It’s Friday, August 23, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. Welcome to Friday.
Last night, the Boulder City Council debated an increase to the city’s minimum wage, currently set at $14.42 — insufficient for most to afford living in Boulder. Councilmembers grappled with balancing the needs of workers against the potential strain on local businesses. They ultimately agreed to consider raising the wage to between $15.57 and $16.58 per hour starting next year, with further increases planned over the following two years. This discussion follows Boulder County’s recent minimum wage increase to $15.69 in January and Denver’s hike to $18.29.
In other news, the trial for the King Soopers shooting is set to begin this Monday, Aug. 26, and is expected to last about a month. On March 22, 2021, 10 people were tragically killed: Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; Rikki Olds, 25; Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Boulder police officer Eric Talley, 51; Teri Leiker, 51; and Jody Waters, 65.
Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa faces multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. His mental state and competency to stand trial have been central issues in the pretrial phase. BRL contributor Jenna Sampson will be in the courtroom, providing updates on what is sure to be a harrowing and emotional trial.
Lastly, two trains have collided on Pearl Parkway. Boulder Falls, Rabbit Mountain and 95th Street are facing closures. Eldora Mountain Resort is up for sale, and a fundraiser for the Stone Canyon Fire is scheduled.
Have a good weekend.
— Tim, reporter
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Cross bridges connecting music at Sphere’s season opening concerts. Celebrate 100 years of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue plus works by Hazel Scott, Shostakovich, Andrew Bird, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Gluck, Brenda Holloway, The Turtles and more. Sept. 21 at 7:30 pm, Nomad Playhouse and Sept. 22 at 3:00 pm, Truss House, Denver. Tickets available at SphereEnsemble.org.
Featured stories
Boulder poised to raise minimum wage up to $16.58 in 2025, aiming to ease cost of living
The Boulder City Council is divided on the scope and timing of the wage increase as they seek to help workers without straining businesses. Continue reading…
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In other news
80s through the weekend
We should be in the 80s through the weekend, though tomorrow will get eerily close to 90 but should fall just short. Be ready for some afternoon thunderstorms and possible rain. I recommend a poncho.
Train collision closes Pearl Parkway
Two trains collided late last night on Pearl Parkway, north of Boulder Community Hospital, according to the Boulder Police Department. Both conductors sustained minor injuries, and crews are currently addressing spilled fuel. A part of Pearl will be closed for the next few days, with a portion of Valmont also blocked. The public is advised to avoid the area entirely, whether driving or walking.
Xcel Energy is working to repair a power line affected by the collision, and the train bridge has been damaged. Additionally, fuel has leaked into the creek, prompting further cleanup efforts. This is a developing story.
Fires on Rabbit Mountain, Lookout Mountain controlled
Boulder County crews responded to a wildfire on Rabbit Mountain near Lyons, reported at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. By 5 p.m., the fire had spread to about two acres, with flames reaching 2 to 3 feet high. The fire was quickly contained, and the trailhead was closed as a precaution.
Meanwhile, the Goltra Fire near Lookout Mountain in Jefferson County was fully contained Thursday afternoon after burning 205 acres, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. No evacuations were required, and Clear Creek Canyon has been reopened to the public.
Stone Canyon Fire community fundraiser at Spirit Hound Distillers
A fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, to support families affected by the Stone Canyon Fire. The event, featuring a $25-per-plate meal, will begin at 4 p.m., with all proceeds going directly to fire survivors.
The Stone Canyon wildfire near Lyons, which began on July 30, prompted multiple evacuations in the northern and western parts of town. The fire claimed one life, destroyed five homes and burned approximately 1,500 acres before being fully contained on Aug. 5.
The event is organized by the Lyons Lions Club, Spirit Hound Distillers and Cemex, with 100% of the funds raised benefiting those impacted by the fire. Spirit Hound Distillers will also donate a portion of bottle sales from both tasting rooms throughout the weekend.
Eldora ski resort is for sale
Eldora Mountain Resort has been listed for sale by its owner, Utah-based Powdr, along with several other resorts in its portfolio. Powdr has already sold Vermont’s Killington and Pico ski areas and is preparing to list SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Mt. Bachelor in Oregon.
In May, the National Park Service selected Powdr’s Destination Zion Lodge as the new visitor services concessionaire at Zion National Park, replacing Xanterra Parks and Resorts, which had held the contract since 1972, according to the Colorado Sun. Earlier, in January, Powdr also took over concessions at Death Valley National Park. “We aim to balance our ski business with new ventures in the national parks sector and Woodward,” said Stacey Hutchinson, Powdr’s vice president of communications.
The sale of Eldora comes just a few months after ski patrollers there voted to unionize. Both Eldora and Powdr challenged the union election results, citing “improper conduct,” but ultimately withdrew their objections.
Powdr has stated that Ikon Pass access to Eldora will remain unchanged for the 2024-25 season. The resort will continue operations as usual, including the opening of a new 12,000-square-foot Caribou Lodge in October. While Powdr bought Eldora in 2016 and Copper Mountain in 2009, the company said it has no current plans to sell Copper.
95th Street to close for flood prevention work starting Aug. 26
Starting today, Aug. 26, Boulder County Public Works will fully close 95th Street between Valmont and Lookout roads for culvert installation to prevent future flooding. The closure will be in effect 24/7 and will last until the end of the year. Residential access will be maintained from either Valmont or Lookout, depending on the property’s location. This final phase of work, following earlier road reconstruction, is essential for improving flood resilience north of Boulder Creek.
Boulder Falls to close for trail maintenance this weekend
Boulder Falls in Boulder Canyon will be closed on Aug. 26 and 27 for trail maintenance. The work will include repairing retaining walls and improving the waterfall viewing area to enhance visitor safety and experience. For current trail closures, check out OSMPTrails.org.
2023 sets record for greenhouse gases and hottest year, report reveals
The 34th annual State of the Climate report, published last month in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, reveals that concentrations of Earth’s primary greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide —reached record highs in 2023. The increase from 2022 was among the largest on record, despite global efforts to reduce emissions. Over a dozen CU Boulder researchers contributed to the report.
“We are definitely not on the right path to limit global warming,” said co-author Xin Lindsay Lan, a researcher at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at CU Boulder. “The planet is already warming rapidly, so it’s a critical time to reduce those greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Instead, we are seeing a rapid increase.”
The report, led by NOAA scientists, also confirmed 2023 as the hottest year on record. Ocean temperatures and global sea levels reached all-time highs, and a record amount of land experienced extreme drought.
Sheriff’s Office opens applications for ‘Community Academy’
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its upcoming Community Academy, aiming to offer residents an in-depth look at law enforcement. The academy will be held Thursday evenings from Oct. 3 to March 27, excluding holidays.
Participants will explore topics such as patrol, criminal investigations and disaster management, with hands-on training and demonstrations, including sessions with K9 and SWAT units. The academy is open to residents 18 and older who haven’t been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the past year. A $30 fee covers the cost of materials. Applications are due by Sept. 26.
Arts in the Park: Boulder Philharmonic Brass Quintet this Saturday
This Saturday, Aug. 24, at 7:00 p.m. is Arts in the Park at the Bandshell in Boulder. The Boulder Philharmonic Brass Quintet will perform. Tickets are $20, with free admission for kids
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