It’s Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. I do hope you’re well.
Today, we have a campaign finance update with the June 25 primary election less than a week away and ballots in hand. Given the political makeup of our community, the Democratic primary will determine this year’s election in several races. These races are expensive, with nearly $600,000 spent on three legislative contests and another $685,000 spent on one candidate alone in Boulder’s District 2 seat for the state Board of Education. This is likely because that race could shift the balance of power on the board, potentially making it less supportive of charter school initiatives, or at least that’s the perception.
Also, we’re talking about embodied carbon and Boulder’s pioneering stance in the field. Energy codes usually focus on the efficiency of a completed building. But Boulder’s recently passed energy code update, going into effect on Dec. 1 of this year, encourages Boulderites to consider the materials used in construction, making it the first in Colorado to do so. Even if a building is efficient, that efficiency is offset if the materials used to construct it emit large amounts of global warming emissions.
Finally, for the mountain bikers out there, a new route is now open at Heil Valley Ranch, shaped by local biking advocates. Although the Cal-Wood Fire impacted this popular biking spot, the new route is a step toward restoring what was lost.
Have a tremendous day.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Boulder pioneers Colorado’s first energy code to reduce ’embodied carbon’ in buildings
Embodied carbon refers to all the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from manufacturing the concrete, steel and other materials used to construct buildings. Starting in December, the city’s new energy code will allow Boulderites to use building materials with lower carbon footprints to meet efficiency regulations. Continue reading…
Boulder’s Democratic primary becomes million-plus-dollar election
In a contest for the Colorado Board of Education, two Boulder residents are driving major campaign expenditures, eclipsing spending in all other individual races on Boulder’s primary ballot. Continue reading…
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In other news
Autumn come early
Today will build on the momentum created yesterday for fall weather, with temperatures staying in the 60s and afternoon showers likely. After today, though, temperatures will creep into the 80s, followed by a long stretch in the mid-90s. So if you’re missing that headache provided by the heat, it won’t be gone long.
City seeks eminent domain authority for Gregory Canyon Creek flood project
Tomorrow, June 20, City of Boulder staff will ask the city council to grant them the authority to seize properties for the Gregory Canyon flood mitigation project using eminent domain, if necessary, which is unlikely. Gregory Canyon Creek flows under Flagstaff Road to Boulder Creek through the Chautauqua and University Hill neighborhoods. The mitigation project is slated to begin in late 2025 and cost around $19 million.
Under the plan finalized in 2015, the city needs to access portions of 22 properties beside the creek to increase the creek’s capacity. Obtaining eminent domain authority, even with no plans to use it, is standard practice for flood mitigation projects ahead of negotiations with property owners, the city said. City officials told Boulder Reporting Lab that the future easements they plan to acquire for construction will allow the city to use the properties and access them for flood-related purposes, while the property owners will retain full ownership.
“For utilities projects, I’m not aware of — and I don’t believe there’s ever been — a time where we’ve had to use eminent domain, particularly for flood projects,” Joe Taddeucci, director of utilities for the City of Boulder, told Boulder Reporting Lab. “It’s a tool that’s there if we need it,” Taddeucci added. “But we would do everything in our power to not have to use it.” Read more on BRL.
New Wapiti Trail route opens at Heil Valley Ranch, incorporating mountain biking community’s recommendations
A new route for the Wapiti Trail at Heil Valley Ranch opened yesterday at sunrise. This change was made to protect nesting golden eagles discovered during the park’s closure following the Cal-Wood Fire.
As Boulder Reporting Lab previously covered, mountain bike advocates pushed for a more bike-friendly route than initially proposed by Boulder County, specifically one with fewer switchbacks to allow bikes to maintain speed while going downhill.
Wendy Sweet, executive director of the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance, an advocacy group formed in 1991 in response to the bike ban on trails in Boulder, rode the trail first thing Tuesday morning and said the county took their proposal into consideration.
“They had the 13 switchback trail. We asked for the four switchback trail, and that’s what was built,” Sweet told Boulder Reporting Lab.
The Cal-Wood Fire destroyed a popular mountain biking area for Boulderites. Sweet said the new route is a step toward regaining that mecca.
“If you were a Heil Valley Ranch fan before the fire, this definitely moves it in the direction of pre-fire conditions,” Sweet said.
Boulder to host free summer concerts as part of University Hill revitalization efforts
This summer, Boulderites can enjoy free concerts on University Hill and in Boulder Junction as part of ongoing revitalization efforts. The new “On the Rise” series features local and regional musicians on June 22, July 27, Aug. 24 and Sept. 28.
Funded by an Urban Land Institute grant, these events are part of broader revitalization projects for The Hill, including the opening of the new Moxy Boulder Hotel, improved signage to better connect The Hill with downtown, and upcoming crosswalk and alleyway artwork. The Hill neighborhood, particularly its once-thriving commercial district across from the main campus, has long dealt with economic stagnation, which the Covid pandemic only worsened.
Cows on NCAR road Friday for wildfire mitigation
If you’re driving up to NCAR on Friday morning, you might have to contend with cattle. From 9 to 9:30 a.m., bovines will be taking up a lane as they head to a grazing project for wildfire mitigation. Boulder Reporting Lab previously covered how cows are used to reduce wildfire risk. The goal is to combat tall oatgrass, an invasive species encroaching on native grasses like big bluestem, switchgrass and yellow Indiangrass.
Tall oatgrass matures faster than these native species. By introducing cattle when the oatgrass is sending up shoots and the native species are still germinating, the cows will chew back the invaders, providing an opening for the slower-growing natives to thrive.
City of Louisville launches new library app
Louisville residents can now enjoy seamless borrowing and returns from their local library with cloudLibrary. Features include a virtual library card, mobile checkout for borrowing items using a phone and return reminders within the app.
Patrons can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and log in with their library card.
Steinbaugh pavilion closed for repairs, artists sought for mural project
On Monday, June 17, a roof structural issue was reported at the Steinbaugh Pavilion. City staff inspected the pavilion and deemed it unsafe for use. As a precaution, it is closed until further notice. Efforts are underway to fix the problem and minimize disruptions to upcoming events, with backup locations being arranged if needed.
Meanwhile, tomorrow is the deadline for artists to apply to paint an original mural in the pavilion. The mural, spanning 30 feet wide by 12 feet high and located behind the stage, 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 their colors and saturations.
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