It’s Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.
Happy Monday, Boulder.
As wildfire disasters become more frequent and severe across the Front Range, Boulder residents are increasingly being dropped from their home insurance coverage or facing steep premium hikes. Last summer, I reported that the problem was already prevalent in Boulder’s mountain communities, but it’s now clear the issue has spread into Boulder proper. Several homeowners I spoke with reported drastic premium increases, with one questioning whether he’ll be able to keep his home if rates continue to rise. According to insurance industry members, these struggles are just beginning. More insurers are deciding not to cover homes in mountainous areas, which now includes the 80302 zip code.
Also, Boulder has a new police chief — Steve Redfearn was selected as the new permanent chief of police after serving as interim chief since January. Finally, Tara Winer, a Boulder City Councilmember, was assaulted on Friday. She’s OK, she tells us, but frustrated and concerned.
Finally, if you missed Jenna Sampson’s poignant courtroom updates from the King Soopers trial last week, including Friday’s emotional accounts of narrow escapes, check them out below.
Have a good day.
— 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 homeowners face soaring insurance rates or dropped coverage, a reality once confined to mountain communities
Some areas like zip code 80302 are already becoming uninsurable by certain insurers because of wildfire risk, while others are experiencing surging premiums, pushing residents to a breaking point: “I’m not going to be able to afford my house anymore.” Continue reading…
Boulder councilmember Tara Winer assaulted after confronting man over racial slurs at University Hill event
Winer was punched in the face at a University Hill ribbon-cutting after confronting a man yelling racial slurs about Asian people. Despite injuries, she declined hospital care and voiced frustration over the suspect’s quick release. Continue reading…
Updates from the King Soopers mass shooting trial in Boulder, Week 2
Opening statements began last week in the high-profile trial of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, presided over by Judge Ingrid Bakke. The 16 jurors’ identities, plus four alternates, will remain private for their protection. Witnesses provided emotional testimony about their close encounters with Alissa during the heinous attack. Continue reading…
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In other news
Mid- to high 80s all week
This whole week will be about the same, with sun and little rain. But if the long-term forecast is to be believed, the latter half of the month should bring the cool-down promised by autumn.
Two children struck in Lafayette crosswalks in separate incidents
The Lafayette Police Department is investigating two separate incidents in which children were struck by drivers at signaled crosswalks on Baseline Road, west of 95th Street. The first occurred on the afternoon of Sept. 5 near King Street, while the second, a hit-and-run, happened the morning of Sept. 6 near Roser Drive. The suspect in the hit-and-run has been located. Both children remained hospitalized as of Friday, but no further updates on their conditions have been reported, according to 9News.
The city confirmed that both crosswalk signals were functioning properly when the incidents occurred. In response, officials are evaluating additional safety measures for the area. Boulder County has recently partnered with Lafayette and Superior to implement Vision Zero plans aimed at eliminating traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Although Boulder has its own Vision Zero plan, it has yet to show significant progress, though officials remain hopeful.
Boulder to Erie trail proposal open for public comment
If you have an opinion on the soft-surface, multi-use trail that will connect Boulder and Erie, now’s your chance to voice it. The project has been in the works since 2019, with one of the main challenges being how the trail will cross Highway 287. Boulder County is recommending the trail followg the RTD right-of-way, due to its “safety, user experience, and minimal impact on adjacent properties.” The right-of-way mostly runs along an old rail line.
If that route is selected, Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Department recommends seasonal closures from mid-February to mid-July for nesting raptors. The closeness of the trail to red-tailed hawk nests in particular — and the hawks’ propensity for attacking people to defend their nests — factored into this recommendation.
You can read the draft plan online and submit comments here.
Weigh in on Marshall Fire Memorial in Superior
Superior’s Cultural Arts & Public Spaces advisory committee is asking residents to take a follow-up survey to help shape the next steps for a potential Marshall Fire memorial. After going over last year’s survey results, CAPS and the Marshall Fire Memorial Subcommittee are looking for more feedback. You can share your thoughts at ShapeSuperior.com. The survey is open until Sept. 29.
Street Wise Mural Festival returns to Boulder Sept. 13-15
The sixth annual Street Wise Mural Festival is taking place Sept. 13-15 in Boulder. The free event will feature 19 new murals, primarily in East Boulder, created by artists from Colorado, across the U.S., and internationally. “Ultimately, we hope artists will educate and empower community members to take action and inspire climate optimism,” the group says. The festival will also include mural tours, live music, workshops, and art exhibitions, with support from partners such as CU Boulder and the Boulder Watershed Collective. You can check out last summer’s murals here.
BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this week and weekend?
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
Monday| Ruthie Foster @eTown | 6 p.m.
“Ruthie Foster’s musical journey is as eclectic and vibrant as her soulful voice. Born into a family steeped in gospel tradition, Ruthie’s earliest influences were the voices of her mother, grandmother, and the gospel singers she grew up listening to.”
Wednesday – Sunday | NoBo Art District Presents Iconic Street Artist: SMiLE, A Golden Thread | Time depends on day
“This exhibit, titled A Golden Thread, offers a unique experience that resonates deeply with the Boulder community. SMiLE’s work has long been a part of Boulder’s visual landscape, with his street art creating moments of joy and connection for those who encounter it.”
Thursday | Outdoor Concert: Hazel Miller & The Collective @Longmont Museum | 6:30 p.m.
“Colorado-based music icon Hazel Miller has been described as a force of nature. Her band, The Collective, is one of the tightest and most versatile on the scene, bringing an eclectic mix of Jazz, blues, funk and original music guaranteed to get the audience dancing and singing along.”
Friday – Sunday | Fall Fest on the Pearl Street Mall | Time depends on day
“This 3-day autumn festival features local food, a large beer/wine/margarita garden, live music, family entertainment and activities and features the Firefly Handmade Market all along the historic Pearl Street Mall.”
Friday | BaoBao Festival: Akoma Ntoso | 7 p.m.
“Join us for an incredible evening of West African music and dance. The event features a collaboration between visiting Ghanaian master drummers and dancers with Boulder’s Mokomba Ensemble and special guests from Mi Chantli studio.”
Saturday | Ned Ned Trail Fest (half marathon, 10k, 5k) | 8 a.m.
“Embark on your journey by winding through Old Town Nederland, the epitome of Colorado mountain towns.”
Saturday | Lucinda Williams @Mackey Auditorium | 8 p.m.
“Three-time Grammy Award winner, Lucinda Williams has been carving her own path for more than three decades now.”
Sunday | 2024 Annual Chili Bowl Street Party | 12 p.m.
“Enjoy live music, incredible chili tastings from your favorite local restaurants, hands-on art activities, and more. Plus, discover unique and beautiful pieces at the Fall Pottery Sale.”
Sunday | Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet: RUSH – world premiere | 7 p.m.
“The creation of RUSH – world premiere – celebrates Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet’s 25th year. This radical new work by internationally recognized choreographer and company founder Robert Sher-Machherndl, boldly brings contemporary ballet into sharp, present-day focus as he create something strange, beautiful and compelling.”
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