Good Friday morning, Boulder.
The Marshall Fire underscored the need to reduce fire risks around homes by using fire-resistant materials and clearing flammable plants. For the first time, the City of Boulder is offering up to $1,000 in grants to help wildland-urban interface homeowners protect their properties from wildfires. It’s not a ton, but it could help with screening vents and removing flammable bushes. Por Jaijongkit brings you this story.
We’ve also got a piece from Tim Drugan on Boulder’s climate future — his last for BRL — and we’d be remiss not to acknowledge his work. Tim wrote this newsletter and covered wildfires and climate issues like no other, helping build one of the first hyperlocal climate beats in the country. His award-winning reporting has always been insightful. As we publish his final story, we want to thank Tim for his incredible contributions to our readers, our team, and for making Boulder a more informed community.
Lastly, this weekend is prime time to catch the aspens in their golden glory. Brooke Stephenson has rounded up a few nearby spots to enjoy the fall colors, whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk or a scenic bike ride. Enjoy!
Love,
— Stacy and the BRL team
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Featured stories
Boulder offers $1,000 home fireproofing grants as wildfire risks grow: How to qualify
The grants won’t fully cover expensive harm-hardening projects but aim to help homeowners with affordable, high-impact measures like screening vents and removing flammable bushes. Continue reading…
7 best spots near Boulder for fall leaf peeping
From Caribou Ranch to Glacier Gorge, explore the best places around Boulder for peak aspen viewing. Continue reading…
Is Boulder the best place to weather climate change? No, but it’s not the worst.
Colorado climatologist explains Boulder’s complex climate future, with rising risks of drought, extreme heat and wildfire, though cooler nights and high elevation offer some protection. Continue reading…
In other news
Fall foliage, summer vibes?
This weekend’s weather is an 8/10 on the weather-o-meter if you like it hot and sunny. The leaves may be changing, but Boulder hasn’t let go of summer just yet. The fact that it’s so hot, so late in the season may raise some climate alarm bells. Highs could reach near 90, with mild nights in the upper 50s.
Boulder Valley school board votes to oppose Amendment 80
On Sept. 24, the Boulder Valley Board of Education voted to oppose Amendment 80, a statewide ballot measure that opponents argue would divert public funds to private schools by creating a constitutional right to private education. The amendment would add language to the Colorado Constitution stating that parents have a right to “direct the education of their children,” including through charter, private and home schools. Colorado parents have the right to send their kids to private school or homeschool them.
Michael Fields, president of Advance Colorado, a conservative action committee, said the ballot measure is simply “cementing the school choice laws” that already exist in Colorado. Supporters hope the amendment will strengthen support for charter schools.
The No on Amendment 80 opposition campaign includes the Colorado Education Association, Stand For Children, the ACLU of Colorado and other public school advocate and parent organizations. This week, Gov. Polis announced on Facebook that he is neutral on the amendment.
Boulder Police launch new dashboard to track serious traffic crashes
The Boulder Police Department has launched a new dashboard to keep the community informed about traffic crashes involving deaths and serious injuries. The dashboard provides details on crash locations, types of drivers involved, brief descriptions, weather conditions and case statuses. The tool aims to increase transparency and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
“One traffic death or serious bodily injury crash is one too many,” Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said. “I hope this increased information will help the community be more aware of their surroundings as they walk, run, ride and drive in our great city.”
The Boulder Police Department reported a “fatal crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian” this morning at Broadway and Ash Avenue. Virginia Knowlton was killed earlier this year while crossing Alpine Avenue near the Ideal Market and Community Plaza.
Survey open for feedback on Marshall Fire memorial
Superior’s Cultural Arts & Public Spaces advisory committee is asking community members to take a follow-up survey to help plan a possible memorial for the Marshall Fire.
After reviewing data from last year’s survey, CAPS and the Marshall Fire Memorial Subcommittee are looking for more input to guide the next steps. Share your thoughts at ShapeSuperior.com. The survey is open until Sept. 29.
Human remains found on Blue Mountain Road northwest of Lyons; no public threat
On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 24, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office received a call about human remains on Blue Mountain Road, or County Road 71 North, in unincorporated Boulder County. In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office said that the death is considered suspicious, but they have no reason to believe it is connected to the death being investigated near Overland Road or that there’s any threat to public safety.
Reminder: Boulderthon set for this weekend
The Boulderthon 2024 will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29, with the start and finish on Pearl Street for the first time this year. The course takes runners northeast along Pearl Parkway, past Gunbarrel, and then back south to finish on the Boulder Creek Path. The marathon starts at 7 a.m., and residents should expect road closures on the route, including Pearl Street, North 61st Street and North 75th Street until mid- to late afternoon. You can find all the road closures here. The course is here.
BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this weekend
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
“Escape from Extinction Rewilding” Film Opening in Boulder: Friday, Sept. 27, 11:15am, 1700 29th St. Read More
Bee+ Boulder Festival at Boulder Farmers Market: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10:00 a.m., 13th & Canyon Blvd. Read More
Harvest Of All First Nations Corn Festival at Boulder County AgriCultural Heritage Center: Saturday, Sept. 28, 9:30 a.m., 8348 Ute Highway, Longmont Read More
“On the Rise” Concert series at Boulder Junction: Saturday, Sept. 28 5:00 p.m., 2366 Junction Place Read More
Toe Jam 2024 at the foot of the Mountain Motel: Saturday, Sept. 28 2:00 p.m., 200 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
SMiLE Closing Reception and New Works Auction at NoBo’s Bus Stop Gallery: Saturday, Sept. 28, 6:00 p.m., 4895 Broadway Read More
Symphonic Overture: Boulder Symphony’s Season Opener at Dairy Arts Center: Saturday, Sept. 28 7:30 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More