❓ Is Denver actually a ‘sanctuary city’?

❄️ The City Will Continue Sweeps Despite Freezing Temps

Mayor Mike Johnston’s veto shutting down a bill that would have prohibited city officials from conducting homeless encampment sweeps during freezing temperatures will stand. City Council narrowly passed the bill 7-6 last month before Johnston’s veto. In this Monday’s meeting, they were unable to reach a supermajority vote to override the mayor’s decision. [Denverite]

❌ Council Rejects Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Proclamation

In an 8-4 vote Monday, Denver City Council rejected a proclamation for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Council members’ reasonings for the rejection varied from worries of creating more division to proclamation language not being strong enough. The final vote had to be conducted virtually after council members were forced to leave the chambers due to disruptions from pro-Palestinian demonstrators. [Axios Denver]

🎶 A New and Improved Red Rocks Concert Experience

The 2024 summer concert series at Morrison’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre kicks off March 30, and construction crews are putting the finishing touches on a handful of upgrades and improvements to the venue, including to the on-site restaurant, the restrooms, the sidewalks, and parking lots. [Denver Post]

• Related: What really went down at Red Rocks when that hail storm left hundreds of concert-goers injured last summer? [City Cast Denver 🎧] (Timestamp: 3:55)

The ‘Migrant’ vs. ‘New Immigrant’ Debate:

Earlier this week, we spoke with Denverite editor Obed Manuel about his newsroom’s decision to use the term “new immigrant” over “migrant” in their coverage. Here are some thoughts from our listeners:

• “I am definitely going to mirror this change. It’s about the intention to stay. And ‘migrant’ makes it sound like they will move on. It’s an important distinction.”
  
• “Immigrants are immigrants. I don't see the need for ‘new.’ Just that word may make people agitated.”
  
• “I’m not sure why, but ‘new immigrants’ doesn't feel right. How about ‘recent immigrants’? It doesn't seem to have any negative connotation while still identifying the group most likely to need assistance getting settled.”
  
• “Within the hunger relief sector we use the term ‘neighbors’ to refer clients or those accessing hunger relief services so we decided on the term ‘newly arrived neighbors’ to recognize the unique hunger relief needs these folks have … We knew we would want to find neutral language that did not assign or assume someone’s legal status or specific immigration pathway.”
  
• “I'm still on board with the term ‘migrant’ but feel ‘new migrant’ is better. It humanizes AND gives clarity around timeline, needs, and uncertainty around long-term placement. I like the idea of making sure our words humanize and show care for a neighbor.”

You’re Not a Real Denverite Until …

How do you know when you’ve become a true Denverite? It must be sometime after you first see Blucifer but before you get into your first fight about green chile. Comedians Lee Robinson and Kate McLachlan of Dyketopia are on the show today to help us finish the sentence “You’re not a real Denverite until …”