Good Friday morning, Boulder. Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Sphere Ensemble — check out their upcoming Women’s Work concert.
Leading today’s edition: Civil rights lawyers are making a new legal argument in Boulder’s camping ban case. The ACLU of Colorado has filed its opening brief in an appeal before the Colorado Court of Appeals, claiming the ban violates the state constitution. They say Colorado’s long history of outdoor survival, from coal miners to Chautauqua educators, supports stronger protections for people living outside today. The ruling could shape how cities statewide handle homeless encampments, John Herrick reports.
In other news: Boulder officials are recommending major changes to the northern stretch of 30th Street, including concrete-protected bike lanes and a reduction in vehicle lanes from four to three in some sections. The project is part of the city’s broader Core Arterial Network effort and is funded in part by a federal Safe Streets grant.
More, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Summer-like Friday gives way to rain and cooler temps.
- Arrest made: Suspect charged in cyclist’s hit-and-run death.
- Union talks on: Judge denies county’s delay request.
- Free art tours: City launches downtown walking series.
- Write with CU: Older adults invited to fall class on happiness.
- Food trucks go electric: Boulder County launches grant program to cut emissions.
- Free concert: Boulder Concert Band hosts Memorial weekend performance.
- Memorial Day: Closures, detours, festival and more.
School’s out for summer — enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see you Monday.
— the BRL team
Sphere’s 14 string musicians perform our signature blend of music, all written by women. Works by Caroline Shaw, Marion Eugenie Bauer, Lady Gaga, Colorado composer Dianna Link, and more! Saturday May 31 at 7:30 p.m., The Savoy Denver and Sunday, June 1 at 3 p.m., Broomfield Auditorium. Tickets and more information at SphereEnsemble.org.
ACLU files opening brief in Boulder camping ban appeal, arguing it violates Colorado Constitution
Lawyers argue Colorado’s history of outdoor survival in harsh conditions supports stronger constitutional protections for homeless people living outside today. Continue reading…
Boulder proposes protected bike lanes, fewer car lanes on 30th Street to improve safety
The $9 million project aims to reduce crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians along one of Boulder’s busiest corridors. Continue reading…
Cooler with rain for the holiday weekend
If you can, make the most of today’s beautiful weather in Boulder as change is brewing. Sunshine will dominate the morning, with a few afternoon clouds rolling in — but no rain to worry about. Highs will feel like summer, reaching the lower 80s.
Unfortunately, the holiday weekend won’t be as pleasant. We’re tracking a slow-moving storm system that will bring increased rain chances starting Saturday, along with the possibility of a few severe thunderstorms. Sunday will be cooler and cloudier, with widespread showers expected. Memorial Day might not escape the rain either, as lingering showers likely stick around. Sunday and Monday will be chilly, in the 60s or perhaps even colder. Keep that umbrella handy!
Arrest made in hit-and-run that killed cyclist in Boulder County
A 23-year-old man has been charged in connection with the hit-and-run crash that tragically killed John Wilkinson, an avid cyclist, on May 18 in Boulder County, according to CBS News Colorado.
Dante Johnson was taken into custody Monday in the southern Denver metro area by Douglas County deputies on an unrelated warrant. Since then, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against him in Wilkinson’s death, including at least one felony. He is being held in the Arapahoe County Jail.
The fatal crash occurred on 95th Street north of Valmont Road, when a Toyota Highlander allegedly veered into the bike lane and struck Wilkinson, 41, of Broomfield. Witnesses stopped to help and called police with a license plate number. The SUV believed to be involved was later found abandoned in Littleton.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty called it a “heartbreaking loss of life,” adding that “our office is committed to fighting for justice for the victim and his family.”
Wilkinson had recently moved to Broomfield and was known for his deep passion for cycling. His father, Bob Wilkinson, described him as a kind person who lived for cycling. “He rode hundreds and hundreds of miles a week,” he told CBS. “He had a lot of friends. I never heard him speak badly of anybody, helped a lot of people.”
Wilkinson is the third person to die in a traffic crash in Boulder County this year, despite efforts like Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths through safer infrastructure.
Judge denies county’s request to delay union negotiations
The fight over Boulder County’s newly formed employee union is escalating, Boulder Weekly reported this week.
A judge this week denied the county’s request to delay collective bargaining negotiations, allowing talks to begin as scheduled on May 19. As Boulder Weekly, which has been closely following the unionization effort, has reported, the county had sought to postpone negotiations while it challenges the inclusion of employees from Boulder County Public Health and the Boulder County Housing Authority.
County workers voted 442–221 in January to unionize under a new state law. Since then, union members and supporters have accused county leaders of trying to stall the process — a claim commissioners deny.
Want to tour Boulder’s public art — for free?
The City of Boulder is offering free guided walking tours of downtown’s vibrant public art this summer, with stops at sculptures, murals and design projects from 17th & Pearl to 13th & Arapahoe.
Tours kick off Wednesday, June 4, and will run most Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. through August (and possibly into September). Each 90-minute tour features around 30 works of art — from historic sculptures to contemporary installations.
Registration is required. More info and sign up here. Or explore at your own pace with the city’s interactive Public Art Storymap.
CU’s intergenerational writing class invites Boulderites to apply
We’re flagging a unique opportunity: If you’re 60 or older and curious about what CU students think about happiness — and how your perspectives might align — consider applying for CU Boulder’s InterGenerational Writing Class this fall. The class explores ideas of identity, aging and happiness through writing and conversation between older adults and undergraduates.
The course runs Aug. 28–Dec. 4, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5–6:15 p.m. on campus. It’s free for selected Boulder County community members. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June, with decisions made after small-group “meet and greets.” Only 20 community spots are available. Learn more and apply here.
County launches grant program to electrify food trucks
Boulder County’s Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) has launched a new grant program aimed at helping food trucks and other mobile businesses reduce emissions by transitioning to electric battery systems, solar systems and energy-efficient kitchen equipment. The Food Truck Electrification & Efficiency program, created in partnership with the City of Boulder and the Regional Air Quality Council, will cover up to 80% of upgrade costs for businesses licensed to operate in Boulder County.
The county says a gas-powered generator running for eight hours can emit as much carbon dioxide as burning 83 pounds of coal. Grants are first come, first served.
More information is available on the PACE website. Business owners can also attend a food truck electrification rally June 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Latino Chamber in Longmont. The event will include electrified food truck demos, expert advice and free food and drinks.
Reminder: Boulder Concert Band to host free Memorial Weekend concert
The Boulder Concert Band will perform a free Memorial Weekend Remembrance Concert on Sunday, May 25, from 10-11:30 a.m. at North Boulder Park (800 Dellwood Ave.).
Mayor Aaron Brockett will join as a special guest, narrating A New Birth of Freedom, a musical setting of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address by Randol Alan Bass. The event is sponsored by Boulder Parks and Recreation. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chair for comfort.
Memorial Day weekend: Closures, events and detours
A few reminders as we head into the holiday weekend:
- The Boulder Creek Festival returns Friday through Monday, featuring more than 30 live bands, food trucks, a beer fest, farmers market-style shopping, and family-friendly activities — all for free.
- City and county offices will be closed Monday for Memorial Day, along with East and South Boulder rec centers.
- Expect street closures and detours from Sunday night through early Monday afternoon for the BOLDERBoulder — and by the way, you can still register! Boulder Police are asking residents to plan ahead due to multiple road closures and parking restrictions.
- The Eldo Shuttle begins service Saturday, providing weekend and holiday transit from Boulder and Superior to Eldorado Canyon State Park, as well as trailheads at Marshall Mesa, Doudy Draw and South Mesa.
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