It’s Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.
Here we are at another Monday, Boulder. The last one before the autumnal equinox.
As the days get shorter, it’s a good time to think about how you might take advantage of Colorado’s ample sunshine next summer. Right on cue, I’ve got a story about a nonprofit that’s trying to help Boulder County Residents do just that.
Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is hosting an event tonight at the Lafayette Public Library to launch a Boulder County solar co-op. The idea is by banding together solar-driven Boulderites, local solar installers can be encouraged to provide a group rate that would lower the cost for homeowners. SUN would also help these homeowners with some of the logistics of the process, hopefully taking away solar barriers to entry.
One potential barrier to mass adoption of rooftop solar is grid capacity and grid hookups. I previously reported on Xcel delays in getting solar panels linked to the grid.
Also, Jessica Mordacq spoke last week with three of Boulder’s new Michelin Guide honorees on their recognition.
Enjoy the day.
— Tim, reporter
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Election season is here and it’s time to get up to speed on candidates and issues! Create Boulder and the Boulder County Arts Alliance will be co-presenting a Mayoral and Council candidates forum focused on arts and culture on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Dairy Arts Center. Meet the Candidates for Mayor and City Council and learn their views on the future of Arts & Culture in Boulder.
Featured stories
Interested in rooftop solar? New co-op kicks off in Boulder County to get residents cheaper rates
As the nonprofit SUN facilitates a countywide solar cooperative with broad local government support, some question Xcel Energy’s ability to handle increased residential solar adoption. Continue reading…
Boulder’s new Michelin Guide honorees: Speechless, shocked and overjoyed
We catch up with Boulder’s Michelin-awarded chefs on their restaurant journeys and reactions. Continue reading…
ICYMI: Boulder’s first ‘protected intersection’ aims to transform a once-hazardous junction
The $16 million project on 30th and Colorado was built primarily for cyclists, pedestrians and other people using alternatives to cars to get around. Construction is now complete, and a ribbon cutting will take place in early October. Continue reading…
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In other news
A lovely week ahead
Today is going to be the hottest of the week, and it’s not going to be that hot. Low 80s will bring 70s and 60s for the other days. The scattered showers throughout will only make you appreciate the sun more.
CU tops CSU six years running
In a game that went into the early hours of Sunday morning, CU Boulder pulled off a win over Colorado State, winning 43-35 in double overtime. Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders’ son, led the Buffaloes to victory with a 98-yard drive and a touchdown pass in the second overtime. His other son, Shilo Sanders, had an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
The game was closer than expected, with bookies offering a hefty spread to CU. In order for spread betters to benefit from CU’s win, the Buffs would have had to win by more than 23 points. That’s not what happened. The Rams led for much of the game but were plagued by penalties.
Well-known members of the sports, music and media world were present on Saturday, with ESPN’s College GameDay coming to the CU-Boulder campus for the first time since 1996.
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month opens
Boulder County has officially designated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, with the commissioners reading the proclamation in English and Spanish during last week’s business meeting. The proclamation recognizes the valuable contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities to the county. Various events are happening across Boulder County and Colorado.
The City of Boulder is hosting a number of events throughout the month, including a bilingual workshop with CHAC Gallery, a free and bilingual Festival del Sol at Chautauqua Auditorium, and a discussion on undocumented students in higher education. (To register for that discussion, reach out Ana Silvia Avendano-Curiel at avendano-curiela@bouldercolorado.gov.)
Hispanic Heritage Month is a yearly celebration that began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, it was extended to a full month. Read some of BRL’s previous reporting on Latino history in Boulder County here and here.
Boulder to introduce on-demand transit service in Gunbarrel
The City of Boulder recently announced it received a $650,000 grant from the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to launch a flex route, on-demand transit service in Gunbarrel, beginning in 2024. The new service aims to improve transit connections and offer first- and last-mile travel options for the thousands of people who work and live in Gunbarrel. Funds will be available from 2024 to 2026, with the city managing contracted operations. The service will cover a 4.4-square mile area, linking up with local and regional bus routes.
35th annual Fall Fest this weekend
Downtown Boulder’s three-day autumn festival, which starts Friday and is free to attend, will feature local food, a garden serving beer, wine and margaritas, live music and family-friendly entertainment like bounce houses and an inflatable obstacle course. It also includes the Firefly Handmade event on the Pearl Street Mall. Musical acts will include Mono Verde Collective, Brothers of Brass, the Dylan Kishner Band, Boulder Suzuki Strings and more. Volunteer opportunities are still open for the market. You can sign up here.
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