Happy Friday, Bucket Listers! It’s back to school, which means it’s time to introduce you to our fall team, that will be reporting for us between now and the end of the year. They come from CU Boulder, MSU Denver and DU and are the next generation of multimedia journalists. Bucket List Community News’s secret sauce is the interns and apprentices we mentor. They come to us as a first step in their careers to learn the skills required to hit the ground running in real-world newsrooms. Please join us in welcoming our new team. Now, let’s get to the news!
Welton Street Cafe Will Reopen Soon
When the Welton Street Cafe, a seminal Five Points soul food staple, announced it was closing to relocate, neighbors were concerned that the restaurant would not reopen. However, Fathima Dickerson, co-owner of Welton Street Cafe, told our Shaundrea Roberts during a tour of its new space that the restaurant would reopen after final inspections, which are scheduled to take place soon. Check out her story to learn more about the company’s difficult road to reopening and get an exclusive first look at the interior.
Animal Refuge Prepares for Climate Change
According to the Colorado Water Conservation Board, our state has warmed by +2.3°F between 1980 and 2022, with projections for even more severe changes in the coming decades. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City is working hard to protect the animals, particularly its newborns, from the heat. Our Aidan Sloan spoke with the Refuge’s staff and supporters about the steps being taken to mitigate the effects of climate change and where you have the best chance of seeing the babies.
Addiction Struggles Across Different Backgrounds
Roughly 11.7% of Colorado residents deal with substance abuse disorder. David Stadel and Acacia Bernstein are two people who, despite having very different backgrounds, struggled with and overcame addiction. Our Olivia Gryson interviewed both for a profile on how they rediscovered themselves through Denver treatment facilities on their road to hard-earned recovery.
Last Weekend to See “A Chorus Line”
Phamaly Theatre Company, Denver’s award-winning performance group that features people with disabilities, is currently celebrating its 35th anniversary by performing the classic 1975 musical “A Chorus Line.” After attending the show’s opening night, our Sadie Gonzales spoke with the creative team to learn more about how the show came together and how this production emphasizes each performer’s “individuality and uniqueness.”
96 Years of Western Welcome Week
Houstoun Waring, former editor of the Littleton Independent, hosted the party that started it all in 1928. What began as a celebration of the newspaper’s 40th anniversary has grown into a 10-day homecoming for current and former residents in Littleton. Our Jack Ramsey attended a musical extravaganza and spoke with some of the musicians who participated in the festivities.
Stuff We Noticed
Aurora has a new police chief. Aurora City Manager Jason Batchelor selected Todd Chamberlin, formerly of the Los Angeles Police Department, as the sixth new chief over the last decade that has been tapped to lead the troubled department. The APD has faced harsh criticism after police confrontations that led to the deaths of Elijah McClain, Kilyn Lewis and Jor’Dell Richardson. Chamberlain’s hiring is still pending approval by the Aurora City Council on August 26; however, he is expected to be sworn in on September 9.
Starting in January 2025, Denver property owners will most likely pay a $150 flat fee to help repair sidewalks. The fee stems from the Denver Deserves Sidewalks ballot initiative that voters approved in 2022. Property owners with more than 230 feet of sidewalk will pay an extra $3.50 for each additional foot. This measure still needs city council approval.
What was widely expected is now official: Bo Nix will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Nix has been tapped to lead the team in its first regular-season game against Seattle on September 8. Coach Sean Payton says Nix has been “outstanding.” He will become the first rookie quarterback starting in game one since John Elway back in 1983.
Looking ahead, we are excited to release a series of Bucket List Top 5 Guides in the coming weeks. Every Sunday, you will receive a new guide curated by one of our team members and filled with accessible, affordable things to do in the Denver area. With guide topics ranging from the best places for film buffs to authentic cultural food to how to best explore the city as an introvert, there is something for everyone, and nothing is too expensive. Keep an eye out for the release of these guides on Sundays beginning September 8, and if you know anyone who wants to sponsor them, please let us know so we can contact them.
That’s it for this week. Share your story ideas with Bucket List publisher Vicky Collins and editor Toni Tresca, encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up for our free newsletter, and consider contributing if you like what we are doing to bring free hyperlocal neighborly news to the community. Until next time and have a wonderful weekend!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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