EDITOR’S NOTE The following “Love Letters to Pueblo” were written by students who participated in a workshop organized by Natassia Rivera of the Pre-Collegiate Support and Success Center, University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
“It is basically us encouraging 8th grade students to find a sense of pride in their community,” Ms. Rivera said of the writing workshop held in Pueblo on Feb. 28, 2025.
La Cucaracha received a dozen handwritten letters and edited them down to seven using a various criteria: legibility, quality of writing, and basic grammar, penmanship, punctuation and capitalization. That said, they were edited for clarity and accuracy, but their personal style was left intact.
Dear Pueblo,
Pueblo is home to many, housing great minds and opportunity. Many families live in and love Pueblo. Pueblo’s history makes here a special place. Pueblo keeps families, education, and all you need in one simple, but loving city.
Pueblo houses our zoo, which has many animals to see and learn about. Habitats and nature are shown and guide our minds. The zoo has been a fixture of many childhood field trips. The Riverwalk has many memories and learning opportunities. It shows our heroes and why we’re known as “Home of the Heroes.” Many lives have a foundation there. Many who served for our countries, their families have their memories there. The food is and shows many traditions and memories combined.
So, as we look through a glass eye and glance, travel too, through Pueblo’s history, places, and the monumental stretches our city had to take. Pueblo has brought us all together, creating families, traditions and culture in a simple and loving city.
Kind regards, Esperanza Saiz
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Dear Pueblo,
My whole life I have spent in Pueblo, so it has a very special place in my heart. It’s not just a place, it’s the people, culture and history. This is what makes Pueblo…Pueblo. It’s all one big river that connectsto the downtown streets of the river walk, to the reservoir we used to spend all summer in. So thank you to my home town Pueblo.
Sincerely,
Jair Perez Vasquez
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Dear, Pueblo, Colorado,
First, I would like to start off by thanking you for all of the opportunities you have provided for me and my family, my fella peers and the whole city. Your culture and support has made me who I am today.
I am proud to be from Pueblo because of the Mexican/Latino culture. The art of Pueblo and its people and places is one of the best parts about Pueblo. Like Rita’s and Nachos Mexican restaurants and the nature and wildlife, the Chile Festival, Cactus Flower and river walk.
Sincerely, Lucas E. Car…
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My dearest Pueblo,
I love this town of Pueblo. I do. I owe myself to Pueblo. The main thing I love about this small city is the way I feel when I walk the streets. I am so very proud to be from Pueblo. It made me the well-rounded person I am today. I wouldn’t be in the environment I am in now without Pueblo. I truly do hope that Pueblo continues to grow into a place where later generations can be proud to come from here as well.
Love
Presi Jo Valdez
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Dear Pueblo
You are my home, the only place I’ve ever lived. You’re not perfect, but who is? You’re unique in your own way.
I volunteer at the Rosemont Museum. It is beautiful and interesting. First of all, Mr. Thatcher, who lived at Rosemont, was the first person to open a store and bank in Pueblo.
The Fair is fun, and exciting, one of the best things to do in Pueblo. Hanging out with friends, the fun never ends.
But, my favorite place of all is the Riverwalk — calm, beautiful and peaceful. It makes we feel at a home. The medal of honor’s are there too. Four people in Pueblo have received one.
To wrap up this letter, I want to say ‘goodbye’ but this is not the end, just the beginning of my journey through Pueblo.
Sincerely, Joey McDonald
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Dear Pueblo,
I love the food provided in this city. There is an abundance of Mexican food to enjoy but there is also little bit of Asian and White foods, however, there is a major lack of Soul food in this city.
I hope Pueblo continues to try to improve. There used to be a massive problem with red-lining due to the floods in the lower parts of Pueblo. Although, I have seen an improvement of diversity in just the span of my time in this city.
I am proud to live in Pueblo because I believe that it is a good city. I may be living with only my mother in the cheapest duplex in the city, but I will always be grateful for my parents. I know that (they) think that they failed me in some way, but I have a roof over my head, and that’s all I need. I will never forget that I’m not homeless and I don’t live in a third-world country.
I believe that people need to be thankful for what they have, or they will never be happy with who they are.
A citizen, Ben Garnier
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Dear Pueblo People,
I appreciate the programs you provide for elementary and middle and high-school students. I am currently in the Pueblo Pre-Collegiate Program and I am grateful ya’ll help make this program possible. This program has helped me learn so much about college and many more helpful tips just for life, like resumes etc.
I also appreciate the events you hold for this town that makes it just a little bit better than what is. It brings the community together and provides an opportunity to be a part of the community and participate with others. Such as the fairs you guys hold. They really do provide so much and I thank you guys.
I would also love to thank ya’ll for the food places you provide. You guys have a great food like Adolfo’s and 3 Margaritas. Also love how Pueblo’s food is mainly freshly picked and fresh. This makes the food 10 times better. Thanks ya’ll so much. Also curious if you can add a Chubbies to Pueblo.
Thank you guys for all you do for our community. It really affects how this town’s environment is and although it can be improved, I am very grateful for how it is now.
Sincerely, Jace Perea
