NoMi Passenger

A Tribute To NoMi Dogs - And a GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-07T10:15:00.001-05:00

Here's a photo of my furbaby, Hogan, watching the sights and scenes on Newton Avenue on a gorgeous fall day.

This is in conjunction with fellow NoMi blogger Carla and her furbabies Rocco and Sadie over at Hammers and High Heels. She dedicated a blog post to her pups and is even doing a blog giveaway contest, perhaps the first ever giveaway contest of any of the NoMi bloggers.

So, give your pooch an extra hug and kiss and head over to Hammers and High Heels to enter the pet treat give-a-way. Hurry, ~~I think it's today only!~~ Nope! It goes through Sunday October 9th - so get on over there and leave a comment!

Time to Lift the Tornado Clean Up Grace Period

2011-09-02T21:26:00.001-05:00

All of these photos were taken last weekend, August 27 and 28. Over three months after the tornado. And they are all from an approximate radius of three blocks from my house, this isn't even the whole tornado zone.

As a person who is working hard to get house and yard put back together, I am taking a certain liberty to declare a "time's up for clean up" work after the tornado. I am not talking repairs and rebuilds, lord knows how complicated that is. I'm simply referring to cleaning up. Removing damaged fixtures and debris. Getting yards as neat and tidy as possible. Cleaning up the mess that I call the "garbage disposal effect", when a house, yard or garage looks like it got spit out of a garbage disposal.

What are you waiting for dude? Grab a ladder and a trash can!

So, revitalizers, feel free to call 3-1-1 or send emails to minneapolis311@ci.minneapolis.mn.us to report debris, trash, messy yards, damaged fences and other house, garage, and yard type stuff that really should be cleaned up by now so we all can begin to return to some normalcy as soon as possible.

The messy, overgrown yard isn't even the best part. Check out the house way in the back ground, no more second story, totatly exposed to the elements, hidden behind an overgrown jungle.

How much longer do we have to live where it looks like bombs dropped from the sky?

Trying to live in a disaster zone is hard for everyone. It's past time for everyone - slumlords, decent landlords and homeowners and business owners to all do our part to clean up the mess and put the pieces back together. Restore some order and neatness while bigger repairs continue and improvements move into place.

C'mon people, it's been over three months!

This is the "garbage disposal effect" I was referring to.

"Neighborhood leaders are all, like, WTF?!!!"

It's been this way for over a month folks.

How long will these sit here?

See the trash can right there? Use it.

I don't even have words for this.

There are lawn mowers and weed whackers for rent at Northend. Just sayin'.

Santa will be needing that chimney soon. Get on it people.

Nice dumping. Real nice.

There are some revitalizers that would love to burn this up in their back yard fire pit.

This business didn't look much better before the tornado. Put it out of its misery!

I wish it would fall on the building and do us all a favor.

After the Tornado: A Photo Collection of Month 1

2011-08-20T15:54:00.000-05:00


JACC Treasurer Denny Wagner sponsored six thank you signs to post around Jordan for the big volunteer weekends


Within days after the tornado, this Red Cross outreach vehicle was making regular stops on my block, passing out snacks and meals of apples, oranges, cookies, sandwiches, water and other stuff. The volunteers made talk with folks asking how they were doing, how were other folks in the family, etc.

Sadly, living through a tornado is a good way to meet neighbors.


The emotional toll can be seen on the faces of children.

This little gal had never seen herself on camera.

The heaved up sidewalks make a great perch.

Faith based organizations mobilized their volunteers.

Despite the tornado, other neighborhood clean up must continue.

During the big city organized volunteer day, this group of neighbors moved a huge pile of roofing debris to my back alley.

Here's the volunteers before they moved on to the next house. I got to meet some new neighbors from Jordan. Robert and Marlee a/k/a "James Neighbor" are on the far right.

"Thank You Northside Volunteers"

This is what I mean when I say houses look like they've been put through a garbage disposal.

Neighborly love flowing strong at the Jordan Pond.

And of course roasting peeps! (yes, peeps, the sugar coated marshmallows - try it!)

Nomi Tornado - Just A Few Photos

2011-05-26T19:51:00.000-05:00


Looking out my back door

My already famous American flag was down the street, a friend fetched it and stuck it in my window box.

Bike Cops For Kids founder Mark Klukow stopped by and posed on my open attic floor

Spring Things To Come, Soon!

2011-03-20T12:52:00.000-05:00

Detroit Mayor Offers Cops Abandoned Homes For $1000

2011-02-10T11:51:00.000-06:00

Recently, I wrote about encouraging the Mayor and City Council to take some drastic measures to fill the empty homes in NoMi by offering them up for $1, perhaps by starting with city employees.

Today, I saw this news headline of something similar taking place in Detroit. Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is offering abandoned homes to police officers for only $1000.

I'm super excited to see this happening there because I think it will strengthen the likelihood that we will get some action like this here in Minneapolis.

Go ahead and take a few minutes to write to all the council members and the Mayor and encourage them to follow Mayor Bing's lead and let's get it started! We're already half a decade into this housing crisis!

mayor@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
kevin.reich@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
cam.gordon@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
diane.hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
barbara.johnson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
don.samuels@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
robert.lilligren@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
lisa.goodman@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
elizabeth.glidden@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
gary.schiff@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
meg.tuthill@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
john.quincy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
sandra.colvin.roy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
betsy.hodges@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

An Open Letter to Don Allen of IBNN News (And Other Blogs)

2011-02-08T14:30:00.000-06:00

Stock photo of dead carolina poisonous snake seems appropriate here

Normally, I reserve this space for all that is good in north Minneapolis. We have an endless calendar of social events and fun times that make for some half way decent photo blogging, but today calls for something more dark and serious here. Sorry in advance.

Dear Don Allen,

Give it up. Your anonymous JHG schtick is up. You are the only one left believing that there is a single person reading your crap that can't put two and two together and easily realize who is behind the controls at JHG. Yeah, sure, tomorrow you are gonna blog about another wild crazy accusation that is wrong, so wrong. You are nothing if not predictable.

I'm sure you've had some help from your malcontent misfit friends. It was even pretty clever what you tried to do yesterday with your stock quote thingy. Too bad it was so transparent. Too bad you were out of the court building by 2:15pm. {I saw ya, in the red Jeep with Terry, I waved. You didn't wave back :( }

Don, no one is left pondering who is the anonymous hate blogger. You aren't fooling anyone. Just like I told you last July, it's pretty obvious and your fingerprints are all over it.

I'm sorry you are suffering from mental illness. I feel kinda bad for you. But things don't have to be this way Don, just take your meds every day like the doctors told you and I'm sure you'll be feeling better again soon.

You've written some pretty slanderous stuff, Don. Now it can all be traced back to you. How is that going to affect your life, Don? How are people going to be expected to do business with you when it's common knowledge you've been doing this "anonymous" hate blogging for these many months now? And how about Bad Mpls? Another slanderous blog attacking folks with lies. Yeah, pretty cute how the other day "Bad Mpls" was even a guest writer on your IBNN site.

Don, don't you realize you aren't producing the effect you desire? Nobody is believing your crap. The only reason anyone even goes there is to watch the virtual train wreck that is taking place. Don, don't you realize you are like the equivalent of a kid at the bus stop having a seizure and pissing on himself? That's why everyone is staring at you Don. You are virtually pissing your pants and trying to claim you are not. Despite your wet pants and the puddle on the ground.

Oh, and before I leave out your friend Jim Watkins, I gotta ask him something.

Jim, how does it feel to be conned by Don Allen? Yeah, conned. Remember, a few months ago, you were bragging about how JHG was so connected and so powerful. How JHG was gonna lay the smack down and the NoMi activists weren't going to know what hit them? That JHG had all kinds of access to city information and so much leverage to throw around? Ummmm, yeah. Turns out it's just Don Allen. LOL. Sorry,Jim, nice try though.

So in closing, Don, you can carry on your pretenses if you must. But just know that no one, no one, is fooled. And no one is changing up their game because of you and JHG.

And since you say you are suing me, then I guess I'll see you in court. Let me know the date. I'll bring copies of this letter. It'll be like de ja vu from when Ben tried to sue me. Good times.

-MG

NoMi Entertainment - CC and WangWang Harmonize

2011-01-17T10:52:00.001-06:00

The NoMi lifestyle isn't all hardcore politics,activism, outreach and anti-slumlord battles. Sometimes we just get together and find ways to entertain ourselves using our children or our pets. Or our pets and children together.

Here's a little Christmas Eve entertainment on the Jordan Pond. CC and her dog WangWang (pronounced "wong wong," Chinese for little prince) have learned piano together. CC's fingers gliding the keys and WangWang on the vocals.

CC is well known for having awesome birthday parties and being one of the most uniquely bilingual children most adults know. She speaks and reads Mandarin Chinese just as well as she speaks and reads English.

She recently had her own table at the Indoor Farmer's Market held at Local D'lish where she drew Chinese characters with sentimental meaning picked out by the customers who had the option of leaving her a tip.

And as you can see from this video, she has learned to play piano like a pro. And WangWang loves to help.

Life in NoMi is highly enjoyable, never a dull moment, and quite normal.

Enough of the Empty Houses Already! Editorial Series: 2011 Agenda Part 1

2011-01-14T13:46:00.000-06:00

Fine Farview Victorian

Magnetic McKinley Mini-Mansion

Handsome Hawthorne House

I *almost* bought this house in 2002


Parkway Charmer

One of my most favs in all of NoMi

Front yard of 2700 Block of Penn

Happy 2011 and let's jump right into it. Everyone knows the holiday season and the beginning of a new year is a natural time for reflection of the past and looking to the future. Planning and shaping and taking action. Here at the NoMi Passenger blog a new year is no different. Let's reflect and plan and shape and take action together; after all we are all passengers on the same voyage through NoMi.

I've got a few thoughts and ideas that I'd like to see move forward in 2011 and it will be a group effort to fine tune them and push them forward to action so I'll do that here. Consider it my 2011 Agenda.

First up, fill the empty houses, already! It's 2011 and empty houses dot every block in NoMi for various reasons. We've been experiencing the vacant house disease for how many years now? Four? Five? Many of these homes are already owned by the city (or county) or could easily be acquired, sometimes for pennies on the dollar.

For several years now I've been saying out loud, or in emails and internet postings "SELL THE HOUSES FOR A DOLLAR" or "GIVE THEM AWAY TO CITY EMPLOYEES".

We've seen some benefit from the Minneapolis Advantage program which has given a grant to qualified purchasers of a qualified house. But it hasn't been enough and it hasn't put a dent in the vacant house disease. It's time for more widespread, drastic action from the city (and county) to get these houses occupied by homesteaders.

The city needs to get taxpayers back in these homes for the tax and utility revenues they would bring. The neighborhoods and economic engines need more citizens to populate the neighborhoods, spend their money in the near-by businesses, be additional eyes and ears on the streets in the impacted areas.

The city needs to develop a program to sell or give the homes away for as little as one dollar. I say start with the city employees. Write a program to grant the deed to them after a 10 year occupancy, verified periodically by a program director. I think city employees will be less likely to pull some funny shenanigans and do something stupid like, oh gee, rent out the house for income.

I know the city has done some dollar house give-aways in the past, I have met some folks who are still in their home that they purchased for $1.

However, if the city moves forward on something like this, and I urge that they do, they need to first and also do some immediate and drastic changes to the process of bringing a condemned house back into code compliance. I have been hearing far too many nightmare stories from folks who have been through the process and are adamant that the hellish process is keeping the average joe from taking on such a daunting tasks.

To start revamping the code compliance process I'd recommend start by using an outside survey analyst to conduct and take in feedback. Believe it or not I've heard people are actually intimidated to give honest feedback for fear of retaliation in the future, or being labeled as one of those crabby disgruntled people or having it affect anything they might do in the future.

Make it more reasonable to rehab a condemned house and start giving those suckers away to qualified people who will commit to owner occupancy for the next decade or more.

Let's get this done in the next six months so summer can bring a new wave of home ownership in NoMi. Let me hear from you in the comments, whaddya think?

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T11:07:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas NoMi Homies!

Winter Indoor Farmer's Market - Tomorrow - Local D'Lish

2010-12-17T11:05:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow the highly acclaimed Winter Farmer's Market at Local D'lish will take place. This is the second year for the Winter Farmer's Market, which has met the needs of many customers from the Mill City Farmer's Market which closed in October.

From 10 am to 2 pm local food artisans will be providing samples and selling their specialties at Local D'lish in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. Here's some info from the home page of Local D'lish:

For the past two years, Local D’lish has teamed up with the Mill City Farmers Market to bring you the Winter Farmer-in-the-Market event. This event features about 20-25 vendors, a mix of familiar faces from the Mill City Farmers Market and product vendors here at Local D’lish.

At the Winter Farmer-in-the-Market, customers will find a wide variety of locally grown and produced meats, cheeses, chocolates, breads, sweets, and more! To nurture a strong local foods economy, our farmers and producers must have a stable income year-round, and this monthly event is meant to help in this arena through the winter months.

The 2010-11 Winter Farmer-in-the-Market will be held on the following dates, from 10am – 2 pm: November 20th, December 18th, January 15th, February 19th, March 19th, April 16th

Local D'lish is owned by Jordan, NoMi neighbor Ann Yin, and her husband Yulin and daughter CC.

Some of my favorite things I've tried at the Indoor Farmer's Markets are smoked salmon, shepard's way (sheep) cheese, Lucille's Kitchen jams (they always have it paired up with something simple yet delicious for a quick and easy hors d'ouvres), Olsen's Naturals body and skin care products... Now that I think about it, there are so many good things to try at the markets or in the store.

Head out tomorrow for a good time and some great holiday shopping while supporting your local small business vendors.

Happy Holidays!

Don Samuels' Fall Fundraiser Is The Social Event Of The Season (November 17, Local D'Lish)

2010-11-12T09:13:00.001-06:00

Don Samuels enjoys pumpkin soup at Local D'Lish

Next Wednesday, November 17, NoMi folks will have a good excuse to gather and celebrate.

The Don Samuels for City Council Campaign Committee is inviting everyone to a fall fundraiser at Local D'Lish. If you are looking for a good opportunity to meet some Northside neighbors, some city movers and shakers or the famous Don and Sondra Samuels...this is your perfect opportunity.

Don Samuels fights tirelessly for public safety, quality housing and economic development. His eloquence and vision have changed the way the whole city of Minneapolis looks at itself, increasing understanding and compassion between people and communities.

At this event, revitalizers from around the Northside will gather, mingle, eat, drink and be merry. Laughs will be shared over fresh local food. Revitalizing battle stories will be shared of lap dogs being saved from snarling pit bulls, court battles waged and won, and amazing 311 success stories. There might be some friendly one-upmanship in the relating of such tales. Of course, dry-yet-important topics such as economic development and city projects around NoMi will be touched upon for the benefit of policy geeks.

You may be asking yourself, "There is no city council election right now, why is the campaign committee having a fundraiser?" Well, you will just have to come and ask Don yourself!

Vote For Chanda Smith Baker for School Board

2010-10-28T06:04:00.000-05:00

In my last post I shared a commentary piece written by school board candidate Chanda Smith Baker. Today, I'm sharing a couple of video endorsements from two of our city council representatives. The first one is City Council Vice President Robert Lilligren who represents parts of South Minneapolis, an area that has some of the same inner city challenges like NoMi has. The second endorsement is from City Councilwoman Elizabeth Glidden. He ward is also in South Minneapolis and straddles the interstate, so her ward might be more similar to Diane Hofstede's ward in that it's got some of the same race and class divisions like Ward 3, very challenging to represent, indeed.

I'll be sharing more Chanda Smith Baker videos in the next few days and I hope you will also share them and spread the word of the excellent candidacy of Ms. Baker, we need her on the school board.

Election day is next Tuesday, November 2nd.

North High School Reaction by Chanda Smith Baker

2010-10-14T18:13:00.003-05:00

Chanda Smith Baker, school board candidate, ©Mary Hanson Photography MaryHPhoto.com 2010

The whole city has been in a flurry about North High. Its future. Its past. Its failures and its successes. I just want to take a minute to share and repost something written by school board candidate Chanda Smith Baker. I hope each and everyone of you reading this, that lives in the city, will turn out on November 2nd and give Chanda one of your school board votes. To me, it's the most important vote of this year. Our state senator and our congressman are extremely likely to win their elections, the NoMi state rep incumbents seem secure. And the school board at large candidates have very tight battles on their hands. So if you can send some money, give some time and get out the vote for Chanda Smith Baker, it will be a very well placed vote.

This commentary was written by Chanda and first shared on her facebook page. I'm reposting it here for those that don't follow her on facebook or don't use facebook.

North High School Reaction

by Chanda Smith Baker

The potential of North High closing has stirred up emotions in an unexpected way. I was very well aware of the low enrollment and the many challenges North has faced over the last several years. Last year, I met and spoke with several staff and leadership at North after they received notice that they were facing consequences due to the school being identified as a persistently low performing school. The consequences included four choices; two of the choices meant significant turnover in staff and one was for the school to close. We talked strategy and the decision was made to turnover staff at the school.

This year I attended the open house for incoming students and the auditorium was fuller than expected with many supportive community members in attendance to welcome in the freshman students, all 47 of them. Again, another sign that North was in serious trouble. Despite the warning signs and my understanding that North closing was a real possibility, the superintendents announcement and recommendation to phase out North High and close it in three years was met with a heavy heart.

I am a fourth generation graduate of North High, the class of 1989. North High is a mixture of memories of my favorite teachers, Ms Gregory, the librarian who recommended more books than I will ever remember, Brownie Lake field trips, basketball games, and where I met some very dear friends. My late Uncle Richard Green was both a teacher and principal there, it is part of my family history. It is a place that is close to my heart and holds many memories for me, my family and my friends.

The personal memories and my commitment to improve outcomes for all students have met head on. The fact is North High School represents "community" and is a school that connects many of us in Minneapolis. This connection is what makes a strong community school, the connection and the love for North is an unspoken- underestimated factor. The loyalty to North seems to have tipped the scale towards blind loyalty- and we have collectively failed the students and families in North Minneapolis. The same loyalty and commitment if directed and focused could create a stronger school and better academic results.

This recommendation came as a result of years of disinvestment and an overall lack of accountability and leadership. Currently, there are 267 students attending North High school. There are fiscal realities that must be addressed and waiting too long without a solid and sustainable solution is a risk that would impact the entire district. I understand why superintendent Johnson made a recommendation. I do not agree with how it was communicated and I do not believe closing North is a solution that should be made without community input and without a comprehensive plan for families. In addition, the first publicized effort to "fix" North should not have been to close it and as a result it has kicked up a large community debate and response.

I have a sensitivity on school closings and a perspective that is unique. I remember clearly when my uncle Richard and the school board announced the closing of 18 school closings in the 1980's. I can vividly recall the emotions, the heated discussions, the frustration, particularly related to closing of Central High school in South Minneapolis. My uncle (and the board) closed Central, the school my father (his brother) graduated from. It was a stressful time to say the least. I know that the recommendation to close North did not come easy and the superintendent came into a sinking situation and decisions have to be made. Having said that, I am not impressed with how the administration and the school board handled this announcement and recommendation to close North. The district has to improve its communication and relationship with the community, particularly in North Minneapolis.

The other major concern is academic achievement. The superintendent stated that this is a moral issue and that she can not ignore the lack of academic progress for students at North High. This is a valid point and the elimination of the achievement gap is the districts top priority. In this context, the question becomes does closing North improve academic outcomes for students? The answer is not clear. Moreover, if closing schools becomes the solution then what does that say. There have been many changes and school closings, yet the gap has gotten wider. The displacement of students is not an adequate response alone and has been proven not to work.

Based on the enrollment numbers, North High has the best teacher to student ratios of all of the high schools. Research has pointed out that smaller classrooms are ideal for student success. If this is true and I believe it is, something is not lining up. There are students at North who are doing exceptionally well. In the student body: 20% proficient in reading; 8 % in math; and 4 % in science and we should celebrate their accomplishments. On the other hand, 80% are not proficient in reading, 92% in math are not proficient and 96% are not proficient in science that is an extreme concern and we have to come together to figure out what our students need.

Keeping North open will not improve outcomes for all students, unless there is a strong comprehensive plan in place. A plan that includes commitment, multiple measures to evaluate effectiveness and accountability. This is a time for leadership.

This is a benchmark moment in our community. It will either document the end of an era with the closing of North or it will be the time when our community comes together despite our differing opinions to not only save North, but to save our children.
~~~~~~~~
Please vote for Chanda for school board on November 2nd.

Oktoberfest in NoMi

2010-10-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

Every October in NoMi is celebrated with an Oktoberfest party at the home of some good friends. It's part birthday celebration, part autumn celebration, but really just another reason to get together with framily. Framily. That's what we are, framily. More than friends, less than family.

Hope you enjoy my photo journal of this years Oktoberfest, it was a beautiful night with beautiful people and a few framily members who were only there in spirit.

This apple struddle was made by Deb Wagner, whose creations always impress

Of course the fire pit was ready to go

It's just not Oktoberfest without Denny Wagner and some football, right Honey?

A sunset stroll to the parkway

Mill City Farmer's Market - October 2, 2010 - Photo (And Video!) Journal

2010-10-04T10:05:00.002-05:00

In my previous entry, I mentioned the awesomeness that is called the Mill City Farmer's Market, and how there are just two more opportunities to experience the amazing sights, sounds, smells, tastes and yes, even amazing things to touch with your very own hands. The market is open Saturdays 8-1 and the closing celebration day is Saturday October 16. Be sure to get there this season. Here is a photo journal and a fun little musical clip to enjoy today.

I was there to help Stefan at the Local D'lish General Store.


Local D'lish employee Stefan Meyer and two loyal D'lish customers, Bob and Mary.


MCFM does a super good zero waste effort. They try to compost everything.

Cute munchkins get to roam the market each Saturday while their parents sell their wares.

I hear their chicken empanadas are awesome.

Some of the most beautiful jewelry I've ever seen is right here.

Market Chef Heather Hartman made a 'Winter Squash-Red Lentil-Coconut Curry' and a 'Red Cabbage-Apple-Pistachio Salad in Maple-Apple-Mustard-Shallot Vinaigrette'

The sample of above. Delicious! Email me if you want the recipes!

Former 5th Ward council aide, Jose Velez, and his better half Rosemary with their son Bobby. The apple donuts they are enjoying were also getting a lot of buzz around the market.

This little munchkin picked out a carrot for a horse, which he hid behind his back as if my camera would snatch it straight from his little hands. Now, off to find the horse. (Note, there was no horse at MCFM!)

The market sits right under the famous Gold Medal Flour sign.


These folks were having a great time, some of them were visiting from Costa Rica.

Well-known local artist Adam Turman created this "Eat Locally" print for the Local D'lish store. They are available at Local D'lish. I have the other version, done in red instead of blue.

Super cute little gourds.

A mini-farm for kids to get up close to where their food comes from.

State Senator Linda Higgins and her hubby Brian Bushay are often at the MCFM with their wee-beasties. Linda said she has seven (7!) farmer's markets in her district! Woo-hoo! We should get a prize for that.

A variety of Goat cheese products to sample and buy.

Their goat farm is a little bit south of Northfield. The pictures looked like my kind of heaven.

This goat's milk laundry soap is available at Local D'lish. It sells fast and becoming really popular.

Virtual Tour of Growing Lots Urban Farm

2010-10-02T17:06:00.001-05:00

If growing your own food, with plenty left over to share with friends and family, makes you as happy and grounded as Stefan Meyer, sign me up. I met Stefan through my good friend Ann and her local foods store Local D'lish. He couldn't be any nicer, any more authentic, entertaining or bright even if he was designer made in a future human creating science lab. Stefan has become Ann's right hand man, helping immensely and bringing an amazing amount of urban farming and local food passion to an already wonderful driver of the whole food movement.

I first visited Stefan's urban farm, Growing Lots, earlier this summer, when the potato vines were spilling over in abundance and the crops were at their peak. My camera was having emergency surgery and I was kicking myself for not having a back up. No worries, though. Growing Lots wasn't going away and I figured I'd just connect with Stefan as soon as my camera was recovered, coincidentally my phone happened to ring as we were there, telling me to come pick up my camera from the hospital.

But connecting with this in-demand urban ag guru turned out to be much harder than anticipated. Seriously. This fella needs an appointment setter just to pencil me in. Fortunately, today I had him cornered at the Mill City Farmer's Market; he could not escape me now; I stalked him all the way back to Seward while he pedaled his bike in the crisp, bright autumn sunshine.

So here you go NoMi passengers, a virtual tour of Growing Lots Urban Farm. I bring this to you so you can lust and fantasize during the upcoming "W" months (I refuse to say that word, for fear of summonsing it here sooner than necessary). You can cozy up to the snow banked windows and map out your own urban farm. However, if you want fresh, homegrown garlic, as I do, you'll need to drop those babies in the ground soon.

By the way, did I mention how popular this guy is?

If you want to enjoy the awesomeness that is the Mill City Farmer's Market, you've got just two Saturdays to do so. And I highly recommend rearranging your schedule to make that happen. It's one of my favorite places in the city. The energy is awesome, the location is amazing. The food, vendors, people watching; it's just awesome. I'll post more photos soon. But get there yourself before it comes to a close in two weeks. Saturdays 8-1, next to the Guthrie Theater.

Then starting in November, pencil in the third Saturday of each month for the Indoor Market at Local D'lish. A great thing to do on a "W" Saturday to remind us that we haven't frozen to death and the thaw will come. Just not soon enough. It will be a little slice of the Mill City Market, picked up and set inside for a few months. See you there!

Just Some Simple Beauty

2010-09-28T08:48:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been struck by a simple, beautiful scene in an ordinary setting, at the most unsuspecting time? Here, I share the view from my dish washing duties at the kitchen sink.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that certainly is true here. There is nothing spectacular captured here and to some these may seem quite ordinary and even flawed. But with the sun shining, and the flowers coming out after days of gray and rain, it was hard not to feel alive.

Please, Autumn, I beg of you, be slow and easy on us.

My Baby


An unfurled Morning Glory

Virtual Video Visit - The Goddess of Glass and Friends

2010-09-25T11:16:00.000-05:00

Last weekend while I was enjoying Lowry Avenue Harvest Fest, I ran into The Goddess of Glass, who has already been featured here on NoMi Passenger. Today she takes us on a video tour of her gift + art + frame shoppe. Enjoy! And stop in to see her in person soon!

Laugh for the Day - The Busy Hectic Life of NoMi Revitalizer

2010-09-24T13:01:00.004-05:00

they aren't even close...wtf?

A fun hearted laugh at my expense...

Keeping up with neighborhood volunteering and the activism life as a NoMi revitalizer can be hectic and hurried. This morning I got a glaring reminder to slow down and have a good natured laugh at life, ya know, keep my celebrity status from blowing up my head too much (sarcasm font). (after all, people are very concerned with my footwear, as already documented elsewhere...kisses to my fan club!)

This morning, sitting next to my front door, where I removed my rain soaked shoes at 9pm last evening upon returning from the Northside Transportation Network light rail meeting held at UROC, I noticed two different shoes sitting by the front door. Not two different pairs of shoes. Two different shoes. I wore two different shoes last evening as I hurried out the door to get to UROC by the six o'clock start time.

It reminded me of Mayor Rybak and his mismatched socks. Needless to say it gave me and my morning coffee NoMi Homie a good chuckle.

Word of advice: if you are hurrying out the door to get to a NoMi revitalization meeting, double check your shoes and socks. (Don Samuels, I'm talking to you!)

Happy Friday NoMi Homies! xoxo

Harvest Fest on Lowry Avenue - Photo Journal

2010-09-20T09:32:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the 2nd Annual Lowry Avenue Harvest Festival, which seems to mainly be spearheaded by the community icon North End Hardware and Rental (go see them! best service, best hardware and tons of rentals to get things done!)

Here's a few of the pictures to share with everyone. I'm already looking forward to next year's Harvest Festival, kinda like the way I start looking forward to the Fourth of July on the Jordan Pond around July 5th of each year.

First, a Who's Who at Harvest Fest. There were so many prominent and well known northsiders in attendance I did not do a good job of getting them all on camera, but here's a few:


Owner of North End Hardware, Darryl Weivoda is with Lynn Moriarty, one of the event organizers and resident of the Cleveland neighborhood, and Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein

Nicole Doran, Willard Hay neighbor and home rehab financier and mortgage extraordinaire helps pass out info for the NoMi Home Tour


Brian Mondl, Upper WHO neighbor and watson band member, also sometimes referred to as "the thongmaster" from an infamous encounter on the Jordan Pond

Jordan neighbors Tyrone and Alexandra Jaramillo with their little one and friend Katie

Another Jordan neighbor, Michael Spivak with his baby, Bear

Anybody who knows me knows I can't resist the chance to thank these hard working officers for the service to the 4th precinct neighborhoods. Remember to always take the chance to talk to our cops, since mostly they only get to interact with the residents at crisis and low points. GBTFP. (God Bless the Fourth Precinct)

McKinley neighbor and City Hall V.I.P. "Uncle Sherm" was making the rounds.

City Councilman Don Samuels, resident in the Jordan neighborhood, was spotted talking with Sherman Patterson (Uncle Sherm) and a constituent....

...and started a new bro-mance.

One of the mini-Samuels, as I like to call them.

The other mini-Samuels.

And here's just some of the fun happenings, good food and neat things to take home. Looking at my photo gallery I see I was so busy chatting with all the various northside community members that I slacked off in capturing a whole lot of the art, jewelry, handmade crafts and other things on display for sale. But here's a glimpse:


NoMi Bumper Stickers were available, if you want a sticker email Joel at

These Camden neighbors Mike and John make yard art from scrap pieces, grow flowers in their backyard greenhouse and gardens and share their fun, funky, pretty stuff for really good prices.

These guys tent was my favorite, so I took a lot of pictures to share..

I'm currently trying to get their permission to put their contact info up here, in case someone is interested in buying mums for $1 or some of their yard art. Stay tuned.

They've got some grapevines in their yard, and each year he takes some trimmings and makes something pretty.

I love the use of old paint can lids.

This bird came to him when the BP oil spill was heavy on his heart.

Everybody loves Pair of Dice Pizza

Most of the northside neighborhood associations had a presence at the festival and were recruiting new participation. This is the main grass roots way of getting involved where you live.

These students from Ascension Academy were having a blast and would have posed for a million pictures, as they were sure they would end up famous.

The back entrance of North End. Super easy parking in the back to get all your hardware and rental needs. I love this place.

This is a pretty well known old timer car that many have spotted around the northside.

The stage had musical acts, some martial arts, cultural performances, the announcements of various contest winners and of course the obligatory greetings from our local politicians.

The Classic Car show and contest was fun, however next year they need to nail down the numbering and voting process so the right cars are getting the right votes and there is no confusion about which number to vote for.

We aren't quite sure what ran in front of her while she was test driving this classic car.

Some of the car collectors were very generous to allow the folks to have a bit of fun while posing for pictures.


A vegetable contest took place inside the Lowry Cafe.


There was a pie contest, too. Here North End owner Darryl and Cleveland neighbor John Helgeland display the contestants. Dorothy Leathers won the contest, her pie is on the far left.

Lots of fun to be had here....

Melissa Pohlman, Pastor at Christ English Lutheran Church, helps with the face painting fun.

The Petting Zoo might have been the most fun.

Could the baby cow be any cuter?

This last picture pretty much sums up what the whole day was about: meeting and greeting northside neighbors.

Check out the tiger stripes!

The Lowry Cafe - Coming Soon!

2010-09-18T19:28:00.000-05:00

The up-and-coming area of Penn and Lowry will soon have a new sit down restaurant to serve the northside community. The Lowry Cafe is expected to open in November 2010. Longtime business owner Darryl Weivoda of Northend Hardware is working with his wife Janet and Chef Steve to make this new cafe a reality. In the video, Janet and Chef Steve give a sneak peak of what to expect.

State Fair Party on the Jordan Pond!

2010-09-06T11:35:00.007-05:00

Just when Jordan Pond People thought the Bug Birthday Party couldn't be outdone, yesterday brought a whole new level of fun and merriment to NoMi. Little CC turned 9 and to celebrate she wanted to bring the State Fair to NoMi, so she came up with the theme of "CC's State Fair" all on her own.

With help from her mom, she planned the food, games, and atmosphere but it's the good friends, classmates, music school mates and NoMi neighbors that made the event a smashing success. There was a Blue Ribbon contest for "Best Homemade", "Best Homegrown" and "Best food on a stick".

There was a ring toss game, a potato sac race, a cornhole bean bag game, a hog calling contest, a cow chip throwing contest and the special guest appearance of The Great Anndini gypsy fortune teller. And just like that other State Fair, hours and hours of fun was had, lots of good food was consumed and everyone had a super good time. Thanks to the Yin Family for another great party!

Here's the photo journal for all NoMi Passengers to enjoy:

Sorry, No Dogs :-(

Run, Don't Walk, to The Goddess of Glass Art and Gift Shoppe in NoMi

2010-09-04T14:53:00.001-05:00

Today I get to take fellow NoMi Passengers on a virtual shopping trip to the new art and gift shoppe in NoMi.

The Goddess of Glass, who sometimes goes by Connie Beckers, has opened a beautiful shoppe in the heart of NoMi at the up-and-coming intersection of Penn and Lowry. You'll find The Goddess just west of the famous Northend Hardware and Rental store and directly next door to a soon-to-be cafe, hopefully called Lowry Diner. Darryl from Northend is working with a foodie guy (not the original foodies who were hoping to open here, but a different guy). Sounds like they are hammering out the menu theme, so if you have any suggestions, I suggest you head on into Northend, buy some hardware and leave your friendly opinion in Darryl's ear. Knowing how community minded they are, I'm sure they would welcome the input on what is going to bring in the customers.

Now, for the virtual shopping trip. I'm about to share a whole bunch of photos with you, but don't let this be a substitute for an in person visit! The shoppe is superb and amazing and nothing can beat a real, live visit. Never mind the fact that you can't support this local business through my blog. So put it on your to-do list and think of what gifts you need to purchase soon, there really is something for everyone here.

Your favorite piece of kid art....

forever captured in glass! Awesome gift for parents and grandparents!

The Goddess's graduated apprentice did the peacocks!

I'm in love with this lamp... but I'm in love with everything in this shoppe. sigh.

pardon the reflections everywhere, but there is so much glass and light it's impossible to not get a glare!

A little nook to deposit your teabag! Cue-it!

The Goddess is always grooving to this music

Pick a beautiful glass pendant...

And hook it on your neck wire... voila!

I bet this candle holder throws off gorgeous flickers

Another, larger, candle holder

So much fun, funky jewelry that a girl like me could be endlessly happy

This artist can take your own image, or choose from her library, and she'll apply and divide it like this - very cool!

The Goddess sez it's not for sale... but... anything is for sale for the right price, no?

The Goddess shows off more art

The Goddess of Glass Shoppe is a conduit for local artists and service providers. Need portraits done? Need computer repair? Check here.

Don't Ignore the Normalcy of NoMi Neighbors

2010-08-28T22:11:00.001-05:00

Usually, the Strib's Letter of the Day doesn't even hold my quick glance long enough to finish the headline. But today's was different, because the words North Minneapolis jumped out at me, as they always do.

I don't know Leah Westberry, the letter's author. But I tip my hat to her and give a "Well Said, Leah".

Thank you for putting it so eloquently.

There are "regular" people on the North Side, too. In fact, there are thousands of us here. We live in the midst of the gangs and the violence and the extreme poverty that you hear so much about. We are hardworking, middle-class families and individuals. We are senior citizens who have lived on the North Side for decades. We are college students, nurses, teachers, landscapers and truck drivers. We are black, white, Hispanic, Asian and Native American. We hate the violence. We love our neighbors. And we are not leaving. So please don't talk about the North Side as if the rest of us don't exist. It is a very small percentage of people causing all of the misery and getting all of the attention. Stop dehumanizing the North Side.-Leah Westberry, Minneapolis

So in honor of the normalcy of NoMi neighbors, I'd be delighted to share some photos of the wonderful, normal NoMi neighbors and other NoMi happenings, that I have a chance to enjoy.

Normal NoMi Youth Neighbors

NoMi Neighbors being Normally Goofy

We have cool biker clubs, that's normal, right?

OK, I realize this doesn't look exactly "normal"!

We have great parties

And great cook-outs

We leave doorstep treats for each other

We show off our beautiful families at neighborhood events

We teach the little ones the important things in life, knitting

We try to grow the prettiest gardens you've ever seen

We make really fun drinks. Really fun!

We have artists and art houses and art galleries

We love each others children as if they were our own

Does it get any more normal than kids + scooters + sunshine ?

Before and After: Refreshing 26th and Penn

2010-08-25T11:38:00.001-05:00

Vacant building on Southwest corner of 26th and Penn

The intersection of 26th and Penn doesn't have a lot going for it. (Unless you count that train that's going to stop one block away!) Yeah, there's a lot going on there, but not a lot of good. I will say, the no-accounts don't hang out in the parking lot of this building anymore. They used to congregate way up against the building, under the overhang, in the darkest spots possible, sitting on the little ledge where the glass meets the foundation. The Butt Ledge.

I can vividly remember driving past this building about 9 or 10 at night, headed east on 26th, and I could actually see the motion of a hookers head bobbing up and down. *Gross* (Of course I called 9-1-1 but I also called Don Samuels, he was in his crime-fighting socks again). But the past few years, for some good reason the no-accounts leave this building and the parking lot alone.

Not a lot of good is right. Until recently. There was a project sponsored by The Pohlad Foundation, to refresh the facade of a long-time vacant building. The real purpose of the project seems to have been put people to work, put money in their pockets, brush up their skills or train new ones. I'm all for that and if it means the hardscapes of our streets are brightened, refreshed and improved then, really, what is there to complain about? It's a win-win. (Thanks, Pohlads! Your help in our community is welcomed and greatly appreciated!)

Here is a write up in the Strib, and some before and after pictures for history's sake.

Possibilities for this building being used (soon) are in the works and as soon as any info is made public, I'll keep readers informed as best I can. In the mean time, here's my vote to make sure this neat vintage parking lot light fixture is preserved, for character's sake!

Banana Blossom Restaurant on Lowry Avenue

2010-08-19T19:35:00.000-05:00

1742 Lowry Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411 near Knox

The other day I was traveling down Lowry Ave when something bright, new, different caught my eye. It was a new sign I hadn't seen before. Banana Blossom Southeast Asian Cuisine. I thought to myself, well, what *was* there before? I remembered it was Good Deal Restaurant. Right near Good Deal Grocery, where Knox meets Lowry.

A few days later I had the chance to stop in for some take-out dinner. Turns out it's the same owner operators as Good Deal, they are just making a name change. Don't worry, it's still a good deal! I ordered the pineapple pork stir fry but no photos to share due to camera malfunctions. It was very tasty, a tad spicy, but not too much for my Scandinavian palette.

While I was there for take out, I saw they advertised a lunch buffet. So I made a point to stop in during lunch time to photograph the lunch offerings. I didn't eat lunch there, so I can't testify, but I'll let the pictures do their thing with a thousand words and all that.

Large servings of Pho. Not quite visible is a large plate of fresh accoutrements

Note the buffet carry out option for those on the go.

Open until 8 daily, except Wednesday until 7

*these aren't ALL the menu pages, just some of them*

Music and Art Festival in NoMi - This Sunday!

2010-08-17T11:28:00.004-05:00

image found on NAC site

As I write this, I'm sitting at the highly enjoyable 42nd Avenue Station coffee shop in the Camden area of NoMi and trying a delicious piece of wild rice and ham quiche - it is fantastic. {I thought I would have my favorite, but I opted for something new - I highly recommend it!}

This coffee shop always has so much going on in the realm of art- live music, art showings, NoMi related gatherings - that I had almost forgotten an upcoming event I first saw on facebook, until I was reminded by a brightly colored flyer placed here on the coffee table.

This coming Sunday, August 22, 42nd Avenue Station is sponsoring a Music and Artisan Festival. The event flyer advertises live music, food, and live artisans all held rain or shine and with free attendance. Further details reveal there will be "fun people... GREAT FOOD... community... PEOPLE WATCHING... original pieces and inspiring finds!" "Sponsored by 42nd Avenue Station, a local business promoting local artists while serving up the finest coffee, tea and sandwiches this side of the Mississippi." {Well, there might be a few who disagree with THAT statement, but we do have some good coffee shops, just not enough of them!}

So if you're around NoMi on Sunday, looking for something to do, head to 42nd and Lyndale between 10am and 7pm. If you are interested in being a vendor call them at 612-710-8177.

BAT-ITUDE!

2010-08-13T20:51:00.000-05:00

The now famous Bat Shirt guarding my luggage. XoXo

It's August, and for some of us in NoMi this time of year has become known as Bat Season. A few of us are collecting quite a few hair-raising bat stories including three-on-one mortal air combat (clarification: three bats, one brave man). But the baby holding a sleeping (stunned) bat might be the champion bat story so far.

With NoMi's lovely stock of older homes it's no wonder how they end up inside when, really, everyone would much rather they remain outside, including the ugly little terrors. I know, I know, they are environmentally friendly, but why do they have to be so creepy?

Be on the lookout in your home and share your bat stories here!

Adventures in Eating Your Flower Garden

2010-08-07T11:35:00.000-05:00

Grill and eat your day lily buds. You'll be super surprised at how tasty they are.

And we all know how many orange day lilies color NoMi in abundance.

Here's the back story. A few weeks ago, while checking on a piece of his real estate out in an affluent suburb of St. Paul, a friend had an enthusiastic idea to grab some day lily buds and grill them up with that night's summer dinner. After seeing my friend consume almost anything and everything, from bugs to exotic drinks, this suggestion didn't phase me in the least bit. I just didn't realize at the time how tasty they would end up being.

This post had been in the hopper for a while and didn't get up in a timely manner, at least not with synchronized timing of the day lily buds. Some unopened day lily buds might still be out there somewhere; look for more shady spots and they might be a little behind the rest.

Yes, that is the Mugshots paper that we had to spontaneously use to collect the buds.

Mix 'em up with your favorite seasoning salt and a little butter. I imagine olive oil would work well also.

Wrap 'em in foil and prepare for the grill.

I grilled mine out of direct heat for about 10 or 15 minutes. Use your judgement on how hot your grill is. Eat and enjoy. They tasted a lot like grilled asparagus.

Another northside friend blogged about a different garden culinary adventure here.

And just for fun, here's a few other pictures of the bizarre food adventures I am exposed to by virtue of having a bizarre foods nut for a boyfriend.

Instant Jellyfish. Mmmmmm. (sarcasm font)

I guess some of these used to stay around for centuries.

This preserved duck egg was quite tasty. Don't be timid about trying it.

Something with legs and antennas.

Okay, that's enough of that. This could be an endless photo journal of bizarre foods, but the day is waiting.

Virtual Visit to Amazing Garden in Hawthorne Eco-Village

2010-07-29T22:44:00.000-05:00

Usually the Polish Lady and her sausage maker husband are JNS blog material. But today NoMi Passenger will take readers on a virtual visit to the astounding garden in the Hawthorne Eco-Village. Grown with an infinite amount of love and nurturing and painstaking efforts plus a few decades of Mother Nature doing her nature thing, this garden is nothing less than Heaven on Earth. And right here in our beloved NoMi there are dozens of beautiful gardens, this one arguably one of the best. Enjoy your virtual trip!

Watson The Band Late Breaking Fundraiser

2010-07-28T17:22:00.001-05:00

One of my good NoMi Homies is the drummer in a band called watson. This hometown band, that we like to claim as part "northside" band due to one fourth of it's members hailing from the northside, has seen some coverage on local blogs before.

I recently received word that there is a last minute gig planned for tomorrow, Thursday, July 29. Here is the announcement:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello watson fans!

It is with great pleasure that we announce a late breaking show - we will be the featured band in The Titanic Room @ Kieran's Irish Pub in downtown Minneapolis this Thursday, July 29th. And what's more, we're donating our performance to help raise funds for the Susan G Komen Race!!! The event runs from 6pm to 10pm, we will be starting our show at 8pm and the cover is $5. All proceeds will go to the team "Save 2nd Base" which will be participating in the Race for the Cure.

We hope you can make it out this Thursday and support this great cause.

Kieran's Irish Pub, Downtown MPLS - July 29th!!!

For more info on the cause, you can check out the official website at: http://www.komenminnesota.org/

For more info on the band, check out our website:
www.watsontheband.com

Cheers,
watson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the email announcement I received it looks like there is another upcoming chance to see watson: Tuesday Aug 24 - FREE St Paul Saints Pre-Game Midway Stadium 5pm to 7pm

My advice: Get out, enjoy summer, enjoy some local music with one fourth northside roots. Tell the watson band members you are a NoMi Homie!

And don't forget to tell the drummer you saw the infamous pic of him doing "litter patrol" on the Jordan Pond!

Everyday, Extraordinary Life in NoMi

2010-07-25T21:38:00.000-05:00

Get to NoMi, You will LuvMi.

The day to day pleasures of life in NoMi are simple and yet complex. Beautiful and ordinary at the same time. Exciting and mundane. In a lot of ways it is a day to day life that meets or beats the quality of life else where in the city. Some aspects are even better (can you say "no airport noise"?). A lot of the life in NoMi is what you make of it, and I'm fortunate enough to have both the tenacity and the friends to make the best of each day, even in the face of enormous challenges, ugly, gritty social struggles, and some negative living conditions that can sometimes be felt at the core of one's being. All the more reason to soak up the goodness that NoMi offers to each and every one of us.

Today a little photo blogging and tidbits of commentary will highlight much of what the good life can be in NoMi. A life that those who aren't here may not imagine exists in NoMi-land. A life so good, it must be experienced first hand to fully grasp the well-kept secret. (Note, all pictures are from the Jordan Neighborhood, so called "roughest of the rough". Let's see if the pictures keep up that street rep.)

First, the housing stock is the best kept secret in the city:

Some are exploding with someone's love.

Some are breathtakingly gorgeous.

Some are painstakingly restored and become spawns of revitalization.

Some are simple, unique and irreplaceable.

Some could be easily switched for a Linden Hills standard.

Some are waiting for the right homeowner to snatch up a good deal.

Some will charm you back to the Old Country.

Some have been recently acquired and are literally changing the landscape of our streets.

Some are so beautiful, yet so shy, you just get a split second glimpse before the veil of trees disguises what might be and forces you to imagine and wonder.

Some are not peaches and honey, yet hold battle stories that will be passed on generation to generation and continue to ripple the universe for years into the future.

Some you might pass everyday and not really stop to take in the full glory that an

ordinary structure offers to the beholder.

Some have the most abundant potential of anywhere in the city.

Next, let's highlight some of the other buildings that create our everyday hardscape around us:

Award Winning Buildings.

Colorful, interesting facades.

History.

Revitalization battles and victories.

Opportunities for new funkiness.

Ditto. {can anyone picture a garden nursery at either of these two locations?)

Strikingly quaint.

Reminders to push forth with revitalization efforts.

Most of the day to day NoMi life involves the good people, good times, good food, good life:

Tiring out the dog while doing litter patrol and waving to the neighbors.

Making a batch of sun tea with mint from the garden and fresh limes (thank you So-low.)

Simple cuttings from the garden.

Brunch with good friends.

Birthday party baking with 10 year-olds.

Indulging in the results is almost as sweet as the time spent with joyful young gals.

Celebrating.

Another celebration, more private, more unique.

Being a good neighbor in times of crisis.

Just hangin'.

Gardens to brighten everyday life.

Gardens that also....

provide nourishment...

in a not so everyday sort of way.

Getting global delicacies like African Snail meat at So-low for so low.

Small nodes of goodness, like this alley entrance filled with someone's good energy.

Rosemary plants as gifts from loved ones.

Baked Brie and apples while doing homework, thanks again So-Low.

Escaping to the prairie, two blocks away.

Being part of the village that raises the next generation.

Enjoying a friend's garden while letting her dog out. Neighbors helping neighbors.

Backyard bon fires. Lots and lots of bonfires. Almost always with roasted marshmallows.

And lotsa bon fires involve roasting peeps, it's a NoMi tradition.

This picture story could go on endlessly, day to day life in NoMi is adventurous and vibrant. Bringing a camera everywhere makes for infinite story telling.

Get to NoMi.

A Call For Discussion and Action - How Do We Stop the Violence Now? Part 4 - State Senator and Northsider Linda Higgins Responds

2010-07-18T10:15:00.001-05:00

Photo from Higgins for State Senate party

In my ongoing attempts to raise outrage and agitate both conversation and action regarding the unacceptable and unlivable (literally) levels of violence in our community, I sent out a plea to elected officials, appointed public servants and a few others (see Parts 1-3). Our State Senator Linda Higgins, who lives in the Old Highland neighborhood, which is delightful and lovely yet still not immune to the social ills that plague our community, has responded to me via this letter below:

Dear Megan,

Thank you for your recent email regarding the violence in North Minneapolis. I share in your anger, outrage and fear of what has taken place in North Minneapolis over the last few weeks and since your email, 2 more shootings have taken place. I live at 1715 Emerson Ave North, and have lived in the neighborhood for 33 years. I agree, there needs to be something done so that we can all feel safe at our homes whether it is when we are sitting in our backyard or even parking our car. While I understand from Chief Dolan that the rate of violent crime in North Minneapolis is below where it was two years ago and below where it was in 2007 and 2006, it doesn't give me solace when I hear of another shooting in our neighborhood.

We need strong law enforcement and local government funding to combat violence in our neighborhood. I believe that Chief Dolan and Inspector Mike Martin are doing their very best with the resources that they are given including working with federal agencies. While we have seen a decrease in violent crime statistics over the past few years, there is clearly an increase of gun use in our community as shootings continue. From what I understand the recent shootings have shown a correlation between young people and gun violence and so we need to do a better job on prevention programs such as gun buy back programs.

There are also resolutions that can be made on the state level, where I represent you as your state senator. With the continued increase of gun violence I am convinced more than ever that we need to reexamine penalties for gun violence. We also need to keep adequate police forces in our neighborhood, I have fought very hard in the last few sessions to restrict cuts to local government aid, which predominantly goes to police and fire services. I am proud to say that I have worked hard for funding for youth jobs and intervention and policies to crack down on nuisance properties and party houses. I will continue to fight hard for these policies next session.

I believe we also need to continue to connect as a community and attending meetings. I believe I was the only legislator that attended the recent. It is crucial to meet so we can continue to talk and act on this serious issue.

Sincerely,

State Senator Linda Higgins
District 58
Representing North and Downtown Minneapolis

Warning: Eating Local Foods May Cause Good Health and Euphoric Feelings

2010-07-15T18:01:00.022-05:00

Ann inside her Local D'lish grocery store

This blog is dedicated to all things we might experience on our NoMi voyage: good, bad and ugly.

Thank Heavens today we can enjoy some of the good.

I am metaphorically doing cartwheels of pride and excitement for my dear bestie Ann Yin. This woman is such a force of good and she is determined to share it with the world. And she is succeeding, too. And with plenty of help and support from her hubby, "Honey", and their delightful little daughter, CC, who has already been made a Jordan neighborhood blog celebrity. Here. And here. And here, again. And most especially, here. Oh, but then there's this cute one here. (Ok, I'll stop now! But there's never too much of CC!)

"Honey" and CC at the General Store at Mill City Farmers Market

Today the big daily paper featured a full length article on the work The Yins have been doing at their small grocer Local D'lish. I have shared the article here below. And of course I have to urge you readers to go there and see for yourself. It's really a special place. Matter of fact, while it is summer, head down to Mill City Farmers Market and find the Local D'lish General Store, say Hi to Stefan Meyer (who is a leader in urban farming) and then make your way to the brick and mortar store front in North Loop and explore that fun little district, too.

The General Store is bigger than it appears!

Ann - you make us all proud to call you a friend and neighbor - and we are glad to claim Local D'lish with a little Jordan-NoMi connection!

~~~~~~~~~
Grocer specializes in stocking small-town flavor in the big city
DICK YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Ann Yin is creating a piece of small-town nostalgia in a tiny storefront in the North Loop district of downtown Minneapolis.

It's an old-time grocery store, appropriately dubbed Local D'Lish, that specializes in food items grown or packaged by local producers and focuses on friendly, personal relationships with the clients who inhabit the condominiums and townhouses abounding in that part of the city.

Local D'Lish is a long shot away from your typical supermarket: There's just 2,000 square feet of space, a limited inventory -- so far -- and a decided absence of the aisle after aisle of canned goods we're familiar with nowadays.

The emphasis is on fresh, as in meats butchered yesterday, eggs gathered this morning, veggies delivered within hours after they're picked and, of course, bread delivered fresh daily, all by local producers.

And that's not all: There's fettuccini from Hibbing, Minn., rice from Spooner, Wis., wheat flour, dried cereals and baking mixes from Welcome, Minn., and milk, eggs and cheese delivered by locals "all over the Upper Midwest," Yin said. Not to mention candy produced in Prior Lake and soaps from a supplier in Hudson, Wis.

In all, Yin has assembled a supply chain that includes nearly 150 area farmers and what she calls "small-batch producers."

Of course, produce is shipped from outside the region during the winter. And the coffee beans Yin sells are grown in Guatemala.

"But the beans are owned by a Twin Citian who roasts them fresh weekly," she was quick to point out. In all, Yin estimates that 90 percent of her wares are locally produced, many of them organic.

Yin, 42, conceives the business as a combination of a farmers market and a gourmet shop. And against all odds, including the fact that the store's parking requires plugging the meters out front on N. 1st Street, the business is growing.

In 2009, its first full year, Local D'Lish grossed $190,000. And 2010 sales are on track to reach $210,000 -- or more, if Yin goes through with plans to open a delicatessen in the store later this summer.

Better yet, the business is profitable, although Yin has yet to pay herself a salary. Instead, she plows the profits back into the store to finance her strategy of "growing a bit each month" with additional inventory, often added at the request of customers. Her husband, Yulin, pays the bills with a job as a software developer.

Nonetheless, Yin questioned her decision as the recession deepened. She persevered, however, because "I'm a chronic positive thinker."

Yin figures that a lively interest in the local-food movement, evidenced by a growing number of farmers markets and recent movie documentaries and books on the subject, will help the business continue growing.

In short, "there's an interest in going back to the days when we knew where our food came from -- when we knew the producers, the butchers, the grocers," she said.

It's all a part of the "personal touch that customers truly appreciate," said one of the Local D'Lish regulars, Kirsten Sparks. "If she doesn't carry something you want, she'll go and find it. She's really responsive."

Bringing community together

Yin's approach to promoting the business is also bringing the North Loop community together, said Bob Wheaton, another customer who lives in the neighborhood.

"She supports the community" with 10 to 12 fundraisers a year, he said, and "brings people together" to listen to talks about nutrition or to hear a chef discuss Italian cuisine, among other activities. She has even hosted a Christmas party for the residents of one condominium development.

And to assure good attendance at her fundraisers, Yin offers such lures as cooking demonstrations and, in one case, a scavenger hunt through the store.

Wheaton summed it up with a brief observation: "Ann's incredible."

Yin had long wanted to start her own business. Her choice was inspired by six months she and her family spent in China in 2006 living with her husband's family. It was an effort to introduce their daughter to her grandparents and to her father's native language and culture.

"Every day my in-laws would walk to a local market, similar to our farmers markets here in Minnesota, to buy the day's fresh meat, eggs and veggies," Yin said. "We loved it -- the good smells, the friendly people, the feeling of life and energy. What a great way to start a day."

She chose to locate in the North Loop "because I was looking for a neighborhood feel, a place where people walk to your store and get to know you," Yin said. And it didn't hurt that her landlord, condo developer Jim Stanton, offered a break on the rent to provide his clients with a handy grocery source.

Nearby retailers like Local D'Lish "help condos sell faster," Stanton said. "Besides, I don't have a mortgage [on the building Yin occupies], so I'm able to offer a little better rent."

Dick Youngblood • 612-673-4439 • yblood@startribune.com

A Call For Discussion and Action - How Do We Stop the Violence Now? Part 3 - City Council Starts to Respond

2010-07-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

City Council Swearing In Ceremony, January 2010

In Part 1 I shared my "call to action" email. And in Part 2 I shared some responses from police officials. Here I will share some of the responses received from city council offiicals. Note: I received a response in the form of a phone call from Don Samuels, 5th Ward, but it's hard to share that here, I mean it's not like I'm recording the phone calls or anything! Don and I talk often, matter of fact we had talked after the "7 shootings" and before my "call to action email". I was actually preparing to go protest at the Guv's mansion and take anybody along with me, but Don talked me down from that ledge. Thanks, Don!

Here's a response received from Elizabeth Glidden, Ward 8 (parts of south, both east and west of 35W)

Dear neighbors:

Let me first say that YES, the health and safety of Northside residents is a priority for the entire city. The Chief and Inspector Martin, who have already responded to you, are more appropriate to talk about tactics of the police that are both responsive to and proactive in addressing unacceptable levels of violence that are again affecting children and young adults. As a policymaker, I support budget decisions that have prioritized public safety and economic development in North Minneapolis and will continue to do so.

I want to tell you about efforts I am personally involved in that impact the health and safety North Minneapolis. As a current member and the recent past-Chair of the Youth Coordinating Board, a joint powers board with the City, County, Schools, Parks and Libraries created by Mayor Fraser, I am focused on how to better support young people throughout Minneapolis. Supporting challenged youth is a critical aspect of addressing public safety. Here are some initiatives of the Youth Coordinating Board I want to highlight for you:

* Youth are Here Bus: Creating a transportation initiative to help youth get safely from activity to activity -- we have prioritized the northside route, which has been widely seen as successful for kids and organizations on the northside http://www.ycb.org/initiatives__programs/

* 500 under 5: this is a critical early childhood initiative that focuses on working with the entire family so that good parenting is taught with providing quality early childhood ed. The project area is in North Minneapolis. http://www.ycb.org/initiatives__programs/

* We want you back: This year, the YCB is teaming with public and private parners in an important effort to get kids who have dropped out of school to get back in school. This is based on a successful model from Houston, Texas. I've attached some descriptions of this program here that are hot off the press -- we are working now to build community support and seeking voluteers for this effort. http://www.ycb.org/initiatives__programs/we_want_you_back/

Please let me know if you have questions on any of the work of the YCB. Yes, my colleagues and I are very concerned about violence on the Northside. We must continue to review our actions and ask if we are doing all we can. I appreciate your taking the time to contact me.

Thanks,

Elizabeth
ELizabeth Glidden
Ward 8 Councilmember
(612) 673-2208
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is a response I received from Cam Gordon, Ward 2( parts of NE and SE)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Megan,

Thank you for writing me about safety in North Minneapolis and thank you for your efforts to make this a safe city. I wanted to add my perspective the responses you have been getting.

I too feel angry and sometimes hopeless in face of what is happening. The story about 7 shootings in 7 hours was especially painful and the young ages of those involved especially disturbing. The story reminded me of how in early January of this year, three people were murdered by two young men in the Seward neighborhood, which I represent. The problem of youth violence clearly affects us all, though it certainly hits some neighborhoods harder than others.

This kind of news is even harder to hear because so many of us have been focusing on reducing youth violence for years, and I am saddened and frustrated that we have not been able to make more progress. Preventing youth violence has been a priority of mine for at least three years. I helped with the development of a long-term Blueprint for Action to prevent youth violence that is gaining national attention as a model for addressing youth violence. Unfortunately, much of it is unfunded or underfunded.

The Mayor and my colleagues on the Council have agreed to compliment the work of the Blueprint with an immediate, on-the-ground violence interrupter mechanism called Project Ceasefire. The city has allocated $100,000 towards this and we are trying to leverage that amount and solicit another 200-250,000 to launch it. This model has been shown in other cities to reduce homicides between 25-48% in the first year of implementation. Ceasefire staff have indicated to us that they believe there is an even greater probability to address the violence in Minneapolis than in other cities. Unfortunately, this doesn’t address the problem now, but we are moving aggressively to implement what has been shown to be the best model at preventing shootings and homicides in the country. We hope that we can get this up and running by January of next year. Our staff are also looking for creative ways to find more funding for youth violence prevention from every level of government and from foundations.

This story was also especially disturbing because it came just after the Supreme Court has made it significantly more difficult to enact local gun control laws by ruling the Chicago handgun ban unconstitutional. We actually call this out in the Youth violence Prevention Plan that was passed unanimously by the City Council. One goal states, “Support sensible illegal gun laws and work to change community values around the acceptance of guns. This includes seeking stronger penalties for people who sell and distribute illegal guns, and profit from the sale and distribution of illegal guns to young people.”

The fact is that there were 7 shootings that took place in 7 hours all on the north side, despite all our existing laws, despite all out education efforts and despite all the efforts to get guns off the streets including a gun buy back initiative in North and South Minneapolis just over a week ago. We must do more to get guns off the streets and keep them out of the hands of our children and young adults.

First, we need to start reframing gun violence as a public health crisis. Preventing firearm injuries is a public health imperative and, nationally as well as locally, the costs to society are alarming when examining the intersection of homicides and suicide related deaths involving firearms. We need serious and significant public education efforts that can shift our thinking away from using violence to solve problems and seeing guns as acceptable and worthwhile.

Next we need to improve the laws/regulations that ban or at least regulate the acquisition of unreasonably hazardous and ammunitions and firearms in light of what others cities are doing and in response to the recent Supreme Court case. Chicago has already responded with its own new ordinance. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38061266/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/?gt1=43001

Chicago’s new city ordinance does the following:
· Bans gun shops in Chicago.
· Prohibits gun owners from stepping outside their homes, even onto their porches or garages, with a handgun.
· Limits the number of handguns residents can register to one per month and prohibits residents from having more than one handgun in operating order at any given time.
· Requires residents in homes with children to keep them in lock boxes or equipped with trigger locks.
· Requires prospective gun owners to take a four-hour class and one-hour training at a gun range. They would have to leave the city for training because Chicago prohibits new gun ranges and limits the use of existing ranges to police officers. Those restrictions were similar to those in an ordinance passed in Washington, D.C., after the high court struck down its ban two years ago.
· Prohibits people from owning a gun if they were convicted of a violent crime, domestic violence or two or more convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Residents convicted of a gun offense would have to register with the police department.
· Calls for the police department to maintain a registry of every handgun owner in the city, with the names and addresses to be made available to police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders.
· Those who already have handguns in the city — which has been illegal since the city's ban was approved 28 years ago — would have 90 days to register those weapons, according to the proposed ordinance.
· Residents convicted of violating the city's ordinance can face a fine up to $5,000 and be locked up for as long as 90 days for a first offense and a fine of up to $10,000 and as long as six months behind bars for subsequent convictions.

I am convinced that it is time for the people of Minneapolis to look closely at of Chicago and D.C.’s provisions and figure out how we could pass such similar legislation in Minneapolis.

Finally, if we admit that hand guns and ammunition are a public health threat we need to start looking to ways to hold the industry and users responsible for the costs associated with that.

There is already a federal excise tax on bullets and sporting arms (11 percent) and handguns (10 percent) that gets split among the states. The tax goes into the Pittman-Robertson Fund, which was created in 1937 for conservation purposes. Imagine what a modest state tax on bullets and hand guns could offer to help cover the health costs associated with gun violence and provide funding for gun violence prevention efforts throughout the state.

I know theses are only partial solutions and I am ready to admit that I don’t have the answers to the persistent problem of violence we have in Minneapolis, but I am ready and willing to share the potentially good ideas I find and work with you and any one who is willing to join the struggle to end the violence that plagues our neighborhoods and make this a safer city for everyone.

Thanks again for writing and I welcome your continued input on these and other ideas that are being considered to improve life in Jordan and throughout the city.

In peace and cooperation,

Cam Gordon
Minneapolis City Council Member, Second Ward
673-2202, 296-0579
cam@camgordon.org
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/ward2/
http://secondward.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Call For Discussion and Action - How Do We Stop the Violence Now? Part 2

2010-07-12T13:57:00.003-05:00

Chief Dolan and Inspector Martin at community meeting, shared photo from JNS

In the Part 1 I shared my "call for action" email that I sent to a whole slew of elected officials as well as some appointed officials, such as Police Chief Tim Dolan. Chief Dolan OFTEN replies to me immediately when I write. I remember one time late at night I had sent something off, and within a minute or so, I had a reply from the Chief.

Here Below is his immediate reply that I received (I am sharing because I said I would share far and wide with my community any responses I received, or not received as it may be):

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 1, 2010

Ms. Goodmundson, thank you for the email. I know it does not help much when you have these incidents and headlines, but violent crime in North Minneapolis is below where it was two years ago, which is below where it was in 2007, which is below where it was in 2006. The Fourth Precinct is the only police precinct in Minneapolis with an overall Part I decrease year-to-date in crime.

Inspector Martin and his officers are doing an outstanding job on the Northside. The calls for service are very high, yet they continue to produce well proactively. We have other resources such and the Gang Enforcement Team and a federal task force (Violent Offender Task Force) assisting on a regular basis. SWAT officers also assist the Northside on a regular basis.

Todd Jones, our US Attorney, is going to work with us to increase federal prosecutions of those using guns. We also have an excellent working relationship with County Attorney Mike Freeman – and they are looking very closely at our gun cases. Inspector Martin’s officers always lead the city in gun seizures, and they added fourteen recovered guns last week.

I very much need residents to make sure they call the police when they see disturbances, loud parties, or suspicious activity. The most recent shooting was again the result of a large party that had not been reported to the police. We need those calls, and callers can ask to remain anonymous.

Ms. Goodmundson, you copied your email to quite a large list. I will be the first to say that I will always take any additional resources offered, but I do need to say that many of the people listed are already helping some way. I know it is a lot to ask, but please keep working with us as you have for a long time. It will take all of us working together to get through what seems like a very busy summer.

Timothy J. Dolan
Chief, Minneapolis Police
Visit us at: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was no public response sent back to the Chief from me, however, there were a couple of off-the-record ideas and suggestions given from this everyday (read not law enforcement) citizen.

I'll share with NoMi-land anything significant that may develop out of some behind the scenes discussions with various involved persons.

Here is another response, this one from 4th Precinct commander Inspector Mike Martin, received at 8:50pm that same night, Thursday, July 1 (I mention that to show this hardworking public service employee is still working at that hour of day):

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ms. Goodmundson,

Thanks for taking the time to relay your concerns to all of us. I know I speak for everyone copied when I say that our goal is to make the Northside a safe place for everyone to live and visit. I apologize for the late reply, but I am working late tonight because we are executing a series of search warrants with our Gang Enforcement Team, Community Response Team, S.W.A.T. Team and precinct officers. These warrants are follow-up warrants related to arrests we made during a Gang Suppression Detail with all of those listed above and Hennepin County Probation.

In the last several days we have conducted a number of joint operations with Probation, the Violent Offender Task Force, the Gang Enforcement Team, Directed Patrol officers, and our S.W.A.T. officers. These efforts have now led to the recovery of 16 guns taken off the street from gang members and other violent individuals.

In addition, we have been dealing with a significant increase in our calls for service as the weather has become warmer. I have been monitoring our call load all night and there has never been a time when there are not calls pending. However, our proactive traffic stops and stops of suspicious people and vehicles have been increasing in recent weeks. These efforts continue to drive down our violent crime rates and we are focusing them on the most violent offenders and most problematic locations.

The shootings on Monday night were an anomaly for the Northside. We have not had a night like that in the 3 years I have been here. I spoke with the reporter from the Star Tribune and tried to explain that, but unfortunately that is not how it was portrayed in the paper. Here is the reality;

The first shooting was a juvenile shot with an airsoft/simunitions type gun after an argument with another juvenile.

The next 2 victims allegedly shot each other during a drug deal gone bad and both were uncooperative. Subsequent work by investigators has led to the recovery of 3 guns from individuals involved.

The next victim was a toddler in her own front yard who was hit by a stray pellet from kids playing with a pellet gun (most likely unintentional).

Then a male was shot in the leg while attending a loud party. He refused to give officers any information and had marijuana in his pocket that was found by medical personnel.

Finally, 3 juveniles were shot while in the street. One of them was a documented gang member who was arrested last week after assaulting a neighbor with a 2 by 4 and then fighting with responding officers.

None of these incidents appears to be related or indicative of an escalation of violence, with one exception. Kids and young adults appear to be carrying guns more frequently and seem to be able to get them at will. We have been working hard to get these guns off the street and hold people accountable who use them in crimes. We have taken 215 guns off the street on the Northside this year. While this is great work by the officers, it is completely unacceptable that people are carrying that many guns while committing crimes here.

Another major issue we are tackling is the lack of consequences our arrestees are receiving when they are arrested. Time and time again we arrest people who have dozens of prior arrests, many for violent crimes, and they have never been incarcerated for significant periods of time. The County Attorney ’s Office and City Attorney’s Office have pushed hard on our behalf, but they are often hamstrung by a judicial system that is not prepared or willing to deal with repeat offenders.

In addition, cuts to Local Government Aid and State and Federal Grants have reduced our ability to hire back officers on overtime to help in problematic areas. Often times, these are the extra efforts that really make a difference in proactively preventing crime. That being said, the Northside has received a disproportionately large percentage of those monies this year and most of it has been spent in the Jordan, Hawthorne, McKinley, and Willard Hay Neighborhoods.

Finally, we need the residents and property owners to continue supporting us and calling us when they see suspicious activity. Several of the shootings on Monday could have been prevented if residents would have called us to report the party, the kids in the street late at night, or the altercation that preceded a shooting. We also need residents to provide impact statements when we go to court on problem individuals or properties. That is being done through our monthly Court Watch meetings and restorative justice program.

I apologize for the long response, but as the Commander of the 4th Precinct I felt I needed to make sure I addressed your questions. The Sheriff’s Office, Metro Transit Police, Hennepin County Probation, and our Federal partners are helping us in every way they can. We interact with them daily and they help us tremendously. We also use the National Guard to help us with crime analysis, link analysis, and investigative support.

I appreciate your passion about crime on the Northside and I can assure you we are doing everything we can with the resources we have.

Inspector Mike Martin
Commander, 4th Precinct
Minneapolis Police Department
1925 Plymouth Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
612-673-5727
michael.martin@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I did not send a response to the Inspector, although I meant to, I must have gotten busy and distracted.

Stay tuned for more follow-ups.

A Call For Discussion and Action - How Do We Stop the Violence Now? Part 1

2010-07-12T13:16:00.003-05:00

(stock photo - no affliation to MAD DADS)

Readers of this blog are probably all too familiar with the albatross of our community that has reared its ugly head far too much this summer. Violence. Gun Violence. Youth Gun Violence.

After indirectly experiencing one of the shootings mentioned here in this article, I was prompted to spur a squeaky wheel campaign by urging northsiders to contact any and all elected officials who might have some jurisdiction over north Minneapolis.

Here is what I wrote:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 1, 2010

To: Governor Pawlenty, Mayor Rybak, Chief Dolan, All Minneapolis City Councilmembers, All Hennepin County Commissioners, State Senator Higgins, State Reps Champion and Mullery, Sheriff Stanek, Inspector Martin, Lt. Heimerl:

I am asking each and every one of you to respond to me regarding the levels of violence occurring in my community. You each are paid to represent and serve me and my neighbors and we need to hear from you, please.

In my north Minneapolis neighborhood on Monday night, there were seven people shot within seven hours within an approximate 15 to 20 square block radius.

As you all are well aware, I am sure, this years homicide numbers are much higher than the decrease we had last year. (Commentary added: I've now learned the homicide rate is 271% higher than last year)

In addition to those terrible incidents mentioned above, there are an almost uncountable number of other urban terrorism incidents such as windows being broken or shot out with rocks or pellet guns every week, in a wide spread pattern.

The good, decent, taxpaying neighbors are being terrorized on their own streets. They don't have to travel to Iraq or Afghanistan to risk their lives, it is happening right at the spot where they lay their head in the land of the free, home of the brave.

If this was occurring in other areas of Minneapolis, Hennepin County or the State of Minnesota, I know there would be OUTRAGE and IMMEDIATE law enforcement attention thrown at the problem and no one would sleep until those good people were reassured and placated.

Well, there are good people, tax paying citizens who need protection now from this violence. We can not continue to be quiet as our neighborhoods become a jungle of urban terrorism. I can not believe that if similar incidents were occurring in Kenwood or Linden Hills they would be allowed to continue without direct action by the local authorities and elected officials.

North Minneapolis has been neglected for too long in the area of active crime fighting and greater police presence.

We have two more long months of summer to endure with this level of violent crime occurring nightly. We can not sit in our yards, allow our children out to play, or even feel safe parking our cars in front of our homes. This is an injustice to all of us that live in north Minneapolis. We are all property tax payers, but what services are we getting for these funds?

We have been told in meetings we attend that fighting crime IS a priority for north Minneapolis. However, we, as citizens are not seeing any of those efforts. Instead we wake up to headlines in the newspaper of record, Star Tribune that there were seven shootings in seven hours in north Minneapolis. That is if we have not been personally affected by those shootings, like I was last Monday night. Our property values have already shrunk, and headlines like the one above will keep anyone from considering moving to north Minneapolis. With the number of empty homes we already have, how much more in property taxes will we have to pay for people that are fed up with the crime and violence and just move, or worse, rent to anyone they can find?

Each and every day that I am driving around my neighborhood I see drug deals, hookers meeting up with johns, stolen property being sold in the open, large gatherings and public disturbances, littering, boom cars, people walking down the middle of the street. It's like the land of the lawless. If you are short on revenue, just come here and fine these criminals and you will generate enough revenue to be able to hire more police who can actually keep our streets safe and fight bigger crime.

Bring in more police, more sheriff deputies, heck, bring in the National Guard! Keep our people safe!

I know for sure if seven people were shot in Windom or Linden Hills or Wayzata or Apple Valley you would not even blink at the idea of declaring a state of emergency and bringing in U.S. Soldiers! What makes north Minneapolis less deserving of public safety?

Please respond to me so that I can share it with the neighbors that I am copying on this letter. I will share any and all responses, and I will share if there is NO response.

Thank you for your time and attention,

(NoMi Passenger)
~~~~~~~

I urge anyone reading this now to contact these elected officials. Email is often the most convenient. Tell them a personal story how this has affected you. Tell them any ideas or requests you may have. Tell them you aren't going to allow this to be status quo for our community, when we all know good and well if this happened in some other community there would be a declaration of emergency. Tell them whatever you would like to tell them - just TELL THEM!
Here is a list of email addresses you can copy and paste into your email system:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us;
mayor@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
tim.dolan@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
kevin.reich@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
cam.gordon@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
diane.hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
barbara.johnson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
don.samuels@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
robert.lilligren@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
lisa.goodman@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
elizabeth.glidden@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
gary.schiff@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
meg.tuthill@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
john.quincy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
sandra.colvin.roy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
betsy.hodges@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
mike.opat@co.hennepin.mn.us;
mark.stenglein@co.hennepin.mn.us;
gail.dorfman@co.hennepin.mn.us;
Commissioner.McLaughlin@co.hennepin.mn.us;
randy.johnson@co.hennepin.mn.us;
jan.callison@co.hennepin.mn.us;
jeff.r.johnson@co.hennepin.mn.us;
sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn; lhiggins@nmpls.com;
rep.bobby.champion@house.mn ; b-champion@msn.com;
rep.joe.mullery@house.mn;
sheriff@co.hennepin.mn.us;
mike.martin@ci.minneapolis.mn.us;
James.Heimerl@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you'd like to copy and paste your "call to action" email in the comments section here, please do, just be sure to give me some indication as to who you are, you know we are on troll extermination around here!

I will share the responses I've received in follow-up posts.

Fourth of July Weekend Festivities

2010-07-06T21:39:00.004-05:00

Fourth of July is one of my favorite days in NoMi. We have a beautiful, waterfront, park-like setting to enjoy good friends, good food, good drinks and a great fireworks show. Across America, the words "fireworks show" conjures up images of some municipal festival, organized display or big choreographed event with hundreds of spectators gathering in one main spot with blankets and picnic baskets.

Well, in NoMi, there is not so much choreographing. Not so much organization. Rather it is left to happenstance. Whatever will be, will be. The neighborhood always puts up a good show and some how backyard fireworks displays across dozens of blocks in a full radius find the perfect way to compliment and coordinate. Orchestrated happenstance.

Here are some photos of the good times I had over the whole weekend as a NoMi Passenger.

The weekend started right with some great outdoor time in the ~~boring~~ lovely suburb of Plymouth where these wild blackberries were fun to snack along the trail.

Before heading to Plymouth we stopped at a specialty store and picked up a little something to keep the father-son duo occupied and entertained for the weekend.

This was my view from the park bench while the boys did their treasure hunting. Told you Plymouth was ~~boring~~ lovely.

Next to the metal detector store was a Mexican Mercado corner store. We spotted a yummy looking treat to share, peanut pudding. Oddly enough the actual nuts in the pudding were pecans. And it jiggled like jello.

There was a spontaneous trip to the super-awesome dog park at Minnehaha Park. If you haven't been there, with or without a dog, it's a MUST. I'll be your tour guide if you'd like. It goes down down down then BAM! It opens up to the banks of the Mississippi River. Camera difficulties made this one of the few clear photos of the trip but take my word, it's a must see.

There were a few extremely worn out critters of the two and four legged variety. C'mon guys, the car is RIGHT THERE!

Now on to more important things, like this delicious pitcher of Vodka infused with herbs and fresh cukes. On the rocks with a splash of LaCroix sparkling water. D'lish! Thanks, Ann!

Let's see that beautiful thing from another angle.

The Fourth of July celebration on the Jordan Pond was filled with beautiful people. Like Azja, newly 18, and Baby Noah, newly five months.

And these two beautiful young ladies visiting us from Job Corp in St Paul.

And this lovely lady. No, those flaming hot Cheetos are NOT made locally.

But they were eaten locally.

And these cute little munchkins sharing something yummy with each other.

And this gentleman, who didn't even have to open his mouth to make a bold statement.

Some new Jordan neighbors, Saul and his wife Nancy. Welcome!

And these two lovely ladies, Jacqui and Alexis a.k.a. "The Mommies"

Oh, the suffering we all endure at a Jordan neighborhood gathering. Please. Don't force me to eat that vanilla cake with fresh berries and decadent caramel sauce. Please. No. I'm pleading.

I always knew that guy was full of hot air.

It wouldn't be America's birthday without sparklers.

Not even my fancy "fireworks setting" on my camera can begin to capture the glory of a NoMi Orchestrated Happenstance fireworks show.

Anthony Titus, this is dedicated to you, my friend.

Are you kidding me?

2010-05-13T22:32:00.007-05:00

In 1998 the City towed my bus to the impound lot. It really irritated me. It was January 1998. A sloppy January. The snow from December was melting. All of my shit was crammed in my VW bus parked in NE Mpls. I was staying next door with three Catholics and a Russian Orthodox guy.

It had been there for a couple weeks, the brakes rusted, the accelerator cable rusted, and the bungee cord I once used to keep it from jumping out of fourth gear- cracked from the Minnesota winter. It was loaded with my books. My skis. My camping equipment. My rusted tools. A friend and I towed the bus from Prospect Park with a chain, while she was in Colorado for Christmas with the family. I’m not sure why she bought two tickets for that trip. She came back to a real mess, but not to me. Painful. Next time I’ll use a tow rope instead of a chain.

When I found out, I hated that fucker for having it towed. And I let him know it. He said his sisters didn’t have anywhere to park. Said they were coming into town tomorrow to go to their mother’s funeral. I was drunk. Probably finished my first bottle of wine by the time I confronted him in his front yard. He was home from work. A machinist. A union guy. A stocky fucker too, but old. He seemed really old. A pissed off drunk asshole and a pissed off old asshole yelling at each other in Northeast for an hour and a half on a Wednesday night in the January thaw. There’s a first time for everything. Right?

I didn’t realize at the time what it meant to have some jackass’s piece of shit parked in front of your house. That bus contained everything I owned, except my books for the current semester, several changes of clothes, my suit, and tie or two. After another bottle of wine for me and more than a couple PBRs for him, I slathered away apologetically. I had a new respect my neighbor, for homeownership, and for common courtesy. It took me four trips to the impound lot to unload the bus. After paying $200 for the ticket and towing fee, I left the bus parked in a no man’s land somewhere in Harrison.

Some of my neighbors think I’m racist because I have the city tow abandoned pieces of shit from our block. The same neighbors don’t know that I love living here. We need to talk. Seriously. They didn’t like it when we built our fence. They didn’t say anything but I knew it. We like the fence. It keeps our dogs in, and keeps other dogs out. It also keeps some of our neighbors out. They think I don’t like black people near my house. We left two inches of space between the pickets, to open the fence up more… so as not to wall-off our backyard, and our neighbors.

I think some of my neighbors play their music too loud. I also think some of my neighbors really know how to cook. They’re the Miles Davises of barbeque, but they listen to the Arby’s Sauce of music- turned up REALLY FUCKING LOUD. Some of my neighbors break in to their friends’ and neighbors’ houses and take things. Like big screen TVs, Playstations, cash, and pot. Those are the black neighbors I don’t want near my house. Come to think of it, those are the white, brown, yellow, red, green, orange, and blue neighbors I don’t want near my house either.

What is it about living in Willard Hay that makes talking to your neighbors so difficult?

A Good Day in My NoMi Life

2010-04-26T22:15:00.000-05:00

Today I'm feeling rather reflective, rather content. Validated. Reassured that my efforts and energies are accurately aligned. Just getting a bit of pleasure from all the simple things in life, that make one's life, well, alive.

For example I just can't stop gazing in adoration at my newly hung painting in my bedroom. A simple, ordinary yet extraordinary bouquet of flowers that I met at an antique store in Osakis, Minnesota. As soon as I met this fella I fell instantly in love and had to take him home with me. And I'll have him with me for the rest of my life. (The special bedspread and a little bat-itude keep me smiling, too.)

Here's something that will make a day brighter. Spring's gift to me, my tulips in my front flower bed. They don't stay around long so I had to snap a picture for memory. They will be even prettier next year.

Another gift from Mother Nature, these cute little darlings live in my back yard for a too-short time every spring. I can never have enough of them.

And since today was such a simple, yet reassuring and content day, I decided to celebrate it with a glass of sweet blush wine, given to me by a sweet guy, brought all the way from Louisiana. I enjoyed it with some olives from a bent-n-dent store in the outskirts of Minnesota and a handful of Texas nuts.

Yes. My life is simple and ordinary. But it's filled to the brim with small treasures, amazing people, a nonstop social scene, stories and adventures so exciting they can't even be created in the most colorful imagination. And everyday I am given the signs and reassurances that I'm on the right track.

Thank the Lord He led me to NoMi.

Easter Brunch on the Jordan Pond

2010-04-04T17:51:00.001-05:00

I call this one "Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Goods."

Deb Wagner wore her mother's 50s apron and felt closer to her today. Delicious Bloody Mary. Oh, the pineapple upside down cake was not bad, either.

There's never a lack of good food when we get together.

Amie and her little man light up the room with sunshine.

It didn't take long for the party to move outside. Actually some folks never came inside except to dish up some good food.

It was like herding cats to try to get all the kids to sit for a picture. Take One.

Take Two.

Take Three. This is as good as it gets, folks.

The Bubble Machine was a big hit with the younger crowd.

Chasing bubbles leads to a necessary rest.

Two Alexs.

Erica and her new baby sister.

Two of my favorite people in the world. Well, three, really.

This lady has the right idea. I hear she always has the perfect excuse, too.

This young guy gets his very own "Dessert with Don." Poor boyfriend. Not sure he realizes what he's gotten himself into.

Brian and Jacqui prepare for the Annual "Egg Roll."

Allie gives her egg a roll, trying to land it near a "big money" flag in the grass.

Brian checks the money flag closest to the egg, and dishes out the prize. This is a Mondl family tradition that Brian has brought to our Jordan family Easter gatherings.

CC counts her loot. That girl knows how to roll an egg for "big money."

Asante Samuels shows off her winnings just before she runs to catch her departing caravan of Samuels peeps.

All the festivities took place on the beautiful Jordan Pond. Some have nicknamed it Laughing Duck Pond, because in the early quiet morning hours the ducks laugh and laugh as the sun rises over NoMi-land.

Happy Spring everybody out there in NoMi-land!

Sometimes, people who aren't aware of the well-kept secret that is NoMi ask me "Why do you live there?" My reply is "Because I have the most wonderful neighbors on this Earth."

Today was one of those times I am reminded of that.

See you all out on the pond for more sunshiney afternoons and great food this spring and summer. Love.

Happy 2010 - The Year of Hookers and Light Rail

2010-01-09T10:49:00.001-06:00

Happy 2010! Photo by John Hoff

Here's to looking forward to a great year filled with advancement and success in NoMi. I have no doubt that this year we will see huge leaps and bounds in forward progress, based off a rebounding effect of the many successes we collectively accomplished in 2009.

Successes like this.

And this.

And hopefully, many more successes like this.

Towards the end of 2009, after basking in the afterglow of some of those aforementioned successes, I started thinking "What will I do with my free time next year"?

And I immediately knew that my two main focuses were going to be Hookers and Light Rail.

One I want.

One I don't.

I'll let you figure out which is which.

Instead of Makin' Me Better, You Keep Makin' Me Ill

2009-12-20T18:49:00.000-06:00

Isn't it interesting how at certain times in your life you can come across an old song that you hadn't heard in forever, but you find yourself particularly drawn to the theme of that song more now, than you did when you first knew the song. And do you find yourself wondering "Why am I hearing that song NOW?"

That happened to me yesterday as I drove across the vast city of Chesapeake to go pick up three little munchkins. I found myself jamming out and singing at the top of my lungs to a teenaged song and it struck me how much the lyrics applied to my life, personally, at this moment in time, but even still, how they also apply to our beloved NoMi.

Take a listen and look for yourself, and think of a time in your life when the 'cure' is really the 'poison'. And think of NoMi.

"...I can't stay on your life support, there's a shortage in the switch,

I can't stay on your morphine, cuz its making me itch

I said I tried to call the nurse again but shes being a little bitch,

I think I'll get outta here, where I can

Run just as fast as I can

To the middle of nowhere

To the middle of my frustrated fears

And I swear you're just like a pill

Instead of makin' me better, you keep makin' me ill

You keep makin' me ill ..."

Bringing the LRT to NoMi

2009-12-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Photo of Hiawatha LRT from tboard's flickr photostream

As a NoMi passenger, I see the development of Light Rail Transit (LRT) as an important, no, VITAL, step in the resuscitation of this urban core neighborhood.

Most readers probably know that there is a new LRT route in the works to connect the northwestern suburbs with downtown Minneapolis. One of the proposed routes for that line would come through NoMi via West Broadway (the North Memorial Hospital)to Penn Ave towards Highway 55, a.k.a Olson Memorial Hwy. Part of this blog's mission will be to organize, advocate for and promote that proposed route through NoMi. It simply must happen.

Thinking about the reality of having that LRT line be developed, built and run through a slice of our community makes my mind boggle with hope. Excitement. Complete fascination with witnessing first hand the changes in thousands of people's lives that would ensue. And for the record, yes, it does conjure up the desire to go into a certain amount of defense and preservation mode.

What I mean by that is, despite what some neighborhood activists will cry, there are many, repeat MANY other revitalizer activists that DO want to preserve the diverse ethnic culture and character of our northside community. I consider myself one of those revitalizer activists who believes there is a happy-medium to be found with the right balance of high standards of livability, high reaching goals and expectations for community, family and education, and high expectations for public conduct and civilization combined with the acceptance and embracment of diversity and culture. An integration of class, race, religion, age and lifestyle that is an integral part of the fabric that makes up NoMi. As another blogger would put it: Urban Utopia. I believe it is possible. I know it is, and I've committed myself to helping to find and achieve it.

The most recent piece of news that got me thinking about the LRT development was this article, click here. For a quick summary, the article mentions a recent bill passed by congress that grants federal dollars to various projects in Congressional District 5, including $250K for the Bottineau Corridor LRT {Bottineau Blvd is the new name of County Road 81 that travels NW/SE from Minneapolis into the suburbs of Robbinsdale, Crystal, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and Osseo}.

So as I sip my Sunday morning coffee, listen to my favorite radio program, Acoustic Sunrise, and enjoy my candle-lit house become bathed in the light of day, I read this article with a more hopeful vision of being the first passenger at the NoMi LRT platform located at Penn/WBro in a few years down the road.

Cheers to that.

This Blog's For You

2009-12-11T21:56:00.000-06:00

This one's for you. You know who you are.