Encouraging news on the Modesto Inn

It is nice to read about the efforts of the owners/operators at the Modesto Inn and how they are trying to change things.  If it works out, then it is the best case scenerio.  Looks as if they are trying to get "legit".

The worst case scenerio was, as a neighborhood, to continue fighting with them and continue to have the issues that was plauging the place.  The last thing the area needs is another blight issue.  If it were to close, then the squating that would take place would make the area look like the apocolypse.

I can see the changes being made as I drive by.  At least it will be a viable business potentially.

I already see less vagrant foot traffic at the parks since the residents were booted.  Of course, some of that has to do with the weather, but a difference has been made.

I hope that the city continues to monitor the situation (which I know they are currently), but they need to keep vigilant after the change has been made too.

Knife Pulled at Enslen Park

As my son walked across Enslen Park yesterday on his way to the corner market, he called me saying there is a fight developing at Enslen Park.  What he witnessed were two homeless men verbally harassing a group of young adults (who were at the park all morning, doing what, I am not sure) when the gals of the group started going after the homeless dudes.  Then the young men started going after the homeless guys, and that is when one of the homeless men pulled a knife and the group backed off.  This all took place behind the backstop of the baseball field.  I witnessed the screaming and folks running.

One of the homeless guys, is a guy that rides around on a unicycle. Maybe he is not homeless, but just a vagrant.  It also "may" be the guy that verbally assaulted me last week when I confronted him for smoking marijuana during the "Zumba" event (not "Red). Not for sure, but just an instinct of mine.

This is exactly why I do not walk across Enslen Park when I go to the "Green Store", or Millennium Market at Morris/Sycamore.  I just gets me more infuriated so I choose to drive.  My son is much more brave than me.

Now I want some answers from those whom this blog gets emailed to.  I want some accountability! I keep this blog basically private as it goes to city council members, the Chief of Police (interim), the Mayor and a few others.  I try not to open this up to public consumption too much.  I want to work with city administrators and do not want to turn this into a bitch session.  However, I am getting ever so closer to opening this up and getting park residents across the city to join in a mass effort to hold the city accountable to keeping our parks safer.

The Blue Ribbon Committee findings have been set aside.  I have heard of nothing about park patrols and what WAS on tap initially in experimenting with camera's etc.

When this incident happened yesterday, I did not call the police.  I used to in the past, and I normally received a good response with an officer at some time or another driving by the park.  Lately, that is not happening, so I do not bother.  I know, budget cuts, etc, but last year we were in the same boat, and at the very least, a patrol would come by.

Another note

As I sit down to type, I get the aromic smell of pot being smoked across the street at the Enslen Park.  Not a vagrancy issue, just some punks.  Yes, it is that easy to sit down at a table at the park and smoke openly at a picnic table while they probably scrawl some graffiti on the bench.  I am sure they have their medical marijuana cards though!

Got a response from my last posting telling me that the Blue Ribbon Committee's reports have been "shelved for the time being".  All that hard work, and we are just going to let it sit for a bit.  How long?

For us residents of the College area, I would like to see our Rank Security be able to approach the "do gooders" who come out and do feedings.  They would need to be armed with literature trying to show that there is a coordinated efforts in the feedings and not to be totally against what they are doing.  Of course, that is done by evaluating what the Blue Ribbon did, (see above for their status).

I would like to see the Department of Mental Health get up from behind their desks and go on a sabatical of sorts.  If officers or social workers could, ask the vagrancy at the parks if they utilize the services provided by the city?

I think I now have a contact high from the pot smoke, I am getting giddy along with the school children that just walked through the haze!

Zombies and Modesto Parks

I did not find it surprising when hearing about an assault that took place last Saturday at Mancini Park in Modesto.  I also do not find it surprising that it took place in broad daylight, because who in their right mind would stroll through a Modesto park at night?
It was only a matter of time where an incident so violent would occur at a park and actually reported.

Folks complaining about "quality of life" if a shopping center is erected at the corner of Sylvan and Oakdale ought to be thankful they do not live across the street from a park. Now THAT is a "quality of life" issue.

"Zombies" are the latest craze as we get closer to Halloween.  If you are fans of zombies, then make a picnic and go to your local park.  The amount of homeless, vagrancy, and mentally ill that stroll around will amuse you.  I have literally seen these folks walk around in a circle going nowhere.  Just the other week I witnessed a man who was a spitting image of "Animal" from the Muppets, just throwing trash all over Enslen Park.  He picked up a trash bag as if it was a big find and carried it around before disposing it under the stands.

On Saturday morning while the In-Shape/City of Modesto's kids Zumba event was going on at Enslen Park, I noticed a dude rolling a joint at a table.  (When you are doing something and consistently looking up looking for authorities, you are probably up to no good). He proceeded to smoke it with a regular resident, "Red" at the horseshoe pits.  Now "Red" has always been an ally of ours in keeping the park safe from it's curses.  However when I approached him to question his decision on smoking while there are a ton of kids at the park he got defensive.  "Do you see any kids in this area?". Uh "yes" I replied. Then the other dude confronted me and while cussing me out (at the same time he retreated cause he thought maybe the police would be on their way and knowing he had substance on him he got out of "dodge"), but he went kicking and screaming.

At our CANA security meeting, the main emphasis was the homelessness and the vagrancy. That is still our main concern.  We are going to work on a few questions to how we can stop the issues.  Questions like, why are we letting the Modesto Inn continue?  Why are we still seeing park feedings?  Where is the Blue Ribbon Committee and it's findings at?  We recognize that these are a society issue, and if we succeed in eliminating the issues at Enslen and Graceada Park, that it will only continue somewhere else.  However, we are at such a infuriating state of mind, we don't care.  Just get it out of our parks.  That thought process is wrong, but we need help and the city needs to look over its park patrol system first, then see how they want to deal with homelessness and mental illness issues next. If we are going to provide services, then do so in a coordinated effort.

I don't really find any humor in this.  It actually pisses me off, but it is true.  This is from a Modesto Facebook site that makes fun of Modesto even though they say, "it is all in fun". An article in today's Bee chronicles mail box thefts so you can no longer find the blue mail boxes and then there is the pot busts going on daily.  At least law enforcement is making a dent in those busts, but we need to get it together Modesto!

Modesto Parolee

So a parolee just out of Corcoran State Prison yesterday is dropped off in Modesto where he sexually assaults a 15 year old girl on a city bus on her way to school.  Not even 24 hours out of prison for sex crimes,  and he commits this.  My question is why was he dropped off in Modesto?  I can understand if he is FROM Modesto.  I hope this is the case, otherwise, we need to find out why all of them are dropped off in Modesto!

A movement we need to recongnize...Hello?

So I posted on the Modesto International Architecture Festival Facebook site:

Liking the new paint on Suzuki's Garage. However, what about the rest of the property? Is that coming? Thanks for the support. http://hotelenslen.blogspot.com/2012/09/old-gas-station-gets-new-paint-scheme.html

Got a response from a David Burkett:

We are looking for the next Modesto Art Museum project and the building next door is an option… but we are also looking for suggestions. We hope to inspire adjacent property owners to spruce up their buildings and change the feel and image of Modesto one building at a time…

My response:

Sounds great. If you read my recent posting on my blog, Needham has been having a bit of revitalization. I would like to see it continue. You would get support of CANA to help expedite potential improvements. The revitalization of businesses on needham would only help in the push to be rid of the Modesto Inn.

Anybody else up for this? Twainhart Hill? Am I right?

Blight or Revival on Needham?

Blight: The beautiful Modesto Inn

Blight: The fuel for the Inn residences

Blight: The building at Suzuki's that did not get a paint over

Revival: New paint job

Revival: Camp 4

Revival: Never Boring Designs

Blight: Graffiti on the back side of Never Boring

Revival: Infinite Creations

Blight:  All the parolees are free to roam the streets

Graffiti that is on the back of the Department of Corrections.  Yup.

Revival: The Greens Market

As mentioned in the previous post, Needham is half way there in what us residents hope is a revival of the street! On the other hand......

Old Gas Station Gets New Paint Scheme, and a New Resident

It was great to see the old gas station (Suzuki's Garage) on Needham get a new paint job.  According to the Bee this revival was organized by the Modesto Art Museum, and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. This was done in preperation to the Modesto International Architecture Festival later this month.

There has been another revival of sorts on Needham Ave.  The street was repaved and added new bicycle lanes with green bicycle incon's on the roadside.  New businesses like Camp 4, the Greens Market, Never Boring Design, and Infinite Creations.

This revival however has a "fly in the ointment", and that being the Modesto Inn.  If nothing else, the Inn creates blight.  This posting is not so much about the Modesto Inn as it about blight and how it spreads.

For instance, located in the parking lot of the newly painted gas station is this gentleman pictured.  Looks like he has set up his own little home.  I know he lives in his truck as he used to be a regular "resident" around Enslen Park.  Now the truck is not running he has chosen to take up residence at Suzuki's garage.  That is what I gather.  Maybe he has the ok to stay there, I do not know.

He was never a problem at the Enslen park and I am sure by all looks, he is law abiding but just going through these tough times.  However, I think he is breaking some law, like squatting maybe?  This only creates more blight.  I think the with the Modesto Inn being right down the street, it makes it easier for him to set up camp.

Is there someone from the city to check on him to see if he needs any assistance?  Maybe he only needs his truck fixed so he can be on his way (probably to the next park, but....).

My final question is Suzuki's even in business? There are two buildings on the property, one that was painted, and the other that is graffiti-ridden.  On the same property we have "revival" and we have "blight".

Well Done!

What about the other building?

Mr. Suzuki?

So what choice is Modesto going to make with Needham?  Revival, or blight?

The Apocalypse?

In chatting with Councilman Lopez during our kickball event at Enslen Park, the councilman asked "Haven't seen any posts recently". Well, true, as noted earlier issues have subsided at Enslen Park.  I believe I have given credit in previous posts to the MPD and Rank Security.

However that does not mean that the traffic at Enslen Park has subsided.  Those who lounge around at the park ARE law abiding, for the most part.  Even our regulars, Monique and her beau have behaved.  Maybe that is what pregnancy does to someone.  Yes, Monique is pregnant.  Wonderful.   Not sure that is good news or bad news.  Good that she may be away from the park in about, oh, 3 months or so.  Bad, meaning that is just sad and typical.  Hopefully she can receive the medical attention that she will need.

Recently however, it just seems like the Apocalypse has hit the park.  This is especially true in the early mornings. It looks like "death" with all the sleeping bags and trailers spewn about the park.  Those who are up and about (in and about town, not just specific at Enslen Park) could make a movie, "Zombieland 2".  NOBODY looks like they have their wits about them.  It is sad as it seems so many are mentally ill just wandering around in a state of dillusion.  We need the "Happy Van" to go around town in the mornings and pick these people up and and make them aware of services they need.  Maybe they are already receiving them, just not sure.

Kickball Madness! « Good Day Sacramento

Keeping the parks clean even at 7am on a Sunday morning!



Kickball Madness! « Good Day Sacramento

Sunday Fundays in Downtown Modesto?

Park issues are at a minimum (no more Monique and her beau).  Thanks Chief if your staff had something to do with that.  So because of that, just wanted to report on our efforts of the Beach Party Kickball for Partners In Paint.  This event will be at Enslen Park on August 19th.  Councilman Lopez has made great efforts in securing some title sponsors! The councilman and myself both agreed to keep it small and simple for a first time.  I can really only accept 10  kickball teams, and I am nearly there.  It will be a great day full of fun and hilarity. Posters will be ready early next week that will go in area businesses. 

I am in the beginning stages of creating for downtown what I want to term "Sunday Fundays", a series of fun events to be staged downtown like fun runs, scavenger hunts, and pub crawls.  

My hopes is to be able to provide some commerace downtown on Sundays.  My initial "meet and greet" was with Nancy at the Downtown Improvement District just to chat about the possibilites.  She loved the idea and is on board to help.  There is a lot more to it, but I do need the city behind this idea.  This is my first posting expressing my desires, This blog goes to the connected government folks of the city and a few other dignitaries.  Is that the right term?  Any feedback is encouraged!

Don't retire on me yet Chief

Chief Harden, still wanting to get your take on Monique and her "beau" who are back to residing at Enslen Park.  She is a problem and often she makes the park dysfunctional.  I know she has been arrested a few times, and I am curious as to what it takes to get someone banned from city parks? Talking with Brian Rank the other day while he was patrolling, he said that he himself has arrested her.  Not sure what that all entails.  Last night I had to call the police cause she and her beau were arguing and fighting once again.  For a brief moment, he actually put his hands around Monique's throat.  Anything you can share on this?

Millennium Market robbed

Sonny at the Millennium Market at Sycamore and Morris has had an awful week.  Early in the week someone in broad daylight broke into his propane tank cage and stole ALL of the tanks! They will re-sell them for maybe $20!  Not sure how NOBODY saw this, even Sonny or Mona, the owners.

Then Wednesday morning, a thug came in "armed", although no weapon was seen, and robbed them of the cash in their register.  Sonny called Rank and they were there within a few minutes.  Unfortunately, the robber got away.

Great job Rank Security!

Great job Rank Security and MPD as well as the resident that reported it.  This just concluded right across the street from me.  Thug Dude tried to enter a house on Enslen Ave.  Homeowner opened the door spooking the guy, then took off.  Homeowner calls police with a perfect description.  Rank officer happened to be on duty and was listening to the police scanner.  So he went looking.  Went to the Millennium Market at Sycamore and Morris, no luck.  He drives to Graceada Park, guess who is there, Thug Dude.  When Thug Dude sees patrol, he reaches into his waist as if he has a weapon.  That pretty much surmised that he was the guilty one. He takes off and Rank follows him and gets MPD involved with description and where he went.

I saw the Rank officer go down my half block about 8 times.  I turned on my 5-0 Police scanner app and listened in.  All the officers figured he was at this Poplar address.  After some time MPD declared all "clear" and lets look elsewhere.  The owner of the house returned to his backyard to clean his pool when he saw white tennis shoes under his deck.  Hhmm, he calmly went back out front and locked his gate and told the officers, "Did you check under the deck"! I think that is where he is at.  Sure enough, the MPD caught the Thug.  Much thanks to the aware Poplar homeowner!

This should be shared with College area neighbors.  This is why we, and others should buy into the Rank Security for $25 per month.  We need about 30 more households to buy in to get 8 hours a week for 7 days.  Rank happened to be on duty in our area, and it worked.  He was able to close in quicker than the MPD and then give accurate information on the whereabouts of the thug.

She's Baaaacckkk!!

After months of relative quietness at Enslen Park, Monique and he beau are back.  This is where the quiet ends!  As I have chronicled in past posts, she is a mess and disturbs the whole entire park scene.  She is usually fighting with her beau or others.  She admits to doing drugs in the park on top of that!

In addition to being at the park, I saw her climbing a gated fence at the duplexes at 421 Sycamore.  If she is hoping the fence, then she is not welcomed.

This is BAD! Not sure if the MPD has her on the radar, but I would hope with all the past transgressions that she should not be allowed in our parks.  It is drama waiting to happen.

There is a good chance as well she is hanging out at the homeless haven on the northwest corner of Hackberry and Alice St.

Please advise Chief Harden or Rank Investigations.

It is Kickball season!

Lets beautify this blog a bit with some fun! Just a simple note that is Kickball season in Modesto, and some events will be coming our way.  What better way to enhance our parks, than some fun and cocktails!

JustAGameEvents.com

From Romania With Love

When leaving Safeway last night I was approached by a family who had a sign explaining their plight.  It is almost commonplace to be asked for a handout when leaving Safeway, so much so they have  a hired security firm, who sometimes are there and most often not.  Anyways, I told them that there are services in the area that can help feed you with a stern look.  The father said, "We speak no English", and I thought, 'go figure'.  Been there, done that.  The father said they were from Romania.  I tried to speak to what I figured was an 8 year old boy thinking he knows English, but all I got was a blank stare. OK, so maybe their story is true I thought.

Frustrated I went back into the store to chat with the store manager.  I told him that I am tired of always being asked for handouts when I am at this store.  If you would could you please tell this family (or whomever it is) that there are services for these people.  It is a polite way to say, "get lost" but if you must go, here are some options.  I knew because of the language barrier that nothing was going to be accomplished.  At this time the family was in the store.  I left and I heard the father say, "Thank you" from a distance.  Not sure if he was being a smart ass cause I just got him booted, or he was thankful.  I felt bad that this family was not getting what I was trying to do.  That is, that there are places they can go.  I stopped them and wrote on their message cardboard piece, the name Salvation Army, and looked up the address to their location.  He asked, that I was able to surmise, "Church, Catholic".  I told them to get to the Salvation Army and they could help.  I showed them that I had no cash on me as I was prepared to give them money to take the bus, so hopefully they can get there.

There is no real moral of the story here, but just an odd happening.  How did a family from Romania get stuck at a Safeway in Modesto?  It does bring up the point that where panhandling is commonplace, that employees could be at least educated on where to send them.  There is no need for panhandling when Modesto has meals and beds for them.

Now I Need Some Help

Who can point me in the right direction to get Uncle Tom some "medical" help?  He is basically indigent. I know there are some free services for the homeless.  Technically, he is homeless.

As I have chronicled, Uncle Tom is a big help to our little college area neighborhood by painting over graffiti and helping out when needed.  Even after all the park visitors from Easter Sunday left Enslen Park a complete mess, Tom and a buddy went and got all the recyclables and put all the trash that was "attempted"  to be put in the trash cans and tidied up the park.  It is always "fun" when the park is visited by folks who prefer the "thug life". They could give a s**t about cleaning up properly.

Anyways, Tom is severely ADHD or ADD and cannot focus.  This prevents him from holding down a real job.  He can work hard on a project for about an hour, and then it is "Look, a squirrel" and the job rarely gets finished.  If you have seen the TV show, Hoarders, that is what my backyard look like.  Hoarding is derived from one of the two previously mentioned conditions.  He also got himself in a little trouble with the law.  Bottom line is that I am sick of my backyard looking like a junk yard.  If he continues in his current pattern he will be incarcerated again.  He has reverted back to what used to get him in trouble years ago.  I want to get him help and I cannot afford it.  I know there are services out there.  Please let me know where I can go.

thanks
DWiz

Blue Ribbons Committee findings

At the city council meeting last night, I was pleased with the findings and the response.  Even the anti-anti homeless folks in attendance may have been "moved" when they realized the committee was not "Anti-homeless" and that they are not out to get the homeless.

As I have always preached, it is not necessarily the homeless that cause the problems in Enslen and Graceada Park specifically.  Homelessness breads vagrancy.  I believe the vagrancy comes from 3 specific areas when it comes to Enslen and Graceada.

The first is what I call the "400 Blocks".  The 400 blocks of Sycamore and Park Ave to be specific.  Residents at the 400 block of Sycamore are not allowed into the "green store" at Sycamore and Morris any longer.  Petty crimes have given Sunny no other choice to ban them he says. I agree as I drive by there all the time and see the folks slithering around.

The second are the guys walking around in a stupor just getting off parole at the Parole offices at Needham and Olive.  They have nowhere to go but to the parks. Parolees no longer have to have a physical address to go to.

Thirdly, the Modesto Inn. Period. Enough said there.

When the homeless are lying around with their trailers, blankets, and their brown paper bags it is an invitation to the aforementioned to blend in.  Then idle time kicks in and problems develop.

I look forward to the city council moving forward and making the changes as suggested by the Blue Ribbon's report.  Lets move swift though.  Time for research is over, it is time TO DO now.

BTW, when I got home, I hugged my cats.

The "History of Graffiti" at the State, really?

So author and photographer Jim Prigoff is giving a lecture and slide show on "The History of Graffiti" tomorrow night at the State Theatre here in Modesto.  My thought is, wrong city at the wrong time.  We know that graffiti is an "art" and I am not one to hold back on the "arts", but in Modesto, graffiti is known as "tagging" first, art maybe.  Mr. Prigoff is no dummy.  He knows where is markets are.

He is supposed to convert these taggers into "artists"? Not sure of that is the idea or not.

Finally. However...

Ok the graffiti on the "water pump" wall at Poplar and Stoddard was finally taken care of after nearly two months of it being tagged.  It will get tagged again, so my question is, who painted over it? Was it the cities abatement team or the business itself, or another nearby business?
I want to know who to call when it gets tagged again.  I called the "hotline" over a month ago and I believe it was finally painted over yesterday.  If anybody has any answers please inquire.

I know it is baby steps and it is a process to get graffiti taken care of, but why did this take so long? I know that city employees had to see this on a daily basis.  Why wouldn't they say something to the abatement team?  They just passed the buck so to say?

The graffiti shown here across the street on a residential fence has been there just as long.  Shouldn't somebody be knocking on their front door saying that it needs to be taken care of? How about a fine if it is not taken care of in a timely manner?  At the least a bucket of paint should be dropped off on their front porch.  Or give me the paint and I will get Uncle Tom to paint over it.

Graffiti and Businesses

A frustrating part of the graffiti process is the fact that there are businesses that just don't do anything with cleaning up the graffiti or calling the cumbersome number.  This graffiti pictured above has been on this wall for over a month.  I called the graffiti hotline over three weeks ago. This is on Needham across the street from Poplar Ave.  I left a message saying that I was not sure if this is city, private, or public domain.  I chatted with the folks at Helping Hands Massage & Aromatherapy and he told me that this utility building belongs to Level (3) and they never do anything about the graffiti as it is the Massage company that calls.  This wall gets tagged frequently and it is usually taken care of but not this time.  The other picture is across the street on Needham in between Poplar and Hackberry.  That is a private resident who again, is not taking care of it.  

What the? Really?

Thanks to Modesto View for posting this "art" that took place inside Mancini Bowl at Graceada Park.  Because of the vigilance of Modesto View, this was quickly cleaned by Tim and Sean from the city.  Looks like it was a Graffiti Party as guests were invited like a Tupperware or Gold Party.  "Uncle Tom" took a stroll Sunday evening with his dog and said it was not there early Sunday evening.  So this was done later Sunday evening.  Now, Rank Patrol was patrolling the neighborhood.  Not saying it was their fault.  However, someone needs to be responsible.  I am thinking that city has not worked out details with Rank Investigations to patrol the park, meaning, get out and walk the park too.  If so, maybe this would not have occurred.  The city says they are considering "park patrols" and we HAVE one that WE are paying for, yet they can't set foot inside the parks?  Please advise.  Now, I was hoping that Tim and Sean turned around and saw the graffiti on the yellow utility wall that has been there for over a month on Poplar and Needham on the south side of the street. I called the graffiti "hotline" 3 weeks ago.  Still there.  That is probably because nobody knows if it is city or private land.

Unbeleivable

It has been pretty quiet at Enslen Park.  Maybe this is due to the closed restrooms, or maybe it is because of the area patrol or the police.  Could be because of the apathy from the Graceada park area residents as most of the vagrancy has gone there.

What better way to disrupt this quietness than a good ole park feeding! Lets just drop off some free sack lunches in a box and let them fight over it!  A food fight slinging food and fists.  Man vs. Woman.  "F" bombs all up and down this place.  Never mind the teenagers playing volleyball, they will step aside.

If we really want to get rid of graffiti....

We need a number we can call instantly that we can remember!? Driving around town the other day, I saw graffiti on the Virginia Corridor overpass at Briggsmore, then turned left onto College (southbound) and saw some on a Century 21 sign, then witnessed the "beautification" of First Reality at Orangeburg and College.  That whole entire business complex is lit up with graffiti.  The front of the complex faces right into the windows of Roosevelt Junior High, where the daydreaming students have visions of graffiti swirling amongst their wandering minds.

Now I know we have a graffiti number to call, 209-342-2259.

There was some recent news in the Bee that the city has brought back its graffiti abatement team.  You can file online to report graffiti or call the number.  The online thing is nice, but cumbersome.  I would like to see a number such as, 1-800-CLEAN UP, or 1-800-WIPE-OFF. Maybe use the existing number of 34-ABC-59.  Sorry, that's all I got with minimal effort on that.

Then there could be a media blitz in the Bee, MPD, with the city, maybe some radio PSA's, refrigerator magnets, whatever.  Get the number imbedded into the minds of concerned citizens that really would like to see the graffiti cleaned up.  Then while driving they can call and report it right away, of course please pull over to the side of the road.

What is with the 400 blocks?

So as I look at Crimemapping.com I am noticing a trend.  I checked out the "stats" from the first of the year through today.  Within the College area, the 400 blocks seem to be getting some "pub".  The 400 blocks of College, Virginia, Park, and Sycamore avenues.  Theft, verbal fights, fights, burglary, robbery, the whole gamut.  Hhmmm, rentals.  Not sure what the story is at the 400 College block, but there are seedy characters within the 400 block of Park and Sycamore. I am just assuming this looking at the stats, and when I drive by and see tattoos on necks, it sort of gives it away.

It is also interesting to note the number of "mini icons" at the front end of Graceada Park, 7-11, and our beloved Modesto Inn.  Well vagrants tend to hang out at the front of Graceada Park, and when bored, irritated, or flat out desperate, I am sure they are left to fighting.  I NEVER go to 7-11 as that is just flat out a mess.  Just check out the gutters when driving by on Morris.  There is more trash than leaves.  That whole little corner at Morris and McHenry are trying their best to replicate today's ghetto scene I am thinking.  Just wondering if it is a collective effort? Thank goodness for Prime Shine Express.  Can they go mobile?

And the Modesto Inn, well, that speaks for itself.

This posting is not a "dig" at our police, patrol, or city leaders.  I am just using crimemapping.com for its intended use; to see what crimes are happening in our area.  When the crimemapping icons look like Christmas trees, it is a bit alarming.

Thanks to the Safety & Communities Council

In attending last nights Safety & Communications Committee workshop I have to say that I am encouraged by the effort and acknowledgment that our parks need work.  It is upsetting that our parks in Modesto are in such a mess brought about by the vandalism and destruction from today's downtrodden individuals.  It is a true shame.

Our city's leaders are finally saying enough is enough.  However, it is still going to take some time to cure the ills.  As noted by Julie Hannon, some "pilot" programs will need to be installed to see what works. Private patrols, cameras, park patrols, or whatever it takes.

I was pleased to see our CANA (College Area Neighborhood Alliance) in attendance in full force at the workshop.  Thanks to Twainhart Hill, Todd Aaronson, and Sandy Clark.  CANA wants action and we are in for the fight.  It would be nice to see other neighborhoods join in. The complacency of some neighborhoods is a shame.  Are you folks telling me you did not see or hear that temporary chain link fencing being confiscated?

Be vigilant.  If you see sketchy individuals, they are probably up to no good.

To the committee folks, lets fast track this effort as best as possible.

Group revives security camera plan for Modesto's Kewin Park - Featured Stories - Modbee.com

Group revives security camera plan for Modesto's Kewin Park - Featured Stories - Modbee.com

A Park Patrol program may be more beneficial than cameras. Just a thought that has been bantered around a bit already.

These are just two more reason for the cause.

Park Restroom Closed Due to Vandalism

Due to recent vandalism, the restrooms in Sylvan Park, located at 2801 Niabell Place, are closed and will remain closed for an undetermined length of time. On Sunday, January 15, vandals set an object on fire inside the restroom structure causing damage to the inside of the restroom, the roof and some of the building’s exterior. The restrooms will remain closed while the scope of damage and repairs needed are identified and repairs are completed

Corner Market has 2 Issues in one day

So I read on Crimemapping.com the the Millennium Market (green store) had two issues Friday night.  The first was when a homeless guy came in an threatened Sonny with this metal stake seen in the picture.  Sonny took it away from him and had the situation in control the whole time.  He took off and the police did come, but they did not find the idiot.  Three hours prior to that some thugs came in and grabbed two 30 packs of beer and took off in a white Impala.  A customer followed the car for awhile.  The police were given the make and model and license plate.

MPD and their new service

Noticed on facebook, the new service the MPD are promoting: Crimemapping.com 

http://www.modestogov.com/newsroom/releases/prdetail.asp?id=1130

It is a slick site. However, we KNOW that there are crimes.   Why state the obvious? More resources should be in preventing these crimes! I am a big follower of the MPD and everything they do with the limited resources.  So with this site, we see the crimes committed, so now what? 

Some neighborhoods are trying to do their part including ours, but it still happens.  I am a big proponent of a Park patrol within certain parks (As that is where the vagrancy starts).  The Blue Ribbon committee was put together to come up with some solutions, and I believe they are behind this (park patrol) so where are we with that?

On another note, in an interview with Modesto View, City Manager, Greg Nyhoff suggested, "I would like to see Modesto residents reporting and stamping out tagging. Tagger's create blight and blight causes a decline in property values and creates an inhospitable landscape." Gee, you think? Who are we going to report it to?  The graffiti abatement is no longer! Again, we do our own graffiti removal in OUR neighborhood, but we cannot get the rest of the city covered! Honestly, outside of a few neighborhood alliances, most people have given up.  There is just too much.  

So you have talked about it, what are you going to do about it Mr. Nyhoff?

Gotta Love that Modesto Inn!

http://youtu.be/GbPfWOmFleI