🌱Boulder's Après Street Fest This Weekend + Sexual Assault Charges

Hey, Boulder! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on:

• A sexual assault case involves a therapist and his clients who were minors.
• Are you ready for the Après Street Fest?
• Boulder is ranked second!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and breezy. High: 56 Low: 41.

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Here are the top stories today in Boulder:

1. Mark Hochwender, 72, who worked from his home as a therapist, was arrested Wednesday after being accused of sexually assaulting at least two children during therapy sessions according to the Boulder Police Department and 9 News.com. He's charged with two felony counts of sexual assault on a person in a position of trust-pattern of abuse. According to police, Hochwender was in his 40s when the alleged crimes occurred. The victims were juveniles and came forward after they became adults. According to 9 News.com. "They reported that the abuse occurred at Hochwender’s home offices, one of which was located in the city of Boulder. The other was located in Westminster. They believe there could be additional victims. Anyone with any information related to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Lutz at LutzC@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-4374 and reference case 20-11516. Those who might have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers." (9News.com KUSA)
2. Don't miss downtown Boulder's, first of its kind, Après Street Fest, wintertime event. Complete with a cozy mountain town ambiance reminiscent of "après-ski" on Pearl Street's West End this event will be taking place on Sunday, March 12 starting at 11 a.m. It will be free and open to the public. It will include, fire pits, live musical ensembles, hot cocoa, outdoor picnic-style seating and games. In addition, West End restaurants will be open to serve nibbles and sips and outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity to shop for gear from select downtown retailers. Hope to see you there! (Downtown Boulder via Facebook)
3. Putting itself on the map, recently Boulder was ranked second among the United State’s small cities in economic activity generated by each of its residents. The city’s per capita gross domestic product is reportedly $100,692, second to Midland, Texas at $242,730. The study was conducted by the research firm, Smartest Dollar, which prides itself in helping “consumers and businesses make informed financial choices.” (bizwest.com)

Today in Boulder:

• 22-23 3rd Quarter Exhibition Day - New Vista High School (8:45 AM)
• Bolder Young Professionals Lunch and Learn at Eldora Ski Mountain! (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• University of Colorado Boulder: "Join us in welcoming D’Andra Mull to the Buff family as the new vice chancellor for student affairs! Provost Russell Moore today announced his appointment of D’Andra to be the new vice chancellor for student affairs." (University of Colorado Boulder via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Denver/Boulder Colorado: "A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the North Central Mountains of Colorado late Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. Storm totals of 12 to 24 inches are possible in the Park/Gore Ranges, with 8 to 16 inches elsewhere. Be prepared." (US National Weather Service Denver/Boulder Colorado via Facebook)
• Boulder County Sheriff's Office: "Do you know where Stevie Brown Jr. is? If so, please call 303-441-3646. Brown has a warrant for 1 count of sexual exploitation of a child (video) and nine counts of sexual exploitation of a child (images). He is 5-foot-8, 155 pounds with brown hair and eyes. He last lived in Longmont, but he may be in the Lakewood area.." (Boulder County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Boulder Mountainbike Alliance: "Great communities build trails, and great trails build community. Nice work, Fort Collins and OMBA." (Boulder Mountainbike Alliance via Facebook)
• Visit Boulder, Colorado: "Life is better when seen through a viewfinder. Enjoy birdwatching? You’ll feel right at home in Boulder. Located exactly where the mountains meet the plains, Boulder has a unique and biodiverse environment." (Visit Boulder, Colorado via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boulder Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com