👀 Why people are mad at Casa Bonita

🗣️ Let the New Mayor Know What You Want

Mayor-elect Mike Johnston’s transition committee has scheduled 28 public forums over the next 11 days to solicit input from Denverites on everything from emergency management, mental health, and public safety to children’s affairs, social equity, and climate action. Links for virtual attendance will be provided, as well as translation and interpretation services. [Denverite]

👀 Casa Bonita Draws Criticism

Following initially stellar reviews of the new and improved Casa Bonita, owners (and “South Park” creators) Matt Stone and Trey Parker are now facing public backlash. The two recently drew criticism for eliminating tipping without giving service staff reasonable notice or choice in the matter. And now, Stone and Parker have launched a trademark complaint against beloved, local cartoonist Karl Christian Krumpholz over his illustration of the Pink Palace, which was available as a print on Etsy. Krumpholz points to a trove of other Casa Bonita items on the e-commerce site that don’t appear to have been penalized. [Westword]

• 🤔 The trademark complaint is ironic, considering “their cartoon series regularly depicts real people and places, right down to their logos,” Westword editor Patty Calhoun notes.

🎓 College Degrees Will Reduce Inmate Prison Time

As part of a new state law, Colorado inmates (incarcerated for nonviolent felony offenses) can now get time taken off of their prison sentences by earning a college degree — the higher the degree, the more time will be shaved off. Additionally, beginning this month, incarcerated students will be eligible for the federally funded Pell Grant. The hope is to reduce recidivism and improve employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. [CO Sun]

🌮 Toking & Tacos Tour | Thursday | 3-5 p.m.

This two-hour tour of downtown Denver includes multiple stops at local dispensaries and taco shops. [Begins in RiNo; $49]

🐈 Arts & Cats Collage | Thursday | 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy a guided art class while hanging out with adorable adoptable kitties at this Denver cat cafe. [Berkeley; $36]

🎲 Board Game Thursdays | Thursday | 5-9 p.m.

On Thursday evenings this summer, the Little Man Ice Cream Factory will host everything from classic card games and puzzles to Twister and indoor bowling. [West Colfax; Free]

Downtown's Lunch Scene is Back and Better Than Ever

Today on the City Cast Denver podcast, host Bree Davies is joined by me (City Cast Denver’s resident foodie) and Westword food editor Molly Martin to discuss the post-pandemic state of downtown Denver’s lunch scene — what’s closed, what’s coming, and where we think you should make your next reservation!