Independent monitor to give West Side residents update on police department

There will also be roundtable discussions to gather the perspectives of Austin residents to ensure the monitoring efforts – part of the consent decree the Chicago Police Department is under – “reflect the priorities of Chicago’s diverse community members.” Refreshments will be served at the meeting, which will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St.

Bike ride, parade and more this weekend on the West Side

BUILD will hold a bike ride for peace from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Aug. 24th. Participants are encouraged to register in advance for the event, which begins at 5100 W. Harrison St. The Chicago Community Alliance will hold “Summer Fest West” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marshall High School, 3300 W. Jackson Blvd. City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin will host the event.

End-of-summer events set for the next two weekends

Don’t miss Congressman Danny Davis’ picnic Saturday, Aug. 17 from 8: 30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Columbus Park and a health fair hosted By Three Crosses of Calvary MBC & Purposed Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4445-47 W. Madison St. On Aug. 25, Love in Action Ministries will be hosting a back-to-school event, and on Aug. 26th Austin schools and Chicago Police District 15 will hold its own back-to-school celebration.

Youth invited to basketball tournament Wednesday

The 15th District Youth Leadership Council and After School Matters is sponsoring the event, which will include 3-point and dunk contests. It will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. July 31 at Christ the King High School, 5088 W. Jackson. Cost is $3 per spectator.