Spend summer in the pages of a good book

Summer reading programs are a fun and competitive way to keep literacy skills sharp during the languid, sunny months for kids and adults alike. But summer reading can serve yet another vital function.

In an age of heightened censorship, books with themes of LGBTQ+, race, mental health, sexuality, and social justice are being banned and restricted in schools across the United States. Second Lady Usha Vance launched a summer reading program last year, particularly encouraging military families to participate while at the same time schools near military bases were actively pulling books from their libraries for DEI-related themes and, what Florida state attorney called, “pornographic” content. 

Additionally, library funding has been challenged on a federal level with the Trump Administration’s appeal to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) which is the only federal agency dedicated to providing funding for the nation’s libraries. Earlier this month the American Library Association struck a historic win, when a federal court granted the Trump Administration’s request to withdraw its appeal to defund the IMLS.

With so much tumult rocking bookshelves, this summer, more than ever, is the time to show support for your local libraries by checking out physical books, e-books, even audiobooks. Showing demand for library services ensures continued access to books that provide essential historical, identity, and human rights perspectives.

Here is Yellow Scene’s guide to the various library summer reading programs in the area. If you’re not sure where to start, you’ll also find their book recommendations and get a peek at the prizes that await (fun ones too, not just the moralistic prizes for reading)!

BOULDER

Boulder Public Library’s Summer of Discovery is kicking off June 1st and running through July 31st. Kids, teens, adults, and even pre-readers are invited to participate. 

• Every 50 minutes of reading or participating in one library-approved activity earns the reader 50 points. Reaching 500 points earns readers a prize. 
• All registrants receive a buy-one-get-one-free voucher to a Colorado Rapids game, and adults are entered into a drawing upon registration.  
• Kids and teens who complete the challenge will receive a coupon for a free ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery, a free entry to Gateway Park Fun Center, and the choice between a new book or a coupon to the Paper and Spine bookstore.  
• Adults who complete the challenge will receive a coupon for a free ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery and a second entry into a drawing for a gift certificate. 

Once the main challenge is finished, participants can keep earning points to use as entries for the grand prize drawing. Each additional 100 points = 1 entry. There is a limit of three entries total. One winner will be drawn from each age group.

Grand prizes include: 

• Pre-Readers: Strider Bike
• Kids: Gift Card for a Cooking Class at the Food Lab
• Teens: Gift Card for a Cooking Class at the Food Lab
• Adults: Gift Card for a Class at Colorado Glass Works

The Boulder Library lists staff and reader picks on their blog, which can be filtered based on adult, teen, or kid reading. Their Teen-by-Teen book picks include reviews like Ellie’s recommendation, Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, a paranormal mystery romance following a trans man from an unaccepting traditional Latinx family who unleashes unexpected consequences with a dangerous family ritual. In another teen review, Julian touts Queer Ducks (And Other Animals): The Animal World of Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer. NPR’s All Things Considered calls Queer Ducks “teenager-friendly. It’s a Printz Honor young adult book filled with comics and humor and accessible science, and it’s filled with research on the diversity of sexual behavior in the animal world.”  

Other teen and adult picks include I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, a story told by twins exploring family and identity, and Soma by Fernando Llor, a sci-fi graphic novel about a struggling author whose fate collides with an alien’s. 

Staff recommendations for adults include The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie Scott, a romance novel following a plus-size woman who is given unexpected gifts from a witch she saves, and The Emperor of Gladness by award-winning poet and fiction writer Ocean Vuong. 

The Boulder Library staff also created extensive booklists for kids on their website, which are broken down into categories like “Women Making History” and “Picture Books About Black History,” as well as by genre and age range.

ERIE

Director of Erie Public Library Becky L. Duncan was excited to share that their summer reading program will include all ages for the first time – “from 0 to 100.” It kicks off June 1st, and the theme is Bingo! More info will be shared on the Erie Public Library’s website as the date draws closer.

LAFAYETTE

The Friends of the Lafayette Library present the Exploring Colorful Colorado Summer Reading Program, running June 1st through July 31st. The program’s America 250/Colorado 150 theme celebrates the nation’s and the state’s anniversaries. 

At Festival Plaza on Thursday, May 28th, the Library’s Summer Reading Program will kick off with Picnic on the Plaza, presented by the Arts and Cultural Resources Department, featuring award-winning artist Jenn Cleary. The library says, “This family-friendly event is the perfect way to kick off a season of reading, music, and community fun.” 

No fees or registration are required to participate. Participants can track reading and activity goals with a paper passport or online. Lafayette residents and visitors can expect regular Saturday special events, workshops, storytimes, and other engaging activities all summer. Signup begins on June 1st, either in person at the library or online.

LONGMONT

Longmont’s Public Library is holding Summer Bingo May 21st through July 31st, kicking off with a party on the library’s West patio headlined by local youth band RLY ORY. 

Kids and teens must complete BINGO boards by July 31 for a chance to win prizes. Adults are also encouraged to participate and can track their reading, get card punches as they finish books, and win small prizes along the way.

DENVER

The Denver Public Library is hosting Summer of Adventure from June 1st through August 10th. It promises to be “a season filled with exciting events, reading inspiration, book giveaways, hands-on STEM activities, nature discovery, teen workforce opportunities, and meaningful connections for all ages.” Readers up to those in the 12th grade can complete 20 hours of reading, learning, listening, and attending library events to earn a completion prize. Upon registration, participants will receive their Adventure Guide to fill out with their activities. Participants can expect to find free books at any one of the library’s events.

COLORADO-WIDE

The Colorado Rapids Summer Reading Program partners with local libraries to reward young readers with complimentary game tickets and discounted tickets for family members. Readers can sign up at any library.

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The post Summer Reading Programs appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Correction (5/13): A previous version of this article incorrectly referenced Rachel Friend in connection with Laura Gonzales; that reference has been removed.

A Boulder resident is being targeted with criminal charges for protesting Israel and their occupation of Gaza. Her attorneys argue the prosecution is a direct violation of her right to free speech. 

A Boulder resident since 2011, Laura Gonzalez has spent the last three years as a prominent advocate for Palestine at city council meetings. Her activism is rooted in a complex personal history: she is the youngest of ten children, the first American born to undocumented immigrants, and the child of a survivor of the Guatemalan genocide. Gonzalez, who is Indigenous with Mayan ancestry, views her vocalism as a direct resistance to the erasure of marginalized people.

“Silence is erasure,” Gonzalez said. “We have 500 years of white-washed history in the United States and I don’t want that to happen to Palestine.”

Gonzalez now faces multiple legal hurdles, including a felony charge following an incident with council member Matt Benjamin. Police arrested her at her home the day after that encounter. She also faces a misdemeanor and a separate accusation of graffiti.

Represented by attorneys Cameron Bedard and Andy McNulty, Gonzalez noted that rules of decorum changed quickly before she was hit with charges like “harassment of a public official.” She maintains the legal action is targeted. “I’m being used as a scapegoat,” Gonzalez stated. “But this is all about Palestine.”

Gonzalez was referencing Boulder’s $35 million dollar portfolio holdings in corporations profiting from Israeli military occupation. Boulder’s portfolio includes Microsoft, which has supported the Israeli military and settlement’s technological needs, and Caterpillar, which supplied bulldozers used in Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza that allegedly buried wounded civilians alive. 

“Boulder is more focused on investments and corporations than it used to be,” Gonzalez emphasized. 

Cameron Bedard, Gonzalez’ defense attorney, also expressed disappointment in Boulder’s shifting priorities. “This fits a growing trend nationally using the legal system to discourage activism,” Bedard remarked. “Boulder is a seemingly progressive bastion, but when over a hundred other progressive cities like Atlanta, San Francisco, and Detroit passed a symbolic ceasefire, Boulder refused to do so.” 

Gonzalez, among other Boulderites, publicly protested the council’s decision, and for three instances of protest she is facing legal retaliation. Andy McNulty is Gonzalez’ civil rights attorney for a charge of “graffiti” for writing “Boulder City Council invests $30m/yr in genocide and ecocide in Palestine” in washable chalk on Pearl Street Mall. McNulty explained, “Freedom of speech violations are broad, but 1st Amendment violations are much narrower [to claim]” 

In a direct response to pro-Palestinian’s protests and increased intensity at city council meetings following the June 1st Pearl Street attack targeting Jewish community members, rules for public comment changed: the time for each speaker was reduced from three minutes to two, the visual component of recording speakers was removed, and a randomization system to pick 20 speakers from the public comment list was put in place. Removing visual components from speakers made it so protestors couldn’t use signs to convey their messages, or fly Palestinian flags, as noted by Gonzalez. 

The randomization system does not have a transparency statement on the city of Boulder’s website, but the city clerk did provide details on the process upon request, including the use of Formstack and Excel’s randomization formula. City Clerk Elesha Johnson said, “The data is sorted after community members that were selected to speak at the last meeting are removed in accordance with our Council Rules of Procedures that prohibits speakers to be selected for 2 consecutive meetings.” 

McNulty, responding to the changes made to public comment, stated “There are no First Amendment violations in changing the rules of public comment. There is no First Amendment reason that city councils have to have a public comment portion at all.” Places like Weld County have removed public comment from their board meetings altogether. He continued, “But what is a first amendment violation: that Laura is banned for a year from city council meetings for speaking out against Israel. That is viewpoint discrimination.” 

One of the incidents for which Gonzalez faces charges, she asked a council member over a megaphone whether “the hundreds of thousands of children that are dead because of your money” mattered. This amongst other pointed questions were cited as “true threats” or “fighting words”, and begs the question of what the line is between dissent and harassment. 

Gonzalez responded to claims of harassment from elected officials, saying “The difference between [the council member’s fear] and my anger is that my anger comes from pain and trauma, and their fear comes from the fear that [pro-Palestinians and Indigenous] are going to do to them what their ancestors did to us, which is not true. All we want is freedom.”

While free speech is being threatened nationwide, Gonzalez’s lawyer Cameron Bedard supports her and others’ right to be politically outspoken, stating, “This is a righteous case. A state institution prosecuting apparatus targeting a person for voicing their concerns and speaking out against genocide is wrong.” He continued, “I don’t care which side of the equation you’re on – if you are pro Zionism or anti-Zionism. The First amendment doesn’t care.” 

As Boulder leaders and residents navigate the legal and social fallout of these cases, the focus remains on the intersection of municipal law and constitutional rights. Gonzalez and her legal team argue that the prosecution serves as an attempt to silence opposition to the city’s financial and political ties to the conflict in Gaza. They contend that the outcome of her case carries implications for all Boulder citizens, regardless of their political stance on international issues.

“They don’t have to like me, or my tone, or my opinions,” Gonzalez said. “I’m still fighting for their rights [to free speech] and if they don’t fight with me and I go down, they’re going to go down too.”

While the city maintains that the charges are a matter of public decorum and safety, the defense insists the criminalization of these protests sets a dangerous precedent. The proceedings continue to draw attention to the boundaries of protected speech within local government chambers.

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The post Is Free Speech legal in Boulder? The Case for 1 Protestor appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Affordable housing is a glaring and urgent concern for metropolitan areas and their surrounding towns across America. In Denver, average home prices have almost doubled in the last decade. Boulder has seen a similarly steep trend in that time period while the average rent across Colorado is $2040 a month. Aside from inflation, these skyrocketing numbers have been attributed to the involvement of what are being widely being referred to as “corporate investors.” The logic behind the attribution is that these large investors are taking ownership of pre-existing residential units, namely single family homes (SFH) which lowers the available supply for purchase and drives up demand. The other branch of this argument is that those residential units are then turned around and rented out for prices so high that renters can’t save up to buy a home. 

In response to these affordable housing concerns, an executive order from the Trump Administration on January 20th called for greater restrictions on large investors’ purchases of SFH. “Neighborhoods and communities once controlled by middle-class American families are now run by faraway corporate interests,” Trump stated. “People live in homes, not corporations.”  An official stop on Wall Street involvement, from the president whose family legacy is built upon corporatization, makes sense from the lens of the “returning to traditional American values” messaging which has dominated the MAGA platform. 

“Buying and owning a home has long been considered the pinnacle of the American dream and a way for families to invest and build lifetime wealth,” Trump’s order reads. “But…that American dream has been increasingly out of reach for too many of our citizens, especially first-time homebuyers.”  

Colorado realtor Vivi Gloriod said that the January 20th executive order works in conjunction with an August 2025 order which, in part, allows individuals to withdraw from their 401k’s for the purpose of purchasing homes – with zero penalties and zero taxes. “A lot of people get matching [401k’s] with their employers but it was elusive money they couldn’t touch until they turned 65.” Gloriod added hopefully, “This could make a big difference in housing affordability for first time buyers.” 

Although the imbalance of Colorado’s housing supply and demand is apparent to realtors, renters, and aspirational homeowners alike, banning corporate investors from buying more property only fractionally addresses the affordable housing crisis. The housing issue spans multiple sectors, all engaging in a tug of war over supply, costs and risk. 

With the implementation of HB23-1253 in 2023, the Colorado legislature created a task force to study corporate home ownership. They published their findings in a June 2025 report. The report shows that in 2023 the share of corporate owned housing across all “owner occupiable” units in Colorado was 3%, which was less than the national average. One of the top three corporate investors, accounting for highest ownership of residential realty in the country, is Blackstone Inc. 

Gloriod said, “Blackstone has bought up a ton of houses in Colorado in the past, and this executive order really prevents that from happening again.” She was referring to a lot of 978 apartment units under Blackstone’s ownership, later sold to Equity Residential in 2024, as well as a 2007 purchase of  359 residential properties through “Tishman Speyer Real Estate Venture VII,” a partnership between two Blackstone subsidiaries. The mass of property acquired by corporate heavy hitters like Blackstone is nothing to snuff at but it cannot account for the entirety of the affordable housing crisis Coloradans find themselves in. 

Smaller LLC investors, known as “mom-and-pops,” have also played a role in lowering housing supply. According to Cotality’s 2024 data acquisition close to 1 in 5 SFH purchases made since the pandemic were done so by these so-called mom-and-pop landlords. Both Gloriod and Joe Seehusen of Compass Real Estate said that Colorado was a hot spot for small and large investors alike in the 2010s, but that has changed in recent years. Seehusen said “Ideally when you are a mom-and-pop investor, you want to buy low and rent high enough to net a profit. There were opportunities for people wanting a 10-20 house portfolio in Colorado, before prices started shooting up. So now they’re leaving town for cheaper places like St. Louis.” 

Despite federal claims that blocking large investors will increase homeowner accessibility, the trickle out of such investors from Colorado’s housing market witnessed by Gloriod and Seehusen has not significantly impacted Coloradans’ home ownership opportunities.  

Increasing the housing supply has been looked to as a possible solution for affordable housing in Colorado. In 2019, Colorado hit a historic peak – the shortfall between housing demand and supply was a gap of 140,000, meaning 140,000 residents who wanted or needed homes did not have them.  Since the HB23-1253 initiative, led by Governor Jared Polis, the State Demography Office (SDO), and Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the shortfall lessened to 106,000 units but, the report acknowledges that the drop was largely due to slower population growth and increased housing production. “Between 2020 and 2023, Colorado built an average of 43,000 housing units each year, significantly higher than the pace of the previous decade.”

Seehusen, who has been a realtor to the West of I-25 for eleven years, said that continuing to increase the housing supply has become incredibly difficult. Building supplies, while increasingly plasticized, have been deteriorating in quality since the pandemic, and prices have spiked with the implementation of Trump’s tariffs. Seehusen said, “A lot of builders don’t want to build because the quality of the building can go downhill. If they put in windows that give out in five years, they can get sued…They just don’t build complexes how they used to.” 

Stricter zoning has also played into liability and costs, as in the case of the Boulder and Superior areas after the Marshall Fire. With over a thousand homes destroyed, Boulder implemented new fire-preventative requirements for new developments, but residents’ insurance coverage for losing their home could not afford a re-build under those requirements.  

Along with increased mortgage interest rates in the Denver area – from approximately 3% in 2020 to 6.5% in 2025 – insurance rates for both builders and homeowners have also gone up. “Colorado is in the top three for hail in the country. With high HOA rates, owners can’t afford to repair hail or other kinds of damage, and the damage gets worse because of that,” Seehusen said. While liability increases for builders using less sustainable materials, the use of cheaper materials does make housing more affordable. “People may not like it, but they have to do it that way.” Seehusen said as he referred to the war between affordability and liability. 

“For example, there is an initiative for ‘assumable loans,’ where somebody can sell their house with the same interest rate they bought it at. So if they’re paying a 2.8% interest from a house they bought in the pandemic, the next owner would assume that amount… but a deal like that in a market with a 6 or 7% average, would drive up the value anyway,” Seehusen weighed. 

It is possible that the White House block of Wall Street investors may work in conjunction with its’ executive order to make 401k’s more fluid for potential homeowners to result in more accessibility for first time homeowners, as Gloriod predicted. But in the grand scheme of Colorado’s housing, the restriction of corporate buyers will hardly move the needle. If the complex problem of affordable housing is to be even marginally solved, it will require a more holistic approach than an executive order can provide.

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The post Affordable Housing vs Housing People Can Afford appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Key Lime Air, boasted as the #1 air charter in the world, is based out of Colorado’s very own Centennial Airport in Englewood.  What was once a point of pride for Coloradans took a sour turn for many in September 2025, when organizations Human Rights First and Colorado Newsline confirmed that Key Lime Air is part of a loose network of deportation contractors called ICE Air. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows that Key Lime Air has been running flights for deportation and detention transfers, accounting for 11% of ICE’s total. This knowledge sparked an uproar at Colorado University of Boulder, as the university has held a contract with Key Lime Air since 2011 for transporting their men’s and women’s basketball teams. Protestors have been putting pressure on CU to take a stance against ICE and cut the contract with Key Lime.  At their March 17th meeting, students and outraged community members rallied for change, but CU’s board of regents ultimately declined to end their contract. During a conversation with Yellow Scene Magazine, an active member of the overall resistance of ICE activity in Colorado conveyed strongly that the fight at CU is far from over. In fact, it is continuing with a tailored approach: from the angle of airline safety. 

The White House has depicted deportations as highly militaristic affairs, with social media posts showing deportees filing into Air Force C-17s. However, the reality is that 85% of  flights transporting detainees as of March 21 have been on charter planes like Key Lime. Dana Miller, a former flight attendant for almost 30 years, now co-lead of Denver Immigrants Partnership Team  has joined the fight at CU  

“Flight attendants are trained to evacuate a certain way in case of emergencies,” Miller shared, “but how do you safely evacuate an airplane where everyone on ICE Air flights are shackled at the waist, hands, and feet?” 

It’s standard that full shackles and chains are used to restrain individuals being deported or relocated to another ICE prison. 

Miller said, “Flights like this existed before the Trump administration, but the difference now is there is no due process. Everyone is assumed guilty.” 

Aside from the visceral display of dehumanization, the shackles are a safety concern for several reasons. One reason is their hindrance to evacuations. The FAA has a “90 second rule” for emergency evacuations, and the majority of recorded ICE flights have exceeded that time limit, one of which took over 7 minutes to evacuate 115 passengers. 

Miller explained , “Seven minutes may not seem like a lot of time, but think about if the plane was on fire […] It’s a disaster waiting to happen.” 

Another safety concern expressed by Miller was cabin decompressions. “If a plane loses altitude, oxygen masks are supposed to drop from the ceiling for passengers to put on, but the detainees were not able to reach their oxygen masks because their hands were restrained.” Cabin decompressions result in the thinning of breathable air, and even 30 seconds in this atmospheric condition struggling against chains to reach for a mask can cause hypoxia. 

Flagging the health and safety of detainees on ICE flights will not convince those who do not view detainees as human. Trump has long used racist and animalizing language when talking about immigrants, convincing his followers that the majority are dangerous criminals. Upon the launch of his first presidential bid in 2015, Trump claimed, “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some, I assume, are good people. But I speak to border guards and they’re telling us what we’re getting,” and in 2024 he stated that Mexican migrants “are not humans. They’re animals.” Pivoting from morals to include public safety concerns – with specific airline industry knowledge – was a strategic choice made by the ICE opposition at CU. 

Dana Miller said, “My organization [Denver IPT] has a three page document of safety concerns with Key Lime, including those for staff.” 

Former pilots and other staff have also expressed safety concerns for Key Lime at large. 

“There seems to be quite a bit of disrespect for Key Lime in public pilot forums, often referring to them as ‘Key Slime’.” 

This  sentiment was echoed by five pilots who had quit Key Lime in 2025. The pilots told 13 Investigates that they’ve “experienced problems with landing gear, GPS, or the autopilot system that should have kept Key Lime Airplanes on the ground, but didn’t.” Documentation shows that one pilot was told to “reset circuit breakers on an airplane mid-flight to resolve a critical issue with the autopilot function.” The company responded to these and several other claims of Key Lime compromising both staff and customer safety with the following statement:

“Key Lime Air has an impeccable safety record during its 27 years serving destinations throughout Colorado, the United States, and Canada. The company is dedicated to safety as its single highest priority, including strict pilot training and stringent operational and maintenance programs. The allegations recently raised by some pilots are an attempt to avoid their contracts with Key Lime Air. Key Lime Air looks forward to proving its case in court against these pilots.”

Miller explained the resistance to ICE at CU is made up of two arms – one dedicated to convincing CU’s board of regents to end the contract and the other dedicated to Key Lime’s accountability. Aurora Unidos CSO, a grassroots organization fighting for immigrant rights and Chicano liberation, have led the efforts of the latter arm, including a car rally at Centennial Airport with Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition to apply pressure on Key Lime. Miller, from the contract side of the fight said, “Every week I sent the board of regents emails and each week they were about different things: what actually goes on on ICE charters, documented safety concerns at Key Lime, corporate culture at the airline, what’s happening to CU’s reputation in the community, and so on.” Denver Immigrant Partnership additionally compiled a four page safety analysis, including fatal and non-fatal incidents upon Key Lime Air.

In a February 24th letter, however, the board of regents dismissed the public’s concerns: 

“(We) spent additional time gathering information on that issue and are satisfied that the airline has a strong safety record for its passenger division, which is the arm of the airline that flies people to and from destinations.” 

Additionally, the CEO of Key Lime Air, Cliff Honeycutt, has refused requests for conversation with movement leaders, and Key Lime has provided only the following statement in response:

“Key Lime Air respects the right of all individuals to peacefully protest and share their opinions. As a matter of policy, we are unable to discuss our charter operations. Our focus remains on conducting ALL Key Lime Air flights in accordance with the highest federally mandated safety standards. We kindly ask that any demonstrations remain peaceful and that the safety of all participants, employees, and members of the public be maintained at all times.”

Key Lime Air has confirmed that they work under a subcontract for CSI Aviation,  one of the largest federal contractors for ICE flights. CSI Aviation holds an approximately $563 million contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

As of now, CU’s board of regents plan to see their agreement with Key Lime through to the end of 2028, but Miller and other protestors are not deterred. 

“In the 1980s, CU divested from apartheid in South Africa. It took a year or two of consistent effort to get them to move, but eventually they did.” Miller also felt there was reason to believe that “a couple members” of the nine-seated board are on the movement’s side, and that there is sway occurring behind the confidential doors of executive sessions.  

In the call to end the litany of horrors being inflicted upon immigrants, those suspected of immigrant status, and dissenters alike, pleas for humanity have not changed the direction of some Colorado leaders. As demonstrated by CU’s protestors illuminating the hazardous faults in Key Lime and ICE Air’s safety practices, when the emotional facts are not enough to change hearts or minds, resistance can adapt and take a more precise aim.

To find out more about CU’s contract with Key Lime and the efforts to end it, email organizers at notokeylime@gmail.com. 

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The post Fighting ICE from the Sky: Behind the CU Key Lime Air Protests appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Erie is currently committed to increasing its affordable housing stock to 12% by 2035, and no project looms larger in that effort than the Village at Coal Creek, a 46-acre property near Old Town that the town purchased in 2023 for $6.9 million. The money came from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and the town’s TNACC, Trails, Natural Areas and Community Character fund, and the land was initially promoted as a future mixed-income neighborhood with trails, parks, and workforce-level housing. In practice, the project has been mired in uncertainty and bureaucratic delay that has been driven in part by Mayor Andrew Moore, who has repeatedly urged the council to slow down on decisions about the property’s future. Last April, Moore questioned whether the land would be better served as a park. By November, he was floating something else entirely.

At the November 17th Town Council meeting, Moore proposed that the Coal Creek land be used to relocate St. Scholastica, an Erie Catholic Church currently located on Highway 52. 

“Does it make more sense to put a place of worship, possibly St. Scholastica, on this property?” he asked, before adding that Catholic Charities might be a resource for incorporating affordable housing into such a plan. “[…] that’s really as far as the thought got.”

Council members Anil Peseramelli and Dan Hoback were both caught off guard. Hoback told Yellow Scene the proposition was “sprung on the council” without warning. Peseramelli said, “I would have expected to hear this before. We did study sessions on [Coal Creek Property] and it never came up in those sessions.”

But emails obtained through the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) tell a different story. The idea had gone considerably further than Moore’s “thought” framing suggested.

The CORA records reveal that a planning process involving St. Scholastica, Catholic Charities, a project management firm, the Mayor, and other Erie figures had been privately underway for at least five months before Moore raised it at the November council meeting. Aside from Pro Tem Brandon Bell, no other council members were included in the conversations Yellow Scene Magazine obtained.

One notable email is dated June 20th and was sent by Don Fitzmartin, President and CEO of Fitzmartin Consulting. Its language references prior meetings, suggesting the process was already in motion. Fitzmartin laid out two tracks: continuing development on a 10-acre parcel St. Scholastica had purchased near Highway 52 in 2020, or pursuing a land swap that would give the church a foothold at Coal Creek instead. The email also floated a “first right of refusal” on the balance of the Coal Creek property meaning the church could claim additional portions ahead of any other use, including affordable housing. That provision doesn’t reappear in later emails, but the land swap remains central to two more emails and a meeting agenda in the CORA records.

A June 27th meeting agenda for a gathering between “St. Scholastica, the Town of Erie, & Catholic Charities” makes clear how much the church had riding on Coal Creek. The agenda outlines what the church hoped to build at Coal Creek: a new church for 800 to 1,000 parishioners, a parish hall and administrative offices, and a possible future grade school. The scale of St. Scholastica’s Coal Creek ambitions represents a striking departure from where the church’s priorities appeared to be just four years ago. In a January 2021 newsletter, Development Committee Chair Mike Crader wrote that the Highway 52 property the church had just purchased would “provide for the community for the next 100 to 150 years”. By 2024, that property appears in the CORA records only as a bargaining chip in a land swap. What St. Scholastica now intends to do with Highway 52 is unclear, and the church did not respond to Yellow Scene’s Magazine’s request for comment about the shift.

Moore’s portion of the June 27th agenda focuses entirely on the land swap. It references the town-wide survey planned for July 2025, noting that if results showed public support for affordable housing, the Coal Creek property “becomes a place for real conversation and a partnership”, and frames Dig Studio’s ongoing land-use analysis as relevant due diligence for the St. Scholastica plan. That analysis eventually produced five options for Coal Creek, varying the balance between housing and open space. None includes a church. Aly Burkhalter, the Villages at Coal Creek project manager and Dig Studio Senior Planner, does not appear anywhere in the five months of emails.

The July survey did show affordable housing and open space as top priorities for Erie residents — neither of which a church development cleanly satisfies. The fact that Mayor Moore may have been privately advancing an alternative plan while that survey was being conducted and processed strikes some council members as potentially problematic.

 “One, it’s about respecting people’s opinions,” council member Peseramelli told Yellow Scene. “Two, it’s about transparency, because it is taxpayers’ money [going toward the project].”

Moore’s own emails are telling. On June 22nd, he wrote: “The town likely won’t swap land. However, the Paige property is already paid for with ARPA (federal) and Open Space funds and is designated for affordable housing […] My hope is that we can find a partnership where the town provides land for Catholic Charities to build the affordable housing, helping meet our goals while also creating a new opportunity for a new church site.”

Moore had publicly opposed affordable housing at Coal Creek, so his willingness to quietly carve out an exception for a church did not go unnoticed by colleagues. 

“[The potential of the St. Scholastica project including 150 affordable housing units] has been held out as a carrot to the council,” Hoback said. “Erie committed to become 12% affordable housing, and we are currently at 1%. The 150 units in the St. Scholastica plan would be a drop in the bucket.”

What’s Next

The plan now faces a significant obstacle. The Open Space and Trails Advisory Board reviewed St. Scholastica’s pre-application on February 9th and sent a letter to the Council recommending denial. OSTAB’s reasoning was direct:

 “The St. Scholastica development would destroy the attributes of the property for which it was purchased to preserve. The plan does not accommodate open space, natural areas, irrigated agriculture, a healthy riparian area, wildlife and bird habitat, floodplain buffering, viewshed protection, or a tranquil outdoor experience.”

Hoback noted that even when the town first purchased the Coal Creek property, there were concerns about its suitability. 

“The buildable portions didn’t lend an ideal splitting of affordable housing and open space,” he said. 

At a November 19th study session, the Council discussed whether the ARPA funding could be refunded or reallocated if affordable housing was not included in the final Coal Creek plan. Notably absent from that discussion was any mention of what would happen to  TNACC’s contribution if the land were designated solely for affordable housing.

For Paranelli, none of the procedural maneuvering changes what’s at stake.

 “I see it through the lens of how hard it is to be in a home, build equity, and build a family around it. It’s so easy to become homeless in Colorado. Two-to-three months without salary,” he said. 

He continued reflecting on his own background: “I grew up in a one-room home in India and the roof was leaky every monsoon season. There was no yard for my brother and I to play. These affordable houses are a perfect place for families starting. Two bedrooms and a small yard. And when those families are ready for the next step, other families starting out have somewhere to live.”

Whether the Council ultimately approves or rejects the St. Scholastica application, the CORA emails have already altered the political landscape around Coal Creek. The Mayor’s office alongside a church and a consulting firm, carried out at least five months of planning without the knowledge of most of the Council and the project’s manager. For a piece of land purchased with public funds to address one of Erie’s most pressing needs, the process raises questions that won’t be settled by any single vote.

The post Emails Reveal Erie Mayor Quietly Pursued Deal With Church appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Restaurants

Overall EC

Winner: Sugarbeet

Sugarbeet is so damn good, we consider it the quintessential perfect restaurant. Billed as Modern American cuisine, every meal we’ve had there has been a ten. The service makes you feel like the only customer in the room, and the setting is cozy, intimate, and quietly exceptional.

Runner Up: Piripi

Overall Bldr

Winner: Salt

The culinary team here works under a three-pronged mantra: healthy, delicious, and sustainable. And they do that in an amazing location built in 1898 in downtown Boulder, filled with an electrical ambiance. After a great meal, you’ll walk out into the night and realize how lucky you were to be there.

Runner Up: Boulder Cork

Contemporary EC

Winner: 24 Carrot

Seasonal, innovative, and a touch of quirky. Repeat winner 24 Carrot embodies contemporary, fresh farm-to-table cuisine into crave-worthy dishes and clever cocktails, all served in a historic building that feels part speakeasy, part cozy neighborhood bistro.

Runner Up: Hickory & Ash

Contemporary B

Winner: Oak on 14th

Seasonal, innovative, and a touch of quirky. Repeat winner 24 Carrot embodies contemporary, fresh farm-to-table cuisine into crave-worthy dishes and clever cocktails, all served in a historic building that feels part speakeasy, part cozy neighborhood bistro.

Runner Up: River & Woods

Newcommer EC

Winner: Longmonter

Comfort food with purpose wins hearts fast. The Longmonter burst onto Main Street with crave-worthy mac and cheese, gourmet nostalgia, and playful charm, then added board games and seating, encouraging locals to linger after the last bite.

Runner Up: Red Cedar

Newcommer B

Winner: Cozobi Fonda Fina

Cozobi Fonda Fina feels like a place that’s just always been here. Everything about it (menu, service, decor, and especially the dishes) are polished, professional, and pack a flavor-filled punch. If they are this good already, other restaurants better step up their game.

Runner Up: Stella’s Cucina

Cheap Eats EC

Winner: Marco’s Hot Dogs & Tacos

Marco’s serves bacon-wrapped hot dogs piled like a ballpark feast and street-style tacos that hit every craving. Locals line up like it’s opening day because when the flavor’s this good, everyone wants a seat.

Runner Up: Eats and Sweets

Cheap Eats B

Winner: Cosmo’s Pizza

Cosmo’s Pizza started as a funky pizzeria on the Hill in Boulder known for its oversized slices and calzones. Since its beginnings in 2001, it has grown to six locations across Boulder, Denver, Lafayette, and Fort Collins. Known for late-night hours and New York–style pies, locals keep coming back for a cheap, satisfying bite.

Runner Up: Village Coffee Shop

Bread EC & B

Winner: Moxie Bread Co

Is it the crunch of the crust or the soft inside bursting with flavor? Maybe it’s their use of heirloom grains and fresh, unprocessed ingredients. It could be the stunning, southwestern-infused locale with a staff that couldn’t be more authentic. The real reason people come to Moxie is probably a little of it all.

Runner Up Bread EC: Babette’s

Runner Up Bread B: Dry Storage

Bakery EC

Winner: Button Rock Bakery

Button Rock Bakery is where you take your sweet tooth on a date. A repeat Best of the West winner, it’s famous for show-stopping cakes, playful details, and pastries so good they turn an ordinary day into a celebration.

Runner Up: Babette’s/Stacy’s Kitchen

Bakery B

Winner: Boulder Baked

You’ve had a chocolate chip cookie before, but you’ve never had one like this. The sweet treats offered by the culinary artisans here are of the “back in line” variety because as soon as you have one, you’ll be heading back in line for more.

Runner Up: Spruce Confections

Bagel EC & B

Winner: Moe’s Broadway Bagel

Moe’s Broadway Bagel doesn’t just win Best of the West, it owns it. Twenty years on, locals skip the debate and know the routine: chewy bagels, quick orders, and the quiet confidence of a place that never has to try too hard.

Runner Up: Big Daddy Bagels

BBQ EC

Winner: C’s BBQ

C’s BBQ isn’t just food, it’s a smoky spectacle. Tender ribs, brisket, and punchy house rubs turn Lafayette weekends into a pop-up block party your taste buds will RSVP to. Party deets: with Cherry’s Cheesecakes on Saturdays at the Lumberyards at Lafayette.

Runner Up: Wayne’s Smoke Shack

BBQ B

Winner: Big Daddy Food Truck

Big Daddy’s Texas BBQ has become Boulder’s go-to food truck for slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and Southern sides served with big portions and big flavor. With loyal followers who line up before it sells out and a vibe that feels more neighborhood pit stop than roadside stand, it’s BBQ done Boulder-style.

Runner Up: KT’s BBQ

Breakfast EC

Winner: Morning Glory

Morning Glory Café proves breakfast deserves applause. Legendary fried rice bowls, blueberry pancakes, and scratch-made goodness from local farms turn sleepy mornings into flavor-packed performances you’ll happily line up for.

Runner Up: Tangerine

Breakfast B

Winner: Tangerine

Remember the excitement of sliding into the kitchen and sitting down for breakfast when you were seven? There was an anticipation you wouldn’t have for any other meal. The adult-equivalent of that is heading into Tangerine for breakfast. Eggs, pancakes, bacon, beans — you’re about to be seven all over again.

Runner Up: Village Coffee Shop

Breakfast Burrito EC

Winner: Santiago’s

If you say you like breakfast burritos but you’ve never had one from Santiago’s, then you might not know what you’re talking about. That’s because their fresh, made from scratch burritos can redefine your morning. It’s why they’ve been named “Best of the West” for 25 years.

Runner Up: Santa Fe 2.0

Breakfast Burrito B

Winner: Santiago’s

It’s no wonder Santiago’s has swept this category every year. At just around $4 for the daily special, Santiago’s breakfast burritos are a morning fiesta: eggs, potatoes, award-winning green chile, a daily rotating meat, and gobs of cheese. Locals grab one… then five more to stock the fridge.

Runner Up: Blackbelly

Brunch EC

Winner: 24 Carrot

With so many choices for brunch, listen to the locals on this repeat multi-category winner. 24 Carrot turns brunch into a full-on celebration. Sweet potato benedicts, melt-in-your-mouth brisket hash, lemon-curd beignets, and cocktails that sparkle make every bite, sip, and moment feel like a sunny, flavor-packed party.

Runner Up: Morning Glory

Brunch B

Winner: Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro

Brunch is a bit of a magical meal and there’s really no one who does it any better. A good brunch offering hits the right harmony between griddle and grill. Jill’s offers a taste balance to give you a delightful and delicious start to the day or a mid-day meal surge.

Runner Up: Greenbriar Inn

Burger EC

Winner: Longs Peak Pub

Longs Peak Pub is a Boulder County original: no loud TVs, no frills, just legendary burgers, cold beer, and a bar where strangers become regulars. It’s old-school, no-nonsense, and exactly why locals keep coming back.

Runner Up: 99 Saloon

Burger B

Winner: The Sink

There’s a reason The Sink on the Hill is celebrating more than a century as a Boulder icon. Beyond the stories of Robert Redford, Anthony Bourdain, and Obama passing through, they put as much care into how they operate as what they serve. One hundred percent solar powered, composting, and paying fair wages only complement the legendary grass-fed burgers they’ve been serving for generations.

Runner Up: Mountain Sun

Greek EC & B

Winner: Kalita Grill

After becoming a favorite in Boulder, Kalita Grill expanded into Lafayette, where it was quickly embraced. Owner Armen Madoyan personally selects every ingredient, along with a thoughtfully curated wine selection. From hand-rolled dolma to house-made dishes, the food feels intentional, generous, and deeply personal.

Runner Up Greek EC: Pita Grill

Runner Up Greek B: Falafel King

Chinese EC

Winner: China Gourmet (Longmont)

China Gourmet is Longmont comfort food royalty. Massive menus, generous portions, and classic American Chinese favorites keep locals loyal. And those perfectly packed takeout boxes? Like little edible treasures you’ll fight over in the car.

Runner Up: Colorado Dumplings

Chinese B

Winner: Zoe Ma Ma

They don’t just have the best restaurant name in Boulder, Zoe Ma Ma also has an amazing “Oh maybe I want that” menu. From the braised beef soup noodle to their popular potstickers to the CPR dish, every menu item will make you reconsider your order because the next item on the list looks so good.

Runner Up: Ginger Pig

Coffee House EC

Winner: East Simpson Coffee Shop

East Simpson Coffee House is Lafayette’s living room. Coffee flows, pastries vanish, and strangers suddenly turn into your brunch BFFs. It’s the kind of place where lingering feels mandatory and deliciously justified.

Runner Up: Fox.Dog / Meco’s

Coffee House B

Winner: Boxcar Coffee

It’s not so much a coffee shop as it is a hub of the community. A place where people stop in the mornings so they can start their day with an authentic smile or run in to recharge in the middle of a chaotic Tuesday afternoon. And the fresh roasted coffee can’t be beat.

Runner Up: January Coffee

Gluten-Free EC

Winner: Morning Glory

Morning Glory Café proves gluten-free can be anything but boring. From hearty breakfast hashes to indulgent blueberry pancakes, celiac diners (and everyone else) eat worry-free, enjoying scratch-made dishes that feel like a treat, not a compromise.

Runner Up: TeoCali

Gluten-Free B

Winner: Zeal

Imagine you get to hang out in the kitchen of the coolest people you know, who just happen to be amazing cooks. Their locally-sourced, health-conscious, gluten-free meal options are crafted with inspiring flavors in a Boulder-centric style.

Runner Up: Sweet Sisters Bakery

Dessert EC

Winner: Button Rock Bakery

Button Rock Bakery turns dessert into a deliciously binding contract. Lavish cakes, outrageous pastries, and sweet creations so tempting make “just a bite” a hilarious lie and you’ll happily sign on for seconds, thirds, and then some.

Runner Up: Cherry’s Cheesecakes

Dessert B

Winner: Frasca

It’s not just locals who recognize how special the desserts at Frasca are, the restaurant has received multiple national awards. It’s not a “let’s go there tonight” stop, it’s a full experience that must be planned out, and when you do get there, the dessert will exceed your expectations.

Runner Up: Blackbelly

Colorado-Based Chain EC

Winner: Snarf’s Sandwiches

Since 1996, Snarf’s has grown from one Boulder shop to nearly 50 locations. Its oven-toasted sandwiches inspire serious loyalty like the sailor who landed at DIA, saw the logo, and made his ride wait, because Snarf’s comes first.

Runner Up: Santiago’s

Colorado-Based Chain B

Winner: Illegal Pete’s

When you have friends in from out of town and you want them to experience the vibe and people of Boulder, this is where you take them. And when they come back to town you bring them here again. And again because they have 90 million burrito combinations.

Runner Up: Snooze an AM Eatery

Green Chile EC

Winner: Santiago’s

Santiago’s green chile is the stuff of local legend: smoky, spicy, and unstoppable. Spoon it on breakfast burritos, fries, or straight from the bowl. Locals swear by it, and it’s been winning hearts and awards for over 25 years.

Runner Up: La Mariposa

Green Chile B

Winner: Efrain’s Boulder

This is a great place to get a great scratch-made meal and connect with neighbors. Running into a new friend here, you’ll want to see how they have been, but most of the conversation will settle around the green chiles, which is understandable.

Runner Up: Santo

Indian EC

Winner: Taj Mahal 3

For more than two decades, Taj Mahal 3 has been Louisville’s go-to for a proper Indian lunch buffet and reliably bold dinner plates. Family-owned and steady as ever, it’s where regulars load up on saag, tandoori, and biryani, dialing the heat exactly how they like it.

Runner Up: Flavor of India

Indian B

Winner: Jaipur

Jaipur is unique. With chefs earning world-class recognition and a late-night menu serving curry, masala, and naan until 3 a.m. They specialize in catering for any kind of event and offer a dining experience that earned this year’s Top Nod of Excellence. They are currently moving locations, but you can always stop at their sister restaurant, Taj Mahal 3 in Louisville.

Runner Up: Tiffins

Italian EC

Winner: Parma Trattoria

Parma is where handcrafted pasta twirls, wood-fired pizzas bubble, and sauces taste like your Nonna stayed up all night. It’s cozy, soulful, and so good you’ll consider skipping dinner tomorrow so you can enjoy seconds tonight.

Runner Up: Gondolier Italian Eatery

Italian B

Winner: Bacco Trattoria & Mozarella Bara

This place is more than its mozzarella bar (although, that’s pretty good too). Bacco Trattoria is a notable authentic Italian restaurant that is worth the trip across town to North Boulder. Come for the mozzarella bar and stay for the fresh herb butter, and the bolognese, and the lasagna, and the wine selection…

Runner Up: Pasta Jay’s

Mexican EC

Winner: TeoCalli

Teocalli Cocina makes you rethink tacos. Locals line up for carne asada that’s basically addictive; tempura-fried avocado; and salsas that hit all the right notes. It’s proof that fresh, bold Mexican cuisine always steals the show.

Runner Up: La Mariposa

Mexican B

Winner: Efrain’s Mexican of Boulder

A Boulder institution since 1998, Efrain’s is rooted in founder Efrain Gomez’s family recipes and bold Northern Chihuahua–style cuisine. After years in its original, funky space, the move into a modern dining room proved something rare: when the food is already perfect, the only thing to improve is the room it’s served in.

Runner Up: Santo’s

Patio EC

Winner: Stem Cider at Acreage

If Colorado had a backyard, it would be Acreage by Stem Ciders. Mountain views, sprawling lawns, kid-friendly wandering space, and house-made cider set the scene for family hangs that start with lunch and stretch through the golden hour.

Runner Up: Pumphouse

Patio B

Winner: Chautauqua Dining Hall

Since 1898, the Chautauqua has been a landmark favorite in Boulder County. The Dining Hall is managed by Three Leaf Catering, known for using ingredients from their own farm. You can get a full view of the Flatirons from the wraparound porch making it a perfect spot to have lunch or dinner after a hike on the local trails.

Runner Up: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Lunch EC

Winner: Stacy’s Kitchen

In just a couple of years, Stacy’s Kitchen has become beloved in Old Town Erie. Owner Stacy Gustafson opened the shop on her birthday in 2023, bringing hearty made-to-order sandwiches, fresh baked pies, and sweet treats rooted in lifelong love of food. Simple, affordable, and welcoming, it’s become the place locals go again and again.

Runner Up: Jeannot Patisserie

Lunch B

Winner: Avanti Food Hall

It’s one part European market and one part food truck park with seven rotating restaurants that specialize in food from around the world. It’s certainly no surprise that so many people call this their favorite. For the cherry on top, Avanti’s rooftop captures a picturesque view of the Flatirons.

Runner Up: Boulder Social

Sandwich EC & B

Winner: Snarf’s Sandwiches

Snarf’s Sandwiches reigns supreme, a consistent Best of the West winner since we began 25 years ago. Founder Jimmy Seidel remains the sole proprietor, building each shop with his own hands and his own money, even when funds were scarce. That dedication to the perfect sandwich has grown Snarf’s from a single Boulder shop into a multi-state favorite.

Runner Up Sandwich EC: Stacy’s Kitchen

Runner Up Sandwich B: Le Frigio

Seafood EC

Winner: Big Mac & Little Lu’s

Big Mac & Little Lu’s makes landlocked seafood dreams come true. With wild-caught fish, buttery lobster rolls, fresh oysters, and crave-worthy bisque, this spot delivers salty-air flavor without the airfare.

Runner Up Sandwich EC: 740 Front St.

Seafood B

Winner: Jax Fishhouse

Jax doesn’t care that Colorado is a land-locked state. They make sure that we get a taste of their famous crackjack oysters that’s only found on their menu. Since 1999, Jax Fish House has been prioritizing finding sustainable, responsibly sourced seafood in an effort to protect our oceans and bring the coast to the coast-less. Whether it’s the cioppino on Sundays, grilled swordfish, or gochujang cauliflower, Boulder’s top seafood house will satisfy you.

Runner Up: Spruce Farm & Fish

Pizza EC

Winner: Urban Field Pizza

Urban Field Pizza made a name for itself fast. In just a few years, the Longmont spot earned national recognition at the International Pizza Expo. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a willingness to push creative boundaries, it’s become a destination for pizza lovers and market wanderers alike.

Runner Up: Rosalee’s Pizzeria

Pizza B

Winner: The Sink

Buckle up. Thick ‘ugly crust’ on a Sinkza is essential to that Old Boulder dinner classic. The Sink on The Hill has been serving CU Boulder students for over 100 years, evident by the low ceilings signed by generations of alumni. Get a chance to sign it yourself on Pizza Tuesdays!

Runner Up: Cosmo’s Pizza

Steak EC

Winner: 740 Front St.

Steak at 740 Front is part of downtown Louisville’s rhythm. Housed in a restored 1904 saloon, it’s where locals go when they want a proper steak, a stiff drink, and a room that still feels rooted in the town’s past. Reliable, unfussy, and exactly what the night calls for.

Runner Up: Piripi

Steak B

Winner: Boulder Cork

As one of Boulder’s oldest restaurants and a repeat winner that can’t be toppled, Boulder Cork is an essential must-visit. Since 1969, the Cork has been serving a rotating menu that ranges from prime rib to their famous mud pie combined with a showcase of local art on brick walls that create an unforgettable experience.

Runner Up: Steakhouse 316

Sushi/Japanese EC

Winner: Sakura

A longtime Best of the West favorite, Sakura Japanese Restaurant has earned its reputation through consistency and craft. Rather than retire, the original owners passed the restaurant to their nephew, trained for years under master sushi chef Kho. From traditional sushi to tatami-style seating where shoes come off, Sakura remains as authentically Japanese as it gets.

Runner Up: Sumo Sushi

Sushi/Japanese B

Winner: Hapa Sushi

From Booty Call Rolls to Magic Mushrooms, Hapa Sushi will be sure to amaze you in their visual design and creative Japanese-Hawaiian cuisine. With DJ sets on the weekend, a full bar, and every day early bird happy hour, Hapa’s expanding menu and social energy produce a must-see location. 

Runner Up: Japango

Thai EC & B

Winner: Busaba

Busaba’s original Louisville location set the standard long before expansion. Bright curries, craveable noodles, and heat levels that actually mean something have built a fiercely loyal following. Scratch-made, vibrant, and unapologetically bold, it’s Thai food locals return to again and again, and a repeat Best Thai favorite since opening.

Runner Up Thai EC: Mana Thai

Runner Up Thai B: Aloy Thai

Vietnamese EC

Winner: Pho Cafe

Pho Café turns Vietnamese classics into a local legend. Rich broth, tender noodles, and banh mi that practically wink at you make every visit feel like a tasty little secret you’re thrilled to spill.

Runner Up: Saigon District One

Vietnamese B

Winner: Chez Thuy

This modest, unexpected, standalone restaurant on 28th is not just Vietnamese, but Thuy cuisine. Drawing locals and regulars alike, this place reveals a history lesson in its menu that combines passion with authenticity. The pho is hot, the Vietnamese coleslaw is tart, and Chez Thuy is expecting you there. 

Runner Up: Lotus Moon

Hot Dog EC

Winner: Marco’s Hot Dogs & Tacos

This is one of our favorite stops, and every new staff member gets taken to Marco’s Hot Dogs & Tacos. When the craving hits for Mexican hot dogs wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, mayonnaise, and whatever other goodies you want, we’ll drive across town. It’s a brick taco stand with outdoor seating, and once you’ve had the dogs, the long line makes perfect sense.

Runner Up: Costco

Hot Dog B

Winner: Mustard’s Last Stand

Mustard’s Last Stand is the last hot dog you’ll ever want. This place has been voted the best hot dogs in Denver and is in the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame because of their traditional Chicago-style dog that’s been bringing people to the back for over 45 years. Don’t forget the mustard on the classic! 

Runner Up: Freddie’s Hot Dog Stand

Taco EC

Winner: Taco’s Ay Ay Ay

Tacos Ay Ay Ay lives up to the drama in its name. Overflowing fillings, bold flavors, and a dash of Lafayette magic make every bite a tiny fiesta locals never want to end.

Runner Up: Teocali

Taco B

Winner: T/ACO

T/aco starts their mornings by milling their own corn so that it’s ready for the street tacos that night. Known for their surging hospitality, the staff go above and beyond to make sure every experience meets their high expectations. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find their rotating secret menu too.

Runner Up: McDevitt Taco Supply

Healthy Meal EC

Winner: Morning Glory

Being healthy at Morning Glory Café doesn’t mean sacrifice. Colorful bowls, inventive dishes, and fresh local ingredients make “good for you” taste downright irresistible.

Runner Up: Moxie Bread Co

Healthy Meal B

Winner: Zeal

There is a story in every dish, and Zeal tells a tale of how healthy and good come together.. Their philosophy is sustainable and clean food that actually is kind to you and the planet. No matter if you’re vegetarian, vegan, keto, or just a regular meat-lover, Zeal will have an option for you. 

Runner Up: Leaf

Chef EC

Winner: Hugo Meyer / Piripi

Chef Hugo Meyer doesn’t just run a kitchen, he choreographs it. Globetrotting experience, fearless flavor instincts, and a dash of mischief make Piripi the kind of restaurant you tell everyone about before dessert even arrives.

Runner Up: Sean Gafner / Roose, Jefes, 99 Saloon, Swaylos

Chef B

Winner: Hosea Rosenburg / Blackbelly

Starting with a food truck, a farm, and a catering business, Hosea Rosenberg evolved his aspirations into the Michelin Guide Green Star restaurant: Blackbelly. From New Mexico to CU Boulder to winning season five of Top Chef, Rosenberg opened his own restaurant and, recently, his own butcher shop in order to perfect cured meats. 

Runner Up: Bradford Heap / Salt

Chocolatier EC

Winner: Chocolaterie Stam

Chocolaterie Stam is Lafayette’s sweetest troublemaker. Bonbons, truffles, and hot chocolate so good it should come with a warning turns casual indulgence into a full-blown chocolate obsession.

Runner Up: Robin’s Chocolates

Chocolatier B

Winner: Piece, Love & Chocolate

This is the place you go if you have that craving. Chocolate, tiramisu, brownies, tarts, truffles…this boutique has just about everything. You can even take classes to get a peak into what goes on behind the curtain. 

Runner Up: Lift Chocolates

Drinks

Overall Bar EC

Winner: Erie Social Club

No longer a newcomer, Erie Social Club has become a fixture in town over the past five years. The interior sets the tone, with craft cocktails designed by in-house mixologists and a wine selection carefully curated by owner Nick. It’s a bar that feels intentional in every detail and it shows in the wins.

Runner Up: West Side Tavern

Overall Bar B

Winner: Bitter Bar

The staff’s welcome into this lamp-lit neighborhood nook is just as warm as the lighting feels. They offer your usuals along with unique inventions like “Strawberry Feels Forever.” The Beatle’s-themed cocktail features strawberry boba – the FIRST cocktail with boba we’ve seen – which only adds to the delight of this Boulder staple.

Runner Up: Velvet Elk Lounge

Brewery EC

Winner: Left Hand Brewery

Though it may have started with just Eric Wallace and a homebrew kit in Longmont, Left Hand Brewery has since swept the nation with their iconic nitros. While Left Hand is leaving their handprint across the country, they’re committed to shrinking their footprint, by investing in the most up-to-date energy and water conservation methods. 

Runner Up: Liquid Mechanics

Brewery B

Winner: Avery Brewing

In their list of 2025’s successes, along with being named World Beer Cup Gold Medalist, were the 5,000+ dogs they petted that year. Turns out, these pet enthusiasts are also pretty big nerds for the brewing process, offering tours to teach the public about the science of yeast and to show off their barrel-aging and burgeoning pilot programs. 

Runner Up: Mountain Sun

Bloody Mary EC & B

Winner: Lucile’s Creole Cafe

In a world of sweet breakfasts, Lucile’s dares to be savory. The Creole tradition of using your seafood dinner from the night before for breakfast lives on in dishes like the eggs pontchartrain – a fried trout adorned with poached eggs and sauce bernaise and is perfectly accompanied by their award-winning Bloody Mary (plus a beignet for your sweet tooth).

Runner Up EC: The Post

Runner Up B: The Buff

Happy Hour EC

Winner: Erie Social Club

Erie Social Club actually puts the happy into happy hour. In a space that’s swanky but approachable, hand-crafted cocktails and a curated wine selection come at happy hour prices. It’s become the kind of place locals plan their afternoons around, not something they squeeze in on the way home.

Runner Up: Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111

Happy Hour B

Winner: The Dark Horse

The Dark Horse is pure Boulder lore. Toys cover the walls, beer flows freely, and owner Scott McCormick’s irreverent spirit still defines the room. CU watch parties and Pony Games are just part of the chaos. With redevelopment looming, locals are savoring every happy hour, hoping this icon isn’t done winning just yet.

Runner Up: Boulder Cork

Margarita EC

Winner: La Mariposa

The people of Longmont love the extensive options on their menu. They’ve got margarita inventions for every occasion,  “The Love a Rita” for Valentines Day, “Spicy Mezcalita” for Dio de los Muertos, and “Booze for Boobies,” a bright pink special that donates $3 with every order during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Runner Up: Teocalli Cocina

Margarita B

Winner: Efrain’s Mexican of Boulder

When you’ve got it, flaunt it, and that’s exactly what Efrain’s does with their titular “Boulder’s Best Margarita.” And if margaritas aren’t your speed, they’ve got green chili queso so good you can drink it with a straw. This family-owned Boulder landmark recently achieved board game status after being added to the Boulder Edition Monopoly. 

Runner Up: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Distillery EC

Dry Land Distillery

The glimmer of their custom-fabricated copper pot stills will draw you in from Longmont’s main drag, but their smokey Cactus spirits and warm atmosphere will keep you coming back for more. Dry Land Distillery’s cocktail program is a love letter to locally sourced ingredients, and the rugged Colorado landscape that makes it possible.

Runner-Up: Spirit Hounds

Distillery B

Vapor Distillery / Boulder Spirits Tasting Room

Boulder Spirits balances craft and presence. From their Longmont distillery, where everything is made on site, to their newer Pearl Street tasting room, the operation reflects a deep commitment to whiskey done right. Founded by Scottish-born Alastair Brogan, their single malts and bourbons honor tradition while firmly earning Boulder’s respect.

Runner-Up: Spirit Hounds

Bartender/Mixologist EC

24 Carrot Bistro – Jennifer Shillington & DJ

At 24 Carrot, the bar is as much a draw as the kitchen. Beverage Director Jennifer Shillington and bartender DJ Reimer have helped make the bistro an Erie icon, crafting cocktails that are thoughtful, seasonal, and perfectly matched to the menu. It’s a drinks program locals trust as much as the food, and what makes them a repeat winning duo.

Runner-Up: West Side Tavern

Bartender/Mixologist B

Bitter Bar

Since opening on Walnut Street in 2011, The Bitter Bar has carved out a Boulder cocktail cult with drinks made with passion, not pretense. Owner-operator James Lee built his following with precise classics and inventive concoctions, eventually buying the bar outright and keeping conversation and craftsmanship at the center of every pour.

Runner-Up: Jungle

Liquor Store EC

Wyatt’s Wet Goods

Italian wine? They’ve got it. French wine? Yep. California and everywhere in between. Wyatt’s Wet Goods stands out for its massive, thoughtfully organized selection of wine, whiskey, and just about anything else for your libatious delights. Curious and need help? The staff is as friendly as they are knowledgeable.

Runner-Up: Atlas Valley Purveyors

Liquor Store B

Hazel’s

Hazel’s feels like Boulder’s social hub for beverage lovers. With massive wine, beer, and spirits selections, friendly staff who actually geek out over your picks, and a vibe that turns shopping into a little adventure, it’s the place locals swing by on the way to dinner, a night in, or just because.

Runner-Up: Pettyjohn’s

Wine Shop EC

Atlas Valley Purveyors

Atlas Valley Purveyors makes wine shopping feel like a choose-your-own-adventure. Thoughtfully curated bottles, surprise gems, and staff who actually get your taste turn “just grabbing a bottle” into a very happy detour.

Runner-Up: Public Wine

Wine Shop B

Boulder Wine Merchant

Boulder Wine Merchant is the kind of place where a quick stop turns into a long, happy conversation. Smart curation, wildly knowledgeable staff, and bottles you won’t find everywhere make this a true Boulder original locals trust and love.

Runner-Up: West End Wine Shop

Winery EC

Taboche Winery

Taboche Winery keeps things refreshingly uncomplicated. Thoughtfully made wines, relaxed tastings, and a welcoming space let the bottles speak for themselves. As a newer presence in the local wine scene, Taboche has quickly built a following by focusing on what’s in the glass and letting people come back on their own terms.

Runner-Up: Snowy Peaks Winery

Winery B

BookCliff Vineyards

BookCliff Vineyards makes wine for people who actually want to talk about what’s in their glass. Bold choices, thoughtful craftsmanship, and bottles with something to say keep Boulder drinkers coming back for another opinionated pour.

Runner-Up: Vinnie Fera Winery

Entertainment

Fair or Festival EC

Lafayette Peach Festival

When the Lafayette Art and Antique Fair incorporated peach sales into its schedule, a new festival spun off. Since then, the organic Palisade orchards have transported thousands upon thousands of pounds of peaches to Lafayette. 2026 marks the 27th annual festival.

Runner-Up: Boulder County Fair

Fair or Festival B

Boulder Pride

Boulder Pride is equal parts celebration, visibility, and unapologetic joy. Thousands gather downtown for a day fueled by queer community, chosen family, live music, food trucks, and nearly 200 vendors all wrapped in color, resistance, and pride. It’s loud, loving, and unmistakably Boulder, and when it returns in 2026, you’ll want to be right in the middle of it.

Runner-Up: Boulder Creek Festival

Live Music Venue EC

Bricks on Main

When Bricks on Main opened in 2020, its flexible retail store accommodated locally-sourced retailers and their products in inconsistent market conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it’s expanded into a multi-purpose venue, with frequent community music events and a full menu and bar. This first-time winner has left a lasting impression on the community.

Runner-Up: Muse Performing Center

Live Music Venue B

Chautauqua

Arrive in this scenic park in the warmer months and you can catch music events in the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, built in 1898 as a lofty and open venue. Arrive in the colder months, and you can enjoy more intimate shows in the park’s 1918 Community House. This repeat winner has something for everyone.

Runner-Up: Boulder Theatre

Gallery EC

Firehouse Art Center

One of the classes offered here is “Art of Possibility,” which is really a perfect way to describe what they bring to the community. They don’t just open our eyes to new artists, they make it possible for us to explore our own artistic nature.

Runner-Up: The Collective Community Arts Center

Gallery B

BMOCA

This repeat winner has been honoring the most significant contemporary art from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, among other places, since its founding in 1972. Located in a historic building next to Dushanbe Tea House, this dynamic venue brings the regional, national, and international art scene to Boulder.

Runner-Up: Art + Soul Gallery

This article previously misstated the location of BMoCA as on Pearl Street. It has been updated to reflect the correct location.

Museum EC

Longmont Museum

What better way to learn about local history and culture as a family than through programs, exhibits, performances, films, and activities for all ages in a dynamic building housing sprawling historical collections? That’s the kind of educational experience Longmont Museum has to offer.

Runner-Up: Louisville History Museum

Museum B

Museum of Boulder

The history of Boulder has come a long way since the organization of the Boulder Historical Society in 1944. The Museum of Boulder, developed by the society in 1945, reflects on the city’s roots by recognizing the diverse history of its community and starting conversations to lead the community forward.

Runner-Up: University of Colorado Museum of Natural History

Theater Company EC

Longmont Theatre Company

Housed in one of Main Street’s most elegant historic venues, Longmont Theatre Company has been part of the community since 1957. With renewed energy, the company is expanding its offerings, bringing in comedy, music, and other acts in addition to its award-winning theatrical productions.

Runner-Up: Theater Company of Lafayette

Theater Company B

Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company

Even as a national-award-winning group, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company prioritizes community. Their acronym has embraced multiple meanings over the years, Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, or simply “Betsy” after a member’s first theater teacher, all embracing local impact through theater.

Runner-Up: The Local Theater Company

Stage EC

Nissi’s

Here’s the thing about Nissi’s: it doesn’t matter who’s playing there. That’s because the acts are so expertly curated and the vibe of the venue so genuine, positive, and fun that on any given night, regardless of who’s on stage, you’re going to experience “the best night ever.”

Runner-Up: Steinbaugh Pavilion

Stage B

The Dairy Arts Center

The Dairy Arts Center is Boulder’s creative crossroads. On any given visit you might catch an indie film, stumble into a gallery opening, or end up at a performance you didn’t plan on but stay for anyway. It’s variety with purpose, and a hub the arts community truly uses.

Runner-Up: Bandshell

Arcade EC

Tilt! Pinball

You can hear it, right? The sound of the ball roaring down the chute. The slapping of the paddles. The laughter. The cheers. The stack of quarters toppling over. What you’re listening to are the sounds of a memorable night out at Tilt.

Runner-Up: Quarters

Arcade B

Press Play

Filled with vintage and contemporary games alike, this hole-in-the-wall arcade/bar combo hosts flat-screens and arcade machines, pool tables and pinball, poker tournaments and live DJs. Located on historic Pearl Street, Press Play is perfect for private family events or for casual evening hangouts.

Runner-Up: Gateway Fun Park

Pumpkin Patch EC

Cottonwood Farms

Cottonwood Farms is the kind of place childhood memories are made. Bob Condon’s farm turns fall into an experience — pumpkins, hayrides, animals, and mazes — then keeps the tradition going with Christmas trees come winter. It’s wholesome, hands-on, and deeply loved by local families.

Runner-Up: 7th Generation

Pumpkin Patch B

Munson’s Farms

A Boulder classic since 1976, Munson Farms has grown from a modest corn stand into a beloved family farm with more than 100 acres of produce, pumpkins, and seasonal fun. Each fall, locals and visitors alike wander the pumpkin patch, pick their own pumpkins, and soak up crisp autumn air against the foothills. It’s proof that some traditions only get better with time.

Runner-Up: Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch

Local Celebrity EC

FACE – Cody Qualls

Internationally iTunes-charting artist Cody Qualls has found countless ways to charm and captivate his audiences since the age of sixteen. Whether he’s performing original rock, pop, hip-hop, and R&B tracks with his group The Brand New Ancients or catchy acapella arrangements with the ensemble FACE, he constantly brings infectious joy to the stage.

Local Celebrity B

Coach Prime

In his days as the player “Prime Time,” he became the only athlete who has ever played in both the World Series and the Super Bowl. Now, in his role as “Coach Prime,” he’s elevated the University of Colorado Boulder Buffaloes in the college football world, with 15 team appearances on national television in 2025 alone.

Health & Beauty

Day Spa EC

Blue Skies Massage & Wellness

Blue Skies feels like a pause button in the middle of Longmont. Owner Emily Bauer brings international training and a hospitality-first mindset into a space that’s calm, modern, and quietly luxurious. Every detail, from the rooms to the treatments, is designed to help you exhale and stay awhile.

Runner-Up: 95th St. Salon

Day Spa B

St. Julien Spa

A repeat Best of the West winner, St. Julien Spa is more than treatment rooms, it’s a full-scale wellness destination tucked into one of Boulder’s most elegant hotels. Spread across 10,000 square feet, the spa offers personalized massages, signature facials, sauna, steam room, and a 50-foot lap pool with mountain views, creating an immersive escape that unfolds at its own unhurried pace.

Runner-Up: Dragontree

Facial EC

Blue Skies Massage & Wellness

Relax into the clouds and find your bliss at Blue Skies Massage & Wellness. In addition to customized facials and advanced treatments like microneedling, the studio offers therapeutic massages, body treatments, targeted enhancements, and an infrared sauna designed to support both skin health and overall balance.

Runner-Up: Sustainable Beauty Colorado

Facial B

St. Julien Spa

A facial at St. Julien Spa isn’t something you squeeze in, it’s something you settle into. Treatments are elevated by the surrounding experience: steam, sauna, quiet lounges, and the sense that time has slowed down. It’s skincare wrapped inside a full afternoon of indulgence, which is exactly why readers keep voting it best.

Runner-Up: Dragontree

Salon EC

Golden Ember Salon

Golden Ember Salon doesn’t just cut hair, it upgrades moods. Expert color, sharp cuts, and stylists who actually get you make every visit feel like a mini glow-up.

Runner-Up: Salon Picasso

Salon B

Twig Salon

Established in the Boulder area over 15 years ago, Twig Salon is a staple in Boulder’s cosmetics industry. Beauticians here are known to take time to fully understand your vision before executing it to a “T.” Clients praise the shop for its LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and good vibes.

Runner-Up: Voodoo Hair Lounge

Barber EC

Woodward Barbers

Woodward Barbers (Erie) secured Best Barber in East County by a landslide thanks to their meticulous cuts and shaves. Looking for precision and care for a range of services? Look no further. From dry scalp treatment to their “It’s Been a Minute” cut, this classic-style barbershop delivers.

Runner-Up: Deluxe Barbers

Barber B

Hennepin Barbers

Hennepin Barbers cuts no corners in making their customers comfortable, whether it be the welcoming atmosphere, amiable staff, or supple leather chairs lining the shop. This South Boulder salon is known for stark beard trims and sharp haircuts for all ages, tailored to their customers’ every preference.

Runner-Up: Brooklyn Barber Academy

Massage EC

Blue Skies Massage & Wellness

Massage at Blue Skies isn’t one-size-fits-all. Led by owner Emily Bauer, the team starts with a thoughtful assessment and tailors each session to how your body actually feels that day. Whether it’s deep tissue, aromatherapy, or restorative work, the focus is relief that lasts beyond the table.

Runner-Up: Almita Massage

Massage B

Moving Mountains Massage

A full-time practitioner for over 20 years, Jesse Locke CMT, has devoted his life to Coloradans’ relaxation. This six-time BOTW winner is known for his calming presence and personalized approach to massage therapy. Find lower blood pressure, faster recovery, and improved emotional well-being with MMM.

Runner-Up: St. Julien Spa

Manicure/Pedicure EC

Salon Picasso

Salon Picasso turns nails into show-stopping statements. Expert techs, a cozy vibe, and a flair for the bold make every mani feel like a tiny celebration.

Runner-Up: Allure Nail Bar

Manicure/Pedicure B

Contempo Nails

The calm, welcoming environment invites you to relax with the knowledge that you will be pampered. Contempo Nails prides itself on staff longevity in an industry with high turnover. Other than its wide range of self-care services, they are kid-friendly, so you can both have an afternoon off.

Runner-Up: J Lounge

Medi Spa (Medical Treatments) EC

Valar Aesthetics

Valar Aesthetics blends medical precision with an atmosphere that’s warm, relaxed, and filled with laughter. Under Dr. Bauer’s care, results stay natural and never overdone, a consistency that’s made Valar a repeat Best of the West favorite.

Runner-Up: Sunflower Spa

Medi Spa (Medical Treatments) B

Vasu Skin Solutions

Vasu Skin Solutions is where Boulder goes when it wants skin that actually looks amazing. With laser treatments, tailored facials, and a team that remembers your name and your skin goals, clients walk in curious and leave radiant.

Runner-Up: Rinnova

Chiropractor EC

Chiropractic Center of Erie & Longmont

This isn’t the first time Dr. Dave has earned the award for what we call the best hands around. Known for finding “the spot,” his work goes far beyond simple adjustments, pairing deep tissue and muscle work with techniques like dry needling to treat the whole body. It’s this approach that keeps readers voting him best year after year.

Runner-Up: Live Your Life Chiropractic

Chiropractor B

Swan Lake Chiropractic

Swan Lake has been a Boulder staple for over 40 years, reversing spinal compression, correcting posture, and encouraging prenatal health. Owner Dr. Virginia “Ginger” Lawrence has practiced for 30+ years, and after having her own daughter, provides excellent prenatal and pediatric care in addition to many superb spinal services.

Runner-Up: The Joint

Veterinarian EC

Erie Animal Hospital

Dr. Sally Towner opened Erie Animal Hospital in a small farmhouse in 2001 and has grown it into a full-service, AAHA-accredited, Fear Free, cat-friendly practice. Long known for compassionate, individualized care, from acupuncture and rehab to integrative medicine, Dr. Towner’s steady presence and personal touch make this more than a vet clinic; it’s a partner in every pet’s life.

Runner-Up: Longmont Small Animal Hospital

Veterinarian B

Arapahoe Animal Hospital

Serving Boulder since 1954, Arapahoe Animal Hospital has built decades of trust by staying steady while the industry changed around it. Clear communication, long-standing relationships, and independent care keep generations of pet owners coming back. Not because it’s flashy, but because of kind, consistent care.

Runner-Up: Indian Peaks Vet

Medical Center EC

Kerix Health (formerly Nextera)

Under founder Dr. Clint Flanagan, Kerix Health (formerly Nextera) champions a concierge-style approach that prioritizes patient relationships over volume. Board-certified and community-rooted, Flanagan’s model gives people time with their doctor and personalized care, a commitment that’s now expanding into other states.

Runner-Up: Strive Direct Health

Medical Center B

Crossroads Medical Center

Founded in 1998 by 2025’s BOTW Best Doctor Carl Moritz, Crossroads Medical Center is one of only a few remaining independently owned medical clinics in Boulder. CMC doesn’t rush appointments, giving patients the attention and personalized care they need.

Runner-Up: Clinica Family Health

Hospital EC

Good Samaritan Hospital

A past and present winner, Good Samaritan Hospital is a recipient of frequent accolades, including landing in America’s top 5% of hospitals in clinical performance (Healthgrades). From being an official Level II Trauma Center to providing highly acclaimed joint replacement, GSH’s patients are in trusted hands.

Runner-Up: Longmont United

Hospital B

Boulder Community Health

For many Boulder residents, Boulder Community Health isn’t a choice, it’s been the hospital for 100 years. As the city’s independent, nonprofit health system, BCH has spent a century serving the community across multiple campuses, quietly becoming part of nearly every family’s story along the way.

Dentist EC

Keene Smiles

Dr. Greg Keene is known for recommending only what’s needed, easing anxiety, and giving back, including donating dental services to patients born without teeth. With long-tenured staff and a genuinely warm office, this is dentistry grounded in skill, ethics, and care.

Runner-Up: Artistic Smiles

Dentist B

Boulder Dental Center

BDC boasts remarkable convenience by making care accessible with multiple locations across Boulder and accepting major dental insurance plans. Dr. Danny Abboud has been at the helm since 2010, upholding the clinic’s excellent 40-year-old reputation as a one-stop dental care provider for whatever ails the Boulderite.

Runner-Up: Boulder Smiles

Doctor EC

Shawn Otteman – BCH

Dr. Shawn Otteman of Boulder Community Health has 30+ years of experience in his field and exceptional reviews to show for it. A family medicine physician who truly listens, patients say he refuses to rush appointments and genuinely connects, even calling to check in.

Runner-Up: Brad Brown – Strive

Doctor B

Dr. Christa Ambrose – Clinica

Dr. Ambrose is the doctor all medical professionals should strive to emulate. She chose to work with Clinica because it aligns with her medical philosophy: treating underserved people and making healthcare widely accessible. Her holistic approach prioritizes proper care, education, and wellness through constant communication with patients.

Runner-Up: Dr. Dirk Dolbeare – Boulder Orthopedics

Sports

Bike Shop EC

Louisville Cyclery
Louisville Cyclery has been part of Boulder County’s biking life for nearly half a century, and it shows the moment you walk in. Walls layered with race art and memories, lovingly serviced used bikes, a giant wooden bear out front, and lounge chairs that invite you to stay awhile. People linger so much they added a coffee cart — because this isn’t just a shop, it’s where cyclists hang out.
Runner Up: NuLife Cycles

Bike Shop B

Community Cycles
Community Cycles isn’t just about bikes, it’s about keeping them in motion. Since 2005, this nonprofit shop has repaired, reused, and redistributed thousands of bikes, pairing sustainability with real community impact. The mission runs deep, the knowledge is solid, and every bike saved from the landfill gets another life on the road.
Runner Up: Mike’s Bikes

Ski Shop EC

Angles Sports
Tours, new & used equipment, rentals. They started in a garage, and now you can find them on Main Street. Angles Sports owner, Ryan, loves fishing and sliding down the slopes so much he is probably open to doing it with you.
Runner Up: Snow Hut

Ski Shop B

Crystal Ski
Since 1976, Crystal Ski has been Boulder’s pre-powder pilgrimage. Owner Justin grew up in the shop, literally starting in high school before taking the reins. That continuity shows in the fit, the tuning, and the loyal locals who won’t head to the mountain without stopping here first.
Runner Up: Boulder Sports Recycler

Sporting Goods EC

Jax Outdoor
Since 1965, when it began as an 18-year-old’s idea for a military surplus store, Jax has stood strong as a unique and attractive paragon of Colorado at its finest. It is a Northern Colorado classic, which can make a small-town feel significant. YS respects the bona fide GOATs when credit is due.
Runner Up: Play It Again Sports

Sporting Goods B

Play It Again Sports
Committed to reusable gear and strong community loyalty, Play It Again Sports not only offers amazing and affordable deals, it serves as a center for local sports. Partnering with school athletic programs and clubs alike, if you’re a serious athlete, you will feel welcome here and perhaps find your new home, let alone sports hub.
Runner Up: Neptune Mountaineering

Golf Course EC

Indian Peaks Golf Course
Indian Peaks Golf Course has earned its loyal following by doing the fundamentals exceptionally well. A beautifully maintained course, approachable atmosphere, and steady consistency keep golfers coming back year after year. As a landslide repeat Best of the West winner, it’s a place where locals know exactly what they’re getting. And that’s the point.
Runner Up: Fox Hill Club

Golf Course B

Flatirons Golf Course
“Where Everyone Feels at Home” is a fitting slogan for Flatirons Golf Course. The course feels like what the heart of Boulder has to offer at its best: a fun and memorable time with natural greenery and comfortable vibes. On the city’s east side, the family-friendly atmosphere encourages the community to create memories.
Runner Up: Lake Valley Golf

Gym EC

RUF Fitness
RUF Fitness is built around showing up for your workout and for each other. With structured training, a supportive community, and an environment that doesn’t feel performative, it’s a gym where progress feels personal. No hype, no intimidation — just people putting in the work together.
Runner Up: Warrior Challenge Arena

Gym B

Mountain’s Edge
Mountains’ Edge Fitness offers a stress-free, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and motivated to make progress. Bringing warmth to the community without pretense or judgment, the point of this place is to support the goals of the community rather than hinder it. It focuses on what’s really significant with fitness; the thief of joy is comparison.
Runner Up: Movement

Rec Center EC

Bob Burger Rec Center
Bob Burger Rec Center is Lafayette’s all-in-one community hub. From the outdoor water park and aquatics center to youth camps, adult leagues, and senior programs, it’s where multiple generations cross paths every day. Practical, busy, and deeply woven into town life, it’s recreation the way a community actually uses it.
Runner Up: Erie Community Center

Rec Center B

East Boulder Rec Center
East Boulder Rec Center isn’t just a building, it’s where generations of Boulder families learned to swim, picked up a basketball, and logged early-morning laps. The amenities matter, but it’s the community EBRC has built that makes it a true local staple.
Runner Up: North Boulder Rec Center

Ski Resort (Day Trip)

Eldora
Eldora is Boulder’s ski hill. It’s close, familiar, and deeply woven into Front Range winters. Whether you’re sneaking in a few runs before work or introducing someone to their first turns, its proximity and no-frills accessibility make it a longtime local favorite. Fast to get to, easy to love, and rooted in community history, Eldora remains the go-to when you just want to ski and not sit in traffic.
Runner Up: Loveland

Ski Resort (Overnight)

Winter Park Resort
This Colorado classic ski resort is a must-try for anyone interested in skiing. With comfortable and challenging slopes alike, and so much history to explore. They have built an open community and culture that will sustain winter sports for years to come.
Runner Up: Steamboat

Climbing Gym B

Boulder Rock Club
Opened 1991, BRC is one of the trailblazing gyms of the early indoor-climbing movement. Today it is still embossed in Boulder’s climbing culture as a Sendaholic’s haven. Boasting ever-updating routes, a weight room, a Moon Board, and more, this is the spot for rookies and veterans of the sport.
Runner Up: The Spot

Climbing Gym EC

Longmont Climbing Collective
A relative newcomer, Longmont Climbing Collective wasted no time winning over its community. With an inclusive, low-ego vibe and routes that welcome beginners and challenge seasoned climbers, it’s less about conquering walls and more about building confidence, connection, and a place people genuinely want to return to.
Runner Up: The Spot

Martial Arts EC

Bennett’s Karate
With deep roots in the honor and tradition of Japanese karate, this repeat winner brings a global culture to Boulder County. Time and time again they prove their reputation by bringing out the best in martial artists in and out of the Dojo. Spend some time with their community and classes and become the master you are meant to be.
Runner Up: Tran’s Martial Arts

Martial Arts B

Easton Jiu-Jitsu
Easton Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai continue to build a strong martial arts community grounded in self-improvement and mastery. This is why they are a clear, principled winner in Colorado’s culture. This is an excellent home for those looking to add the discipline and inspiration of martial arts tradition. The opportunity can significantly improve your life.
Runner Up: Boulder Karate

Yoga Studio EC

Soul Tree Studio
Soul Tree Yoga Studio offers a beautiful, warm, open space filled with compassion, a strong community, and sense of enlightenment. With a tradition rooted in the Eight Limbs of ethical restraints, the professionals here do an excellent job of guiding students toward a spiritually aware and fulfilling life.
Runner Up: Louisville Community Yoga

Yoga Studio B

Yoga Pearl
Yoga Pearl is a professional, open environment with a strong, enlightening community. Their excellent workshops and training will equip you with the skills to control your mind, filling your life with awareness and peace. This is a natural and enlightened winner.
Runner Up: Boulder Bikram Yoga

Pilates Studio EC

Rocky Mountain Pilates and Yoga
Rocky Mountain Pilates and Yoga provides an exceptional, spacious, and wonderful atmosphere filled with enlightened hearts and a shared journey of health and fitness. This location hosts a supportive community that will help actualize your success. No wonder they have won time and time again.
Runner Up: Pilates 4 Bodies

Pilates Studio B

The Pilates Center
The Pilates Center has built its reputation quietly and carefully over decades. Known for thoughtful instruction and instructors who truly pay attention, this Boulder staple attracts clients who value depth over trends. It’s not flashy, it’s effective, consistent, and rooted in the kind of expertise that keeps people coming back.
Runner Up: Bolder Pilates

Home & Hood

Old Town EC

Erie Old Town
With architecture dating back over a century, Erie’s historic downtown creates a classic atmosphere for Colorado residents and visitors. Truly the heart of Erie, the famous farmer’s market and various businesses are a hub for Erie’s locals and visitors to experience the best of Colorado culture.
Runner Up: Lafayette

Old Town B

Mapleton Hill
The historic Mapleton Hill neighborhood enhances Boulder’s classic, timeless aesthetic. With architecture and vegetation that stand the test of time, YS honors those responsible for Boulder’s most classic vibes.
Runner Up: Niwot

Neighborhood EC

Old Town Louisville
Old Town Louisville isn’t manufactured charm, it’s lived-in. Brick buildings, independent shops, longtime locals, and newer neighbors all share the same sidewalks, patios, and conversations. It’s the kind of downtown where you run into someone you know, linger longer than planned, and remember why small towns still matter.
Runner Up: Old Town Lafayette

Neighborhood B

NOBO Boulder
The North Boulder Arts District is responsible for bringing art and inspiration to North Boulder. With their extensive community engagement, colorful murals, and support for artists of all kinds, they inspire the community through their calling.
Runner Up: Whittier

Furniture EC

Woodley’s Fine Furniture
Woodley’s isn’t just selling furniture — they’re helping people settle in. Family-owned and Colorado-rooted for generations, the Woodleys built a business on listening, guiding, and making sure what you bring home actually fits your life. It’s why customers return decade after decade, not just room after room.
Runner Up: American Furniture Warehouse

Furniture B

Forma Furniture
Forma Furniture offers high-quality furniture with professional customer service and prestigious craftsmanship. This first-place winner earned their position by expertly furnishing Colorado homes with “that’s gorgeous” pieces.
Runner Up: Arhaus

Home Furnishings EC

Danish Furnishings
Known for its European furniture, high-quality showroom, and patient customer service, Danish Furnishings brings a taste of global culture to Colorado. Their breadth of experience and expertise make them a deserving winner. One trip in and you will appreciate what they offer as well.
Runner Up: Hello! Home Furnishings

Home Furnishings B

Boulder Furniture Arts
For over 30 years, Boulder Furniture Arts’ handmade and simplistic designs have responsibly furnished many Colorado homes. Their high-quality local business models call to new and repeat customers while the helpful customer service creates a comfortable experience from start to finish.
Runner Up: Derpy Dragon Woodworking

Home Improvement EC

Jax Ranch
Jax Ranch carries the weight of Colorado history on its shelves. Born from a 1965 surplus store and grown into a Front Range institution, Jax has always served people who work with their hands and live close to the land. It’s not trend-driven retail — it’s generational knowledge, dependable gear, and Colorado know-how passed forward.
Runner Up: Budget Home Supply

Home Improvement B

McGuckin Hardware
Since 1955 McGuckin Hardware has been a prime example of the impact a local business can have. Their expert staff are ready to assist you in finding the right tools to help turn a broken part of the home or new idea into a completed project.
Runner Up: Home Depot

Landscaper EC

Outdoor Craftsman
Outdoor Craftsman looks at a yard and sees possibility. Their team blends design, ecology, and craftsmanship to create outdoor spaces that actually belong in Colorado — native plants, smart irrigation, and landscapes meant to thrive, not fight the climate. The result isn’t just prettier yards, but ones that make sense.
Runner Up: Wild Heritage Gardens and Design

Landscaper B

Native Edge Landscape
Native Edge Landscape is the architect of Boulder’s most fun and restful backyard days. Whether it’s a cozy autumn day by a combo firepit + fireplace on an organically stone-tiled porch or a summer night in a poolside lounge at a hotel, Native Edge builds Boulder’s best residential and commercial sceneries.
Runner Up: Matrix Gardens

Realtor EC

The Fowler Group
The Fowler Group is made up of two sisters who come from a sixty-year long family legacy of realtors serving the Front Range. With their elaborate and cinematic Instagram reels, Brie and Jillian showcase how your home can be the centerpiece of your next story.
Runner Up: Audrey Atkinson

Realtor B

Tom Cohen / Compass
Tom Cohen started selling homes in 1990. He loves working directly with his clients, often reminding them that “Online search is fun. But it won’t text back or high-five you at closing. That’s what I’m here for.”
Runner Up: Arn Rasker / Sotheby’s

Plumber EC & B

Colorado Green Plumbing (landslide)
Colorado Green Plumbing won this year by a landslide (and it certainly wasn’t caused by a faulty sewer line). Homeowners praise president Paul Lingenfelter for his friendliness, trustworthiness, and willingness to educate customers. On top of their award-winning plumbing, they also provide stellar HVAC and boiler services.
Runner Up EC: Around the Clog
Runner Up B: Bernie’s Plumbing

Contractor EC

Silver Contracting
During the 2020 pandemic, contractors everywhere faced a garage door shortage — except Silver Contracting, which handcrafted its own custom doors. Known for adaptive attitude, they also facilitate stress-free building and renovation experiences.
Runner Up: Koeppen Construction

Contractor B

Melton Build & Design
Melton shares its design knowledge freely in workshops, including the annual Sugary Structure Showdown, where the top team donates to a local organization.
Runner Up: Petra Custom Builders

Tree Service EC

Reinholt Tree Services
A small team of arborists keeping trees healthy and residents safe from hazards, with 24-hour emergency tree care.
Runner Up: St Vrain Arbor Care

Tree Service B

Berkelhammer Tree
Berkelhammer Tree has shaped Boulder County’s landscape for decades, prioritizing stewardship over shortcuts. Founder Fred Berkelhammer championed tree care methods that protect pollinators: “saving the trees without killing the bees.”
Boulder Tree Surgeon

Auto Repair EC

Louisville Tire and Auto
Since 1993, Louisville Tire and Auto has provided honest, top-notch service. Technicians sell only what you need and provide flawless service.
Runner Up: Stang Auto

Auto Repair B

Pellman Automotive
Family-owned, transparent, and ASE-certified mechanics, providing updates, photos, and videos throughout the repair process.
Runner Up: Hoshi Motors

Lawyer EC

Lyons-Gaddis
Lyons Gaddis shows up prepared and explains things clearly. For 50+ years, their attorneys have helped navigate complex situations with steadiness and plainspoken guidance.
Runner Up: Gstalder Law Firm

Lawyer B

Hutchinson, Black & Cook
A picture of legal excellence, HBC has been a Boulder standard for over a century, offering small-firm attention with big-firm standards.
Runner Up: Frascona Joiner Goodman & Greenstein

Bank or Credit Union Boulder County

Elevations Credit Union
Founded in 1952, member-owned, community-driven, emphasizing personalized service and financial education.
Runner Up: Premier Members Credit Union

Place to Buy A Car in Boulder County

Fisher Honda
Craig Fisher built a soft-spoken, no-pressure dealership approach locals recognize immediately.
Runner Up: Valley Subaru

NonProfit EC

Sister Carmen
Founded in the 1970s by Sister Carmen Ptacnik, providing goods and support to local families.
Runner Up: Community Food Share

NonProfit B

EFAA
Serving Boulder County for over 100 years, providing food, housing, education, and advocacy.
Runner Up: Rocky Mountain Equality

Politician

Joe Neguse
Congressman for Colorado’s 2nd District since 2018, focused on climate, public lands, and democracy protection.
Runner Up — Former Erie Mayor Justin Brooks

Artist EC

Angie Nordstrom
Boulder-area painter and muralist, combining expressive emotions with upbeat messages inspired by nature.
Runner Up: Kristi Arzola

Artist B

Phil Lewis
Print-driven pieces and clean, modern compositions, with exquisite kaleidoscopic imagery.
Runner Up: Sam Cikauskas

Marijuana Dispensary EC

Herbal Wellness
All-inclusive, tailored dispensary experience with attentive budtenders and loyalty programs.
Runner Up — Igadi

Marijuana Dispensary Boulder

The Farm
Premium yet welcoming dispensary with consistent flower quality and wide selection of concentrates.
Runner Up — Karing Kind

Glass EC

Hillcrest Glass
Since 1969, providing reliable residential and commercial glass services with precision and craftsmanship.

Glass B

Slade Glass Co
Modern sensibility with a long-standing presence in custom glass work since 1961.

Tattoo Shop EC

Inksmith
Friendly, clean, professional setting that makes getting a tattoo approachable for everyone.
Runner: Main Street Tattoo

Tattoo Shop B

Boulder Ink
One of Boulder’s oldest shops, balancing technical skill with personal expression, open daily.
Runner Up: Rising Tide Tattoo

Shopping

Shoe Store EC

Brown’s Shoe Store
How do we tell you Brown’s Shoes is the locals’ favorite when they’ve won all 26 years? That’s how.

Runner Up: Jax

Shoe Store B

Apocalypse
In Boulder, the answer to every “Where did you get those shoes?!” question is Apocalypse. You can complete any fit there with the incredible selection of shoes for a Saturday night along with everyday wear pairs.
Runner Up: Two Sole Sisters

Eyewear EC

The Optical Centre
For more than 50 years on Main Street, The Optical Centre has stayed locally owned, independent, and loved. They pair comprehensive eye care with a curated, timeless eyewear selection, plus the steady expertise of Dr. Jeff Berger. Longmont keeps choosing them, and it’s easy to see why.
Runner Up: Lafayette Eye Associates

Eyewear B

Envision Optical
There’s a special kind of walk you see from people when they leave Envision Optical. It’s confident, strong, almost a strut. It’s that walk you have when you’re feeling your best and looking great.
Runner Up: Tom’s Sportique Eyewear

Jewelry EC

Anspach’s Jewelry
You’re not just buying a necklace or a ring, you’re starting a story. And the jewelers at Anspach’s will make sure it’s one told with heart, thoughtfulness, sincerity, and history.
Runner Up: Eric Olson Master Jewelers

Jewelry B

Hurdles
At Hurdle’s you don’t shop as much as you wander, waiting for that perfect piece to speak to you. Jewelry is more than just an “accessory,” it’s an extension of your personality.
Runner Up: Schapell Jewelers

Fashion Boutique for Women EC

Snow Apparel
Snow Apparel is a cornucopia of timeless style. From showcasing local artisans to international masters, owner Snow White ensures every purchase makes an impact. She uplifts marginalized masterpieces while making customers look and feel triumphant in their new threads.
Runner Up: Ivy Rose

Fashion Boutique for Women B

Apocalypse
Shopping locally isn’t just a slogan; it’s the Apocalypse aesthetic. Madison Moorhead McCabe and Jed Bickford McCabe champion shoppers away from fast fashion, offering a haven to find better ends.
Runner Up: Jacque Michelle

Men’s Clothing EC

Acme Fine Goods
The Internet makes it easy to shop, but Acme Fine Goods makes it fun. Trying something on and falling in love is a tactile experience, leaving you feeling like the world’s best-dressed man.
Runner Up: Jax

Men’s Clothing B

Weekends
For men looking to reset their wardrobe or find a new favorite shirt, Weekends offers unmatched stylist passion and knowledge. You’ll leave not just looking good, but feeling good.
Runner Up: Canoe Club

Consignment Clothing EC

Found Underground
When it’s time for a style-swap, this is the place to go. You get new clothes while helping the environment, and your old favorites may resurface for someone else.
Runner Up — Fabulous Finds

Consignment Clothing B

Apocalypse
Beyond gently used women’s clothing, Apocalypse is the go-to for finding pieces that express “This is who I am.”
Runner Up: Rags Consignment

Shopping District/Center EC

Downtown Longmont
Restaurants, shops, art, and event venues abound, but the most important element: the people. Seeing neighbors and community members enjoying it all builds real community.
Runner Up: Downtown Lafayette

Shopping District/Center B

Pearl Street Mall
Shop for gifts, records, food, and tattoos — Pearl Street is Boulder as it’s meant to be.
Runner Up: 29th Street Mall

Bookstore EC

Read Queen
A revolutionary literary hub, offering book clubs, workshops, and discerning curation. Miss it at your own risk.
Runner Up: Barbed Wire Books

Bookstore B

Boulder Bookstore
The agora for late-night thinkers, with a library of awards since 1987.
Runner Up:Trident Booksellers

Florist EC

Lafayette Florist
For 75 years, Lafayette Florist has crafted flowers as personal messages, from welcoming neighbors to marking life milestones.
Runner Up: Longmont Florist

Florist B

Boulder Blooms
Kim Thielke’s studio-style approach ensures every arrangement feels personal, seasonal, and distinctly Boulder.
Runner Up: Sturtz & Copeland

Kid’s Store EC

Longmont Museum
A time machine with 17,000+ objects, creating cerebral and emotional connections with history.
Runner Up: Adorn Kids

Kid’s Store B

Grandrabbits
Almost 50 years of expanding kids’ imaginations with personal, fun shopping experiences.
Runner Up: Pitter Patter

Gift Shop EC

Vintrey
Vintage, handmade, and fair-trade gifts curated inside a 1900s home for a “hidden treasures” shopping feel.
Runner Up: Bricks on Main

Gift Shop B

Cedar and Hyde
Gifts that elicit “Oh Wow!” moments — housewarming, birthdays, or a treat for yourself.
Runner Up:Bliss

Natural Goods EC & B

Natural Grocers
Beyond healthy food, they provide wellness classes and a dedicated nutrition center, committed to community wellness.
Runner Up EC: Little Herbal Apothecary
Runner Up B: Nude Foods

Grocer EC

Sprouts
A shopper’s delight, filled with tasty and nutritious items. Be prepared for a bigger cart.
Runner Up: Natural Grocers

Grocer B

Lucky’s Market
Independently owned, locally sourced, and organic, offering the best of Boulder on its shelves.
Runner Up: Trader Joe’s

Pet Supply EC

Gigi & Co
Intentional selection of health-forward essentials and local brands, plus force-free training expertise.
Runner Up: Happy Beast

Pet Supply B

PCs Pantry
From a small house to a 30th Street facility, P.C.’s Pantry combines personal shopping with nearly 25 years of excellence.
Runner Up: Only Natural Pet Supplies

Consignment & ReUse Furniture EC

Fabulous Finds
Walk-in, drop-off, and mobile consignment options with a warm, local environment supporting organizations like The Inn Between and Habitat for Humanity.
Runner Up: Furn Consignment

Consignment & ReUse Furniture B

Goodwill
Colorado’s 45-location network, with the Boulder store winning readers’ hearts and providing convenient donation drop-offs.
Runner Up: Pig & Pearl

Record Store B

Paradise Found Records
When you buy a record in Boulder, you buy it at Paradise Found Records; which has curated one of the most extensive catalogs of vinyl in Boulder County. With 26 years of winning Best of the West Awards, Paradise Found Records remains unmatched for botomless crate digging. 
Runner Up: Beat Book Shop

Record Store EC

Absolute Vinyl
Epicenter of Boulder County’s analogue revival, with local music archives and audiophile gems.
Runner Up: Little Horse Louisville

Musical Instruments EC

Guitar Hut
Honest repairs and innovative instruments, avoiding pretentious vibes while offering tried-and-true gear.
Runner Up: Monkton Guitar

Musical Instruments B

HB Woodsongs
Founded in 1971, Boulder’s longest-running music store offers instruments, lessons, rentals, tuneups, and an online shop.
Runner Up: Boulder Drum Shop

Quilting/Sewing EC

The Presser Foot
A BERNINA dealer with 500+ years combined experience, crafting quality work and guiding customers to the right machine.
Runner Up: The Quilt Store

Quilting/Sewing B

Elfriede’s Fine Fabrics
Since 1974, offering distinctive textiles and guidance that keep generations of makers returning.
Runner Up: Sew-Bo

Education/Kids

Place to Play with the Kids EC

WOW! Children’s Museum
Since 1996, WOW! Children’s Museum has become a cornerstone for young ones under 12. Through their Play for All program and inclusive mission, WOW! ensures every child has a safe place to have fun. Who wouldn’t want to play in a restored fire-station?
Runner Up: Coal Creek Park

Place to Play with the Kids B

ABC Kids Climbing
For kids who don’t stay still, ABC Kids Climbing offers endless opportunities. Toddlers can learn in safe spaces while elite climbers train, and parents can join in at open gym sessions!
Runner Up: Gateway Park Fun Center

Private School EC

Dawson School
Founded in 1970, Dawson School pairs strong academics with real choice. With 80 electives and 16 AP courses, students build a path unique to them. College prep is intentional, personal, and student-centered.
Runner Up: Saint John the Baptist

Private School B

Boulder Country Day
Teachers at Boulder Country Day truly know their students. Serving preschool through 8th grade, BCD combines strong academics with hands-on learning in a close-knit community, helping students grow confident and articulate.
Runner Up: Boulder Valley Waldorf School

Public School EC

Centaurus High School
Centaurus High pairs academic opportunity with a supportive culture. From standout arts programs to CU Boulder-aligned college pathways, students are encouraged to shape their future in a community that shows up for them.
Runner Up: Niwot High School

Public School B

Fairview High School
Fairview High emphasizes challenge, engagement, and meaning. The honors program and dedicated faculty cultivate a positive learning experience, producing frequent National Merit Finalists.
Runner Up: Horizons K-8

Summer Camp EC

Colorado Mountain Ranch
With roots reaching back to 1925, Colorado Mountain Ranch encourages kids to get outdoors and connect with nature — something better than wifi.
Runner Up: YMCA Northern Colorado

Summer Camp B

Renaissance Adventures
Renaissance Adventures brings imagination to life through creative role-playing, castle-building, and playground adventures.
Runner Up: Square State Skate

Music School EC

School of Rock
Performance-based music education helps students conquer stage fright and build confidence before adulthood — all while having a rockstar experience.
Runner Up: Center for Musical Arts

Music School B

HB Woodsongs Teaching Studios
From beginners to professionals, HB Woodsongs fosters creativity through deep listening, guided exploration, and improvisation, creating a complete music ecosystem in Boulder.
Runner Up:Harmony Music House

The post Best of the West 2026 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

National Western Stock Show, Photo credit: Dosko Photo, Dustin Doskocil

Colorado’s Wild Roots are Growing Towards Inclusion

Cowboy hats, belt buckles, leather, and spurs, the bleachers of the Denver Coliseum give a taste of Colorado’s Wild West history. Booming voices welcome us to the 120th National Western Stock Show as the people settle. The dusty track before us, the nucleus of our attention, explodes with streams of sparklers and flooding fireworks before we are all immersed in darkness. In comes one rider, visible only by the LEDs lining her clothes, the mane of her galloping horse, and the American flag she bears. She is followed by her fellow Westernaires, a Colorado organization whose mission is to get young folks into saddles, all aglow in red, white, and blue as they run the perimeter of the stadium, the crush of hooves, jingle of saddles, and spray of dust on the brims of delighted front-rowers. The riders converge at the center, lines spinning like the blades of a windmill around the epicenter of the glowing American flag, displaying the Westernaires’ impressive precision mounted drill specialty, and with exact, unspoken coordination, stampede out the exit to the roar of the audience. The pyrotechnics, loud rock music, and general spectacle are proof that while Colorado may still hold on to its history, the state and the cowboy are evolving.

It’s January of 2026, but the traditions that permeate this evening’s rodeo trace back hundreds of years. There is a storied past of western ranch culture in the Centennial State. Horses were imported by the Spanish with fervor in the 1700s, though there are Indigenous histories reporting their presence as early as the 1600s. Livestock became a cornerstone in exploring and working the land. Western settlers also became enamored with the herding and roping mastery of Mesoamerican Indigenous horsemen known as the Vaquero. These techniques are still demonstrated with lasso work and calf roping. The freedom of the Western plains and peaks also gave opportunity for liberation for emancipated slaves, like the legendary bulldogging Bill Pickett, and Buffalo Bill’s dazzling showcases of cowfolk talents touring the nation, endearing Americans to the heroic cowboy lifestyle. While there might be a bias of white-man machismo at the rodeo, the event was born from diversity and freedom.

Sebastian Matthews, a board member of CGRA, said, “Being a cowboy isn’t just wearing the hat and riding a tractor. It’s an attitude: mind your business, don’t be aggressive, honor your word, do more, talk less.”

There are many cowfolk like Matthews who seek to keep the cowboy tradition alive in Colorado.

Terry Nash

The Cowboy Poet

Terry Nash, originally from the agriculture-heavy eastern slope of Colorado, is a cowman, beef producer, and cowboy poet residing in the western range of Loma. Agriculture has always been a part of his life, but it wasn’t until his trucking job took him to the mountains of Loma, where he fell in love with the woman who would become his wife, that he took up raising livestock.

Nash adores the cows he tends in the mountains. “Peace comes on the back of a horse […] following cows on trails.” There are some cows he’s shared a quiet respect with for fifteen years, and others bred for beef, slaughtered every June. Nash takes pride in the 32 families he and his wife provide quality beef for year-round.

“I love being around people, and I love being away from people,” Nash chuckled. “There was an old cowboy poet, Badger Clark, who said, ‘I loved my fellow man the best when he was scattered some.’”

Since 1990, Nash has faced his share of challenges as a steward of the land and cowhand. He noted the Colorado reintroduction of wolves, although a nuanced issue, as being a challenge for cattle keepers. “There are some that kill for sport […] The problem isn’t just that they are killing livestock, but that they stress out the herds. So much so that the heifers can’t breed.”

According to Nash, the Western range has been under drought for roughly the last ten years. “One day I was riding my horse over the hill looking for a cow and my horse took a step onto some dry grass that sounded like stepping on potato chips.” Creeks and streams that his and his fellow ranchers’ herds once relied upon have dried up, limiting areas for grazing. On July 10 of last year, a dry lightning storm set Turner Gulch in Mesa County ablaze. While most of the cattle were not harmed, over 30,000 acres were destroyed, and the herds, along with their tenders, were displaced.

Nash’s reverence for the peace and hard work of the cowboy lifestyle is apparent in his poem “A Cowman’s Lot,” about a heifer giving birth:

“The first flakes to fall were wet and wide spaced
But a warning, for soon they fell quicker
Wind and dark were neck and neck as they raced
And the cowboy pulled on his vicar,

Thought about supper, the wife who’d worry.
She’d watch for his truck at the gate,
And he with a heifer no man could hurry,
And decided supper could wait.”

Carl Schmidt

A Modern Cowboy

Carl Schmidt is a longtime friend of Yellow Scene Magazine, but his love of livestock goes even further back, to his high school days doing 4-H and riding horses in Corpus Christi, Texas. For the last 24 years, Schmidt has been working with rodeos in Denver and runs his own bed and breakfast, the Capitol Hill Mansion. Schmidt is well known for his roughstock management and chute coordination for the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), an amateur rodeo welcoming to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

A novice might wonder, with trepidation, about the danger of rodeo. As with most sports and other hazardous lines of work, Schmidt said safety precautions have improved over the decades he’s worked the job, thanks to the convention held yearly to review and improve IGRA’s protocols. “My whole job is the welfare of those animals and the safety of those contestants,” Schmidt explained.

The safety of gay people at rodeos like the National Western Stock Show is a different story. “[Being in the LGBTQ+ community] is a lot more common or a lot more known in the wider rodeo community than it was when I was growing up,” Schmidt assessed positively. “But if I go to the Stock Show, they don’t know I’m gay. I don’t think they’re very supportive of that.” When asked how many gay rodeo contestants compete at wider rodeos, Schmidt said, “There isn’t really any crossover from the gay rodeo to places like the National Stock Show. If gay people are there, they aren’t out.”

Schmidt continued, “They might not feel safe at places like the National Stock Show, and that’s why the gay rodeo exists.” Although general acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community has improved since cowboys like Carl Schmidt were younger, it can be hard for potential rodeo-goers to forget how bad things once were, or to overlook the present-day threats and disdain for the LGBTQ+ community on display in the current U.S. administration.

International Gay Rodeo, Colorado members

Living Legacy

John Beck is a highly awarded Hall of Famer for the IGRA. He has competed in all thirteen rodeo events for twenty-six years and, at 76 years old, still competes. Beck has competed in every IGRA finals, excluding 2006, and won several All-Around titles. Born smack-dab in the middle of Nebraska, he’s been riding horses just about as long as he could walk. “My dad used to say, ‘If you don’t ride, you won’t eat for a week.’ So that will get you pretty motivated.”

By the early 1980s, Beck had made it to Denver and was in the basement of Charlie’s gay bar, dreaming up events for the International Gay Rodeo, like the Wild Milking Competition. “It’s too crazy to be done now,” Sebastian Matthews, Beck’s younger counterpart, laughed. The contest included a team chasing around a lactating cow separated from its calf, trying to milk her, and consequently getting kicked in the face a lot. Needless to say, the event did not last long.

Reflecting on what he called his “nothing serious” injuries from over the years—two broken collarbones, four broken ribs, one broken ankle, and one broken leg—Beck joked, “I never wore a vest or helmet; they said there was nothing upstairs anyway, so why protect it?”

Beck and Matthews have similar beliefs about LGBTQ+ acceptance in rodeo culture as Carl Schmidt. However, Matthews sees the lack of acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community as not exclusive to rodeo. “How many male athletes of any sport do you see out as gay? There was one hockey player [Luke Prokop] a few years ago who came out, the first one in the NHL, and now he plays in Canada for the Raiders.”

Although the level of acceptance is not ideal, Beck noted how far the community has come. “In the 1970s in Nebraska, I was spending time with a guy, and the KKK tried to kill me.” Beck elaborated that when he was still farming in Nebraska and going through a divorce, his ex-wife’s sister ran to town and told his secret. When he drove to the town gas station to fill up his tank, he was told by an attendant, “We don’t serve faggots.” Around the same time, Beck had a border collie puppy who always wore a bandana. One night, the puppy came back inside with a note slipped under its bandana that said, “Move or die.” The next day, his puppy was killed.

In November of 1981, after years of threats, Beck flipped a quarter at 2:00 in the morning to decide where he would go: heads was Denver, and tails was Florida. When he returned to Nebraska the following fall for harvesting, the shed he built mysteriously caught on fire. For the next seven years, his father told him not to come home, afraid that he and his mother would “catch AIDS” from him.

With a history like that, it’s hard not to be grateful for the progress made in rodeo and other rural spaces, even if it is acceptance through silence. Beck eventually reconnected with his parents at the price of never discussing that he was gay.

Women’s Professional Rodeo Assoc.

The Past and The Future

Karen Kronauge, president of the Alumni Association and wearer of many hats at the Westernaires, said in regard to changes in participation, “It’s a natural progression—kids who grow up on farms filtering out into the cities as they get older—but Westernaires created a pipeline of urban and suburban kids back into rural spaces.” Founded in 1949, the Westernaires is an organization aimed at getting Colorado kids on horses and living the Western lifestyle. Serving over a thousand members ages 9–19, Westernaires runs a precision-mounted drill program tended to with care and diligence.

The camaraderie among participants was apparent as they warmed up their horses in circles in the dirt backstage lots. Most participants in the practice area were young women, a rarity for wider rodeo events. Women competitors are typically restricted to categories like trick roping or speed barrel racing, but Kronauge posited that this was not always the case.

In 1904, it was actually a Colorado cowgirl, Bertha Kaepernick, who paved the way for women competitors to follow. “Before the 1920s, cowgirls could ride horses and steers just as well, if not better, than cowboys,” Kronauge said.

Author Cindy Herschel of American Cowboy magazine wrote in her article “Ride Like a Girl: The Original Rodeo Cowgirls,” “Starting in the 1930s, women in rodeo faced some serious challenges to continued participation. They eventually had to form their own association to organize women’s rodeo events. Roughstock riding rose again as a result, but barrel racing was coming on fast and furious and soon eclipsed it.”

Rodeo leaders of the time claimed that the restrictions resulted from the tragic death of saddle bronc riding, steer riding, and trick-riding cowgirl Bonnie McCarroll, but Herschel noted that “Gail Woerner, author of six books on rodeo history, says that bronc riding didn’t stop because of Bonnie McCarroll. Prior to her death, women already had been killed riding broncs as early as 1915, and by the early 1930s, rodeo promoters were hiring ‘ranch girls’ instead of allowing women competitors. These pretty Western women would drum up buzz for the shows via publicity appearances and did not compete.”

Historian Mary Lou LeCompte said of actor and producer Gene Autry’s leadership in banning women’s participation in 1941, “The end of women’s rodeo was Gene Autry. He put women in their ‘place,’ in the square dances and out of competition.”

Steve Wursta’s 2021 documentary film From Cheyenne to Pendleton follows the rise and fall of the rodeo cowgirl from 1904 to 1929. “He cites social and economic trends for a backlash against women’s athletic accomplishments, including the sour outlook related to the post–World War I recession in the farm belt.” Wursta gathered that “people were saying, ‘We’re in a depression, and we don’t need it rubbed in our faces that women are better than men.’”

However, as other groups not accepted in wider rodeo did, cowgirls created their own association in 1941, which still exists today as the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. The WPRA yielded cowgirl greats like Jan Youren and Jonnie Jonckowski.

The unanimous voice from the interviewed cowfolk said, “Join us!” When asked what he wants the general public to know about his profession, Schmidt answered, “Let’s rodeo!” He went on to say encouragingly, “The gay rodeo is all about inclusion and equality. Come and join, participate in a rodeo, and live that western lifestyle you wanna live!”

Schmidt assured, “IGRA is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, race, religion, or ability. We want everyone to feel valued, respected, and empowered within the community—to know that they can learn and participate and that rodeo is for them, too.”

While wider rodeo and cowfolk spaces have historically been viewed and acted as more socially conservative than their urban counterparts, there are pockets like the Bill Pickett Black Rodeo, International Gay Rodeo, and Women’s Professional Rodeo that have sought to and continue to change the narrative. Spaces like the National Western Stock Show show inclusion through special events like the Mexican Rodeo and the MLK Jr. Rodeo, but as racial, gender, and sexual identities are increasingly politicized in the United States, the wide-open arms offered by the National Western Stock Show bear some specificity for outsiders to feel safe. After all, cowboys and cowgirls are outsiders themselves—those who choose a life outside the office, in quiet companionship with nature, alone out on the ranges where there’s no one to judge or condemn them for being who they are.

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The post The Evolution of the Colorado Cowboy appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

“Starbucks isn’t unique; They’re only unique in their particular brand of stubbornness.” Autumn Archer, labor coach for the Boulder Denver Socialist Association and organizer for the Starbucks Workers told Yellow Scene Magazine. Archer was one of the organizers of the January 27 Unite the Unions rally at Civic Center Park, where organizations including Starbucks Workers United, Denver DSA, and other labor rights advocates gathered in solidarity with Starbucks workers and unions across Colorado on the Capitol-backed lawn.

While Autumn Archer’s five year employment as a barista and shift manager has come to an end, many of her friends as well as her partner are still working for Starbucks. 

“Starbucks makes up a majority of my home’s income,” Archer illustrated. “And many employees often have to choose between groceries and rent every month.”

SBWU called for a strike November of last year in an effort to finalize their union contract, in which employees have bargained for fairer scheduling, more accessible healthcare, and higher take-home pay. 

“We’re living in the most expensive economy many of us have ever seen in their lifetime,” Archer explained. “So we’re asking for a tangible increase in take-home pay. The company says it pays the equivalent of $30/hr, but they’re factoring in benefits like Spotify and we know these are benefits employees pay for out of their paycheck.” 

SBWU strike leaders, including KC from the Lafayette store, said the Unite the Unions rally was meant to draw attention back to the ongoing strike and build public support for their efforts.

“I hope this is a reminder to people that Starbucks is still on strike and we still need their support.”

KC had worked at Starbucks locations all over the country, and two weeks after starting at the Lafayette location, the store went on strike. KC relayed their experience from the picketline, saying, “We get a lot of people spitting in our faces, telling us to go find real jobs, telling us we don’t matter. There’s one woman who loves to throw every slur under the sun every time she crosses the picket line.”

KC reiterated that this level of dehumanization is common in the service industry and a root cause of the underpayment and unlawful work conditions they and other service industry workers experience. “We’re all wiping the sweat off our brow, and breaking our backs to go take care of the very same people who dehumanize us [….] like, ‘Are you sure you want a non-human making your Americano?’”

Crowd gathered for January 27 Rally Photo by Sprout Foster

It’s not only customers hell-bent on their daily dose of convenient coffee who are clashing with strikers. Before the formation of SBWU, Starbucks was one of the top contributors to federal labor law violations, with over 1,100 ULPs for union-busting and other unfair labor practices. NLRB Judge Michael A. Rosas found that Starbucks had violated the National Labor Relations Act hundreds of times through “egregious and widespread misconduct demonstrating a general disregard for the employees’ fundamental rights.”

“It’s not beneficial for either side to bring every single one of these cases before the NLRB,” Archer explained. “It’s very time consuming and very expensive. So we asked them to sit down for an arbitration [to quicken the process], but they’ve used that to stonewall on finalizing the union contract for over a year and a half.” 

The goal of the Unite the Unions rally was to not only show solidarity with the Starbucks strikes in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Fort Collins, but to show solidarity for all labor movements in Colorado.

Archer said, “These exploitative practices are not isolated to a single workplace or environment. They are widespread and symptomatic of an economy that is concentrating its wealth to a few bad actors.” 

Other labor leaders like six-year member of Denver DSA Matt Crook have seen increased need for union participation, as Crook watched his local association fluctuate greatly after pro-laborer Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. “All the energy got sucked out of the room once the old dude stopped running [… ]I watched the chapter deflate, which is understandable.” However, Crook urged, “We need to find ways to sustain through the losses.” 

Other organizations and city leaders like Denver City Councilmember Sarah Parady joined on the lawn for pizza, non-affiliated food truck coffee, and rousing speeches from organizers and Starbucks employees. Unifying the efforts of all union efforts, Attorney General Candidate David Seligman and Senate representative Julie Gonzales expressed the dire need for the Worker Protection Act. The bill was reintroduced only after Mayor Polis rejected the legislation that would remove a significant barrier in unionizing that is unique to Colorado. After the vote to unionize, unionized workers must hold a second election, which must be won with a 75% approval – as compared to a simple majority win in the first election – before being able to negotiate dues with their employer. Similar to what Archer called “stubborn” stonewalling tactics of Starbucks, barriers such as the one the WPA is attempting to remove are viewed as just another bureaucratic form of union busting. 

Autumn Archer acknowledged that Starbucks has some of the best benefits in the industry, but gives credit to union solidarity for this fact.  “Howard Schultz, former CEO and founder, loves to take credit, but those benefits pre-date his tenure,” she explained. “Starbucks had a union in its main roastery building in the mid 1980’s. Part of the expansion of the business into the cafe business was to water down union density in the company.” 

As the speeches of Unite the Unions concluded, Host Raven Caruth demonstrated a lesson their cohost Kylie Anderson admitted as “cringey.” Caruth wore the iconic green Starbucks apron and yanked on a rope in a tug-of-war with a faux-CEO on the other end.

Participants in a Labor themed Tug of War Photo from Sprout Foster

One by one, Starbucks workers and supporters rushed forward to join Caruth, grabbing the rope and sending the faux CEO skidding across the bird-poop-filled lawn as the crowd cheered. The lesson might have been “cheesy,” but things that are considered cheesy often get that way through repetition, and there are certain lessons worth repeating. At Unite the Unions, the lesson that bears repeating: the path to more just and more humanizing workplaces for all Coloradans is one in which we choose again and again to come together and look out for one another. 

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The post ‘We Still Need Support’: Starbucks Workers Rally Amid Strike appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Since November 13th of this last year, Starbucks strikes have been sweeping the nation, and Colorado is no exception. The Starbucks Workers Union (SBWU) has been working hard to unify Starbucks unions to advocate for the completion of their union contract. The demands within the contract are for a higher take home pay, consistent hours so employees may qualify for healthcare benefits, consistency of scheduling and staffing, and for Starbucks to resolve their labor violations with the National Labor Rights Board. 

January 11th, at the 16th Street Mall location, employees and supporters alike formed a picket line to put pressure on Starbucks to finalize the nearly-complete contract that HQ has been delaying for the last year and a half.

Naomi Wilson had been an employee for three years and when they were informed the 16th Street Mall Starbucks was a union store, they didn’t know what that meant at first. But after learning more about collective action and the union process, Naomi found themselves being elected as a bargaining representative and strike captain. “

To be a bargaining representative, I was on these Zoom calls with the union representatives that were in person with the company, and we would get all the information that they were given, and we would vote on different proposals and things, send the proposal back, rinse and repeat […] We met every month for, I think it was like six to eight months, and then by the time we got to October, we were on to wages, and that’s when things started getting a little more difficult.” 

Clarence Mills, co-chair of Denver’s Democratic Socialist Association (DSA) labor committee said that DSA has been supporting SBWU since they started the fight four years ago. 

Mills emphasized the importance of this movement for all workers by saying, “If wage and hour demands are met, it will create a tiered structure that will accelerate union organizing for all new unions going forward.” He went on to say, “This would be the first national fast food union contract and that creates a template for other hard to organize places like Chipotle, Trader Joe’s, and REI.”

Mills said that there are detractors of the movement and aggressive picket line crossers who’ve said, “If you don’t like your job, go find a new one.” “I’d argue that these protesters love their jobs,” Mill countered. “If you really care as a worker, you stick around and try to improve the conditions at your workplace.” 

Workers outside Starbucks Lafayette
Photo from Sprout Foster

Lucille Wayne, Strike Leader and Starbucks employee of two years, said she left her job at Dutch Bros because of the health care that Starbucks offered. All Starbucks employees are guaranteed health insurance at 20 hours a week, but that rule has been consistently deviated by scheduling employees exactly 19.5 hours.

“What I want is for every employee to receive healthcare benefits like I have.” Wayne continued, “I love my job and my coworkers and I want that positive experience to be consistent.”

Thirty minutes North in Lafayette, another Starbucks location is showing solidarity. Kai Ott is Colorado born-and-raised and has been a Starbucks employee for 7.5 years since they were 16 years-old. For the first few years of their employment, they were told by management that “Unions are only for the stores that are really terrible and broken. [Unionizing] is a terrible thing to do to your managers.”

“It made me really scared of unions; I wouldn’t even look it up to find out what they were,” Ott said. But when they finally did start searching, Ott learned that unions were simply a way to support employees’ rights. In the last two years, managers were cracking down at the smallest infractions, ostensibly in retaliation to the national Starbucks union movement.

“We were getting written up for everything, like dirty aprons, which are supposed to get dirty, and for missing nametags.”

When Ott realized they could be getting support with a union in such situations, they jumped on-board and led their Starbucks’ location in the process of unionizing. 

The workers at west South Boulder Road have been receiving support on the picket line from community members and politicians such as John Hickenlooper, but have been faced with various union-busting tactics as well.

“The barrier around the store was widened to supposedly ‘make the entrance bigger’ but it makes it so we can’t directly picket in front of the store… There was also one night that had been completely dry, no precipitation, and when we arrived the next morning to set-up the sidewalk was covered in ice. We checked up and down the street and there was no ice anywhere else.” 

Another common practice that SBWU is attempting to remedy with the contract negotiations is the “two-person play.”  Ott explained, “A two-person play is when two people are scheduled to run the whole store, even during peaks, which really sucks.” Ott said it has become common for, “employees to get woken up by frantic calls asking where they are, because the schedule had been switched the night before.” Additionally, before the uptick of strikes in November, Starbucks was the largest NLRB violator in the nation with over 700 unresolved unfair labor practice charges. 

The next action to support the Starbucks Workers Union and other labor efforts will be the Unite the Unions Event, January 27th from 3-5 pm at Civic Center Park in Denver.  

Like journalism like this? Consider becoming a sustaining supporter — and get our print edition delivered to your home each month.

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The post Colorado Starbucks Workers Join Nationwide Strike For Fair Pay appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

The Rise of Homesteading

From grassroots activism to millennial mamas

Sepia-toned women in long skirts tending to their chickens and children while calling themselves “tradwives,” anti-government and anti-establishment dreamers fighting against giant food corporations, environmentalists trying to limit their impact: somehow all falling into the stereotypes of being a Homesteader.

“Homesteading” the new buzzword about town, a fantasy reinvigorated and reinvented during the COVID-19 shutdown. While billions of people around the world were mandated to stay home from work and limit their masked, socially distanced visits to the grocery store, some used this forced slowdown to pick up new skills, such as baking sourdough from scratch or sloppily crocheting hats for all their friends. 

A Traditional Way of Life?

The term homesteading has certainly taken on a new meaning from its Western Expansion origins. The Homesteading Act of 1862 opened up the prospect of land ownership to those willing to farm the land they claimed. From Glen R Durrel’s historical account, Homesteading in Colorado, “Under the Homestead Act a person could claim 160 acres, file on it, and if he built his home lived there and cultivated the land for five years, he could ‘prove up’ his claim and obtain a government patent to it.” Although ostensibly an optimistic piece of legislation, there were many grave issues with the Homestead Act, including lands defined as “unoccupied” being greatly inhabited by Indigenous tribes who had been forced West to reservations by the Indian Appropriations Act of 1851. 

In the 21st century, homesteading is less about land grabs and remains deeply rooted in the cultivation of husbandry skills. For some, there is a desire to cultivate a traditional way of life. Popular influencer, self-proclaimed homesteader and externally-identified trad wife Hannah Neelman documents her life on 328 acres with her husband and nine children across social media. After four years in Brazil with her husband and an introduction to farming through farm hotels, she and her husband decided to take up farming and co-founded Ballerina Farm, a family homestead turned lifestyle brand offering cooking and wellness products nationwide.

Additionally, the Trad Wife aesthetic has MAGA undertones. Neelman can be seen in her videos, donned in a long floral dress, looking camera-ready while she harvests eggs, makes food for her family from scratch, and tends to the children, promoting the notion that a full life is one where you are beholden to your partner. This social-media-promoted movement is not inherently one goal of sustainability, but rather a countermovement to feminism and the freedoms from the patriarchy that generations have worked for.

There are other questionable aspects to the Ballerina Farm enterprise beyond the mid-century housewife idealization: her husband’s status as the millionaire son of the owner of JetBlue Airlines and Hannah Neelman’s online shop selling a cutting board for nearly $300. The “simple” life that trad wives are trying to get back to is often funded by trust funds or wealthy husbands. If exorbitantly-funded homesteaders like Hannah Neelman, who are not transparent about their financial status, are sharing their homesteading journeys so others may follow their example, a great deal of their viewership are financially unable to emulate. 

What does it cost to Homestead

According to Lauren Dunteman of Boulder’s Flatirons Farming Coalition (FFC), modern homesteading differs from farming in that production is limited to the sustaining of a small group of people, like a family, household, or co-housing group, but not a primary source of income. So the question remains: how achievable is homesteading for those who do not already have access to large amounts of capital?

To identify the reality, let’s start off with a basic list of what is needed to start a homestead: land access, equipment, time, money, farming education, and a clear plan. 

If you are someone who is considering land allocation, whether or not you purchase raw land will determine a good deal of costs. Raw land without water, electricity, septic or landscaping can go for as low as $700-3,000 per acre in Colorado, but the more developed and closer the land gets to cities, the average cost of land is $11,000-12,000 per acre. Tennessee Homesteaders Sin City Country Homestead did a detailed breakdown of purchasing and developing their 35 acres on their Youtube page and the costs – including but not limited to building a septic system, a water system, an electric system, and clearing only a couple acres of forest – was around $500,000, before building a home or installing crops.

35 acres is a lot of land if you do not have a background in farming and are just starting out your growing journey. Real Estate expert of Boulder Source, Greg Smith said, “For many aspiring homesteaders, starting with 2 to 5 acres is a smart, manageable way to begin.” 

Smith explains, ”If your dream homestead revolves around growing your own food, raising a few chickens, and living simply, just 1 to 3 acres can go a long way..With proper planning, even one acre can support: A large vegetable garden or food forest, 4–6 backyard chickens or ducks, a greenhouse for year-round produce and composting areas and water catchment systems.”

What is Needed 

Sunlight, soil, and temperature considerations are crucial in developing a clear plan for a homestead. Shady areas may be amenable to lettuces and other leafy greens, but a tomato trellis in the same area, you may leave you sorely disappointed with the yield. Soil viability can be supplemented with fertilizer or nutrient dense farmer. Raised beds may protect crops from grazing animals, but they also increase the risk of frost damage due to the greater distance from geothermal activity.

Additonally, Colorado’s short growing seasons must be taken into account. Greenhouses, cold frames, and high tunnels are helpful in this regard. For sheds and livestock, town ordinances and HOA regulations must be taken into account, as some restrict what can be built or kept in a residential yard.

For those who are more novice in growing food, farming education is extremely beneficial.. Flatirons Farmers Coalition,exists primarily to support producers,farmers who grow food and raise livestock as their main source of income However, they also  provide educational resources applicable to growers at any level, such as workshops on season extension and growing in Colorado’s specific climate. 

Coalition Director Lauren Dunteman said, “It takes a lot of practice and education to do all of those diverse things. Especially when it comes to not just growing, but also processing: canning, turning what you grow into shelf-stable food items.”

Making a Plan

In deciding to homestead, it is important to evaluate goals with available resources. Access to arable land is hard enough for farmers in Colorado, let alone homesteaders. It is important to consider what is permitted on the property, time and energy cost, and plans for lost crops or livestock.This brings us to the core of what often drives people to homesteading: a sense of independence. The reverie of “the good old days” being rooted in the insular, nuclear family is a comforting online curation, but it is not so ideal in reality. The same holds for hopes of total isolation and self-sufficiency; the reality becomes much more apparent when faced with the aforementioned barriers: we need one another. 

Lauren Dunteman shared a story about the community garden she co-built in her neighborhood on Waite Drive, which was given perhaps the most apt name for a garden in Boulder, “Waite.. Waite Don’t Till Me.” Dunteman collaborated with other houses on the block to facilitate participation for individuals with varying levels of access. Instead of being an individual responsible for maintaining multiple crop types with varying nutritional, sunlight, and watering requirements, each participant took responsibility for growing only a couple of crops. If they were experiencing trouble with their crop, like mites or other pests, neighbors would swap tips and grow collective farming knowledge. An aging couple with ample land were not able to participate in some of the physical tasks required for maintaining the gardens, and the folks who were more ambulatory but did not have access to land where they lived tended to the gardens built in the elderly couple’s yard. Same with new parents, whose time commitments were not as static or predictable as those of homes with older children. People with varying levels of access – to capital, land, mobility, time, and education had an easier time participating because they did not have to be the one person holding it all together. Dunteman said, “It’s as much about community as it is about food.”

Flatiron’s Farmers Coalition is made up of farmers, homesteaders, as well as non-growing members called “advocates.” FFC holds community-building workshops for producers, as well as non-producers. This is an excellent resource because not everybody can grow wheat in their backyard, but they may meet someone else in town who grinds his own flour. You may not be producing it yourself, but you are sourcing closer to home than the flour found at a Safeway. Dunteman remarked, “It may not be more independence, but more reliance on people within my community.” 

A “return to tradition” can mean different things to different people with different traditions. One largely lost practice is the ability to exist within a community: knowing your neighbors, creating a relationship with the rancher you source your beef from, admitting what you do not know and asking for help, collaborating and working through problems as a collective. It all requires a level of interdependence and vulnerability that could make anyone squeamish. Dunteman recalled her own fears starting out with the community garden. “I remember getting this scarcity fear, that I could not share what I grew and get what I needed in return. But I had to learn to trust.”

Homesteading may look less like pioneers in the Wild West and more like city folks learning proper pruning techniques for a summer squash. It may not be the romantic curation of trad wives milking adorable cows for their morning coffee, but more like a Mission-Impossible-level groundhog with a taste for your bell peppers becoming your arch nemesis. It might start with two pots of heirlooms, a basil plant in the window, and seeking out your area’s community gardens and growing resources. Organizations such as Growing Gardens of Boulder make growing more accessible by offering plot rentals and classes, particularly for youth and teens to begin their gardening education early. Some may be drawn to homesteading to revert to the “simpler,” 1950’s Christian nuclear family dream, and some dream of disassembling capitalistic structures and futures with food security for all. There are those like Lauren Dunteman who believe that growing food can be the antidote to the chronic individualism that pervades modern society. She said, “Relationship-building is a fun form of rebellion that draws people toward homesteading in the first place.” Homesteading does not have to be, and perhaps should not be, done alone. 

The post Garden: Who Can Homestead – Growing for Non-Farmers and Non-Wealthy appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

A community outcry against Flock Security Systems occurred at Longmont’s city council meeting last night. Nearly every seat was full and 90% of those in attendance were there to urge their city council to not renew their contract with Flock, some going further to request that all existing Flock cameras be removed.

Flock is the security system that’s been sweeping the nation with its Automated License Plate
Recognition programming (ALPR) and its concurrent controversies. According to Longmont’s transparency statement, ALPR is being used to capture computer-readable images of license plates to compare against those of stolen vehicles or cars present at a crime scene. Using ALPR police can determine if a vehicle was at a crime scene. ALPRs can integrate data from national or state crime databases for real-time alerts.

The controversy was sparked by multiple instances of Flock’s AI recognition program providing false positives or being mis-interpreted, as in the case of a Denver woman who was wrongly accused of stealing a package by Columbia Valley police. The presumption of guilt rested entirely on an image of her car driving through the same part of town where the package was stolen. The Denver woman then had to spend weeks proving her innocence.

There have also been troubling cases of data misuse. The Loveland Police Department granted account access to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and ATF agents then used Flock data to run searches for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This violated state law, which bars sharing this information with immigration authorities without a warrant or court order. Flock later acknowledged that as the owner of the collected data, it has a standing agreement allowing immigration agencies full access to camera data from any police department that accepts the invitation.

A Longmont resident gives public comment during the City Council meeting on Dec. 9, speaking out against Flock. Photo taken by Sprout Foster

Two of the biggest concerns expressed last night, however, were transparency and privacy.

Lead software engineer and Longmont resident Andrew Gentry noted, “Longmont’s websites states the community’s safety cameras do not perform predictive analytics or facial recognition. That same assurance is absent from the Flock page, leaving me to believe that this
privacy standard may have been quietly discarded with Flock’s adoption.”

Gentry went on to say, “Flock’s retention policy doubles the length of retention used for community canvas, from 14 days to 30 days, once again signaling to me that the Flock program has been a convenient way to stretch existing privacy standards.”

The city argues that renewing the Flock contract will improve community safety. Community members like Gentry point to the flat trend of car theft in Longmont since the cameras went up, and Diego Luis cites a 2021 Electronic Frontier Foundation analysis that looked at 63 police departments in California and found that only 0.05 percent of millions of scanned plates were tied to any suspected wrongdoing.

Luis also raised concerns about the technology’s accuracy, referencing an innocent Aurora family held at gunpoint and a San Francisco driver that was “handcuffed and humiliated,” only for police to later admit the car wasn’t even the same make or model of the suspect.

“Instead of requiring a warrant or individualized suspicion, Flock cameras allow police to conduct location tracking on everyone all the time. This turns what should be targeted, more base searches into mass surveillance systems that bypass judicial oversight entirely.”

Another lead software engineer, Kellen Lesk, spoke from a decade of experience and graduate-level machine learning training to emphasize how insecure Flock’s data protection systems are, saying, “It’s just as secure as your grandma’s email address.”

He outlined how easy it is to pull imagery from the cameras and how Flock’s privacy promises can be easily broken.

“They use internet connectivity to update these camera. How we do this in the software industry is we load all of the software that we could ever want onto the device, and then we use what’s called feature flagging to turn off and on features. [Flock] says they don’t do facial recognition and person identification, but I guarantee the software is on those cameras and they just have it disabled. And that is a five minute update to turn it on.”

Longmont City Council members deliberate during the Dec. 9, 2025, meeting.
Photo by Sprout Foster

Despite Flock’s promises that private data won’t be shared, many companies rely on Data Clean Rooms, where information can be uploaded and cross-referenced. Only the final results are shared, allowing companies to claim they never “shared” the underlying data even as it’s used to draw detailed conclusions.

During public comment, many residents warned that Flock’s system enables constant monitoring that can build a detailed portrait of daily life. It can reveal who someone meets, where they go, and the routines that define their private world. Speakers pointed to real examples of abuse. In Texas, a woman seeking an out-of-state abortion was tracked and told she would be prosecuted if she returned. Officers elsewhere have used surveillance tools to stalk ex-partners, spy on neighbors, monitor activists, and look up journalists.

After four hours of testimony and debate, the council voted 5–1 to reject any future expansion of the city’s contract with Flock.

The ones who dared to fight City Hall.

 When Boulder denied public access to police body-cam footage, we took it to court. Our fight for transparency is now before the Colorado Supreme Court — because accountability doesn’t stop at the city line.

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The post Longmont Residents Win Fight Against AI Surveillance appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Experience Art This Summer

My friends, in the year 2025, we are both living in the future and the past, with one foot in each. As Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly prevalent, Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, has become a commonly used tool in workplaces, schools, and, as I will discuss here, even in the arts. 

The sci-fi fantasy of robots alleviating humans of our menial chores, as well as the horror of unchecked technological power destroying the world, seem to be materializing before our eyes, and it’s difficult to determine whether to be marveled or afraid.

Online artist communities are full of arguments against AI, claiming that it is stealing other artists’ work. In other cases, AI in art has been welcomed and collaborative, as seen in Paul Sermon’s installation within an ISDN network using projectors, “Telematic Dreaming,” and David Rokeby’s interactive sound installation, which uses cameras and participants’ movements to create music, “Very Nervous System.” 

According to the article “AI Art and its Impact on Artists” (Jieng, Brown, et al, 2023), there are several harms to consider when it comes to AI in art spaces. American cartoonist Sarah Andersen wrote in her 2022 New York Times piece about the reputational damage her career incurred when Alt-Right communities altered her comics with swastikas and other racist messaging she did not support, and how much worse this phenomenon has become with the advent of image generators. Plagiarism and copyright infringement.

While AI thrusts us into the future, the United States is regressing, perhaps in every other imaginable way. Government entities are inhumanely imprisoning immigrants and rolling back decades’ worth of human rights legislation. Political moves made by the nation’s President both domestically and internationally are an unsettling repetition of Hitler’s genocidal world-domination tactics. Drastic executive orders have included the gutting of arts funds, and in light of this the National Endowment for the Arts has revised its guidelines to include the adherence to all executive orders, which include the removal of all DEI programs and initiatives and any mention of gender ideology. As funds have dwindled, the list of acceptable subject matter for art has become even narrower.

In the dizzying dissonance between the future and the past, Denver art curator Cristina Aguilar says that art serves as a necessary mirror for the present, helping us anchor ourselves in our realities. 

Aguilar’s curations, such as “Divine Rest Nests,” showing currently at The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, are centered in her lineages in reproductive and healing justice, as well as collective liberation. Although AI hasn’t fully intersected with her creative spaces yet, she has concerns about how the BIPOC artists she works with can potentially have their styles and work co-opted by image generators, as mainstream white media has a tendency to do. 

What differentiates inspiration from appropriation is the acknowledgment and respect paid to sources of inspiration. “Artists are always finding inspiration and building off of each other,” Aguilar said, “but how do we do this [with AI] ethically and responsibly? It is a nuanced conversation.” AI and human artists are competing in the same markets for work, but leaders of billionaire corporations anticipate complete monopolization. On the website formerly known as Twitter, Sam Altman of Open AI stated, “Soon, AI tools will do what only very talented humans can do today. (I expect this to go mostly in the counter-intuitive order–creative fields first, cognitive labor next, and physical labor last.)…” (Altman, 2022). On the same platform, Emad Mostaque of Stability AI suggested that “Like half a AAA video game’s development cost is art & design, which is also half the time of development. That’s about to collapse => margin expansion for video game companies using this…” (Mostaque, 2022).  Aguilar said that “getting valued in payment and credit” is an essential piece to giving respect and visibility to artists, particularly BIPOC artists who have long had their work appropriated and undervalued. 

Geoff Bennet of PBS reported that on May 3rd of this year 560 grants through the National Endowment for the Arts were cancelled, totaling more than $27 million. Organizations such as  Springboard for the Arts were told, “This grant no longer meets the priorities of the federal administration.”  Aguilar calls this an “incredibly fast arc towards facism,” as those in power are attempting to block resistance through the arts. 

For Aguilar, whose work is rooted in a family lineage of Mexican healers and creating nurturing spaces for BIPOC artists to create, this visceral spike in censorship has prompted some tough conversations with the artists with whom she is in community. “It’s a priority to protect and care for everyone involved,” she said. “I am anchored into my values, keeping justice, care, and liberation at the center.” As Aguilar and her co-creators seek to create “art as loving resistance,” these tough conversations are to “ensure we are protecting artists and platforms, while holding fast to value, and without crossing over into censorship.”

“This is new and it’s not,” Aguilar says, “Artists have always been the truth tellers.” As truths are actively denied and repressed by state sanctions in the United States, identically repeating the fascist regimes which haunt our history, Aguilar resources her history of resistance to persist. “I am the great-granddaughter of revolutionaries and abolitionists. I anchor to the past to hold steady through the present.” 

The present is daunting. Xenophobia is state-sanctioned, ICE is stealing people from their homes as a modern-day gestapo. Medicaid is proposed to be defunded, further penalizing those in poverty for being in poverty. It is becoming increasingly illegal to be trans and go to school or go to the bathroom or receive healthcare. Our nation’s president has become an instrumental conspirator of the genocides being enacted in Palestine, Iran, and Sudan. There is so much grief, and it is important to feel, but we must have ways to digest that grief, move it through our bodies, and have it inspire us to action. For this, we need other people. For this, we need art. Aguilar curates the exhibits she does, so that in the midst of grief people can “find sanctuary, healing, possibility, and the heart of what roots them into their divine existence in the world.” 

As it is with any progress, we seek to integrate the new while honoring what and who is already there. And as the fear of history repeating coils around our necks, remember that the legacy of resistance goes as far back as the legacy of bigotry. 

Art and artists like Aguilar invite us to imagine possible worlds and work towards them. Ones in which center care, equity, uplifting historically-marginalized voices, actively learning and integrating the lessons from their stories. A world like that which we live in now, where a squirrel from the tree at Cristina’s home throws a leaf into her face in the middle of our interview, reminding us that there is always a reason to laugh. The grief may be omnipresent and looming, but its presence is not an absolute proof to the absence of joy – they are forced to coexist. 

Arts organizations like The Creative Coalition are going to Capitol Hill to advocate for the continuation of arts’ funding, and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the NEA on behalf of four arts organizations, pressuring the NEA to consider their level of compliance with executive orders.

Join the push to support the arts. Opportunities to experience and be inspired by art to fight the hegemony this summer are limitless, but here is a list to get started on your journey:

[Sourced from event websites]

Hecho en Arte: Ni de Aqui, Ni de Alla summer workshops (July 28th through August 1st)

“This FREE week-long summer intensive brings together youth and photographers Manuel Aragon, Miguel Ortega, and Dan Taylor to explore photography as a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and solidarity.” Located at Hecho en Westwood

Saigon Azteca Night Market (August 8th  – August 9th) 

“A two-day celebration of culture, food, and community in the heart of Westwood! This event brings together the rich cultural traditions of Westwood’s Asian and Latinx communities through cultural performances, music, street food, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities.”

Boulder Fine Art Street Festival (July 26th – July 27th)

“The festival showcases a variety of local and national artists, as well as skilled crafters, all presenting their handcrafted creations in a stunning outdoor setting.”

Arts in the Park (Through August 3rd)

“A program showcasing a vibrant blend of arts and cultural performances. Arts in the Park performances will take place at the Glen Huntington Band Shell in the city’s Civic Area. We’ll showcase local talent as well as performances from the Boulder Ballet, Boulder Opera, Boulder Symphony, River Mann Band, and Arts Hub.” 

SMASH Summer Fine Arts Festival (August 9th – 10th)

“Hosted in the premier, pristine Fillmore Plaza – the center/heart of & gateway into the Cherry Creek North District — an unmatched world-renowned and reputable art/cultural venue, (Fillmore St. between 1st & 2nd Ave.) amidst affluent luxury condominiums, shops, and restaurants.” 

Colorado Shakespeare Festival (Through August 10th)

“The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre company in association with the University of Colorado Boulder. Plays are performed beneath summer night skies in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and in the newly renovated indoor Roe Green Theatre.”

Bravo! Vail Music Festival (Through July 31st)

“The Chamber Orchestra of Europe makes its highly anticipated debut led by acclaimed German conductor Matthias Pintscher. Internationally renowned resident orchestras—the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic—also headline the Orchestral Series alongside distinguished guest conductors Marin Alsop, Stéphane Denève, Jakub Hr?ša, Constantine Kitsopoulos, Peter Oundjian, Rafael Payare, Matthias Pintscher, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Santtu-Matias Rouvali, and Jeff Tyzik.”

Vail Dance Fest (July 26th – August 8th)

“Lighting up the Vail stages this summer will be Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet of San Francisco, a new Dorrance Dance production The Center Will Not Hold, Philadelphia’s BalletX as part of its 20th-anniversary tour, a Balanchine Celebration evening featuring Festival stars and Colorado Ballet, the Vail return of Paul Taylor Dance Company, the Festival debut of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, as well as debuts and appearances by Festival stars including artists from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, and more!”

Evergreen Jazz Festival (July 25th – 27th)

“Over 22 years, Evergreen Jazz Festival has brought the best in international, world-class bands to the mountains of Colorado.”

RockyGrass (July 25th – 27th)

“Located in Lyons, Colorado, RockyGrass is traditional bluegrass at its finest. Red rock cliffs and Cottonwoods peer down over the property as the North St. Vrain River flows through the festival grounds just feet from the main stage.”

Underground Music Showcase (July 25th – 27th)

Celebrate 25 YEARS LOUD with UMS at the 25th anniversary festival in 2025! 4 stages, 12+ venues, 200+ shows, 25 years of Broadway bangers.

Cheeseman Park Art Fest (July 26th – 27th)

150 juried artists and craftsmen hail from 30 different states to showcase their work at the Cheesman Park Art Fest, a free, two-day festival in one of Denver’s prized historic parks. The show takes place on the southwest roads of Cheesman, where patrons can shop the works of potters, painters, jewelers, sculptors, glass artists, and more – in a wide range of prices! 

Opera in the Park Boulder (Through August 8th)

“Join us for Opera in the Park 2025: Bella Voce, a magical open-air concert celebrating the grandeur of Italian opera and the brilliance of American classics.” Located at Boulder Bandshell.

Sculpture in the Park (August 8th – 10th)

“The Loveland High Plains Arts Council invites you to join us for the 41st Sculpture in the Park Show and Sale. Mark your calendars for another beautiful occasion at Benson Sculpture Garden.”

Affordable Art Fest (August 24th)

“Artwork worth thousands of dollars is priced at $150 (or less), as over 160 renowned artists from across the nation attend the festival every year.”

Little Dry Creek Plaza installation (Through October)

Colorful outdoor installation created by Cal Duran, Val Ponce  and Sammiotzi Hutch-Ouranos

Oracle at Union Hall (Through July 26th)

“Oracle is an experiential exhibition that positions art as a vehicle for introspection and guidance. Rather than simply viewing the work, visitors are invited to engage with them as oracular tools, asking questions, seeking insight and exploring personal meaning. Oracle brings together six, female, Colorado-based artists: Yazz Atmore, Faatma Be Oné, Linda Bishara, Rebecca Peebles, Sarah Tenney and Harriet Woodman, whose work reflects their personal spiritual and creative journeys.”

Melissa Furness at K Contemporary Gallery (Through August 24th. Artist roundtable discussion August 9th)

“Conceptual artist and painter Melissa Furness explores a mistranslated past embedded in the present, drawing from experiences of place and site in the tradition of painting and narrative. Treating painting as a conceptual object, her work examines distortions of history, questioning what is revered and remembered versus what is discarded and forgotten. Her work highlights narratives shaped by power structures and the individual — what is presented as truth versus the realities of lived personal and local histories. Throughout her work, she depicts the struggle affected by history, expressed in ways that respond to the contemporary present.”

Nightburn at Leon Gallery (Through July 26th)

“Nightburn is an embodied myth moving through mountains and memory. In this work, Daphne Sweet merges western iconography with goddess myths and feminine power, blurring the line between human, land, and legend.”

Blue on You at Lane Meyer Projects (Through August 18th)

Exhibit by Rick C Riggins in memory of his mother.

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Upon entering the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, you are welcomed in warmly by “I am worthy of tending,” written on the wall. Divine Rest Nests: An Invitation, running from May 22nd to September 1st of this year, lives up to its name, and offers even more once experienced. The guest curator, Cristina Aguilar, says this exhibit is a continuation of last year’s exhibit, Sacred & Soft Landing/Soñar y Descansar. Plans for the current exhibit began long before the U.S. federal election results, which only exacerbated the indispensability of the collectives’ black, brown, indigenous, trans, and queer artists’ messages. You may have heard the phrase “Rest as Resistance” as coined by the founder of the Nap Ministry Tricia Hersey, and wondered how to take the concept out of the theoretical, into the substantial. You may have asked how a bubble bath can create social change, and  how rest is even possible when the political climate is so relentlessly urgent. Each of the artists featured tackle these questions head-on, transforming them into embodied, immersive spaces where rest becomes both a refuge and a form of defiance.

Cal Duran, a two-spirit mixed-heritage artist from Colorado, looks to his ancestors and teachers, past and present, to construct his rest nest. Curtained with beads and bells, the vibrant, patterned room is crowned by a large papier mache heart, retrieved from its co-creator in Santa Fe. Duran reminds us with his nest, weaved with the teachings of White Spider and elaborate ojos de dios watching over, that the heart is at the center of our beings and that, “The heart travels.” 

Lilian Lara, a garment artist, glows in a sea-glass-looking castle, which is actually made out of organza fabric. It’s her largest project to date, taking over 300 hours to sew, and it evokes dreamscapes where place, time, and familiarity blur into something both inextricable and interchangeable. Lara says, “Dreams let us fail in ways that we never would have in reality,” and shares that the two large doorways through her nest are meant not only for wheelchair accessibility, but also for those who struggle with the concept of rest and may need a way to gently step away.

Lares Feliciano, a collage and animation artist, washes you in nostalgia with her interactive nest: a day-bed framed by twinkle lights laid before a TV playing 80’s and 90’s infomercials, surrounded by boxes of toys that invite the guests’ inner children to play and find rest they may not have been afforded in childhood. 

Samantha Hutchinson-Ouranos, who goes by Sammiotzi, is a Mexican-American mother and graphic designer who answers the questions “What keeps you from resting” and “what helps you rest.” The translucent curtain panels leading into her piece have scrawled on them reasons for unrest: white supremacy, violencia, ecological collapse and more. Once having acknowledged the very real restrictions to rest many of us face everyday, Hutchinson-Ouranos invites us to lay in the peaceful and weighted embrace of a nonbinary, watched over by a projection of a cosmic guardian. 

The exhibit totals seven nests, each in conversation with one another. Curator Aguilera says that “Before we even opened these doors, the show was already existing” suggesting that these seven artists’ manifestations of rest had grown outside of the gallery doors and had already begun to touchand change the world. The invitation extends to you now, to experience, to let yourself be changed by rest, and to carry that transformation into all you create in these exhausting times.

The post Rest as Art: BMoCA’s Divine Rest Nests Invites Reflection appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.