It’s Friday, June 21, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder, I hope you’re cruising to the end of your week. Here’s the news:
First, Boulder Housing Partners has signed a letter of intent to take over Golden West’s independent living community, aiming to preserve affordable senior housing after Golden West closed its assisted living home last year. Additionally, Boulder City Council adopted new rules for public participation last night.
Also today, we’re talking about “third spaces.” A popular concept, third spaces refer to places where people can gather outside of home and work, such as public parks or coffee shops. They can also include new libraries or markets with open-air summertime dinners.
Nearly 30 years after its original conception, a library is opening in North Boulder. With a grand opening party on Saturday, June 29, the library will offer residents a free public place to gather, with community meeting rooms, public computers and printers, and a makerspace. There’s even a nifty slide for those interested.
The Niwot Market continues to serve as a community gathering place after the death of its founder. Brother-and-sister co-owners are carrying on their father’s legacy by knowing every customer’s name and offering delicious summertime Friday night dinners. Our food reviewer, Clay Fong, unpacks the attributes of one of these dinners in a way that will leave you salivating.
Have a lovely day.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Boulder Housing Partners to take over management of Golden West’s affordable senior apartments
The transfer of ownership follows a period of financial uncertainty for Golden Wests after it shut its assisted living facility last year. The goal of the transfer is to preserve affordable housing for older adults, according to the organizations. Continue reading…
North Boulder Public Library set to open nearly 30 years after first envisioned
After decades of planning and community anticipation, the NoBo Library will celebrate its opening on June 29 and will be fully staffed under the newly formed Boulder Public Library District. Continue reading…
After father’s death, Niwot Market co-owners continue Friday dinners and traditions at one of Boulder County’s remaining independent grocers
Bert Steele was all about ‘helping the community and helping people,’ said his daughter Alison, who is carrying on that tradition spanning three generations with her brother Seth. Continue reading…
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In other news
Hot today, hotter tomorrow
Mid-80s today precede 90s that begin tomorrow and continue into the foreseeable future. Though today has a risk of thunderstorms, we’ll get a break from grumbling and rumbling until next Wednesday — if you want to believe the forecast.
City council adopts new rules for public participation in wake of Israel-Hamas war protests
Posters can be no larger than 11×17 inches. No holding signs above your face. In-person meetings can be moved to virtual following disruptions.
These are some of the new rules for public participation the Boulder City Council adopted last night. The changes come after recent interruptions in the council chambers over the Israel-Hamas war.
Councilmembers have described chatter and arguments among attendees as distracting. Flag waving and poster displays have blocked people’s views and access to aisleways. Chants and shouts from the audience have prompted the mayor to call for recesses during public hearings.
Councilmembers Lauren Folkerts and Taishya Adams were the only two councilmembers to vote against the changes. “Disruptions are one of the most powerful ways community members can bring attention to a topic their government isn’t addressing,” Folkerts said before the vote. “Curtailing free speech to avoid council’s discomfort reveals the fragility of these rights.”
For more on the changes, see our previous reporting. Read on BRL.
Museum of Boulder celebrates Central Park’s centennial with new exhibit
The Museum of Boulder is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Boulder’s Central Park with an exhibit, “Marking 100 Years by Telling Hundreds of Years of Stories,” from today to Aug. 19. The exhibit highlights the park’s history, including Boulder Creek Fest, the Farmers Market and the Bandshell, completed in 1938. Designed by the Olmsted brothers, the park has been a hub since 1924, becoming a center for arts, activism and green space preservation.
The park also has a complex history and has been the source of controversy in recent years over public camping, homelessness services and development. Debates have also arisen over landmarking parts of it as a historic district, in part to acknowledge the city’s role in displacing one of the first Black communities located along Boulder Creek.
Run for socks and tacos
Kicking off Boulder’s Taco Fest in July, the 5K Taco Run is a $50 race limited to 250 participants. The price of admission includes a nifty pair of socks, tickets for the festival and taco vouchers. The run ends at the Boulder Taco Fest, where you can slam your face into tacos.
When: Aug. 10, noon.
Fee: $50, includes 3 taco/drink tickets.
Perks: Custom socks, bib number, aid station and first access to the festival.
Might the Sundance Film Festival be coming to Boulder?
The State of Colorado, alongside the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau and regional partners, submitted a proposal to host the iconic Sundance Film Festival in Boulder starting in 2027. The regional partners include the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, CU Boulder and the Stanley Film Center.
“The Sundance Film Festival has a deep history in the Mountain West, and we can think of no better home for its next act than Colorado,” said Gov. Jared Polis. “With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and our deep commitment to the arts, we can help the Festival achieve even greater success while preserving what makes it special.”
The move follows the Sundance Institute’s call for new host locations. Hosting the festival could create hundreds of jobs and attract thousands of visitors, boosting local businesses and winter tourism, as the festival normally takes place starting in January.
The proposal includes a $1.5 million incentive approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission, supplemented by significant contributions from local partners.
Get help mitigating your wildfire risk
Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners Program has launched a new wildfire mitigation rebate program, offering up to $500 to Boulder County residents for home hardening and defensible space improvements. Eligible actions include:
• Removing flammable juniper vegetation.
• Installing noncombustible landscaping within 5 feet of the home.
• Replacing flammable fencing near the home.
• Screening or replacing vents with flame-resistant materials.
“Boulder County is wildfire country,” said Jim Webster, program manager for Wildfire Partners. “Wildfires can happen anywhere in the county at any time of year under the right conditions. Each of us can play an important role in mitigating their effect on our homes and communities.”
Applications are due by Oct. 31. If you think you can make use of the money, you should apply. It is, after all, your money, as the program is funded by the county’s Wildfire Mitigation Sales Tax.
$20 million going to CU Quantum research
CU Boulder has been awarded nearly $20 million by the National Science Foundation to establish the National Quantum Nanofab. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between quantum research and practical applications, enhancing the U.S.’s leadership in quantum technology.
As a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub under the federal CHIPS and Science Act, Colorado seeks with the funds to cement its status as a leader in quantum research. The CU Boulder facility will focus on creating advanced quantum devices, supporting scientific breakthroughs and fostering workforce development.
“Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West continue to lead the quantum revolution,” said Rep. Joe Neguse. “This is in no small part because of the work of talented federal researchers at CU Boulder and our higher education institutions who are exploring groundbreaking quantum science and technology.”
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