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    Troia Team
    2700 Canyon Blvd.
    Boulder, Co. 80302
    303-541-2243

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    Dakota Ridge Village

    Looking for amazing views, open space, easy access to walking and biking trails, city parks, as well as, shopping, restaurants, and schools?  Look no further than Dakota Ridge Village, north on Broadway and west on Lee Hill.  Here, you’ll find a variety of properties ranging from condos to multi-million dollar mansions.  This upincoming neighborhood is a pleasant environment for families as it encompasses a strong sense of community and friendliness.

     Also known as Uptown, NoBo and Holiday, this mountain neighborhood has an urban feel with restaurants such as Proto’s and 4280.  Need coffee, a gym, or a day at the salon.  It’s all here.  Doggie daycare and bike shop included, of course.  And let’s not forget Play Grounds where your kids can run free and safe among the toys while you enjoy a beverage and a meal.  Do you love art?  You’ll be surrounded by it here.  This is your heaven with art studios galore, even hosting art open houses on weekends.  There is even an outdoor Cinema.

    Close to everything…Endless Boulder County Open Space.  Located near bus routes that take you straight to Downtown Boulder.  Easy access to I-36 going west to Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Lyons.  Go east to find 29th Street Mall including the AMC Theatre. 

    Diversity comes together to enjoy the endless trails and elaborate city parks.  Owner’s pride is abundant and shows among the Dakota Ridge Area Neighborhood Association.  Watch the parasailers wind down the foothills at sunset and you’ll understand why this neighborhood is becoming a more poplar place to call home.


    Fireworks, Parades, and Music; Fourth of July in Boulder Colorado

    Fireworks clusterA lot of people are asking me my plans for July 4th weekend here in Boulder County and they are seeking suggestions for some outdoor fun.  I’ve compiled this blog in order to education the masses  on the not-to-miss events for this festive and time-honored holiday.  Let’s begin with Folsom Stadium Fireworks as this is the most well known of tributes to the red, white, and blue.  It begins when dark so be prepared to wait and keep the kiddos up late.  You can view the spectacular lights from the stadium itself, or find yourself a spot around town.  One popular gathering is Scott Carpenter Park.  It’ll be packed, so get there early and set up a chair or blanket.  The kids can climb around the playground and rocket ship while you wait.  Bring your sparklers!  Also included in prime locations for watching fireworks all over the county in one convenient spot – Chautauqua, Mt Sanitas, and Southern Sun Pub (I’m only kind of joking – it does have great views). There are so many Fourth of July events, your head will be seeing fireworks for months to come!

    First, the family and I are packing up our wagon and heading down to the Municipal Building lawn to join the Parenting Place where the kiddos can decorate their wagons and strollers.  Then let the festivities begin!  Following the decorating, there will be a parade.  Snack on bagels and watermelon!  Sing along with music by Sue Schnitzer! Sponsored by the Daily Camera, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Full Cycle, Sprout’s Farmers Market, Flatirons Bank, and Clementine Art Studio. See you there at 10:00am!iStock_000004012797XSmall

    In celebration of the 4th of July, Avery Brewing is holding its third annual Four on the Fourth 4k race at 9 a.m. on Sunday.  The Daily Camera reports that organizers hope the event attracts around 450 participants. Age groups range from the under-20s to the over-80s.  C.V. Howe at Avery Brewing says the winner of each age group walks away with a case of Avery Beer, and overall male and female winners receive their weight, pound for pound, in beer.  The event begins at 9 a.m., participants are to park at Avery Brewing Company. The event

    is family-friendly and participants will be greeted at the finish line with refreshments and food. Online registration is still open and participants can register in person on the day of the event until 8:30 a.m.

    See…the Fourth of July is an ALL DAY activity so don’t wait until the afternoon bbq’s and happy hour to get busy – begin celebrating at dawn!  Then, when dusk falls, head out for food and music before the fireworks.  Here are some restaurants getting in on the holiday fun. Go celebrate this Independence Day at the Millennium. Stop by the gardens for BBQ before heading up to Folsom Field to see the fireworks this Sunday from 5pm till 8pm. Your choice of burger, cheeseburger, veggie burger, hot dog or shredded pork sandwich, plus potato salad, chips cookie and soda or water. Due to its success with the Monday night fixed-price deal Bacaro is excited to extend it to Sunday nights as well (Fourth of July)!  Join us every Sunday and Monday for a 3-course meal at only $16 per guest.  The menu selections will vary so you can return each week to enjoy a different taste of Bácaro’s menu! To top it off, every Sunday kids will enjoy a FREE meal!  Also, you won’t want to miss the Sunday evening showing of Independence Day with Will Smith at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa.  It begins at 8:30 on the terrace.  Oh… and they also have great food and drinks!

    Even if you have kids, or just want to enjoy a beautiful Boulder day alone, there is plenty to do.  Don’t forget about the Boulder Creek Path, there will be ample amount of tubers, waders, and kayakers to watch. Pearl Street is always hopping and if you don’t like crowds, head to the mountains.  It’ll be a perfect day to relax, exercise, or get away.  Whatever you decide, enjoy!  We’ll see ya around town!

    Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: 1 Comment »

    Where Can You Find 25 Cowgirls Dancing On A Bus?

    bbbtBilly Banjo’s Bus Tours, of course!  So, let me tell you what I partook in last evening.  It all began in Boulder Colorado where a group of good friends decided to do a customized bus tour (with a cowgirl theme no less).  Dressed to the nine;, we were decked out in boots, rodeo shirts, big-buckled belts, and cowgirl  hats!  Even Banjo Billy had on his chaps as he drove us downtown to Pearl Street and up to Chatauqua.  Now, if you’ve never seen or heard of this bus, you have to have to realize that this is not your average tour bus.  And if you’re a group of twenty five cowgirls, get ready to whoop, yeehaw, dance, and party your way around town.  You’ve got to read more.

     

     

    dancing cowgirlI’ve lived in Boulder a long time so I know about the bus tour and often see it parked outside of the Boulderado picking up passengers, however I did not know (until last night), just how fun it could be.  Did you know that you can choose a tour and that they are offered in Denver and Boulder?  Here’s what Banjo Billy himself has to say about his tours.  Banjo Billy’s Bus Tour gives history tours of Boulder and Denver Colorado from an old school bus tricked out to look like a traveling hillbilly shack.  Hear ghost tales, crime stories, and history while sitting on a couch, recliner or saddle as the bus rolls through the core of the cities.  You won’t forget this bus tour!

    Although the bus follows the same route every time, no two tours are alike. Passengers get to vote at multiple stops for what they want to hear about – whether it’s a ghost story, a bizarre tall tale, or historical facts. The tour is 90 minutes long, but we guess you’ll be hoping for more. 

    Our tour was unique.  After the historical stops entailing stories of ghosts and crime, we made our way to the Dark Horse for quick lemon drop shots.  Then, we headed to Lyons to the Outlaw Saloon, of course.  We were cowgirls after all.  That was the end of the road for Banjo Billy as he had another tour to do, but it was only the beginning for us outlaws!  This Saloon has karaoke and yeehaw!, we sang and swung our partners and had an overall BLAST! 

    Thanks John (aka Billy Banjo) and Thanks Ladies!  Let’s go on tour again soon.

    Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »

    All Aboard! Rhythm On The Rails And More!

     

    Don’t miss out on all the free summer concerts happening in Boulder County like the Award-Winning Rhythm on the Rails in Niwot Colorado.  It’s a ten week summer concert series held every Thursday at Whistle Stop Park featuring bands such as Elephant Revival, Hazel Miller, Bonepony, musicmanontracksThe Strolling Scones, and more great performaces.  Niwot is located just 5 miles east of Boulder and is known for its charming community.  While listening to awesome music, enjoy food from local vendors and shopping!  See you at the bandstand!  Click here for more summer concerts, fairs,  and music opportunities.

    summer concert

    Summer events include:

    TWENTY NINTH STREET LIVE!  

    When:  June 12th-August 7th.  Get ready for some fun dancing and live music on Saturdays directly on the 29th Street mall (corner of 29th & Canyon). 

    There is free parking.  The view is amazing and the sunset can’t be beat.  Restaurants and shopping include Borders, Laudisio Restaurant, Cantina Laredo, and Bath & Body Works.

     

     

    BOULDER CREEK HOMETOWN FAIR:

    When: September 4th-6th.  Wrap up the summer in Boulder’s Central Park.  The three days of performances includes Great American Taxi, The Fables, and Nina Storey.  As the unofficial end to summer in Boulder, the three-day Boulder Creek Hometown Fair features unique events and entertainment, such as the Great Zucchini Race, the Chili Inferno Cook-Off, Big Wheel Races, interactive sports expos, a food court and beer garden, live music, children’s activities, and much more. 303-449-3137.

    LONGMONT OKTOBERFEST:

    Formerly brought to you by the Longmont Symphony Orchestra, the Longmont Oktoberfest is an established event held in Longmont’s Roosevelt Park each September. Now brought to you by the award-winning production & management team of Boulder Creek Events, Oktoberfest features three days of great live music, local breweries, arts & crafts exhibitors, and kids’ rides and attractions. There’s something for the whole family at the Longmont Oktoberfest!

    2010 Dates & Times: Friday, Sept. 10 (5-10pm); Saturday, Sept. 11 (11am-10pm);
    Sunday, Sept. 12 (11am-5pm)

    Location: Roosevelt Park (849 Coffman St. in Longmont)

    BOULDER COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO

    Aug. 3-7: The oldest county fair in Colorado is now in its 141st year. The schedule has been scaled back from nine days to five, but each day is jam-packed with events and activities. Parking and gate admission are free, plus many of the events are free. Every day is kids’ day, with scavenger hunts, hands-on activities, animals and storytimes.  See you there!

    Subscribe to our website and receive information like this and more about real estate, neighborhoods, market reports and up to date listings in the area.

     

    Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »

    Advice On How To Bike To Work And Still Smell Ok…..

    officemanYes, I am seriously writing about this!  I need to write a fun blog and since it’s Bike and Walk to Work Month, why not?  June is the designated month for biking and walking to work and the month is filled with events in Boulder Colorado. Bike to Work Day will be  held on Wednesday, June 23. It is presented by GO Boulder and coordinated by Community Cycles. First celebrated as Bike to Work Day in 1977, the event has grown and continues to encourage thousands of commuters to explore their transportation options.  Serious facts provided by the City of Boulder about 2009:

  • 7,137 people signed-up for Bike to Work Day
  • 1,670 (nearly 25 per cent) of those who signed up biked to work for the first time
  • 322 organizations in Boulder County  participated in Bike to Work Day
  • 144,759 car miles were saved by those that did not drive and instead biked, teleworked, carpooled, walked or rode transit on Bike to Work Day.
  • Way to go Boulder!!!!!  Now for some not so serious information on how to realistically bike to work and not stink out your co-workers.

    WalkBikeMonthAs a Realtor, I would love to bike to work more often on days that I know I’m not showing buyers around, but how practical is it when you work with the public to show up sweaty and possible smelly?  Well, here’s how……

     

    Tip #1: Stash a supply of clothes at the office.  Wear your bike clothes to get there, then change.  How hard is that?  Plus, if you keep the wardrobe at the office ahead of time, you don’t have to tote the extra backpack.

    Tip #2: Along with the clothes, have a handy supply of toiletries.  Wipes, deodorant, lotions….you get my point.  When you arrive, use the restroom to rinse up a bit, then spritz a little rose or lavender water onto your face and hair – yes, even you boys.  Or witch hazel, it might be a little more manly.

    Tip #3: Dress appropriately.  You are going to get hot, so dress light even if it’s chilly at first.  Also, leave earlier in the morning.  Getting to work earlier than usual will impress your boss, plus you need the extra time to freshen up using Tips #1 and #2 noted above.

    Tip #4: Carry light.  Along with Tip Number One, not only the extra clothes and shoes, but leave the laptop & day planner as well.

    Tip #5: Forget about all this and just smell.  This is Boulder after all, chances are your co-workers like the odor or probably stink themselves because they also biked to work.  We are saving the planet and helping to lessen our dependence on foreign oil (stop the war!)! Who cares what you smell like.

    All funny business aside, if you are looking to know more about the Boulder Community, contact me for more information.  And click here for the most complete Walk & Bike Month schedule.

    Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: 1 Comment »

    A Memorable Finish. Bolder Boulder Race Coverage.

    It brought tears to the eyes of some and whether or not you’re an emotional person, all were touched by the outcome of the professional men’s race.  Some witnesses are saying it was the most memorable and sportsmanlike finish the Bolder Boulder has ever seen.  In case you weren’t  the 50,000 participants and observers to watch the finale you may not know it was an Ethiopian dominated race.  But what’s so special about the outcome is the three friends who crossed the finish line abreast and holding hands.  Lelisa Desisa, Tilahun Regassa and Tadese Tola (friends from Ethiopia) made it difficult for officials to declare a winner as they were linked together through the finish.  What a truly amazing sight to witness.  For more coverage information, click here.

    20100531_104652_bolderThe Boulder Colorado Dailyreported that the winning time was 29 minutes, 17 seconds and it’s the fourth time in the past six years that an Ethiopian man has won and the sixth time in history an Ethiopian has captured the title.  In the woman’s race, Mamitu Daska (also from Ethiopia) won in 32 minutes, 28 seconds; winning her second year in a row. Her time was the fastest on the women’s side in 15 years despite warmer weather than distance runners would prefer.

    Other news relating to the event was the almost tragic situation with a 13 year old boy whose heart stopped just before finishing.  He was rescued by medics and is doing fine at the Denver Children’s Hospital.  The cause was likely related to a rhythm abnormality in the boy’s heart.  We wish him a most speedy recovery.

    According to the official website for the Bolder Boulder, the one and only Dr. Oz ran the event.  If you don’t know who Dr Oz is by now, my only advice is to Google it.  Because the doctor advocates a healthy lifestyle and promotes daily exercise, it further demonstrates how setting a personal goal for the race is really what it’s all about.  Getting outside and being active is the focus for most of the citizens of our wonderful city, making the event one of the most popular things to do on Memorial Day.

    Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »

    Connecting Kids With Music In Boulder Colorado

    brass-instruments-8

    The Rocky Mountain Center For Musical Arts located in Boulder Colorado provides access to the best of the world’s music through education and performance.  Because their mission is to inspire and connect community member of all ages with the joy of music, they have an awesome summer program designed to connect children with music.  Some are directed at teens called “Masterclasses” and they are for advanced and serious middle and high school age students.  Your children will gain new insights into their instrument through performance and listening.  Instruments include clarinet, violin, french horn, and cello. The Center also provides access to rehearsals, free and open to the public! These occur at Chautauqua Auditorium.  You can just drop by to sample the excitement of live classical music in the most charming venue in town.  Any Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 12:30pm. Read more about the opportunities for children of all ages and concert dates.

    CLASSICALLY KIDS; Ages 7-11

    June 30th: The Magic Horn and The Waltz King, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 1, at 7:30 p.m.

    July 7th: American Music: Let’s Get Jazzed! 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 8, at 7:30 p.m.

    July 14th: Romancing The Strings, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 16, at 7:30 p.m.

    FAMILY FUN CONCERTS! Ages 4-8

    July 2nd: The Wonderful World of Percussion, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Chautauqua Auditorium

    SPECIAL EVENT! Four Strings For Kids With Jake Shimabukuro. Tuesday June 29th, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Chautauqua Community House

    ChautauquaAuditorium

    HISTORICAL FACT…Chautauqua Auditorium (1898) is included on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been voted one of the top ten places artists love to play because of its superior acoustics and intimate feel.

    Summer at the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts presents MUSIC TOGETHER (from Birth to 5 years with a parent) which is a research-based, nationally-certified program featuring songs, movement, and instrument play Tues., Weds., Thurs. 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.  Please visit the Center’s website for more detailed information.  Take advantage of these wonderful musical opportunities throughout the summer here in Boulder Colorado.  Which class or concert do you plan on attending?  And remember The Troia Team for all of your real estate needs – subscribe today and receive up to date market information or search for homes.

    Written by John Vaughan | Discussion: No Comments »

    Colorado Children’s Day: Boulder County Family Week

    funGot kids?  How about family visiting from out of town?  Well, this is your week Boulder County Colorado!  It’s family week, which obviously means a weekends worth of activities designed for the whole gang.  If you’re from Lafayette, enjoy time spent at the Bob Burger Recreation with FREE ADMISSION for the kiddos!   The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center is hosting hands-on games including a water game and solving the Sweet Beet Puzzle.  Keep reading for more details on these activities and more.

     

     

    One participating organization, Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, which is a 47,000 square foot recreation center housed on 20 acres of parkland.  This multi-use area features a 4-field youth sports complex, an in-line hockey rink and the City’s outdoor classroom.  These amenities provide the community with a wonderful focal point for great family recreation.

    Mention Boulder County Family Week and youths 2-17 will receive free admission with an adult’s paid admission May 1st – 7th.  Their address is 111 West Baseline Road in Lafayette and their phone number: (303) 665-0469.

    Next is the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center hosting a hands-on day of water games, solving puzzles, using a digital microscope, playing with buffalo and crow costumes, creating your own town, and fin hidden treasures in the Long’s Peak room.  They are located at 400 Quail Road and the next family day date is May 7th from 9-10:15, 10:15-11:30, and 12:30-2.  Ages 2-5 with a parent.

    Another great event is held at Playfair Toys on 2550 Arapahoe in Boulder which involves making a craft for mom.  It’s on Saturday at 11:00am.  Ages 3 and up and you can reach them at (303) 444-7502.

    Check out Reverence Academy of Dance where a kickin’ swing class will be taught.  Also in Lafayette at 1370 Minders Dr #103 on Friday May 7, 5-6:30pm.  Ages include 7 and older with parents.

    If you would like more information on family activities in Boulder and real estate trends in the area, subscribe to our site and receive updates.  I’d love to hear your ideas for the weekend.  See you around town!

    Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »

    What Are You Going To Do Tonight?

    oscarbluesLooking for entertainment tonight or this week in Boulder County Colorado?  Do you love to dance, listen to music, drink famous beer, and eat yummy food? Well, look no further than the all-famous Oskar Blues in either Longmont or Lyons.  One of my favorite attributes of the brewery is the live music.  Of course, many visitors love the beer including the all-famous Dales Pale Ale, which was voted one of the quintessential American hoppy pale ales of our time by BeerAdvocate.com. The intimate, 100-person capacity of the beloved juke joint gets you up close with the best musicians in Colorado and the United States. No wonder Rolling Stone Magazine called them the hottest place to be on a Saturday night in Colorado. Read what Oskar Blues has to say about themselves.

    Oskar Blues says, “Our list of acclaimed, top-shelf comfort foods covers a lot of tasty ground. We serve up everything from soul-stirring gumbo and other New Orleans-style treats to exceptional fried catfish (the best in the Rockies), bodacious burgers, and mouth watering Mexican fare.OBGnB_Food

    We also take pride in our homemade pizzas, Dixie-fried bar fare, and an array of vegetarian and low-fat offerings. Craving dessert? Our Chocolate Dump cake is one of our most revered after-dinner treats. We also serve a wholesome lunch and dinner special each day, call us at  303-823-6685  to get the daily special info.

    Along with great beer and food, we’re also down with soul saving live. Both our basement music room at OB Grill & Brew & our most recent upstairs live music venue at Home Made Liquids & Solids have presented some of best national and local acts to come to the area.  In addition to having a passion for full-flavored beer, we also have a big love for delicious, down-home cooking. Our family-friendly, folk-art blessed restaurant is home to a mighty menu of Cajun, Creole and Southern-style comfort foods that reflect our founder’s southern upbringing. We’re also nuts about live roots music. Our basement music room has presented the best national and local acts since 1997. We welcome everything from blues, rock, bluegrass and jam music to folk, Americana, trad-country and the Lyons High School Jazz Band (they rule!).

    We’re especially crazy about the blues. Our lineup of national blues acts stretches from living legends such as Pinetop Perkins and Duke Robillard to up & comers such as Tommy Castro, John Lee Hooker, Jr. and other rising stars.”

    Find out why I love this brewery and don’t miss the next live band.  Check out tonight’s venue. You’ll have a blast!  After you visit, let me know what you think.  You can subscribe to our blog to find out more local restaurants and hotspots around the area.  And do you need a real estate agent who specializes in the area?  Look no further than The Troia Team.

    Written by Julie Johnson | Discussion: No Comments »

    Bear Aware in Boulder

    We pay a premium to live close to the hiking and biking trails in Boulder Colorado.  Situated at the base of the foothills to the Rocky FathersDayButterfly 005Mountains, our premium also comes with a responsibility.  A recent increase of  sightings this past year in Boulder of bears and mountain lions in our city of 100,000 people have prompted quite an alarm and it makes your realize “we’re not alone” as humans in Boulder.   Living in the Wonderland Hills neighborhood which directly abuts the foothills, we often wake up to a dozen mule deers roaming our front yard or cul-de-sac, as well as an early morning mountain lion or a momma bear and her cub roaming the open space where I walk the dog on the trails everyday. A long time ago, “1960″, hunters were paid a $50 bounty for the hide of a mountain lion and today there is no exact count of mountain lions in Boulder County, the sightings help to measure their population.  Did you know that Grizzly bears have been extinct in Colorado since 1970 – “a long time ago”.  One morning last fall a cougar was seen roaming between houses around 13th and Columbine Ave, and later that day a police officer saw the cougar walking down 13th St.  Black bearLast fall it started out witha standoff with a black bear in a tree in SouthBoulder.   My girlfriend was walking at Chautauqua last fall by herself and encountered a mother bear and and a baby bear in the brush on the side of the trail.  She quickly caught up with the couple in front of her.  My other girlfriend was surprised by a black bear hiking Sanitas trail,  and luckily the bear turned and walked away.   Especially during feeding season for the bears and lions,  what SHOULD you do if you encounter a bear or a mountain lion and how to heed the warning signs?  

    I took this off the Boulder Colorado government website and is worth reading through – no matter how exciting it might seem to convene with nature.

    If you are walking or hiking :

    1. Look for bear tracks and droppings
    2. Keep your dog on  a leash, especially near streams
    3. Make noise to reduce your chances of surprising a bear
    4. Avoid berry patches
    5. Move away and make yourself look large. Back away giving the bear room to leave.
    6. Report sightings – call the Bear Hot line 720-564-2020

    If you meet a bear:

    1. Stay calm, running will only make the bear chase you
    2. Back away slowly, facing the bear, keep your distance and avoid eye contact
    3. Talk loud so the bear will be aware of you and slowly and calmly leave the area
    4. Never approach a cub
    5. Never throw food to distract a bear – it only teaches bears to approach people for food
    6. Fight back if attacked.  Use whatever you have, rocks, sticks, binoculars or even your bare hands
    7. Don’t litter, it might save your life, not to mention the bear’s life

    Please bear proof your yard:

    1. Keep garbage indoors until trash pick up or use a bear proof garbage can
    2. Feed pets inside and store pet food inside
    3. Burn BBQs until they are clean then store indoors or in your garage
    4. Bears love bird seed so feed your birds in the winter time only or string them up high enough and out of reach, it might save you from buying new feeders too
    5. Bears have been known to tear open locked freezers so don’t put your freezer outside, not to mention your refrigerator
    6. Bears will also tear open car doors and break windshields, so warn your teenager to clean out their cars
    7. Fruit trees in your yard should be picked and fruit picked up off the ground
    8. Keep your compost clean, that’s a big one in Boulder, since it’s most people have one. Use a 2:1 dry:wet ratio
    9. Tell your neighbors, the bear might be after their yard and not yours

    Not last be least, if the bear is threatening your safety, your pets or your property, call 911.  For more information on living with bears and other wildlife visit the Colorado Divison of Wildlife:  www.wildlife.state.co.us/wildlifespecies/livingwithwildlife .

     

    Mountain lions are primarily nocturnal and secretive, and naturally mountain lionlive in open space, which Boulder Co has plenty of. As long as there is prey and places to rest and hunt, they will be there. Statistics show that attacks by mountain lions as less likely than a bear but  it’s important to know a little bit about their habitat, and what to do if you see one.  For mountain lion reports activity in Boulder visit:  www.boulderwildlifeplan.net

    1. As with bear, make plenty of noise if you are walking or hiking so not to surprise the lion and make sure little ones are under supervision.
    2. Give the lion a way to escape and try to avoid a confrontation
    3. Stay calm, talk in a firm voice to show them you are “human” and not prey
    4. Back away slowly, as running might stimulate their instinct to attack
    5. Open your jacket to appear larger and pick up your children.  I bet that’s hard to do all at once
    6. Like bear, if the lion seems aggressive, defend yourself by throwing rocks, sticks or whatever, without turning your back on the lion or bending down
    7. If the lion attacks, fight back and try to remain standing and keep attempting to get back up if your are brought to the ground.

    Pets are a favorite delicacy of mountain lions, especially in Boulder.  although their diet consists mostly of deer and elk.  I heard a loud cat scream in my backyard a couple of nights ago, and I thought about the poor little kitty that visited my yard that day.  If pets are left outside you should leave them in a kennel or enclosure with a cover.  They also eat mice, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, coyotes and grasshoppers (grasshoppers???). A full adult male can weigh 160 pounds and females aprox. 100 pounds, both can grow up to eight feet long (nose to tip of the tail).

     For life threatening emergency call 911.  If you see a bear or a lion in your backyard call the Boulder Police non-emergency number 303-441-3333.  For questions and to report sights that do not require a response you can call the Urban Wildlife Corrdinator:  303-551-3004.

    Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: No Comments »

    Lafayette has “Spork” and Boulder has “Mork” –

     “Save Spork “  I received an email last week with a link that you were suppose to click  ://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savespork/ .  Spork , a 10 year old miniature Dachshund was taken to Lafayette’s Jasper Ani20100224_023512_spork1_200mal Hospital to have a bad tooth extracted.   Spork is now up on “vicious animal charges” for biting a veterinarian technician.   The owner said that dog was just in pain and scared, and so far the family has spent over $6000 on fees involved with the ticket.  The courts will be reviewing the case in April 2010 and will decide if the dog should be euthanized or not.  

    Thousands of people are rallying around Spork and some are not.  Today, in the local Boulder Camera paper, someone made a funny comment on the story about Spork and said  “the moral of the story is to never trust a dog named after a sharp eating utensil” !

    The “Save Spork”  Facebook page has drawn more than 9,000 members, blog posts, mainly in support of Spork, also are proliferating. Click here for more information on pet ownershipo vs pet guardianship and other animal law issues in Colorado.  

    Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little competition right?  Look out Boulder, you might have   Mork and Mindy ,  now Lafayette has “Spork the Dog”.  This story is helping the notoriety of the City of Lafayette Colorado as they continue to put themselves on the map as an affordable place to live in Boulder County.   Overshadowed by Louisville to the south, Boulder to the west, Longmont to the north and Erie to the east,   Lafayette’s population has grown 4.37% since 2000 and is fast becoming an extension of both Louisville and Boulder because of it’s affordable housing prices and it’s easy commute to Denver.  

    Lafayette,   once a part of the Colorado coal-mining boom, is redefining it’s working class roots and rich ethnic diversity as a thriving community with cultural and commercial centers found in the revitalized Old Town District.  As a real estate agent in Boulder Colorado,  trends are showing for the surrounding Boulder areas like Lafayette, inventory coming down and prices up just a little.    For more info on home prices in this area check out our website link:  http://blogtherockies.com/local-stats/.  and visit the City of Lafayette City website: http://cityoflafayette.com/ .   We look forward to hearing your comments about Spork the Dog, and don’t forget to check out our Troia Team blog about the Mork and Mindy house.   Ah, come on…..I think you can admit that you really liked Mork from Ork ! 

    Written by Karen Cifala | Discussion: No Comments »

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