Your Daily Guide

🤥 Roofing Scams Surge After Front Range Hailstorm

The size of hail that fell during Monday’s storm has made national headlines, but there's a more important hail story Denverites need to pay attention to: roofing scams. Denver residents reported a spike in roofing contractors going door-to-door after Monday’s storm ended, and not all of them did so with integrity.

• “Storm chasers” scam season starts: Some businesses come to Denver from out of state during intense hail storms, since they often lead to greater demand for roof repair. Representatives from the Better Business Bureau say these out-of-state companies, referred to as “storm chasers,” often take a large deposit, then leave the state and disappear with no plans to return and do the work. [NBC; Denver 7]
• How to avoid roofing scams: Scammers will use high-pressure strategies to start work right away. They’ll also ask for upfront payments, sometimes for the full cost of the job. An honest contractor won’t make you feel pressured and they’ll be happy to show you their state license and insurance. Also ask the roofer for references — something a scammer likely won’t have. When in doubt, reach out to friends and neighbors for referrals. [KDVR; Colorado Roofing Association]
• What to do after a hailstorm: The Front Range is situated in what’s called “hail alley,” so residents already pay a premium for homeowners insurance. If you notice damage to your property after a hail storm, document the situation with photos and file a claim right away. This can help ensure the damage doesn’t cause further problems down the road. [Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association; KDVR]

🛤️ Front Range Rail Plans Taxpayer Supported, Sports-Friendly Stops

Officials from the Front Range Passenger Rail District announced a plan for multiple train stops at sports stadiums. This includes a stop at Burnham Yard, the future Broncos stadium, and a stop at the future Denver Summit stadium, among others. Since these developments would be funded by taxpayers, voters have to approve a sales tax hike (less than 4 cents on $10) before plans become reality. [9News]

🐢 Charlie’s in Hot Water for Turtle Racing Event

The Denver bar cancelled all future turtle racing events after a recent viral video of the spectacle drew backlash from animal rights activists. Although the video Charlie’s posted of the event was later deleted, PETA and other animal welfare organizations received multiple complaints. While the turtle race didn’t violate any city laws, Denver Animal Protection noted that “...just because something's legal doesn't necessarily mean it's appropriate.” [Westword; Denverite]

🍝 Denver Central Market Owner Clashes with Vendors

Multiple vendors say they’re leaving the food hall because they didn’t feel welcomed or supported by its owner, local developer Ken Wolf. High facility fees, low water pressure, and water not hot enough to pass health inspections are just some of the concerns cited by former tenants. High Point Creamery, Butchers at RiNo, and Curio Bar are three businesses that recently vacated their spaces in the Denver Central Market. [Westword]

• Filipino restaurant Magna Kainin in RiNo is closing after less than two years in business. Representatives from the eatery cited ongoing construction for the restaurant’s low traffic, saying that infrastructure challenges made it hard for guests to visit. [The Denver Post 🔒]

🏛️ Wanda James Talks Running For Congress

Diana DeGette has held the 1st Congressional District seat since 1997. The representative has two formidable challengers on the Democratic primary ballot who are also ready to represent Denver in congress — CU Regent and dispensary owner Wanda James is one of them. She joins the podcast to get into her groundbreaking presence in the cannabis business, what she learned from working with former President Barack Obama, and her first moves if she gets elected. [🎧 City Cast Denver]