AURORA | Aurora drew the local and national spotlight this year on several occasions.
The big news flashed across national TV screens about Aurora has not been good.
While media interest has focused on the city’s homelessness problem, yet another police chief, jail time for walking out on a $15 restaurant tab and even an $80 million water deal near Rocky Ford, Colorado, one story stood out above all others this year.
Aurora became synonymous with Venezuelan gang crime over the summer, culminating in then-presidential hopeful Donald Trump holding a political rally in the city, focusing on threats of mass deportation. The controversy has only grown, exploding again this week with allegations of Venezuelan immigrants torturing other immigrants and immigrant rights activists saying local police are bungling enforcement in a part of the city long stricken by poverty and related issues.
Read on for those and other highlights in Aurora news during the last 12 months as 2024 comes to an end, with few of the city’s biggest stories also coming to conclusion.
Aurora faces ongoing immigrant and slum apartment crisis amidst political backlash and mismanagement claims
A growing crime, rental and immigration crisis in Aurora continues to draw attention, with one property management company, CBZ Management, facing significant scrutiny over its mismanagement of three apartment complexes.
Despite claims by CBZ and local political figures, including Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky, that the issues were linked to the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, city officials, tenants, and activists are pointing to the company’s neglect and the city’s ongoing challenges with code enforcement.
The national controversy erupted again last week when police said Venezuelan gang members “tortured” residents of a notorious northwest Aurora apartment reigniting repeatedly disputed claims that some apartment buildings and parts of Aurora are overrun by gangs.
Police said some buildings have long experienced a wide variety of crime and gang violence, but that the vast majority of apartments and neighborhoods are safe.
CBZ Management owns several blighted complexes in Aurora, including Aspen Grove, which has been the subject of over 100 code violations. The city’s code enforcement team has struggled to address chronic issues, including infestations, dangerous electrical and plumbing problems, and unsafe living conditions. In August, the city was forced to shut down Aspen Grove due to its hazardous state, displacing hundreds of residents.
While Jurinsky and some conservative figures have suggested that criminal activity, specifically by Tren de Aragua, is to blame for the deterioration of these properties, investigations and records from the city suggest otherwise. The violations at Aspen Grove date back several years, long before any alleged gang-related issues surfaced. Critics argue that the focus on external threats detracts from the real problem – the failure of landlords like CBZ to maintain their properties.
Aurora’s housing situation has been exacerbated by staffing shortages in the city’s Housing and Community Services Department. In 2008, there were 24 inspectors, but today only 18 remain to inspect a growing population of over 400,000 people. The department is struggling to keep up with inspections, and without sufficient staff, properties are often left unchecked for years. Aurora’s rental properties, which make up nearly 40% of the city’s housing stock, are in desperate need of better oversight.
Former City Councilmember Juan Marcano has long advocated for stronger regulations to hold landlords accountable. In 2023, he proposed a residential rental licensing program that would have required property owners to undergo inspections and pay annual fees, which would have funded additional inspectors. The program aimed to address the city’s housing crisis by ensuring more frequent inspections and better enforcement of building codes. However, the proposal was rejected by the City Council in November 2023, with opponents, including Jurinsky, citing concerns over insufficient stakeholder input.
Jurinsky and other council members, including Mayor Mike Coffman, argue that existing enforcement efforts are sufficient, dismissing the need for additional regulations. This stance has been met with frustration from activists and tenants, who point to the ongoing issues at Aspen Grove and other CBZ properties. Tenants have described living in deplorable conditions, including broken heating systems, mold, and infestations of rats and cockroaches.
In the face of this inaction, community groups like United for a New Economy (UNE) continue to push for changes. UNE, which has worked with tenants in the area, believes that a landlord registry would provide more accountability and transparency for both landlords and tenants, improving overall living conditions. Similar programs in other cities, such as Denver, have been credited with holding property owners accountable and improving the quality of rental housing.
As CBZ’s legal troubles continue, with the company facing lawsuits and unpaid fines, the city’s failure to implement stronger measures to protect renters remains a point of contention. Marcano and other advocates argue that the city’s reluctance to adopt stronger laws reflects a prioritization of political donations and developer interests over the well-being of residents.
“This conversation is long overdue,” said Marcano. “Instead of protecting the people living in these properties, the council has chosen to defend the slumlords.”
With the city’s rental crisis ongoing and no immediate solutions in sight, community activists vow to continue fighting for more protections for renters. As the debate over landlord accountability continues, many are left wondering how many more families will suffer before change comes to Aurora’s rental housing system.
Aurora’s new police chief must navigate a divided city council
Aurora’s newest police chief, Todd Chamberlain, said he aims to bring much-needed stability to a department plagued by leadership turnover.
Chamberlain, a former Los Angeles Police commander, is the city’s seventh chief in five years, and local officials, police officers, and social justice advocates hope he can provide a steady hand.
He was appointed in September.
Despite his confidence, Chamberlain faces a challenging environment. Aurora’s police department has been under scrutiny due to a state-mandated consent decree, which was imposed after investigations into patterns of excessive force, particularly against people of color. Social justice groups are concerned about Chamberlain’s appointment, citing the lack of public vetting and his past connections to LAPD during a time of similar controversies.
Chamberlain’s leadership will be tested by the city council’s divided stance on police reforms and ongoing investigations into police violence.
Raging controversy over Venezuelan immigrant issues in northwest Aurora have been consuming. While Chamberlain promises to address police misconduct and engage with the community, the department’s high turnover rate, staffing shortages, and the city’s polarized views on reform could make his tenure difficult, city officials say.
Aurora paramedic sentenced to 5 years in prison after conviction in Elijah McClain case gets probation instead
A former Aurora paramedic convicted in the death of Elijah McClain, a Black man whose name became emblematic of the 2020 social justice movement, was released from prison in September after a judge reduced his sentence to from five years in prison to four years of probation.
The decision marked a pivotal and contentious chapter in a case that drew national attention.
Judge Mark Warner reduced the sentence of Peter Cichuniec, who was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and second-degree assault in the death of McClain.
Warner cited “unusual and extenuating circumstances” under Colorado law, which allows for sentence modifications after at least 119 days in prison. He noted Cichuniec’s lack of a criminal record, good character, and long-standing career as a firefighter and paramedic.
Cichuniec, who served as the highest-ranking paramedic at the scene, faced challenges in making rapid decisions the night McClain was restrained and injected with ketamine. Warner stated that the case had already sent a message to paramedics nationwide, creating a deterrent effect.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions.
Police reform advocate Candice Bailey, who played a role in raising awareness about McClain’s death, expressed dismay at the reduced sentence.
“When you’re talking about a life being taken… and then we see something like a sentence being vacated… it is absolutely mind-boggling to me,” Bailey said.
Meanwhile, supporters of Cichuniec welcomed the decision.
“Pete is coming home!” they exclaimed after the ruling. The International Association of Fire Fighters, which had opposed Cichuniec’s conviction, also expressed relief. Edward Kelly, the organization’s president, stated, “Pete Cichuniec did not belong behind bars.”
Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old massage therapist, died after a confrontation with Aurora police in 2019. Responding to a call about a “suspicious person,” officers restrained McClain using a neck hold. Paramedics, including Cichuniec, later injected him with ketamine to subdue him, which prosecutors argued was administered without consent or medical necessity. McClain’s final words, “I can’t breathe,” became a haunting echo of those spoken by George Floyd a year later.
Cichuniec and his fellow paramedic, Jeremy Cooper, were convicted in December 2022. Cooper received a lighter sentence of 14 months in jail with work release and probation. The use of ketamine in McClain’s case has since sparked widespread scrutiny and raised ethical questions about its application by emergency medical personnel.
The case has sent shock waves through the medical and emergency response communities, with concerns over the legal liability of paramedics in critical situations. Critics argue that the conviction set a chilling precedent, while advocates for justice in McClain’s death see the prosecution as a necessary measure of accountability.
Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser, who led the state’s investigation into McClain’s death, expressed disappointment with the reduced sentence but respected the court’s decision. “This case was about holding individuals accountable and ensuring justice for Elijah McClain,” Weiser stated.
McClain’s mother, Sheneen McClain, who has been a vocal advocate for her son’s memory, declined to comment on the reduced sentence. In March, when the original sentence was handed down, she celebrated outside the courtroom, raising her fist in solidarity.
Elijah McClain’s death remains a focal point in discussions about racial justice, police accountability, and the ethical responsibilities of emergency responders. The case spurred legislative changes in Colorado, including limits on ketamine use by paramedics and reforms in law enforcement practices.
The case became a focal point of reform among Aurora police, being key to a consent decree being imposed by the Colorado attorney general on the department.
Cichuniec’s release from a northeastern Colorado prison underscores the ongoing debate about justice and fairness in high-profile cases involving police and emergency personnel. While some view the reduced sentence as a correction of judicial overreach, others see it as a failure to uphold accountability for the death of an innocent man.
The case has left a lasting impact, both locally and nationally, as communities continue to grapple with questions of justice, public safety, and systemic reform.
Aurora’s homelessness services undergo changes as temporary shelters close
Aurora is navigating a significant transformation in its homelessness services as it prepares for the 2025 opening of its Regional Navigation Campus. The $40 million initiative will centralize services and provide shelter for single adults, marking a pivot toward Mayor Mike Coffman’s “work-first” approach. This strategy emphasizes employment and sobriety commitments for access to permanent housing resources.
The city’s annual Point in Time census identified approximately 700 homeless individuals, though advocates suggest the actual numbers are higher. Aurora has already begun consolidating services, including the closure of several temporary shelters like the Pallet housing locations at Chambers and Peoria. These closures displaced 100-150 individuals, with the Salvation Army assisting many in transitioning to temporary or permanent housing.
The Navigation Campus is located on a 13-acre site purchased for $26.5 million, with renovations underway. Advance Inc., the selected contractor, has signed a $2 million annual operating agreement to manage the campus, while also operating the Aurora Day Center as an interim measure. Beginning in January 2025, single adults will use the Navigation Campus for overnight stays, although full operations are expected later that year.
Aurora’s service overhaul coincides with the implications of the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling, which allows cities to enforce bans on public sleeping without the prior requirement of available shelter options. The city council is reviewing amendments to align ordinances with this decision, potentially reducing the 72-hour notice period for clearing encampments. Outreach teams will continue to provide resources before enforcement, supported by Aurora Police officers trained in empathy and de-escalation tactics.
As funding shifts, Aurora has prioritized families, allocating over $1.1 million to non-Navigation Campus homelessness services for 2025. The Aurora Housing Authority received $500,000 for rapid rehousing and rental assistance programs. Additional grants support family shelters, cold-weather outreach, and domestic violence services. However, overall funding has declined due to the depletion of marijuana tax revenue and pandemic-era funds.
Aurora remains committed to balancing the needs of diverse populations, focusing on sustainable housing solutions while navigating legal and financial constraints.
Aurora’s domestic violence case proposal sparks debate amid resource concerns
A controversial proposal to shift Aurora’s domestic violence cases from municipal to county courts is underway, targeting the change for the middle of next year.
However, critics argue the plan could strain county resources and delay justice for victims.
The initiative, spearheaded by former Councilmember Dustin Zvonek, is primarily a response to pending state legislation that would ban cities from using flat-fee contracts to provide public defenders for indigent clients in such cases. Zvonek framed the proposal as a cost-saving measure and a potential step toward privatizing the Aurora Public Defender Office.
“The Legislature is trying to hamstring local governments and our ability to control costs,” Zvonek said during a May 9 council committee meeting. He emphasized the city’s need to prioritize taxpayer-funded initiatives.
Zvonek stepped down from the city council citing issues linked to family and his employment.
Since the 1980s, Aurora has prosecuted domestic violence cases in its municipal court, citing concerns about counties prioritizing other matters. Currently, the caseload costs the city approximately $3 million annually. Zvonek’s proposal aims to pass those cases—around 1,600 annually—onto Arapahoe and Adams counties.
County officials have expressed significant apprehension. Arapahoe County spokesperson Anders Nelson reported that an additional 1,588 cases annually would triple the domestic violence caseload for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, requiring $2.45 million in additional funding and expanded courtroom space. Without financial support, Nelson warned, delays would be inevitable.
“The timelines would get pushed back,” he said. “I think it’s not necessarily that they would fall through the cracks, but the timeliness would be impacted.”
Similarly, the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which serves Adams County, indicated it would need immediate resources to handle the influx of cases.
Advocates for domestic violence victims voiced fears about the impact of delayed prosecutions. Karmen Carter, executive director of Gateway Domestic Violence Services, said county courts might struggle to maintain the level of attention currently provided by Aurora.
“I just think fewer cases will get heard because there’s less resources at the county level,” Carter said. “I’m concerned about victims getting lost in this process.”
Zvonek responded to concerns by pledging to involve stakeholders in the transition process if the proposal advances.
The proposal is driven by House Bill 24-1437, passed earlier this year into law.
The measure prohibits cities from using flat-fee contracts for public defenders starting in July 2025. Zvonek argued that the legislation leaves Aurora with little choice but to consider privatizing its public defender services.
Council conservatives, including Danielle Jurinsky, framed the proposal as aligning with how most Colorado cities handle domestic violence cases.
“I don’t really think this is up for conversation,” Jurinsky said during the May 9 meeting. “I support this wholeheartedly.”
Zvonek emphasized that counties routinely prosecute domestic violence cases and questioned why Aurora’s approach should differ. “This isn’t some novel idea; this is the way it works,” he said.
The proposal comes amidst longstanding debates over the Aurora Public Defender Office. In late 2022, Zvonek sponsored a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from private law firms to handle public defense. Despite assurances that the process would end if no bids were received, critics accused council conservatives of targeting the office for political reasons.
While no bids were submitted by the March deadline, Jurinsky later suggested that the council would continue exploring privatization.
Critics of the proposal, including Nelson and Carter, stressed the importance of addressing resource gaps before shifting prosecutions to counties. City documents previously highlighted that prosecuting domestic violence locally spares victims from traveling to distant courthouses and ensures better case management.
Zvonek downplayed concerns about delays, asserting that district attorneys already prosecute such cases successfully for most Colorado cities. He argued that transferring cases would not diminish penalties or justice for victims.
Aurora’s debate over domestic violence prosecutions highlights a complex balance of fiscal responsibility, victim advocacy, and judicial efficiency. As the proposal advances, it remains unclear whether counties will receive the resources needed to accommodate the increased caseload, leaving many to question its potential impact on justice for survivors.
Aurora City Council increases mandatory jail and sentence minimums for theft, dine-and-dash
Aurora’s City Council, in a sharply divided session in March, enacted new laws on mandatory minimum jail sentences for theft.
The council approved enhanced penalties for repeat shoplifters and dine-and-dash offenses, lowering the shoplifting threshold for mandatory jail time from $300 to $100. Repeat offenders now face 90 to 180 days in jail depending on prior convictions. The measures passed 7-3 along partisan lines, with conservatives asserting the changes would deter theft, while progressives criticized the lack of data on costs and efficacy.
Aurora presses for $80 million water deal in Arkansas River Valley they say will preserve farm land
The City of Aurora advanced an $80 million deal in March to secure access to more than 7 billion gallons of water from the Arkansas River every decade while preserving agricultural activity on a 4,806-acre farm in Otero County. The arrangement, which city officials tout as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional “buy-and-dry” practices, would allow Aurora to periodically tap water rights from the property without permanently removing it from agricultural use.
As of Dec. 22, a deal had not yet been signed.
Aurora Water officials emphasize that the deal represents a sustainable approach to water resource management. Instead of leaving farmland barren, as in past buy-and-dry agreements, Aurora will lease the property to C&A Companies to continue cultivating crops when water is not being diverted.
“This is not what municipalities have traditionally done,” said Marshall Brown, Aurora Water’s general manager. “We’re infusing stability into the agricultural future of this farming area.”
C&A Companies plans to grow smaller grains, hay, and alfalfa on the land, employing local workers and ensuring economic activity even during dry years. Aurora will use the water rights no more than once a year and only three times per decade, withdrawing up to 7,500 acre-feet (approximately 2.4 billion gallons) per diversion. Restrictions also limit the city’s access to the water when its reservoirs are more than 60% full.
The Lower Arkansas Valley has long been a source of water for cities along Colorado’s Front Range, often at the expense of rural communities. Past buy-and-dry deals, including some by Aurora, have left farmland abandoned, causing economic and environmental stress.
Otero County commissioner Tim Knabenshue acknowledged the community’s mixed feelings, noting concerns about potential dry-up scenarios despite assurances from Aurora. He pledged to monitor the deal for any adverse effects, such as property tax increases or land degradation.
Karl Nyquist of C&A Companies downplayed concerns, predicting minimal economic impact from the periodic water diversions. He also indicated the company could rely on alternative water sources during Aurora’s dry years to maintain crop production.
Under the agreement, proceeds from leasing the farm to C&A will help replenish Aurora’s reserves spent on the purchase. City water resource manager Rick Kienitz highlighted that the arrangement supports agricultural continuity, even during dry years, by maintaining employment and mitigating issues like weed growth and dust.
In the past, Aurora has implemented measures to counter the negative effects of buy-and-dry, including funding drip irrigation systems and restoring native grasses. Officials describe the Otero County deal as another step toward balancing urban needs with rural sustainability.
“This is a win-win for us on the agricultural side,” Nyquist said, pointing to the continued viability of farming operations in the area.
Aurora’s water withdrawals will be stored in the Pueblo Reservoir and exchanged for water in Twin and Turquoise Lakes, using pipelines to transport the resource to the city. Aurora officials said the deal is not expected to significantly impact water rates for customers.
“If not completely non-existent, it would be so minimal they would never see it,” Brown assured.
This agreement marks Aurora’s latest effort to secure water for its growing population while addressing the challenges of sustainability and rural economic stability. As Colorado faces increasing water demands and climate pressures, the deal could serve as a model for municipalities balancing urban expansion with the preservation of agricultural communities.
File Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado
Aurora lawmaker Iman Jodeh, activist Maya Wheeler seek state Senate seat vacated by Janet Buckner
Aurora Democratic State Rep. Iman Jodeh has announced her candidacy in November for the state Sen. District 29 seat, which is being vacated by state Sen. Janet Buckner.
Longtime Aurora activist Maya Wheeler has also bid for the seat.
Jodeh, who is the first Muslim and Palestinian American elected to the Colorado General Assembly, has spent her career advocating for the rights of immigrants and other vulnerable communities. She is known for her work in extending eviction processes from 48 hours to 10 days and establishing the state Office of New Americans as a hub for immigrants seeking to navigate life in Colorado.
Wheeler, a former candidate for Aurora City Council and state House, launched the Wezesha Dada Center, a non-profit group focused on providing women, teens and children of color with education and other resources to allow them to navigate their personal and professional lives.
Buckner’s resignation raises concerns about vacancy committee selections over traditional elections.
Amsalu Kassaw, an Ethiopian immigrant and ICE employee, was appointed to Aurora City Council’s at-large seat.
Aurora City Council appointed ICE immigration agency employee Amsalu Kassaw in December to fill a vacant at-large city council seat, making him the first minority immigrant resident to serve on the council. Kassaw, who immigrated from Ethiopia, brings a unique perspective and background to the council, and his appointment marks a significant milestone for Aurora’s diverse community as the city council wants to embrace broader representation within the city’s leadership. The vacancy arose after former Councilmember Dustin Zvonek resigned on Oct. 31, citing family obligations and a new professional role at a political lobbying firm. Kassaw will serve the remainder of Zvonek’s term, which runs through next fall.
Aurora’s new “three-strike” traffic law has led to nearly 300 cars being impounded since October
Aurora’s new “three-strike” traffic law has resulted in almost 300 cars being impounded since October, with the majority of the violations being fake temporary license plates. The law requires police to tow and impound vehicles of drivers who are simultaneously committing three traffic offenses behind the wheel: no driver’s license, no proof of insurance, and no valid license plate. The violators are required to present proof of registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license within 30 days, or their vehicles will be seized and sold at a police auction.
Aurora voters repeal a 20-year-old pit bull ban
Aurora voters on Nov. 5 repealed a 20-year-old ban on pit bull dogs. The ban was initially enacted in 2005 with some leniency for people the city had previously issued a license, but in 2014, voters approved a referendum to keep the ban. However, in 2021, Aurora City Council approved the removal of dog breed restrictions from the city ordinance. The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a lawsuit by a resident, leading to the current vote. Veterinarians argue that breed-specific bans result in more dogs being brought to shelters and make it difficult to find new homes for them.
Aurora Public Schools’ bond and capital mill levy measures pass with healthy margin
Aurora Public Schools’ capital mill levy 5A and bond 5B have were approved by voters Nov. 5 with a healthy margin, providing funding for the district to improve infrastructure, enhance learning environments, and expand educational programming. The measures will not increase property taxes, and the no-charge bond and mill levy is possible due to a previous bond issue ending. The $1 billion bond program will invest in improving and enhancing school facilities, infrastructure, and technology across the Aurora School District, while the capital mill levy will free up money from the general fund to pay for ongoing building maintenance and smaller-scale improvements.
Cherry Creek mill levy and bond issues passing by wide margin
Voters passed both Cherry Creek mill levy and bond issue have comfortable margins Nov. 5. The package includes a $9 million mill levy increase and a $950 million bond issue, which would cost residents less than $15 monthly for the average home in Arapahoe County, valued at $500,000. The funds will be used for safety, innovation, teacher pay, student mental health support, and building maintenance. The district is facing more than $300 million in deferred maintenance needs due to budget reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arapahoe County’s de-Brucing measure passes with overwhelming support
Arapahoe County voters approved a “de-Brucing” measure Nov. 5 to keep more property taxes collected from its residents, which are currently limited by state tax restrictions. The measure will eliminate the Arapahoe County revenue cap set by TABOR, allowing the county to keep up to an additional $72 million per year from property taxes. The measure will not raise taxes but allows the county to keep all current taxes collected from property owners in the county. The county hopes the additional revenue will help it avert or reduce cuts to some essential services.
Family of Kilyn Lewis continues protests after DA, Aurora police clear APD officer in fatal shooting during arrest
Aurora police officer Michael Dieck did not violate police policy when he fatally shot Kilyn Lewis during his arrest May 23, according Aurora police. The shooting has prompted a review of all SWAT operations and functions, and Dieck has returned to work in the Electronic Support Section of the department. The family of Lewis has for months criticized the department for what they deem as the wrongful police shooting of an unarmed Black man and a preventable death. The family has also criticized the department for not providing unedited and all body cam video from the shooting. Weeks before the Aurora police decision, District Attorney John Kellner decided that Aurora police officer Dieck would not face criminal charges for fatally shooting Lewis. Kellber said a grand jury declined to hear the case.
Remembering Preston Porter Jr.: A dark chapter in Colorado’s history resurfaces
Nestled on the eastern plains of Colorado, the small town of Limon serves as the backdrop for a story of profound racial injustice. A metro-area organization, participating in a national project, continues to to press for healing, and changes.
Over a century ago, on Nov. 16, 1900, a tragic act of racial terror unfolded when 15-year-old Preston John Porter Jr., a Black teenager, was lynched before a crowd of more than 300 people.
This year, a renewed effort by the Colorado Lynching Memorial Project seeks to commemorate Porter’s life and address the historical wounds of racial violence.
Porter, who worked alongside his father and brother on railroad construction, was accused of the rape and murder of Louise Frost, a 12-year-old white farm girl from Limon. Despite their denials, Porter and his family were arrested in Denver. During his detention, Porter was subjected to four days of torture in a sweatbox and coerced into confessing under threats to his family. Without due process, Porter was sent back to Limon by train. Upon arrival, a mob abducted him, tied him to a railroad tie, and burned him alive.
For many years, the story of Porter’s lynching remained largely unknown outside of Limon.
Jovan Mays, an Aurora educator and coalition member of the Colorado Lynching Memorial Project, emphasizes the importance of bringing such stories to light. “Preston’s story validates the fears and struggles Black men face even today,” Mays said, reflecting on the historical trauma tied to racial violence.
The Colorado Lynching Memorial Project, in partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative, has spearheaded efforts to document and memorialize racial terror lynchings in the state. This initiative uncovered seven such cases between 1867 and 1902. In Porter’s honor, coalition members conducted a soil dedication ceremony, collecting soil from sites significant to his ordeal and delivering it to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.
Judy Ollman, a founding member of the memorial project, spoke about the shock many feel upon learning of Porter’s story. “Most people are just completely shocked that this could have happened in Colorado,” she said.
Despite these efforts, gaining local support in Limon has been challenging. Attempts to establish a historical marker and initiate an essay contest in the town have been met with resistance or silence. Some residents, particularly older generations, view the story as a stain on their community’s history.
Lucille Reimer, director of the Limon library, acknowledged this hesitation. “I think they feel it gives them a black eye because that’s not how they want to be known, as a lynch mob,” she said.
Advocates like Dara Ollman believe storytelling and the arts hold the key to overcoming resistance. “I would like to see storytelling done through all the arts—plays, music, interactive art experiences,” she said, noting the transformative power of creative engagement in fostering understanding.
In Denver, the project successfully initiated an essay contest, encouraging students to research Porter’s story and other instances of racial injustice. This initiative aims to connect historical events to ongoing conversations about racial equity and justice.
Porter’s story has become a symbol of resilience and a rallying point for justice and equality. “Taking soil through the airport, knowing it represented Preston’s story, was one of the most profound experiences of my life,” Mays said, describing the soil dedication ceremony. For many, it was both a funeral and a celebration of a life cut tragically short.
As the Colorado Lynching Memorial Project moves forward, its members remain committed to preserving the stories of other victims of racial terror lynchings across the state. By confronting these painful histories, the project seeks to inspire a deeper understanding of America’s past and foster a more just future.
FROM PRAIRIE DOGS TO PRACTICUMS: Community College of Aurora turns 40
The Community College of Aurora celebrated four decades of growth and educational impact in May, looking back on its beginnings while embracing a future of continued growth and expansion.
Founded in 1983 following decades of advocacy from local leaders, the college has become a cornerstone of higher education in Aurora, Colorado. The college’s mission, centered on providing accessible education to a diverse community, has remained a guiding principle, particularly under the leadership of current President Mordecai Brownlee.
Appointed 18 months ago, Brownlee brings a passion for student success and a strategic vision for the institution’s future. His focus on educational empowerment is evident in his leadership style, emphasizing both academic achievement and community involvement. “I see every challenge as an opportunity,” he told the Sentinel, highlighting his goal of enhancing the college’s role as an economic driver in the region. His infectious personality and signature bow tie have made him a recognizable figure in Aurora, where he has become deeply involved in local life.
Brownlee’s arrival marks a new chapter for CCA, one that builds on the foundation laid by earlier leaders. Former CCA President Betsy Oudenhoven believes Brownlee is the right leader to guide the college into its next phase, particularly in expanding its reach and fostering diverse, inclusive learning environments. Brownlee’s appointment was seen as a response to challenges facing the college, including declining enrollment, and a desire for leadership that could attract new partnerships and revitalize the institution’s standing.
The college has come a long way since its early days, with notable achievements such as its acclaimed film school, ranked among the best in the nation. One of CCA’s most enduring symbols of progress is its commitment to student success, a value that continues to shape its programs. The college has made significant strides in responding to the needs of an increasingly diverse community, furthering its reputation as a vital resource for the region.
A recent symbolic moment for CCA was the opening of a time capsule that had been sealed in 1991. The capsule contained items from the early days of the college, including a VHS tape, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure, and a plaque from the first graduating class. The items reflected a snapshot of the world in 1991—when the college was just a decade old—and served as a reminder of how far the institution has come. The contents of the time capsule also spoke to broader societal changes, from the end of the Cold War to the rise of the internet.
Looking ahead, CCA continues to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education. As part of its forward-looking approach, the college recently assembled a new time capsule to represent the year 2020. Among the items placed inside were masks and hand sanitizer, items that became iconic during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as emails from college leadership navigating the crisis. The new time capsule will be opened in 2050, allowing future generations to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the current era.
Despite the changes, CCA’s campus has retained much of its original characteristics, with long-standing structures and a familiar atmosphere that has been shaped by decades of growth. As the college looks toward its future, the sense of community and continuity that has defined its past remains central to its mission of serving the educational needs of Aurora.