2} You Down With BEC?
Broomfield City Council approved the contract late last month that secures Peak Entertainment, LLC, as the new BEC manager. Peak, a joint venture between well-known entertainment promoter AEG Live and sporting venue manager Kroenke Sports Enterprises, will replace Broomfield Sports and Entertainment. The three-year contract can be renewed up to 30 years and will make Broomfield more financially vested in the venue than in the past. The city will be required to pay for the first $450,000 in losses over the first three years of the contract. Broomfield and Peak Entertainment will share initial improvement costs up to $1 million; the city will pay up to $500,000 of those. Broomfield will share in revenue as well. What’s Next: Peak Entertainment took over operation on Sept. 1. They will continue to announce plans.

3} Renovating 36
“Going forward, U.S. 36 is all about money.” That’s what Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Russell George told a crowd during the launch of the Help Us Fix U.S. 36 campaign, which supporters are hoping will raise awareness and bring in cash for Highway 36 improvements. Planners have introduced possible options for an overhaul of 36, including managed lanes for carpools and toll payers, bus rapid transit, corridor walkways and updates to aging bridges and pavement. It’s expected to cost $1.3 billion. Political leaders and transportation officials at the launch discussed seeking federal support in upcoming months. “Highway 36 is my top highway to fund,” Rep. Jared Polis said during the event. What’s Next: The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the renovation of Highway 36 will be released in mid September.

4} Doors Wide Shut
The Longmont Times-Call, a Lehman Communications newspaper, filed suit against the Longmont City Council in August. The newspaper claims the council violated Colorado open-meetings laws when it allegedly adopted a decision on a legal matter during a June 23 executive session. According to the suit, following the meeting Mayor Roger Lange and a member of council told Times-Call reporter Rachel Carter that City Council had done a “straw poll” and decided during the closed-door meeting to appeal a recent court ruling. “This conduct constitutes the ‘adoption of a position’ by the City Council, an action that the Colorado Open Meetings Law expressly prohibits a local public body from doing in the course of an executive session,” the suit reads. Times-Call is asking the court to listen to the meeting tapes. What’s Next: The city has since filed an answer to the suit, denying wrong doing and saying the meeting was properly closed. Times-Call is expected to file a reply in September.

5} Teachers’ Dirty Looks
The Boulder Valley School District saga continued when hundreds of outraged teachers—including those from other districts, showing solidarity—filled a school board meeting to support union leaders, who called contract offers “demeaning.” A week prior, union members rejected a contract that gave a one-year, 1-percent stipend and no cost of living increase. Similarly, St. Vrain School District also struggled to resolve contract issues; as of press time, St. Vrain’s union had rejected two district offers. What’s Next: Both districts and unions continue to seek mediation; reports from the Colorado Education Association are due out soon.

You can’t go a day off the bike, the river calls your name and your home has become secondary to the mountains. But your shoulders and knees can feel it…When You Love Colorado Too Much

The Myth of the Weekend Warrior:

1. From desk to dirt
Going from your office to the road can take a toll on your body. Even something as a simple as being in a recreational soccer league can put you at risk for injury, especially if you don’t exercise on your non-game days. “If there is someone getting regular exercise—even enough to keep their heart rate up for 20 minutes each day—they will recover that much better and faster on the harder workouts than someone who is sedentary,” said Lynn Voss, orthopedic surgeon at Boulder Orthopedics.

2. Your body is a Trek
Maybe it’s procrastination. Maybe, ironically, it’s laziness. But weekend warriors tend to be fairly reactionary when it comes to their bods. Experts advise athletes to treat their muscles, bones and joints like they treat their bikes or cars: You wouldn’t wait until the engine blows or the frame is busted to take it to the shop would you? Even though your muscles feel strong, maintenance is vital to preserving your pace.

3. Whoa, cowboy
Overtraining is a one-way road to Hurtsville. It’s too much too soon, and it can get you into trouble. Voss of Boulder Orthopedics recommends athletes who are in training build up 10 percent a week for three weeks, back off 20 percent for a week, build up 10 percent for three more weeks, and again back off 20 percent. “You need to rest to increase strength,” Voss said.

4. To stretch or not to stretch
There’s been something of a controversy about stretching for some time: one study will recommend stretching only after exercise and another will suggest stretching before. Voss says it’s best to start with a quick warm up—break a light sweat during a quick jog or bike ride—then stretch and go about your workout. The same goes for those doing “overhead sports,” like basketball or baseball: toss a few to get warmed up, stretch and then start putting zip on the balls.

5. Variety is the spice of sports
You are a “runner.” You love running. You refuse to swim unless there’s a flood. But experts say cross-training can be beneficial to serious athletes. Tracey Bernett, a Longmont runner who has done triathlons for 30 years, mixes in Pilates and weight training to build up her core muscles, sport-specific muscles and complimentary muscles.

6. When the going gets tough…
Bernett, the Longmont runner, suggests that athletes increase massage right before and after a big event. “If I get a massage right after a marathon, I skip an entire painful day of recovery,” she said. Sally McJoynt Pillsbury, owner of Performance Sports Massage, says a post-event massage is for flushing out toxins and aiding in lymphatic drainage—not tackling deep tissue.

7. get Rolfing
If you’ve heard one thing about Rolfing, you’ve heard about the pain. But Jonathan Martine, certified Rolfer and Rolfing instructor at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, says times have changed in the Rolfing industry. “Over the years, we’ve adjusted the way we work with the body,” Martine said. “We now work with the person rather than on them.” Rolfing tackles the fascia of the body (a form of soft tissue) and works to improve posture, balance and alignment.

8. The myth of the Weekend Warrior
Diane Dandeneau has two choices: She can work out every day, enjoy 100-mile rides on Saturdays, and then comfortably relax the rest of her weekend, or she can do nothing throughout the week and then endure a weekend ride that leaves her exhausted, sore and in pain. This is why the 47-year-old road cyclist, mountain biker and avid hiker says there is a myth about the weekend warrior: “Being fit and getting workouts in throughout the week allows me to have a blast on the weekend,” she said. “You can’t just be a weekend warrior.”

9. Massage: not just for the busted and broken
You wait until your muscles begin revolting against the stress and strain of your lifestyle…and then you call the massage therapist. McJoynt Pillsbury, a longtime Boulder sports massage therapist who has worked on both pros and weekend warriors, says seeing a therapist regularly ensures athletes are aware of the conditions of their muscles. “We can tell where they need to strength train or stretch, which can help prevent injuries,” she said.

10. The right kind of doping
Voss suggests taking a Motrin right before the big event. “You’ll be in less pain during the event and less sore after,” he said.

Liquor Store
EC.c : & EC.r: Daveco Liquors
BD.c : & EC.r: Liquor Mart

Date Night
EC.c : Praha
EC.r : Sugarbeet
BD.c : John’s Restaurant
BD.r : The Med

2} Bucking the Law?
Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck isn’t above the law. In fact, he’s right in the middle of it. State District Court Judge James Hiatt has halted an identity theft investigation that could implicate more than 1,000 suspected illegal immigrants—until he decides whether Buck and other law enforcement agencies used legal tactics to glean information on suspects. Hiatt ordered Weld County officials to fork over documents they took while searching a tax preparer’s office last year. The paperwork is the foundation for charges involving fake Social Security numbers, which are often used by illegal immigrants for employment. The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado filed the lawsuit against Buck and Weld County Sheriff John Cooke, claiming that they violated privacy rights of taxpayers when they seized the documents.
What’s Next: Hiatt is expected to make a decision in April.

3} Grocers Sober Up—For Now
Kings Soopers, your dreams of aisles flanked with stacks of shiny cans of silver and blue and glistening brown bottles may be over…or are they? Last month the bill that would allow grocers to sell full-strength beer, House Bill 1192, died in committee. Those who voted against the bill suggested a desire to protect small businesses. But the Centennial State’s Safeways and 7-11s may not have to wait too long to sell suds. Advocates say that Coloradans have not seen the end of this issue.
What’s Next: Advocates will likely work to bring the issue to the voters of Colorado, possibly even on the 2010 ballot.

4} Churchill Shoots, Scores!
Ward Churchill’s fait was in the hands of a jury: Was he the victim of a right-wing crusade—or himself? After deliberating for several hours, a unanimous Denver jury announced the University of Colorado fired its famously controversial professor as vengeance for publishing an essay in which he compared some Sept. 11 victims to Nazi Adolf Eichmann. While they found he was fired for protected free speech—and not because of academic misconduct like the university claimed—the jury was not about to let Churchill reap rewards for the victory: He was offered $1 for damages. Churchill’s case took a starring role in local and regional headlines last month, when his four-week wrongful termination trial brought state elected and university officials to testify about the firing.
What’s Next: Denver Chief District Judge Larry Naves will now decide if CU will have to take Churchill back.

5} Driver Gets Charged
The Boulder woman who hit and killed Louisville resident John Breaux after she veered her PT Cruiser off U.S. Highway 287 in Lafayette on Jan. 30 was officially charged in Boulder County Court last month with one count of criminally negligent homicide. Mary Jo Anne Thomas, 62, could receive a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Prosecutors did not pursue a felony charge of vehicular homicide because toxicology reports showed Thomas was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. At the scene of the accident, Thomas failed roadside tests and took 30 seconds to respond to questions, according to police. Thomas’ attorney said she suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Breaux was a local fixture in Louisville and considered a goodwill ambassador in the community.
What’s Next: Thomas’ next court appearance is slated for May 8.

2} Whither Then, Home Rule?
The town of Frederick will be holding public meetings to answer questions from its residents about adopting a home rule charter. The process works something like this: home rule municipalities adopt a charter that outlines the rules of the town including zoning regulations, building codes and development guidelines. More importantly, a home rule city can levy taxes and collect impact fees from developers. All incorporated towns operate under state statute (hence the term “statutory city”) unless its citizens opt for home rule—something that 98 Colorado municipalities have done to date. What’s Next: A series of town meetings about the home rule process. Places and times: 1–2:30pm March 7, Rinn United Methodist Church; 7:30–9pm March 17, Legacy Elementary; and 10–11:30am March 23, Frederick Town Hall.

3} Could Be a Hit
The City of Lafayette is considering building more playing fields on 24 acres of jointly owned open space on Colo. 42. Lafayette’s dream of six new, artificial turf playing fields is being rudely awakened by the estimated $8 million price tag. Lafayette officials say demand is there, and because its use as a ball field was part of the original purchase agreement, don’t expect Boulder County to object. What’s Next: Other, cheaper options for increasing access and capacity at Lafayette’s ball parks include overhauling the Lamont Does field and installing lights on two of the City Park ball diamonds—significant capacity for a fraction of the cost. Barring some unforeseen stimulus, and of course the obligatory “study” for a couple grand, don’t expect this Astroturf reverie to last much past Opening Day.

4} It’s Just an Idea
Rock Creek residents got their swarm on after finding out about a plan submitted in February by Richmond Homes to the Superior Town Board. Dozens of neighbors showed up at the initial meeting looking to throw cold water on the idea of letting Richmond give the town 15 acres of commercial land in exchange for 11 acres at Indiana Street and West Torreys Peak on which it would get to build 38 homes. Irate residents said the proposed homes would change the look and feel of their neighborhood for the worse. They also complained that more homes would force down already sagging property values in the area by flooding the weak market, produce increased crowding in the school and add to traffic in the area. One alternative from the crowd was that the parcel be made into a park; something that side of town is lacking. What’s Next: Despite taking a year to work out terms for such a land swap with the city, Richmond Homes must still submit a formal development plan and perform various studies before the idea can proceed. Regardless, don’t look for opposition to the scheme to abate.

Boulder County residents interested in installing solar panels on their homes, upgrading their hot water heaters and furnaces, and adding some insulation may begin to submit applications as soon as April and begin work in May. According to a time line approved by county commissioners, the bond-financed improvements will commence after applicants attend a series of mandatory workshops about the program. What’s Next: The big picture is a good one, but look for tweaks and changes in the program as details get ironed out.

2} Saving Land, a Novel Idea
It’s a Democrat’s world now, and despite a new administration being in its first days, it would appear there’s a major shift on one issue: preservation. Last month, actually a week before President Obama was sworn in, major progress was made in preserving more than 2 million acres of wilderness, including a 250,000 swath of land in Rocky Mountain National Park. This would be the largest expansion of wilderness protection in a quarter century, thus showcasing a new direction of land management with the Democrats in firm control of both houses and the White House. What’s Next: We’re hoping this is a sign President Bush’s anti-environmental policy will quickly erode.

What’s more important: Being a good neighbor or expanding educational facilities to keep pace with other universities? It would appear the University of Colorado believes the latter. CU is moving forward with a four-story building that could break ground this spring at 15th Street and Grandview Avenue. It will tower 20 feet above Boulder’s 55-foot height restrictions for that neighborhood, but since CU is a state entity, there is little Boulder can do to stop the university despite outcries from neighbors. The college says the 50,000-square foot building that will house the Institute of Behavioral Science is desperately needed. What’s Next: Boulderites will bemoan the building before realizing that what’s good for CU is generally good for the city. Oh wait…

4} Beer Diversity 3.2
Normally, we are all for convinence. So on paper, it seems like a great idea to allow Colorado grocers and gas stations to be able to sell full-strength beer instead of that watered-down 3.2 baloney. This is now being debated at the statehouse, a year after legislators Ok’d the sale of booze on Sundays. What many fail to realize is that the state law that prohibits liquor store franchises (the rule that stops grocers from packing their aisles with beer, wine and spirits) is really good for booze diversity. Having the “little guys” run liquor stores allows for a floursing local microbrew selection as well as an amazing choice of wines. If the Safeways and Targets of the world start wiping out the corner stores, you’ll see the selection dwindel to a select few microbrews and the biggest names in beer. What’s Next: We’re guessing by July, you’ll be able to pick up a six pack of regular strength Coors at 7-Eleven—steer clear and buy local microbrews instead.

5}Give a Conservative a Chance
College campuses have become havens for liberal thinking. It’s truly difficult to find conservative professors, especially at a place such as the University of Colorado in super liberal Boulder. That’s why when it was announced that the university was creating a $9 million endowment to fund the Visiting Chair in Conservative Thought and Policy, we lauded it as a way to bring a more diverse mix of teaching at CU.

Apparently, the university’s College Democrats don’t like the idea so much. They are arguing that this endowed chair tokenizes a particular point of view. But CU needs more conservative voices to ensure a balanced education just like the university needs to continue recruiting minorities to attend. What’s Next: We’ll be curious to see where the College
Democrats stop.

What’s Next: If this happens, bloggers will have one less source of quality information to pull from.

What’s Next: Expect to see St. Vrain do more than just maintain the status quo—higher test scores, happier parents, increased home values. Money well spent.

What’s Next: We’ll wait to see if some of those costs get passed on to the tuition bills of the K-12 students at the posh school.

What’s Next: Peace of mind will come knowing powerful groups won’t be able to pour thousands into the campaign coffers for city candidates.