Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Bank of Colorado, a family-owned community bank serving Coloradans since 1978, with 45 locations statewide and roots in local communities. Learn more.
Leading today: Boulder Progressives’ Raucous Caucus drew candidates, advocates and political insiders over the weekend for what many see as the unofficial start of Boulder’s city council race. Five seats, including the mayor’s seat, are on the ballot this fall. Mayor Aaron Brockett and Councilmembers Tara Winer, Ryan Schuchard and Tina Marquis are seeking reelection, while several challengers have also entered the race. Councilmember Taishya Adams has not said whether she plans to seek another term.
With a proposed vacancy tax potentially headed to the ballot and Sundance’s arrival approaching, housing, growth and Boulder’s future are already emerging as key campaign issues. Brooke Stephenson was at the Raucous Caucus. Here’s what she learned.
Also, now available in Spanish: Residents of San Lazaro mobile home park are working to buy the community themselves, hoping to preserve affordable housing and protect a close-knit neighborhood that more than 800 people call home. Read the story in Spanish or English.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- Heat: Today’s cooldown won’t last long.
- Reservoir: Underwater crews begin battle against invasive milfoil.
- Community: Food, diapers and pet supplies needed Friday.
- Voting: Ballots are on the way; party-switch deadline is today.
- Transit: RTD asks riders what accessibility improvements come next.
- Things to Do: Wine club, Korean film, dance festival, art show, Chinese cooking, Julius Caesar + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Bank of Colorado is a family-owned, community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Throughout our 45 locations across the state, our values of honesty, integrity and clarity guide our every decision. We’re deeply rooted in Colorado’s history and fully invested in its future. Strong, Stable & Local Community Banking – reach out today to experience the best service in banking 303-476-7282.
Boulder City Council candidates preview election-year battles over housing, airport and wages
At Boulder Progressives’ Raucous Caucus, candidates for five city council seats outlined their views on housing growth, homelessness, tipped wages, the municipal airport and Boulder’s growing budget challenges. Continue reading…
‘San Lázaro no es una vivienda temporal’: Los residentes se organizan para comprar el parque de casas móviles en el condado de Boulder
Los residentes se esfuerzan por reunir la financiación necesaria para la propiedad de 42,5 millones de dólares, puedan proteger a cientos de familias del desplazamiento y del aumento de los alquileres. Continue reading…
Cooler today, hotter and windier by midweek
Boulder will get a break from the extreme heat today, with a high near 80 degrees and a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Most of the day should remain partly sunny, with any storms expected to be isolated.
Temperatures climb back into the 90s Tuesday, when sunny skies and gusty afternoon winds could push highs to around 91 degrees. Wednesday will be slightly cooler, with a high near 89 and afternoon wind gusts approaching 40 mph.
Boulder begins diver-led effort to remove invasive Eurasian watermilfoil from reservoir
Boulder staff have launched a new effort at Boulder Reservoir to control invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. The plant was first spotted in the reservoir in 2022 and has since covered much of the reservoir’s western coves, displacing native species, creating obstacles for recreationists and potentially causing problems for infrastructure if it spreads further.
After attempts to use an herbicide were abandoned, the city shifted to a diver-based program. The new approach is known as DASH, or diver-assisted suction harvesting.
A diver will pull out Eurasian watermilfoil from the reservoir floor and feed it into a suction tube that pumps the plant matter onto a boat. Another team member separates any native plants or animals that are accidentally collected and returns them to the water. The milfoil will then be mixed with goose manure, composted and used on reservoir grounds. Read more on BRL.
Sheriff’s Office hosting food drive Friday for local food pantries
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will host an “Operation: Fill the Pantry” food drive from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters, 5600 Flatiron Parkway. Donations will benefit the St. John the Baptist Food Bank and Harvest of Hope Pantry.
Residents are encouraged to drop off donations in person. The food drive will accept nonperishable food, as well as hygiene products, baby supplies, household items and pet care products.
Among the most-needed items are cereal, canned vegetables, canned meat, pasta sauce, snacks, baby formula, diapers, toothpaste and sunscreen.
Primary ballots mail today; party-switch deadline is tonight
Ballots for Colorado’s June 30 primary election begin mailing today, June 8. Today is also the deadline for registered voters to change their party affiliation if they want to receive a different party’s ballot.
Boulder Reporting Lab will publish candidate questionnaires this week for the two contested local primary races on Boulder County ballots: the Democratic primary for Boulder County treasurer and CU Board of Regents seat for Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District.
The last recommended day to return a ballot by mail is June 22. After that, voters should use an official ballot drop box or vote in person through Election Day on June 30.
Voters should also note that two ballot drop boxes have been relocated. The drop box previously located at the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) on Yarmouth Avenue in North Boulder has moved to the North Boulder Library, 4500 13th St. The drop box previously located at Avery Brewing in Gunbarrel has moved to the Gunbarrel Library, 6500 Lookout Road.
RTD seeks feedback from riders with disabilities and caregivers
RTD is seeking public feedback as it works to improve accessibility across its transit system. People with disabilities, advocates, caregivers and others are encouraged to complete a survey about their experiences using RTD services and their priorities for future improvements. Separate surveys are available for people with disabilities and for community organizations that provide accessibility-related services.
The survey closes June 15.
☀️ 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.
Classics with Jeffrey Kash: Cabaret: Monday, June 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
eTown Presents EmmyJean Jenkins’ Queer Country Cabaret: Tuesday, June 9, 7:00-9:30 p.m., eTown, 1535 Spruce St. Read more.
June Wine Event: Wednesday, June 10, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St. Read more.
What Does That Nature Say to You: Wednesday, June 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Alternative dates June 11, 12. Read more.
Chinese Cuisine: Flavors of the Wok: Thursday, June 11, 4:45-8:00 p.m., Caffè Sole, 637 S Broadway St. Read more.
BCFM Field Trip with Fresh Herb Co.: Thursday, June 11, 5:00-6:30 p.m., The Fresh Herb Co., 4114 Oxford Rd. Read more.
Poetry Night: Thursday, June 11, 7:00-9:00 p.m., East Simpson Coffee Co, 201 E Simpson St, Lafayette. Additional dates monthly. Read more.
Dance Continua Festival: Friday, June 12, 6:00-9:30 p.m., The Spark Boulder, 4847 Pearl St. Ste B4. Additional date June 13. Read more.
Terracotta The Band: Friday, June 12, 8:00-11:00 p.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read more.
Curated Artisan Show Hosted by SOBO Homes benefitting Community Foundation: Saturday, June 13, 4:00-8:00 p.m., SOBO Homes, 900 Arapahoe. Read more.
Tribonacci at The Gold Hill Store: Saturday, June 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Gold Hill Store & Pub, 531 Main Street. Read more.
Julius Caesar: By William Shakespeare: Saturday, June 13, 7:00-10:30 p.m., Roe Green Theatre, University Theatre Building, 1515 Central Campus Mall. Alternative dates through July 29. Read more.
Rhythms of Resistance: Emily Barnes, Cat Plants & Trouble’s Braids: Saturday, June 13, 8:00 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A. Read more.
Sherefe!: Balkan & Middle Eastern Ensemble: Sunday, June 14, 6:00-8:30 p.m., Trident Booksellers and Cafe, 940 Pearl St. Read more.
Windsurfing and Wing Foiling Gear Swap: Sunday, June 14, 2:00-5:00 p.m., Rayback Collective, 2775 Valmont Rd. Read more.