❌ Mayor cuts funding for homelessness initiative

🚗 Mayor Pulls Funding for Safe Parking Sites

Citing the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative’s “challenges with spending and reporting,” Mayor Johnston is shortening the city’s contract with the nonprofit by a year. CSPI currently runs two sites where people experiencing homelessness can safely shelter in their cars, and while they will be able to continue operating those sites through 2024, the organization won’t be given city funding to expand. [Axios]

🍳 Two Iconic Snooze Locations To Get Bigger, Better

Eighteen years and 70 restaurants after Snooze A.M. Eatery got its start in the Ballpark neighborhood, the chain is spending $3.5 million to expand its original restaurant and relocate the one in Union Station. Only Snooze Ballpark will see temporary closures (from June 3 until sometime in July) while renovations take place. [Denver Post 🔒]

💬 Music Promoter Arrest Shakes Up Scene

After years of rumors swirling around the local jam band scene, former promoter and venue owner Jay Bianchi was arrested on several counts of alleged sexual assault. What took so long for the victims to be heard? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Hey! It’s Bree Davies, host of City Cast Denver. We have a special podcast series I want to tell you about – it’s called Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose. Since she made international headlines for some questionable behavior during a performance of “Beetlejuice” last year, all eyes have been on the congresswoman. But beyond the gun-toting, President Biden-heckling image she presents, who is Lauren Boebert, really? How did she go from running a gun-themed restaurant to running for Congress?

We’ve talked to her former friends, foes, fellow legislators, and reporters who have been covering her rise over the last few years. We want to understand what her rapid rise says about Colorado – and American – politics in the 21st century. Ultimately, we want to figure out why it feels like Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose.

Starting May 15, we’ll be releasing new episodes of the series weekly on the City Cast Denver podcast feed leading up to her June 25 primary.

Hey loyal readers and listeners. We love to hear from you! Got a question about something going on in the city? A spicy take on a trending topic? Commentary on a recent podcast episode or newsletter? We want to hear it 💌 Here’s the latest from the inbox:

🌳 More on Wash Park

After reading our Wash Park neighborhood guide, Carrie J. wants to add a shoutout:

• “The Eugene Field Branch Library is a cozy neighborhood spot staffed with friendly folks who work hard to get the books, media, and other materials you need. Plus they offer great programs for adults and kids alike. It's one of the neighborhood gems!”

🚲 La Alma Lincoln Park

After highlighting some of our favorite haunts in La Alma Lincoln Park, Caitlin B. adds:

• “Bikes Together uses recycled bicycles as a vehicle for equitable social change; collective and individual wellness; education and empowerment; and connection. They also offer mechanic services at affordable rates, let you work alongside a mechanic to learn how to fix your bike, and have GEM nights where women, femmes, and non-binary folks can come work on their bikes in a safe space. Their annual fundraiser is coming up.”

🐶 Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Karen from Curtis Park has a request:

• “We just got a puppy and can't leave her for long. So I would love to explore restaurants that our puppy (Ruby) can join us at. (Not breweries — we have plenty of dog-friendly breweries ❤️)”

RiNo’s Vinyl Future, Music Promoter Arrested, and Meow Wolf’s Growing Pains

Last week, Meow Wolf announced a major expansion – but how does the immersive empire’s growth square with recent layoffs? Then, after Vinyl Me, Please fired its top brass in Denver, the record pressing plant’s future hangs in the balance. Denver Post Entertainment reporter John Wenzel stops by to dig into the local arts scene dirt.