Happy Friday, Boulder. Rain is coming, offering a break from wildfire warnings for now. We’ve got a packed news day, so let’s dive in.

First up: On Wednesday, we reported that City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde filed a formal complaint with the national NAACP against three members of Boulder County’s local chapter. She accused them of “unethical behavior” in their efforts to influence her appointment of Police Chief Steve Redfearn. The complaint, filed in September but just made known, said the members secretly recorded a meeting intended to build trust. We obtained the recording and covered the details. The members argue that Chief Redfearn’s selection was unfairly predetermined.

Some are concerned this escalating tension between city leadership and the local NAACP chapter could have broader policy implications.

In other news, RTD plans to increase service on key Boulder routes by January 2025, but future changes could depend on the outcome of state ballot measure 7A, which would allow RTD to retain all its tax revenue.

And finally, the 2025 city budget is approved, work to extinguish the Marshall Mesa coal fire begins soon, a ruling on the Gross Reservoir expansion was issued, plus more news and weekend events below.

See you next week,

— Brooke, reporter

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In other news

Rain arrives today with mountain snow through Sunday

Rain moves in Friday afternoon with a high in the 50s and gusts up to 20-plus mph, bringing a respite from the dry spell and Thursday’s fire risk. Thunderstorms and more rain are likely Friday night, with snow in the mountains through Sunday. By Sunday, warmer temperatures take over, and dry skies return Monday.

Judge rules Gross Reservoir expansion violates environmental laws

A U.S. District Court has ruled that Denver Water’s permit for the Gross Reservoir expansion violates the Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act. While Judge Christine Arguello did not stop construction, she said the plaintiffs, including Save the Colorado and the Sierra Club, are entitled to relief for any future damage, the Colorado Sun reports. Denver Water must negotiate remedies with the plaintiffs, with a deadline of Nov. 15 to reach an agreement.

Environmental groups hailed the ruling as a significant victory, while Denver Water emphasized the need to meet a 2027 completion deadline for the project, required by federal regulators.

Crews begin work to extinguish century-old coal fire; Marshall Mesa Trailhead to close for year

The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety and Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks will begin work next week to extinguish the smoldering coal fire under Marshall Mesa. The Marshall Mesa Trailhead will close as early as Monday, Oct. 21, and remain shut for up to a year for fire mitigation and trailhead upgrades. Crews will excavate and cool hot coal beneath the area, with major earth-moving activities expected to begin in November. Once the coal fire is extinguished, the site will be regraded and revegetated, while OSMP redevelops the trailhead. Most trails will remain open during the project.

The underground coal fire, which has burned for more than a century, came under scrutiny after the 2021 Marshall Fire, which destroyed over 1,000 homes. While investigators found the coal fire unlikely to have caused the blaze, they couldn’t completely rule it out. This isn’t the first attempt to address the issue — previous efforts in 2005 and 2015 aimed to cool surface temperatures and block oxygen to the coal seam, Boulder Reporting Lab reported this summer. The current project, funded by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will excavate the coal seam to a depth of 30 feet to fully extinguish smoldering areas. Additionally, the installation of a 20,000-gallon cistern is planned to improve fire preparedness near the trailhead and surrounding areas. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2025.

Marshall Mesa, showing areas where mine fires are being controlled in the center of the photo. Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources

Boulder Valley plan update to shape next 20 years kicks off this weekend

The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1977, undergoes a major update every 10 years to guide land use, development and long-term planning for the Boulder Valley. Starting in 2025, the next update will shape planning for the following 20 years. To kick off the process, the city and county will host an open house on Oct. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Dairy Arts Center.

The event will include a keynote speech by State Demographer Elizabeth Garner, a performance by MOTUS Theater, and opportunities for community members to share their thoughts on the region’s future. Spanish translation and activities for all ages will be available.

“Rarely can community members share their biggest dreams on any topic for the future of Boulder and the Boulder Valley,” said Brad Mueller, the city’s planning and development services director. “This kick-off is the earliest chance to come together with the city, county and our community members to really look at where we are today and where we want to be in the future.”

Planning an event? Boulder opens applications for Human Relations Fund

The City of Boulder has opened rolling applications for its Human Relations Fund to support events scheduled from January to May 2025. Applications opened on Oct. 14. The HRF offers funding for community-led projects that address civil rights, human rights, equity issues, and promote civic participation. Applications close on March 28, 2025. About $85,000 in total funding is expected to be awarded.

Rare comet spotted over Boulder

Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as the Oort Cloud comet, was visible above the southwestern horizon last week, offering a rare celestial sight for Colorado residents. BRL reader John Williams captured a photo of the comet over Boulder. The comet won’t be seen again for another 80,000 years. It was discovered earlier this year by observatories in China and South Africa and made its closest pass by Earth on Oct. 12, coming within 44 million miles.

Fishing event for kids and seniors set for Oct. 19 at Walden Ponds

Children and seniors are invited to team up for a fun morning of fishing at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon. Teams, consisting of one senior (65 and older) and one junior (15 or younger), will compete for prizes, including heaviest trout, largest age difference and first to catch the limit. The event is free, and no registration is required. Seniors must have a valid Colorado fishing license.

BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this weekend

☀️ Explore more events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community! For free.

Carrie the Musical at The Spark: Friday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 20, 7-9:15 p.m., 4847 Pearl St. Read More

Rocky Horror Picture Show Night at The Louisville Underground: Friday, Oct. 18, 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m., 640 Main St, Louisville. Read More

Sapphic Spark Speed Dating at OZO Coffee (East Pearl): Saturday, Oct. 19, 9-10:30 a.m., 1521 Pearl St. Read More

Youth Cultures Festival / Culturas Juveniles at NoBo Corner Library: Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m., 4600 Broadway. Read More

Halloween Dance Class on the Rooftop with Boulder Parks and Rec at the Museum of Boulder: Saturday, Oct. 19, 10-11 a.m., 2205 Broadway. Read More

Outback Presents Nikki Glaser: The Good Girl Tour at Boulder Theater: Saturday, Oct. 19, 7-10 p.m., 2032 14th St. Read More

Tiny Yurt Concert: Jayme Stone & Illan Blanck at Elder Grove in Lafayette: Saturday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., 3854 Viewpoint Way. Read More

Blessing BLED Chimanga & Bongeziwe Mabandla at Roots Music Project: Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m., 4747 Pearl Suite V3A. Read More

Jeff and Paige at Friends School (Elementary): Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m., 5465 Pennsylvania Ave. Read More

Andy Grammer at Boulder Theater: Sunday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m., 2032 14th St. Read More

📝 City manager’s complaint against NAACP members

Featured stories

Boulder city manager files complaint against NAACP Boulder County members, alleging ‘unethical behavior’

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