Good Friday morning, Boulder.
Leading today: It’s primary election season in Boulder County, and in several local races, the June 30 Democratic primary will effectively decide who takes office. As ballots arrive this week, Boulder Reporting Lab is here to help you understand the candidates, the issues and what’s at stake.
Today, we’re publishing our candidate questionnaire for the University of Colorado Board of Regents seat representing Boulder and much of northern Colorado. Three Democrats — Kubs Lalchandani, Edie Hooton and Murray Smith — are competing in one of the most closely watched races on local ballots. While the candidates share many policy positions, they are making different cases to voters about their experience, priorities and vision for the university.
On Monday, we’ll publish our candidate questionnaire for Boulder County treasurer, the county’s only contested countywide office. Former Boulder City Councilmember Rachel Friend and Superior City Councilmember Jenn Kaaoush are competing to oversee county investments, property tax collection and other financial operations.
And in BRL Opinion, Boulder County’s proposed trail-use pilot has become one of the county’s most debated outdoor recreation issues. Simon Testa examines the data behind the debate and finds that cyclists can access 357 of Boulder County’s 609 trail miles.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: One more 90-degree day before a weekend cooldown.
- Climate: Share your climate-ready landscape with Boulder and earn a $50 gift card (sponsored).
- Wildfire: Cattle and goats return to open space.
- Arrest: Attempted arson prompts bomb squad response.
- Community: Immigrant Heritage Month events begin Friday.
- Traffic: IRONMAN road closures arrive Saturday.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
My name is Edie Hooton, and I’m running for CU Regent because I believe CU is critical to Colorado’s future, and its success depends on steady leadership, strong community relationships, and serious fiscal oversight. As a former state legislator whose district included CU Boulder, I have experience working on budget and policy issues affecting the university and the experience from day one to protect CU from attacks on higher education, research, and public institutions.
Who will represent Boulder on the CU Board of Regents? Meet the three Democratic candidates
With no Republican in the race, the winner of the June 30 Democratic primary will become the next CU regent representing Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District. Continue reading…
Heat spikes today ahead of a cooler weekend
We’re jumping straight into summer heat today as brief ridging pushes Boulder back into the lower 90s. Gusty west winds will keep fire‑weather concerns elevated in the drought‑stricken mountains, though winds stay lighter in town. Expect a sunny, hot, very dry afternoon — and thankfully the last of the real heat for a bit. Lows dip into the mid‑50s tonight.
A backdoor cold front will move in early Saturday, dropping highs into the 70s. It’ll bring a touch of moisture, but only enough for a few spotty afternoon storms, mainly over the mountains. Saturday still looks like the best weekend day with plenty of sun.
A stronger front Saturday evening will set up an even cooler Sunday. Expect highs in the 60s to low 70s with a few showers and a more unsettled feel.
Cooler weather will linger into Monday with a few light showers still possible.
Submit your climate-ready landscape to Boulder’s new community showcase (sponsored)
Celebrate the landscapes helping our community adapt to a changing climate. Whether it’s a backyard, a shared neighborhood space or even a small apartment balcony, submit your project or idea and help spotlight the power of climate‑ready design in Boulder.
All projects that meet the basic criteria will be featured in our digital showcase, and the first 200 qualifying submissions will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for participating.
Cattle return to Boulder open space as part of wildfire prevention effort
Cattle will begin grazing on portions of Boulder open space in mid-June as part of the city’s effort to reduce wildfire risk near neighborhoods.
The grazing program will cover about 65 acres of city-managed land, including areas west of Boulder between Alpine Avenue and Lee Hill Drive. Working with local ranchers, the city will move cattle through targeted areas over six weeks using temporary electric fencing.
Some trails may be temporarily closed or restricted during the project. Visitors are asked to avoid fences and keep pets under control.
City officials say the grazing helps reduce vegetation that can fuel fast-moving grass fires. Additional grazing projects in South Boulder are planned for August and September.
Also in South Boulder, at Harlow Platts Community Park, goats are working to graze weeds through June 16. A “Meet and Bleat” event is available for families from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 13 for photos, goat petting and education.
Police arrest suspect after fire, suspicious package force evacuation
A suspect was arrested June 10 after an attempted arson at a building near 800 Moorhead Circle prompted an evacuation and a response from the Boulder County Bomb Squad.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze but discovered a suspicious package while battling the fire, leading officials to call in bomb squad and hazmat crews. The package was later cleared, and authorities determined the building was safe. Residents who had been temporarily displaced were allowed to return home. The investigation is ongoing.
City-backed Immigrant Heritage Month events kick off Friday
Boulder’s Office of Arts and Culture is supporting a series of free public events celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month through the city’s Human Relations Fund.
Friday, June 12: East Window Arts will host the premiere of Trip Ziggurat, a short documentary by Iraqi-American filmmaker Usama Alshaibi, followed by a Q&A and poetry readings by local Arab writers. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at 4550 Broadway, Suite C-3B2.
Sunday, June 28: The Museum of Boulder will host a bilingual event featuring live music, mindfulness activities, storytelling and shared meals focused on compassion and resisting hate speech. Registration is required.
Saturday, July 18: The Ilalle Hill Organization will host the Immigrant Voices of Freedom Celebration, featuring youth-led performances, storytelling, traditional East African Didinga and Buya dance, music and food.
The city is also supporting several Juneteenth events later this month, including a June 17 flag-raising ceremony at the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building.
Heads up: IRONMAN this Saturday, expect closures
Expect delays and detours across Boulder County on Saturday as IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder takes place.
The cycling portion of the race runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will affect the Diagonal Highway, North 63rd Street, Monarch Road, Jay Road, Hygiene Road and North Foothills Highway. Maps of closures and detours are available from IRONMAN.
Officials are urging drivers not to cross the race course. For travel north, including to Rocky Mountain National Park, they recommend taking Colorado 119 to Longmont and heading west on Colorado 66.
Commentaries are opinion pieces from community members and newsmakers. They reflect the views of the authors, not Boulder Reporting Lab. Want to submit one? Here’s how.
Simon Testa: Boulder County has 609 miles of trails. Cyclists can use 59% of them.
The county’s proposed trail-use pilot has renewed debate over trail access. Here’s what trail data reveal about access for cyclists, hikers and equestrians. Continue reading…
☀️ 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.