Good Monday morning, Boulder.
Leading today’s edition: Campaign spending in Boulder’s 2025 city council race remains relatively modest with Election Day about a week away. Candidates have collectively raised about $125,000, far below the levels seen in 2023, when the city held its first mayoral election. All four incumbents are seeking reelection, and while most candidates are relying on public matching funds that limit spending, outside groups could still weigh in as the election approaches. John Herrick has the numbers.
If you missed Brooke Stephenson’s reporting last week on one group that considered entering — and potentially spending — in Boulder’s council race but ultimately didn’t, read it here. It’s a sign of how statewide political organizations are increasingly eyeing local contests like ours and could play a larger role (and bring bigger money) in future Boulder elections.
Also today: From vampire balls and toga parties to Mexican dance and family parades, Boulder County is bursting with ways to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos. With the holidays back to back this weekend — and CU’s homecoming on top of it — you’ll find a rundown of 25 events across the county, from Pearl Street to Nederland. And lastly, police are investigating a reported assault of a CU Boulder student with a hockey stick that occurred last week, days after activists circulated posts accusing him of ties to white supremacist groups.
More, Below the Fold:
- Environmental talk: CU panel explores restoring trust in environmental communication. (sponsored)
- Election rundown: We’ve got you covered.
- E-bike + e-scooter rules: Council seeks clarity on who regulates what.
- Emergency food drive: City responds to record demand at local pantries.
- Things to do: Skate night, fiber arts sale, Jewish film fest, healing workshop, 2000s dance party + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
I am running for a third term on Boulder’s City Council. I have brought a steady, pragmatic voice to Council and have been a moderate, focused on work that will directly impact the people of Boulder. I do not shy away from tough issues or difficult votes. I am focused on public safety, sound financial management and an aggressive approach to wildfire resilience. My approach is always practical and results-driven in order to move Boulder forward.
Boulder City Council races see low fundraising and spending ahead of 2025 election
Four seats are up for grabs this year, with most candidates opting for public matching funds that limit campaign expenditures. Continue reading…
Boulder County Halloween and Día de los Muertos events 2025: 25 ways to celebrate
From costume contests and Mexican dance to vampire balls and live music, Boulder County is packed with festivities. Continue reading…
After reported assault of CU Boulder Turning Point member, police are still investigating
The reported assault came days after activists circulated posts alleging a CU Boulder student’s ties to white supremacist groups. Continue reading…
Gusty sunshine today, colder nights ahead
We’ll start the day with a slim chance of a passing shower before the sun takes over. Temperatures climb to the mid-60s, but expect a noticeable west wind this afternoon, breezy with gusts that could top 30 mph.
Overnight, skies stay mostly clear as temps tumble into the upper 20s. It will feel blustery, especially with those lingering northwest winds. Tuesday brings plenty of sun, though cooler than today — highs near 50.
The Future of Environmental Communication in Challenging Times (sponsored)
As polarization, distrust and disinvestment erode public understanding and concern for critical environmental issues, how might we chart a better path forward? Please join the Center for Environmental Journalism for an engaging discussion with five esteemed panelists – co-sponsored by the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information – on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7pm. This will be held in ATLAS 100 and is free and open to the public.
Election Central on BRL: Let us help you make sense of your ballot and this election
Haven’t voted yet? With ballots in hand, we’re here to make things a little easier. You’ve got eight days to go.
Your mailbox is full of flyers, your friends are sharing their opinions. So why not take a few minutes to learn about the candidates for yourself? We’ve made it simple.
Here’s what you’ll find in our Election Guide:
- Background on the candidates — including who they are, their experience and what they stand for.
- A quick, pithy overview of what this election is really about. In short: All four incumbents – Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Folkerts, Councilmembers Matt Benjamin, Nicole Speer and Mark Wallach – are running to keep their seats. The main dynamic is groups of “pragmatic” interests seeking to unseat two of the three Boulder Progressive-endorsed incumbents, Folkerts and Speer.
- Where candidates stand on key local issues:
- Our breakdown of ballot measures — and several perspectives on them (mainly the new mental health sales tax) in BRL Opinion.
- BVSD candidates and their responses to our questionnaire.
And all of our ongoing local election coverage in one place, 35 stories and counting.
Council requests review of Boulder’s authority to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters
On Oct. 23, Boulder City Council voted unanimously to have city staff research the city’s authority to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters, versus what regulatory power belongs to the state. City staff will present options to the council at a future meeting.
Councilmember Taishya Adams brought the proposal, citing concerns about safety for both young people riding electric scooters and bikes and the older pedestrians they share the bike paths with. “It’s dangerous. I’m on the streets, on the sidewalks,” she said.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has reported a rising number of accidents and illegal riding in the county, “particularly involving juveniles on e-bikes, electric dirt bikes, and gas dirt bikes. Many parents and young riders are unsure what is legal to ride, and where,” according to a Sept. 4 press release. E-bikes are increasingly popular with kids and teens.
Currently, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, which have a maximum speed of 20 mph, are allowed on multi-use paths and some open space trails. Class 3 e-bikes, which can go up to 28 mph, are restricted to roads and bike lanes and cannot be operated by anyone under age 16.
City to launch emergency food drive as demand rises
Boulder’s Department of Housing and Human Services (HHS) says it is preparing an emergency food drive to help restock local food banks amid rising demand and increased financial pressures on residents.
Pressure is growing. November SNAP benefits are on hold because of the federal shutdown. Local food assistance providers are already seeing record demand.
The food drive will support three local nonprofits: Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), Harvest of Hope Pantry and the Boulder County AIDS Project.
In the message, the department encouraged residents who are able to donate food, funds or volunteer time to help local organizations responding to growing need. It also directed community members seeking assistance to Boulder County Find Help, the county’s resource navigation portal.
☀️ 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 our Monday to-do list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Paper & Spine Used Bookstore Fall Sale: Monday, Oct. 27, 9:00 a.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
Skate Night at the Avalon: Tuesday, Oct. 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Rd. Additional dates weekly. Read More
Handweavers Guild of Boulder Fiber Arts Show and Sale: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont. Additional dates daily through Sunday, Nov. 2. Read More
Shifting Lines Documentary Premiere: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Sonic Adventures with David Fodel: Thursday, Oct. 30, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St. Additional dates weekly through Dec. 4. Read More
Motus Theater Presents: No Contract by Kirsten Wilson: Thursday, Oct. 30, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center , 2590 Walnut St. Additional dates daily through Nov. 9. Read More
Sommers-Bausch Observatory Open House: Friday, Oct. 31, 8:00-10:00 p.m., Sommers-Bausch Observatory, 2475 Kittredge Loop Dr. Additional dates weekly through Dec. 5. Read More
Atomic Jones: Friday, Oct. 31, 9:00 p.m., License No. 1, 2115 13th St. Read More
Music by Wysh: Saturday, Nov. 1, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., OZO Coffee Roasters – West Pearl, 1015 Pearl St. Read More
Terrarium Workshop: Saturday, Nov. 1, 12:00-4:00 p.m., Crowd on Pearl, 1711 Pearl St. Read More
Boulder Jewish Film Festival 2025: Midas Man: Saturday, Nov. 1, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Additional events available. Read More
Ninety2K: Saturday, Nov. 1, 8:00-11:00 p.m., The Louisville Underground, 640 Main St, Louisville. Read More
The Art of REPAIR – Full Day Workshop: Sunday, Nov. 2, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., 735 12th St. Read More
Boulder Philharmonic: Strauss & Shostakovich: Sunday, Nov. 2, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. Read More