By Ahow
Okay I figured something had to come out of this. Although I’m still not exactly sure what. But I’ll continue to report, as this thing evolves.
You can’t make everyone happy. And sometimes you can’t make anyone happy.
Some commenters reiterated the recession weary, “lack of resources” line we’re all so used to, and wondered why anyone was still pining away for SPD street love for Columbia City. Others wondered why I didn’t just go ahead and ask for patrols for all of South Seattle.
For the record, I am not a Columbia City resident. Just seemed like a good place to start, with all the “burn Angie’s” talk…
There seemed some genuine interest in forming a citizen lead “Street Walker” force. But what would be our goal? I don’t mean to be another process-driven stickler, and I’m all for a spontaneous street party with no other outcome than making new neighbor friends with the aid of a little “anti-freeze” and some canapes. But that’s not what got this party started.
You folks had some really good questions. One commenter mentioned that although its great to walk around the business districts discouraging crime, an unintended consequence could be driving activity back a block or two into our neighborhoods.
Hmm. Good point. “Business” still needs to be conducted, after all. And for sure there are greater social ills at work here, driving demand for the “business” we’d all like to see take a hike. But if it took a hike, where would it go? And addressing the underlying issues of poverty, addiction/substance abuse, gangs etc. is admittedly all waaaaay above my head. I have exactly one drop for this bucket, so I’m using it wisely.
Somebody said that there are already some groups doing this sort of thing. GAIN in Greenwood even has website! And established community do-gooder forces for various parts of their ‘hood. Here in our own Rainier Valley, Rainier Othello Safety Association (ROSA) walks the Othello neighborhood. Someone said Belltown residents are doing this AND getting police chaperones.
So someone must know how to go about all this. Since it is obviously not me, I think I’m gonna ask around. Maybe our first “RVP Street Walkers” meet and greet should be to figure out what we’re doing. With some people that actually know what they’re doing…
Ahow is a frequent contributor to the comments section side-show of the RVP. She resides in the Rainier Valley with her animals (husband, two kids and BIG dog). Read more of her stuff here.
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I know in Belltown they are doing this. One of the walkers brings the dog…and they have police chaperones.
Maybe the meeting should be held at Angie’s
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=22009
Bravo. Identify your available resources, see what works, and try not to recreate the wheel. When people see efficiency and results, they see passion and then they want to be part of it.
Thanks Mario, might be an idea.
I love that idea, Mario. ‘Cept the part about the karaoke.
Great idea, Mario!!!
Better idea than Mario’s… maybe the meeting should be held at the house of the crack dealer who happens to own that section of block where Angie’s is at, for that week.
I think this idea of doing a walking group is a great idea. I like it for the community building and because it will help get people moving more during this cold wet time of year. Let’s do it!
Whatever you do, invite the elected politicans like Mike McGinn, Sally Clark, etc…..maybe they could show up.
Interestin’ notion. Well although I certainly can’t stop the politico elite from showing up, my first instinct is to keep this thing as a-political as possible. Make this about the citizenry, ya know?
Be ye left, er be ye right,
we’ll all have a beer and a bite?
I dunno. I’m not the school master here. What say all?
Charles Dickens school master?
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