City Cast Denver logo
May 22, 2026

Unsheltered Homelessness Drops, Denver Wildfire Concerns, and Was Casa Bonita a $50M Mistake?

City Cast Denver

Unsheltered Homelessness Drops, Denver Wildfire Concerns, and Was Casa Bonita a $50M Mistake?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Are wildfires a threat Denverites should be worried about? After the urban devastation the Front Range experienced with the Marshall Fire in 2021, Denver is working on its own fire evacuation plans for the first time. Politics contributor Adrian Felix joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into the big environmental stories of the week, plus discuss Mayor Johnston’s approach to homelessness in the context of the 2026 point in time count report, and as always, share their wins and fails of the week! And for a special members-only bonus segment, the trio speculate about why Casa Bonita is such a sore spot for Matt Stone and Trey Parker, beyond costing the billionaires a cool $50 million to buy and renovate.

Bree mentioned episodes we did on the Marshall Fire with a fire ecologist and an environmental reporter; she also talked about harm-reduction education in local schools and a Lakewood cop being investigated for alleged sexual misconduct and cybercrimes. Adrian mentioned Denver’s data center moratorium and the state Democratic Party censuring Governor Jared Polis. Olivia mentioned the JeffCo lookout alert system, a checklist for packing a “go bag,” fire prevention tree-cutting along highways, Children’s Hospital resuming gender affirming care for youth, and the lack of booze at the new Taco Bell Cantina in DIA.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this May 22nd episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
August 10

What to Do With an Empty Stadium? Plus, First Fridays and Homie the Clown

The Broncos have released updated renderings of what the new development around new stadium could look like at Burnham Yard. Now, that’s...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 7

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Denver

As much as you love Denver, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compla...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 6

Does Denver Need a ‘Slavery Acknowledgement’? Plus, Wildfire Smoke and Women’s World Cup Hopes

Why did City Council backtrack on letting bars and nightclubs stay open to 4 a.m.? And who exactly was in favor of later let-out times in...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 5

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 4

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 3

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
August 2

‘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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 31

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 30

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 29

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art