It’s Friday, May 3, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. I hope your week is wrapping up nicely.
Today, we’re covering a settlement approved by Boulder City Council last night for $1 million. Benjamin Cronin is receiving the money due to police mishandling of an investigation into a sexual assault claim. Cronin, accused of sexual assault as a minor, asserts that if Boulder PD had been more diligent in its investigation, it likely wouldn’t have obtained a warrant to arrest him. The officer who mishandled the investigation is no longer with the city, though between 2019 and 2022, he failed to complete investigations into 46 cases, including those involving child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence.
Also, we reviewed a contract the city has with Xcel Energy concerning the city’s wastewater treatment plant, and sought to understand if that agreement was honored during the April 6 outage. The city’s wastewater treatment plant does not have backup generators. Instead, it relies on power from two separate substations for redundancy. Despite Xcel installing the second substation for the city based on a 2006 agreement, and receiving thousands from the city for the installation and subsequent upkeep, it took both substations offline on April 6, almost leading to a sewage spill. After reviewing the original agreement, Boulder Reporting Lab spoke with attorneys to determine if Xcel failed to uphold its side of the bargain.
Finally, we’re starting a monthly restaurant roundup of news. Some of the highlights of this first roundup include ideas for Cinco de Mayo and ways to support Mental Health Awareness Month with your tummy.
Have a great weekend.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
City of Boulder agrees to $1 million settlement over police mishandling of sexual assault investigation
The details of the criminal investigation have been largely sealed from public view. But the case was first investigated by an officer who was later suspended for failing to complete investigations into dozens of cases, citing a heavy caseload. Continue reading…
Power outage at Boulder wastewater plant sparks legal questions about Xcel’s contract compliance, emergency preparedness
A 2006 contract with Xcel Energy shows that a changing climate is making some legal agreements antiquated before their time. Continue reading…
Boulder Eats: 7 things to know about this month’s restaurant openings, closings and food events
Boulder Reporting Lab introduces a monthly roundup of local food and drink happenings. This edition covers the closure of a Niwot restaurant, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Mental Health Awareness Month events, and more. Continue reading…
Boulder Reporting Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization that empowers our community through non-partisan, locally focused journalism that informs and connects.
In other news
High 60s with a stray thunderstorm possible
Whatever clouds arise today will likely do so in the afternoon, possibly carrying thunder and showers within. The trend will continue tomorrow, with clouds in the morning becoming more clouds in the afternoon — also with showers. By Sunday, the chance of rain tapers off, though the risk of wind increases. Monday and Tuesday promise to be positively blustery.
Proposed ‘micro-unit’ housing project to be scheduled for a public hearing
The Boulder City Council on May 2 voted 5-4 to hold a public hearing on a proposal to build 45, 300-square-foot efficiency-living apartments on the east end of Pearl Street. In today’s market, the units would be rented for about $2,500 per month, according to estimates shared by the developer in prior public meetings.
The decision by the city council to “call up” the project adds a level of uncertainty for the developers, as councilmembers could vote to deny the site review plan application.
At the very least, the decision to hold a public hearing adds to the project’s overall timeline, a factor developers have said drives up the cost of housing projects in the City of Boulder. Councilmembers Mark Wallach, Tina Marquis, Tara Winer, Taishya Adams and Ryan Schuchard voted to call it up.
“This is unprecedentedly expensive housing for the Boulder market,” Wallach said. He added, “This is something I would love to talk about.” For more on the project, see our previous reporting.
Woman with a knife at Lucky’s
A Boulder police officer was injured and a woman was arrested following an incident at Lucky’s Market in North Boulder on Wednesday evening. Patricia Murphy, 61, faces multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a police officer and menacing another, according to the Boulder Police Department.
The incident began shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, when officers were called to the North Boulder store in the 3900 block of Broadway following reports of a woman trespassing and behaving erratically. Upon arrival, police encountered Murphy, who reportedly had mud on her face and was speaking incoherently.
Efforts to persuade her to leave escalated when Murphy allegedly produced a knife, stabbing a male officer in the shoulder, according to the police department. As he retreated, she advanced towards a female officer with the knife, the department said. Backup arrived, and officers subdued Murphy using less-lethal sponge rounds before taking her into custody. Read more on BRL.
Hit-and-run driver sought
Boulder Police are seeking information on an April 26 hit and run that occurred around 10 p.m., leaving a 15-year-old boy with serious injuries. The teen was hit by a dark-colored vehicle while crossing Canyon near 14th Street and was hospitalized. Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Officer Steve Coon at CoonS@bouldercolorado.gov or 720-626-9749, referencing case 24-03939.
Cinco de Mayo celebrations
The 21st Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration will take place this year at Roosevelt Park in Longmont on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, rain or shine. This family-friendly event (no alcohol) features a variety of attractions including food, music, a breakdancing contest and a car show. “Longmont Celebrates Cinco de Mayo aims to celebrate this holiday as well as create a better understanding and acceptance of the Latino community,” according to its organizers, who are expecting some 7,000 people to attend.
Additionally, Avanti Food & Beverage on Pearl Street is hosting a weekend-long celebration from Friday to Sunday, featuring combined Derby and Cinco de Mayo parties.
For those in Boulder County looking to explore local flavors, there are over 30 taco restaurants to support. Whether you prefer casual dining or a more upscale experience, options abound. For a gourmet option, Masas & Agaves is offering a four-course dinner paired with wine, mezcal, and tequila on Sunday, May 5, from 4 to 10 p.m. The cost is $100 per person. For more details, read T.M. Spring’s coverage on BRL.
Mount Blue Sky reservations open soon
Reservations for the 2024 season at Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area open on May 21, with the area tentatively set to welcome visitors from May 31, weather permitting. However, visitors should plan ahead as construction on Highway 5 starting in late July will lead to traffic delays and a full closure from Sept. 3, through 2025.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with butterflies
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster on May 11 and 12, with a weekend of family-friendly activities. Enjoy the “Mini Matriarchs” talk on invertebrate mothers, a “Paint, Plant, and Promenade” session where families can decorate flowerpots, and a special Mother’s Day Stroll through the butterfly conservatory with a flower that attracts butterflies. Find more details and ticket prices on the pavilion’s website.
Grazing returning to Louisville
This spring, Davidson Mesa, North Open Space and Dutch Creek Open Space in Louisville will host grazing livestock to manage vegetation and aid in fire mitigation. Cattle will graze on non-native grasses at North Open Space from May 8 to June 8, while goats clear woody vegetation at Dutch Creek from May 20 through the 31st and return to North Open Space in the fall. Visitors should keep pets leashed and avoid contact with electric fences and livestock. Temporary trail closures may occur during livestock movement.
Free compost
Also in Louisville, residents can pick up free garden compost on the first weekend of every month at the Branch Recycle Site, located north of the Louisville Cemetery on Empire Road. Compost is available while supplies last, and residents must show proof of residency.
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