It’s Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. I hope you’re well.
Today, we’ve got lots going on. First, the most controversial aspect of this year’s local election is no more. The measure to close Boulder Municipal Airport has been withdrawn from ballot consideration by the group that petitioned for it. The Airport Neighborhood Campaign made this decision after the city’s lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration to clarify its obligations. FAA rules dictate how long a city must keep an airport operational after receiving grants, but the FAA insists Boulder’s must remain open in perpetuity — a stance the city strongly opposes.
Also, the City of Boulder hosted an event last night for residents to meet the candidates for police chief, including interim Chief Steve Redfearn. We have the details. Additionally, fire officials discussed with us the challenges of battling multiple fires simultaneously. When the Lake Shore Fire broke out a day after the Stone Canyon Fire, it strained resources already stretched by the Alexander Mountain Fire to the north. However, federal air support for the Alexander Mountain Fire was crucial, and Boulder County fire districts were able to utilize it. Without the Loveland fire starting first, Boulder might have faced a more severe situation.
Lastly, BRL contributor Jenna Sampson is in the courtroom this week and will continue providing dispatches throughout the monthlong trial of the King Soopers mass shooter. Jury selection began this week.
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
Ballot measure to close Boulder airport withdrawn amid FAA lawsuit, shifting 2024 election landscape
Organizers have pulled two controversial ballot measures that would have decommissioned Boulder Municipal Airport and redeveloped the land into affordable housing, largely due to a pending lawsuit with the FAA over the city’s obligations to keep the airport operational. Continue reading…
Updates from the King Soopers mass shooting trial, Week 1: Jury selection begins as mental competency takes center stage
More than three years after the devastating King Soopers shooting, the trial of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa begins with jury selection. Continue reading…
Meet the candidates for Boulder’s next police chief: Finalists address community trust, homelessness and policing reform
The three finalists for Boulder’s next police chief are Interim Chief Steve Redfearn, Deputy Chief Leonard Redhorse III of the Navajo Police Department and Commander Josh Wallace of the Chicago Police Department. Continue reading…
Federal firefighting resources averted bigger disasters in recent Boulder County wildfires
The Stone Canyon and Lake Shore fires ignited one day apart, testing the county’s firefighting capabilities. ‘We will always be limited by the resources we have.’ 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
90 today, cooler tomorrow
It’ll be hot and sunny today — similar to yesterday and tomorrow. Temps will vary a bit, but the gist remains the same through the week.
Suspicious person report puts Arapahoe Ridge campus on lockdown
Yesterday, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the Arapahoe Ridge BVSD Campus – which includes Arapahoe Ridge High School, Boulder Universal, Boulder TEC and the Education Center – was placed on secure status due to a report of a suspicious person on the campus. During secure, all doors are locked, and no one is allowed to enter or leave the building, although normal activities continue inside.
Law enforcement responded to the campus following a report of a possible individual with a weapon on the roof of the school. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was then temporarily placed on lockdown to allow officers to conduct a thorough search. It was later determined that the person on the roof was a contractor and there was no threat to the school.
The lockdown was lifted by 1:30 p.m. However, afternoon classes at Boulder TEC and the Advanced Alternative Learning Program were canceled for the day.
BVSD has activated its Trauma Response Team, which will be available to support students who may have been affected by the incident.
Fire damages storage facility on Arapahoe, investigation underway
At 1:09 a.m. on Monday, Boulder Fire-Rescue responded to a large structure fire in the 5800 block of Arapahoe. Crews worked for over nine hours to extinguish the blaze and secure the area. Fourteen units were directly damaged, with an additional 88 units affected by smoke and water. No injuries were reported.
Boulder Fire-Rescue also got help from Louisville Fire, Lafayette Fire, Mountain View Fire Rescue and Boulder Rural Fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Artists invited to showcase work at Boulder rec centers
Boulder Parks and Recreation is inviting artists to apply for the opportunity to showcase their artwork at the East Boulder Community Center and North Boulder Recreation Center.
Applications are open from Sept. 1 to 30, with a selection committee reviewing submissions based on creativity, feasibility and community connection. Selected artists will be notified by Oct. 31, with their artwork displayed for at least one month.
Boulder to begin trail improvements at Boulder Valley Ranch
Starting Sept. 4, the City of Boulder will begin a series of trail improvement projects in the western Boulder Valley Ranch area, north of the city. These projects aim to improve trail sustainability and increase access for bicyclists, while also protecting local wildlife and plant habitats.
The initial phase will focus on rerouting the Eagle Trail to reduce erosion and improve long-term durability. Future work includes rerouting the Cobalt Trail to improve drainage and protect sensitive plants, constructing the new Shale Trail for better connectivity, and rerouting the Hidden Valley and Degge trails to reduce erosion. Some trails will also be permanently closed to protect the environment.
Offices closed for Labor Day
Most city and county offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the unofficial end of summer. But as is usually the case, most outdoor recreational facilities will remain open, including golf courses, trails and Lafayette’s Great Outdoor Waterpark.
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