“Today was a good day”  \”It Was a Good Day\” Ice Cube

The Capital called today.  They were curious as to what Clay Street thought about the recent crackdown that is the “Capital Safe Streets” program.  

First, off top I do not speak for everyone back here.  For some they are comfortable with me representing what they are thinking because they think the same as I do, however I am sure there are some who are not quite with everything that I think or at least they won’t vocalize their support for my thinking just yet.  You see, I am still very much in the sizing up period of the neighborhood.  That there in and of itself is a story and for now though, we will stick to the subject.  

The Capital called and they wanted an opinion as to whether or not I thought things were improving in the neighborhood and of course, I replied “yes”.   Have the entreprenuers begun working elsewhere?   If you have been reading the stories on here as of late you know that I feel things have changed back here.  Apparently, Clay is not unlike elsewhere in town and crime has quieted.  

Is there a big game in town?  Is George Bush here?  Ahh it must be the boat show!  You see in the past when things would quiet in the neighborhood it was because the boat show was in town, or Navy had a big deal going down, or  how about when several of the world leaders were about 10 blocks away?   There was no crime then, not a hair dropped without a police presence.  Its not quite at those levels right now.   There are still nights it is a convention on the corner with some of the neighborhood favorites still making moves. Its better living for the most part though, no question about that.

You know what is a very tell tale sign though?   The kids are playing.  Every night when I come home some of my neighbors kids, at times as many as 8 or 9 probably ages ranging 5-10 years old are out running and chasing each other around the yards.  Our court is filled with the sounds of kids laughter.  It really makes you feel good.  One of them even learned how to ride his bike the other day.  First day without his training wheels.  We all remember that day.  I was there, I saw his mother was beaming “its his first day without training wheels, we just took them off!”     

I am enjoying my neighborhood.  A gentleman who lives just two doors down pulled me aside late one night when we were just outside chatting it up and said “come here lemme show you something”.  At that he turned a canvas around and it was about a half finished painting of a woman’s picture he had, unbelievably detailed work.  He had just been outside painting when I had came out for some air.   He showed me several other pieces, I am going to commission him to do some family portraits.

The Capital was really digging for what seemed like a positive PR play for the new police chief and you know what, let them have it.  The man is paying attention.  He is getting out and meeting people.  Thank you my man.  

One thing to please keep in mind Chief, make sure those that do get locked up get educated, rehabilitated, and given a second chance.  We all deserve second chances.  We do though need to make those chances count and the way we do that is by making sure people are educated.  Another thing to remember not everyone learns the same way and not everyone has the same teachers.  Sometimes a teacher is television set in the neighbors house because Mom and Dad aren’t around and Grandma has too much on her plate. 

But, really though, who gets the credit for things going okay on Clay?   Who cares.  Its better that’s what matters party people.  

Peace
Grins 

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CLAY STREET STAND UP!!!

Your very own Zastrow Simms is going to HOLLYWOOD!!!  ”Pip and Zastrow: An American Friendship” the film about Zastrow’s friendship with Pip Moyer is going to be having its World Premiere Film Festival Screening at the American Black Film Festival in Los Angeles, CA on August 7-10.  

Please join us in extending all the producers, directors, staff, and people involved with the flick especially the man himself Mr Zastrow Simms in a big Clay Street Salute (put your guns down fellas–put your two fingers up)…PEACE!!!!

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This comes from Baltique, or Our Man.
For more on his work visit:  www.ourmaninberlin.com  or www.youtube.com/user/baltique

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Special thanks to ERICA STRATTON for taking this photo…peep inside the SOCIAL NETWORK for more photos from ERICA!

Last night the Clay Street Supper Club went on tour.  We walked from Northwest Street, then down West Washington and turned right up Clay Street all the way to Harwood Street.  We passed out ice cream, conversated with our neighbors, spread the word about the Community Association meetings, and had fun.   The last part of the equation is probably the most important, with neighborly conversation coming a very close second.  The two really went hand in hand. 

We went through about 60 ice cream bars and a few dozen cookies. 

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Due to the incredible heat we are having, the idea of sitting in the heat on the corner is probably not a good one.   So, we are going to flip the script a bit.  We are going to have ice cream.  Also, we are going to kick things off at 730pm and not 630pm.   We will probably meet on the corner and take a walk with our ice cream.  If you would like to join us, meet us on the corner of Clay and West Washington at 730pm.

Peace from Clay Street.

“THE ICE CREAM MAN IS COMING!!!”

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