Holding Pond BUT Not Holding Us Down

Financial Resources: Help or Hazard (My first paper for school)

2010-02-21T03:31:00.001-06:00

Introduction

This paper will argue that there should be better policies in place when it comes to government funding. The purpose is to give the reader a satisfactory understanding of how the constant bailouts of corporate business/banks with public funding, is causing an inability to generate a resilience on the nation’s debt and how it has caused the nation to be in a deep recession. The growing need for different social services programs, such as non-profits and, other governmental funded programs has risen, and the need for monetary support is now greater than what is has been in 10 years.
With that in mind, poverty in the United States is roughly 13% greater than 2007. The most common measure in poverty in the United States is the “Poverty Threshold”, which is set by the government census polls (Congressional Digest Sept.09). Most Americans are in “relative poverty” which describes how income relates to the median income and does not imply that the person is lacking anything. (Layman’s terms: living check to check) In 2008, University of New Hampshire did a study on average rates of poverty; it is persistently higher in rural areas and inner cities, as compared in suburban areas.

Where in the urban/ inner city areas the various social services programs are more readily available:
-Non-profits
-Churches that provide monetary support and other services
-Social Security
-MFIP
-GA Grants

In today’s economy, the need for social services has risen; some of the areas that are in greater need of financial assistance are rent/mortgage, utility bills, transportation, clothes for job searching, furniture and even funeral expenses. The problem many non-profits face is financial stability. The need is there, but the availability of resources is not. What makes it so difficult to swallow is that there are individuals that misuse or abuse these programs, making it difficult for the families or individuals that need the assistance to receive it. (M.J. Copeland 2009)
The Non-profit Finances Fund gave 986 nonprofits a survey, which included “lifeline organizations” (programs that many depend on for monetary or other support) of these organizations, 16% expect to cover their operating expenses, 52% anticipate this recession will have long term to permanent effects on the organizations. (Author Unknown 2009) These are important details since the chronic failure of the economy citizen’s needs exceed the availability of resources available. In such situations, the persons in need will not be able to receive the support they are asking for.
Financial Responsibility to all Persons
Identifying this makes it more difficult to comprehend, knowing that the governments gave $787 billion in a “Rescue Bill,” to calm stock markets and unfreeze credit, which came from mounting fear of a deep recession and following the collapse of Lehman Brothers and Washington Mutual. (Billiteri, T 2009) When the government started to regain control of the market, they bailed out various companies, automotive and banks; which in-turn will make Generation X responsible for the remuneration; and not able to retire until they are in their seventies.
With the claim of unemployment at an 8% rise, how are CEO’s of these bailed out companies still receiving $18 trillion in bonuses? Citibank (NYSE-C-news-People 09) whom also was bailed out spent $50 million on a luxury jet. “Galling as this all is, what is more troubling is the excuses for this behavior we have repeatedly heard from many others in power elite especially over the Wall Street bonuses scandal.” (Gerstein, G 02/09) If public administration would have a stricter process in which they provided monetary support to all, our country would be in a better position.
The constant bailouts and misuse of public funding will continue to decrease our current dollar. Companies should not be allowed to use company aircrafts unless there are more than ten persons traveling in the same direction. CEO’s, CFO’s and COO’s should maintain a public portfolio of all financial decisions and spending. Such issues have declined the dollar amount in which we used to so proudly display. Thinking that the dollar is only a piece of paper instead of the building block of the economy, has our country significantly in debt.
Picking up the Pieces
State government is behind the majority of the economy by a good six to 18 months the jobs inside the state will still be laying off. (E. Smith 2010) “It has been a catastrophic year for businesses, well beyond the evident destruction in shareholder value and need for emergency government funding” ( Elderman 2010) none of the rescue bill has been given to nonprofits or other programs that provide aid to individuals whom are actually in need. Which has made these programs turn away families and individuals; however, CEO’s of bailed out companies are living life of luxury, corporate parties and lavish living.(Billiteri, T 08)
This is not the only time with the markets instability; large companies have not changed their practices and, continue to live the lifestyle they have created. “Such emotions have been wide spread in the wake of the nation’s—and perhaps the world’s—worst financial crisis, since the “Great Depression”, but agreements on root causes and likely outcome if the crisis has been harder to find.” (Billiteri, T 08) Corporate giants misappropriate funding by having consumer’s foot-the-bill for cost of private jets, travel expenses and fine dining. Xcel Energy for example is the sole proprietor of electrical services in Minneapolis, Minnesota have been cited in several questionable debates about whether their spending can be justified and who should be footing-the-cost for their lavish ways.
Xcel Energy defends their use of private jets ($1200 a trip) exquisite hotel stays ($849 a night) and fine dining ($814 one bill). “That is was planning to stick it to the customers with a good chunk of the bills as it asked for a $132 million electricity rate hike, which suggests its’ leadership is shockingly out of touch with the tough times in the region the utilities serves.” (Star Tribune 2009) This is not including the Ponzi scheme that Minnesota faced last year with Tom Petter’s pyramid investment fraud of $3.65 million.
In learning these things, the federal government has continued to make the rich, richer and the poor, poorer. Trying to climb out of out of the nations’ debt has proven to be more difficult for those who do not have the means; surviving only week-to-week.
Conclusion
While investigating questions like where the money is going; it was difficult to find the answers I was seeking. Not knowing how deep the recession is going to get, currently it is being compared to the “Great Depression,” has to be very difficult for anyone to comprehend. While finding the sources that had the same questions as the writer, I have found that the laws are not as they intended them to be. Questions that I would like to see answered are; Why not let the markets crash and rebuild, instead of bailing out? They made their beds; they should have to sleep in it. So what, if new automobiles are not produced for a year or two, or banks cannot give new loans until the old ones are repaid; it would be better than printing money that does not exist?
The government has proven repeatedly that the lower class and now even middle class are not very important. We down here, are the ones that make you rich? Would it not make more sense to make sure our needs are met, and then in turn yours can be! Opening the job market with entry-level experiences will allow those with experience to move up in the company and slowly rebuild the economy.
In closing, government funding has its share of lapses, and misappropriations. “Survey’s confirm that its’ going to be harder to rebuild our economies because no institution has captured the trust; that business has lost-trust, is not a zero sum game. Businesses must recast its’ role in society and move beyond simply generating return on investment to its shareholders. It must partner with government and other institutions to assume societal responsibilities.” (D. Gerstein & R. Elderman 02/09) Reinventing how America does things will not only make our economy stronger, but will allow us to make the proper changes to stop the repeat cycle of recessions and depressions. History has continually repeated its self over the centuries, it is time to finally put a stop to it, and make it stronger as our ancestors intended it to be.

Christ Satisfies Ministries

2009-11-07T23:07:00.003-06:00

This evening I had the most blessed experience of my life. I went along with the Christ Satisfies Ministries on their Prostitution Out Reach. We were mostly on the Penn-Lowery area. We were able to minister to 5 ladies that were selling their bodies or buying drugs.

This ministry is trying to help the North side not just to get the prostitutes off our streets, but to lead them to the Lord. We had with us the ladies from Northland Bible College and they watched while me and Diane talked to "Lost Ladies of the night" We were accompanied by James M. founder of CSM, Dan and Johnny (not northside) who were our body guards, in case we had a problem with a pimp or another male companion.

While I was talking to the ladies from Northland, I explained the downward spiral that we are in, Northside is considered the "Holding Pond of Minneapolis" hence the name of this blog. We read the things that Johnny Northside talks about in the issues that he sees or that others sees. CSM is out there monthly doing their missionary work. Each month has a different out reach, this one happened to be the prostitution.

This is what Northsiders (or like johnny northside calls it NOMI) should be doing, reaching out to the drug dealers, the prostitutes, the gang bangers your neighbors to make this a better place. Yeah, we have MADDADS but, to minister to the people to change their life was, life changing to me. If more people took the time to reach out to people, Northsiders would be able to walk their dog at night, leave a window open for the cool Indian summer breeze. But, instead we complain about it, gripe to the police about it and it remains the same.

I am not saying that you should put your self in harms way, and I know that I barely am posting on here. That I will work on. I am saying that, the effect that we had on some of these women, people could have that effect on too.

When I first started working on my house, even as a believer I shied away from confrontation or speaking to people. We had a prostitute on our corner; one day she was standing there and her bicycle pimp was close by, and I walked up to her and said..."It is bad enough that you disrespect your body as you are, but you are disrespecting the neighborhood. I then told her that this was MY corner...all these corners was mine, and if I see you standing at anyone of them I would call the police." Needless to say, I have not seen her or her pimp since.

I hope that you enjoyed this post. I know I did and do while I was writing it. I will post a picture as soon as I can.

Getting it together!!!

2009-07-27T01:58:00.005-05:00

It is weird when you comment about parents, or lack of in a neighborhood, you would think that you would get a lot of comments on the very subject. I try really hard to make sure, my children are not the ones causing some of the problems that we face in North Minneapolis. I make sure, my children are not hanging out with gang bangers, and prostitutes or standing on the corners with the drug dealers.

It is so difficult when you are trying to do right by your kids, and people think oh well. It upsets me that when you confront a parent about the wrong doing of their child(ren) you say; "sounds like him" or when you tell a parent your son was apart of the shenanigans just like the others; the parent replys "my son would never lie to me, and would never do anything like that." The truth of the matter, you can't see what your child does every minute of the day, unless you right there in their face....are you going to do it, I am not. But, one thing I know is if my child is out of line, and you say something about, it I would correct the problem immediately.

My firm belief is that if they your children they are your resposiblity. I have seen several parents snap on a small group of children about various things like an 11 year old hitting a 6 yr old with a 2" thick stick, causing one to bleed...or peeing on animals, or even throwing balloons on children that has pee in them. When the parents are contacted, they have no care, or worry. I have told my neighbors, that it is time, to start calling the police, making complaints and then having the police deal with the parents.

I am by no means a perfect parent. I yell and screem all day if warrented, spank them if warrented; but most importantly, I take full responsiblity for my children. They are a reflection of me, and if they turn out bad, then that reflects on me as a person. I have a "rep" on my block I guess you could say, I hurt peoples feelings...I am bold and brass...I am also firm...My house my rules. My kids will also tell you in a heart beat, that if I think a kid is a bad inflence, then there is no hanging out with said child, and if I catch ya, that is it...My neighbor MK emailed me one day about my son skateboarding on one of the vacant properties, I told my son "never again, and if there was damaged done, that you would do community service for the land lord to repay any debt done." well MK, have you seen my son do it again? I doubt it. Another one of my son's hit a neighbor girl and she had a small black eye, my son got spanked, and told that "you do not hit girls, and if you hit a girl you a punk!!" He had to applogize to the child and the father. "Sir, I am sorry I hit your daughter, that will never happen again, will you please for give me"

Just the other day, I heard my son talking to the neighbor kid who happened to be hitting his sister, my son said "_______, you don't hit girls that makes you a punk." The uncle on the porch laughed and said, "_______, you heard that your friend even said, you a punk cause you hit a girl" (Now, if I could only get him to stop fighting his sister, we would be on a roll)

I understand the working parent, the older sibbling babysitting while parents are doing everything that they can to take care of theirs...I know that children do not come with manuals; but what I do know is no matter how good you look in your armani suit, if your child is a heethen, then you aint nothing either.

Just because you live in the hood, doesn't mean you have to act hood.

2009-07-21T22:18:00.004-05:00

(photos off internet)
Being a parent while living in the hood is very difficult. You try to raise your kids well standing and appreciative of all the things they got; try and teach them manners and to respect adults. Yet, while living in the hood you have the parents that just don't really care about what, who or where their kids are, and then your kids attempt or do follow the kids that just have no sense about them.

So, today of all days it was one of those moments that I just had enough. First my nephew was way out of bounds, then find out that one of the neighbor kids pissed on my aunties dog, and tried to make another boy dog, "hump" him as well. So, when I confronted the children "not me" did it. When confronting the parents, "boys will be boys" so what kind of message is that to the children? So, I told the parents that we could get the police involved and charge the kids with cruelty to animals. (which I do not even know if we could)

The thing that really strikes my cord is that I have enough issues trying to raise boys with common decency and self respect, and they see kids that just can do what ever, and my kids say "but mom, it's not fair" ...What the heck you mean it's not fair, life isn't fair! Then, it isn't just the boys it is the girls too; they are hot pants, wearing skimpy clothes and out side until 1-2 a.m. Taking provocative pictures and think they cute, and parents just going along with it. It just don't make no sense.

What is so fascinating to allow your kids to be ghetto, and most likely end up in jail? How is that even acceptable behavior? I just think of what I need to continue to need to do, be on top what my kids are doing and make sure I know who they are hanging around. It isn't ghettofabulous, it is ghettodisturbing....

"Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house"

Summit Academy OIC

2009-07-16T18:09:00.005-05:00

February 9, 2009 I entered Administrative Assistant program at Summit Academy OIC. The general program was "alright" the majority of the program just wasn't it. Summit has a lot of bright ideas just not enough "umph" to follow through.

One of my major problems with the school is that the person running the program, Mr. King has in My opinion not a clue what is going on! He thinks everything is fine an dandy, and in this graduated students belief has room for major improvement. The soft office skills that we were required to learn was basic common sense, and the resumes that they had admin create was "garbage" in no way formed to help us get a job upon graduation. I had to seek professional help to get my resume correct.

Mr. Tittle, the supervisor of the teachers, had little to no knowledge of the assignments being taught, and when we needed substitutes they were inexperienced. I had one that stay in the corner completing a Star Tribune Cross word, and when I am trying to learn compound interest he could not teach me, I attempted to find ways to get the answer I needed and to be taught, and not even Mr. Tittle could teach it.

I did learn a lot in Microsoft Office, English, and Keyboarding; perhaps I am being a little particle to those programs because the teachers treated us like human beings instead of insolent children. Unlike the Soft Office Skills that again in my opinion where she prattled on about her self and taught really nothing. "Is it because I am a 'strong black woman'' which she repeated to my self when I had a difference of opinion. I would just rebuttal with "every black woman I know is a strong black woman"

The school; (while I was attending) was carpentry based, and they revolved around them, even though I was an Administrative Assistant student there, I felt as if my learning was not as essential as theirs was. They treated the "carp" students like "gods" and the remainder of the students like "dogs". (Again my opinion)

Although they have since cut the Administrative Assistant program, and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program...due to the fact that the drop out rate was high. In my class it started out with 17 students, I graduated with one other student from our SAC.

If you are looking to better your life, and seek greater things, it might be a better idea to really look at the other schools and what they have to offer you; the classes with other programs may be longer, however the chances that you will really find a worth while job in the end might be higher, unless of course you are going for carpentry.

Dunwoody, Hennepin County Technical and MCTC, might be better all around. Summit actually sends students to Dunwoody for a few of the programs such as welding, and plumbing.

Summit needs to make a lot of changes, and stop making it up as they go along. They need to really sit down and say to themselves "What would make this a great school" If I would have done further investigation, I would have picked another school. Now, please note that these are just my opinions, from what I seen first hand. Don't make the same mistakes that I did.

In my neighborhood

2009-07-07T22:55:00.002-05:00

Well, summer has started off with a bang!! If folks could grasp that the fourth of July was now over, then perhaps I could sleep again at night.

I finally graduate on July 14, then I will have some stories to tell. I am hoping that now that, that part of my life is done then I can start blogging again.

Just thought I would let you know that I am still sorta here....

This is the most sickening thing I have seen

2009-05-09T00:27:00.004-05:00

I understand the sadness when a loved one is lost. I understand the pain folks go thru, however, Leaving liquar bottles as a memorial is the most disrespectful thing to do for "in rememberance"

If you think about the person you lost, is it because of these items here?

So, I am going to ask, not that any one is paying attention, but what does mad dads do really?

I believe that this sort of publication is more pathetic then them hittin on folks on facebook. Get real.

I am starting to believe that the "maddads" in the Minneapolis area, just want that tag line to hit on womyn. I am sure that there is some that are really trying to do some good, but for the most part no. I believe that if they really wanted to do some good, that they would talk to these little 14-15 year olds on 22nd about selling drugs, and gangs but, you don't you see them displaying "beer bottle memorials"

So, it was Shots and Rock throwing heard around Hawthorne

2009-04-18T22:14:00.002-05:00

So here is the deal, As a Hawthorne Resident, I have decided that This trouble that is brewing, has got to get the fire put out. There has to be some sort, of grey tape, that we can climb across? Does anyone know?

Our neighborhood is that, ours, it is unfortuate that there are some homeowners can still have their property after drug raids, and obvious that they still have their house, if it was a renter we would have them out all ready.

My heart goes out to the neighbors scared of retailation.

Blessed all

WHEW! What a month.

2009-04-03T22:29:00.004-05:00

Dear friends, and people I don't know. So, taking my normal Scenic route, thru my hood, I hap'd across this gentleman who was coming out of the 2222 4th street house carrying items, out and placing them in a van. Well, I pulled over, and asked what are you doing here and do you have premission to be in this house. The gentleman grunted in the direction of another gentleman, and lo' and behold, Mr. Mahomood Khan....Owner of the establishment, and the house on the corner of 22nd and 4th, next to CH, dogs fence, 419 23rd street, and many others according to him.

So, I get to talking to him; more to peek my curiousity and amuzment, then to know anything. And he was going on and on about, what positive changes he is trying to do to "revitalize" North Minneapolis, and (eh hem) Hawthorne Neighborhood.

Scared to tempt the fates, we were discussing the murder scene, and he said, I couldn't quite get death from inside, but a few cans of kills and new siding will make it better. I will inclose photos tomorrow. (I hope) He asked if there was any news on the dead child, and I said no, and to check jns blog, I hope he does so. I have only heard bad things about this landlord, so I hope that it isnt all true.

So, before we parted ways, he asked me if I know anyone who wanted to rent, I said no...then he asked if I was looking, I said no, I too am a home owner in on this block. We will watch, personally, I think that an owner of an establishment, should have to disclose if a homicide has been committed on their premises. Well, who, knows the way some of the neighbors carry about.

Some reason, I cant upload photos...hmmmm

Things are on a Move

2009-02-16T09:26:00.002-06:00

Recently I returned to school. I have found it more difficult then I could even imagine. I surely didn't like it when I first went, when I had no choice. So, all I can say is wow!!!

So, in more news. The house located at 2207 4th st. N work has begun. It is exciting and fusterating all at the same time, since the first time the person purchased the property, then the party. Now, scared for who our neighbors will be, to excited because another house will no longer be boarded up on our block.

The house at 2204? or 06 (right next to me) they still have no renters. So, wheather that is good or bad I am unsure of at this time. So, neighbors if you notice any questionable behavior at that address the numbers for the persons who worked on this property is upon request....I have them right here, or I can send the numbers to you via email.

Oh, another issue

The other week some one from our neighborhood called the police on my husband and his company. All is fair in love and war, how ever I think that I should tell you my husband is black and has gold teeth. He works 2 jobs to support us, and various side jobs. Sometime that will lead in the front of our home. It seems as if I should even have to tell you all that it just seems that some individuals in the neighborhood, feel like all black people are up to NO GOOD and that just isn't the case. We will try to keep the working on vehicles to an earlier hour, then what it was the other week. He was trouble shooting, and it was more difficult then he had anticipated. Thanks for being right on top of it. Good Neighbors mean Good Neighborhoods.

Is this even worth the headache

2009-01-20T21:40:00.004-06:00

Well a few months ago, I contacted JNS about the bs that was going on. Main question was being how can people have a party at a house that is condemned. Well folks, now the permits are pulled and posted. My concern is I am not even sure if I want these folks to be my neighbors, exspecially if the owner lets his son throw parties, where they spray paint invitations on the front of the building.
As you can see that the spray paint is now covered, with a nicely match paint. I haven't seen the trucks, or repair people nor tracks to even say HELLO, we are working here. I do know that the name on the permits is one Jose' Vasquez.
All tho this is not the said name of owner. VIA the web. ( I think that JNS stated at some point that it takes a LONG time to update those city pages.

Vigil for Annashalike Hamilton

2009-01-18T23:36:00.001-06:00

I feel really unaware of what is going on, In the sense that I had no idea who majority of these people were. I think that it is time for me to get out there and start meeting people. This was a sad, event if I have seen one. It is hard to really blog about something that I can not point out who is who. So Johnny Northside if you want the pictures email me and I will send them to you. Stacy

Well Well Well (Take a Look here)

2009-01-17T13:33:00.009-06:00

So, I was playing a game with my kids and who was to come knocking on my door...But, Don Samuels. It is funny in a humbling way that he came to my door. He was asking about "Our Concerns" since the homicide of Annashalike Hamilton (See Below) Yeah I have concerns, it is the boarded up houses, and garages, even if my house once was in that manor. The thing is and I told him that, yeah I have concerns.. What about these boarded up houses, there should be a unit, that checks all these houses, If the landlord isn't interested, then the Police should be. This unit should be the kind that opens up the boards and checks the vicinity and see if there is anyone "beaten and frozen inside", even frozen from exposure,this should include but not limited to garages, openings under the house and porches.but, I'm no Johnny Northside, he knows anything that is anything that is going on over north. I told him to read his blog. He admitted he does.
Since the Murder of Annashalike, My cousin and I have wondered why there hasn't been no flowers placed on the garage, so no I didn't put none there either. however, when I pass by there I pray that the man who committed this crime is tried fairly and just. I also pray for her family.In the paper work that Don Left me, It said of And a Direct quote"Please Join the PEACE Foundation and MADDADS, Northside Neighbors and friends, at a PEACE Vigil to remember the Lives Of Annashalike Shanta Hamilton and her unborn baby Kyra Marie Hamilton. We are also joining to show our collective resolve to prevent this type of tragedy from repeating it's self in our neighborhood and city." The Vigil is Tomorrow January 18th, @ 2pm on the 2200 & 4th St. Block.

This is the house 2222 4th st North where the beating and frozen body of Annashalike Hamiton was found, below is where exactly.
The whole thing is like this, These days and times "Do you know where your Children are?" "Do you know who your children are playing with?" "Do you know the numbers of all your children's friends?" My son says I'm too stricted. I also know I have never lost a child, and I can not imagine what these parents are going through.
However, Majority of the parents in our neighborhood, are not even parents at all. I'm not saying Annashalike's parents are like most, (cause I don't know her parents) but, parents today just let their kids do what ever, they are ok that they drug dealers, gang bangers, carry guns, hang out on the block or what ever. Majority of the kids that serve on the 22nd and Lyndale ave are under 17. That is why they continue to be there, cause the police let them go back to their parents. Who, might be addicts them selves, or the child is supporting them the only way they know how, by selling, gang banging and what not.

I just know one thing is for sure, something needs to happen and soon. Something that will change the law, that holds parents accountable for their childrens behavior. I heard rumors that the person who murdered Annasalike was 30, and the Father of her unborn child. (rumors at my sons school) and that he didn't want to be a Father to a underage pregnant girl. If this was the case, and I don't know if it is but, why didn't the parents call the police and charge this person with statutory rape? I don't know if this is true, this is all rumor and hearsay. If you know more then what I do, please tell me. I don't even know if they caught the person who murdered her.

In your Neighborhood, (Like Seasame Street)

2009-01-12T23:36:00.004-06:00

This is one of the many houses Vacant and waiting to get fixed. The internet is a wonderful thing. Thanks to Johnny Northside and some web pages to do the investigating on. This house is located 418 23rd st. As I walked my kids to the bus, I noticed 3 houses boarded up and vacant. SO my plan is to take you around our neighborhood.
This owner is ARBOR RTY NPAP HOLDINGS LLC, and of my own heart, from New York! The thing about this is, (please tell me) how can you be a good landlord if you don't live in this state?

09/12	BCC	1001169	Open		Dick Stanton		$375.25

09/12

BCC

1001169

Open

Dick Stanton

$375.25

They pulled a permit in September and Im not sure if any work has been done. It does look wonderful from the outside I wonder how it looks inside.
This house, by my ill memory I forgot the address. I seen all the stickers on the door and took this picture. I tried to go to the window and take a picture but the gentleman at the corner house looked at me suspiously. I hope that I can get the info on this house for you. This is just another look at our neighborhood.

>>>>Side bar note. JohnnyNorthside if you see this posting, your lil comment about 311 must have made someone go and "for real" board up that address at 3020 4th st, I notice this afternoon that there was a board on the door. Yeah Johnny!

2009-01-12T00:08:00.003-06:00

I feel so guilty, as I had wanted to be the next blog sensation out here, things just haven't worked out as I had hoped. Upon the loads of excuses I can give all who ever pays attention is that due to circumstances beyond my control I just haven't the time. My husband uses my car so I can't go looking for news. All tho, once his car is fixed (hopefully soon) I can do something that I have been working on. My mother in law has been ill...and well I just got some great news If I get the finacial aide that I applied for, I too will be going back to school. I am proud of my self.

The only things that I could speak on is that the house on 3020 4th st, the door is still not boarded up...but the windows are, which makes no sense since the door is still open. The owners of the house next to me is hopeing now that they have a renter by Feb 1st, 2009 since they didn't get one by Jan 1st. Other then that, I have no IDEA what is the haps. SO, for now I will go until I can post again.

So, I haven't been here in a long time .....

2008-12-29T23:07:00.002-06:00

Well, I haven't been here for a long time, my husband is using my car, so I have no transportation. Kids are out of school, and well I am dormant for the time being. However, word came to me that our very own Chair Peter Teachout, is looking for a new home and not in HAWTHORNE. I understand that his family is growing, but the question is How can he claim that he cleaned up Hawthorne, and we still have drug dealers and prostitutes all over, and down the street, a Double Homicide.
This is just hear say, so if it is true, I hope the best for Peter and his family. I know that his family is growing and growing. Also in my prayers is the family of the 15 year old girl and unborn child that past in our backyard. God Bless....

2206 4th St N and 3020 4th St.

2008-12-18T15:32:00.005-06:00

^Here is a house that I have blogged about in the past. Only a few days ago. But, either the owner of this house or problem properties or 311 is not interested in this problem. This house is vacant and the door is kicked in. The front windows are busted out. I have also seen people come in and out of this house. The sides are boarded up just nothing else. 311 informed me that the house was due to be boarded up on December 12, well that day has came and went. SO please call 311, problem properties and call. The case number is below in a previous posting. Thanks.

This house will officially be on the rental/section 8 market next week. I talked to the contractors that were working on the house and they told me that the house was broken into last Saturday. I let them know that I did call the police because of some suspicious activity going on over there. There was a gentleman peeking in the windows and going around the house, but yes the house was broken into.

In also talking to them I was made aware that the owners are United Way Corporation. They supposedly have a very strict rental policy, and told me that if there are any problems to call them. I will have the number tomorrow, and will provide it for any person interested.

Body Found on the 2200 Block of 4th St N

2008-12-16T12:08:00.003-06:00

This is the front portion of the house, where they found the womyn's body last night. The owner of the property has said to been "Desperately" not to have his house demolished. I wonder if said owner has to disclose there was a dead body found in the garage of property?
This is the garage that the landlord found the deceased womyn. Mike K said that him and another individual heard shots fired from what they thought was this direction. He also stated that they called the police. News are saying that it is a suspicious death.

Mystery Still a Mystery, But it was a body.....Via, Star Tribune

2008-12-15T22:14:00.004-06:00

Body in Minneapolis garage investigated as suspicious death

http://www.startribune.com/local/36205119.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr

Minneapolis police are investigating the death of a woman found in a garage on the city's North Side.

Officers responded to call about the home on the 2200 block of 4th Street N. around 4 p.m. Monday. The owner, who does not live there, had gone to the house to check the property when he found the body in an unattached garage, said Minneapolis police spokesman Sgt. Jesse Garcia. The home, a few blocks from bustling West Broadway, is in an area with other vacant houses.

On Monday night, police tape blocked off the home and the entrance to the alley behind.

The woman's age and name have not been released. Garcia would not say whether there were any obvious signs of trauma on the woman's body, but said the death is being investigated as suspicious.

The Hennepin County medical examiner will determine the woman's cause of death.

LORA PABST<<>

^She wrote this

Now Talk about SCARY. This is 5 houses down from where I live, I drive past that same garage 2x's a day, in that same alley. It just goes to show you that you DoNOT know what is inside these vacant houses and garages. I am glad that landlord checked on his property, but when was the last time he was there? What is inside these other vacant houses? Garages? We will see what the continued news coverage says about this body.

Mystery on the 2200 Block

2008-12-15T20:47:00.003-06:00

I am sorry I can not upload photos, at this time. Police taped off five houses down. The open lot and the boarded up house. I attempted to snap a photo, but was asked not to at current time. I will take a picture tomorrow.

Later in the afternoon, we heard the sirens come down the street. I observed police fish tailing in and out of the alley ways. After returning with my children, police were in the alley between 23rd and 22nd, as the evening approached, my husband said that detectives were in the alley with flash lights. I am not sure what time we finally came outside, but I see the police the taping off on the other side of Karens' property (the house after the open lot) So, I am going to watch the news and see what happened.

It is almost scary not know what is going on so close to home. To find out our neighbors have been burgerlized and now this mystery.

This is our homes...for some our livelihood. Our children are here, our family is here. Our community is outside these doors that we want to feel safe in. Before, I moved here, I am well aware of the problems that the fellow neighbors endured. These vacant houses and garages are becoming more of a problem then an eyesore, even with the understanding that my house once was that atrocity that embittered majority of the neighbors.

It is alarming to see that so many things that have continued for so long is almost as if it isn't there any longer, we become accustom to the riff raff that surrounds us. Yes, we call the police, we call 311 we complain at the neighborhood meetings. We write letters to property owners, we blog; complain to our neighbors, for what? What is the ultimate goal that we wish to accomplish, to live in a Utopian Society?

I don't know if any one else, but I, fight to make sure my children don't become mischief and mayhem in our neighborhood. I try to teach my children humility and passion, and it isn't easy. I am not sure at this point if I even accomplished anything with them. What I would like to see is that we all band together, take back these streets, Get rid of these vacant properties but, not to more problems but to better our streets.

Frustrated in North; Stacy

Talk about Eye Sore.....

2008-12-10T15:55:00.005-06:00

Well for the past two weeks I have driven past this house located on 4th street. The address is 3020 4th st N....I called 311 and reported it like I should. If I knew how to find out the owner of this house I would contact him/her my self.

People are walking in and out the door, windows are broken out, and yes I am aware that it isn't next door to me, however, it is net door to some one and some one else has had to complain RIGHT? Well, here is a picture so maybe you as well can contact 311, and we can get this house boarded up soon.... my 311 reference number is 221642. If you as well as me can call 311 and get this house closed up it would be very helpful to fellow neighbors. 311 told me that they had only my one phone call, no one else has called and they have until December 12, 2008 to fix the problem, mind you I called 2 weeks ago.

Enjoy the picture....

After some great advice

2008-12-09T19:37:00.000-06:00

Hello there,
After some great advice, and some self control. I am going to continue to get this blog right. I have blogged in the past however it was never anything substantial as this. I am adding a pic....of my house. The after pic. When the job was done. I will be adding a photo of my self as soon as I can. I might as well start out being honest, or none of you would like to read my blog, and I feel that if I want to get to know my neighbors, HONESTY is the best policy... I shouldn't hide cause well I am here and that is all there is too it.
So with that, I will start by saying My name is Stacy. I have 4 children and a husband. I just bought a house (end of July) on 4th St North. After literally blood, sweat and tears and a diamond (which I believe in some where in the mud, after skim coating) this is our house....Some of the pictures are like crap...but it was taken by my cell phone, we lost the camera card with the good photos.
We hired a contractor and subcontractors and after 3 months our house was done. With any house that is yours the work is never really done is it? I am new to the Hawthorne Neighborhood and well to be honest have been scared of this area for a very long time. I pick up people via my church and didn't like coming thru here. However, my view has changed, when we were looking for the home we wanted to buy, we noticed all the houses that were boarded up and said " What could possibly go wrong there?" We didn't see the prositution like we had, or the drug dealers like it was, altho I know that they are still here mostly on 22nd and Lyndale we bought here.
Since we bought this place I have met one prostitute that was standing on the corner of 4th and 22nd, (while my kids were playing out side and johns were approaching) I walked up to her and told her like this, " It is bad enough that you are disrespecting yourself in this manner, but, your disrespecting me and mine too. If you do not get off my block and all this is mine, I will call the police and I will continue to call until you are gone, that goes for your pimp too!!!" Needless to say I haven't seen either of them since.

Also, so if any of you have been wondering...The house next to me is complete, and it will be a rental. They hope to have new tenants in there by Jan. 1, 2009. The owners "assure" me that they have very strict policies and if there is any trouble from any tenant, not to hesitate to call. They still haven't given me a business card as of yet. As soon as I know if there is some one in there I will let you all know.

Until our Paths meet again, Stacy

Ok so here it begins.....

2008-12-08T16:07:00.000-06:00

So most of you don't know me, and I will be posting under an alias. I must. I have children, and well to be honest, I am not sure what kind of traffic I will be getting. My family and I recently purchased a house in North Minneapolis....We worked very hard on the place to make it everything we would dreamed it to be. We bought this house in an area, that I would have never had rented....and I MEAN EVER!!!!! We have in the past looked at properties over here while we was still renting. To be honest NO way!!! It was in the only way to put it the ZONE. For those who dont know what that is, that there is more drive by shootings......drug dealers....and fucked up landlords....who just don't give a damn about their properties, only about getting their rent money every month... But, I am here.....In the Hawthorn Neighborhood...and I LOVE IT, there is things that need to be fixed, and I hope that I am part of the solution and not part of the problem.
SO with that you know where I come from..... SO as I was going to pick up my kids from school nd there is this abandoned house on the corner of 31st and 4th that has windows broke out and the door kicked in.....I called 311 and got a reference number and they said that they had until December 12, 2008 to comply with the housing code...in other words...we are lazy and don't feel like doing it right now. Around the corner from me some vagrants had pulled a board off a boarded house and started staying there....the sad thing is that when I called the police they found a little boy in there...I feel bad for the family.....but....I feel worse for the problem properties?? I am a big baby..... Then there is another house.....2207 4th st that decided that they was going to throw a party.....> How do I know Let me just tell you that THEY SPRAYED PAINTED the advertisment on the front of the house..WHAT A EYE SORE!!!!!!! I hate driving by there and still seeing it...I contacted the city via problem properties, I contacted the police and 311 and the spray painting is still there.....the home owner is cool wit it I guess since he friggen did it......There is more info I believe on Johnny Northsides blog.........at least a lil more.....so With that I am going to go...I got to do somethings.....Stay safe in the snow.....3-6 inches tonight.....Til Then B

2008-12-02T13:37:00.000-06:00

I will be posting as soon as possible....and just love to keep people in suspense!