West Ada Masks + Pride Safeguards + Preschool No Vote

Morning, people of Boise! John Braese here with the latest copy of the Boise Daily.

Welcome to the Tuesday edition of the Boise Daily. Many in Boise are holding down full time jobs, but still finding it difficult to find a place to live. Keeping Idaho residents safe during the pandemic is on the minds of the West Ada School District, organizers of the Boise Pride Festival and Gov. Brad Little. A supporter of pre-K education speaks out on the recent refusal of the Idaho Legislature to accept federal funds.

First, today's weather: Clear throughout the day. High: 88, low: 58.

Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. The housing boom continues in Boise, but some full time workers are finding it tough to find affordable places to rent. BoiseDev's Margaret Carmel speaks with those working 40-plus hours and still finding it tough to live in Boise. (boisedev.com)
2. With school slated to begin in just a few days, the West Ada School District is facing the same issue faced by districts across the state — masks. Katija Stjepovic and KTVB-TV speaks with district officials prior to the upcoming decision. (KTVB.com)
3. KBOI-TV news staff report the upcoming Boise Pride Festival is also struggling with the issue of masks and testing. On Sunday, Boise Pride announced new health and safety entry requirements for the 2021 Boise Pride Festival. "The safety of our community is, and will always be our number 1 priority," Boise Pride said on Twitter. A spokesperson said all attendees, vendors, staff, performers, volunteers, and anyone ages 12 and up, will need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative PCR test administered on or after Thursday, Sept. 9. (Idaho News)
4. Idaho Gov. Brad Little will take to Facebook to answer questions from residents regarding Idaho's response to COVID-19. (Boise Patch)
5. The federal government offered the State of Idaho $6 million in funding to support and expand preschool education efforts across Idaho. The Legislature turned the money down. IdahoEdNews and Devin Bodkin speak with Beth Oppenheimer, executive director of the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, regarding the need for pre-K education in the state. (IdahoEdNews)

Today's Boise Daily is brought to you by Ring, makers of home alarm systems. Ring alarm systems start as low as $199, and Ring offers free advice by phone on how to set up a system in your own home. Click here to learn more. Thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Boise!

Today in Boise

• Please join the Garden City Chamber for networking, lunch and learning. Reservations are recommended. Please pay in advance online. Lunch is $15 for GC Chamber members, $20 for non-members. Non-refundable unless canceled 24 hours in advance. (Noon)
• Free concert with fair admission. Nelly brings down the house on the Idaho Central Credit Union Grandstand Stage, Tuesday, August 24. (6 p.m.)
• The Boise City Council will hold a work session on Tuesday. Boise City Council work sessions are held in the Maryanne Jordan City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall. All public meetings are held in a “hybrid” format allowing both virtual and in-person attendance. (9 a.m.)

Boise Fact of the Day

The average rent for an apartment in Boise City is $1,481, a 20 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Boise Patch Notebook

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Have you been enjoying the cooler temperatures the past several days? We have! Overall it's been a hot summer, and above normal temperatures are favored in September as well." (Facebook)
• #BoiseBucketList: " The Boise Bucketlisters Community is finally here! I am excited to invite you to become a founding member for The Boise Bucketlisters — an online community-based membership primarily for newcomers and transplants." (Instagram)
• Zoo Boise: "Want to name a meerkat at Zoo Boise? Zoobilee’s online auction is now open and you can bid on animal naming, one-of-a-kind items, packages, gift cards, and more!" (Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Water lanterns fill the lagoon at Julia Davis Park : @nature_features_idaho" (Instagram)
• Boise Little Theater: "Happy sundae! Why pick one flavor when you can have all three? Join us Friday Aug. 27 from 7-7:45 p.m. for delicious ice cream, gelato, and more from Cool Intentions' ICE CREAM TRUCK to celebrate opening 'The Book of Will' by Lauren Gunderson." (Instagram)
• BOISE FARMERS MARKET: "The Mobile Market is back! We are so thankful that our crew is doing well and are able to get the Veggie Van back into Boise area neighborhoods! At this time, we ask that you please wear a mask at the Mobile Market locations." (Instagram)

Feature your local business in this spot for just $79 per month. Click here to get started.

You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update. If you're loving these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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 boise@patch.com.