Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Boulder, CO

Boulder Weekly · Boulder, CO

THE GAMBLE OF PSILOCYBIN THERAPY: AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

The decriminalization of psilocybin in Colorado has created opportunities for licensed psilocybin treatment and expanded psychedelic education in Boulder. By Evan Borman Boulder Weekly The Colorado Psychedelic Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2022 to educate people around the benefits of psychedelics and plant medicines. The organization was founded by Erin Witter following the approval of Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act, Proposition 122 and Senate Bill 23-290, which decriminalized psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine, ibogaine and mescaline for adults 21 and older. Erin Witter, Licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator, presents "Introduction to the World of Mushrooms" at Natural Grocers in Lafayette on October 21, 2026.

Boulder Weekly · Boulder, CO

AT BOULDERMOD, HIGH SCHOOLERS ARE BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR BOULDER RESIDENTS

A city-built factory run by Flatirons Habitat for Humanity is training students in construction while helping longtime Ponderosa residents buy new homes By Lewis Jolly Boulder Weekly Robby Erickson has lived in Boulder’s Ponderosa Mobile Home Park since 2011. This July, he traded his trailer for a new two-story house that he owns. According to Erickson, his mortgage is even a dollar less than the rent he used to pay. A modular home built through the BoulderMOD project sits at Ponderosa Community Park in Boulder. Photo credit: City of Boulder The house came from BoulderMOD, a 31,375-square-foot modular home factory located at 6500 Arapahoe Rd. The factory sits next to the Boulder Valley School District’s Apex Construction Trades classrooms, the district’s career and technical education center.

Boulder Weekly · Boulder, CO

EIGHT STAIRS AND A VOUCHER: WHY HOUSING ASSISTANCE STILL ISN’T ENOUGH IN BOULDER

By Emily Bernard Boulder Weekly There are eight stairs between Jen Livovich and the street. She knows them the way you know the height of a fall. In late March, she broke her upper left femur and shattered part of the bone. Four months in a wheelchair transformed those stairs from an inconvenience into a border. Her second-floor apartment became a place she could occupy but not easily leave. Property managers did what they could. Grab bars appeared in the bathroom. A temporary ramp bridged the raised threshold at her front door. The adjustments helped. The stairs remained. Livovich holds a federal Housing Choice Voucher, commonly known as Section 8, one of the most valuable forms of housing assistance available in the country. The subsidy can follow her across county lines and state borders. It can stay with her for as long as she continues to qualify. By almost any measure, she has what thousands of people are waiting for. She is still stuck. Not because she lost the voucher.

Boulder Weekly · Boulder, CO

CU STUDENTS STUDY SUSTAINABILITY FOR 2027 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

The city of Boulder offers new sustainability options for the Sundance Film Festival and CU Boulder graduate students are tasked with the challenge to measure the festival’s environmental footprint. By Evan Borman Boulder Weekly CU Boulder’s Master of the Environment program is at the center of a collaboration with the Sundance Institute, the city of Boulder and CU Boulder’s office of the Vice Chancellor to measure the environmental impact at the 2027 Sundance Film Festival. The collaboration is led by second-year Master of the Environment students Rose Hickey, Mathieu Agee, Kaila Hood and Olivia Yuan. “Our role with this project is to create an impact framework assessment to be able to measure the impact of the festival within Boulder, Colorado for the next 10 years,” Agee said.

Stanford Law School · Boulder, CO

Will the Supreme Court Create More Barriers to Climate Litigation? Analyzing Suncor v. Boulder Oral Arguments | Stanford Law School

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument on Monday in Suncor Energy Inc. v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, a case involving an effort by the city and county of Boulder, Colorado, to hold fossil-fuel companies accountable for the damage caused by years of public deception about their products’ contribution to climate change. This case is just one of dozens of similar suits, none of which has yet proceeded to trial due to venue disputes and other procedural wrangling. As SLS Professor Matthew Sanders explained in a recent ABA Trends article, these suits allege an array of state common-law claims like public and private nuisance, trespass, product liability, negligence, failure to warn, and deceptive marketing.

Denver Westword · Louisville, CO

Nearby: Louisville, CO

Coming Soon: GetRight’s bakery expanding to Louisville

RestaurantsComing Soon: GetRight’s bakery expanding to Louisville Plus: New Italian concepts en route to Boulder and Littleton. By Antony BrunoNovember 13, 2026 GetRight's is bringing its signature pastries, breads, and sandwiches to Louisville. Provided by GetRight’s Add Westwordas a preferred source on Google Audio By Carbonatix Wherever We're Needed. We're There. From the stories making headlines to the restaurants, music and culture that make Denver one of a kind, Westword is there. Help us raise $50,000 by December 31 to keep independent local journalism going strong in 2027. SUPPORT US TODAY Progress to goal $6,861 $50,000 Among the many trends you can point to in this year’s dining scene, top among them are steakhouses, Italian restaurants and bakeries. This week, we get news on all three. Here’s everything we found out this week for what’s to come.

Sentinel Colorado · Ward, CO

Nearby: Ward, CO

Former Aurora Mayor Bob LeGare announces bid for Ward 6 City Council seat

AURORA | Former Aurora Mayor Bob LeGare announced today he will seek the Ward VI seat on the Aurora City Council in next year’s city council election. LeGare said he sees a city facing myriad issues that can benefit from his longtime experience and willingness to work collaboratively with fellow lawmakers. “Experience taught me that council members can disagree strongly and still treat one another, and the public, with respect. Ward VI deserves a representative who can get to work on day one,” LeGare said in a statement. “Aurora deserves a council that uses all the experience available to it. That’s what I hope to contribute.” Current Ward VI Councilmember Francoise Bergan is term limited. The city council election is next November, and so far, the only other official announcement has come from Omar Montgomery, who has announced in the race for Aurora mayor.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

Arvada City Council weighs regulations for delivery drones

Delivery drones might soon be coming to Arvada. Stock photo The Walmart located at 9400 Ralston Road in Arvada might start using drones for small item delivery, according to a workshop conducted by Arvada City Council on Nov. 10. A conditional use permit to allow drone deliveries from the Walmart location is likely to come before council in February or March next year, a city staff member said. In addition to weighing Walmart's conditional use permit application, city staff are looking to bring forth legislation governing the use of delivery drones in Arvada in the coming months, and might work with nearby municipalities to come up with agreements on intra-city drone delivery. The Walmart application concerns two types of drones: an 11.7-pound model that can deliver 2.3-pound packages, and a 17.2-pound model that can deliver 5-pound packages.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

Arvada Resiliency Taskforce launches ‘Discover Arvada’ program to promote local businesses

Discover Arvada aims to promote shopping locally. Courtesy photo Amid challenging times for local businesses and residents, the Arvada Resiliency Taskforce (ART) has launched Discover Arvada, a directory of local businesses that aims to promote shopping locally. Discover Arvada features business directories for four categories: food and drink, retail and shopping, health and wellness, and activities. The directory also features business spotlights and will soon include insider guides — which will highlight date night ideas, family activities, and holiday gift ideas. Samantha Geerdes, the senior vice president of business services for the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative started from a desire to encourage residents to support local businesses, no matter the occasion. “The Arvada Chamber and the Arvada Resilience Taskforce decided to launch Discover Arvada because we want our residents to find local treasures in their own backyard,” Geerdes said.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson announces reelection campaign

Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson announced that she is running for a second term. Photo by Rylee Dunn Three years after her historic election as Arvada’s first voted-in female mayor, Lauren Simpson has announced her intention to run for a second term in 2027. Simpson — who served as a District 2 city councilmember from 2019 to 2023 before her first mayoral election in 2023 — touted progress on homelessness, public safety and Arvada’s roadway network as major wins of her first term. During that time, the city team has also begun long-term work on improvements to Arvada’s water infrastructure, emergency response networks and Gold Strike Park. Simpson said that she is seeking a second term because of her love for the local community and desire to oversee the culmination of long-term projects, while maintaining Arvada’s “Mayberry-ish charm.” “I'm just Lauren, and I hope people know that I'm a resident of the city too,” Simpson said.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

Silver Vines Winery announces new chapter at Arvada warehouse

Months after Silver Vines Winery announced the closure of its Arvada and Boulder tasting rooms, its owners have shared that the Olde Town staple will live on, about a mile from its former location. Kristin and Jeff Chayer, the latter of whom founded Silver Vines in 2011, said that in January 2027, the winery will open its production facility (located at 6340 W. 56th Avenue #5 in Arvada) for barrel tastings, chef-paired dinners, live music, and behind-the-scenes tours of the winemaking process. The Olde Town tasting room will close on Dec. 23. The facility on 56th Avenue has long been Silver Vines’ production facility, and the Chayers will spend the next few months transforming the space into an all-in-one winery and tasting room. Jeff said the “new chapter” will allow customers to see the entire winemaking process — and, in some cases, be a part of it. “We really want to show people how wine is made,” Jeff said.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

2026 Election Results: Colorado House District 24

Lisa Feret. File photo With most of the ballots counted, unofficial results show Democrat Lisa Feret with a lead over Republican Kristopher Johnson, signalling that Feret will earn a second term as the District 24 Representative in the Colorado State House. Feret, a former Arvada City Council member, was first elected in 2024. As of returns tabulated by 12:20 a.m. on Nov. 4, Feret held 25,669 votes (64%), while Johnson held 14,215 (35%). Feret said she was looking forward to serving another term in the state house. “I couldn’t be more excited to serve this community for another two years,” Feret said. “I know we will be able to create real meaningful policy with the people we elected in Colorado. Now let’s get to work!” Feret also thanked Johnson for running what she called a “clean race.” “(I’m) Especially grateful for the ability to run a clean race, focused on issues and policy,” Feret said.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

2026 Election Results: Arvada Ballot Question 6C

The Arvada Fire Protection District is asking voters to decide on a 1% sales tax hike to help with its funding. Courtesy photo With most of the ballots counted, unofficial results show voters are leaning towards rejecting Ballot Question 6C, a 1% sales tax increase to fund the Arvada Fire Protection District (AFPD). As of returns tabulated by 4 p.m. on Nov. 4, the ballot question had 32,256 votes for it (49.33%) and 33,130 votes against (50.67%). The last few rounds of results have seen the ballot measure’s slim margins hold steady, with a consistent advantage of about 800 votes in the negative direction. Arvada Fire Chief Kirk Lock said it was “unlikely” that results would flip back in the district’s favor.“Although results are not yet official, Issue 6C appears unlikely to pass,” Lock said.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters closing Arvada cafe on Nov. 6

Hunter Bay’s storefront in Olde Town Arvada. Courtesy photo After 10 years of serving up coffee in Olde Town, Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters will close its Arvada location on Nov. 6, with the coffee shop citing rising costs, accessibility issues, and break-ins as reasons for closure. Hunter Bay will continue its wholesale operations and will “definitely be reopening another cafe” in the Denver metro area once they find a suitable space, according to owner Rob Young. Founded in 1991 in Missoula, Montana, Hunter Bay’s wholesale coffee products are stocked in national grocery chains including Costco, Natural Grocers, Sprouts, King Soopers, Safeway and more. The company moved its roasting operation out of the Olde Town location in January 2024 and relocated it to a 20,000 square-foot facility in Englewood.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

Arvada City Council workshops Homelessness Action Plan

A city employee examines a homeless encampment. Courtesy photo Arvada City Council took a look at the proposed Homelessness Action Plan at a workshop on Oct. 27 and recommended that the plan — which will govern how the city responds to homelessness through 2030 — move towards adoption with one key stipulation. Arvada has experienced perhaps its most successful year to date in terms of helping folks experiencing homelessness, as the city accomplished its stated goal of moving 65 individuals into permanent housing in September. As of Oct. 27, that figure has risen to 79 individuals who have gotten into permanent housing thanks to the city’s efforts.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

Local business owner installs two Peace Poles in Arvada

Lori Drienka (left) with Lisa Feret (right) at the Peace Pole in Olde Town. Courtesy photo Local business owner Lori Drienka recently installed two Peace Poles — one at her business, Eli Ashby Healing Arts/Carly’s Boutique, and another at her farmhouse nearby — which she hopes inspires “a little more kindness” in the local community. The Peace Pole movement began in Japan after World War II with the message “May peace prevail on earth.” Traditionally, Peace Poles have that message inscribed in different languages on all sides. Drienka held an unveiling ceremony for the Eli Ashby Healing Arts/Carly’s Boutique (located at 7401 Grandview Avenue) Peace Pole on Oct. 24, which featured drumming, speakers and a moment of quiet reflection. Drienka said she was inspired by a neighbor who had a Peace Pole when she was living in Coal Creek Canyon, and wanted to bring the message of unity to Arvada.

Arvada Press · Arvada, CO

Nearby: Arvada, CO

Arvada stakeholders encourage shopping local during uncertain economic times

Businesses across Arvada are struggling, and stakeholders within the city are getting involved to help out. Courtesy photo In the wake of recent high-profile business closures in Arvada, stakeholders within the city are ramping up efforts to support local businesses this November. The City of Arvada, Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District (BID) and Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) are teaming up to get the word out about Small Business Saturday, set for Nov. 28, and supporting local businesses in general. AEDA Executive Director Mike Tedesco said that times are tough for local businesses, and the organization is looking for ways to give them a boost this winter. “A lot of the smaller businesses are running pretty thin, and expenses are up, which means margins are down and they're looking toward this holiday shopping season,” Tedesco said.