Local synagogue leaders and clergy held a Pearl Street vigil in front of the Courthouse on Tuesday, June 4th. Photo by Mark Goetzler.

Hello, Bucket Listers. It has been a tough week for many in our area. The attack on our Jewish neighbors in Boulder is incomprehensible, but it occurred, and we are now searching for answers. Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett told a crowd, “We will be defined by how we respond—with compassion, with unity and with an unwavering commitment to justice and peace.” The Boulder Jewish Festival will continue as scheduled on the Pearl Street Mall this Sunday, June 8, with enhanced security. Show your solidarity and support the fight against anti-semitism.       


Local synagogue leaders and clergy held a Pearl Street vigil in front of the Courthouse on Tuesday, June 4th. Photo by Mark Goetzler.

In the aftermath of Sunday’s antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, members of the Jewish community are speaking out about their grief and their growing fears. Our Mark Goetzler attended this week’s vigils, where local rabbis described the pain, resilience and urgency they’re feeling. As the injured recover and investigations continue, Rabbi Fred Greene says what Jewish people need most now is to be supported. “We’re not okay,” he said, “but we are still here.”


Denver City Council approved the rezoning of Park Hill Golf Course into a park. Photo by Cassis Tingley.

Denver City Council has officially designated the former Park Hill Golf Course as public parkland, bringing an end to a years-long battle, but not the controversy. Some neighbors applaud the preservation of green space, while others argue that the move eliminated much-needed affordable housing options. As the city begins its planning process, expect more debate about access, equity and how the space will benefit the community. Cassis Tingley reports on the situation and where it goes from here.


Columbian Elementary students had a full day of fun games to compete against their classmates, and their parents and families came out to support them. Photo by Daniel Montoya.

Field Day at Columbian Elementary was bittersweet this year—its last before the school closes permanently. Daniel Montoya brings us inside the final celebration, where staff and students shared laughter, tears and one last round of obstacle courses. “It’s been hard,” said longtime paraeducator Cheryl Martinez, “but I’m just trying to enjoy it while it lasts.”


The sign outside the building displays the Breakfast Inn’s logo. Photo by Dominick Zangara.

South Denver’s beloved Breakfast Inn is closing its doors this weekend after nearly five decades of service. Known for its green chile, a model train whose track lines the wall and loyal regulars, the diner has been a neighborhood staple since 1976. Reporter Dominick Zangara spoke with staff and customers, many who are heartbroken by the closure. Its final day is Saturday, June 8, and this is your last chance to say goodbye.


The Weathervane Cafe’s entrance displays a “No Wi-Fi” sign. Taken on June 2, 2025, by Olivia Gryson.

At spots like Weathervane Cafe and Pablo’s Coffee, Wi-Fi is no longer on the menu. A growing number of local coffee shops are unplugging to create screen-free spaces where customers can slow down and engage more intentionally. It’s a shift toward community, not connectivity. Bucket List’s Olivia Gryson explores how these digital-free zones are reshaping café culture and drawing regulars looking for conversation over clicks. 


Brian Kusic, Ilasiea Gray and Anatasha Blakely in Josh Hartwell’s 24 Hour Plays production “All Stars,” directed by Marisa Hebert last year. Photo by Michael Ensminger.

Curious Theatre Company returns tonight with its second annual 24 Hour Plays fundraiser, featuring six short productions written, rehearsed and staged in just one day. Our Dylan Barbee pulls back the curtain on how this annual fundraiser keeps Curious creative and financially afloat. It’s a high-wire act blending pressure and performance in support of the company’s mission. Expect a whirlwind of bold choices and last-minute magic.


Colorado Adds Paid NICU Leave. New parents with infants in the NICU just got a boost in Colorado. Thanks to a new law signed by Governor Polis, families can now take up to 12 extra weeks of paid family leave to support medically fragile babies. The policy—the first of its kind in the country—reflects Colorado’s commitment to supporting working families. For sponsor Rep. Yara Zokaie, it was personal: she had to work from the hospital while her own child was in intensive care. Now, families in crisis won’t have to choose between bonding and a paycheck.

Pot Shop Boom Meets a Bust. Dispensaries have flooded Denver, but some neighborhoods have officially hit their limit. Five areas, including Northeast Park Hill, Baker, Five Points, Montbello and Valverde, are now closed to new marijuana businesses. The city says it’s about preserving local character, but insiders say it’s been survival of the fittest for years. With more competition and falling sales, Denver may be entering its first real cannabis recession. Whether that’s a correction or a warning sign depends on who you ask.

Rockies Break Record Losing Streak. The Colorado Rockies finally did it: they won a series. After 22 consecutive losses, they broke the drought in Miami this week with a three-win sweep over the Marlins. It’s been over a year since the Rockies swept a series. On May 15, 2024, the team was in the middle of a seven-game winning spree when they swept the San Diego Padres.  The win won’t fix the Rockies’ season, but hey, it’s something. 


Thanks to all of you who contributed to our Spring Fling fundraiser and helped us raise $6000.  Shout-out to Barb, Angela, Lisa, Monica and Catherine, who came in at the end. Our next campaign comes in December but you don’t have to wait until then to give. If you like a story, let us know with a small contribution. Your support helps us keep Bucket List going. On another note, please let us know what you think of our new weekly events newsletter and share your events. That’s it for now, Bucket Listers.  Be kind to one another and have a good weekend.


Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News




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Toni Tresca is the editor of Bucket List Community Cafe, a regular contributor to Denver Westword and Estes Valley Voice, and the host of the OnStage Colorado Podcast.

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