Yesterday's Full Moon
Photo by Jeremy Keller
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Tuesday, Sep. 9th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- 8-10AM - DeLong Park Weedbusters
- 9:15-9:45AM - Baby Time - Registration Required
- 10:15-10:45AM - Preschool Time - Registration Required
- 10:30AM - Front Porch Friends Meeting @ The Community Center
- 4:30-5:30PM - Teen Advisory Board - Golden Library
- 5PM - City Council Study Session and Business Meeting @ City Hall
- 5:45-7PM - Golden High School PTA Meeting
- 6:30-8:30PM - Team Trivia Tuesday
- 6:30-8:30PM - Trivia Tuesdays
- 6:30-8:30PM - Bar Bingo Night
- 7PM - Pub Trivia
- 7PM - GLO Park / Camp George West Meeting
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
What’s Blooming Along Golden’s Trails? Goldy-locks!
Figure 1. Two varieties of “Goldy-locks” — Ericameria nauseosa (Pall. ex Pursh) G.L.Nesom & G.I.Baird — along the Shoshonite Trail on South Table Mountain. Foreground: Variety nauseosa. Middle ground: Variety: graveolens (Nutt.) Reveal & Schuyler
By Tom Schweich
Most of us recognize the shrubs in the photo by the common name of “Rabbitbrush,” though there is no evidence that rabbits eat, live under, or are otherwise associated with this shrub. On the other hand, it is one of the few plants that were given a common name —"Goldy-locks” — when the scientific name was published.
Thomas Nuttall (1818) published the scientific name of Chrysocoma graveolens Nutt. for our shrub based upon a collection he made on the upper Missouri River in 1811. In the same entry he published a common name of “Goldy-locks” for the genus Chrysocoma, a very logical choice because in Greek “chryso” means yellow and “coma” means tuft of hair. Over the years the genus Chrysocoma has been refined and split into other names, so that our plant is now known as Ericameria nauseosa (Pall. ex Pursh) G.L.Nesom & G.I.Baird. However, the fact remains that its first published common name was Goldy-locks, and “Rabbitbrush” is a recent invention.
As it happens, we have two varieties of Ericameria nauseosa in Golden. They can be seen growing and blooming together on the Shoshonite Trail of South Table Mountain.
The large showy shrub with bright yellow flowers is the plant that was described by Thomas Nuttall (1818) when he used the common name Goldy-locks. Today we call it Ericameria nauseosa variety graveolens. This is very common in all of Golden’s open spaces, parks, and gardens.
We also have a smaller variety (in the foreground of the photo above) that is variety nauseosa. Variety nauseosa can be easily distinguished from variety graveolens by its smaller size, somewhat more blue-ish appearance, and more narrow and short leaves. This is sometimes called “Dwarf Rabbitbrush” but it is not a dwarf. It is naturally small.
When I first wrote about variety nauseosa I thought it was uncommon in Golden because, at the time, it was known only from the lower slopes of South Table Mountain, and along Highway 6 at Eagle Ridge (between Kinney Run and Centura Urgent Care). However, revisiting Golden’s open spaces while working on the Open Space Working Group, I have since found our plant in Grampsas North, North Table Mountain, and Parfet Open Spaces. So, it is probably more common than previously thought.
References:
Nuttall, Thomas. 1818. The Genera of North American Plants and a catalogue of the species to the year 1817. 2 Vols.. Philadelphia: 1818. Link to Goldy-Locks.
9-10:30AM Bird Etiquette @ The Community Center
Golden Eye Candy – Birds of Golden Colorado – Photos by Joe Wrona
Agenda
Join long-time resident and active GCC member Susan Blansett for a fall bird talk about birding etiquette. Blansett has been an active birder since 1990 and is past President and current board member of Denver Field Ornithologists.
More information
Location:
Golden Community Center
1470 10th Street (Map)
10:30AM Front Porch Friends @ The Community Center
Photo by Joyce Davell
Front Porch Friends Meetings are occurring once a month. Join us at the Golden Community Center for friendly conversation and to support in planning and implementing future Front Porch activities.
Pastor Susan Otey of the Methodist Church will discuss Home in Golden and the volunteer opportunities with that program. This group provides:
- Free community meals per week open to anyone who shows up to eat
- Housing navigation services
- Mental Health services
- Addiction and Recovery Services
- Clothing and Personal Care Items closet
- Safe Parking Program for people living in their vehicles.
More information
Location:
Golden Community Center
1470 10th Street (Map)
5-7:30PM Golden Chamber Member Appreciation Party @ Golden Welcome Center
All members and dedicated volunteers are invited to join us for an evening of food and fun on the patio of the Golden Welcome Center. We will have food, beverages, tours of the new Chamber offices, and music bingo!
Location:
Golden Welcome Center
1010 Washington Avenue (map)
5:30PM City Council Study Session @ City Hall
- Meeting Agenda
- Watch the meeting streaming live starting at 5:30PM
- Attend the meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
- Send comments on any of the following topics to PublicComment@cityofgolden.net BEFORE 3PM
- Provide in-person comment (limited to 3 minutes) during the Business Meeting, at 6:30PM.
Tonight's Study Session begins at 5:30PM. The Business Meeting will begin at 6:30PM. Public comment is not allowed during the study session, though you can send written public comment ahead of time. In-person public comment must wait until the Business Meeting at 6:30PM.
Tonight's Study Session Topics:
- Planning staff will present proposed changes to the Historic Preservation code.
- The City's Thriving Communities director will present plans for supporting unhoused and vulnerable community members. The meeting packet does not include background information.
Location:
City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street (Map)
6:30PM City Council Business Meeting @ City Hall
- Meeting Agenda
- Watch the meeting streaming live starting at 6:30PM
- Attend the meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
- Send comments on any of the following topics to PublicComment@cityofgolden.net BEFORE 3PM
- Provide in-person comment (limited to 3 minutes) near the beginning of the meeting.
Public Comment
The meeting begins with public comment. If you want to address Council, you will have three minutes to speak. Any public comments received by email before 3PM will be posted in the meeting packet after 3 (so check back then!).
Consent Matters
Items on the Consent Agenda are considered non-controversial, not needing discussion. Everything in this section will be approved at once, with one vote.
Any councilor wishing to discuss one of the issues can request that it be removed from the consent agenda and discussed and voted on separately.
These are the items on the Consent Agenda:
- A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Golden, Colorado, approving an IGA Concerning Regional Cold Weather Response for those Experiencing Homelessness. Jefferson County will coordinate the program and Golden will contribute $61,770 for the winter of 2025/2026.
- Resolution to purchase a Vermeer Jet-Vac Trailer at a cost of $140,242.62. This device is used for cleaning pipes and sewers in our stormwater collection system.
- First reading of an ordinance that will vacate some public right of way at 2120 Bonvue Dr (map) to allow the owners to build a garage.
Resolutions:
7PM GLO Park / Camp George West Meeting
You may recall that last year there were plans to develop a "GLO Park." The Global Energy Park (GloPark) was described as "a clean and renewable energy business park." It was sited there to take advantage of the proximity to the National Renewal Energy Laboratory.
Federal funds have since been withdrawn for that project, so the state is now planning to build market-rate housing there instead of research labs.
The governor’s advisor working on the proposal has asked for a community meeting to share more information and invite public feedback. Please join us at Camp George West. We’ll be in the stone building at the main parking lot.
Camp George West Parking Lot, Building 48
Pleasant View
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday
At Jefferson County Public Library, we foster continuous learning and connections. Keep your minds engaged every Monday! Be sure to explore our website for additional weekly event options, including call-ins and livestreams.
Today’s theme: The Great Depression
In the autumn of 1929, a crash of prices on Wall Street triggered a global economic contraction that would last for over a decade. Join Active Minds for a look back at the Great Depression. We will examine the origins of the depression and its legacy as well as take a look at it through the lens of our current economic environment.
Save your spot for this Zoom program.
When:
2-3PM on Monday, Sep. 8th
Golden History: White Ash Mine Disaster - 9 September, 1889
Mine Ash Mine Disaster Monument at the west end of 12th Street (map) – photo by Frank Hanou
Click to enlarge
By Donna Anderson
Today marks the 136th anniversary of the worst mine disaster in Golden’s history: The White Ash Mine disaster.
Part 1. The White Ash and Old Loveland coal mines
The White Ash coal mine was initially opened in 1874 by John Hodges and expanded in 1877 by R.D. Hall and A.L. Jones. It exploited a vertical coal seam, called the White Ash seam, so-called for its excellent burning properties that produced a clean, white ash. The mine portal was located at the west end of today’s 12th Street, and the vertical mine shaft and connecting horizontal tunnels were about 100 yards to the west.
At its peak, the White Ash Mine produced 50 to 100 tons of coal per day and employed 40 miners working three shifts. Typical of the time, though, the mine was beset with problems. Mining paused in 1879 when a fire broke out at the 280-foot tunnel level. The tunnel was sealed up, with the hopes that a lack of oxygen would smother the fire. In 1885, the Golden Fuel Company entered into a 99-year lease with John Hodges and Charles Welch. From 1885 to 1889, the mine was deepened and had several accidents from falling rock and equipment, as well as bad air from carbon dioxide gas, and fires on the tailing piles. By 1888 the new owners had extended the mine to 720+ feet below ground, making it the deepest coal mine in the State at the time.
In 1889, State Coal Mine Inspector and engineer John McNeil visited the mine several times, finally requiring replacement of unstable timbers, as well as the drilling of a 700+ foot deep escape shaft at the north end of the mine, north of Clear Creek. He also restricted the number of miners to ten for any given shift for safety reasons. The mine owners replaced the rotten timbers and began to plan for an escape shaft in the summer of 1889. In a letter dated July 12, 1889, twelve miners petitioned the State of Colorado to keep the mine open due to hardship. Thus operations continued without the escape shaft.
Meanwhile, the “old” Loveland, aka Black Diamond, Mine was about 1960 feet north of the White Ash Mine, across Clear Creek and along the same coal seam as that of the White Ash Mine. The old Loveland Mine had been abandoned in 1879 due to suffocating inert gas, carbon dioxide or “black damp”, at its (lowest) 250-foot level. The abandoned Loveland shaft and tunnels were left to fill with water from seepage. In 1889, water from the flooded mine was being used as a water source for the steam boilers at the nearby Golden Brick Works, located downhill from the old Loveland Mine.
As it turns out, the lowest flooded tunnel in the Old Loveland Mine was near the exact same level as the 280-foot tunnel in the White Ash Mine, which had been sealed off in 1879 due to the earlier fire. A pillar of rock and coal 70-100 feet thick separated the two tunnels. This separation apparently caused some commentary in McNeil’s inspections, but he and everyone else considered the situation “safe enough.”
To Be Continued…..
Weather
Overnight: Mostly clear. Low around 60, with temperatures rising to around 63 overnight. West wind around 7 mph.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny. High near 85, with temperatures falling to around 80 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. West wind around 8 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 57°F
Wednesday: Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 86°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 60°F
Thursday: Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 84°F
Thursday Night: Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 59°F
Friday: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 80°F
Friday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 54°F
Saturday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 77°F
Saturday Night: Partly Cloudy, 52°F
Sunday: Mostly Sunny, 80°F
Sunday Night: Mostly Clear, 55°F
Monday: Sunny, 82°F
News About Golden - September 9, 2025
A New Trail at South Table Mountain Park
Jefferson County Parks & Open Space
A new multi-use trail is coming to South Table Mountain Park! The Jefferson County Parks & Open Space (JCPOS) T-Rex Tooth Trail will provide 1.5-miles of new soft surface trail to visitors. The trail will also create a new 3-mile loop opportunity when connected with Fossil Trail, Old Quarry Trail, and Basalt Cap Loop... Read more...
Golden Community Center back open after ‘annual maintenance week’
By Abraham Jewett
Fox 31
DENVER (KDVR) — The Golden Community Center in the city of Golden has reopened, following an “annual maintenance week,” the city announced Saturday.
The city said the community center, which is located just north of Lions Park at 1470 10th St., was “cleaned top to bottom,” freshly painted, recarpeted and “tuned up.” Read more...
Supporters
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
Sponsors:
($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Tom Reiley, Michael Mason, Colorado Railroad Museum, and Goosetown Station
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $550/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and Joy Brandt
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, Kurt & Janet Siegfried, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Robert Thresher, Tonie Mattox, and Centennial State Wealth Advisors
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $110/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Vicki Olson, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, and Mary Rains, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, Eileen Masterson, Kate Olivier, Amy Korengut, and Pam Logan
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, and Peyton Gibson
