Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by the Colorado Chautauqua — check out its spring deals.
Leading today: After the abrupt closure of the Boulder Abortion Clinic last month, nearly the entire former staff says they’re now working to open a new clinic in Boulder in the coming months, Brooke Stephenson reports. The clinic had been one of only a handful nationwide providing abortions later in pregnancy. Staff say they had been preparing to take over operations from longtime provider Dr. Warren Hern before he unexpectedly shut it down. They’re now racing to reopen so patients aren’t left without care.
For the former staff, the work — and their bond — runs deep.
“We can’t even imagine being apart from each other,” said Debbie Riccioli, the clinic’s former director of counseling. “And we absolutely cannot even imagine not doing this work.”
In BRL Opinion today: William Sweeney writes that while Boulder can’t end homelessness, it can manage it — by treating housing as a basic need and coordinating care. Kubs Lalchandani urges state lawmakers to fix Colorado’s property tax system by using recent Boulder County home sales to determine fair market value. BRL began publishing opinion pieces last month. Submission guidelines here.
More, Below the Fold:
- Cyclist killed: Driver struck and killed a man on 95th Street, then fled.
- Plane crash: Twin-engine aircraft goes down near Brainard Drive; no survivors.
- Chautauqua shuttle: Free service resumes May 24 on weekends and holidays.
- Backyard bounty: Donate extra garden harvest to Boulder Food Rescue.
- Polis order: Cities must follow housing laws to get state grants.
- Building survey: Share input by June 1; enter to win $100.
- Pool season: Scott Carpenter reopens May 24; Spruce dates coming.
- Things to Do: Poetry, parties, garden time, art shows, live music — plus Creek Festival and Creekside Beer Fest.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
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After sudden closure of Boulder Abortion Clinic, former staff plan to open new clinic
Founded 50 years ago, the Boulder Abortion Clinic was among the last in the country to offer abortions later in pregnancy. Former staff say they were preparing to take over before the doors closed. Continue reading…
Showers today, sunshine by Wednesday
A cooler start to the week with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today and a high near 63. Skies clear overnight and temps gradually warm — expect sunshine and highs in the upper 60s Tuesday and mid-70s by Wednesday.
Driver kills cyclist in Boulder County hit-and-run; state troopers searching for suspect
A driver struck and killed a man riding his bike in the bike lane on 95th Street near Avocet Lane, just north of Valmont Road, late Sunday morning, according to news reports.
The hit-and-run occurred around 11:57 a.m. Authorities say the driver of a blue Toyota Highlander with Colorado plate DTSG89 veered into the bike lane and hit the cyclist, then fled north on 95th. The vehicle has heavy front-end damage and is missing a windshield, according to Colorado State Patrol.
The cyclist was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Anyone with information is asked to call CSP dispatch at 303-239-4501 and reference case number 1D251939.
Fatal plane crash near Brainard Drive in Boulder County
A twin-engine plane crashed into an open space field near Brainard Drive and Midway Boulevard in unincorporated Boulder County around 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17. The aircraft had departed from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and was attempting to return after reporting an issue to air traffic control.
Authorities confirmed both people on board died. A small grass fire sparked by the crash was quickly extinguished by North Metro firefighters.
The crash site remains closed to the public. Federal investigators are working to determine the cause. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office will release the identities of those on board once confirmed and next of kin are notified.
Free shuttle to Chautauqua returns Memorial Day weekend
Boulder’s free Park-to-Park shuttle to Chautauqua Park kicks off its 2025 season on Saturday, May 24, running every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Labor Day (Sept. 1).
The shuttle is designed to reduce car traffic and parking strain at one of Boulder’s most visited summer destinations. Riders can catch it at 15 designated stops around town, including downtown, University Hill and along Broadway. Free parking is available at city garages and two satellite lots: New Vista High School and CU Regent Drive. Shuttles are ADA-accessible and equipped for bikes, strollers and gear. Dogs are welcome. Parking near the park remains paid ($2.50/hour) to help fund the service. Check out ParktoPark.org for stops, parking details and real-time updates.
Got a garden? Donate your extra harvest to help fight food insecurity
Boulder Food Rescue is running its Backyard Garden Donation program again this year. Residents can donate excess fruits and veggies from their own gardens to support food access efforts in Boulder. While collection details are still being finalized, now’s the time to plant a little extra. You can also track your donations through the Fresh Food Connect app. Learn more at boulderfoodrescue.org.
Polis links state grants to local housing law compliance
Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order Friday requiring cities and counties to show they’re complying with recently passed state housing laws in order to receive more than $100 million in state grants, including those for transportation and energy, CPR reported.
The order ties grant eligibility to local implementation of laws aimed at boosting housing supply — such as allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), prohibiting occupancy limits, eliminating parking minimums near transit and requiring more dense housing in certain areas. Follow the links, and you’ll see the City of Boulder taking action on many of these policies.
“We have limited state dollars. They need to go to communities that are part of the housing solution,” Polis told CPR. Grant guidelines will reflect the new requirements starting Oct. 6.
Some local governments have pushed back, saying the state is overreaching. The Colorado Municipal League said it would review the executive order to determine its legal basis.
Outdoor pool season starts May 24
Scott Carpenter Pool reopens for the season on Saturday, May 24. Long course (50m) lap swim will be available Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., while short course (25 yd) hours will run Fridays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Expect at least six lap lanes in long course and typically 10 or more in short course setups.
The leisure pool, open to all ages, will be available daily starting at 11 a.m., with extended hours on weekends beginning at 10 a.m. The splash pad will operate starting at 10 a.m. each day and will close alongside the leisure pool. The popular tower slides are temporarily closed due to mechanical issues, with plans to reopen later this summer.
Spruce Pool’s schedule has not yet been announced.
Give input, get $100: Help shape Boulder’s plan for healthier, more resilient buildings
The City of Boulder is asking residents and workers to complete a short questionnaire by June 1 to help inform its Healthy Buildings, Stronger Community initiative. The effort aims to improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency and climate resilience in homes and businesses across the city. Participants will be entered to win one of twenty $100 grocery gift cards. The roadmap developed from this input will guide future city policies and programs, with a focus on equity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions — nearly two-thirds of which come from buildings.
☀️ 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.
Colorado Poets Center Poetry Reading & Open Mic: Tuesday, May 20, 6:30 p.m., Boulder Book Store, 1107 Pearl St. Also on Tuesday, June 17. Read More
Plant and Paint: Summer in the Garden Volunteer Day: Wednesday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
Farewell to the Winter Tide: An Immersive Dinner Experience: Wednesday, May 21, 5:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Boulder County Film Commission Spring Schmoozer: Thursday, May 22, 5:00–7:30 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
KGNU’s 47th Birthday Bash: Thursday, May 22, 6:30–10:00 p.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read More
Garage Sale to Benefit Sugar Loaf Fire Department: Friday–Sunday, May 23–25, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Station 2 – Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District, 1360 Sugarloaf Road. Read More
The Encore at Rosetta Hall: Fridays and Saturdays, May 24–July 5, 9:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m., Rosetta Hall, 1109 Walnut St. Read More
Creekside for Kids: Saturday & Sunday, May 24–25, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 900 Canyon Blvd. Read More
OPEN AR[T] Outdoor Fine Art Show and Sale: Saturday, May 24, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Megan Morgan’s Garden, 1808 Garfield Ave., Louisville. Read More
Farm Tour and Farmer AMA: Saturday, May 24, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Friends Farm, 3525 Nyland Way, Lafayette. Read More
All Ages Summer Silent Disco: Saturday, May 24, 6:00–7:30 p.m., The Louisville Underground, 640 Main St, Louisville. Read More
Boulder Chamber Orchestra 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert: Saturday, May 24, 7:30–8:30 p.m., Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. Read More
Memorial Weekend Remembrance Concert: Sunday, May 25, 10:00–11:30 a.m., North Boulder Park, 9th St. and Dellwood Ave. Read More
Boulder Creek Festival / Creekside Beer Fest: Sunday, May 25, 12:30–5:00 p.m., Boulder Creek Festival – Community Stage, 1212 Canyon Blvd. Read More