Inside Molson Coors’ Golden revamp

Good morning, Colorado.

We have a supermoon to look forward to tonight, the biggest and brightest of the year. And as the Boulder subreddit has repeatedly reminded me this week, it coincides with an extremely rare comet that should be visible for a few more days. After last week’s aurora borealis, we’ve had plenty of reminders lately how lucky we are to live under such beautiful Colorado skies.

Back on Earth, we have some Colorado news for you. Let’s get to it.

Kevin Jeffers

Product Team

THE NEWS

BUSINESS

Molson Coors overhauls its aging facility with new 200,000-square-foot “cellar” to continue its Golden legacy

After five years and hundreds of millions of dollars to revamp its iconic — but aging — Golden plant, Coors has unveiled a massive update to its original location. Parker Yamasaki gives us a tour of the modernized facilities.

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WATER

Windy Gap Reservoir nearly crashed an aquatic ecosystem. A $33 million water project is undoing the damage.

The long-awaited Colorado River Connectivity Channel is fully operational after years of negotiations, after state water managers opened the new waterway in Grand County earlier this week. Already, the new project is paying off. Shannon Mullane explains how.

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ELECTION 2024

Ballot Issue 2R: A Denver sales tax hike could generate $100M a year for affordable housing

Most affordable housing in Colorado is built with a declining stream of federal government help. Denver voters are being asked to expand the city’s affordable housing programs with a tax increase. Brian Eason breaks down Ballot Issue 2R.

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• Spending in support of Proposition 131, which would overhaul Colorado’s elections, eclipses $9 million. A total of roughly $26 million has been spent so far by the groups supporting and opposing the 14 statewide measures on the November ballot. Jesse Paul has more.
• ????️ Colorado Voter Guide. What you need to know to vote in the Nov. 5 general election.

MORE NEWS

• Marshall Mesa trailhead closing as crews begin excavation to cool smoldering coal seam. Coal seams below the Marshall Mesa trailhead have been a source of danger blamed for periodic grass fires in southern Boulder County. Olivia Prentzel has more.
• The Temperature ☀️ Could a sales tax save Denver Health? Plus: Yes, you can charge your EV at Steamboat Lake State Park, and maybe other state parks, too, though the state makes it hard to tell.

Section by Kevin Jeffers | Product Team

COLORADO REPORT

• Polis refers Aurora city councilwoman’s comments to law enforcement after she says she has “haunting” video evidence of Venezuelan gang. Aurora City Council just approved a push led by councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky to investigate whether Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston were “sneaking” in new immigrants.
  — Denverite
• They’re in custody and facing jail. Why isn’t Grand Junction’s municipal court providing them attorneys? People in custody and facing the possibility of jail are entitled by Colorado law to an attorney. Instead, poor and unhoused people are pleading guilty and being sentenced without legal representation. 
  — The Denver Post ????
• Most significant snowfall yet to hit Colorado’s High Country this weekend, with potentially a foot of accumulation in central mountains. The state’s southwestern areas will see the most snow accumulation in what one meteorologist said could be a turning point for the season.
  — Summit Daily
• Visit the graves of these six famous Coloradans this spooky season. In her new book, Durango resident Eilene Lyon presents an exhaustive catalog of cemeteries, using the illustrious, the anonymous, and the nefarious to tell our state’s story. 5280 dug up some that are worth a visit.
  — 5280 Magazine

???? = source has article meter or paywall

Section by Danika Worthington | Presentation Editor

THE OPINION PAGE

COMMUNITY

• PRO: Colorado’s Proposition 129 is about the pets, not just the vets.  Creating a veterinary professional associate position would modernize our veterinary practices and lead to healthier pets, happier owners.
  — Dr. Apryl Steele, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League
• CON: There are Colorado veterinarians worried about Proposition 129. Here is why I’m one of them.  Adding a veterinary professional associate role would be a dangerous shortcut and hurt the quality of care for our pets.
  — Dr. Katie Redd, former veterinarian at Denver Dumb Friends League

The Colorado Sun is a nonpartisan news organization, and the opinions of columnists and editorial writers do not reflect the opinions of the newsroom. Read our ethics policy for more on The Sun’s opinion policy and submit columns, suggest writers or provide feedback at opinion@coloradosun.com.

What’s Happening

Oct. 17-23

Build Your Own Film Festival. The 37th annual Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival starts tomorrow in Colorado Springs. This long-running festival features over 40 movies written, directed or edited by women, and focuses on female-forward films, like “The Day Iceland Stood Still,” about a day in 1975 when 90% of Iceland’s women walked off the job, and “Motorcycle Mary,” a short film about the 30-year career of motorsports legend Mary McGee.

We love a good film festival, but if sitting in the dark with friends and strangers for three days isn’t your first choice for weekend activities, the festival has a cozier alternative.

The Virtual Encore, from Oct. 24-27, offers access to more than 30 films screening at the festival from the comfort of your own couch. You can purchase a full encore pass for $80 and get access to the entire virtual program over the four days, or choose from a five-movie pass, a single movie ticket, or a movie block, which includes access to two-to-four films screened together.

Browse the full film guide, pick out your favorites and build your schedule. Watch what you want, when you want, and rest assured that you can always pause to refill your popcorn.

$80 full festival pass; Oct. 24-27; Virtual

• Pickle Fest. A party in the park to celebrate pickles in every way, shape and form. Entry to the pickleball tournament is closed, but stop by for the pickle-tasting contest (or enter your own preserved goods), the pickle costume contest, live music, and local food and drinks. Free; 11 a.m., Oct. 19; Apple Valley Park, Paonia 
• Día del Arte. A free community art and health event for the Roaring Fork Valley. Health screenings and workshops will be offered at the third annual health fair, while Carbondale Arts will provide supplies to make fantastic Día de los Muertos decorations. Free; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 19; Third Street Center, 520 S. Third St., Carbondale
• Del Norte Zombie Crawl. A zombie crawl for the undead in downtown Del Norte, starting at 5 p.m. Spooky games, zombie-themed drinks and a cash prize costume contest. Free; 5-11 p.m., Oct. 18; Up Top Café, 670 Grand Ave., Del Norte

Section by Parker Yamasaki | Reporter

Speaking of Colorado skies, this was a beautiful sight to greet us this morning in Boulder. Good things are ahead.

— Kevin & the whole staff of The Sun

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Corrections & Clarifications

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