Local Dems Playing Dirty, César Chávez Ripple Effects, and Westword's New Era

CityCast Denver explores a pivotal week in Colorado politics and culture, beginning with a reflective conversation with Patty Calhoun, Westward's longtime editor, as she steps back from full-time duties after 49 years. Calhoun shares the legacy of her groundbreaking 1990 Rocky Flats exposé, highlighting the risks journalists took to expose government corruption, and reflects on the emotional toll of running a newsroom. The episode then shifts to political drama at the Democratic State Assembly in Pueblo, where delegate votes set the stage for high-stakes primary races in governor, Senate, and attorney general. A major controversy erupts around incumbent Jenna Griswold, with allegations of micromanagement, toxic workplace culture, and the use of NDAs, fueled by a dark money group called NMN Action Fund. Former staffers, including Reese Edwards, come forward with detailed claims, sparking a heated debate over qualifications and ethics. Meanwhile, the episode closes with a somber yet hopeful moment at the Corky Gonzalez Branch Library, where a gathering on Cesar Chavez Day—now Cise Buena Day—focuses on healing, accountability, and trauma within the Chicano movement, marking a turning point in how the community confronts its past. The episode underscores the enduring impact of journalism, the volatility of political transitions, and the power of collective healing. Key takeaways include: 1) Investigative journalism requires immense courage and coordination, as seen in the Rocky Flats story; 2) Political races are increasingly shaped by behind-the-scenes attacks and dark money; 3) Workplace culture and leadership style can define a candidate’s viability; 4) Public reckoning with historical figures and movements is essential for community healing; 5) The rise of unaffiliated voters gives them outsized influence in Colorado primaries; 6) Transparency in political funding is critical for public trust; 7) Healing from trauma requires safe, inclusive spaces without public shaming; 8) Legacy institutions like Westward and the Denver Public Library remain vital cultural anchors.