Pedal Power to the People

(Police motorcycle in the background) Something amazing happened on York Street last night. Over 2000 cyclists streamed by my place at about 11:00 pm and completely took over the street. First I heard the sounds; hooting, talking, laughing, ringing their bells. I went outside into the cool night air and was totally surprised to see hundreds and hundreds of these happy riders cruising by. I kept thinking that I should go inside and get my video camera but I was sure that it would end soon and I would miss the action. The first wave that I saw completely occupied the two lanes of York going south; four to six abreast, there were no cars. The silent whooshing of these night riders dominating the street brought me a feeling of what might be. I kept watching as they cruised by, a motorless alternative to the usual noise and exhaust spewing cars and motorcycles. They were laughing and joking as they rode, some in costume, some on “built for twos”, others bedecked in mini-lights, kids, parents, grandparents, a veritable party on wheels. And still they kept on coming. Literally thousands were participating in the river of alternative … what? Was this the Critical Mass movement? Nope, that’s on the 3rd Friday of each month. After about 10 minutes I finally saw a car trapped in the stream – a black stretch limo. Later I saw a single motorcycle cop cruising at speed. He pulled over and just watched. After 15 minutes I went inside and got my video camera. Although the stream had diminished somewhat when I returned a minute later, it was still impressive. Ooops, someone took a spill. Those around him exclaimed “whoooops” and parted carefully to avoid further accidents. Back on the bike after a few joking jeers from friends, the parade continued. At one point there appeared three cars amidst the stream. They were aggressively honking and racing their engines, but to no avail…what were they going to do, run over a few kids to exert their supremacy? No…their powerful poison pistons were rendered impotent … their occupants reduced to hollering and waving their fists out the window… to the laughter of those pedaling nearby. Eventually the stream diminished to groups of 20 to 30, packaged by the traffic light at the intersection upstream. But they continued to come … and laugh, and wave, and demonstrate the power of the people to quietly upset the status quo in a way I had never before witnessed. While watching the video later to extract the frame-grabs above, I Googled and found what I guess must be the origin of this amazing event, the Moonlight Classic. What a wonderful event! It was a sight to behold, and somehow brought me new hope in a peak-oil, Iraq-lies, Bush-Boy-in-the-Bubble world. Pedal power to the people!

Denver Rally for Cindy and Peace

Over 800 people (by my estimate) streamed into downtown Denver's Civic Center Park to "Give Peace a Chance". After a few comments and attempts at group singing, the crowd settled down for 20 minutes of silence in response to Cindy Sheehan's Crawford mission - to ask Bush "what is the noble cause my son died for?" Bush can't meet with Cindy because there is no noble cause - just the lust for the control of oil. Read all about it at the Project for a New American Century, http://www.newamericancentury.org/RebuildingAmericasDefenses.pdf Check out what the neo-rads were saying in the year 2000, Rebuilding America's Defenses, and see what they boldly planned to do, and are now doing. It's no big secret folks.

Meeting of Coleman Manor Neighbors and Representatives

Background Coleman Manor is a HUD subsidized housing project at 22nd and Humboldt in Denver, Colorado. Built in 1968, the project consists of 24 rental units owned by the Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church, located nearby. In recent years, the project has become a magnet for criminal activities, much to the consternation of its nearby neighbors (see police statistics below). Recently, the second murder in 18 months at this property propelled the neighbors to action. A meeting was called and hosted by the City Park West Neighborhood Association on July 13, 2005. Over 200 flyers, announcing the meeting, were distributed in the project, and the 9 blocks surrounding the project. The following videos were taken at that meeting. Technical Note: In order to view these videos, you must have a broadband internet connection such as DSL or cable modem. First download the free Google Video Viewer. Click on this link and then click on “Download Video Viewer”. This process only takes a few minutes. Part 1 Nearby neighbor voices concerns over drinking taking place on the Church property. Church spokesperson Reverend and Attorney Felicia George counters that this is part of their Ministry. Part 2 Church spokesperson Reverend and Attorney Felicia George explains how to register a complaint. Part 3 A young resident at Coleman Manor explains her point of view. Part 4 Mr. Simpson, representing the Church, responds to the suggestion that Coleman Manor provide security at the site. Part 5 Nearby neighbors and a business owner express concern over panhandling, fighting, indecent exposure and public urination. Reverend Regina Groff, pastor at the church, enters the meeting room. Part 6 Neighbor from across the street speaks about her experiences for the last 4 years and the recent murder. City Councilperson Elbra Wedgeworth details who is responsible. Part 7 Reverend Regina Groff details her concerns and considerations.

Police Report on Coleman Manor

Source: Denver Police Department (edited for readability) Offenses at Physical Address - 2002-2004 Date ---------------Address ----------------Description 1-May-02 --------1438 23RD AVE E-------------FAMILY 2-May-02 --------1438 23RD AVE E-------------BURGLARY 23-Dec-02 --------1414 23RD AVE E-------------SEX OFFENSE 1-Mar-03 ---------2233 HUMBOLDT ----------BURGLARY 28-Sep-03 --------1420 23RD AVE E------------AGG ASSAULT 11-Jan-04 ---------1426 23RD AVE E------------HOMICIDE Murder, 1 degree 27-Jan-04---------- 2233 HUMBOLDT---------BURGLARY 12-Mar-04 --------2241 HUMBOLDT-------- AGG ASSAULT 12-Apr-04-------- 2236 LAFAYETTE-------- DISORDERLY CONDUCT 17-Jun-04 --------1420 23RD AVE E--------BURGLARY 17-Jun-04-------- 2241 HUMBOLDT --------ROBBERY Aggravated 12-Oct-04 --------2241 HUMBOLDT-------- ROBBERY Aggravated Calls for Service at Physical Address - 2003-2004 Date --------------------Address ----------------Description 22-Jan-04 ------------1400 23RD AVE E------------Vehicle stop 22-Jan-04------------ 1400 23RD AVE E------------Vehicle stop 04-Feb-04 ------------1400 23RD AVE E------------Vehicle stop 07-Mar-03 ------------1402 23RD AVE E------------Intruder 11-Mar-03 ------------1402 23RD AVE E------------Burglary 13-Mar-03 ------------1402 23RD AVE E------------Report 19-Mar-03------------ 1402 23RD AVE E------------Suspicious Person 27-Mar-03 ------------1402 23RD AVE E------------Intruder 29-Mar-03 ------------1402 23RD AVE E------------Nature Unknown 29-Mar-03 ------------1402 23RD AVE E------------Check Welfare 08-Apr-03 ------------1402 23RD AVE E------------Unknown Medical 11-Apr-03 ------------1402 23RD AVE E------------Panic 06-Jan-03------------ 1414 23RD AVE E------------Check Welfare 04-Apr-04 ------------1414 23RD AVE E ------------Check Welfare 16-Apr-04 ------------1414 23RD AVE E ------------Child Abuse/Neglect 29-Apr-04 ------------1414 23RD AVE E ------------CMP In Progress 04-Aug-04 ------------1414 23RD AVE E ------------Runaway 24-Dec-04 ------------1414 23RD AVE E ------------Nature Unknown 27-Apr-03 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 28-Sep-03 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 16-Apr-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Theft In Progress 17-Jun-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Burglary Report 25-Jun-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 30-Jul-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 26-Aug-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Sick Case 12-Sep-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Overdose 01-Oct-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Family Disturbance 01-Oct-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Family Disturbance 27-Nov-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Family Disturbance 29-Dec-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------911 Unknown- Open Line 30-Dec-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Family Disturbance 30-Dec-04 ------------1420 23RD AVE E ------------Unwanted Person 3-Jul-03 ------------1426 23RD AVE E ------------Theft Report 11-Jan-04 ------------1426 23RD AVE E ------------911 Hang Up 13-Jan-04 ------------1426 23RD AVE E ------------Abandoned Vehicle 23-Dec-04 ------------1426 23RD AVE E ------------Auto Theft Report 2-Apr-03 ------------1432 23RD AVE E ------------Unwanted Person 11-Jul-03 ------------1432 23RD AVE E------------ Domestic Violence Report 09-Jun-04 ------------1432 23RD AVE E ------------Unconscious 7-May-03 ------------1444 23RD AVE E------------ Runaway 30-Mar-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 30-Mar-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 20-Apr-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 20-Apr-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 17-May-03------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------Nature Unknown 5-Jun-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 27-Jun-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------Check Welfare 29-Jun-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E------------ 911 Pay Phone 1-Jul-03------------ 1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 1-Jul-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 2-Jul-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 20-Jul-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 10-Oct-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------Nature Unknown 11-Oct-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 18-Oct-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 30-Nov-03 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------Robbery Just Occurred 11-Jan-04 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 11-Jan-04------------ 1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 19-Jan-04 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 23-Jan-04------------ 1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Unknown- Open Line 09-May-04 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 14-Aug-04 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------Nature Unknown 13-Dec-04 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 13-Dec-04 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 15-Dec-04 ------------1450 23RD AVE E ------------911 Pay Phone 01-Mar-03 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT ------------911 Hang Up 01-Mar-03 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Burglary Report 30-Jun-03------------ 2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Music / Noise 15-Jul-03 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Narcotics 29-Aug-03------------ 2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 21-May-04 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Music / Noise 23-Aug-04 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Unwanted Person 31-Aug-04 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Narcotics 04-Sep-04 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT------------ Narcotics 12-Oct-04 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Person with a gun 17-Nov-04 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT------------ Unwanted Person 05-Jul-04 ------------2237 HUMBOLDT ------------Family Disturbance 12-Jul-03 ------------2241 HUMBOLDT ------------Burglary In Progress 14-Jan-04 ------------2241 HUMBOLDT------------ Auto Theft Report 12-Mar-04------------ 2241 HUMBOLDT ------------Domestic Violence-Weapons 17-Jun-04 ------------2241 HUMBOLDT ------------Robbery Report 05-Jul-04 ------------2241 HUMBOLDT------------ Nature Unknown 02-Sep-04------------ 2241 HUMBOLDT ------------Disturbance 12-Oct-04 ------------2241 HUMBOLDT ------------Disturbance 17-Oct-04 ------------2241 HUMBOLDT ------------BOLO 20-May-03------------ 2243 HUMBOLDT ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 11-Nov-03 ------------2243 HUMBOLDT ------------911 Hang Up 28-Jan-04------------ 2243 HUMBOLDT ------------Attempt Contact 07-Jan-03------------ 2245 HUMBOLDT ------------Auto Theft Recovery 12-Oct-04 ------------2247 HUMBOLDT ------------Person with a gun 11-May-04 ------------2249 HUMBOLDT ------------911 Hang Up 18-May-04------------ 2249 HUMBOLDT ------------Check Welfare 14-Jul-04 ------------2249 HUMBOLDT ------------Attempt Pick Up 21-Mar-03 ------------2253 HUMBOLDT ------------911 Unknown- Open Line 08-Jan-03 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Abdominal Pain 16-Feb-03 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Auto Theft Report 11-May-03 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Abdominal Pain 05-May-04 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Seizure 06-May-04 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Music / Noise 10-Jun-04------------ 2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Music / Noise 26-Jun-04 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Seizure 05-Aug-04 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Assault 05-Aug-04 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Assault 07-Oct-04 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 11-Oct-04 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Narcotics 18-Dec-04 ------------2261 HUMBOLDT ------------Seizure 27-Jan-04 ------------2233 HUMBOLDT ------------Burglary In Progress 11-Dec-04 ------------2232 LAFAYETTE ------------Family Disturbance 12-Apr-04 ------------2236 LAFAYETTE ------------Threats Report 18-Apr-04 ------------2236 LAFAYETTE ------------Domestic Violence-In Progress 14-Jul-04 ------------2240 LAFAYETTE ------------Check Welfare 28-Aug-04 ------------2240 LAFAYETTE ------------Threats w/Weapons 25-Dec-04 ------------2240 LAFAYETTE ------------911 Hang Up 02-Feb-03 ------------2244 LAFAYETTE ------------911 Unknown- Open Line 12-Mar-04 ------------2244 LAFAYETTE ------------Auto Theft Recovery 29-Aug-04 ------------2244 LAFAYETTE ------------Fight 04-Jun-03------------ 2248 LAFAYETTE ------------Family Disturbance 09-Jun-03 ------------2248 LAFAYETTE ------------Unconcious 04-Sep-03------------ 2252 LAFAYETTE ------------Altered Mentation 20-Apr-04 ------------2252 LAFAYETTE ------------Threats w/Weapons 21-Apr-04------------ 2252 LAFAYETTE ------------Information Call 16-Nov-04 ------------2260 LAFAYETTE ------------Threats Report 22-Dec-04 ------------2260 LAFAYETTE ------------Family Disturbance

Voters Sign Blank Check for Jail

I am not sure if the 62,000 voters (of 250,000 registered) knew it, but the "Justice Center" question included a tax increase. "... and shall property taxes be increased by an estimated $17,328,000 for the first full fiscal year (2008) and annually in amounts sufficient to pay such debt?" This, dear reader, is a blank check, since we do not know what the amount will be. I think the hedge jumpers feel that Mayor Hickenlooper scored a victory with the approval by voters. Wait until the cost overruns, delays, strikes, non-budgeted items, etc. begin to pile up and the cost soars. How much will "such debt" be? Any ideas for the name of the Justice Center? How about The Hickenlocker?

Pile It On

It looks to me like the New Jail referendum 1A is going to pass by a narrow margin. This is just another example of the people of Denver voting to hurt themselves. The construction companies have donated enough money, the names have jumped in, and the TV ads have been chipping away at the 70% who where originally against the proposed $600,000,000 of new indebtedness. But I say, hey, pile it on. What do we care? What's another $1000 per person for our debt 'junkie' nation, currently carrying a total debt of $37 trillion, or $128,560 per man, woman and child. And what's more, isn't the End of Days coming? Don't worry, be happy!

What's Wrong With Our Country?

Thanks to "The Real Cost of Prisons Weblog" (Click on title for entire article). "Nearly 1,000 new individuals incarcerated each week in US... Despite crime being in decline for over a decade, these numbers show a persistent rise in prison population, and push the US’s rate of incarceration to a startling 726 per 100,000-maintaining the US status as the world’s leading incarcerator (*England-142, *China-118, *France-91, *Japan-58, *Nigeria-31---*Incarceration rates per 100,000 citizens). “Unless we promote alternatives to prison, the nation will continue to lead the world in imprisonment,” says Jason Ziedenberg, executive director of the Justice Policy Institute. “While the numbers of incarcerated people continue to rise, some legislators are realizing that by removing the barriers to housing and jobs that formerly incarcerated individuals face when re-entering their communities, we can improve public safety, cut corrections costs, and rebuild communities.” Kaplan said the growth was caused by factors including: increased arrest rates for low-level offenses, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where many residents cannot meet bail, the increased detention of non-citizen immigrants in county facilities, and a rising number of people with mental illness who were formerly residing in mental health facilities. She said jail growth could easily be addressed by implementing the reforms that move people through, and frequently out, of the system faster. "

Money Well Spent

Recently I heard a report on the radio that China had spent $250 million on a stem cell research facility. To date, they have tested stem cell injections on 600 spinal injury patients with positive results. One quadriplegic reported regaining the use of her hands after treatment. She stated that she thought it amazing that she had to travel to China to receive this treatment. I couldn’t help comparing that $250 million with Denver’s proposal to spend $360 million for a new jail. I wonder how many people will be “cured” in our new facility.

Denver Police Scanner

You can now hear the Denver Police Scanner for free online. Click on the title above. Update: This link no longer connects to a live scanner.

STOP TICKETING THE HOMELESS

Let’s see, you are homeless and you have to pee. No luck at the filling station because RESTROOMS FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY. No luck at the park because the porta-potties are gone.

So you duck behind a dumpster, and five oh rolls up on you and now you have a ticket, which turns into a warrant for your arrest when you don’t show up at court. You could have put up $100 bond and forfeited it when you didn’t show up, but of course you don’t have $100. If you are arrested later, you will generally serve 1 day in jail for each $100 ticket. Loitering, littering, public drunkenness, sleeping in the park, solicitation of passengers … wait a minute, what’s that last one. Solicitation of passengers?

That was the charge against a homeless man I know. Here is the ordinance: Sec. 39-20. Solicitation of passengers prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit passage for any vehicle for hire or gratis upon any park premises without special permission in writing from the manager of parks and recreation. This ticket was issued by officer Patrick Mulhern on August 16, 2004, to a person who was not in a park and had no vehicle.

After this man was arrested on March 30, 2005 and taken to jail, a hearing was held before Judge J Marcucci, who said he did not understand the original charge, so he left it in place and added another violation Sec 39-7. Here is that ordinance: Sec. 39-7. Camping and erection of tents and buildings prohibited. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to camp or otherwise sleep overnight in or upon any park, parkway, mountain park or other recreational facility, without first having obtained a permit to do so from the manager of parks and recreation. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to build or place any tent, building, shack, booth, stand or other structure in or upon any park, parkway, mountain park or other recreational facility, without first having obtained a permit to do so from the manager of parks and recreation.

This man was not sleeping, had no tent, and was not in a park – he was panhandling at 17th and York. Amazingly, Marcucci sentenced him to 5 days in jail. I have to ask myself what the purpose of this incarceration might be. To punish this guy for breaking these laws? No. This is harassment pure and simple. This is one reason we have “overcrowding” in our jail.