As a person living under at least 5 dots I am guessing the point that most victims are poor is really hitting home. In over 2 years of living in the near w.side, I am only aware of petty crimes occuring against neighbors (auto break-in etc).  I am guessing the high concentration in OC  is lakeview?or a street corner near by, or they just are not careful where they put the dots? 

if you go to the interactive map, http://www.cleveland.com/pdgraphics/interactive/homicides_2006/map/m10000.html

 

you can click on the dots and it will bring a pop up with additional information, including the exact address or intersection.

Is anyone willing to comment on this? I didn't see it posted anywhere else. The think the reactions of some of the neighbors and friends are exactly why society no longer feels any empathy for the hood. This so called "15-year-old good boy" tried to rob someone with a gun and dies and people are screaming for justice. Justice already happened!

 

Shooting sparks neighborhood anger

Vigil held at house where teen was killed

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Gabriel Baird

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Damon Wells and his home appear no longer safe.

 

The .40-caliber handgun that Wells carries legally for defense may not be enough to protect the 25-year-old man and his home in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

 

Sunday night, a day after Wells shot and killed a 15-year-old who threatened him with a gun on his porch, Wells' home was under siege. Police sent a car to guard it.

 

...

 

Plain Dealer reporter Jesse Tinsley contributed to this story.

I read this and I don't get how neighbors could say the guy was innocent when he tried to rob the guy and has previously robbed someone while armed. Some people think that since someone is so young they should get a pass, but his record spoke for itself. I'm not saying he should have died, but with his history it seems he was more or less asking for it.

"They say that no matter what police and court officials say, Buford never did anything wrong. They don't care that Cleveland prosecutors said the shooting appears to have happened in self-defense. They want justice."

 

Give me a f#cking break.

I read this and I don't get how neighbors could say the guy was innocent when he tried to rob the guy and has previously robbed someone while armed. Some people think that since someone is so young they should get a pass, but his record spoke for itself. I'm not saying he should have died, but with his history it seems he was more or less asking for it.

 

the man (juvenile) was shot will trespassing, correct?  He should have been shot!

 

He threatened someone on their property.  My dad and I were talking about this and he said,"watch the neighborhod play the race and age card and say what a good person he was and that he would never hurt anyone.  Black folks need to stop sympathising with criminals and point them out!"  My dad went to say, he would have shot both of them then dragged his sorry ass to his parents house, since, apparently there was no "home training" taught in their home. 

 

When are parents and communities going to step up and take back their neighborhoods.  These punks need to be handled.  I don't feel he should have lost his life, but he threatened someone.  He chose to lead the life he did, now his family has to suffer.  By the way, where are the parents, grand parents, relatives??

 

The sad part about this is the black community is making this mans life hell.  Where are the community and church learders now?  We can't have it both ways.

Those who defend Buford and do the crimes he allegedly did have two choices:

 

Get away from the negative influences, clean up your acts and live long, productive lives. You will write your own legacy with your positive contributions to posterity;

 

OR

 

Keep robbing, drugging and killing to the point that whatever culture you claim to be a part of becomes extinct, then those of us who aren't part of your culture can write your legacies for you. The memories of you and your culture will be very harsh, and soon cast into history's dustbin of worthless parasites.

This information was provided by Cleveland Municipal Housing Court to our church newsletter (St. Stan's in Slavic Village):

 

REPORTING CLEVELAND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES

 

EMERGENCY - 911

NON EMERGENCY POLICE - 621-1234

BUILDING COMMISSIONER - 664-2282

BUILDING CODE COMPLAINTS - 664-2007

DRUG TASK FORCE - 664-3618

 

GRAFFITI ON BUILDINGS violates sec. 3101.11 of the Building Code. To make a complaint, call 664-2007.  To request removal of graffiti through the city's graffiti removal program, call 664-2510.

 

HIGH GRASS AND WEEDS over 8 inches tall violates sec. 209.02 of the Health Code.  Call 664-2300.

 

CARS PARKED ON TREE LAWNS, FRONT LAWNS, OR BACKYARDS violate sec. 357.14 of the Zoning Code.  Call 664-2007.

 

UNLICENSED OR DISMANTLED CARS, JUNK, OR GARBAGE in a yard or vacant lot violates sec. 203.07 of the Health Code.  Call 664-2300.

 

DETERIORATED OR UNMAINTAINED PROPERTY may violate sec. 3101.10 of the Building Code or sec. 369.13 of the Housing Code.  Call 664-2007.

 

TRASH SET OUT BEFORE NOON THE DAY BEFORE TRASH COLLECTION violates sec. 551.04 of the Public Service Code.  Call 664-2300.

 

ILLEGAL DUMPING violates sec. 551.263 of the Public Service Code.  Call 664-DUMP.

 

RODENT INFESTATION violates sec. 211.01 of the Health Code.  Call 664-2324.

 

Information provided by Judge Raymond L. Planka of the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court.

 

Municipal health and building inspectors in general only inspect properties after complaints have been received.  Don't assume that a longstanding problem property has been reported.  Take detailed notes, photos to be forwarded to the appropriate authority.

I remember reading here or elsewhere that the CPD was putting together a quality of life issue number list. Lets hope when residents call in complaints they are properly reported and immiedately dealt with.

Regina Brett's column

 

Message wrapped in fear, confusion

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Regina Brett

Plain Dealer Columnist

The sidewalk shrine disap peared overnight.

 

The balloons, the teddy bears, the notes. All gone.

 

The utility pole at East 134th and Kinsman stands naked. Someone anonymously disrobed the tribute to Arthur Buford.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Franchesca shook her head. "I wouldn't want nobody to put up balloons if I made a bad decision to end my life.

 

Taylor answered: "If I had died trying to rob or kill somebody, I wouldn't want a shrine up. I wouldn't want the neighborhood kids lookin' at me like I was some kind of icon."

 

The voice of common sense!  The media needs to spotlight more young people, like Franchesca and Taylor.

 

That "hood mentality" of celebrating death is so damn ridiculous! 

 

Councilman Zack Reed, who organized the meeting, said it was a "disservice to the community" how the media reported the story, that Wells was not run out of his home because that home is leased by someone else, the mother of Wells' fiancée.

 

Then various speakers talked about the agencies that failed Buford, his addicted parents, the wrong choices he made.

 

They discussed the need for jobs, for police, for churches to get more involved. They want to create a hot line for seniors to report crimes and to get churches to sponsor kids for summer jobs.

Zack Reed is really starting to get on my nerves.  (although I say this after-the-fact) The boy made bad decisions, he could have made an attempt to seek  help from teachers, friends or other family members.  The agencies should be put on blast, but utlimately the boy should have known better!  I'm sick of people making excuses instead of taking responsibility or being held accountable for their actions.

From Channel 19's website (woio.com):

__________________________________

Cleveland, OH - Finally, in a city where residents have to fear for their lives just driving downtown at night, a new deterrent in the war on crime on Cleveland's streets.

 

It's a creation that promises to protect your car or home's windows from projectiles-even Molotov cocktails, and a direct hit from a baseball bat.

 

But-will it stop a bullet?

 

19 Action News anchor Danielle Serino takes the ultimate test: a gun, firing point blank, right at her. Will it stop the bullets? Cameras roll on 19 Action News at 11, tonight after CSI: NY.

________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

wow - talking about sensationalism.  I can honestly say I have NEVER been afraid to drive downtown at night...the city is crime plagued right now and the police seem to be losing the battle (case in point - the cop being ambushed today on the east side and the guy being killed after pulling a gun on a cop last night)....but to start a story like this is pretty crazy.  Got my attention though.

 

Oh thank God for these new "high-tech" windows...I can finally drive in and out of the city without ducking every passerby.  And now I wont have to drive so fast!  I don't think there's ever been a day when i haven't had to fix up bullet holes and broken glass on my seat!  Thanks WOIO for this information!  Praise Jesus!  I don't have to move to Medina or the Columbus suburbs now!

 

*EXTREME SARCASM in case of any confusion.   

I'm really pissed about this story.  There is no reason why residents have to fear for their lives "just driving downtown at night".  There was no legitimate excuse for starting the story this way.

ok...has anyone taken 19 to challenge?

it is may sweeps.  what do you expect - even the "normal" stations have all sorts of hyped up stories on.

Besides writing a letter, which will soon be ignored, how do we?

Besides writing a letter, which will soon be ignored, how do we?

 

don't watch.  19 consistently has low ratings, especially for the 4, 5 and 6 pm telecasts.  if people don't watch during sweeps, when advertising rates are determined, advertisers don't pay, and 19 changes their operating model, stories or on air talent. 

Besides writing a letter, which will soon be ignored, how do we?

 

don't watch.  19 consistently has low ratings, especially for the 4, 5 and 6 pm telecasts.  if people don't watch during sweeps, when advertising rates are determined, advertisers don't pay, and 19 changes their operating model, stories or on air talent. 

 

Not necessarily true.  And be not doing anything, we only prolong the myth "that downtown" is unsafe. 

 

I say we get the DCD and Development communities to act on this.

wow, if there's a market for that, I'd better start working on my full body teflon bullet proof zoot suit.

wow, if there's a market for that, I'd better start working on my full body teflon bullet proof zoot suit.

 

You're insane!  Zoot Suit...LMAO

or you can annoy the heck out of the newscaster doing the story by sending her emails like this:

 

"[email protected]"

_________________________

Ms. Serino:

 

The opening of your segment on the Crime Proof Glass online reads,

 

“Finally, in a city where residents have to fear for their lives just driving downtown at night, a new deterrent in the war on crime on Cleveland's streets.”

 

Obviously no-one asked WOIO to be part of the “Believe in Cleveland” campaign, or the new “Cleveland+” marketing efforts by so many in this city.

 

It’s a shame that your news station continues to portray downtown and Cleveland neighborhoods as some dangerous place to avoid at all costs.  Your comments like this do nothing but hurt the efforts of many to bring people back downtown – and also turns us Clevelanders who know better away from your station.

 

I may have browsed WOIO’s website, but I guarantee I will not be tuning in tonight at 11pm.

 

Regards,

 

Oh, that'll be fun to shred a hack on that "news" show.

 

I'm only afraid to drive downtown when I'm passing Channel 19's studio.

here is what I wrote:Ms. Serino- regarding your story to air this evening. Are you serious? I think you are going to make a terrible idiot of yourself if you imply downtown streets are so unsafe to drive on that you need bullet proof glass (bats, drive bys, Molotov cocktails)? What statistical evidence do you have that would even suggest that some of these events have even occurred? Spreading misinformation only discredits whatever shred of dignity you may have as a "journalist" not to mention the thougtless harm to our community that you could cause.  I live and work downtown and it is very safe (statistically and anecdotally). If I find out this part of the story airs regarding downtown safety, I will assure you my household will never watch your station--and since I love Cleveland so much after living on the East coast and in the South for a number of years before settling here...it could be a lifetime.  Oh and I like to spread the word too (this email is copied to the bloggers).

 

 

Shame on you,

 

 

(end) I already got a rather lenghty personal response back, and I am not sure if it is concidered acceptable to share it word for word, but basically she is crying the promo is out context and but she does think Cleveland is dangerous and is afraid. And no she is not a small town girl, shes lived in big ol' cities too!

here is what I wrote:Ms. Serino- regarding your story to air this evening. Are you serious? I think you are going to make a terrible idiot of yourself if you imply downtown streets are so unsafe to drive on that you need bullet proof glass (bats, drive bys, Molotov cocktails)? What statistical evidence do you have that would even suggest that some of these events have even occurred? Spreading misinformation only discredits whatever shred of dignity you may have as a "journalist" not to mention the thougtless harm to our community that you could cause.  I live and work downtown and it is very safe (statistically and anecdotally). If I find out this part of the story airs regarding downtown safety, I will assure you my household will never watch your station--and since I love Cleveland so much after living on the East coast and in the South for a number of years before settling here...it could be a lifetime.  Oh and I like to spread the word too (this email is copied to the bloggers).

 

 

Shame on you,

 

 

(end) I already got a rather lenghty personal response back, and I am not sure if it is concidered acceptable to share it word for word, but basically she is crying the promo is out context and but she does think Cleveland is dangerous and is afraid. And no she is not a small town girl, shes lived in big ol' cities too!

 

What kind of bullshit answer is that? I would love to see her response in full.

This was the response:

------------------------------------

Thank you for taking the time to write.  I always appreciate feedback whether it's positive or negative.

 

I absolutely understand your perspective and frustration, given all of the efforts to improve the city's image.  I too have done my part to cast a positive light on Cleveland.  I might point you to the very pro-Cleveland stories I did when we were courting the Republican National Convention.

 

However, you cannot ignore the fact that Cleveland is indeed a dangerous city.  The crime stats bear that out.  Just two weeks ago, a friend of mine was robbed at gun point leaving a show at Playhouse Square on a Saturday night.  And as someone who works and frequently socializes downtown (despite the crime), I can honestly say I don't feel safe.  That is coming from a woman who grew up in New York City and spent the last six years in Chicago.  I am not a small town girl scared of the big city.

 

With that said, 19 Action News does many pro Cleveland stories, starting with our endless support of the sports franchises, our coverage of resident's fundraising efforts nearly every weekend, and our staunch support of Cleveland's police and fire departments.

 

I am told, we were the only tv station in Cleveland to support city leader's idea of offering new downtown businesses tax exempt status in order to rebuild the city.  We are also the only Cleveland media outlet that awards downtown restaurants for their excellent health code standards with our 19 Action News Clean Plate Award which restaurants display proudly on their windows. 

 

Finally, while our website promotion speaks of Cleveland's dangerous streets, the story itself does not cast Cleveland in a bad light at all.  It is a story about a revolutionary product that could be used in every city across the country. I would ask that you watch the story to see the truth in what I am saying.

 

In any case, I do appreciate your concern, and the time you took to write me with your thoughts.  I welcome your feedback in the future.

--------------------------------

 

I did not watch the story - so I have no idea how or if they mentioned Cleveland crime, or jsut used it in the promo. 

 

I have to admit - I do understand her point of view.  I know on this forum, a lot of credit is given to the good things happening in the city, and often times when crime is brought up it is shrugged off as "part of living in the big city"....I know because once i commented on my frustration on the fact that the mayor never says much publically about crime and there were many comments upset over what I said. 

 

Anyway - if in fact the story had nothing to do with Cleveland Crime - I hate the fact WOIO felt they needed to use it as a promo - and as peabody said "shame on them"

when watching tv during primetime, their promos were different from the one's described here. They were, "blah blah, safety glass", with no mention of scared suburbanitis.

I would like to think they went to the editing room after our emails (what, all 2 or 3 of them?) and did not mention the hysterical ramblings on the web promo. The story itself (shame on ME for watching), as others said, did not focus on city crime.

I emailed AND copied Frank, Ciperman, Sweeny and Johnson (City Council), Peter Lawson Jones, George Forbes, the WOIO General Manager, Raycom Media, STJ, the Historic Gateway, The Historic Warehouse district, Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland, downtown Cleveland partnership & the downtown Cleveland Alliance.

 

My letter was similar to most and I also added, in addition to her opinion, please get the opinion of downtown residents and businesses as well as workers (no matter what part of Greater Cleveland they live in).  Then take that information and use it to correct any said negatives.

 

This situation, is a perfect example on how UrbanOhio can change our cities or actively challenge how the media reflects the climate of the city on various issues.

i did learn that if I install those on my car, I'll be safe from Molotov cocktail toting hoodlums!

MyTwoSense...just an FYI, the Downtown Cleveland Partnership no longer exists, it was merged into the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

The mother sounds like a complete idiot! The lawyer sounds like a real winner as well! :x

 

Mardale Williams, the 16-year-old charged in connection with the death of Arthur Buford, denied charges of murder, aggravated robbery and felonious assault today in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.

 

Gus Chan/The Plain DealerMardale Williams

 

Prosecutors say Williams was with Buford, his 15-year-old friend, on April 21 when the two tried to rob Damon Wells near his home in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

 

...

 

Luskin blamed the schools, the community and the court for not protecting Williams from himself. He said society is reverting to the times of Charles Dickens and treating children as "street urchins" who can be just thrown away.

 

...

He added that Minnie Williams had several chances to help bring in her son after he was accused of a February robbery and then the April 21 robbery, but she refused to cooperate.

 

"There's no way that this kid was an innocent bystander here," Naso said.

 

...

""street urchins" who can be just thrown away."

 

If only...

Mayor, city ready for crackdown on crime

Posted by Gabriel Baird May 11, 2007 20:52PM

Categories: Breaking News

Mayor Frank Jackson wants police to get tough.

 

He wants them to take back the streets from the drug dealers, thugs, unruly teens and anyone else who makes residents afraid to walk their streets or even sleep in their own homes.

 

Aggressive policing led to three deaths in three days this week -- two in police chases and another in a traffic stop.

 

Though Jackson views the deaths of the victims and innocent bystanders as tragic, he is not backing down.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-4141

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/05/mayor_city_ready_for_crackdown.html

Its' Giuliani.....er Jackson Time!  Its about damn time! 

 

Lock all those damn heathens up!

Its' Giuliani.....er Jackson Time!  Its about damn time! 

 

Lock all those damn heathens up!

 

I'm extremely happy to here this and hope this plans follows along the lines of Giuliani's NYC turn around. Get the thugs and drugs off the streets...be proactive and take this city back!

Saw the tighter enforcement first hand this evening. Walked to Edgewater Park and noticed a squad car rolling down Edgewater going unusually slow. He seemed to have no objective other than observation.

 

Later, when I got to Cliff Drive, anxious to look down on the lake and skyline, there were two cars stopped on the side of the road and one of the drivers was out of his car leaning into the second. I thought it looked a bit fishy, and sure enough, that squad car I saw 10 minutes before came rolling up slow. In the past, I would have expected him to slow down as he passed the drivers and told them to get their cars out of the middle of the road. Instead, he stopped like thirty feet behind them and just sat there. They looked at him and carried on whatever they were talking about. He got on his in-car blow horn and said "No parking in the road."

 

OK, it wasn't Die Hard or anything, but I almost feel like simple stuff like that is just as important.

The Plain Dealer

 

20-year-old fatally shot late Saturday  (this was number 45!)  :-(

Posted by Harlan Spector May 20, 2007 11:09AM

Categories: Breaking News, Crime

A 20-year-old man was shot and killed Saturday night on Storer Avenue and West 52nd Street in Cleveland, authorities said. The victim's identity was not released because family had not been notified. The man was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he died just after midnight, the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office said. Police did not release details of the shooting.

 

 

 

Man shot in head has been identified

Posted by Donna J. Miller May 19, 2007 14:06PM

Categories: Breaking News, Crime

Updated 2:13 p.m.

 

Cuyahoga County Deputy Coroner Frank Miller and homicide detectives have identified the man who was shot in the head in Cleveland Friday night, but his family has not yet been notified.

 

...

 

www.cleveland.com

 

 

PLAIN DEALER:

 

Two men die in shootings in Cleveland

Posted by Mark Naymik May 28, 2007 11:07AM

Categories: Breaking News

A family get-together turned deadly early this morning after a 50-year-old Euclid man vomited on his niece's couch.

 

Johnny M. Smith was shot several times in the chest and stomach by his niece, Roxanne L. Smith of Cleveland, Cleveland police spokesman Lt. Thomas Stacho said.

 

...

 

www.cleveland.com

Jeez louise.. two whacked out murders this morning. Any word on if the suspects have been caught in the second incident outside of Mirage?

me thinks there is more to the mirage murder than a robbery attempt. Who bothers to follow someone that far unless they have a beef with them or they are carrying ridiculous amounts of cash? That place is nothing but trouble. I had a prosecuter contact me about testifying to the city that the place is a nuisance to the neighborhood. this is easily the third murder associated with the place in at least a year. A lot of police power is wasted down there trying to keep order at closing time (Sundays are the worst).

there were gunshots down at mirage on saturday night as well.  definately seems like an interesting crowd.

All I can say about the Mirage incident is "damn".  There's a good distance-- about two and a half miles-- between the bar (in the Flats West Bank) and the area where the guy was killed (W.38th and I-90). A robber would not put up a chase like that. This was most likely gang-related.

All I can say about the Mirage incident is "damn".  There's a good distance-- about two and a half miles-- between the bar (in the Flats West Bank) and the area where the guy was killed (W.38th and I-90). A robber would not put up a chase like that. This was most likely gang-related.

Just what I was thinking.

well AOL City Guide says this about Mirage:

 

Perched on the West Bank of the Flats, Mirage on the Water is one of Cleveland's premier dance clubs. A 7,500-square foot marbled dance floor has room enough for hundreds to bump and grind to the loudest hip-hop and funk around. In summer, visitors enjoy the view offered by a retractable skylight roof, as well as patio seating on the bank of the Cuyahoga River. Trying to impress a date? Plush walls and flowers give the interior a touch of class not found at typical night spots. Mirage can also accommodate large parties. Those wanting to avoid the traffic can bring their boat to the bar, with dock space available. -- Todd Stumpf (Photo: Gretchen Gaede)

If I had more time, and did not actually have to work I could do a seriously wicked rewrite of that

From the 5/24/07 West Side Sun News:

 

 

Extra eyes are watching

Neighborhood programs help police keep area safe

Thursday, May 24, 2007

By Carol Kovach

West Side Sun News

 

It's a warm spring evening. A few residents are taking a walk, while others are enjoying the cool breeze blowing through the open windows and doors.

 

Suddenly, a car that sounds more like a jet roars down the street. Or, perhaps the quiet night is punctuated by the terrified screams of a frightened young woman.

 

Maybe your neighbors returned from vacation to find someone broke into their home, or possibly an area church was vandalized.

 

These are some instances in which a Neighborhood Watch program might prove useful, said Randy Dailey of the Cleveland Police Community Relations Unit.

 

...

 

For more information on the June 12 meeting, call Hanna at (216) 664-6634.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/sun/westsidesunnews/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1180025123256640.xml&coll=3

 

From the 6/5/07 PD:

 

 

Community groups hope to quell gang violence

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Stan Donaldson

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

A brainstorming session between several inner-city community groups and police Monday could lead to a truce between rival street crews on the city's East Side.

 

The gangs, such as the Trap Squad, Hough Harlem, D-Block, 7 Alls, Hough Heights and others in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, have been shooting at each other and robbing each other, leaving some residents uneasy.

 

Representatives from Peace in the Hood Inc., a Partnership for a Safer Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority police and others met at the St. Clair-Superior Development Corp. building to figure out alternatives to stymie violent crimes.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected] 216-999-4885

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1181032626194430.xml&coll=2

 

From the 6/9/07 PD:

 

 

Stores sell caps with East Side gang names

New Era says they boost neighborhoods

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Stan Donaldson

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Community activists fighting to stop street violence see a new challenge in a line of baseball caps that carries names associated with neighborhoods, housing projects and gangs.

 

Teens can buy the hats, made by New Era Cap, one of the nation's largest sports hat companies, in athletic stores such as The Finish Line at Richmond and Randall Park malls.

 

...

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-4885

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/118137868857330.xml&coll=2