It’s Monday, June 17, 2024.
We’re now in the middle of June, Boulder. Maybe that’s why it’s hot.
Today, we’re covering a merger between Mental Health Partners and Clinica, which is raising questions about its impact on safety-net programs for Boulder County residents dealing with drug addiction and mental illness. The CEO of Mental Health Partners told Boulder Reporting Lab she doesn’t foresee any changes to their current programs. However, health advocates are wary of what the merger may bring to a county that already has a critical demand for mental health and substance use services.
Also, a potentially groundbreaking neurodiversity policy may be coming to BVSD schools, though it’s only in its initial stages. The idea is to meet kids where they are, rather than trying to fix or cure them. The principles underpinning a policy were presented to the school board last week.
Finally, Boulder County will hold two community meetings on Tuesday, June 18, to address concerns about groundwater contamination from coal ash at the Valmont Power Station, which BRL’s “Hidden Hazard” project found to contain unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals.
Have a good start to your week.
— Tim, reporter
P.S. Not a subscriber to BRL Today yet? Sign up here.
Jovita Schiffer, Democratic candidate for Colorado Senate, is a single working mom, equity consultant, and advocate for excluded communities and children. Learn more about her grassroots campaign for equity, economic stability, and wellness at www.jovitaschiffer.com, and vote your Primary ballot by June 25th.
Featured stories
Major healthcare merger in Boulder County raises questions about mental health and addiction services
Mental Health Partners, the county’s largest nonprofit mental health care provider, and Clinica Family Health aim to integrate services amid rising demand and workforce challenges. Continue reading…
BVSD takes a step toward adopting ‘groundbreaking’ neurodiversity policy for schools
The policy, potentially the first of its kind in the nation, aims to introduce new approaches to educating neurodiverse students in Boulder Valley schools. Currently, it’s a value statement with details still being developed. 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
More temperate
This week should be more manageable than last, with temperatures staying below 90 and some precipitation possible. Wednesday might even get down to the 70s, so I hope your winter coat isn’t too hard to find.
Boulder County hosts community meetings on Valmont power station and coal ash contamination
Boulder County will hold two community meetings on Tuesday, June 18, to address concerns about the Valmont Power Station operated by Xcel Energy and the coal ash leaking from unlined landfills into local groundwater. One meeting is for business owners, and the other is for residents. This issue is especially crucial for residents relying on well water in the affected area. Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more and voice their concerns.
The meetings follow BRL’s investigative project last year, “Hidden Hazard,” which found groundwater contaminants at the Valmont Power Station at levels unsafe for human health. These contaminants seep from an unlined coal ash landfill sprawling nearly 15 acres, out of public sight and mind for most. The contamination plume includes toxic heavy metals and is slowly migrating underground toward residential areas.
Reminder: Apply for a food tax rebate
On June 30, applications will close for the city’s Food Tax Rebate program. The program aims to alleviate financial strain by providing rebates on city sales tax for food items. This year, individuals will receive $104, and families will get $318. Eligibility criteria include being 62 or older, having a disability, or having children under 18 in the household for the entire 2023 calendar year. Those without permanent shelter qualify with documentation from a city-recognized homelessness services agency. Forms are available on the city’s website or by appointment at 720-955-8486.
Last year, the city received more than 1,200 applications for the rebate, the most since at least 2019 and one of the largest year-over-year increases in the program’s history. Last year was also the first time the city accepted applications from residents regardless of their residency status, in accordance with a 2021 Colorado law that sought to remove barriers to public benefits. The demand also indicated the rising need for financial assistance among the city’s residents.
Prescribed burning near Boulder done for the spring
The Forsythe II Prescribed Burn project, located seven miles southwest of Boulder, has concluded for this spring. Fire crews successfully burned 186 acres, bringing the total treated area to 450 acres over the past two years.
The project aims to improve forest health in the Boulder Ranger District as part of the national wildfire crisis strategy. The full Forsythe II area, to be burned in the coming years, covers 18,954 acres, including 1,892 acres of Boulder County Parks and Open Space land. Over 200 personnel, including several Boulder County fire protection districts, supported the project this spring.
“We capitalized on several good weather windows, which helped ensure a safe and successful burning period,” said Ed LeBlanc, a fire management officer with the U.S. Forest Service.
Free walking tours of downtown art
The City of Boulder’s Office of Arts and Culture is offering free walking tours of downtown Boulder’s public art starting June 22. The tours, lasting an hour and a half, will cover 30 stops, including sculptures, murals, and urban designs. They will begin at 17th and Pearl and end at 13th and Arapahoe. Tours will be available most Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. through August 31.
“We are excited to highlight pieces of our city’s public art collection with the community,” said Lauren Click, the city’s arts and culture manager. “These unique works of art, from iconic bronze sculptures to colorful murals in alleys, help tell our city’s story.”
Tour Boulder’s best gardens, too
The 20th Annual Boulder Garden Tour is also set for Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This self-guided walking tour allows Boulderites to explore some of the city’s most unique private gardens, with educational booths on sustainable gardening. Proceeds benefit Garden to Table, an organization that helps kids connect with nature. Tickets are available now.
Webinar on ballot processing
Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Molly Fitzpatrick will host a webinar, “Election Night and Beyond – What to Expect,” on Wednesday, June 19 at 12:15 p.m, ahead of the June 25 primary election. The session will cover ballot processing after Election Day, including handling military, overseas and “cure” ballots. Those interested are encouraged to RSVP sooner than later.
And while you’re at, get informed before you fill out your ballot with BRL’s election coverage so far and candidate questionnaires.
BRL’s to-do list: Happening this week and weekend
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
Monday | Community-Wide EV & E-Bike Expo | 5-8 p.m.
“A variety of electric vehicles and e-bikes and their owners will be at the Expo so you can see the vehicles determine and how much the vehicle costs, and most importantly learn what it is actually like to own an EV or e-bike.”
Monday | Concert in the Park (East Palo Park) – Boulder Concert Band | 7-8 p.m.
“What better way to connect with your neighbors than a community band concert at one of your favorite Boulder parks? Bring a picnic, a chair or blanket, and relax to the sounds of summer music.”
Tuesday | Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer feat Rakesh Chaurasia: As We Speak | 7:30 p.m.
As We Speak “not only showcases the group’s breathtaking abilities as instrumentalists, but underscores the wide range of musical influences at their command.”
Wednesday | Juneteenth, Freedom Day celebration at Roots Music Project | 6 p.m.
“Celebrate freedom and unity at our Juneteenth concert! An uplifting evening of soulful music and powerful performances. A FREE SHOW!”
Wednesday | Boulder Comedy Festival at Junkyard Social Club | 7-9 p.m.
“Boulder Comedy Festival is back! Boulder Comedy Festival brings focus to and highlights women and diversity in comedy. Nationally touring comics come together with local comedians to create a sea of hilarity in Boulder and the surrounding areas.”
Saturday, Sunday | Arts in the Open presents “Alice in Wonderland” | 10 a.m. to noon
“A madcap adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic. Alice chases a White Rabbit down a hole to a world in which she encounters strange creatures and even stranger poetry.”
Saturday | Rock & Reuse Summer Concert Series | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
“Get ready to rock your summer at Resource Central’s Rock & Reuse Summer Concert Series! Join us on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm for live local music, savory food trucks, sweet treats, local artists, and exciting giveaways.”
Sunday | Boulder Sunrise Triathlon at Boulder Reservoir | 5:30 a.m.
“You’ll be surrounded by amazing views at the Boulder Reservoir located at the foot of the Flatirons. Work towards your new PR on arguably the best and fastest triathlon course in Colorado!”
Become a sponsor: Get your brand in front of 19,000 of Boulder’s most engaged residents, directly in their inboxes. Contact BRL’s publisher, Stacy Feldman, to learn more.
