Here's my take on the Ambassadors:

 

- Their presence is much needed and greatly appreciated. 

- Helping citizens and tourists is important for the city.  Cleaning up while doing is also great a a number of reasons.

- They should not be expected to do law enforcement--but their presence does help deter criminals (another set of eyes)

- Overall, great for the city, its citizens, and tourists (I personally witnessed them helping out numerous tourists during their visit for the NCAA women's Final Four--nice work)

 

 

EDIT:

And whoever came on here with ambassador names for this specific thread was very unneeded (not to mention immature and counterproductive)  My respect for the Ambassador's is still high (and has not changed) even after the random and forced attempt by whomever to defend whatever it was.

I think the ambassador idea is a good one, but they need more specific duties and/or better oversight to keep them productive.  The ambassador escort idea is a good start.

The one thing I'd like to see change in the program is the deployment of the Ambassadors after 7 PM.  Is there really any reason to have a bunch of ambassadors roaming around City Hall when there isn't anyone there at that time?  Any thoughts?

B,

 

If you are being serious, then I (and hopefully many others) whole-heartedly DISAGREE.  If anything, their presence is needed more after 7 pm for those remaining residents and businessmen/tourists still on the street.  Is there really any reason to have a bunch of ambassadors roaming around City Hall when there isn't anyone there at that time?  My brother lives downtown, and he's usually still on the streets after 7 pm.

 

If they decided to call it quits at that time, it would only reinforce the depressing sediment to the public and residents that this is only an 8-5 mon-fri type of place, which personally makes me want to gag.  Any great city is a 24 hr 7 days a week, and little by little (snails pace mind you) Cleveland is getting there.  Any little baby steps, whether it is the ambassadors working until midnight shifts or the current steady increase of Downtown residents, is helping downtown Cleveland move forward.

^ I think BOA's point was about the location of post 7pm ambassador deployment (e.g., they aren't needed around the deserted parts of downtown), not that they shouldn't be deployed at all at night.  I'm guessing he thinks they should instead be on Euclid, in Gateway area and WHD which makes sense to me.

Strap,

 

You are correct, I did not mean that they should just leave the streets after 7 PM.  I also live downtown and that is the last thing that I would want.  I think that the emphasis after 7 PM should focus to areas around Public Square, East 4th, Gateway, Warehouse. I say this because I think the major problems of aggressive panhandling occur around those times.  And lets not forget, that the ambassadors would still be available for 1 on 1 escort service for all areas of downtown.

 

We're dealing with limited resources of something like 40 ambassadors, I was simply asking if there was a way to make them more effective during the night.  I think the day time deployment has worked great.

 

P.S.  I'm not new to this forum, I just changed my name as a pun to whoever decided to become "goodjobambassador"

I didn't get the connection.  You punctuate. 

 

Who were you before?

Whooooaaa, duuuude!!!

Did you just call him a "Punctuate."

 

Wow

 

 

Lammonator

I think the DCA is doing a outstanding job of helping downtown cleveland look better and feel safe. People never seem to be satisfied with anything that makes a positive change. All I hear is negativity, people our always looking for reason for things to fail so they have more to talk about or just throw more negativity.If you want to see what the people of the DCA deal with on a day to day basis push yourself away from your oakwood desk, put your snoopy coffee mug down ,and volunteer some of your personal time & work with the ambassadors of the DCA for eight hours in the worst climates. If you want to hire super heros you can go to your nearest comic book shop and pick a issue of Justice League Heros and sign them up.

good job Mr Kennedy 1...lol I don't understand why there needed to be a "pun " on my name I thought this was a forum for everybody to express their opinion not a personal attack because I may not agree with you and Black Ops when the ambassadors for the most part are African American is offensive... now is far as thetime the ambassadors are in the field I don't know if you are downtown but the car thieves, homeless, and panhandlers do not have 9-5 hours they are there 24/7  yes it is worst at night but I for one feel safer especially during school hours when I see the ambassadors out when the juveniles from the schools in the surrounding areas are targeting random pedestrians to rob and assault ... lets go back to a time when there wasn't ambassadors outside and the homeless would walk up to your table while eating and ask for spare change or the square was ridiculously filthy you didn't want to sit at a bus stop after work... now I know the program is new and there are bugs like any new program give it a chance it's nice to know when a person comes from work they can be escorted to their car instead of clucthing your purse for dear life.. and Mr Kennedy is right at anytime if anyone wanted to ride or walk around with an ambassador for an eight hour shift I am sure the DCA would welcome it  so come out and brave this wonderful Cleveland weather and that is a true "pun" on words

^Per an earlier post, jamiec did contact DCA with an offer to volunteer and was ignored.

 

Anyhow, we're all on the same team here- DCA doing stuff is good.  But everyone also agrees there are some bugs...which means there should be nothing wrong with pointing them out.  Constructive criticism is not needless negativity- it's what pushes things to get even better.  Back to my Snoopy mug.

This thread is reminding me of grasscat's quote on ColDayMan's signature!

 

1. Constructive criticism is important! Just doing stuff in an area where we need more people doing stuff doesn't mean you should find out better ways to do things. I think if you read what has been written here, people, for the most part, are appreciative of what is happening via the DCA, but there are concerns. For example, if you go back to last summer, you would see how I was mad that these folks were cleaning Public Square and then a bunch of slobs would come back and leave their garbage! That still makes me mad. Maybe the DCA should be given the power to give littering tickets!

 

2. While my initial contact to DCA was ignored, after the recent post, I received a note, which I appreciated. The one thing I learned when I moved back here and started trying to volunteer is, sometimes it's very hard to help out! For example, I had to contact four different people at the CMA to even learn about volunteering opportunities. There are a lot of people around here who want to do their part, however they often aren't mobilized fully.

I don't get were all this criticism is coming from.  Geezes, its a joke people, relax.   I needed to change my name, I like Jack Bauer, and I thought it was funny.  Let it go.

 

Going back to my original point, I think the ambassadors and DCA are great.  In the past couple years I think they have single handedly improved downtown more than anything else.  I have talked to several ambassadors and they agree that after 7 PM they should change their focus to a more strategic deployment.  I'm asking for constructive critism on that, not a name change.

 

Anyway, Happy Easter if you celebrate!

I can accept Constructive criticism , it helps  and I do agree after 7pm in certain areas there is a need for ambassadors to focus more on a district for example the warehouse district for one the ambassadors are only there till 11:30 when most of the bars close at three one thing I look for on the part of the safety ambassadors is first response because alot of times if it's not a life or death situation the police are a lengthy wait to response... as far as volunteers yes it is hard when you want to help and you have no idea where to go with  the DCA because it is a company with employees it may be hard to find space for volunteers I was talking about shadowing ambassadors to see what the job consits of maybe the DCA should off a weekend volunteer program where once a month the community can come out to support and help the DCA I think that would help boost morale for the downtown area and the ambassadors plus it would let people see that Cleveland is cared about and bring attention to the downtown area what do you think?? I think that would be a step towards a positive city

Goodjob,

 

I think you're right, and maybe there is a way to have a volunteer program.  I know that there was a church group that helped out before St. Patrick's Day.  Maybe there's a way to expand that experience for the community at large.  I know there is alot of people who would like to help.

Cherish these times my fellow clevelanders, when the time comes and the DCA for whatever reason leaves. The city workers will pick up the tab and run for the door once again.

Cherish these times my fellow clevelanders, when the time comes and the DCA for whatever reason leaves. The city workers will pick up the tab and run for the door once again.

 

HUH   :?  :?

 

NOTE:  at this post, my post count equals someone screenname!  :-D

Last Monday, I saw two ambassadors working up a sweat while trying to shovel snow away from the curbs at the corner of West 3rd and St. Clair. I made sure and told them "thank you, I'm glad you are down here." They seemed pretty appreciative and returned the "thank you."

I wasn't sure where else to put this, but thought it was worth mentioning somewhere --

 

Link

 

Community News Briefs

Monday, April 16, 2007

 

%%head%%COMMUNITIES

 

CLEVELAND%%endhead%%Spring cleaning begins

 

Spring cleaning of the city will begin today. Mayor Frank Jackson is asking residents to report high weeds, graffiti, burned-out lights, standing water, abandoned cars and buildings, potholes and illegal dumping. No parking signs will be posted on streets scheduled for sweeping. Report dumping 24 hours a day by calling 216-664-DUMP (3867). Report the other problems by calling 216-664-2510, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

 

Right below it is another blurb for the "I love Downtown!" event. I've also seen this even getting plugged on the billboard TV attached to the Hannah building in the theater district. They're really pushing it!

 

 

This goes under the "you learn something every day..." file. I called the DCA Ambassadors to request a cleanup in front of the Rockwell Building - specifically, a dead rat (oddly enough, I haven't seen too many rats in Cleveland, hmm). Apparently they're forbidden from touching dead animals (which is fine and I don't blame them), and they did have a request to the city's Animal Control dept. So before anyone posts about how the DCA hasn't cleaned up a dead rat on the sidewalk, well - they've done everything they can. Now, if the rat is still there after work, Animal Control is getting a call.  :-P

^Maybe someone is trying to send you a message....maybe the skyscraper photographers mob?

May Mayday sleep with the rats!

May Mayday sleep with the rats!

In his case thats better than sleeping with the fishes.

^Ba-dum bump!

so basically a dead rat on a sidewalk is roadkill?? lol

you know, i don't think i've ever seen a rat in cleveland, alive or dead (downtown that is)

The only other time I've seen a rat downtown was on Mall B, back when they had that really tall "grass" growing in the planters. It scurried from one side to the other. I'll take muffleheads any day over NYC-sized rats!

speaking of any Mall A or B or......my coworkers are always confused:

 

Coworker: "what did you do for lunch today?"

Me: "Oh nothing, sat out and people watched on mall B"

Coworker: "oh, the galleria?"

speaking of any Mall A or B or......my coworkers are always confused:

 

 

Me: "Oh nothing, sat out and people watched on mall B"

Coworker: "oh, the galleria?"

 

LOL, too bad the Galleria as a mall is on the D list.

speaking of any Mall A or B or......my coworkers are always confused:

 

Coworker: "what did you do for lunch today?"

Me: "Oh nothing, sat out and people watched on mall B"

Coworker: "oh, the galleria?"

 

Did you slap the coworker?  Please say yes!

you know, i don't think i've ever seen a rat in cleveland, alive or dead (downtown that is)

Jeez I do not even know where to begin with that one. it is too easy.

you know, i don't think i've ever seen a rat in cleveland, alive or dead (downtown that is)

Jeez I do not even know where to begin with that one. it is too easy.

 

Where?  I've never seen one in the Business District.

 

I'm thinking you've seen on in the Flats.  I suspect because there are restaurants and residents, that might be a reason you've seen them (in mass).

oh I have seen rats downtown, but not of the rodent variety! We do have  a few resident groundhogs in the flats, but i have never seen a rat.

oh I have seen rats downtown, but not of the rodent variety! We do have  a few resident groundhogs in the flats, but i have never seen a rat.

 

I was imagining that was some type of joke.

 

Like say....the RAT-ners?

 

har har har.

From cleveland.com's "Tip Off" section:

 

Those who clean up after pets in downtown Cleveland to get help

Monday, July 16, 2007

Michael K. McIntyre

Plain Dealer Columnist

With more people, and their pets, living down town, pedestrians have to watch their step walking in the Warehouse and Gateway districts.

 

The Downtown Cleveland Alliance, which employs about 60 full-time "ambassadors" to keep downtown clean, reports it has cleaned up 736 doggie deposits since April 21. That's a lot of careless dog owners.

 

More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com

:clap: :clap: :clap:

 

For anyone who doesn't recognize this building, it's the former WKYC/East Ohio/Rockwell Condos/soon-to-be Staybridge Suites on the east side of East Sixth between Rockwell and St. Clair. One of the resident homeless people has a tendency to use the front of this building as a hangout, open-air restroom, you name it and as a result the air on this stretch has a certain "fragrance". Folks at DCA - THANK YOU!

 

I find that strangely hilarious.

I love those guys.  I wish they would expand them to other areas.  Outside of one or two instances, these folks have been great with improving the cleanliness of downtown and helping residents and visitors alike with a plethora of information.

They've really been out in force lately. Did they pick up more people or have they just been trying different patrol schemes I wonder. Either way, it's good to see them.

Different patrols, more people, and more power equipment.

 

Good to hear!

Couldn't decide whether to put this here or in the homeless thread - here won.

 

This is a flier DCA is putting out. There electronic and poster versions available as well.

 

Front

 

Back

I'd be interested in knowing how funds from the Downtown Homeless Fund will be used, if anyone has any additional information.

I'd be interested in knowing how funds from the Downtown Homeless Fund will be used, if anyone has any additional information.

yes, what are the details,-is it tax deductable,  is it distributed to agencies that assist the homeless-and which ones? so many questions. It is never a good idea to fund panhandlers, however many people will not just cut a check, no questions asked.

Patrick O'Donnell

(Cleveland) Plain Dealer

August 16, 2007

 

Say no and walk away.

 

If a panhandler holds out his hand for help, walk on by.

 

Yes, it sounds cold. But the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Cleveland's downtown, is passing out fliers to downtown businesses and apartment residents with the message "Don't Give Where It Can't Help" ...

 

... More at http://www.knowledgeplex.org/news/746481.html

Next step:  eliminate the mobile soup kitchens on Public Square.  Those people piss me off more than anybody.

Even more than City Architecture? ;-)

I hear Paul Volpe dishes out the soup himself.

Connie Shultz wrote an article in today's paper basically bashing the Anti-Panhandling Campaign saying its just an attempt to ignore the homeless problem.  I'm so sick of people like her saying stuff like when she's totally wrong.  Its about getting rid of the dude who asks me for money everyday and then gets back in his BMW and drives back to Strongsville.

 

If Connie is about helping the homeless so much how about she move back into the city and stop living in Avon.  Its always the people who are never involved who make judgement.  Its in my face 24/7.  Or maybe I'm not aware of the growing panhandling problem in Avon.  What are you doing to help the problem, Connie?  A whole bunch of us moved back to the city to try to tackle all these problems.  You sit on your lap top in sprawlville and judge us.

 

That's my rant for the day.

Its about getting rid of the dude who asks me for money everyday and then gets back in his BMW and drives back to Strongsville.

 

Ratner lives in Strongsville now?

 

If Connie is about helping the homeless so much how about she move back into the city and stop living in Avon.  Its always the people who are never involved who make judgement.  Its in my face 24/7.  Or maybe I'm not aware of the growing panhandling problem in Avon.  What are you doing to help the problem, Connie?  A whole bunch of us moved back to the city to try to tackle all these problems.  You sit on your lap top in sprawlville and judge us.

 

I suggest you write a letter.