It’s Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.
Welcome to November, Boulder. I hope your Halloween was swell.
Before we dive into the news, we have some exciting news to share: Our annual end-of-the-year fundraising campaign will begin later this month. But: Starting today — and running through Dec. 31— any contribution made to Boulder Reporting Lab will be doubled. We hope you’ll consider giving and joining the growing movement of local BRL supporters who are helping make Boulder a more informed and connected community.
Now for what’s going on: Today, John Herrick has a story on Boulder PD’s deputy chief Steve Redfearn and his involvement in the Elijah McClain case. McClain died in 2019 in Aurora after he was forcibly arrested and given a powerful sedative by paramedics. Redfearn was a captain with the Aurora Police Department at the time, and while he and the City of Boulder say everything he did that night followed protocol, local NAACP members have called for his resignation, alleging Redfearn’s actions “reeked of a cover up.” Redfearn says such statements are “borderline, if not flat out, defamation.”
Also, Herrick has an update on the Steve Rosenblum lawsuit, in which the former Boulder City Council candidate is suing political organizer Eric Budd for defamation and misappropriation. Budd is now asking the Colorado Supreme Court to weigh in. The lawsuit has a greater context of defining what can and can’t be done to sway local elections.
Finally, we’re taking Friday off to prepare for election night coverage. We’ll see you back here on Monday, the day before your ballot is due.
Enjoy yourself.
— Tim
P.S. Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
Hear the most fashionable 90s music from the 15th-20th centuries, including baroque, classical, and a hot, hot, hot new medley “90s Pop Radio” performed by Sphere Ensemble, the string group that’s reimagining the concert experience! Community access tickets just $20. Visit SphereEnsemble.org for tickets and more info.
Featured stories
Boulder deputy police chief hires legal counsel amid Elijah McClain accusations and escalating dispute
Steve Redfearn, who was a captain for the Aurora Police Department on the night of McClain’s encounter with officers, said a decision he made helped launch the first investigation in the hours after McClain was forcibly arrested. Some community members are accusing him of a “cover up.” Continue reading…
Colorado Supreme Court to decide whether to take up Boulder defamation lawsuit
Eric Budd, a political organizer, argued in his petition for a writ of certiorari that First Amendment rights are at stake if the lawsuit is not dismissed by the state’s highest court. If the court declines to hear the case, Budd faces either going to trial or negotiating a settlement. Continue reading…
ICYMI: Boulder County Farmers Markets opens sign-ups for its Winter Market Share
Similar to a CSA program but from a variety of farms instead of one, participants will get a mix of local food each week from Nov. 29 through the end of January. 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
Creeping towards the 60s
Today will be in the high 50s with “considerable clouds” in the morning that should become less considerable by the afternoon. Then tomorrow will reach the low 60s with even fewer clouds. Sunset, for those who want to make sure they don’t miss it, is now before 6, clocking in a 5:58 p.m. By this time next week it’ll be an hour sooner.
Give feedback on Arapahoe Ave. improvements
Highway CO 7 segment A, or Arapahoe Ave. from 28th Street to 63rd Street in Boulder, is on the docket to get some improvement in the somewhat near future. Now in the 15% design phase of the project, the Colorado Department of Transportation, or CDOT, is seeking feedback through a questionnaire on what residents want out of a roadway improvement. Already they have some desired outcomes listed, including providing alternatives for driving for those traveling the corridor, incorporating designs “that focus on moving people, not just cars.”
If you’re interested, there’s a video of the CDOT presentation on the segment, and for those who would rather jump into participation, you can go right ahead and fill out the questionnaire. Just make sure to fill it out before Nov. 6.
The Colorado Department of Transportation says the highway was designed as a two-lane, rural arterial highway. Yet that rural highway has to be upgraded, and fast. Almost 50,000 new households are expected along the route by 2050, with almost 40,000 jobs in tow. As CDOT says, “This is expected to lead to a 37 percent increase in traffic along an already congested corridor.”
Dia de los Muertos on Pearl
Tomorrow night at 5:15 p.m., The New Local’s Annex will host the beginning of the inagurual Dia de los Muertos procession that will end up on the lawn of the Boulder Courthouse where an altar for the celebration will be constructed. The event, presented by El Centro Amistad, is free and will feature colorful Catrinas strolling Pearl Street and Mariachi music.
Volunteer for Lafayette seniors
Lafayette Senior Services is looking for good Samaritans who will help remove snow for disable or older Lafayette residents. If you decide to be a “snow angel,” city staff will pair you with a resident for the whole snowy season so you can figure out the perfect way to clear that resident’s driveway, sidewalk and main entrance. Those interested can email OlderAdults@lafayetteco.gov or call 303-665-9052. If you’re someone needing an “angel” to work for you, you can contact staff the same way.
Minimum wage hearing
After announcing in August that they’ll introduce a new minimum wage, the county commissioners are now set to consider the ordinance that will increase unincorporated Boulder County’s minimum wage to $15.69 an hour. Tomorrow, Nov. 2 at noon, members of the public can tune into the hearing either in person at 1325 Pearl Street, or online via zoom or over the phone.
In 2019, Colorado lawmakers passed legislation that allowed counties and municipalities to set their own minimum wage that could be up to 15% higher than the state’s. Boulder County is going to the top of the 2023 limit.
Long Louisville road closure
Garfield Avenue between Cottonwood Drive and Harper Street will be closed for several months, beginning today, Nov. 1, and continuing through Feb. 2024. The city says the closure is to “complete a project.” The only other detail provided in the press release that might hint at the project’s purpose is that it involves the Mile High Flood District.
Is your website delivering the business results you expect? At Comprise, we start with the message and develop award-winning websites and integrated digital marketing programs laser-focused on your business goals. Learn more about The Comprise Way today.
