🌱 Boise Jam Shortage + Capital Safety + Short Term Rental Issues

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know to start today off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know today in town.

Welcome to the weekend edition of the Boise Daily. Your ice cream may soon be lonely if a Boise business cannot find an adequate supply of huckleberries, a shortage not seen in over 30 years. The exit from the Boise shopping scene appears to continue, and many Idaho residents are not feeling comfortable visiting our democracy in action. You will have the opportunity to voice an opinion on short-term rentals next week, and the city is working on finding beds for those needing to get out of the cold.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 40 Low: 22.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. If you are eating huckleberry jam on you pancakes as you read this, be warned. A Boise business is struggling to meet demand and may close the doors after over 30 years in business. KIVI-TV's Kristen Skovira speaks with owner of 'Homemade by Dorothy' regarding the berry shortage. (6 On Your Side)
2. As time marches on, we sometimes forget all the stores originally in Boise. LITE-FM's Michelle Heart reminds us of past shopping experiences: Hastings, Shopko, Kmart, Pier 1, Gordmans, and more. According to recent reports, at least one Idaho location of Bed Bath & Beyond will join the list of memories. (liteonline.com)
3. Citizen groups, interested residents and school groups all visit the state capital. With the recent tension in the state, the Idaho Capital Sun's Clark Corbin looks at security measures in place and if a visit to the Legislature is really a place your second-grade student should see democracy in action. (idahocapitalsun)
4. If you are considering renting out your home for the next Idaho Potato Bowl, ski season, or for a beautiful Boise summer week, you may wish to testify next week as the Boise City Council will hold a hearing on short-term rentals. BoiseDev reporter Margaret Carmel speaks with parties on both sides of the issue and provides information on how you can testify. (boisedev)
5. As our bone chilling weather continues, the City of Boise is working to find more beds for those needing assistance. (Boise Patch)

Boise Fact of the Day:

As Boise and its suburbs have grown, so has the number of Airbnbs. Since 2016, the number of short-term rentals in Boise has increased from 336 to 1,183, according to data from AirDNA, a short-term rental analytics company.

Today in Boise:

• Join Avianne International Gallery of Fine Art for the first art exhibition of 2022. Brave New World is intended to inspire and uplift us all as we rediscover and redefine what the world looks like during and after a pandemic. (2 p.m.)
• The Boise High School girls' basketball team will take on Capital High School on Saturday. (6 p.m.)
• "World War II upended the lives of countless artists, including scores of composers who fled [censored] Germany and found sanctuary in America. These composers’ rich and colorful music became the soundscape of stage and screen in the 1940s." The Boise Philharmonic presents the music of these artists on Saturday evening. (7:30 p.m.)
• The Idaho State Museum presents January Family Second Saturday and discovering the science behind ice in Idaho. (Noon)
• The Boise City Department of Arts & History will conduct free tours of the life and work of self-taught artist James Castle. Guided by James Castle House staff, visitors will explore original artworks and artifacts and gain insight into Castle's biography, his art-making practice, and creative spaces. No registration is required. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "What a beautiful sunset with some stratus clouds from our office! It is a nice break from the rain and snow this week. Let's start a sunset thread! Do we have any photographers out there willing to share their shots? #IDwx #ORwx" (Facebook)
• Boise Weekly: "Boise City opens day warming shelters for people and adds extra shelter beds — is it enough? According to Jon Rogers, who has been experiencing houselessness for about five years, it's not enough." (Instagram)
• Zoo Boise: "The red panda cubs were extremely active this morning. Check out this video of them playing in the snow while it was still dark outside: Zoo Staff Member Austin." (Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Snow that fell this week is expected to continue to melt in the coming days, meaning most lower foothills trails will get muddy fast, especially after mid-morning. Please be extremely selective of your route." (Instagram)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Boise State canceled Friday's men's basketball game at home vs. No. 20 Colorado State because of positive COVID-19 cases. It's the third game in a row that's been canceled." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Brave New World: Artist Reception (Jessie Swimeley, Carolyn Greener, Jill Storey) (January 8)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— John Braese

About me: Welcome to the Boise edition of patch.com. I am the community editor in this exciting endeavor for the Boise area. I was born and grew up in Boise, attending Bishop Kelly High School before graduating from Borah High School more than a few years ago. I have seen Boise grow substantially in the last few years, but still maintain my hometown appeal. I want to hear about what is important to you and the stories you wish to see on patch.com. Feel free to reach out to me via email at john.braese@patch.com or drop me a phone call or text at 208 954-9585.