Good morning, Boulder,
Planning a gallery visit this holiday season? Stop by Arts Off Center in Superior to see the work of Kevin McCormack, an artist who lost his entire archive in the Marshall Fire. While fleeing his home, McCormack grabbed his laptop, which held digital scans of his art. Contributing arts writer Stephanie Wolf shares how those scans inspired him to recreate and reimagine his pieces with a fresh twist.
The gallery’s building, also damaged in the fire, has been restored, making this exhibit a powerful story of resilience and renewal.
Also today: We’re debuting something new — an unfinished project that’s not a story, but a spreadsheet.
When Boulder’s city council took office a year ago, John Herrick began tracking votes and cross-referencing official records for his reporting. At the same time, residents have been asking for a clearer way to see how councilmembers vote — not buried in PDFs, but organized and easy to navigate.
Today, we’re publishing Herrick’s vote tracker, featuring all ordinances voted on by the current council, categorized by topic. As more data is added, patterns will emerge: how often councilmembers align, diverge or take key stands. With Boulder’s 2025 election approaching, this tool makes council decisions more transparent and accessible.
The tracker is a work in progress, but it’s the only public resource we know of for comparing council voting data. Share your feedback and ideas with John — we’d love to hear from you.
Below the fold today:
- A stabbing near Boulder library
- Ethics complaint for a state senator
- Ribbons for grief and gratitude
- A community sock drive, and more
Have a meaningful holiday week, and we’ll see you Monday.
— The BRL Team
Superior artist Kevin McCormack lost decades of artwork in the Marshall Fire. Then inspiration struck.
Three years after losing everything, Kevin McCormack has rebuilt part of his collection using digital files saved on his computer. These reimagined iterations of his originals are now on display at Arts Off Center in Superior. Continue reading…
Boulder Reporting Lab launches vote tracker to make city council decisions more publicly accessible
We are tabulating meeting minutes to create a searchable record of councilmember votes, aiming to better inform the community. We’re seeking your feedback. Continue reading…
Holiday weather: Rain midweek, sunny by Sunday
This holiday week kicks off partly sunny with highs near 55 today, similar on Tuesday. Christmas Day and the first night of Hanukkah bring likely rain after 11 a.m., with highs in the mid-40s. A wintry mix may follow Wednesday night, with rain or snow possible late Friday into Saturday before clearing Sunday, when highs return to 55.
Boulder police investigate stabbing
Boulder Police are investigating a stabbing that occurred Friday night in a field near the Boulder Public Library.
At approximately 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 20, officers responded to the 1000 block of Arapahoe Ave., where they found a 36-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. He was initially in critical condition but has since stabilized, according to police. A suspect has been arrested, and investigators believe the two men, both homeless, did not know each other. The investigation is ongoing.
Ethics complaint filed against state Sen. Jaquez Lewis of Longmont
Following the Boulder County Democratic Party’s statement expressing concern over allegations against state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, a constituent has filed a formal ethics complaint, the Colorado Sun reported. The Longmont senator, already stripped of committee assignments and barred from employing state-paid staff, faces accusations of mistreating aides, withholding wages, and misusing campaign funds.
The ethics complaint, filed by Longmont resident Kai Abelkis, alleges Jaquez Lewis has failed to uphold her office with integrity. If advanced by Senate leadership, the complaint could lead to a committee investigation and potential expulsion from the Senate, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
Jaquez Lewis has apologized for her actions and stated her commitment to transparency and improvement. The 2025 legislative session begins Jan. 8
Boulder invited to share grief and gratitude through ribbon project
The Boulder community is invited to take part in the Community Grief and Gratitude Ribbon Project, a reflective initiative running from Dec. 27 to Jan. 12 on the pedestrian bridge over Boulder Creek, just west of Broadway.
Participants can hang ribbons on the bridge railing to represent grief for losses or gratitude for resilience and support. The project seeks to foster connection and healing by recognizing shared struggles and celebrating sources of strength.
An opening ceremony will be held on Dec. 27 at 1 p.m., with a closing ceremony on Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. Ribbons can be added anytime throughout the project.
“This is a space for us to come together, to honor what we’ve endured and what we’re thankful for, creating the energy to move forward,” said Gaia Mika, an organizer of the event.
Want to sell your goods at the farmers market in 2025?
Applications are now open for the 2025 Boulder County Farmers Market season. Food vendor applications close on Jan. 2, 2025, with a $100 fee. Late applications are accepted until Jan. 19 for $200. Artisan applications open on Jan. 9, and musicians, community groups and breweries can apply starting Jan. 29.
The market is producer-only, welcoming vendors who grow, raise or make their own products in Colorado. Returning vendors must apply by Jan. 2 to avoid late fees, while new vendors can share details about their business and products to join the market.
Sock it to ‘Em Campaign collects socks for those in need
The Town of Superior is teaming up with the Sock It To ‘Em Campaign to collect new socks for local people experiencing homelessness — one of the most-needed clothing items.
Now through Jan. 5, you can drop off new socks at several spots around Superior. Trustee Jenn Kaaoush and the Superior Youth Leadership Council are leading the effort to support Boulder County residents.
Donation drop-off locations are: Superior Town Hall (124 E. Coal Creek Drive), Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road), Sup Town CrossFit (1609 Coalton Road), Pat’s Tap (1611 Coalton Road), Bambei Brewing (100 Superior Plaza Way, Ste 102), Blue Federal Credit Union (400 Center Drive), CBArt Studios (406 Center Drive, Unit C), Blue Sport Stable (1 Superior Drive), IMAGE Studios (300 Center Drive, Unit A), and Paull Interiors (100 Superior Plaza Way, Ste 101).
Boulder wants input on Broadway transit plans
The City of Boulder is asking for feedback on plans to make bus travel faster and safer along Broadway/CO 93 between Regent Drive and Table Mesa Drive. You can check out the designs and share your thoughts through a Virtual Open House open until Jan. 26.
What’s planned:
- Adding short bus-only lanes at key intersections to cut down on delays (no changes to regular traffic lanes).
- Improving safety and accessibility for everyone at Broadway and Regent Drive, and Broadway and Table Mesa Drive.
Final designs will be ready by spring 2025, and construction is set for next summer to avoid disruptions during the school year.
☀️ 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 this list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Caroling in Downtown Boulder: Monday, Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m., Pearl Street Mall, 1333 Pearl St. Read More
Holiday Pop-Up Shop: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 28, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St. Read More
LatkePalooza! A Pop-up Chanukah Celebration and Dance Party: Thursday, Dec. 26, 7:30–11 p.m., The Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read More
Menorah Lighting in Lafayette: Thursday, Dec. 26, 3:30 p.m., Festival Plaza, Lafayette. Read More
Live DJ Set and Dance Floor at Rosetta Hall: Thursday, Dec. 26, 10 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 27, 10 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 28, 10 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 2, 10 p.m., Rosetta Hall, 1109 Walnut St. Read More
Banshee Tree: Saturday, Dec. 28, 8 p.m.–11:59 p.m., Fox Theater, 1135 13th St. Read More
Boulder Magic Show: Happy New Year!: Saturday, Dec. 28, 2–3 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 29, 2–3 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Of The Trees presents: Campfire Sessions with Esseks: Saturday, Dec. 28, 9 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
Gingerbread Tea at St Julien Hotel & Spa: Sunday, Dec. 29, seatings at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., St Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St. Read More
Chanukah Menorah Lighting on Pearl: Monday, Dec. 30, 5:30–7 p.m., 1300 Block of Pearl. Read More