Week of September 1, 2022
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JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
GoldenTranscript.net
VOLUME 156 | ISSUE 37
Putting the pedal to the mettle Golden businesses fight to keep outdoor seating along Miners Alley City ending pilot program after Labor Day BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Riders listen to course instructions before the start of the Golden Gran Fondo race Aug. 28.
PHOTOS BY SARA HERTWIG
Cyclists demonstrate tenacity at Golden Gran Fondo BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The starting elevation was 5,600 feet for the hundreds who biked in the Golden Gran Fondo Aug. 28. Some made it as high as 11,000 feet during the annual race, which is part of a national series. All cyclists kicked off their morning by riding up Lookout Mountain Road and then SEE PEDAL, P2
Bicycles filled Washington Avenue in downtown Golden Aug. 28. as riders took off from the starting point of the Golden Gran Fondo race.
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 14 | LIFE: PAGE 16 | CALENDAR: PAGE 19 | SPORTS: PAGE 24
Miners Saloon and the Golden Moon Speakeasy are hoping to change city officials’ minds about ending their outdoor seating program after Labor Day. On Aug. 16, City Council decided against continuing a one-year pilot program to host outdoor seating areas in the 1100 block of Miners Alley. The goal was to reopen the alleyway to traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists. The councilors said they wanted to activate the space long-term and were open to revisiting the conversation once Miners Alley Playhouse finishes moving into the Meyer Hardware building. With outdoor seating set to end after Labor Day, the two businesses have turned to the community to gain support, posting on social media and hosting a “save the patio” party Aug. 27 to raise awareness. Aimee and Dean Valdez, who own Miners Saloon and the speakeasy’s building, and Golden Moon Distillery co-owner Stephen Gould all said they felt the city had created a system of winners and losers. Because of COVID-19, customers now expect an outdoor dining option. For the speakeasy, Gould said outdoor seating now accounts for 40% of its total seating. So, by ending the pilot program during a busy season, the city’s taking away the saloon and speakeasy’s ability to compete with other businesses, Gould told officials at the Aug. 23 City Council meeting. He pointed out how businesses along SEE MINERS ALLEY, P4
SECOND HAND LOVE
Finding prizes at unique thrift shops P16