tagged w/ Anti-Social Behavior
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 22, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Good things are happening here in the district. We are 2 for 2 at City Commissions this week. On Tuesday July 15, 2008 the Entertainment Commission turned down an entertainment permit for the first time in my three year tenure here. Reason cited were lack of management experience, past incidents at the location on the 400 block of Broadway and a lack of a good security plan.
On July 16, 2008 the Board of Permit Appeals upheld a notice of violation and cease and desist order on a business operating as an illegal encounter studio, also on the 400 block of Broadway. The place in question was investigated twice for acts of prostitution and in one case, robbery of a tourist from Israel. Women employees were arrested related to all three accusations. The location also operated after 2 AM, also in violation of the Planning Code, and enlisted barkers and scantily clad women approaching men on the street.
We are encouraged by these actions and hope to see them as the beginning of follow up support for the Central Station Night Watch officers who have sustained efforts on Broadway over the past three years.
The Economics of Crime
Crime often rises and falls with the economy. We have seen a steady rise in crimes of theft and opportunity throughout the district. Petty thefts, shoplift, and ‘dine and dash’ type crimes seem to be on the rise.
Two glaring examples of this occurred last week. On the 500 block of Jefferson, suspects disconnected and stole several dozen feet of active copper plumbing to crab pots at one location. Copper pipe thefts along with recyclable items have been targets of theft throughout the Bay Area. On 7/16/08 at 5 PM, a woman riding aboard MUNI was robbed of a bag of groceries at Stockton and Broadway.
Laptop Grants for At Risk Youth
This program provides free refurbished laptops to selected college bound foster care youth and other youth under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court system. This program is a partnership between City Youth Now www.cityyouthnow.org, Redemtech www.redemtech.com, TechConnect Digital Inclusion Initiative www.sfgov.org/digital_inclusion and Independent Living Skills Program www.sfhsa.org . This program is made possible through a generous grant from the John Burton Foundation and contributions from Microsoft Corporation.
City Youth Now is currently accepting grant applications through mid-August and will make approximately 50 grants. Applications must be submitted on behalf of the youth by a social Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 22, 2008
Captain’s... more
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Ding! Ding! Get your FREE bike bell this Wednesday
Get a free bike bell when you pedal your bike by the fabulous SFBC Streetside Outreach Team at Fox Plaza (Market near 9th) this Wednesday from 5-7pm. (Thanks to the SFMTA for donating 800 bells!)
SFMTA= San Francisco Municipal Transportation AgencyDing! Ding! Get your FREE bike bell this Wednesday
Get a free bike bell when you... more
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Captain’s Comments
On Wednesday July 9 at 11 AM, I was at the Cable Car turn around at Bay and Taylor Streets when I saw an elderly woman with a cane across the intersection attempting to step up onto the curb when she obviously began to lose her balance. Just as she went backwards, arms and legs akimbo, Sanford Cipinko, “Attorney at Law” swept in. Mr. Cipinko reached out with his right arm and cradled the falling woman, meanwhile balancing a cup of coffee in his free hand. The woman was propped up onto the curb and was helped to regain her balance and composure. I asked the woman if she was ok and congratulated Mr. Cipinko for the catch and no-spill feat. He gave me his card and said, “we prevent injuries as well.” There can’t be any money in that.
After seeing this act, I thought about the past two newsletters and our themes about ‘being our brother’s (and sister’s) keepers, and also about pedestrian safety. On the same day I received our 6 months stats from the Traffic Bureau on traffic collisions and injuries and fatalities. To date, we have had 127 accidents involving injury. Thankfully we have had no, (knock wood), repeat, no traffic related fatalities. Keep up the good work and remember to look both ways.
Broadway Corridor
Friday July 11, 2008: Saturday July 12, 2008:
Felony arrests made 0 Felony arrests 0
Misdemeanor arrests made 0 Misdemeanor arrests made 4
Drunk related arrests made 0 Drunk related arrests made 1
Moving citations 30 Moving citations 20
Parking citations issued 23 Parking citations issued 16
Towed vehicles 9 Towed vehicles 6
7/12/08- 1 AM, fight reported at a bar on the 400 block of Broadway, patron struck in head with bottle.
7/12/08- 1:40 AM, Sgt. Ed Anzore observed two Hispanic males shouting at each other and challenging each to a fight on the 400 block of Broadway. The men began fighting and hurled themselves into a window twice before the Sergeant and Officers could seperate them. Both were detained and cited for fighting in public. One of the two suffered a laceration above his eye. The men were from Suisun and Castro Valley, Ca.
Prostitution
7/8/08 at 10 PM- Geary and Hyde Streets- A white female from SF was arrested by Officer Milan Kangrga and Rene Nielsen for groping an officer and soliciting acts of prostitution.
Captain’s Comments
On Wednesday July 9 at 11 AM, I was at the Cable Car turn... more
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After being stopped last night for having a noisy muffler, Kilbert "Flaco" Rijos ran from deputies, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, before finally being caught.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies pulled Rijos over because he had a modified muffler on his black Honda Civic, according to the sheriff's report.
This is what happened, according to the report: Rijos, 20, of 2104 Coco Court, told a deputy that his license was suspended. The deputy also learned that Rijos was a habitual driving violator. When deputies attempted to transfer Rijos from his Honda to the prisoner transport vehicle, he ran off.
He was caught about 200 yards way.
Rijos, who is listed as a mechanic at Levs Auto Shop in jail records, is being charged with escape from police custody and driving with a revoked license — habitual offender, both felonies.
He is being held at Orient Road Jail without bond, according to jail records.
AMERICA DEUPREE
News Channel 8
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/09/loud-muffler-lands-driver-jail-2-felony%5C-charges/After being stopped last night for having a noisy muffler, Kilbert "Flaco"... more
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A stiffer city ordinance in Elkhart may be "music" to some people's ears.
Monday night the Elkhart city council passed a tougher noise ordinance. Police will now be able to write tickets with stiffer fines and if they hear a loud noise within 35 feet unlike 50 feet in the past. Mayor Moore says it is part of a pledge he made when he first took office to make the city cleaner and quieter.
"If you are half a block away and you can hear it.. then that's further than 50 or 35 feet.. that's when you usually stop them," Corporal Frank Owens from the Elkhart Police Department. "We've written more tickets for noise the first 6 months of this year than we did all of last year. We kind of dropped the ball on it and it's time to get it taken care of," says Mayor Dick Moore of Elkhart.
The Elkhart police officer in charge of the noise ordinance was once part of the I.C.E. unit or county drug task force. But the city no longer participates in the unit. So the officer has been re-assigned.
Fines start at 250-dollars and go up to 25-hundred dollars.
The ordinance goes into effect once the mayor signs it.
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/24081324.htmlA stiffer city ordinance in Elkhart may be "music" to some people's... more
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All other things being equal, a loud motorcycle probably gets more attention than a quiet one, but at what cost? Is this good attention or bad attention? Let's think about this.
Ignoring the fact that many aftermarket pipes are illegal, motorcyclists who defer to the wisdom, "loud pipes save lives" are sadly misinformed. Riders who believe that an ear-shattering exhaust note actually increases safety are either kidding themselves or rationalizing self-indulgent behavior. Fact is, loud pipes do more to hurt motorcyclists than help them, the attention they draw to a rider is not worth the negative public image they create.
It's rooted in physics. Unlike an earthquake, which emits waves in a sphere away from its epicenter, sound waves can be directed. (A good example of this a megaphone: if sound waves were not directionally sensitive, megaphone users would all be deaf.) The pressure wave emitted from an exhaust pipe is pointed away from and behind the motorcycle. To hear it from anywhere other than directly behind the bike, you rely on the resonance of the pipes and reflection of the sound waves off of other objects, like cars, signs, buildings, etc.
In other words, the only time the loud pipes draw attention to a motorcycle in traffic is when the bike is facing away from the motorist. In most cases, facing away from the motorist means riding away from the motorist: increasing the separation of bike and potential hazard. The only possible situation in which a car can to pose an external threat to a motorcyclist when the bike is facing away from the car is if the motorist is backing up or (following) behind the rider. The threat exists, but only marginally: the Hurt Study found that a whopping three percent of accident hazards come directly from the rear (or the "six o'clock" direction).
by Pat Hahn
http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/safety/safety40.htmAll other things being equal, a loud motorcycle probably gets more attention than a... more
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How Far Can You Go for Money?
Whirly-Wind Leaf Blower
In the spirit of fun and safe play, John Deere licensed its brand to a toy company to produce leaf blowers for children. It actually blows air.
Safety and Health Concerns
Leaf blowers are not merely an ear-sore, they blow particulate matter consisting of pesticides, fertilizers, spores, molds, dust, insects and fecal matter into the air. Gas powered leaf blowers burn a mixed combination of gas and oil fuel that create a tremendous amount of toxic exhaust.
Young children are at risk because their immune system is not yet fully developed and they are more susceptible to asthma. Elderly people exposed to airborne contaminants can experience severe lung and respiratory problems. Ironically, leaf blower operators are putting themselves at greater risk because of the direct exposure to airborne pollutants.
Gas powered landscaping equipment account for 5% of air pollution overall in the United States. An inefficient 3.5-horsepower gas mower emits the same amount of hydrocarbons in one hour as does an automobile driven over 300 miles. A chainsaw operated for two hours produces enough hydrocarbons equivalent to an automobile driven 3,000 miles.
http://www.noiseoff.org/landscaping.shtmlHow Far Can You Go for Money?
Whirly-Wind Leaf Blower
In the spirit of fun and... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 8, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Safety Tips from SAFE:
Pedestrian Safety
The days are longer and lighter, and many outdoor activities are taking place throughout the City. Please be aware of pedestrians while you are driving; or if you are the pedestrian, be aware of automobiles, buses and bicyclists. Here are some safety tips:
Limit cell phone use while driving or walking - Cell phones distract you from paying attention to your surroundings.
Be watchful at all times - Expect the unexpected. Pedestrians can suddenly appear from between parked cars, especially children and the elderly.
Remember that a red light or arrow prohibits moving forward or turning - while walking, driving or riding a bike.
Yield to pedestrians - Be especially aware when at a stop or when turning at an intersection; pedestrians may be in the crosswalk.
Not all crosswalks are designated with painted lines - A pedestrian is considered in a crosswalk at all corners whether or not lines are painted on the street.
Safety Tips for Visitors and Tourists
Do you have friends coming in to the City for the July 4th Holiday? Even in times of celebration and festivities, ensure your guests practice proper safety techniques:
Do not leave valuables or anything visible inside your vehicle; always keep doors and trunk locked.
Walk in well-lit and well-populated areas, preferably with another person; do not take short-cuts through dark alleyways.
Limit your valuables (ID and money) by carrying only what you need for the day.
If taking public transportation, have your money or Fast Pass ready. Do not fumble with your wallet; you might draw attention to a pickpocket.
Keep your cell phone charged; and in case of an emergency dial 9-1-1.
Are you going on Vacation? - Here are some reminders to help prevent your home from being burglarized:
Keep all doors and windows locked.
Let a trusted neighbor know you will be out of town.
Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
Keep a light on.
Enable your alarm if you have one.
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 8, 2008
Captain’s... more
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A pair of Christian pub operators in England banned swearing in their establishment and ejected patrons who used salty language. This being a pub, sales plummeted. As a result, the pub's owners replaced the couple, but the couple has barricaded themselves in the building and has refused to leave. Seems like a simple swear jar might have solved a lot of problems ...A pair of Christian pub operators in England banned swearing in their establishment... more
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Captain’s Comments
As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things:
∑ Fireworks are illegal in San Francisco. Every year the SFFD responds to fires caused by illegal fireworks. Bottle rockets and fireworks that propel an object into the air cause fires to rooftops or flammable things likes like fields or other structures. Even seemingly innocuous items like sparklers can cause severe burns to small hands. Of course, the emergency rooms are frequented by those who didn’t quite throw the fireworks fast enough, or by those unfortunate to be near the ‘landing zone.’
∑ Every year we also hear gunshots along with the fireworks. Needless to say, shooting a firearm in San Francisco is also illegal. The old adage, “What goes up must come down” certainly applies to bullets. Some geniuses think shooting a gun into the air, but over the years, we have responded to calls of those injured by the bullets that cannot escape gravity.
∑ Along with this years public fireworks display in the Bay, it also happens to be a Friday night in San Francisco. Activities span from Aquatic Park to Pier 39 and beyond, into the Southern District. Entertainment will begin at 2 PM and fireworks will begin at 9:30 PM at the end of Muni Pier and from a barge at the end of Piers 39 and 45. There will surely be traffic jams along the bay so please take public transportation or walk to any events in the area. Have a Safe and Sane 4th!
(Editor’s note- On Saturday afternoon at 2:30 PM, Sgt. Ed Garcia was on foot patrol walking through Portsmouth Square when he spied three juveniles sitting on a bench in the park. At one end of the bench sat a canvas bag full of illegal fireworks, including 16 Roman Candles, 600 missiles, forty four “M-80’s” and 2 “m-100’s”. These are pretty serious illegal fireworks that fall into the high explosives territory. Due to the nature and volume of the collection, the SFPD Bomb Disposal Unit was summoned to take charge of the property for destruction).
Last week, Sgt. Mark Hernandez broke up a fireworks sales ring under the Bush Street arch at Grant. On 6/28/08 at 8 PM Officer Jonathan Tong cited a 19 year old for discharging and selling fireworks on the 900 block of Grant Ave. On 6/29/08 at 6:45 PM, Officer Tong made another arrest for sales on Waverly Alley. That amount too, called for disposal by our Bomb Squad.
Captain’s Comments
As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things:... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 24, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Summer is officially here.
No one wants to be “their brother’s keeper” but it certainly helps when it comes to crime. I am not advocating everyone to be nosey when it comes to their neighbor, but let’s employ the “buddy system” this summer. Historically, it is a time when burglary and general theft goes up on the crime charts. School is out, the weather tends to warm up a bit and people leave their doors and windows open. Let’s make the district one big Neighborhood Watch Group. That means we get to know our neighbors, we look out for each other, we pick up any piled up mail or newspapers with their permission. We call the police when something looks suspicious. If it involves a suspect, call 911 and let the dispatcher sort it out.
Nine years ago, I was the Captain of the Juvenile and Family Services Division. It was there that I learned that juvenile related crime and child abuse cases goes way down. At first I thought how great it was to have a summer break from all of those awful cases. It didn’t take long to realize that schools were the place where things were reported to police. The number of incidents of child abuse and juvenile crime didn’t actually go down; those crimes just weren’t being reported by the people who saw our kids everyday. Schools are mandatory reporters, as mandated by law. Let’s all become our own mandatory reporter as well. If we see a kid that is abused or neglected or a victim of crime, let’s call it in. We will all be better for it.
As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things. Fireworks are illegal in San Francisco. There will surely be traffic jams along the bay so please take public transportation or walk to any events in the area. Have a Safe and Sane 4th!
Broadway Corridor
Friday June 20, 2008: Saturday June 21, 2008:
Felony arrests made 0 Felony arrests 0
Misdemeanor arrests made 1 Misdemeanor arrests made 1
Drunk related arrests made 1 Drunk related arrests made 1
Moving citations 6 Moving citations 31
Parking citations issued 18 Parking citations issued 18
Towed vehicles 5 Towed vehicles 13
Traffic Company Enforcement: Five Traffic motorcycle Officers assisted. The SF Sheriff’s Department assisted in crowd control on both evenings. On Saturday night the CHP was in the district to conduct an Operation Impact enforcement program. They always provide great support and tend to calm traffic and the crowds by their presence.
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 24, 2008
Captain’s... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 17, 2008
Captain’s Comments
The North Beach Festival weekend was a good one. On Saturday, the weather and crowds were both good. Sunday was more subdued with cooler weather.
Central Station Officers often receive awards. Recently Sgt. Arlin Vanderbilt and his crew of Officers who work on Prostitution Abatement along our western border of Larkin and Polk received recognition from the Mid-Polk Neighbors. Supervisor Aaron Peskin also awarded certificates to Sgt. Vanderbilt and Officers Rene Nielsen, Matt Sullivan, Jeff Smetherst, Chris Anderson, Martin Garay, Chris Olson, Milan Kangrga and Monica Macdonald.
A week ago, Officer Kevin Richins was awarded the SFPD Bronze Medal of Valor for outstanding efforts last year in disarming a knife wielding suspect. The suspect was confronting a police Inspector who had drawn his hand gun on the suspect, with little deterrence. Officer Richins saw that a large crowd was gathering and that he had a momentary surprise advantage. With little regard for his own safety, Officer Richins took a run at the suspect and tackled him in the street, dislodging him from his knife.
On June 10, 2008 I attended the SFPD Softball League annual awards banquet. I was proud to see three of our Central Station members receive awards. Recent retiree Mike Norman and current Day Watch Sergeant Edmund Garcia received the “Most Inspirational Player” awards. Despite a large field of very talented players, it was our own player/coach Kevin Worrell of our Night Watch who walked away with the League MVP Award. I salute them all.
The Budget Hearings
You’ve read about it in the papers, you’ve seen it on tv and heard it on the radio. See the Board of Supervisors discuss the budget live and in person on Thursday June 19, 2008 at Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 17, 2008... more
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Central District Newsletter;
Captain James I. Dudley;
June 10, 2008;
Captain’s Comments
The Broken Windows Theory, (revisited). By now, as an avid reader of this newsletter, you are aware of the James Q. Wilson and George Kelling paper on addressing crime at its lowest level to have impact on larger, more serious crime and disorder. The theory is simple, this is my liberal interpretation:
They looked at a large abandoned building in an industrial section of a city and shortly after it was evacuated, it was still intact. Soon, passing kids knocked out a window or two and the allure was too much for others. In a short time, after testing the waters and seeing that no one objected, all the windows were broken out. The area soon became a dumping ground. The authors surmised that if you keep an area well kept and showed that there was care and concern for it, others would respect that and were reticent to disrespect it.
Recently, one of our best beat officers was threatened with a complaint by a citizen and a government official. The man was told by the beat officer not to rummage around in a City trash can. The man protested that he was collecting cans and bottles for recycling. Area residents and merchants long complained that such “dumpster diving” was creating a mess in the area. Some had gone extra lengths by bringing in cans early and by putting locks and cables on private trash cans. We did a little research and found that the beat officer was 100% correct in his enforcement. The City has a contract with local recyclers at homes, businesses and even City sidewalk trash receptacles. They alone have authority to collect the materials. It may seem like a small thing, but we have had streets, corners and alleys become a nightmare of trash and garbage from just such activity.
Example two in the Broken Windows Theory is our long fight against crime and bad behavior in the Broadway area. I would estimate 90% or better of the businesses in the area operate on a good neighbor system of keeping their establishments clean, well lit and under good management. One of the biggest complaints from businesses under our scrutiny is: “It’s not our fault, it’s these roaming bands of guys who hang out on our streets and in front of our clubs that cause all the trouble.” When we looked at the overall picture of the problems in the area, we used the SARA model of Problem Solving. We Scanned the problems, Analyzed the data, Responded with enforcement operations and strategies and we continue to Assess the situation. We know for certain that despite continued police enforcement, the problem will not clear up unless it is followed up with a consequence of some kind. For that, we need help from the District Attorney, ABC and Entertainment Commission.
Central District Newsletter;
Captain James I. Dudley;
June 10, 2008;... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 3, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Beware the Scam!
There are several ways to skin a cat. There are also several ways to become a victim of a theft by scam or fraud. Recently, a business in the district was the victim of a laptop theft by means of a suspect acting as an electrician. The suspect even went so far as to dime some lights in the office that he was stealing from so that if he was caught, he’d have a credible alibi.
We have seen various variations of this. Usually an individual is a thief of opportunity. In a commercial business they will walk unheeded looking for small electronics from cell phones to Ipods to laptops. They will generally leave when confronted but will take the path of least resistance, avoiding contact with others.
Some other popular scams:
“The Bump and Lift.” It can happen almost in any crowded place, but we have received reports of the occurrence aboard MUNI. The victim will be standing aboard a crowded bus or trolley car when someone bumps into them from the front. As they react, by catching the person or shielding themselves, the second suspect will lift their wallet or purse from behind.
The “Utility Worker Burglars.” A year ago we had several incidents of this type of crime but we have been free of this for several months. I have heard of several incidents occurring in the Richmond and Taraval Districts and south of our City. Two or more men dressed in work clothes or overalls come knocking at your door saying they want to check your utility, (water, gas, phone, electricity). One suspect goes and flushes a toilet with you or switches appliances on and off while his confederates ransack closets and drawers for jewelry and cash. Some of the imposters go as far as wearing hard hats, reflective vests and drive a van or truck. Legitimate utility workers carry identification and will present it when requested.
“3 Card Monty” This well organized scam usually targets tourists. It is an old con game where the suspect does a card trick or uses three bottle tops to slide around on a board or table with a small red ball beneath one of them. They will let you win cash from them but insist you play until you start to place higher wagers. The game is impossible to win. The suspect hides the ball with his palm and thumbs and lifts the foam ball from all three tops. They usually work with a “shill” or “plant” in the audience who will walk away
Part OneCentral District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 3, 2008... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
May 27, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Robbery vs. Burglary. We often hear from people, that they were
“robbed” or that their “house was robbed.” Sometimes after an
investigation, we realize that they were the victim of a burglary. The
difference is personal crime vs. property crime. In a robbery, one is
confronted by an individual(s) and by means of ‘force or fear’ something
is taken from them. The property can certainly vary in value from cash,
an iPod, shoes, clothing, laptop, or even a can of soda, just to name a
few. No weapon or actual force needs to be shown or produced; merely
causing the victim fear is enough to fit the crime category. A person
running by and snatching cash, a purse or other item would also fit
being a robbery by the force used to take the item without the victim’s
consent.
Burglary is a crime that takes place when someone enters a structure
with intent to commit a theft or other felony. Generally it takes place
in a commercial or residential structure where something is taken
without the owners consent. Entry can be made by breaking in, or even
through an open door or window. Force is not necessary to commit the
act. No owner needs to be present at the time of the crime. Auto
burglary takes place when someone breaks into a vehicle and takes
something.
We often talk about protecting your personal property. Recently a
neighborhood group asked how to prevent being a robbery victim. I made
the following suggestions:
My best advice to you and neighbors is:
· Have situational awareness at all times.
· Be especially alert when going into and out of your home and/or car.
· Keep keys ready in your hand or if you have pepper spray or a shriek
alarm,
keep it also at the ready, it is difficult to fish around for it while
being attacked.
· Report suspicious people in the area; let your neighbors know as
well.
· If a robbery does occur, try to get as much detail as possible
including: age, race, height, weight, hair, clothes, weapon and vehicle
including license plates.
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
May 27, 2008... more
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A couple arguing about which gang their 4-year-old toddler should join caused a public disturbance that resulted in the father's arrest.
Joseph Manzanares' girlfriend told police that they had been arguing about the upbringing of their son and which gang he should belong to.
On Saturday, Manzanares stormed into the video store where his girlfriend worked, threatened to kill her and knocked over several video displays and even a computer.
The police Seargant said, "They have different ideas on how the baby should be raised. Basically, she said they cannot agree on which gang the baby would 'claim.'"A couple arguing about which gang their 4-year-old toddler should join caused a public... more
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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, The Dali Lama, Rev Sally Bingham, Pope Benedict XV1, and 11 more preach the gospel of green.
"Crime against the natural world is a sin," says Bartholomew I, leader of more than 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. "The Green Patriarch" has thrown his weight behind various international environmental causes, and urges leaders of other faiths to raise environmental awareness among their believers. The winner of both the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal and the Sophie Prize for leadership in environmental protection and sustainable development, Bartholomew I takes his "fisher of men" duty seriously: In 2003, he brought together 200 scientists, political leaders, and journalists on a cruise ship in the Baltic Sea to discuss marine preservation and the hazards of overfishing. "To protect the oceans is to do God's work," he says. "To harm them, even if we are ignorant of the harm we cause, is to diminish His divine creation."
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, The Dali Lama, Rev Sally Bingham, Pope Benedict... more
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leahl
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added this
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4 years ago
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1. Local News:
2. National News:
3. International News:
I personally feel that there are dangerous broadcast ideologies happening today that diverts our attention to external news thus giving us the impression that our local news are less important. It looks that the problem is always elsewhere but where you live, your neighborhood, your community. I am not saying that National and International news are not important, what I am saying is that we do not have a choice from the networks and National and International news is only what we get. Now this is also a tactic practiced by many news networks to focus your head elsewhere so you will be alienated from your own neighborhood and community issues.
My goal is to practice a loop of journalism that takes care of local issues first as the spirit of GOD tells me to start an issue at home first. Local issues these days have to do with citizens living and personal security. To this point I am concerned to every aspect of local Safety & Traffic issues that favors citizens safety. For that matter is where I started to have interest for the urban acoustics issues of pollution. First there it is a challenge issue in so many ways because there are a great lack of personal public education on the issue. Government bodies, Public Transportation, Manufactories of Market and the Wrong After Market Vehicles Manufactories has been for years taking advantage of our lack of education contributing to the general pollution chaos in the City.
"Journalism starts in you and at home first."1. Local News:
2. National News:
3. International News:
I personally feel that... more
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A car plowed into a crowd that had gathered to watch a street race on a suburban road early Saturday, killing seven people and injuring at least four, police said.
Witnesses said they had just watched two cars in the illegal street race speed past when a car without any lights on came up behind them and veered into a crowd of about 50.
"There were just bodies everywhere; it was horrible," said Crystal Gaines, 27, whose father was among the dead.A car plowed into a crowd that had gathered to watch a street race on a suburban road... more
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http://www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=904442
Posted By Hansen, Courtney
There's loud music and then there's this!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
It's 12:30 a.m., and the pounding has begun.
Is it a Los Angeles earthquake? A wild pack of overeager city construction
workers? No, although some days I can only wish.
Acutally, it's just a neighbour or rather, his car stereo gracing the night
with its presence as he arrives home.
I sigh and mutter a few choice phrases as I feel myself being shaken rather
abruptly out of bed. My home is my oasis, my hideaway when I'm off the road. I'll bet that you feel the same way.
I'm not sure why this boy thinks that pounding out the tunes while everyone
else is asleep is an OK thing to do. The pounding rolls through the house,
the air, my bones. It's like being under assault. What I really don't
understand is how I can hear his bass at all, since I'm in my own house,
across the street. Did I mention all my windows and doors are shut tight, or that my TV is still on?
It's so loud and pervasive that turning up the TV doesn't drown it out. I
can still hear it. Boom! -Boom! -Boom! -Boom!. The sound of a complete neighborhood nuisance.
Just follow the link to read the whole article.
http://www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=904442
http://www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=904442
Posted By Hansen, Courtney... more
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