The fight over Johnston's 'micro-communities' has begun

📱 DPS Joins National Fight Against Social Media

The DPS school board voted unanimously to join a national lawsuit against social media companies including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and others. More than 200 school boards across the country are alleging that social media is dangerous for youth mental health. The lawsuit is reminiscent of other national legal efforts, like the fight against Big Tobacco and opioid companies. [9News]

🏡 South Denver Residents Push Back on Micro-Community

A group of roughly 300 residents who live just outside Denver’s Holly Hills community are planning to apply for registered neighborhood status in order to push back on one of Mayor Mike Johnston’s planned micro-communities (to shelter unhoused people) slated for the area. The group’s main complaints: The micro-community was sprung on them with no community input; it will be located in a high-traffic area; it will be near two schools; and it will be right on the border of unincorporated Arapahoe county. A representative for the community members said they’re willing to take the mayor to court if necessary. [Westword]

💰 Advocates Rally for Denver Basic Income Project

Last week, people rallied outside the Capitol to urge local leaders to extend support for the Denver Basic Income Project, a pilot program launched last year that provides direct cash assistance to people experiencing homelessness. The project is poised to expire, and advocates noticed that funding to continue the project was absent from the mayor’s 2024 budget proposal. [Newsline]

🏓 Pickleball, Pickleball, Pickleball

It has Denver neighbors fighting, local lawmakers scrambling, and private companies cashing in quick — what’s the big deal with pickleball? We talk about that and all the other headlines this week on today’s City Cast Denver podcast.

🏵️ Ofrendas Workshop | Tuesday | 6-8 p.m.

Learn the tradition of making a marigold wreath for your family altar as part of the Latino Cultural Arts Center’s ofrendas workshop series leading up to Día de los Muertos. [La Alma Lincoln Park; Free]

🎉 MyDenver Block Party | Wednesday | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Following the Downtown Denver Partnership’s annual networking meeting (ticketed), there will be a free community block party outside the Paramount Theatre, complete with local food and drink vendors, activities, and giveaways. [Downtown; Free]

🌳 Douglas Land Conservancy Open House | Wednesday | 5-7 p.m.

Check out everything this conservancy org has to offer at an open house complete with light bites and wine, giveaways, and a local hike. [Castle Rock; Free]

🍽️ Westword Feast | Thursday | 7-10 p.m.

Celebrate the Denver dining scene with unlimited food and beverage samples spotlighting the very best that our local chefs and mixologists have to offer. [Civic Center; $45-$80]

Is Pickleball Too Noisy for Denver? Plus, Mayor Johnston's Housing Thermometer

The fight over the popular — and noisy — sport of pickleball is back in the news, and this time it’s Centennial’s problem. As neighbors duke it out, municipal leaders are weighing in and private companies want to capitalize on the hot exercise trend. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the pickleball conundrum, ask questions about  Mayor Johnston’s “House1000” homelessness plan, and hear from a listener on the renaming of some of  Denver’s parks.