City Cast Denver

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Red Rocks Hailstorm Texts Revealed. Plus, Did ‘Zero Fare for Better Air’ Work? Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Over the summer a show at Red Rocks was hit by a hailstorm that injured several people and left hundreds scrambling for cover. A lawsuit filed by 9News and reporter Steve Staeger reveals text messages between Red Rocks and city employees and law enforcement were not so sympathetic to the situation. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the texting drama plus other stories that matter this week, like the latest in findings around RTD’s Zero Fare For Better Air campaign and a new building the City hopes to buy.

Paul mentioned RTD’s final report on the Zero Fare for Better Air months this year and last.

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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

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Will Rep. Tim Hernández Lose His Seat Over Gaza Protests? Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Tim Hernández came on our show for the first time two years ago as a 24-year-old teacher who was not just burned out but burned up. He spoke out and suffered the consequences, losing his job with DPS but also becoming kinda Denver famous. Then this year, two things happened. First, Hernández was picked by Democratic leaders to fill a vacant seat in the state legislature. Second, on October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. The next day, Hernández went to a protest, talked to someone on camera about Gaza, and went crazy viral. Host Bree Davies sat down with Hernández to talk about what happened next.

Check out some of Hernández’s early appearances on our show:

“One Denver Teacher Says They're Not Just Burned Out, They're Being Set On Fire” (Jan. 11, 2022)
“He's a Beloved Northside Teacher. Why Did DPS Let Him Go?” (May 11, 2022)

Here is the full text of the statement Speaker Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) sent us:

As I said publicly, I had several conversations with Representative Hernandez in which I urged him to condemn the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. Following these conversations, I released a statement expressing my disappointment in the representative’s initial reluctance to condemn the attack and for his promotion of offensive social media posts that appeared to support it. I appreciated his apology, and I know he is working hard to learn from his actions. Finally, I want to be clear that I never discussed electoral implications with Rep. Hernandez, and I don’t know from where he heard that. I’m not going to comment further on the specific details of private conversations that I have with members.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

“A Christmas Carol” at DCPA
My Denver Therapy

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Gaza Protests Escalate, the Mayor’s Plan for Downtown, and El Tepehuan Closing Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

Ever since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict have been on the rise in Denver, with reports of hate crimes, protests and counter-protests, and several high-profile politicians clashing. It all came to a head this week, with the Jewish National Fund-USA conference in town. So Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking it through with Denver Post reporter Joe Rubino, who was at City Council when Palestinian solidarity protesters disrupted the proceedings Monday evening. Then, we break down Mayor Mike Johnston’s big plan for “revitalizing” downtown and share our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.

We discussed this New York Times article on the “instagrammable design” for office space. Paul talked about President Biden’s visit and Dr. Martin Lockley. Bree mentioned the Hi-Dive’s 20th anniversary. Joe talked about Mayor Johnston’s latest housing hire, the Denver Post’s reporting on the local Palestinian community, and El Tepehuan’s expected closure.

Breaking downtown news! After we recorded, Joe reported that Mayor Johnston has struck a deal to buy the former Denver Post building at Civic Center for $89 million.

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

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

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Savio House

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Will the Holidays Save Local Liquor Stores? Plus, 7 Pounds of Ramen Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Last year, Colorado voters decided that grocery stores could sell wine along with beer, which had many independent liquor store owners nervous. With the holiday season in full swing, how are those mom and pop shops doing now with more competition? Host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia discuss the liquor store conundrum, and talk about competitive eater and social media star Raina Huang’s recent trip to Colorado — she downed 14 pounds of food in one day. Oh and of course, our recs for your weekend!

Here are some links to our picks for your weekend:

Christmas Beer and Cookies Tour (RiNo)
Baby Rave (Five Points)
Drive or bike past the Populus and One River North

Peyton mentioned Greeley-raised competitive eater Mary Bowers. Paul wants you to know he found a database purporting to include every food challenge currently on offer in the Denver metro area.

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Savio House

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What Will Happen to Downtown’s Empty Office Buildings? Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

With construction on the 16th St. Mall now set to last through 2025 and many office workers happier working at home, the Denver Post reported this week that Mayor Mike Johnston has reversed a major Hancock-era plan for downtown. Instead of allowing city employees to work from home while the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building is being renovated, he has leased space in Republic Plaza, one of downtown’s emptiest office buildings. Could that help revitalize downtown? Or are all those empty offices destined for a different fate entirely? Like housing? Or… demolition? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sought answers last summer from Brad Segal — urban planner, real estate economist, CU Denver professor (and Bree’s former boss).

For more, Denverite recently reported on the city of Denver’s study of the potential residential conversion of office buildings downtown, which found 16 that are reportedly “good fits.”

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Savio House

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

‘Political Theater’ in the Mayor’s Office? Plus, Biden’s Visit and Chile Rellenos Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Mayor Mike Johnston’s effort to house 1,000 people by the end of the year is not looking great, with more than 700 placements still needed in just over a month. Now Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore has resigned as head of the Safety, Housing, Education & Homelessness Committee, stating issues with the Johnston administration’s handling of the project. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about all the latest tension over Johnston’s #House1000 program, as well as the hotel the mayor now says he wants to buy in southeast Denver and President Biden’s visit to Colorado this week. Plus, we respond to your feedback on the classic Colorado chile relleno and what belongs in the Museum of Denver.

Looking for a killer playlist of Bree’s personal christmas faves? Look no further.

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Savio House

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

The Best Green Chile in Denver (and What Exactly Is Green Chile?) Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

It seems like everyone has an opinion on where to find the best green chile in town. So why do so many of these lists feature spicy green sauces that are specifically NOT Denver-style green chile? And what makes a green chile stand out? Host Bree Davies is chatting with our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval about what green chile is and isn’t, how it became Colorado’s signature cuisine, and, of course, her top 5 places to eat it in Denver.

Who do you think serves Denver’s best green chile? We want to hear your spicy chile takes! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsor of this episode:

Savio House

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

Tension Over Migrants, Our Denver Gratitudes, and United’s New DIA Rom-Com Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Happy Thanksgiving! We’re celebrating the short week with a round-up of all the local stories that matter. First, it’s been almost a year since waves of mostly Venezuelan migrants started arriving in Denver, and with the weather taking a turn for the cold, Denver Post reporter Megan Ulu-lani Boyanton spoke to migrants, neighbors, and city officials about a tense shelter closure in Athmar Park and what we can all expect come winter. Then, we’re chatting about the hilarious new holiday “rom-com” produced by United Airlines and shot entirely at DIA. And finally, we’re sharing listener voicemails and some of our own things about Denver we’re grateful for.

Watch United’s holiday rom-com “Love in Plane Sight” for yourself! And get the whole backstory from the Denver Post. Paul also mentioned Aurora’s response to the migrants.

Looking for even more Denver-based holiday dating fun? The latest season of the Lifetime reality dating show ‘Married at First Sight' was filmed right here in Mile High, and we. have. thoughts. Become a member of City Cast Denver today and download an exclusive ep full of our takes on the season so far for your holiday travels!

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

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

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Support our work by becoming a member today: membership.citycast.fm/denver

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Our Guide to Holiday Shopping in Denver Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Black Friday and the holiday shopping season are right around the corner, but while the big chain stores are rolling out the deals, we know Denver’s got a lot more to offer. So where do you start? There are hundreds of unique shops and shopping destinations that are also gearing up for a Mile High holiday season. So today, host Bree Davies, newsletter editor Peyton Garcia, and producer Paul Karolyi get together to share their fave places around the metro area to get the perfect gift for anyone (including for yourself!).

Here are the shops we shouted out:

What do you think are the best places to shop in Denver? Let us know! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Paul mentioned this campaign to end witch hunts and exonerate women accused of witchcraft in history.

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

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

“Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens
“All Stars: American Artists from The Phillips Collection” at Denver Art Museum

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

What if There Was a Museum of Denver? Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Many cities have a museum solely dedicated to telling their own story, and many of those museums are a source of civic pride and profit. So why not Denver? Westword editor Patty Calhoun has been reporting on the very real new effort to answer that question. So today, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi sit down with Patty to debate what would absolutely have to be in that museum, where it could be, and most important of all, what are we serving in that food court?

What do you think should be in a Museum of Denver? We want to hear your ideas! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Paul mentioned the video the Denver Chamber of Commerce produced back in the 70s to support Denver’s bid to host the 1976 Olympics.

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

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