City News
This is news from the city of Boulder, about the city or any of its departments
Skeeters carrying West Nile virus are HERE!
Jul 11th
First mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile Virus in City of Boulder
The City of Boulder received notification today of the season’s first mosquito pool to test positive for West Nile Virus within city limits. The mosquito sample was pooled from three different traps that came from Tom Watson Park, Christensen Park and Stazio Ball Fields. The infected mosquitoes could have come from any of those sites, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are present at all three.
No human cases have been reported in Colorado so far this season; however, the city urges residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to drain standing water to prevent mosquito breeding sites.
Keep safe this summer and remember the four D’s:
1. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
3. Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
4. DRAIN standing water outside your home.
Mosquito activity this year has been lower than usual so far due to the dry conditions. However, the type of mosquitoes that have the ability to transmit West Nile Virus have been present in greater percentages earlier in the season than in previous years.
City residents can help minimize the spread of West Nile Virus by eliminating any potential breeding grounds from around their properties:
- Clean gutters regularly.
- Change water in bird baths every three days.
- Check and empty any outside items that collect standing water (flower pots, lawn ornaments and toys).
- Do not overwater lawns.
- Keep trash cans covered and clean.
For general information about West Nile Virus, visit Boulder County Public Health’s website or call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 877-462-2911 or the Boulder County Hotline at 303-441-1460.
Boulder police: 53 cars stolen in last six months
Jul 9th
Boulder police warn public of increase in auto thefts, offer advice to deter thieves
Vehicle thefts are on the rise in Boulder, and police want to warn the public and share some tips to make sure that others don’t become victims of auto theft.
Between Jan. 1, 2012 and July 1, 2012, people reported 53 stolen vehicles in Boulder. So far this year, 43 of those autos have been recovered (81% recovery rate). During the same time period last year (Jan. 1 – July 1, 2011), there were 46 vehicles reported stolen, with 35 of them recovered (76% recovery rate).
While the recovery rates might seem like good news, many of the recovered vehicles were severely damaged by the thieves and some of the vehicles were not drivable. In several instances, drug paraphernalia was found inside the recovered cars. Some of the autos were found in Boulder, and others were located in nearby cities.
Most of these vehicle thefts have several things in common:
- The victim’s left their cars unlocked or the windows down.
- They left spare keys inside the unlocked car.
- There were valuables, such as purses, credit cards and electronics, in full view.
Thieves are usually looking for an easy steal. They want to work fast to start the car and then leave the area. Many of these thefts would not have occurred if the victims had simply locked their vehicles. Police offer some advice to keep your car secure:
- Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway.
- Never leave a spare key in your car (that includes the valet key in your glove box).
- Don’t leave valuables (purses, wallets, cash, credit cards, and electronics) in view. It’s best to take them with you and not leave them in the car at all.
- Don’t leave your car running unattended, even to make a quick trip into a convenience store. This is exactly how at least one thief made off with a car this year in Boulder.
- Don’t leave your windows open – even cracked – when you park your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit areas. If you have a garage, use it. (And don’t leave the garage door open. Thieves may not get your car, but they’ll take whatever else they can easily steal).
- Consider an alarm, or a theft-deterrent/recovery system device like LoJack.
To date in 2012, Boulder police have made 13 arrests for auto theft. (One of the suspects is a teenager who is not old enough to obtain a driver’s license). From Jan. 1, 2011 to July 1, 2011, seven people were arrested. Police are continuing to investigate open cases.
If you are the victim of a vehicle theft, call police immediately. You may call 9-1-1, or the non-emergency Dispatch number at 303-441-3333. Police will need the make, model, year and color of your car, as well as the license plate number. They’ll also need to know when you believe car was stolen, and whether it was locked or unlocked at the time. Investigators will also ask whether you keep a spare key inside the vehicle.
Rain closes Lefthand Boulder creek rising #boulderflood
Jul 7th
It is raining Boulder. As of 8:00pm the following are the only incidents that the city or county are working. The city recommends you go to the OEM website. OEM does not have a feed with updates. We suggest listening to sheriffs office scanner. If things get bad later tonight we will broadcast all scanner emergency traffic here, call dispatch and command and report for you
July 7 – 5:40 p.m. – Lefthand Canyon Drive closed
Lefthand Canyon Drive is closed between Olde Stage Road and James Canyon Drive. Debris flows caused by the thunderstorm have impacted some roads mountain roads in western Boulder County.
July 7 – 5:20 p.m. – Boulder Creek flows expected to increase
With the heavy rainfall this afternoon, the City of Boulder is expecting to see an increase in Boulder Creek water levels. Last night, the creek was running at 161 cfs. It is currently at 287 cfs and is likely to run between 500 and 600 cfs by nightfall. This is not expected to cause significant spillage along the banks, but pedestrians and cyclists in the area are urged to use caution. Please remember that it is not safe to seek shelter under bridges or in other underpasses. These are designed to move floodwaters through and can be very dangerous in these conditions.
July 7 – 5:40 p.m. – Lefthand Canyon Drive closed
Lefthand Canyon Drive is closed between Olde Stage Road and James Canyon Drive. Debris flows caused by the thunderstorm have impacted some roads mountain roads in western Boulder County.
July 7 – 5:20 p.m. – Boulder Creek flows expected to increase
With the heavy rainfall this afternoon, the City of Boulder is expecting to see an increase in Boulder Creek water levels. Last night, the creek was running at 161 cfs. It is currently at 287 cfs and is likely to run between 500 and 600 cfs by nightfall. This is not expected to cause significant spillage along the banks, but pedestrians and cyclists in the area are urged to use caution. Please remember that it is not safe to seek shelter under bridges or in other underpasses. These are designed to move floodwaters through and can be very dangerous in these conditions.
The city is also receiving some reports of nuisance street flooding in the Table Mesa area and a few other neighborhoods. Safety officials would like to remind motorists to avoid driving through floodwaters, which can be deeper than they may seem.
