It’s Monday, Boulder, and we’re back in your inboxes with a follow-up on a story that broke earlier this month, now with a more complete picture of what’s happening.
When the City of Boulder ordered about 60 CU students out of their off-campus housing, we were curious why. What was so concerning that students were left with just hours to move out and nowhere to go? Since then, we’ve reported that the city cited life-safety concerns, including fire risks. The judge, however, was somewhat skeptical, and now, the students are back in.
Today, Brooke Stephenson digs into the missing side of the story — the property owner behind it all. It turns out this isn’t the first time they’ve left students scrambling for housing.
Also, Friday was tragic — a 38-year-old woman was killed crossing Broadway in South Boulder after being hit by a driver. There’s still much we don’t know, but this marks the fourth traffic fatality in Boulder this year.
Finally, near-critical fire condition alerts are issued amid near-record heat, Boulder opens a mental health center, free Covid tests return, students are invited to name snowplows, a new art center opens, and Louisville hosts a sustainability festival.
See you back here Wednesday. Until then,
— the BRL team
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Featured stories
Two years, two housing messes: CU students scramble once again after Ash House owner’s lease terminations and alleged safety violations
The property owner, 891 12th St LLC, has been renting the Ash House complex for only two years since its renovation, but both school years, students have faced last-minute housing upheavals. Continue reading…
Fatal crash on Broadway marks fourth death on Boulder streets this year
The city’s goal is to eliminate serious and fatal crashes by 2030. So far this year, most of those crashes have involved a pedestrian or cyclist, underscoring their vulnerability. Continue reading…
ICYMI: 7 best spots near Boulder for fall leaf peeping
From Caribou Ranch to Glacier Gorge, explore the best places around Boulder for peak aspen viewing. Continue reading…
In other news
Fire warning issued amid near-record heat
Summer didn’t get the memo that it’s almost October — it’s still hot, with highs in the mid-80s and gusts up to 22 mph, triggering wildfire weather alerts. Dry conditions and near-record heat continue. Monday night dips to the low 40s, teasing fall. Tuesday cools to the mid-70s, but don’t get used to it —Wednesday’s back near 90. Fire season, all year long.
Hope Institute opens in Boulder amid mental health crisis
The City of Boulder and The Hope Institute will open The Hope Institute on Monday, Oct. 7, at 1790 30th St., Suite 350. The facility will provide outpatient services for people experiencing serious thoughts of suicide, offering both in-person and telehealth treatments from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The institute offers short-term care (6-12 weeks) with individual and group counseling for all ages. The city contributed $400,000 in startup funding from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“The Hope Institute will work with local partners to transition them to longer-term care options that best fit their needs,” the city’s human services manager, Wendy Schwartz, said in a statement.
The opening comes as Boulder grapples with a growing mental health crisis, marked by rising overdose deaths and overcrowding in the Boulder County Jail, which has become an unintended mental health facility. Colorado ranks high in mental illness and low in access to care. Mental Health Partners, serving over 10,000 clients, remains one of the few emergency providers outside hospital ERs.
Free Covid tests available again as holiday season approaches
With the holiday season approaching and more time spent indoors, free Covid tests are once again available from the federal government. Every U.S. household can request four tests from Covidtests.gov between now and the end of the year. Tests can also be ordered by calling 1-800-232-0233. Orders begin shipping today. Note: Some tests may show “expired” dates on the box, but the FDA has extended those dates.
Snow big deal: City asks students to name its ‘winged’ winter warriors
It’s that time of year again — time to name the city’s snowplows. The city is inviting students from pre-K to 12th grade to help name 17 snowplows for the upcoming winter. Winning names will be featured on the snowplows, and winners will have the chance to take a photo with the plow they named. That means we’ll be saying goodbye to last year’s Plowy McPlowface and Snowmuch Fun.
This year’s contest encourages “winged” theme submissions to celebrate the addition of a new winged snowplow to the fleet. Winged plows have extendable side wings that allow them to clear a wider path in a single pass. Lord of the Wings, anyone?
Submissions are open until Oct. 15, with winners announced by Oct. 25. A naming ceremony will be held on Nov. 16.
Groundworks Art Lab, a hands-on education center, opens
The new Groundworks community art center, featuring studios, a central gallery and a private event rooftop deck, has opened in northeast Boulder at 3750 Canfield Street. An open house is scheduled for Oct. 5 from 2 to 7 p.m. You can RSVP here.
Groundworks Art Lab (formerly Studio Arts Boulder) offers summer camps, adult art classes, date nights and private event spaces. It also manages two other locations: Boulder Pottery Lab on University Hill and Groundworks East on Sterling Circle.
We wrote about the history and legacy of ceramics artist Betty Woodman, whose influence on Boulder’s art scene led to the founding of the Boulder Pottery Lab. The new 11,000-square-foot facility expands on her work. The facility came to be after developers of the Diagonal Crossing neighborhood donated about three-quarters of an acre to Studio Arts in 2018, as part of their effort to gain city approval for housing.
Ecotoberfest in Louisville to feature live music, vendors and free Halloween costumes
Also on Oct. 5, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Louisville Community Park, Boulder County residents can enjoy Ecotoberfest, a festival celebrating sustainability. The event will feature live music from Otone Brass Band and Grey Rails, over 40 exhibitors and vendors, small electronics recycling and free Halloween costumes. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for the music.
BRL’s to-do list: Events over the next several days
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
Al Di Meola Electric Band at Chautauqua Auditorium: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m., 198 Morning Glory Drive. Read More
Book Event: Again and Again at Trident Booksellers and Cafe: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., 940 Pearl St. Read More
Cory Richards – “The Color of Everything” at Boulder Book Store: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m., 1107 Pearl St. Read More
The Counting of the Heads & New Year’s Purun at Etown | First Storyteller’s Festival: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7:00 p.m., 1535 Spruce St. Read More
Ecstatic Dance w/ Fredo Smiles at the The Vail Soul Sanctuary: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7:00 p.m., 6717 Valmont Road. Read More
Música y Movimiento creativo en español con Elisa García at the Boulder Public Library: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 10:15 a.m., 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
Wild Rivers at Boulder Theater: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 8:00 p.m., 2032 14th St. Read More
8-Week Memoir Writing Workshop at the Dairy: Wednesday, Oct 2, 12:00 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Brigitte Calls Me Baby at the Fox Theatre: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 8:00 p.m., 1135 13th St. Read More
Arts Caravan presents ‘Twilight’ Circus+ Radio Porno x2+ Vinyl at Junkyard Social Club: Thursday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., 2525 Frontier Avenue Unit A. Read More
Billy Bragg at Chautauqua Auditorium: Thursday, Oct 3, 7:00 p.m., 900 Baseline Rd. Read More
First Storyteller’s Festival: Savage – A New Musical at Dairy Arts Center: Thursday, Oct. 3, 7:00 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More
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