Rob Smoke is running for Boulder City Council
Sep 29th
Boulder Council Candidate’s Campaign
Rob, a long-time Boulder resident and former writer for the Daily Camera, is running for Boulder City Council for the fifth time. He has lived in Boulder since 1986 and previously ran for council in 2007. While he acknowledges the slim chance of winning this time, Rob expressed frustration with the repetitive nature of city council meetings and their focus on unnecessary data and political statements.
Boulder Council’s Silence on Gaza
Rob and Jann discussed the Boulder City Council’s stance on the conflict in Gaza, expressing frustration that the council has not condemned the violence or supported measures like divestment from companies aiding the conflict. Rob emphasized that morality and representing the core values of the community should be prioritized over political arguments, while Jann suggested that the council could pass a simple resolution condemning the genocide in Palestine. They criticized the council’s dismissive attitude and lack of action, highlighting the contrast with their past condemnation of international issues like apartheid in South Africa.
Boulder’s Homelessness Management Challenges
Jann and Rob discussed Boulder’s approach to homelessness, highlighting that the city spends approximately $4 million annually on police efforts to manage homeless individuals, with limited success. They noted that recent closures of the Tribe Home and youth housing facility have exacerbated the situation, while the city’s focus on law enforcement over treatment programs for addiction has proven ineffective. Rob suggested that using underutilized open spaces for designated camping areas could help reduce downtown homelessness, but the city’s resistance to such solutions reflects broader challenges in addressing the issue.
City Council Candidate’s Israel Policy Stance
Rob discussed his candidacy for City Council and expressed concerns about the city’s alignment with Trump administration policies, particularly regarding Gaza and Palestine. He questioned the need for Colorado’s Democratic senators and congresspeople to support Israeli weapons funding while ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Boulder Channel 1 News Briefs: Redford Trump D.A. Scott
Sep 17th
1. DA Probes Social Media’s Role in Kirk Assassination
Boulder’s District Attorney is investigating social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, probing their role in radicalizing youth toward violence. The investigation follows the assassination of conservative campus speaker Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week by suspect Tyler Robinson, deemed “terminally online.”
Authorities linked Robinson’s radicalization to Discord and online echo chambers, recovering a high-powered rifle. The DA aims to subpoena platform data to trace influence paths, sparking debates on tech accountability. Over 30 educators were fired for celebratory posts. Community leaders urge Boulder youth to report toxic content, emphasizing digital literacy amid rising political tensions.
Boulder’s District Attorney is investigating social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, probing their role in radicalizing youth toward violence. The investigation follows the assassination of conservative campus speaker Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week by suspect Tyler Robinson, deemed “terminally online.”
Authorities linked Robinson’s radicalization to Discord and online echo chambers, recovering a high-powered rifle. The DA aims to subpoena platform data to trace influence paths, sparking debates on tech accountability. Over 30 educators were fired for celebratory posts. Community leaders urge Boulder youth to report toxic content, emphasizing digital literacy amid rising political tensions. 2. Jann Scott Shares Redford Letter on Homeless Doc
Local filmmaker Jann Scott revealed a heartfelt letter from the late Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, praising Scott’s 1990s award-winning documentary about a Boulder homeless man.
Redford called it a “quiet masterpiece” capturing humanity’s struggles. 
Scott said the note rekindled memories of Boulder’s compassionate spirit. “Bob saw the soul in the story,” Scott shared. The doc, highlighting life on Pearl Street, won regional acclaim. With Redford’s Boulder ties—from CU to Sundance—Scott plans screenings to honor him. Fans celebrate the Hollywood-local connection.
Local filmmaker Jann Scott revealed a heartfelt letter from the late Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, praising Scott’s 1990s award-winning documentary about a Boulder homeless man.
Redford called it a “quiet masterpiece” capturing humanity’s struggles. Scott said the note rekindled memories of Boulder’s compassionate spirit. “Bob saw the soul in the story,” Scott shared. The doc, highlighting life on Pearl Street, won regional acclaim. With Redford’s Boulder ties—from CU to Sundance—Scott plans screenings to honor him. Fans celebrate the Hollywood-local connection. 3. Boulder’s Brits Buzz Over Trump’s Windsor Visit
Boulder’s British expat community, over 5,000 strong, is thrilled as President Trump visits Windsor Castle today for his second UK state visit, hosted by King Charles III. Local Brits, gathered at the British-American Society, cheered the Red Arrows flypast and royal banquets.
“Pure pageantry!” said Emma Hargrove, a CU lecturer. Boulder Channel 1’s editor, Jann Scott, a former International Times reporter in England, fondly recalls UK days. Despite London protests, Boulder Brits focus on diplomacy, hosting watch parties.
“Pure pageantry!” said Emma Hargrove, a CU lecturer. Boulder Channel 1’s editor, Jann Scott, a former International Times reporter in England, fondly recalls UK days. Despite London protests, Boulder Brits focus on diplomacy, hosting watch parties. 
Boulder County Grapples with 2025 Surge in Overdose Death
Sep 10th
Boulder County, Colo. – A sharp rise in drug overdose deaths has alarmed Boulder County in 2025, with fentanyl and methamphetamine fueling the crisis. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office reported 25 overdose deaths in the first half of 2025, including 17 linked to fentanyl and 14 to methamphetamine, compared to 59 total deaths in 2024. Gunbarrel, Lafayette, and Superior each recorded one fentanyl-related death, with Gunbarrel also noting a methamphetamine fatality.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn reported a 37% increase in suspected overdoses, with 38 cases by April, five fatal. The Boulder County Drug Task Force found no evidence of a specific tainted batch, complicating prevention efforts. Fentanyl’s growing presence in illicit drugs, often mixed with methamphetamine to heighten addiction, is driving the surge, authorities say.
Jann Scott, Boulder’s foremost expert in drug addiction recovery, criticized the city and county for their lack of effective programs. “Neither the city nor county are leveraging Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, or Alcoholics Anonymous in treating addicts,” Scott said. He added that Mental Health Partners’ Addiction Recovery Center and drug courts have failed to address the crisis adequately, leaving a gap in comprehensive recovery support.
Despite a 30% drop in fentanyl deaths in 2024, credited to naloxone distribution and community outreach, the 2025 uptick has renewed urgency. City councilmembers are pushing for strategic use of opioid settlement funds to bolster prevention and treatment. Community leaders stress the need for sustained collaboration to address systemic failures and expand access to proven recovery programs. Without immediate action, Boulder risks further loss in this escalating public health crisis.
