Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today edition is sponsored by Social Venture Partners Boulder County. Explore how you can support local nonprofits through a partnership with SVP Boulder County.
Before we dig in: If you fell asleep to alerts about a vegetation fire south of Chautauqua, crews had stopped its forward progress late last night. The fire burned about half an acre, and calm conditions helped limit its spread.
Leading today: The former owner of Boulder’s only competitive dance studio, Frequency Dance, has been charged with 21 felonies tied to alleged fraud and a reported 2023 break-in. Brooke Stephenson previously reported on the studio’s collapse amid unpaid bills and complaints from parents. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.
Also today: Boulder City Council is weighing whether to slow pay increases for tipped workers, reviving a debate tied to the city’s minimum wage policy. The proposal would let base wages rise more slowly as the minimum wage climbs. Supporters say it could ease pressure on restaurants; opponents say it would leave workers more reliant on tips. Stephenson reports.
And: A dispute over Boulder’s NAACP branch is now in federal court, where former local leaders are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit from the national organization. The case centers on the branch’s dissolution and disputed claims over $100,000 in assets. John Herrick reports.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- Early week: Warm, mostly dry with a chance of showers.
- Best farmers market: Boulder County Farmers Market is in the running — cast your vote! (sponsored)
- Siren tests: First Monday tests start today.
- Boulder Canyon Trail: Reopens after sudden closure, more closures ahead.
- Water supply: City looks beyond Boulder to protect future sources.
- Public art: Mural artist applications open through May 1.
- Things to Do: River avatar, MASA field trip, soul blues, Japanese music, ice sculpting, mural bike tour, plant sale + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Some of Boulder County’s sharpest minds are solving its biggest problems. We could use yours. Social Venture Partners Boulder County brings together curious, generous people to invest in and strengthen local nonprofits through hands-on support. Be part of the solution by exploring partnership today at svpbouldercounty.org.
Boulder dance studio owner indicted on 21 felony charges tied to alleged fraud; warrant issued
The charges follow the collapse of Frequency Dance and allegations linked to a 2023 break-in and insurance claims. Continue reading…
Boulder crews respond to vegetation fire near Chautauqua
Vegetation fire south of Chautauqua near Enchanted Mesa Trail draws response under calm, low-wind conditions. Continue reading…
Boulder considers slowing tipped wage increases as restaurants push for relief
City council is considering a proposal that would allow tipped workers’ base pay to rise more slowly than the city’s overall minimum wage. Continue reading…
Former Boulder NAACP leaders ask federal judge to dismiss national NAACP lawsuit
The case stems from a decision by local leaders to dissolve Boulder’s only civil rights advocacy group. Defendants argue the federal court lacks jurisdiction and that the claims have no legal merit. Continue reading…
A warm, dry March gives way to a chance of spring showers
After a March that was among the warmest and driest on record, Boulder is starting its first full week of April with a potentially modest return of spring moisture. Last month brought record-breaking heat and sharply below-average precipitation, with snowpack across Colorado plunging to just 26% of normal by the end of March.
This week offers a small shift. Monday will be mostly sunny, with a high near the low 60s. Tuesday warms to around 70, with a slight chance of afternoon showers. Wednesday brings similar conditions, with mostly sunny skies, a high in the low 70s and a slight chance of showers.
Is Boulder the home of the best farmers market in the country? You’ve got a say. (Sponsored)
Nothing spurs hometown pride better than bragging rights. Vote for the Boulder Farmers Market in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. The national competition runs through April 13, 2026 at 11:59 AM EDT. Anyone over the age of 18 can vote once per day, and it takes as little as 10 seconds. The Boulder Farmers Market is now open for the season on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monthly warning siren tests begin today across Boulder County
Boulder County will begin testing outdoor warning sirens year-round starting today, April 6, with tests scheduled for the first Monday of each month. The new schedule eliminates evening tests and applies to sirens in Eldorado Springs, Erie, Jamestown, Lafayette, Louisville, Lyons and Marshall.
Each test will include a voice announcement and a one-minute activation. Officials say the change is intended to extend battery life and help residents become more familiar with the alerts.
The City of Boulder will also begin testing emergency sirens in flood-prone areas. The first test is today at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., with monthly tests continuing through August. More information on flood preparedness is available on the city’s website.
Boulder Canyon Trail reopens days after sudden closure, temporary fix in place
In a quick reversal, Boulder Canyon Trail reopened Friday after a sudden closure last week left cyclists and pedestrians without a detour.
Boulder County Open Space installed a temporary fix to stabilize a bridge where a large hole had opened beneath the trail, forcing its closure just days earlier. The issue — caused by material washing out under the bridge — raised concerns about a potential sinkhole and drew criticism from advocates over safety risks and the lack of an alternate route.
The reopening allows travel across the bridge again, but officials warn it’s a short-term solution. Visitors are urged to stay clear of fenced areas and use caution in the narrowed section. Additional closures are possible as crews pursue longer-term repairs.
As previously reported, the closure — about a quarter-mile east of Fourmile Canyon Drive — had pushed cyclists onto Boulder Canyon Drive, raising safety concerns.
Boulder moves to protect drinking water beyond city limits
Boulder took a step last week toward expanding protections for its drinking water, as city council last week approved the first reading of a watershed protection ordinance aimed at areas outside city limits, including the headwaters of North Boulder Creek, Barker Reservoir and areas upstream of Boulder Reservoir. State law allows Colorado municipalities to regulate land use up to five miles upstream of drinking water sources.
Under Ordinance 8739, polluting or contaminating those areas would become a municipal code violation, giving the city authority to impose fines, fees and potential damages. The measure was recommended as part of Boulder’s 2023 Source Water Protection Plan.
Staff said the proposal was not prompted by a specific incident but reflects a broader effort to take a more proactive approach to protecting water supplies. A second reading is scheduled for May 7.
Apply to join Boulder’s mural artist roster
The Boulder Office of Cultural and Economic Development is building its 2026-27 Mural Artist Roster, used by organizations and property owners across Boulder County to find artists for mural projects.
Artists who live in Colorado and are 18 or older can apply by submitting a short form by May 1. Those already on the current roster do not need to reapply. Questions can be directed to publicart@bouldercolorado.gov.
☀️ 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.
Soul Food Tasting with ECAACE: Monday, April 6, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway. Read more.
999: The Forgotten Girls: Monday, April 6, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
Listening to Rivers Speak: How to Change Our Relationship with Nature: Tuesday, April 7, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe. Read more.
Five 5ths: The Big Lebowski: Tuesday, April 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave, Suite A. Read more.
Field Trip with MASA Farm & Seed Foundation: Wednesday, April 8, 4:00-6:00 p.m., MASA Farm and Seed Foundation, 1367 N 75th St. Read more.
Violin & Cello Duos: Wednesday, April 8, 5:30 p.m., The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe, 129 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette. Read more.
CU Boulder Japanese Ensemble: Japanese Music from Traditional to Modern: Wednesday, April 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Imig Music Building, 1020 18th St. Read more.
Crystal & Carve: An Ice Sculpting Workshop: Thursday, April 9, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Limelight Boulder, 1295 University Ave. Read more.
Growing Gardens Cool-Weather Plant Sale: Friday, April 10, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Growing Gardens, 1630 Hawthorn Avenue. Read more.
Invisible Threads // Stories Connected by Operation Babylift: Friday, April 10, 7:00-10:00 p.m., East Window, 4550 Broadway, Suite C-3B2. Additional dates April 9-12, same time. Read more.
Eco-Mural Bike Tour: Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., VisionQuest Brewery, 2510 47th Street, Suite A2. Read more.
Duncan Coker: Saturday, April 11, 7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., The Wheel House, 101 2nd Ave, Suite B, Niwot. Read more.
Soul Blues Legend Johnny Rawls with Jack Hadley: Saturday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A. Read more.
Illegal Smile: A Tribute to John Prine: Saturday, April 11, 8:00-11:00 p.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read more.
Dante Must Die – Denver alt rock band: Sunday, April 12, 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Asher Brewing Company, 4699 Nautilus Ct S Suite 104. Read more.