Good Monday morning, Boulder. Leading our edition today…
Some of Boulder’s older, more modest homes are being torn down and replaced with larger, more expensive ones — and a new city study says the trend is worsening our housing affordability problem. Now, city council is considering a fee on these teardown projects to help fund affordable housing. John Herrick has the story, complete with before-and-after shots.
Over the weekend, Jenna Sampson reported that Yeva Smilianska was found guilty of vehicular homicide in the crash that killed 17-year-old Boulder cyclist Magnus White. But the White family says the verdict doesn’t reflect the full truth — or bring real justice. They’re now calling for mandatory drug and alcohol testing in all fatal crashes.
And some newsroom news: BRL just won 19 awards in this year’s Society of Professional Journalists’ Top of the Rockies competition — our most yet in that contest. These honors reflect the depth, impact and community focus of our reporting, made possible by readers like you. If you already donate, thank you. If not, and you value this work, please consider supporting us. Every dollar makes a difference.
More, Below the Fold:
- Siren tests: Flood alerts sound in Boulder, Lyons today.
- Boulder protest: Thousands line streets in ‘Hands Off!’ rally.
- Gross Reservoir: Judge stops expansion over enviro violations.
- Neighborhood grants: City funds block parties, community events.
- Sort yards: County reopens free drop-off sites for wildfire prep.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
— Stacy, publisher
Boulder’s housing affordability crisis deepens as older homes are torn down and rebuilt, new study finds
The Boulder City Council this week will consider a new fee on teardown projects that result in increased demand for affordable housing. Continue reading…
Driver found guilty in death of Boulder cyclist Magnus White, 17. Family says full justice was denied.
The White family is calling for mandatory alcohol and drug testing in all fatal crashes, after a lack of evidence in their son’s case limited the charges they believe should have been more severe. Continue reading…
Boulder Reporting Lab honored 19 times in 2025 SPJ Top of Rockies contest, including first place for public service
The awards recognize BRL’s deep reporting on Xcel Energy’s power shutoffs, Boulder’s housing and climate challenges, education, local government and more. Continue reading…
A mellow Monday, a gusty Tuesday
Today’s looking lovely — sunny skies and a high around 65, with just a hint of a breeze. Winds pick up tomorrow, with gusts up to 25 mph and temps nearing 70. Nights stay cool in the low 40s, and sunshine returns midweek, though Wednesday will be breezy again.
Today: Outdoor emergency sirens to be tested
Boulder County will begin testing its outdoor emergency sirens today, April 7, as part of annual flood season preparedness. The first audible tests will take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in Boulder, Lyons and several surrounding communities.
After April, only Boulder and Lyons will continue with audible tests through August; other communities will switch to silent testing. The sirens are designed to alert people outdoors to severe weather and other emergencies.
ICYMI: Boulder joins nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ protest
If you were out on Saturday, you probably saw it — or were part of it. Boulder was one of several Colorado cities to host a Hands Off! rally, part of a nationwide day of protest against the Trump administration’s policies. Hundreds of events took place across all 50 states.
Here in Boulder, organizers said nearly 2,000 people signed up, and well over a thousand showed up, stretching more than a mile along Broadway/Highway 93. Photos courtesy of Ron Rovtar.
The protests were aimed at pushing back against what organizers call power grabs by President Trump, Elon Musk and their allies — and defending everything from healthcare and Social Security to immigrant rights and democracy. All events were peaceful and rooted in nonviolent action.
In Denver, thousands gathered at the State Capitol for what became one of the state’s largest rallies.
Judge halts Gross Reservoir expansion in lawsuit led by Save the Colorado
A federal judge on Thursday ordered Denver Water to halt further construction on the Gross Reservoir expansion project — which is about 60% complete — citing violations of environmental laws. The ruling, in a lawsuit led by the group Save the Colorado, vacates key federal permits and imposes an injunction on enlarging the reservoir, including further tree removal and water diversion.
The court found that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to follow the Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act, including by not fully analyzing climate impacts or considering less damaging alternatives.
Denver Water on Friday said it will appeal the decision and seek an immediate stay, warning the order threatens water security for 1.5 million people. The utility called the ruling a “radical remedy” and said halting construction puts hundreds of workers out of jobs and jeopardizes public safety.
On Sunday, the judge issued a 14-day pause on her order, the Colorado Sun reported, giving Denver Water time to assess safety concerns and appeal. She declined to grant a permanent stay.
The Boulder County Commissioners approved the expansion in 2021. The project, which would more than triple the reservoir’s capacity, has been underway since 2022.
Neighborhood grants now open to boost community connection
The City of Boulder is now accepting applications for its 2025 Neighborhood Connection Fund, which provides small grants to support block parties, community events and neighborhood projects.
Grants of up to $599 (block party), $3,000 (spark) and $3,000 for manufactured home communities are available. Applications take about 30 minutes to complete and are accepted through July 31, with funds awarded in three rounds.
Got slash? County sort yards reopen soon
Boulder County’s seasonal sort yards are reopening to help residents safely dispose of tree branches, logs and other yard waste — part of ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts. The Nederland yard opens April 30, followed by Meeker Park near Allenspark on May 7. Both will operate Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., through fall. The drop-off service is free for county residents.
☀️ 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.
Hank, Pattie and The Current: Wednesday, April 9, 6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Stone Cottage Studios, 1928 Pearl St. Read More
Mountains, Big Walls, and Parenthood with Josh Wharton: Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., Chautauqua Community House, 301 Morning Glory Dr. Read More
An Evening of Dance with 3rd Law: Friday, April 11, 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Also showing April 12–13. Read More
Compost and Mulch Giveaway: Saturday, April 12, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Service Center, 1700 Avalon Avenue, Lafayette. Read More
OZO Coffee | Barista Class: Sunday, April 13, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., OZO Coffee | Roastery Cafe & Lab, 1898 South Flatiron Court #STE 110. Read More
The White Chip: Sunday, April 13, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Also showing April 10–12, 16–20, 25–27, and May 1–2. Read More
EDM Dance Party: Sunday, April 13, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave., Suite A. Read More
FIRE & ICE – A Rooftop Apres Party: Sunday, April 13, 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., 1023 Walnut Street. Read More