Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by the Chautauqua Association — check out their newest deal: 20% off cottage stays when you book by Nov. 16 with code FALL20.
Leading today’s edition: We’ve covered a handful of election cycles here in Boulder, both even-year and odd-year races. Shifting dynamics are common, but this year looks different. The big issues? Hard to pin down. The picture is more vague than usual. But one thing is clear: Crime isn’t at the center of the debate.
Brooke Stephenson looks at why. Crime and safety, dominant in the last two council races, have slipped from the spotlight in 2025 as candidates focus instead on housing affordability, the city’s strained budget, wildfire risk and, in some cases, the war in Gaza. Complicated crime trends — sharp drops early this year followed by midyear upticks — may help explain the shift.
In BRL Opinion: More commentary on what will likely be the most — if not the only — controversial measure on the ballot: Ballot Issue 1B. Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy and Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett make the case for a “yes” vote to fund expanded mental health and addiction care.
Plus, more, Below the Fold:
- CU Boulder: Evacuations after bomb threat.
- Evergreen High: Shooter’s radicalization detailed; two remain critical.
- EV incentives: Federal deadline approaches Sept. 30.
- Community Assembly: Residents weigh “15-minute neighborhoods” Sept. 20.
- Queer Comedy Fest: Four nights of performances return.
- Things to do: Flowers hike, terrariums, musical, boardgames, improv, Hispanic festival + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Save on an unforgettable getaway at Chautauqua! Enjoy 20% off on stays from November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 when you book by November 16 with code FALL20. Think beyond the typical hotel stay with private cottages for yourself or your out-of-town guests, 40 miles of hiking trails, year-round events, on-site dining and easy access to downtown Boulder.
In Boulder’s 2025 council race, crime takes a back seat to housing, budget and wildfire
Shifting crime trends — sharp drops early in 2025 followed by midyear upticks — may help explain why public safety, a central issue in recent elections, isn’t driving this year’s race. Continue reading…
Claire Levy and Aaron Brockett: Vote ‘yes’ on 1B to strengthen Boulder County’s mental health and addiction care
A 1.5-cent sales tax on every $10 purchase would fund prevention, treatment, crisis response and recovery services across Boulder County. Continue reading…
Sunny Monday, potentially stormy Tuesday as nights get cooler
Monday will be sunny with a high near 83, before dipping to the low 50s overnight. A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives Tuesday afternoon, with highs around 75 and lows near 49. Rain chances continue Tuesday night, with more showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms on Wednesday as highs cool to the upper 60s. Fall can’t be too far away now.
After Fairview lockdown, evacuations at CU
CU Boulder Police lifted an evacuation order Friday afternoon after investigating an unconfirmed bomb threat at Norlin Library, Ketchum Arts and Ramaley Biology buildings. The evacuation began around noon, when a campus alert ordered the buildings cleared. By 1:14 p.m., the university gave the all-clear for Ketchum and Ramaley, with classes resuming as scheduled. Norlin remained closed for the day. Read more on BRL.
Around the same time, High Peaks Elementary and Boulder Community School of Integrated Studies briefly went into secure status at 12:49 p.m. after a community member reported seeing someone nearby with a possible weapon. Boulder Police took the individual into custody on unrelated charges, and the schools were cleared by 12:55 p.m.
The incidents added to a string of security scares. On Aug. 25, Norlin was evacuated in a swatting hoax that falsely reported shots fired. And last Thursday, Fairview High School and Southern Hills Middle School were locked down after a report of a man with a gun — later determined to be a jogger wearing a weighted vest and carrying a cell phone.
More details on Evergreen shooter’s radicalization
Investigators say the Evergreen High School shooter was a 16-year-old boy who had become immersed in extremist online networks, where he embraced antisemitic views and glorified past school shootings. The Denver Post reports that social media accounts linked to Desmond Holly were filled with Holocaust denial, videos of Nazi uniforms and movie scenes depicting school shootings. One TikTok image showed him in a black shirt with “Wrath” across the chest — echoing a Columbine attacker’s outfit — alongside a photo of the Wisconsin teen who killed two classmates last year. About an hour before Wednesday’s attack, an account connected to Holly posted a photo of a hand holding a revolver, the same type of gun used in the shooting.
Authorities have previously identified Holly as the gunman who shot two classmates — including 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone — before killing himself. Both victims remain in critical condition. Sheriff’s spokeswoman Jacki Kelley said Holly had been “radicalized through an extremist network.”
Deadline nears: How to use EV incentives by Sept. 30
If you’re shopping for an electric car this month, several incentives can still be applied at the point of sale, but the window is closing fast. The federal Clean Vehicle Credit offers up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used, but to qualify, you’ll need to have your purchase agreement in place by Sept. 30, 2025.
Colorado also has two programs that will continue beyond this deadline. The Vehicle Exchange Colorado program, run through the state energy office, provides up to $6,000 for new EVs and $4,000 for used. It requires an application in advance and the purchase must be made through a participating dealer. The state’s Innovative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit gives $3,500 for new EVs, plus $2,500 more for models priced under $35,000. This credit may be taken off at the point of sale at the dealer’s discretion or claimed later on taxes.
Together, these incentives can mean substantial savings, and in some cases can be stacked. Just be sure to confirm eligibility, dealer participation and paperwork, especially before Sept. 30 if you want the federal credit.
Attend Boulder’s Community Assembly
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan sets the city and county’s vision for growth and development over the next 20 years — shaping everything from housing density to transportation priorities. As part of the this year’s update, Boulder has launched a new Community Assembly: 48 randomly selected residents tasked with weighing trade-offs and making recommendations.
On Saturday, Sept. 20 (9:30 a.m.–noon), the assembly will meet to discuss “15-minute neighborhoods” — areas where most daily needs can be met within a short walk, bike or roll. The public is invited to observe the session, which will include expert presentations and small-group deliberations. Space is limited; RSVP is required by Thursday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.
Colorado Queer Comedy Festival returns to Boulder and beyond for third year
The Colorado Queer Comedy Festival is back with four nights of performances across the state, including stops in Boulder on Oct. 2 at the Junkyard Social Club and Oct. 4 at the Dairy Arts Center. The festival will also travel to Fort Collins on Oct. 3 and Denver on Oct. 5, showcasing LGBTQ+ comedians from Colorado and beyond. Founded by comedian Ren Q. Dawe and produced this year with Cara Leoni in partnership with Boulder’s Rocky Mountain Equality, the festival aims to carve out space for queer joy and connection through comedy. More details and full lineup here.
☀️ 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.
Mat Kearney with Steinza: Monday, Sept. 15, 7:30-11:00 p.m., Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd. Read More
Trident Poet Series: Elizabeth Jacobson & Matthew Cooperman: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 940 Pearl St. Read More
Hikes for Seniors: Fall Flowers: Thursday, Sept. 18, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Bald Mountain Scenic Area, 4241 Sunshine Canyon Dr. Read More
Terrarium Building Event: Friday, Sept. 19, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Moss Houseplants, 3008 Folsom St. Read More
Sons of Town Hall & Edie Carey: Friday, Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m., Stone Cottage Studios, 1928 Pearl St. Read More
Rite of Spring: Friday, Sept. 19, 7:00-8:00 p.m., The Nomad Playhouse, 1410 Quince Ave. Additional dates: Sept. 20, 26, 27, same time; Sept. 21, 28, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Read More
Miss Manhattan: A New Musical: Friday, Sept. 19, 7:00-9:15 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Additional dates: Sept. 20, 25, 27, same time; Sept. 20, 21, 28, 2:00-4:15 p.m. Read More
Sunny Day Real Estate: Friday, Sept. 19, 8:00-11:59 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
Boardgame Meetup: Saturday, Sept. 20, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Additional dates through December. Read More
Fall Jamboree: Saturday, Sept. 20, 3:30 p.m., Vali Soul Sanctuary, 6717 Valmont Rd. Read More
Flipside Theater Improv Double Feature: Saturday, Sept. 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Flipside Theater, 502 Center Drive Unit M, Superior. Read More
Cowboy Mouth: Saturday, Sept. 20, 8:00 p.m., The Fox Theater, 1135 13th St. Read More
13th Annual Mapleton Hill PorchFest: Sunday, Sept. 21, 12:00-4:00 p.m., Mapleton Hill Historic District, 745 Mapleton Ave. Read More
Festival Del Sol: Sunday, Sept. 21, 12:00-5:00 p.m., Colorado Chautauqua, 198 Morning Glory Dr. Read More