🌶️ Where is Denver’s best green chile really?

🌳 City Reconsiders Park Renaming Project

The city is pausing its project to rename Denver parks with problematic namesakes (i.e. Jefferson, DeBoer, Frontier, etc.). City officials scheduled a number of community meetings to solicit feedback from local residents — but at the one meeting held so far (for S.R. DeBoer Park), attendees expressed “a desire to retain the current name.” Officials have canceled the other scheduled meetings to reevaluate the effort. [Denverite]

• Dive deeper: We got on the mic to talk about the six parks that were being considered and discussed why — or why not — their names were an issue. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🤔 Council Questions Mayor’s House1000 Plan

This week, City Council approved yet another extension of Mayor Mike Johnston’s emergency declaration on homelessness, but not without some hesitation. The declaration gives Johnston more spending flexibility and cuts through red tape as he pursues his goal of housing 1,000 Denverites experiencing homelessness before the end of the year. Some council members are concerned Johnston is more focused on quick results than long-term solutions, warning they cannot promise another extension. [Denverite]

🚩 189 Bodies Decaying at Penrose Funeral Home

Authorities have removed 189 decaying and improperly stored bodies from a funeral home in Penrose, Colo. Officials obtained a search warrant for the property two weeks ago after neighbors reported an “abhorrent smell.” The body count — up from an original estimate of 115 — could change again, authorities warn, as they continue identifying remains. AP reports that Colorado has some of the most lax funeral home regulations in the country. [AP]

This week, we’re taking you on a tour of Westwood. This southwest Denver gem is often overlooked by the rest of the city, but has long deserved recognition for its food, arts, and community events.

🍫 Cultura Chocolate

Yes, this small-batch chocolate company serves up some of the best chocolate bars in the city, but its distinct drinks will keep you coming back. Specializing in drinking and sipping chocolates, the Cultura team crafts a variety of rich, flavorful atole, highlighting ingredients like cinnamon, cacao, and blue corn — YUM.

🍨 Bule Bule

This family-owned nevería with that vintage soda fountain flair is the perfect dessert spot, serving up icy raspados, creamy malts and shakes, warm churros, and more. (They also have elote, tortas, and chili cheese fries if you’re hungry for something savory!)

🎶 D3 Arts

As a gallery, art studio, and concert space, this community gathering spot shows off what makes Westwood so incredible — its artists. All are welcome, but D3 is geared toward youth in the neighborhood, hosting punk shows, mariachi classes, and even 12-step support groups for young people.

👍 Other Faves

Check out Kahlo’s for vegan grilled nopales asados; explore Morrison Road’s galleries and shops at First Fridays in Westwood; and, if you’re a chef looking to share your culinary magic with the city, check out The Kitchen Network, an awesome, affordable commissary kitchen that supports up-and-coming cooks of all levels in building their business and cooking skills.

🥕 Mobile Food Pantry | Friday | 9-11:30 a.m.

Anyone in need is welcome at this free mobile food pantry hosted by Denver Human Services. No proof of eligibility required. [Clayton; Free]

🦣 ‘Mysteries of the Ice Age’ | Friday | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Explore the Ice Age through artifacts, fossils, and new interactive experiences at this exhibit opening to the public tomorrow at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. [City Park; $20-$25 GA]

✏️ DPS Board Candidate Forum | Friday | 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Meet the candidates vying for a seat on the next Denver Public Schools board and hear where they stand on the district’s most pressing issues. [Whittier; Free]

The Juicy DIA Burger Scandal and a Weekend of Tricks & Treats

It’s Thursday, the most delicious day of the week at City Cast Denver! Today on the show, I hopped on the mic to dig into the juicy DIA bid-rigging scandal that went to trial this week involving allegations of bribery and two homegrown burger joints.