It’s Friday, July 12, 2024.
It’s Friday, Boulder. Here’s some news:
Today, we’re covering the Boulder Library’s new program to connect homeless people to services. Funded by the new property tax-funded library district, the Community Resource Connector program currently has one employee who is trying to provide Boulder’s homeless with the resources to find their next steps. Progress toward stable housing lies on the other side of logistical processes, like getting an ID and setting up somewhere to receive mail. By holding walk-in hours at the library cafe, Josh Westerman hopes to help people navigate these steps, working with other providers in the city, such as the recently opened day services center at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless in North Boulder.
Also, it’s going to be shockingly hot for the next three days. If there are movies you’ve been meaning to watch but have been too busy hiking, now might be a good time to do that. Or you can gain some elevation. It’s usually cooler at 14,000 feet, and thankfully, Colorado has a few spots that fit that criteria.
Lastly, we’re ending the week with exciting news: We’ve been selected as a finalist for the competitive national Journalistic Impact Award from LION (Local Independent Online News). Our ability to produce the kind of ambitious local reporting that serves Boulder and garners national attention is entirely thanks to your readership and donations. Thank you. If you haven’t yet supported us, it’s never too late.
Be safe this weekend.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
In a first, Boulder Public Library launches program to connect homeless people to services
The library district program is currently run by one employee and is designed to meet people where they are downtown. The program launches as Boulder’s largest shelter opens a day services center in North Boulder. Continue reading…
ICYMI: Boulder officials begin evaluating potential housing development in northern planning reserve
The Area III Planning Reserve, totaling nearly 500 acres of city and private land, has long been considered a potential site for substantial housing development to help reduce the cost of living in Boulder. 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
Heat advisory in effect
Dangerous heat will stifle the area for the next three days, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 103 degrees each afternoon through Sunday. If that’s not enough, we’re experiencing near-daily air quality alerts due to high levels of ozone caused by the interaction between sunshine and oil and gas emissions. Keep an eye on yourself and your neighbors.
If you’re feeling parched, you’re not alone. The U.S. Drought Monitor has moved parts of Boulder County into the severe drought category. Fire restrictions across Boulder County mountain areas are in place to mitigate wildfire risk following one of the driest late springs on record in Boulder, with no precipitation in the forecast. There have already been multiple small fires in recent days, all contained, including two near South Broadway and Table Mesa Drive on Thursday evening.
Pearl Street Arts Fest returns for 44th year
The Pearl Street Arts Fest returns for its 44th year on Friday, July 19 from 3-8 p.m., Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival along the Pearl Street Mall features over 100 artists from Colorado and 15 other states, showcasing sculptures, upcycled materials, handcrafted wood, furniture, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and glass. New this year is an artists invitational featuring six BIPOC artists. Free activities by Open Studios Mobile Art Lab will be available on July 20-21. Admission is free.
Boulder County launches free ‘healthy homes’ assessment
Boulder County Public Health has launched the Healthy Homes Program, a free resource to help improve home safety and health. The program provides comprehensive home assessments to identify and mitigate hazards such as radon, lead, asbestos, mold, tobacco smoke and household chemicals.
Focusing on households with respiratory illnesses and underserved communities, the program offers in-home and DIY assessments with actionable recommendations. The assessment takes about 1.5 hours and includes a detailed report, CO/smoke detectors and fire extinguishers if needed.
You can request an assessment or download the DIY checklist.
Louisville museum’s Marshall Fire story project wins national award
The Louisville Historical Museum has received an Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History for its Marshall Fire Story Project. The AASLH Leadership in History Award is the most prestigious recognition for achievements in preserving and interpreting state and local history, according to the city.
Following the Marshall Fire, the Louisville Museum collected stories, photos, personal accounts, artifacts and documents related to the fire and recovery efforts. Conservation workshops were offered to help salvage items. The project sought to provide space for reflection, empathy, and healing, while serving as a “significant historical resource for understanding climate change, collective trauma, and community resilience for future generations.”
Cultural summit to address climate impacts
The City of Boulder’s Office of Arts and Culture will host a summit on Thursday, July 18, for nonprofit leaders to discuss strategies for addressing climate change. The event aims to empower Boulder’s arts and culture community to engage in climate crisis awareness. The summit will feature a panel of experts. The event is free, and registration is available in advance.
Boulder County commissioners host townhall on wildfire mitigation efforts
The Boulder County commissioners are hosting a townhall on July 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Superior Community Center. The meeting will focus on wildfire mitigation efforts in the county. Jim Webster and Abby Silver from the Wildfire Partners Program will discuss wildfire behavior, the wildfire mitigation tax and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. They will also cover Wildfire Partners’ programs, including rebates for mitigation actions, community mitigation planning and preparedness and youth services for underserved communities. No registration is necessary.
Reminder: Are you an artist? Share your experience.
The City of Boulder’s Office of Arts and Culture is conducting a series of studies to understand local artists’ quality of life. Professional artists — those earning income in visual art, design, music, film and more — are encouraged to complete the online questionnaire and consider volunteering for a focus group.
The initiative will help shape the next iteration of the Community Cultural Plan. The data will also guide the allocation of the new Arts, Culture and Heritage Tax. The last artist census in 2019 highlighted the need for more support in studio space and housing for artists. What support is needed in 2024 and beyond?
Part of Hecla Lake Trail closed for water main break
Public Works crews in Louisville are repairing a water main break at Hecla Drive and Luke Street. The repair requires replacing a valve near Hecla Lake, close to Larkspur Lane, leading to the temporary closure of a portion of the Hecla Lake Trail. The work is expected to be completed in a few days.
The break involves a raw water line, so drinking water is not affected, and no water shutoffs are expected.
Electrification expo in Superior
This Saturday, from 2 to 5 p.m., those curious about electric vehicles, renewable energy and home electrification can get answers at the free Electrification Expo at the Superior Community Center. Residents can explore electrification technology in a no-pressure environment with experts available to answer questions. While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP.
The expo will feature electric vehicle test drives, advice on electrification rebates and an induction cooking demo. For more information on heat pumps or geothermal in Boulder County, check out our stories:
• How Boulder is warming up to cold climate heat pumps
Explore all upcoming events in Boulder on our calendar. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page for free.
