It’s Monday, March 18, 2024.

It’s Monday, Boulder, and it should be a sun-day. And maybe a fun-day? If cardio is your thing, perhaps a run-day? Quick, let’s get to the news before this becomes a pun-day.

Today, BRL contributor T.M. Spring has a story about the newly opened Boulder Swim Club. Located in the historic Boulder Broker Inn, come spring an outdoor pool will be available, though that’s just a slice of what the club is offering. Even now, Ampersand Coffee and Spruce Confectioners pastries are available from morning to early afternoon in the club’s Library Bar, and an Asian-fusion menu is offered in the evening. Billiards, ping pong and shuffleboard are also there to allow those interested to play games while they snack. The club’s general manager said the eventual goal is for the facility to be a place Boulderites could happily spend an entire day.

Also, during last week’s snowstorm, the city’s main homeless shelter in North Boulder faced demand that outstripped its capacity. As John Herrick reports, several people were turned away. The turnaways reflect a persistent challenge faced by the city in recent years, with rising homelessness and competing demands for resources.

I hope your day is the best, though not so good its goodness can’t be repeated.

— Tim, reporter

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In other news

Ah, finally some sun

Today will begin the climb towards the 60s we’ll hit by Wednesday, with plenty of sun for company. Snow will be melting, so make sure you wear waterproof shoes if you have them. Or if wet socks are your vibe, I recommend something porous. Squish squish squish.

For weather history enthusiasts: According to NWS Boulder, Boulder’s recent two-day snowfall ranked among the fourth- to seventh-highest recorded since 1893.

Boulder PD investigating financial scam

Boulder detectives are investigating reports of scammers masquerading as bank officials to pilfer Boulderites login details. Culprits are telling victims to leave their debit/credit cards in mailboxes for collection. They then retrieve the cards from people’s homes, resulting in over $100,000 in losses. Similar incidents have been reported in Denver, Douglas County, Lone Tree and Parker.

As these suspects are still at large, the public is encouraged to be vigilant, and visit their bank in person if possible if there are questions about accounts. Anyone with information about the scam is encourage to contact Detective Ramos at RamosS@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3323, referencing case 24-01310.

Crucial decision for South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation Project this week

To move forward with the massive flood mitigation project on South Boulder Creek, the City of Boulder needs 2.2 acres of protected open space land for the construction of a detention wall on the CU South property owned by the university. The purpose of the wall is to prevent floodwaters from overtopping US 36 and running into downstream neighborhoods. The Open Space Board of Trustees unanimously approved the “disposal” of those 2.2 acres last week, and the Boulder City Council is scheduled to vote on it this week. This decision is an incremental yet crucial one in the project.

Under a 2021 annexation agreement between the city and CU Boulder, the university gave permission for the city to build the flood project. In return, the university is allowed to construct 1,100 units of housing for non-first year students and faculty, along with university facilities and offices, commercial and retail space, and a new multi-use path and bus station.

Boulder Reporting Lab has covered the history of CU South, including the city’s missed opportunity to buy the property in the 1990s. We also covered the rationale behind the city’s current flood mitigation plan. Opponents of the project have consistently voiced their objections and brought ballot measures against it over the years, to no avail.

In a recent “Hotline” post to community members, City Councilmember Mark Wallach acknowledged ongoing public frustration with the project. Despite being a former detractor himself, he said he feels it is the best the city can do given the circumstances.

“I believe the City has negotiated the best deal possible with respect to the CU South property, will receive many substantial benefits from the Annexation Agreement and will be in a position to provide critically needed flood protection for an estimated 2,500 individuals and 1,100 residential units,” he wrote.

Archie and Winston play on the CU Boulder South property on Feb. 20. 2024. Credit: Chloe Anderson

Boulder’s Arts in the Park program returns for 2024

Boulder’s Arts in the Park program returns for summer 2024, its fourth year, and it is inviting local artists and performing arts professionals to apply now. The event will showcase a “vibrant blend of arts and cultural performances,” the city said.

This year, the program will feature smaller performances called “Community Spotlight Performances.” These shows are for artists or smaller performing arts organizations in Boulder that wish to perform outdoors at the Bandshell.

“In 2021 when we started Arts in the Park, we had over 80 performances from the arts and cultural community to help restart the performing arts in Boulder during the pandemic,” said Community Access Coordinator Rosa Wright. “This summer we again want to encourage and promote our amazing performing arts community by providing the bandshell.”

The majority of performances will be free to attend, and the city has offered a waiver of permit fees for applicants this year, to encourage submissions. The city is also promoting its larger arts performances, called “Signature Events.” These shows will feature four Boulder-based arts organizations. The Signature Event performances will take place June 1-2 by Boulder Ballet; July 4 by the Boulder Symphony; Aug. 3 by the Boulder Opera; and Aug. 24 by the Boulder Philharmonic.

Funding available for those with disabilities

Boulder County Housing and Human Services is offering grants for organizations serving those with intellectual, developmental disabilities, autism and brain injury. Two Requests for Proposals are open until April 1, 2024, funding organizations that offer those with disabilities direct services, and others providing social and recreational activities. These initiatives aim to enhance independence and community engagement for those living with cognitive impairments.

Other reporting that pertains to Boulderites

🎿 The Colorado Sun reported on the expense of skiing, questioning whether skiing has indeed become pricier in recent years. One factor that has helped cut costs are season passes, introduced in the early 2000s. These passes shift the financial risk of a lack of snow onto skiers and allow resorts to forecast their cash flow before the season starts. But they’re also a way for skiiers who know they’ll be in the mountains frequently to save cash. According to the article, it takes an average of eight ski days to break even on these passes. For some resorts, it takes even fewer days, especially with many day passes now priced at over $200

🏞️ In the negotiations over the allocation of Colorado River water, disagreements persist, Colorado Public Radio reports. While upper basin states like Colorado say they’re not using all the water they’re entitled to use, lower basin states such as Arizona and California argue for shared cutbacks in water usage across all users of the river. Meanwhile, tribes like the Southern Ute are demanding recognition of their historical water rights. The federal Bureau of Reclamation will review all proposals, with the goal of having a water-use reduction agreement in place before 2026.

As Boulder Reporting Lab has reported, almost all cities and towns in Boulder County get some, if not most, of their water from the Colorado River. And as residents face water rate increases, a portion of that additional money is going to securing additional water rights from the river.

The BRL to-do list

Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.

Monday | Deion Sanders, Coach Prime’s book launch: Elevate and Dominate | 7-9 p.m

“Deion Sanders, AKA Coach Prime, will speak about his new book, Elevate and Dominate: 21 Ways to Win on and Off the Field, on Monday, March 18th at 7:00pm at Macky Auditorium

Tuesday | An Evening with Hank Green | 7-9:30 p.m

“Green has appeared on screens across the globe and is best known for his profound enthusiasm for new scientific achievements, breaking down these complex concepts in a captivating and accessible manner — allowing Green to become almost universally known and loved as “one of America’s most popular science teachers.”

Tuesday | BioFrontiers Presents public talk – Viruses, Our Defenses, and a Possible Path to HIV Vaccines | 6-8 p.m

“The COVID and HIV crises illustrate the global tragedies that can arise after humans are infected with the viruses of animals. Yet COVID was met with a vaccine in less than a year while we have waited over 40 years for an HIV vaccine. How do virus characteristics and our own immune systems dictate which animal viruses make us sick, which ones cause pandemics, and which ones are harder to develop vaccines against?”

Friday, Saturday, Sunday | Spring Awakening Musical presented by Synthesis Theatre Company | Times depend on day

“Based on Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking and controversial play (once banned in Germany), Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s brilliant rock score and searingly emotional book take the story of sexual awakening, youth revolt, and self-discovery into a new century.”

Saturday | AMPlify: Celebrating Women in Music | 7-10 p.m.

“AMPlify: Celebrating and elevating women as an underrepresented, yet abundantly talented demographic in the music and visual arts industry.”

Saturday | 80’s Dance Party! Jukebox Style! | 7 p.m.

“Help us make the playlist! Upon entry you will have the ablity to submit 3 of your favorite 80’s dance hits! We will add all of these to the playlist for the night! TONIGHT, YOU ARE THE DJ!”

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🪩 Swim Club opens in Boulder — for more than just swimming

Featured stories

Boulder’s newest hangout: The Swim Club at historic Broker Inn opens with unique Asian-fusion cuisine, targets full grand opening this spring

Boulder’s largest homeless shelter hit maximum capacity during winter storm