Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Groundworks Art Lab — mark your calendar: The Chili Bowl returns Sunday, Sept. 14, with live music, chili tastings, local beer and a fall art market.
Leading today’s edition: Circle of Care, the nonprofit that connects low-income seniors to 200-plus cultural events a year with volunteer drivers and $5 copays, has been caught in Boulder’s budget squeeze. The city cut a key grant while working to close a $7.5 million General Fund gap, shifting dollars toward basic needs like food, shelter and child care, Sally Bell reports. Founder Joan Raderman says the group may shut down by year’s end without new support. She has launched a peer-to-peer fundraising push.
Food & Drink: In Longmont, Big Bear Baked Potatoes is betting big on one-pound spuds. Founder Eddy Ellson reports thousands sold since opening, a CSU Canvas Stadium concession for all seven home games, a potential ghost-kitchen partner and moves toward franchising. Most meals are under $14, and the shop has donated 6,000 potatoes to OUR Center, Gabe Toth reports.
BRL Opinion: Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy faces a Supreme Court test. Local therapist Carol Calkins argues Boulder can model real support for LGBTQ+ youth as Chiles v. Salazar heads to oral arguments Oct. 7.
Plus, more, Below the Fold:
- Candidate forum: Council hopefuls take the stage tonight.
- Gaza protests: Woman charged with harassment, retaliation.
- A Taste of Nepal: Everest-summit couple headlines Sept. 18.
- Halloween movies: Vote now for drive-in lineup.
- Things to do: Psychedelic jam, Buddhist film fest, evening bike rides, ’80s tribute, witch performance & more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Chili Bowl returns Sunday, September 14! Groundworks Art Lab’s biggest annual fundraiser is a free, family-friendly celebration of art, food, music and community. Attendees can enjoy live music, chili tastings, local beer and cider, and hands-on art experiences. The Fall Art Market features unique handmade items donated by students, staff, and friends of Groundworks. Don’t miss this lively event supporting art in the community.
Boulder cuts Circle of Care funding, seniors plead to save ‘lifeline’ to arts and community
The nonprofit, which helps seniors combat social isolation through 200 cultural events a year, may close at year’s end without new support. Continue reading…
Big Bear Baked Potatoes: How a Longmont restaurateur is building a spud empire
With thousands of potatoes sold, a CSU stadium deal and franchise plans in the works, Big Bear’s founder is betting big on comfort food — and giving back to the community. Continue reading…
Carol Calkins: Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy is under threat. Kids’ well-being is on the line.
As the Supreme Court takes up the case, Boulder can show what true support for LGBTQ+ youth looks like. Continue reading…
Sunny stretch hangs on; slight Tuesday storm chance
Summer hangs on with mostly sunny skies today and a high near 85. Tonight cools to 56. Smoky skies are giving way to clearer conditions, with southwest winds expected to keep the Front Range mostly smoke-free through the week.
Tuesday brings more sun and another high in the mid-80s, though showers and thunderstorms could pop up after noon. Clouds are likely to linger into the night as lows fall to the mid-50s, setting up a partly sunny Wednesday.
City council candidate forum tonight
Another city council candidate forum is happening tonight, Monday, Sept. 8, at the Nomad Playhouse (1410 Quince Ave.).
Hosted by Open Boulder, Better Boulder and PLAN-Boulder County, the event begins with a 5 p.m. social hour, followed by the 6 p.m. forum moderated by former Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg.
Pre-registration is now closed due to space constraints, but organizers say the forum will be recorded and shared on their websites and social media soon after the event.
Organizers also note the collaboration marks a rare joint effort by civic groups often on opposite sides of Boulder politics.
Woman who has been involved with Gaza protests at Boulder council charged with harassment, retaliation
A Boulder woman who has repeatedly used city council open comment to condemn the war in Gaza and blame councilmembers for Israel’s actions has been charged after two confrontations, the city said Friday, Sept. 5.
Laura Gonzalez, 38, faces felony retaliation against a judge or elected official and misdemeanor harassment stemming from a Sept. 3 incident in the 1200 block of Canyon Blvd., where she allegedly shouted at Councilmember Matt Benjamin about recent votes and pushed a second person as they walked away, according to Boulder Police. She also faces misdemeanor harassment in a separate Aug. 21 incident in the 1700 block of Broadway, where a victim reported she used a megaphone to taunt and direct derogatory comments at her. Gonzalez was arrested Thursday night and booked into the Boulder County Jail. As in every criminal case, the charges are allegations and she is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
Since late 2023, Gaza-related protests have dominated city council open comment, with speakers urging councilmembers to adopt a ceasefire resolution and divest from companies they say are profiting from Israel’s war in Gaza. At times, Gonzalez and others directed hate speech at Jewish councilmembers. Read more on BRL.
A Taste of Nepal comes to Superior: ‘Love in Thin Air’ on Sept. 18
The Superior Khandbari Sister City Project hosts A Taste of Nepal 2025 on Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Rd.). Keynote speakers Pem Dorjee and Moni Mulepati — the first couple to marry on the summit of Mount Everest — will share their story. The evening features authentic Nepalese cuisine, live traditional dance, and a silent auction with Nepalese treasures and an Africa trip. Proceeds support Sister City projects.
Tickets: $55 — purchase them here.
Vote for your Halloween movie night
Boulder Reservoir’s Halloween Movie Night is returning, and the city wants your input. A public poll is now open with movie options for both kids and adults — including titles like Scooby-Doo, Halloweentown, The Goonies and Jurassic Park.
Final selections and event details will be shared on the city’s website, social media, and in the email newsletter. Tickets are $20 per vehicle and go on sale Friday, Oct. 3.
☀️ 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.
Scandinavian Dancing Beginning Class & Weekly Dance: Monday, Sept. 8, 7:30-10:00 p.m., Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Rd. Read More
Superior Summer Market: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Downtown Superior, 2250 Main Street, Superior. Additional date: Saturday, Oct. 18 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Read More
Kendall Street Company: Psychedelic Jam Band from Virginia: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 8:00-10:30 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A. Read More
The American Southwest: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Additional date: Thursday, Sept. 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Read More
Buddhist Arts and Film Festival 2025: Thursday, Sept. 11, 6:45-8:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Various events through Sunday, Sept. 14. Read More
Boulder Cruiser Ride: Thursday, Sept. 11, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Greenleaf Park, Folsom & Pearl Street. Additional dates every Thursday until Halloween. Read More
Batty about Bats in Boulder County: Friday, Sept. 12, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Heil Valley Ranch, 1188 Greer Canyon Rd. Read More
That Eighties Band: Friday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m., Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Dr., Unit T, Lafayette. Read More
Jenn Grinels: Friday, Sept. 12, 7:00 p.m., Stone Cottage Studios, 1928 Pearl St. Read More
Concert In The Light & Dark + Authentic Relating Gathering: Friday, Sept. 12, 7:00-10:00 p.m., Broadway Music Studios, 2401 Broadway. Read More
Witch by Jen Silverman: Friday, Sept. 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m., The Arapaho Center Theater, 300 E Simpson St, Lafayette. Additional dates: Sept. 13, 15, 19, 20 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Sept. 14 2:30-4:30 p.m. Read More
Jazzetry w/ Von Disco: Saturday, Sept. 13, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 940 Pearl St. Additional dates: Saturday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 13, same time. Read More
Max McNown: Sunday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
Boulder Philharmonic: Hindemith & Brahms: Sunday, Sept. 14, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. Read More