It’s Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Happy hump day, Boulder. Here’s what’s going on near you.
For today, John Herrick covers the challenges Boulder County Jail officials are facing in implementing a new solitary confinement law. The law says mentally ill people must be let out of their cell for two hours a day. But citing staff shortages and limitations from a crowded jail, county officials say they’re unable to follow these requirements.
Also, we close the loop on a BVSD lawsuit where a white family sued for racial discrimination. After finalizing a settlement from the district for $32,500, the family dismissed its suit.
And, Jenna Sampson covers the tragic climbing death of a Boulderite. Bailee Mulholland, 26, fell 500 feet while free soloing — climbing without ropes — in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mulholland, a Boulder High School graduate, was a solid athlete with the fastest-known female time on the First Flatiron. She also held the second-fastest female time for a round trip ascent of Mount Sanitas. A member of Rocky Mountain Runners, she was an active part of the running and climbing community here in town.
Our thoughts go out to all those affected by her passing.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Boulder County Jail struggles to implement Colorado mental health law limiting solitary confinement
Despite having two years to prepare for a new law limiting the use of solitary confinement, Boulder County Jail officials are struggling to implement it, citing design limitations with the crowded jail, as well as staffing shortages. As a result, some mentally ill people are still spending all day long in their cells. Continue reading…
Tragic fall at Rocky Mountain National Park: Boulder community mourns loss of local climber
Boulder High and CU graduate Bailee Mulholland, 26, is remembered as a friend to many in local climbing and running communities. “This one hits home for us in Boulder.” Continue reading…
Discrimination lawsuit against Boulder Valley School District officially dismissed
The white family that sued Boulder Valley School District for allegedly violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has officially dismissed its lawsuit, according to court records. The dismissal still requires the district to pay the family $32,500, among other terms in a settlement agreement reached last month. Continue reading…
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In other news
A few more 90s
Today and tomorrow will remain in the 90s, with temps falling on Friday. Following a brief respite over the weekend, next week will take things back near the triple digits.
Boulder County breaks ground on new minimum-security jail facility
Boulder County officials last week broke ground on a new “alternative sentencing facility” located adjacent to the Boulder County Jail. The $35.6 million, minimum-security facility is designed to hold 252 people who are sentenced to diversion or work release programs, or those transitioning out of incarceration. The county plans to provide substance use and behavioral health treatment at the new facility, according to county officials.
Construction is expected to be completed in 18 months. It is being paid for with revenue from a sales tax approved by voters in 2018. Read more on BRL.
Xcel energy faces new Marshall fire lawsuits
About a month ago, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office released a report finding that an Xcel energy line was one of the ignition sources for the Marshall Fire. Now, Xcel is facing two new lawsuits — one from over 150 insurance companies and another from two survivors of the fire. Xcel is denying it had any role in triggering the destructive blaze.
The fire destroyed nearly 1,100 homes and damaged many others. The insurance companies are asking for an undisclosed amount of money in damages on grounds of negligence and inverse condemnation, and want to receive repayment for the covered losses to insurers. John Uridil and Julia Uridil, the two survivors named in the second lawsuit, filed their complaint with a law firm over negligence and emotional distress.
The other cause of the fire was determined to be a slash burn started days before by the Twelve Tribes community. No lawsuits have been filed against them.
Downtown parking garage closing for a month
The parking garage at 14th and Walnut streets, next to the RTD Transit Center, will be closed from Thursday, July 13, through Monday, Aug. 14. The Randolph garage at 11th and Walnut will have a longer closure beginning in August, though dates are still being determined.
These closures come as a result of maintenance repairs and updates — power washing, re-striping, installation of parking guidance systems, and gateless operation for quicker entry and exit efficiency. Permit holders are being notified and will be provided with an alternative parking option.
A bear on campus
Bears are waking up, and one decided to stroll through CU’s campus yesterday. The bear caused a campus closure near the University Memorial Center, one of the school’s main buildings. The university police department had to reroute pedestrians and vehicles at the time of the incident. Soon after finding the animal, Colorado Parks and Wildlife was able to safely relocate it.
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Get involved
Open Space Board of Trustees meeting
The public can virtually attend an Open Space Board of Trustees meeting from 6-9 p.m. tonight. The board will be reviewing land-use changes and open space budgets. Prairie dogs are also on the docket, as trustees will discuss a program aimed at reducing prairie dog conflict on agricultural lands.
Boulder townhall on mental health and public safety
Boulder State Rep. Judy Amabile is hosting a townhall about behavioral health and the criminal justice system at 5:30 p.m. tonight. Taking place in the Boulder Public Library’s Canyon Theater, the event will also feature Colorado Attorney General Phill Wester and Boulder County DA Michael Dougherty as they discuss public safety and solutions. There’s an online form for those who have questions they want answered, though there will also be the opportunity to ask while you’re there.
Advocating for the arts
On July 18, community members are invited to visit Roots Music Project — 4747 Pearl St. — for a discussion about how best to support local arts through coalition-building and more. The event is hosted by the Boulder Office of Arts and Culture, and will be attended by Councilmember Bob Yates. Those wanting to attend should RSVP to rsvp@bouldercolorado.gov.
Take a survey to help inform Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The City of Boulder is calling on residents for feedback as they work to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The plan will guide city officials and local landowners in decisions about wildfire preparation and management. Fill out the city’s online survey and answer questions about perceived wildfire risk, values and more.