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It can feel like we’re in uncharted territory: rising fire risk, a drought watch, neighborhoods nearing evacuation warnings, and Xcel Energy cutting power to prevent sparks. So what can be done?
One of the most common questions we hear during outages is this: Why are Boulder’s powerlines still above ground?
Por Jaijongkit answers that today, tracing the issue back more than 50 years. It’s a clear look at how a well-intentioned system fell short, and what that means as risks grow. She also breaks down how much of the system still needs to be buried.
The story launches a new series, Rewiring Boulder, in which BRL will dig into solutions for a power grid under pressure from wildfire and climate change.
Also today, in Food and Drink: An Australian-style hard ginger beer brewery has opened in East Boulder, bringing a fast-growing category to local taps, with a new saloon, live music on Sundays and distribution already expanding across Boulder County. Gabe Toth reports.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- Weather: Sun, wind, then storms — rain likely Tuesday.
- Solar rebates: Home battery systems now eligible.
- Open space access: City survey open through May 3.
- Safety net funding: $2M in emergency grants awarded.
- Mountain rescue: New facility breaks ground as demand rises.
- Arbor Day: Free trees and native plants April 18.
- Things to Do: Creative coding, trans youth stories, ocean films, local opera, Mary Poppins ballet, Bluebird Music Festival, fermentation + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
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Boulder’s powerlines pose wildfire risk. Why are so many still above ground?
A 1970 funding deal set the pace for undergrounding. More than 50 years later, costs and constraints still limit how quickly Boulder can bury its remaining powerlines. Continue reading…
Boulder’s TooSteppin brings Australian-style hard ginger beer to East Boulder
Founded by a former tech entrepreneur, the East Boulder saloon is building a local market for a fast-growing Australian staple. Continue reading…
Sun, wind, then real rain
Monday starts mostly sunny, with a high near 70, but it will be breezy, with gusts up to 22 mph. Fire conditions remain elevated.
By Monday night, clouds increase with a 20% chance of showers and a low around 42. Winds ease overnight.
Tuesday brings the shift: a strong chance of showers, with possible thunderstorms after noon and a high near 61. The chance of precipitation jumps to 90%, with showers likely continuing into the evening before tapering off overnight.
Wednesday returns to mostly sunny skies, with a high near 66.
Boulder expands solar rebate to include home battery systems
Following community feedback, Boulder has expanded its solar tax rebate to include permanently installed residential battery systems, a move aimed at improving energy reliability and resilience.
Battery systems can help homes and businesses keep power during outages, manage energy use and strengthen the local grid. They can also provide added support for residents who rely on electric-powered medical equipment.
Under the update, property owners can receive a rebate of about 15% of sales and use taxes paid on solar photovoltaic, solar thermal — and now battery — systems, starting in April 2026. Systems must be permanently installed and capable of bidirectional energy flow, and applications must be submitted within 12 months of final inspection.
The update builds on Boulder’s 2008 Solar Rebate Ordinance and is part of the city’s broader effort to prepare for increasing climate and grid risks.
How do you get to open space? City wants to know
Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks is asking residents to share how they access open space, as part of a multimodal improvements assessment now open through May 3.
The survey comes as visitation has surged, putting pressure on parking areas and trailheads. Feedback will help identify barriers to access, including challenges with non-driving transportation options, and guide future planning.
The questionnaire is available online, and staff will conduct surveys at select trailheads this month. A draft set of recommendations is expected in August, followed by additional public input. Questions can be directed to Jena Van Gerwen, open space planner, at vangerwenj@bouldercolorado.gov.
$2M in emergency grants awarded as need continues after federal cuts
Boulder County has awarded $2 million in emergency funding to eight nonprofits supporting residents affected by federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.
Recipients are Boulder Valley Health Center, Clinica Family Health and Wellness, Community Food Share, El Centro Amistad, Harvest of Hope Pantry, OUR Center and LEAF, Sister Carmen Community Center and YWCA Boulder County.
The funding comes from the county’s Human Services Safety Net mill levy, first approved in 2008 and renewed through 2030.
Demand has remained high: In February, the county received 28 applications requesting more than $5.5 million. Boulder County has said more than 20,000 people currently receive SNAP — down from about 25,000 before these changes.
Those needing help can find resources at boco.findhelp.com.
New rescue facility breaks ground in Boulder
Construction has begun on a new facility for Boulder County and the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, a volunteer team that has served the area since 1947.
The group responds to about 200 calls each year — up nearly 40% over the past decade — as more people head into Boulder’s open space. During peak season, teams can respond to multiple calls a day.
Rocky Mountain Rescue has become one of the busiest teams of its kind in the country, BRL previously reported, operating out of a cramped, outdated facility that no longer fits its growing needs. Rescue vehicles are often stored outside, and the current building can’t accommodate the full team for meetings or training.
The roughly $20 million project, funded by a 2022 sales tax, will include a three-story training wall, vehicle bays and a 100-person training space. The new facility is designed to improve response times, training and coordination as demand increases. The building is expected to be operational in summer 2027.
Free tree seedlings, native plants at Boulder Farmers Market April 18
Boulder Forestry and community partners will give away free tree seedlings and native plants at the Boulder Farmers Market on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 13th Street and Arapahoe Avenue. The annual Arbor Day event is first-come, first-served and includes opportunities to ask city staff about tree care.
The giveaway comes as Boulder remains under a drought watch, with officials emphasizing the importance of maintaining trees to support cooling and long-term climate resilience.
☀️ 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.
Cinema Classics with Jeffrey Kash: And Then There Were None: Monday, April 13, 7-8:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
Creative Coding with Gus Becker: Tuesday, April 14, 6-8 p.m., Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St. Read more.
How to Support Trans Youth: An Evening with Author Nico Lang: Tuesday, April 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Pine Street Church, 1237 Pine St. Read more.
Hikes for Seniors: Signs of Bird Migration: Wednesday, April 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat, 3893 N. 75th St. Read more.
Turner Wyatt — “Begin Where You Are” with Colorado Poet Laureate: Wednesday, April 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Boulder Book Store, 1107 Pearl St. Read more.
Escape to the Maldives: Exclusive Film Screening with Ocean First: Thursday, April 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Ocean First, 3015 Bluff St. Read more.
Boulder Opera Company: Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss: Thursday, April 16, 7-9:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Alternative dates April 18-19. Read more.
“The Cancer Journals” Aloud: Friday, April 17, 1:30-3 p.m., CU Art Museum, 1085 18th St. Read more.
Storybook Ballet: Mary Poppins: Friday, April 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Alternative dates April 18-19. Read more.
Flower Children: Friday, April 17, 7-8:30 p.m., Boulder Circus Center, 4747 26th St. Read more.
Marfa: Friday, April 17, 8 p.m.-12 a.m., The Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read more.
Funky Farm Ferments with Nicole: Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Nyland Cohousing, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette. Read more.
Alessandro Penezzi – Brazilian Guitar: Saturday, April 18, 7:30-9 p.m., Boulder Mennonite Church, 3910 Table Mesa Dr. Read more.
The Cunning Little Vixen: By Leoš Janáček: Saturday, April 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Imig Music, 1020 18th St. Additional dates April 16-19. Read more.
Bluebird Music Festival 2026: Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. Read more.