It’s Monday, Nov. 13, 2023.
Another Monday, Boulder. I hope this one is as good or better than the rest.
For today, I have a story on energy code updates. Come next July, Boulder could have a ban on gas in new construction, with a few exceptions. Discussed during a city council study session last Thursday, the energy code update continues an ongoing conversation begun in June. With its aggressive carbon reduction goals, the updated codes are a chance to take a chunk of carbon out of the building sector — the city’s largest source of emissions.
Yet in June, staff didn’t present the most aggressive options possible. At the time, Carolyn Elam, the city’s sustainability senior manager, suggested this was due to staff being concerned about potential legal action should the city enact a gas ban. But Aaron Brockett, mayor and now reelected mayor, called for a straw poll from council to indicate council’s interest in an all-electric mandate. On Thursday, staff came through with that option.
Also, Jessica Mordacq has a story about L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, a new franchise restaurant opened by Jazmin Brooks, who is from Hawaii and wanted to bring a “meeting place” to Boulder that carries with it some island culture — a good thing.
Have a lovely day.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
City council gives go-ahead to a Boulder gas ban, but with community input
New construction would have to be all electric with a few exceptions under the city’s latest proposed energy code updates. But existing buildings remain a challenge. Continue reading…
Boulder’s first Hawaiian restaurant introduces locals to a new form of comfort food
The owners of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue strive to represent island culture and create a community in Boulder. Continue reading…
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In other news
Wow. What a week.
Someone must have put in for a favor from someone important or powerful, as this week is looking awfully nice from beginning to end. Sun and 60s cover its entirety, except for Friday that currently shows a high of 58.
Election coverage redux
Miss any of BRL’s election coverage last week? Catch up here, all paywall free:
- Boulder election results deliver mixed verdict for public safety-focused candidates
- Aaron Brockett wins close race to become Boulder’s first directly elected city mayor
- City of Boulder votes to pass Safe Zones 4 Kids ballot measure
- Boulder’s mayoral election is shaping up to be a nail-biter (from election night)
- 2023 Boulder election results in 4 charts
Boulder PD wants to chat about Rec Center burglaries
The East Boulder Rec Center had five locked lockers broken into on Oct. 22. On Nov. 2, the North Boulder Rec Center had four locked lockers broken into. Both burglaries happened at about 9 a.m., and both were in the men’s locker rooms. The man pictured at this link is believed to have some knowledge about the break-ins and the police are hoping to talk with him. If you have any information, contact Detective Xu at XuZ@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3241 reference case 23-11117.
The police department encourages people to either leave their valuables at home or locked in “secure places out of sight.”
Boulder County votes for open space and bus passes
The Boulder County Commissioners are celebrating the passage of all three ballot measures that got on the county ballot on Nov. 7. The continuation of sales taxes to fund open space and affordable housing, along with a Nederland Eco Pass extension, all passed overwhelmingly.
“Boulder County voters have made clear that affordable and attainable housing is a top priority,” said Commissioner Marta Loachamin.
“The overwhelming support for Boulder County’s beloved open space is clear,” said Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann.
“The extension of the Nederland EcoPass program is great news for people who live and work in Nederland,” said Commissioner Claire Levy.
Old Main getting a facelift
The University of Colorado Regents approved a $14.3 million renovation project for the Old Main building on CU’s Boulder campus. The oldest building on campus, it was constructed before Colorado became a state in 1876. Though the renovation will include some window and door replacements, it will also cover updating some of the foundation. The work is set to begin in Jan. 2025 with completion slated for May 2025.
“Old Main is one of our most recognized buildings on campus and a living testament to our university’s enduring legacy,” said the project’s manager, David Byrne Jr. “Generations of students have walked through these doors. With this preservation effort, we ensure that Old Main remains a living link to our university’s rich history, offering a tangible connection between the aspirations of those who walked these halls in the past and the dreams of the generations to come.”
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