The AP reported on Monday that Aurora's Police Chief, Dan Oates, wants to diversify the police force. The story said that currently 86 percent of Aurora's police officers are white, while only 4 percent are black and 7 percent are Hispanic.

According to US Census data from 2000, Aurora's population is 72.3 percent white, 15 percent black and 19.8 percent of Aurora is Hispanic.

The police chief also said that he would like to see more Spanish-speaking officers on patrol in Aurora. This would be of particular help since there is also a large Latino immigrant population in Aurora.

The story also said that Oates would be looking into waving certain college-credit requirements.

While this action might increase the numbers of police applicants in the future, it may also decrease the amount of education someone would need to become a police officer.

Do you think that all of these things could have a positive or a negative effect on police services in the city of Aurora? We want to hear the opinions of Aurora citizens. You can post your own story about it, start your own blog or leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

Events

Here are some things around Aurora that you can do this weekend.

-The Aurora Chamber of Commerce is having its annual awards banquet at 6 p.m. April 13 at the Sheraton Four Points at Hampden and I-25. There will be a cocktail hour, silent auction and, as always, networking opportunities. The chamber is billing this as an ideal opportunity to mingle with other business and community leaders from Aurora and the Eastern Metro area and your chance to take a guess at who will be this year's winners. Registration is $65. For more information, call 303-344-1500.

-The Medical Center of Aurora and Spalding Rehabilitation hospital will hold a free viewing of Brain Attack: A Stroke Survival Guide from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 14 at Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, 900 Potomac St. Participants will watch a one-hour television program broadcast on KUSA, Channel 9. It will educate about stroke risk, recognizing stroke symptoms and recent breakthroughs in rehabilitation after a stroke. The program includes viewer participation, interactive Stroke Smart quiz with information that could save lives. Appetizers and other refreshments will be served. For more information, call Beverly at 303-873-5682.

-There will be a bird walk at Quincy Reservoir, 18350 E Quincy Ave., at 8:30 a.m. April 14. Bring your binoculars and a bird book (or borrow them from the hosts) to get to know Aurora's feathered folks. This event is free for all ages and ability levels. For more information or to register, call 303-739-2428.

-Parkview Congregational Church, 12444 Parkview Drive, will be having a silent auction to benefit their outreach programs between 2 and 7 p.m. April 14. A sample of some of the items for bid include a 2007 Honda Cosmopolitan street-certified scooter, a ride in a vintage airplane, lots of gift certificates and baskets, condominium vacations, a train set, American Indian Jemez Pueblo wedding vase, fine art, jewelry, fine wine and many more. Albert Galli will entertain with music of the "big bands". Refreshments will be served including punch, cookies, wine and hors d'ouvres. Tickets for entry are $10. For more information, call 303-366-5224.

-The 9HealthFair is this weekend and there will be a health fair site at Heritage Eagle Bend Clubhouse, 23155 E. Heritage Parkway from 7 a.m.-noon April 15. There will be screenings for blood pressure, vision, hearing, a pharmacist to ask questions, blood sugar, teeth and gum screening and doctors and nurses to answer questions. For more information, call 1-800-332-3078.

News

- The Aurora Sentinel has a story about the Youth Bill of Rights meeting that took place last night. Our own Julius Vaughns also has his take.

-The Coloradoan up in Ft. Collins has a story about how Aurora Central's Stephen Franklin, basketball player extraordinaire, will still be attending CSU in the fall, despite their coaching changes.

-Finally, TheDenverChannel.com has a story about a man was shot in Aurora while fighting over a shotgun.

Have a nice weekend!