🏔️ Why our 150th brings mixed feelings

🏆 Colorado Turns 150 Tomorrow

Did you know that 150 years ago, on August 1, 1876, Colorado became the 38th state to join the union? Today, we’re looking back at some of the important events that shaped our state and, in particular, the capital city we call home.

• The flood we can’t forget: Fifty years ago, a 30-foot flood in Big Thompson Canyon claimed the lives of 144 people and transformed disaster preparation and safety across the nation. [Rocky Mountain PBS]
• A different perspective: Our statehood began in 1876, but before that, Native Americans had inhabited the land we call Colorado for hundreds of years. This article explains why relatives and ancestors of the 50 tribes with ties to Colorado don’t consider Aug. 1 a day of celebration. [Denver Post 🔐]
• A brief history of Chinatown and Auraria: Did you know that LoDo was once home to a thriving Chinese immigrant community? How about the Latino community that was displaced from what’s now known as Auraria Campus? Find out how some local residents are working to tell the full story of Denverites who have been displaced. [Denver Post 🔐]
• Backstory of a colorful icon: We’ve all seen the brown sign that reads “Welcome to Colorful Colorado.” But few know the history of these signs and why they were nearly changed forever (more than once). [Westword]
• How are you celebrating all the ups and downs? We’ve got lots of 150th birthday parties picked out for you in our events calendar below.

🍅 Neighbors Rally to Save Baker Community Garden

The plot of land that hosts the Baker Community Garden has been put up for sale, threatening the garden’s existence. Denver Urban Gardens, which helps operate the Baker garden, has launched a fundraising campaign to help raise the $600,000 needed to purchase the land and keep the garden running. [9News; Denver7]

💸 How Denver Could Pay Off Its George Floyd Protest Lawsuits

Earlier this week, Denver City Council introduced a bill that would move $18.8 million out of the contingency account of Denver’s General Fund to the city attorney’s Liability Claims Fund, where the money would help settle lawsuits against the Denver Police Department related to the 2020 George Floyd protests. Council is expected to debate the bill next on Aug. 3.

• While some city officials argue the contingency account is for this exact purpose, council member and mayoral candidate Shontel Lewis said “every dollar moved for this purpose is one less dollar that can be used to fund city staff, city programs and city services.” [Denver Gazette]

☀️ How to Get Out There in August

Looking for ways to get out and explore Denver during the state’s birthday month? Listen to the latest City Cast Denver podcast today for our personalized guide to eating, drinking, and enjoying the Mile High city this August, especially if you’re looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Summerween! [City Cast Denver]