It’s Monday, July 22, 2024.
Good Monday morning to you, Boulder.
Today, we’re covering underground coal fires and their excavation in Boulder County. The City of Boulder recently received approval from county commissioners to excavate and extinguish the coal fire burning under the Marshall Mesa trailhead. This project, set to begin this fall, aims to eliminate the county’s final underground fire.
The timing of this project has a couple of reasons. First, the federal infrastructure act provided additional funds to the state’s Department of Natural Resources, allowing it to address some of the nearly 40 underground fires burning in Colorado. Second, public concern rose after the Marshall Fire. One of the two fires that became the Marshall Fire started near the Marshall Mesa trailhead. Although investigators believe an unmoored Xcel Energy powerline ignited the blaze, they couldn’t definitively rule out the coal fire as a potential cause — a point Xcel is using in its defense.
Also, State Rep. Jennifer Parenti, a first-term Democrat from Erie, announced she will not seek reelection, citing conflicts between the legislature’s operations and her values. Her decision, following the resignations of two other first-term Democrats, may impact the party’s ability to maintain its supermajority in the Colorado House, especially in her competitive district spanning Boulder and Weld counties.
Have a great start to your week.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Boulder tackles century-old underground coal fire at Marshall Mesa: Major mitigation project set for fall
The coal fire burning under the Marshall Mesa trailhead will be excavated this fall, with a new parking lot and a 20,000-gallon fire cistern installed. The project will eliminate underground coal fires in Boulder County. Continue reading…
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In other news
Headed back to the 90s
After that reprieve, we’re on our way back into the heat. The hottest it will get this week is the mid-90s on Thursday, though once it gets up there, the thermometer will stay there for several days.
State Rep. Parenti announces decision not to seek reelection
State Rep. Jennifer Parenti, a first-term Democrat from Erie, announced on Friday that she is not running for reelection, citing the job’s conflicts with her values.
“The way the legislature currently operates is not compatible with my values — not in terms of particular points of policy, which should always be the subject of debate, but rather in the way it operates, particularly in how certain personalities manipulate the system contrary to good policy and then, in turn, are rewarded for those behaviors,” Parenti told Boulder Reporting Lab in a text message.
Parenti is a retired military officer who has served in the Colorado House since 2022. She graduated with a bachelor’s from the U.S. Air Force Academy and later earned a master’s in software engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. She served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force before retiring.
In an emailed statement, Parenti said she is proud of her work on issues such as housing and transportation, consumer and environmental protections and gun violence prevention.
Parenti is the third first-term Democrat to resign in the past year. In December 2023, Rep. Ruby Dickson resigned, citing the “sensationalistic and vitriolic nature of the current political environment.” Later that month, Rep. Said Sharbini also resigned, citing a “polarized and contentious atmosphere.” Read more on BRL.
Boulder named finalist to host Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Institute has selected Boulder as a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027. The other finalists moving forward to the final phase are: Atlanta, Georgia; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; Park City/Salt Lake City, Utah; and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
“I am so excited that Colorado is a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival,” said Gov. Jared Polis in a news release. “With the beautiful backdrop of the Flatirons, Boulder’s historical ties to the Redford Family, and the capacity to support a growing, inclusive festival, we are confident that Boulder, Colorado is the right home for the Sundance Film Festival.”
The selection followed a proposal by the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder), with backing from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Colorado Office of Film Television and Media and various regional partners. To support the proposal, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a $1.5 million incentive, on top of contributions from regional partners.
As part of the evaluation process, the Sundance Institute said it assessed each city’s infrastructure, ethos, equity values, event capabilities and how each finalist could sustainably serve and support the Sundance Film Festival community of independent artists and audiences.
Lafayette street closure begins today
Starting today, July 22, Sir Galahad Drive will be closed between South Boulder Road and Excalibur Street for approximately one week. During this period, traffic will be detoured to Malory Street.
The closure is necessary for crews to remove the existing roadway, gutters and sidewalk, and to install a new road base. Once reopened, traffic will drive on the road base until the week of Aug. 4, when paving is expected to commence.
CU Boulder science takes the spotlight in “Twisters” blockbuster
If you went to see the new blockbuster “Twisters” last weekend, you probably saw a testament to CU Boulder science. The RAAVEN drone, developed by researchers at CU Boulder, is featured in the film and is used by real-world scientists to study tornado formation in supercell thunderstorms. Even if you only watch the trailer, you can catch a glimpse of the drone swooping towards storm clouds.
The RAAVEN, with its 6.5-foot wingspan, has been collecting crucial data to improve tornado warnings since 2017. It can fly up to 90 miles per hour and has a battery life of up to three hours, outperforming standard rotary wing drones.
City of Boulder reduces speed limits on 13 streets as part of Vision Zero plan
As part of its five-year Vision Zero plan to eliminate severe crashes, the City of Boulder is updating speed limits on parts of 13 streets around town, with reductions ranging from 5 to 10 mph. The streets affected include sections of Arapahoe Ave., 9th Street and University Ave. These changes will begin this month and continue through September. No speed limits will be increased.
The effort is part of the 2023-2027 Vision Zero Action Plan, aimed at reducing severe crashes. Speeding contributes to nearly one-third of fatal and serious injury crashes in Boulder.
“Speeding is one of our community’s top traffic safety concerns,” said Director of Transportation and Mobility Natalie Stiffler. “This updated framework will make sure that city speed limits are set in a way that supports safer travel, no matter how you get around.”
To see exactly what streets are facing changes, you can visit the city’s handy map on the subject.
BRL’s to-do list: What is happening this week and weekend?
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
Monday | Concert in Martin Park – Boulder Concert Band | 7-8 p.m.
“Summer band concerts are a Boulder tradition, dating back to the 1800s. Bring a picnic, a chair or blanket, and relax to the sounds of summer music from your own community band.”
Friday, Saturday | Avid4Adventure Summer Camp Garage Sale | noon
“We’re clearing all of the items that we no longer need for programs, and we’re excited to pass them on to you. This is separate from our used bike & boat sale (which will happen later this summer). It’s a treasure trove of gear and supplies at bargain garage sale prices!”
Friday | Kaleidoscope Carnival 2024 at Roots Music Project | 6 p.m.
“Ignite your creativity through captivating art and dance classes led by master instructors. Lose yourself in the spell-binding dance, circus, fire, and music performances by Mariposa Collective Members and Collaborators.”
Friday | The Fray | 8 p.m.
“The performance marks the start of a new chapter for the 4-time Grammy-nominated Denver natives, with vocalist/guitarist and primary songwriter Joe King taking over lead vocal duties alongside longtime guitarist Dave Welsh and drummer Ben Wysocki.”
Saturday | Fiber Fest 2024 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
“Fiber Fest 2024 will take place in central park next to the Boulder Farmers Market, 13th Street and Arapahoe Avenue. This celebration of the textile arts explores weaving, spinning, crochet, pompom making, indigo dyeing, mending and embroidery.”
Saturday | Science Friday – Live! | 7 p.m.
“Join Ira Flatow and the SciFri crew as they hit the road to uncover and report on the amazing science news and stories happening in Colorado! This is your chance to peek behind-the-curtain of your favorite national radio show and participate in a special live performance with the experts and conversations you love.”
