Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Community Foundation Boulder County. From May 1-15, support local nonprofits through its All In, Boulder County campaign, helping more than 100 organizations providing essential services across the community.
Before we get to today’s news: Some exciting BRL news — Boulder Reporting Lab won 19 SPJ Top of the Rockies awards this weekend, including eight first place honors for reporting on housing, climate, education, health care and accountability journalism. Thank you to our readers, whose support makes high-quality local journalism possible in Boulder.
Leading today: All three recent wildfires near Boulder are now believed to have been human-caused, fire officials say. The fires near Chautauqua, Enchanted Mesa and Goat Trail come during a dangerously dry spring, raising concern about the months ahead, even with recent moisture and rain. City leaders are also pushing more warnings, patrols and fuel-reduction work. Por Jaijongkit reports.
Also today: As BVSD weighs possible school closures and consolidations, its final public input meeting drew about 200 parents, teachers and residents to Monarch High. Some attendees said the process was too vague and short on data. Staff recommendations go to the board in August, with a final plan expected in October. Jenna Sampson reports.
And in Boulder Opinion: CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz says the university can help Colorado meet its climate goals through research, workforce training and partnerships with communities.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- Spring, finally: Rain continues with storms possible this week.
- Bill Bower Park: WWII hero honored with new memorial garden.
- Tax time: Property valuation appeals open May 1.
- CU Boulder: 10,000+ graduates as campus marks 150 years.
- Things to Do: Beer history, meditation, Boulder artist reception, navigating AI workshop, Irish comedy-drama, local book fair, gluten-free pastries + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Your community needs you: 51% of Boulder County nonprofits have had to cut programs or change services in the last year, and 70% of nonprofit leaders say community members’ access to basic needs is being threatened. So from May 1-15, we’re asking Boulder County to go all in. Community Foundation Boulder County’s Community Trust program supports 100+ organizations across animal welfare, arts & culture, civic engagement, education, environment, and health & human services. Donate at allinboco.org.
Three recent Boulder fires were likely human-caused, officials say
Officials say the number of fires is not unusual, but their size in dry conditions has raised concern and added urgency to resilience efforts. Continue reading…
Inside BVSD’s final meeting on possible school closures as declining enrollment forces tough choices
The final community session at Monarch High offered insight into how Boulder Valley is preparing families for possible school closures and consolidations. Continue reading…
Boulder Reporting Lab wins 19 SPJ Top of the Rockies awards, including 8 first place honors
Awards recognize BRL’s accountability journalism, public service reporting and deep coverage of housing, climate, health, education and local government. Continue reading…
Spring, finally, brings a wetter stretch
It’s shaping up to be a damp start to the week, with showers likely today and a chance of afternoon thunder. Skies stay mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Rain may linger into tonight before tapering off, with a low around 37. The moisture should also ease immediate fire danger for now.
Tuesday looks a bit brighter, with some afternoon sun and a high near 64. There’s still a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with improving skies later in the evening.
Bill Bower Park rededicated with new memorial garden honoring WWII aviation hero
Boulder community members and veterans groups gathered April 18 to rededicate Bill Bower Park, a neighborhood park on Table Mesa Drive in South Boulder, with a new memorial garden honoring Col. Bill Bower, the last surviving pilot of the 1942 Doolittle Raid and a longtime Boulder resident.
The ceremony, held on the 84th anniversary of the raid, featured remarks from Rep. Joe Neguse, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, Bower family members and others. The garden includes a plaque on Bower’s life, a restored propeller blade from a WWII B-24 bomber and new shade landscaping.
Bower, who died in 2011, later became a well-known member of the Boulder community after his military service. The project was led by a local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America in partnership with the city and donors.
County property valuation appeals open May 1
Think your home was valued too high, too low or classified incorrectly? Boulder County Assessor’s Office begins accepting valuation appeals May 1. Property owners should receive Notices of Valuation around the same time and are encouraged to review them for accuracy. Appeals must be received or postmarked by June 8.
Residents can file online, by email, mail, fax, drop box or in person. The Boulder office will offer extended hours May 1 and June 5, with staff also available in Longmont May 11-14 and Lafayette May 18-21.
CU Boulder to award 10,000+ degrees May 2 as campus marks 150th anniversary
More than 10,000 degrees will be awarded Saturday at Folsom Field during CU Boulder’s spring commencement ceremony. Organizers are warning of heavy traffic in and out of Boulder and around campus Saturday morning, with security screenings required for attendees. Clear bags will be required inside the stadium, and umbrellas will not be allowed. The ceremony will also be livestreamed for those avoiding crowds.
Kristin Davis, the actor, who was born in Boulder, will deliver the keynote address. Her father was a longtime CU Boulder psychology professor, and her mother is an alumna.
The ceremony also coincides with the university’s 150th anniversary year. Among the notable graduates is 91-year-old Jean De Servien-Kenwood, who is set to receive a Ph.D. in French after returning decades later to complete work he began in the 1960s.
Justin Schwartz: How CU Boulder is building Colorado’s climate future
With research, education, partnerships and programs, the university has a multipronged approach to supporting solutions to climate change. Continue reading…
☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the 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.
Music Therapy at the Library — Create, Connect, Grow: Monday, Apr. 27, 1:00-2:00 p.m., NoBo Library, 4600 Broadway. Read more.
Brewed at Altitude: A Beer Lover’s History of Colorado: Monday, Apr. 27, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway. Read more.
Ways to Meditate with Swami Sivananda: Tuesday, Apr. 28, 5:15-6:00 p.m., Eldorado Yoga Ashram, 2875 County Road. Alternative dates weekly. Read more.
Acoustic Open Mic: Tuesday, Apr. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The End Lafayette, 525 Courtney Way, Lafayette. Read more.
Speed Dating with The Big Dream: Wednesday, Apr. 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave, Suite A. Read more.
Velvet Daydream with Sunkissd, The Speeks, Red Revival: Wednesday, Apr. 29, 7:00 p.m., The Fox Theater, 1135 13th St. Read more.
Navigating AI: Build Your Family’s Playbook: Thursday, Apr. 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m., YMCA of Northern Colorado, 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette. Read more.
NoBo Art Center Exhibit: Mollie Jackson, Catharsis — opening reception: Friday, May 1, 6:00-9:00 p.m., NoBo Art Center, 4929 Broadway, Unit E. Read more.
Horseshoe: Friday, May 1, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Additional dates May 2-3. Read more.
Gluten-Free Pastries: Saturday, May 2, 10:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, 637 S Broadway St, Suite H. Read more.
Hike and Draw Beneath the Flatirons: Saturday, May 2, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Rd. Read more.
Annual Kentucky Derby Party at St Julien: Saturday, May 2, 1:00-5:00 p.m., St Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St. Read more.
Spacewoman: Saturday, May 2, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
Rumours: Fleetwood Mac Tribute with Colorado Springsteen: Saturday, May 2, 8:00 p.m., The Fox Theater, 1135 13th St. Read more.
Local Author Book Fair: Sunday, May 3, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe, 129 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette. Additional dates monthly. Read more.