☕ Why local Starbucks workers are suing

🪧 Casa Bonita Union Files Unfair Labor Charges

The Actors’ Equity Association — which represents Casa Bonita’s entertainment employees, like Moco the gorilla and the cliff divers — claims that CB management decided to cut hours for certain character roles without engaging in bargaining. A union rep called the move “downright illegal.” [Actors’ Equity Association]

• Additional context: The charge comes after Casa Bonita told employees about plans to pause the roaming character roles — including that of Black Bart, Captain Isabella, the Sheriff, and others — for the month of October while they pilot holiday-themed “activations” instead.

☕ Local Starbucks Workers Sue Over New Dress Code

Colorado Starbucks employees are seeking damages after management instituted a new uniform policy but refused to reimburse workers who had to buy new clothes. The new dress code comes while the corporate coffee giant is in the midst of an ongoing rebrand effort to create warmer, more welcoming coffeehouse vibes. [9News]

• Speaking of vibes: We’re putting together a list of Denver’s best cozy coffeehouses for the season. What’s your go-to? Let us know 📧

🦓 City Park Residents vs. Denver Zoo

When the Denver Zoo proposed to reopen the facility’s old West Entrance inside City Park recently, some folks in the neighborhood weren’t pleased. While the zoo says a second entrance is about making visiting more accessible to bicyclists and pedestrians, neighbors fear it could increase vehicle traffic, too. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

⛽ Polis Comes Out Against New Buc-ee’s

Gov. Jared Polis is just the latest Colorado politician to weigh in on the Palmer Lake Buc-ee’s debate. He joins Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper in arguing that building a mega gas station at the proposed site along I-25 south of Denver would negatively impact “one of the most consequential conservation corridors” in the country. [CPR]

Last week’s answer: This new bike rack outside Coors Field was recently installed by the city’s Department of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency as part of the Denver Climate Project, a citywide campaign to encourage action against climate change.

📣 A special shoutout for this week’s correct guessers:

• Tim J. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• But Emily H., Erika S. and D weren’t far behind!
• And an extra special thanks to reader Chelsea B. for sharing last week’s photo 👏

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do you know where to find this rock n’ roll lizard mural? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

✨ Thanks to reader Alan B. for sharing this week’s pic.

📸 Want to submit a photo? Send me a snapshot of somewhere in Denver, and I’ll consider it for an upcoming photo trivia segment!