🚗 An Update To Denver’s New Parking Laws

Housing advocates recently raised concerns over Denver’s new street parking laws, alleging the  rules unfairly impact people who are living in their cars. City council’s resolution was to add an amendment to the law that requires officials to provide an extra 48 hours notice before impounding a vehicle if they believe someone might be living in it. [Denver Post 🔒]

• 💬 “I wouldn’t use the word satisfied,” Annie Kurtz, staff attorney with the ACLU, said of the amendment.

📜 Polis’ Housing Bill Fails

Late Monday night, at the final hearing of this year’s legislative session, state lawmakers killed Senate Bill 213, the ambitious (and controversial) land-use measure proposed by Gov. Jared Polis to address Colorado’s housing crisis. The bill underwent a number of back-and-forth changes, but ultimately a compromise could not be reached. [CPR]

• ✅ ❌ What else passed / failed? From abortion access and gun reform to environmental advocacy and education, here’s a breakdown of the bills that will likely impact you. [CO Sun]

🛏️ City Officials Prepare For More Migrants

With Title 42 (a pandemic-era national policy that allowed the US to reject migrants and asylum-seekers) set to expire tomorrow, Denver is preparing for a surge of migrants on top of the thousands who have arrived in the city since December. Mayor Hancock and Gov. Polis are calling on local nonprofits for sheltering assistance and asking the feds for more financial support. [Axios]

Today’s yucky weather may have you fretting over your spring-ready lawn that was just starting to green up. But local gardening expert Betty Cahill recently shared some tips (originally published in The Denver Post 🔒) for perking your yard back up after Colorado’s cold season. Here are some of the key takeaways:

🌱 Aerate, aerate, aerate! Cahill says, “Nothing breathes new life into compacted lawns better than core aeration.” Water your lawn well in the day or two before you aerate. The more holes, the better! So give it an extra pass or two with the aerator.

For a small lawn or tight corners where the aerator won’t fit, use a pitchfork to manually aerate.

🌱 Now is the time to overseed. Cahill reports that today’s new seed varieties are “bred to improve thickness, drought, heat tolerance, and withstand activity from summer use.” There are a variety of grass seed options to choose from — just read the information on the seed bin and find one that best matches your lawn’s growth and sun conditions. Lay down your seed after you aerate, then top it all off with fertilizer.

When temps are up near the 70s, make sure you’re watering twice a day.

🌱 Consider topdressing. This is when you add a light layer of compost over your grass to reintroduce microorganisms into the soil. (It also helps with drainage.) Cahill suggests using the back side of a metal rake to smooth the compost over your lawn.

And voilà! Your grass should be picnic-ready in no time! Want more advice? 👇

Hey loyal reader, what’s been on your mind lately? 🤔

🚗 A few weeks ago, I shared some tips for protecting your catalytic converter.

• Reader Nate E. suggests installing a Cat Security converter guard from House of Muffler and Breaks: “This heavy-duty guard is akin to owning a U Bolt Kryptonitie lock for your bike instead of just registering it with the police. They are about $130-$190. And if you need it installed the total will be around $400-$450. Yes, that is a lot to pay but it's worth the peace of mind.”

• Reader Amy C. offers a different solution: “Here's a way for Denverites to prevent catalytic converter theft: drive an electric car. There's no need for a catalytic converter in an electric car since their purpose is to remove toxic pollutants from a car’s internal combustion engine, something electric cars don’t have.”

🌷 Yesterday, in honor of Mother’s Day coming up, I shared some ways to give back to the mothers in our community. Reader Kate R. wanted to add one:

• “You should include WeeCycle for your Mother’s Day donation spots. The organization accepts used baby gear, toys, clothes, etc and distributes it to families in need. Now that we are done having kids, I took a literal car full of stuff there and am so glad it will be put to good use!”

🎭 Looking for a fun night out? Reader Annie O. has a recommendation:

• “I saw Wonderbound's ‘The Sandman’ and it was SO GOOD — really fun and completely original. The dancing is moving, athletic, and fast-paced, with the set pieces incorporated into the complex choreography. The live music from the Gasoline Lollipops is incredible and elevates the show, too. Wonderbound is an awesome indie ballet company and this program is beautiful — highly recommend.”

🍔 Westword Burger Week | All Week

Download the Westword Burger Week passport app, grab a $7 burger from any of the eight participating restaurants, enjoy a cheap, delicious dinner, and get entered to win a special Burger Week grand prize! [Various locations; Various prices]

👟 Denver Fashion Week | Wednesday | 6-9:30 p.m.

The biggest event in local fashion is happening this week. Tonight on the runway, see the latest in streetwear and sneakers. [RiNo; $50-$150]

🗳️ Denver Mayoral Forum | Wednesday | 8 p.m.

Get to know your Denver mayoral candidates ahead of the June 6 runoff election through this forum that will be livestreamed by the City of Denver at denverdecides.org. [Virtual; Free]

Denver On The Cheap: A Great Day For Only $52.80

Today on the podcast, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi put themselves to the ultimate test for a dedicated Denverite — how to plan a whole day of fun in the city sun for $52.80 or less! They’re joined by state politics correspondent (and green chile lover!) Justine Sandoval to see who could plan the best day in Denver without breaking the bank!

That’s all for today! Don’t forget your umbrella ☔

— Peyton Garcia