🐶 Dog leash drama ramps back up

🐢 Former SeaQuest Animals Rehomed

The 192 animals — including toucans, wallabies, tortoises, skinks, and more — previously living at the now-closed SeaQuest Aquarium in Littleton have found new homes at the Denver Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium. SeaQuest was shut down earlier this month following years of public criticism and multiple citations for animal welfare concerns, illegal animal trafficking, and injured visitors. [CPR]

🐶 To Leash or Not to Leash?

Denver’s favorite warm weather debate has resurfaced for the season: dog leash laws. Leash-law proponents argue for their right to an enjoyable dog-free experience in the park, while off-leash advocates complain that park rangers are overly aggressive and a lack of suitable dog parks in the city leaves them with no choice but to break leash laws. Now, a group of Denver dog owners — Freedom for Fidos on Facebook — is pushing officials to consider instituting designated off-leash hours in some Denver parks. [Westword]

💼 4-Day Work Week Pilot Appears Promising

A four-day work week trial launched by the City of Golden last summer has culminated in promising results. The city decided to test the idea with Golden’s police department because of its flexible scheduling. Data from the six-month pilot shows speedier response times and $115,000 in saved overtime pay. The City has extended the trial until this July, and will consider rolling out the change to other city departments as soon as April. [Denver Post 🔒]

❓ Are Your Sidewalk Fees Changing?

In 2022, Denverites voted to fund our own sidewalks — but following complaints from hundreds of residents, a new version of the infrastructure plan is being proposed, and just how much property owners might pay for new city sidewalks could change dramatically. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Sidewalk Fee Drama, Casa Bonita Art Show, and Which Pete’s Went Electric?

Way back in 2022, voters agreed that Denver does indeed deserve sidewalks. But after the cost of this massive infrastructure plan was unveiled, many residents were not so supportive. Will a new, financially modified version of the sidewalks initiative make people happy? Plus, the annual Casa Bonita-inspired art show rolls out the pink carpet and Illegal Pete’s might be hiding an electrified secret.