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.