This Is Aurora - City Newsletter - Feb. 25, 2021

 

 

Feb. 25, 2021

 

 

Independent investigative team releases report into 2019 death of Elijah McClain   Independent investigators tasked with reviewing the 2019 death of Elijah McClain released the results of their review to the city Feb. 22 and made a presentation to Aurora City Council. In the interest of transparency, city management publicly disclosed the findings immediately. The investigators will return to City Council at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, to take council questions. The meeting will be held virtually and will be publicly available at AuroraTV.org and Comcast Channels 8/880.   The City Council commissioned the independent investigation team in July 2020. The team, led by Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, was tasked to investigate the actions of police, firefighters and paramedics in response to the case and the subsequent investigation; create a factual timeline of events; review relevant policies, procedures and practices; and make recommendations to guide the city in the future.   This independent investigation is one of multiple ongoing investigations and reviews being conducted in response to the death of Mr. McClain. The Colorado Attorney General’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice and FBI are conducting a federal civil rights investigation. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is conducting a licensure investigation into the use of ketamine.   Previously, the District Attorney for the 17th Judicial District declined to pursue criminal charges against any public safety personnel involved in the case, and the Adams County coroner ruled the cause of death inconclusive. Aurora does not have authority or control over either office.   ·     Read the full investigative report ·     Watch the presentation to City Council ·     Watch a press conference with City Manager Jim Twombly, Police Chief Vanessa Wilson and Aurora Fire Rescue Chief Fernando Gray

 

 

Help shape the transportation goals of Arapahoe County To understand community priorities related to 24 key transportation corridors in Arapahoe County, a survey is gathering input to inform future multimodal improvements and priorities. Share your thoughts through March 19. Read more www.surveymonkey.com

 

Special e-cycling pricing available in 2021   To better serve the community and provide access to as many residents as possible, the city of Aurora’s 2021 e-cycling events will be held at Techno Rescue—the city’s e-cycling partner—at their Aurora facility.   Special event pricing for electronics recycling for Aurora residents and nonresidents will be available on the following dates: • March 1 to 13 • April 26 to May 8 • Aug. 30 to Sept. 11 • Dec. 27 to Jan. 8   The facility is located at 3251 Lewiston St., Suite 10. During event dates, Techno Rescue will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.   Most electronic items—desktop computers, laptops, cellphones, tablets, gaming equipment, consumer electronics and similar—are accepted. A fee of $5 will be charged per household/vehicle. Learn more, including pricing for additional select electronics, at AuroraGov.org.   As a reminder, electronics tossed in the trash not only cause serious environmental problems, but also are banned from landfills in Colorado. The city of Aurora’s e-cycling events are supported by Environment Aurora, a citywide effort to think green.

 

 

IN THE NEWS $41 million marijuana-funded rec center breaks ground in Aurora - 9News   Aurora could set up more safe-camping sites for homeless - Westword   School counselor, retired fire captain seated on Civil Service Commission - Sentinel Colorado

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UPCOMING EVENTS   Council Member Town Meetings Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. The format and structure of town meetings is virtual during the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and find information on how to join. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info." Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, March 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ward II (Nicole Johnston) - Thursday, March 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ward III (Marsha Berzins) - Wednesday, March 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Wednesday, March 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Wednesday, March 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, March 24, 6 to 8 p.m. At Large (Angela Lawson, Allison Hiltz, Curtis Gardner) - Thursday, March 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.   City Council Study Session (Virtual) Monday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. View this council study session online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880.   City Council Special Study Session (Virtual) Tuesday, March 2, 6 p.m. The City Council will ask questions of the independent investigative team that recently reviewed the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. View this council special study session online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880.   Mayor Mike Live Friday, Feb. 26, 3 p.m. City Controller Nancy Wishmeyer will join the mayor to talk about the city's use of CARES Act funding, and Aurora Golf Marketing Specialist K-Lo Rivale will discuss why there's never an off-season for hitting the links in Aurora. Join the conversation with your questions for the mayor or his guests. Facebook Live or AuroraTV.org   Gen Z Interpretation of the Letter from Birmingham Jail Thursday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m. Dr. Janiece Mackey, youth from YAASPA (Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism), and the Aurora branch of the NAACP will present on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic Letter from Birmingham Jail. Hosted by the Aurora Police Department and city of Aurora, and sponsored by ReACT (Responding to Aurora's Critical Topics). Available on Zoom (passcode 236467) or by calling in to 346.248.7799   Black Employees for a Better Aurora (BEFABA) Annual Black History Month Celebration Friday, Feb. 26, noon Join this annual celebration by the Black Employees for a Better Aurora (BEFABA) under the theme "The Black Family – Representation, Identity, and Diversity." To be entered into a drawing, please RSVP to befaba@auroragov.org. Available on Zoom starting at 11:45 (passcode 974597) or by calling in to 669.900.9128   "We Are A-Town!" Aurora Arts District Cleanup Saturday, Feb. 27, 8 to 11 a.m. Sponsored by The People's Building, this volunteer effort will clean up trash between Chester Street and Florence Street in Original Aurora. Information on Facebook   ComedySportz Live Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. The original improvised comedy competition is back. Attend the live show or stream it to your home. The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Click here for tickets   "The Pavilion" Feb. 26 to March 21 Do you remember your high school sweetheart? Are you ready to see them again at your reunion? After two decades of failed relationships, Peter returns to his high school reunion hoping to rekindle his romance with Kari, the girl he abandoned after an unexpected pregnancy. As the night progresses, both Peter and Kari face the consequences of choices made long ago...and the daunting prospect of starting again. Depending on the public health guidelines as opening day approaches, this production could be live or virtual. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9990 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets on sale now at AuroraFox.org   English for Medical Emergencies Wednesday, March 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Aurore Fire Rescue and Si La Bul are offering a four-part webinar series called English 911 for non-English speaking residents who feel as if they are not prepared to communicate in English during an emergency. The session is provided in English, and recordings with translated captions will be provided in following weeks. Join on Zoom   Day of Jubilee Friday, March 5, 4 to 5 p.m. Celebrate the Aurora Cultural Arts District every month on the first Friday with virtual events hosted by The People's Building. March features a live-captured music set from the Daryl Gott Jazz Quartet and a virtual, 360-degree gallery exhibition from the whimsical graphic artist Joe Murray of Auberon Design. Join on Facebook   PPP Forgiveness Q&A with a CPA Thursday, March 11, 9 to 11 a.m. Ask questions of a CPA concerning forgiveness of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Round 1,and ask questions about the current PPP Round 2. Part of the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center's Leading Edge webinar series. No cost. Register online   COVID-19 Testing Sites Through March 30 Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required. Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park   Religious Diversity in Aurora Exhibit Online through May 2021 The Aurora History Museum is showcasing and celebrating the wide variety of faiths and religious experiences of Aurorans in the new exhibit “Religious Diversity in Aurora.” Explore photos of over 140 houses of worship in the city and learn about other people’s beliefs and traditions.  Free online exhibit at Aurora History Museum webpage

 

 

 

 

 

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