Good morning, Boulder.
This week, we’re expecting a verdict in the King Soopers mass shooting trial. It’s been over three years, but justice still hasn’t been served. Now, the jury is deliberating. The question isn’t whether Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa is guilty — he is, of murdering 10 innocent people. The jury must decide if he was legally sane at the time and able to tell right from wrong. Jenna Sampson breaks it down and explains what might happen if the jury decides he’s not guilty by reason of insanity.
In other news, the Ash House apartment complex remains a source of contention. About 60 students were told to leave after the City of Boulder discovered the owner had added walls without proper permits, raising safety concerns. The owner sued, and a judge ruled the city couldn’t enforce the eviction, allowing the students back in. Since then, the city filed a motion to speed things up and enforce its original order. But once again, the judge seemed to side with the students, questioning why the city didn’t provide alternative housing.
Plus, some major road safety projects, a milestone for the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, and plenty of ways to get involved in the community this week. Why not jump in?
Have a wonderful week, and thanks, as always, for reading.
— BRL team
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Featured stories
‘Where do they go?’: Judge blocks Boulder’s order for students to leave University Hill apartments amid safety dispute
The city ordered CU students to abruptly vacate the Ash House off-campus apartment complex after it discovered the property owner had added bedrooms without permits, posing potential safety risks. Now, they’re back. Continue reading…
Final pleas as Boulder jury decides fate in King Soopers trial: What they’ll weigh and what’s at stake
Jurors are now tasked with determining whether Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa could differentiate right from wrong and acted with intent during the heinous March 22, 2021, attack at the Boulder King Soopers. Continue reading…
In other news
Fall arrives with cooler nights but still-warm days
Fall is sneaking in with cooler nights, while the days stay sunny — and sometimes even hot. A few showers might pop up this week, but nothing dramatic — just enough to keep things interesting. Temperatures are hanging in the 70s and 80s, perfect for outdoorsy fun and some leaf-peeping.
Highway 119 bikeway project begins, Jay Road construction set to start
Work on the Highway 119 safety and bikeway project starts today, Sept. 23, with a focus on easing traffic and improving cyclist safety. The $165 million project includes a 12-foot-wide, nine-mile concrete bike path connecting Longmont and Boulder.
Expect delays, lane shifts and more construction along the route. The Niwot Park-n-Ride will close on Sept. 29 and reopen in May 2027 with a larger lot and new bus platforms. The CO 119 bus stops at CO 52 will close permanently, and lane closures are expected at intersections like Jay Road, CO 52, and Niwot Road.
Meanwhile, Boulder County will begin milling Jay Road between 63rd Street and CO 119 on Tuesday, Sept. 24, with paving and striping to follow. Work will occur Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., causing lane closures and delays. Sections of 55th, 57th and Independence roads will also be resurfaced. Jay Road construction is expected to finish in October, with the other roads completed by November, weather permitting.
Get involved: Share feedback on Boulder rec centers and enter the Community and Council Forum lottery
All three of Boulder’s rec centers need renovations, but only the East Boulder Community Center and Age Well Center is set for upgrades, funded by the Community Culture Safety and Resilience tax, with construction planned for 2026. No funding or plans exist for the North and South centers. The South facility, nearing the end of its life, may see reduced services due to rising maintenance costs. The city is considering shifting some services to East Boulder, with community input guiding priorities for a potential replacement. Submit feedback by Sept. 30 through this survey.
Also, sign up by 4 p.m. today to enter the lottery for one of 10 open seats at the Community and Council Forum on Thursday, Sept. 26. Participants will discuss the city’s economic development projects with councilmembers and fellow residents. The forum is part of a pilot program to encourage earlier community engagement in council decisions.
Boulder County offers $2M in grants for wildfire mitigation projects
Boulder County is accepting applications for its Fall 2024 Strategic Fuels Mitigation Grant Program, offering $2 million for wildfire mitigation projects. Local government agencies, fire protection districts and community organizations can apply by Nov. 1 for funding to support efforts such as forest thinning, prescribed burns and community wildfire protection plans. These techniques help reduce fire intensity by mimicking natural, low-grade fires, making fire-prone areas more resilient and lessening fire intensity when a wildfire does strike.
Free workshop in Boulder aims to boost diversity on local boards and commissions
Boulder County’s Community Action Programs is hosting the People Engaged in Raising Leaders Boards and Commissions Training on Saturday, Sept. 28. This free workshop, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sundquist Building in Boulder, aims to increase diversity on local boards and commissions by encouraging participation from underrepresented groups, including people of color and low-income residents.
Participants will learn about board member responsibilities, the application process, board culture and survival strategies, and effective communication. The event will also feature guest speakers from local government and nonprofit boards.
Boulder Chamber Orchestra to make Carnegie Hall debut for 20th anniversary celebration
The Boulder Chamber Orchestra will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a first-ever performance at Carnegie Hall on May 18, 2025. This marks a major milestone for the group, which has been a fixture in Boulder’s music scene since 2004. The anniversary season kicks off Oct. 6 at the Boulder Adventist Church and will showcase the orchestra’s growth over two decades. The orchestra is inviting the public to be part of the celebration as it prepares for its debut at the iconic New York venue.
BRL’s to-do list: What’s happening in the next few days
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
Philharmonia Orchestra: Monday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m., 1020 18th Street. Read More
Dave Honig Plays Jazz & Blues at Boulder Depot: Tuesday, Sept. 24 6:00 p.m., 2366 Junction Pl. Read More
Evan Honer with Thomas Rowland at Fox Theatre: Tuesday, Sept. 24 8:00 p.m., 1135 13th St. Read More
Faculty Tuesdays: A Celebration of Japanese Saxophone: Tuesday, Sept. 24 7:30 p.m., 1020 18th St. Read More
105.5 The Colorado Sound Presents Amy Helm at The Velvet Elk Lounge: Wednesday, Sept. 25 8:00 p.m., 2037 13th St. Read More
Cabin Music: A Film & Live Concert by James Carson at Dairy Arts Center: Wednesday, Sept. 25 7:00 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters with guest: Salomé Songbird at Roots Music Project: Wednesday, Sept. 25 8:00pm, 4747 Pearl Suite V3A. Read More
Static Parade at Trident: Wednesday, Sept. 25 6:30 p.m., Trident Booksellers & Cafe. Read More
Talisk at Fox Theatre: Wednesday, Sept. 25 8:00 p.m., 1135 13th St. Read More
“Give To Grow Roots” An Evening of Inspiration, Celebration and Donation at Roots Music Project: Thursday, Sept. 26 6:00 p.m., 4747 Pearl Suite V3A. Read More
Live DJ Set and Dance Floor at Rosetta Hall: Thursday, Sept. 26 10:00 p.m., 1109 Walnut St. Read More
Mo Lowda & The Humble at Fox Theatre: Thursday, Sept. 26 8:00 p.m., 1135 13th St. Read More