Good Friday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by the Chautauqua Association — check out their upcoming Women’s Retreat, Nov. 6-9, for activities, dining and a reset before the holidays.
Leading today’s edition: The federal government shutdown has entered its third day, and while we know Boulder researchers at NOAA have been furloughed, the full scope of local impacts at the Department of Commerce remains unclear. The number alone is likely in the hundreds, not to mention other departments and agencies.
What is clearer is that financial strain is also unfolding within Boulder County government. Boulder County commissioners are weighing $13.2 million in cuts to next year’s budget, a move that could eliminate about 90 jobs and reduce funding for programs serving some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. Older adults could face delays in in-home support, low-income preschoolers may lose Head Start slots, and behavioral health, homelessness services, youth mental health programs and harm reduction work may be scaled back. Officials warn these reductions, driven by a widening structural deficit, are only the beginning. Brooke Stephenson reports.
More, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Temps in the 80s before weekend cold front.
- Ballot box: Former GOP candidate files another complaint.
- Psilocybin therapy: Oct. 4-5 event explores future of treatment. (sponsored)
- NOAA shutdown: Hundreds of Boulder researchers likely furloughed.
- County services: Critical programs remain open through October.
- Open Studios: 128 artists mark 30 years of the countywide tour.
- Walker Ranch: Vintage baseball & heritage day on Oct. 5.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Find peace and rejuvenation this fall at the next Chautauqua Women’s Retreat. Join us November 6-9 for engaging guided activities, farm-to-table food, and award-winning accommodations, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of Chautauqua. Take a break before the chaos of the holiday season and set aside well-earned time for yourself. Space is limited, reserve your spot today!
Boulder County’s budget cuts target social services as $13 million shortfall drives layoffs
County officials warn the reductions, including the loss of about 90 jobs and several programs, mark the start of a multiyear effort to close a growing structural deficit. Continue reading…
Near-record warmth ahead of a weekend cold front
We’re heading into the weekend with sunshine and near-record warmth in Boulder. Highs today will climb into the mid to upper 80s, making it the hottest day of the week and likely the warmest we’ll see all October. We’ll come close to Boulder’s Oct. 3 record high of 88 degrees but should fall just shy by late afternoon.
Saturday will be active but still warm, with highs in the lower 80s. Big changes arrive by evening as a Pacific storm system sweeps through, bringing gusty winds and a cold front. Most of the moisture will stay north of us, but Boulder could see a few spotty thundershowers while the mountains pick up a light coating of snow.
By Sunday, cooler air settles in with highs in the upper 60s and a chance for lingering showers. That fall chill sticks around into early next week, with temps possibly dipping into the 50s if colder models pan out. Otherwise, expect more 60s.
Enjoy the heat while it lasts — autumn is knocking.
Former GOP candidate files another complaint against Boulder County clerk over ballot box cameras
William DeOreo, a former Republican candidate for House District 10, has filed a complaint in Boulder County District Court alleging the county clerk and recorder is failing to enforce election rules for monitoring ballot drop boxes. It marks the latest challenge DeOreo has filed over drop box security. Previous challenges have been dismissed or withdrawn.
The new complaint claims the clerk is violating Colorado election security rules because cameras at ballot boxes are poorly lit and improperly positioned, among other issues, making them ineffective for monitoring potential violations. DeOreo is seeking a court order requiring upgraded video surveillance.
DeOreo previously sued the clerk in 2022 over drop box monitoring. The case was dismissed. He also filed a separate 2024 complaint that he later withdrew. In 2022, DeOreo ran unsuccessfully for the House District 10 seat against Rep. Junie Joseph, a former member of the Boulder City Council. During the campaign, he attacked Joseph’s background as a Haitian immigrant and falsely accused her of prioritizing voting by non-citizens. Read more on BRL.
Build the future of psilocybin-assisted therapy Oct. 4-5 (sponsored)
Expand your knowledge, grow your network, and participate in the movement shaping the future of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Collaborence is an event happening Oct. 4-5 in Boulder where mental health leaders, psychedelic researchers, advocates, and the public come together to share insights, innovative approaches, and community.
Whether you’re a professional seeking continuing education or a community member curious about the healing potential of psychedelics, Collaborence is tailored to give you the tools, connections, and inspiration you need. Reserve your spot here.
Boulder NOAA workers furloughed in government shutdown
About 80% of Department of Commerce employees were furloughed as of Wednesday’s government shutdown, according to reports. That figure likely includes hundreds of researchers at NOAA’s Boulder facilities.
As a general rule, during a government shutdown NOAA functions critical to protecting life and property continue, while most other activities — such as research, outreach and administrative functions — are suspended. Employees and researchers responsible for “nonessential” functions are furloughed, while NOAA employees responsible for critical functions, like weather forecasts, are expected to continue working without pay. Read more on BRL.
Vital county services available through October
As the government shutdown continues, critical county services remain operational. Many benefits will continue through at least October, including the Women, Infants and Children program, SNAP (food assistance), TANF (cash assistance) and Housing First vouchers, the county said.
County services such as Human Services, Workforce Boulder County, Head Start, the Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, while reliant on federal funding, remain open. Social Security, Medicare, First Health Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus are currently not impacted, but payments may be delayed if the shutdown persists.
In the 14 government shutdowns since 1980, most have lasted less than a month. The longest — 35 days — stretched from Dec. 21, 2018 to Jan. 25, 2019, according to NPR. Boulder County will share another update on benefits if it appears the shutdown will last past October.
Open Studios Tour marks 30 years with 128 artists across Boulder County
The 30th Annual Open Studios Tour kicks off tomorrow, Oct. 4, with 128 artists across Boulder County opening their studios over three weekends. The free, self-guided event runs Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 19 in Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie and Eldorado Springs. A reception and preview exhibit opens today, Oct. 3, at Park Coworking downtown, with an additional preview at Gallery Boulder Junction. Full details at openstudios.org.
Step back in time at Walker Ranch
Looking to catch a vintage game of baseball this weekend? You’re in luck. Boulder County Parks & Open Space is hosting its free Vintage Baseball Game & Autumn Heritage Day on Sunday, Oct. 5, from noon to 3 p.m. at Walker Ranch Homestead (7701 Flagstaff Road).
The Walker Ranchers will face off against the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association under 19th-century rules, while costumed volunteers demonstrate historic chores like blacksmithing, butter churning, log-house cooking, old-fashioned games, fence building and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic supplies, as there are no tables on site. Bikes and pets are not allowed. Registration is not required, though you can opt in for cancellation alerts.
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