Is Lakeside Unsafe? Plus, Murky Homelessness Spending and ‘Chipotle Boys’
It’s only Wednesday, so we’re rounding up a short week of news before the holiday weekend! First, a new investigation from the Denver Post attempts to answer the question of the summer: Why is the Cyclone rollercoaster at Lakeside Amusement Park still closed? Then, concerns linger about just how much money Mayor Johnston is spending on homelessness, especially after SCOTUS’s recent ruling on camping bans. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by a returning fave — comedian and Casa Bonita gorilla Joshua Emerson — to discuss all these stories, plus our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.
Paul promised details on the City of Denver’s first-ever drone show for the Fourth of July (July 3, Civic Center Park) and gave a shout out to the Chipotle Boys. Bree mentioned Dozens reopening and Sol Tribe’s closure and how to get in touch with tattooists and piercers as they move to new shops. Joshua talked about Denver’s dual MVPs, the last days of the Esquire Theatre, and his collaboration “Knowing You, Denver,” opening at the Denver Art Museum this week.
Come party with us on Colfax! RSVP today for the Colfax Indie Bash where we’ll be chatting with Mayor Mike Johnston and celebrating all things Colfax on July 18. Get the deets and save the date here!
What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why Does Gov. Polis Hate Socialism? Plus, Is Our Corn in Danger?
Gov. Jared Polis has been raising some eyebrows lately, and not just for his loud outfit at Colorado’s 150th birthday party. The outgoing...

Did BRT Construction Flood The Squire? Plus, Our Favorite New Local Businesses
After a bout of heavy rain in Denver last week, The Squire Lounge on Colfax was left several feet underwater, and people online are looki...

Cool Down With Denver’s Best Ice Cold Treats
‘Tis the season for sweet and icy treats! From a classic mangonada to innovative ice cream nachos, we’ve rounded up a list of great local...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Denver
Do you know how zoning laws affect Denver’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it...

Your Guide to August 2026 in Denver
We’re in the thick of the summer season! There’s no end to the high temps in sight, so how do you stay cool and keep your sanity? Green c...

Are Denver’s Neglected Buildings Being Exploited for Profit?
You know that busted old, abandoned home down the block? City officials revamped the regulations around these neglected properties last y...

The Data Center Being Built in Elyria-Swansea is Getting Loud
The CoreSite data center in Elyria-Swansea is nearly complete, and some skeptical neighbors are already starting to see their concerns ma...

Is Utah Luring One of Denver's Biggest Companies? Plus, a Huge City Council Shake-Up and the Science of 4AM Bars
Denverites will vote in both a special election in November and municipal election in April as at-large councilmember Sarah Parady steps...

City Cast vs. Denverite: Who Knows Colfax Best?
Colfax Avenue is undoubtedly one of Denver’s most infamous and storied streets. It’s got so much gritty charm that it’s practically a rit...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Denver
It’s not a given that every Denverite will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer...

