Issuu

FREE

Ever y

Thursday

For

Ye a r s

w w w. b o u l d e r w e e k l y. c o m

June

4-10,

2020

Boulder Vision Center

We’re back to serve you Boulder Vision Center is now available for vision and medical eye care. We are providing optical services including glasses and contact lenses. Many Coloradans will be eligible for Medicaid as the economy is slowed by the COVID 19 pandemic. We accept Medicaid for general Dr. Lowell Steinberg Dr. Terri Oneby and medical eye exams. 303-447-8470 303-443-4545

28th near arapahoe - buffalo village bouldervisioncenter.com MOST MAJOR HEALTH AND VISION INSURANCES ACCEPTED

CRAVING SUSHI? Your Japango favorites are just a phone call away. CURBSIDE PICKUP

We’re offering “black glove” service. Just call in your order (don’t forget the sake, wine or beer!) and we’ll bring it out to you. D E L I V E RY

Everything you love is now available for delivery. U B E R E AT S | D O O R DA S H | G R U B H U B

BoulderJapango.com

Open Range Competition Teams Summer Day Camps Classes & Private Lessons

Target & Hunting Full Service Retail Pro Shop & Service Recurve & Compound

High Altitude Archery 455 Weaver Park Rd #500 Longmont, CO 80501 720-491-3309

JUNE 4, 2020

HOURS & PHONE

Daily: 11:30am–8pm +1 303 938 0330 Thank you for your continued support of our Japango family. It means the world to us!

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

HELP WANTED news:

news:

Local leaders and artists respond to the death of George Floyd and this moment in history by Many Voices

Trump’s executive order on internet speech trickles down to Boulder County by Matt Cortina

boulderganic:

Colorado joins other states in phasing out harmful HFCs by Angela K. Evans

buzz:

There’s still no socially acceptable way to dissent as a black American by Caitlin Rockett

events:

beer:

feast:

Boulder’s story slam, A Night in the Village livestream with Trevor Hall and more to do when there’s ‘nothing’ to do... by Boulder Weekly Staff

Will an industry based on collaboration survive in a world of social distancing? by Michael J. Casey

Natascha Hess and Carrie Baird of The Ginger Pig and Rose’s Classic Americana prepare to reopen at Rosetta Hall by Matt Cortina

departments 5 6 7 20 21 22

The Anderson Files: Rage, despair, hopelessness... and the election Guest Column: Each breath, each dream and DACA Letters: Signed, sealed, delivered... your views Words: ‘For the Sake of Strangers’ by Dorianne Laux Astrology: by Rob Brezsny Film: Celebrate Pride Month with the camp classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ 23 Savage Love: Blinders 25 Food/Drink: Food news and what to try this week in Boulder County 30 Cannabis Corner: Was King Solomon a stoner? BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Principal Hardware Design Assurance Quality Engineer – for Medtronic, Inc. at its

facility in Louisville, CO. Supports the Pre-market Core group in generating Customer Requirements, Product Specifications, Design Feasibility studies, Author Design V&V test methods and protocols. Requires a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related engineering field and 4 years of experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Engineering in a regulated environment and four (4) years of post-bachelor’s progressive experience in all of the following: ISO quality system (ISO13485:2003), USFDA Quality System Regulation 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 9001:2008, Electrical Safety testing per IEC 60601-1-1, 60601-2-2, IEC 62304 and ASTM standards; DFMEA (Design failure mode effects analysis) and PFMEA (Process failure mode effects analysis) risk analysis and risk activities per ISO 14971; Equipment validations and DOE requiring Minitab for Statistical data analysis for Gage R&R; Supporting continuous improvement of existing products through NCMR, customer complaint investigations, CAPA’s (requiring Root Cause Analysis Tools with Fishbone and Five Why’s), Internal and Supplier audits; Surgical Robotics and Radiofrequency electrosurgical product development and testing; Shelf-life studies for electrosurgical products and Internal Supplier Controls and coordination; SAP Quality Module (post-market products) and Cross-site QMS project coordination. The following Certification is required: American Society of Quality Certified Quality Engineer (ASQ-CQE). Apply at www.medtronic.com/careers, Req.2000093C. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

We are all about

LIFESTYLE

Available Now!

Apartments at Winter Park Base with Village access. Available units: studio, two bedroom, two bedroom plus den. $1500 - $3500 970-531-7670 Chillrentalwinterparkcolorado.com Chillwinterparkcolorado@gmail.com

The safest kind of door handles are the ones you don’t have to touch at all

303.494.0707 BuffaloLockandKey.com 2510 BASELINE RD., BOULDER, CO 80305 JUNE 4, 2020

Authentic NYC BAGELS in Colorado LAFAYETTE 489 US Highway 287 303.665.5918 LONGMONT Prospect Village 1940 Ionosphere, Ste. D 303.834.8237

GOLDEN on Route 93 303.279.1481 BOULDER at Meadows Shopping Center 303.554.0193

25% OFF

the purchase of a Big Daddy Club Mug, & get FREE COFFEE REFILLS EVERY MONDAY WITH THE MUG

Welcome Back Welcome Back Welcome Back Our showroom is open again and ou

CHANGE STARTS HERE. Can we count you in? Boulder Weekly is looking for an Advertising Account Executive to join our team promoting our exciting and growing digital & print products.

expert team is ready for your floorin

showroom is is open again andand our our OurOur showroom open again project. expert team is ready for your flooring expert team is ready for your flooring project. Clean, Safe and Small Enhanced showroom cleaning and an intimate shopping project. Clean, Safe and experience. NoSmall huge crowds here.

Welcome Back

Enhanced showroom cleaning and an intimate shopping experience. huge crowds ShopNo Your Way here.

Clean,Our Safe and Small showroom is open again and our

In-store, at home, virtually…just let us know what works f Enhanced showroom intimate shopping expert is readyand foran your flooring Shop Your team Way cleaning project. experience. No huge crowds here. In-store, home, virtually…just let us know what works for you. Weat Love Our Community

ProudSafe to beand partSmall of [insert city] and grateful for your su Clean,

WeEnhanced Love Our Community showroom cleaning an intimate shopping of local business. Thankand you!

ShopProud Your experience. Noof huge crowds to beWay part [insert city]here. and grateful for your support Boulder

In-store, at home, virtually…just letyou us know what workswe’re for yo of local business. Thank you!make If new floors would happier at home, Shop Your Way to help. Call us today toletchat about project. In-store, at home, virtually…just us know whatyour worksnext for you. If new floors would make you happier at home, we’re here to help. Call usOur today to chat about your next project. We Love Community

We Love Our Community

to be part of [insert city] and grateful for your support Proud toProud be part of [insert city] and grateful for your suppo of local business. Thank you! of local business. Thank you! 123 S. Main St, Anytown BC | 123-456-7890 | carpeton

Email Cover Letter and Resume to Publisher franzan@boulderweekly.com

If new floors would make you happier at home, we’re here to help. Photos Callforus today to chat your next illustrative purposes only. See about store for details. ©2020 Carpet project. One Floor & Home®. All Rights Reserved.

S. Main St, Anytown BC | 123-456-7890 | carpetone.ca If new123floors would make you happier at home, we’re here Photos for illustrative purposes only. See store for details. Carpet One Floor & Home®. All Rights Reserved. • ©2020 Boulder 303.449.0011 to help.6367 Call Arapahoe us today toRd. chat about your next project.

McDonaldCarpetOneBoulder.com

JUNE 4, 2020

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Publisher, Fran Zankowski Editor, Matt Cortina Circulation Manager, Cal Winn EDITORIAL Senior Editor, Angela K. Evans Arts and Culture Editor, Caitlin Rockett Special Editions Editor, Michael J. Casey Adventure Editor, Emma Athena Contributing Writers, Peter Alexander, Dave Anderson, Will Brendza, Rob Brezsny, Paul Danish, Sarah Haas, Jim Hightower, Dave Kirby, John Lehndorff, Rico Moore, Amanda Moutinho, Leland Rucker, Dan Savage, Alan Sculley, Ryan Syrek, Christi Turner, Betsy Welch, Tom Winter, Gary Zeidner SALES AND MARKETING Market Development Manager, Kellie Robinson Account Executives, Matthew Fischer, Sami Wainscott Advertising Coordinator, Corey Basciano Mrs. Boulder Weekly, Mari Nevar PRODUCTION Art Director, Susan France Senior Graphic Designer, Mark Goodman Graphic Designer, Daisy Bauer CIRCULATION TEAM Dave Hastie, Dan Hill, George LaRoe, Jeffrey Lohrius, Elizabeth Ouslie, Rick Slama BUSINESS OFFICE Bookkeeper, Regina Campanella Founder/CEO, Stewart Sallo Editor-at-Large, Joel Dyer Cover, Artwork by Patrick Cullie June 4, 2020 Volume XXVII, Number 42 As Boulder County's only independently owned newspaper, Boulder Weekly is dedicated to illuminating truth, advancing justice and protecting the First Amendment through ethical, no-holds-barred journalism and thought-provoking opinion writing. Free every Thursday since 1993, the Weekly also offers the county's most comprehensive arts and entertainment coverage. Read the print version, or visit boulderweekly.com. Boulder Weekly does not accept unsolicited editorial submissions. If you're interested in writing for the paper, please send queries to: editorial@ boulderweekly.com. Any materials sent to Boulder Weekly become the property of the newspaper. 690 South Lashley Lane, Boulder, CO, 80305 p 303.494.5511 f 303.494.2585 editorial@boulderweekly.com www.boulderweekly.com Boulder Weekly is published every Thursday. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. © 2020 Boulder Weekly, Inc., all rights reserved.

Boulder Weekly

welcomes your correspondence via email (letters@ boulderweekly.com) or the comments section of our website at www.boulderweekly.com. Preference will be given to short letters (under 300 words) that deal with recent stories or local issues, and letters may be edited for style, length and libel. Letters should include your name, address and telephone number for verification. We do not publish anonymous letters or those signed with pseudonyms. Letters become the property of Boulder Weekly and will be published on our website.

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Rage, despair, hopelessness... and the election by Dave Anderson

We are sick and tired of being sick and tired. — Mississippi civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hammer

n the 1960s, black people demanded to be treated like human beings with all the rights of citizens. They did this by engaging in non-violent social disruption. It was a somewhat passive-aggressive way of challenging America to live up to its democratic ideals. They knew that whites would violently retaliate and they had to endure that. In particular, white law enforcement officers would frequently beat the shit out of them. In another country, such barbarity would be met with violent insurrection. Since blacks are a minority in this country, such an understandable I

reaction would be self-defeating. The civil rights movement was trying to appeal to the consciences of their fellow Americans who were in the white majority. But it is difficult to remain non-violent in the face of wrenching oppression. There were victories and defeats and things got messy. Riots broke out in response to police violence. Someone dragged out an old poem by Langston Hughes that said: Negroes — Sweet and docile, Meek, humble and kind Beware the day They change their mind. Columnist Shaun King notes that, “Being black in America, from 1619 until today, has always required a painful level of pretending for the JUNE 4, 2020

sake of survival.” In the late 1960s, the media talked about “black rage.” There was Malcolm X, the black power movement and the Black Panthers. When Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, there were riots everywhere. It is quite certain that those riots helped make Richard Nixon president with his “law and order” message. But things would calm down. Over the years, an increasing number of blacks were elected to office around the country. The Democratic Party became more multicultural and multiracial. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson was quite successful as a presidential candidate in the 1984 and 1988 prisee THE ANDERSON FILES Page 6

THE ANDERSON FILES from Page 5

maries advocating for not only racial justice but a full array of progressive reforms similar to Bernie Sanders (who supported him). The GOP was becoming increasingly white and Southern. Republicans stoked white racial resentment but with a coded, dog-whistle bigotry. Then “No Drama Obama” showed up. Barack Obama was cool, calm and eloquent. His message of hope was popular. Some said this was the birth of a “post-racial” America. Obama knew better. But after his election, he was determined to be the president of all Americans, not just blacks. Still, he was frequently reminded of his ethnicity in a negative way. The signs at the Tea Party rallies featured grotesquely racist caricatures of him. The birthers, led by Donald Trump, kept asking for his birth certificate. Obama pushed criminal justice reform in his second term. Since the Republicans blocked him in Congress, he used his Department of Justice (DOJ) and issued many executive orders on prisons, sentencing and policing. He made it illegal for most federal agencies to ask job applicants if they had been convicted of a crime. He ended the practice of placing federal juvenile prisoners in solitary confinement. He began phasing out the use of private prisons for federal inmates. He launched several initiatives promoting community policing and alternatives to incarceration. He commuted the sentences of a record number of federal prisoners. He issued clemency to nearly 1,000 inmates during his time in office, more than his last three predecessors combined. The president commissioned the 21st Century Task Force on Policing after the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, and hosted roundtables where criminal justice activists and law enforcement officials discussed issues. New York magazine reporter Jonathan Chait notes: “The last few years of the Obama administration were one of the most productive periods of criminal justice reform in American history. The Obama administration changed sentencing guidelines to reduce the disparity in the treatment of drug crimes that had disproportionately harmed 6

black defendants. As part of an effort to inculcate a ‘guardian, not a warrior’ mindset, it restricted the transfer of surplus military equipment to police departments. Most importantly, it formed consent decrees with more than a dozen police departments to force them to change their practices.” Under Obama, the DOJ vigorously pursued “patterns and practices” interventions into civil rights violations of police departments. These probes increased more than 50% over the Clinton and Bush years. His administration used these investigations to impose federal oversight on eight big city police departments over its two terms. In their 16 years combined, Clinton and Bush oversaw only six. Philip Atiba Goff, president and co-founder of the Center for Policing Equity, said, “There was a moribund civil rights division (of the DOJ) that was rejuvenated like Lazarus when Obama took office in 2009.” When Trump became president, all of this was swiftly reversed by his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions. His second attorney general, William Barr, didn’t have any Obama reforms to destroy. But Barr has made it clear that he hates criminal justice reform. He denounced the election of “district attorneys that style themselves as ‘social justice’ reformers, who spend their time undercutting the police, letting criminals off the hook, and refusing to enforce the law.” In another speech, Barr said, “If communities don’t give [police] that support and respect, they might find themselves without the police protection they need.” In 2017, Trump addressed a police gathering in New York state and joked about police brutality toward people being taken into custody. The local police department felt compelled to issue a statement saying they didn’t support “roughing up” prisoners. Now Trump tweets about deploying “the most vicious dogs and most ominous weapons.” The overwhelming majority of protesters are peaceful while a small minority are engaged in idiotic vandalism. Sound and fury signifying rage, despair, hopelessness. I am worried that the vandals may help reelect Trump. This opinion column does not necessarily reflect the views of Boulder JUNE 4, 2020

Each breath, each dream and DACA by Armando Peniche, Motus UndocuAmerica Monologist

une 15, 2012, was one of the happiest days of my life. It’s the day I finally saw light at the end of the tunnel. How amazing that an administrative action of a president can have such an impact! This is probably the same feeling African Americans experienced when they fought (for) and earned their civil rights; probably the same feeling same-sex couples felt when they found out they could finally marry after so many years of battling. Yes, June 15, 2012, the day DACA was created, was my time, our time. The chance to finally put my dreams into action; the time to show what an awesome person the country had been missing when it said I didn’t belong. I remember gathering in front of the TV with my family to watch President Obama give the invitation to come out of the shadows: my brother and sister, right there with me; I could see, and feel their joy — it was my joy too. But the face that most impacted me, was my dad’s. I

remember turning and seeing something even sweeter than joy. His eyes revealed an indescribable sense of relief that finally, after all this time — all the sacrifices and missed opportunities; all the relatives we lost when we crossed the border; all the hours working at lowpaying jobs, paying taxes and still being called illegal and other names; after all of this, his children were finally going to be free. And now I’m on my fourth DACA renewal, and with every approved application I feel like I have 24 months of oxygen left in the tank. My dreams literally get a renewal. The Supreme Court is about to announce the future of DACA. I am breathing deeply trying to stay calm. Each day I take a step towards my dreams. I don’t take a single step, or a single breath for granted. I want each breath, each dream and DACA to last. This opinion column does not necessarily reflect the views of Boulder Weekly.

Yes, July 15, 2012, the day

DACA was created, was my time, our time.

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

TONY WEBSTER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Dismantle systems of oppression

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, and it does seem to me that notwithstanding all these social agencies and activities there is not that vigilance which should be exercised in the preservation of our rights.” — Ida B. Wells Our community and our nation are in pain. In the midst of a crippling pandemic, acts of racism, injustice and inequity continue. It is our responsibility, as active members in our democratic process, to be vigilant in the pursuit and preservation of human rights. The League of Women Voters of Boulder County acknowledges the fear, anxiety, anger and exhaustion among those who each day experience the impacts of racism on personal and institutional levels. We also acknowledge the sadness and feelings of helplessness among those who may not fully understand or experience racism or disenfranchisement, but want to “do something.” We encourage our local government leaders to adopt and/or deepen commitments to avoid creating or exacerbating race disparities and burdens, and help avoid further trauma for people of color. And, we encourage our members and allies to join us as we continue to understand and dismantle racism and inequity in our own organization by honestly examining racism in our history and practices; increasing our anti-racism capacity and competency; and ensuring our advocacy and service activities are rooted in inclusion and equity. The systems of oppression that have perpetuated the myth of white supremacy in our country must be dismantled if we are ever to become the nation we pledge to be — indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Toward a “more perfect union,” we will continue our work to empower voters and defend democracy so that our political systems work for all people. We are thankful for our members and partners who help hold us accountable toward this goal. Elizabeth Crowe, co-president (incoming) of League of Women Voters of Boulder County BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Muni was never that popular

Matt Cortina wrote an article published in the May 21 edition sporting the headline: “Why is Boulder pursuing a partnership with Xcel when residents have repeatedly voted in support of the muni?” As anyone who kept an eye on it knows, the muni was going down in flames until at the last minute New Era Colorado sent volunteers and vans up to the CU campus along with a bunch of free pizzas, coaxed students into the vans then drove them to the polls. Many had no idea what the muni vote was about but were “educated” on the way while they munched their free slices. Previously, it was New Era Colorado’s doing in 2011 when they went door to door ballot-harvesting from CU students. Without the student votes, 2b and 2c would have failed. The muni won that time by a whopping 141 last-minute votes from kids who will believe anything as long as they don’t have to pay for it. So to answer your question, Matt, it was the transient Boulder residents and not the ones who live under overpasses and by the creek path — the CU students who for the most part are no longer living in Boulder. They pushed the muni vote to a razor thin victory in the eleventh hour. They could move on with their lives while Boulder taxpayers were left to accept $33 million dollars (so far) having been flushed down the proverbial toilet and nothing to show for it except having made some lawyers rich and Heather Bailey a millionaire. Don Wrege/Boulder I

Municipalization supports virus financial recovery

Due to the virus, Boulder’s economy is facing the new reality of a significant financial crisis for an extended period. This article “stands up” the position that a critical benefit of municipalization is that it can serve as an “economic engine” in support of achieving financial recovery from this crisis. Specifically, municipalization supports securing direct and indirect financial benefits. The direct financial benefits include lower customer utility bills, elimination of Xcel profit-taking and lower costs of utility capital. The indirect benefits result from the direct savings remaining and recirculating in the Boulder economy (not exported to Xcel’s Minneapolis HQ). The business model of municipalization offers local control, democratic decision-making and accountability all focused on the best interests of Boulder. Xcel is a corporation focused on profits and is allowed to operate without competition as a regulated monopoly. The vulnerability of this regulatory monopoly system is that the utility being regulated can “game” the process. It is the state’s legacy regulated monopoly utility governance system and Xcel that are driving utility costs up. Xcel is reimbursed for its corporate investments primarily through its customer electric rates. Since the electric rates increase as the size of the rate base increases, the name of the game for Xcel is to grow the rate base. The rate base is the total dollar amount of the investments plus Xcel’s “rate of return” (profit). Xcel has a JUNE 4, 2020

successful history of maximizing the rate base by regularly securing PUC approval to add billions of dollars in questionable investments. The investments included in the rate base are funded either by equity (Xcel cash) or debt (bond sales). The current equity rate of return is a guaranteed 9.83%. The debt rate of return is 4.67% (50% higher than the 3+% City rate). Any municipalization financing would be through debt financing (bonds). Municipalization would provide for a lower cost of capital for investments by eliminating the use of the high cost equity financing and exclusively using its lower cost debt financing. Here is data based on a comparative use of renewable energy that supports the expectation that electric rates under municipalization would be lower. Boulder’s goal is to utilize renewables-sourced power approaching 100% by 2030. Xcel’s “locked in” fossil fuel use is 46% for 2027. For a 2018 73% fossil use, Xcel’s current cost of power represents over 60% of current rates. Based on the current 10+ cents/kWh residential rate, six cents would be Xcel’s embedded cost of power. Boulder expects to secure renewable power at around 3 cents. You do the math. Xcel annually extracts profits of over $23 million from Boulder’s economy. This annual avoidance of some $23 million in extracted profits would return in under two years Boulder’s total investment to date in municipalization. Indirect financial benefits would result from the direct utility savings remaining in the Boulder economy. These dollars would recirculate in the Boulder economy resulting in an economic development multiplier of an estimated 3-to-1. For example, elimination of Xcel profit-taking of some $23M annually would generate over $60M of Boulder economic activity. It will primarily be up to City government under the leadership of the Council to identify and implement ongoing solutions. We are at an economic “inflection point” and an “all hands on deck” approach for Boulder to effectively manage this crisis is the prudent course of action. Bob Westby/Boulder I

2019 Best of Boulder

Gallery of WINNERS

Best Moving Company

Taylor moving

1275 Sherman Dr, Longmont 303.443.5885 • taylormove.com

Best New Business ~ A Holistic Funeral home

102 W. Chester st., BOULDER 720.515.2344 • thenaturalfuneral.com

Best Pet Boarding ~

COTTONWOOD KENNELS

7275 VALMONT RD., BOULDER 303.442.2602 • COTTONWOODKENNELS.com

Best Dental Care ~

North boulder dental Re-opening May 15

Please call for appointment. We are following best practices for the protection of our patients and staff and have replenished our own office’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

North Boulder D E N TA L

In March we donated Personal Protection Equipment to Boulder Community Hospital.

1001 North st., BOULDER 303.447.1042 • boulderdental.com

Care·To Pilates is a brand new modern pilates studio in the heart of Boulder. Take your fitness goals to a new level by finding a balance of strength and flexibility through our high quality pilates classes and private training. We are open for group classes and private training! Come and discover your next healthy obsession.

www.caretopilates.com info@caretopilates.com 2795 Pearl St Suite #102 Entrance on Spruce St, Boulder 8

JUNE 4, 2020

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

TAYLOR SIMMONS

I can’t breathe

Local leaders and artists respond to the death of George Floyd and this moment in history

by Many Voices

6-year-old girl sits on the shoulders of her father’s friend. As she’s asked, “What did daddy do?” she smiles and responds, “Daddy changed the world.” The little girl is Gianna Floyd, the daughter of George Floyd. And she’s right, her dad is changing the world. It’s been more than a week since George Floyd was held down by Minneapolis Police officers, the knee of officer Derek Chauvin glued to the back of his neck for more than eight minutes. Since then a day hasn’t gone by without people gathering in cities around the country and countries around the world to protest not just the death of George Floyd but the continued oppression and brutality targeting communities of color at the hands of law enforcement. Murals of George Floyd with the statement “I can’t breathe” have popped up not just in the U.S. but across Europe and as far away as Idlib, Syria, where the depiction is set to the backdrop of ruins from the years-long civil war. Floyd’s death has sparked national outcry but unfortunately his death isn’t the first. It follows months, years, decades and centuries of similar

stories. And for every death like Floyd’s there are multitudes of examples where police interactions with people of color are unsavory. Our local communities aren’t immune either. It was just one year ago that a Boulder police officer pulled a gun on a black man picking up trash around his dormitory. And for every story that makes headlines, there is undoubtedly many more that don’t. While thousands have gathered in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and other organizers, law enforcement response has been varied. In some cases, police officers and chiefs have marched and kneeled with protesters. In other cases, they have been met with tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray. There is no shortage of disturbing videos circulating online of continued use of force and brutality. And there have been instances of rioting and looting as well as the pleas of organizers to remain

“THE TRAGIC DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD

has reminded us of the countless injustices and inequalities people of color face in the United States. Let’s not mistake this intolerable incident for anything other than what it was, murder. As we watch the protests, marches and arguments unfold, it’s clear that the question on everyone’s mind is “Where do we go from here?” As a local elected official and classroom teacher, I can say that this country still has a long road of reparations to pay the African American community and that I’m willing to do my part. Racism is systemic, so we must restructure our systems for progress to be made. As a city, we need to be smart about our budget and must ensure that we invest more into social safety net programs. Having a living wage, access to holistic health services, providing robust educational opportunities and affording stable housing are all investments we can make to create a more equitable world for people of color. In Lafayette, we spend a great deal of time on de-escalation and anti-bias trainings for our police officers. We are also considering purchasing body cameras for the entire team. These are measures that I will fully support. However, at the end of the day, racism will still be still be alive and breathing. As an educator, I hope to teach my students and future children the importance of their right to protest when things seem unfair, how to make systematic changes when their government seems inequitable and how education is always the solution when it seems like there are no answers.” — JD Mangat, Lafayette City Council member

peaceful. It appears this point in history is a watershed moment, a time where Americans on every level — elected leaders and citizens, liberals and conservatives, and most importantly the white population — must reckon with our racist society. In an effort to help continue the conversation, Boulder Weekly reached out to elected officials, artists, faith and community leaders to offer their candid response to the events that have transpired since the death of George Floyd. The following, in no particular order, is what they had to say. Some statements have been cut for space; visit boulderweekly.com for full statements.

“JUNE 2, 2020 MARKED

the 39th anniversary of the death of Ron Settles, who was murdered by the Signal Hill Police in California. Ronnie was our oldest nephew. After 39 years, it remains tragic that by design the legal system continues to not protect the rights of people of color. The Justice System is steadfast in its ability to take the lives of black men and women. How sad that nearly 40 years later, not much has changed and the needle addressing racism has moved so little. Unfortunately, it continues to be baked into systems of power.

As people who marched with Dr. King in 1968 for basic civil rights, we are experiencing before our very eyes the return of Jim Crow through many systems, to name a few:

gerrymandering, voter suppression at an all-time high, economic inequality, homelessness, student loan debt being declared unforgivable, inequality in health care, privatized prisons yielding a cradle to prison pipeline, disparities in education. Again, to name a few. By now, we would hope that America would be better than this.” — Madelyn Strong Woodley, Boulder Branch NAACP lifetime member and Rev. Glenda Strong Robinson, Boulder Branch NAACP executive committee member and associate minister, Second Baptist Church, Boulder see CAN’T BREATHE Page 10

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

JUNE 6, 2020

CAN’T BREATHE from Page 9

What Will You Say? (A Poem in Response to George Floyd’s Martyrdom) by Pedro S. Silva II, associate minister, First Congregational UCC Boulder What will you say, If you found out that they got me? Knee to the neck Or they shot me? You knew me; Now you forgot me? What will you say? “I thought he was so different.”? “He shouldn’t have been on that hit list.”? “There will be justice. God is my witness”? “I swear I’ll never forget this.”? What would you say, If I told you this was my family? When they’re damning them, Then they damn me. Saying where we can And we can’t be. From the beginning, I know that they stamped me. What would you say, If I told you daily I’m dying? That this is the world that I’m in. They want your soul, For a buy in. The Truth hurts, When they’re lying. What would you say If George Floyd Was suddenly me? It was Pedro under that knee? Let’s pray one day we don’t see.

“What is the weight

of trading one life for another? The fact that Christian Cooper survived his encounter when the police were called on him in Central Park happened THE SAME DAY George Floyd was murdered during his encounter with the police in Minneapolis is a pristine metaphor for what a person of color (especially those of African descent) feels on a daily basis. Life being a coin toss puppeted for someone else’s entertainment and apathy is a sensation felt too regularly, breeding myriad levels of emotional instability that are usually as unbelieved and disrespected as a black person’s apparent basic right to live. Understand that the irony of George Floyd’s death deserves to be witnessed: Colin Kaepernick established the kneel as a non-violent way to symbolize protesting police brutality. People have peacefully protested for Amaud Arbery, Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Aiyana Jones, Alton Sterling, Keith Scott, and Philando Castile, and have been repeatedly dismissed as disruptive and unnecessary, spat at as a distraction to convenience, complacency and quasi-aggressively expressed “colorblindness.” This is the result of privileged silence. This is the result of the inability to

face the conditioned shadows in order to communicate the needs, desires and overall benefit for humanity as a collective. Chaotic unrest is only truly soothed by genuine,

effective justice, and if having a “seat at the table” means chopping it up first to rebuild a fresh one to fairly fit everyone, then so mote it be.” — Simone Liggins, poet

The entire system must be changed. First we have to analyze ourselves and note what racist tendencies we have. Ask ourselves how we can get rid of those tendencies. Change starts from within and grows outward. — Jesus Salazar, Boulder Community Broker

“THE VIDEOS THAT

I’ve seen of the killing of George Floyd are certainly sickening. The tactic used and the death of this man violate the mission, values, policies and training of the Boulder County Sheriff ’s Office. Neck restraints were done away with decades ago, and our policy clearly dictates that when resistance ceases the application of force must also. Our policy also dictates that when a fellow officer witnesses abuse they must intervene. Abuse of this kind has to be held to a high

level of accountability and I was pleased to learn of the swift firings and filing of charges. I’m sure more will come.

Having grown up

in Boulder, I can attest to a multitude of injustices that have occurred. But I belive in the philosophies of Martin Luther King, Jr., as a result we had very impactful, peaceful protests in Boulder. — Matthew Jansen, Owner of Mateo

Police agencies must do more to build relationships and trust with communities of color. Healthy personal relationships between police leaders and the culture brokers in our communities who represent the disenfranchised are the first steps toward building trust and respect. When I became sheriff I recognized there was an incredible amount of distrust of the police by our largest communities of color who are Hispanic, and often immigrants (especially as the federal government tried to engage local cops in the business of immigration enforcement). So, I began to get to know the leadership of groups like El Comite and the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. Leaders in these groups became friends, and trust developed. I am convinced that building relationships will do more than any kind of legislation, training or mandates to help alleviate the tensions in communities (although I recognize all of those things are necessary) and gain mutual trust and respect.” — Joe Pelle, Boulder County Sheriff

JUNE 4, 2020

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

TAYLOR SIMMONS

“WE CALL FOR justice for George

not only because they foster inter-racial dialogue but they also engage in actions that act as a social safety net and hold our government officials accountable. It’s time we addressed the systemic and financial incentives that create an overly aggressive system and hold police accountable. Minneapolis has had its share of trainings and bodycam buys. That won’t work by itself. We need an independent monitor office similar to the one I set up for child welfare to keep law enforcement accountable. Qualified immunity needs to be a thing of the past. We need to end the school-to-prison pipeline. And instead of funding tear gas and weapons of war in our law enforcement, we need real funding for housing, mental health and teachers in every neighborhood especially in black, brown and indigenous communities.” — State Representative Jonathan Singer

Floyd, and peace and unity in our country. Across the United States, there have been deeply felt expressions of the anguish and outrage at the murder of Mr. Floyd. Until our country fully addresses racial inequalities, we will continue to see racial inequities in our communities and justice systems. And there will be intense expressions of pain when those inequities are laid bare. ... We must use this time and the power of this moment. Law enforcement and the community must work together to make changes that will engender trust and ensure a justice system that is fair and just for all. Together, we will weather this storm — and our guiding light must be the shared goal of making real progress.” —Michael Dougherty, Boulder County District Attorney

“I have a

black son. And I know that one day he’ll go from being cute, to being a threat. When he was 5, getting ready for kindergarten, I dreaded the talk about racism. I didn’t even know where to start. Racism is ugly and there is no logic or love to it. Its weight is not only restrictively oppressive, it is soul shattering, and it kills the innocent. But I knew if I was too scared to talk about it he would not be properly equipped to protect himself WHEN he was approached by racism at school. A year later, my son was made fun of by a classmate for his curly hair and skin color. I talked with the school and parents, and found out this behavior was not learned at home. Being aware of the oppression, the parents were horrified at what their child said. They admitted they made a grave mistake. They felt that by not talking about racism with their kids, it would make the injustices go away. Instead, it opened the doors for their child to make deeply hurtful comments to my son without understanding the implications or the history.

I urge all parents to start the talk about racism with your children now. By the time they go to school, they need to be aware so that they don’t end up spreading and acting on the type of hate that leads to the death of people like George Floyd. Educate them so they may be

able to identify injustices and take informed action. Staying silent feeds the oppression, further marginalizes the issue, and creates a breeding ground for racism.” — Katrina Miller, independent filmmaker

“WHEN I FIRST SAW

the video of George Floyd’s death, I thought to myself, ‘not again.’ How do we dismantle a system of oppression that has existed since our nation’s founding? This tragic murder was entirely preventable. But, we need to deal with the issues relating to systemic racism directly and start defunding the gross militarization of our law enforcement departments. Many of these abuses stem from the war on drugs. Lawmakers created enhanced penalties for drugs that were more prevalent in the black community. We had a racist system of redlining when it comes to housing, and we continue to criminalize those that are homeless. Groups like El Comite in Longmont have done an admirable job

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

“I am not sure

what could have been done to prevent the death of George Floyd. Nonetheless, we as a society must hold police officers accountable for their actions to the fullest extent of the law. The United States is a republic where the rule of law is our compass. No one is above the law, not even the ones who are imbued with the power to enforce it. Violence is never the way forward. But I understand that people are hurting and are seeking a collective outlet to grieve the pain of their neighbor, and their friend. They are also grieving the inhumanity of the actions of the officers.

Beyond this tragedy and the protests, we need a revolution of the mind in this country. Working class people (both

whites and minorities) have to stand together against systemic socioeconomic and political oppression. Jailing a large population of black people benefits the rich (those who own prisons), not poor blacks or poor whites.” — Junie Joseph, Boulder City Council member

“Longstanding institutional racism

in our country has led to many current-day disparities in education, health, job attainment, income and wealth; housing and health care; and public safety, including disproportionate incarceration rates for people of color. The way to have prevented this tragedy and others that could occur in the future is to understand the root cause and work authentically and with community to address it. It’s important for police to listen, acknowledge, learn and become part of the change. I want to contribute to that process. I understand where the frustration and anger are coming from and support protests that are carried out in a peaceful manner. Violence and destruction to communities are counterproductive and do more harm to meaningful and lasting change. Unfortunately, a lot of the communities who are being hardest hit by the pandemic are also being hardest hit by the violence, riots and looting. The messages can get lost in the anger. This is a time for action. We need police reform on a national level. On a local level, the Boulder Police Department is committed to fair and equitable policing in partnership with our community.” — Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold

JUNE 4, 2020

NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

• Gifts for any cook • Fun and colorful kitchenware • Specialty foods, local and imported • Gadgets, cookware, and kitchen essentials • Louisville’s one-of-a-kind kitchen shop 728 Main Street • Louisville • 720.484.6825 www.SingingCookStore.com

Tantric Sacred Sexuality Exploration & Education Now Offering VIRTUAL Classes and Private Coaching For more information: 720-333-7978

One of Boulders best and oldest furniture stores. We have been serving Boulder since 1986. Locally and Veteran owned Family business.

We sell brand new fully assembled furniture. Now you can see our inventory of new items on our website.

www.tantricsacredjourneys.com

GENTLY USED CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE AND NEW FURNITURE SINCE 1986

“The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance ran ads recently in the Boulder Weekly to promote our annual Membership Party and Colorado Gives Day. The campaign was a huge success and BMA raised $34,320 - all going towards improving Boulder County’s trail system! The Boulder Weekly ads led to additional awareness of BMA and played an important part in this extraordinary fundraising campaign. Thanks Boulder Weekly!”

We’re here so you can Live and Die Your Values.

USEDFURNITUREBOULDER.COM

Wendy Sweet President, Board of Directors Boulder Mountainbike Alliance

Seth

Karen

Dan

Water Cremation • Green Burial • Reverent Body Care™ Conventional Cremation

Thank you for voting us for Best New Business & Best Independent Business

Colorado’s 1st Holistic Funeral Home and End-of-Life Resource Center

JUNE 4, 2020

102 West Chester Street (Just off S. Public Rd in downtown Lafayette) Parking: South of our center off the alley, or in public lot on S. Public, by the florist. Call (720) 515-2344 for info thenaturalfuneral.com

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Trump’s executive order on internet speech trickles down to Boulder County by Matt Cortina

et the facts about mail-in ballots,” the fact-check heard ’round the world. Two days after Twitter slapped a fact-checking label on a tweet from President Trump that claimed, “There is NO WAY (ZERO!) that Mail-In Ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent,” the president signed an executive order seeking to curtail liability protections for internet companies. The president could fundamentally change the internet in attempting to modify Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act — bedrock legislation that protects internet companies (from search engines like Google to social media sites like Twitter) from liability for content uploaded by third parties, while also giving them leverage to regulate or remove such content, even if it’s constitutionally protected free speech. If it weren’t for these protections, sites like Wikipedia, YouTube, Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter — you know, everything on the internet we take for granted — may not have been started or would have been severely restricted. The executive order asserts that any company that edits user posts, including the addition of a fact-check label, should be stripped of its liability protection. Too, any site that removes content outside of its terms of service would also lose protection. It places the responsibility of determining what type of content modification or blocking is acceptable in the hands of the federal government. And, as a result, it opens internet companies up to the potential for numerous lawsuits. The executive order is already facing a lawsuit itself, with more likely to follow. And Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University and co-director of the High Tech Law Institute, says even though the executive order has been signed, there are plenty of steps left before we have an idea of how it will change the internet. “Section 230 has from the beginning played an essential role in enabling new entrants into the internet community,” Goldman says. “Web 1.0 was traditional media publishers posting their content online. … Web 2.0 was when users got a chance to speak up. That was a revolution in the internet industry, and that was because Section 230 spurred that innovation.” That trickles down to Boulder County. And BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

any changes to Section 230 will hurt the local startup ecosystem. Jack Donenfeld, co-founder and general counsel at the Boulder tech accelerator Boomtown Accelerators, says that increased liability for internet companies could stifle new companies. “Section 230 liability protection is critical for startups,” he says. “Startups have very few staff members. They have limited budgets and little resources. Without Section 230, they’re going to have major expenses for litigation, and they’re going to be spending a lot more money to keep up

with moderating problematic content.” In fact, Trump’s executive order could have the opposite of his intended effect by leaving the internet with a few large companies that have the resources to fight liability suits. It could deter investors that have historically been willing to invest in smaller companies that host third-party content. “If we change Section 230, we’re going to find [small companies] unable to compete with the biggies and were going to find people unwilling to invest in these companies where there’s such significant risk that they’re going to be sued and that their objectives, which include moderating content, won’t be fulfilled.” And it could prohibit entrepreneurs from even getting into the accelerator and development pipeline to begin with. “It’s going to affect the companies we choose for the Boomtown program,” Donenfeld says. “We want companies that have a chance to succeed. When you have a company that might get sued, it’s a risk. It’s one we would have to consider.” Donenfeld says changes to Section 230 — and there are cases made from all points on the political spectrum that internet companies need to be regulated more — need to come from lawmakers, not the executive branch. That’s where 230 was I

JUNE 4, 2020

created in the first place. Too, the executive order changing Section 230 doesn’t account for the fact that Twitter’s decision to fact-check Trump’s tweet is covered by the First Amendment, Goldman says. “Twitter’s decision to fact-check the president’s tweet is fully protected by the First Amendment. It’s not a Section 230 issue,” Goldman says. “The president said something. Twitter said there’s some additional information you should check out to understand the president’s words. That’s core, protected free speech.” Trump may know this. Both Donenfeld and Goldman say the executive order may have more import as a tool to intimidate companies than as a bona fide regulation on the industry. “His order was really more bluster and bravado than action,” Donenfeld says. “I take it seriously because of his position, but I don’t think that it’s going to go very far. All it says to me is he disagrees with Twitter’s decision to tell [the user] to fact-check his posts. And he wants to weaponize law enforcement and regulatory agencies to retaliate against Twitter.” Goldman says it’s an example of “working the refs” — rallying his supporters against a common enemy in order to achieve his desired outcome, given that his executive order may, legally, fall short. For example, Trump’s supporters, at the president’s lead, decry Twitter’s decision to selectively fact-check him and not others. This ideology is promoted in the executive order, which claims Twitter showed political bias by not flagging Rep. Adam Schiff ’s tweets about the possibility Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. But that’s within Twitter’s rights, as prescribed by Section 230, at least, and it’s not a good reason to change foundational internet laws, Goldman says. “A lot of those efforts are false equivalencies,” he says. “They’re designed to manufacture seeming examples of hypocrisy, when the facts are not the same. I find those kinds of examples singularly unpersuasive. They’re a larger phenomena of the allegation that internet companies are biased against conservatives when internet companies are biased against certain types of content. It just so happens conservatives are producing more of the content they’re biased against.” I

NOW OPEN

STAY CONNECTED Check us out on Facebook and Twitter for events, local news, and ticket giveaways. facebook.com/boulderweeklymedia twitter.com/boulderweekly

ON HOLD

OPEN TUE - SAT 10AM TO 3PM

boulderweekly.com

JUNE 4, 2020

BOULDER COUNTYâ€™S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Colorado joins other states in phasing out harmful HFCs by Angela K. Evans

n May 22, Colorado joined a handful of other states that are starting to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions and meet the state’s aggressive emission reduction goals by 2050. Introduced in the 1980s, HFCs helped save the ozone layer as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the use of which led to stratospheric ozone depletion and the notorious ozone hole over the Antarctic. Synthetic refrigerants currently used in most air conditioning and refrigeration systems, HFCs were proven not to damage ozone, and at the time, climate change really wasn’t on the radar for most of us. “Then it’s found out that these replacements, pollutants basically, are greenhouse gases. So, unfortunately, they’re causing a different problem,” says Cindy Copeland, air and climate policy specialist with Boulder County Public Health. Boulder County, as a member of Colorado Communities for Climate Action and the Local Government Coalition networks, was a formal party to the rulemaking at the Air Quality Control Commission, which passed the new regulations. At the same meeting, the Commission also updated its greenhouse gas inventory process in an effort to provide a more frequent and accurate understanding of the state’s emissions. HFCs, although released in much smaller quantities, trap significantly more heat in the atmosphere compared to an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. According to the international Climate and Clean Air Coalition, HFCs are 1,430 times more damaging than the CO2 equivalent and remain in the atmosphere up to 29 years. What’s more, HFC emissions are growing at a rate of BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

10-15% per year. Replacing them could help avoid 0.1 degree Celsius of warming by 2050 and phasing them out altogether could avoid 0.5 degrees of warming by 2100. “These are really potent [shortlived] climate forcers and at small concentrations, they actually harm the climate significantly,” says Christina Theodoridi, a technical analyst who specializes in chlorinated gases like HFCs and CFCs with the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “And that is one of the main reasons why it’s important to curb their emissions early on and make sure that the alternatives are being used instead of these very potent greenhouse gases.” The Environmental Protection Agency has an approved list of alternatives for HFCs as part of its program to phase out their use in most sectors by 2024, under the Clean Air Act. However, the phase-out has been stalled by federal litigation. Additionally, although President Barack Obama signed onto an international agreement to reduce HFC consumption 80% by 2047, he didn’t have time to bring it to Congress for ratification before leaving office. The Trump administration has yet to pick it back up. Recently legislation was introduced in Congress to consider federal action anyway. “So this is still in limbo,” Theodoridi says. Which is why Colorado, coordinating with the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, took matters into its own I

hands, and initiated the phase-out of HFCs. According to Theodoridi, it is the fifth state to do so, although several other states have proposed actions and still more are interested. “Of course it would be nice if the federal government stepped up and offered some leadership on issues like phasing out HFCs,” says Jacob Smith, executive director of Colorado Communities for Climate Action. “But in the absence of that kind of federal leadership, then it’s up to the states to make things happen. And the more states that step up individually and adopt phase-out, like Colorado just did, the sooner that momentum builds, the sooner the industry is going to want to switch anyway, the cheaper the alternatives will become.” With improved technology, substances like ammonia and CO2, which were previously thought too toxic or harmful, are now recommended alternatives, Theodoridi says. There are also newly developed synthetic materials which, so far, have been deemed better than HFCs. The idea is, “Let’s stop using something that we know has a huge planet impact, especially when there are alternatives that have a much reduced impact,” Smith adds. “And then that buys us some time and we can figure out what might be the best long-term answers.” The regulations passed by the Air Quality Control Commission are the first the body has taken to directly address climate change, and the hope is it will lead the way for more rulemakings in the future. It goes without saying that much more drastic measures still need to take place to effectively address climate change. “We see this as one step,” Copeland says. “But it’s not going to make the state meet all of the goals that were laid out by the legislature.” JUNE 4, 2020

Adam Sloat Broker/Owner

Your Boulder Real Estate Expert and Music Guy

MORTGAGE BROKER Q&A WITH MY FRIEND JEFF Question: Jeff, any tricks or suggestions for homebuyers to secure the best mortgages and to make their offers really stand out from the pack?

Answer: Listing agents really like to hear from the buyer’s lender and know they are on top of things, so if you can select a local mortgage professional who communicates well with local real estate agents - that will go a long way to make your offer more attractive. Getting fully pre-approved ahead of time, where all that might be left to do is the appraisal on the home definitely helps too.” - Jeff Waymire, Trustlink Mortgage

720-466-8212 adam@adamsloat.com www.westwaterrealty.com I

Historical amnesia

America was built on rebellion, but the rhetoric around current protests proves there’s still no socially acceptable way to dissent as a black American

by Caitlin Rockett

eiland Rabaka’s got a diagnosis for the American people: historical amnesia. How else could so many people feel justified in taking to social media to share a photo of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights marchers with the caption “This Is A Protest” atop a photo of chaos in Minneapolis captioned “This Is A Crime”? How could so many people collectively boil a decades-long movement down into one innocuous amalgam? “It would be great,” Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter said in a May 28 tweet, “if folks were as zealous about evoking my father to eradicate racism as they are about evoking him to criticize how people respond to racism.” Rabaka, a professor of African, African American and Caribbean studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, says, “There’s a tendency to become very nostalgic about things from the past.” “Some of those same people who are [saying] that the Civil Rights Movement was more moderate than what we’re doing now in the contemporary moment, that [today’s protests are] more militant, more riotous, more uncontrolled, maybe they don’t remember that Rosa Parks was arrested, and that for an African American woman in 1955, that’s violent.” Maybe, Rabaka wonders, they’ve never heard of Bloody Sunday: March 7, 1965, when Alabama state troopers beat protesters with billy clubs as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge just outside of Selma to commemorate the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson, who had been shot just weeks earlier by a state trooper while trying to protect his mother during a civil rights demonstration. Days after Bloody Sunday, Dr. King led another group of protesters across the bridge, but vigilantes were waiting; they killed James Reeb, a white pastor from the North. Perhaps, Rabaka says, people have forgotten the Birmingham campaign, where police chief Eugene “Bull” Connor used high-pressure water hoses and police attack dogs on adolescent protesters. 16

JUNE 4, 2020

“This is what I mean by historical amnesia,” Rabaka says. “All the acts of violence that were perpetuated against the civil rights workers, and somehow, when people actually began to talk about self-defense — people like Angela Davis and the Black Panther Party — well, you can see with the Breonna Taylor case there’s just no socially acceptable way black folk can practice self-defense.” (Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, was shot and killed in her own home in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 13 after police executed a no-knock search warrant. Her boyfriend, believing the home was being burglarized, opened fire. He was initially charged with attempted murder of a police officer, but that charge has been dropped. Police found no drugs — the reason for the warrant — in the apartment. There is no body cam footage.) Self-defense, Rabaka reminds, is “an automatic right for white folk.” “Patrick Henry said, ‘Give me liberty or give me death,’ but if [Black Panther Party co-founders] Bobby Seale or Huey Newton were to stand up and say the exact same thing, they’d call them domestic terrorists.” President Trump would likely call them “thugs,” as he called Minneapolis protesters in a tweet on May 29. Or yes, domestic terrorists, as he has called antifa, a term for a very loosely associated far-left movement that Trump and others on the right are asserting, with little evidence, incited violence at protests in Minnesota. (A white nationalist group, Identity Evropa, was actually found to be posing as antifa on Twitter, pushing violent rhetoric related to the protests.) And yet when armed, predominately white protesters stormed the Michigan Capitol, demanding an end to state pandemic restrictions, Trump tweeted, “These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely!” There’s a discrepancy in the way America talks about rebellion. Riot or resistance? It depends on what’s being protested. Danielle Kilgo, an assistant professor at The Media School at Indiana University Bloomington, studies media framing. In a recent paper, she and co-author Summer Harlow found that I

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

local and metro newspapers constructed narratives around the Women’s March and anti-Trump protests which “significantly explored their grievances.” “On the other end of the spectrum,” Kilgo wrote for NeimanLab, “protests about anti-black racism and indigenous people’s rights received the least legitimizing coverage, with them more often seen as threatening and violent.” In 2004, researchers from the University of Southern California and the University of Kansas analyzed coverage of the 1992 Los Angeles uprising and the 2001 Cincinnati uprising — both commonly referred to as riots — and compared it to coverage of historical uprisings and found “a shift in the way media frame rioting.” “Race riots of the 1960s are often linked to and situated within the social protest frame by media,” they wrote. “Contemporary riots like those in Los Angeles and Cincinnati are most often framed as ineffective, illogical protests against established order, and not as mechanisms for progressive social change.” “Language is important,” Rabaka says. “I will tell you in African American studies we don’t say race riot. Why? A riot connotes a level of irrationality, it’s just ‘wild’ and all over the place. I’m not saying that that does not happen or has not happened, but really ... these are urban rebellions. They are rebelling against a system. These are forms of resistance. And we, African Americans, have a long history of this going back to the enslavement period: You working for nothing. They’re feeding you chitlins and you’re wearing rags, so you go out there and break that rake. You might mess up the plow. So this whole notion of property — what about the fact that African Americans, we were the property about 150 years ago? This is why that slogan ‘black lives matter’ is so meaningful to us because no one’s ever said that.” Omar Montgomery, a professor of ethnic studies at CU Denver and president of the Aurora chapter of the NAACP, reminds that “it was violence that got us here today,” the violent murder of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer with a history of violence and complaints against him. “And, unfortunately, it’s going to be situations like this where you see people in multiple cities express their voice in multiple ways that’s going to get the attention of the government to make changes in the policing system so that we will not have to revisit this every two or three years,” he says. Montgomery says the same thing happens after every racial-justice motivated uprising: government officials commission a report on why it all happened. There was the Kerner Commission after the 1967 uprisings in Detroit and elsewhere; the Christopher Commission in the wake of Rodney King’s brutal beating at the hands of cops in LA in 1992; the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation of the Ferguson Police Department in 2015. “And you’re going to keep having these reports that talk about the same thing,” Montgomery says. “It’s going to talk about poverty. It’s going to talk about racism. It’s going to talk about inequities in the criminal justice system. It’s going to talk about every single thing we’ve been talking about since Reconstruction. And unless we have some change in meaningful dialogue, it’s going to keep repeating itself.” The difficulty, says Polly McLean, a professor of media BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

theory at CU Boulder, is that America is facing a culture shift. “And culture is extremely hard to change,” she says. “It’s not that all you are going to need to do now is create diversity and inclusion; that’s a Band-Aid approach that makes you feel good.” The shift has been in progress for decades now, with countless metaphorical Band-Aids employed against countless literal bullet wounds, lynchings and police beatings. “In the ’50s and ’60s we were at the height of the Civil Rights Movement,” McLean says. “The struggle was continuing for racial justice for African Americans in the U.S. We knew that the Civil War abolished slavery but didn’t end discrimination. You legislate and you wash your hands. So [on campus] we created a diversity and inclusion unit ... but what does that mean? How is it being handled?” Rabaka, Montgomery and McLean all point to education as being the critical catalyst for shifting American racist culture, from elementary school history classes to undergraduate journalism courses “I don’t know whether or not we teach students at all about the alternative press and the black press,” she says. “How is the black press covering this? What is the black editorial saying?” Michael Harriot, senior editor at The Root, has implored white people to stop telling black people how to protest, and disabused folks of the notion that the Civil Rights Movement was peaceful. In TRT World, Severina Ware posits that civil unrest is the only way black voices are heard. In mainstream media, Jelani Cobb took to the New Yorker to ask people, specifically white people, to consider the impact of sharing images of violence against black bodies when they’ve rarely spoken out on such causes before. “If we don’t transition into systemic change, we’ve lost,” Montgomery says. “This is the time to push district attorneys to start looking at systemic change. I’m already on the phone with DAs, attorneys general and [other law enforcement] because I want systemic change, not just a place where I can let loose my frustration. Because I don’t want to have to look at or attend another funeral of a black man that has died because we didn’t change the policy to hold people accountable.” I

JUNE 4, 2020

“IF I HAD A PUPPY and it pooped and I just put a nice rug over it, what’s that do? That’s what America has been doing since the Civil War.” — Reiland Rabaka, professor CU Boulder

What to do when there’s ‘nothing’ to do...

VIRTUAL EVENTS BY BOULDER WEEKLY STAFF

If your organization is planning an event of any kind, please email Caitlin at crockett@boulderweekly.com. BOULDER ARTS ONLINE: DAILY VIRTUAL FIGURE DRAWING. 2 P.M. THURSDAY, JUNE 4 (WITH ADDITIONAL DAILY DATES THROUGH JUNE 15), ARTOFMODELING.ORG/VIRTUAL-MODELING.

MINI FILM FESTIVAL OF AMAZING SHORTS. 3 P.M. SUNDAY, JUNE 7, MEETUP. COM/BOULDER-ATHEISTS/ EVENTS/TJPBSRYBCJBKB.

Boulder-based Art of Modeling is hosting a virtual figure-drawing class from 2-4 p.m. daily through June 15. The cost is $10. Contact Ellen Allen, artofmodelinginfo@gmail.com, 831-421-2684.

GLEANING HOPE HAPPY HOUR WITH COMMUNITY FRUIT RESCUE. 5:30 P.M. THURSDAY, JUNE 4, FRUITRESCUE.ORG/EVENTS.PHP.

Join the Community Fruit Rescue staff (CFR) and board of directors for a virtual happy hour and fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. You’ll hear from guest speaker Woody Tasch, share a few community testimonials, discuss safe harvesting during COVID-19, and get looped into a fundraiser that will help support CFR’s work during the 2020 harvest season. BOCO Cider in North Boulder is opening from 3-5 p.m. on June 4 as a special Fruit Rescue favor so you can grab something delicious to enjoy during happy hour. RSVP to the event to get the Zoom link: bit.ly/gleaninghope Contact Hannah Tirrell-Wysocki, hannah@fruitrescue.org, 603-340-3633

TREVOR HALL: A NIGHT IN THE VILLAGE LIVESTREAM FROM BOULDER THEATER. 7 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 6, BOULDERTHEATER.COM.

Trevor Hall’s music blends roots and folk music with his deep appreciation of Eastern Mysticism. This livestream from Boulder Theater promises an intimate evening of songs and stories, with a Q&A with Hall after the show. This event is free, just register at bouldertheater.com. You can also see more information about purchasing an exclusive event poster ($29.95, including shipping) that allows Boulder Theater to deliver this special event with no admission fee.

JUNE 4, 2020

Enjoy a series of incredible short secular videos through Zoom, 5 to 15 minutes long each, followed by discussions. Each film features notable people such as Richard Dawkins, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Seth Andrews, Carl Sagan, Christopher Hitchens, Madalyn Murray O’Hair, George Carlin and Aron Ra speaking about politics, evolution, science, Humanism, history, heathen comedy and more. You must RSVP before the meeting start time to see the Zoom link.

BOULDER’S STORY SLAM — A VIRTUAL EVENT HOSTED BY DAIRY ARTS CENTER. 6 P.M. SUNDAY, JUNE 7, THEDAIRY.ORG.

Join Johanna Walker and co-host Hal Walker for a night of real stories from real people. The theme for the night is RING. Did you find your ex’s wedding ring while searching for your lost keys? Did you fall in love while playing ring around the rosie? It’s too late to submit your story for this slam, but it’s certainly not too late to join in and listen. WHITNEY, PHOTO BY OLIVIA BEE Suggested donation of $10-$20 that will help Boulder’s Story Slam and The Dairy Arts Center continue to bring you great programming.

WHITNEY X NOONCHORUS LIVESTREAM. 6 P.M. THURSDAY, JUNE 11, NOONCHORUS.COM/BOULDERTHEATER-PRESENTSWHITNEY.

Note: This event, originally scheduled for June 4, has been postponed until Thursday, June 11 to stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice for black lives. Between June 4 and June 11, Whitney, an indie rock band from Chicago, will donate $300 each day to a different organization that is supporting marginalized communities in the fight for justice and equality. Whitney will donate 100% of the profits from the livestream on June 11 to Black Lives Matter and My Block, My Hood, My City. The stream will be supported by NoonChorus, an independent, communitydriven organization that aims to support artists during the COVID-19 pandemic by reconnecting artists with fans. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 day of show.

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

HEAVY

ROTATION THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED A playlist for making change BY CAITLIN ROCKETT n ‘THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED,’ BY GIL SCOTT-HERON

“The first change that takes place is in your mind. You have to change your mind before you change the way you live and the way you move. So when we said that the revolution will not be televised, we’re saying that the thing that’s going to change people is something that no one will ever be able to capture on film. It’ll just be something you see and all of a sudden you realize, I’m on the wrong page, or I’m on the right page but I’m on the wrong note.” —Gil Scott-Heron, speaking to Skip Blumberg for the award-winning Public Broadcast System series ‘The 90’s.’

n ‘WE THE PEOPLE,’ BY A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

n ‘THIS IS AMERICA,’ BY CHILDISH GAMBINO Donald Glover made a brilliant artistic statement about gun violence and racism in America with the video for this song, featuring Glover dancing through an escalating riot. The video offers layers of meaning to peel back and explore: Is the choreography intended to distract from the violence? Does Glover gun down the gospel choir as they sing “get your money black man” as a way of protesting the stereotypical black performance role he has taken on to earn money? It’s a visual feast meant to be picked clean to the bone.

n ‘MALCOLM SAID IT,’ BY AKALA The British rapper, journalist, author, activist and poet known as Akala (Kingslee James McLean Daleya) points out the throughline in the messages from black activists through the years — “Malcolm said it / Martin said it / Marley said it / Ali said it / Garvey said it / Toussaint said it” — then reminds us how hated they were in their lifetimes: “We love them dead when they speak no more / But they will endure, ideas are bulletproof.”

n ‘GET UP, STAND UP,’ BY THE WAILERS Bob Marley used simple, often joyful language to talk about oppression and the path forward: “We sick an’ tired of-a your ism-skism game / Dyin’ ‘n’ goin’ to heaven in-a Jesus’ name, Lord / We know when we understand / Almighty God is a living man / You can fool some people sometimes / But you can’t fool all the people all the time / So now we see the light / We gonna stand up for our rights.”

When A Tribe Called Quest dropped this song on Nov. 11, 2016, the U.S. was reeling from the election of Donald Trump. Jayson Greene of Pitchfork called the song “a sliver-sized miracle, a crack of light illuminating the door in a dark wall. This is the function Tribe songs have always served — they point to a path through wilderness.” Q-tip muses on how black communities are marginalized, scrutinized and, eventually, colonized: “... living in a fish bowl / Gentrify here, now it’s not a shit hole.”

n ‘LES FLEURS,’ BY MINNIE RIPERTON

n ‘MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,’ BY PUSSY RIOT In 2012, three members of the music collective Pussy Riot were arrested and accused of “hooliganism” by the Russian government. Member Nadya Tolokonnikova served some of her two-year sentence in a women’s penal colony, where she reported that prisoners worked 16-17 hours a day, and complaints were met with punishment. Since her release, Pussy Riot has continued to say exactly what they mean, like in this 2016 response to the election of Donald Trump: “Let other people in / Listen to your women / Stop killing black children / Make America Great Again.”

n ‘THE GUILLOTINE,’ BY THE COUP Boots Riley was born into a family of social justice organizers in Chicago. His German Jewish grandmother fled Europe in 1938. Needless to say, Riley’s had a few things to say over the years about racial justice. Don’t let the title of this track scare you; just listen to the lyrics: ‘If you press your ear to the turf

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

that is stolen,” Riley sings, “You can hear the sound of limitations exploding.” This isn’t about violence, it’s about dismantling a broken system.

Jordan Peele chose to use this song to close out his mind-bending, social commentary horror flick Us. The song is a breath of fresh air after a tense, deeply psychological movie — Peele has called the song a “palate cleanser.” While this track from 1970 certainly isn’t a traditional protest song, its lyrics are indeed cleansing, a reminder to constantly search for compassion, that most radical of emotions: “Inside every man lives the seed of a flower / If he looks within he finds beauty and power … Throw off your fears / Let your heart beat freely at the sign / That a new time is born.” For a full playlist with nearly 2 hours of music, please visit Boulder Weekly’s Spotify channel. see EVENTS Page 20

JUNE 4, 2020

theater

EVENTS from Page 19

Welcome the stranger by Caitlin Rockett

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” — Matthew 25: 31-40

ON THE BILL: ‘Welcoming the Stranger’ — with Reverend Pedro Silva and Alejandro Fuentes-Mena, a virtual performance via Zoom and Facebook Live. 5 p.m. Sunday, June 7, motustheater.org, 720-432- 2004.

For the Sake of Strangers by Dorianne Laux

church in San Diego helped change Alejandro Fuentes-Mena’s life. His mother left 2-year-old Alejandro in Chile to set up a better life for them in the United States. She’d bring him north just as soon as she had enough money. “America wasn’t as friendly and as she had hoped,” Fuentes-Mena says over the phone recently. “She never actually made enough money to purchase my plane ticket over here.” Then the church his mother had joined in San Diego pitched in and brought her son to California. He hadn’t seen his mother in two years. On Sunday, June 7, a church will again be a part of Fuentes-Mena’s story as Reverend Pedro Silva, of First Congregational Church in Boulder, reads Fuentes-Mena’s autobiographical story of the journey, hard work and love his family endured to help him become one of the first teachers in the country with DACA — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — status. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on the Trump administration’s challenge to the protected status any day now. This performance is part of Motus Theater’s Welcoming the Stranger series, a collaboration with religious leaders who read aloud the story of an undocumented person and reflect both personally and theologically on the impact of stepping into their shoes. “To me, Christianity, and all religions really, are stories,” Silva says. “Stories that tell people some of the fundamental questions that we wrestle with in life: Where do we come from? Why are we here, and where are we going? Each human wrestles with those questions. And what Motus does is it gives people an opportunity to hear people’s stories that don’t typically get heard. And when we hear people’s stories, if we’re listening, we hear that commonality of where did you come from, why are you here, and where are you going. They’re highlighting the commonality in our humanity.” The reading will be followed by reflections from both Silva and Fuentes-Mena, examining their feelings on sharing someone else’s story and having your own story shared. “When a person is willing to take [on your story], when they come with the intention of actually trying to step in another person’s shoes, I think it makes your story feel sacred,” Fuentes-Mena says. “It makes your story feel like it has dignity and that somebody is attempting to understand a piece of you, a piece of your trauma. You feel accepted when somebody is actually willing to hold your story, breathe in every word and try to understand where it is that you came from and how, despite all of that, you are now an individual that’s standing in front of them. “All we’re trying to do, which is sad, is convince others of our humanity.”

JUNE 4, 2020

No matter what the grief, its weight, we are obliged to carry it. We rise and gather momentum, the dull strength that pushes us through crowds. And then the young boy gives me directions so avidly. A woman holds the glass door open, waiting patiently for my empty body to pass through. All day it continues, each kindness reaching toward another—a stranger singing to no one as I pass on the path, trees offering their blossoms, a child who lifts his almond eyes and smiles. Somehow they always find me, seem even to be waiting, determined to keep me from myself, from the thing that calls to me as it must have once called to them— this temptation to step off the edge and fall weightless, away from the world.

Tolstoy said, “Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness.” I found this poem by Dorianne Laux in Poetry of Presence: An Anthology of Mindfulness Poems, published by Grayson Books of West Hartford, CT. The poet, whose most recent book of poetry is Only As The Day Is Long, lives in Maine. — Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Poem copyright ©1994 by Dorianne Laux, “For the Sake of Strangers,” from What We Carry, (BOA Editions, Ltd., 1994). Poem reprinted by permission of Dorianne Laux and the publisher. Introduction copyright © 2020 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction’s author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006.

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

fantasy of an ugly scenario rises up in your imagination, remind yourself that it’s not objectively true and immediately replace it with a fantasy of a desirable scenario.

BY ROB BREZSNY ARIES

MARCH 21-APRIL 19: Aries poet Paul Verlaine

wrote “Autumn Song” in 1866. It became a well-known French poem, and eventually played a role in a historical turning point. In June 1944, a top-secret British spy organization used the poem as a code to communicate crucial information to the French Resistance, via BBC radio, about the allies’ upcoming D-Day invasion of Normandy. In the spirit of poetry being used to accomplish practical actions, I’m now sending out a burst of code to you, Aries. It’s adapted from another poem by Verlaine: “Delight in good-omened fortune, baptized by the bristling scents of mint, thyme, and clover on the wind of dawn.” Regard this as a signal for you to acquire a necessary resource, strengthen connections with key allies and intensify your current quest.

TAURUS

APRIL 20-MAY 20: Taurus philosopher Bertrand Russell

observed, “The best life is the one in which the creative impulses play the largest part and the possessive impulses the smallest.” That is always an important principle for everyone to embrace, in my opinion. But it will be an especially essential truth for you in the coming weeks. Your creative powers will thrive, even soar and generate blessings, to the degree that you downplay and outwit your possessive inclinations.

GEMINI

MAY 21-JUNE 20: “It’s OK to live a life others don’t

understand,” writes author Jenna Woginrich. That’s a healthy attitude for an eccentric person like her, who taught herself by trial and error how to run a small farm with a meager budget while all alone in the middle of nowhere. But does her advice apply to everyone? I say yes, it does. All of us have quirky behaviors and idiosyncratic ideas and odd feelings that other people find hard to understand, let alone appreciate. I bring this to your attention, Gemini, because the coming weeks will be a time when it’s best for you to emancipate yourself as much as possible from the need to be perfectly understood as you express your raw, pure, unique self.

CANCER

JUNE 21-JULY 22: I’m one of the lucky people who

has never been addicted to alcohol or drugs. What’s the source of my great fortune? Two kinds of grace are key: I suffered no abuse and trauma when I was growing up, and my genetic make-up doesn’t predispose me to self-medicate with intoxicants. But I am indeed a bit addicted to other things, like fearful fantasies, sexual feelings and the urge to win arguments. So I’m blessed in some ways, cursed in others — just like all of us! In honor of our season of introspection, my fellow Cancerian, I invite you to do what I just did: Count your blessings and curses. Doing so will bring you just the right kind of healing.

LEO

JULY 23-AUG. 22: “Jacquemus Mini Le Chiquito”

is the name of a tiny purse you can buy for $522. It fits into the palm of your hand, and won’t hold much — maybe a single-use strand of dental floss, a shoe from a Barbie doll, a snippet of a loved one’s hair, an aspirin, maybe a few crumbs from a potato chip. In any case, I don’t recommend it for you. You should be surrounding yourself with symbols of capaciousness and roominess. You need influences that inspire you to be a spacious container. It’s time for you to welcome and receive an abundance of blessings, inquiries and invitations.

VIRGO

AUG. 23-SEPT. 22: “Worry is a way to pretend that

you have knowledge or control over what you don’t,” writes author Rebecca Solnit. “And it surprises me, even in myself, how much we prefer ugly scenarios to the pure unknown.” Your assignment in the coming weeks is to thoroughly incorporate Solnit’s wisdom — and then wield it with tender ferocity as you reshape your relationship with the future. See if you can manage, if only for ten days, to fight off and dissolve the reflex to worry. Here’s a tip: Any time the agitated

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Stressed Out? Think Massage!

LIBRA

SEPT. 23-OCT. 22: Nobel Prize-winning

Libran author William Faulkner was asked by a cousin if he was drunk when he dreamed up the imaginative stories and characters in his novels. The truth was that on occasion Faulkner did indeed consume alcohol in excessive amounts. However, he rarely indulged while actually writing. His creative ideas mostly came from his fertile imagination, not an unhinged spirit. In the coming weeks, I hope you will be like Faulkner during the inventive phases he enjoyed while sober and disciplined and driven by focused intention. The astrological omens suggest that’s the best recipe for generating original ideas and productive visions.

Call 720.253.4710

All credit cards accepted No text messages

SCORPIO

OCT. 23-NOV. 21: “What use is this howling tender-

ness?” wrote eighth-century Tamil mystic poet Andal. My research on Google reveals that no one has answered her question until now. I decided you would benefit from hearing my response, since you are in a chapter of your life story when howling tenderness could work to your benefit. So here’s my counsel: Howling tenderness is useful because it has the power to shatter mysterious barriers that have been at least partially obstructing you from exploring the frontiers of sacred intimacy.

Welcome Back Sale! 25% off the ENTIRE STORE One week ONLY: June 5 - 14

SAGITTARIUS

NOV. 22-DEC. 21: Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield articulates the spiritual medicine I think you should seek in the coming weeks. You especially need it, and by happy coincidence, it’s likely to be available. Kornfield writes: “When we have for so long been judged by everyone we meet, just to look into the eyes of another who does not judge us can be extraordinarily healing.” I urge you to identify the people who can perform this service for you, then ask them pointblank to perform this service, even if it has to happen over FaceTime or via Zoom. To generate the good karma that will ensure this happens in just the right way, offer to perform the same service for others.

Visit comfortableshoes.com for current hours and Coronavirus Safety protocols.

BOULDER On the Downtown Mall at 1425 Pearl St. 303-449-5260 & in The Village next to McGuckin 303-449-7440 DENVER Next to REI at 15th & Platte at 2368 15th St. 720-532-1084

CAPRICORN

DEC. 22-JAN. 19: “The changes we dread most may contain our salvation,” writes author Barbara Kingsolver. Although I mostly agree with her conclusion, I’ll also suggest that we could come up with less melodramatic versions of it. For example, we might say, “The adjustments we’re resisting may actually be healthy.” Or “The uncomfortable transitions we’re avoiding might ultimately lead to a better version of comfort.” Or “The revelations we’re attempting to ignore and deny could eventually be the source of relief and release.” Do any of these work for you right now, Capricorn? I bet at least one does.

AQUARIUS

JAN. 20-FEB. 18: Some people seem to think

of sacredness as being pristine and pious — an immaculate and orderly transcendence of earthly concerns. Author and minister Marilyn Sewell has a different perspective. “Who can order the Holy?” she asks. “It is like a rain forest, dripping, lush, fecund, wild. We enter its abundance at our peril, for here we are called to the wholeness for which we long, but which requires all we are and can hope to be.” I recommend Sewell’s version of holiness to you in the coming weeks, Aquarius. You’re primed to upgrade and deepen your sacred lust for life.

PISCES

FEB. 19-MARCH 20: When Europeans arrived in the New

World, the Iroquois Confederacy in what’s now northeastern North American had been practicing participatory democracy for 350 years. The visionary principles of these native people ultimately influenced the formation of the United States and its Constitution. Now would be a good time for you to be inspired by these facts. How? You could draw teachings from the past and use them to create your future. You could study the perspectives of indigenous people and incorporate their wisdom into the way you live your life. You could tune in to and explore the traditions of people you respect and adopt them for your own use.

JUNE 4, 2020

LIONS GATE FILMS

Pride streams

Celebrate Pride Month with the camp classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’

by Michael J. Casey

egan Bloomfield (Natasha Lyonne) is the all-American girl next door. She’s bubbly and perky, lives in the suburbs with her parents and is dating Jared (Brandt Wille), the high school football star. He’s a John Travolta look-a-like with the hair to match, and Megan likes him. Or, at least she’s convinced herself she does. She doesn’t like kissing him much, but to be fair, kissing Jared is a lot like making out with the Rolling Stones logo. Megan’s first love is cheerleading. And cheerleaders. She also likes the music of Melissa Etheridge and the taste of tofu. Those last two land her in hot water with her family and friends. You’re a homosexual, they tell her. But I’m a cheerleader, Megan retorts. Not good enough, and off she goes to True Directions, a conversion camp where founder Mary Brown (Cathy Moriarty) assures Megan’s parents that she can cure their daughter of her lesbian urges in five simple steps. Written by Brian Wayne Peterson and directed by Jamie Babbit, But I’m a Cheerleader is an intentionally artificial romantic-comedy with a touch of memoir. True Directions is loosely based on a similar camp Babbit’s mother used to run for kids with drug and alcohol problems. The movie version is much more comedic, with Brown promising 100% conversion to Megan’s parents despite the presence of a home just beyond the campground run by a gay couple offering sanctuary from True Directions. That couple, played by Wesley Mann and Richard Moll, are humorous, if not stereotypical. But I’m a Cheerleader is loaded with stereotypes, most of them 22

ripe for subversion. While at True Directions, Megan is given all-pink outfits: pink blouse, pink skirt, pink shoes. All the girls are. The rooms are painted entirely pink, even the props and furniture — each one the same shade of pink. The boys get the same treatment, only blue. Cinematographer Jules Labarthe gives these sets a garish look with flat, artificial lighting, further accentuating the absurdity of the situation. Toss in some wonderfully cartoonish scenes and RuPaul as a counselor wearing spectacularly short shorts and a “Straight is Great” T-shirt, and you have all the fixings for a commercial flop and a cult classic. The mainstream critical consensus in 2000 was mixed to negative, while the gay media picked up on Babbit and Peterson’s deliberate campiness. If But I’m a Cheerleader suffers from anything, it’s that much has changed in general awareness since its release in 2000. Cinematic depiction of conversion therapy camps (The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Boy Erased to name two from 2018 alone) are both sinister and fraught with emotion. These movies have their moments, but they also come burdened with capital-I Importance; the kind sympathetic audiences need to feel a connection with something and someone outside of themselves. But I’m a Cheerleader delightfully eschews that notion. It stands its ground and has fun while poking fun. Because of that, it’s become a mainstay of queer cinema for the past 20 years. More on what to stream for Pride Month, this Friday on Metro Arts on KGNU, 3 p.m. (88.5 FM, 1390 AM and online at kgnu.org). JUNE 4, 2020

Home viewing

Five steps to love yourself

IT WAS PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON who first declared June “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month.” That was in 2000. In 2009, President Barack Obama opened it up further to include bisexual and transgender persons, and the nation followed suit. All month long, cities will host Pride-themed events, virtual and in-person, and if theaters were open, they’d join in on the fun with plenty of LGBTQ classics. Many would even have a drag show or six. Wouldn’t that be nice? “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play...”

CABARET If there is any siren more identified as a gay icon than Liza Minnelli, it’s probably her mother, Judy Garland. Though Garland never had a role like Sally Bowles, the Berlin nightclub singer at the Kit Kat Klub having an affair with two men — who are having an affair with each other. It’s delightful and fun, and though today belongs to women like Sally Bowles and Joel Grey’s Master of Ceremonies, tomorrow belongs to the vile. That scene, in particular, is one of the most violent scenes in movie history, and not one drop of blood is spilled. Worse, it somehow never goes out of fashion. Streaming on DirecTV. VICTIM Made in 1961, Victim was the first English-speaking movie to utter the word “homosexual,” and brought mainstream attention to the plight of men blackmailed for being gay. At the time, being gay in England was a crime, and the English tabloids covered those trials as if there was nothing good on TV. One accusation and a man could lose his job, his family, even his life, and it led to a rise in blackmailers taking advantage of anyone caught in compromising situations. That’s the basis behind Victim, a socioconscious noir where a picture of one man consoling another runs a streak of destruction through multiple lives. Public sentiment had not yet turned (England’s anti-homosexual law wouldn’t be overturned until 1967), and director Basil Dearden and star Dirk Bogarde went out on a limb making this movie. Particularly on the part of Bogarde, a man who lived his whole life in the closet because his contract with Rank Pictures (the studio distributing Victim) included a morality clause. Streaming on The Criterion Channel and HBO Max. DEATH IN VENICE English actor Bogarde may have lived in the closet, but Italian filmmaker Luchino Visconti did not. Visconti also had the luxury of being born into an aristocratic family. So did German novelist Thomas Mann, but he struggled with his sexual identity all his life. And all three collide in 1971’s Death in Venice. Bogarde plays an aging and infirmed composer who’s come to Venice for his health. There he spies an adolescent boy who enchants him. Though they share only words, and few at that, every moment he sees the teen is another moment of life. If only he’d paid more attention to the odd smells and the hush-hush behavior around every corner. He thought he was the star in a story of romance, turns out it was a tragedy all along. Streaming on The Criterion Channel. FUNERAL PARADE OF ROSES Splitting the difference between the chaste and the exuberant, Toshio Matsumoto’s 1969 film is an update of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex set in the Japanese gay-boy underground drag scene. The results are kaleidoscopic, electric and fun as hell. Blending narrative, documentary and experimental techniques, Matsumoto follows the life and exploits of transgender women in Tokyo. The movie was a source of inspiration for Stanley Kubrick while he was making A Clockwork Orange, and helped bring Japan’s New Wave movement to the forefront. Streaming on Kanopy.

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

BY DAN SAVAGE Dear Dan: Here goes: I’m a 32-yearsessions, your therapist won’t be a old gay male and I have trouble staying stranger anymore. (To find a sex-positive/ out of my head during sex. I feel like poly-positive sex therapist, head over to there may be many issues. The one non- the website of the American Association issue is everything works fine on my own. of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and When I’m single or “available,” I am OK. Therapists: aasect.org.) Let’s be honest: I’m a slut and I enjoy it. In the meantime, DIL, go ahead and But when I invest in someone, when I’m blindfold your boyfriend — if he’s game, trying to have an actual relationship, the of course, and I can’t imagine he wouldn’t sex suffers. With a partner I care about I be. You seem to have an irrational fear of feel nervous. I feel small both mentally being seen. If your boyfriend were to get and physically. And I worry my dick is a good look at you naked, DIL, especially small. I’ve measured and photographed if he got a good look at your dick, you’re it, so I know better, but something in me convinced he would suddenly conclude is always asking... are you really enough? — even though he’s known you for a I’m currently in an open relationship decade and is obviously into you — that with a guy I’ve known for a decade. He’s you’re not “enough” for him. So don’t let amazing. Often I’m hard AF just sitting him get a good look. Blindfold that boy. there relaxing with him. Don’t lie to him about ROMAN ROBINSON But the closer we get to why you want to blindfold actually having sex, the him — tell him you feel a litmore nervous I become. I tle insecure — but bringing even stop breathing conin a blindfold makes working sistently. It’s almost like I through your insecurities feel ashamed to want into a sexy game. Being someone so much. Or able to have sex with the something? It’s frustrating boyfriend without having to because I would love nothworry about him sizing up ing more than to fuck like your cock will free you to rabbits until we were both enjoy sex and who knows? exhausted. I love him and After a few hot sex sessions I want to be able to please with your sensory-deprived him sexually! Our intimacy, boyfriend (or a few dozen our conversation, our connection — hot sessions), your confidence may get everything else is so strong. But I feel like the boost it needs and you won’t feel so my problem will kill any future I might insecure about your cock or anything have with him. He hasn’t really expressed else. a concern but I worry. I have considered And even if your dick was small — the idea of therapy but the idea of talking which it isn’t, DIL, and you’ve got the to some stranger about my sex life face measurements and photos to prove it — to face is just daunting. So what do I do? you could still have great sex with your My other thought is to just blindfold him boyfriend. Guys with dicks of all sizes, and say bottoms up. even guys without dicks, can have great —Dazed In Love sex. And if you’re still nervous after blindfolding the boyfriend and worried you’ll go Dear DIL: So you don’t wanna talk soft, DIL, you can take the pressure off with a therapist about your issues — by enjoying sex acts and play that don’t which touch on more than just sex — but require you to be hard. You can bottom you’re willing to talk to me and all of my for him, you can blow him, you can use readers about them. I realize it’s a little toys on his ass, you can sit on his face different, DIL, as you don’t have to look while he jacks off, etc. There’s a lot you me in the eye while we discuss your dick. can do without your dick. But there are therapists who specialize in Zooming out, DIL, intimacy and hot helping people work through their issues sex are often negatively correlated — around sex and they’re usually pretty meaning, the more intimate a relationship good at setting nervous new clients at becomes, the less hot the sex gets. ease. They have to be. So I would Anyone who’s watched more than one encourage you to have a few sessions American sitcom has heard a million with a sex-positive queer shrink. Talking jokes about this sad fact. People in sexuabout your dick with a stranger will be ally exclusive relationships who still want awkward at first, of course, but just like hot sex to be a part of their lives have to eating ass, DIL, the more you do it, the work at solving this problem with their less awkward it gets — and after a few partners. But if you’re in an open relationBOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

ship and can get sex elsewhere, well, then you can have love and intimacy and pretty good sex with your partner and adventures and novelty and crazy hot sex with other people. Ideally, of course, a person in an open relationship wants — and it is possible for a person in an open relationship to have — hot sex with their committed partner as well as their other partners. But some people can’t make it work, DIL. However hard they try, some people can’t have uninhibited or unselfconscious sex with a long-term partner. The more invested they are in someone, the higher the stakes are, the longer they’re together, etc., the less arousing sex is for them. Most of the people with this problem — people who aren’t capable of having great sex with a long-long-long-term partner — are in monogamous relationships and, judging from the jokes on sitcoms, they’re utterly (but hilariously) miserable. You’re not in a monogamous relationship, DIL, so if it turns out you’re incapable of having great sex with a committed partner — if you can’t manage to integrate those things — you don’t have to go without great sex. You can have intimacy at home and great sex elsewhere. But it’s a double-edged sword, DIL, because if you can get hot sex elsewhere, you may not be motivated to do the work required — to talk to that shrink, to get that blindfold, to work through those issues — that would make it possible for you to have great sex with your partner and others. Dear Dan: Got in an argument recently about pegging and its original definition: “a woman fucking a man in the ass with strap-on dildo.” I feel it’s moved beyond that and now means anyone wearing a strap-on fucking anyone else in the ass. My friends insisted that only a man can be pegged, and only by a woman. As the originator of the term, Dan, we turn to you: Can a woman peg another woman? —A New Ass Licker

Dining Room Now Open! 303-604-6351 Curbside Pickup! Bring Your Blanket & Enjoy a Picnic in Lovely Forest Park! Wednesday Sunday 8am-8pm

Pick Up Available Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Prettiest Patio In Boulder County

Dear ANAL: I will allow it. Join me for my first-ever Savage Lovecast Livestream! June 4 at 7 p.m. PT. I’ll answer as many of your questions as I can, all from the comfort of your computer. Tickets are at savagelovecast. com/events. Send questions to mail@savagelove. net, follow Dan on Twitter @fakedansavage and visit ITMFA.org. JUNE 4, 2020

MORNING GLORY CAFE 1377 FOREST PARK CIRCLE, LAFAYETTE, CO 80026

VISIT

morningglorycafe.org I

FROM THE DIVIDE TO YOUR DOOR!

TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE PHO HOUSE

Curbside Take Out Now Available INTRODUCTORY OFFER Free Two 5-Gallon Bottles of Water & One Months Rental on the Dispenser of Your Choice

Offering Glass Bottle Options

Delivery Available through Grub Hub, Door Dash, & Uber Eats

303.440.0432 • www.IndianPeaksSpringWater.com

2855 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301 • 303-449-0350 DINE IN - TAKE OUT • www.boulderpho.eat24hour.com

LOOK FOR OUR SOLAR WATER CART AT BOULDER EVENTS

We Cater! Book food for your event today

Call Us For Our Award Winning Take Out!

VOTED BEST BBQ

720-583-1789

Call John

720-630-1221

Hours: 12pm - 7pm

701 B Main St., Louisville, CO • 720-583-1789 • Catering call: 720-630-1221

www.lulus-bbq.com

Call for Take-Out & Delivery

Alcohol Delivery available with your order

Gondolier Longmont 1217 South Main St. • 720-442-0061 24

Gondolier Boulder 4800 Baseline Rd. • 303-443-5015 JUNE 4, 2020

Take Out & Delivery Available at Both Locations

gondolieritalianeatery.com I

BOULDER WEEKLY

BOULDER WEEKLY STAFF

CATALAN SANDWICH, $10.99. Le Frigo, 5360 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-942-0294, lefrigoboulder.com

TRY THIS WEEK:

Catalan Sandwich @ Le Frigo

LE FRIGO is a delightful Euro-style deli and market, with a walk-in

cheese refrigerator, shelves filled with imported goodies like olives, sauces, jams, pastas and more, and a full deli that serves excellent sandwiches (and darn good home-made pretzels). We opted for the Catalan sandwich on a recent visit — succulent, robust strips of jámon Serrano paired with aioli, thin and spicy chorizo, piquant manchego cheese and spicy arugula. The baguette on which it’s served has a pleasant, crunchy crust and a soft crumb, and the elements in the sandwich are wellapportioned and vibrant.

1 n Drink this: Pumphouse Brewery’s Red Alert Amber Ale THE DAY HAS finally come where we can once again enter a watering hole, sidle up to the bar and enjoy a cold one. There won’t be much to watch on the TV, and we won’t be able to stay long, but you got to start somewhere. Times like these call for a standard, and Longmont’s Pumphouse Brewery Red Alert Amber Ale is a bona fide classic. Two-row pale, caramel, biscuit and chocolate malts lay the base, and Northern Brewer and Cascade hops bring the spice. It tastes like memories, the kind without concession. Welcome back. BOULDER WEEKLY

BOULDER COUNTY RESTAURANTS are opening up with new designs and layouts to keep folks safe. In SALT, for instance, artistic partitions have been put up between dining booths (make a reservation at saltthebistro.com). JUNE 4, 2020

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS We’re all in this together.

Save 20-50% off Gift Cards for Boulder County retail, dining and wellness to use now or at a later date. No expiration.

bestofboulderdeals.kostizi.com

JUNE 4, 2020

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Canceled: CBC, Savor, Homebrew Con, GABF... Will an industry based on collaboration survive in a world of social distancing?

by Michael J. Casey

or those of you waiting for the other shoe to drop, it happened on May 20. When, “Governor Jared Polis issued an Executive Order temporarily suspending certain statutes to allow the operation of alternate care sites in Colorado because of the presence of COVID-19, rendering GABF at the Colorado Convention Center infeasible,” the Brewers Association (BA) said in a statement. The BA — the Boulderbased trade organization representing small and independent breweries — hosts the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) every autumn in Denver. They are also the organization behind the annual Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), scheduled for San Antonio, Texas, this past April, and Savor, a food and beer festival held every May in Washington, D.C. Also based in Boulder and working closely with the BA, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA)’s annual Homebrew Con was scheduled for this June in Nashville, Tennessee. The last three were canceled almost immediately (two of them fell during the mid-March to mid-May coronavirus shutdown). Restrictions on travel and gatherings would have made Homebrew Con infeasible, but the BA was holding out hope that GABF could go on in some capacity in September. But when Polis had the Army Corps of Engineers convert the

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

BREWERS ASSOCIATION

convention center into a pop-up treatment facility in early April, the future looked shaky. Now it appears that the Convention Center care facility will be with us for some time, and GABF will not. Like CBC and Homebrew Con, GABF will pivot to a virtual festival (Oct. 16-17). Though it’s still in planning, the BA says it will include “beer tastings, conversations with brewers, local brewery activations, and at-home beer and food pairing deliveries.” The competition will also go on, with medals and fist bumps handed out from afar. While canceling GABF isn’t good for the BA or for the 60,000-plus beer drinkers who flood the convention center each year, it’s worst for the brewers. The brewing industry, craft or not, relies heavily on the free transmission of ideas and innovation. And not just between pros, but between pros and amateurs. Pick up any copy of Zymurgy — published by the AHA — and you’ll

find recipes from professional brewers and tips on how to make their iconic ales and lagers. Flip through a copy of The New Brewer — the publication of the BA — and industry vets are constantly giving tips on best practices for incoming brewers. GABF concentrates these transactions. Brewers in Colorado discover beers from California and discuss techniques. A couple of beers between friends after the festival can turn mutual appreciation into collaboration. Maybe even a business venture. While social media has essentially allowed every local brewery to attract national attention, the proliferation of festivals, invitations and conferences have accelerated the growth of brewing in America. The beer a brewer drinks on Saturday can inspire what goes in the kettle on Monday. Brewing is a lot of hard, lonely work. It’s scrubbing tanks and mashing in; washing kegs and pitching yeast; cleaning lines and canning beer. And if you’re a small brewery, chances are you do it solo. GABF allows these brewers to pop their heads up and see what else is going on. Talk to other brewers and glean a trick or two. Maybe even discover a new beer style. And that can happen virtually, but not at the intensity of walking the floor at GABF.

JUNE 4, 2020

The unintended consequences of social distancing AS TOBY MOSKOWITZ,

economics professor at Yale University, said on the Freakonomics podcast in March: “If everyone’s working from home, there’s not going to be that kind of workplace discussions, coffee-table discussions, lunchtime talk. And most of that, it turns out, is important for long-run innovation.” Social distancing, working from home and Zoom meetings eliminates those moments of “idle time and relaxed discussions with colleagues.” Silicone Valley was built on this very concept: Give employees an all-inclusive place to work, eat and play, and they’ll spend more time at the office helping their colleagues solve problems from a more creative approach than if they were just punching a clock. “That’s all gone,” Moskowitz said. “So I also worry that five, 10 years out from now, we will see this as another lowering in long-run growth rate because we’ve taken a big hit to innovation.” Listen to Moskowitz’s discussion with Freakonomics host Stephen Dubner at freakonomics.com/podcast/covid-19-effects/.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID RESTAURANT GROUP

Rare company

Natascha Hess and Carrie Baird of The Ginger Pig and Rose’s Classic Americana prepare to reopen at Rosetta Hall

by Matt Cortina

atascha Hess was sitting in a restaurant with her husband, Steve, late one night several years ago. They were the only two people in the restaurant and were “smashing ramen,” says Carrie Baird, who was peering out from the open kitchen at the couple. So Hess and Baird struck up a conversation, the former telling the latter that she was planning to open a food truck and asking, “Do you ever give lessons?” No, Baird didn’t, but she invited Hess to stage — basically an informal apprenticeship wherein one works in a kitchen and learns on the job. Hess wanted to bring some of the flavors and dishes from her time living in China back to Boulder, but she first had to acquire a few basic skills. “I didn’t know how to hold a knife,” Hess says. So Hess learned (a lot) from Baird for a couple months until she finally got her own truck, The Ginger Pig. Baird — who was a finalist on Top Chef, beat Bobby Flay with her huevos rancheros, and is a James Beard Award finalist for her work at Denver’s Bar Dough — was in between jobs and offered to come on board and help. 28

Through those experiences, the two became fast friends, even if that was never the intention. “We never meant to become friends,” Baird says. “That was a happy accident.” Fast forward to today, and the two are in business together, running the That’s What She Said restaurant group, with two stalls — The Ginger Pig (Hess’) and Rose’s Classic Americana (Baird’s) — set to reopen at Boulder’s Rosetta Hall

on June 4. The coronavirus presented a unique situation for chefs and restaurants across the country, but certainly more so for Baird, who opened Rose’s only seven days before stay-at-home orders shuttered the doors of Rosetta Hall for dine-in service. Under normal circumstances, the attention garnered from her James Beard Award nomination and her exodus from Denver would have helped carry the excitement of Rose’s launch in Boulder. But, she says, “People are going through such hard times, it’s hard to celebrate, to take a moment and be proud of my team and myself. Rose’s is going through such a strange phase that we have to stay the course. A year ago we would’ve celebrated and put it all over social media, but it doesn’t feel right right now.” However, the time off has allowed both to... sleep, that’s a first. But also to generate and hone new menu items based on seasonal ingredients. Those include new iterations of Baird’s “fancy toasts,” which helped separate her on Top Chef, including a New England chowder shrimp toast and a “just the top of the French onion soup” JUNE 4, 2020

toast. There’s also a new pie program at Rose’s — so good it’ll make you think you’ve never really had good pie, Hess says — including unique flavor combos like sweet corn with sour cherry, as well as a blueberry, balsamic, sharp cheddar, salt and black pepper pie. At Ginger Pig, there’ll be Vietnamese jackfruit salad and kung pao cauliflower — a dish Hess says she ate five times a week in China because “it was one of the few things I knew how to order.” It skews more toward the Chinese version (as opposed to the familiar Chinese American iterations), with a thinner sauce, less sugar and a vinaigrous punch. There’s also a dish near and dear to Hess’ heart — a spicy Sichuan eggplant, which is what made her want to start cooking in the first place. “When I lived with a Chinese family, the mother made it a couple times a week and it showed me how complex Chinese food can be,” Hess says. “It’s spicy, sweet, sour, salty, umami, it has all these things.” Fitting that the person who helped her learn to cook, Baird, also helped her hone the recipe over the last few weeks. “We ate lot of eggplant,” Baird says. Let’s take a not-too-distant leap and say when The Ginger Pig and Rose’s reopen, their prior successes will continue. But no leap is required to say that fortuitous meeting in a ramen bar years ago helped propel those successes and led to the creation of two excellent Boulder food establishments. “I learned how to be a leader [from Baird],” Hess says. “I’ve learned how to be a chef, which is this term that people have so many definitions for. She’s taught me what that actually means, and it’s a big responsibility. It’s not just making food; it’s being a coach, being a leader of the team and the kitchen. Really she’s taught me how to be a better person. The things I’ve learned in the kitchen from Carrie are undeniable, but the effect she’s had on me has been so much broader than that.” I

BOULDER WEEKLY

With

Love

There is Hope!

Pick Any Daily Deal All June!

$99 Ounce Mix & Match

ALL TOP SHELF BUDS. NO STRAIN RESTRICTIONS. ONE TIER PRICING

$40 4G NUHI SUGAR WAX & SHATTER Happy Pride $69 4G NUHI LIVE RESIN Boulder! $25 NUHI VAPE CARTS

$5.00

PRE-ROLLS $7.00 KIEF PRE-ROLLS

TRY OUR AWARDWINNING VAPE CARTRIDGE!

Back to Normal Hours on Friday!

Updated Temporary Modified Hours 8am-9:50pm Mon- Sat • 9am-9:50pm Sunday Morning Happy Hour: 8am-9am Mon-Sat • all day sunday evening happy hour: 8pm-9am Mon-Sat • all day sunday ORDER ONLINE WITH OUR LIVE MENU

www.thchealth.com

Text JOIN THC to (720) 513-3543 for Deals and Promotions

OUR FLOWER OUR QUALITY YOUR LOW PRICES Mon - Sat: 8am - 9:50pm • Sun: 9am - 9:50pm Rec 21+ Happy Hours Mon-Sat: 8am-9am & 8pm-9pm, Sunday: ALL DAY

537 Canyon Blvd. Boulder, CO 720-532-8664 • www.thchealth.com

ALL SALES VALID 6/3/20 - 6/7/20

Was King Solomon a stoner? By Paul Danish

ack in 2005, archeologists found evidence that the Oracles of Delphi (there were several) were glue junkies; it turned out the girls got high on naturally occurring ethylene (now an ingredient of rubber cement) before making their pronouncements. Now it emerges that pious seventh century BC Israelites may have been stoners. ‘KING SOLOMON’ BY KRISTIAN ZAHRTMANN (1881)

According to a May 29 story on the BBC, Israeli archeologists analyzed the residue found on an altar stone from a provincial temple at a place called Arad. It turned out the residue contained THC. “Researchers concluded that cannabis may have been burned in order to induce a high among worshipers,” the BBC reported. Ya’ think?

The ruins of seventh century B.C. Arad (now called “Tel Arad” because all that’s left of the town is a “tel,” a mound of ruins that often contains layers of several destroyed towns) are located about 60 miles southeast of Tel Aviv. A modern town also named Arad is located about 12 miles east of the old tel. The ruins were originally excavated in the 1960s, at which time archeologists found the remains of the temple along with two altar stones, one large and one small. The stones were removed from the site at the time of the original digs, but it wasn’t until recently that analytical techniques were developed that were sensitive enough to reveal what was in the residues. It turned out the residues on the larger altar came from frankincense. Those on the smaller altar were from pot. They contained THC, CBD and CBN. The finding is a big deal for a couple of reasons. First, it’s the first evidence of psychotropic drugs being used in early Jewish worship, the BBC said. Second, the finding at Tel Arad suggests that marijuana may also have been used at the temple in Jerusalem. That’s because the temple at Arad was part of a hilltop fortress on the southern frontier of the Kingdom of Judah, and it’s said “to match a scaled-down version of Biblical descriptions of the First Temple in Jerusalem,” according to the BBC. “The remains of the temple in Jerusalem are now inaccessible to archeologists, so instead they study Arad and other similar shrines to help them understand worship at the larger temple,” it added. Which raises an interesting question. The First Temple was the one completed

by King Solomon — whose wisdom and judgment is to this day considered, well, Solomonic. Presumably his Majesty would have had a big say in establishing the rituals and practices used in his Temple. If the temple at Tel Arad was a mini-clone of the one at Jerusalem… say, do you suppose Good King Shlomo might have been a stoner? Just askin’. • • • • Here’s something simple that could be done to get at the “root causes” of the fraught relations between black Americans and the cops: End the war on drugs. Legalize and regulate everything covered by the Controlled Substances Act. Quit arresting people for drugs. Especially black people. According to statistics collected by the Drug Policy Alliance, in 2018 there were over 1,654,000 drug arrests in the U.S. And 776,000 of them, or 46.9%, were black or Hispanic. Blacks and Hispanics make up 31.5% of the U.S. population. It’s been like that for decades. The impact of this on the social fabric of the black and Hispanic communities is almost unbelievable. According to a decadeold Drug Policy Alliance study: “Today 1 in 15 African-American children and 1 in 42 Latino children have a parent in prison, compared to 1 in 111 white children. In some areas, a large majority of AfricanAmerican men — 55% in Chicago, for example — are labeled felons for life...” In other words, the war on drugs has been a major contributor to the creation of a culture of criminality in the black community. Getting rid of drug crimes, by ending the war on drugs, would be a major step toward eliminating it.

Premium Products at Smokin’ Prices Recreational & Medical 18+

Now featuring BlueZone 420 UV Filtration! Providing the cleanest air for your shopping experience! Industry Employees Receive 20% Discount Off All Recreational Products Everyday 7464 Arapahoe Ave A9, Boulder, CO (located behind KT BBQ, lots of parking) Hours: 9am – 8pm Monday – Saturday • 10am – 8pm Sunday 30

JUNE 4, 2020

BOULDER COUNTY’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

6-8-2020

Help Wanted The Health Center, an award winning dispensary, is hiring for a Full Time Budtender at our Boulder location! We are looking for a highly motivated and dependable person with a MED Support or Key Badge. 21+. Prior experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly +Tips. Please send a copy of your MED badge and resume to

last word $99 OUNCE - MIX & MATCH $40 4G NUHI SUGAR WAX & SHATTER ALL TOP SHELF BUDS. NO STRAIN RESTRICTIONS. ONE TIER PRICING.

ORDER ONLINE WITH OUR LIVE MENU - WWW.THCHEALTH.COM VALID JUNE 3 - JUNE 7

537 Canyon Blvd. Boulder, CO • 720-532-8664 • www.thchealth.com • 21+

AWARD-WINNING ARTISAN CANNABIS & EXTRACTS SINCE 2009

We are proud to offer call-ahead ordering and curb-side pick up for all shoppers! www.boulderwc.com

5420 Arapahoe, Unit F • 303.442.2565

JANUARY IS MONTH! CEL MONTH

boulderemployment@ thchealth.com.

With special favorite BWC w

Boulder – 1144 Pearl St. 303-443-PIPE Westminster – 3001 W. 74th Ave. 303-426-6343 Wheat Ridge –10601 W Interstate 70 Frontage Rd N. 303-284-1855 Highlands Ranch – 7130 E. County Line Rd. 303-740-5713 Denver – 2046 Arapahoe in LoDo 303-295-PIPE

See our ad below

“Cannabis Corner” on page 30

Award-winning seafood, affordable! Curbside Delivery, call or order online. Sustainable focused. Locally-owned, Independent. Virus protection plan in place. (720) 630-8053 • 11am-8pm

Premium Products at Smokin’ Prices Recreational & Medical

Atlas Valley Center, SW corner of Arapahoe and 95th

www.eatreelfish.com

Industry Employees Receive 20% Discount Off All Recreational Products Everyday

thedrumshopboulder.com

7464 Arapahoe Ave A9, Boulder, Co (located behind KT BBQ, lots of parking) Hours: 9am – 8pm Monday – Saturday • 10am-8pm Sunday

Taste for yourself Ask about our 30 day free trial 303-604-3000 www.eldoradosprings.com

HOLOS HEALTH NOW OFFERING PHONE MMJ CARD EVALUATIONS

FOR NEW AND RENEWAL PATIENTS

SCHEDULE ONLINE: HOLOSHEALTH.ORG

303.402.0122 3070 28th St. Ste D. Boulder, CO

Met Your Soul Drum Yet? HAND DRUMS, DRUM SETS, AND LESSONS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES.

The Drum Shop 3070 28th St., Boulder 303-402-0122

MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD BENEFITS MUCH LOWER COSTS & TAXES

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & CREDITS

PERSONALIZED TREATMENT REGIMEN

HIGHER POTENCY & PRODUCT LIMITS

UNDER 21, LEGAL ACCESS TO MEDICINE

MEDICAL CANNABIS DELIVERY