Headlines — September 22, 2022

September 22, 2022

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The Denver Public Library closed for the day on Wednesday due to an unspecified threat 

Denver Public Library closed all of its branch locations Wednesday due to an unspecified threat. 

The Denver Police Department states it is actively investigating the unspecified threat, and – quote – “the preliminary findings indicate the message was sent from outside of Colorado.” Police also indicated that a number of similar threats have been sent to libraries in other states. Denver Public Library says all locations with the exception of those currently closed for renovations or maintenance will be open on their normal schedules today.

Attorneys Put Denver on Notice Over Encampment Sweeps

The City of Denver may face legal action over a string of sweeps of homeless encampments in recent months. Lawyers from Kilmore, Lane, and Newman sent a letter to city authorities yesterday over what they say are ongoing violations of the Lyall v. Denver Settlement Agreement. 

In the Lyall settlement, Denver agreed to protect a basic set of rights for the local homeless population. For example, police are to give seven days notice before carrying out a sweep of an encampment and affected persons are to have the opportunity to recover their confiscated belongings from storage.

The lawyers argue Denver has not held up its end of the bargain and that further violations of the settlement could prompt litigation. 

Bee Boulder Festival 

The City of Boulder is hosting the eighth annual Bee Boulder Festival this Saturday.

The free event is part of the city’s Pollinator Appreciation Month, and spotlights programs that tackle the climate and biodiversity crises with natural climate solutions. It’s the latest in a series of events aimed at increasing awareness about the role of pollinators in local habitat. Boulder’s senior ecologist says native pollinators like bees and other insects are the foundation of life but in recent years pesticides and harmful chemicals have put them in trouble. 

People can learn about local efforts to renew tree canopies, soils, habitats, and how to get involved. The family friendly event will have games, crafts and music for kids. The Bee Boulder festival takes place downtown at Boulder Central Park by the bandshell, from 10 AM. until 2 PM Saturday.

Colorado Farmers Transitioning To Cage Free Eggs

All eggs sold in Colorado grocery stores will be from cage-free hens. That’s according to a law due to take effect on January 1st. . 

The Colorado Assembly passed HB20-1343 which is meant to advance animal welfare in Colorado. Business owners are also prohibited from selling – or transporting for sale – eggs produced by caged hens outside of Colorado. 

Julie Mizak, Egg Program Manager at the Colorado Department of Agriculture said in a press release that “enrichments such as scratch areas, perches, nest boxes, and dust bathing, cage-free housing allows hens to exhibit their natural behaviors,”

The new law does allow for exceptions to the requirement, namely farming operations with 3,000 or fewer egg-laying hens.

Tech Company Touts Camera System as Wildfire Prevention

Boulder County has partnered with a tech company called Pano AI to use high definition cameras to detect wildfires and high-risk conditions. Boulder County tech company Pano AI unveiled a new surveillance system this week of high definition cameras, satellite hardware and artificial intelligence. Pano AI calls  itself a disaster preparedness technology solutions provider and says the system will, “enable fire authorities to detect, assess and contain new fires quickly, before they grow large enough to endanger lives and property.” 

Pano AI operates in five, wildfire-prone states in the US; California, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. The company has installed two high definition cameras in Boulder County; one in Eldora and the other in Lee Hill.

Boulder County’s Fire Management Officer Seth Mckinney spoke highly of the new technology in a recent press release, and is confident it will be effective in stopping fires before they grow. 

Update FEMA Application For Homeowners

People affected by the Marshall fire may need to update their FEMA applications. The Federal Emergency Management Agency needs to know about insurance claim settlements and denials. 

FEMA says submitting any insurance settlements or denial letters plus information about additional living expenses will help ensure coverage and avoid duplicate settlements. 

Although FEMA is legally prohibited from doubling your insurance coverage, they may provide additional rental assistance if the ELA you received from your insurance company expires before July 1, 2023.

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to update any information.

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