• Subscribe to email, pay dues, buy a yard sign!

    Subscribe to Carrollton-Riverbend Neighborhood Association (CRNA) by Email

    CRNA PayPal

     

  • Pages

  • Recent Posts

  • Categories

  • Archives

Crime report for Dec 15-16

Posted on December 19, 2007 by Jim S

Email BlastNOPD 2nd District

Over the weekend (December 15th and December 16th), there were several robberies that were believed to be committed by the same perpetrator. The lone perpetrator was armed with a dark colored handgun. The suspect is described as a black male in his 30’s, approx. 5’9”, 160 pounds, with two large moles on his face, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and jeans.

The robbery locations are as follows:

Saturday @ 4:15am – 2400 block of Calhoun Street

Sunday @ 245am – 1200 block of Dante Street

Sunday @ 2:50am – 1100 block of Dante Street

Sunday @ 3:15am – Audubon and Zimple Street

Sunday @ 6pm – 5300 block of Perrier Street

Sunday @ 6:15pm – 1800 block of Milan Street

If you have any information on these cases, please contact Sgt. Chris Cambiotti or Det. Jerry Baldwin at 658-6022 or 658-6020. You may also call Crimestoppers anonymously at 822-1111.

Remember to report any suspicious persons or activities you see in your neighborhood by calling 821-2222. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Captain Kirk BouyelasSecond District CommanderNew Orleans Police DepartmentIn addition many of us have had things stolen from our porches in recent days, such as poinsettas.

Filed under: crime | Leave a comment »

Click on pic for a better view

Posted on December 19, 2007 by Jim S

Wanted

Filed under: crime | Leave a comment »

Board meeting minutes 11/5/07

Posted on November 18, 2007 by Jim S

Una Anderson and Cheryl Gray, candidates for the state legislature, made brief presentations concerning their candidacy and platforms.

Enrico Sterling, from Councilwoman Midura’s staff, reported that drainage issues in the neighborhood are being worked on. He also discussed issues with dealing with abandoned cars, and responded to questions.

Treasurer Cindy Morse reported an account balance of $1558.07.

Steve Villavaso, planning consultant, made a presentation about Carrollton-Audubon Renaissance, Inc. (CARI), supplemented with comments from Jerry Speir, who is also President of CARI. “Renaissance Plans” are city-sanctioned, neighborhood-based addenda to the City’s Master Plan. They are an opportunity to provide detailed input from the neighborhood on the official “vision” (in the Master Plan) for the neighborhood. Steve indicated that there will be three phases to the project: (1) data gathering (2) citizen participation and (3) developing methods for implementing the vision. The process will involve many meetings and much collaboration with CRRA and other neighborhood associations in the area including Audubon Park and the universities back to the parish line, and Claiborne Avenue to the river. The group has a website at www.carrollton-audubon.org

Jill Stephens discussed the upcoming New Orleans Po-Boy Festival on Sunday, November 18, from 12-6 on Oak Street. She also made an appeal for volunteers, for all the tasks necessary to operate the festival. Anyone desiring to volunteer should visit the website at www.poboyfest.com and click on “Get Involved” at either the top or bottom of the page. This is expected to be a big event, bringing much attention to Oak Street and the neighborhood. The festival is a project of the Oak Street Association.

Several zoning/land-use issues were discussed:

1) The proposed coffee shop on Carrollton Avenue. Marshall Hevron, Jerry Speir, Betsy Weymann, and Tom Weymann reported on a meeting earlier in the day with Councilman Darnell. He indicated that he is still considering his position, in light of the legal arguments recently presented to him by our association. [Anyone who has not seen a copy of the memo and desires one may contact jerryspeir@hotmail.com ] The group has plans to meet with Councilman Fielkow later in the week. Barry Brantley volunteered to create an electronic survey for feedback from the membership on this issue specifically, but also on broader issues related to their involvement with the association.

2) A proposal to re-zone (i.e., “spot zone”) the corner of Willow and Joliet, to allow the re-construction of the corner grocery that was there before the storm. Several people commented on what a nuisance the store had been. Jerry Speir noted that the owners had exhausted their two years (since the storm) to begin work on the re-building, in order to maintain their “non-conforming use” at the site. Therefore, the property has lost its non-conforming use status and the request for re-zoning is highly irregular. It was moved by Cindy Morse, seconded by Marshall Hevron, that the organization should officially oppose the re-zoning. The motion passed unanimously.

3) A proposal to spot-zone a property on St. Charles Avenue and allow for the demolition and conversion of one of the major homes there, for construction of a large condominium complex. The zoning change would be from the MOST restrictive residential classification (RS-1) to the least restrictive (RM-4, a classification with no height limitations). Marshall Hevron moved, and Evan Wolf seconded, that CRRA should officially oppose this re-zoning, communicate our opposition to the City Council and to the neighborhood associations in the vicinity (also seeking their support for our zoning issues). The motion passed unanimously.

Cindy Morse reported for the Education Committee that plans are being finalized for a “work day” at Johnson school, at which volunteers will assist the school with minor construction, landscaping, and general cleaning efforts. Likely dates are December 1st or 8th. Interested persons should contact Cindy at cmorse7@cox.net Priestley School is developing a tutoring program for its students that would require a commitment of one hour per week by tutors. Interested persons should contact Annette Bak at AnnetteBak@chevron.com

Jennifer Jenkins has volunteered to chair a revitalized Crime/Safety Committee and is seeking other like-minded souls to be a part of that effort. Interested persons should contact Jennifer at jennijenk@bellsouth.net Betty DiMarco reminded us that the Carrollton Area Network is working on both improving the mapping of crimes in the area and on increasing community involvement in crime prevention.

NEXT MEETING: Monday, December 3, 7:30 p.m., at Asian Cajun.

Filed under: minutes | Leave a comment »

Arrest made on Cambronne

Posted on November 3, 2007 by Jim S

Subject: 2nd District Email Blast
Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2007 13:21:22 -0500
From: kmbouyelas@cityofno.com

Email Blast
NOPD 2nd District

Based on Hot Sheet information, Second District detectives began an investigation on drugs being sold from 1715 Cambronne Street. Based on their investigation, detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for the location. On November 1st at or about 9:45 am, officers executed the search warrant and located marijuana, crack cocaine and a small amount of heroin. The drugs were individually packaged. Also located was a Jennings 9mm handgun, a digital scale and money. Officers arrested Brandon Lavallais (BM, 5/6/88); Charles Lavallais (BM, 7/27/86) and a 15 year old juvenile.

Remember to report any suspicious persons or activities you see in your neighborhood by calling 821-2222. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Captain Kirk Bouyelas
Second District Commander
New Orleans Police Department

Filed under: crime | 1 Comment »

Police brutality

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Jim S

Lise McComiskey was arrested at 7:50 PM on the evening of September 20, 2007 at the corner of Conti Street and David, New Orleans, LA 70119, in the very same area where she had given information to police officers just two nights earlier on the make, model and color of a vehicle involved in a drive-by shooting.

On the night of September 20, while parked and waiting for “Boy” a dog she had tracked along with his companion over a 6 square mile territory for over a year (see the story of Rocca and Boy, posted in February 2007 at http://katrinacreaturesandcrittters.blogspot.com/ )she was approached by two officers who then shone a spotlight on her and her vehicle. She was told that someone in the neighborhood reported a “slow-moving” vehicle and she complied with their request for info as she had done many many times prior during the two years of animal rescue in New Orleans having been stopped several times, including two nights earlier when she gave info on the vehicle involved in the shooting.

This time however, she was considered suspicious by the arresting officer and not allowed to get out of her vehicle or remove her hands from sight to produce the documents the police demanded, license, registration, etc. Subsequently, and even though the documents were under the passenger seat the entire time, and following numerous questions about the reason she was there (at which point lost dog posters were produced) she was detained while the officers “ran” her driver’s license number to find that she was driving legally and fully insured. Regardless, and notwithstanding the information the officers received during their computer check of Lise, she was told to exit her vehicle where she was handcuffed for failure to provide proof of everything they asked for, was told she should have had it all in her glove box, and was arrested and transported to Orleans Parish Prison where she was booked on these “criminal” charges.

Over the course of the next several hours, she was detained in a holding cell with prostitutes, crack addicts and an individual who was being held for stabbing her boyfriend, for nearly 5 hours before finally being released, without the necessity to post bail or bond, and without being fingerprinted, without ever having once heard her rights read to her by any officer of the law.However, during her incarceration period, she was knocked to the ground during an altercation between a prison officer and another inmate and she was prevented from attempting to get back on her feet by the officer’s boot firmly planted on her head after and then she was forced to view the officer kick and stomp the other inmate while he screamed profanities at the inmate, all while laying face down on the prison booking area floor, handcuffed from behind her back. Additionally, after being thrown into the holding cell, she was threatened for hours by an inmate in the same holding cell who appeared to be mentally ill and because the guards slammed the iron door shut on the cell so they wouldn’t have to listen to the screaming, any attempts to make good on the threat would have gone unheard. Ironically, two days prior to Lise’s arrest, in Gambit weekly magazine, an article entitled “Traffic Fatality” was published regarding a 58 year old man who was picked up in New Orleans by police for an outstanding and unpaid ticket in Jefferson parish and as a result was beaten to death in his holding cell…..Sheriff Marlin Gusman is quoted within the article as saying that “violent and non-violent offenders are kept separate” a fact now known by Lise to be untrue.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT for Lise and/or the organization which she was working with, Animal Rescue New Orleans, her case is IN-J-07-0178041, Division “D” and it is on the docket for November 6, 2007 before the Honorable Judge Ronald J. Sholes, Traffic Court of New Orleans, 225 Morgan Street, New Orleans, LA 70114 Judge Sholes Fax number is (504) 826-5809. PLEASE, ABOVE ALL ELSE, be respectful to Judge Sholes as Judge Sholes serves the law and is not required to hear Lise’s case in a public forum.
Judge Sholes no doubt has not even looked at his docket sheet for November 6, and there is no doubt that he has no clue who Lise McComiskey is so please be respectful of him in any letters of support. Lise’s official charges that evening were failure to provide proof of insurance, registration and license.

Thank you so much for your help, your support and your friendship.

The above was posted today by Karen Gadbois on the Carollton Avenue Yahoo group board.  A poorly trained, arrogant and insensitive police force is yet another insult to all citizens of this city and region that Naginism has fostered.  What planet is this???

Filed under: crime | Leave a comment »

Slice of the criminal life

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Jim S

Email Blast

NOPD 2nd District

On October 20th at or about 2:45 am, the victim and his girlfriend were driving home after purchasing a hot dog at a Discount Zone. According to the victim, as he turned onto Joilet from Leake Avenue, he observed a subject he believed to be his friend, flagging him down. He pulled along side the subject and noticed it was not his friend. The subject asked the victim if he had $2. The victim replied “no”. The victim alleges that without any further provocation the subject pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the arm.

Note: The victim’s girlfriend gave a very different story. According to her, the victim attempted to purchase crack cocaine from the suspect. He then became involved in an altercation with the suspect. As a result of that altercation, the suspect shot at the victim, hitting him once in the arm. Her boyfriend told her to lie about the incident, because he did not want to get in trouble for attempting to purchase drugs.

If you have any information on this case, please contact Sgt. Chris Cambiotti or Det. Brian Baye at 658-6022 or 658-6020. You may also call Crimestoppersanonymously at 822-1111.

Remember to report any suspicious persons or activities you see in your neighborhood by calling 821-2222. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Captain Kirk Bouyelas

Second District Commander

New Orleans Police Department

Filed under: crime | Leave a comment »

Board meeting minutes 10/08/07

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Jim S

Attending–Board:  Annette Bak, Marilyn Barbera,  Gordon Cagnolatti, Betty DiMarco, Rudolph Garrison, Marshall Hevron,  Cindy Morse, Amanda Smithson, John Schackai, Llewelyn Soniat, Jerry Speir, Jim Stratton, Evan Wolf

 

Residents:  Pax Bobrow, Colby Johnson

 

Guests:   Wanda Brooks (principal of Johnson Elementary), Una Anderson (school board member, legislative candidate), Walker Hines (legislative candidate). 

————————————————————————————————————-

 

Una Anderson and Walker Hines, candidates for the state legislature, made brief presentations concerning their candidacy and platforms.  Board member Evan Wolf, a candidate for the same seat, declined to address the board, saying that he had previously spoken to other board members individually.

 

Treasurer Cindy Morse reported an account balance of $1679.77.

 

Wanda Brooks, Principal of Johnson Elementary School, introduced herself and noted that CRRA Board members Cindy Morse and Kevin Brown have been invited to be on the school’s Leadership Team.  She reported that she is working on a grant proposal for a program to create more parental involvement at the school and is especially interested in identifying programs to involve the older boys at the school at times when school is not in session.  She appealed for the neighborhood’s assistance with getting the “moat” filled around the new playground equipment, and getting shelves built for storage. She is especially interested in having neighbors visit the school.  The school could also use a washer and dryer.

 

Pax Bobrow reported that the boxes for collecting General Mills coupons (worth 10 cents each) for school assistance are in place or will shortly be in place at the school as well as at Saltwater Grill, the Oak Street Café, and Castellon Pharmacy.  More information on this program to follow.

 

Pax also reported that Johnson School will get 20 tickets for its students to attend the upcoming appearance by J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, and that the school is seeking guest readers for the Harry Potter stories as part of preparing for the author’s visit.  Interested members should contact Pax directly at paxbobrow@yahoo.com  The school is also in need of extra copies of the first of the Potter books, which they are using in third grade reading.

 

Annette Bak reported that Priestley School has applied for FEMA funding to renovate the Leonidas building but that not much is expected.  Una Anderson elaborated that the decision about the FEMA funds should be made soon and that, barring those funds, the school board might lease the property to the school.  Carrollton United was reported to be working on the possibility of raising funds to renovate the gymnasium at the school.

 

Evan Wolf led a discussion about the possibility of CRRA taking over the neighborhood patrol initiated by Chad Gilman.  Concerns were expressed about such issues as the limited hours and area that the patrol had been able to cover, the difficulty of collecting dues, the long hours that policemen are already working, and the consensus of the group was to table the idea unless and until and individual could be identified who would take on its administration.

 

Marshall Hevron reported for the Zoning Committee that the matter of the coffee shop at Carrollton and Cohn has been deferred until the City Council meeting of October 18.  He also reported on a proposal to create parking along part of Leake Avenue, between the street and the railroad tracks.  It was unanimously decided that CRRA’s position should be that “there should be no short or long term leasing of public property for parking without the knowledge and approval of the neighborhood associations most affected by it and until a comprehensive study for the Levee Park and Leake Ave area is completed.”  John Schackai recommended that the position should also state that parking there, given the new “park” zoning for that area appears to be outside the allowable uses of the Zoning Ordinance.  That amendment was approved unanimously.

 

Marilyn Barbera raised the issue of whether CRRA should join with the Palmer Park Association in its Halloween activities.  After some discussion, the consensus of the group was not to do so.

 

Amanda Smithson reported that the Events Committee has organized three small-scale trash pick-ups on Sunday mornings and working on planning a larger clean-up for a bit later in the fall.  She also reported that the Young Leadership Council, of which she is a member, is offering free assistance with college applications, etc. to high school seniors in the Recovery School District and is especially interested in assisting students who are the first in their families going to college.  Anyone who can direct qualified students to the project should contact Amanda directly at amandafsmithson@gmail.com

 

NEXT MEETING:  Monday, November 5, 7:30 p.m., at Asian Cajun.

Filed under: announcements, meetings, minutes | Leave a comment »

Greenlight New Orleans

Posted on September 27, 2007 by Jim S

Greenlight New Orleans is a non-profit with the mission to help reduce global warming by helping local residents replace their traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). If enough people around the globe do this it will be a little speedbump on the road to more intense global warming. You can be a part of this movement–for free. And you’ll see some reduction in your Entergy bill.

The founder and moving force of Greenlight, Andi Hoffmann, lives in our neighborhood. He also leads a roots-rockband call the B-goes.

Monday is the kick-off for “Change a Light Week” and the first event is right here in zip code 70118.

If you’d like to know more go on over to the Greenlight website. You can sign up there to have your bulbs changed and/or to be a volunteer in the effort.

Filed under: announcements, quality of life | 1 Comment »

Copper Theft Ordinance Update

Posted on September 27, 2007 by Jim S

According to Captain Ricky Laviolette of the 7th District, the Scrap Metal Ordinance will be revisited on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 10:00 am, at the City Council Chambers. This is the ordinance that we referenced about two weeks ago.

It was presented by Councilperson Willard-Lewis and would restrict who could sell scrap copper to licensed electricians, plumbers and gasfitters. If passed, we believe that the ordinance would be a tremendous
aid in abating copper theft and burglaries in the district.

Any who are interested in the ordinance may wish to attend.
Thanks,

Captain Kirk Bouyelas
Second District Commander
New Orleans Police Department
—————————————

I believe the scrap dealers showed up in force the last time this was
introduced. –Jerry Speir

Filed under: announcements, crime | Leave a comment »

Arrest made in recent armed robbery

Posted on September 25, 2007 by Jim S

NOPD 2nd District

On September 21st at or about 8:30 pm, the female victim was walking in
the 1200 block of Cambronne Street towards her vehicle. She was
approached by a young black male, armed with an unknown type handgun.
The suspect robbed the victim of $300, which she had in her purse. He
then fled on foot down Cambronne toward Claiborne Avenue.

Officer who responded to the call located a 15 year old juvenile on Gen.
Ogden Street. He was detained and later identified as the perpetrator by
the victim. He was subsequently arrested and charged with armed robbery.
His involvement in other criminal activity in that area is being
investigated by detectives.

If you have any information relative to this case, please contact Sgt.
Chris Cambiotti or Det. Jerry Baldwin at 658-6022 or 658-6020. You may
also call Crimestoppers anonymously at 822-1111.

Remember to report any suspicious persons or activities you see in your
neighborhood by calling 821-2222. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Filed under: crime | Leave a comment »

« Previous Page — Next Page »