Two upcoming events will celebrate advancements in the availability of Spanish-language news media in the Roaring Fork Valley.
The first of these events will feature the debut of CoWest Noticias Collaborative (CNC), a now formalized group of Roaring Fork Valley news organizations that began convening in 2021. Aspen Daily News, the Aspen Times, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, Aspen Journalism, KPVW La Tricolor, KDNK community radio, Aspen Public Radio and The Sopris Sun began meeting years ago to address the notable lack of Spanish-language news in the Valley. The group has received financial support from Colorado Media Project and guidance from the Colorado News Collaborative.
Historically, CNC funnels news stories to Sol del Valle for publication. On June 26, the group will introduce a new speaker series, bringing elected representatives before a bilingual audience of constituents with guaranteed Spanish-language interpretation. The first of these free events will feature Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaking about the state’s response to federal actions. Weiser, who previously served as dean of the University of Colorado Law School and is now running to be Colorado’s next governor, will also answer audience questions.
The event will be held at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs, above the Library, in conjunction with Colorado Mountain College. Carlos Cornejo, a former Rifle police sergeant turned social media influencer, will host beginning at 4:30pm. From 5 to 6pm, Weiser will address attendees. Then, from 6 to 6:30pm, a panel of CNC editors will speak briefly and take questions.
The second event will occur the following Saturday, June 28, at the Glenwood Springs Library. Organized by the Sol del Valle advisory group, this event will celebrate the “changing of the volume” for Sol del Valle, one year after a relaunch which turned the design, printing and distribution over to The Sopris Sun nonprofit following an encouraging partnership with Aspen Daily News which helped make the weekly newspaper what it is today.
“This is a celebration of Sol del Valle continuing to bring trustworthy and community-focused information to readers from Parachute to Aspen,” stated Sol del Valle Editor Bianca Godina. “It’s also an opportunity to connect with our team and get to know our advisory board, to continue reinforcing that community engagement.”
“La Fiesta de Sol del Valle” will begin at 4pm with a resource fair, food and Lotería games, then conclude with dancing to music curated by DJ Salsón from 7 to 9pm.
All are welcome to celebrate an informed and diverse community by attending one or both of these free events.