It’s Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. I hope you’re well. If you’re not, I recommend getting out in that early morning sunshine. The rays feel kinder earlier in the day, at least to me.
As for news, we’re covering the camping ban case at the U.S. Supreme Court and its effect on Boulder. The City of Boulder has been sued by the ACLU of Colorado on behalf of local plaintiffs for its camping ban. Although the trial is scheduled to begin in August, a district judge has halted proceedings until the Supreme Court rules on the issue. The argument from plaintiffs in the case before the high court is similar to that in Boulder: It is cruel and unusual to penalize people for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go, a violation of constitutional protections. The City of Boulder has said the ban is about maintaining access to public spaces.
Also, a bill has passed through the U.S. House of Representatives that would protect bolts for sport climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Introduced by Boulder’s Congressman Joe Neguse, it counteracts the National Park Service’s new interpretation of an existing law that establishes permanent climbing bolts as illegal “installations.” While proponents of banning sport climbing in Rocky Mountain argue that it’s necessary to mitigate the impact of climbing on the wilderness, advocates for sport climbing point out that bouldering — where climbers remain lower to the ground and use a plethora of mats rather than ropes for safety — has a much higher environmental impact.
Finally, if you’re an artist, there’s a tremendous opportunity for you to share your talents and get paid in the process. Louisville is seeking an individual or a group to paint an original mural behind the stage at Steinbaugh Pavilion. There’s $12,000 on the table.
Have a lovely day.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Boulder camping ban lawsuit is paused as judge awaits U.S. Supreme Court ruling
A high court ruling on a lawsuit originating from Grants Pass, Oregon, could effectively decide a similar lawsuit in Boulder, with major implications for how cities address homeless encampments. Continue reading…
Neguse’s bill safeguarding climbing gear in Rocky Mountain wilderness gains ground in U.S. Congress
The PARC Act passed in the House of Representatives as part of a larger recreation package, demonstrating to the National Park Service that the agency is out of step with legislators regarding the ban on permanent climbing gear on wilderness rock walls. Continue reading…
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In other news
An oasis of sun amid thunder
Today should be delightful, with a high of 73 and unabashed sunshine. Tomorrow and Friday will also be delightful, but with a different flavor. After morning sunshine, clouds will roll in to bring thunderstorms and rain.
Possible prescribed burn today, west of Boulder
The U.S. Forest Service has said that fire managers are monitoring weather conditions for the Forsythe II Prescribed Burn, which may occur today west of Boulder. Residents in the area may notice smoke from the burn and are advised not to call 911, as this is a controlled fire. Find updated information here.
Hear from your state reps this Sunday
On Sunday, April 28, Boulder residents will have an opportunity to hear from their state representatives — Senate President Steve Fenberg and State Reps. Judy Amabile, Kyle Brown and Junie Joseph — about the 2024 Colorado General Assembly. The event is scheduled to take place at Full Cycle Cafe & Bar, 2355 30th Street, and will run from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Just make sure to register ahead of time.
Louisville calls for mural artists
The City of Louisville has begun the search for an artist to paint an original mural on the city’s Steinbaugh Pavilion. Spanning 30 feet wide by 12 feet high, located behind the stage, the mural will serve as a backdrop for many city events, including a summer concert series and winter ice skating. Since the wall is almost always in shadow, artists should carefully select colors and saturations. A jury comprising representatives from the Cultural Advisory Board, the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association, among others, will review submissions, including proposed materials. So probably best to use durable materials that require minimal maintenance.
Proposals must outline a vision for the entire wall, include a budget and specify a timeline. The city aims to have the mural completed by September of this year. The selected artist or team will receive $12,000 to cover project expenses. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on June 20, to SNemechek@LouisvilleCO.gov. Questions can be directed to Sharon Nemechek at the same email.
Climate corps jobs nearby
President Biden celebrated Earth Day by unveiling a website for his Climate Corps jobs and training program, targeting the nation’s youth. The announcement was made at Prince William Forest Park in Virginia and echoed FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps. This movement aims to engage workers in combating climate change challenges through various activities, including land management and solar panel installations.
The initiative is initially offering about 2,000 jobs across 36 states, including Colorado. In this area, there are openings for conservation crews in Denver and Colorado Springs, as well as water-related and resiliency internships elsewhere in the state. Pay is approximately $15 an hour, and the positions appear to be a few months in length.
Lafayette pool closure extended definitely
Starting May 1, the entirety of Lafayette’s Rose Lueras Pool Complex at the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center will be closed to the public. Since April 8, the kiddie pool has been closed after staff noticed significant water loss. To facilitate proper assessments and repairs, the closure will now include all nearby amenities, including pools, hot tubs, sauna and steam room.
To accommodate lap swimmers, the LaMont Does Lap Pool at Great Outdoors Waterpark will open early on May 1, with the rest of the waterpark opening on May 25. If possible, it’s best to get your laps in during the week, as private weekend swim lessons will limit lap availability.
As for the Rose Lueras complex, the duration of the closure is uncertain. The city will provide updates as more information becomes available.
County sort yards open soon for free tree debris disposal
Boulder County’s community sort yards are opening in May. Residents can drop off tree debris at Nederland and Allenspark sites free of charge. The yards will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday until November. Accepted materials include branches, logs and yard waste in brown paper bags. Check the sort yards’ webpage for specific guidelines.
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