Boulder, CO

Today

Día del Niño: Celebrate all children with BMoCA at Día del Niño. Participate in a family-friendly day of multicultural festivities, including art-making, live dance and musical performances; 11 a.m. Saturday, Boulder Museum Of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St., Boulder; free; bmoca.org.

Bluebird Music Festival: For its fifth year, the festival will feature musicians such as three-time Grammy Award-winner Ben Harper, Watchhouse, Shovels & Rope, Haley Heynderickx, Adam Aijala and Ben Kaufmann of Yonder Mountain String Band, Heavy Gus (featuring members of The Lumineers and Blind Pilot), Buffalo Nichols, Daniel Rodriguez, Joshua Lee Turner and Bob Barrick, Emelise and more; 2 p.m. Saturday, Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St., Boulder; $39-$179; calendar.colorado.edu.

‘Art For Hope’ exhibition: “Art for Hope” is an art exhibition aimed at ending the stigma/raising awareness about mental health and substance use disorder, featuring an art exhibit by William Stoehr, silent auction and artwork from other local artists. It will also feature music, films, guest speakers and other activities; 6 p.m. Saturday, Art for Hope Gallery, 1421 Pearl St., Boulder; free; madelife.com.

Earth Ways yoga experience: Join Kate Mulheron, creator of Earth Ways Yoga, for a two-hour practice of yoga, breath and vision through the nature ways honoring Mother Nature and spring; 6 p.m. Saturday, Radiance Power Yoga, 2704 28th St., Boulder; $45-$55; radiancepoweryoga.com.

‘Transfigured Night’ by Pro Musica: This season concludes with a world premiere by the 2022 CU Composition Competition winner, Jessie Lausé. Harumi Rhodes and Richard O’Neill are the soloists in Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante.” Following this piece for duo plus orchestra, Arnold Schoenberg’s “Verklärte Nacht” is the story of two people being transformed by their love for each other; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Mountain View United Methodist Church, 355 Ponca Place, Boulder; $25; promusicacolorado.org.

Upcoming

Sarah Lee Guthrie at Chautauqua Community House: Over the last two decades on the road and in the studio, Sarah Lee Guthrie (granddaughter of Woody Guthrie, daughter of Arlo Guthrie) and her husband Johnny Irion have created a signature pop-fused folk-rock sound that is appealing and engaging on a series of critically-acclaimed albums; 8 p.m. Sunday, Chautauqua Community House, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder; $30; chautauqua.com.

EFAA Friend Fest: Join the Emergency Family Assistance Association for a fun-filled afternoon to learn more about Boulder’s community safety net and help families in need. Enjoy live music, food trucks, a beer garden and family-friendly play spaces at Junkyard Social Club; 3 p.m. Sunday, Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder; $5-$25; efaafriendfest.funraise.org.

Whiskey Revolution at Trident Café: Whiskey Revolution is an acoustic male-female duo based out of Denver. The pair performs covers across various genres, including American folk, alternative/indie and country, as well as original material; 6 p.m. Sunday, Trident Café, 940 Pearl St., Boulder; tridentcafe.com.

Playback Theater performance: Everybody has a story, whether that be a life journey, interesting happening or heroic tale. Whatever that story may be, bring it to the Playback Theater performance, and see it transformed into introspective, thought-provoking art on stage in the moment; 6 p.m. Sunday, Boulder JCC, 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder; $25; boulderjcc.org.

Aspen Hospitality and CU Boulder have announced that construction is beginning for the on-campus Limelight Hotel Boulder. The landmark conference center hotel property is slated to open in the summer of 2025. This groundbreaking is the culmination of years of collaboration among the city of Boulder, CU Boulder and numerous other stakeholders. Plans for a topping-off ceremony and celebration will be announced as construction progresses.

The project website includes renderings and FAQs, and will provide ongoing updates on construction.

As Boulder’s largest meeting and events facility of its kind, the conference center hotel has long been viewed as an important project for the community that will create economic vitality and play a key role in revitalization of the University Hill business district.

“This irreplaceable project, at the intersection of Broadway and University, will provide a cornerstone to the university’s campus and catalyze the University Hill neighborhood, becoming a landmark in the area,” Aspen Hospitality CEO Alinio Azevedo said.

“Our firm is focused on expanding the Limelight portfolio in the best locations within the best markets, and this project will reinforce the high-quality, sustainable approach to development for which the brand is known. We look forward to creating a focal point for the community, and are excited about our commitment to Boulder for generations to come.”

The Limelight Hotel Boulder will include 250 rooms, along with a ground-floor restaurant and an outdoor plaza that are both envisioned to be public gathering spots for the local community. The conference facilities offer a 15,000-square-foot ballroom, along with another 10,000 square feet of meeting space, capable of hosting everything from prominent academic and research conferences to small community gatherings, keeping local organizations from needing to leave town to host larger events.

Additionally, the city will create a fund out of the accommodations tax generated by the hotel to provide financial support for use of the conference facilities by local not-for-profit organizations and civic group uses.

“We are excited to see construction begin on a facility that has been anxiously anticipated by so many in our community for so long,” CU Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano said. “The innovation and leadership occurring in Boulder and on our campus are world-class, and the Limelight Hotel Boulder will provide a new stage for highlighting the groundbreaking work taking place in our community.”

The project will achieve a LEED Gold certification for green building construction, in line with all major construction projects on the CU Boulder campus and the aggressive, innovative sustainability goals of Aspen Hospitality. Further, the conference center hotel is designed to be powered only by electricity, reducing the carbon footprint of the facility over time as the utility grid incorporates a greater mix of renewable energy.

“The development of a conference center and hotel at CU Boulder is an important step in the revitalization of the University Hill business district in Boulder,” city of Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett said. “We appreciate our partnership with the university and Limelight Hotels in the effort. We look forward to the completion of this project and the increased vitality it will bring to the area, as well as the much needed meeting and conference space it will provide.”

Related: Limelight Hotels, CU Boulder partnering to develop on-campus conference center hotel

About Aspen Hospitality

Aspen Hospitality is a division of Aspen Skiing Company with a portfolio of owned and operated hotels and residences that currently consists of The Little Nell (Aspen’s only five-star, five-damond, ski-in/ski-out hotel) and its affiliated residences at The Little Nell, both of which are located at the base of Aspen Mountain; as well as the Limelight Hotel Aspen and Limelight Hotel Snowmass in Colorado; and the Limelight Hotel Ketchum near Sun Valley in Idaho.

Currently in development are two additional Limelight Hotels in Mammoth, California, and Boulder, Colorado, slated to open in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The company also owns and operates the ASPENX Mountain Club and the Snowmass Mountain Club.

About Limelight Hotels

Limelight Hotels are contemporary properties set in the heart of authentic mountain and urban communities. The Limelight Hotel Aspen, in downtown Aspen, Colorado, is just steps from the slopes and the downtown core. The Limelight Hotel Ketchum is situated in Ketchum, Idaho, near the base of Sun Valley’s famed ski area, Bald Mountain, and walking distance to the town’s shops and restaurants. The Limelight Hotel Snowmass in Snowmass, Colorado, is the only ski-in/ski-out property and is located adjacent to the Elk Camp Gondola with access to 3,362 acres of terrain. All Limelight properties are designed around the communities and activities where they are located.

Purchase represents significant step toward improved safety for first responders and a positive contribution to community climate goals.

The City of Boulder is excited to announce that Boulder Fire-Rescue has purchased a Rosenbauer RTX fire engine, the first electric vehicle of its kind in Colorado.

The new fire engine will have many state-of-the-art features that better support firefighters, our community, and the environment. The RTX is considered a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), meaning it has an all-electric drivetrain and pump with a diesel energy backup system. This new technology will allow the city to fight fires while safeguarding air quality and reducing climate-warming emissions.

The purchase also represents a broader movement to go electric that goes beyond personal vehicles to include larger, more powerful machines, including emergency vehicles that must be reliable and able to perform under challenging conditions.

“This is a tremendous step forward for our community and yet another example of Boulder’s leadership in addressing climate change,” said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “We’re proud to be an early adopter of new technology that makes emergency response both safer and environmentally friendly. The collaboration among departments – Fire-Rescue, Fleet & Facilities, and Climate Initiatives – has been exceptional and is an example of how we can address today’s challenges when we work together.”

The electric engine not only helps advance Boulder's mission to address climate change, but also presents an opportunity to better serve the needs of an increasingly diverse firefighting workforce. The RTX engine was created with the primary goal of improving occupational safety for all firefighters. Improvements include an adjustable suspension that offers lower equipment and cab access heights, all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering for increased maneuverability on the road, an ergonomically designed cab space, reduced exposure to carcinogenic fumes, and a significant reduction in operational noise.

“Boulder Fire-Rescue has been very intentional and thorough in the process of researching and developing a plan for this engine,” said Travis Richen, administrative battalion chief. “We’ve ensured that the equipment will be dependable and capable while also developing a better understanding about all the safety benefits the engine offers. This purchase gives us an amazing chance to shape the next generation of fire apparatus.”

Boulder anticipates delivery of this engine late 2024 to early 2025, though the actual timeline may vary slightly, and will be determined as the build-out progresses. During this time, Boulder Fire-Rescue firefighters and Rosenbauer will work together closely to ensure that the new engine meets the needs of Boulder firefighters and the community they serve. The estimated cost of this engine is currently at approximately 1.78 million. The money has been saved up over time from the department’s budget to replace the fleet as necessary. Nearly all of Boulder Fire-Rescue’s budget is from the General Fund, made possible through sales and use tax collections.

“I care deeply about the safety and well-being of our firefighters, and I’m excited about the next steps we are taking to better support them, while also helping achieve several city goals,” said Boulder Fire-Rescue Chief Michael Calderazzo. “This option is a win-win.”

For more information about Rosenbauer's RTX, visit https://rosenbaueramerica.com/rosenbauer-revolutionary-technology/

About Rosenbauer America: Rosenbauer is the world's leading manufacturer of firefighting vehicles and equipment. Rosenbauer America incorporates global strengths and innovation to provide the largest and most technologically advanced line of custom and commercial pumpers, rescues, tankers, aerials, and the all-new Revolutionary Technology (RTX) electric fire truck. Visit the company's website for more information at www.rosenbaueramerica.com

Keep Reading

East Boulder Community Center will be open Wednesday through Saturday to provide safe shelter for all community members who need a place to stay warm .

[This release has been updated with new information. This page was last updated on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m.]

East Boulder Community Center will be open Wednesday through Saturday to provide safe shelter for all community members who need a place to stay warm

The City of Boulder, in partnership with Boulder County and the Boulder Office of Emergency Management, will open a 24-hour emergency warming center at the East Boulder Community Center, located at 5660 Sioux Dr. Boulder CO, from 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 through the morning of Saturday, Dec. 24. This center will be open to anyone in need of a space to get warm or spend the night. No donations are needed at this time.

Boulder County Public Health issued a public health advisory due to dangerously low temperatures forecast by the National Weather Service, which can threaten health, safety and life.

“During extreme weather events such as this, our unhoused community members face the greatest risk. We are opening this emergency warming center to protect as many lives as possible during this critical time,” shared Kurt Firnhaber, director of Housing and Human Services. “I am grateful to the many volunteers, local partner organizations, and city and county colleagues who have worked together to bring this critical resource to our community."

Boulder Shelter for the Homeless (BSH), located at 4869 Broadway, will be open for critical weather nights on Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22. The shelter will also remain open all-day Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday, Dec. 23 for those who stayed overnight. BSH will continue to monitor the forecast to determine if additional days or nights qualify as critical weather and will expand services as needed.

In response to the dangerous temperatures predicted this week, BSH and the City of Boulder have secured additional accommodations to bring the shelter’s capacity for this weather event to 222 individuals. Partner organizations have been conducting direct outreach to people experiencing homelessness to ensure all individuals are aware of the upcoming cold weather and available services.

Additional sheltering options include:

Community members who cannot use BSH or other sheltering options are encouraged to access the 24-hour warming center at the East Boulder Community Center. Beds, blankets and food will be available at this center. During this emergency, well behaved pets will be welcomed at the warming center.

Due to extreme cold conditions and anticipated snow, the city has made the decision to close public-facing city facilities, including recreation centers and offices all day tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 22, and Friday, Dec. 23. This does not apply to the East Boulder Community Center, which will remain open as a warming center for community members in need until Saturday morning. Activity at East Boulder will be limited to the emergency response.

City and county partners are working with Via Mobility Services to provide transportation for those who need assistance accessing the East Boulder Community Center.

For more information about Homelessness Services in the City of Boulder, visit the city’s website. For more information about the emergency warming center, visit the city’s newsroom.

This story originally appeared on Boulder Reporting Lab and is republished here with permission.

This school year, more than 750 students or their guardians in the Boulder Valley School District have reported they either lack stable housing or are homeless, according to district officials. That’s more students than at any time since the Great Recession.

The uptick in student homelessness comes as city and county rental assistance programs are nearly out of money. Meanwhile, inflation has driven up the cost of everyday basic needs, such as food.

“It’s a reckoning for the community. We have not seen family homelessness like this for many, many years,” said Julie Van Domelen, the executive director of Emergency Family Assistance Association, a Boulder-based nonprofit that provides financial support to families.

The number of homeless students is calculated based on those who qualify for the McKinney-Vento program. Under federal law, the district must provide students enrolled in the program access to certain services, such as free meals and transportation to school. Student homelessness reduces academic performance, among other negative consequences.

The McKinney-Vento data can be compared across time and school districts. It counts the number of students who are staying in shelters, hotels or doubling up due to economic hardship. It also counts the number of unsheltered students, which is more rare than the other situations.

For much of the last decade, the number of homeless students in the Boulder Valley School District had been steadily declining, from 1,024 during the 2010-2011 school year to 290 during the 2020-2021 school year, according to state data. That’s a drop from 3.5% to 1% of the district’s student population of approximately 30,000.

That number spiked to more than 1,400 after the Dec. 30, 2021 Marshall Fire, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes in Boulder County. Most of those students were doubling up with other families. About 20 students displaced by the fire still qualify for the McKinney-Vento program, according to the district.

The enrollment of more than 750 students in the McKinney-Vento program this school year is an indication that student homelessness is on the rise. The district says resources to help those students — such as free transportation and rental assistance — are just about maxed out.

The number of students in BVSD considered homeless or housing unstable spiked after the Marshall Fire. After years of steady decline, data from this year indicate the percentage of homeless students is the highest it's been since the 2010-2011 school year.

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For instance, the district has already had trouble providing transportation for students due to the national shortage of bus drivers. It is currently contracting with HopSkipDrive, a vehicle-for-hire program, to get students to schools. The district is planning to seek grant money in order to continue providing free rides to school.

“We have to make sure we get a hold of every grant available to be able to help with transportation,” Ema Lyman, a McKinney-Vento liaison at the Boulder Valley School District, told Boulder Reporting Lab.

Lyman said the district used federal stimulus money from the American Rescue Plan Act to hire a second McKinney-Vento specialist, which helps connect students and their families to services. The school district is deciding whether to keep that position, which was temporary.

Even so, housing assistance is becoming more scarce. Boulder County ran out of federal rental assistance money this month, and the city of Boulder has spent nearly all its rental assistance money for the entire year in a matter of months.

“In theory and on paper, we have a lot of resources. But they are maxed out,” Lyman said.

Boulder County to give out limited rent assistance

On any given week, Van Domelen of the Emergency Family Assistance Association said about 600 households come to the food bank. That’s nearly twice as many people as prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, the nonprofit is planning to spend $3.4 million in financial assistance, most of which is used for housing assistance, she said. That’s about three times as much money as in prior years.

“Safety nets like EFAA are supposed to be there for the vagaries of life — the shock to a household, a medical bill, a cut in hours,” she said. “None of our safety nets are really designed to substitute for full-time jobs that are not enough to pay for housing, food and basics. So I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Boulder County has $726,000 available for rental assistance through its Next Steps program, which is a collaboration between Boulder County Housing and Human Services, the St. Vrain Valley School District and the Boulder Valley School District. The money will be available to households earning up to 30% the area median income — about $26,000 for an individual living in Boulder County and more for families.

The county hopes to serve about 41 families with this money during the 2023-2025 grant cycle, providing them just enough support to help them move through a crisis, according to Jim Williams, a spokesman for Boulder County.

“For some families, that might look like assisting with arrears and three months of forward rental assistance to keep them in their current unit after they have experienced a financial setback due to illness,” Williams wrote in an email to Boulder Reporting Lab. “For other families, especially those that are already paying hotel expenses on their own, a deposit and housing navigation to overcome any lease up barriers they may be facing is what is needed.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the county gave tenants and property owners nearly $18 million in rental assistance. It stopped accepting applications in January 2023.

In recent months, the number of eviction case filings in Boulder County court has reached the highest levels in years. Many of the tenants showing up in housing court this month are already living in some of the city’s most affordable apartments, leaving them with few more affordable options if they want to stay in Boulder.

In the last decade, the median cost to rent a place in Boulder has increased faster than the median income of its residents, according to the U.S. Census. In 2021, the city’s rental vacancy rate was less than 2%, which is below the national average.

Lyman said she has worked as a McKinney-Vento specialist for 13 years. She said she has also lived in Boulder for more than 40 years.

“I’m fairly acquainted with how the demographics have changed, and how housing prices have gone up year after year,” she said. “A big percentage of students who are unable to get housing, for whatever reason, move away.”

John Herrick is senior reporter for Boulder Reporting Lab, covering housing, transportation, policing and local government. Reach John at john@boulderreportinglab.org.