Sector 413 Police June Newsletter

Posted on July 10, 2009 by Scott

Click here to get to the PDF of the newsletter.

Some excerpts:

During the month of June 2009, Sector 413 experienced an overall increase
of crime by 7% as compared to June of 2008.
…
There were 5 robberies to individuals in Sector 413 during June 2009. Two
of these occurred in Oregon Hill.
…
6/16/09-618 Idlewood Ave – 0148 a.m., the male victim was
robbed by 4 b/males. These males were later apprehended in a
taxi cab on the Southside and charged with this robbery.
(Note: This was reported on this site earlier.)
…
06/21/09 – (attempt) – 100 S. Cherry Street, 0315 a.m., the
male victim was walking on Cherry Street when he was
approached by a b/m. The suspect had a knife and demanded
the victim’s money. The victim struck the suspect and ran to his
home.
…
1 house break-in on Laurel Street
…
In the last week the trend has been to remove license plates from vehicles.
2 occurred on Pine Street in Oregon Hill. Monroe Ward and Jackson Ward
had 3 a piece. We feel they are stealing them for the expiration date
sticker.
…
Three individuals were arrested in the Fan district for graffiti. We feel these
individuals are also responsible for some of the tags located in Oregon Hill,
Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward.
…
The homeless continue to bring complaints and are tied into some of the
crimes I have touched on. The detectives and Officers have worked very
hard at identifying these individuals and what areas they may be hanging
around.

The Spigot Is Turning…

Posted on July 9, 2009 by Scott

I am very glad to hear from Richmond Water Utility officials that, according to initial estimates, VCU will pay for 2,356 ERUs resulting in an annual stormwater utility charge of approximately $106,000. I am told this involves 185 parcels. This is a lot better than nothing, which is what I was initially lead to believe and I do appreciate their willingness to answer questions. Now, how does this compare to average annual residential charge of $45? And what is VCU doing to actually solve its stormwater runoff issues? More scrutiny is not a bad thing.

In the meantime, a few more notes:

The stormwater utility issue is refocusing attention to the water rates issue. Silver, as usual, is doing a lion’s share.

Its great to see more neighbors using rainwater barrels, some of them bought at the Byrd Market. It’s also good to see the City getting with the program…

I would love to see Richmond establish a ‘Green Alley’ program like Chicago’s (not to be confused with Oregon Hill’s Green Alley)

Now, what about micro-hydroelectric and grey water systems?

Wall O’ Keys at Fine Foods

Posted on July 9, 2009 by Scott

Recognize any? These were left or found in parking lot. I did not see any No. 4’s.

James River Park Getting More Attention

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Scott

The Richmond Times Dispatch is reporting that the James River Park system will be receiving more money to help hire seasonal workers.

Given some of the recent events, this is welcome news. Still, citizens should recognize opportunites to volunteer.

Two Tuesday Meetings

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Scott

This Tuesday evening there are two meetings of note (actually, I am sure there are more than that, but two are what my brain is currently handling).

One is a national health care policy symposium held on the VCU academic campus. Unlike some earlier meetings on health care, this one will actually include more view points than just ‘the public option’ one that the Obama administration is pushing. Its being held by a group called United Virginia.
Please click here for more information.

The second one is for the City’s Fifth ‘Central’ District, hosted by City Councilperson Marty Jewell. It is from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Southside Comunity Services Center (4100 Hull Street). On the agenda are presentation on the new stormwater utility, crime report, traffic calming issues, and more.

Summer Setting In

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Scott

Last night, before going over to the Pleasants Park movie, I checked out the last Friday Cheers concert of the season on Brown’s Island. Here’s Toubab Krewe picking a groove-

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Blogger Tour

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Scott

This morning I joined some other community bloggers on a tour of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. I have mentioned before the Grace Arents- Ginter connection. Anyway, as the pictures below attest, it was pretty fun. Please keep the Lewis Ginter in mind for future excursions- they have an urban farming forum coming up on August 4th. Thanks to Jonah for the tour!

This first picture is of Jonah leading tour. It is in front of a “demonstration garden” for a much larger planting that is designed to produce 10,000 pounds of veggies for the Richmond Food Bank. (It’s easy to volunteer to help with this effort!)