Zoning Code Gets the Thumbs Up

Hundreds of Boiseans testified, rallied, and took to social media to discuss the zoning code rewrite since Monday. Last night, the Boise City Council voted unanimously to implement the new code, with some revisions. Supporters of the new code say they hope it will open the doors for more high-density development, diverse forms of housing, and transportation without driving. [Twitter]

Home Prices Back Up 🔺

Home prices have increased more than $50,000 since hitting the lowest point in two years in March. The median Ada County home price is sitting at well over half a million again, reaching $534,900 in May. Last May, though, they were at the all-time high of $602,250, so I guess at least there’s that. In Canyon County, the median home price in May was $415,000, up $25,000 from April. [Idaho Statesman]

Rape Survivor Drops Lawsuit

A former legislative intern, known as Jane Doe, who was sexually assaulted by a legislator and doxxed by another has dropped her lawsuit against the two. The woman said the ongoing lawsuit would prompt more harassment, and that she is focused on healing. Former Rep. Aarron von Ehlinger was convicted of raping Doe and is serving a 20-year sentence. This lawsuit would have sought to hold former Rep. Priscilla Giddings legally responsible for doxxing Doe. [KTVB]

Water, Carbon, and Blowing Steam

It’s been a busy week, and there are lots of headlines I didn’t even get to: parking woes, a check in on Boise’s carbon neutral goals, updates on the zoning code hearings, and more. Here’s the City Cast Boise team’s take on the week’s news, with Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice.

Emmett Cherry Festival 🍒 | Friday & Saturday | 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

For four days, the Emmett valley will fill for the 88th time in celebration of the area’s prominent cherry production. [free entry, all ages, Emmett]

We the Teens 📣 | Friday | 5 - 8 p.m.

Youth political organizations including Youth Salmon Protectors and Babe Vote are hosting a “Teen Takeover” at the Idaho State Museum to gather and educate on teen advocacy. [free, 13-18, Downtown Boise]

Movies Under the Stars 🌠 | Friday | Dusk

Catch “Minions: Rise of Gru” at the Gene Harris Bandshell in Julia Davis Park, OR at Optimist Park in Nampa. [free, all ages, Downtown Boise, Nampa]

Cross Country Album Release Show 🪕 | Friday | 8 p.m.

Boise folk band Cross Country are celebrating their album release, and joined by McKenna Esteb and Ole Man Young. [$15, all ages, Downtown Boise]

World Refugee Day Celebration 🎉 | Saturday | 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

There will be storytelling, food, music, dance, and more at the Grove Plaza for this annual celebration, with a citizenship ceremony for refugees at 11 a.m. [free entry, all ages, Downtown Boise]

• Related correction: In yesterday’s newsletter, I misquoted Global Gardens’ Karyn Levin. She said: “[The money] all goes straight to the farmers and so when people say “support local,” or “support Black-owned businesses,” or “support refugees,” this is the way to do it.”

The ONE Summer Concert 🎸 | Saturday | 5 - 9 p.m.

Country band Soul Patch is playing at the Kleiner Memorial Parkway. [free, all ages, Meridian]

Uncle Chris 🪕 | Sunday | 2 p.m.

Folk and jazz musician Uncle Chris is playing at Hilltop Station for Father’s Day. [free entry, Lucky Peak]

Father’s Day Comedy Show 🥁 | Sunday | 2 p.m.

Prepare for the dad jokes at the Lounge at the End of the Universe! Dads get a free drink. [$15, all ages, Depot Bench]

Black Legacy Project 📽️ | Sunday | 7 p.m.

Celebrate the emancipation and history of enslaved peoples with a film screening and concert at the Sapphire Room. [free, all ages, Garden City]

I’m back with part two of our Summer Entertainment Guide, where I’m rounding up the best ways to celebrate the season. Today’s focus is on food festivals happening over the next few months, from the not-just-food festivals to out-of-town berry festivals.

🍒 Emmett Cherry Festival: There are cherries at most grocery stores right now, but for a totally different taste and texture, get some fresh ones (along with your favorite fair foods) this weekend.

🍷 Eagle Food & Wine Festival: We don’t know when this one is yet, but it’ll probably sell out, so join their mailing list to get your foot in the door!

🔊 BoDo Block Party: The Warehouse Food Hall and Treefort Music Hall are hosting the biggest block party of the summer on June 24. It’s free entry, with lots of live music.

🍲 San Inazio: One of the peaks of Boise summer, this Basque festival honors St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Basque patron saint. It’s a full last weekend of July, with handball, dancing, and FOOD.

🫐 Huckleberry Festival: Complete with a 5K and a parade, Donnelly’s annual celebration of the huckleberry is worth checking out the weekend of Aug. 11 - 13.

🥘 Boise Soul Food Festival: This is another of Boise’s bests, at Julia Davis Park, with an abundance of soul food and music on Aug. 12. Last year’s festival was a joyful reunion after years away from the downtown park.

🍺 Boise Goathead Fest: While this isn’t focused on food, it’s still worth mentioning for all the food trucks that’ll be at Cecil D. Andrus Park on Aug. 19.

🌽 Taste of Caldwell Harvest Festival: This one’s a little far out on Sept. 30, but it’s a celebration of local agriculture and the fall harvest.

For more summer entertainment, we’ve got some patios in mind for you, and ideas for the ideal summer day.

It’s been a gorgeous week and host Emma Arnold’s got lead producer Frankie Barnhill and Morning Edition host George Prentice with her to break down the week’s news. They’re digging into the zoning code rewrite back-and-forth, where the city’s at with its lofty carbon neutral goals, the future of water in Boise, and is parking at the root of all our problems?

Thanks for being here this week! See you on Tuesday.