🐍 Rattlesnake safety tips

🚍 No Free Fares This Year (Except for Kids)

Free Fare for Better Air, the RTD campaign offering no-cost rides during peak ozone season, will not return this year due to reduced state funding. Data shows that the initiative had a marginally positive effect on driving-related pollution. RTD does intend to continue its free youth fare pilot program — anyone 19 and under can just hop on for free — which could become permanent later this year. [CPR]

🚨 Director Fired Hours After Allegations

The Denver Civil Service Commission — an independent agency that oversees first responder applicants — fired executive director Niecy Murray late Tuesday, hours after she accused Mayor Mike Johnston and city leadership of pressuring the agency to lower hiring standards for police and fire department personnel. The commission’s board refuted Murray’s claims and said her termination had been decided weeks before the allegations. [Denver Post]

😮‍💨 Life In the Fastlane

The new automated radar camera in Morrison is causing controversy after issuing over 10,000 speeding tickets in just two weeks. Morrison Police Chief Bill Vinelli defended the initiative and suggested additional speed cameras could be on the way, pointing out that it could help curb dangerous driving. [Denver7]

• Related: Colorado was ranked fourth in worst road rage in the country. Is it deserved? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

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 our inbox:

🍽️ About Full Tank Food Park

In response to a question in last week’s Chatter section about what’s going on with the Full Tank Food Park, Sarah C. answers:

• “They are closing for renovations and will open in the fall as a full coffee shop. They ran into a lot of challenges from the city with permitting, so the Full Tank Food Park was not able to come to fruition full-time. Follow Moonflower Coffee for more info.”

🥢 Poke Recs

Following the news that Turtle Boat has closed, I asked for some new poke recommendations.

• Erin W. suggests Poke World on 16th Street: “It was the first place I ever got poke, and the main person who runs it (I assume the owner?) is SO helpful in giving recommendations! You have to get the matcha rice.”
• Alan B. says: “I’ve got to say me and everyone I know has universal love for the Denver Poke Company on Platte Street. Their homemade yuzu lemonade is a must-have add-on, too.”

🪦 Riverside Cemetery

Gina J. enjoyed our recent podcast episode on Denver’s historic Riverside Cemetery.

• “When we first moved to Denver almost a dozen years ago, we got a book called ‘Walking Denver’ and used it to explore the cemetery. It's an incredible place for history buffs like me.”

The Best Hikes Near Denver

Summer is heating up — no better time to get out of the city and hit the trails! From adventures with views to expert treks for the true mountain athletes, the City Cast Denver crew rounds up their fave hiking spots across the Rockies.