Columbia Citizens

Yeah, months ago I was on a stroll while waiting for a pizza. A guy across Rainier yelled out to me "Hey, man! Hey, man!" What a friendly fellow, I thought, then realized he was slingin' dope.

Recently, too, a woman gave me the eye around there. While I am extraordinarily handsome and am used to women giving me the eye, her eyes had dollar signs in them.

Interesting and extremely unfortunate that last night's shooting happened right at this corner. Something needs to be done. It is absurd that there is not a regular or routine police presence outside of Angies or at this corner. I refuse to believe that the police are unaware of this problem. I have never seen a patrol car cruise the neighborhood's residential streets or question any of the individuals who are "waiting for the bus" for hours upon end. Sketchy indeed. Maybe the St. Gobain project will make this little corner of Columbia City a bit safer.

The sad reality is if Angie's lost their liquor license the problem of drug dealing and prostitution at Hudson and Rainier would end overnight. For proof just look at the demise of Club Chocolate City on Madison and the immediate, positive change in street life in that location. That intersection was heavily policed for years, but change didn't happen until the bar shut down. Maybe it's time…

Months ago I saw three hoppers getting braced by the Po Po in front of the movies.

It

was

awesome!

Summer is hear, and the South Side/CD beef will be giving us plenty of drama until the rain drives the tough guys back inside.