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Week of February 16, 2023
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 9 | SPORTS: PAGE 16
VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 35
Local artist completes ‘La Letra’ mural near Allison Street Post Office
What’s that smell? Arvada residents complain of foul odor near Lake Arbor BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Marco Antonio Garcia photographed in front of his mural at the Allison Street Post Office; ‘La Letra.’
Marco Antonio Garcia selected by Arvada Arts and Culture Commission to paint mural BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Marco Antonio Garcia has completed a mural on a retaining wall adjacent to the Allison Street Post Office in Arvada which celebrates the connection of loved ones near and far. ‘La Letra’ was commissioned by the Arvada Arts and
Culture Commission to beautify the structure. Garcia, a Colorado-based artist with roots in Mexican culture, was selected out of over 70 applicants. Garcia’s work includes murals and other public art installations, in addition to work in other styles. According to Garcia, the mural represents the connection he maintained with his family in Mexico while living far away. “I wanted to connect it to the Post Office, but I also wanted it to have an important story,” Garcia said. “When I was younger, my mom used to send letters to my grandmother in Guadalajara, (Mexico). It’s hard to be away from your family, and if
COURTESY OF CITY OF ARVADA
the only connection you have is this letter, then it’s really important.” Garcia continued that it’s also important for people to have art in their lives because it’s an inspiring energy. “It’s necessary for our well-being,” he said. “It’s also letting the community know that we care about you. This is for you, it’s a gift for you.” AACC member Kimberly Wagner praised the finished mural. “The blank wall here before could really only be improved upon,” Wagner said. “Looking at it (now), I love how dynamic and vibrant it is.” The Allison Street Post Office is located at 5885 Allison St. in Arvada.
You’re not having a stroke; it really smells like rotten eggs by Lake Arbor Park. Many north Arvada residents have complained about a foul smell emanating from the nearby park in recent weeks, and city officials say they’re working to mitigate the problem. The city is working on a project to improve public safety at the park by stabilizing the banks of the lake. In order to complete the renovation work, the city has to drain the lake two and a half feet — which should be done in a matter of weeks, according to Arvada’s Communications Manager for Infrastructure Katie Patterson. Stormwater Administrator Jacob Moyer said that crews became aware of the pungent smell when they began draining the lake, and stopped work to try to mitigate the stench. Moyer said the mitigation efforts have helped, but not eliminated the smell, but added that none of the renovation work would have any negative public health effects for neighborhood residents. “This is naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide,” Moyer said. “This is produced when bacteria break down plant and animal material, often in stagnant waters with low oxygen content… Unfortunately, with the additional layer of ice on the water, the water does not have as much oxygen aerating the water. “This makes the smells in the SEE SMELL, P3
The CJRO returns to the Arvada Center for a special night of jazz and soul and to celebrate the release of its new album
COMPARED TO WHAT featuring Marion Powers and Robert Johnson Songs from the album include “Mercy Mercy Me,” “More Today Than Yesterday” “Fascinating Rhythm” and the title track “Compared to What.”
Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities | 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. | Saturday, March 4, at 7:30pm
Tickets are going fast – Order yours today at coloradojazz.org or call 720-898-7200