🌱 Santa's Toy Box + Program Failing + New Offensive Coordinator

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Daily — here to explain all the most important things happening in town. Including news about:

• A new group of concerned citizens is stating the city is not doing enough on upcoming changes.
• Here is where all that property tax you pay to the county is spent.
• The newly named offensive coordinator for the Broncos knows what the blue looks like.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and colder. High: 26 Low: 11.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. We are less than two weeks from Christmas and Santa's Toy Box could use your assistance. MIX106's Kevin Miller writes Saint Luke's Children's Hospital relies on donated items to children in the hospital over the holiday receive gifts. If you are stumped on a gift idea, the article includes suggestions for each age group. (mix106radio)
2. The Boise Daily has kept followers updated on city meetings regarding the government's rewriting of zoning code. KTVB-TV staff report a new group of concerned citizens, 'Reject Boise Upzone,' argues the city has not done enough to let people know the magnitude of how changes in zoning will affect life in the city. (KTVB.com)
3. We all hate sitting in gridlock for road construction, but those projects do infuse cash into companies. BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel writes a program designed to push some of that money to firms owned by women, minorities and veterans is not meeting goals. In fact, the Idaho Department of Transportation awarded only 6.4 percent of its contract dollars on federal projects to disadvantaged businesses in the latest reporting period. (boisedev.com)
4. For the tax year 2022, Ada County will collect $735 million in property taxes. Ada County provides information to you on where all that money goes once in the county's hands. (Boise Patch)
5. A former Boise State University quarterback who has worked with Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Matt Ryan is returning to Boise. CBS2 news staff report Bush Hamdan has been named offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on Wednesday. Hamdan played for the Broncos from 2004 to 2008. (idahonews)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Boise:

• You won't need much cash to see the animals as $3 Thursdays happens all December. (10:00 AM)
• The City of Boise Parks and Recreation Commission scheduled for Thursday is canceled. (4:00 PM)
• The Boise Public Library hosts the Teen Anime/Cosplay Club Thursday. (5:00 PM)
• The Gem Center for the Arts sponsors Third Thursday. (6:00 PM)
• The Morrison Center and Ballet Idaho presents "The Nutcracker" Thursday evening. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise Police Department: "Another year, another awesome holiday party at NERFED with the Boise Police Activities League. Thank you to everyone who participated! We hope to see you at our next event." (Boise Police Department via Facebook)
• Downtown Boise: "Last chance to visit with City Santa is this Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at D.L. Evans Bank on 9th & Main Street! Bring a camera and enjoy a free visit with jolliest of elves himself! Donations to @wca_boise are appreciated!" (Downtown Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Boba: "Our Christmas special is here! Come on in to any of our shops this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and get 25 percent off the price of one of our hoodies with the purchase of a $20 gift card!" (Boise Boba via Instagram)
• Visit Boise: "Just a reminder that the 7th Annual ROSE Awards nominations are now open! As you're shopping for the perfect holiday gift or out enjoying a meal and receive exceptional service from someone, be sure to nominate them for this special award." (Visit Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Farmers Market: "This cranberry sauce is a must-have on your Christmas table! Our homemade cranberry sauce requires just four ingredients and is a breeze to throw together! Our recipe is flavored with orange juice and chili sauce." (Boise Farmers Market via Instagram)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next 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 Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com