COS Town Tidings #26-100

Gmail will truncate so 📖 READ ONLINE

🤣 Today’s Chuckle

📰 From Opponent to Insider 😬

📰 You Might Be Surprised This Week 🌮

Recipe: 🍪 Brookie Pie

🛍 Bargain Box - up to 50% Off + Special Pop Up Sale

📆 Local Events + Concerts, Activities

⛅ COS Weather - Partly cloudy, average temps with possible spotty PM showers

Recreation: 🥾 Easy Spring Loop

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I asked the waiter what he recommended

👉He said, “Leaving.” 🤣

😬 From Opponent to Insider

Mayor Yemi has appointed former political opponent Wayne Williams as the city’s new Chief of Staff, marking a notable moment of collaboration following the 2023 mayoral runoff.

Williams brings a long history of public service, including roles as a City Council member and Colorado’s Secretary of State, and will now help oversee city operations, support relationships with Council, and work alongside thousands of city employees during a time of budget pressure, including a projected shortfall. The position requires political neutrality, especially with future elections, and reflects an effort by city leadership to bring together different perspectives to move the city forward. Williams is set to begin the role on April 20. Full Story

🌮 You Might Be Surprised This Week

Each week, El Paso County Public Health inspects local restaurants and posts the results publicly. Here's what caught our eye this week…from the concerning to the impressive.

Here's a breakdown of the most recent results:

🚫 Forced to Close

🔴 Hotpot Story

  • 📍 5660 Barnes Rd Ste 164

  • 📅 Inspection Date: Mar 30, 2026

  • ⚠️ Result: Closed – 14 violations

  • Status as of April 9, 2026

    Result: Still Closed, No update. Hotpot Story was ordered closed last week after inspectors found 14 violations. As of this issue, no re-inspection has been filed with the health department. We'll keep watching and update you when they come back for re-inspection. 👀

    👉 Covered in Issue 26-093 (April 3). No new inspection on record as of Apr 9

  • 🧾 Worst issues: Large batches of broth and pho were being cooled improperly in 5-gallon buckets, with dozens sitting at unsafe temperatures. Inspectors also found eggs and other foods too warm, improper sanitizing, unlabeled chemical bottles, pest evidence, and food stored directly on the floor. This one was serious enough to require closure until multiple corrections are made.
    👉 Required to close and correct issues before reopening

⚠️ Re-Inspection Required

None on the list for this period of Apr 3-9.

🥇 Top Scores! Some great news from this week's inspections — including a major comeback story!

High Scores:

Now for some good news…these local spots are doing things right 👏

🟢 YONG's Korean Kitchen 🎉 BIG COMEBACK!

  • 1712 S. Circle Dr., COS | Routine Inspection | Apr 9, 2026

  • Result: Pass with 1 violation!

  • Remember YONG's getting shut down back on March 19? They clearly did not waste any time. Less than three weeks later, they came back and nearly aced their routine inspection just 1 minor violation. That's a seriously impressive turnaround. If you've been steering clear, it might be time to give them another shot. 🍜

🟢 Aiki Sushi & Ramen

  • 4359 Integrity Center Pt, COS | Re-Inspection |  Apr 9, 2026

  • Result: Pass with 5 violations (several corrected on site)

  • We flagged Aiki Sushi last week for needing a re-inspection. They came back yesterday and passed. Inspectors noted issues including cold holding temps (some items not properly chilled, corrected on site), missing consumer advisory for raw fish on menus, an unlabeled cleaning spray bottle (corrected on site), sanitizer solution at wrong concentration (corrected on site), and utensils stored improperly. Some were repeat violations, but they earned the pass.

🟢 Monica's Taco Shop

  • 1485 Jamboree Dr., COS | Routine Inspection | Apr 9, 2026

  • Result: Pass with 1 violation, corrected on site.

  • 🧾 The issue: an employee drink without a lid sitting on the prep cooler. Inspector educated them on the spot and it was corrected immediately. Other than that? Clean bill of health. Nice work, Monica's! 🌮

🟢 The Loft Espresso

  • 110 Canon Ave, Manitou Springs  |  Routine Inspection  |  Apr 9, 2026

  • Result: Pass with 1 minor violation, corrected on site.

🟢 Sandy's Restaurant 🍳

  • 6940 Space Village Ave, COS |  Re-Inspection  |  Apr 9, 2026

  • Result: Pass with 3 violations (walk-in needs repairing) Came back from a prior re-inspection. That's how you do it!

Health inspection results across El Paso County are available online for those wanting to check their favorite spots.

*Note: Most local restaurants take food safety incredibly seriously. In fact, many owners respond to violations swiftly and thoroughly, often making fixes the same day while they wait for reinspection. Source: El Paso County Public Health | Inspections pulled Apr 3–9, 2026

🛍 Bargain Box: This Week's Hot Deals! (Through Sat, Apr 11 + POP UP Sale)

A new week means new treasures! We're giving you a first look at the incredible finds and amazing sales hitting the floor through Apr 11 (up to 50% OFF). Watch now to see what's waiting for you!

👉 Remember, you can donate items here too!

Located at 405 S Nevada Ave, Open Tues - Sat 10am-2pm. (719) 475-1029

Pop-Up Sale, Sat Apr 11

At their service center: 10am-2pm. At 318 E Cimarron

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🍪 Brookie Pie

Recipe by Organically Addison

This dessert combines a thick, chewy cookie base with a rich, fudgy brownie layer, all baked into one irresistible pie. It’s naturally gluten free, deeply chocolatey, and perfect for sharing! (This is on my “to make” list!)

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🍞 Fresh Baked Sourdough breads, pastries
Nature's Start Bread Company
📍3312 Austin Bluffs (Inside The Cupcake Doctor):
M-Sat, 9am-6pm

🎉 EXCITING NEWS!

We are transitioning to a new calendar with lots of additional benefits.
Click to see the new Events Calendar
Submit your events at the link above.

📆 Sample Local Events

*Weather permitted

🎶 Concerts / Music

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You’ll be the FIRST to unlock EXCLUSIVE offers, special savings, and the latest announcements from businesses and events in our area—all delivered straight to your phone. (Click image below to find out WHY I created this for you!)

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🥾 Easy Spring Loop

If you’re looking for a simple way to enjoy spring without a big time commitment, the Ponderosa to Wildflower Path Loop at Stratton Open Space is a great option right here in Colorado Springs. The 2.1-mile loop offers gentle elevation changes, scenic overlooks, and just enough shade to keep things comfortable, making it a nice choice for beginners or a quick after-work outing.

Most people can complete it in under an hour, and it’s popular for hiking, running, and even birdwatching. While much of the trail is exposed, so bringing water and sun protection is important, hikers can also enjoy seasonal wildflowers along the way, just stay aware of bikes, muddy patches, and the occasional rattlesnake.

Location: in southwest Colorado Springs, in Stratton Open Space 1504 Ridgeway Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

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Colorado Springs Town Tidings is for you, our readers. We encourage you to share your news, local hero stories, events, and more! Email us at [email protected]

Disclaimers: All content deemed accurate at publishing. Independent of local entities. Aims to inform, connect, entertain. Updates on website version.

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