Thank you so much everyone who turned out to walk last night, especially Officers Derrick Vernon and Roosevelt Jenkins, who cheerfully walked in the cold wind even though their shift had ended.  We also appreciate the officers who were patrolling the area, particularly the officer who picked up our straggler and delivered her safely to our group, and the officer who stopped traffic for us so our large group could cross Locust Street together!  Thanks also to Fuel Cafe, who provided the Walkers with hot beverages at no charge.  It was welcome on a cold night!

We walked to the block where Joseph Munz was struck down on Tuesday night.  All was quiet and calm.  We went through the alley, and back around to Weil St.  What really hit me was how neat, clean, and well-kept this area of Riverwest is.  Porch lights were on, the alley was well-lit, there was really nowhere for a criminal to hide.  Looks can be so deceiving.

Another walker pointed out to me that even though this area looks so much different from the southern end (where I live), the drug houses and problems they bring are not confined to the block afflicted with the house itself.  She told me that if someone is on their way to or from their dealer's house, if they see someone walking they may rob him, just to be sure they have enough money for their next buy.  Good thing to be aware of.

Our next walk will be held on October 18.  Meet Jessie at 7:30 PM at the Riverwest Co-op.  I cannot stress enough the importance of banding together at this time to show that we will not be frightened out of our usual routines, nor will we leave Riverwest.  We are also, for that hour or so every week, the eyes and ears for other residents.  I don't know if we make a difference, but I feel more secure knowing that the bad guys know we are out there.

Again, thanks to everyone.