PSA 102 August Meeting Report
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
7-8:30 p.m.
Sherwood Recreation Center

Special thanks to Anne Phelps, ANC6C04 commissioner, for taking these notes!

AGENDA:
* Welcome and agenda overview; greetings
* August 7 National Night Out recap
* Review June crime statistics, burglaries
* PSA 102 hot spots
* Business emergency information/cards as backup to alarms
* Revert back to former staffing arrangements; summary of PSA 102 staffing levels
* Block captain recruitment
* Break into neighborhood groups to address specific issues through Partnership for Problem solving; MPD officers and coordinator will help rotate to guide discussions, make plan. Meet with officers.

MINUTES

* Welcome – Dave Klavitter, PSA Citizen Coordinator and Lt. Hawkins, PSA 102
Lt Hawkins’ Announcements:

- Reminder that there are no anti-loitering laws, so other than talking to youth hanging around outside, there is not a lot MPD can do.

- Remember to lock your doors. If you come home and find you’ve been burglarized, back out and call MPD. Most crimes appear to be happening late evenings and midnights, but daytime seems to be happening at shift change. Also be sure to repair and secure broken doors, windows, etc. because burglars will come back.

- Dave Klavitter reminded people that the MPD web site lets you see crime statistics in your neighborhood. View D.C. crime mapping tool online.

* National Night Out recap:

- Sherwood Rec Center was location for 1D’s main event
- Photos of the event were passed around including images of games, music, food, and PEPCO’s demonstration of power line safety
- PSA 102 officers did a great job.

* Crime Stats: Volunteer, Roger Mattiolli reviewed crime stats from last 90 days. PSA 102 had 40% of the burglaries. Roger is hoping additional resources are assigned to the PSA in response to the rise in crime. View D.C. crime mapping tool for crimes near your home.

* PSA 102 hot spots: Sherwood Rec Center representative voiced concern about the “entertainment” establishments on H Street, specifically between 8th and 15th Streets. Lots of young men are being seen circling the block to get in contact with inebriated customers hanging outside. Need to pressure owners too, it’s not just a residential issue; it is also economic viability, safety of patrons, etc.

* Business and Emergency Contacts: PSA 102, Dave Klavitter and others are going to work with H Street Main Street and businesses to make certain the emergency contacts for each business are updated. This was recently a problem for response to Sidamo Coffee and Tea (H St. btw 4th and 5th) when they were recently burglarized.

* PSA 102 Staffing: 10 hour shift for officers revealed fewer officers on the street. Chief Lanier immediately re-evaluated and returned back to 8 hour shifts on August 5th. Such changes in s short time did affect placement and patrols and limited effectiveness of burglary tack unit. Lt. Hawkins indicated that officers are back on track now.

* Block Captain Recruitment: Need more block captains for PSA 102. Dave is working to build a kit to hand out to new block captains. If anyone is interested in volunteering to be a block captain, contact Dave Klavitter at klav@gmail.com.

* Other:

* Public notice of application for new and renewed Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for:
- Beg Investment, LLC, “Twelve,” Retail Class “C” Tavern, 1123 and 1125 H ST, NE
- Spotlight Productions, LLC, “Spotlight Café,” Retailer Class “CX” Multipurpose Facility, 1333 H ST, NE
- Anais Bar & Lounge, LLC, “Anais Bar & Lounge”, Retail Class “C” Tavern, 1363 H ST, NE
- The 116 Inc., “116 Club” Class Retailer CX Club 01, 234 3rd ST, NE

Notices are provided so that any objectors are entitled to be heard before the granting of a license. Petition and Hearing dates vary. Hearings are at 10:00 a.m. on the 7th floor, suite 7200, 941 North Capitol ST, NE. Petition and /or request to appear before the board must be filed on or before the petition date. For more information, visit the ABRA website.

* Another sex offender is back in the PSA 102 neighborhood. The D.C. MPD sex offender registry also is available online.

* There is a solid lead on the Chrysta Spencer hit and run case.

Note: U.S. State Department attended with gentleman from South African to observe and learn about neighborhood policing so he can take information back to S. Africa.

Metropolitan Police Department Master Patrol Officer Leon Johnson (left) and Officer Charles Johnson handle barbecue duties during the National Night Out celebration at Sherwood Recreation Center on Aug. 7, 2007. (Copyright © 2007. David Klavitter) (CLICK FOR A LARGER VIEW)

Several hundred community residents attended the event, which provided adults and children an opportunity to interact with police officers who patrol their neighborhoods. Participants enjoyed free food, music, kids games, safety demonstrations and a police helicopter flyover at tree top level.

Attending officials included D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, Council Chairman Vincent Gray, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, MPD Assistant Chief Brian Jordan, and First District Commander Diane Groomes.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and energy to ensure a successful event.

H Street Main Street Executive Director Anwar Saleem and Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells walk with community residents on H Street NE as part of National Night Out activities on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. (Copyright © 2007. David Klavitter) (CLICK FOR A LARGER VIEW)

It wasn't too hot to dance the electric slide, with music provided by a live DJ. It was part of the National Night Out celebration at Sherwood Recreation Center on Aug. 7, 2007. (Copyright © 2007. David Klavitter) (CLICK FOR A LARGER VIEW)

Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty chats with a neighborhood resident during the National Night Out celebration at Sherwood Recreation Center on Aug. 7, 2007. (Copyright © 2007. David Klavitter) (CLICK FOR A LARGER VIEW)

Bobby Pittman of the Sherwood Recreational Advisory Council (right), thanks Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty for attending the National Night Out festivities at the Sherwood Recreation Center on August 7, 2007. (Copyright © 2007. David Klavitter)

Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Chief Brian Jordan (left) and First District Inspector Lamar Greene welcome everyone to the National Night Out event at Sherwood Recreation Center on August 7, 2007. (Copyright © 2007. David Klavitter)

A hot dog erupts in flames after it touches a live electrical wire. PEPCO utility workers provided an electrical safety demonstration during the National Night Out celebration at Sherwood Recreation Center on Aug. 7, 2007. (Copyright © 2007. David Klavitter) (CLICK FOR A LARGER VIEW)

Kids see up close what happens to a hot dog which comes into contact with a live electrical wire. PEPCO utility workers provided an electrical safety demonstration during the National Night Out celebration at Sherwood Recreation Center on Aug. 7, 2007. (Copyright © 2007. David Klavitter) (CLICK FOR A LARGER VIEW)

Join your friends, neighbors and businessowners for a 6 p.m.
community walk on H Street NE to celebrate National Night Out on
Tuesday, August 7.

National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen
neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. We will send
a message to criminals to let them know that neighborhoods are
organized and fighting back.

We start at the 1400 block of H Street NE and finish at the
Sherwood Recreation Center celebration at 10th and G Streets NE.

The details:

* Gather at the Argonaut Tavern outdoor patio at 15th and Maryland
Streets NE.

* Depart at 6 p.m. ET.

* Walk west on the south side of H Street NE to 8th St NE.

* Turn left on 8th St NE and walk one block to G St NE.

* Turn left on G St NE and walk two blocks to 10th St NE--the
location of Sherwood Recreation Center at 6:20 p.m.

Sherwood Recreation Center is the location for the First District
National Night Out Celebration. It's food, fun, and festivities for
the entire family!

Meet police officers who patrol your neighborhoods, First District
Commander Diane Groomes, elected officials and special guests. View
scenes from last year's event (including former Mayor Anthony
Williams doing the Electric Slide).

Learn more about National Night Out here.