Memorials to Christopher Columbus are coming down across the United States, but the one in Pueblo will stay up for now. Mayor Nick Gradisar had a Community Connections Event Friday, with the memorial in Mesa Junction a big topic. Demonstrations have been held there in recent weeks, with protesters calling for its removal while the city's Italian community wants it to stay.

Mayor Gradisar said he isn't sure the city government can or should find a solution for the statue. "As I said I am not going to defend Christopher Columbus. I haven't read much about him, but I think it is about that immigrant spirit and the fact that the Italian community put that up to support the immigrants at a time when it was important to do so in 1905," said Gradisar.