Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by What’s Up Boulder, happening on Sept. 7 — check it out to learn about current and future city projects and more.
First off: We have exciting news. Boulder Reporting Lab won big at this weekend’s Colorado Press Association awards, bringing home 19 reporting honors along with the General Excellence award for best newsroom in our division and sweepstakes prizes for Editorial Excellence and Overall Excellence in Other Media.
We’re grateful for the recognition from our journalism peers, but even more so for you, our readers — your monthly or one-time gifts make it possible for us to produce meaningful, prize-winning journalism for Boulder that makes a difference. It’s never too late to give, and your support matters now more than ever. Today’s lead story is a perfect example:
For decades, residents of San Lazaro mobile home park on the edge of Boulder city limits have avoided the tap, saying it smells like bleach or pond water. Many spend heavily on bottled water instead. Now, tests have found PFAS — “forever chemicals” linked to cancer — at levels above new EPA limits that will take effect in 2029.
The city’s 2022 plan to annex the park and connect it to municipal water collapsed, and most residents still oppose annexation over fears of higher costs and a lack of clear communication from the owners. With no deal in sight, two environmental justice groups are now testing a natural fix in the park’s pond, but future funding is already in jeopardy.
Brooke Stephenson takes an in-depth look at a long-running problem, once a city priority, that has faded from the spotlight but still demands attention.
More, Below the Fold:
- 35-year sentence: Boulder man guilty in teen crane fall death.
- Police raise: Council OKs 4% over union push for 6%.
- Latino talk today: County hosts event on federal policy impacts.
- CU solar: Weld County project to use sheep for weed control.
- Tulips: Free Pearl Street bulbs Aug. 20 at 11 spots.
- Trail closure: Twin Lakes in Gunbarrel shut for up to three weeks.
- Things to Do: Poetry, Cash tribute, hike, rummage, tacos, disco & more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– Stacy, publisher
Curious about what’s happening in our city? Come to What’s Up Boulder on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Scott Carpenter Park to see what’s up! This free, family-friendly event is a chance to talk with city staff from every department, learn about current and future projects, and share what matters most to you. There will be music, crafts, free dessert, a dunk tank and even a chance to check out a fire truck and police cruiser up close.
Boulder’s San Lazaro mobile home park has undrinkable water. Fixing it has stalled for years.
The city wants to annex the park to bring clean water, but the owners won’t agree, and residents fear higher costs. How long the natural solutions now being tested might take remains unclear. Continue reading…
Boulder Reporting Lab wins 22 Colorado Press Association awards, including General Excellence for best newsroom
Awards highlight Boulder Reporting Lab’s accountability and community-focused reporting in its third year of publishing. Continue reading…
Warm days, stormy afternoons?
Expect a hot start to the week, with highs in the low 90s on Monday and Tuesday. Both days bring a 20% chance of afternoon thunderstorms, otherwise mostly sunny skies. Nights will be mostly clear, dipping into the low 60s.
Winds stay light, though Tuesday afternoon and evening could see gusts up to 17 mph. Wednesday looks to be the warmest day of the stretch, with highs into the 90s and just a slight chance of an afternoon storm.
Boulder man sentenced to 35 years for providing drugs to teen who died in crane fall
Benjamin Harmon, 21, pleaded guilty to distributing psilocybin to a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, and attempted money laundering, and was sentenced Thursday to 35 years in state prison, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office announced in a news release. The case began after a 15-year-old boy fell to his death from a crane on CU Boulder property in 2024.
Investigators say Harmon sold the boy mushrooms before his death and later discovered he had given drugs to at least 19 other minors, sexually assaulted one and obtained child sexual abuse materials from another. All victims were Boulder County high school students. “The teenager who died was loved by his family and friends,” District Attorney Michael Dougherty said. “He had his whole life in front of him, until the defendant began preying upon him and other high school kids.”
Boulder City Council approves 4% police raise over union objection
On Aug. 7, Boulder City Council voted unanimously to give Boulder police a 4% salary increase instead of the 6% increase that the Boulder Police Officers Association (BPOA) says was supported by a neutral arbitrator.
“Our last best offer was a 6% salary increase which keeps us within the bottom half of our comparable agencies but would show good faith from City leadership as we work to become more competitive,” the association said in an Aug. 12 statement. “The City offered 4%, along with a last- minute addition to remove healthcare protection language … that has been in place for years.”
“When impasse was declared, both sides agreed on a neutral arbitrator. That arbitrator ruled in favor of the BPOA. Even so, on August 7th, City Council ignored this decision.”
Councilmembers discussed the decision in a private executive session before returning to chambers to vote. Several cited the city’s constrained financial situation — an anticipated $8 to $10 million budget shortfall and a citywide hiring freeze — when explaining their decision. Read more on BRL.
Today: County to host talk on federal impacts to Latino community
Boulder County commissioners will hold a virtual discussion today, Aug. 18, on how federal policies are affecting the Latino community in housing, health, climate, business and basic needs. Local leaders will share data and experiences with elected officials. The public can watch from 4:30-6 p.m. via Zoom (Spanish interpretation available) or phone.
CU Boulder starts work on solar project with sheep for weed control
CU Boulder has begun construction on a solar farm in Weld County that will help power the campus and use sheep to keep vegetation in check, Solar Power World reports. Built in partnership with Denver-based Pivot Energy, the roughly 8,000-panel array is expected to be finished in early 2026.
The project, built under Colorado’s virtual net metering law, will give CU credit on its electricity bills for power generated at the Weld County site, even though it’s miles from campus. It’s expected to produce enough electricity to meet part of CU’s needs for the next 20 years, helping the school cut emissions without raising costs, according to the university. About 100 sheep will graze the site each spring through fall to keep vegetation in check.
Free tulips for your garden — straight from Pearl Street
Boulder’s 19th annual tulip bulb giveaway is back Aug. 20, with free bags available at 11 downtown businesses, including Mountain Sun, OZO Coffee, Savory Spice and The New Local. The bulbs, imported from Holland and pulled from the Pearl Street Mall after their spring bloom, are first come, first served, one bag per household. Full list of pickup spots and times is on the Downtown Boulder Partnership’s site.
Twin Lakes trail in Gunbarrel closing for up to three weeks
Parts of Gunbarrel’s East Lake Trail will close starting today, Aug. 18, for resurfacing, a project expected to last one to three weeks. Access to West Lake from Twin Lakes Road will remain open. The area, which includes wetland habitat, is popular for fishing, jogging and dog walks — but swimming, boating and camping are not allowed.
☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on our Monday to-do list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Colorado Poets Center Poetry Reading & Open Mic: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m., Boulder Book Store, 1107 Pearl St. Read More
Social Stitchers: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 7:30-11:59 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
Hikes for Seniors: A Hop Around the Ponds: Thursday, Aug. 21, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat, 3893 N. 75th St. Read More
Boulder Comedy Hour: Thursday, Aug. 21 7:30-8:30 p.m., Full Cycle Cafe & Bar, 2355 30th St. Additional dates monthly. Read More
Abigael Snyder: Friday, Aug. 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 940 Pearl St. Read More
eTown Presents The Wildwoods: Friday, Aug. 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m., eTown, 1535 Spruce St. Read More
Boogie Machine – 70s Disco Party!: Friday, Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m., Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Dr., Unit T., Lafayette. Read More
20th Annual Mapleton Hill Rummage Sale: Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Mapleton Hill Neighborhood, 840 Mapleton Avenue. Read More
Boulder Taco Fest: Saturday, Aug. 23, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Boulder Creek, 1001 Arapahoe Dr. Read More
Boulder Swing Break and Shake: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2:00-11:30 p.m., Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Rd. Read More
Taylor Shae: Saturday, Aug. 23, 7:00 p.m., 63rd Street Farm, 3796 63rd St. Read More
Billy Allen + The Pollies: Sunday, Aug. 24, 8:00-10:45 p.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13 St. Read More