Headlines

Headlines — March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

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Headlines — March 2, 2023 Stacie Johnson

Another False Threat Causes Boulder High and Boulder Prep To Go Under Secure Status

Boulder High School and Boulder Preparatory High School were the target of another “swatting” call Wednesday. Both schools went into a brief secure status yesterday morning around 10:00 a.m. as law enforcement verified there was no actual threat. Under a secure status, officials lock the doors to the school while classes continue.

Boulder Police and CU Police say yesterday’s call was like the one they received a week ago, which caused a lockdown and evacuation at Boulder High. Another call sent police to an elementary school in Brighton.

East High School Student Shot Two Weeks Ago Dies

16-year old Luis Garcia, who was shot in his car at Denver East High School in mid-February has died according to reports from his family. The family described him as an athlete who earned good grades and worked several jobs. Police told the Denver Post they have no updates on their investigation concerning the shooting and no arrests have been made.

Boulder Hires Consultant For Police Oversight Panel

The City of Boulder has hired a consultant to assist the Police Oversight Panel with upcoming tasks and community engagement. The consultant, Farah Muscadin is a former director of the Austin, Texas Office of Police Oversight.

Boulder’s equity officer, Aimee Kane, told the Daily Camera Muscadin will fill in as Boulder continues its search for a new independent police monitor to replace Joey Lipari who resigned last September. Muscadin’s contract lasts through the end of the year with pay at $150.00 per hour.

‘Just Cause Eviction’ Bill Advances Out of State House Committee

A committee of the state house advanced a bill yesterday designed to provide more protections for renters when their leases end. Sponsors and supporters of HB 1171 describe the legislation as the “Just Cause Eviction” bill. It would require landlords to offer lease renewals in similar terms and reasonable rent increases as long as tenants have kept up their part of contractual obligations.

Supporters of the bill say the current system makes it too easy for landlords to get rid of renters, even when the renters commit no lease violations. The bill’s measures would also protect renters from retaliation and discrimination such as when renters request repairs or because of the renter’s immigration status. If a landlord wants to demolish, renovate, redevelop, or begin living in their property, the bill will also require the landlord to offer relocation assistance to the renter of at least two months’ rent and a 120 day notice.

Opposition to the bill, including the Colorado Apartment Association, say current federal and state laws already provide various non-renewal protections for renters, which supporters of the bill argue are hard to enforce and prove. Those opposing the bill also say the policy will force landlords to enter into endless leases, cause a dramatic increase in rental costs, and force some landlords to leave the market.

Controversial ‘Safe Injection Site’ Bill Advances Out Of State House Committee

The state House Committee On Behavioral Health advanced a controversial “safe injection site” bill late Wednesday by a vote of eight to three. The bill will allow municipalities to operate sites for people to use drugs under supervision in order to prevent mounting overdose deaths. The sites will also include access to sterile equipment, fentanyl testing, counseling and referrals for treatment services.

Supporters say the bill will help save lives, connect people to treatment, and reduce people from using drugs in public spaces. Those supporting the bill include health care organizations, such as the Colorado Nurses Association, Colorado Psychiatric Society and Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council.

Opponents, including law enforcement and Republican lawmakers, say the sites will normalize drug abuse, increase crime, risk public safety near schools, and decrease property values.

According to the Associated Press, the legislation faces an uphill battle even with Democrats in control of the state house. Conor Cahill, a spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis, said in a statement Monday that the governor has concerns with any approach that would contribute to more drug use and lawlessness.

Colorado And Wyoming National Forests Set To Receive $40.15 Million In Disaster Relief

The Rocky Mountain Regional Office of the Forest Service announced Wednesday forests in Colorado and Wyoming will receive just over $40 million in disaster relief funds for the current fiscal year under the Disaster Supplement of the Omnibus funding legislation.

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado will receive a majority of the new funds to continue rehabilitation efforts from the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires. Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest will receive $1.15 million to repair flood damage within the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.