🌡️Boulder just modeled its climate future. Here’s what to know.

Good morning, Boulder. New climate projections and a county vote on home sizes top our coverage today.

First: Nearly 30 days above 95 degrees, 200 high fire-risk days and 10 extreme rain events a year — and that’s just by 2030. New climate models show what a warming future could really look like here.

Boulder has localized its own climate projections, revealing a future that’s hotter, drier and riskier. The city is one of the first to downscale global climate models to the hyperlocal level, giving policymakers and residents hyperlocal data to guide climate action. It’s not exactly good news — but as we’ve previously reported, Boulder is expected to weather climate change better than many other places.

Then: Boulder County’s Planning Commission has voted unanimously to reject a proposal that would permanently limit the size of new homes in unincorporated areas — a move intended to address housing affordability and the environmental impact of oversized homes. The panel also recommended lifting the current moratorium on large homes, which is set to expire in July unless commissioners act sooner. While most members agreed with the county’s broader goals, they questioned whether this particular plan would achieve them. County commissioners will make the final call later this spring.

Below the Fold:

• Climber dies: 41-year-old falls while climbing in Boulder Canyon.
• Summer jobs open: Tree-planting crews and history volunteers needed.
• 97-year sentence: Longmont man guilty of trafficking, drug crimes.
• Leukemia risk: Study links oil and gas proximity to childhood cancer.
• CU suicides: Students, families push for mental health reforms.
• Elk update: Rabbit Mountain hunting paused; Red Hill to continue.
• Marshall Fire aid: Key rebuilding deadlines approach.
• Things to Do: Music, comedy, theater, bikes and brews.

Thanks, as always, for reading,

– the BRL team

Boulder built its own climate models. Here’s what they say about the next 25 years.

By 2030, Boulder could see 28 days over 95 degrees and nearly 200 high fire-risk days annually. By 2050, those numbers rise even higher. The city says it’s expanding tree canopy and focusing cooling efforts on low-income neighborhoods most at risk. Continue reading…

Boulder County panel rejects home size cap — and wants moratorium lifted, too

The Planning Commission questioned whether county commissioners’ proposed home size cap would meet housing or environmental goals. Continue reading…

Near critical fire weather conditions

Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 69, with gusty west winds up to 30 mph. The combination of wind and dry conditions means near-critical fire weather — use extreme caution outdoors with anything that could spark a wildfire. Temps drop to the low 40s tonight. Sunshine continues through midweek, with highs in the upper 60s Tuesday and low 70s by Wednesday. Winds calm down after today.

Climber dies after fall in Boulder Canyon

A 41-year-old man from Golden died Sunday afternoon after falling about 20 feet while climbing in the Rivera climbing area of Boulder Canyon, according to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency crews responded around 3:15 p.m. after receiving a 911 text reporting the fall. Additional messages said CPR was in progress, but the man was unresponsive. He was climbing with family and friends at the time. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office will release the man’s identity after notifying next of kin.

Applications open for summer tree-planting jobs and volunteer roles with Boulder County

Boulder County teens and young adults can now apply for paid summer positions with the 2025 Community Forestry Corps, a program focused on planting and caring for trees in parks, schools and neighborhoods across the county. Participants work outdoors with environmental professionals to help cool neighborhoods, improve air quality and reduce flooding. The program runs from June 16 to early August.

• Corps Members (ages 14–17): $16–$16.40/hour, 30 hours/week. Apply by April 4
• Assistant Team Leaders (18+): $20.20–$20.70/hour.
• Team Leaders (21+): $22.44–$23/hour.
  Applications for leadership roles are due May 23. Training begins June 2.

Boulder County Parks & Open Space is also seeking volunteers for local history programs at Walker Ranch Homestead, Altona Schoolhouse, and the Mining Museum:

• At Walker Ranch, volunteers lead living-history demos during events and school trips.
• At Altona Schoolhouse, they guide students through one-room school experiences and hands-on activities.
• At the Mining Museum, volunteers welcome visitors, lead tours, and share Boulder County’s mining history.

Applications for all three roles are due April 1, with trainings starting in April and May. Learn more and apply.

Longmont man sentenced to 97 years for trafficking and drug crimes involving minors

A Longmont man has been sentenced to 97 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to drug distribution and the sexual exploitation of minors across Boulder County, according to the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office.

Angel Gomez Rubio, 23, was arrested in Texas in November 2023 following an investigation by the Longmont Police Department, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the DA’s Office. Authorities say he sold drugs — including psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, marijuana and vapes — to middle and high school students in exchange for money and, in some cases, sexual acts.

The investigation uncovered 13 minor victims and led to 55 total charges. On March 13, Gomez Rubio pleaded guilty to 10 counts of trafficking for sexual servitude, multiple counts of sexual assault and assault, and distribution of marijuana to a minor. He received 471 days of credit for time served.

Officials said the sentence reflects a coordinated effort among law enforcement and a trauma-informed approach that helped additional victims feel safe to come forward. Cases involving co-defendants are ongoing.

Study links childhood leukemia risk to proximity to oil and gas wells in Colorado

Children living near oil and gas wells in Colorado may face higher risks of childhood leukemia, according to a new peer-reviewed study. Researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health analyzed cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia among children aged 2-9 years and found those living closer to active oil and gas operations were significantly more likely to develop leukemia.

The study highlights that the greatest risk was among children living within about 3 miles of active wells, although elevated risks extended out to about 8 miles. The findings suggest current setbacks between homes and oil and gas wells, including Colorado’s current 2,000-foot requirement, may not be sufficient to protect children’s health.

“Policymakers should reconsider existing standards,” said Lisa McKenzie, associate professor at the Colorado School of Public Health.

After CU Boulder student dies by suicide, push for mental health reform grows

The death of 18-year-old CU Boulder freshman Manny Pargman — one of at least four student suicides last semester — has prompted renewed calls for stronger mental health support on campus, KUNC reported.

Pargman’s friends have launched weekly peer support meetings. One student is working on legislation to expand counseling access. A CU professor created the “Manny Card,” offering students a one-time do-over on any assignment to encourage grace and reduce academic shame.

Pargman’s father has met with university leaders to advocate for broader reforms, including mental health screenings and therapist access for freshmen. CU recently announced a new task force to review policies and recommend changes starting this spring.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

Elk population goal met at Rabbit Mountain — hunting paused

Boulder County Parks & Open Space will give an update on its elk management program at a public meeting on Thursday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Boulder County Courthouse (1325 Pearl St., 3rd floor).

After eight years of managed hunting at the Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain, officials say the elk population has reached its target of 30–70 individuals, leading to a pause in hunting. Native grasses and plants are rebounding in previously overgrazed areas. Staff are requesting to extend the project for three more years to monitor elk numbers, but any future hunting would require commissioner approval.

Meanwhile, hunting at Red Hill is recommended to continue for the next three years, with some modifications, including allowing rifle hunting.

Upcoming deadlines for Marshall Fire rebuilding support

Deadlines are approaching for homeowners seeking financial assistance to rebuild after the Marshall Fire. About two-thirds of affected homes have been rebuilt so far — an above-average recovery rate for a disaster of this scale.

Key dates to know:

• April 15 – Deadline to submit all documentation for a Housing Recovery Program grant. Final awards will be issued by May 30.
• April 30 – Deadline to have a building permit approved to qualify for incentives from the Colorado Energy Office.
• June 30 – Deadline for permit approval to qualify for Xcel Energy incentives.
• June 30 – Final day to apply for Boulder County Wildfire Fund grants through the Community Foundation. Other assistance programs remain open.

For questions or assistance, contact Recovery and Resiliency Division Manager Michelle Stinnett at mstinnett@bouldercounty.gov.

☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on this list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.

Why Not Both? Comedy and Poetry Open Mic: Wednesday, March 26, 6:00–8:30 p.m., Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Boulder. Additional date: Wednesday, April 23. Read More.

Comedy Works Presents: David Nihill – Shelf Help Tour: Wednesday, March 26, 7:00–8:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. Additional date: Thursday, March 27. Read More.

Leslie Mendelson: Thursday, March 27, 7:00–9:30 p.m., eTown, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder. Read More

Shrek The Musical: Friday, March 28, 7:30 p.m., Jesters Dinner Theatre, 224 Main St., Longmont. Additional dates: Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 at 2:00 p.m. Read More

Illegal Smile (A tribute to the life and music of John Prine) + Jammy Buffet with special guest Something Slight: Friday, March 28, 8:00 p.m., The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder. Read More

Boulder Cycling Club Saturday Rides: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Sanitas Brewing, 3550 Frontier Ave., Boulder. Read More

Funky Fermented Beverages: Saturday, March 29, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., The Herbiculture Hub Farm, 9722 Empire Rd., Louisville. Read More

Colorado Golden Gloves Championship: Saturday, March 29, 5:00–10:00 p.m., Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont. Additional events March 27, 28, and 30. Read More

Gary Gulman: Saturday, March 29, 7:00 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder. Read More

Boulder Symphony Performs Beethoven’s 6th “Pastoral”: Saturday, March 29, 7:30–9:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. Additional performance on Sunday, March 30. Read More

Steely Dead & Dave Abear: Saturday, March 29, 8:00 p.m., The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder. Read More

Rachmaninoff & Stravinsky with the Boulder Phil and Alessio Bax, piano: Sunday, March 30, 4:00–5:30 p.m., Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St., Boulder. Read More