In the not-so-distant past, people have talked about how living in the Roaring Fork Valley is like being in a bubble, protecting us from the contention of what lies beyond. And, in this idealistic mountain town, with its vibrant, connected and whimsical community, there is good reason to be grateful for the comparable security it provides. As it turns out, however, the Valley just might not be as insulated from the trials and tribulations outside of the bubble.
Starting out the year, Carbondale provided for refugees from far-off places, stricken by turmoil, poverty and looking for a better life. The community endured together, despite people’s differences in how to address that situation, and came out on the other side having learned from the experience.
Disagreements regarding policy over literature reverberate across the nation, and a relevant case study has roused its head right here in Garfield County. Wolf reintroduction is caught in the crosshairs of the Valley’s longtime agricultural community and conservationists who wish to preserve the land as it’s been, and as it was.
There is a lot we may not agree on, but there is hope for dialogue and perhaps even a bridging of perspectives. The Sopris Sun provides that platform, where all community members can express what they think is right, or important, whether it be in our letters-to-the-editor section or regular opinion columns.
The paper is not meant to support one cause over another, just to deliver the news and do it with credibility and integrity. Just last month, Executive Director Todd Chamberlin announced that the paper was certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative, which recognizes news outlets that “adhere to the highest standards of accuracy, transparency and ethical journalism.” The Sun strives to bring balanced coverage to its readers, and if someone feels otherwise we will always hear them out.
Sol del Valle is critical to leveling the playing field for equitable community engagement and awareness. Under the leadership of Bianca Godina as its editor over the past year, this nonprofit’s Spanish newspaper has reached new heights. Today, it also has a letters-to-the-editor section, a creative corner and even a sudoku (instead of Luke Wander’s Itsy-Bitsy Crossword Corner found weekly in The Sun). It’s become a relied-upon connector for the Spanish community and, without a doubt, will prove to be an indispensable resource in the years to come.
Our Youth News Bureau, currently made up of six high school interns who are excelling in written and radio journalism, photography and more, will carry on the torch. Intern Gus Richardson, who — sadly for us — is a senior this year, has been with the program since his sophomore year and is set to study journalism in the fall. Yesenia Benavides-Burgos, along with Richardson, continues to co-host Everything Under The Sun every week on KDNK Community Access Radio. She is determined to cover immigration in 2025, being acutely aware of what her community wants to know more about.
The Sun has the largest newsroom in the Valley, considering its abundance of freelance reporters that deliver the news within its pages — each with their own unique background. The conversation at our weekly editorial meetings, typically attended by about a dozen or more journalists, mimics that of which the wider community is having.
This holiday season some subjects may be left off the table during family gatherings, and understandably so. But The Sun will be here in the new year to listen to anyone who sends us an email, gives us a ring or walks through our doorway.
With your support, come what may, The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle will continue to keep readers informed and supply the pages and ink for you to chime in on the conversation.
Consider making a donation to The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle at www.soprissun.com/donate