City Cast Denver
⚖️ Who’s taking former mayor Michael Hancock to court?
August 28, 2023
Good morning, Denver! A French trail runner just set the new record for “fastest known time” to complete the 567-mile Colorado Trail, which runs from Denver to Durango. It took her nine days, averaging 50-62 miles per day, with nothing but her wits, willpower, and a 22-pound backpack 😳 👟
What's CITY Talking About?
⚖️ Lisa Calderón Takes Michael Hancock to Court
Criminal justice advocate and former mayoral candidate Lisa Calderón’s 2018 lawsuit against former mayor Michael Hancock and the City and County of Denver is headed for trial. A federal judge rejected the City Attorney Office’s attempts to dismiss the case (though the judge did dismiss some of her claims). Calderón is accusing city officials of First Amendment violations, retaliation, and conspiracy against city employees, including herself. [Denverite]
🚩 King Soopers Shooting Suspect May Finally Stand Trial
After nearly two years of hospitalization and psychological analysis, doctors have deemed the man accused of killing 10 people in the 2021 Boulder King Soopers mass shooting mentally competent to stand trial. The defendant is being held — and forcibly medicated — at the Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo. He will have a status hearing in Boulder next week. [CPR]
🏫 McAuliffe Principal Will Not Be Reinstated
In a 6-1 vote last week, the Denver school board decided to uphold the termination of Kurt Dennis, the former principal at McAuliffe International. Students and parents came to Dennis’ defense when he was controversially fired last month. Since then, however, concerning accusations have come to light about a “seclusion room” in the school used to lock up students. The allegations were part of the board’s decision not to reinstate Dennis. [Chalkbeat]
- 🎧 Dive deeper: We talked about everything happening at McAuliffe with local school teacher and activist Tim Hernández. [City Cast Denver]
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What To Do
🍺 Zoo Week | All Week | All Day
Today through Sept. 4, Great Divide Brewing Co. is hosting Zoo Week at both North Denver taprooms. Try their exclusive Zooski lager and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Denver Zoo. [Five Points; Prices vary by order]
🥕 Mobile Food Pantry | Monday | 9-11:30 a.m.
The Denver Human Services mobile food pantry will be set up in Parking Lot E at Empower Field. Free food is available for anyone who needs it until supplies run out. [Sun Valley; Free]
👟 Odell Run Club | Monday | 6:30 p.m.
Join the Odell Brewing run club every Monday at the Five Points taproom for an all-abilities 5/10K with discounted beers to follow. [Five Points; Free]
🎤 Showcase of the Mondays | Monday | 8 p.m.
Shake off your Monday blues with some free belly laughs at the Irish Rover’s standup comedy open mic night, plus weekday specials like $1 sliders and 2-for-1 house wine and draft beer. [Baker; Free]
Today on City Cast
The Park-Lovers Guide to Denver's Green Spaces
We’re approaching that seasonal sweet spot, when it’s the perfect weather for a day at the park! With more than 250 public green spaces in the city, how do you pick which one to visit? Today on the City Cast Denver podcast, host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and fan-favorite guest Joshua Emerson dish on Denver’s best green spaces, from underrated landscapes to prime people-watching and everything in between.
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