🚨Why police arrested dozens of pro-Palestine protesters

🚫 Dozens Arrested at Pro-Palestine Protest

Denver police arrested about 40 students at the Auraria Campus on Friday who were peacefully protesting Israel’s assault on Gaza. Joining campus activists across the country, more than 100 demonstrators had set up tents on the Tivoli Quad, promising not to leave until college administrators severed all ties to Israel and adopted a public stance condemning the assault. [CO Sun]

• The aftermath: Mayor Mike Johnston visited the quad Friday evening ahead of the snowstorm to encourage the demonstrators to take down their tents, but as of Sunday afternoon many still remained. [CBS]
• A statement from the campus read: “We fully support the right of students to assemble peacefully. Still, it's essential to note that Auraria Campus policy prohibits camping on the premises because of health, safety, and security considerations.”

⚖️ Final Defendant in Elijah McClain Murder Sentenced

Former Aurora paramedic Jeremy Cooper was sentenced on Friday to 14 months of jail time with work release plus four years of probation and community service for his involvement in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. Last year, a jury convicted both Cooper and his supervisor Peter Cichuniec of criminally negligent homicide. [CPR]

⛺ Another Week, Another Sweep

Last week, Denver officials cleared a homeless encampment in the Baker neighborhood, displacing some 50-70 unhoused residents. Outreach workers were able to move at least 50 people into temporary housing. This sweep comes just one week after officials cleared an encampment in the La Alma neighborhood of some 130 unhoused residents to whom they could not offer housing. The sweep of a camp in Central Park is scheduled for May 8. [Westword]

🪴 Make This Year’s Garden Your Best Yet

What kind of tomatoes should you plant? What types of vegetables grow well in the shade? What’s the best indoor grow light? We posed these questions and more to our resident gardening expert to help your harvest get off to a healthy start. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

It’s going to be a big weekend for Derby lovers, Star Wars fanatics, and Chicano communities alike — and there will be festivities aplenty for however you choose to celebrate! Start planning now:

Cinco de Mayo

This deeply rooted Mexican holiday is a celebration of culture and heritage that commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over France in the historic Battle of Puebla. (Not “Mexico’s Independence Day,” and much more than an excuse to drink tequila.) Here’s where you can learn more about the holiday.

Hecho en Westwood

The Westwood community goes all out all weekend to commemorate this Chicano tradition with cultural festivities, like mariachi, ballet folklórico, lucha libre, local food and art vendors, and more.

Museo de las Americas

In honor of the holiday, Museo de las Americas will offer free admission all day long on Friday, May 3, (check out the current “Espíritu Hermosx” exhibit) plus a celebration on Friday evening from 5-9 p.m. featuring cultural performances and local vendors.

Kentucky Derby

It’s the 150th renewal of “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” and one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. This American tradition is often marked by fancy hats and mint juleps.

Denver Mini Derby

If you can’t make it to Kentucky, the Denver Mini Derby at Tivoli Quad (May 4, 1-6 p.m.) might just be the next best thing. After a live viewing of the race, stick around for Denver’s own “mini race,” plus live music, food trucks, and some friendly competition. Tickets start at $84.99.

Denver Derby Party McGregor Square 21+

Catch the race on McGregor Square’s 66-by-20-foot LED screen while enjoying the camaraderie of hundreds of other Denverites in their Derby Day best at this all-inclusive annual watch party (May 4, 1-6:30 p.m.). Tickets start at $125.

Star Wars Day

“May the Fourth Be With You” — an unofficial day of celebration for Star Wars fanatics everywhere to geek out on this cult classic sci-fi series.

Bear Creek Distillery Annual Party

Every year, this Denver distillery honors May 4 with an exclusive Star Wars-themed cocktail menu to go with all-day movie screenings from 2-11 p.m.

Art War Star Wars Party

The BRDG Project is bringing back its Star Wars-themed art show and costume party (May 4, 5-11 p.m.). Admire off-the-wall sketches, paintings, prints, and other pop culture takes on the iconic movie series, plus DJs, dancing, and fellow fandom.

Your Denver Gardening Questions, Answered

How do you know if your garden is getting too much shade or not enough? How do you ensure your tomato plants won’t wither and die this year? If you want to rip out your lawn and start over, where do you begin? Gardening is a fickle art. So we brought our resident plant expert on the show today to answer all your burning botanical questions.