a deal on immigration reform died in Congress last week, Mayor Mike Johnston made a decision he didn’t want to make. To cover the estimated $180 million projected cost of supporting the still-growing migrant population this year, he announced a round of budget cuts on Friday for the DMV and Parks and Recreation, and warned of more cuts possible. As Denverites prepare for a summer without flowers in city-owned flower beds or in-person vehicle registration renewals, Denverite editor Obed Manuel joins host Bree Davies to make the case for why now is the time to change the way we talk about the crisis.

Obed mentioned this recent Denverite story about Yupi the Clown.

What do you think we should be saying — “migrants” or “new immigrants”? We haven’t decided yet, and we need your help! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up March 1-10!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

‘Outside Festival’ Revealed, Suncor’s Big Fine, and DIA’s Foot-Eating Walkway Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re digging into all the local stories that mattered this week. First, Suncor Energy is getting hit with a “historic” $10.5 million dollar fine for “spewing excessive amounts of toxic chemicals into the air over three years.” Are lawmakers finally ready to crack down hard on the 100-year-old chronic polluter? Plus, tickets went on sale yesterday for a new “SXSW-style” event called Outside Festival set to premiere in Civic Center Park this June, and those new black-and-white license plates are everywhere! Longtime environmental champion and former mayoral candidate Ean Thomas Tafoya joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the news, and wrap up with our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.

Ean talked about the GreenLatinos’ North Denver report. Paul looked up the Commerce City steakhouse with the colorful signage, and Bree was right. It is Deno’s. He also mentioned the Delta pilot’s lawsuit and Ed McCaffrey’s excellent mustard.

What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10)
“Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16)

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Cheap, Fun Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Have you planned something extra thoughtful for your sweetie?Did you remember to make a reservation? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up a great list of unique, low-cost, and memorable options in and around the city for the best V-Day yet. From a simple gesture like a heart-shaped box of fried chicken to an affordable day trip to a city-close hot springs, host Bree Davies, producer Olivia Jewell Love, and returning guest, writer Linnea Covington from Mile High on the Cheap, bring you their top tier recs for keeping this holiday romantic and budget friendly.

Some of the things we mentioned:

-The local wine and chocolate lists from 5280 magazine

-Takeout deal from Chook Chicken

-Denver city scavenger hunt

-Maven Hotel and Atomic Cowboy

-Indian Hot Springs

-Heart shaped box of chicken at The Post

-Vero heart shaped pizza

-Thrifting and brunch date in Lakewood

Read Linnea’s full write up on cheap dates for Mile High on the Cheap here.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10)
“Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16)

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Why This Popular Museum Exhibit Closed Forever Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Spurred by new guidelines issued last month by the Biden Administration, curators at the vaunted American Museum of Natural History in New York are shutting down two major exhibits of Native American objects and culture. The closures send “a powerful message” to museums across the country to speed up their repatriation work, according to The New York Times. But here in Denver, our museum community is already on the cutting edge! Last summer, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi toured the Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s North American Indian Cultures Hall on the last day of its 45-year run, asking a couple of experts what message it was sending to thousands of schoolchildren each year and why it needed to close.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10)
“Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16)

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Johnston’s First Veto, Yellow Vest Vigilantes, and Your Votes for Worst Intersections Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

Late last week, Mayor Mike Johnston responded to City Council’s ban on sweeps of homeless encampments during freezing temperatures with his first official veto. Though the Denver mayoral position allows for vetoes of City Council decisions, it is not a power often used by those in office — so why did the Johnston administration take this particular stand? Plus, this isn’t the only friction to arise within local government lately. After the mayor partnered with the Downtown Denver Partnership a few weeks ago to roll out a new “ambassadors” program aimed at making the city center more appealing to visitors, some council members are questioning if the program is lacking oversight. Host Bree Davies is joined by Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun to break down these stories, plus dig into some listener responses to our ongoing callout for the worst intersections in the Mile High.

Patty mentioned the Next Gallery Casa Bonita-inspired art show, opening February 16; she also talked House1000 dashboard updated by the City, which as of February 5 said that 1,245 people had been moved indoors and 1,191 were still indoors.

Bree mentioned the deadly shooting in Green Valley Ranch over the weekend, as well as Axios Denver’s coverage of the veto and the Mayor’s letter to City Council; she also talked about the need for volunteer translators for migrant work authorization clinics happening this week.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Restaurant Week is coming up (March 1-10)
“Small Island Big Song” at the Newman Center (Starting February 16)

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Romantic Myth (and Bloody Reality) of Denver’s Old Streetcar Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Did you know Denver used to have a streetcar? That simple, nostalgia-fueled question has lured many transit nerds and urban planning enthusiasts down a rabbit hole paved with asphalt and good intentions (mostly asphalt though). None have gone further into the archives than Jake Berman. He’s the author of the new book “The Lost Subways of North America,” and he’s on today with host Bree Davies to talk through the shockingly bloody history of the old Denver Tramway company and why Denverites are still so nostalgic for the sepia-toned days of our transit past. Plus, an update on Governor Jared Polis’s effort to turn back the clocks.

Jake ultimately cut all his Denver research out of his book, but you can read the whole chapter in this reddit post he made a few months ago. Bree mentioned the recent water main break on East Colfax

What do you think about Denver’s streetcar nostalgia? Is it a useful research topic or a flight of fancy? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: