Good Friday morning, Boulder. It’s been a scorching week, and yesterday’s dry, windy weather triggered a Red Flag Warning. Here’s hoping some of the rain in today and tomorrow’s forecast actually arrives.
Leading today’s edition: Last night, Boulder City Council reviewed an updated homelessness strategy that, for the first time, sets a goal to end unsheltered homelessness. It was described at the meeting as “big” and “very lofty.” In a staff memo published beforehand, the city said the target date is 2028.
Meeting the new goal would require $11 million in new annual spending on housing and services, according to the city, at a time of budget shortfalls, a hiring freeze and potential program cuts — and while Boulder’s spending on clearing homeless encampments is on the rise. John Herrick breaks down what’s in the plan.
Also today: This week, a judge found Garrett Littenberg not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2023 killing of his Boulder roommate, Kurt Smolker. He’ll remain in the State Hospital for at least 30 years. Smolker’s family urged a trial, but prosecutors said the evidence supported the insanity finding. Brooke Stephenson reports.
More, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Showers possible today and Saturday.
- Boulder hits 100: First August with two triple-digit days.
- Sprinkler check: Free evaluations help Boulder residents save water. (sponsored)
- Juniper rebate: HOAs can get $500 per unit to remove flammable plants.
- Housing rules: Polis ties $280M in grants to compliance; Boulder meets requirements.
- Bus law: New rules on when drivers must stop for school buses.
- Bears: Seasonal leash rules now on some Boulder trails.
- Boulderthon: Volunteer signups open for race drawing 15,000 runners.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Boulder sets goal to end unsheltered homelessness by 2028
A new plan aims to reduce to zero the number of people sleeping outside but would require $11 million a year in new spending, a level of funding that appears unlikely amid current financial pressures. Continue reading…
Boulder man who murdered his roommate found not guilty by reason of insanity
Friends and family pleaded for a jury trial, but the judge said expert testimony was convincing and noted the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office is ‘not shy’ about taking cases to trial. Continue reading…
Heat tempers somewhat as rain chances return
After another scorcher of a week — yep, Boulder hit 100 for the third time this year on Wednesday (see below) — we’re finally seeing some moisture sneak back into the state. That means we actually have a shot at real thunderstorms today and Saturday. Not a great shot, but it’s a step in the right direction.
The air near the surface is still pretty dry, and moisture levels are rather unimpressive, so any late-day storms that pop up will be high-based and gusty with only brief rain potential. Highs will stay in the low to mid 90s through Saturday, with rain chances around 20% both days.
By Sunday, we start drying out again, and the heat isn’t going anywhere. Boulder’s looking at a solid stretch of 90s through the middle of next week, with little hope for meaningful rain during this time. Unfortunately, we’re in a hot and dry holding pattern right now. Fingers crossed the monsoon taps back in soon—based on climatology alone, that window is closing fast.
Records shattered in Boulder this month
Boulder shattered its Aug. 13 daily high-temperature record Wednesday, reaching 100, three degrees above the previous mark set in 2007. It was only the eighth time since the late 1800s that Boulder has seen a 100-plus-degree day in August, according to BoulderCAST. This month is also the first August on record to notch two triple-digit days.
Get a free sprinkler evaluation to save water (sponsored)
Save water and improve your sprinkler system! Boulder-based conservation nonprofit Resource Central offers free Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluations to check irrigation systems, provide a detailed audit report, and create a custom watering schedule to reduce outdoor water use. Appointments are free for eligible homeowners and renters in partnership with the City of Boulder. Sign up before the summer ends.
New wildfire rebate now available for HOAs
Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners has launched a pilot rebate program for multi-family communities — including HOAs, condos, townhomes and apartments — to remove highly flammable junipers from shared spaces. Eligible projects can get up to $500 per unit, with a single rebate check issued to the community. Work must be completed after Aug. 11 and before Oct. 27, with applications due by Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. A wildfire mitigation specialist will identify junipers for removal before work begins. Learn more and apply.
Polis ties $280M in state grants to compliance with housing laws
Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order Wednesday barring cities and counties from competing for $280 million in state grants starting Oct. 6 unless they comply with a slate of recent state housing laws, CPR reports. The move builds on a May order threatening to withhold transportation, energy, housing and other discretionary funds from noncompliant local governments.
The order covers 34 grant and loan programs and seeks to spur action on measures such as ending occupancy limits, legalizing accessory dwelling units, eliminating parking minimums near transit and adopting denser housing rules. Six “home rule” cities, including Lafayette, are suing Polis over the policy, arguing it’s unconstitutional. Boulder has complied by ending its occupancy limits and eliminating parking minimums citywide — going beyond state requirements — among other changes.
Polis said his office will publish a list of compliant cities in early October.
What Colorado’s new school bus stop law means for you
With classes back in session and more school buses on the road, drivers should be aware of new stop requirements that took effect in May under Senate Bill 1230. Motorists must now stop at least 20 feet before a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, regardless of which side of the road they’re on. The rule also applies to buses stopped and flashing at intersections.
Drivers do not have to stop if the bus is on the other side of a physical median or barrier. The law also allows local governments and school districts to equip buses with automated systems to detect violations, which can lead to fines of up to $300.
Bears are foraging — leash rules now in effect on some Boulder trails
Seasonal on-leash requirements begin today on several Boulder trails to reduce encounters with bears foraging ahead of winter hibernation. The rules apply to parts of Gregory Canyon, Saddle Rock, Amphitheater and Bluebell-Baird trails, Skunk Canyon, Shadow Canyon South and the upper Doudy Draw Trail.
The leash requirement runs through Dec. 1. Open Space and Mountain Parks also urges residents to secure trash containers to avoid attracting bears. Trail regulations and maps are available on the city’s OSMP recreation map.
Boulderthon seeks volunteers for September race
Boulderthon — now in its 5th year and presented by PUMA — will return Sept. 28, drawing more than 15,000 runners from all 50 states and 22 countries. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help make the event possible. Opportunities are available for individuals and groups, with perks for those who participate. Learn more and sign up here.
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