⛔ Could Denver go car-free forever?

⛰️ Mount Evans Renaming Vote Imminent

The U.S. Board of Geographic Names is expected to cast its vote on a new name for Mount Evans this Friday. The popular 14er west of Evergreen is currently named for the former territorial governor, John Evans, who is responsible for the infamous Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. Previously, Gov. Jared Polis recommended the name “Mt. Blue Sky,” but it’s just one of several still under consideration. [Denver7]

⛔ More Car-Free Streets Coming

As part of the city’s ongoing push toward walkability, three downtown streets (Larimer Street between 14th and 15th, Glenarm Place between 15th and 17th, and Larimer between 29th and 30th) are now set to remain closed to cars for another five years. These closures — originally part of a pandemic-era road closure program — are reportedly backed by business owners and local economic development groups, and they’ll become permanent if no one objects. City officials hope to designate five more car-free streets by 2030. [Denver Post 🔒]

💸 Watch Out, Regulators!

The Colorado Chamber of Commerce recently found that 64% of its members think the most important issue facing Colorado is over-regulation at the state level. One of the pollsters behind the survey said, “In every other state — I'm working in close to a dozen — I still have the workforce shortage being the top issue. That's not the case here." The Chamber is expected to push against regulations ahead of next year’s legislative session. [Denver Business Journal 🔒]

👎 1-Star Reviews of Denver Icons

We love Denver, but not everyone else does. We trawled the most incensed corners of the internet looking for hot takes on Denver places and then decided to have a little fun with it. Can you guess these famous local landmarks based only on their worst 1-star reviews? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Today’s news section was written by City Cast Denver producer Paul Karolyi.

Hey loyal reader, what’s on your mind? 🤔

🌻 Do you ever take us up on our event recommendations? Virginia V. did and wrote in to say thanks!

• “Earlier this year I heard you talk about the Crested Butte wildflower festival. On a whim I flew my mom out here for a visit so we could go, and it was truly magical. Thanks for inspiring the highlight of my summer!”

🗓️ Let us know if you check out something we suggested! Lila J. did:

• “Thank you so much for mentioning Friday evening's Cuisine and Culture event (at the Botanic Gardens) on the podcast. I got tix for my husband and myself literally while I was listening to the podcast, and we had a wonderful time. We live a couple miles away and never knew there were classes we could take at the Botanic Gardens.”

📍 We recently shared our favorite things to do in the Baker area. Jeydie W. agrees Baker is an awesome ‘hood:

• “I just moved into Baker earlier this year and I instantly fell in love with the neighborhood. It’s so walkable and quiet. And the dining options are endless. I’m attempting to eat at a different location each week!”

🥧 After Olivia and I sang our pumpkin spice praises on the podcast, Lin S. dropped this tasty tidbit:

• “PSA there is no pumpkin in pumpkin spice. It's a mix of all the spices that go into a pumpkin pie! Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and sometimes allspice. Delicious, but don't get it near my coffee.”

🍹 Happy Hour Fundraiser | Wednesday | 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Raise your glass to raise Hawaii relief funds at Left Hand Brewing in RiNo. Proceeds and donations will benefit the Kako’o Maui Fund. [RiNo; Free to attend]

♟️ Chess Night | Wednesday | 6-9 p.m.

It’s chess night at Woods Boss Brewing. Join Oprah’s Rook Club for an evening of friendly competition and craft beer. [Five Points; Free to attend]

🎶 Latin Jazz | Thursday | 7-9 p.m.

Raíces Brewing is kicking off Hispanic Heritage month with its brand new Latin Jazz program, featuring live tunes from Joshua Trinidad and Las Luces. [Sun Valley; Free]

🎨 Museo Exhibit Opening Reception | Thursday | 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Enjoy light bites and beverages at Museo de las Americas to celebrate the debut of its newest exhibit, “Costa Rica: Long Live Peace and Labor.” [Lincoln Park; Free]

Do These Denver Icons Deserve 1-Star Reviews?

Even the most beloved places in Denver have their haters, and you can always find them sounding off in the reviews online. Today on the City Cast Denver podcast, producer Paul Karolyi challenges fellow producer Olivia Jewell Love and returning friend of the show JD Lopez to try to guess which iconic Denver institution these reviewers are complaining about based on hilariously entertaining one-star reviews.