 
Thursday, August 12, 2021 | View in browser
Good afternoon!
Read below for information about storm damage cleanup, a “Black Lives Matter Way” honorary street sign ceremony, and fun community events happening this weekend.
Plus, Evanston is recognized with a national award!
 Storm damage cleanup continues
City crews have been working around the clock since Tuesday evening to clear debris and address hazards throughout Evanston. Forestry staff will be out until 7 p.m. this evening and then back out at 7 a.m. on Friday to continue clearing debris, addressing trees that have fallen on houses and cars, and working to ensure all streets and sidewalks are passable.
Power outage update: ComEd has likewise been working around the clock to restore service after 6,000 Evanston customers were left without power on Tuesday evening. As of 4 p.m. today, 88 Evanston customers remain without power.
Need assistance? Contact 311: Community members are encouraged to call/text 847-448-4311 or submit a service request online for all non-emergency issues.
Reminders: Homeowners are responsible for addressing private debris and downed trees. ComEd is responsible for addressing any tree-related power line issues before City Forestry crews can clean up the debris. Some trees and branches have been weakened by the storm and may still need to be addressed by Forestry crews. Please, do not enter areas that have been marked off for safety.
Better days are ahead: After a stormy week, this weekend's weather forecast looks beautiful. Get outside and enjoy it! See some of the fun community events happening below.
 Community events happening this weekend!
Evanston Art Fest: Come out for a weekend-long celebration of local art at the 8th Annual Evanston Art Fest, on Fri., Aug. 13 through Sun., Aug. 15. The festival will take place at Sherman Avenue and Church Street and will feature original work from more than 130 juried artists, live music and food!
Evolution of Hip Hop: Join the Evanston Public Library at Brummel Park for some socially-distanced hip hop dancing with Mr. Marcus from DIME this Fri., Aug. 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dance along to some old school and current hip hop tracks and enjoy a variety of lawn games.
Summer Concert at Levy: Bring your lawn chairs, snacks and friends out for a free summer concert on the soccer field at the Levy Senior Center on Fri., Aug. 13 beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy a performance by Ken Slauf, who will delight with his own style of folk, blues, rock and jazz music.
Starlight Movies in the Park: The Starlight series continues this week with a showing of News of the World on Sat., Aug. 14, 7 p.m., at Dawes Park (Sheridan Rd. and Church St.).
 ETHS Boys Basketball Team painting "Black Lives Matter" along Dodge Avenue in 2020.
'Black Lives Matter Way' Honorary Street Sign Recognition Ceremony
Join the City, 2nd Ward Councilmember Peter Braithwaite, and Evanston Township High School on Sat., Aug. 14 at noon for a "Black Lives Matter Way" Honorary Street Sign Recognition Ceremony at Dodge Avenue and Church Street.
An update on the investigation of lakefront misconduct allegations
The City has mailed a letter to current and former lakefront employees, parents and guardians to notify them of an external investigation into allegations of misconduct by lakefront staff and to encourage them to participate to the extent they are comfortable.
The City has engaged Salvatore, Prescott, Porter & Porter to conduct an investigation into the allegations. The firm’s investigation is ongoing, and it will be reaching out to lakefront staff as well as other individuals who may be able to provide information related to the investigation.
The City encourages all individuals who may have information, questions or concerns related to this matter to contact the firm by calling 312-283-5711 or emailing aporter@sppplaw.com or hill@sppplaw.com.
COVID-19 Update
With 84.38 weekly cases per 100,000 residents, Evanston is still considered to be an area of substantial COVID-19 transmission by the CDC. Here are two ways you can help slow the spread and keep our community safe:
Get vaccinated. Vaccination continues to be the number one protection against severe illness from COVID-19. Everyone 12 years and older is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination appointment or call 1-800-232-0233. Vaccines are safe, effective and free!
Wear a mask in public indoor settings—even if you’re vaccinated. The City is following guidance from the CDC and IDPH, which calls for all individuals two years or older to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
Cases, Positivity Rates and Hospitalizations
 Click to enlarge.
Cases: COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Evanston and throughout the country. Evanston reported 62 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last seven days, compared to 54 for the week prior.
To date, the city has had 4,814 total confirmed cases, and 118 residents have died of illness or complications related to COVID-19.
Positivity rate: The City’s seven-day moving average positivity rate is 1.82 percent, down from 2.06 percent for the seven days prior.
Hospitalizations: Local COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased following the rise in cases, but remain significantly below pandemic peaks.
Vaccinations
To date, approximately 86 percent of residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 79 percent are fully vaccinated. View the City’s updated data dashboard (view on mobile) for the latest Evanston-specific vaccination data from the IDPH.
Need to check your vaccine record?
IDPH has launched the ‘Vax Verify’ system, which allows Illinois residents 18 years and older to access their vaccination records. With more businesses, venues and organizations requiring proof of vaccination, Vax Verify will help residents confirm their vaccination status, when needed. Register for the portal.
Vaccination event this Saturday!
Stop by Bethel AME Church Community Day (español) this Sat., Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and get your first or second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. No registration is necessary. Those vaccinated at the event will also be entered in a raffle to win one of fourteen $100 Visa gift cards!
More news and events
Apply for the Fall Citizen Police Academy!
The Evanston Police Department is hosting its next Citizen Police Academy, where residents can learn about policing in Evanston, including topics like investigative services and defensive tactics. The in-person class will run from August 31 to November 16. Apply today!
Upcoming renter and landlord eviction webinars
The Metropolitan Tenants Organization is offering eviction webinars for renters and landlords. The webinar for renters will take place on Mon., Aug. 16 at 6 p.m., and will include information about current eviction policies and renters' rights. The webinar for landlords will take place on Wed., Aug. 18 at 6 p.m., and will include information about the eviction moratorium and changing rules.
August is National Black Business Month
Join the Evanston Public Library in supporting Black-owned businesses in the community! Between August 9 and 31, visit a library location to pick up a local Black-owned businesses punch card and choose at least five businesses to visit and support for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Learn about the City's Rodent Control Program
The Health & Human Services Department tracks and investigates 311 service requests and complaints regarding rodents. Good property management is essential to controlling the population. Learn how to discourage rodents near your property.
Looking for short-term employment?
SP+ is actively seeking to hire Evanston residents for short-term work directing traffic for parking and tailgating on Northwestern football game days. Apply today!
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Evanston receives All-America City Award!
 From left to right: Deputy City Manager Kimberly Richardson, Assistant to the City Manager Tasheik Kerr, Mayor Daniel Biss, NLC Board Member Brad Cole, ICMA Management Fellow Shenicka Hohenkirk and Youth & Young Adult Program Supervisor Nathan Norman
The City of Evanston was recognized as a 2021 “All-America City” by the National Civic League (NCL) in June. The annual award recognizes 10 U.S. cities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues. This year’s theme was “Building Equitable and Resilient Communities.”
Staff members who worked to help the City achieve this recognition were presented with the award at Monday's City Council meeting.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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