🌱 BPD Video Lawsuit + Dropping Home Prices + Boise Hospital Layoffs

Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Boise Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right, with a quick review of the most important things going on around town. In today's issue, you'll learn about these stories and more:

• Ada County puts out a monthly newsletter and Boise Patch provides a link for you to sign up
• Our local mall at one time had some great places to grab a bite. We look back at 21 places you may wish were once again on the lunch menu
• Social media is chock full of police being videotaped. Now, a Boise man is suing after he was arrested for resisting after he videotaped a law enforcement encounter in a Boise parking garage

But first, today's weather: Rather cloudy. High: 46 Low: 25.

Business owners and marketers in Boise: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. The Boise Police Department and the City of Boise face a tort claim from an incident involving filming of police officers. KTVB-TV's Tracy Bringhurst and Abby Davis combine to report Ty Justin Werenka was arrested after filming officers in a downtown Boise parking garage. The charges against Werenka were later dismissed by the city. The lawsuit filed by Werenka requests $500,000 in damages. (KTVB.com)
2. Boise Patch followers are interested in the community and the news of what is going on around the area. Here is another method to keep abreast of everything. Each month, Ada County Government emails a newsletter keeping county residents up to date on happenings. A link to sign up to the newsletter is included in the story. (Boise Patch)
3. If you are in the market to purchase a home in Boise, take note. CBS2 news staff report that for a third consecutive month, prices for homes in Ada County decreased. Both existing homes and new construction saw declines in the average prices with new home prices down 16 percent over just one year ago. (Idaho News)
4. News of layoffs continue for Boise. BoiseDev managing editor Gretchen Parsons writes St. Luke’s Health System announced about 200 jobs will be eliminated by April with the cuts coming in non-clinical and administrative positions. The hospital group also stated it's "decreasing discretionary spending and contracted services, consolidating real estate holdings, and trimming executive leadership positions." The layoffs come on the news of Boise's Micron Technology also announcing employee cuts. (boisedev)
5. If you have been in Boise for some time, do you miss the Gyro Shop? Crave Hickory Farms summer sausage? Remember a slice of Mario's Pizza? KIDO-AM's Michelle Heart looks back at 21 food places once located at Boise Towne Square Mall that no longer exist. Our local mall currently has 23 vacant store fronts along with the giant empty Sears store. (kidotalkradio)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Boise Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Boise Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Boise:

• Meet the working dogs of the city at We Heart Dogs sponsored by the Idaho Humane Society Adoption Center. (Noon)
• The Lady Broncos women's basketball team welcomes UNLV Saturday afternoon. (2:00 PM)
• Zoo Boise invites adults only for Woo at the Zoo Saturday. (4:00 PM)
• The All-Star Honor Band will perform Saturday evening at the Morrison Center. (7:30 PM)
• Boise State University students are invited for a formal Black Tie Affair. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Who's enjoying the later sunsets? Sunset today in Boise is after 6 p.m. and is an hour later than it was in early December. Fun fact: the earliest sunset in our area occurs in early December, not on the Winter Solstice!" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "There is still room in our Idaho Master Naturalist Program! The 'City of Trees' chapter is coordinated by Boise Parks and Recreation, the Boise Watershed, Boise Foothills + Open Space, and Zoo Boise." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Can your love survive anything? Don't just say it but show it, by naming a Zoo Boise cockroach after your valentine, best friend, or family member for only $20! https://zooboise.org/support/cockroach/" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Bicycle Project: "We have a few more Bikin' 4 Lovin' hoodies available! Stop by the shop or place your online order on our Bikin' 4 Lovin' webpage: https://www.boisebicycleproject.org/bikin-4-lovin-1" (Boise Bicycle Project via Facebook)
• Radio Boise: "It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which means there’s still time to participate in KRBXOXO! Head to the link in our bio and make a donation of any amount to help get your love message on the air." (Radio Boise via Instagram)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "Are you new to culinary plants? You may be looking for some SAGE advice. Historically, sage leaves have been steeped to make 'thinker's tea.' It is THOUGHT (get it?) to aid in symptoms of Alzheimer's and treat some symptoms of depression." (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Come Rain or Shine (February 11)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (February 14)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boise Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com