City Cast Denver

Denver is experiencing a wave of nostalgia as beloved venues like Benny Blanco's and The Mercury Cafe close their doors. The conversation celebrates enduring local treasures that keep the city's spirit alive, such as Panaderia Rosales and The Thin Man. Listeners are invited to reminisce about their favorite spots while exploring iconic locations like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Personal stories highlight community connections and encourage everyone to cherish their own beloved Denver haunts.

Biker Jim, Denver's iconic hot dog entrepreneur, makes a triumphant return after a tumultuous legal battle. He discusses his new venture, Bikers and Bakers, which creatively combines hot dogs with innovative desserts. The conversation also dives into the heated debates over bike lanes and affordable housing in the city, highlighting the local community's challenges and victories. Listeners will find insight into the ongoing struggle against NIMBYism and the drive for more accessible housing amid affluent opposition.

Join Peyton Garcia, editor of Hey Denver, and Molly Martin, Westword's food and drink editor, as they explore the vibrant burger scene in Denver. They discuss everything from budget-friendly delights like Snarf Burger to extravagant creations at Snipe Burger. Unique flavors, including veggie and lamb options, take center stage. The duo highlights imaginative burgers such as the sour cherry chipotle and engages in a lively debate on casual versus high-end dining experiences, making this a must-listen for burger enthusiasts!

Deep Singh Badhesha, a savvy political analyst known for his sharp insights on Denver's political scene, joins the discussion. They delve into Colorado's heated property tax debates, revealing surprising alliances and the potential implications for voters. The conversation then shifts to the local restaurant scene, exploring how rising minimum wage and economic pressures are challenging beloved eateries. Badhesha also touches on the Tina Peters conviction and the ongoing homelessness count, framing these topics within the vibrant context of Denver's community dynamics.

In a lively celebration of 900 episodes, the hosts dive into listener questions about dating in Denver and the quirks of electric scooters. They dissect the challenges of dating apps while exploring societal pressures. The conversation then shifts to firefighters, reflecting on their complex roles and the need for updated emergency response strategies. Amidst serious topics, a fun rivalry between ice cream vendors injects humor, highlighting the vibrant community spirit that has flourished through shared stories and insights.

Diana DeGette, a Denver congresswoman advocating for new nuclear reactors, joins producer Paul Karolyi to dive into the evolution of nuclear energy in Colorado. They discuss her bipartisan bill recently signed into law and reflect on the state’s first nuclear power plant, Fort St. Vrain, exploring both its challenges and historic significance. Listeners will also hear riveting personal anecdotes from a blizzard duty at a nuclear plant and engaging stories that highlight the camaraderie among workers, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of nuclear energy in Colorado.

Patty Calhoun, editor at Westword, dives into pressing local issues impacting Denver. They discuss the fate of a decommissioned power plant, exploring its potential transformation into a food hall versus luxury condos. The conversation also touches on the looming legal issues surrounding Colorado's notorious election denier and the implications of her trial on upcoming elections. Calhoun's insights shed light on community needs and environmental impacts while invigorating the debate on urban development in the city.

Mayor Mike Johnston, focused on tackling Denver's homelessness crisis, discusses his bold proposal to increase sales tax for affordable housing funding. Joined by Robin Kniech, an experienced city council member, they explore potential gaps in the plan and the necessity of ensuring it benefits those most in need. They also examine Denver's historical shortcomings in housing policy and how community movements have shaped the current landscape. Their conversation invites listeners to consider whether they would support the proposed tax hike.

Adrian González, the City Cast newsletter editor, dives into the alarming arrival of the Tren de Aragua gang in Denver, linked to recent violent crimes. He examines the sensational media narratives surrounding immigrant communities and their disconnect from reality. The conversation shifts to declining birth rates, exploring the societal pressures shaping modern parenthood. With humor and insight, they also reflect on the closure of local venues, emphasizing the impact on community identity and the importance of preserving local culture amid changing times.

Joining the conversation are Sam Tabachnik, a Denver Post reporter specializing in local issues, and Phil Weiser, the Attorney General tackling deceptive practices. They delve into Colorado's new law aimed at curbing predatory towing, discussing the ongoing struggle against unethical practices in the towing industry. Tabachnik shares insights from his extensive reporting on the notorious Wyatt’s Towing, while Weiser outlines the challenges of enforcing the Towing Bill of Rights. Will this legislation finally put an end to unfair towing practices in Denver?