Welcome to Friday, Boulder. Here’s your news:

Today, John Herrick reports on a renewed push for armed guards at Fairview High School. In our world of school shootings — and after last week’s alleged threat of violence at the South Boulder high school — some Fairview parents are demanding an armed security guard be stationed at the school. At least one said he has already taken matters into his own hands.

“I’ve been personally patrolling outside of Fairview with a bunch of other dads,” said the parent. District officials are wary of parents patrolling the area with guns. They also understand the desire for additional measures to protect their children.

“I don’t think it’s that far of a stretch to say that there are unprecedented threats to schools,” said Randy Barber, chief communications officer for BVSD. “It’s understandable that parents are concerned.”

Also, campaign finance reports are in. And Boulder businesses have a chance to join the fight against climate change through a climate action challenge put on by Partners for a Clean Environment.

It’s going to be a wonderful weekend. Enjoy it.

— Tim, reporter

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What to know today

  • No rain to speak of: It’s going to be beautiful today and through the weekend. Temps in the high 50s and low 60s will be kept company by just enough wind to keep things crisp.
  • Latest campaign finance reports: The campaign trying to block CU from developing its south campus has raised more than $52,000 this election cycle. Much of it has already been spent on postcards and yard signs the campaign hopes will persuade voters to repeal Boulder’s annexation agreement with CU Boulder.
    • The fundraising haul is a significant comeback from just a month ago but is still short of the $76,000 raised by those supporting annexation. Not included in the 76K is the $164,000 CU spent earlier this year on consulting and advocacy to oppose the referendum.
    • Meanwhile, those fighting over 2E, the measure that would switch city elections to even years starting in 2026, are neck and neck. Opponents of the measure have raised about $13,300 compared to the $12,200 raised by proponents. Among the top donors fighting the measure are Patty Delgado, president of the Boulder Valley Education Association, a reflection of the concern that local school board races — held in odd-years — could see even lower turnout should the measure pass. Top donors supporting the measure include Matt Benjamin, a city councilmember who helped craft the city ordinance that put the measure on the ballot. Proponents argue it would increase voter turnout.
  • How to vote on judges: While voter guides are plentiful — BRL joined the scrum — many voters can be lost on how to vote on what judges to retain and which to boot. Fourteen judges are on the Boulder County ballot. Thankfully, there are a couple resources you can use.
    • The Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation has a website that shows each county and the judges within, including how judges fared when evaluated by attorneys and non-attorneys.
    • And that dense blue State Ballot Information booklet — hopefully safe from your recycling bin — also has lengthy evaluations of each judge up for retention. While the Commission on Judicial Performance offers its recommendation on whether or not a given judge meets performance standards, voters can read a summary of how the judges comport themselves on the bench and make that decision for themselves.
  • More opportunities to vote early: A second event was added to ensure folks have the chance to vote. Today, from 12 to 3 p.m., the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) is hosting a Vote Early event in tandem with the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder. Part of a national effort to make sure last-minute issues don’t keep folks from casting a ballot, residents can register to vote at the event, drop off ballots, get a sticker and maybe some swag.
    • The address of the event is 1575 Yarmouth Avenue in Boulder.
    • Non-perishable food donations for EFAA will also be accepted and appreciated.
    • Avery Brewing in Gunbarrel is also hosting an early voting event today from 4 to 6 p.m. today. Beverages not included in swag.
  • Boulder County businesses doing their part for the planet: After more than 30 businesses took part in the pilot program, Partners for a Clean Environment, or PACE, are launching the real deal and encouraging businesses to join their Climate Action Challenge initiative. The challenge mirrors Boulder’s climate goals, including net-zero carbon by 2035 and 90% reduction in emissions by 2050. Businesses that join the challenge will get free consulting to help them achieve their goals and take advantage of whatever rebates are available.
    • “Businesses of all sizes have an important role to play in cutting the carbon emissions that fuel the climate crisis,” said PACE Business Sustainability Advisor Norma King. “It can be difficult to know where to start or how to make an even bigger impact. The Climate Action Challenge makes it simple by connecting Boulder County businesses to financial resources and consulting services that allow them to become climate action leaders through steps that make the most sense for them.”
    • Learn more and join the Climate Action Challenge at pacepartners.com/challenge.
  • South Boulder Road work to disrupt your drive: If South Boulder Road is part of your commute, your morning will be extra stressful for a few weeks. Starting Monday Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 25, traffic will be single lane and bikes detoured so workers can replace failing concrete panels on South Boulder Road between Manhattan Drive and Cherryvale Road.

Go deeper

After threat of violence rattles Fairview High, talk of armed parent patrols worries district

By John Herrick

After Boulder police arrested an 18-year-old last week for alleged threats of violence against Fairview High, rattling the community, some parents are clamoring for additional measures to protect their children.

Several parents have called on the district to bring back armed police to fend off potential active shooters. Others want the district to hire private security guards, similar to those who stand in the doorways at Whole Foods supermarkets or at synagogues. 

In the meantime, at least one parent of a Fairview student said he has already taken matters into his own hands. 

Continue reading…

BRL picks

🎶 “Spark” dedicated to victims of the Marshall Fire: On Nov. 14 at the Ascent Community Church in Louisville, the Coal Creek Community Chorus will put on an original performance, “featuring the fabulous voices of over 100 singers from in and around the Boulder County community,” for those who were affected by last year’s Marshall Fire.

🌷 Plant tulips on Pearl: Want to ensure beauty on the mall come spring? Sign up via the city’s volunteer calendar to seed the mall for future enjoyment. Next open spot available is on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 from 9 a.m. to noon. But spots are going fast.

🚲 Kids holiday bike giveaway: Community Cycles is re-upping its holiday cheer for the 16th year running. On Dec. 10 and 17, the community staple will be giving away more than 300 bikes. If you’d like your child to be a proud recipient, register in November. If you want to donate, Community Cycles is always accepting whatever you’ve got.

👯‍♀️ Munchkin Masquerade: On Oct. 31, downtown Boulder will be invaded by tiny ghosts and goblins, dinosaurs, and every other costumed kid you can imagine. For those 12 and under, get out there and get some candy. For those who want to sponsor a trick-or-treating stop, contact sponsor@downtownboulder.org.

🌲 Nature walk and painting – reminder: On Saturday, Oct. 29, join Out Boulder County for a nature walk “through the Meyers Homestead Trail at Walker Ranch just outside of Boulder and talk about nature and enjoy the company of other LGBTQ+ folks!” A watercolor activity will follow. RSVP beforehand.

Covid in Boulder County: Oct. 28, 2022

  • 51 daily new cases (7-day avg.) ⬇️ Down 2% over preceding 7-day avg.
  • 13 patients hospitalized with Covid (7-day avg.) ⬇️ Down from a high of 14 last week.
  • 69% percent of ICU is occupied. ⬆️ Up from avg. of 65% since July 2020.

What else we’re reading

  • Members of Colorado’s only known wolf pack may have been killed in Wyoming, near the state border. While Colorado residents could be fined $100,000 for such a practice, in 85 percent of Wyoming, wolves can be killed without a permit or repercussions.

ICYMI

Tim Drugan was a climate and environment reporter for Boulder Reporting Lab.