Boulder County District Attorney’s Office releases in-depth disparity analysis
The Boulder County District Attorney’s (DA) Office, in collaboration with Prosecutor Performance Indicators (PPI), the Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab and seven other DA’s offices, released on Feb. 15 a disparity analysis in the name of building a more transparent and equitable justice system. The analysis took data between March 2020 and June 2022 to review disparities and disproportionality of prosecutorial decisions in the Boulder County DA’s Office.
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty says gathering this data and using it to improve the justice system is his office’s top priority.
“This is exactly what we should be doing — pulling the curtain back on the justice system and addressing issues that exist,” he says.
Colorado is the only state in the country where all DA’s offices share the same case management system. In addition to local data, this enables the collection of statewide data and trends.
Some of the key takeaways from the analysis include Black defendants receiving deferred judgments at a lower rate and having an increased dismissal rate, and Hispanic defendants having a higher rate of incarceration.
Moving forward, the Boulder County DA’s Office will continue its DEI and implicit bias training, in addition to increasing training for staff on systemic drivers of disproportionality and disparity.
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles to warn vehicle owners of defective airbags
In mid-February, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue letters about vehicles that have been recalled due to defective airbags.
Nearly 25 deaths have been confirmed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) across the U.S. from airbags that have exploded when deployed, “potentially shooting sharp metal fragments at the driver and passengers.” Hundreds of people claim to have been injured by this defect.
The State estimates there are more than 66,000 vehicles with defective airbags still on the road.
The letter will urge recipients to schedule immediate free recall repairs. To check for open recalls, use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs hosts session on Housing Recovery Program
Marshall ROC, a coalition aimed at helping those affected by the Marshall Fire, is partnering with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for a public education session on DOLA’s Housing Recovery program, held virtually on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6-7:30 p.m.
The session will give an overview of the program, clarify eligibility, explain how to apply and address frequently asked questions.
The Housing Recovery program is for community members recovering from disasters, including those affected by the Marshall Fire and Straight Line Winds. If you were the property owner at the time of disaster and have an existing funding gap for rebuilding, you may be eligible for this program.
Coal Creek Canyon Fire Protection District updates community wildfire protection plan
The Coal Creek Canyon Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) is updating its 2008 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) starting this month. The new CWPP will address issues like wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness and evacuation planning.
Residents of Coal Creek Canyon are invited to provide their input for the new protection plan through a survey and community meetings. Visit coalcreekcwpp.org to join CCCFPD’s email list and receive notices about opportunities for involvement.
North Boulder Library breaks ground
Boulder Public Library broke ground in celebration of its first new branch in 36 years on Feb. 15.
The new 11,000-square-foot North Boulder Library (4500 13th St.) will feature a public plaza, outdoor maker space, playground, learning garden and open areas inside to study, learn and connect.
Due to increased construction costs, the library is calling on donors to help raise the last $585,000 needed to create the community-requested 1,100-square-foot Culinary Maker Space. If that money is not raised, the space will become a “flex space.” Between now and Library Giving Day (April 14), an anonymous donor is matching every donation, up to $30,000.
