It’s Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.
Happy Monday morning, Boulder. Here’s what we’re up to today:
For mountain bikers, we’ve got an update on one of our most popular stories: the Kinglet Trail (formerly the Toll Trail). People love the trail, so check it out. But nearly a year after its opening, the long-awaited connection it was supposed to create between Nederland and Winter Park is still in limbo. The final 600-foot segment linking the Kinglet Trail to the Continental Divide has been delayed, with the Forest Service pushing the project to next year — extending the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance’s decadelong wait.
On the food front, Boulder is bidding farewell to some favorite spots, including Ruthie’s kiosk on Pearl, Dedalus Wine and Black Pepper Pho. Local restaurants have faced an onslaught of challenges, as we’ve reported. But there’s good news, too: Vision Quest and Sanitas breweries are launching new collaborations, and Pie Dog Pizza is back as a ghost kitchen.
In other news, Boulder County commissioners meet tomorrow to discuss a proposed moratorium on large homes in unincorporated areas, sparking opposition from the business community. The King Soopers trial is expected to conclude this week. Meanwhile, a new CU Boulder study links wildfire smoke to mental illness in children. You can also sign up for the e-bike lottery, weigh in on Boulder’s aging rec centers, check out BRL’s picks for the week and more
Have a great day.
— Brooke, reporter
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Featured stories
Mountain bikers praise new Toll Trail decades in the making, but final link from Nederland to Winter Park remains elusive
The Forest Service has delayed completing the final 600 feet needed to connect the Kinglet Trail (formerly Toll) to the Continental Divide, keeping the long-awaited Nederland-to-Winter Park link just out of reach. Continue reading…
Boulder Eats: 15 things to know about this month’s restaurant openings, closings and other local food news
Boulder Reporting Lab’s latest food roundup highlights the closure of Ruthie’s on Pearl, Dedalus Wine and Black Pepper Pho, updates on Pie Dog Pizza’s ghost kitchen, new collaborations like Sanitas Brewing with Kenny Lou’s Deli and more. Continue reading…
Boulder Reporting Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization that empowers our community through non-partisan, locally focused journalism that informs and connects.
In other news
E-bike lottery opens today
The City of Boulder’s newest lottery for e-bike vouchers opens today, exclusively for income-qualified residents. The vouchers offer up to $2,700 for cargo and adaptive e-bikes and up to $2,100 for standard models. The program, funded by the city’s climate tax, aims to reduce car use and emissions. This year, eligibility is limited to those earning up to 80% of the area median income. Apply here.
County commissioners to discuss freeze on large home builds
The Boulder County commissioners will meet tomorrow, Sept. 17, at 2:30 p.m. to discuss a temporary halt on site plan reviews for large homes, a proposal that seeks to address affordability challenges and environmental impact. The pause would apply to homes above a certain size, varying by neighborhood, in unincorporated Boulder County. Rising housing costs and the construction of bigger homes are driving up property values and taxes, burdening homeowners, commissioners say. The moratorium is expected to face opposition, including from the Boulder Chamber, which has urged commissioners to reject it and “instead engage architects, homeowners, builders, and others in a collaborative process to avoid negative economic impacts.” The public can attend the meeting in person or via Zoom to share input.
Homes built in the 1970s averaged 1,800 square feet, compared to 2,800 square feet in the past decade, according to an analysis of internal county data by BRL. Some recent applications exceed 6,000 square feet. John Herrick recently covered this and discussed it on KUNC last week.
King Soopers trial expected to conclude by week’s end
The trial is expected to conclude by the end of this week, with testimony from Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa’s family still to come. On Friday, the jury saw the full footage of Alissa’s heinous assault for the first time, including the attack from his first victim to his surrender. Jenna Sampson reports powerfully from the courtroom:
After watching only short clips of the incident from various angles and times, the jury today, on Friday, Sept. 13, saw it all put together for the first time: the entire assault, from his first victim to his surrender. There was no air in the room.
It took only 10 minutes. Ten minutes after Alissa killed his first victim, he was shot in the leg and began to surrender. He said in later interviews that he planned on dying that day. What changed his mind? No one knows, perhaps not even him.
The morning after the shooting, just before being released from the ICU, police body camera footage showed him acting sedate but responsive to directions from the criminologist gathering photos and evidence from his person. He was in a light blue hospital gown, handcuffed to the bed. This was the first post-attack footage of Alissa that the jury saw.
A line of questioning about his demeanor in the hospital pointed out that Alissa was not showing signs of hearing voices or experiencing delusions. He was in a hospital gown, handcuffed to the bed, responding to instructions and not appearing distracted by something else going on in his head.
During interviews years later with forensic psychologists, he behaved very differently. He was agitated and fidgety, similar to how he acts in the courtroom. He picks at his sweater, cracks his knuckles and has mild twitching. At one point in court, it appeared he was working on a coloring book printout of a butterfly. Read more on BRL.
Boulder wants your input on future of aging recreation centers
Are you worried or frustrated about the state of Boulder’s rec centers — the aging buildings, outdated facilities, pool problems, poor wildfire smoke filtration, or the decline of the South Boulder Rec Center, which is nearing the end of its lifecycle? The City of Boulder is launching the Future of Recreation Centers project to address these issues. A public questionnaire is now open, encouraging residents to share their priorities on amenities and programming.
Bonus incentive: Participants who complete the survey by Monday, Sept. 30, will be entered into a drawing for a free 10-day pass to Boulder’s rec centers.
CU study links wildfire smoke to higher mental illness risk in kids
A new CU Boulder study shows that prolonged wildfire smoke exposure significantly raises the risk of mental illness in children. Researchers analyzed data from 10,000 kids ages 9 to 11 in one year and found that each additional day of unsafe air increased the likelihood of depression and anxiety symptoms.
“We found more days of fine particulate air pollution above EPA standards were linked to more mental illness symptoms, both during and up to one year after exposure,” said lead author Harry Smolker, a research associate at CU’s Institute of Cognitive Science. Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the study adds to concerns about wildfire smoke’s health effects in Colorado and elsewhere. Researchers believe wildfire smoke was the primary source of the PM 2.5, the air pollution studied.
“Wildfire smoke events are becoming more common, and this study adds to the evidence they impact health,” said co-author Colleen Reid, assistant professor of geography at CU Boulder. Reid has also studied the health impacts of the Marshall Fire on people whose homes were severely damaged by smoke.
New ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ art exhibit now open at BMoCA
The Smoke & Mirrors art show, now open at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art through Jan. 12, 2025, features works by eight artists who explore optical illusions through reflective materials and unconventional techniques. The exhibit plays on our attraction to shiny and transparent objects that distort or distract from physical reality. The museum is located at 1750 13th Street in the city.
BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this week and weekend?
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
Monday | Disaster Preparedness Basics @Boulder Public Library | 4 p.m.
“Join Boulder Office of Disaster Management to increase your personal preparedness! During this 90-minute workshop you’ll learn about Boulder County’s hazards, emergency alerts, personal risk assessment, and create your own disaster preparedness plan!”
Monday | Avanti Run Club | 6:30 p.m.
“Join us every Monday starting September 9th at 6:30pm for Avanti Run Club! 🙌 Come with friends or meet new ones on the run!”
Monday | Election-year polarization: Can we stay good neighbors? | 6:30 p.m.
“The Fall 2024 Difficult Dialogue event features a panel discussion with esteemed speakers, including two CU professors and Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett. Audience members will learn how to stay connected with those we disagree with during the polarized 2024 presidential election.”
Wednesday | Monthly Songwriter Showcase, September @The Dairy | 6 p.m.
“Every month, a different lineup of five local Colorado songwriters come together to share their original music and stories with an appreciative audience while five local Colorado artists vend their art, jewelry, clothing and more.”
Wednesday | The Colorado Sound Music Awards @ Boulder Theater | 7 p.m.
Following last year’s debut live event, the CSMAs are coming back to the Boulder Theater where winners will be announced and presented with their awards on September 18.”
Friday | Colorado Brazil Fest: Samba on The Mall Show | 5 p.m.
“Get ready for an exhilarating evening of vibrant rhythms and electrifying performances at the Samba on The Mall Show in Boulder, CO! Experience the pulsating beats of Brazilian culture as Bateria Alegria, Lorin Hansen, Samba Colorado, and Escola de Samba Denver come together for a high-energy showcase.”
Friday | Pearl Street Stampede | 7 p.m.
“The night before each home game, hundreds of Buffs fans line the Pearl Street Mall as members of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band plays to the crowds’ delight as CU’s Colorado Spirit team performs.”
Friday | Boulder Ballet: Unlocked | 7:30 p.m.
“Boulder Ballet’s fall show features a dynamic program showcasing works ranging from classic to contemporary, ensuring there’s something for everyone — even those new to dance.”
Saturday, Sunday | Arts in the Open Presents “Wicked Wanderings” | Time depends on day
“Join us on the trail as we explore tales that will show us just how dark the forest can be.”
Sunday | Festival del Sol | 12 p.m.
“Colorado Chautauqua is proud to present the fourth annual free and bilingual Festival Del Sol on Sunday, September 22nd! Enjoy live music, food and beverages, guided hikes, Latin dance lessons, family activities and games. Kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the vibrancy of Latino culture in the stunning surroundings of Chautauqua!”
Sunday | 12th Annual Mapleton Hill PorchFest | 12 p.m.
“The 12th Annual Mapleton Hill PorchFest, a free, fun, live music event happening on the porches and front yards of the Mapleton Historic District, returns Sunday, September 22, from 12 noon to 4pm. There will be more than 50 bands, 4 food trucks.”
